Ready to Play: A steamy friends with benefits romance

by Shefali Prem

BRENT
I've wanted Joey and her tempting body for years, so why am I not jumping at the chance when she propositions me?

She’s a temptation I can't resist, so I accept—after setting down some ground rules for the game we're about to play. Yet somehow I'm the one bending those rules and moving the goalposts.

Then demons from my past reappear and threaten to take me out of the game.

JOEY
I've had a crush on Brent for years, so why am I hesitating when he counters with a proposition of his own?

Determined to break out of my shell and have a little fun, I accept his terms. Who better to show me a good time than a
sexy NFL tight end who knows how to play?

But when he suddenly becomes secretive, I must decide between my newfound self-worth and my growing love for him.

Can Brent and Joey overcome their fear and mistrust to win in the game of love? Ready to Play is perfect for fans of steamy sports romance with emotional depth.

Ready to Play is a steamy contemporary romance. Tropes
-friends with benefits
-secret relationship
-best friend's brother / sister's best friend
-opposites attract
-found family
-body image / self-worth issues
-overcoming tragedy

Genres: Sports Romance, Football, Romance, Contemporary Romance

325 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 5, 2024

Reviews

[Nim_reads_a_lot · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a layered love story. I loved the main female character, Joey, who is half-Indian and half-Irish as she struggles with body issues, self-worth, and her long-time crush with Brent. Brent is an NFL football player who has grown up with Joey and is now realizing maybe he should give her a chance. A “situationship” arises where they try to have the friends with benefit life. I enjoyed the messiness of it all. It was real and impractical as situationships tend to be. I did get frustrated with Brent who was not willing to lose his “freedom” and I wanted to be Joey’s big sister and tell her to leave the fool. She was a hot and intelligent woman who deserved the world. My emotional investment is due to the author’s ability to keep me invested and rooting for this couple. It was believable. It wasn’t exaggerated. Relationships are not straightforward sometimes and men/Brent suck at communication and have a perpetual foot in their mouth. (Not that Joey was perfect but she’s my girl and I will stand with her) Joey’s body issues mirrored mine and I connected with her situation and wanted to yell some words of affirmation to her. I don’t often see a female character who is a giant, athletic build and big chested. (Not told in a gratuitous way.) Women’s bodies, no matter the shape can be a struggle to accept and I loved seeing this shape for our lead. She hid herself in so many ways with scarves and vests. She held back from things to keep herself covered and hidden because she was embarrassed. Girl, it’s hard having to find German engineered bras. I feel the struggle. I enjoyed this book and hope you give this indie South Asian author a chance!

[katapolt13 · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

Ready to Play is a fiery, fast-paced sports romance full of angst and forbidden tension. From the very first pages, we see Brent’s scars—he grew up too fast, carrying the weight of his family on his shoulders. The one thing he’s always wanted but knows he can’t have? Joey, the girl who’s supposed to be like a sister to him.

But the tension between them has been simmering for years, and when Joey gets drunk one night, she makes a bold proposition: she wants Brent to be her first. He was her first kiss, and now she wants him for this too.

Brent tries to resist—falling for her risks everything, even his freedom—but denying what’s between them isn’t an option anymore. And as readers, we’re desperate for the moment he finally admits what’s been true all along… he loves her.

✨ What to Expect
🔥 Friends with Benefits
🤫 Secret Relationship
👦 Best Friend’s Brother
🏈 Football Romance
💋 Virgin FMC
💔 Damaged MMC

[Ruhani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This romance between Brent, an NFL tight end, and Joey, a woman who has harbored feelings for him for years, brings together steamy tension and emotional depth. Both characters are drawn into a tempting game, yet the stakes grow higher as personal boundaries blur, and deeper issues surface.

Brent's internal struggle is compelling. Despite his desire for Joey, his demons from the past reemerge, causing him to question his choices. His character is well-rounded, balancing the confident athlete persona with vulnerability, making his hesitations believable and relatable.

Joey's journey from shy admirer to a confident woman finding her self-worth is empowering. Her willingness to push past her insecurities and take a chance on a relationship with Brent gives the story heart. As Brent becomes more secretive, Joey’s growth becomes the story's emotional anchor, and her decision between self-respect and love adds weight to the romance.

The dynamic between the two characters is engaging, with a blend of playful banter, sizzling chemistry, and emotional depth. Their relationship evolves naturally, though the pacing occasionally stalls when Brent's past is hinted at but not fully explored until later.

Overall, this book delivers an enticing mix of romance, emotional growth, and personal challenges, making it a satisfying read for those who enjoy love stories with a bit of complexity and heart.

[Anna Summers · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, what a stunning cover. Must buy just for the cover, really. *heart eyes*

Ready to Play by Shefali Prem was suuch a great read, omgg! It flowed so smoothly, and absolutely SLAYED. The plot was never boring, kept me so invested in Joey and Brent. Amazing writing, fav trope, relatable, funny, witty, emotional, healing, happy. We got everything.

The most heartwarming parts, and my personal favourites were the way they both grew together and how Brent's family provided such a supportive and caring environment for Joey. I was rooting for them and the way they overcame every little and big challenge together, and they didn't disappoint.

The spice was so well done, and Brent is so sweet with Joey. Joey's growth is perhaps the most tangible to me over the course of the story as she finds herself, and Shefali's writing positions us so we make that brave journey right alongside her. Brent learns just as much with Joey by his side, about himself, life, and love. It was a heartwarming story, with every character crafted with beautifully realistic personas.

I'd talk all about their different phases and sides, but I don't want to spoil anything further, I'll just conclude by saying thank you for this ARC, @Shefali Prem! Loved it so much, and cannot wait for more!

[Vada · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the banter between Joey and Brent. The character growth was wonderful. The spice was spicing. There were a few moments in the way written where it lost me a little bit, but it pulled me back in just as easily. Overall, I did really enjoy this book! I am excited to see what else this author writes 🥰

[Rhiannon_2024 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing!!
This was such a good book and the storyline kept me gripped, joey and Brent agree to an arrangement benefiting both of them and after fighting temptation for so long they finally gave in to it! It was such a good read and hit me right in the feelings!
The only reason it didn’t get full stars is becoming it’s not as spicy as I’d normally read!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed these characters!!! Brent and Joey were great together, enjoyed there banter and really felt for Joey with her insecurities but with Brent being so nice to her, made me like it even more!

A really touching cute read!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Quick, heartfelt sports romance!

I just finished Ready to Play by Shefali Prem, which I received in my most recent Reveal Book Box. This was such a good, quick read! I really enjoyed watching the character development of both Joey and Brent as they each worked through personal struggles to reach their happily-ever-after. If you love romance wrapped around a sports storyline, I highly recommend giving this one a try!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Friends (sort of) to lovers + sports romance = yes please!
Brent and Joey’s story is full of emotional growth, tension, and chemistry. Loved watching them work through miscommunication and insecurities. A heartfelt read that hits all the right notes!

[Fiona Rowan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute little break from my usual darker style. I would probably give 3.5 stars if it was an option.
The frequent sex while still in a slow burn was hot and I loved the way Joey learned to accept herself. I found the conflict a little forced on Joey’s side. Seemed out of character for her and unnecessary but overall a nice read, good character development, and engaging writing style.
Great first book for an indie author.

[Leigh Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ready to Play was a captivating read. I fell in love with the main characters (Joey and Brent) and I was rooting for them! This book has a secret relationship, found family, and friends with benefits, which are all some of my favorite tropes!
Sports romances have my heart, and this one had a powerful story to back it up. I can't wait for more books in this series as we learn more about Brent's sisters!

[Francesca Graye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devoured this book in a few days! Loved the banter, characters, and steamy romance! Highly recommend!

[Keri Zoumas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters were well thought out and they were multidimensional. The storyline was interesting and I was excited to get to the next chapter. I liked the point of view flipping between the two main characters as well as a sprinkling of their peripheral fronds/cohorts. It was sexy and had a fun storyline with some unexpected twists! Highly recommend.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

📕BOOK REVIEW📕
This was a debut sports romance from an author who reached out to me, and I was excited to read it. I was really impressed with how well written this was, the character development and spice. This involves a virgin FMC, a sort of reformed playboy NfL star who FMC has known for years (because it’s her best friend’s brother).

This was a fun time because of dual POV and both characters clearly wanting one another but having to get through some hurdles first. The FMC was a professional woman in a helping medical role and I appreciated that. There were also parts that discussed body positivity, sexual awakening and dealing with yucky exes.

Things got pretty challenging at the end, lots of miscommunication and emotional immaturity on the part of both characters, so I struggled a bit there (being a therapist reading), but ultimately this was an impressive debut novel that’s worth a read. I think the struggle of the characters was relatively accurate given their age and relationship experiences (virgin FMC initially and family connection and challenges), there was just a lot of whiplash as the reader, and sometimes the miscommunication trope for me is not as enjoyable as healthy expression of needs between characters. The spice was spicy and the tension and banter fun. I’m impressed this is a debut novel and can’t wait to see what else the author writes!

3.75 ⭐️s

[Cassy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just want to say how much I LOVED the tall FMC. 6’1”!!!! Amazing. And she wasn’t a skinny nothing. She had curves and weight. And I like that she was half Indian. Honestly, Joey was probably my favorite part of this book. She was shy but independent. Intelligent, ambitious and kind. Her insecurities were so relatable and I really liked watching gain confidence. I liked even more that she was going to own it, despite what was going on with Brent.

Brent… kind of annoyed the shit out of me. He wanted all the perks of a relationship, but didn’t want to call it that, and then when Joey very reasonably stood up for herself, he got mad at her. His grovel was mediocre at best, and it made me so mad that all of it could have been avoided if he had just TALKED to her and trusted her.

It also annoyed me that the author just kept… creating problems that had no place in the book. The one that stands out the most is Joey’s comments to Brent at the gala. They kind of came out of no where, like the author just needed another excuse to separate them.

And Brent’s actions at the gala. Like, you weren’t together then, and really, you kept claiming you were never together so to be such an ass about her being there with someone else was obnoxious.

This book just hit a big ‘meh’ note for me. Not particularly good or bad, and not particularly memorable.

[Aditi Mehta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ready to Play is the first romance novel that has truly made me feel seen as an Indian woman who struggled with her self-image during her teenage years. It’s one of the rare steamy sports romances that not only drew me in but also compelled me to keep turning the pages. The storyline was gripping, layered with deeper meaning as Shefali Prem explores the lasting scars Brent and Joey carried from their past family traumas.

Prem’s talent shines through, not just in the stunning, aesthetically pleasing cover, but in the depth of her characters and the heart of the narrative. Joey, in particular, felt so real to me. Her reflections on her Indian heritage were incredibly relatable, and I loved those little cultural touches woven into the story. Honestly, a hot, hearty meal is the way to a man’s heart (especially my husband’s!).

Favourite lines:

- "You opened a floodgate, one I've tried to keep closed for years”
- Aunty insisted I learn how to cook Indian food, not for myself, but because a hot, hearty meal was how to win a man's heart-and a marriage proposal.
- I was too busy trying to fit in. I already looked different. I wasn't going to make it worse by behaving differently too.
- I mouth the last line and Joey smiles tentatively, making me feel like I've won the Super Bowl single-handedly.

[Leona · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Ready to Play” by Shefali Pram is a fantastic mix of steamy romance and emotional depth. The chemistry between Brent, the NFL star, and Joey, who has admired him from afar for years, is undeniable and keeps you hooked. I loved how the banter between them brought lightness to the story, while also diving into deeper themes like trust, self-worth, and personal growth.

Brent’s internal struggle really added layers to his character. His mix of confidence and vulnerability made him feel authentic. On the other hand, Joey’s journey from being shy and uncertain to finding her own confidence was incredibly empowering. Her growth really grounds the story, especially when she has to decide between love and self-respect.

While there were a few parts where the pacing slowed down, the overall story was so engaging that it didn’t bother me at all.

This is a touching, heartfelt read that balances spicy romance with emotional complexity. I’m excited to see what Shefali Pram comes up with next!

[Morgan Tharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ready to Play was an adorable sports romance featuring an NFL star and his love story with his sister's best friend.

I have them book 5 stars. I love the character development of Brent and Joey. Their initial interaction had me rolling on the floor. I thought it was funny and adorable. I don't want to spoil anything so I'll leave this here, someone has to be first.

I recommend this book to everyone!

[Angee Owens · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very enjoyable layered story. I received this one in a reveal book box and the cover was so pretty I couldn’t wait to dive in. The story was well crafted, and the characters were multidimensional and were easy to identify with. It had dual POV which is always nice. It’s a sports romance that isn’t the typical sports romance. It was done well and had some unexpected twists which is always nice. A very enjoyable read. I highly recommend it.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Brent and Joey was a captivating blend of steamy romance and emotional depth that had me hooked from start to finish. This book masterfully explores the complexities of love, trust, and self-worth, all wrapped up in the irresistible world of sports romance. I'm looking forward to what comes next from Shefali Prem.

[heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

wonderfully written book it pulls you in and you can see the connection and chemistry between characters. it was romance with spice but not too over powered spice. cant wait to read more from Shefali this is more for mature teens 18+ age younger kids I would not recommend but that's just me. ya'll know your kids lol.

[Booklvr89 · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY SMOKES BATMAN!!! I'm a fan of sports romance. I'm a fan of guys that make you swoon. And I'm a fan of romances that make you feel. This book has all THAT! Shefali is a new author for me but I will now be on the look put for more of this amazing authors work! I received an advanced copy of the book and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Liz L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got this book in a book box and I have to say I am not sure it would have been on my radar otherwise. But I am sure glad it was sent to me and I gave it a try. It was a fun story that I enjoyed to the point that I will be looking for more by this author ...

[Kendall Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! I read it so quickly.

[Emily Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like parts were rushed or just straight smut but from the story I could put together I liked that

[Ruf Mud · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute