Punked by the Playmaker

San Diego Surf Hockey #1

by Siena Trap

How many properties can you show the city’s newest hotshot hockey star before you finally snap?


The answer is 32.


I’m used to picky clients. I wouldn’t be one of San Diego’s top realtors if I weren’t willing to bend over backward to make a sale.


But Levi Nixon is next level.


I’m ready to wash my hands of him after it turns out this was all a game to get me into bed.


Until he calls me up, in desperate need of help, when a preteen girl shows up on his doorstep.


And the next thing I know, we are fake-engaged, on our way to being fake married, and putting on a show for social services.


The worst part of it all, though? Watching him become a father makes me realize there's so much more to the playmaker than meets the eye.


*Punked by the Playmaker is the first book in the San Diego Surf Hockey series, but can be read as a standalone.

Genres: Hockey, Romance, Sports, Marriage Of Convenience, Hockey Romance, Contemporary, Sports Romance

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 18, 2026

About the author

Siena is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where a love of sports is bred into a girl's DNA. Her love of romance novels came early as well. She would often accompany her romance reviewer mom to book lovers' and romance writers' conventions, where she sat in on workshops and met numerous best-selling authors. It wasn't long before she was filling notebooks with her own stories, which often starred herself and a certain real-life prince.

As luck would have it, she met and married a handsome athlete instead. After several temporary residencies in multiple states and Germany, they finally settled in Michigan, the land where youth hockey reigns supreme.

Her stories no longer feature herself but draw from her past experiences as an educator, businesswoman, fashion consultant, and world traveler when creating her strong heroines. “Oh yes,” she says with a wink and a smile, “There are bits of me in all of them.” Now, she spends her days writing happily ever afters for fictional characters and her evenings at the local hockey arenas cheering for her three children.

Reviews

[₊ ˚ ale ࿓ ♡ ⋆｡˚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Forever. I like the sound of that."
"Me too, baby. Me too."

rating: ★★★★.5 stars.
spicy level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

♡ : thank you @lunaliterary.management and @siena.trap.books for an arc in exchange of an honest review.

I want to start by saying how grateful I am to have the chance of reading an arc of this beauty. Pub date: June 18th.

Please, also read the trigger warnings of the book first!

This was such a cute book to read. I love that there's more than romance in this book.

Arizona Cleary is a realtor who is raising her teenage brother, Austin. She intends to sell a new home in San Diego to the newest addition of the hockey team, Levi Nixon. However, he isn't convinced about the first one, nor the second one, nor the tenth one... Until the 32nd house.

Levi Nixon is a playboy, a hockey player who has no time to engage in a serious relationship and who has been transferred to another team for his problematic behavior. He finds himself in trouble when a preteen knocks at his door... And suddenly, he and Arizona pretend to be married.

I found myself practically DEVOURING this book. I really enjoyed it and laughed so much. I fell in love with Maisie and Austin. Maisie is such a cutie, gods, I want to protect her with my life. And I loved Austin's sassy attitude, lol.

As I mentioned before, there's more than romance. There's depth and complexity in each character, and it's something that I really liked and enjoyed. Arizona is such a strong character, omg, I wanted to hug her so badly and tell her that things were going to be okay.

I saw some reviews praising chapter 25, but hello??? Chapter 28 had me in tears.

──────

‎ ‎ ⌗‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ── 🏒🍋‍🟩🐈‍⬛ᝰ .ᐟ read.
Oh, gods. I devoured this book. I’m rating it 4.5 and 95% of it it’s not because of the romance. It was cute, but there’s more depth to it and I enjoyed it so much!

RTC because I’m emotional right now. 🥹

‎ ‎ ⌗‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ── 🏒🍋‍🟩🐈‍⬛ᝰ .ᐟ pre-read.
thanks @LunaLiteracy and the author, Siena Trap, for an arc in exchange of an honest review.

OMG, YAY, I GOT THE ARC. I'm starting it asap, yes

[Jetscarbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went back and forth between 3-4 stars. I didn’t think I was going to like this at first. Levi (hero) is an unapologetic manho, and his thoughts about women were not good. Surprisingly, he was able to turn it around.
Both MCs were likable….well, it takes a minute with Levi. 😉

(Possible spoilers ahead)

“The universe saw I was treating women like shit and decided that a good way to knock me down a few pegs was by having me raise one”

The book starts in Levi’s POV. It sounds like Levi was introduced in another series; he caused issues between hero/heroine in other books, and was traded to another hockey team.
Levi is the hero in this book 1 of this series. He’s been traded to the worst hockey team in the league. He’s a manho and his thoughts about women are only about what they can give him in bed. I think he’s 31/32

Anyway, a teammate gives him a realtor’s number since he wants to buy a house.

We meet the heroine, Arizona. 🥴 She's raising her 14-year-old brother. Their mom is in a home for early-onset Alzheimer’s. She’s struggling, and needs to sell a high-dollar house to make some money. Her past is extremely suss.

Levi starts trying to hook up with Arizona as soon as he sets eyes on her. He’s gross asf with very lame pickup lines. He wants to “eat,” but he makes it clear he’s not into relationships. Arizona is immediately like ewwwwww leave me the fk alone, creep. 🤪
For 3 weeks, he wasted her time, and finally she gives him to her male coworker because she can’t be bothered anymore.

Levi wants one date with Arizona and tells her she can then pick out his house and get the commission. They go to the movies. Nothing happens, but he does say another nasty thing, and she is like BYE.

Anyway, some time goes by. Maybe a few weeks. During this, the hockey team gets a new coach. He does stuff differently. We meet a few teammates, especially the twins (which I assume the next books will follow)

The first night Levi is in his new home- he gets a visitor. It’s a 12-year-old girl with a prosthetic leg. “SURPRISE YOU’RE MY DADDY”….Let’s just say that Levi is shocked asf. He would’ve been 19 when he knocked somebody up. Naturally, he has no idea. The background is- the 12 yr old was given up for adoption. Her adoptive parents died a year ago. She’s been living in a foster home. She did one of those DNA kits and it all connected to Levi. Levi does know that he did one of those kits a few years ago. Plus, the girl looks just like his sister.

Levi didn’t know anybody local, so he called Arizona. He also knew that Arizona raises her 14-year-old brother. Arizona came over, and they took the girl to the hospital since she had blisters around her prosthetic leg. Of course, CPS gets called, and they get assigned a nasty caseworker. She doesn’t like hockey players. 🙃
Levi opens his big mouth and says that he’s marrying Arizona in a week. Since Arizona has already dealt with all this when she got custody of her brother. Arizona is kind of forced into this situation because now she knows eyes will be on her and her brother’s situation. (I was so curious about her past at this point. You get tiny tidbits that make you curious)

So..Levi and Arizona get married. They are now a combined household. Arizona HAS to sleep in Levi’s room in case the caseworker shows up. The smexual tension is definitely there.

I didn’t think Levi could be redeemed, but I have to say that he slowly was. His character growth was so good, and it was believable. Arizona and the 2 kids were an amazing role model to him. 😂😂 For a guy who never wanted kids, he sure stepped right up and became a great dad. No, he definitely wasn’t perfect (there were a few laughs along his way), but he tried.

Levi fell first, and he fell HARD for Arizona.

Levi had a huge awakening about what an awful person he was in the past. How he treated women like trash. His own daughter gets bullied at school, and it opens Levi’s eyes about his actions. I really did appreciate his character growth so much. I loved the fact that he apologized to one of his ex-hookups (she’s married now, and I assume she’s a heroine from another book)

Arizona’s past. This is BIG SPOILER so skip if you don’t want to know.

Arizona was 15 and in gymnastics when she was injured. She got addicted to pain pills. Her supplier ended up basically grooming her, then pimping her out. She had her baby (her brother), and the baby was adopted by her mom. Arizona relapses a few times and always ends up back with the creep. One day Arizona laced the creep’s coke. He died, and Arizona escaped. 🫪 She did some prostitution to survive on the streets, but eventually a woman helped her. Her “brother” was 3 when she met him for the first time. He was already calling Arizona’s mom “MaMa,” so Arizona decided not to tell him. Plus, not long after that, she found out about the early Alzheimer’s.
Oh, and Arizona can’t have any more kids. The doctor who delivered her baby decided some 15-year-old druggie didn’t need any more, so he removed her uterus. (They did sue and win the medical malpractice lawsuit)

Arizona has been sober for 10 years. ❤️

So the final bit in this book deals with Arizona telling her brother that she’s actually his mom. All this time, her brother has been wanting to know who his dad was. Now Arizona has to tell him the real story. Naturally, he’s upset. I thought this was all handled very well.

Then the final court battle, where the MCs won.
The epilogue was cute. Both MCs have a foundation for disabled kids

I enjoyed the book and plan on reading the next in the series. Plus, I want to see if this terrible hockey team can get it together, and I want to know more about the twin with the terrible ex. I feel there is a major story there, especially if his twin hated her.

The negatives I have are minor. I felt like the book is too long. That’s definitely a ME thing, though. 🤷‍♀️ It takes way too long to get to the spice.
Even though this book is a standalone, I did feel like it’s probably better to read the other series this connects with.

[Sim-fully Ever After · Rating 4 out of 5]

4🌟, 2🌶️

I am so glad I gave this story a chance because it ended up being such a lovely surprise.

I was skeptical about Levi at first, but his redemption arc in this story is honestly one of the most rewarding I have ever read. When his daughter, Maisie, unexpectedly arrives, he undergoes a massive shift, trading his playboy ways for a devoted, protective fatherhood. Watching him confront his past and strive to be the man Maisie deserves was genuinely touching, and it made it so easy to root for him as he stepped into his new role.

The heart of the story lies in the marriage of convenience between Levi and Arizona, a resilient woman working hard to support her younger brother, Austin. Forced into an unconventional living arrangement to secure guardianship for the kids, they slowly build a beautiful, found family together. I loved that their bond formed through trust and mutual support rather than just physical attraction; it made their slow transition into a real couple feel incredibly earned and sincere.

Beyond the romance, this is a story about healing, parenthood, and the unexpected ways we find the people who truly belong in our lives. While the setup has its fair share of high-stakes tension and drama, the tender, quiet moments between the leads and the children are what stayed with me the most.

It is a heartfelt, deeply engaging read that balances emotional weight with real warmth, and I would certainly recommend it to anyone who loves a story about second chances and building a home.

~~~~

Huge thank you to Siena Trap and Luna Literary for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨

[Kristen Shipley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about Levi at the start of this book. He's a playboy who's used to manipulating situations to get what he wants, and honestly, he isn't very likable in the beginning. Arizona, meanwhile, is simply trying to keep her head above water. Between caring for her sick mother, raising her younger brother Austin, and struggling to pay the bills, she doesn't have the time—or the patience—for Levi's games.

Everything changes when Levi's twelve-year-old daughter, Maisie, unexpectedly shows up on his doorstep. From that moment on, the Levi we met at the beginning is gone. He immediately puts Maisie first, throwing himself into fatherhood and doing everything he can to support her and help her navigate her disability. Watching him reassure her, advocate for her, and learn how to be the dad she deserves was easily my favorite part of the book.

The marriage of convenience between Levi and Arizona raises the stakes even more. Levi needs it to help secure custody of Maisie, while Arizona risks losing custody of Austin if their arrangement is exposed by an absolutely awful social services worker. The constant tension between them kept me invested, especially as Arizona fought her growing feelings while trying to protect the family she'd worked so hard to build.

Levi carries so much guilt over not knowing about Maisie sooner, believing her life would have been so much better if he'd been there. Seeing him channel that guilt into becoming the best father he could be made his character growth incredibly rewarding. Arizona's journey was just as compelling. Despite a difficult childhood and mistakes she's still paying for, she's built a life her mother would be proud of. I loved that Levi never judged her when he learned about her past. Instead, he supported her, encouraged her to do what was best for Austin, and became someone she could finally lean on.

I also loved how they slowly became a family before they truly became a couple. Arizona fiercely stands up for Maisie when she's treated unfairly at school, and Levi naturally steps into the role of a positive male figure for Austin. Those quieter family moments made their relationship feel genuine and earned.

Levi's transformation from a self-centered playboy into a devoted father was the heart of this story. Maisie didn't just change his life—she changed him. Combined with Arizona's strength, the emotional family dynamics, and a romance built on trust, support, and healing, this was a heartwarming story about finding the family you never expected.

[Karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75 stars and the only reason I’m not giving it five stars is because I felt that the pacing was just a little bit too fast.

OK, let me start by saying that I wasn’t jumping from enthusiasm to start this book but I’ve already read every single book in sienna‘s catalogue and it wasn’t gonna let this opportunity pass. Almost a year and a half ago I read bunny for the bench boss, and I remember enjoying it, but not paying too much attention to Levi’s character. He wasn’t really important to the overall story, just being a main character in Bristol‘s backstory. Earlier this year, I read second rate superstar and again I thought his character was OK, but he wasn’t pivotal to the overall story, just a key player in the team dynamic and the surrounding friend group of our main characters. I never thought he was a villain in either one of those stories, but he also didn’t really captivate my attention or my heart. When I heard this new book was going to be starring him as the male main character I figured some sort of a red redemption arc was going to be presented to kickoff this new series.

Let me start by saying that, while this series is focused on the San Diego surf hockey team, this book in particular has hockey as a very distant component. There are some changes to the team that are presented and introduced in this book and I’m convinced that over the course of the next two books within this series we will see the team have a Cinderella story where they do come out on top as the underdogs. However, this is not that book. Hockey is just a job that Levi does, but it is not a main component in the story of this couple. With that said, we did meet a few of the surf players, two in particular were present in this book as Levi’s new friends. They will be our male main characters in the next two books. We also got to meet a few other characters, however, I think they will be featured more in the next two books because they had been playing with our next Mail main characters for more years so those friendships are more developed than the few friendships that Levi was able to develop in this book because he didn’t join the team at the beginning of the season. He comes in halfway through and, considering that the surf is the worst team in the league. The season doesn’t last very long so he doesn’t really have the time and opportunity to make those friendship bonds with his teammates, nor is it part of his personality at this stage of the book. I am curious and excited to explore more of the hockey aspect, and that found family or lifelong friendships that teammate develop in the coming books, but that’s not something that Levi was prepared to do in this book yet.

I believe you do need to read the two previous books that I mentioned to understand the character arc and the development of Levi’s personality. In both second rate, superstar and bunny for the bench boss Levi is in his early to mid 20s and in this book he is now 32 years old. It doesn’t exactly say how many years has passed between the Indy speed series and the San Diego surf series, but based on the age of the children from other characters, I’m going to think that this is probably a five year age gap.

I enjoyed Levi’s character, and his personal growth from when we originally met him until now. If you were starting any part of this journey of siena’s hockey romance books with punked by the playmaker, then you will not notice any kind of growth within Levi. However, if you read one of the original books where his character first appears, and you are now reading him in his own story, you will be able to appreciate that he has not only grown up as a person, but that he has developed into a full on adult.

I absolutely love Arizona’s character. Her backstory is heartbreaking and very well presented in the story. I can’t help but find parallels to recent news and current events going on both in American political and legal society today but it’s even news that affects us on a worldwide level. Without going into too many spoilers, let’s say that Arizona’s backstory feels like it is heavily influenced by the J.E. Files.

This story is of a marriage of convenience, but it’s something that I’ve never seen in other books. The motive of their marriage is a micro trope that you don’t seem to see too often, there are plenty of books with marriage of convenience as a trope and the motive behind the marriage is because of an inheritance, or visa applications and residency permissions. This particular book uses the micro trope of adoption and guardianship of a minor as the motive for the marriage. The storyline presents two families combining together and mixing a father daughter/older sister, younger brother, complicated scenario and raising preteens or teenagers. It is a complicated dynamic when blending families together, especially with children at these ages. But I love the way that Arizona and Levi navigate this whole situation, especially considering that Levi has never been a father before, and all of the emotional baggage that both children bring with them. Arizona and Levi are tender and understanding and present for both of these children and fully support each other in this journey of parenthood. I love how Austin and Maisie also bond instantaneously, accepting each other as family from the very first moment. There are moments in the book where they continue to remind us that the time that they have spent together has only been a few weeks, however, it feels like they’ve been a family forever. They click together and support each other emotionally as if they were adults. Even Maisie‘s character, and the way that she speaks to Levi and the way she processes her thoughts and her goals, makes her feel a lot older and wiser than the years that she actually has. It’s difficult to wrap my head around the fact that this character is only 12 years old in this book.

Now, if you are familiar with other books by Siena, you might expect the spice to hit somewhere around the 40% mark of the book, and sometimes even sooner. For this author, I feel that the spice hit a little later in the overall story, however when it did hit, oh man, was it good.

Thank you to siena and her team for giving me an opportunity to read an advanced copy of this story

[Ash Dawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
First off, Levi Nixon? Are you kidding me?! And when he finds out about his daughter?! Melllltttt my heart. The found family? Nothing compares.

I looooove the disability representation 💛 Maisie is one bad ass little girl

I love that Siena interconnects her series. Book can be read as a standalone but you get more backstory is you read her other series.

What to expect:
🏒 found family
🏒 hockey
🏒 disability representation
🏒 2 crazy teenagers 🫶🏼

4🌟
2.5🌶️

Laugh, Swoon, & maybe shed a tear or 2 with book 1 of the San Diego Surf.

[DG ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars - I really enjoyed this book and all of the characters. I wasn’t sure if I would like it due to Levi being a playboy, but I felt like he was able to redeem himself. I do think parts of the book were rushed and could have been expanded on better, it would be nice to get more back story and getting more of a hockey feel in this hockey romance. Outside of that, this was a very heartwarming story and I felt like I could relate to the MCs at different times. And those spicy scenes.. 🥵

[Alexandra Phipps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somehow I saw it coming and was still shocked when it happened. Oh I could not put this book down. Siena never fails to get me in my feels with her writing and this story was no different.

Reformed playboy, fake marriage, and single parents? Check, check, and check! This story was so much fun to read and I can’t wait for what comes next!

[Moa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfekt bok att läsa i solstolen, går att läsa på en dag. Inte så mycket komplicerad handling att hålla koll på men en mysig historia om hur familjer kan bildas på något ovanliga sätt.

[JoAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️
2🌶️

Sienna trap knew that she had an uphill climb with getting me like Levi after everything he did in Bunny for the Bench Boss and through that entire series. Well, apparently she put on her climbing boots and got to work because I can say she successfully made me a Nixon fan.

Well, let’s talk about the characters because I feel like each character was so good they deserve their own shout out.

Levi—this man had a redemption arc like nobody I have ever seen. He even knew in the beginning of the book before anything happened that he had been a shitty person. He wasn’t ready to change it yet, but he knew what he was and then, with that one knock on the door, he instantly knew that the person he was was not who he wanted to be for his daughter. And the fact that he went to Bristol and apologized and tried to right his wrongs instantly turned my opinion of him around

Arizona— there almost aren’t words for me to describe her. She has such a hard exterior just because of what she’s had to go through and overcome. And she is not quick to drop that with Levi. But he found the slightest crack in her armor and she finally let somebody in and took the risk on him and decided he was worth it. I did guess one part of her story but I never would have guessed the rest of her story. But after hearing it, it makes complete sense. The reason she is the way she is.

Mazie and Austin— both of these kids have went through more than any teenager should ever go through in their lives. And while they do have teenage moments, I just feel like they are very immature for what has happened to them and you get peaks of them being kids and peaks of how they’ve had to grown-up because of their circumstances.



Every time I say that sienna trap has outdone herself, she takes it a step further with the next book. But I believe this is in a league totally of its own and you almost can’t compare it to any of her other books because it’s just so good in a different way.

[Diane Yoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooked!!!

This story was good!!!! Captured my attention right from the start! There was very sexy spicy scenes but it was the drama within the family dynamic that had me hooked!

[Gina Blades · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ 2.5🌶️ ARC REVIEW: 📖 PUNKED BY THE PLAYMAKER 📖 by Siena Trap ✨ This is book 1 in the San Diego Surf series. I immediately loved Arizona, the FMC, but Levi, the MMC, took a bit longer to like, however, his personal growth was great and I ended up loving him. This cocky, charming playboy was used to women falling at his feet until he met Arizona and she rejected him - multiple times. Then his 12-year-old daughter, Maisie, shows up on his doorstep, and Levi needs Arizona to marry him so he can get custody. I liked that they slowly became a family before they became a couple. When the spice hit, though, dang, I needed a fan. Think hand necklace, toys as teammates, he’s in charge, then she’s in charge and tells him he’s a ‘good boy’.

Arizona is such a strong FMC, I wanted to give her a hug and make all of her pain disappear. There is a lot of trauma that she endured yet still she worked so hard to provide for Austin and her mom, always putting herself last. Her backstory is heartbreaking but Siena presents it well. (Some heavy topics are discussed, so please check the trigger warnings.) I adored Maisie and Austin. When Levi takes Austin under his wing? Gah, I swooned. I love that Levi wanted to be a role model for Austin, and he could go to Levi for ‘guy’ stuff. And Maisie was so young, having to deal with death and loss plus an amputation, all the while being this confident, self-aware, cool kid.

Levi’s journey from self-centered playboy to devoted father really was the heart of the story. He never pictured himself having kids or settling down but Arizona, Maisie and Austin changed him. He thought getting traded to a new hockey team would ruin his life but it turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to him. There was depth and complexity to each character, and the ending was perfection! An emotional and heartwarming story about healing and unexpected family. I got teary-eyed, it was so good. I’m ready for book 2 - Cole’s story.

After 14 years playing for a winning hockey team in New England, Levi Nixon was traded to the San Diego Surf, the worst team in the league. He doesn’t want to live out of a hotel, so a teammate recommends a realtor. Arizona Cleary is a realtor and takes care of her teenage brother since their mom has early onset dementia and lives in a memory care facility. She is Levi’s new realtor and shows him house after house until it’s the 32nd one and she’s ready to cancel him as a client. When Maisie shows up at his house, Levi calls Arizona for help and they end up in a fake marriage in order for Levi to get guardianship of Maisie.

Arizona and Austin move into Levi’s house, and immediately Arizona sets boundaries—no s-x—but soon realizes she can’t resist him. He falls first and hard and knows she is running from her feelings, and the family they could have. He wants more than just the physical (which is ironic coming from him) but she is scared to let him in because she has a lot of secrets. She thinks she only can prove her worth through s-x. He’s her safe space, though, and he becomes her shoulder to cry on. He doesn’t once judge her for her secrets or mistakes of the past. He would do anything for her and the kids.

❤️ He’s obsessed, he constantly thinks about her, coming home to her is the best part of his day
❤️ She’s the only woman that’s ever challenged him, called him out on his bullshit
❤️ He’s so good with both kids - he makes it look effortless.
❤️ He kisses her bare shoulder
❤️ My kryptonite = sweatpants and a backwards hat 🧢
❤️ Dirty mouth/he talks her through it
❤️ Creative use of a dryer
❤️ She edges him and he whimpers

Favorite quotes:
"I'm not going anywhere. Temporary marriage or not, I would hope that we can still be a part of each other's lives."
“You say that now, but-"
'There is no but. The minute I put that ring on your finger, that made us family.”

“I hope it's not overstepping, but you look like you could use a hug.”
“You want to give me a hug?"
"I'm the one who offered, wasn't I? Now get over here. We're all gonna be okay. You'll see."

"That's it, go ahead and mark me, baby. Leave scars all over my body, so that every time I look in the mirror I'm reminded of what a hot little hellcat my wife is."

Arizona might be a bossy little thing, but inside the bedroom, she obeyed my every command beautifully. Like she was born to submit to me and only me.

"Does my wife need me to help take the edge off?"

"You don't have to say anything back. Just know that I want this—us—for the long haul. And that I'll spend every waking minute we have together trying to convince you that I can be the man worthy of your love."

"God, I love you so much."
“I love you too."
“Say it again."
“I love that you've become my constant source of comfort. I love that you let me feel safe enough to share the messy parts of my past and never once judged the million mistakes I've made. But most of all, I just love you, Levi."

"You forgot to mention that you love how I dick you down better than anyone ever has before." “And there's the cocky playboy I married. I knew he was still in there somewhere."
“Reformed playboy, baby. I'm a one-woman man these days."

"You were brave enough to fight your way out of Hell. You are brave enough to do this too. And I think that you're going to feel so much better once the secrets you've been carrying are no longer weighing you down."

Read this if you like:
*Hockey romance
*Marriage of convenience
*Reformed playboy
*He falls first
*Trauma/healing
*Praise/degradation
*Therapy rep
*Disability rep
*Complicated family dynamics/secrets

Content warning: Alzheimer’s, sports injury, opioid addiction, teenage runaway, s-x work, trafficking, adoption, foster care, custody issues, death/grief

Thank you to Siena and team for letting me read/review. All opinions are my own.

[Ashley · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

4.5. This was one fun! I love Siena’s hockey universe and it’s so fun to be back in it! I loved the found family, single parent, reformed playboy tropes playing out in this book. I had a good time with it! 👌🏻

[Joanne Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Punked by the Playmaker” is the first book in Siena’s new series the “San Diego Surf Hockey.” Levi Nixon has been transferred from the Connecticut Comets to the San Diego Surf, the worst team in the league. For Levi, there is no place like home….”California was in my blood, and standing with my toes in the sand, the Pacific Ocean stretching endlessly across the horizon, I felt at peace.”

Arizona Cleary is a realtor, left to raise her teenage brother when her mum, suffering from Alzheimer’s, is no longer able to look after him. A multimillion-dollar home sale would be enough to pay down her debt, start a college fund for Austin, and stash the extra away for a rainy day.“If it wasn’t work stressing me out, it was Austin. God was probably having a good laugh as he watched me struggle to raise the spirited, stubborn boy. There was no doubt he was karmic retribution for how wild I’d been at that age.”

After weeks of still being in hotel accommodation and suffering from lack okay of sleep, Cole Astor, the team captain, puts him in touch with the realtor that helped him…. Arizona Cleary. After showing Levi numerous homes, actually 32, that meet his requirements, he has knocked them all back. He propositions her….”One date, and I’ll make an offer on a house of your choosing from the listings you’ve shown me with your name as the realtor on record.” Arizona shuts him down and walks out!

Guilt was a powerful motivator. With no commission for two months and her bank account nearly drained, she agrees to his demands. Now settled in his new home, Levi is in for the biggest surprise of his life….a young girl at the door is claiming to be his daughter. Needing help, he calls Arizona for help. ”Her name’s Maisie, and she’s twelve. All the evidence points toward her being my daughter, and I don’t know what to do.” To stop his daughter Maisie becoming a ward of the state, Levi and Arizona pretend to be married. To make everything look real, Arizona and her brother move into Levi’s house. The more time Levi and Arizona spend together, the more they start enjoying each other’s company again and having fun together. Their feelings towards each other change very quickly. The physical attraction grows to emotional feelings ….dare I say love? The chemistry between these two is strong….

You will fall in love with Levi and Arizona, hoping that everything with work out for them and they have a future together. Once I started reading, I could not put this book down! At times you will laugh, you will cry, get angry and frustrated - most of all, you will love the twists! This book will charm “the pants off you” and leave you going back for more.

“He pressed a finger to my trembling lips. “You don’t have to say anything back. Just know that I want this—us—for the long haul. And that I’ll spend every waking minute we have together trying to convince you that I can be the man worthy of your love.”

Once again Siena does not disappoint! This is a lovely book that will keep you hooked! It has fun, laughs, intrigue, twists that you do not expect, and physical attraction. I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful love story, with all the ups, the downs, the friendship, the heartaches and most of all, what love can overcome 💗 From page to page, chapter to chapter, from cover to cover - you will enjoy this beautiful story! This book will not disappoint! Highly recommended 😊

[Jenna Lundberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

🏒💍❤️ The Playboy Nobody Expected To Become A Family Man ❤️💍🏒
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️

I never expected Levi Nixon of all people to completely steal my heart, but here we are.

Punked by the Playmaker was so much more than a hockey romance. It was a beautiful story about redemption, healing, family, and discovering that sometimes the life you never planned for becomes exactly the life you need.

Levi Nixon has spent years building a reputation as the league's ultimate playboy. After being traded to the struggling San Diego Surf, the last thing he expects is for a twelve-year-old girl to show up at his door claiming to be his daughter. Suddenly, the man who has spent most of his life avoiding responsibility finds himself fighting to become the father Maisie deserves.

Enter Arizona Cleary.

Arizona is a successful realtor who is already carrying more responsibility than most people her age. Raising her younger brother Austin while dealing with her own painful past has forced her to become strong, independent, and fiercely protective of the people she loves.

What starts as a fake marriage quickly becomes something so much deeper.

I absolutely loved Levi's character growth throughout this book. Watching him transform from the selfish, reckless playboy we previously knew into a devoted father and partner was incredibly rewarding. His relationship with Maisie completely melted my heart, and every step of his journey felt earned.

Arizona was equally easy to root for. My heart broke for everything she had endured, but I loved watching her slowly allow herself to lean on someone else for once. She was resilient, compassionate, and incredibly strong without ever losing her vulnerability.

But what truly made this book special was the family dynamic.

Levi, Arizona, Maisie, and Austin felt like a family almost from the very beginning. The bonds they formed with one another felt genuine, heartfelt, and completely believable. Some of my favorite moments in the book weren't even the romantic scenes—they were the quiet family moments that showed just how much these four people needed each other.

Maisie and Austin completely stole the show. Their bond developed so naturally, and they brought so much heart, humor, and emotion to the story.

The romance itself was fantastic. The chemistry between Levi and Arizona was undeniable from the start, and their banter had me smiling constantly. Once the tension finally broke, the spice absolutely delivered while still allowing the emotional connection to remain the heart of the story.

This was one of those books that had me laughing, tearing up, swooning, and completely invested from beginning to end. It perfectly balanced romance, family, humor, and emotional depth.

If you love hockey romance, fake marriage, found family, redemption arcs, and heroes who surprise you in the best possible way, Punked by the Playmaker absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR.

Thank you to Siena Trap and Luna Literary for the gifted ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 💜📚

[Dewey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has good hockey action which I appreciate. It's a good story that starts with insta-lust (although that's Levi's constant state anyway). To be fair, we get his brash and bold attitude too, which I grew to like. This gives the 'found family'; redemption arc for Levi, the entitled selfish man-ho. Arizona will get the healing she needed after a painful dark past. I gotta admit that it was pretty funny when Levi blurted out they were getting married next week (desperation attempt to keep his daughter). Cue up the marriage of convenience plot and forced proximity. We know how that will turn out.

But the story surprised me with actual emotion and depth. There is one too many detailed sex scenes though. We get it; they 'cum' like they never have before. There is a bit too much 'preachy' prose about sobriety - which is a great thing - and the problems with medical insurance. I also have a problem with a 12 year old girl reading sexy hockey romances. I really disliked the ending. Such a huge subject to have been handled so quickly.

They meet when he needs a home and she's his realtor. She pays her bills with the commissions she earns. She shows him some 30 houses; he rejects all of them till he finally acts like a sleeze and grossly propositions her. She fires him as a client. He's surprised because women never say no to him.

He still plots ways to fu*k her. She has custody of Austin, her surly teenage brother, whom he 'conveniently' runs into her at the beach. "I might not have gotten the girl—yet—but I had an in with her younger brother."

Learning that she needs money, he coerces her into a 'date' on the promise he'll buy the next house she shows him. After the date, he becomes the true as*hole he is and makes several really crude remarks. "There's only one thing I like to eat for dessert...pus*y." ewwwww

His crude remarks remind Arizona of the past she left behind. "Memories flashed before my eyes of leering men with grabby hands, of strobe lights and sexy beats, of glitter-coated skin and G-strings."

The author paints Levi as a real jerk. He's used to easily getting sex from women, and he expects the same from Arizona. He's baffled at her reaction. He gets a big surprise when a 12 year old girl, Maisie, with a prosthetic leg knocks on his door. I thought it would be an uphill road to redeem this as*hole. What's a big surprise for me is his abrupt change in attitude.

Maisie is his daughter from one of his MANY, MANY forgotten flings. She hopes he can tell her who his mother is. Austin is angry because he doesn't know who is father is and his mom is in a home with Alzheimer's. Levi has no clue what to do so he calls Arizona. He also calls an ex-teammate who was a foster kid and also found out he had a son he didn't know about. Turns out the MD they see at the ER was also a foster kid. Huh.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes your client is picky but other times your client can be impossible. Arizona might be a top realtor but Levi seemed to enjoy house hunting more than spending his money on one. Then the truth is revealed as to why Levi was so particular, he wanted a date in exchange for buying. Arizona might need the commission but is she willing to sacrifice her integrity and professionalism? No...she would rather go without.

Arizona hasn't had an easy life. She has made mistakes but has turned her life around. She is responsible for her mother's care and raising her little "brother" since her mother's health declined. Raising a growing teenage boy is a challenge especially with a secret.

Levi was a problem for his old team so he was traded to the worst team in the league. He is a playboy who loved living up to his bad reputation. Then his playboy lifestyle catches up to him in the form of a preteen daughter who he never knew existed. All of a sudden the bad boy needed to prove he could be a good dad. Who could he call for help in a city where he doesn't know anyone other than his teammates?

Arizona to the rescue! She drops everything to help Levi and Maisie. When the case worker acts like the wicked witch of the west, Levi and Arizona get married to protect Maisie. This gives Arizona and Austin financial stability and a bigger support system even if supposedly temporary. Soon fake starts to feel real and real becomes scary because if it ends it will hurt. When the lines are blurred and secrets revealed, Arizona is faced with a choice. Can she forgive herself for the mistakes she made years ago and let herself be happy? Can she accept Levi's unconditional love and allow them to be a real family? Can she trust that Levi's playboy days are in the past and that he will always be there for her and their children?

I loved Levi and Arizona because their pasts altered the way people saw them but they didn't let that define them. They both worked hard to grow and do better for the people that loved them. They chose to do what was necessary for the people who relied on them. Life isn't always easy and perfection is a myth but showing up when its hard shows more character than anything else. I have to admit that Maisie and Austin stole the limelight a lot and I enjoyed their stories as much as their parents. I see great things for them in the future with parents as supportive as Arizona and Levi.

Thank you Siena for the ARC and the opportunity to review this wonderful book! A great start to the new series!

[Dawn Litwiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible introduction to this new series!

It’s more than just a romance. It is very much a redemption story as well. Levi was the character we all loved to hate in previous books from another well loved series by Siena and now karma is coming to call for him. Traded to the worst team, new city, no friends, new teammates…the only bright spot is the realtor he loves to torment until she reaches her breaking point.
Arizona is the realtor tasked with finding Levi his new home. Seems simple enough, he doesn’t have many demands, but somehow he vetoes every home she shows him. She sticks it out as she needs the money to care for her brother and take care of the medical expenses for her ailing mother. When Levi pushed her too far, she is ready to wash her hands of him.
Then the biggest shock of all is the 12 year old daughter that he never knew existed comes knocking on his door. Thankfully, Levi steps up and takes on fatherhood full out. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have proof that he’s the father, and the social worker in charge is not a fan of Levi at all.
Levi has a brilliant idea to get Arizona back in his life - he will buy any house she chooses and Arizona will foster his daughter until they get DNA proof. A win for everyone, right? Well Levi goes one step further says they are engaged!
One quick marriage of convenience and everyone will get what they want and need.
Arizona isn’t thrilled that Levi has made it so that have to get married, even if it is temporary, but seeing how he wants his daughter in his home with him and to see him doing everything he can for her and her brother while helping Arizona has been eye opening.
They are platonic to begin with, but it doesn’t take long for the attraction to become too much to resist.
They both have secrets and baggage and when the biggest secret comes out, I have to admit that I was a little underwhelmed - I expected more reaction and more working through it than there was. It is a small thing and really doesn’t make this book any less awesome than it really is!!
Plenty of humours always, the spice was on point and lots of sweet, cute, heartbreaking and heartwarming moments throughout. I loved seeing Levi truly redeem himself and make some new friends and make amends with people he hurt in the past. He did a lot of self reflection and changed the things he didn’t like about himself and became a solid father and partner. With plenty of new side characters that I can’t wait to hear more from.

[Laura Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Punked by the Playmaker by Siena Trap

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Punked by the Playmaker was such a fun, feel-good hockey romance that had me hooked from the very first chapter. Siena Trap delivered the perfect mix of laugh-out-loud moments, swoony romance, emotional depth, and fake relationship chaos that made this an incredibly easy book to binge.

The story follows successful realtor Arizona, who thinks she’s landed one of the biggest clients of her career when San Diego hockey star Levi Nixon asks her to help him find a home. After dragging her through what feels like an endless house hunt, Arizona discovers Levi had an ulterior motive all along, and it’s safe to say she isn’t impressed. But when an unexpected situation leaves Levi caring for a young girl and needing to convince social services he can provide a stable home, the two find themselves entering a fake engagement—and eventually a fake marriage—that quickly becomes much more complicated than either of them expected.

I absolutely loved Levi. He starts out as the cocky, playful hockey player you’d expect to hate (especially if you have read any of the other hockey series by Siena Trap) but watching him step up and embrace the responsibility suddenly placed on his shoulders completely changed my opinion of him. Seeing his softer, more caring side emerge made him impossible not to fall for. Arizona was just as fantastic. She was independent, successful, and never let Levi get away with his antics, which made their banter one of my favourite parts of the book. Their chemistry felt effortless, and the slow shift from fake feelings to something real was both believable and incredibly sweet.

One of my favourite aspects of the story was how the unexpected family dynamic added so much heart to the romance. It wasn’t just about two people falling in love—it was also about learning to trust, growing into unexpected roles, and creating a family when no one saw it coming. The hockey backdrop and team camaraderie were a fun bonus without ever overshadowing the romance.

Overall, Punked by the Playmaker is a charming, heartwarming sports romance full of hilarious banter, fake dating, found family, and a hero who proves there’s so much more to him than first meets the eye. If you love hockey romances with plenty of humour, swoon-worthy moments, and emotional payoff, this one is definitely worth picking up.

[My Used Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whether it's a dark mafia romance or a swoony sports romance, Siena Trap proves she can do it all! Punked by the Playmaker, the first book in the San Diego Surf Hockey series, was another win for me and earned 4.25 out of 5 stars.

Levi is a hockey player on the worst team in the league who needs a place to live in San Diego. When he hires Arizona to help him find a house, the two end up entering a fake marriage so Levi can fight for custody of his daughter. Before long, they're living together with Levi's daughter and Arizona's younger brother, making it impossible to ignore the growing feelings between them.

This book is packed with some of my favorite tropes: forced proximity, fake marriage, one bed, and a secret child. If you're a trope reader like I am, this one definitely delivers.

What really made this story stand out, though, was the heart behind the romance. I loved watching Levi and Arizona not only fall for each other, but also build relationships with each other's children. Levi stepped into a positive role model role for Austin, teaching him the kinds of things every young boy hopes to learn from a father figure. At the same time, Arizona became someone Maisie could trust and lean on for the motherly love and support she had been missing.

One of the most emotional moments for me was when Levi and Arizona were called to Austin and Maisie's school. My heart absolutely broke for Maisie during that scene, but I also loved seeing how safe and comfortable she felt with Arizona, and how Austin stood up for her. It was such a touching moment that really highlighted the bond they all had built.

Arizona's own story also brought me to tears. While this is a heartwarming romance, it doesn't shy away from heavier topics, including drug addiction and human trafficking. Siena Trap handled these difficult subjects with care, adding another layer of emotion to Arizona's journey. Because of these themes, I recommend checking the trigger warnings before diving into this book.

And I have to mention Levi's teammates, Crew and Cole. They were exactly the kind of friends everyone deserves—supportive, hilarious, and always ready to have each other's backs. I already can't wait to read their stories.

Thank you, Siena Trap and Luna Literary, for the opportunity to read this book. I can't wait for Book 2!

[Amber Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Punked by the Playmaker by Siena Trap was everything I want in a hockey romance. Fake marriage, enemies-to-lovers vibes, found family, hilarious banter, and a cocky hockey player who turns out to have so much more heart than anyone expected. I absolutely loved this book.

Levi definitely needed someone who wasn’t going to fall at his feet, and Arizona was exactly that person. I loved how she constantly challenged him, called him out, and put him firmly in his place. She never let his fame, charm, or ego intimidate her, which made their back-and-forth so much fun. Their chemistry was there from the beginning, but I especially loved watching their relationship evolve as Arizona began seeing the man underneath Levi’s playboy reputation.

Then there was Maisie. Watching Levi unexpectedly step into the role of a father completely melted me. He didn’t suddenly become perfect or magically know what to do, which made that part of the story feel so much more genuine. The four of them slowly becoming a family was easily one of my favorite parts of the entire book. Of course, this moment with Austin also absolutely took me out:

“So, you’re probably not used to living with girls, but you can’t come downstairs in just your underwear. And you gotta take care of the morning wood situation first.”

Beyond the romance and humor, I really appreciated how the story included real-world situations and didn’t shy away from the complicated parts of becoming a family. The limb-loss representation was handled beautifully, and I loved seeing the book highlight accessible sports and the opportunities available for athletes with disabilities. Those elements added so much heart to the story without ever feeling forced or included simply to make a point.

The banter was hilarious, the chemistry was perfect, and the found family aspect gave me all the feelings. I loved watching a fake engagement and marriage slowly turn into something undeniably real, especially as Levi proved there was so much more to him than Arizona initially believed.

But that epilogue? God. I turned into a complete crybaby. It was beautiful, emotional, and the perfect ending to a book I already loved so much. Punked by the Playmaker made me laugh, made me swoon, and then completely wrecked me in the best possible way. I cannot wait for more of the San Diego Surf series!

[Heather Angeli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 in the San Diego Surf series and I am INSTANTLY hooked!

If you love the instant family trope, hockey romance, and a MMC who falls hard, then this book needs to be at the top of your TBR. I will recommend this to every single person!

Arizona is doing everything she can to keep her life together. She's raising her younger brother, navigating teenage angst, and just trying to make it through each day. The last thing she needs is a distraction in the form of the Surf's newest hockey star.

Enter Levi. The playboy hockey star. Freshly traded to San Diego, Levi is ready to settle down and buy a house. The chemistry between Levi and his real estate agent, Arizona, is immediate and impossible to ignore. While Arizona is focused on keeping things professional and finding Levi the perfect home, Levi has other plans. And let me tell you, the tension between these two had me hooked from the very beginning.

Just when Levi starts getting settled, his entire world is turned upside down when a little girl shows up claiming to be his daughter. Faced with a life-changing situation, there's only one person he can think to call—Arizona.

What follows is a heartwarming, emotional, and swoon-worthy journey as these two navigate unexpected parenthood, family responsibilities, and the growing feelings neither of them can deny. I absolutely loved watching Levi step into his new role and seeing the way Arizona naturally fit into the chaos. The family dynamics were everything, and the little moments between all of them completely stole my heart.

Siena Trap delivered the perfect balance of romance, emotion, humor, and hockey. The chemistry was fantastic, the characters were easy to love, and the story kept me turning pages long after I should have gone to bed- I stayed up way to late and was up way to early to finish!

This is only the first book in the San Diego Surf series, and if this is what's to come, I am all in. You need to pick up this book immediately!

I cannot wait to see what's next for the Surf.

[Tasma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never in my WILDEST DREAMS did I think we were going to get THE PLAYBOY OF ALL PLAYBOY’S, Levi Nixon’s book! And honestly, I am SO GLAD WE DID because I LOVED EVERY GODDAMNED SECOND OF IT!

Being the petty and ABSOLUTE CRACK UP Jaxon Slate is, he sends Levi Nixon to the WORST TEAM on the league, the San Diego Surf. In his midst to get through the shit show that is his new contract, Levi gets the ultimate surprise of HIS LIFE and I can honestly say, it was FOR SURE the BEST. THING. FOR. HIM! Known for being an utter asshole, Levi gets his REDEMPTION ARC, and I LOVED TO SEE IT! He may have been said playboy up until San Diego, but he was ABSOLUTELY SO FUCKING ADORABLE THAT IT WAS TOO FUCKING CUTE! I really LOVED seeing this side of him and HE MELTED MY HEART! There was SO MUCH GROWTH! I KNOW! What a SHOCKER! I honestly never really thought I would ever say those words! As for Arizona, MY GIRRRLLL! There was SO MUCH to unpack with her and my heart BROKE FOR HER! At the same time, I am SO PROUD of what she has accomplished and she was honestly SUCH. A. BAD. BITCH!
The chemistry and banter between Levi and Arizona was SO FUCKING FIERY! Not to mention their libido’s were coordinated *wink, wink* and they actually complimented one another SO WELL!

I HAVE to shout out some other characters as they were TOO GOOD not to mention! Cole and Crew, I LOVED THEM ALREADY and I cannot wait for their upcoming books! Coach Davenport, he may be ruthless and unorthodox, and a little scary, but I REALLY ENJOYED HIM! I lowkey want him to have his own story! Maisie was SUCH A CUTIE and I LOVED HER! Austin while getting into the groove of being a teen, he was going through the motions. While my heart hurt for him, for both of them, they were such good kids! Of course, THOSE CAMEOS from Benji, Bristol and Sterling AAAHHH! The moment with Bristol was actually really sweet! With that being said, I have no idea what’s instore for the team, but I AM ROOTING FOR THEM and the other happily ever after’s yet to come!

[Book Addict · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a family addition to the sports romance genre with some witty banter, evolving emotional depth, and irresistible chemistry. The author delivers a story that captures everything readers love about the hockey-romance.

At its heart, the novel is a playful yet heartfelt romance that thrives on the tension between its lead characters. The "playmaker" hero here Levi embodies the charm, confidence, and competitiveness readers expect from a professional hockey star, while the heroine, Arizona, provides the perfect counterbalance with her intelligence, independence, and refusal to be swept away by his reputation. Their interactions crackle with humor and attraction, making every encounter entertaining and emotionally engaging.

One of the book's greatest strengths is the warm family dynamic woven throughout the story. The sweet family tone makes it easy to become emotionally invested from the very beginning, creating a sense of comfort and deepening connection that carries through the entire novel. These relationships add depth to the characters and make their personal journeys feel even more meaningful.

The author excels at creating chemistry between the main characters. The romance develops naturally, allowing readers to become invested in them both as individuals and as a couple. The emotional moments feel genuine rather than forced, giving the relationship depth beyond the initial sparks of attraction.

If there's one criticism, it's that some plot developments follow familiar sports-romance conventions. However, her engaging voice and character-driven storytelling keep the story feeling fresh and enjoyable despite the genre's well-loved tropes.

Overall, it is a charming, entertaining hockey romance filled with humor, heart, and plenty of swoon-worthy moments. Its sweet family atmosphere, engaging characters, and satisfying romance make it a standout start to the series and a delightful read for fans of sports romance.

[Crystal Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to dive into Siena Trap's new series, and it absolutely did not disappoint. From the very first chapter, I was completely hooked on both the story and the characters.

Levi Nixon is the definition of a playboy. He has no interest in settling down, getting married, or having children, and he's certainly not known for being the nicest guy on the ice or locker room. But when he unexpectedly finds himself face to face with a daughter he never knew existed, his entire world is turned upside down.

Arizona is a successful realtor who already has more than enough on her plate. Between raising her younger brother and helping cover her mother's medical expenses, she's constantly putting everyone else's needs before her own. Her and her brother, Austin, are carrying scars from a painful past they haven't fully healed from.

Levi is instantly drawn to Arizona and her beauty, but for the first time in his life, he's told no and he has no idea what to do with that. Watching him pursue her while she made him earn every step of the way was so much fun. Their banter was fantastic and had me smiling and laughing throughout the book.

One of my favorite parts of the story was Levi's character growth. Watching him transform from a selfish, commitment phobic playboy into a devoted father and caring family man was incredibly rewarding. Together, Levi and Arizona helped each other heal, grow, and discover what truly matters.

Maisie and Austin completely stole my heart. Neither of them has had an easy life, and seeing them navigate their struggles while forming such a sweet bond was one of the most touching aspects of the story.

As expected, this book took me on an emotional journey. It made me laugh, made me swoon, and definitely pulled at my heartstrings. By the end, I had fallen in love with this family and found myself unable to stop thinking about their story even after I had finished.

[Midnights Bookclub · Rating 5 out of 5]

Punked By The Playmaker Review 🏡🏒

I want to thank Sienna Trap and Luna Literary for sending me this book.

I’ll admit that I’ve read the Indy Speed Hockey series, where our hero Levi first appeared, and I know he didn’t make the best first impression.

But that impression was completely erased in this book. Levi is at the lowest point of his career. He has been traded to the worst team in the league, is living out of a hotel, and the woman he’s attracted to has rejected all of his advances, so his ego is taking a hit as well.

That woman is Arizona, the real estate agent responsible for finding Levi a home. She already has enough on her plate. Her younger brother is constantly causing trouble, her mother’s health is declining, and the last thing she needs is a handsome hockey player complicating her life even more.

But when a young girl shows up at Levi’s door claiming to be his daughter, everything changes, both in their lives and in their relationship.

As I said before, any bad impression I could have had of Levi completely disappeared. The moment Maisie shows up on his doorstep, he takes his role as her father seriously. He makes sure she feels safe, comfortable, and knows that he will take care of her no matter what.

Arizona is a superhero in her own right. She is barely making ends meet, taking care of her teenage brother, and worrying about her mother, who is living in an assisted care facility. She has been through more than most people could handle, but she keeps pushing forward and doing the best she can with the hand she’s been dealt.

The attraction between her and Levi is undeniable. The sparks are flying, the chemistry is there from the start, and before long, neither of them can deny their feelings.

I swooned and cried while reading this book! I had an amazing time with these characters and would absolutely recommend this story. It’s an easy 5 ⭐️ read for me. 🏡🏒

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ Punked by the Playmaker – Siena Trap ✨

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)

🏒💍🏡❤️😂

If you love:
• hockey romance
• fake engagement
• forced proximity
• grumpy x sunshine
• surprise guardian/found family
• protective MMC

THIS BOOK WAS ADORABLE, HILARIOUS, AND HAD ME SMILING THE ENTIRE TIME 😭❤️

From the very first chapter, Levi Nixon had me laughing. What starts with him driving his realtor absolutely crazy by rejecting house after house turns into one of the cutest fake relationship stories I’ve read.

Sloane is patient, hardworking, and completely over Levi’s antics… until life throws them both a curveball.

When a young girl unexpectedly enters Levi’s life, everything changes. Watching these two pretend to be engaged—and eventually fake married—for social services was equal parts hilarious and heartwarming 🥹❤️

Levi completely stole my heart. Beneath his playful, frustrating exterior is a man with the biggest heart. Seeing him step into a fatherly role and do everything he could to protect someone who needed him made me fall for him right alongside Sloane.

The chemistry between these two was effortless. Their banter was funny, the tension was amazing, and watching fake feelings slowly become very real was everything I wanted.

I also loved that this book balanced humor with emotional moments. The found family aspect added so much heart, and it made the romance feel even more meaningful.

If I had one small complaint, I would have loved just a little more time with them after everything came together because I wasn’t ready to say goodbye.

Overall, this was such a feel-good hockey romance filled with laughter, swoony moments, and characters that were impossible not to love.

If you love fake dating, hockey players with hearts of gold, found family, and romances that leave you smiling, Punked by the Playmaker deserves a spot on your TBR! 🏒💍❤️✨

[Jennifer C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review ❤️
Thank you Siena and her team for giving me an ARC to read and review.

1st book in the San Diego Surf Hockey series had me going through so many emotions! I finished this book in one day, I truly could not put it down.

We get a blast from the past with Levi Nixon, our MMC, who was mentioned briefly in both Second Rate Superstar and A Bunny for a Bench Boss. Let’s just say Levi did not have the best reputation. I was curious to see how Siena would redeem Levi’s past behavior and make him pay for some of his wrong doings. I was not disappointed with everything Levi went through.

Then we have our FMC, Arizona Cleary, one of the top realtors in San Diego who also has custody of her little brother, Austin. Her story was truly heartbreaking. What I enjoy about Siena Trap as an author is that she is able to write about sensitive topics with empathy and understanding. I won’t spoil it, but what Arizona went through is sadly very common throughout America. I was happy to read all the process Arizona made, I was cheering on all of her accomplishments.

Now, Arizona and Levi met because Levi is looking to buy a home. But they don’t come together until Levi needs Arizona’s help in order to win a custody battle for his 12 year old daughter that he didn’t know existed. Thus we get our marriage of convenience trope. This story line was so engaging and entertaining, several times I caught myself smiling or bursting out laughing at some of the scenes. But there were also several serious and heartbreaking moments.

As always, the spicy scenes were HOT
The passion between Arizona and Levi was off the charts .

This book was an amazing introduction of this new hockey series and I am excited to read the other books that are coming.

[Kilee Goode · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely stole my heart!

What starts as a setup of a realtor dealing with the most frustrating client imaginable quickly turns into a story filled with heart, humor, and unexpected emotional depth. Levi had me rolling my eyes one minute and completely swooning the next. I loved watching his layers slowly peel back as the story progressed, revealing a man who was so much more than the cocky hockey star everyone thought they knew.

The fake engagement and fake marriage tropes were executed perfectly, bringing plenty of tension, chemistry, and laugh out loud moments. But what truly made this book special was the arrival of the young girl who unexpectedly changes everything. Watching Levi step into a fatherly role was incredibly touching and added so much emotional weight to the story.

Another special part of the story was Arizona and her struggle to care for not only herself but a rebellious teenage boy and her mother who is declining mentally. The lengths she goes to is inspiring. So to see her character development was truly beautiful.

The romance felt authentic, the banter was fantastic, and the character growth was beautifully done. I found myself completely invested in both Levi and the Arizona, cheering for them every step of the way. Their journey from frustration and misunderstandings to genuine love was everything I wanted and more.

This book delivers the perfect blend of sports romance, fake relationship chaos, emotional family moments, and swoon worthy chemistry. If you love hockey romances with heart, humor, and a hero who will surprise you in the best possible way, this is one you absolutely need to pick up.

A truly charming, heartfelt romance that left me smiling long after I finished the book.

[Spinster Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really cute read. It had some drama, a LOT of growth for one character, sweet family moments, spicy grown up moments, great kids, and people I cared about. It is definitely one I would like to re-read, especially once the rest of the series is released.

Arizona is a real estate agent and guardian to her brother.

Levi is a pro hockey player and a player who is not well liked by people who know him.

They meet because he is house shopping. He acts like an absolute creep. She fires him. He has a 12 year old claiming to be his daughter show up on his doorstep. He calls her in a panic. She is much nicer than me and takes the call. Things spiral and suddenly they are engaged & moving in together and becoming an instant family. For now. (Mhmm, yeah, sure.) It just gets more from there.

Arizona is a woman with a past and many secrets. She has challenges and issues that she thinks make her unworthy, unlovable, unwantable. And she deserves so much more than what life has given her. I loved watching her find a place in the little "fake" (it was never fake, y'all) family she and Levi created. She broke my heart several times and I was so happy when she felt loved & believed it.

Levi starts the book as an absolute butt but he grows & matures into a good dad, a decent human being and I loved seeing it happen. I enjoyed seeing how he slipped into dad mode so quickly and without hesitation. And I loved how completely he loved Arizona.

While I enjoyed their romance so much, I absolutely adored the family love story. Watching those two kids find hope & home made my heart all warm & fuzzy and definitely caused a tear or two.

I received this as an ARC and am so incredibly thankful. This had zero impact on my review.