It was a fun quick read. I did like how the tables were turned and it was a female athlete rather than a male. Gabe was an ok love interest, his past and struggles were not that interesting. Miri was about the same, she is trying to help her family and will do it by any means possible. The end of the book was predictable. Not sure if I would continue the rest of the series. I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you so much for the ARC Montlake & Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Hmm, this review is hard because I enjoyed the book to an extent. I loved the characters and the idea of plot however, for me I felt like this book predominantly focused on the relationship between the two main characters and whilst that absolutely was not laking the rest of the book sort of fell away and was lost?

Yes, we got to know the characters and I fell in love with them all but this book is supposed to be a sports romance and whilst there was mentions of it here and there, it didn't really go anywhere. It was there at the start but then once Gabe had secured Miri onto the team there was no development/mention of the team.

The epilogue was what I had the most trouble with I mean, they just had his awful mother playing Monopoly and Miri was all of a sudden pregnant and the team still hadn't progressed and we don't know where they stand in the league or if they've been promoted?

Sorry, no. First Gabe and Miri's relationship didn't feel fast paced enough to result in pregnancy so soon. It felt way too rushed. And also, from what I gathered this book was supposedly set in the UK therefore, year later to where the team should have been/where the were made absolutely no sense.

I want to stress, I really think this book had/has potential and I enjoyed the book but lack of substance and plot holes is making me question whether or not I want to continue the series.

Fun sports romance book! Miri, the female main character, is the athlete, which is different from the sports romance books I've read in the past. Throughout this book, Miri is trying to juggle her home life, football life, and relationship life. Gabe is her football team's new director, but there's just something about Miri that makes him want more. This book kept me on my toes and made me want to get to the end. This book has many interesting characters who sometimes wanted to make me scream, but that's what makes them feel real and authentic. I enjoyed reading Miri and Gabe's story. I apprecaited Miri's devotion and passion to her family, and I'm glad we got to see that in action. Overall, this book had good humor, real characters, and a happy ending that we always want.

Thank you NetGalley & Montlake for allowing me access to this ebook.
Playing the Game: 1 (Playing the Field) by Sasha Lace is being released on Nov 15th and it's the perfect debut of a series of sports romance! I loved Miri and Gabe and could not put this one down! I recommend it to anyone who wants to a sports romance where the FMC is the one playing football!

I have never really been a huge football fan (soccer in my country) but I’ve recently been branching out. I have to say that this blew my expectations out of the water. I was hooked from the first chapter and it didn’t end there.

The characters were easy to relate to, or hate which is always a compliment. I am going to binge read these so I’m very excited!

Loved this book! I’m not a big fan of football but even if you don’t know much about the sport this book is still such a good book if you like romance books. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series!!

A new author for me, and also the first time reading football (soccer) sports romance - I think I'd avoided it, because most of what I'd seen was written by non Brits and didn't really appeal. But this felt like a series I might be able to enjoy, being set at home - and that was very much the case! It ticked all the boxes for a sports romance, in particular the sense of depth outside the central pairing, and the potential for enjoying further stories - for the first in a series, that's something I look for as much as the central romance.

On that note, I enjoyed Gabe and Miri's story - they had good chemistry, and I was definitely rooting for them! I did think the whole 'wanting to keep the relationship professional' thing wasn't ever fully addressed, given how important it was supposed to be as a barrier. They just seemed to handwave it in the end. But shifting the focus onto the issue of trust made sense from a relationship pov. I also loved that the athlete in this particular romance was the FMC. And the themes of power imbalances and systemic misogyny within the woman's league was really well handled.

All in all, a satisfying and entertaining read, and a great introduction to a new series!

read this in one sitting. it was refreshing to see a female football player rather than a male for once. i liked Miri but i didn’t like Gabe that much, he was always used to getting what he wanted without delay and he was acting that way towards Miri as well. The reason i gave this a 3.75 stars was the miscommunication that could have easily been avoided and Gabe’s persistant wants towards Miri and stating he always gets what he wants. Also the third act breakup is a no for me, but that is just my opinion. not yucking anyone’s yum. overall, it was my first book from the author and i enjoyed it besides the things i stated. it was a fast read and saved me from a slump. so if you want to give this book a chance, i would say go ahead. i saw the tropes of book 3 and excited for that one!

3.75/ 🌟
3/5 🌶️

Sasha Lace has written an incredible story that I would 100% recommend any fans of romance add to their TBR.

I was only a couple pages into the prologue when I felt that the characters were relatable to both real people and real world problems. This sense of relatability was aided by Sasha's ability
to create believable and vivid images through her writing. From the very first word I felt as if the world of the Playing The Field series was one that I would be able to step into at any given moment.

Sasha Lace has created a wonderful storyline in which you can't help but feel sorry for the MMC from the very beginning. This sense of connection between the reader and the characters is one that I am constantly looking for in all the books I read. This is because I believe it helps the reader begin to develop ideas for where the story could be heading and, therefore, creates a sense of intrigue that encourages the reader to keep reading the book.

Sasha Lace thrusts you right into the drama of the story whilst still having the ability to build a believable world that mirrors our own.

Thank you, Montlake and author, for the ARC.

This is such a good short hot romance! There’s not much regarding the sport but you definitely can expect a good romance!

This book is for those who can handle or LOVE a little spice with a good plot.

The side characters need better development. Somehow they sound robotic or told to say whatever they were saying. Other than that the book is a fun short romance read.

Hallelujah - finally we have a fab female lead who impresses a guy with her smarts on and off the soccer pitch! Of course he happens to be extremely wealthy and his daddy owns the team.

Some parts of this read were a bit frustrating but I did read it in one sitting and it is making me want to kick a soccer ball through some goals. It was an enjoyable way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

The ending was a bit predictable but there were enough twists to keep the plot interesting.

Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review. Miri is a striker for a mediocre team. And Gabe is the son of the owner of Calverdale United, a premier men’s soccer team. When Gabe’s dad passes away, Gabe is offered the women’s team to help them become the best team possible. Along the way, Gabe realizes Miri is who he wants for his team. But will he be able to cross the professional line or will she push him away?

This book was okay - classic billionaire who has never been told no and he has to have that girl. I really liked Miri’s story and her resilience of what’s she’s been through. There were times I wanted to punch Gabe but he was a spoiled rich kid who was never told no. Though there was a moment where he was a complete asshole and I almost walked away from the book. But more than halfway through the book it got better and I really liked the ending of the book and Miri and Gabe’s story.

OMG im obsessed with this book
Like omg im spechless so freaking good
I'm already ready to pick book 2
I need more by this queen

Lace delivers a story that’s not only fun but also explores deeper themes of self-worth and vulnerability, making it a must-read for those who enjoy their romance with a side of substance.

Review to Come

Love the cover ❤️
Description intrigued me…
Author is new to me.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC

The Playing The Game is an absolutely captivating read that left me spellbound from beginning to end. The author masterfully creates a rich, immersive world and the depth of detail in the world-building is truly remarkable.

The protagonist, is a beautifully complex character whose journey of self-discovery and courage resonates deeply. Her growth throughout the story is both believable and inspiring, making her a heroine you can’t help but root for. The supporting characters are just as well-crafted, each bringing their own unique charm and depth to the narrative.

The plot is filled with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. Just when I thought I had figured out what would happen next, the author skillfully surprised me. The themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the fight between good and evil are woven seamlessly into the narrative, adding layers of meaning that will leave readers pondering long after they turn the last page.

Overall, this book is a must-read for fantasy lovers. I can’t wait for the next installment!