Played (Paperback)

by Barbara Freethy (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
Sheer hold-your-breath suspense. -- Karen Roberts

Review
Sheer hold-your-breath suspense. (Karen Roberts)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Signet (October 3, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451219694
• ISBN-13: 978-0451219695
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #530,344 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #19 in

  Books > Romance > Authors, A-Z > ( F ) > Freethy, Barbara

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars 4 stars, November 3, 2006

By	Amanda Killgore (USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

Christina Alberti finds her world turned upside down after a legendary diamond comes into the auction house at which she works. Two thieves, one of them her own father, want the gem that comes complete with a curse and a tie to her own history that will take her across the world to solve the mystery. It will also bring her into the sights of F.B.I. agent J.T. McIntyre, a man whose life was destroyed by the other thief and who knows all too well how dangerous that man is. He is not sure if Christina is a pawn, an accomplice, or a potential victim, but he's going to stick close to her. Before long, there is no other place he wants to be.

**** Suspense and passion come together in this multi-layered story that keeps you riveted from the moment you begin the book. The twists and turns don't let up for one second. You won't be sorry if you read this one. ****

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars 1/2** A good conclusion to the end of Evan Chadwick..., October 10, 2006

By	iheartjackbauer - See all my reviews

If you haven't read Taken, I highly recommend reading it before reading Played. You will miss quite a bit if you skip it. :)

Christina Alberti has worked for years to build her repulation back up in the art industry. Because of her infamous father, Marcus Alberti, Christina is unable to work at any museum. Finding a job at Barclay's Auction House is Christina's salvation and she's determined not to ruin it. When a collection of diamonds is sent to Barclay's to be auctioned off, Christina knows the auction must go off without a hitch or her reputation in the industry will be forever ruined. When an arrogant FBI Agent tells her that someone will steal one of the diamonds, a ninety seven carat yellow diamond, Christina is incredulous. Then she gets worried because she knows that if anything goes missing, all eyes will turn toward her.

Special Agent J.T. McIntyre is one step behind Evan Chadwick. Determined to finally bring down the man that destroyed his father, J.T. will do anything to get him. That includes using Christina however he needs to. He's certain she's hiding something, though he's not quite sure what. He questions whether she is working with her father or even Evan to get the diamond. All J.T. knows is that he's going to stick to Christina like glue. When the diamond goes missing, J.T. is more determined than ever to bring Evan down.

From the streets of San Francisco to the hills of Florence, Italy, Barbara Freethy takes the reader on a journey of romance and mystery. She takes us into the mind of a con-man turned killer. Add in some family secrets and you have Played.

There were only a few things that I didn't like or thought were unnecessary. The murder of one of the characters was pointless, in my opinion. I also think that the book ended too abruptly. At times the romance between Christina and J.T. seemed forced. In regard to Evan, it seems as if the author couldn't decide if he was evil or mentally ill. On one hand Evan was doing everything for Jenny, on the other hand he conned people before he even met her. It was confusing.

These are just a few things that I noticed while reading the book. I still think it's worth a shot, because it could just be me. :)

4.0 out of 5 stars Not a good end, August 28, 2008

By	Jorge Frid (Mexico City) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Albeit the reading material is quite good the book's end is almost nonsense. I think both ends written in this book could be better. Nonetheless you'll get hooked with the characters performance and that's good while you read a story. Someone wrote that to read this book you have to read first its prequel but I don't think so.