Playing Dirty: An Enemies-to-Lovers, Hockey Star Romance

by Nate Wilder

Irish NHL superstar Cillian O'Rourke is used to getting exactly what he wants. The wins, the headlines, and the revolving door of women. Hockey's favorite bad boy has the whole world charmed.

Except for Margot Prescott, a sommelier at Napa Valley's Solstice Estates. She's a people-pleasing perfectionist who keeps her anxiety carefully hidden and her heart guarded by one strict rule: no athletes.

Especially not the arrogant playboy who got her fired six years ago and barely remembers her name.

But when Solstice signs Cillian as the celebrity face of their new wine label, Margot is stuck playing gracious host to the last man she'd ever choose. Bold, cocky, and impossible to ignore, he stands out like a pint of Guinness in a room full of Champagne.

A few rounds of sparring, and Cillian has met a challenge he can't skate past. Once he sets his sights on something, he doesn't quit, and her rule only sweetens the chase. From the vineyards in Napa to the pubs of Dublin, forced proximity has a way of breaking things wide open.

And when the tension between them finally snaps, it could cost Margot her heart.

Because in Cillian's world, nothing interferes with the game.

Until Margot.

From Nate Wilder, the bestselling author of the Midnight Men series, comes Playing Dirty, the scorching hot first installment in the Solstice Hearts series. This contemporary romance delivers laugh-out-loud banter, open-door spice, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after.

Solstice Hearts Series:
Book 1: Playing Dirty
Book 2: Empire Games
Book 3: Off Limits

Genres: Hockey, Contemporary

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 17, 2026

About the author

Nate Wilder writes small-town romance—steamy, emotional, and full of the kind of chemistry that keeps you reading past midnight. A former journalist and chef, he's a devoted romance reader who believes the world needs more love, more steam, and more happily-ever-afters. He writes from Washington state, where he is supervised in all matters by his opinionated cat, Nala.

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cillian and Margot

Margot is not interested in working with a professional athlete, but fate interferes. Cillian is not interested in being the face of the winery, but you already know what's going to happen. Eventually they discover they have more in common than differences. When a particular incident happens, Cillian is forced to think about his career. Margot sees Cillian for the perfect hero. Along the way, they fall in love. Excellent character development as well as family history. Wonderful beach read! Waiting for book 2. KU

[Anne Chmiel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nate Wilder SCORES with this new hockey series

I loved getting to know Margot and Cillian in this new series. The series’ locations in Napa and Dublin and Galway in Ireland are perfect settings for this love story between a beautiful sommelier and a handsome Irish hockey player. I loved the sincerity of Margot and Cillian and the spice was just right. Can’t wait to read the next installment in this series!

[Paula Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the dynamic between Margot and Cillian. Both clearly thought little of each other until they got to know each other, then it sizzled. Great read and look forward to next book in the series. I think anything Nate Wilder writes will be amazing.

[Fancy LC · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well developed characters and a fun read!