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Love and Hockey #6
The Flirting Game
Revenge was the plan. Falling for the hockey star next door wasn’t.
My new neighbor is a hot, grumpy hockey player who works out shirtless on his porch every morning. But it’s not technically spying if I just happen to be on my patio at the same time … right?
Imagine my surprise when the sexy grouch turns out to be the client who just hired me to redecorate the house he’s giving his mom.
What’s a ray of sunshine like me to do? Pretend I’ve never noticed his abs while we pick out furniture—since I’d never date a client. And Ford’s made it clear this is his final season, and he wants zero distractions.
Which means I need to exercise some serious resistance …
To his cool blue eyes that track my every move.
To that deep voice that makes me shiver.
And to the mouth that shuts me up one night in our shared backyard with a scorching kiss.
We agree it’s a one-time slip-up—until my cheating ex invites me to a party, and Ford insists on being my revenge date. Our fake night out turns into a very real sleepover.
Now the press and fans think we’re a couple, so we keep it up. One fake date at a charity gala turns into another at a hockey game, and somewhere between fabric swatches and porch picnics, I stop pretending.
But how do I convince Ford that with me, he can have both love and hockey?
Tropes: Neighbors to lovers, hockey romance, workplace romance, revenge fake dating, romantic comedy. This is Ford and Skylar's romance!
My new neighbor is a hot, grumpy hockey player who works out shirtless on his porch every morning. But it’s not technically spying if I just happen to be on my patio at the same time … right?
Imagine my surprise when the sexy grouch turns out to be the client who just hired me to redecorate the house he’s giving his mom.
What’s a ray of sunshine like me to do? Pretend I’ve never noticed his abs while we pick out furniture—since I’d never date a client. And Ford’s made it clear this is his final season, and he wants zero distractions.
Which means I need to exercise some serious resistance …
To his cool blue eyes that track my every move.
To that deep voice that makes me shiver.
And to the mouth that shuts me up one night in our shared backyard with a scorching kiss.
We agree it’s a one-time slip-up—until my cheating ex invites me to a party, and Ford insists on being my revenge date. Our fake night out turns into a very real sleepover.
Now the press and fans think we’re a couple, so we keep it up. One fake date at a charity gala turns into another at a hockey game, and somewhere between fabric swatches and porch picnics, I stop pretending.
But how do I convince Ford that with me, he can have both love and hockey?
Tropes: Neighbors to lovers, hockey romance, workplace romance, revenge fake dating, romantic comedy. This is Ford and Skylar's romance!
404 pages, Paperback
First published September 18, 2025
1229 people are currently reading
12529 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Blakely
256 books24.2k followersYou can find Lauren on TikTok at @laurenblakelybooks! A #1 New York Times Bestselling, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and #1 Audible Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s sexy, feel-good and witty. Lauren likes dogs, cake and show tunes and she is the vegetarian at your dinner party.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 637 reviews
November 13, 2025
I’ve gotten to chapter ten and I’m really really curious if chat gpt helped her write this. It does not sound like a 30 year old wrote this, nor does it sounds like it was written recently. It sounds like a 20-year-old several years ago wrote some of it and a 70-year-old wrote other parts of it and then someone 30 sprinkled in. That’s the best way I have to describe it.
I’m not one to dnf but I’m getting very very close with this one.
It’s cringy, in your face, repetitive, lacks the swoon of it all, the verbiage of things actually makes me reread just to say “what the crap” and show my friends…. This book confuses them as well.
Also …. “was she singing along to an upbeat tune?” Partched. “ so buzz me if you arrive early” who says that? Text me- she means text me ( turning on her laptop) firing up the software-
When referring to her phone she still says “smart phone” I’m sorry lovely lady but that term got retired like nearly 12 years ago. “Mom you don’t page me in the middle of a hockey game why are you paging me now” oh and you can’t video chat on landlines fyi. Who has a land line these days? My great grandma doesn’t even have a landline anymore more “move it along stat” . Playing the wordle app with my brother. Bird watching When talking about how to do somthing eco friendly on a budget she refers to it as: good for both pocket books and the planet….. what 20-30 year old calls a wallet a pocket book?
Sure any of these can sound normal but combined with all the things that keep being said it just feels old, outdated mic of lingo, which isn’t bad but it also just doesn’t fit the characters and their age
Also if you are going into this for the Hockey romance of it all- don’t bother. There are many many very good books out there that are actual hockey romance books. Wow the main dude might be a hockey player. You don’t get much of that other than intentions of him being a hockey player. This is his last season and this is his last season and this is his last season. This is his last season and this is his last season and he has to make a good one to make it a good one has a good one and she was at my game. I have to train because I have to make this a good last year. No that was not an accident it’s just about all you get from the hockey side of it other than him being a hockey player. That’s the most you get a hockey in this. It doesn’t act like a hockey player.
Pre read : (chapter 2): just started this and I’m SO hooked!!!! 😍 The narrators are amazing and it’s seriously FUN!!!! :D I’d just finished a dark mafia romance and then, totally by accident, I clicked this and wow… so glad I did!!!! 😂 I’ve actually laughed out loud?! It gives me that “listening to my best friend” vibe and I can’t stop!! 😭💖 And the BEST part? Dual narration done right: the guy for the guys, the woman for the women ❤️🙌 None of that cringe chapter-to-chapter swapping nonsense. 💋♥️ And I may be bias, but we get a ginger FMC!!!!
(Still chapter 2): K, it’s a little bit too insta-cheesy, attraction served on a platter, and a bit much—it could really hit with some people. But coming from the books I just finished, it feels very… there… in your face. And mentally, I’m softly pushing it back, asking for some space, because I’m not used to things just being like bam! In your face… you don’t have to work for it, it’s just served up. Not sure if I’m feeling like it’s cheap or not, but we’ll see how this goes. I think part of me just needs to adjust to a story that doesn’t make me work for every connection—it’s weirdly refreshing, but also a little jarring
(I’m to mid Chapter 6 ) I don’t know how to properly explain it other then muuuuuuuuultiple portions of this really feel like it was written by my grandma? But the author is 30?
The FMc was talking about the weird things that happened on buses like watching Michael Scott clips on full volume or clipping your toenails and the MMC was like: “ the driver?” FMC: “I don’t know how a driver would do thatI mean in the passengers “ and he says mentally “wow she’s gonna be hard to keep up with, but I’m up for a challenge” I’m sorry but what in that conversation makes you feel like she’s hard to keep up with? I feel like that’s a very logical conclusion that it would be the passengers and not the bus driver? How slow are you dude?
The way boss babe and slay is use is a little cringy and feels forced
I’m not one to dnf but I’m getting very very close with this one.
It’s cringy, in your face, repetitive, lacks the swoon of it all, the verbiage of things actually makes me reread just to say “what the crap” and show my friends…. This book confuses them as well.
Also …. “was she singing along to an upbeat tune?” Partched. “ so buzz me if you arrive early” who says that? Text me- she means text me ( turning on her laptop) firing up the software-
When referring to her phone she still says “smart phone” I’m sorry lovely lady but that term got retired like nearly 12 years ago. “Mom you don’t page me in the middle of a hockey game why are you paging me now” oh and you can’t video chat on landlines fyi. Who has a land line these days? My great grandma doesn’t even have a landline anymore more “move it along stat” . Playing the wordle app with my brother. Bird watching When talking about how to do somthing eco friendly on a budget she refers to it as: good for both pocket books and the planet….. what 20-30 year old calls a wallet a pocket book?
Sure any of these can sound normal but combined with all the things that keep being said it just feels old, outdated mic of lingo, which isn’t bad but it also just doesn’t fit the characters and their age
Also if you are going into this for the Hockey romance of it all- don’t bother. There are many many very good books out there that are actual hockey romance books. Wow the main dude might be a hockey player. You don’t get much of that other than intentions of him being a hockey player. This is his last season and this is his last season and this is his last season. This is his last season and this is his last season and he has to make a good one to make it a good one has a good one and she was at my game. I have to train because I have to make this a good last year. No that was not an accident it’s just about all you get from the hockey side of it other than him being a hockey player. That’s the most you get a hockey in this. It doesn’t act like a hockey player.
Pre read : (chapter 2): just started this and I’m SO hooked!!!! 😍 The narrators are amazing and it’s seriously FUN!!!! :D I’d just finished a dark mafia romance and then, totally by accident, I clicked this and wow… so glad I did!!!! 😂 I’ve actually laughed out loud?! It gives me that “listening to my best friend” vibe and I can’t stop!! 😭💖 And the BEST part? Dual narration done right: the guy for the guys, the woman for the women ❤️🙌 None of that cringe chapter-to-chapter swapping nonsense. 💋♥️ And I may be bias, but we get a ginger FMC!!!!
(Still chapter 2): K, it’s a little bit too insta-cheesy, attraction served on a platter, and a bit much—it could really hit with some people. But coming from the books I just finished, it feels very… there… in your face. And mentally, I’m softly pushing it back, asking for some space, because I’m not used to things just being like bam! In your face… you don’t have to work for it, it’s just served up. Not sure if I’m feeling like it’s cheap or not, but we’ll see how this goes. I think part of me just needs to adjust to a story that doesn’t make me work for every connection—it’s weirdly refreshing, but also a little jarring
(I’m to mid Chapter 6 ) I don’t know how to properly explain it other then muuuuuuuuultiple portions of this really feel like it was written by my grandma? But the author is 30?
The FMc was talking about the weird things that happened on buses like watching Michael Scott clips on full volume or clipping your toenails and the MMC was like: “ the driver?” FMC: “I don’t know how a driver would do thatI mean in the passengers “ and he says mentally “wow she’s gonna be hard to keep up with, but I’m up for a challenge” I’m sorry but what in that conversation makes you feel like she’s hard to keep up with? I feel like that’s a very logical conclusion that it would be the passengers and not the bus driver? How slow are you dude?
The way boss babe and slay is use is a little cringy and feels forced
September 21, 2025
9/18/25: Got this early as part of my Audible membership.
Funny & sweet, great on audio.
Funny & sweet, great on audio.
December 1, 2025
FORD & SKYLAR! Ok this sixth AND FINAL book in the Love and Hockey series by Lauren Blakely was really fun to read! It was an absolute 5 ⭐️ for me because I could not put it down! Skyler’s character is perfect for the broody and disciplined MMC, Ford who’s determined to make his last season of NHL his best ever.
They become neighbors and when Skylar’s dog humps his dog, Ford is immediately disgusted and becomes her instant enemy 😂. But oh this does NOT stop Skylar from ogling Ford from afar (a catio to be specific) and even naming his gorgeous biceps and abs 🤣.
Come to find out, she lands the job as his mother’s decorator…a task Ford has decided to take into his own hands. And the fun starts from there. I loved LOVED how Ford quickly becomes a bit protective over Skyler (because we all love those MMCs to be a bit growly am I right?) and is totally game to take part in making Skylar’s ex jealous as well as bring him a rather offensive plant as a “gift”. Oh this was just so fun!
Go put this book on your TBRs now, people! It’s coming soon and yall will LOVE it!
Thank you SO much to Lauren Blakely and Hambright PR for this perfectly amazing book!
They become neighbors and when Skylar’s dog humps his dog, Ford is immediately disgusted and becomes her instant enemy 😂. But oh this does NOT stop Skylar from ogling Ford from afar (a catio to be specific) and even naming his gorgeous biceps and abs 🤣.
Come to find out, she lands the job as his mother’s decorator…a task Ford has decided to take into his own hands. And the fun starts from there. I loved LOVED how Ford quickly becomes a bit protective over Skyler (because we all love those MMCs to be a bit growly am I right?) and is totally game to take part in making Skylar’s ex jealous as well as bring him a rather offensive plant as a “gift”. Oh this was just so fun!
Go put this book on your TBRs now, people! It’s coming soon and yall will LOVE it!
Thank you SO much to Lauren Blakely and Hambright PR for this perfectly amazing book!
September 21, 2025
Ford + Skylar
-hockey romance
-neighbors to lovers
-funny meet cute
-opposites attract
-fake dating
-meddling mom & dogs
ahhh i can't believe this series is overrrr!! its been a SUPERBBB hockey romcom series!! & these two were no different!! so spicy & HILARIOUSSSS!! their banter was so amazing & the mom was amazing!!! lauren ALWAYSSS has THE BESTTT freaking narration for her audio books too!! sean masters & brooke bloomingdale did a great job!!
-hockey romance
-neighbors to lovers
-funny meet cute
-opposites attract
-fake dating
-meddling mom & dogs
ahhh i can't believe this series is overrrr!! its been a SUPERBBB hockey romcom series!! & these two were no different!! so spicy & HILARIOUSSSS!! their banter was so amazing & the mom was amazing!!! lauren ALWAYSSS has THE BESTTT freaking narration for her audio books too!! sean masters & brooke bloomingdale did a great job!!
December 1, 2025
One thing about Lauren Blakely’s books- is they are always going to be a good time, and that’s just what this book was!
December 3, 2025
This super cute hockey next door neighbour romance will be your next binge read! I read this in less than a day because I couldn’t put it down and it was such a fun and cute read! This book was full of flirty banter, lots of will they or won’t they moments and lots or fuck it moments. But what kept me glued to this book was the characters and how funny the narration was! Both characters were so unique! Ford is this older hockey player, disciplined, controlled and grumpy. Until skylar crashes into his life. She’s like this sunshiny, and quirky interior designer from his mom and she’s his next door neighbour. Their chemistry is off the charts, and despite both of them wanting to focus on their careers they cannot stay away from each other!!! I loved this plot, not sure big fan of that last third act breakup bit, but it was important for both of their character development. Back to cuter stuff they both own dogs, so they’re just the cutest dog owner couple! Little side note they have funniest meet cute when they bump into each other while dog walking. And my gosh Fords mom is the funniest and not so subtly pushes them together. If you love a hockey romcom you’ll love this! I give this a 5/5
December 2, 2025
my first lauren blakely book!! i loved this SO MUCH! hockey romance is one of my favorite tropes and this one truly did it justice. the banter between ford and skylar was everything, lauren’s writing was so funny and she really put the com in romcom!
this is also the first book i’ve read that my mom has worked on!! ❤️
thank you lauren blakely and hambright pr for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
this is also the first book i’ve read that my mom has worked on!! ❤️
thank you lauren blakely and hambright pr for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
December 23, 2025
A predictable story but sometimes you need those, right?
Spice was 10/10
Good story line, loved so many of the characters
Spice was 10/10
Good story line, loved so many of the characters
September 21, 2025
Ugh, I don’t know why I bothered with one of Lauren Blakely’s books again. It’s been a while since I read one, and this one reminded me exactly why I stopped. She’s not a bad writer, she’s just not for me anymore. All her books, no matter the tropes, read the exact same. And always “preachy” (?) in a way, if that make sense. Like, I would never be friends with her female characters. And it kind of kills it for me lol.
Story itself was pretty boring. And, personal preference, less is more with the spicy scenes. I prefer closed door spice, and this author doesn’t tend to do that.
Story itself was pretty boring. And, personal preference, less is more with the spicy scenes. I prefer closed door spice, and this author doesn’t tend to do that.
Want to read
November 21, 2025Coming out December 12
October 12, 2025
Cute story for a freebie
December 10, 2025
ARC review.
Thank you Hambright and Lauren Blakely for the ARC of The Flirting Game.
I love this series with my whole heart, but this book might be my new fav. Listen, I love Asher and Maeve's book so much, but Skylar and Ford are chef's kiss. Their chemistry and banter is off the charts. Their pull to one another, their love for one another is felt in every interaction with every single word on the page.
Also, Simon.... perfection. The judgement, the side eye, the social presence lol. Loved all of it.
Blurb:
Revenge was the plan. Falling for the hockey star next door wasn’t.
My new neighbor is a hot, grumpy hockey player who works out shirtless on his porch every morning. But it’s not technically spying if I just happen to be on my patio at the same time … right?
Imagine my surprise when the sexy grouch turns out to be the client who just hired me to redecorate the house he’s giving his mom.
What’s a ray of sunshine like me to do? Pretend I’ve never noticed his abs while we pick out furniture—since I’d never date a client. And Ford’s made it clear this is his final season, and he wants zero distractions.
Which means I need to exercise some serious resistance …
To his cool blue eyes that track my every move.
To that deep voice that makes me shiver.
And to the mouth that shuts me up one night in our shared backyard with a scorching kiss.
We agree it’s a one-time slip-up—until my cheating ex invites me to a party, and Ford insists on being my revenge date. Our fake night out turns into a very real sleepover.
Now the press and fans think we’re a couple, so we keep it up. One fake date at a charity gala turns into another at a hockey game, and somewhere between fabric swatches and porch picnics, I stop pretending.
But how do I convince Ford that with me, he can have both love and hockey?
Tropes:
Neighbors to lovers
hockey romance
workplace romance
revenge fake dating
romantic comedy.
Thank you Hambright and Lauren Blakely for the ARC of The Flirting Game.
I love this series with my whole heart, but this book might be my new fav. Listen, I love Asher and Maeve's book so much, but Skylar and Ford are chef's kiss. Their chemistry and banter is off the charts. Their pull to one another, their love for one another is felt in every interaction with every single word on the page.
Also, Simon.... perfection. The judgement, the side eye, the social presence lol. Loved all of it.
Blurb:
Revenge was the plan. Falling for the hockey star next door wasn’t.
My new neighbor is a hot, grumpy hockey player who works out shirtless on his porch every morning. But it’s not technically spying if I just happen to be on my patio at the same time … right?
Imagine my surprise when the sexy grouch turns out to be the client who just hired me to redecorate the house he’s giving his mom.
What’s a ray of sunshine like me to do? Pretend I’ve never noticed his abs while we pick out furniture—since I’d never date a client. And Ford’s made it clear this is his final season, and he wants zero distractions.
Which means I need to exercise some serious resistance …
To his cool blue eyes that track my every move.
To that deep voice that makes me shiver.
And to the mouth that shuts me up one night in our shared backyard with a scorching kiss.
We agree it’s a one-time slip-up—until my cheating ex invites me to a party, and Ford insists on being my revenge date. Our fake night out turns into a very real sleepover.
Now the press and fans think we’re a couple, so we keep it up. One fake date at a charity gala turns into another at a hockey game, and somewhere between fabric swatches and porch picnics, I stop pretending.
But how do I convince Ford that with me, he can have both love and hockey?
Tropes:
Neighbors to lovers
hockey romance
workplace romance
revenge fake dating
romantic comedy.
November 26, 2025
Skylar Haven’s new neighbor is a handsome man named Ford Devin until their first interaction turns him from eye candy to grump real fast. She hopes not to bump into him again…that is until he hires her to redecorate his mom’s home. Now, they are around each other more than she thought and finds that maybe there is more to this grumpy hockey player than first thought. It was particularly her fault for his attitude their first meeting anyway. Oh my, this is a silly and hilarious romcom with some spunky pups, two fun individuals and a whole lot of awkward moments. Not really a grumpy/sunshine as it was more a misunderstanding but still a very cute and enjoyable romance. Loved her little Doxie Simon! Told in first person and dual POV.
December 23, 2025
The attraction is shared. The chemistry is undeniable. And there's no games or cheating happening off the ice! Just pure smooth love. I loved their banter, the chemistry, and the tropes. The only thing that kept this book at a 4 star instead of a 5 star for me is the relationship was a bit tooooo easy and smooth 😂 I need some tension and struggle in there.
December 11, 2025
⭐️ ARC REVIEW THE FLIRTING GAME by Lauren Blakely ⭐️
If you love flirty banter, fake dating, and hockey-player charm, this one delivers all the serotonin.
Skylar and Ford have that irresistible neighbors-to-lovers chemistry the kind that starts with stolen glances across the fence and ends in full-blown feelings you can’t ignore.
I loved watching their “just pretending” relationship turn into something real. Between the charity gala moments, the interior-design chaos, and Ford being the perfect mix of grumpy + golden retriever, this story is pure rom-com goodness.
If you’re in the mood for a fun, steamy, feel-good romance, this is your next read. 💖🏒✨
If you love flirty banter, fake dating, and hockey-player charm, this one delivers all the serotonin.
Skylar and Ford have that irresistible neighbors-to-lovers chemistry the kind that starts with stolen glances across the fence and ends in full-blown feelings you can’t ignore.
I loved watching their “just pretending” relationship turn into something real. Between the charity gala moments, the interior-design chaos, and Ford being the perfect mix of grumpy + golden retriever, this story is pure rom-com goodness.
If you’re in the mood for a fun, steamy, feel-good romance, this is your next read. 💖🏒✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
Skylar has been spying on her hot, grumpy hockey player neighbor, only to find out he's her new client. She's redecorating the house that Ford is giving to his mother.
They had a rough start, but I loved seeing them grow from fake dating to developing actual feelings. There were so many cute, funny, and spicy moments.
The Flirting Game is the final book in the Love and Hockey series. I'm sad to see it end, but I'm looking forward to Lauren Blakely's upcoming hockey series, Hockey Ever After!
Tropes:
🏒 Neighbors To Lovers
🏒 Hockey Romance
🏒 Workplace Romance
🏒 Revenge Fake Dating
They had a rough start, but I loved seeing them grow from fake dating to developing actual feelings. There were so many cute, funny, and spicy moments.
The Flirting Game is the final book in the Love and Hockey series. I'm sad to see it end, but I'm looking forward to Lauren Blakely's upcoming hockey series, Hockey Ever After!
Tropes:
🏒 Neighbors To Lovers
🏒 Hockey Romance
🏒 Workplace Romance
🏒 Revenge Fake Dating
December 21, 2025
Listened to the audio and it was duet narration and it really worked for me. Got a bit cheesy and silly towards the end but overall really enjoyed this and the banter. The dogs were so cute too.
December 8, 2025
It’s cute and cozy, but it feels more like a filler episode than a book
December 12, 2025
Amazon / Audible
Skylar's crashing at her brother's place while she gets her eco design business off the ground, when his hot, grumpy yoga practicing, yellow shorts wearing neighbor and she have a doggy meet cute that doesn't exactly leave him with a great first impression of her and her adorable dog Simon. But when she gets a job decorating his mom's house, all bets are off for this fake dating couple who are developing very real feelings for each other.
Ford's got a serious regimen for his life, for his passion - hockey. He has to center himself and focus, so he does things like yoga, when his new neighbor and her obnoxious dog whirl their way into his life. He tells himself he doesn't like Skylar, but he does, a lot. They're fake dating, but feeling a lot like something real.
Ford and Zamboni and Skylar and Simon are hilarious and adorable opposites with spicy chemistry. She upsets his focus with her sunshiney personality, her dog bonds with his, and she makes him realize he indeed can not only have a great last season of hockey but can also have a happy, committed relationship at the same time. Lauren's hockey love stories are some of my favorite, and I'm going to miss this series, but she picked a great couple to close out Love and Hockey with.
ARC provided by the author for an honest review.
Ebook also purchased through Amazon.
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October 21, 2025
I heard this on Audible while actively running a half marathon because I needed something to distract me from my own breathing and nervous pacing, and it worked. It’s not great but it kept me up and going for 5kms so I think I’ve got a soft spot for it now.
October 6, 2025
3.5 really. it was cute!
October 9, 2025
I wanted to like it but tbh I got bored.
December 2, 2025
Wow, what an amazing story here! Ford and Skylar and their dogs will steal your heart and leave you swooning! Loved this one! 5 hot hockey stars for this!
Skylar is staying at her brothers home watching his cat while he is away on an extended work assignment. While having her coffee, she wants to see what she can see through the catio, where the cat is sitting quietly, and spies her brothers hot neighbor doing yoga! Wow! Soon after when she's walking her dog, she runs into said neighbor, and oh lord, her dog starts having his way with his. Ford is flabbergasted, he can't believe this wreck of a woman and her dog. Only to later find out, he's interviewing her for the reno job on the home he bought his parents. His mother has fired the previous designers and he's determined to find the right one, who happens to be Skylar.
Ford is playing his last season of hockey, and needs to concentrate on that, he wants to go out on top! He can't have distractions and Skylar is the biggest he's ever faced! As they spend time together, he starts to have feelings he's never even had with his ex wife! And as they agree to be each other fake boyfriend/girlfriend, this should go over well!
Follow along on their journey, as they navigate working together to pick sustainable furniture out for his picky mom, and the feelings that are growing between them. This is a must read and yet another hockey hit for Lauren! Grab it asap!
Skylar is staying at her brothers home watching his cat while he is away on an extended work assignment. While having her coffee, she wants to see what she can see through the catio, where the cat is sitting quietly, and spies her brothers hot neighbor doing yoga! Wow! Soon after when she's walking her dog, she runs into said neighbor, and oh lord, her dog starts having his way with his. Ford is flabbergasted, he can't believe this wreck of a woman and her dog. Only to later find out, he's interviewing her for the reno job on the home he bought his parents. His mother has fired the previous designers and he's determined to find the right one, who happens to be Skylar.
Ford is playing his last season of hockey, and needs to concentrate on that, he wants to go out on top! He can't have distractions and Skylar is the biggest he's ever faced! As they spend time together, he starts to have feelings he's never even had with his ex wife! And as they agree to be each other fake boyfriend/girlfriend, this should go over well!
Follow along on their journey, as they navigate working together to pick sustainable furniture out for his picky mom, and the feelings that are growing between them. This is a must read and yet another hockey hit for Lauren! Grab it asap!
December 14, 2025
Lauren Blakely was not playing when she named this book The Flirting Game, because the amount of flirty energy and banter had me kicking my feet and grinning the whole time I was reading 🤭
After a hilarious first encounter between Skylar and Ford, Skylar hopes to see her neighbor again, while Ford is determined not to. But fate has other plans when the interior designer he hires for his parents’ home turns out to be none other than Skylar.
From there, we get to watch them pretend they don’t have feelings for each other, even though their favorite pastime quickly becomes secretly spying on each other through their windows. Their work friendship soon turns into fake dating as both try to prove to their exes that they’ve moved on.
It was such a joy watching them go from “we’re faking it” to slowly letting their real feelings show. I was completely obsessed with their chemistry and dynamic, especially since their dogs were always part of the fun.
Skylar was the perfect dose of chaos that Ford needed in his structured life, and Ford was the calm anchor Skylar needed to keep moving forward.
Thank you Lauren Blakey and team for this ARC!! ❤️
After a hilarious first encounter between Skylar and Ford, Skylar hopes to see her neighbor again, while Ford is determined not to. But fate has other plans when the interior designer he hires for his parents’ home turns out to be none other than Skylar.
From there, we get to watch them pretend they don’t have feelings for each other, even though their favorite pastime quickly becomes secretly spying on each other through their windows. Their work friendship soon turns into fake dating as both try to prove to their exes that they’ve moved on.
It was such a joy watching them go from “we’re faking it” to slowly letting their real feelings show. I was completely obsessed with their chemistry and dynamic, especially since their dogs were always part of the fun.
Skylar was the perfect dose of chaos that Ford needed in his structured life, and Ford was the calm anchor Skylar needed to keep moving forward.
Thank you Lauren Blakey and team for this ARC!! ❤️
December 12, 2025
I really enjoyed Skylar and Ford's neighbors turned fake dating turned forever romance. With Brooke Bloomingdale and Sean Masters narrating this story in duet, just made it even more enjoyable. I have really enjoyed this series so much.
Skylar is staying at her brother's place while he is out of the country. She had no idea there would be a hot guy next door doing yoga for her viewing pleasure. But then Skylar and the hot yoga guy have a run in on the street and then her dog tried to have his way with his dog. First impression was not what she had hoped it would be. It doesn't take long before a sort of friendship begins between them.
Then she sort of needs a date to a store opening that her ex is putting on and then he needs a date to a gala for his mother. It really doesn't take long for the fake dates to turn into everything that is real. I really loved how they both handled the run ins with each other's ex's. This one just might be my favorite of this series.
Skylar is staying at her brother's place while he is out of the country. She had no idea there would be a hot guy next door doing yoga for her viewing pleasure. But then Skylar and the hot yoga guy have a run in on the street and then her dog tried to have his way with his dog. First impression was not what she had hoped it would be. It doesn't take long before a sort of friendship begins between them.
Then she sort of needs a date to a store opening that her ex is putting on and then he needs a date to a gala for his mother. It really doesn't take long for the fake dates to turn into everything that is real. I really loved how they both handled the run ins with each other's ex's. This one just might be my favorite of this series.
November 30, 2025
✨️ARC Review✨️
4⭐️ for The Flirting Game by Lauren Blakely
This was an enjoyable read for me, if not amazing then at least very good; the third act "breakup" that lasted a chapter left a sour taste in my mouth, as did the rushed epilogue.
Nonetheless, I liked their whole opposites attract vibes, especially since Ford was very much a Type A and Skylar very much was NOT. It made for some fun banter, though Ford was slightly *too intense* for my taste.
The doggies were absolutely adorable though, and I loved that they were a big part of the story. The spice was spicing, the cute moments were swoony, and the groveling was nice (but not plentiful enough in my opinion).
Overall an enjoyable read for sports romance lovers and fans of this series.
Thank you to Lauren Blakely for a copy in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
4⭐️ for The Flirting Game by Lauren Blakely
This was an enjoyable read for me, if not amazing then at least very good; the third act "breakup" that lasted a chapter left a sour taste in my mouth, as did the rushed epilogue.
Nonetheless, I liked their whole opposites attract vibes, especially since Ford was very much a Type A and Skylar very much was NOT. It made for some fun banter, though Ford was slightly *too intense* for my taste.
The doggies were absolutely adorable though, and I loved that they were a big part of the story. The spice was spicing, the cute moments were swoony, and the groveling was nice (but not plentiful enough in my opinion).
Overall an enjoyable read for sports romance lovers and fans of this series.
Thank you to Lauren Blakely for a copy in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
December 12, 2025
This audiobook grabbed me immediately. The fake dating plot actually worked, and the way everything played out felt real while I was experiencing it. I found myself reacting to the story—I laughed at the ridiculous moments, groaned at the awkward ones, and kept turning the pages because I wanted to see what would happen next.
The characters felt like real people in the middle of the story. I got caught up in their actions and how they interacted, and I couldn’t help getting involved in the moments as they happened. I smiled at little things, got frustrated at their choices, and enjoyed the flow of the story without overthinking it.
The series has been a blast, and this book fit right in. Every chapter had something that pulled me in, and I experienced the story in a way that made it really enjoyable. I wasn’t just reading or hearing it—I was part of it while it was happening.
The characters felt like real people in the middle of the story. I got caught up in their actions and how they interacted, and I couldn’t help getting involved in the moments as they happened. I smiled at little things, got frustrated at their choices, and enjoyed the flow of the story without overthinking it.
The series has been a blast, and this book fit right in. Every chapter had something that pulled me in, and I experienced the story in a way that made it really enjoyable. I wasn’t just reading or hearing it—I was part of it while it was happening.
December 7, 2025
The Flirting Game
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Lauren Blakely
Narrators: Sean Masters and Brooke Bloomingdale
Thank you to Lauren Blakely for the gifted e-ARC as well as being able to do an immersive read with the audiobook on Audible.
Lauren’s Love and Hockey series has just been so good! I loved every book, every character and every love story. This book has us meeting Skylar who moved into her brother’s townhouse with her dog who has a bit of a romantic interest in Skylar’s new neighbor’s dog who happens to be hot, hockey player, Ford.
Ford also happens to be working on a house for his mother and father and has an appointment with a sustainability decorator who ends up being Skylar.
But there is so much more to this story and I don’t want to spoil it for you. But, there is banter in true Lauren Blakely style which I loved and a great romance as well.
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Lauren Blakely
Narrators: Sean Masters and Brooke Bloomingdale
Thank you to Lauren Blakely for the gifted e-ARC as well as being able to do an immersive read with the audiobook on Audible.
Lauren’s Love and Hockey series has just been so good! I loved every book, every character and every love story. This book has us meeting Skylar who moved into her brother’s townhouse with her dog who has a bit of a romantic interest in Skylar’s new neighbor’s dog who happens to be hot, hockey player, Ford.
Ford also happens to be working on a house for his mother and father and has an appointment with a sustainability decorator who ends up being Skylar.
But there is so much more to this story and I don’t want to spoil it for you. But, there is banter in true Lauren Blakely style which I loved and a great romance as well.
December 12, 2025
3.5⭐️
This was fun! I really enjoyed this! This was my first Lauren Blakely and it’s definitely not going to be my last, so I’m excited to now go through her backlist and add future releases to my TBR.
Ford and Skylar! A hockey romance, fake dating, pining, angst, teasing, slow burn, incredible friend groups? I mean what’s not to love about it??
So often I get frustrated with third act break ups, but the conflict resolution and character growth was so well done!! We love a self reflective man who knows how and when to take accountability (despite you know maybe we could have done it sooner, but better late than never and it really wasn’t that late either tbh).
One of my biggest challenges though with this book, was the beginning. The introduction between Ford and Skylar was … interesting? It felt outlandish and just not something that I feel people would ever say? So it almost made me pause reading, but I’m so happy I continued because seeing their story play out was so worth it.
Thank you to Hambright PR for an advanced reader copy in exchange for a fair but honest review! 💕
This was fun! I really enjoyed this! This was my first Lauren Blakely and it’s definitely not going to be my last, so I’m excited to now go through her backlist and add future releases to my TBR.
Ford and Skylar! A hockey romance, fake dating, pining, angst, teasing, slow burn, incredible friend groups? I mean what’s not to love about it??
So often I get frustrated with third act break ups, but the conflict resolution and character growth was so well done!! We love a self reflective man who knows how and when to take accountability (despite you know maybe we could have done it sooner, but better late than never and it really wasn’t that late either tbh).
One of my biggest challenges though with this book, was the beginning. The introduction between Ford and Skylar was … interesting? It felt outlandish and just not something that I feel people would ever say? So it almost made me pause reading, but I’m so happy I continued because seeing their story play out was so worth it.
Thank you to Hambright PR for an advanced reader copy in exchange for a fair but honest review! 💕
December 2, 2025
Ford and Skylar’s story was low angst, full of banter, and a genuinely good time.
💛Hockey romance
💛Neighbors to lovers
💛Hilarious meet cute
💛Forced proximity
💛Fake dating
Skylar sees Ford outside her window and is instantly attracted to him. And when they, rather their dogs, have a funny run in together, Skylar doesn’t foresee getting on her grumpy neighbors good side. But everything changes when she finds herself working for him on designing his mother’s home.
Ford isn’t looking for love, but is Skylar’s go to guy when she needs a fake boyfriend. Will these two be able to move beyond the friend zone? Or will their relationship consistent of awkward run ins forever?
💛Hockey romance
💛Neighbors to lovers
💛Hilarious meet cute
💛Forced proximity
💛Fake dating
Skylar sees Ford outside her window and is instantly attracted to him. And when they, rather their dogs, have a funny run in together, Skylar doesn’t foresee getting on her grumpy neighbors good side. But everything changes when she finds herself working for him on designing his mother’s home.
Ford isn’t looking for love, but is Skylar’s go to guy when she needs a fake boyfriend. Will these two be able to move beyond the friend zone? Or will their relationship consistent of awkward run ins forever?
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