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Pine Barrens University #3
Changing the Playbook
A steamy new college hockey romance featuring a cinnamon roll captain, a fiercely protective nursing student, and a connection against the odds that starts with one unforgettable night.
HER PLAYBOOK
Between a demanding nursing master's program and managing her mom’s unpredictable MS, Sophie Pearson’s life runs on a strict set of rules. She doesn’t have time for feelings
It’s the only system that keeps her sane.
HIS NEW GAME PLAN
After an injury nearly ended his career and shattered his mental health, hockey captain Mike Altman is living by a new set of rules for his final dominate on the ice to secure his NHL future, and ligthten up off the ice.
He’s got a clear head, until he meets a girl who shatters his focus.
AN UNEXPECTED COLLISION
After one scorching night together burns through their carefully laid plans, Mike falls hard, and Sophie feels something dangerously close to real intimacy.
And as their “one night only” promise becomes hard to keep, they must decide if a love that could cost everything is worth rewriting the playbook.
Key
Coach's daughter (and earning his trust!)One-night stand to more (so much more!)He falls first (and hard…)Cinnamon roll hero (tough on the ice, tender with her)Third in series (but read as standalone)Steamy 'open door' spice level
Get it now!
HER PLAYBOOK
Between a demanding nursing master's program and managing her mom’s unpredictable MS, Sophie Pearson’s life runs on a strict set of rules. She doesn’t have time for feelings
It’s the only system that keeps her sane.
HIS NEW GAME PLAN
After an injury nearly ended his career and shattered his mental health, hockey captain Mike Altman is living by a new set of rules for his final dominate on the ice to secure his NHL future, and ligthten up off the ice.
He’s got a clear head, until he meets a girl who shatters his focus.
AN UNEXPECTED COLLISION
After one scorching night together burns through their carefully laid plans, Mike falls hard, and Sophie feels something dangerously close to real intimacy.
And as their “one night only” promise becomes hard to keep, they must decide if a love that could cost everything is worth rewriting the playbook.
Key
Coach's daughter (and earning his trust!)One-night stand to more (so much more!)He falls first (and hard…)Cinnamon roll hero (tough on the ice, tender with her)Third in series (but read as standalone)Steamy 'open door' spice level
Get it now!
416 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 24, 2025
There were too many errors and inconsistencies to give this a higher rating. A better editing job is needed. As for the story itself, Sophie is a major control freak and Mike is able to help her let go, but he loses himself in the process. She really would have benefited from seeing his therapist. I enjoyed the first 2 books in the series and I'll give the 4th a go, but if it has the errors this one did, I'll be done.
April 19, 2026
Full heart, zero regrets, emotionally wrecked in the best way.
✨ The Couple
Mike and Sophie are actual perfection. I mean it. From the very beginning, there’s this pull between them that just feels right. They’ve both been through so much, carrying pieces of their past that could’ve easily broken them—but instead, they find each other. And somehow, together, they heal. Watching their relationship unfold felt like witnessing something really special.
And Mike? Oh my god. He is the swooniest, most patient, loving, amazing man. The way he shows up for Sophie—consistently, gently, without hesitation—just melted me. He understands her in a way that feels so deep and genuine, and the love he gives her is exactly what she needs. Even when he tries to just be her friend, you can feel the chemistry and love radiating off this man—it’s impossible to miss.
🔥 Chemistry Check
TOP. NOTCH. Whew.
The chemistry between these two is undeniable—it’s intense, emotional, and yes… very, very hot. It’s not just physical either—it’s layered with trust, vulnerability, and that “I can’t stay away from you” kind of energy that makes you feel everything.
💔 Emotional Damage Report
Listen… I was not prepared.
These two carry a lot, and the emotional weight of their pasts hits hard. But what really got me was Mike’s willingness to sacrifice. This man is ready to give up everything he’s ever wanted for Sophie—even when it clearly hurts him. That kind of love? Selfless to a fault. It made my heart ache just as much as it made it swell.
🥹 Real-Life Reading Moment
Okay but… reading this in the car while my husband and kids were in a store? Not my smartest move.
I was sitting there crying, fully emotional, and the people walking by definitely didn’t know what to make of me. But honestly? Worth it. This book earns those tears.
💭 Final Thoughts
Changing The Playbook is one of those stories that just wraps around your heart and stays there. It’s emotional, passionate, and filled with the kind of love that feels both powerful and fragile at the same time. Mike and Sophie are everything—and I’m not over them anytime soon.
✨ The Couple
Mike and Sophie are actual perfection. I mean it. From the very beginning, there’s this pull between them that just feels right. They’ve both been through so much, carrying pieces of their past that could’ve easily broken them—but instead, they find each other. And somehow, together, they heal. Watching their relationship unfold felt like witnessing something really special.
And Mike? Oh my god. He is the swooniest, most patient, loving, amazing man. The way he shows up for Sophie—consistently, gently, without hesitation—just melted me. He understands her in a way that feels so deep and genuine, and the love he gives her is exactly what she needs. Even when he tries to just be her friend, you can feel the chemistry and love radiating off this man—it’s impossible to miss.
🔥 Chemistry Check
TOP. NOTCH. Whew.
The chemistry between these two is undeniable—it’s intense, emotional, and yes… very, very hot. It’s not just physical either—it’s layered with trust, vulnerability, and that “I can’t stay away from you” kind of energy that makes you feel everything.
💔 Emotional Damage Report
Listen… I was not prepared.
These two carry a lot, and the emotional weight of their pasts hits hard. But what really got me was Mike’s willingness to sacrifice. This man is ready to give up everything he’s ever wanted for Sophie—even when it clearly hurts him. That kind of love? Selfless to a fault. It made my heart ache just as much as it made it swell.
🥹 Real-Life Reading Moment
Okay but… reading this in the car while my husband and kids were in a store? Not my smartest move.
I was sitting there crying, fully emotional, and the people walking by definitely didn’t know what to make of me. But honestly? Worth it. This book earns those tears.
💭 Final Thoughts
Changing The Playbook is one of those stories that just wraps around your heart and stays there. It’s emotional, passionate, and filled with the kind of love that feels both powerful and fragile at the same time. Mike and Sophie are everything—and I’m not over them anytime soon.
August 26, 2025
I was looking forward to Mike's story. I was kind of bored through 60 %. I even put it down and read another book and came back to it. After they committed to each other and some drama occured, I was way more invested. I felt Mike's range of emotions. I was so mad at Sophie for a hot minute. Like is she serious?! The scene where she tells Mike she's got her crap together... awesome!
I can judge anything I want, right? The cover. Just nope.
I can judge anything I want, right? The cover. Just nope.
February 24, 2026
Couldn’t warm to the female lead - she needed so much therapy & just wasn’t, at times, even likeable.
When you read a series, you like an update on previous characters. Barely any mention of the characters from book two.
The editing in this book was a disaster. The name of the lead characters sister changed in the epilogue despite her being the main character in the first book & referenced throughout the book.
When you read a series, you like an update on previous characters. Barely any mention of the characters from book two.
The editing in this book was a disaster. The name of the lead characters sister changed in the epilogue despite her being the main character in the first book & referenced throughout the book.
October 28, 2025
I was waiting for this one and it did not disappoint. Although at one point I really really hated the FMC but im glad that it got sorted out
February 26, 2026
Omg Mike what a gem! I mean truly sooo sweet, his character growth was so great and he made the perfect partner for Sophie!
March 18, 2026
Sophie was very annoying but Mike had great character development.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews