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Playing #4
Playing with Trouble
My teammate Rookie laid down three rules when I moved into his don't touch his stuff, don't touch his food, and don't touch his sister.
Two out of three should be easy enough.
In my defense, I didn't know the gorgeous woman at the airport was Ella. The last time I saw Rookie's kid sister, she had braces and a grudge against me for hogging the backseat of her parents' car. She's not a kid anymore.
She's a curvy, sharp-tongued nurse who just moved to town, and apparently Rookie offered to let her stay with us. He forgot to mention we don't have a spare room.
Now she's sleeping in my bed because I offered to take the couch. At least I'm that much of a gentleman. She's saving lives and studying for some huge test while I try to remember how to be a professional hockey player instead of ogling the hottest woman in Pittsburgh.
Ella also asked me for a favor I can't stop thinking about. The kind of favor that would end my friendship with her brother and probably get me traded.
I should say no. I should keep my distance. I should focus on the season and stop noticing the way she wears the heck out of those scrub pants. Or the sounds she makes when she eats her brother's leftovers. Or the way my sheets smell like her hair.
Yeah. I'm in trouble.
I told myself I'd help her out and keep it casual. That I'd be the good guy, the fun roommate, the friend who keeps his hands to himself.
But Ella sees right through the party-boy act to the man underneath. And that man is falling so hard he can't see the ice anymore.
Two out of three should be easy enough.
In my defense, I didn't know the gorgeous woman at the airport was Ella. The last time I saw Rookie's kid sister, she had braces and a grudge against me for hogging the backseat of her parents' car. She's not a kid anymore.
She's a curvy, sharp-tongued nurse who just moved to town, and apparently Rookie offered to let her stay with us. He forgot to mention we don't have a spare room.
Now she's sleeping in my bed because I offered to take the couch. At least I'm that much of a gentleman. She's saving lives and studying for some huge test while I try to remember how to be a professional hockey player instead of ogling the hottest woman in Pittsburgh.
Ella also asked me for a favor I can't stop thinking about. The kind of favor that would end my friendship with her brother and probably get me traded.
I should say no. I should keep my distance. I should focus on the season and stop noticing the way she wears the heck out of those scrub pants. Or the sounds she makes when she eats her brother's leftovers. Or the way my sheets smell like her hair.
Yeah. I'm in trouble.
I told myself I'd help her out and keep it casual. That I'd be the good guy, the fun roommate, the friend who keeps his hands to himself.
But Ella sees right through the party-boy act to the man underneath. And that man is falling so hard he can't see the ice anymore.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
June 4, 2026
Annoyed that her brother delegated picking her up at the Pittsburgh airport to his best friend and teammate, registered nurse candidate Ella quickly finds out that she’s been relegated to a very large but uncomfortable couch in their living room.
Professional hockey player Bernard is knocked out by the all grown up version of his friend’s sister, his stay away from her edict be damned. As he learns more about Ella, he likes her more and more, and when she proposes that he should be the one to rid her of her pesky virginity, it’s all he can think about.
With Bernard sidelined for weeks by an on-ice injury, and Ella’s brother traveling for games, the pair become intimate in more and than just physically. The pressure of maintaining a just roommates façade in her brother’s presence becomes too great, and their fragile bond is tested.
Will they be able to emerge unscathed from the fallout?
Another steamy, swoony hockey romance from the always wonderful Lainey Davis, I devoured this in a night. Between Ella’s testing anxiety and Bernard’s fractious family of origin, I was rooting for them from the moment they clashed at the airport. With Ella’s The Pitt-esque workplace setting and her girl gang cohort, and of course a host of hockey hunks, I loved every moment of this read.
I was generously provided an advance reader copy from the author, and I’m pleased to share my enthusiastic recommendation.
Professional hockey player Bernard is knocked out by the all grown up version of his friend’s sister, his stay away from her edict be damned. As he learns more about Ella, he likes her more and more, and when she proposes that he should be the one to rid her of her pesky virginity, it’s all he can think about.
With Bernard sidelined for weeks by an on-ice injury, and Ella’s brother traveling for games, the pair become intimate in more and than just physically. The pressure of maintaining a just roommates façade in her brother’s presence becomes too great, and their fragile bond is tested.
Will they be able to emerge unscathed from the fallout?
Another steamy, swoony hockey romance from the always wonderful Lainey Davis, I devoured this in a night. Between Ella’s testing anxiety and Bernard’s fractious family of origin, I was rooting for them from the moment they clashed at the airport. With Ella’s The Pitt-esque workplace setting and her girl gang cohort, and of course a host of hockey hunks, I loved every moment of this read.
I was generously provided an advance reader copy from the author, and I’m pleased to share my enthusiastic recommendation.
June 8, 2026
I am obsessed!
Review will be posted soon
Review will be posted soon
July 17, 2026
Another Goodreads Giveaway win… this was in offensive and was a super quick read. But honestly… I felt like there was zero substance… there are so many hockey romances out there and this just did not hit
July 24, 2026
ALC kindly provided in exchange for en honest review
I wanted to read this series since the first book came out, and now I regret not having done so because Playing with Trouble was so much better than I expected. Bernard & Ella are such a funny couple with incredibly complex personal situations that I loved reading about. They're also surrounded by secondary characters who stole my heart just as much as the main ones, and I think they were the best introduction I could have had to Lainey Davis's writing.
Ella is one of the best female characters I've read this year! Her story with her family broke my heart so much and made me hate Jason immediately, but it also made me enjoy listening to her finally finding her place in the world and her people even more: I LOVED her friendship with the girls and how well she fit in with Bernard and Jason's teammates, especially because they all saw her as Ella from the start, and that made me so happy for her. This girl's personality is one of the things that made me love her so muchs, she's super spontaneous and funny, and she also allows herself to be vulnerable, even if most of the time it's only in front of herself. I also liked the twist that Lainey Davis gave to her learning difficulties and how far this character goes toward the end of the story.
Bernard is everything that's right in the world: I loved that first encounter with Ella and the kindness he always shows her, even before their romance begins. But I think what I loved most about this character was hearing him realize how unfair Ella's family is to her, and never excusing Jason's dismissive behavior toward her. I loved the Bernard head over heels in love, and I LOVED EVEN MORE that Mayhem was there to silently support him. I also loved the resolution of his storyline with his dad and the constant support he receives from his teammates in that regard.
Ella & Bernard have undeniable chemistry: he becomes completely obsessed with her from the moment he picks her up at the airport, and when Ella asks him to be her tutor, things only get more interesting, especially since Bernard also offers to help her study for her exams, which was very sweet but also very funny. I LOVE that Bernard is able to truly see Ella from the beginning, that he gives her the support she needs from the start, and that he cares about making her feel welcome in their lives. Definitely one of my favorite couples this year.
🎧Audiobook Review🎧
🏒Narrators: Charlotte North & Alastair Haynesbridge
💖Dual narration
🩺Narration: 5/5
These narrators are a combination I'd never heard before, and I thoroughly enjoyed them. I loved Alastair Haynesbridge because he truly made me feel Bernard's love for Ella, how wronged he feels by her, and all the injustices he's had to endure. I especially loved the moments when he finally accepts his true feelings for her; that's why I enjoyed his work so much and would love to hear him again.
Charlotte North perfectly portrayed all sides of Ella's personality, but my favorite part was when she finally confronts Jason and her funniest moments. I also loved hearing her with her new friends and receiving the support she always deserved.
🏒Bernard: 5/5
🩺Ella: 5/5
🏒plot: 5/5
🩺love story: 5/5
🏒secondary characters: 5/5
🩺cover: 5/5
🥵: 2.5
ALC amablemente proporcionada a cambio de una reseña honesta
Quería leer esta serie desde que salió el primer libro y ahora me arrepiento de no haberlo hecho porque Playing with Trouble fue mucho mejor de lo que esperaba, Bernard & Ella son un pareja muy divertida y con situaciones personales muy complejas que me encantó leer, además están rodeados de personajes secundarios que se robaron mi corazón tanto como los principales y creo que fueron el mejor acercamiento que pude tener a la escritura de Lainey Davis.
Ella es uno de los mejores personajes femeninos que he leído este año! Su historia con su familia me rompió el corazón muchísimo y me hizo odiar a Jason de inmediato, pero también hizo que disfrutara aún más de escucharla encontrando su lugar en el mundo y a su gente por fin: AMÉ su amistad con las chicas y también lo bien que encajó con los compañeros de equipo de Bernard & Jason, especialmente porque todos ellos la vieron como Ella desde el principio y eso me hizo muy feliz por ella. La personalidad de esta chica es una de las cosas que me hizo amarla, es super espontanea y divertida, también se permite ser vulnerable, aunque la mayoría de las veces solo sea frente a ella misma, me gustó también el giro que Lainey Davis le dio a sus problemas de aprendizaje y lo lejos que llega este personaje hacia el final de la historia.
Bernard es todo lo que esta bien en el mundo: amé ese primer encuentro con Ella y la amabilidad que siempre le demuestra, incluso antes de que empiece el romance entre ellos, pero creo que lo que más me gustó de este personaje fue escucharlo dándose cuenta de lo injusta que es la familia de Ella con ella, y nunca excusando el comportamiento displicente de Jason hacia ella. Amé al Bernard perdidamente enamorado, y AMÉ AÚN MÁS que Mayhem estuviera ahí para apoyarlo silenciosamente, también me encantó el desenlace de su trama con su papá y el apoyo constante que tiene de los chicos de su equipo en ese tema.
Ella & Bernard tienen una química innegable: él se obsesiona por completo con ella desde que la recoge en el aeropuerto, y cuando Ella le propone que sea su tutor las cosas solo se ponen más interesantes, especialmente por que Bernard también se ofrece a ayudarla a estudiar para sus exámenes, lo que fue muy tierno pero también muy divertido. AMO que Bernard sea capaz de ver realmente a Ella desde el principio, que le de el apoyo que ella necesita desde el principio y que preocupe por hacerla sentir bienvenida en sus vidas. Sin dudas una de mis parejas favoritas de este año.
🎧Reseña del audiolibro🎧
🏒narradores: Charlotte North & Alastair Haynesbridge
💖narración dual
🩺narración: 5/5
Estos narradores son un combo que nunca había escuchado y los disfruté mucho, Alastair Haynesbridge me encantó porque realmente me hizo sentir el amor de Bernard por Ella, lo agraviado que se siente por ella y todas las injusticias que ha tenido que vivir, y especialmente los momentos en los que por fin acepta lo que realmente siente por ella, por eso me gustó tanto su trabajo y me encantaría escucharlo de nuevo.
Charlotte North interpretó a la perfección todos los lados de la personalidad de Ella, pero el que más disfruté fue cuando por fin confronta a Jason y sus momentos más divertidos, también amé escucharla con sus nuevas amigas, y recibiendo el apoyo que siempre mereció.
🏒Bernard: 5/5
🩺Ella: 5/5
🏒trama: 5/5
🩺historia de amor: 5/5
🏒personajes secundarios: 5/5
🩺portada: 5/5
🥵: 2.5
I wanted to read this series since the first book came out, and now I regret not having done so because Playing with Trouble was so much better than I expected. Bernard & Ella are such a funny couple with incredibly complex personal situations that I loved reading about. They're also surrounded by secondary characters who stole my heart just as much as the main ones, and I think they were the best introduction I could have had to Lainey Davis's writing.
Ella is one of the best female characters I've read this year! Her story with her family broke my heart so much and made me hate Jason immediately, but it also made me enjoy listening to her finally finding her place in the world and her people even more: I LOVED her friendship with the girls and how well she fit in with Bernard and Jason's teammates, especially because they all saw her as Ella from the start, and that made me so happy for her. This girl's personality is one of the things that made me love her so muchs, she's super spontaneous and funny, and she also allows herself to be vulnerable, even if most of the time it's only in front of herself. I also liked the twist that Lainey Davis gave to her learning difficulties and how far this character goes toward the end of the story.
Bernard is everything that's right in the world: I loved that first encounter with Ella and the kindness he always shows her, even before their romance begins. But I think what I loved most about this character was hearing him realize how unfair Ella's family is to her, and never excusing Jason's dismissive behavior toward her. I loved the Bernard head over heels in love, and I LOVED EVEN MORE that Mayhem was there to silently support him. I also loved the resolution of his storyline with his dad and the constant support he receives from his teammates in that regard.
Ella & Bernard have undeniable chemistry: he becomes completely obsessed with her from the moment he picks her up at the airport, and when Ella asks him to be her tutor, things only get more interesting, especially since Bernard also offers to help her study for her exams, which was very sweet but also very funny. I LOVE that Bernard is able to truly see Ella from the beginning, that he gives her the support she needs from the start, and that he cares about making her feel welcome in their lives. Definitely one of my favorite couples this year.
🎧Audiobook Review🎧
🏒Narrators: Charlotte North & Alastair Haynesbridge
💖Dual narration
🩺Narration: 5/5
These narrators are a combination I'd never heard before, and I thoroughly enjoyed them. I loved Alastair Haynesbridge because he truly made me feel Bernard's love for Ella, how wronged he feels by her, and all the injustices he's had to endure. I especially loved the moments when he finally accepts his true feelings for her; that's why I enjoyed his work so much and would love to hear him again.
Charlotte North perfectly portrayed all sides of Ella's personality, but my favorite part was when she finally confronts Jason and her funniest moments. I also loved hearing her with her new friends and receiving the support she always deserved.
🏒Bernard: 5/5
🩺Ella: 5/5
🏒plot: 5/5
🩺love story: 5/5
🏒secondary characters: 5/5
🩺cover: 5/5
🥵: 2.5
ALC amablemente proporcionada a cambio de una reseña honesta
Quería leer esta serie desde que salió el primer libro y ahora me arrepiento de no haberlo hecho porque Playing with Trouble fue mucho mejor de lo que esperaba, Bernard & Ella son un pareja muy divertida y con situaciones personales muy complejas que me encantó leer, además están rodeados de personajes secundarios que se robaron mi corazón tanto como los principales y creo que fueron el mejor acercamiento que pude tener a la escritura de Lainey Davis.
Ella es uno de los mejores personajes femeninos que he leído este año! Su historia con su familia me rompió el corazón muchísimo y me hizo odiar a Jason de inmediato, pero también hizo que disfrutara aún más de escucharla encontrando su lugar en el mundo y a su gente por fin: AMÉ su amistad con las chicas y también lo bien que encajó con los compañeros de equipo de Bernard & Jason, especialmente porque todos ellos la vieron como Ella desde el principio y eso me hizo muy feliz por ella. La personalidad de esta chica es una de las cosas que me hizo amarla, es super espontanea y divertida, también se permite ser vulnerable, aunque la mayoría de las veces solo sea frente a ella misma, me gustó también el giro que Lainey Davis le dio a sus problemas de aprendizaje y lo lejos que llega este personaje hacia el final de la historia.
Bernard es todo lo que esta bien en el mundo: amé ese primer encuentro con Ella y la amabilidad que siempre le demuestra, incluso antes de que empiece el romance entre ellos, pero creo que lo que más me gustó de este personaje fue escucharlo dándose cuenta de lo injusta que es la familia de Ella con ella, y nunca excusando el comportamiento displicente de Jason hacia ella. Amé al Bernard perdidamente enamorado, y AMÉ AÚN MÁS que Mayhem estuviera ahí para apoyarlo silenciosamente, también me encantó el desenlace de su trama con su papá y el apoyo constante que tiene de los chicos de su equipo en ese tema.
Ella & Bernard tienen una química innegable: él se obsesiona por completo con ella desde que la recoge en el aeropuerto, y cuando Ella le propone que sea su tutor las cosas solo se ponen más interesantes, especialmente por que Bernard también se ofrece a ayudarla a estudiar para sus exámenes, lo que fue muy tierno pero también muy divertido. AMO que Bernard sea capaz de ver realmente a Ella desde el principio, que le de el apoyo que ella necesita desde el principio y que preocupe por hacerla sentir bienvenida en sus vidas. Sin dudas una de mis parejas favoritas de este año.
🎧Reseña del audiolibro🎧
🏒narradores: Charlotte North & Alastair Haynesbridge
💖narración dual
🩺narración: 5/5
Estos narradores son un combo que nunca había escuchado y los disfruté mucho, Alastair Haynesbridge me encantó porque realmente me hizo sentir el amor de Bernard por Ella, lo agraviado que se siente por ella y todas las injusticias que ha tenido que vivir, y especialmente los momentos en los que por fin acepta lo que realmente siente por ella, por eso me gustó tanto su trabajo y me encantaría escucharlo de nuevo.
Charlotte North interpretó a la perfección todos los lados de la personalidad de Ella, pero el que más disfruté fue cuando por fin confronta a Jason y sus momentos más divertidos, también amé escucharla con sus nuevas amigas, y recibiendo el apoyo que siempre mereció.
🏒Bernard: 5/5
🩺Ella: 5/5
🏒trama: 5/5
🩺historia de amor: 5/5
🏒personajes secundarios: 5/5
🩺portada: 5/5
🥵: 2.5
July 17, 2026
Every new book by author Lainey Davis is a special treat. Spending time with the Pittsburgh Fury, the Stags, the Playing series, a side trip for agent extraordinaire Brian Klein; all are truly satisfying reads and listens.
Playing with Trouble is Stag-adjacent. Jason “Rookie” Rujkowski and Bernard “Howie” Houser are Fury team members, best friends and roommates. Ella Rujkowski is Jason’s nearly-invisible little sister. When she’s not being ignored – her norm – she’s “Baby Rookie” and most often people want to use her to get to her brother. Close relationships don’t happen often then – think never – because Jason has three rules: Don’t wear my gear, don’t eat my food, don’t touch my sister. He’s a careless, clueless, thoughtless guy; life has always been about him and his hockey. Bernard, Jason and Ella grew up together, Ella stuffed in the back of the car with the hockey boys being carted to games, practices, clinics, doing her homework on the fly and eating to-go meals in the car.
Ella just finished college and has come to Pittsburgh as a probationary hire at Mercy Hospital's emergency department. Too hung over to bother, Jason gets Howie to pick up Ella at the airport. He hasn’t seen her in years, but how much different can she look; he’ll just look for a female version of Rookie with glasses. While he’s watching for Ella with half an eye, a beautiful woman catches his attention. When she approaches him he realizes grown-up Ella isn’t Jason with long hair and glasses at all. Instant attraction to her, but there’s the whole bro code thing so he must fight it. In addition to being nearly invisible to her family, Ella has never been smart enough, pretty enough, small enough . . . never important enough for anyone to actually help her. Proof: Jason’s idea of helping her out while she studies for her boards is to let her sleep on his couch and he is irritated when she doesn’t act grateful enough to suit him. Refuses to let her use his laptop, doesn’t know or care how she gets back and forth to the ER for her late shifts in a danger zone. Bernard is appalled but to Ella this is just another day in her life. Bernard gallantly gives up his room, but that night, after a hockey loss and one too many liquid refreshments, he forgets and climbs into his bed with her in it. Now even more appalled he tells her, “I owe you” and waits to see how she will collect.
It’s now that Playing with Trouble gets really, really interesting, because what Ella wants is some tutoring . . . wait for it . . . to learn the arts of love. Inexperienced and unlikely for that to change with Jason’s leave my . . . rules. She already knows Bernard and this would be no-emotions-involved-lessons to prepare her for when she meets the right guy. Bernard knows this is bad idea, but he’s been mesmerized by Ella since he first saw her at the airport. He’s a good teacher, she’s a fast learner and those lessons get heated pretty quick. And how’s that emotion thing going? Being fully seen and heard for the first time in each of their lives feels pretty comforting. Everybody knows, though, that secrets are eventually found out and the longer you keep it in the worse the reaction when it finally comes out, especially with someone as self-centered and hot-headed as Jason involved. The fun is just beginning!
Playing with Trouble is romantic, sexy and funny. Ella and Bernard are adorable and surrounded by fascinating characters you want to know better. I fell right into this thoughtful, sensitive story about people who don’t get the family support they need, who are often made to feel they are just not enough but who now may be experiencing the miracle of finding their person.
Last but definitely not least is the exceptional narration by Alastair Haynesbridge and Charlotte North. Even though performed in dual rather than duet narration, they are perfectly in sync, possibly because they are married and their performances just mesh, possibly because they are just that good. Haynesbridge has a unique, unusual voice that stays with you; a little vibrato that can sound whiny and dramatic and recognizable with just a sigh. Early on the emphasis is on his irritation but he then smoothly transitions to tender and sweet, sexy and strong, projecting so much yearning. North is the perfect complement. She, too, sounds permanently irritated but then softens with wonder and longing in her voice and perfect pauses. Haynesbridge and North are so good together you hardly notice the switch from character to character and narrator to narrator. Pace, tone, all the feels – all there.
I received advance reading and listening copies of Playing with Trouble. It was captivating, making me laugh and cry with a solid plot and nuanced characters and a touching author’s note at the end. I recommend it without hesitation as well as everything else Davis has written. And I cannot wait for the next story in this fantastic series. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
Playing with Trouble is Stag-adjacent. Jason “Rookie” Rujkowski and Bernard “Howie” Houser are Fury team members, best friends and roommates. Ella Rujkowski is Jason’s nearly-invisible little sister. When she’s not being ignored – her norm – she’s “Baby Rookie” and most often people want to use her to get to her brother. Close relationships don’t happen often then – think never – because Jason has three rules: Don’t wear my gear, don’t eat my food, don’t touch my sister. He’s a careless, clueless, thoughtless guy; life has always been about him and his hockey. Bernard, Jason and Ella grew up together, Ella stuffed in the back of the car with the hockey boys being carted to games, practices, clinics, doing her homework on the fly and eating to-go meals in the car.
Ella just finished college and has come to Pittsburgh as a probationary hire at Mercy Hospital's emergency department. Too hung over to bother, Jason gets Howie to pick up Ella at the airport. He hasn’t seen her in years, but how much different can she look; he’ll just look for a female version of Rookie with glasses. While he’s watching for Ella with half an eye, a beautiful woman catches his attention. When she approaches him he realizes grown-up Ella isn’t Jason with long hair and glasses at all. Instant attraction to her, but there’s the whole bro code thing so he must fight it. In addition to being nearly invisible to her family, Ella has never been smart enough, pretty enough, small enough . . . never important enough for anyone to actually help her. Proof: Jason’s idea of helping her out while she studies for her boards is to let her sleep on his couch and he is irritated when she doesn’t act grateful enough to suit him. Refuses to let her use his laptop, doesn’t know or care how she gets back and forth to the ER for her late shifts in a danger zone. Bernard is appalled but to Ella this is just another day in her life. Bernard gallantly gives up his room, but that night, after a hockey loss and one too many liquid refreshments, he forgets and climbs into his bed with her in it. Now even more appalled he tells her, “I owe you” and waits to see how she will collect.
It’s now that Playing with Trouble gets really, really interesting, because what Ella wants is some tutoring . . . wait for it . . . to learn the arts of love. Inexperienced and unlikely for that to change with Jason’s leave my . . . rules. She already knows Bernard and this would be no-emotions-involved-lessons to prepare her for when she meets the right guy. Bernard knows this is bad idea, but he’s been mesmerized by Ella since he first saw her at the airport. He’s a good teacher, she’s a fast learner and those lessons get heated pretty quick. And how’s that emotion thing going? Being fully seen and heard for the first time in each of their lives feels pretty comforting. Everybody knows, though, that secrets are eventually found out and the longer you keep it in the worse the reaction when it finally comes out, especially with someone as self-centered and hot-headed as Jason involved. The fun is just beginning!
Playing with Trouble is romantic, sexy and funny. Ella and Bernard are adorable and surrounded by fascinating characters you want to know better. I fell right into this thoughtful, sensitive story about people who don’t get the family support they need, who are often made to feel they are just not enough but who now may be experiencing the miracle of finding their person.
Last but definitely not least is the exceptional narration by Alastair Haynesbridge and Charlotte North. Even though performed in dual rather than duet narration, they are perfectly in sync, possibly because they are married and their performances just mesh, possibly because they are just that good. Haynesbridge has a unique, unusual voice that stays with you; a little vibrato that can sound whiny and dramatic and recognizable with just a sigh. Early on the emphasis is on his irritation but he then smoothly transitions to tender and sweet, sexy and strong, projecting so much yearning. North is the perfect complement. She, too, sounds permanently irritated but then softens with wonder and longing in her voice and perfect pauses. Haynesbridge and North are so good together you hardly notice the switch from character to character and narrator to narrator. Pace, tone, all the feels – all there.
I received advance reading and listening copies of Playing with Trouble. It was captivating, making me laugh and cry with a solid plot and nuanced characters and a touching author’s note at the end. I recommend it without hesitation as well as everything else Davis has written. And I cannot wait for the next story in this fantastic series. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
July 25, 2026
Playing with Trouble by Lainey Davis is a steamy, swoony, Stag-adjacent hockey romance that captures the heart from the very first page. Brought to life by the exceptional dual narration of Charlotte North and Alastair Haynesbridge, this story follows professional hockey player Bernard "Howie" Houser and Ella Rujkowski, the sharp-tongued, newly minted emergency nurse who also happens to be his best friend and teammate Jason’s little sister.
When Jason delegates picking Ella up from the Pittsburgh airport to Bernard, neither man expects the awkward, braces-wearing kid sister to have grown into a stunning, curvy woman. With Jason enforcing strict rules about staying away from his sister and offering her nothing more than an uncomfortable living room couch, Bernard steps up as a true gentleman by giving up his own bedroom. Forced to share tight quarters while Ella studies for her medical boards and works grueling hospital shifts, the two quickly find the tension between them impossible to ignore.
The plot takes a deliciously high-stakes turn when Ella, inexperienced and feeling invisible to a family that has always overlooked her, proposes a no-strings-attached arrangement: she wants Bernard to tutor her in the arts of love to prepare her for the future. What starts as a casual agreement quickly heats up, evolving into an emotional connection where both characters finally feel truly seen and heard. However, maintaining a secret facade while dodging a self-centered brother, an on-ice injury, and looming secrets threatens a explosive fallout.
Lainey Davis has crafted a thoughtful, sensitive, and funny story about two people healing from a lack of family support and finding their person against the odds. Set against a vibrant backdrop of hockey culture, workplace pressure, and a fantastic supporting cast, it is a deeply satisfying read. The audiobook experience is elevated even further by Alastair Haynesbridge and Charlotte North. Though performed in dual narration, their seamless chemistry—likely aided by the fact that they are married—results in perfectly synchronized performances. Haynesbridge transitions effortlessly from irritation to tender, powerful yearning, while North perfectly complements him with a voice that softens with wonder and longing. With stellar pacing and emotional depth, Playing with Trouble is an unforgettable listen and a must-read for romance fans.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When Jason delegates picking Ella up from the Pittsburgh airport to Bernard, neither man expects the awkward, braces-wearing kid sister to have grown into a stunning, curvy woman. With Jason enforcing strict rules about staying away from his sister and offering her nothing more than an uncomfortable living room couch, Bernard steps up as a true gentleman by giving up his own bedroom. Forced to share tight quarters while Ella studies for her medical boards and works grueling hospital shifts, the two quickly find the tension between them impossible to ignore.
The plot takes a deliciously high-stakes turn when Ella, inexperienced and feeling invisible to a family that has always overlooked her, proposes a no-strings-attached arrangement: she wants Bernard to tutor her in the arts of love to prepare her for the future. What starts as a casual agreement quickly heats up, evolving into an emotional connection where both characters finally feel truly seen and heard. However, maintaining a secret facade while dodging a self-centered brother, an on-ice injury, and looming secrets threatens a explosive fallout.
Lainey Davis has crafted a thoughtful, sensitive, and funny story about two people healing from a lack of family support and finding their person against the odds. Set against a vibrant backdrop of hockey culture, workplace pressure, and a fantastic supporting cast, it is a deeply satisfying read. The audiobook experience is elevated even further by Alastair Haynesbridge and Charlotte North. Though performed in dual narration, their seamless chemistry—likely aided by the fact that they are married—results in perfectly synchronized performances. Haynesbridge transitions effortlessly from irritation to tender, powerful yearning, while North perfectly complements him with a voice that softens with wonder and longing. With stellar pacing and emotional depth, Playing with Trouble is an unforgettable listen and a must-read for romance fans.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 3, 2026
ALC REVIEW
I have only one regret at this time when it comes to this story which is not really the story’s fault. I regret not having/taking the time to listen to the previous 2 stories! I told myself (and even made a sticky note about it) when I’d listened to the first in this series that I would continue as they released in audio no matter what. Well, clearly, I have no control over my life because I did not follow thru! UGH, Anywho … About this ridiculously good story …
I was swooning from the very beginning! This entire storyline was a giant green flag, and I was above and beyond giddy while listening. The 6 hours this audiobook was in my ears passed like nothing and if I’m being honest, I didn’t want to leave them! I don’t want to give details away, but the absolute best part of Bernard & Ella’s journey is the growth they both went thru because of each other and for each other. I’m leaving that point just there so read/listen to this story! There were times in the story that I think could have used a deeper fleshing out and I think because of those few instances not being fleshed out the story turned out a bit more lighthearted than I would have liked. Based of the circumstances/baggage these two were carrying thru their lives, for one reason or another, the story should have been “deeper”. It was, by all accounts, very surface level but so darn cute and with huge “found family vibes” that make it okay that it wasn’t deeper. Make sense? Basically, it’s great as is and that greatness would not have changed if the fleshing out had happened. However, it would have made the story have more meat on its bones and there’s nothing wrong with that.
I have a few experiences having both 🎤Charlotte North & Alastair Haynesbridge🎤 in my ears and I can add this performance to the list! There’s something about them both that really resonated in my head as to who I preserved Bernard & Ella to be, and it just made my listening experienced that much better. Also, when it came to “speed” of narration, they both landed at the same speed above a 1.0 and that is a huge plus. There’s nothing like one narrator being at a certain speed and another at a different speed. It just made these two an even more perfect duo!
I have only one regret at this time when it comes to this story which is not really the story’s fault. I regret not having/taking the time to listen to the previous 2 stories! I told myself (and even made a sticky note about it) when I’d listened to the first in this series that I would continue as they released in audio no matter what. Well, clearly, I have no control over my life because I did not follow thru! UGH, Anywho … About this ridiculously good story …
I was swooning from the very beginning! This entire storyline was a giant green flag, and I was above and beyond giddy while listening. The 6 hours this audiobook was in my ears passed like nothing and if I’m being honest, I didn’t want to leave them! I don’t want to give details away, but the absolute best part of Bernard & Ella’s journey is the growth they both went thru because of each other and for each other. I’m leaving that point just there so read/listen to this story! There were times in the story that I think could have used a deeper fleshing out and I think because of those few instances not being fleshed out the story turned out a bit more lighthearted than I would have liked. Based of the circumstances/baggage these two were carrying thru their lives, for one reason or another, the story should have been “deeper”. It was, by all accounts, very surface level but so darn cute and with huge “found family vibes” that make it okay that it wasn’t deeper. Make sense? Basically, it’s great as is and that greatness would not have changed if the fleshing out had happened. However, it would have made the story have more meat on its bones and there’s nothing wrong with that.
I have a few experiences having both 🎤Charlotte North & Alastair Haynesbridge🎤 in my ears and I can add this performance to the list! There’s something about them both that really resonated in my head as to who I preserved Bernard & Ella to be, and it just made my listening experienced that much better. Also, when it came to “speed” of narration, they both landed at the same speed above a 1.0 and that is a huge plus. There’s nothing like one narrator being at a certain speed and another at a different speed. It just made these two an even more perfect duo!
August 3, 2026
“You rescued yourself…I just drove the car…”
💖📚 Story: 4.5 ⭐️s
🎧🎤 Narration: 5 ⭐️s
Lainey Davis has penned an enjoyable brother’s best friend, hockey romance with some fun curvy girl vibes. While I haven’t I read previous entries in this series, reading this story makes me interested in continuing and also going back and seeing the stories of other players.
What stood out to me most in the story were the connections between the characters. Not just between the MC’s, but also between each of them and the secondary characters as well. There were some good dynamics between Bernard and his teammates. I absolutely love Mayhem and will absolutely be checking out his story! And while Jason ticked me off in his role of clueless, neglectful brother in this book, that’s what he was supposed to do and he ultimately did learn to be better; so, I would be interested to see if he winds up with someone down the line after even more growth.
As for the MC’s, I thought they had genuine chemistry. I loved how Bernard was completely supportive and genuinely kind, especially for Ella. She’d never really had that from anyone else in her life, so it was lovely to see how their connection blossomed. I admire Ella‘s determination to be more and make her own way. There is a lot that she’s struggles with, but she’s so dedicated and she is really good at her job. It’s beautiful how she accepts Bernard’s help despite being so used to doing for herself. Having so often been an afterthought in her family, it would be understandable if she shrugged off help, but she can’t resist his efforts. I love how he gives her what she needs, but doesn’t take over. Plus he’s completely into her from the start and that’s pretty irresistible!
The audiobook was very well done. Charlotte North and Alistair Haynesbridge both did a great job bringing the characters to life. North is a wonderful Ella and very good at relaying the FMC’s core strength as well as her vulnerability. It’s just a really great all around performance on her part. Haynesbridge matches North’s skill. His Bernard relayed the charm of the character but also how the MMC was just a really good guy. Together, both narrators added another engaging layer to Davis‘s story and definitely make it worth a listen.
I’m grateful to Ear Candy Promos for the chance to hear this ALC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
💖📚 Story: 4.5 ⭐️s
🎧🎤 Narration: 5 ⭐️s
Lainey Davis has penned an enjoyable brother’s best friend, hockey romance with some fun curvy girl vibes. While I haven’t I read previous entries in this series, reading this story makes me interested in continuing and also going back and seeing the stories of other players.
What stood out to me most in the story were the connections between the characters. Not just between the MC’s, but also between each of them and the secondary characters as well. There were some good dynamics between Bernard and his teammates. I absolutely love Mayhem and will absolutely be checking out his story! And while Jason ticked me off in his role of clueless, neglectful brother in this book, that’s what he was supposed to do and he ultimately did learn to be better; so, I would be interested to see if he winds up with someone down the line after even more growth.
As for the MC’s, I thought they had genuine chemistry. I loved how Bernard was completely supportive and genuinely kind, especially for Ella. She’d never really had that from anyone else in her life, so it was lovely to see how their connection blossomed. I admire Ella‘s determination to be more and make her own way. There is a lot that she’s struggles with, but she’s so dedicated and she is really good at her job. It’s beautiful how she accepts Bernard’s help despite being so used to doing for herself. Having so often been an afterthought in her family, it would be understandable if she shrugged off help, but she can’t resist his efforts. I love how he gives her what she needs, but doesn’t take over. Plus he’s completely into her from the start and that’s pretty irresistible!
The audiobook was very well done. Charlotte North and Alistair Haynesbridge both did a great job bringing the characters to life. North is a wonderful Ella and very good at relaying the FMC’s core strength as well as her vulnerability. It’s just a really great all around performance on her part. Haynesbridge matches North’s skill. His Bernard relayed the charm of the character but also how the MMC was just a really good guy. Together, both narrators added another engaging layer to Davis‘s story and definitely make it worth a listen.
I’m grateful to Ear Candy Promos for the chance to hear this ALC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ella has spent her whole life fighting to be seen. Her brother, Jason, is a hockey player for the Pittsburgh Fury, and anything she wanted to do was given a back seat. Her parents put everything into Jason’s career, and never had a second thought for Ella. So she’s used to doing things on her own, whether she likes it, or not.
Bernard “Howie” Hauser has been tasked with picking up his friend and roommate’s little sister. It’s been a while since he’s seen Ella, and like a lot of people, expect to see the version of her as he last saw her (she was a teenager). So it’s kind of cute but mostly sad that he doesn’t recognize her. The funny part? The moment he sees her, he wants her…until he realizes who she is.
But, honestly, he still wants her.
Jason has three (admittedly immature) rules — don’t touch his stuff, don’t touch his food, and don’t touch his sister. Maybe that worked when she was a teenager, but it sure isn’t working now. And after spending time with Bernard, she decides that she wants him to be the one to “deflower” her. And Bernard is on board.
I love that the chemistry between Bernard and Ella is so electric. As Ella hasn’t had a lot of dating experience (being forced to follow her brother around for years might have something to do with that), she wants Bernard to teach her. Their connection is so strong already, and they don’t know yet just how strong that pull is going to be. (Hint: It’s STRONG.)
Ella finds friends both at work and with the PAWs (Partners and Wives) of the hockey players. She even takes up a hobby. But the clock is ticking down to her nursing exam, and she’s having trouble understanding the questions. As it turns out, she needs to hear the words, not see them. And that really changes the way she studies for the exam.
I loved this story, and frankly, I’ve never met a book by this author that I didn’t like. There are moments that made me laugh out loud, and moments that made me ugly cry, but don’t worry, there are only happy endings here. If you like your romances steamy, and enjoy hockey, then this book is for you.
Bernard “Howie” Hauser has been tasked with picking up his friend and roommate’s little sister. It’s been a while since he’s seen Ella, and like a lot of people, expect to see the version of her as he last saw her (she was a teenager). So it’s kind of cute but mostly sad that he doesn’t recognize her. The funny part? The moment he sees her, he wants her…until he realizes who she is.
But, honestly, he still wants her.
Jason has three (admittedly immature) rules — don’t touch his stuff, don’t touch his food, and don’t touch his sister. Maybe that worked when she was a teenager, but it sure isn’t working now. And after spending time with Bernard, she decides that she wants him to be the one to “deflower” her. And Bernard is on board.
I love that the chemistry between Bernard and Ella is so electric. As Ella hasn’t had a lot of dating experience (being forced to follow her brother around for years might have something to do with that), she wants Bernard to teach her. Their connection is so strong already, and they don’t know yet just how strong that pull is going to be. (Hint: It’s STRONG.)
Ella finds friends both at work and with the PAWs (Partners and Wives) of the hockey players. She even takes up a hobby. But the clock is ticking down to her nursing exam, and she’s having trouble understanding the questions. As it turns out, she needs to hear the words, not see them. And that really changes the way she studies for the exam.
I loved this story, and frankly, I’ve never met a book by this author that I didn’t like. There are moments that made me laugh out loud, and moments that made me ugly cry, but don’t worry, there are only happy endings here. If you like your romances steamy, and enjoy hockey, then this book is for you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I've loved the Playing series so far, so even though this book had two of my least favorite tropes (virgin FMC, and brother's best friend), I went ahead and requested an ARC. Lainey Davis is such a good author that she made me love this book anyway, in spite of those tropes.
Ella has spent her whole life in the shadow of her self-absorbed older brother, Jason. She's also known his best friend Bernard (Howie) Howser for most of her life and doesn't have a great opinion of him either. When she graduates from college with a nursing degree and moves to Pittsburgh to take a position at a hospital, she takes Jason up on his offer for her to stay at the place he shares with Bernard. However, there isn't actually a spare bedroom. Instead, Jason is expecting her to sleep on the couch in their living room. The bathrooms are only ensuite and there is zero privacy. Unlike Jason, Bernard, although a bit of a himbo on the surface, is really a sweetheart, and immediately offers up his bedroom.
From there, they quickly start spending time together. Bernard figures out that she does much better studying audibly instead of reading so he starts quizzing her for her RN test prep. He also realizes she's been taking the bus to and from her 12 hr shifts and starts giving her rides. He even agrees to give her sex lessons when she tells him how inexperienced she is, although that's not a hardship since there's a pretty powerful attraction building between them.
I loved Ella as well as Bernard. She's very strong and knows what she wants although her confidence is pretty low after the way she's been treated all her life. It's lovely to see her blossom. In there end, there is growth for all of the characters, even Jason. The book had some pretty intense emotions but was still also low-key and easy to read. I received an advance copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Ella has spent her whole life in the shadow of her self-absorbed older brother, Jason. She's also known his best friend Bernard (Howie) Howser for most of her life and doesn't have a great opinion of him either. When she graduates from college with a nursing degree and moves to Pittsburgh to take a position at a hospital, she takes Jason up on his offer for her to stay at the place he shares with Bernard. However, there isn't actually a spare bedroom. Instead, Jason is expecting her to sleep on the couch in their living room. The bathrooms are only ensuite and there is zero privacy. Unlike Jason, Bernard, although a bit of a himbo on the surface, is really a sweetheart, and immediately offers up his bedroom.
From there, they quickly start spending time together. Bernard figures out that she does much better studying audibly instead of reading so he starts quizzing her for her RN test prep. He also realizes she's been taking the bus to and from her 12 hr shifts and starts giving her rides. He even agrees to give her sex lessons when she tells him how inexperienced she is, although that's not a hardship since there's a pretty powerful attraction building between them.
I loved Ella as well as Bernard. She's very strong and knows what she wants although her confidence is pretty low after the way she's been treated all her life. It's lovely to see her blossom. In there end, there is growth for all of the characters, even Jason. The book had some pretty intense emotions but was still also low-key and easy to read. I received an advance copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 31, 2026
This was such a fun forbidden romance with a sprinkle of virgin FMC, brother’s teammate, and forced proximity!
Bernard… I just had to keep reminding myself to call him Rookie (his nickname), because it fit him so much better. Rookie lives with Ella’s brother in Pittsburgh, where they’re both professional hockey teammates. When Ella’s brother convinces her to come stay with them while she completes her ER internship, Rookie is the one who picks her up from the airport, not her brother.
Things get interesting the second she arrives at the condo and realizes there’s no bedroom for her… only a couch sitting in front of giant windows with absolutely no curtains! Rookie immediately gives up his room and takes the couch instead, proving from the start what a genuinely good guy he is.
Ella has always been off-limits because she’s his teammate’s little sister, but she’s not the same girl he remembers. Now she’s a confident, curvy woman, and Rookie can’t seem to stop noticing her. As they spend more time together, the chemistry keeps building until Ella asks him for one night together so she can finally lose her virginity. The only problem? Rookie has absolutely no interest in making it just one night.
I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop from roommates to something so much deeper. The forbidden aspect, forced proximity, and Rookie’s determination to fight his growing feelings made for an entertaining romance.
Charlotte North and Alastair Haynesbridge did a wonderful job bringing this story to life in the audiobook. Their performances captured both the emotional moments and the playful chemistry between Rookie and Ella, making it an enjoyable listen.
Tropes:
Forced Proximity
Hockey MMC
ER Nurse FMC
Brother’s Teammate/Best Friend
Virgin FMC
Bernard… I just had to keep reminding myself to call him Rookie (his nickname), because it fit him so much better. Rookie lives with Ella’s brother in Pittsburgh, where they’re both professional hockey teammates. When Ella’s brother convinces her to come stay with them while she completes her ER internship, Rookie is the one who picks her up from the airport, not her brother.
Things get interesting the second she arrives at the condo and realizes there’s no bedroom for her… only a couch sitting in front of giant windows with absolutely no curtains! Rookie immediately gives up his room and takes the couch instead, proving from the start what a genuinely good guy he is.
Ella has always been off-limits because she’s his teammate’s little sister, but she’s not the same girl he remembers. Now she’s a confident, curvy woman, and Rookie can’t seem to stop noticing her. As they spend more time together, the chemistry keeps building until Ella asks him for one night together so she can finally lose her virginity. The only problem? Rookie has absolutely no interest in making it just one night.
I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop from roommates to something so much deeper. The forbidden aspect, forced proximity, and Rookie’s determination to fight his growing feelings made for an entertaining romance.
Charlotte North and Alastair Haynesbridge did a wonderful job bringing this story to life in the audiobook. Their performances captured both the emotional moments and the playful chemistry between Rookie and Ella, making it an enjoyable listen.
Tropes:
Forced Proximity
Hockey MMC
ER Nurse FMC
Brother’s Teammate/Best Friend
Virgin FMC
Review of advance copy received from Author
So Funny And So Sweet
Oh.My.Gosh! I’d love to be in Ella’s skin when Bernard is making love to her. So wonderfully sweet and hot, especially the first few times. Both finding another person underneath somebody they’ve known for many years and have put in a certain box. Life is full of surprises 😉.
It’s not a book about one of the Stag children, but about Howie (Bernard Houser), who is part of their Fury hockey team and Ella Rujkowski, younger sister to his best friend and co hockey player Rookie (Jason). The story draws a family with two children, where the sport of one overarch everything and anything. That there was a second child was mostly ignored, which became the ‘normal’ for her brother too. Until Bernard experiences an enormous attraction to Ella when he meet her again after many years, and sees the situation how it is and how it became that way. He starts helping her with her studies to become a RN and feelings on both sides start to grow. When she calls in her favor from him, the situation escalades.
There is so much fun in this book, with many charismatic characters, people we’ve met before in the other books in this series, and, as usual with LD’s books, somebody with an impairment, in this case a mild form of dyslexia. So very much recommended, I really, really loved this story.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Oh.My.Gosh! I’d love to be in Ella’s skin when Bernard is making love to her. So wonderfully sweet and hot, especially the first few times. Both finding another person underneath somebody they’ve known for many years and have put in a certain box. Life is full of surprises 😉.
It’s not a book about one of the Stag children, but about Howie (Bernard Houser), who is part of their Fury hockey team and Ella Rujkowski, younger sister to his best friend and co hockey player Rookie (Jason). The story draws a family with two children, where the sport of one overarch everything and anything. That there was a second child was mostly ignored, which became the ‘normal’ for her brother too. Until Bernard experiences an enormous attraction to Ella when he meet her again after many years, and sees the situation how it is and how it became that way. He starts helping her with her studies to become a RN and feelings on both sides start to grow. When she calls in her favor from him, the situation escalades.
There is so much fun in this book, with many charismatic characters, people we’ve met before in the other books in this series, and, as usual with LD’s books, somebody with an impairment, in this case a mild form of dyslexia. So very much recommended, I really, really loved this story.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 4, 2026
This is a cute brother’s best friend/roommate/teammate story. We meet Ella when she relocates for a job and moves in with her brother, but we quickly learn that her brother is a bit self-absorbed and doesn’t really plan for Ella’s arrival, including not picking her up from the airport but sending his friend and roommate Bernard to pick her up. To make matters worse, he doesn’t even have a place for her to sleep since he lives with Bernard in a two-bedroom apartment. Bernard is instantly attracted to his best friend’s little sister, and he starts to look out for her. Then Ella asks him for a favor that brings them closer together with each “lesson.”
This cute and entertaining story has all the best elements: force proximity, hockey players, devoted MMC, he falls first and hard, and secret relationship vibes. Ella is coming to terms with finding her way even when she feels like she has spent her entire life in the shadow of her brother, and Bernard sees all the best parts of Ella and does his best to support her and make her feel special in big and small ways.
This is the second book I have read in this series, and I definitely want to go back and pick up the books I haven’t read yet. I listened to this installment in audio, and the narrators, Charlotte North and Alastair Haynesbridge, both did a great job with this story. If you are into audio, I highly recommend this version.
This cute and entertaining story has all the best elements: force proximity, hockey players, devoted MMC, he falls first and hard, and secret relationship vibes. Ella is coming to terms with finding her way even when she feels like she has spent her entire life in the shadow of her brother, and Bernard sees all the best parts of Ella and does his best to support her and make her feel special in big and small ways.
This is the second book I have read in this series, and I definitely want to go back and pick up the books I haven’t read yet. I listened to this installment in audio, and the narrators, Charlotte North and Alastair Haynesbridge, both did a great job with this story. If you are into audio, I highly recommend this version.
July 18, 2026
Playing with Trouble
Playing #4
By Lainey Davis
Narrated by Charlotte North & Alastair Haynesbridge
Bernard knew he wasn't allowed to touch his roommate and best friend, Jason's sister. But in his defense, he hadn't seen her for years. When he picked her up at the airport, he could not believe how Ella had changed. He gave up his bed for her to stay in while she is with them studying for her nursing exam, so when he ended up in bed with her by accident, things began to change. Asking him to teach her the ways of the bedroom seemed smart, and the fun begins. Quizzing her, taking her to work, nursing his wounds, and working on her skills all lead to much more. But what will happen when her exam is over or when Jason finds out? This is a fabulous listen. Lainey Davis is one author I can depend on that creates fantastic characters and heart tugging story lines. And adds in a few cameos from the Staggs! An amazing addition to the series.
Bringing it all to life is Alastair Haynesbridge and Charlotte North and it was like these voices were in Davis's head when she was writing. Perfectly cast, these two work together in duet to create a chemistry that is easily felt and made it easy to fall for this couple. It was a pleasure to listen to.
Playing #4
By Lainey Davis
Narrated by Charlotte North & Alastair Haynesbridge
Bernard knew he wasn't allowed to touch his roommate and best friend, Jason's sister. But in his defense, he hadn't seen her for years. When he picked her up at the airport, he could not believe how Ella had changed. He gave up his bed for her to stay in while she is with them studying for her nursing exam, so when he ended up in bed with her by accident, things began to change. Asking him to teach her the ways of the bedroom seemed smart, and the fun begins. Quizzing her, taking her to work, nursing his wounds, and working on her skills all lead to much more. But what will happen when her exam is over or when Jason finds out? This is a fabulous listen. Lainey Davis is one author I can depend on that creates fantastic characters and heart tugging story lines. And adds in a few cameos from the Staggs! An amazing addition to the series.
Bringing it all to life is Alastair Haynesbridge and Charlotte North and it was like these voices were in Davis's head when she was writing. Perfectly cast, these two work together in duet to create a chemistry that is easily felt and made it easy to fall for this couple. It was a pleasure to listen to.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another wonderful story and characters from Lainey. I really enjoy reading her books. They are interesting with realistic characters and believable storylines.
This book is no different. It has references to characters from other books and series as well, which adds to its charm. It makes you want to live in Pittsburgh and know these folks.
Pittsburgh is a beautiful city as I used to travel there twice yearly to see a specialist doctor and I always enjoyed my time there. My daughter and I flew in there and drove up to Hermitage for our appointments. We always went to build a bear in the mall so she could get something for enduring the medical stuff.
Good memories of that place, and I'd love to go back. Except the first time I came with my husband and we flew into Cleveland and drove in a blizzard to get to Hermitage. It was the largest storm in 40 years and we were stuck for days. We ended up being stuck in Cleveland an extra night too after our updated flight got canceled. Crazy stuff.
I love these stories and Davis's writing. No spoilers here, read it though, you won't be disappointed.
This book is no different. It has references to characters from other books and series as well, which adds to its charm. It makes you want to live in Pittsburgh and know these folks.
Pittsburgh is a beautiful city as I used to travel there twice yearly to see a specialist doctor and I always enjoyed my time there. My daughter and I flew in there and drove up to Hermitage for our appointments. We always went to build a bear in the mall so she could get something for enduring the medical stuff.
Good memories of that place, and I'd love to go back. Except the first time I came with my husband and we flew into Cleveland and drove in a blizzard to get to Hermitage. It was the largest storm in 40 years and we were stuck for days. We ended up being stuck in Cleveland an extra night too after our updated flight got canceled. Crazy stuff.
I love these stories and Davis's writing. No spoilers here, read it though, you won't be disappointed.
August 3, 2026
Now that she has finished school Ella is looking forward to her first position and will be staying with her brother for a few months. When she arrives at the airport she is disappointed that it is not her brother to pick her up but Bernard, his best friend and teammate, however she shouldn’t be surprised as she has always felt overlooked in her family when it came to hockey.
Bernard has known Ella since they were children, but he didn’t expect to be so attracted to the woman she has become. He soon realizes that Jason doesn’t give Ella the consideration he believes she deserves so not only does he give her his bedroom but arranges to take her to work and pick her up. When he owes her a favor what she asks has the sparks flying between them and it isn’t long before he realizes that she is worth breaking any rule for.
Bernard is the perfect mix of sweet and swoony as he will do anything for her while for the first time Ella feels like what she wants and needs is important. The audio performance by Charlotte North brought out the independent side of Ella while Alastair Haynesbridge allowed us to feel the depth of his feelings for Ella.
Bernard has known Ella since they were children, but he didn’t expect to be so attracted to the woman she has become. He soon realizes that Jason doesn’t give Ella the consideration he believes she deserves so not only does he give her his bedroom but arranges to take her to work and pick her up. When he owes her a favor what she asks has the sparks flying between them and it isn’t long before he realizes that she is worth breaking any rule for.
Bernard is the perfect mix of sweet and swoony as he will do anything for her while for the first time Ella feels like what she wants and needs is important. The audio performance by Charlotte North brought out the independent side of Ella while Alastair Haynesbridge allowed us to feel the depth of his feelings for Ella.
August 4, 2026
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:
Story - ♥️♥️♥️♥️.5
Spice - 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Narration - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Playing with Trouble is book #4 in the Playing series. Bernard "Howie" Houser has been warned off his teammate's sister. But now Ella is living with them and he is having a hard time keeping his eyes and hands off her. He knows if anything happens, it will end their friendship. She has lived in her brother's shadow all her life and just wants some independence. Lainey Davis delivers yet again with Howie and Ella's story. She can take a too familiar trope like forbidden romance, forced proximity, friends-to-lovers...and make magic with her writing. I loved the humor, the angst, and the steamy steam between the characters. And I love that I still don't have to say a final goodbye to the Stag dynasty!! Loved this one. It is easily a standalone, but you do NOT want to miss this series.
The dual narration is so stinking good. Alastair Haynesbridge and Charlotte North are favorite narrators for me. These two give so much life to their characters that I actually FEEL the story, not just listen to it. Loved their performance. 5/5 stars!!
Story - ♥️♥️♥️♥️.5
Spice - 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Narration - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Playing with Trouble is book #4 in the Playing series. Bernard "Howie" Houser has been warned off his teammate's sister. But now Ella is living with them and he is having a hard time keeping his eyes and hands off her. He knows if anything happens, it will end their friendship. She has lived in her brother's shadow all her life and just wants some independence. Lainey Davis delivers yet again with Howie and Ella's story. She can take a too familiar trope like forbidden romance, forced proximity, friends-to-lovers...and make magic with her writing. I loved the humor, the angst, and the steamy steam between the characters. And I love that I still don't have to say a final goodbye to the Stag dynasty!! Loved this one. It is easily a standalone, but you do NOT want to miss this series.
The dual narration is so stinking good. Alastair Haynesbridge and Charlotte North are favorite narrators for me. These two give so much life to their characters that I actually FEEL the story, not just listen to it. Loved their performance. 5/5 stars!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Pittsburgh 2nd generation hockey romance in the world of the Stag family. Short, low angst, brother’s best friend charm that is layered with real-world, relatable challenges. Book 4 in the series and it stands alone.
Ella Rujkowski is the younger sister of Jason (“Rookie”), a self-absorbed hockey player with the Fury. When she needs a place to stay to finish her nursing training, Rookie offers his apartment, even though it doesn’t have a spare room. Flatmate Howie (aka Bernard - love the nicknames) picks her up from the airport and he’s hooked on Ella pretty quickly. These kids grew up together, with Ella tagging along to endless hockey games and roadtrips. Howie is charming and funny – a himbo but not an idiot – and he quickly sees the dynamic between the siblings – and gives up his bedroom for Ella.
There’s not a lot of hockey in this, as we see more of Ella’s worklife, her struggles with dyslexia and fitting in, and her tricky family dynamic. Howie is a delight – he studies with her, is all in for some sex lessons, and helps her stand up to her brother. So good! Of course it all blows up, and there’s character growth for everyone – even Jason.
Recommended for an easy read that’s breezy and optimistic, but not lightweight. Thank you so much Lainey Davis for the ARC. Opinions are my own.
Ella Rujkowski is the younger sister of Jason (“Rookie”), a self-absorbed hockey player with the Fury. When she needs a place to stay to finish her nursing training, Rookie offers his apartment, even though it doesn’t have a spare room. Flatmate Howie (aka Bernard - love the nicknames) picks her up from the airport and he’s hooked on Ella pretty quickly. These kids grew up together, with Ella tagging along to endless hockey games and roadtrips. Howie is charming and funny – a himbo but not an idiot – and he quickly sees the dynamic between the siblings – and gives up his bedroom for Ella.
There’s not a lot of hockey in this, as we see more of Ella’s worklife, her struggles with dyslexia and fitting in, and her tricky family dynamic. Howie is a delight – he studies with her, is all in for some sex lessons, and helps her stand up to her brother. So good! Of course it all blows up, and there’s character growth for everyone – even Jason.
Recommended for an easy read that’s breezy and optimistic, but not lightweight. Thank you so much Lainey Davis for the ARC. Opinions are my own.
July 20, 2026
Wow! Give me a guy who yearns, but also pays attention to the little things and loves regardless of the consequences and I’m sold 😌! This book was a little cozy cute read to tug on your heartstrings. Howie is Ella’s older brother’s best friend. Now normally I don’t care for this trope most of that time,because the brothers just be doing way too much at times, but color me surprised and rightfully corrected. From day one of Ella moving in with her brother and Howie, Howie instantly was in love and no one can tell me otherwise. He was so caring and attentive and just the kind of man every girl deserves. Ella was a strong character and I’m so proud of her for going after her dreams and not taking her challenges sitting down. Plus who doesn’t love a virgin FMC with Teach me vibes 🙂↔️?!! Can’t wait for Mayhem’s story what a curious and mysterious character you are but we also, love you.
I received a complete free Advanced Listener Copy of this book from the lovely Lainey herself. I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review. All thoughts are my own!
I received a complete free Advanced Listener Copy of this book from the lovely Lainey herself. I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review. All thoughts are my own!
July 28, 2026
This is book 4 in Davis' Playing series that follows the lives and loves of hockey team Pittsburgh Fury and those that surround them. This book focuses on main characters Ella and Bernard. Bernard is now rooming with but has been friends with Ella's brother "Rookie" since they were kids. When Bernard is sent to pick up Ella from the airport as a favor (punishment for breaking Rookies house rules), the attraction is instant. I love how Davis delivers the buildup and how we glance at how Ella's insecurities have manifested from so early on, I also loved the ending with Bernard addressing some of his home-grown issues. Overall, I think Davis delivers a wonderfully captivating, smooth flowing romance read with lots of sweet and steamy but balanced well with emotions, humor and more. The narration was perfectly done and I am so, so eager for more in this series!
This book was given to me for free at my request thanks to Ear Candy Promo, and I voluntarily provided this review.
*this review is based on the audio version of this title
This book was given to me for free at my request thanks to Ear Candy Promo, and I voluntarily provided this review.
*this review is based on the audio version of this title
August 3, 2026
This was so so good. I didn’t know what I was going into other than a hockey romance. This is my first Laney Davis novel and I just dove in. Now I’m addicted. I only realize this was the fourth book in the series (Playing). Obviously this can be read as a standalone and I will be going back to read the others. This is brothers best friend, best friends sister, smexy lesions, secret meetings romance. This was funny, tense, spicy and emotional. The team is a great group of guys that support each other and notice the little things. Ella is a student, trying to pass her exams, she meets a great group of coworkers who rally around her. The friendships were so good and made the story feel so good. I love the narrators for this, Charlotte North is a great narrator who is enjoyable to listen to. Alastair Haynesbridge is a new to me narrator who has a great narrator voice. He was easy to listen to and had a great spicy voice with engaging lower range that worked perfectly for the smexy lesions. The production was well done with great transition and smooth chapter and narrator conversions.
Review of advance copy received from Author
100% LOVED this book!
Ella was incredible! She not only was working hard to become a nurse, but she’s been relegated to the background her whole life. Everything was always about her brother’s hockey, and she was basically an afterthought. My heart ached for her! How could her parents AND brother be so callous?!? I loved that she found friends in her program quickly and that they saw her for the amazing person she was!
Howie/Bernard was also great! He definitely had a couple of questionable moments, but overall I really liked him. I loved getting to see him fall for Ella. Despite his friendship with her brother, he put Ella’s wants and wishes first. And when he tried to point out Ella’s hardships to her brother and how unhelpful he’d been…my heart melted!
I seriously want to know more about Mayhem and Spinner. I can’t wait for the next book!!!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am leaving my honest opinion.
Ella was incredible! She not only was working hard to become a nurse, but she’s been relegated to the background her whole life. Everything was always about her brother’s hockey, and she was basically an afterthought. My heart ached for her! How could her parents AND brother be so callous?!? I loved that she found friends in her program quickly and that they saw her for the amazing person she was!
Howie/Bernard was also great! He definitely had a couple of questionable moments, but overall I really liked him. I loved getting to see him fall for Ella. Despite his friendship with her brother, he put Ella’s wants and wishes first. And when he tried to point out Ella’s hardships to her brother and how unhelpful he’d been…my heart melted!
I seriously want to know more about Mayhem and Spinner. I can’t wait for the next book!!!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am leaving my honest opinion.
July 22, 2026
I am so happy I stumbled upon this book. I didn’t know it was the fourth in the series and that is ok because unlike other ‘interconnected stand-alone series’ this one had my focus on the main couple so much that I didn’t feel lost.
Rookie is kind of a dick but he becomes redeemable. Mayhem is awesome! Like the groups yoda. I feel like if this were a movie with an alternate universe, he would be the all knowing guide helping the characters understand their journey.
I don’t fully understand why professional hockey players need roommates instead of living alone, or why they wouldn’t book a hotel instead of sleeping on another players couch when they couldn’t stay home but maybe that’s just me.
I love that the FMC is curvy. She asks for what she wants. I love the learning/tutoring aspect of things and her finding something just for her along with calling her brother out on his shit. Good for her!
I enjoyed this. A very cute read. Great length.
Rookie is kind of a dick but he becomes redeemable. Mayhem is awesome! Like the groups yoda. I feel like if this were a movie with an alternate universe, he would be the all knowing guide helping the characters understand their journey.
I don’t fully understand why professional hockey players need roommates instead of living alone, or why they wouldn’t book a hotel instead of sleeping on another players couch when they couldn’t stay home but maybe that’s just me.
I love that the FMC is curvy. She asks for what she wants. I love the learning/tutoring aspect of things and her finding something just for her along with calling her brother out on his shit. Good for her!
I enjoyed this. A very cute read. Great length.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2026
I listened to the audiobook version of this story and I loved Bernard and Ella. Bernard is just genuinely a nice guy, none of the cocky demeanor the typical hockey player has. Instead, he was confident but sweet, and I fell in love with him from the minute I heard his thoughts in the airport. Then we have Ella, who's a new grad nurse. I was worried about her because a lot of books get nursing, especially ER nursing, wrong. Yet Lainey did a splendid job portraying Ella and her worries about passing the NCLEX. I kept thinking, oohhh I remember those days!! I also loved the funny, flirty banter between them and the chemistry they had from the very beginning, as well as the dynamics within the friend group. The narration by Charlotte North & Alastair Haynesbridge was fantastic. They showed the same chemistry their characters had. Another great hockey romance I recommend if you like the cute, funny stories sprinkled with some delicious spice!
August 2, 2026
4.25/5
I enjoyed Ella & Bernard’s story! Ella, or baby rookie, little sister to Rookie - has moved to Pittsburg to stay with Rookie while she becomes a nurse by taking her NCLEX.
Her brother is a dick, there’s no other way to put it, he’s arrogant, self absorbed and immature - he has the dumbest rules but of course “hands off my sister” is one of them - including to his roommate, Bernard.
Bernard is there for Ella, giving up his room, helped her study for her boards and even giving her spicy lessons so that she can “find the right man” and lose her virginity… which is cool until they both realize, he is the right man for her and now she has to tell her brother and pass her state boards before her life goes up in flames and she takes Bernard with her.
Tropes:
Hockey romance
Party boy MMC
Roommates
Bestfriends little sister
Nurse FMC
Virgin FMC
Spicy lessons
Audio by Charlotte North & Alastair Haynesbridge
I enjoyed Ella & Bernard’s story! Ella, or baby rookie, little sister to Rookie - has moved to Pittsburg to stay with Rookie while she becomes a nurse by taking her NCLEX.
Her brother is a dick, there’s no other way to put it, he’s arrogant, self absorbed and immature - he has the dumbest rules but of course “hands off my sister” is one of them - including to his roommate, Bernard.
Bernard is there for Ella, giving up his room, helped her study for her boards and even giving her spicy lessons so that she can “find the right man” and lose her virginity… which is cool until they both realize, he is the right man for her and now she has to tell her brother and pass her state boards before her life goes up in flames and she takes Bernard with her.
Tropes:
Hockey romance
Party boy MMC
Roommates
Bestfriends little sister
Nurse FMC
Virgin FMC
Spicy lessons
Audio by Charlotte North & Alastair Haynesbridge
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'm at Brit, so I still don't really understand Hockey - it's not really a thing here, but I do love the idea of it and therefore always enjoy a good hockey romance. For the first time, this is not a Stag book, more Stag adjacent if you will, but I loved the characters and the twins did pop up now and again. It's a tried and tested formula, girl moves to new town (she's a player's little sister) and falls in love with brother's best friend. Ella is a fabulous character, so strong and determined, but with very little confidence in her abilities and used to being overlooked and let down, Howie is an absolute gentleman and probably the first person to see the real Ella and all the way through the book, he's just there for her and that made my heart so happy.
This was sweet, a little sappy, a lot sexy and a great read
This was sweet, a little sappy, a lot sexy and a great read
July 30, 2026
Playing With Trouble is a delightful hockey romance between Ella and her brother’s best friend/roommate, Bernard “Howie”. Ella has always felt like an afterthought in her family because of her brother’s hockey career. Ella has just moved to Pennsylvania for a nursing job and has moved in with her brother and Bernard. Bernard gives up his room for her and she asks him to tutor her in the art of love. It’s meant to be short term until she passes her boards. Will they stay together?
The dual narration by Charlotte North and Alastair Haynesbridge was extraordinary. Charlotte North was marvelous as sweet, kind, caring, happy, slightly naive Ella. I could feel her hurt, pain, sadness, isolation, vulnerability, intelligence, happiness and love through her voice. Alastair Haynesbridge was superb as kind, quiet loving, compassionate, protective Bernard. I highly recommend listening to this audiobook.
Thanks to the author and Ear Candy Promos for the ALC.
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Story 4 stars Narration 5 stars
The dual narration by Charlotte North and Alastair Haynesbridge was extraordinary. Charlotte North was marvelous as sweet, kind, caring, happy, slightly naive Ella. I could feel her hurt, pain, sadness, isolation, vulnerability, intelligence, happiness and love through her voice. Alastair Haynesbridge was superb as kind, quiet loving, compassionate, protective Bernard. I highly recommend listening to this audiobook.
Thanks to the author and Ear Candy Promos for the ALC.
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Story 4 stars Narration 5 stars
August 3, 2026
“You are a goddamn masterpiece. Every inch of you.”
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
This was a quick, lighthearted read and I enjoyed every minute of it.
I loved how Bernard always showed up for Ella in ways that no one, not even her brother, ever did before. I also loved how she was unapologetically her and how she found her people outside of the shadow of her brother.
The connection and friendship between Bernard and Ella was so sweet and wholesome, but also so spicy. They had the perfect balance.
The narration was excellent. Charlotte North and Alastair Haynesbridge did an amazing job with this story and all the characters.
Quote: “I feel powerful in a way that has nothing to do with silks, or nursing, or passing a test. I feel powerful because Bernard Howser is looking at me like I am the sun and he's been living in the dark.”
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
This was a quick, lighthearted read and I enjoyed every minute of it.
I loved how Bernard always showed up for Ella in ways that no one, not even her brother, ever did before. I also loved how she was unapologetically her and how she found her people outside of the shadow of her brother.
The connection and friendship between Bernard and Ella was so sweet and wholesome, but also so spicy. They had the perfect balance.
The narration was excellent. Charlotte North and Alastair Haynesbridge did an amazing job with this story and all the characters.
Quote: “I feel powerful in a way that has nothing to do with silks, or nursing, or passing a test. I feel powerful because Bernard Howser is looking at me like I am the sun and he's been living in the dark.”
August 4, 2026
Playing with Trouble is the fourth book in the Playing series by Lainey Davis. It can be read as a stand alone. I’ve only listened to the first book in the series, and characters from the second and third book do make an appearane, but the storyline for Ella and Bernard (aka Howie to his fans) is all unique events as far as I could tell. I didn’t have any confusion while reading it as a stand alone. Playing with Trouble has elements of the brother’s best friend and inexperienced heroine tropes, and it’s in the hockey romance world though there’s very few scenes on the ice.
This audiobook is narrated by Charlotte North & Alastair Haynesbridge. They both did a great job with their narration and I would listen to both of them again.
I received a copy of the audiobook at my request, and the opinions here are my own.
This audiobook is narrated by Charlotte North & Alastair Haynesbridge. They both did a great job with their narration and I would listen to both of them again.
I received a copy of the audiobook at my request, and the opinions here are my own.
August 3, 2026
I devoured Ella and Bernard's forbidden, brothers best friend romance in one sitting. Charlotte North and Alastair Haynesbridge did a truly wonderful performance and really hope you in. I love how realistic the storyline is and how lovable all the characters are. Bernard and Ella have an instant attraction when she comes to stay with her brother and him. After years of Ella being ignored Bernard gives her the attention she deserves. This book is full of heat, banter and emotional depth and growth of both main characters. I really enjoyed seeing Ella find her back bone and stand up for herself. Definitely a 5 star must listen.
I was sent an advanced copy audiobook from Ear Candy and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I was sent an advanced copy audiobook from Ear Candy and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
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