PLAY WITH ME, new from Alisha Rai

I admit that Alisha Rai is a new author to me and when I requested a review copy of PLAY WITH ME (the first book in her new BEDROOM GAMES series) in response to a tweet she posted for reviewers, I did so a tad reluctantly. I found myself feeling hesitant, guilty even, because as I've often said here, I'm not a fan of strong BDSM. I never want to take a reading/review opportunity away from another reader/reviewer who will enjoy a book more than me and I like to think that I'm considerate of books I request for review. I absolutely loved PLAY WITH ME and I'm thanking my lucky stars that I did speak up and request a copy.

About the book:

Jewelry designer Tatiana Belikov may have matured enough to curb her impulsive nature, but wickedness is still her best accessory. When family troubles bring her to Las Vegas and face-to-face with the man who knows all her darkest desires, resisting temptation is futile. A night of no-holds-barred sin? Jackpot.

Once Wyatt Caine had nothing to offer Tatiana except his heart, but time has changed his fortunes. Now he’s the king of vice, and the king always gets what he wants. Especially when all he wants is her, all grown up and ready to play every dirty game he can devise.

They ignite like fireworks on the Strip, blazing hot enough to melt the best intentions. But their roll in the sheets turns into a roll of the dice, and when morning comes, Wyatt and Tatiana are left wondering whether to walk away…or go all in.

Game on.

You'll find an excerpt and ordering information here: http://alisharai.net/books/play-with-me/

My review:
Tatiana Belikov and Wyatt Caine were sweethearts in high school. Sweethearts that discovered a sexual preference for things a little dirty, sometimes rough even, and both knew what brought the other the most pleasure. Having been adopted, Tatiana has recently been introduced to her biological half-brother. He is faced with substantial debt and, having taken money from his employer, Tatiana wants to help him make things right. When she finds that his employer is her lost love, Wyatt, she is understandably nervous. Wyatt has been hugely successful in business and owns an exquisite casino in Las Vegas. Wyatt's demands for repayment from Tatiana aren't as simple as her just writing a check. He wants one night with her, and as the blurb says, it will be no holds barred.

It isn't the night with Wyatt that Tatiana is opposed to. Rather, she questions the feelings she will have for him and the pain she'll face when their time is through. Wyatt comes across as being cold-hearted and unfeeling, but readers will quickly discover that there is a surprisingly warm heart beating in his chest, a heart that feels more for Tatiana than he would ever admit to. I would point out that there is no  obvious HEA, but I felt it was implied that that's the direction they were going and I was not disappointed.

I look forward to the next book in Ms. Rai's Bedroom Games series, RISK AND REWARD, coming in June, 2013.  Alisha Rai is an author that I am thrilled to have found.

I'll give two copies of PLAY WITH ME (it's an ebook) for Kindle or Nook, winner's choice. Just leave a comment here and you'll be entered, but of course we would like to hear about your lost love reunions, if you have any. Or feel free to chat about any of Ms. Rai's work that you've read. I'll pull two winners from the comments on Saturday, May 11. Like always, don't be surprised if I'm a day or two late in drawing, I seem to be quite good at that.  Also, if you'd like to provide your email address, I'll advise you if your name is drawn. Otherwise, be sure to check back because I won't hunt you down!

Thank you for checking out PLAY WITH ME and special thanks to Alisha Rai for allowing me to read and review this book for her.