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Playing to Win
Not yet published
Expected 3 Mar 26Sometimes the biggest win has nothing to do with the game.
Chase Morgan's reputation is tanking faster than his draft stock.
According to the campus newspaper, I'm the poster boy for "elite-level headaches." A guy who skates through hearts faster than defensive zones. One viral article later, and NHL scouts are questioning my character, my agent's having a meltdown, and my chances of going first-round are circling the drain.
The solution? Fake date someone wholesome. Someone who makes me look mature, focused, and definitely not like a reality TV casting reject.
Enter Sky Sweeney: academic overachiever, competitive swimmer, and, oh yeah, my team captain's extremely off-limits little sister.
The plan is simple: public appearances, strategic Instagram posts, and zero actual feelings. She gets a buffer from her overbearing coach and douchebag ex. I get my reputation back. Win-win.
Except Sky is more than a game. Always has been. Which is why this plan is doomed to fail. Because there's this annoying thing where I can't stop thinking about her...
Turns out, the only thing more dangerous than ruining my draft chances is falling for the one girl I was never supposed to touch.
Game on.
Playing to Win is a laugh-out-loud, swoon-worthy college sports romance featuring fake dating, forbidden attraction, protective siblings, and a hockey player who's terrible at following his own rules.
Chase Morgan's reputation is tanking faster than his draft stock.
According to the campus newspaper, I'm the poster boy for "elite-level headaches." A guy who skates through hearts faster than defensive zones. One viral article later, and NHL scouts are questioning my character, my agent's having a meltdown, and my chances of going first-round are circling the drain.
The solution? Fake date someone wholesome. Someone who makes me look mature, focused, and definitely not like a reality TV casting reject.
Enter Sky Sweeney: academic overachiever, competitive swimmer, and, oh yeah, my team captain's extremely off-limits little sister.
The plan is simple: public appearances, strategic Instagram posts, and zero actual feelings. She gets a buffer from her overbearing coach and douchebag ex. I get my reputation back. Win-win.
Except Sky is more than a game. Always has been. Which is why this plan is doomed to fail. Because there's this annoying thing where I can't stop thinking about her...
Turns out, the only thing more dangerous than ruining my draft chances is falling for the one girl I was never supposed to touch.
Game on.
Playing to Win is a laugh-out-loud, swoon-worthy college sports romance featuring fake dating, forbidden attraction, protective siblings, and a hockey player who's terrible at following his own rules.
362 pages, Paperback
Expected publication March 3, 2026
3 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Nicole Crystal has done it again, beautifully written, page turner.! I love authors' ability to make readers immerse in her books with laughter, head shaking,and rereading lines.
Chase and Sky Story is one for heartfelt moments .
Thank you so much , Nicole Crystal for the advanced copy.
So excited to read more in 2026.!
Chase and Sky Story is one for heartfelt moments .
Thank you so much , Nicole Crystal for the advanced copy.
So excited to read more in 2026.!
November 30, 2025
Thank you to Nicole Crystal for the advanced copy of this book.
I was sent this book for my true and honest opinion.
Loved the characters, the 🌶️, and the love story. Nicole Crystal knows how to draw you in and feel what the characters are feeling. Read the whole book in under 24 hours.
I was sent this book for my true and honest opinion.
Loved the characters, the 🌶️, and the love story. Nicole Crystal knows how to draw you in and feel what the characters are feeling. Read the whole book in under 24 hours.
Review of advance copy
I'm a sucker for sports romances in general, but as a jock myself, I often can't relate when the FMC is nerdy and bookish and gets winded from a flight of stairs. I loved that both main characters in this one were dedicated athletes. While is this a hockey romance, there wasn't too much hockey, and we also got competitive swimming, which was a nice change of pace.
As an old lady (ok, in my mid 30s), I was a little worried that the fact that I wasn't going to be able to relate to the characters. But on the contrary, it have me some nostalgia and made me think back fondly to my college days, so that was fun.
Anyway, about the book! I feel in love with the characters pretty instantly. Sky was easy to connect with with her drive and unhealthy focus on swimming, and while the "reformed playboy" things is often overused/overdone, I thought Chase was written really well. In general, there were a lot of tropes that normally make me grumble that were well done in this book and I really couldn't fault.
I was terrified of what was going to happen with the 3rd act breakup that I knew would happen. But again, Nicole Crystal handled it in such a thoughtful way that the only thing I could fault was the believability of the breakup catalyst (vague, but trying not to say any spoilers!).
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Overall, this was a super fun book and I'll definitely be checking her other books out!
As an old lady (ok, in my mid 30s), I was a little worried that the fact that I wasn't going to be able to relate to the characters. But on the contrary, it have me some nostalgia and made me think back fondly to my college days, so that was fun.
Anyway, about the book! I feel in love with the characters pretty instantly. Sky was easy to connect with with her drive and unhealthy focus on swimming, and while the "reformed playboy" things is often overused/overdone, I thought Chase was written really well. In general, there were a lot of tropes that normally make me grumble that were well done in this book and I really couldn't fault.
I was terrified of what was going to happen with the 3rd act breakup that I knew would happen. But again, Nicole Crystal handled it in such a thoughtful way that the only thing I could fault was the believability of the breakup catalyst (vague, but trying not to say any spoilers!).
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Overall, this was a super fun book and I'll definitely be checking her other books out!
November 14, 2025
I LOVED this sweet hockey swimmer romance. Both FMC and MMC are competitive in their respective sports. Chase the collegiate hockey player vying for a major league spot and Sky, a serious contender for Nationals in swimming. Two years before they have a brief meeting and then she never hears from him again. It definitely hurt her as she thought they had a connection(not romantic that night) but one that could have been build upon.
The NHL draft is not impressed with his party boy image and his dad and coach come up with an idea to improve his his odds.
In order to appear more wholesome and focused he needs to be committed to one wholesome girl. Chase proposes Sky to be his fake girlfriend. She agrees for reasons of her own and then the magic happens.
This is a positively delightful read. i enjoyed their story and was cheering for them as they navigated their not unexpected, but character building hurdles. I found myself falling in love right along with them. I will be watching for more from this author.
i received this as an ARC read from the author and this is my honest review.
The NHL draft is not impressed with his party boy image and his dad and coach come up with an idea to improve his his odds.
In order to appear more wholesome and focused he needs to be committed to one wholesome girl. Chase proposes Sky to be his fake girlfriend. She agrees for reasons of her own and then the magic happens.
This is a positively delightful read. i enjoyed their story and was cheering for them as they navigated their not unexpected, but character building hurdles. I found myself falling in love right along with them. I will be watching for more from this author.
i received this as an ARC read from the author and this is my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2025
The main characters in this grabbed my attention from the first chapter on.
Chase is a star hockey player following in his brothers footsteps and living the life everyone else wants him to. He's fun, charming, and shows everyone what he wants them to see while hiding his true self behind the smiles and flirtatious attitude.
Sky is a top swimmer who suffered an injury and is working to come back from that while also going through personal life issues. She is very sweet, observant, and tough. She sees people as more than their name and calls their BS.
Together these two have great banter throughout the book and its a great storyline. I love the chemistry between them and the growth of their characters, plus the spice thrown in between.
I couldn't put this book down and would definitely recommend for fans of sports romance, hockey, two athletes trying to make it work with a busy lifestyle, or just anyone looking for a great romance book that has tension, angst, regret, love, laughter, happiness, tears, and hope.
Chase is a star hockey player following in his brothers footsteps and living the life everyone else wants him to. He's fun, charming, and shows everyone what he wants them to see while hiding his true self behind the smiles and flirtatious attitude.
Sky is a top swimmer who suffered an injury and is working to come back from that while also going through personal life issues. She is very sweet, observant, and tough. She sees people as more than their name and calls their BS.
Together these two have great banter throughout the book and its a great storyline. I love the chemistry between them and the growth of their characters, plus the spice thrown in between.
I couldn't put this book down and would definitely recommend for fans of sports romance, hockey, two athletes trying to make it work with a busy lifestyle, or just anyone looking for a great romance book that has tension, angst, regret, love, laughter, happiness, tears, and hope.
November 22, 2025
ARC REVIEW: Playing To Win by Nicole Crystal - Book 2 in the Playing for Keeps Series had me hooked me from page one and never let go. Nicole Crystal delivers a romance that's equal parts emotional, electric, and deeply character-driven-and Chase Morgan and Sky Sweeney completely owned my heart.
Chase Morgan is the college hockey playboy with a reputation that's finally caught up with him. Cleaning up his image isn't optional anymore.
Sky Sweeney is a driven college swimmer, juggling a demanding coach, academics, and the pressure to be perfect. She's beautiful, focused, and has forgotten what fun looks like.
The fix for Chase's image? Fake date someone wholesome. Someone grounded. Someone safe.
The problem? Sky is his teammate's-and team captain's-little sister. Extremely, absolutely, completely off-limits.
I knew I was going to fall for Chase. I'm a sucker for a reformed playboy and he is next-level. Chase doesn't just soften—he grows. He shows up. He chooses Sky again and again, and his evolution into a man worthy of her is nothing short of swoon-inducing.
And Sky? She was perfection. As a former swimmer, her mindset, routines, burnout, the way she internalized pressure—| felt every bit of it. It was like stepping back into my own swim days. She's easy to root for, impossible not to love, and so much stronger than she realizes.
What I loved most is that Sky was never just a solution to Chase's problem. She was the exception. The real thing.
Nicole Crystal has quickly become one of my favorite authors, and Playing To Win beautifully proves that the biggest wins in life have nothing to do with the game.
Chase Morgan is the college hockey playboy with a reputation that's finally caught up with him. Cleaning up his image isn't optional anymore.
Sky Sweeney is a driven college swimmer, juggling a demanding coach, academics, and the pressure to be perfect. She's beautiful, focused, and has forgotten what fun looks like.
The fix for Chase's image? Fake date someone wholesome. Someone grounded. Someone safe.
The problem? Sky is his teammate's-and team captain's-little sister. Extremely, absolutely, completely off-limits.
I knew I was going to fall for Chase. I'm a sucker for a reformed playboy and he is next-level. Chase doesn't just soften—he grows. He shows up. He chooses Sky again and again, and his evolution into a man worthy of her is nothing short of swoon-inducing.
And Sky? She was perfection. As a former swimmer, her mindset, routines, burnout, the way she internalized pressure—| felt every bit of it. It was like stepping back into my own swim days. She's easy to root for, impossible not to love, and so much stronger than she realizes.
What I loved most is that Sky was never just a solution to Chase's problem. She was the exception. The real thing.
Nicole Crystal has quickly become one of my favorite authors, and Playing To Win beautifully proves that the biggest wins in life have nothing to do with the game.
December 24, 2025
Thank you to Crystal Nicole for this ARC. Playing to Win was another win for her. A realistic fake dating story in her new college hockey series.
Review of advance copy
The second book in the Playing the Game series introduces us to Chase, a hockey player with a big dream, whose life has been shaped by the responsibilities and expectations his family has placed upon him. However, now his future is at stake his reputation off the ice is seriously affecting the promising career he has worked so hard to build, and that's when he's forced to turn to Sky.
Sky doesn't have it easy either. She also carries a heavy burden on her shoulders and, moreover, lingering feelings for Chase. They knew each other before, but back then Chase didn't want to take the risk. Now, circumstances force them to rely on each other: he needs her to clean up his image, and she, without realizing it at first, discovers that Chase offers her much more than just a structured schedule he offers her calm, support, and a way to relax.
Between games, feelings begin to grow, and with them, the pressures of their surroundings both are afraid to admit what they feel Chase fears hurting her, and Sky fears her feelings won't be reciprocated. I must admit it was deeply moving to read how they both grappled with their emotions, how they struggled internally until Chase finally opened up completely, revealing his true self the boy who wants to make his own decisions and love Sky the way she deserves.
Sky, for her part, also opens up to him, and Chase becomes her safe haven, showing her that she can relax, that she can have structure without losing her freedom. He offers her precisely that: a sense of freedom she didn't know she needed but when they finally both admit their feelings, a secret threatens to destroy all that happiness. I confess, my heart broke for both of them. I understood why Chase took so long to tell the truth, but I also understood Sky's pain at finding out from someone else, even though she loved him she needed space because the trust had been broken.
Even so, even when both their hearts were hurting, love remained, Chase did everything he could to show her that he truly loved her, that Sky was more important than absolutely everything, even the sport he loves so much. She, understandably, was wary, but little by little she began to see the truth: the real feelings Chase had always had for her, those he had hidden for so long.
In the end, Sky saw the real Chase, the man willing to sacrifice everything for her. It wasn't an easy road, but together they managed to find each other again. Thanks to Sky, Chase found the strength to make his own decisions; thanks to Chase, Sky was able to feel free, and they both achieved the happy ending they so richly deserved, and I loved them deeply.
Now, the story of those I've been waiting for since the first book continues: Luke, darling, it's time you had your story with Emma. The chemistry between them was palpable from the very first moment, and I can't wait to read their book.
In short, discovering this series has undoubtedly been one of the best things that has happened to me this year. Thank you, Nicole, for creating such a beautiful universe, one that captivated me from the very first book. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sky doesn't have it easy either. She also carries a heavy burden on her shoulders and, moreover, lingering feelings for Chase. They knew each other before, but back then Chase didn't want to take the risk. Now, circumstances force them to rely on each other: he needs her to clean up his image, and she, without realizing it at first, discovers that Chase offers her much more than just a structured schedule he offers her calm, support, and a way to relax.
Between games, feelings begin to grow, and with them, the pressures of their surroundings both are afraid to admit what they feel Chase fears hurting her, and Sky fears her feelings won't be reciprocated. I must admit it was deeply moving to read how they both grappled with their emotions, how they struggled internally until Chase finally opened up completely, revealing his true self the boy who wants to make his own decisions and love Sky the way she deserves.
Sky, for her part, also opens up to him, and Chase becomes her safe haven, showing her that she can relax, that she can have structure without losing her freedom. He offers her precisely that: a sense of freedom she didn't know she needed but when they finally both admit their feelings, a secret threatens to destroy all that happiness. I confess, my heart broke for both of them. I understood why Chase took so long to tell the truth, but I also understood Sky's pain at finding out from someone else, even though she loved him she needed space because the trust had been broken.
Even so, even when both their hearts were hurting, love remained, Chase did everything he could to show her that he truly loved her, that Sky was more important than absolutely everything, even the sport he loves so much. She, understandably, was wary, but little by little she began to see the truth: the real feelings Chase had always had for her, those he had hidden for so long.
In the end, Sky saw the real Chase, the man willing to sacrifice everything for her. It wasn't an easy road, but together they managed to find each other again. Thanks to Sky, Chase found the strength to make his own decisions; thanks to Chase, Sky was able to feel free, and they both achieved the happy ending they so richly deserved, and I loved them deeply.
Now, the story of those I've been waiting for since the first book continues: Luke, darling, it's time you had your story with Emma. The chemistry between them was palpable from the very first moment, and I can't wait to read their book.
In short, discovering this series has undoubtedly been one of the best things that has happened to me this year. Thank you, Nicole, for creating such a beautiful universe, one that captivated me from the very first book. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
I just loved Playing To Win and I couldn’t put it down. The only reason I didn’t read it in one day because I had too much going on in my life. I do love a good hockey romance novel which was one of the main reasons I chose this book. I haven’t read number one in this series but you definitely can read this as a standalone book. However, I will now be reading number one in the series and I can’t wait for the third book in the series to be released later next year. I’m really glad that the author added the final bonus chapter because I did feel that I was missing something but it was the perfect way to end the book. I was really sad to finish as I wanted to stay in the Sky and Chase story. I was trying to think of my favourite parts and I honestly just loved the whole thing but I did especially love the penthouse scene. I also loved the way that the author builds the relationship between Sky and Chase and brings the reader along for the ride. It feels like you fall in love with the characters as they fall in love with each other and grow as individuals. I would recommend this book to any lover of romance novels especially sports romances. Thanks to Booksirens for the ARC and I am reviewing this voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
*****I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I’ve finished Playing to Win, and honestly, it delivered everything you’d expect from a hockey romance and then some. The yearning was there, the banter was sharp and fun, and yes, the smut absolutely delivered.
Chase and Sky’s story starts with fake dating and slowly turns into something real, and that transition was genuinely sweet to read. Their banter is one of the strongest parts of the book; it felt natural and effortless, and there were plenty of moments that actually made me laugh out loud.
What I especially enjoyed was the character growth. Watching Chase slowly figure out how to be in a relationship and what love actually means, while Sky comes to understand what she truly wants, added a lot of depth to the romance. It wasn’t just about attraction; it was about emotional growth on both sides.
Overall, Playing to Win is a fun, romantic, and satisfying read for anyone who enjoys hockey romance with strong chemistry, humor, and heart.
I’ve finished Playing to Win, and honestly, it delivered everything you’d expect from a hockey romance and then some. The yearning was there, the banter was sharp and fun, and yes, the smut absolutely delivered.
Chase and Sky’s story starts with fake dating and slowly turns into something real, and that transition was genuinely sweet to read. Their banter is one of the strongest parts of the book; it felt natural and effortless, and there were plenty of moments that actually made me laugh out loud.
What I especially enjoyed was the character growth. Watching Chase slowly figure out how to be in a relationship and what love actually means, while Sky comes to understand what she truly wants, added a lot of depth to the romance. It wasn’t just about attraction; it was about emotional growth on both sides.
Overall, Playing to Win is a fun, romantic, and satisfying read for anyone who enjoys hockey romance with strong chemistry, humor, and heart.
December 2, 2025
Second installment to the series & I loved it! I received an advanced copy of this after devouring the first book.
Chase is the playboy hockey player needing to clean up his image, and Sky is the driven swimmer with too much pressure and not enough fun. There’s nothing better than a reformed and misunderstood playboy who shows up and takes care of her in exactly the way she needs 😍
I love the interconnected friendships in this series and can’t wait for the next!
Chase is the playboy hockey player needing to clean up his image, and Sky is the driven swimmer with too much pressure and not enough fun. There’s nothing better than a reformed and misunderstood playboy who shows up and takes care of her in exactly the way she needs 😍
I love the interconnected friendships in this series and can’t wait for the next!
Review of advance copy
I don’t know why but I did not expect this book to be as good as it was. The writing style is genuinely so easy to read and made me invested in their love story. I thought some parts the pacing was a little fast but that also keeps it engaging. The conflict at the end/middle part kind of didn’t make sense but overall the book was good and fun and definitely worth the read. I received a free arc and posted this review voluntarily
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews