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The Legends #3
Playing the Player
When a chance meeting with a tall, hot, and obviously wealthy stranger leads to a sexy hookup, can this Cinderella play to win, or will it all end when the clock runs out?
I did not steal JJ Beckett’s wallet. Or his championship ring.
In fact, seeing as I accidentally left my shoe behind, maybe I should be the one crying thief.
But after a one-night stand with the hottest stranger I’d ever seen?
Well, that was the last thing I was yelling.
Not that I had time to say much of anything – I was already late for work.
The shoe seemed like a small price to pay for a night like that.
The kind of night I could remember while I’m cleaning other people’s rooms; the kind of night a girl like me never dared to dream of.
C'est la vie, right?
Wrong.
Because the shoe wasn’t the only accidental thing that happened the morning after.
Turns out I may have grabbed his stuff too.
Putting it back isn’t as easy as I’d hoped ... and as he says, no one plays the player.
Getting caught leads to some X-rated tackles that make it all worth the risk.
Now one of us has to make a big play and decide if this game of love has a final score…
I did not steal JJ Beckett’s wallet. Or his championship ring.
In fact, seeing as I accidentally left my shoe behind, maybe I should be the one crying thief.
But after a one-night stand with the hottest stranger I’d ever seen?
Well, that was the last thing I was yelling.
Not that I had time to say much of anything – I was already late for work.
The shoe seemed like a small price to pay for a night like that.
The kind of night I could remember while I’m cleaning other people’s rooms; the kind of night a girl like me never dared to dream of.
C'est la vie, right?
Wrong.
Because the shoe wasn’t the only accidental thing that happened the morning after.
Turns out I may have grabbed his stuff too.
Putting it back isn’t as easy as I’d hoped ... and as he says, no one plays the player.
Getting caught leads to some X-rated tackles that make it all worth the risk.
Now one of us has to make a big play and decide if this game of love has a final score…
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 8, 2021
57 people are currently reading
382 people want to read
About the author
Erin McCarthy
215 books4,827 followersUSA Today and New York Times Bestselling author Erin McCarthy sold her first book in 2002 and has since written over a hundred novels and novellas in teen fiction, new adult, and adult romance. Erin has a special weakness for high-heeled boots, beaches and martinis. She lives in Ohio with her family, two grumpy cats and a socially awkward dog.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 4, 2022
5 star reviews Playing The Player (The Legends #3) by Erin McCarthy
I have read a few books by Erin McCarthy and what I have read I have found to be well written and entertaining. This is the first book I have read in The Legends series but I had no trouble reading as a stand alone. Ms. McCarthy drew me into the story she wove about JJ and Mia from the first chapter..
Initially JJ came off as a bit of a jerk but he quickly grew on me. A one night stand leads to complications for both JJ and Mia when they meet again months later. He accuses her of being a thief and it is a battle of wills to see who will win this argument.
The banter between them was witty and the attraction that grew between them was impossible to ignore.
I have read a few books by Erin McCarthy and what I have read I have found to be well written and entertaining. This is the first book I have read in The Legends series but I had no trouble reading as a stand alone. Ms. McCarthy drew me into the story she wove about JJ and Mia from the first chapter..
Initially JJ came off as a bit of a jerk but he quickly grew on me. A one night stand leads to complications for both JJ and Mia when they meet again months later. He accuses her of being a thief and it is a battle of wills to see who will win this argument.
The banter between them was witty and the attraction that grew between them was impossible to ignore.
November 30, 2021
A sweet, swoony, sexy, hilarious romance
I loved Mia and James together. This book is fun, of course, but expect to cry, swoon, and cheer along with your laughter. Mia works three jobs trying to support herself and pay her mothers medical bills. James is a wealthy professional football player. They run into each other at a bar where Mia has been stood up. Mia does not recognize him and James likes that she is just a regular person who likes him for himself. They have an awesome night together but Mia, waking up almost late for work and believing James is from out of town so it cannot be anything more, leaves the next morning before James wakes up. Unfortunately in her haste to leave she accidentally sweeps his wallet into her cavernous purse. Thus begins their journey to the HEA where he thinks she stole from him and she thinks he’s a yacht salesman. While James and Mia follow the inevitable path to being together, it is painfully hilarious but also beautiful to watch their growth and their missteps. Mia has more growing to do then James in order to be ready to embrace that she can have a relationship and trust that good things won’t always be taken away. The story has plenty of hilarity, steamy scenes, sweet moments, and strong friendships with just a small bit of angst. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I loved Mia and James together. This book is fun, of course, but expect to cry, swoon, and cheer along with your laughter. Mia works three jobs trying to support herself and pay her mothers medical bills. James is a wealthy professional football player. They run into each other at a bar where Mia has been stood up. Mia does not recognize him and James likes that she is just a regular person who likes him for himself. They have an awesome night together but Mia, waking up almost late for work and believing James is from out of town so it cannot be anything more, leaves the next morning before James wakes up. Unfortunately in her haste to leave she accidentally sweeps his wallet into her cavernous purse. Thus begins their journey to the HEA where he thinks she stole from him and she thinks he’s a yacht salesman. While James and Mia follow the inevitable path to being together, it is painfully hilarious but also beautiful to watch their growth and their missteps. Mia has more growing to do then James in order to be ready to embrace that she can have a relationship and trust that good things won’t always be taken away. The story has plenty of hilarity, steamy scenes, sweet moments, and strong friendships with just a small bit of angst. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
November 14, 2021
Fun quick read
I like the way Erin McCarthy’s brain works. The dialogue is quick, witty and fun. In this story the challenges are mild and easily overcome.
The editing is not good. There are a number of places where words are missing or misspelled, which always irritates me.
But overall, I enjoyed this read, I have enjoyed this series and I am looking forward to Miles’ story (can I volunteer to proof read it prior to release?)
I like the way Erin McCarthy’s brain works. The dialogue is quick, witty and fun. In this story the challenges are mild and easily overcome.
The editing is not good. There are a number of places where words are missing or misspelled, which always irritates me.
But overall, I enjoyed this read, I have enjoyed this series and I am looking forward to Miles’ story (can I volunteer to proof read it prior to release?)
November 8, 2021
She's a hard worker with fun attitude wins over serious ocd wide receiver football player who Catfishes her initially. She's a hotel maid, a barista, and she watches over her mother.
She may of "taken" his ring and wallet in her get away walk of shame. It's funny but I think Mississippi got them.
Fun sweet read.
She may of "taken" his ring and wallet in her get away walk of shame. It's funny but I think Mississippi got them.
Fun sweet read.
November 8, 2021
McCarthy lightens the mood with delicious temptation. With sassy wit and irresistible charm, she gives readers what they want....A reason to smile.
September 16, 2023
So.Stinkin.Cute!!
This whole story was just fun and flirty and upbeat!
I love how it started to how it ended!
These characters just clicked so well and even when they were at odds with their beliefs or lifestyles they just found a way lol
I love also how these books are short but still pack a solid punch!
This whole story was just fun and flirty and upbeat!
I love how it started to how it ended!
These characters just clicked so well and even when they were at odds with their beliefs or lifestyles they just found a way lol
I love also how these books are short but still pack a solid punch!
June 21, 2022
Too slow - read on KU
This whole series is average at best. Well, books 1 and 5 are average at best. This one isn't as good, the second is much worse, and book 4 is too irritating to be anything but bad. I did like some parts of this. I liked JJ. I mostly liked Mia. I don't understand why it took her forever to realize she might have accidentally grabbed his wallet and ring off his dresser when she threw everything on his dresser in her bag when sneaking out at 5 AM.
I did like their chemistry and loved how persistent JJ was. But the story was boring and slow. The "woe is me" thing about her finances got a little old, too. I didn't like the addition of her mother. Her mother was clearly a gold-digger. She commented on what her famous, rich, football player boyfriend could do for her more than once.
If you liked the first two books, you'll like this one and the 5th one, too. I can't say the same for book 4. Their dialogue is irritating. It's the kind of dialogue that makes you want to bang your head against the wall. And neither of the characters are as likeable as the others in the series. Book 1 was definitely the best with the exception that it didn't have the big friend group in it much like the others do.
This whole series is average at best. Well, books 1 and 5 are average at best. This one isn't as good, the second is much worse, and book 4 is too irritating to be anything but bad. I did like some parts of this. I liked JJ. I mostly liked Mia. I don't understand why it took her forever to realize she might have accidentally grabbed his wallet and ring off his dresser when she threw everything on his dresser in her bag when sneaking out at 5 AM.
I did like their chemistry and loved how persistent JJ was. But the story was boring and slow. The "woe is me" thing about her finances got a little old, too. I didn't like the addition of her mother. Her mother was clearly a gold-digger. She commented on what her famous, rich, football player boyfriend could do for her more than once.
If you liked the first two books, you'll like this one and the 5th one, too. I can't say the same for book 4. Their dialogue is irritating. It's the kind of dialogue that makes you want to bang your head against the wall. And neither of the characters are as likeable as the others in the series. Book 1 was definitely the best with the exception that it didn't have the big friend group in it much like the others do.
November 11, 2021
This is a cute read.
After the hottest hook-up of his life, JJ Beckett finds his bedmate has disappeared. And she's taken more than his expectations of making it more than just a one night stand with her. Just as he's decided finding her is impossible, they run into each other once more. And this time around, JJ's determined to ensure he never loses sight of her again.
Mia has held on to the memory of her one night with a gorgeous, kindhearted stranger. Her life is messy and chaotic, pretty much like her handbag, so she comforts herself with the thought that it wouldn't have lasted had they had more than one night, anyway. But when he turns up in her hotel, angry at her, but just as sexy as before, she realises that her heart is in trouble. But also, that, love might be worth it, after all.
A little OCD and plenty sweet, JJ is a charming hero. Mia is hardworking, and looks out for others; I was happy that she understood that it was okay to let someone - JJ - look out for her, too.
I recommend this read. It's light, with witty banter and steamy moments. It definitely made me smile.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
After the hottest hook-up of his life, JJ Beckett finds his bedmate has disappeared. And she's taken more than his expectations of making it more than just a one night stand with her. Just as he's decided finding her is impossible, they run into each other once more. And this time around, JJ's determined to ensure he never loses sight of her again.
Mia has held on to the memory of her one night with a gorgeous, kindhearted stranger. Her life is messy and chaotic, pretty much like her handbag, so she comforts herself with the thought that it wouldn't have lasted had they had more than one night, anyway. But when he turns up in her hotel, angry at her, but just as sexy as before, she realises that her heart is in trouble. But also, that, love might be worth it, after all.
A little OCD and plenty sweet, JJ is a charming hero. Mia is hardworking, and looks out for others; I was happy that she understood that it was okay to let someone - JJ - look out for her, too.
I recommend this read. It's light, with witty banter and steamy moments. It definitely made me smile.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
November 8, 2021
My favorite story of the series so far! I woke up at 3:30 this morning and read until work and then finished it on break. I couldn't stop reading James (JJ) & Mia's story! From the moment they met and until the last page, I was beyond captivated.
James was supposed to meet a friend when Mia accidently ran into him. I loved going on their journey because it was oh so entertaining. Erin McCarthy delivered a great story full of humor and heart. I loved James & Mia.
I am not ready to leave these characters and their world behind. I am so excited that there is more to come in this series!
James was supposed to meet a friend when Mia accidently ran into him. I loved going on their journey because it was oh so entertaining. Erin McCarthy delivered a great story full of humor and heart. I loved James & Mia.
I am not ready to leave these characters and their world behind. I am so excited that there is more to come in this series!
November 9, 2021
JJ thought Mia was a thief and still couldn’t forget her!
Mia Abernathy is working three jobs trying to make a living and on a rare night off has been stood up for a date bumping into a guy spiling his drink. Football player JJ Beckett introduced himself as James, the luxury boat dealer from Miami. After a really hit night together Mia scoops up everything that had spilled from her bag because she was late to work. JJ though she was a thief because his wallet is missing along with his championship ring, but he still can’t forget Mia!
Mia is too busy with work to even have a clue who JJ is!
Mia Abernathy is working three jobs trying to make a living and on a rare night off has been stood up for a date bumping into a guy spiling his drink. Football player JJ Beckett introduced himself as James, the luxury boat dealer from Miami. After a really hit night together Mia scoops up everything that had spilled from her bag because she was late to work. JJ though she was a thief because his wallet is missing along with his championship ring, but he still can’t forget Mia!
Mia is too busy with work to even have a clue who JJ is!
November 9, 2021
I was hooked from the blurb and Erin McCarthy did not disappoint.
The set up for JJ and Mia's romance was different than anything I'd read before. It made it interesting to see how they figure things out as their relationship changes from one night stand to more when they meet again.
This book is a fairly quick read, but the story and relationship development don't feel rushed. It is fun, entertaining, and probably my favorite book in the series so far!
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
The set up for JJ and Mia's romance was different than anything I'd read before. It made it interesting to see how they figure things out as their relationship changes from one night stand to more when they meet again.
This book is a fairly quick read, but the story and relationship development don't feel rushed. It is fun, entertaining, and probably my favorite book in the series so far!
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
November 10, 2021
The blurb got me! It did not disappoint. JJ and Mia's story is different from what I've read before. It was so entertaining, witty and full of humour. I loved seeing how they figure things out. from one-night stand to something more. I think their relationship development was done so well and I liked the pace it was going.
This is a fun, sweet read that will have you laughing in no time.
This is a fun, sweet read that will have you laughing in no time.
November 18, 2021
James and Mia
James and Mia's first meeting was fun and pretty original. The events that followed were emotional as well as quirky at times. They were opposites in many ways but their differences provided a balance that worked. I enjoyed their snarky comments and highly recommend this book.
James and Mia's first meeting was fun and pretty original. The events that followed were emotional as well as quirky at times. They were opposites in many ways but their differences provided a balance that worked. I enjoyed their snarky comments and highly recommend this book.
December 23, 2021
When I read the second book in this series and we got a small sneak peek of this gorgeous book, I instantly wanted to read it. It made me so curious for it and when I found out I missed release day and the book had been out for a while, I dove in asap. This book is an easy-to-read, very funny, lighthearted, nicely balanced book. There's romance and there's frustration, but it's always passionate between the leading characters, sparks are flying hot and high. I loved reading this book and definitely recommend it to others. Can't wait for the next!
4/5 stars.
4/5 stars.
June 20, 2022
Hot hot hot
I can never get enough of Erin McCarthy and as usual, she didn't disappoint. Mia was the one thing James (who us everything) didn't know he was missing. And James was just the man that a hard working woman like Mia needed. They were perfect! I will certainly be rereading this book again.
I can never get enough of Erin McCarthy and as usual, she didn't disappoint. Mia was the one thing James (who us everything) didn't know he was missing. And James was just the man that a hard working woman like Mia needed. They were perfect! I will certainly be rereading this book again.
November 9, 2021
Mia and JJ
What a fun Cinderella story! JJ is caviar and Mia is tuna but they manage to go together! Erin McCarthy always makes you laugh and fall in love! A great addition to the Legends series
What a fun Cinderella story! JJ is caviar and Mia is tuna but they manage to go together! Erin McCarthy always makes you laugh and fall in love! A great addition to the Legends series
November 18, 2021
Thief of hearts
Meet cute and cinderella story with shades of the three bears all woven into a sexy & tender love story that will draw you in and make you want to stay to hear the happy ending.
Meet cute and cinderella story with shades of the three bears all woven into a sexy & tender love story that will draw you in and make you want to stay to hear the happy ending.
December 7, 2021
It was ok . Mia was very good hard working and definitely didn’t want to take advantage of anyone . He was glad Mia didn’t know his identity when they had a one night stand but he fell for her goodness right off . He was super rich and a neat freak -little too much so for me
December 27, 2021
Was a great way to spend my evening relaxing in my comfy chair and escaping into this heartwarming journey. A highly entertaining and engaging journey filled with fun and sexy charters, witty dialog, heart racing twists and emotionally thrilling passion.
March 3, 2022
3.75 stars. Quickie review: Cute! A Cinderlla story between a hotel maid and an NFL player. Fun story, sexy banter, strong heroine, an adoring hero and no big breakup. A win for me. Entertaining. I liked Mia and James. Will continue this series.
September 24, 2022
This was my favorite of the 3 in this series that I have read. I loved how snarky Mia was with JJ. The banter was entertaining, and I was hooked from the beginning. Light read that kept me engaged.
November 17, 2021
i have to rate 4.5 stars as the writing is okay but i am not a fan of 3 POV as it should stick to mainly 2 POV
November 20, 2021
this series just keeps getting better
This is one of the best series I have read in a long time it’s funny. This is one of those series we need right now
This is one of the best series I have read in a long time it’s funny. This is one of those series we need right now
August 7, 2022
Love Mia and Miles great novel and story
Funny romantic and sex what more can you ask in a book😂🥰 some of the lines between Mia and Miles have you laugh out loud
Funny romantic and sex what more can you ask in a book😂🥰 some of the lines between Mia and Miles have you laugh out loud
January 23, 2023
Good book
This book is like maid in Manhattan meets Cinderella like vibes. Minus the evil step mom and step sisters. The way Mia doesn't back down to James aka JJ is amazing!
This book is like maid in Manhattan meets Cinderella like vibes. Minus the evil step mom and step sisters. The way Mia doesn't back down to James aka JJ is amazing!
December 30, 2021
Playing the Player by Erin McCarty, book three in The Legends series, a fun, sweet read that will have you laughing in no time. James was Mia Abernathy is working three jobs trying to make a living and on a rare night off has been stood up for a date, bumping into a guy spilling his drink. Football player JJ Beckett was supposed to meet a friend when Mia accidently ran into him. Instead of being honest, he introduced himself as James, a luxury boat dealer from Miami. After a really hot night together and because she was late to work, Mia scooped up everything that had fallen from her bag. JJ though she was a thief because his wallet was missing along with his championship ring, but he still can’t forget Mia. I loved going on their journe;y it was quite entertaining. Erin McCarthy delivered a great story full of humor and heart.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
October 4, 2025
Playing the Player is a charming romantic comedy that delivers plenty of laughs and heartfelt moments. Erin McCarthy’s writing is witty and engaging, with well-drawn characters who feel real and relatable. The chemistry between the leads is sizzling, and the playful banter kept me smiling throughout.
While the plot follows some familiar romance tropes, it’s executed with enough freshness and warmth to feel enjoyable and satisfying. The balance of humor and emotion makes this a perfect feel-good read.
If you’re in the mood for a lighthearted romance with plenty of charm, Playing the Player is definitely worth picking up.
While the plot follows some familiar romance tropes, it’s executed with enough freshness and warmth to feel enjoyable and satisfying. The balance of humor and emotion makes this a perfect feel-good read.
If you’re in the mood for a lighthearted romance with plenty of charm, Playing the Player is definitely worth picking up.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews