Price: $4.99
(as of Oct 01, 2024 18:48:39 UTC – Details)
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.
<br><br> ASIN : B0D3YBJ56G <br> Publisher : (September 26, 2024) <br> Publication date : September 26, 2024 <br> Language : English <br> File size : 5099 KB <br> Text-to-Speech : Enabled <br> Enhanced typesetting : Enabled <br> X-Ray : Not Enabled <br> Word Wise : Enabled <br> Print length : 396 pages <br>
Customers say
Customers find the humor amusing and endearing. They also say the banter between these two is top-tier and never wasted on silly scenes. Readers praise the writing quality as well-written, hooked, and well-edited. They mention the story is intricately put together and the pacing is spot-on.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Discover more from Thoughts & Reality
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
dar reviews books –
ARC Reviewâï¸âï¸âï¸âï¸âï¸This is definitely my new favourite SJ book! I have been telling anyone who will listen Emory has been my favourite since âWeak Sideâ and ââPlay the Gameâ did not disappoint! The first encounter had me in giggles, I kind of knew what to expect but I did not see Scottieâs 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 Scottieâs character so much, sheâs 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 heâd 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 cameoâs 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; itâs hands down one of my top tropes to read; just rooting for everyoneâs happiness!! Letâs take a moment for Emoryâs ââmy wifeâ 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.
Cigi –
ðMarriage of ConvenienceðPro HockeyðEnemies to LoversðOne BedðFake MarriageRating: âï¸âï¸âï¸âï¸.25Romance Level: ððPlay The Game by S.J. Sylvis is an engaging and steamy romance that masterfully combines a marriage-of-convenience and enemies-to-lovers storyline, all set within the fast-paced world of professional hockey. The novel takes readers on an emotional journey, filled with tension, humor, and heartfelt moments.Scottie, a 25-year-old photographer, finds herself in a difficult situation, facing financial trouble and legal fees. In her desperation, she makes a bold move to try and solve her problems, which leads her to Emory Olson, the infamous goalie for Chicagoâs hockey team. With a reputation that needs repairing, Emory proposes a surprising solution: a marriage of convenience that will help both of themâhe’ll pay off her debts, and sheâll help restore his public image.The dynamic between Scottie and Emory is charged from the start, with their initial animosity quickly evolving into something deeper. The tension between them is electric, with each moment bringing them closer despite their resistance. S.J. Sylvis does a fantastic job of weaving together the fake marriage trope with real emotions, making readers eager to see how their relationship unfolds.Emoryâs character is complex and layered, with his tough exterior hiding a more vulnerable side. As his relationship with Scottie progresses, we see glimpses of his softer nature, making his transformation from a bad-boy athlete to someone more open to love both heartwarming and satisfying.Scottieâs journey is equally compelling. Her struggles with financial insecurity, moral dilemmas, and her growing feelings for Emory make her a relatable and strong lead. The way she handles the pressures of their arrangement while staying true to herself makes her someone readers will root for.The blend of humor, emotional depth, and undeniable chemistry between the two leads keeps the story engaging from beginning to end. The shifting dynamics of their fake relationship, and how it slowly turns into something real, adds a layer of complexity that makes Play The Game stand out.For readers who enjoy contemporary romance with witty banter, complex characters, and plenty of heat, Play The Game is a must-read. S.J. Sylvis delivers a story full of heart, laughter, and steamy moments that will leave readers thoroughly satisfied.
Elegant Fantasy –
This story was engaging and I loved the initial interactions between Emory & Scottie! Their chemistry was good and I loved them together! I liked some of the side characters especially Ellie who was so adorable! I also liked how Scottie bonded so easily with Emory’s family. The progres of their relationship was very natural. Overall I enjoyed reading this book and I can’t wait for the next book!
Mrs Tuckwood –
“It’s kinda cute that you think you have a choice””She’s my little Scottie Biscotti”I think it’s safe to say I’m now an S.J Sylvis fan. This is the first book I’ve read of hers and I absolutely adored it.This is a hockey romance with a difference and it was such a refreshing read. This is the first in the Blue Devils Hockey series and it starts with this great book. I was hooked on this book from the first page and I found this romance moving. I loved the writing and the storytelling from this author.I loved Scottie. She is tough, independent and fierce. Her past is troubled and she is trying to help her brother who is in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Emory is everything we expect from a hockey goalie and more. He is grumpy and brooding and desperate to turn his reputation around and fit in with the Blue Devils.When Emory offers a marriage of convenience to Scottie to help his reputation and get her out of a dangerous situation, the story really starts to get intriguing. There are some secrets that unfold and with the two of them struggling to battle with some very raw feelings it makes for a fantastic reading experience. It’s a love story with a difference as they begin to trust one another and find that this might not be as fake as it was once perceived.There are some really great scenes in this book. One in particular made me laugh out loud on the train. Such a great book and I’m now going to check out other books by this author and can’t wait for the next in the series.
Andrea –
âI hate that sheâs taken my breath away more than once now.âIâve been wanting Emoryâs story since the minute he step on page and man was it worth the wait. Emory is ready to leave the past behind him and focus on the new team that signed him. The media isnât leaving him alone though and the fake allegations has him coming up with a plan and he knows exactly who he wants to help him.âI wonât tell her, but she wears my jersey well.âScottie was such a joy to get to know. Life is trying to keep her down but she refuses to let it affect her positive nurturing manner. She is working hard to provide for her family, even if that means working at a strip club.She is more than surprised to hear Emorysâs plans especially with the way that they met but before she can realize it, she is agreeing to a marriage of convenience.âWhen weâre this close, she has me by the throat, and she has no idea.âEmory is so much more than I expected. He cares so much under that grumpy face and shows it in his own way. While he starts the arrangement with the intention of keeping himself emotionally closed off from Scottie, the one he learns about her the less he can stay away. While the burn may be slow when it hits, I found myself blushing. Also can I mention the way I swooned when we get hit with the possessive âmy wifeâ moments.âIf anyone is putting you in handcuffs, itâs me.âI absolutely loved getting to new the members of Emoryâs hockey team and watching their bond get stronger during this book. The banter was top tier and the moments with Ford and his shenanigans had me kicking my feet with giggles. I canât wait for this series to continue.
Jennifer Healey –
Play to Win
Enemies to Lovers plus Marriage of Convenience equals a whole lot of banter, spice and fun!Emory Olson has gotten himself into trouble one too many times and his image is taking a hit. THe media no longer pays attention to his skills as a goalie and just mocks his personal life.Scottie is desperate to turn her and her brothers life around and makes a jump decision to try and take advantage of Emory’s position. But she chickens out.But Emory has other ideas. He knows Scottie won’t say a peep or her secret will be exposed so when he presents his plan the both start playing the game.Very quickly it starts being less about pushing each others buttons and more about being there for each other where no one else has ever been before.Emory falls first, no matter how much he tries to fight it and Scottie doesn’t want to let anyone in. She doesn’t believe it isn’t all part of the game. But Emory Olson plays to win.
Crystal –
4.5 stars
This book was absolute fire. These are, by far, two of my favorite main characters. Emory was everything I look for in a book boyfriend. He is coming off a tough trade after some legal troubles and is forced to keep a low profile and clean image. Scottie, sweet, lovable Scottie, is in desperate need of financial help in order to assist her brother with his own legal issues. The set up for this marriage of convenience romance was unique and I loved every page. The banter between these two was great and reading their story, as Emory fell fast and hard, was a pleasure. It was so easy to get lost in this book and I found myself cheering them on as I did. There were some emotional aspects in this one that kept me invested, particularly with Scottie’s family, but it just added an extra layer to the plot that I really appreciated. I am officially invested in this series and can’t wait for what’s coming!
Jo :: Secrets of a Book Nerd ð –
5 SJ for the W Stars!
I am head over heels in love with this book and Emory & Scottie. This has to be my favorite hockey book by SJ Sylvis, and thatâs saying a lot because I love all her books. Itâs so well-written with a perfectly paced and smooth storyline.Emory & Scottie have both been through a lot, especially Scottie. SJ did a great job not only developing their characters but providing their backstory, as well. They are thrown together by a mutually beneficial marriage of convenience. But damn, their chemistry and connection is palpable. Even from the beginning with their banter & bickering that quickly turns into flirting & foreplay. I loved seeing the growth in their relationship and in one another, individually. They truly complimented each other, and helped each other grow. And did SJ deliver on the spice – the spice was definitely doing its thing, going into OT. Pulling a hat trick with three things that will always do me in – âGood Girlâ, âMy Wifeâ and âOnly a Slut for Meâ.If you love a great hockey romance this book is definitely for you. Highly recommend this book and amazing author.Tropes:âï¸Pro Hockey Romanceâï¸Enemies to Loversâï¸Marriage of Convenienceâï¸Forced Proximityâï¸One Bedâï¸ “My Wife”âï¸Only Soft For Her
Emily Andriko –
âMy Wifeâ has given me a new obsession!
If S.J. Sylvis writes it, Iâm going to read it. Itâs as simple as that. Sheâs an auto-buy author for me! Iâm a total sucker for a hockey romance and I already knew I liked SJ Sylvis books. But Play The Game blew all of my expectations out of the water. This story was put together so intricately that I was sucked in from page one. And I truly struggled to put this book down. I finished this in basically one sitting because I refused to step away until I got to the end and saw their HEA.I think I swooned every time I read the words âmy wifeâ which, letâs be honest, happened A LOT of times. I really enjoyed this take on marriage of convenience and the growth these two had together. Watching Emory fall so reluctantly was amusing and endearing and watching him get Scottie to open up was all sorts of heart-warming. His love and devotion shone through on page, even through the original vitriol and banter, as Emory slowly realized that Scottie wasnât at all who he originally suspected.
Chelloh –
Emory & Scottie!!
Emory & ScottieI couldn’t put it down.Emery and Scottie couldn’t stand each other in the beginning, but as they got to know each other, that slowly started changing.Both were stuck in difficult situations, which ultimately pushed them into a fake marriage.I liked what Emory and Scotties’ relationship grew to be. Their banter came so naturally, and their chemistry was incredible. Every time Emory did something sweet and Scottie just rolled her eyes, I had the dumbest grin on my face.Please check triggers before readingBook Contains:- Marriage of Convenience- Enemies to Lovers- Opposites Attract- Independent FMC- Protective MMC- “My Wife”- He watches her on the security cam
Jerrika Zippy Romero –
Don’t start this book unless you have absolutely nothing else do to- Because you can’t put it down!
Where do I begin? I’ve been waiting for Emory. Loved his character in the previous series. Loved his protective nature and there was so much about him that needed redeeming lol he is my new fav book boyfriend. Loved how quickly he became the main character we all needed and knew he could be. He was everything!!!I absolutely love Scottie. From her name to her personality. She was such a good character and her situation was believable and she accepted her trauma without needing to be a victim.I also appreciated how quick the story got into the meat and potatoes. I loathe when it takes 12 chapters to get to the main conflict or really the beginning of the conflict in most cases. This book was so well written and made use of every page!Another thing I appreciate if S.J Sylvis is her ability to really take aim with dialogue. It’s never wasted on silly scenes that go on for too long, or unnecessary dramas that don’t add. There is a conflict and then a resolution. There has to be pockets of additional conflict but it’s so well managed that it adds to the excitement.Also the heat! ð¶ï¸ ð¶ï¸ ð¶ï¸ ð¶ï¸Do.Not.Miss.This.Book.