Becka Mack

Play With Me

i won’t give any context here but this line was pure genius if i were drinking water when i read this i would have genuinely spit it out when i died of laughter 

Lauren McGrail

“Yeah, said you ate good. Something about the dessert you brought being, and I quote, orgasmic.”

tinica

“Caw-ta n’ Aw-wie could hab der own TV show.” 

“You know what would help with that?” Jennie’s perfectly shaped brows lift as she aims a pointed glance at my mouth. “Fucking swallowing before you speak.” 

I stop chewing, and when our eyes lock, my ears burn. Jennie’s a Beckett, that’s for sure. An unfiltered smart-ass like her older brother, with his same dimples and irritating smirk. But where Carter’s eyes are a deep green, hers are a soft, cool blue, with almost the faintest hint of violet. 

theres something so yummy when a grown man says yes ma'am.

"Blue eyes narrow. “Get in the fucking car, Gare-Bear.” 

“Living without your soul mate is something no one should ever have to do,” Hank murmurs. He pats my hand. “I know there’s something extra special waiting for you, Jennie. A love above all the rest. That’s what a soul mate is. Someone with smooth edges to soften our sharp ones. Someone who fits us so perfectly, vibrates on the same frequency, makes all our best parts shine. And together? Together, everything is exactly the way it’s meant to be.”

In the sizzling hockey romance that has taken TikTok by storm, a dedicated player struggles with the number one team rule: don't go near the captain's sister. The second book in the globally popular Playing for Keeps series. He's found the perfect person-but she's the only one he can't be with...
Garrett Andersen knows that playing professional hockey requires absolute dedication to the rules.
There's just one rule he's finding difficult to follow: stay away from his captain's younger sister. As a professional dancer, Jennie Beckett knows what it takes to excel. She prides herself on being every bit as confident and bold as her brother, sassy as hell, and the only person in charge of her pleasure. No wonder Garrett can't stay away from her-even if he forgets how to form sentences whenever she's around. Jennie would rather avoid her brother's teammate, especially after several embarrassing run-ins, but suddenly they're neighbors. And as the connection between them grows, Garrett and Jennie decide to have some fun, no strings attached.
Between their busy schedules and her brother's disapproval, they know keeping things casual and low-key is the smartest play. But what if their feelings get in the way? After all, they're only supposed to be playing with each other...

aileeeeeeen

nothing deep impression for this book, but this one once was had me bored but when I triee to continue, I eventually had a good time reading this.

forbidden romance, brother’s best friend, hockey romance are main tropes that played in it. I like when characters have small moments of themselves in order to build a relationship, this happened. spending time together and it led to another....benefits of relationship...oh well, I know so damn well of the feeling. this book could be not that long because the more pages I went along, the essence and spark easily evaporated. I did sense that. but if anyone wants fun read and just vibing, light story, this is the one.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

alya adlina

rate: 5 STARS!!!

“falling in love with you is like checking the very last thing off my bucket list.” 
_

this book was impossible to put down LIKE OH MY GOD???? it was really really good. this book is the reason i’m re-entering my hockey romance era back. i liked Consider Me but this second book holds a special place in my heart. 

so basically this book is about garrett who is carter’s best friend and jennie who is carter’s lil sis. garrett and jennie end up as a friends with benefits and slowly turns into more. i thought this was going to be a romance book with a spicy read BUT THEN we got some wholesome moments and also some sad moments. A WHOLE PLOT IN THIS BOOK. trust me. 

jennie is one of the female character that i could relate from the start until the end. she’s stronger than me. a bold and sensitive woman. i just wanna hug her every seconds she doubts herself. she just deserves to be loved in every way. while next we got garrett. GARRETT ANDERSEN. this man is so patient and TOO SWEET. i can’t with him. he’s hot and she’s hot. boom the HOTTEST COUPLE EVER. the banter of their relationship really brings me joy and i love them for it. no joke guys. they’re so adorable and their connection just made me cried nonstop. 

this book is wonderful and perfect and heartwarming. the wholesome romance is the one that keep me going to read it. and the way author wrote delicately of the hardest topic like the vulnerabilities of the characters and the grieving. so beautiful and so well written. the last thing that i. adored so much in this book is the relationship between jennie and her brother, carter. the really took care of each other and very protective. the best siblings relationship goes to them. periodt.

overall, this book is just beyond of sport romance. we have friends with benefits, brother’s best friend, friends to lovers, cinnamon roll mmc, found family, and reverse grumpy x sunshine. so if any of you guys love this tropes PLS PLS READ IT. you will not regret it.

Rics

If I thought I loved Carter and Ollie with all my heart, then this book proved that there's actually room for more esp when I'm talking about Garrett and Jennie (6d) What started out as a "committed FWB" (their words not mine lol) set up blossomed into something as magical as the fireworks display in Disneyland! They've known each other for years as Carter's younger sister or teammate, but their physical attraction is undeniable! It's just a matter of time that one of them acts on it.

What I love about Becka is how she emphasizes the importance of giving consent and setting healthy boundaries. Nothing in any of the relationships formed felt rushed, because everything fell into place in its perfect timing.
The way they said their "I love you"s 74% into the book goes to show that these characters went through a needle to reach that stage. I honestly believe a good romantic relationship starts with a good friendship, so I enjoyed all the build up until the characters scream "fuck it i want to be more
than friends"

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️

Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻

Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️

Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒

Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂😂

Play With Me is the second installment in the "Playing for Keeps" series. Its been a while since I read the first book and I was nervous to read the second book because the heroine was a character I had seen in Consider Me and she was a bit prickly, in fact she was a bit of a brat or that is the impression I received so yeah I am not a fan of bratty heroine so I was so apprehensive to see if this author would be able to make her work for me and what do you know??? She worked some miracles in this book here because I had so much fun with it. It was so endearing and fascinating and I couldn't get enough of it.

Garrett and Jennie are brought together when Jennie's overprotective brother buys her an apartment in the same complex as Garrett and has Garrett being a bit of her protector when he can't be there for her. Even though at first there is some tension, very quickly, a fast friendship forms between them. And those bonds of friendship develop into something hot and heavy very quickly and even though they both know how forbidden it is, they have a secret relationship with each other. At first its just for some hot sex and the fact that they get along so well together, but that spice quickly turns into something sweet and tender. But as the secret is dragged out, Garrett and Jennie will need to decide if a happy ever after can be in their future.

Play With Me was such a deep and sexy romance that I instantly was drawn into. I absolutely had a blast with this one here and Becka Mack threw in the big guns with this one. I still don't know how she was able to redeem this pair for me but most especially the heroine for me because I had the most difficult time with her character in the first book and I honestly was sure how it would have been possible to do this for me. But I have to say, this book impressed so completely with this author's talent of being able to write such a unlikeable heroine and turn her so likeable so QUICKLY. I started liking Jennie almost from the beginning. She is a bit spirited and does act like a brat at times, but once you see why she is so defensive, you can really see why. I was so in tune with her character and felt for her in how she struggles making genuine connections. Garrett is a hero I honestly fell hard so quickly. He is alpha in the bedroom and a cinnamon roll out of it. But he is so protective at times and I respected his character so deeply. We see how much family means to him and the scars that he carries deep inside. Garrett and Jennie are just pefect for each other. They really balance each others strengths and weaknesses. There were so many heart filled moments within their sexy moments and I enjoyed seeing their relationship form so deeply in the most unexpected ways. And if you need great spice in a romance, look no further than Becka Mack. She writes it so spectacularly. I adored it in every way. And considering I normally skim those scenes unless its an erotic romance, then that should tell you how well it was handled. The family bonds were just right in this one. And the epic explosion from the brother was so well built up and if you love that aspect in the brothers best friend trope, trust this author to do it just so well and satisfy you in the end.

Jennie's character in the beginning is the ONLY reason this book isn't a five star. It did turn me off for a while until she started to become likeable which took some time.

The narration was BRILLIANT and so masterful and I never wanted to put this down. Even though I could have easily switched to the ebook, I just didn't want to let go of the narration. So well portrayed and the emotional impact especially was perfection!

Play With Me is a stunning addition to the series that is packed with sexual intimacy to curl the toes, banter to endear your heart, and emotion to take captive your soul! A WINNER!

you weren’t made to fit in, jennie. you stand out way too much to hide in the shadows.

Themes: Slow Burn, Hot Spice, Dirty Talk, Praise Kink

Lover of Romance 

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.5


First Impressions
Play With Me is the second installment in the "Playing for Keeps" series. Its been a while since I read the first book and I was nervous to read the second book because the heroine was a character I had seen in Consider Me and she was a bit prickly, in fact she was a bit of a brat or that is the impression I received so yeah I am not a fan of bratty heroine so I was so apprehensive to see if this author would be able to make her work for me and what do you know??? She worked some miracles in this book here because I had so much fun with it. It was so endearing and fascinating and I couldn't get enough of it.

First Line
"I fuckin' told you."

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Garrett
Professional Hockey Player
Playboy/Manwhore
Alpha Cinnamon Roll

The Heroine: Jennie
Prickly and Sprited
Professional Dancer
Isolated

Summary
Garrett and Jennie are brought together when Jennie's overprotective brother buys her an apartment in the same complex as Garrett and has Garrett being a bit of her protector when he can't be there for her. Even though at first there is some tension, very quickly, a fast friendship forms between them. And those bonds of friendship develop into something hot and heavy very quickly and even though they both know how forbidden it is, they have a secret relationship with each other. At first its just for some hot sex and the fact that they get along so well together, but that spice quickly turns into something sweet and tender. But as the secret is dragged out, Garrett and Jennie will need to decide if a happy ever after can be in their future.

What I Loved
Play With Me was such a deep and sexy romance that I instantly was drawn into. I absolutely had a blast with this one here and Becka Mack threw in the big guns with this one. I still don't know how she was able to redeem this pair for me but most especially the heroine for me because I had the most difficult time with her character in the first book and I honestly was sure how it would have been possible to do this for me. But I have to say, this book impressed so completely with this author's talent of being able to write such a unlikeable heroine and turn her so likeable so QUICKLY. I started liking Jennie almost from the beginning. She is a bit spirited and does act like a brat at times, but once you see why she is so defensive, you can really see why. I was so in tune with her character and felt for her in how she struggles making genuine connections. Garrett is a hero I honestly fell hard so quickly. He is alpha in the bedroom and a cinnamon roll out of it. But he is so protective at times and I respected his character so deeply. We see how much family means to him and the scars that he carries deep inside. Garrett and Jennie are just pefect for each other. They really balance each others strengths and weaknesses. There were so many heart filled moments within their sexy moments and I enjoyed seeing their relationship form so deeply in the most unexpected ways. And if you need great spice in a romance, look no further than Becka Mack. She writes it so spectacularly. I adored it in every way. And considering I normally skim those scenes unless its an erotic romance, then that should tell you how well it was handled. The family bonds were just right in this one. And the epic explosion from the brother was so well built up and if you love that aspect in the brothers best friend trope, trust this author to do it just so well and satisfy you in the end.

What I Struggled With
Jennie's character in the beginning is the ONLY reason this book isn't a five star. It did turn me off for a while until she started to become likeable which took some time.

Narration
The narration was BRILLIANT and so masterful and I never wanted to put this down. Even though I could have easily switched to the ebook, I just didn't want to let go of the narration. So well portrayed and the emotional impact especially was perfection!

Overall View
Play With Me is a stunning addition to the series that is packed with sexual intimacy to curl the toes, banter to endear your heart, and emotion to take captive your soul! A WINNER!

Favorite Quote(s)
you weren’t made to fit in, jennie. you stand out way too much to hide in the shadows.

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Athlete, Dancer
Themes: Slow Burn, Hot Spice, Dirty Talk, Praise Kink
Tropes: Forbidden Love, Brothers Best Friend, Friends To Lovers (with benefits)

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Plot Conflict

Song This Book Inspires
Anti Hero by Taylor Swift

Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read as a standalone

Steam/Spice Explanations

Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.

Nialani Thompson

Omg I loved the shit out of this!!! I love Garrett and Jennie so much it’s like unbelievable. The emotions in this book were impeccable, so strong. I loved seeing Carter and Ollie too, Carter’s overprotectiveness reminds me of my older brother and I connected a lot with Jenny in most things related to family for her. She’s such a great character and I absolutely adore her and Garrett together. I want to read it for the first time again already!!! So so good

melina25

Listen I enjoyed Olivia and Carter's book a lot. But these two took me by surprise how much more I enjoyed them for some reason. Probably because we saw them build their relationship from friends to best friends and lovers and realising they're soulmates and god I want what they have 😭

Samantha 

** spoiler alert **
           Absolutely LOVED it. I found that out of the two, I enjoyed the romance between Jennie and Garett more than Ollie and Carter. Don’t get me wrong, carter is the actual definition of a golden retriever boyfriend, and I didn’t have a lot of criticism for the first book, but after reading this one it is obvious. This book made me realize how much depth the first one was missing, and I think the author did such a great fucking job improving on her writing, the characters, the development of their bond. Great read, CANNOT WAIT FOR ADAMS BOOK, then jaxon’s please

Judit Ribas 

Amelia 

4.5 ⭐️ 

Garrett and Jennie were adorableee 🥰

I HATE TikTok references in books! And this had a few of them. Also one of the best parts about this book was carter and it’s not even his book.

Jade 

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - 👏🏻men👏🏻written👏🏻by👏🏻WOMEN👏🏻

Another perfect book by Becka, woman can WRITE when it comes to the hockey romances. 🏒

“That’s you, sunshine. You’re my favorite dessert.” Garrett 🥵

You’ll fall in love with Garrett and Jennie’s story, and you might even get hit by a flying dildo. 🫣

Corey’s Books

Play with Me by Becka Mack

4.5⭐️

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - 👏🏻men👏🏻written👏🏻by👏🏻WOMEN👏🏻

Another perfect book by Becka, woman can WRITE when it comes to the hockey romances. 🏒

friends with benefits to lovers

Brothers best friend AND TEAMMATE

forced proximity

sports romance

Cinnamon Roll

found family

“That’s you, sunshine. You’re my favorite dessert.” Garrett 🥵

You’ll fall in love with Garrett and Jennie’s story, and you might even get hit by a flying dildo. 🫣

Garrett and Jennie are so adorable together. This has everything I wanted and more. The spice… great. The plot… great. The conflict… not too conflict-y between the couple. Top contender for favorite book of the year 

Play With Me

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Highlights