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Bree is alone. She broke up with her boyfriend, stopped playing with her Domme, and after doing so, unintentionally lost all of her friends. Struggling to find a new balance in her life, she meets the beautiful and—hopefully bisexual—bookstore clerk, Harper, who offers her things Bree's only dared to dream of.
Harper is friendless and wandering, wondering if maybe she's made up her attraction to women in her head. But after one look at Bree's wide, sad eyes, she knows her attraction is the real deal. Harper is sure she's ready to date a woman, but is she ready to be the dominant partner Bree so desperately needs?
Nothing is off the table when it comes to the kind of games they want to play with each other and nothing is out of bounds...not even other people. Bree longs for the love she found through polyamory, but she's unsure if her relationship with Harper will stand once it's opened.
Do Harper and Bree have a future together, or is love just another kind of game for them to play?
Harper is friendless and wandering, wondering if maybe she's made up her attraction to women in her head. But after one look at Bree's wide, sad eyes, she knows her attraction is the real deal. Harper is sure she's ready to date a woman, but is she ready to be the dominant partner Bree so desperately needs?
Nothing is off the table when it comes to the kind of games they want to play with each other and nothing is out of bounds...not even other people. Bree longs for the love she found through polyamory, but she's unsure if her relationship with Harper will stand once it's opened.
Do Harper and Bree have a future together, or is love just another kind of game for them to play?
160 pages, Paperback
First published September 14, 2022
87 people are currently reading
509 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 1, 2023
Pride Month reading 🏳️🌈
I love love loveeeee Bree and Harper. I sure wasn't expecting that and I want to punch myself in the face for putting off this book for so long. But I'm also glad I've read Impact before, I legitimately think I wouldn't have enjoyed Play as much if I hadn't.
Their communication and openness is one of the best part of this book for me. I may have a kink for good communication skills because this quote gave me all the chills.
“I've never done this before, but I've never done a lot of things before. I'll need your help and your support with this.”
The discussion about polyamory and non-monogamy was nice and real. I really think these themes were treated with the respect they're due.
I'm happy to close my Pride Month reads with this beautiful WLW novella that just left my heart so full 💖 It was light, fun, sexy, and enlighten, exactly what I needed. I loved every second of it and I wouldn't change a thing.
I love love loveeeee Bree and Harper. I sure wasn't expecting that and I want to punch myself in the face for putting off this book for so long. But I'm also glad I've read Impact before, I legitimately think I wouldn't have enjoyed Play as much if I hadn't.
Their communication and openness is one of the best part of this book for me. I may have a kink for good communication skills because this quote gave me all the chills.
“I've never done this before, but I've never done a lot of things before. I'll need your help and your support with this.”
The discussion about polyamory and non-monogamy was nice and real. I really think these themes were treated with the respect they're due.
I'm happy to close my Pride Month reads with this beautiful WLW novella that just left my heart so full 💖 It was light, fun, sexy, and enlighten, exactly what I needed. I loved every second of it and I wouldn't change a thing.
September 7, 2022
This book is not officially part of the series, per the author, and it works very well as a stand-alone. But, both main characters here are featured in Impact, and the overall friendship connections involved in the larger cast of characters are more interesting and carry a bit more weight if you have read the previous book. Hawthorne understands the weight that all relationships, whether platonic or romantic, can carry for women, and I appreciated that she continues the evolution of Harper and Bailey’s friendship here.
This book is also the full story of a surprise reveal that occurred at the very end of Impact, explaining how characters independent of the previous heroines meet and develop their own relationship. It’s the sort of meet-cute that only seems possible in fiction, but Harper and Bree also feel like people who just happen to exist in a fictional universe instead of down the street from me in the real world. Whereas Impact goes the more obvious route of an experienced dominant character helping a submissive explore these tendencies, Play flips this script on multiple levels. I had so much fun following along as Harper takes the first steps as both a baby Domme and a baby gay as she indulges in elements of herself that she never really allowed herself to imagine before meeting Bree. That being said, I was equally fascinated by how Bree embraces her journey of self-discovery regarding her own submission and how she wants to explore it in her relationships.
Yep, that’s relationships plural. On the main level of this book, it is an entirely monogamous F/F romance story. However, Hawthorne’s characterization and storytelling ability deftly balance this “active” element of the book with the knowledge that both main characters are bisexual and that one of them firmly identifies as polyamorous. Thus, Harper and Bree’s arc toward happily ever after includes discussions of polyamory, including with people of other genders, but does not feature on-page practice. All of this is integral to the character development that is at the heart of this story. Instead of an unnecessarily angst-ridden dark moment, this book highlights the satisfaction of two separate people growing as individuals, together. Along the way, we also a few delightful “idiots in love” moments, along with the sheer adorability that is mutual girl crushes developing into a deeper emotional connection.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
This book is also the full story of a surprise reveal that occurred at the very end of Impact, explaining how characters independent of the previous heroines meet and develop their own relationship. It’s the sort of meet-cute that only seems possible in fiction, but Harper and Bree also feel like people who just happen to exist in a fictional universe instead of down the street from me in the real world. Whereas Impact goes the more obvious route of an experienced dominant character helping a submissive explore these tendencies, Play flips this script on multiple levels. I had so much fun following along as Harper takes the first steps as both a baby Domme and a baby gay as she indulges in elements of herself that she never really allowed herself to imagine before meeting Bree. That being said, I was equally fascinated by how Bree embraces her journey of self-discovery regarding her own submission and how she wants to explore it in her relationships.
Yep, that’s relationships plural. On the main level of this book, it is an entirely monogamous F/F romance story. However, Hawthorne’s characterization and storytelling ability deftly balance this “active” element of the book with the knowledge that both main characters are bisexual and that one of them firmly identifies as polyamorous. Thus, Harper and Bree’s arc toward happily ever after includes discussions of polyamory, including with people of other genders, but does not feature on-page practice. All of this is integral to the character development that is at the heart of this story. Instead of an unnecessarily angst-ridden dark moment, this book highlights the satisfaction of two separate people growing as individuals, together. Along the way, we also a few delightful “idiots in love” moments, along with the sheer adorability that is mutual girl crushes developing into a deeper emotional connection.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
July 27, 2023
women.
July 18, 2023
3.7 ⭐️ Another solid spicy sapphic read. Nikki Markham writes spice & kink brilliantly.
Were there some slight issues? Yes. There’s a handful of spelling & grammatical issues but personally I don’t think it detracted from the story in any way as they’re fairly rare.
If you’re looking for spice with little plot outside of the sex this is for you. The book is very much just focussed on them and their relationship bubble. It’s jam packed with spice and damn can Markham write spice well.
For me the role play kink themes weren’t what I personally like to read but if you enjoy books with those kink themes this is a solid read. (I’ll list all kinks in TW’s)
I haven’t factored this into my review but it is a prominent theme of this book so I found it less enjoyable than Markham’s first novel. If you’d rather read bondage etc the author’s first book is more focussed on that and ownership.
This is fairly quick on the relationship development side, I think because the novel is fairly short it does read a little as insta-lovey.
It’s also very low angst if you’re looking for a relationship with no drama and a tonne of understanding. It’s sweet and pretty comforting how both handle issues that arise.
Rep// relationship WLW. One MC is bi and poly. Another Mc is bi and together they have a poly relationship (this does not occur on page, but we see them opening up their relationship at the end to include dating other people.) Bi man SC. Lesbian SC. Bi woman SC. Poly Scs.
TW’s listed below, please skip if you don’t want spoilers.
Tw// Cw// kink content: collaring, ownership, praise, roleplay (including, cat, virgin, schoolgirl, doll,) size play, strap ons, oral, squirting.
Other content involving: alcohol consumption, breakup (not involving the main WLW couple.)
Were there some slight issues? Yes. There’s a handful of spelling & grammatical issues but personally I don’t think it detracted from the story in any way as they’re fairly rare.
If you’re looking for spice with little plot outside of the sex this is for you. The book is very much just focussed on them and their relationship bubble. It’s jam packed with spice and damn can Markham write spice well.
For me the role play kink themes weren’t what I personally like to read but if you enjoy books with those kink themes this is a solid read. (I’ll list all kinks in TW’s)
I haven’t factored this into my review but it is a prominent theme of this book so I found it less enjoyable than Markham’s first novel. If you’d rather read bondage etc the author’s first book is more focussed on that and ownership.
This is fairly quick on the relationship development side, I think because the novel is fairly short it does read a little as insta-lovey.
It’s also very low angst if you’re looking for a relationship with no drama and a tonne of understanding. It’s sweet and pretty comforting how both handle issues that arise.
Rep// relationship WLW. One MC is bi and poly. Another Mc is bi and together they have a poly relationship (this does not occur on page, but we see them opening up their relationship at the end to include dating other people.) Bi man SC. Lesbian SC. Bi woman SC. Poly Scs.
TW’s listed below, please skip if you don’t want spoilers.
Tw// Cw// kink content: collaring, ownership, praise, roleplay (including, cat, virgin, schoolgirl, doll,) size play, strap ons, oral, squirting.
Other content involving: alcohol consumption, breakup (not involving the main WLW couple.)
June 26, 2024
A wonderful sequel
An amazing sequel to another amazing book, this one really drew me in and made me want to keep reading the whole time. Again, it's a beautiful representation of a kink based relationship, featuring Harper as a budding Domme and Bree as the experienced submissive.
The dynamic between the characters is wonderful and very well written, each having their own worries about what they're doing, what they want, and what they think each other wants. Very valid things to think about in that kind of relationship.
Anyway I don't want to spoil the book. I love how the relationships are portrayed and the communication feels so real and appropriate. It's an excellent read and I highly recommend it and the previous book.
An amazing sequel to another amazing book, this one really drew me in and made me want to keep reading the whole time. Again, it's a beautiful representation of a kink based relationship, featuring Harper as a budding Domme and Bree as the experienced submissive.
The dynamic between the characters is wonderful and very well written, each having their own worries about what they're doing, what they want, and what they think each other wants. Very valid things to think about in that kind of relationship.
Anyway I don't want to spoil the book. I love how the relationships are portrayed and the communication feels so real and appropriate. It's an excellent read and I highly recommend it and the previous book.
December 14, 2022
Beautiful and kinky
What an amazing story. A perfect mix of emotional care and love with this being a first time kinky romance for Harper and the filling of an emotional gap for Bree.
I simply loved this!
What an amazing story. A perfect mix of emotional care and love with this being a first time kinky romance for Harper and the filling of an emotional gap for Bree.
I simply loved this!
September 14, 2022
kinky and beautiful
I knew this would be good but the open and healthy discussions of kink and polyamory were the cherry on top. I loved Bree and Harper so much. Seriously these women are so hot.
I knew this would be good but the open and healthy discussions of kink and polyamory were the cherry on top. I loved Bree and Harper so much. Seriously these women are so hot.
January 23, 2024
Similar to its predecessor, this was short and fun and pretty low-angst, and carried by the characters rather than the plot. As before, they meet by chance and are virtually instantly attracted, and then have to figure out how to make a relationship work when they’re coming from completely different places. Over the course of the story they figure things out, and then come face to face with a bit of an obstacle when Bree isn’t willing to give Wes up, and she and Harper have to see whether they can get past that. As before, Athena was a great side character.
I mean, a lot of that is pretty similar to what I wrote for the first book, but this one is definitely distinct enough to be a nice addition instead of just a retread. The one thing that bugged me about it was that Harper fell into her role in the relationship seemingly out of nowhere; whereas Bailey at least had a role model, it just comes to Harper like she got hit by a lightning bolt. Later she mentions some references, but only after she’s decided where she wants to go with it. So that start was just a little disconcerting, but that was about my only issue.
Overall, this packed a lot into the length of a novella; again I was impressed by that. Both characters have a backstory (though Harper’s relies more on the events of the first book), there are obstacles and character development, there’s a cast beyond just Harper and Bree, the story builds on the events of the first book, and I really appreciated the good communication between all the characters. It was a fun read.
I mean, a lot of that is pretty similar to what I wrote for the first book, but this one is definitely distinct enough to be a nice addition instead of just a retread. The one thing that bugged me about it was that Harper fell into her role in the relationship seemingly out of nowhere; whereas Bailey at least had a role model, it just comes to Harper like she got hit by a lightning bolt. Later she mentions some references, but only after she’s decided where she wants to go with it. So that start was just a little disconcerting, but that was about my only issue.
Overall, this packed a lot into the length of a novella; again I was impressed by that. Both characters have a backstory (though Harper’s relies more on the events of the first book), there are obstacles and character development, there’s a cast beyond just Harper and Bree, the story builds on the events of the first book, and I really appreciated the good communication between all the characters. It was a fun read.
January 21, 2024
My god if i thought impact was hot play left me needing to be hosed down! Nikki has such a gift for writing some of the spiciest smut i’ve read but really making the characters believable. The communication between Bree and Harper not only around their relationship but their kink was so refreshing and honest, it was really nice to see more than just the sex. I loved the conversations around poly relationships in this group of friends, it was so refreshing to see people discuss their boundaries and what both of them were open to. This book also just fuelled my obsession with Athena she is one of my favourite side characters i’ve read in a long time and the unit of friends they made in this book I would love to see more of!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2022
This was such a kinky delight!
I love awakenings, I love kinks
What’s better than a kink-awakening ❤️🔥👌🏻
Harper and Bree were so hot together, I loved how the dominance came so naturally, the dirty talk but also effort to please and cherish was just top shelf!
I could swoon over again
I liked Impact a lot already but this one I loved!!
The roleplays were so good
Honorary mention: Athena, you’re by far my most favorite support character ever
——-
+t2s
+read during kinktober
I love awakenings, I love kinks
What’s better than a kink-awakening ❤️🔥👌🏻
Harper and Bree were so hot together, I loved how the dominance came so naturally, the dirty talk but also effort to please and cherish was just top shelf!
I could swoon over again
I liked Impact a lot already but this one I loved!!
The roleplays were so good
Honorary mention: Athena, you’re by far my most favorite support character ever
——-
+t2s
+read during kinktober
June 4, 2023
3.4 stars
Honestly, i fucking love this book so much. I love that it gave Bree more attention and explored new sides of Harper that even she didnt know about. But what i was really upset about is the fact that Bree wanted Wes too. Like i would be happier if Bree and Harper were contented with each other, but then i remember that Bree is into poly. My rules for reading poly books is that its either all dudes or all women, no mix cuz i hate those and the end honestly made quite upset.
Honestly, i fucking love this book so much. I love that it gave Bree more attention and explored new sides of Harper that even she didnt know about. But what i was really upset about is the fact that Bree wanted Wes too. Like i would be happier if Bree and Harper were contented with each other, but then i remember that Bree is into poly. My rules for reading poly books is that its either all dudes or all women, no mix cuz i hate those and the end honestly made quite upset.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2022
I am overjoyed to have gotten to read Harper and Bree’s story! They are a super cute and special couple! They worked really well together and truly had great communication!
I love how much they were willing to explore with and for each other. It was well written and had lots of spirit! Plus their chemistry was amazing!
I love how much they were willing to explore with and for each other. It was well written and had lots of spirit! Plus their chemistry was amazing!
Read
September 19, 2022CWs in the book and on storygraph.
I’ll be honest, what I loved most about this book was the communication between Bree and Harper. Yes, it is kinky, but just the open conversations they have made it that much better. They were clear on their boundaries, even discussing being polyamorous. Just…more of this. Please.
I’ll be honest, what I loved most about this book was the communication between Bree and Harper. Yes, it is kinky, but just the open conversations they have made it that much better. They were clear on their boundaries, even discussing being polyamorous. Just…more of this. Please.
March 24, 2025
I liked Play a bit more than Impact. Neither book has a very strong plot that held my interest (sex is the plot for both). But Play has interesting discussions about polyamory and the very early development of a poly relationship. It’s not on page, but by the end they are testing the waters. The open communication was good.
September 25, 2022
hot
There’s nothing more amazing and steamy than trust in a relationship. Add some a lot of sensual and uninhabited things and you have a perfect relationship.
Oh and communication!! i’m a new fan of this author and can’t wait
for more!!
There’s nothing more amazing and steamy than trust in a relationship. Add some a lot of sensual and uninhabited things and you have a perfect relationship.
Oh and communication!! i’m a new fan of this author and can’t wait
for more!!
March 10, 2023
The smut in this series is 🥵😍
4.5 stars just because there were quite a few grammar/spelling errors that took me out of the story this time.
I just wish they were longer books. I read both of them in one sitting.
4.5 stars just because there were quite a few grammar/spelling errors that took me out of the story this time.
I just wish they were longer books. I read both of them in one sitting.
September 13, 2023
🥵
Being the follow up to Impact.. I think I like Bree and Harper’s story more. Def spicy. Had me thinking about my own “fantasies” so if a book can get my head racing, I say it’s a good read.
Being the follow up to Impact.. I think I like Bree and Harper’s story more. Def spicy. Had me thinking about my own “fantasies” so if a book can get my head racing, I say it’s a good read.
November 3, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
After reading Impact I was looking forward to reading this and it didn't disappoint! Again, I really liked the relationship between Bree and Harper, and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author!
After reading Impact I was looking forward to reading this and it didn't disappoint! Again, I really liked the relationship between Bree and Harper, and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author!
October 11, 2022
2.75 Stars
November 10, 2022
Poly Life
BDSM. Smut. Sex. This book has it all. Liked the little dip into the world of role play. Highly recommend.
BDSM. Smut. Sex. This book has it all. Liked the little dip into the world of role play. Highly recommend.
November 29, 2022
3.4 stars. It was okay
dnf
February 2, 2023well-written. just not my kink so I lost interest
July 2, 2023
It was cute but I felt like it was too perfect, maybe needed a little drama or something.
July 25, 2023
😲 i need bailey and isa story after that
September 1, 2023
just couldn’t get into it at first. was very rushed. buttttt 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
October 21, 2023
Tuvo el desarrollo de pareja que quería que pasara en el primer libro, nabrok
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews