Bitter Play (False Start Book 3)
$4.99
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Reed Turner has loved his sister’s best friend, Leighton, for damn near a decade. He’s given her space to grow in her career and her life. Now he’s ready to claim the woman he’s always believed was his. It’s too bad another man in her life keeps getting in the way.
Leighton Ward has never been in love. Now, just as so many things are changing in her life, she finds two men vying for her heart. Both hold strong ties to her future and making the wrong decision comes with heavy consequences.
He knows what he wants.
She’s as confused as ever.
From the Publisher
ASIN : B0BRMGRRFP
Publisher : Alison Rhymes LLC
Accessibility : Learn more
Publication date : February 7, 2023
Language : English
File size : 2.7 MB
Screen Reader : Supported
Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
X-Ray : Not Enabled
Word Wise : Enabled
Print length : 275 pages
ISBN-13 : 979-8987107713
Page Flip : Enabled
Book 3 of 3 : False Start
Best Sellers Rank: #132,664 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store) #164 in City Life Fiction (Kindle Store) #2,906 in Contemporary Women’s Fiction #15,786 in Contemporary Romance (Kindle Store)
Customer Reviews: 4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (598) var dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction; P.when(‘A’, ‘ready’).execute(function(A) { if (dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction !== true) { dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction = true; A.declarative( ‘acrLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault”: true }, function (event) { if (window.ue) { ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } } ); } }); P.when(‘A’, ‘cf’).execute(function(A) { A.declarative(‘acrStarsLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault” : true }, function(event){ if(window.ue) { ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } }); });
Kristiana B –
The stars align
I was a little hesitant to read Leighton and Reed’s story. I’ve been scarred by certain love triangles, but this was beautifully written. I could not put it down. The love that Reed had for “Love” was raw, true, unyielding love. They were always meant to be together, but stubbornly, they resisted the pull for so long. Finally the stars aligned, and destiny brought the two together. Conner was supportive, and I really admired the dynamic in the end. I hated for this series to end. The whole series was phenomenal!
Jen | jenteereads –
Top-notch writing unveils some seriously flawed characters
This is my third book by AR and so far she has torn out my heart, stomped on it, and then gently healed it twice. I knew I would be in store for some DRAMA with this one. I was right. Let me preface this entire thing by saying these books aren’t for everyone. If you’ve read either of the previous two, you know that. If you aren’t the miscommunication trope, this might not be for you. I found myself annoyed at many parts. You’ll want to bang their heads together and scream GROW UP YOU FOOLS. But man, girl can write.She writes seriously flawed characters. Sometimes I loathe them with a fiery passion, but I couldn’t put it down. Her men are punchable, even as you slowly fall in love with them. Her women are vulnerable and fierce in the same breath. Their relationships are complicated and fraught with dramas. Initially our MMC was too OTT for me and as someone who loves a jealous/possessive fictional man, that was saying something. I mean at one point before they are together he tells her to “calm down.” [pause for dramatic effect] I kid you not.The most compelling thing for me was in the way that these characters were as self-aware as they were. They knew they were being ridiculous and we knew it and yet they kept standing in their own way. And if that isn’t relatable. Who of us hasn’t known we needed to make a change and yet our own insecurities keep us from making the leap? Misguided as they may be. As Alison writes, if only they’d been “less ridiculous and more communicative.”It was an intriguing book. I didn’t love it as much as I did Brutal Play (which remains one of my TOP READS), but it was so well-written that I know I’ll read the next one too.
Bonnie beaulieu –
a new author for me!
I found the first book of this series in Kindle. Hadn’t read this author before. Within the first 10 pages, I was hooked.The emotion she writes grabbed me and I couldn’t put it down. I cried, laughed and got angry along with the main characters. Immediately I had to read the next then the next. I’m looking for more of her writings as I write this. A definite MUST read.
Meggan –
A fitting ending…
I enjoyed this book, but not as much as Brutal Play, which was my favorite, or Broken Play. It was nice to finally see what was going on with Reed and Leighton. I’m glad they got out of their own way for their HEA.Lots of miscommunication and I wished they would just sit down and talk on more than one occasion. That being said I am glad they figured things out.I loved the characters in all of the series. They were all so deep and flawed. I would love to see spin offs of all the characters in the books, like Connor and Holly. I saw there is a book on Delilah, whom I was really wanting to know more about. I am so glad I can read more about them. I hope to read more after that. 😊
shaye –
I loved this series
All 3 books were awesome. I hope there will be book 4, maybe Connors happy ending?? We didn’t get to hear how Noah’s wedding went or anything else with Leightons brother. I didn’t like Loralei in book 1 but if Drew can be forgiven then she deserves to be forgiven too especially since she is happily with Noah now. I really wanna read more pllleeeaaasssee
Vanessa Martinez –
Amazing and so hard to put down!
This is the third book in the False Start series and it does not disappoint. Reed and Leighton’s journey to their HEA was everything. It was full of all the feels, angst and moments of thinking “No! Why are you doing that?!” But things fall into place as they should, even with a couple surprises neither was expecting. But they made things work and one of the surprises opened a door to even more family added to the weird bunch they’ve collected. Alison Rhymes can tell a story that will stick with you even after you’ve reached the end and that will stay in your heart as if the characters have now become your best friend. Truly an incredible read that was hard to put down.
QsMoni –
Loved it
I discovered this author when I read the first book in this series and fell in love with her style of writing. My only complaint is she only has a few books out and I have read them all. 😭She has a knack for writing really interesting, well rounded, complex characters with unique backgrounds and circumstances. And her steamy scenes are top notch 🔥🔥🔥🔥Anyway, side characters I would love to see get their own story-ConnorDelilahHollyPopeAnd I’m forgetting a few since it’s been a while since I read the previous two books.Lol
S. Heaney –
Alison Rhymes has done it again! Bitter Play is filled with romance and emotion.I’ve been looking forward to Leighton and Reed’s story since meeting them both in Broken Play and Brutal Play, and their story does not disappoint!These two seemed to have such great chemistry, and there appeared to be history between them, so why was Reed rude to her? And why wouldn’t he kiss her when she asked him to?In Bitter Play, we get our answers.Reed Turner isn’t as oblivious towards Leighton Ward as he may appear; he is very much aware of her. She is, and has long been, his endgame. But has he waited too long?”She’s my light, my heart. I’ve been an idiot about it for too long… But I’d burn the world to keep her safe.”Understandably, Leighton isn’t so sure when Reed bursts back into her life and actively pursues her. And it’s quite hilarious watching her continuing to date and Reed introducing himself to her dates or meeting her to take her home afterwards!I could understand Reed’s point of view that they both needed to grow up, however, I wish he hadn’t made her think he disliked her or left it so long.That being said, romantic Reed is super swoon-worthy 😍❤️ This man and some of the things he said were just so sweet.”Leighton and I were written in the stars a millennia ago. Every life, finding each other time and time again.”*Swoon* 😍🥰♥️But things were going along so well that I knew there would be some drama on the way and oh boy, was there drama!I had a feeling at one point during the happy times, and then another feeling came a little later and I’m thinking, ‘It’s not going there, is it?’ And then there it is… yes, it is; it’s really happening 🥺I was disappointed by the turn of events and I admit, began to be frustrated with Leighton as she became a bit wishy-washy in her behaviour. It was a messy, convoluted and confusing time for her, particularly with her history and her inner demons from that, and whilst I felt for her, she started to slightly annoy me. But then, hallelujah! She saw sense! And all was well in the world 🙌🤣This book is a worthy addition to a fantastic series and it lived up to all of my hopes for it and surpassed them. Alison Rhymes has created a book filled with romance, family and found family, true soul mates and friends that are there for each other, regardless of what is going on in their lives or the tangled web that ties them together.I think only Alison Rhymes could tie all these people together, people who have had difficult, twisted relationships with each other, and make them connected irrevocably. And she makes it work and leaves you with such a warm, loving feeling. That with maturity, understanding, love and forgiveness anything is possible.These books all have similar themes running through them, but they are all unique in their own way. And there are still many characters I’d love to see more from… I hope Alison Rhymes releases many more books around these fabulous characters.Bitter Play is a wonderful book, which I highly recommend. 4.5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
missmors –
This was my least favourite of the trilogy. *SPOLIER ALERT*I loved the story of Leighton and Reed but I didn’t actually like she was pregnant by her ex. I’d have preferred some angest about working out who the father was for it to end up as Reeds in the end and for Connor and Reed to spend a few chapters fighting for her (not literally) and maybe some more back story on Reed and Leighton. I feel that is what they both deserved after waiting so long to be together for Reed to be the father. I get the ethos of the story that blood does not equal love and the author was highlighting love prevails all. I just personally didn’t like that path. But, the writing as per the previous books was fantastic, Allison is a great author but I just felt a little deflated by the end of this book, whereas the others I felt I had gone on a real journey with them and felt elated with the outcome.I still gave it 4* as great smut and dirty talk 🌶🌶🌶🌶 and Reed! Wow! Swoon! The writing is enjoyable and easy to follow.
Debbie –
I dashed off the first two books in this series, l loved them. This the third didn’t hold my interest. The main characters annoyed me, and the baby ending was far too easy. Everyone just took it in their stride, no bad feelings and living happily ever after. Not for me. Just downloaded the 4th one and already it’s looking better.
Kindle Customer –
This was my least favourite heroine of the series, I’m not sure why. Read though i loved! If only all unconventional families could be like this one.
Emma Hyde –
Finally, the story of Reed and Leighton! After so many years of dancing around their attraction and love, they finally try to sort it out, but a spanner is thrown into the works. Communication was needed years ago and the fact Reed thought he knew best lost them so much time. I did like that all their friendships and family were interwined even more. I would love Connors story.