Playing Deep
Miami Piranhas, Book 5
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Playing Deep
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Narrated by:
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Darcy Stark
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By:
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Beth Bolden
About this listen
Kenyon Ellis knows getting involved with Julian Anderson is an enormous mistake—but from the very first night, he finds him annoying, intriguing and ultimately, irresistible.
One, Kenyon is a player, and Julian is a reporter, so hooking up with him, no matter how spectacular the nights are, is a terrible idea.
Two, he’s falling for him, even if Julian continues to be prickly and impossible. But every time Julian’s walls shift, Kenyon sees the real man behind the attitude, and he only wants more.
Three, between the Piranhas and the charity work he’s committed to, Kenyon really doesn’t have the time for a relationship—but a relationship with Julian turns out to be exactly what he wants.
Maybe even exactly what he needs.
But when Julian starts calling out his performance on the field, the last thing Kenyon expects is to feel betrayed. But is it betrayal? Or does Julian simply see something in Kenyon he’s lost along the way?
The answer leads him not only to love, but to the biggest crossroads of his life.
The fifth and final Miami Piranhas book.
©2023 Beth Bolden (P)2024 Beth BoldenListeners also enjoyed...
What listeners say about Playing Deep
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amelia
- 29-01-24
An incredible love connection & series conclusion
I knew Beth Bolden was going to make me cry at the end of this series, but oh my god I was not expecting to fall so fast and hard for Kenyon and Julian. Their romance was so uniquely wonderful and relatable that it has instantly risen to the top of my favorites list, and I can't say enough good things about how amazing the storytelling was here!
Beth Bolden's slow burn romances were what originally hooked me on her writing style, but with Kenyon and Julian she sold me on an entirely different, hot and physical beginning. Julian and Kenyon jumped at the chance to get their hands on each other, no strings attached, and I surprised myself by being just as hooked on their connection as I usually am by a slower growing romance. Julian was the prickliest about anything involving feelings, so I knew he would resist Kenyon for as long as possible, and it was so entertaining to see them dance around each other during those first months. Little by little, Julian's rules about staying unattached began to crumble, and as Kenyon proved he couldn't be deflected easily, their romance slowly began to take shape.
For me, the big turning point was when Kenyon and Julian went on their first date. Maybe it's because Julian resisted so hard for so long, but seeing them actually admit they had feelings for each other and agree to give dating a chance felt like such a victory. Everything after that just clicked into place for me, from the love connection to the engaging football season storyline and changing career paths for both men. I love, love, love the way Beth Bolden brough everyone from the team together to finish their season on an inspirational high. The Piranhas have been building bonds all season long, and now they feel like such a tight-knit community with an epic future in store for them. I'm sad to say goodbye, but it also feels so good to know that (almost) everyone has gotten through the toughest part of their romantic journies and can happily tackle their next adventure together!
**I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Meph666
- 30-01-24
perfect end to brilliant series
Oh, it's the saddest day when a much loved series comes to an end but what a way to end! Kenyon's story was hinted at in the previous book and now we get the origins of when he and Julian get together (earlier than I was expecting) and how things unfold for the two men.
Two men who were never supposed to be together have crazy chemistry that means they can't stop being together and it's also supposed to be just physical. No emotions, no strings but, of course, that is not the way it plays out and with the best results. Julian is so reticent about sharing anything of himself with anyone with how his childhood and teens played out but Kenyon is just such a nice guy, doing so much to help others that he can't help but sneak under those walls, though it is excessively slow progress. These two are dynamite together and perfect match, in and out of the bedroom and reading/listening to them develop into something more is so endearingly sweet and equally hot.
And then, there's all the football! The Piranhas team are awesome and my favourite (because we all have one, he's called Coach) gives at least another couple of speeches and shows just how much he cares equally for his players as he does winning games. This book actually plays out over the whole of the season and so there are some time jumps that move the story along at a good pace. We get a lot of interaction from everyone we've met in this series that shows just how far they've all come individually, as couples and as a team.
I cannot recommend this book, and the series as a whole, enough. I've loved it from start to finish and am excited for what's next from Beth Bolden.
Darcy has truly excelled when it comes to the narration of this series and bring such wonderful characters to life. I have really felt all of the emotions, tension and stakes throughout and loved how he hasade me dall in love with the men all over again. Fantastic and I can't wait to hear more from him.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- choccygrl
- 01-02-24
A fitting end to the series
This is the last book in the Piranhas series and its a fitting end to the series. I hadn't really noticed Kenyon in the previous books, at least not until he got caught by coach sneaking around after curfew in Asa and Scott's book.
Overall I enjoyed this story, especially the ensemble parts with the team. The constant insistance that it was 'just sex' went on a little too long in my mind, especially with Julian repeatedly denying his feelings.
* sports
* American Football
* interracial
* player x journalist
* found family
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Edga
- 21-01-24
poignant and Emotional
Another success from Darcy Starks. Playing Deep, with Julian and Kenyon is just a wonderful way to end the Piranhas series. All the guys make an appearance, I adored the camaraderie and it's great to see how they've grown as a team, throughout each of their stories.
I loved Kenyon's character, he's never been in love, he has his own problems, but he is so patient and understanding with Julian, that you can't help fall a little in love with him. That's not to say he's all mushy because wow! The man may be sweet, but he knows when the bring out the heat and his possessive side. His character's the perfect amount of sugar and spice, and I absolutely adored that he fell first. He's perfect for Julian, I enjoyed how their relationship developed.
Beth Holden’s books always have a really good back story! She is so skilled at developing her characters and their worlds, that their emotions hit you hard. Darcy brought the characters perfectly to life.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Vania
- 25-01-24
I loved Kenyon and Julian's story.
I wish we didn’t have to say goodbye to the Piranhas, but what a way to go!
Kenyon and Julian’s story is a continuous back and forth, with Julian trying his hardest to keep Kenyon at arm’s length, keep their secret relationship just on the physical level, and keep all his secrets to himself to avoid showing any vulnerability (yes, he’s such a keeper!). Luckily for him, and for them both, really, Kenyon is as steadfast as they come, and he slowly but surely chips away at Julian’s walls, until they crumble in a pile of, still prickly, goo.
Kenyon is the perfect man for Julian: patient, dependable and with a good dose of insight that allows him not to be swayed by Julian’s attempts at evasiveness.
Again, I am sorry this is the last Miami Piranhas book, but I am sure Ms. Bolden has many more stories in store for us!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- ButtonsMom2003
- 21-01-24
I'm sorry to see this series end.
I have loved all of the audiobooks in this series and I'm sorry that it is ending but the epilogue gives us a great teaser for Beth Bolden's next series, the Charleston Condors (available now in KU). I want to read these books but I'm also desperately hoping that they will eventually be available as audiobooks.
Julian and Kenyon met as a quick hookup that turned into so much more. If only a relationship between them wasn't against the rules…Julian is a sports reporter covering Kenyon's team, the Miami Pirhanas. Of course, love doesn't always follow the rules and Julian and Kenyon can't stay away from each other. What started out as hot sexy time soon turned into so much more.
Once again, Darcy Stark did an amazing job performing this story. I'm in love with his voice for coach Asa but I also think he did an amazing job with all of the character voices in this series. I was so happy that this book gave him a chance to revisit those voices for our listening pleasure.
A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- AL
- 24-01-24
Right in the feels
Story: now, this one packed a punch! I adored both MCs and their clueless way into love. A perfect rendition of hookup to HEA with all the football goodness you could handle. Plus all the team cuties and Coach (le sigh)!!! There is absolutely nothing missing in this story.
Narration: First time ever for me where I had to speed the audio up a little bit, but other than that, a very good performance! All the emotions were acted out spot on.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Erryn Barratt
- 29-01-24
Two different worlds
I’ll admit I wasn’t enamored with the last Beth Bolden I listened to, a number of years ago, but I’m always up for giving an author another shot. I’m so glad I did. I fell in love with Kenyon and Julian. Two unique men growing up in different circumstances. Kenyon with his loving family who’ve always supported him. Julian having none of that. Both men were dedicated to making their way in the world and, for both, that drive to succeed centers around football.
Kenyon’s a player. A football player. And he’s also gay and has dabbled with one-night stands. He’s not out, so no way is he going to do something that might jeopardize his career or the charity that means everything to him.
Julian’s a reporter. Reporting on Kenyon’s team. So a massive conflict of interest. Still, from the fist moment they meet, there’s something going on between the two of them. Neither man can deny it, but both try. Eventually, though, the pressure of the secrecy weighs on them.
Eventually things come to a head, and I have to say the dénouement was satisfying and I liked how things ended. Resolved. Worked.
As the story unfolds, it intersects with previous books, which I admit I haven’t read. No worry. Although the backstory would have been nice, and I plan to go back to the other books, I was never lost. Julian and Kenyon were the focus of the story – as they should be – and this was just a great listen.
I always enjoy Darcy Stark’s narration and he did a fantastic job with this book as well. Well worth a listen.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anne M
- 31-01-24
Arc audio review
Story = 5 stars
Narration = 4.5 stars
M/M
Sports romance
Secret relationship
Player/reporter
This was the end of this series and it was a great end. This book can be read as a standalone but u will want to read the previous books to get to know Kenyons character, the great world building and side characters.
The nararrator did a great job and brought the story to life. He had a pleasant reading voice. He expressed all the emotions wonderfully. He gave all the characters distinct voices that made it easy to follow the story. While I appreciated the narrators attempt to give the side characters their own distinct voice as well and not just the 2 MCs, Julians female bosses voice was hard to bear and she was in this quite a bit. That's the only thing I didnt like. Other than that it was a pleasure to listen to.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Lesetiger
- 05-02-24
Saved the Best for Last!
Beth Bolden has created a great series with the Piranhas series that has gotten better with each installment and in my opinion, the last book was the best.
I haven't seen much of Kenyon, who is the subject of this book, in the previous volumes. No wonder, because in addition to playing football, he is involved in a charitable organization.
Kenyon meets Julian in a bar and things get heated. But Kenyon doesn't know that Julian is a sports reporter and Julian doesn't recognize Kenyon. This comes as a shock the next day, but the two can't keep their hands off each other.
They are well aware of the risk they are taking. And the more they meet, the more it feels like a relationship, but the two are very good at fooling both themselves and each other.
Julian and Kenyon couldn't be more different. Their childhoods were very opposite and now they are on opposite sides, but they share a love of football.
Once you get to know Julian better, you understand him, but it takes a while and it was very frustrating.
I really liked Kenyon, he's likeable and the chemistry between them is palpable. But sometimes I would have liked to shake them both because they didn't see what was right in front of them.
The story was told in an entertaining way, it got emotional at times and I sometimes wanted to give Julian a hug. The ending was wonderful, I loved it. But I regret that this series has now come to an end. I was very happy to see beloved characters from the previous volumes here again.
As always, Darcy Stark did a fantastic job reading the audiobook. I loved the voices he chose for the male protagonists. I didn't quite like the choice of voice for Julian's boss, but that wasn't too bad as his performance was very entertaining and a pleasure to listen to.
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