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Played
USA Today bestselling author Naima Simone heats up the page with intensity and wit in this romance between a pro hockey player and a firefighter, both struggling to move on from the past.
Being a firefighter isn’t easy. Especially for a Black woman. Working with family helps a little. But when somebody from your company doesn’t come back from a call, it’s brutal—as in, “How’m I supposed to go on?” brutal.
And one death took me to a really dark place.
A year later, I’m at the Pirates’ hockey training facility. Just another day on the job. Until I find a charred journal. I look inside for the owner’s name, but the words on the page punch me in the gut. It’s like reading my own thoughts. Reliving my own pain.
The journal belongs to Solomon Young, left-winger for the Pirates—a father and widower. When I return it, I’m racked with guilt for the invasion of privacy. The look Solomon gives me is cold as ice.
But damn if that man isn’t hot as hell.
Now he’s stuck in my brain. And fate seems intent on making us face off.
Being a firefighter isn’t easy. Especially for a Black woman. Working with family helps a little. But when somebody from your company doesn’t come back from a call, it’s brutal—as in, “How’m I supposed to go on?” brutal.
And one death took me to a really dark place.
A year later, I’m at the Pirates’ hockey training facility. Just another day on the job. Until I find a charred journal. I look inside for the owner’s name, but the words on the page punch me in the gut. It’s like reading my own thoughts. Reliving my own pain.
The journal belongs to Solomon Young, left-winger for the Pirates—a father and widower. When I return it, I’m racked with guilt for the invasion of privacy. The look Solomon gives me is cold as ice.
But damn if that man isn’t hot as hell.
Now he’s stuck in my brain. And fate seems intent on making us face off.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 3, 2024
589 people are currently reading
8316 people want to read
About the author
Naima Simone
168 books2,133 followersPublished since 2009, USA Today Bestselling author Naima Simone loves writing sizzling romances with heart, a touch of humor and snark. Her books have been featured in The Washington Post and Entertainment Weekly, and described as balancing “crackling, electric love scenes with exquisitely rendered characters caught in emotional turmoil.”
She is wife to Superman, or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent, and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, sometimes domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.
She is wife to Superman, or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent, and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, sometimes domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 269 reviews
December 23, 2025
5/5
This book was EVERYTHING and more!! I really hope this book becomes a series because all of the characters in this book were so fun to follow. I’ve never rated a book 5 stars for being pure fun and this book was exactly that. Even though the characters were navigating through so many tough emotions, it didn’t take away from the humor and love that was all throughout this book. Loved it so so much!!
This book was EVERYTHING and more!! I really hope this book becomes a series because all of the characters in this book were so fun to follow. I’ve never rated a book 5 stars for being pure fun and this book was exactly that. Even though the characters were navigating through so many tough emotions, it didn’t take away from the humor and love that was all throughout this book. Loved it so so much!!
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April 15, 2024
2.25 ⭐️ Sport Romance? Where?
Thank you so much Net Galley for the eARC!*
The only reason why I'm not giving this book a plain ol' one star is because both MCs are black, and it's a book written by a black woman. Diversity is very important to me both in and out of books, and although the racial diversity is there, every other type of diversity is so lacking it should be laughable. It's not though.
Also, please note that I would not recommend going into this book expecting a sport romance. You will be extremely disappointed.
I have several issues with the book, and although it has a HFN ending, sometimes the means do not justify the ends. These are some of the reason as to why:
- Christianity everywhere: the shear amount of references to God and Jesus should have tipped me on to the fact that this book was just not going to do it for me, but sometimes I can push through the whole hyper religious thing. And if that was the only issue I would have had with this book, I probably would've pushed through just fine. But alas, it's not the case.
- The MCs: The MMC, Solomon, is just a mean dude with a big ego and an attitude problem. That's it. He is constantly objectifying her and insisting on going through with his bullsh!t. I couldn't stand him half the time Also, his nickname for her is ma, or lil' mama. I cannot begin to describe the cringe. The FMC, too, is supposed to be this bada*s firefighter, but she needs a backbone more than she needs a water hose... and she gets it. With three pages to spare, and immediately looses it right after by forgiving the unforgivable. Also, TW for se*ual harassment in the work place, because f*ck was that triggering as hell.
- The lack of both sport and romance: This guy could have just been a millionaire who traveled for work and liked to go to the gym for how much we see him playing or involved with his sport. Also, this book is about two people broken by grief experiencing lust for the first time after their spouse dies. That's it. The romance is basically nonexistent until about the 90% mark. And then the MMC ruins it so completely he turns irredeemable imo.
- The writing: I understand that the author made a choice to write as the characters would speak, the expressions and accents. And as important as I'm sure that is, I personally hate it. I love hearing different accents, but reading the misspelled way the words would be said, or the grammatically incoherent sentences... Again, I know what we were going for here. I just can't get behind it, but I know that might just be a me issue.
- The ingrained sexism: there is internalized misogyny, and then there's this book. I cannot begin to describe the absolute rage that fueled me every time the FMC refused to seek help from her coworkers and family members because they were men and 'they need to stop babying her', only for her to allow the men around her to talk to her like she's five years-old. Also, the ending where Solomon explains that he called the men in her family. Big get-away-from-me energy.
- The lack of LGBTQIA+ characters. And I do mean zero.
- Everyone is either rich, or rich-adjacent. So, yeah, the diversity is nowhere to be found there either. The FMC is a single, black 26 year old woman in America and she owns a house. By herself. I mean I know that this is fiction but come on. In this economy? I think that might be the most unrealistic thing in this whole book.
- The lack of consequences in the whole revenge porn plot. And also, TW for that. It literally came out of nowhere and went... you guessed it, nowhere! It just cause a whole lot of issues and then the book was over.
There are also several quotes that I shall refrain from sharing (for now) since this is an ARC, and things could change, but... omg the cringe spicy scenes where so painful.
Overall, this book gets one star for each Black MC, and then .25 for the HFN. But that's it.
And, well, for Khalil. He was cute af.
Thank you so much Net Galley for the eARC!*
The only reason why I'm not giving this book a plain ol' one star is because both MCs are black, and it's a book written by a black woman. Diversity is very important to me both in and out of books, and although the racial diversity is there, every other type of diversity is so lacking it should be laughable. It's not though.
Also, please note that I would not recommend going into this book expecting a sport romance. You will be extremely disappointed.
I have several issues with the book, and although it has a HFN ending, sometimes the means do not justify the ends. These are some of the reason as to why:
- Christianity everywhere: the shear amount of references to God and Jesus should have tipped me on to the fact that this book was just not going to do it for me, but sometimes I can push through the whole hyper religious thing. And if that was the only issue I would have had with this book, I probably would've pushed through just fine. But alas, it's not the case.
- The MCs: The MMC, Solomon, is just a mean dude with a big ego and an attitude problem. That's it. He is constantly objectifying her and insisting on going through with his bullsh!t. I couldn't stand him half the time Also, his nickname for her is ma, or lil' mama. I cannot begin to describe the cringe. The FMC, too, is supposed to be this bada*s firefighter, but she needs a backbone more than she needs a water hose... and she gets it. With three pages to spare, and immediately looses it right after by forgiving the unforgivable. Also, TW for se*ual harassment in the work place, because f*ck was that triggering as hell.
- The lack of both sport and romance: This guy could have just been a millionaire who traveled for work and liked to go to the gym for how much we see him playing or involved with his sport. Also, this book is about two people broken by grief experiencing lust for the first time after their spouse dies. That's it. The romance is basically nonexistent until about the 90% mark. And then the MMC ruins it so completely he turns irredeemable imo.
- The writing: I understand that the author made a choice to write as the characters would speak, the expressions and accents. And as important as I'm sure that is, I personally hate it. I love hearing different accents, but reading the misspelled way the words would be said, or the grammatically incoherent sentences... Again, I know what we were going for here. I just can't get behind it, but I know that might just be a me issue.
- The ingrained sexism: there is internalized misogyny, and then there's this book. I cannot begin to describe the absolute rage that fueled me every time the FMC refused to seek help from her coworkers and family members because they were men and 'they need to stop babying her', only for her to allow the men around her to talk to her like she's five years-old. Also, the ending where Solomon explains that he called the men in her family. Big get-away-from-me energy.
- The lack of LGBTQIA+ characters. And I do mean zero.
- Everyone is either rich, or rich-adjacent. So, yeah, the diversity is nowhere to be found there either. The FMC is a single, black 26 year old woman in America and she owns a house. By herself. I mean I know that this is fiction but come on. In this economy? I think that might be the most unrealistic thing in this whole book.
- The lack of consequences in the whole revenge porn plot. And also, TW for that. It literally came out of nowhere and went... you guessed it, nowhere! It just cause a whole lot of issues and then the book was over.
There are also several quotes that I shall refrain from sharing (for now) since this is an ARC, and things could change, but... omg the cringe spicy scenes where so painful.
Overall, this book gets one star for each Black MC, and then .25 for the HFN. But that's it.
And, well, for Khalil. He was cute af.
January 19, 2025
🌟🌟🌟🌟.25
Glad I stuck it through. Loved this. The depth of grief, love, sacrifice, and pain all wrapped into life. Choices.
The emotional intelligence makes the slight insta-lust worth the read.
And the ending is so heartwarming 😭🫶🏾
Glad I stuck it through. Loved this. The depth of grief, love, sacrifice, and pain all wrapped into life. Choices.
The emotional intelligence makes the slight insta-lust worth the read.
And the ending is so heartwarming 😭🫶🏾
September 3, 2024
I really enjoyed Adina and Solomon's story. What surprised me is that I don't normally like when there are deceased partners. I feel like it's pretty hard to show the new relationship standing up to a past love especially when one of the characters is mourning a dead spouse through most of the book. In this case, both main characters were mourning a deceased partner. It leveled things up a bit even though you felt that mourning more from Solomon. Despite this being something I usually can't get into, I think the author did a great job of showing the growth of both characters. I truly believed by the end of the book that Adina and Solomon loved each other. I can even admit that I liked the struggle they went through to get to where they were at the end. I think that is a testament to the great writing from this author.
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September 6, 2024I wanted to love this one. Two people finding moments to feel again, together. But Solomon took more from Adina than he gave. Yes, he was dealing with grief, but Adina was hurting and grieving too. Too often, he put his and everyone else’s feelings above Adina’s. His mouth was just too reckless, and his harsh words had done enough damage by the time he finally managed to say something thoughtful.
September 11, 2024
Whew this book had so much promise and potential with the angst and somehow just did not manage to deliver, especially with the final few chapters. Both MCs have endured heartbreak, Black professional hockey player Solomon through his wife dying unexpectedly in a car crash a couple of years before the book starts, leaving him a widowed single father, and Black firefighter Adina, through the loss of her fiancé, a fellow firefighter who died in the line of duty.
They obviously have a lot of emotional baggage, a lot of it similar and I was excited for them to explore their emotional trauma and work through it together. However, the problem is, Solomon is deeply in love with his late wife and refuses to open his heart to anyone else and spends much of the book objectifying Adina and then fucking her while also loudly proclaiming that this will not be a real relationship ever. Add in his grieving in laws who are very involved in his life and the upbringing of his son plus the fact that his FIL owns the hockey team he plays for, there are a lot of complications. I wish the book had addressed these complications in a way that felt sensitive to the subject matter without feeling rushed. But my real complaint lies in the fact that when Adina and Solomon engage in a hookup at a club and are recorded without their knowledge and that video is released on the internet, Solomon essentially ghosts Adina and only pops up when he hears she's been injured in the line of duty. For a second, I really respect Adina for growing a backbone and kicking Solomon out of her life and realizing she deserves better but it takes all of 2 chapters for her to quickly forgive him and for them to reconcile. Add in the cringey endearments (he repeatedly calls her "ma" and "lil mama" during steamy scenes) and this book and particularly this hero, really did not work for me. I liked Adina and wished she'd had more of a backbone because the way Solomon treats her for much of the book but especially in the last quarter makes it impossible for me to root for this couple.
They obviously have a lot of emotional baggage, a lot of it similar and I was excited for them to explore their emotional trauma and work through it together. However, the problem is, Solomon is deeply in love with his late wife and refuses to open his heart to anyone else and spends much of the book objectifying Adina and then fucking her while also loudly proclaiming that this will not be a real relationship ever. Add in his grieving in laws who are very involved in his life and the upbringing of his son plus the fact that his FIL owns the hockey team he plays for, there are a lot of complications. I wish the book had addressed these complications in a way that felt sensitive to the subject matter without feeling rushed. But my real complaint lies in the fact that when Adina and Solomon engage in a hookup at a club and are recorded without their knowledge and that video is released on the internet, Solomon essentially ghosts Adina and only pops up when he hears she's been injured in the line of duty. For a second, I really respect Adina for growing a backbone and kicking Solomon out of her life and realizing she deserves better but it takes all of 2 chapters for her to quickly forgive him and for them to reconcile. Add in the cringey endearments (he repeatedly calls her "ma" and "lil mama" during steamy scenes) and this book and particularly this hero, really did not work for me. I liked Adina and wished she'd had more of a backbone because the way Solomon treats her for much of the book but especially in the last quarter makes it impossible for me to root for this couple.
April 16, 2025
Be prepared, this book carries a lot of emotional baggage. Both main characters are dealing with loss and grief. I didn't really get the sense that either was ready to move on with a new relationship. The characters did have good physical chemistry, but the relationship moved too fast at the end of the book for me to really buy into it. I also didn't get much from the sport aspect from this "hockey" romance. Wished there was more hockey in the story.
Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for a copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for a copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.
November 1, 2024
Cute read
This was a cute book. The Audible narrators on here were garbage though. Read this book instead of listening to it.
This was a cute book. The Audible narrators on here were garbage though. Read this book instead of listening to it.
September 5, 2024
4.5 "Fooled around and fell in love" Stars!
I absolutely loved this book. No one does heart and heat like Naima Simone. Add in a super grumpy- heartbroken single dad hockey player and a female firefighter. Plus a cool kid. This was my kind of kool-aid. I loved it. Happy reading!
I absolutely loved this book. No one does heart and heat like Naima Simone. Add in a super grumpy- heartbroken single dad hockey player and a female firefighter. Plus a cool kid. This was my kind of kool-aid. I loved it. Happy reading!
May 27, 2024
In "Played," Naima Simone crafts a story that pulses with raw emotion, sizzling chemistry, and heart-wrenching grief. This compelling romance centers on the life of a resilient Black woman firefighter and a brooding hockey player, creating a narrative that is as fiery as it is tender.
The protagonist's journey begins in the depths of unimaginable loss. The death of a colleague in the line of duty has plunged her into a dark abyss, and Simone captures this pain with poignant authenticity. The depiction of her struggle is not just a backdrop but a vivid part of the story that brings depth to her character. I can feel the weight of her sorrow, making her eventual path to healing all the more powerful.
A year after the tragic incident, our heroine finds herself at the Pirates' hockey training facility, where an unexpected discovery sets the stage for a transformative connection. The charred journal she stumbles upon, filled with thoughts that eerily mirror her own, introduces us to Solomon Young. Solomon, a left-winger for the Pirates, is similarly haunted by his past—a father and widower coping with his loss. When she returns the journal to him, the encounter is fraught with guilt and tension. Solomon's icy demeanour contrasts sharply with his undeniable physical allure, setting off sparks that Simone deftly fans into a roaring blaze.
The chemistry between the protagonist and Solomon is electric, palpable from their first frosty exchange. Simone excels at building tension, layering their interactions with a mix of vulnerability and fiery attraction. As they navigate their shared pain and burgeoning feelings, the story becomes a heartfelt exploration of love's ability to heal even the deepest wounds.
What makes "Played" stand out is Simone's ability to balance the heavy themes of grief and loss with moments of lightness and hope. The protagonist's strength and determination shine through, and her journey with Solomon is one of mutual redemption and unexpected joy. The supporting characters, including the protagonist's firefighting family, add richness to the narrative, providing warmth and solidarity.
Simone's writing is evocative, drawing readers into the emotional landscapes of her characters. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, the romantic tension is exquisitely handled, and the eventual resolution is both satisfying and profoundly moving.
"Played" is a powerful story of love, loss, and the courage to move forward. It's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the unexpected places where we can find solace and love. Naima Simone has delivered a deeply affecting romance that will stay with readers long after the final page is turned. Whether you're a fan of romance, sports, or stories about overcoming adversity, "Played" is a must-read that promises to captivate and inspire.
The protagonist's journey begins in the depths of unimaginable loss. The death of a colleague in the line of duty has plunged her into a dark abyss, and Simone captures this pain with poignant authenticity. The depiction of her struggle is not just a backdrop but a vivid part of the story that brings depth to her character. I can feel the weight of her sorrow, making her eventual path to healing all the more powerful.
A year after the tragic incident, our heroine finds herself at the Pirates' hockey training facility, where an unexpected discovery sets the stage for a transformative connection. The charred journal she stumbles upon, filled with thoughts that eerily mirror her own, introduces us to Solomon Young. Solomon, a left-winger for the Pirates, is similarly haunted by his past—a father and widower coping with his loss. When she returns the journal to him, the encounter is fraught with guilt and tension. Solomon's icy demeanour contrasts sharply with his undeniable physical allure, setting off sparks that Simone deftly fans into a roaring blaze.
The chemistry between the protagonist and Solomon is electric, palpable from their first frosty exchange. Simone excels at building tension, layering their interactions with a mix of vulnerability and fiery attraction. As they navigate their shared pain and burgeoning feelings, the story becomes a heartfelt exploration of love's ability to heal even the deepest wounds.
What makes "Played" stand out is Simone's ability to balance the heavy themes of grief and loss with moments of lightness and hope. The protagonist's strength and determination shine through, and her journey with Solomon is one of mutual redemption and unexpected joy. The supporting characters, including the protagonist's firefighting family, add richness to the narrative, providing warmth and solidarity.
Simone's writing is evocative, drawing readers into the emotional landscapes of her characters. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, the romantic tension is exquisitely handled, and the eventual resolution is both satisfying and profoundly moving.
"Played" is a powerful story of love, loss, and the courage to move forward. It's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the unexpected places where we can find solace and love. Naima Simone has delivered a deeply affecting romance that will stay with readers long after the final page is turned. Whether you're a fan of romance, sports, or stories about overcoming adversity, "Played" is a must-read that promises to captivate and inspire.
April 23, 2024
3.5 Stars
I first want to say thank you to Naima Simone, NetGalley, and Montlake Publishing for allowing me to read and review an early copy of Played!! I am truly thankful for the opportunity.
Played had such a fun premise, I mean a badass firewoman and a famous hockey player/single dad? SIGN ME UP!!! I absolutely loved the beginning of the book where our main characters first meet, it was so fun to see them navigate miscommunications and unexpected feelings. I am truly a sucker for any sort of letter writing/emailing/and/or journaling so that was just an added bonus. I could feel the absolute devastation that both Adina and Soloman faced after losing people they loved, and I was excited to see that emotional connection play out through the book.
Unfortunately, after their first meeting, I felt like that emotional connection took a hard backseat. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate and understand their physical connection, but it felt overwhelming at times. I would have loved to see more of that soul-deep connection, that understanding that only they shared, especially as their relationship progressed into more. I felt as though they were extremely focused on the sexual aspect through most of the book, which again, I understand those moments, but I missed that initial aspect that I fell for.
This book flowed super well, and I found myself feeling so much for the characters as they dealt with things in their lives. I rooted for Dina as she fought to put herself first, to earn the respect she deserved, and to find her footing after a devastating loss. I was so angry at her situation, but I'm happy with how everything played out.
Speaking of making my blood boil...Soloman's in-laws...oooo that man had more patience than I would have lol! Soloman took a while for me to warm up to, but again, I'm happy with how it turned out, but still. I WAS SO ANGRY.
I freaking loved seeing Khalil, Noni, and Dina's family in scenes!! They were such a bright spot in the book and made me laugh so much. Noni is such a great support for Dina, and I loved that Adina came to realize the true love and unwavering support from those in her life.
I really wish this book was a bit longer to really flesh out some things, but overall, I thought this book was really good! I recommend picking it up on September 2, 2024! :)
I first want to say thank you to Naima Simone, NetGalley, and Montlake Publishing for allowing me to read and review an early copy of Played!! I am truly thankful for the opportunity.
Played had such a fun premise, I mean a badass firewoman and a famous hockey player/single dad? SIGN ME UP!!! I absolutely loved the beginning of the book where our main characters first meet, it was so fun to see them navigate miscommunications and unexpected feelings. I am truly a sucker for any sort of letter writing/emailing/and/or journaling so that was just an added bonus. I could feel the absolute devastation that both Adina and Soloman faced after losing people they loved, and I was excited to see that emotional connection play out through the book.
Unfortunately, after their first meeting, I felt like that emotional connection took a hard backseat. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate and understand their physical connection, but it felt overwhelming at times. I would have loved to see more of that soul-deep connection, that understanding that only they shared, especially as their relationship progressed into more. I felt as though they were extremely focused on the sexual aspect through most of the book, which again, I understand those moments, but I missed that initial aspect that I fell for.
This book flowed super well, and I found myself feeling so much for the characters as they dealt with things in their lives. I rooted for Dina as she fought to put herself first, to earn the respect she deserved, and to find her footing after a devastating loss. I was so angry at her situation, but I'm happy with how everything played out.
Speaking of making my blood boil...Soloman's in-laws...oooo that man had more patience than I would have lol! Soloman took a while for me to warm up to, but again, I'm happy with how it turned out, but still. I WAS SO ANGRY.
I freaking loved seeing Khalil, Noni, and Dina's family in scenes!! They were such a bright spot in the book and made me laugh so much. Noni is such a great support for Dina, and I loved that Adina came to realize the true love and unwavering support from those in her life.
I really wish this book was a bit longer to really flesh out some things, but overall, I thought this book was really good! I recommend picking it up on September 2, 2024! :)
March 6, 2025
A Black Firewoman x Black NHL player
Our main characters Solomon and Adina were drowning in grief over loved ones when they met. During this time they come together realizing they have a lot in common, and felt seen. This takes us on a rocky journey from beginning to the end.
I was so excited for this story after reading its description. It unfortunately fell flat in some areas for me.
The dialogue/inner thoughts from the characters felt off to me. From the sayings to the speech, I found myself pausing like what does this say? One minute Solomon is speaking roughly like a biker then a few sentences later he’s calling Adina Ma and Li’l mama. It continued to volley back and forth throughout the pages.
I received an ARC on Netgalley. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own.
Our main characters Solomon and Adina were drowning in grief over loved ones when they met. During this time they come together realizing they have a lot in common, and felt seen. This takes us on a rocky journey from beginning to the end.
I was so excited for this story after reading its description. It unfortunately fell flat in some areas for me.
The dialogue/inner thoughts from the characters felt off to me. From the sayings to the speech, I found myself pausing like what does this say? One minute Solomon is speaking roughly like a biker then a few sentences later he’s calling Adina Ma and Li’l mama. It continued to volley back and forth throughout the pages.
I received an ARC on Netgalley. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own.
December 31, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶/5
TW - fire and accidents in the line of duty (FMC is a fire fighter, hospitalisation, smoke inhalation), sexual harassment in the workplace, misogyny (workplace), death of a partner / parent (plot point, car accident, mentioned), death of a partner (in the line of duty - firefighter, past, loosely recounted), grief (throughout), suicide ideation (discussed), insomnia, alcohol consumption, prejudice (incl racism & bigotry, discussed, recounted), complicated birth leading to infertility (scs, mentioned), miscarriage (sc, mentioned and loosely recounted), domestic violence (involving a parent, past, recounted), financial / food insecurity (past, mentioned), death of a parent (past, mentioned), revenge porn
CW - hand necklaces, light breath play, semi public play
Tropes - single dad, sports - hockey, fake dating
Representation - mid/plus-size FMC, Black MCs
Solomon (MMC) and Adina (FMC) share a similar type of grief having lost a partner. It's how they meet and how they get to know each other. We get to read about how life continues after loss, the good days and the bad ones, the struggles they face as they continue living for themselves and also the people around them. They have to overcome the guilt of finding someone new and what that means for them. They (read: Solomon) try to fight it hard because he doesn't want to portray his late wife but... the heart wants what it wants.
One thing that stopped this from being great was the lack of hockey. If you're reading this for a sports romance, you won't really find it here. Yes, Solomon is a NHL star but we don't really get anything more than practice, travelling to games and a game with no real details - I felt robbed by this tbh. If I'm being honest, it is the Blackness in this book that brought it to 4⭐️ over 3⭐️ because, despite the heavy topics, it felt cozy to me as a Black person reading this book.
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List / The Naughtier List
TW - fire and accidents in the line of duty (FMC is a fire fighter, hospitalisation, smoke inhalation), sexual harassment in the workplace, misogyny (workplace), death of a partner / parent (plot point, car accident, mentioned), death of a partner (in the line of duty - firefighter, past, loosely recounted), grief (throughout), suicide ideation (discussed), insomnia, alcohol consumption, prejudice (incl racism & bigotry, discussed, recounted), complicated birth leading to infertility (scs, mentioned), miscarriage (sc, mentioned and loosely recounted), domestic violence (involving a parent, past, recounted), financial / food insecurity (past, mentioned), death of a parent (past, mentioned), revenge porn
CW - hand necklaces, light breath play, semi public play
Tropes - single dad, sports - hockey, fake dating
Representation - mid/plus-size FMC, Black MCs
Men—especially Black men—tend to believe therapy is a stigma in our communities. It’s a show of weakness or that it’s a white-people thing. Those beliefs are pure bullshit. There’s nothing broken or weak about you, Solomon.
Solomon (MMC) and Adina (FMC) share a similar type of grief having lost a partner. It's how they meet and how they get to know each other. We get to read about how life continues after loss, the good days and the bad ones, the struggles they face as they continue living for themselves and also the people around them. They have to overcome the guilt of finding someone new and what that means for them. They (read: Solomon) try to fight it hard because he doesn't want to portray his late wife but... the heart wants what it wants.
One thing that stopped this from being great was the lack of hockey. If you're reading this for a sports romance, you won't really find it here. Yes, Solomon is a NHL star but we don't really get anything more than practice, travelling to games and a game with no real details - I felt robbed by this tbh. If I'm being honest, it is the Blackness in this book that brought it to 4⭐️ over 3⭐️ because, despite the heavy topics, it felt cozy to me as a Black person reading this book.
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List / The Naughtier List
November 7, 2024
I wish the book had been longer because the romance progression felt very quick and sometimes the time skips make us miss what could have been important moments for the romantic development. There was potential to make their relationship deeper, especially with all those important conversations about grief and loving again, but this way it felt mostly superficial. I think that those time skips also influenced the character and plot development, making those also feel too rushed or underdeveloped at times.
And I have to admit, Solomon did better in his final apology than I expected, and I see the potential for change, but I still don't 100% like him for how he treated her. I'm a petty bitch, sorry.
I also wished we saw more of the kid, to be honest.
I really liked the FMC, and the conversation around grief. I also liked the romance for the most part, it was just those few moments that made me wish for more.
And I have to admit, Solomon did better in his final apology than I expected, and I see the potential for change, but I still don't 100% like him for how he treated her. I'm a petty bitch, sorry.
I also wished we saw more of the kid, to be honest.
I really liked the FMC, and the conversation around grief. I also liked the romance for the most part, it was just those few moments that made me wish for more.
January 19, 2025
Adina is a Black female firefighter. Solomon is one of 40 Black professional hockey players. They’ve both experienced a life altering grief. Adina’s fiancée dies in a fire. Solomon’s wife dies in a car crash leaving him a single father. They both struggle to move on.
They meet because of a fire at his team’s training headquarters. His journal is left in the fire. Adina picks it up, reads it, realizes it’s his and meets him to return it.
From their first meeting sparks fly but their respective grief stops them from moving forward. However when they do their relationship is electric. The story is about how their relationship grows. How their guilt over moving forward from their past relationships affect them. How outside influences try to alter their feelings for each other. How they walk away from each because of his fear and her desire to be first place in his life.
It’s an all encompassing read. You laugh, you cry and you wanna whoop someone’s ass. It’s a roller coaster journey with a HEA for Adina and Solomon.
I highly recommend you read this book. Borrowed this from Kindle Unlimited.
They meet because of a fire at his team’s training headquarters. His journal is left in the fire. Adina picks it up, reads it, realizes it’s his and meets him to return it.
From their first meeting sparks fly but their respective grief stops them from moving forward. However when they do their relationship is electric. The story is about how their relationship grows. How their guilt over moving forward from their past relationships affect them. How outside influences try to alter their feelings for each other. How they walk away from each because of his fear and her desire to be first place in his life.
It’s an all encompassing read. You laugh, you cry and you wanna whoop someone’s ass. It’s a roller coaster journey with a HEA for Adina and Solomon.
I highly recommend you read this book. Borrowed this from Kindle Unlimited.
December 30, 2024
3.5 Stars / 3 Steam Fans
There were good things, but there were frustrating things as well. I liked that both of the characters were identifying as Black and that they were in the northeast of the country (Rhode Island/Connecticut area), which translated through the audiobook narration. I must admit that it took some time to get used to, but I eventually enjoyed the nuance.
I was disappointed the MMC didn't grovel more and that it took the FMC so long to find her power from within. I also felt the ending was rushed, giving the story a "love story" feeling instead of a romance as it is labeled.
CW: Grief, Loss, Sexual Harassment, Revenge Porn, Working with Family, Misogyny, Racism
Read in Week 52: Dec 22 – Dec 31, 2024. Video book reviews available on my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk (https://www.youtube.com/@stephsromanc...) and TikTok: Steph's Romance Book Talk
There were good things, but there were frustrating things as well. I liked that both of the characters were identifying as Black and that they were in the northeast of the country (Rhode Island/Connecticut area), which translated through the audiobook narration. I must admit that it took some time to get used to, but I eventually enjoyed the nuance.
I was disappointed the MMC didn't grovel more and that it took the FMC so long to find her power from within. I also felt the ending was rushed, giving the story a "love story" feeling instead of a romance as it is labeled.
CW: Grief, Loss, Sexual Harassment, Revenge Porn, Working with Family, Misogyny, Racism
Read in Week 52: Dec 22 – Dec 31, 2024. Video book reviews available on my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk (https://www.youtube.com/@stephsromanc...) and TikTok: Steph's Romance Book Talk
August 27, 2024
emotional, funny, mysterious, relaxing, medium-paced
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Rating: 4.75
Oh, the emotions in this story!! I enjoyed reading this one from Naima Simone very much.
Adina and Solomon have both lost their significant other in tragic circumstances and are still grieving. Adina is a black firefighter who lost her fiance while on the job. Solomon is an NHL player and single dad who, from all appearances, seems to be coping with his wife's sudden tragic death a couple of years ago.
These two were only on each other's radar when Adina found a journal while on a job call-out at a hockey training facility. What was supposed to be a quick return of a journal and never see you again branch into so much more.
The characters are funny. Solomon is very blunt about what he says. Adina suffers no fools; she quickly lets you know she is not a walkover. The mix of families also added to the story. Adina comes from a family of firefighters, which will tell you quite a bit about them.
The story flows, and you will grieve and cheer them when they realise life can progress even through sad times. Oh please, don't let me forget the angst and spice...page-turners!
Solomon's son is also an added plus to the story. This boy is a sweetie.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Entertaining, Funny, Page-turner, Steamy, Tear-jerker, Witty, Wonderful characters
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Rating: 4.75
Oh, the emotions in this story!! I enjoyed reading this one from Naima Simone very much.
Adina and Solomon have both lost their significant other in tragic circumstances and are still grieving. Adina is a black firefighter who lost her fiance while on the job. Solomon is an NHL player and single dad who, from all appearances, seems to be coping with his wife's sudden tragic death a couple of years ago.
These two were only on each other's radar when Adina found a journal while on a job call-out at a hockey training facility. What was supposed to be a quick return of a journal and never see you again branch into so much more.
The characters are funny. Solomon is very blunt about what he says. Adina suffers no fools; she quickly lets you know she is not a walkover. The mix of families also added to the story. Adina comes from a family of firefighters, which will tell you quite a bit about them.
The story flows, and you will grieve and cheer them when they realise life can progress even through sad times. Oh please, don't let me forget the angst and spice...page-turners!
Solomon's son is also an added plus to the story. This boy is a sweetie.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Entertaining, Funny, Page-turner, Steamy, Tear-jerker, Witty, Wonderful characters
November 22, 2024
…having you, loving you, is worth the risk.
double the love after loss. We have Solomon, a hockey player, who lost his wife, and is pretty much run by his in-laws because they help out with his young son and he’s still grieving. Then we have Adina, a firefighter, who lost her partner and works with most of her male family members so she feels a little over protected in her field. These two are brought together by a fire in the locker room and a journal that was saved and returned. Played is a fun read, but it also gets heavy and frustrating at points because you’re following two people who are attracted to one another but are in different stages of grief. If you enjoy love after loss, banter, friends with benefits, and “let’s get this out of our systems,” then Played is a perfect read for you.
*ARC
double the love after loss. We have Solomon, a hockey player, who lost his wife, and is pretty much run by his in-laws because they help out with his young son and he’s still grieving. Then we have Adina, a firefighter, who lost her partner and works with most of her male family members so she feels a little over protected in her field. These two are brought together by a fire in the locker room and a journal that was saved and returned. Played is a fun read, but it also gets heavy and frustrating at points because you’re following two people who are attracted to one another but are in different stages of grief. If you enjoy love after loss, banter, friends with benefits, and “let’s get this out of our systems,” then Played is a perfect read for you.
*ARC
March 22, 2025
Loved It
I did the audio, not a huge fan of the FMC narrator BUT I did like the story. A Black woman firefighter and a Black hockey player, both grieving and fighting the attraction, then she threw in a cute kid as well. I ate this one right on up!!!
I did the audio, not a huge fan of the FMC narrator BUT I did like the story. A Black woman firefighter and a Black hockey player, both grieving and fighting the attraction, then she threw in a cute kid as well. I ate this one right on up!!!
December 7, 2024
This is so disappointing. The book started out great and then slowly, so slowly it took me awhile to be aware of what was happening until I got to the point I couldn’t read another word. Both hero and heroine became pathetic for me. I’ll start with Adina, the heroine. She started off so strong. She’s a black, female firefighter and that was added pressure for her but she handled it with pride. She loves her job. We learn fairly early into the story she has lost her fiancé, a fellow firefighter on the job. And she is still grieving his loss. But then she meets the hero Solomon who has also lost his wife, the love and light of his life. He’s now a single dad and professional hockey player. He’s biracial and from a small town in Nova Scotia, Canada. There isn’t a great many players of cloud in the NHL, he’s the only one on his team.
The two meet when she returns a journal of his she rescued while fighting a fire at the practice arena. Although she knew it was wrong, she read it and discovered he also has lost his love and is experiencing many of the same feelings she is. He is livid when she returns the journal and confesses she read it but isn’t allowed to tell him she also her partner. He treats her like shit and continues to up until the point I couldn’t read anymore. He doesn’t treat her with respect at all, in fact he gets worse, telling her he will never love another woman but really, really wants to fuck her because she’s beautiful and has a great body. Great way to treat her asshole. I don’t know whether she agrees or not. She’s also very lonely for physical closeness and is wildly attracted to him. I didn’t want to know if she threw away any pride she had for a big dick or not.
I was already disappointed in her though. She is being strongly targeted by a male coworker who is very nastily sexually harassing her. But despite her older brother and her father being firefighters at the same station, decides to do nothing at the risk of appearing weak. But what is weak is taking it. To stand up for herself, to fight would be the brave thing. It’s clear her harasser hates women and I’m sure is quite capable of rape so in my mind, she not only needs to stand up for herself, but also other women.
Another thing that really started treating on my nerves is the way Solomon talked to Adina. I don’t know if I can explain it but as the book continues, he speaks to her more and more in urban slang. He’s constantly calling her ma which I’m sure is a short term for something, you know the way guys call each other bru. And that’s just one example. But he was born and raised in Nova Scotia and completely immersed for most of his life in a predominantly white culture where I don’t believe small town white guys from Canada would talk. If he grew up in the inner city of a large US city then yes, I’d expect it, but not with his upbringing.
So we got to the point where the asshole hero is disrespectful to the heroine and IMO treats her like dirt and for some bizarre reason focuses on her heavy thighs - yes that particular body part is a real turn on to him and her main attraction to him is she makes him horny. And the heroine who starts off strong and amazing and to be admired, descends into a weakling with no self respect. By this time, for me, neither could be recovered.
The two meet when she returns a journal of his she rescued while fighting a fire at the practice arena. Although she knew it was wrong, she read it and discovered he also has lost his love and is experiencing many of the same feelings she is. He is livid when she returns the journal and confesses she read it but isn’t allowed to tell him she also her partner. He treats her like shit and continues to up until the point I couldn’t read anymore. He doesn’t treat her with respect at all, in fact he gets worse, telling her he will never love another woman but really, really wants to fuck her because she’s beautiful and has a great body. Great way to treat her asshole. I don’t know whether she agrees or not. She’s also very lonely for physical closeness and is wildly attracted to him. I didn’t want to know if she threw away any pride she had for a big dick or not.
I was already disappointed in her though. She is being strongly targeted by a male coworker who is very nastily sexually harassing her. But despite her older brother and her father being firefighters at the same station, decides to do nothing at the risk of appearing weak. But what is weak is taking it. To stand up for herself, to fight would be the brave thing. It’s clear her harasser hates women and I’m sure is quite capable of rape so in my mind, she not only needs to stand up for herself, but also other women.
Another thing that really started treating on my nerves is the way Solomon talked to Adina. I don’t know if I can explain it but as the book continues, he speaks to her more and more in urban slang. He’s constantly calling her ma which I’m sure is a short term for something, you know the way guys call each other bru. And that’s just one example. But he was born and raised in Nova Scotia and completely immersed for most of his life in a predominantly white culture where I don’t believe small town white guys from Canada would talk. If he grew up in the inner city of a large US city then yes, I’d expect it, but not with his upbringing.
So we got to the point where the asshole hero is disrespectful to the heroine and IMO treats her like dirt and for some bizarre reason focuses on her heavy thighs - yes that particular body part is a real turn on to him and her main attraction to him is she makes him horny. And the heroine who starts off strong and amazing and to be admired, descends into a weakling with no self respect. By this time, for me, neither could be recovered.
September 8, 2024
3.5 I have been waiting on this book since the first time I saw Naima teasing it. Cause I love me some hockey romance and the number of them out there with Black MMCs and FMCs is minuscule. And Solomon’s swagger and confidence did not disappoint, but my guy played in my girl Adina’s face for too much and for far too long. While this was a good read, I didn’t feel like the relationship development was there. It was giving a mix of love at first sight and eff and fall in love. Which is fine if there was something outside of the way Kahlil took to Dina that would have explain Solomon’s willingness to let go of his grief and embrace love. The author told me how the characters felt but I couldn’t tell you what or where those feelings came from, outside of attraction. I know she gave him a sense of peace by being around but how does that translate to love? Overall the banter, Dina’s internal monologue, Solomon’s alphahole nature, and her hilarious bestie Nina carry the story but the romance didn’t do it for me.
September 20, 2024
Things I loved:
- The discussion surrounding grief. Both our main characters are dealing with the semi-recent deaths of their significant others. This book is about learning that it's okay to let go and move on and find love again. Solomon's journal entries in chapter one had me in tears.
Solomon's connection to Adina felt electric. They had chemistry--sexual, but also something deeper. And they feel real guilt and fear about moving forward with someone that isn't their late partners. It's a real and complex topic to tackle.
- Adina is a firefighter. It was so refreshing to have a woman in a man-dominated career. Obviously this choice comes with more than just the danger of the job. Adina faces sexism and racism in the workplace. As well as a pretty sickening case of sexual harassment. I can appreciate that this topic was brought up in this book, it's one of those things you don't LIKE to see, but it's also one of those things that needs to be discussed more.
- Khalil. Oh, my good God. The little boy was the cutest. And this coming from a child-free person who doesn't like children.
- The diversity. Obviously both Adina and Solomon are black, with black families, friends, co-workers. The book doesn't shy away from black American culture, attitudes, beliefs and struggles. The book's written by a black woman. I can't stress enough how badly we need more voices like Ms. Simone's in our community.
- The writing. I'll be the first to admit, when I pick up these sorts of romance books, I tend to manage my expectations when it comes to the writing. But this book surprised me. Ms. Simone has a way of writing emotions that makes you feel it. I was in tears in chapter ONE, for crying out loud.
Things that I wish were handled better:
- Solomon could be a bit mean sometimes. There's sassy and foul-mouthed, and then there's just plain ugly. Solomon toed that line more times than I would have liked. Even if Adina calls him on his bullshit, it never really sat well with me, and sometimes, it even felt a little like she was letting things slide just because he was good in bed. This is probably a personal opinion of mine, because Adina really didn't seem to MIND his snark, but he'd have been missing teeth if he said some of the shit he said to her, to me.
- Adina definitely grew a backbone in this book -- and while I liked that, I hated that it took until the last 5 pages for it to happen. Particularly with regards to the sexual harassment case she was dealing with at her workplace.
Adina gets all up in her head for the large majority of this book, refusing to report her co-worker Matt to her superiors or even to her dad and brother (who work in the station with her) because she doesn't want to be seen as weak or like she can't handle her own business. Yet, in keeping this harassment to herself, she allows the man responsible to keep doing it, and it gets worse and worse until it literally threatens her life on the job. Several men see this co-worker for the snake he is, and ask her about it, but she repeatedly lies and says there's no problem. And it's not until she's literally FORCED to explain what happened while on a call that literally landed her in the hospital that she decides enough is enough.
While I can understand Adina's desire to be seen as strong, this mentality of not turning bad behavior in really rankles. It's NOT a great message to be putting out there to readers. Especially in a book where the 'right thing' is done with only a couple pages left in the novel. We never get to see what happens to this co-worker. We never see justice served. It's only implied that it might happen.
We're also deprived of the scene where she almost dies because Matt ditches her in a burning house, AND the scene where she reports him for his harassment. WHY?! This was probably my biggest disappointment in this book.
- Adina also faces the humiliation from another woman when a sex-tape gets published about 80% of the way through the story. Someone records her and Solomon and posts it on social media. We find out later that it's Adina's BFF's twin sister. Again. Justice isn't served. The BFF asks Adina what she wants to do, and promises she'll be right there at her side if she wants to go to the police. But there's no action taken.
Authors, if you're going to include stuff like this in your books, PLEASE give us justice for it. Otherwise, what message are you really trying to send?
- There's quite a lot of 'thinking one thing, but saying another' going on in this book--especially from Solomon's perspective. And particularly dealing with his late-wife's parents. He talks a big game in his head, throughout the entire book, about how he's not going to let these people disrespect him or Adina, and about how he's Khalil's parent and not them and about how he's not going to let them dictate how he's living his life--but he doesn't SAY any of that to them until the second to last chapter in the book.
There was a lot of room for drama, given that his FIL owns the team he's playing for--but instead, he sits these entitled ass people down and calmly explains that he's his kid's only parent and they need to back the fuck up and they just... agree.
Don't get me wrong, it was heartwarming. But c'mon. We've all read enough Reddit to know that's not, ever, what actually happens. I couldn't help but feel like this was a HUGE missed opportunity for added drama or character growth.
- They call this a sports romance. And the MMC IS a hockey player. But this isn't lol. Solomon could have had any profession, if I'm honest, and the dynamics of the story wouldn't have changed at all. There's just not enough hockey/team/game stuff going on in this book to really count.
- I can't help but feel like the pacing was a little off. We don't really get to see the romancey stuff until the last chapter. The FMC learns to stand up for herself in the last chapter. the inverted checkmark is nowhere to be seen. I couldn't help but feel like we went from angsty, grief-stricken people learning how to be with someone again to "yeah we in a relationship" at mach speed. If this book had been another 50 pages longer and that transition had been smoother, it would have been better.
--
I'll be the first to admit this book wasn't perfect. But listen, I loved every minute of reading it. I was invested from chapter 1. I think it brings up some tough and often overlooked topics, too. I'd definitely recommend giving this a whirl if you're into reading stories about people finding love again after heartbreak.
- The discussion surrounding grief. Both our main characters are dealing with the semi-recent deaths of their significant others. This book is about learning that it's okay to let go and move on and find love again. Solomon's journal entries in chapter one had me in tears.
Solomon's connection to Adina felt electric. They had chemistry--sexual, but also something deeper. And they feel real guilt and fear about moving forward with someone that isn't their late partners. It's a real and complex topic to tackle.
- Adina is a firefighter. It was so refreshing to have a woman in a man-dominated career. Obviously this choice comes with more than just the danger of the job. Adina faces sexism and racism in the workplace. As well as a pretty sickening case of sexual harassment. I can appreciate that this topic was brought up in this book, it's one of those things you don't LIKE to see, but it's also one of those things that needs to be discussed more.
- Khalil. Oh, my good God. The little boy was the cutest. And this coming from a child-free person who doesn't like children.
- The diversity. Obviously both Adina and Solomon are black, with black families, friends, co-workers. The book doesn't shy away from black American culture, attitudes, beliefs and struggles. The book's written by a black woman. I can't stress enough how badly we need more voices like Ms. Simone's in our community.
- The writing. I'll be the first to admit, when I pick up these sorts of romance books, I tend to manage my expectations when it comes to the writing. But this book surprised me. Ms. Simone has a way of writing emotions that makes you feel it. I was in tears in chapter ONE, for crying out loud.
Things that I wish were handled better:
- Solomon could be a bit mean sometimes. There's sassy and foul-mouthed, and then there's just plain ugly. Solomon toed that line more times than I would have liked. Even if Adina calls him on his bullshit, it never really sat well with me, and sometimes, it even felt a little like she was letting things slide just because he was good in bed. This is probably a personal opinion of mine, because Adina really didn't seem to MIND his snark, but he'd have been missing teeth if he said some of the shit he said to her, to me.
- Adina definitely grew a backbone in this book -- and while I liked that, I hated that it took until the last 5 pages for it to happen. Particularly with regards to the sexual harassment case she was dealing with at her workplace.
Adina gets all up in her head for the large majority of this book, refusing to report her co-worker Matt to her superiors or even to her dad and brother (who work in the station with her) because she doesn't want to be seen as weak or like she can't handle her own business. Yet, in keeping this harassment to herself, she allows the man responsible to keep doing it, and it gets worse and worse until it literally threatens her life on the job. Several men see this co-worker for the snake he is, and ask her about it, but she repeatedly lies and says there's no problem. And it's not until she's literally FORCED to explain what happened while on a call that literally landed her in the hospital that she decides enough is enough.
While I can understand Adina's desire to be seen as strong, this mentality of not turning bad behavior in really rankles. It's NOT a great message to be putting out there to readers. Especially in a book where the 'right thing' is done with only a couple pages left in the novel. We never get to see what happens to this co-worker. We never see justice served. It's only implied that it might happen.
We're also deprived of the scene where she almost dies because Matt ditches her in a burning house, AND the scene where she reports him for his harassment. WHY?! This was probably my biggest disappointment in this book.
- Adina also faces the humiliation from another woman when a sex-tape gets published about 80% of the way through the story. Someone records her and Solomon and posts it on social media. We find out later that it's Adina's BFF's twin sister. Again. Justice isn't served. The BFF asks Adina what she wants to do, and promises she'll be right there at her side if she wants to go to the police. But there's no action taken.
Authors, if you're going to include stuff like this in your books, PLEASE give us justice for it. Otherwise, what message are you really trying to send?
- There's quite a lot of 'thinking one thing, but saying another' going on in this book--especially from Solomon's perspective. And particularly dealing with his late-wife's parents. He talks a big game in his head, throughout the entire book, about how he's not going to let these people disrespect him or Adina, and about how he's Khalil's parent and not them and about how he's not going to let them dictate how he's living his life--but he doesn't SAY any of that to them until the second to last chapter in the book.
There was a lot of room for drama, given that his FIL owns the team he's playing for--but instead, he sits these entitled ass people down and calmly explains that he's his kid's only parent and they need to back the fuck up and they just... agree.
Don't get me wrong, it was heartwarming. But c'mon. We've all read enough Reddit to know that's not, ever, what actually happens. I couldn't help but feel like this was a HUGE missed opportunity for added drama or character growth.
- They call this a sports romance. And the MMC IS a hockey player. But this isn't lol. Solomon could have had any profession, if I'm honest, and the dynamics of the story wouldn't have changed at all. There's just not enough hockey/team/game stuff going on in this book to really count.
- I can't help but feel like the pacing was a little off. We don't really get to see the romancey stuff until the last chapter. The FMC learns to stand up for herself in the last chapter. the inverted checkmark is nowhere to be seen. I couldn't help but feel like we went from angsty, grief-stricken people learning how to be with someone again to "yeah we in a relationship" at mach speed. If this book had been another 50 pages longer and that transition had been smoother, it would have been better.
--
I'll be the first to admit this book wasn't perfect. But listen, I loved every minute of reading it. I was invested from chapter 1. I think it brings up some tough and often overlooked topics, too. I'd definitely recommend giving this a whirl if you're into reading stories about people finding love again after heartbreak.
September 15, 2024
So many beautiful exchanges, flawless dialogue. I am so in love with the unfolding of the love. Its really weird, I enjoyed the characters but the essence of their love unfolding was it for me.
January 3, 2025
3.25
A cute way to start the year off! I was really invested at the beginning for some reason, but the middle felt sort of slow for me, and I don’t really know why - I just felt quite disconnected to be honest. But I picked it back up today and finished it quite fast. I’m trying to put my finger on what I think sort of disconnected me, and I’m pretty sure it was both of their exes (who are both deceased, which isn’t a spoiler btw). It felt like it was such a barrier for so long - WHICH IS TOTALLY UNDERSTANDABLE AND IM NOT SAYING THAT IS THE PROBLEM - but then it suddenly didn’t really seem like a problem, and they both suddenly move past it. It just felt sort of forced and I would have liked to see that development more. And Catherine and Nate annoyed me SO MUCH - which I know they are meant to, so maybe it isn’t really a problem - but they were just so annoying and possessive and controlling. I understand a little bit, because Solomon is their dead daughters husband and the father of their only grandchild, and I can understand to an extent why they were the way they were, but it was so irritating sometimes and I wanted them to be real people because I really wanted to punch them - especially Nate :)
Anyway, it was really cute and a great way to start the year - and I’m hoping that it is a series, and of it isn’t, that it will become a series because I really wanted to know more about the characters in this series and world, and it feels like it was almost setting up for a series, so hopefully it will be!
A cute way to start the year off! I was really invested at the beginning for some reason, but the middle felt sort of slow for me, and I don’t really know why - I just felt quite disconnected to be honest. But I picked it back up today and finished it quite fast. I’m trying to put my finger on what I think sort of disconnected me, and I’m pretty sure it was both of their exes (who are both deceased, which isn’t a spoiler btw). It felt like it was such a barrier for so long - WHICH IS TOTALLY UNDERSTANDABLE AND IM NOT SAYING THAT IS THE PROBLEM - but then it suddenly didn’t really seem like a problem, and they both suddenly move past it. It just felt sort of forced and I would have liked to see that development more. And Catherine and Nate annoyed me SO MUCH - which I know they are meant to, so maybe it isn’t really a problem - but they were just so annoying and possessive and controlling. I understand a little bit, because Solomon is their dead daughters husband and the father of their only grandchild, and I can understand to an extent why they were the way they were, but it was so irritating sometimes and I wanted them to be real people because I really wanted to punch them - especially Nate :)
Anyway, it was really cute and a great way to start the year - and I’m hoping that it is a series, and of it isn’t, that it will become a series because I really wanted to know more about the characters in this series and world, and it feels like it was almost setting up for a series, so hopefully it will be!
July 21, 2024
*I received this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
This book follows Adina and Solomon, who are both going through the waves of grief. I thought this topic was explored really well and depicted how various people would handle being in a similar situation. Overall, I enjoyed the writing and thought the flow of the story and the main characters inner monologue was executed well. By the end I felt their pain when certain situations occurred, which I think is all props to the writing.
This book had so much potential, but unfortunately I just didn’t connect to the characters in a romance capacity. I felt like the relationship between Adina and Solomon was purely physical for majority of the book, and then when their relationship started to build as more, the book was over. As individual characters they mentioned the changes in their feelings for one another, but they never fully explored this together, which I felt like they needed to do with the trauma they were both going through!
I also got frustrated with Solomon by the end. I went through waves of liking him. I understood that he was trying to handle his situation the best that he could, and that he was technically a “grumpy” character, however, the man fumbled some serious situations (consistently). Although Solomon is a professional hockey player, I don’t think you should go into this book expecting it to be a sports romance, as hockey isn’t explored in depth.
This book follows Adina and Solomon, who are both going through the waves of grief. I thought this topic was explored really well and depicted how various people would handle being in a similar situation. Overall, I enjoyed the writing and thought the flow of the story and the main characters inner monologue was executed well. By the end I felt their pain when certain situations occurred, which I think is all props to the writing.
This book had so much potential, but unfortunately I just didn’t connect to the characters in a romance capacity. I felt like the relationship between Adina and Solomon was purely physical for majority of the book, and then when their relationship started to build as more, the book was over. As individual characters they mentioned the changes in their feelings for one another, but they never fully explored this together, which I felt like they needed to do with the trauma they were both going through!
I also got frustrated with Solomon by the end. I went through waves of liking him. I understood that he was trying to handle his situation the best that he could, and that he was technically a “grumpy” character, however, the man fumbled some serious situations (consistently). Although Solomon is a professional hockey player, I don’t think you should go into this book expecting it to be a sports romance, as hockey isn’t explored in depth.
should-i-shouldnt-i
September 7, 2024My penchant for reading the last page pays off and pisses me off sometimes. This time it managed to do both in one fell swoop.
😂I love the stuff he says:
“I’m surprised no one has beat your ass yet,” I mutter.“Who?” His chin jerks toward his neck, and now he looks offended. “Who’s going to beat me, li’l mama?”
💔60-65%:
“I love my wife.” And there it is. I battle against the urge, the desperate need to glance away from him. But my pride trumps my fear of him seeing how that statement of fact disturbs me.”
🚩“This”—he grinds his dick against me again—“is all I got to offer you. I’m not promising a relationship; I was being honest when I told you about not wanting another one. Shit, I doubt I have it in me to give that to anyone else again. But I can give you friendship, a willing body to push back the loneliness, just like you do for me.”
🚩“my most recent decisions, I’m no fool. This . . . situationship with him has an expiration date. I may not be able to pinpoint that exact day, but it’s going to happen. Either he’ll pull the trigger or I will.Either this lust between us will burn out and he’ll move on…
🚩…Or I will get tired of pretending I’m not second best to a ghost.One of them is bound to give, sooner or later.”
🚩
😂I love the stuff he says:
“I’m surprised no one has beat your ass yet,” I mutter.“Who?” His chin jerks toward his neck, and now he looks offended. “Who’s going to beat me, li’l mama?”
💔60-65%:
“I love my wife.” And there it is. I battle against the urge, the desperate need to glance away from him. But my pride trumps my fear of him seeing how that statement of fact disturbs me.”
🚩“This”—he grinds his dick against me again—“is all I got to offer you. I’m not promising a relationship; I was being honest when I told you about not wanting another one. Shit, I doubt I have it in me to give that to anyone else again. But I can give you friendship, a willing body to push back the loneliness, just like you do for me.”
🚩“my most recent decisions, I’m no fool. This . . . situationship with him has an expiration date. I may not be able to pinpoint that exact day, but it’s going to happen. Either he’ll pull the trigger or I will.Either this lust between us will burn out and he’ll move on…
🚩…Or I will get tired of pretending I’m not second best to a ghost.One of them is bound to give, sooner or later.”
🚩
September 9, 2024
I might actually be feeling a little played after reading this hockey romance that was shy of the goal. I had extremely high hopes due to it centering a female firefighter with a protective family and a single father black hockey player; both dealing with grief. My expectations was for an emotional read between two individuals with demanding jobs seeking solace within another who could understand. Given the way the book started off with the emotional journal writing of one character resonating with the other character, you couldn't tell me that I'd leave with Solomon skating on thin ice with me. I can understand not being prepared for the emotional depth of love after loss. However his actions left a lot to be desired from a male love interest. Money and pull are not substitutes for protection and peace. However I can see readers who enjoyed Terms & Conditions by Lauren Asher liking this one.
As for the parts I really did like:
* I really did enjoy their individual journeys. Adina learning that she didn't need to be strong and suffering in silence. Her familial relationship with the members inside her firehouse extended beyond the job. I also loved how Solomon learned to set boundaries between him and his in-laws.
* Getting to see Adina interact with Khalil was so cute and wholesome.
* The banter was top notch between the main characters and the side characters.
As for the parts I really did like:
* I really did enjoy their individual journeys. Adina learning that she didn't need to be strong and suffering in silence. Her familial relationship with the members inside her firehouse extended beyond the job. I also loved how Solomon learned to set boundaries between him and his in-laws.
* Getting to see Adina interact with Khalil was so cute and wholesome.
* The banter was top notch between the main characters and the side characters.
September 11, 2025
I always love a “love after loss” story. And when this started & I realized they both were grieving a loss I thought we’d see a beautiful 2nd chance at love story blooming. Nope. The mark was missed lol. Solomon was mean, and I get it. Grief makes you nasty sometimes. BUT I really don’t think Adina should have given him a chance or forgiven him as many times as she did. Especially not that last time. Their physical chemistry was undeniable and I loved that for them, but it kind of feels like that’s all they had. I do wish we saw more softening & romance from Solomon before 90% into the book.
I liked that the author addressed challenges that Black women face in professions dominated by cisgender White men, but I would have loved to see how the harassment storyline played out after she did what she did. Did it blow back on her? Did the other person have consequences? There was another plot too I wanted to see followed through. So I could have used an epilogue.
This was a quick and easy read about having the courage to love after loss, and the importance of knowing just because you can fight battles alone doesn’t mean you should.
I liked that the author addressed challenges that Black women face in professions dominated by cisgender White men, but I would have loved to see how the harassment storyline played out after she did what she did. Did it blow back on her? Did the other person have consequences? There was another plot too I wanted to see followed through. So I could have used an epilogue.
This was a quick and easy read about having the courage to love after loss, and the importance of knowing just because you can fight battles alone doesn’t mean you should.
November 14, 2024
3.5 rounded up
Played is a sports romance, with dual perspective of Adina and Solomon. This book has a more series tone with some heavy and important subjects throughout, please check trigger warnings before picking up. Adina is a strong independent woman, who has dealt with a lot, she got some great family support. I liked following her perspective, especially following her as a firefighter. It was very cool. The romance was ok for me, most of the time I was not really feeling their connection on a romantic level but more of a connection focused on both of them dealing with traumatic loss of a loved one. I did like the plot and the flow of the story, there was repetitiveness in regards to several subjects. Overall, I found this book interesting and I really liked a number of aspects as well as somethings that did not work for me that's why I rated it a 3.5 stars
I received an advanced ebook, via Netgalley. This review is my own honest opinion.
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