Playing Dirty audiobook

This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life.4 Stars!After reading the novella that starts this series, Running Hot, I jumped at the chance to first full length novel in the series. I have always enjoyed a fast paced, exciting romantic suspense and this story did not disappoint. As with most romantic suspense stories, there were more than a few things that happen in this story that go beyond realistic but I was more than satisfied with this highly entertaining novel.Ford is an Alliance agent, which is similar to a CIA agent. He often finds himself in very dangerous situations and frequently works undercover. He is tasked with the assignment of trying to get information from the suspect's cousin, Shay. The book opens with Ford already working on his undercover assignment - Shay. Shay works as a property manager for her uncle. She has started seeing the new tenant and is unsure of their status, but starts to let Ford into her life more and more and time passes. Not only does Shay have a new man in her life to worry about, she is incredibly worried about her cousin who she has not heard from recently.This book had a lot of action and excellent pacing. I really liked Shay a lot and thought she was an excellent character. She doesn't try to pressure Ford into any kind of relationship and is willing to accept what he has to offer. Ford's character changed depending on his role. I loved Ford's personality anytime he spent time with Shay. I didn't like the fact that he spent a lot of time misleading her but that was part of his job. When Ford was on the job, he seemed tough, competent, but argumentative and not quite as likable. I liked the chemistry between Ford and Shay. It was obvious that Shay had become much more than a job quite early in the book. I thought the story was well written and I absolutely loved the scenes with Ward and Tasha. I would recommend this book to fans of romantic suspense. I can't wait to read the next installment in this fast paced series.I received a copy of this book from Avon Books via Edelweiss for the purpose of providing an honest review.

Gripping Suspense, and Sizzling Sex...Who could ask for more?PLAYING DIRTY is the perfect title for this New Romance Suspense by HelenKay Dimon, the first full novel in the Bad Boys Undercover Series released through Avon Romance. Ford is forced to "Play Dirty" with Shay in more ways than one...and the "fun" ways are off the charts smokin hot, their chemistry literally burns the pages!The not so fun part of the "Playing" and "Dirty" comes back to bite Ford in the ass, with Shay in the middle of the Op, what can you do when the woman who you have fallen for finds out you're not the man who she thought you were, and her personal life is falling apart at the seams. The emotions run deep in PLAYING DIRTY, yes, the suspense is spot on and the action is jam packed, but HelenKay brings on the emotion full force with PLAYING DIRTY and I loved it!Romance Suspense fans...PLAYING DIRTY is a Must Read!!

****Full Review****I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Commanding men, sinister terrorist plot, sexy bedroom scenes, and double dealing all lead to a romantic suspense story that is hot in more ways than one. Ford is former CIA now working for a very off the books government group called Alliance. Alliance also includes former MI6 and other tips of the spear military members. Coming off of a botched mission, Ford the leader of Bravo team is doing a little undercover work to get close to Shay, the cousin to a suspected terrorist. They have instant chemistry and Ford finds himself getting a lot closer to Shay than he originally anticipated. As missing deadly toxin vials and cat and mouse games with deadly consequences swirl around them, Ford is forced to decide what he'll compromise to keep Shay safe and Shay is left questioning if the man she loves is the true Ford.  This is an incredibly quick moving story; key players are constantly making moves that keep you turning the pages anxious to see where it is all going to lead. The strength is definitely in the suspense plot with the reader wondering how much is Shay's cousin really involved in the terrorist plot and who the mole is. Although, in the beginning when all the members of Alliance are kind of clustery thrust at the reader and who is who is being learned, things were a little muddled but about thirty percent in I was able to get into the flow of the story. Alliance and its members is the central core of the story with the terrorist plot/mole and Ford's romance with Shay branching off of that. Ford and Shay's relationship is strong throughout the story but they definitely get lost in the mix at times. Individuals looking for some romance in their suspense stories will fare better here than those looking for the vice versa.  As this is told from more of Ford's perspective he is the stronger character. He has a realness and ease that will have reader's instantly connecting with him. Also, let's be honest, his capability in and out of the bedroom and the way he loves Shay will have him starring in a couple of fantasies. Due to all of these strong components, the character of Shay doesn't pack much of a punch. Her limited screen time interactions with Ford consisting of a lot of sexual foreplay/activity and musings if Ford is trustworthy leave her relegated to the background. They are hot together but the fact that Shay doesn't discover who Ford is until very late in the book leave her an outsider to the story and the reader.  The introduction of all the characters might overwhelm you at first but as you get to know them, you'll be secretly wishing for each and everyone to get their own story. It's a well crafted, thought out, intriguing characters, with sex scenes that are on point book. If Playing Dirty is any indication to what the rest of the books in the Bad Boys Undercover series are going to be like, then sign me up for them all.

I didn't finish this book, but it's not because I didn't like it. I just renewed it too many times and the library wanted it back!What I love most about this book is the heroine, Shay. She's not a virgin, and she never pretends that she's not interested in sex. She wants a relationship with the hero and she is honest about it, but she doesn't pretend she isn't enjoying all the sex in the meantime. She's so different from the annoying virgins that most authors still need to put into their stories. I liked Ford okay, but the plot of the book was a distraction. There's something really annoying to me about these books that feature "top secret" government agents who are so secret that government itself can't actually control them. What I especially disliked was the way that Ford and his bodies run around acting like corrupt cops in Chicago or LA, i.e., holding suspects without charges, beating them, extorting confessions, etc. all in the name of "homeland security." The author doesn't even bother to defend these actions, or to describe their long range consequences for society, or even their emotional impact on the hero. She just thinks this stuff "builds the hero up" the same way a duke just has to have his own castle and his own membership at White's. But I was pretty disturbed by the whole thing. Over all, though, I'm still giving this book four stars because Shay was such a kick ass heroine, and because I really liked Ward and Tasha. Does anyone know if they have a book of their own yet?

Wow! This book is a thrill ride! It sucks you in from the very first moment and doesn’t stop until the last page. The storyline is along the lines of the Shield, so I was a little worried that it would end up being cliché. However, the author really did a fantastic job of keeping it down to earth, much more believable. Along with the action and steamy moments, the author also had me chucking several times at the dry wit of the characters.Ford is faced with a pretty impossible situation. He falls for Shay almost immediately and therefore, can’t bring himself to be taken off of the assignment, even though he knows the longer he carries on with the lies, the less likely it is she will forgive him. He the best kind of hero in a novel. An ingrained sense of justice, a protector, and just a little bit of a rule breaker. But, he also, deliciously sexy, caring, sweet, and loving. His struggle in merging all of those characteristics is one of the things that makes him more realistic and draws the reader in.Shay is one of the most solid female heroines I’ve encountered in a novel. I don’t mean this is a negative way, but there is nothing really special about her. She works hard, loves her family, and lives her life day to day, just like most of the world. It’s this ordinariness that connects the reader with Shay because she seems so real. As a person, I would want to be friends with her and that says a lot about the character. She has a positive outlook on life, isn’t whiney, and though her trust issues were a tad frustrating for me, I had to admit, they were totally warranted. The book is definitely full of nonstop action and while the storyline was just the slightest bit predictable, the author threw in a few twists and turns that kept me guessing. The love story is sweet and steamy, soft moments to rest from all the intensity in the rest of the book. This is apparently the first in a series and I’ll be watching for the following books as well as looking into this author’s other works!

Playing Dirty is a power packed romantic suspense with a wonderfully thrilling mystery. Ford Decker is a member of an elite anti-terrorism team. When a viral weapon is stolen, Ford is sent to monitor Shay Alexander, the cousin to the genius behind the lethal concoction. His “monitoring” quickly turns into a heated sexual relationship unlike anything he's ever experienced. When the safety of the world is on the line, Ford can't afford to be distracted. But will he be able to keep his head, when all the carefully laid plans come to boil?If you are looking for a great new suspense series, check out Playing Dirty. Plenty of nail biting action, lots of heat in and out of the bedroom and a wonderful mystery to keep you guessing right up until the end.I received this ARC copy of Playing Dirty from Avon in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication January 27, 2015Written by: HelenKay DimonSeries: Bad Boys UndercoverSequence in Series: 1Page Count: 384 pagesPublisher: Avon Publication Date: January 27, 2015Rating: 4 StarsISBN-10: 0062330055ISBN-13: 978-0062330055Genre: Suspense | RomanceFind this book on: Amazon | Barnes & NobleReviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com

I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.Alliance's latest mission is to find a missing scientist who's created a new, deadly toxin for which the antidote is still in the testing phases. Ford is an agent of the newly formed Alliance group, made up of ex-CIA and MI6 agents. Since Alliance is not a government agency, nor government sanctioned, they can get things done without having to go through the mountains of red tape that follows all things government approved. Ford's mission is find Trent, find the missing toxi, and neutralize anyone who gets in his way. As part of his cover, Ford moves into an apartment complex owned by Trent's father and managed by his cousin, Shay. Ford has strayed off the mission plan by starting a relationship with Shay. Shay is wary of any relationship because most men see her uncles bank account rather than her. At least that's what her last serious boyfriend saw in her. Ford is different. He seems to be exactly what he seems. An IT expert who is called away at all times of the day and night, for days/weeks at time. As Ford tries to find Trent, his team struggles to come to grips with bad intel, differing ideologies between TPTB, and the fact there seems to be a mole in their agency. Ford is also trying to find a way to keep Shay safe and to keep her from finding out that what she seems to think is real all started on a lie.

**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**Playing Dirty is sexy, suspense filled, a complete action packed read. Ford Decker works for the Alliance, all it's members being hand picked from different agencies throughout the world. He's good at what he does. He's strong and demanding, he's precise, but he's living a double life, his work life and his personal life. When he started sleeping with Shay it wasn't anything series. She takes what he offers, never asking for more. The Ford she knows works as an IT specialist, he travels a lot for work. When work and play combine Shay finds out Ford isn't the man she thought he was. Yes he's lied about his job and his feelings for Shay. Can he save what he's built between them before it's too late?Romantic suspense readers will love this one. The chemistry is sizzling between Ford and Shay. The action weaves it's way through from start to finish.

4 starI was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, pain, betrayal, secrets, suspense, twists and heartbreak. This is Shay and Ford’s story. Ford is working undercover. He was attracted to Shay right from the start and is now in a relationship with her. That relationship could be the end of them both. For one he should not be getting cozy with her as he is investigating her cousin. Another point not in his favor is she is a job. Shay believes Ford is exactly what he seems that is until the secrets come out. Can Ford fix was the lies and secrets have broken? Or will it be too late as she is already in too much danger for him to save her?I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read. I recommend this book and can’t wait for the next story from this series.

Yes!!! This was it. THIS was the book I’d been waiting for, not only for this author to redeem herself with me but for the “undercover hero” trope that’s been done many times but never to MY personal satisfaction. This was just beautifully done. FINALLY, a heroine who is mature enough to understand why he did what he did in the end but doesn’t just up and forgive him because they had a near death experience nor does she seek him out to forgive him. HE had to go to her and ask, in this case beg for forgiveness, another chance, and made a HUGE grand gesture that not only fit the crime but also showed how much he truly loved her and how far he was willing to go to be with her. Ford is officially one of my favorite heroes of all time. His actions after everything had happened exceeded my expectations and I loved that Shay stood her ground and didn’t let Tasha’s stupid speech and everyone else who was dropping hints about forgiving him influence her decision. Shay was one of the smartest, most mature, most compassionate heroines I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading about. She opened up to him as soon as she knew something was off about her cousin, proving her innocence and how much she trusted him, too many times we get a heroine who doesn’t ask for help when she’s in a dilemma of not knowing what to do. Even though, she knew something was wrong with how Trent was unreachable, and her uncle seemed to be lying, she didn’t let on she knew in order to be safe or jump the gun and get herself in potential trouble, she played it cool until she got more information. Her character was very realistic and truly portrayed a person who had been betrayed by someone she fell in love with. She didn’t react in over the top outbursts and suddenly develop a bitchy attitude. She was broken to the point where all she could do was just sit in a chair, stare at the wall in silence, doing nothing except thinking and hurting inside but maintaining her composure because she knew she was being watched and then falling apart when she couldn’t hold it in anymore. Even though it was a sad scene, it was beautiful because it showed how fragile she was when she felt like she had no one in her life that she could trust. I hate Tasha, never will like her, she’s a selfish, stuck up bitch. She wants people to follow her every order like a dog but she doesn’t get my respect. Shay didn’t deserve to be lied to and I get that the toxin was dangerous so it required them to do whatever they had to do but there was no need for Tasha to be so insensitive and mean to someone who didn’t deserve it. Say you’re sorry she was hurt along the way and apologize for using her but don’t tell that same innocent woman you’re not sorry for Ford using her because Shay didn’t deserve that. Tasha is a power hungry, manipulative woman and I don’t understand why none of the guys don’t just quit on her because of her nasty attitude and the disrespect by talking down to them as if she’s above them and better at what they do. I didn’t like that Ward was calling out Ford for getting involved with Shay and developing feelings for her. He of all people should know that you can’t control those things, it just happens. Ford didn’t give him crap for getting involved with Tasha when they were on assignment, he respected his friend and let him handle his situation with her as long as he didn’t let it affect his job. Just because Tasha wasn’t a mark, didn’t make the situations different, it was the same thing. Ward fell for a girl on the job, only difference was she was in the same business and knew what was going on. Everyone else also kind of ganged up on him because they still weren’t sure if she was involved with her cousin but that’s expected. Ward knew Ford better than them and should have trusted him.Besides these minor annoyances, the rest of the book was great. I would have liked to see just a little less of the sex scenes mostly because there were more than enough of that side of their relationship and replaced some with a cute scene or two to show more of their friendship and playful bond, but it wasn’t a huge deal. I will definitely come back and read this book again. This has the best apology/grovel I’ve ever read from a hero who screwed up. His betrayal was hurtful but redeemable and he proved that he was sorry with how sincere his words were and the powerful apology he gave her with what he would do for her to get her back. This was an amazing book and I already want to read it again. Thanks to the author for writing this, you’ve done what no other writer has managed to accomplish with me in getting that perfect apology/grovel down. *side note* I do wish we had gotten to see their beginning or a least a flashback to the first time they met. It was confusing in the beginning because we find out that we were just kinda thrown into the story sometime after the first chapter. They were already together and we missed how they started their semi-relationship. A timeline note at the beginning of the second chapter would have been appreciated rather than reading it in confusion until it was cleared up at the end of the chapter.

Very good book. Ford is undercover, working on a case for Alliance. A scientist has gone missing along with some vials of a deadly toxin. Rumor has it that it will be sold to the highest bidder. Ford is tagged with watching Shay, cousin to the missing scientist, and property manager of the building Ford is now living in. But Ford goes further than he should, and gets much, much closer. Because of a past relationship that went wrong, Shay intends to be cautious with Ford. But those intentions go right out the window when the sparks between them burst into flame.I really liked both Ford and Shay. Shay is pretty straightforward, doesn't play silly emotional games. She is recovering from one bad relationship, where the guy lied to her and used her to try to get to her uncle and his wealth. She likes Ford, and though she is frustrated by his frequent absences, she understands that his job as an IT specialist calls him away at a moment's notice. I loved that she isn't a whiner and doesn't try to inveigle him into a deeper relationship than he's ready for. Her family is important to her and she worries about her cousin.Ford is great. He first appeared in Running Hot, as Ward's partner. Now he is a team leader himself. He likes the new agency, which isn't as bound up in rules and regulations as his former work with the CIA, which gives him the freedom to react as he needs to. He is protective, loyal, frequently sarcastic, and honorable. He's haunted by things that happened on his last CIA mission and determined that it won't happen again.The relationship between Ford and Shay has the potential for disaster from the beginning. Ford wasn't supposed to make contact with her yet, but the attraction to her is too hard to resist. From the outset, we see the conflict that Ford is suffering from. She is part of the job, a possible suspect, and yet he can't stay away from her. He realizes quickly that she isn't involved and quickly moves into protector mode, worried about her getting caught up in the middle. I loved seeing them together, with their happiness in just being able to spend time together. Shay's mistrust of men disappears when she's around Ford, feeling that he's just what he says he is. Ford gets a little freaked out by just how much he needs Shay in his life. I loved how being with her would center him after a difficult op. I was a little bit surprised that Shay wasn't more suspicious of Ford, especially with his odd schedule, but he was pretty convincing. I ached for them both when the truth came out. Ford had fallen so hard for her, but knew that he deserved her anger. What he didn't know was if she would ever forgive him. Shay was hit with so much at once that Ford's deception seemed to be an even worse betrayal. It takes her a while to process everything, and even then she's not sure she can forgive him. I loved Ford's big moment at the end, especially the vulnerability that he exposed to her.The suspense of the story was fantastic. The men and women of Alliance are determined to stop Trent and his plans to sell the toxin to the highest bidder. The problem that they have is that each lead they follow ends up being a dead end or a trap that nearly gets them killed. It quickly becomes obvious that there is someone on the inside that is helping the bad guys. So in addition to finding Trent and the toxin, they also have to find the "mole". There were a couple possibilities and the truth remained hidden until the end. The build up to the final confrontation was intense and kept me reading well past my bedtime. I was on the edge of my seat through it as I wondered how it was going to end.I loved how Ford's Bravo team worked together. They were all so different, but each had their own place. I especially liked how much respect they had for Ford and that they were with him no matter what. I loved the banter among them all, from the funny to the sarcastic. I'm looking forward to seeing more of them in later books.

A gritty, gripping romantic suspense story that I couldn't put down. Nothing is as messy as when physical intimacy gets mixed in with clandestine operations. What’s an undercover operative to do when their job is to investigate the person they’re falling in love with when their heart, and gut, says that person is innocent. I’m not fully convinced of the relationship between Ford and Shay. I didn’t see enough of the romantic interactions between them as a couple to be properly invested. I really enjoyed the mission. It felt very much like I was reading an action movie or an episode of one of my favorite TV series.

I really enjoyed the romance and the action, it was a good combination of both! I also enjoyed reading from both Ford and Shay's perspectives! I gave it a four star because it was a little slow for me in the beginning, but over all a great read.

Definitely a page-turner. Reminded me of a Joe Ledger book by Jonathan Maberry but with more sex.