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Playing the Game #4
Playing it Straight
Sometimes the most dangerous play is the one you don't see coming.
Zane Morgan has FOUR MONTHS to prove he's worth keeping.
Traded from LA to New York mid-season, my contract expires in June. And the woman holding the pen has already decided I'm a flight risk with a tabloid problem. Alexis Westgate. Owner's daughter. Ice-cold negotiator. Looks at me like I'm a line item she's trying to justify.
She's also my next-door neighbor.
Six feet of hallway. One signed contract standing between me and free agency. And the most infuriating, intelligent, devastating woman I've ever met telling me she doesn't do relationships, doesn't do hockey players, and definitely doesn't do me.
Yet.
Because here's the thing nobody warned her I've spent my entire career being the guy who never stays. Turns out, I just hadn't met the right reason to.
She can keep telling me this can't happen.
I'll keep waiting.
Because for the first time in my life, the win I'm playing for isn't on the ice.
Playing it Straight is a steamy, slow-burn sports romance featuring forbidden workplace attraction, forced proximity, an ice-queen owner's daughter, and a reformed playboy finally ready to stay.
Zane Morgan has FOUR MONTHS to prove he's worth keeping.
Traded from LA to New York mid-season, my contract expires in June. And the woman holding the pen has already decided I'm a flight risk with a tabloid problem. Alexis Westgate. Owner's daughter. Ice-cold negotiator. Looks at me like I'm a line item she's trying to justify.
She's also my next-door neighbor.
Six feet of hallway. One signed contract standing between me and free agency. And the most infuriating, intelligent, devastating woman I've ever met telling me she doesn't do relationships, doesn't do hockey players, and definitely doesn't do me.
Yet.
Because here's the thing nobody warned her I've spent my entire career being the guy who never stays. Turns out, I just hadn't met the right reason to.
She can keep telling me this can't happen.
I'll keep waiting.
Because for the first time in my life, the win I'm playing for isn't on the ice.
Playing it Straight is a steamy, slow-burn sports romance featuring forbidden workplace attraction, forced proximity, an ice-queen owner's daughter, and a reformed playboy finally ready to stay.
321 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
September 8, 2026
5🌟 | 3🌶️
There’s something so good about falling for the one person you absolutely shouldn’t, and the tension between Zane and Alexis made this romance such a fun read.
Their workplace situation and living next door to each other gave them plenty of reasons to keep their distance, but their chemistry made that nearly impossible. I also connected with Alexis’s ambition and determination, while Zane surprised me with how quickly he fell for her.
Zane’s growth was one of my favorite parts. He didn’t just say he was different, he showed it by paying attention to Alexis, respecting her boundaries, and giving her the time she needed. I also appreciated that he never expected her to give up her career or become someone else for him. Their banter, slow burn, hockey storyline, and tension all worked really well together.
The found-family friendships added so much warmth to the story, and seeing everyone together made this feel like a lovely addition to the series. Zane and Alexis had such a sweet journey from attraction to something deeper, and I really enjoyed watching them get there.
This was a fun, emotional romance that gave me all the things I look for in a hockey romance.
~~~~
A sincere thank you to Nicole Crystal and Love Notes PR for the ARC! 🥰📚
I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨
There’s something so good about falling for the one person you absolutely shouldn’t, and the tension between Zane and Alexis made this romance such a fun read.
Their workplace situation and living next door to each other gave them plenty of reasons to keep their distance, but their chemistry made that nearly impossible. I also connected with Alexis’s ambition and determination, while Zane surprised me with how quickly he fell for her.
Zane’s growth was one of my favorite parts. He didn’t just say he was different, he showed it by paying attention to Alexis, respecting her boundaries, and giving her the time she needed. I also appreciated that he never expected her to give up her career or become someone else for him. Their banter, slow burn, hockey storyline, and tension all worked really well together.
The found-family friendships added so much warmth to the story, and seeing everyone together made this feel like a lovely addition to the series. Zane and Alexis had such a sweet journey from attraction to something deeper, and I really enjoyed watching them get there.
This was a fun, emotional romance that gave me all the things I look for in a hockey romance.
~~~~
A sincere thank you to Nicole Crystal and Love Notes PR for the ARC! 🥰📚
I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨
July 4, 2026
ARC Review - you guys will not want to sit on this last book of the series. It’s so good. I want another!
September 4, 2026
Thank you so much to Love Notes PR for sending me this arc!!💌
BOOK REVIEW
Book: Playing it Straight
Author: Nicole Crystal
🤍~ Hockey Romance
🤍~ Forced Proximity
🤍~ He falls first
🤍~ Workplace Romance
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Characters: Zane Morgan & Alexis Westgate
Honest Review: This was so good! A very steamy workplace romance. His contract is in her hands! I also want to mention that they are next door neighbors! I really enjoyed Zane. He is a reformed playboy who fell fast and hard for Alexis. Alexis reminded me of myself: career driven and hardworking. Zane pays attention to Alexis and I think that is the main reason I fell in love with this book! I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a steamy hockey romance. 🏒⛸️
BOOK REVIEW
Book: Playing it Straight
Author: Nicole Crystal
🤍~ Hockey Romance
🤍~ Forced Proximity
🤍~ He falls first
🤍~ Workplace Romance
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Characters: Zane Morgan & Alexis Westgate
Honest Review: This was so good! A very steamy workplace romance. His contract is in her hands! I also want to mention that they are next door neighbors! I really enjoyed Zane. He is a reformed playboy who fell fast and hard for Alexis. Alexis reminded me of myself: career driven and hardworking. Zane pays attention to Alexis and I think that is the main reason I fell in love with this book! I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a steamy hockey romance. 🏒⛸️
July 24, 2026
Puck drop. Nicole has done it again! This story was everything I didn’t know I needed and more. I’ve always loved Zane as a character so I was super excited for him to get his own story. I see so much of myself in Alexis, and it made it very easy to relate to her. She is such a strong character and I adore the way she challenged Zane. The relationship between the group of friends at Silver Pine are always some of my favorite moments.
I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy a workplace romance, forced proximity, and a bisexual FMC.
Thank you to the author for letting me be part of this ARC. Please note all reviews are my honest and unbiased opinion.
I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy a workplace romance, forced proximity, and a bisexual FMC.
Thank you to the author for letting me be part of this ARC. Please note all reviews are my honest and unbiased opinion.
September 10, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️
A reformed playboy hockey player falling for the ice queen who literally controls his contract? OH, THIS MAN IS PLAYING WITH HIS ENTIRE CAREER. 😂🏒
Zane went from allergic to commitment to completely obsessed with Alexis, and I was eating it UP. Meanwhile, our career-driven queen has walls higher than a maximum-security prison. The tension, the forbidden attraction, the fact that they're NEXT-DOOR NEIGHBORS?! Delicious.
I especially loved that Zane actually paid attention to Alexis instead of trying to bulldoze her boundaries. Add some emotional depth, great side characters, and a man finally willing to stay? Consider me sold.
Tropes:
Hockey Romance • He Falls First • Reformed Playboy • Forbidden Workplace Romance • Forced Proximity • Ice Queen FMC • Slow Burn
A reformed playboy hockey player falling for the ice queen who literally controls his contract? OH, THIS MAN IS PLAYING WITH HIS ENTIRE CAREER. 😂🏒
Zane went from allergic to commitment to completely obsessed with Alexis, and I was eating it UP. Meanwhile, our career-driven queen has walls higher than a maximum-security prison. The tension, the forbidden attraction, the fact that they're NEXT-DOOR NEIGHBORS?! Delicious.
I especially loved that Zane actually paid attention to Alexis instead of trying to bulldoze her boundaries. Add some emotional depth, great side characters, and a man finally willing to stay? Consider me sold.
Tropes:
Hockey Romance • He Falls First • Reformed Playboy • Forbidden Workplace Romance • Forced Proximity • Ice Queen FMC • Slow Burn
July 5, 2026
Love me some Nicole Crystal and love even more that I get to
Be part of her ARC team. This was the perfect book 4 to wrap up the Playing The Game series. I’ll read every book she puts out as soon as they drop.
Be part of her ARC team. This was the perfect book 4 to wrap up the Playing The Game series. I’ll read every book she puts out as soon as they drop.
September 2, 2026
📚 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆 📚
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Playing It Straight by Nicole Crystal completely pulled me in. I was hooked within the first few pages, and before I knew it, I was so invested in these characters that putting the book down became surprisingly difficult.
What stood out to me most was the depth of the characters. Both Alexis and Zane felt like people with their own fears, expectations, flaws, and emotional baggage rather than simply characters created to fit a romance trope. I especially loved seeing the layers beneath their outward personalities and how the story allowed them to grow naturally through their experiences. Their connection felt believable because it wasn't only about attraction—it was also about understanding, trust, and gradually allowing another person into the parts of themselves they usually kept guarded.
The story itself also had more emotional substance than I initially expected. There was a lovely balance between romance, personal struggles, relationships, and the pressures surrounding the characters, which kept the book engaging from beginning to end. I never felt like the romance existed in isolation; the characters' individual journeys mattered just as much as their relationship.
And the side characters were such a wonderful addition. I accidentally started with the final book in the series without realizing it, but that only made me more curious about the previous books. I really enjoyed seeing how naturally the existing relationships and friendships fit into the story. Knowing that these characters have their own history throughout the series made their presence feel meaningful rather than simply added for the sake of it. Needless to say, I now want to go back and meet everyone from the beginning!
This was my first Nicole Crystal book, but definitely not my last. Five stars from me!
Thank you to LoveNotes PR for providing me with an ARC copy of the book.
FOLLOW ME
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/my.romance....
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/my.romance.o...
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Playing It Straight by Nicole Crystal completely pulled me in. I was hooked within the first few pages, and before I knew it, I was so invested in these characters that putting the book down became surprisingly difficult.
What stood out to me most was the depth of the characters. Both Alexis and Zane felt like people with their own fears, expectations, flaws, and emotional baggage rather than simply characters created to fit a romance trope. I especially loved seeing the layers beneath their outward personalities and how the story allowed them to grow naturally through their experiences. Their connection felt believable because it wasn't only about attraction—it was also about understanding, trust, and gradually allowing another person into the parts of themselves they usually kept guarded.
The story itself also had more emotional substance than I initially expected. There was a lovely balance between romance, personal struggles, relationships, and the pressures surrounding the characters, which kept the book engaging from beginning to end. I never felt like the romance existed in isolation; the characters' individual journeys mattered just as much as their relationship.
And the side characters were such a wonderful addition. I accidentally started with the final book in the series without realizing it, but that only made me more curious about the previous books. I really enjoyed seeing how naturally the existing relationships and friendships fit into the story. Knowing that these characters have their own history throughout the series made their presence feel meaningful rather than simply added for the sake of it. Needless to say, I now want to go back and meet everyone from the beginning!
This was my first Nicole Crystal book, but definitely not my last. Five stars from me!
Thank you to LoveNotes PR for providing me with an ARC copy of the book.
FOLLOW ME
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/my.romance....
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/my.romance.o...
September 5, 2026
After reading the previous books in the Playing The Game Series, and meeting Alexis and Zane as part of the cast, it was so nice to finally get their story; and it is such a great and heartfelt story.
Though the story follows the reformed player, workplace attraction trope, this book goes a bit beyong the trope. Zane is the unfixable player, the famous playboyt, the one with the contract tethering the line, he has a solid player foundation, but not a true home feel. So, when Alexis approaches him for the trade, he finally finds what he has been looking for: a sense of home and family, and a woman worth to be strong for.
Alexis is trying to prove to the world and herself that she belongs in the big leagues, as a woman she has to literally be a bad ass to deal with the business, player, and everything else that comes with managing a team.
The connection between Zane and Alexis is electric and yes it is a bit of an off-limits/workplace situation, and though they fight it, it is impossible not to cave in. But here is where the book shines, for me, Zane grows to become the man she needs, he knows she is worth the fight, and takess his time to give her time and space while protecting her and being a good partner.
So much to love in this book, the team dynamics, the humor, the tension, the spice, and highlights from past couples in the previous books!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Though the story follows the reformed player, workplace attraction trope, this book goes a bit beyong the trope. Zane is the unfixable player, the famous playboyt, the one with the contract tethering the line, he has a solid player foundation, but not a true home feel. So, when Alexis approaches him for the trade, he finally finds what he has been looking for: a sense of home and family, and a woman worth to be strong for.
Alexis is trying to prove to the world and herself that she belongs in the big leagues, as a woman she has to literally be a bad ass to deal with the business, player, and everything else that comes with managing a team.
The connection between Zane and Alexis is electric and yes it is a bit of an off-limits/workplace situation, and though they fight it, it is impossible not to cave in. But here is where the book shines, for me, Zane grows to become the man she needs, he knows she is worth the fight, and takess his time to give her time and space while protecting her and being a good partner.
So much to love in this book, the team dynamics, the humor, the tension, the spice, and highlights from past couples in the previous books!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 1, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
Okay, I am officially smitten with Zane and Alexis. This series seriously has my heart.
Zane the misunderstood playboy.
Alexis the put-together, driven girl boss with something to prove.
On the surface, they seem like total opposites, but as their story goea on and you start to understand who they really are beneath everything...there is SO much more to both of them.
This book was such an emotional experience. Their story was beautifully written, incredibly well developed, and had so much more depth than I was expecting. I loved watching the layers of both Zane and Alexis slowly peel back and seeing their relationship develop.
This story was beautiful and quite possibly my favorite of the series. ❤️ ugh- love!
10/10 recommend. Absolutely loved it.
Favorite part: sharpie scene
🌶🌶
Okay, I am officially smitten with Zane and Alexis. This series seriously has my heart.
Zane the misunderstood playboy.
Alexis the put-together, driven girl boss with something to prove.
On the surface, they seem like total opposites, but as their story goea on and you start to understand who they really are beneath everything...there is SO much more to both of them.
This book was such an emotional experience. Their story was beautifully written, incredibly well developed, and had so much more depth than I was expecting. I loved watching the layers of both Zane and Alexis slowly peel back and seeing their relationship develop.
This story was beautiful and quite possibly my favorite of the series. ❤️ ugh- love!
10/10 recommend. Absolutely loved it.
Favorite part: sharpie scene
August 27, 2026
This was my first Nicole Crystal book and the first in the Playing the Game series. I DEVOURED it and look forward to going back where the series started. I immediately loved the chemistry between Zane and Alexis. I related to her strong, career driven personality and appreciate how patient he was with her. I always enjoy hockey romance but liked that these character were past college (28/30) for a more mature vibe. Really enjoyed this one!
Thanks to the author and Book Sirens, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thanks to the author and Book Sirens, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 8, 2026
Absolutely loved this story and this couple.
- I love when the book is around a sports team and involves someone in team management and a player. There is so much at stake for both of them, but they just can’t fight the attraction to each other
- The sharpie marking terms on each others bodies actually melted me!!
- I love when the book is around a sports team and involves someone in team management and a player. There is so much at stake for both of them, but they just can’t fight the attraction to each other
- The sharpie marking terms on each others bodies actually melted me!!
July 26, 2026
Loved this book! Zane is such a funny and lovable character. Alexis was a great character, but it was nice to see her flaws that the rest of the world didn’t see. And the Sharpie!!! Ugh it was just such a good addition. I love this whole series!
August 22, 2026
ARC Review
This was my first book from Nicole Crystal and I loved it! I will be read the series now. I loved the writing, it reminds me of Kenna King’s books which I also love. I enjoyed the story line and so glad everything worked out in the end. I will say, I was so thrown off with Harper and Alexis but other than that, this was a good read!
This was my first book from Nicole Crystal and I loved it! I will be read the series now. I loved the writing, it reminds me of Kenna King’s books which I also love. I enjoyed the story line and so glad everything worked out in the end. I will say, I was so thrown off with Harper and Alexis but other than that, this was a good read!
July 15, 2026
ARC REVIEW: 5 stars!!
First off, a massive, heartfelt thank you to Nicole Crystal for allowing me the opportunity to read an early copy of this book. It's incredibly bittersweet because I am simply not ready to say goodbye to this incredible group of characters. I don't want this to be the end!
Nicole has this rare, magical writing style that pulls you in from the very first sentence of the very first chapter and refuses to let you go. She has the ability to make you feel everything right alongside her characters.
While I have absolutely loved this entire found-family group, Zane and Alexis officially have my entire heart.
Who knew a certified playboy could be the one place her mind finally quiets? The way Zane acts as her safe harbor, offering the peace she desperately needs is so beautiful. And Zane's control? Absolute perfection. The fact that he doesn't even want to fight it when it comes to her is everything.
I'm so sad to see the Playing the Game series come to a close. I'll just be over here waiting to see what Nicole writes next. Seriously, write it and I'll be in the front line waiting.
...you could say I'm officially Sharpie-ing your next release date onto my calendar already!
IYKYK
First off, a massive, heartfelt thank you to Nicole Crystal for allowing me the opportunity to read an early copy of this book. It's incredibly bittersweet because I am simply not ready to say goodbye to this incredible group of characters. I don't want this to be the end!
Nicole has this rare, magical writing style that pulls you in from the very first sentence of the very first chapter and refuses to let you go. She has the ability to make you feel everything right alongside her characters.
While I have absolutely loved this entire found-family group, Zane and Alexis officially have my entire heart.
Who knew a certified playboy could be the one place her mind finally quiets? The way Zane acts as her safe harbor, offering the peace she desperately needs is so beautiful. And Zane's control? Absolute perfection. The fact that he doesn't even want to fight it when it comes to her is everything.
I'm so sad to see the Playing the Game series come to a close. I'll just be over here waiting to see what Nicole writes next. Seriously, write it and I'll be in the front line waiting.
...you could say I'm officially Sharpie-ing your next release date onto my calendar already!
IYKYK
June 30, 2026
Nicole of course saved the absolute best for last. This final book was everything I had hoped for and more. The found family. The SPICE. Hello. Zane Morgan. The yearning. This was another six star read for me for sure I literally couldn't put it down!
Oh I received this as an ARC. I forgot to include that because I was too excited.
Oh I received this as an ARC. I forgot to include that because I was too excited.
September 8, 2026
From the start, this book had me sucked in!!! I just loved the characters and how they were both on the same level. They had similar goals. And no third act breakup!!!
Their banter was so smooth. There was no awkwardness between them. They saw what others didn't.
🌶️🌶️/5
Their banter was so smooth. There was no awkwardness between them. They saw what others didn't.
🌶️🌶️/5
September 6, 2026
🏒❤️ He Came to New York Fighting for a Contract and Found a Reason to Stay ❤️🏒
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars | 🌶️🌶️ 2 Chili Peppers
I accidentally started with the FINAL book in this series, and somehow Nicole Crystal managed to turn that mistake into an immediate need to go back and read everyone else's stories. 😂❤️
Playing It Straight completely pulled me in. I was hooked within the first few pages, and before I knew it, I was so invested in Alexis and Zane that putting the book down became surprisingly difficult.
On the surface, these two sound like familiar romance characters.
Zane Morgan is the famous hockey playboy with a questionable reputation, a mid-season trade, and four months to prove he's worth keeping.
Alexis Westgate is the driven, put-together owner's daughter and team vice president whose signature could determine whether Zane gets that new contract.
She's also his next-door neighbor.
And completely off-limits.
But what I loved was how quickly Nicole Crystal took both of them beyond those labels.
Alexis isn't an ice queen who needs someone to come along and teach her how to have fun. She's intelligent, ambitious, incredibly capable, and working in a world where she constantly feels the pressure to prove that she belongs. Being the owner's daughter doesn't make that easier. If anything, it gives her even more reason to make sure no one can question whether she's earned her place.
Underneath all that competence, though, is a woman carrying her own fears and insecurities.
I understood why she fought her attraction to Zane so hard.
Her signature is literally on his contract.
This isn't manufactured forbidden-romance drama. Their careers and reputations could genuinely be affected by what happens between them, and I loved that the story respected those stakes.
Then there's Zane.
Oh, Zane. 🥹❤️
I can be skeptical of the reformed-playboy trope when we're simply told a man has changed and expected to believe it.
Zane made me believe it.
Not because he suddenly delivers one giant declaration about becoming a different person, but because we get to watch the change happen through all the little things he does.
He pays attention.
He adjusts.
He shows up.
He gives Alexis space.
He waits.
And he chooses her over and over again.
For a man with a reputation for never staying, there was something incredibly satisfying about watching Zane finally find people and a place that made him WANT to put down roots.
And watching this charming, confident hockey player become completely gone for the one woman determined not to fall for him was pretty entertaining too. 😂
What really worked for me was that Zane never needed Alexis to become a different version of herself in order to love her.
He doesn't ask her to be less ambitious.
He doesn't make her career seem less important than his.
He doesn't treat her walls like something he's entitled to tear down.
He's patient enough to earn her trust and let Alexis decide when she's ready to let him behind them.
And Alexis doesn't need Zane to fix her.
She gradually discovers that being vulnerable with someone doesn't make her any less strong, capable, or independent.
Their slow burn was SO good because there were actual reasons they shouldn't cross that line. Every conversation, glance, hallway encounter, and little moment added another layer of tension.
And I loved that hallway. 😂
Six feet between their doors gives them this tiny space where they can slowly stop being Alexis Westgate, team executive, and Zane Morgan, hockey player.
They're simply Alexis and Zane.
Those ordinary moments when they're tired, unguarded, or just existing next door to each other did so much to make their relationship believable. Their connection wasn't built solely on attraction. It grew through friendship, understanding, trust, and slowly allowing another person into the parts of themselves they normally kept protected.
The hockey element was another huge win for me. 🏒
Zane's trade and expiring contract aren't just background details thrown in because this happens to be a sports romance. His career directly affects the relationship, Alexis's job directly affects his future, and their professional responsibilities create real conflict.
I also loved the team dynamics and found family throughout the book.
This was my first Nicole Crystal book, and I didn't realize I was jumping into the final book of an established series. I never felt lost, but meeting the previous characters and seeing the friendships and relationships they've built made me desperately curious about ALL of them.
So yes, apparently I'm going backward and starting from the beginning now. 😂
But underneath the romance, humor, hockey, tension, and heat, I think what made this a five-star read for me was the emotional depth I wasn't expecting.
Zane comes to New York needing to prove he's worth keeping.
Alexis has spent her career trying to prove she deserves the place she's already earned.
He's spent years being the guy who leaves.
She's spent years being the woman who doesn't let anyone close enough to disrupt the life she's carefully built.
Neither one needs the other to become whole.
Instead, they slowly become the person with whom the other can finally stop performing and simply be themselves.
Zane came to New York hoping for another contract.
He ended up finding a team, a family, a woman he was willing to wait for, and finally, somewhere that felt like home. 🥹🏒❤️
And Nicole Crystal gained a brand-new reader because I absolutely need to go meet everyone I've apparently been missing!
Thank you to Nicole Crystal and Love Notes PR for the gifted advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars | 🌶️🌶️ 2 Chili Peppers
I accidentally started with the FINAL book in this series, and somehow Nicole Crystal managed to turn that mistake into an immediate need to go back and read everyone else's stories. 😂❤️
Playing It Straight completely pulled me in. I was hooked within the first few pages, and before I knew it, I was so invested in Alexis and Zane that putting the book down became surprisingly difficult.
On the surface, these two sound like familiar romance characters.
Zane Morgan is the famous hockey playboy with a questionable reputation, a mid-season trade, and four months to prove he's worth keeping.
Alexis Westgate is the driven, put-together owner's daughter and team vice president whose signature could determine whether Zane gets that new contract.
She's also his next-door neighbor.
And completely off-limits.
But what I loved was how quickly Nicole Crystal took both of them beyond those labels.
Alexis isn't an ice queen who needs someone to come along and teach her how to have fun. She's intelligent, ambitious, incredibly capable, and working in a world where she constantly feels the pressure to prove that she belongs. Being the owner's daughter doesn't make that easier. If anything, it gives her even more reason to make sure no one can question whether she's earned her place.
Underneath all that competence, though, is a woman carrying her own fears and insecurities.
I understood why she fought her attraction to Zane so hard.
Her signature is literally on his contract.
This isn't manufactured forbidden-romance drama. Their careers and reputations could genuinely be affected by what happens between them, and I loved that the story respected those stakes.
Then there's Zane.
Oh, Zane. 🥹❤️
I can be skeptical of the reformed-playboy trope when we're simply told a man has changed and expected to believe it.
Zane made me believe it.
Not because he suddenly delivers one giant declaration about becoming a different person, but because we get to watch the change happen through all the little things he does.
He pays attention.
He adjusts.
He shows up.
He gives Alexis space.
He waits.
And he chooses her over and over again.
For a man with a reputation for never staying, there was something incredibly satisfying about watching Zane finally find people and a place that made him WANT to put down roots.
And watching this charming, confident hockey player become completely gone for the one woman determined not to fall for him was pretty entertaining too. 😂
What really worked for me was that Zane never needed Alexis to become a different version of herself in order to love her.
He doesn't ask her to be less ambitious.
He doesn't make her career seem less important than his.
He doesn't treat her walls like something he's entitled to tear down.
He's patient enough to earn her trust and let Alexis decide when she's ready to let him behind them.
And Alexis doesn't need Zane to fix her.
She gradually discovers that being vulnerable with someone doesn't make her any less strong, capable, or independent.
Their slow burn was SO good because there were actual reasons they shouldn't cross that line. Every conversation, glance, hallway encounter, and little moment added another layer of tension.
And I loved that hallway. 😂
Six feet between their doors gives them this tiny space where they can slowly stop being Alexis Westgate, team executive, and Zane Morgan, hockey player.
They're simply Alexis and Zane.
Those ordinary moments when they're tired, unguarded, or just existing next door to each other did so much to make their relationship believable. Their connection wasn't built solely on attraction. It grew through friendship, understanding, trust, and slowly allowing another person into the parts of themselves they normally kept protected.
The hockey element was another huge win for me. 🏒
Zane's trade and expiring contract aren't just background details thrown in because this happens to be a sports romance. His career directly affects the relationship, Alexis's job directly affects his future, and their professional responsibilities create real conflict.
I also loved the team dynamics and found family throughout the book.
This was my first Nicole Crystal book, and I didn't realize I was jumping into the final book of an established series. I never felt lost, but meeting the previous characters and seeing the friendships and relationships they've built made me desperately curious about ALL of them.
So yes, apparently I'm going backward and starting from the beginning now. 😂
But underneath the romance, humor, hockey, tension, and heat, I think what made this a five-star read for me was the emotional depth I wasn't expecting.
Zane comes to New York needing to prove he's worth keeping.
Alexis has spent her career trying to prove she deserves the place she's already earned.
He's spent years being the guy who leaves.
She's spent years being the woman who doesn't let anyone close enough to disrupt the life she's carefully built.
Neither one needs the other to become whole.
Instead, they slowly become the person with whom the other can finally stop performing and simply be themselves.
Zane came to New York hoping for another contract.
He ended up finding a team, a family, a woman he was willing to wait for, and finally, somewhere that felt like home. 🥹🏒❤️
And Nicole Crystal gained a brand-new reader because I absolutely need to go meet everyone I've apparently been missing!
Thank you to Nicole Crystal and Love Notes PR for the gifted advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 31, 2026
This is actually only my second book in the Playing the Game series, which is a little funny because I only picked up my first one when book three came out. So I came in without the full foundation some readers have, and honestly? It didn't matter at all. This one pulled me in completely on its own terms.
The setup is exactly the one we see in romance books , the reformed playboy, the focused and career driven woman, forced proximity, forbidden workplace tension, and yet it never felt stale to me. Alexis isn't cold but she was guarded in a way that feels earned, and that makes every small crack in her wall mean a lot more in the story when it happened. Zane is genuinely one of the more charming heroes I've read in this genre recently, and I say that as someone who is usually pretty skeptical of the "reformed playboy" arc. It's so easy to write that character as someone who just announces he's changed and expects the reader to believe it. Niccole Crystal didn’t do that but instead, Zane's growth happened in real time. It's visible in the way he pays attention to Alexis, the way he adjusts, the way he shows up without making it a performance. He's funny and a little relentless in the best way, and the dynamic between them has this push-pull energy that never tips into frustrating. Like, you can feel him choosing her repeatedly, not just once in a grand gesture at the end. The slow burn here is legitly slow burn, not the kind that's just endless misunderstandings and characters refusing to communicate. The tension is built on actual stakes in both of their hard earned careers. Her signature is on his contract. Every scene they're in together has this undercurrent of all the reasons this is a terrible idea, and the book respects that tension rather than collapsing it prematurely. I was genuinely a little tortured by it in the good way, which is exactly what you want. The hockey element was actually important in the the plot of the story. Zane being traded mid-season, the contract situation, the specific pressure that puts on both of them, it all feeds directly into the central conflict rather than existing separately from it. Alexis's role as the owner's daughter and negotiator adds a layer that feels real. She's not just someone in proximity to the hockey world, she is the hockey world in a very specific professional sense, and that makes the forbidden aspect land harder. There's this charm in forced proximity that seemed to always get my interest. It also works best when the characters can't fully escape each other even when they wanted to. The hallway between their spaces becomes almost a staple in the story. There were small moments in that domestic, almost mundane days that I found more effective than any big dramatic scene could have been. Two people running into each other when they're just tired or caught off guard, those are the moments that tend to do the most work in slow burn romance, and this book rteally showed that.
The side characters from earlier books made appearances that felt natural rather than forced. I didn't feel lost not having read the first two books of the series, but I also got the sense that readers who've been with the series from the start will get a lot more out of seeing these people again. There's a world here that the author has clearly been building carefully, and even coming in at book three and now book four, I could feel the build up of it, the history between characters, the way certain dynamics carry weight because of things that happened before this book started.
What I keep coming back to is how much I liked Alexis specifically. She could have been written as the obstacle, the uptight foil who needs to loosen up and let a man teach her to feel things. She's not that. She's someone who has built something real in her career, who has actual reasons for her caution. She didnt need to be fixed all she wanted to was to find someone who would respect her. Who would stand and suppor her through all the good things and the bad. What I really appreciated was that eventhough Zane was far from being perfect, he was a good partner, never did he try to change her. Instead of forcing himself on her he tried to win her trust and heart so that she would let him in. As a reader, I am so satisfied with how he handled tearing down her walls. When it comes to the steam and spice for anyone wondering... It’s there... So much so I feel bad reading it while I was at work.
I received this ARC through Love Notes PR and Booksirens, which means I came to this with genuine excitement (since I requested for this ARC twice without me even noticing) but also no obligation to be nice about it. The good news is I don't have to work to be nice. This is a strong entry in the series and probably one of my favorites so far out of the two I've read. I'll be going back for books two and three now, which I probably should have done sooner.
The setup is exactly the one we see in romance books , the reformed playboy, the focused and career driven woman, forced proximity, forbidden workplace tension, and yet it never felt stale to me. Alexis isn't cold but she was guarded in a way that feels earned, and that makes every small crack in her wall mean a lot more in the story when it happened. Zane is genuinely one of the more charming heroes I've read in this genre recently, and I say that as someone who is usually pretty skeptical of the "reformed playboy" arc. It's so easy to write that character as someone who just announces he's changed and expects the reader to believe it. Niccole Crystal didn’t do that but instead, Zane's growth happened in real time. It's visible in the way he pays attention to Alexis, the way he adjusts, the way he shows up without making it a performance. He's funny and a little relentless in the best way, and the dynamic between them has this push-pull energy that never tips into frustrating. Like, you can feel him choosing her repeatedly, not just once in a grand gesture at the end. The slow burn here is legitly slow burn, not the kind that's just endless misunderstandings and characters refusing to communicate. The tension is built on actual stakes in both of their hard earned careers. Her signature is on his contract. Every scene they're in together has this undercurrent of all the reasons this is a terrible idea, and the book respects that tension rather than collapsing it prematurely. I was genuinely a little tortured by it in the good way, which is exactly what you want. The hockey element was actually important in the the plot of the story. Zane being traded mid-season, the contract situation, the specific pressure that puts on both of them, it all feeds directly into the central conflict rather than existing separately from it. Alexis's role as the owner's daughter and negotiator adds a layer that feels real. She's not just someone in proximity to the hockey world, she is the hockey world in a very specific professional sense, and that makes the forbidden aspect land harder. There's this charm in forced proximity that seemed to always get my interest. It also works best when the characters can't fully escape each other even when they wanted to. The hallway between their spaces becomes almost a staple in the story. There were small moments in that domestic, almost mundane days that I found more effective than any big dramatic scene could have been. Two people running into each other when they're just tired or caught off guard, those are the moments that tend to do the most work in slow burn romance, and this book rteally showed that.
The side characters from earlier books made appearances that felt natural rather than forced. I didn't feel lost not having read the first two books of the series, but I also got the sense that readers who've been with the series from the start will get a lot more out of seeing these people again. There's a world here that the author has clearly been building carefully, and even coming in at book three and now book four, I could feel the build up of it, the history between characters, the way certain dynamics carry weight because of things that happened before this book started.
What I keep coming back to is how much I liked Alexis specifically. She could have been written as the obstacle, the uptight foil who needs to loosen up and let a man teach her to feel things. She's not that. She's someone who has built something real in her career, who has actual reasons for her caution. She didnt need to be fixed all she wanted to was to find someone who would respect her. Who would stand and suppor her through all the good things and the bad. What I really appreciated was that eventhough Zane was far from being perfect, he was a good partner, never did he try to change her. Instead of forcing himself on her he tried to win her trust and heart so that she would let him in. As a reader, I am so satisfied with how he handled tearing down her walls. When it comes to the steam and spice for anyone wondering... It’s there... So much so I feel bad reading it while I was at work.
I received this ARC through Love Notes PR and Booksirens, which means I came to this with genuine excitement (since I requested for this ARC twice without me even noticing) but also no obligation to be nice about it. The good news is I don't have to work to be nice. This is a strong entry in the series and probably one of my favorites so far out of the two I've read. I'll be going back for books two and three now, which I probably should have done sooner.
Review of advance copy received from Author
It was incredibly hard to say goodbye but if I'm being honest Zane and Alexis brought this story to a close perfectly.
Zane was simply looking for a place he could call home a place to put down roots and build a future, unbeknownst to him, that search would also lead him to Alexis the vice president of his team. A woman completely forbidden to him, intelligent, capable of solving any problem that came her way and with admirable strength, though behind that facade she also hid a deep fear of not being enough and of not being up to the task of filling the shoes her father had left behind.
The two of them are much more alike than they realize from the first time they met the tension between them was palpable, the connection was there but they were also aware that trying something meant risking their careers and everything they had worked for. They are both stubborn, determined and used to fighting for what they want, though this time the biggest obstacle was themselves.
With every conversation every glance, and every interaction the spark between them only grew stronger, I completely understood Alexis and her fears, I understood why she fought so hard against what she felt. And I understood Zane too the poor guy kept trying to convince himself that ignoring his feelings was best for both of them, even though deep down he knew it was impossible.
Because when love knocks on your door, no matter how much you want to you can't close it and once that line is crossed, there's no going back.
Alexis tried to convince herself it would only be a one-time thing but she discovered that Zane made her feel things she had never experienced before, feelings she had always been afraid to acknowledge. Meanwhile Zane made a decision to wait for her, to be patient and to show her that what they had wasn't a mistake, he made her see, time and again, that he loved her more than anything and that he was willing to fight for her no matter what they had to face.
It wasn't easy for them, and I understand them both, there was so much at stake, and they both had so much to lose however, there came a point when none of that mattered, because the only thing that truly mattered was everything they had built together. Alexis learned to trust Zane, to show him her most vulnerable parts while still being the strong and empowered woman she had always been and Zane, at last found the home he had longed for, a place where he could have everything he had always dreamed of.
It wasn't an easy road they had to overcome many obstacles before they could be together but in the end, everything, absolutely everything, was worth it. They stole my heart I didn't want the book to end, I didn't want to reach the end because I knew that with it this journey would also end but they made every page completely worthwhile.
Every couple in the world has shown me that when two people truly want to be together, no obstacle can separate them of course, it takes time, effort, understanding, and above all, courage. All the couples had to face their own battles, make mistakes, learn and grow, but in the end they found what they so longed for a home.
And I'm not just talking about the home formed by the person they love but also the family they built together. What began as a friendship ended up becoming a true brotherhood, one where they always found support, love and a place to belong. I love you all each of you will always have a very special place in my heart.
Finally, I just want to thank the author for allowing us to be part of this world and for letting us get to know each of these boys and girls who, in one way or another, ended up leaving their mark on us.
Although is this really the end? I don't think so.
It seems a little surprise awaits us and if my hunch is right, I think I already know who the protagonist might be. Someone very close to Alexis, maybe I'm wrong, maybe I'm not but we'll find out very soon and honestly I'm already looking forward to returning to this universe. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Zane was simply looking for a place he could call home a place to put down roots and build a future, unbeknownst to him, that search would also lead him to Alexis the vice president of his team. A woman completely forbidden to him, intelligent, capable of solving any problem that came her way and with admirable strength, though behind that facade she also hid a deep fear of not being enough and of not being up to the task of filling the shoes her father had left behind.
The two of them are much more alike than they realize from the first time they met the tension between them was palpable, the connection was there but they were also aware that trying something meant risking their careers and everything they had worked for. They are both stubborn, determined and used to fighting for what they want, though this time the biggest obstacle was themselves.
With every conversation every glance, and every interaction the spark between them only grew stronger, I completely understood Alexis and her fears, I understood why she fought so hard against what she felt. And I understood Zane too the poor guy kept trying to convince himself that ignoring his feelings was best for both of them, even though deep down he knew it was impossible.
Because when love knocks on your door, no matter how much you want to you can't close it and once that line is crossed, there's no going back.
Alexis tried to convince herself it would only be a one-time thing but she discovered that Zane made her feel things she had never experienced before, feelings she had always been afraid to acknowledge. Meanwhile Zane made a decision to wait for her, to be patient and to show her that what they had wasn't a mistake, he made her see, time and again, that he loved her more than anything and that he was willing to fight for her no matter what they had to face.
It wasn't easy for them, and I understand them both, there was so much at stake, and they both had so much to lose however, there came a point when none of that mattered, because the only thing that truly mattered was everything they had built together. Alexis learned to trust Zane, to show him her most vulnerable parts while still being the strong and empowered woman she had always been and Zane, at last found the home he had longed for, a place where he could have everything he had always dreamed of.
It wasn't an easy road they had to overcome many obstacles before they could be together but in the end, everything, absolutely everything, was worth it. They stole my heart I didn't want the book to end, I didn't want to reach the end because I knew that with it this journey would also end but they made every page completely worthwhile.
Every couple in the world has shown me that when two people truly want to be together, no obstacle can separate them of course, it takes time, effort, understanding, and above all, courage. All the couples had to face their own battles, make mistakes, learn and grow, but in the end they found what they so longed for a home.
And I'm not just talking about the home formed by the person they love but also the family they built together. What began as a friendship ended up becoming a true brotherhood, one where they always found support, love and a place to belong. I love you all each of you will always have a very special place in my heart.
Finally, I just want to thank the author for allowing us to be part of this world and for letting us get to know each of these boys and girls who, in one way or another, ended up leaving their mark on us.
Although is this really the end? I don't think so.
It seems a little surprise awaits us and if my hunch is right, I think I already know who the protagonist might be. Someone very close to Alexis, maybe I'm wrong, maybe I'm not but we'll find out very soon and honestly I'm already looking forward to returning to this universe. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Some books entertain you. Some make you smile. And then there are the rare ones that quietly remind you what love is supposed to feel like.
Playing It Straight was that book for me.
After following this series from Grayson and Sienna to Chase and Skye, and then Luke and Emma, I couldn't have asked for a more satisfying conclusion. Nicole Crystal didn't just give Zane Morgan his story—she completely changed the way I saw him.
One of my favorite things about this series is that each hero has carried a completely different kind of strength. Grayson became the steady heart of the group—the one who quietly held everyone together. Chase wore his charm openly but never hesitated to be vulnerable with the woman he loved. Luke showed that patience, consistency, and quiet devotion can be just as powerful as grand gestures. And then there's Zane . I thought I knew exactly who he was from the previous books, but his story completely changed my perspective. Behind all the confidence and effortless charisma was someone remarkably perceptive, emotionally intelligent, and secure enough to love without trying to control. Nicole Crystal gave each hero a distinct emotional identity, and that's one of the reasons this series never felt repetitive to me.
He doesn't try to rescue Alexei.
He doesn't demand that she let her walls down.
He doesn't mistake patience for passivity.
He simply stays.
Alexeis has spent years believing she always has to prove herself. Every boardroom, every decision, every achievement has taught her that control is the safest place to live. Watching someone recognize that armor without asking her to remove it immediately was one of the most beautiful parts of this story.
Their romance isn't built on dramatic declarations.
It's built on forehead kisses that somehow say more than words.
On conversations where both people choose honesty over assumptions.
On meaningful banter.
On emotional intelligence.
On someone quietly saying, "I'll meet you where you are instead of asking you to become someone else."
That kind of love will always stay with me.
One thing Nicole Crystal consistently does well throughout this series is honoring the past. Grief isn't something her characters simply "move on" from—it becomes part of who they are. Previous couples remain present, friendships continue to evolve, and the found-family dynamic feels lived in rather than written for convenience.
Reading all four books also made me appreciate the subtle parallels woven throughout the series. Certain themes return in new ways, familiar emotional beats take on fresh meaning, and small details connect the books without making them feel repetitive. It made this finale feel intentional—a full-circle ending rather than simply the last installment.
And Chapter 43 & epilogue?
Let's just say it completely owned my heart.
This is definitely an open-door romance with plenty of spice, so readers looking for a clean romance should know that going in. But what made this relationship memorable wasn't the chemistry—it was the trust. Every intimate moment felt like another step toward vulnerability instead of existing purely for the sake of tension.
The loudest relationships aren't always the strongest.
Sometimes love looks like patience.
Sometimes it looks like understanding.
Sometimes it looks like giving someone enough safety to become exactly who they were always meant to be.
And that's exactly why Zane and Alexei will stay with me.
I would recommend this novel to readers who love to read:
🩵 Hockey romance
🩵 Slow burn
🩵 Open-door romance
🩵 Found family
🩵 Emotionally intelligent characters
🩵 A patient, supportive hero
🩵 A strong, guarded heroine
🩵 Honest communication
🩵 Character-driven romance with an emotional payoff
This is an ARC review and all thoughts are mine
Some books entertain you. Some make you smile. And then there are the rare ones that quietly remind you what love is supposed to feel like.
Playing It Straight was that book for me.
After following this series from Grayson and Sienna to Chase and Skye, and then Luke and Emma, I couldn't have asked for a more satisfying conclusion. Nicole Crystal didn't just give Zane Morgan his story—she completely changed the way I saw him.
One of my favorite things about this series is that each hero has carried a completely different kind of strength. Grayson became the steady heart of the group—the one who quietly held everyone together. Chase wore his charm openly but never hesitated to be vulnerable with the woman he loved. Luke showed that patience, consistency, and quiet devotion can be just as powerful as grand gestures. And then there's Zane . I thought I knew exactly who he was from the previous books, but his story completely changed my perspective. Behind all the confidence and effortless charisma was someone remarkably perceptive, emotionally intelligent, and secure enough to love without trying to control. Nicole Crystal gave each hero a distinct emotional identity, and that's one of the reasons this series never felt repetitive to me.
He doesn't try to rescue Alexei.
He doesn't demand that she let her walls down.
He doesn't mistake patience for passivity.
He simply stays.
Alexeis has spent years believing she always has to prove herself. Every boardroom, every decision, every achievement has taught her that control is the safest place to live. Watching someone recognize that armor without asking her to remove it immediately was one of the most beautiful parts of this story.
Their romance isn't built on dramatic declarations.
It's built on forehead kisses that somehow say more than words.
On conversations where both people choose honesty over assumptions.
On meaningful banter.
On emotional intelligence.
On someone quietly saying, "I'll meet you where you are instead of asking you to become someone else."
That kind of love will always stay with me.
One thing Nicole Crystal consistently does well throughout this series is honoring the past. Grief isn't something her characters simply "move on" from—it becomes part of who they are. Previous couples remain present, friendships continue to evolve, and the found-family dynamic feels lived in rather than written for convenience.
Reading all four books also made me appreciate the subtle parallels woven throughout the series. Certain themes return in new ways, familiar emotional beats take on fresh meaning, and small details connect the books without making them feel repetitive. It made this finale feel intentional—a full-circle ending rather than simply the last installment.
And Chapter 43 & epilogue?
Let's just say it completely owned my heart.
This is definitely an open-door romance with plenty of spice, so readers looking for a clean romance should know that going in. But what made this relationship memorable wasn't the chemistry—it was the trust. Every intimate moment felt like another step toward vulnerability instead of existing purely for the sake of tension.
The loudest relationships aren't always the strongest.
Sometimes love looks like patience.
Sometimes it looks like understanding.
Sometimes it looks like giving someone enough safety to become exactly who they were always meant to be.
And that's exactly why Zane and Alexei will stay with me.
I would recommend this novel to readers who love to read:
🩵 Hockey romance
🩵 Slow burn
🩵 Open-door romance
🩵 Found family
🩵 Emotionally intelligent characters
🩵 A patient, supportive hero
🩵 A strong, guarded heroine
🩵 Honest communication
🩵 Character-driven romance with an emotional payoff
This is an ARC review and all thoughts are mine
September 1, 2026
Playing It Straight🏒
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes PR & Nicole Crystal for trusting me with this ARC!🪷
His time to prove his worth is limited,and Alexis Westgate won't make it easy for him.Until he shows up at the door next to hers, & Zane Morgan understands that in order to win the woman of his dreams,he has to score off ice too.
Playing Straight was really a heartbreak for me.
Started really strong,with addictive hockey,and not only scenes,that grabbed my attention instantly,& of course it was paired with a wonderful structure of how everything was forming up until the moment that our two lovebirds decided to get into a relationship.Playing It Straight,is also heavy on friendship,both brotherhood and sisterhood,with Crystal always showing us the importance to having your platonic 'person',in whatever life stage that you were.Specifically,I completely fell in love with Alexis's bestie,which was a GIRLS' GIRL!
The fmc was a drop dead gorgeous & smart woman,who had already stood her ground even before Zane was in the picture.I really liked her dynamism,while the energy that she had was marvelous. My favorite scene?When my babygirl got in contact again with her true passion.
Most of the times,especially women,we tend to forget that life is never too serious for you to stop doing what you love,to express yourself and maybe be that high school girl that you once were,with the way Alexis contacted that particular past love of hers being worth of some happy tears.
Zane,was a beautiful character to read,absolutely obsessed with his girl.When I tell you that man had no brain for ANYTHING ELSE.Like,I was actually wondering how in the hockey gods did he won those games?Even,the boy got us some 🌶️ SCENES,so I cannot say bad about him!
As far as here,the spice was amazing,the romance blossomed and I truly saw a romance that was worth giggling & reading,but at 95% happened something very specific that I personally despise and let me be honest that it kinda ruined my experience.Yet,at the same time I am not able to erase what I have already read & felt,and due to it happening so late at the book I cannot say that I hated or anything.Was not my cup of tea?Yes.Would I prefer seeing Alexis being the most powerful woman on the hierarchy & prefer those pages to be used for that cause?Most Definitely Yes.But,here we are,and as I said of course I cannot forget those full of emotion scenes that Nicole Crystal gave us 🫶
Out Today ❤️🔥
3⭐
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes PR & Nicole Crystal for trusting me with this ARC!🪷
His time to prove his worth is limited,and Alexis Westgate won't make it easy for him.Until he shows up at the door next to hers, & Zane Morgan understands that in order to win the woman of his dreams,he has to score off ice too.
Playing Straight was really a heartbreak for me.
Started really strong,with addictive hockey,and not only scenes,that grabbed my attention instantly,& of course it was paired with a wonderful structure of how everything was forming up until the moment that our two lovebirds decided to get into a relationship.Playing It Straight,is also heavy on friendship,both brotherhood and sisterhood,with Crystal always showing us the importance to having your platonic 'person',in whatever life stage that you were.Specifically,I completely fell in love with Alexis's bestie,which was a GIRLS' GIRL!
The fmc was a drop dead gorgeous & smart woman,who had already stood her ground even before Zane was in the picture.I really liked her dynamism,while the energy that she had was marvelous. My favorite scene?When my babygirl got in contact again with her true passion.
Most of the times,especially women,we tend to forget that life is never too serious for you to stop doing what you love,to express yourself and maybe be that high school girl that you once were,with the way Alexis contacted that particular past love of hers being worth of some happy tears.
Zane,was a beautiful character to read,absolutely obsessed with his girl.When I tell you that man had no brain for ANYTHING ELSE.Like,I was actually wondering how in the hockey gods did he won those games?Even,the boy got us some 🌶️ SCENES,so I cannot say bad about him!
As far as here,the spice was amazing,the romance blossomed and I truly saw a romance that was worth giggling & reading,but at 95% happened something very specific that I personally despise and let me be honest that it kinda ruined my experience.Yet,at the same time I am not able to erase what I have already read & felt,and due to it happening so late at the book I cannot say that I hated or anything.Was not my cup of tea?Yes.Would I prefer seeing Alexis being the most powerful woman on the hierarchy & prefer those pages to be used for that cause?Most Definitely Yes.But,here we are,and as I said of course I cannot forget those full of emotion scenes that Nicole Crystal gave us 🫶
Out Today ❤️🔥
3⭐
Review of advance copy
I don't know what I was expecting from this book, but it definitely wasn't for it to be SO heartwarming and just a general delight to read! I read one other book in this series (Playing to Win), and while I enjoyed that one, it did not pull me in and consume me like this one did.
I was a little concerned at the start because it is a hockey romance, and although I haven't read a ton of hockey romances, I've read enough for this one to feel very rote. That changed quickly as I began reading, because even though the plot itself wasn't super inventive, the characters were so compelling that it felt fresh and fun. For me, hockey romances are a nice little ridiculous break from reality that are fun, but not fall-in-love with. But so many things about this book made it break the mold:
The Characters:
- Alexis is such a badass and I related to her on so many levels, despite being nothing like her. Her drive, her need to be constantly proving herself, and her struggle with not believing she can have everything she wants are such universal things and were handled very well. We got realistic emotional depth out of her that "boss bitch" characters often aren't afforded.
- Zane... so I usually have a problem with the playboy, sleeps with a different woman every night, obsessed with his looks MMCs. They feel so manufactured and when they do finally realize they've found "the one," it often feels forced and like a total 180 personality switch. I didn't feel that way with Zane. We got pieces of his humility (for lack of a better word) before he fell for Alexis, and we got pieces of his arrogance after.
- The side characters were fun, but the emphasis on this book is really Alexis and Zane. There were some really fun dynamics with the main characters and their friends/family, as well as some semi-redemtion arcs (which I am always a sucker for).
The Plot: Again, I wouldn't say the plot was anything super out-of-the-ordinary, but it was well written and paced incredibly well. There were also some curveballs that I wasn't expecting, which was fun. Without giving away spoilers, I felt like the final conflict was handled differently than I expected, and in a way I really enjoyed because it took a different path than a lot of romances. There weren't any slow points, and I didn't want to put it down. I absolutely would have read the entire thing in one go if I didn't have adult responsibilities.
This was definitely a 5-star book for me, but there were a couple little things I felt could have been improved upon:
1. There were some minor editing issues (typos, grammar) that will likely be caught before this is published.
2. The ending was SUPER cheesey. Honestly, I'm here for it, but it was a little bit like "whoa, this was already a super cute story, maybe tone it down a little." But just a little :)
Overall, I loved this series and will be going back and reading the rest of the books in the series! Thanks so much to BookSirens and Nicole Crystal for the ARC copy in exchange for my honest review!
I was a little concerned at the start because it is a hockey romance, and although I haven't read a ton of hockey romances, I've read enough for this one to feel very rote. That changed quickly as I began reading, because even though the plot itself wasn't super inventive, the characters were so compelling that it felt fresh and fun. For me, hockey romances are a nice little ridiculous break from reality that are fun, but not fall-in-love with. But so many things about this book made it break the mold:
The Characters:
- Alexis is such a badass and I related to her on so many levels, despite being nothing like her. Her drive, her need to be constantly proving herself, and her struggle with not believing she can have everything she wants are such universal things and were handled very well. We got realistic emotional depth out of her that "boss bitch" characters often aren't afforded.
- Zane... so I usually have a problem with the playboy, sleeps with a different woman every night, obsessed with his looks MMCs. They feel so manufactured and when they do finally realize they've found "the one," it often feels forced and like a total 180 personality switch. I didn't feel that way with Zane. We got pieces of his humility (for lack of a better word) before he fell for Alexis, and we got pieces of his arrogance after.
- The side characters were fun, but the emphasis on this book is really Alexis and Zane. There were some really fun dynamics with the main characters and their friends/family, as well as some semi-redemtion arcs (which I am always a sucker for).
The Plot: Again, I wouldn't say the plot was anything super out-of-the-ordinary, but it was well written and paced incredibly well. There were also some curveballs that I wasn't expecting, which was fun. Without giving away spoilers, I felt like the final conflict was handled differently than I expected, and in a way I really enjoyed because it took a different path than a lot of romances. There weren't any slow points, and I didn't want to put it down. I absolutely would have read the entire thing in one go if I didn't have adult responsibilities.
This was definitely a 5-star book for me, but there were a couple little things I felt could have been improved upon:
1. There were some minor editing issues (typos, grammar) that will likely be caught before this is published.
2. The ending was SUPER cheesey. Honestly, I'm here for it, but it was a little bit like "whoa, this was already a super cute story, maybe tone it down a little." But just a little :)
Overall, I loved this series and will be going back and reading the rest of the books in the series! Thanks so much to BookSirens and Nicole Crystal for the ARC copy in exchange for my honest review!
September 5, 2026
Just like the previous books in the series, this new installment really moved me. For me, it’s always a sign of a 5-star book when I find myself crying at the end because I’m sad that the book or the series are coming to an end, and I wish they would just keep going.
"Playing It Straight" is a well-written, emotionally charged, and sizzling slow-burn hockey romance featuring forbidden workplace romance, owner's daughter - hockey player, forced proximity, neighbors-to-lovers, and reformed playboy tropes, and is filled with banter, heartwarming moments, tension, a touch of intrigue, power dynamics (not between the main characters), and spice. I loved the protagonists. Alexis, the daughter of the Grizzlies' owner and VP of Operations, is a dutiful, ambitious workaholic who puts her personal life on the back burner to prove her worth to herself and the men in her professional circle. I already knew Zane from the previous books. He is the NHL’s golden boy and the new Grizzlies left winger who moves to New York to be close to his friends and “found family.” Although he’s a charming playboy, he’s growing weary of his carefree lifestyle and longs for depth and a relationship like the ones his friends have. I loved how he connected with Alexis and how she opened up to him bit by bit. Alexis’s inner tension, the constant pressure she was under, her painful past—as well as Zane’s longing, ambition, positive attitude, but also his ambivalent relationship with his family's legacy —were palpable throughout the entire book. I was also happy to see all the likable characters from the previous books reappear, and the epilogue was touching and very satisfying.
If you like gripping ice hockey romance novels, endearing yet complex protagonists, a whole cast of lovable supporting characters, secret and forbidden relationships, emotional roller coasters, witty banter, found gamilies, and steamy love scenes, you’re sure to enjoy this book.
I can’t wait for the spin-offs of the series.
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
"Playing It Straight" is a well-written, emotionally charged, and sizzling slow-burn hockey romance featuring forbidden workplace romance, owner's daughter - hockey player, forced proximity, neighbors-to-lovers, and reformed playboy tropes, and is filled with banter, heartwarming moments, tension, a touch of intrigue, power dynamics (not between the main characters), and spice. I loved the protagonists. Alexis, the daughter of the Grizzlies' owner and VP of Operations, is a dutiful, ambitious workaholic who puts her personal life on the back burner to prove her worth to herself and the men in her professional circle. I already knew Zane from the previous books. He is the NHL’s golden boy and the new Grizzlies left winger who moves to New York to be close to his friends and “found family.” Although he’s a charming playboy, he’s growing weary of his carefree lifestyle and longs for depth and a relationship like the ones his friends have. I loved how he connected with Alexis and how she opened up to him bit by bit. Alexis’s inner tension, the constant pressure she was under, her painful past—as well as Zane’s longing, ambition, positive attitude, but also his ambivalent relationship with his family's legacy —were palpable throughout the entire book. I was also happy to see all the likable characters from the previous books reappear, and the epilogue was touching and very satisfying.
If you like gripping ice hockey romance novels, endearing yet complex protagonists, a whole cast of lovable supporting characters, secret and forbidden relationships, emotional roller coasters, witty banter, found gamilies, and steamy love scenes, you’re sure to enjoy this book.
I can’t wait for the spin-offs of the series.
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
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September 15, 2026ARC REVIEW
Well… Zane Morgan may have officially ruined hockey men for me. 😂
I went into this one expecting a fun, spicy hockey romance, but I ended up really loving the relationship between Zane and Alexis. The chemistry is there basically from the start, but what I loved most was the slow burn. These two spend SO much time trying not to give in, and with them being next-door neighbors AND having a professional relationship where Alexis literally has a say in Zane’s future… the tension was chef’s kiss. 👏🏻
Zane was probably my favorite part of this book. He starts out as this cocky, tabloid-prone hockey player who’s used to never sticking around, but watching him realize that maybe he actually wants something—and someone—worth staying for was so good. He doesn’t just fall for Alexis; he actually listens to her, respects her boundaries, and puts in the effort to show her that he’s serious.
And Alexis?? I loved her. She’s ambitious, guarded, independent, and determined to prove herself in a male-dominated workplace. She definitely makes Zane work for it, and honestly, good for her. 😂 I really appreciated that she didn’t suddenly abandon her career or her goals just because she fell in love.
The banter, hallway encounters, texting, forced proximity, and little everyday moments between them made their relationship feel so natural. And the found-family/friendship aspect was such a nice addition, especially knowing this is the final book in the series. It gave the story that extra emotional warmth.
Also… THE SHARPIE SCENE. 🫠🔥
That’s all I’m saying.
…add this one to your TBR.
This was such a fun way to wrap up the Playing the Game series, and I’m definitely going to miss these characters. 🥹
Thanks @booksirens and @authornicolecrystal for the opportunity to be an advanced reader.
Well… Zane Morgan may have officially ruined hockey men for me. 😂
I went into this one expecting a fun, spicy hockey romance, but I ended up really loving the relationship between Zane and Alexis. The chemistry is there basically from the start, but what I loved most was the slow burn. These two spend SO much time trying not to give in, and with them being next-door neighbors AND having a professional relationship where Alexis literally has a say in Zane’s future… the tension was chef’s kiss. 👏🏻
Zane was probably my favorite part of this book. He starts out as this cocky, tabloid-prone hockey player who’s used to never sticking around, but watching him realize that maybe he actually wants something—and someone—worth staying for was so good. He doesn’t just fall for Alexis; he actually listens to her, respects her boundaries, and puts in the effort to show her that he’s serious.
And Alexis?? I loved her. She’s ambitious, guarded, independent, and determined to prove herself in a male-dominated workplace. She definitely makes Zane work for it, and honestly, good for her. 😂 I really appreciated that she didn’t suddenly abandon her career or her goals just because she fell in love.
The banter, hallway encounters, texting, forced proximity, and little everyday moments between them made their relationship feel so natural. And the found-family/friendship aspect was such a nice addition, especially knowing this is the final book in the series. It gave the story that extra emotional warmth.
Also… THE SHARPIE SCENE. 🫠🔥
That’s all I’m saying.
…add this one to your TBR.
This was such a fun way to wrap up the Playing the Game series, and I’m definitely going to miss these characters. 🥹
Thanks @booksirens and @authornicolecrystal for the opportunity to be an advanced reader.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
ARC Review. Thanks to BookSirens for the Playing it Straight ARC, book four and the final book in the Playing the Games series. I feel so honored to have experienced all four books in this series through the ARC experience, and can 100% say these four books are in my top five favorite Hockey series I’ve completed. A huge positive addition for me, which set it above others is how each book did a slight pivot to the series opener, yet still keeping it in the hockey world, just not running the course of their four years in college only, or as pros in the NHL. The full circle of the series regulars at the end of Playing it Straight was completely heartwarming and really gave the kind of closure this reader always craves to celebrate the end of an era. Plus author teased the next book is a spinoff MMF, with our fmc, Alexis’s bestie Harper as the fmc. She was definitely a highlight of this book as a touchstone for Alexis.
More to the point of our two final love birds, Alexis and Zane… these two completed each other so spectacularly that it was hard to care why the hard line of not being able to date stood. It sucks there is still, and will always be such a double standard for women in corporate America, but Alexis and Zane, along with all their pals are able to handle it and triumph in the end. I can’t recommend enough if you are a fan of sports romances, especially hockey, and want a group of people you can fall in love with, pick up this series. Right after finishing this, I purchased two previous books by author which for someone who reads as much as I do and tries to get as many from Libby or free, is a huge compliment to how much I enjoy authors writing style, funny banter and romantic content.
More to the point of our two final love birds, Alexis and Zane… these two completed each other so spectacularly that it was hard to care why the hard line of not being able to date stood. It sucks there is still, and will always be such a double standard for women in corporate America, but Alexis and Zane, along with all their pals are able to handle it and triumph in the end. I can’t recommend enough if you are a fan of sports romances, especially hockey, and want a group of people you can fall in love with, pick up this series. Right after finishing this, I purchased two previous books by author which for someone who reads as much as I do and tries to get as many from Libby or free, is a huge compliment to how much I enjoy authors writing style, funny banter and romantic content.
Review of advance copy
This was so cute!
Zane Morgan was ready to come back to his family and was traded to New York halfway through the season in hopes of winning the Stanley Cup. Alexis is the owner's daughter and in charge of the negotiations for his contract, but one look at her and Zane's a goner. Alexis doesn't date, and she definitely doesn't date players, both hockey and playboys. So when Zane proves to be more than his reputation, she gives him one night. Then another. Then shuts him out to get his contract negotiated, as the man her father trusts seems to have it out for her. But neither can stay away from each other, so it's a long month while Alexis tries to be good. So what happens when the man who her father seems to trust threatens to out their relationship?
Alexis and Zane get their happy ending in this standalone book in a series.
These two were so adorable together! I loved how one look was all it took for Zane to do a one-eighty on his personality and 'dating' habits and work to show that he could be serious when it mattered. I hated that the upper management of Grizzly's was still such a boys' club and didn't take Alexis and her work seriously unless a man also backed her and what she thought. Or that it was made to be that way. I do have to wonder if she had gone to her father sooner with her concerns, if he would have listened, or if it had to be something threatening to hurt her that made him take notice.
I received an advance review copy from Love Notes PR, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Zane Morgan was ready to come back to his family and was traded to New York halfway through the season in hopes of winning the Stanley Cup. Alexis is the owner's daughter and in charge of the negotiations for his contract, but one look at her and Zane's a goner. Alexis doesn't date, and she definitely doesn't date players, both hockey and playboys. So when Zane proves to be more than his reputation, she gives him one night. Then another. Then shuts him out to get his contract negotiated, as the man her father trusts seems to have it out for her. But neither can stay away from each other, so it's a long month while Alexis tries to be good. So what happens when the man who her father seems to trust threatens to out their relationship?
Alexis and Zane get their happy ending in this standalone book in a series.
These two were so adorable together! I loved how one look was all it took for Zane to do a one-eighty on his personality and 'dating' habits and work to show that he could be serious when it mattered. I hated that the upper management of Grizzly's was still such a boys' club and didn't take Alexis and her work seriously unless a man also backed her and what she thought. Or that it was made to be that way. I do have to wonder if she had gone to her father sooner with her concerns, if he would have listened, or if it had to be something threatening to hurt her that made him take notice.
I received an advance review copy from Love Notes PR, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
6 ⭐️ read!
I truly didn’t think this series could get any better, but Nicole Crystal proved me wrong one last time. This was hands down my favorite story yet!
I loved everything about this book—the forbidden romance, the back-and-forth tension, the twists and turns, and the emotional depth of the characters. Every moment kept me invested, and I couldn’t get enough. Getting to see so many of the previous characters throughout the story made it feel like coming home, and it was the perfect way to bring this series full circle.
And the spice? 👀🌶️ Let’s just say… it was next level!
And can we talk about Zane Morgan? Playboy turned lover boy? Absolutely obsessed. ❤️ Watching him fall was everything.
Alexis Westgate was the perfect match for him—strong, driven, and more than capable of keeping Zane on his toes.
Oh… and did I mention they’re neighbors?! 👀
I laughed, I swooned, I stressed, and I smiled right alongside these characters. Nicole has built such an incredible world throughout this series, and every book has somehow become my new favorite.
I’m so sad to see this series come to an end, but I truly can’t express how grateful I am that Nicole trusted me with an ARC for this amazing series. It has been such a privilege to experience these stories early, and I can’t wait to see what she has in store next.
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to start this series… this is it. You won’t regret it. 💕💕
6 ⭐️ read!
I truly didn’t think this series could get any better, but Nicole Crystal proved me wrong one last time. This was hands down my favorite story yet!
I loved everything about this book—the forbidden romance, the back-and-forth tension, the twists and turns, and the emotional depth of the characters. Every moment kept me invested, and I couldn’t get enough. Getting to see so many of the previous characters throughout the story made it feel like coming home, and it was the perfect way to bring this series full circle.
And the spice? 👀🌶️ Let’s just say… it was next level!
And can we talk about Zane Morgan? Playboy turned lover boy? Absolutely obsessed. ❤️ Watching him fall was everything.
Alexis Westgate was the perfect match for him—strong, driven, and more than capable of keeping Zane on his toes.
Oh… and did I mention they’re neighbors?! 👀
I laughed, I swooned, I stressed, and I smiled right alongside these characters. Nicole has built such an incredible world throughout this series, and every book has somehow become my new favorite.
I’m so sad to see this series come to an end, but I truly can’t express how grateful I am that Nicole trusted me with an ARC for this amazing series. It has been such a privilege to experience these stories early, and I can’t wait to see what she has in store next.
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to start this series… this is it. You won’t regret it. 💕💕
Review of advance copy
𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙍𝙀𝙑𝙄𝙀𝙒
3.5
Okayyyy so I enjoyed reading about Zane and Alexis’ secret romance. I will always defend an emotionally avoidant girlie with my dying breath. I also will always love reading a story where a man falls first and then falls harder. Also!! the sharpie mirror scene? Loved. Swooned even. This was a fun and quick sports romance read. I am now excited to go back and read all the other books. I definitely wish I read them first.
I will say that there is a chapter in this one that kind of threw me off. It just felt thrown in there and didn’t really make sense to be there? If the author wanted bisexuality representation I felt that wasn’t the way to go about including it. It just made me upset for Harper? She is such an awesome friend and it felt like she was just used in this entire book and I was missing the depth that made this a mutual friendship. That scene felt more manipulative than loving. As if it wasn’t written in a way that read as consensual and desirable. It was icky when it could have been done in a beautiful way. It needed to be flushed out better in my opinion. Things in Alexis’ life felt rushed and like an internal thing where the character knew all the details but we didn’t. Which makes perfect sense as an avoidant with other people in her life but not with us as readers. We could have benefited from more details of her feelings and past experiences. Regardless, I still enjoyed the book.
𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗼 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀𝗣𝗥 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝘆 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗽𝘆!
3.5
Okayyyy so I enjoyed reading about Zane and Alexis’ secret romance. I will always defend an emotionally avoidant girlie with my dying breath. I also will always love reading a story where a man falls first and then falls harder. Also!! the sharpie mirror scene? Loved. Swooned even. This was a fun and quick sports romance read. I am now excited to go back and read all the other books. I definitely wish I read them first.
I will say that there is a chapter in this one that kind of threw me off. It just felt thrown in there and didn’t really make sense to be there? If the author wanted bisexuality representation I felt that wasn’t the way to go about including it. It just made me upset for Harper? She is such an awesome friend and it felt like she was just used in this entire book and I was missing the depth that made this a mutual friendship. That scene felt more manipulative than loving. As if it wasn’t written in a way that read as consensual and desirable. It was icky when it could have been done in a beautiful way. It needed to be flushed out better in my opinion. Things in Alexis’ life felt rushed and like an internal thing where the character knew all the details but we didn’t. Which makes perfect sense as an avoidant with other people in her life but not with us as readers. We could have benefited from more details of her feelings and past experiences. Regardless, I still enjoyed the book.
𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗼 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀𝗣𝗥 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝘆 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗽𝘆!
September 8, 2026
4.5/5
A round of applause for this book, because I absolutely freaking loved it. I think I just became a sports romance kinda girl, because Nicole Crystal made me fall in love with the genre, if I didn't before. She got me so invested in these characters, I just needed to know what was going to happen.
The characters were so amazingly layered that I cared for them as if they were my family. I loved Zane and I also loved Alexis. I respect a badass business woman like nothing else in this world.
These two were simply real. They had their own personalities, struggles and fears, so that made it more than just a workplace, forced proximity romance. It added meaning to their journey so I kept my fingers crossed for them to finally get together. Their connection and chemistry wasn't right off the bat, it developed and bloomed like a rose, so the fact that it wasn't insta love, was one of the best thing that was done for this story. It had emotional substance that balanced out the romance, character development and the smut.
Zane falling first was chefs kiss. He chased so many skirts, but once he met Alexis, it was like no other woman ever turned his head. Alexis challenged him, made him want to become better, not only for her, but for himself, so yes, I strongly believe these two are made for each other.
A huge thank you to Love Notes PR and the author for this eARC, I recommend this book and I will read the other ones as well.
A round of applause for this book, because I absolutely freaking loved it. I think I just became a sports romance kinda girl, because Nicole Crystal made me fall in love with the genre, if I didn't before. She got me so invested in these characters, I just needed to know what was going to happen.
The characters were so amazingly layered that I cared for them as if they were my family. I loved Zane and I also loved Alexis. I respect a badass business woman like nothing else in this world.
These two were simply real. They had their own personalities, struggles and fears, so that made it more than just a workplace, forced proximity romance. It added meaning to their journey so I kept my fingers crossed for them to finally get together. Their connection and chemistry wasn't right off the bat, it developed and bloomed like a rose, so the fact that it wasn't insta love, was one of the best thing that was done for this story. It had emotional substance that balanced out the romance, character development and the smut.
Zane falling first was chefs kiss. He chased so many skirts, but once he met Alexis, it was like no other woman ever turned his head. Alexis challenged him, made him want to become better, not only for her, but for himself, so yes, I strongly believe these two are made for each other.
A huge thank you to Love Notes PR and the author for this eARC, I recommend this book and I will read the other ones as well.
September 13, 2026
ARC Review
This was a fun and really witty book
I love a hockey romance but in the beginning I thought to myself maybe I have read too many because this one just wasnt hitting right, well that changed a few pages later and I was hooked
These characters and their internal thoughts were definitely the highlights of the book for me
Their chemistry was unmistakable and the attraction undeniable
Our FMC struggles with childhood grief while working in a male dominated career made worse because her father owns the team. Fraternising with a player is strictly off limits for her, she doesnt need the scandle, her sole focus is on proving she has earned her position. So when the new recruit she arranged moves in next door to her, she starts to slowly rethink her high built walls
The way the reformed playboy MMC in this book gives all the green flags especially when it comes to the FMC and his friends. He pays attention to every single detail about her. How he says he will wait for her and still shows up when she didnt ask him to had me in his cheering section for sure
There were plenty of sweet moments, my
heart melted for these two and yes I shed a tear or two
I am new to this series however as usual knowing my weakness for a series of any kind the 3 books before this one are now on my TBR and just waiting for their turn
This was a fun and really witty book
I love a hockey romance but in the beginning I thought to myself maybe I have read too many because this one just wasnt hitting right, well that changed a few pages later and I was hooked
These characters and their internal thoughts were definitely the highlights of the book for me
Their chemistry was unmistakable and the attraction undeniable
Our FMC struggles with childhood grief while working in a male dominated career made worse because her father owns the team. Fraternising with a player is strictly off limits for her, she doesnt need the scandle, her sole focus is on proving she has earned her position. So when the new recruit she arranged moves in next door to her, she starts to slowly rethink her high built walls
The way the reformed playboy MMC in this book gives all the green flags especially when it comes to the FMC and his friends. He pays attention to every single detail about her. How he says he will wait for her and still shows up when she didnt ask him to had me in his cheering section for sure
There were plenty of sweet moments, my
heart melted for these two and yes I shed a tear or two
I am new to this series however as usual knowing my weakness for a series of any kind the 3 books before this one are now on my TBR and just waiting for their turn
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