The Playing Game
Series: Off the Ice #1
Author: Ainsley Booth
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tropes: Second Chance/Hockey Romance
Friends to Lovers
Release Date: March 9, 2023
BLURB
NHL veteran player Kieran Marsh has had more relationships than trips to the sin bin, making him a player on and off the ice. And two years ago, I had a one night stand with him when I thought I would forever stay the anonymous girl in the hockey jersey.
But now my city has an expansion team, and guess who's one of their star players?
Of course I accept an offer to go see the opening night game. I can't stay away, even though hockey destroyed my family, and so much about Kieran reminds me of the worst things my father ever did to my mother.
And when Kieran sees me in the stands? I know nothing is going to be the same again. This is his game, and he knows how to win.
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Free in Kindle Unlimited
Review:
3.5-3.75 stars
***
The Playing Game is a cute, sweet read. This is a standalone book, although I can see there being lots of potential for the other characters to develop storylines as well. This is Harper and Kieran's story. Kieran is an NFL player and Harper is a pediatric nurse. Two years ago, they met and had a one night stand, while Kieran was in town for a game. For Kieran, he was smitten and wanted more from Harper right away, but she left and he had no way of getting in touch with her. Now, Kieran has been traded to Harper's local team and he is shocked and excited to see Harper in the stands at a game. He instantly pursues her, but she pushes him away, afraid to let him in because her hockey player father abandoned her. But Kieran is patient, they become friends, where Harper can see the kind of man he is, and they fall in love.
This story was sweet and simple. Kieran and Harper are both celibate after meeting. He is absolutely smitten for her and all-in from page one. He was taking his shot no matter what. Still, their relationship is a slow burn because Harper pushes him away for a while (maybe a little too long for my taste and without enough reason). So I found the book a little slow starting and a little on the long side. But once she gives in, their relationship is very sweet, low angst and had good spice. I really liked them as a couple and enjoyed their relationship. They adored each other.
Overall, this was a sweet book. I would have loved an epilogue, but hopefully, this develops into a series and we can see Kieran and Harper further down the line in other books. I look forward to more from Ms. Booth in the future!
This story was sweet and simple. Kieran and Harper are both celibate after meeting. He is absolutely smitten for her and all-in from page one. He was taking his shot no matter what. Still, their relationship is a slow burn because Harper pushes him away for a while (maybe a little too long for my taste and without enough reason). So I found the book a little slow starting and a little on the long side. But once she gives in, their relationship is very sweet, low angst and had good spice. I really liked them as a couple and enjoyed their relationship. They adored each other.
Overall, this was a sweet book. I would have loved an epilogue, but hopefully, this develops into a series and we can see Kieran and Harper further down the line in other books. I look forward to more from Ms. Booth in the future!
AUTHOR BIO
Ainsley Booth is a three-time USA Today bestselling author of erotic romance. Between her two pen names (she also writes contemporary romance as two-time New York Times bestseller Zoe York), she has published more than seventy books since 2013. Notable hits include Prime Minister and Hate F*@k.
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