Played! – #2 in The Shamwell Tales

All the world’s a stage . . . but life doesn’t come with a script.

Posh boy Tristan Goldsmith has one last summer of freedom before he joins the family firm in New York—no more farting around on stage, as his father puts it. But the classically trained actor can’t resist when the Shamwell Amateur Dramatics Society begs him to take a leading role in their production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. As an added incentive, he’ll be giving private acting lessons to a gorgeous local handyman who’s been curiously resistant to Tristan’s advances.

As a late-diagnosed dyslexic still struggling with literacy, Con Izzard’s never dared to act before. With arrogant yet charming Tristan helping him with his lines, he finally has his chance to shine. But Con’s determined not to start a romance with a man he’s convinced only wants a casual fling.

Tristan’s never been one to back down from a challenge, especially when he realises his attraction to the tall, muscular handyman isn’t just physical. Just as he thinks he’s finally won Con’s heart—and given his own in return—disaster strikes with a slip of the tongue that shatters Con’s trust and sends him running for cover. This show may be over before the curtain’s even opened.

Available in ebook and paperback: 

Riptide | Amazon

 

And now in audiobook, narrated by the wonderful Mark Steadman:

 Amazon | Audible

 

Placed third in the 2015 Rainbow Awards: Gay Romantic Comedy

There were times I had to set the Kindle down because I was laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes. The writing is stellar, the story nailbitingly heartwarming, the humor a broad mix of subtle and slapstick, and the two ‘stars’ shine with a unique brilliance.
I give Played! my unreserved highest recommendation – 5 stars, Diane, GayGuyReading

JL Merrow did it again. She gave me another favorite book which is going to join the beautiful Muscling Through. The amazing Tristan will stay in my heart as Al did…There was no dead moment, every sentence was full of humor, I laughed so much at Tristan. Played! was an absolute winner – 5 stars, Stella, Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

These men had a true emotional bond and a kinship they shared between them that sizzled off of the written page…The story itself has a perfect balance between light and serious moments. Highly Recommended! – 5 kisses, Gabbi, Top 2 Bottom Reviews

You couldn’t get two  more different guys if you tried…So this is a relationship that goes from mild contempt, to mutual respect and finally the HEA – YES! Totally loved it, and with these two characters there are seriously laugh out loud moments – Mark, Sinfully Addicted to All Male Romance

Played! is humorous, smarmy, but ever so slightly barbed. It asks questions of the way our desire for safety and the status quo can overcome our ability to find love and happiness…Con and Tristan’s romance is exactly what male/male readers need for an amusing diversion that will leave them challenged, but ultimately satisfied, with the main couple – John Jacobson, Heroes and Heartbreakers

I was hardly able to put this book down once I started reading…If you loved the first book [Caught!], you are going to adore this one. And if you’ve yet to start the series I have no idea what you are waiting for – Carissa, Love Bytes

Merrow brings community theater to life…Enjoyable characters and lively dialogue enhance this entertaining, lighthearted romance – Janice Carol, RT Book Reviews

Note: this book was previously published by Samhain Publishing. The second edition contains only minor revisions.