Review: Playing The Game by M.Q. Barber

17 September of 2016 by Deb Markanton

Reviewer's Rating: 5

5.0Overall score

I Never Wanted This Book To End!

Playing The Game By M.Q. Barber

Genre: Contemporary Erotic M/M/F Romance

Released: July 1, 2013

Publisher: Penguin Random House Publisher Services

Series: Neighborly Affection, Book #1

Synopsis

Neighborly Affection, #1
She expects dinner with neighbors, but gets sex with a side of safewords.
Mechanical engineer Alice still drools over her sexy neighbors a year after she’s moved in. She can’t decide whether they’re roommates or partners, but either way, they spark a wanton desire in her that has her imagination–and vibrator–working overtime.
Henry, director of everything around him, studies human nature and applies philosophies to his paintings as well as his relationships. Quirky, polite to a fault, and formal, he follows his own code of honor even when it means denying himself.
Flirtatious and playful, Jay needs stability, guidance, and to please others. His antics counterbalance Henry’s stuffy ways while he brings a level of vulnerability and fun to everything the trio does.
BDSM play with the enigmatic artist and flirtatious joker across the hall allows Alice to put aside the linear thought processes which have kept her unsatisfied and distant with other lovers. She must dismiss her preconception of love, sacrificing her independence, if she’s to find a permanent place in their beds and hearts.
CONTENT WARNING: Explicit sex, graphic language, BDSM, bondage, spanking, M/M/F menage.

Review

Reviewed by Deb

I Never Wanted This Book To End!

Playing the Game (Neighborly Affection Book 1) is definitely not for everyone. That said, I loved each and every beautifully written word of this book. It is not action-packed, nor is it one sex scene after another. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for action and sex, sex, sex in the books I read. However, I also adore stories that explore the psychology of what makes people tick. More precisely, people and relationships in the complex and often misunderstood world of BDSM. Let me just say, M.Q. Barber blew me away with this compelling story about Henry, Alice, and Jay. Characters whose past experiences bleed into, and color every nook and cranny of their lives.

Alice has never been in love. As far as she is concerned, romantic love doesn’t exist. That kind of reckless behavior not only opens the door for all kinds of hurt, it scares the bejeezus out of her. According to Alice, life is a series of challenges for which one must find the most logical solution. However, all of her beliefs about love and relationships are blown apart when she moves across the hall from Henry and Jay. I love Alice’s inner monologues; her fear of misconstruing Henry’s and Jay’s intentions, her desire for more as she surrenders to her sexuality, and her confusion about all these feelings!

Henry and Jay are not always what they seem. Henry, whose formal language and manner hark back to a bygone era, is the accomplished artist and experienced Dom. Once I got to know Henry, I couldn’t picture him any other way. His character is like no other I have come across, and for that, I applaud Ms. Barber.
Jay is adorable, silly, fun, and sexy. Childlike in his innocence and, at times, his behavior, his love and respect for Henry is unquestionable. Jay may appear to be carefree and untroubled, but as Alice comes to know both men, it is clear their relationship is much more than Dom/sub or mere lovers.

Playing the Game is well-written, elegant, and absolutely beautiful. It is also so sensual it will make your head spin. Ms. Barber’s writing made me feel as if I were Alice, immersed in the world of Henry and Jay. Wanting everything they offer yet afraid it will all suddenly vanish. Henry, Alice, and Jay are memorable characters who each teach us invaluable lessons about life and love. I never want their story to end.