Playing Dirty

A Miami Piranhas Novella

By: Beth Bolden

Narrated by: Darcy Stark

All Wade Lewis wants during rookie preseason camp is to play great football and to make it to the final 53-man roster.

He absolutely does not want Tristan Nicholson.

His complete and total opposite.

His teammate.

His competition.

And his roommate.

During the day, Tristan unexpectedly proves to be helpful on and off the field, but at night, when the lights go out, Tristan also becomes the only man he can’t resist.

First he’s a friend, then astonishingly, he becomes a lover.

And then he becomes the last thing Wade ever expected: everything.

©2022 Earl Gray Publishing LLC (P)2023 Earl Gray Publishing LLC

Adorable guys

Oh my, these two are the definition of cute. Not animosity or rivalry. Just nice guys who want to see someone else do well. In the process of them lifting each other up and supporting one another, they find not just a friendship but a strong love.

If you’re looking for something low-angst with two really adorable guys being young men, living their dreams, and finding love, then you can’t go wrong with Playing Dirty.

It was also a fantastic audiobook. Narrated by Darcy Stark, he made it highly enjoyable, capturing them both so well. It really made my work day pass a lot faster.

fun couple, great start to the series

‘Playing Dirty’ is a prequel novella which I originally read as part of ‘Your Book Boyfriend's Boyfriend’ Prolificworks giveaway and it was wonderful to experience it all over again and through the smooth tones of Darcy Stark. It’s a shame Darcy Stark isn't as prominent an MM romance narrator as some because he has a lovely voice and it is always enjoyable listening to him.

Tristan is an out and proud football player well known for his Instagram following and LGBTQ+ advocacy work; and Wade is a closeted bisexual guy who has yet to experience anything with a man despite wanting to. They are both rookie players who end up rooming together during training camp and support each other and build up each other’s confidence wonderfully on the field, and off the field their mutual attraction cannot be denied. They are super adorable together and two MCs I really like and would happily read more about.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this audiobook.

Young Football Love!

Wade and Tristan are both such genuinely nice guys! As Football players they are actually very different with Wade being what you picture as the big man. Tristan holds his own in the game with all his speed! I enjoyed that this story spent some time on the actual games and descriptions of the plays. This is a prequel so it is a bit insta attraction and love but that works well for these two and their dynamic. They are tentative and sweet! We get great introductions to the other guys and I am already in need of Beau Junior's story! Darcy has the perfect voice for Tristan's personality!

Such a great prequel !

Playing dirty introduces us to Tristan and Wade. Both football players hoping to make it to the final roaster of the Piranhas NFL team. I appreciated the dynamic between the two with Tristan being an out and experienced gay man and taking Wade the inexperience bisexual man under his care. Only, the relation that builds between them gradually makes Tristan able to be more vulnerable and Wade to be more confident! Darcy Start did an amazing job at narrating this audiobook ! I cannot wait for the next book in this series.

Absolutely adorable.

Absolutely adorable. Just a couple of rookies, busting their asses to make it in the big league whilst finding an instant connection and chemistry with a team mate. Luckily, on top of all of that, they are roommates. Wade and Tristan made for a great start of these Piranhas players finding their soulmates.

Darcy Stark did a great narrating. Great voices and inflections. Would definitely listen to him again.