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Playing the Player
467 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 7, 2026
4🌟 | 3🌶️
Fake dating, undeniable chemistry, and a hockey player who is much softer than he lets people believe? Yes, please.
Sasha and Conor had such an easy connection, and I especially enjoyed watching their relationship shift from playful and convenient to something much more genuine.
Conor completely stole the show for me. Beneath all the jokes, he was thoughtful, patient, and incredibly supportive of Sasha, especially when it came to her writing. Sasha took a little longer to win me over, but her struggle to trust again made sense, and seeing her find her footing again added some nice emotional depth. Their banter, spice, and ADHD representation all fit naturally into the story.
There were a few moments where I wanted these two to just talk already, but I was too invested in them to stay frustrated for long. Getting to see more of the previous couple was such a fun bonus too.
Overall, this was a sweet, spicy, easy-to-read hockey romance with plenty of laughs and enough emotion to make the romance feel meaningful.
~~~~
A sincere thank you to E.J. Campbell for the ARC! 🥰📚
I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨
Fake dating, undeniable chemistry, and a hockey player who is much softer than he lets people believe? Yes, please.
Sasha and Conor had such an easy connection, and I especially enjoyed watching their relationship shift from playful and convenient to something much more genuine.
Conor completely stole the show for me. Beneath all the jokes, he was thoughtful, patient, and incredibly supportive of Sasha, especially when it came to her writing. Sasha took a little longer to win me over, but her struggle to trust again made sense, and seeing her find her footing again added some nice emotional depth. Their banter, spice, and ADHD representation all fit naturally into the story.
There were a few moments where I wanted these two to just talk already, but I was too invested in them to stay frustrated for long. Getting to see more of the previous couple was such a fun bonus too.
Overall, this was a sweet, spicy, easy-to-read hockey romance with plenty of laughs and enough emotion to make the romance feel meaningful.
~~~~
A sincere thank you to E.J. Campbell for the ARC! 🥰📚
I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨
September 13, 2026
4½ stars, but rounding down due to some editing errors.
Overall, really enjoyed this book. I liked the characters, the banter, the spice, and the plot.
I liked the ADHD representation as well.
I liked the first book, but think I liked this one a tad more.
Overall, really enjoyed this book. I liked the characters, the banter, the spice, and the plot.
I liked the ADHD representation as well.
I liked the first book, but think I liked this one a tad more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
It was a great book but it didn't have a plot or anything that differs it from any other romance book it was like I need to go to the grocery store but the one near my house sells it for too much so I'll show the grocery store manager I can buy it from one slightly farther but with a cheaper price (this is just an example they didn't actually go to the grocery store) it could be your cup of tea but it wasn't mine since it had a lot of 🌶️ and I wasn't a fan of that but It did make me cry and broke my heart for a while so that's my review I think the author did a great job with the writing
Review of advance copy received from Author
Playing the Player is the perfect follow up to Capturing the Captain!
Sasha and Conor are so special to me. You get a glimpse of these two in Capturing the Captain and E.J. Campbell left us wanting more.
Conor is the never serious, always making jokes, fun loving hockey player. But there is a lot more to Conor than his friends know. He has a secret, only a select few know about. When Conor meets Sasha he sees those little hearts around her face, you know like in the cartoons. Sasha is much more guarded having just come out a long-term relationship with her long-time finance'. She is trying to make it on her own until she makes an agreement with Conor to prove to her ex that she has moved on and isn't still a mess over him. Conor jumps at the chance to be close to Sasha.
Sasha and Conor do have a lot of miscommunications throughout the book but that to be expected in any good book. Will this agreement bring true feeling to the surface? Will Conor and Sasha find the love that they have always wanted/needed.
I highly recommend reading Playing the Player.
Sasha and Conor are so special to me. You get a glimpse of these two in Capturing the Captain and E.J. Campbell left us wanting more.
Conor is the never serious, always making jokes, fun loving hockey player. But there is a lot more to Conor than his friends know. He has a secret, only a select few know about. When Conor meets Sasha he sees those little hearts around her face, you know like in the cartoons. Sasha is much more guarded having just come out a long-term relationship with her long-time finance'. She is trying to make it on her own until she makes an agreement with Conor to prove to her ex that she has moved on and isn't still a mess over him. Conor jumps at the chance to be close to Sasha.
Sasha and Conor do have a lot of miscommunications throughout the book but that to be expected in any good book. Will this agreement bring true feeling to the surface? Will Conor and Sasha find the love that they have always wanted/needed.
I highly recommend reading Playing the Player.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Once again I got to work alongside this amazing new author. It has been so much fun throwing ideas back and forth and being a part of a book still being created. I don't think I consider myself an alpha reader as much just a friend being there for a friend. I'm so proud of what she's accomplished so far and I know she will continue to do amazing writing of such sweet romances I can't put down. As I was last time and now this time I was very touched they put me in the acknowledgements and I will always treasure that. I never expect it I just love gushing about the characters and having fun in the world she's created.
I loved this one even more than the last there was something about this one it just had more depth to it and I absolutely fell for Conor. I didn't put this one down until I finished every bit I could each time. Although they didn't have the adorable meet-cute that Olivia and Josh had Conor and Sasha's relationship built over time. A very heartfelt book you can knock out quickly because you won't want to put it down. This one's got a lot of good spice but I don't feel like it takes from the story.
Sasha is this fierce storm of a woman that you just can't help but notice. She works for a boss she hates and should absolutely quit but keeps trying to tough it out. Her dream is to write romance novels. She's also just come out of a very long relationship when she found out he cheated on her. When she runs into her now ex and he asks if she's seeing anyone she lies and gives the first name she can think of...Conor.
Conor has been my favourite character since even the first book and he did not disappoint in this he was the sweetest most sensitive guy like I knew he was. He like his best friend Josh is a hockey player for the Florida flames. Ever since that kiss with Sasha he can't get her out of his mind and he has even given up his player ways so when Sasha proposes he be her pretend boyfriend to go to an engagement party of her ex he jumps at it wanting to get closer to her. As most of these go lines cross and they both fall, hard.
I couldn't get enough of these two, Conor and Sasha were perfect for each other. Conor was so patient and understanding. His sweet heart and sensitive side shone through it all and you could tell how much he paid attention to the little things which is so important. Sasha did frustrate me at times because I just wanted her to give in but it was also understandable because she was in a really long relationship before and that does take time. Finding yourself should come first even if it's hard. In the end they got there and it was beautiful.
It was so nice to get glimpses of our Olivia and Josh again and how their life is going. It was also good to get more time with some of the other upcoming possible couple but I won't hint because if you didn't catch it I'm not giving it away!
Some of my favourite quotes from the book:
"Conor, you are the most selfless, funniest, kindest man I have ever met. You're amazing. Do you know that?" -Sasha
This just showed how much of an amazing character he was in the book he had his flaws like we all do but he showed up where it mattered most.
"If people look at you differently after you tell them something like that, then they shouldn't be in your life." -Sasha
Loved the representation in the book and bringing awareness to it. There's so many of us out there with this and we just want to be loved and accepted.
Add this one and the first in the series to your must reads especially if you're a hockey trope fan. I've loved these books and absolutely look forward to the next adventure in this series. Make sure to like and follow this author because you won't want to miss the amazing things to come.
I loved this one even more than the last there was something about this one it just had more depth to it and I absolutely fell for Conor. I didn't put this one down until I finished every bit I could each time. Although they didn't have the adorable meet-cute that Olivia and Josh had Conor and Sasha's relationship built over time. A very heartfelt book you can knock out quickly because you won't want to put it down. This one's got a lot of good spice but I don't feel like it takes from the story.
Sasha is this fierce storm of a woman that you just can't help but notice. She works for a boss she hates and should absolutely quit but keeps trying to tough it out. Her dream is to write romance novels. She's also just come out of a very long relationship when she found out he cheated on her. When she runs into her now ex and he asks if she's seeing anyone she lies and gives the first name she can think of...Conor.
Conor has been my favourite character since even the first book and he did not disappoint in this he was the sweetest most sensitive guy like I knew he was. He like his best friend Josh is a hockey player for the Florida flames. Ever since that kiss with Sasha he can't get her out of his mind and he has even given up his player ways so when Sasha proposes he be her pretend boyfriend to go to an engagement party of her ex he jumps at it wanting to get closer to her. As most of these go lines cross and they both fall, hard.
I couldn't get enough of these two, Conor and Sasha were perfect for each other. Conor was so patient and understanding. His sweet heart and sensitive side shone through it all and you could tell how much he paid attention to the little things which is so important. Sasha did frustrate me at times because I just wanted her to give in but it was also understandable because she was in a really long relationship before and that does take time. Finding yourself should come first even if it's hard. In the end they got there and it was beautiful.
It was so nice to get glimpses of our Olivia and Josh again and how their life is going. It was also good to get more time with some of the other upcoming possible couple but I won't hint because if you didn't catch it I'm not giving it away!
Some of my favourite quotes from the book:
"Conor, you are the most selfless, funniest, kindest man I have ever met. You're amazing. Do you know that?" -Sasha
This just showed how much of an amazing character he was in the book he had his flaws like we all do but he showed up where it mattered most.
"If people look at you differently after you tell them something like that, then they shouldn't be in your life." -Sasha
Loved the representation in the book and bringing awareness to it. There's so many of us out there with this and we just want to be loved and accepted.
Add this one and the first in the series to your must reads especially if you're a hockey trope fan. I've loved these books and absolutely look forward to the next adventure in this series. Make sure to like and follow this author because you won't want to miss the amazing things to come.
September 6, 2026
This is my second time reading an ARC for E.J. Campbell and honestly? Same reaction both times. I loved book one and I love this one just as much.
Playing the Player was a book I know I would love to read but I didnt expect to love it as much as I did. The book opened with Sasha's breakup. It actually made me really sad because of how a decade and half of relationship was just thrown away and in most cases where it was the men who cheated, it was always the woman left to pick up the pieces. She wasn't just hurt, she was humiliated in the sense that she had a hard time telling people about the break up and she also didnt know how much that relationship would cause a trauma to her when it comes to love. Again we go back to that question that why is it always the woman who ends up feeling the shame? She didn't do anything wrong here except love.
What I wasn't expecting was how much I'd genuinely care about both of them. Conor comes across at first like your typical hockey heartbreaker, but he is so far from that. He's patient and perceptive and the way he sees Sasha, really sees her, when she doesn't even see herself yet, is the kind of thing that makes you set the book down for a second. He notices her. He's always noticed her. And when he starts pushing her toward her dream of writing, not in a pushy way but in that quiet "get out of that head of yours" way, I was done for. Men who supports their women pursuing a career they loved and was passionate about is always something that I loved .
Another thing I loved was how the fake dating happened. Surely its not new, even the way it was set up and the circumstances behind it but what made me really like it was the execution. I love the banter between the two. I specifically loved seeing how Sasha's perception of Connor changed over the time that she got to know the real him.
I also really appreciated how the book handles Sasha's inner world. There's a moment where she breaks down, really breaks down, and it's one of the most honest crying scenes I've read in a while. She's grieving so many things at once, not just the relationship but the version of herself who believed in it. And layered into all of that is her fear around her writing, which as someone who has ever stared at a blank page thinking "the story is in my head, so WHY won't the words cooperate," I felt that deeply.
The miscommunication between them was real and painful to read. I won't pretend I wasn't internally yelling at Sasha a little. She knows she's leading him on. The book even calls it out directly, which I appreciated. But it never felt cheap or dragged out. It felt like watching someone who has been hurt before try to protect themselves the only way they know how, even when it costs them. That's also why I get her. She was hurt deeply but that didnt excuse her hurting someonee else. Eventually she did start healing and had realized what she unintentionally did. Conor wasnt perfect as well and his reaction was pretty natural. I am just happy it worked well for them at the end.
If you read book one and loved it, pick this up immediately. If you haven't started the Florida Flames series yet, fix that. I swear you would fall in love with these fictiional men again.
A huge thank you to E.J. Campbell for trusting me again with an advance review copy of Playing the Player. It really does mean a lot to me to read the Florida Flames series! All thoughts here are, as always, entirely my own and completely honest.
Playing the Player was a book I know I would love to read but I didnt expect to love it as much as I did. The book opened with Sasha's breakup. It actually made me really sad because of how a decade and half of relationship was just thrown away and in most cases where it was the men who cheated, it was always the woman left to pick up the pieces. She wasn't just hurt, she was humiliated in the sense that she had a hard time telling people about the break up and she also didnt know how much that relationship would cause a trauma to her when it comes to love. Again we go back to that question that why is it always the woman who ends up feeling the shame? She didn't do anything wrong here except love.
What I wasn't expecting was how much I'd genuinely care about both of them. Conor comes across at first like your typical hockey heartbreaker, but he is so far from that. He's patient and perceptive and the way he sees Sasha, really sees her, when she doesn't even see herself yet, is the kind of thing that makes you set the book down for a second. He notices her. He's always noticed her. And when he starts pushing her toward her dream of writing, not in a pushy way but in that quiet "get out of that head of yours" way, I was done for. Men who supports their women pursuing a career they loved and was passionate about is always something that I loved .
Another thing I loved was how the fake dating happened. Surely its not new, even the way it was set up and the circumstances behind it but what made me really like it was the execution. I love the banter between the two. I specifically loved seeing how Sasha's perception of Connor changed over the time that she got to know the real him.
I also really appreciated how the book handles Sasha's inner world. There's a moment where she breaks down, really breaks down, and it's one of the most honest crying scenes I've read in a while. She's grieving so many things at once, not just the relationship but the version of herself who believed in it. And layered into all of that is her fear around her writing, which as someone who has ever stared at a blank page thinking "the story is in my head, so WHY won't the words cooperate," I felt that deeply.
The miscommunication between them was real and painful to read. I won't pretend I wasn't internally yelling at Sasha a little. She knows she's leading him on. The book even calls it out directly, which I appreciated. But it never felt cheap or dragged out. It felt like watching someone who has been hurt before try to protect themselves the only way they know how, even when it costs them. That's also why I get her. She was hurt deeply but that didnt excuse her hurting someonee else. Eventually she did start healing and had realized what she unintentionally did. Conor wasnt perfect as well and his reaction was pretty natural. I am just happy it worked well for them at the end.
If you read book one and loved it, pick this up immediately. If you haven't started the Florida Flames series yet, fix that. I swear you would fall in love with these fictiional men again.
A huge thank you to E.J. Campbell for trusting me again with an advance review copy of Playing the Player. It really does mean a lot to me to read the Florida Flames series! All thoughts here are, as always, entirely my own and completely honest.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5⭐️
I was BUZZING for this one! After reading Capturing the Captain, you just knew Sasha and Conor were going to get their own book because they low-key stole the show in the first one. 😂
I absolutely loved Sasha. She is such an independent queen, and I really appreciated that the story let her stay that way. I feel like in so many romances, the FMC is struggling and then the big, rich hockey player comes along throwing money at every problem and suddenly everything is fixed.
But Sasha? Absolutely not. 😂
She hated her job, was having a terrible time and decided to leave it all behind to pursue writing. And she did it because she wanted to, not because Conor swooped in and fixed everything for her.
And Conor was the supportive king we needed. 🥹 He stood on the sidelines cheering her on, encouraging her and believing in her without making everything about him or trying to solve her problems with his money. I LOVED that dynamic between them.
I also really enjoyed seeing a more vulnerable side to Conor. In the first book, he was basically the comedic relief, so getting to see all these different layers to him was such a nice surprise. Sasha understood him so well, and honestly, these two were just PERFECT for each other.
Was I screaming at them for a good chunk of the book to just GET TOGETHER already?
Absolutely. 😂
Like… you both clearly like each other. What are we doing here?! Get your heads out of your arses and make it official already. 😂
Overall, this was such a fun, swoony hockey romance with two characters who genuinely brought out the best in each other.
4.5⭐️ — definitely recommend if you love fake dating, hockey romance, independent FMCs and a MMC who knows how to support his woman without taking over her life.
I was BUZZING for this one! After reading Capturing the Captain, you just knew Sasha and Conor were going to get their own book because they low-key stole the show in the first one. 😂
I absolutely loved Sasha. She is such an independent queen, and I really appreciated that the story let her stay that way. I feel like in so many romances, the FMC is struggling and then the big, rich hockey player comes along throwing money at every problem and suddenly everything is fixed.
But Sasha? Absolutely not. 😂
She hated her job, was having a terrible time and decided to leave it all behind to pursue writing. And she did it because she wanted to, not because Conor swooped in and fixed everything for her.
And Conor was the supportive king we needed. 🥹 He stood on the sidelines cheering her on, encouraging her and believing in her without making everything about him or trying to solve her problems with his money. I LOVED that dynamic between them.
I also really enjoyed seeing a more vulnerable side to Conor. In the first book, he was basically the comedic relief, so getting to see all these different layers to him was such a nice surprise. Sasha understood him so well, and honestly, these two were just PERFECT for each other.
Was I screaming at them for a good chunk of the book to just GET TOGETHER already?
Absolutely. 😂
Like… you both clearly like each other. What are we doing here?! Get your heads out of your arses and make it official already. 😂
Overall, this was such a fun, swoony hockey romance with two characters who genuinely brought out the best in each other.
4.5⭐️ — definitely recommend if you love fake dating, hockey romance, independent FMCs and a MMC who knows how to support his woman without taking over her life.
September 5, 2026
I had the pleasure of receiving this as an e-ARC and voluntarily will be giving my honest review. I had been waiting for this storyline and E.J. did not disappoint!! It had plenty of banter and spicy!! The ADHD representation with both Conor and Sasha's brother was done respectfully!! Conor and Sasha was a difficult journey but love how they supported each other through the challenges that arises and always ways to make each laugh!! You could feel all the emotions in this storyline!! Absolutely phenomenal!!
“Sasha Reilly has sworn off love.
After discovering her fiancé was cheating, trusting another man with her heart feels impossible.
When she unexpectedly runs into her ex, the last thing she wants is for him to know that she still hasn’t picked up the pieces of her broken heart while he has already moved on. So she does the only thing she can think of… She lies.
Conor Matthews, NHL superstar and certified heartbreaker is the one man who would do anything Sasha asks for. Being her fake boyfriend should be easy. A few dates. A few convincing photos. A few kisses for the camera. And absolutely no falling in love.
Except Conor is nothing like the arrogant athlete that he makes himself out to be. He’s patient when she pushes him away, protective when the world gets too loud, and always knows when she needs him the most. Between the late night phone calls, stolen kisses, and the way Conor slowly chips away at the walls Sasha has built around her heart, pretending becomes a lot harder than expected.
Sometimes the greatest risk isn’t falling in love…
It’s trusting someone enough to catch you when you fall.”
“Sasha Reilly has sworn off love.
After discovering her fiancé was cheating, trusting another man with her heart feels impossible.
When she unexpectedly runs into her ex, the last thing she wants is for him to know that she still hasn’t picked up the pieces of her broken heart while he has already moved on. So she does the only thing she can think of… She lies.
Conor Matthews, NHL superstar and certified heartbreaker is the one man who would do anything Sasha asks for. Being her fake boyfriend should be easy. A few dates. A few convincing photos. A few kisses for the camera. And absolutely no falling in love.
Except Conor is nothing like the arrogant athlete that he makes himself out to be. He’s patient when she pushes him away, protective when the world gets too loud, and always knows when she needs him the most. Between the late night phone calls, stolen kisses, and the way Conor slowly chips away at the walls Sasha has built around her heart, pretending becomes a lot harder than expected.
Sometimes the greatest risk isn’t falling in love…
It’s trusting someone enough to catch you when you fall.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
🏒 Hockey player mmc
📖 Aspiring writer fmc
🙂 ADHD rep
❤️🩹 lots of hurt
🌶 Spicy
The first book i really loved Sasha and Conor. This one had me loving Conor still and not thrilled as much with Sasha.
I felt so bad for Conor whenever people constantly acted like he could never be serious about someone. He was funny, sweet, and loveable. He very clearly showed interest in her but was automatically seen as "not capable of it" He opens up about having ADHD and is honest to people.
Sasha was so smart and pushed Olivia in the previous book to face things. However, in this one we constantly see her lash out at her friends and people when they point out the truth. I absolutely understand she needed to heal but the way she treated people came across as so mean. She even let the words of her ex lead her into sabotaging herself. Once she self reflects and makes changes it works but it was right at the end and felt kinda rushed.
There was still funny banter, spice, and a man who really simps for his woman. I'm not a huge fan of 3rd act breakups. I think Olivia was the voice of reason here most of the time. Even after she explains to Conor he felt guilty but in the end everything ends well.
“Miscommunication is one of the most disliked tropes, Sasha.” <<<<
"You look like a sunburnt tourist! You have officially entered your lizard era.” <<<< LOL
"The parents Liam has, they’re not the same as the ones I had. I know that sounds strange because they’re the same people, but they are different parents." <<<
Arc reader :)
📖 Aspiring writer fmc
🙂 ADHD rep
❤️🩹 lots of hurt
🌶 Spicy
The first book i really loved Sasha and Conor. This one had me loving Conor still and not thrilled as much with Sasha.
I felt so bad for Conor whenever people constantly acted like he could never be serious about someone. He was funny, sweet, and loveable. He very clearly showed interest in her but was automatically seen as "not capable of it" He opens up about having ADHD and is honest to people.
Sasha was so smart and pushed Olivia in the previous book to face things. However, in this one we constantly see her lash out at her friends and people when they point out the truth. I absolutely understand she needed to heal but the way she treated people came across as so mean. She even let the words of her ex lead her into sabotaging herself. Once she self reflects and makes changes it works but it was right at the end and felt kinda rushed.
There was still funny banter, spice, and a man who really simps for his woman. I'm not a huge fan of 3rd act breakups. I think Olivia was the voice of reason here most of the time. Even after she explains to Conor he felt guilty but in the end everything ends well.
“Miscommunication is one of the most disliked tropes, Sasha.” <<<<
"You look like a sunburnt tourist! You have officially entered your lizard era.” <<<< LOL
"The parents Liam has, they’re not the same as the ones I had. I know that sounds strange because they’re the same people, but they are different parents." <<<
Arc reader :)
August 18, 2026
I absolutely loved Playing the Player! Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC.
The second book in the Florida Flames series, this hockey romance brings us fake dating, plenty of laughs and a couple I couldn’t get enough of.
Sasha is recently out of a long-term relationship after discovering her fiancé cheated on her, only to then see him get engaged to the woman he cheated with. Enter Conor, her best friend’s friend and Florida Flames hockey player, who agrees to fake date her to get through an engagement party where her ex will be. Except, there is absolutely nothing fake about the way these two are together.
I loved Conor in the first book, but I completely fell in love with him here. He and Sasha just work. I loved how much they made each other laugh, supported each other through life’s challenges and genuinely bigged each other up. Their relationship felt so natural and I was completely invested in them.
I also really loved the ADHD representation with both Conor and Sasha’s brother. It was handled so well, beautifully explained and actually woven into the plot rather than just being added as a label.
And Aunty Dee! What a woman. She is absolutely the bonus mum of this friendship group and hands down one of my favourite supporting characters.
Another fantastic addition to the Florida Flames series and now I need the next one immediately, please and thank you!
The second book in the Florida Flames series, this hockey romance brings us fake dating, plenty of laughs and a couple I couldn’t get enough of.
Sasha is recently out of a long-term relationship after discovering her fiancé cheated on her, only to then see him get engaged to the woman he cheated with. Enter Conor, her best friend’s friend and Florida Flames hockey player, who agrees to fake date her to get through an engagement party where her ex will be. Except, there is absolutely nothing fake about the way these two are together.
I loved Conor in the first book, but I completely fell in love with him here. He and Sasha just work. I loved how much they made each other laugh, supported each other through life’s challenges and genuinely bigged each other up. Their relationship felt so natural and I was completely invested in them.
I also really loved the ADHD representation with both Conor and Sasha’s brother. It was handled so well, beautifully explained and actually woven into the plot rather than just being added as a label.
And Aunty Dee! What a woman. She is absolutely the bonus mum of this friendship group and hands down one of my favourite supporting characters.
Another fantastic addition to the Florida Flames series and now I need the next one immediately, please and thank you!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5⭐️
Super cute- Dare I say I liked it better than the first book. What?!
Conor is a total green flag. He is my absolute favorite. I know he has the playboy persona reputation, but my gosh, he just puts Sasha first in every way. Loved the ADHD storyline with him and Liam, Sasha’s brother.
Not a huge fan of the miscommunication trope. I wish he would have just let her explain why she couldn’t be with him at that time. At the same time, I don’t understand her needing to wait. They were basically already together and had feelings, and she was just in denial. If it was closure with Max, just go tell him what you think and be done. He’s a total douche and it had already been almost a year since they broke up. In the end, she spent the time she needed on herself, and it worked out. I love that Conor waited for her.
I feel like something is going on with Aunt Dee that may come through in the next installment. Just a gut feeling. Hoping to see Christian Knight and Charlie and get that backstory and reunion next!
I received an advanced reader copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Super cute- Dare I say I liked it better than the first book. What?!
Conor is a total green flag. He is my absolute favorite. I know he has the playboy persona reputation, but my gosh, he just puts Sasha first in every way. Loved the ADHD storyline with him and Liam, Sasha’s brother.
Not a huge fan of the miscommunication trope. I wish he would have just let her explain why she couldn’t be with him at that time. At the same time, I don’t understand her needing to wait. They were basically already together and had feelings, and she was just in denial. If it was closure with Max, just go tell him what you think and be done. He’s a total douche and it had already been almost a year since they broke up. In the end, she spent the time she needed on herself, and it worked out. I love that Conor waited for her.
I feel like something is going on with Aunt Dee that may come through in the next installment. Just a gut feeling. Hoping to see Christian Knight and Charlie and get that backstory and reunion next!
I received an advanced reader copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rcvd an advanced reader copy from the author.
What a good read. We meet Sasha who had just found our her fiance was cheating on her and in a moment of relapse she kisses Conor, the hockey player who drives her nuts. Fast forward she sees her ex is now engaged to the chich he cheated on with. He has moved on and Sasha is just surviving. Conor is thr playboy who has never had a gf. He went gaga for Sasha the first time he saw her but now she is single. Sasha runs into her ex and panics when he asks who she is dating and she says Conor. Now she needs to convince him to be her fake bf for an engagement party. Conor agrees bc why would he say no to Sasha but she has a list rules, no kissing, no sex, no coupley things. It's getting hard to be around one another without wanting one another. A scorching kiss at the party, dates, spending a lot of time together along with their friends....where do they draw the line whether its fake or not? Drama, past hurt, developing feelings and a comical younger brother makes this a good read.
What a good read. We meet Sasha who had just found our her fiance was cheating on her and in a moment of relapse she kisses Conor, the hockey player who drives her nuts. Fast forward she sees her ex is now engaged to the chich he cheated on with. He has moved on and Sasha is just surviving. Conor is thr playboy who has never had a gf. He went gaga for Sasha the first time he saw her but now she is single. Sasha runs into her ex and panics when he asks who she is dating and she says Conor. Now she needs to convince him to be her fake bf for an engagement party. Conor agrees bc why would he say no to Sasha but she has a list rules, no kissing, no sex, no coupley things. It's getting hard to be around one another without wanting one another. A scorching kiss at the party, dates, spending a lot of time together along with their friends....where do they draw the line whether its fake or not? Drama, past hurt, developing feelings and a comical younger brother makes this a good read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sasha & Conor 🫶🏻
I was already invested in this series after book one, so obviously I had to see what Sasha and Conor were going to get up to 😂
Sasha is honestly such a headstrong FMC and I really liked that about her. After years of dealing with a cheating ex, she knows she needs to actually learn how to be alone and heal before getting into something with Conor. She doesn’t want to string him along while she figures herself out, and I really respected that.
And Conor 🥹 I loved him. He’s had eyes for Sasha for AGES and you can tell he genuinely cares about her, even when he absolutely messes up 😂 The ADHD representation with him was also something I really appreciated.
And yes, technically there’s the whole “break” situation where Conor messes up, but he never actually crossed the line because he knew Sasha needed the time to herself. I just really liked that underneath all the mess, he understood her and respected what she needed.
I really enjoyed these two. The chemistry, the tension, the emotional messiness… exactly what I wanted 😂
I was already invested in this series after book one, so obviously I had to see what Sasha and Conor were going to get up to 😂
Sasha is honestly such a headstrong FMC and I really liked that about her. After years of dealing with a cheating ex, she knows she needs to actually learn how to be alone and heal before getting into something with Conor. She doesn’t want to string him along while she figures herself out, and I really respected that.
And Conor 🥹 I loved him. He’s had eyes for Sasha for AGES and you can tell he genuinely cares about her, even when he absolutely messes up 😂 The ADHD representation with him was also something I really appreciated.
And yes, technically there’s the whole “break” situation where Conor messes up, but he never actually crossed the line because he knew Sasha needed the time to herself. I just really liked that underneath all the mess, he understood her and respected what she needed.
I really enjoyed these two. The chemistry, the tension, the emotional messiness… exactly what I wanted 😂
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved Playing the player book 2 in the Florida flames series by EJ Campbell. In book 2 we revisit Sasha and Connor who had a little flirtation in book one but she was engaged and he was the typical Playboy or so it seemed here we find Sasha heartbroken over her broken relationship with Max and she doesn’t want to move on, but she has a pull towards Connor and when Max‘s best friend invites Sasha to his wedding, she doesn’t wanna come alone so she gets Connor to play her fake boyfriend and they have all of the rules to make sure that no feelings get involved and it’s just make-believe, but of course when two people actually like each other make believe become something real pretty quickly. I absolutely love this story. The characters are hilarious and engaging and Sasha‘s little brother. Oh my God that child I just wanna take him home with me. He is just the funniest cutest little teenager .If you love hockey if you loved capturing the captain if you like fake dating then you’re absolutely going to love playing the player .
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ARC REVIEW✨
Playing the Player By: E.J. Campbell
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5
Release Date: 9-5-2026
“Dreams are funny. They don’t disappear. They just wait until you’re brave enough to come back for them.”
“Of course I noticed, Angel. His voice is quieter, softer. I’ve always noticed you.”
This is the second book in the Florida Flames series. I was so excited to be part of this ARC team, especially after being on the 1st book of the series team. I loved this book!
The MMC Connor is so freaking funny, and made me laugh so much. However you do get more of an understanding why he is the way he is which I think is awesome that it is being talked about for those who are unmedicated. The FMC Sasha, I could relate with on so many levels on what goes on her head and her thought process. I loved how supportive Connor and Sasha are to each other. even when it is hard for them. I 100% recommend reading this book & series so far.
Playing the Player By: E.J. Campbell
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5
Release Date: 9-5-2026
“Dreams are funny. They don’t disappear. They just wait until you’re brave enough to come back for them.”
“Of course I noticed, Angel. His voice is quieter, softer. I’ve always noticed you.”
This is the second book in the Florida Flames series. I was so excited to be part of this ARC team, especially after being on the 1st book of the series team. I loved this book!
The MMC Connor is so freaking funny, and made me laugh so much. However you do get more of an understanding why he is the way he is which I think is awesome that it is being talked about for those who are unmedicated. The FMC Sasha, I could relate with on so many levels on what goes on her head and her thought process. I loved how supportive Connor and Sasha are to each other. even when it is hard for them. I 100% recommend reading this book & series so far.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Florida Flames: Connor and Sasha
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Conor is ridiculously sweet. I found him fun, yet slightly annoying in Josh’s book, but he’s adorable in this one.
He falls first, and he falls hard, and I was absolutely here for it.
I really enjoyed watching him slowly work his way through Sasha’s walls after her previous relationship left her struggling to trust again. The fake-dating setup was fun, and Conor’s patience and protectiveness made him very easy to love.
Of course… the third-act breakup + miscommunication strikes again. I could have happily done without that particular bit of drama. Especially when it leads to poor decision-making and further miscommunication….
But overall, I really enjoyed these two and their journey from pretending to something much more genuine.
And I’m definitely intrigued by the hints for Knight’s story.
A sweet, relatively easy hockey romance with a golden-hearted hero who falls hard and a heroine learning to trust again.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Conor is ridiculously sweet. I found him fun, yet slightly annoying in Josh’s book, but he’s adorable in this one.
He falls first, and he falls hard, and I was absolutely here for it.
I really enjoyed watching him slowly work his way through Sasha’s walls after her previous relationship left her struggling to trust again. The fake-dating setup was fun, and Conor’s patience and protectiveness made him very easy to love.
Of course… the third-act breakup + miscommunication strikes again. I could have happily done without that particular bit of drama. Especially when it leads to poor decision-making and further miscommunication….
But overall, I really enjoyed these two and their journey from pretending to something much more genuine.
And I’m definitely intrigued by the hints for Knight’s story.
A sweet, relatively easy hockey romance with a golden-hearted hero who falls hard and a heroine learning to trust again.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Playing the Player is Sasha and playboy hockey player, Connor’s entertaining and heartwarming, fake to real story. It’s book two in the Florida Flames Series and I loved everything about it from the captivating story to the wonderful characters.
Sasha has just got out of a long term relationship after finding her ex fiancé cheated on her and now she finds out he has quickly moved on with the woman he cheated on her with. What she needs is a fake date to get her through the party she is attending where the ex will be as well….and that’s where Connor comes in.
Connor is Harper’s best friend’s friend and he may let everyone believe he is a playboy not looking to settle down but underneath the mask he wears so well he is hiding his true feelings for Sasha. Maybe this will be just what he needs to convince her to give him a chance.
This is a well written, entertaining and engaging story, I swooned and I smiled as I cheered this couple on.
Sasha has just got out of a long term relationship after finding her ex fiancé cheated on her and now she finds out he has quickly moved on with the woman he cheated on her with. What she needs is a fake date to get her through the party she is attending where the ex will be as well….and that’s where Connor comes in.
Connor is Harper’s best friend’s friend and he may let everyone believe he is a playboy not looking to settle down but underneath the mask he wears so well he is hiding his true feelings for Sasha. Maybe this will be just what he needs to convince her to give him a chance.
This is a well written, entertaining and engaging story, I swooned and I smiled as I cheered this couple on.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the second book in the Florida Flames series
You will need to read the first book- Capturing the Captain.
The author brings another amazing hockey romance full of fake dating, multiple laugh out loud moments, wicked banter and a couple that dethrones Josh and Olivia in the top spot for my favorites in this series.
In the first book you are introduced to Sasha and Conor. I could tell their book was going to be fire but did not expect the inferno the author provided 🥵
The support that Conor gives Sasha despite fighting his own battles and lifting her up but not smothering her made my heart year. The depth development of Conor’s character made me swoon for him that much more, especially the adhd representative.
Sasha is a whole lot of sass and finding her footing despite having her heart smashed to smithereens.
Now I am just anxiously awaiting the next book in this series
5⭐️ 3🌶️
Thank you to the author for allowing me to be part of your ARC team
You will need to read the first book- Capturing the Captain.
The author brings another amazing hockey romance full of fake dating, multiple laugh out loud moments, wicked banter and a couple that dethrones Josh and Olivia in the top spot for my favorites in this series.
In the first book you are introduced to Sasha and Conor. I could tell their book was going to be fire but did not expect the inferno the author provided 🥵
The support that Conor gives Sasha despite fighting his own battles and lifting her up but not smothering her made my heart year. The depth development of Conor’s character made me swoon for him that much more, especially the adhd representative.
Sasha is a whole lot of sass and finding her footing despite having her heart smashed to smithereens.
Now I am just anxiously awaiting the next book in this series
5⭐️ 3🌶️
Thank you to the author for allowing me to be part of your ARC team
September 2, 2026
FAKE DATING + HOCKEY + a playboy who has actually been obsessed with her forever?! YES.
Sasha is still trying to heal after her engagement ended because Max cheated on her…and now he’s ENGAGED to the girl he cheated with.
Then she needs a fake boyfriend for an engagement party.
Enter Conor.
The “playboy” who has never had a girlfriend but has been completely GAGA over Sasha since the first time he saw her.
Sasha has rules, though:
❌ No kissing
❌ No sex
❌ No couple-y things
❌ NO FEELINGS
Sure, Sasha.
Because the chemistry between these two?! Between the fake dates, spending all their time together and one SCORCHING kiss…good luck figuring out what’s fake anymore.
I really liked that Sasha didn’t immediately jump into another relationship. She knew she needed to learn how to be alone and heal from everything Max put her through.
And CONOR. I loved him. Underneath that playboy reputation, he genuinely cares about Sasha and has wanted her for SO LONG. I also really appreciated the ADHD representation with him.
And Sasha’s little brother?! I wanted to take that hilarious kid home with me.
🏒 Hockey romance
❤️ Fake dating
🔥 He’s always wanted her
😂 Great banter & funny side characters
🥹 Healing + past hurt
🌶️ Chemistry & spice
Messy, funny, spicy and exactly the kind of fake-dating situation where absolutely NO ONE follows the rules.
Sasha is still trying to heal after her engagement ended because Max cheated on her…and now he’s ENGAGED to the girl he cheated with.
Then she needs a fake boyfriend for an engagement party.
Enter Conor.
The “playboy” who has never had a girlfriend but has been completely GAGA over Sasha since the first time he saw her.
Sasha has rules, though:
❌ No kissing
❌ No sex
❌ No couple-y things
❌ NO FEELINGS
Sure, Sasha.
Because the chemistry between these two?! Between the fake dates, spending all their time together and one SCORCHING kiss…good luck figuring out what’s fake anymore.
I really liked that Sasha didn’t immediately jump into another relationship. She knew she needed to learn how to be alone and heal from everything Max put her through.
And CONOR. I loved him. Underneath that playboy reputation, he genuinely cares about Sasha and has wanted her for SO LONG. I also really appreciated the ADHD representation with him.
And Sasha’s little brother?! I wanted to take that hilarious kid home with me.
🏒 Hockey romance
❤️ Fake dating
🔥 He’s always wanted her
😂 Great banter & funny side characters
🥹 Healing + past hurt
🌶️ Chemistry & spice
Messy, funny, spicy and exactly the kind of fake-dating situation where absolutely NO ONE follows the rules.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Connor and Sasha... LOVED THEM.
we met them both in book 1, and I had a feeling they were going to be a good couple, and EJ didnt disappoint. where as in book 1, it was an INSTA love kind of romance, this one built from the start, even though they both had an attraction, it was not something that happened overnight.
their BANTER IS SO GOOD!! I loved how they were friends first and never allowed that to be comprimised.
The fact that she understood him and he was able to be himself around her, and she was able to find true love with him was a great story to read.
loved how she took the time she needed to become the person she wanted to be before she made the commitment to them was also good.
Would have liked to have seen what happened when her book launched but over all this one was a good book!
we met them both in book 1, and I had a feeling they were going to be a good couple, and EJ didnt disappoint. where as in book 1, it was an INSTA love kind of romance, this one built from the start, even though they both had an attraction, it was not something that happened overnight.
their BANTER IS SO GOOD!! I loved how they were friends first and never allowed that to be comprimised.
The fact that she understood him and he was able to be himself around her, and she was able to find true love with him was a great story to read.
loved how she took the time she needed to become the person she wanted to be before she made the commitment to them was also good.
Would have liked to have seen what happened when her book launched but over all this one was a good book!
September 6, 2026
Sasha just got out a long relationship with her ex, who cheated on her. She is just trying to live her life when she runs into her ex. When he asks if she is seeing anyone she blurts the first name that comes into her head, Conor's. She convinces Conor to fake date her with several rules to keep everyone safe and the emotions out. That always works in these situations, right?
I loved Conor, he is so sweet and supportive of Sasha. I also thought he was a good representative of someone with ADHD and was able to explain what it's kike pretty well. Sasha could be frustrating at times, mainly with her boss, how could she work for a jerk like that, especially after the coffee incident? She also fought her feelings towards Conor very hard, denial much? She does have a lot on her shoulders though, so she is used to doing it by herself.
I loved Conor, he is so sweet and supportive of Sasha. I also thought he was a good representative of someone with ADHD and was able to explain what it's kike pretty well. Sasha could be frustrating at times, mainly with her boss, how could she work for a jerk like that, especially after the coffee incident? She also fought her feelings towards Conor very hard, denial much? She does have a lot on her shoulders though, so she is used to doing it by herself.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Advanced arc reader!!
This book was so good! Sasha recently just ended her engagement to her life long partner, after finding out he was cheating. Sasha shares over and over how devastated this loss was, as she felt a huge part of her identity was tied into this relationship. Shortly after finding out her ex has gotten engaged, she decides to tell him she is seeing someone else out of fear of embarrassment! Sasha and Conor continue down the fake relationship until recognizing fake doesn’t happen so easily! Conor has always wanted Sasha and is a total simp and amazing MMC. Behind the chaos, drama, and passion Sasha has a tough hill to climb when trying to figure out how to move past, her past!
This book was so good! Sasha recently just ended her engagement to her life long partner, after finding out he was cheating. Sasha shares over and over how devastated this loss was, as she felt a huge part of her identity was tied into this relationship. Shortly after finding out her ex has gotten engaged, she decides to tell him she is seeing someone else out of fear of embarrassment! Sasha and Conor continue down the fake relationship until recognizing fake doesn’t happen so easily! Conor has always wanted Sasha and is a total simp and amazing MMC. Behind the chaos, drama, and passion Sasha has a tough hill to climb when trying to figure out how to move past, her past!
August 13, 2026
Review of advanced copy received from author
It was an honor to have been able to read the 2nd book in this series. In this book you follow Sasha and Connor who form a unique friendship and connection with each other. A fake relationship, but is it all so fake as it seems?
I liked this book more than the first one, not that the first one wasn't good cause I enjoyed that one too. But I loved how this book was written, this book was written a little more deep and the struggles were better written out.
He fell first and harder, he knew what he wanted and would wait forever for her. She knew what she wanted deep down, but wasn't ready to admit that to herself yet. Eventually taking some time for herself to heal and become the best version of herself before she could give her all to Conner.
It was an honor to have been able to read the 2nd book in this series. In this book you follow Sasha and Connor who form a unique friendship and connection with each other. A fake relationship, but is it all so fake as it seems?
I liked this book more than the first one, not that the first one wasn't good cause I enjoyed that one too. But I loved how this book was written, this book was written a little more deep and the struggles were better written out.
He fell first and harder, he knew what he wanted and would wait forever for her. She knew what she wanted deep down, but wasn't ready to admit that to herself yet. Eventually taking some time for herself to heal and become the best version of herself before she could give her all to Conner.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I want to thank E.J Campbell for my ARC copy of "Playing the Player" , second book in the series (first book is "Capturing the Captain")
This book follows Sasha and Conor. You meet them first in book 1 that follows Olivia and Josh. I just loved the teaser of Conor being his flirty self. I'm so happy they got their own book and it took me on an emotional rollercoaster, I was giggling, laughing and even had tears at points.
It would be best to read both the books so you understand the characters but you could also read as a standalone if needed.
I loved the tropes and the storylines and hopefully will see more from the Florida flames team!
💗Fake dating
💗Found family
💗Hockey
💗He falls first
💗Dual POV
This book follows Sasha and Conor. You meet them first in book 1 that follows Olivia and Josh. I just loved the teaser of Conor being his flirty self. I'm so happy they got their own book and it took me on an emotional rollercoaster, I was giggling, laughing and even had tears at points.
It would be best to read both the books so you understand the characters but you could also read as a standalone if needed.
I loved the tropes and the storylines and hopefully will see more from the Florida flames team!
💗Fake dating
💗Found family
💗Hockey
💗He falls first
💗Dual POV
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sasha & Conor
I loved Conor in the first book but i completely fell in love with him in this one. Sasha is depressed after her breakup with Max and after hearing that he is already engaged to the woman he cheated on her with, she asks Conor to fake date her. She wants to make Max think that she has also moved on from their relationship. Of course, things complicate themselves when feelings start to get involved.
Conor is funny, honest and there for her every step of the way. I loved their chemistry, the friendship they started with and the way their relationship developed. Conor is every woman's dream man. I loved this book a lot more than the first one, I read it in one sitting. Thank you for this opportunity. I can't wait to read the next book.
I loved Conor in the first book but i completely fell in love with him in this one. Sasha is depressed after her breakup with Max and after hearing that he is already engaged to the woman he cheated on her with, she asks Conor to fake date her. She wants to make Max think that she has also moved on from their relationship. Of course, things complicate themselves when feelings start to get involved.
Conor is funny, honest and there for her every step of the way. I loved their chemistry, the friendship they started with and the way their relationship developed. Conor is every woman's dream man. I loved this book a lot more than the first one, I read it in one sitting. Thank you for this opportunity. I can't wait to read the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Honestly, all I can say is WOW! E.J.Campbell has went and done it again with another book of the Florida flames series! This book touched my heart in ways I could never explain. Seeing the more vulnerable side of Conor and Sasha was unbelievable and heartbreaking too. And I just want to thank the author so much for creating the Florida flames. I wish they were a real hockey team and I wish we could see this all play out right in front of us. Forever grateful to be part of the ARC for the Florida flames series.
If yous have not read capturing the captain get on to it! And as soon as this book is released I would highly recommend yous reading it!!
If yous have not read capturing the captain get on to it! And as soon as this book is released I would highly recommend yous reading it!!
September 11, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ book 2 of the Florida Flames Series! I hope this isn’t the end! I’ve enjoyed the series so far! Book 2 is Sasha and Connor! I loved Connor in the first book! Loved him even more in this second book! Sasha was kinda annoying BUT her reasoning is totally understandable. Max how dare you. Punk. Josh and Liv have a baby in this book! I miss them. So glad they were apart of the second book. Overall I’m proud of Sasha for overcoming her insecurities and getting one of her major goals accomplished! The spice is EVERYTHING! So good 🌶️🌶️🌶️!! This book is out now and I hope you read it! I definitely felt a ton of emotions during this book and happy with the outcome!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Advanced Reader Copy received from author
Thank you so much to EJ for this ARC opportunity. I have determined that from reading this that we all need a Connor who gets us our favourite wine and runs a bath for you when you need it. I loved how independent the MCs were, with Sasha finding her way with what she wants to do in life. I began falling in love with these characters in Capturing the Captain, and fell head over heels for them in this book.
Can't wait for the third installment in this series!
Thank you so much to EJ for this ARC opportunity. I have determined that from reading this that we all need a Connor who gets us our favourite wine and runs a bath for you when you need it. I loved how independent the MCs were, with Sasha finding her way with what she wants to do in life. I began falling in love with these characters in Capturing the Captain, and fell head over heels for them in this book.
Can't wait for the third installment in this series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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August 24, 2026ARC review - Sasha and Conor....where do I begin! I knew they would get their own book after the first one and I was so excited to read it! It surpassed my expectations, I loved Conor in the first book so I already had a soft spot for him and when he said he had ADHD it grew. Loved Sasha's fiery personality and how she's trying to find herself after Max. Her character growth was really cool to see! Highly recommend this book to friends and family when it's released!
Tropes: fake dating, mental health rep, cinnamon roll MMC, finding herself FMC, and hockey romance
Tropes: fake dating, mental health rep, cinnamon roll MMC, finding herself FMC, and hockey romance
September 4, 2026
I received this book as an ARC, and I was obsessed from the start.
I was an ARC reader for the first book, and although I enjoyed it, this book felt like a major step up for me. I literally couldn’t put the book down and on days I wasn’t able to read, it was all I could think about.
I loved the ADHD rep, I hated the third act break-up (because I always hate them), but I loved the growth of the characters, particularly Sash.
I loved the characters friendships and the banter.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who loves a spicy hockey romance.
I was an ARC reader for the first book, and although I enjoyed it, this book felt like a major step up for me. I literally couldn’t put the book down and on days I wasn’t able to read, it was all I could think about.
I loved the ADHD rep, I hated the third act break-up (because I always hate them), but I loved the growth of the characters, particularly Sash.
I loved the characters friendships and the banter.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who loves a spicy hockey romance.
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