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As the league’s reigning playboy, I’ve had more than a few women arrive on my doorstep. But until tonight, I’ve never had a baby show up.

A baby.

Out of options, I’m grateful when my grandma and her friend offer to move in and help.

Until someone else shows up at my house.

My new elderly roommate’s very young, very attractive, granddaughter.

The last thing I need is to get involved with someone who is down on their luck. Besides, I need to be figuring out this whole parenting thing. Not winning over Stevie.

It’s hard not to be drawn to this woman that I have so much in common with. Until one night, it becomes more. She doesn’t see me the way the world sees me—she sees me for the person I am underneath the playboy reputation.

The more time we spend together, the harder I fall. After running from the image I thought I needed, I might finally have it all.

Until my past once again comes back to haunt us both...

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 2, 2025

189 people are currently reading
322 people want to read

About the author

Emily Silver

49 books610 followers
After winning a Young Author’s Award in second grade, Emily Silver was destined to be a writer. She loves writing strong heroines and the swoony men who fall for them.

A lover of all things romance, Emily started writing books set in her favorite places around the world. As an avid traveler, she’s been to all seven continents and sailed around the globe.

When she’s not writing, Emily can be found sipping cocktails on her porch, reading all the romance she can get her hands on and planning her next big adventure!

Find her on social media to stay up to date on all her adventures and upcoming releases!

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5 stars
142 (42%)
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118 (35%)
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58 (17%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
Profile Image for Carlina Hutjes.
83 reviews
May 18, 2025
3,5 ⭐️

I received this book as an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

As the league’s reigning playboy, I’ve had more than a few women arrive on my doorstep. But until tonight, I’ve never had a baby show up.

A baby.

I was chocked, I didn’t expect Bode to be a single dad. It did surprise me though how easily he excepted it and never questioned it. I had so many questions….. also who is the mom?

The grandma’s, who could not love them. They help Bode so much with Caleb and they also made that Bode and Stevie got to meet each other. They are such a sweet couple, but I also didn’t expect Bode (the playboy) falling so easily for someone. Maybe having Caleb helped and also the book mentioned something about him being insecure when he was younger. I would love to know something more about Bode’s past. Oh and I still wonder, did Stevie get her job back? Did Becky get fired? Or did Stevie got a job at the place Harper offered?

The writing of the book was great, it was an easy and lovable story. But overal the story was a bit too smooth, I expected more I guess and I still have some questions.

I really liked this book, I still is a great serie and I am looking forward to the other books. Emily’s writing is good as always, she makes that you can’t stop reading.
Profile Image for Emily Johnston (Booked.Up.With.Emily).
1,581 reviews114 followers
November 4, 2025
11/4/25

Audio review update:

You know what I love? When I read an ebook and then listen to the audiobook and fall in love that much more? That's exactly what I did here! Listening to Kelsey Navarro Foster and Alex Kydd bring these characters to life was a fantastic experience!

And listening to the meddling grandmas in my ears - had me laughing out loud!!
_________________________________

Bode Bode Bode... you playboy you. I love when the playboy hotshot is brought to his knees by the one woman who steals his heart!

❤️Single dad
❤️Hockey romance
❤️Forced proximity
❤️Roommates to lovers

When a baby is essentially dropped on Bode's stoop (not literally), he is thrust into a life he never expected to have. One that is single fatherhood when all he wanted to do was live a carefree life. But his son Caleb immediately changes him for the better and Bode goes all in.

And when he needs help, his grandmother and her friend and her friend's granddaughter Stevie move in and they end up being the support system that he needed.

Stevie and Bode try so hard to fight their attraction and put the baby first, but their love wins out and it's so special. I love how hard they both tried to keep their walls up. I love the evolution of their relationship during this unexpected journey.
Profile Image for Christie Hardin.
198 reviews51 followers
September 9, 2025
The Playmaker

5 stars
Spice: 2/5


Bode is a hockey player living the life of a player in the sheets. He receives an unexpected visit from Social Services who is dropping off his 7 month old son. The mother (one night stand that he doesn’t remember) has relinquished her rights and named Bode as the father. He either accepts custody of Caleb or he would go into the system.

Gran & Nan - Bode immediately called his grandmother needing support and assistance. Gran brought Nan as her friend as another helper for Caleb. They gave up their cottage at the assisted living center and moved in with Bode.

Stevie was dumped by her boyfriend and needed a place to live. Her Nan invited her to stay with her. Stevie accepted unaware that Nan’s address has changed.

Bode is immediately attracted to Stevie but Caleb is his current priority. Stevie is attracted to Bode but she knows he’s a known player and she’s been hurt by past relationships. Bode & Stevie have a lot in common when it comes to their childhood. Both are competitive which is a lot of fun. Stevie falls for Caleb and Bode falls harder for Stevie. They hit a bump in the road on the way to their HEA

Love the dynamics with the core teammates / friends. They cheer you on and pick you up when needed.

Hockey Player
Single father
Playboy
Esthetician
Teammates / friends (found family)
Gran & Nan (helpers & instigators & matchmakers, mad skills playing bridge)
The text banter with the guys is top notch
Who knew playing bridge for candy bars was so cut throat
Never been on a date
Mr Darcy
Mine
Breaking News (not in a good way)
Trouble (jealousy)
Reunited and it feels so good
Need bleach for eyeballs
Love
HEA
Profile Image for Megan Moser.
604 reviews
April 26, 2025
4.5🌟

I’m so HAPPY with the book! I was gifted this arc to read and it was exactly what I was looking for!

Bode, the playboy NHL player from a broken home life who never wanted kids, randomly gets a baby dropped at a doorstep during one of his parties and is told the baby is his. This man steps full into daddy mode and his teammates are just the absolute best support system as well as his gram.

Stevie, an aesthetician freshly in a breakup, finds herself moving to live with her gram who now happens to live with Bode’s gram at Bode’s house.

It’s insta crush for both of them but with her trying to find her footing and him trying to navigate dad life to a baby this slow burn was perfectly romantic and cute.

We get to see the playboy become reformed and the broken hearts start to heal. The banter and the spice were great but the story was so well written and pulls you in right from the first chapter! I absolutely loved these two and their grams who were hilarious!!

I cannot wait for Dax’s story now!!!
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,043 reviews
May 2, 2025
The Playmaker is a good cute single-dad hockey romance story!

What you get......
♡Hockey Romance
♡Surprise Baby
♡Roommates
♡Forced Proximity
♡Great Banter
♡Reformed Playboy
♡Meddling Grandma's
♡Instant Attraction
♡Group Chat
♡Found Family
♡Drama
♡Spicy Scenes

Bode becomes a dad overnight when his son Caleb gets dropped off by a social worker. He steps up and becomes a great father. Caleb changed Bode for the better.

His grandmother and her friend moved in to help him out. His grandma's friend's granddaughter Stevie needs a place to stay after breaking up with her boyfriend. She moves in to help and figure out life.

Stevie and Bode are instantly attracted to each other but fight their feelings. Eventually sparks fly and they give in to their feelings.

Emily does a great job at sucking you into her stories and making you love her characters!!

I loved their story and couldn't put it down!! The ending was great and I can't wait to read Dax's story!
989 reviews16 followers
May 4, 2025
4 1/2 stars. I loved that Bode had to eat his words pretty quickly. His house soon becomes quite full and chaotic. Stevie had her world turned upside down too, but in a different way. Bode and Stevie had a mutual attraction, but they both tried to ignore it. Fortunately for us readers, they failed miserably. Stevie was exactly what Bode and Caleb needed in their lives. I have really enjoyed this series. The characters are interconnected, but they can be read as stand-alones. I recommend reading book one first though. One, because I really enjoyed it. Two, it helps get the full experience of this book.
Profile Image for Helene Svendsen.
513 reviews24 followers
April 29, 2025
3,5 stars.


This was a super cute story.
I loved how Bode embraced his world turning upside down and wanting to be the best dad he could for Caleb.
I liked Stevies character, and the attraction and want between her and Bode was instant. I really liked the three of them coming together like a little family.

And the grandmas were the real mvps. They were so funny, and just amazing side characters.



𝑩𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑺𝒕𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒔 𝒎𝒆 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝑰’𝒗𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆. 𝑯𝒐𝒘 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒍 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒎𝒚 𝒃𝒓𝒐𝒌𝒆𝒏 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒔?
709 reviews7 followers
April 30, 2025
Thank you to Emily Silver for the ARC.

A surprise baby hockey romance that was a great read. The connection between Bode and Stevie developed perfectly from their unorthodox first meeting. I loved their grandmothers. They were such enjoyable characters who brought amazing humour to the book. Stevie and Bode communicated so well, and I enjoyed their one on one conversation, as they developed a friendship and bonded over Caleb. The plot was well written, and I enjoyed the well paced development of the relationships.

I love forward to reading more books by Emily.
Profile Image for Delani Cole.
39 reviews12 followers
May 2, 2025
Another 5 stars! I have quickly become obsessed with this author and I LOVED Bode so much. Mr. Playboy NHL hottie who came from a broken life, so his views on kids and relationships were not an option, until a baby was left at his doorstep. Stevie was adorable, and had an instant crush when she met Bode. The banter, and the spice, it was all chefs kiss. You won’t want to put this one down!
Profile Image for Onnalee Wayne.
47 reviews3 followers
April 23, 2025
Thank you Emily for letting me read the ARC of Bode’s story!

This book was amazing and showcased Bode and Stevie’s story perfectly! I’m not normally one to read accidental baby but Emily did a wonderful job on it!

I love Bode so much with how much he cares about his son, Stevie which starts when he welcomes her and her grandma into his house, and love for his friends and found family!

The grandmas make the whole story and if you like a couple of meddling grandmas- this is the story for you!
Profile Image for Bookish Rose.
139 reviews
April 29, 2025
I am such a sucker for a funny guy & Bode (MMC) is the one with all the jokes. But the moment a baby, his baby, shows up at his front door, he steps up to be the best dad he can. And the baby + Bode content is fantastic (poopy diapers & all).
As if there’s not enough people in my house, this woman walks in looking just as confused as I do. Although, her confused face is a hell of a lot sexier than mine.
Not that I need to be thinking about that.
Absolutely not.
… Her blue eyes lock on to mine and damn. Even though she doesn’t have the first clue what’s going on, they’re beautiful.
A blue like the sparkling night sky.
Two seconds in this woman’s presence and I’m comparing her eyes to the night sky? What is wrong with me? I must be losing my mind.
This book is different from others I’ve read from Emily, while still maintaining her comforting style of writing. Bode & Stevie’s story is sweet, with both of them discovering new parts of themselves, how to love & be loved, & what it looks like to be safe & chosen by your partner.
He scrubs his free hand over his face, hiding the wince. “I slept my feelings away with anyone I could. I’m not proud to admit it, but it was easier than facing the fact that no one loved me.” ...
“I was the same way. I mean, not falling into bed with any guy, but anyone who looked at me and said I looked pretty, I fell for. Hook, line, and sinker... [then] they dumped me."
“They’re idiots.”
“You’re just saying that.”
“No.” Bode’s hand cups my cheek. “I’m serious, Stevie. You’re so much more than just the pretty one. And I’m not just saying that.”
I’ve never bared my soul like this to anyone. Bode is the only person I’ve felt safe with. How can I confess my darkest secrets to the man I only met a few weeks ago? The secrets that make me feel less than. That hammered into my psyche just how unlovable I really am...
“You’re so much more than anyone has ever made you feel..."
They’re fun, but responsible. Caring, yet carefree. Passionate, but always with consent (& in-between the baby’s nap times, haha).
“We both have a past. You with all the women you’ve been with, and the few guys I’ve been with? They never made me feel great after sex.”
“Stevie… Look at me.” He puts his knuckle under my chin, tilting my head until my gaze meets his. “You have a past. I do too, although mine is longer. When I take you into my room, it’s you and me. No one else. You are the only person that matters… You, Stevie. I want you. No one else.”
“I want you too.”
“Then let me show you how much you mean to me.”
This is an emotional romance that explores the meaning & make-up of family, while also reminding us to have fun, laugh with loved ones, & the power of what it means to be chosen. I really liked this latest story from Emily.
“Stevie. Isn’t that so sweet of you?” Eve says. “Tell her how nice that is, Bode.”
Bode rolls his eyes at his grandma, and I can’t help but laugh. “How nice of you.”
“I ought to smack you upside the head,” Eve tells him, shaking her head.
“Gran. You say it like I wasn’t going to thank her anyway. I wasn’t raised in a barn.”
“Some days I don’t know.”
“You know you raised me, right? That’s a dig on you.”
While it's not necessary to read Game Misconduct (the 1st book in the series) first, I'd recommend it. Emily does a great job filling in any plot points you might've missed, so you aren't left with unanswered questions. But this is book 2 in an interconnected standalone series and, if you're like me & suffer from bookish FOMO, then you should read Game Misconduct to introduce a couple & their family, who help out these main characters in many ways. Especially when the FMC (Harper) from Game Misconduct talks to the FMC (Stevie) from The Playmaker about... stuff (I don't wanna spoil it, but I think it hits more when you know the backstory from Harper's romance). And if you don't have chronic book-related FOMO like me, then still read both books cuz they're great!😉
“Did you look up things to ask a hockey player?” A smirk plays on his mouth.
I shrug, turning my attention back to dinner. “I mean, maybe.”
“That’s really fucking cute.”
“What? I had to have something to ask you.”
“Please tell me you know it’s a puck,” Bode begs.
Profile Image for Jetscarbie.
663 reviews15 followers
September 21, 2025
2.5 It was okay. Reminded me a bit of a Hallmark movie with a tiny sprinkle of open-door spice. (Possible spoilers ahead)
Not a whole lot of drama either. I’d say this is a light read if you’re looking for something sweet with low drama.

H was a playboy/man*hore where his past does come back to bite him in the arse…twice in this story.
First, when a random baby gets dropped off at his house. SURPRISE, you’re a dad. One of his previous ONS had a baby, then she decided she didn’t want it. (You hear absolutely zero about her during this story. He doesn’t even remember her)
Second, when he finally finds the love of his life, she has a hard time trusting him due to his past. AND then other ONS’s start media drama/gossip.

*sidenote* H is not with any OW during this book. He has been celibate since he got his son. His past is only mentioned and his POVs does not think about OW. He has a lot of regrets about his past. He’s mostly a green flag.

So simple plot. H ends up with a 8 month old baby. He’s a hockey player for the NHL. His grandma and h’s grandma are BFFs (well, later you find out they are actually lovers) come to live with him to help him take care of the baby. h just lost her place so she comes to stay with her grandma.

H and h slowly start to develop a relationship. The chemistry is blah, IMO. 🤷‍♀️ About 60% in, the spice starts. Well, the media gets wind of their relationship and the court of public opinion is ROUGH. Mostly directed at h. His past hookups are all over the media. Everybody is blasting h and calling her awful names.

So we have the 3 rd act breakup (of sorts) h is having a tough time being in the public eye. She moves out. She also loses her job due to all this. Later we find out it’s her bitxhy coworker who started the harassment campaign because she was jealous (none of this made sense to me)
H finally puts out a public statement that supposedly fixed everything (even though this didn’t make sense to me either)

Then they are back together. HFN
We never get any updates about h and her job or what happened with the coworker. The rest is setting up the next book with Dax
Profile Image for World Of Books 65.
3,229 reviews60 followers
April 29, 2025
Emily Silver does it again! The Player Maker, the second book in the must-read Nashville Knights hockey series, is an absolute gem — a perfect blend of humor, heart, and heat. If you thought book one was good, get ready to fall even harder for this one.

From the very first page, the banter had me hooked — and not just between the players. Oh no, the real scene-stealers are the hilarious, mischievous best friends: Stevie’s Nan and Bode’s Gran. These two light up every scene they’re in with their laugh-out-loud antics and heartwarming meddling. Honestly, they deserve the biggest shout-out for adding so much charm to this delicious read.

But it’s not all laughs. Silver tugs on your heartstrings when Bode — the team’s notorious playboy both on and off the ice — finds himself thrust into fatherhood overnight, discovering he has a 9-month-old son he never knew existed. Cue Gran (and her equally spirited bestie) swooping in to help save the day.

Enter Stevie: the granddaughter of Gran’s best friend, expecting to move in with her Nan… not with a hot, broody hockey player and a newborn! What follows is a heart-melting, slow-burn connection as Stevie and Bode bond over late-night feedings, mischievous grandparents, and unexpected attraction.

Their chemistry sizzles, but when social media catches wind of their budding relationship, Stevie — who’s been unlucky in love — must decide if she’s ready for life in the spotlight.

Emily Silver delivers another swoon-worthy, captivating read that strikes the perfect balance between laugh-out-loud moments, emotional depth, and off-the-charts chemistry. And trust me — keep your eyes peeled for an epic scene near the end starring none other than the unforgettable Nan and Gran. You won’t want to miss it!

The Player Maker is hockey romance at its absolute best — heartfelt, hilarious, and impossible to put down.
Profile Image for Samantha Herman.
103 reviews1 follower
November 2, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I always love a good single dad romance, and The Playmaker by Emily Silver absolutely did not disappoint! This story had so many of my favorite tropes all wrapped up in one addictive, heartwarming read — single dad, forced proximity, reformed playboy, surprise baby, roommates, and the chef’s kiss addition of two meddling grandmas who completely steal the show.

When Bode suddenly finds out he’s a dad and a social worker drops off baby Caleb, his whole world is turned upside down. Months later, Stevie ends up moving into Bode’s house after their grandmas pull some sneaky matchmaking magic — she thought she was moving in with her grandma, only to discover that her grandma already moved in with Bode and his!

Watching the connection grow between Bode and Stevie, and seeing Stevie fall in love with little Caleb, was so touching. Their journey from unexpected roommates to a genuine, loving family was everything I could’ve wanted. The emotional moments hit just right, and the chemistry between Bode and Stevie was equal parts sweet and steamy.

And that fun twist with the grandmas at the end? Perfection. You’ll have to read (or listen!) to find out what happens, but trust me — it’s worth it.

🎧 The narration was fantastic! Alex Kydd always nails his performances, and this book was no exception — his delivery brought Bode’s emotion and charm to life perfectly. The co-narration with Kelsey Navarro Foster added even more depth and made this story an absolute joy to listen to.

Highly recommend The Playmaker if you’re looking for a feel-good, emotional, and sizzling hockey romance that will make you laugh, swoon, and maybe even tear up a little. Emily Silver knocked it out of the park with this one. 🏒💙

Thank you Emily for this amazing ALC!
Profile Image for Laura D.
110 reviews9 followers
May 7, 2025
Bode is planning on spending his time in the off season with as many women as he wants. At a pool party at his house with his teammates, his off season dreams come to a halt when a social worker comes with a baby carrier and paperwork. Bode has a son and the mother has signed away her rights. He is now a dad, and Caleb is his whole world. Bode’s grandmother and her friend move into the pool house to help with Caleb while Bode is on the road with hockey.

Enter Stevie, Bode’s grandmother’s friend’s granddaughter, who was just kicked out of her living situation with an ex, and she needs somewhere to go. The grandmas convince Bode to let her stay at his house, and Stevie is determined to lick her wounds, pay rent, and help out as much as she can.

Bode and Stevie have immediate chemistry and these two have a ton in common. Both raised by their grandmothers after their parents left/didn’t care, they are very open with each other about their pasts. The two start to date and the two decide to keep things quiet, since Bode is very much in the spotlight at the moment, and he’s not ready to introduce Caleb or Stevie to the world yet. Secret photos of them start to surface and awful things are said about Stevie, and Bode feels responsible for what others are saying.

This book was the perfect next step in the Nashville Knights series! The found family the players have together makes my heart so happy. The guys stepped up and helped Bode so much throughout this book, I cannot wait to see what happens next! We also have to talk about the grandmas, they made me laugh SO HARD throughout this book!

Thank you to Emily Silver for the ARC opportunity!
Profile Image for Amanda Brown.
195 reviews
May 6, 2025
Rating: 5/5⭐️ Spice: 4/5🌶️

Tropes:
🏒 Surprise baby
🍼 NHL playboy
🏒 Hockey romance
🍼 Roommates to lovers
🏒 Forced proximity
🍼 Single dad

Bode is the resident playboy NHL player for the Nashville Knights from a broken home life who never wanted kids. Until a baby gets dropped at his doorstep (not quite literally) and told it’s his. Stevie is a sassy aesthetician recovering from a recent break up and forced to live with her Gran who happens to be living with Bode and his Nan.

Ohhh my gosh was it insta crush or what with Stevie and Bode, but they took it slow getting to know each other, becoming friends, and then lovers. They were both trying to navigate a new chapter of their lives, Bode trying to figure out dad life and Stevie trying to find her footing. I love how they were there for each other, to help each other out. The slow burn was soo worth it! Bode and Stevie were epic. Their chemistry was on fire. I loved watching them fall more and more in love with each other

Emily has a way with her books, and this is only my second by her, she pulls you in from the very beginning. She has a way with her words that just hooks you. The banter and spice were on point. The chat group was epic! Love the ribbing the guys give each other. The found family aspect of this book well series really is phenomal. I loved everything about this book especially watching the playboy reform into an amazing Dad! I don’t have one bad thing to say about this book. It was sweet, funny, and heartwarming with no third act break up and a HEA!!


Profile Image for Monica (The Accidental Romance Blogger) Barbosa.
908 reviews38 followers
April 27, 2025
Thanks, Emily, for the gifted e-book!

Bode Adams is the league's player. Well, he is an amazing hockey player but that's not the kind of player we're talking about. He's been seeing his friends and teammates dropping like flies and he's sure he's not cut out for girlfriends, wives or kids. Well, well, well, when the Universe wants to prank you, it has a very dark sense of humor because this confirmed playboy literally gets a baby dropped on his lap. His baby. 

He needs to step up and care for Baby Caleb and he enlists the help of his hilarious grandmother . Granny comes for the rescue but she comes with added bonuses - a roommate and this roommate brings her own granddaughter, who's in need of a place to stay. 

Now, his house is full of opinionated women, toys, and whaddya know, he's never been happier. All he needs to do is convince the irresistible Stevie that she is there to stay. Preferably by him and with him. 

What a sweet story! I loved going back to the world of the Nashville Knights and see the "playmaker" become a fumbling insta-dad. Stevie is also a wonderful character. Baby Caleb is just the cutest thing and the grandmas are the MVPs here. They keep their grandchildren on their toes with their meddling ways and they give us one whopper of a fun surprise at the end. Just lovely! 

Again, thanks, Emily, for the gift! Always a pleasure reading your stories!

Representation: secondary queer characters

Content notes: child abandonment 
Profile Image for Booklover Judy Lynn.
1,644 reviews30 followers
April 29, 2025
#SingleDad #Sports #ARC
4.5 STARS
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book. The Playmaker is written in first person from an alternating dual POV. As the second book in an interconnected series the story stands alone and ends with a HEA. Because characters from book one do play integral roles in Stevie and Bode's story, some readers may want to read book one first even though it is not necessary for the plot of book two.
Bode is the playboy who does a 180 when his son shows up on his doorstep, He loses his playboy ways and commits himself to being the best dad her can be for Caleb. There is a learning curve as he takes on that responsibility and some of it is VERY funny. Stevie is off a fresh break up when she moves in with her Nan who happens to be living in Bode's house with his Gran to help with the surprise baby. Though they share an instant mutual attraction, they both attempt to resist each other...for a while anyway. I loved the heat between them and the fun and friendship they build into their relationship. I adored Bode as a doting dad. I loved Stevie and how she is there for Bode and Caleb. The grandmas are truly special in their own right. I really appreciated that their relationship hiccup is caused by external sources and that they quickly find their HEA stronger than ever. I am loving this series and am excited to read Dax's book next.
Profile Image for BookishKayCee.
27 reviews9 followers
May 9, 2025
Received this ARC, and it was everything I’d hoped for- hockey romance, forced proximity, roommates to lovers, she steals his heart.

Feeling utterly down on her luck after a brutal double whammy—dumped and homeless in one fell swoop—Stevie seeks refuge at her grandmother's. But fate has another twist in store: Grandma's just sprung the news of her move. Following the new address, Stevie discovers her living situation is a trio, not a duo. It's not just her grandmother and her best friend, Eve, welcoming her in; it's also Eve's ridiculously attractive grandson, Bode, a professional hockey player who happens to own the place. Falling for a charming athlete known for his moves both on and off the rink was definitely not part of Stevie's plan.

Bode, a notorious playboy in the NHL, faces an unexpected curveball: a baby, supposedly his son, and the mother relinquished custody. Just when he's reeling from this news, the gorgeous Stevie arrives, now his unexpected housemate. As Bode grapples with newfound fatherhood and his undeniable pull towards Stevie, he begins to see the emptiness of his bachelor lifestyle and the comfort of belonging to a family. Now, he just needs to convince Stevie that their connection can withstand any obstacle, including the negative attention she's received for being with him.

I read this book in 2 days. I loved the characters, the storyline, And it’s the perfect amount of spice. Even better, there’s a sequel- Dax’s Story.
Profile Image for Bookishlyhaley.
324 reviews12 followers
May 2, 2025
The Playmaker is the second book in the Nashville Knights Hockey series. It follows Bode Adams and Stevie Campbell. This book starts where Game Misconduct ended, with Bode finding out he has a seven-month-old baby!

Bode is known to be the playboy in the hockey world and never saw himself having kids before his son Caleb came into his life. Now all Bode wants is to be the best dad he can be. However, he doesn't know the first thing about taking care of a baby so we had grandma come to the rescue! She doesn’t come alone though in fact she brings her best friend and eventually Stevie to live at his place as well! He was funny, sweet, playful, caring and protective. He was truly gone for Stevie the first moment he saw her. Bode may not have ever envisioned himself having kids but he was a natural at taking care of Caleb. He truly became a better man because of his son.

Stevie is an aesthetician who happens to find herself in a sticky situation when she was recently broken up with and has nowhere to live. She finds herself moving in with her grandma who happens to live with her friend at Bode’s place. She is sweet, kind, funny and loving. I loved her journey because she was able to learn to trust people again and let herself find true love with Bode. She also has such a special relationship with Caleb and truly loves and cares for this little boy from the start.

From the start, they were attracted to each other but for a while just kept their distance until they couldn’t stand it any longer. I loved their relationship progression because it happened organically with the help of some meddling grandmothers. The banter was hilarious between all of the characters but especially between Bode and his grandma. You will definitely fall in love with these characters. I seriously loved their story and can’t wait for the next book in the series!

You will enjoy this book if you like the following:
- Surprise Baby
- Forced Proximity
- Roommates
- Found Family
- Reformed Playboy
- Hockey Romance

Thank you so much, Emily Silver, for the gifted copy!
Profile Image for Stacey.
1,034 reviews39 followers
May 3, 2025
Bode was the team player and he no plan on settling down or even having kids. That all changed when a social worker shows up and drops a 7month old baby boy to him stating his mother signed over all rights to him. Luckily he had teammates over with their wives and they jumped in and got his house ready for a baby to live there. Bode also calls in reinforcements, aka his grandmother, and she moves in to help Bode raise Caleb.

Stevie’s boyfriend breaks up with her and she has to move out. Her grandmother says she can live with her but when she gets the address for her new home she doesn’t recognize it. Showing up to a gate with a modern mansion, she is confused. Finding out her grandmother moved in with Bode and his grandmother to help with Caleb. She offers to look elsewhere but Bode says she can say, more forced by his grandmother.

The slow burn friendship Stevie and Bode form was refreshing. Both are physically into each other but both have a past of abandonment and pain. Due to Bode being a hockey player, when his relationship is found out, the public/puck bunnies are mean and vicious towards Stevie.

These two really found love, peace and happiness with one another. They both also make Caleb number 1 priority.

Tropes:
Single Dad
Surprise Baby
Broken MC’s
Hockey Romance
Found family
Close Family
Reformed playboy
Profile Image for Kelchickbooklover.
2,044 reviews67 followers
May 3, 2025
The perfect single dad, sports romance filled with laughs, terrific banter and good times as well as a sweet love. Ms. Silver has given us a fantastic second book in the Nashville Knights Hockey series and I could not put it down. Right from the start, you knew this one was going to be outstanding.
Bode, an NHL player living the life, becomes an instant father when a baby is left on his doorstep. Now he has to juggle a new life but falls hard for his son Caleb. He moves in with his Gran for support. Then we have Stevie, a girl who has just come from a breakup and needs to start over. Stevie moves in with her Nan, who happens to be best friends with Bode's Gran. Well, now the two of them are living in the same house as Nan and Gran, with Bode's little boy. Bode and Stevie have an attraction, but Bode has to worry about Caleb first and foremost. I love how Stevie helps with Caeb, which brings her and Bode even closer. They finally realize that they can't fight the feelings they have for one another and give in. But there is always drama in love.
I could not stop laughing at the two best friends, Nan and Gran. They were up to no good, causing trouble and matchmaking. We all wish we had grandparents like them.
The Playmaker is one book you need to add to your library. The storyline is entertaining, brilliantly written and a joy to read.
Profile Image for Valencia Dawson.
91 reviews3 followers
May 8, 2025
Bode Adams ❤️

Nashville Knights playmaker Bode Adams' world was turned upside down when he learned he was a father to a 7-month-old baby boy, whom he was the sole guardian of. Not knowing the first thing about caring for a baby, Bode reached out to the one person he knew would drop everything to be there for him, his grandmother (Nan). She and her friend moved in with Bode to help him navigate being a new dad.

Little did Bode know he'd have another roommate. A very young and attractive roommate, Stevie. Due to being kicked out of her apartment by her ex, Stevie was forced to move in with her Grandmother (Gran), who was also living with said playmaker.

Bode and Stevie quickly formed a friendship that later turned into something more. She, along with their grandmothers, helped Bode take care of his son, Caleb. She not only grew to love Bode, but Caleb as well. Despite her hangups regarding past relationships, she was willing to give Bode and her a real chance. Through all the adversity, Bode never gave up on them. He wanted to be a better version of himself for both Caleb and Stevie. In the end, they both got their HEA.

Profile Image for Betty Wong.
366 reviews2 followers
April 21, 2025
Who do I love more: Bode and Stevie or their grandmas?!?!? Because they were equally the best parts of this book!
Bode just had his life upended by the news that he is a father to a baby boy and a man who doesn’t know one thing about babies is naturally going to call his grandma! And oh what a ride this is because not only does he get help from his grandmother and her best friend but he gains another roommate, Stevie who is the granddaughter of his grandmother’s best friend. Stay with me on this because this was funny and it was sweet and steamy!
What I loved about this book: Bode and Stevie building a connection; watching their way hot chemistry build this love story. The grandmas! Omg these grandmas are nothing but hilarious. They love to meddle and give opinions and push their grandchildren toward each other.
And the evolution of Bode from a playboy to this wow wow wow hot dad! I thought Game Misconduct was sweet but I think this book way up the game!
Profile Image for Annie Carpenter.
363 reviews15 followers
April 23, 2025
I have been waiting for Bode's book since the end of Game Misconduct and it did not disappoint! Bode was seriously the swooniest and the most amazing dad. Seeing him go from a playboy with no responsibilities to a single dad was so sweet, this man cared about Caleb right from the start and did whatever he could to be the best dad for him. Stevie showed up at the perfect time and fit with Bode and Caleb perfectly! She is exactly what these two needed🩷

❤️ 𝐻𝑜𝒸𝓀𝑒𝓎 𝑅𝑜𝓂𝒶𝓃𝒸𝑒
❤️ 𝒮𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓁𝑒 𝒟𝒶𝒹
❤️ 𝑅𝑜𝑜𝓂𝓂𝒶𝓉𝑒𝓈 𝓉𝑜 𝐿𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓈
❤️ 𝐹𝑜𝓊𝓃𝒹 𝐹𝒶𝓂𝒾𝓁𝓎
❤️ 𝑅𝑒𝒻𝑜𝓇𝓂𝑒𝒹 𝒫𝓁𝒶𝓎𝒷𝑜𝓎

Bode and Stevie's grandmas had me cracking up throughout the whole book, these two were hilarious and so supportive of these two from the start. Bode's teammates were the sweetest and i just love how close this team is, I seriously loved how they accepted Stevie from the start and always had her back. I have just loved this series so far and cant wait for Dax's book next!
Profile Image for Kristina Maysonet.
1,737 reviews35 followers
May 3, 2025
We start off with Bode talking about how he never wants to be a dad but then everything changes abruptly! When a baby unexpectedly enters Bode’s world, he is now left with trying to figure out how to be a father. He barely had experience with kids and now he’s a single dad to seven-month-old Caleb. This part of the book moves really quickly and we jump from Bode not wanting to be a dad, to discovering he has a child and being given custody and having a room done up for Caleb.

Bode’s grandmother comes to live with him to help him out and she brings her best friend who ultimately invites her granddaughter to live there too. This part was really sweet to me. I loved how Stevie and Bode really got to know each other and started dating. The chance to see real dates in books is not very common but these dates were priceless!

What unfolds between them is a beautiful connection built on laughter, games and late nights. I adored watching Bode transform from carefree bachelor to a devoted father and boyfriend. Stevie was all heart, even when it was hard she had to do what was best for everyone. I freaking loved the meddling grandmas, this part of the story made me laugh so much!
Profile Image for Melissa Cooke.
884 reviews9 followers
May 3, 2025
I absolutely love the found family that is the Nashville Knights hockey team.

The leagues reigning playboy, Bode, gets the surprise of his life when he finds a baby left on his doorstep. The next surprise? His elderly neighbors granddaughter, Stevie. The insta lust was real between these two but they have plenty of obstacles in their way. He's trying to figure out being a dad and she's fresh off a breakup and has walls so high they're almost impossible to climb.

As Stevie and grams support Bode with his son, their attraction grows to the point they cannot no longer fight it. I love how they healed parts of each other they didn't break, and the little family that they became.

Emily Silver writes stories you will not want to put down and gives us characters that you will fall madly in love with. I can't wait for more of the Knights family.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
688 reviews55 followers
April 25, 2025
This is book 2 in the Nashville Knights Hockey series and it does not disappoint! Bode is a playboy turned single dad basically over night. This new responsibility completely changes his outlook on life. But throw in Stevie and Bode realizes what he’s been missing in his life. Bode never let himself open to getting hurt but when things get serious with Stevie he can’t help it. Stevie has Bode wanting things he never thought about before his son Caleb came into his life. It’s not easy but the journey is one you will not want to miss. They will have you swooning and falling right along with them and as they reach their HEA, it is one that will be living rent free in your mind and heart. This was an amazing addition to series and I can’t wait for what is coming next.
Profile Image for Becca Cherpak.
208 reviews13 followers
May 2, 2025
I was SO excited for this book and to see daddy Bode! He had a rocky start (what new parent doesn’t), but I loved how he fell so naturally into parenting even though he said he never saw himself with kids.

Even those Stevie had been dealt a crappy hand in life, she was still constantly willing to help others, step in when needed, and was just such a genuine person. She was so guarded around Bode at first, but as soon as she let her guard down, the two of them had the best chemistry

Nan and Gran are the best and I need a novella just for them 😂

This could’ve been 5 stars, but I feel like the book just kind of abruptly ended. What happened to the job that Harper told Stevie about? What happened to Becky?? Too many loose ends not tied up
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