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Playing it Safe
225 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 5, 2026
1 person is currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Kristian Parker
36 books57 followersI have written for as long as I could write. In fact, before, when I would dictate to my auntie. I love to read, and I love to create worlds and characters.
I live in the English countryside. When I’m not writing, I like to get out there and think through the next scenario I’m going to throw my characters into.
Inspiration can be found anywhere, on a train, in a restaurant or in an office. I am always in search of the next character to find love in one of my stories. In a world of apps and online dating, it is important to remember love can be found when you least expect it.
I live in the English countryside. When I’m not writing, I like to get out there and think through the next scenario I’m going to throw my characters into.
Inspiration can be found anywhere, on a train, in a restaurant or in an office. I am always in search of the next character to find love in one of my stories. In a world of apps and online dating, it is important to remember love can be found when you least expect it.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 10, 2026
Playing It Safe by Kristian Parker is a solid and emotional MM sports romance that really focuses on growth and trust. Noah is a professional soccer player who is confident and open about his sexuality, while Carmine is an architect still struggling to fully live his truth—even his parents don’t know yet. That contrast between them added a lot of depth to their relationship.
Both characters are carrying real-life responsibilities. Noah is determined to protect and provide for his younger brother, planning for the future no matter what happens. Carmine, meanwhile, is laser-focused on advancing his career and proving himself at the firm where he works. Watching them navigate their ambitions while learning how to rely on someone else felt very authentic.
This story is less about flashy drama and more about emotional development—learning to trust each other and, just as importantly, trusting themselves. The emotional depth made this stand out, and the relationship felt earned. Overall, this was an enjoyable, heartfelt read that I would definitely recommend to fans of MM sports romance with substance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Both characters are carrying real-life responsibilities. Noah is determined to protect and provide for his younger brother, planning for the future no matter what happens. Carmine, meanwhile, is laser-focused on advancing his career and proving himself at the firm where he works. Watching them navigate their ambitions while learning how to rely on someone else felt very authentic.
This story is less about flashy drama and more about emotional development—learning to trust each other and, just as importantly, trusting themselves. The emotional depth made this stand out, and the relationship felt earned. Overall, this was an enjoyable, heartfelt read that I would definitely recommend to fans of MM sports romance with substance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 17, 2026
It’s Noah’s turn and boy does he have a story to tell! His book follows closely along the same timeline as books one and two. It gives readers a little more insight into Noah and how his mind works.
Carmine is back home in Brockton, living and working in Manchester. He raced home when his father had a heart attack leaving behind his broken relationship in LA. Is it time to tell his parents his truth?
Noah is ready to build his home. He has the land, he knows what he wants, now he needs an architect. Cue the team, who have heard about Carmine from his proud father. When these two meet, sparks fly. With an age difference and other commitments, can Noah and Carmine make it all work?
This book had my brain working overtime. I really liked Noah and Carmine. Are they perfect? No, but I think they’re written in a really imperfectly human way. Kristian Parker has me cheering for both of them in different ways. Noah is so careful and so giving. Carmine is scared of losing his relationship with his parents. Their relationship, like all strong relationships, takes communication. It feels like a team effort with all the team showing up to befriend Carmine and to help Noah along. I really have enjoyed this series and THANK YOU for the excerpt of the story to come!
Carmine is back home in Brockton, living and working in Manchester. He raced home when his father had a heart attack leaving behind his broken relationship in LA. Is it time to tell his parents his truth?
Noah is ready to build his home. He has the land, he knows what he wants, now he needs an architect. Cue the team, who have heard about Carmine from his proud father. When these two meet, sparks fly. With an age difference and other commitments, can Noah and Carmine make it all work?
This book had my brain working overtime. I really liked Noah and Carmine. Are they perfect? No, but I think they’re written in a really imperfectly human way. Kristian Parker has me cheering for both of them in different ways. Noah is so careful and so giving. Carmine is scared of losing his relationship with his parents. Their relationship, like all strong relationships, takes communication. It feels like a team effort with all the team showing up to befriend Carmine and to help Noah along. I really have enjoyed this series and THANK YOU for the excerpt of the story to come!
February 24, 2026
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Playing It Safe is another wonderful addition to the Love Goals series by Kristian Parker. I appreciate how the author focuses on different aspects of relationship drama, both between the romantic interests and in their families. Playing for Keeps has the taboo romance between a football player and his coach, as well as Steven’s issues with his sister. Playing the Game has romance between two players, though Adam is not out as bi, so their relationship has to remain secret, plus Adam has his ex and their daughter to contend with.
While I would have liked to see a bit more depth in Carmine’s character, Playing It Safe maintains the series’ ability to build and maintain a larger cast with storylines that run alongside each new pair. While I think there is enough information in each book that you may not necessarily need to read the previous installments to understand what’s going on, if you haven’t read the first two Love Goals books, I do highly recommend them, and now this one as well!
Read Nishan's review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Playing It Safe is another wonderful addition to the Love Goals series by Kristian Parker. I appreciate how the author focuses on different aspects of relationship drama, both between the romantic interests and in their families. Playing for Keeps has the taboo romance between a football player and his coach, as well as Steven’s issues with his sister. Playing the Game has romance between two players, though Adam is not out as bi, so their relationship has to remain secret, plus Adam has his ex and their daughter to contend with.
While I would have liked to see a bit more depth in Carmine’s character, Playing It Safe maintains the series’ ability to build and maintain a larger cast with storylines that run alongside each new pair. While I think there is enough information in each book that you may not necessarily need to read the previous installments to understand what’s going on, if you haven’t read the first two Love Goals books, I do highly recommend them, and now this one as well!
Read Nishan's review in its entirety here.
February 20, 2026
So glad to return to Brockton FC and it is Noah's turn to have his HEA. When he hires Carmine, an architect to build his dream home, there is instant attraction, but can it work.
Noah puts a lot of pressure on himself, he needs to be the best he can, on and off the pitch, the team need to win the FA cup, he has a younger brother who is his world. Carmine has not come out to his family and his fear of loosing them plays a big part. They both have things to learn, Noah and Carmine have to work hard to have the relationship they want. Whilst close friends help they were also a hinderance adding to the pressure. I so wanted their relationship to work.
I love returning to this series as Football is one sport that I love and I go in confident knowing that I will understand everything. That being said, whilst this is a series about football, it is not the main focus, so you do not need to know the off side rule. Although I do smile every time Brockton plays against an actual premiership team, who doesn't want them to beat them.
With the next book teased I will be happy to return to Brockton FC
Noah puts a lot of pressure on himself, he needs to be the best he can, on and off the pitch, the team need to win the FA cup, he has a younger brother who is his world. Carmine has not come out to his family and his fear of loosing them plays a big part. They both have things to learn, Noah and Carmine have to work hard to have the relationship they want. Whilst close friends help they were also a hinderance adding to the pressure. I so wanted their relationship to work.
I love returning to this series as Football is one sport that I love and I go in confident knowing that I will understand everything. That being said, whilst this is a series about football, it is not the main focus, so you do not need to know the off side rule. Although I do smile every time Brockton plays against an actual premiership team, who doesn't want them to beat them.
With the next book teased I will be happy to return to Brockton FC
February 7, 2026
A good addition to the author's football series. I enjoyed Carmine and Noah, both are at new starts in their lives and while on paper very different people, they definitely have chemistry and fit together very well.
It's an age gap/closeted to out/family obligation story.
Both have a connection right from the start but chemistry and attraction alone aren't a solid base for a relationship and both struggle to really connect to make it work.
It's a very honest story, their reasons are valid and it takes a while for each other to understand them. But in the end it's up to each of them to take off the blinders and acknowledge and come out on the other side.
I love that the story is not all rosy and lovingly, the whole series is good in acknowledging that the road to love is bumpy and sometimes there is a detour necessary.
We have the other Brockton players as great secondary characters and also Noah's and Carmine's family are great.
I look forward to book 4.
It's an age gap/closeted to out/family obligation story.
Both have a connection right from the start but chemistry and attraction alone aren't a solid base for a relationship and both struggle to really connect to make it work.
It's a very honest story, their reasons are valid and it takes a while for each other to understand them. But in the end it's up to each of them to take off the blinders and acknowledge and come out on the other side.
I love that the story is not all rosy and lovingly, the whole series is good in acknowledging that the road to love is bumpy and sometimes there is a detour necessary.
We have the other Brockton players as great secondary characters and also Noah's and Carmine's family are great.
I look forward to book 4.
February 12, 2026
The third story in this excellent series with a football setting about a Premier League team in a small northern town explores the dynamic between footballer Noah and architect Carmine.
The first two stories are about romances within the team and management, so I really enjoyed that Kristian explores a new dynamic, the tensions that are produced when a dedicated professional athlete tries to have a personal life.
It's not just the impact of the press and general public, which we learned about in the previous stories, but family ties, challenges and responsibilities. There was a healthy dose of realism in this thoroughly enjoyable romance, that love means compromise, communication and trust. Both Noah and Carmine struggle and stumble believably on their way to their HEA. Another thoroughly engrossing read!
The first two stories are about romances within the team and management, so I really enjoyed that Kristian explores a new dynamic, the tensions that are produced when a dedicated professional athlete tries to have a personal life.
It's not just the impact of the press and general public, which we learned about in the previous stories, but family ties, challenges and responsibilities. There was a healthy dose of realism in this thoroughly enjoyable romance, that love means compromise, communication and trust. Both Noah and Carmine struggle and stumble believably on their way to their HEA. Another thoroughly engrossing read!
February 7, 2026
You can’t live a full life if you are keeping huge pieces of ourselves from our loved ones. That doesn’t mean it's easy to carve yourself open and risk your heart.
Carmine and Noah may genuinely enjoy and care for one another, but if they want their relationship to last, they must decide if they are willing to open themselves fully to one another.
Two seriously lovely guys who live in their heads and fear a little too much. But they are cute together and could be really good for one another.
Their lives are doing really great. Noah’s football dreams are happening, and Carmine’s Architecture firm is taking off, but living in the closet isn’t easy.
