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

Lost Loves Can Be Found.

So here I am making sure im caught up on my reviews, and couldn't figure of why I couldn't find this audio book. That's because I had already listened to it and enjoyed it so much that I forgot it was for review, not something already released and loved by everyone. She's in denial and he knows from day one. I love how he works for it and let's her come to terms on her own. If every man went into a relationship like this, and stayed trying, we women would be so much happier. Lol. Get it. The narrators were great, the story is cute and has great moments, some will make you laugh, some will make you mad or happy for one character or the other. Excited to find out more about the other players.

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

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! 🖤

Perfect Second Chance Romance!

A second chance hockey romance that was super cute.

Kieran, an NHL player, completely won me over with his steady, thoughtful effort to show Harper they are worth giving a second chance. Harper, a pediatric nurse, keeps her guard up for good reason, and her backstory adds real weight to the tension between them. Both characters had believable growth- and were the perfect balance.

💕Strong emotional pull without feeling forced.

🥹A male lead who proves himself through actions- and is so swoon worthy!!

🌶️Spicy start followed by a slow, believable build.


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

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.