Playing the Game

by M. George

Grief is a journey, or so Quincy has always been told. Still mourning her first love, and running from the truth that haunts her, she never expects a simple bucket list to send her careening on a collision course into the hands of fate . . .

. . . or the arms of NHL’s most notorious playboy.

Sebastian Adamare has long since learned to live with his demons, his dark past filled with regrets carefully hidden behind his celebrity persona. To the world, Bash is nothing more than the NHL’s most eligible bachelor and lovable playboy, and nothing is going to change that.

Until he meets her.

One chance encounter, one seductive night filled with explosive chemistry couldn’t change his mind, could it?

But when the truth comes to light, and the dark vixen he meets turns out to be the one woman who is completely off limits, the lines of fate and obsession blur together, changing the rules of the game. How far will he go to keep her, when winning could cost him everything?

Genres: Sports Romance, Dark Romance

137 pages, Paperback

Published September 26, 2025

About the author

M. George is an indie author who lives in the Pacific Northwest with her spouse, three young children and fur baby Goldendoodle. She has always been passionate about reading and writing. Imagining her favorite stories come to life in a way where the characters continue to live long after their stories ended on page, and creating worlds of her own where her characters live rent-free in her mind. When she is not lost in a book or her writing, she enjoys spending her free time with her children, supporting them in their extracurriculars and playing video games or watching shows with her spouse. Her favorite shows lie within the realm of fantasy and the paranormal, and favorite characters are of the morally gray variety. The darker the better. . .

You can find me hanging out and sharing teasers over on my insta https://www.instagram.com/mgeorge.wri...

https://www.amazon.com/author/mgeorge...

Reviews

[Sammy D · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one definitely gave me stalker vibes — but in that way where you can’t quite tell if you should be creeped out or swooning. 😅 I was left with way more questions than answers, but it kept me hooked the whole time.

Honestly, I’m still trying to figure out if the MMC is completely unhinged or secretly the sweetest guy ever. Either way, I kind of need to know what happens next. There’s just enough mystery and chaos to make me want to keep reading!

3.5 stars — entertaining, a little wild, and I’m definitely curious where this story is going.

[Cassie Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good dark hockey romance and this one did not disappoint at all…. There is great plot with just as great spice throughout…. Plus it being a novella is a good quick read when life gets busy but will have you thinking especially since it ends on a cliffhanger… I would recommend reading the books before this just because of references and characters but you don’t have to… Also I love both fmc and mmc….. As a bonus we have a curved fmc and yes he is obsessed with her and her curves… If you like a good dark hockey romance definitely give this a read and always check your tw 🖤🖤🖤

[Amber Goulbourne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a dark romance, so it's important to check the content warnings (CW) and trigger warnings (TW).

Quincy is a single mother who has faced significant trauma, struggles with insecurities about her beautiful, plus-size body, and is unaware of how her life is about to change after meeting a man at a sex club.

Sebastion (Bash) is a hockey player who has a connection to Quincy that she is not aware of. He makes choices that are morally ambiguous at best.

I would like to highlight a few things that I truly appreciated.
1. At the sex club, Bash firmly establishes that having a safe word is non-negotiable. Consent is also an expectation, which is important to me.
2. Quincy is close with a lot of people who really support her.
3. Although brief, this novella sets the stage for a continuing story, and I look forward to following their journey.

What to expect:
🖤Novella
​⛓️Hockey Romance
​🖤Plus Size/Curvy FMC
​⛓️Bi - Rep
​🖤Dom/Sub (light)
​⛓️Single Mom
​🖤Unhinged Golden Retriever
​⛓️Found Family
​🖤Sex Club
​⛓️Hidden Identity

I'm an official ARC Reader for Playing The Game by @mgeorge.writes.alot

[BrewedBookDragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review: I am so hooked on Bash and Quincy's story. This Dark romance starts in a s3x club and I was immediately drawn into the two characters. Without any spoilers.....all I can say is here we go!!!

