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Hot Shots #3
Rough Play
Kissing the guy I hate was a mistake. Falling in love with him will be a catastrophe.
Since the first day of class, it was hate at first sight with Tristan River, uber-conceited hockey superstar of Ridley University. Our “meet cute” was anything but; and when we become co-workers, things only go downhill—fast.
The backhanded remarks, condescending attitude, and cocky smirks are annoying, but I can deal.
What’s harder to deal with is the crackling heat every time we pass each other; the way I lose my breath when I gaze into his stormy grey-blue eyes; the delicious and dangerous tension that makes me feel temptation I’ve never known.
How can two people who hate each other keep their mutual lust from turning into a consuming flame? An enemies with benefits arrangement.
It was supposed to be a controlled burn to keep our passions from erupting into an inferno. But once I’m closer to Tristan than I ever wanted to be, I discover a man no one else truly knows. A man whose soul is as beautiful as his immaculately sculpted muscles and deep-dimpled face. I also discover a past that haunts him.
Will Tristan be able to overcome the demons that hold him back from his feelings?
Or will I learn that with a man like Tristan River, love can hurt so much more than hate?
Rough Play is a full-length, 75k word standalone sports romance novel featuring lots of drama, steam, laughs, lovable characters, with a heart-warming happy ever after guaranteed!
Since the first day of class, it was hate at first sight with Tristan River, uber-conceited hockey superstar of Ridley University. Our “meet cute” was anything but; and when we become co-workers, things only go downhill—fast.
The backhanded remarks, condescending attitude, and cocky smirks are annoying, but I can deal.
What’s harder to deal with is the crackling heat every time we pass each other; the way I lose my breath when I gaze into his stormy grey-blue eyes; the delicious and dangerous tension that makes me feel temptation I’ve never known.
How can two people who hate each other keep their mutual lust from turning into a consuming flame? An enemies with benefits arrangement.
It was supposed to be a controlled burn to keep our passions from erupting into an inferno. But once I’m closer to Tristan than I ever wanted to be, I discover a man no one else truly knows. A man whose soul is as beautiful as his immaculately sculpted muscles and deep-dimpled face. I also discover a past that haunts him.
Will Tristan be able to overcome the demons that hold him back from his feelings?
Or will I learn that with a man like Tristan River, love can hurt so much more than hate?
Rough Play is a full-length, 75k word standalone sports romance novel featuring lots of drama, steam, laughs, lovable characters, with a heart-warming happy ever after guaranteed!
283 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 7, 2022
451 people are currently reading
817 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 3, 2024
Two little bickering sweethearts. I love them, so much <3
October 21, 2022
Wasn’t my favorite, but it wasn’t completely horrible. Did notice that there was one part where they had been talking about Sam and said “same” so I don’t know if that was intentional or an accidental typo, but anyways..
The book seemed quick paced at times between Kennedy and Tristan, there were some funny moments, breakthroughs and definitely a fair share of really sad ones as well.
The book seemed quick paced at times between Kennedy and Tristan, there were some funny moments, breakthroughs and definitely a fair share of really sad ones as well.
April 23, 2024
4.9 ⭐
Yes. Just yes.
I loved this so much I might cry now when it's over, I was a bit annoyed at some of the typos and grammatical errors in it but oh well. And the book is definitely more rivals to lovers than enemies but still very cute to see their relationship take form, they're like so fucking adorable with each other and I love that for them. I loved their story so much-
Yes. Just yes.
I loved this so much I might cry now when it's over, I was a bit annoyed at some of the typos and grammatical errors in it but oh well. And the book is definitely more rivals to lovers than enemies but still very cute to see their relationship take form, they're like so fucking adorable with each other and I love that for them. I loved their story so much-
March 2, 2025
This book could have used a proofreader.
February 26, 2023
Honestly, I simply cannot recall all that much of this book and that does not bode well for it. I remember the characters having a decently good banter and their burn was easily appreciated but I also remember being annoyed by some double standards and the MMC. Though he does stand up for and protect the hell out of the FMC.
I haven't returned to it since I read it and I cant see myself ever returning to it
March 23, 2023
This story is about Tristan, and Kennedy, two of the most unlikely people of all. He is one of, the Ridley University Hot Shots Hockey players. Boy, is he ever. However, he does have this, dark broody side. He does have these times when his eyes gloss over, and he goes into a trance-like state. No one can seem, to get through, to him during these times. It has been like this ever since he started, school and hockey. So, the coach and the professors understand, when he is a no, show or late. But, on this day, he is early, to class and it is, Kennedy who is late which is an anomaly. Her thirty minutes earliness she usually gives herself was not, to happen on this day, she was in all of five minutes, before class.
However, the only seat is between Tristan and a puck bunny. When she asked him, to please let her through, he gave her the one-minute finger. That was an, ‘Oh hell no!’ Kennedy was not having that. She throws her backpack over the back of the desk and proceeds, to climb on over. Blocking the conversation between the bunny, and, Tristan. Both thought it was rude, but before the discussion could go, too far the professor enters the classroom. At that moment, Tristan notices that the coffee she is drinking has, his name on it. He tells her, she stole his coffee from, The Ridley Grind. Of course, she denies it. But, he adds, ‘Is your name, Tristan?’ She knew she was caught, but says, ‘Then why didn't you pick it up by the third call?’ His reply was, ‘Didn't want to be late.’
Tristan had, to admit that, Kennedy intrigued him with her beauty, all her curves, and that sassy mouth. Although Kennedy would deny it, too with her last dying breath, was as enthralled with him, as well. She is playing off, her ire with him being so cocky, by flirting with the bunny, not letting her sit, and then telling her she was rude, when he was going, to make her wait on him flirting. But then, him calling her out about the coffee. Yup, that did it, she’s pissy. When she can’t stop talking about him, Brooke starts teasing her. The next time they have a class, they are partnered up on a class assignment, and Kennedy is not happy. She acts as if, Tristan is a bonehead and not a worthy student. But, Tristan stands up, to her and tells her, he is not just a pretty face. They end up working well, as a team.
The next thing you know they end up working, at the same place. Then you add their social circle with, Brooke and, Cole being their best friends, they know they need, to call a truce. At least in, Kennedy’s head since she is the one on edge. So, she makes, Tristan an offer he can’t refuse with stipulations, of course. See if these enemies with benefits will find, a love match or if, it will cause more problems. Let me just say, this one is emotional. It tugged at my heartstrings, a lot causing tears in a few places. Tristan has been so tormented, and, Kennedy showed him so much compassion that it, was nice to see. I loved this book and, the characters. The series pulled me in with, the guys and the way they are, their own family.
However, the only seat is between Tristan and a puck bunny. When she asked him, to please let her through, he gave her the one-minute finger. That was an, ‘Oh hell no!’ Kennedy was not having that. She throws her backpack over the back of the desk and proceeds, to climb on over. Blocking the conversation between the bunny, and, Tristan. Both thought it was rude, but before the discussion could go, too far the professor enters the classroom. At that moment, Tristan notices that the coffee she is drinking has, his name on it. He tells her, she stole his coffee from, The Ridley Grind. Of course, she denies it. But, he adds, ‘Is your name, Tristan?’ She knew she was caught, but says, ‘Then why didn't you pick it up by the third call?’ His reply was, ‘Didn't want to be late.’
Tristan had, to admit that, Kennedy intrigued him with her beauty, all her curves, and that sassy mouth. Although Kennedy would deny it, too with her last dying breath, was as enthralled with him, as well. She is playing off, her ire with him being so cocky, by flirting with the bunny, not letting her sit, and then telling her she was rude, when he was going, to make her wait on him flirting. But then, him calling her out about the coffee. Yup, that did it, she’s pissy. When she can’t stop talking about him, Brooke starts teasing her. The next time they have a class, they are partnered up on a class assignment, and Kennedy is not happy. She acts as if, Tristan is a bonehead and not a worthy student. But, Tristan stands up, to her and tells her, he is not just a pretty face. They end up working well, as a team.
The next thing you know they end up working, at the same place. Then you add their social circle with, Brooke and, Cole being their best friends, they know they need, to call a truce. At least in, Kennedy’s head since she is the one on edge. So, she makes, Tristan an offer he can’t refuse with stipulations, of course. See if these enemies with benefits will find, a love match or if, it will cause more problems. Let me just say, this one is emotional. It tugged at my heartstrings, a lot causing tears in a few places. Tristan has been so tormented, and, Kennedy showed him so much compassion that it, was nice to see. I loved this book and, the characters. The series pulled me in with, the guys and the way they are, their own family.
October 4, 2022
I am voluntarily reviewing a reader copy of this book.
Kennedy has one goal in mind at all times and that’s giving her mum a life where there is no worry of where the next dollar comes from, she has watched her support her and her younger sister Sam alone and run the family bakery. Her dream to make the bakery a national brand. She is working hard at college to make that dream a reality and adding an extra class seemed like a good idea until the day she is almost late, with just one seat left she’s forced to sit next to none other than Tristan River, the hockey player of the year in every sense of the word on and off the ice. Not only in he in the very class she needs to pass but when she arrives for a job interview at a local bar she’s confronted with working with him too. He annoys her and attracts her in equal measure and thinks she had come up with the perfect solution, enemies with benefits, but for how long can she truly avoid her real feelings for Tristan and could this be more than just an arrangement?
To the outside world Tristan Rivers had it all, the champion hockey player destined for greatness, but behind the smiles hides a tragic past. It’s something that he keeps even from his closet friends but the day he meets Kennedy things change. She challenges him at every point and even though he pretends to hate her that doesn’t really cover his feelings especially when they are on close quarters taking the same classes and now working together. But the last thing that Tristan wants is a relationship where someone else is going to leave him, so when Kennedy suggests an arrangement he is all in. What happens when the girl he hates becomes the girl he loves, could they work or will he be left crushed when she walks away, or could they have a future that he has only ever imagined in his dreams?
This is my first book by this author and o know I want to read many more. Tristan looked like a simple character but he is anything but with a heartbreaking secret he’s never shared and a past he’s running from. Kennedy wants to give her mum and sister a life where there is no worry and she’s running toward her future. They fit perfectly together and I was invested in both of them finding a path to a figure together. Recommended 4.3* read.
Kennedy has one goal in mind at all times and that’s giving her mum a life where there is no worry of where the next dollar comes from, she has watched her support her and her younger sister Sam alone and run the family bakery. Her dream to make the bakery a national brand. She is working hard at college to make that dream a reality and adding an extra class seemed like a good idea until the day she is almost late, with just one seat left she’s forced to sit next to none other than Tristan River, the hockey player of the year in every sense of the word on and off the ice. Not only in he in the very class she needs to pass but when she arrives for a job interview at a local bar she’s confronted with working with him too. He annoys her and attracts her in equal measure and thinks she had come up with the perfect solution, enemies with benefits, but for how long can she truly avoid her real feelings for Tristan and could this be more than just an arrangement?
To the outside world Tristan Rivers had it all, the champion hockey player destined for greatness, but behind the smiles hides a tragic past. It’s something that he keeps even from his closet friends but the day he meets Kennedy things change. She challenges him at every point and even though he pretends to hate her that doesn’t really cover his feelings especially when they are on close quarters taking the same classes and now working together. But the last thing that Tristan wants is a relationship where someone else is going to leave him, so when Kennedy suggests an arrangement he is all in. What happens when the girl he hates becomes the girl he loves, could they work or will he be left crushed when she walks away, or could they have a future that he has only ever imagined in his dreams?
This is my first book by this author and o know I want to read many more. Tristan looked like a simple character but he is anything but with a heartbreaking secret he’s never shared and a past he’s running from. Kennedy wants to give her mum and sister a life where there is no worry and she’s running toward her future. They fit perfectly together and I was invested in both of them finding a path to a figure together. Recommended 4.3* read.
November 23, 2025
So far, in this particular series, it’s my favourite couple. The “enemies with benefits” trope just works, especially when it comes to the spicy stuff!
