Playing Dirty

Leighton U, Book 4

By: CE Ricci

Narrated by: Brandon Francis, Christian Fox

Our rivalry formed long before we became siblings.

Madden Hastings has been my nemesis since the day we met.

A divide was born from the age-old rivalry between our universities,

but this year, another layer developed. It became personal.

Because the captain of Blackmore’s baseball team?

He’s also my new step brother.

My disdain for the sudden blending of our families leads to more conflict,

and despite their efforts to force us together, coexisting proves impossible.

But something else starts burning beneath my bitterness and resentment;

an attraction as unexpected as it is potent.

And when the chemistry becomes too powerful to deny,

our already complicated relationship gets even messier.

Because a forbidden fling is one thing, but falling for the enemy?

It forces me into a choice I never wanted to make.

One between loyalty to my team, or the love of my life.

*Playing Dirty is the fourth in a five book standalone college sports romance series featuring two rivalry-fueled step brothers, a cut-throat game of capture the flag, and sexual tension that oozes from the story. Not suitable for anyone under 18 years of age.*

©2025 Deserted Press LLC (P)2026 Deserted Press LLC

Hadestown 🫶🏼

CE Ricci 🫶🏼

A just love all of her books. Some couples are less than others but still great time with each book 👏🏼

These boys were so sweet, so cute and caring.

“Capture the flag” was a bit silly to be lied about but what do I know about college boys 🤔

Recommend the book and the whole series!

Playing Dirty

Playing Dirty is the 4th book in the Leighton U series. This book is about Theo and Madden and is told from both of their points of view.

Madden and Theo have been rivals on the baseball field for years. However, now they are stepbrothers. Madden tries to be there for Theo, but Theo does not take this new relationship between their parents well.

Both Madden and Theo have feelings for each other, but both fight it. However, the more they are together real feelings start to develop between the two. I really enjoyed this book and seeing how they both grew. Both characters had their own personal battles they were dealing with?

Will they get their happy ending in the end? Or will factors keep them apart? I loved this book, as well as the series as a whole! I can't wait for the next book in the series!

Killer Narration, Amazing series

As a *mostly* audiobook reader, I’m usually late to the game when it comes to reading the popular, new books. Audiobooks like this one are what make it worth the wait. Experiencing this book with an immersive read was perfection!

CE Ricci always chooses top tier narrators, and Playing Dirty is just one more example of this. Christian Fox & Brandon Francis are an absolute 🔥🔥 choice. There were scenes I listened to more than once because, holy hell, they were hot.

I’ve been listening to this series since Iced Out came to audio and I’ve loved all of them. Before Theo & Madden’s book (Playing Dirty,) Holden & Phoenix (Caught Stealing) were my favorite characters. Now though? Idk man, we might have a tie on our hands. I don’t think I can pick between the two couples.

Anyway, my rating is 5 ⭐️. The writing, the characters, the drama, the secrecy, the rivalry, the heat, the narration - I loved it all. Highly recommend this audiobook along with every other book in the series.

great story, FAB narration/casting, hot spice

Audiobook update: Brandon Francis and Christian Fox just nailed the narration for this! First of all, they sound both hot and age appropriate. I have loved Christian's narration in the previous books in the series and once again, he just kills it! He's been a fave narrator for awhile and Brandon is newer to me, but no less appreciated! Both of them have voices I enjoy listening to when emotional, during spice, and just in general. And the steamy parts? Sooo hot! Highly recommended listening!

Every book I read in the Leighton U series is my fave as I am reading and this one is no different - I love it so much! Theo and Madden are both baseball players but at rivals schools. The school rivalry itself adds some fun elements to the plot too, but my fave rivalry of course is the one between Madden and Theo. When these rivals find that they're also stepbrothers (and their parents' marriage wasn't exactly done under good circumstances), it adds so much delicious tension to this book and I was found myself reading a good chunk of it into the wee hours on a work day (worth losing sleep!). I love the friend groups/found family of course (great to see previous MCS!!!). Thanks to the rivalry, there's also some light Romeo/Juliet vibes that added a nice touch. I loved the spice, but especially loved seeing their feelings building up slowly over the course of the book. Theo was so stubborn, so resistant at first....but Madden is...Madden and so wonderful. The build of the feelings, the feelings during the spice...yes...all the emotional tears for me: "I'll always turn around for you."

This is another winner from this author and I cannot wait for the next book!

What to Expect:
* Stepbrothers/forbidden
* Baseball players from rival schools
* forced proximity
* only one bed
* only one hot tub
* nicknames
* the best friend groups/found family
* bi awakeing
* sneaking around
* banter
* ALL the spice
* game night/CATAN!

Great Story

Great story. Playing Dirty is book 4 in a series of interconnected standalones, this is Theo's book. I haven't read a bad book by CE Ricci, they are always well written and do some kind of emotional damage. I liked this one particularly because I love a sneaking around storyline and there wasn't a 3rd act breakup. Narration was stellar as always for both narrators, overall a really delightful book.