Play Me

A Grumpy Sports Hero, Enemies-to-Lovers Romance

By: Adriana Locke

Narrated by: Sebastian York, Mollie Stark

He’s supposed to be playing rugby—not playing me.

I didn’t think it was possible to hate someone. Like utterly despise another human. Then I was hired to babysit the Royals’ newest star and found out just how wrong I was.

My job should’ve been easy. Keep the hotshot on time and out of trouble. But that’s hard to do when I dream of smothering him with his jersey.

Every day delivers a new reason to detest Gray Adler. His truck is the size of a whale, and he uses the horn like a weapon. And, no, that’s not a euphemism. He can’t manage a sentence without being rude. And the universe, in its cruelest joke, gave that tattooed, walking red flag the body of a Greek god.

Just when I finally get used to hating him, things take a turn.

A scalding-hot, mind-blowing I can’t do this with a man I work with sort of turn.

Suddenly, those rough hands make my skin sizzle. His sinful smirks fade into grins just for me. And our banter shifts into something much more profound than it should.

But Gray Adler is hiding something. And when those secrets collide with my vulnerable heart, I ask myself an important question. Is he finally telling me the truth, or am I still getting played?

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Tropes:

Pro Rugby Romance

Grumpy / Grumpy

Enemies-to-Lovers

Slow Burn

Close Proximity

One Place to Sleep

Small Town Boy

Coming Home

Romantic Comedy (with emotion!)

©2025 Adriana Locke (P)2025 Adriana Locke

Fun enemies to lovers book

This was a fun enemies to lovers book! There was great banter between Astrid and Gray from the start. Astrid is super smart and sassy. She is not afraid to put anyone in their place so when she becomes Gray’s new assistant he’s in for a rude awakening.
Gray is a new recruit for the rugby team. He had a lot of baggage from his previous life in Colorado. He’s a broody man and does not want to put up with Astrid’s schedule and demands. I loved watching them slowly fall for each other. They opened up to each other and saw that they truly did have a connection under neath all the banter. There was a great group of characters in this book and I think it’s going to make for a great series!

I really enjoyed the narration by Sebastian York and Mollie Stark. They both brought the story to life.

Guilt, Love & Trust

I appreciated the storylines in this book; one character consumed by guilt, one never feeling self-worth or in control, both with sad life stories, but both enjoying amazing family & friend support. (Gianna was a bit over the top.) There was definitely an interesting meet-cute story.

This was my first listen of Molly Stark & she brought a different, sort of low raspy quality to her voices; I didn’t dislike her delivery. Sebastian York was great as always, he is my favorite narrator, but he needed more chapters. He brought sexy, good guy Gray to life.

Pretty good

This was pretty good. Tension was smoking in the beginning. Something kinda fizzled for me in the middle. They just came together and stayed together… small hiccup… then bliss. Love that for them but it’s not super memorable. Love the supporting characters. I would be listening to more from this series but don’t like other narrators.

Gray and Astrid

I always love Sebastian York's work. Mollie Stark is, I believe, new to me and she did a pretty good job.

Astrid doesn't trust many people, especially not men. Her father was horrid, and her ex used that information to be just as bad to her.

She's become a strong, independent, capable woman, but when it comes to men, her trust level in almost non-existent.

Gray is a star rugby player, recently traded to the Tennessee Royals team. He's been plagued by bad press and rumors from the last couple of years. But while he's not guilty of the things being rumored, he's racked with guilt for a few other reasons.

It's hate at first sight for Astrid, and Gray just thinks she's an obnoxious person. Then they find out that not only is he the newest member of the Royals team, but Renn Brewer has just assigned Astrid to be Gray's "personal assistant", aka babysitter.

Classic enemies to lovers. Their personal stories are well-told and really make you feel connected to the characters. The only thing I really missed by the end of the book was revenge for the ex. Oh well, maybe in one of the next stories, eh?

Sweet Scale: 3.5/5
Spicy Scale: 3.5/5

Play Me. Yes, please.

Play Me is such a beautiful book. It includes love, redemption and forgiveness. Astride and Grey learned to let go of the past and embrace the future. Together, they helped each other for the big and small moments by supporting each other, cheering each other and be there for each other. In the process they find beautiful, forever love. These characters are so funny, supportive and loving. I absolutely enjoy this book, the story is great, the narrators are perfect.