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Play Your Part
Three months. Two enemies. One goal. Zero time for distractions.
Kennedy Cole’s life stalled one year ago after she tragically lost her mom. She abandoned her plans to finish college and quit working for her family’s professional hockey team, the Palmer City Wolves. She’s finally ready to move forward with Wolves star player Justin Ward at her side, but when he’s traded to another team, he hightails it out of town, leaving Kennedy behind.
Alexei Volkov is known for his hotheaded reputation, on-ice antics, and rivalry with Justin. After being fired by his last team, the Wolves offer Alexei a one-year contract to prove he can stay out of trouble. When a misleading photo of Kennedy and Alexei in a compromising position goes viral, his career is in jeopardy, along with the team’s public image.
Alexei wants nothing to do with the sassy brunette who got him into this mess. Kennedy would rather avoid the arrogant hockey player. But pretending to date each other can fix the negative press. The agreement was simple: three months together, with clearly outlined rules. But the more time Kennedy and Alexei spend together, the harder it becomes to fight the sizzling chemistry between them, making it difficult to know where pretense ends and reality begins.
Fans of Elle Kennedy, Mariana Zapata, and C.W. Farnsworth will enjoy this dual-POV steamy contemporary romance featuring enemies-to-lovers and fake-dating tropes.
Kennedy Cole’s life stalled one year ago after she tragically lost her mom. She abandoned her plans to finish college and quit working for her family’s professional hockey team, the Palmer City Wolves. She’s finally ready to move forward with Wolves star player Justin Ward at her side, but when he’s traded to another team, he hightails it out of town, leaving Kennedy behind.
Alexei Volkov is known for his hotheaded reputation, on-ice antics, and rivalry with Justin. After being fired by his last team, the Wolves offer Alexei a one-year contract to prove he can stay out of trouble. When a misleading photo of Kennedy and Alexei in a compromising position goes viral, his career is in jeopardy, along with the team’s public image.
Alexei wants nothing to do with the sassy brunette who got him into this mess. Kennedy would rather avoid the arrogant hockey player. But pretending to date each other can fix the negative press. The agreement was simple: three months together, with clearly outlined rules. But the more time Kennedy and Alexei spend together, the harder it becomes to fight the sizzling chemistry between them, making it difficult to know where pretense ends and reality begins.
Fans of Elle Kennedy, Mariana Zapata, and C.W. Farnsworth will enjoy this dual-POV steamy contemporary romance featuring enemies-to-lovers and fake-dating tropes.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 3, 2023
41 people are currently reading
1400 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Kincaid
4 books63 followersKathryn Kincaid writes contemporary romance with banter, heat, and love so sweet. Her stories feature sports, mental health representation, and characters finding the love they deserve.
Kathryn lives in North Carolina. When she's not daydreaming about her next story, you can find her obsessing over book boyfriends, devouring love stories, and cheering on the Carolina Hurricanes.
Keep up on the latest on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok (@authorkathrynkincaid).
Kathryn lives in North Carolina. When she's not daydreaming about her next story, you can find her obsessing over book boyfriends, devouring love stories, and cheering on the Carolina Hurricanes.
Keep up on the latest on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok (@authorkathrynkincaid).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews
September 12, 2023
3.5 Stars
Play Your Part is a debut hockey romance, demonstrating solid storytelling and great promise for new author Kathryn Kincaid.
Kennedy Cole is in a rut. She’s just been dumped by her professional hockey player bf, she’s dropped out of college and quit her job working for her father’s hockey team, she’s moved back home and she’s unhealthily bottling up the grief she’s weighted under by the recent loss of her beloved mother.
Things are feeling kind of hopeless and Kennedy’s mood and attitude aren’t the greatest, but when she gets photographed conversing with the team’s new player Alexei Volkov—the guy with a bad reputation, who has taken the place of her traded ex-boyfriend—she finds herself the focus of unwanted media attention, with false rumours of her and Alexei’s new romance quickly becoming the talk of the town, much to Kennedy’s dismay.
To boost Alexei’s tarnished public image, the team’s PR head (and old friend and once-colleague of Kennedy’s) suggests that Alexei and Kennedy play into the rumours and pretend to date for a time, hopefully getting Kennedy out of her funk and helping Alexei improve his precarious image.
Alexei and Kennedy butt heads from their very first encounter and even with all the pretend they engage in, going on public dates and attending team events, they continue on with often scathing defensive barbs and snarky banter at every turn, only finding common ground as forced proximity reveals their veiled vulnerabilities and deeper attraction both try their best (but fail) to ignore.
I usually eat up enemies-to-lovers and fake relationship books, and although this one was a decent, easy read, something about the circumstances and the FMC kept me from loving the story and romance to a bigger degree than I did. I loved Alexei and a lot of the secondary characters (particularly Kennedy’s besties and Alexei’s newbie roommate, Zach), but Kennedy herself set me on edge from the very opening scene and never truly won me over. Her issues were significant and her emotions palpable, but she came across as too unnecessarily bitchy and judgemental, especially to Alexei for far too long into the stories progress.
The romance was also lightly explicit, when compared to a lot of the other hockey themed romances I’ve read in recent years. This didn’t bother me as such, because I appreciated that there was a heavier lean towards character development and exploring relatable themes of family, friendship, loss, healing, and self-redemption, as well as finding new, lasting love with a partner who is worth one’s time and devotion. (Hear, hear!)
Overall, this was a welcomed read, despite my indifference to the FMC. I was impressed enough with the writing quality and storytelling that I find myself hoping, specifically, that Kincaid delivers us a sequel, because a cinnamon roll character like scene-stealer Zach needs his own story like I need my next breath.
***A special thanks to the author (via Netgalley) for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Play Your Part is a debut hockey romance, demonstrating solid storytelling and great promise for new author Kathryn Kincaid.
Kennedy Cole is in a rut. She’s just been dumped by her professional hockey player bf, she’s dropped out of college and quit her job working for her father’s hockey team, she’s moved back home and she’s unhealthily bottling up the grief she’s weighted under by the recent loss of her beloved mother.
Things are feeling kind of hopeless and Kennedy’s mood and attitude aren’t the greatest, but when she gets photographed conversing with the team’s new player Alexei Volkov—the guy with a bad reputation, who has taken the place of her traded ex-boyfriend—she finds herself the focus of unwanted media attention, with false rumours of her and Alexei’s new romance quickly becoming the talk of the town, much to Kennedy’s dismay.
To boost Alexei’s tarnished public image, the team’s PR head (and old friend and once-colleague of Kennedy’s) suggests that Alexei and Kennedy play into the rumours and pretend to date for a time, hopefully getting Kennedy out of her funk and helping Alexei improve his precarious image.
Alexei and Kennedy butt heads from their very first encounter and even with all the pretend they engage in, going on public dates and attending team events, they continue on with often scathing defensive barbs and snarky banter at every turn, only finding common ground as forced proximity reveals their veiled vulnerabilities and deeper attraction both try their best (but fail) to ignore.
I usually eat up enemies-to-lovers and fake relationship books, and although this one was a decent, easy read, something about the circumstances and the FMC kept me from loving the story and romance to a bigger degree than I did. I loved Alexei and a lot of the secondary characters (particularly Kennedy’s besties and Alexei’s newbie roommate, Zach), but Kennedy herself set me on edge from the very opening scene and never truly won me over. Her issues were significant and her emotions palpable, but she came across as too unnecessarily bitchy and judgemental, especially to Alexei for far too long into the stories progress.
The romance was also lightly explicit, when compared to a lot of the other hockey themed romances I’ve read in recent years. This didn’t bother me as such, because I appreciated that there was a heavier lean towards character development and exploring relatable themes of family, friendship, loss, healing, and self-redemption, as well as finding new, lasting love with a partner who is worth one’s time and devotion. (Hear, hear!)
Overall, this was a welcomed read, despite my indifference to the FMC. I was impressed enough with the writing quality and storytelling that I find myself hoping, specifically, that Kincaid delivers us a sequel, because a cinnamon roll character like scene-stealer Zach needs his own story like I need my next breath.
***A special thanks to the author (via Netgalley) for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2023
oh. my. god. this was everything!!!
this follows kennedy (team owner’s daughter) and alexei (ice hockey player) who have to fake date in order to improve the way fans see alexei.
i cant say too much without spoiling it but this is the PERFECT hockey romance!!! the development of their relationship was so natural and the chemistry was insane. there’s found family too!!!! literally everything you want in a romance and more.
i read this in a day and that just proves how easy it is to fly through! it’s dual pov and told from the characters perspectives.
thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc!!!! it has introduced me to a new favourite author :)
mark ur calendars for august 3rd 🫶🏼
this follows kennedy (team owner’s daughter) and alexei (ice hockey player) who have to fake date in order to improve the way fans see alexei.
i cant say too much without spoiling it but this is the PERFECT hockey romance!!! the development of their relationship was so natural and the chemistry was insane. there’s found family too!!!! literally everything you want in a romance and more.
i read this in a day and that just proves how easy it is to fly through! it’s dual pov and told from the characters perspectives.
thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc!!!! it has introduced me to a new favourite author :)
mark ur calendars for august 3rd 🫶🏼
dnf
August 29, 2023dnf @ 30%
Kennedy was just an overgrown brat, why she had ever been with Justin made no sense, I didn’t feel any chemistry between her and Alexei, it kept introducing characters as if I already knew them, and honestly I felt disconnected from the whole thing. Not to mention, this was riddled with typos and grammar errors.
Not for me.
Kennedy was just an overgrown brat, why she had ever been with Justin made no sense, I didn’t feel any chemistry between her and Alexei, it kept introducing characters as if I already knew them, and honestly I felt disconnected from the whole thing. Not to mention, this was riddled with typos and grammar errors.
Not for me.
June 29, 2023
special thanks to NetGalley and Kathryn Kincaid for an ARC of this book!
i mean it's a hockey romance, how can i not love it? and fake dating on top of a bunch of sweaty hockey players? i'm in.
i devoured this book in just a couple of days and simply couldn't put it down! highly recommend to all my sports romance girlies looking for a fun read!
i mean it's a hockey romance, how can i not love it? and fake dating on top of a bunch of sweaty hockey players? i'm in.
i devoured this book in just a couple of days and simply couldn't put it down! highly recommend to all my sports romance girlies looking for a fun read!
September 28, 2024
2.5 stars
Kennedy and Alexei began as enemies for no apparent reason—neither knew the other but Kennedy hated Alexei because her ex-boyfriend did and Alexei despised Kennedy because he hated her ex-boyfriend. Yeah, very mature. For the first 50% of this book they were horribly hateful to each other even though they began fake dating to improve Alexei’s public image because of some big social media phony reason. It was unpleasant and felt forced and strained.
As they began to have feelings for each other the cycle of pushing-each-other-away-because-we-can’t-have-feelings-for-each-other went around a time or three. That segued into sex-without-commitment because their individual issues, of course, made a relationship impossible. Then there was denial because none of this was “real.” Then they got real for a moment before both of them got angry at how real it got. The unpleasantness was joined by tedium.
Lack of communication drove this rackety bus, until one of them broke down and said something that made sense at the 96% point, at which I thought hallelujah, I can put this one behind me.
Kennedy and Alexei began as enemies for no apparent reason—neither knew the other but Kennedy hated Alexei because her ex-boyfriend did and Alexei despised Kennedy because he hated her ex-boyfriend. Yeah, very mature. For the first 50% of this book they were horribly hateful to each other even though they began fake dating to improve Alexei’s public image because of some big social media phony reason. It was unpleasant and felt forced and strained.
As they began to have feelings for each other the cycle of pushing-each-other-away-because-we-can’t-have-feelings-for-each-other went around a time or three. That segued into sex-without-commitment because their individual issues, of course, made a relationship impossible. Then there was denial because none of this was “real.” Then they got real for a moment before both of them got angry at how real it got. The unpleasantness was joined by tedium.
Lack of communication drove this rackety bus, until one of them broke down and said something that made sense at the 96% point, at which I thought hallelujah, I can put this one behind me.
August 3, 2023
OMG I loved this book!This was my first Kathryn Kincaid book but it definitely won't be my last.
I’m deep in my Hockey Romance Era and this was a fantastic addition. It has all my favorite tropes! Fake dating, enemies to lovers, ex-rivalry, owner’s daughter and bad boy with a heart of gold. It’s filled with witty banter, chemistry and an amazing cast of secondary characters. This book was so much more than JUST a hockey romance. It’s a fantastic story about love, loss, grief, family, and moving forward.
Kennedy and Alexi were perfect for one another and it was so much fun watching the lines between real and fake blur and seeing the two of them catch feelings. Once I started this book I could not put it down! I was totally captivated and I hope the author continues this series.
I’m deep in my Hockey Romance Era and this was a fantastic addition. It has all my favorite tropes! Fake dating, enemies to lovers, ex-rivalry, owner’s daughter and bad boy with a heart of gold. It’s filled with witty banter, chemistry and an amazing cast of secondary characters. This book was so much more than JUST a hockey romance. It’s a fantastic story about love, loss, grief, family, and moving forward.
Kennedy and Alexi were perfect for one another and it was so much fun watching the lines between real and fake blur and seeing the two of them catch feelings. Once I started this book I could not put it down! I was totally captivated and I hope the author continues this series.
June 25, 2023
If you’re looking for a hockey enemies to lovers then this is your book!
This starts off as a fake relationship but as the book develops so does their feelings. I feel as though the author did a good job with character development and the plot of the story. There is good chemistry and banter between the main characters as well.
I would definitely read this again. Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for a chance to read this ARC and to review.
This starts off as a fake relationship but as the book develops so does their feelings. I feel as though the author did a good job with character development and the plot of the story. There is good chemistry and banter between the main characters as well.
I would definitely read this again. Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for a chance to read this ARC and to review.
August 7, 2023
Play Your Part by Kathryn Kincaid is unputdownable hockey romance with a fake relationship & forced proximity between the owner’s daughter & her ex’s rival.
This story starts when a compromising photo between the newly traded player & his team owner’s daughter goes viral. Hockey rivalry, exes & an image in need of reviving all lead to a fake dating situation sure to have any romance reader flipping the pages straight into the night.
The back stories of both players dealt with emotions, grief, family struggles, life troubles & more. The fake dating between kind of rivals gave almost enemies to lovers vibes in such a fantastic way. The chemistry was marvelously evident as was the spice, but it was balanced with just enough heart for a well rounded swoon hockey romance. This deserves to go on hockey romance reads list! The writing & the story had me not wanting to put this down. I adored the team rookie & roommate, Zach. He was such a great character. I sincerely hope this author writes more because this was a fantastic & fun start!
Massive thanks to NetGalley & the author for the gifted arc, which I voluntarily read & reviewed.
This story starts when a compromising photo between the newly traded player & his team owner’s daughter goes viral. Hockey rivalry, exes & an image in need of reviving all lead to a fake dating situation sure to have any romance reader flipping the pages straight into the night.
The back stories of both players dealt with emotions, grief, family struggles, life troubles & more. The fake dating between kind of rivals gave almost enemies to lovers vibes in such a fantastic way. The chemistry was marvelously evident as was the spice, but it was balanced with just enough heart for a well rounded swoon hockey romance. This deserves to go on hockey romance reads list! The writing & the story had me not wanting to put this down. I adored the team rookie & roommate, Zach. He was such a great character. I sincerely hope this author writes more because this was a fantastic & fun start!
Massive thanks to NetGalley & the author for the gifted arc, which I voluntarily read & reviewed.
September 11, 2023
Hockey hotties? Yes please!
And when it is fake relationship (where you know they are going to be getting down later on)? Oh yeah.
I love it when a perceived bad boy shows his heart of gold, and the so called good guy show his true (a-holey) colours.
Alexei and Kennedy's story is told in dual POV and I loved getting each of their views on where this fauxmance is going to go.
I would read more by this author
And when it is fake relationship (where you know they are going to be getting down later on)? Oh yeah.
I love it when a perceived bad boy shows his heart of gold, and the so called good guy show his true (a-holey) colours.
Alexei and Kennedy's story is told in dual POV and I loved getting each of their views on where this fauxmance is going to go.
I would read more by this author
August 25, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
We all know I’m a sucker for sports romance, but if it’s a hockey romance, sign me tf up instantly. When I saw this book up on Netgalley, I gravitated towards it and I have never thanked myself so hard until now because this book shook my world.
Kennedy Cole’s dad owns the Palmer City Wolves. Alexei Volkov is the newest player to join the team. His worst enemy equals Kennedy’s now ex-boyfriend, Justin Ward who got traded from the Wolves to another team. A misleading photo of Kennedy and Alexei in a compromising position gets out and let’s just say…things get a little bit complicated.
Not only does this book have enemies to lovers but it also contains fake dating. AND WAIT, there’s more… he f*cking falls first. When I tell you all, that I was quite literally on my knees every time Alexei spoke…instantly added to my list of top book boyfriends.
The chemistry between Kennedy and Alexei was to die for. The tension was mind-blowing and I couldn’t get enough of it. They suited each other so well and brought out sides of each other they had hidden for a while due to various factors.
The fact this is Kathryn’s debut release is insane to me. Her talent is amazing and this book was exactly what I needed. Whether you’re looking for a new hockey romance to add to your list or a new author to check out, I definitely recommend this book for you all.
Thank you Netgalley and Kathryn for an arc copy! Congrats Kathryn on this release!! I’m incredibly happy I stumbled across it and definitely will continue to look forward to what comes next from you <3
We all know I’m a sucker for sports romance, but if it’s a hockey romance, sign me tf up instantly. When I saw this book up on Netgalley, I gravitated towards it and I have never thanked myself so hard until now because this book shook my world.
Kennedy Cole’s dad owns the Palmer City Wolves. Alexei Volkov is the newest player to join the team. His worst enemy equals Kennedy’s now ex-boyfriend, Justin Ward who got traded from the Wolves to another team. A misleading photo of Kennedy and Alexei in a compromising position gets out and let’s just say…things get a little bit complicated.
Not only does this book have enemies to lovers but it also contains fake dating. AND WAIT, there’s more… he f*cking falls first. When I tell you all, that I was quite literally on my knees every time Alexei spoke…instantly added to my list of top book boyfriends.
The chemistry between Kennedy and Alexei was to die for. The tension was mind-blowing and I couldn’t get enough of it. They suited each other so well and brought out sides of each other they had hidden for a while due to various factors.
The fact this is Kathryn’s debut release is insane to me. Her talent is amazing and this book was exactly what I needed. Whether you’re looking for a new hockey romance to add to your list or a new author to check out, I definitely recommend this book for you all.
Thank you Netgalley and Kathryn for an arc copy! Congrats Kathryn on this release!! I’m incredibly happy I stumbled across it and definitely will continue to look forward to what comes next from you <3
July 3, 2023
Enemies to lovers hockey romance, with fake dating and a bad boy with a heart of gold? Sign me up! As soon as I read the description I knew I had to have it.
Kennedy has just been dumped by her boyfriend and her life seems to be stalled. Alexei has been dumped by his team and he needs to restore his reputation. When a photo surfaces that is taken out of context, the team publicist confronts them with a solution to stop all the media speculation. The two of them should "date" and that way she can get back at her jerk of an ex and he can restore his reputation. That wouldn't sound so bad except for the fact that she can't stand the sight of him. She has seen the media coverage all about him and knows his type, she wants nothing to do with that, but it can't hurt to make her ex sorry for what he lost.
The jabs between the two, the tension and the heart to hearts as they learned they were totally wrong about one another. Everyone being able to see what was happening between them, but them. It was all so swoony and worth every word that I read. I loved these two and I loved how they had obstacles to overcome in the past but were working together and not expecting the other to fix them, but to let the other just be themselves and love them anyways. This was such a great hockey romance read. 4.5 stars.
Kennedy has just been dumped by her boyfriend and her life seems to be stalled. Alexei has been dumped by his team and he needs to restore his reputation. When a photo surfaces that is taken out of context, the team publicist confronts them with a solution to stop all the media speculation. The two of them should "date" and that way she can get back at her jerk of an ex and he can restore his reputation. That wouldn't sound so bad except for the fact that she can't stand the sight of him. She has seen the media coverage all about him and knows his type, she wants nothing to do with that, but it can't hurt to make her ex sorry for what he lost.
The jabs between the two, the tension and the heart to hearts as they learned they were totally wrong about one another. Everyone being able to see what was happening between them, but them. It was all so swoony and worth every word that I read. I loved these two and I loved how they had obstacles to overcome in the past but were working together and not expecting the other to fix them, but to let the other just be themselves and love them anyways. This was such a great hockey romance read. 4.5 stars.
July 19, 2023
This was definitely a cute story! I am deep in my hockey, romance era right now, like everyone else, and this was a great addition to the list. I really liked the two main characters, and the way the author wrote the banter/tension between them. It had me giddy, smiling as I was reading it. When I tell you I gobbled this thing up, I mean it! I read this in 24 hours and wanted more. I am really hoping the author continues the series by writing romance novels about the other characters. I want more Zach!!
June 24, 2023
I went into this book thinking it was going to be an average 3 star sports romance. Boy was I wrong! Usually it takes me a little while to get into a book but I was hooked by chapter 2.
Alexei and Kennedy’s relationship was so fun. I loved all the banter and angst between them. I’m so happy it was in dual POV. Alexei’s chapters were probably my favorite and I really enjoy the ‘he falls first’ trope.
“I want to belong to you.”
I can’t even with this quote. I reread this scene a million times and I want to read it a million more. I want my own Alexei.
My all time favorite character was Zach though. He made me full on cackle pretty much every time he opened his mouth. Please give him his own story! I beg you!
This was an amazing debut and I will read anything this author releases now!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC to review!
Alexei and Kennedy’s relationship was so fun. I loved all the banter and angst between them. I’m so happy it was in dual POV. Alexei’s chapters were probably my favorite and I really enjoy the ‘he falls first’ trope.
“I want to belong to you.”
I can’t even with this quote. I reread this scene a million times and I want to read it a million more. I want my own Alexei.
My all time favorite character was Zach though. He made me full on cackle pretty much every time he opened his mouth. Please give him his own story! I beg you!
This was an amazing debut and I will read anything this author releases now!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC to review!
August 28, 2023
So this is your typical fake dating sports romance, but it also delves into aspects such as grief and family. It starts off with the trope of team owner's daughter and the 'bad boy' player who get caught in a situation where the only option is to fake date for three month to try and repair their image....what happens? They fall for each other. But this book does it in such a way that it doesn't feel like the author is pushing anything but that it flows really well with consistent pacing that kept me wanting to read more. I loved the fact that there were aspects of enemies to lovers, a lot of tension, and forced proximity, but also that there were moments of playful banter and emotional scenes along the way. Overall, it's a great book
Thanks to the publisher for giving me a copy of this ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to the publisher for giving me a copy of this ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 30, 2023
5 ⭐️
Trust me when I say that you have to read this book.
This is a faking dating, enemies to lovers (where they try but can't deny their chemistry). I read this book in one day, and I can't put it down.
"Some of us can win the hockey games while also keeping our women satisfied. Might be how his girlfriend ended up with me."
"When you're next to me, you're the only person who does exist."
"You're what I'm thankful for this year"
List of why you have to read this book.
-Have such good banter;
- Alexei is a cinnamon roll;
- He falls first;
- Awesome side characters;
- Well written story.
Seeing Zach with Alexei and Kennedy was so much fun.
I really loved this book.
Thank you, Netgalley, and the author for this ARC.
Trust me when I say that you have to read this book.
This is a faking dating, enemies to lovers (where they try but can't deny their chemistry). I read this book in one day, and I can't put it down.
"Some of us can win the hockey games while also keeping our women satisfied. Might be how his girlfriend ended up with me."
"When you're next to me, you're the only person who does exist."
"You're what I'm thankful for this year"
List of why you have to read this book.
-Have such good banter;
- Alexei is a cinnamon roll;
- He falls first;
- Awesome side characters;
- Well written story.
Seeing Zach with Alexei and Kennedy was so much fun.
I really loved this book.
Thank you, Netgalley, and the author for this ARC.
July 12, 2023
So good!
I loved both of the main characters individually and their relationship together.
Smart banter and engaging story ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
I loved both of the main characters individually and their relationship together.
Smart banter and engaging story ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
June 29, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
I read this book thanks to a good GR friend’s review.
It was a pretty good read. My first by Kathryn Kincaid.
What I liked about it:
- This book is far from having a manwhore/whore MC which is a first when it comes to hockey and athletes.
- It deals with troubled backgrounds, depression and anxiety. (Though not thoroughly)
- Their romantic come about is slow which allows feelings, chemistry and conviction to come through and not regrettable spur of the moment hookups.
- The MFC’s friendship with Zach, a side character, is so endearing.
What I didn’t:
- In a matter of a couple of weeks, She literally moved from loving and being intimate with OM to feel incredibly sexually attracted to the MC. If you’ve been in love for the better part of a year with another man, even if you get dumped by him, you wouldn’t be thinking sexually of someone else only a week or two after the breakup no matter how hot this someone else is 🤷🏻♀️ I believe you’d be depressed, sentimentally unavailable and just trying to wrap your head around what just happened!
- Also, the first time the MFC sees her ex after their breakup is an enigma. Why? Well because the MFC at the time is with the MMC, she tells him she wants to talk with her ex and she will catch up with the MMC later. The MMC just KNOWS that she won’t be coming over and leaves. And that was that. We don’t know what happens next. It’s only alluded in her POV the next day that she told him to leave! 🤔 couldn’t she have told him to leave while being with the MMC so that they can resume their 🔥 scene from the car! 🙄
It’s one of the good hockey books.
I read this book thanks to a good GR friend’s review.
It was a pretty good read. My first by Kathryn Kincaid.
What I liked about it:
- This book is far from having a manwhore/whore MC which is a first when it comes to hockey and athletes.
- It deals with troubled backgrounds, depression and anxiety. (Though not thoroughly)
- Their romantic come about is slow which allows feelings, chemistry and conviction to come through and not regrettable spur of the moment hookups.
- The MFC’s friendship with Zach, a side character, is so endearing.
What I didn’t:
- In a matter of a couple of weeks, She literally moved from loving and being intimate with OM to feel incredibly sexually attracted to the MC. If you’ve been in love for the better part of a year with another man, even if you get dumped by him, you wouldn’t be thinking sexually of someone else only a week or two after the breakup no matter how hot this someone else is 🤷🏻♀️ I believe you’d be depressed, sentimentally unavailable and just trying to wrap your head around what just happened!
- Also, the first time the MFC sees her ex after their breakup is an enigma. Why? Well because the MFC at the time is with the MMC, she tells him she wants to talk with her ex and she will catch up with the MMC later. The MMC just KNOWS that she won’t be coming over and leaves. And that was that. We don’t know what happens next. It’s only alluded in her POV the next day that she told him to leave! 🤔 couldn’t she have told him to leave while being with the MMC so that they can resume their 🔥 scene from the car! 🙄
It’s one of the good hockey books.
July 18, 2023
Release date: August 3rd
Fake dating hockey romances are quite possibly elite. Kennedy wants to get back at her hockey ex and Alexei needs to improve his image with his new team and fans. Their solution, fake dating for three months. Enough time to improve his image and for her bitter ex to realize his mistake, and just enough time to fall in love with each other. 😉
Fake dating hockey romances are quite possibly elite. Kennedy wants to get back at her hockey ex and Alexei needs to improve his image with his new team and fans. Their solution, fake dating for three months. Enough time to improve his image and for her bitter ex to realize his mistake, and just enough time to fall in love with each other. 😉
August 3, 2023
"When you're next to me, you're the only person who does exist."
🏒 Fake Dating
🏒 Ex’s Rival
🏒 NHL hockey romance
🏒 Revenge Dating
🏒 Enemies to Lovers
🏒 Banter and Jabs
🏒 Man-Child Rookie Antics
🏒 Image Overhaul
🏒 Owner’s Daughter
⚠️ Death of a Parent
Kennedy Cole has been going through a rough year with the death of her mother. On what was suppose to be a happy day for her, she finds out her NHL star player boyfriend just got traded and is breaking up with her. Alexei Volkov is trying to save his hockey career after a tumultuous few months. He signs with Palmer City Wolves and is told to lay low. All well and good until he meets Kennedy at the team’s preseason party and a misleading photo is taken of them and posted to social media. Justin Ward, Kennedy’s ex boyfriend and Alexei’s biggest rival, comments with a scathing remark and the photo goes viral. Damage control starts and Kennedy and Alexei agree to fake date for 3 months for the scandal to blow over. Only problem- Kennedy is not a fan of Alexei or his reputation.
Guys!! This debut book was hockey perfection! I honestly loved it so much and HAD to buy it for my collection! I was hooked right from the beginning and finished this bad boy in one day. This is one of the best fake dating/ revenge dating books I’ve read - the banter and little jabs between Alexei and Kennedy were ridiculously good! The fake dating didn’t seem rushed in any way and I loved the slow development of their enemies to lovers relationship. Both of them try to deny their feelings for each other but even their friends (who are amaze-ball side characters btw) can't help but notice they are meant to be together.
The intense rivalry between Alexei and Justin was exciting to read! They’ve been rivals since juniors and it steadily increased over the years with Kennedy only becoming the catalyst for the explosion. Alexei had been through so much over the past few months that you couldn’t help but root for him and hope he gets some aggression out on asshole Justin, especially after his below the belt comments regarding Kennedy.
I connected with Kennedy in a lot of ways and found her strength inspiring, especially in her grief over her mother’s death and her heartbreak over being dumped. She’s been through the wringer the last year but she comes out stronger in the end. There are some fantastic side characters in this book - notably Gemma and Zach. Gemma is the best friend/roommate and an absolute peach and quite the meddler. Zach is the rookie on the team and he’s like the younger brother you never really wanted but can’t help but love.
I freaking loved that this hockey book took place in the US South! North Carolina specifically. It’s refreshing to see some more hockey book representation here instead of Vancouver or Chicago. I could tell it was modeled after the Carolina Hurricanes and even giggled when I saw the Author’s Note that she’s a Caniac. Go Canes! 🌀❤️
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the arc in return for my honest review!
🏒 Fake Dating
🏒 Ex’s Rival
🏒 NHL hockey romance
🏒 Revenge Dating
🏒 Enemies to Lovers
🏒 Banter and Jabs
🏒 Man-Child Rookie Antics
🏒 Image Overhaul
🏒 Owner’s Daughter
⚠️ Death of a Parent
Kennedy Cole has been going through a rough year with the death of her mother. On what was suppose to be a happy day for her, she finds out her NHL star player boyfriend just got traded and is breaking up with her. Alexei Volkov is trying to save his hockey career after a tumultuous few months. He signs with Palmer City Wolves and is told to lay low. All well and good until he meets Kennedy at the team’s preseason party and a misleading photo is taken of them and posted to social media. Justin Ward, Kennedy’s ex boyfriend and Alexei’s biggest rival, comments with a scathing remark and the photo goes viral. Damage control starts and Kennedy and Alexei agree to fake date for 3 months for the scandal to blow over. Only problem- Kennedy is not a fan of Alexei or his reputation.
Guys!! This debut book was hockey perfection! I honestly loved it so much and HAD to buy it for my collection! I was hooked right from the beginning and finished this bad boy in one day. This is one of the best fake dating/ revenge dating books I’ve read - the banter and little jabs between Alexei and Kennedy were ridiculously good! The fake dating didn’t seem rushed in any way and I loved the slow development of their enemies to lovers relationship. Both of them try to deny their feelings for each other but even their friends (who are amaze-ball side characters btw) can't help but notice they are meant to be together.
The intense rivalry between Alexei and Justin was exciting to read! They’ve been rivals since juniors and it steadily increased over the years with Kennedy only becoming the catalyst for the explosion. Alexei had been through so much over the past few months that you couldn’t help but root for him and hope he gets some aggression out on asshole Justin, especially after his below the belt comments regarding Kennedy.
I connected with Kennedy in a lot of ways and found her strength inspiring, especially in her grief over her mother’s death and her heartbreak over being dumped. She’s been through the wringer the last year but she comes out stronger in the end. There are some fantastic side characters in this book - notably Gemma and Zach. Gemma is the best friend/roommate and an absolute peach and quite the meddler. Zach is the rookie on the team and he’s like the younger brother you never really wanted but can’t help but love.
I freaking loved that this hockey book took place in the US South! North Carolina specifically. It’s refreshing to see some more hockey book representation here instead of Vancouver or Chicago. I could tell it was modeled after the Carolina Hurricanes and even giggled when I saw the Author’s Note that she’s a Caniac. Go Canes! 🌀❤️
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the arc in return for my honest review!
July 27, 2023
4.5/5 - Kennedy lost her mom a year ago and her life has stalled. She delayed going back to college, stopped working for her family's NHL franchise and moved back home. Her "secret" boyfriend, Justin, also just got traded to another team and wasn't even going to tell her. The team has recently signed hothead, Alexei Volkov, who is known for his rivalry with Justin. Alexei comforts Kennedy at a team event one night and a photo goes viral of them in a compromising position. This puts his career and the team's public image at risk, so in an effort to salvage things he and Kennedy agree to fake date for three months. Kennedy has been tainted of who Alexei is by Justin, but agrees to this to get back at her ex. The only problem is, the person Alexei is with her is much different than the person Justin said he was. It starts to get difficult to know what is real and what is fake in this fake dating relationship.
This was such a great debut novel! Kathryn Kincaid had the banter, enemies to lovers trope down pat. Throw in a hockey romance and some awesome side characters and this was a perfect mix. The author managed to get us to feel everything Kennedy was feeling from the loss of her mother and begin to build herself up after this loss. Alexei does something to ground her and allows her the time to believe in herself and her purpose again. Alexei is a cinnamon roll, that truly falls first and I loved that so much!
If I struggled with anything it was that the author, at times, does more showing, rather than doing. She tells us things that happened, rather than letting us experience them in the moment they are happening. With that said, a lot happened in the book in real time too, I just would have liked to be there for some of the conversations that happened.
I thought the side characters in the book were great and hope that this will lead to some companion novels especially with Briggs. Also can we get a Gemma and Matt story?
This story kept me captivated and engaged the whole time. I was rooting for both characters and could not put it down. I cannot wait to see what else Kathryn Kincaid publishes! Thank you to NetGalley and Kathryn Kincaid for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
This was such a great debut novel! Kathryn Kincaid had the banter, enemies to lovers trope down pat. Throw in a hockey romance and some awesome side characters and this was a perfect mix. The author managed to get us to feel everything Kennedy was feeling from the loss of her mother and begin to build herself up after this loss. Alexei does something to ground her and allows her the time to believe in herself and her purpose again. Alexei is a cinnamon roll, that truly falls first and I loved that so much!
If I struggled with anything it was that the author, at times, does more showing, rather than doing. She tells us things that happened, rather than letting us experience them in the moment they are happening. With that said, a lot happened in the book in real time too, I just would have liked to be there for some of the conversations that happened.
I thought the side characters in the book were great and hope that this will lead to some companion novels especially with Briggs. Also can we get a Gemma and Matt story?
This story kept me captivated and engaged the whole time. I was rooting for both characters and could not put it down. I cannot wait to see what else Kathryn Kincaid publishes! Thank you to NetGalley and Kathryn Kincaid for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
August 30, 2023
Play Your Part by @authorkathrynkincaid is a fun read!
Blurb: Three months. Two enemies. One goal. Zero time for distractions.
Kennedy Cole’s life stalled one year ago after she tragically lost her mom. She abandoned her plans to finish college and quit working for her family’s professional hockey team, the Palmer City Wolves. She’s finally ready to move forward with Wolves star player Justin Ward at her side, but when he’s traded to another team, he hightails it out of town, leaving Kennedy behind.
Alexei Volkov is known for his hotheaded reputation, on-ice antics, and rivalry with Justin. After being fired by his last team, the Wolves offer Alexei a one-year contract to prove he can stay out of trouble. When a misleading photo of Kennedy and Alexei in a compromising position goes viral, his career is in jeopardy, along with the team’s public image.
Alexei wants nothing to do with the sassy brunette who got him into this mess. Kennedy would rather avoid the arrogant hockey player. But pretending to date each other can fix the negative press. The agreement was simple: three months together, with clearly outlined rules. But the more time Kennedy and Alexei spend together, the harder it becomes to fight the sizzling chemistry between them, making it difficult to know where pretense ends and reality begins.
🌟🌟🌟🌟
I have never been much of a sports romance fan, yet, I decided to read a hockey romance. Boy, IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT!!! The story was very cute and heartwarming. Alexei is the perfect book boyfriend and I love him so much!!! Kennedy is the person I strive to be…confident and sassy. Both of them together on the pages are sexy and utter perfection!!! Do not miss this novel when it arrives August 3rd, 2023!!! Thank you @netgalley for giving me the opportunity to review this ARC. 😍🏒❤️✨
#playyourpart #kathrynkincaid #review #bookrecommendation #bookobsessed #instabook #booklovers #instabooks #fiction #readingtime #currentlyreading #readmorebooks #bookgram #author #amreading #novel #ilovebooks #booksofig #romance #bookishlove #authorsofinstagram #readersofig #igbooks #writersofinstagram #literature #bookaesthetic #love #booklife
Blurb: Three months. Two enemies. One goal. Zero time for distractions.
Kennedy Cole’s life stalled one year ago after she tragically lost her mom. She abandoned her plans to finish college and quit working for her family’s professional hockey team, the Palmer City Wolves. She’s finally ready to move forward with Wolves star player Justin Ward at her side, but when he’s traded to another team, he hightails it out of town, leaving Kennedy behind.
Alexei Volkov is known for his hotheaded reputation, on-ice antics, and rivalry with Justin. After being fired by his last team, the Wolves offer Alexei a one-year contract to prove he can stay out of trouble. When a misleading photo of Kennedy and Alexei in a compromising position goes viral, his career is in jeopardy, along with the team’s public image.
Alexei wants nothing to do with the sassy brunette who got him into this mess. Kennedy would rather avoid the arrogant hockey player. But pretending to date each other can fix the negative press. The agreement was simple: three months together, with clearly outlined rules. But the more time Kennedy and Alexei spend together, the harder it becomes to fight the sizzling chemistry between them, making it difficult to know where pretense ends and reality begins.
🌟🌟🌟🌟
I have never been much of a sports romance fan, yet, I decided to read a hockey romance. Boy, IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT!!! The story was very cute and heartwarming. Alexei is the perfect book boyfriend and I love him so much!!! Kennedy is the person I strive to be…confident and sassy. Both of them together on the pages are sexy and utter perfection!!! Do not miss this novel when it arrives August 3rd, 2023!!! Thank you @netgalley for giving me the opportunity to review this ARC. 😍🏒❤️✨
#playyourpart #kathrynkincaid #review #bookrecommendation #bookobsessed #instabook #booklovers #instabooks #fiction #readingtime #currentlyreading #readmorebooks #bookgram #author #amreading #novel #ilovebooks #booksofig #romance #bookishlove #authorsofinstagram #readersofig #igbooks #writersofinstagram #literature #bookaesthetic #love #booklife
July 19, 2023
I am deep in my hockey romance era and Play Your Part did not disappoint! This was such a fun read. The enemies to lovers and fake dating tropes are some of my faves and this book had that down pat.
Kennedy Cole is the daughter of the hockey team’s owner. She’s newly dumped and going through grief of losing her mom. She’s struggling through life and not really sure what she’s doing or where she’s going to go.
Alexei Volkov is a newly traded hockey player, who is hard around the edges and has a not so great reputation in the hockey world. He is so much more than what he is made out for!
After a photo of the two is taken way out of context, they decide to “date” — so Kennedy can get back at her ex, and Alexei restore his reputation. The banter was top tier and you could cut the tension with a knife! I loved their journey of discovery of who they really were and what they wanted out of life. Alexei proved he wasn’t the bad boy, but a person with so much depth with a lot of love to give. I loved watching these two bicker back and fourth and I found myself smiling so much. The supporting characters were all so good too— Zach was so funny and I definitely need more of him!! He is such a protect at all costs kind of guy and I loved it!
Kathryn did such a great job weaving in grief, lightheartedness, bickering, and rivalry. It all felt very real and relatable. It was a great balance of of cute/funny and spice. Overall, if you love enemies to lovers, fake dating, and he falls first this is the novel for you!
A big thanks to NetGalley and Kathryn Kincaid for the ARC. I thoroughly enjoyed! 🫶🏻
Kennedy Cole is the daughter of the hockey team’s owner. She’s newly dumped and going through grief of losing her mom. She’s struggling through life and not really sure what she’s doing or where she’s going to go.
Alexei Volkov is a newly traded hockey player, who is hard around the edges and has a not so great reputation in the hockey world. He is so much more than what he is made out for!
After a photo of the two is taken way out of context, they decide to “date” — so Kennedy can get back at her ex, and Alexei restore his reputation. The banter was top tier and you could cut the tension with a knife! I loved their journey of discovery of who they really were and what they wanted out of life. Alexei proved he wasn’t the bad boy, but a person with so much depth with a lot of love to give. I loved watching these two bicker back and fourth and I found myself smiling so much. The supporting characters were all so good too— Zach was so funny and I definitely need more of him!! He is such a protect at all costs kind of guy and I loved it!
Kathryn did such a great job weaving in grief, lightheartedness, bickering, and rivalry. It all felt very real and relatable. It was a great balance of of cute/funny and spice. Overall, if you love enemies to lovers, fake dating, and he falls first this is the novel for you!
A big thanks to NetGalley and Kathryn Kincaid for the ARC. I thoroughly enjoyed! 🫶🏻
August 18, 2023
**Thank you to Kathryn Kincaid Publishing and Netgalley for letting me read this ARC <3
Kennedy is struggling to overcome her grief and hardships and is triple whammied when her boyfriend breaks up with her the day she expected to be able to tell her friends about it. Alexei is struggling to overcome the reactions and media spin of his aggressiveness off the ice to his teammates. Thrust together due to poor angled photo and crazy media obsession, they fake dating each other to rub it in Kennedy's ex boyfriend's face and help Alexei's image (who also happens to be rivals with jerko-exo)!
The forced proximity, the enemies to lovers, the constant banter, and a dash of spice made this such a quick and fun read! I loved when they would pick on each other and recognizing when they crossed a line. Sometimes that tough talk is how we can process our feelings and I loved that they brought that out in each other. I could have easily read an additional 300 pages of them learning about each other and bantering back and forth! I hope that we get to revisit the Wolves someday again either with Briggsy or Matt!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes
• Forced Proximity
• Enemies to Lovers
• Misunderstanding
• H.E.A.
"Who are you?"...
..she rose to her feet... "Not a fan of yours."
That didn't narrow things at all. "Join the f**ing club. I hear they meet on Thursdays."
Kennedy is struggling to overcome her grief and hardships and is triple whammied when her boyfriend breaks up with her the day she expected to be able to tell her friends about it. Alexei is struggling to overcome the reactions and media spin of his aggressiveness off the ice to his teammates. Thrust together due to poor angled photo and crazy media obsession, they fake dating each other to rub it in Kennedy's ex boyfriend's face and help Alexei's image (who also happens to be rivals with jerko-exo)!
The forced proximity, the enemies to lovers, the constant banter, and a dash of spice made this such a quick and fun read! I loved when they would pick on each other and recognizing when they crossed a line. Sometimes that tough talk is how we can process our feelings and I loved that they brought that out in each other. I could have easily read an additional 300 pages of them learning about each other and bantering back and forth! I hope that we get to revisit the Wolves someday again either with Briggsy or Matt!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes
• Forced Proximity
• Enemies to Lovers
• Misunderstanding
• H.E.A.
July 2, 2023
"In three months, my feelings for her changed my approach to the rest of my life"
Play Your Part is initially presented as a conventional hockey romance, featuring two main characters who are reluctantly bound by a three-month fake dating contract, despite their mutual distaste. While the ending may appear cliché at first glance, the satisfaction derived from witnessing their eventual profession of love surpasses any concerns of predictability. If you are in search of a hockey romance that skillfully combines captivating romance with the alluring dynamics of enemies-to-lovers, "Play Your Part" is undoubtedly the book you've been looking for.
However, what truly sets this book apart is its unexpected depth and complexity. Kathryn Kincaid effortlessly captures the essence of genuine adult relationships—relationships that are messy and complex, plagued by grief and the everyday experiences of life. As adults, our current relationships are often clouded by ex-partners and emotional damage left behind. Kathryn consistently explores this dynamic through both characters, gradually revealing their developing feelings for one another while grappling with the weight of their personal histories.
"Play Your Part" serves as an embodiment of the notion that it is more important to heal from emotional burdens and develop as individuals than be weak together. For a couple who both take this journey separately is a stronger one when together.
*Review based on ARC provided by NetGalley
Play Your Part is initially presented as a conventional hockey romance, featuring two main characters who are reluctantly bound by a three-month fake dating contract, despite their mutual distaste. While the ending may appear cliché at first glance, the satisfaction derived from witnessing their eventual profession of love surpasses any concerns of predictability. If you are in search of a hockey romance that skillfully combines captivating romance with the alluring dynamics of enemies-to-lovers, "Play Your Part" is undoubtedly the book you've been looking for.
However, what truly sets this book apart is its unexpected depth and complexity. Kathryn Kincaid effortlessly captures the essence of genuine adult relationships—relationships that are messy and complex, plagued by grief and the everyday experiences of life. As adults, our current relationships are often clouded by ex-partners and emotional damage left behind. Kathryn consistently explores this dynamic through both characters, gradually revealing their developing feelings for one another while grappling with the weight of their personal histories.
"Play Your Part" serves as an embodiment of the notion that it is more important to heal from emotional burdens and develop as individuals than be weak together. For a couple who both take this journey separately is a stronger one when together.
*Review based on ARC provided by NetGalley
August 1, 2023
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Fake Dating, Hockey Romance, Slow Burn
TW: Mention of Parent Loss, Grief
Thank you to NetGalley and Kathryn Kincaid for providing me with an E-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
Kennedy was dumped by her boyfriend and that's when her life stalled. Kennedy's father ended up trading her now ex-boyfriend to a different team, and that's when Alexei joins the Palmer City Wolves. After Alexei was dumped by his team, he needs to restore his reputation. Alexei and Kennedy end up meeting at her father's party, and a photo of them gets leaked. The team publicist confronts them with a solution to stop all the media speculation, which is for Alexei and Kennedy to "fake date." Having them "fake date" helps Kennedy get back at her ex, and it helps Alexei restore his reputation. Everything is going well until real feelings start to get involved.
I love hockey romance so much. Reading this book was like a breath of fresh air. I loved Alexei and Kennedy and their banter towards each other. Alexei's flirtation with Kennedy had me all giddy and smiling from ear to ear. I loved the side characters as well. I loved how Alexei was helping Kennedy to try and be who she wants to be, and not let the grief of her mother passing take over. This book did not disappoint, and this is the author's DEBUT novel! Loved this book so much, and I can't wait to read more from this author!!
TW: Mention of Parent Loss, Grief
Thank you to NetGalley and Kathryn Kincaid for providing me with an E-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
Kennedy was dumped by her boyfriend and that's when her life stalled. Kennedy's father ended up trading her now ex-boyfriend to a different team, and that's when Alexei joins the Palmer City Wolves. After Alexei was dumped by his team, he needs to restore his reputation. Alexei and Kennedy end up meeting at her father's party, and a photo of them gets leaked. The team publicist confronts them with a solution to stop all the media speculation, which is for Alexei and Kennedy to "fake date." Having them "fake date" helps Kennedy get back at her ex, and it helps Alexei restore his reputation. Everything is going well until real feelings start to get involved.
I love hockey romance so much. Reading this book was like a breath of fresh air. I loved Alexei and Kennedy and their banter towards each other. Alexei's flirtation with Kennedy had me all giddy and smiling from ear to ear. I loved the side characters as well. I loved how Alexei was helping Kennedy to try and be who she wants to be, and not let the grief of her mother passing take over. This book did not disappoint, and this is the author's DEBUT novel! Loved this book so much, and I can't wait to read more from this author!!
July 24, 2023
5 stars! After I read this book I looked up the author hoping to read more by her. I was shocked to find this is her debut novel. It was so good. I'm a sucker for sports romance and this one did not disappoint. I loved how it had a uniqueness to it so it felt fresh. This book had many tropes including fake dating, enemies to lover, he falls first, and only one bed. My favorite part was that it was more of a true enemies to lovers, especially on the side of Kennedy, rather than enemies but they both secretly like each other. I really liked both Alexei and Kennedy. They both had relationship issues but I liked them both as individuals but they were even better together. I liked the encouragement they gave one another. I loved how natural the chemistry felt. It flowed so well along with their fun banter. Their little arguments or irritants while fake dating also made it feel more realistic. I thought the author did such a good job handling the big topics like grief, courage, and finding yourself. Lastly, I really enjoyed the supporting characters, Matt, Gemma, and the hilarious Zach. I would love friends like them and they just made the book even better. Honestly there was not much about this book I could complain about.
Thanks so much to Kathryn Kincaid, Kathryn Kincaid Publishing LLC, and NetGalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks so much to Kathryn Kincaid, Kathryn Kincaid Publishing LLC, and NetGalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 27, 2023
i received an arc of this book through netgalley, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
play your part was a wonderful debut novel! i genuinely loved this book and flew through it.
alexei volkov has just been traded to the wolves in north carolina, one of his first duties as a member of the wolves team is to attend a team party at the owners home. at this party, he runs into none other than the owners daughter, kennedy cole. alexei and kennedy aren’t each others biggest fans, but after a PR nightmare, they have to do something in order to save face. alexei and kennedy are gonna have to pretend to date in order to save alexei’s reputation but kennedy isn’t too happy about it.
alexei and kennedy were so funny and sweet and i literally love them. this book gets you hooked immediately and is so exciting while reading. for a debut novel, i think kathryn did a wonderful job and i really hope this is a series and gets continued. the other characters in this book were so strongly written and it gave a sense of the found family trope and made everything even sweeter. by the end of this book, i was in tears at how everyone came together for kennedy.
i can’t wait for this to come out so i can immediately go buy a copy so i can annotate it. i think kathryn kincaid will go on to write amazing things in the future and i’m so excited to see what she has in store for us!!
play your part was a wonderful debut novel! i genuinely loved this book and flew through it.
alexei volkov has just been traded to the wolves in north carolina, one of his first duties as a member of the wolves team is to attend a team party at the owners home. at this party, he runs into none other than the owners daughter, kennedy cole. alexei and kennedy aren’t each others biggest fans, but after a PR nightmare, they have to do something in order to save face. alexei and kennedy are gonna have to pretend to date in order to save alexei’s reputation but kennedy isn’t too happy about it.
alexei and kennedy were so funny and sweet and i literally love them. this book gets you hooked immediately and is so exciting while reading. for a debut novel, i think kathryn did a wonderful job and i really hope this is a series and gets continued. the other characters in this book were so strongly written and it gave a sense of the found family trope and made everything even sweeter. by the end of this book, i was in tears at how everyone came together for kennedy.
i can’t wait for this to come out so i can immediately go buy a copy so i can annotate it. i think kathryn kincaid will go on to write amazing things in the future and i’m so excited to see what she has in store for us!!
July 24, 2023
I almost rated this 4 stars, but after a couple days, I realized how much I truly love this book!!
Guys this is my first arc 🥹 and it was such a delight!! I didn’t realize I liked hockey romances but like 👀👀👀 I’ll be back to this sub genre fs.
The use of the fake dating trope is much more believable than I typically see. They’re a lot more honest about their feelings — with themselves and each other. Also the banter is excellent so that doesn’t hurt lol.
Until I read this book, I didn’t realize how often the books I’m reading have a female protagonist that has exactly one female friend. I honestly got a little teary-eyed at Kennedy’s friendships, watching the way each relationship can be completely different while still exactly what you need. By the end of the book, I’m reminded that there are some things only your closest friends can give you, no matter how supportive your partner is and I love that part of the story’s resolution centered around Kennedy’s character arc and her relationship with her friends.
I’m expecting this to be one of the most popular Kindle Unlimited books of the year so I suggest picking it up before it runs to mass market paperback 📕 Thanks Kathryn Kincaid and NetGalley for the ARC!!
Guys this is my first arc 🥹 and it was such a delight!! I didn’t realize I liked hockey romances but like 👀👀👀 I’ll be back to this sub genre fs.
The use of the fake dating trope is much more believable than I typically see. They’re a lot more honest about their feelings — with themselves and each other. Also the banter is excellent so that doesn’t hurt lol.
Until I read this book, I didn’t realize how often the books I’m reading have a female protagonist that has exactly one female friend. I honestly got a little teary-eyed at Kennedy’s friendships, watching the way each relationship can be completely different while still exactly what you need. By the end of the book, I’m reminded that there are some things only your closest friends can give you, no matter how supportive your partner is and I love that part of the story’s resolution centered around Kennedy’s character arc and her relationship with her friends.
I’m expecting this to be one of the most popular Kindle Unlimited books of the year so I suggest picking it up before it runs to mass market paperback 📕 Thanks Kathryn Kincaid and NetGalley for the ARC!!
July 17, 2023
I'm not a big sports romance reader, but I just may be after reading this. It was such a quick read, I started and finished it the same day. Literally, once I picked it up I just couldn't put it down.
This book starts on a real downer, Kennedy basically getting ghosting by her awful ex. As the book went on I hated him more and more and loved Alexei more and more. Watching this enemies to lovers/fake dating turn into something believably real was a joy! A lot of times with fake dating tropes you kind of have to suspend reality and just kind of go with it, but not here. She wrote a believable and adorable story with this one! I was rooting for both Alexei and Kennedy (and I was smiling and rooting my girl on with her last Ward interaction).
The MCs are so genuine. We learn about their families, their trauma, the reason why they are the way they are. We watch them second guess their relationship (as any sane person would). We watch them BOTH grow right alongside of and because of each other. Just real ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ character arcs here.
Overall, I absolutely LOVED this story!! Maybe I'm a sports romance girlie after all 🤷
I'd like to thank the publisher, author, and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book starts on a real downer, Kennedy basically getting ghosting by her awful ex. As the book went on I hated him more and more and loved Alexei more and more. Watching this enemies to lovers/fake dating turn into something believably real was a joy! A lot of times with fake dating tropes you kind of have to suspend reality and just kind of go with it, but not here. She wrote a believable and adorable story with this one! I was rooting for both Alexei and Kennedy (and I was smiling and rooting my girl on with her last Ward interaction).
The MCs are so genuine. We learn about their families, their trauma, the reason why they are the way they are. We watch them second guess their relationship (as any sane person would). We watch them BOTH grow right alongside of and because of each other. Just real ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ character arcs here.
Overall, I absolutely LOVED this story!! Maybe I'm a sports romance girlie after all 🤷
I'd like to thank the publisher, author, and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2023
This book is a fine example of all the hockey romances out there. I liked the dynamic of Kennedy and Alexei. Although they weren’t fond of each other at first, as they were getting to know each other they created trust and their characters developed along with the relationship to the point that they brought out the best of each other. None of them were who they seemed to be. Kennedy’s grief overshadowed her and that often resulted in her being snarky and snappy towards Alexei, even if she’s a sweet and brave girl inside. Alexei’s media portrayal was the polar opposite of him. He’s dedicated, focused and capable of being affectonate, not even close to being an egoistic brute. It’s a slow burn, the chemistry is palpable from the beginning and it had just the right amount of spice. The side characters and plot was great, too.
I recommend this book to all the fans of hockey romances.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book!
I recommend this book to all the fans of hockey romances.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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