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The Playmaker
I wanted him from the moment I saw him.
I grew up in the arena. My older brother’s obsession with hockey rivaled my obsession with hockey players. Well … one in particular.
Sam Anderson. He was a transfer. He played center and scored easily on and off the ice.
Time passed but he never noticed me. Until suddenly, he did.
College was supposed to bring us closer. We were on our own now … together. My brother was here. Our best friends. There were no curfews and no rules. Everything was perfect … until suddenly, it wasn’t.
How do you pick up the pieces when everything that made sense falls apart? When the one you thought you wanted changes. And a familiar face you never saw coming morphs into someone new. Lines between friends become blurred.
They say life is about choices.
I never wanted choices.
I only wanted him.
But what if he was the wrong one all along?
I grew up in the arena. My older brother’s obsession with hockey rivaled my obsession with hockey players. Well … one in particular.
Sam Anderson. He was a transfer. He played center and scored easily on and off the ice.
Time passed but he never noticed me. Until suddenly, he did.
College was supposed to bring us closer. We were on our own now … together. My brother was here. Our best friends. There were no curfews and no rules. Everything was perfect … until suddenly, it wasn’t.
How do you pick up the pieces when everything that made sense falls apart? When the one you thought you wanted changes. And a familiar face you never saw coming morphs into someone new. Lines between friends become blurred.
They say life is about choices.
I never wanted choices.
I only wanted him.
But what if he was the wrong one all along?
354 pages, Paperback
Published October 16, 2023
5 people are currently reading
411 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Scott
105 books421 followersI’m a little old horror writer who puts her nightmares down on paper. I was born on Halloween and live with my husband in a haunted house far off the beaten track. When I’m not writing, I frequent used bookstores and prowl the woods.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
October 20, 2023
The Playmaker by Michelle Scott is giving new life to my reading situation right now. First and foremost, I am always a sucker for brother’s best friend and this author delivered it with absolute perfection. Secondly, the sports/hockey genre just elevates the layers to this story line. Thirdly, there’s a hint of mystery around how this book is going to end. I thought I knew, but this author definitely had me questioning it until close to the end.
And then the characters….
Oakley, your heroine, she falls somewhere between super independent bad ass and girl next door. She’s wonderful.
Chase…. Just marry me off right now. He’s my dream book boyfriend.
And the real honorable mention….Madison, Oakley’s BFF, because every girl needs a ride or die.
I loved so much about this story and I want you to love it, too.
~Lauren💜
And then the characters….
Oakley, your heroine, she falls somewhere between super independent bad ass and girl next door. She’s wonderful.
Chase…. Just marry me off right now. He’s my dream book boyfriend.
And the real honorable mention….Madison, Oakley’s BFF, because every girl needs a ride or die.
I loved so much about this story and I want you to love it, too.
~Lauren💜
October 25, 2023
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and, even though it was more of a slow burn and had less spice than I’m used to, I liked the change of pace and was not expecting it to turn out the way it did! The way Oakley develops and matures throughout the story captured me and the pining and angst that Chase had in the little moments within the time span was perfect for the buildup. I also found Oakley relatable in the sense of having an attachment to your first love but not having the knowledge of what is truly to be expected and what she deserved to have from a partner. This book literally had me hooked from beginning to end and if you’re looking for your next hockey read, I definitely recommend this!!
January 19, 2025
Meh. Kinda predictable but it was OK!
December 17, 2023
It was confusing but I think I liked it?
October 21, 2023
2.5 Stars
All those 2 stars for Chase and Chase alone and the half for Ollie
This is my first book from this author I believe, and it was an okay read for me. I don't really do well with love triangles or the H/h being in love with other people initially, but I didn't mind this so much maybe because I wasn't as invested in it lol. Idk if that's a good thing or a bad thing, but it is what it is. Anyway, I really adored Chase and disliked Sam just as much. Oakley, on the other hand, I felt pretty neutral with. I wasn't so into her yet she didn't really annoy me either lol. One thing I did like about her was that once she and Sam broke up, she wasn't a pushover over him even when he started trying to get her back. She wasn't wishy washy about what or who she wanted and didn't have that annoying push and pull thing going on like with a lot of love triangle books. I hated Sam in this and he truly was such a selfish, self-absorbed jerk which made me wonder what Oakley saw in him the entire time. Chase, on the other hand — swoon . I would definitely want me a Chase too. And the best part? HE. WAS. NO. MANHOE. He never did that whole "I did sleep with other girls because I couldn't have you, but I was thinking of you the whole time" bullshit. He was as loyal as he could be, ya'll. I'm not saying he was a full-on saint, he did end up sleeping with a few girls in high school but not a lot and he never paraded them in front of anyone including Oakley. He never even talked about them with his friends so they all know his love/sex life has been mysterious ever since. And when college came, he stayed celibate ya'll. He knew what he wanted even when other girls were blatantly throwing themselves at him, including this super hot bombshell supermodel Ana. He never wavered and I LOVED that about him. That's what guys who are supposedly hung up on a woman should act like. Take notes, everyone! Also, I loved Ollie as a big bother. He didn't create that whole "stay away from my sister" drama with his BFF Chase, and even approved of Chase finally going for Oakley since according to him, "it's been a long time coming" lol. Anyway, that's all I got to say about it.
Safety Gang:
-CW: h has explicit sex with both guys (she's in a relationship and in love with a different guy during first 1/3 of the book)
-H is around 19/20, h is 18/19
-Explicit sexual content
-Safe sex: h was a virgin, condoms were used with her bf/ex Sam, no condoms used with H Chase but it was mentioned she went on the pill and he was clean from regular check ups with the team
-Sex scenes with OP: h's bf/ex took her virginity (on page) and there was another sex scene with them on page
-OM and some slight OW drama (this girl Ana wants the H but he never did anything with her except hang out with her a couple times)
-No cheating after the H and h get together, but the h's ex kisses the h one time and the H saw, but she didn't want it and pushed him away although that caused some drama since the H thought she wanted it
-HEA, no epilogue
All those 2 stars for Chase and Chase alone and the half for Ollie
This is my first book from this author I believe, and it was an okay read for me. I don't really do well with love triangles or the H/h being in love with other people initially, but I didn't mind this so much maybe because I wasn't as invested in it lol. Idk if that's a good thing or a bad thing, but it is what it is. Anyway, I really adored Chase and disliked Sam just as much. Oakley, on the other hand, I felt pretty neutral with. I wasn't so into her yet she didn't really annoy me either lol. One thing I did like about her was that once she and Sam broke up, she wasn't a pushover over him even when he started trying to get her back. She wasn't wishy washy about what or who she wanted and didn't have that annoying push and pull thing going on like with a lot of love triangle books. I hated Sam in this and he truly was such a selfish, self-absorbed jerk which made me wonder what Oakley saw in him the entire time. Chase, on the other hand — swoon . I would definitely want me a Chase too. And the best part? HE. WAS. NO. MANHOE. He never did that whole "I did sleep with other girls because I couldn't have you, but I was thinking of you the whole time" bullshit. He was as loyal as he could be, ya'll. I'm not saying he was a full-on saint, he did end up sleeping with a few girls in high school but not a lot and he never paraded them in front of anyone including Oakley. He never even talked about them with his friends so they all know his love/sex life has been mysterious ever since. And when college came, he stayed celibate ya'll. He knew what he wanted even when other girls were blatantly throwing themselves at him, including this super hot bombshell supermodel Ana. He never wavered and I LOVED that about him. That's what guys who are supposedly hung up on a woman should act like. Take notes, everyone! Also, I loved Ollie as a big bother. He didn't create that whole "stay away from my sister" drama with his BFF Chase, and even approved of Chase finally going for Oakley since according to him, "it's been a long time coming" lol. Anyway, that's all I got to say about it.
Safety Gang:
-CW: h has explicit sex with both guys (she's in a relationship and in love with a different guy during first 1/3 of the book)
-H is around 19/20, h is 18/19
-Explicit sexual content
-Safe sex: h was a virgin, condoms were used with her bf/ex Sam, no condoms used with H Chase but it was mentioned she went on the pill and he was clean from regular check ups with the team
-Sex scenes with OP: h's bf/ex took her virginity (on page) and there was another sex scene with them on page
-OM and some slight OW drama (this girl Ana wants the H but he never did anything with her except hang out with her a couple times)
-No cheating after the H and h get together, but the h's ex kisses the h one time and the H saw, but she didn't want it and pushed him away although that caused some drama since the H thought she wanted it
-HEA, no epilogue
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“You deserve everything, Oakley. And don’t settle for anything less.”
‘The Playmaker is a High School to College, love triangle, hockey romance. The FMC, Oakley Burnham, has been in love with hockey star Sam Anderson since she first laid eyes on him. Sam has never paid any attention to Oakley, until their High School Senior Year when they end up making out at a party, and then start dating.
Sam and Oakley are still dating when they get to college, but everything starts to go wrong when he starts to get more female attention than he ever has done in the past. They ultimately break up and there’s only one person who can save the day, Chase Matthews. Chase has always been protective of Oak, but she just assumed that was down to Chase and her brother, Ollie, being best friends. Little did she know that Chase had been keeping a secret from her…’
Oakley
Oakley thought everything was going great between herself and Sam, and it was… until it wasn’t! Sam is all she ever saw from the moment he first attended their school, and when he finally gives her a chance, she jumps straight on it! Everybody knows how the majority of High School relationships work out, they don’t! I do wish Oak would’ve saw the way Chase always protected her sooner, but I also think this is partly on Chase for not making his feelings known. At the end of the day, she ended up with the right person and that is all that matters!
Chase
“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be right now and no one else I’d rather be with.”
Chase was the absolute highlight of this book for me! He was always so sweet and he had such a protective nature when it came to anything regarding Oak. He stayed hidden in the side-lines until he knew that the time was right for both of them. And the fact that he didn’t parade girls around and play with their hearts when he knew he loved Oakley (even when she was with Sam)… gold stars for my boy Chase!!
Sam
Sam started off as being okay in their High School years, but as soon as they reached college, he immediately changed and so did my opinion of him. In the end, I’m glad he acted how he did as it gave Oakley a reason to not get back together with him and to finally give Chase a chance. I think Sam was just a normal college guy who didn’t know what he wanted out of a relationship and was caught up in all of the new attention he was getting.
Tropes:
• Hockey Romance
• Love Triangle
• Brother’s Best Friend
• Childhood Friends
• He Falls First
Thank you to Wordsmith Publicity and Michelle for the ARC of this book.
“You deserve everything, Oakley. And don’t settle for anything less.”
‘The Playmaker is a High School to College, love triangle, hockey romance. The FMC, Oakley Burnham, has been in love with hockey star Sam Anderson since she first laid eyes on him. Sam has never paid any attention to Oakley, until their High School Senior Year when they end up making out at a party, and then start dating.
Sam and Oakley are still dating when they get to college, but everything starts to go wrong when he starts to get more female attention than he ever has done in the past. They ultimately break up and there’s only one person who can save the day, Chase Matthews. Chase has always been protective of Oak, but she just assumed that was down to Chase and her brother, Ollie, being best friends. Little did she know that Chase had been keeping a secret from her…’
Oakley
Oakley thought everything was going great between herself and Sam, and it was… until it wasn’t! Sam is all she ever saw from the moment he first attended their school, and when he finally gives her a chance, she jumps straight on it! Everybody knows how the majority of High School relationships work out, they don’t! I do wish Oak would’ve saw the way Chase always protected her sooner, but I also think this is partly on Chase for not making his feelings known. At the end of the day, she ended up with the right person and that is all that matters!
Chase
“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be right now and no one else I’d rather be with.”
Chase was the absolute highlight of this book for me! He was always so sweet and he had such a protective nature when it came to anything regarding Oak. He stayed hidden in the side-lines until he knew that the time was right for both of them. And the fact that he didn’t parade girls around and play with their hearts when he knew he loved Oakley (even when she was with Sam)… gold stars for my boy Chase!!
Sam
Sam started off as being okay in their High School years, but as soon as they reached college, he immediately changed and so did my opinion of him. In the end, I’m glad he acted how he did as it gave Oakley a reason to not get back together with him and to finally give Chase a chance. I think Sam was just a normal college guy who didn’t know what he wanted out of a relationship and was caught up in all of the new attention he was getting.
Tropes:
• Hockey Romance
• Love Triangle
• Brother’s Best Friend
• Childhood Friends
• He Falls First
Thank you to Wordsmith Publicity and Michelle for the ARC of this book.
December 3, 2023
🏒𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓟𝓵𝓪𝔂𝓶𝓪𝓴𝓮𝓻 – 𝓕𝓲𝓻𝓮 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓘𝓬𝓮 #1 – 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀🏒
“𝓜𝓪𝔂𝓫𝓮 𝓶𝔂 𝓮𝔂𝓮𝓼 𝔀𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓬𝓵𝓸𝓼𝓮𝓭 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝔂𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓼, 𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓼𝓮. 𝓑𝓾𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝔂’𝓻𝓮 𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓷 𝓷𝓸𝔀. 𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝓘 𝓼𝓮𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾.”
Author: Michelle Scott
Couple: Oakley with Chase and Sam
Tropes: hockey romance, first love romance, best friends to lovers, college romance, brother’s best friend romance, love triangle
Review: An angsty and emotion filled romance between childhood best friends as they find true love with one another. Michelle gives us a great first book as she unfolds Oakley, Sam and Chase’s story over the span of years.
Oakley is a fiercely independent FMC who is infatuated with Sam Anderson, the hockey god when we begin. I loved and hated the parts of her that got swept under with Sam and Michelle did a terrific job with developing their story of first love and hardship. I enjoyed how she refused to bow down completely and remained independent. The fact that she demanded respect when she began feeling Sam change made me love her even more. I also loved the brother bond she had with Ollie. Michelle did a good job with creating their sibling relationship and tying in how Chase fell into everything.
Chase was the loyal best friend and neighbor that always held a torch for Oakley. I adored how he always protected her and even tried to open her eyes towards Sam. I also enjoyed how everyone knew he loved her but Oakley. The way Ollie told him to shoot his shot and gave his the all-go to hit on his sister made me like his character even more since he was not a player. I also felt like the way he handled Sam was perfect.
This book is a meeting of souls. I adored the two of them together once Sam is out of the way. I also liked how Michelle took time for Oakley to move on from Sam before jumping into Chase. The push and pull Sam does also added to the book and made the storyline tension filled. I am excited for the continuation of this book and cannot wait to see who is next!
Rating: 4/5, a gripping story of first love and first heartache!
“𝓜𝓪𝔂𝓫𝓮 𝓶𝔂 𝓮𝔂𝓮𝓼 𝔀𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓬𝓵𝓸𝓼𝓮𝓭 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝔂𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓼, 𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓼𝓮. 𝓑𝓾𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝔂’𝓻𝓮 𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓷 𝓷𝓸𝔀. 𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝓘 𝓼𝓮𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾.”
Author: Michelle Scott
Couple: Oakley with Chase and Sam
Tropes: hockey romance, first love romance, best friends to lovers, college romance, brother’s best friend romance, love triangle
Review: An angsty and emotion filled romance between childhood best friends as they find true love with one another. Michelle gives us a great first book as she unfolds Oakley, Sam and Chase’s story over the span of years.
Oakley is a fiercely independent FMC who is infatuated with Sam Anderson, the hockey god when we begin. I loved and hated the parts of her that got swept under with Sam and Michelle did a terrific job with developing their story of first love and hardship. I enjoyed how she refused to bow down completely and remained independent. The fact that she demanded respect when she began feeling Sam change made me love her even more. I also loved the brother bond she had with Ollie. Michelle did a good job with creating their sibling relationship and tying in how Chase fell into everything.
Chase was the loyal best friend and neighbor that always held a torch for Oakley. I adored how he always protected her and even tried to open her eyes towards Sam. I also enjoyed how everyone knew he loved her but Oakley. The way Ollie told him to shoot his shot and gave his the all-go to hit on his sister made me like his character even more since he was not a player. I also felt like the way he handled Sam was perfect.
This book is a meeting of souls. I adored the two of them together once Sam is out of the way. I also liked how Michelle took time for Oakley to move on from Sam before jumping into Chase. The push and pull Sam does also added to the book and made the storyline tension filled. I am excited for the continuation of this book and cannot wait to see who is next!
Rating: 4/5, a gripping story of first love and first heartache!
October 20, 2023
The moment she saw Sam Anderson she wanted to claim him as her own, but he was older and never seem to notice her... until he finally did. Her dream had finally came true, she got the guy she wanted, but as with young love sometimes it doesn't last. Oakley was crushed, she thought they were meant to be... but maybe it was meant to be in a different kind of way, like maybe he wasn't the guy meant for her. And there was another one waiting in the wings...
The Playmaker is a wonderfully penned story of second chances, healing, personal growth, finding love, and finding yourself. Oakley thought she had found the boy she was meant to be with, but he turned out to be the wrong one... which was devastating for her, but also a good learning lesson too. Sometimes love doesn't work out the way you think it's supposed to. She soon learns that maybe there was a little cosmic intervention at play when her and Sam broke up, like someone was trying to tell her she was suppose to be finding love with another guy, like her brother's other teammate Chase. They have known each other for years, he's always been her white knight when she's needing saving, and maybe that's because he's always been smitten with her too? Why did she never notice it?
I love sports romances and I have to say this newest offering from Ms. Scott checked all the boxes for me, it had sweet moments to touch my heart, emotional ones to give me the feels, and of course steamy ones to make me blush. I really enjoyed following Oakley on her journey, she was a wonderful character and I was happy to see her pick the right guy and find those sparks she had been chasing. Chase was an absolute dream boat!! Highly recommend you take a chance on this one, this story will have you mesmerized from beginning to end!!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
The Playmaker is a wonderfully penned story of second chances, healing, personal growth, finding love, and finding yourself. Oakley thought she had found the boy she was meant to be with, but he turned out to be the wrong one... which was devastating for her, but also a good learning lesson too. Sometimes love doesn't work out the way you think it's supposed to. She soon learns that maybe there was a little cosmic intervention at play when her and Sam broke up, like someone was trying to tell her she was suppose to be finding love with another guy, like her brother's other teammate Chase. They have known each other for years, he's always been her white knight when she's needing saving, and maybe that's because he's always been smitten with her too? Why did she never notice it?
I love sports romances and I have to say this newest offering from Ms. Scott checked all the boxes for me, it had sweet moments to touch my heart, emotional ones to give me the feels, and of course steamy ones to make me blush. I really enjoyed following Oakley on her journey, she was a wonderful character and I was happy to see her pick the right guy and find those sparks she had been chasing. Chase was an absolute dream boat!! Highly recommend you take a chance on this one, this story will have you mesmerized from beginning to end!!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
October 20, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
🏒Brother’s Best Friend
🏒Friends to Lovers
🏒Childhood Friends
🏒He Falls First
🏒Virgin FMC
🏒”It’s always been you”
Oakley has had a crush on Sam since the day she saw him freshman year of high school. Sam, however, has not even seen Oakley. Until senior year. When Sam finally sees her, she’s over the moon. Sam tells her he’s always seen her but was warned off by her older brother Ollie (and his teammate).
For Oakley, their relationship is a fairy tale. Sam is everything she dreamed about and the perfect boyfriend. He’s her first kiss and her first time after prom in the most cliche way. And they go to college together, along with their gang of friends. Which is where it all starts falling apart. Sam goes from attentive and sweet to distant and lackluster. Where he used to shower Oakley in affection, he ignores her and starts paying more attention to the bunnies.
Oakley is devastated and heartbroken, and she mourns their relationship and her first love. But with Sam no longer the center of her world, she starts seeing things more - and more specifically, she starts noticing her childhood friend, brother’s best friend Chase.
Holy CRAP. I devoured this book in an afternoon. The TENSION.
I was not expecting this book to go the way it did, and it tugged at my heart strings. Oakley is such a sweet girl, and I adored that we get to see her grow through the years. She goes from an innocent, naive girl to a strong, smart woman. She matures and develops, and her story captures what it’s like in that first year at college, away from home.
Chase! Motherfucking Chase! I was anticipating his POV, and when we finally got there? 😍😍😍 He’s wonderful beyond words. I’m talking Noah Riley levels of wonderful.
This story completely took me by surprise in the best way. I adore it.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
🏒Brother’s Best Friend
🏒Friends to Lovers
🏒Childhood Friends
🏒He Falls First
🏒Virgin FMC
🏒”It’s always been you”
Oakley has had a crush on Sam since the day she saw him freshman year of high school. Sam, however, has not even seen Oakley. Until senior year. When Sam finally sees her, she’s over the moon. Sam tells her he’s always seen her but was warned off by her older brother Ollie (and his teammate).
For Oakley, their relationship is a fairy tale. Sam is everything she dreamed about and the perfect boyfriend. He’s her first kiss and her first time after prom in the most cliche way. And they go to college together, along with their gang of friends. Which is where it all starts falling apart. Sam goes from attentive and sweet to distant and lackluster. Where he used to shower Oakley in affection, he ignores her and starts paying more attention to the bunnies.
Oakley is devastated and heartbroken, and she mourns their relationship and her first love. But with Sam no longer the center of her world, she starts seeing things more - and more specifically, she starts noticing her childhood friend, brother’s best friend Chase.
Holy CRAP. I devoured this book in an afternoon. The TENSION.
I was not expecting this book to go the way it did, and it tugged at my heart strings. Oakley is such a sweet girl, and I adored that we get to see her grow through the years. She goes from an innocent, naive girl to a strong, smart woman. She matures and develops, and her story captures what it’s like in that first year at college, away from home.
Chase! Motherfucking Chase! I was anticipating his POV, and when we finally got there? 😍😍😍 He’s wonderful beyond words. I’m talking Noah Riley levels of wonderful.
This story completely took me by surprise in the best way. I adore it.
October 20, 2023
⭐️: 3
🔥/🌶️: 2.5
I really enjoyed The Playmaker. Michelle wrote a beautiful story full of personal growth, finding love, self-discovery, and so much more. I thought it was a heartfelt and honest read that explored these themes really well.
The moment Oakley saw Sam Anderson she was smitten, but he never noticed her. When he finally did, she was over the moon. However, as can happen with young love, it doesn't always last.
Maybe that was meant to be, though, because there was another guy hiding in the wings who was actually the better fit. The happily ever after, fit together perfectly kind of guy.
I knew this story was going to be a love triangle, but I definitely thought it was going to play out differently. I was hoping the book would spend more time with the other guy, but it actually spent more time with the one I didn't want (Sam).
Love triangles add complexity and drama to a romance plot that usually causes me too much anxiety; however, Michelle did a good job keeping me engaged while keeping my anxiety low.
The fact that this book featured a significant amount of hockey is also a plus for me. It's always nice when a book lives up to its genre. Those who enjoy sports romance novels for the sports aspect will be pleasantly happy with this book.
Michelle created compelling and relatable characters. I admired Oakley and liked reading about her journey and her inner thoughts. Even though she was fragile, she was mature and open-minded as well. As far as FMC goes, I was pretty neutral with her, though. Nothing spectacular, but nothing wrong either.
Chase made this entire book worth it. I think I'm in love with him just a little. I was very thankful for the chapters with his POV.
I recommend this book for those who love hockey romances and beautiful love stories.
*** I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
🔥/🌶️: 2.5
I really enjoyed The Playmaker. Michelle wrote a beautiful story full of personal growth, finding love, self-discovery, and so much more. I thought it was a heartfelt and honest read that explored these themes really well.
The moment Oakley saw Sam Anderson she was smitten, but he never noticed her. When he finally did, she was over the moon. However, as can happen with young love, it doesn't always last.
Maybe that was meant to be, though, because there was another guy hiding in the wings who was actually the better fit. The happily ever after, fit together perfectly kind of guy.
I knew this story was going to be a love triangle, but I definitely thought it was going to play out differently. I was hoping the book would spend more time with the other guy, but it actually spent more time with the one I didn't want (Sam).
Love triangles add complexity and drama to a romance plot that usually causes me too much anxiety; however, Michelle did a good job keeping me engaged while keeping my anxiety low.
The fact that this book featured a significant amount of hockey is also a plus for me. It's always nice when a book lives up to its genre. Those who enjoy sports romance novels for the sports aspect will be pleasantly happy with this book.
Michelle created compelling and relatable characters. I admired Oakley and liked reading about her journey and her inner thoughts. Even though she was fragile, she was mature and open-minded as well. As far as FMC goes, I was pretty neutral with her, though. Nothing spectacular, but nothing wrong either.
Chase made this entire book worth it. I think I'm in love with him just a little. I was very thankful for the chapters with his POV.
I recommend this book for those who love hockey romances and beautiful love stories.
*** I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 21, 2023
So I literally just finished The Playmaker a few hours ago and all I can say is I have a new obsession ( I mean it really does not get much better than this , the beginning of a journey that just completely blew me away written by one of my absolute favorite authors . Not to mention Brothers Best Friend and Sports/ Hockey romance. Two tropes im a sucker for . Oakley has been in love with Sam ( her brothers best friend and teammate for as long as she can remember. In her mind he’s the one , her end game , the person she’s meant to spend her life with . But life isn’t always that simple , it sometimes takes a turn in a different direction. Is Sam the person she’s really meant to be with ? Or could someone else who has been right there the entire time (Chase has childhood friend and protector be her Happily ever after . The Playmaker is such a beautifully written and emotional journey about first loves , childhood crushes , childhood best friends, heartbreak and second chances . I went through so many different emotions while reading ( everything from being speechless, to yelling out of frustration, to smiling , to laughing out loud to feeling like my heart was being crushed with tears coming down my face . Every single time I pick up one of Michelle’s books she never fails to exceed all my expectations. The Playmaker is absolute perfection, a 10/10 , a must read
October 22, 2023
Que dire, et bien je n'ai pas été portée par l'histoire.
Oak aime Sam depuis le début, elle est intouchable car elle est la soeur d'Ollie, joueur de hockey et donc intouchable pour les gars. Sam ne la remarque que lors de leur dernière année au lycée.
Pour elle c'est un rêve qui se réalise, mais ce rêve va se transformer en cauchemar lorsqu'ils vont rejoindre l'université.
Sam est imbu de sa personne, il aime qu'on le voit, le regarde et il veut briller sur la glace. Il aura des paroles blessantes envers elle, il révelera son vrai visage et il se comportera comme le plus gros c... qu'on puisse imaginer. J'ai détesté ce personnage.
Oak pensait qu'il serait le bon, mais la fac fait changer les gens. Ils ont besoin de découvrir de nouvelles choses, soif de liberté.
Et elle, elle est là sans être là. Elle est la soeur d' Ollie, la petite amie de Sam. Elle suit et subit.
Cette rupture sera un électrochoc pour elle et pour son avenir.
Et puis nous avons Chase, le meilleur ami, celui qui l'aime en secret, qui est toujours là pour elle.
Et on se demande si elle prête pour lui? Il peut très bien décider d'en avoir marre d'attendre. Sera-t-il trop tard?
Pourtant avant de s'engager dans quelque chose de nouveau, ne doit-elle pas grandir, s'affirmer, savoir ce qu'elle veut et mettre les choses au clair définitivement avec Sam.
Donc une lecture mitigée.
Oak aime Sam depuis le début, elle est intouchable car elle est la soeur d'Ollie, joueur de hockey et donc intouchable pour les gars. Sam ne la remarque que lors de leur dernière année au lycée.
Pour elle c'est un rêve qui se réalise, mais ce rêve va se transformer en cauchemar lorsqu'ils vont rejoindre l'université.
Sam est imbu de sa personne, il aime qu'on le voit, le regarde et il veut briller sur la glace. Il aura des paroles blessantes envers elle, il révelera son vrai visage et il se comportera comme le plus gros c... qu'on puisse imaginer. J'ai détesté ce personnage.
Oak pensait qu'il serait le bon, mais la fac fait changer les gens. Ils ont besoin de découvrir de nouvelles choses, soif de liberté.
Et elle, elle est là sans être là. Elle est la soeur d' Ollie, la petite amie de Sam. Elle suit et subit.
Cette rupture sera un électrochoc pour elle et pour son avenir.
Et puis nous avons Chase, le meilleur ami, celui qui l'aime en secret, qui est toujours là pour elle.
Et on se demande si elle prête pour lui? Il peut très bien décider d'en avoir marre d'attendre. Sera-t-il trop tard?
Pourtant avant de s'engager dans quelque chose de nouveau, ne doit-elle pas grandir, s'affirmer, savoir ce qu'elle veut et mettre les choses au clair définitivement avec Sam.
Donc une lecture mitigée.
October 18, 2023
Oakley has been around hockey forever since her older brother plays. All through high school she crushed on Sam Anderson until Senior year when they finally got together. They were together until freshman year of college. They end up breaking up and Oakley is crushed.
Oakley and her bestie Madison room together in the dorms at college. Most of the guys from high school that were on the hockey team are here at the same college as Oakley, Ollie and Madison, including Chase and all play together.
Chase and Oakley have known each other since they were kids. He has always looked after and protected Oakley. He's a defenseman and on the team with Oakley's brother Ollie and one of his best friends.
He hates what Oakley's breakup has done to her.
When Oakley finally gets past the break up she begins to go out with her friends again and is stronger than she was. Sam starts coming around again.
But is he the one she's meant to be with?
4 stars
This is a new author for me and I enjoyed the story. I don't usually go for high school but this sets the tone for college.
Oakley and her bestie Madison room together in the dorms at college. Most of the guys from high school that were on the hockey team are here at the same college as Oakley, Ollie and Madison, including Chase and all play together.
Chase and Oakley have known each other since they were kids. He has always looked after and protected Oakley. He's a defenseman and on the team with Oakley's brother Ollie and one of his best friends.
He hates what Oakley's breakup has done to her.
When Oakley finally gets past the break up she begins to go out with her friends again and is stronger than she was. Sam starts coming around again.
But is he the one she's meant to be with?
4 stars
This is a new author for me and I enjoyed the story. I don't usually go for high school but this sets the tone for college.
October 19, 2023
As soon as Oakley noticed Sam, she was hooked. He never noticed her. He was on the hockey team with her brother and his best friend. When her brother, Sam finally notices her. Chase, her brothers best friend is still there looking out for her, being her protector.
And everything is great between Oakley and Sam. Then they go to college together and with their friends, and everything changes.
I devoured this book in less than 6 hours. I love the way Michelle writes, it just flows easily and keeps you reading. It has heart, has sass, has steam and has a great storyline with great characters.
Oakley is single minded when it comes to Sam. But it’s Chase, her brothers best friend who is her protector. They’ve always been friends so she never noticed him. This is a favourite trope of mine and when this one unfolds you just can’t help but smile. The banter between Oakley and Chase is fun and flirty. When Oakley and Sam breakup, it hurt to see her fall apart.
The side characters are great fun too. I hope we see more from these characters especially Ollie, Oakley’s brother and her best friend Madison.
4 stars
And everything is great between Oakley and Sam. Then they go to college together and with their friends, and everything changes.
I devoured this book in less than 6 hours. I love the way Michelle writes, it just flows easily and keeps you reading. It has heart, has sass, has steam and has a great storyline with great characters.
Oakley is single minded when it comes to Sam. But it’s Chase, her brothers best friend who is her protector. They’ve always been friends so she never noticed him. This is a favourite trope of mine and when this one unfolds you just can’t help but smile. The banter between Oakley and Chase is fun and flirty. When Oakley and Sam breakup, it hurt to see her fall apart.
The side characters are great fun too. I hope we see more from these characters especially Ollie, Oakley’s brother and her best friend Madison.
4 stars
October 20, 2023
Brother's best friend? Childhood friends? Sports romance? Sign me up.
The Playmaker did not disappoint. The ending really made me cry happy tears. The way the story progressed made me tear up, laugh and even scream sometimes but I loved every second of it.
Oakley is a badass character who's fragile. I respect her for knowing that she's not a door mat, for knowing her value and I completely adore her personality.
Chase is just *internally screaming* hot af. He's also the protector who's always there, looking out for her. I love how he always treats Oak. And also he's completely rocking the mysterious vibe...just saying.
I have to say this about Ollie, Oak's brother, because I don't think I've ever read a brother's bestfriend trope where the brother doesn't fight his bsf for falling for his sister. But the way Ollie revealed that he always knew and he gave Chase the green light. HOLY HELL. LIKE WHAT. I think I need Ollie's book or maybe more appearances from him.
I've been in love with this book since I received the arc and I just wanna say that it's definitely worth the read. Michelle Scott did an amazing job with this cute and hot book.
xoxo
The Playmaker did not disappoint. The ending really made me cry happy tears. The way the story progressed made me tear up, laugh and even scream sometimes but I loved every second of it.
Oakley is a badass character who's fragile. I respect her for knowing that she's not a door mat, for knowing her value and I completely adore her personality.
Chase is just *internally screaming* hot af. He's also the protector who's always there, looking out for her. I love how he always treats Oak. And also he's completely rocking the mysterious vibe...just saying.
I have to say this about Ollie, Oak's brother, because I don't think I've ever read a brother's bestfriend trope where the brother doesn't fight his bsf for falling for his sister. But the way Ollie revealed that he always knew and he gave Chase the green light. HOLY HELL. LIKE WHAT. I think I need Ollie's book or maybe more appearances from him.
I've been in love with this book since I received the arc and I just wanna say that it's definitely worth the read. Michelle Scott did an amazing job with this cute and hot book.
xoxo
October 19, 2023
Michelle Scott lights the lamp with THE PLAYMAKER (Fire and Ice Series). Oakley grew up around hockey, after all her older brother, Ollie, had always been a star player. He and his best friend, Defenseman Chase Mathews, have constantly looked out for her. In high school, she had a crush on forward Sam Anderson. He didn’t notice her until senior year when they began dating.
Fast forward they all attend Sinclair college together. Things begin to change. She and Sam break up. She realizes Chase might have not just been protecting her out of respect for her brother. Then Sam wants her back. Things get complicated.
THE PLAYMAKER is a realistic and heartwarming novel. I enjoyed reading how each of these characters evolved and what they went through. My heart broke for Oakley. I swooned for Chase. I respected Ollie.
This is the first book that I have read by Michelle Scott. I enjoyed her writing style. It would be nice to get Ollie’s, Mike’s, and Madison’s stories in the future. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Fast forward they all attend Sinclair college together. Things begin to change. She and Sam break up. She realizes Chase might have not just been protecting her out of respect for her brother. Then Sam wants her back. Things get complicated.
THE PLAYMAKER is a realistic and heartwarming novel. I enjoyed reading how each of these characters evolved and what they went through. My heart broke for Oakley. I swooned for Chase. I respected Ollie.
This is the first book that I have read by Michelle Scott. I enjoyed her writing style. It would be nice to get Ollie’s, Mike’s, and Madison’s stories in the future. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
October 20, 2023
Oakley has been solely focused on Sam Anderson since the moment she met him and has been patiently waiting for him to make a move. The popular hockey player finally crosses the line and Oakley is heading into college with visions of a future with Sam and her friends and brother along with her. Though the time together was supposed to bring them together, Oakley’s realizing that maybe Sam wasn’t meant to be and someone else may have been there all along.
The pining! The time span of this book was perfect to build all those little moments for Chase to pine for Oakley, especially when it was clear someone else had her attention. Oakley’s character was so relatable with that attachment to a first love when she didn’t have a firm concept of what she deserved and should expect from a partner. I love Michelle’s stories and I am so excited to see more hockey romance in this world!
You’ll Find —
Brother’s Best Friend
Childhood Friends
Hockey Romance
High School to College
Slow Burn
Thankful for the opportunity to read a gifted early copy!
The pining! The time span of this book was perfect to build all those little moments for Chase to pine for Oakley, especially when it was clear someone else had her attention. Oakley’s character was so relatable with that attachment to a first love when she didn’t have a firm concept of what she deserved and should expect from a partner. I love Michelle’s stories and I am so excited to see more hockey romance in this world!
You’ll Find —
Brother’s Best Friend
Childhood Friends
Hockey Romance
High School to College
Slow Burn
Thankful for the opportunity to read a gifted early copy!
October 19, 2023
I love a hockey romance book, throw in a brothers best friend trope and I’m sold! lol
This follows Oakley, who has grown up around Hockey with her brother being on the team and she has had a thing for Sam since he joined but he’s never noticed her…. Until he does.
Things go great with Oakley and Sam until they go to college. I don’t wanna say too much and spoil plot points though.
I loved Madison and Ollie’s characters and some of those Hockey boys…. Big shout out to Mike!
But Chase? Swoon!! he’s the childhood best friend, all around good guy and protector of Oakley. She just thinks this is because he’s her brothers friend and is looking out for her but maybe that’s not the reason.
Most of this book is from Oakleys POV but we do get a few chapters from Sam & Chase.
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend 🩵
This follows Oakley, who has grown up around Hockey with her brother being on the team and she has had a thing for Sam since he joined but he’s never noticed her…. Until he does.
Things go great with Oakley and Sam until they go to college. I don’t wanna say too much and spoil plot points though.
I loved Madison and Ollie’s characters and some of those Hockey boys…. Big shout out to Mike!
But Chase? Swoon!! he’s the childhood best friend, all around good guy and protector of Oakley. She just thinks this is because he’s her brothers friend and is looking out for her but maybe that’s not the reason.
Most of this book is from Oakleys POV but we do get a few chapters from Sam & Chase.
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend 🩵
October 20, 2023
I have to admit, Oakley is like me🤭. When we like someone, we will pursue them until we get them, but with a note that we don't force them. Even though there may be signals that this guy is not good for us but still want to try it until finally feel enough and let go. But that's love, we have to feel heartbroken first before we can get true love for us.
I really liked this story😍😍, I didn't want to stop reading it. And I really like all the characters here because I don't think they're too contrived, they're real like the people around us. There's no need to hate someone either because there are characters like that.
Thank you Michelle, for giving us such a amazing story, I really like it❤️.
I hope everyone loves this story too because honestly I can't move on from Oakley and the Genk 😩😭.
I really liked this story😍😍, I didn't want to stop reading it. And I really like all the characters here because I don't think they're too contrived, they're real like the people around us. There's no need to hate someone either because there are characters like that.
Thank you Michelle, for giving us such a amazing story, I really like it❤️.
I hope everyone loves this story too because honestly I can't move on from Oakley and the Genk 😩😭.
October 21, 2023
Now that Oakley has finally gotten the attention of Sam, the boy who had captured her heart as a teenager, she thought college would only strengthen their relationship as they prepare for the next stage in her life. She now finds herself single, heartbroken and surprised when she starts to see Chase as more than a friend.
Chase has always had feelings for Oakley and was willing to accept friendship since her heart belonged to Sam. He is there for her when she needs someone the most and their friendship develops into so much more, but will she choose her new love or her first love?
Chase was the kind of man that any woman would be lucky to have in her life while Oakley evolved into the strong and feisty woman she was meant to be. There is also a great cast of secondary characters which only make the story better.
Chase has always had feelings for Oakley and was willing to accept friendship since her heart belonged to Sam. He is there for her when she needs someone the most and their friendship develops into so much more, but will she choose her new love or her first love?
Chase was the kind of man that any woman would be lucky to have in her life while Oakley evolved into the strong and feisty woman she was meant to be. There is also a great cast of secondary characters which only make the story better.
October 22, 2023
This book is sooo sweet. Michelle Scott is a new author to me and I absolutely was not disappointed. The story is beautify written, following a girl through her longtime crush turned first love. We get points of view from Oakley, Sam and Chase. I would have loved more from Chase-he was perfect. Sweet, caring, protective, always in the background taking care of her. Finally Oakley’s eyes are opened and she realizes who Sam really is, as well as who Chase really is. I love how Chase and Oakley come together, discovering each other after a lifelong friendship. I kind of wish this was a prequel to a novel solely about the two of them. It’s a good background to how they came to be, now it would be fun to watch them grow and begin their love and life together. I’m excited for whoever is next in this series!
October 25, 2023
BOOK REVIEW☯️
TROPES:
} Hockey romance
} College romance
} Brother’s best friend
} Love triangle
} Angst & pining
REVIEW
} Ladies and gentlemen, if you’re looking for your next hockey romance read, look no further! This book had me hooked from beginning to end. I literally sat through heartbreak and longing till it ended and loved every bit of it.
} If you loved ‘Say You Swear’ I would recommend reading this too. The angst and pining was out of this world and I was so happy when they finally just had their happily ever after.
} Also, Oakley’s brother was a definite YES for me. He was so dreamy and I really want him to have his own story😩 I love their sister-brother relationship and that she knew her brother would always be there for her.
} This one’s a keeper and is now available on Amazon and KU. Thank you to the author for the opportunity to review this arc.
TROPES:
} Hockey romance
} College romance
} Brother’s best friend
} Love triangle
} Angst & pining
REVIEW
} Ladies and gentlemen, if you’re looking for your next hockey romance read, look no further! This book had me hooked from beginning to end. I literally sat through heartbreak and longing till it ended and loved every bit of it.
} If you loved ‘Say You Swear’ I would recommend reading this too. The angst and pining was out of this world and I was so happy when they finally just had their happily ever after.
} Also, Oakley’s brother was a definite YES for me. He was so dreamy and I really want him to have his own story😩 I love their sister-brother relationship and that she knew her brother would always be there for her.
} This one’s a keeper and is now available on Amazon and KU. Thank you to the author for the opportunity to review this arc.
October 19, 2023
Thank you so much to Wordsmith Publicity and Michelle Scott for this arc to review! The Playmaker releases on October 20th.
There's nothing like a good hockey romance. I really enjoyed this book.
Friends to lovers is one of my favourite tropes, so needless to say I was into this story from the get go. I really appreciated the way we got to see relationships develop over a number of years, rather than just a month or two. It was a great way to see some character development.
Chase is a bit of a cutie. His love and admiration for Oakley was gorgeous and it was clear throughout the years he had her at the front of his mind.. along with hockey of course.
Pick this one up on Friday for a great sports romance - there's fantastic characters you'll fall in love with. 🩷
There's nothing like a good hockey romance. I really enjoyed this book.
Friends to lovers is one of my favourite tropes, so needless to say I was into this story from the get go. I really appreciated the way we got to see relationships develop over a number of years, rather than just a month or two. It was a great way to see some character development.
Chase is a bit of a cutie. His love and admiration for Oakley was gorgeous and it was clear throughout the years he had her at the front of his mind.. along with hockey of course.
Pick this one up on Friday for a great sports romance - there's fantastic characters you'll fall in love with. 🩷
October 19, 2023
I really enjoyed this one, even though I had no idea what was going to happen at first. When it started and Oakley was just talking about Sam, Sam, Sam, I was thinking the worst. I thought maybe he was going to be an abuser or he was going to assault Oakley, but it wasn't anything like that at all. This book hooked me and kept me interested the whole way through. Oakley was a very strong female but she just wanted love and kept looking in the wrong places for it and being discouraged by what she found. I liked seeing the different perspectives, especially Sam's, as we got to see what made him act the way he did. This wasn't a super emotional or spicy book, it was more about growing up and finding out what love really is.
October 25, 2023
*ARC review*
This is a very sweet, but also quite emotional college, hockey romance with a bit of a love triangle between Oakley, her high school boyfriend (Sam) and brother’s best friend (Chase).
The FMC, Oakley Burnham, is such a good heroine - independent, strong and sweet. The MMC, Chase Matthews, is an amazing guy - sweet, protective and just overall dreamy. Even though Chase is my favorite character and the show-stealer in my opinion, it is still a very good book about growth, love and finding what you really need. The journey Oakley is on, is very relatable, and so well-written, and I was rooting for her to choose the right guy and finally getting the love she deserved.
I enjoyed reading this very much, and it had everything I want in a college hockey romance. The connection that Oakley and Chase share is so wonderful, and the way that Chase has always protected and supported Oakley is just the best. There is also delicious steamy scenes, and some fun banter to break up some of the emotional turmoil Oakley is going through.
Oakley’s brother and her best friend are wonderful side characters, and I would love to get their stories too.
This is a very sweet, but also quite emotional college, hockey romance with a bit of a love triangle between Oakley, her high school boyfriend (Sam) and brother’s best friend (Chase).
The FMC, Oakley Burnham, is such a good heroine - independent, strong and sweet. The MMC, Chase Matthews, is an amazing guy - sweet, protective and just overall dreamy. Even though Chase is my favorite character and the show-stealer in my opinion, it is still a very good book about growth, love and finding what you really need. The journey Oakley is on, is very relatable, and so well-written, and I was rooting for her to choose the right guy and finally getting the love she deserved.
I enjoyed reading this very much, and it had everything I want in a college hockey romance. The connection that Oakley and Chase share is so wonderful, and the way that Chase has always protected and supported Oakley is just the best. There is also delicious steamy scenes, and some fun banter to break up some of the emotional turmoil Oakley is going through.
Oakley’s brother and her best friend are wonderful side characters, and I would love to get their stories too.
October 20, 2023
Oakley has wanted one boy as long as she can remember. She knew deep down inside he was it. So what if he is a teammate of her brothers on the hockey team. Her brother will get over it. This is a great story about finding out who you really are and who you truly belong to. Can the person you truly belong with be under your nose the whole time and you just don’t see it?!? Between the dating drama, friend group shenanigans and normal college life problems we cover it all in this book. I enjoyed the characters and their well developed back stories. The book was entertaining and I look forward to getting to know the other characters better. I’m excited about this series. Bring on the next book!
October 17, 2023
5⭐️ 3🌶️
Eeek I freaking loved this book. I’m a sucker for brother’s best friend and I’m also in my hockey era. And this book did not disappoint!! I could not get enough of Chase’s character. The childhood friend and the protector. Gah this book had me cracking up one minute and swooning so hard the next 😍 it definitely gives you all the feels. My heart broke for Oakley. But I also loved how she came back better than ever. And that ending really pulled at my heartstrings. It’s definitely a must read!! I hope we get more of the other characters stories. Especially Oakleys brother Ollie.
Eeek I freaking loved this book. I’m a sucker for brother’s best friend and I’m also in my hockey era. And this book did not disappoint!! I could not get enough of Chase’s character. The childhood friend and the protector. Gah this book had me cracking up one minute and swooning so hard the next 😍 it definitely gives you all the feels. My heart broke for Oakley. But I also loved how she came back better than ever. And that ending really pulled at my heartstrings. It’s definitely a must read!! I hope we get more of the other characters stories. Especially Oakleys brother Ollie.
October 20, 2023
Thank you for the ARC. I loved Chase, he cared about Oakley so much even when she told him not to, he still felt need to make sure she was safe. Oakley was a character who had to go through something painful and she ma have struggled but she still had friends to help her get through it. Oakley and Chase had a relationship that developed from simply friends to something more. Oakley was determined to find love and happiness, she just needed to open her eyes to the possibility of it being right in front of her.
October 19, 2023
I really enjoyed this novel! It did not disappoint. I love novels that have childhood friends to lovers. From the very first chapter this novel grabbed hold of me and did not let go until the very last page. Even then I did not want this novel to end. I loved Chase and Oakley's story. It touched my heart all that they had been through. I love when a novel can make you laugh out loud in public and not even care, can almost bring you to tears and finally leaves you with a happy heart. This novel checked all of my boxes. It was so good! I can't wait to see what is coming next.
October 20, 2023
This gave me all the feels. The unrequited love, the pining, the angst and the joy.
Oakley was so realistic, as a young adult learning what love really is. Feeling heartbreak from the loss of her first crush only to find real love with an unexpected person.
I loved Chase’s protectiveness, quiet love and patience.
Emotion filled, spicy, wonderful character growth, some angst and drama, heartbreak and fun, with plenty hockey action and a beautiful HEA.
I received an ARC from Wordsmith Publicity and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
Oakley was so realistic, as a young adult learning what love really is. Feeling heartbreak from the loss of her first crush only to find real love with an unexpected person.
I loved Chase’s protectiveness, quiet love and patience.
Emotion filled, spicy, wonderful character growth, some angst and drama, heartbreak and fun, with plenty hockey action and a beautiful HEA.
I received an ARC from Wordsmith Publicity and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
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