Playing Dirty

Leighton U, Book 4

De: CE Ricci

Narrado por: Brandon Francis, Christian Fox

Our rivalry formed long before we became siblings.

Madden Hastings has been my nemesis since the day we met.

A divide was born from the age-old rivalry between our universities,

but this year, another layer developed. It became personal.

Because the captain of Blackmore’s baseball team?

He’s also my new step brother.

My disdain for the sudden blending of our families leads to more conflict,

and despite their efforts to force us together, coexisting proves impossible.

But something else starts burning beneath my bitterness and resentment;

an attraction as unexpected as it is potent.

And when the chemistry becomes too powerful to deny,

our already complicated relationship gets even messier.

Because a forbidden fling is one thing, but falling for the enemy?

It forces me into a choice I never wanted to make.

One between loyalty to my team, or the love of my life.

*Playing Dirty is the fourth in a five book standalone college sports romance series featuring two rivalry-fueled step brothers, a cut-throat game of capture the flag, and sexual tension that oozes from the story. Not suitable for anyone under 18 years of age.*

©2025 Deserted Press LLC (P)2026 Deserted Press LLC

Knocked it out of the park again

Narration was spot on and captured the M&T romcom story - so heartfelt and endearing to listen to their story.

A Favorite

I love the Leighton U series and this did not disappoint. I’d read this story when it was first released and have been anxious to revisit through the audiobook. So good.

Addicted!!

Omggggggg this audio 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨
We already were obsessed with Theo & Madden because let’s be real @authorcericci just can’t miss with her characters but holy shit Brandon Francis & Christian Fox brought them to life !!!! Hearing the banter and emotions made us swoon, laughed, had to fan ourselves & completely falling in love with their love all over again 🖤🖤 Go Listen !!!!

Fantastic stepbrothers and rivals to lovers!

I love these two, and the stepbrothers to more trope is one of my favorites. From the first pages… It was love. I was eating up all the tension and UST, the sports rivalry and even the hard feelings from the merging of families. Then the mix-up on the family-imposed ski trip that has them sharing not just a room, but also a bed, forcing them closer than either of them could have predicted or desired prior to the trip. This may have been one of the author’s MOST romantic books. It’s not just steamy. These two care with their entire hearts, but the animosity and frustration is real from Theo’s side initially. Christian Fox portrays that reluctance and grumpiness so well, but he equally did an amazing job capturing the change of heart for Theo as his feelings grew for Madden. Brandon Francis as Madden? PERFECTION! He nails it. I love the nuance he adds to each role he embodies. Madden is the steady character, who doesn’t make waves, but Brandon gives him warmth and it’s like listeners can feel his reliability and everything that makes him so special. And sure, the characters make mistakes, but the way they open themselves up and invite the other person into their lives and friend groups despite their fears and concerns, the way they convey they value their partner over everything else, had me absolutely swooning. You can’t help but cheer for these two to get not only their HEA but have all their dreams come true. Both narrators brought these guys to life, and I can’t wait to hear Fake Shot after this!

Playing Dirty

This book was enjoyable to read. I really liked the character of Madden (Mads). He seemed really sweet and likeable in the previous book in the Leighton U series. I was glad that a book was written to really delve into his and Theo's storyline; breaking down each character and the backgrounds in an in depth manner.

I also liked Theodore's (Theo's) character, who was introduced in the previous books in this series. I will admit that there were times early on in the book where his character became slightly unlikeable, due to how he would react and some of the mean things that he would say. Although, I know a lot of it was coming from a place of hurt about feeling rejected (in a sense) by his father, confusion about his feelings toward Mads (his stepbrother) and his sexuality, and emotional turmoil tied to the break within his immediate family. As the storyline progressed, Theo turned things around as far as opening up and how he responded and behaved; becomung just as likeable and loveable as Mads.

Once Theo and Mads were able to get past the barriers that were holding them back, it was as if the dam broke and all their desires, emotions, and sexual awakening was at the forefront for them to explore openly and willingly. And. They. Did. They were inextricably tied to one another, like connective tissue and their bond and love for one another only grew stronger. It could not be denied, in my opinion.

I sincerely appreciated how sweet, kind, accepting, open-minded, respectful, open-hearted, and supportive, and loving Mads and Theo were with and for one another, as well as with their family and friends. In the end, both were presented as such lovely characters, and I was rooting for them both.

There was a moment toward the end of the story, during the last three chapters, where an unexpected turn of events occurred. As jarring as it was, I believe it was the last "turning point," if you will, that cemented their conection with, devotion to, and love for one another. I was elated that they got their Happily Ever After (HEA). This book, like so many of CE Ricci's books, was an easy read. I read it within 24 hours and I would recommend reading it.