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The Flirting Game
Not yet published
Expected 19 Feb 26Score big with this spicy, laugh-out-loud hockey rom-com from #1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blakely. PRE-ORDER the final book in the Love and Hockey series NOW.
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My new neighbour 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 Devon? He’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.
Oops.
We agree it’s a one-time slip up. But when he insists on being my date to my cheating ex’s party. . . we slip up again into a very fun sleepover. With our dogs watching!
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?
ice hockey romanceneighbours-to-loversgrumpy x sunshinefake dating
--
My new neighbour 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 Devon? He’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.
Oops.
We agree it’s a one-time slip up. But when he insists on being my date to my cheating ex’s party. . . we slip up again into a very fun sleepover. With our dogs watching!
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?
ice hockey romanceneighbours-to-loversgrumpy x sunshinefake dating
329 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 19, 2026
6 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Blakely
256 books24.3k 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 31 reviews
December 4, 2025
Super cute hockey romance! Classic Lauren with the friend group, dogs, and banter filled chapters. Enjoyed this audio, start to finish!!
January 6, 2026
This was a perfect story to end the series! I’ve loved this series so much. The fake dating trope is one of my faves and this was so good! The perfect amount of spice. Such a great storyline.
January 7, 2026
Solid 4 stars!!!
Lauren Blakely is my new comfort, palette cleanser author! Her stories are so cute and amusing and I love all of the characters!
This book is a neighbors to lovers, fake dating, quasi employee x employer, hockey romance and it was SOOO cute! Highly recommend
Lauren Blakely is my new comfort, palette cleanser author! Her stories are so cute and amusing and I love all of the characters!
This book is a neighbors to lovers, fake dating, quasi employee x employer, hockey romance and it was SOOO cute! Highly recommend
December 17, 2025
“She loves to knock me down a peg. And you love it when she does that. The thing is, I really do.”
The Flirting Game | Lauren Blakely | Love & Hockey #6
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5, 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
“We fit in such an unusual way. A way I didn’t anticipate. On paper, we should despise each other, like we did the first time we met. She’s chaotic. I’m controlled. She’s carefree. I’m anything but. She’s a go-with-the-flow person. I’m a structured type of guy. So why, universe, why the hell do I feel this almost soul-deep connection with my neighbor?”
Read this if you love: neighbors to lovers | hockey romance | revenge fake dating | workplace romance | peeping neighbors | fun with champagne | hot tub shenanigans | romantic comedy | opposites attract | she wears his jersey | dog humping meet-cute
““Inside. Now. I have plans for you.” I swing my legs out of the tub, grab a towel, and knock back some champagne. “What are they?” I ask, with more excitement than I feel when I spot the perfect vintage dress in my size. “You’re about to find out.” He drops his shorts, and now I want him more than anyone has ever wanted a thrift store treasure.”
I am going to miss this series so much, but Ford and Skylar were the perfect way to send it off! I loved Skylar’s perky personality and how she captured Ford’s attention even though he was only focused on hockey. The dog antics added the perfect amount of humor and this couple was on fire from the beginning. I also enjoyed seeing past characters return in this book and to see more in a new series.
Thank you @laurenblakelybooks for the eARC. I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
The Flirting Game | Lauren Blakely | Love & Hockey #6
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5, 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
“We fit in such an unusual way. A way I didn’t anticipate. On paper, we should despise each other, like we did the first time we met. She’s chaotic. I’m controlled. She’s carefree. I’m anything but. She’s a go-with-the-flow person. I’m a structured type of guy. So why, universe, why the hell do I feel this almost soul-deep connection with my neighbor?”
Read this if you love: neighbors to lovers | hockey romance | revenge fake dating | workplace romance | peeping neighbors | fun with champagne | hot tub shenanigans | romantic comedy | opposites attract | she wears his jersey | dog humping meet-cute
““Inside. Now. I have plans for you.” I swing my legs out of the tub, grab a towel, and knock back some champagne. “What are they?” I ask, with more excitement than I feel when I spot the perfect vintage dress in my size. “You’re about to find out.” He drops his shorts, and now I want him more than anyone has ever wanted a thrift store treasure.”
I am going to miss this series so much, but Ford and Skylar were the perfect way to send it off! I loved Skylar’s perky personality and how she captured Ford’s attention even though he was only focused on hockey. The dog antics added the perfect amount of humor and this couple was on fire from the beginning. I also enjoyed seeing past characters return in this book and to see more in a new series.
Thank you @laurenblakelybooks for the eARC. I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
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December 12, 2025ARC Review 📖 🎧
The Flirting Game
Love and Hockey #6
Written by Lauren Blakely
By chapter two I was giggling so hard at these two. I couldn't stop laughing out loud during this book. They couldn't be more opposite Mr. Prim and proper and Miss. Chaos. Ford is very focused on hockey but Skylar can't stop investing his mind. The banter between them is so hilarious their filtering game is strong and I was thoroughly entertained by this book!
They ashamedly watch each other because they're neighbors. I loved the dynamic between them and how they got to know each other. They're guarded from past relationships but they both show each other a different side to themselves. Mr. Uptight isn't as uptight when he's with her. Oh and I have to mention he's obsessed with her freckles! The way they both share their confessions about each other.
It's bittersweet that this is the last book in the love and hockey series. I remember getting my first ever Lauren arc . It was for the boyfriend goal. I was so excited for the start of the series I can't believe I got the chance to have an ARC and ALC for all of the love and hockey series books. What a journey it was.
🩵🩷💜🧡💚💙
#LaurenBlakely
#hockeyromance
#RomanticComedy
#NeighborstoLovers
#WorkplaceRomance
#RevengeFakeDating
#DogParents
#sexyrenoguy
#chaosdemon
#baby
#luckycolor💛
#mygirl
The Flirting Game
Love and Hockey #6
Written by Lauren Blakely
By chapter two I was giggling so hard at these two. I couldn't stop laughing out loud during this book. They couldn't be more opposite Mr. Prim and proper and Miss. Chaos. Ford is very focused on hockey but Skylar can't stop investing his mind. The banter between them is so hilarious their filtering game is strong and I was thoroughly entertained by this book!
They ashamedly watch each other because they're neighbors. I loved the dynamic between them and how they got to know each other. They're guarded from past relationships but they both show each other a different side to themselves. Mr. Uptight isn't as uptight when he's with her. Oh and I have to mention he's obsessed with her freckles! The way they both share their confessions about each other.
It's bittersweet that this is the last book in the love and hockey series. I remember getting my first ever Lauren arc . It was for the boyfriend goal. I was so excited for the start of the series I can't believe I got the chance to have an ARC and ALC for all of the love and hockey series books. What a journey it was.
🩵🩷💜🧡💚💙
#LaurenBlakely
#hockeyromance
#RomanticComedy
#NeighborstoLovers
#WorkplaceRomance
#RevengeFakeDating
#DogParents
#sexyrenoguy
#chaosdemon
#baby
#luckycolor💛
#mygirl
November 12, 2025
Lauren Blakely does it again with The Flirting Game - a feel-good, flirty delight.
Skylar and Ford’s first meeting is an utter disaster in the most hilarious way possible, and it sets the tone for a romance filled with banter, chemistry, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Watching these two secretly spy on each other while trying (and failing) not to fall head over heels was pure joy.
The fake dating setup mixed with that classic grumpy x sunshine energy made this the perfect comfort read. Ford’s slow softening and Skylar’s endless charm were such a perfect match. It’s one of those stories that leaves your heart light.
If you love your romcoms with sparkling humor, swoony slow-burn tension, and characters who absolutely deserve their happily ever after - The Flirting Game should be on your TBR.
Bonus: while Amazon shows the Kindle Unlimited and paperback versions are available December 26, 2025, if you have Audible Plus you might be able to get it for free included in your membership. That's how I did this book and I enjoyed the audiobook version.
Skylar and Ford’s first meeting is an utter disaster in the most hilarious way possible, and it sets the tone for a romance filled with banter, chemistry, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Watching these two secretly spy on each other while trying (and failing) not to fall head over heels was pure joy.
The fake dating setup mixed with that classic grumpy x sunshine energy made this the perfect comfort read. Ford’s slow softening and Skylar’s endless charm were such a perfect match. It’s one of those stories that leaves your heart light.
If you love your romcoms with sparkling humor, swoony slow-burn tension, and characters who absolutely deserve their happily ever after - The Flirting Game should be on your TBR.
Bonus: while Amazon shows the Kindle Unlimited and paperback versions are available December 26, 2025, if you have Audible Plus you might be able to get it for free included in your membership. That's how I did this book and I enjoyed the audiobook version.
November 9, 2025
I'm not one for constant yapping about vegan leather, vegetarianism, woman power, etc. Is this what people call "woke"? It's funny the characters were all about the environment, but drove "electric" cars. Do they not know how those batteries are made? With rare earth elements that are farmed in less than environmentally sound ways? Don't even get me started on what it takes to charge them (traditional fuel). What about how these batteries are disposed of! Yeah...I guess those earth-damaging habits are okay as long as one doesn't eat meat and uses "vegan leather". Ugh!
Then, the constant "I really like them, but it's only fake." We heard that the first 10 times it was written...it really didn't have to be written about a thousand times more.
There is so much more I want to say, but I also want to be as nice as possible.
This was the first book I've read by Lauren Blakely...and it will be my last.
Then, the constant "I really like them, but it's only fake." We heard that the first 10 times it was written...it really didn't have to be written about a thousand times more.
There is so much more I want to say, but I also want to be as nice as possible.
This was the first book I've read by Lauren Blakely...and it will be my last.
November 29, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up
I immediately loved Ford and Sklylar together. The two of them are so darn cute and every one of their interactions had me giggling and cheesing so hard. I adored the fake dating aspect of their story and the way their relationship felt so natural. Ford is an extremely lovable MMC who carries some burden from his previous marriage. He fights hard to protect his heart from getting hurt and from disappointing his team. But it's so obvious that he was head over heels in love with Skylar! So when he opens up and lets Skylar in, it's really sweet. Skylar, also coming from a failed relationship, is learning to put herself first and that she deserves someone who will do the same. And that someone is no doubt Ford. Watching the two of them wrestle with the line between fake and real was fun because you just know that they NEED to be together.
I immediately loved Ford and Sklylar together. The two of them are so darn cute and every one of their interactions had me giggling and cheesing so hard. I adored the fake dating aspect of their story and the way their relationship felt so natural. Ford is an extremely lovable MMC who carries some burden from his previous marriage. He fights hard to protect his heart from getting hurt and from disappointing his team. But it's so obvious that he was head over heels in love with Skylar! So when he opens up and lets Skylar in, it's really sweet. Skylar, also coming from a failed relationship, is learning to put herself first and that she deserves someone who will do the same. And that someone is no doubt Ford. Watching the two of them wrestle with the line between fake and real was fun because you just know that they NEED to be together.
December 4, 2025
Fake dating a hot hockey player who lives next door makes for a fun, flirty story that warms your heart. Skylar is a designer who is house sitting for her brother when she spots Ford Devon, a hockey player who is playing in his final year in the NHL. Ford is working hard to keep his glorious body in shape by doing yoga on his porch, and of course, Skylar feels compelled to watch. After a rocky first meeting, Ford and Skylar form an alliance to get back at Skylar's ex-boyfriend and then agree to fake date for a gala Ford's mother is hosting. What could go wrong?
This book is so well written, it is paced to perfection, full of humor, witty dialogue and fun characters. The supporting characters add a wonderful extra dimension to the story and although I have not read the other books in this series, that didn't matter, it can be read as a standalone. Definitely recommend!
This book is so well written, it is paced to perfection, full of humor, witty dialogue and fun characters. The supporting characters add a wonderful extra dimension to the story and although I have not read the other books in this series, that didn't matter, it can be read as a standalone. Definitely recommend!
November 16, 2025
4.5 stars
Loved spending time with Skyler and Ford. Sean Masters and Brooke Bloomingdale brought these two to life and made their story so enjoyable.
Loved catching up with past characters in the Love and Hockey Series. The interactions with Ford's teammates always add to the fun.
Neighbors to lovers, spice, angst, fake dating, banter and hockey. All things I have come to love from Lauren Blakely's books over the years. Let us not forget about her love of animals and her inclusion of them in the story.
I loved how Ford's mom would check up on him. A mom's job is never done.
Sad to see this series coming to an end but excited for the next series Lauren will be bringing us in 2026
Loved spending time with Skyler and Ford. Sean Masters and Brooke Bloomingdale brought these two to life and made their story so enjoyable.
Loved catching up with past characters in the Love and Hockey Series. The interactions with Ford's teammates always add to the fun.
Neighbors to lovers, spice, angst, fake dating, banter and hockey. All things I have come to love from Lauren Blakely's books over the years. Let us not forget about her love of animals and her inclusion of them in the story.
I loved how Ford's mom would check up on him. A mom's job is never done.
Sad to see this series coming to an end but excited for the next series Lauren will be bringing us in 2026
November 6, 2025
I rated this book 4.5 stars
I have been on a light romcom kick after reading several complex novels in a row. This was the perfect fake dating revenge story. A great romcom needs excellent witty banter that is sharp and funny, this book had it! The revenge plot was hilarious and so satisfying. I loved that despite Ford continually trying to keep things "fake", he was all in and instantly protective.
I generally struggle with third-act breakups because the reconciliation/grovel often fails to hit the mark. This book however executed it perfectly. The fault was less one sided, and Ford's reconciliation was so incredibly endearing and heartfelt.
I have been on a light romcom kick after reading several complex novels in a row. This was the perfect fake dating revenge story. A great romcom needs excellent witty banter that is sharp and funny, this book had it! The revenge plot was hilarious and so satisfying. I loved that despite Ford continually trying to keep things "fake", he was all in and instantly protective.
I generally struggle with third-act breakups because the reconciliation/grovel often fails to hit the mark. This book however executed it perfectly. The fault was less one sided, and Ford's reconciliation was so incredibly endearing and heartfelt.
November 2, 2025
4.25 ⭐️I was going to read another thriller and decided I needed a romance instead- so listened to this audiobook. This was just what I needed, I’ve enjoyed all of the other books in this series. I would say this was one of my favorites.
I love a fake dating trope and this had just that + the banter between these two was great! Our FMC was funny and witty and the perfect match for our MMC. One particular part of this book annoyed me but it made back up for it and I definitely enjoyed it!
I love a fake dating trope and this had just that + the banter between these two was great! Our FMC was funny and witty and the perfect match for our MMC. One particular part of this book annoyed me but it made back up for it and I definitely enjoyed it!
December 11, 2025
The Flirting Game is hockey player Ford and Skylar’s witty and entertaining read. It’s book six in the Love & Hockey Series and I loved everything about this book.
When grumpy Ford hires Skylar to decorate his house he purchased for his mum she delivers more than sunshine to his broody moods.
This was a bittersweet read because this is the last book in the series. I smiled, I giggled and I swooned as I cheered this couple on.
When grumpy Ford hires Skylar to decorate his house he purchased for his mum she delivers more than sunshine to his broody moods.
This was a bittersweet read because this is the last book in the series. I smiled, I giggled and I swooned as I cheered this couple on.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5⭐️
I really enjoyed this book! I think that Ford and Skylar really complement each other. I enjoyed the addition of the pups into everything. It’s an easy read that flows pretty well. There’s some extra spice in there for sure which I did not mind. It loses half a star for the third act break up which I personally dislike. Like a lot. I love the Love and Hockey series and think this couple is a great final addition!
I really enjoyed this book! I think that Ford and Skylar really complement each other. I enjoyed the addition of the pups into everything. It’s an easy read that flows pretty well. There’s some extra spice in there for sure which I did not mind. It loses half a star for the third act break up which I personally dislike. Like a lot. I love the Love and Hockey series and think this couple is a great final addition!
December 7, 2025
4 Star Review The Flirting Game (Love & Hockey #6) by Lauren Blakely
This is grumpy hockey player Ford and Skylar’s story. There were moments where I laughed, moments where I sighed.
When he hires Skylar to decorate the house he purchased for his mum he had no idea that she is his neighbour.
This is the last book in the series and was an entertaining read and ticked numerous boxes for me.
This is grumpy hockey player Ford and Skylar’s story. There were moments where I laughed, moments where I sighed.
When he hires Skylar to decorate the house he purchased for his mum he had no idea that she is his neighbour.
This is the last book in the series and was an entertaining read and ticked numerous boxes for me.
November 9, 2025
Such a cute book and story! Jumped right into this one before reading the rest of the series. Also got it early on audible somehow. Love the FMC and MMC and the dogs in this book too! Good 🌶️🌶️🌶️ great story too.
November 10, 2025
Cute. But it felt like the author meshed all the tropes. And there really wasn’t enough of any to fully feel like it was one plot. So much happening.
Hockey
Hate on first encounter / lust at first sight
Falling for boss/ neighbor
Snarky pets
Meddling mamma
Hockey
Hate on first encounter / lust at first sight
Falling for boss/ neighbor
Snarky pets
Meddling mamma
December 7, 2025
I read this book and listened to the audio at the same time and wow ford and skylar gave me all the feels. I very much enjoyed listening to fords voice it made me connect with the characters more. this is a fabulous story
November 7, 2025
This was a short free listen on audible. Cute predictable romcom. A bit silly with the over dramatics but sweet low angst book.
November 12, 2025
Super cute. I love Simon.
November 13, 2025
Cute and spicy all wrapped up into one. The only reason it's 4 and not 5 is because I go really tired of hearing "but it's fake" so many times.
November 13, 2025
It was cute, main character was meh.
November 13, 2025
Cute story. Minimal spice, but I love how the author writes. I will be looking for more from her.
November 14, 2025
Loveddddddddd it I always love these cute you know how they turn out but you still read them for the how to anyway and so glad they hooked up early in the story for a change !!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2025
I’ve never in my life heard more about a “cat-io.”
November 18, 2025
Audible plus freebie. 3.5 stars
Cute sweet story. The narrators were great.
Cute sweet story. The narrators were great.
November 22, 2025
Audio book. Free on Audible. Mediocre story at best. Loved the duet narration though.
November 24, 2025
SOOOO CUTE, this was EVERYTHING I didn’t know I needed! Perfect Hockey RomCom to take you into the Holiday Season!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews