Playing Dirty: A Forbidden Brother’s Best Friend Soccer Romance

by Lark Monroe

He’s my brother’s best friend. My worst distraction. And the man who just made me a scandal.

All I wanted was to prove myself. Running the hospital fundraiser was supposed to be my big moment—until Chase Donovan, star striker and tabloid troublemaker, crashed the kissing booth. One viral kiss later, my career’s on the line and my reputation’s in flames.

Chase claims he can fix it. His plan? A fake engagement to convince the world we’re in love. He’s cocky, reckless, impossible…and far too tempting when the cameras stop flashing.

I swore I wouldn’t let him charm me. But the more time we spend together, the harder it is to remember the rules—especially when breaking them feels this good.

Forbidden. Brother’s best friend. Enemies to lovers. A fake relationship turned dangerously real.

And falling for him might be the riskiest play of all.

97 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 25, 2025

Reviews

[Nathalie DeSousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is short, sweet, passionate and perfect for your next reading break. Chase and Brooke are like water and oil, they don't mix. So, imagine the surprise when he crashes her fundraiser,kisses her like he means it, and turns her works into a PR emergency. Well... This story is a fast paced plot of a fake relationship gone wrong and the real love that is born from it. bring your drink and enjoy the read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Virginia Danyow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great short sports romance. She's a doctor. He's a soccer player with a questionable reputation and a habit of getting himself in trouble. Problem is, when he crashes her fundraiser, and kisses her, it breaks the internet and lands them both in hot water. The solution? Fake it as a real relationship. What could possibly go wrong? Bigger problem, he's wanted her for a while...will this be his chance?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooke and Chase

PLAYING DIRTY is a short and steamy, opposites-attract, fake relationship, girl gets her brother's best friend romance. Brooke is a doctor. Chase is a hunky soccer player with a playboy reputation. He's also her brother's best friend. When the two go viral after he kisses her passionately at a kissing booth, her reputation is a risk. He proposes a fake-dating relationship but of course real feelings are involved. This was such a fun, fast-paced read with hot chemistry and a happy ending. I loved it.

[Debdutch · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Playing Dirty” by Lark Monroe

-A quick, flirty read featuring a fake-dating twist and plenty of sparks. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Chase and Brooke are total opposites whose kiss at a fair turns everything upside down. Their snarky banter and tension make for fun enemies-to-lovers energy.

Short, sweet, and spicy—a light romance that leaves the reader smiling.

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I found the characters enjoyable and there was definitely chemistry, I found the storyline a bit hard to believe. I mean her whole career and reputation is at stake over a kiss at a fundraiser kissing booth? Seems to be an over exaggerated reach by the board. I have really liked the previous books I have read by Lark but this one just seemed off to me. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by booksprout.

[Suzanne McNeill Taviner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one a lot. Chase and Brooke were such opposites but, as is often the case, they balanced each other perfectly. I really enjoyed the push and pull of their relationship-I always love a bit of snark between a couple!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy Hutchins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brooke and Chase’s story was interesting, and seeing that they've known each other forever helped with their dynamic. I was so surprised by everyone's reaction and how exaggerated they were. Short and fast-paced and I didn't want to put it down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading about the fake dating relationship between Chase and Brooke, but I felt like the romance was missing something. I think the storyline is good and I suggest you read this book by Lark. It’s just not one of my favorites by her.

[Frances Packingham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was short and sweet. What starts it as a simple kiss at a kissing booth at a fair fundraiser turns into chaos. The whole story moves pretty fast. Would have loved to see more in their dynamic of going from enemies to lovers.

[Brandy Womack · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book needs some serious proofreading. Lots of repeated paragraphs. The plot was bad, didn't give reasons why things were happening.

[Alyssa's BookShelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️ Read
Liked this short Novella
This wasn't my favorite read but I did liked the romance between Chase and Brooke.
I might read other books from Lark Monroe but I am not sure.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book