Thank you Montlake and Sasha for an e-arc!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

🩷 sports romance
🩷 billionaire mmc
🩷 athlete fmc

This is the first book I've read by Sasha, and it definitely won’t be my last!

Gabe is a billionaire with a mission to carry on his father’s legacy. Used to getting what he wants, he sets his sights on Miri, a talented soccer player juggling her career while caring for her ill mother.

I absolutely loved this book! The writing was engaging, and the drama and tension kept me hooked. It was refreshing to see the FMC as an athlete. Miri spent so much time taking care of others, and it was so rewarding to see someone finally taking care of her!

I can't wait to read the rest of the series!

I’m about to spam yall with this series - spoilers - it was GREAT.

This is the first in a series of standalone books and I felt like it was an amazing start. The author did an amazing job at introducing us into this new world. We learn about the woman’s soccer league that the series is surrounded by and get an immediate intro to the two MCs. Since the books are shorter, I do love the pacing throughout the series. Everything is pretty quick as far as how the plot is stretched out but we still get lots of detail shoved in.

I loved Gabe. He was so extra, demanding, and desperate. This man did not understand his own emotions and was completely obsessed with Miri from the start. I’m so happy that he pops up throughout the series because he’s my favorite character (I think, don’t quote me) and I loved him with all my heart. Yes, he was stupid at times, but overall, he was simply amazing. He was willing to do anything for his girl and he kept his promises.

Miri was simply great honestly. She had a lot of difficulties in her life but stayed positive and I really respected that. Not once did she choose money over her morals or values and that really spoke of her character. Miri was extremely loyal and seemed to have a natural talent for the sport. The way she interacted with Gabe was simply perfect. The banter between the two of them was hilarious and I was so happy when they got there happily ever after.

The only reason this was not a 5-star for me: I absolutely HATED the ending. I didn't like how she worked so hard to make the team and in the end, she just ends up pregnant. That always ruins a book for me, when a strong and independent woman ultimately ends up as a baby maker. That's a personal thing for me, but if you don't mind, you'll love the entire book!

3.5⭐
Steamy romance between a struggling footballer and the billionaire teamer director. Beset by financial concerns from healthcare for her mom, Miri borrows money from a loanshark that forces her into some unpleasant situations. If you're coming for the steam, you won't be disappointed. However characters and plot points were a little under developed. Decent read, just not great.

A sports romance meets workplace romance meets billionaire romance. This one was spicier than I expected simply because Gabe has a filthy mouth lol. I binged this in one workday because the audio was good.

This book was so good! Sasha is an amazing writer. I don't usually really care for sports romance but I could not put it down! The way she makes you fall in love with the characters is just amazing!

Playing the Game was an absolute delight from start to finish! I loved seeing a female football player in the spotlight—it was such a refreshing twist, and Miri’s character brought a lot of depth and heart to the story. Her strength and determination made her instantly likable, and I found myself rooting for her the whole way. Gabe was charming and persistent in his pursuit, and while he could be a bit headstrong, their chemistry was undeniable and kept me hooked.

Sasha Lace's book Playing the game was a perfect blend of romance, humor and drama. The pacing was spot-on, Making it an easy it easy to read, There was the sizzling tension between the characters. Even the third-act breakup, while not my favorite trope, was well-executed and added a layer of realism to their relationship.

Overall, Playing the Game was outstanding. Thank you to netgalley for letting me find Sasha Lace. It was my first book from this author, I can't wait to read book 2! If you’re a fan of sports romance with amazing characters and and a storyline that makes you wanting "read just one more chapter.

Firstly, a huge thank you to Montlake, Netgalley and Sasha Lace for allowing me access to this ARC. I rated this a 3/5 because I felt the storyline lacked a bit of depth and I was wanting more.

We have a billionaire x sports romance on our hands and I love them. They're one of my favourite tropes to read. However, I felt this read quite rushed and that we skimmed over a lot of things that were happening throughout the book. I felt Gabe was quite immature and pushy at times so it made me feel a little uncomfortable. I also felt that the position Mari held wasn't spoke about a lot after the fact and I wanted more into how it was so hard for her and a bit more of why she was in the position she was.

I wanted more of the sports element throughout the book, we only had a few times where we the pitch was noted but not really much to do with the game; the wins; the players etc.

I enjoyed it I just felt like there could have been way more added to it to make it EVEN better!

Playing the Game by Sasha Lace was a fun and quick read!
This sports romance series is going to be fire!
This book was so damn good! It was everything I could have wanted.

Given it’s a “sports romance” I was hoping for a little more focus on sports. However, it was a quick, fun read!

I liked the reformed party boy and pro-athlete approach, especially with the FMC being the athlete; it was a nice change.

I wish we had gotten a little more into some aspects of the story, like a more into the strip club portion, that was very quick and I would have loved to see that "conflict" continue a little longer. Same with the drama with Emma towards the end. It would have added some more depth to the story, but was fine without it.

4 Stars!

First I want to say thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC!

Miri is an athlete but is struggling to balance her ambition with taking care of her mother who is very ill. Gabe is a rich, spoiled boy who always gets what he wants, except Miri. lol

This was a fun romance with spice! I really enjoyed and am so excited to read the next book.

2⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for an advanced copy of Playing The Game.

