Playing with You

Riding Tall #5

by Cheyenne McCray

Ricki Sparks knows she can make a mean red velvet cake but can’t believe she’s let herself be talked into a blind date. When she opens the door to see the man she’s been secretly sweet on since the first day he walked into her bakery, she fears her heart will be demolished.With a past like his, private investigator Garrett McBride doesn’t feel he’s worthy of a good woman’s love. Especially not Ricki, the sweet, beautiful baker. But it isn’t long before he admits to himself that he wants her for his own. He never suspects that the greatest danger to her may come not from himself, but from the deceitful woman Ricki has befriended.Love may not be the only thing Ricki falls into along the way as she finds herself in a world of deceit and betrayal that may cost her life. Garrett must find her, before it’s too late.

Genres: Romance, Westerns, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Audiobook, Romantic Suspense, Amazon

244 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 11, 2013

About the author

Cheyenne McCray fell in love with reading and writing early, deciding in kindergarten that one day she would become an author. Today, she is an award-winning New York Times and USA Today bestselling fiction author who’s sold millions of books worldwide. Having published more than 100 novels and novellas in contemporary and paranormal romance, urban fantasy and romantic suspense, she is now also writing cozy mysteries as Deb Ries.

Chey grew up on a ranch in southeastern Arizona and delights in creating stories of suspense, love, and redemption with characters and worlds her readers can get lost in. Chey and her equally geeky husband live with their two dogs, six ducks (the neighborhood celebrities), and a small flock of chickens in a small Arizona town where she enjoys gardening, crazy quilting and, of course, writing.

Find out more about Chey, how to contact her, and her books at https://cheyennemccray.com.

Reviews

[SB*needs low angst books* · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok, this was one I thought I would love because it seemed to fit my type of read. Sweet heroine, damsel in distress, alpha male, and a heroine who enjoyed cooking. Unfortunately, it was one that just failed for me.

I never connected with or could really like the heroine. I felt I didn't really get to know the hero to really like him. The villain was a good twist but I felt I got so much from them that I wish was spent on the couple.

I had a problem with the heroine in that she kept putting off or ignoring warning signs. It was like she was trying so hard to be someone's friend even when she felt uncomfortable and she didn't like who your boyfriend was and how she talked so bad about men. And her touching her so much would have been something to stop too and not brush off when it didn't feel right.

I also got pissed when she seemed to want to break up with the hero for fighting to protect himself from someone who attacked him first. Then she tells him he is a good man after he talks about his abused past and now the man you thought wasn't good to be with is all of a sudden good again. That pissed me off.

I really wanted to like this but feel let down because I expected better.

[Pam Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I said it before and I will say it again, the narrator well he just sounds too old for these characters.

I liked Ricki’s character a lot she is down to earth and knows what she wants out of life.
Her blind date was sweet I loved that it was him and he was hoping it was her.

I think my only real dislike with this book was how fast they feel for each other, I think if the book had been over a few months’ verses weeks it would have felt more real.

Also holy freaking heck that is scary how someone can become so obsessed with you and you have no idea. Crazy doesn’t even describe it.

[Coco.V]

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[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable reading. Lovely characters. 4☆

[Getting Another Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

These McBride men never disappoint! There is just something about the tried and true nature of the strong men from a small town. Narrator David Quimby brings Garrett and Ricki to life in such a way that it's impossible to imagine anyone else in that role. He has McBride coursing through his veins I tell you!

This was another fantastic story woven by the gifted Cheyenne McCray. Book 5 in this series has us rooting for small town baker Ricki and private investigator Garrett after a very successful blind date. Thank you Fate!
Ricki has always had a crush on Garrett McBride but lacked the courage to act on her feelings. When fate intervenes and she gets her shot, she intends to make the most of it. I loved Garrett's reaction to seeing Ricki when he realizes she is his date for the evening. They have wonderful chemistry and a connection that felt real and heartfelt. Reminded me of the first dates that I had back in the day, all full of hope and promise. So sweet!

Garrett becomes quite smitten with Ricki and is determined to help her see the beautiful woman he sees in her. Ricki blossoms under Garrett's attention and affection and the two set off some serious fireworks. Their attraction to one another can be felt easily and quite intensely with the emotion portrayed in the narration. I had goosebumps!

With everything going so well between the two lovebirds, it's hard to believe that something sinister is lurking in the shadows. Good hearted Ricki has befriended a newcomer to the town by the name of Dena. Even though Garrett has mixed feelings about the woman, Ricki thinks Dena is just misunderstood and perhaps her loneliness can explain some of Dena's more odd behavior. She never thought that Dena may pose any danger to her or to Garrett, which makes for an interesting turn of events in this story. Very clever twist!

Overall, this was another fascinating story set in the town of Prescott. It is well written and captivating. Garrett is another swoon worthy McBride sure to set your ear buds blazing so don't miss out! There is plenty of heat, humor, romance, and sweetness delivered in spades by the talented performance of David Quimby. It seems David and Cheyenne are one amazing pair! Keep em' coming!

[SoBeA · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was in a bit of a funk when I read this book/ wrote this review so i'll just suggest you take my review with a grain of salt

Cheyenne McCray is an author I came across years ago, and decided she just wasn't for me...I think I started a few of her books, but only managed to finish one...so I stopped picking up her books altogether. Then 'playing with you ' came out, and I liked the idea behind who the bad guy was....So I picked it up, thinking it would only be another entry on my "technically a DNF, but don't want to label it as such so I'll just keep it on my currently reading shelf indefinitely shelf" but I ended up liking it a lot more than I expected I would....

Now having admitted that, I'll mention that the story, itself, IMO was pretty cookie cutter, no surprises, and nothing really stuck out for me. And a lot of the descriptions seemed overly long, and wordy....I actually needed up skimming some of them! The book itself, also isn't very long, and the angst level was pretty low, thankfully. I just feel like there should have been more to it,,,maybe if we hadn't known who the villain was, or if there had been more depth to the MC's relationship, I'd have been more involved in the story.

So it's not a favorite, and I'm not sure if I'll run out and buy the next McCray tittle, but I'm not writing her off either. On the plus side ( or at least what I'm calling a plus), I didn't actively dislike anyone....so yay :) 2.5 stars.

[SOS · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars

I really liked the romance aspect of this audio book, but I thought the villain in the mystery part beyond creepy. It’s probably realistically written, but it’s one of those characters that eats at you, but not in a good way. I think I would have liked more explanation for why Dena did the things she did. There was more to it than that she hated men. Also, I doubt the villain would have gone to jail. Given the behaviors exhibited, I believe that person would have been committed.

If it hadn’t been for the excellent, easy-on-the-ears narration, I likely would have left this book half listened to. David Quimby’s voice and delivery made this book work for me. His selection of voices, pacing, and general performance elevated the written word. Perhaps that’s because this is the fifth book in this series, but the first that I’ve read. I didn’t think any details from earlier books in the series were necessary to understand this book, but I felt that something was missing.

I was given this audio book as a gift by the narrator. His generosity is appreciated, but did not influence this review in any manner. All opinions in this review express my honest reactions and opinions to this book.

[Chanel · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a story of a Blind Date between the local bakery owner, Ricki Sparks, and P.I. Garrett McBride, that actually turns out very well. A buddy romance starts between the two, but danger lurks. Ricki's new friendship with a lady that just moved to town, may have started out fine, but nothing is as it seem when it comes to this evil woman.
I felt like I (and Ricki) knew all about Garrett, his family, and past, but the same could not be said of Ricki. It didn't seem like she was as open with her past issues, as Garret was. I am not sure why, but that was bothersome. 3.25 for this read that was just above average, but still entertaining.

[Rabid Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a combination of romance and thriller, with a nice dose of steam added in. Rikki and Garrett are appealing characters that you can’t help but like and they both have realistic insecurities and pasts. The tension and twists as the plot unfurls is great, and the narrator of the audiobook really pulls you into the story. His voice fits the characters well and you can feel the heat and the tension appropriately. This is a great, easy listening story that is exciting, steamy and chilling.

[cheralyn r quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved This Book!!!!

Playing with you is a marvelous book. I have been a fan of Cheyenne McCray for quite awhile.but somehow missed the Riding Tall books. This series of books is soooo good!! The hero Garrett and heroine Riki are wonderfully drawn!! This book has it all, terrific characters who both learn to deal with their pasts and move to a future that is made difficult by an unusual villian. READ THIS BOOK PLEASE it's 5 ***** for sure.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good plot but a lot of detail

This story had a good plot but there was just to much unnecessary minute detail. (She walked in the door and took her coat of and hung it on the back of a chair). Who cares what she did with the coat. This is just unnecessary page filler and detracted from the story. The romance had no chemistry and then bam, they were in love. The back story was actually the best part. Ok read.

[Ferbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 5, Ricki and Garrett's story.
I would not want to encounter a Psychotic person like Dena. This is just a story but there are delusional people like her in real life. An eye opening read that will remind you not ignore your instinct or the reaction of your pet to someone. The suspense in these stories are nail biting and unpredictable. OMG! I love the super 🐕 dog, even all drugged up he saved Ricki. Great writer and narrator.

I received a free audio copy.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved It

Ricki opened her bakery in Prescott after her nasty divorce. She needed away from Phoenix and her family and was doing really great. Garrett was afraid of relationships because he didn't want to hurt anybody like his dad did. But he likes Ricki. When Aunt Madge set them up on a blind date it was a good thing. Except for the scary stalker lady acting like Ricki's friend.

[Patricia M Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pleasure to read

Loved the characters and scenes.The suspense was a good distraction even if I could figure it out fairly easy. I enjoy continuing stories that involve other family or group of as long as the stories are not cliffhangers. I earlier books. I need to go back and catch up.

[Inga]

4 chapters of just 1 day.
Breakfast till diner, nothing but nothings.
About absolutely nothing
Just 1 word: boring!
It’s full on repeat and it’s weird, shallow and sick at the same time.
The story is all over the place and complete chaos
It must be a special gift to have so much going on and at the same time nothing is going on.
Everything it’s just mentioned and that’s it.

