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Hockey Ever After #2
Just Playing for Keeps
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Expected 3 Jun 26Win a free print copy of this book!
10 days and 07:59:49
10 copies available
U.S. only
A grumpy/sunshine fake dating hockey romance from #1 NYT Bestseller Lauren Blakely!
Ever hear the story about the dating coach who got dumped on the hockey arena’s jumbotron?
Everyone did. But I lived it. Including the moment when the team’s broody, tattooed winger Lake Axelrod swooped in on skates to rescue me from public humiliation.
Even more surprising? When the famously grumpy (and ridiculously sexy) hockey star insists on being my fake boyfriend for my sister’s high-profile wedding.
It’s the perfect sweet revenge plan since my ex is the best man. Bonus – I might even salvage my professional reputation.
We need rules though.
1. To pull this off, everyone from his teammates to my boss has to believe we’re a real couple.
2. That means swoony touches and knee-weakening kisses are required.
3. When it ends, we walk away.
But the intensity in Lake’s eyes after every post-game kiss makes me wonder if he’s pretending. With each whispered secret, the line between fake and real bends. Until it shatters one night in a hotel room.
Soon, he isn’t just playing the protective boyfriend—he’s the only one who truly sees me.
If I’m not careful, I’m going to break the most important rule of all: don’t fall for your fake date.
This is Lake and Remy's romance. Tropes include: grumpy/sunshine hockey romance, fake dating, workplace romance, best friend's brother, obsessed hero
Ever hear the story about the dating coach who got dumped on the hockey arena’s jumbotron?
Everyone did. But I lived it. Including the moment when the team’s broody, tattooed winger Lake Axelrod swooped in on skates to rescue me from public humiliation.
Even more surprising? When the famously grumpy (and ridiculously sexy) hockey star insists on being my fake boyfriend for my sister’s high-profile wedding.
It’s the perfect sweet revenge plan since my ex is the best man. Bonus – I might even salvage my professional reputation.
We need rules though.
1. To pull this off, everyone from his teammates to my boss has to believe we’re a real couple.
2. That means swoony touches and knee-weakening kisses are required.
3. When it ends, we walk away.
But the intensity in Lake’s eyes after every post-game kiss makes me wonder if he’s pretending. With each whispered secret, the line between fake and real bends. Until it shatters one night in a hotel room.
Soon, he isn’t just playing the protective boyfriend—he’s the only one who truly sees me.
If I’m not careful, I’m going to break the most important rule of all: don’t fall for your fake date.
This is Lake and Remy's romance. Tropes include: grumpy/sunshine hockey romance, fake dating, workplace romance, best friend's brother, obsessed hero
Audiobook
Expected publication June 3, 2026
About the author
Lauren Blakely
249 books25k followersYou can find Lauren on TikTok at @laurenblakelybooks! A #1 New York Times Bestselling, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and #1 Audible Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s sexy, feel-good and witty. Lauren likes dogs, cake and show tunes and she is the vegetarian at your dinner party.
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May 21, 2026𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒ᰔᩚ
𝙥𝙧𝙚-𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙: currently in my hockey romance era and this one has fake dating so my expectations are already dangerously high
thank you so much to Hambright PR and Lauren Blakely for the ARC + ALC 🎧💕
⋮ ⌗ ┆ 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙚𝙙: 21st May,2026
𝙥𝙧𝙚-𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙: currently in my hockey romance era and this one has fake dating so my expectations are already dangerously high
thank you so much to Hambright PR and Lauren Blakely for the ARC + ALC 🎧💕
⋮ ⌗ ┆ 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙚𝙙: 21st May,2026
May 18, 2026
Remy Hatmaker was dumped in the most embarrassing way in front of the world. Thank goodness hockey right winger, Lake Axelrod, was watching and stepped in to help. Now, she needs a date to her sister’s wedding since her ex is the best man and Lake wants to be her faux boyfriend to help her out. One thing though, he might be emotionally unavailable but he always had a thing for Remy. Can being her “boyfriend” maybe get him to open up to something real? This is a sweet, faux boyfriend romance. Lake was such a sweet man even with his occasional grump persona and Remy was his perfect match. Told in first person and dual POV.
May 22, 2026
ALC 4.25 ⭐
LOVED THIS!!!!
such a fun cute little hockey romance.
Lake was just 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹❤️🔥
Everything you want in a man!!!!
This was very trope heavy, fake dating, best friends brother, one bed BUUUUUUT it was all done well!
And the audio 👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽 DELISH
lakes dad at the end, my heart!!!!! Officially in my hockey romance era.
LOVED THIS!!!!
such a fun cute little hockey romance.
Lake was just 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹❤️🔥
Everything you want in a man!!!!
This was very trope heavy, fake dating, best friends brother, one bed BUUUUUUT it was all done well!
And the audio 👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽 DELISH
lakes dad at the end, my heart!!!!! Officially in my hockey romance era.
May 20, 2026
Hockey fake dating romances are pretty common and are quite literally what I’m craving considering I just finished watching Off Campus. This book was beautifully written, with the sweetest and most lovable characters that made on of the most cliche sports romances storylines into a book I will not forget. This book is kind of a forging of Play Along by Liz Tomforde (with Lake being obsessed with her while she was engaged to someone else) and The Deal by Elle Kennedy (with the fake dating and one bed trope that had me swooning).This book has the one bed trope in its complete and utter glory! They’ve been fake dating a while and literally salivating over each other, so once they have to share a bed the tension SNAPS. The plot is pretty good and despite the many cliches had so many fun and unique parts too. Most of it was cute and focused on them selling in their fake relationship (which they had no problem doing) and trying not to fall in love. I did love how possessive Lake got though and the cute like “before I do” to do list which was beautiful. The characters really caught my attention, both Lake and Remy were so special and relatable. Despite his grumpy hockey player persona, Lake is actually a nature enthusiast with a PhD in pining. Because his longing stares are soo obvious the whole team knows before he does and when she’s single this man does not let the chance go to waste. He is also the epitome of the gift giving love language, the amount of sweet and thoughtful gifts he left her had me swept off my feet. Remy is his total opposite but also so similar to him in many ways, she’s sunshiney and a romantic at heart but also loves the quiet and nature. They fit perfectly like two pieces of a puzzle and made me so jealous and hopeful of finding someone who just gets me like that. Overall a perfect swoony, spicy, sports romance and I give it a 5/5
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May 21, 2026
Y'all know I by now that if Lauren writes it, I am gonna devour it! Remy & Lake are no different! I love me some grumpy x sunshine/fake dating, and they are such a fun time!
Audio: Full cast & duet is basically my catnip that instantly makes any story better, & this one is no different! This one is led by Erin Mallon and Jason Clarke who are fantastic! They bring Remy and Lake to life so well, really capturing their chemistry & banter! Loved loved loved! 1000% recommend for immersive reading!
Story: Fake dating, grumpy x sunshine, best friend's brother? Hockey? Written by Lauren? These are a few of my favorite things! I love how this one started, I mean I FELT the second hand embarrassment for Remy & was cringing so hard for her, but boyyyy did it lead to the best thing with Lake! Lake, who has had a little something something for Remy for a hot minute, & can't stand to see her hurting. Lake, who is down bad but a little damaged. Lake who wants so much more than just putting on a show for Remy's ex! If ya can't tell, I liked him a smidge.
I enjoyed this one so much, it was a fun, sweet, & spicy ride! The way Lake grew was also done so well! I don't want to give it all away, so I'll leave it with I love Remy & Lake, & I love their journey!
*Thank you to Lauren & team for the ARC & ALC opportunity!*
Audio: Full cast & duet is basically my catnip that instantly makes any story better, & this one is no different! This one is led by Erin Mallon and Jason Clarke who are fantastic! They bring Remy and Lake to life so well, really capturing their chemistry & banter! Loved loved loved! 1000% recommend for immersive reading!
Story: Fake dating, grumpy x sunshine, best friend's brother? Hockey? Written by Lauren? These are a few of my favorite things! I love how this one started, I mean I FELT the second hand embarrassment for Remy & was cringing so hard for her, but boyyyy did it lead to the best thing with Lake! Lake, who has had a little something something for Remy for a hot minute, & can't stand to see her hurting. Lake, who is down bad but a little damaged. Lake who wants so much more than just putting on a show for Remy's ex! If ya can't tell, I liked him a smidge.
I enjoyed this one so much, it was a fun, sweet, & spicy ride! The way Lake grew was also done so well! I don't want to give it all away, so I'll leave it with I love Remy & Lake, & I love their journey!
*Thank you to Lauren & team for the ARC & ALC opportunity!*
May 17, 2026
Beta-full review to come!
May 22, 2026
who doesn’t love a grumpy hockey player? great book #2 of the series. thoroughly enjoyed it and looking forward to the next couple! thanks hambright for the ALC.
May 21, 2026
I do believe this is my favorite book by Lauren Blakey! Absolutely loved Remy and Lake’s story. Audio version so also loved the narrators! Such a great hockey romance series !
May 22, 2026
He fell first, faked it better, and ruined me completely
4.75 ⭐️ | 3 🌶️
Lauren Blakely really said, “Here’s a grumpy widower hockey player with tattoos, emotional baggage, a filthy mouth, and an obsession with one sunshine woman,” and expected me to survive? Absolutely not.
Just Playing For Keeps was everything I wanted in a hockey romance and then some. Funny, swoony, deeply emotional, ridiculously sexy, and packed with the kind of chemistry that makes you grin like an idiot while reading. Lauren’s writing has this addictive energy to it: quirky banter, heartfelt vulnerability, razor-sharp humour, and enough tension to short-circuit my brain. And yes… her men continue to speak in ways that should honestly come with a warning label.
Remy was such a lovable FMC. A serial planner, hopeless romantic, and professional date curator who gets publicly dumped on the jumbotron at a hockey game? The secondhand embarrassment nearly took me out. But what I loved most was how real she felt beneath all her sunshine energy. She’s trying to hold herself together while quietly questioning her worth, her career, and what love is actually supposed to look like.
And then there’s Lake Axelrod.
Good lord.
Lake is the definition of “acts grumpy but loves with his entire soul.” A broody hockey player carrying devastating grief, silently pining for Remy for over a year, and stepping in to fake date her? That man never stood a chance around her, and honestly neither did I. The way he cared for her, protected her, noticed every tiny thing about her… it was intense in the best possible way. Beneath all the growling and possessiveness was someone incredibly tender and broken, and watching him slowly open up wrecked me emotionally.
The fake dating trope here was executed SO well. The forced proximity, the “only one bed,” the lingering touches that definitely start feeling real, the jealousy, the loaded kisses after games… every moment felt charged. Lauren absolutely nailed that delicious transition from pretending to something painfully genuine.
But what really elevated this story for me was the emotional depth underneath all the flirting and spice. Lake’s grief storyline was handled with so much care, and the conversations about loss, healing, and allowing yourself to love again felt raw and honest without ever losing the fun energy of the romance.
Also… the man is DOWN BAD. Completely obsessed. Utterly gone for her. My favourite genre of fictional man.
This book made me laugh, swoon, clutch my chest, and ignore my responsibilities for hours; which is exactly what I want from a Lauren Blakely romance. She truly does what she does best: delivers characters with explosive chemistry, emotional vulnerability, hilarious banter, and romance that feels both escapist and deeply heartfelt.
And now I’ll be impatiently waiting for book three like my life depends on it.
Thank you so much to Hambright PR for the e-ARC & e-ALC, and a huge congratulations in advance to Lauren Blakely on another addictive hockey romance release!
4.75 ⭐️ | 3 🌶️
Lauren Blakely really said, “Here’s a grumpy widower hockey player with tattoos, emotional baggage, a filthy mouth, and an obsession with one sunshine woman,” and expected me to survive? Absolutely not.
Just Playing For Keeps was everything I wanted in a hockey romance and then some. Funny, swoony, deeply emotional, ridiculously sexy, and packed with the kind of chemistry that makes you grin like an idiot while reading. Lauren’s writing has this addictive energy to it: quirky banter, heartfelt vulnerability, razor-sharp humour, and enough tension to short-circuit my brain. And yes… her men continue to speak in ways that should honestly come with a warning label.
Remy was such a lovable FMC. A serial planner, hopeless romantic, and professional date curator who gets publicly dumped on the jumbotron at a hockey game? The secondhand embarrassment nearly took me out. But what I loved most was how real she felt beneath all her sunshine energy. She’s trying to hold herself together while quietly questioning her worth, her career, and what love is actually supposed to look like.
And then there’s Lake Axelrod.
Good lord.
Lake is the definition of “acts grumpy but loves with his entire soul.” A broody hockey player carrying devastating grief, silently pining for Remy for over a year, and stepping in to fake date her? That man never stood a chance around her, and honestly neither did I. The way he cared for her, protected her, noticed every tiny thing about her… it was intense in the best possible way. Beneath all the growling and possessiveness was someone incredibly tender and broken, and watching him slowly open up wrecked me emotionally.
The fake dating trope here was executed SO well. The forced proximity, the “only one bed,” the lingering touches that definitely start feeling real, the jealousy, the loaded kisses after games… every moment felt charged. Lauren absolutely nailed that delicious transition from pretending to something painfully genuine.
But what really elevated this story for me was the emotional depth underneath all the flirting and spice. Lake’s grief storyline was handled with so much care, and the conversations about loss, healing, and allowing yourself to love again felt raw and honest without ever losing the fun energy of the romance.
Also… the man is DOWN BAD. Completely obsessed. Utterly gone for her. My favourite genre of fictional man.
This book made me laugh, swoon, clutch my chest, and ignore my responsibilities for hours; which is exactly what I want from a Lauren Blakely romance. She truly does what she does best: delivers characters with explosive chemistry, emotional vulnerability, hilarious banter, and romance that feels both escapist and deeply heartfelt.
And now I’ll be impatiently waiting for book three like my life depends on it.
Thank you so much to Hambright PR for the e-ARC & e-ALC, and a huge congratulations in advance to Lauren Blakely on another addictive hockey romance release!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Lauren Blakely & Good Girls PR for this ALC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Sometimes a romance novel knows exactly what readers want and delivers every single trope with confidence.
That was absolutely my experience with Just Playing for Keeps.
Fake dating. Hockey romance. Grumpy/sunshine. Best friend’s brother. Obsessed hero. This book basically walked into the room carrying a checklist of my favorite romance tropes and somehow made all of them work together naturally.
For my first Lauren Blakely novel, I’ve got to say… I’m a fan.
The chemistry between Lake and Remy works immediately, both emotionally and physically. Lake delivers exactly the kind of broody hockey-player energy readers want from this trope, while Remy balances him perfectly with warmth and humor. The grumpy/sunshine dynamic never feels forced, and the fake dating tension creates plenty of entertaining moments throughout the story.
One of the biggest strengths here is how easy the book is to consume. The pacing absolutely flies by. I listened to the audiobook version, and the duet narration from Erin Mallon and Jason Clarke elevated the entire experience. Their performances work incredibly well together, especially during the banter-heavy and emotional scenes. This became one of those audiobooks you can throw on while cleaning the house, sitting in car line, or even working, and still stay fully engaged the entire time.
Lauren Blakely’s writing style also worked perfectly for me. The prose feels natural, conversational, and approachable without losing emotional weight. Some romance novels get bogged down trying to sound overly dramatic or overly witty. This one simply feels comfortable in its own voice, which made it incredibly easy to binge.
Most importantly, the book understands exactly what kind of reading experience it wants to provide. This is not trying to reinvent romance. It is trying to give readers a fun, emotional, chemistry-filled hockey romance that fully commits to the tropes people love. And honestly? It succeeds.
⭐ Category Breakdown ⭐
Storytelling: 4.0
Trope-heavy in the best possible way.
Character Work: 4.0
Lake and Remy’s chemistry absolutely carries the story.
Pacing: 4.0
Fast, entertaining, and elevated by fantastic duet narration.
Prose & Style: 5.0
Natural, approachable writing that makes the story incredibly easy to binge.
Emotional Impact: 4.0
A romance I would absolutely recommend to hockey romance readers.
⭐ Final Rating ⭐
Average: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Final Thoughts
This was exactly the kind of romance read I wanted it to be.
Fun chemistry. Strong tropes. Great audio performances. And a writing style that makes the pages disappear quickly.
I’ll absolutely be continuing with Lauren Blakely’s work, and if hockey romance is your thing, this is definitely one to pick up when it releases on June 3rd.
Sometimes a romance novel knows exactly what readers want and delivers every single trope with confidence.
That was absolutely my experience with Just Playing for Keeps.
Fake dating. Hockey romance. Grumpy/sunshine. Best friend’s brother. Obsessed hero. This book basically walked into the room carrying a checklist of my favorite romance tropes and somehow made all of them work together naturally.
For my first Lauren Blakely novel, I’ve got to say… I’m a fan.
The chemistry between Lake and Remy works immediately, both emotionally and physically. Lake delivers exactly the kind of broody hockey-player energy readers want from this trope, while Remy balances him perfectly with warmth and humor. The grumpy/sunshine dynamic never feels forced, and the fake dating tension creates plenty of entertaining moments throughout the story.
One of the biggest strengths here is how easy the book is to consume. The pacing absolutely flies by. I listened to the audiobook version, and the duet narration from Erin Mallon and Jason Clarke elevated the entire experience. Their performances work incredibly well together, especially during the banter-heavy and emotional scenes. This became one of those audiobooks you can throw on while cleaning the house, sitting in car line, or even working, and still stay fully engaged the entire time.
Lauren Blakely’s writing style also worked perfectly for me. The prose feels natural, conversational, and approachable without losing emotional weight. Some romance novels get bogged down trying to sound overly dramatic or overly witty. This one simply feels comfortable in its own voice, which made it incredibly easy to binge.
Most importantly, the book understands exactly what kind of reading experience it wants to provide. This is not trying to reinvent romance. It is trying to give readers a fun, emotional, chemistry-filled hockey romance that fully commits to the tropes people love. And honestly? It succeeds.
⭐ Category Breakdown ⭐
Storytelling: 4.0
Trope-heavy in the best possible way.
Character Work: 4.0
Lake and Remy’s chemistry absolutely carries the story.
Pacing: 4.0
Fast, entertaining, and elevated by fantastic duet narration.
Prose & Style: 5.0
Natural, approachable writing that makes the story incredibly easy to binge.
Emotional Impact: 4.0
A romance I would absolutely recommend to hockey romance readers.
⭐ Final Rating ⭐
Average: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Final Thoughts
This was exactly the kind of romance read I wanted it to be.
Fun chemistry. Strong tropes. Great audio performances. And a writing style that makes the pages disappear quickly.
I’ll absolutely be continuing with Lauren Blakely’s work, and if hockey romance is your thing, this is definitely one to pick up when it releases on June 3rd.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Just Playing for Keeps by Lauren Blakely — 5 ⭐️
Lauren Blakely seriously does it again. This book was EVERYTHING I want in a hockey romance and fake dating done right. From the very first jumbotron breakup scene, I was completely hooked. The second Remi gets publicly dumped and Lake swoops in to save her? Immediate obsession.
Remi was such a refreshing FMC. She’s a relationship coach/date designer who fully believes in romance, love, and happily ever afters, which made her heartbreak hit even harder. And Lake? Oh my god. This man. He’s a grumpy NHL hockey player wrapped up in alpha protective energy, but underneath all that he’s also a total cinnamon roll golden retriever of a man. The combination WORKED SO WELL. Add in the fact that he’s secretly been crushing on Remi forever, she’s his sister’s best friend, AND he’s a widower carrying emotional baggage? Yeah. I was done for.
The banter in this book was top tier. It had so many genuinely funny romcom moments balanced perfectly with emotional depth. The pacing was honestly phenomenal too. Nothing felt rushed, which is so important in fake dating romances. Watching these two naturally go from acquaintances to friendship to fake dating to something real felt effortless and believable.
I also really loved that both characters had insecurities and emotional walls they had to work through. Neither of them fully believed they deserved love or another chance at happiness, and seeing them slowly heal and choose each other was so rewarding.
And let’s not forget Thor the cat because honestly he deserves his own honorary mention.
If you love:
* Fake dating
* Hockey romance
* Grumpy/sunshine vibes
* Sister’s best friend
* Protective MMC
* Pining hero
* Banter-filled romcoms
* Emotional healing
* Cats in romance novels
…this one absolutely delivers. One of my favorite Lauren Blakely romances yet.
Thank you so much to Hambright PR for gifting me an ALC of this story. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to listen to this absolutely fabulous romance. The narration by Erin Mallon and Jason Clarke was PERFECT. These two together are honestly chef’s kiss and brought so much emotion, humor, and chemistry to Lake and Remi’s story. We also get performances from Savannah Thomas and Ryan West, which made the audiobook experience even better. I highly, highly recommend picking this one up on audio because it is SO GOOD.
Lauren Blakely seriously does it again. This book was EVERYTHING I want in a hockey romance and fake dating done right. From the very first jumbotron breakup scene, I was completely hooked. The second Remi gets publicly dumped and Lake swoops in to save her? Immediate obsession.
Remi was such a refreshing FMC. She’s a relationship coach/date designer who fully believes in romance, love, and happily ever afters, which made her heartbreak hit even harder. And Lake? Oh my god. This man. He’s a grumpy NHL hockey player wrapped up in alpha protective energy, but underneath all that he’s also a total cinnamon roll golden retriever of a man. The combination WORKED SO WELL. Add in the fact that he’s secretly been crushing on Remi forever, she’s his sister’s best friend, AND he’s a widower carrying emotional baggage? Yeah. I was done for.
The banter in this book was top tier. It had so many genuinely funny romcom moments balanced perfectly with emotional depth. The pacing was honestly phenomenal too. Nothing felt rushed, which is so important in fake dating romances. Watching these two naturally go from acquaintances to friendship to fake dating to something real felt effortless and believable.
I also really loved that both characters had insecurities and emotional walls they had to work through. Neither of them fully believed they deserved love or another chance at happiness, and seeing them slowly heal and choose each other was so rewarding.
And let’s not forget Thor the cat because honestly he deserves his own honorary mention.
If you love:
* Fake dating
* Hockey romance
* Grumpy/sunshine vibes
* Sister’s best friend
* Protective MMC
* Pining hero
* Banter-filled romcoms
* Emotional healing
* Cats in romance novels
…this one absolutely delivers. One of my favorite Lauren Blakely romances yet.
Thank you so much to Hambright PR for gifting me an ALC of this story. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to listen to this absolutely fabulous romance. The narration by Erin Mallon and Jason Clarke was PERFECT. These two together are honestly chef’s kiss and brought so much emotion, humor, and chemistry to Lake and Remi’s story. We also get performances from Savannah Thomas and Ryan West, which made the audiobook experience even better. I highly, highly recommend picking this one up on audio because it is SO GOOD.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Lauren Blakely for the ARC and ALC.
This was such a fun, sweet and spicy hockey romance, and honestly Lake had me from the second he skated in to help Remy after the most brutal public breakup. Being dumped is bad enough, but on a jumbotron? Absolutely not. The second Lake stepped in, I was already seated for whatever was about to happen between these two.
Remy is a romance planner, so the fact her own romantic moment went completely sideways was kind of heartbreaking but also such a good setup. She’s trying to hold herself together, deal with the embarrassment, and still show up for her sister’s wedding, where her ex just happens to be the best man. So naturally, fake dating Lake seems like the perfect plan.
Except Lake was never really giving fake.
I really loved him. He’s grumpy, protective, a little broody, and carrying his own grief and stress, but underneath all of that he is soft in the ways that matter. The way he looks after Remy, supports her, and slowly lets her see the real him made me love him even more. And Remy brought out such a gorgeous side of him. She had this bright, warm energy without feeling over the top, and I loved watching her work out what she actually wanted for herself.
The chemistry between them was so good. The banter was fun, the fake dating was cute, and once the one bed situation came in… yeah, things definitely started heating up. The spice was really well done, but it still had that emotional side behind it, which I always love.
I also listened to the audio and the duet narration was such a good time. Jason Clarke and Erin Mallon did such a great job as Lake and Remy, and the full cast made it feel even more alive. It was one of those audios that was just so enjoyable to listen to.
This had fake dating, hockey romance, best friend’s brother, grumpy/sunshine, one bed, an obsessed MMC, family moments, grief, healing and a cat named Thor who absolutely deserved his own spotlight.
The ending was so cute and I did have tears in my eyes!
Overall, this was such a sweet, spicy and easy-to-love hockey romance. Lake and Remy were adorable, the audio was great, and I had the best time with it.
The bloopers at the end was also fantastic!
4.5 ⭐️
3.75 🌶️
Review of advance copy
🩷 Blurb-
A grumpy/sunshine fake dating hockey romance from #1 NYT Bestseller Lauren Blakely!
Ever hear the story about the dating coach who got dumped on the hockey arena’s jumbotron?
Everyone did. But I lived it. Including the moment when Lake Axelrod, the team’s broody, tattooed right winger, swooped in on skates to rescue me from public humiliation.
Even more surprising? When the famously grumpy (and ridiculously sexy) hockey star insists on being my fake boyfriend for my sister’s high-profile wedding.
It’s the perfect plan. His family stops pressuring him to settle down, and I’ll get the ultimate revenge, since my ex is the best man. Bonus – I might even salvage my professional reputation.
We need rules though.
1. To pull this off, everyone from his teammates to my boss has to believe we’re a real couple.
2. That means swoony touches and knee-weakening kisses are required.
3. When it ends, we walk away.
But the intensity in Lake’s eyes after every post-game kiss makes me wonder if he’s pretending. With each whispered secret, the line between fake and real bends. Until it shatters one night in a hotel room.
Soon, he isn’t just playing the protective boyfriend—he’s the only one who truly sees me.
If I’m not careful, I’m going to break the most important rule of all: don’t fall for your fake date.
This is Lake and Remy's romance. Tropes include: grumpy/sunshine hockey romance, fake dating, workplace romance, best friend's brother, obsessed hero.
🩵 Review -
Even though I hadn't read the first book in the series I soon understood who was who and what was going on. The story was cute and easy to follow and had a good cast of characters. I also loved the main characters chemistry and I wanted them to have their happy ending. I'm loving all the sports romance novels that are around at the moment and the author wrote it really well. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Hambright PR and the author Lauren Blakely for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
A grumpy/sunshine fake dating hockey romance from #1 NYT Bestseller Lauren Blakely!
Ever hear the story about the dating coach who got dumped on the hockey arena’s jumbotron?
Everyone did. But I lived it. Including the moment when Lake Axelrod, the team’s broody, tattooed right winger, swooped in on skates to rescue me from public humiliation.
Even more surprising? When the famously grumpy (and ridiculously sexy) hockey star insists on being my fake boyfriend for my sister’s high-profile wedding.
It’s the perfect plan. His family stops pressuring him to settle down, and I’ll get the ultimate revenge, since my ex is the best man. Bonus – I might even salvage my professional reputation.
We need rules though.
1. To pull this off, everyone from his teammates to my boss has to believe we’re a real couple.
2. That means swoony touches and knee-weakening kisses are required.
3. When it ends, we walk away.
But the intensity in Lake’s eyes after every post-game kiss makes me wonder if he’s pretending. With each whispered secret, the line between fake and real bends. Until it shatters one night in a hotel room.
Soon, he isn’t just playing the protective boyfriend—he’s the only one who truly sees me.
If I’m not careful, I’m going to break the most important rule of all: don’t fall for your fake date.
This is Lake and Remy's romance. Tropes include: grumpy/sunshine hockey romance, fake dating, workplace romance, best friend's brother, obsessed hero.
🩵 Review -
Even though I hadn't read the first book in the series I soon understood who was who and what was going on. The story was cute and easy to follow and had a good cast of characters. I also loved the main characters chemistry and I wanted them to have their happy ending. I'm loving all the sports romance novels that are around at the moment and the author wrote it really well. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Hambright PR and the author Lauren Blakely for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2026
Remy Hatmaker just wants to create a perfect moment for the proposal she thinks is coming since finding an engagement ring shaped box in her boyfriend’s hoodie. So maybe she goes a little overboard—planning with arena staff for her big moment to be featured on the jumbotron during a hockey game of the team she’s working for, hiring a photographer to capture the moment, buying an expensive bottle of champagne and arranging for it to be delivered into the stands after she says yes… then life flips the script. After witnessing the “Jumbotron Dump”, Lake Axelrod, the star right winger for the Golden State Foxes, can’t help but step in to steal the spotlight in the arena so she can make her escape. It’s a premise that perfectly sets up the fake dating scheme to help Remy save face at her sister’s wedding, since the Ex is also the Best Man to her Maid of Honor.
Lake and Remy really stole my heart. I love a broody guy with big feelings, and Lake has been struggling. He is dealing with so much on his own, from grief to family worries, and professional pressure. On top of all that, the man would definitely be on top of the podium if “Pining for Remy” was an Olympic sport. We love a man who YEARNS!! And he’s a devoted cat daddy to the mischievous, scene stealing, leash walking, Siamese, Thor. What more could a girl ask for? Remy is so strong, and kind, and open that she pulls that man right into the sunshine with her. The chemistry between the leads is sizzling, and once we hit “only one bed” - look out!
I did an immersive read with the ebook and the audiobook, and I highly recommend the audio! It features duet style narration featuring Erin Mallon as Remy and Jason Clarke as Lake, and it is a full ensemble cast recording including supporting narration from Savannah Thomas and Ryan West! Lauren’s audiobooks are always top tier, but this one really is in the sweet spot. It’s funny, sexy, and charming as hell. Make sure to stick around for the bloopers!
Thank you to Lauren Blakely and her team for this ARC/ALC opportunity!
Lake and Remy really stole my heart. I love a broody guy with big feelings, and Lake has been struggling. He is dealing with so much on his own, from grief to family worries, and professional pressure. On top of all that, the man would definitely be on top of the podium if “Pining for Remy” was an Olympic sport. We love a man who YEARNS!! And he’s a devoted cat daddy to the mischievous, scene stealing, leash walking, Siamese, Thor. What more could a girl ask for? Remy is so strong, and kind, and open that she pulls that man right into the sunshine with her. The chemistry between the leads is sizzling, and once we hit “only one bed” - look out!
I did an immersive read with the ebook and the audiobook, and I highly recommend the audio! It features duet style narration featuring Erin Mallon as Remy and Jason Clarke as Lake, and it is a full ensemble cast recording including supporting narration from Savannah Thomas and Ryan West! Lauren’s audiobooks are always top tier, but this one really is in the sweet spot. It’s funny, sexy, and charming as hell. Make sure to stick around for the bloopers!
Thank you to Lauren Blakely and her team for this ARC/ALC opportunity!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Just Playing for Keeps was such a fun and heartfelt addition to the Hockey Ever After series! Thank you to Lauren Blakely and Hambright PR for the ALC/ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story starts with one of the most embarrassing public breakups imaginable where Remy thinks she’s about to be proposed to on the Jumbotron at a hockey game, only to instead be dumped and handed a friendship bracelet and being asked to be friends forever.
Thankfully, broody (and hot) hockey player Lake steps in to save her from the humiliation by distracting the crowd, and eventually agreeing to fake date her so she doesn’t have to attend her sister’s wedding alone.
What follows is a sweet, funny, and emotional fake dating romance where everyone around them can clearly see the feelings developing long before they admit it to themselves. Lake was such a lovable hero. He was protective, caring, and completely devoted to Remy to show her how she should be treated by a boyfriend. I especially appreciated the emotional depth added through dealing with his father’s issues and feelings after his wife’s death years before.
Remy balanced him perfectly with her sunshine personality and desire to find someone who would truly love and value her like she should be.
The audiobook narration was phenomenal. Jason Clarke and Erin Mallon absolutely brought Lake and Remy to life, while Savannah Thomas and Ryan West did a wonderful job voicing the supporting characters. Jason Clarke especially captured Lake’s vulnerability and devotion so well, while Erin Mallon perfectly conveyed Remy’s warmth and emotional journey.
This book delivered everything I want from a romantic comedy with humor, heart, emotional moments, great chemistry, and plenty of spice. If you enjoy hockey romance, grumpy/sunshine, fake dating, opposites attract, only one bed, and a possessive hero, this is definitely one to pick up. While it’s part of a series, it can absolutely be enjoyed as a standalone.
May 21, 2026
Summary: Remy thinks her boyfriend is about to propose at a hockey game, only to be publicly dumped instead. After the humiliating breakup, hockey player Axel steps in to save the day and offers to be her fake boyfriend for her sister’s upcoming wedding events. With rules in place to keep things fake between them, the two quickly realize it may not be so easy.
My thoughts: I’ve been really enjoying sports romances lately, so this book immediately caught my attention! One of my favorite parts of sports romances is the closeness and camaraderie within the team, and this book delivered exactly that. I loved the team dynamic and the sense of friendship and support woven throughout the story.
Axel was easily my favorite character. He carries a lot of emotional baggage from difficult events in his family and personal life, which gives his broody personality more depth. Even though he’s definitely a grumpy MMC, he still has tender moments that make him incredibly lovable. Watching him slowly show Remy what genuine love, care, and support should look like—even under the guise of a fake relationship—was one of the highlights of the book.
Remy balanced Axel perfectly with her sunshine personality. She was warm, fun, and easy to root for. I especially loved the relationships she built with her friends, family, and the side characters throughout the story. Her caring nature shines through in every interaction.
The pacing felt a little slow at times, and there was some extra fluff that could have been trimmed down. Still, I really enjoyed the San Francisco setting and loved seeing familiar characters from previous books appear throughout Just Playing for Keeps. It’s always fun revisiting characters from earlier stories in a series.
Thank you to Lauren Blakely for the ARC of Just Playing for Keeps. This was a fun and emotional hockey romance, and all opinions are my own.
My thoughts: I’ve been really enjoying sports romances lately, so this book immediately caught my attention! One of my favorite parts of sports romances is the closeness and camaraderie within the team, and this book delivered exactly that. I loved the team dynamic and the sense of friendship and support woven throughout the story.
Axel was easily my favorite character. He carries a lot of emotional baggage from difficult events in his family and personal life, which gives his broody personality more depth. Even though he’s definitely a grumpy MMC, he still has tender moments that make him incredibly lovable. Watching him slowly show Remy what genuine love, care, and support should look like—even under the guise of a fake relationship—was one of the highlights of the book.
Remy balanced Axel perfectly with her sunshine personality. She was warm, fun, and easy to root for. I especially loved the relationships she built with her friends, family, and the side characters throughout the story. Her caring nature shines through in every interaction.
The pacing felt a little slow at times, and there was some extra fluff that could have been trimmed down. Still, I really enjoyed the San Francisco setting and loved seeing familiar characters from previous books appear throughout Just Playing for Keeps. It’s always fun revisiting characters from earlier stories in a series.
Thank you to Lauren Blakely for the ARC of Just Playing for Keeps. This was a fun and emotional hockey romance, and all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
JUST PLAYING FOR KEEPS by LAUREN BLAKELY ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Just Playing For Keeps is the second (#2) book in the HOCKEY EVER AFTER series.
When Remy gets dumped publicly, on the Jumbotron at a ice hockey match, Lake Axelrod, team winger and renowned grump, saves her humiliation by drawing the attention to himself.
Realising she’s now lost her plus one for her sisters upcoming wedding, Lake offers to be Remy’s fake boyfriend, even though it’s going to make his long held secret longing for Remy harder to keep hidden.
As the pair spend time together so the ‘fake’ part of their relationship blurs at the edges but the pair each have their own issues and the thought of them opening their hearts to the other seems unattainable. But when Remys ex starts to interfere everything starts to fall apart….
—————————
This is a well written, easy to read book.
With relatable characters, some humorous moments that relieve the more serious topics, and good pacing.
I particularly like the Lake character, who puts himself out to do what he can for Remy even when it makes him uncomfortable.
Remy is a people pleaser which gets her into uncomfortable situations at times and Jameson was a perfect ‘villain’. There are plenty of interesting side characters that help the story move along.
Their relationship was perfectly paced and you can’t help but wish them on to their hea. There are some spicy, open door scenes as the relationship develops.
I read an ebook version of this entertaining book, with around 440 pages, a hockey couple illustrated cover and good editing.
With thanks to Lauren Blakely and Hambright PR for an early read of this book. All comments are my own honest, unbiased opinion.
🏒 Fake Dating
🏒 He Falls First
🏒 Open Door Spice 🔥🔥🔥
🏒 Close Proximity
🏒 Rebound
Just Playing For Keeps is the second (#2) book in the HOCKEY EVER AFTER series.
When Remy gets dumped publicly, on the Jumbotron at a ice hockey match, Lake Axelrod, team winger and renowned grump, saves her humiliation by drawing the attention to himself.
Realising she’s now lost her plus one for her sisters upcoming wedding, Lake offers to be Remy’s fake boyfriend, even though it’s going to make his long held secret longing for Remy harder to keep hidden.
As the pair spend time together so the ‘fake’ part of their relationship blurs at the edges but the pair each have their own issues and the thought of them opening their hearts to the other seems unattainable. But when Remys ex starts to interfere everything starts to fall apart….
—————————
This is a well written, easy to read book.
With relatable characters, some humorous moments that relieve the more serious topics, and good pacing.
I particularly like the Lake character, who puts himself out to do what he can for Remy even when it makes him uncomfortable.
Remy is a people pleaser which gets her into uncomfortable situations at times and Jameson was a perfect ‘villain’. There are plenty of interesting side characters that help the story move along.
Their relationship was perfectly paced and you can’t help but wish them on to their hea. There are some spicy, open door scenes as the relationship develops.
I read an ebook version of this entertaining book, with around 440 pages, a hockey couple illustrated cover and good editing.
With thanks to Lauren Blakely and Hambright PR for an early read of this book. All comments are my own honest, unbiased opinion.
🏒 Fake Dating
🏒 He Falls First
🏒 Open Door Spice 🔥🔥🔥
🏒 Close Proximity
🏒 Rebound
May 21, 2026
ALC Review : Just Playing for Keeps by Lauren Blakely (Hockey Ever After Book 2) || Releasing 6.3.26
What to Expect:
Hockey Romance
Fake Dating
Opposites Attract
Possessive Hero
Only One Bed
Mirror Fun
He Gives Good Growl
She Cuts His Hair
He 💦 In His Pants
Narrated in Duet by Erin Mallon and Jason Clarke. Performances also by Savannah Thomas and Ryan West.
Absolutely devoureddddd this Audiobook. Let me tell you, I was sat. The narrators brought both Lake and Remy to LIFEEEEE & the chemistry was undeniable.
Remy is a hopeless romantic who gets dumped on the Jumbotron at a hockey game. Thankfully her friend’s brother and hockey star, Lake, is there to save the day.
To stick it to her jerk of an ex, Remy enlists Lake to be her fake boyfriend. Little does she know Lake has been crushing on her for over a year. Lines blur and feelings deepen, and the two of them can’t remember what’s fake or real anymore.
Lauren has a way of writing the most lovable characters in her books.
Lake Axelrod, the grumpy hockey player, just became a fave of mine. He was so determined to prove to Remy what she deserves in a relationship. He was such a simp for her and I loved watching him overcome his past to give love another chance. He was a total nature geek (which I LOVED). He was so sweet and understanding towards his father’s struggles and it made my heart melt.
Remy Hatmaker was a bright light. I absolutely loved her sunshiny personality. She deserved so much in life and she finally was able to receive everything she wanted.
Overall this book was AMAZING. The perfect swoon-worthy hockey romance with some spice to top it off.
I will definitely re-listen to this one.
Thank you Lauren and Hambright for the early copy!
What to Expect:
Hockey Romance
Fake Dating
Opposites Attract
Possessive Hero
Only One Bed
Mirror Fun
He Gives Good Growl
She Cuts His Hair
He 💦 In His Pants
Narrated in Duet by Erin Mallon and Jason Clarke. Performances also by Savannah Thomas and Ryan West.
Absolutely devoureddddd this Audiobook. Let me tell you, I was sat. The narrators brought both Lake and Remy to LIFEEEEE & the chemistry was undeniable.
Remy is a hopeless romantic who gets dumped on the Jumbotron at a hockey game. Thankfully her friend’s brother and hockey star, Lake, is there to save the day.
To stick it to her jerk of an ex, Remy enlists Lake to be her fake boyfriend. Little does she know Lake has been crushing on her for over a year. Lines blur and feelings deepen, and the two of them can’t remember what’s fake or real anymore.
Lauren has a way of writing the most lovable characters in her books.
Lake Axelrod, the grumpy hockey player, just became a fave of mine. He was so determined to prove to Remy what she deserves in a relationship. He was such a simp for her and I loved watching him overcome his past to give love another chance. He was a total nature geek (which I LOVED). He was so sweet and understanding towards his father’s struggles and it made my heart melt.
