Hockey romances are just not my thing, but this story was a little different. The FMC was a black firefighter and the MMC was a black NHL player, who both suffered from losing their partners. Honestly Solomon was a douche bag pretty much the whole book, but Adina kept giving him chances. There could have been more to the story, I feel there were pieces that were left unfinished. It was a quick read, and had a couple of spicy scenes.

This book touched on some pretty complex topics and while I appreciate the efforts to speak about racism, grief, and gender equality, I unfortunately don't think it was executed very well. I actually was pretty intrigued in the beginning, learning about Solomon's grief through his journal to seeing him and Adina interact for the first time. Their banter was enjoyable and I liked their dynamic!

However, I was really thrown off by their instant attraction towards each other - his thoughts of Adina when they first met was really weird.. like why was he getting so aroused? After that, every single time they saw each other, it was purely paragraphs and paragraphs of their bodies reacting to the other person. I was really confused because there was literally zero emotional connection between them and all lust - especially with the fact that they were both going through a period of grief with losing their significant other? How are you so physically attracted to another person that you want to be with them 24/7 and think that they're "different"? They barely bonded or connected over anything - had one conversation and then made out lol. Same with Khalil... he was super cute but I don't understand how he got attached to Adina so fast.

Going back to the deeper topics, this book was way too fast paced for the complex conversations and topics that the author tried to throw in there. I'm all for representation and diversity in books (Kennedy Ryan does a fantastic job), but it seemed like being a black woman was Adina's only personality. It was mentioned almost every other sentence.. and while I did appreciate experiencing what that life is like, I think it could've packed more of a punch if it was more subtle.

Overall, I think the concept of this plot and story is really enticing and interesting, but wish it was planned out a bit more thoroughly. It felt like we were missing or skipping over some important scenes and was just seeing the aftermath of it.

P.S. I did not like the whole situation that happened with Minnie - totally unnecessary and came out of the blue.

After a fire at the national hockey team's training facility, Adina finds a journal. Hoping to identify the owner, she opens it, and can't put it down before she's done. It belongs to a hockey player, widower and father to a 5 year old. She returns it to him, absolutely touched that he was able to put down in words the exact way she was feeling... but he is not happy she invaded his privacy.
This is a single dad, hockey (but not that much) romance with a touch of enemies to lovers and fake dating, with a badass firefighter FMC... yes please!!! Sadly, that's pretty much the only thing I liked about this book. The MMC's nickname for the FMC is "ma" or "li'l mama". I'm sorry, but what? I would SORTA get it if she had a kid, which she doesn't, so why? Also, it was too "Christiany" for my taste. To each their own, but God is not my thing, so the number of references to him was annoying. And it felt out of place with characters who spoke so crudely. I also did not like the MMC. There is a big difference between being a grump and being an asshole, and he didn't get the message. Actually, there were very little likeable characters. Who are these people? Minnie and Matt? WTF? The pacing was also weird. I feel like we were going around in circles, stiring up the same issues over and over again, dragging them out.
I wish the chemistry between both MCs went beyond the physical. This was lacking romance. And it felt unfinished. I feel like we glazed over plot points that should've taken more place. Finally, I did not vibe with the writing. I have read many fantastic reviews, so don't let mine deter you from giving this a try!
I received an advance review copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

emotional funny mysterious relaxing medium-paced
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75

Oh, the emotions in this story!! I enjoyed reading this one from Naima Simone very much.

Adina and Solomon have both lost their significant other in tragic circumstances and are still grieving. Adina is a black firefighter who lost her fiance while on the job. Solomon is an NHL player and single dad who, from all appearances, seems to be coping with his wife's sudden tragic death a couple of years ago.

These two were only on each other's radar when Adina found a journal while on a job call-out at a hockey training facility. What was supposed to be a quick return of a journal and never see you again branch into so much more.

The characters are funny. Solomon is very blunt about what he says. Adina suffers no fools; she quickly lets you know she is not a walkover. The mix of families also added to the story. Adina comes from a family of firefighters, which will tell you quite a bit about them.

The story flows, and you will grieve and cheer them when they realise life can progress even through sad times. Oh please, don't let me forget the angst and spice...page-turners!

Solomon's son is also an added plus to the story. This boy is a sweetie.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Entertaining, Funny, Page-turner, Steamy, Tear-jerker, Witty, Wonderful characters

3.75⭐

Played by Naima Simone is an appealing story. That tugged at the heartstrings and nicely balances the raw emotions of grief and loss with moments of hope and happiness.

As widowed Providence Pirates hockey player and single dad, Solomon meets Adina, a local Providence firefighter. When she and her squad attend a fire at the Pirates team facility. And Adina in the aftermath of the fire stumbles across a journal belonging to Solomon which she quickly realises is extremely private.

But she can't help but take a look inside and what she reads hits home after all the words and feelings conveyed are a mirror image of what Adina feels every day having suffered her own bereavement.

Yet, Adina understands that she has to return the journal to Solomon and believes that he will be pleased and grateful to her for saving it.

However, Solomon is anything but. Partly because he can't help but notice how gorgeous Adina is, but mainly because the journal is extremely private and he thinks she's going to use it to blackmail him.

But Adina isn't discouraged and instead suggests a website that is very personal to her.

As a result, a special friendship begins to develop, and Adina begins to feel a connection to both Solomon and Khalil. But Solomon is adamant that he's never going to get involved again. Even if his actions towards Adina suggest otherwise.

And with a dirty talking MMC, plenty of spicy moments, and great chemistry. Not to mention a lot of relevant issues and some anxiety. This book was enjoyable to read. But honestly, it just lacked a little something that made me really engage with it.

When firefighter Adina finds a personal journal after putting out a fire at the hockey ice rink, she is absorbed by the words. Although guilty for reading the personal letters she feels relatable to whoever the journal belongs to. 

But seeing Soloman Young will help them both to heal and both to find love again. 

The chapters are split between Adina and Soloman, showing their own everyday issues. 

Simone always writes us deep and flawed characters who are on their own personal journey or healing. 

I liked how both characters learnt to become stronger and stand up for themselves. It was definitely needed. And Simone gives us a great conflict of characters such as Minnie, Matt and even Nate.

Adina and Solomon did't do it for me. Unfortunately I expected some fire fighting, sports romance. Didn't get it in this story. Not for me but it could be for you.

*Played* is an emotional rollercoaster that masterfully blends passion, grief, and healing into a gripping story. The chemistry between the main characters is sizzling, and the intensity of their connection keeps you hooked from the very start. The female protagonist, a Black woman firefighter, is exceptionally well-written—strong, resilient, and relatable, especially as she navigates the challenges of her profession and the heavy burden of loss.

Solomon Young, the male lead, is equally compelling—a widowed father and hockey player who carries his own scars. Their journey together is filled with tension, both emotional and physical, as they confront their pasts and struggle to move forward.

The story takes you to some dark places, but the way it handles themes of grief, guilt, and love is powerful and authentic. The spicy romance is undeniable, adding an extra layer of intensity to an already captivating narrative.

*Played* is a fantastic read that delivers on both the heat and the heart. If you’re looking for a romance that’s as deep as it is steamy, this one’s for you!

DNF @ 44%

Pro: Strong premises - FMC firefighter / MMC hockey pro

Found journal! Almost as good as texts/emails - Really only lasted about 6 pages.

Within, in book, minutes he goes from so wracked by grief he’s only living for his son, to thinking about a woman’s mouth being perfect for a 🍆, all before speaking to her. Oh and then he instantly “detests” her for his own emotions. It’s all giving 🚩

Seriously, during a HEAVY conversation about grief and suicide Solomon is sexually objectifying Adina and imagining his sexual pleasure 🤮

Solomon blowing up over his journal feels a little untethered…he’s just continuing to scream about how his privacy was violated. I’m not sure what he expects beyond the apology that he got early in the conversation.

The LOTR references got to be a bit much for me. And the real life American football references. I know nothing about American football and to be perfectly frank I don’t want to mess up my targeted ads/algorithm by googling about it.

Adina’s mom is 48…Adina (26) her parents have been together 31 years and she has two older brothers. 3 kids by the time you’re 22. Nope. I cannot relate and it gives me chills. I’m 38 and still trying to avoid becoming a teen mom.

The book feels like The Wright Brothers series by Christina C. Jones but with WAY more toxic masculinity and an abundance of Christianity.

Seriously everyone in this book is on a hair-trigger. I cannot imagine the stress (and future heart attacks) these people are dealing with. So much aggression, instant assumption that people are shady, or people are just overtly hostile because they can be?

At 44% I realised I was still reading the book because I didn’t want to just give up. Reading diversely is important to me (BIPOC author and MCs), I really liked the premise and I was 100% in the mood for an emotion driven book. But hate reading a book is not a pleasure for me. While this book may be really enjoyed by other people it's really not something I’m enjoying or vibing with. I have literally nothing but critiques in my notes.

Enjoyed this story. The characters are relatable. A bit much spice for my liking but nothing wrong with the story.

A rare miss for me. Adina and Solomon are both grieving the loss of a spouse and they come together here but it just didn't feel right to me. I think an opportunity was missed with Adina - a firefighter - and there really isn't much hockey for Solomon. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. Over to others.

Another amazing story by Naima! She is one of the best storytellers and I loved these characters and helping them find their happy ending :)

Perfection! The heat, the characters, the story, the hockey…just all the swoon! A must read author and book!

This book follows firefighter Adina after she finds a journal in the locker room of a hockey practice facility that she has ended up in for a fire call. The journal belongs to Solomon Young, hockey superstar, and widower and single dad. The way he writes about his grief in the journal has Adina seeing her grief over the loss of her fiancé mirrored back to her in the words Solomon poured out onto the pages. When she returns the journal they get off to a rocky start (even if the sexual chemistry between the two is immediately off the charts), and the book follows them as they continually get thrown together, like a matched pair of magnets who cannot seem to stay apart.

I wanted to love this (a hockey player and a firefighter? come on!) but I think there was just too much going on. The mutual grief of loss of loved ones/dealing with the realities of moving on as a single dad, PLUS firehouse sexual harassment, photo/video scandals, etc. just all felt like a lot was going on and I would have rather spent more time with their unfolding relationship. I think there was too much focus on how their bodies reacted to each other than to the emotions behind them, which given they connected originally on an emotional level (via Solomon's journal), it would have made more sense.

Overall, I do think this is a good addition to the hockey romance pool, especially as it deals with the whiteness of the NHL and how it is often not a space that is friendly to Black players. Another huge positive is that the spice was *DELICIOUS* and well written.

Good for folks who love hockey romances that are light on hockey, firefighter romances (and badass female firefighters), stories with strong family bonds, single dad romances, and stories about widows and widowers moving on

Thank you NetGalley, Montlake and Naima Simone for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Played is about a black female firefighter and a black male professional hockey player, both experienced tragic grief and their journey to overcome it.

Sports/hockey has VERY little to do with the storyline or the narrative (other than claiming that black hockey fans are not common), so the title and cover are very misleading.

I was very frustrated with the stereotypes and sexism that was prevalent in the book. The FMC often acknowledged them but almost immediately defended them right after.

I love smut but this was not it for me. It was aggressive and felt very objective and derogatory. Fully support hookups and asking for what they want but this felt icky. I didn’t feel a connection between these two - just lust.

The writing style was an interesting choice and unfortunately I did not enjoy it. I found it distracting. I understand the intention of writing as the main characters spoke (expressions, accents and slang words) but the mispronunciation, misspelling and grammatically incorrect (and confusing) sentences were beyond annoying. Totally understand the intention, just didn’t like the result.

I’m also frustrated we didn’t get resolution about the video and when Solomon learns about the connection with that (vague to avoid spoilers).

I kind of forget just how amazing an author Naima Simone is (sorry for taking you for granted). Stories flowing, people so authentic and relatable, sweet scenes really sweet, funny scenes laugh out loud, and sexy scenes (stops to catch breath) are really (really, really) sexy. Always absolutely fantastic, satisfying reads.

It must have been longer than I realized since I read a Naima Simone book (or a new one at least, lots of re-reads here) because I immediately fell into an all-embracing comfort zone of good words, good people, good feels and remembered how nice that was. PLAYED has all of that - and more. I cried, sobbed really, through Chapter 1. And by the end of Chapter 1, I was totally immersed in these characters and this story.

Actually, there was a lot of crying going on the first half dozen chapters; laughter to tears and back again. That journal . . . . Both Adina and Solomon’s inability to move beyond the past and start living again. Such good people, with good support systems and a lot to give, but just stuck, stuck, stuck. A wife lost, a fiancé lost, a child to raise.

Adina is a firefighter in Providence, Rhode Island. Solomon is a player on the Providence Pirates professional hockey team. Adina’s family is a football family and couldn’t care less about hockey. But there’s been a fire in the team’s facility and in the aftermath of that fire Adina finds a journal. A very personal, private, heart-wrenching journal (hence the non-stop tears in Chapter 1). She doesn’t want to pry, but opening it is the only way to find out who it belongs to; surely they wouldn’t want their journal just left in the after-fire mess for anyone to pick up. Once she starts reading, though, she can’t stop. Because this is the first time since her fiancé Keshaun’s death that she feels a link to a person who understands how it is now, who gets her, who sees her.

The right thing to do is return the journal, so she goes to the team and asks for Solomon. But he doesn’t see it as a good deed. His first glimpse of her caused a rush of heat he hasn’t felt in a long time, and it fueled his rude, dismissive, suspicious behavior. He lets his anger out and accuses her of wanting to blackmail him. Taken aback, she tells him again what her motives were, lets him know what an ill-mannered idiot he is – and gives him a website address. Which turns out to be to her own private online journal.

Don’t let this intense beginning fool you into thinking this is a depressing doom and gloom tale. It’s Naima Simone, remember? This girl can write. Yes, these are two sad, broken people but they can be fiery and get themselves into some pretty funny situations. And the attraction between them is quick and strong and doesn’t look like it will end soon. You can just picture Solomon dragging his feet, refusing to give in to that overwhelming lust he feels. That would be the ultimate disloyalty to his wife Kendra, wouldn’t it? So I guess that means he intends to be a monk for the rest of his life, or at least until his son Khalil is grown. Adina misses Keshaun so much but has little niggling doubts if their relationship was as perfect and wonderful as she wants to remember it. That’s pretty disloyal, too, and brings on a big heap of guilt.

PLAYED is funny, moving, sweet, steamy and often very silly, alongside a lot of tough situations and emotions to deal with. And a lot of tough decisions to make. You know they aren’t going to be able to stay away from each other, especially when Khalil immediately falls in love with Adina, and watching the push-pull and hilarious attempts to control their emotions makes for such a satisfying story. The plot is smooth and just rolls along, the references to books, television, music, current events, and famous people are fun, and the dialogue . . . Simone writes it so realistically I thought I was eavesdropping, not reading.

Thanks to the author for making me a part of her ARC team and providing an advance copy of PLAYED. It was amazing and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m sure it will be another favorite on my re-read list, and now I’m off to catch up on whatever else I’ve missed. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.

Played was super cute story! I loved that Adina and Solomon found each other after everything they had each been through. And the spice was SPICY!

I wasn't a huge fan of the writing style, and that made it difficult to get through.

This was my first book by this author, and I would definitely like to read more by her.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

This is so good - the meet cute between Solomon and Adina gives them the chance for a real connection. Both are grieving loving partners they’ve lost quite recently so they have shared experience and this gives depth to their attraction. Solomon is a hockey player, embedded in his team and community and bringing up his young son - with help from his in-laws. Adina is a firefighter, next generation in her family. As Black people, they both deal with casual racism and this is backgrounded in the plot.

At 40% my sense of foreboding kicks in big time - no spoilers - but Naima is a writer who knows what she’s doing. Tiny breadcrumbs build a sense of unease even as Sol and Adina get closer. For a range of reasons they keep meeting up, and I could feel their growing connection. Time also passes, there could be weeks or more between meetups and this solidifies the idea that they are building something - it’s a mix of them opening up to a new love, and exploring this person they are feeling lust for. It’s incredibly subtle, nothing is underlined or overstated.

Stuff happens though and they both have to deal with unresolved issues in their worlds, and learn to be there for each other. It’s rocky but I was so invested in them getting it together. This is just wonderful, the writing is tight and I was swept along in the most satisfying way.

Thank you so much NetGalley, Naima Simone for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

Adina and Solomon are both grieving the loss of a loved one in this story. The author does a great job of portraying how this affects each character individually. It also provides the foundation for their relationship because they have so much in common. Unfortunately, their connection seemed to be more physical than emotional.

I enjoyed the diversity of the characters and the concept of the story, but it fell flat for me in other areas. This was a fast-paced book that felt rushed at times and left some plot points unresolved, which resulted in this feeling like a HFN rather than a HEA.

Unfortunately this one didn't work for me but I think it has an audience! There was not enough sports or romance in this sports romance for me. There was too much religious reference for me (this should be disclosed I feel!!) The couple had a physical connection but I felt zero emotional connection between them, Overall not for me!