This book is hot and HEAVY, and not just in the sexy sense but in the hits you right in the feels way. If you like your romance fraught with lust, but with more hard-hitting backstory than this is the book for you. It's a sports romance but will make you feel all the things.

Because there are so many hard topics covered here and this book is ghost pepper sexy, make sure that you read the authors very well-defined trigger warnings. The author does each subject such justice. There is so much story here and you fall in love with so many of the characters.

The only reason that this book is not a higher rating for me is because the type of dirty talk used in the book does not work for me. Which is something that is specific to my tastes in romance and really has no reflection on the book as a whole.

Overall, Naima Simone is a new go to author for me in the romance genre. This story reminds me of Kennedy Ryan, one of my favorite authors, in that it is some spicy romance, but there is so much more to the story than just the romance. It is about so much more than just the relationship between the two characters. I think that all romance lovers should give this story a read and I will be letting them all know about this one!

3.75 stars

What happens when you find someone’s innermost thoughts written down in an abandoned journal and realize that they understand the grief you’re currently experiencing? Let’s just say that Played has the microtrope I never knew I’d want to read.

Author Naima Simone expertly explores the ways in which loss and grief affect us and how sometimes the guilt of surviving can inhibit our ability to move forward. Adina and Solomon are both processing a similar kind of loss, and the connection they feel toward each other complicates that immensely. There’s a lot of vacillation and back-and-forth, which might give some readers whiplash, but I thought mostly gave authenticity to the story.

My only qualms come from some of the secondary plot elements that seemed both too convenient and also not sufficiently wrapped up. And Solomon’s hot-and-cold routine got a little bit tired, even though it was kind of understandable. But he also understands the job in the dirty talk arena, so I wasn’t too mad about it.

Played puts an interesting twist on a love after loss story and presents an interesting relationship dynamic and plot that felt fresh and enjoyable to read.

DNF: I really wanted to like this, but no matter how hard I tried I could not get into it. I understand the style of writing the author was going for but I couldn’t understand why the MMC kept calling the FMC ‘ma’ I wonder if it’s a cultural thing but I didn’t get it.

I only got 20% in but everything happened so fast! And instantly I just felt that the FMC was less strong and more aggressive.

I have no doubt from review I’ve read about this authors work that she is a great writer but this one was not for me unfortunately and I could not continue.

I will not be posting this review on any other social platforms

I was emotionally hooked into this book from the journal entries and only fell more in love with these characters with every page. I’m just reading every book lately from start to finish in one sitting, and this book was no different. Adina and Solomon honestly have a complicated beginning, middle and end, but man they have overcome a lot of struggles and have fought for each other against their loved ones.

Solomon has a lot to fight against as his father-in-law is his boss, and after his wife’s death, it has caused a complicated relationship of demanding things beyond the scope of either position, and Solomon agreeing until he has a reason to disagree. He truly loved his wife, and his second Chance at love isn’t easy, but he’s willing to take a chance, and I love how he is with Adina!

My favorite part of this book was Adina’s inner thoughts, she was hilarious and added a much needed lighter tone after some of the scenes in this book!

3 1/2 STARS!

Fast paced and attention grabbing! Let me start this review by saying that I adore Naima Simone and her writing as a whole and I adore hockey romance, so I went into this book expecting to LOVE it ... but sadly it just wasn't a hit with me. It wasn't the plot as a whole because I loved Adina and Solomon both and their storyline and surrounding drama was spot on. The disconnect for me came from how slang filled the writing style was, how much race talk there was, how those things distracted from the heartfelt goodness that was pouring out from these characters as they co-mingled on their journey of healing and rediscovery. I walked away loving the characters and their happily ever after, but the route to get there was super choppy and a tad painful. I love snark, I love REAL ... but I need things to make sense without having to dissect every sentence and to have a point other than to just be preaching a platform. This book won't stop me from picking up a Simone novel again because she's been the bomb many times in the past, this just isn't my favorite.

This book was difficult for me to get into but I think that’s mostly a me problem as I don’t read a lot of hockey romances. However, I continued on anyways and was happy with the pacing and characters enough to finish the book and genuinely enjoy it.

In the end, I liked Adina and Solomon as a couple but I did find Solomon to be very mean and having too much attitude for the majority of the book. You could definitely feel the chemistry between the two and empathize with their grief. I did become emotionally invested in the story to see how everything worked out.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

I really enjoyed this book. I reviewed it for Library Journal. My verdict: This touching, funny, sexy novel from Simone (Ravaged) is a joy to read and is sure to be popular where contemporary sports romances and multicultural fiction circulate well.

Played wasn't quite what I expected. I went in anticipating a sports romance, but that aspect was minimal. However, I loved the representation with Black main characters, which earned this book a solid 3.5 stars from me.

The story is beautifully written, particularly in how it handles grief. The raw emotions really tug at the heartstrings, balancing moments of deep loss with hope and happiness. The relationship between widowed hockey player Solomon and firefighter Adina develops after she finds his private journal. Their connection is genuine, with great chemistry and plenty of spicy moments.

Despite the engaging characters and well-crafted narrative, I found myself wishing for more of the sports element. Still, it's a powerful story, just not one I'd recommend if you're looking specifically for a sports romance.

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.