Playboys and virgins shouldn't mix, like vodka and important decisions. But some things are worth the risk...
Until now, college has been fun and games—all girls and hockey, all the time. It’s senior year, though, and I’m still undrafted and unsigned. If I plan to play professional hockey, I need to prove to my critics that I can be a leader and take my hockey game seriously.
But that doesn’t mean I need to get serious in my private life.
As the team captain, I’m expected to compete in a campus dance competition, and I get partnered with Ivy Deveraux. She’s beautiful, no-nonsense, hyper-focused on her dance career… everything I’m not. I’m drawn to her but she doesn’t strike me as a casual kind of girl. I expect her to steer clear of a playboy like me. Except, Ivy has just come through something life-changing, and she’s ready to have some fun—by getting involved with me.
Spending time with her makes me want to be better, on the ice and off. But can I prove to her that the playboy in me is worth a real chance?
Josie Blake writes feel-good contemporary romance with heat and emotion. Originally from a small town in western Pennsylvania, she now battles traffic in southern New Jersey where she lives with her hero husband and their happily-ever-after: two very energetic sons. When she isn't writing, she can be found next to a hockey rink or swimming pool, cooking up something sweet, or hiding from encroaching dust bunnies with a book.
"He's right. We're complete opposites. He's the local hockey bimbo, and I'm still a virgin at 21."
The Playmaker is the third book in the Chesterboro University series by Josie Blake. Each story is a standalone but the series is linked, and we meet a new pair in each book. This is Declan and Ivy's story and I totally loved them 💕.
Each story revolves around a member of the Chesterboro hockey team and Declan is the team captain this year, replacing Cord from book 1 The Captain. He's a playmaker, a playboy, a charmer - and has no intention of getting into a relationship.
Ivy is a dancer, a 'good girl', a cancer survivor - and a virgin.
The pair are thrown together to compete in a campus dance competion and sparks begin to fly between them....
Ivy is a dancer who is recovering from lymphoma. Declan is the captain of a hockey team. Ivy doesn't do casual relationships and Declan doesn't do anything serious, too afraid to turn into his father who is getting his fourth divorce right now. Ivy and Declan seem like opposites on the surface but they get paired together for a charity dance competition. The experience changes both of them. But is Ivy's cancer back?
I loved this book. It is beautifully written, well edited, with emotion and nice dialogue, some funny bits. I liked both main characters and this story seemed real. Steam level: there is some sexual content. Series status: It's part of an interconnected series of the guys in the hockey team but can be read as a standalone. Favorite quote: "This heart attack isn't going to eat itself."
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am really enjoying this series so far. Declan and Ivy have.an adorable meet cute, and it is so evident there are sparks flying between them. I really feel for Ivy and what she is going through, I also feel for Declan and his struggles with his dad. However, I do love both characters are as they sweet, caring and very family oriented. These two are such a cute couple, and I admit there were some very nerve-racking minutes when trouble arises. The ending is a good segue to the next romance!
I received a free advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a fair and honest review.
Declan is the notorious hockey playboy with a bad boy image who turns into a simp for sweet innocent dancer Ivy. They bring out the best in each other and the last 25% or so is just all the sweetness!! He takes care of her while sick trope for one-two chapters and the rest I’d say is friends/dance partners to lovers - should be able to read as a stand alone!
This was a great college romance book! In fact, I’m not sure there was anything about this book I didn’t love. And I couldn’t help but fall in love right along with the main characters.
Declan and Ivy’s story is such an easy-going tale of, the hockey-playing manwhore, and the first-time virgin. Ivy has been dealing with a monumental illness. She knows she only beginning to deal with the treatment stage and has cleaned out her dorm room, but wants to spend one more night as a carefree college student. So, she ends up at, Shepherd Hall party central. When Declan sees her she has just received a red solo cup full of beer.
She gulps down a large amount of beer in one drink. When she is about to take her next drink, Declan laughs saying, if she pinches her nose will help it too. You see she’s off, the method of drinking it quickly, while it's cold and equally fast on the second. Either way, it still tastes extremely bad. Then, when she notices him, she has, to step back, to take him all in. She's just surprised when he, introduces himself.
Declan tells her he had been, watching her dance. She asks him straight up if, that's a line he’s, leading with. He only nods, stepping closer. Between his looks and the way he gazes at her, she is all in. He takes her around the waist and walks, her onto the dance floor. She didn't expect him, to be as good as, he is. They move in sync. Declan then asks if, she would like, to go somewhere quieter. To which she responds, ‘Absolutely.’
There are a couple of things, she knows for sure about, Declan. One, his teammates love him. Two, he is, a playboy. Her friends are not happy, with her choice. The way she looks at it, tomorrow everything will be completely different, and all she knows is gone. They are now on the third floor, opening a door, and she asks if it is his. He says, no a teammate. He said I, could use it.’ Her beer brain clears, “You arranged, a hookup room.” For the first time he looks uncomfortable, then shakes his head no. “A concussion has my friend, Linc out for the season, maybe longer. That was fast and unexpected. It could have been, any of us. I was thinking I might want, to be alone.”
“Not alone, though,” she says. He knows, he says. Although, she fully understands. Once the doctors said they suspect cancer, all Ivy wanted is to be alone. Truthfully, what she wants is to, not be around people who don't understand. The night, Ivy would finally give her virginity away. All was good until, Declan asked if, her scar hurt. No follow-up question, nothing but a kiss right below the scar. Panic strikes. She says it's all wrong she only went upstairs to make out not to catch feelings. I should get home. This is a huge mistake. He says, ‘Stay.’ She says, ‘Why?’
‘He answers, I want to hold you.’ She gets up the next morning to leave and he asks if she’s sneaking out to do the walk of shame. She is disheartened because she has no bragging rights. After all, they only cuddled. They would not see each other again for a year and a half. Not for lack of thinking of one another either. See what happens when they happen upon each other, again.
First of why does good reads still not have the .5 option? like come on its 2022.
First of all can I say wow? Declan I wasn't expecting him to be honest. His character was little vague in the previous books. I do personally feel like he didn't live up to the playboy title- I feel like with him it was more talk than anything especially when we got the first peak at him and ivy.
Declan suffers from ADHD and I love that Josie has made a character who suffers with this- Its not touched on too much but you can definitely tell with Declan that he suffers from this. He's very energetic, chaotic I would say? he's unpredictable on the ice but when he needs to be focused he finds ways to be focused- he never sits still and as a suffer I know how hard it is to not fidget and your mind be constantly racing. Which is why I really Love Josie for this.
Ivy is incredible for everything she went through to come out on top the way she has is just wow. Her and Declan's relationship was everything I needed and my heart broke for him at the end it really did. The fear of Ivy's past illness is always going to linger but I loved how he took care of her and always knew what she needed.
The reason for the .5 being reduced. I can't get over the lack of epilogue- I also feel like we could have had a little more spice, it was kind of mild (the sex scenes are still good, I just wish they were a little more) idk it might just be me.
I'm dying for Asher's instalment I have a feeling were gonna love him!!
✨✨✨✨.5 for the story. ✨✨ for the smut ✨✨✨✨ for the author.
This was a second read for me but I didn't have a solid recollection of it so it felt like more of a first read. The Playmaker is the 3rd book in Blake's Chesterboro series and it's the strongest so far for me. I felt like Blake had a much better handle on the banter with Ivy and Declan - although it still could have been better, it was light-years ahead of books 1 & 2. I loved Declan. He's the definition of golden retriever energy. Ivy is a bad ass too. What she's overcome is inspiring and makes her relatable even if you haven't experienced the same thing. Ivy & Declan felt like a good pairing, their chemistry felt natural and endearing and I was really rooting for them. I loved the dance element too. Something you don't see often but I really loved how easily and shamelessly Declan embraced it. I was so glad there wasn't any I'm too macho to dance garbage. Dance is very underrepresented in sports romance so I love getting to read about it. Again, for a hockey series, there wasn't a lot of hockey. Less than book 2 but more than book 1. Overall, The Playmaker has been the strongest book in this series for me and although it's not the best series I've ever read in my entire life, it's a solid series with charming and relatable characters that draws you in and keeps you coming back for more. What more could you ask for, really? I'm excited for book 4 next - I also love how each book ends with a little stepping stone into the next one, something you don't see often but I really like it!
This is book number 3 of the Chesterboro University series and focuses on Declan and Ivy. Declan is the captain of the hockey team at his school and is known for having casual relationships because he doesn't want to turn out like his dad when it comes to relationships. Declan's only goal is to make it to the NHL but so far he hasn't made it. Ivy is the opposite of Declan and doesn't do casual. Ivy is recovering from complex medical illnesses and is hyper focused on her dance career. These 2 were opposites on paper but together they made so much sense! I loved this story so much! This author has such great story telling skills and is able to give the characters such great depth. I have absolutely loved every book in this series and can't wait to see what book 4 brings us in just a few months. If you haven't picked up this book yet, I 100% recommend you do so soon!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Declan and Ivy's story was very sweet and I really enjoyed the dual P.O.V'S. Declan is a hockey player who's only focused on doing everything he can to make it into the NHL. He doesn't do commitments he only does casual so when he meets Ivy who's a dedicated dancer that doesn't do casual at a college party it's not their time. Life takes them in different directions for a while until they see each other again on a contest like dancing with the stars for their school. The sparks fly right away even though they're both so different. You really need to read this wonderful story to see what happens. I would definitely recommend reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Declan is a hockey player and Ivy is a dancer who has her cancer in remission. Declan is a playboy and partier, but wants to get really serious about his hockey career. Ivy only does serious and has not been with a man due to her determination to get past the lymphoma and concentrate on her dancing. These two have to team up for a dance competition and it may just be the best decision ever. The characters are well developed, with great backstories and determination. The storyline has a roller coaster ride going until they finally fall into sync with each other. Loved their chemistry, banter, and dancing practices. The ending was a great culmination of events and situations.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Declan juega hockey, esta en su ultimo año y es muy probable que sea fichado para NHL. Ivy es una chica que estudia baile y que esta pasando por una prueba difícil y decide una noche olvidarse de sus problemas y entregarse a un jugador de Hockey (Declan) solo que deciden solamente dormir abrazados. 1 año mas tarde, en un evento de baile, Ivy es emparejada con Declan. Declan no se compromete, porque su papa siempre entra y sale de las relaciones. Poco a poco se iran haciendo mas amigos y un beso llevara la relación un poco mas seria.
OPINION: 2/5, no me gusto mucho, empezó muy lenta, mucho párrafo explicativo de mas. Al final se pone super interesante, pero solo el 20% del libro (el final). No me lleno, la descripción de los personajes es mas completa. Spicy 2/5
Ms. Josie Blake, you did again!! What a read. I’m all up in my feels at the moment so I’ll make this one quick; the writing in this book? simply put, stunning. It truly stole my heart. It was emotional, heartfelt, and even at times heartbreaking. I don’t know what else to say. I was just so incredibly moved with Ivy and Declan, and their story, that I find myself speechless. I adored them. Their story was real and sadly, relatable; and when you choose to write stories dealing with difficult issues you have to be delicate, you have to hold grace, but then you also have to portray the truth. Ms. Blake, you achieved this beautifully, congratulations!! This series really is burrowing itself into my heart and I couldn’t be happier!! ❤️
This was a great setup for a storyline, loved the many emotions these characters go thru. Not only do they learn about each other, but they both get some truths about themselves, facing their fears and going after their desires. I liked how they brought out the best in each other, discovering that Ivy can live life and relax, while Declan may look like his father, but he’s his own person and can have that great love and caring relationship. The ending was very fitting for this couple, but hope to get an update on them in future books in the series.
I am voluntarily leaving a review for this book that I received free.
I didn't like Ivy when she came back to school- I felt she was too judgey about Declan.
But as the story progressed, they started opening up to each other and she realized he was more than just a jock who had slept with alot of girls.
Declan has had my heart since the beginning and you realize that he not only has depth but he is sensitive.
Ivy is dealing with the aftermath of chemo and radiation, so when she does come back to school she is a little more prickly at first but Declan being his charming self does break her walls down.
I really liked their story once she gave Declan a chance and they started a friendship that developed into more.
Turned out to be great once Ivy got over herself & stopped shading Declan!
Having once.danced professionally for nearly twenty years, I was more partial to this storyline than the first two books. Ivy did come across a bit too judgmental and shotty about Declan's alleged playboy ways, which was dirty of her, since she hadn't ever witnessed that from him, only through gossip. I do dislike massacres based on hearsay. . .
Their slow build romance was sweet, and was probably what allowed Declan time and enforced patience that he otherwise might have barges through. Four and a half stars for a great story!
Ivy and Declan were ships passing in the night when they first met. Their second meeting, more than a year later, was a surprise to both of them. But he was not one for relationships and Ivy had her own secret, keeping her from getting too close to him. This is a story of young love, of past hurts and fear of getting hurt but also one of courage and being willing to take chances. I loved their story and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Declan could easily steal 1st place in this series of book boys, but something tells me I need to hold out for Asher to make that decision. I’m more and more impressed with the improvement in how certain characters are being written, shae was first in that she was written in such a different way than Hannah, the sense of improvement in writing character development was immediately noticeable and I’m so happy to see it be a consistent one that is also evident with Ivy’s character.
I am not sure what I can say that I havent in my other review for Josie Blake's Chesterboro University series without of course giving spoilers. Every book in this series has been amazing, great steamy yet fun reads. Definitely worth the time to read. You won't want to miss The Playmaker or any other book in this series! While I did receive an advance review copy, I also read the book with Kindle Unlimited/or purchased the book and am voluntarily leaving my own unsolicited opinion with my voluntary review.
It's another decent book from this series. They're not super heavy so they're quick reads and decent enough. For claiming to be a playboy, Declan never really showed that behavior compared to other books where people claim to be that. My biggest annoyance of this one is that the NHL career was made into a decently sized storyline but that was never resolved. Sure, he had the meetings with teams but I wish the book would have told us the results of those and of Ivy's future. I'm guessing it's referenced in future books but I hate unresolved stuff like that when it's talked about in the book.
I was on the fence about the first two books. I like sports romance. The reality is I’m just too old for a college romance with mediocre heat. But Ivy and Declan…what a beautiful love story. We covered a lot of ground in this book without ever really feeling like we were flying along. It was a quick enough romance, yes, but it felt like it built up over time. The stakes for Declan and Ivy were much higher than just a lack of understanding of the depth of the relationship, and the growth of both characters, especially Declan, was great. I’ll stick with the series.
Declan, the new hockey captain, has been trying to be less reckless and more of a leader gets roped into the schools dance competition. Ivy, a beautiful and talented dancer/choreographer is trying to find her new normal now that her lymphoma is in remission. As new dance partners, they find that they balance each other out perfectly. Sweet, sexy , emotional storyline with great characters and happy for now ending.
I need to say that I’ve become a big fan of the series….but I adored this installment! For me, it was almost a dynamic reinterpretation of Beaty and the Beast, at least as far as they start off seeing each other. (Not in the physical sense, they are hot as so attracted to each other!) There was a trigger warning for me, (so, check fours;) ) It wasn’t a smooth sailing relationship and I love the connections, the way the relationship had its highs and lows.
Dual POV, fremies to lovers, sports romance, third act break up, playboy/serious girl
I liked Ivy and Declan's meet-cute and how it turned unexpectedly non-sexual. The dance competition they end up getting paired for was a nice twist too and I liked how Declan, for all the hype about being a playboy, was always very sweet and understanding to Ivy.
Somehow, these two are probably my favorite in the series so far and it's one of the more unique story lines.
The Playmaker is a sweet story that will warm your heart and have you turning the pages. Ivy does not do casual relationships; Declan is not wanting anything to get in the way of his dreams. When determination and passion throw them together, their connection grows.
Great addition to an amazing series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
OMG! I totally feel in love with Declan and Ivy's love story. Your heart goes out to Ivy for everything she goes through. You get mad at Declan for the things he thinks thanks to his dad. But when they find there HEA the world is great.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
So far this is my favorite book in the series. Declan is the perfect, confident, slightly possessive but still super sweet hero. Ivy is a strong, intelligent, talented heroine. Together their chemistry was off the charts. I loved their love. Once I started reading I didn't want to stop.