Playing The Game

York Bombers #1

by Lisa B. Kamps

Harland Day knows what it's like to be on rock bottom: he was there once before, years ago when his mother walked out and left him behind. But he learned how to play the game and survived, crawling his way up with the help of a friend-turned-lover. This time is different: he has nobody to blame but himself for his trip to the bottom. His mouth, his attitude, his crappy play that landed him back in the minors instead of playing pro hockey with the Baltimore Banners. And this time, he doesn't have anyone to help him out, not when his own selfishness killed the most important relationship he ever had.

Courtney Williams' life isn't glamorous or full of fame and fortune but she doesn't need those things to be happy. She of all people knows there are more important things in life. And, for the most part, she's been able to forget what could have been--until Harland gets reassigned to the York Bombers and shows back up in town, full of attitude designed to hide the man underneath. But the arrogant hockey player can't hide from her, the one person who knows him better than anyone else. They had been friends. They had been lovers. And then they had been torn apart by misunderstanding and betrayal.

But some ties are hard to break. Can they look past what had been and move forward to what could be? Or will the sins of the past haunt them even now, all these years later?

Genres: Sports, Sports Romance, Hockey, Romance, Hockey Romance, Contemporary, Second Chance

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2017

About the author

Lisa B. Kamps is a USA Today Bestselling Author who writes steamy romance with real-life characters and relatable stories that evoke deep emotion. She likes her men hard, her bed soft, her coffee strong, her whiskey neat, and her wine chilled...and when it comes to sports, hockey is the only thing that matters!

Lisa currently lives in Maryland with her husband and two sons (who are mostly sorta-kinda out of the house), one very spoiled Border Collie, two cats with major attitude, several head of cattle, and entirely too many chickens to count. When she's not busy writing or chasing animals, she's cheering loudly for her favorite hockey team, the Washington Capitals--or going through withdrawal and waiting for October to roll back around!

For more information, please visit: www.LisaBKamps.com

Reviews

[Coco.V]

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Blurb:
Harland Day knows what it's like to be on rock bottom: he was there once before, years ago when his mother walked out and left him behind. But he learned how to play the game and survived, crawling his way up with the help of a friend-turned-lover. This time is different: he has nobody to blame but himself for his trip to the bottom. His mouth, his attitude, his crappy play that landed him back in the minors instead of playing pro hockey with the Baltimore Banners. And this time, he doesn't have anyone to help him out, not when his own selfishness killed the most important relationship he ever had.

Courtney Williams' life isn't glamorous or full of fame and fortune but she doesn't need those things to be happy. She of all people knows there are more important things in life. And, for the most part, she's been able to forget what could have been--until Harland gets reassigned to the York Bombers and shows back up in town, full of attitude designed to hide the man underneath. But the arrogant hockey player can't hide from her, the one person who knows him better than anyone else. They had been friends. They had been lovers. And then they had been torn apart by misunderstanding and betrayal.

But some ties are hard to break. Can they look past what had been and move forward to what could be? Or will the sins of the past haunt them even now, all these years later?

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing The Game by Lisa B. Kamps defiantly sets the bar high for a start to a new series! In this spin off from Lisa's Baltimore Banner's series we are now following the York Bombers and Hartland Day who we saw from the last Banner book was sent down to the farm team.

Hartland though he had it all. A great career he loved but something was missing and being sent down to the Bombers, Baltimore's farm team, wasn't part of the plan. Something is missing and Hartland can't seem to find his grove in the game. On a goal drought for too many games to count his team mates are starting to think he's cursed. Is he cursed or is he just missing a key piece from his past? Courtney Williams doesn't live a glamours life, living with her mother in the house she grew in. It's been over three years since she's seen her high school sweetheart but she's followed his career. How could she not when she looks into a spitting image of his eyes daily.

Playing The Game is a beautifully written second chance romance with the perfect amount of angst! I couldn't put this story down once I started it I needed to know Hartland's secret and oh man did I tear up. Watching Hartland take back his life and stand up for himself was refreshing. I understood Courtney's reasons for keeping things from Hartland even though - technically it wasn't her. Her fears and protective nature are strong characteristics I loved in Courtney. I can't wait for the next installment in this series - it's off to an amazing start! 5 Stars for Playing The Game by Lisa B. Kamps

*** Reviewed for Sweet & Spicy Reads - ARC provided for a honest review ***

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is obviously an unpopular opinion but the main female character, Courtney, annoyed me to the point where this book wasn't very enjoyable for me. She acted like a teenaged girl most of the time (and not in a fun kind of way but in an annoying incapable-of-dealing-with-life-like-an-adult kind of way). The book also just kind of ended and then there was the epilogue so there's that too. I'll give the writer another chance (this was the first book I've read written by Lisa B. Kamps).

[Tina]

This review was originally posted on As Told By Tina My Review
Playing The Game is the first book in Lisa B. Kemps new series “York Bombers”. I can honestly say this book starts the series off strong and I’m looking forward to reading the second book in the “York Bombers” series.

Playing The Game is centered around Harland, a professional hockey player who was on top of his game only to have fallen from grace and is now playing on the “farm” team. I was immediately intrigued by the way the story began and this sort of unknown factor about why Harland is going through a dry spell in his career.

I really liked that Harland grew from the beginning of the book to the end. I felt like his character overcame every obstacle that was put before him. He struggled through his dry spell and I felt like he came out a better man from it.

I also liked Courtney and I could understand her decision 100% because I had been in her footsteps once upon a time. I loved how she was able to overcome her fears and really let Harland back into her life. I felt like this was a really good second chance romance.

The writing automatically pulled me in and I would not put down my iPad unless it was absolutely necessary. I also loved that she included actual hockey games into the story. Many times while reading a sports romance, the author doesn’t really include games so it was nice to see a couple.

Overall, I personally really enjoyed this. It packed an emotional punch and it was a page-turner. I cannot wait for book 2.





About The Author

Lisa B. Kamps is the author of the best-selling series The Baltimore Banners, featuring "hard-hitting, heart-melting hockey players" (USA Today), on and off the ice. Her firefighter series, Firehouse Fourteen, features hot and heroic firefighters who put more than their lives on the line. Her newest hockey series, The York Bombers, launches with PLAYING THE GAME in February, 2017.

In a previous life, she worked as a firefighter with the Baltimore County Fire Department then did a very brief (and not very successful) stint at bartending in east Baltimore, and finally served as the Director of Retail Operations for a busy Civil War non-profit.

Lisa currently lives in Maryland with her husband and two sons (who are mostly sorta-kinda out of the house), one very spoiled Border Collie, two cats with major attitude, several head of cattle, and entirely too many chickens to count. When she's not busy writing or chasing animals, she's cheering loudly for her favorite hockey team, the Washington Capitals--or going through withdrawal and waiting for October to roll back around!

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[Avid Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Playing The Game (York Bombers #1) by Lisa B. Kamps
4 stars
M/F Sports Romance
Triggers: Abandonment, horrible parents
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.

Harlan is struggling. He has a past that most people would shudder at. While I can understand his reasons for looking backwards, for trying to find answers, I thought that it was kind of a slow story line. While he is an amazing hockey player, he's hit a rut and can't really explain to anyone why that is. The only thing that seems to keep him grounded is remembering Courtney, the girl he fell for hard when they were just in middle school.

Courtney has made something of herself. She is working hard to better her situation. She has loved Harlan for as long as she can remember. She has a mom who supports her unconditionally and a secret that Harlan must never know. However, when Courtney's future is threatened by Harlan, she steps up and allows him back in to her life, if only to test him.

Noah is adorable. I loved how he was able to bridge the gap between Courtney and Harlan. I also love that Harlan stood up for Courtney, no questions, when his father acted ridiculous. (Not that Harlan really had a leg to stand on for that one...) Despite Noah's disability, Harlan shows Courtney that he's here to stay, even though Courtney has her reservations, she allows the bonds to form.

I love how this second chance romance develops. I think that Harlan really had to work for his relationship - it wasn't an easy given. Courtney made him work for every connection and I think that it helped make the story more believable. I can't wait to see where this series goes.

[Kristiej · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are 3 authors who write hockey series romance books I keep getting mixed up, Sawyer Bennett, Brenda Rothert and Lisa Kamps.

This is the first of a spin off series of her Baltimore Banners series. The York Bombers are a farm team for the Banners and in this book we meet Harland. Well actually we met him in a previous book. He played on the big club but got sent down because he was a jerk so I already had a preconception of him when this one started.

Alas, this one was a meh book. While he improved in this one, I just didn't feel his character overcame enough for me to get completely over my dislike of him. But on the other hand I did enjoy this one enough to keep going. In hockey, a team doesn't win every single game.

[Kim Stone · Rating 3 out of 5]

New to me author. This was a mf contemporary story. 3 stars because Ice Hockey. I had no connection to the MCs. Too much drama.

[Mary McFarlane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was better then I expected. I didn't like Harland in the first series always thought he was an ass, but was happy to see him be redeemed in this book and getting to know more about him, also see him with Courtney and Noah.

[Myst]

Another great story by Kamps! She always tells a great story, this being not much different. Just enough romance and angst for a new spin off.

This is a voluntary review via book review 22, my thoughts are my own

[Bec · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Harland Day is struggling with his game as an ice hockey player. Even worse, he's been dumped from the pros and now plays in the minors, and unless he can find a way to improve, he could find himself tossed off the team altogether. He knows one thing that might help, but who knows whether his ex will be able to forgive and forget the horrible way they parted. Can Harland find a way to earn her forgiveness, especially when he discovers the secret she's hiding?

Ever since reading my first book by Ms. Kamps, I have looked forward to every book she's released since and this first book of her newest series starts it off brilliantly. It's a second chance romance about finding forgiveness and having hope that a second shot at happy ever after is possible and encompasses a heroine that finds it difficult to forgive the hero after what he did in the past, a hero struggling to stay focused on the game he loves and the fight the hero has on his hands in winning his ex back after learning her secret. Right from the beginning, this story had me intrigued with what happens in the prologue. How can Harland guarantee the words he says to the heroine?

As for the dialogue, I loved every moment of it whether Harland and Courtney were angry at each other or getting along. Certainly, the heroine has every right to not want to let the hero back into her life after how he treated her when they parted ways in the past. How could he be so blind in believing his father over the woman he loved, especially when he only ended up hurting her with his accusations? However, there were also some light-hearted moments that had me smiling, especially with the young boy Harland gets to know who turns out to be someone very special to him. He'll do anything to make the little boy more comfortable around him, even if it means he has to step out of his comfort zone by figuring out how to communicate with the child better.

Both the main characters entertained me from start to finish with their past history and their growing relationship. Can Harland overcome Courtney's fears and be able to prove that he won't leave her a second time? Courtney is strong, brave and I liked how determined she was to protect herself from hurt again, even though it was palpable that Harland wasn't about to make the mistake of abandoning her again. This time around, he had responsibilities and he was going to make certain he didn't turn out like his father; a man that only thinks about what is best for him and doesn't care who he hurts in the process. While Harland, he's a man desperate for a second chance and I liked all the effort he made to get Courtney to give him one, even though the heroine doesn't make it easy until he gets desperate enough for her to yield to his demands. Furthermore, I liked that he finally stood up for what he wanted and wasn't about to let anyone come between him and Courtney again. Seriously, it was about time.

Overall, Ms. Kamps has penned a fantastic read in this book where the secondary characters entertained me just as much as the main characters did and the romance was nicely-detailed and filled with plenty of spice that illustrated how right these two are for each other. The way this story ended had me smiling, because Harland finally revealed what was keeping him from being unable to stay focused while playing the game he loves and it really helped. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up perfectly. Harland made me laugh with how he rocked up to a certain place. Luckily, he doesn't embarrass easily and he had a good reason for the mishap when it came to his clothing. I would recommend Playing the Game by Lisa B. Kamps, if you enjoy sports romances, second chance romances or a story where the hero and heroine are a couple meant to be.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love sports romance and I love this new series by Lisa B. Kamps. It was surprisingly a story full of emotion and heart. This is the first book I've read from Lisa and this series is a spin off from her Banner's series, but you can read this book without having read the previous series.


Harland had a lot of obstacles to overcome from his childhood. And because of that he wasn't the type of character that you love from the start. But as you get into the book, you see why he reacts the way he does. And as you see the shield that surrounds start to crack, you start to see the real Harland.

Courtney is the girl who has loved him from the moment she met him. But it's been three years since she's seen her high school sweetheart and a lot of things have changed.

This is a great second chance romance, like I said that is full of emotion and feels. I really enjoyed this book a lot and can't wait to read more in this series! I love sports romance and I love this new series by Lisa B. Kamps. It was surprisingly a story full of emotion and heart. This is the first book I've read from Lisa and this series is a spin off from her Banner's series, but you can read this book without having read the previous series.

[Angelina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing The Game by Lisa B Kamps is book 1 in the York Bombers Hockey series and can be read as a standalone.

“His legs buckled, finally giving out. He reached for the table, the chair - anything. But his hands were numb, his vision swimming. And then he was on his knees, doubled over in pain, his lungs fighting for air as his mind fought to accept what his heart already knew. What his heart had known as soon as his father had told him. No, before that, even. What his heart had known all those years ago, what he had blocked out and refused to believe.” - Harland

Wow, wow, wow and a thousand more wows! This book is amazing and I experienced so many emotions whilst reading it late last night. I had planned on reading just a couple of chapters but couldn’t put it down and ended up reading it all. The prologue pulled me in from the first sentence as the words used were so descriptive and you could feel how special that moment was for Harland and Courtney. Then wham and you’re hit with a whole lot of different emotions when you move onto chapter 1.

I was crying by the end of chapter 6 as I witnessed the total devastation of Harland having discovered Courtney’s secret of the last three years and the fear this caused Courtney. I had to stop reading for a few minutes because I couldn’t see the words due to crying so hard. Then I was laughing out loud in chapter 12 before having to stop again at the end of chapter 21 because I was crying after witnessing such a precious and loving moment involving Harland and Courtney. I’ve never cried so hard over a book and I didn’t want the story to end. Yes, this is a hockey story but it’s a story more about regret, secrets, love, fear, forgiveness and second chances.

Lisa B Kamps has written a powerful story and I’m excited to see what happens in book 2, Playing To Win, which is Jason and Megan’s story. Then it’s onto book 3, Playing For Keeps, which is Tyler and Jennifer’s story.

“And why was she reacting this way? Pain and hurt and anger and regret and sorrow. And, deep below all of that, a tiny sliver of hope. That was the emotion she needed to crush. Hope? Even now, after everything, her heart could feel hope? She was such a fool.” - Courtney

Lisa B Kamps is one of my favourite authors and I would happily read any book of her’s without even checking the description because you’re guaranteed an amazing journey as you share the experiences of characters who remain with you for days after you’ve finished. I wish I could award this book more than 5 stars because honestly, 5 stars just aren’t enough to show my love for Playing The Game.

[Diane Lynch Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa B. Kamps is off to a tremendous start with PLAYING THE GAME the first book from the York Bombers series. The Bombers are the AHL team of Kamps NHL Baltimore Banners series team. I love that she started this series. There is a whole different level of emotion at an AHL level. Harland Day had been recently sent down from the Banners. He has lost his edge and is struggling to get it back. Once he returned to his hometown in York, he cannot stop thinking about his ex-girlfriend, Courtney Williams and discovers some secrets that have been kept from him. This contemporary sports romance is suitable for new adult and adult audiences.

I loved this story. I appreciated how it started out with the prologue. It really set the mood for the book. Harland and Courtney are amazing and complex characters with a long history. They are both believable and multiple issues to overcome. They had a horrible break up and that left them both scarred. Harland had a rough childhood. It is understandable how he hoped his dad was looking out for him. Courtney rightfully has trust issues. I love that this couple gets a second chance. I enjoyed the story about how they originally met. I love how Harland accepts and treats Noah.

The hockey aspect in the story was well represented. It depicted Harland’s struggles on the ice. I enjoyed his team mates. He has some good friends who are trying to look out for him.

PLAYING THE GAME is another amazing book by Lisa B. Kamps. She continues to write skillful plots that are exciting and heartfelt. I’m looking forward to her next story. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

[Mommaleena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Struggle Through It
I just finished reading my first Lisa Kamps book, and I'm thankful it was a hockey story! It's an amazing story of a young hockey player and his childhood/teenage girlfriend.
Playing hockey and having his best friend then first love was what Harland needed to pull himself above and beyond the issues at home. Then he made the pros, but left her behind. Now he's right back in his home town, instead of the pros he's playing back in the minors and slamming toward rock bottom because of his sh***y attitude, less than marginal playing and no one to blame but himself. Harland also doesn't have Courtney this time, although he cannot stop thinking about her. He's even gone to her house several times, he just can't bring himself to go to the door after the way he treated her.
Courtney's life is all about her son and providing for him with the help of her mother. She doesn't dream or think about how her future could have been anymore. It's just the three of them together, nothing else matters. That is until Harland comes back into town, they had been so close to each other growing up. She thought they would always be together, but they were torn apart. And now that he's back she doesn't want to see him.
Will the past continue to hold them back, or can they move forward and rebuild the life and love that shouldn't have been broken. To find out what happened between Courtney and Harland you'll have to read PLAYING THE GAME (York Bombers Book 1). I loved it and cannot wait for Jason's story in Playing To Win (York Bombers Book 2) due March 2017. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book via Tasty Book Tours in exchange for an honest blog tour review.

Favorite Passage ~Which also made me cry
~ "Noah, sweetie. Look. It's Daddy. See? There's Daddy."

[Mills · Rating 2 out of 5]

Playing the Game reminded me a lot of the tv show Switched at Birth. Not in storyline as per se but in storytelling - mediocre, sickly sweet and unrealistic, I'm sorry to say - and in the depiction of deafness.

I wasn't sold on the romance - we hear the protagonists' close friendship mentioned, but it's only minimally shown. I expected something a little more like Fighting Silence (which also features hearing loss, now that I come to think of it.) We needed that back story, to create the chemistry and make the relationship fit. We're supposed to feel all this angst and all these emotions but the author doesn't put in the legwork to get us there. It's weak. I also disliked the dismissal of condom use by a couple who have already experienced one unexpected pregnancy.

I did, however, enjoy seeing the depiction of sign language, of the hero and several other hockey players learning letters and words to talk to a little boy in his language. That was quite beautiful and was a redeeming feature here, much like in Switched at Birth. For both, I'd say this: shame about the story, but lovely to see some representation.

[zen_s · Rating 2 out of 5]

[1.75 stars] so-so book, dont feel very connected to the characters nor the book. plot was ok, execution not so much. probably not continuing the series.

[Cassey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh, just meh.

[Kym · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great start to a new series, the York Bombers, a hockey team where we meet Harland, Jason, Tyler and Zach (plus Aaron, the "older" voice of reason player). And what a great camaraderie this team has!

This first story is Harland and Courtney's story. Three years ago, Harland broke Courtney's heart in the very worst way - making accusations, destroying the very foundation of their relationship as friends and of course, as lovers. The story begins when Harland comes back into town and shows up at Courtney's house. He's wants to make amends but so much has happened, so much pain from their past history, it's hard to believe they can find any common ground to build on with all that has happened.

The flow of this story is superb. The beginning does a great job of giving the reader the backstory on Harland and Courtney's past. Then it flows nicely into the present with strong supporting characters, especially Harland's teammates as well as Courtney's coworker friends and her mother. We watch Harland struggling personally with his hockey game in addition to the effort he's giving in trying to rebuild his relationship with Courtney and his own past. And Courtney has her own struggles, trying to get beyond the pain Harland caused her three years ago...trying to find it in herself to forgive him.

This is a beautiful story of acceptance, forgiveness, and finding love again. Both Harland and Courtney must find closure for their past behavior and choices, and make a decision to look forward.

As I said in the beginning - this is a great start to the series - can't wait to read Jason's story next - but don't miss this one first!

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book, however, this is my honest opinion.

[Janet Welling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick, entertaining read.

I had not read anything by Lisa Kamps before picking up this book. Although this is the first book in a spinoff series based on the York Bombers hockey team, I thought it could be read as a stand alone or at least as an introduction to a new series. After reading the story, it would probably be better to read the The Baltimore Banners Series first. There are several references to Harland's time with the Banners and something that happened that resulted in him being kicked from the team. Unfortunately whatever he did is never explained. We find out the "why" near the end of the book but never the "what." There is a bit of a prologue where we get a glimpse of the history between Harland and Courtney but we never find out exactly what happened between the two of them the night they parted ways. It is mentioned here and there but, a flashback scene would have helped to clarify things. Aside from those two areas of confusion, this is a well crafted story with good character development. We have some humour, some angst and a lovely resolution. The Epilogue is adorable and leaves the reader with a smile on their face.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was not rooting for these guys. Harland was such a manipulative jerk and steamrolled Courtney without having an actual conversation. Just started legal proceedings against a struggling single mum who was working hard to support the kid he rejected. And he’s a hot shot hockey player with money to spare. THIS IS NOT OKAY. Honestly even when they were reconciling they’d still never had an actual conversation. He said sorry once at least, but not what for. Just a blanket apology, and then anytime a serious moment started to happen they’d just kiss instead of talking, but they needed that communication. They just kept repeating the same mistakes, and it was entirely frustrating. Harland needed to grovel, and Courtney deserved better. When he finally did start making an effort, it was only for the kid, and never for her. If this was IRL I’d give them three years unless they learned to communicate and finally use their words. Which was funny, because they spend the whole booking teaching them to a two-year-old. I liked the writing style, just not the characters or the situation.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though I gave this book 3 stars, it doesn't mean I didn't like it or enjoy the read. I just felt like I wanted a bit more from the plot and/or characters. I would give it more of a 3.5 to 4 stars. There were parts of the book that I absolutely loved. I loved the relationship Harland has with his son and how open up to it. I didn't always love the female character, but then there were times I did. The lead up was great to his secret about why he got kicked back down to the minors, but then when it was finally revealed it was kinda blah, and ended so quickly and abruptly. I thought there would be more to his misery and the reasons why he was the way he was. I felt like some things were left unexplained. But overall I enjoyed the hockey romance. I read it in two days, it caught my attention and had me read it from beginning to end. I will definitely try another book of hers as I love sports and hockey romance novels.

[Fleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a sucker for second chance books and this one didn't disappoint, Courtney and Harland pretty much grew up together and fell in love, unfortunately one mans influence changed everything and Harland broke up with Courtney not willing to to find out the truth. 3 years later Harland can't move on from his one true love and finally makes the move to see her. Your heart can't help but melt with Noah and if anyone can make Courtney and Harland realise what they had and have together that little guy will. The fact that it was a struggle for both to open up and actually admit their feelings made you fall in love with them even more and want them to work through things. The day Harland brings Noah to the rink is my favorite part of the book due to they way his teammates reacted to Noah, it is totally swoon worthy!

[Christine Mize · Rating 4 out of 5]

Playing the Game grabs you by the throat from page one and never lets up! My heart broke for Courtney but I was also proud of her. She has her priorities firmly in place and her son comes first. Harland had a horrible childhood but he was able to achieve his dream of playing professional hockey. Too bad he left behind the one person who believed in him whole heartedly. At first it was a bit difficult to like Harland - he comes off as a bit of a brat. But the promise of redeeming himself, and the hope that Courtney would finally find true happiness again, had me flipping pages as quickly as I could go. An interesting beginning to a new series - I can't wait to read Jason's story next!

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written story of second chance, which is something I really enjoy. I fell in love with Harland and Courtney, and was rooting for Harland when it seemed he couldn't catch a break. I also enjoyed the personalities of their friends! Playing The Game made me want to brush up on my ASL and I appreciate how the author not only shared about ASL but was descriptive in hand positions and motions. Well worth my time to continue reading this series!

[Paige Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to a new series

I'm so happy that Harland got his much deserved HEA.

He struggled in the pros and was sent down for the minors. Back to his home town. Back to his one true love, Courtney. Little does he realize that there is so much more waiting for him.

The author does a great job with the storyline and the drama. It was a great second chance romance.

[Momz Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite of Lisa's books so far in her hockey series. I was able to see how Harland's career spun out of control in the Baltimore Banners #8. The story line was great, and the reason for his poor play wasn't revealed until near the end. I liked the various angles addressed in the book. Can't wait for the next book in this series.

[Coffee Chat · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully written story with a great second chance romance story line. I like the characters they are well developed and likable. I enjoyed reading every page and can't wait to read more in this story.. I don't know much about hockey but the way this is written I didn't feel lost and it kept my interest. I received this book as a gift and voluntarily give this review..

[Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book.
It's a super fun second chance meets surprise baby romance.
There's family issues, manipulation, and reconciliations.
The child is deaf, which makes for an interesting aspect of the story.
And best of all, the separation was through something that made sense and wasn't annoying.
Now onto book two!

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In general, I am a huge sports romance fan and I tend to lean towards titles like these where you know there will be a little action on and off the field. Playing the Game is a fun and light read about second chances. I loved that there was one big secret that we did not find out until the end and it was totally worth the buildup, while everything else about their history unfolded naturally in the story Harland’s teammates are really supportive, which I did not see coming and Courtney has a great support system that really helped develop the characters.

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love hockey!

Finding out he has a son gives Harland a second chance for happiness and to be a part of a family. Once again Kamps writes a fantastic love story..from the beginning page to the end.