I love Kennedy, her drive to succeed, her big planned dreams, and the contrast between her and Tristan, who has always sort of assumed his future and just rolls with it.
His backstory is also moving, and it helps his character arc development make sense and just work.
I was a little disappointed when it came to the 3rd breakup act cause it was very similar to the 2nd book in this series and the resolution felt a little rushed in my personal opinion.
Still I was happy to find they worked out and the future they manage to make happen together.
PS: I wouldn’t discard this author’s books, I’ve read her most recent books and they are pretty great!
It’s a 4/5 🍑 story for me ✨
I love Kennedy, her drive to succeed, her big planned dreams, and the contrast between her and Tristan, who has always sort of assumed his future and just rolls with it.
His backstory is also moving, and it helps his character arc development make sense and just work.
I was a little disappointed when it came to the 3rd breakup act cause it was very similar to the 2nd book in this series and the resolution felt a little rushed in my personal opinion.
Still I was happy to find they worked out and the future they manage to make happen together.
PS: I wouldn’t discard this author’s books, I’ve read her most recent books and they are pretty great!
It’s a 4/5 🍑 story for me ✨
January 15, 2024
Such a good story.
This story is equally fine as the previous ones I have read in this series of college hockey. Normally I don't like college stories, but this series has gotten me hook, line and sinker and I have no idea how or why. I just know I like them so fabulous four stars for this story and if I could do so here for all the previous ones too. I actually got the fifth story as an ARC and liked it so much that I started from the beginning. I hope you enjoy reading it.
This story is equally fine as the previous ones I have read in this series of college hockey. Normally I don't like college stories, but this series has gotten me hook, line and sinker and I have no idea how or why. I just know I like them so fabulous four stars for this story and if I could do so here for all the previous ones too. I actually got the fifth story as an ARC and liked it so much that I started from the beginning. I hope you enjoy reading it.
July 9, 2022
This story is a real roller coaster ride of emotions, but in all the right ways. It’s amazing when an author can get across the depth of the emotions a character is feeling. I love those stories as they suck you right in and make you feel right along with them. This story did that for me.
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.
August 5, 2022
Tristan and Kennedy
Tristan and Kennedy are part of the same friend circle but have never really gotten along very well. When they keep getting pushed together in class and at work, they settle into an enemies with benefits situation that quickly becomes more. Very sweet, low angst, light steam college romance with HEA
Tristan and Kennedy are part of the same friend circle but have never really gotten along very well. When they keep getting pushed together in class and at work, they settle into an enemies with benefits situation that quickly becomes more. Very sweet, low angst, light steam college romance with HEA
November 25, 2023
My favorite so far for this series
I’m a sucker for a traumatized hero, and I adored Tristan from the first two books. Kennedy was a little annoying at first because she was so uptight(“if you’re not early you’re late” people irritate me, cuz stfu, I’m on time). Their story was adorable and the smut was sufficiently spicy.
I’m a sucker for a traumatized hero, and I adored Tristan from the first two books. Kennedy was a little annoying at first because she was so uptight(“if you’re not early you’re late” people irritate me, cuz stfu, I’m on time). Their story was adorable and the smut was sufficiently spicy.
April 2, 2024
Tristan was a lost kind of guy because of events back home that he's trying to escape. Kennedy is a working gal who is trying to help her family business grow. I enjoyed the angst, the journey, the character development and the banter. They grew so much while trying to learn about the faults they have.
May 12, 2024
Love it!
Tristan and Kennedy are so good together. Their enemies with benefits situation is pretty hot. They work through that pretty quick, though, and realize they are more even if neither will admit it to the other. Tristan almost ruins everything until his boys have his back and get it through it.
Tristan and Kennedy are so good together. Their enemies with benefits situation is pretty hot. They work through that pretty quick, though, and realize they are more even if neither will admit it to the other. Tristan almost ruins everything until his boys have his back and get it through it.
March 14, 2025
Tardé una bocha en leerlo, porque estuve esperando para poder hacerlo en el kindle, me gustó mucho, lloré demasiado con la muerte del hermanito, porfavor que manera de sufrir, ellos dos re tiernos los amo, la razón por la cual se odiaban?? Tal cual re dramáticos los banco, me va mucho la movida del found family que tiene esta serie, QUIERO MÁS
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2023
The chemistry between these two characters was off the charts HOT! This book had me laughing so hard with all the back and forth with these two characters. I loved it so much that I couldn't put it down & read it in one night!!! Favorite story in this series!
October 30, 2023
Tristan & Kennedy
Got to 56% and couldn't finish - these books need a good proofreading - they could be really great if attention to detail was given - unfortunately I will not be continuing with the series - and Kennedy was extremely unlikeable, in my opinion.
Got to 56% and couldn't finish - these books need a good proofreading - they could be really great if attention to detail was given - unfortunately I will not be continuing with the series - and Kennedy was extremely unlikeable, in my opinion.
October 26, 2024
Pretty Good
It was a good small read. I loved their banter in the beginning. I loved literally everything about it. I just wish their were more scenes with Tristan's best friend and Kennedy's.
It was a good small read. I loved their banter in the beginning. I loved literally everything about it. I just wish their were more scenes with Tristan's best friend and Kennedy's.
April 9, 2025
Think of a hallmark movie - 3.5 stars
Cute, a bit predictable but still a pretty good quick read. The story moves quickly and despite being able to guess at some of the plot line and ending, much like a hallmark movie it can be enjoyable for a quiet evening
Cute, a bit predictable but still a pretty good quick read. The story moves quickly and despite being able to guess at some of the plot line and ending, much like a hallmark movie it can be enjoyable for a quiet evening
August 11, 2022
Tristan & Kennedy's book was an emotional roller coaster. This was a new author, for me. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
August 21, 2022
Not my favorite in the series but ultimately I did love how it ended.
August 30, 2022
meh....
will not read again
will not read again
November 11, 2022
loved Tristen
Loved Tristen!!! Kennedy was great for him. Loved the banter. Steam was good. Enemies to lovers college hockey romance. Go read it
Loved Tristen!!! Kennedy was great for him. Loved the banter. Steam was good. Enemies to lovers college hockey romance. Go read it
December 11, 2022
I liked the majority of the book but the ending just sort of fell a bit flat. But the themes I found interesting and well explored except for the whole future thing.
January 17, 2023
WHY ARE THERE SO MANY GRAMMAR/SPELLING MISTAKES ????
Overall good. Beginning was so annoying because really stuck up and judgmental Mc which was the main point but it was still annoying and embarrassing. Got better later bc Kennedy and Tristan were a little funny. Some of the development was good like the way they went from enemies w benefits to the a pretty natural deeper relationship but there was some stuff like the mc’s family beyond the bakery past just left untold.
Overall good. Beginning was so annoying because really stuck up and judgmental Mc which was the main point but it was still annoying and embarrassing. Got better later bc Kennedy and Tristan were a little funny. Some of the development was good like the way they went from enemies w benefits to the a pretty natural deeper relationship but there was some stuff like the mc’s family beyond the bakery past just left untold.
January 15, 2023
so i actually loved this book. kinda has some expectations but they went away when like the characters were explained
Read
January 31, 2023Not interested past preview
February 17, 2023
Good
Another great addition to the series. Enjoyed reading Tristan and Kennedy’s story. Really enjoyed it. Can’t wait to start on the next one
Good book and recommended.
Another great addition to the series. Enjoyed reading Tristan and Kennedy’s story. Really enjoyed it. Can’t wait to start on the next one
Good book and recommended.
March 2, 2023
Also a very cute book. Like the last. I love how they dont let themselves sit in their mistakes that long.
BUY
BUY
October 9, 2023
really good
I really enjoyed Tristan and Kennedy together. I wouldn’t say they were enemies though. It was a good story and I’m excited for the next book!
I really enjoyed Tristan and Kennedy together. I wouldn’t say they were enemies though. It was a good story and I’m excited for the next book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews