Playing It Safe

York Bombers #5

by Lisa B. Kamps

*** Winner of the Reader's Choice Award for Best Sports Romance *** Will this single dad grab a second chance at love when it's offered...or will he play it safe and let it slip away? Aaron Malone knows one hockey. It's been his calling and his salvation, seeing him through life's challenges--from a marriage that should have never happened and a divorce that left him gutted, to the loss of his two daughters when his ex-wife moved out of state. When a tragic accident forces him back into the role of fatherhood, he struggles to be the father his daughters need--even if he's not the parent they want. Savannah Weber has everything she wants in a successful career, an energetic social life, and a sexy, brooding neighbor who has a recurring part in her nighttime fantasies. What she's never had is a family of her own--and she's convinced herself she doesn't want one. When she sees Aaron struggling to balance life with his daughters, she finds herself being drawn in to help--against the wishes of the two young girls. They say that two is company and three is a crowd. Can these four come together to make a family and live happily-ever-after? Only if two lonely souls are willing to take a chance instead of playing it safe.

Genres: Sports, Romance, Contemporary, Hockey, Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance, Amazon

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 21, 2018

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

[Judi Easley · Rating 5 out of 5]

First thoughts: I'd give it a 4.5 Stars since I'm not a big sports fan, but the actual hockey scenes aren't overly long. The characters are done quite well. The older daughter is really good. The father is clueless and sort of scared. His mother is a hoot! The neighbor is pretty cool. They have some great friends, too. Humorous (oops, excuse me), scary (taking advantage), frustrating (clueless).

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing It Safe by Lisa B. Kamps is a sexy mature romance with all the right plays to keep you glued to the page and wanting more. I love a hot hockey hero and Lisa B. Kamps doesn't disappoint in this novel I've been waiting for since we were introduced to Aaron Malone's character. Aaron is not only a single dad but also a widow who's trying to juggle family life and his professional hockey career. Savannah Weber can't help but be interested in her attractive neighbor ~ hello? he's beyond fit but it's hard to feel out if he's interested in her or just being a friendly neighbor. These two characters have mind-blowing chemistry that ignite your Kindle and being out big emotions throughout the story. This story can be read as a standalone so don't worry if you haven't started this series it won't impact your enjoyment at all. 5 Stars for Playing It Safe by Lisa B. Kamps

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

[Heather Bass · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read from this author and I am now hooked on this series. I absolutely love sport romance but this author exceeded my expectations with this incredible book. This book can be read as a stand alone but I highly recommend to read the other books as well. You will get a better understanding of the other characters in this story. I got so lost in these characters it only took me a little over a day to devour this amazing story.

Savannah Weber has the life that she has always dreamed about. She loves her job and friends. Savannah also has a very hot and interesting neighbor that she can’t stop thinking about. She notices Aaron is a single dad that needs some help with his daughters. Savannah gets to know Aaron and she quickly realizes that she has stronger feelings for him. She has always wanted a family of her own but does Aaron feel the same?

Aaron Malone loves hockey and his two beautiful daughters. He is still healing from a tragic event that made him an instant single dad. Aaron is now focusing on raising his two girls. He meets his neighbor Savannah and he feels an instant connection to her. Aaron start to spend time with her and he quickly realizes that he has strong feelings for her. He is still afraid of getting hurt again. Will Aaron open up his heart to another woman or will he play it safe and stay in the friend zone?

I absolutely loved this book. The storyline has it all romance, forgiveness, and unconditional love. You will fall in love with these characters right from the beginning. Savannah is very strong and independent woman. She is a sweetheart but she also has a sassy side that I loved. Aaron is a single dad that is just trying to make his daughters happy. The way he is with his daughters and Savannah made my heart melt. He is my new favorite male character for this year. These two characters have some very intense chemistry that will make your temperature rise. I loved that this amazing author wrote this book in both of the characters points of views. This makes you feel an emotional connection to Aaron and Savannah. I am now going to start this series from the beginning to get to know the other characters and their stories.

[Char (1RadReader59) · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a family crisis hits a family hard it blindsides everyone leaving everyone spinning. Aaron a semi-pro hockey player is used to taking some hard hits, but he did not expect to get the call he did. He got word that his ex-wife and her lover were killed in a drunk driving accident.
Now, he needs to figure out how to bring them back to his home state and get acclimated to his lifestyle and career. Just one minor problem his eldest daughter being a teen barely, Brooke, hate life, and him and tells him multiple times a day.
Isabelle is only ten is just scared and sad one to lose another parent, and that her big sis now hates her. Now, they need to start new schools and new friends. How do you do that when your dad is semi-famous?
But what that are also seeing bloom is the friendship and maybe more from the neighbor next door. Miss Savannah. Aaron really likes her because she seems to calm his nerves when he’s at his wit's end. She is able to laugh even at himself. Something he doesn’t do much of anymore is laugh.
As they become closer and Aaron even invites her to a game and out to drinks with the team after, he has the team ragging him. The reason being they’re telling him she is his girlfriend. He says no just his neighbor. But he knows she’s more but he can’t go there.
The whole time Aaron can’t seem to allow himself to be free of the past. Mainly his ex’s past. He feels the shame she never did. He pushes Savannah away the one person who gives him joy outside of the family.
This is a fast read and filled with laughter and turmoil too. I give this: 4 stars. Free on Amazon. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

Playing it Safe is the fifth book in The York Bombers Series by Lisa B. Kamps. It is a hockey romance, with angst, a little drama and plenty of spice.
Aaron Malone has found his world turned upside down and is struggling a little to adjust to the changes. He has recently become the sole parent to his two beautiful daughters. He’s floundering somewhat and at a loss as to how help the girls cope with their mother’s death and be the parent they need him to be. Hockey training never prepared him for this.
Savannah Weber has lived next door to Aaron for a while and has secretly fantasized about him. Well, obsessed by him would probably be more accurate. But he’s never shown any real interest past being a friendly neighbour and now his girls have come to live with him, she fairly certain that she has no chance of making her fantasies a reality now.
What happens and what does fate have in store for these two?
This was my first book by Ms. Kamps and I am really happy to have discovered her work.
This is a really great story that pulled me in and held my attention the whole way through. This is the fifth book in the series, but it can be read as a standalone. I didn’t feel like I was missing anything important by not having read the rest of the series. But, having said that, I enjoyed this story so much that I will be hunting down the rest of the series to read as well.
I look forward to investigating Ms. Kamps other work!

Thank you, Ms. Kamps!

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Playing it Safe: A York Bombers Hockey Romance (The York Bombers Book 5) by Lisa B. Kamps is the fifth book in her The York Bombers series. This book can be read as a standalone but I highly suggest reading the other books in this series as they are just as enjoyable as this one. I have read other books by this author but this has become my favorite so far. This is a sports romance story of which is about a hockey player and hockey is my favorite sport. I enjoyed how this author was able to bring her characters to life for me. They pulled me in right from the beginning and kept me engaged until the last word. They are connectable and lovable. I enjoyed how this story focused on the male character which is a little different for me. I am use to the other way around. This story took me on an emotional roller coaster ride that I had to know what would happen next. This is the story of Aaron and Savannah. Aaron was just getting over his divorce when a tragic event happens and he is now a single dad to his two girls. Hockey has been the only thing he has ever known, can he be the parent that his girls need him to be? Savannah lives right next door and of course has an attraction to her neighbor. She seems to have everything she wants, a great career, a home, friends but the one thing she is lacking is a family of her own. She finds herself being drawn over to help Aaron with his girls but will they be receptive of her? Is it possible that these four can find a happy ever after? I enjoyed both of these characters. They are two lost souls looking for something, I don't think they even realize what it is until it hits them in the face. I felt compassion for Aaron. He just became a single dad and he wasn't really sure how it was going to work for all of them. He wants what is best for his children and he tries so hard. I loved his mother and how she can put him in his place when he needs it. Savannah is a strong, independent woman who in my opinion doesn't even realize what she is missing until she meets Aaron. These two have chemistry and are great together. I kept finding myself hoping that these two would get the happy ending they deserve but you will have to read to find out. The secondary characters will make you laugh and they are a great support. I highly recommend this book. Find out what happens to Aaron and Savannah and what the fates have in store for them.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aaron is still reeling from the news that his ex-wife has passed away but dealing with being a single father of two grieving daughters is a challenge he is determined to overcome. To make things more complicated his children had been living with his ex in another state so they are all trying to adjust to the new dynamics of their relationship.

Savannah enjoys her life as a successful single woman but there is something about her neighbor Aaron that inspires feelings in her that she had never felt before. There is no denying the chemistry between them but are Aaron’s daughters ready for another woman in their lives and is Savannah prepared for what being with Aaron entails?

There is not doubting that Savannah and Aaron belong together but their journey wasn’t without its ups and down.

[Momz Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my absolute favorite series by one of my favorite authors. Lisa never fails to deliver and does so with new stories and unique characters in every book. THIS IS A FIVE STAR, MUST READ!!! The characters and story lines in the York Bomber series have drawn me in. I was so excited to see Aaron get his own story and happy ending. Although he has been in all three Bomber books so far, it has always been in a supporting role as the older, more seasoned, and wiser player on the team. His story dealt with death, separation from his family that he loved, and his need to fight harder for what he wants out of life. It was great to see how the story developed and how things worked out for he and his children. I always enjoy the way the author manages to weave in people and events from the previous book and makes it a seamless part of the story. I can’t wait for the next book!

[Maura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm going to be honest, I grabbed this book based on the cover alone. Oddly, the cover matches exactly what I picture Aaron to look like.

This hockey drama has romance, angst, slow burn, emotions, and friendship. It is an easy story to get through and I read it in one sitting.

This is part 5 of a series but it absolutely stands on its own as a stand-alone. The characters are quickly developed and well defined and the story flows smoothly from beginning to end.

I absolutely recommend this book.

[Marybeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I just knew Aaron was going to steal my heart and become my fave!!! I just adore him!! Aaron is so stubborn, sweet, vulnerable and sexy as hell without even trying. As one of the “older” players on the Bombers, they call him Pops which is funny because he is only 34. I love the banter among the guys in the team. And he is also now raising his two girls, Isabelle and Brooke, by himself which isn’t easy with his schedule. I am a sucker for a single dad story and this one is just perfect. I just love Savannah for Aaron. They’ve lived next door to each other for a year but it’s obvious Aaron wasn’t ready to be more than neighbors/friends but Savannah has had it bad for him for a while. She really has her life together which is a quality Aaron definitely needs in a woman even if he didn’t realize it. With the exception of the vulnerability she feels around Aaron’s girls, especially Brooke, she is a quiet strength for him. Can they all manage to get it together and become a family? You’ll just have to read and find out? But hey, what would a Lisa Kamps book be without an HEA?

[Debra Johnson]

Prch Amz March 24, 2020

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely, hands down, love Aaron! He might be "Pops" to his teammates, but he's drop dead sexy to me. He cares about his girls and doing the right thing which he shows over and over again (despite some of his bad decisions concerning his relationships). Savannah may be an independent woman, but she needs her man. The way their relationship develops on the pages is wonderful and realistic. I think that is my favorite thing about reading Lisa Kamps' books- her characters are real and not some stereotype (all though, in the case of hockey players, they are required to be hot and perform great wall sex). Her books just keep getting better and better.

[Sherri Romero · Rating 2 out of 5]

Forget about it

Would not have been bad had there been some sort of relationship development. Just one more in a string of poorly written books I have read lately.

Would be nice if this author has taken the time to make the characters more than one dimensional. I had no idea who these people were, and had no more idea by the end. We had a series of hit and miss encounters, which always resulted in sex, but very little dialogue. Ugh. Don't waste your money...

[Kym · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the York Bombers series! Every story is a winner and this one is one of my favorites!

Aaron, considered an “older”player in hockey, is struggling to raise his two daughters, whom he’s only seen irregularly since his divorce, on a full-time basis since the tragic accidental death of his ex-wife. To say this is a big adjustment for Aaron is an understatement. While his youngest daughter, Isabella (who is 10), is trying her best with the new reality of living with her dad after losing her mother, his older daughter, Brooke (who is 13 and fits the stereotypical young hormonal teenager) is at the other end of the spectrum...angry at everything and takes it out on her dad, repeatedly. Not an easy way to be thrust into full-time parenting.

Even if Aaron wasn’t a professional hockey player, this would be a challenging situation for such a young (34-year-old) man. It’s one thing to deal with very young children, it’s another to be thrown into the young teen years...not for the faint of heart! Add in that he’s busy many evenings playing games or on the road with the team, this is a really difficult situation. He wants to do what is best for his daughters...bit it isn’t easy.

Savannah, his next-door-neighbor, is drawn to Aaron and, in truth, Aaron is drawn to her. But it’s more complicated than that...he’s a package deal.

Savannah is uncertain of where she fits into Aaron’s life. Aaron sends mixed messages...he wants to be with her but his daughters are his priority. How can she compete with that? How can she have a relationship with him?

Some of the funniest and also most poignant moments happen when Aaron’s mom, Carol, steps in and gives him some motherly advice. Carol tells it like it is to Aaron...which he sorely needs to hear.

This is a heartwarming story with a lot of fun, and like real life, not so fun moments thrown in. I’ve enjoyed all of the stories in this series and they just seem to get better and better which is saying a lot because they’re all wonderful!

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

[Angelina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing It Safe is book 5 of the York Bombers series by Lisa B Kamps and can be read as a standalone.

‘How many times had she stared at him, just like this, over the last year? Too many, to the point of being pathetic. But her neighbor was such a fine specimen of manhood that it would be criminal not to watch—and enjoy herself doing it.’ - Savannah

I've always considered Aaron to be a bit of a mystery man in the first books of this series as he tended to keep to himself and even though he was clearly dealing with some family issues, he didn't give much away. Aaron's always caught my attention though, so I was really happy when I discovered his book would be up next and Lisa B Kamps didn't disappoint. I'm completely in love with this guy and want him for myself!

Playing It Safe is a beautiful story that will leave you feeling all warm inside as you see Aaron and Savannah come together when they least expect it. Aaron is trying to raise his two daughters who are dealing with a terrible loss, and Lisa B Kamps shows so well how each deal with their grief and how this impacts on their relationships with their father who feels like he's failing despite knowing his daughters need to be with him. Then there's Savannah who can't help but drool over her hot neighbour whenever she sees him, but she doesn't want a family and Aaron clearly comes with one ready made.

Lisa B Kamps cleverly injects humour into this story and I was laughing out loud when Savannah and her best friend, Tessa, are ‘Aaron watching’. She also shows the pain of losing a parent, and this is something I can relate to. I fully understood Brooke’s anger and confusion. The life she knew, which wasn't always great, was ripped away from her and she's now having to rediscover who she is and adapt to some major changes. This really is a story that pulls at the heartstrings.

Playing It Safe is a great addition to one of my favourite series and I definitely recommend that you read it.

*I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book and all opinions expressed are my own

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this fantastic book and it was such a pleasure to read. I’ve seen Aaron in other books in the York Bombers series and I couldn’t wait for his book. He was always hurting in them books and seemed confused too but was always a rock to the team and his fellow players. Now Savannah, (who i loved by the way) is his neighbor and has had a crush on Aaron for the past year. He’s older than her but that doesn’t stop Savannah, as there’s always been something about Aaron that really hooks her in. They’re both thinking that there just too many obstacles between, to having a serious relationship together. But there love for each other couldn’t be stopped or denied for too long. I absolutely love Lisa B Kamps and her books especially the York Bombers Hockey series ones, as she just writes such amazing, soulful, gut wrenching, beautiful romances stories and is especially one of the best in this genre in my opinion. Her characters are real and likeable. It helps when she writes such characters as Aaron’s mom who came across to me as a no nonsense type of person and really helps Aaron see that him and Savannah are meant to be together. Plus I loved his daughters as they make you smile, laugh and cringe all at the same time in this book lol the characters are just phenomenal in my opinion and really captivated me into Aaron’s and Savannah’s story. I absolutely loved seeing Aaron find his happily ever after with savannah and I absolutely enjoyed every minute of reading this epic book. If I where you I would go buy this book straight away as I can tell you, you will absolutely loved it and enjoy it till the very end and leave you wanting more I can tell you. I would definitely and highly recommend this book, series and author to everyone, as you should all have a Lisa B. Kamps book in the book library.

[Kristiej · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 out of 5

I’ve long been a fan of Lisa Kamp’s hockey themed books. I’m up to date on the whole Baltimore Banner series. This book is one of the York Bombers series, a spin-off of the Baltimore series. The Bombers are a farm team for the Baltimore Bombers and home team of some players on their way up to the big league and some players coming to the end of their careers. Playing it Safe is the fifth book in this series and yep, I’m up to date on this series too.

Our hero, Aaron Malone is a player on the downside of the hockey playing mountain. He played some in the big leagues but not that much. He’s a journeyman player. And I think this is one of my favourite books from both series. Aaron is struggling. He’s a newly single dad. He and his wife were divorced and his wife had custody before she died and now he’s looking after his children. While he has a good relationship with his youngest daughter, his oldest teenager daughter hates him. She had wanted to stay with her mothers parents but Aaron wants his girls with him, difficult as it’s proving to be.

Savannah Weber is his neighbour and she has certainly noticed him, yes she has. Though they have had very little interaction, mainly just the nodding and waving kind. But now that he has his daughters living with him, their lives are slowing starting to entwine as she’s there to help him in the world of new fatherhood. Savanah works at home so she’s available to help with whatever emergency seems to come up. Aaron and Savannah become friends and though both would like more it doesn’t seem to be in the stars. Aaron feels he can’t juggle both a relationship and fatherhood. And Savannah isn’t ready for the responsibility a relationship with Aaron would entail.
But the heart wants what the heart wants and that’s the story of this book

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing It Safe by Lisa B. Kamps is the fifth book in her York Bombers series and it is a fantastic hockey romance that any writer could be proud of and any reader would enjoy! Even though it is the fifth book in the series, it can be read as a standalone … as it was the first book I have ever read by this writer then obviously I have not read the first four books and yes, at times I was thinking I wish I had when the characters from the previous stories were mentioned BUT in no way had I hard time to enjoy this story!
Playing It Safe is the story of Aaron “Pops” Malone and Savannah “Van” Weber, neighbours for a year, attracted to each other but neither of them really ready to do anything about it. Aaron’s only passion in life is hockey, he has been playing since he was four years old and hockey has taken him to semi-professionals via professionals … has been his only constant in his life and has seen him through his divorce and the loss of two of his daughters that his ex-wife took out of the state after divorce … now, suddenly, he is the sole person responsible for the kids and he is struggling to be the parent, the father, he needs to be for his daughters. Savannah grew up in a divorced household and the way it played out, she does not want anything but a successful career and energetic social life, no children …
You can already imagine what a rollercoaster we will be taken on! The ups and downs, the awkwardness of starting dating again, the baggage of previous marriage and children, we can just go on … The writer has graced us with a lovely and very relatable story! I will definitely go back and read the first four books and will be on a lookout for the next story in the series!

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing It Safe by Lisa B. Kamps is the fifth book in her York Bombers series and this one is my favorite thus far. Playing It Safe follows the story of Aaron Malone and his two daughters, who he lost allot of time with during his divorce, yet hockey was and is his total salvation from the reality of the world around him. When his world comes crashing down, his ex wife being out of the picture forever, he is now in charge of raising his two daughters and barely keeping his head above water. His neighbor, Savannah, has been half in love with Aaron for as long as she can remember and she wants to help him with his daughters. The more time they spend together the more that Savannah falls for Aaron and his daughters, and Aaron can't keep Savannah off his mind. But is a happily ever after in the cards for Aaron, or does he want to try again after failing with his first marriage? These two are lost at sea looking for something that they aren't sure the other can provide, but are both wanting to try to make it work. The York Bombers series has been fantastic so far, and this book just sends it off the charts. The emotional rollercoaster that comes from these pages will keep you glued to your book from beginning to end. Having read the other books in this series, I highly recommend reading the entire series in order, even though this one can be read by itself. The characters from each book back appearances throughout the series, and their story lines continue along with the series. If you are looking to branch into sports style romance or wanting a second chance love affair this is the book, and series for you!

[Angela Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Playing it safe by Lisa B Kamps is the fifth book in the York Bombers Hockey Romance and follows the story of Aaron and Savannah, Aaron the sexy hockey player and Savannah the beautiful neighbour with that combination it makes for a great read.

Aaron has recently become a full time father to his two daughters, Brooke who is thirteen and is destine to make his life hell and Isabelle the sweet younger sibling who does not quite know where she fits within the dynamic. Aaron is also having to find his feet as a parent due to his ex-wife's tragic death, but there is a shining beacon of hope with Savannah living next door to him.

Savannah has lived next door to Aaron for a year and although they have become friends she is wanting something a little more, until one day he invites her over for a BBQ cook out and something changes within the dynamic forever. The chemistry between these two hits high and there's no going back. They have a rocky start but will Aaron's eldest daughter be the one who pushes them apart, you will have to read to find out.

This is the first story I have read by this author and thoroughly enjoyed the light and fast paced style of the writing. The characters are warm and inviting and I loved the way the secondary characters mould around the main characters and story. The way Savannah is a strong female lead and knows just want she wants was great to read, plus the softer side to Aaron when he was this alpha male was refreshing to read. I read this as a stand alone book and followed the story in this series but will definitely downloading the first four books to catch up on the going on's within this wicked series.

[Bette Stanek · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Safe Stars, 4 Taking a Chance Stars. Aaron Malone is self-assured, confident, and aggressive. He goes after what he wants with a vengeance. Well, at least he does on the ice. In all other aspects of his life? Not so much. He plays it safe; he always takes the easy road, the path of least resistance. Now, due to a tragic accident, he is raising his daughters after almost three years of not seeing much of them. The older daughter is thirteen, the younger daughter is ten. At thirteen, Brooke is full of teenage drama and angst and she's going to make sure everyone suffers right along with her. Nothing in life makes her happy, least of all their neighbor, Savannah, who Aaron is starting to notice and spend time with.

Savannah has issues of her own. She's an only child who was shuffled back and forth between her parents. Oh, she knew they loved her, but they could never seem to put her before their careers. They tried, but they just weren't all that good at it. She has decided that she isn't cut out for family life. So what the heck is she doing getting involved with Aaron? He's got a ready-made family! This cannot turn out well.

Playing It Safe is book five in The York Bombers series, but it can totally stand on its own. I haven't read any book in the series before this one and I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything. This is a fun, flirty, steamy story that has enough drama to keep it interesting but not so much that it makes your eyes roll. It reads quickly and is pure entertainment.

[Michelle Mulvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing It Safe, A York Bombers Hockey Romance is Book 5 of the York Bombers series and soooo good!!!

I absolutely loved this book from beginning to end. The characters we so likable it was hard not to get lost in the book.

Aaron Malone is on a hockey team. He has always taken the easy way out of everything except when it had to do with hockey. He marriage was a nightmare but it was easier to stay married then divorce. Then before he knew it his wife was pregnant again. Eventually, he got a divorce and let his wife move out of state with his daughters.

He’s been out of the dating game for quite some time now. Nothing means more to him then his career. Now his daughters have come to live with him and they are not happy about it.

His neighbor Savannah has had the hots for him for the last year but she is completely happy being single. Never wants to get married or have a family. If she gets involved with Aaron she will be involved with him and his 2 daughters. When Savannah and Aaron finally get to spend some time together it’s no secret that his older daughter dislikes Savannah more then she dislikes her father.

Can Aaron get both his daughters treat him like a dad or is this just the beginning of a long dreaded mistake. Also when Aaron and Savannah have a serious argument will he be able to go after what he wants or will he continue to play it safe.

AMAZING READ!! I loved it!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing It Safe is the 5th book in Lisa B Kamp's York Bombers series. It is the first book I have read in the series, and I enjoyed it, so I would say it can be read as a stand alone. Im sure there would have been more backstory from the others, but it was good by itself. I have added the rest of the series to my TBR list. I liked that the story was not written about teens/early twenty year old people, and in this sense i was more able to relate, and they were friends, before turning into something more. The themes of the book are realistic and the characters all had different, realistic personalities. The book is jam packed with emotions, including love, regret, forgiveness, self doubt, second chances and evolving relationships. I highly recommend it to others.
Aaron Malone is a semi professional hockey player, and a newly, full time dad. After a tragic event, he finds himself a single dad, struggling, striving to be a father to his daughters. Being a dad is hard, especially to a feisty teenager, and doing it alone. Savannah lives the life she wants, with a successful career, a beautiful house, and a hopping social life. She also has a hunk of a neighbor that she frequently drools over, and occasionally talks to. She tries to keep her feelings in her dreams, since Aaron has enough on her plate. But maybe he feels the same about her? They both need to quit playing it safe and take some chances in life.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to this one! Aaron, the old man of the team with a failed marriage and two estranged children behind him, finally got his chance. It picks up four months after the last book. Aaron’s ex has died in a car crash, and he now has full custody of his girls and has moved them back with him. But his 13yo Brooke hates him, and he has no idea how to do this parenting gig.
Honestly, he was trying, but he was very “my house, my rules” authoritarian and surely he would have read a book or at least consulted a freaking parenting website at some point for advice.
Savannah has a giant crush on her neighbour and never wanted kids, but she’s pretty much at natural at it. It says she’s a career woman, but I actually don’t even know what she does for a living. And nothing about her screamed career woman.
Once again we have the couple falling into a relationship ‘in the wrong order’ where they physical side develops but they don’t talk or go out in the conventional dating sense.
There are a few bits of gossip on the other players from previous books, and a smidge more on the other guys who get future books, and actually some training and coaching thrown in here. I think it’s the first time it’s ever been shown with the team going to the gym and working out, which is an odd thing to overlook for so long in a series about professional athletes and has stuck out to me.

[Carole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aaron Malone was suddenly thrust with the responsibility of looking after her 2 daughters after his ex wife died. To say he was out of touch, definately. For the last few years the girls haven't really been that involved in his life, but now it is a sudden wake up call. Top that when one of his daughters, Brooke is a hormonal 13 year old. Say now more, you can just picture the teenage angst and the turmoil in her teenage brain. Of course she hates her dad, hates everything and thinks the he prefers her younger sister.
Aaron also happens to be in the twilight years of his hockey career. Lovingly referred to as "Pops" but some of his teamates, he feels old, his body feels old, plus he just doesn't know how to handle the girls.
Savannah the hot next door neighbour has been lusting after Aaron for the last year. Sure she has been decreit about it, but things do come to a head.
I enjoyed reconnecting with his teamates from the rest of the series, and seeing how Aaron's and Savannah relationship struggles to develope was fustrating at times. I mean Aaron maybe hot, hockey player - but clueless he is. Savannah literally seduces him.
Would I recommend reading this book? Yes
I would recommend all of her series.

[Angelina Frazzini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing it Safe by Lisa B. Kamps is book five of the York Bombers series. This book can be read as a stand-alone which is what I did but it was so good I want to go back and read the first four books!

If Aaron Malone knows anything, it’s hockey. What he doesn’t know anything about is raising two young girls, one of which is a teenager. But after the loss of his ex-wife, that’s where he finds himself, thrust into fatherhood. Taking care of his girls isn’t as easy as it may seem. That’s where Savannah comes in. As Aaron’s neighbor, Savannah may have developed a crush on him and as she sees him struggling, she wants to help in any way she can. Savannah has never wanted a family of her own but she keeps finding herself drawn into Aaron’s family. There’s a lot of hot and cold however. Aaron has to stop playing it safe and go after what it is he really wants. Will these two find common ground and make it work or will the idea of a ready made family be too much for Savannah?

This book was such a wonderful book to read. The characters were so relatable and at the same time so frustrating because you just want them to see what’s right in front of them! I absolutely loved this book!!

[Birna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Playing it Safe (The York Bombers, book 5), by Lisa B. Kamps.

Aaron Malone is somewhat of an old soul - a man with strong principles and a big heart.

But as loving as he is, how will he go from being a hockey player that sees his beautiful daughters a scattered weekend, to being a full time single parent - overnight?

He is constantly terrified of doing the wrong things, but then again, who can blame him?

Savannah Weber sure can’t help but sympathize with the sexy, silent man that she lives next door to.

Savannah is a very independent woman that likes her life to be simple - she certainly isn’t looking for anything serious but she can’t help but think that maybe she can help - in some small way.

I loved this book! Everything about it was good.

The story was very refreshing and seems like it’s quite real - right from the plot to the characters themselves - you could easily picture their surroundings, you felt like you knew the characters and you couldn’t help but feel their pain and their love.

I wholeheartedly recommend reading the full series although this book can be read as a stand alone (why would you want to miss out on more good books though?).

5 stars from me!

[Sherri Babb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa B. Kamps has done it again. When I saw that the next book was going to be Aaron I was just a little bit excited. I could not wait to read his story. His story did not disappoint. Aaron was so hot, sweet, and nice and oh so much more. Aaron's ex-wife dies and he gets custody of his children. He loves them so much and only wants to be a good dad to them. He knew he had failed at this in the past and he just wanted to do so much better. Savannah was such a good match for him. She was his next door neighbor and they had been friends since she moved in. They both wanted each other but life just kept getting in the way. This book was so good from start to finish. Having Aaron's mom as one of the other characters in the book made it even better. She just loved getting on his last nerve like most moms do. I do not want to spoil the book for you so I will just say this. This book ... this series ... is a must read. They are all page turners that make you laugh, make you cry and yes at times make you mad. You will not be disappointed at all. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Dori cousley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing It Safe: A York Bombers Hockey Romance is the fifth book in The York Bombers Series by Lisa B. Kamps. This is Aaron's story. All of a sudden Aaron was given the responsibility of caring for his two daughters after the death of his ex-wife. He has not been really involved with his daughters for the past few years. So now caring for them is a very big wake up call. One daughter, Brooke is 13 years old and very hormonal. She hates just about everything including her father. His other daughter, Isabella is 10 and is trying very hard to do her best with her new life. Savannah is Aaron's next door neighbor who has always liked Aaron. But Aaron is kind of clueless to what he wants in his life with a woman. Will Savannah and Aaron be able to make it work?

I could not put Playing It Safe down, I read it in one sitting. It was well worth it. Lisa B. Kamps has the type of writing that flows and keeps you engaged from the first page. Her characters are very real and you feel like you have a connection with them. You will experience all different emotions, but you will see after reading Playing It Safe it was well worth the bumpy ride!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing it Safe
By Lisa B. Kamps
5 stars

This is the first book that I have read by this author and I cannot wait to read more! From the very first page I was completely captivated by this book. I love sports romance stories and this is probably amongst some of the best that I have read. It didn’t take me long at all to fall in love with Aaron! He was just everything I love in a male lead. I loved reading about how he dealt with his children after the tragedy they all faced. He really did love them and want the best for them. As soon as I read the scenes between him and Savannah I knew there was something there. The chemistry between them whilst subtle was electric! I had everything crossed that they would be together. Savannah was a lovely character too; I loved how genuine she was.
I really loved Lisa B Kamps writing style, it was so engaging and flawless. She made the book so easy to read with its great pace and flow. The characters were ones I couldn’t help but fall in love with straight away. I am really looking forward to reading more from her in the future and I’ll definitely be reading the previous books in the series too.