Playing Dirty

Leighton U, Book 4

By: CE Ricci

Narrated by: 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

So, so, so, SO very good!!

Christian Fox (Theo) and Brandon Francis (Madden) absolutely knocked this out of the park. Christian has long been a favorite narrator of mine, and Brandon is quickly becoming one, I’ve loved everything I’ve heard from him so far.

They took an already great book and elevated it. Christian brings so much emotion to Theo, you feel his anger, confusion, and fear so much. Brandon perfectly captures Madden’s personality, which is sweet and thoughtful on one side, and downright filthy on the other.

Lately I’ve been writing down my reactions to look back on when writing reviews, and this audiobook gave me a lot of feelings, and a lot of notes. Here are my four biggest reactions…

🔸️ 36% - 🥵 hot. Brandon Francis. 🥵 This whole chapter had me giggling like an idiot and needing a fan to cool off.
🔸️46% - Excuse you, Christian Fox. How dare you say these words like that 🤭“I love watching you like this. Seeing how turned on you get when I’m barely touching you.” *faints*
🔸️ 77% - 🏟😯😲🥵🫠💀⚰️ I had to take a quick water break after this chapter.
🔸️ 87% - There I was, just listening along, wanting to shake some sense into Theo and the next second I'm crying my eyes out because CE Ricci hurt my feelings, is a really good writer and Brandon Francis is a really good narrator!

And getting to see Oakley and Quinton!? Ahh!! I love seeing them in the wild! I also I love seeing how everyone's story from the previous books are connected and where they fit into the timeline.

So all that to say 10/10 absolutely recommend, I will be listening again!!

Loved this story

The only reason why I rated 3 stars for performance is that I I’m clearly in the minority that does no

My Favorite Series

I can't get enough of this series and love each of the couples with one exception (I'm sorry, but Kayson is so annoying!)! Eagerly waiting on the next audiobook. I loved Theo and Madden's story and the silliness of the rivalry. Boys are so dumb. It really was not that serious, Theo! Madden was so sweet and patient while Theo was oblivious to how much he really didn't give af about their team's rivalry.

Hadestown 🫶🏼

CE Ricci 🫶🏼

A just love all of her books. Some couples are less than others but still great time with each book 👏🏼

These boys were so sweet, so cute and caring.

“Capture the flag” was a bit silly to be lied about but what do I know about college boys 🤔

Recommend the book and the whole series!

Ricci never disappoints

Story and heat are great, as usual. I’m so tired of the Break-Up Three-Quarters of the Way Through trope and I was afraid this was headed that way, but to my delight, it didn’t go there.

The narration could not have been any better. 10/10