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Fake Play: An Atlanta Edge Novel
Connor Ellison, one of Atlanta Edge’s best wingers and biggest prankster, is given an ultimatum by the coaches and the PR department. He must stay married until the end of the run for the Cup or be available for trade.
Lily Jones wants nothing to do with the insane demand. But he convinces her the best decision is to play along. If they remain married and pretend to be in love, he offers to save her family’s ice rink from bankruptcy. Anyway, it’s only until the end of the hockey season. Then they can go their separate ways.
Easy-peasy. No way will they go to the finals. No way will they truly fall in love.
*no cliffhangers, standalone.
Lily Jones wants nothing to do with the insane demand. But he convinces her the best decision is to play along. If they remain married and pretend to be in love, he offers to save her family’s ice rink from bankruptcy. Anyway, it’s only until the end of the hockey season. Then they can go their separate ways.
Easy-peasy. No way will they go to the finals. No way will they truly fall in love.
*no cliffhangers, standalone.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2020
6 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Carla Swafford
21 books139 followersCarla Swafford loves romance novels, action/adventure movies, and men, and her books reflect that. And that’s not all, she’s crazy about hockey, and thankfully, no one has made her turn in her Southern Belle card. Carla is married to her high school sweetheart and lives in the southeastern U.S.
Be sure to check out her website. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and BookBub.
www.carlaswafford.com
Be sure to check out her website. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and BookBub.
www.carlaswafford.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
June 8, 2021
I absolutely love hockey romances. It is one of the few things that can get me interested in a book without reading the synopsis. It's even better if once I start reading the book, the author uses actually hockey terms, and goes into great hockey details about the game. This book does exactly that. There was legitimate hockey play (with correct verbiage) and an actual plot with steamy scenes. However, I was hoping for more steamy scenes than there actually was. But for it just being a romance and not anything more, it was a pretty good amount.
For the main male character, we meet Conner. He is the stereotypical team prankster and overall partier. His team, and the entire coaching staff are tired of his games and shenanigans. One more mess-up and Conner is practically off the team.
Lily, the female lead, is one of the two variants we normally see in a hockey romance novel. They are normally, the female who knows nothing about hockey and is just in love, or the female who plays hockey but is never considered an equal to her male counterpart. Lily falls under the latter, however, this isn't know to Conner at the beginning of their "relationship". She is a fantastic hockey player that even had the chance to go and play for the Olympics but the males in her life didn't support her dream and due to some spoiler circumstances, she can't continue playing.
This book is a classic case of going to Las Vegas, getting drunk and waking up married to someone you didn't arrive with. This unforeseen situation is very confusing for Lily as she doesn't drink much but somehow get's "plastered" and wakes up in Conner's bed. For Conner, the known partier, this is a normal day in his life. He is used to waking up next to girls he picked up the night before. The only thing that makes this time different is the marriage license. The plan was for them to get a quiet annulment but the team manager and PR rep won't let Conner off the hook that easily. Now, Conner must convince Lily to stay married to him until the end of the season, in order for him to stay on the team.
What happens when a night neither one can remember, turns out to be the start to an undeniable attraction? If you like sports romances, especially hockey ones, and don't want a ton of sex scenes, this is the book for you.
I gave this book 4 stars, because while the plot and sex scenes were good, it was very predictable and very stereotypical of sports romances.
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
For the main male character, we meet Conner. He is the stereotypical team prankster and overall partier. His team, and the entire coaching staff are tired of his games and shenanigans. One more mess-up and Conner is practically off the team.
Lily, the female lead, is one of the two variants we normally see in a hockey romance novel. They are normally, the female who knows nothing about hockey and is just in love, or the female who plays hockey but is never considered an equal to her male counterpart. Lily falls under the latter, however, this isn't know to Conner at the beginning of their "relationship". She is a fantastic hockey player that even had the chance to go and play for the Olympics but the males in her life didn't support her dream and due to some spoiler circumstances, she can't continue playing.
This book is a classic case of going to Las Vegas, getting drunk and waking up married to someone you didn't arrive with. This unforeseen situation is very confusing for Lily as she doesn't drink much but somehow get's "plastered" and wakes up in Conner's bed. For Conner, the known partier, this is a normal day in his life. He is used to waking up next to girls he picked up the night before. The only thing that makes this time different is the marriage license. The plan was for them to get a quiet annulment but the team manager and PR rep won't let Conner off the hook that easily. Now, Conner must convince Lily to stay married to him until the end of the season, in order for him to stay on the team.
What happens when a night neither one can remember, turns out to be the start to an undeniable attraction? If you like sports romances, especially hockey ones, and don't want a ton of sex scenes, this is the book for you.
I gave this book 4 stars, because while the plot and sex scenes were good, it was very predictable and very stereotypical of sports romances.
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
March 8, 2021
i got this eARC from Netgalley in exhange for a honest review
This sounded so good but ended up being just very boring. The characters were bland and i felt that they had no chemistry what so ever.
This sounded so good but ended up being just very boring. The characters were bland and i felt that they had no chemistry what so ever.
July 3, 2020
Wow this book get so hot you may need a cold shower I absolutely could not get enough of this I was hooked from the first page great writing job bravo loved it and if anyone is looking a steamy wonderful read then add this one to your list you will not be disappointed I was not, I loved it
June 23, 2020
Connor Ellison is a prankster and one of the better hockey players when he has his mind on the game. He is also a PR nightmare with all of the things he does and he needs to stay out of the press. Well, that would be good and all but when he wakes up one morning in Vegas after a game and a News Years Party, he not only discovers Lily Jones in his bed but that they are also married.
Connor has a meeting with team management who express their frustration with him and all of his off the ice issues. He will need to stay married until after the season is over and hopefully they have won the cup, if not he will be gone. Now he must go talk things over with Lily to get her to agree to stay married.
He does this because he offers to help her and her father with the bills that have piled up since the accident her mother was in five years ago. She agrees. Really though the story turns when he goes to the rink that she owns with her father and he finds out that she played women’s hockey in college and was on her way to maybe the Olympic team when she left to help with her mother. When he watches her play goaltender he is amazed by her athletic ability, strength, flexibility, and size. The story begins to take off from here.
Yes, they have issues that they end up working through which is different than other fake marriage books. They also help each other deal with both being from hockey dads so they know what the other one is going through. Here in this book, you see a change in both characters and that is nice and made for a very good book. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
Connor has a meeting with team management who express their frustration with him and all of his off the ice issues. He will need to stay married until after the season is over and hopefully they have won the cup, if not he will be gone. Now he must go talk things over with Lily to get her to agree to stay married.
He does this because he offers to help her and her father with the bills that have piled up since the accident her mother was in five years ago. She agrees. Really though the story turns when he goes to the rink that she owns with her father and he finds out that she played women’s hockey in college and was on her way to maybe the Olympic team when she left to help with her mother. When he watches her play goaltender he is amazed by her athletic ability, strength, flexibility, and size. The story begins to take off from here.
Yes, they have issues that they end up working through which is different than other fake marriage books. They also help each other deal with both being from hockey dads so they know what the other one is going through. Here in this book, you see a change in both characters and that is nice and made for a very good book. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
June 21, 2020
http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com
Thanks to the author for providing a copy of this book via Cocktails and Books and Netgalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
What happens in Las Vegas, doesn’t always stay in Las Vegas. Lily can’t believe her good luck when she visits Las Vegas with friends and meets handsome hockey player, Connor. However, when she wakes up the next morning, she is surprised to learn they are married.
At first, Lily is not impressed with Connor. He may be good looking, but he is also a self centered jerk and she doesn’t want anything to do with him. As they are forced to spend more time together, pretending to love each other and make their fake marriage feel real, Lily sees a softer, nicer side to Connor and she can’t resist the strong sensual pull toward him.
As Connor gets to know Lily, he realizes she is the perfect woman; she loves hockey as much as he does, is athletic, is hot in bed and understands him. They have both been disappointed by their parents and their dads played professional hockey. Lily is also a great hockey player herself and was a goalie in college.
Karla Swafford writes a smoothly written story and although the story of a couple meeting in Vegas, drinking too much and getting married has been done before, this story felt fresh. There are a lot of sparks flowing between Lily and Connor as they slowly get to know each other. They help each other become more confident and to grow into better people. I liked these two together. They are good for each other and have a smoking hot attraction. As they spend time together, they realize they have more in common than they first thought. You don’t want to miss this engaging and sexy hockey story.
Thanks to the author for providing a copy of this book via Cocktails and Books and Netgalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
What happens in Las Vegas, doesn’t always stay in Las Vegas. Lily can’t believe her good luck when she visits Las Vegas with friends and meets handsome hockey player, Connor. However, when she wakes up the next morning, she is surprised to learn they are married.
At first, Lily is not impressed with Connor. He may be good looking, but he is also a self centered jerk and she doesn’t want anything to do with him. As they are forced to spend more time together, pretending to love each other and make their fake marriage feel real, Lily sees a softer, nicer side to Connor and she can’t resist the strong sensual pull toward him.
As Connor gets to know Lily, he realizes she is the perfect woman; she loves hockey as much as he does, is athletic, is hot in bed and understands him. They have both been disappointed by their parents and their dads played professional hockey. Lily is also a great hockey player herself and was a goalie in college.
Karla Swafford writes a smoothly written story and although the story of a couple meeting in Vegas, drinking too much and getting married has been done before, this story felt fresh. There are a lot of sparks flowing between Lily and Connor as they slowly get to know each other. They help each other become more confident and to grow into better people. I liked these two together. They are good for each other and have a smoking hot attraction. As they spend time together, they realize they have more in common than they first thought. You don’t want to miss this engaging and sexy hockey story.
June 30, 2020
4.5 Stars!
I really enjoyed Fake Play by new to me author Carla Swafford. This is a hot sports romance, with a subplot that includes of a marriage of convenience. Two of my favorite tropes rolled into one book.
Lily Jones grew up with a dad that basically ignored her, in order to ensure that her brother excelled in hockey. Lily's dad used to be a professional hockey player and wanted the same for his talented son. Thanks to Lily's mom dedication, Lily excelled in hockey as well, and she almost became a member of the Olympic hockey team. Lily and her dad became a bit closer when Lily's mom fell into a coma about five years ago. Now Lily and her dad own the local hockey rink, and Lily works very hard to pay down their ever increasing debt. Lily finds herself married to a professional hockey player, Conner Ellison, after she lets herself lose after a long awaited weekend to Las Vegas.
Conner Ellison hails from money and hockey greatness. His dad is an NHL legend and he never lets him forget it. His mom is a bit of a doormat, yet quite sweet at times. Conner's reputation isn't the most pristine, so when he gets married to Lily by mistake, his coaches tell him to stay married in order to help him clean up his image. Lily agrees to stay married, in exchange for Conner helping her financially. They share an attraction that evolves into much more.
I liked this emotional and steamy story. It is a quick read, with lots of excitement. Getting to know both Lily and Connor was both fun and heartbreaking. Overall, a solid romance that kept me engaged from start to finish.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
I really enjoyed Fake Play by new to me author Carla Swafford. This is a hot sports romance, with a subplot that includes of a marriage of convenience. Two of my favorite tropes rolled into one book.
Lily Jones grew up with a dad that basically ignored her, in order to ensure that her brother excelled in hockey. Lily's dad used to be a professional hockey player and wanted the same for his talented son. Thanks to Lily's mom dedication, Lily excelled in hockey as well, and she almost became a member of the Olympic hockey team. Lily and her dad became a bit closer when Lily's mom fell into a coma about five years ago. Now Lily and her dad own the local hockey rink, and Lily works very hard to pay down their ever increasing debt. Lily finds herself married to a professional hockey player, Conner Ellison, after she lets herself lose after a long awaited weekend to Las Vegas.
Conner Ellison hails from money and hockey greatness. His dad is an NHL legend and he never lets him forget it. His mom is a bit of a doormat, yet quite sweet at times. Conner's reputation isn't the most pristine, so when he gets married to Lily by mistake, his coaches tell him to stay married in order to help him clean up his image. Lily agrees to stay married, in exchange for Conner helping her financially. They share an attraction that evolves into much more.
I liked this emotional and steamy story. It is a quick read, with lots of excitement. Getting to know both Lily and Connor was both fun and heartbreaking. Overall, a solid romance that kept me engaged from start to finish.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
August 29, 2020
Fake Play had me hooked right from the beginning. I feel like I read so many books with the fake relationship/marriage plot but this one was different and kept me guessing right up to the end!
This story immediately starts with them waking up in bed together and realizing that they got wasted and ended up getting married. I really enjoyed the characters in this story and the fact that it had more depth to it considering what was going on with Lily's mother.
Lily was a great character that could hold her own and loved hockey just as much as the next guy. She had a lot going on and definitely had to deal with some tough times. Thankfully she had Connor to lean on for some of the harder moments. Connor was a hockey player with the Atlanta Edge and a pretty cool guy.
I was kinda surprised at how his parents treated him and acted towards him though. It was also interesting to see how Lily got along with her father and brother. It seemed like communication was not a big thing in Lily's family considering what she found out about her brother when he finally came back to visit.
I really liked the chemistry between Lily and Connor from the beginning. This story was steamy and a bit more graphic in the bedroom than I was expecting IMO. I loved how Connor was in this story though and how quickly he fell in love with Lily and everything about her. Most of the guys from her past were 'disgusted' by the fact that she played hockey and were good at it. Connor loved that about her. I thought the ending was cute with the zamboni but I wish the epilogue had a bit more in it; or was a bit farther out to see how life was going. Honestly the ending made me gasp even though the author did hint at it a few times; I still wasn't expecting it!
This story immediately starts with them waking up in bed together and realizing that they got wasted and ended up getting married. I really enjoyed the characters in this story and the fact that it had more depth to it considering what was going on with Lily's mother.
Lily was a great character that could hold her own and loved hockey just as much as the next guy. She had a lot going on and definitely had to deal with some tough times. Thankfully she had Connor to lean on for some of the harder moments. Connor was a hockey player with the Atlanta Edge and a pretty cool guy.
I was kinda surprised at how his parents treated him and acted towards him though. It was also interesting to see how Lily got along with her father and brother. It seemed like communication was not a big thing in Lily's family considering what she found out about her brother when he finally came back to visit.
I really liked the chemistry between Lily and Connor from the beginning. This story was steamy and a bit more graphic in the bedroom than I was expecting IMO. I loved how Connor was in this story though and how quickly he fell in love with Lily and everything about her. Most of the guys from her past were 'disgusted' by the fact that she played hockey and were good at it. Connor loved that about her. I thought the ending was cute with the zamboni but I wish the epilogue had a bit more in it; or was a bit farther out to see how life was going. Honestly the ending made me gasp even though the author did hint at it a few times; I still wasn't expecting it!
June 11, 2020
Two strangers wake up in Las Vegas on New Year's day to find out they've gotten married overnight. Connor Ellison is a winger on the NHL team in Atlanta called the Edge. Neither his coaches or management have been happy with his off-ice shenanigans. He's already been warned that he needs to clean up his act or he could be put on waivers to be made available for a trade. Lily Jones wants nothing to do with Connor in spite of the insane attraction she feels to him. He finds an incentive for her to stay married until the team finishes the hockey season by offering to save her family’s ice rink from bankruptcy.
This book is a fast-paced read and I liked how the romance between Connor and Lily grows, as the spend time with each other. Both are children of former NHL stars, so they have more in common than they first realize and it works well in the plot. It's a worthy escape for a few hours with the perfect amount of steam!
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
This book is a fast-paced read and I liked how the romance between Connor and Lily grows, as the spend time with each other. Both are children of former NHL stars, so they have more in common than they first realize and it works well in the plot. It's a worthy escape for a few hours with the perfect amount of steam!
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
July 1, 2020
After a hockey game in Las Vegas on New Year's Eve, and a wild party after the game, Lily wakes up hungover. Except she's not in her own room with her friends, She's with Connor, Atlanta bad boy hockey player. And apparently, they're married. They both want an annulment, but he's been a bit of a PR problem for the team, and he's told to suck it up and stay married until the end of the season. He's willing to do it for the sake of his career. Now he has to convince Lily. Easier said than done, and it's gonna cost him, more than just money. The book is an easy read, very well-written. Lily and Connor have more in common than they think, and as they learn about each other, real feelings begin to develop. I enjoy when the bad boy in him pushes her buttons, but she pushes back sometimes. The more I read about her father, the less I liked him. Yes, he lost his wife just like Lily and her brother lost their mother. But her father forced her to make all the sacrifices in her life, and then kept secrets about their business. And Connor's parents, his father in particular, had very unreal expectations, and some not so nice things to say about him. This is a standalone book, but I want to read more in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 1, 2020
Connor Ellison, one of Atlanta Edge’s best wingers and biggest prankster, is given an ultimatum by the coaches and the PR department. He must stay married until the end of the run for the Cup or be available for trade.
Lily Jones wants nothing to do with the insane demand. But he convinces her the best decision is to play along. If they remain married and pretend to be in love, he offers to save her family’s ice rink from bankruptcy. Anyway, it’s only until the end of the hockey season. Then they can go their separate ways.
I love sports romance and this one does not disappoint! I loved it from start to finish. I read a lot of hockey related romance novels. I couldn't put it down. Connor and Lily are such a great couple and even when difficulties are tossed their way, they still come out stronger. Each have their own demons but they face them as they should - together. I loved this book and would read more from this author.
Lily Jones wants nothing to do with the insane demand. But he convinces her the best decision is to play along. If they remain married and pretend to be in love, he offers to save her family’s ice rink from bankruptcy. Anyway, it’s only until the end of the hockey season. Then they can go their separate ways.
I love sports romance and this one does not disappoint! I loved it from start to finish. I read a lot of hockey related romance novels. I couldn't put it down. Connor and Lily are such a great couple and even when difficulties are tossed their way, they still come out stronger. Each have their own demons but they face them as they should - together. I loved this book and would read more from this author.
June 4, 2020
Is there hope for Connor and Lily’s marriage?
Lily Jones wants a fun trip to Las Vegas with her friends for a weekend when she woke up married to hockey player Connor Ellison. Their first thought was to arrange an annulment until his team found out and told him that he needed to stay married until the end of the season otherwise he would be traded. Lily wanted to get the divorce until Connor said he would help financially the skating rink that she owned with her dad.
Could Connor stop pulling jokes on his teammates or would the ultimatum make him realize that there was more in life that being the center of the crowd and Lily was happy just being together at home so maybe there might be hope for the marriage.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lily Jones wants a fun trip to Las Vegas with her friends for a weekend when she woke up married to hockey player Connor Ellison. Their first thought was to arrange an annulment until his team found out and told him that he needed to stay married until the end of the season otherwise he would be traded. Lily wanted to get the divorce until Connor said he would help financially the skating rink that she owned with her dad.
Could Connor stop pulling jokes on his teammates or would the ultimatum make him realize that there was more in life that being the center of the crowd and Lily was happy just being together at home so maybe there might be hope for the marriage.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 10, 2020
I don't usually enjoy sports romance stories but this one blew me out of the water. What happens in Vegas is supposed to stay in Vegas except for Connor Ellison who's team, the Atlanta Edge informs him that his drunken Vegas wedding is the last straw and he must stay married. Lily Jones is not a drunken, dance on the table type of girl but apparently that is exactly what happened on a girl's trip to Las Vegas. Oh, and she apparently got married to the Atlanta Edge bad boy and has been informed that the marriage will continue. What? Lily learns that her family business, the local skating rink is having financial issues which Connor quickly promises to fix if she will stay married to him for six months. No problem except that she begins to have feelings for him and he finds out that he likes being married. Great writing and a truly wonderful love story. Will definitely buy ore books from this author.
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest and totally voluntary review.
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest and totally voluntary review.
June 20, 2020
Fake play is a sports romance mixed with Vegas wedding that shouldn’t have happened. A News Years party brings Lily to a party in Vegas with her friends that is filled with Atlanta Edge hockey players. A little letting loose never hurts anyone right ? Well that is until you wake up in the morning to sharing a bed with a naked hockey player, a large rock on your finger, and a nasty hangover with no memory.
Connor is the bad boy of his team. He’s wild, pulls pranks, and well the media portrays his as a playboy. Management and PR are about done with his current image and have set the line. Turning up married is the last thing he needs but when they say stay married through the end of the season or else what are you suppose to do?
Lily has her own issues. Her family is a little dysfunctional, her family rink isn’t doing as well as she thought, and she was a born a girl instead of a boy. So this hockey loving girl is offered the chance to stay married to help Connor what could she possibly do?
Their journey is filled with discovering each other, themselves, battling family demons, and just have a lot of fun together. Could it be a match made in heaven?
I really enjoyed this book. It was very good and had I not had to work I could have finished it in one sitting. I enjoyed a lot.
Connor is the bad boy of his team. He’s wild, pulls pranks, and well the media portrays his as a playboy. Management and PR are about done with his current image and have set the line. Turning up married is the last thing he needs but when they say stay married through the end of the season or else what are you suppose to do?
Lily has her own issues. Her family is a little dysfunctional, her family rink isn’t doing as well as she thought, and she was a born a girl instead of a boy. So this hockey loving girl is offered the chance to stay married to help Connor what could she possibly do?
Their journey is filled with discovering each other, themselves, battling family demons, and just have a lot of fun together. Could it be a match made in heaven?
I really enjoyed this book. It was very good and had I not had to work I could have finished it in one sitting. I enjoyed a lot.
June 8, 2020
4.5/5 stars
I received Fake Play through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Fake Play starts in Vegas where Lily and Connor realize that they got drunkenly married the night before. Lily is the daughter of a former hockey player and helps her dad run the ice rink he owns. Connor also has a former hockey player as a father and is current a player himself. He has a reputation for being a playboy and is ready to swear off all of the stunts when he finds himself in his biggest stunt of all. Follow Lily and Connor as they make their way through this sudden relationship and see where life takes them.
I am a huge hockey romance fan and I am happy to say that Fake Play was one of my favorites that I’ve read. I loved seeing how Lily and Connor found themselves throughout their relationship after being thrust together one drunken night. Fake Play was well written and had just the right amount of chemistry, family drama and sexy scenes.
I am glad I got the chance to read Fake Play and look forward to reading other books by Carla Swafford.
I received Fake Play through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Fake Play starts in Vegas where Lily and Connor realize that they got drunkenly married the night before. Lily is the daughter of a former hockey player and helps her dad run the ice rink he owns. Connor also has a former hockey player as a father and is current a player himself. He has a reputation for being a playboy and is ready to swear off all of the stunts when he finds himself in his biggest stunt of all. Follow Lily and Connor as they make their way through this sudden relationship and see where life takes them.
I am a huge hockey romance fan and I am happy to say that Fake Play was one of my favorites that I’ve read. I loved seeing how Lily and Connor found themselves throughout their relationship after being thrust together one drunken night. Fake Play was well written and had just the right amount of chemistry, family drama and sexy scenes.
I am glad I got the chance to read Fake Play and look forward to reading other books by Carla Swafford.
June 26, 2020
This is a fast fun read that will have you engaged through out
Connor Ellison is a winger for the edge a NHL team and his coach and owners aren't happy with him he has been told to clean up his act or he will be traded Lily Jones is deeply attracted to Connor but she knows he is trouble and wants nothing to do with him. So how did they wake up in Las Vegas married to one another and can he convince her to remain married to him. Connor offers to save her parents ice rink if she will just stay married to him until the end of the season Should she contemplate it or should she walk away and what about this attraction that is growing between them Are they in fact the perfect match and could they get a HEA you will have to read to see
Connor Ellison is a winger for the edge a NHL team and his coach and owners aren't happy with him he has been told to clean up his act or he will be traded Lily Jones is deeply attracted to Connor but she knows he is trouble and wants nothing to do with him. So how did they wake up in Las Vegas married to one another and can he convince her to remain married to him. Connor offers to save her parents ice rink if she will just stay married to him until the end of the season Should she contemplate it or should she walk away and what about this attraction that is growing between them Are they in fact the perfect match and could they get a HEA you will have to read to see
June 17, 2020
Despite the fact that I know next to nothing about ice hockey, I do seem to enjoy these 'hockey romances.' I haven't read one by Carla Swafford before, but she seems to know her stuff (as much as someone who hasn't a clue can judge that is).
Fake Play is a fake relationship romance. This genre can be difficult to convincingly set up, but for the most part this one worked. I did wonder why neither of them could remember what had happened, but that was explained towards the end. The idea with this one is that after a drunken night, these two strangers end up married to one another. Connor, our ice hockey star, needs to remain married to help counter all of the stories about his wild lifestyle. Lily needs his help to save her families ice rink, so agrees to play along.
I liked the romance between these two. Connor, in particular, is quite a sweetheart and he soon wants far more than the fake relationship that they're playing at. It takes Lily a little longer, but they still worked really well together.
This isn't a perfect romance. We never find out what inspired them to marry in the first place and unlike many from this genre, there's no sudden crisis that brings everything right. In some ways it was a nice change not to have that.
I enjoyed Fake Play and I'd be more than happy to read more from Carla Swafford.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Fake Play is a fake relationship romance. This genre can be difficult to convincingly set up, but for the most part this one worked. I did wonder why neither of them could remember what had happened, but that was explained towards the end. The idea with this one is that after a drunken night, these two strangers end up married to one another. Connor, our ice hockey star, needs to remain married to help counter all of the stories about his wild lifestyle. Lily needs his help to save her families ice rink, so agrees to play along.
I liked the romance between these two. Connor, in particular, is quite a sweetheart and he soon wants far more than the fake relationship that they're playing at. It takes Lily a little longer, but they still worked really well together.
This isn't a perfect romance. We never find out what inspired them to marry in the first place and unlike many from this genre, there's no sudden crisis that brings everything right. In some ways it was a nice change not to have that.
I enjoyed Fake Play and I'd be more than happy to read more from Carla Swafford.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 3, 2020
I throughly enjoyed this story. I love hockey romance and the fake marriage when both parties are on the same page..
Connor is a winger on the Atlanta NHL team. Lily is a hockey player and now involved in the family ice rink. Both have daddy issues.
When they find themselves married after a drunken night in LV they agree to remain married through the hockey season for reasons that benefit themselves.
I really loved this story and the characters.
These two fit so well together and were great for each other once they truly got to know each other . Great chemistry and story line.
I enjoyed this authors writing style.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Connor is a winger on the Atlanta NHL team. Lily is a hockey player and now involved in the family ice rink. Both have daddy issues.
When they find themselves married after a drunken night in LV they agree to remain married through the hockey season for reasons that benefit themselves.
I really loved this story and the characters.
These two fit so well together and were great for each other once they truly got to know each other . Great chemistry and story line.
I enjoyed this authors writing style.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 11, 2020
Fake marriage that isn't really fake, betrayal (nothing super major, and not a main plot line), and a surprise. This book held my attention the whole way through. I loved the romance. It was gripping and sexy.
Regardless of the love for this novel, there is always something that doesn't quite click. I felt like one of the major plot lines in the summary was never full flushed out. It was brought up in the beginning, but just was left there. Nothing else really mentioned about it.
Besides some other minor annoyances, it was a great read. Sports romance with heart aches, love, and drama.
I received an advanced copy from Net Galley for an honest review.
Regardless of the love for this novel, there is always something that doesn't quite click. I felt like one of the major plot lines in the summary was never full flushed out. It was brought up in the beginning, but just was left there. Nothing else really mentioned about it.
Besides some other minor annoyances, it was a great read. Sports romance with heart aches, love, and drama.
I received an advanced copy from Net Galley for an honest review.
July 1, 2020
I really like Connor. Sure there are a couple of times I wanted to yell at him, but over all he is a good guy with a rocky past and outrageous reputation, but he is more than that outward shell and some of his baggage is not deserved. I like Lily. She is caring and loving and strong and family driven, but again there was at least one time I wanted to thump her on her nose.Connor has horrible parents and Lily has issues with her family as well. Elise is sweet and seems like she would be fun. Kami is a problem child with major issues and she really should be dealt with a little more seriously. The writing is good, the characters are well written and the story has unique pieces. There are some unexpected twists. I really like this one. 4 and a half stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 2, 2020
Fake Play by Carla Swafford is a sweet,interesting,intriguing and steamy sports romance story of Connor and Lily filled with family drama.. one of Atlanta Edge’s best wingers and biggest prankster,Lily is a part owner of ice rink and former goalie in women hockey team..Two strangers wake up in the same bed after partying in Las Vegas to discover they are married. He must stay married until the end of the run for the Cup or be available for trade..he offers to save her family’s ice rink from bankruptcy, remain married and pretend to be in love, until the end of the hockey season and Then they can go their separate ways.; Easy right? first time reader by the author and it wont be the last,well done!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 22, 2020
When Lily wakes up in Vegas after a New Years party, she not only finds a man in her bed but a ring on her finger. Conner is known as a prankster on the Atlanta Edge team but this is a prank he didn't see coming!
After returning to Atlanta, the team management sees this quick marriage as the perfect opportunity to improve Conner's reputation. Lily isn't convinced it's a good idea but when she realizes this partnership can help save her father's ice rink, she agrees.
We soon realize that Conner isn't such a bad boy, just a little lost and with Lily he starts to see his own worth off the ice. The chemistry between these two is hot from the beginning, but the friendship they build is even sweeter.
After returning to Atlanta, the team management sees this quick marriage as the perfect opportunity to improve Conner's reputation. Lily isn't convinced it's a good idea but when she realizes this partnership can help save her father's ice rink, she agrees.
We soon realize that Conner isn't such a bad boy, just a little lost and with Lily he starts to see his own worth off the ice. The chemistry between these two is hot from the beginning, but the friendship they build is even sweeter.
June 26, 2020
This was a really cute fake dating romance! I liked Lily and Conner and their relationship.
They have both been through a lot and we get to see their different coping mechanisms and hangups when it comes to relationships. I like how they are there for each other and really support each other.
A few things happened that were a bit weird, but overall the story was really good. I'm hoping that we get to read Elise's story soon.
Thank you to Carla Swafford and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
They have both been through a lot and we get to see their different coping mechanisms and hangups when it comes to relationships. I like how they are there for each other and really support each other.
A few things happened that were a bit weird, but overall the story was really good. I'm hoping that we get to read Elise's story soon.
Thank you to Carla Swafford and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 2, 2020
After a drunken Las Vegas wedding to a complete stranger, charming and sexy hockey player Connor finds out that he needs to stay married to Lily in order to keep his spot on the team secure. Lily is trying to keep her family afloat with her family's skating rink in financial trouble. But marrying Connor in Las Vegas could be the answer to her problems and might solve her money problems. While they both may have entered into the marriage under the influence, they may be just what the other person needs. Connor and Lily have great chemistry , hot together and the banter between them is great.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 20, 2020
I love hockey romance and I enjoy the “fake marriage” trope so I was pumped to read this book. It was a fun book with more serious moments.
Lily and Connor wake up in Vegas after not remembering getting married. This part was a bit cliche, but I liked how they played it with Connor being kind of a jerk, but then being sweet. It showed what kind of guy he was.
Lily agrees to stay married until the hockey season is over, but has so many stresses in her life that she struggles with her feelings.
Considering the events at the beginning, the book was low angst. Connor and Lily had rough childhoods with some bad parenting. They may have avoided emotions at times, but they talked things out. The family dynamics in this book were great, those little moments really helped define the two MCs.
I will definitely read more from this author!
Lily and Connor wake up in Vegas after not remembering getting married. This part was a bit cliche, but I liked how they played it with Connor being kind of a jerk, but then being sweet. It showed what kind of guy he was.
Lily agrees to stay married until the hockey season is over, but has so many stresses in her life that she struggles with her feelings.
Considering the events at the beginning, the book was low angst. Connor and Lily had rough childhoods with some bad parenting. They may have avoided emotions at times, but they talked things out. The family dynamics in this book were great, those little moments really helped define the two MCs.
I will definitely read more from this author!
June 27, 2020
A entertaining read. The story was enjoyable, the characters are likeable and have great chemistry. A great hockey romance story with a happy ending. Looking forward to read more from this author.
I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 30, 2020
Carla Swafford has written a 5-star book. Lily and Connor have gotten married while drunk. Connor is a hockey player and he is told to stay married until after the playoffs. Connor goes to talk to Lily and makes a deal with her, they stay married for 6 months and he will help with her mom's medical bills and also the ice rink bills. At first, things don't go well for them but as they spend more time together their feelings change.
Will Lily and Connor realize that they love each other and stay together or will they get a divorce when the 6 months are over?
This was a wonderful book and I would recommend it to anyone.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Will Lily and Connor realize that they love each other and stay together or will they get a divorce when the 6 months are over?
This was a wonderful book and I would recommend it to anyone.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 30, 2020
Yes, after a drunk night in Vegas they wake up married and neither remembers. Yes, the team management wants him to stay married for 6 mo. because of his bad boy image. But then the story changes and it's not like all the other "fake" marriage stories. We get some back story on both, their childhood and parents. What they dealt with then and still trying to cope with today. We get to see the they stand up for each other and stand together and fall in love.
Well written and edited. this will stay on my Kindle for another read in the future and I look forward to reading more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Well written and edited. this will stay on my Kindle for another read in the future and I look forward to reading more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 1, 2020
I volunteered to read this ARC for an honest review. I enjoyed this story about Connor and Lily. He's a player for Atlanta and she works with her dad at a hockey rink. When she heads to Vegas with her two friends for new years, she gets an unexpected surprise. Waking up married to Connor, her secret crush, is a little overwhelming. Connor has pulled several pranks and management feels he needs to stick out his quicky marriage to salvage his reputation. But surprises keep getting shot their way. Great HEA in the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 2, 2020
A really good book! Read it all in a few hours. The main characters were well developed and relatable. If you like ice hockey and enjoy HEAs then I recommend you give this book a read.
June 10, 2020
Carla Swafford draws the reader in from the opening chapter of Fake Play. The characters are engaging and easily relatable. Once you start, you will not want to set this book down! It’s everything I love in a sports romance. Awesome job Carla and can’t wait to read the next book. Happy reading everyone!! 4 1/2 star 🌟
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