Playing by Heart

By: JB Salsbury

Narrated by: Lee Samuels, Jennifer Mack

Length: 10 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

Jesse Lee is the worst!

He’s a multi-millionaire, triple-platinum-selling, Grammy-Award-winning man-slut - a worldly, self-indulgent heathen. I wouldn’t sleep with him if he were our last chance to ensure survival of the human race. The only reason I put up with him is because he’s my boss’s brother.

Whatsherface is one of those holier-than-thou types.

She’s bossy, has a horrific singing voice, and she’s so ordinary, she practically blends in with the eggshell-colored walls - the complete opposite of anyone I’d bang. The only reason I put up with her is because my career is on the line.

Playing by Heart is an enemies-to-lovers romance where opposites not only attract, they ignite.

©2018 JB Salsbury (P)2019 Audible, Inc.

Rockstar romance

I really liked it, I got it through it all in less than a day, I wanted it to last longer. I truly enjoyed the story and the characters.

Wow such a surprise!

Started out thinking ugh please not another stereotypical bad rocker boy/ dull Church girl over explicit sex, dark romance. I was pleasantly surprised. By half way through I was loving the story. The music references were fun. The main characters banter was funny and I loved the evolution of th he characters and the message in the story. The narrators were perfect. I"m listening to it again which is rare for me.

A GOOD ENEMIES-LOVERS ROLLERCOASTER

I love this author and wish I could say that I absolutely loved this book every bit as much as her other books too.. but sadly, I can’t - and I put it down to the hero and heroine’s characters early on. We first meet arrogant obnoxious Rock God Jesse at his absolute lowest point.. brought there by too much booze, an endless supply of drugs, bad decisions and way too many nameless women. Jesse’s Manager has finally had enough and, with his career and contract in jeopardy, Jesse is sent to Smalltown Arizona to stay with Ben, his estranged Pastor brother, in a 90 day forced detox bargain. This is where he first meets and collides with Bethany - the only woman to turn him down.. but Bethany can easily turn the drool-worthy Rocker down because she’s still in love with her ex and she’s sure he’ll eventually give her another chance.. even though he’s just got engaged!!

Jesse really doesn’t care about anybody’s feelings.. and that includes his brother Ben (who is still grieving the loss of his wife who died giving birth four years previously).. and Elliot - Ben’s annoying little daughter.. and their plain as fk nanny too. The list also includes any crushed feelings Jesse’s missing drummer may have because he recently f’ked his all-too-willing fiancée. Bethany got dumped in a heartless and humiliating way and her ex soon had a stunning new girlfriend.. however Jesse doesn’t want to let go and stalks them daily. She also doesn’t swear and attends church every Sunday. So, there’s a self-centered cocky Rocker who has taken the ‘sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll’ lifestyle to a whole new level, and a good girl with inferiority issues who is irrationally still clinging on to hope.. and unfortunately for me, I didn’t initially love, or even like, either character very much.

Worth a credit? Thankfully though, JBS did manage to pull things back up to four stars in the end with antagonistic dialogue, opening old wounds, sparks, passion, tender sentiments and some good character development. These two enemies slowly learn how to trust, how to let their pasts go and how to really love each other in a lighthearted, fun, sweet and sexy dual POV ride. Great narration brought this slow-burn to life and yes, IMO, it’s another creditworthy listen from this talented author.

Playing by heart

Great storyline with lots of funny lines. Lee Samuels has the perfect voice for sexy storytelling. Love his narration!

Fun and Charming

A fun and charming enemies-to-lovers rock-star romance. It was a fantastic read filled with great banter and chemistry brought upon by some lovable characters. I’m totally in love with this book – Jesse and Bethany’s slow burning romance provided the right amount of sweetness, heat and angst to give me all the feels.

Well done

A well written rock star romance with excellent narration. I’d actually listened a while back and forgot, but as soon as I started listening again I was glad because I enjoyed it just as much the second time.

SURPRISINGLY GOOD!

I usually have low expectations when listening to a Rock Star Romance.

At the beginning of this story I couldn’t see myself liking the hero, however I was pleasantly surprised.

I went from seeing him as a disgusting walking STD, to seeing him as a very caring and loving human being.

I loved the heroine, although there were times I wanted to strangle her.

The supporting characters were varied and interesting as well. From a religious man, to a crazy roommate, to asshole EXes (in both sides), to cute kids, there was a bit of everything.

The narrators did a great job, so all in all this was a very enjoyable listen.

Story is good ... BUT...

I liked the story and it’s pretty well written. However, the representation of AA is wrong, wrong, wrong! As a recovering alcoholic of 9 + years, I feel this is a huge injustice to a program that has saved my life and the lives of hundreds of thousands who work it. If I were an active alcoholic reading this book I might believe it is an accurate description. Had this been me I would probably be dead by now. I respectfully implore you and any other authors wanting to include AA in their writing to do the research before including details about AA in your writings. There are MANY famous actors, musicians, and other entertainers who are recovered members of AA. Their stories are no less thrilling than this one.

What a great book

It’s always such a treat when JB Salisbury comes out with a new book. I have been a fan a long time. This book was awesome to and the narrators did a great job as well. I’m looking forward to the next book. That’s for another great book

Best Book I've listened to in a while.

I liked that the people were real (except for the Rock star part...😆), the dialogue was fantastic, the pacing of the relationship, the realness of consequences. And who doesn't love a romantic grand gesture? great listen!