BOOK REVIEW- PLAYING DIRTY by Alix Nichols

What happens when the one you hate is the one you love?

In his pimply teens, Julien was led on, played and publicly humiliated by Noemi.

But time has been kind to him.

Now a heartthrob and formidable water polo defender, Julien has no trouble with the ladies.

That means, he can finally get back at Noemi.

Only… he hadn’t expected her to have grown from a shallow girl to a caring woman. 

A woman with feelings.

Nor had he anticipated the bitter aftertaste of his revenge, or how empty his bed—and his life—would be without her.

Might she still have his heart?

While Julien ponders the question, Noemi sets out on her own quest for payback…AMAZON 4 STARS


This book was a bit darker and deeper at times than I thought it was going to be at first glance.  I was concerned in the beginning that the book would have too much of the high school flavor to it but I was wrong.  Oh yes, we will be delving back into the past history during the teen years between the two of them.  It was a whole lot more dangerous to Julien than Noemi knew but there is also a few things that he didn't know either.  

I'm glad that although the Water Polo Team competition is definitely a part of story, it was written in an easy to follow way and not super detailed.  I did get the feeling that the author wanted me to get though, about how ruthless the "play" could be.  


This was an emotional story with the driving questions of can people change?  Is still still playing games and still really mean?   Can he ever fully forgive her?  Yes, trust is a MAJOR issue and it should be when you read about their history.  

This is a book that is easy to follow as a stand alone book.  Yes, the other books would be nice to read first but it's not necessary to be able to understand this one.  This book is also definitely an adult story.  Just know that there will be sex even during the time of some of the revenge being planned. 



"I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book.”