Playing Dirty

Leighton U, Book 4

By: CE Ricci

Narrated by: Brandon Francis, Christian Fox

Our rivalry formed long before we became siblings.

Madden Hastings has been my nemesis since the day we met.

A divide was born from the age-old rivalry between our universities,

but this year, another layer developed. It became personal.

Because the captain of Blackmore’s baseball team?

He’s also my new step brother.

My disdain for the sudden blending of our families leads to more conflict,

and despite their efforts to force us together, coexisting proves impossible.

But something else starts burning beneath my bitterness and resentment;

an attraction as unexpected as it is potent.

And when the chemistry becomes too powerful to deny,

our already complicated relationship gets even messier.

Because a forbidden fling is one thing, but falling for the enemy?

It forces me into a choice I never wanted to make.

One between loyalty to my team, or the love of my life.

*Playing Dirty is the fourth in a five book standalone college sports romance series featuring two rivalry-fueled step brothers, a cut-throat game of capture the flag, and sexual tension that oozes from the story. Not suitable for anyone under 18 years of age.*

©2025 Deserted Press LLC (P)2026 Deserted Press LLC

So, so, so, SO very good!!

Christian Fox (Theo) and Brandon Francis (Madden) absolutely knocked this out of the park. Christian has long been a favorite narrator of mine, and Brandon is quickly becoming one, I’ve loved everything I’ve heard from him so far.

They took an already great book and elevated it. Christian brings so much emotion to Theo, you feel his anger, confusion, and fear so much. Brandon perfectly captures Madden’s personality, which is sweet and thoughtful on one side, and downright filthy on the other.

Lately I’ve been writing down my reactions to look back on when writing reviews, and this audiobook gave me a lot of feelings, and a lot of notes. Here are my four biggest reactions…

🔸️ 36% - 🥵 hot. Brandon Francis. 🥵 This whole chapter had me giggling like an idiot and needing a fan to cool off.
🔸️46% - Excuse you, Christian Fox. How dare you say these words like that 🤭“I love watching you like this. Seeing how turned on you get when I’m barely touching you.” *faints*
🔸️ 77% - 🏟😯😲🥵🫠💀⚰️ I had to take a quick water break after this chapter.
🔸️ 87% - There I was, just listening along, wanting to shake some sense into Theo and the next second I'm crying my eyes out because CE Ricci hurt my feelings, is a really good writer and Brandon Francis is a really good narrator!

And getting to see Oakley and Quinton!? Ahh!! I love seeing them in the wild! I also I love seeing how everyone's story from the previous books are connected and where they fit into the timeline.

So all that to say 10/10 absolutely recommend, I will be listening again!!

Loved this story

The only reason why I rated 3 stars for performance is that I I’m clearly in the minority that does no

Hadestown 🫶🏼

CE Ricci 🫶🏼

A just love all of her books. Some couples are less than others but still great time with each book 👏🏼

These boys were so sweet, so cute and caring.

“Capture the flag” was a bit silly to be lied about but what do I know about college boys 🤔

Recommend the book and the whole series!

Playing Dirty

Playing Dirty is the 4th book in the Leighton U series. This book is about Theo and Madden and is told from both of their points of view.

Madden and Theo have been rivals on the baseball field for years. However, now they are stepbrothers. Madden tries to be there for Theo, but Theo does not take this new relationship between their parents well.

Both Madden and Theo have feelings for each other, but both fight it. However, the more they are together real feelings start to develop between the two. I really enjoyed this book and seeing how they both grew. Both characters had their own personal battles they were dealing with?

Will they get their happy ending in the end? Or will factors keep them apart? I loved this book, as well as the series as a whole! I can't wait for the next book in the series!

Killer Narration, Amazing series

As a *mostly* audiobook reader, I’m usually late to the game when it comes to reading the popular, new books. Audiobooks like this one are what make it worth the wait. Experiencing this book with an immersive read was perfection!

CE Ricci always chooses top tier narrators, and Playing Dirty is just one more example of this. Christian Fox & Brandon Francis are an absolute 🔥🔥 choice. There were scenes I listened to more than once because, holy hell, they were hot.

I’ve been listening to this series since Iced Out came to audio and I’ve loved all of them. Before Theo & Madden’s book (Playing Dirty,) Holden & Phoenix (Caught Stealing) were my favorite characters. Now though? Idk man, we might have a tie on our hands. I don’t think I can pick between the two couples.

Anyway, my rating is 5 ⭐️. The writing, the characters, the drama, the secrecy, the rivalry, the heat, the narration - I loved it all. Highly recommend this audiobook along with every other book in the series.