It’s a touching story with a warm happy ever after.
Carmine and Noah may genuinely enjoy and care for one another, but if they want their relationship to last, they must decide if they are willing to open themselves fully to one another.
Two seriously lovely guys who live in their heads and fear a little too much. But they are cute together and could be really good for one another.
Their lives are doing really great. Noah’s football dreams are happening, and Carmine’s Architecture firm is taking off, but living in the closet isn’t easy.
It’s a touching story with a warm happy ever after.
February 7, 2026
4.5 rounded up
Playing It Safe is the third book in the Love Goals series, a series of books that follows the players on a soccer team.
This time it's Noah and Carmine's turn. We already knew Noah, a new signing for Brockton, and Carmine is the son of the owner of the town's Italian restaurant.
It's a romance with an age gap, so the age difference marks their relationship, especially since Carmine hasn't come out to his family yet, but they are adorable when they try to be more romantic than the other. Noah also has to learn something on his way to happiness.
Carmine's family takes up a good part of the novel, and as I mentioned before, they are all good characters.
One of the new players has yet to star in a book: Tito. I'm looking forward to reading his story.
Playing It Safe is the third book in the Love Goals series, a series of books that follows the players on a soccer team.
This time it's Noah and Carmine's turn. We already knew Noah, a new signing for Brockton, and Carmine is the son of the owner of the town's Italian restaurant.
It's a romance with an age gap, so the age difference marks their relationship, especially since Carmine hasn't come out to his family yet, but they are adorable when they try to be more romantic than the other. Noah also has to learn something on his way to happiness.
Carmine's family takes up a good part of the novel, and as I mentioned before, they are all good characters.
One of the new players has yet to star in a book: Tito. I'm looking forward to reading his story.
February 20, 2026
This wasn't great. The writing style didn't work for the genre - it felt too formal. Dialogue was awkward and disjointed. There were a lot of little things that just didn't make sense. The general themes were interesting but the specific issues seemed like odd choices (given the rich alternatives), and the issues were resolved too easily and in unsatisfying ways. The relationship drama just made no sense given the early stage of the characters' relationship, and this made both main characters unlikeable.
February 22, 2026
Delightful! Noah, is a soccer player who is committed to taking care of his brother, Malcolm. Carmine, is an architect who has relocated from LA to open his own business. Noah, hires Carmine to build his house as his first customer. Carmine has not told his family he's gay and is worried about disappointing his Dad. Sweet story about finding one's feet, owning one's truth, starting over, trust, acceptance and the unconditional support of friends. Great story, excellent read, nice cover art, well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 12, 2026
Playing it Safe is the third book in the Love Goals series; each can be read as a standalone but I think it's better in order. There is so much emotional growth between both MC's throughout this book and I just loved reading it. Noah is trying to juggle his career and raising his brother, while Carmine is trying to have his work and trying to keep his family from learning his secret. I loved reading this one and can't wait for the next in the series.
February 20, 2026
Book 3 of the Love Goals series. Can be read as a standalone.
'Two men focused on what they need.
But what happens when what they want becomes impossible to ignore?'
The characters were very well written and likeable. Plot was well written and straightforward. World building was solidly drawn. All in all a very good addition to series of. Recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'Two men focused on what they need.
But what happens when what they want becomes impossible to ignore?'
The characters were very well written and likeable. Plot was well written and straightforward. World building was solidly drawn. All in all a very good addition to series of. Recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 13, 2026
This book didn't quite click for me, but mostly because of how it read. The sentences were short and choppy, and it just didn't flow very well. Also, I didn't see very much chemistry between Noah and Carmine. Not quite for me, but not enough to just put it down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 17, 2026
A very good addition to this enjoyable series, with Noah getting a lot of deserved depth. He felt very responsible for his brother and others, which had him grow up too fast and actually being more mature than the older Carmine. Both had a lot to learn to be able to be open with themselves and others.
I'm really looking forward to the next book with very strong character Tito.
I'm really looking forward to the next book with very strong character Tito.
March 1, 2026
This is a charming, romantic story. The two main characters, Nick and Carmine, aren't looking for a relationship but when they meet, they're attracted to each other. The longer they're together the cracks in their relationship starts to show and they're not sure they can keep it together. I really enjoyed this book.
February 24, 2026
This is book three of the Love Goals series and we are back at Brockton fc, this time we get Noah and Carmine’s story which is another good addition to the series and I’m looking forward to book four next.
February 18, 2026
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked how Noah and Carmine fell in love and especially how they handled the emotions and family.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
I love a good sports romance. Carmine and Noah are a very good match. I enjoyed how love surprised them in the best way. They have explosiv chemistry from the beginning, but they also have some mountains to climb before their relationship can flourish. The secondary characters are important to the story and I love their friends and families. This is an interesting spicy read that I recommend to save some time for.
I love a good sports romance. Carmine and Noah are a very good match. I enjoyed how love surprised them in the best way. They have explosiv chemistry from the beginning, but they also have some mountains to climb before their relationship can flourish. The secondary characters are important to the story and I love their friends and families. This is an interesting spicy read that I recommend to save some time for.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews