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Love The Game
Offside Play
From USA Today bestselling author Becca Steele comes a new standalone MM sports romance set in the Love the Game universe.
When my Premier League season comes to an abrupt end thanks to an injury and subsequent transfer to another team, I decide to surprise my brother by flying out to Canada to catch him in the NHL playoffs.
I never planned on sleeping with a man for the first time on my very first day in Calgary. A man who turns out to be my brother’s grumpy, antisocial teammate.
I never planned for it to happen again.
And again.
We’re professional athletes. His life is in Canada and mine is in the UK.
I know there’s no future for us. So why can’t I make myself stay away from him?
Love the Game is an MM sports romance shared world, and features books from Willow Thomas, Becca Steele, Jodi Oliver, EM Denning, Becca Seymour, Becca Jackson, EM Lindsey, and Cora Rose.
When my Premier League season comes to an abrupt end thanks to an injury and subsequent transfer to another team, I decide to surprise my brother by flying out to Canada to catch him in the NHL playoffs.
I never planned on sleeping with a man for the first time on my very first day in Calgary. A man who turns out to be my brother’s grumpy, antisocial teammate.
I never planned for it to happen again.
And again.
We’re professional athletes. His life is in Canada and mine is in the UK.
I know there’s no future for us. So why can’t I make myself stay away from him?
Love the Game is an MM sports romance shared world, and features books from Willow Thomas, Becca Steele, Jodi Oliver, EM Denning, Becca Seymour, Becca Jackson, EM Lindsey, and Cora Rose.
237 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2025
347 people are currently reading
919 people want to read
About the author
Becca Steele
52 books4,368 followersBecca Steele is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of new adult romance from contemporary to dark. Her books have been translated into multiple languages.
Becca resides in the south of England with her family. When she's not writing, you can find her reading, gaming, or curating yet another Spotify playlist.
Stalker links
http://linktr.ee/authorbeccasteele
Becca resides in the south of England with her family. When she's not writing, you can find her reading, gaming, or curating yet another Spotify playlist.
Stalker links
http://linktr.ee/authorbeccasteele
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 288 reviews
September 2, 2025
Offside Play is a fun and low angst romance between hockey player Cody and soccer player Jude. This is an entertaining story that offers a great meet-cute between Cody and Jude, who are going to a concert incognito, quickly strike up a rapport, and instantly, their grump sunshine dynamic is at full force. Cody cannot deny the outspoken Jude, and what begins as a simple flirtation slowly grows into something more.
Overall, this is a fun story that takes you on a journey as Jude and Cody navigate their complicated situation while dealing with growing sincere feelings that cannot be ignored. I am super excited for Jude's brother's story. I am fully intrigued.
** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Overall, this is a fun story that takes you on a journey as Jude and Cody navigate their complicated situation while dealing with growing sincere feelings that cannot be ignored. I am super excited for Jude's brother's story. I am fully intrigued.
** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
August 27, 2025
This was a really fun sports romance! I was kinda sceptical as to how a Premiership footballer and an NHL hockey player were going to have a relationship (or even meet for that matter) because their seasons have such big overlaps - August to May for the Premiership, and October to April for NHL, not to mention pre-season and playoffs, but I really like how this was done!
Cody was so prickly and closed off, and Jude is so optimistic and open, but I really liked them together. They have a really rocky start but it's like they just cannot stay away from each other, which is a dynamic I always LOVE to read! I really enjoyed how they figured out a way to have their relationship so that both of them could achieve their goals too. Also loved how this incorporated Becca's fictional Premiership team, Glevum FC, and that Theo and Jordan had such big appearances too.
I did hope that we'd get to see more between Jude and his brother, but it was as though his brother kind of vanished - I know we're getting his story in Jodi Oliver's Barn Burner, but I would have liked a little more interaction between the brothers, especially considering Cody was a teammate...
Hopefully we're going to get an English hockey book soon though? I've been trying to find a hockey romance that isn't in the NHL/AHL/ECHL etc. and is in the EIHL instead but they don't seem to exist, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the Cheltenham Storm!!
*****
I received an ARC of this book from The Author Agency, and this is my honest review
Cody was so prickly and closed off, and Jude is so optimistic and open, but I really liked them together. They have a really rocky start but it's like they just cannot stay away from each other, which is a dynamic I always LOVE to read! I really enjoyed how they figured out a way to have their relationship so that both of them could achieve their goals too. Also loved how this incorporated Becca's fictional Premiership team, Glevum FC, and that Theo and Jordan had such big appearances too.
I did hope that we'd get to see more between Jude and his brother, but it was as though his brother kind of vanished - I know we're getting his story in Jodi Oliver's Barn Burner, but I would have liked a little more interaction between the brothers, especially considering Cody was a teammate...
Hopefully we're going to get an English hockey book soon though? I've been trying to find a hockey romance that isn't in the NHL/AHL/ECHL etc. and is in the EIHL instead but they don't seem to exist, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the Cheltenham Storm!!
*****
I received an ARC of this book from The Author Agency, and this is my honest review
September 4, 2025
Tropes: grumpy/sunshine, failed one night stand, secret relationship
Feels: 4/5
Steam*: 3/5
Kinks: sex in risky places
Angst: low
HEA: HEA
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: dead parent (mom was an addict) no dad, sport injuries
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: once they meet, neither of them are with anyone else.
4 stars
Jude is 21 and he plays professional soccer in England. His older brother is in the NHL. Jude gets injured and has to take off a couple months so he comes to Canada to spend time with his brother, his brother's team is in contention for the Stanley Cup. Jude has also realized that he is bisexual and he wants to explore that but he's afraid to do it in England where he would be recognized, so he's hoping to explore in Canada. On his first night in town, he tries to surprise his brother, but they miss each other. Jude ends up meeting a grump of a guy and they hook up, then go their separate ways. When Jude goes to the hockey arena the next day, they are both startled to realize that Cody, 24 and bi - in the closet - is on the same team as Jude's brother. Jude is hoping for a repeat, but Cody is hesitant to make waves.
But they can't stay away from each other and they keep hooking up every chance they can for 2 months in secret. They both really like each other and start developing feelings. But with them living in different countries, the relationship has an expiry date. But then again, they have more time because Cody is now in his off season and can come visit in England and extend the relationship. And Cody's also having career struggles because he hasn't been performing the best and he's got a growing passion project of coaching young hockey players.
This is a very sweet low angst romance. Cody and Jude have a special heat between them and are really drawn to each other. I love the grumpy/sunshine dynamic between them, and how Cody is a rough grump who can't resist Jude. I'm such a sucker too for the secret relationship trope, when characters can't stay away from each other and end up developing feelings, this tenderness creeping in. This was just a feel good read. There were nice friendships and interactions with teammates.
Spoilers in this next part! SPOILERS!!
It wasn't quite a perfect read. There were flaws. Like it was a little unbelievable how quickly they fell, especially with it being Jude's first same-sex relationship. It was unbelievable how quickly Cody gave up on the NHL and that they didn't even talk about it, and what a sacrifice it really was for him to choose to stay with Jude. It was also unrealistic how Cody didn't have any immigration issues. He just got a job right away. There should have been some acknowledgment of work visas, maybe making it a bit more realistic and saying that Jude's agent helped pull strings. And they got engaged like a year and a bit into their relationship, early.
Some notable moments:
I love the reluctant weakness for your love interest's smiles. ""How was your flight?” “Long. Boring. How was yours?” “It was okay. The team gave me shit for my secret girlfriend. I admitted I was seeing someone, but they didn’t get anything more out of me.” “Seeing someone, huh?” He fucking beamed at me with that dimpled smile, and I had to kiss his dimples."
"He growled, slanting his mouth over mine and claiming me with a hard, biting kiss. Pressing me into the wall, he devoured me with his mouth until we were both breathless and panting, and my dick was like an iron bar in my shorts. “Fine. Have it your way, you infuriating, fucking asshole.” I drew back so I could see his eyes. “Was that your growly way of saying yes to being my boyfriend?”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
Feels: 4/5
Steam*: 3/5
Kinks: sex in risky places
Angst: low
HEA: HEA
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: dead parent (mom was an addict) no dad, sport injuries
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: once they meet, neither of them are with anyone else.
4 stars
Jude is 21 and he plays professional soccer in England. His older brother is in the NHL. Jude gets injured and has to take off a couple months so he comes to Canada to spend time with his brother, his brother's team is in contention for the Stanley Cup. Jude has also realized that he is bisexual and he wants to explore that but he's afraid to do it in England where he would be recognized, so he's hoping to explore in Canada. On his first night in town, he tries to surprise his brother, but they miss each other. Jude ends up meeting a grump of a guy and they hook up, then go their separate ways. When Jude goes to the hockey arena the next day, they are both startled to realize that Cody, 24 and bi - in the closet - is on the same team as Jude's brother. Jude is hoping for a repeat, but Cody is hesitant to make waves.
But they can't stay away from each other and they keep hooking up every chance they can for 2 months in secret. They both really like each other and start developing feelings. But with them living in different countries, the relationship has an expiry date. But then again, they have more time because Cody is now in his off season and can come visit in England and extend the relationship. And Cody's also having career struggles because he hasn't been performing the best and he's got a growing passion project of coaching young hockey players.
This is a very sweet low angst romance. Cody and Jude have a special heat between them and are really drawn to each other. I love the grumpy/sunshine dynamic between them, and how Cody is a rough grump who can't resist Jude. I'm such a sucker too for the secret relationship trope, when characters can't stay away from each other and end up developing feelings, this tenderness creeping in. This was just a feel good read. There were nice friendships and interactions with teammates.
Spoilers in this next part! SPOILERS!!
It wasn't quite a perfect read. There were flaws. Like it was a little unbelievable how quickly they fell, especially with it being Jude's first same-sex relationship. It was unbelievable how quickly Cody gave up on the NHL and that they didn't even talk about it, and what a sacrifice it really was for him to choose to stay with Jude. It was also unrealistic how Cody didn't have any immigration issues. He just got a job right away. There should have been some acknowledgment of work visas, maybe making it a bit more realistic and saying that Jude's agent helped pull strings. And they got engaged like a year and a bit into their relationship, early.
Some notable moments:
I love the reluctant weakness for your love interest's smiles. ""How was your flight?” “Long. Boring. How was yours?” “It was okay. The team gave me shit for my secret girlfriend. I admitted I was seeing someone, but they didn’t get anything more out of me.” “Seeing someone, huh?” He fucking beamed at me with that dimpled smile, and I had to kiss his dimples."
"He growled, slanting his mouth over mine and claiming me with a hard, biting kiss. Pressing me into the wall, he devoured me with his mouth until we were both breathless and panting, and my dick was like an iron bar in my shorts. “Fine. Have it your way, you infuriating, fucking asshole.” I drew back so I could see his eyes. “Was that your growly way of saying yes to being my boyfriend?”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2025
3.5*
I picked this book up because it's about the brother of Jodi Oliver's Brayden, and one of his teammates.
I'd say I mostly enjoyed it, although neither of the characters came across as their ages, Jude being 21 and Cody, 24.
For me, Cody read as older, I'd have had him nearer to almost 30 from the way he acted and spoke about a lot of things.
Although, the attempt at martyrdom when he tells Jude they'll have to break up as he's not good enough for him, after he apparently was single handedly responsible for losing the Stanley Cup, definitely did feel like a college age kid 😁
Apart from that, though, I liked them both very much as a pair, Jude especially was a sweet kid who saw under the heavy curtain Cody surrounded himself with.
The bisexual awakening was handled well and the book was funny too, and I really liked Cody's two teammates who stepped up to show their true friendship and I loved all of Jude's teammates at his new football (the proper round ball one) club, although the name of it I found a bit odd for a supposed English Premier League side.
That's definitely a me thing though!
I picked this book up because it's about the brother of Jodi Oliver's Brayden, and one of his teammates.
I'd say I mostly enjoyed it, although neither of the characters came across as their ages, Jude being 21 and Cody, 24.
For me, Cody read as older, I'd have had him nearer to almost 30 from the way he acted and spoke about a lot of things.
Although, the attempt at martyrdom when he tells Jude they'll have to break up as he's not good enough for him, after he apparently was single handedly responsible for losing the Stanley Cup, definitely did feel like a college age kid 😁
Apart from that, though, I liked them both very much as a pair, Jude especially was a sweet kid who saw under the heavy curtain Cody surrounded himself with.
The bisexual awakening was handled well and the book was funny too, and I really liked Cody's two teammates who stepped up to show their true friendship and I loved all of Jude's teammates at his new football (the proper round ball one) club, although the name of it I found a bit odd for a supposed English Premier League side.
That's definitely a me thing though!
September 4, 2025
Aawww, Jude and Cody were a joy to read. An intimate and immersive beautiful story.
Loved it.🥲🌈
Loved it.🥲🌈
December 28, 2025
For a minute there I thought we were back at LSU
😄😄
I honestly can't rate this more than 2.5⭐, because it's not good to me personally, but objectively it could go for 3⭐.
Damn, this author and me just do not gel, at all.
The writing and storytelling aren’t exactly childish, but they feel unromantic, unfeeling and just too cheesy.
I actually like the main characters just fine, but then they’re given the most obnoxious dialogues and it completely pulls me out of the story. I just can’t get into it, I can’t.
🟣 Hockey player / soccer player (both professional)
🟡 Teammate's little brother
🔵 Both bisexual
🟣 Age gap 21/24
🟢 Hook up gone instalove and falling right into living together and marriage
🟠 The cover is awful
🌶️ A few sex scenes, quite good; first times; oral, rimming, penetrative; both vers
Jude is a soccer player playing in the English premier league who's injured and travelling to Calgary to see his older brother Brayden, who's playing in the NHL. There he goes to a bar where he meets Cody, the mysterious, growling, tall, hot guy that takes him to a nearby gay bar and
“You!” I spun around, pushing at Conan’s chest. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”
His lip curled with amusement. “Saving you from mediocrity.”
so, the growly guy Jude hooks up with turns out to be his brother's Brayden's teammate and he continues hooking up with him in secret. None of them are out and don't want to be. They're hiding and kind of developing this relationship, knowing there's an end date to it.
Eventually they both end up in England where Jude continues playing for a different club and Cody immerses himself into Jude's life, fitting there completely and leaving the NHL.
“Fine. Have it your way, you infuriating, fucking asshole.”
I drew back so I could see his eyes. “Was that your growly way of saying yes to being my boyfriend?”
“Fuck you,” he snarled, kissing me again, and I took that to mean that he was on board.
So, their relationship isn’t well developed at all. It goes from a brooding promise to mediocrity real fucking fast, something Cody was trying to save us from, if I recall.
They get a house, everything conveniently falls into place and about a year and a half later they’re engaged.
And that’s it, folks.
Cody's character gets completely lost, his life story had the potential for real depth and emotion, but it’s not developed enough. Just thrown in there.
Jude, on the other hand, comes across as an average guy just trying to live out his white picket fence dreams, while the author is still trying to make this a sports romance.
It isn’t.
It’s not good.
I didn’t like it.
There’s nothing special here, it’s basically the same as any other book I’ve read by this author.
😄😄
I honestly can't rate this more than 2.5⭐, because it's not good to me personally, but objectively it could go for 3⭐.
Damn, this author and me just do not gel, at all.
The writing and storytelling aren’t exactly childish, but they feel unromantic, unfeeling and just too cheesy.
I actually like the main characters just fine, but then they’re given the most obnoxious dialogues and it completely pulls me out of the story. I just can’t get into it, I can’t.
🟣 Hockey player / soccer player (both professional)
🟡 Teammate's little brother
🔵 Both bisexual
🟣 Age gap 21/24
🟢 Hook up gone instalove and falling right into living together and marriage
🟠 The cover is awful
🌶️ A few sex scenes, quite good; first times; oral, rimming, penetrative; both vers
Jude is a soccer player playing in the English premier league who's injured and travelling to Calgary to see his older brother Brayden, who's playing in the NHL. There he goes to a bar where he meets Cody, the mysterious, growling, tall, hot guy that takes him to a nearby gay bar and
“You!” I spun around, pushing at Conan’s chest. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”
His lip curled with amusement. “Saving you from mediocrity.”
so, the growly guy Jude hooks up with turns out to be his brother's Brayden's teammate and he continues hooking up with him in secret. None of them are out and don't want to be. They're hiding and kind of developing this relationship, knowing there's an end date to it.
Eventually they both end up in England where Jude continues playing for a different club and Cody immerses himself into Jude's life, fitting there completely and leaving the NHL.
“Fine. Have it your way, you infuriating, fucking asshole.”
I drew back so I could see his eyes. “Was that your growly way of saying yes to being my boyfriend?”
“Fuck you,” he snarled, kissing me again, and I took that to mean that he was on board.
So, their relationship isn’t well developed at all. It goes from a brooding promise to mediocrity real fucking fast, something Cody was trying to save us from, if I recall.
They get a house, everything conveniently falls into place and about a year and a half later they’re engaged.
And that’s it, folks.
Cody's character gets completely lost, his life story had the potential for real depth and emotion, but it’s not developed enough. Just thrown in there.
Jude, on the other hand, comes across as an average guy just trying to live out his white picket fence dreams, while the author is still trying to make this a sports romance.
It isn’t.
It’s not good.
I didn’t like it.
There’s nothing special here, it’s basically the same as any other book I’ve read by this author.
September 3, 2025
"Finally, he turned to look at me, and the misery that flickered in his eyes before he quickly masked it made my chest hurt. “There is no you and me. It was one night that should never have happened and never would have happened if I’d known who you were.”
Offside Play by Becca Steele is the second book in the Love The Game shared world series of linked stadalones. This is Jude and Cody's story and I absolutely inhaled it!
Jude is an English footballer and Cody is a Canadian ice-hockey player, who happens to play for the same team as Jude's brother, and when Jude goes over to visit he has an anonymous, first time hook-up in a seedy bar. Except it turns out to be not so anonymous the next day when he meets his brother's team-mates.....
What To Expect:
🏒MM sports romance
⚽Brother's team mate
🏒UK/Canada
⚽First times
🏒Bi-awakening
⚽All the steam
🏒Minimal angst
⚽Great side characters
🏒Cameo appearances
⚽HEA
4 stars
Offside Play by Becca Steele is the second book in the Love The Game shared world series of linked stadalones. This is Jude and Cody's story and I absolutely inhaled it!
Jude is an English footballer and Cody is a Canadian ice-hockey player, who happens to play for the same team as Jude's brother, and when Jude goes over to visit he has an anonymous, first time hook-up in a seedy bar. Except it turns out to be not so anonymous the next day when he meets his brother's team-mates.....
What To Expect:
🏒MM sports romance
⚽Brother's team mate
🏒UK/Canada
⚽First times
🏒Bi-awakening
⚽All the steam
🏒Minimal angst
⚽Great side characters
🏒Cameo appearances
⚽HEA
4 stars
September 3, 2025
“Fine. Have it your way, you infuriating, fucking asshole.” I drew back so I could see his eyes. “Was that your growly way of saying yes to being my boyfriend?”💙“Fuck you,” he snarled, kissing me again, and I took that to mean that he was on board.OOh I loved these two. But really there isn't any MM that Becca Steele writes that I don't adore. These MCs are so natural together, starting from their less-than-fluffy meet cute😂, to them developing a relationship, and eventually their absolutely perfect HEA.
My eyes were steady leaking at all the little moments these two shared. There's something about the change that happens when a growly boy, who doesn't feel like he fits in, finally finds his person. Cody is a beautiful soul and he found his perfect match in Jude.
Jordan & Theo also have pretty big roles in this book which made me so happy! I can't get enough of seeing those two living their best life together.
September 3, 2025
3.5 stars
Offside Play is book two in the Love the Game sports shared world. This MM romance story is about Jude and Cody.
Jude is a professional soccer player who lives in the UK and Cody is a professional hockey player who lives in Canada. While Jude is recovering from an injury, he decides to head to Canada to surprise his brother Brayden and to catch him in the NHL playoffs. Jude is on his own his first night there and meets Cody at a festival. They both don’t know each other and give fake names. Jude and Cody end up in a seedy club and have a one night stand. When Jude goes to watch Brayden play hockey, he discovers Cody is his brother’s teammate.
Jude and Cody are complete opposites and definitely give us the grumpy/sunshine vibes. Cody is antisocial and keeps to himself, so of course he wants Jude to stay away. But these two can’t seem to keep away from each other, and we see how quickly these two get involved.
This was Jude’s first time being with a man, so it was great he jumped right in with Cody, but at the same time I thought things moved too fast. Jude and Cody seemed to trust each other pretty quickly when I felt they really didn’t know each other. I did like how Cody let Jude past his walls and showed him a softer, deeper side. It was great to see them grow and I was rooting for them. Jude and Cody did keep their relationship a secret. I was expecting there to be tension and drama with Jude’s brother, so I was a little surprised that didn’t happen. In the end, I am glad Jude and Cody were able to make it work and get their HEA.
I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
Offside Play is book two in the Love the Game sports shared world. This MM romance story is about Jude and Cody.
Jude is a professional soccer player who lives in the UK and Cody is a professional hockey player who lives in Canada. While Jude is recovering from an injury, he decides to head to Canada to surprise his brother Brayden and to catch him in the NHL playoffs. Jude is on his own his first night there and meets Cody at a festival. They both don’t know each other and give fake names. Jude and Cody end up in a seedy club and have a one night stand. When Jude goes to watch Brayden play hockey, he discovers Cody is his brother’s teammate.
Jude and Cody are complete opposites and definitely give us the grumpy/sunshine vibes. Cody is antisocial and keeps to himself, so of course he wants Jude to stay away. But these two can’t seem to keep away from each other, and we see how quickly these two get involved.
This was Jude’s first time being with a man, so it was great he jumped right in with Cody, but at the same time I thought things moved too fast. Jude and Cody seemed to trust each other pretty quickly when I felt they really didn’t know each other. I did like how Cody let Jude past his walls and showed him a softer, deeper side. It was great to see them grow and I was rooting for them. Jude and Cody did keep their relationship a secret. I was expecting there to be tension and drama with Jude’s brother, so I was a little surprised that didn’t happen. In the end, I am glad Jude and Cody were able to make it work and get their HEA.
I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
September 4, 2025
4.5 stars 🌟
I was so close to rounding this up to a five star read because it was so good and I don’t have any faults other than I WANT MORE! Quite possibly I’m going to change my mind and adjust my rating in a few days when my thoughts on this book have settled, but for now, I finished this book wishing we’d gotten to expand on certain parts just that liiiiitle bit more.
But so many parts of this were FABULOUS. I mean, hooking up with a guy (who’s kind of an asshole, but a hot asshole so ya know) in a club and he turns out to be not only an NHL player, but he plays on the same team as YOUR BROTHER?! Sign me up. Take my money.
I loved the glimpses into Cody and seeing him open up with Jude, and even more so when he arrived in England and made friends with the team 🥹
I want a copy of this on my shelf please and thank you.
I was so close to rounding this up to a five star read because it was so good and I don’t have any faults other than I WANT MORE! Quite possibly I’m going to change my mind and adjust my rating in a few days when my thoughts on this book have settled, but for now, I finished this book wishing we’d gotten to expand on certain parts just that liiiiitle bit more.
But so many parts of this were FABULOUS. I mean, hooking up with a guy (who’s kind of an asshole, but a hot asshole so ya know) in a club and he turns out to be not only an NHL player, but he plays on the same team as YOUR BROTHER?! Sign me up. Take my money.
I loved the glimpses into Cody and seeing him open up with Jude, and even more so when he arrived in England and made friends with the team 🥹
I want a copy of this on my shelf please and thank you.
Read
September 15, 2025I was wary of this because I remember DNf-ing another book by the author but then the completionist in me wanted to read the next one because I like that author so I figured I would go in order... should have trusted my instincts!
August 28, 2025
Oh, this book was a delight ☺️ it's not too thick, so it's perfect to read in one sitting, which I definitely did 🥰
Jude and Cody have one thing in common: sports. But while Jude loves football, Cody is a very known hockey player. That alone makes an interesting dynamic between those two. The fact that Cody is the teammate of Jude's brother just adds to the fun ❤️🔥
Their dynamic really was an entertaining one, especially with Cody's antisocial and grumpy attitude 🤭 Jude is a sweet soul, and both of them really fit together amazingly.
This book is for everyone who likes one of their MCs a grump and one being an absolute sunshine, being in a secret relationship. I mean, that's the best combination, isn't it?
Jude and Cody have one thing in common: sports. But while Jude loves football, Cody is a very known hockey player. That alone makes an interesting dynamic between those two. The fact that Cody is the teammate of Jude's brother just adds to the fun ❤️🔥
Their dynamic really was an entertaining one, especially with Cody's antisocial and grumpy attitude 🤭 Jude is a sweet soul, and both of them really fit together amazingly.
This book is for everyone who likes one of their MCs a grump and one being an absolute sunshine, being in a secret relationship. I mean, that's the best combination, isn't it?
November 22, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
January 4, 2026
3.2 ⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
format: ebook
i didn’t write a review right away and i honestly forgot everything that happened LOL. i remember enjoying it but otherwise…?
tropes: grumpy/sunshine, brother’s teammate, friends with benefits, dislike to love, secret relationship, hockey player/soccer (football) player
spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
format: ebook
i didn’t write a review right away and i honestly forgot everything that happened LOL. i remember enjoying it but otherwise…?
tropes: grumpy/sunshine, brother’s teammate, friends with benefits, dislike to love, secret relationship, hockey player/soccer (football) player
September 2, 2025
Not great. The dialogue was awkward. I didn’t buy pretty much anything that happened. It all felt kinda childish.
September 9, 2025
Cody growled, Jude’s d!ck hardens, and I survived these two..
August 30, 2025
The synopsis and the cover caught my eye when I had seen this book and I enjoyed Cody and Jude’s story. “Offside Play” is a steamy, heartfelt, and sweet MM hockey/soccer romance that was a fun sports romance.
Jude is a soccer player for the Premier League and when his season ends early because of an injury, he decides to fly out to Calgary to see his brother in the NHL playoffs. And also to figure out himself who he is and the last thing he was expecting was to sleep with a man for the first time during his first night in Calgary. And Jude is surprised to see that the man he slept with is his brother’s teammate, Cody. Cody has always been a lone wolf not staying a team for more than one season but he has found his groove with Calgary. And a relationship with a teammate’s brother is the last thing he needs but the two can’t stay away from each other.
I love that we had a crossover of two popular and demanding sports. Jude is a great guy and I loved that he came to Calgary to support his brother but also figure out who he was. He had always been attracted to men and women but this was the time to figure things out. Cody is grumpy and a little standoffish but he had a hard childhood which led to him building a wall around himself. They had a chemistry from the first time they met at the bar and I loved how it intensified as the story went on. They dated in secret and that grew their relationship because they could focus on each other. Once the hockey season was over, Cody was able to turn the tables on their relationship and be in England to support him as his soccer season started. These two were so sweet together and I loved them together.
Jude is a soccer player for the Premier League and when his season ends early because of an injury, he decides to fly out to Calgary to see his brother in the NHL playoffs. And also to figure out himself who he is and the last thing he was expecting was to sleep with a man for the first time during his first night in Calgary. And Jude is surprised to see that the man he slept with is his brother’s teammate, Cody. Cody has always been a lone wolf not staying a team for more than one season but he has found his groove with Calgary. And a relationship with a teammate’s brother is the last thing he needs but the two can’t stay away from each other.
I love that we had a crossover of two popular and demanding sports. Jude is a great guy and I loved that he came to Calgary to support his brother but also figure out who he was. He had always been attracted to men and women but this was the time to figure things out. Cody is grumpy and a little standoffish but he had a hard childhood which led to him building a wall around himself. They had a chemistry from the first time they met at the bar and I loved how it intensified as the story went on. They dated in secret and that grew their relationship because they could focus on each other. Once the hockey season was over, Cody was able to turn the tables on their relationship and be in England to support him as his soccer season started. These two were so sweet together and I loved them together.
January 1, 2026
★★★★. I’m a sucker for secret relationship and make it mm oh god give me them ALL. I loved judecody and how they built this relationship. Jude not allowing a breakup is so real because get your man!
For my safety people; safe. Both aren’t virgins but Jude hasn’t been with another man. Cody has been with others and it is mentioned.
For my safety people; safe. Both aren’t virgins but Jude hasn’t been with another man. Cody has been with others and it is mentioned.
September 6, 2025
Sweet low-angst story and loved all the characters. Excited to read other books in this series.
September 2, 2025
This was such a fun light afternoon read. Cody and Jude were sweet and spicy. I liked that they were on the younger side and earlier in their respective careers where there was more of a question regarding what they were going to do since they lived on two separate continents playing on different professional sports teams. Also really liked seeing Cody find his place and his people with Jude and come out of his grumpy shell. Can’t wait for Brayden’s book in Barn Burner by Jodi Oliver. We only got a small snippet of him in this book and I liked his character.
September 2, 2025
I devoured this! Loved it! Cody was your quintessential grumpy, "I don't like people" NHL player and Jude was a fun-loving pro footballer (soccer player for those of us in the US LOL). I absolutely adored their first meeting and how neither one could stop thinking of the other. I'm a huge angst fan, so love that Cody tried to push Jude away at first and stay away from him. It was fun to watch Cody slowly emerge from his shell and discover himself and the people around him. Good, organic evolution to the guys' relationship and it was fun to watch. Not too much drama, and just the right amount of sweetness. I'm excited to read the other books in this multi-author series.
August 31, 2025
3.5 Stars rounded up
This was a cute and quick read for fans of MM sports romance.
Sport romances often are my happy place. I read them when I crave a lighter read or need a palate cleanser. When this mood strikes me, Becca Steel has been one of my go-to authors for years and she didn’t disappoint me with Offside Play.
I was really curious about the pairing of a hockey and a football (or soccer) player. It was cute how they discovered the sports of each other. I love that the author not only makes the athletes athletes in name, but she really tries to convey the feeling of said sport.
The romance in this book fell a bit flat for me. Don‘t get me wrong, sunshiny Jude and grumpy Cody were both lovely characters. I liked how Jude was all in from the beginning and I liked how Cody was so soft for Jude. But all in all, this was a bit too much instalove for me (especially because Cody really wasn‘t nice in the beginning). The character development was really fast, which made it less believable and in the end, all worked out a little bit too smooth for me.
Offside Play was the perfect palate cleanser; fans of Becca Steel and MM Sports Romance will get what they signed up for. To be outstanding it is just lacking a little bit of depth.
This book is part of a shared universe between different authors and I‘m already looking forward to reading about Jude‘s brother.
Thank you to Becca Steel and @the.author.agency for providing me with an ARC. All opinions are my own.
This was a cute and quick read for fans of MM sports romance.
Sport romances often are my happy place. I read them when I crave a lighter read or need a palate cleanser. When this mood strikes me, Becca Steel has been one of my go-to authors for years and she didn’t disappoint me with Offside Play.
I was really curious about the pairing of a hockey and a football (or soccer) player. It was cute how they discovered the sports of each other. I love that the author not only makes the athletes athletes in name, but she really tries to convey the feeling of said sport.
The romance in this book fell a bit flat for me. Don‘t get me wrong, sunshiny Jude and grumpy Cody were both lovely characters. I liked how Jude was all in from the beginning and I liked how Cody was so soft for Jude. But all in all, this was a bit too much instalove for me (especially because Cody really wasn‘t nice in the beginning). The character development was really fast, which made it less believable and in the end, all worked out a little bit too smooth for me.
Offside Play was the perfect palate cleanser; fans of Becca Steel and MM Sports Romance will get what they signed up for. To be outstanding it is just lacking a little bit of depth.
This book is part of a shared universe between different authors and I‘m already looking forward to reading about Jude‘s brother.
Thank you to Becca Steel and @the.author.agency for providing me with an ARC. All opinions are my own.
September 2, 2025
Ummmm can I just say swoon? Cody and Jude are absolutely adorable and couple goals. Their meet cute would make you think that Cody is just an antisocial grump, but the way Jude brings out his playfulness and gets him to open up is extraordinary. When Jude came to surprise his brother he certainly wasn't looking to fall in love with his growls teammate, but as fate would have it that's exactly what happened. The tenderness and love these two share is a fairytale type of love.
My favorite quotes:
“I’m glad you were my first.”
“I don’t mind sharing this with you, Jude. Only you.”
and how you don’t always have people you can lean on. And I hope I can maybe be a person you can lean on while I’m here.”
“That’s another first you’re claiming from me, Clements.”
“You love giving me your firsts, Nielson.”
“Yeah, I do.”
“I’m not going back to Canada. I’m staying here with you. I love you, Jude. I’d be a fool to let you go.”
You're going to want to dive right in to this one guys! It's swoony, dreamy and absolutely steamy.
My favorite quotes:
“I’m glad you were my first.”
“I don’t mind sharing this with you, Jude. Only you.”
and how you don’t always have people you can lean on. And I hope I can maybe be a person you can lean on while I’m here.”
“That’s another first you’re claiming from me, Clements.”
“You love giving me your firsts, Nielson.”
“Yeah, I do.”
“I’m not going back to Canada. I’m staying here with you. I love you, Jude. I’d be a fool to let you go.”
You're going to want to dive right in to this one guys! It's swoony, dreamy and absolutely steamy.
November 1, 2025
J’adore la dynamique entre les deux depuis le début, la trope grumpy x sunshine c’est pour moi. On voit que Cody et Jude sont face à un dilemme de taille mais qu’ils ne peuvent pas rester loin de l’autre ! Ce que j’adore dans ces romans c’est surtout le développement du personnage grumpy et je n’ai pas été déçu, merci Jude pour l’aide apporté à ce développement ! Jude est quand même très courageux et très inspirant pour Cody!
C’était aussi mignon autre les deux, ils sont tous les deux intentionnés l’un à l’autre et veulent protéger l’autre quoi qu’il arrive.
J’ai adoré retrouvé Jordan et Théo mes petits prefs de Becca.
J’ai aussi aimé retrouve toute la bande à Jordan et Théo.
Il y a aussi une belle found family pour Cody surtout mais aussi pour Jude qui a trouvé l’équipe qu’il lui fallait!
C’était aussi mignon autre les deux, ils sont tous les deux intentionnés l’un à l’autre et veulent protéger l’autre quoi qu’il arrive.
J’ai adoré retrouvé Jordan et Théo mes petits prefs de Becca.
J’ai aussi aimé retrouve toute la bande à Jordan et Théo.
Il y a aussi une belle found family pour Cody surtout mais aussi pour Jude qui a trouvé l’équipe qu’il lui fallait!
August 31, 2025
What a delightful read this was. I did wonder how an professional English footballer and a hockey player in the NHL were going to meet and make a relationship work. But apparently they did 😉
I enjoyed this so much. It’s a sweet read even though in the beginning Cody is so prickly and closed off. Jude is the eternal sweet caring sunshine!
Cody and Jude have an amazing chemistry between them, and simply can’t stay away from each other. With living so far away from each other and being professional athletes it makes an interesting story. You could think it would be angsty but Cody and Jude’s story is low angst with sweet and spicy times.
Thank you for the arc! This review is honest and voluntary.
I enjoyed this so much. It’s a sweet read even though in the beginning Cody is so prickly and closed off. Jude is the eternal sweet caring sunshine!
Cody and Jude have an amazing chemistry between them, and simply can’t stay away from each other. With living so far away from each other and being professional athletes it makes an interesting story. You could think it would be angsty but Cody and Jude’s story is low angst with sweet and spicy times.
Thank you for the arc! This review is honest and voluntary.
September 4, 2025
Jude and Cody.
This adorable story of Jude and Cody begins with a one night stand, a first time, in a gay club.. Just where everyone wants to have their 1st time right? Well, we're here now. Jude is coming to terms with his sexuality and Cody is just hiding his for the moment. Offside Play shows the way love can help you realize that sacrifices are necessary to make your relationship successful.
This sweet MM Sports Romance is just long enough to knock out in an afternoon. If you're looking for a short MM Sports story with the spice to match this should be on your TBR. Cody and Jude are going to steal your heart and protect it like the biscuit on the ice.
Thank you to The Author Agency and the author for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
This adorable story of Jude and Cody begins with a one night stand, a first time, in a gay club.. Just where everyone wants to have their 1st time right? Well, we're here now. Jude is coming to terms with his sexuality and Cody is just hiding his for the moment. Offside Play shows the way love can help you realize that sacrifices are necessary to make your relationship successful.
This sweet MM Sports Romance is just long enough to knock out in an afternoon. If you're looking for a short MM Sports story with the spice to match this should be on your TBR. Cody and Jude are going to steal your heart and protect it like the biscuit on the ice.
Thank you to The Author Agency and the author for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2025
Omg I love Cody & Jude together they are so golden retriever & Mr broody. I love how much Cody did to keep Jude happy and Jude wasn’t giving up on Cody so easily. I like how we get 2 sports out this (soccer & hockey) But Cody & Jude definitely deserved each other and I’m glad to see they got their HEA!
September 2, 2025
So freaking hot and heavy. I enjoyed how these two met and got spicy right away. I loved how they fought their feelings a smidge and then couldn’t stay away from one another. The spicy scenes were so damn spicy and good. I loved the secrecy, family, hockey, feelings and more. These two were definitely meant for one another and it really showed throughout the read.
September 7, 2025
Becca's latest MM story where we get to meet the British footballer Jude who has went out to visit his brother and has caught the eye of the grumpy Canadian hockey player Cody.
These two have great chemistry, their personalities are opposites and yet meld so well, there's steam, friendships, acceptance and I just really liked them!
4/4.5 stars.
These two have great chemistry, their personalities are opposites and yet meld so well, there's steam, friendships, acceptance and I just really liked them!
4/4.5 stars.
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