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Well Played: A Sports Romance Anthology

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True love often isn’t a slam dunk.

No matter how hard you try, sometimes you fumble.

You want to get to loving strokes and fore play but there may be hurdles to overcome.

If a happily ever after is your goal, step up to the plate and hope you don’t strike out.

Well Played, the first Sports Romance collection from The Romance Cafe is coming in 2024.

Kenna Shaw Reed

Cecelia Conway

TL Hamilton

Sharon Michalove

Debra Deasey

Katherine Isaac

Wynter Ryan

Kristine Charles

Maida Malby

J.T. Silver

Katharine O'Neill

Danielle Sibarium

Ariana St. Claire

JCC Downing

Emmy Dee

Juliet Martini

Gabbi Black

Ellis Worth

Harper Michaels

Sofia Aves

S L Hollister

Amy Stephens

Toni Denise

Belinda E Edwards

Minda Knight

784 pages, Paperback

Published October 4, 2024

8 people are currently reading
35 people want to read

About the author

Sofia Aves

130 books564 followers
USA Today Bestselling author Sofia Aves writes fast-paced police romances, sizzling military units, steamy cowboys with a Montana backdrop and the occasional cheeky god. Sofia writes kidlit for charity and has over one hundred and fifty publications across five not-so-super-secret pen names. She’s the acquisitions editor for Evernight and Evernight Teen publishing and is a mum of three crazies in a returned veteran household. Sofia has two overly large fur babies who think they’re teacup puppies.
Sofia lives near Brisbane, Australia where she has her own alpaca park, Lorendel.


Rep: Nicky Lovick at WGM Atalntic

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Charlotte.
4,022 reviews62 followers
October 18, 2024
I haven't read the whole Anthology just yet but I plan to do that really soon.

My review is for
Game On by Crystal North and Katherine Issac

Figure Skater - Vesper and Hockey Player - Tarak take an instant dislike to each other when they fight over time on the ice. The banter and the love/hate dynamic between both of them was just brilliant. I enjoyed reading this taste of things to come and I can't wait to get my hands on the full book now.
Profile Image for ChristiLovesBooks_smut.
1,860 reviews46 followers
September 7, 2024
Cross Check Me, Coach, part of the anthology Well Played, Ariana St Claire @authorarianastclaire. First, I am a fan of Ariana’s & this novella was no different!

Aww, this novella about Zoe & Brett was fantastic! What is there not to love about MF, one-night stand to a relationship, best friend’s brother, instalust/instalove & co-workers?
Profile Image for Ashley.
450 reviews6 followers
September 27, 2024
There are 20 sports themed stories in this collection. So my highlights are:

Coaching the Mavericks by Kenna Shaw Reed might have been my favorite in the collection. And Cross Check Me, Coach by Ariana St. Claire was a close second.

Puck Me Sideways by Sofia Aves - I'm looking forward to when this story is expanded into a full-length novel because I liked it but wanted more of it. I dunno why, but the MMC being named Solace bothered me for some reason, so I just refused to read his name, and it was static in my brain. lol The darker themes in the story were good since I prefer to read darker books. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author. - This is the author that I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout from and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Off the Bench by Sharon Michalove - I couldn't do more than skim because I'm really not a fan of stories with medication abusing misogynists. Like, I get it, you've got mommy issues, dude, but go to therapy instead of taking it out on every woman you meet.

Secrets on Skates by Kalli Dean - Having the intermission between periods in the ice hockey game called "halftime" jolted me out of the story. Even if there are places that call it halftime, it's wrong because if there are three equal periods, then there is literally no halftime as that would be in the middle of the second period. 🤷🏻‍♀️
Profile Image for Stephanie Rhamstine.
173 reviews1 follower
October 14, 2024
🏒✨ Review: Cross Check Me, Coach by Ariana St. Claire (in the Well Played Anthology)✨🏒

I’m a total sucker for sports novellas, and Cross Check Me, Coach definitely delivered the goods! Brett, the playboy MMC, gets completely knocked off balance when he meets his match, and I loved every minute of it. There's something so satisfying about a hero falling hard and fast when he finds "the one."

This novella checks all the boxes for me—best friend’s brother, age-gap, and just the right amount of spice. The chemistry between the characters was sizzling, and Ariana St. Claire knows how to craft a story that grabs you from the start! 🔥

While I enjoyed the ride, I found myself wishing it was a little longer because I was so hooked on these characters. I didn’t want to let them go! Still, for a quick and steamy read, it totally hit the spot.

If you love insta-love, grumpy heroes, and a happily-ever-after wrapped up in a fun, sporty package, this one is perfect! Ariana St. Claire continues to impress with her hot, fast-paced novellas! 🖤

#WellPlayedAnthology #CrossCheckMeCoach #ArianaStClaire #SportsRomance #SpicyNovella #AgeGapRomance #QuickReads #BookReview
Profile Image for Andrea Mehalco.
360 reviews3 followers
October 8, 2024
This is a review for Cross Check Me, Coach by Ariana St. Claire.

I’m a sucker for a good sports novella, and this one definitely delivered. Zoe, a college student out for revenge on her pro hockey player ex, Liam, decides to have a one-night stand with his new hockey coach, Brett—who just so happens to be her best friend’s older brother.

Brett and Zoe spend an unforgettable night together without exchanging any personal details, not even names. But as fate would have it, Zoe works for the same hockey organization, and they’re reunited.

I love a MMC)with the playboy vibe who’s completely knocked off his feet when he meets "the one." Brett is exactly that. This was a fun, spicy best friend’s brother, age-gap romance that totally hit the mark. Ariana St. Claire never disappoints!
Profile Image for Judie.
378 reviews9 followers
October 21, 2024
This book is part of the Well Played Anthology. I love Ariana St Claire’s writing and this book is no different. It is a quick read as it is a novella. Jump on in and join the fun. Zoe and Brett are fantastic. They meet on a beach vacation and have a whirlwind one night stand, only to find out they are soon going to be working together.

Zoe completely knocks Brett off his feet and I am here for it! If you love a he falls first and hard, best friend’s brother, co-worker sports romance then this book is for you. It has just the right amount of spice and banter that only Ariana can write. I just wish it had been longer because I did not want to say goodbye to this sports romance!
Profile Image for Bookend Gal.
518 reviews29 followers
October 8, 2024
I've only read Cross Check Me, Coach by Ariana St. Claire. So this pertains to her story only.

So, I just finished reading Cross Check Me, Coach by Ariana St. Claire. It's extremely short. A little too short for me because I absolutely loved the characters so much that I just wanted more. I can't say too much since it would give it all away but I enjoyed it very much. I'm hoping to see a little more of these two in future books in the Montreal Triumph series. I'm pretty new to Ariana St. Claire and I have found her stories to be fun and steamy. I can't wait to read more of her characters.

Profile Image for Nikki Miskey.
213 reviews5 followers
October 15, 2024
*Note that this review is for Cross Check Me, Coach by Ariana St Claire and not the whole anthology*

Brett is attending the destination wedding of his best friend when he meets a bold, sexy, and mysterious woman for a life-changing one night stand with no names. Three months later, he sees her again, only to discover that Zoe not only works for the team he now coaches, but is his little brother's best friend.

Cute, fun, lighthearted, and fast read. That's this book in 5 words. The author's signature quirky humor is present in Brett's family's nicknames for each other, which I adored. This book is part of an upcoming anthology series, and I can't wait to read more!

I recommend this book if you enjoy hockey romance, and lighthearted reads with cute humor that will make you smile.
Profile Image for Lisa Bing.
6,323 reviews71 followers
October 17, 2024
This is a fab collection of sports romances by some really great authors. I had read some before but love getting to check out new-to-me authors in sets like this. I absolutely loved Sofia Aves' Puck Me Sideways as Solace shows Hallie she's the perfect gal for him. It wasn't a smooth ride as she'd been burned in the past by a hockey player. But Solace was incredibly intense and really, she had to cave to that honesty...and hot chemistry. Man, did he bring the heat ;P Of course, they get their HEA, after some drama, and I hope we get more stories set in this world. The other stories are as fab and provide hours of binge reading fun :D Definitely recommend!
11.7k reviews48 followers
October 24, 2024
Well Played: A Sports Romance Anthology

If you love sports romances then Well Played: A Sports Romance Anthology is going to be a winner for you. This part of the Romance Café Collection series and contains so many stories by a different authors that you will definitely find several you devour. Actually there are 20 stories, some by authors I have already read and others by "new to me" authors which I can explore. I will be honest as I have not read all of the stories so far but what I have picked and read I have enjoyed quite a bit. This anthology will definitely deliver some Well Played romances and have your heart pounding hard.....Happy Reading!
Profile Image for Sara Adams.
105 reviews4 followers
October 28, 2024
PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A REVIEW FOR CROSS CHECK ME COACH AS PART OF THE ANTHOLOGY

I sped through this so fast! This grips you from the first line. I had no idea where this was going throughout and thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

What happens when you sleep with your ex, who isn’t your ex’s coach, your best friend’s older brother and oh, he happens to be your boss too 🙈 spice happens that’s what!

This is such a fun, funny and wholesome book with a smattering of spice.

I will say that the ending seemed a little too fast, however it was novella so I get that it does happen, I just wish there had been more of this because it was sooo good!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5

Profile Image for Brittanie England.
493 reviews10 followers
October 2, 2024
**Review for Game On by Katherine Isaac & Crystal North**

A solid wall of power and muscle with a soft interior. A dainty and delicate figure skater with a core of steel. Blades clash, On and off the ice. Will it be Game Over, or will it be Game On?

This is such a tease! I immediately want more! This short story is just the beginning for these two and boy did they melt that ice! I’m a puddle on the ground! I’m such a sucker for a hockey player meets ice skater and they definitely have tension between them! I loved the way they met and I can’t wait to see where they go!
Profile Image for Vivien Richards.
1,648 reviews23 followers
October 29, 2024
I love just about every sports romance I've ever read. If you love sports romance then I think you'll love this anthology. It's over 1100 pages and the kindle price is so inexpensive for all the stories you get! It's hard to pick a favorite story out of these but I really enjoyed the Harper Michaels and Sofia Aves stories. There is just about any trope you can imagine. Some stories are funny and sweet others are hot and spicy. So whatever you're in the mood for you may find it in this anthology.
Profile Image for Teri Ruscak.
2,131 reviews19 followers
November 4, 2024
Sofia Aves and 4 more
Well Played: A Sports Romance Anthology (Romance Café Collection Book 36)
Great Anthology!

Authors:

Kenna Shaw Reed
Cecelia Conway
TL Hamilton
Sharon Michalove
Kalli Dean
Katherine Isaac & Crystal North
Maida Malby
J.T. Silver
Katharine O'Neill
Danielle Sibarium
Ariana St. Claire
JCC Downing
Juliet Martini
Harper Michaels
Sofia Aves
S L Hollister
T.S. Simons
Toni Denise
Belinda E Edwards
Melinda Pine
Gabbi Black
Great stories, and lots of new to me authors, and some well loved ones as well.
Enjoy!
Profile Image for Jess.
555 reviews4 followers
October 14, 2024
I have only read Cross Check Me, Coach by Ariana St. Claire so my review is for that portion of the anthology only.
Another fun piece from this author. Jumped head first into the instalust which is always fun.
Brothers best friend, jackass ex getting what's coming to him, fun bestie and smoking older guy, what's not to love.
Really want to read more about this couple and how they develop and the epilogue had me eagerly awaiting Eden's story.
Profile Image for Reading.With.Janet.
416 reviews8 followers
October 20, 2024
Review for Cross Check Me Coach:
.
.
If you like novels this is for you. This is just right up my alley love it this story. Brett the playboy MMC, gets completely knocked off balance when he meets his match. Zoe is a college student out for revenge on her pro hockey player ex, Liam, decides to have a one-night stand with his new hockey coach, Brett who just so happens to be her best friend's older brother. 5/5 recommend it.
Profile Image for Jen.
338 reviews
September 18, 2024
4 ⭐️
3 🌶️

Tropes
🥅 Best Friends Older Brother
🏒 Ex’s New Hockey Coach
🥅 Revenge Hook up


Brett just signed a Hockey Coach job and was on the look for a woman to fix a need. Zoe was on vacation looking for a revenge hook up and boy did she find it but can a random hook up be the one that makes you want forever?!?I love Ariana St. Claire’s writing
1,910 reviews25 followers
October 18, 2024
Loved this collection. I will be dipping in and out of this book over the next few months. Read the shorts by Ariana St Claire and Sofia Aves really good stories. Looking forward to the others.

I received a free copy of this book via Sofia's Cowboy Romance Lovers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Danes_booksta.
400 reviews1 follower
October 20, 2024
This particular arc review is for Cross Check Me, Coach by Ariana St. Claire (i will be reading the rest eventually)


I love Zoe — her tits of steel to pull that phone move 🤌🏼
She is fun and lively and i loved her attitude!

AND

I need like 10 more Brett LeCavalier’s in my life. HELLO DADDY. 😍

ALSO, that tease about Eden’s story!!!!! I CANT FREAKING WAIT.
323 reviews3 followers
October 21, 2024
To say I was excited to see Sofia Aves in this Anothology would be an understatement.

I loved reading Solace and Hallie's story. It combined several of my favorite things.

Hockey, love and a dominate man who knows what he wants.

Sofia, you did amazing with this one!

And for the rest of the stories and authors, lets just say, my TBRL is getting longer. LOVED THIS!
Profile Image for Michelle Roberts.
1,014 reviews2 followers
October 28, 2024
I found it fascinating how these stories all flowed together to create such an engaging and fun read. This interconnectedness of different stories is one of my favorite things about this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Sofia's Cowboy Romance Lovers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Amanda M.
2,915 reviews16 followers
October 29, 2024
Review for Cross Check Me, Coach by Ariana St Claire:
A one night stand, insta love, age gap, best friend's brother story that I couldn't put down . A quick read that had me glued to the pages. I really liked the storyline and characters. The chemistry and connection between the H & h is fire too. A fantastic read.
Profile Image for Katherine Elley.
571 reviews28 followers
November 10, 2024
Enemies to Lovers

Game On by Crystal North and Katherine Issac

Tarak moves to from Australia to the UK to start his ice hockey scholarship. He meets Vesper who is a World Championship Figure Skater. They take an instant dislike for each other as they fight over the time for ice practise.

Loved the love-hate between these two characters. Cute little read with sexy smut.
Profile Image for Popsytops.
69 reviews8 followers
November 16, 2024
I don't normally read sports romances and I rarely buy anthologies, but I really enjoyed dipping into and out of this at night. The stories are very varied, from bad boys to sweet home-loving fellas and closed door to very steamy indeed. Most of the stories, I have to say, needed another proofread, but that did not stop my enjoyment. Huge number of stories, too, so good value for money.
Profile Image for Serena.
8 reviews
September 14, 2024
Cross Check Me, Coach by Ariana St. Claire (ARC) part of this anthology.

Absolutely amazing too short read! Best friend’s big brother and one night stand. Sparks are flying and tensions building. Go read to find out!!!
Profile Image for Jessica Sexton.
794 reviews15 followers
September 18, 2024
5/5⭐️
3/5🌶️

I read cross check me coach! Always, Always, always I finish an Ari story and I’m in her DM’s telling her I need more and this book is no exception. I love her stories every freaking time!
Profile Image for K Huskić.
2,244 reviews39 followers
October 15, 2024
*Read Cross Check Me, Coach by Ariana St Claire

A quick read, where a one-night stand ends up being much more complicated. The characters were fun and I thoroughly enjoyed the story, but I want more! I would have loved a more in-depth story with these characters, but it was a fun read all the same.
Profile Image for love,care and self - ashlea.
488 reviews16 followers
October 16, 2024
This review is specifically for Ariana st Claire’s story cross check me, coach.

This is a short, sweet and sexy little read that keeps the reader wanting more, there is no drama, just simple, straightforward chemistry.

Looking forward to more from the Montreal triumph hockey team.
921 reviews
October 16, 2024
Reviewing Cross Check Me Coach by Ariana St Claire. Loved this novella with the age gap, best friends brother and oh the heat. The chemistry between Brett and Zoe was 🥵. This had it all I. A short fun read. Ariana did it again.
Plus there are more short fun stories in this book. Enjoy.
12.3k reviews75 followers
October 17, 2024
These amazing authors have come together to give us a wonderful selection of sport themed stories. Each story pulls us into the lives of the characters and keeps us interested.

I received a free copy of this book via Sofia's Cowboy Romance Lovers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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