Here is some info on this novella:
🌶🌶🌶🌶
Hockey Romance
Plus Size FMC
Bi-rep
Light Dom/sub
Single Mom
Unhinged Golden Retriever
Found Family
Hidden Identity
S3x Club
Cliff Hanger

[Mars Rads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

This is one of those stories that I get so caught up in that I get near the end and freak out because there is no way it can be almost over. This was a short spicy novella that sets up so much more. Technically, this could be considered a hockey romance because the MMC is a hockey player, but this has only a small bit of hockey. It takes places mostly in a spicy club. I love all that this book set up, and it was a short, fast read. It is a story about an FMC that created a bucket list with her first love and has been doing her best to experience life. She gets an invite to the exclusive spicy club in order to cross it off her bucket list. She is self conscious and doesn’t feel like she belongs but ends up catching the eye of a sexy man. This is a story about an obsessed MMC and an FMC trying to find herself. I was drawn in by not only the fantastic spice but was completely obsessed with where the story took me and where the story is heading in the future.

I loved these characters so much. Quincy is a mother of a sweet little boy. She lost her first love and has been exploring in order to find herself. She is a sexy curvy woman that is self conscious about her body. When she goes to the club, she compares herself to the skinny blonde women and feels that she can never stack up. Luckily, she catches the eye of Bash, a hockey player that is dealing with his own demons. Bash is adorable. He is a top hockey player, but he also worships Quincy from the moment that he lays eyes on her. He is obsessed in the best possible way.

This is a novella and a quick read but honestly it has stuck with me, and I am still thinking about it days later. It ends on a cliffhanger, and I need to know what is going to happen next. I want the full drama of this unfolding and I can’t wait. This is definitely spicy, and I am always in for a spicy book with a curvy FMC (I get weak for curvy women). This was a great novella that sets up for a great future book. I am definitely in.

[Cal D · Rating 3 out of 5]

#gifted #ARC

This quick little novella featured a spice club, an obsessed MMC, and a huge cliffhanger!

THOUGHTS 💭
🏒 I loved the bucket list at the start of this book! It set the scene for a heroine who is looking to step outside of her comfort zone and into something exciting.
🏒 I enjoyed the lust at first sight connection that our MCs experienced. From the first moment they lock eyes, she becomes his.
🏒 A plus-sized FMC rep is always appreciated, as is an MMC who can’t get enough of their woman’s curves.
🏒 In this novella, the spice club scene is the star of the show! P H E W! 🥵
🏒 That cliffhanger!!! What a tease!

Thanks to M. George and Happily Booked PR for the ARC of this novella!

[Crystal Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured this novella in no time! It was a deliciously dark and spicy hockey read and it was everything! Quincy is a single mom with a bucket list and it’s not your average one either. First one up, a sex club. Bash is a hot hockey star and tired of the same boring parties after the game. But when he catches the eye of Quincy at the club, it’s electric right away and he instantly becomes possessive. I loved how she is plus sized and our MMC couldn’t get enough of her curves. This book was so spicy and he was perfect, setting boundaries and safe words. From the moment their eyes connected, he was determined to make her, his! And that cliffhanger, I need the next book!

[Diamanti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hello, people!
I love dark romance. It's a quick read. It's a lot of spicy and short.
If you love smut reads, this book fits you.
Unfortunately, I couldn't connect with characters. The story is pretty smart and I will give one more chance to the author, but this one couldn't touch me as much as I would like.
Thank you to the author and Happily Booked PR for the eARC!
This is my honest review!

[Kelly Minnigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the beginning. I did receive an advance copy and am leaving my opinion for free. This was an absolute 5 stars for me. I finished within 24 hours. For a novella there was so much packed into this book. I cannot wait for more! I completely love how the FMC is self conscious like most real women but her MMC is absolutely fascinated by her & is so encouraging and positive with all his words. I’m now going back to read the 2 prior books.

[Tonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Raw, real, and unexpectedly tender.
Playing the Game by M. George is a novella that hits hard and heals slow. Quincy’s grief is palpable, and Sebastian “Bash” Adamare is the kind of flawed hero you can’t help but root for. Their chemistry crackles, but it’s the emotional depth that makes this story linger. A quick read with a lasting impact—perfect for fans of sports romance with heart.

📖 Favorite quote:
"He wasn’t supposed to matter. But somehow, he became the only thing that did."

Review: Playing the Game by M. George
Genre: Sports Romance / Contemporary Romance
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

M. George’s Playing the Game is a novella that packs a punch—emotionally charged, seductively written, and layered with grief, healing, and unexpected love. The story centers on Quincy, a woman still mourning her first love, who finds herself swept into a whirlwind romance with Sebastian Adamare, the NHL’s most notorious playboy.

From the first page, George immerses readers in a world where pain and passion collide. Quincy’s vulnerability and Sebastian’s carefully masked demons create a dynamic that’s both explosive and tender. Their chemistry is undeniable, but what makes the story resonate is its emotional depth: this isn’t just about lust—it’s about two broken people daring to believe in something more.

Sebastian, or “Bash,” is more than just a charming athlete. Beneath the swagger lies a man haunted by regret, and George does a stellar job peeling back his layers. Quincy’s journey, meanwhile, is one of rediscovery—of herself, her desires, and her capacity to love again.

📝 Highlights:
- A raw, emotionally resonant portrayal of grief and healing
- Sizzling chemistry with a slow-burn payoff
- A well-crafted balance between steamy romance and heartfelt introspection
- Compact yet impactful storytelling in novella format

If you’re a fan of sports romances with emotional grit and characters who feel real, Playing the Game is a worthy addition to your shelf. It’s a quick read, but it lingers long after the final page.

[Cigi cini · Rating 4 out of 5]

🏒 Sports Romance
💔 Grieving Heroine
🔥 Forbidden Romance
💋 One Night Stand
💣 Secrets & Lies
🖤 Playboy Hero
🎯 Bucket List Twist
👀 Hidden Depths
🌶️ High Heat
🎓 College/NHL Crossover

Star: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Playing the Game is an emotional, slow-burn sports romance that blends grief, passion, and the intoxicating pull of second chances. M. George delivers a story that’s as much about healing as it is about desire, with characters who feel raw, real, and unforgettable.

Quincy is a heroine you can’t help but root for - still mourning her first love, carrying the weight of secrets, and trying to find herself again through a simple bucket list. What she doesn’t expect is for fate to throw her into the path of Sebastian “Bash” Adamare, the NHL’s most notorious playboy. Their first encounter is electric, a collision of two broken souls hiding behind carefully constructed masks.

Bash is more than the charming, carefree persona the world sees. Beneath the swagger lies a man haunted by regrets and demons he can’t outrun. His chemistry with Quincy is undeniable, but when the truth comes out - and she turns out to be the one woman he should never touch - the stakes skyrocket. The tension between them is magnetic, the kind that makes you hold your breath, waiting for the inevitable explosion.

What makes this book stand out is its emotional depth. It’s not just about the heat (though there’s plenty of that); it’s about vulnerability, trust, and the courage to love again when the past still casts a long shadow. The writing is heartfelt and immersive, pulling you into a world where every glance, every touch, feels like a risk worth taking.

If you love sports romance with a mix of angst, forbidden attraction, and characters who fight for love even when the odds are stacked against them, Playing the Game will steal your heart and leave you craving more of The Core Four.

[Michele Dam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished Playing the Game by M. George, an ARC I received through HappilyBookedPR, and I really enjoyed this one! At first, I had no idea it was part of the Core Four series (even though the cover does say so—oops!). That said, it worked surprisingly well as a standalone or as an introduction to Quincy and Bash’s story. While I could tell I was missing some key details about Bash’s past, this novella made me obsessed with their story and now I absolutely plan to go back and read the first two books before continuing on with the series.

From what I’ve gathered, the earlier books focus more on Danica and Theodore, but don’t quote me on that. I only did a little digging before making this review. Either way, I’m hooked and can’t wait to dive into the full series.

I loved the lust-at-first-sight vibe Bash had for Quincy, especially considering one of his rules in the beginning was: “The most important thing to remember is not falling in love with me.” It made their dynamic even more fun to watch unfold. I also loved that the FMC was a curvy girlie, and that the story opened with her bucket list, such a fun and bold start!

And yes, if there’s a sex club trope, I’m absolutely reading it! The cliffhanger ending has me very curious to see where this series is going next. Dark, spicy, and addicting. I’m so glad I picked this up.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

I love me a good hockey romance and this novella did not disappoint. I never heard of this series before I read this arc so I went and read the first 2 books before I started. Let's just say that if Quincy and Bash's full book is anything like the first 2 then we are in for a wild spicy ride. And playing the game was just the stepping stone for how spicy and unhinged it is going to be.

We love a curvy FMC queen over her and Quincy is just that. While taking a solo trip away from her son in another country where she goes to a masquerade Christmas party at an exclusive BPSM club. Enter Bash, an NHL player who is a regular at said BDSM club where he intercepts an uncomfortable interaction between Quincy and a not-so-favourable member. And Qunicy’s curves call to him. While they are wearing masks both Quincy and Bash feel like they know the other but are sure they have never met.

Bash has three rules
1. A safe word is needed
2. No names
3. Don't fall in love with him
Rule number 2 goes down the drain when he realizes exactly who Quinicy is and how he knows her. And know that he has her in his reach he's not letting her go. And he will go through extremes to make her his.


This novella has heat and mystery and ends in a cliffhanger that will have you scrambling for more!

[Misty Vaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella was so good!!!! This was my first book by M. George but it will not be my last!

Though brief, this story absolutely sucked me into the lives of Bash and Quincy. I am so excited that their story isn’t over and that we will see more of them in Perfecting the Game.

This is definitely the beginning of a dark, almost stalkerish, overly obsessed MMC vibe. Even though the story has just begun, I can already tell how obsessed Bash is and will continue to be with Quincy.

Even though this has some ties to a Hockey/sports romance, I love that this is not the sole focus.

I am eager to learn more about Quincy and Bash’s background. I feel like this story is a great start to a series and I’m here for it!!!!

Some info on your characters:

Bash:

*MMC

*attractive, athletic, and successful

*appears to have at one time been a player.

*has some past trauma that we need more info on.

*alpha personality in the sense he sees what he wants and claims it.

Quincy:

*FMC

*attractive and curvy/plus size

*seems to be somewhat insecure

*single mom

*possible widow (need more info)

*business woman but we aren’t given a lot of details yet.

As stated above, I truly enjoyed this short novella and I’m eager for more!!!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Macy Sigman · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Playing the Game” is a fun, quick, and enticing novella! I read it in one sitting. For a novella, it was well-detailed and provided enough information to follow and enjoy the storyline.

I really enjoyed the sports aspect—this trope is always fun. The dark romance setup with the rich guy and the “normal” girl is a familiar one, but it works here. I especially appreciated that the FMC was described as “curvy” and that her body image was naturally woven into conversations.

The FMC herself was fantastic—strong, relatable, and with amazing taste in favorite authors. She leads a high-stress, everyday life that many readers will connect with.

The MMC was equally enjoyable. The relationship and interactions between the FMC and MMC developed nicely throughout the story. I truly hope there’s another novel or novella to continue their journey—because I need more!

As a dark romance, I’d give the spice a 2/5. Overall, I’d rate the book 4/5 stars. I’m a tough critic when it comes to 5 stars—only a select handful of books have earned it from me. Could this novella grow into a 5-star series? Absolutely.

I would definitely recommend this to fellow readers.

Disclaimer: This is an ARC review, and I did not purchase this book.

[Caroline M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quincy, the curvy FMC a single parent mourning her first love. She had a bucket list with him so decides to complete it without him.

She finds herself in a sex club, and meets a masked man who adores her curves, and makes her feeling like the only woman in the room.

The MMC Bash is a playboy hockey celebrity who is sick of sleeping around and collecting puck bunnies . He wants something different in his life , and as it happens, he wants Quincy.

Problem is, after the masked evening, they realise that both look familiar to each other.

This book had me hooked from the first page. It gave me Haunting Adeline vibes, but less murder-y. Bash is large, strong, handsome and a big softie at heart. Don’t get me wrong though his dark side is DARK.

Quincy is adorable. She’s just a single mum, trying to work out what’s missing in her life; but without disrupting things for her little boy, Wolfe.

The spice was spicing , and the connection between the pair was full of chemistry . The twist halfway though was insane, but the twist at the end had me saying ““WHAT????!” . I now need to know what happens next because someone is going to be exceedingly angry !!

🏩 Sex club
🎭👩‍❤️‍👨 Masked couple
🏒 Hockey player
🌑❤️ Dark romance
🌶️🔥 Spicy
✅📝 Bucket list

[shadowarc13 · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.” Playing the game. This novella presents itself as a dark romance.
The narrative follows Quincy, a single mother who has endured significant trauma and grapples with insecurities surrounding her plus-size body. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters a man at a sex club. That man, Sebastian (Bash), is a professional hockey player with a concealed connection to Quincy one that she herself is unaware of. His decisions throughout the story are marked by moral ambiguity, which adds complexity to his character and the overall dynamic between them.
Several elements within this work stand out as particularly effective. First, the depiction of the sex club underscores the importance of consent, with Bash making it clear that the use of a safe word is non negotiable. This establishes a firm and necessary boundary within the narrative. Second, Quincy is portrayed as having a strong support system, which provides her character with grounding and depth. I hope this is the first book of a series. Read trigger warnings!💛

[MaryjaneGoddessxo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way I ATE this novella up! It starts out with a group chat of women discussing Quincy going to an elite smex club as part of her bucket list she had with the love of her life who passed away. Quincy is curvy, tattooed and a single Mama just trying to move on in her life. Then we meet Bash, who is a very famous hockey player and by chance happens to attend this same club on this exact night. Not only does he think Quincy is perfect from what he can see of her in her mask, and so much different than all the other women who frequent it, but he saves her from a total creep and then shows her an AMAZING time in one of the rooms. Well, that chance encounter wasn't enough for Bash and let me tell you, he becomes the most determined stalker. He is working his charm and every single angle to get the info he wants on her. And when he finds out she is someone who is actually in their friend group and has been around for YEARS but they just hadn't met yet...baby, that sealed the damn deal! I read this novella in under a day and when it ended on a cliffhanger I was immediately enraged because HOW CAN YOU LEAVE ME HANGING?!

[Haumana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let's start off with Quinn. A very lovable woman with some awesome BFFs, who are extremely supportive. Bash - a super hot guy with white knight tendencies, until it becomes morally grey, even though he thinks he's doing the right thing. I loved the world building and character descriptions, so I have a decent interpretation of what they look like in my mind's eye, as well as where they are at, and let's not forget, what they are doing, because doing is exactly what's happening 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️. Sorry people, no spoilers here. This is a great introduction to their story, and given what's happened so far, it's going to be a very fun ride to see how it all shakes out. This is the first book I've read from M. George, but I feel like I need to back track some of the players in the book and read about the Cour Four, because even the preriphery characters in the book sound like people I want to read about, and get to know their stories too. Well done! As always, my very honest and volunitary review is after I've received a copy for advance review.

[VickydpBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was only 137 pages it was good novella

Blurb

Grief is a journey, or so Quincy has always been told. Still mourning her first love, and running from the truth that haunts her, she never expects a simple bucket list to send her careening on a collision course into the hands of fate . . .

. . . or the arms of NHL’s most notorious playboy.

Sebastian Adamare has long since learned to live with his demons, his dark past filled with regrets carefully hidden behind his celebrity persona. To the world, Bash is nothing more than the NHL’s most eligible bachelor and lovable playboy, and nothing is going to change that.

Until he meets her.

One chance encounter, one seductive night filled with explosive chemistry couldn’t change his mind, could it?

But when the truth comes to light, and the dark vixen he meets turns out to be the one woman who is completely off limits, the lines of fate and obsession blur together, changing the rules of the game. How far will he go to keep her, when winning could cost him everything?

[Leesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, she is a fast paced novella for sure! You jump straight into that deep end so i hope you can swim folks!
I found myself wondering how we came about the bucket list quite a bit but i do also think that this can be answered in more depth in a longer novel to follow. It didnt tale away from the plot of this story.
Is it believable? I mean do we care really? The spice was S P I C I N G GUUUUUURL. chefs kiss. Was a fantastic spicy read. Im sure many husband in the world will LOVE this book.
The visuals that were created through the story telling were surprisingly fantastic for such a short novella. We love this.
Our badass MMC - we are here for him. Mr dont fall in love with me, then obsessed with her. 🤣👌🏼
I genuinely ate this up as a quick easy read that gave what the mood was wanting from a book. Which was apparently smut.
I think it’s definitely worth a go if you have some spare time to fill with a quick read.

[OooLaLa Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bash is Obs€ss€d & I’m Living for It

Okay, besties... "Playing The Game" is THAT kind of book. You know, the fun, quick, scorch-your-eyes steamy kind that makes you gasp, laugh, and then text your book group chat like, “you HAVE to read this.” Quincy? Our curvy, tatted, single-mom queen who deserves the world. Bash? Pierced 🍆, cocky hockey player who walks in like chaos personified. They meet at a masquerade in a s€x club (yes, that sentence alone should sell you). The masks, the heat, the explosion of chemistry—chef’s kiss. But then Bash sees her face… and instead of keeping it casual, he goes full-on obs€ss€d and unhing€d st@lker mode. And honestly? I. Ate. It. Up. The banter? Hilarious. His cockiness? Delicious. The st@lking? Dark-ish, twisted fun. The cliffhanger? I screamed. Book 2 cannot come fast enough. Oh, don't forget about the TWs.

My Ratings: ⭐ 4.5/5 ▪︎ 🥵 3/5

🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG this was awesome story. I just love this book, and the book cover caught my attention. It was a steamy page turner, and the suspense was so intense. I was on the edge of my seat, and I couldn't even put it down. Quincy is a single mother where she ran into Sebastion in a sexy club where she could be free and have fun with a total stranger. But she never thought she could be falling for him, and the chemistry was on higher alert and the physical attraction and the desire of forbidden love affair. But she trying to keep romance a secret from people she knows but she was so intrigued with the desire of love.
I highly recommend this book, and you won't be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book Happily Booked PR and via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Trina Jones

[Kinjal Patel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I tore through this novella in no time — it’s dark, filthy, and so addictive.

Quincy is a single mom with a bucket list that definitely isn’t ordinary, and her first stop is a sex club. That’s where she meets Bash, a hockey star who’s had enough of the same old post-game scene. The spark between them is instant, intense, and he becomes obsessed with her the second their eyes meet. What made me fall harder? Quincy is curvy, gorgeous, and Bash doesn’t just notice it — he worships every inch of her.

Even though it’s short, this story packs a punch. The chemistry is scorching, the dom/sub tension is written so well, and Bash makes consent and safe words a must. I also loved that Quincy has a strong circle of support, which gives the darker elements more depth. And then that ending? Brutal. I’m already dying for the next book.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sebastian Adamare is a bit of a nightmare truth be known .He’s got a deep dark past that shouldn’t be advertised nor discovered or honed but that’s all hidden by his NHL bad boy persona . Quincy is a plus sized single mom with a past that she’d rather not go back to full of trauma and drama mourning her first love and she’s still reeling and not really feeling.. They both seem to be on the same page and when they meet they quickly engage . But rather than a one night stand as he usually demands he finds that he’s doing things like feeling emotional seduction such is his devotion to her heat on repeat but then he discovers that she’s forbidden off limits … But he’s a rule breaker so he vows to take her willing or not . This story is hot and it has an explosive back story to. You’ll enjoy this ,it’s bliss I’m telling you

[Jocelyn Delarosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Rating: ⭐️ 4/5
Spice Rating: 🌶️ 3/5

Playing the Game by M. George surprised me in the best way. For a novella, it packed a lot of serious emotional energy while giving that heat and tension that you really want in a sports romance. Quincy’s grief felt raw and real, and I loved watching her slowly open herself back up through this connection with Sebastian. He’s the kind of playboy hero who starts off with this super cocky attitude but ends up showing a level of depth that completely wins you over. Super adorable and swoony.

Their chemistry? Off the charts. But what really hooked me was the heart behind it all...the moments of vulnerability, the healing, and the way both characters found something worth holding onto again. It was very cute. I wish it were longer because I wasn’t ready to let them go when it ended. M. George definitely did it for me with this one.

[RoseReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was looking for a quick read for my ARC... I do love a short and spicy novella, but I didn't realize that this was going to be a novella precursor to a novel that is yet to be released. So this book ends on a cliffhanger, which I was not expecting TBH.

*** I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. ***

Although it is an interconnected standalone, alot of references were made to other characters and their couplings.... I did struggle to figure out who was who... so had I read the previous books, I may have had an easier time in that regard. The MMC has an insta-lust attraction to the FMC who is trying to fulfill her bucket list. She is putting herself out there in an effort to fulfill some lifelong goals. She meets the MMC at an adult's only club where she experiments with the MMC. The writing was well done and the spice within was on point.

Overall, the MMC's obsession just didn't speak to me the way I would have hoped. He had "stalker'ish" vibes which just didn't do it for me. If you love an insta-lust and an obsessive MMC... this would likely fit the bill... I do recommend reading the other books so there are less opportunities for confusion for the reader.

Story = ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice = 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Brianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC provided*


🌟 4.25
Spice: 4/5

I need more of these two IMMEDIATELY! I know this was just a novella so would be short but I was so sad when I realized I was at the end.

Bash & Quincy are seriously fun characters and I can't wait to explore them more in a full length novel. From their short backstories to their initial meeting, I was hooked.

I love that Bash went from noncommital to insta-stalker in like 5 seconds. Also loved the constant praise of Quincy's body and how he wont let her talk down about herself.

I love the idea that Quincy is on a self-exploration journey. She's completely her bucket list and very open to new experiences.

This was the first in the series that I read so now I'm off to go read the rest of the series for more context.

[Floor · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨Playing the Game - M. George ✨

This was my first book by M. George and I’m excited to read more! I enjoyed reading this novella but I think it would have been even more enjoyable had I read the author’s other books. The story was an insta lust/love dark romance which I love. I just would have liked to get more background info on the main characters. Maybe I would have had that if I had read the other books so that may be on me. The novella ends on a major cliffhanger so I’ll definitely be reading the full length novel surrounding Bash and Quincy because I need to see their story unfold!

Read this book if you’re looking for:
🖤Novella
⛓️Hockey Romance
🖤Plus Size/Curvy FMC
⛓️Bi - Rep
🖤Dom/Sub (light)
⛓️Single Mom
🖤Unhinged Golden Retriever
⛓️Found Family
🖤Sex Club
⛓️Hidden Identity

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed being back in this universe with these characters again. This is a spicy novella to lead into the full length novel to follow Quincy and Bash. Wanting to work on her bucket list, Quincy goes beyond her comfort level and goes to an exclusive club. Bash is a well known athlete and wants to blow off steam when he locks eyes with Quincy across the club and the obsession with her is born. Quincy is strong and becoming confident, I enjoyed her stepping out of her comfort zone. Bash is sweet, even though his obsessiveness is a little extreme. I look forward to reading the next book and seeing more of their back stories.