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False Start #2
Brutal Play
Mistress.
Whore.
Lorelai has been called every name in the book. Except for the ones she’s always dreamed of.
My love.
Mine.
Noah Anders is the only man to have ever owned her heart. But it’s her soul he wants.
Theirs is a battle of wills, tempers, ego, friendship, and loyalty.
He wants retribution.
She just wants to survive.
Whore.
Lorelai has been called every name in the book. Except for the ones she’s always dreamed of.
My love.
Mine.
Noah Anders is the only man to have ever owned her heart. But it’s her soul he wants.
Theirs is a battle of wills, tempers, ego, friendship, and loyalty.
He wants retribution.
She just wants to survive.
337 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2022
About the author
Alison Rhymes
6 books327 followersAlison lives somewhere in the shadow of a Pacific Northwest Mountain, bordered by the Puget Sound, and not too far from the country roads she grew up on.
When she’s not reading, she can be found avidly reading, traveling with youthful wanderlust, or slowly turning the inside of her home into her own personal houseplant jungle.
When she’s not reading, she can be found avidly reading, traveling with youthful wanderlust, or slowly turning the inside of her home into her own personal houseplant jungle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews
Shelved as 'not-for-me'
October 5, 2022Meh… potential book 1 and 2 spoilers
X
X
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So. The OW from book 1 gets her HEA. The H from this book should’ve been with the h from book 1. Now the h from book 1 is stuck being with a cheater and the H from this book is stuck with a woman who not only lied about the H a$$aulting her but knowingly helped the H out with his sex “problem” by manipulating and having him cheat on his wife (she told the H from book 1 that this H a$$aulted her… and other lies)
I know. I know. There’s a back story, but 🤷🏻♀️
NO THANK YOU! Makes my stomach hurt thinking about these two books.
For those of you able to read it, you have stomachs of steel❤️. I don’t.
X
X
X
X
So. The OW from book 1 gets her HEA. The H from this book should’ve been with the h from book 1. Now the h from book 1 is stuck being with a cheater and the H from this book is stuck with a woman who not only lied about the H a$$aulting her but knowingly helped the H out with his sex “problem” by manipulating and having him cheat on his wife (she told the H from book 1 that this H a$$aulted her… and other lies)
I know. I know. There’s a back story, but 🤷🏻♀️
NO THANK YOU! Makes my stomach hurt thinking about these two books.
For those of you able to read it, you have stomachs of steel❤️. I don’t.
Read
October 6, 2022In all honesty, I would advise whoever read the first book to stay away from this one.
Who wants to read an HEA for the OW in the previous book? Well, NOT ME!
Lorelai is a class A b*tch and no redemption trope will convince me otherwise.
Who wants to read an HEA for the OW in the previous book? Well, NOT ME!
Lorelai is a class A b*tch and no redemption trope will convince me otherwise.
February 18, 2023
NTS: Bummer no 3:
Readers of book 1: hopefully the h of book 2 doesn’t become besties with the h of book 1 (what with bk 2’s h being the evil ow in book 1)
Hxh in this book: we only wanna be neighbours; like 5 doors down; who said anything about being besties
…yet
NTS: Bummer no 2:
SPOILERS
My hopes are dashed: "expect the worst and hope for the best" were my feelings about this book.
Alas, the hero here (darling om from bk 1) has become the villain - my least fav plot device in a story about the redemption of the evil ow (now heroine) character. It's working for other readers, though. Their sympathies now lie with the ow/h because their focus has shifted to the new villain.
So, yeah, Noah has undergone a lobotomy since the previous book so that the villain in that book looks less villainy in this book.
NTS: Bummer no. 1:
Drew, the H from book 1 is still the arshole.
Except now on a larger scale because this sad fuck and his regular fuck spoke about stopping the cheating but could never do it. So, it's basically confirmed that he stopped because he was caught.
⭐️Kudos to the author if she redeems this MFC without villainizing the hero💯
⭐️Kudos if the motivation for MFC's redemption is stronger than her motivation for her foul behaviour
⭐️Kudus if she makes amends rather than expecting or demanding forgiveness💯
Nothing less will work for me, actually.
Mostly because being bitterly atrociously hurt in the past isn’t a free ticket to tearing down innocent people.
And she knowingly did that and more.
She chose to be the ow. She chose to betray and to lie and to manipulate her circumstances.
An entitled / insult-hurling / thoughtless / unrepentant / weak / woe-is-me despicable human being.
NTS: My fav 4 and 3 star books in this trope: “best redeemed ow now h”:
4 ⭐️Embrace by S.E. Hall I reviewed in 2013 - hope it stands.
3 ⭐️ Sweet Like Poison by Julia Wolf
PRE PUB NOTES:
🚩Author update fb 9 September 2022:🚩 incl arc sign-up link for ow lovers and those taking one for the team:
***START OF AUTH FB POST***
“I finished rewrites today. My editing date isn't until Oct 1, so unfortunately that doesn't mean early release. But ARCs will be ready very soon.
Listen, I know the apprehension out there about Lorelai. I expected it, I see it. And I used it as a challenge to break down my own opinions on how I view OW/OM. I'll tell you this, I cried more writing Brutal Play than I ever did writing Broken Play. It will forever have a special place in my heart.
I can't wait to share more!!
Reviewer sign up below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA...
***END OF AUTH FB POST***
🚩What to expect:
⏰NTS: Auth comment in fb June 2022:
Drew and Lorelai's relationship comes to light through Lorelai's telling. There is more to it, though it's not what you think. But that's a story for the second book.
⏰NTS: Auth comment in fb regarding the night he stayed with the ow instead of following the h who’s just caught him and ow:
Aug 2022:
🚩“The night in question is addressed in Brutal Play. Whether or not it helps you to see either Drew or Lorelai in a different light... remains to be seen. I will say I was a bit manipulative in how I wrote Broken Play and what I decided to show you. But like how not everyone forgave Drew in the end, I don't expect everyone will forgive Lorelai. She's going to give you her best effort, though. She's going to make you feel.”
⏰NTS: Auth comment in fb:
Aug 22:
🚩”More and more as Lorelai's character developed in my mind, I found that my issues with cheating h's didn't sit well with me anymore. So Brutal Play is a challenge for me, too.”
🏴Who likes redemption (or not) books about the ghastly ow in previous books? Not me. Especially not the ow who is the MFC of this book. I flove an anti-h, except the ones who play the blame game for YEARS, riding roughshod over people who don’t deserve the shit she dishes out. 🤮#slimy
🏴But well, for those who DO wanna read her story:
Pub date: 25 October 2022
Arc sign-up: https://bit.ly/3BNf9yk
Readers of book 1: hopefully the h of book 2 doesn’t become besties with the h of book 1 (what with bk 2’s h being the evil ow in book 1)
Hxh in this book: we only wanna be neighbours; like 5 doors down; who said anything about being besties
…yet
NTS: Bummer no 2:
SPOILERS
My hopes are dashed: "expect the worst and hope for the best" were my feelings about this book.
Alas, the hero here (darling om from bk 1) has become the villain - my least fav plot device in a story about the redemption of the evil ow (now heroine) character. It's working for other readers, though. Their sympathies now lie with the ow/h because their focus has shifted to the new villain.
So, yeah, Noah has undergone a lobotomy since the previous book so that the villain in that book looks less villainy in this book.
NTS: Bummer no. 1:
Drew, the H from book 1 is still the arshole.
Except now on a larger scale because this sad fuck and his regular fuck spoke about stopping the cheating but could never do it. So, it's basically confirmed that he stopped because he was caught.
⭐️Kudos if the motivation for MFC's redemption is stronger than her motivation for her foul behaviour
⭐️Kudus if she makes amends rather than expecting or demanding forgiveness💯
Nothing less will work for me, actually.
Mostly because being bitterly atrociously hurt in the past isn’t a free ticket to tearing down innocent people.
And she knowingly did that and more.
She chose to be the ow. She chose to betray and to lie and to manipulate her circumstances.
An entitled / insult-hurling / thoughtless / unrepentant / weak / woe-is-me despicable human being.
NTS: My fav 4 and 3 star books in this trope: “best redeemed ow now h”:
4 ⭐️Embrace by S.E. Hall I reviewed in 2013 - hope it stands.
3 ⭐️ Sweet Like Poison by Julia Wolf
PRE PUB NOTES:
🚩Author update fb 9 September 2022:🚩 incl arc sign-up link for ow lovers and those taking one for the team:
***START OF AUTH FB POST***
“I finished rewrites today. My editing date isn't until Oct 1, so unfortunately that doesn't mean early release. But ARCs will be ready very soon.
Listen, I know the apprehension out there about Lorelai. I expected it, I see it. And I used it as a challenge to break down my own opinions on how I view OW/OM. I'll tell you this, I cried more writing Brutal Play than I ever did writing Broken Play. It will forever have a special place in my heart.
I can't wait to share more!!
Reviewer sign up below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA...
***END OF AUTH FB POST***
🚩What to expect:
⏰NTS: Auth comment in fb June 2022:
Drew and Lorelai's relationship comes to light through Lorelai's telling. There is more to it, though it's not what you think. But that's a story for the second book.
⏰NTS: Auth comment in fb regarding the night he stayed with the ow instead of following the h who’s just caught him and ow:
Aug 2022:
🚩“The night in question is addressed in Brutal Play. Whether or not it helps you to see either Drew or Lorelai in a different light... remains to be seen. I will say I was a bit manipulative in how I wrote Broken Play and what I decided to show you. But like how not everyone forgave Drew in the end, I don't expect everyone will forgive Lorelai. She's going to give you her best effort, though. She's going to make you feel.”
⏰NTS: Auth comment in fb:
Aug 22:
🚩”More and more as Lorelai's character developed in my mind, I found that my issues with cheating h's didn't sit well with me anymore. So Brutal Play is a challenge for me, too.”
🏴Who likes redemption (or not) books about the ghastly ow in previous books? Not me. Especially not the ow who is the MFC of this book. I flove an anti-h, except the ones who play the blame game for YEARS, riding roughshod over people who don’t deserve the shit she dishes out. 🤮#slimy
🏴But well, for those who DO wanna read her story:
Pub date: 25 October 2022
Arc sign-up: https://bit.ly/3BNf9yk
October 26, 2022
It’s funny how the romance world is OBSESSED with bad boys and reformed rakes… but loses their mind over a woman redeemed??? Check the misogyny, readers. I CAN’T WAIT for this book and this story.
Shelved as 'avoid'
October 25, 2022I hated the first book and I don't have the slightest intention to read this one.
This heroine here was the hateful other woman of the previous book, who was the married hero's mistress.
She accepted to be a mistress of a married man and she was awful to the poor heroine, already battered and betrayed.
Impossible thing to forget, and this makes this book impossible to read IMO.
What do I care if she is happy/unhappy and what her reasons are?
And the hero of this book should have been with the heroine of the previous one.
This heroine here was the hateful other woman of the previous book, who was the married hero's mistress.
She accepted to be a mistress of a married man and she was awful to the poor heroine, already battered and betrayed.
Impossible thing to forget, and this makes this book impossible to read IMO.
What do I care if she is happy/unhappy and what her reasons are?
And the hero of this book should have been with the heroine of the previous one.
Shelved as 'not-for-me'
August 21, 2022Big fat *NERP* on a redemption story for an OW from the previous book. She can take a flying leap. 👿🤷🏼♀️
No HEA for you! 😐
No HEA for you! 😐
November 16, 2022
So, the author is trying to redeem the OW from Broken Play by trying to make her sympathetic, with a horrible background and trauma issues. She's also beating us over the head with the misogynistic treatment of the OW, she's the home wrecking wh0re while the cheating husband is forgiven by everyone.
Excuse me, this is the author's world, nobody demanded this be the case in her world building. These are the stories she's choosing to tell. She created the misogynistic dynamic and then tells us how wrong this is to the "heroine". The cheating husband didn't have a redemption arc and I can feel sympathy for her background, but her means justifies the ends behavior is ridiculous.
And please, the hero of this one--a revenge seeking a$$ pig.
Basically, everyone suck with the exception of the doormat wife from book one and the little sister from book two.
One star--don't try to feed us a misogynistic message that you created in the first place. Done with my mini rant for the day.
Enjoy at your own risk.
Excuse me, this is the author's world, nobody demanded this be the case in her world building. These are the stories she's choosing to tell. She created the misogynistic dynamic and then tells us how wrong this is to the "heroine". The cheating husband didn't have a redemption arc and I can feel sympathy for her background, but her means justifies the ends behavior is ridiculous.
And please, the hero of this one--a revenge seeking a$$ pig.
Basically, everyone suck with the exception of the doormat wife from book one and the little sister from book two.
One star--don't try to feed us a misogynistic message that you created in the first place. Done with my mini rant for the day.
Enjoy at your own risk.
Read
October 18, 2022Reading ARC reviews for this, bc I just had a hypnotic hate re-skim of the first and felt like hurting myself just a little bit longer. The author and some reviewers are trying to build this straw man argument about how a man who cheats is treated better than the woman he cheats with. I get the point irl, but just don't buy it in the context of the 1st book.
1. I don't actually think Drew was redeemable. He did not do a good enough job dealing with the root causes of why he cheated. He didn't confess until caught and the affair was going on for a year--longterm. Also they were friends, like confide in each other, invest in charities that mean something to each other friends. Despite what either says, it seemed to be a physical and emotional affair. The kind that, in the real world, would take years (plural) to recover from
2. She did more than cheat with Drew. She doesn't back off of even after the affair is discovered even when June and Drew ask her to AND tells June that Drew is only with her because he feels sorry for her. Reverse the genders and the behavior would be just as reprehensible, at least to me.
Considering they have all this history and Lorelai introduced him to the kind of sex he likes (and the fact that they both cheated), I honestly think they should have ended up together and that June should have gotten a fresh start with Noah.
1. I don't actually think Drew was redeemable. He did not do a good enough job dealing with the root causes of why he cheated. He didn't confess until caught and the affair was going on for a year--longterm. Also they were friends, like confide in each other, invest in charities that mean something to each other friends. Despite what either says, it seemed to be a physical and emotional affair. The kind that, in the real world, would take years (plural) to recover from
2. She did more than cheat with Drew. She doesn't back off of even after the affair is discovered even when June and Drew ask her to AND tells June that Drew is only with her because he feels sorry for her. Reverse the genders and the behavior would be just as reprehensible, at least to me.
Considering they have all this history and Lorelai introduced him to the kind of sex he likes (and the fact that they both cheated), I honestly think they should have ended up together and that June should have gotten a fresh start with Noah.
November 20, 2022
OW is not redeemed. Sorry. No amount of Mormon bashing and sex cult bullshit will make me forgive her. She lied to everyone and went to the press. I love how THAT is glossed over here. She literally set the H/h from last book on fire by telling the world she fucked that H.
In this book, an awesome fucking H is wasted on her and now the only innocent in this fucked up scenario (the h from last book) will have to suck it up and deal with hubby’s mistress for the rest of her life. Frankly, IRL, this couple would eventually lose their friendship with the couple from the last book.
Now…….give me Reed and Leighton, stat. And let’s keep this h out of that book…
In this book, an awesome fucking H is wasted on her and now the only innocent in this fucked up scenario (the h from last book) will have to suck it up and deal with hubby’s mistress for the rest of her life. Frankly, IRL, this couple would eventually lose their friendship with the couple from the last book.
Now…….give me Reed and Leighton, stat. And let’s keep this h out of that book…
June 17, 2023
4 Stars!!!
I couldn't believe it when I read the synopsis for this book and realized that the story would be about Lorelai, *gasp*🫢
I mean, WTF?! Are you for real, dear author???
<------ my excitment.
I loved Lorelai's story! And have nothing more to say.
I couldn't believe it when I read the synopsis for this book and realized that the story would be about Lorelai, *gasp*🫢
I mean, WTF?! Are you for real, dear author???
<------ my excitment.I loved Lorelai's story! And have nothing more to say.
October 23, 2022
*4.5 Stars*
It’s no surprise that after I finished book 1 that I wasn’t a fan of Lorelai. So going in to Brutal Play I was very excited about how the author would take on the task of Lorelai and make her likeable and of course give me an understanding of her.
The author Alison Rhymes succeeded on all accounts. It was a challenging read and I was prepared. I really appreciate that Rhymes didn’t hand it all over, the answers to my questions , but took the time to let the story of Lorelai and Noah unfold. I gained sympathy and understanding for Lorelai. I slowly grew resentful towards Noah and Drew and in that the healing of Lorelai and myself slowly began.
Brutal Play is Lorelai’s journey and the evolution she’s been through from child to an adult is remarkable giving the abuse and trauma she’s been through. She doesn’t trust a lot of people and towards her healing she finally was able to do that. Trust herself and Noah. Their relationship has so many layers and the end results shows growth for both of them. Especially Lorelai.
Stories of redeeming the villain can be difficult but Rhymes excelled in doing that. She hit the nail on so many issues. Lorelai rediscovered herself and her worth. Found her voice which has been suppressed for so long.
Brutal Play was the perfect phoenix rises from the ashes story.
4.5 Stars
*I received an arc from Wordsmith Publicity for my honest review *
It’s no surprise that after I finished book 1 that I wasn’t a fan of Lorelai. So going in to Brutal Play I was very excited about how the author would take on the task of Lorelai and make her likeable and of course give me an understanding of her.
The author Alison Rhymes succeeded on all accounts. It was a challenging read and I was prepared. I really appreciate that Rhymes didn’t hand it all over, the answers to my questions , but took the time to let the story of Lorelai and Noah unfold. I gained sympathy and understanding for Lorelai. I slowly grew resentful towards Noah and Drew and in that the healing of Lorelai and myself slowly began.
Brutal Play is Lorelai’s journey and the evolution she’s been through from child to an adult is remarkable giving the abuse and trauma she’s been through. She doesn’t trust a lot of people and towards her healing she finally was able to do that. Trust herself and Noah. Their relationship has so many layers and the end results shows growth for both of them. Especially Lorelai.
Stories of redeeming the villain can be difficult but Rhymes excelled in doing that. She hit the nail on so many issues. Lorelai rediscovered herself and her worth. Found her voice which has been suppressed for so long.
Brutal Play was the perfect phoenix rises from the ashes story.
4.5 Stars
*I received an arc from Wordsmith Publicity for my honest review *
Read
October 26, 2022I won't rate because going in I knew I was not going to like this book... but curiosity always gets the better of me .....that or I hate myself.... jurys still out. But I wanted the answers to all my unanswered questions so here i went.
I'm gonna start this off with I didn't hate Lorelai because she was the OW, I hated her because she was written as a HORRIBLE human being in the first book. She did so many conniving, under handed, manipulative things and I couldn't stand her. Someone compared her to Kim from WPF and honestly that comparison works. To be fair I wasn't a huge fan of Drew's though.
All the reveals were not satisfactory to me except possibly the hotel scene but that was anticlimactic to be honest. Her reason for lying about Noah in college to Drew was PATHETIC! I WAS ENRAGED!
My thing is you can't have a redemption novel without the person expressing remorse and OWNING their actions. It felt like Lorelai played the poor me card the whole book. She was the victim. She had the abusive past. She is misunderstood on and on. She made excuse after excuse. It didn't sit well with me. Having a traumatic past doesn't give you a free pass to get away with doing crappy things and it kinda felt like thats what this was to me.
It also felt like there was a lot of rewriting history going on. Events from the first book were conviently written way differently from this book. I mean to the point it couldn't of even been the same scene, or tamed down to paint Lorelai in a better light. Also towards the end where Noah berates Drew for ABANDONING Lorelai when she needed him had me livid! Dude the only one that deserves his loyalty, friendship & devotion is his wife! Also June being like its ok I won't make you choose, I just want you happy felt like a cop out. Sorry not sorry.
This is my opinion. Try it. You might love it, hate it, or think it's meh.
Edit to add I've thought about it and this book ruined Noah's character for me. I hate him now, so actually him and Lorelai are perfect for each other.
I'm gonna start this off with I didn't hate Lorelai because she was the OW, I hated her because she was written as a HORRIBLE human being in the first book. She did so many conniving, under handed, manipulative things and I couldn't stand her. Someone compared her to Kim from WPF and honestly that comparison works. To be fair I wasn't a huge fan of Drew's though.
All the reveals were not satisfactory to me except possibly the hotel scene but that was anticlimactic to be honest. Her reason for lying about Noah in college to Drew was PATHETIC! I WAS ENRAGED!
My thing is you can't have a redemption novel without the person expressing remorse and OWNING their actions. It felt like Lorelai played the poor me card the whole book. She was the victim. She had the abusive past. She is misunderstood on and on. She made excuse after excuse. It didn't sit well with me. Having a traumatic past doesn't give you a free pass to get away with doing crappy things and it kinda felt like thats what this was to me.
It also felt like there was a lot of rewriting history going on. Events from the first book were conviently written way differently from this book. I mean to the point it couldn't of even been the same scene, or tamed down to paint Lorelai in a better light. Also towards the end where Noah berates Drew for ABANDONING Lorelai when she needed him had me livid! Dude the only one that deserves his loyalty, friendship & devotion is his wife! Also June being like its ok I won't make you choose, I just want you happy felt like a cop out. Sorry not sorry.
This is my opinion. Try it. You might love it, hate it, or think it's meh.
Edit to add I've thought about it and this book ruined Noah's character for me. I hate him now, so actually him and Lorelai are perfect for each other.
June 10, 2023
4,5. What a beautiful story. The characters deserve everything they have. It is the most lovely book I read this year.
It’s worth the reading.
It’s worth the reading.
October 27, 2022
My preconceived instinct on this one was dead on target.
Shame on the author for thinking the readers of book 1 would just roll over and cave to the newly Introduced facts / POV of the mistress.
There are way too many unanswered questions stemming from book 1, and add additional questions for the OW's story.
I don't do "poor me" women that use it as an excuse to take their childhood trauma and hurt others.
Shame on you for making this woman unreadable. Obviously you decided to write book 2 long after book 1, so good try on playing the sympathy card, but I don't buy it.
Childhood trauma is sad and both Drew and this OW (turned h in this book) have a sad story to tell, but they can't use this to justify treating others horrible. So, in the future make it all match and convince me of redemption.
Shame on the author for thinking the readers of book 1 would just roll over and cave to the newly Introduced facts / POV of the mistress.
There are way too many unanswered questions stemming from book 1, and add additional questions for the OW's story.
I don't do "poor me" women that use it as an excuse to take their childhood trauma and hurt others.
Shame on you for making this woman unreadable. Obviously you decided to write book 2 long after book 1, so good try on playing the sympathy card, but I don't buy it.
Childhood trauma is sad and both Drew and this OW (turned h in this book) have a sad story to tell, but they can't use this to justify treating others horrible. So, in the future make it all match and convince me of redemption.
October 25, 2022
**I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for my honest review.**
“You don’t remember,” I muse sadly. I remember everything about us. “You’ve hated me so long you can’t remember what it was you ever loved about me. But I know you did."
I knew going into this book it was going to take something huge to get me liking or relating to Lorelai. I absolutely hated her for the part she played in almost ruining June and Drew's marriage (from Broken Play). Well, I'm happy to say Alison Rhymes was able to do it! I felt so bad for the things Lorelai had been through and my heart broke for her. I found myself truly rooting for her!
Noah on the other hand... For the first part of the book I was so angry with him. That was surprising because he was someone I loved in the first book. However, when he was young Lorelai broke his heart. So between that and his friendship with June he felt it was time to get some revenge for his heartbreak. He did some shitty things but he really redeemed himself and became the guy I loved.
This was so good. I'm so glad I've "discovered" Alison Rhymes because her stories are amazing. I'm so excited to see what she comes up with next! Perhaps Reed and Leighton? I'm thinking their story needs to be told. 💜
“You don’t remember,” I muse sadly. I remember everything about us. “You’ve hated me so long you can’t remember what it was you ever loved about me. But I know you did."
I knew going into this book it was going to take something huge to get me liking or relating to Lorelai. I absolutely hated her for the part she played in almost ruining June and Drew's marriage (from Broken Play). Well, I'm happy to say Alison Rhymes was able to do it! I felt so bad for the things Lorelai had been through and my heart broke for her. I found myself truly rooting for her!
Noah on the other hand... For the first part of the book I was so angry with him. That was surprising because he was someone I loved in the first book. However, when he was young Lorelai broke his heart. So between that and his friendship with June he felt it was time to get some revenge for his heartbreak. He did some shitty things but he really redeemed himself and became the guy I loved.
This was so good. I'm so glad I've "discovered" Alison Rhymes because her stories are amazing. I'm so excited to see what she comes up with next! Perhaps Reed and Leighton? I'm thinking their story needs to be told. 💜
August 29, 2022
I've been extremely lucky and read a very early copy of this story and am just blown away. If you've read Broken Play you're familiar with Lorelai and Noah-Or you think you are. I never in a million years thought I would empathize with the OW, but here I am having just finished the book and rocked to my core. Broken Play is amazing, but Brutal Play is magnificent.
I think I may hate Noah more than I hated Drew, and that's saying something considering how loathsome he was. Noah is an absolute f*wit and so cruel. The things he said and did infuriated me to no end. I thought I knew Lorelai, but my goodness, I was so wrong. There's no sugar coating of anything, and it's ugly at times, but so revealing too about what we didn't know, as well as how society treats a man who cheats versus the woman he cheats with.
There are some amazing takeaway moments from seeing Noah and Lorelai come together a second time and learning to open up to each other as well as grow. It's the opening up and trusting each other that is so hard to watch sometimes, especially since Noah weaponizes everything. I will say I enjoyed Lorelai setting boundaries and regain her confidence. Neither of them is right or wrong, but seeing those scales of balance swing was so satisfying. You'll know what I mean when you read the book.
Alison Rhymes has another unbelievably amazing story on her hands, and I can not wait for you all to read it. It's fast paced, well written, and just intoxicating. Noah might be a d*ck, but he also knows how to give pleasure, making Brutal Play hot beyond hot- it's an inferno fueled by pain, angst, secrets, past hurts, and a deep soul binding connection between two people that nothing could break. All I know is I want more!
I think I may hate Noah more than I hated Drew, and that's saying something considering how loathsome he was. Noah is an absolute f*wit and so cruel. The things he said and did infuriated me to no end. I thought I knew Lorelai, but my goodness, I was so wrong. There's no sugar coating of anything, and it's ugly at times, but so revealing too about what we didn't know, as well as how society treats a man who cheats versus the woman he cheats with.
There are some amazing takeaway moments from seeing Noah and Lorelai come together a second time and learning to open up to each other as well as grow. It's the opening up and trusting each other that is so hard to watch sometimes, especially since Noah weaponizes everything. I will say I enjoyed Lorelai setting boundaries and regain her confidence. Neither of them is right or wrong, but seeing those scales of balance swing was so satisfying. You'll know what I mean when you read the book.
Alison Rhymes has another unbelievably amazing story on her hands, and I can not wait for you all to read it. It's fast paced, well written, and just intoxicating. Noah might be a d*ck, but he also knows how to give pleasure, making Brutal Play hot beyond hot- it's an inferno fueled by pain, angst, secrets, past hurts, and a deep soul binding connection between two people that nothing could break. All I know is I want more!
December 10, 2022
Well shit.. she did it.I went into this read with nerves shot thinking one thing. The author made me feel for a woman who everyone hated and tore down every moment all while building up the other person involved in the scandal. Crazy I know. Plus the leading guy in this one was a douche for awhile and I wanted to end him and hug Lorelai tightly. He tested her over and over. Some stuff was appalling and dare I say unforgivable
But... but... things changed. Noah's eyes and heart were opened to the truth. He came to realization that his hate, loathing and blame were focused on a person that may not have deserved it at all. Loved the way he erased the touch of another her. Swoon and flutters all around!
This story was emotional. It was raw. It will not be for everyone and that's ok. Read it or don't, but throw shade no on others who do or who enjoyed it - flawed characters and all.
The bubbly little addition was perfection and seriously brought out the best in everyone! It was so sweet to watch the fall and hearts healing by the love that that little one radiated. Love!
I don't want to say too much and give it away, but I really liked so many aspects of this read.
But... but... things changed. Noah's eyes and heart were opened to the truth. He came to realization that his hate, loathing and blame were focused on a person that may not have deserved it at all. Loved the way he erased the touch of another her. Swoon and flutters all around!
This story was emotional. It was raw. It will not be for everyone and that's ok. Read it or don't, but throw shade no on others who do or who enjoyed it - flawed characters and all.
The bubbly little addition was perfection and seriously brought out the best in everyone! It was so sweet to watch the fall and hearts healing by the love that that little one radiated. Love!
I don't want to say too much and give it away, but I really liked so many aspects of this read.
October 25, 2022
its kinda annoying reading about a hated character getting together the better man while the character i liked is stuck a man child loser and this book made me hate lorelai and drew even more 🙄
two things i liked however hence the two stars:
1- addressing why people forgave drew but not the mistress (mind you i think they’re both disgusting people)
2- the super close friendship/relationship between noah and june their crumbs were everything
two things i liked however hence the two stars:
1- addressing why people forgave drew but not the mistress (mind you i think they’re both disgusting people)
2- the super close friendship/relationship between noah and june their crumbs were everything
October 25, 2022
Ya'll need to check your internalized misogyny, stat. So many will bend over backwards to redeem medicore men (Tom Brady, Adam Levine, Jay Z, just to name a few) but when it comes to a woman, you crucify her without any chance of forgiveness. Did I particularly like Lorelia in the first book? No. But the anger should have been directed towards the shitty, and quite frankly, unforgivable husband, not overshadowed by his mistress. I'm looking forward to seeing how this author deals with that scenario, and to see if this heroine is someone I can root for. So leave your hypocrisy at the door.
Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk.
********************************************
I wasn't expecting this book to be one of my favorites of the year, nor was I expecting Lorelia to become one of my most favorite heroines ever. And I definitely didn't expect to fall in love with her more than Noah. So even if you're on the fence about starting this book, knowing that our main character is the "other woman" I encourage you to leave all your preconceived notions at the door and truly immerse yourself into this beautiful story all about second chances, forgiveness, the strength that comes with, hope, and a never ending, passionate love filled with trust and respect and everything in between.
Now to start with, when this author first announced that it would be Lorelia getting her happy ending with Noah, I was nervous. Mainly because I fucking hate Drew, and thought June should be with Noah instead, or someone else entirely. But with each new teaser this author did, I found myself wanting to know what drove these characters to act the way they did, and I wanted answers and insight on Lorelies side of things, not just Drew's. So I dove in not knowing what to expect, but I was honestly blown away. I knew in the first book that Lorelia was obviously self destructive and in a lot of pain and that's why she made the worst decisions she did.. but I had no idea all she went through. Knowing her past, her need for someone to be in her corner and to accept affection, even if it was the wrong kind from the wrong person, made so much sense. And let me clear something up: her and Drew were not in a relationship. She didn't love him. She wanted his friendship yes, (which you will learn more about) but she was so lonely and broken and starved for attention that she made some really bad decisions.. but that doesn't make her a horrible person. She has been through so much trauma and pain, that I wanted to scortch the earth and burn anyone who caused her an ounce of pain, even if that person was Noah.
Now as for Noah, I really hated him for a while. Maybe that's unfair, or it was at first knowing he had his own heart broken and trauma regarding Lorelia and her lies, but he believed her to be this evil human succubus who would spread her legs for anyone without care of who she hurt along the way, and that's SO far from the truth. And the fact that he goes out of his way to hurt her in the worst places, all without looking past the facade she's skillfully crafted, made me lose respect for him. He acted horribly, and with all that Lore has been through, he should have known something more was going on. He claimed he loved her in the past, and though he admits to not seeing what was clearly in front of him, the fact that he tortured her for so long just made me hurt. I'm glad he finally pulled his head out of his ass and worked for HER forgiveness, and truly listened to what Lorelia went through and why she acted the way she did, but I'm not sure I would have forgiven all he did if I was in her shoes.
I really loved the person Lorelia turned out to be-- she was so kind hearted, loving, funny, sensitive, strong, stubborn and everything wonderful in between. I loved everything about her, and was her biggest champion. I never expected her to be who she really was, but I loved it so much. I could just keep going on and on about her!
Another thing I loved was how the author included the internalized misogyny of forgiving Drew for all his misdeeds -- if you look at my rant above, you'll see how ridiculous I find that - -but still painting Lorelia has the villian, the whore, as someone worse than Drew because she participated in the affair. Should she have done it? No. But unlike Drew, she never makes excuses for it. She owns her bad behavior her and tries like hell to change, but nobody around her let's her. Drew won his wife back, their friends and family, his fans, and everyone in between, but Lore was painted as evil. She's mocked mercilessly and cruelly, but she's the other woman so she deserves it? Fuck that. SHE didn't break vows. SHE didn't break a family apart, SHE didn't lie about everything under the sun, and to act like she took advantage of Drew and he was innocent of it all and was able to wipe his hands clean and sit idly by while Lore was vilified just enraged the fuck out of me. And the dude is STILL making excuses for what he did. Actually, I ended up hating Drew even more which I didn't think was possible, but he still made it seem like he has this bad thing happen to him, not that he did the bad thing. And then he was cold, cruel and callous towards Lorelia when he KNEW what was going on and what she was trying to escape and he still abandoned her and let her be torn to shreds. To me, that just shows who he really is, and is even worse than the cheating itself. Plus June even told him point blank that if Lore had not been in the picture, he still would have cheated on her with someone else. God that dude is the worst.
I cried several times while reading, both for myself and Lorelia's character. I cried for who she was, how she was treated, and the loss of the person she never got to be because of all that her childhood stole from her. I really applaud this author for handling such difficult topics and dealing them with such care and grace. I honestly just can't recommend this book enough!
I know this won't be everyone's cup of tea, and that's fine. But just be sure not to vilify someone without having all the information. Have an open mind and consider that who we think is evil may not have nefarious intentions, and that everyone deserves a chance of redemption.
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions **
Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk.
********************************************
I wasn't expecting this book to be one of my favorites of the year, nor was I expecting Lorelia to become one of my most favorite heroines ever. And I definitely didn't expect to fall in love with her more than Noah. So even if you're on the fence about starting this book, knowing that our main character is the "other woman" I encourage you to leave all your preconceived notions at the door and truly immerse yourself into this beautiful story all about second chances, forgiveness, the strength that comes with, hope, and a never ending, passionate love filled with trust and respect and everything in between.
Now to start with, when this author first announced that it would be Lorelia getting her happy ending with Noah, I was nervous. Mainly because I fucking hate Drew, and thought June should be with Noah instead, or someone else entirely. But with each new teaser this author did, I found myself wanting to know what drove these characters to act the way they did, and I wanted answers and insight on Lorelies side of things, not just Drew's. So I dove in not knowing what to expect, but I was honestly blown away. I knew in the first book that Lorelia was obviously self destructive and in a lot of pain and that's why she made the worst decisions she did.. but I had no idea all she went through. Knowing her past, her need for someone to be in her corner and to accept affection, even if it was the wrong kind from the wrong person, made so much sense. And let me clear something up: her and Drew were not in a relationship. She didn't love him. She wanted his friendship yes, (which you will learn more about) but she was so lonely and broken and starved for attention that she made some really bad decisions.. but that doesn't make her a horrible person. She has been through so much trauma and pain, that I wanted to scortch the earth and burn anyone who caused her an ounce of pain, even if that person was Noah.
Now as for Noah, I really hated him for a while. Maybe that's unfair, or it was at first knowing he had his own heart broken and trauma regarding Lorelia and her lies, but he believed her to be this evil human succubus who would spread her legs for anyone without care of who she hurt along the way, and that's SO far from the truth. And the fact that he goes out of his way to hurt her in the worst places, all without looking past the facade she's skillfully crafted, made me lose respect for him. He acted horribly, and with all that Lore has been through, he should have known something more was going on. He claimed he loved her in the past, and though he admits to not seeing what was clearly in front of him, the fact that he tortured her for so long just made me hurt. I'm glad he finally pulled his head out of his ass and worked for HER forgiveness, and truly listened to what Lorelia went through and why she acted the way she did, but I'm not sure I would have forgiven all he did if I was in her shoes.
I really loved the person Lorelia turned out to be-- she was so kind hearted, loving, funny, sensitive, strong, stubborn and everything wonderful in between. I loved everything about her, and was her biggest champion. I never expected her to be who she really was, but I loved it so much. I could just keep going on and on about her!
Another thing I loved was how the author included the internalized misogyny of forgiving Drew for all his misdeeds -- if you look at my rant above, you'll see how ridiculous I find that - -but still painting Lorelia has the villian, the whore, as someone worse than Drew because she participated in the affair. Should she have done it? No. But unlike Drew, she never makes excuses for it. She owns her bad behavior her and tries like hell to change, but nobody around her let's her. Drew won his wife back, their friends and family, his fans, and everyone in between, but Lore was painted as evil. She's mocked mercilessly and cruelly, but she's the other woman so she deserves it? Fuck that. SHE didn't break vows. SHE didn't break a family apart, SHE didn't lie about everything under the sun, and to act like she took advantage of Drew and he was innocent of it all and was able to wipe his hands clean and sit idly by while Lore was vilified just enraged the fuck out of me. And the dude is STILL making excuses for what he did. Actually, I ended up hating Drew even more which I didn't think was possible, but he still made it seem like he has this bad thing happen to him, not that he did the bad thing. And then he was cold, cruel and callous towards Lorelia when he KNEW what was going on and what she was trying to escape and he still abandoned her and let her be torn to shreds. To me, that just shows who he really is, and is even worse than the cheating itself. Plus June even told him point blank that if Lore had not been in the picture, he still would have cheated on her with someone else. God that dude is the worst.
I cried several times while reading, both for myself and Lorelia's character. I cried for who she was, how she was treated, and the loss of the person she never got to be because of all that her childhood stole from her. I really applaud this author for handling such difficult topics and dealing them with such care and grace. I honestly just can't recommend this book enough!
I know this won't be everyone's cup of tea, and that's fine. But just be sure not to vilify someone without having all the information. Have an open mind and consider that who we think is evil may not have nefarious intentions, and that everyone deserves a chance of redemption.
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions **
December 15, 2022
I'm honestly still amazed that this is only the 2nd book written by this author. The writing is absolutely phenomenal!! To write something so controversial and make it amazing is such a gift. After reading the 1st book, you go into this one hating Lorelei. She was supposed to be the villain. I don't think I have ever read a story that changed my opinion of a character quite like this one did. I cried and felt so much of Lorelei's pain. The emotions in this were so raw. I actually hated Noah for the way he treated her. Lorelei owned up to her mistakes and I'm gad there was so much mentioned in the story with how Drew was forgiven so easily yet she was labeled a whore and mistreated by everyone. I don't agree with what she did but after her side of the story, I definitely had her back. I love that she stood her ground and really made Noah put in the work.
The steam in this is red hot! Again, the writing is addictive. The threesome scene from book 1 lives rent free in my head, but the stuff that goes on in here is just as hot! Can't wait for more books. This was a top read for me this year
The steam in this is red hot! Again, the writing is addictive. The threesome scene from book 1 lives rent free in my head, but the stuff that goes on in here is just as hot! Can't wait for more books. This was a top read for me this year
October 27, 2022
1⭐️
This book should have been written and published first. After reading book 1 I knew it was going to be difficult to forgive the OW. And I also knew the author was going to use the childhood drama defense. I’m not that forgiving. I also didn’t forgive Noah for bringing the OW back into the the aggrieved wife’s life. I did agree with her stance on everyone forgiving the male even though he was most in the wrong. But that is something woman know. I’m sad I wasted my time
This book should have been written and published first. After reading book 1 I knew it was going to be difficult to forgive the OW. And I also knew the author was going to use the childhood drama defense. I’m not that forgiving. I also didn’t forgive Noah for bringing the OW back into the the aggrieved wife’s life. I did agree with her stance on everyone forgiving the male even though he was most in the wrong. But that is something woman know. I’m sad I wasted my time
October 25, 2022
I didn’t like the story I just don’t think she can be redeemed,the H should had stayed away from the manipulative h.An I agree he and the h from the other book should have gotten together,I don’t believe she loves anyone she just using him for his help and money.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2022
‘I’ve always believed Noah was the other half of my soul. Something otherworldly connected us, his heart called to mine and that’s why I was so obsessed with him. Because we were destined somehow. Fate made me believe it, but that bitch lies.’
We’ve been eagerly awaiting Brutal Play by Alison Rhymes since reading Broken Play which we loved and is where we meet Noah and Lorelei. We fell in love with the dominant and gorgeous Noah, who was a bit of an enigma but had a backstory that we had a feeling would break our hearts. And as for Lorelei, well, she was the villain in Broken Play, the marriage breaker, the backstabber, and the complex and disturbed former friend of both Noah and Drew. Could she be redeemed?
‘Delusions drove me to spitefulness. Fear drove me to my delusions. Abuse drove me to fear.’
Redemption of a villainous character is like catnip to us, and we love it when it’s done so well that we feel complete vindication for the character in question. Alison Rhymes nailed it. But not only that, this Author made us really think about social judgement and the unbalanced placing of blame. Misogyny is alive and well, and how many times is the heroine villainised, yet the hero walks away scot-free?! Mind you, we didn’t particularly think that highly of Drew at times in Broken Play and perhaps even less so in Brutal Play. Though complex characters demand dislike, like, and understanding.
‘You don’t realize how much you’ve missed someone until they’re right there in your life again. Now I have to experience the pain of losing him all over again. Not that I really had him this time.’
Unwritten rules in society dictate that single women should be judged more harshly than married men when infidelity is involved. This made us think about why? When you remove the emotion of scorn and hurt, is it not the married man who ultimately breaks his marriage vow and takes that important moral step that crosses the line in the first place? Yes, a woman pursuing a married man is not viewed as morally right either, however, is that really worse than a married man having his cake and eating it too? Many times its women judging women -the harshest-, sadly. There’s a case for both and it’s not always black and white. Rather there’s a huge grey area. For Lorelei, it wasn’t as simple as choosing to go for a married man. Lorelei and Drew had a history, and Drew was as responsible, if not more so.
“You want me splayed open, heart to head, so all my secrets and nightmares spill out at your feet.? You have to fucking earn that.”
Lorelei had an incredibly complex and horrendous childhood, the more we learnt, the more we understood why and how she came to be, from when and where we met her in Broken Play, to where she is now in Brutal Play. As her layers are unravelled, her character burrowed deep into our hearts, and we became immensely protective of her.
‘It’s not that I’ve forgotten what we had. It’s that I remember it all too well, including the trauma of its ending.’
Noah shows his controlling and arrogant side from the get-go; however, it hides yet somehow also strangely reveals, his hurt and vulnerable side, seeking revenge for Lorelei’s actions when they were a loving couple in college. And seeking revenge is definitely at the forefront of his mind as he venomously reduces Lorelei to a shell of her former self. He was a bastard, yet confusingly he does so whilst at the same time sheltering her the only way he can. It’s incredibly contradicting, yet a blatant recognition of his heart’s inability to let the love of his life slip through his fingers again. This, no matter how much she hurt him, and him also hurting her in return when he sees the chance to do so.
‘Lorelei thinks she needed me more than I needed her. That’s not at all true. I did need her. I wanted her.’
Brutal Play was brilliantly written. It was hard-hitting, clever, and extremely evocative in its emotion as well as passion. This Author didn’t hold back, rather Lorelei’s redemptive journey was full of twists, surprising revelations and so much angst it overflowed. It was an emotionally exhaustive journey, but one that we relished as our emotions and feelings were pulled in multiple directions. You know those moments that have you so enraged you want to either jump into the story and throttle someone or even throw your kindle at the wall? Yeah…Brutal Play has these moments aplenty! Another winner from Alison Rhymes.
“I want that mouth. Kiss me like you mean it.”
“I always mean it,” she says softly.
“Then kiss me like you’ll die if you don’t.”
Ebook
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September 20, 2023
3.25 Stars ⭐️
Didn't love it but also didn't hate it. This series is def not for everyone but for entertainment value it def delivers.
Didn't love it but also didn't hate it. This series is def not for everyone but for entertainment value it def delivers.
December 18, 2023
“I remember all the little things about us, even if you’ve forgotten them all.”
If I had to point to one book to be my single most anticipated of the year, it might be this one, and that’s saying something, given that this is only this author’s second novel. It’s a redemption story that I was both excited and nervous to read, and with so many preconceived notions and biases stacked up against it before we even turn the first page, I honestly thought this book was impossible to write. Yet Alison Rhymes somehow manages to not only make us love a ‘villain’ in the end—she makes us connect with her to the point of wanting to scorch the earth beneath the feet of anyone who ever dared to hurt her. Rhymes continues to prove she is a new author to watch, her sharp writing perfectly complemented by the explosive quality of the stories she tells, and this latest offering might just earn her a cult following.
Continue reading this review...
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October 26, 2022
Well.. hmmm. 2,5 stars but a lot of things I didn’t like.
I didn’t like the couple of the first book in this second one. I didnt like the baby sister, she was too cute and I kept thinking..oh she’ll be one spoiled puppy.
I liked that it was made clear how strange it is we judge women and men differently. But I hated that the female character was redeemed by what she had experienced earlier in her life. She is a saint. No ignore that, she’s a martyr. How horrible it all was what happened to her, it still felt like an excuse, a big evil wipe out of all the things she did years later. I would have loved if Lorelei would have been a woman owning what she did instead of playing the victim card ( although very reluctantly).
I’m a bit disappointed. I wouldnt have minded if the only male friend ended up with the rich bachelor while the sisters were living their happy lives in their cute tiny home.
Sorry.. no not! Because I loved the standing in the rain scene. So this is my turn, this is me standing in the rain. I don’t care what you think, I’m doing fine.
I didn’t like the couple of the first book in this second one. I didnt like the baby sister, she was too cute and I kept thinking..oh she’ll be one spoiled puppy.
I liked that it was made clear how strange it is we judge women and men differently. But I hated that the female character was redeemed by what she had experienced earlier in her life. She is a saint. No ignore that, she’s a martyr. How horrible it all was what happened to her, it still felt like an excuse, a big evil wipe out of all the things she did years later. I would have loved if Lorelei would have been a woman owning what she did instead of playing the victim card ( although very reluctantly).
I’m a bit disappointed. I wouldnt have minded if the only male friend ended up with the rich bachelor while the sisters were living their happy lives in their cute tiny home.
Sorry.. no not! Because I loved the standing in the rain scene. So this is my turn, this is me standing in the rain. I don’t care what you think, I’m doing fine.
July 9, 2023
Buckle up. First how to redeem Lorelei? Is it possible? Alison has here work ahead of her and oh does she deliver! You also see a different side of Noah a darker side that is brought out. Will we get to see that other side we all feel in love with in Broken Play? Expect the unexpected and just enjoy! I'm blown away this is her 2nd novel and she kills it.
July 17, 2023
Lorelai AND Drew(H from 1st book) were absolutely without a fucking doubt UNREDEEMABLE!!!!! Having a shitty childhood does NOT redeem what they did to June fuck them ALL (except june and noah shouldve been endgame) IM SICK TO MY STOMACH
November 18, 2022
I have so much respect for this author. Books like this would be extremely hard to write, especially when they’re already being judged before they’re out by people who haven’t read them. And the author has taken a book and a character, who seemed completely irredeemable, and knocked her story out of the park. I would defend the Lorelei now, and I was so against her character from book 1 of this series! I absolutely loved the storyline and how she was written. Props to author for bringing us a story about judging others that has so much controversy, simply because people are judging a fictional character.
Ok, time for my review…
To start, I will say I loved Broken Play (book 1 of the series, highly recommend reading first). June and Drew’s story was an emotional roller coaster, with cheating and angst. Many were pulling for June to get with Noah, but I think they didn’t understand June and Drew’s love, because to me, it was so obvious that they were soulmates, albeit Drew was a crappy one who made really stupid choices, but June
revenge sleeping with Noah would not have made her happy in the slightest. Real people make mistakes. Real life happens, things like adultery, and the author does portray June as a character who goes through immense personal growth and makes Drew grovel to the final chapters, because at the end of the day, she still loved him. The end.
Now for book 2. Some people are offended that Lorelei gets a happy ending, even though the author has said to give her backstory a chance, that there’s more to her and her story then meets the eye…I will always give a book a chance, so of course I was willing to read more about Noah and Lore. And trust me, this book does not disappoint.
Let me start off by saying, thank you to the author for pointing out how one sided book 1 was with forgiving Drew! Everyone forgave Drew, some people quicker then others, but shunned Lorelei for the same thing, even though Drew had affairs with multiple women! Noah finally, finally clicks that point home, when Lorelei finally stands up for herself and asks why, why, why? Because honestly, if they can all move on and play happy family with Drew, why can’t they at least forgive and move on from Lorelei? Which I think they get to a point and while no one is friends, people are accepting of that point, and bonus, Drew does get knocked down a peg or two, not just from Noah but also from June!
Noah is a total douche in parts of this book. I seriously hated him, wanted to punch him in the face and shake him until his brain rattled around for a bit. This was before the lightbulb moment from the paragraph above, of course. I get it, Lorelei was the proverbial “villain and the other woman”, but we learn about and understand the “affair” a little better and what Lorelei was really getting out of it. We learn what really happened back in college and that moment between Lorelei and Noah and then Lorelei and Drew that caused Drew to think of Noah abusive. Personally, as it’s written, it sounds like Drew heard what he wanted to hear about his biggest rival in college. Lorelei was trying to get Noah to hate her, for reasons she thought were very good for his future but also very dumb, and she used Drew. I think Drew heard what he wanted to hear and saved the information for later use, maybe thinking he could slander Noah’s reputation or something? Not sure, he never used the information, until much later in book 1.
Back to Noah as a douche. Ugh, can he treat Lorelei any worse? Why is he friends with Drew but literally treats Lorelei like a whore and forces her to dress and act like one? He can’t let go of college with her but does with Drew? Or the affair? So one sided and misogynistic. Such a jerk.
Lorelei has so many layers and trust issues. Her back story is so good, so well written, I did not see it coming! And it explains a lot about her. Even though you want to hate her because she was the other woman in the Drew and June saga in book 1, I felt for Lorelei and her story.
Lorelei and Noah’s biggest problem in college is that Lore didn’t trust Noah with her backstory. First, she tried to get Noah to try her one of her kinks, because while he was fulfilling one of them unknowingly, she wasn’t getting the other, and when he didn’t want to, taunted him into trying it, and he hated it. Lorelei decided right then and there she couldn’t trust Noah with her kinks or her last, and she needed to end their relationship. She had also noticed Noah slipping at practice, leaving late and she became worried for his future, which solidified her she decision to end it. Noah let her walk away, he didn’t fight for her. He’d also never tried to learn about her past, never asked about her kink or why, he let if go. They both had a lot of growing up to do.
I love when Lorelei finally stands up for herself and realizes she’s had it with Noah and the BS he’d been putting her through while she was in New Orleans. Lore’s life has rapidly changed, and she finally realizes that Noah isn’t going to forgive her but she doesn’t need it. She’s ready to change from the lonely existence she’s been living, she wants more then what she was born into, more then what she’s been told she’s worth, and she’s finally willing to take it for herself.
I loved getting to see some of Drew and June, picking right up where it left off at the end of book 1. I think it set up a good storyline for a book about Reed and Leighton maybe? And I cannot wait to see!!
Do not judge this book because Lorelei was one of the other woman in book 1. Read it first. This story is worth the read.
Ok, time for my review…
To start, I will say I loved Broken Play (book 1 of the series, highly recommend reading first). June and Drew’s story was an emotional roller coaster, with cheating and angst. Many were pulling for June to get with Noah, but I think they didn’t understand June and Drew’s love, because to me, it was so obvious that they were soulmates, albeit Drew was a crappy one who made really stupid choices, but June
revenge sleeping with Noah would not have made her happy in the slightest. Real people make mistakes. Real life happens, things like adultery, and the author does portray June as a character who goes through immense personal growth and makes Drew grovel to the final chapters, because at the end of the day, she still loved him. The end.
Now for book 2. Some people are offended that Lorelei gets a happy ending, even though the author has said to give her backstory a chance, that there’s more to her and her story then meets the eye…I will always give a book a chance, so of course I was willing to read more about Noah and Lore. And trust me, this book does not disappoint.
Let me start off by saying, thank you to the author for pointing out how one sided book 1 was with forgiving Drew! Everyone forgave Drew, some people quicker then others, but shunned Lorelei for the same thing, even though Drew had affairs with multiple women! Noah finally, finally clicks that point home, when Lorelei finally stands up for herself and asks why, why, why? Because honestly, if they can all move on and play happy family with Drew, why can’t they at least forgive and move on from Lorelei? Which I think they get to a point and while no one is friends, people are accepting of that point, and bonus, Drew does get knocked down a peg or two, not just from Noah but also from June!
Noah is a total douche in parts of this book. I seriously hated him, wanted to punch him in the face and shake him until his brain rattled around for a bit. This was before the lightbulb moment from the paragraph above, of course. I get it, Lorelei was the proverbial “villain and the other woman”, but we learn about and understand the “affair” a little better and what Lorelei was really getting out of it. We learn what really happened back in college and that moment between Lorelei and Noah and then Lorelei and Drew that caused Drew to think of Noah abusive. Personally, as it’s written, it sounds like Drew heard what he wanted to hear about his biggest rival in college. Lorelei was trying to get Noah to hate her, for reasons she thought were very good for his future but also very dumb, and she used Drew. I think Drew heard what he wanted to hear and saved the information for later use, maybe thinking he could slander Noah’s reputation or something? Not sure, he never used the information, until much later in book 1.
Back to Noah as a douche. Ugh, can he treat Lorelei any worse? Why is he friends with Drew but literally treats Lorelei like a whore and forces her to dress and act like one? He can’t let go of college with her but does with Drew? Or the affair? So one sided and misogynistic. Such a jerk.
Lorelei has so many layers and trust issues. Her back story is so good, so well written, I did not see it coming! And it explains a lot about her. Even though you want to hate her because she was the other woman in the Drew and June saga in book 1, I felt for Lorelei and her story.
Lorelei and Noah’s biggest problem in college is that Lore didn’t trust Noah with her backstory. First, she tried to get Noah to try her one of her kinks, because while he was fulfilling one of them unknowingly, she wasn’t getting the other, and when he didn’t want to, taunted him into trying it, and he hated it. Lorelei decided right then and there she couldn’t trust Noah with her kinks or her last, and she needed to end their relationship. She had also noticed Noah slipping at practice, leaving late and she became worried for his future, which solidified her she decision to end it. Noah let her walk away, he didn’t fight for her. He’d also never tried to learn about her past, never asked about her kink or why, he let if go. They both had a lot of growing up to do.
I love when Lorelei finally stands up for herself and realizes she’s had it with Noah and the BS he’d been putting her through while she was in New Orleans. Lore’s life has rapidly changed, and she finally realizes that Noah isn’t going to forgive her but she doesn’t need it. She’s ready to change from the lonely existence she’s been living, she wants more then what she was born into, more then what she’s been told she’s worth, and she’s finally willing to take it for herself.
I loved getting to see some of Drew and June, picking right up where it left off at the end of book 1. I think it set up a good storyline for a book about Reed and Leighton maybe? And I cannot wait to see!!
Do not judge this book because Lorelei was one of the other woman in book 1. Read it first. This story is worth the read.
October 27, 2022
4.25 ⭐️
Brutal Play was one book Alison Rhymes had me curious and intrigued to read when it was announced she would be writing Lorelei’s story.
Mostly because she didn't have me think it would be possible to sympathise with Lorelai or have her be redeemable, given the part she played in Drew and June's life in their story Broken Play.
This story definitely led you deep into the feels courtesy of the emotionally charged narrative that we were thrown headfirst into.
Each and every page turn felt like quick sand, tugging you harder and further with no escape in sight.
Yet Alison made it worthwhile given the exploration of Lorelai and Noah’s characters that were divulged to us, resulting in a storyline that ended up being a great read IMO given the continuous flow that pulled you along so easily.
The intensity surrounding the gaping angsty-ness on top of the emotions and feelings gushing out, gave major tension. Mostly because of the situations and events it led to at times.
Though mostly in Lorelei’s case, due to all that she was having to deal with.
Ultimately taking her on quite a whirlwind rollercoaster ride, with us following alongside her as if we were right next to her given all the in-depth shown and felt throughout.
Surprisingly by the end Alison not only managed to have me feeling sympathy for Lorelai. But also understanding in a way how and why with her reasoning behind what she did.
Not to say that it was acceptable or gave her a free pass, just that it helped to see the bigger picture overall. Seeing as how not much was known about Lorelai throughout with all mystery surrounding her secrets.
And considering all the answers that were eventually divulged, some of which came from after having read Broken Play. It allowed all the missing pieces in this puzzle that was Lorelai and Noah's story to be complete once and for all.
Alison Rhymes truly did a great job writing Lorelai and Noah's story Brutal Play, with it being a great read overall. Especially when you take into account that this is only her second book written.
Safe to say she definitely has me looking forward to seeing what she will write next.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Brutal Play was one book Alison Rhymes had me curious and intrigued to read when it was announced she would be writing Lorelei’s story.
Mostly because she didn't have me think it would be possible to sympathise with Lorelai or have her be redeemable, given the part she played in Drew and June's life in their story Broken Play.
This story definitely led you deep into the feels courtesy of the emotionally charged narrative that we were thrown headfirst into.
Each and every page turn felt like quick sand, tugging you harder and further with no escape in sight.
Yet Alison made it worthwhile given the exploration of Lorelai and Noah’s characters that were divulged to us, resulting in a storyline that ended up being a great read IMO given the continuous flow that pulled you along so easily.
The intensity surrounding the gaping angsty-ness on top of the emotions and feelings gushing out, gave major tension. Mostly because of the situations and events it led to at times.
Though mostly in Lorelei’s case, due to all that she was having to deal with.
Ultimately taking her on quite a whirlwind rollercoaster ride, with us following alongside her as if we were right next to her given all the in-depth shown and felt throughout.
Surprisingly by the end Alison not only managed to have me feeling sympathy for Lorelai. But also understanding in a way how and why with her reasoning behind what she did.
Not to say that it was acceptable or gave her a free pass, just that it helped to see the bigger picture overall. Seeing as how not much was known about Lorelai throughout with all mystery surrounding her secrets.
And considering all the answers that were eventually divulged, some of which came from after having read Broken Play. It allowed all the missing pieces in this puzzle that was Lorelai and Noah's story to be complete once and for all.
Alison Rhymes truly did a great job writing Lorelai and Noah's story Brutal Play, with it being a great read overall. Especially when you take into account that this is only her second book written.
Safe to say she definitely has me looking forward to seeing what she will write next.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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