[Never Stop Reading or Dreaming · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

The story was decent. I just found myself not connecting with the characters. It was almost if Garrett wasn't in the story. I mean he was but. I don't know. It was just not what I was hoping for

[Belinda K Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, sweet love and happiness!

Great story line. Keeps you waiting for the next big thing. Love with a guy who thought he could not be loved and a woman feeling that she would never find love! Happy ever after!!!!!

[Dana Kerby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

This was an interesting story. Just enough suspense to make you want to keep reading. I like the series about the McBrides. I had lived in Prescoy, so some locations were familiar.

[Jaellyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story

It was a cute story... It felt a little too narrated, there were details that didn't add to the story or character at all. That just made the story feel a little bloated.

Other than that, I enjoyed the dynamic between the hero and heroine. The dog stole the show.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read

Enjoyable read and it flowed well. Bit of a mystery attached which seemed self explanatory as the book progressed. Felt it could have done with a bit more detail but a quick read.

[Judi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m loving these contemporary cowboys...

His was a really nice weekend read. A sweet sexy romance with just enough spice and angst. Garrett was almost a little whiny but pulled himself back. Ricki has some baggage. The baddie was a real witch. But overall a pretty light fun tale.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ehh this is okay. I liked the whole set up of these two. Blind date and all. I like that she owns a bakery and that he is a PI. It really just got too predictable.

I did listen to this on audio. David Quimby is nice and easy to listen to.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a story about Ricki Sparks and Garrett McBride. Ricki has bakery and Garrett is a PI for now and they are set up on a blind date by a woman who know them both know. They are great for each other. Great read!😊

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big fan of David Quimby and really enjoy listening to him in this series in this series.
Really enjoyable series, I think I may have missed a couple of books that I need to look into.

[Angela Goodrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this audiobook to listen to and review for Wicked Reads.

Playing with You is a first for me for both the author and the narrator. When the opportunity arose to review the audiobook, I listened to the sample and found my interest piqued and the narrator’s voice pleasing, and I jumped at it. Despite this being book five in the Riding Tall series, I had no issue listening to it as a standalone as any references to past events are designed to entice new readers and listeners to check out previous installments and have no bearing on the current book (at least none that I detected). That’s not to say that series fans won’t be excited by some of the news that is shared by whom I’m assuming are couples from previous books, but their news doesn’t impact Ricki and Garrett’s romance.

I found Ricki and Garrett’s first interaction to be rather cute and thought it did a good job of setting the mood for the book. While it made the identity of Ricki’s blind date predictable, her school-girl crush reaction upon opening the door and finding Garrett there made up for it. Yet what starts out as a seemingly sugary sweet romance, Playing with You takes on a slightly sinister vibe with the appearance of a stalker. Typically, I don’t enjoy getting the point of view from the bad guy unless I’m reading a psychological thriller, but McCray does a great job with her villainess’ point of view. And the twist with the stalker was quite literally, jaw dropping for me – I actually replayed the reveal scene to make sure I heard what I thought I heard because I did NOT see that coming. I’ll be honest, that twist is a large part of the reason why the storyline is keeping its four-star rating despite there being a couple of scenes that had me wanting to throttle Ricki and Garrett, especially the too-stupid-to-live decision toward the end. I get why the author wrote the scene that way, but the level of stupidity exhibited had me rolling my eyes at the characters… repeatedly. I may have even told one of the characters that they deserved to die (sorry). Fortunately, the action scene that followed allowed Ricki and Garrett to redeem themselves for me as I stopped what I was doing so I could listen intently to make sure I didn’t miss out on a second of the action. And the icing on the cake (pun intended), was the final chapter that delivered on the toothache promised in the first chapter as Ricki and Garrett get their happy for now ending.

As for the narration, I thoroughly enjoyed David Quimby’s performance. The narrator has a very smooth voice, in my opinion, and it made listening to his narrative performance effortless. I was quite impressed with his voices for the female characters, something I expected based upon the audio sample and was glad to learn extended beyond the voice for Ricki, especially with as pivotal of a role Denna played in Ricki’s life. While the primary cast is limited to three, there is a rather large supporting cast and the only time I didn’t know who was speaking was when I hadn’t met the character yet. Overall, Playing with You was an enjoyable listen and I’ll be checking out more of McCray’s work and keeping an eye out for other audiobooks narrated by Quimby.

[charmaine White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing

I couldn't put this one down,it caught my intrest and held it from the very beginning to the end.I'll be looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Margarette Dibble · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ Star's

This book has everything it is funny, steamy, suspenseful and romantic, with strong characters both male and female. Well done.

[Sherry Vitaniemi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart felt

This was a book that definitely made you smile. And cheer when you the bad guy got what they had coming.

[Judy Rang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story line that kept you wanting more.

Great story line thAt kept you guessing and wanting more. Had the perfect ending. Liking forward to the next book.

[megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing

You know the bad guy (girl) from the beginning but it is still interesting because you don't know how or what will happen!!! I loved it!