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The Brighton Family #3
Play Thing
He’s a playboy hockey captain who can’t seem to stay out of trouble.
Totally not my type.
So my new job as his live-in assistant should be a breeze. Right?
Psht—please. Allow me to introduce Ronan Brighton.
Messy golden brown hair. Cheekbones cut from stone. Lips that were genetically-engineered for making out all night. And let’s not get started on his muscled-up body.
After a string of hockey losses and a bar brawl gone viral, I just got hired to be Ronan’s babysitter—erm, live-in assistant.
I’m determined to get the job done right. Because I won’t let this devilish troublemaker tear down the hockey team my older brother just invested millions of dollars into.
So I establish a firm professional boundary with Ronan. A boundary he’s determined to cross with each glittering smile and every flirty remark.
Then he witnesses me getting brutally dumped on my birthday. And I’m forced to admit that the romance department is the one area of my life I’m struggling to figure out.
Ronan says I just need practice. A ‘study buddy’, if you will. Practice makes perfect, after all. And of course, Mr. Trouble volunteers for the part.
That’s how I become Ronan’s plaything and he becomes mine. But when the lines between ‘practice’ and ‘the real thing’ start to blur, my heart becomes involved.
And I’m beginning to realize that this thing between Ronan and me is no game at all.
Play Thing is a steamy, laugh-out-loud, small town, forced proximity, (reverse) grumpy x sunshine, hockey romance. He falls first and harder. It is set in small town Iowa and is book three in the Brighton Family series.
Totally not my type.
So my new job as his live-in assistant should be a breeze. Right?
Psht—please. Allow me to introduce Ronan Brighton.
Messy golden brown hair. Cheekbones cut from stone. Lips that were genetically-engineered for making out all night. And let’s not get started on his muscled-up body.
After a string of hockey losses and a bar brawl gone viral, I just got hired to be Ronan’s babysitter—erm, live-in assistant.
I’m determined to get the job done right. Because I won’t let this devilish troublemaker tear down the hockey team my older brother just invested millions of dollars into.
So I establish a firm professional boundary with Ronan. A boundary he’s determined to cross with each glittering smile and every flirty remark.
Then he witnesses me getting brutally dumped on my birthday. And I’m forced to admit that the romance department is the one area of my life I’m struggling to figure out.
Ronan says I just need practice. A ‘study buddy’, if you will. Practice makes perfect, after all. And of course, Mr. Trouble volunteers for the part.
That’s how I become Ronan’s plaything and he becomes mine. But when the lines between ‘practice’ and ‘the real thing’ start to blur, my heart becomes involved.
And I’m beginning to realize that this thing between Ronan and me is no game at all.
Play Thing is a steamy, laugh-out-loud, small town, forced proximity, (reverse) grumpy x sunshine, hockey romance. He falls first and harder. It is set in small town Iowa and is book three in the Brighton Family series.
470 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 22, 2024
941 people are currently reading
637 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
August 31, 2025
I know that this may not be a popular opinion, but honestly, I found this book to be boooorrriinng. I didn't care much for either character, and I couldn't feel any chemistry between them at all. Add in the super weak plot, and this book was just not what I was expecting.
I fought so hard, struggling to NOT put this book into my DNF pile. I was excited when I got to 50% and finally got halfway through. The first book was pretty good, and I really liked the last one, but this one missed the mark. I kept through it, though, since I want to get to the later stories.
This is the first series I read by this author, and the way that she kept throwing in names and characters and backgrounds for random people from a previous series just got old. Yes, I get that you want to have a nod to the other books, but at the same time, these people aren't really seen enough in this book for it to be necessary.
The plot was the same one we have all read in other books... but even weaker. She was supposed to be his "assistant," but she really didn't do anything. She was there to keep him out of trouble, but all she ended up doing was just telling him not to go out to a bar with his teammates. That's about it. To have a 24/7 job just to do that is not really believable. Then, add in a practice relationship? What does that even mean?I read the book, and I still couldn't get my head around what that was supposed to be. It doesn't make sense.
When I started this book, I didn't even like Ronan. He came across as too cocky and a bit of a smug jerk. I didn't really care much for Nicky, either. She just didn't resonate with me at all. Maybe that's why I didn't really register any chemistry between them?
I wrote all of the above when I was at about 55%. Honestly, nothing much has changed in my review since then. I did start to get some emotion from them when they separated, but it was too little, too late. This is my least favorite of this series so far.
