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Blue Devils Hockey #1
Play the Game
A sexy, marriage-of-convenience, enemies-to-lovers, hockey romance by Amazon Top 50 and USA Today bestselling author, S.J. Sylvis.
There's nothing wrong with playing the game - except when you know you're about to lose.
As a little girl, I dreamed of becoming many things. A twenty-five-year-old photographer struggling to make ends meet with a mountain of legal fees wasn’t one of them. Making questionable decisions wasn’t either.
After hanging up my camera, I start a job I loathe that has me questioning my morals on a daily basis.
Until I run into Chicago’s newest bad-boy goalie whose reputation is a trainwreck— Emory Olson.
In a desperate effort to rid my debt, I corner Emory and try to exploit him. When my plan backfires, I not only have a new enemy with steely blue eyes and a talent for the game but a man now on a mission with his own insane plan in mind.
Marry me.
The terms are simple: I marry Emory and act like his doting wife in front of the press to clean up his image, and he’ll pay off my debt when the job is done. But now, instead of my bills keeping me up at night, I find myself fantasizing about my fake husband and his devilish stare.
He tells me to play the game, but when lines start to blur and his touches linger, I’m not sure what’s real or fake anymore. The sizzling attraction and fiery chemistry between us can’t be contained.
Emory Olson says he never loses, and by the end of our marriage game, I’m pretty sure I’m no exception.
There's nothing wrong with playing the game - except when you know you're about to lose.
As a little girl, I dreamed of becoming many things. A twenty-five-year-old photographer struggling to make ends meet with a mountain of legal fees wasn’t one of them. Making questionable decisions wasn’t either.
After hanging up my camera, I start a job I loathe that has me questioning my morals on a daily basis.
Until I run into Chicago’s newest bad-boy goalie whose reputation is a trainwreck— Emory Olson.
In a desperate effort to rid my debt, I corner Emory and try to exploit him. When my plan backfires, I not only have a new enemy with steely blue eyes and a talent for the game but a man now on a mission with his own insane plan in mind.
Marry me.
The terms are simple: I marry Emory and act like his doting wife in front of the press to clean up his image, and he’ll pay off my debt when the job is done. But now, instead of my bills keeping me up at night, I find myself fantasizing about my fake husband and his devilish stare.
He tells me to play the game, but when lines start to blur and his touches linger, I’m not sure what’s real or fake anymore. The sizzling attraction and fiery chemistry between us can’t be contained.
Emory Olson says he never loses, and by the end of our marriage game, I’m pretty sure I’m no exception.
396 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2024
About the author
S.J. Sylvis
25 books2,135 followersS.J. Sylvis is an Amazon top 50 and USA Today bestselling author who is best known for her angsty new adult romances and romantic comedies. She currently resides in North Carolina with her husband, two small kiddos, and dog. She is obsessed with coffee, becomes easily attached to fictional characters, and spends most of her evenings buried in a book.
For upcoming info on new releases, join her Facebook reading group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/21537...
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For upcoming info on new releases, join her Facebook reading group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/21537...
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Follow her on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sjsylvisbooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 800 reviews
October 4, 2024
“I hope she’s ready to play the game.”
Emory Olson.
The new goalie for the Chicago Blue Devils Hockey Team.
His reputation precedes him.
But not the good kind.
He has to fix his image, and he will do anything.
Anything including the pole dancer that just tried to blackmail him.
Scottie Monroe.
The girl he just can’t seem to get out of his head.
It’s a mutual agreement. A marriage of convenience.
It’s not real.
No matter how much they try to deny it.
“Ready or not, here comes Mr. and Mrs. Olson.”
I received an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review 💙💍🏒
“I swear, she’s tempting me.Tempting me to do what?I have no idea.But my new wife is stirring something up inside of me that I have never felt in my life.”
S.J. Sylvis just KNOWS how to write hockey romance and you can take that to the bank. Scottie and Emory have the elite BANTER, they have the temptation, the chemistry, and the spice.
I cannot wait to see where the rest of the series takes us but with this masterpiece of a start I know it is going to be AMAZING and I am going to be absolutely OBSESSED 💙💙💙
“You can run, Scottie, but you can’t hide.”
Scottie Monroe needs money. Plain and simple. She doesn’t owe any explanation to the extremely hot hockey player offering to marry her for money and to save his image. But it is just an arrangement. Nothing more…
When I started this book I was so curious to see where it would go - I love S.J.’s characters and each time I get introduced to new ones I absolutely SWOON and this was not different. Scottie is an independent woman who does not take shit and doing what she needs to do for her and for those she cares about. She especially is not going to take shit from her “fake” husband.
“She’s a devil disguised as an angel.”
I fell so hard for Emory Olson I am not even going to lie to you. Again, plain and simple - FELL FOR THIS MAN. How Scottie did not fold like a paper chair immediately I will never know - stronger woman than me.
Hockey player? Check.
Alpha hole? Check.
Literally will let this man run me over with his Audi and then skate over me? Definitely.
“That’s it. Look how well we work together when we’re on the same team.”
This playlist is giving “Ice Hockey Pump Up Romance” and I am always here for it 😇😇
(Link - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7bp... )
🎶 “For the Love of the Game” - Secrets in Stereo
🎶 “Juno” - Sabrina Carpenter
🎶 “GOSSIP” - Maneskin, Tom Morello
🎶 “Bang Bang” - Jessie J, Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj
🎶 “Dirtier Thoughts” - Nation Haven
🎶 “Money, Money, Money” - ABBA
🎶 “Too Sweet” - Hozier
🎶 “Breathe” - Little Mix
🎶 “eyes don’t lie” - Isabel LaRosa
🎶 “Troubled Waters” - Alex Warren
🎶 “BABYDOLL” - Ari Abdul
🎶 “play pretend” - margo
🎶 “Dirrty” - Christina Aguilera, Redman
🎶 “Softcore” - The Neighbourhood
🎶 “HEARTBEAT” - Isabel LaRosa
🎶 “favorite sped up” - Isabel LaRosa
🎶 “Moth To A Flame” - Swedish House Mafia, The Weeknd
🎶 “Lose Control” - Teddy Swims
🎶 “Better Man” - 5 Seconds of Summer
🎶 “Crowded Room” - Meghan Trainor
🎶 “Harder To Breathe” - Letdown.
🎶 “Devil in Her Eyes” - Bryce Savage
🎶 “Good Graces” - Sabrina Carpenter
🎶 “Cologne” - SM6
🎶 “Suffocate City” - The Funeral Portrait, Spencer Charnas
🎶 “Winner” - Conan Gray
🎶 “what it means to be a girl” - EMELINE
🎶 “What Was I Made For?” - Billie Eillish
🎶 “Natural”- THE DRIVER ERA
🎶 “Black And White” - Niall Horan
🎶 “Silence” - Marshmello, Khalid
🎶 “Kiss Her You Fool” - Kids That Fly
🎶 “Lady Marmalade” - Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, Mya, P!nk
🎶 “Fire On Fire” - Sam Smith
🎶 “butterflies” - GAYLE
🎶 “Dance Without You - Remix” - Skylar Grey, Ricky Luna
🎶 “Pour Some Sugar On Me” - Def Leppard
🎶 “Smells Like Sex” - Sizzy Rocket
🎶 “Oops” - Little Mix, Charlie Puth
🎶 “Lipstick” - Charlie Puth
🎶 “Whatever” - Alex Coles
🎶 “happy ending” - Bailey Spinn
🎶 “Happy World” - Debbii Dawson
🎶 “Devil I Know” - Allie X
🎶 “Rue’s I’m Tired” - Zendaya, Labrinth
🎶 “Mount Everest” - Labrinth
🎶 “Miss Independent - Cover” - Meet Me @The Altar
🎶 “Troublemaker” - Olly Murs, Flo Rida
🎶 “trouble” - Camylio
🎶 “Since We’re Alone” - Niall Horan
🎶 “Control” - Zoe Wees
🎶 “Wild Ones” - Flo Rida, Sia
🎶 “Beauty” - Layto
🎶 “Good Enough” - Little Mix
🎶 “Drop Dead Gorgeous” - VOILA
🎶 “Talk” - Retronaut, Salvatore Ganacci
🎶 “Hate Me” - Nico Collins
🎶 “R U Mine?” - Arctic Monkeys
🎶 “dancing in the kitchen” - LANY
🎶 “GIRLS” - The Kid LAROI
🎶 “Clumsy” - Fergie
🎶 “End of Beginning” - Djo
🎶 “Talk Dirty” - Jason Derulo, 2 Chainz
🎶 “Dangerous Hands” - Austin Giorgio
🎶 “Cravin’” - Stileto, Kendyle Paige
🎶 “No Mercy” - Austin Giorgio
🎶 “Kiss or Kill” - Stela Cole
🎶 “One Kiss” - Calvin Harris, Dua Lipa
🎶 “Insomniac” - Timeflies
🎶 “Play with Fire” - Sam Tinnesz, Yacht Money
🎶 “Be My Baby” - Ariana Grande
🎶 “Teeth” - 5 Seconds of Summer
🎶 “She Looks So Perfect”- 5 Seconds of Summer
🎶 “Shower” - Becky G
🎶 “Desire” - MEG MYERS
🎶 “I Think I’m In Love” - Kat Dahlia
🎶 “Living Legend” - Club Danger
🎶 “goosebumps” - Travis Scott
🎶 “I Want To” - Rosenfeld
🎶 “BLUE” - Billie Eilish
🎶 “Drinking With Cupid” - VOILA
🎶 “3D” - Jung Kook, Jack Harlow
🎶 “A Little Death” - The Neighbourhood
🎶 “Hands To Myself” - Selena Gomez
🎶 “I’m a Sucker for a Liar in a Red Dress” - Adam Jensen
🎶 “On My Mind” - Ellie Goulding
🎶 “That’s My Girl” - Russ
🎶 “nasty” - Ariana Grande
🎶 “WOW - Remix” - Zara Larsson, Sabrina Carpenter
🎶 “You Put a Spell On Me” - Austin Giorgio
🎶 “Friday Night Big Screen” - girli
🎶 “To The Moon” - Meghan Trainor
🎶 “My My My!” - Troye Sivan
🎶 “Kill My Time”- 5 Seconds of Summer
🎶 “Perfect” - One Direction
🎶 “Strings” - Shawn Mendes
🎶 How You Get The Girl (Taylor’s Version)” - Taylor Swift
🎶 “Nonsense” - Sabrina Carpenter
🎶 “the boy is mine” - Ariana Grande
🎶 “I Was Made For Lovin’ You (Orchestral Version)” - YUNGBLUD, Dominic Lewis
🎶 “When You Say My Name” - Chandler Leighton
🎶 “Spectrum” - Florence + The Machine
🎶 “Made For Me - Sped Up Version” - Muni Long
🎶 “Seven” - Jung Kook, Latto
🎶 “Can’t Do Better” - Kim Petras
🎶 “pink skies” - LANY
🎶 “If I Can’t Have You” - Shawn Mendes
🎶 “Carry You Home” - Alex Warren
And the spice was definitely SERVING in this book 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
”Fuck,You like knowing I’m picturing you, don’t you?”
”You like to be my good girl?”
”Get on your knees, and let me show you what you do to me.”
🏒 Tropes 🏒
💍 Enemies to Lovers
💍 Sports Romance (Hockey)
💍 Forced Proximity
💍 Marriage of Convenience
Book Edit - https://www.instagram.com/p/DAGqlI6AB...
Emory Olson.
The new goalie for the Chicago Blue Devils Hockey Team.
His reputation precedes him.
But not the good kind.
He has to fix his image, and he will do anything.
Anything including the pole dancer that just tried to blackmail him.
Scottie Monroe.
The girl he just can’t seem to get out of his head.
It’s a mutual agreement. A marriage of convenience.
It’s not real.
No matter how much they try to deny it.
“Ready or not, here comes Mr. and Mrs. Olson.”
I received an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review 💙💍🏒
“I swear, she’s tempting me.Tempting me to do what?I have no idea.But my new wife is stirring something up inside of me that I have never felt in my life.”
S.J. Sylvis just KNOWS how to write hockey romance and you can take that to the bank. Scottie and Emory have the elite BANTER, they have the temptation, the chemistry, and the spice.
I cannot wait to see where the rest of the series takes us but with this masterpiece of a start I know it is going to be AMAZING and I am going to be absolutely OBSESSED 💙💙💙
“You can run, Scottie, but you can’t hide.”
Scottie Monroe needs money. Plain and simple. She doesn’t owe any explanation to the extremely hot hockey player offering to marry her for money and to save his image. But it is just an arrangement. Nothing more…
When I started this book I was so curious to see where it would go - I love S.J.’s characters and each time I get introduced to new ones I absolutely SWOON and this was not different. Scottie is an independent woman who does not take shit and doing what she needs to do for her and for those she cares about. She especially is not going to take shit from her “fake” husband.
“She’s a devil disguised as an angel.”
I fell so hard for Emory Olson I am not even going to lie to you. Again, plain and simple - FELL FOR THIS MAN. How Scottie did not fold like a paper chair immediately I will never know - stronger woman than me.
Hockey player? Check.
Alpha hole? Check.
Literally will let this man run me over with his Audi and then skate over me? Definitely.
“That’s it. Look how well we work together when we’re on the same team.”
This playlist is giving “Ice Hockey Pump Up Romance” and I am always here for it 😇😇
(Link - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7bp... )
🎶 “For the Love of the Game” - Secrets in Stereo
🎶 “Juno” - Sabrina Carpenter
🎶 “GOSSIP” - Maneskin, Tom Morello
🎶 “Bang Bang” - Jessie J, Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj
🎶 “Dirtier Thoughts” - Nation Haven
🎶 “Money, Money, Money” - ABBA
🎶 “Too Sweet” - Hozier
🎶 “Breathe” - Little Mix
🎶 “eyes don’t lie” - Isabel LaRosa
🎶 “Troubled Waters” - Alex Warren
🎶 “BABYDOLL” - Ari Abdul
🎶 “play pretend” - margo
🎶 “Dirrty” - Christina Aguilera, Redman
🎶 “Softcore” - The Neighbourhood
🎶 “HEARTBEAT” - Isabel LaRosa
🎶 “favorite sped up” - Isabel LaRosa
🎶 “Moth To A Flame” - Swedish House Mafia, The Weeknd
🎶 “Lose Control” - Teddy Swims
🎶 “Better Man” - 5 Seconds of Summer
🎶 “Crowded Room” - Meghan Trainor
🎶 “Harder To Breathe” - Letdown.
🎶 “Devil in Her Eyes” - Bryce Savage
🎶 “Good Graces” - Sabrina Carpenter
🎶 “Cologne” - SM6
🎶 “Suffocate City” - The Funeral Portrait, Spencer Charnas
🎶 “Winner” - Conan Gray
🎶 “what it means to be a girl” - EMELINE
🎶 “What Was I Made For?” - Billie Eillish
🎶 “Natural”- THE DRIVER ERA
🎶 “Black And White” - Niall Horan
🎶 “Silence” - Marshmello, Khalid
🎶 “Kiss Her You Fool” - Kids That Fly
🎶 “Lady Marmalade” - Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, Mya, P!nk
🎶 “Fire On Fire” - Sam Smith
🎶 “butterflies” - GAYLE
🎶 “Dance Without You - Remix” - Skylar Grey, Ricky Luna
🎶 “Pour Some Sugar On Me” - Def Leppard
🎶 “Smells Like Sex” - Sizzy Rocket
🎶 “Oops” - Little Mix, Charlie Puth
🎶 “Lipstick” - Charlie Puth
🎶 “Whatever” - Alex Coles
🎶 “happy ending” - Bailey Spinn
🎶 “Happy World” - Debbii Dawson
🎶 “Devil I Know” - Allie X
🎶 “Rue’s I’m Tired” - Zendaya, Labrinth
🎶 “Mount Everest” - Labrinth
🎶 “Miss Independent - Cover” - Meet Me @The Altar
🎶 “Troublemaker” - Olly Murs, Flo Rida
🎶 “trouble” - Camylio
🎶 “Since We’re Alone” - Niall Horan
🎶 “Control” - Zoe Wees
🎶 “Wild Ones” - Flo Rida, Sia
🎶 “Beauty” - Layto
🎶 “Good Enough” - Little Mix
🎶 “Drop Dead Gorgeous” - VOILA
🎶 “Talk” - Retronaut, Salvatore Ganacci
🎶 “Hate Me” - Nico Collins
🎶 “R U Mine?” - Arctic Monkeys
🎶 “dancing in the kitchen” - LANY
🎶 “GIRLS” - The Kid LAROI
🎶 “Clumsy” - Fergie
🎶 “End of Beginning” - Djo
🎶 “Talk Dirty” - Jason Derulo, 2 Chainz
🎶 “Dangerous Hands” - Austin Giorgio
🎶 “Cravin’” - Stileto, Kendyle Paige
🎶 “No Mercy” - Austin Giorgio
🎶 “Kiss or Kill” - Stela Cole
🎶 “One Kiss” - Calvin Harris, Dua Lipa
🎶 “Insomniac” - Timeflies
🎶 “Play with Fire” - Sam Tinnesz, Yacht Money
🎶 “Be My Baby” - Ariana Grande
🎶 “Teeth” - 5 Seconds of Summer
🎶 “She Looks So Perfect”- 5 Seconds of Summer
🎶 “Shower” - Becky G
🎶 “Desire” - MEG MYERS
🎶 “I Think I’m In Love” - Kat Dahlia
🎶 “Living Legend” - Club Danger
🎶 “goosebumps” - Travis Scott
🎶 “I Want To” - Rosenfeld
🎶 “BLUE” - Billie Eilish
🎶 “Drinking With Cupid” - VOILA
🎶 “3D” - Jung Kook, Jack Harlow
🎶 “A Little Death” - The Neighbourhood
🎶 “Hands To Myself” - Selena Gomez
🎶 “I’m a Sucker for a Liar in a Red Dress” - Adam Jensen
🎶 “On My Mind” - Ellie Goulding
🎶 “That’s My Girl” - Russ
🎶 “nasty” - Ariana Grande
🎶 “WOW - Remix” - Zara Larsson, Sabrina Carpenter
🎶 “You Put a Spell On Me” - Austin Giorgio
🎶 “Friday Night Big Screen” - girli
🎶 “To The Moon” - Meghan Trainor
🎶 “My My My!” - Troye Sivan
🎶 “Kill My Time”- 5 Seconds of Summer
🎶 “Perfect” - One Direction
🎶 “Strings” - Shawn Mendes
🎶 How You Get The Girl (Taylor’s Version)” - Taylor Swift
🎶 “Nonsense” - Sabrina Carpenter
🎶 “the boy is mine” - Ariana Grande
🎶 “I Was Made For Lovin’ You (Orchestral Version)” - YUNGBLUD, Dominic Lewis
🎶 “When You Say My Name” - Chandler Leighton
🎶 “Spectrum” - Florence + The Machine
🎶 “Made For Me - Sped Up Version” - Muni Long
🎶 “Seven” - Jung Kook, Latto
🎶 “Can’t Do Better” - Kim Petras
🎶 “pink skies” - LANY
🎶 “If I Can’t Have You” - Shawn Mendes
🎶 “Carry You Home” - Alex Warren
And the spice was definitely SERVING in this book 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
”Fuck,You like knowing I’m picturing you, don’t you?”
”You like to be my good girl?”
”Get on your knees, and let me show you what you do to me.”
🏒 Tropes 🏒
💍 Enemies to Lovers
💍 Sports Romance (Hockey)
💍 Forced Proximity
💍 Marriage of Convenience
Book Edit - https://www.instagram.com/p/DAGqlI6AB...
October 5, 2024
2,5 🏑 🤔⭐️s
Mixed feelings about this story...
I liked the characters and their banter.
However, it was slightly longwinded and sometimes the flow was fluctuating.
Also, some serious aspects were unexploited and scattered within the story.
Regarding the ending, it was rushed…
Mixed feelings about this story...
I liked the characters and their banter.
However, it was slightly longwinded and sometimes the flow was fluctuating.
Also, some serious aspects were unexploited and scattered within the story.
Regarding the ending, it was rushed…
Currently reading
September 26, 2024Available now!
Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
Amazon: mybook.to/bluedevilsone
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4buZbHr
Tropes:
• 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲
• 𝗽𝗿𝗼 𝗵𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘆
• 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘅𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘆
• 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀
Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
Amazon: mybook.to/bluedevilsone
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4buZbHr
Tropes:
• 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲
• 𝗽𝗿𝗼 𝗵𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘆
• 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘅𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘆
• 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀
September 26, 2024
"𝑰 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒎𝒚 𝒇𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒆."
First of all a fake marriage with a stripper? IT WAS SO ENTERTAINING I have never read anything so fast! The premise was so fun: you've got a grumpy af goalie needing to clean up his reputation, and then comes Scottie, who's just trying to make ends meet and decides to try blackmailing a hockey player. Spoiler alert: she fails, but it all backfires (in a good way) with an NDA and an actual marriage contract!
The story of how they met, their pasts, and the character development between them was so well done. I was rooting for them from the start! I’ve read a ton of marriage of convenience tropes, but this one was unique legit right down to the reasoning behind them kissing in public (so hot).
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves sports romance, steamy vibes, and a beautiful HEA!
Tropes
🏒 hockey romance
🏒 marriage of convenience
🏒 grumpy x sunshine
🏒 forced Proximity
Thank you Valentines PR & S.J Sylvis for the eARC in exchange for my honest review
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 ꪆৎ ˚⋅ marriage-of-convenience, enemies-to-lovers, AND hockey romance SOOOOOLD!!!!
First of all a fake marriage with a stripper? IT WAS SO ENTERTAINING I have never read anything so fast! The premise was so fun: you've got a grumpy af goalie needing to clean up his reputation, and then comes Scottie, who's just trying to make ends meet and decides to try blackmailing a hockey player. Spoiler alert: she fails, but it all backfires (in a good way) with an NDA and an actual marriage contract!
The story of how they met, their pasts, and the character development between them was so well done. I was rooting for them from the start! I’ve read a ton of marriage of convenience tropes, but this one was unique legit right down to the reasoning behind them kissing in public (so hot).
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves sports romance, steamy vibes, and a beautiful HEA!
Tropes
🏒 hockey romance
🏒 marriage of convenience
🏒 grumpy x sunshine
🏒 forced Proximity
Thank you Valentines PR & S.J Sylvis for the eARC in exchange for my honest review
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 ꪆৎ ˚⋅ marriage-of-convenience, enemies-to-lovers, AND hockey romance SOOOOOLD!!!!
October 5, 2024
I liked the first half but then the second half fell flat and I got bored.
I need Rhodes love interest to be Chastity.
I need Rhodes love interest to be Chastity.
September 21, 2024
If SJ Sylvis writes it, your girl is going to read it. And dare I say that Play the Game is hands down the BEST book that SJ Sylvis has released yet! I literally could NOT put this book down. I blame adult responsibilities for me for finishing this book in one sitting because if I could have, I would have. It was just that good! There was not a single thing that I did not like in this book.
I really fell in love with hockey romances with Sammy's Bexley U series and I was so sad that Emory did not get a book in that series but she she announced he was getting a book in a brand new series, I was over the moon excited. And let me tell you that this book lived up to all of my expectations and more.
Emory is my favorite MMC by Sammi to date, which is saying something because Ford Collins was so swoon worthy but every time Emory said "my wife" my millennial knees became so weak! He was so protective and possessive with an acts of service love language that made me swoon. Like every time he did something for Scottie, I got butterflies. And Scottie, what a spit fire! I love her so much! She's such a force. She's fiercely independent and to see her finally tear down her walls and be vulnerable with Emory, it made me so happy.
Now the banter in this book... is TOP TIER! I found myself giggling so much throughout this book with every witty comeback that Scottie had for Emory. And Emory's nickname for Scottie Biscotti had me rolling. It was so fitting and cute. I also loved the added element of the "dumpster" cat Shutter. It was just another add element to see the kindness that radiates of Scottie. Plus who doesn't love an added element of a four legged friend?
Ok so as you can tell, I straight DEVOURED and LOVED everything about this book and I think you will too! If you have not read anything by SJ Sylvis, what are you waiting for? This is your sign. Add Play the Game to your TBR and you can thank me later! I can't wait to see what this series has in store because I loved all of the side characters!
You should read this book if you like:
- Pro Hockey Romance
- Marriage of Convenience
- Enemies to Lovers
- Forced Proximity
- Possessive MMC
- My Wife
* I would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to SJ Sylvis for allowing me to read Play the Game as an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions and review.
I really fell in love with hockey romances with Sammy's Bexley U series and I was so sad that Emory did not get a book in that series but she she announced he was getting a book in a brand new series, I was over the moon excited. And let me tell you that this book lived up to all of my expectations and more.
Emory is my favorite MMC by Sammi to date, which is saying something because Ford Collins was so swoon worthy but every time Emory said "my wife" my millennial knees became so weak! He was so protective and possessive with an acts of service love language that made me swoon. Like every time he did something for Scottie, I got butterflies. And Scottie, what a spit fire! I love her so much! She's such a force. She's fiercely independent and to see her finally tear down her walls and be vulnerable with Emory, it made me so happy.
Now the banter in this book... is TOP TIER! I found myself giggling so much throughout this book with every witty comeback that Scottie had for Emory. And Emory's nickname for Scottie Biscotti had me rolling. It was so fitting and cute. I also loved the added element of the "dumpster" cat Shutter. It was just another add element to see the kindness that radiates of Scottie. Plus who doesn't love an added element of a four legged friend?
Ok so as you can tell, I straight DEVOURED and LOVED everything about this book and I think you will too! If you have not read anything by SJ Sylvis, what are you waiting for? This is your sign. Add Play the Game to your TBR and you can thank me later! I can't wait to see what this series has in store because I loved all of the side characters!
You should read this book if you like:
- Pro Hockey Romance
- Marriage of Convenience
- Enemies to Lovers
- Forced Proximity
- Possessive MMC
- My Wife
* I would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to SJ Sylvis for allowing me to read Play the Game as an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions and review.
September 26, 2024
I was so excited for this book to release and it absolutely lived up to the hype!! With so many of my favorite tropes, there was no way I couldn’t love this book!
Scottie is so strong, sassy, independent and also so kind and caring with the biggest heart She has a tough exterior, but she’s a softie on the inside, just trying to help those that she cares for. Emory might be a grumpy goalie, but he’s got a soft spot for a certain sassy woman that he can’t stop thinking about. He’s protective and possessive, but also caring in his own ways.
Needing to clean his image up after an incident and traded to a new team because of it, Emory quickly comes up with a plan to help both of them get what they need at the moment - a marriage of convenience. Both think it’s a perfect solution and will be easy peasy, but will they be able to stick to the rules of the contract?
The banter and tension between these two is so thick and the spice is so freaking amazing! The fundraiser scene….sheeesshhhh that was hot! I literally will be re-reading this and cannot wait to have copy on my bookshelf as well!
Also, I lived for every single moment Shutter was around! I couldn’t help but smile at that cat and how she wormed her way into Emory’s heart.
This releases September 26th and is a must read if you love hockey romances, and especially if you love a good ‘my wife’ moment - because there are plenty of those!
ᴛʀᴏᴘᴇꜱ:
💕 Hockey romance
💕 Marriage of convenience
💕 Enemies to lovers
💕 Forced proximity
💕 Only soft for her
💕 My wife
💕 One bed
Thank you so much to S.J. Sylvis for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Scottie is so strong, sassy, independent and also so kind and caring with the biggest heart She has a tough exterior, but she’s a softie on the inside, just trying to help those that she cares for. Emory might be a grumpy goalie, but he’s got a soft spot for a certain sassy woman that he can’t stop thinking about. He’s protective and possessive, but also caring in his own ways.
Needing to clean his image up after an incident and traded to a new team because of it, Emory quickly comes up with a plan to help both of them get what they need at the moment - a marriage of convenience. Both think it’s a perfect solution and will be easy peasy, but will they be able to stick to the rules of the contract?
The banter and tension between these two is so thick and the spice is so freaking amazing! The fundraiser scene….sheeesshhhh that was hot! I literally will be re-reading this and cannot wait to have copy on my bookshelf as well!
Also, I lived for every single moment Shutter was around! I couldn’t help but smile at that cat and how she wormed her way into Emory’s heart.
This releases September 26th and is a must read if you love hockey romances, and especially if you love a good ‘my wife’ moment - because there are plenty of those!
ᴛʀᴏᴘᴇꜱ:
💕 Hockey romance
💕 Marriage of convenience
💕 Enemies to lovers
💕 Forced proximity
💕 Only soft for her
💕 My wife
💕 One bed
Thank you so much to S.J. Sylvis for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
September 21, 2024
♾️/5⭐️
2/5🌶️
MY FAVORITE SJ BOOK TO DATE👏🏼👏🏼 I wasn’t sure what to expect but wow. SJ blew me out of the water. I’m a sucker for the Marriage of Convenience trope and to add to it that the grumpy goalie falls HARD for the misunderstood heroine in need of help? Ugh I was a goner.
Emory & Scottie’s story was so perfect. It had just the right amount of spice, plot, romance, banter, angst… I couldn’t get enough. Thank you to SJ & her team for the ARC 💙
Tropes:
- Hockey Romance
- Marriage of Convenience
- Enemies to Lovers
- Grumpy NHL Goalie
- Forced Proximity
- Protective & Possessive MMC
- Sassy & Independent FMC
- One Bed
- “My Wife”
2/5🌶️
MY FAVORITE SJ BOOK TO DATE👏🏼👏🏼 I wasn’t sure what to expect but wow. SJ blew me out of the water. I’m a sucker for the Marriage of Convenience trope and to add to it that the grumpy goalie falls HARD for the misunderstood heroine in need of help? Ugh I was a goner.
Emory & Scottie’s story was so perfect. It had just the right amount of spice, plot, romance, banter, angst… I couldn’t get enough. Thank you to SJ & her team for the ARC 💙
Tropes:
- Hockey Romance
- Marriage of Convenience
- Enemies to Lovers
- Grumpy NHL Goalie
- Forced Proximity
- Protective & Possessive MMC
- Sassy & Independent FMC
- One Bed
- “My Wife”
November 27, 2024
Goalie love!
So followed from their colleges years and loooooved it! Follows Taytum’s brother who has gotten into trouble and meets up with a stripper who tries to blackmail him. Oh yes completely hooked! Loved the story and more sweet than dark, light on the smut which was refreshing since most will clobber but this had a nice spice, would’ve loved a bit more since seemed ending was rushed, but still good!
So followed from their colleges years and loooooved it! Follows Taytum’s brother who has gotten into trouble and meets up with a stripper who tries to blackmail him. Oh yes completely hooked! Loved the story and more sweet than dark, light on the smut which was refreshing since most will clobber but this had a nice spice, would’ve loved a bit more since seemed ending was rushed, but still good!
September 23, 2024
yep. LOVED THIS.
I read Sticks and Stones and needed more S.J. Sylvis so I was very excited for this and let me just tell you, it did not disappoint. I really really enjoyed this. Both characters were so loveable. I mean, Emory is legit perfect.
I think if you love Play Along by Liz Tomforde, you're going to devour this!!
-hockey romance
-hate to love
-marriage of convenience
-MY WIFE!!!
I read Sticks and Stones and needed more S.J. Sylvis so I was very excited for this and let me just tell you, it did not disappoint. I really really enjoyed this. Both characters were so loveable. I mean, Emory is legit perfect.
I think if you love Play Along by Liz Tomforde, you're going to devour this!!
-hockey romance
-hate to love
-marriage of convenience
-MY WIFE!!!
September 19, 2024
Emory and Scottie are everything💙
100% knew I was going to love this book
Play the Game is the first book in the Blue Devils Hockey Series. A fun start to a new series
I am obsessed with this book!
"My Wife" ✨chefs kiss✨
These two had me hooked from the beginning! Also couldn’t get enough of the banter and jokes throughout the whole book, Emory is the grumpy hot headed hockey player and he gets to know Scottie and softens only for her. The contract is simple enough… she marries him and it will help rebuild his image and stop random rumors and Scottie needs help and she will get her debts paid
I really loved the tension in this book
I couldn’t put down! Obsessed with Emory and his possessiveness, protectiveness
scottie biscotti 😂👌🏻my fave nickname
.
.
Tropes💙🖤
🏒 Hockey
🏒 possessive/ protective MMC
🏒 sassy/ independent MFC
🏒 struggling Photographer
🏒 Marriage of convenience
🏒 Enemies to lovers
Throughout the entire book i kept praying Rhodes’ book is next and guess what ? IT IS.
I can’t wait for the next book!
Thank you so much to @valentine_pr_ and @authorsjsylvis for an ARC of this book.🖤💙
100% knew I was going to love this book
Play the Game is the first book in the Blue Devils Hockey Series. A fun start to a new series
I am obsessed with this book!
"My Wife" ✨chefs kiss✨
These two had me hooked from the beginning! Also couldn’t get enough of the banter and jokes throughout the whole book, Emory is the grumpy hot headed hockey player and he gets to know Scottie and softens only for her. The contract is simple enough… she marries him and it will help rebuild his image and stop random rumors and Scottie needs help and she will get her debts paid
I really loved the tension in this book
I couldn’t put down! Obsessed with Emory and his possessiveness, protectiveness
scottie biscotti 😂👌🏻my fave nickname
.
.
Tropes💙🖤
🏒 Hockey
🏒 possessive/ protective MMC
🏒 sassy/ independent MFC
🏒 struggling Photographer
🏒 Marriage of convenience
🏒 Enemies to lovers
Throughout the entire book i kept praying Rhodes’ book is next and guess what ? IT IS.
I can’t wait for the next book!
Thank you so much to @valentine_pr_ and @authorsjsylvis for an ARC of this book.🖤💙
September 26, 2024
I mean it was a solid hockey romance, with some likable characters and the story was solid… HOWEVER, and it is time to get real, the entire first 20% of this book was a struggle for me personally. The ‘meet cute’ was a little rough for me to get into and it took me a HOT minute to really get invested into the story and the characters. Once I got there it was a much better reading experience for me, but at the same time, overall, it did not give what I really wanted it to give…
I DO WANT TO ALSO PREFACE THIS REVIEW WITH THE STATEMENT THAT A 3 STAR READ IS NOT A BAD RATING FOR ME PERSONALLY!!! 3 stars simply means it was a middle of the road read for me, I liked it and it was solid, however I didn’t love it.
I DO WANT TO ALSO PREFACE THIS REVIEW WITH THE STATEMENT THAT A 3 STAR READ IS NOT A BAD RATING FOR ME PERSONALLY!!! 3 stars simply means it was a middle of the road read for me, I liked it and it was solid, however I didn’t love it.
September 25, 2024
When SJ announced that she was writing a professional hockey romance, I was really excited. And I am happy to say that she came through and gave me a book that I absolutely love.
This follows Scottie and Emory. Scottie is just trying to survive. Her story is pretty heartbreaking with all she has been through, and everything she is trying to handle alone. But she does what she needs to do. Emory is newly with the Blue Devils and trying to clean up his image. After some encounters with Scottie, they come to a mutual agreement to enter into a fake marriage.
Scottie has to be one of my favorite FMCs to date. She is fierce, she is sassy, and she is independent doing whatever she needs to do to survive. She is just a fighter and I love a FMC that can hold her own. Her and Emory complimented one another so well and were exactly what the other needed…and I am not talking about the agreement LOL.
Where do I even begin with Emory…there were so many times during this one where he had me in goosebumps with the words that came out of his mouth…plus all the “my wife” I melt every time. I cannot get enough of that.
SJ always delivers with the banter and spice and there was no exception here. The spice was spicing…I mean that gala bathroom scene!??! PHEW!
Thank you to SJ and team for the eARC.
Overall: 4.5
Spice: 2.5
Tropes:
- Hockey Romance
- Marriage of Convenience
- Hate to Love
- Forced Proximity
- One Bed
- MY WIFE
This follows Scottie and Emory. Scottie is just trying to survive. Her story is pretty heartbreaking with all she has been through, and everything she is trying to handle alone. But she does what she needs to do. Emory is newly with the Blue Devils and trying to clean up his image. After some encounters with Scottie, they come to a mutual agreement to enter into a fake marriage.
Scottie has to be one of my favorite FMCs to date. She is fierce, she is sassy, and she is independent doing whatever she needs to do to survive. She is just a fighter and I love a FMC that can hold her own. Her and Emory complimented one another so well and were exactly what the other needed…and I am not talking about the agreement LOL.
Where do I even begin with Emory…there were so many times during this one where he had me in goosebumps with the words that came out of his mouth…plus all the “my wife” I melt every time. I cannot get enough of that.
SJ always delivers with the banter and spice and there was no exception here. The spice was spicing…I mean that gala bathroom scene!??! PHEW!
Thank you to SJ and team for the eARC.
Overall: 4.5
Spice: 2.5
Tropes:
- Hockey Romance
- Marriage of Convenience
- Hate to Love
- Forced Proximity
- One Bed
- MY WIFE
October 1, 2024
This was a very enjoyable read for me! I have not read anything by SJ Sylvis before but can tell you that I plan to go back and read Bexley U as well as future books in this series. I liked the flow of this one a lot. Sometimes you read books that feel off. This one did not. It seemed realistic. The feelings of the characters seemed realistic. I liked how the feelings grew and grew until they combusted. I have to admit I had a hard time with Emory at first. He was a little too much of a d*** at first BUT at the same time Scottie had tried to blackmail him. I was trying to understand things from his perspective. I found myself rooting for them to work from the very beginning. I liked that they worked through things together. They made each other better. I also enjoyed the not break up third act. It was a nice touch and believable based on the characters.
Scottie doesn't recognize herself anymore. She is working as a stripper to be able to cover legal fees for her undiagnosed brother. She is living off of scraps. Something has to change. Which is when she comes up with a crazy plan. She is going to blackmail Emory Olson. The new goalie for the hockey team who seems to have some shady things around him. He will obviously fall for what she brings to him and then she will have money and all will be well. But of course that is not what happens. He sees right through her plan but then instead of pushing for charges or anything. He comes to her with a different scenario. Be his fake wife for a year and he will pay her monthly as well as a large sum at the end. It will be a contract. Nothing more. So of course she says yes because she has to. Which is how she finds herself living in a beautiful home with a hot hockey player who she finds she wants to learn more about. But that isnt in the contract. Neither is keeping house. Or making nice. But she finds herself warming up to him. She finds herself wanting him. She hasn't wanted in so long. Surely things won't get too messy right? But now she has feelings for him and he doesn't even know all of her baggage. He will definitely run if he finds out. Or if the world finds out their secret. That they are fake but things don't feel so fake anymore.
Emory is frustrated. He was left high and dry by his old teammates and has now been moved to a new team where he has to prove himself all over again. He isn't this bad guy that the media is making him out to be. He is actually pretty cool. But when another story threatens his job things need to change. It just so happens that a stranger attempts to blackmail him and he comes up with a crazier idea. They will get fake married and then all of these women will stop coming out of the woodwork with crazy stories. No big deal right? She will just have to live with him, go to his hockey games. They can be all over each other in public but the line is drawn in private. But there is something about Scottie that he likes. She is super hot but he senses there is so much more to her. When he starts to get glimpses of the real girl, he cant help falling for her HARD. Now he has to convince her that what they have is real and that they can weather the storms that may come.
I liked Scottie a lot. She had been through so much but was still resilient and SASSY. Except in bed with Mr. Olson where she took direction (HOT). She wore a lot of masks and had been let down so many times that it was awesome to watch her be supported by someone and to build out some friendships because of who she was. Emory on the other hand was hard to like at first. He was jaded as all get out. Everyone was out to get him. I liked when he realized that he was putting on an act. His sister asked him if he had ever been in a relationship. Could he do sweet and romantic? Then he seemed to make it his mission to do the little things. And we all know that the little things go a LONG way. These two had GREAT chemistry. I liked the spice and the amount of it- YES MAAM. I also liked the side characters and am excited to see who all will be MMCs in this series. I am looking forward to Rhodes and the illusive nanny!
Thank you to Valentine PR and SJ for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I definitely recommend this one if you are looking for a spicy quick hockey read :)
Scottie doesn't recognize herself anymore. She is working as a stripper to be able to cover legal fees for her undiagnosed brother. She is living off of scraps. Something has to change. Which is when she comes up with a crazy plan. She is going to blackmail Emory Olson. The new goalie for the hockey team who seems to have some shady things around him. He will obviously fall for what she brings to him and then she will have money and all will be well. But of course that is not what happens. He sees right through her plan but then instead of pushing for charges or anything. He comes to her with a different scenario. Be his fake wife for a year and he will pay her monthly as well as a large sum at the end. It will be a contract. Nothing more. So of course she says yes because she has to. Which is how she finds herself living in a beautiful home with a hot hockey player who she finds she wants to learn more about. But that isnt in the contract. Neither is keeping house. Or making nice. But she finds herself warming up to him. She finds herself wanting him. She hasn't wanted in so long. Surely things won't get too messy right? But now she has feelings for him and he doesn't even know all of her baggage. He will definitely run if he finds out. Or if the world finds out their secret. That they are fake but things don't feel so fake anymore.
Emory is frustrated. He was left high and dry by his old teammates and has now been moved to a new team where he has to prove himself all over again. He isn't this bad guy that the media is making him out to be. He is actually pretty cool. But when another story threatens his job things need to change. It just so happens that a stranger attempts to blackmail him and he comes up with a crazier idea. They will get fake married and then all of these women will stop coming out of the woodwork with crazy stories. No big deal right? She will just have to live with him, go to his hockey games. They can be all over each other in public but the line is drawn in private. But there is something about Scottie that he likes. She is super hot but he senses there is so much more to her. When he starts to get glimpses of the real girl, he cant help falling for her HARD. Now he has to convince her that what they have is real and that they can weather the storms that may come.
I liked Scottie a lot. She had been through so much but was still resilient and SASSY. Except in bed with Mr. Olson where she took direction (HOT). She wore a lot of masks and had been let down so many times that it was awesome to watch her be supported by someone and to build out some friendships because of who she was. Emory on the other hand was hard to like at first. He was jaded as all get out. Everyone was out to get him. I liked when he realized that he was putting on an act. His sister asked him if he had ever been in a relationship. Could he do sweet and romantic? Then he seemed to make it his mission to do the little things. And we all know that the little things go a LONG way. These two had GREAT chemistry. I liked the spice and the amount of it- YES MAAM. I also liked the side characters and am excited to see who all will be MMCs in this series. I am looking forward to Rhodes and the illusive nanny!
Thank you to Valentine PR and SJ for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I definitely recommend this one if you are looking for a spicy quick hockey read :)
October 10, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
September 20, 2024
5/5 ⭐️s
Nobody does banter like SJ Sylvis and I will die on that hill.
This book was SO good. Definitely my favorite I’ve read by her so far. The characters, the story line, Scottie’s backstory… every single thing about this book had me not wanting to put it down.
First of all, I absolutely LOVED Scottie’s character. She was fierce, independent, stubborn, and just an overall bad a** of an FMC. She was EXACTLY what Emory needed in his life. They complimented each other so well and their banter was just SO GOOD.
The spice in this book, sheeeeesh. The gala bathroom scene, iykyk.
🖤Professional Hockey
💙Marriage of Convenience
🖤”My Wife”
💙Banter
🖤Enemies to Lovers
Nobody does banter like SJ Sylvis and I will die on that hill.
This book was SO good. Definitely my favorite I’ve read by her so far. The characters, the story line, Scottie’s backstory… every single thing about this book had me not wanting to put it down.
First of all, I absolutely LOVED Scottie’s character. She was fierce, independent, stubborn, and just an overall bad a** of an FMC. She was EXACTLY what Emory needed in his life. They complimented each other so well and their banter was just SO GOOD.
The spice in this book, sheeeeesh. The gala bathroom scene, iykyk.
🖤Professional Hockey
💙Marriage of Convenience
🖤”My Wife”
💙Banter
🖤Enemies to Lovers
September 22, 2024
Loved this book Emory was the perfect grumpy goalie 😍
November 24, 2024
PLEASE. Not my first hockey romance absolutely destroying my soul LMAO. I mean, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Romance is romance. But Emory is ROMANCE. Words? Don’t have them. But take all my 5 stars.
Olson and Cherry made my heart so happy. As a woman who has a mother in an identical predicament to Cherry's mom, made her very relatable to me. I loved the growth this couple experienced throughout the book and the happiness they found within one another.
What stuck out to me was the attention to detail in side characters, and now I can't wait to read their books, too!
Olson and Cherry made my heart so happy. As a woman who has a mother in an identical predicament to Cherry's mom, made her very relatable to me. I loved the growth this couple experienced throughout the book and the happiness they found within one another.
What stuck out to me was the attention to detail in side characters, and now I can't wait to read their books, too!
September 26, 2024
4.5/5 ⭐️
2/5🌶️
Tropes:
💙Marriage of Convenience
🖤Hockey Romance
💙Grumpy NHL Goalie
🖤Enemies to Lovers
💙Forced Proximity
🖤”My Wife”
💙Sassy & Independent FMC
OMG. I THINK I AM IN LOVE. I’ve only read sticks and stones by S.J. Sylvis and I knew I needed to read more of her books and man I am sooo happy I did. I am obsessed with her writing, and I can’t wait to read her backlist! She blew this out of the water! I am such a sucker for the marriage of convenience & when Emory said “My Wife” I WAS KICKING MY FEET. I was soo giddy.
Play the Game is the first book in the Blue Devils Hockey Series following Emory Olson & Scottie Monroe. Scottie is just trying to survive & in need of money. Emory is newly with the Blue Devils, and he is trying to clean up his name after some allegations were made about him. After some encounters with Scottie, they come to a mutual agreement to enter a fake marriage. She will help him with his image, and he will pay her for her help. He even has her move in with him.
I love these two with all my heart. Their chemistry & THE BANTER!!!! Its everything I needed and more. I was kicking my feet like a girl with a school crush. Scottie has become one of my favorite FMCs. She is so strong and fierce. She is sassy and most of all she is independent. I loved the way Emory did everything for her. He wanted to help her, so she wasn’t alone. He was soo protective over her and I loved how Scottie was just as protective over him as well. BUT CAN WE TALK ABOUT SHUTTER?? I adored him so much. The way he was always by her side and knew if something was wrong. I ABSOULATLY ADORED THIS BOOK. I can’t wait to see what she has in store for the rest of this series.
Thank you S.J. Sylvis and Valentine PR for this ARC!
2/5🌶️
Tropes:
💙Marriage of Convenience
🖤Hockey Romance
💙Grumpy NHL Goalie
🖤Enemies to Lovers
💙Forced Proximity
🖤”My Wife”
💙Sassy & Independent FMC
OMG. I THINK I AM IN LOVE. I’ve only read sticks and stones by S.J. Sylvis and I knew I needed to read more of her books and man I am sooo happy I did. I am obsessed with her writing, and I can’t wait to read her backlist! She blew this out of the water! I am such a sucker for the marriage of convenience & when Emory said “My Wife” I WAS KICKING MY FEET. I was soo giddy.
Play the Game is the first book in the Blue Devils Hockey Series following Emory Olson & Scottie Monroe. Scottie is just trying to survive & in need of money. Emory is newly with the Blue Devils, and he is trying to clean up his name after some allegations were made about him. After some encounters with Scottie, they come to a mutual agreement to enter a fake marriage. She will help him with his image, and he will pay her for her help. He even has her move in with him.
I love these two with all my heart. Their chemistry & THE BANTER!!!! Its everything I needed and more. I was kicking my feet like a girl with a school crush. Scottie has become one of my favorite FMCs. She is so strong and fierce. She is sassy and most of all she is independent. I loved the way Emory did everything for her. He wanted to help her, so she wasn’t alone. He was soo protective over her and I loved how Scottie was just as protective over him as well. BUT CAN WE TALK ABOUT SHUTTER?? I adored him so much. The way he was always by her side and knew if something was wrong. I ABSOULATLY ADORED THIS BOOK. I can’t wait to see what she has in store for the rest of this series.
Thank you S.J. Sylvis and Valentine PR for this ARC!
September 22, 2024
ARC review
Release Date 9/26
♾️ stars!
“Oh, and if you ever talk to my wife, it better be with fucking respect.”
“Tell me what you like, Scottie. I want to know if I’m right.” He is. He is so right. I answer, unable to pull myself back to reality. “Wife,” I say. “I like it when you call me your wife.”
Tropes 💍-
Marriage of Convenience
Enemies to lovers
Pro Hockey MMC
Forced Proximity
One Bed
Lots of "My wife"
Only soft for her
Spicy
Dual POV
✨️My Goodness! I absolutely devoured this book! This book checks off so many of my favorite tropes, and they're portrayed so well! I think Scottie is one of my favorite FMCs like ever. She is so sassy, but she also has the biggest freaking heart ever! Emory is such a grumpy Gus, but a softie when it comes to Scottie 😍. I loved it so much! I can't recommend this book enough! 🤭🤭 you guys definitely need to give it a read!!
Thank you to SJ Sylvis and Valentine PR, for allowing me to read and review!!
Release Date 9/26
♾️ stars!
“Oh, and if you ever talk to my wife, it better be with fucking respect.”
“Tell me what you like, Scottie. I want to know if I’m right.” He is. He is so right. I answer, unable to pull myself back to reality. “Wife,” I say. “I like it when you call me your wife.”
Tropes 💍-
Marriage of Convenience
Enemies to lovers
Pro Hockey MMC
Forced Proximity
One Bed
Lots of "My wife"
Only soft for her
Spicy
Dual POV
✨️My Goodness! I absolutely devoured this book! This book checks off so many of my favorite tropes, and they're portrayed so well! I think Scottie is one of my favorite FMCs like ever. She is so sassy, but she also has the biggest freaking heart ever! Emory is such a grumpy Gus, but a softie when it comes to Scottie 😍. I loved it so much! I can't recommend this book enough! 🤭🤭 you guys definitely need to give it a read!!
Thank you to SJ Sylvis and Valentine PR, for allowing me to read and review!!
October 7, 2024
4.4⭐️
Play The Game by S.J. Sylvis is the first book in the Blue Devils Hockey Series.
The story follows Emory, a pro hockey grumpy goalie who is the new guy in the Blue Devils due to the fact he got traded after a misunderstanding/scandal and, too, cleans his image from the press and decides to make a deal with Scottie.
Scottie is a strong and independent woman. Didn’t have an easy life; struggling to make ends meet caused her to make questionable decisions, like trying to exploit Emory, but when the plan backfired and she had to be his wife to fix his image, she didn’t want to, but she needed the money to pay off her debt and also help her brother.
This is the first book I read from S.J. Sylvis.
I enjoyed her writing; I would’ve read it in one sitting, but life got in the way. I want to read all her other books that are on my TBR this year (Hopefully 🤞).
I really enjoyed the book. The chemistry between these two characters was phenomenal, and their banter, My wife moments plus the MMC possessive and jealousy side was everything and more. 👏
“𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐫𝐮𝐧, 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐞, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐞”
”𝐈’𝐥𝐥 𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐞. 𝐈 𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐡����𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞. 𝐈 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐚 𝐝𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈’𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫.”
“𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐲, 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭. 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐞, 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭. 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐦𝐞, 𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐦𝐞, 𝐈’𝐦 𝐡𝐢𝐬. 𝐈’𝐯𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞’𝐬 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐲’𝐬.”
Tropes:
✨ Marriage of Convenience
✨ Enemies to lovers
✨ Pro-Hockey
✨ “My Wife”
✨ One bed
✨ Slow Burn
Play The Game by S.J. Sylvis is the first book in the Blue Devils Hockey Series.
The story follows Emory, a pro hockey grumpy goalie who is the new guy in the Blue Devils due to the fact he got traded after a misunderstanding/scandal and, too, cleans his image from the press and decides to make a deal with Scottie.
Scottie is a strong and independent woman. Didn’t have an easy life; struggling to make ends meet caused her to make questionable decisions, like trying to exploit Emory, but when the plan backfired and she had to be his wife to fix his image, she didn’t want to, but she needed the money to pay off her debt and also help her brother.
This is the first book I read from S.J. Sylvis.
I enjoyed her writing; I would’ve read it in one sitting, but life got in the way. I want to read all her other books that are on my TBR this year (Hopefully 🤞).
I really enjoyed the book. The chemistry between these two characters was phenomenal, and their banter, My wife moments plus the MMC possessive and jealousy side was everything and more. 👏
“𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐫𝐮𝐧, 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐞, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐞”
”𝐈’𝐥𝐥 𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐞. 𝐈 𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐡����𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞. 𝐈 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐚 𝐝𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈’𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫.”
“𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐲, 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭. 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐞, 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭. 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐦𝐞, 𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐦𝐞, 𝐈’𝐦 𝐡𝐢𝐬. 𝐈’𝐯𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞’𝐬 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐲’𝐬.”
Tropes:
✨ Marriage of Convenience
✨ Enemies to lovers
✨ Pro-Hockey
✨ “My Wife”
✨ One bed
✨ Slow Burn
September 27, 2024
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE: 🔥🔥💥
Even though I knew I was going to enjoy this book, I honestly didn't think Emory Olsen was going become my favorite MMC that SJ has written, but I absolutely adore this man and would burn the world down for him and the entire Blue Devils Hockey Team.
This book was EVERYTHING I love and even more. I adore marriage of convenience and the way that this one was written made me fall even more in love with the trope.
Hockey Romance
Marriage of Convenience
Grumpy Goalie
Enemies to Lovers
Forced Proximity
He Falls Hard
Emory Olson is such a grump and I love him. This books starts with him having a huge image problem, and then on top of that, a random woman tries to blackmail him for money. That woman happens to be Scottie, and exotic dancer who is desperate, and even though he hates her on sight. He cant help but be intrigued by her. So intrigued, that he offers her a marriage of convenience to fix both of their problems.
I love that these two got married when the absolutely disliked each other, and the bater between them was top notch. Scottie was a delight, and such an interesting character. My heart went out to her and how much she had to endure. I loved how she went toe to toe with Emory over and over again, and that their snark became a love language for them.
Emory was such a simp for Scottie, even though it took him a minute to realize it. I loved all the little ways he took care of her, and how absolutely possessive of her he was with his "my wife" and his grumpy growliness. But what made me fall so damn hard for this man, was how he bonded and drew on the team.
The Chicago Blue Devils were a misfit team that no one had a lot of faith in, but Emory saw something in them and much as he did Scottie, and instead of being resentful, he chose to see the best in them. I think I would have melted into the floor in a puddle for that man from that alone.
Everything about this is fantastic and I am obsessed with this series. I loved how Scottie and Emory found what they needed in each other, and I loved every bantery , moment it took to get to that point. The spice might have taken a minute to arrive but when it did.... HOLY MOLY it was so good. I will never look at dressing rooms the same way again 🔥
I cannot wait for more, and will accept no criticisms of this book because it was a 10/10 and my favorite book by SJ yet.
SPICE: 🔥🔥💥
Even though I knew I was going to enjoy this book, I honestly didn't think Emory Olsen was going become my favorite MMC that SJ has written, but I absolutely adore this man and would burn the world down for him and the entire Blue Devils Hockey Team.
This book was EVERYTHING I love and even more. I adore marriage of convenience and the way that this one was written made me fall even more in love with the trope.
Hockey Romance
Marriage of Convenience
Grumpy Goalie
Enemies to Lovers
Forced Proximity
He Falls Hard
Emory Olson is such a grump and I love him. This books starts with him having a huge image problem, and then on top of that, a random woman tries to blackmail him for money. That woman happens to be Scottie, and exotic dancer who is desperate, and even though he hates her on sight. He cant help but be intrigued by her. So intrigued, that he offers her a marriage of convenience to fix both of their problems.
I love that these two got married when the absolutely disliked each other, and the bater between them was top notch. Scottie was a delight, and such an interesting character. My heart went out to her and how much she had to endure. I loved how she went toe to toe with Emory over and over again, and that their snark became a love language for them.
Emory was such a simp for Scottie, even though it took him a minute to realize it. I loved all the little ways he took care of her, and how absolutely possessive of her he was with his "my wife" and his grumpy growliness. But what made me fall so damn hard for this man, was how he bonded and drew on the team.
The Chicago Blue Devils were a misfit team that no one had a lot of faith in, but Emory saw something in them and much as he did Scottie, and instead of being resentful, he chose to see the best in them. I think I would have melted into the floor in a puddle for that man from that alone.
Everything about this is fantastic and I am obsessed with this series. I loved how Scottie and Emory found what they needed in each other, and I loved every bantery , moment it took to get to that point. The spice might have taken a minute to arrive but when it did.... HOLY MOLY it was so good. I will never look at dressing rooms the same way again 🔥
I cannot wait for more, and will accept no criticisms of this book because it was a 10/10 and my favorite book by SJ yet.
September 28, 2024
SJ DID NOT COME TO PLAY 🔥 this was absolutely EVERYTHING I could ever want in a hockey/marriage of convenience romance! You have absolutely phenomenal & explosive chemistry between Scottie & Emory, incredible tension & AMAZING banter, swoon worthy moments & not to mention top tier spice 👏🏼 add in a grumpy goalie who falls absolutely HARD for the one woman he said he never would? And the amount of times he would call her “my wife” & get absolutely jealous & possessive over her?? 6 star read material right here 🤍
Scottie & Emory are probably one of my top couples & story I’ve read this year and I just couldn’t get enough! As always, SJ proves why she’s forever one of my auto-read/auto-buy authors! I cannot wait to see where this series goes & next book being a single dad/nanny story?? I need it like YESTERDAY 🤭
Thank you SJ & team for the ARC! 🫶🏻
Tropes:
- Hockey romance
- Marriage of convenience
- Enemies to lovers
- Forced proximity
- One bed
- “My wife”
Final rating:
♾️/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️
Scottie & Emory are probably one of my top couples & story I’ve read this year and I just couldn’t get enough! As always, SJ proves why she’s forever one of my auto-read/auto-buy authors! I cannot wait to see where this series goes & next book being a single dad/nanny story?? I need it like YESTERDAY 🤭
Thank you SJ & team for the ARC! 🫶🏻
Tropes:
- Hockey romance
- Marriage of convenience
- Enemies to lovers
- Forced proximity
- One bed
- “My wife”
Final rating:
♾️/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️
September 22, 2024
”I’m coming home.”
I laugh. “Stop it.”
He pauses. “You stop it.”
“Stop what?” I ask, laughing again.
Emory’s flirtiness fades. My heart beats harder when he opens his mouth, but then he closes it before opening it one more time. “Stop making me fall in love with you.”
Wow, guys. It’s official. I can’t believe I’m saying this but Play the Game has become my most favorite book from S.J. Sylvis. (*I’m sorry, Ollie & Piper from All the Little Secrets!*) This book totally catches me off guard with its deep conversations between the protagonists, Emory Olson, the once-hot-tempered goalie for Chicago Blue Devils, and Scottie Monroe, the feisty blonde who’s so desperate for money that she’s willing to do everything to get it, including blackmailing the most intimidating Emory…even before knowing him.
One thing leads to another and before I know it, Emory and Scottie’s already signing the contract titled “Marriage of Convenience.” (Y’all should read that contract carefully. I’m tempted to sign one myself after perusing all the rules and conditions.) Another lovely surprise in this book is how mature and responsible Emory has turned into. I mean, from the previous books in the Bexley U series where he makes an appearance, he’s always been this “play hard on the ice and harder in after parties” kind of playboy. He never settles with just a girl, let alone the same one, and I won’t expect him to, either. However, this reformed version of Emory in this book only makes him even more attractive.
As the saying goes, “Action speaks louder than words.” Undeniably, among all the Bexley U hockey players, from Theo, Aasher, Ford, to now Emory (and very soon, Rhodes), I’m just astonished to find Emory is the one with the loudest action. His small gestures from how he treats Scottie to the little gifts he gets her, all of which not only shows how much attention he pays to her but how much he truly, deeply cares for her. My heart melts when he eventually softens for his wife and for her only. <3
It’s the same thing I was explaining to Scottie. When a team is truly a team, they work together. It’s one of the oldest fucking bylaws in hockey. They fight, we fight.
Aside from Emory and Scottie’s slow-burn, marriage of convenience, and unlikely-allies-to-lovers romance, I also like all the detailed hockey games and references this book features. For once, as a hockey romance, there are actual hockey games, tactics, and teamwork strategies put on paper. Don’t get me wrong, as someone who’s perpetually in her hockey romance era, I love all things hockey related in fictional stories, but sometimes I feel like the stories themselves don’t give the sport much credit. Thankfully, that’s not the case with Play the Game. What’s more, even Scottie is an enthusiastic hockey junkie! She’s beyond adorable when geeking out all those hockey knowledge and fun facts in front of Emory and his teammates.
”For better, for worse,” I whisper, moving closer to her mouth. “For richer, for poorer.” A tear slips down her cheek. “In sickness and in health.” I brush the tear away.
She moves closer to me. “To love and to cherish.”
Lastly, I just want to fangirl one more time about Emory and Scottie. There’s no exaggeration that I’m gravitating towards them from the very start of their unlikely relationship, umm, if there’s one to begin with. Especially the more Emory gets to know Scottie, he eventually realizes that she’s much more than the person she lets others see. What makes Emory stand out among his previous teammates in Bexley U is how much he RESPECTS Scottie. As possessive as he is when it comes to Scottie, he doesn’t go all caveman on her. Instead, he gives her space, lets her control what she wants/needs, and even respects her when she doesn’t share what’s on her mind without constantly pushing her or sticking his nose in her business.
I once read an article about what made a relationship work, and one of the keys was to make your significant other feel safe when triggered. Emory and Scottie’s love story is exactly the most perfect example to that. I really appreciate how Emory doesn’t tiptoe around Scottie’s problem and rather, provides her with a safe space when she’s struggling and eventually opens up to him on her terms. That’s the epitome of a healthy and long-lasting relationship, and to be honest, I really don’t picture Emory to be such a flawless husband/boyfriend material until now. Thus, that’s why this book tops all of Sammi’s previous work.
”I have nothing to offer you,” she admits.
“All I need is you.” I say.
All in all, please go pick Play the Game up ASAP! Besides, you can preorder it before September 26, 2024, for a bonus *swoon-worthy* epilogue. Emory and Scottie’s story proves what a beautifully successful relationship will look like and I also love how much emotional value Scottie has given Emory in return. By the way, have I mentioned there are quite a few cameos of Ford and Taytum (from Ice Bet)? Each one of them cracks me up so badly that you don’t want to miss them! Better yet, the next book in this series will be all about Rhodes and his hard-found nanny! Rhodes’ printsessa, Ellie, is the cutest and don’t get me started on their Russian heritage. Can’t wait to explore the single dad/nanny trope Sammi meticulously crafts for us! *squee*
***Thanks to the author for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
October 4, 2024
It was cute. Loved the MY WIFE moments
September 28, 2024
dnf @60%. this is a snooze fest 😴
September 19, 2024
SJ does it again😫 I read this book so damn fast. Emory and Scottie Biscotti had me in a chokehold.
- marriage of convenience
- forced proximity
- broody MMC
This was such a sweet story and honestly the story line was like anything else I’ve read!!!! Cannot WAIT for Rhodes & his nanny next 😉
- marriage of convenience
- forced proximity
- broody MMC
This was such a sweet story and honestly the story line was like anything else I’ve read!!!! Cannot WAIT for Rhodes & his nanny next 😉
October 9, 2024
Bingeable
Rounding up my rating, because this was very solid. I've been meaning to check out this author and I love a good marriage of convenience romance (especially between strangers!), so this seemed like the perfect place to start. I kinda loved that the evolution of their relationship didn't take the "typical" path - they go from strangers to instant enemies to married couple to lovers, which made for a very fun ride. It's a S-L-O-W burn, which I loved. They truly got to know each other a little bit at a time, and it made sense that it would take awhile before they crossed those lines. It was easy to see that our hero was falling though, with plenty of swoony "my wife" moments and subtle hints that their relationship was changing. We get the forced proximity of them living together and growing closer piece by piece, which made for a bingeable, engaging read that plays up the tropes. I had very few complaints and none of them were major, so this was a solid 4-star/low 5-star read for me.
The story follows Emory, a pro hockey player with a bad reputation. He recently got into an altercation that makes him seem like a questionable guy, but there's more to the story. So when his teammates take him to a strip club and one of the dancers tries to extort him with a Photoshopped image, it's just one more reason to stay away from women. In Scottie's defense, she had good reason to want the money, but she's mortified that she even tried to blackmail a stranger. After apologizing, one thing leads to another, and the two strangers soon find themselves married. Scottie will get the money she needs for her brother's legal bills, Emory will improve his image and keep his distance from women - it's a win-win situation. What neither one anticipated was that feelings would develop between them. It's not long before living together and playing the role of happy couple leads to shifting dynamics that slowly start to feel like love.
Sylvis has been on my radar for a while now, but I'm not big on college romances these days or the drama that comes with them. So I was excited to see that this new series features older characters (26ish), and that there was essentially zero OW/OM drama - yay. Emory may be a former player, but he swore off women after his situation and no one else stood a chance after he met his new wife. There's definitely some great "he falls first" vibes, and I love a smitten husband, so those aspects were major wins for me. I also liked the roommate situation and the fact that they spent so much time together. Plus, we have the unconventional nature of their meeting, which kept me on my toes. Scottie did a bad thing, but she's not a bad person, and I loved watching them slowly fall. I really enjoyed Sylvis' writing style, which was easy to binge. I was entertained and engaged the whole way through, and only a few minor things bugged me. There are a couple of moments that show Sylvis' writing still has room to grow, but that's about it. Otherwise, this was a relatively light and sexy marriage of convenience romance with a slight undercurrent of darker tension. And it delivered exactly the kind of tropey fun I wanted.
Rounding up my rating, because this was very solid. I've been meaning to check out this author and I love a good marriage of convenience romance (especially between strangers!), so this seemed like the perfect place to start. I kinda loved that the evolution of their relationship didn't take the "typical" path - they go from strangers to instant enemies to married couple to lovers, which made for a very fun ride. It's a S-L-O-W burn, which I loved. They truly got to know each other a little bit at a time, and it made sense that it would take awhile before they crossed those lines. It was easy to see that our hero was falling though, with plenty of swoony "my wife" moments and subtle hints that their relationship was changing. We get the forced proximity of them living together and growing closer piece by piece, which made for a bingeable, engaging read that plays up the tropes. I had very few complaints and none of them were major, so this was a solid 4-star/low 5-star read for me.
The story follows Emory, a pro hockey player with a bad reputation. He recently got into an altercation that makes him seem like a questionable guy, but there's more to the story. So when his teammates take him to a strip club and one of the dancers tries to extort him with a Photoshopped image, it's just one more reason to stay away from women. In Scottie's defense, she had good reason to want the money, but she's mortified that she even tried to blackmail a stranger. After apologizing, one thing leads to another, and the two strangers soon find themselves married. Scottie will get the money she needs for her brother's legal bills, Emory will improve his image and keep his distance from women - it's a win-win situation. What neither one anticipated was that feelings would develop between them. It's not long before living together and playing the role of happy couple leads to shifting dynamics that slowly start to feel like love.
Sylvis has been on my radar for a while now, but I'm not big on college romances these days or the drama that comes with them. So I was excited to see that this new series features older characters (26ish), and that there was essentially zero OW/OM drama - yay. Emory may be a former player, but he swore off women after his situation and no one else stood a chance after he met his new wife. There's definitely some great "he falls first" vibes, and I love a smitten husband, so those aspects were major wins for me. I also liked the roommate situation and the fact that they spent so much time together. Plus, we have the unconventional nature of their meeting, which kept me on my toes. Scottie did a bad thing, but she's not a bad person, and I loved watching them slowly fall. I really enjoyed Sylvis' writing style, which was easy to binge. I was entertained and engaged the whole way through, and only a few minor things bugged me. There are a couple of moments that show Sylvis' writing still has room to grow, but that's about it. Otherwise, this was a relatively light and sexy marriage of convenience romance with a slight undercurrent of darker tension. And it delivered exactly the kind of tropey fun I wanted.
September 21, 2024
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
This is definitely my new favourite SJ book! I have been telling anyone who will listen Emory has been my favourite since “Weak Side” and ““Play the Game” did not disappoint! The first encounter had me in giggles, I kind of knew what to expect but I did not see Scottie’s job plot twist coming. Scottie makes my heart hurt & I can forgive her for trying to blackmail Emory because home girl is truly stuck between a rock and a hard place here. I come to love Scottie’s character so much, she’s so caring and has such a big heart I just cried for her. And Emory!! My guy what happened between college and now - ugh I just wanted to hug him (and he’d totally hate it but whatever) the circumstances leading to him being in Chicago with Scottie make me so angry & sad for him, but I love the toll he was able to create on the team. The team building & growing into a true team family was so wholesome to read! The Ford and Taurus cameo’s were the best!! I love Emory so much, but Ford is a close 2nd he is so funny - his comedic relief in the end scene was so iconic and just so ultra *Ford* I would expect nothing less from him, It was so cute to read the snippets of the BU couples living their happy lives & the BU college team ripping on Emory was so funny - I was actually giggling through half this read at least!! The found family vibes through this story is actually one of my favorite things; it’s hands down one of my top tropes to read; just rooting for everyone’s happiness!! Let’s take a moment for Emory’s ““my wife” moments & his ultra possessiveness that I am 100% here for. I was heavily anticipating up to this read, these plus the spicy moments served so hard I have zero further comment. Absolute perfection. I wish I could read again for the 1st time.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
This is definitely my new favourite SJ book! I have been telling anyone who will listen Emory has been my favourite since “Weak Side” and ““Play the Game” did not disappoint! The first encounter had me in giggles, I kind of knew what to expect but I did not see Scottie’s job plot twist coming. Scottie makes my heart hurt & I can forgive her for trying to blackmail Emory because home girl is truly stuck between a rock and a hard place here. I come to love Scottie’s character so much, she’s so caring and has such a big heart I just cried for her. And Emory!! My guy what happened between college and now - ugh I just wanted to hug him (and he’d totally hate it but whatever) the circumstances leading to him being in Chicago with Scottie make me so angry & sad for him, but I love the toll he was able to create on the team. The team building & growing into a true team family was so wholesome to read! The Ford and Taurus cameo’s were the best!! I love Emory so much, but Ford is a close 2nd he is so funny - his comedic relief in the end scene was so iconic and just so ultra *Ford* I would expect nothing less from him, It was so cute to read the snippets of the BU couples living their happy lives & the BU college team ripping on Emory was so funny - I was actually giggling through half this read at least!! The found family vibes through this story is actually one of my favorite things; it’s hands down one of my top tropes to read; just rooting for everyone’s happiness!! Let’s take a moment for Emory’s ““my wife” moments & his ultra possessiveness that I am 100% here for. I was heavily anticipating up to this read, these plus the spicy moments served so hard I have zero further comment. Absolute perfection. I wish I could read again for the 1st time.
September 21, 2024
Emory Olsen I’m obsessed with you.
~𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆~
SJ is a goddess for bestowing this gem upon me.
There’s no other words except I’m simply obsessed with Emory Olson and Scottie Biscotti.
The Chicago Blue Devils series is a spin off to the Bexley U series. If y’all read that then you’ll know Emory is a grumpy bad ass hockey goalie… or is he? 👀
The best part about this book is the tension. I mean it is a marriage of convenience. But who falls first? And Emory using the term “My Wife” plsssss i simply pass away every single time.
I’m not gonna lie though, i read this in less than 12 hours. 🤭
Sammi killed it with this one! And i can’t wait for yall to snatch it up September 26th.
“Warmth fills my stomach the longer I stare at her. My heart starts to beat a little quicker, and I try to think of a time that I’ve ever felt this way.”
This is definitely a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me.
🌶️🌶️🌶️ for spice.
I need more of them. 😤
#SportsRomance #Angsty #MarriageofConvenience #Athlete #EnemiestoLovers #FakeMarriage #ForcedProximity #HeroineinDanger #Hockey #RomanticSuspense #SportsRomance #SlowBurn #TragicPast #Suspense
~𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆~
SJ is a goddess for bestowing this gem upon me.
There’s no other words except I’m simply obsessed with Emory Olson and Scottie Biscotti.
The Chicago Blue Devils series is a spin off to the Bexley U series. If y’all read that then you’ll know Emory is a grumpy bad ass hockey goalie… or is he? 👀
The best part about this book is the tension. I mean it is a marriage of convenience. But who falls first? And Emory using the term “My Wife” plsssss i simply pass away every single time.
I’m not gonna lie though, i read this in less than 12 hours. 🤭
Sammi killed it with this one! And i can’t wait for yall to snatch it up September 26th.
“Warmth fills my stomach the longer I stare at her. My heart starts to beat a little quicker, and I try to think of a time that I’ve ever felt this way.”
This is definitely a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me.
🌶️🌶️🌶️ for spice.
I need more of them. 😤
#SportsRomance #Angsty #MarriageofConvenience #Athlete #EnemiestoLovers #FakeMarriage #ForcedProximity #HeroineinDanger #Hockey #RomanticSuspense #SportsRomance #SlowBurn #TragicPast #Suspense
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