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Players on Ice #1
The Playmaker
Cole:
My only goal is to heal from this concussion and get back on the ice—until Nina Callaghan shows up at my door asking for hockey lessons. She’s my best friend’s kid sister, which puts her in the hands-off zone, so I used to tease her without mercy—the ballerina on ice—until a knee injury grounded her. But little Nina is all grown up now, and wants something from me, and I sure as hell want something back. Now it's game on, and I'm pulling out all the plays.
Nina:
Asking my old nemesis for a favor is the last thing I want to do, but when my editor charges me with writing a romantic series about hot hockey players, I have no choice but to turn to Cocky Cole Cannon, and he didn’t earn that handle from flashing his infamous grin. When he agrees to teach me, little did I know he’d have a hidden agenda. I want to say no, but when the Playmaker introduces me to his off-ice moves, the only word on my lips is yes.
Cole:
No way can I fall for the girl I’ve been crushing on since…forever. Not only will her brother kill me, we don't belong in each other’s world. I should have kept things in the neutral zone, but when one sweet taste becomes a game changer, I fear it could uncover everything I spent years hiding, and destroy Nina right along with it.
My only goal is to heal from this concussion and get back on the ice—until Nina Callaghan shows up at my door asking for hockey lessons. She’s my best friend’s kid sister, which puts her in the hands-off zone, so I used to tease her without mercy—the ballerina on ice—until a knee injury grounded her. But little Nina is all grown up now, and wants something from me, and I sure as hell want something back. Now it's game on, and I'm pulling out all the plays.
Nina:
Asking my old nemesis for a favor is the last thing I want to do, but when my editor charges me with writing a romantic series about hot hockey players, I have no choice but to turn to Cocky Cole Cannon, and he didn’t earn that handle from flashing his infamous grin. When he agrees to teach me, little did I know he’d have a hidden agenda. I want to say no, but when the Playmaker introduces me to his off-ice moves, the only word on my lips is yes.
Cole:
No way can I fall for the girl I’ve been crushing on since…forever. Not only will her brother kill me, we don't belong in each other’s world. I should have kept things in the neutral zone, but when one sweet taste becomes a game changer, I fear it could uncover everything I spent years hiding, and destroy Nina right along with it.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 10, 2018
402 people are currently reading
1002 people want to read
About the author
Cathryn Fox
256 books1,377 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Cathryn Fox is a wife, mom, sister, daughter, aunt and friend. She loves dogs, sunny weather, anything chocolate (she never says no to a brownie) pizza and red wine. Cathryn lives in beautiful Nova Scotia with her husband, who is convinced he can turn her into a mixed martial arts fan. When not writing, Cathryn can be found Skyping with her son living in Seattle (could he have moved any farther away?) shopping with her daughter in the city, watching a big action flick with her husband, or hanging out and laughing with friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
May 9, 2020
I honestly cannot believe the amount of 5 star reviews for this book. Did they actually read the book?! It desperately needed an editor. Seriously, spelling/grammar errors aside, Nina's brother's name was Luke but then suddenly changed to Cason?? I had to actually go back to the beginning to re-read to make sure I wasn't losing it. The preview of book 2 in the back of this book shows the same thing. But apparently on Amz book 2 IS about Luke who is not the heroine's brother but was initially? I legit have a headache.
Other complaints:
- The hero talks about having his 4th boner in the space of approximately 15 minutes the first time he's around the heroine. Is his boner jumping up and down like it's on a pogo stick? I do not personally possess a penis but son, I think you have a condition.
- The hockey knowledge is really not great and hockey terms are randomly thrown in to make sure you remember 'Hey kids, this is a hockey romance™!' It's not done well. I am a huge hockey fan and am missing it terribly bc of quarantine and this made me extremely cross.
- The heroine, despite having an older brother who is a professional hockey player and grew up with him playing the sport, somehow knows fuck all about it......sureeeeee, Jan.
- Forgetting a condom one time after using them regularly, both of them freak out, then "forgetting" again and banging all night without one but never address it happening the second time. Aye yi yi.
- Her brother (best friend of the hero) spent years punching dudes who would dare to look at Nina in the face because, as he tells Cole, "You're the only guy I'd ever *allow* her to be with." GROSS.
I know there are things I'm leaving out but I'm just so irritated I can't go on. The worst part is that the good parts of the story actually had promise and with a good editor, this book could've been so much better than it was. It would have been easier if it was just meh or blah, I would've simply DNF'd & moved on. I'm pissed off I spent money on it even if it was only 99 cents. UGH. I'm going to go re-read Pucked, which is a proper hockey romance.
Other complaints:
- The hero talks about having his 4th boner in the space of approximately 15 minutes the first time he's around the heroine. Is his boner jumping up and down like it's on a pogo stick? I do not personally possess a penis but son, I think you have a condition.
- The hockey knowledge is really not great and hockey terms are randomly thrown in to make sure you remember 'Hey kids, this is a hockey romance™!' It's not done well. I am a huge hockey fan and am missing it terribly bc of quarantine and this made me extremely cross.
- The heroine, despite having an older brother who is a professional hockey player and grew up with him playing the sport, somehow knows fuck all about it......sureeeeee, Jan.
- Forgetting a condom one time after using them regularly, both of them freak out, then "forgetting" again and banging all night without one but never address it happening the second time. Aye yi yi.
- Her brother (best friend of the hero) spent years punching dudes who would dare to look at Nina in the face because, as he tells Cole, "You're the only guy I'd ever *allow* her to be with." GROSS.
I know there are things I'm leaving out but I'm just so irritated I can't go on. The worst part is that the good parts of the story actually had promise and with a good editor, this book could've been so much better than it was. It would have been easier if it was just meh or blah, I would've simply DNF'd & moved on. I'm pissed off I spent money on it even if it was only 99 cents. UGH. I'm going to go re-read Pucked, which is a proper hockey romance.
March 3, 2019
Cole has been in love with Nina since their teens, but his like the little boy who pulled pigtails on the playground instead of saying hey I like you. When circumstances put Nina back in his life, Cole has no issues taking advantage of indulging his fantasies for the brief time she’s with him.
Nina convinced herself Cole couldn’t stand her, because she was the tag along little sister, always wanting to hang with her big brother and his best friend. Recruiting Cole to help with her new book series, however, is showing her sides of Cole few people see...and one that she could easily find herself falling for.
Cole and Nina take their hate/love relationship to supernova levels-and I loved every minute! Their romance sizzled and their emotions, gah! I was smiling throughout this story a lot. The drama level was very mild and I enjoyed the focus on Nina and Cole working out personal issues through the guise of helping one another out, both inside and out of the bedroom. This was a good read!
Nina convinced herself Cole couldn’t stand her, because she was the tag along little sister, always wanting to hang with her big brother and his best friend. Recruiting Cole to help with her new book series, however, is showing her sides of Cole few people see...and one that she could easily find herself falling for.
Cole and Nina take their hate/love relationship to supernova levels-and I loved every minute! Their romance sizzled and their emotions, gah! I was smiling throughout this story a lot. The drama level was very mild and I enjoyed the focus on Nina and Cole working out personal issues through the guise of helping one another out, both inside and out of the bedroom. This was a good read!
June 8, 2022
Wow, I loved my experience with Cole & Nina, these two characters were pretty darn HOT the whole way through the book. Cathryn Fox definitely kept my attention glued, can't wait to read more of the Players on Ice series. Which also I'm a big HOCKEY fan. Definitely a HOTNESS overload. Keep em' coming Cathryn I will keep reading. 5 Star for me.
October 19, 2022
2.5 stars. I mean it was free for a reason right?!
October 8, 2018
Ok so atm I only have one eye to read and it's easier for me to do so on kindle. I originally found this on Radish Fiction but it was cheaper to just buy a copy on my kindle then on radish🤷🏻♀️
I thought it was v cute. VERY cliche, but cute nonetheless. This is a good palette cleanser when all the fantasy books clog your brain 😂
I thought it was v cute. VERY cliche, but cute nonetheless. This is a good palette cleanser when all the fantasy books clog your brain 😂
February 18, 2023
There’s not much that I have to say about the story - I didn’t think it was good but I didn’t think it was bad. It was a pretty standard hate to love brother’s best friend story. I did think that it was very repetitive & it felt like the readers are being treated like we have no comprehension skills - we are repeatedly told about his concussion, her concussion, that they “hate” each other, that their parents suck, and so much more. The editing lets it down as well. However, what really annoyed me is that Cole admits that he & Nina’s brother Cason ran off all the boys in high school that were interested in her. Cason also states that Cole is the only man he will allow to be with his sister. I would expect this misogynistic bullshit in an era-appropriate historical novel but not a contemporary one written in 2018.
November 29, 2021
Rating: 2.5 stars
This book was entertaining! It was short and the characters were fun and cute together. However, I did notice some grammar and spelling mistakes during the read and some sentences were hard to understand because of those mistakes. For example:
« Nina sits besides me, her face still perplexed, her eye a bit distance »
…what?😂😂
Also, the ending kind of made me cringe because it was a bit too cheesy for my liking ahahahaha
This book was entertaining! It was short and the characters were fun and cute together. However, I did notice some grammar and spelling mistakes during the read and some sentences were hard to understand because of those mistakes. For example:
« Nina sits besides me, her face still perplexed, her eye a bit distance »
…what?😂😂
Also, the ending kind of made me cringe because it was a bit too cheesy for my liking ahahahaha
Want to read
January 4, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/18/2021)! 🎁
May 5, 2022
I just loved it ... funny, sexy, hot. I cried too as this story takes you in. You can feel the love.
When Nina's career ended due to a concussion as a figure skater, she had to find a way to re-direct her life. She became a romance writer. She was good at what she did, but when her editor said she needed to write a series about hockey romance. Well, she said yes, the only problem is she knew nothing about hockey. She actually hated hockey. Even though her brother played for the NHL, she never attended a game, Not only that even Cason's best friend was an NHL player. Cole Cannon, The Playmaker. A man that was with many women.
Cole Cannon A.K.A. The Playmaker. is ruthless on ice and an asshole on most days he gave want the fans wanted. When his best friend's sister called he couldn't say no. There was one problem he was an asshole to the world and he knew what Nina, his little nickname to her was and always will be his Pretty BallerNina. He had a secret he never showed his true self to anyone. That secret was loving a nice girl, that was so close but out of reach. He never wanted to cross the line.
When Nina's career ended due to a concussion as a figure skater, she had to find a way to re-direct her life. She became a romance writer. She was good at what she did, but when her editor said she needed to write a series about hockey romance. Well, she said yes, the only problem is she knew nothing about hockey. She actually hated hockey. Even though her brother played for the NHL, she never attended a game, Not only that even Cason's best friend was an NHL player. Cole Cannon, The Playmaker. A man that was with many women.
Cole Cannon A.K.A. The Playmaker. is ruthless on ice and an asshole on most days he gave want the fans wanted. When his best friend's sister called he couldn't say no. There was one problem he was an asshole to the world and he knew what Nina, his little nickname to her was and always will be his Pretty BallerNina. He had a secret he never showed his true self to anyone. That secret was loving a nice girl, that was so close but out of reach. He never wanted to cross the line.
March 3, 2019
Cole, you know just needs to take things into his own hands at times, “Jesus, woman.” Before I even realize what he’s doing, he scoops me up and leaves the kitchen." Cole has no problem letting others know his business, “it’s true, I am helping her, and yes, we’re sleeping together,” Cole says, deadpan..." Cole doesn't find his woman funny at times, "Cole says and glances down. I follow his gaze to find his swim shorts tented. I giggle. “Again with the laughing at inappropriate times. I’m hard, Nina,” he growls..." I liked this book, I loved Cole.
September 5, 2021
Uhm hello? Cathryn Fox where have you been all my hockey romance book loving life???
I am a huge fan of the trope and pride myself on having read all the books that fall on my radar. This book was an unputdownable childhood friends/best friend’s sister/love to hate to love you, romance read. I came for the hockey and stayed for the sexy, sweet romance!
This was my first and most definitely not my last read by Cathryn Fox. I’m giving The Playmaker the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval. TBR and Enjoy!
I am a huge fan of the trope and pride myself on having read all the books that fall on my radar. This book was an unputdownable childhood friends/best friend’s sister/love to hate to love you, romance read. I came for the hockey and stayed for the sexy, sweet romance!
This was my first and most definitely not my last read by Cathryn Fox. I’m giving The Playmaker the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval. TBR and Enjoy!
Read
March 4, 2019Read for a blogpost. (spoiler alert: this was way charming but the ending was so saccharine sweet it was unbearable)
April 6, 2019
The Playmaker by Cathryn Fox is book One in the Players on Ice. This is the story of Cole and Nina.
Nina was Cole's best friends little sister and would tag along with them. Nina always thought Cole didn't like her but in fact he does more than like her. Since neither admits their feelings they settle in to a 'hate' stance where they each pick on the other. Now in the present day, Nina needs Cole's help in learning hockey for her editor has asked her to write a hokey based story.
This puts them working closely and finding out that neither dislike the other but the opposite...they each want the other.
Enjoyed their story.
Nina was Cole's best friends little sister and would tag along with them. Nina always thought Cole didn't like her but in fact he does more than like her. Since neither admits their feelings they settle in to a 'hate' stance where they each pick on the other. Now in the present day, Nina needs Cole's help in learning hockey for her editor has asked her to write a hokey based story.
This puts them working closely and finding out that neither dislike the other but the opposite...they each want the other.
Enjoyed their story.
March 11, 2019
Cole and Nina, they have known each other since they were children, but did they? He is her big brothers’ best friend. They seemed to have been frenemies all these years, but were they? They play their assigned roles, and take advantage of the sparks between them, but then it starts to feel real, which it can’t be, can it? It takes a bit of heartbreak, and some cracks of heartache, before it can all become clear, and they finally realize, the only people they have been hiding from all those years were themselves!
January 11, 2022
No. Just NO.
How this book has more than 2 stars is beyond me. First off like many others have mentioned, this book is in desperate need of an editor. Its ridiculous. Now for the actual story... Its pretty bad. Every detail is repeated in literally every single chapter. They don't "like" each other, their parents sucked, his concussion, her concussion, she is his best friends kid sister and off limits. She managed to fit in the same details in EVERY SINGLE CHAPTER. WHY? I didn't think I'd finish it because it was that bad but I guess I was just that bored.
How this book has more than 2 stars is beyond me. First off like many others have mentioned, this book is in desperate need of an editor. Its ridiculous. Now for the actual story... Its pretty bad. Every detail is repeated in literally every single chapter. They don't "like" each other, their parents sucked, his concussion, her concussion, she is his best friends kid sister and off limits. She managed to fit in the same details in EVERY SINGLE CHAPTER. WHY? I didn't think I'd finish it because it was that bad but I guess I was just that bored.
December 14, 2018
Cole and Nina have been circling around one another for years, with him being her brother's best friend and teammate he has always been around, and always found a way to get on Nina's nerves. Sure, Nina has always thought he is attractive, but he always finds a way to rattle her, either with his special nickname for her, or with some snide comment. For a long time there has been a rift between them, but they have just always found a way to put up a front for her brothers sake, and act as though nothing is amiss.
When Nina's publisher tells her they would like her to center her new series around hockey players, she doesn't have a clue what to do, she doesn't know the first thing about the sport. When she mentions it to her best friend, she has the perfect solution for Nina, contact Cole and ask him to lend his expertise. Since he makes his living on the ice, he is the perfect source. But Nina has her reservations about spending time with her enemy... her gorgeous, well muscled enemy! The moment she shows up on his doorstep, the sparks start to fly, and that once shared irritation with on another starts to falter... and before long they are enemies no more!
With it's angst filled story line, The Playmaker is destined to put a squeeze on your heart and a permanent blush on your face, the chemistry between these two instantly set fire to the pages!! I loved spending time getting to know these two wonderful characters, their story gripped me from the first page, and kept my nose between the pages until the wee hours of the morning, once I got started I just couldn't stop. It was SO addictive!! If you like steamy sports romance stories I highly recommend you check this one out, it's certain to give you just what your looking for... and much, much more!
When Nina's publisher tells her they would like her to center her new series around hockey players, she doesn't have a clue what to do, she doesn't know the first thing about the sport. When she mentions it to her best friend, she has the perfect solution for Nina, contact Cole and ask him to lend his expertise. Since he makes his living on the ice, he is the perfect source. But Nina has her reservations about spending time with her enemy... her gorgeous, well muscled enemy! The moment she shows up on his doorstep, the sparks start to fly, and that once shared irritation with on another starts to falter... and before long they are enemies no more!
With it's angst filled story line, The Playmaker is destined to put a squeeze on your heart and a permanent blush on your face, the chemistry between these two instantly set fire to the pages!! I loved spending time getting to know these two wonderful characters, their story gripped me from the first page, and kept my nose between the pages until the wee hours of the morning, once I got started I just couldn't stop. It was SO addictive!! If you like steamy sports romance stories I highly recommend you check this one out, it's certain to give you just what your looking for... and much, much more!
March 16, 2019
Sometimes I'm really in the mood for a good romance story and this one certainly delivers on that. This book has two of my favourite romance tropes; big brother's best friend and enemies to lovers. This was definitely just what I was in the mood for.
Cole or the Cockey Cannon as he's known when he's playing Ice Hockey hides behind the brash, full of himself exterior that his fans love. He has long had a love-hate relationship with his best friends younger sister Nina. It's pretty clear though, that he has always had a soft spot for her and has hidden it well beneath teasing and joking around. She has had similar feelings but is sure that they hate one another. When she needs his help to learn more about hockey, in order to write a romance series, she is reluctant to turn to him but feels she has no choice.
Although both Cole and Nina claim to hate one another, it soon becomes clear that this is far from the truth. I enjoyed the chemistry between them as they came to terms with their attraction and feelings.
In many ways, this book is far from original. It has many of the themes and conflicts that often appear in romance books. Sometimes though, that's just what you are looking for. The characters were well written and the chemistry worked well. The ending was a little cheesy, but really, what else are you expecting or looking for with this type of book?
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Cole or the Cockey Cannon as he's known when he's playing Ice Hockey hides behind the brash, full of himself exterior that his fans love. He has long had a love-hate relationship with his best friends younger sister Nina. It's pretty clear though, that he has always had a soft spot for her and has hidden it well beneath teasing and joking around. She has had similar feelings but is sure that they hate one another. When she needs his help to learn more about hockey, in order to write a romance series, she is reluctant to turn to him but feels she has no choice.
Although both Cole and Nina claim to hate one another, it soon becomes clear that this is far from the truth. I enjoyed the chemistry between them as they came to terms with their attraction and feelings.
In many ways, this book is far from original. It has many of the themes and conflicts that often appear in romance books. Sometimes though, that's just what you are looking for. The characters were well written and the chemistry worked well. The ending was a little cheesy, but really, what else are you expecting or looking for with this type of book?
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 15, 2024
Playmaker, book one in the Players on Ice series is the first book by Ms. Fox that I dove into and I was not disappointed. I am a hockey romance fan and knew that I had to check out her books!
This is a wonderful best friends little sister story that was the perfect combination of a fantastic storyline and memorable characters.
Nina Callaghan is a former figure skater who now writes romance stories finds herself in a slump but her editor offers her an opportunity to write a hockey romance story and you would think having a brother as a professional hockey player that she would understand the game, but that is not the case so she turns to his best friend Cole Cannon (The Playmaker) for help since he has time while he is recovering from a concussion. She also offers to help in out around his house in trade for his help.
I enjoyed the dynamics between Cole and Nina as they hung out in a different capacity than they normally do, meaning without her brother Cason hanging out with them. They have known each other for years and now they have the opportunity to get to know each other on a different level and I loved that they are not just one dimensional characters, especially Cole. His personal and public personas are definitely different and not many people know this. They each have depth, carry their own past family baggage and it took a while for all their secrets to come to the surface and what started out as a mutually beneficial relationship blossomed into so much more.
This is a wonderful best friends little sister story that was the perfect combination of a fantastic storyline and memorable characters.
Nina Callaghan is a former figure skater who now writes romance stories finds herself in a slump but her editor offers her an opportunity to write a hockey romance story and you would think having a brother as a professional hockey player that she would understand the game, but that is not the case so she turns to his best friend Cole Cannon (The Playmaker) for help since he has time while he is recovering from a concussion. She also offers to help in out around his house in trade for his help.
I enjoyed the dynamics between Cole and Nina as they hung out in a different capacity than they normally do, meaning without her brother Cason hanging out with them. They have known each other for years and now they have the opportunity to get to know each other on a different level and I loved that they are not just one dimensional characters, especially Cole. His personal and public personas are definitely different and not many people know this. They each have depth, carry their own past family baggage and it took a while for all their secrets to come to the surface and what started out as a mutually beneficial relationship blossomed into so much more.
December 20, 2021
Very confusing at first until I figured there were a few errors I had to overlook.
I thought the main male character's name was Cole but in the first chapter it is 'Colin' who texts back, not Cole. First major name error.
I have actually read this series out of order and the fist book I read turns out to be the 9th or so in the series about Nina's brother - 'The Trouble Maker' - who is Cole's best friend. In that book however his name was 'Cason'. No wonder I was confused for a while there!! Here Nina's brother is 'Luke'!!
There are also a lot of spelling and grammatical errors throughout this book. I wonder who did the proofreading and editing. I would suggest you find a new one as this one certainly failed in every aspect of the job.
Also a slightly hard to believe aspect of the book was that Nina supposedly knew nothing about ice hockey. For goodness sake... . her brother - only brother, I might add - played in the NHL!!!! She was brought up with it. How could you not know the rules????
Yeah, too many anomalies in this book to be taken seriously I think. The author needs to go back to the drawing board and take a closer look at all her mistakes and fix them all up if the series is to be taken as anything more serious than light hearted reading to fill a bored gap.
That all said, I loved the story and absolutely loved the friendship between Luke and Cole and Luke's reaction at the end. That was beautiful.
I thought the main male character's name was Cole but in the first chapter it is 'Colin' who texts back, not Cole. First major name error.
I have actually read this series out of order and the fist book I read turns out to be the 9th or so in the series about Nina's brother - 'The Trouble Maker' - who is Cole's best friend. In that book however his name was 'Cason'. No wonder I was confused for a while there!! Here Nina's brother is 'Luke'!!
There are also a lot of spelling and grammatical errors throughout this book. I wonder who did the proofreading and editing. I would suggest you find a new one as this one certainly failed in every aspect of the job.
Also a slightly hard to believe aspect of the book was that Nina supposedly knew nothing about ice hockey. For goodness sake... . her brother - only brother, I might add - played in the NHL!!!! She was brought up with it. How could you not know the rules????
Yeah, too many anomalies in this book to be taken seriously I think. The author needs to go back to the drawing board and take a closer look at all her mistakes and fix them all up if the series is to be taken as anything more serious than light hearted reading to fill a bored gap.
That all said, I loved the story and absolutely loved the friendship between Luke and Cole and Luke's reaction at the end. That was beautiful.
March 18, 2019
Nina Callaghan has written several romance books. Now her editor wants on hockey. Even though her brother is a hockey star she knows nothing about the game. She grew up on the ice but as a figure skater, and had a terrible accident that ruined her career. Now trying to figure out what to do she decides to go to Cole Cannon house since he is home because of an injury a concussion. Cole had spent many a day and night at her house and she thought he was teasing her all the time, now going to him and his playboy ways for help is the last thing she wanted to do. Once there she realizes that he has not been taking care of himself, and begins to cook healthier meals except for his cereal. She is also finding out some things about herself and that he is easy to talk to. Later they find they have a connection in and out of the bedroom as well. Later when the brother finds out he is okay with it. The problem comes because he has never told her about his and his twin sister father, so when she brings him to the house Cole goes ballistic and Nina leaves. Realizing he massively screwed up he must come up with some way to apologize to get her back. A very good book with very good characters. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
May 25, 2022
There really isn't much to this read. Not a lot a tension, not a lot of hate, not a lot of hockey. That aside I liked it alright. It's an easy read, it was a fun pairing even if I was rolling my eyes at times. Really there was no hate between these two. I really don't call this an enemies to lovers trope at all. I never once felt like they hated each other. She might have felt annoyed at the nickname when she was young but enough to really hate him? For sure not. Honestly, by biggest pet peeve about this was they called it "hate fuck" and to me it was the furthest thing from hate fucking. Well, to each there own.
The fact that our main girl Nina grew up at the arena and her brother is in the NHL and she knows nothing about hockey is a load of bull! It's just not possible. I didn't much get her relationship with her brother Cason either. They have some work to do to make that better. Right now it's non existant.
I liked Cole alright, I don't have too much to complain about that hasn't already been said. I know I have quite a few complaints about the story. But I stick by my 3 star rating I don't hate it. I could even see reading the next in the series if I feel like a fluff romance read. There isn't much there but it was enjoyable for some steamy scenes, and a few romantic moments.
The fact that our main girl Nina grew up at the arena and her brother is in the NHL and she knows nothing about hockey is a load of bull! It's just not possible. I didn't much get her relationship with her brother Cason either. They have some work to do to make that better. Right now it's non existant.
I liked Cole alright, I don't have too much to complain about that hasn't already been said. I know I have quite a few complaints about the story. But I stick by my 3 star rating I don't hate it. I could even see reading the next in the series if I feel like a fluff romance read. There isn't much there but it was enjoyable for some steamy scenes, and a few romantic moments.
March 6, 2019
This book was amazing!! This book had everything a good book should have.
I really liked the character of Nina. I felt like she was someone I could be friends with. She had a career ending accident but yet she reinvented herself as an author. She is someone who likes to do things for herself even if it is learning a new sport to get the muse going. She is a loyal friend and sister. She is supportive and has a sassy mouth on her.
I felt so many feelings for Cole. This is a man who has basically given himself a split personality. He shows the world one side so that they don't have to see the other. I liked that throughout this book we were able to get a glimpse of that other side along with Nina. She has known him for years but didn't really know him.
I loved the banter and the sexy times between these two characters but what I liked the most was when they were just chilling and having a conversation. They were learning things about each other that surprised the other.
I really liked the character of Nina. I felt like she was someone I could be friends with. She had a career ending accident but yet she reinvented herself as an author. She is someone who likes to do things for herself even if it is learning a new sport to get the muse going. She is a loyal friend and sister. She is supportive and has a sassy mouth on her.
I felt so many feelings for Cole. This is a man who has basically given himself a split personality. He shows the world one side so that they don't have to see the other. I liked that throughout this book we were able to get a glimpse of that other side along with Nina. She has known him for years but didn't really know him.
I loved the banter and the sexy times between these two characters but what I liked the most was when they were just chilling and having a conversation. They were learning things about each other that surprised the other.
March 8, 2019
This was my first time reading a book by Cathryn Fox, and I thought it was great. The Playmaker focuses on Nina, a romance novelist assigned to write a new series about hockey players, and Cole, her brother’s best friend and an NHL hockey player sidelined with an injury. They never got along growing up, but were constants in each other’s lives, so when Nina realizes she needs help learning about hockey to write her new books, she begrudgingly turns to Cole for hockey knowledge.
While learning more about hockey, Nina helps take care of Cole, and she begins to realize that she may never have truly understood him growing up - he might not be the cocky guy he shows the world. I really appreciated how Nina got to know Cole for the first time, despite the countless hours she has spent in his presence in the past. And Cole - there is a lot to love about Cole. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, and I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
While learning more about hockey, Nina helps take care of Cole, and she begins to realize that she may never have truly understood him growing up - he might not be the cocky guy he shows the world. I really appreciated how Nina got to know Cole for the first time, despite the countless hours she has spent in his presence in the past. And Cole - there is a lot to love about Cole. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, and I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
March 15, 2019
Talk about a smoking hot story with a lot of heart! I loved the way Nina and Cole came to care for the other and get to know the real person. Cole was amazing from start to finish, even with his Playmaker ways and flirtations. Both Nina and Cole were understanding of the what the other had been through with their injuries. The pain in Cole during the scene with his father felt so real, that it made my heart hurt too. And how Nina felt after brought tears to my eyes. That whole scenario was heartbreaking and anger all at once. But the two of them in the scenes that followed were bittersweet and beautiful. And with the ending sentences of the epilogue makes me hope that Cason and Jess get their own story.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher through Netgalley.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher through Netgalley.
April 1, 2019
The Playmaker, a great start to the Players on Ice Series by Cathryn Fox. Cole has crushed on Nina for years, but only from afar and only secretly, bro code and all. Nina began writing after a knee injury ended her figure skating career. Nina has avoided Cole in an attempt to hide her Cole fantasy's all these years. Since Nina is writing a series in the hockey sports romance genre, she decides to go to Cole for help, after all he is sidelined with a concussion currently. Is the temptation too much for Cole, can he adhere to the bro code? What happens when one kiss leads to more? Will Cole's best friend forgive him for blurring the lines with Nina & what if Cole confesses he wants more with Nina? Could these two possibly find a HEA? Highly recommend The Playmaker by Cathryn Fox.
I did receive a review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley but I also had purchased the book and am voluntarily leaving my own opinion with my voluntary review.
I did receive a review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley but I also had purchased the book and am voluntarily leaving my own opinion with my voluntary review.
August 28, 2020
I was a little unsure about reading a hockey book but I loved the depth of the characters. Cathryn writes about people who have real problems but are able to find common ground.
Cole is know as the playboy of his team with a different all the time. However when an incident leaves him off the ice he reconnects with Nina. She is the one he has had eyes for his entire life, however is upbringing left him scarred emotionally and physically making him believe he isnt good enough for her.
Nina has hated Cole since she was a teenager but when she has to rely on him to help her that hate she thought she felt was attraction. However how will her brother feel about her being with his best friend?
A perfect mix of excitement, strain and humour. Cathryn writes a perfect story from start to finish
Cole is know as the playboy of his team with a different all the time. However when an incident leaves him off the ice he reconnects with Nina. She is the one he has had eyes for his entire life, however is upbringing left him scarred emotionally and physically making him believe he isnt good enough for her.
Nina has hated Cole since she was a teenager but when she has to rely on him to help her that hate she thought she felt was attraction. However how will her brother feel about her being with his best friend?
A perfect mix of excitement, strain and humour. Cathryn writes a perfect story from start to finish
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2022
I picked this book because it was free on the Kobo store and I like hockey romances. It was an okay read. Entertaining and I liked both Cole and Nina.
However for a book marketed as a sports romance, it was seriously lacking sports. If you don't know anything about hockey don't worry: you won't get lost, there's barely any lingo.
There were also a few grammar mistakes. I'm not a native english speaker and even I noticed them, so they were quite big... I don't know if the author had a beta reading team or an editor, but some of them could've been easily avoided.
There was also too much smut. Yeah I know, I can't believe I'm saying that. But it was almost every chapter and it got boring after a while.
If you're looking for a good hockey romance I'm sure there's better ones out there, but it's not bad.
However for a book marketed as a sports romance, it was seriously lacking sports. If you don't know anything about hockey don't worry: you won't get lost, there's barely any lingo.
There were also a few grammar mistakes. I'm not a native english speaker and even I noticed them, so they were quite big... I don't know if the author had a beta reading team or an editor, but some of them could've been easily avoided.
There was also too much smut. Yeah I know, I can't believe I'm saying that. But it was almost every chapter and it got boring after a while.
If you're looking for a good hockey romance I'm sure there's better ones out there, but it's not bad.
March 22, 2019
He comes from a heart breaking background his father was a cruel sports dad and Ice hockey is his way out and now he is suffering from concussion and all he wants to do is get back on the ice That is until his best friend's sister Nina asks for a favour she needs to write a romance about hockey stars and who better to help her than her brothers best friend Cole He has tormented her all her life calling her ballerina. Cole knows that Nina should be off limits but he has been crushing on her for years and he just has to have one taste but is one taste going to be enough. You will have to read to see This is a sweet fast paced romance that has you turning the pages as fast as you can the dual POV makes it a fun read
April 24, 2019
A smile-inducing, laugh-provoking, sign-worthy romantic comedy that you do not want to miss. The sizzling tension/chemistry between Cole and Nina was off the charts!!!! You could almost feel the sizzle.....I’m not kidding and the heat in this book......so steamy.....oh myyy!!! Delightfully mischievous, this book will keep you reading all night long. Can’t wait for the next book in this series as I think it’s going be one of the phenomenal series this author has written to date! I love this book so much and I have to recommend it and tell everyone to go get a copy to day as you don’t want to miss out on this book/series. Cathryn Fox is a master storyteller and has me coming back for more and more each and every time, just wish I could give more stars.
July 21, 2022
Absolute trash and I loved it. Needs several more rounds of editing, and that was distracting, but overall the story was delightfully predictable and charming.
Lots of open door steam that was decent. A little rushed sometimes but lots of scenes (starting pretty early too, for those impatient readers like me).
Dual POV is pleasing, we got that emotional element from both Cole and Nina. A bit more into Nina’s accident would’ve been good to really understand her feelings.
Classic misunderstanding of intentions and self-perception (she’s too good for me, etc). Always excellent situation of big brother’s best friend. [Sort of] forced proximity. Lots of great tropes with overall solid execution. A bit more of the hockey side would be nice to really lean into the sports romance.
Lots of open door steam that was decent. A little rushed sometimes but lots of scenes (starting pretty early too, for those impatient readers like me).
Dual POV is pleasing, we got that emotional element from both Cole and Nina. A bit more into Nina’s accident would’ve been good to really understand her feelings.
Classic misunderstanding of intentions and self-perception (she’s too good for me, etc). Always excellent situation of big brother’s best friend. [Sort of] forced proximity. Lots of great tropes with overall solid execution. A bit more of the hockey side would be nice to really lean into the sports romance.
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