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Play the Game: A Marriage of Convenience Hockey Romance (Blue Devils Hockey Book 1) Kindle Edition

4.4 out of 5 stars 3,420 ratings

𝘼 𝙨𝙚𝙭𝙮, 𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙜𝙚-𝙤𝙛-𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚, 𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙚𝙨-𝙩𝙤-𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨, 𝙝𝙤𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙮 𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙗𝙮 𝘼𝙢𝙖𝙯𝙤𝙣 𝙏𝙤𝙥 𝟱𝟬 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙐𝙎𝘼 𝙏𝙤𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧, 𝙎.𝙅. 𝙎𝙮𝙡𝙫𝙞𝙨.

𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗲—𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲.

As a little girl, I dreamed of becoming many things. A twenty-five-year-old photographer struggling to make ends meet with a mountain of legal fees wasn’t one of them. Making questionable decisions wasn't either.

After hanging up my camera, I start a job I loathe that has me questioning my morals on a daily basis.

Until I run into Chicago’s newest bad-boy goalie whose reputation is a trainwreck—𝘌𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘖𝘭𝘴𝘰𝘯.

In a desperate effort to rid my debt, I corner Emory and try to exploit him. When my plan backfires, I not only have a new enemy with steely blue eyes and a talent for the game but a man now on a mission with his own insane plan in mind.

𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘮𝘦.

The terms are simple: I marry Emory and act like his doting wife in front of the press to clean up his image, and he’ll pay off my debt when the job is done. But now, instead of my bills keeping me up at night, I find myself fantasizing about my fake husband and his devilish stare.

He tells me to play the game, but when lines start to blur and his touches linger, I’m not sure what’s real or fake anymore. The sizzling attraction and fiery chemistry between us can’t be contained.

Emory Olson says he never loses, and by the end of our marriage game, I’m pretty sure I’m no exception.

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From the Publisher

perfect for an of
hockey romance, marriage of convenience, forced proximity, enemies to lovers
start the chicago blue devils series today

Editorial Reviews

Review

★★★★★
"Dare I say that
Play the Game is hands down the BEST book that SJ Sylvis has released yet! I literally could NOT put this book down." - Kayla | Kayla Reads Smut

★★★★★
"MY FAVORITE SJ BOOK TO DATE!! I wasn't sure what to expect but wow. SJ blew me out of the water. I'm a sucker for the Marriage of Convenience trope and to add to it that the grumpy goalie falls HARD for the misunderstood heroine in need of help? Ugh I was a goner." - Mackenzie, Amazon Review

★★★★★
"SJ's books consistently deliver high ratings, and this one is no exception!!" - Readswithlizzy

★★★★★
"I literally will be re-reading this and cannot wait to have copy on my bookshelf as well!" - Paige (wingsandsmut)

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0D3YBJ56G
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (September 26, 2024)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 26, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.6 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 488 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 3,420 ratings

About the author

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S.J. Sylvis
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S.J. Sylvis is an Amazon top 50 and USA Today bestselling author who is best known for her angsty new adult romances. She currently resides in Arizona with her husband, two small kiddos, and dog. She is obsessed with coffee, becomes easily attached to fictional characters, and spends most of her evenings buried in a book!

Visit her at sjsylvis.com or on Instagram: @authorsjsylvis

For upcoming info on new releases, join her Facebook reading group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2153735321533942/

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
3,420 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this hockey romance novel engaging, with an intriguing storyline and thoughtful characters whose emotions are well-narrated. They enjoy the banter between the main characters and appreciate the appropriate level of angst in the emotional content. The book receives positive feedback for its quick pace, and one customer describes it as a perfect blend of hot and spicy. Customers like the marriage of convenience theme.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

57 customers mention "Story quality"52 positive5 negative

Customers love the story of this hockey romance book, finding it engaging with an intriguing plot, and consider it a must-read for fans of the genre.

"...I've been meaning to check out this author and I love a good marriage of convenience romance (especially between strangers!),..." Read more

"...I love their ups and down. Good hockey romance read. I also really enjoyed all the texting!" Read more

"...this story, alls its layers, and how it all plays out, with the plenty of drama, heartfelt emotions, some angst, some laughs and heartwarming charm,..." Read more

"Good angst twist on a hockey romance. Why do you have to write so many words for the review? You should be able to just give stars" Read more

31 customers mention "Character development"31 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, noting the thoughtful and emotionally nuanced portrayals, with one customer particularly enjoying Emory's grumpy self and another highlighting Scottie's lovable nature.

"...So I was excited to see that this new series features older characters (26ish), and that there was essentially zero OW/OM drama - yay...." Read more

"...plenty of drama, heartfelt emotions, some angst, some laughs and heartwarming charm, and a slow burn but so worth the wait romance...." Read more

"...of convenience tropes, slow burns packed with angst, and unforgettable characters, you need to read this ASAP...." Read more

"...Their narration encompassed the emotions of the characters and kept me engaged. 𝐼 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑘 𝑚𝑦 𝑓𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑓𝑒 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑚𝑦 𝑣𝑖𝑐𝑒...." Read more

26 customers mention "Fun to read"26 positive0 negative

Customers find the book fun to read, particularly enjoying the banter between characters Scottie and Emory, with one customer noting the perfect chemistry between them.

"...to instant enemies to married couple to lovers, which made for a very fun ride. It's a S-L-O-W burn, which I loved...." Read more

"...I liked this. He was a fun enemies to lovers. Emory was kinda mean but very very much infatuated with Scottie. I love their ups and down...." Read more

"...out, with the plenty of drama, heartfelt emotions, some angst, some laughs and heartwarming charm, and a slow burn but so worth the wait romance...." Read more

"...This is how you write a marriage of convenience, people! 👏🏼🥳 What a fun and unique twist on the trope! Okay, okay, time for the real review...." Read more

21 customers mention "Readability"21 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read, describing it as a quick read, with one customer mentioning they finished it in one sitting.

"...I really enjoyed Sylvis' writing style, which was easy to binge...." Read more

"...I love their ups and down. Good hockey romance read. I also really enjoyed all the texting!" Read more

"...SJ absolutely delivered with another fantastic book...." Read more

"...But, SJ Sylvis worked her author brilliance and had me swooning in no time...." Read more

15 customers mention "Emotion level"15 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the emotional depth of the book, noting its appropriate level of angst, with one customer describing it as a tear-jerker.

"...how it all plays out, with the plenty of drama, heartfelt emotions, some angst, some laughs and heartwarming charm, and a slow burn but so worth the..." Read more

"...If you love pro hockey, marriage of convenience tropes, slow burns packed with angst, and unforgettable characters, you need to read this ASAP...." Read more

"...but there’s also depth and emotion in the plot that I loved. Read this if you’re in the mood for… -..." Read more

"What an emotional, “enemies” to lovers.. Emory and Scottie are such a wild ride - but one I’m grateful to have been on!..." Read more

10 customers mention "Spice level"10 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the spice level in the book, with one customer describing it as a perfect blend of hot and spicy, while another notes it's more sweet than dark.

"...The banter and tension between these two is so thick and the spice is so freaking amazing! The fundraiser scene….sheeesshhhh that was hot!..." Read more

"...the smut which was refreshing since most will clobber but this had a nice spice, would’ve loved a bit more since seemed ending was rushed, but still..." Read more

"...Spice is quality over quantity but definitely there. Highly recommended...." Read more

"...And she threw in just enough spice to keep me entertained without over doing it!..." Read more

9 customers mention "Strength"9 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the strength of the book, with one noting its consistency and another describing how the protagonist falls first and hard.

"Rounding up my rating, because this was very solid...." Read more

"...Scottie Monroe, our FMC, is fierce, strong, sassy, and unapologetically independent. Life hasn’t been kind to her, though...." Read more

"...Scottie, the female main character, was defiant. She kept egging Emory on, and it made me laugh. It was great to see a different side of Emory...." Read more

"...Scottie is so strong, sassy, independent and also so kind and caring with the biggest heart...." Read more

8 customers mention "Marriage of convenience"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the marriage of convenience theme in the book, with one customer noting how it blends with hockey elements.

"...If you love pro hockey, marriage of convenience tropes, slow burns packed with angst, and unforgettable characters, you need to read this ASAP...." Read more

"...✔️ Marriage of Convenience ✔️ Forced Proximity ✔️ One Bed ✔️ "My Wife" ✔️ Only Soft For Her..." Read more

"...I really enjoyed this take on marriage of convenience and the growth these two had together...." Read more

"...Emory is EVERYTHING. This book is about a marriage of convenience and hockey mixed into one!..." Read more

Emory and Scottie!!!
4 out of 5 stars
Emory and Scottie!!!
I’m pretty new to SJ Sylvis but I am loving her books!! Play the Game was such an enjoyable story and I absolutely loved it. I had the opportunity to ALC this audiobook and the narration was terrific! It added another layer to this already great story. Loved that it was dual narration too. Emory Olson is a goalie for the Chicago Blue Devils. With his anger issues and playboy ways, he’s earned a less than favorable reputation. Scottie Monroe is trying to make ends meet. Trying to survive while fighting for the release of her brother with special needs from jail, shes facing legal fees and daily living costs and it’s too much. She’s willing to do whatever it takes. When an opportunity arises for both of them to get what they need, they make a deal… Fake Marriage. This will clean up Emory’s mess than stellar reputation and help Scottie with her money issues. What comes from this deal is so much more though. Loved Emory and Scottie. The banter between them was fun and I just loved their chemistry. Tropes you can expect: 🏒 Sports Romance (He’s a Hockey Player) 💍 Marriage of Convenience ❌💗 Enemies to Lovers
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2024
    Rounding up my rating, because this was very solid. I've been meaning to check out this author and I love a good marriage of convenience romance (especially between strangers!), so this seemed like the perfect place to start. I kinda loved that the evolution of their relationship didn't take the "typical" path - they go from strangers to instant enemies to married couple to lovers, which made for a very fun ride. It's a S-L-O-W burn, which I loved. They truly got to know each other a little bit at a time, and it made sense that it would take awhile before they crossed those lines. It was easy to see that our hero was falling though, with plenty of swoony "my wife" moments and subtle hints that their relationship was changing. We get the forced proximity of them living together and growing closer piece by piece, which made for a bingeable, engaging read that plays up the tropes. I had very few complaints and none of them were major, so this was a solid 4-star/low 5-star read for me.

    The story follows Emory, a pro hockey player with a bad reputation. He recently got into an altercation that makes him seem like a questionable guy, but there's more to the story. So when his teammates take him to a strip club and one of the dancers tries to extort him with a Photoshopped image, it's just one more reason to stay away from women. In Scottie's defense, she had good reason to want the money, but she's mortified that she even tried to blackmail a stranger. After apologizing, one thing leads to another, and the two strangers soon find themselves married. Scottie will get the money she needs for her brother's legal bills, Emory will improve his image and keep his distance from women - it's a win-win situation. What neither one anticipated was that feelings would develop between them. It's not long before living together and playing the role of happy couple leads to shifting dynamics that slowly start to feel like love.

    Sylvis has been on my radar for a while now, but I'm not big on college romances these days or the drama that comes with them. So I was excited to see that this new series features older characters (26ish), and that there was essentially zero OW/OM drama - yay. Emory may be a former player, but he swore off women after his situation and no one else stood a chance after he met his new wife. There's definitely some great "he falls first" vibes, and I love a smitten husband, so those aspects were major wins for me. I also liked the roommate situation and the fact that they spent so much time together. Plus, we have the unconventional nature of their meeting, which kept me on my toes. Scottie did a bad thing, but she's not a bad person, and I loved watching them slowly fall. I really enjoyed Sylvis' writing style, which was easy to binge. I was entertained and engaged the whole way through, and only a few minor things bugged me. There are a couple of moments that show Sylvis' writing still has room to grow, but that's about it. Otherwise, this was a relatively light and sexy marriage of convenience romance with a slight undercurrent of darker tension. And it delivered exactly the kind of tropey fun I wanted.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2025
    This was def more on the slow burn side which I wasn’t quite expecting! I liked this. He was a fun enemies to lovers. Emory was kinda mean but very very much infatuated with Scottie. I love their ups and down. Good hockey romance read.
    I also really enjoyed all the texting!
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2025
    Play the Game
    Blue Devils Hockey Book 1
    By: SJ Sylvis
    Narrated by: Lee Samuels, Samantha Brentmoor

    S.J. Sylvis pens a fantastic sports romance, putting her own unique spin on the marriage-of-convenience, and enemies-to-lovers tropes. The characters are realistic and relatable, and their story holds your attention and tugs at your heartstrings the entire time. Emory Olson is the Blue Devils Hockey team's newest arrival, a goalie with a terrible reputation, but with the team taking a chance on him, he is trying to turn that all around. Scottie has not had the easiest of lives, but she has a heart of gold and looks out for others before herself. Financially struggling, she takes a job she hates, but it is not enough to make a dent in her debt, so she does something foolish and tries to shakedown Emory, which he doesn’t fall for, but sensing there was more to her, that would not be the last she saw of him. The team frequented in the club she worked in and the more he saw her, the more intrigued he was, and after an interesting turn of events with someone else accusing him of something he didn’t do, he comes up with a plan, a fake marriage and he knows just the girl to ask, the one that needs the funds. Emory is a grump and Scottie is a spitfire who gives as good as she gets, actually even better, because there is a softness behind all that grumpiness. These two were perfect together and for each other, and it was great to watch them navigate their new relationship, even more so to see it more into something so much more. I loved the originality of this story, alls its layers, and how it all plays out, with the plenty of drama, heartfelt emotions, some angst, some laughs and heartwarming charm, and a slow burn but so worth the wait romance. I enjoyed Sylvis’ writing, plot and world building, as well as the character growth and development, which are all incredible. S.J. Sylvis, thank you for this amazing story and emotional rollercoaster ride.

    🎧📚🎧   Samantha Brentmoor and Lee Samuels’ performance and portrayal of these characters was incredible. With perfectly suited character voices, they embodied each role convincingly and sounding just as I imagine them to sound. Brentmoor absolutely aced it as Scottie, from handling her witty dialogue effortlessly to grasping every aspect of her personality, from her vulnerabilities to her fierceness and all in between. Samuels was just as fabulous in Emory’s role, kept up his grumpy facade while showing bits of his caring side along the way. Both were fantastic at performing the roles of the secondary characters too. They set the perfect tone for the story, captured all the characters’ emotions and had you feeling them all. These entertaining storytellers are a pleasure to listen to and their performance takes this already amazing story to another level.
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2025
    Good angst twist on a hockey romance. Why do you have to write so many words for the review? You should be able to just give stars

Top reviews from other countries

  • Kay
    5.0 out of 5 stars What a great hockey romance!
    Reviewed in Canada on January 14, 2025
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    🌶️🌶️
    I have been wanting to read this book since starting to see the promo materials being shared online and because it doesn’t have an audiobook I kept putting it off. But with Book 2 releasing in just a few short weeks, I knew it was time to grab my kindle and finally start reading.
    I remember seeing all the raving reviews about this story and well I can see why! I am officially obsessed with Emory and Scottie! This story had just the right amount of plot, romance, banter, angst and spice.
    Scottie was such a great fmc. She’s independent, resilient, and can hold her own. Scottie’s story is heartbreaking. She has gone through so much and is still carrying so much weight on her shoulders and doing it all alone. But even in her situation she was incredibly kind and generous, giving anything she had even if she had nothing to give.
    Emory was so good. I had been introduced to him through the Bexley U series and he certainly did not disappoint. He’s fiercely protective and giving off man obsessed vibes and I loved it. I absolutely loved the banter between Scottie and Emory it was some of the best. And the spice was hottttt. I’m not sure I will ever look at a pantry again.
    This book was everything. I laughed, I almost cried, I was hot and bothered. This book truly delivered. I’m counting down to book 2!
  • Mrs Tuckwood
    5.0 out of 5 stars Refreshing Hockey Romance
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 26, 2024
    "It's kinda cute that you think you have a choice"

    "She's my little Scottie Biscotti"

    I think it's safe to say I'm now an S.J Sylvis fan. This is the first book I've read of hers and I absolutely adored it.

    This is a hockey romance with a difference and it was such a refreshing read. This is the first in the Blue Devils Hockey series and it starts with this great book. I was hooked on this book from the first page and I found this romance moving. I loved the writing and the storytelling from this author.

    I loved Scottie. She is tough, independent and fierce. Her past is troubled and she is trying to help her brother who is in prison for a crime he didn't commit. Emory is everything we expect from a hockey goalie and more. He is grumpy and brooding and desperate to turn his reputation around and fit in with the Blue Devils.

    When Emory offers a marriage of convenience to Scottie to help his reputation and get her out of a dangerous situation, the story really starts to get intriguing. There are some secrets that unfold and with the two of them struggling to battle with some very raw feelings it makes for a fantastic reading experience. It's a love story with a difference as they begin to trust one another and find that this might not be as fake as it was once perceived.

    There are some really great scenes in this book. One in particular made me laugh out loud on the train. Such a great book and I'm now going to check out other books by this author and can't wait for the next in the series.
  • Cigi
    5.0 out of 5 stars Play The Game
    Reviewed in Australia on September 25, 2024
    🏒Marriage of Convenience
    💜Pro Hockey
    🏒Enemies to Lovers
    💜One Bed
    🏒Fake Marriage

    Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
    Romance Level: 💖💖

    Play The Game by S.J. Sylvis is an engaging and steamy romance that masterfully combines a marriage-of-convenience and enemies-to-lovers storyline, all set within the fast-paced world of professional hockey. The novel takes readers on an emotional journey, filled with tension, humor, and heartfelt moments.

    Scottie, a 25-year-old photographer, finds herself in a difficult situation, facing financial trouble and legal fees. In her desperation, she makes a bold move to try and solve her problems, which leads her to Emory Olson, the infamous goalie for Chicago’s hockey team. With a reputation that needs repairing, Emory proposes a surprising solution: a marriage of convenience that will help both of them—he'll pay off her debts, and she’ll help restore his public image.

    The dynamic between Scottie and Emory is charged from the start, with their initial animosity quickly evolving into something deeper. The tension between them is electric, with each moment bringing them closer despite their resistance. S.J. Sylvis does a fantastic job of weaving together the fake marriage trope with real emotions, making readers eager to see how their relationship unfolds.

    Emory’s character is complex and layered, with his tough exterior hiding a more vulnerable side. As his relationship with Scottie progresses, we see glimpses of his softer nature, making his transformation from a bad-boy athlete to someone more open to love both heartwarming and satisfying.

    Scottie’s journey is equally compelling. Her struggles with financial insecurity, moral dilemmas, and her growing feelings for Emory make her a relatable and strong lead. The way she handles the pressures of their arrangement while staying true to herself makes her someone readers will root for.

    The blend of humor, emotional depth, and undeniable chemistry between the two leads keeps the story engaging from beginning to end. The shifting dynamics of their fake relationship, and how it slowly turns into something real, adds a layer of complexity that makes Play The Game stand out.

    For readers who enjoy contemporary romance with witty banter, complex characters, and plenty of heat, Play The Game is a must-read. S.J. Sylvis delivers a story full of heart, laughter, and steamy moments that will leave readers thoroughly satisfied.
  • Paige
    4.0 out of 5 stars Book Review 🥰
    Reviewed in Australia on February 11, 2025
    🍪Play the Game by S. J. Sylvis🏒

    “Where did you find her? I want one.”

    “There they are. My favourite words: my wife”

    Don’t you just love a good hockey romance story?! I sure do and this one hits! A MMC who’s been put in a terrible situation, a FMC desperate to help her family and a marriage of convenience? What could get better than this!! I’m in love! You will be too, you should go read it😏 just saying….

    The gist: There’s nothing wrong with a game…right? I dreamed of becoming a photographer from when I was a little girl, but life had different ideas so now I’m here…in a strip club… In an attempt to rid myself of debt I cornered Emory, when my plan backfires miserably he is now on a mission… to Marry Me! 😱

    Tropes:
    🍪Cute Nicknames
    🏒Marriage of Convenience
    🍪Enemies to Lovers
    🏒Hockey Romance

    Rating:
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/out of 5
    🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/out of 5
  • Elegant Fantasy
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable!
    Reviewed in India on September 26, 2024
    This story was engaging and I loved the initial interactions between Emory & Scottie! Their chemistry was good and I loved them together! I liked some of the side characters especially Ellie who was so adorable! I also liked how Scottie bonded so easily with Emory's family. The progres of their relationship was very natural. Overall I enjoyed reading this book and I can't wait for the next book!

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