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Play It Safe

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Who Would Like This Book:

If you love swoon-worthy cowboys, resilient heroines, and second-chance romance set in a small town with a touch of suspense, this is your next addictive read. Kristen Ashley excels at crafting heartfelt, real characters, and the chemistry between Ivey and Grayson Cody will leave you grinning, holding your breath, and staying up way too late to finish just one more chapter. This book is perfect for fans of protective alpha heroes and emotional journeys with just enough drama to keep things interesting.

Who May Not Like This Book:

If you’re not into angsty romance or stories with misunderstandings that last for years, this one might not be your cup of tea. Some readers wanted a bit more from the ending, and if you crave non-stop action or super tidy resolutions, you may find this a little slow or bittersweet at times. Also, if cowboys aren’t your thing or you prefer lighter, low-drama love stories, you might want to pass.

A heartfelt, emotional cowboy romance that will make you swoon, sigh, and maybe shed a tear or two - especially for fans of Kristen Ashley or anyone looking for a love story with real depth and just the right dose of drama.

About:

"Play It Safe" by Kristen Ashley revolves around the story of Ivey, a woman on the run who finds herself in Mustang, Colorado. There, she meets Grayson Cody, a protective cowboy, and they fall in love despite facing betrayal and obstacles. is praised for its engaging plot, relatable characters, and the depth of emotions portrayed. Kristen Ashley's writing style is highlighted for its ability to draw readers in and keep them hooked until the end, blending elements of heartbreak, lust, and suspense.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, with Ivey depicted as strong and determined, while Grayson represents the protective alpha hero, supported by a cast of complex secondary characters.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and immersive, with vivid descriptions that enrich the characters and settings, balancing emotional depth with suspense.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative follows Ivey, a woman on the run, who finds love with rancher Grayson Cody in a welcoming town. Their relationship faces turmoil due to betrayal and misunderstandings, but ultimately they confront their pasts.

Setting:

The setting is primarily in Mustang, Colorado, a small town that contrasts Ivey's tumultuous past, highlighting themes of belonging and community.

Pacing:

The pacing is engaging, maintaining tension and emotional depth, especially during key moments of revelation and conflict.
Because he was still sitting at the bar, drinking beer from a bottle, chatting and smiling at the bartender, nice, friendly. She was very pretty but older than him, five years, maybe ten. They knew ea...

Notes:

The book features a strong romantic connection between the main characters, Ivey and Grayson Cody.
Ivey leads a troubled life on the run due to her criminal brother.
Grayson Cody is described as a tall and beautiful macho rancher.
The story takes place in the small town of Mustang, Colorado.
Ivey initially has rules for her life about keeping connections to a minimum.
The plot includes themes of betrayal and the struggle for a normal life.
Ivey is portrayed as an expert billiards player and a keen observer of people.
The book combines elements of romance with an underlying suspense plot.
Ivey and Gray's love story spans many years, filled with heartbreak and separation.
The characters face real-life struggles, making them relatable to readers.
The narrator of the audiobook is Savannah Richards, who received praise for her performance.
The book includes significant character development, especially for Ivey, as she seeks safety and a sense of belonging.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for Play It Safe include themes of betrayal and possible violence, considering the suspense elements involving the characters' pasts.

Has Romance?

Yes, there is a strong romantic presence throughout Play It Safe, central to the storyline and character development.

From The Publisher:

No connections. Play it safe. These were the rules Ivey lived her life by.Until she hit Mustang, Colorado, a perfectly imperfect town where the citizens were welcoming and one of them included the tall, beautiful, macho man rancher cowboy, Grayson Cody.On the run for a decade, Ivey knew she was supposed to play it safe. But she was tired of being on the run. She wanted a normal. She wanted real. She wanted a home. And she wanted Grayson Cody.And Grayson Cody wanted Ivey.No one who looked at them couldn't see they belonged together. There was one man in this world for Ivey and one woman in this world for Grayson Cody.So they fell in love.But just as quickly as they fell together, they were betrayed and torn apart. Separated for years, Ivey was certain her life would not include her rancher cowboy. Until the town of Mustang reached out to her when Gray was in trouble. Even though she thought he broke her heart, she charged in to help. Then Gray and Ivey discovered they were betrayed and, not only that, Gray had an enemy who would stop at nothing to defeat him.

January 2012
487 pages

Ratings (5)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (4)

Reader Stats (11):

Read It (7)
Want To Read (3)
Not Interested (1)

About the Author:

Kristen Ashley grew up in Indiana, but has lived in Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least), but loopy is good when you want to write. Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched). Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up. And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.

 
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