The Wrong Playbook

by Bree Hayden

Blurb coming soon...

Genres: Hockey, Sports Romance, Hockey Romance, Romance, Slow Burn

ebook

Expected publication August 4, 2026

About the author

A lover of romances, it’s not unusual to find Bree Hayden curled up with a book, sobbing her eyes out. On the off chance she’s doing real-life things, she resides in Washington, tries to get birds to whistle along with her, and enjoys baking ancient recipes in the hopes one actually tastes good.

Check out Bree’s newsletter for playlists (they’re pretty good), upcoming character art (that’s way better), chances to read her books before anybody else (!!!), and free extra stories about the characters in her novels (the best!!!)

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

I want to give past me a kiss on the forhead for signing up for this ARC. I had completely forgotten about it so ooo what a pleasant surprise it was to start this and fall in love with it instantly!

From chapter 1 I was hooked and I just knew I'd be a die hard Nick-Tallulah fan! I honestly have no remark.

The book was long but that just made me love it even more! I was so scared that I'd reach the end within a day bc I couldn't put it down but the story kept going and uh I just loved it.

I'm so excited to read more books by Bree Hayden

Thanks to the author for the ARC! 💞

[Jess (lucky.bookclub) Hilbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid college hockey romance with a lot of moving pieces, but it didn’t fully come together for me.

I really appreciated the diversity in this story. Tallulah’s Indigenous background and Nick’s Japanese American and Brazilian heritage were woven in thoughtfully, and I liked how the book explored identity, family, and where you come from. The way anxiety was portrayed, especially through Tallulah, also felt real and was something I connected with.

That said, I struggled a bit with the overall execution. There were a lot of plot threads happening at once, and at times it felt a little scattered. I also didn’t feel fully connected to the characters. They both had growth, but I wanted more depth to really believe in them and their relationship.

Some of the bigger plot points, especially around the journalism storyline, felt a bit rushed and not as grounded as I expected, which pulled me out of the story.

This definitely leans more new adult, with a strong focus on self-discovery, relationships, and sexual exploration, which will absolutely work for the right reader.

Overall, while this one wasn’t quite for me, I can see it finding a strong audience, especially for readers who enjoy college sports romances with coming-of-age themes.

Thank you so much to Bree Hayden for the ARC in exchange for an honest review 💕

[han ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“everything i’ve done this summer i’ve done because i love you.”

i applied for this arc so long ago that it felt like a cute little surprise waiting in my inbox when i get approved. this was a new to me author and she blew this book out of the freaking water. needless to say, i’ll be reading her backlist very, very soon.

i felt so seen by tallulah when it came to her anxiety, because anxiety is truly a bitch and SO debilitating sometimes. she was shy and nerdy and adorable, and felt like she didn’t belong because her anxiety would get the better of her. so many things that she dealt with were very personal to me, and it means a lot that the anxiety rep was so huge in this book. whenever tallulah was in a position where she had to raise her voice or confront somebody, i was rooting for my girl 110%. even if her voice shook or she stuttered, she did the damn thing and i’m so proud of her. she deserves the world and more.

nick was such a sweet angel baby and insanely, horrendously down bad for tallulah that my heart was hurting from how badly he wanted her. he truly saw her and is the definition of “if he wanted to, he would”. he went to a whole different country because he wanted tallulah, even reluctantly adopted a cat and let her live in his room for her, so if that isn’t a man who means business, i don’t know what is. he was so supportive of tallulah, even if he didn’t really understand her anxiety at first, but he genuinely listened to her and saw her for who she was.

oh, and rat is absolutely my favourite side character. i’m obsessed with her and her ridiculous name. i need art of her immediately.

thank you so, so much to the author for the e-arc! i absolutely loved this book and i can’t wait to see whose book is next <3

𑣲 ex’s best friend
𑣲 college hockey
𑣲 spicy bucket list
𑣲 reformed playboy
𑣲 good girl gone bad

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Victoria Editing NetGalley Co-op, and Bree Hayden for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

This college hockey, spicy, romance was messy but cute at the same time.

Nick was a playboy through and through and kind of unlikeable until the end, but he had it down bad for Tallulah for sure. I think this character had growth I just would have liked to see more of this like .. I would have liked to see him change while Tallulah was with Fridge because it was just kind of mentioned. My favorite part of this book was Tallulah and Nick… the banter between the two of them. Bree you can write some banter because I wanted the whole book to just be the two of them haha!! He literally moved to a team he hated with an awful owner just to be with her.

Nick: “Hey, you’re the first girl I’ve ever felt breathless around. I can’t tell if I have a crush on you or if I’m having a premature heart attack. Want to catch a movie?”

Nick: “Just spending time together,” I replied while Tallulah gaped at me. “We haven’t been dating long.” I laced my fingers through Tallulah’s. “I should’ve asked you out the second I saw you. Every day I spent not kissing you was a mistake.”

Nick: Her eyes met the camera again, gazing back at me, and my heart thumped, off-beat. I could look at her for the rest of the night. For the rest of my life. Her smile was dazzling. Slowly, she talked about her book.

Tallulah: “Why don’t you just be honest and tell me that you like me?”
Nick: “Because I don’t ‘like’ you, Tallulah. Goddammit, I love you!”

The sarcasm between the two, the love declarations, the funny, witty comebacks, and their relationship development was great. Even the awkward moments were genuine because that does happen!

Nick: I needed to say something funny. Something to recover. One of the gate agents took to the microphone. “It looks like we have a Luxury Air flyer today! We’d like to personally thank our premium, exclusive Luxury Air flyer and welcome them to be first aboard!” That was perfect. I dipped down to Tallulah. “What kind of rich pr*ck a**hole has them read off the shit like that?” Tallulah’s face darkened with a blush, stumbling over her words.
Tallulah: “That—that would be me.”

Nick: “You were right—the cat’s a girl. They’re sure she’s feral. They shot her up with a thousand vaccines. I got her cat nip because I thought that was, like, a treat? It’s not, it’s drugs.” I burst into surprised laughter, overjoyed

Nick: “I didn’t spontaneously become attracted to you.”
Tallulah: “I—I thought…” I twisted my hands. “I thought you wanted to sleep with me because we’re both from Marrs, and we know each other, and…it was convenient, and…”
Nick: “No. That’s not it at all.”
Tallulah: “Since when?” I whispered.
Nick: “Do you really want to know?” “Yes.”“Because the fun’ll end here.”
Tallulah: “I want to know.” Nick took a step closer, setting the books on an empty bookshelf.
Nick: “Since our classes. Since I first saw you. That’s when I wanted you.”

Tallulah: I sighed, pleased. “It’s so easy falling in love with you.”
Nick: “I’m not falling. I already fell,” Nick said so quietly, his words faded in with the night air. “I broke into pieces and they’re all yours.”

Tallulah suffered from anxiety and I think Bree depicted this well all the thoughts racing through your head and her overcoming this. I do think maybe therapy depicted would have benefited in this because as someone who struggles and has a very supportive husband, you have to learn to love yourself and getting there I feel takes more than just a partner it takes real long time work, and so even if it was stated at the end that she had went I think that would have been even better, but overall it was great Tallulah showed such tremendous growth and strength. Loved when she FINALLY stood up for herself with pretty much everyone.

Tallulah: “You’ll never, ever know what it’s like to be invisible,” I whispered. “You just won’t. You’re not that kind of person. But you don’t make me feel invisible. You make me feel important. And you’ll never know what that means to someone who’s used to disappearing.”
Nick: “You’ve never been invisible to me, Tallulah,” he said, his voice low.

Nick: “No, anxiety sucks, because it makes you think that you’re to blame. With everything. With anything. That you’re inconveniencing people. That you can’t be happy and take that happiness. Your anxiety convinces you that you don’t deserve it. But this is the truth—” I cut the distance between us, taking her chin between my fingers, making sure she understood every word. “Being with you is a goddamn gift.”

Tallulah: “You make me feel…bold,” she said, trying out the word. “Steadfast. Unwavering.”

Tallulah: I wanted to be loved, respected, and cared for, because that’s what I would do for someone. I wouldn’t accept anything less.

Tallulah: “I love you,” I said it again, testing out the words, humming in pleasure. “I love you. You and all of your rough edges and ridiculous decisions and your weird ideas of romantic gestures—I love you.”

The book was long and I think the pacing was a little off for me. Some of the things that happened in the book could have been cut out and the just focusing on one specific plot line and going with that and building on that while keeping all the relationship building between the characters. The tumultuous relationship between Nick and her parents felt rushed at the end and kind of unnecessary to me, them still wanting her to be with Fridge. I think some of the other things that happened I forgot about because there was just too much. I also struggled with understanding her relationship with her parents that was hard for me.

I also actually liked the sexual exploration, and I think it was done well as they are just in college and Tallulah was finally able to explore things that she previously could not and I think this was done well. The diversity in this book was also enjoyable, and I was happy to see it!

Nick: “The stuff you’re asking for can be done, Tallulah.” Slowly, Nick shifted closer. “You’ve just been asking the wrong person.”
Tallulah: “The—the wrong person?”
Nick: “Yeah. You should’ve asked me.”

[The Girl Behind the Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclosure: I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Every romance asks the same question in a different way.

What if someone loved you enough to stay?

The Wrong Playbook asks a different one.

What if someone loved the version of you you've spent your whole life trying to hide?

Somewhere between the hockey games, the stolen glances, and the slow unraveling of two beautifully imperfect people, Bree Hayden quietly reminds us that the greatest love stories aren't about changing for someone else, they're about finally becoming yourself because someone made you feel safe enough to do it.

And if you've ever convinced yourself you're too quiet, too anxious, too awkward, too much, or somehow never enough, there's a good chance you'll find a little bit of yourself somewhere in these pages.

Romance heroines are often written as women we aspire to become. They're witty at exactly the right moment, effortlessly confident, and somehow always know the perfect thing to say. Tallulah isn't interested in being aspirational in that sense. She spends so much of the novel negotiating with her own mind that, at times, the biggest obstacle isn't the plot, it's convincing herself she deserves to take up space. Watching Bree Hayden write anxiety without turning it into a personality trait or a source of comic relief was one of the most refreshing parts of this book. Tallulah doesn't become fearless. She simply grows tired of letting fear make every decision for her, and somehow that feels infinitely more inspiring.

Fictional men have become almost impossible to impress us with. Romance readers have raised the bar so high that every new MMC has to compete with a growing list of unforgettable book boyfriends. Nick never tries to outshine them. Instead, he does something far more interesting: he feels possible. His growth isn't built on grand speeches or impossible perfection. It's found in small choices, uncomfortable accountability, and the quiet realization that becoming a better man isn't something you do to win the girl, it's something you do because you're finally ready to become one. That's what made me fall for him.

One thing Bree Hayden understands exceptionally well is that intimacy starts long before anyone ends up in the same bed. Every lingering look, every conversation that reveals another hidden insecurity, and every moment where Nick chooses patience over pressure quietly build the emotional tension until the physical intimacy feels inevitable rather than expected. By the time those scenes arrive, they never feel like they're there simply because the genre expects them, or because they're just another item to check off on Tallulah's bucket list. Instead, they become another conversation between two people who have finally learned to trust each other.

If I had to put a number on it, I'd rate the spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️☆ (4/5 chilies). It's undeniably steamy, but what makes it memorable isn't how explicit it is. It's the emotional weight behind every scene. The chemistry isn't built through physical attraction alone; it's built through vulnerability, trust, and the quiet certainty that these two people have finally found someone they can be completely themselves with.

The easiest thing Bree Hayden could have done with this premise was lean into the drama. After all, "best friend's ex" practically writes its own conflict. Instead, she takes the more difficult route. The external circumstances may bring Nick and Tallulah together, but the real conflict has always lived inside them. That's what makes this story feel less like a romance built around a trope and more like two people slowly giving each other permission to become who they've wanted to be all along.

That's what impressed me most about The Wrong Playbook. It never asks its characters to become different people in order to deserve love. Instead, it asks them to believe they're already worthy of it, and then challenges them to become better versions of themselves, not because someone demanded it, but because someone believed they were capable of it.

When I finished this book, I wasn't thinking about the hockey games, the trope, or even my favorite romantic moments.

I was thinking about how many versions of ourselves we hide just to make other people comfortable.
Maybe that's the real playbook this story was trying to rewrite.

And if you finish this story feeling just a little kinder toward yourself than when you started, then I think Bree Hayden accomplished something far greater than writing a great romance.
She wrote a story that reminds us that the best kind of love doesn't change who we are.
It gives us the courage to finally become ourselves.

Finally, I just want to say how incredibly grateful I am to have had the opportunity to read The Wrong Playbook as an ARC reader. Thank you, Bree Hayden, for trusting me with an early copy of Nick and Tallulah's story. It was a privilege to experience their journey before publication, and I'm so excited for readers everywhere to fall in love with them the way I did. I can't wait to see what you write next.

Overall: ★★★★★
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️☆ (4/5)
Would I reread it? Without hesitation.

[Leighton · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5⭐️
This is a cute hockey romance that is a very quick read.
Tallulah is a journalism major who is going to Canada to take part in an internship covering the Olympics. Nick is a hockey player on a not-so-good team in Canada, hoping to convince his crush to give him the light of day. There are a couple of problems with his plan: 1. Tallulah's ex is Nick's best friend, and 2. Nick has ignored Tallulah since they met.

Tallulah is a very sweet and quiet girl, but as Nick would say, she's a sexual freak. Tallulah's ex (which can we talk about how his name is FRIDGE, what kind of name is that?) was not interested in any of the adventurous things she wanted to try in the bedroom, and when Nick finds out about this, he is all too happy to volunteer for any of the plans she might have.

This book overall is a good read, but there were a couple of moments where I wanted to bang my head against a wall.
1. Nick and his secrets. He constantly avoided having conversations with Tallulah while also believing that she was his soulmate. He kept the truth from her about so many things, from the truth about why he was in Canada, to his relationship with his coach, to the reality of his bucket list (or lack thereof), and each time Tallulah just let it go and they never really had it out. Overall, I think this just proves that their communication skills were kind of lackluster, and it was always on Tallulah to share or try to pry anything out of Nick.
2. Tallulah's parents. Her parents LOVE Fridge (who would want their son-in-law to be called Fridge? I should have questioned them from the very beginning), and they continuously pressure Tallulah to include him in things. Fridge goes on a trip with her parents, and they regularly get meals together; they even conveniently forget to tell her that her ex-boyfriend will be at lunch with them. This is insane work. But Tallulah doesn't really say anything to them about it and just lets them keep living in fantasy land until they meet Nick. Her parents hate Nick and not in a secretive way. They literally ignore him and won't interact with him unless they're forced to, and even then they do the absolute minimum. Tallulah then tells her parents how disappointed she is in them, and they are suddenly "nice" to Nick, but they compliment him and then look at Tallulah as a way to say, "see, we can be nice to the boy. Please don't stop talking to us". It's not really about them putting in actual effort with him out of love for their daughter; it's out of fear of straining their relationship, and it rubs me the wrong way. Tallulah stood up for Nick enough for them to be passably nice to him, but not enough for them to form a genuine relationship with her boyfriend.
3. The people from the internship. Where did they go? After Tallulah moves in with Nick, they all sort of disappear except for her former roommate, and even then she's barely brought up. I think Tallulah would have done well with a friend in Canada because she literally doesn't have friends aside from Nick. She spends all of her time working, with Nick at the house, watching Nick play hockey, or volunteering at the library most of the time with Nick. I think the author explored the idea of her with friends, but it would have been a little bit more meaningful to see her actually make a friend, specifically a female friend, so she wasn't as alone.

The spice: The spice in this book is more adventurous than I was expecting. There are vibrating panties, handcuffs, video calls, and fun nicknames. The scenes are descriptive, but I would say on the short side. There are frequent sex scenes, as a lot of their relationship, especially early on, is purely physical. I would give the spice 3/5 🌶️. There were a couple of things that stood out to me about the spice in this book: 1. Nick's insistence on a safeword and 2. Nick's openness about aftercare. When showcasing characters who are having rougher-than-average sex, having the kind of open and honest communication that Nick and Tallulah do is really important. Nick is shameless about giving Tallulah all of the experiences she wants, but he is very adamant that they do it in a physically and mentally safe way, which I really appreciated as a reader. I also think the scene where Nick says that he needs aftercare was probably my favorite from the whole book because it can often feel like intimate scenes are so focused on the woman, and they are for the most part in this book, but as Nick reminds us, he's human too. Nick is used to having no-strings-attached sex, but he doesn't want to feel fucked and dumped. Instead of letting it fester and bother him, he says that he needs it, and immediately their relationship dynamic shifts and they begin to trust each other more. I think this scene really spoke to me because of how raw it was. Sex can be emotionless, but there are feelings attached before, during, and after that sometimes get overlooked, especially for men. I think the author did a good job of showing a man's vulnerability in the time immediately after sex, especially because Nick is a more sexually dominant person.

Overall:
3.5/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶️

[Michelle Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wrong Playbook by Bree Hayden is the 3rd in the "For the Arena" college hockey romance series. When I first received this book from the author, I was a little nervous because I did not read the previous two and thought I would would be smack dab in the middle of this college hockey universe and have no idea what was going on. Once I started reading it though, I realized I had nothing to worry about. Bree Hayden did a wonderful job of focusing on her main characters, Tallulah and Nick, while seamlessly integrating the important facts about the supporting characters and place within the main story. I felt that this allowed Tallulah and Nick's story to really develop and shine while still being connected to the Marrs University universe.
Nick and Tallulah's story is one of waiting for the right time and the right place for your love story to take root and flourish. Nick has had a secrete crush on Tallulah since the first day he saw her, but he felt too insecure to act on it. By waiting too long, Nick's best friend and room mate, Fridge, ends up dating Tallulah for the better part of a school year. When they break up, Nick still is too shy to ask her out because he is afraid that his former playboy reputation will cause her to say no. So, he feels that he needs to get Tallulah alone so she can discover the true Nick, and he has the perfect plan: Tag along with her to Toronto on her journalism internship covering the Olympics, but do it under the guise of playing summer league for a 3rd rate Toronto hockey team owned by the most abusive coach he has ever played for.
Yes, the plan sounds far fetched, but the author makes it work beautifully! Bree Hayden crafts a beautiful story where both Nick and Tallulah discover more about themselves than what everybody thinks they are, and they both come out knowing themselves and each other better as people and lovers. Are there little lies in the beginning, yes. Are there fights and arguments along the way, yes. Is there great spicy scenes along the way, defiantly, YES! But the author weaves all the love, drama, and bumps in the road in such a way that you are rooting for them to work out to be a successful loving couple who truly supports each other.
My one complaint is that I did feel the story was a little long in some parts. I felt that chapters dealing with Nick and Tallulah plotting to take down the evil coach, Tomassini, dragged on for a few chapters more than it should. I didn't think it truly added any more suspense or drama to the story, or made me feel any different about the the bond Nick and Tallulah had or made me see them as different people by that time in the book. I felt I just skimmed through those chapters so I could get back to Nick and Tallulah story and the spicy scenes.
Over all I really enjoyed this book and felt that Bree Hayden has created a pair of friends/lovers that were interesting in how they helped each other find their true selves and their true loves.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wrong Playbook is the third book in Bree Hayden's For the Arena series, but I can confidently say it works perfectly as a standalone. At no point did I feel like I was missing important backstory or inside jokes from the previous books. Everything I needed to enjoy the story was right there on the page.

The standout of this book for me was, without question, Nick. He completely stole my heart. His unwavering devotion to Tallulah and the lengths he was willing to go just to be near her were everything I love in a romance. Watching him quietly put himself through situations he didn't necessarily want, simply because it meant being close to the woman he loved, made him such an easy character to root for.

Tallulah is a college student who lands an incredible internship in Canada during the Olympics, where she'll have the opportunity to compete to write a feature on a legendary hockey player turned coach. While this should be the opportunity of a lifetime, she also struggles with severe anxiety, making every new experience feel overwhelming.

Then there's Nick, the campus playboy who has unexpectedly spent the last year celibate. He heads to Canada to play for a hockey team under a coach he can't stand, but not because of hockey. He takes the opportunity solely because it allows him to be close to Tallulah. That reveal made me love him even more.

When Nick discovers Tallulah has a spicy bucket list of experiences she'd like to cross off, he offers to help her check off every item, despite knowing it could very well end with his heart being broken. Their relationship develops through plenty of chemistry, vulnerability, and emotional growth as they both work through their own anxieties and learn that honest communication might be the only way they'll ever have a real chance together.

One thing I especially appreciated was the representation of anxiety. While both characters experience it differently, their struggles felt like an important part of who they were without completely defining them.

Overall, this was another fun, emotional, and spicy hockey romance filled with pining, devotion, chemistry, and two characters learning to navigate their fears together. If you're looking for a college hockey romance with a hero who falls hard, anxiety representation, and a relationship built on patience and support (with plenty of steam along the way), I definitely recommend giving this one a try.

[Rosalily_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Bree Hayden and her team for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of the The Wrong Playbook.❤️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨(4.5)

The Wrong Playbook by Bree Hayden

Release date: 4th August 2026

I had such a fun easy time reading this one! Even though this is book 3 in For the Arena series, these books work really well as interconnected standalones. I’d read book 1 but hadn’t made it to book 2 yet, and I never felt lost.

Nick was a standout character for me. Watching the former playboy fall, and fall hard for Tallulah made him impossible not to love. The chemistry between Nick and Tallulah had me smiling.
And lets not forget Rat Trap 🐈‍⬛she deserves an honourable mention.

The timing, plot, pacing and the character growth flowed.

I enjoyed the story from beginning to end.

Add this book to your to read pile if you like Hockey Romance, Friends to lovers, He falls first, Reformed playboy, Good girl x bad boy, spicy bucket list, and slow burn feelings.


📚Nick has had feelings for Tallulah for a long time, but the moment she start dating his best friend, she becomes completely off limits. Out of respect for both of them, he buries his feelings and keeps his distance.
Even After Tallulah and Fridge part ways, Nick continues to keep his distance.
Tallulah has always been the good girl. Living with anxiety and surrounded by people who have certain expectations of her, she’s spent much of her life playing it safe. But hidden away is a spicy bucket list, she’s always wanted to explore.
When she lands a summer journalism internship in Canada, she decides it’s the perfect opportunity to start ticking a few things off that list. What she doesn’t realise is that Nick has deliberately taken the opportunity to head to Canada to play Hocky for the summer too, hopefully it will give him a chance to spend time with her.
When Nick discovers her bucket list, the reformed playboy offers to help. Tallulah believes they’re entering into a simple friends with benefits arrangement, but Nick has very different intentions. He’s quietly courting her, hoping she’ll fall in love with him before they return home.
Of course, nothing is ever that simple. Nick’s past follows him to Canada, threatening everything he’s worked so hard to build and forcing both of them to confront it.

[Bree · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

I had the honor of being an ARC reader, so I’d like to thank Bree Hayden for the opportunity. In return for the advanced copy, I promised to give my honest thoughts on the book.

I’d say of all the books in the Marrs universe, Nick and Tallulah are one of my favorite couples & characters overall. I love each of their respective personalities and how well they compliment and care for each other. Due to the nature of the story, their relationship moves a little faster for sake of finishing Tallulah’s bucket list during their limited time together. Just from personal preference, I enjoy a bit more of a build. I enjoy the tension. So for that reason, I did rate it a bit lower. I enjoy the diversity Bree Hayden brings to her books with the characters and their overall backgrounds. Bree Hayden also really knows how to bring intimacy into her books, way before it even reaches the bedroom. Each glance and conversation between characters easily builds that tension. And each scene that does get physically intimate, they’re enjoyable because of how she portrays it with such vulnerability and care amongst the characters, making it feel more natural and emotionally intimate.

At times, the story did feel like too much was happening at once or as if certain plot lines were a bit rushed. However it was an overall fun and enjoyable read.

If you’re looking for literary genius, this might not be for you. But if you just want to escape a bit and laugh and enjoy reading about these lovable characters as they learn, grow, and fall in love, then this book, and series, is perfect for you. This can easily be enjoyed by anyone who loves college/sports romance as well as open door spice.

This book, and series as a whole, is read better start to finish, as again, they are well interconnected, but can be read as standalone if you really prefer it that way. I do personally think you’d benefit way more from reading it in order. It starts with the Even the Score series, which centers around the football MMCs. Then it leads into the For the Arena series, centering around the hockey MMCs. The Wrong Playbook is the 3rd book in the For the Arena series, 7th book overall. It is still an ongoing series.

Again, thanks to Bree Hayden for allowing me to read this ahead as an arc reader. I’m excited for the future books.

[Emma Harrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arc Review ✨

I received this book as an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. I want to preface my review by saying that I have not read the first two books in this series but I don’t feel like I was missing out on anything by jumping into book three. So for me, these books can be read as standalones.

I am a huge fan of hockey romance. So I was really excited to be asked to review this book. If the cover alone wasn’t enough to draw me in, the blurb definitely was!

“He should be off limits, but I can't seem to stay away. The more this cocky forward teaches me, the more twisted this becomes. I have just one question. Why did he really come to Canada? And what happens if he came for me?”

Hook. Line. Sinker.

This story follows Nick who is in love with his best friend’s girl and Tallulah, said girl, who has no idea.

I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with Nick the way that I did especially because of the secrets he kept from Tallulah. To me that felt like a red flag… but I do feel like he is given the opportunity to redeem himself and he definitely makes up for it in the end. His growth really made me love him more. I also loved how supportive and caring he was for Tallulah. How he gave her the safe space she needed to express herself.

I also appreciated that first impressions aren’t everything. Tallulah has this reputation for being the shy quiet girl and she’s anything but. She has always done the right thing. She is her parent’s dream child. She has never done something just for her. So when she gets the opportunity to do something for herself that goes against what’s expected of her…whoa baby, you’re in for a ride.

Also, can we take a moment to talk about the spice? This book definitely has its spicy moments but I can appreciate that the whole book wasn’t just spice. This book actually has a story to be told alongside it.

Overall I was very satisfied with this read and look forward to going back to reading book one and two. If they’re anything like The Wrong Playbook, I know I’m going to love them!

Bravo Bree Hayden! This book was the first book I’ve read by you and I am very very impressed. I can’t wait to add it to my library!

[Reece Andriese · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wrong playbook
Tallulah and nick
OK, so this is probably my favorite book out of this series. Yes, I said it! it was so good. Tallulah and Nick surprised me in the best way possible. These two are perfect in a none perfect way together. The way these two start off is so different but makes sense the further you read. There was so much banter, jokes, teasing, understanding, consideration, and special moments between these two.
Nick was painted as a Playboy with no feelings or consideration and was definitely misunderstood but deep down he knew who and what he wanted, but she was out of reach because of his best friend.
Tallulah was always considered the quiet dependable no questions asked, a wallflower type of gal who did the right thing in consideration for everyone else. Internally that wasn’t who she wanted to be nor who she was and no one truly saw her until her ex‘s best friend proved her otherwise.
These two really seen one another made each other feel and experience what has always been missing. They were each other‘s missing puzzle pieces. They learned and understood one another in way no one else has. Nick did everything to win the girl and give her his all talk about a book boyfriend we all need lol. Tallulah showed nick what happiness meant and how to fiercely protect the ones you love. They brought out the good in each other and made each other a better person.
The bucket list/ intimacy was so good it’s going to make you blush. These two were hands down hotter than the sun! The way these two talked in the heat of the moment! Oh dear……
I have always love Bree’s books but this one right here! It’s the one! I absolutely loved it from the beginning to the end and all the in between’s.
I read this in practically one day okay maybe two, I couldn’t put it down! You are going to want to put this on your TBR.
This was a ⭐️/5 star read and beyond! It was just too good.
It was steamy, spicy 🌶️/ 3 these two were, well… you’re gonna blush…..
I have read the books before in this series but with that being said you definitely can read this as a standalone with no confusion.

[Laur · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m so grateful to Bree Hayden and her team for the ARC. I was emotional, I was giggling, I was swooning!

The pace of the story was perfect for a ‘sit and devour’. I truly was disappointed when it ended; I wish it kept going and going and going.

Nick and Tallulah’s story is my favourite in the series so far. I’m a sucker for a reformed and misunderstood playboy MMC who absolutely yearns for the FMC. It’s definitely a spicy story, but in a way that feels necessary for the plot to develop.

We follow Nick and Tallulah from Houston to Toronto for the summer, where Nick is playing for the Toronto Blades and Tallulah is interning as a journalist for the Olympics.

🚨Mini Spoilers Below🚨

We learn early on in the story that although Tallulah dated Fridge, it was Nick that met her first and fell for her. His insecurity about his reputation stopped him from asking Tallulah out, and his best friend Fridge began dating her. Nick, fearing he would further cement his reputation as someone who goes after girlfriends, avoided Tallulah and Fridge while they were together. This avoidance made anxious Tallulah think that Nick didn’t like her at all.

When Tallulah and Fridge broke up six months prior, Nick made the decision to follow Tallulah to Toronto over the summer and to sign with the Toronto Blade for the summer season.

At first, Nick fumbles with how to prove to Tallulah that he is more than who others think. Tallulah is trying to prove to herself that she is more than the labels she has heard describe her. She wants to be fun, spontaneous, and less anxious.

As the story develops, we watch Tallulah gain confidence through trusting Nick with her list. We watch Nick learn to open up to Tallulah and prove he really is boyfriend material.

The story ends right as Nick and Tallulah return to campus for the next year of classes and hockey season.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I truly can’t wait for the next book in the series to see if my theories about Montoya’s post-it note crush are right 👀. Bree also mentions that she has plans for Fridge, although wouldn’t confirm which characters are next in line for their story.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tallulah is the classic shy, sweet girl, and Nick is your typical playboy. He's always avoided talking to her or even getting close to her, and she's never understood why. But when she ends up in Canada for an internship and he signs a contract to play for a Canadian hockey team over the summer, everything starts to change, and both of their lives get turned upside down in the most unexpected way.

Nick is so cute and absolutely hilarious. At first, I really didn't think I was going to like him, but I ended up loving his character. His sweet moments, his funny moments, his scenes with Rat, the way he genuinely cares... he's easily one of my favorite book boyfriends.

I also related so much to Tallulah and her anxiety. Bree Hayden did such an incredible job portraying what living with anxiety actually feels like in different situations that it's impossible not to understand her or empathize with everything she's going through. Especially the scenes with her parents. The way they talk to her and the things they constantly say were honestly exhausting, and they drove me crazy.

The chemistry between Tallulah and Nick is insane. They're also one of the sweetest, healthiest, and most supportive couples I've read in a while. They're literally everything.

As for the side characters, there are two I have to mention: Tomasini and Fridge. They're both unlikeable in very different ways. Tomasini is the kind of character you end up genuinely hating, while Fridge is more of an "I don't really like you" situation. That said, I'm actually really excited that Fridge is getting his own book because now I need to know what happens to him and who he falls for.

The spice level is definitely a 5/5. I've read plenty of spicy books, but this one hits differently. Probably because the spicy scenes never felt like they were there just for the sake of it. They actually served a purpose and fit the story.

I got to the point where I started reading more slowly because I could see the end coming, and I wasn't ready to let this book go. A hangover book is mentioned near the end, and that's exactly what I had after I finished it. This is 100% a book that's worth rereading.

[Sharnyeh · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided by NetGalley

Wow! Where do I start… What a fun and spicy hockey romance. If you like enemies to friends to lovers, found friends, strong character development, a former playboy falling in love with a good girl, then this is the book for you!

Overall I really liked the female characters growth. She started as this timid good girl and by the end, found her voice and who she is. I really liked that the author focused this development around managing anxiety, how it’s different person to person, and how you can become who you are while embracing this part of you. I felt like this is something unique and not seen in many other stories.

One part of the story I thought was well done was the spicy scenes (and boy there is a lot!) It wasn’t just lust and the characters having fun (at first it is) but a storyline that dives into the MFC finding a partner that she can trust to explore her sexuality with and not be afraid to experiment.

We even get a main male character who is a former playboy that learns how to deal and manage with his own flaws, and self esteem issues to be a better person and partner. Sometimes the MMC came across a bit strong and it felt a bit love bomby at times and like he had rose coloured glasses on. This can provoke your emotions and having you going “WHY!!”.

The authors writing style is really easy to read. There are many unexpected plot twists that keep you reading. I did find some dialogue hard to follow as it just flowed, and lacked some of the descriptions used to explain who said what and how. At times it also felt like there may be too many storyline’s (issues with coach, controlling parents, obsessed ex boyfriend, other love interest that had issues with MMC) in one book, however these all concluded really well and each at their own pace. In the end I liked how they all came together.

This is a book that you can definitely read in a day as a standalone, or you could read the other stories in the series.

Thank you Bree Hayden, and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this ARC opportunity and review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Jordy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC and want to give my honest option in return.


If you're looking for a romance that balances heart, humour, spice, and genuine emotional depth, The Wrong Playbook by Bree Hayden absolutely delivers.

I loved that the best friend's ex trope never felt overdone or overly dramatic. Instead, it was handled with maturity, allowing the relationship between Tallulah and Nick to develop naturally without relying on unnecessary conflict.

The diversity throughout the story felt authentic, and I especially appreciated the representation of anxiety. It was portrayed with care and realism, adding another layer of depth to the characters rather than defining them.

Nick completely stole my heart. His yearning, quiet obsession, and unwavering admiration for Tallulah were adorable, making every interaction between them feel meaningful. Watching Tallulah slowly come to terms with who she wanted to be, and finding someone in Nick who gave her the safety and trust to simply exist as herself, was one of my favourite parts of the book. Their emotional connection was just as compelling as their physical one.

Speaking of which, the spice was perfectly balanced. It was undeniably hot, but it never overshadowed the emotional intimacy they built together. Every intimate moment felt earned because of the trust, understanding, and vulnerability they shared.

I also loved seeing men's mental health discussed so openly. It's something we don't see explored nearly enough in romance, and Bree Hayden handled it with sensitivity and care. Combined with a cast of mature twenty-somethings who actually communicated and grew throughout the story, it made this feel incredibly refreshing.

Overall, The Wrong Playbook is a heartfelt, swoon-worthy romance with fantastic character growth, meaningful representation, and a relationship you can't help but root for. If you love romances built on trust, yearning, emotional intimacy, and characters who help each other become their truest selves, this is one I'd definitely recommend.

[Ratsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Let me begin by saying that I love the earlier installments of this series, and the reader would strongly benefit from reading them prior to picking up this book! I'm not just saying that because I loved them; the development for many of the characters takes place across the span of multiple books, and there are even crossover characters between this series and Bree Hayden's football series.

I appreciate an awkward character, and both Nick and Tallulah are endearingly flawed. There are a lot of blunders, a few jerk moves, and quite a bit of "it's against the bro code but it feels so right." If you don't like uncomfortable conversations between best friends, or romantic partners, brace yourself. The first time she rejected him, though, I giggled a lot.

Nick tries so hard to accommodate Tallulah's anxiety, and he really does like the person she is, rather than the person she tries to present as. They build up one another's confidence as they navigate being "friends with benefits" to something more.

There are a lot of plot twists, and a lot of simultaneously occurring plots, but having read Bree Hayden's other books, I found it pretty easy to follow along. The only reason I withheld a star is my own personal taste. A couple of things that bothered me were: 1) "Daddy" as a sex name makes me cringe, and it came up relatively often. 2) Nick's past as a playboy continually coming up, and him not regretting much of it. Sex as vengeance against rivals? It's fine, just not my taste and kept me from having my best time.

I can't wait for the audiobook to come out so that I can listen as I work! Also, I love Montoya. I want a Montoya book! Best wingman, best boy.

Dual POV
Ex's Best friend
Mental health rep (anxiety)
He falls first (and harder)
Spicy bucket list
He loves hates her pet cat
Indigenous rep
Asian-American rep

Check author website for trigger warnings-- stay safe!

[k · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wrong Playbook follows Tallulah, a shy journalism student with anxiety who spends the summer in Canada with Nick, her ex boyfriend's best friend. Nick is a hockey player who has always seemed to dislike her, but she soon realizes that she may have misunderstood his attitude.

This was my second book by Bree Hayden after reading the first book in the series when it originally came out, and I actually really enjoyed both. I especially loved Tallulah in this one because she felt realistic, and I appreciate both the anxiety representation and inclusion of her being Cherokee. Nick was also the type of MMC I usually enjoy. I love when the love interest always needs to be touching her, even in small, nonsexual ways, and he is definitely include in this category. At the same time, I do wish we got to see more of his personality outside of Tallulah. A lot of his thoughts and decisions centered entirely around her, so I would have liked to learn a bit more about his life. That being said, the glimpses we did get into his life with his family added more depth to his character without taking too much attention away from the relationship. I also want to quickly mention that I loved the storyline including Tallulah's cat, Rat, and I was so happy when she appeared in the epilogue!

This is an open door romance with a heat level of about 7/10. The book discusses sexual exploration, but the romance also includes plenty of romantic, affectionate scenes.

I would recommend this to readers who enjoy anxiety representation, hockey romances, shy FMCs, and MMCs who are completely obsessed with their love interest. I rated this book four stars because some of the more intimate elements were not personally for me, but I still enjoyed the romance, characters, and overall story. Thank you to Bree Hayden for providing this book for review. All opinions are my own and I'm excited for Fridge's book!

[Kylie Weigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wrong Playbook follows Tallulah and Nick on their journey of shedding reputations, discovery, sexual acceptance, attraction and a deep understanding of each other. Tallulah is a shy, anxious girl that struggles to find footing in a world that makes her feel like she doesn't belong. She is wicked smart, sensitive and truly an enjoyable character with a spicy side that has yet to be unleashed. Nick is an arrogant and cocky player but underneath is attentive, thoughtful, supportive and obsessed with Tallulah - finding himself following Talulah at any cost of his own comfort. As the unlikely pairing realizes that there's more to unravel with each other as they enter a fast paced, heated summer romance that deviates from the playbook. The love they have for each other didn't just happen overnight, it was a slow attraction that ended in a beautiful and chaotic collision of hearts.

This novel highlights mental health to the highest degree with such an accepting platform that I felt hope for myself. A round of applause for the indigenous representation, not excluding the multicultural base of Nick's character. You'll fall in love with this couple and the story pretty quick. Bree Hayden has delivered once again another story that explores messy complicated characters, intricate diversity and makes a platform for such deep topics that every reader can easily connect with.

Expect hardcore pining, a spicy bucket list, romantic gestures, acceptance, trauma, bad boy x good girl, slow burn, hidden attraction, high tension, banter, obsession, ex boyfriends best friend and an exceptional hockey dynamic that comes with ✨drama✨ and most importantly a reclaiming to autonomy/self confidence.

Bree Hayden is exceptional when it comes to dialogue, high tension/stakes, yearning and balancing emotional topics with grace allowing the weight of trauma and abuse to translate from page to reader rather than glossing briefly over it.

Major thank you to the author for this gifted ARC!

[Crystal Conwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

NetGalley ARC Reviews

The Wrong Playbook by Bree Hayden was such a good college hockey romance. I really enjoyed reading Tallulah and Nick's story. If you love the "opposites attract" trope, this book delivers it perfectly.

Tallulah has spent her entire life blending into the background, playing it safe, and doing what she believes everyone else expects of her. Nick, on the other hand, has a reputation as the hotshot hockey player and campus playboy. But as the saying goes, you can't judge a book by its cover.

Tallulah previously dated Nick's best friend, but after ending the relationship, both her parents and her ex believed it was just a phase. What they didn't know was that Nick had been interested in Tallulah the entire time; he was simply waiting for the right opportunity.

Wanting to explore specific desires in her sex life, Tallulah creates a bucket list after her ex-boyfriend made her feel embarrassed and ashamed for wanting those experiences. Nick steps in as her unexpected knight in shining armor, offering to help her cross items off her list under the pretense that she's helping him learn how to be a better boyfriend. Of course, spending so much time together makes them question whether they can truly remain "just friends" when their feelings continue to grow.

While completing an internship away from her family, Tallulah finally begins to find her voice and gain confidence. Nick, who is playing on a short-term hockey contract, supports her every step of the way, and in return, Tallulah learns to stand up not only for herself but also for Nick and his team.

The story concludes with a satisfying happily ever after that left me excited for future books featuring the other characters.

Content Warnings: anxiety, physical abuse, and emotional abuse. Please be mindful of your personal triggers before reading.

Overall, I absolutely loved this book and can't wait to read more stories from this group of characters!

[Wendy Minore · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all I would like to thank the author for the wonderful opportunity to receive an ARC of this book!

It was really good, and honestly the thing that struck me the most was the representation of anxiety. Tallulah has anxiety, and one of her friends has to explain that to the MMC, Nick. The way that he explained it, and the way that Nick and Tallulah treated it was so wonderful to see because I see it in my everyday life.

Now, Nick is Tallulah’s ex’s best friend. My boyfriend and I giggled about this a bit because he is my best friend’s ex (yes, she’s still my best friend), so that was fun too. I’m not overly fond of how Nick handled that, but I also get it. It was a hard conversation to have.

Also Nick was a player before her, but an absolute bumbling, tongue tied fool around her and I absolutely adored it. The first time he tries to become friends with her is so funny! He screws up every time he opens his mouth and honestly, we need to see men be stupid sometimes. It does good things for a girl to laugh like that.

Plus, she’s a nerd and totally roped him into being one too, convincing him to read with her and even making a spreadsheet to find books he will like. I love a nerdy man. Oh, did I mention he’s been head over heels for her since before she knew he existed? He moved to a different country for a summer program because he knew she would be there. He booked a seat next to her on the plane for a chance to talk to her. He became a reluctant cat dad (and ended up loving the cat like crazy) for her.

It was a good book, there was just a little something missing for me personally. I love when the side characters make the story and honestly none of them really had that spark that I like to see. It’s a personal opinion and I am sure that this will easily be a five star for so many other people!

[Georgina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bree Hayden returns to the steamy world of Mars University with her latest installment in the For the Arena series, The Wrong Playbook. This college hockey romance captivated me with its blend of tension, friendship, and the complexities of being best friends with the ex!.

If you’ve enjoyed the works of Hannah Grace or Elle Kennedy, I think you’ll find this book right up your alley. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone, but I found that starting from Book 1 enriched my experience by introducing me to recurring characters and their intertwined lives. It’s part of the charm that kept me turning the pages.

The Wrong Playbook centres around the dynamic relationship between Tallulah and Nick. I was drawn into Tallulah’s journey, which takes a turn after she breaks up with Nick's best friend and seizes an internship opportunity in Canada. This twist of fate (and a bit of planning hint hint) finds Tallulah and Nick navigating their own complicated feelings while sharing this new adventure together. Their story delicately lies between friends to lovers and sort of I-thought-you-were-my-enemy to lovers, creating lots and lots a great content (iykyk)

I absolutely loved this book—it's possibly my favorite yet of Bree's(and I know I say this for every single one). It’s the perfect combination of steamy and sweet.

So - Join Tallulah and Nick as they discover that sometimes the wrong playbook might lead to the right match. Don’t miss out on this latest addition to Bree Hayden's beloved series—it's time to dive into the heartwarming and exhilarating world of college hockey romance!

The book is out on August 4th - you can pre order below!

Author: Bree Hayden

Series: For the Arena - Book 3

Genre: College Hockey Romance

With thanks to NetGalley for the review copy

[Emily Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a self-declared hockey romance girlie & reader of a lot of hockey romances, this checked all the boxes for me! This is the first ARC I’ve been given the opportunity to read and the first book I’ve read by Bree Hayden, so I can’t wait to go back and read the rest of the series!
The spice in this book is also 🥵🥵🥵 not only were the scenes hot af, but you actually get an idea of how both the characters felt throughout - which you don’t see a lot of in romance novels.

Nick (our mmc) has been yearning for Tallulah (our fmc) for YEARS, but he had to stick to the sidelines because she was dating his best friend. He’s also a bit of a player but he’s more than happy to wait until the time is right to sweep her off of her feet. Incase you’re like “nah he can’t be that desperate” - he’s so obsessed with her that he finds a job in Canada and follows her there just so he can be in the same city as her for the summer, but.. she rejects him so he has an emotional breakdown and binges six cartons of ice cream. If you love a man who YEARNS, then you will no doubt love Nick and the shenanigans he pulls just to get Tallulah to fall in love with him.

Aside from the spice, anxiety is a key part of the story and is really well-represented throughout. Not only do we get Tallulah’s point of view, but we can see how it impacts her friends, family, and relationship. Nick is the perfect boyfriend when it comes to taking care of Tallulah and her mental health, and he is so kind and patient when she needs him to be, but does a really good job at caring about her and pulling her out of her misery and anxiety spirals too.

If you loved Deep End, Off Campus, or literally any other hockey romance, I highly recommend adding this to the TBR!

[Justina · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s very satisfying to be able to say you loved an ARC. And I did. I absolutely, 100% loved The Wrong Playbook. The yearning, the anxiety rep, the characters, this series is such a good time!

I practically inhaled two previous For the Arena books so I tried to pace myself with this one. I looooooove this universe, these characters, their interactions and internal monologues. For the Arena books are fantastic!

the ebook is currently $0.99 on Amazon, do yourself a favor and go pre-order it!

I’m in love with Tallulah and Nick and their relationship. The character growth (and the way they supported each other) was beautiful to witness. All the feels, all the chills. And the spice, as always, is different, and so deliciously spicyyyy!

***

Fav quotes:

“Nick,” Tallulah interjected.
“No.”
“Nick.”
“No.”
Her eyes settled on mine, the softest, deepest, warmest brown. “Nick.”
“Yes,” I said without thinking. Wait, why did I say that? “I mean no. Maybe.”

With a sigh, I pushed myself to stand up. “Anxiety fucking sucks.”
Her eyes dropped to the floor. “I’m sorry⁠—”
“No, anxiety sucks, because it makes you think that you’re to blame. With everything. With anything. That you’re inconveniencing people. That you can’t be happy and take that happiness. Your anxiety convinces you that you don’t deserve it. But this is the truth—” I cut the distance between us, taking her chin between my fingers, making sure she understood every word. “Being with you is a goddamn gift.”

I have a—uh—cat.”
Her mom frowned. “You have a pet?”
“She has two,” I joked, holding out my hand. “Hey, I’m her boyfriend.”


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


I received this book as a free ARC from the Author. My opinion is sincere (and enthusiastic!), I purchased the ebook for myself regardless of having the free ARC copy as I’m in love with this series and I love Bree Hayden’s For the Arena books. <3

I’m so thankful for the opportunity to read this one early.
I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Montoya’s book is next. Something’s up with those post-its…

[Paige Rothwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite things about The Wrong Playbook is that it never feels like it’s trying to rush to the romance. Every conversation, every moment of growth, every choice feels intentional. Like each chapter is another carefully placed puzzle piece that slowly reveals the bigger picture.

I had the privilege of experiencing this story twice—first as a beta reader and again as an ARC reader. Seeing it from those two perspectives made me appreciate just how thoughtfully Bree Hayden crafted every layer. Nothing felt wasted. Every scene had a purpose, and by the end it all came together beautifully.

Yes, Nick is swoon-worthy. Watching him quietly choose Tallulah long before she ever chose him had me smiling more times than I can count. But what stayed with me most wasn’t just the romance.

It was Tallulah.

Watching her slowly grow into herself reminded me of flowers. A flower doesn’t bloom because someone tells it to. It blooms when it’s given the right conditions: water, sunlight, care, and time. Tallulah’s journey felt exactly like that. When someone believes in you, respects you, and makes you feel safe, you begin to see yourself differently too.

Nick never tried to change her. He simply loved the person she already was while giving her the confidence to believe it herself.

The anxiety representation felt genuine, the character growth was beautifully layered, and the chemistry between these two never relied on big dramatic moments. Instead, it was built through trust, patience, friendship, and choosing each other again and again.

If you love college hockey romances with slow burn tension, an ex’s best friend trope, found family, emotional growth, and a hero who proves love through his actions instead of just his words, don’t miss The Wrong Playbook.

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC FINISHED! ☑️

Title: The Wrong Playbook by @breehaydenauthor

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spicy/ Smut: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/ 🥵🥵

This book had me hooked from the first couple lines!

I absolutely loved this book! I gave it 5 stars! I loved how after the book ended the author gave us an epilogue of what happened to the characters and where there life went after the book ended which I absolutely loved bc I hate having to guess what happen to the characters! This book definitely deserves the 5 stars !

Tululah is the FMC she is an college student who wants to be a journalist,she has a lot of anxiety, which causes her to overthink and believes she is a burden to people, her and her ex boyfriend broke up and she was accepted into a journalist summer contest, trying to make herself into a better person and branch out to do things she normally would be to scared to do and after her ex told her it would be a mistake to take the position, bc she would be to scared, she took the position just to prove could do things without him and by herself! She is also being a smex bucket list with her of things she wants to do while she’s in Canada!

Nick is the MMC, he’s a hockey player ,reformed playboy, tululah ex boyfriends best friend and absolutely secretly in love with tululah, they use to be friends he wanted to ask her out but his best friend got to her first and asked her out! He applied for a summer hockey league in Canada just to be able to spend time with her and get closer to her!

With close proximity, and have a smex bucket list, and those 2 being the only ones in Canada that knows each other, I bet they will definitely keep there distance and not start a secret relationship! 😳🤭🤭

[Book Addict · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wrong Playbook is a college hockey romance that delivers a balance of romance, emotional vulnerability, humour, and slow-burning tension. Set against the backdrop of a summer journalistic internship in Canada and the high-energy world of competitive hockey, the novel follows Tallulah, a determined but anxious individual, to reclaim her confidence and redefine herself after a painful breakup. When her ex's best friend, charismatic hockey star Nick, enters the picture, what begins as a fresh start quickly becomes something far more complicated.

One of the standout aspects of this book is the authors writing style. The dialogue feels natural and relatable, the pacing keeps the story moving effortlessly, and the characters' emotions are portrayed with authenticity. Hayden has a talent for creating protagonists who feel real, flawed, and easy to root for. The heroine's journey of self-discovery is especially compelling; beneath the romance is a story about finding your voice, embracing change, and learning to let go of the labels others place on you. I also liked how the author allows their relationship to develop through trust, friendship, and emotional connection. Nick appears to fit the playboy hockey-player stereotype, but as layers of his character are revealed, he becomes one of the book's most endearing strengths. With memorable characters, sharp writing, and an emotionally satisfying journey, this is a book that will leave readers smiling long after the final chapter..

[Tanisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sports romances continue to be some of my favorite comfort reads, and hockey romances rarely have to work hard to get my attention. “The Wrong Playbook” is the third book in the “For the Arena” series, and although I have not read the first two, I had no trouble jumping into this one. From the beginning, I could tell Nick and Tallulah's story was going to be MESSY, but in the best possible way.

I really liked both Nick and Tallulah, especially once I understood their history. I found it funny that Tallulah thought Nick hated her when the truth was basically the complete opposite. Of course, the fact that she dated his best friend made everything much more complicated. Watching them go from hooking up, to friends with benefits, to realizing there were some very real feelings involved kept me invested.

There was also more emotional depth than I expected. Both characters deal with anxiety, and I liked seeing them become a source of support for each other. The storyline involving Nick's coach was much heavier, and I absolutely loved Tallulah's role in how everything eventually played out. My only real complaint is that I wish we had gotten more closure between Nick and Fridge.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It had romance, friendship drama, hockey, plenty of spice, and just enough messiness to keep me turning pages. I also loved the epilogue, which jumps pretty far into the future and gives Nick and Tallulah a very satisfying ending.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

[Kacey Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to score an early ARC of The Wrong Playbook by Bree Hayden, and let me tell you, I completely devoured this book! I even stayed up until 2:30 AM on a work night just to finish it because it was absolutely impossible to put down. 🏒🔥

This book follows Tallulah as she heads off on a summer internship to reinvent herself and tackle a spicy bucket list. The catch? She’s stuck flying with Nick—the infamous playboy hockey star who also happens to be her ex’s best friend!

The tension and dual perspectives in this book are absolute perfection. Just look at these quotes that completely stole my heart:

🦅 From Nick:

“For the first time in my life, I was tongue-tied around a girl.” 🥺

“When they broke up in January, it was the first real breath of air in my lungs.” (The forbidden tension is SO real!)

🦋 From Tallulah:

“Instant butterflies erupted inside of me like someone kicked open the door to an emporium.”

📖 And as an avid reader, this last one spoke directly to my soul:

“You read because your soul needs to!” — I felt this line so deeply! It's officially my new life motto. 🤍🤯

Fun fact: A random side character in this book actually shares my exact name with the exact same spelling! I have never seen my name (Kacey) used in a book before, so finding it in these pages felt like total fate.

If you love forbidden dynamics, playboy-meets-good-girl tropes, and plenty of hockey spice, this is the book for you!

Thank you so much to the author for providing a complimentary advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own!

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐. 2
Out of all the books I've read from Bree Hayden this one is by my favorite
They so very sweet and tender with each other and I truly found it so enduring
I liked how nice gave Tallulah space to be herself but to feel safe in opening herself up to him and not feeling anxious around him and they are very adventurous i think it was good how there was so much talk about safety but making sure both felt safe and comfortable with everything that was happening it was talked about really well I really liked their dynamic together . I also really liked the diversity in the book.
Both mmcs doing stuff that the other would like is honestly just perfect!
What I didn't like was how nick was supposedly already obsessed with Tallulah before the book but it took him way longer for him to open up to her like there was so many things he was keeping from her and some i can understand and definitely why there was no fight on it but some i felt like they at least needed a longer discussion on it
And her parents they just didn't see her and her potential but were so obsessed on her getting back together with her ex and honestly her saying no should have been enough especially when this man truly didn't know her the way nick did in less time .
But they were so rude when they finally got together and the only reason they were "nice" was because she said she would leave I wanted more in depth talk about it and them make a genuine effort with him instead of the fake niceness we got .
But overall this was such a good read !!
Thank you for letting me arc read!!