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The Playmakers #8

Besting the Blueliner

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He’s been burned by commitment. She can’t seem to find the one. Will the Colorado mountains be their matchmaker?

Cam Blue can’t wait to spend the summer in solitude. After a grueling hockey season, all the sought-after defenseman wants is to retreat to his new ranch and unwind. But when heavy rains strand the guarded man with an attractive neighbor, he feels his frosty heart start to crack.

Terra White worries something is wrong with her. Used to guys who never commit, she’s frustrated when the hunky sports star stays determined to keep his distance despite their bond. And after their time together ends and both return home, she expects never to see him again.

As Cam struggles to date and move past his painful failed marriage, he remembers the ease of his new friendship and reaches out. And though their platonic relationship blossoms through text and late-night calls, Terra fears she’ll never be enough for Cam to cross the line over to love.

Will they put passion on ice, or can they skirt their defenses to find a happily ever after?

Besting the Blueliner is the eighth book in The Playmakers Series of award-winning sports romances. If you like relatable characters, slow-burn connections, and laugh-out-loud moments, then you’ll adore G.K. Brady’s sexy tale.

414 pages, Paperback

Published March 24, 2022

55 people are currently reading
795 people want to read

About the author

G.K. Brady

21 books349 followers
G.K. Brady was born in Japan and grew up in Vietnam and Singapore—and many would argue she has yet to grow up.

Since childhood, all sorts of stories and characters have lived in her imagination, elbowing one another for attention, so she’s finally giving them their voice on the written page.

A writer of contemporary romance, she loves telling tales of the less-than-perfect hero or heroine who transforms with each turn of a page.

G.K. is the proud mom of three grown sons. When she’s not writing, she might be reading, traveling, drinking wine, listening to music, or gardening—sometimes all at once! She currently resides in Colorado with her very patient husband.

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5 stars
120 (54%)
4 stars
78 (35%)
3 stars
19 (8%)
2 stars
2 (<1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
April 6, 2022
Cam has a place in the Colorado mountains for the offseason, so after he & his team win all the marbles, he's ready for some peace & quiet with his dog. Little does he know that he's about to be hit by fate in his life when he has to rescue his very attractive neighbor. If that's not enough, it turns out when a big rainstorm hits, he'll end up getting to know her since he ends up chilling with her. Terra hasn't had the best record with relationships, and it's really done a number on her head. However, she never saw Cam coming, and best of all for him?! She has no clue who he is. They start out with a friendship making this story slow burn, but it felt more authentic in my eyes. Of course he has his own demons about relationships so he's holding a part of him back which sets her issues off, but they keep bonding as friends. There's no doubt that they're perfect for each other, but they have to get back to the real world which will set up some obstacles for them. Can they actually get past those things that hold them back for a bright future together?! Well you'll have to hit those one click buttons to find out as I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Jessica Alcazar.
4,408 reviews625 followers
July 1, 2024
🎧🎧AUDIOBOOK REVIEW🎧🎧

3.5 but closer to 4 Stars!

FYI a slooooooooooooooow burn romance that is almost 14 hours long is a lot *shrug* The reason I elongated the word slow is because the slow-burn, in my opinion, was too slow, so much so that I found myself not really listening quite a few *periods of time* and that’s never a good thing LOL I don’t think I missed anything substantial so there’s that.

Tor Thom and Amanda Stribling were great narrators and brought this story to life really well for me. I have loved them both in other narrations they have done as individuals, and as a team they were very dynamic and versatile.

There is a lot of story being told in these pages. It isn’t a superficial story, meaning the only focus is on the romance, no, there’s a lot here from both MCs and while that is what makes this story closer to 4 stars for me, the romance between them felt like it took a backseat to their growth, if that makes sense, and I wish it would have felt more blended. That is a mouthful of a sentence right there. LOL you understand what I’m trying to convey. It is incredibly good when there’s character growth and sharing between the MCs, etc etc but , I’m reading a romance so *shrug*

I’m not a huge fan of others being part of a romance journey for a significant amount of time. Honestly, it takes away from the validity of the couple and their potential HEA and it grates on my last nerve. In this case, Robert was part of this story for way too long and it really didn’t help me believe in their future and it makes me twitchy and here again I have to mention that 14 hours is a looooooong time, too long to have a third wheel as part of the conversation! Feel me? So that’s where we get to the 3.5 stars *shrug*

This review could be a whole lot longer if I bore you with details of this, that, or the other. The only thing you need to know, I have already mentioned and the rest is just nit-picking and I don’t care enough to do that LOL. These are my 2 cents for ya. Don’t spend them all at once.
Profile Image for Tammy.
880 reviews41 followers
July 2, 2024

Cam was struggling to date and move on after his failed marriage and his cheating ex-wife. So, after being traded to the Denver Blizzards he decides to buy a mountain home in the Colorado Mountains. He enjoys his peace and quiet, until one day while out riding he rescues a damsel in distress that is trapped under her razor on the side of the mountain in the pouring rain.

Tarra White still lives at home with her dad and brother. He hasn't had good luck with men in the past and worries that something is wrong with her. She decides is time for her to take a little time away by herself to their Colorado Mountain home. This is where she decides to test out her dads new razor and ends up stuck on the side of the mountain - with it overturned and her stuck under it.

This was a great story of how Cam rescued Terra from her overturned razor on the side of this mountain. On that day they formed a new friendship and slowly it developed into so much more. When is he traded again to Carolina what will happen to the relationship that they have developed? Will Terra be able to live the only home that she has ever known and her family behind?

This is the first book that I have read/listened to by G.K. Brady and it can be read as a standalone.

Definitely check it out!
753 reviews9 followers
March 25, 2022
He’s a first line defenseman for the Denver NHL team, The Colorado Blizzard. Cam Blue is spending some much needed time off in the Colorado mountains after helping his team win the Stanley Cup. He’s all alone at his cabin except for his dog, Grace. But he’s not lonely because he truly enjoys the solitude.
But after he rescues his neighbor, Terra White, when her dad’s new ATV turns over on her, he starts to rethink that attitude. She’s a beautiful redhead with a self sufficient attitude and a spitfire! Not his usual taste in women, but that’s great! Best of all, she doesn’t seem to know who he is!
Another spellbinding book by G K Brady in the Playmaker Series! If you like strong, independent women and hot hockey players this is a MUST READ! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


824 reviews5 followers
March 29, 2022
This is a fantastic addition to the series.
Cam was traded to the Blizzards from Dallas. It feels like he is home.
Terra thinks there is something wrong with her as she thinks she is inexperienced in the relationship area.
This is a wonderful story and highly recommend this series for everyone.
I received a free copy of this book for an voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for G.K. Brady.
Author 21 books349 followers
Read
January 18, 2025
All set for e-book launch on March 31, and the paperback is ready to roll. Woo hoo!
Profile Image for Donna.
1,435 reviews14 followers
March 29, 2022
After winning the Stanley Cup, Cam Blue decides to go up to his new Colorado mountain cabin to just relax and get away. At 27 he's one of the best "defenseman" in the NHL, top six playing for the Colorado Blizzard. He ends up rescuing his neighbor when her ATV turns over and she's pinned.
Terra White, 26 helps run her family's business but decides a little vaca would be nice and heads to the family cabin. Wrecking her dad's ATV wasn't on the hit parade and was glad to get some help but not so happy his dog was part of her rescue, she has a fear of them.
When heavy rains take out the road and electricity goes out and Cam has no generator he ends up at Terra's cabin next door. They start to form a friendship but Cam keeps his distance. Terra still has no idea who he is. Once they get back to town they end up texting each other a lot and get closer and start a relationship. But Terra has a hard time believing in herself and that she's not enough for him and he has baggage as well. Add on to that her Dad has always treated her like a little girl and keeps a tight hold over her. And what about Cam and his job?
Can they figure it out?

This is a slow burn romance, great side characters and some funny moments.

5 stars
342 reviews1 follower
March 31, 2022
Overall FIVE HUNDRED STARS!!! Absolutely loved it. I am still looking for eye cream to help me “recover” from the nights reading too late. The start of the book was one of the reasons why.

Scenes that will melt the ice, bring a smile to your face, and renew your faith in romance. Besting the Blueliner is a sports romance with an independent mountain gal who’s questioning her beta male boyfriend who can’t seem to commit while the hottest thing she’s seen on the mountain is moving his way out of the friend zone.

G.K. Brady’s Besting the Blueliner, book #8 in her Playmaker’s series, is a fabulous read … it can be read as a standalone, but if you’ve read her previous books, you’ll see familiar fan-favorite characters.

Cam Blue had a standout appearance at the end of Twisted Wrister in a super-sigh worthy role, helping out Blake when he looses the most important thing he needs to win over Michaela.

If you’re looking for a slow burn read with an independent woman with an overbearing father and an angsty hot guy who start out as friends … and turn into something more, download Besting the Blueliner today.

I generously received an ARC and was happy to share my perspective.
Profile Image for Patty.
5,148 reviews56 followers
June 11, 2024
Besting the Blueliner
The Playmakers 8
By GK Brady
Narrated by Tor Thom, Amanda Stribling

These hockey players are so much fun to get to know. Each one has their own personality, but the thing they have in common is their love for the game. This is Cam's story. Off season, he enjoys going to his mountain home to enjoy the quiet, until one day he comes across Terra. Stuck under her ATV, he helps her out and a new friendship is born. But while the attraction is strong, there are obstacles which could place them strictly in the friendzone! Family, work, bad communication, past relationships, it all plays into this thing called life. The question is, will their new budding relationship be able to stand the test? I loved these two. Why? Cam is sweet, a little grumpy and not afraid to go after what he wants. Terra is a bit scared and unsure how to make that family break. It's packed with good hockey fights and spicy nights! I enjoyed this one!

Tor Thom and Amanda Stribling are our story tellers for this and they tell it exactly as it should be! Thom breaks out in the beginning with his grump on, but quickly melts as his feelings for Terra grow. That doesn't stop his hot head from escaping though every once in a while! Terra is sweet and loyal and Stribling brings out her naivete, keeping her passion strong right along with her stubborn streak! These two are fantastic together and made this listen!
79 reviews4 followers
April 1, 2022
I received an ARC for this book but also bought my own copy.

GK Brady is one of my favorite authors and this book didn’t disappoint. It was a slow burn between Cam, the loner and someone definitely not looking for love and a relationship - and Terra, the confused, independent women who is looking for someone to love just her and is desperate for a relationship.

They had an interesting meet-cute involving rain, rough terrain, a new RAZR and a dog, which terrifies Terra. Fortunately Terra’s relationship with not only Cam but also Grace slowly evolves into one of friendship and love.

But will their love be strong enough to endure the changes that are on the horizon? Or will their relationship fall apart before it has a real chance to begin?

I enjoyed this story as I love Ms. Brady’s writing style and character development. Go ahead and get your copy - I think you will agree this book is well written and the character development is great.

But sorry - TJ still is, and always will be, my Playmaker book boyfriend!
Profile Image for Megan (sporadic hiatus due to law school).
1,140 reviews11 followers
September 13, 2022
Much better than the previous Playmaker book I'd read. The characters were funny and mature enough that I wasn't annoyed at them.

The only issue I'd have with this book is its length. It was too long, personally, and the conflict between the two should have been written sooner. Or include a second, shorter argument based on what happened earlier in the book to even it out some.

The epilogue should have been longer. Or make the rest of the book shorter. Or both. But considering the length and pacing of the rest of the story, having such a short epilogue felt a little lackluster and didn't give me the sense of finality that I should get from a conclusion.

I received a free ARC and am leaving a voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Tracie Rogers.
467 reviews3 followers
April 2, 2022
Cam Blue is a professional Hockey Player, a very grumpy hockey player. When he gets traded to Denver he purchases a Mountain Cabin and offers Mr. White money for part of his land going through his attorney. After the team wins the cup, Cam goes up to his Cabin the chill and relax. While there and in the mountains he comes across a flipped RZR. He helps the lady stuck under it and is blown away with her. Shes fiesty yet scared of dogs. When a storm comes and floods everything Cam goes to check on Terra per his other neighbors suggestion. He gets stuck staying with Terra when the power is lost for days. He helps her get over her fear of Dogs and Terra helps him not be grumpy. There chemistry is off the charts. But can their love withstand other factors. OMG this book was so good.

I am leaving my honest voluntary review for a copy I recieved.
Profile Image for Lori Ann.
54 reviews3 followers
April 9, 2022
First off, this is book #8 in the series but you could definitely enjoy it without having read the other books (you should though I've really enjoyed most of them).

G.K. Brady is a master of the slow burn and her books take longer to build to the ehm..action. But they are worth it! Because of this, her characters and relationships are more well developed and more believable than the insta-love that plagues many romance books.

Cam is a star player but plagued by relationship mistakes he made in the past. He's definitely an introvert and people can perceive him as grumpy and aloof. Terra is smothered by her overprotective brother and father after the death of her mother. She's a strong outdoorswoman but totally insecure when it comes to relationships (and that's a bit annoying). Her father is so overbearing and chauvinst it's obnoxious. I wish we had seen a bit more growth from him.

Cam and Terra are thrown together when he rescues her from an ATV accident and they are thrown together to ride out a bad storm in the mountains. Plenty of time to learn about each other and the other star of this book, Cam's dog Grace.

A really enjoyable read especially if you enjoy a slow burn.

I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a complimentary copy.
Profile Image for Kelly  DeMarco.
1,926 reviews4 followers
April 3, 2022
Play it safe or take a risk

Besting The Blueliner: A Grumpy Hero Hockey Romance (The Playmaker Series Book 8) by G.K. Brady is an entertaining sports romance focusing more on the characters than sports action. And the characters in the eighth book of her Playmaker series features a spectacular Hero and Heroine. Cam is grumpy, broody, and growly while also kind, tenderhearted, well mannered with a bit of a fun and hot wicked side. Terra is a do-it-yourself, on par with any male kind of gal while also one of the sweetest girl-next-door beauty.
The plot is highly engaging from the sport perspective and Cam’s role in his new team as well as the uncertainty of the new season. All the while, Cam and Terra are slowly getting to know one another as friends. The plot takes the romantic turn when Cam realizes he really just wants Terra and sets his sights on her. As Terra had hoped, but felt dating Cam was realistic, she’s quick to jump into dating and a relationship with both feet.
Overall, there’s much in the background that creates plenty of antagonism, and even though at one put all seems lost, these two turn it all around and make the HEA they want a reality. Love, hearts, determination, persistence and compromise win the day and the HEA.
I read an ARC of this book via Hidden Gems and voluntarily share my review.
Profile Image for Cryssa.
Author 7 books97 followers
April 17, 2022
I've come to the conclusion that I love the Playmakers Series more than I love actual hockey and I'm Canadian. :) I'm all in with this series and Besting the Blueliner does not disappoint. Cam is an absolute sweetheart, even though he's grumpy and prefers to be on his own. I think I love him for that too. Fate, of course, has an entirely different plan for him when She throws Terra in his path (literally) in a remote mountain location. But Terra is no damsel that needs rescuing (except for that first time). She's capable of taking care of herself and demonstrates that she's more than capable to take care of others. She's a true giver and always puts others ahead of her own interests. The pair are perfect together!
185 reviews7 followers
March 25, 2022
ARC Review. Besting the Blueliner by G K Brady is the 8th book in the Playmaker’s series and I think it’s the best yet! I loved the characters Terra and Cam and the addition of Grace, Cam’s dog makes it perfect. The storyline is slow developing which makes it a longer book and let’s you really experience the story. I simply adore long books, it’s like settling into a big, overstuffed chair and feeling like you’re home as you get to know the characters, and become emotionally entrenched in their lives. Cam, Terra and Grace made me feel like I was a part of their family.❤️
Profile Image for Sarah Whalley.
28 reviews3 followers
March 26, 2022
Wow, what can I say! Another fantastic story from G. K. Brady, it has heart, warmth, heat and I was sucked in to Cam and Terra's story from the very first page. I was willing for their HEA and wasn't disappointed. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
I received an ARC copy and am giving an honest review.
2,019 reviews15 followers
April 1, 2022
I just adore this series. Each book does read as a stand-alone but you would be doing yourself a disservice by not reading them all.
GK Brady is superb at the slow burn romance, and I did love that about this book. And because of that part, it was the friendship they formed first that was the standout for me. It just made the connection between Cam & Terra not only more believable but it was truly beautiful to read.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
2,428 reviews4 followers
March 27, 2022
4.5 Stars

My new favorite story in this series! Loved Terra and Cam and how the story unfolded, with a solid friendship and slow burn.
Profile Image for Lori.
857 reviews1 follower
March 26, 2022
Awesome book the best so far made me cry
1,177 reviews4 followers
March 30, 2022
Cam is relaxing with his dog in solitude after winning the Stanley Cup. He’s enjoying his time in the mountains when he rescues independent Terra.
I loved how each character was independent , likable and real.
I am a huge fan of hockey romance and GK writes a story with hockey knowledge and romance together in a fantastic Colorado setting.
I am volunteering to review and recommend this story.
1,793 reviews6 followers
April 3, 2022
I loved reading this book.
Cam is a grumpy hockey player with a failed marriage behind him and not looking for love and Terra is disillusioned with love as she can't find anyone who can get past her father and brother.
When they meet they take an instant dislike to each other but when they get stuck on the mountain together because of the weather they start to see each other in a different light.
As they get closer feelings start to change but can they get their HEA when she won't stand up to her father and he could get traded any time.
The chemistry between them is off the charts and I loved the ending.
A must read.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Amanda.
734 reviews9 followers
April 4, 2022
Wow, I absolutely loved this story. The book was a slow burn friends to lovers story. Cam and Terra are amazing, I loved their character development, each part of their story draws you further in. I truly enjoyed how they first met when Terra needed help, so cute. It is also wonderful to see Terra grow to accept Grace and move past her fear. I have so many more favorite moments, due to all the amazing moments in the plot. This book definitely does not disappoint. I highly recommend it. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,223 reviews219 followers
July 5, 2024
5 Star review of Besting The Blueliner (The Playmakers #8) by G.K. Brady
 
Audio:
 
G.K Brady is a relatively new author to me, and I am shocked that I have not read more from this talented author before. From the first chapter I was invested in professional hockey player Cam Blue and Terra White’s story.

Cam has been badly burnt in the past and Terra is worried that she will never find “the one” thanks to an overprotectivefather and brother. These two meet in unusual circumstances and fate has plans for them.
 
As Terra gets to know the real man, she knows that he could be Mr. Right but is she good enough for Cam?. This is a slow burn story that was enhanced by the entertaining narration by Tor Thom and Amanda Stribling. Their performances brought the characters and story to life. Not only are their voices easy to listen to, but they brought humour and romance to their performances.
 
I loved their journey; it was entertaining and heartwarming to watch the walls crumble between them.
18 reviews
April 24, 2022
Goal!

Not much to say other than I love this series!! G.K. puts the right amount of everything in the story. Every book I think “this is my favorite couple”, but with each new book, I change my mind. Cam & Terra are right up there with Paige and Beckett!
1,268 reviews3 followers
June 7, 2022
Good

The fact the fact of what they look is just to the most people who will do that are a
Profile Image for Amber Pickerill.
1,092 reviews6 followers
May 29, 2022
Cam Blue is a grump. He just won the Stanly cup, but keeps his heart guarded from everyone. Terra White lives with her very overprotective dad and brother. She just wants someone to put her first.
I love Terras attitude, she will make you laugh out loud and Cam truly is the bookfriend we dream of (once he pulls shows his true self)
Love this series!!
1,286 reviews4 followers
August 13, 2024
I just loved Cam and Terra's story. They've each got their baggage to unpack, but the way they met was priceless... and the beginning of things to come. Plenty of ups and downs for these two, and I have to say, good riddance to Robert and Britta! Read and you'll understand why. I also enjoyed appearances by some of my favorite characters from previous books in the series... looking forward to reading more in this series.

Update - I recently had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook narrated by Tor Thom and Amanda Stribling. I enjoyed listening to the story as much as I did reading it. Makes me want to listen to more in the series.
Profile Image for Nate.
24.2k reviews19 followers
November 11, 2022
This was Cam & Terra’s story. Cam Blue can’t wait to spend the summer in solitude. After a grueling hockey season, all the sought-after defenseman wants is to retreat to his new ranch and unwind. But when heavy rains strand the guarded man with an attractive neighbor, he feels his frosty heart start to crack. Terra White worries something is wrong with her. Used to guys who never commit, she’s frustrated when the hunky sports star stays determined to keep his distance despite their bond. And after their time together ends and both return home, she expects never to see him again. This was an entertaining read. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
Profile Image for Merry Jelks-Emmanuel.
13.3k reviews155 followers
July 31, 2022
Cam and Terra touched my heart with this story. He is getting over his failed marriage by putting a wall around is heart. Terra thinks that there is something wrong with her because she can't find a man that will commit to a relationship with er. Their connection is heartfelt and when they part ways they stay connected through phone and texting. They dance around what is right in front of them which is their feeling for each other. Will they make it to the next level for a happily ever after? I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews

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