Remy Hatmaker was a bright light. I absolutely loved her sunshiny personality. She deserved so much in life and she finally was able to receive everything she wanted.
Overall this book was AMAZING. The perfect swoon-worthy hockey romance with some spice to top it off.
I will definitely re-listen to this one.
Thank you Lauren and Hambright for the early copy!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Hot on the heels in the Hockey Ever After trilogy comes Just Playing for Keeps. Remy is a successful dating coach who, after finding a small jewelry box among her boyfriend's things takes matters into her own hands to stage her pro-po- the only hitch- he is actually dumping her on the Jumbotron at a game, center ice seats- which has the ability to tank her fledgling business.
But the one guy who has been paying attention to Remy for far longer is widower Lake Axelrod- the winger for the Foxes and he sees his opportunity to finally seize the moment. Remy needs a plus-one for her sisters' many wedding events that are a reality show and Lake is ready to jump into the fray- as her 'fake boyfriend' while trying to turn her into his 'real ever after'. They come up with rules that eventually lead to more rules that lead to so much heat, the book will burn your hands.
This is one of the spiciest novels I've read of hers to date- and that's saying a WHOLE LOT.
So. Much. Spice. I literally sweat thinking about it.
Lauren Blakely does a fantastic job of introducing Lake's family, including his father who has become agoraphobic after loss. There aren't punches pulled here- and the scenes between Lake and his father and the struggle to regain normalcy- and what that looks like- is a backstory so worth telling.
Thank you so much to Lauren Blakely's team, who allowed me to read this arc in advance for free in exchange for an honest review.
#LaurenBlakely #JustPlayingforKeeps #libraryninja📚
But the one guy who has been paying attention to Remy for far longer is widower Lake Axelrod- the winger for the Foxes and he sees his opportunity to finally seize the moment. Remy needs a plus-one for her sisters' many wedding events that are a reality show and Lake is ready to jump into the fray- as her 'fake boyfriend' while trying to turn her into his 'real ever after'. They come up with rules that eventually lead to more rules that lead to so much heat, the book will burn your hands.
This is one of the spiciest novels I've read of hers to date- and that's saying a WHOLE LOT.
So. Much. Spice. I literally sweat thinking about it.
Lauren Blakely does a fantastic job of introducing Lake's family, including his father who has become agoraphobic after loss. There aren't punches pulled here- and the scenes between Lake and his father and the struggle to regain normalcy- and what that looks like- is a backstory so worth telling.
Thank you so much to Lauren Blakely's team, who allowed me to read this arc in advance for free in exchange for an honest review.
#LaurenBlakely #JustPlayingforKeeps #libraryninja📚
Review of advance copy received from Author
Imagine the most embarrassing moment of your life turning into the best fake relationship ever. That is Remi and Lake in every possible way.
Lake has been quietly crushing on his sister’s best friend for so long, but his past and everything he’s been through keeps him from going after what he really wants. Then the perfect opportunity falls into his lap and finally, finally, he makes his move.
Remi is such a hopeless romantic. She plans perfect moments and dream dates for everyone else, so when she thinks something huge is about to happen for her, she builds it up into this picture perfect moment… only for it to completely fall apart. But honestly, that disappointment ended up being the best thing that could have happened to her. She was so focused on creating everyone else’s love story that she almost missed the one right in front of her.
Also, someone genuinely needed to punch Jameson in the face.
Erin Mallon and Jason Clarke were absolutely perfect as Remi and Lake. They brought so much emotion and chemistry to these characters, and I felt every single moment exactly the way I was supposed to. Savannah Thomas and Ryan West were such a great addition too.
And trust me, nobody wants beer at a bakery.
This was one of my first Lauren Blakely books, and I loved every second of it. The audiobook was perfection from start to finish, and I could easily listen to it again and again. Thank you so much to Hambright PR and Lauren Blakely for this opportunity. This book is definitely going to stay with me for the rest of the year.
Lake has been quietly crushing on his sister’s best friend for so long, but his past and everything he’s been through keeps him from going after what he really wants. Then the perfect opportunity falls into his lap and finally, finally, he makes his move.
Remi is such a hopeless romantic. She plans perfect moments and dream dates for everyone else, so when she thinks something huge is about to happen for her, she builds it up into this picture perfect moment… only for it to completely fall apart. But honestly, that disappointment ended up being the best thing that could have happened to her. She was so focused on creating everyone else’s love story that she almost missed the one right in front of her.
Also, someone genuinely needed to punch Jameson in the face.
Erin Mallon and Jason Clarke were absolutely perfect as Remi and Lake. They brought so much emotion and chemistry to these characters, and I felt every single moment exactly the way I was supposed to. Savannah Thomas and Ryan West were such a great addition too.
And trust me, nobody wants beer at a bakery.
This was one of my first Lauren Blakely books, and I loved every second of it. The audiobook was perfection from start to finish, and I could easily listen to it again and again. Thank you so much to Hambright PR and Lauren Blakely for this opportunity. This book is definitely going to stay with me for the rest of the year.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of Advanced Copy received from Author
This book was basically a cinnamon-roll romcom wrapped in tattooed grump energy and I devoured every page. Remy was such a relatable FMC. After being publicly humiliated on the jumbotron, she could’ve curled into herself, but instead she kept pushing forward with humor, vulnerability, and heart. Watching her slowly rebuild her confidence while fake dating the league’s broodiest hockey god? Elite romance fuel. ✨
Lake Axelrod is the kind of MMC that sneaks up on you. At first he’s all growls, stares, and “I hate everyone but her” vibes, but underneath? Absolute marshmallow lava core. The way he protected Remy, paid attention to the little things, and blurred the line between fake and real had me kicking my feet like a caffeinated ice skater.
The chemistry in this book was ridiculous in the best way. Every kiss felt charged, every touch had tension humming under it, and the emotional connection built so naturally that by the hotel room scene I was fully gone. Spiritually deceased. Someone hand me a Zamboni. 🫠
The fake dating trope was done perfectly here too. The longing. The jealousy. The accidental softness. The “we’re pretending” while clearly being obsessed with each other. Inject it directly into my veins.
If you love:
🏒 grumpy/sunshine
💕 fake dating
🔥 obsessed protective hero
💍 wedding chaos
✨ emotional intimacy with spicy payoff
…this book absolutely delivers. Lake and Remy felt like comfort food with extra heat, and I finished this with the biggest grin on my face.
This book was basically a cinnamon-roll romcom wrapped in tattooed grump energy and I devoured every page. Remy was such a relatable FMC. After being publicly humiliated on the jumbotron, she could’ve curled into herself, but instead she kept pushing forward with humor, vulnerability, and heart. Watching her slowly rebuild her confidence while fake dating the league’s broodiest hockey god? Elite romance fuel. ✨
Lake Axelrod is the kind of MMC that sneaks up on you. At first he’s all growls, stares, and “I hate everyone but her” vibes, but underneath? Absolute marshmallow lava core. The way he protected Remy, paid attention to the little things, and blurred the line between fake and real had me kicking my feet like a caffeinated ice skater.
The chemistry in this book was ridiculous in the best way. Every kiss felt charged, every touch had tension humming under it, and the emotional connection built so naturally that by the hotel room scene I was fully gone. Spiritually deceased. Someone hand me a Zamboni. 🫠
The fake dating trope was done perfectly here too. The longing. The jealousy. The accidental softness. The “we’re pretending” while clearly being obsessed with each other. Inject it directly into my veins.
If you love:
🏒 grumpy/sunshine
💕 fake dating
🔥 obsessed protective hero
💍 wedding chaos
✨ emotional intimacy with spicy payoff
…this book absolutely delivers. Lake and Remy felt like comfort food with extra heat, and I finished this with the biggest grin on my face.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I would rate this story 4⭐️
Lauren Blakely books are always an easy read, and you can never go wrong with a hockey romance. I really enjoyed this story, something about fake dating always hits, top it off with a douchey ex and workplace romance and it’s always gonna be a good time.
Remy was a compassionate, people pleasing character who needed to learn how to look at her own needs and prioritise them over what other people need. Plus we always love a queen who sees a therapist to help her through the tough stuff.
Lake was such a brute and it made me kinda sad that he felt like he couldn’t love again. His journey of learning to let go of the past and move on was interesting.
I also loved the link between this book and the first in the series, of the following a paper list of some sort. First book was reading letter and this one was following a “bucket list” of sorts.
We can’t go past the audio! Erin Mallon and Jason Clarke are always good to listen to. Both are very emotive and Jason does a great job at changing the tanner of his voice for different characters. Savannah Thomas and Ryan West were an added bonus to differentiate between the main characters the main side characters. The audio really added to the experience of the story. I also had a good chuckle at the bloopers at the end, it was a funny touch I’ve never heard on an audio before.
I would rate this story 4⭐️
Lauren Blakely books are always an easy read, and you can never go wrong with a hockey romance. I really enjoyed this story, something about fake dating always hits, top it off with a douchey ex and workplace romance and it’s always gonna be a good time.
Remy was a compassionate, people pleasing character who needed to learn how to look at her own needs and prioritise them over what other people need. Plus we always love a queen who sees a therapist to help her through the tough stuff.
Lake was such a brute and it made me kinda sad that he felt like he couldn’t love again. His journey of learning to let go of the past and move on was interesting.
I also loved the link between this book and the first in the series, of the following a paper list of some sort. First book was reading letter and this one was following a “bucket list” of sorts.
We can’t go past the audio! Erin Mallon and Jason Clarke are always good to listen to. Both are very emotive and Jason does a great job at changing the tanner of his voice for different characters. Savannah Thomas and Ryan West were an added bonus to differentiate between the main characters the main side characters. The audio really added to the experience of the story. I also had a good chuckle at the bloopers at the end, it was a funny touch I’ve never heard on an audio before.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC of Just Playing for Keeps by Lauren Blakely and absolutely adored Lake and Remy’s story.
Lake, star player for the Golden State Foxes, is grumpy, private, fiercely loyal, and completely gone for Remy long before either of them admits it. Beneath the hockey star exterior is a man carrying a grief and weight, while also being the sweetest cat dad ever to Thor, his leash-walking cat who stole every scene.
Remy is sunshine part time PR for the team and planning romance experiences on the side, she’s built a life helping everyone else believe in love. After being publicly humiliated when her ex Jameson dumped her she needed a fake date to her sisters wedding bc her ex was best man.
The fake dating setup for her sister’s wedding was perfection. Watching them slowly blur the lines between pretending and real feelings while both secretly terrified to admit they wanted more had me completely invested. Their chemistry felt natural, emotional, and so easy to root for.
Lauren Blakely balanced humor, heart, tenderness, and swoony romance perfectly. Lake being protective without overpowering Remy made their relationship feel even stronger, and every moment between them just worked. Hockey romance, fake dating, grumpy/sunshine, secret crushes, and family dynamics all wrapped into one addictive story.
And honestly? Thor deserves his own fan club.
Lake, star player for the Golden State Foxes, is grumpy, private, fiercely loyal, and completely gone for Remy long before either of them admits it. Beneath the hockey star exterior is a man carrying a grief and weight, while also being the sweetest cat dad ever to Thor, his leash-walking cat who stole every scene.
Remy is sunshine part time PR for the team and planning romance experiences on the side, she’s built a life helping everyone else believe in love. After being publicly humiliated when her ex Jameson dumped her she needed a fake date to her sisters wedding bc her ex was best man.
The fake dating setup for her sister’s wedding was perfection. Watching them slowly blur the lines between pretending and real feelings while both secretly terrified to admit they wanted more had me completely invested. Their chemistry felt natural, emotional, and so easy to root for.
Lauren Blakely balanced humor, heart, tenderness, and swoony romance perfectly. Lake being protective without overpowering Remy made their relationship feel even stronger, and every moment between them just worked. Hockey romance, fake dating, grumpy/sunshine, secret crushes, and family dynamics all wrapped into one addictive story.
And honestly? Thor deserves his own fan club.
May 21, 2026
I adore a sweet grumpy man.
So much that I married one.
This is a sweet fake dating/hockey romance (that’s a mouthful but so is he 🤷🏻♀️) that did not disappoint (just like…).
If I had been dumped the way Remy was, Lake could win me over for sure. Honestly, her breakup was AWFUL. WHO DOES THAT!!
But, where there are endings there are also fresh beginnings. Or, well, fake ones.
Remy needed a date for her sister’s wedding but she wasn’t ready for another relationship. One thing after the other and a fake date suggestion, Remy asks Lake. Semi-correction: Lake assumes and agrees before she even has a chance to fully ask out loud. (Swoon.)
Lake is much softer inside than he is outside (yeah, that too 🌶️🌶️🌶️). But he’s not wearing this rough exterior for no reason. >> His gestures were perfect book boyfriend material. 😭
This book is layered like Lake Onion. There’s trauma, heartbreak, grief, friendship, anxiety — it’s all woven together so well. (As a widow, this book touched me in sensitive places. No, not those places. Heads out of the gutter, guys. 😉 The pacing for that was perfect. ) I can’t recommend it enough!
TROPES:
🏒 Hockey Romance
🌗 Grumpy Sunshine
🤫 Fake Dating
🧲 Opposites Attract
🛏️ Only One Bed
💪🏼 Possessive Hero
•••••
Thank you for allowing me to read and review this ARC, @laurenblakelybooks & @hambright_pr.
So much that I married one.
This is a sweet fake dating/hockey romance (that’s a mouthful but so is he 🤷🏻♀️) that did not disappoint (just like…).
If I had been dumped the way Remy was, Lake could win me over for sure. Honestly, her breakup was AWFUL. WHO DOES THAT!!
But, where there are endings there are also fresh beginnings. Or, well, fake ones.
Remy needed a date for her sister’s wedding but she wasn’t ready for another relationship. One thing after the other and a fake date suggestion, Remy asks Lake. Semi-correction: Lake assumes and agrees before she even has a chance to fully ask out loud. (Swoon.)
Lake is much softer inside than he is outside (yeah, that too 🌶️🌶️🌶️). But he’s not wearing this rough exterior for no reason. >> His gestures were perfect book boyfriend material. 😭
This book is layered like Lake Onion. There’s trauma, heartbreak, grief, friendship, anxiety — it’s all woven together so well. (As a widow, this book touched me in sensitive places. No, not those places. Heads out of the gutter, guys. 😉 The pacing for that was perfect. ) I can’t recommend it enough!
TROPES:
🏒 Hockey Romance
🌗 Grumpy Sunshine
🤫 Fake Dating
🧲 Opposites Attract
🛏️ Only One Bed
💪🏼 Possessive Hero
•••••
Thank you for allowing me to read and review this ARC, @laurenblakelybooks & @hambright_pr.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ALC/EARC REVIEW
Book 2 in the Hockey Ever After series
I loved Corbin in book one But I LOVE LAKE. He's so cute. Everything he does is because he likes her.
Shes his sisters best friend and the fact that hes been in love with her forever was just so heart warming. The way he talked to her and did things for her 🤧. Hes so cute lol and I could just hear him saying "Im not cute" haha.
Remy has her podcast and she loves love. Lake has his cat and his hockey team. They are so prefect for each other too.
When Lake agrees to be her 'fake' date to the wedding and all of the wedding events, I was like this is it. Shes going to see how amazing he is and shes gonna fall in love with his cat (obviously) 🐈. I love the wedding dress and the list. I thought that was such an important detail and was what really drove them together, although it would have happened either way but just made their experience that much better.
BTW Jameson should have been properly kicked in the gonads for being such a wet turkey, like excuse me how dare you.
I was lucky enough tonget both the earc and the alc. So I read along as well as listened and in 2 days I finished this bad boy.
Lauren had always been a favorite of mine and will continue to be because these books are just amazing.
Love love love this 100% recommend.
Book 2 in the Hockey Ever After series
I loved Corbin in book one But I LOVE LAKE. He's so cute. Everything he does is because he likes her.
Shes his sisters best friend and the fact that hes been in love with her forever was just so heart warming. The way he talked to her and did things for her 🤧. Hes so cute lol and I could just hear him saying "Im not cute" haha.
Remy has her podcast and she loves love. Lake has his cat and his hockey team. They are so prefect for each other too.
When Lake agrees to be her 'fake' date to the wedding and all of the wedding events, I was like this is it. Shes going to see how amazing he is and shes gonna fall in love with his cat (obviously) 🐈. I love the wedding dress and the list. I thought that was such an important detail and was what really drove them together, although it would have happened either way but just made their experience that much better.
BTW Jameson should have been properly kicked in the gonads for being such a wet turkey, like excuse me how dare you.
I was lucky enough tonget both the earc and the alc. So I read along as well as listened and in 2 days I finished this bad boy.
Lauren had always been a favorite of mine and will continue to be because these books are just amazing.
Love love love this 100% recommend.
May 22, 2026
This audiobook with Erin Mallon and Jason Clarke with performances by Savannah Thomas and Ryan West was so fun! They all really know how to make a story come to life.
I really enjoyed Lake and & Remy’s story. They really know how to have a good time even if they are fake dating. Even though they are fake dating you can really see the chemistry they have.
When Lake sees Remy getting broken up with on the Jumbotron he did something he never does and started sending stuffed foxes up into the stands with his hockey stick. Lake really would do anything for Remy. He stands up for her with her ex a couple times and he all around is just simply amazing. Even though he can come off as a grump he really has a soft spot for Remy.
These two do so much together including going on a road trip, doing multiple things for Remy’s sister wedding, going to a puzzle store, they go to Costco, she cuts his hair at home, they find a list and mark off as they do things, they have a nap date, and she builds a cat tower for his cat 🐈 The way Remy was there for Lakes dad when he needed someone to talk to meant so much to Lake.
I loved every second of these twos story ❤️ The banter they share was so fun as well.
Tropes
Fake dating
Hockey
He falls first
Close proximity
Rebound
Opposites attract
Thank you Hambright PR for the ARC & ALC! ❤️
I really enjoyed Lake and & Remy’s story. They really know how to have a good time even if they are fake dating. Even though they are fake dating you can really see the chemistry they have.
When Lake sees Remy getting broken up with on the Jumbotron he did something he never does and started sending stuffed foxes up into the stands with his hockey stick. Lake really would do anything for Remy. He stands up for her with her ex a couple times and he all around is just simply amazing. Even though he can come off as a grump he really has a soft spot for Remy.
These two do so much together including going on a road trip, doing multiple things for Remy’s sister wedding, going to a puzzle store, they go to Costco, she cuts his hair at home, they find a list and mark off as they do things, they have a nap date, and she builds a cat tower for his cat 🐈 The way Remy was there for Lakes dad when he needed someone to talk to meant so much to Lake.
I loved every second of these twos story ❤️ The banter they share was so fun as well.
Tropes
Fake dating
Hockey
He falls first
Close proximity
Rebound
Opposites attract
Thank you Hambright PR for the ARC & ALC! ❤️
May 17, 2026
Thank you Lauren Blakely for the ARC of your upcoming new release….Just Playing for Keeps–Hockey Ever After Book #2 Release date June 3rd, 2026
Two of my favorite tropes–fake dating and grumpy/sunshine–all wrapped up in Lake and Remy’s story. Although Lake is a little less grumpy than he is a guy who appreciates some privacy in the world of professional hockey where he cannot always have it. Remy, however, is definitely sunshine–even though in the first chapter, her ‘boyfriend’ dumps her on the Jumbotron at a hockey game. And this ‘dumping’ was a new story idea to me. He dumps her by asking for her hand in….friendship….I’m mean seriously Jameson.
After Lake acts quickly to take the heat off of Remy in that moment, readers learn that our man Lake has been pining for her for quite some time. The story delightfully unfolds from there. If you are a fan of yearning and watching two people navigate their growing feelings in a joyful manner, then this is the book for you. Add in a strong supporting cast of familiar faces from previous books, and you feel as much a part of their story as everyone on the pages.
Fans of romance with more romance than angst will appreciate Blakely’s storytelling and the other family relationship storylines as well.
Two of my favorite tropes–fake dating and grumpy/sunshine–all wrapped up in Lake and Remy’s story. Although Lake is a little less grumpy than he is a guy who appreciates some privacy in the world of professional hockey where he cannot always have it. Remy, however, is definitely sunshine–even though in the first chapter, her ‘boyfriend’ dumps her on the Jumbotron at a hockey game. And this ‘dumping’ was a new story idea to me. He dumps her by asking for her hand in….friendship….I’m mean seriously Jameson.
After Lake acts quickly to take the heat off of Remy in that moment, readers learn that our man Lake has been pining for her for quite some time. The story delightfully unfolds from there. If you are a fan of yearning and watching two people navigate their growing feelings in a joyful manner, then this is the book for you. Add in a strong supporting cast of familiar faces from previous books, and you feel as much a part of their story as everyone on the pages.
Fans of romance with more romance than angst will appreciate Blakely’s storytelling and the other family relationship storylines as well.
May 19, 2026
5 ⭐ ARC Review 'Just Playing For Keeps'
What better way to stick it to your ex?
Fake date a gorgeous hockey player, ah yes please!
🩷 Fake Dating
🩷 Hockey Romance
🩷 Grumpy v's Sunshine
🩷 Spicy
🩷 Mirror Fun
🩷 Opposites Attract
🩷 One Bed
🩷 He gives a good growl
This story was absolutely delightful all the way through, totally devoured it!
Always such a pleasure to read one of Lauren's books. Writing style that captures your attention and always written beautifully.
Loving this series so far, especially these two characters. The easy, fun loving connection and banter, to the beautiful love and lessons.
Love a great fake dating trope that blossoms into something heart warming and real.
It was so nice to see this different side of Lake who's known for the private grump. The protector, cat daddy to the burly mischievous Siamese and his passion for the owls and nature. For Remy facing her fears and letting go, to feel in the moment. Acceptance when something is not your passion anymore, or what you love doing. Learning to accept what you can't control. The fun loving energy between these two characters was amazing, I so thoroughly enjoyed this read!
Can't wait to visit and learn about the next couple in this 'Hockey Ever After Series' 🩷
What better way to stick it to your ex?
Fake date a gorgeous hockey player, ah yes please!
🩷 Fake Dating
🩷 Hockey Romance
🩷 Grumpy v's Sunshine
🩷 Spicy
🩷 Mirror Fun
🩷 Opposites Attract
🩷 One Bed
🩷 He gives a good growl
This story was absolutely delightful all the way through, totally devoured it!
Always such a pleasure to read one of Lauren's books. Writing style that captures your attention and always written beautifully.
Loving this series so far, especially these two characters. The easy, fun loving connection and banter, to the beautiful love and lessons.
Love a great fake dating trope that blossoms into something heart warming and real.
It was so nice to see this different side of Lake who's known for the private grump. The protector, cat daddy to the burly mischievous Siamese and his passion for the owls and nature. For Remy facing her fears and letting go, to feel in the moment. Acceptance when something is not your passion anymore, or what you love doing. Learning to accept what you can't control. The fun loving energy between these two characters was amazing, I so thoroughly enjoyed this read!
Can't wait to visit and learn about the next couple in this 'Hockey Ever After Series' 🩷
Review of advance copy received from Author
The audiobook completely carried this story to another level for me. The duet narration was honestly one of my favorites because both narrators brought so much emotion into every conversation, argument, and quieter moment between the characters. It made the relationship feel immediate and personal in a way that kept me emotionally invested the entire time.
At the beginning, I was actually frustrated for the female main character because of how badly everything started for her. Watching her deal with that situation made me want something good to finally happen to her, which is why the male main character worked so well for me. He brought such a calming and supportive presence into the story without feeling unrealistic or overly perfect. The way he showed up for her emotionally made their connection believable even when the story leaned into romantic tropes.
The fake dating aspect ended up being much more emotionally layered than I expected. It stopped feeling like a setup very quickly because of how naturally their bond developed through everyday moments, conversations, and growing trust. By the second half of the book, I was completely invested in them together and genuinely wanted them to work through everything.
At the beginning, I was actually frustrated for the female main character because of how badly everything started for her. Watching her deal with that situation made me want something good to finally happen to her, which is why the male main character worked so well for me. He brought such a calming and supportive presence into the story without feeling unrealistic or overly perfect. The way he showed up for her emotionally made their connection believable even when the story leaned into romantic tropes.
The fake dating aspect ended up being much more emotionally layered than I expected. It stopped feeling like a setup very quickly because of how naturally their bond developed through everyday moments, conversations, and growing trust. By the second half of the book, I was completely invested in them together and genuinely wanted them to work through everything.
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