I fought so hard, struggling to NOT put this book into my DNF pile. I was excited when I got to 50% and finally got halfway through. The first book was pretty good, and I really liked the last one, but this one missed the mark. I kept through it, though, since I want to get to the later stories.
This is the first series I read by this author, and the way that she kept throwing in names and characters and backgrounds for random people from a previous series just got old. Yes, I get that you want to have a nod to the other books, but at the same time, these people aren't really seen enough in this book for it to be necessary.
The plot was the same one we have all read in other books... but even weaker. She was supposed to be his "assistant," but she really didn't do anything. She was there to keep him out of trouble, but all she ended up doing was just telling him not to go out to a bar with his teammates. That's about it. To have a 24/7 job just to do that is not really believable. Then, add in a practice relationship? What does that even mean?I read the book, and I still couldn't get my head around what that was supposed to be. It doesn't make sense.
When I started this book, I didn't even like Ronan. He came across as too cocky and a bit of a smug jerk. I didn't really care much for Nicky, either. She just didn't resonate with me at all. Maybe that's why I didn't really register any chemistry between them?
I wrote all of the above when I was at about 55%. Honestly, nothing much has changed in my review since then. I did start to get some emotion from them when they separated, but it was too little, too late. This is my least favorite of this series so far.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2024
Nicky decides to move home, and gets a job in PR for the new hockey team. Her first day she finds out that she has to babysit the playboy Ronan team captain and make sure he stays out of trouble. The attraction and chemistry between them is intense, but they can’t be together for too many reasons. They are together all the time, and one night they can’t fight the attraction. Can they be together? Great characters and storyline Highly recommended Amazing book I love Nicky and Ronan and they dynamic. Great supporting characters. I love the sarcasm, the low angst, and the spice is so good. I love this world so much.
August 20, 2025
Loved it
Normally with the grumpy trope, it's the guy who is grumpy. In this book, Ronan is happy and Nicky is the grumpy one. From the very beginning when they laid eyes on each other, the electricity has been there. When she is hired to babysit Ronan for the rest of his season, she becomes while he becomes ecstatic. He is so desperate to keep her that he devises a plan to help her with her man problems. There were times my heart ached for Ronan because he loved Nicky but didn't know what to do. I loved the way the book ended and I can't wait to read the next book.
Normally with the grumpy trope, it's the guy who is grumpy. In this book, Ronan is happy and Nicky is the grumpy one. From the very beginning when they laid eyes on each other, the electricity has been there. When she is hired to babysit Ronan for the rest of his season, she becomes while he becomes ecstatic. He is so desperate to keep her that he devises a plan to help her with her man problems. There were times my heart ached for Ronan because he loved Nicky but didn't know what to do. I loved the way the book ended and I can't wait to read the next book.
March 2, 2024
My favorite yet!
I just want to crawl inside this book and hug Ronan and Nicky! I feel like I wait forever to get Nicky’s story and this did NOT disappoint!
I just want to crawl inside this book and hug Ronan and Nicky! I feel like I wait forever to get Nicky’s story and this did NOT disappoint!
March 6, 2024
It was a good story line and I did enjoy the book BUT if you watch/like hockey, you might get frustrated with the incorrect sport references. By the 1st chapter, it mentions the “third quarter” of the game. It wasn’t enough to make me stop reading it but the errors took me out of the story line when I saw them. I don’t expect things to be super realistic and I’m not reading for the hockey itself but some fact checking about the sport would’ve gone a long way to making this a 5-star read for me. All in all, a good easy read that was fun and light.
March 17, 2024
Play Thing is book 3 of The Brighton Family series. Whilst this can be read as a standalone (As I have), it may give you better understanding of characters and history to read ‘Wild Thing’ and ‘Sweet Thing’ first!
Ronan is known to be the playboy Hockey Captain with a devil-may-care attitude, who can’t seem to stay out of trouble. Due to this, his big brother organises a live in PR assistant to babysit him. Enter Nicky, the beautiful, intelligent, spitfire that he met on the train a few weeks prior.
I loved this book start to finish. From the opening line, ‘BEST. BLOW-JOB. EVER’, to the last few sentences - ‘I’m pretty sure the moral of my story isn’t ‘get arrested, act like a shithead, and win the girl of your dreams’.
It is full of witty banter, secret arrangements, tough guy exterior with a gooey centre and opposites attract! Ronan might just be one of the nicest MMC’s I’ve read in a long time which was quite refreshing, however don’t let that fool you. There was a healthy about of spice in this book and Ronan is just the right amount of naughty!
Nicky was a very relatable FMC which I think is a hard thing to achieve so props to the author for that too. This was the first title I had read from the author, however it certainly won’t be the last - I had both ‘Wild Thing’ and ‘Sweet Thing’ downloaded before finishing this one 😂
This book has everything you need, humour, spice and sweet romance. Although there is spice, it’s not too explicit and is more to do with regular innuendo’s and dirty thoughts in my opinion, so if you don’t like anything too heavy with this, I think you would be okay giving this title a read too.
The only thing stopping my from giving a 5 ⭐️ review is that I felt a few areas throughout the story could have been a bit more descriptive / developed and the epilogue, which I felt was too unrealistic compared to the rest of the book and a little rushed!
Ronan is known to be the playboy Hockey Captain with a devil-may-care attitude, who can’t seem to stay out of trouble. Due to this, his big brother organises a live in PR assistant to babysit him. Enter Nicky, the beautiful, intelligent, spitfire that he met on the train a few weeks prior.
I loved this book start to finish. From the opening line, ‘BEST. BLOW-JOB. EVER’, to the last few sentences - ‘I’m pretty sure the moral of my story isn’t ‘get arrested, act like a shithead, and win the girl of your dreams’.
It is full of witty banter, secret arrangements, tough guy exterior with a gooey centre and opposites attract! Ronan might just be one of the nicest MMC’s I’ve read in a long time which was quite refreshing, however don’t let that fool you. There was a healthy about of spice in this book and Ronan is just the right amount of naughty!
Nicky was a very relatable FMC which I think is a hard thing to achieve so props to the author for that too. This was the first title I had read from the author, however it certainly won’t be the last - I had both ‘Wild Thing’ and ‘Sweet Thing’ downloaded before finishing this one 😂
This book has everything you need, humour, spice and sweet romance. Although there is spice, it’s not too explicit and is more to do with regular innuendo’s and dirty thoughts in my opinion, so if you don’t like anything too heavy with this, I think you would be okay giving this title a read too.
The only thing stopping my from giving a 5 ⭐️ review is that I felt a few areas throughout the story could have been a bit more descriptive / developed and the epilogue, which I felt was too unrealistic compared to the rest of the book and a little rushed!
March 2, 2024
Another hockey romance where it appears there’s no research about the sport. At 91% the MMC and FMC are at a hockey game, and it’s mentioned that it’s “halftime” which doesn’t exist in hockey.
In the Epilogue, the FMC is pregnant and at the Stanley Cup final the MMC is playing in, and as soon as the final buzzer goes off and his team wins, he pulls her onto the ice. How??? There. Is. No. Direct. Access. From. The. Stands. To. The. Ice. There’s 8 feet of plexiglass separating them. 🙄🤦🏼♀️
In the Epilogue, the FMC is pregnant and at the Stanley Cup final the MMC is playing in, and as soon as the final buzzer goes off and his team wins, he pulls her onto the ice. How??? There. Is. No. Direct. Access. From. The. Stands. To. The. Ice. There’s 8 feet of plexiglass separating them. 🙄🤦🏼♀️
February 29, 2024
I think you are in for a Hat-trick, As you start reading this story of the small town famous Hockey player that has a tendency to find trouble where ever he goes; however the two owners come up with an idea to get his head back in the game and to keep him focused on good publicity for a brand new team in the league. Are you familiar with the Westbrook and the Brighton Brothers if not you can back track and read all about them so you have both families backgrounds.
Well in this story Nikki Westbrook is hired to keep Ronan on track for the season, who just happens to be the sister of one of the partners. It just so happens that the two.of them met prior to.this arrangement. The agreement led to them being tied together for the length of the season.
There was chemistry from the start for Ronan and he comes up with a plan to try and win her over but had to play it cool. She sure wasn't looking for romance of any kind just wanted to excel at her new position so she could settle back home and get out of the big city life to be back with her family.
What tactic does Ronan come up with?
Will Nikki go along with it?
Does their brothers know how and why Ronan makes the change?
How does the Westbrooks feel about the situation with their sister.
How does Grammy matriarch of the Westbrook family react when she meets Ronan for the second time?
How does Ronan's brother react when he learns his brother's feelings?
Will Ronan win over the hurdles and get the girl?
Your in for a great 🔥ride as he goes for.the winning goal.🏒
Don't forget to go back and read the stories of these two small town families you will enjoy all their stories and still have more to come.
You can read free with KU. Happy Reading everyone!!!!🔥❤😊🤔
Well in this story Nikki Westbrook is hired to keep Ronan on track for the season, who just happens to be the sister of one of the partners. It just so happens that the two.of them met prior to.this arrangement. The agreement led to them being tied together for the length of the season.
There was chemistry from the start for Ronan and he comes up with a plan to try and win her over but had to play it cool. She sure wasn't looking for romance of any kind just wanted to excel at her new position so she could settle back home and get out of the big city life to be back with her family.
What tactic does Ronan come up with?
Will Nikki go along with it?
Does their brothers know how and why Ronan makes the change?
How does the Westbrooks feel about the situation with their sister.
How does Grammy matriarch of the Westbrook family react when she meets Ronan for the second time?
How does Ronan's brother react when he learns his brother's feelings?
Will Ronan win over the hurdles and get the girl?
Your in for a great 🔥ride as he goes for.the winning goal.🏒
Don't forget to go back and read the stories of these two small town families you will enjoy all their stories and still have more to come.
You can read free with KU. Happy Reading everyone!!!!🔥❤😊🤔
February 25, 2024
Can a grown woman get adopted by a fictional family?
Asking for a friend. Could be the Westbrooks or the Brightons, not picky.
Seriously, though, these series keep getting better and better and I love that the families are now meshed. Getting peeks at some of the characters from previous books is such a treat, although this book could happily be read as a stand-alone.
We originally met Nicky in some of the Wild Westbrook & The Brighton Family stories. She’s a strong FMC (my favorite) and really does not like to show vulnerability. In previous stories we’ve seen her as driven and no-nonsense, and watching her allow herself to become vulnerable was a treat. Ronan is a character we didn’t see much of previously. He is one of the Brighton Brothers and was off playing hockey for much of the previous stories. When we meet him, he’s a party boy but when he takes that partying bad-boy behavior too far, Nicky is hired as his assistant/babysitter. As the story progresses we see there’s much more to Ronan than appears on the surface.
Even though their chemistry is explosive, I equally loved the scenes where they get to know each other on a deeper level and each becomes the other’s biggest supporter. No spoilers but I love that even the angsty parts get resolved quickly since both characters know what they want, but have to work though some issues to get there.
Twin brother Nolan is next up and I can’t WAIT to revisit these families again. Well done Carrie-Ann!
https://lovestorylexicon.blog/2024/02...
Asking for a friend. Could be the Westbrooks or the Brightons, not picky.
Seriously, though, these series keep getting better and better and I love that the families are now meshed. Getting peeks at some of the characters from previous books is such a treat, although this book could happily be read as a stand-alone.
We originally met Nicky in some of the Wild Westbrook & The Brighton Family stories. She’s a strong FMC (my favorite) and really does not like to show vulnerability. In previous stories we’ve seen her as driven and no-nonsense, and watching her allow herself to become vulnerable was a treat. Ronan is a character we didn’t see much of previously. He is one of the Brighton Brothers and was off playing hockey for much of the previous stories. When we meet him, he’s a party boy but when he takes that partying bad-boy behavior too far, Nicky is hired as his assistant/babysitter. As the story progresses we see there’s much more to Ronan than appears on the surface.
Even though their chemistry is explosive, I equally loved the scenes where they get to know each other on a deeper level and each becomes the other’s biggest supporter. No spoilers but I love that even the angsty parts get resolved quickly since both characters know what they want, but have to work though some issues to get there.
Twin brother Nolan is next up and I can’t WAIT to revisit these families again. Well done Carrie-Ann!
https://lovestorylexicon.blog/2024/02...
March 15, 2024
“Practice on me. You get to tell me hoe to be your boyfriend. You get to give me directions. And I’ll follow them. With a smile on my face.”
📝Nicky Westbook ✨ Ronan Brighton🏒
Play Thing was a delightful bundle of good feeling…like, really good feels 😏. It also had all the locale vibes…workplace, small town, and rich guy house vibes.
Watching Nicky and Ronan fall into each other was pure fun, with me releasing a full range of giggles, ahhhs, and swooning noises.
I absolutely loved how the story placed such a significant emphasis on the role of family relationships in the lives of the characters. It was so beautiful to see how they weren't afraid to lean on their loved ones for support and keep them close to their hearts. The depictions of family love and reliance were truly touching, and made the characters feel real and relatable.
Go read this fun, not just a hockey, romance! Also, can we all get ourselves a Ronan Brighton? 😊
“You’re my endgame. You’re my biggest win. You’re my championship cup.”
Tropes:
Hockey romance
He falls first (but harder)
Forced proximity
Reverse grumpy x sunshine
Workplace vibes
Bosses sister/Bosses brother
Spicy
Family
📝Nicky Westbook ✨ Ronan Brighton🏒
Play Thing was a delightful bundle of good feeling…like, really good feels 😏. It also had all the locale vibes…workplace, small town, and rich guy house vibes.
Watching Nicky and Ronan fall into each other was pure fun, with me releasing a full range of giggles, ahhhs, and swooning noises.
I absolutely loved how the story placed such a significant emphasis on the role of family relationships in the lives of the characters. It was so beautiful to see how they weren't afraid to lean on their loved ones for support and keep them close to their hearts. The depictions of family love and reliance were truly touching, and made the characters feel real and relatable.
Go read this fun, not just a hockey, romance! Also, can we all get ourselves a Ronan Brighton? 😊
“You’re my endgame. You’re my biggest win. You’re my championship cup.”
Tropes:
Hockey romance
He falls first (but harder)
Forced proximity
Reverse grumpy x sunshine
Workplace vibes
Bosses sister/Bosses brother
Spicy
Family
February 26, 2024
Not my cup of tea. There were grammatical and continuity issues. I felt like there was several times where we jumped from one scene to the next too abruptly. One sentence they’re visiting with family and in the next sentence they’re 45 minutes away in their own house. And the situation where 2 characters are obviously in love with eachother but too stupid to see it is getting old too.
Towards the end of the book I found myself skimming over most of it just trying to pick up on key pieces of info.
I felt like the epilogue was unnecessary. Not every book needs to end with us knowing that the couple is blissfully living their idyllic life 3 years later.
I know these are supposed to be romance stories but it’d be nice to have something that stands out once in a while. I feel like I’ve read 10 versions of this story by 10 different authors.
Towards the end of the book I found myself skimming over most of it just trying to pick up on key pieces of info.
I felt like the epilogue was unnecessary. Not every book needs to end with us knowing that the couple is blissfully living their idyllic life 3 years later.
I know these are supposed to be romance stories but it’d be nice to have something that stands out once in a while. I feel like I’ve read 10 versions of this story by 10 different authors.
October 29, 2024
"Play Thing" by Cassie-Ann L. Miller is a delightful small-town grumpy x sunshine hockey romance that captivates readers with its perfect blend of humor and heartfelt moments. Set against the backdrop of professional hockey, the story follows Ronan, a charming but impulsive captain, and Nicky, a vibrant and spirited woman who challenges his grumpy exterior. Their chemistry is electric, highlighted by witty banter and steamy encounters that keep the pages turning. The narrative explores themes of personal growth, family dynamics, and the struggle between responsibility and following one's heart, all while introducing engaging secondary characters that enrich the plot. With the charming town of Honey Hill providing a picturesque setting, this book is a must-read for fans of romantic comedies and sports romances alike, showcasing the journey of love amidst life's unexpected challenges.
February 28, 2024
Team Ricky, Nonan?!! Whatever I ship these two hard!
Ronan is your next book boyfriend! He’s definitely mine - Nicky you lucky gal! Nicky’s banter & snarky comments are everything. That girl is something else!
The smolder & spice is everything nice🔥🔥🔥These two are electrifying! Can I just say I💙🩷💜both of these families but together they’re pure gold!
Cassie-Ann L. Miller hit it outta the park with this one again!! It’s definitely a home run! 🧢⚾️🏟️. Yup using a baseball analogy in a hockey romance lol!
So make a “Fast Break” and get this book! Now, Immediately, ASAP, Run 🏃🏻🏃🏻♀️🏃🏻♂️ Y’all can thank me later!! GO - Watcha waiting for? Scram Sam…..Getcho yo self a copy of Play Thing!! 🏒🏑🥅⛸️
Ronan is your next book boyfriend! He’s definitely mine - Nicky you lucky gal! Nicky’s banter & snarky comments are everything. That girl is something else!
The smolder & spice is everything nice🔥🔥🔥These two are electrifying! Can I just say I💙🩷💜both of these families but together they’re pure gold!
Cassie-Ann L. Miller hit it outta the park with this one again!! It’s definitely a home run! 🧢⚾️🏟️. Yup using a baseball analogy in a hockey romance lol!
So make a “Fast Break” and get this book! Now, Immediately, ASAP, Run 🏃🏻🏃🏻♀️🏃🏻♂️ Y’all can thank me later!! GO - Watcha waiting for? Scram Sam…..Getcho yo self a copy of Play Thing!! 🏒🏑🥅⛸️
March 17, 2024
Ronan and Nicky are the absolute cutest! This is my first Cassie-Ann Miller book and it did not disappoint. I loved Nicky - she was so relatable. She's a feisty, independent FMC who wants to be closer to her family. And Ronan is such a cinnamon roll MMC. Although he may be gotten in trouble a few times his heart is in the right place. I loved their banter and I loved reading their journey from strangers to lovers. The book had the perfect amount of spice without it being too much and I love the grand gesture at the end. It was the absolute cutest! I also really loved both families in this book - both the Brightons and Westbrooks are amazingly supportive of each other and is always looking out for one another. Overall, I highly recommend! Now, I have to go back to the 1st 2 books in the series and can't wait for Nolan's story!
April 7, 2024
Well well well, look at me over here branching out of my comfort zone, reading a hockey romance and admittedly, loving it!
This story was fun, romantic, just the right amount of spicy and had the perfect feel good small town vibes to back it up. I loved both characters, their families and the slow burn romance build up.
I think if you're a die hard hockey fan some of the terms and game lingo will put you off a little, but I was just fine with it. I grew up in a small town hockey town and it felt like the old days.
I will say, my copy had a different cover than the one pictured and it was super cute!
This story was fun, romantic, just the right amount of spicy and had the perfect feel good small town vibes to back it up. I loved both characters, their families and the slow burn romance build up.
I think if you're a die hard hockey fan some of the terms and game lingo will put you off a little, but I was just fine with it. I grew up in a small town hockey town and it felt like the old days.
I will say, my copy had a different cover than the one pictured and it was super cute!
July 4, 2025
wow
Wow, just wow! Ronan and Nikki‘s story has just blown me away! Ronan seems like the bad boy, but underneath it There is a cream puff. Nikki has had rough Situationships in the past. she doesn’t realize her worth. Ronan knows from first sight that she’s the one he wants. He eases his way into her heart and life. I love the way all of the families are intertwined. I love the glimpses and updates of the couples we’ve met and loved before. Nikki finally lets go of her stubborn streak to admit her feelings. I love that Grammy always knows! Can’t wait to see what happens with Nolan.
Wow, just wow! Ronan and Nikki‘s story has just blown me away! Ronan seems like the bad boy, but underneath it There is a cream puff. Nikki has had rough Situationships in the past. she doesn’t realize her worth. Ronan knows from first sight that she’s the one he wants. He eases his way into her heart and life. I love the way all of the families are intertwined. I love the glimpses and updates of the couples we’ve met and loved before. Nikki finally lets go of her stubborn streak to admit her feelings. I love that Grammy always knows! Can’t wait to see what happens with Nolan.
September 9, 2025
4 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thank you to the author for my copy!
Another great book by Cassie and on the Brighton Famil series!
I really loved these two main characters together, this is a slow burn, with tons of tension, and once the spice starts you can't contain the flames.
I absolutely loved the MMC, I found him to be so sweet even though he tried to put off that abd boy persona. My gripe was more with the FMC as I felt she fought her feelings for way too long and kinda dragged him on a bit.
This has great found family vibes, some great cameos from her other series, and lots of feel good moments.
You get:
🏒Contemporary Romance
🏡Spicy
🏒Hockey Player MMC
🏡Babysitter PR FMC
🏒Practice Dating
🏡Forced Proximity
🏒Forbidden Love
I really enjoyed this one! Available on KU, ebook, and paperback.
Thank you to the author for my copy!
Another great book by Cassie and on the Brighton Famil series!
I really loved these two main characters together, this is a slow burn, with tons of tension, and once the spice starts you can't contain the flames.
I absolutely loved the MMC, I found him to be so sweet even though he tried to put off that abd boy persona. My gripe was more with the FMC as I felt she fought her feelings for way too long and kinda dragged him on a bit.
This has great found family vibes, some great cameos from her other series, and lots of feel good moments.
You get:
🏒Contemporary Romance
🏡Spicy
🏒Hockey Player MMC
🏡Babysitter PR FMC
🏒Practice Dating
🏡Forced Proximity
🏒Forbidden Love
I really enjoyed this one! Available on KU, ebook, and paperback.
February 27, 2024
"You're my end game. You're my championship trophy."
When Ronan gets in trouble with the team, again, the suits end up getting him a 24/7 babysitter for the season. Well, that seems to have worked out pretty darn good for Hockey Guy!
Gah! I just loved this book. I absolutely loved that Ronan fell first. He just had to figure out how to keep the girl without scaring her away. I knew that Nicky was going to be stubborn. But, damn, she has a Master's in the subject.
OH, now, I can't wait for Nolan's book. Wahoo!
When Ronan gets in trouble with the team, again, the suits end up getting him a 24/7 babysitter for the season. Well, that seems to have worked out pretty darn good for Hockey Guy!
Gah! I just loved this book. I absolutely loved that Ronan fell first. He just had to figure out how to keep the girl without scaring her away. I knew that Nicky was going to be stubborn. But, damn, she has a Master's in the subject.
OH, now, I can't wait for Nolan's book. Wahoo!
March 7, 2024
3.5⭐️
Took me a minute to wrap my head around the Westbrook/Brighton families but once I did, it was like hanging with familiar friends. I like that the old characters are there but you don’t feel too lost if you haven’t read or don’t remember their stories.
I wish there had been a bit more backstory, development for Nicky. Here we have this incredibly strong woman who is holding her own in a family of men and has worked to establish herself but then she moves home and she’s suddenly crippled with self-doubt and can’t hold her own? What is her overall backstory? What was childhood like? What was working in Chicago? Who were her friends?
And Ronan. I wanted more about him and diving deeper. He definitely got the short end of the stick and is treated like a child by everyone. No one takes the time to get to know him and what makes him tick.
While I wanted more character development, the story as a whole is good. The chemistry between Ronan and Nicky is there. I also love a “he falls first” book and it was great to see Ronan working so hard to convince Nicky. Some steam on this book 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was a great continuation of the series.
Took me a minute to wrap my head around the Westbrook/Brighton families but once I did, it was like hanging with familiar friends. I like that the old characters are there but you don’t feel too lost if you haven’t read or don’t remember their stories.
I wish there had been a bit more backstory, development for Nicky. Here we have this incredibly strong woman who is holding her own in a family of men and has worked to establish herself but then she moves home and she’s suddenly crippled with self-doubt and can’t hold her own? What is her overall backstory? What was childhood like? What was working in Chicago? Who were her friends?
And Ronan. I wanted more about him and diving deeper. He definitely got the short end of the stick and is treated like a child by everyone. No one takes the time to get to know him and what makes him tick.
While I wanted more character development, the story as a whole is good. The chemistry between Ronan and Nicky is there. I also love a “he falls first” book and it was great to see Ronan working so hard to convince Nicky. Some steam on this book 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was a great continuation of the series.
March 2, 2024
Role reversal at its finest!
Cassie-Ann L. Miller’s Brighton Family series is proving to be lots of fun. Book three is Ronan and Nicky’s story is another that brings the Westbrooks and Brighton’s together.
Ronan is a pro hockey player with an image issue and Nicky is assigned to ensure his image improves. The fun is that Nicky is the grump and Ronan the sunshine. He’s a wonderful book boyfriend!
I only wish Nicky could give into her desires sooner, poor Ronan... This couple is wonderful together and Grammy approved!
Cassie-Ann L. Miller’s Brighton Family series is proving to be lots of fun. Book three is Ronan and Nicky’s story is another that brings the Westbrooks and Brighton’s together.
Ronan is a pro hockey player with an image issue and Nicky is assigned to ensure his image improves. The fun is that Nicky is the grump and Ronan the sunshine. He’s a wonderful book boyfriend!
I only wish Nicky could give into her desires sooner, poor Ronan... This couple is wonderful together and Grammy approved!
March 4, 2024
Girl power! Boss babe!
I don’t have a lot of flowery words for this review. It was just a great well written read with an enjoyable plot and fun characters. Ronan was hilarious. I loved him so much and I loved the growth that Ronan and Nicky experienced together. It was fun to see the Westbrooks and the Brightons together here too. I couldn’t quit smiling while reading this one. It was worth the read.
I don’t have a lot of flowery words for this review. It was just a great well written read with an enjoyable plot and fun characters. Ronan was hilarious. I loved him so much and I loved the growth that Ronan and Nicky experienced together. It was fun to see the Westbrooks and the Brightons together here too. I couldn’t quit smiling while reading this one. It was worth the read.
March 4, 2024
Play Thing is full of humour, amazing chemistry, delicious tension, fabulous banter and characters. Just loved this book. It’s an absolute fantastic read, that has plenty of moments that will make you smile, laugh and make your heart flutter. You won’t be able to stop smiling this one. One of my favourite reads of 2024 and of this author. I’m loving this series and can’t wait to read more. Definitely one to be picked up and enjoyed straight away. Happy reading
March 8, 2024
Loved Nicky and Ronan. Ronan had too many incidents outside of hockey and has become a PR nightmare. He needs help keeping him in line and on the right track. Enter Nicky, when she comes in as his “assistant” there is no doubt sparks fly. The banter and chemistry is off the charts. Nicky’s been burned in the past and isn’t sure having feelings for someone again is a great idea, but will Ronan’s charismatic smile and him showing her who he really is help change her mind? Good read.
March 12, 2024
This book definitely exceeded my expectations!
Most hockey books have more of a big city setting but not this one and it was done perfectly. The feeling of the small town was written in the best way possible and then with the aspects of hockey it was a chefs kiss. The way this was written had you turning to the next page faster and faster to find out more. Especially with the way this started it felt like the beginning of a good movie.
Most hockey books have more of a big city setting but not this one and it was done perfectly. The feeling of the small town was written in the best way possible and then with the aspects of hockey it was a chefs kiss. The way this was written had you turning to the next page faster and faster to find out more. Especially with the way this started it felt like the beginning of a good movie.
March 16, 2024
3.5 stars.
I didn’t read any of the other books in the series so there were A LOT of characters that were introduced at various points in this book. It became way too hard to keep track of who’s related to who and why they’re a part of the plot at any given point.
Other than that, the book was generous - it troped hard and the characters were easy to like. Did anyone else feel like the ending was rushed?
Overall, it was an easy read with a cute storyline!
I didn’t read any of the other books in the series so there were A LOT of characters that were introduced at various points in this book. It became way too hard to keep track of who’s related to who and why they’re a part of the plot at any given point.
Other than that, the book was generous - it troped hard and the characters were easy to like. Did anyone else feel like the ending was rushed?
Overall, it was an easy read with a cute storyline!
March 21, 2024
Ronan is a pro hockey player on a new team to the league, but trouble seems to follow him around. So it’s only fair that Nicky gets a new job after deciding to move back home to be a ‘babysitter’ and literally has to follow him around to keep him out of trouble. Their chemistry is off the charts, but they are professionals they shouldn’t blur the lines. Their banter is on point & when they decide to be each other’s practice partner things get 🔥🔥.
If you love spice & hockey totally add it to your TBR or download it NOW!
If you love spice & hockey totally add it to your TBR or download it NOW!
April 27, 2024
Nicky swears off men to focus on her career. Too bad for Nicky her new job is to babysit hockey captain Ronan and keep him out of trouble. This was supposed to be a punishment for Ronan, so why does he look like an eager golden retriever puppy who’s ready for belly rubs? Play Thing is a sports romance full of humor, heart and heat that made this a fun and sweet read! I can't wait to read Nolan's story next in Real Thing!
June 30, 2024
So far Nicky and Ronan are my favorite couple!! These two give you a run for your money from start to finish and it is pure entertainment!! The only thing that could have made this book better was a surprise pregnancy & I just kept hoping for that to pop up!! The banter & sass flying between these two will keep you entertained, turning pages & never wanting the story to end.
I highly recommend this book. Told in dual POV.
I highly recommend this book. Told in dual POV.
March 14, 2025
Nicky and Ronan's first encounter happens on a train as they are both traveling to see family. Ronan hits on her, but she won't give him the time of day. Ronan, a star hockey player, is constantly in trouble with his team because of his rowdy behavior off the ice. When the owners inform him that they have hired an assistant for him to "shape him up," he is shocked and pleased to find out it is Nicky. Very likeable characters and hot sex scenes.
August 4, 2025
I’ll give it 4 stars cause for all the intensity that they lived through the all romance process and all the denial Nicky was always putting I honestly expected a better ending and a harder conquest process from Ronan side, the boy did just fine as fake boyfriend, but I was expecting a little more of both of them. Anyway I enjoyed the reading process, it made me laugh, love and cry all at the same time. Excellent service!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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