Poppy had saved Jack’s life when they were children when she found him beaten up in an alley and knew at that time, she would always love him. Later he returned the favor by saving her life. But even if life makes them both PLAY DIRTY – nothing would change how Poppy feels about Jack. Nor will it prevent him from protecting her when danger comes after her again.

Leaving the small town they grew up in, Jack Bridger became a SEAL – trying to escape his past and better himself. Years later he returns to protect her. He has no problem taking out those who endanger the only girl/woman who ever believed in him.

PLAY DIRTY is book one of author Lora Leigh’s new Tempting SEALS: Triton series. This book spans not just a few years but from the time Poppy and Jack were just kids until now as grownups. There are things in PLAY DIRTY that could be considered a trigger and Jack’s home life is certainly one of them. It was very abusive, and no one tried to help him. The only good thing in it was Poppy who always tried to make things better for him – but then again, she was a sweet, gentle and loving girl and as she grew into a woman – that didn’t change. Jack comes back and he will do anything to protect her and only feels bad that some of those who would hurt her were people she trusted. He allows others to think he is a mercenary but the truth … well you will have to read PLAY DIRTY to find out the truth.

The one downside, I found, to PLAY DIRTY was there seemed to be a lot of talk about AI (artificial intelligence) that someone who has no interest in that particular topic would find boring. It might have been used as world-building, a common practice in a new series, that seemed to bog down the storyline. I would guess that AI would appeal to science fiction fans.

PLAY DIRTY will appeal to several genre fans from science fiction, military suspense, erotica, friends to lovers and second-chance romance readers. If you love a good steamy romance, small towns, suspense, motorcycles and families of blood and the heart then you will want to get your hands on PLAY DIRTY.