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tuai's review
2.0
I didn't finish it, technically. I stopped paying attention at around 90%, I just couldn't bring myself to care.
This book is just a wasted opportunity. The writing isn't bad, and the tropes are kinda my shit, but the plot and the characters are so thin. I'm specially mad at Charlotte. She wasn't even a character, she's just a plot device, there to teach Christian about ethical nonmonogamy (why?!) and then peace out when she becomes inconvenient. It makes zero sense, it was so annoying.
The conflict in this book is so! dumb!
The straw that broke the camel's back, though, was the way the sex scenes were handled. I've read the author is asexual, and I can see that, for sure. There's a tendency in this book to remind the reader that sex is disgusting.
2. Logan thinking about how gross and inconvenient having Christian's cum inside him would be, the first time they do it. Jesus.
3. "There's a whole of a lot of nasty things that could be all over your hole" HOLY HELL if you're that concerned just have them take a shower together, what the FUCK.
Just. Yeah, sex is weird and nasty and smelly and sweaty, and it's okay! I promise!
I don't know, man, this booked bummed me out big time :( There's a lot of filler and a lot things left hanging for the sequel, and I have no interest whatsoever in reading it, so it felt super unfulfilling. Meh. Meh/10
This book is just a wasted opportunity. The writing isn't bad, and the tropes are kinda my shit, but the plot and the characters are so thin. I'm specially mad at Charlotte. She wasn't even a character, she's just a plot device, there to teach Christian about ethical nonmonogamy (why?!) and then peace out when she becomes inconvenient. It makes zero sense, it was so annoying.
Spoiler
And, like, if she's such a firm believer in fucking several people at the same time, why can't Christian explore his thing with Logan while he's also with her? Anyway. I don't care.The conflict in this book is so! dumb!
Spoiler
Christian freaks out and ghosts Logan for weeks on end, all whilst living in the same room as him, and Logan lets him. Then, once that's resolved, he freaks out again and asks Logan to leave him alone while he figures shit out, instead of having a simple conversation. It's so forced, it's painful.The straw that broke the camel's back, though, was the way the sex scenes were handled. I've read the author is asexual, and I can see that, for sure. There's a tendency in this book to remind the reader that sex is disgusting.
Spoiler
1. Logan gags because Christian's precum is so bitter.2. Logan thinking about how gross and inconvenient having Christian's cum inside him would be, the first time they do it. Jesus.
3. "There's a whole of a lot of nasty things that could be all over your hole" HOLY HELL if you're that concerned just have them take a shower together, what the FUCK.
Just. Yeah, sex is weird and nasty and smelly and sweaty, and it's okay! I promise!
I don't know, man, this booked bummed me out big time :( There's a lot of filler and a lot things left hanging for the sequel, and I have no interest whatsoever in reading it, so it felt super unfulfilling. Meh. Meh/10
pam_h's review
4.0
First: This book is CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR FREE at NineStar Press. (No longer free, but still on sale) I had never heard of it or the author, but the reviews were positive and That Cover, yes please :) And I am now obsessed. Freebie for the win!!!! I have already purchased and devoured the sequel (also on sale, though not free) and eagerly anticipate the third book. I highly recommend it if you can handle:
>An explicit-ish m/f sex scene
>Girlfriends that stick around for longer than expected
>"Ethical non-monogamy" (AKA no cheating, even though there are multiple sexual partners)
I have recently discovered a love of romances with ethical non-monogamy (although I didn't know the all-encompassing term for it; thank you, book -- and Charlotte the most kick-ass GF you will ever read about in an m/m romance!) but I had no idea that's what I was getting coming into this story.
Ironically, I picked it up because I was in need of my comfort trope, which for me means the reliable formula of College Boys + Bisexual Discovery/Exploration = Unexpected True Love Forever. But there is nothing formulaic about this. If you need the tried and true traditional romance formula, this is not for you. At one point, I genuinely had NO IDEA where this story was going, and I'm so glad I went into it with zero expectations.
The writing's pretty raw, but so are the MCs. They are so specific and real, and I think it was a great idea to make this a trilogy. Both MCs are hiding a lot of insecurity under false bravado due to their strange hometown situation -- they were the only two black kids in their small, rural Georgia town and were both raised by white parents -- but being literal teenagers, they aren't really self-aware of how much this has affected their behavioral patterns.
They don't have the best communication skills, but I think it's a fantastically realistic representation of what that environment would breed. And that just doesn't get fixed in one semester, no matter how liberal and welcoming your new environment.
I also appreciated the accuracy of their long-term friendship not being able to turn on a dime just because they discovered a sexual attraction. There are lifelong patterns at work there that don't disappear overnight. The unhealthy communication patterns don't really get addressed until the sequel, but don't worry, it's coming :)
There's also a secondary trans character who gets a much bigger role in Book 2. There's just great representation all over the place with this series.
You may want to read the spoiler-y blurb for Book 2 if the "ethical non-monogamy" has you worried. But if it doesn't, I highly recommend just going along for the ride. And also ignoring this:
>An explicit-ish m/f sex scene
>Girlfriends that stick around for longer than expected
>"Ethical non-monogamy" (AKA no cheating, even though there are multiple sexual partners)
I have recently discovered a love of romances with ethical non-monogamy (although I didn't know the all-encompassing term for it; thank you, book -- and Charlotte the most kick-ass GF you will ever read about in an m/m romance!) but I had no idea that's what I was getting coming into this story.
Ironically, I picked it up because I was in need of my comfort trope, which for me means the reliable formula of College Boys + Bisexual Discovery/Exploration = Unexpected True Love Forever. But there is nothing formulaic about this. If you need the tried and true traditional romance formula, this is not for you. At one point, I genuinely had NO IDEA where this story was going, and I'm so glad I went into it with zero expectations.
The writing's pretty raw, but so are the MCs. They are so specific and real, and I think it was a great idea to make this a trilogy. Both MCs are hiding a lot of insecurity under false bravado due to their strange hometown situation -- they were the only two black kids in their small, rural Georgia town and were both raised by white parents -- but being literal teenagers, they aren't really self-aware of how much this has affected their behavioral patterns.
They don't have the best communication skills, but I think it's a fantastically realistic representation of what that environment would breed. And that just doesn't get fixed in one semester, no matter how liberal and welcoming your new environment.
I also appreciated the accuracy of their long-term friendship not being able to turn on a dime just because they discovered a sexual attraction. There are lifelong patterns at work there that don't disappear overnight. The unhealthy communication patterns don't really get addressed until the sequel, but don't worry, it's coming :)
There's also a secondary trans character who gets a much bigger role in Book 2. There's just great representation all over the place with this series.
You may want to read the spoiler-y blurb for Book 2 if the "ethical non-monogamy" has you worried. But if it doesn't, I highly recommend just going along for the ride. And also ignoring this:
Spoiler
They are headed into full-on polyamory by the end of Book 2, but it is just as romantic as it is steamy, and there's never any doubt that these two are full-on Soulmates 4EVA :)izzy07's review against another edition
4.0
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Playing Around by Suzanne Clay is a well-written story about romance with a very believable relationship. This book does a great job at encapsulating the essence of the kind of lifestyle of which its characters embrace; this, the book very tastefully does. The story keeps you immersed in the world since characters, thoughts, actions, and conversations match their age and environment very well. Intimate scenes are written quite well and they fall into the story very naturally. There is a theme of friends to lovers present in this read and it suits the novel like a glove that fits just right. As someone who has not learned, nor given a lot of thought to ethical non-monogamy or polyamory, this book gives a perfect window into this world; the book gives me a sense of being in the characters’ lives. The only negative thing I could say about this book could maybe be that, at times, characters seem to have a lack of communication (however, it makes sense for their age, so it’s really not a big deal).
Playing Around by Suzanne Clay is a well-written story about romance with a very believable relationship. This book does a great job at encapsulating the essence of the kind of lifestyle of which its characters embrace; this, the book very tastefully does. The story keeps you immersed in the world since characters, thoughts, actions, and conversations match their age and environment very well. Intimate scenes are written quite well and they fall into the story very naturally. There is a theme of friends to lovers present in this read and it suits the novel like a glove that fits just right. As someone who has not learned, nor given a lot of thought to ethical non-monogamy or polyamory, this book gives a perfect window into this world; the book gives me a sense of being in the characters’ lives. The only negative thing I could say about this book could maybe be that, at times, characters seem to have a lack of communication (however, it makes sense for their age, so it’s really not a big deal).
kelbee's review against another edition
4.0
I’m waffling on my rating for this one. I did enjoy it, but was routinely frustrated.
What I liked:
- Logan, he was so loveable and honestly just needed a hug
- Sexual discovery, it’s one of my favorite tropes
- The chemistry was on point when showcased
- Friend to lovers
- The steam, super hot
- Trans/Poly/POC visibility. Definitely don’t see enough of that.
What I didn’t love as much:
- Christian’s hot and cold routine. I legit HATE when a MC just ghosts someone
- Lack of communication; they never say what they’re thinking unless confronted and forced
- The girlfriend storylines (especially Charlotte) drug on for way too long
- Lots of mentioned or on page M/F sex. Just a warning
Despite some grievances; I’d say I’m coming away with positive feelings so I think I’m going to round up. I did like them together, and I definitely wanted their happy ending. I do wish we could see more of them as they deal with their families, and try to build a life together.
“The tears fell freely, and for once, he didn’t care about looking weak. He had his strength right there in his arms, and that was all that mattered.”
*ARC kindly provided by NetGalley and NineStar Press in exchange for a honest review*
What I liked:
- Logan, he was so loveable and honestly just needed a hug
- Sexual discovery, it’s one of my favorite tropes
- The chemistry was on point when showcased
- Friend to lovers
- The steam, super hot
- Trans/Poly/POC visibility. Definitely don’t see enough of that.
What I didn’t love as much:
- Christian’s hot and cold routine. I legit HATE when a MC just ghosts someone
- Lack of communication; they never say what they’re thinking unless confronted and forced
- The girlfriend storylines (especially Charlotte) drug on for way too long
- Lots of mentioned or on page M/F sex. Just a warning
Despite some grievances; I’d say I’m coming away with positive feelings so I think I’m going to round up. I did like them together, and I definitely wanted their happy ending. I do wish we could see more of them as they deal with their families, and try to build a life together.
“The tears fell freely, and for once, he didn’t care about looking weak. He had his strength right there in his arms, and that was all that mattered.”
*ARC kindly provided by NetGalley and NineStar Press in exchange for a honest review*
adeniverville's review against another edition
4.0
Oof this gave me some feels. I read the whole thing in a day, which I haven't done in months. The characters were just so real, and while they sometimes drove me up the wall with their antics, I also understood why they were behaving that way. Also really loved the commentary on gay/bi rep in the media throughout the story, and the exploration or ethical non-monogamy. Just overall a solid read with some intense sex scenes, but also some intense feelings.
So when's book 2 out???
So when's book 2 out???
coldbrewedpages's review
4.0
This review has been a long time coming, but a good place to start since I've (somewhat) recently finished the second in this series.
I really loved this book, and it easily sits on the shelf of books-I-wish-existed-when-I-was-in-college, because a lot of the intricacies of Christian and Logan's relationship and how they're figuring themselves out through this book, just really resonated with me as someone who spent a good segment of college realizing and accepting that I was queer and navigating the idea of polyamory as a viable relationship dynamic, sprinkled in with trying to figure out if the expectations for my education where what I actually wanted to do with my life. This book is such a huge, warm hug of validation, even when it's dealing with its more serious topics, like homophobia and biphobia, racism, and classism.
There's such a perfected mix of humor, social commentary, friends-to-f*ck buddies-to-boyfriends, and interpersonal drama that actually makes sense and feels real without being boring. Suzanne Clay is very good at creating tension that doesn't feel contrived and understands how people work on an emotional level, which ends up making for interesting dynamics between all her characters, not just with Logan and Christian, but them with their roommates, girlfriends, and families. Logan and Christian have such a fun, layered relationship even before they begin exploring 'more' with each other, and it only seems to strengthen as they come into their relationship.
I think my favorite thing about Playing Around was the balance between giving information, whether that was on polyamory, being queer (not just in terms of being bisexual, but also in the introduction of Noah, Logan and Christian's transgender roommate) and the experiences Logan and Christian had growing up as two black boys in the South, and being an organic read that didn't feel like it was trying to explain to outsiders how life is for the insiders. Playing Around feels like it was written for the people that it's about.
You'll like this book if you're into:
-Dumb best friends who don't realize they're actually romantically into each other.
-Narratives that explore learning about and getting into the first forays of polyamorous relationships.
-Diverse queer characters in abundance.
-Witty banter everywhere. (Christian is hilarious.)
I really loved this book, and it easily sits on the shelf of books-I-wish-existed-when-I-was-in-college, because a lot of the intricacies of Christian and Logan's relationship and how they're figuring themselves out through this book, just really resonated with me as someone who spent a good segment of college realizing and accepting that I was queer and navigating the idea of polyamory as a viable relationship dynamic, sprinkled in with trying to figure out if the expectations for my education where what I actually wanted to do with my life. This book is such a huge, warm hug of validation, even when it's dealing with its more serious topics, like homophobia and biphobia, racism, and classism.
There's such a perfected mix of humor, social commentary, friends-to-f*ck buddies-to-boyfriends, and interpersonal drama that actually makes sense and feels real without being boring. Suzanne Clay is very good at creating tension that doesn't feel contrived and understands how people work on an emotional level, which ends up making for interesting dynamics between all her characters, not just with Logan and Christian, but them with their roommates, girlfriends, and families. Logan and Christian have such a fun, layered relationship even before they begin exploring 'more' with each other, and it only seems to strengthen as they come into their relationship.
I think my favorite thing about Playing Around was the balance between giving information, whether that was on polyamory, being queer (not just in terms of being bisexual, but also in the introduction of Noah, Logan and Christian's transgender roommate) and the experiences Logan and Christian had growing up as two black boys in the South, and being an organic read that didn't feel like it was trying to explain to outsiders how life is for the insiders. Playing Around feels like it was written for the people that it's about.
You'll like this book if you're into:
-Dumb best friends who don't realize they're actually romantically into each other.
-Narratives that explore learning about and getting into the first forays of polyamorous relationships.
-Diverse queer characters in abundance.
-Witty banter everywhere. (Christian is hilarious.)
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