Miri has always dreamed of playing professional football and when she hears the new director of the team wants to sign her she is over the moon. Then she meets the new director Gabe who is a rich playboy she is hesitant he will actually stick around to help the team. Gabe has his eyes set on Miri and wants more than just a professional relationship. They both have scars from there past and are unsure if they can trust one another.

This is the first book in this series. This was a tough read. I felt like the plot and storyline was a little bit far fetched. It was hard to connect with the characters and it was just not my favorite read.

Warm and engaging romance with a strong group of characters, a bit of comedy, plenty of secrets and miscommunication and lots of feels. Rich guy meets poor star football player, and the fireworks begin. Good story that will keep you reading.

This fast-paced, engaging romance kicks off a series with Gabe, a wealthy, famous man haunted by his past, and Miri, struggling with heartbreak, family health issues, and debt. When Miri, in disguise, crosses paths with Gabe, tensions rise as he also tries to recruit her to his new soccer team. Their romance quickly escalates, perhaps too swiftly, but leaves readers eager for book #2 and the introduction of Reece.

Rounded up from 3.5
Miri owes a large sum of money to a loan shark she had to borrow money from to help take care of her mom, who had a stroke. She is offered to play for a pro soccer team, but there is no way she'll step foot in the organization with Jeffrey in the ranks. Just when she has to resort to stripping, Gabe is named as the new director of the team. He's there as a trial set up by his mom: he needs to grow up and put up a better image in the media, and prove himself worthy of his recently deceased father's empire. And he is ready to do anything for Miri to be part of the team.
This sports romance is book one in the Playing the Field series. It was a fun read. The last quarter was a complete mess, but it was entertaining.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

5 ⭐ 3 🌶️

I loved this book so much, way more than I expected to (even though I was excited to pick it up). I really adored both main characters, they were beautifully flawed, but so perfect together. I thought Gabe's turn from playboy to future husband was so well done, and I really enjoyed watching him fall for Miri.

The spice was really fantastic. I loveddd Gabe and Miri was adorable as a girl who had never been truly taken care of before. Their club scene together was smokin' and it really just got better from there, I especially loved the tabooness of their public play.

While I didn't love the way he handled his mom or Emma (I'm too much a of petty grudge holder myself) I admired it, especially when we got to the Monopoly scene. And honestly the way he took care of Miri and her family was so sweet that I ultimately forgave him.

I'm so excited for what's next and can't wait to get started.

Thank you NetGalley, Montlake and Sasha Lace for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is the first in the series. In the prologue, we meet Gabe, as he walks in on a devastating scene for it to only get worse. Being insanely rich and famous has it’s downside as everyone has an opinion on him.

Miri is dealing with heartbreak, a sick mom with lots of bills and a nasty loan shark. She is forced to work off the loan and finds herself face to face with Gabe, only she’s in a wig and mask so he doesn’t know it’s her.

At the same time Gabe is trying to talk Miri into switching to his new soccer team.

I enjoyed the book, it was fast paced and engaging. I wish there was a bit more substance while they were “dating” - it felt like they jumped from hooking up to in love rather quickly and then things blew up. Looking forward to book #2, I have very little feelings towards Reece so hopefully I connect with him fast!

Open door.
Forbidden/work place.
Just one night/get it out of our system.

Playing the Game was a great read. The characters were likeable and developed nicely. The growth of the characters was well done. The story was well written and flowed well. It had all the elements of a romance. A nice football read!

In this story, Miri is a fierce striker on a so-so women’s soccer team, and Gabe is the son of the owner of Calverdale United, a top-tier men’s team. When his father passes away, Gabe inherits the women’s team with one goal: to make them the best out there! 🌟 He soon realizes he doesn’t just want Miri on the team… he wants her in his life. But can Gabe balance professionalism and passion, or will Miri push him away?

If you love a billionaire who’s used to getting what he wants and thinks "no" isn’t in his vocabulary, this one’s for you! 🤑 Miri’s resilience and her journey really stood out for me; she’s been through a lot and keeps fighting! 💪 However, Gabe… oh, he made me want to shake him a few times! 😤 Rich, entitled, and totally out of his depth in a world where he can’t always get his way. At one point, he was such a jerk, I almost put the book down! But thankfully, the story turned around in the second half, and the way things came together for Miri and Gabe in the end left me smiling. 😊✨

Overall, this was a well-paced romance with great character growth. It’s a perfect read for anyone who enjoys a spoiled-turned-swoon-worthy hero and a resilient heroine who’s as tough as she is inspiring! 📖

Very enjoyable start to this series. I was so looking forward to starting this series and it did not disappoint. I really enjoyed the storyline and the authors writing style. It was so refreshing to see a female football player instead of a male, I love when roles are reversed it makes it so original. I loved their relationship and how it grew.

"Playing the Game" kicks off the Playing the Field series with a captivating clash of ambition and desire. Miri, a talented footballer, is determined to rise through the ranks on her own merit, while Gabe, the billionaire director, is drawn to her both professionally and personally. The chemistry between them is electric, adding layers of tension as Miri fights to prove herself in a male-dominated sport. Gabe's relentless pursuit of Miri adds a playful edge to the narrative. With a blend of steamy romance and sports-driven passion, this revised edition promises an engaging read for fans of contemporary romance.