Three dates. One cheeky scheme. And an unexpected connection that was never part of the plan.Heartbroken and determined to move on, Mia Simpson flies across the country with a date, flirt, and have fun. Suspended AFL star Nash Marshall has time to kill and a reputation to clean. Helping his teammate's sister navigate her predicament seems harmless enough—until one lesson leads to another, and the chemistry between them becomes... more.
What begins as fun quickly becomes messy when feelings get in the way.
And when your brother's teammate is involved, sometimes you really just need to level the playing field.
A short, AFL-inspired sports romance packed with Vyk's regular banter, tension, forced proximity, and a sexy MMC who falls first.
Vyk is a lover of cheese, sparkling water and reading - not necessarily in that order. She loves to laugh, surrounded by good food and great company. Mostly, she can be found in the thick of the chaos which comes with raising two children, working and trying to survive the wild ride of life. All of which wouldn't be possible without the coffee and cooking of her amazing husband.
The rest of the time she can be found reading, writing or adding to her never-ending 'to be read' list. She is an Amazon Top 10 Author and is constantly thinking about what she can write next.
More 4 1/2 🌟 This was such a great easy read being a novella yet the tension & banter was still there. My first read by this author and it won’t be my last. Also my first AFL romance which was a bonus as I am a AFL fan.
Stop it right now. This was the sweetest, sexiest little surprise Sunday read.
Nash and Mia might just be my new favourite couple from Vyk's AFL romance universe! This book was genuinely hilarious, I was full-on cackling at multiple points, and the banter between these two was absolute perfection.
I highly, highly recommend picking this one up. Even if you haven't read Vyk's much-loved King series yet, this is the perfect introduction to her writing. 🌶️🏉🍓
This book made me angry for the very specific reason that there is a much better book trapped inside these 84 pages. The premise? Absolutely my thing. Brother’s teammate. Forced proximity. Fake dating-ish situation. Hot Australian football player. Woman trying to get her confidence back after a terrible ex. Vyk Peters, you had me. I was SEATED. And then Mia started sniffing the man. Not metaphorically. We have clothes sniffing. Chest sniffing. Deep inhalations. At one point I was less concerned about her sexual confidence and more concerned that Nash might need to be microchipped. The first two chapters are entirely Mia’s POV, which did not help. Lincoln destroyed her confidence, so I understand why she’s insecure, but GIRL. STAND UP. This man barely wanted to kiss you and now one of the hottest athletes in Australia is practically combusting every time you touch him, and you’re still asking whether you’re a good kisser because Lincoln said— Lincoln. Go away. Then Nash’s POV finally arrived at 40% and basically walked into the book carrying a defibrillator. CLEAR! Suddenly I was interested again. Nash falls first, falls hard, adores her, hates what Lincoln did to her confidence, and is genuinely invested in helping her see herself differently. His POV is hot. His feelings are sweet. The chemistry suddenly CHEMISTRIES. Thank you, Nash. Your service is appreciated. But that almost made the novella more frustrating because I could see exactly what was missing. Give me the shower incident, except she refuses to flash him. Give me awkward roommate banter. Give me Nash slowly learning about the list. Let the fake-dating idea happen organically instead of approximately twelve minutes after they meet. Give me tension over the fact that SHE IS HIS TEAMMATE’S SISTER. Her brother Will is basically a decorative fern in this book. Sir, please participate in your own trope. The sexy scenes, though? THAT is where Vyk Peters shines. Once Mia calmed down and Nash took over some of the storytelling, I finally saw the couple I wanted from the beginning. So yes, I liked it. But I’m also filing a complaint because these characters deserved a full novel. Vyk Peters even mentions how difficult it is to write a story under a certain page count, and my immediate reaction was: then don’t. 😂 Some stories are novellas. This one wanted room. The dough was good. The cheese was melting. I could smell dinner. Someone just took the casserole out of the oven too early.
Summary: After a painful heartbreak, Mia visits her brother determined to move on, only to find herself unexpectedly falling for suspended AFL star Nash. What begins as a fun arrangement soon turns into something much deeper as real feelings complicate everything.
What I loved: 🍓 This was such a well done novella! Despite only being 80ish pages, the characters still had plenty of depth and I found it really easy to connect to both of them. As well as invest in their relationship! I have a hard time reviewing novellas because I think it takes such talent to do them well, but the author really nailed this one 👏. 🍓 The chemistry was absolutely on fire, and their banter had me laughing so many times! Their relationship and the banter felt effortless and authentic, and was one of my fave parts of the book. 🍓 I loved the AFL setting! I've never read a romance centred around it before, so it felt so fresh and new to me. Especially as someone who doesn't follow afl, it was easy to understood and I thought the author balanced the sporting elements with the romance really well. 🍓 The author's writing was engaging and super easy to fly through! It suited the novella format perfectly while still delivering emotional moments when needed. It was fun and sweet! And it has definitely convinced me to pick up more from this author in the future.
Final thoughts: This was a fun, lighthearted romance that packed so much into a novella without ever feeling rushed. If you're looking for a sports romance that's fresh, funny and full of heat, I'd definitely recommend this one 🫶🏻
Hey Wildcat, I’ve got something for you: Level Playing Field was exactly the kind of quick, spicy read I needed.
You bet I checked this out and read it ASAP
It’s Short, sweet, spicy… and somehow still manages to pack in all the feels. @vykpeters has created another addictive little read that had me hooked from the start. She’s kicked the winning goal 👀
This one brings all the good stuff — slow-burn vibes, self-discovery, unexpected feelings, and a romance that feels like a perfect match. Plus… it smells and tastes a whole lot like strawberries 🍓 (iykyk).
From the footy field to the feelings, Nash and Mia were playing a dangerous game of “don’t cross the line” while somehow running straight towards it.
I loved getting a glimpse into the Jets world and I’m already asking… when’s the next game? Because I need more of this world, these characters, and whatever Vyk is serving up next.
This novella was recommended to me by a friend & I’m glad she did! This 84 pager was a quick fun read and full of banter. This is my first book by Vyk Peters and I have a feeling it won’t be my last. I really enjoyed her writing style, it was engaging and she made the characters feel real and loveable.
An AFL romance, brother’s best friend and fake dating? Heck yeahh 😛 Nash stole my heart. He was caring, patient and considerate… basically everything you could want in a book boyfriend. Mia was alright... her constant pining over her ex was annoying AF. But she grew on me as she found her confidence and finally realised what was right in front of her.
These two had instant chemistry and holy moly… the spice level 🥵 It definitely brought in the heat.
Novellas are always tricky to rate but this one was short, sweet and a fun time. If you’re looking for a fast, flirty romance with plenty of banter, this is well worth picking up.
Level Playing Field is proof that you don't need hundreds of pages to tell a story that makes you smile.
Vyk Peters has such an easy, addictive writing style that I flew through this novella in one sitting. The banter was fun, the chemistry between Mia and Nash was adorable, and Nash was exactly the kind of "he falls first" MMC I can't help but root for.
What surprised me most was how much emotional depth Vyk managed to fit into just 84 pages. Alongside the flirting and forced proximity is a story about healing, moving on after heartbreak, and finding love where you least expect it.
If you're looking for a quick, heartwarming sports romance that'll leave you wishing there were another 200 pages, Level Playing Field is absolutely worth picking up.
Now excuse me while I politely ask Vyk for more Mia and Nash.
If you haven’t picked up a Vyk Peters book yet, this is the perfect place to start.
Level Playing Field is a fun, addictive novella that you can easily devour in one sitting. It’s the perfect introduction to the AFL romance world Vyk has created, full of banter, chemistry and characters you’ll want to spend more time with.
I was so disappointed when the King Series ended, but this was exactly what I needed. Vyk’s writing is as engaging as ever, and now I’m excited to see where this new chapter takes us.
And if you need another reason to grab it, it’s currently just 99c. Do yourself a favour and one click it!
I met the gorgeous @vykpeters at a book convention event a few months back, and her King Series books have been on my physical TBR ever since. So when she dropped this sneaky little novella this morning, I jumped on it, dropped my other books and responsibilities and read this.
It’s short, it’s sweet, and it’s oh so spicy. And it’s set in the world of AFL. Yes, Australian Rules Football.
Loved this novella, and am now dropping into my AFL era sooner than I’d planned.
Head over to Kindle Unlimited asap, and get this one. You’re going to love it.
Loved this so much! My only complaint is that it was way too short. I seriously need more Mia and Nash!
The banter was spot on and had me laughing the whole way through. I also loved that it was set in Australia. The Aussie humour and references made it even better.
Sweet, spicy, funny and impossible to put down. Vyk has done it again. Definitely recommend, but be warned… you’ll finish it wishing there was a full length novel!
If you haven’t read the kings series- you need to! I’ve loved every book by Vyk’ can’t wait for some more!
Level Playing Field by VYK Peters Rating - ⭐️ 5 🌶️ 2
This spicy AFL romance delivers the perfect blend of chemistry, tension, and witty banter.
I was laughing so hard throughout, especially over how Nash & Mia originally collide into one another. They’re just too adorable to handle🍓🏉
If you haven't yet discovered VYK Peters books, this novella is the perfect place to start. I highly recommend dipping your toes in before diving into the King’s Series.
This was honestly such a cute book! By the end of it I was wishing that it wasn’t going to be over.
I genuinely really loved Mia and Nash. Mia especially because to me she just felt so relatable. I understood her so well and that connection had me rooting for her.
Nash on the other hand was a 10/10 yearner. And man I wish this novella was longer so we could have seen more of him and then his dynamic with Mia.
Overall this was a really cute novella and I can’t wait to see what else Vyk Peters will write in this series ✍️
Level playing field is such a good time. I loved every moment of this short sweet sport romance novella. Brother’s teammate and fake dating, ummm yes please! Vyk just has such a fantasist writing style and her humour woven through had me laughing out loud! So much was packed into this short story and it worked perfectly, and was not rushed. LOVE LOVE LOVE Mia and Nash.
4️⃣. 5️⃣⭐️ One of the best novellas I’ve read in a long time!
Captains sister and fake dating - enough said!
Nash and Mia’s story was fun, hot and full of banter. And bonus points - AFL inspired sports romance 🙌 I typically don’t enjoy short stories as I tend to find they feel rushed, but Vyk was able to jam pack this full of everything it needed without making it feel that way.
If you haven’t yet read Vyk’s King series; this is the perfect intro!
Hot men, turkish delights and Comic Sans font?! Sign me right up!
I loved this short story 😍 Approx 80 pages mean its a quick moving story, but the author was still able to character develop so well! I would have LOVED this story in long form, but I guess I have to take what I can get with the novella 😂
Omg this was unbelievably cute, and also really hot for 70-something pages 🥵 People have been telling me for ages to pick up one of Vyk’s books so I thought starting here would be the safe bet (because the only thing I know about AFL is it’s a sport 😂) Can report absolutely no sports knowledge required to enjoy watching this grumpy guy simp for his girl!
‘I’ve got to keep reminding myself this is just a three-date agreement. Because how am I supposed to cram my entire resume into that short of time…’ He looked at me, his gaze holding me captive, ‘When I don’t get to keep you afterwards.’ - Nash 🥹
This novella was fun, short, sweet and very steamy! Such a great read.
Mia wouldnt think much of herself as a 'wildcat' her ex having broken her confidence. She had a plan, Nash threw all that out the window when he found her in his birthday suit in the locker room, what he didn't expect is she would 'level the playing field' loved this sweet and spicy novella that had Mia finding the person she really was
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was fun and hot and again somehow in such a short amount of time I felt connected to the characters and their journey and was enjoying being along for the ride!
I fall in love with every man Vyk writes 🤤🤤
Fun little read for when you feel like a quick romance fix!
Once again, another Vyk book i adored. This one was soooo jam packed, no slow burn at all! I wish it was longer (which i was very vocal about to Vyk when she asked me to read for quotes!) but it has everything I love about her writing!! Amazing!!
Omg. I loved this book so much! Everything about it especially hating on Turkish delights 🤣 because they are the worst. And that ex boyfriend was such a douchecanoe and the fact you used that word made me giggle so much.
This is such a fun spicy read that needs to be on your TBR!
Cute cute cute. A sweet little read that really got you invested in only 80 pages. Her ex is a douche, Nash a sweetheart and their dates are lovely. Forced proximity, fake dating, sports romance, brothers friend, rebound, self esteem building, strawberry bubblegum. And naked locker room!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Another clever and hilarious story from Vyk Peters. I'm a sucker for a sports romance and when you add the banter that Vyk has a talent for, you have me locked and loaded. I've read it thrice already and can't get over how much character development there is in such a sweet and spicy little book.
I am yet to read a book from Vyk that I don’t like which is a great thing! This one reeled me in really quickly and I wanted, no, needed to know what would happen. It was so well written that you wanted the HEA, well you need and crave it.