Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Rules #3

Slow Play

Rate this book
He’s the player of all players…

Newly broke girl Alexandria Asher just wants to live a normal life. After her parents are sent to prison on embezzlement charges, she enrolls in college under her mother’s maiden name and tries her best to pretend she’s someone else.

Tristan Prescott is everything Alex is trying to avoid. A seemingly egotistical, lazy, rich jerk, she dumps her beer on his head when he comes on to her one night at a party. This only spurs Tristan into action. He loves nothing more than a challenge. And the beautiful Alex is exactly the type of challenge that intrigues him.

Despite her reluctance, Alex finds herself quickly involved with Tristan. Underneath that playboy exterior is a good guy, a sweet and sexy guy who she is undoubtedly falling for. What they both don’t realize is the actions of Alex’s parents are the reason for so much tragedy in Tristan’s family. And when Tristan discovers who Alex and her family really is, can he forgive and forget?

357 pages, ebook

First published October 12, 2015

209 people are currently reading
994 people want to read

About the author

Monica Murphy

117 books18k followers
New York Times, USA Today and international bestselling author. A believer in kissing. A believer of love.

Sign up for my newsletter: https://monicamurphyauthor.com/subscribe

Hang out with me on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/monicamurphyauthor

I'm on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@monicamurphya...

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
967 (31%)
4 stars
1,206 (39%)
3 stars
694 (22%)
2 stars
159 (5%)
1 star
43 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 243 reviews
Profile Image for Monica Murphy.
Author 117 books18k followers
May 16, 2016
Let's talk about Tristan! And Alex! And everyone else in this book!

Ten Things About SLOW PLAY:

1. Tristan is an a-hole. He says the worst things ever. He just...speaks his mind. I adore him.

2. Alexandria (aka Alex) is the perfect girl for him. He needs someone who will call him out on his B.S. She does that perfectly.

3. SHEP IS ALL OVER THIS BOOK. EVERYWHERE.

4. SO IS GABE.

5. AND LUCY AND JADE TOO!

6. There's a sexy party. That's all I'm going to say about that.

7. Sex and the City is like...a secondary character in this book.

8. There are characters in this book that are named after REAL people that are in MY family. Couldn't resist.

9. This story is not just a romance, it's also about friendship. About the people in your life who not only are your friends, but they also feel like family. Alex needs that. So does Tristan. So does everyone damn it!

10. This is by far my favorite book out of the three. I adored Shep. I had so much fun writing his and Jade's story. I love Gabe & Lucy too. But Tristan...oh Tristan. You are my BAE (I said that for my daughter LOL). ;)
Profile Image for Violina N.
276 reviews314 followers
November 10, 2015
6 "TRISTAN & ALEXANDRIA" stars



“Tell me, angel. What do you want for Christmas that only I can give you?”
“Are you sure you want to hear this?”
“Definitely.”
“I want—love. Real, ridiculous, inconvenient, consuming, can’t-live-without-each-other love,”


This book gave me EVERYTHING I need from a book! It was so REALISTIC to me, so light, funny and OH, SO SEXY!



What I found so awesome was that, like Monica Murphy said, Sex And The City was all over this book! As a HUGE-never-ending-forever-fan of this tv show I was so happy that a man like Tristan quoted this serial, liked it and actually wanted to watch every single episode! See? Awesomeeee !!!
So yeah if I found a man like HIM I am going to keep him!!!



NOW ABOUT THE STORY!!!

“Someday it will happen to you,” Shep says confidently. “And I can’t wait to tell you I told you so.”

Tristan is a character we know from the previous books. He was the biggest manwhore from all three men. He was the guy who wouldn't want a girlfriend, a relationship in a lifetime. He was the man who claimed that he is an asshole who only wants so sleep with a girl and never give her more! The truth was that he was alone.
Well, people change!
It was so amazing to watch him grow! The moment he met Alex everything changed! He was in DENIAL but true feelings always come on the surface sooner or later. With every new chapter he become more and more heart-melting. Was he arrogant a lot? YES . But that didn't stopped me for wanting him to get the girl he wants. He was determinate to have Alex , to show her that he is not just the man everyone thinks he is.
He never felt like he belong anywhere, never thought that he deserves someone to love him... but he was wrong!

"You feel it," he whispers. "I touch you and it's like electricity sparks between us. I look into your eyes and I feel like I'm fucking drowning. And when I kiss you, I never want to stop."




Alexandria is was one of the best heroines EVER! For me this girl was so real! Her inner fights, insecurites and her fiesty nature. She was broken because of the things that happened to her and her family. She wanted a fresh start and definitely she wanted to stay away from rich, sexy boys who will break her heart eventually. When she met Tristan she knew that he was bad news. That he was a man who only want one-night stand with her and she wasn't girl who would do that. She doesn't fall in Tristan's legs like so many girls before her. I loved her that she didn't take his crap ever. She was so strong and confident and when it comes to her heart she wanted to protect it. She told Tristan that she needes action, not only words. She didn't believe in words anymore.. she wanted someone to show her his true feelings!




It was more like insta-lust than insta-love but it was something that they both felt when they met. It was chemistry and it was off charts! They fought a lot, they were like two people who either jump on each other or will fight like animals. It's like their foreplay . They didn't want commitment but at the same time they did . Both of them were confused by all these feelings but they knew that he couldn't let go whatever they have. It was too consuming for both of them!



Their interactions were always funny and sexy! Their sexy scenes were steamy and hot! Their greaaat chemistry exploded everytime they were together. First they wanted to take it slow, to be just kissing anf touching but couldn't resis for too long. Their feelings were so strong and the sexuall tension just pulled them together and then were the *fireworks* .




For me this story was beautiful, amazing, hot, REAL (yes, damn it!) and refreshing !
It showed how a true a total douche can turn into a romantic, kind of a guy. A guy who shows his feelings and it's not afraid of them anymore..

Tristan melted my heart and panties countless times. His feelings were so genuie towards his angel . He never had anyone to take care of him, to care about him but he found that person in Alexandria . They were afraid of what might happen but in the end they realized that they found THE person they want to spend lifetime with. They were perfect for each other!

"I'm the most real I can get when I'm with you."



Also I loved that the other characters are in this book A LOT . I liked their conversations, advices and love for each other! Kellie - I LOVE YOU, GIRL!!!



The whole story, the writing, the chemistry, THE EPILOGUE were just PERFECT! I must admit that I cried on the last 10%, but it was all happy tears (and aaa little sad but that's okay!!!) Definitely one of my favorite series!
Dear Monica Murphy, YOU ROCK!!!

Profile Image for Michelle.
944 reviews220 followers
October 28, 2015
2.5 - 3 Stars!
I loved the first book in Monica Murphy's The Rules series, didn't finish the second book and this one fell flat around 50%. I skimmed to the end even though from the description of the book I already knew what was coming around 90%.
Yea I'm done trying to read this series it's just not for me.
Profile Image for Anniebananie.
649 reviews473 followers
April 21, 2018
Ich muss gestehen: nach Band eins, den ich nur so meeeeeeh fand und Band zwei, den ich einfach nur grauenhaft fand hab ich mich irgendwie dazu motivieren können noch Band drei zu lesen. Und Gott sei dank wurde mein Durchhaltevermögen und meine Waghalsigkeit zu diesem Buch zu greifen belohnt! 🙏🏻
Bis auf die letzten paar Kapitel, die ich etwas over the top fand, habe ich das Buch so gerne gemocht! Diese letzten paar Seiten hätte das Buch meiner Meinung nach auch gar nicht gebraucht, da ich die restliche Problematik, die in diesem Buch behandelt wurde total ausreichend und auch viel besser und intensiver ausgearbeitet fand.
Tristan war der in typischer heißer Bad Boy, aber dennoch mochte ich ihn allein dafür, dass er immer schonungslos ehrlich zu allen ist und auch einen klasse Sinn für Humor hat.
Alexandria hatte eine - meiner Meinung nach - etwas unnötige dramatische Vergangenheit, aber ich mochte ihre Art. Sie war weder auf den Mund noch auf den Kopf gefallen und war zum Glück auch weder die allzu oft dargestellte heilige Jungfrau, noch hat sie direkt den Schlüpfer für den Aufreißer-Tristan fallen lassen.
Die Entwicklung der beiden und auch der Beziehung der beiden zueinander fand in einem angemessenen natürlichen Tempo statt. Auch die sexy Szenen waren nett zu lesen und weder befremdlich noch zum Augen rollen.
Alles in allem hat mir das Buch - Schockschwere Not - echt super gut gefallen! So muss New Adult sein 👌🏻
Profile Image for Sabrina.
4,003 reviews2,350 followers
December 20, 2015
3.5 Stars

Alex recently lost both her parents and all of the families money when they went to jail for embezzlement. She decided that it was her opportunity to reinvent herself and moves away from home to go to college, using her mothers maiden name. She keeps her head down and doesn't try very hard to make friends.

Tristan is the manwhore on campus that decides he wants her, and what he wants he usually gets. But he's tired of people seeing him as the playboy with no responsibilities and when Alex rejects him because of the it, he decides to change. But can he give up the entitled attitude as easy as he thinks?



I have mixed feelings about this book. I liked the overall story and once I finished I was pretty pleased with what I had read, but I had a lot of issues with Tristan throughout the story.He was just too cocky and arrogant and I didn't see a desire to change until halfway throughout the books. In the beginning he was just an ass for no rhyme or reason. It wasn't until I started to see a bit of his vulnerable side that I liked him and even then I wanted more of that and less of the douche.



Alex was a good character and I didn't have many problems with her. She was a little shy and unsure of herself but it wasn't to the point of being annoying, so I actually liked that about her. I liked the strength she had to move on from her past and not just break under the weight of all the family drama.



Overall, this was a good story about an asshole hero changing his ways and the girl that doesn't take his shit. I recommend this book and the whole series to anyone that likes a good New Adult novel with not too much drama and some sexy men.
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,102 reviews1,388 followers
October 14, 2015
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review

Rendered Image

Monica Murphy..if you are reading this review, I am a bit sad to say goodbye to Shep, Gabe, and Tristan. Reading the last installment of The Rules is a bittersweet feeling but I am thrilled that Tristan Prescott is finally a taken man and is no longer the fifth wheel!!!

#slowplay

Tristan Prescott never thought he would be the one tied down to one girl. He was the bad boy manwhore of the group. If you expected a relationship, I am sorry to inform you that Tristan doesn't do them at all. So when he meets a sassy and feisty blonde, he never thought she would make him chase her. Usually it was the ladies chasing after him but this time, Tristan Prescott had to do all the chasing in order to get Alexandria Asher's attention.

Alex Asher is a former rich girl. When her parents lost all their money, Alex had to reinvent herself and started using her mother's maiden name as her last name. Supporting herself financially, Alex was forced to sell her designer belongings in order to make ends meet. The old Alex would be about glamour, fashion, and boys. But this new Alex is all about working and making enough money to support herself. And the new Alex knew she had to stay away from guys like Tristan. But as it turns out, Alex couldn't stay away from him. Tristan got under her skin. She was constantly finding herself thinking about him.

#slowplay1

As Tristan pursued Alex, he found himself wanting her in ways that he never thought possible. And the same would go for her. These two had such a strong magnetic pull for each other that it was inevitable. When they found themselves forming a relationship, the truth as to who Alex parents were angered Tristan since her parents played a part in the downfall in his family. Can Tristan forgive and forget? Or will his anger and resentment affect his shot at love?

Slow Play was fun, sexy, steamy, and sweet!!! I loved it. Monica Murphy continues to spellbind her readers with this fun, fresh, and deliciously entertaining read. I loved how the author was able to showcase changes in Tristan's demeanor but still kept him as the lovable dirty-talking hero who can make our hearts flutter. Slow Play reminded me of a modern day Cinderella fairy tale. And so if you are looking for a book that will have give you all the warm fuzzy feeling and at the same time have you swooning then I definitely recommend you to read Slow Play and The Rules Series. Monica Murphy will not disappoint you with her witty dialogue and oh so steamy scenes!!!!


Rendered Image

Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Monica Murphy
Profile Image for Anna.
59 reviews15 followers
September 15, 2017
Leider, leider fand ich es nicht so gut wie die ersten beiden Bände der Reihe.
Ich hatte keine emotionale Nähe zu den beiden Charakteren. Schade.
Die Geschichte plätschert so ein bisschen vor sich hin und muss dann noch auf den letzten, keine Ahnung 30 Seiten oder so (hatte das E-Book, deswegen kann ich nicht sagen, ab wann es genau anfängt) noch richtig zum Drama kommen, welches dann in gefühlt 2 Seiten dann wieder aufgelöst ist. Was schade und doof ist. Es kommt nämlich ein bisschen hektisch rüber, so als hätte die Autorin vergessen, dass es ja noch ein Problem geben muss. Dieses war übrigens sehr vorhersehbar. Also wie es zum Ausbruch des Dramas kam.

3 Sterne.
Profile Image for Meli  .
1,255 reviews245 followers
October 9, 2017
Inhalt
Alexandrias Eltern sind wegen Veruntreuung im Gefängnis. Um neu anzufangen, und das mit deutlich weniger Luxus als Alex geohnt ist, nimmt sie den Mädchennamen ihrer Mutter an und geht so aufs College. Sie möchte sich von den reichen Schnöseln fernhalten und nicht weiter auffallen, aber dann will Tristan Prescott sie nicht mehr in Ruhe lassen. Er ist so ein eingebildeter Kerl, der denkt, er könnte jede haben. Aber Alexandria will nichts mit ihm zu tun haben, so sehr er es auch versucht, denn Tristan liebt Herausforderungen...

Protagonisten
Alexandria
ist tatsächlich bescheiden. Nicht wie die Gören, die sich sehr nach dem glamourösen Leben sehnen und versuchen, den Stil zu behalten. Sie blickt eher traurig zurück, und weiß, dass es zu spät dafür ist und versucht das Beste aus ihrer Situation zu machen. Ein paar Dinge behält sie, aber einen großen Teil verkauft sie, um ihr Studium zu finanzieren, weil sie weiß, dass das sehr wichtig ist. zwar vermisst sie ihre Eltern, aber sie steht auch selbstbewusst auf eigenen Beinen und konnte mich von sich überzeugen.
Sie möchte ein ruhiges Leben und keinen reichen, verzogenen Kerl wie Tristan, denn solche Typen kennt sie aus ihrem früheren Leben zu gut. Klar ist, dass sie so etwas gerade gar nicht gebrauchen kann, darum hält sie sich so gut es geht von ihm fern und trifft sich lieber mit dem nerdigen Steven. Aber natürlich kann sie sich nicht von Tristan fernhalten ;)

Tristan
fühlte sich etwas allein, nachdem seine besten Freunde plötzlich beide in festen Händen waren. Also stürzt er sich noch stärker ins Partyleben und hat noch mehr Sex, als ob er für seine Freunde etwas nachholen müsste. Seine Freunde wollen ihn nun zur Vernunft bringen und sehen, dass es Tristan nicht ganz gut geht, aber Tristan will ihnen gar nicht richtig zuhören. Als Alexandria ihn zurückweist, entfacht das nur sein Feuer. Er ist sowieso beim ersten Anblick hin und weg und kriegt sie nicht mehr aus dem Kopf, aber ihre abweisende Art macht sie nur noch interessanter für ihn.

Andere Charaktere
Steven
ist ein netter, attraktiver Kerl, der sich für Alex interessiert. Nur leider heißt das Buch nicht Alexandria und Steven, darum weiß man natürlich von Anfang an, dass er keine Chance hat. Alexandria geht mit ihm aus und findet ihn auch sehr nett, sie will ihm auch wirklich eine Chance geben, aber sie fühlt da keinen Funken und das ist auch das einzige Problem - aber eben ein großes Problem! Steven ist ein Freund von Alex' Mitbewohner Conrad und daher sehen sie sich sehr oft und Steven ist einfach ein süßer Kerl, der eigentlich nie etwas falsch macht.

Handlung und Schreibstil

Etwas ... unrealistisch fand ich, wie schnell sich die Jungs dieser Reihe auf ein Mädchen festgelegt haben. Es war immer Liebe auf den ersten Blick und sie waren dann an keinen anderen Frauen mehr interessiert. Man hat also nie miterlebt, dass diese Jungs die krassesten Playboys waren, sondern nur ständig davon gehört. Beim ersten Band waren Gabe und Tristan noch frei, dann nur noch Tristan, aber so richtig konnte mich ihr Leben nicht überzeugen. Es endete immer beim Beginn des jeweiligen Buches. Und im Verlauf wurden sie das komplette Gegenteil eines Mannes, den man eigentlich gar nicht kennengelernt hat.

Beim Schreiben der Rezension habe ich mir mal den Klappentext angesehen, also der auf der ersten Seite von diesem Buch. Und zum Glück habe ich den nicht früher gelesen, weil da etwas drin stand, das erst sehr spät eine Rolle spielt und schon eine seltsame Überraschung war. Ich fand diese Sache sehr eigenartig ... Dieser Zufall war etwas zu viel für mich und hat mich daher etwas genervt. Aber immerhin wurde es nicht zu sehr in die Länge gezogen.

Fazit
"Alexandria & Tristan" konnte mich auch nicht ganz überzeugen. Alexandria fand ich wirklich klasse, aber alles andere eher durchschnittlich.
Profile Image for The Hopeless Romantics Book Blog.
737 reviews206 followers
October 17, 2015
Review-Jo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHopelessR...
TSU: http://www.tsu.co/HopelessRomantics
Blog: http://thehopelessromanticsbookblog.b...

I absolutely loved Shep and Gabe from the previous two books in this series, but when it came to Tristan my feelings for him were quite the opposite, so I was eager to get stuck into this book to see if Monica could change my mind. As soon as the book hit my kindle, I began reading. Tristan had always come across as being a huge player so when he met Alex he had to up his game and for the first time in his life he had to think seriously about what he truly wanted, because Alex was a girl who refused to be just another notch on his bedpost. She had far too much respect for herself to do that. I couldn't wait to see how Tristan would handle the situation and I was looking forward to seeing the change in him. Tristan had to lot of bad habits and a huge fear of committing to just one girl. Being with Alex was a big deal to him so I knew that it wasn't going to be an easy romance.
"You make me feel things I've-never felt. I think about you all the damn time and I don't do that about any girl."

When I first met Tristan, I didn't really like him that much. I thought that he was immature and he did not appear to have any respect for women. Some of the things that he said made me want to give him a good slap! Lol. For this reason, it took me a long time before I began to warm to him, and although he never stole my heart completely, I did love how he turned out in the end. Out of the three boys in this series, Tristan was the one who had changed the most, turning his entire life around and falling the hardest for Alex. I loved Alex's character. She was the perfect girl for Tristan. Alex had been through some tough times which demonstrated how strong and resilient she was. These qualities definitely proved that she was just the girl to handle Tristan. I loved how different she was compared to the usual girl that Tristan was attracted to. Alex was determined to hold on to her dignity and not fall at Tristan's feet like so many other girls already had. She was one tough and smart cookie!
"It could've been amazing between us, Tristan. But you fucked it up before we even had a chance."

I loved the twist in the story and because I had not read the synopsis, it was a twist that I was not expecting and as such I was not prepared for the drama that followed. Although this book didn't quite excite me in the way that the previous books in the series had it was still well worth the read. I enjoyed every single minute of Tristan and Alex's story, especially the ending which was so swoonworthy, it melted my heart and took me completely by surprise. "The Rules" has been another wonderful series from Monica Murphy and it's also of my favourites of the year. I am already excited to read the next book from this author.
"I look into your eyes and I feel like I'm fucking drowning. And when I kiss you, I never want to stop."

"Slow Play" gets ❤️❤️❤️❤️ from me.
Profile Image for Leah City of Words and Pages.
646 reviews289 followers
April 28, 2018
3,5🌟 - 4🌟

Das war bis jetzt echt der beste Teil der Reihe.
Ein schöner Plot mit einem Protagonisten, der mir irgendwie sympathisch war 🤗.
Mit dem ich manchmal aber auch Mitleid hatte ...

Das „Drama“ am Ende war zu schnell und eigentlich auch gleich wieder vorbei, das war etwas schade, aber gut, so ist das dann halt 📚.
Profile Image for NinaReader.
557 reviews82 followers
February 3, 2022
This is the 3rd book in this series and Tristan was the most skeptical and most reluctant of all of the guys in this series. It took just the right girl who knew his flaws and reputation and his reluctance and called him out on them and made him work for it, to make him realize that he may just be capable of being in a relationship and he may just fall in love. Alex was sure she was ready for someone to come into her life either and they took things slowly with realistic expectations and that's what made this story work.
Profile Image for Nancy❤The❤Bookaholic.
1,163 reviews140 followers
March 10, 2016
description
description
~~4.5 HEARTS~~

Tristian, Tristian, Tristian! I'm so glad he got his own book and I love reading about how Alexandria brought him to his knees. This had little drama and I enjoyed that. I haven't came across a Monica Murphy book that I didn't enjoy. I love her writing style and all the stories are great.
Profile Image for Alexandra.
212 reviews32 followers
December 27, 2015
**** 4 stars ****
This was the third book in a series that had up and downs. That is, the first book and this one were winners, the second I just dnf. There's not a lot going on in this book. It's the old "asshole manwhore is brought to his need by a good girl" storyline. But I really liked it!
Profile Image for Alexa.
112 reviews8 followers
December 29, 2018
Ich fand den 3. Teil wieder viel besser als den 2. Für 5 Sterne hat es nicht gereicht. Zum einen kommt niemand an Shep ❤ ran & zum anderen fand ich das Timing nicht perfekt, was das ganze Drama angeht.
Profile Image for Bella.
598 reviews119 followers
September 28, 2015
What a great series by Monica Murphy!!!!

I loved Fair Game (5 Stars) and In the Dark (4 stars) so I was really excited to read Slow Play. Tristan has given Shep and Gabe a ton of crap over being in a relationship, so I was ready to watch him fall in love.

Things I loved about this book:
- The writing - just sucks me in!
- Alternating POV - my favorite way to read a book.
- Chemistry - we get the slow burn here....and then it just explodes!!!
- Alexandria - great heroine!!! She doesn't fawn all over Tristan like so many other girls. She won't be treated like a one night stand and there is more to her than meets the eye. She is strong, she is feisty.

- Tristan - OMG. He's hot, confident to the point of arrogance and he's determined not to be affected by Alexandria. Most of the time, he acts like a total @sshole. But, there is also more to Tristan than meets the eye. There's nothing more attractive than watching a cocky alpha male become vulnerable. Oh man.

These two fight the magnetic pull they feel to each other. Alexandria doesn't want to be just another notch on his bedpost. Tristan doesn't want to break his "one and done" rule.

But they just can't stop thinking about each other.

At first, they argue. Alex sort of hates him...and it's kind of like foreplay.

But I love it when they just stop fighting it!

There are a couple of lose ends I wish were tied up , but it really didn't affect my overall enjoyment of the book.

Highlights:
"You feel it," he whispers. "I touch you and it's like electricity sparks between us. I look into your eyes and I feel like I'm f#cking drowning. And when I kiss you, I never want to stop."

"I think you liked that," she says quietly and I know. I just f@cking know.
I'm doomed.

"I'm the most real I can get when I'm with you."

SWOON!!!

Bottom line: great chemistry, you get updates on Shep and Jade, Gabe and Lucy and Tristan and Alexandria have an awesome story.

Highly Recommend!!
Profile Image for Tahsin.
1,202 reviews92 followers
August 26, 2016
4.5 stars?

This one surprised me, in the very best way possible. Two reluctant characters coming together, both passionately standing their ground and staying true to who they are, but still getting along together with explosive chemistry. What more could a girl ask for? This story is my favorite of the series - loved it!
Profile Image for Naomi.
1,438 reviews56 followers
October 28, 2015
Original Review @ Naomi’s Reading Palace

Slow Play is the third book in The Rules series, and it features Tristan, the broody one of the trio, who is determined to stick to the one and done rule that the three guys were adapting in college. Except now, his cousin Shep and friend Gabe are both in stable relationships and he has been left on his own.

The girl who makes Tristan question everything he believes in is Alexandra. She’s a nice girl, who has struggled since her parents are out of the picture. I learned her story in bits and pieces, and I was proud of how she stepped up for herself and was building her own life. I liked seeing her banter with Tristan and through her eyes I could see a better Tristan.

Tristan I found really hard to like! Throughout most of the book he is arrogant and bitter, because he just doesn’t see why his friends or even why he would need a stable woman in his life. He resents Shep and Gabe for changing their lives around and is adamant that it will never happen to him. But I could see him change, the more time he was around Alexandra.

Like I said, I found it hard to actually like Tristan. He’s upfront about everything and never holds back. A lot of the time I thought he was cocky and mean, but somehow, Alex saw past it all to the nice guy underneath. His family’s history kind of shaped him into the man he now is and in the end I could see why he was like that. I’m glad that he found Alex and she was able to help him become a better person. When they were watching Sex in the City episodes together became a turning point for me, because it was not something he would do for anyone. So by the end of the book I actually liked him.

I liked seeing the other couples throughout the book, as all their lives cross paths at some point or another. I also liked the small glimpses of their casino too, but it didn’t play much of a role in this story either. I was surprised by the twist, I didn’t see that at all and I was happy with how it all tied up. Who thought Tristan would do a complete 180 like that!! I enjoyed Monica Murphy’s writing, the alternating perspectives, and I think that she stayed true to his character, and portrayed Tristan as the same guy that I met in the first two books. I’m looking forward to devouring more of Monica’s books in the future!

Complimentary copy provided by the Author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Michele A..
3,034 reviews15 followers
October 19, 2015
Tristan and Alexandria (Alex) meet and clash almost from the get go. Tristan is a man whore and makes no apologies. Alex is hiding from her former life and trying to reinvent herself to get away from her parent's prison sentences and shame it brought on her and their family. Tristan has a knack for putting his foot in his mouth, but is always brutally honest. Alex was a hard character for me to like and I found myself not able to come around to liking her. She wanted Tristan to leave her alone, went out with Steven and then was still mad when Tristan didn't acknowledge her at Jade's party. It was a bit too much for me. She keeps all of these secrets and plays hard to get, yet expects Tristan to swoon all over her. Alex was plain mean and spoiled at times and I could not get past some of her behavior. When you expect truth and loyalty, you have to give it also and she didn't. Her parents sins were theirs and not hers, yet she kept it from Tristan until she was exposed. Then she and her friends all agreed that Tristan should have stood by her, but I totally got where he was coming from. Not once in this whole book did she put herself out there or make him feel special. She pushed and pushed and pushed him and yet she never owned her own BS throughout this book. She was so intent on selling off her things that she didn't even once contemplate that other people suffered and lost everything. I was unable to feel any compassion for her and thought she was as shallow as shallow gets.
Profile Image for Holly Reads Xx.
849 reviews101 followers
October 13, 2015
“Someday it will happen to you,” Shep says confidently. “And I can’t wait to tell you I told you so.”
Well, it's safe to say that I completely loved Tristan and Alex's story. I was caught hook, line and sinker, in this latest release from Monica Murphy.

In the previous books in this series, I didn't like Tristan in the slightest. I'd be surprised if many readers did! But I think when a character is a complete man whore/douche canoe, it's exciting for them to have a book, because you know that they'll have a swift kick up the butt where love is concerned. And I couldn't wait for Tristan to get that!!

What surprised me more than it maybe should have, was just how much I'd come to love and root for Tristan. I was desperate for him to get the girl, and I thought Alex was the perfect girl to knock this playboy right off his feet.

I loved the storyline, the dialogue, the dual POV, the twist (even though we knew it's coming, the characters didn't!!), seeing the rest of the Rules series gang, and just basically everything. This was a really addictive book, and a definite must read!!

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Brina.
2,035 reviews124 followers
December 21, 2017
Nachdem ich den ersten beiden Bände sehr gerne gelesen habe und mir diese richtig gut gefallen haben, war ich schon sehr auf den dritten und letzten band der „Fair Game“-Trilogie gespannt und habe mir bei „Alexandra & Tristan“ eine ähnlich gute Geschichte erhofft. Zum Glück wurde ich hierbei nicht enttäuscht, denn die Autorin konnte mich wieder einmal begeistern.

Monica Murphy konnte mich auch hier mit ihrem unvergleichbaren Schreibstil wieder einmal überzeugen. Das Setting ist super, die Figuren gut ausgearbeitet, ab und zu erlebt man sarkastische und spannende Momente und die prickelnden Augenblicke dürfen dabei natürlich auch nicht fehlen. Dazu liest sich die Geschichte wieder einmal sehr flott, sodass ich das Buch leider viel zu schnell wieder ausgelesen habe.

Da mir bereits Jade und Shep, sowie Lucy und Gabriel als Figuren gut gefallen haben, hatte ich hohe Erwartungen an Tristan und Alexandria, doch auch sie haben mich nicht enttäuscht, denn ich fand beide nicht nur sympathisch, sondern fand auch die Anziehungskraft zwischen ihnen gelungen und glaubwürdig, sodass ich ihre Geschichte sehr gerne verfolgt habe.

Während Tristan der leicht arrogante, reiche, beliebte und gleichzeitig auch faule Bad Boy ist, der Herausforderungen liebt, ist Alexandria das genaue Gegenteil, denn sie kämpft um das reine Überleben, nachdem ihre Eltern wegen Veruntreuung ins Gefängnis mussten und sie einfach nur ein besserer und anderer Mensch sein möchte, der nicht für die Taten ihrer Eltern verurteilt werden möchte. Unter dem Mädchennamen ihrer Mutter schreibt sie sich ans College ein und möchte ein neues Leben ohne Skandale oder Ablenkungen beginnen, allerdings hat sie dabei die Rechnung ohne Tristan gemacht, der sie direkt als Herausforderung ansieht...

Zwar muss man sagen, dass die Geschichte ein wenig vorhersehbar ist und Monica Murphy mit dieser Liebesgeschichte nicht das Rad neu erfunden hat, allerdings konnte mich die Geschichte mit unterhaltsamen und prickelnden Momenten überzeugen, sodass ich nicht nur die Liebesgeschichte, sondern auch das ganze Drumherum gelungen fand.

Bei dem Cover bin ich vor allem froh, dass man hierbei das Cover der US-Ausgabe übernommen hat, denn dies passt meiner Meinung nach perfekt zur Geschichte. Auch die Kurzbeschreibung hat mich direkt angesprochen, sodass ich der Geschichte sehr gerne eine Chance gegeben habe.

Kurz gesagt: "Alexandria & Tristan" ist ein würdiger, prickelnder und gut ausgearbeiteter Abschluss der „Fair Game“-Trilogie und konnte mich mit interessanten Figuren und einem tollen Schreibstil überzeugen. Ich habe die Trilogie sehr genossen und freue mich auf viele weitere Bücher aus der Feder von Monica Murphy.
Profile Image for Chapteraway.
206 reviews93 followers
June 24, 2019
Der Anfang war so gut, dann ging es nur um Sex und am Ende wurde es wieder sehr schön.
4/5 Sterne
Profile Image for sarah.booksanddreams.
1,255 reviews36 followers
October 30, 2017
Alexandria wünscht sich eigentlich nicht mehr als ein ruhiges Leben und einen guten Collegeabschluss.
Doch stattdessen findet sie sich plötzlich zwischen zwei Männer wieder.
Der eine ein ruhiger Nerd, der andere ein arroganter Macho.
Und obwohl sie sich lieber zu den liebenswerteren von beiden angezogen fühlen sollte, schlägt ihr Herz für den eingebildeten Tristan.
Tristan hat alles im Leben, was Alexandria einst verloren hat.
Und obwohl Tristan bisher immer alles bekommen hat, muss er nun zum ersten Mal im Leben für etwas kämpfen – nämlich für Alexandria …

„Fair Game – Alexandria & Tristan“ ist der letzte Teil der gleichnamigen New Adult-Reihe von Monica Murphy.
Hier wird nun die Geschichte des dritten Bad Boys der Runde, Tristan, erzählt.

Obwohl ich ihn bisher eigentlich nicht so mochte, wollte ich die Reihe definitiv mit seiner Geschichte beenden.
Der Klappentext hat außerdem meine Interesse geweckt!
Das Cover des sich sinnlich küssenden Paares finde ich ganz süß und hat sich gut in die Reihe eingefügt.

Der Schreibstil der Autorin ist gewohnt flüssig und leicht.
Wie schon in den vorangegangenen Teilen, schlüpft man auch hier, in die Sichtweisen beider Hauptprotagonisten.
Ich mag diesen Erzählstil sehr und habe ihn auch hier wieder als sehr angenehm empfunden.

Tristan wurde in den ersten beiden Teilen als sehr eingebildet, großspurig und hochmütig beschrieben.
Auch hier zeigt er sich zunächst nicht von seiner besten Seite.
Dahingegen ist Alexandria das liebe und bodenständige Mädchen, das meine Sympathie fast sofort gewonnen hat.

Die Story im dritten Band der Reihe ähnelt sehr denen der ersten beiden Büchern.
Die Gegebenheiten ändern sich zwar, trotzdem lassen sich Parallelen ziehen.
Ehrlich gesagt, war ich darüber auch enttäuscht.

Obwohl ich Tristans Art sehr überheblich empfand, habe ich doch gedacht, dass es etwas länger dauert ihn zu zähmen.
Doch ein Blick, eine Begegnung
und Tristan wurde zum verliebten und enthaltsamen Mann.
Das war mir zu seinem üblichen Verhalten
dann doch ein zu starker und unglaubwürdiger Kontrast.

Ich fand es zwar angenehm, dass sich die Beziehung zwischen ihnen langsam entwickelt, gleichzeitig wurde die Story jedoch sehr langatmig – bis alles auf den sich anbahnenden Konflikt hindeutet.
Einerseits war dieser vorhersehbar auf eine gewisse Art, trotzdem überraschen, wie sich dieser ausgedehnt hat.
Trotzdem konnte der große Knall meine Ernüchterung über diesen dritten Band nur wenig abschwächen.

Für mich ist „Fair Game – Alexandria & Tristan“ der schwächste Teil der Reihe.
Die Story ist wenig überraschend und entgegen aller Hoffnungen konnte auch Tristan mein Leserherz nicht mehr für sich gewinnen.
Eher ein durchschnittliches und unbefriedigendes Ende.
Ich vergebe 3 von 5 Sterne.
Profile Image for Stacia.
1,178 reviews
October 14, 2015
3.5-4 stars

Slow Play is the third book in the Rules Series, but I think each of these books could be read as a standalone. Although you probably want to go ahead and read Fair Game (book #1) and In the Dark (book #2) because they are just super cute and both such fun books to read! Plus the main characters from both of those books are mentioned in this one.

Honestly going into this book, I wasn't sure if I would like Tristan Prescott. He comes off as such an arrogant bastard and is pretty much just out for one thing... himself. Okay maybe he is out for two things, himself and getting into random girls' pants. But boy when he decides to set his sights on Alexandria Asher, the new girl in town, he goes all in. The sweet changes in him were so amazing to read. I loved when he would get all mushy gushy with Alexandria. Plus how awesome was it that he binge watched all the seasons of Sex and the City, just because he knew how much the show meant to her. I loved hearing him quote different episodes, it made me want to go back and watch the show all over again!

Alexandria was such a strong female lead. She went through a lot, due to the crappy (and illegal) decisions her parents made and it really made her step up and do better for herself. The chemistry between her and Tristan was perfect! It's wasn't a quick wham bam thank you ma'am for them. The connection was there from the beginning, but they let it simmer and then when they finally gave it, it was super skokie!

Monica Murphy is one of my favorite New Adult authors. She just knows how to suck the reader into the story, until you look up and you have finished the book. Not to mention, I love the dual point of views (POVs) that she writes; they are so well done!

If you are looking for a fun, light-hearted, sweet, and romantic read then definitely don't pass this one up! In fact, go and grab the whole series!
Profile Image for MGwrites.
65 reviews6 followers
October 3, 2015
“I touch you and it’s like electricity sparks between us. I look into your eyes and I feel like I’m fucking drowning. And when I kiss you, I never want to stop.”
I won this ARC in a giveaway & let me tell u that made my month,made my year actually.Let's talk about Tristan Prescott. I knew from the other books that his book...his story would be amazing. He had me intrigued before I even read SLOW PLAY. That to me is how you know your reading a great book by a great author. When they (Monica Murphy) set the story up for you to want more. When it's so well written that you get invested in these characters.Tristan is a sexy, arrogant jerk.And he doesn't sugar code anything. He's bold,out spoken,rude,pervy,and luvs the ladies...In this book we get to see a different side to him.He is a contradiction.Yes we see all those traits I just mentioned but he is also sweet, kind, affectionate, sensitive, and loyal. Did I mention sexy? My point is we get in his head.See what he sees.Feel what he feels.Understand he's point of view.And Alexandria, the heroine was the perfect person to set him straight.There first in counter was "angelic".She keeps him on his toes and calls him out on his Tristan-ness.But hie is of course BBF material.My favorite in this series.And as always Monica doesn't disappoint. So thank you Monica for giving us your best because your best makes for a 5 star read.
86 reviews10 followers
May 25, 2020
I don't know how to describe this hook. It wasn't slow per se, but it was soooo boring. Plot was unremarkable, writing style was disappointing, just all of it-enough to put someone to sleep. The h was so confused all through the book (I think the author wanted to portray her as strong, but she somehow always came across as being a clueless, hot and cold bit** at best), H was going on and on about how "undeserving" he was, and towards the end - so much talk of how Alex transformed him and grounded him though i am still clueless as to when and how that happened. All telling, no showing. So much time wasted on this book. I thought of dnf-ing this book so many times, but seeing the positive reviews I thought this would turn around. Unfortunately it didn't and I wish I had indeed dnf'd this book early on, if only to save myself some peace of mind. I don't think I'm gonna read anymore books from this author
Profile Image for Night Reader.
639 reviews4 followers
October 19, 2015
3 Stars

Probably my least favourite of the series. Tristan is not particularly likeable. I think that the blurb gave away too much of the book. I also felt that the ending was rushed. The author didn't give time for the reader to experience the MCs together in a committed way. So, the way things ended felt unrealistic and kind of out of left field.
Profile Image for Heroesinbooks.
1,136 reviews340 followers
October 23, 2015
4 TRISTAN AND ALEXANDRIA STARS

Good third instalment in the series. This book concentrates on Tristan and Alexandria. Tris was tricky to like sometimes but Alex was pretty brusque towards him, to the point I wasn't sure if I liked her. An epilogue further into the future would have been nice but it was still a good ending to an excellent series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 243 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.