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Renegades #3
Playing the Game
The star player. The chosen one. Tyler Kidd ruled the hockey league. He was driven hard by a hatred for losing. Yet behind his on ice persona he was damaged. Betrayed by the one he loved, he battled his demons with alcohol and women. One fueled the other and spiraled out of control. Losing his spot on the team was not on Tyler’s agenda, until it was. Faced with ruining his career, he had one chance to make things right and not lose the one thing he lived for. Hockey.
Charged with taking hold of Tyler’s career, Paige Martin never dreamed her new job as Renegades PR assistant meant cleaning up after his mistakes. She never imagined she would see a side of him he showed to no-one. And she definitely never thought she’d end up in his bed.
She was everything he never knew he needed and he was everything she knew she should never touch. Lines blur, careers are on the line. But what happens when you have no other choice than playing the game?
Charged with taking hold of Tyler’s career, Paige Martin never dreamed her new job as Renegades PR assistant meant cleaning up after his mistakes. She never imagined she would see a side of him he showed to no-one. And she definitely never thought she’d end up in his bed.
She was everything he never knew he needed and he was everything she knew she should never touch. Lines blur, careers are on the line. But what happens when you have no other choice than playing the game?
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 22, 2015
72 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
About the author
Melody Heck Gatto
29 books129 followersPittsburgh, PA born and raised! I write Spicy Hockey Romance and Cozy Closed-Door Contemporary Romance.
I am a Mom, a Wife, and a dog and cat lover.
I've loved reading and writing since I was small.
My books are cozy with a little spice. Some might be a little fluffy, but sometimes you need that to get away from every day stress!
I am an avid hockey fan. I love my Pittsburgh Penguins! I do plenty of "research" for my books by going to hockey practices and games-I want to make my characters as real as possible.
Facebook page: http://www.Facebook.com/AuthorMelodyH...
I am a Mom, a Wife, and a dog and cat lover.
I've loved reading and writing since I was small.
My books are cozy with a little spice. Some might be a little fluffy, but sometimes you need that to get away from every day stress!
I am an avid hockey fan. I love my Pittsburgh Penguins! I do plenty of "research" for my books by going to hockey practices and games-I want to make my characters as real as possible.
Facebook page: http://www.Facebook.com/AuthorMelodyH...
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 21, 2018
Paige is the perfect match for Tyler! She’s a strong woman that won’t put up with any nonsense. Melody Heck Gatto’s writing made me feel like I was right there in the story with them. I love books like that! Can’t wait to read Book 4!
September 23, 2015
I went into reading Tyler’s story a little nervous, having felt so bad for him at the end of Unsportsmanlike Conduct, I was concerned about the woman who would heal his heart, then in walks Paige Martin.
There was so much to Tyler that we didn’t get to see in the other two books, his feelings at the betrayal of Gia. His heart had been shattered and left in pieces and stuck playing on the team with a teammate who had betrayed him as well. True to life, he internalizes his problems.
Paige hasn’t had the best life and this is her shot at a career and a chance to turn her life around. She has the hugest crush on Tyler and when she meets him, the attraction is there on both sides.
I absolutely LOVED LOVED Tyler and Paige’s story. The road to true love isn’t easy, nor is Tyler’s healing process. Melody does an outstanding job of giving us their feelings and points of view. If you would have asked me before I read this book I would have said there was no way, realistically, even if Tyler found that ‘one’ true love he could stay with the Renegades. I wasn’t certain there could be a woman for him, to heal him and that would treat him the way he deserved. I was wrong. Tyler is one of those people who is generous in his forgiveness, to truly move on, you have to forgive others. I give huge credit to Melody, it is due to her gifted writing, her insight to her own characters that keeps this reader hungering for more.
I only recently found this series, and I am so hooked on it, I am left waiting for the next book. One of my favorite things about this author and the Renegades is that the books pull at your emotions, they make you feel all sorts of things. This team is real, their lives aren't always roses and they don't always get along but Melody finds solid reasons to bring them back around. This reader is going to be watching for news on Book four and marking off the calendar. I HIGHLY recommend this series.
There was so much to Tyler that we didn’t get to see in the other two books, his feelings at the betrayal of Gia. His heart had been shattered and left in pieces and stuck playing on the team with a teammate who had betrayed him as well. True to life, he internalizes his problems.
Paige hasn’t had the best life and this is her shot at a career and a chance to turn her life around. She has the hugest crush on Tyler and when she meets him, the attraction is there on both sides.
I absolutely LOVED LOVED Tyler and Paige’s story. The road to true love isn’t easy, nor is Tyler’s healing process. Melody does an outstanding job of giving us their feelings and points of view. If you would have asked me before I read this book I would have said there was no way, realistically, even if Tyler found that ‘one’ true love he could stay with the Renegades. I wasn’t certain there could be a woman for him, to heal him and that would treat him the way he deserved. I was wrong. Tyler is one of those people who is generous in his forgiveness, to truly move on, you have to forgive others. I give huge credit to Melody, it is due to her gifted writing, her insight to her own characters that keeps this reader hungering for more.
I only recently found this series, and I am so hooked on it, I am left waiting for the next book. One of my favorite things about this author and the Renegades is that the books pull at your emotions, they make you feel all sorts of things. This team is real, their lives aren't always roses and they don't always get along but Melody finds solid reasons to bring them back around. This reader is going to be watching for news on Book four and marking off the calendar. I HIGHLY recommend this series.
September 22, 2015
I absolutely loved this book!! Melody knows how much I love Pittsburgh and hot hockey guys so combining them together is an automatic for me. This is the third book in the series and she gets better and better with each one. There was not one moment in this book that was not well written. She has all her hockey facts and then some. Certain parts of the hockey world that I never even would have considered (and I am a huge hockey fan). I read this book about a week ago and am still thinking about parts of it and wanting the next one now. To me that is a sign of a great book. This book involves the captain, Tyler. After the second book, I wasn't feeling very high on him. The beginning of this book, I didn't think of him much better. But it quickly changed for me. Paige changed the whole thing. She was exactly what Tyler needed. I would recommend and have recommended this book in a heart beat!!
* I was given an ARC of this book*
* I was given an ARC of this book*
January 8, 2016
Playing the Game (The Renegades #3) by Melody Heck Gatto
Melody Heck Gatto scores a win with Playing the Game, the third book in The Renegades Series. This contemporary sports romance is suitable to both new adult and adult audiences. It is set in modern Pittsburgh.
After being betrayed by his ex and a teammate, NHL Captain Tyler Kidd’s life began to spin out of control. The Renegades’ new PR assistant, Paige Martin, is tasked with cleaning up his messes. Lines are crossed and the two wind up in bed together, both knowing a relationship could hurt their careers.
I loved Playing the Game! Melody Heck Gatto does a fantastic job with her character development. Tyler is great. Understandably, he has a hard time getting over being betrayed by Patrick and Gia, even though he never truly loved her. Anyone who has been cheated on ego takes a hit. He makes mistakes but is also misrepresented by the media. Tyler gets the best wooing award. I enjoyed Paige’s character. She is very professional. I love the way she handles the media. Both grew throughout the story.
The plot was believable and stirring. I enjoy Melody Heck Gatto’s writing style. It flows well and is easy to follow.
Complimentary copy provided via manicreaders.com in exchange for an honest review.
Melody Heck Gatto scores a win with Playing the Game, the third book in The Renegades Series. This contemporary sports romance is suitable to both new adult and adult audiences. It is set in modern Pittsburgh.
After being betrayed by his ex and a teammate, NHL Captain Tyler Kidd’s life began to spin out of control. The Renegades’ new PR assistant, Paige Martin, is tasked with cleaning up his messes. Lines are crossed and the two wind up in bed together, both knowing a relationship could hurt their careers.
I loved Playing the Game! Melody Heck Gatto does a fantastic job with her character development. Tyler is great. Understandably, he has a hard time getting over being betrayed by Patrick and Gia, even though he never truly loved her. Anyone who has been cheated on ego takes a hit. He makes mistakes but is also misrepresented by the media. Tyler gets the best wooing award. I enjoyed Paige’s character. She is very professional. I love the way she handles the media. Both grew throughout the story.
The plot was believable and stirring. I enjoy Melody Heck Gatto’s writing style. It flows well and is easy to follow.
Complimentary copy provided via manicreaders.com in exchange for an honest review.
September 24, 2015
Playing the Game was a story of a man that didn’t quite know the difference between love and his ego until she walked into his life. Tyler is the uber talented hockey player that has had his heart crushed and is falling into a destructive pattern affecting those around him and the game. Paige is a new PR assistant manager for the team. Her main job ends up being cleaning up after Tyler’s image.
When they find out that they have chemistry, it’s all Paige can do to keep from being just a number and from losing her job. Tyler on the other hand can’t get Paige out of his system and is doing all he can to woo her. It was sweet to see Tyler along with the help of his team try to win Paige over. But he has to win her trust that she’s not just another game to him. Paige being the one that had to clean up after him had a hard time seeing the real Tyler. It was understandable that she found it difficult to see the real Tyler at first and was worried about making it work.
Playing the Game had all of the characters working and acting like a big family, the general feel of the book was a good read. I did not read the first two books in this series and didn’t feel like I missed out on anything.
When they find out that they have chemistry, it’s all Paige can do to keep from being just a number and from losing her job. Tyler on the other hand can’t get Paige out of his system and is doing all he can to woo her. It was sweet to see Tyler along with the help of his team try to win Paige over. But he has to win her trust that she’s not just another game to him. Paige being the one that had to clean up after him had a hard time seeing the real Tyler. It was understandable that she found it difficult to see the real Tyler at first and was worried about making it work.
Playing the Game had all of the characters working and acting like a big family, the general feel of the book was a good read. I did not read the first two books in this series and didn’t feel like I missed out on anything.
September 14, 2015
It's my book, and I love it. I know I'm biased, but as much as I loved Kris, he was my first book boyfriend, I think I love Tyler even more. Even if you didn't care for him in Unsportsmanlike Conduct, I hope you'll give him a chance. He has grown and matured, he's trying like hell to find himself. He may just be the book boyfriend you never knew you needed.
He's swoon-worthy and makes me melt, and I created him!
He's swoon-worthy and makes me melt, and I created him!
September 29, 2015
This was a book that I had been looking forward to getting my hands, and it didn't disappoint. I would suggest you read Unsportsmanlike Conduct before you read this as it will allow you to understand Tyler better. We get a great story that starts with Tyler on a disruptive path and swearing he is not looking for a relationship, yet over the course of the book he becomes one of the greatest book boyfriends ever, grab your copy and get lost in a great story.
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September 21, 2015This is my favorite of the Renegades series. After feeling disappointed that Gia's HEA did not include Tyler I was excited to read this book. It was everything I hoped for and more. Paige is a breath of fresh air and the perfect complement to Tyler. I hope to see more of the Renegades in the future!
September 27, 2015
Hockey Romance!
Jilted bad boy turned good by good girl! Awesome read. Tyler, captain of the team, couldn't avoid bad press because of his broken pride. In steps Paige to clean up his image and maybe just maybe himself. Could be read as a stand alone but definitely recommend reading the other books in the series. The author holds your attention and keeps you reading.
Jilted bad boy turned good by good girl! Awesome read. Tyler, captain of the team, couldn't avoid bad press because of his broken pride. In steps Paige to clean up his image and maybe just maybe himself. Could be read as a stand alone but definitely recommend reading the other books in the series. The author holds your attention and keeps you reading.
January 8, 2016
Title:Playing the Game
Author: Melody Heck Gatto
Series: Renegades, Book #3
Publisher:
Release Date: September 22, 2015
Genre(s): Sports Romance
Page Count: 224
Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
I love a great hockey book and this book didn’t disappoint! Tyler is an all star hockey player but after having his heart broken is slowly starting to fall into bad behaviors. Paige is the new PR assistant manager for the hockey team and she is quickly thrown in the role of keeping Tyler out of trouble. But neither can deny the attraction they both have for each other, but Paige doesn’t want to just become another number in his list of conquests. Tyler is bound and determined to prove to Paige he’s not the guy that everyone thinks he is. But is she willing to give up her heart and trust him completely?
This book was sexy and so fun to read!!! I loved Tyler and Paige’s story! Super sexy and so exciting!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club
Author: Melody Heck Gatto
Series: Renegades, Book #3
Publisher:
Release Date: September 22, 2015
Genre(s): Sports Romance
Page Count: 224
Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
The star player. The chosen one. Tyler Kidd ruled the hockey league. He was driven hard by a hatred for losing. Yet behind his on ice persona he was damaged. Betrayed by the one he loved, he battled his demons with alcohol and women. One fueled the other and spiraled out of control. Losing his spot on the team was not on Tyler’s agenda, until it was. Faced with ruining his career, he had one chance to make things right and not lose the one thing he lived for. Hockey.
Charged with taking hold of Tyler’s career, Paige Martin never dreamed her new job as Renegades PR assistant meant cleaning up after his mistakes. She never imagined she would see a side of him he showed to no-one. And she definitely never thought she’d end up in his bed.
She was everything he never knew he needed and he was everything she knew she should never touch. Lines blur, careers are on the line. But what happens when you have no other choice than playing the game?
I love a great hockey book and this book didn’t disappoint! Tyler is an all star hockey player but after having his heart broken is slowly starting to fall into bad behaviors. Paige is the new PR assistant manager for the hockey team and she is quickly thrown in the role of keeping Tyler out of trouble. But neither can deny the attraction they both have for each other, but Paige doesn’t want to just become another number in his list of conquests. Tyler is bound and determined to prove to Paige he’s not the guy that everyone thinks he is. But is she willing to give up her heart and trust him completely?
This book was sexy and so fun to read!!! I loved Tyler and Paige’s story! Super sexy and so exciting!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club
November 12, 2020
This book was okay, but something felt off.
First the likes about this book. I like a sports romance and how the team members act around each other. This makes me want to read the other team member’s books as well. I liked Paige, she was a strong heroine and didn’t give in easily. Extra credits for her.
Now the dislikes. I don’t like the h and H getting together just days (or perhaps just even a day) after he slept with OW. It just doesn’t work for me. Tyler was a manwhore, another girl every night. Having threesomes, picking up girls in bars and then 1 night he takes Paige back home. That just isn’t romance for me. I’m no manwhore fan in romance novels. If it’s all in the past, I can deal with it at some level. But if he keeps this manwhore act up even after meeting the h, I just lose all respect for the H. Even after this H slept with Paige he takes OW to the bar’s bathroom to have sex. He couldn’t get it up so couldn’t proceed with it, but of course Paige just walks into the bathroom to catch them. Just the fact that he wanted another warm body that night that wasn’t Paige made me disappointed. It was good to read Paige made him work after that incident and didn’t give in until the very last chapters in the book.
Tyler did woo her, sending her gifts as flowers, chocolates, stuffed animals and mixed tapes. But it was all so cheesy. It didn’t woo me. What upset me about this book was that there was no grovel for his mistake with the OW in the bathroom. Never did he let on to regret going along with her, nor did he regret falling into bed with all those other random women. With that said I find it hard to see and believe the “better” Tyler.
Don’t get me wrong, this book wasn’t awful and I do keep on reading the next book in this series. But somehow Tyler just didn’t do it for me as a hero. Paige really saved this book for me.
First the likes about this book. I like a sports romance and how the team members act around each other. This makes me want to read the other team member’s books as well. I liked Paige, she was a strong heroine and didn’t give in easily. Extra credits for her.
Now the dislikes. I don’t like the h and H getting together just days (or perhaps just even a day) after he slept with OW. It just doesn’t work for me. Tyler was a manwhore, another girl every night. Having threesomes, picking up girls in bars and then 1 night he takes Paige back home. That just isn’t romance for me. I’m no manwhore fan in romance novels. If it’s all in the past, I can deal with it at some level. But if he keeps this manwhore act up even after meeting the h, I just lose all respect for the H. Even after this H slept with Paige he takes OW to the bar’s bathroom to have sex. He couldn’t get it up so couldn’t proceed with it, but of course Paige just walks into the bathroom to catch them. Just the fact that he wanted another warm body that night that wasn’t Paige made me disappointed. It was good to read Paige made him work after that incident and didn’t give in until the very last chapters in the book.
Tyler did woo her, sending her gifts as flowers, chocolates, stuffed animals and mixed tapes. But it was all so cheesy. It didn’t woo me. What upset me about this book was that there was no grovel for his mistake with the OW in the bathroom. Never did he let on to regret going along with her, nor did he regret falling into bed with all those other random women. With that said I find it hard to see and believe the “better” Tyler.
Don’t get me wrong, this book wasn’t awful and I do keep on reading the next book in this series. But somehow Tyler just didn’t do it for me as a hero. Paige really saved this book for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2016
Melody is genius. I can't put this series down. In this book Tyler finally gets his chance at a HEA. Question is, will he blow it? This book is filled with interesting twists and turns. I pretty much read it from beginning to end in one day. I immediately started book #4 when I finished. It is really amusing watching Tyler get in trouble and then try to explain his way out. I was a little amused watching him get benched (he deserved it). He has a long way to go before he can become the guy that deserves a HEA. Everything happens for a reason though.
After Gia "broke" his heart, more like ego, Tyler has become a complete and total jerk. He has become a man whore and a drunk. He has also started picking fights with Patrick on the ice. The team captain is not much of a captain anymore.
Paige works for the Renegades in the PR department. She has been tasked with cleaning up behind Tyler media wise. She tries to put a positive spin on all his bad choices caught on social media. Easier said than done. She also has a massive crush on Tyler, which she must keep a secret. It is against her boss' rules for players to fraternize with Renegades employees.
Paige starts to fill Tyler's thoughts, and eventually his heart. Can he change his ways and become the Tyler of old or is he doomed to be alone?
After Gia "broke" his heart, more like ego, Tyler has become a complete and total jerk. He has become a man whore and a drunk. He has also started picking fights with Patrick on the ice. The team captain is not much of a captain anymore.
Paige works for the Renegades in the PR department. She has been tasked with cleaning up behind Tyler media wise. She tries to put a positive spin on all his bad choices caught on social media. Easier said than done. She also has a massive crush on Tyler, which she must keep a secret. It is against her boss' rules for players to fraternize with Renegades employees.
Paige starts to fill Tyler's thoughts, and eventually his heart. Can he change his ways and become the Tyler of old or is he doomed to be alone?
May 17, 2016
Good book
I really enjoyed this book. Tyler was a jerk , but understand he was hurt because his girlfriend broke his heart
I really enjoyed this book. Tyler was a jerk , but understand he was hurt because his girlfriend broke his heart
June 26, 2016
I loved it!! I was so happy that Tyler got over Gia and found his girl!!
May 31, 2018
Way too slow
I loved the first 2 books but I couldn’t even finish this one. It was frustrating to read because the main characters didn’t even get together until close to the very end of the book. Or so I’m guessing since i stopped reading after getting through about 85% of the book. The back and forth got really old. I found myself skimming through a lot of the book until I finally gave up.
I loved the first 2 books but I couldn’t even finish this one. It was frustrating to read because the main characters didn’t even get together until close to the very end of the book. Or so I’m guessing since i stopped reading after getting through about 85% of the book. The back and forth got really old. I found myself skimming through a lot of the book until I finally gave up.
September 11, 2019
Half way mark and Tyler is still whinging about Gia. He’s slept with Paige, yet he’s still focused on someone that is happily married to someone else.
Tyler eventually gets his priorities in order and starts courting Paige.
Tyler eventually gets his priorities in order and starts courting Paige.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2016
5 Crazy Ass Must Read Stars!!!!!
Okay, let me start off by saying that Tyler left a very ugly taste in my mouth in book 2. I really didn't like him. Seriously considered not reading this but who am I kidding, I'm a book whore and like that was going to happen. One of the things that I really, absolutely love is when an author takes a character that I don't like and turns around and makes me love them. Melody Heck Gatto did just that. Hell, she even made this my favorite book of the series.
I despised Tyler almost throughout the first part of the book. The bathroom scene made me want to just reach into my kindle and give him a PP (penis-punch). He had me so mad, I had to put my kindle down before I threw it. But then, he turned it all around and made me start swooning for him and wondering how Paige was avoiding him.
This series has quickly become one of my faves of the year. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Gatto!
Okay, let me start off by saying that Tyler left a very ugly taste in my mouth in book 2. I really didn't like him. Seriously considered not reading this but who am I kidding, I'm a book whore and like that was going to happen. One of the things that I really, absolutely love is when an author takes a character that I don't like and turns around and makes me love them. Melody Heck Gatto did just that. Hell, she even made this my favorite book of the series.
I despised Tyler almost throughout the first part of the book. The bathroom scene made me want to just reach into my kindle and give him a PP (penis-punch). He had me so mad, I had to put my kindle down before I threw it. But then, he turned it all around and made me start swooning for him and wondering how Paige was avoiding him.
This series has quickly become one of my faves of the year. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Gatto!
September 16, 2016
Review to follow.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews