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320 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2025
As if there’s not enough people in my house, this woman walks in looking just as confused as I do. Although, her confused face is a hell of a lot sexier than mine.This book is different from others I’ve read from Emily, while still maintaining her comforting style of writing. Bode & Stevie’s story is sweet, with both of them discovering new parts of themselves, how to love & be loved, & what it looks like to be safe & chosen by your partner.
Not that I need to be thinking about that.
Absolutely not.
… Her blue eyes lock on to mine and damn. Even though she doesn’t have the first clue what’s going on, they’re beautiful.
A blue like the sparkling night sky.
Two seconds in this woman’s presence and I’m comparing her eyes to the night sky? What is wrong with me? I must be losing my mind.
He scrubs his free hand over his face, hiding the wince. “I slept my feelings away with anyone I could. I’m not proud to admit it, but it was easier than facing the fact that no one loved me.” ...They’re fun, but responsible. Caring, yet carefree. Passionate, but always with consent (& in-between the baby’s nap times, haha).
“I was the same way. I mean, not falling into bed with any guy, but anyone who looked at me and said I looked pretty, I fell for. Hook, line, and sinker... [then] they dumped me."
“They’re idiots.”
“You’re just saying that.”
“No.” Bode’s hand cups my cheek. “I’m serious, Stevie. You’re so much more than just the pretty one. And I’m not just saying that.”
I’ve never bared my soul like this to anyone. Bode is the only person I’ve felt safe with. How can I confess my darkest secrets to the man I only met a few weeks ago? The secrets that make me feel less than. That hammered into my psyche just how unlovable I really am...
“You’re so much more than anyone has ever made you feel..."
“We both have a past. You with all the women you’ve been with, and the few guys I’ve been with? They never made me feel great after sex.”This is an emotional romance that explores the meaning & make-up of family, while also reminding us to have fun, laugh with loved ones, & the power of what it means to be chosen. I really liked this latest story from Emily.
“Stevie… Look at me.” He puts his knuckle under my chin, tilting my head until my gaze meets his. “You have a past. I do too, although mine is longer. When I take you into my room, it’s you and me. No one else. You are the only person that matters… You, Stevie. I want you. No one else.”
“I want you too.”
“Then let me show you how much you mean to me.”
“Stevie. Isn’t that so sweet of you?” Eve says. “Tell her how nice that is, Bode.”While it's not necessary to read Game Misconduct (the 1st book in the series) first, I'd recommend it. Emily does a great job filling in any plot points you might've missed, so you aren't left with unanswered questions. But this is book 2 in an interconnected standalone series and, if you're like me & suffer from bookish FOMO, then you should read Game Misconduct to introduce a couple & their family, who help out these main characters in many ways. Especially when the FMC (Harper) from Game Misconduct talks to the FMC (Stevie) from The Playmaker about... stuff (I don't wanna spoil it, but I think it hits more when you know the backstory from Harper's romance). And if you don't have chronic book-related FOMO like me, then still read both books cuz they're great!😉
Bode rolls his eyes at his grandma, and I can’t help but laugh. “How nice of you.”
“I ought to smack you upside the head,” Eve tells him, shaking her head.
“Gran. You say it like I wasn’t going to thank her anyway. I wasn’t raised in a barn.”
“Some days I don’t know.”
“You know you raised me, right? That’s a dig on you.”
“Did you look up things to ask a hockey player?” A smirk plays on his mouth.
I shrug, turning my attention back to dinner. “I mean, maybe.”
“That’s really fucking cute.”
“What? I had to have something to ask you.”
“Please tell me you know it’s a puck,” Bode begs.