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Black Rose Kisses #2
Play Rough
Play Rough is the thrilling second installment in the Black Rose Kisses series.
Note: The blurb below contains spoilers for the first book, so I'd highly recommend not reading it until you've finished reading book one, Fight Dirty. Cool? Cool.
***
Vengeance is coming. And she’s a cold-blooded bitch.
I can still hear the gunshot. Still see the blank look on Sloan’s face as he pulled the trigger.
Those images beat against the inside of my skull, drowning out everything else. I can’t let my dad’s death be for nothing. No matter what it takes, I’ll make my keepers pay.
The man who took everything from me.
The man who shared his secret with me.
The man who made me think he cared about me.
Maybe Levi and Rory didn’t know about this, but they’re still Black Roses. They’re still complicit. And I don’t care if the moments between us felt real—the hatred burning in my heart is real too.
These assholes think they can lie to me? That they can turn my life into a game?
Well, watch out, boys.
I play rough.
This is book two of four in the Black Rose Kisses series. It's a reverse harem new adult enemies-to-lovers/bully romance that includes high steam, violence, and foul language.
Note: The blurb below contains spoilers for the first book, so I'd highly recommend not reading it until you've finished reading book one, Fight Dirty. Cool? Cool.
***
Vengeance is coming. And she’s a cold-blooded bitch.
I can still hear the gunshot. Still see the blank look on Sloan’s face as he pulled the trigger.
Those images beat against the inside of my skull, drowning out everything else. I can’t let my dad’s death be for nothing. No matter what it takes, I’ll make my keepers pay.
The man who took everything from me.
The man who shared his secret with me.
The man who made me think he cared about me.
Maybe Levi and Rory didn’t know about this, but they’re still Black Roses. They’re still complicit. And I don’t care if the moments between us felt real—the hatred burning in my heart is real too.
These assholes think they can lie to me? That they can turn my life into a game?
Well, watch out, boys.
I play rough.
This is book two of four in the Black Rose Kisses series. It's a reverse harem new adult enemies-to-lovers/bully romance that includes high steam, violence, and foul language.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2021
1875 people are currently reading
1845 people want to read
About the author
Eva Ashwood
49 books6,192 followersEva Ashwood has been a reader her whole life and a writer for several years. She loves telling stories of alpha males and the fierce women who bring them to their knees.
She's a sucker for reverse harem, bully romance, enemies to lovers, heroes who redeem themselves, and all the drama and passion of new adult love.
She's a sucker for reverse harem, bully romance, enemies to lovers, heroes who redeem themselves, and all the drama and passion of new adult love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 218 reviews
December 17, 2020
Eva Ashwood can you stop giving me heart attacks with your cliffhangers 😭😂 I am dying over here.
I need more and now I have to wait until June.
Play Rough is book 2 in the Blackwood Roses series. A RH, gang romance with twists and turns, secrets and betrayal and lots and lots of hot sex!
Mercy is out for revenge and isn’t stopping no matter the outcome. Even if it fucks with the boys that she’s falling in love with.
My heart was in my stomach the last 20% of this book. As soon as I got to the OH MY GOD moment I couldn’t read fast enough!
Hurry up March. I need answers!
I need more and now I have to wait until June.
Play Rough is book 2 in the Blackwood Roses series. A RH, gang romance with twists and turns, secrets and betrayal and lots and lots of hot sex!
Mercy is out for revenge and isn’t stopping no matter the outcome. Even if it fucks with the boys that she’s falling in love with.
My heart was in my stomach the last 20% of this book. As soon as I got to the OH MY GOD moment I couldn’t read fast enough!
Hurry up March. I need answers!
November 1, 2022
HOLY SHIT THAT CLIFFHANGER HELPPPPPP😭😭😭
September 21, 2023
4.6 stars.
April 26, 2021
I'm so glad this book is here after reading the first book and getting to the end of it I was dying for this. This book was full of drama, twist, revenge, and so many questions. The feelings Mercy goes through in this book are all over the place and many times second guessing herself about the things she should be doing and feelings. In the end this book will leave you with one of Eva's heart stopping cliffhangers so be ready. I can't wait for the next book.
March 9, 2025
Mercy’s actions I can’t blame her for in this book. I love that she still has a conscience surrounding Harper but she cannot see past the anger of what happens with her dad which leads her to making some stupid choices.
I feel sorry for the position Sloan is put in though as I’m not sure if Rory and Levi will forgive him
I feel sorry for the position Sloan is put in though as I’m not sure if Rory and Levi will forgive him
November 7, 2020
Okay, YES. I absolutely loved Play Rough, but I gotta tell you, we have another doozy of a cliffhanger on our hands and you will be screaming for book three as soon as you read it!
So much gets revealed to us here and it starts a chain reaction of events that cannot be stopped. Mercy has her work cut out for her, both in her quest to seek vengeance and to not like her heart get involved with Levi, Rory, and Sloan.
This is such a fun series and I’m glad we still have two more books to come with this group.
So much gets revealed to us here and it starts a chain reaction of events that cannot be stopped. Mercy has her work cut out for her, both in her quest to seek vengeance and to not like her heart get involved with Levi, Rory, and Sloan.
This is such a fun series and I’m glad we still have two more books to come with this group.
dnf
November 24, 2025DNF l, actually barely started. This is just dumb.
1 - If the people who are holding you "captive" so your dad will do something for them instead of killing him because he messed up, then they end up killing him anyway, they are not going to keep holding you as collateral, so, why on earth would she think he's actually dead? I didn't even get to the point where I know that for sure, it's just obvious.
2 - This woman is going to bring down the gang from the inside!! Yes, sure, you are going to find out all the dirt on a gang that has been around for decades because you are a smart, strong woman who can fight!
I need at least a small amount of reality and this is certainly not it. The first book was at least somewhat readable.
1 - If the people who are holding you "captive" so your dad will do something for them instead of killing him because he messed up, then they end up killing him anyway, they are not going to keep holding you as collateral, so, why on earth would she think he's actually dead? I didn't even get to the point where I know that for sure, it's just obvious.
2 - This woman is going to bring down the gang from the inside!! Yes, sure, you are going to find out all the dirt on a gang that has been around for decades because you are a smart, strong woman who can fight!
I need at least a small amount of reality and this is certainly not it. The first book was at least somewhat readable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2025
3 stars ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
☆⋆｡𖦹°‧★ Play Rough☆⋆｡𖦹°‧★
⁺₊★·.´🎧✩°｡ 0:56 ──♡───── 3:32 ⁺₊🎧★·.·´
🎶 “Brown guilty eyes and little white lies. Yeah, I played dumb but I always knew” 🎶
The sound of the gunshot still echoes in her mind, along with the hollow look in Sloan’s eyes as he pulled the trigger. Her father’s death cannot be for nothing, and she will make her keepers pay for every lie and betrayal. Maybe Levi and Rory did not pull the trigger, but they are still Black Roses, still part of the rot that destroyed her world.
—*•.¸♡ ★·.·☾ ﾟ｡´THOUGHTS ﾟ☁︎｡`·.·★ ♡¸.•*⋆—
Mercy should have just trusted them. I understand what she saw, but I knew in my heart that Sloan would never do that to her and then act like everything was fine. If he had just communicated the truth, all of this could have been avoided. Yes, she sold out the gang and leaked information on the accountant, but Sloan putting all the blame on her was uncalled for and unnecessary. Getting revenge on someone you believed killed your father is valid. She was entitled to that anger. I just wish Levi and Rory did not have to pay for Sloan’s mistakes. It was cruel. Not too much on my boys now Mercy!!
[Rory]
HE KNEW SOMETHING WAS OFF. He knows her so well now that he knew that something was bothering her, so he went after her. RORY 💌💗😭🤍. I hope the trust and affection he had for her does not disappear because of what she did. I do not want them to start over from nothing. He trusted her with seeing his daughter and letting her get close to him. I need them to stay close. He does not seem like the type to hold grudges, as long as the people he cares about are not hurt in the process. He knows what it is like to do anything to protect his family, so he might be more sympathetic toward her situation.
[Levi]
I do not understand why she did not back off her plan after going through his phone and finding nothing but a sketch of her 😭🥹. My gentle artist boy who could have had such a different life. UGHHH. He has no idea that she does not even trust him and is turning her back on them, while he is the one trying to get Sloan to talk to his father about Mercy’s dad. Levi is a lover boy to his core. He draws her when she does not even realize it. Does she really think he would ever be involved in something against her? Be so serious, Mercy.
[Sloan]
He is validly making himself a villain, but he does not communicate or express his feelings. He acts like he is the only one involved, like he has to carry everything by himself, and refuses to let anyone help him. He goes solo on everything and withholds information, which makes Mercy believe everyone is conspiring when in reality Sloan is just too guarded to trust anyone, even the people closest to him.
—*•.¸♡ ★·.·☾ ﾟ｡´OVERALLﾟ☁︎｡`·.·★ ♡¸.•*⋆—
I love all of these guys. They have the potential to be one of the best groups and a true found family if they would just trust each other - especially since they all clearly have a soft spot for her.
☆⋆｡𖦹°‧★ Play Rough☆⋆｡𖦹°‧★
⁺₊★·.´🎧✩°｡ 0:56 ──♡───── 3:32 ⁺₊🎧★·.·´
🎶 “Brown guilty eyes and little white lies. Yeah, I played dumb but I always knew” 🎶
The sound of the gunshot still echoes in her mind, along with the hollow look in Sloan’s eyes as he pulled the trigger. Her father’s death cannot be for nothing, and she will make her keepers pay for every lie and betrayal. Maybe Levi and Rory did not pull the trigger, but they are still Black Roses, still part of the rot that destroyed her world.
—*•.¸♡ ★·.·☾ ﾟ｡´THOUGHTS ﾟ☁︎｡`·.·★ ♡¸.•*⋆—
Mercy should have just trusted them. I understand what she saw, but I knew in my heart that Sloan would never do that to her and then act like everything was fine. If he had just communicated the truth, all of this could have been avoided. Yes, she sold out the gang and leaked information on the accountant, but Sloan putting all the blame on her was uncalled for and unnecessary. Getting revenge on someone you believed killed your father is valid. She was entitled to that anger. I just wish Levi and Rory did not have to pay for Sloan’s mistakes. It was cruel. Not too much on my boys now Mercy!!
[Rory]
“What’s going on, Hurricane? I know something’s wrong.”
“I could tell downstairs. You never let me get away with that much shit.”
“Mercy,” he presses, finally taking that step forward. “Come on. I’m not stupid. Just tell me what’s up.”
HE KNEW SOMETHING WAS OFF. He knows her so well now that he knew that something was bothering her, so he went after her. RORY 💌💗😭🤍. I hope the trust and affection he had for her does not disappear because of what she did. I do not want them to start over from nothing. He trusted her with seeing his daughter and letting her get close to him. I need them to stay close. He does not seem like the type to hold grudges, as long as the people he cares about are not hurt in the process. He knows what it is like to do anything to protect his family, so he might be more sympathetic toward her situation.
[Levi]
“How could you do that?” Levi demands, rounding on Sloan. “How could you hurt her like that?”
“And we’re supposed to be a fucking team,” Rory adds, anger turning his voice harder than I’ve ever heard it. “We don’t do shit like this behind each other’s backs. What the fuck, Sloan?”
I do not understand why she did not back off her plan after going through his phone and finding nothing but a sketch of her 😭🥹. My gentle artist boy who could have had such a different life. UGHHH. He has no idea that she does not even trust him and is turning her back on them, while he is the one trying to get Sloan to talk to his father about Mercy’s dad. Levi is a lover boy to his core. He draws her when she does not even realize it. Does she really think he would ever be involved in something against her? Be so serious, Mercy.
[Sloan]
“Of course not. I’m just sick of watching you yank my fucking friends around. I knew you’d fall for Rory’s flirting eventually, and I know you and Levi had a thing once—but, Jesus fucking Christ, I didn’t think you’d end up bouncing back and forth between them like that. What, can’t make up your damn mind?”
He is validly making himself a villain, but he does not communicate or express his feelings. He acts like he is the only one involved, like he has to carry everything by himself, and refuses to let anyone help him. He goes solo on everything and withholds information, which makes Mercy believe everyone is conspiring when in reality Sloan is just too guarded to trust anyone, even the people closest to him.
—*•.¸♡ ★·.·☾ ﾟ｡´OVERALLﾟ☁︎｡`·.·★ ♡¸.•*⋆—
I love all of these guys. They have the potential to be one of the best groups and a true found family if they would just trust each other - especially since they all clearly have a soft spot for her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2025
5⭐|4🌶|15%🌶frequency
I thought the cliffhanger from book 1 was 🤯 But THIS one!!! 🤯🤯 OK, I know it has to have a HEA, so it's obviously not what everyone would think in the first moment, but... HOLY MONTH OF CLIFFHANGERS!!! To be honest, with every cliffhanger I'm reading, the more I start to love them 🙈🤣
I already introduced the guys in my review for book 1. What I didn't tell you was what I think about them 😎
I couldn't connect with Sloan instantly, and I think that's what the author wanted to while writing 😁 And by the end of book 1, I really hated him. That didn't change in this one, because of the same reasons as book 1. 🤬🤬🤬
My favorite is definitely Rory. As I said in my last review, he is funny, and he flirts a lot. He cares a lot about the people he loves. And there is this "secret".
And Liam? I'm not so sure about my feelings for him. I mean, he is 🔥 and he is 🔥, that has to be enough right now 🤣
The chemistry between the guys and Mercy is definitely better than between the guys and me right now 🤣 I love it when they are enemies, but the attraction is just so 🧲 They can't stop it. And the 🌶️ is 🫠 I'm looking forward to the point when they decide they go for it all 4 😎
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I thought the cliffhanger from book 1 was 🤯 But THIS one!!! 🤯🤯 OK, I know it has to have a HEA, so it's obviously not what everyone would think in the first moment, but... HOLY MONTH OF CLIFFHANGERS!!! To be honest, with every cliffhanger I'm reading, the more I start to love them 🙈🤣
I already introduced the guys in my review for book 1. What I didn't tell you was what I think about them 😎
I couldn't connect with Sloan instantly, and I think that's what the author wanted to while writing 😁 And by the end of book 1, I really hated him. That didn't change in this one, because of the same reasons as book 1. 🤬🤬🤬
My favorite is definitely Rory. As I said in my last review, he is funny, and he flirts a lot. He cares a lot about the people he loves. And there is this "secret".
And Liam? I'm not so sure about my feelings for him. I mean, he is 🔥 and he is 🔥, that has to be enough right now 🤣
The chemistry between the guys and Mercy is definitely better than between the guys and me right now 🤣 I love it when they are enemies, but the attraction is just so 🧲 They can't stop it. And the 🌶️ is 🫠 I'm looking forward to the point when they decide they go for it all 4 😎
Follow me on IG for more
https://www.instagram.com/minnie.love...
February 18, 2022
I totally called it!!! Her dad wasn’t really dead, his death was faked. However because of her revenge plan, she made a huge mistake. She is about to pay for it with her life. Will Sloan let her go or does he aim to kill. I loved the scene about Piper and Rory and the zoo. I also liked learning more about Levi and his brother. I can’t believe she didn’t know she had an uncle and that he is a Jackal.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2022
OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!
literally screaming crying throwing up
fuck
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!????
nah I can’t
i have no words right now.
literally screaming crying throwing up
fuck
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!????
nah I can’t
i have no words right now.
April 22, 2022
3.75⭐️’s rounded up. Good. Suspenseful. Not mind blowing in originality, but better than most.
April 23, 2023
I liked that cliffhanger ending.
August 27, 2023
Good mafia RH,
April 7, 2024
3.5⭐
The book got better from about 70%.
The book got better from about 70%.
December 1, 2023
Waaayyyy too much internal dialogue. I feel like nothing happened in this book and it dragged on and on. But I’m still going to attempt the next one. Hopefully it’s better 🤞
May 31, 2025
Even though I knew how it was all going to play out - I still loved the book and ate it up. I absolutely love Eva ashwood books
May 28, 2021
Play Rough- Black Rose Kisses Book Two- Eva Ashwood
I want to say that I love this author, and have read many other series by her. This book, I didn’t love, didn’t hate it either.
In this book, there’s a lot of back and forth between what Mercy wants to do and what she finds herself doing. It’s a tough decision, so I definitely get it. I found myself frustrated, and angry at her for trying to get the closure she deserves (wild, romance book brain I think). I also found myself hoping throughout it that Sloan didn’t actually do what we think he did in Book One. As I’m writing this, I’m only about 70% through the book... so I have no answers yet. 😂
Update!! I’m now 88% through and my heart cannot take it! This book has really picked up now and I couldn’t be more excited!
I love Levi, and Rory and their relationships with Mercy! Sloan is a whole different type, and I gotta say I love him too! Rory is so easy to love, with his sarcastic wit and easy banter. He’s definitely the fun loving one in the group. Levi gives me the caring, artistic, deep vibes and he is so sweet. Levi definitely wants to be loved and cared for. Put the three together and they are so amazing, there are flaws obviously but I love each of them.
This is unlike other reverse harem novels I’ve read, mainly that there’s no group sex yet but there’s definitely some steamy scenes throughout. All in all, I am not disappointed and am so excited to get into book three, Wreak Havoc! I give this book 4/5 stars. After that ending, I’m definitely jumping into it right now, who needs sleep?!
I want to say that I love this author, and have read many other series by her. This book, I didn’t love, didn’t hate it either.
In this book, there’s a lot of back and forth between what Mercy wants to do and what she finds herself doing. It’s a tough decision, so I definitely get it. I found myself frustrated, and angry at her for trying to get the closure she deserves (wild, romance book brain I think). I also found myself hoping throughout it that Sloan didn’t actually do what we think he did in Book One. As I’m writing this, I’m only about 70% through the book... so I have no answers yet. 😂
Update!! I’m now 88% through and my heart cannot take it! This book has really picked up now and I couldn’t be more excited!
I love Levi, and Rory and their relationships with Mercy! Sloan is a whole different type, and I gotta say I love him too! Rory is so easy to love, with his sarcastic wit and easy banter. He’s definitely the fun loving one in the group. Levi gives me the caring, artistic, deep vibes and he is so sweet. Levi definitely wants to be loved and cared for. Put the three together and they are so amazing, there are flaws obviously but I love each of them.
This is unlike other reverse harem novels I’ve read, mainly that there’s no group sex yet but there’s definitely some steamy scenes throughout. All in all, I am not disappointed and am so excited to get into book three, Wreak Havoc! I give this book 4/5 stars. After that ending, I’m definitely jumping into it right now, who needs sleep?!
December 8, 2022
Set up by the events of last book. Play rough take our fmc character Mercy in a bit of a different direction. While still forging relationships she is torn and looking for Revenge this time around.
With this type of genre and series often something will happen at the beginning of the book or before the book to set the stage for this kind of thing. But there's a whole book beforehand that leads us here with Fist Dirty.
Eva Ashwood is weaving a great story, putting characters in positions where you truly wonder if there are any other option. Even if you have some idea and doubts about certain events the characters are put in situations throughout this book that have to be explored. And keep the reader glued.
This story takes you on a ride. Mercy is in a tough, dangerous position after what she saw in Fight Dirty. You get to enjoy of romantic aspects of the characters getting to know each other. But also this plot with Mercy dealing with her situation, trying to figure out what's true and what to do next while being in a grief stricken headspace.
I really like the character of Rory he's my favorite the fact that he has a daughter and this whole other life makes him more endearing. It also kind of parallels Mercy with her father. Sloan is very interesting you just want more to see where his head is? What his motivations are? He's a very intriguing character. And Levi is kind of the go-to guy and we get to get a little more into his past as well.
This books continues to build the characters and story I'm very excited to see where it takes us epesically after that ending.
With this type of genre and series often something will happen at the beginning of the book or before the book to set the stage for this kind of thing. But there's a whole book beforehand that leads us here with Fist Dirty.
Eva Ashwood is weaving a great story, putting characters in positions where you truly wonder if there are any other option. Even if you have some idea and doubts about certain events the characters are put in situations throughout this book that have to be explored. And keep the reader glued.
This story takes you on a ride. Mercy is in a tough, dangerous position after what she saw in Fight Dirty. You get to enjoy of romantic aspects of the characters getting to know each other. But also this plot with Mercy dealing with her situation, trying to figure out what's true and what to do next while being in a grief stricken headspace.
I really like the character of Rory he's my favorite the fact that he has a daughter and this whole other life makes him more endearing. It also kind of parallels Mercy with her father. Sloan is very interesting you just want more to see where his head is? What his motivations are? He's a very intriguing character. And Levi is kind of the go-to guy and we get to get a little more into his past as well.
This books continues to build the characters and story I'm very excited to see where it takes us epesically after that ending.
November 21, 2020
A bit boring, but well written *spoilers*
Nothing happens for about 90% of this book. You can skip all the way to the end really for any plot progression. The rest is all sexy times (which are really really well written!) with all 3 guys (sort of with Sloan). Even the stuff with the guys is all over the place (seriously why a date with Sloan (out of nowhere) and then getting it on with Levi on the same night, ummmm what?).
Even the cliffhanger is a bit meh. I didn’t hate it, but also didn’t really like it. No clue why it’s called Play Rough (maybe the biting?).
Anyway, it’s a rather forgettable, and quite derivative, second “filler” novel with a boring plot, but excellent sexy times.
Nothing happens for about 90% of this book. You can skip all the way to the end really for any plot progression. The rest is all sexy times (which are really really well written!) with all 3 guys (sort of with Sloan). Even the stuff with the guys is all over the place (seriously why a date with Sloan (out of nowhere) and then getting it on with Levi on the same night, ummmm what?).
Even the cliffhanger is a bit meh. I didn’t hate it, but also didn’t really like it. No clue why it’s called Play Rough (maybe the biting?).
Anyway, it’s a rather forgettable, and quite derivative, second “filler” novel with a boring plot, but excellent sexy times.
May 20, 2023
Set within a gang culture world , this is a very goood read , quite dark and lots of triggers x
January 14, 2022
well damn
I definitely was not expecting this book to go anything like this.
Just when you think you know everything you don’t. You get thrown through loop after loop.
I love Mercy and her men.
100000000000000000000000000/10
All the 🌟
Here’s my favorite quotes
I’ve been spending a lot of time down here, trying to push my body into enough exhaustion to calm down my mind.
It’s not really working. ~Mercy
It’s like there’s a hole in my heart that’s never going to heal. I keep going back and forth between being sad and furious, a whirlwind of emotions that keeps me from sleeping at night and makes it hard to function during the day. It’s still so fresh, I know that, but I can’t think forward to a time when it won’t hurt like this. ~Mercy
Right now, the hope that I can make them hurt as much as I’m hurting is all that’s keeping me here, all that’s keeping me going. The only thing that’s stopping me from collapsing in on myself like a dying star, letting my grief and rage consume me until there’s nothing fucking left. ~Mercy
“Mercy,” Levi says again, reaching out to take one of my hands in his. “I know it seems bad, okay? But it’s going to be all right. Your dad will be fine. I promise.”
My heart hurts just hearing that. Levi’s either lying or oblivious, but either way, there’s no comfort to be taken from his words. I know they’re not true, no matter how sincere he sounds.
Because my dad’s already dead. ~Levi and Mercy
I’ve built a fresh mask for myself to wear, and I’ve played the opening move in my new game. First, I’ll win these men’s trust. Then I’ll fucking wreck them. ~Mercy
I’m whisked out of that memory by the feeling of fingers on my cheek.
My whole body stiffens.
They’re Sloan’s, stroking over my skin in a tender gesture I definitely would not have thought he was capable of even five minutes ago.
I glance up, surprised, and he looks down at me, holding my gaze. For the first time, there’s no anger or heat in the connection between us, but I’m not quite sure what there is. Whatever this thing is that’s passing between us, it’s soft and gentle… and fucking terrifying. ~Mercy
Like he doesn’t lose his shit around me all the time, when I do so much as talk to some other guy. ~Mercy
“I know Levi’s got a thing for you. Hell, Sloan does too. But I don’t care. It doesn’t make me want you any less.” ~Rory
“Maybe if we’d met in other circumstances,” he murmurs, half sounding like he’s talking to himself. “Maybe things could have been different. I don’t know. But I think something amazing could have happened between us.” ~Sloan
“Hey, Hurricane. Can you help me with something?” he asks, turning on the big, pleading eyes.
In spite of myself, I laugh. “I think you’re beyond help, Rory. I’m sorry to be the one to break that to you.”
I definitely was not expecting this book to go anything like this.
Just when you think you know everything you don’t. You get thrown through loop after loop.
I love Mercy and her men.
100000000000000000000000000/10
All the 🌟
Here’s my favorite quotes
I’ve been spending a lot of time down here, trying to push my body into enough exhaustion to calm down my mind.
It’s not really working. ~Mercy
It’s like there’s a hole in my heart that’s never going to heal. I keep going back and forth between being sad and furious, a whirlwind of emotions that keeps me from sleeping at night and makes it hard to function during the day. It’s still so fresh, I know that, but I can’t think forward to a time when it won’t hurt like this. ~Mercy
Right now, the hope that I can make them hurt as much as I’m hurting is all that’s keeping me here, all that’s keeping me going. The only thing that’s stopping me from collapsing in on myself like a dying star, letting my grief and rage consume me until there’s nothing fucking left. ~Mercy
“Mercy,” Levi says again, reaching out to take one of my hands in his. “I know it seems bad, okay? But it’s going to be all right. Your dad will be fine. I promise.”
My heart hurts just hearing that. Levi’s either lying or oblivious, but either way, there’s no comfort to be taken from his words. I know they’re not true, no matter how sincere he sounds.
Because my dad’s already dead. ~Levi and Mercy
I’ve built a fresh mask for myself to wear, and I’ve played the opening move in my new game. First, I’ll win these men’s trust. Then I’ll fucking wreck them. ~Mercy
I’m whisked out of that memory by the feeling of fingers on my cheek.
My whole body stiffens.
They’re Sloan’s, stroking over my skin in a tender gesture I definitely would not have thought he was capable of even five minutes ago.
I glance up, surprised, and he looks down at me, holding my gaze. For the first time, there’s no anger or heat in the connection between us, but I’m not quite sure what there is. Whatever this thing is that’s passing between us, it’s soft and gentle… and fucking terrifying. ~Mercy
Like he doesn’t lose his shit around me all the time, when I do so much as talk to some other guy. ~Mercy
“I know Levi’s got a thing for you. Hell, Sloan does too. But I don’t care. It doesn’t make me want you any less.” ~Rory
“Maybe if we’d met in other circumstances,” he murmurs, half sounding like he’s talking to himself. “Maybe things could have been different. I don’t know. But I think something amazing could have happened between us.” ~Sloan
“Hey, Hurricane. Can you help me with something?” he asks, turning on the big, pleading eyes.
In spite of myself, I laugh. “I think you’re beyond help, Rory. I’m sorry to be the one to break that to you.”
November 25, 2020
After the ending of the first book I was dying to see how Mercy would handle the situation with Sloan and what he did to her father. Despite her seeing everything happen right in front of her, I found myself wanting to give Sloan the benefit of the doubt and contemplated different scenarios where things could have been misinterpreted by Mercy. There is no doubt that this book really gets your brain working to try and figure out the real plot going on, but that just makes the book even more exciting to read! A huge part of this book is about revenge. Because honestly, what would you do if you were in Mercy's shoes and you saw someone kill the one person in your life who was your everything? You really wouldn't have anything else to lose at that point, right? The conflict between heart, head, and body was a constant one in this book. Feelings were all tangled up and were getting deeper by the moment. As those feelings developed even more, Mercy found herself in complete and utter turmoil, second guessing her decisions and actions, and wondering what the repercussions would be for families involved if she were to go through with her revenge plot. I liked seeing that humanity still present in Mercy and to know that the situation with her father didn't leave her hollow and heartless like it would some. By the end of the book, things took a surprising and gut wrenching turn, but like with the previous cliffhanger, I feel like things will work out somehow, and maybe a lesson or two will be learned that sometimes you just need to take a leap and trust people...even if you don't deem them all that trustworthy to begin with.
November 23, 2020
She can't believe he's dead. Her best friend, her hero her everything!
There's no coming back from this and now, now they will feel her wrath!
This is the second book in the black rose kisses series and is a direct continuation from book one in the series "Fight Dirty."
Now she's not just their hostage but their worst nightmare in the making.
Each kiss and caress, each tender moment is laced with a thirst for revenge.
Mercy is such an amazing character. Her ability to snare both them and in doing so part of herself had me mesmerised.
Rory and Levi are both quite easy going. They have a love, and a passion outside of the gang lifestyle and so are more approachable, and thus amenable.
Sloan is answerable to his father the leader of the black roses thus hes under more pressure.
He's very unpredictable and hard to read. One minute cold and uncaring the next hot and fiery. I never quite knew what to expect from him.
Rory is secretly my favourite I think. He's everything you want in a guy and so much more too!
I'm loving this series so much, from the moments of obvious sexual tension and jealousy to the escape from what they are to who they could of been.
It's an amazingly addictive read! The cliffhanger ending has my mind running wild and free with possible scenarios.
I need more, and I need it now! I can't wait for the continuation next year!
There's no coming back from this and now, now they will feel her wrath!
This is the second book in the black rose kisses series and is a direct continuation from book one in the series "Fight Dirty."
Now she's not just their hostage but their worst nightmare in the making.
Each kiss and caress, each tender moment is laced with a thirst for revenge.
Mercy is such an amazing character. Her ability to snare both them and in doing so part of herself had me mesmerised.
Rory and Levi are both quite easy going. They have a love, and a passion outside of the gang lifestyle and so are more approachable, and thus amenable.
Sloan is answerable to his father the leader of the black roses thus hes under more pressure.
He's very unpredictable and hard to read. One minute cold and uncaring the next hot and fiery. I never quite knew what to expect from him.
Rory is secretly my favourite I think. He's everything you want in a guy and so much more too!
I'm loving this series so much, from the moments of obvious sexual tension and jealousy to the escape from what they are to who they could of been.
It's an amazingly addictive read! The cliffhanger ending has my mind running wild and free with possible scenarios.
I need more, and I need it now! I can't wait for the continuation next year!
January 22, 2025
Well, this book frustrated me to no end. I should have stopped reading it, but I bought it, and I normally love Eva Ashwood.
Obviously, I'm giving this book a good rating, because Eva Ashwood always delivers the goods: the spicy spice, the different MMCs that all love her in different ways, and the drama/storyline.
However, I'm setting this series aside for now, just as I have one of her other series because the FMC pisses me off too much. These guys are literally everything she needs--everything I need--and she just keeps trying to fuck them over. Granted, yeah, she thought that Sloan killed her dad, but fuck dude, ya'll need to communicate. I CAN'T. I FEEL LIKE I'M READING ABOUT TEENAGERS.
---
Okay, now that the worst is out of my system, I'll say that is everything I felt about this book until the 70% mark. Then it got good again. Well, kind of. I'm still pissed off at her and Sloan, but it is what it is. At least now the beginning of book three makes more sense with where they're at. Still, I'm not buying a trophy copy of this series for my shelf. It frustrated me too much, even if the smut was good.
It's hard to come back from something like what she did and have me, as the reader, believe that they would really bring her back in an attempt to trust her again with anything. The HEA that I know is coming at the end of the series seems too far off from where we're at right now.
Obviously, I'm giving this book a good rating, because Eva Ashwood always delivers the goods: the spicy spice, the different MMCs that all love her in different ways, and the drama/storyline.
However, I'm setting this series aside for now, just as I have one of her other series because the FMC pisses me off too much. These guys are literally everything she needs--everything I need--and she just keeps trying to fuck them over. Granted, yeah, she thought that Sloan killed her dad, but fuck dude, ya'll need to communicate. I CAN'T. I FEEL LIKE I'M READING ABOUT TEENAGERS.
---
Okay, now that the worst is out of my system, I'll say that is everything I felt about this book until the 70% mark. Then it got good again. Well, kind of. I'm still pissed off at her and Sloan, but it is what it is. At least now the beginning of book three makes more sense with where they're at. Still, I'm not buying a trophy copy of this series for my shelf. It frustrated me too much, even if the smut was good.
It's hard to come back from something like what she did and have me, as the reader, believe that they would really bring her back in an attempt to trust her again with anything. The HEA that I know is coming at the end of the series seems too far off from where we're at right now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2023
Book: Play Rough
Read By: Ebook and Audio
Author: Eva Ashwood
Narrator: Cassandra Medcalf
Genre: Reverse harem, Dark Romance, Crime
Main Characters: Levi, Sloan, Rory and Mercy
Recommend: yes
Spice: 🌶️️ 🌶️️ 🌶️️ 🌶️️
Age recommendation: 18-30+ Years
My feelings:
Ohhhh man do I love Reverse haram!
Lets just normalise this style of life and all go out and get ourselves a harem. The way of life would be amazing and perfect!
“We just like different things in women,” Levi continues, confirming what I thought. “But that all sort of went out the window when you came to live with us. There’s just something about you.”
I love the revenge that Mercy comes up with. And frankly its deserved, they keep secrets from her, and she felt terrible the whole time. She didnt want to do what she did, but she wanted revenge for her dad. Im totally down with what happened.
“Maybe if we’d met in other circumstances,” he murmurs, half sounding like he’s talking to himself. “Maybe things could have been different. I don’t know. But I think something amazing could have happened between us.”
Salon has so much held inside… I mean dose he just blow a top?
Totally enjoyed the ride in book 2! Starting book 3 right now!
Read By: Ebook and Audio
Author: Eva Ashwood
Narrator: Cassandra Medcalf
Genre: Reverse harem, Dark Romance, Crime
Main Characters: Levi, Sloan, Rory and Mercy
Recommend: yes
Spice: 🌶️️ 🌶️️ 🌶️️ 🌶️️
Age recommendation: 18-30+ Years
My feelings:
Ohhhh man do I love Reverse haram!
Lets just normalise this style of life and all go out and get ourselves a harem. The way of life would be amazing and perfect!
“We just like different things in women,” Levi continues, confirming what I thought. “But that all sort of went out the window when you came to live with us. There’s just something about you.”
I love the revenge that Mercy comes up with. And frankly its deserved, they keep secrets from her, and she felt terrible the whole time. She didnt want to do what she did, but she wanted revenge for her dad. Im totally down with what happened.
“Maybe if we’d met in other circumstances,” he murmurs, half sounding like he’s talking to himself. “Maybe things could have been different. I don’t know. But I think something amazing could have happened between us.”
Salon has so much held inside… I mean dose he just blow a top?
Totally enjoyed the ride in book 2! Starting book 3 right now!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2023
3.5 - i did enjoy it, but i think my fav parts were the pure revenge moments. i know she couldn't really go anywhere without raising suspicion, i wish we got more from paul vs just passing notes. it was giving a bit "do you have a crush on my? check the yes or no box" vibes hahah.
while i understand her fighting her feelings for these 3 "super hot and sexy drool-worthy men" (her opinion on them as stated 10 thousand times) while simultaneously wanting to get revenge for her dad, it was a little weird to be reading about the sexy moment between her and one of the guys and then have lines about her DAD repeatedly woven in lmao. i completely understand why she might be struggling with that (duh) but it just took me out of the moment in an awkward way lol.
spoiler -
overall, i did enjoy this book. i think the shorter length (compared to the other series i read by this author) does help because the repetitiveness doesn't feel so exhausting.
while i understand her fighting her feelings for these 3 "super hot and sexy drool-worthy men" (her opinion on them as stated 10 thousand times) while simultaneously wanting to get revenge for her dad, it was a little weird to be reading about the sexy moment between her and one of the guys and then have lines about her DAD repeatedly woven in lmao. i completely understand why she might be struggling with that (duh) but it just took me out of the moment in an awkward way lol.
spoiler -
overall, i did enjoy this book. i think the shorter length (compared to the other series i read by this author) does help because the repetitiveness doesn't feel so exhausting.
July 30, 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Story
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥Steamy
🥊🌹Play Rough is the book after Fight Dirty in the Black Rose Kisses series. It picks up about a week or so after Fight Dirty ended. I'm going to dive in and I won't tell you anything you didn't learn in the blurb.
🥊🌹Mercy's dad is dead. By the hand of one of the three men Mercy is insanely attracted to, Sloan. She's grieving and trying to avenge her father.
🥊🌹Levi and Rory are wondering what the hell is going on. And Mercy isn't sure what they know, or what they don't know. So she is indecisive if she can trust them and her own up to how she feels about them.
🥊🌹Eva Ashwood really had me in turmoil with Mercy in this book. The struggle between what she saw, how she felt. Her dealing with grief in silence. Giving into her feelings over and over again, and the self loathing she felt. I have to say her best friend Scarlett is the real MVP and the best kind of supportive friend. Seriously this book is the perfect bridge into book 3 and moves the story along to help Mercy deal with herself going forward.
#bookstagram #bookblogger #2021reads #review #playrough #fightdirty #blackrosekisses #mercydeleon #slaone #levi #rory #fighter #fiestyfmc #reverseharemromance #enemieslovers #sogood #dontbackdownP
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥Steamy
🥊🌹Play Rough is the book after Fight Dirty in the Black Rose Kisses series. It picks up about a week or so after Fight Dirty ended. I'm going to dive in and I won't tell you anything you didn't learn in the blurb.
🥊🌹Mercy's dad is dead. By the hand of one of the three men Mercy is insanely attracted to, Sloan. She's grieving and trying to avenge her father.
🥊🌹Levi and Rory are wondering what the hell is going on. And Mercy isn't sure what they know, or what they don't know. So she is indecisive if she can trust them and her own up to how she feels about them.
🥊🌹Eva Ashwood really had me in turmoil with Mercy in this book. The struggle between what she saw, how she felt. Her dealing with grief in silence. Giving into her feelings over and over again, and the self loathing she felt. I have to say her best friend Scarlett is the real MVP and the best kind of supportive friend. Seriously this book is the perfect bridge into book 3 and moves the story along to help Mercy deal with herself going forward.
#bookstagram #bookblogger #2021reads #review #playrough #fightdirty #blackrosekisses #mercydeleon #slaone #levi #rory #fighter #fiestyfmc #reverseharemromance #enemieslovers #sogood #dontbackdownP
November 17, 2020
“Play Rough”: I honestly can’t get enough!! From the continuation of the last story with a crazy plot line…this story honestly just gets wilder. It’s total intrigue, from the story that gets revealed and the conflict that Mercy has with trying to come to terms with what happens while also not getting caught up in the emotions revolving around Rory, Levi, and Sloan. To me, I’m so proud of Mercy and what she goes through and how she attempts to deal with what she knows, but the line of betrayal and heartbreak to feelings and lust between her and the guys gets blurred so much but you just can’t help but love it. I also loved the growth and development of three of the characters in this book (you’ll find out who) and also the sacrifice of one to do what they think is right in the end. Honestly, I was so trapped in the emotional rollercoaster that I had to read it all in one go and word of advice, this story gets you locked into another crazy cliffhanger that will make you go crazy until we get the third book (so if you don’t like that, you might want to wait.) So excited for Book 3!!
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