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The Overtime Play
He’s been playing overtime for sixteen years. Will he finally win the game?
Eleanor Burkeley has strived her entire life to be as successful as her father. After earning her bachelor’s degree in just three years, she’s heading to law school at Cedar University, the same school that her lifelong best friend, Matt Gallagher, attends. As El becomes submersed in Matt’s world, the harder it is for her to deny the feelings she’s had since she was young. Yet, for reasons she won’t admit, she’s determined not to cross the line into something deeper with Matt. But as the battle rages inside her, El might soon find herself on the verge of breaking.
As the six-five hockey hotshot of Cedar University and one of the best defensemen in college hockey, Matt Gallagher has never had an issue getting girls to fall for him— except Eleanor Burkeley, who he’s been pining for ever since they were five years old. Deemed the “Team Hothead”, Matt is known for his violent temper, and with El closer than ever, he’s prepared to burn the world down to protect her. But he would also do anything to have her, and when his chances get jeopardized, along with his spot on the starting line, Matt is faced with two options: get his temper under control or lose everything he’s worked for.
Eleanor and Matt both do their best to navigate the challenges in front of them, but will their friendship be at stake in the process?
Eleanor Burkeley has strived her entire life to be as successful as her father. After earning her bachelor’s degree in just three years, she’s heading to law school at Cedar University, the same school that her lifelong best friend, Matt Gallagher, attends. As El becomes submersed in Matt’s world, the harder it is for her to deny the feelings she’s had since she was young. Yet, for reasons she won’t admit, she’s determined not to cross the line into something deeper with Matt. But as the battle rages inside her, El might soon find herself on the verge of breaking.
As the six-five hockey hotshot of Cedar University and one of the best defensemen in college hockey, Matt Gallagher has never had an issue getting girls to fall for him— except Eleanor Burkeley, who he’s been pining for ever since they were five years old. Deemed the “Team Hothead”, Matt is known for his violent temper, and with El closer than ever, he’s prepared to burn the world down to protect her. But he would also do anything to have her, and when his chances get jeopardized, along with his spot on the starting line, Matt is faced with two options: get his temper under control or lose everything he’s worked for.
Eleanor and Matt both do their best to navigate the challenges in front of them, but will their friendship be at stake in the process?
Paperback
First published October 11, 2025
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747 people want to read
About the author
Trinity Lemm
9 books251 followersTrinity Lemm is an award-winning romance author, best known for writing The Roommates Duet. She's a recent college graduate of Western Michigan University, earning her degree in entrepreneurship with a minor in dance. She began her writing career in college and enjoys writing realistically flawed characters, along with fast paced stories. When she's not writing, you could find her dancing or watching scary movies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
October 2, 2025
2 ⭐
I probably just read the book with the worst MMC I've ever read (I'm not kidding) 💀
Thanks to Love Notes PR and the author for offering me this copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.
⚠️This review will contain spoilers. If you want to read the book, stop reading after that. ⚠️
Oh my God... I don't even know where to start when talking about this book. The MMC is SUPER toxic. Eleanor deserved better than to be with him. Matt, besides cheating on his ex, is so controlling with the people he loves that he becomes aggressive. I know the character is in therapy to calm him down, but, in my opinion, it doesn't erase all the toxic things he's done in the book 💀
On the other hand, I really liked Eleanor. Her character is one of the highlights of the book, along with the entire found family and their group of friends. That was what I enjoyed most about the book, plus I feel it's well-written, and the slow burn is really good.
Finally, I also didn't like the fact that all the scenarios in the book involve going to bars 24/7... I mean, isn't there anywhere else to create a dynamic? My God, there wasn't a single episode of them going to class or in the university hallways or anything like that.
In conclusion, I wouldn't recommend it unless you're okay with the aforementioned.
I probably just read the book with the worst MMC I've ever read (I'm not kidding) 💀
Thanks to Love Notes PR and the author for offering me this copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.
⚠️This review will contain spoilers. If you want to read the book, stop reading after that. ⚠️
Oh my God... I don't even know where to start when talking about this book. The MMC is SUPER toxic. Eleanor deserved better than to be with him. Matt, besides cheating on his ex, is so controlling with the people he loves that he becomes aggressive. I know the character is in therapy to calm him down, but, in my opinion, it doesn't erase all the toxic things he's done in the book 💀
On the other hand, I really liked Eleanor. Her character is one of the highlights of the book, along with the entire found family and their group of friends. That was what I enjoyed most about the book, plus I feel it's well-written, and the slow burn is really good.
Finally, I also didn't like the fact that all the scenarios in the book involve going to bars 24/7... I mean, isn't there anywhere else to create a dynamic? My God, there wasn't a single episode of them going to class or in the university hallways or anything like that.
In conclusion, I wouldn't recommend it unless you're okay with the aforementioned.
October 3, 2025
The Overtime play 🏒
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes PR & Trinity Lemm for trusting me with this ARC!🎧
Matt Gallagher is terribly in love with his best friend.And she has no clue about it.
El,always just wanted one thing.To be as succesful as her father,and in order to achieve the best she can,has to enroll in the same college,that her best friend goes.Things soon are going to take an interesting turn,with her trying to manage everything without breaking apart,or will she?
To start with,this was TRULY a real college & hockey romance.As a (soon) college kid myself,I can actually see my friends in those people.From their appearances to the behaviours and the way they handled things we could feel the age,compared to other pieces of work that you read about early adults and it looks like they are in their late 30s.
Also,I loved how during the book,they literally figured out life,relationships,themselves and rearranged their boundaries.Such a heartwarming story.
To continue,I really liked that we see the reality of the term family.Not the picture perfect one that is usually potaryed,but not the purerly broken one.The reality itself.How families are complicated,yet lovely and CAN stand up again to their feet.
El,was such,such a cutie pie.
I really liked the hidden complexity of her character,with the first look her just being your average american college girl,yet when you really get to know her,you see what Eleanor Burkeley actually is.A beautiful,loving,emotional,deeply thoughtful person.
Actaully,I really liked Matt too!
How OBSESSED he was & how he managed to fight his inner devils for the sake of himself & the people he loved.
To end with,the romance was ON THE TOP.If you know me,you know I am having a harsh time with harsh romances.Yes,the ones that go from 0 to 100 in a span of maybe 2 pages?However,this time the feelings have been slow cooking FOR YEARS,until they finally blossomed.Plus,I love how Matt always gave El her own space and time🥹
As you have already unsterstood,you are about to read THE ROMANCE of the season🏒🎧🩷
Out On Oct,11th 🌹
5⭐
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes PR & Trinity Lemm for trusting me with this ARC!🎧
Matt Gallagher is terribly in love with his best friend.And she has no clue about it.
El,always just wanted one thing.To be as succesful as her father,and in order to achieve the best she can,has to enroll in the same college,that her best friend goes.Things soon are going to take an interesting turn,with her trying to manage everything without breaking apart,or will she?
To start with,this was TRULY a real college & hockey romance.As a (soon) college kid myself,I can actually see my friends in those people.From their appearances to the behaviours and the way they handled things we could feel the age,compared to other pieces of work that you read about early adults and it looks like they are in their late 30s.
Also,I loved how during the book,they literally figured out life,relationships,themselves and rearranged their boundaries.Such a heartwarming story.
To continue,I really liked that we see the reality of the term family.Not the picture perfect one that is usually potaryed,but not the purerly broken one.The reality itself.How families are complicated,yet lovely and CAN stand up again to their feet.
El,was such,such a cutie pie.
I really liked the hidden complexity of her character,with the first look her just being your average american college girl,yet when you really get to know her,you see what Eleanor Burkeley actually is.A beautiful,loving,emotional,deeply thoughtful person.
Actaully,I really liked Matt too!
How OBSESSED he was & how he managed to fight his inner devils for the sake of himself & the people he loved.
To end with,the romance was ON THE TOP.If you know me,you know I am having a harsh time with harsh romances.Yes,the ones that go from 0 to 100 in a span of maybe 2 pages?However,this time the feelings have been slow cooking FOR YEARS,until they finally blossomed.Plus,I love how Matt always gave El her own space and time🥹
As you have already unsterstood,you are about to read THE ROMANCE of the season🏒🎧🩷
Out On Oct,11th 🌹
5⭐
October 14, 2025
This started out like it might be an easy, chill read but just dragged itself in circles. The story keeps recycling the same two plot points, and any sense of emotional growth gets buried under cheap drama and predictable scenes. The characters could’ve been layered, but instead they’re stuck in a loop of bad choices and surface-level angst. I kept waiting for something meaningful to happen, but it all just stayed flat. By the end, it felt less like a romance and more like a study in repetition.
October 14, 2025
This was my first ever ARC read and I couldn't be happier!!
I am a true sucker for a good side character and from the mom Matt was introduced in The Puch Arrangement & The Ice Match I knew he was my man!
The Overtime Play is Matt and El's story and I ate it up so fast!
Matt is just perfect. Violently in love and a protector and mushy for his lady 😭💙
El is as sweet as pie and has such great character development.
This book was definitely a 5⭐️ for me for so many reasons! But the main one being it was just addictive from start to finish, no boring spots, no off the wall drama. It was perfect from start to finish!
This was such a great experience and I loved being apart of this ARC read!
I am a true sucker for a good side character and from the mom Matt was introduced in The Puch Arrangement & The Ice Match I knew he was my man!
The Overtime Play is Matt and El's story and I ate it up so fast!
Matt is just perfect. Violently in love and a protector and mushy for his lady 😭💙
El is as sweet as pie and has such great character development.
This book was definitely a 5⭐️ for me for so many reasons! But the main one being it was just addictive from start to finish, no boring spots, no off the wall drama. It was perfect from start to finish!
This was such a great experience and I loved being apart of this ARC read!
September 30, 2025
⭐️⭐️.75
Matt and El are childhood best friends who are attending the same university - El as a law student after completing her undergrad in just 3 years, and Matt as a senior and hockey hothead with a contract to the NHL.
Both must navigate their pasts and how those traumas and decisions affect their current lives as they navigate their long simmering feelings for each other.
I have to be honest, this one wasn’t for me. Childhood friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, and I am a sucker for a hockey romance, but this one just didn’t hit the way I was expecting.
I didn’t vibe with the writing style and I struggled to feel the romantic chemistry between the characters - they always seemed like just good friends to me. After they got together I felt like I lost the plot and was grasping at air trying to figure out where the story was heading. I was way more invested in Matt’s sister’s storyline by the end.
I do think there are a lot of people who will enjoy this story, I was just expecting a bit more depth and it didn’t deliver for me.
The Overtime Play releases on October 11, 2025.
Thank you to Trinity Lemm for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Matt and El are childhood best friends who are attending the same university - El as a law student after completing her undergrad in just 3 years, and Matt as a senior and hockey hothead with a contract to the NHL.
Both must navigate their pasts and how those traumas and decisions affect their current lives as they navigate their long simmering feelings for each other.
I have to be honest, this one wasn’t for me. Childhood friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, and I am a sucker for a hockey romance, but this one just didn’t hit the way I was expecting.
I didn’t vibe with the writing style and I struggled to feel the romantic chemistry between the characters - they always seemed like just good friends to me. After they got together I felt like I lost the plot and was grasping at air trying to figure out where the story was heading. I was way more invested in Matt’s sister’s storyline by the end.
I do think there are a lot of people who will enjoy this story, I was just expecting a bit more depth and it didn’t deliver for me.
The Overtime Play releases on October 11, 2025.
Thank you to Trinity Lemm for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2025
Urgh okay.
Firstly. Thank you Love Notes PR for this ARC. This is an honest review.
This was bad. There was zero chemistry between the main characters and it went so slowly. Between the flash backs and the build up of both of them liking each other, nothing happened until after half way.
The spice was there, however it wasn’t a huge chunk of the book and easy to skip.
The writing was bad. There were words that were technically used correctly but felt out of place and weird.
Firstly. Thank you Love Notes PR for this ARC. This is an honest review.
This was bad. There was zero chemistry between the main characters and it went so slowly. Between the flash backs and the build up of both of them liking each other, nothing happened until after half way.
The spice was there, however it wasn’t a huge chunk of the book and easy to skip.
The writing was bad. There were words that were technically used correctly but felt out of place and weird.
October 10, 2025
3.5⭐️
I received an advance copy of this book from LoveNotesPR in exchange for an honest review.
El and Matt have been inseparable since they were kids. El dreams of becoming a successful lawyer, and Matt is hyper-focused on his hockey career. But when El transfers to Matt’s school, the two start to spend every waking moment together. As they grow closer, it gets harder for them to deny their feelings for each other. Neither wants to cross that line and ruin the friendship, but they can only deny their feelings for each other for so long.
Tropes:
✵Friends to Lovers
✵Hockey Romance
✵Boy Obsessed
✵It’s Always Been You
This one started off so strong for me. I loved getting to know Matt and El and seeing their dynamic as friends. I also really enjoyed the flashbacks to their time growing up together. Those scenes were really helpful in understanding where they are now. However, the book started to drag on for me when they continued to ignore their feelings for each other. Slow burns are a hit or miss for me, and sadly this one missed. After a while, I got bored of the constant will they won’t they. The one other turning point for me was when they finally went from friends to lovers.
Overall it was a cute read, but probably not one I would read again.
I received an advance copy of this book from LoveNotesPR in exchange for an honest review.
El and Matt have been inseparable since they were kids. El dreams of becoming a successful lawyer, and Matt is hyper-focused on his hockey career. But when El transfers to Matt’s school, the two start to spend every waking moment together. As they grow closer, it gets harder for them to deny their feelings for each other. Neither wants to cross that line and ruin the friendship, but they can only deny their feelings for each other for so long.
Tropes:
✵Friends to Lovers
✵Hockey Romance
✵Boy Obsessed
✵It’s Always Been You
This one started off so strong for me. I loved getting to know Matt and El and seeing their dynamic as friends. I also really enjoyed the flashbacks to their time growing up together. Those scenes were really helpful in understanding where they are now. However, the book started to drag on for me when they continued to ignore their feelings for each other. Slow burns are a hit or miss for me, and sadly this one missed. After a while, I got bored of the constant will they won’t they. The one other turning point for me was when they finally went from friends to lovers.
Overall it was a cute read, but probably not one I would read again.
October 1, 2025
I received a copy of this book from Love Notes PR. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Eleanor “El” Burkeley has always strived for success. After graduating undergrad in three years, she’s off to law school at Cedar University— the school El’s childhood best friend, Matt Gallagher, attends. El never takes time to slow down, always working to be the best. Thankfully, Matt is there to help her slow down and take care of herself. As El spends time with Matt again, the feelings she’s tried so hard to bury immediately come to the surface.
Matt Gallagher is one of Cedar U’s star defensemen and has been in love with El since they were kids. Matt’s kept his feelings to himself all these years, worried he’d bring her down. Matt has always had a temper, especially when people mess with El. When his temper gets out of control yet again, his chance with El and his spot on the team is put in danger. Matt must decide if he’s going to put in the work or risk everything he’s ever wanted.
I absolutely devoured this one! It’s been a minute since a book has hooked me right away (I’ve been in a massive reading slump), but I could not put this down! This was friends to lovers done right. The mutual pining combined with the tension of not wanting to ruin the friendship *chefs kiss*
I can’t wait for more in the Cedar U universe!
Read if you like
• hockey romance
• childhood best friends to lovers
• touch her and you die
• man falls first and harder
Eleanor “El” Burkeley has always strived for success. After graduating undergrad in three years, she’s off to law school at Cedar University— the school El’s childhood best friend, Matt Gallagher, attends. El never takes time to slow down, always working to be the best. Thankfully, Matt is there to help her slow down and take care of herself. As El spends time with Matt again, the feelings she’s tried so hard to bury immediately come to the surface.
Matt Gallagher is one of Cedar U’s star defensemen and has been in love with El since they were kids. Matt’s kept his feelings to himself all these years, worried he’d bring her down. Matt has always had a temper, especially when people mess with El. When his temper gets out of control yet again, his chance with El and his spot on the team is put in danger. Matt must decide if he’s going to put in the work or risk everything he’s ever wanted.
I absolutely devoured this one! It’s been a minute since a book has hooked me right away (I’ve been in a massive reading slump), but I could not put this down! This was friends to lovers done right. The mutual pining combined with the tension of not wanting to ruin the friendship *chefs kiss*
I can’t wait for more in the Cedar U universe!
Read if you like
• hockey romance
• childhood best friends to lovers
• touch her and you die
• man falls first and harder
October 14, 2025
ARC review 🥳
This was a veryyy cute story!
The way it was written is absolutely addictive, I hadn’t read a book so fast in a WHILE 🙂↕️
I loved how we get glimpses into their childhood and how that shaped their relationship as adults, and the development of their relationship when they are together 😩
I do however think that it dragged a bit in some places, and there was a specific section I thought shouldn’t have been part of their storyline at all really, but rather maybe about a second book? It was still fun to read about that, don’t get me wrong 🫣
3,5 ⭐️
This was a veryyy cute story!
The way it was written is absolutely addictive, I hadn’t read a book so fast in a WHILE 🙂↕️
I loved how we get glimpses into their childhood and how that shaped their relationship as adults, and the development of their relationship when they are together 😩
I do however think that it dragged a bit in some places, and there was a specific section I thought shouldn’t have been part of their storyline at all really, but rather maybe about a second book? It was still fun to read about that, don’t get me wrong 🫣
3,5 ⭐️
September 27, 2025
Overtime Play is such a sweet story between a Type-A, sweet girl and the boy she grew up with, a hot-headed hockey player. You fall in love with their friendship almost immediately. The spice felt intentional and slow-burny. Once it comes, it HITs and it’s so good! I found myself wanting more of the stories of the side characters, I’m so excited to read their stories in other books already written and still to come. Overall, this book was so fun to read and made me put my hand over my heart and “Awh” so many times! Must read!
October 20, 2025
This was okay. It was a quick read but there were a lot of little things that just felt off and stopped it from being as could as it could have been and sounded like it would be from the premise.
For one thing all they did was hangout at bars or in each others bedrooms. There has to be other places/settings in a book like this. It just felt really repetitive and kinda ridiculous. There weren’t really that many scenes at a hockey facility or at hockey games even nor were there scenes with them in class or around campus. It was literally just a different bar sometimes even the same two bars mostly every night.
On top of that it was friends to lovers which I love if developed properly and there’s tension and slow burn as feelings are changing but that just wasn’t the case here. Even if he had been in love with her forever I would have been okay with that had it developed into more slowly because for her she denied that they were anything more than friend then suddenly without conversation or much development at all they were doing it every chance they got. After that there wasn’t much story or dates or anything that had to do with them outside the bedroom.
And also, there was deep issues that were wrong with both characters and they ended up both going to therapy for it, but it was sort of just mentioned as what seemed like a way to develop some extra storyline, but it wasn’t explored or really dove into at all, nor was it Closed well by the end they just kind of ignored it and moved on and then the book ended abruptly.
So really the book had a chance to be really good, but there were just a few things that bothered me about it and ended up keeping it from being super enjoyable and loving the characters in their relationship and feeling a deep emotional connection to the story that just ended up making it feel Shallow and confusing so unfortunately, I just didn’t love this one as a result.
Thank you to love note PR, the author and the publisher for the eARC this review is my ow opinions.
For one thing all they did was hangout at bars or in each others bedrooms. There has to be other places/settings in a book like this. It just felt really repetitive and kinda ridiculous. There weren’t really that many scenes at a hockey facility or at hockey games even nor were there scenes with them in class or around campus. It was literally just a different bar sometimes even the same two bars mostly every night.
On top of that it was friends to lovers which I love if developed properly and there’s tension and slow burn as feelings are changing but that just wasn’t the case here. Even if he had been in love with her forever I would have been okay with that had it developed into more slowly because for her she denied that they were anything more than friend then suddenly without conversation or much development at all they were doing it every chance they got. After that there wasn’t much story or dates or anything that had to do with them outside the bedroom.
And also, there was deep issues that were wrong with both characters and they ended up both going to therapy for it, but it was sort of just mentioned as what seemed like a way to develop some extra storyline, but it wasn’t explored or really dove into at all, nor was it Closed well by the end they just kind of ignored it and moved on and then the book ended abruptly.
So really the book had a chance to be really good, but there were just a few things that bothered me about it and ended up keeping it from being super enjoyable and loving the characters in their relationship and feeling a deep emotional connection to the story that just ended up making it feel Shallow and confusing so unfortunately, I just didn’t love this one as a result.
Thank you to love note PR, the author and the publisher for the eARC this review is my ow opinions.
October 30, 2025
El and Matt have such a deep rooted connection that was a lot of fun to discover. Best friends to lovers is my one of my favorite tropes and it did not disappoint in this book! The storyline was really good, the main and side characters written out really well. A great read for any jockey lover that enjoys a HEA!
October 18, 2025
First and foremost thank you to LoveNotes Pr for the chance to read and review.
With that being said this book was not great, from the characters to the writing style to the spice. The story didn’t flow well, same with the dialogue between characters. The MMC Matt was possessive over Eleanor even before they got together and not in a cute way, in a get out of the relationship immediately kind of way. This just wasn’t for me, but if you like college age best friends to lovers romances maybe try it out to yourself.
With that being said this book was not great, from the characters to the writing style to the spice. The story didn’t flow well, same with the dialogue between characters. The MMC Matt was possessive over Eleanor even before they got together and not in a cute way, in a get out of the relationship immediately kind of way. This just wasn’t for me, but if you like college age best friends to lovers romances maybe try it out to yourself.
October 13, 2025
read this on another flight and i literally skimmed the last 50% and stared out the window for the last hour and a half. mind you, it’s nighttime and my windows were fogged up.
November 4, 2025
The Overtime Play ARC review!!
I absolutely can’t express how much this book had my heart!! I was hooked on it from the moment Trinity posted that they were going to have a book! Matt and El have been life long best friends and he’s been pining for her for the last 16 years 😩 I absolutely love how this book does flashbacks to when they were younger and memories that were made by them and the comfort that they both bring each other especially when El is the only one who can calm Matt, I love that they push each other to be the absolute best versions of themselves, I also absolutely love how protective Matt is over El even when they were just best friends like come on!! This story was so beautifully written and I could honestly talk about it for hours on end♥️🥹
I absolutely can’t express how much this book had my heart!! I was hooked on it from the moment Trinity posted that they were going to have a book! Matt and El have been life long best friends and he’s been pining for her for the last 16 years 😩 I absolutely love how this book does flashbacks to when they were younger and memories that were made by them and the comfort that they both bring each other especially when El is the only one who can calm Matt, I love that they push each other to be the absolute best versions of themselves, I also absolutely love how protective Matt is over El even when they were just best friends like come on!! This story was so beautifully written and I could honestly talk about it for hours on end♥️🥹
January 14, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
I’ve been waiting for Matt and El’s story for a while now! I love a good childhood best friends to lovers book. It was great to see how their relationship progressed throughout the book. A cute book with found family, sports romance, slow burn, etc.
Thank you Trinity Lemm for the ARC!
I’ve been waiting for Matt and El’s story for a while now! I love a good childhood best friends to lovers book. It was great to see how their relationship progressed throughout the book. A cute book with found family, sports romance, slow burn, etc.
Thank you Trinity Lemm for the ARC!
October 15, 2025
The Overtime Play is a college hockey FRIENDS TO LOVERS romance.
One thing about me is I LOVE friends to lovers, make it childhood friends to lovers and that's even better! I ate this up. Honestly I was in the beginnings of a reading slump and this was perfect to keep me reading.
The MMC does struggle with anger issues and I feel like it was teetering on being too much for me but he did finally figure out how to manage it and he was never aggressive towards the FMC or women.
Also he does call the FMC "princess" and I am sorry I cannot get behind that. I cringed every time I read it.
I liked their relationship, the flash backs and the "it's always been you" vibes of this one! It is definitely a college romance so if you don't like main characters in their early 20s that go to the bars a lot you might not like this one.
Thank you to Love Notes PR for an ARC of The Overtime Play. All opinions are my own.
One thing about me is I LOVE friends to lovers, make it childhood friends to lovers and that's even better! I ate this up. Honestly I was in the beginnings of a reading slump and this was perfect to keep me reading.
The MMC does struggle with anger issues and I feel like it was teetering on being too much for me but he did finally figure out how to manage it and he was never aggressive towards the FMC or women.
Also he does call the FMC "princess" and I am sorry I cannot get behind that. I cringed every time I read it.
I liked their relationship, the flash backs and the "it's always been you" vibes of this one! It is definitely a college romance so if you don't like main characters in their early 20s that go to the bars a lot you might not like this one.
Thank you to Love Notes PR for an ARC of The Overtime Play. All opinions are my own.
October 18, 2025
Title: The Overtime Play
Author: Trinity Lemm
Genre: Sports Romance
Release Date: October 11, 2025
Rating: 4/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Level: 2/5 🌶️🌶️
A hockey romance with childhood best friends to lovers, “The Overtime Play” is a slowww burn. I loved seeing both sides of the story of what they individually had to deal with. They grew together and it helped that getting to their relationship took time because they had to mature and really find their true feelings for each other since they are so close. It really shows the intricate relationships, whether romantic, familial, or platonic, that can be a part of someone’s life.
Personally, I think the story in the beginning was slow, which makes sense for a slow burn, but when things picked up, it picked up too quickly. The characters had great development, but I would’ve liked to see more of a gradual introduction into getting into the relationship and prolonging the parts where they had drama because it resolved too fast.
This book had a good balance of hockey and a chunk of drama to go with the romance. It touches on real life circumstances that can happen with the relationships you have in your life and it has great resolutions. In terms of structure, I like that this is an easy read and that it’s easy to get from chapter to chapter. This is my first book I’ve read from this author and I’m curious to see what’s next!
I received an ARC (Advanced Readers Copy) in exchange for an honest review. These thoughts are entirely my own! Thank you to Trinity Lemm and Love Notes PR for choosing me to receive an early copy! (:
Author: Trinity Lemm
Genre: Sports Romance
Release Date: October 11, 2025
Rating: 4/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Level: 2/5 🌶️🌶️
A hockey romance with childhood best friends to lovers, “The Overtime Play” is a slowww burn. I loved seeing both sides of the story of what they individually had to deal with. They grew together and it helped that getting to their relationship took time because they had to mature and really find their true feelings for each other since they are so close. It really shows the intricate relationships, whether romantic, familial, or platonic, that can be a part of someone’s life.
Personally, I think the story in the beginning was slow, which makes sense for a slow burn, but when things picked up, it picked up too quickly. The characters had great development, but I would’ve liked to see more of a gradual introduction into getting into the relationship and prolonging the parts where they had drama because it resolved too fast.
This book had a good balance of hockey and a chunk of drama to go with the romance. It touches on real life circumstances that can happen with the relationships you have in your life and it has great resolutions. In terms of structure, I like that this is an easy read and that it’s easy to get from chapter to chapter. This is my first book I’ve read from this author and I’m curious to see what’s next!
I received an ARC (Advanced Readers Copy) in exchange for an honest review. These thoughts are entirely my own! Thank you to Trinity Lemm and Love Notes PR for choosing me to receive an early copy! (:
October 10, 2025
*3.5
I'm mad because I really wanted to like this book and I did up until they got together. It's like the author didn't know what to do when they finally admitted their feelings. They literally had sex for the first time and we didn't even see them right after, there was a time jump and we still didn't see them talk about it. There were like 4 sex scenes in a row before we even saw them have a conversation. It was so weird because I felt like they talked before they were together and then everything just stopped.
I received an arc from love notes pr.
I'm mad because I really wanted to like this book and I did up until they got together. It's like the author didn't know what to do when they finally admitted their feelings. They literally had sex for the first time and we didn't even see them right after, there was a time jump and we still didn't see them talk about it. There were like 4 sex scenes in a row before we even saw them have a conversation. It was so weird because I felt like they talked before they were together and then everything just stopped.
I received an arc from love notes pr.
October 16, 2025
The components were all there, but this one didn’t add up for me sadly!
I’m a total sucker for an interconnected series, particularly hockey romance, but it felt like most of the major elements in this one were purely for “setup” purposes (ex. descriptions of the other team members, in-depth details about key locations on campus, etc.). Unfortunately it made me feel like this book was sacrificed a bit to allow for most of the “world building” to be in place for future books within the series, when I would’ve rather had more time focused on Matt and El’s relationship! They were childhood friends-to-lovers, but somehow even with a bit of a slow burn it felt instalove-ish to me (when the moment finally happens, it reeeeeeally happens and doesn’t hold back!). In an ideal world, I would’ve loved more time focused on a “will they or won’t they” vibe between them!
Overall, I do think this is a great one for fans of friends-to-lovers, slow burn, “it’s always been you,” and found family tropes - just didn’t work for me!
Thank you to Love Notes PR for this eARC!
I’m a total sucker for an interconnected series, particularly hockey romance, but it felt like most of the major elements in this one were purely for “setup” purposes (ex. descriptions of the other team members, in-depth details about key locations on campus, etc.). Unfortunately it made me feel like this book was sacrificed a bit to allow for most of the “world building” to be in place for future books within the series, when I would’ve rather had more time focused on Matt and El’s relationship! They were childhood friends-to-lovers, but somehow even with a bit of a slow burn it felt instalove-ish to me (when the moment finally happens, it reeeeeeally happens and doesn’t hold back!). In an ideal world, I would’ve loved more time focused on a “will they or won’t they” vibe between them!
Overall, I do think this is a great one for fans of friends-to-lovers, slow burn, “it’s always been you,” and found family tropes - just didn’t work for me!
Thank you to Love Notes PR for this eARC!
October 17, 2025
3.5⭐️ 2🌶️
This book was so cute! I loved the best friends to lovers dynamic, and thought it was done wonderfully. A few things felt a bit rushed, but the overall pacing wasn’t too slow or too fast. The ending did leave a bit to be desired, but the epilogue was so sweet that I didn’t mind it too much.
This book was so cute! I loved the best friends to lovers dynamic, and thought it was done wonderfully. A few things felt a bit rushed, but the overall pacing wasn’t too slow or too fast. The ending did leave a bit to be desired, but the epilogue was so sweet that I didn’t mind it too much.
January 29, 2026
The Overtime Play is book one in The Starting Line Series.
I really enjoyed this childhood BFF's to lovers romance. This is a slow burn romance held my attention. Who doesn't enjoy a hot protective hockey MMC?! If you enjoy slow burn romance, friends to lovers, or hockey romance then I would recommend giving this book a chance.
I really enjoyed this childhood BFF's to lovers romance. This is a slow burn romance held my attention. Who doesn't enjoy a hot protective hockey MMC?! If you enjoy slow burn romance, friends to lovers, or hockey romance then I would recommend giving this book a chance.
October 16, 2025
Childhood best friends ?? Give it to me nowwww!
I absolutely fell in love with this book and their love story , the fact that they both didn’t give up on each other was everything!😭 and the ending ??? Oh my god 🥹
I absolutely fell in love with this book and their love story , the fact that they both didn’t give up on each other was everything!😭 and the ending ??? Oh my god 🥹
October 19, 2025
I was incredibly lucky to receive are ARC of this book!!
I thought Elenor was GREAT. I found myself relating to her in many ways but the MMC … I could have done without🤣🤣
While he added so much to the story, I found myself getting annoyed with him because his toxicity was just obnoxious.
I did love the story line and with all the mention of the bars I felt like I was back in college again.
Overall, it was a great first read and I’m excited to see where this series goes.
I thought Elenor was GREAT. I found myself relating to her in many ways but the MMC … I could have done without🤣🤣
While he added so much to the story, I found myself getting annoyed with him because his toxicity was just obnoxious.
I did love the story line and with all the mention of the bars I felt like I was back in college again.
Overall, it was a great first read and I’m excited to see where this series goes.
December 19, 2025
I really liked the characters in this and i’m a sucker for a friends to lovers, but other than that, nothing in this book really stood out to me an there were things that i didn’t love about it. love how obsessed he was with her tho and the first scene was so cute!
December 25, 2025
See how short of a time it took me to read that? GO READ THIS BOOK. and all of Trinity’s books for that matter, especially if you like hockey romance
I’m so gagged I need the next one immediately 😭 Now i have to find some hockey romances to fill the void until the next announcement
I’m so gagged I need the next one immediately 😭 Now i have to find some hockey romances to fill the void until the next announcement
October 18, 2025
First of all, thank you to Love Notes PR for letting me read an ARC of this book!
This story started off really strong: two best friends slowly realizing their feelings for each other (one of my fave tropes, tbh). Matt and El just fit together, and I loved all the lovely flashbacks to their childhood. I think they made their connection feel real and genuine.
Overall, such a cute and cozy read! Perfect if you love slow burns and friends-to-lovers 🫶🏻
This story started off really strong: two best friends slowly realizing their feelings for each other (one of my fave tropes, tbh). Matt and El just fit together, and I loved all the lovely flashbacks to their childhood. I think they made their connection feel real and genuine.
Overall, such a cute and cozy read! Perfect if you love slow burns and friends-to-lovers 🫶🏻
October 11, 2025
Rating 4.1⭐️
Spice 🌶🌶🌶
Firstly, I am grateful for the opportunity to have been an ARC it is with great honour that I write this review .
I want to show my love for the. Mmc, well, he agreed to go to therapy, knowing that, obviously took a blow to his pride but to be better for the girl that he wants is totally a plus for me. I want everybody to have their own experiences and opinions by themselves.So he was so kind, protective the right amounts, you know, without the outbursts, he was a good guy.All in all , I feel like I wish he didn't cheat on his ex girlfriend , it would have made him better.
Okay for the fmc, I feel so privileged to be a law student myself so I understand the gruelling hours that she asked to undertake putting her phone DND so that you can study is probably one of the best ideas. Through, she showed her father, if you don't allow me to date him even with all the past encounters, I don't want to your Blessing. It just showed how in love she was obviously made me giddy and happy. Oddly known I feel like the characters deserved each other. I love the fact that they had no like no big fights that made them break up. They talked through their differences. They communicated well since generally communication is critically the key to a good book.
Good book for fall🤩
Spice 🌶🌶🌶
Firstly, I am grateful for the opportunity to have been an ARC it is with great honour that I write this review .
I want to show my love for the. Mmc, well, he agreed to go to therapy, knowing that, obviously took a blow to his pride but to be better for the girl that he wants is totally a plus for me. I want everybody to have their own experiences and opinions by themselves.So he was so kind, protective the right amounts, you know, without the outbursts, he was a good guy.All in all , I feel like I wish he didn't cheat on his ex girlfriend , it would have made him better.
Okay for the fmc, I feel so privileged to be a law student myself so I understand the gruelling hours that she asked to undertake putting her phone DND so that you can study is probably one of the best ideas. Through, she showed her father, if you don't allow me to date him even with all the past encounters, I don't want to your Blessing. It just showed how in love she was obviously made me giddy and happy. Oddly known I feel like the characters deserved each other. I love the fact that they had no like no big fights that made them break up. They talked through their differences. They communicated well since generally communication is critically the key to a good book.
Good book for fall🤩
October 15, 2025
4/5 ⭐️
I had the opportunity of being an ARC reader for this book. It was a good read for the “it’s always been you” and “hockey romance” tropes. It was fun getting to know our main characters. I also really love the author putting the flashbacks in so we were able to get to know their dynamic from the start.
I had the opportunity of being an ARC reader for this book. It was a good read for the “it’s always been you” and “hockey romance” tropes. It was fun getting to know our main characters. I also really love the author putting the flashbacks in so we were able to get to know their dynamic from the start.
October 13, 2025
I am beyond grateful to have received an ARC of this book, and cannot wait for everyone to get this in their hands. These characters have piqued my interest since The Puck Arrangement and this book did NOT disappoint. I’ve been waiting to see this story play out, and the depth, connection and storytelling create such a unique yet aligned story. I also appreciated the continuation from the Puck Arrangement and Ice Match. Looking forward to what comes next!
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