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The Playmaker
She walked in to expose me.
Now I’m the one coming undone.
JAXON
Avery Monroe crashes into my world—loud, fearless, and holding a mic like a weapon.
She’s here to film me, write her glossy story, then disappear.
Instead, she’s in my space, testing my temper, and making me hard with a single look.
I’m the playmaker. I don’t chase. I control.
But the second I call her Little Benchwarmer and she gasps my name like a secret,
I know I’ve already lost this game.
***
AVERY
He’s everything I hate—cocky, ruthless, and used to getting his way.
And right now… he needs me.
I’m here to write the story, not become it.
But when he looks at me like I already belong to him,
The electricity between us turns every thought to ash.
He’s hiding something the world would devour.
And if I fall for him, I won’t just lose my career—
I’ll go down in flames.
Now I’m the one coming undone.
JAXON
Avery Monroe crashes into my world—loud, fearless, and holding a mic like a weapon.
She’s here to film me, write her glossy story, then disappear.
Instead, she’s in my space, testing my temper, and making me hard with a single look.
I’m the playmaker. I don’t chase. I control.
But the second I call her Little Benchwarmer and she gasps my name like a secret,
I know I’ve already lost this game.
***
AVERY
He’s everything I hate—cocky, ruthless, and used to getting his way.
And right now… he needs me.
I’m here to write the story, not become it.
But when he looks at me like I already belong to him,
The electricity between us turns every thought to ash.
He’s hiding something the world would devour.
And if I fall for him, I won’t just lose my career—
I’ll go down in flames.
159 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 29, 2025
134 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 8, 2025
Short and Decent
I struggled to get through this book. I thought with it being such a short length that it would be a nice, quick read. I just couldn’t get into it and also did not finish it, but I stuck with it anyway.
The book is about a journalist, Avery, and a wide receiver, Jax. Avery is in charge of writing an article about Jax. She has a reputation for exposing secrets and calling out bad behavior. She was “left” (can’t say without spoiling the story) by her father at a young age and the impact is seen with how she assumed all athletes are the same and she’s going to prove it through journalism and reporting.
Jax is guardian to his sister whom was left in his care when their parents passed. He tries to protect her by doing whatever he can to keep her out of the spotlight. One way he’s done that is to adopt a playboy persona (all fake) so that people pay more attention to that than his home life.
I didn’t feel the chemistry between these two. They meet and they immediately start sleeping together. There’s no build-up or getting to know each other which makes the HEA less believable.
It would have been nice to see the consequences for the villain of the story. Instead, it’s made known that they leaked the story and glossed over. The end.
I struggled to get through this book. I thought with it being such a short length that it would be a nice, quick read. I just couldn’t get into it and also did not finish it, but I stuck with it anyway.
The book is about a journalist, Avery, and a wide receiver, Jax. Avery is in charge of writing an article about Jax. She has a reputation for exposing secrets and calling out bad behavior. She was “left” (can’t say without spoiling the story) by her father at a young age and the impact is seen with how she assumed all athletes are the same and she’s going to prove it through journalism and reporting.
Jax is guardian to his sister whom was left in his care when their parents passed. He tries to protect her by doing whatever he can to keep her out of the spotlight. One way he’s done that is to adopt a playboy persona (all fake) so that people pay more attention to that than his home life.
I didn’t feel the chemistry between these two. They meet and they immediately start sleeping together. There’s no build-up or getting to know each other which makes the HEA less believable.
It would have been nice to see the consequences for the villain of the story. Instead, it’s made known that they leaked the story and glossed over. The end.
December 29, 2025
I thought this was a little cheesy. (Possible spoilers ahead)
h was a judgmental snob. She doesn’t like athletes because of her dad being a POS 🙄 so….it makes sense that she’s a reporter who loves to expose their secrets. (Honestly, I couldn’t really grasp what her exact job was. Expose them, write fluff pieces on them, shadow them, or publish a great article on them?? But her dream is to work for ESPN)
H is alright as a MMC. After his parents died, he was left being a guardian to his teenaged sister (who is now 16)
The media does NOT know about his sister and he wants to keep it that way. So his big plan…he pretends to be this big, carefree playboy to throw the media off. His thought process didn’t make much sense. Why not just be a good person outside of the game, stay out of the media spotlight, and literally nobody will care what you’re doing? 🤷♀️
Anyway, h has to “shadow” H for some media thing. She just knows he’s hiding something. 🙄 She’s so bitxhy to him.
His nickname for her is benchwarmer.
About 25% in, they bang in the bathroom, at the football stadium - with NO protection
At this point, they’ve only had about 2 very brief interactions. (Hard eye roll)
Every.single.person starts to tell them to stay away from each other. Yep, not happening. h hates him one minute, then the next her body betrayed her again. 😏 I started to skim. I already knew what the 3rd act breakup was going to be.
And yep! It’s revealed H has a sister. The world freaks out. 🤪🤪
H thinks h revealed his secret. He won’t listen to her when she said she didn’t. Naturally, he’s SHOCKED when he finds out some OW (a woman that wanted to bang H) was the one who released it.
No grovel, just an apology and everything is fine.
Meh 🫤
h was a judgmental snob. She doesn’t like athletes because of her dad being a POS 🙄 so….it makes sense that she’s a reporter who loves to expose their secrets. (Honestly, I couldn’t really grasp what her exact job was. Expose them, write fluff pieces on them, shadow them, or publish a great article on them?? But her dream is to work for ESPN)
H is alright as a MMC. After his parents died, he was left being a guardian to his teenaged sister (who is now 16)
The media does NOT know about his sister and he wants to keep it that way. So his big plan…he pretends to be this big, carefree playboy to throw the media off. His thought process didn’t make much sense. Why not just be a good person outside of the game, stay out of the media spotlight, and literally nobody will care what you’re doing? 🤷♀️
Anyway, h has to “shadow” H for some media thing. She just knows he’s hiding something. 🙄 She’s so bitxhy to him.
His nickname for her is benchwarmer.
About 25% in, they bang in the bathroom, at the football stadium - with NO protection
At this point, they’ve only had about 2 very brief interactions. (Hard eye roll)
Every.single.person starts to tell them to stay away from each other. Yep, not happening. h hates him one minute, then the next her body betrayed her again. 😏 I started to skim. I already knew what the 3rd act breakup was going to be.
And yep! It’s revealed H has a sister. The world freaks out. 🤪🤪
H thinks h revealed his secret. He won’t listen to her when she said she didn’t. Naturally, he’s SHOCKED when he finds out some OW (a woman that wanted to bang H) was the one who released it.
No grovel, just an apology and everything is fine.
Meh 🫤
June 25, 2025
Kelsey is one of my all-time favorite authors, I’ve read all of her books, a lot of them more than once. So of course, I’m going to be reading anything she writes. The Playmaker took my breath away starting with the HOT cover, but that was just the beginning of how HOT and INTENSE things are about to become once I started to read all about Avery and Jaxon. Kelsey writes this romance book as well as all of her books with such passion and dedication that you can see right away how much hard work she puts into the storyline to capture the reader's attention and with that being said you can't help but not fall in love with her book as well as the characters. In this case Avery and Jaxon who are HOT, HOT, HOT.
This is a high heat, captivating and page turning romance book that is going to have you sweating and squirming while turning the pages.
I love how at the very beginning Kelsey gives you a fun surprise. No spoilers on what that is but it is unique, and I loved it. This book might just have become my favorite to read by Kelsey, but if I am being honest with myself all of her books are dynamite to read.
So, YES, I think you need to be reading this book and if you don't trust me when I say it is more than a 5-star read see for yourself because it is one HOT romance story that I can see myself reading again.
This is a high heat, captivating and page turning romance book that is going to have you sweating and squirming while turning the pages.
I love how at the very beginning Kelsey gives you a fun surprise. No spoilers on what that is but it is unique, and I loved it. This book might just have become my favorite to read by Kelsey, but if I am being honest with myself all of her books are dynamite to read.
So, YES, I think you need to be reading this book and if you don't trust me when I say it is more than a 5-star read see for yourself because it is one HOT romance story that I can see myself reading again.
July 16, 2025
Amazing!!
If you like plots set in the world of sports, with a touch of sensuality and a lot of emotion, this book will meet your expectations and I'm sure it will. Get ready for a read with “hot” scenes and a relationship development that will make you sigh. Although it is part of a series, you can enjoy it without reading the other books. This makes it perfect if you are looking for a complete and satisfying story with a guaranteed happy ending. The narrative immerses you in a whirlwind of emotions, from the initial confrontation to the development of an unexpected love. It's an ideal read if you're looking for a story that grabs you and makes you feel every moment.
Get ready for an explosive, passion-filled romance that will hook you from the first page. If you enjoy stories where the tension is palpable and the protagonists are drawn to each other like magnets, this book is for you.
I loved it!
If you like plots set in the world of sports, with a touch of sensuality and a lot of emotion, this book will meet your expectations and I'm sure it will. Get ready for a read with “hot” scenes and a relationship development that will make you sigh. Although it is part of a series, you can enjoy it without reading the other books. This makes it perfect if you are looking for a complete and satisfying story with a guaranteed happy ending. The narrative immerses you in a whirlwind of emotions, from the initial confrontation to the development of an unexpected love. It's an ideal read if you're looking for a story that grabs you and makes you feel every moment.
Get ready for an explosive, passion-filled romance that will hook you from the first page. If you enjoy stories where the tension is palpable and the protagonists are drawn to each other like magnets, this book is for you.
I loved it!
June 30, 2025
OMG, this was a fabulous story with characters that grabbed my attention and never let go. Jax was an absolute genius regarding his plans to protect his "secret". I felt for Avery with her family history, though digging up crap on others because you had a personal issue doesn't sound particularly healthy. When she set her sights on Jax, I got nervous. Their banter was sassy and full of fire from the start, just like their chemistry. When attitudes take a back seat, and you can start to see what's real, just what do you chose to believe? There are plenty of twists in this quick little book, so best to buckle up. Jax is far from what he appears and the truth might just surprise you.
I voluntarily reviewed a gift copy of this book. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
I voluntarily reviewed a gift copy of this book. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
July 10, 2025
Great book!
I’m a big fan of reading all kinds of love stories, especially when they have a little bit of spice, and I can honestly say this one goes straight into my Top 10 Chick Flick Books I’ve ever read.
From the very beginning, it wrapped me up. Even though I kind of guessed how it was going to end, it was still really fun to evidence how characters’ personalities slowly soften as they fell in love.
I really liked how Fox, the author included the dialogues and descriptions in such a romantic and flirty way. It helps you picture the scenes clearly and understand the characters’ emotions better.
It’s definitely a must-read if you’re looking for an entertaining time and enjoy books with romance.
I’m a big fan of reading all kinds of love stories, especially when they have a little bit of spice, and I can honestly say this one goes straight into my Top 10 Chick Flick Books I’ve ever read.
From the very beginning, it wrapped me up. Even though I kind of guessed how it was going to end, it was still really fun to evidence how characters’ personalities slowly soften as they fell in love.
I really liked how Fox, the author included the dialogues and descriptions in such a romantic and flirty way. It helps you picture the scenes clearly and understand the characters’ emotions better.
It’s definitely a must-read if you’re looking for an entertaining time and enjoy books with romance.
July 12, 2025
Clash of the Heart
Avery is a reporter tasked with shadowing wide receiver Jaxon but their intense attraction to each other is too much to ignore. The chemistry between them is off-the-charts but his secrets and her desire to unravel truths clash. Despite the professional tension at odds with their personal feelings, the overall plot was exciting as well as emotional. I could not put it down and really enjoyed it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Avery is a reporter tasked with shadowing wide receiver Jaxon but their intense attraction to each other is too much to ignore. The chemistry between them is off-the-charts but his secrets and her desire to unravel truths clash. Despite the professional tension at odds with their personal feelings, the overall plot was exciting as well as emotional. I could not put it down and really enjoyed it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 17, 2025
I needed more. More of their relationship development. More behind the scenes. More of the spicy scenes, just more. I wanted to know more about them and know them more personally. Everything seemed so rushed. Avery and Jax had great chemistry, right from the beginning but just wanted so much more of their story.
October 12, 2025
Hockey and Football
This would been so much more than just a mediocre story if the narrators had been human! This was an audio book but I just couldn’t stand the monotone emotionless voices, so robotic, like a robot programmed to throw out words .
I read 90% of the book.
Will check for names of narrators before wasting my time again.
This would been so much more than just a mediocre story if the narrators had been human! This was an audio book but I just couldn’t stand the monotone emotionless voices, so robotic, like a robot programmed to throw out words .
I read 90% of the book.
Will check for names of narrators before wasting my time again.
June 29, 2025
This was a great book. I definitely enjoyed this. A little spice, but sweet. This sweet story about Avery and Jax is about two people with trust issues from different reasons. There is immediate chemistry and a lot of push and pull. Definitely a good quick read!
July 19, 2025
Absolutely loved this book. Great storyline. 😃
July 29, 2025
very good
Well, this was a very good book. It really had a good story. I like that he wanted to protect his sister so much that he went to such a great length in his life.
Well, this was a very good book. It really had a good story. I like that he wanted to protect his sister so much that he went to such a great length in his life.
November 28, 2025
So Good. not too steamy. Great for a quick read
December 28, 2025
awesome read
I loved it! I would like to see another part of this story that includes Pen and Hawk getting together
I loved it! I would like to see another part of this story that includes Pen and Hawk getting together
December 1, 2025
This book was pretty decent and short! It is centered around sports and I really liked that!
July 7, 2025
"The Playmaker" by Kelsey J. Fox was a great book to read. It was full of emotion, drama, and a lot of tension between the two main characters. The best part for me was how their relationship changed. They started off not liking each other, but little by little, you could feel the spark between them.
The story also made me think about how hard it is when you have to choose between work and love. Avery didn’t want to lose her job, but she also couldn’t stop thinking about Jaxon. And he was keeping secrets too, which made everything more complicated. That made the story more real, life is messy sometimes, not perfect.
I couldn’t stop reading because I wanted to know if they would end up together. It was a great mix of heart and heat, and I’d definitely read more from this series.
The story also made me think about how hard it is when you have to choose between work and love. Avery didn’t want to lose her job, but she also couldn’t stop thinking about Jaxon. And he was keeping secrets too, which made everything more complicated. That made the story more real, life is messy sometimes, not perfect.
I couldn’t stop reading because I wanted to know if they would end up together. It was a great mix of heart and heat, and I’d definitely read more from this series.
July 7, 2025
The Playmaker Kelsey J. Fox is a standalone romance in her Legends of Fire series. It is a good choice for readers who enjoy steamy romances with plenty of tension. In it, journalist Avery Monroe is supposed to be writing an expose about an NFL player. She dislikes everything about him – and yet still somehow ends up falling for him.
Personally, this book did not quite hit all the right notes for me. I felt that the characterization was a bit cliched and some of the tropes a bit overused. However, the enemies-to-lovers dynamic was well done. If you are a fan of romance novels with plenty of heat and don’t mind the lack of emotional depth, then you may enjoy this book. For me, this is a three-star read.
Personally, this book did not quite hit all the right notes for me. I felt that the characterization was a bit cliched and some of the tropes a bit overused. However, the enemies-to-lovers dynamic was well done. If you are a fan of romance novels with plenty of heat and don’t mind the lack of emotional depth, then you may enjoy this book. For me, this is a three-star read.
July 8, 2025
I just finished reading The Playmaker, and I can say it captivated me from the first page. It has the perfect blend of romance, tension, and sports adrenaline. What I loved most about it is that it's one of those vibrant stories of romance and attraction that completely immerses you. I love these kinds of stories, and both characters completely immersed me in the book—first, in the conflict and the spark between them, and then in the completely passionate attraction. I think what I liked most is that it's not an instant romance. It's definitely an addictive, romantic, and very tense read. This book is highly recommended for those who enjoy love stories with high tension, intense protagonists, and sensual settings.
July 10, 2025
This book is a fun and steamy read. I like the connection the author builds from the two main characters, they argue, joke and also, they fall in love from the beginning. Both characters have very different personalities, which make the romance very interesting.
I think this read is very particular and a genre I don't gravitate towards that much. It is a story that moves quite fast, which I liked.
Overall, I think that for readers who are used to hot romance novels full of drama and fun characters, this is a great choice, and for those who may be one of few stories like this, I think they should give this one a try.
I think this read is very particular and a genre I don't gravitate towards that much. It is a story that moves quite fast, which I liked.
Overall, I think that for readers who are used to hot romance novels full of drama and fun characters, this is a great choice, and for those who may be one of few stories like this, I think they should give this one a try.
July 1, 2025
The Playmaker by Kelsey J. Fox is the first book of The Legends of Fire Series. I loved Avery and Jax's story. They realize that when they let their guards down that they can let love it. This is one book you need to add to your Kindle.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 10, 2025
If you love your romance fiery, funny, and packed with chemistry that sizzles off the page, The Playmaker is your next binge-worthy read. Kelsey J. Fox delivers a pitch-perfect enemies-to-lovers story that hits all the right emotional beats while serving up some seriously steamy scenes. You’ll laugh, blush, and maybe even tear up—but you won’t be bored for a second.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews