The Playing Game

A Hockey Romance (Off the Ice, Book 1)

By: Ainsley Booth

Narrated by: 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.

Amazing characters. Great Narrator.

These characters are so well developed, they feel like friends. I have read the book several times and I love listening to the audio on my commute.

Good

I enjoyed this book. Kieran never forgot the unnamed one night stand and longed for her for years. I liked that when he spotted her at one of his games he was incredibly distracted and I liked that part of the story from his POV and how his focus kept shifting to her, the looking/not looking at each other cat and mouse game. And his determination to find out who she is and make his move. He also remembered what drew her in and what charms didn't work. But why was she so determined to avoid him?

I listened to this in audio by two new-to-me narrators. Lucas Webley and Michelle Sparks did a good job in their respective characters' roles. This is my first story by this author.

Overall: 4 stars
Performance: 4 stars
Story: 4 stars

Good Hockey listen.

I enjoyed this listen. The story is our hockey star and a nurse and their 2nd chance Romance. The narration choice was well done. His voice definitely gives Hockey god vibes. I however need it faster than the normal speed because it seemed slow. Played it at 1.65 speed and it was better for me. Still could have played it a little faster.

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