The Spicy Librarian's Review: Play With Me by D.L. Darby
D.L. Darby's Play With Me, the third installment in the Angels of Désirer series, is a sizzling blend of romantic suspense, hate-to-lust, and forced proximity that manages to feel like Law and Order meets Sex & The City. It throws a fierce, independent club owner and a judgmental detective together in a race to catch a killer, resulting in an explosive clash of wills and an undeniable attraction that makes for an addictive read.
The Anatomy of Tension
The plot hinges on a premise dripping with tension: Carmela Lane, the fierce, thirtysomething owner of the exclusive adult club Désirer, is receiving death threats linked to a trail of bodies. Her solution? Her senator ex-boyfriend hires Anders Brooks, a detective from California, to go undercover and find the killer. The problem? Anders is cocky, condescending, and judges Carmela for her profession, while Carmela finds him an infuriating jerk.
The central conflict is the electric, sizzling chemistry that exists despite their mutual contempt. They are forced to work together, and put on a show at the club to lure the murderer out, and in the process, they can't stop tearing each other’s clothes off. This blurring of the line between hate and lust is the engine of the story, creating a delicious dominance power struggle and thrilling mutual pining that keeps the reader hooked.
The Characters: Fire and Ice
Carmela (The Queen): Is a spitfire, and fierce, independent, and strong, Carmela is a compelling FMC who owns her sexuality and her business. I loved the depth of her backstory and the way she stands up for what she believes in. She's a dominating badass who has no problem putting Anders in his place, making her the perfect counter to his arrogance.
Anders (The Detective): Anders starts off as the ultimate jerk—rude, ignorant, and highly judgmental of Carmela and her club. He’s the definition of “let him warm up to you." However, he's also a man with a well-crafted past and trauma, and his initial coldness gives way to a volcanic passion, caring, and protective nature. The journey of seeing him bend the knee and shed his judgment is a huge payoff.
Beyond the Spice: Suspense and Heart
While the book delivers on spice and electrifying chemistry, the plot is equally strong. It features a genuine whodunit mystery that keeps the reader guessing with secrets revealed and unexpected twists. The story also digs into heavy themes, exploring Carmela’s complex past and the emotional trauma that shaped both her and Anders.
Ultimately, Play With Me is a testament to the transformative power of love and acceptance. It’s a story about a man learning to look past his prejudices to see the strong woman underneath and two people, both broken by the world, finding a bond that could withstand a deadly threat.