“The three lovers define the ups and downs of a polyamorous triad and leave the ending open for future adventures. … Barber frames a sexy, loving relationship that happens to be among three people. Libraries looking for more ménage works might consider purchasing all three [books in the series].” — Library Journal on the Neighborly Affection seriesShe expects dinner with neighbors—but gets sex … with neighbors—but gets sex with a side of safewords.
Fantasies about her sexy neighbors spice up Alice’s nights, even a year after she’s moved in. She can’t decide whether the men are roommates or partners, but either way, they spark a wanton desire in this mechanical engineer that has her imagination—and vibrator—working overtime.
Henry, director of everything around him, studies human nature and applies philosophies to his paintings as well as his relationships. Quirky and polite to a fault, he follows his own code of honor even when it means denying himself.
Charming and playful, Jay craves stability, guidance, and the chance to please others. His antics counterbalance Henry’s formal ways and bring vulnerability and fun to the trio’s adventures.
BDSM play with the enigmatic artist and flirtatious joker across the hall allows Alice to quiet the too-logical mind that has kept her unsatisfied and distant with other lovers. She must reconsider her notions of love, submission, and independence if she’s to find a permanent place in their bed and hearts.
___
“I love ménage stories, but Barber is beginning to ruin me for other authors. Her characters show such depth and her relationships are so complex and rewarding that I’m beginning to hold others to her standard.” — You Gotta Read Reviews on Healing the Wounds: Neighborly Affection Book 3
“The Neighborly Affection series as a whole has opened my eyes and has made me view the BDSM lifestyle in a new and refreshing light. — Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous blog
more
This is such a great series! You will come to love the characters. Plan on reading the entire series – you won’t be able to stop at just one.
Playing the Game by M.Q. Barber is one of my to go books when I’m feeling blue, or when I don’t know what to read next.
Alice, Henry and Jay never disappoint.
Playing the Game is book one in the author’s Neighborly Affection series and is not a standalone. You must read the books in order. Reading order: Playing the Game; Crossing the Lines; Healing the Wounds; Becoming His Master; Finding Their Balance.
M.Q. Barber is a masterfully crafted a feel good story with twists and turns that kept me at the edge of my seat from the beginning till the last word. I was glued to the pages and I can’t get enough of the characters and their way through the jungle of emotions. While Henry is the seemingly fearless leader, Alice and Jay are eaten by self-doubts, rooted in ther pasts.
I highly recommend the book and the series and wish I could give more than 5 stars.
loved it and will read more about Henry Alice and Jay
This book is way more than just sex (and trust me, it titillates, but good!); I LOVE these characters. They are so fascinating. I love reading about Henry, Jay, and Alice so much that I’ve read this book (and the subsequent ones in the series) multiple times.
It’s steamy and sexy enough, and doesn’t hold back on the BDSM angle, but this erotic romance has so much more to offer than titillation or fantasy.
One of the things I appreciate in any sort of fiction is a strong heroine. It’s a fine line – keeping a submissive female character strong and sure, not to mention keeping an alpha male alpha without making him an alphole, but MQ manages it beautifully! It kept me intrigued enough to follow Alice along on her journey to discovery and growth because she kept her strength. She doesn’t shy away from her sexuality nor does she become Henry’s sub out of repression or shame or past abuse – she plays the game in order to find fulfillment and satisfaction. Her uncertainty and vulnerability come from the growing intimacy she finds with Henry and Jay, something she’s never experienced or wanted before but finds herself needing.
Her struggle with the intimacy and how she fits in to Henry and Jay’s relationship (already established before she enters the game) makes for compelling internal conflict.
Jay was a great foil for Alice, and quite adorable. I half dread half anticipate finding out what happened in his past in the sequel.
Definitely worth reading many times! I love these characters. I hope the series continues!
One of my all time favorite books
Wow 2022 is starting off pretty good. I discovered this author browsing through the Zon. I am a blurb person, this cover did nothing for me if I am going to be honest. I was automatically intrigued. Also, I find low rated books interesting and when I read the person’s review, I LOL. Yeah different strokes, different folks, but some people like to write nasty reviews just for the hell of it knowing what they will be getting into when reading dom/sub books. But I digress.
I have read so many BDSM books, this one right here, for a novice, they should definitely read. Of course, not all BDSM books or lifestyle for that matter isn’t like the one Alice, Henry and Jay partake, but it is my favorite.
Henry the older artist, so formal, Jay is his roommate and occasional lover. Alice is their neighbor. She meet her hot neighbors over a year ago. Jay is the flirt and well Henry is the sweet, artsy one. Jay loves having lunch dates on Tuesdays, and Henry loves going to picnics or museums with Alice. Alice has been attracted to these two gentlemen for quite some time, and she feels guilty having these desires for both men. Until she’s invited to their home and things taking an interesting turn.
Our quiet, formal Henry is a Dom, Alice comes to find out and Jay his submissive. Henry wants Alice to join in their playtime. Show her pleasure that she has never known. Contracts are signed and boy is Alice in for a great ride with these two. She explores her sexual awakening, especially with Henry. He goes through her limits. He is what any submissive would aspire to have in a Dom.
The freaking sexy times, wow! I wish more BDSM books were like this one. Henry is a true Dom through and through, his aftercare is a chef’s kiss! Jay is like the puppy dog that wants to always please his master. I cannot wait to dive into the second book.
I don’t know how I stumbled upon this book, but I am so glad that I did. The story and the writing are so well done. I love a good MMF book and this one did not disappoint. I have to admit I got frustrated at Alice at time for not saying what was on her mind or reacting the way she really felt. Nonetheless, the characters are great. I can see them in my mind. Henry is way of speaking makes him seem so much older than his years, but it suits him. He is a great dominant and very arousing. I loved Alice’s independent mind and intelligence… and Jay, he’s just too cute for words. I loved their story and they way it was building. Can’t wait to read the next in the series. Already have books 2 and 3.
This is a BDSM romance series but it is NOT twisted, it is sweet and romantic and healthy.
This is my second read-through of the Neighborly Affection series, and I love it as much this time as I did the first time! M.Q. Barber has created a wonderful little world for Alice, Henry, and Jay. Their story currently spans five novels and one collection of shorts, with more on the way. The books need to be read in order.
Playing the Game is the first book in the series and really sets the stage for the rest of the series. We’re introduced to the main characters, but the book is told in third person from the perspective of Alice. This gives us a better glimpse into her psyche, which is good. If you are wanting more from Henry and Jay, you get Henry’s perspective in “Becoming His Master” and Jay’s in “Tuesdays with Jay.” Anyway, the characters are all very different. Alice is analytical, thinks a lot, and likes things in order. Jay is a grown child, puppy like. Henry is kind of an odd duck, with an old world way of speaking and behaving, and he watches and learns people’s behaviors and desires with an uncanny ability. The three work well together and make a great triad, except for some communication issues between Henry and Alice. Those issues continue into the midpoint of the next book and are the main source of conflict in these books. I really want to shake both of them and tell them to just talk openly about what they want! But, this is a fictional world, and there needs to be a little tension and some problems so the book doesn’t get boring.
Playing the Game doesn’t have too much in the way of plotline, outside of the introduction of Alice to the world of polyamory and Dominance/submission (with light bondage and pain play.) This book is overflowing with steamy sex scenes, ya’ll! If you are looking for erotica, you’ve got it here. If all you’re looking for is an erotic read, you can read this book and be satisfied. But if you want more of a love story to go with it, you’ll want to keep reading the series. Pretend they are all one book, they all flow together, but don’t worry about cliffhangers. Each book ends with a HFN, with the promise of a HEA. I really do recommend checking this series out. These characters have wormed their way into my brain and I can’t wait to see what awaits them in the future (PS-you do get a brief glimpse into their future in a short you can find in “Tuesdays with Jay”.)
Alice moves into her new apartment and during box hauling meets the handsome, flirty Jay and his enigmatic roommate, Henry. Alice befriends the two, lusting after both but not knowing whether they are just friends or something more.
I have had this book on my Nook for a few years and just had to get them on Amazon with their new covers. I have read and re-read this series so many times because of how Henry, Jay, and Alice’s relationship and its progression has me completely enamored.
I love the interactions between the characters both in and out of the bedroom and Alice’s inner workings is so close to how I used to think as a single girl, I can’t help but relate.
I highly recommend this for anyone who wants a deep, satisfying story to go with their kink.
I loved Playing the Game. The characters are interesting, complex and likeable. The sex steamy and beautiful. I am half in love with Henry and Jay. Alice is a lucky girl.
Alice has finally saved enough to move out of her shared apartment and into her own place. Moving in she meets handsome Jay, who insists on helping her move in. He doesn’t want her to lift a finger, he takes her to his older boyfriend Henry to look after her.
Henry and Alice hit it off over lunch. Once she is moved in with a few thing from his storage, and gone home to unpack, Henry and Jay discuss making Alice theirs.
Henry is a Dom and Jay is his sub and the both see Alice as the perfect women to complete their life. Henry is calm and patient. Jay is flirty and fun with a wealth of insecurities and can’t wait for Alice to be forever with them
Henry and Jay become good friends to Alice and on her one year move in anniversary, they hold a party for her, and invite her to become more than friends.
Alice has had a crush on her neighbors Henry and Jay since the day she met them. Their friendship has meant everything to her. When they offer more she is surprised but refuses to miss the opportunity. Then she learn about the live style they live and is intrigued. A contract designed just for Alice brings her to Henry and Jay every other Friday.
Alice doesn’t believe in love. Henry and Jay are going to convince her they love her, not with words but with everything they do.
Loved Henry, Jay and Alice. A slow burn romance with Dom, sub, light BDSM, MF, MM and MFM