Be prepared, this book carries a lot of emotional baggage. Both main characters are dealing with loss and grief. I didn't really get the sense that either was ready to move on with a new relationship. The characters did have good physical chemistry, but the relationship moved too fast at the end of the book for me to really buy into it. I also didn't get much from the sport aspect from this "hockey" romance. Wished there was more hockey in the story.

Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for a copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.

4.5

Played by Naima Simone is everything I could have hoped for and more. The story of Adina, a strong female firefighter, and Solomon, one of only 40 Black professional hockey players, hit me in all the right ways. Both of them are grieving—Adina's fiancée dies in a fire, while Solomon's wife dies in a tragic car crash, leaving him a single father. They’re both struggling to move on from their pasts when their worlds collide after a fire at Solomon’s team's training headquarters. Adina finds his journal in the ashes, and their story begins from there.

From their first meeting, the sparks are undeniable, but their grief holds them back. When they do take the leap, though, the chemistry between them is electric! Their relationship is a rollercoaster—full of highs, lows, misunderstandings, and intense emotions. You laugh, you cry, and you might even want to knock some sense into a few people along the way. It’s the perfect mix of heart, heat, and depth, with a guaranteed HEA for Adina and Solomon.

What I loved most about this story was how it portrayed two broken souls who truly needed each other to heal. The depth of the emotions in this book hit hard, and while the subject matter is deep (with triggers for death of a spouse, suicide thoughts, and harassment), it was an incredibly well-told and moving story.

Solomon is the ultimate grumpy sunshine. He’s a little mean at first, but underneath it all, he’s sweet and accountable for his actions, which I really appreciated. His relationship with Adina felt so real—he messes up, owns it, and does better. As a single father, he adds another layer to his character that I absolutely loved. And let’s not forget how sexy he is—yum!

Adina is such a strong, confident, yet heartbroken woman. I adored how self-assured she was, even in the midst of her struggles, and how she stood up for herself. She’s a powerful Black woman, and her journey of self-discovery and healing was beautifully portrayed. I also loved her sarcasm and, especially, her Lord of the Rings references—so relatable and fun!

The friendship between Adina and Noni was EVERYTHING. Their banter, their love, and their take-no-crap attitude made me want to read an entire series about their bestieship. Honestly, it was one of my favorite parts of the book.

And then there’s Khalil—please tell me he’s getting his own book one day because that boy has my heart! 💖

If you can’t tell by now, I absolutely loved this book. It kept me up until 2 a.m. because I just had to finish it. If you're into steamy, emotional romances with complex characters and a story that’ll make you feel everything, Played is for you!

In "Played," Naima Simone crafts a story that pulses with raw emotion, sizzling chemistry, and heart-wrenching grief. This compelling romance centers on the life of a resilient Black woman firefighter and a brooding hockey player, creating a narrative that is as fiery as it is tender.

The protagonist's journey begins in the depths of unimaginable loss. The death of a colleague in the line of duty has plunged her into a dark abyss, and Simone captures this pain with poignant authenticity. The depiction of her struggle is not just a backdrop but a vivid part of the story that brings depth to her character. I can feel the weight of her sorrow, making her eventual path to healing all the more powerful.

A year after the tragic incident, our heroine finds herself at the Pirates' hockey training facility, where an unexpected discovery sets the stage for a transformative connection. The charred journal she stumbles upon, filled with thoughts that eerily mirror her own, introduces us to Solomon Young. Solomon, a left-winger for the Pirates, is similarly haunted by his past—a father and widower coping with his loss. When she returns the journal to him, the encounter is fraught with guilt and tension. Solomon's icy demeanour contrasts sharply with his undeniable physical allure, setting off sparks that Simone deftly fans into a roaring blaze.

The chemistry between the protagonist and Solomon is electric, palpable from their first frosty exchange. Simone excels at building tension, layering their interactions with a mix of vulnerability and fiery attraction. As they navigate their shared pain and burgeoning feelings, the story becomes a heartfelt exploration of love's ability to heal even the deepest wounds.

What makes "Played" stand out is Simone's ability to balance the heavy themes of grief and loss with moments of lightness and hope. The protagonist's strength and determination shine through, and her journey with Solomon is one of mutual redemption and unexpected joy. The supporting characters, including the protagonist's firefighting family, add richness to the narrative, providing warmth and solidarity.

Simone's writing is evocative, drawing readers into the emotional landscapes of her characters. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, the romantic tension is exquisitely handled, and the eventual resolution is both satisfying and profoundly moving.

"Played" is a powerful story of love, loss, and the courage to move forward. It's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the unexpected places where we can find solace and love. Naima Simone has delivered a deeply affecting romance that will stay with readers long after the final page is turned. Whether you're a fan of romance, sports, or stories about overcoming adversity, "Played" is a must-read that promises to captivate and inspire.

This is gonna be hard for me to review. so I'm just gonna write what i loved and what i didn't care for in the book:

Loved-
Bi-Racial/Black main characters
Sports Romance
Hero/heroine trope
second chance romance
the spice

Dislikes-
the level of disrespect Solomon gives to Adina. Like only he has been hurt. Only his feelings matter. he's a narcissist using her for sex until finally its convenient that he falls love with her. stop fooling women into believing that if they sleep with a man long enough-the man will eventually fall in love with her. its disgraceful. we are more than just bodies for men. period.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishing Company for this Advanced Readers Copy of Played by Naima Simone!

This book was a captivating mix of romance, tension, and sizzling chemistry! The characters had incredible depth, and their banter kept me hooked from start to finish. The romance was intense and emotional, with just the right balance of drama and heart. The storytelling flowed beautifully, making it impossible to put down. A fantastic read that left me wanting more!

Not for me. Adina has no backbone, Solomon is cringy and there’s absolutely no romance or build up to a relationship with them outside of friends with benefits until they break up then suddenly they’re back together and it’s perfect. They barely dealt with their individual grief and it shows. Both need a crap ton more therapy and introspection

“Look at you, playing. Over here shaking an’ sh¡t . Get on this d*ck, baby. And you better f*ck it like you own it.”

Good goobly goo…bay-beeee! These lines right here? My gawd!!! If nothing else, Naima Simone can write the hell out of a sexy scene, and Played is proof of that.

And this story? It’s giving exactly what it needs to give. Adina Wright—a strong Black woman and a firefighter—is holding it down while working through her own grief. And Solomon Young? A hockey player, single dad, and broody brotha bringing all kinds of BDE (big daddy energy… what were YOU thinking). These two are messy, complicated, and figuring out how to open their hearts again. And when they finally connect? The sparks are undeniable.

Naima Simone brings the deep emotions, electric chemistry, and raw, relatable characters that hit hard. The first time I read this, I wasn’t sure how I felt. But by the second (and third) round, it all came together. I won’t say I’m head over heels, but I’m definitely vibing with it.
The scenes between Adina and Solomon hit different—raw, real, and sexy without doing too much. The chemistry? On point. The banter? Quick, sharp, and full of attitude. Their connection pulls you in and keeps you invested.

Even so, there were two things me from falling completely in love. First, I went in expecting a full-on hockey romance—ice time, locker room drama, all that. But that’s not what this is. And while I can roll with that, the hockey sticks on the cover gave me a different impression. Second, a couple of the supporting characters? Yeah, they made my entire behind itch. They were doing way too much, and not in a good way. So, while this was solid, those two things kept me from falling completely in love.

That said, don’t get it twisted. Played still holds its weight. Naima Simone brought the fire with Adina and Solomon—real, complicated, and just the right amount of heat to keep me locked in. It’s not perfect, but trust, it’s most definitely worth the read.

This was my first hocky romance and while they did go to the rink a few times it could've used just a little more hockey. I wish we would've seen less of the sexual harassment plot and more of how Adina interacted in the hockey world. Solomon and Adina's relationship was spicy though and they truly had great chemistry even if I didn't always like the way Solomon handled things. I will also said the beginning moved very slowly.

From page one, the connection and sizzling bond between firefighter Adina Wright and hockey player Solomon Young is palpable, profound, captivating and heartwrenching.

This book is rich in content and drama! There was grief but healing, hate and love, and most of all, a real family emerged. The slow burn love between Dina and Solomon was absolute perfection as they each dealt with their past to be able to move forward. Well done.

I have mixed feelings on this book. If you're expecting any hockey in these pages, you might want to find another book. Solomon is a professional hockey player, but aside from it being his job, it doesn't play a part.

It was an entertaining read, and I really enjoyed Khalil and other secondary characters like the back and forth Adina had with Noni. Adina's family was great as well. The dialogue was fun and snippy.

Both Solomon and Adina come with their grief, baggage and emotional unavailability after becoming recent widows. That drove the story for a majority of the book, there was no romance, only spice, then they just flip it and love each other after a few weeks? I did enjoy the individual growth of each character, but them together was a bit toxic.

Adina should've iced out Solomon after the way he responded to the revenge p*rn. This plot line missed the mark for there to be no consequence or resolution. It felt like a very rushed ending. An epilogue could have added a bit of substance to the way it ended.

*fans self* Played is a very hot, but also sweet read! I loved getting to know Adina and Solomon, even if parts of their background made my heart hurt for them (and bleed for them!)

The way they met was unconventional to say the least, and it really didn't seem like they would ever see eye to eye. They were very good at catching each other's mouth, though *winks*. There were so many layers to their story, and I enjoyed all of them. Life can be messy, and Simone didn't shy away from that in telling Solomon and Adina's story.

This is a big yes!! from me.

I have read other books by this author which I enjoyed - unfortunately the descriptions of loss of loved ones were too much for me and I was hoping for more of the sports aspect

Naima Simone's Played is an emotionally charged romance that beautifully intertwines themes of grief, healing, and unexpected love. The story follows Adina, a resilient firefighter grappling with the loss of her partner, and Solomon, a brooding hockey player navigating his own heartache after the death of his wife. Their paths cross in a way that sparks both tension and undeniable chemistry, making for a compelling read.

From the very beginning, I was captivated by the depth of the characters. Adina's journey through her grief is portrayed with poignant authenticity, allowing readers to feel her pain and resilience. Solomon, with his icy demeanor and hidden vulnerability, complements her perfectly. Their initial encounters are charged with a mix of animosity and attraction, which Simone expertly develops into a passionate connection as they navigate their shared struggles.

One of the standout aspects of Played is Simone's writing style. She deftly balances heavy themes with moments of levity and humor, creating a narrative that feels both heartfelt and engaging. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, enhancing the romantic tension between Adina and Solomon. Additionally, the inclusion of supporting characters, particularly Solomon's young son, adds warmth and richness to the story.

However, while I thoroughly enjoyed the emotional depth and character development, I found some plot elements to be predictable. Certain aspects of their relationship progressed quickly, leaving me wishing for more gradual buildup in key moments. The pacing felt uneven at times, especially towards the end where some resolutions seemed rushed.

Overall, Played is a powerful exploration of love after loss that left me both moved and satisfied. With its blend of humor, heartache, and steamy moments, I would rate it 4 out of 5 stars. This book is perfect for anyone looking for a romance that not only entertains but also resonates on a deeper emotional level. Naima Simone has crafted a story that lingers long after the last page is turned.

I loved this - so fun to have a Naima Simone hockey romance. It was enjoyable, with an engaging relationship and plot.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. I went into this thinking that it was a sports romance, hence the cover. Be aware it is not a sports romance, which immediately turned me off. I dnf this book.

“Played” by Naima Simone is such a good read! It hits all the feels with a great balance of heartbreak, hope, and plenty of heat. The story follows Adina, a tough-as-nails female firefighter, and Solomon, a pro hockey player, as they try to move forward after some heavy losses. They’re both still grieving when they meet, and watching them heal and find love together is so well done.

And Solomon? Let’s just say his dirty talk is next-level. You might need to fan yourself a few times (or call your own firefighter).

There’s also some juicy drama with Solomon’s in-laws. His late wife’s parents help take care of his son but are NOT ready for him to move on. Oh, and they own his hockey team—talk about awkward! The tension is real, though the ending with the in-laws felt a little too neat for me. Also, since Solomon’s a hockey player, I was hoping for more hockey action.

This book is spicy for sure, but it’s not just about the romance. It’s got depth, dealing with grief, family, and finding happiness again. If you love romance with a bit of everything, definitely give this one a go!

Thank you Naima Simone, Montlake and NetGalley for the #gifted ebook ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

I love a good hockey romance!

Naima Simone is a brilliant storyteller. Adina and Solomon’s second chances at love after they both lost their first (his wife, her fiancé) tragically two years earlier was very sad, but this is a beautiful tale of moving on.

Both struggled with newfound feelings for a different person in their lives and pushback from their families, but the outside forces they had to fight against was their biggest challenge.

I enjoyed this story a lot, like all of Simone’s previous books I’ve read. I remain a big fan of her works and definitely recommend to everybody - but be prepared for a bit of an emotional ride.

Thank you to NG and Montlake for the early copy. This is my honest feedback.

<b>…having you, loving you, is worth the risk.</b>

double the love after loss. We have Solomon, a hockey player, who lost his wife, and is pretty much run by his in-laws because they help out with his young son and he’s still grieving. Then we have Adina, a firefighter, who lost her partner and works with most of her male family members so she feels a little over protected in her field. These two are brought together by a fire in the locker room and a journal that was saved and returned. Played is a fun read, but it also gets heavy and frustrating at points because you’re following two people who are attracted to one another but are in different stages of grief. If you enjoy love after loss, banter, friends with benefits, and “let’s get this out of our systems,” then Played is a perfect read for you.

*ARC

This story is about a firefighter and a hockey player...BUT, the unique twist is that Adina is a Black female firefighter and Solomon is a Black hockey player, which you don't typically see happen in the real world. Both individuals are suffering major losses and not doing a great job overcoming their grief. Can they work through the pain together or will it be enough for them to lose out on a second chance at love?

I absolutely adored this story! This was my first time reading anything by Naima Simone and she blew me away. I loved everything from the descriptions of each character to their inner thoughts that let their personalities shine through. There was excellent mental health representation throughout and even comments about how therapy is stigmatized (in general and even more so with Black communities). The quotes in this book were *chefs kiss* and now I will be reading anything Naima Simone puts out!

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.