Book Review: Tempting the Player by J. Lynn

Title: Tempting the Player
Series: Gamble Brothers, Book 2
Author: J. Lynn
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Sensuality Rating: Steamy
Source: review copy from publicist
Published: October 2012 by Entangled Publishing

Chad Gamble, all-star pitcher for the Nationals, is one of the best players on—and off—the field. And right now, the notorious bad boy wants Bridget Rodgers. But with her lush curves and snappy comebacks, the feisty redhead is the kind of woman a man wants to settle down with…and that’s the last thing Chad needs.

When the paparazzi catch them in a compromising position, Chad’s manager issues an ultimatum: clean up his act or kiss his multi-million dollar contract goodbye. To save his career, his meddling publicist says he'll have to convince everyone Bridget isn’t just his flavor of the week, but his girlfriend.

Being blackmailed into a fake relationship with Chad Gamble isn’t easy, especially when the sizzling physical attraction between them is undeniable. With a month to go on their arranged pretense, it's going to take every ounce of willpower they have not to fall into bed together...or in love.

Why I Read this Book: I’ve been wanting to read some sports romance. There’s just something about an athlete that says ‘sexy’. Plus there’s the celebrity aspect of Tempting the Player, and the celebrity falling in love with a commoner. I read the first book in this series, Tempting the Best Man (my review), and although that book didn’t leave a lasting impression, I was still interested in Chad’s character and had to read his book.

What I Liked: The premise reeled me in and J. Lynn delivered. I love this trope, where the hero and heroine have to pretend to be involved in a relationship then fall in love. A relationship done ‘out of order’, if you will. It makes for great tension and intense passion and Tempting the Player delivered just that. There’s plenty of lascivious banter that goes on between Chad and Bridget and it made for an enjoyable read.

Bridget was a very likable character. She’s an honorable person who won’t compromise her integrity. She could’ve taken an easy way out but didn’t. Her initial decision regarding Alana’s ‘offer’ spoke volumes about her character and was very commendable.

The ending gave me a case of the warm and fuzzies. The way the conflict was resolved was not only reasonably done but it was sweet as well.

What I Didn’t Like: What Alana (Chad’s publicist) did, and the position she put Bridget in, was tough to swallow. It didn’t make me like Alana in the least. But the noted attraction between Alana and Chad’s brother Chandler has me curious. I’m not sure if the next book in this series, Tempting the Bodyguard, will include Alana as Chandler’s HEA but I’ll definitely read it to find out.

Memorable Moment:

“I can’t believe I’m giving you my A-game here and you’re calling foul ball. I’m wounded,” he said, placing a hand over his heart in mock pain.

“I like to be dominant, Bridget. That shouldn’t come as a shock, given where we met.”

“What can I say? Pussies love me.”

Overall Impression: While the first book in this series didn’t work for me, Tempting the Player sure did. That said, these books can be read as stand alones. I’m ready for the next book in the Gamble Brothers series. I have a feeling Chandler is going to end up with ‘the babysitter’ (Alana) and I’m curious to see how that’s going to work out.

Brianna’s Rating: