What do you think?
The Players #2
Playing by the Rules
What happens when you fall for your brother's best friend?
Camden Fields is the star quarterback of our college football team. Quiet. Smart. Absolutely gorgeous. He's the man all the women on campus rave about. While he's had a few casual hookups over the years, it's never anything serious. Cam doesn't do serious.
He also doesn't do me. See, I'm his best friend's little sister, and whenever we're around each other, he's always warning me that I'm off limits. That nothing can ever happen between us.
But I see the way he looks at me when he thinks I'm not watching. The heat in his gaze. The hunger. He can deny it, but that man wants me. I want him too.
I'm tired of always being the good girl and doing what everybody expects. For once, I'm going to break all the rules that have restrained me my entire life.
I'm going after Camden Fields, and no one can stop me.
Camden Fields is the star quarterback of our college football team. Quiet. Smart. Absolutely gorgeous. He's the man all the women on campus rave about. While he's had a few casual hookups over the years, it's never anything serious. Cam doesn't do serious.
He also doesn't do me. See, I'm his best friend's little sister, and whenever we're around each other, he's always warning me that I'm off limits. That nothing can ever happen between us.
But I see the way he looks at me when he thinks I'm not watching. The heat in his gaze. The hunger. He can deny it, but that man wants me. I want him too.
I'm tired of always being the good girl and doing what everybody expects. For once, I'm going to break all the rules that have restrained me my entire life.
I'm going after Camden Fields, and no one can stop me.
12 pages, Audible Audio
Published October 3, 2023
About the author
Monica Murphy
110 books19.2k followersNew York Times, USA Today and international bestselling author. A believer in kissing. A believer of love.
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Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,456 reviews
April 10, 2023
Me giving this 2⭐️ is me being generous :)
July 2, 2026
I enjoyed it more than the first one so there's that.
April 1, 2023
whoever let monica murphy get away with quoting asap ferg, i hope you never sleep on the cold side of your pillow.
brothers bestfriend/bestfriends little sister is so predictable at this point, it’s getting boring and repetitive
and whoever let the fmc start crying over a rap song deserves actual jail time bc wtf
brothers bestfriend/bestfriends little sister is so predictable at this point, it’s getting boring and repetitive
and whoever let the fmc start crying over a rap song deserves actual jail time bc wtf
April 2, 2023
3.5 stars !!
this was a typical monica murphy college sports romance with brothers best friend trope!! so easy to read and fun! i loved the characters so much, up there with my top 5 monica characters\couples 🫣🫣
i think if you are looking for a fun, easy going, college sports romance definitely pick this up! would also be perfect for getting out of a slump !!
and as per usual, monica knows how to write some smut🥵
this was a typical monica murphy college sports romance with brothers best friend trope!! so easy to read and fun! i loved the characters so much, up there with my top 5 monica characters\couples 🫣🫣
i think if you are looking for a fun, easy going, college sports romance definitely pick this up! would also be perfect for getting out of a slump !!
and as per usual, monica knows how to write some smut🥵
March 25, 2023
Star quarterback, Camden Fields is living his best life. Working toward his dream of being drafted for the NFL, he keeps his personal life quiet and casual. When his best friend’s little sister transfers to Colorado University, Blair Maguire turns his carefully cultivated life upside down.
If you read Knox’s story, you knew there was going to be Angst with a capital A!! Cam not only steers clear of relationships as a rule, he also doesn’t want to break Bro Code. However, their chemistry is undeniable. Combine that with Blair being relentless in her pursuit and Cam. didn’t. stand. a. chance.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🤍
Heat: 🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 😩
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}
🗂 Genre: Sports Romance
✨ Tropes: College, Forbidden
💋 Kinks: n/a
⚠️ Warning: The angst in this slow-burn will edge you to the point of combustion!
🚩 Safety Squad: n/a
📣 Type: Playing by the Rules is part of The Players series, but can be read as a standalone. While no other books need to be read in order to follow the story, reading prior books will enhance the experience.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
If you read Knox’s story, you knew there was going to be Angst with a capital A!! Cam not only steers clear of relationships as a rule, he also doesn’t want to break Bro Code. However, their chemistry is undeniable. Combine that with Blair being relentless in her pursuit and Cam. didn’t. stand. a. chance.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🤍
Heat: 🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 😩
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}
🗂 Genre: Sports Romance
✨ Tropes: College, Forbidden
💋 Kinks: n/a
⚠️ Warning: The angst in this slow-burn will edge you to the point of combustion!
🚩 Safety Squad: n/a
📣 Type: Playing by the Rules is part of The Players series, but can be read as a standalone. While no other books need to be read in order to follow the story, reading prior books will enhance the experience.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
April 4, 2023
camden was a chickenshit 😵💫😵💫
April 3, 2023
4 STARS
The second that Monica Murphy hinted at these two in Playing Hard to Get, I was desperate for their book. Desperate. I love the brother's best friend trope, and when said brother is the crazily overprotective Knox Maguire, and the best friend is the hotshot quarterback and player Camden Fields? I am ALL OVER IT.
Same, girl. Same.
Blair was a heroine I wasn't sure I'd like at first. She's not one that immediately jumps from the pages at you. She's like a sneak attack who slowly but surely grows on you. Until you're at the final page and a little in love with her. I love a woman who's not afraid to go after what she wants. And Blair somehow had this unique blend of vulnerability, sass, and assertive. She's not so in your face, but she isn't shy about getting her feelings to Cam out there. She's also not afraid of his hesitancy. Their push and pull doesn't last long until Cam can no longer resist. The man puts up a good fight at first, but his feelings for Blair simply burn through his bro code of not going after his best friends sister. Knox pretty much warns the entire team off of her anyway.
Cam was impossible not to love; he may be a player, but the second he accepts his attraction to Blair, he only has eyes for her. I loved their friendship almost as much as I loved their sizzling chemistry. They just made so much sense and their road to a HEA was so satisfying. I'm simply obsessed with this series! Now bring on Ace and Ruby!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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Camden Fields, hotshot quarterback at Colorado University, best friend to my overprotective big brother Knox, fuel for my filthiest sexual fantasies and dreams, is my secret.
The second that Monica Murphy hinted at these two in Playing Hard to Get, I was desperate for their book. Desperate. I love the brother's best friend trope, and when said brother is the crazily overprotective Knox Maguire, and the best friend is the hotshot quarterback and player Camden Fields? I am ALL OVER IT.
Same, girl. Same.
Blair was a heroine I wasn't sure I'd like at first. She's not one that immediately jumps from the pages at you. She's like a sneak attack who slowly but surely grows on you. Until you're at the final page and a little in love with her. I love a woman who's not afraid to go after what she wants. And Blair somehow had this unique blend of vulnerability, sass, and assertive. She's not so in your face, but she isn't shy about getting her feelings to Cam out there. She's also not afraid of his hesitancy. Their push and pull doesn't last long until Cam can no longer resist. The man puts up a good fight at first, but his feelings for Blair simply burn through his bro code of not going after his best friends sister. Knox pretty much warns the entire team off of her anyway.
Cam was impossible not to love; he may be a player, but the second he accepts his attraction to Blair, he only has eyes for her. I loved their friendship almost as much as I loved their sizzling chemistry. They just made so much sense and their road to a HEA was so satisfying. I'm simply obsessed with this series! Now bring on Ace and Ruby!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
April 4, 2023
Thank you so much to Monica Murphy and Valentine PR for providing me with an ARC of Playing by the Rules, I had such a great time reading, thank you!!
Playing but the Rules is the second book in The Players series by Monica Murphy. It’s a forbidden, brothers best friend, college sports romance, and it follows Blair and Camden’s story.
We saw these two in the last book (Playing Hard to Get) and I’m so so happy that Blair got her own book because I really loved her.
I’m completely obsessed with Monica Murphy’s sports romances and I’m dying to read her College Years series!!
If you’re a Sports Romance fan I’d definitely recommend checking out Playing Hard to Get and Playing by the Rules!!!
Playing but the Rules is the second book in The Players series by Monica Murphy. It’s a forbidden, brothers best friend, college sports romance, and it follows Blair and Camden’s story.
We saw these two in the last book (Playing Hard to Get) and I’m so so happy that Blair got her own book because I really loved her.
I’m completely obsessed with Monica Murphy’s sports romances and I’m dying to read her College Years series!!
If you’re a Sports Romance fan I’d definitely recommend checking out Playing Hard to Get and Playing by the Rules!!!
March 31, 2023
i had high hopes that were not met
April 5, 2023
blair deserve so much better. that guy is a loser literally
March 24, 2023
blair is knox’s younger sister who he is super protective about! so when she starts going to his college he lets all his teammates and everyone know, don’t mess w my sister. little does knox know, blair has had a crush on his best friend and teammate for years and she’s not about to let cam slip away just because of her overprotective brother.
blair and cam!! so freaking cute😭 i had the best time reading playing by the rules. i consumed it in 2 days because i could not stop reading! brother’s best friend is always gonna hit and blair and cam did not disappoint. those tension and jealousy scenes had me kicking my feet!! i loved them so so much 🥺🤍
blair and cam!! so freaking cute😭 i had the best time reading playing by the rules. i consumed it in 2 days because i could not stop reading! brother’s best friend is always gonna hit and blair and cam did not disappoint. those tension and jealousy scenes had me kicking my feet!! i loved them so so much 🥺🤍
May 19, 2023
i expected nothing and i'm still disappointed
September 30, 2025
cutesy sports romanceee
July 27, 2023
rating: 3⭐️
monica murphy’s books are perfect when you just want to shut your brain off but also want a feel-good romance. this book was lowkey cute but also kinda cringey???
monica murphy’s books are perfect when you just want to shut your brain off but also want a feel-good romance. this book was lowkey cute but also kinda cringey???
April 25, 2023
“You look sexy wearing my number,”
3.5*
I enjoyed Cam and Blair’s story. Little bit of secret relationship with her older brother’s best friend. It’s slow burn-ish, but also not if that makes sense. The tension and banter between these two is hot from the start, and they hook up so the slow burn gets the “ish” tag. The hero has some mental road blocks when it comes to this relationship/his life and while I understand that was the point and plot of his character, it was hard to read eventually and that’s why this one didn’t get a full 4 for me. It was just hard to read as it goes on for awhile and I just felt bad for the heroine, who was understanding, but I was mad in her honor. All in all a good read though if you want slow-burn with that dash of hidden relationship anticipation and angst.
Excited for the next book. I feel like Ace and Ruby have the potential to be explosive.
3.5*
I enjoyed Cam and Blair’s story. Little bit of secret relationship with her older brother’s best friend. It’s slow burn-ish, but also not if that makes sense. The tension and banter between these two is hot from the start, and they hook up so the slow burn gets the “ish” tag. The hero has some mental road blocks when it comes to this relationship/his life and while I understand that was the point and plot of his character, it was hard to read eventually and that’s why this one didn’t get a full 4 for me. It was just hard to read as it goes on for awhile and I just felt bad for the heroine, who was understanding, but I was mad in her honor. All in all a good read though if you want slow-burn with that dash of hidden relationship anticipation and angst.
Excited for the next book. I feel like Ace and Ruby have the potential to be explosive.
April 5, 2023
This is the first Monica Murphy book I've read and I really loved it!
This book was a great college romance and although I found the epilogue/ending to be quite rushed it demonstrated that the love that Blair and Cam have for eachother is real. This book had dual pov, brother's best friend, forbidden romance and so many more tropes to enjoy throughout the story. After reading this book my addiction to sports romance is definitely going to get worse and I will for sure be picking up another read from Monica Murphy.
Although I didn't read the first book in the series, I understood everything perfectly in the second however if you want a better understanding and knowledge about the other characters, I suggest reading from the start.
I am definitely going to pick up the 1st book from the series as it seemed very intriguing and I love the characters in it and I can't wait for the 3rd to come out!
Thank you so much to Valentine PR for this arc in exchange for my review!
3☆
19/04/23
This book was a great college romance and although I found the epilogue/ending to be quite rushed it demonstrated that the love that Blair and Cam have for eachother is real. This book had dual pov, brother's best friend, forbidden romance and so many more tropes to enjoy throughout the story. After reading this book my addiction to sports romance is definitely going to get worse and I will for sure be picking up another read from Monica Murphy.
Although I didn't read the first book in the series, I understood everything perfectly in the second however if you want a better understanding and knowledge about the other characters, I suggest reading from the start.
I am definitely going to pick up the 1st book from the series as it seemed very intriguing and I love the characters in it and I can't wait for the 3rd to come out!
Thank you so much to Valentine PR for this arc in exchange for my review!
3☆
19/04/23
April 1, 2023
Weak metro male
This was as bad as the first one. The MMC was a weak, whiney Gamma metro male. Not a drop of alpha in him. The few smutty scenes were cringe. It was like they didn't know what they were doing. The FMC was an obnoxious wishy washy brat. Its all very juvenile and immature. No thanks, I'm done with this author.
This was as bad as the first one. The MMC was a weak, whiney Gamma metro male. Not a drop of alpha in him. The few smutty scenes were cringe. It was like they didn't know what they were doing. The FMC was an obnoxious wishy washy brat. Its all very juvenile and immature. No thanks, I'm done with this author.
March 26, 2023
These brother-best-friend tropes are always perfect, but Monica came out swinging with this one.
It's incredible how well-matched Cam and Blair are. But you'll notice Cam's conflicting emotions about Blair frequently throughout the book. As we are all aware of this trope, the most challenging part is always telling the brother. The attraction they feel for one another is obvious as day, and they must take action since they cannot separate themselves. Ugh, this is just such a cute book.
I'm so excited for the next book!!
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 💋
It's incredible how well-matched Cam and Blair are. But you'll notice Cam's conflicting emotions about Blair frequently throughout the book. As we are all aware of this trope, the most challenging part is always telling the brother. The attraction they feel for one another is obvious as day, and they must take action since they cannot separate themselves. Ugh, this is just such a cute book.
I'm so excited for the next book!!
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 💋
April 2, 2023
Thought this was gonna be good. But no yet again the male character was toxic.
April 2, 2023
4⭐️
I am the biggest sucker for a brothers best friend book! This book was filled with every emotion, it was so good! Cam and Blair were made for each other in every way, and I love how they both work to better each other. They are both so sweet and caring, making sure the other feels safe. My heart melted at the fact that Cam went to therapy and bettered himself so he would be worthy of being with Blair! The nickname Bumblebee he had for her was so cute, I was kicking and screaming every time! The thing with the perfume was so cute and golden retriever like of Cam! This book was so cute and so worth it!
Favorite Quote:
“More like I’m working on all of this for her. To be better. For myself. For her. For us. “
I am the biggest sucker for a brothers best friend book! This book was filled with every emotion, it was so good! Cam and Blair were made for each other in every way, and I love how they both work to better each other. They are both so sweet and caring, making sure the other feels safe. My heart melted at the fact that Cam went to therapy and bettered himself so he would be worthy of being with Blair! The nickname Bumblebee he had for her was so cute, I was kicking and screaming every time! The thing with the perfume was so cute and golden retriever like of Cam! This book was so cute and so worth it!
Favorite Quote:
“More like I’m working on all of this for her. To be better. For myself. For her. For us. “
December 19, 2023
Audiobook
I enjoyed this one more than the first standalone, but the brother’s best friend didn’t work so much for me.
She was constantly chasing him, and he was constantly worried about the brother. I did like them when they were together and able to ignore the brother. I wish he wouldn’t have been such a factor.
I enjoyed this one more than the first standalone, but the brother’s best friend didn’t work so much for me.
She was constantly chasing him, and he was constantly worried about the brother. I did like them when they were together and able to ignore the brother. I wish he wouldn’t have been such a factor.
March 25, 2023
4,5. Need book 3 now
July 21, 2023
3.25!
March 28, 2023
"Everything about her is perfection. Like she was made for me."
It was a sweet, steamy and angsty brother's bestfriend sports romance. Since the last book it was obvious that there was something cooking between Blair & Camden but the biggest issue of their relationship was Blair's brother Knox aka Cameron's bestfriend and teammate who had strictly warned all the players to keep away from his off-limits sister. Blair was such a confident girl and had her own ambitions but the one that topped her list was to get the one guy she has a crush on to finally notice her and trust me, Cam noticed her all right. I just didn't like the way the had to keep their relationship a secret but still the stolen moments were pretty good. This book was truly fun, I enjoyed how Cam & Blair flirted all the time and eventually gave in to the temptation. Though I wish Cam was not so scared of Knox finding out. Overall, I still enjoyed reading the book and the last few chapters were adorable especially with Knox & Joanna. It was a 3.5 star read for me.
I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review
It was a sweet, steamy and angsty brother's bestfriend sports romance. Since the last book it was obvious that there was something cooking between Blair & Camden but the biggest issue of their relationship was Blair's brother Knox aka Cameron's bestfriend and teammate who had strictly warned all the players to keep away from his off-limits sister. Blair was such a confident girl and had her own ambitions but the one that topped her list was to get the one guy she has a crush on to finally notice her and trust me, Cam noticed her all right. I just didn't like the way the had to keep their relationship a secret but still the stolen moments were pretty good. This book was truly fun, I enjoyed how Cam & Blair flirted all the time and eventually gave in to the temptation. Though I wish Cam was not so scared of Knox finding out. Overall, I still enjoyed reading the book and the last few chapters were adorable especially with Knox & Joanna. It was a 3.5 star read for me.
I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review
March 29, 2023
this series just gets interesting the more you read and get to know the characters and i absolutely love it!
i’m such a big supporter of brother’s best friend trope and the author really incorporates it well in this book. the angst, the pining, the tension, THE CHEMISTRY… it all just captures your attention. both characters are interesting to get to know more about and the moments they have together have you wanting to keep reading.
i enjoyed this book and the characters so much. i understood why they both felt a certain way towards certain moments and i’m glad they got through the challenges that were thrown at them. i also like how strong both characters are and how perfect they just fit. i can’t wait for what’s next in this series!
i’m such a big supporter of brother’s best friend trope and the author really incorporates it well in this book. the angst, the pining, the tension, THE CHEMISTRY… it all just captures your attention. both characters are interesting to get to know more about and the moments they have together have you wanting to keep reading.
i enjoyed this book and the characters so much. i understood why they both felt a certain way towards certain moments and i’m glad they got through the challenges that were thrown at them. i also like how strong both characters are and how perfect they just fit. i can’t wait for what’s next in this series!
July 8, 2025
Cute book just wasn’t feeling it 100%. Blair kinda felt desperate in the beginning to me. Cam was the typical brother’s best friend who was into the little sister. But like I said still a cute story.
April 7, 2023
These characters were insufferable.
March 24, 2023
the brother’s best friend trope can be hit or miss for me, but when it’s done right everything falls into place. playing by the rules checked off those boxes for me, an overall good read.
blair and camden had undeniable chemistry. blair knew what she wanted and was persistent and determined in getting just that. blair and cam were adorable and sweet and just all around amazing.
plating by the rules was a great addition to the players series and i can’t want for more of this series.
*i voluntarily read and reviewed an arc of this book*
blair and camden had undeniable chemistry. blair knew what she wanted and was persistent and determined in getting just that. blair and cam were adorable and sweet and just all around amazing.
plating by the rules was a great addition to the players series and i can’t want for more of this series.
*i voluntarily read and reviewed an arc of this book*
March 31, 2023
I thought it would be difficult to beat Knox & Joanna’s story, but I loved Cam & Blair’s story so much more. I am truly a sucker for the brother’s best friend trope & Monica killed it with this one.
Blair is Knox’s younger sister. She’s had a crush on her brother’s best friend for years. Cam is the playboy, star quarterback, & her brother’s best friend/roommate/teammate.
Now that Blair is at the same college as him, Cam tries so hard to resist her — attempting to be loyal to his best friend & stay away from his little sister. But Blair isn’t a quitter & she’s determined to wear him down until he finally gives into their attraction.
Knox was just downright swoony. He was possessive & protective of her from the start. Major ‘touch her & 💀’ vibes. While Blair was strong, confident, & was never afraid to admit what she wanted or how she was feeling — putting Cam in his place more than a few times.
Thank you to Monica & her team for sending me the ARC & allowing me to review! I already can’t wait for the third book in the series ❤️
Tropes:
- Sports Romance
- Brother’s Best Friend
- Forbidden Romance
- College Romance
5/5⭐️
2.5/5🌶️
Blair is Knox’s younger sister. She’s had a crush on her brother’s best friend for years. Cam is the playboy, star quarterback, & her brother’s best friend/roommate/teammate.
Now that Blair is at the same college as him, Cam tries so hard to resist her — attempting to be loyal to his best friend & stay away from his little sister. But Blair isn’t a quitter & she’s determined to wear him down until he finally gives into their attraction.
Knox was just downright swoony. He was possessive & protective of her from the start. Major ‘touch her & 💀’ vibes. While Blair was strong, confident, & was never afraid to admit what she wanted or how she was feeling — putting Cam in his place more than a few times.
Thank you to Monica & her team for sending me the ARC & allowing me to review! I already can’t wait for the third book in the series ❤️
Tropes:
- Sports Romance
- Brother’s Best Friend
- Forbidden Romance
- College Romance
5/5⭐️
2.5/5🌶️
Read
March 19, 2023Cam Fields and Blair Mcguire make it so easy to fall right into that fun college love story!
Cam is the epitome of the sexy college football QB, who also happens to be Blair's brother's best friend, who Blair has secretly had a crush on for years. Their chemistry is undeniable, Blair's determination and confidence is so admirable, and Cam's vulnerabilities make their relationship and journey to their HEA organic and real.
I love a good NA football romance with all the college shenanigans and feels, and M Murphy is the best when it comes to writing characters who feel like friends, and you can't help but fall for! This book will pull you right in, and you'll be left wanting more from this world when it's all done. A must-read for NA football romance fans!
Cam is the epitome of the sexy college football QB, who also happens to be Blair's brother's best friend, who Blair has secretly had a crush on for years. Their chemistry is undeniable, Blair's determination and confidence is so admirable, and Cam's vulnerabilities make their relationship and journey to their HEA organic and real.
I love a good NA football romance with all the college shenanigans and feels, and M Murphy is the best when it comes to writing characters who feel like friends, and you can't help but fall for! This book will pull you right in, and you'll be left wanting more from this world when it's all done. A must-read for NA football romance fans!
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