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Elite Player: A Fake Engagement Hockey Romance
Hockey’s biggest playboy knocked me out with a puck. One minute, I’m taking pictures of the team, and the next, I’m in a hospital room. With a fiancé.
Due to his off-ice shenanigans, Nico Tremblay needs to prove to the front office that he has changed his ways or else. So, after he gives me a concussion and sprained wrist, he concocts a wild idea to pretend we’re engaged. It would allow him to keep his spot on the team and get my family off my back.
There is only one small problem—no one would actually believe the gorgeous and charming left-winger could ever actually want to marry me, backward and inexperienced Josephine Atkins.
Except when he calls me his fiancée while staring at my lips, I almost believe it. Maybe it’s the concussion or a moment of wild rebellion against everyone I’ve ever known underestimating me…but I agree.
And then there’s no way out of this lie that binds us closer and closer together.
Due to his off-ice shenanigans, Nico Tremblay needs to prove to the front office that he has changed his ways or else. So, after he gives me a concussion and sprained wrist, he concocts a wild idea to pretend we’re engaged. It would allow him to keep his spot on the team and get my family off my back.
There is only one small problem—no one would actually believe the gorgeous and charming left-winger could ever actually want to marry me, backward and inexperienced Josephine Atkins.
Except when he calls me his fiancée while staring at my lips, I almost believe it. Maybe it’s the concussion or a moment of wild rebellion against everyone I’ve ever known underestimating me…but I agree.
And then there’s no way out of this lie that binds us closer and closer together.
Audible Audio
Published July 3, 2026
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May 26, 2026
Assistant to the professional Philadelphia hockey team photographer, Jo is working near the boards during a training session when she’s beaned with a puck to the head. Waking up in the hospital after vomiting and losing consciousness, she’s confused when she sees a room full of bouquets, a life-sized bear, and numerous other gifts. Most disconcerting is the gorgeous blonde hockey player whose slap shot was responsible for her current malady. Nico insists on visiting Jo each day she’s in hospital and covering her medical expenses. What neither of them counted on was her overbearing, bullying family members showing up and assuming Nico is Jo’s fiancé. More surprisingly, Nico goes along with it because he feels certain it will rehab his image as a womanizer who happened to sleep with his previous team’s geriatric owner’s twenty-something trophy wife.
Always up for a good time, never a long time, Nico’s been super casual and prolific when it comes to hookups, but Jo affects him differently: he feels protective of her, especially when he witnesses the horrible way she’s treated like a pariah and a joke by her family, the very people who should’ve guarded her heart and kept her safe. As he learns more about her and finds himself truly enjoying her calming company, he becomes a man who’ll burn down the world to avenge her. Jo for her part has no defense against this charming, golden retriever reformed playboy, but she’s certain she’ll be crushed under the scrutiny of social media and reality. As their relationship takes a very steamy physical turn, their feelings deepen, but old wounds have left huge scars on both of them.
These two bring so much baggage but they don’t weaponize it against each other. I wanted to pummel both sets of parents: there’s nothing worse than a parent who actively bullies their child(ren) or favors one or more over another, and to willfully choose not to believe a child who’s reluctantly sharing a traumatic truth is unconscionable. It was lovely to see the camaraderie among the teammates and the management team as well as witnessing Nico stand up for Jo at every turn, admitting promptly when he overstepped. Watching Jo become slightly more self-assured was rewarding as well.
A book by Sophie Andrews is an auto-buy for me, and I couldn’t have been more pleased to have received this advance reader copy from Wicked Reads Services, for which I’m sharing my honest impressions.
Always up for a good time, never a long time, Nico’s been super casual and prolific when it comes to hookups, but Jo affects him differently: he feels protective of her, especially when he witnesses the horrible way she’s treated like a pariah and a joke by her family, the very people who should’ve guarded her heart and kept her safe. As he learns more about her and finds himself truly enjoying her calming company, he becomes a man who’ll burn down the world to avenge her. Jo for her part has no defense against this charming, golden retriever reformed playboy, but she’s certain she’ll be crushed under the scrutiny of social media and reality. As their relationship takes a very steamy physical turn, their feelings deepen, but old wounds have left huge scars on both of them.
These two bring so much baggage but they don’t weaponize it against each other. I wanted to pummel both sets of parents: there’s nothing worse than a parent who actively bullies their child(ren) or favors one or more over another, and to willfully choose not to believe a child who’s reluctantly sharing a traumatic truth is unconscionable. It was lovely to see the camaraderie among the teammates and the management team as well as witnessing Nico stand up for Jo at every turn, admitting promptly when he overstepped. Watching Jo become slightly more self-assured was rewarding as well.
A book by Sophie Andrews is an auto-buy for me, and I couldn’t have been more pleased to have received this advance reader copy from Wicked Reads Services, for which I’m sharing my honest impressions.
Review of advance copy received from Author
❝ So, the point is, I choose you. Fate did me a solid, but I will always choose you. Every day, I choose you.❞
𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: ★★★★ | 3🌶️
𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔:
Hockey Romance
Golden Retriever × Black Cat
Fake Engagement
Virgin FMC
Reformed Playboy
Ugly Duckling
▶︎•၊၊||၊|။|||||။၊|။• emo girl by mgk feat. willow
⌞ 🏒 ⌝ ┊ 𝓝𝓲𝓬𝓸 𝓣𝓻𝓮𝓶𝓫𝓵𝓪𝔂
Nico is a total sweetheart!!! even with the playboy persona, he’s still so sweet. he’s thoughtful and always wants to make everyone happy. he’s actually perfect, but you know what they say about the happiest people? it’s not always rosy for them. he’s lonely himself until Jo comes along.
what makes his character hit even deeper is learning about his past and the sexual assault he experienced as a child. it adds a quiet weight to him that you don’t fully understand at first, but once you do, so many parts of him make sense in a different way.
i really appreciated that the story didn’t overlook it or treat it lightly. especially because male survivors are often not spoken about enough, it felt important that his experience was included and handled with care instead of being brushed aside.
⌞ 🖤 ⌝ ┊ 𝓙𝓸𝓼𝓮𝓹𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓮 𝓐𝓽𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓼
oh my poor Jo.
she was bullied all her life and so she has low self-esteem. i felt so sorry for her. who bullies their own family for goodness sake? she has her walls up, but you start to see how much sunshine Nico brings into her life. he was her confidence booster, if i’m being honest. i never realized having a gap tooth was such a big insecurity for some people, especially since i’ve had one since i was a child.
┊͙ ˘͈ᵕ˘͈ this book had me cheesing so much!!! Nico is all the love languages combined final boss. i love him so much, he has definitely made it to the list of perfect men!
˗ˏˋ ꒰ ✉︎ ꒱ ˎˊ˗ ❝Jo, I will always choose you. But you were right. We needed time to figure things out.❞
when things got tough for them after their big fight, he never stopped loving her and that was when i knew i was gone.
Jo isn’t used to being the first choice and Nico shows her every time that he’ll choose her. she starts to trust herself and stand up for herself.
⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧ it was so lovey-dovey and i ate this book up sooo fast!!! Nico let Jo set the pace of their relationship. he was okay with whatever she was willing to give him at the time, which i adored very much. he calls her “𝓶𝔂 𝓼𝓪𝓼𝓼𝔂 𝓵𝓲𝓽𝓽𝓵𝓮 𝓮𝓶𝓸 𝓰𝓲𝓻𝓵” 🥹
their love is everything and i’ll miss them so much! they both encouraged each other to go to therapy instead of using themselves as a crutch for their feelings (˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶) ‹𝟹
𝒸𝒽𝑒𝒸𝓀 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓉𝓇𝒾𝑔𝑔𝑒𝓇 𝓌𝒶𝓇𝓃𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓈‼️
thank you @lunaliterary.management & @authorsophieandrews for the eARC
⋆｡𖦹°⭒˚｡⋆
𝙥𝙧𝙚-𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙: the blurb sounds so exciting!! a sports romance and fake engagement trope? oh yes!!!
the last arc i read was a fake dating romance and i had so much fun with it, so i have high hopes for this one 🤭🌟
my arcs have been pretty good recently, so i trust this one will be too
Review of advance copy received from Author
Tropes don't get much better than he falls first, sexy, playboy, hockey player, getting fake engaged to the socially awkward, virgin, team photographer in an attempt to clean up his image 🫣
Great story, well written characters with depth and trauma, that grow together and help and support each other in so many ways and of course their steamy chemistry helped too
The mental health rep was well done and necessary and I'm so happy the ending didn't involve an overnight magic fix to the family relationships... this felt real 💕
Thank you Sophie and Luna Literary for the great ARC opportunity
❤️ How I Rate Books
⭐ didn't like it
⭐⭐ it was ok
⭐⭐⭐ I liked it
⭐⭐⭐⭐Loved it!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazing! Will reread!
Great story, well written characters with depth and trauma, that grow together and help and support each other in so many ways and of course their steamy chemistry helped too
The mental health rep was well done and necessary and I'm so happy the ending didn't involve an overnight magic fix to the family relationships... this felt real 💕
Thank you Sophie and Luna Literary for the great ARC opportunity
❤️ How I Rate Books
⭐ didn't like it
⭐⭐ it was ok
⭐⭐⭐ I liked it
⭐⭐⭐⭐Loved it!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazing! Will reread!
June 15, 2026
Thank you SO much to the author Sophie Andrews for the complimentary copy of this!
This book is available now!
"Kinda turns me on to watch you drive."
"I'd assume a spring breeze turns you on."
"If it accidentally flipped up a sundress, absolutely."
I am fortunate enough to be friends with the author so I was able to express to the author how much I loved this book! And I think a lot of it has to do with the fact of how much of a golden retriever Nico was. Like I was obsessed with him. He accidentally hits Josephine, who is his hockey's team assistant photographer, with a puck that sends her to the hospital. Feeling horrible, he visits her in the hospital where her family assumes that he is her fiance she claimed she had.
Nico immediately just went right into fiance mode and didn't look back. He saw the way that her family was treating her (which you'll understand what that means when you read it) and wanted to urgently make things better for her. He has the reputation of being a playboy and because of his personal life mixed with how he is playing, he is on the brink of being traded. So faking an engagement with his kind of co worker seemed like the best way to also help him.
As I mentioned Nico was such a golden retriever and Jo just was so confused by it. She has never had attention from anyone but especially from a man. She has done a lot of work on herself to get her to where she is now but whenever she is around her family, they just knock her down. Nico makes her feel so special and spoils her rotten. And for her knowing his reputation, I would have felt like his stuff wasn't necessarily genuine because he jokes that he would pretty much have sex with anyone that walked (it may have been joking but still). We know in his POV that he is being truthful and as they go along with the whole fake engagement ruse, he begins to fall - hard and fast. She falls as well but its a more quiet fall. I think because of his reputation and because of her never have this kind of attention that it took her awhile for her to warm up to him and his advances.
"Nico, you're a famous hockey player, and I'm...nobody."
"You're my fiancee."
One of my favorite features of Nico is how protective he was of Jo. They had a family visit for her great grandmother's birthday and he was not putting up with any of their bull. He stands up to her which was just such a reminder how much he truly cared about her. He just wanted her to shine and have her interests/likes be championed. I always smiled when he would talk about something she liked and he goes "Jo loves it, so I do too." SWOOON!
There is a big 3rd act blow up with not only with each other but with her family. And I was stressed. I felt so bad for Nico with how things were going. I understand where Jo was coming from but I think the reaction could have been differently. I mentioned how much her family were no good and this scene really brought to light all the horrible things they have done with her. I am glad that this led to Josephine setting boundaries.
Sophie is SO great with banter and this one made me giggle and kick scream so many times! And just like with her other books, the spice was spicing! Jo may have been inexperience but Nico was patient and such a great teacher.
I just thoroughly enjoyed this book! I had told the author that this book is my new favorite of theirs! The next book in this sports series is baseball featuring brothers which was teased at the end of this one. Cannot wait!
I recommend this book if you love a hockey romance, fake engagement, dysfunctional families filled with heart, banter and spice!
This book is available now!
"Kinda turns me on to watch you drive."
"I'd assume a spring breeze turns you on."
"If it accidentally flipped up a sundress, absolutely."
I am fortunate enough to be friends with the author so I was able to express to the author how much I loved this book! And I think a lot of it has to do with the fact of how much of a golden retriever Nico was. Like I was obsessed with him. He accidentally hits Josephine, who is his hockey's team assistant photographer, with a puck that sends her to the hospital. Feeling horrible, he visits her in the hospital where her family assumes that he is her fiance she claimed she had.
Nico immediately just went right into fiance mode and didn't look back. He saw the way that her family was treating her (which you'll understand what that means when you read it) and wanted to urgently make things better for her. He has the reputation of being a playboy and because of his personal life mixed with how he is playing, he is on the brink of being traded. So faking an engagement with his kind of co worker seemed like the best way to also help him.
As I mentioned Nico was such a golden retriever and Jo just was so confused by it. She has never had attention from anyone but especially from a man. She has done a lot of work on herself to get her to where she is now but whenever she is around her family, they just knock her down. Nico makes her feel so special and spoils her rotten. And for her knowing his reputation, I would have felt like his stuff wasn't necessarily genuine because he jokes that he would pretty much have sex with anyone that walked (it may have been joking but still). We know in his POV that he is being truthful and as they go along with the whole fake engagement ruse, he begins to fall - hard and fast. She falls as well but its a more quiet fall. I think because of his reputation and because of her never have this kind of attention that it took her awhile for her to warm up to him and his advances.
"Nico, you're a famous hockey player, and I'm...nobody."
"You're my fiancee."
One of my favorite features of Nico is how protective he was of Jo. They had a family visit for her great grandmother's birthday and he was not putting up with any of their bull. He stands up to her which was just such a reminder how much he truly cared about her. He just wanted her to shine and have her interests/likes be championed. I always smiled when he would talk about something she liked and he goes "Jo loves it, so I do too." SWOOON!
There is a big 3rd act blow up with not only with each other but with her family. And I was stressed. I felt so bad for Nico with how things were going. I understand where Jo was coming from but I think the reaction could have been differently. I mentioned how much her family were no good and this scene really brought to light all the horrible things they have done with her. I am glad that this led to Josephine setting boundaries.
Sophie is SO great with banter and this one made me giggle and kick scream so many times! And just like with her other books, the spice was spicing! Jo may have been inexperience but Nico was patient and such a great teacher.
I just thoroughly enjoyed this book! I had told the author that this book is my new favorite of theirs! The next book in this sports series is baseball featuring brothers which was teased at the end of this one. Cannot wait!
I recommend this book if you love a hockey romance, fake engagement, dysfunctional families filled with heart, banter and spice!
June 11, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️.75
🏒 Hockey Romance
✨️ Grumpy x Sunshine
🏒 Fake Relationship
✨️ Forced Proximity
🏒 Opposites Attract
✨️ Golden Retriver X Black Cat
✨️ 📚 ARC 📖 REVIEW ✨️
This was such a fun read from the very beginning. I loved Nico and how he was such a happy go lucky guy! He was the Sunshine and Jo was our grumpy! I love a reverse grumpy sunshine because it gives the book a more real feeling.
Nico needed to clean up his image, and the perfect opportunity to fix his reputation. Jo comes into the story by being the way that Nico can help straighten out his reputaiton. Jo hasn't been the luckiest in life or with her family, who unfortunately tells her frequently. Nico becomes the person in her life that is the dependable person she can lean on when she is having a rough time.
Nico has such a big heart and is more than happy to go out of his way to do something for Jo. He makes sure that she knows and feels that she is wanted, loved, valued and safe. Something that she could never get from her family, he makes sure that she feels it. Right in the chest, is where I felt it! I couldn't help but feel my heart warming up in such a way! I wish I could feel that feeling more when it comes to books!
I loved how they each shared the brunt of everything in their pasts with each other. They not only shouldered thier pasts together but also held understanding, had the patience for each ohter so easily, but also caring for each other in only a way that one would see between lovers.
I can't help but love the heartwarming moments all the way through the book! I couldn't help but fall for these characters and how they had so much emotional depth.
Thank you 🫶🏻 to ✨️ Sophie Andrews✨️ for the complimentary 📚 ARC 📚. ✨️ All opinions are my own, honest, and voluntary✨️.
🌶️🌶️.75
🏒 Hockey Romance
✨️ Grumpy x Sunshine
🏒 Fake Relationship
✨️ Forced Proximity
🏒 Opposites Attract
✨️ Golden Retriver X Black Cat
✨️ 📚 ARC 📖 REVIEW ✨️
This was such a fun read from the very beginning. I loved Nico and how he was such a happy go lucky guy! He was the Sunshine and Jo was our grumpy! I love a reverse grumpy sunshine because it gives the book a more real feeling.
Nico needed to clean up his image, and the perfect opportunity to fix his reputation. Jo comes into the story by being the way that Nico can help straighten out his reputaiton. Jo hasn't been the luckiest in life or with her family, who unfortunately tells her frequently. Nico becomes the person in her life that is the dependable person she can lean on when she is having a rough time.
Nico has such a big heart and is more than happy to go out of his way to do something for Jo. He makes sure that she knows and feels that she is wanted, loved, valued and safe. Something that she could never get from her family, he makes sure that she feels it. Right in the chest, is where I felt it! I couldn't help but feel my heart warming up in such a way! I wish I could feel that feeling more when it comes to books!
I loved how they each shared the brunt of everything in their pasts with each other. They not only shouldered thier pasts together but also held understanding, had the patience for each ohter so easily, but also caring for each other in only a way that one would see between lovers.
I can't help but love the heartwarming moments all the way through the book! I couldn't help but fall for these characters and how they had so much emotional depth.
Thank you 🫶🏻 to ✨️ Sophie Andrews✨️ for the complimentary 📚 ARC 📚. ✨️ All opinions are my own, honest, and voluntary✨️.
June 17, 2026
“Elite Player” by Sophie Andrews
📘 Format: Digital Book
📚 Pub Date: 06.05.26
⭐️ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars
“Elite Player” by Sophie Andrews is a fake-dating dual POV hockey romance.
Josephine and Nico find themselves in separate situations where they realize that it would be mutually beneficial for them to pretend to be engaged; with every intention to fake break-up in a few months’ time.
During this period of fake-dating, they genuinely support
and encourage each other.
They are legitimately interested in each other’s well being and they find that they have an instinct to protect each other. This leads them to start to consider that they may be better together, for real.
I loved the character development and personal growth that both Josephine and Nico experienced throughout the book, and it was fulfilling to read about their increasing self-awareness.
This book tackles some very difficult and challenging issues with sensitivity and grace. I was impressed to see the self-improvement that Josephine & Nico were able to achieve, in spite of the obstacles that they faced in their lives.
If you are interested in spicy content, this book has plenty.
Though I generally prefer reading sports books centering on the sport of Hockey, I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series, “Fair Ball” by Sophie Andrews.
Thank you to Sophie Andrews & Luna Literary for the Advance Review Copy. All opinions are my own.
#ElitePlayer
#SophieAndrews
#LunaLiterary
📘 Format: Digital Book
📚 Pub Date: 06.05.26
⭐️ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars
“Elite Player” by Sophie Andrews is a fake-dating dual POV hockey romance.
Josephine and Nico find themselves in separate situations where they realize that it would be mutually beneficial for them to pretend to be engaged; with every intention to fake break-up in a few months’ time.
During this period of fake-dating, they genuinely support
and encourage each other.
They are legitimately interested in each other’s well being and they find that they have an instinct to protect each other. This leads them to start to consider that they may be better together, for real.
I loved the character development and personal growth that both Josephine and Nico experienced throughout the book, and it was fulfilling to read about their increasing self-awareness.
This book tackles some very difficult and challenging issues with sensitivity and grace. I was impressed to see the self-improvement that Josephine & Nico were able to achieve, in spite of the obstacles that they faced in their lives.
If you are interested in spicy content, this book has plenty.
Though I generally prefer reading sports books centering on the sport of Hockey, I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series, “Fair Ball” by Sophie Andrews.
Thank you to Sophie Andrews & Luna Literary for the Advance Review Copy. All opinions are my own.
#ElitePlayer
#SophieAndrews
#LunaLiterary
June 5, 2026
Nico is a hockey player with a reputation for being a bit of a fckboy. One day he gets a talking to about cleaning up his act and behaving less like a player and more like a team member. He meets Josephine after an accident where he hits her in the head with a puck. Could it be fate? Jo is a shy and reserved photographer, she has had a rough upbringing full of bullying and she struggles to make eye contact with people, preferring to view life through the lens of a camera. Nico, golden retriever he is, befriends Jo and gets roped into a fake fiancé scheme. This works for him as well as he believes this will show the team’s managers that he’s settling down.
Both of these characters are complex with baggage they’re carrying with them through life due to their past. I loved Nico’s full steam ahead exuberance and he was always in Jo’s corner, even when things were ‘fake’. Jo was calm and quiet and brought Nico the peace he was missing in his life.
I really enjoyed this book. Nico was my favourite, I just love how all in he was from the get-go. Jo was smart, but also flawed which made her feel like someone I know and would spend time with in real life. She just had to believe in herself too. All of the men in Sophie’s books are always amazing and Nico is the same. He’s lovely and the perfect book boyfriend. I would definitely recommend reading this book, it was plot and spice.
I received an advance copy of this book in return for my honest review.
Both of these characters are complex with baggage they’re carrying with them through life due to their past. I loved Nico’s full steam ahead exuberance and he was always in Jo’s corner, even when things were ‘fake’. Jo was calm and quiet and brought Nico the peace he was missing in his life.
I really enjoyed this book. Nico was my favourite, I just love how all in he was from the get-go. Jo was smart, but also flawed which made her feel like someone I know and would spend time with in real life. She just had to believe in herself too. All of the men in Sophie’s books are always amazing and Nico is the same. He’s lovely and the perfect book boyfriend. I would definitely recommend reading this book, it was plot and spice.
I received an advance copy of this book in return for my honest review.
July 8, 2026
This was such a cute listen! This is my first from this author and definitely will be checking out more.
Our hockey playboy needs to clean up his image and after he knocks out the assistant photographer for the team with a puck to her head, he decides they can pretend that she is his fake fiancé.
The two of them together have a lot of baggage that we slowly learn about as their relationship grows, but the best part is that they didn't use it against each other. Both of them had horrible parents which explains why the trauma is there.
I loved seeing the relationship between the two of them grown, their characters grow and watching them fall in love. The way that Nico was there for Jo and stood up for her? Swoon! This one was more of a slow burn, and it was totally worth it.
The audio is duet narration by Willa Jaymes and Ryan Lee Dunlap and they did such an amazing job and really portrayed the characters so well. We definitely got all of the emotions.
If you're looking for a cute read/listen that has hockey, fake dating, found family, a virgin FMC, healing, spice, and just all the emotions, then definitely check this one out!
Huge thank you to the author and NetGalley for the copy to listen to!
Our hockey playboy needs to clean up his image and after he knocks out the assistant photographer for the team with a puck to her head, he decides they can pretend that she is his fake fiancé.
The two of them together have a lot of baggage that we slowly learn about as their relationship grows, but the best part is that they didn't use it against each other. Both of them had horrible parents which explains why the trauma is there.
I loved seeing the relationship between the two of them grown, their characters grow and watching them fall in love. The way that Nico was there for Jo and stood up for her? Swoon! This one was more of a slow burn, and it was totally worth it.
The audio is duet narration by Willa Jaymes and Ryan Lee Dunlap and they did such an amazing job and really portrayed the characters so well. We definitely got all of the emotions.
If you're looking for a cute read/listen that has hockey, fake dating, found family, a virgin FMC, healing, spice, and just all the emotions, then definitely check this one out!
Huge thank you to the author and NetGalley for the copy to listen to!
July 7, 2026
Elite Player 🏒📸
By: Sophie Andrews
Narrated by: Willa Jaymes & Ryan Lee Dunlap
This was my first book by Sophie Andrews and I was absolutely blown away! This wasn’t just a funny and spicy hockey romance. These characters had so much depth and genuine growth.
Nico was amazing in literally every single way, capturing that perfect golden retriever, sunshine funny guy energy. Josephine was broken and deserved every single bit of his awesomeness (it’s like they were fated mates 🐺🦖😂). The book is incredibly funny (the cat distribution center line was great), spicy in the best of ways, and absolutely zero cringe!
Both narrators did an amazing job together. Ryan Lee Dunlap completely nailed Nico's charm. Willa Jaymes did an incredible job showing Josephine’s vulnerabilities as she came out of her shell. Together the duet was honestly perfect.
Thank you to Sophie Andrews, Victory Editing and NetGalley for providing this ALC. I am leaving this review completely voluntarily, and all thoughts are my own.
By: Sophie Andrews
Narrated by: Willa Jaymes & Ryan Lee Dunlap
This was my first book by Sophie Andrews and I was absolutely blown away! This wasn’t just a funny and spicy hockey romance. These characters had so much depth and genuine growth.
Nico was amazing in literally every single way, capturing that perfect golden retriever, sunshine funny guy energy. Josephine was broken and deserved every single bit of his awesomeness (it’s like they were fated mates 🐺🦖😂). The book is incredibly funny (the cat distribution center line was great), spicy in the best of ways, and absolutely zero cringe!
Both narrators did an amazing job together. Ryan Lee Dunlap completely nailed Nico's charm. Willa Jaymes did an incredible job showing Josephine’s vulnerabilities as she came out of her shell. Together the duet was honestly perfect.
Thank you to Sophie Andrews, Victory Editing and NetGalley for providing this ALC. I am leaving this review completely voluntarily, and all thoughts are my own.
July 9, 2026
E-ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review!
To get straight to the point, I really enjoyed Elite Player! I think if you enjoy a hockey romance, à la Becka Macks ‘Playing for Keeps’ series or Elle Kennedy’s “Off Campus”, you will enjoy this one as well.
However, I do think the similarity to the millions of other sports romances does come to its detriment as well (this may be because I’ve read plenty of these and tend to enjoy them). Josephine and Nico are compelling characters, yes, but they are not original. I was waiting for each and every story beat to occur (and I was oftentimes right). I did enjoy the story, and I did enjoy the writing, and i did enjoy the narration, but none of it ever stuck out to me. The narration of this audiobook was brilliantly done. I found the story immediately immersive, and each of the narrators were very pleasant to listen to!
3 ⭐️
To get straight to the point, I really enjoyed Elite Player! I think if you enjoy a hockey romance, à la Becka Macks ‘Playing for Keeps’ series or Elle Kennedy’s “Off Campus”, you will enjoy this one as well.
However, I do think the similarity to the millions of other sports romances does come to its detriment as well (this may be because I’ve read plenty of these and tend to enjoy them). Josephine and Nico are compelling characters, yes, but they are not original. I was waiting for each and every story beat to occur (and I was oftentimes right). I did enjoy the story, and I did enjoy the writing, and i did enjoy the narration, but none of it ever stuck out to me. The narration of this audiobook was brilliantly done. I found the story immediately immersive, and each of the narrators were very pleasant to listen to!
3 ⭐️
May 25, 2026
Nico (25) & Jo (25). A low-rank hockey player and a photographer that a random event brings together and decide to pretend being a couple due to various reasons.
He is a happy-go-lucky guy that flirts with every female that crosses his path but who is very loyal when he commits. In fact, he was too good to be true, I couldn’t find anything wrong with him, only that he was too happy all the time. She is an introvert with no self-esteem.
I found their relationship a bit awkward and forced tbh, without real chemistry. And I found the ending rather confusing.
It is a well written book but I don’t think the MCs are memorable.
-Dual 1st person POV
-Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Overall: 3.5/5 ⭐️ for me.
I received an Adv. Readers version of this book and I have given this honest and voluntary review.
He is a happy-go-lucky guy that flirts with every female that crosses his path but who is very loyal when he commits. In fact, he was too good to be true, I couldn’t find anything wrong with him, only that he was too happy all the time. She is an introvert with no self-esteem.
I found their relationship a bit awkward and forced tbh, without real chemistry. And I found the ending rather confusing.
It is a well written book but I don’t think the MCs are memorable.
-Dual 1st person POV
-Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Overall: 3.5/5 ⭐️ for me.
I received an Adv. Readers version of this book and I have given this honest and voluntary review.
June 22, 2026
book review | 4.5⭐️ 2🌶️
🏒📸💙
this is my first book by sophie andrews and it did not disappoint 👏🏽 it was so stinkin good and had me going through all the emotions
jo absolutely did not deserve how she was treated by her family and the way they made her see herself broke my heart. nico was also going through his own stuff that he kept to himself and when he open up to jo my heart broke for him 🥺
nico was EVERYTHING that jo needed in her life even though it took some time for her to truly believe that she deserved him. and my guy kept showin up and showin out for her to realize that he wanted her…loved them!!!
٠࣪⭑ what to expect ٠࣪⭑
🏒 hockey romance
💍 fake engagement
🐈⬛ black cat x golden retriever
💋 reformed playboy
🍒 v!rg!n fmc
🦆 ugly duckling
🏒📸💙
this is my first book by sophie andrews and it did not disappoint 👏🏽 it was so stinkin good and had me going through all the emotions
jo absolutely did not deserve how she was treated by her family and the way they made her see herself broke my heart. nico was also going through his own stuff that he kept to himself and when he open up to jo my heart broke for him 🥺
nico was EVERYTHING that jo needed in her life even though it took some time for her to truly believe that she deserved him. and my guy kept showin up and showin out for her to realize that he wanted her…loved them!!!
٠࣪⭑ what to expect ٠࣪⭑
🏒 hockey romance
💍 fake engagement
🐈⬛ black cat x golden retriever
💋 reformed playboy
🍒 v!rg!n fmc
🦆 ugly duckling
July 7, 2026
Sophie Andrews did it again! She writes characters with such heart, and Nico and Josephine are no exception. Nico is a true golden retriever and he just wants to take care of Josephine. Josephine has so many layers and so many walls but truly just wants to be chosen and loved. Andrews writes emotional depth and longing and love so damn well! Her characters are so real and honest and good. Loved this book!!
June 5, 2026
I devoured this book!! Nico and Jo couldn't be more opposite, but they work in the best ways!
Fake engagement
Opposites attract
Golden retriever x black cat
Hockey romance
Nico is on thin ice with his team; he needs to change his philandering ways or he's at risk to get traded. And when he actually shoots a puck right into Jo's face; he gets more than he bargained for when he goes to visit her in the hospital.
Jo is the outcast of her family and they make it known. The ridicule and bullying that they did literally made me sick to my stomach. I hated that so much for her!
Nico is the happy go lucky one and Jo is not. On paper, these two shouldn't work, but they balance one another out in the best ways.
I really loved this read and these characters! Hated Jo's entire family though!!
Fake engagement
Opposites attract
Golden retriever x black cat
Hockey romance
Nico is on thin ice with his team; he needs to change his philandering ways or he's at risk to get traded. And when he actually shoots a puck right into Jo's face; he gets more than he bargained for when he goes to visit her in the hospital.
Jo is the outcast of her family and they make it known. The ridicule and bullying that they did literally made me sick to my stomach. I hated that so much for her!
Nico is the happy go lucky one and Jo is not. On paper, these two shouldn't work, but they balance one another out in the best ways.
I really loved this read and these characters! Hated Jo's entire family though!!
July 3, 2026
super swoonnyyyy ;PP
June 12, 2026
Thank you to author Sophie Andrews for the arc of Elite Player! I love a good fake engagement especially with a reformed playboy and Nico and Josephine were such a good if not a little unexpected match! I loved that even though they were curious about and a little attracted to each other from the start, their relationship and eventually their love for each other grew as they truly got to know each other. Even with things to work through for both of them individually, I loved that they wanted to put the work in so they could be their best selves together. I look forward to reading what Sophie writes next!
July 6, 2026
When Jo the photographer assistant to the Philadelphia Iron gets whacked in the head with a hockey puck by Nico Tremblay the hotshot hockey star, the last thing she expects is to become his fake fiancé. Nico Tremblay is skating on thin ice and on the verge of being traded if he doesn't tamper his playboy status. When Nico goes to visit Jo at the hospital and is mistaken for her fiancé he plays along to protect Jo from her awful family. Plus he thinks it's a great idea for his image.
These two just have my whole heart! Nico is the biggest golden retriever boyfriend with a huge heart and the perfect person to bring Jo out of her shell. Oh and he's a cat daddy! They each have their own baggage and couldn't be more opposites but together they make sense. Jo is insecure and has always made herself hide in the background and I love how Nico sees her and makes her feel confident and seen. Soon enough the fake engagement begins to feel real when Nico starts falling for Jo. I hate Jo's family and how they bullied her and the name calling. My heart was breaking for her. I really enjoyed the surprise appearances from characters from her other books too!
The way I devoured this book! I was just giddy reading it. Sophie Andrews has become one of my favorite authors.
Thank you Sophie Andrews for gifting me an ARC of this book.
These two just have my whole heart! Nico is the biggest golden retriever boyfriend with a huge heart and the perfect person to bring Jo out of her shell. Oh and he's a cat daddy! They each have their own baggage and couldn't be more opposites but together they make sense. Jo is insecure and has always made herself hide in the background and I love how Nico sees her and makes her feel confident and seen. Soon enough the fake engagement begins to feel real when Nico starts falling for Jo. I hate Jo's family and how they bullied her and the name calling. My heart was breaking for her. I really enjoyed the surprise appearances from characters from her other books too!
The way I devoured this book! I was just giddy reading it. Sophie Andrews has become one of my favorite authors.
Thank you Sophie Andrews for gifting me an ARC of this book.
July 9, 2026
I swear hockey romances have me totally hooked lately and Elite Player was 100% the kind of audiobook I wanted to get lost in… its so sweet and i was totally gone for these two! I made every excuse possible to keep my headphones on because I wasn’t ready to leave Nico and Josie’s world and do real life stuff!
Nico Tremblay is the definition of a cocky, charming golden retriever of a hockey player. He’s all confidence, flirting and chaos on the surface but underneath all that swagger is someone desperate to prove there’s more to him than the reputation everyone has already decided fits him... the team playboy! Then there’s Josie whose the team’s photographer and spent far too long believing she’s the girl no one would ever choose. Watching these two stumble into a fake engagement after one very unfortunate hockey puck incident was equal parts hilarious, sweet and completely addictive… i adored this book! It hurts and heals in equal measure.
I loved how naturally their relationship grew as i listened. The fake engagement wasn’t just there for the laughs (although there were plenty of those) it gave both of them the chance to see themselves through someone else’s eyes. Nico constantly made Josie feel seen and watching her confidence slowly bloom had me smiling more times than I can count... cause we all need that right? Those little moments that quietly sneak up on your heart.
As an audiobook listener, this was such an easy one to binge. Willa Jaymes captured Josie’s insecurities and growing confidence beautifully and Ryan Lee Dunlap absolutely nailed Nico’s playful confidence alongside the softer, more vulnerable moments.
And Ryan Lee Dunlap… what the actual…? Man… your voice should honestly come with a warning label, its like silk until you hit ‘those’ moments! This wasn’t narration. This was a full on performance. Every smug grin, every teasing line, every laugh, every softer, vulnerable moment… I believed every second of it. The confidence, charm, the tenderness… and don’t even get me started on the flirting because I was out here blushing over a man who doesn’t even exist. There may have been a few rewinds. Purely for research purposes, obviously.
And while everyone always loses their minds over the male narrator (guilty), can we please give Willa Jaymes the recognition she deserves too? She made Josie feel so incredibly real. Every insecurity, every hopeful moment, every burst of confidence felt genuine she had and she never once let Josie become overshadowed. She gave her so much presence that I was completely lost in her journey from beginning to end. Ryan and Willa together were honestly perfection as they bounced off each other so naturally that it felt like listening in on two real people falling in love.
If you love fake engagement, hockey romance, a playboy hero who falls fast and hard, plenty of swoony moments and a story that leaves you grinning like an idiot, oh then this one is definitely worth picking up.
Now forgive me while I go and pretend I don’t suddenly need more Nico Tremblay in my life!!! Sophie Andrews i am hooked!
Nico Tremblay is the definition of a cocky, charming golden retriever of a hockey player. He’s all confidence, flirting and chaos on the surface but underneath all that swagger is someone desperate to prove there’s more to him than the reputation everyone has already decided fits him... the team playboy! Then there’s Josie whose the team’s photographer and spent far too long believing she’s the girl no one would ever choose. Watching these two stumble into a fake engagement after one very unfortunate hockey puck incident was equal parts hilarious, sweet and completely addictive… i adored this book! It hurts and heals in equal measure.
I loved how naturally their relationship grew as i listened. The fake engagement wasn’t just there for the laughs (although there were plenty of those) it gave both of them the chance to see themselves through someone else’s eyes. Nico constantly made Josie feel seen and watching her confidence slowly bloom had me smiling more times than I can count... cause we all need that right? Those little moments that quietly sneak up on your heart.
As an audiobook listener, this was such an easy one to binge. Willa Jaymes captured Josie’s insecurities and growing confidence beautifully and Ryan Lee Dunlap absolutely nailed Nico’s playful confidence alongside the softer, more vulnerable moments.
And Ryan Lee Dunlap… what the actual…? Man… your voice should honestly come with a warning label, its like silk until you hit ‘those’ moments! This wasn’t narration. This was a full on performance. Every smug grin, every teasing line, every laugh, every softer, vulnerable moment… I believed every second of it. The confidence, charm, the tenderness… and don’t even get me started on the flirting because I was out here blushing over a man who doesn’t even exist. There may have been a few rewinds. Purely for research purposes, obviously.
And while everyone always loses their minds over the male narrator (guilty), can we please give Willa Jaymes the recognition she deserves too? She made Josie feel so incredibly real. Every insecurity, every hopeful moment, every burst of confidence felt genuine she had and she never once let Josie become overshadowed. She gave her so much presence that I was completely lost in her journey from beginning to end. Ryan and Willa together were honestly perfection as they bounced off each other so naturally that it felt like listening in on two real people falling in love.
If you love fake engagement, hockey romance, a playboy hero who falls fast and hard, plenty of swoony moments and a story that leaves you grinning like an idiot, oh then this one is definitely worth picking up.
Now forgive me while I go and pretend I don’t suddenly need more Nico Tremblay in my life!!! Sophie Andrews i am hooked!
July 4, 2026
Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, Sophie Andrews, and NetGalley for the copy of this audiobook!
This was such a fun audiobook! I ended up flying through it in a single day because I was so invested in Nico and Josephine's story. The narrators also did a fantastic job and made the characters even more enjoyable.
The story follows Nico, a famous NHL player, and Josephine, a photographer. After Nico accidentally hits Josephine with a hockey puck, she lands in the hospital. Josephine has a horrible relationship with her family—they've spent her entire life putting her down, calling her names, and allowing others in their small town to bully her as well. Before the accident, she had lied to her mother about having a fiancé. So when her family shows up at the hospital and assumes Nico is the mystery fiancé, the two come up with a plan to fake an engagement. It helps Nico clean up his public image while giving Josephine a way to finally get her family off her back.
I really loved Nico. Even though he has a reputation for being a playboy, he's genuinely caring, thoughtful, and selfless from the very beginning. The way he takes care of Josephine after the accident immediately made me root for him. Their relationship develops at a really nice pace, and I never felt like the romance was rushed. Watching their fake engagement slowly turn into something real was probably my favorite part of the book.
I also appreciated that both characters had real emotional baggage they were working through.
Josephine struggles with incredibly low self-esteem because of the emotional abuse she's experienced from her family, and my heart broke for her throughout the story. Nico has his own trauma as well, including a difficult relationship with his mother and father, and surviving a sexual assault when he was younger. I really appreciated that the author included male sexual assault representation since it's something that isn't talked about nearly enough. I do wish it had been explored a little more, though. Looking back, there are definitely moments where his carefree, happy-go-lucky personality feels like a coping mechanism, and I think that was handled well.
The only thing I couldn't get past was Nico calling Josephine "Mama." I know it was meant to be a sweet nickname, but it just wasn't for me. Every time he said it, I cringed a little, and it pulled me out of the story.
Overall, I had a great time with this one! It was sweet, emotional, and had a romance that was easy to root for. Between the lovable characters, the fake engagement trope, and the excellent narration, this ended up being a really enjoyable listen. I'd definitely recommend it if you're looking for a hockey romance with plenty of heart.
This was such a fun audiobook! I ended up flying through it in a single day because I was so invested in Nico and Josephine's story. The narrators also did a fantastic job and made the characters even more enjoyable.
The story follows Nico, a famous NHL player, and Josephine, a photographer. After Nico accidentally hits Josephine with a hockey puck, she lands in the hospital. Josephine has a horrible relationship with her family—they've spent her entire life putting her down, calling her names, and allowing others in their small town to bully her as well. Before the accident, she had lied to her mother about having a fiancé. So when her family shows up at the hospital and assumes Nico is the mystery fiancé, the two come up with a plan to fake an engagement. It helps Nico clean up his public image while giving Josephine a way to finally get her family off her back.
I really loved Nico. Even though he has a reputation for being a playboy, he's genuinely caring, thoughtful, and selfless from the very beginning. The way he takes care of Josephine after the accident immediately made me root for him. Their relationship develops at a really nice pace, and I never felt like the romance was rushed. Watching their fake engagement slowly turn into something real was probably my favorite part of the book.
I also appreciated that both characters had real emotional baggage they were working through.
Josephine struggles with incredibly low self-esteem because of the emotional abuse she's experienced from her family, and my heart broke for her throughout the story. Nico has his own trauma as well, including a difficult relationship with his mother and father, and surviving a sexual assault when he was younger. I really appreciated that the author included male sexual assault representation since it's something that isn't talked about nearly enough. I do wish it had been explored a little more, though. Looking back, there are definitely moments where his carefree, happy-go-lucky personality feels like a coping mechanism, and I think that was handled well.
The only thing I couldn't get past was Nico calling Josephine "Mama." I know it was meant to be a sweet nickname, but it just wasn't for me. Every time he said it, I cringed a little, and it pulled me out of the story.
Overall, I had a great time with this one! It was sweet, emotional, and had a romance that was easy to root for. Between the lovable characters, the fake engagement trope, and the excellent narration, this ended up being a really enjoyable listen. I'd definitely recommend it if you're looking for a hockey romance with plenty of heart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2026
“No one’s ever been obsessed with any part of me before.” “Good. That means I can have you all to myself.”
Elite Player Book 2 in the Winning Love Series.
The first time he called her mama, I was done for. Be still my heart.
Nico Trembley, you sir have paved the way for ALL book boyfriends. You just stepped in and up, this situation at hand was out of the ordinary but you were up to the challenge. He is the happiest but his persona makes him seem like a playboy but he is the way he is for reasons and it takes Jo for him to realize why he turned into a playboy and the experience he went through sort of craved who he back came. My heart broke for him and the experience he went through in his younger life.
Josephine Atkins, my poor Jo girl. My heart shattered for on multiple occasions. She was bullied she didn’t think she could ever be worthy of being chosen for once but she about to learn that not everyone is seen the way that they think. I loved how Nico pushed her walls down, she became such a comfy person in the short term that they knew each other and I think they came into each others lives right when they were meant to be.
The way that this poor woman’s family made her feel as a child and still did, I wish she had written them off, but the best thing happened Nico brought she confidence back and she was finally able to stand up and speak up to them how she has felt.
When things got tough for them after their big fight, he never stopped loving her and that was when I knew I was gone. He was so patient when they both needed the time apart to truly see what was meant for their relationship.
Nico let Jo set the pace of their relationship. he was okay with whatever she was willing to give him at the time, which i adored very much. he calls her "my sassy little emo girl"
“So, the point is, I choose you. Fate did me a solid, but I will always choose you. Every day, I choose you."
“Jo, will always choose you. But you were right. We needed time to figure things out.”
This story was truly inspiring, it flowed and touch on some sensitive topics and Sophie did an excellent job. She has become an automatic read for me, especially with this new series she has written. I fell in love with Camden and Nadine and she did it all over again with Nico and Jo. their love was the sweetest everything and i'll miss them so much! they both encouraged each other to go to therapy instead of using themselves as a crutch for their feelings.
Tropes:
Hockey Romance
Golden Retriever × Black Cat
Fake Engagement
Virgin FMC
Reformed Playboy
Ugly
Elite Player Book 2 in the Winning Love Series.
The first time he called her mama, I was done for. Be still my heart.
Nico Trembley, you sir have paved the way for ALL book boyfriends. You just stepped in and up, this situation at hand was out of the ordinary but you were up to the challenge. He is the happiest but his persona makes him seem like a playboy but he is the way he is for reasons and it takes Jo for him to realize why he turned into a playboy and the experience he went through sort of craved who he back came. My heart broke for him and the experience he went through in his younger life.
Josephine Atkins, my poor Jo girl. My heart shattered for on multiple occasions. She was bullied she didn’t think she could ever be worthy of being chosen for once but she about to learn that not everyone is seen the way that they think. I loved how Nico pushed her walls down, she became such a comfy person in the short term that they knew each other and I think they came into each others lives right when they were meant to be.
The way that this poor woman’s family made her feel as a child and still did, I wish she had written them off, but the best thing happened Nico brought she confidence back and she was finally able to stand up and speak up to them how she has felt.
When things got tough for them after their big fight, he never stopped loving her and that was when I knew I was gone. He was so patient when they both needed the time apart to truly see what was meant for their relationship.
Nico let Jo set the pace of their relationship. he was okay with whatever she was willing to give him at the time, which i adored very much. he calls her "my sassy little emo girl"
“So, the point is, I choose you. Fate did me a solid, but I will always choose you. Every day, I choose you."
“Jo, will always choose you. But you were right. We needed time to figure things out.”
This story was truly inspiring, it flowed and touch on some sensitive topics and Sophie did an excellent job. She has become an automatic read for me, especially with this new series she has written. I fell in love with Camden and Nadine and she did it all over again with Nico and Jo. their love was the sweetest everything and i'll miss them so much! they both encouraged each other to go to therapy instead of using themselves as a crutch for their feelings.
Tropes:
Hockey Romance
Golden Retriever × Black Cat
Fake Engagement
Virgin FMC
Reformed Playboy
Ugly
July 5, 2026
Great Story & Narration🎧Gripping & Emotionally Moving!
Elite Player
Winning Love
By: Sophie Andrews
Narrated by: Willa Jaymes, Ryan Lee Dunlap
This is my first book written by Sophie Andrews, and I enjoyed it immensely, both the story and her writing style, which drew me in immediately and held my attention the entire time. Professional hockey player Nico Tremblay, a player on and off the ice, was told by his agent to clean up his act because the team’s upper management thinks he may be more trouble than he is worth. Set on cleaning up his image and staying off management’s radar, but he blows it by sending the assistant to the team’s photograph to the hospital, accidentally, but it still did not look good. Feeling bad, he wants to make things right and visits her in the hospital. Josephine “Jo” Atkins’ family did a number on her, knocking her down every chance they got, causing her to have self-worth issues and insecurities. Nico witnessed how they treated her and caught on quickly, and a hospital visit for doing the right thing turns into something else, something that would benefit them both: a fake engagement. Both characters had intriguing backstories, and it was great to learn more about them while they got to know each other. My heart broke for Jo, how beaten down she was, but it was impressive how quickly Nico recognized what was going on with her and didn’t have any of it. There is never a dull moment in this book, a multi-layered story that has the perfect balance of drama, angst, heartwarming moments, profound emotions and a slow burn, but so worth the wait romance. The complexity of the characters, their development and growth are fantastic, I loved how far the two leads came in the end, he with maturity he did not have in the beginning and she with the self confidence and worth she deserves, both gave that to each other and it was beautifully done. Sophie Andrews, thank you for this wonderful story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 Willa Jaymes and Ryan Lee Dunlap are the perfect cast to bring these characters to life, and giving each a voice that was fitting and believable. Both embodied their characters completely, grasping every facet of their personalities, with Dunlap nailing it as Nico and Jaymes as Jo. They were fantastic performing the roles of the side/secondary characters too. Their expressive delivery conveys all the characters’ emotions, making you feel each one. These two make a fabulous team, with voices and talent that complement each other and a captivating performance that keeps you glued to the story. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to.
Elite Player
Winning Love
By: Sophie Andrews
Narrated by: Willa Jaymes, Ryan Lee Dunlap
This is my first book written by Sophie Andrews, and I enjoyed it immensely, both the story and her writing style, which drew me in immediately and held my attention the entire time. Professional hockey player Nico Tremblay, a player on and off the ice, was told by his agent to clean up his act because the team’s upper management thinks he may be more trouble than he is worth. Set on cleaning up his image and staying off management’s radar, but he blows it by sending the assistant to the team’s photograph to the hospital, accidentally, but it still did not look good. Feeling bad, he wants to make things right and visits her in the hospital. Josephine “Jo” Atkins’ family did a number on her, knocking her down every chance they got, causing her to have self-worth issues and insecurities. Nico witnessed how they treated her and caught on quickly, and a hospital visit for doing the right thing turns into something else, something that would benefit them both: a fake engagement. Both characters had intriguing backstories, and it was great to learn more about them while they got to know each other. My heart broke for Jo, how beaten down she was, but it was impressive how quickly Nico recognized what was going on with her and didn’t have any of it. There is never a dull moment in this book, a multi-layered story that has the perfect balance of drama, angst, heartwarming moments, profound emotions and a slow burn, but so worth the wait romance. The complexity of the characters, their development and growth are fantastic, I loved how far the two leads came in the end, he with maturity he did not have in the beginning and she with the self confidence and worth she deserves, both gave that to each other and it was beautifully done. Sophie Andrews, thank you for this wonderful story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 Willa Jaymes and Ryan Lee Dunlap are the perfect cast to bring these characters to life, and giving each a voice that was fitting and believable. Both embodied their characters completely, grasping every facet of their personalities, with Dunlap nailing it as Nico and Jaymes as Jo. They were fantastic performing the roles of the side/secondary characters too. Their expressive delivery conveys all the characters’ emotions, making you feel each one. These two make a fabulous team, with voices and talent that complement each other and a captivating performance that keeps you glued to the story. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love a Sophie romance. From her swoon-worthy MMCs to her badass FMCs you really can’t help falling in love with her characters. The characters are real, and complex and you just have to read them to get to experience the magic of Sophie. This book is full golden retriever/black cat but there is so much more to it than that. I found myself in tears a few times, from how heartbreaking some of the moments were. Sophie beautifully describes how it feels to be the butt of the joke, the child trying too hard only to be continually pushed down by their family. It is a raw portrayal of depression and suicidal thoughts so be sure to read the trigger warnings if you have them. But I cannot express enough how Sophie navigates these topics so delicately and in a way that makes you feel seen. One thing I love about this author is how she writes boundaries for her characters and they get to stand up for themselves. Jo is trying her best to leave her past behind and until life literally hits her in the face she is content with where she is at. Until a hospital visit turns into a surprise fake engagement and her life becomes even more complicated. Nico is the playboy who cannot stay out of trouble or other peoples beds, so instead of denying this fake engagement he being a true golden retriever fully commits. Nico is not what you expect from a slutty hockey player, he is kind, and much like me loves smut. His love of the fated mates trope which is great don’t get me wrong but this book has some that are so much better like: He stands up for her, he chooses her, but the best one of all is found family. Nico and Jo found a home in each other and it warmed my whole heart. The sweet gentle way Nico helped Jo come out of her shell and the way she helped him understand that he did not have to carry his trauma alone. I have said it a million times but there is nothing hotter than a man in therapy, or maybe it is just the type of men written by Sophie. They are obsessed, empathetic, and always willing to get on their knees for their ladies. I mean that dressing room scene is going to live rent free in my mind. The spice is perfect for this book and the way Nico teaches Jo to love her body as much as he does is absolute perfection. If you want a hockey romance, with all the best tropes you have to pick up the Winning Love series.
4.5/5 stars 2/5 spice
Tropes
golden retriever/black cat
reformed playboy MMC
inexperience FMC
Found family
Hockey romance
fake engagement
4.5/5 stars 2/5 spice
Tropes
golden retriever/black cat
reformed playboy MMC
inexperience FMC
Found family
Hockey romance
fake engagement
July 8, 2026
🏒💍 One fake engagement, one reformed playboy, and a romance that completely stole my heart. 💍🏒
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3.5/5)
Spice-meter: 🌶️☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Audiobook: 🎧 Duet
Series: Winning Love, Book 2 (interconnected standalone)
HEA: Yes
Elite Player was my first book by Sophie Andrews, and it definitely won't be my last. What starts as a fun fake-engagement hockey romance quickly turns into a heartfelt story about healing, self-worth, and personal growth. While there are plenty of lighthearted moments and great chemistry, it's the emotional depth that really sets this book apart.
Nico and Josephine were wonderful together. Watching Josephine slowly gain confidence and seeing Nico evolve from the team's playboy into someone willing to fight for the woman he loves made their relationship feel authentic and rewarding. Their banter was adorable, their chemistry felt natural, and I loved how they continuously supported each other through their individual struggles.
What I Loved
✔️ Fantastic character growth for both MCs
✔️ Fake engagement done right
✔️ Reformed playboy hero
✔️ Sweet, supportive relationship
✔️ Emotional depth beneath the humor
✔️ Great balance of romance and personal healing
🎧 Narration
Performed in duet by Willa Jaymes and Ryan Lee Dunlap.
This audiobook was such a joy to listen to. Ryan Lee Dunlap perfectly captured Nico's confidence, charm, and softer side beneath the playboy reputation. Willa Jaymes beautifully portrayed Josephine's insecurities, vulnerability, and gradual transformation into a stronger, more confident woman. Together they created wonderful chemistry and made every emotional and romantic moment feel completely believable.
Tropes & Vibes
✔️ Hockey Romance
✔️ Fake Engagement
✔️ Golden Retriever × Black Cat
✔️ Reformed Playboy
✔️ Virgin FMC
✔️ Opposites Attract
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Emotional Growth
✔️ Dual POV
✔️ HEA
Final Thoughts
Elite Player is funny, heartwarming, and surprisingly emotional. Sophie Andrews balances romance, humor, and character development beautifully, creating a couple you genuinely want to see succeed.
If you enjoy fake relationships, hockey romances, golden retriever heroes who fall hard, and heroines finding their confidence while falling in love, this one is absolutely worth picking up. I'm already looking forward to reading more from both this series and this author.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3.5/5)
Spice-meter: 🌶️☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Audiobook: 🎧 Duet
Series: Winning Love, Book 2 (interconnected standalone)
HEA: Yes
Elite Player was my first book by Sophie Andrews, and it definitely won't be my last. What starts as a fun fake-engagement hockey romance quickly turns into a heartfelt story about healing, self-worth, and personal growth. While there are plenty of lighthearted moments and great chemistry, it's the emotional depth that really sets this book apart.
Nico and Josephine were wonderful together. Watching Josephine slowly gain confidence and seeing Nico evolve from the team's playboy into someone willing to fight for the woman he loves made their relationship feel authentic and rewarding. Their banter was adorable, their chemistry felt natural, and I loved how they continuously supported each other through their individual struggles.
What I Loved
✔️ Fantastic character growth for both MCs
✔️ Fake engagement done right
✔️ Reformed playboy hero
✔️ Sweet, supportive relationship
✔️ Emotional depth beneath the humor
✔️ Great balance of romance and personal healing
🎧 Narration
Performed in duet by Willa Jaymes and Ryan Lee Dunlap.
This audiobook was such a joy to listen to. Ryan Lee Dunlap perfectly captured Nico's confidence, charm, and softer side beneath the playboy reputation. Willa Jaymes beautifully portrayed Josephine's insecurities, vulnerability, and gradual transformation into a stronger, more confident woman. Together they created wonderful chemistry and made every emotional and romantic moment feel completely believable.
Tropes & Vibes
✔️ Hockey Romance
✔️ Fake Engagement
✔️ Golden Retriever × Black Cat
✔️ Reformed Playboy
✔️ Virgin FMC
✔️ Opposites Attract
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Emotional Growth
✔️ Dual POV
✔️ HEA
Final Thoughts
Elite Player is funny, heartwarming, and surprisingly emotional. Sophie Andrews balances romance, humor, and character development beautifully, creating a couple you genuinely want to see succeed.
If you enjoy fake relationships, hockey romances, golden retriever heroes who fall hard, and heroines finding their confidence while falling in love, this one is absolutely worth picking up. I'm already looking forward to reading more from both this series and this author.
July 6, 2026
After absolutely loving the first book in this series (which has become one of my go-to comfort reads), I went into this one with high expectations... and somehow loved it even more.
Sophie Andrews is quickly becoming an auto-buy author for me because I know I can trust her with my precious nerves. She somehow manages to tackle heavier subjects in a way that feels approachable without ever losing the warmth, humor, or heart that makes her books so comforting. I wasn't expecting the exploration of religious trauma, particularly around body image, but I really appreciated how thoughtfully it was handled alongside themes of bullying, depression, SA (off page, in the past), and learning to stand up for yourself.
Let’s get to the romance, because I have lots of feels. The fake dating setup gets established almost immediately, which I loved because the story wastes no time getting to the good stuff. I cannot get over how well the author wrote this relationship. It felt so natural, grew into something so beautiful, and we get to really SEE that progression. Not to mention, Nico has the most wonderful golden retriever energy (to Jo’s endearing black cat vibes), complete with an incredibly protective streak and a level of devotion that had me smiling the entire book. Watching Jo slowly grow into her confidence—with his unwavering support but through her own strength—was such a satisfying character arc.
And I have to talk about the audiobook because it was phenomenal. The narrators (in duet narration, praise the audio gods!) freaking UNDERSTOOD the assignment. Both narrators (Ryan Lee Dunlap and Willa Jaymes) gave such natural, engaging performances that I completely forgot I was listening to people read a book. It honestly felt like I was watching the story unfold while hanging out with these characters, and they brought every emotional beat and comedic moment to life perfectly.
I legit can't think of a single thing I didn't enjoy. I was hooked from the beginning, loved every minute of it, and by the end I was left with that same cozy, happy feeling the first book gave me. Another comfort read and an easy five stars. I already can't wait for the next one.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to listen to this ALC in exchange for my honest review.
Sophie Andrews is quickly becoming an auto-buy author for me because I know I can trust her with my precious nerves. She somehow manages to tackle heavier subjects in a way that feels approachable without ever losing the warmth, humor, or heart that makes her books so comforting. I wasn't expecting the exploration of religious trauma, particularly around body image, but I really appreciated how thoughtfully it was handled alongside themes of bullying, depression, SA (off page, in the past), and learning to stand up for yourself.
Let’s get to the romance, because I have lots of feels. The fake dating setup gets established almost immediately, which I loved because the story wastes no time getting to the good stuff. I cannot get over how well the author wrote this relationship. It felt so natural, grew into something so beautiful, and we get to really SEE that progression. Not to mention, Nico has the most wonderful golden retriever energy (to Jo’s endearing black cat vibes), complete with an incredibly protective streak and a level of devotion that had me smiling the entire book. Watching Jo slowly grow into her confidence—with his unwavering support but through her own strength—was such a satisfying character arc.
And I have to talk about the audiobook because it was phenomenal. The narrators (in duet narration, praise the audio gods!) freaking UNDERSTOOD the assignment. Both narrators (Ryan Lee Dunlap and Willa Jaymes) gave such natural, engaging performances that I completely forgot I was listening to people read a book. It honestly felt like I was watching the story unfold while hanging out with these characters, and they brought every emotional beat and comedic moment to life perfectly.
I legit can't think of a single thing I didn't enjoy. I was hooked from the beginning, loved every minute of it, and by the end I was left with that same cozy, happy feeling the first book gave me. Another comfort read and an easy five stars. I already can't wait for the next one.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to listen to this ALC in exchange for my honest review.
July 8, 2026
Some books make you swoon. This one made me want to fight an entire family. 😤😭🏒
Wow… where do I even start?
I’ve listened to plenty of books where characters overcome bullying, find their confidence, and learn their worth. But this one? This absolutely floored me.
I genuinely struggled to understand how a family could chip away at someone’s confidence so completely. Jo’s story broke my heart over and over again. Every cruel comment, every little put-down… you could almost feel her believing she wasn’t enough. It was heartbreaking to listen to.
And then… along came Nico. 🥹
A walking golden retriever wrapped in the body of a hockey god. Yes, he starts off as the team’s resident f-boy, but underneath all that swagger is one of the sweetest, most genuinely kind book boyfriends I’ve met in a long time. He saw Jo when nobody else did. He believed in her before she could believe in herself… and honestly? That’s what made me fall for him.
(Also… let’s not pretend the man wasn’t delivering more than emotional support… the spice definitely came to play. 🌶️😉)
The fake engagement trope? Loved it. The slow burn? Worth every second. The emotional healing? Pass the tissues.
Ryan Lee Dunlap was made to voice Nico. He captured every ounce of his charm, humour and growing vulnerability perfectly.
And Willa Jaymes… excuse me while I go ugly cry again. 😭 Her performance absolutely shattered my heart. Every insecurity, every heartbreaking moment, every tiny spark of confidence Jo found… you felt it all.
I laughed. I swooned. I got emotional. I wanted to climb into the book and personally tell Jo’s family exactly where they could skate.
This wasn’t just a hockey romance for me. It was a beautiful story about finding your voice, discovering your worth, and learning that sometimes all it takes is one person to believe you’re enough.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you love: 🏒 Hockey romance 💍 Fake engagement 🐶 Golden retriever hockey player energy 🌶️ Virgin FMC x reformed playboy ❤️ Emotional healing 😂 Banter and laugh-out-loud moments 😭 All the feelings 🔥 Spice that definitely earns its place
…then add this audiobook to your TBL immediately. Your heart will thank you… even if your tear ducts won’t.
Wow… where do I even start?
I’ve listened to plenty of books where characters overcome bullying, find their confidence, and learn their worth. But this one? This absolutely floored me.
I genuinely struggled to understand how a family could chip away at someone’s confidence so completely. Jo’s story broke my heart over and over again. Every cruel comment, every little put-down… you could almost feel her believing she wasn’t enough. It was heartbreaking to listen to.
And then… along came Nico. 🥹
A walking golden retriever wrapped in the body of a hockey god. Yes, he starts off as the team’s resident f-boy, but underneath all that swagger is one of the sweetest, most genuinely kind book boyfriends I’ve met in a long time. He saw Jo when nobody else did. He believed in her before she could believe in herself… and honestly? That’s what made me fall for him.
(Also… let’s not pretend the man wasn’t delivering more than emotional support… the spice definitely came to play. 🌶️😉)
The fake engagement trope? Loved it. The slow burn? Worth every second. The emotional healing? Pass the tissues.
Ryan Lee Dunlap was made to voice Nico. He captured every ounce of his charm, humour and growing vulnerability perfectly.
And Willa Jaymes… excuse me while I go ugly cry again. 😭 Her performance absolutely shattered my heart. Every insecurity, every heartbreaking moment, every tiny spark of confidence Jo found… you felt it all.
I laughed. I swooned. I got emotional. I wanted to climb into the book and personally tell Jo’s family exactly where they could skate.
This wasn’t just a hockey romance for me. It was a beautiful story about finding your voice, discovering your worth, and learning that sometimes all it takes is one person to believe you’re enough.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you love: 🏒 Hockey romance 💍 Fake engagement 🐶 Golden retriever hockey player energy 🌶️ Virgin FMC x reformed playboy ❤️ Emotional healing 😂 Banter and laugh-out-loud moments 😭 All the feelings 🔥 Spice that definitely earns its place
…then add this audiobook to your TBL immediately. Your heart will thank you… even if your tear ducts won’t.
June 11, 2026
Nico is already in hot water with management of his hockey team for his playboy lifestyle when an arrant puck he slap shots at practice hits a fellow employee, sending her to the hospital. Jo has long been on the sidelines of the team taking pictures, and building her own photography business on the side, when a puck to the head inconveniently allows her family to jump to the wrong conclusions about her life. When they catch Nico visiting her at the hospital, they jump to the wrong idea, assuming he’s her fiancé (you know, the one she has lied to them about for months), and he plays along, happy to use Jo for boosting his image as a stable and responsible team player. As they put their fake relationship forward to the public, Nico begins to learn what real friendship and love looks like and Jo is forced to face her rocky past and insecurities.
————————
I have happily enjoyed all of this author’s previous work, and will continue to read her books with enthusiasm, but this one just didn’t vibe with me.
The main characters were difficult for me to relate to, and therefore I couldn’t connect to the story very well. I thought there was a lot of depth and thought put into their backgrounds and it was handled with care, but it fell flat for me.
Nico was pushy and didn’t listen, and often physically trapped Jo (between his arms, against vehicles, etc) and it cane across as she was uncomfortable. Considering his history, I would have thought he would be more mindful of that. Jo was a hot mess. No self confidence. No backbone. Very awkward. I think all of that is fair considering how she was treated by her family growing up, but I would have liked to see some character growth from her that didn’t directly relate to being Nico’s partner.
The elements are all here for a great story and I think a lot of readers will really enjoy this one. It just was a little forced for me.
Thank you to Sophie Andrews for an advanced copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
————————
I have happily enjoyed all of this author’s previous work, and will continue to read her books with enthusiasm, but this one just didn’t vibe with me.
The main characters were difficult for me to relate to, and therefore I couldn’t connect to the story very well. I thought there was a lot of depth and thought put into their backgrounds and it was handled with care, but it fell flat for me.
Nico was pushy and didn’t listen, and often physically trapped Jo (between his arms, against vehicles, etc) and it cane across as she was uncomfortable. Considering his history, I would have thought he would be more mindful of that. Jo was a hot mess. No self confidence. No backbone. Very awkward. I think all of that is fair considering how she was treated by her family growing up, but I would have liked to see some character growth from her that didn’t directly relate to being Nico’s partner.
The elements are all here for a great story and I think a lot of readers will really enjoy this one. It just was a little forced for me.
Thank you to Sophie Andrews for an advanced copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
June 12, 2026
𝓔𝓵𝓲𝓽𝓮 𝓟𝓵𝓪𝔂𝓮𝓻
By Sophie Andrews
Sophie bringing us a hockey “fake engagement“ romance and then hitting us with all the feels and emotional upheaval makes this a must read. Do not hesitate to grab this one. Nico will steal your whole heart.
Nico Tremblay.
He’s a left winger for the Philadelphia Iron hockey team, a playboy in trouble with management. Then he meets Jo. He unintentionally injures her! Their initial meeting will draw you right into this heart stirring romance. You’ll fall in love with Nico and his generous, protective ways toward Jo.
Josephine “Jo” Atkins.
She left her tiny town in West Virginia to get away from a family that not only caused her insecurities, but still prays on them, with certain family members being outright bullies toward her. She’s now pursuing what she loves. Photography. But her mother is pressuring her to return home, so how about announcing an engagement to a hockey player! Ummmm. . . She just needs to inform Nico.
Nico agrees to the arrangement since it will help get management off his back and he wants to help Jo avoid her family harassing her to move home. He meets them once and sees immediately how awful they treat Jo. But Nico finds himself falling for Jo and there’s nothing much fake about his feelings. But Jo? She’s having a really hard time believing this handsome hockey player would truly choose her. No one ever has.
You’re going to swoon over Nico. For instance: “𝐼 𝒽𝑜𝓅𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓈𝒽𝑒’𝓈 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝒶𝒻𝓇𝒶𝒾𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝓈𝒽𝑜𝓌 𝓂𝑒 𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝒾𝓃𝓈𝑒𝒸𝓊𝓇𝒾𝓉𝒾𝑒𝓈, 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓈𝒽𝑒 𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌𝓈 𝐼’𝓁𝓁 𝒶𝓁𝓌𝒶𝓎𝓈 𝓉𝒶𝓀𝑒 𝒸𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓅𝓇𝑜𝓉𝑒𝒸𝓉 𝒽𝑒𝓇.” Now Jo just has to believe in him. As Jo tells Nico, “𝐼 𝒹𝑜𝓃’𝓉 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒 𝓉𝓊𝒸𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓂𝓎 𝒽𝒶𝒾𝓇 𝒷𝒶𝒸𝓀.” “𝒲𝒽𝓎 𝓃𝑜𝓉?” “𝐼𝓉 𝓁𝑒𝓉𝓈 𝓂𝑒 𝒹𝒾𝓈𝒶𝓅𝓅𝑒𝒶𝓇.” A lifetime of trauma. Nico has his work cut out for him. But when he finally tells off her family? Yea. I may have applauded.
Nico also has a past that’s heartbreaking and it takes a minute for him to open but when he does? They both begin to heal, survive, and finally, thrive.
I loved this couple. You will too.
By Sophie Andrews
Sophie bringing us a hockey “fake engagement“ romance and then hitting us with all the feels and emotional upheaval makes this a must read. Do not hesitate to grab this one. Nico will steal your whole heart.
Nico Tremblay.
He’s a left winger for the Philadelphia Iron hockey team, a playboy in trouble with management. Then he meets Jo. He unintentionally injures her! Their initial meeting will draw you right into this heart stirring romance. You’ll fall in love with Nico and his generous, protective ways toward Jo.
Josephine “Jo” Atkins.
She left her tiny town in West Virginia to get away from a family that not only caused her insecurities, but still prays on them, with certain family members being outright bullies toward her. She’s now pursuing what she loves. Photography. But her mother is pressuring her to return home, so how about announcing an engagement to a hockey player! Ummmm. . . She just needs to inform Nico.
Nico agrees to the arrangement since it will help get management off his back and he wants to help Jo avoid her family harassing her to move home. He meets them once and sees immediately how awful they treat Jo. But Nico finds himself falling for Jo and there’s nothing much fake about his feelings. But Jo? She’s having a really hard time believing this handsome hockey player would truly choose her. No one ever has.
You’re going to swoon over Nico. For instance: “𝐼 𝒽𝑜𝓅𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓈𝒽𝑒’𝓈 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝒶𝒻𝓇𝒶𝒾𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝓈𝒽𝑜𝓌 𝓂𝑒 𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝒾𝓃𝓈𝑒𝒸𝓊𝓇𝒾𝓉𝒾𝑒𝓈, 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓈𝒽𝑒 𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌𝓈 𝐼’𝓁𝓁 𝒶𝓁𝓌𝒶𝓎𝓈 𝓉𝒶𝓀𝑒 𝒸𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓅𝓇𝑜𝓉𝑒𝒸𝓉 𝒽𝑒𝓇.” Now Jo just has to believe in him. As Jo tells Nico, “𝐼 𝒹𝑜𝓃’𝓉 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒 𝓉𝓊𝒸𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓂𝓎 𝒽𝒶𝒾𝓇 𝒷𝒶𝒸𝓀.” “𝒲𝒽𝓎 𝓃𝑜𝓉?” “𝐼𝓉 𝓁𝑒𝓉𝓈 𝓂𝑒 𝒹𝒾𝓈𝒶𝓅𝓅𝑒𝒶𝓇.” A lifetime of trauma. Nico has his work cut out for him. But when he finally tells off her family? Yea. I may have applauded.
Nico also has a past that’s heartbreaking and it takes a minute for him to open but when he does? They both begin to heal, survive, and finally, thrive.
I loved this couple. You will too.
June 15, 2026
I don't know anyone who has never been bullied before. Jo's family definitely takes the cake though. After being bullied by her whole town-including everyone in her family- her entire life, Josephine has moved away from home to start a career as a photographer's assistant. That job apparently comes with unseen hazards, and a puck to the head while working with the local hockey team has her meeting Nico -the golden retriever on skates responsible for her concussion.
Nico hasn't looked twice before at the assistant to the team's photographer, until his wild shot forces him to see what he was missing. The sweetheart he is, now that he has noticed, he can't stop himself from spending all his time thinking about this girl. On his second visit to her hospital room this gets him into trouble as he tries to help her out and ends up with a brand new fake fiancé for it.
Nico and Jo continue the mutually beneficial agreement, and start to enjoy each other's company more and more. It is super sweet going along for the ride as they both have their first serious relationship and figure things out as they go.
There is a lot going on in this book- from some serious bullying, to childhood abuse and parental neglect. There are sweet, swoony moments and sexy as all get out scenes involving a camera or a darkroom. Both characters go through some major healing of lifelong trauma and Jo gets the bonus of figuring out her career along the way as well.
This book was particularly special to me because of the ways Jo has hidden behind a camera for most of her life. I spent my awkward years the same way- and turned it into my career too. Jo having her artistic success so young is healing to anyone who might have been overlooked for their creativity in the past because they don't know how to toot their own horn.
On the surface it's a fake dating hockey romance, but this book is definitely much more. It's worth a second look.
Thanks to the author for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
Nico hasn't looked twice before at the assistant to the team's photographer, until his wild shot forces him to see what he was missing. The sweetheart he is, now that he has noticed, he can't stop himself from spending all his time thinking about this girl. On his second visit to her hospital room this gets him into trouble as he tries to help her out and ends up with a brand new fake fiancé for it.
Nico and Jo continue the mutually beneficial agreement, and start to enjoy each other's company more and more. It is super sweet going along for the ride as they both have their first serious relationship and figure things out as they go.
There is a lot going on in this book- from some serious bullying, to childhood abuse and parental neglect. There are sweet, swoony moments and sexy as all get out scenes involving a camera or a darkroom. Both characters go through some major healing of lifelong trauma and Jo gets the bonus of figuring out her career along the way as well.
This book was particularly special to me because of the ways Jo has hidden behind a camera for most of her life. I spent my awkward years the same way- and turned it into my career too. Jo having her artistic success so young is healing to anyone who might have been overlooked for their creativity in the past because they don't know how to toot their own horn.
On the surface it's a fake dating hockey romance, but this book is definitely much more. It's worth a second look.
Thanks to the author for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
June 16, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author
🏒🖤 ARC review 🖤🏒
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
First and foremost, I want to thank Sophie Andrews and her team for allowing me to read Elite Player. It was such a blast and an honor to be immersed in Nico and Jo’s love story. Thank you for including me in your ARC team! 💕
Hi fellow readers,
If you are looking for a speedy hockey romance to devour in one sitting that touches on real contemporary topics that many of us go through while still having a feel-good romantic aspect, then look no further than Elite Player. It touches on childhood trauma related to SA, SI, and bullying, so please be mindful before reading.
Nico is the ideal gold retriever MMC type that you will find yourself asking how did he get from point A to B in his character development. When did he know that Jo was his HEA, was it really a fated mate trope, as Nico would say, or did it gradually sneak up on him. At the start of the book, he is this intense playboy, and he hits Jo, whom he has only seen but never talked to, with a hockey puck. From this, the story unfolds into a fake engagement trope with a sprinkle of mess with her, and you will pay for it attitude.
Jo is a great contrast to the MMC, being a reserved wallflower type. She is labeled as gothic/emo, but one could say she is really just trying to discover who she is. She brings out a more dependable and wanting to be the improve version out of Nico. I think as the story unfolds, the reader is captivated by the okay confess already aspect of the novel. However, something huge happens, and then ensues the dreaded third-act breakup trope. Now this is where I really struggle with most novels is this trope because it’s often written so well that I start getting annoyed with the person who facilitates the breakup. For this reason, I know that Sophie Andrews did a phenomenal job writing the third-act breakup trope and the book as a whole.
All in all, if hockey is your thing. Give Elite Player a read!
🏒🖤 ARC review 🖤🏒
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
First and foremost, I want to thank Sophie Andrews and her team for allowing me to read Elite Player. It was such a blast and an honor to be immersed in Nico and Jo’s love story. Thank you for including me in your ARC team! 💕
Hi fellow readers,
If you are looking for a speedy hockey romance to devour in one sitting that touches on real contemporary topics that many of us go through while still having a feel-good romantic aspect, then look no further than Elite Player. It touches on childhood trauma related to SA, SI, and bullying, so please be mindful before reading.
Nico is the ideal gold retriever MMC type that you will find yourself asking how did he get from point A to B in his character development. When did he know that Jo was his HEA, was it really a fated mate trope, as Nico would say, or did it gradually sneak up on him. At the start of the book, he is this intense playboy, and he hits Jo, whom he has only seen but never talked to, with a hockey puck. From this, the story unfolds into a fake engagement trope with a sprinkle of mess with her, and you will pay for it attitude.
Jo is a great contrast to the MMC, being a reserved wallflower type. She is labeled as gothic/emo, but one could say she is really just trying to discover who she is. She brings out a more dependable and wanting to be the improve version out of Nico. I think as the story unfolds, the reader is captivated by the okay confess already aspect of the novel. However, something huge happens, and then ensues the dreaded third-act breakup trope. Now this is where I really struggle with most novels is this trope because it’s often written so well that I start getting annoyed with the person who facilitates the breakup. For this reason, I know that Sophie Andrews did a phenomenal job writing the third-act breakup trope and the book as a whole.
All in all, if hockey is your thing. Give Elite Player a read!
July 12, 2026
She Had Me at “Mountain Mama”
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ALC.
I went into this expecting a fun fake engagement hockey romance, but it ended up being so much more. The fake engagement, opposites attract dynamic, found family, and sports romance all delivered exactly what I was hoping for, but what surprised me most was how authentic the emotional journey felt. The drama never felt manufactured for the sake of conflict—it felt like something that could genuinely happen to real people, which made the relationships even more compelling.
Nico quickly became one of my favorite book boyfriends. More than once, he stood up for Jo before she even realized she deserved someone in her corner, and watching her slowly begin to see her own worth because of the way he loved and respected her was incredibly rewarding. Their chemistry was fantastic, the spice was well-earned, and the duet narration elevated the entire experience. Ryan Lee Dunlap gave me Jacob Morgan vibes at times, and having each narrator perform their own character made the emotional moments land even harder.
As someone with West Virginia roots, I also have to mention how much I appreciated the Appalachian representation. The references to Country Roads, local language, Mountaineers pride, and the complicated love for home all felt incredibly authentic. It never felt like a stereotype or a backdrop—it felt lived in. Whether the author has personal ties to West Virginia or simply did exceptional research, it showed. This ended up being one of those books that left me feeling seen, hopeful, and smiling long after it was over.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)
🌶️ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Who should read this?
* Readers who love fake engagement romances
* Hockey romance fans
* Anyone looking for a heartfelt HEA with great spice
* Readers who enjoy found family and emotional character growth
* Fellow West Virginians who appreciate seeing Appalachia treated with warmth, respect, and authenticity
Content warnings: Family emotional abuse, references to child sexual abuse.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ALC.
I went into this expecting a fun fake engagement hockey romance, but it ended up being so much more. The fake engagement, opposites attract dynamic, found family, and sports romance all delivered exactly what I was hoping for, but what surprised me most was how authentic the emotional journey felt. The drama never felt manufactured for the sake of conflict—it felt like something that could genuinely happen to real people, which made the relationships even more compelling.
Nico quickly became one of my favorite book boyfriends. More than once, he stood up for Jo before she even realized she deserved someone in her corner, and watching her slowly begin to see her own worth because of the way he loved and respected her was incredibly rewarding. Their chemistry was fantastic, the spice was well-earned, and the duet narration elevated the entire experience. Ryan Lee Dunlap gave me Jacob Morgan vibes at times, and having each narrator perform their own character made the emotional moments land even harder.
As someone with West Virginia roots, I also have to mention how much I appreciated the Appalachian representation. The references to Country Roads, local language, Mountaineers pride, and the complicated love for home all felt incredibly authentic. It never felt like a stereotype or a backdrop—it felt lived in. Whether the author has personal ties to West Virginia or simply did exceptional research, it showed. This ended up being one of those books that left me feeling seen, hopeful, and smiling long after it was over.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)
🌶️ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Who should read this?
* Readers who love fake engagement romances
* Hockey romance fans
* Anyone looking for a heartfelt HEA with great spice
* Readers who enjoy found family and emotional character growth
* Fellow West Virginians who appreciate seeing Appalachia treated with warmth, respect, and authenticity
Content warnings: Family emotional abuse, references to child sexual abuse.
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