The Playing Game

A Hockey Romance (Off the Ice, Book 1)

De: Ainsley Booth

Narrado por: Lucas Webley, Michelle Sparks

Two years ago, I had the hottest night of my life with a woman who didn’t want to tell me her name—and in a tequila-fueled fever dream, I agreed. She was funny, sexy, and after I got past her brittle shell, secretly very sweet.

In the morning, she was gone. I’ve looked for her in every city I’ve played in since. That night ruined me for anyone else, but the woman I only know as “Jersey Girl” never showed up at another game.

Not until I skate onto brand new ice as part of the NHL’s latest team. And there she is, in the stands at our season opening game. Very carefully not looking at me.

Turns out, she has good reasons why she can’t date a pro hockey player. But I have even better reasons why she can—like, we’re meant for each other, and I’ll do whatever it takes to show her I am the steadfast and loyal type of man that she needs.

©2023 Ainsley Booth (P)2024 Ainsley Booth

swoony, a little sexy, low-drama romance

This one had me smiling, blushing, and side-eyeing Harper like girl… be serious 🏒💅 Kieran and Harper are that “one night that ruined you for everyone else” couple, except she tries to pretend it didn’t happen and he’s been out here for TWO YEARS like “where is my wife.” And the second he spots her again? Oh he’s locked in. Target acquired. Mission: her.
Kieran is elite book boyfriend material—sweet, attentive, and just bold enough to have you clutching your Kindle. The man is patient but also knows exactly what he wants, and spoiler: it’s Harper. Meanwhile Harper is over here saying “I don’t date hockey players” while actively entertaining, texting, and emotionally spiraling over… a hockey player. The math is not mathing, babe.
What I loved? No unnecessary drama, no chaotic breakup—just this man showing up consistently while she slowly caves (as she should). The chemistry? Loud. The tension? Persistent. The sweet moments mixed with the spicy ones? Chef’s kiss.
Also bonus points for actually feeling like a hockey romance—games, team dynamics, locker room vibes—it’s all there without overshadowing the relationship.
If you want a swoony, a little sexy, low-drama romance with a man who is all in and not playing games (despite the title), this one delivers.
Thank you to Ainsley Booth for the ALC! 🖤

Unique hockey romance

This was an attention grabbing romance that I could not put down! I loved the characters and felt the chemistry between the FMC and MMC.

I favor hockey romances where the chemistry is out of control and this hit the spot. It felt very real. I also really appreciated the diversity in the character base.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Second chance romance / good duet narration

Decent story of second chance romance, but still had some gaps I needed in order to feel like the pieces all made sense.

Love an audiobook with duet narration, and both narrators did very well. Felt the male narrator was a little stiff & uniform at first, but it definitely got much better throughout the book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Kieran and Harper!!!

Completely enjoyed this sweet, funny, amazing love story. Kieran and Harper were just end-game from their first one-night stand two years earlier. I love when the author can make chance meetings and coincidental reunions so funny and actually believable.

This is my first Ainsley Booth experience and I am definitely going to read the rest of this Off the Ice series - especially excited for book 2 - The Scoring Secret.

I was already a fan of Michelle Sparks' narration skills, but this is my first listen of Lucas Webley - very impressed!!

Sometimes Paths Cross Again

Kieran and Harper find that one night stand from two years ago in Buffalo was only the beginning despite both being from out of town and never expected to see one another again.

This book takes place in Canada with Kieran making the best of his latest hockey team he has been traded to. Little did he expect to see the unnamed woman in the stands that he hasn't stopped thinking about for the last two years. She obviously knew who he was wearing his number.

Two jobs with unconventional work hours are just the beginning of obstacles to overcome. Harper is a well established nurse at the local hospital where his team volunteers. His contract with the team is always an uncertainty with being traded away at any moment hanging in the background.

Listening to Lucas Webley and Michelle Sparks bringing Kieran and Harper to life is like listening to ear corn when the hanky panky times unfold. They have a great interactive performance throughout the whole book.

It will be interesting to see who the next book is about in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.