Excerpt Reveal: Just Playing for Keeps (Hockey Ever After #2) by Lauren Blakely, narrators Erin Mallon and Jason Clarke

When she’s fake dating the hockey star, but he was never faking it…

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blakely, comes the next standalone hockey rom com in her brand new Hockey Ever After series, JUST PLAYING FOR KEEPS! This spicy, fake dating, grumpy/sunshine, only one bed in a room, opposites attract hockey romance releases in one week on June 3rd in all formats, and will be free to read in Kindle Unlimited. Check out the excerpt below, and one-click your copy today!

✦ Amazon ➜ https://blkly.pub/JustPlayingAMZ
✦ Audible ➜ Erin Mallon & Jason Clarke narrate in duet with a full cast!
http://blkly.pub/JPFKAudible

Read the Excerpt: 

Lake looms in my doorway, filling the space ominously. The afternoon sun halos his face, highlighting his strong jaw, lined with a beard that looks trimmer than usual. It’s operating at scruff-level now, and that’s unfairly hot. I try not to stare, but my mind’s going haywire, and my gaze bounces all over him. He’s wearing jeans that hug his thighs, a maroon Henley that shows off the shape of his big biceps and the outline of his strong pecs, and a glimmer in his blue eyes. He’s the portrait of the athlete post-workout, his hair slicked back, and wet. 

   “I just took a shower after practice. It dried a little,” he says casually, running a big hand through his wet hair, almost, almost, in slow motion. “But you can just get it a little more wet, right?”

I blink, trying to process his words. But it’s hard with the way he looks right now, all muscular and clean, and the way he sounds, too, all gravelly and flirty.

“Yes, it’s wet,” I say slowly, like I’m mesmerized. Because I am.

His lips quirk up in the hint of a grin. “It is? Wet?”

“I mean, I’m wet,” I correct, then panic shoots through me at my faux pas. “I mean, you’re wet. Your hair is wet. Your hair is plenty wet. For a haircut that is. Wet enough for a haircut.”

That grin grows wider. He cocks his head. “So everything’s wet, Remy? That’s what I’m hearing?”

I clench my thighs, even though they ache. “Yep.”

I turn around so he can’t see the heat spreading across my cheeks. Not that it matters. Pretty sure he knows it’s there, and he’s the one responsible for it.

“Come inside,” I say, but then my mind replays my words. Come inside?

I need to get it together.

“Oh I definitely will.”

About JUST PLAYING FOR KEEPS (Coming 6/3/2026):

Ever hear the story about the dating coach who got dumped on the hockey arena’s jumbotron?

Everyone did. But I lived it. Including the moment when the team’s broody, tattooed star Lake Axelrod swooped in on skates to rescue me from public humiliation.

Even more surprising? When the famously grumpy (and ridiculously sexy) hockey player insists on being my fake boyfriend for my sister’s high-profile wedding. It’s the perfect sweet revenge plan since my ex is the best man. Bonus – I might even salvage my professional reputation.

We need rules though.

1. To pull this off, everyone from his teammates to my boss has to believe we’re a real couple.

2. That means swoony touches and knee-weakening kisses are required.

3. When it ends, we walk away.

But the intensity in Lake’s eyes after every post-game kiss makes me wonder if he’s pretending. With each whispered secret, the line between fake and real bends. Until it shatters one night in a hotel room.

Soon, he isn’t just playing the protective boyfriend—he’s the only one who truly sees me.

If I’m not careful, I’m going to break the most important rule of all: don’t fall for your fake date.

This is Lake and Remy's romance. Tropes include: grumpy/sunshine hockey romance, fake dating, workplace romance, best friend's brother, obsessed hero

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

✦ Amazon ➜ https://blkly.pub/JustPlayingAMZ
✦ Audible ➜ Erin Mallon & Jason Clarke narrate in duet with a full cast!
http://blkly.pub/JPFKAudible

ABOUT LAUREN BLAKELY:

A #1 New York Times Bestselling, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and #1 Audible Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s sexy, feel-good and witty. Her books have been featured in US Weekly and People. Lauren likes dogs, cake and show tunes and she is the vegetarian at your dinner party. 

Connect w/ Lauren:

Website: laurenblakely.com 

NL Signup: http://laurenblakely.com/newsletter  

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LaurenBlakelyBooks

Instagram: http://instagram.com/laurenblakelybooks

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@laurenblakelybooks 

Release: The Ugly Stick (Stallions Hockey Romance #1) by Cori Lane

The Ugly Stick 

by Cori Lane 

Available now!

https://geni.us/TheUglyStick

Read With Kindle Unlimited

When hockey’s grumpiest single dad returns to my hometown, he doesn’t even recognize me as the ugly duckling from his past.

I was the most forgettable girl in high school. You know the one – fat, braces, bad clothes, the works. And so painfully awkward that it never occurred to me to fight back, even when the other kids said I got beat with the ugly stick.

But ten years later, I’m a whole new woman. I’ve lost weight, gained confidence, and all I want is to enjoy the new life I’ve built and leave the past where it belongs.

Of course, that would be a whole lot easier if I didn’t just find out that big-time hockey star Caleb Stone, the leader of that crew of popular kids who made my high school life so miserable, is back home to play for the Stallions this year after losing his temper on the ice one too many times to stay in the big league.

It’s bad enough that he’s got the whole town talking, but now he’s eating at the diner where I work, shopping where I shop, and to top it off, he’s even living in my building!

Then I see him with his daughter. Daisy has Down syndrome and a smile that lights up a room. And as the sweet little girl and her single dad melt my heart, I start to wonder if maybe Caleb Stone isn’t the man I always thought he was.

So much for leaving the past behind me…


If you’re craving a clean, no spice romance with elements like:

• a hockey celebrity returning to his home town
• an ugly duckling becoming a swan
• a single dad with a very special daughter
• a cozy small-town setting
• forced proximity
• a grumpy sunshine duo you can’t help rooting for

This is the book for you!

Preorder: The Ugly Stick (Stallions Hockey Romance #1) by Cori Lane

The Ugly Stick 

by Cori Lane 

Releases on May 26th!

https://geni.us/TheUglyStick

Read With Kindle Unlimited

When hockey’s grumpiest single dad returns to my hometown, he doesn’t even recognize me as the ugly duckling from his past.

I was the most forgettable girl in high school. You know the one – fat, braces, bad clothes, the works. And so painfully awkward that it never occurred to me to fight back, even when the other kids said I got beat with the ugly stick.

But ten years later, I’m a whole new woman. I’ve lost weight, gained confidence, and all I want is to enjoy the new life I’ve built and leave the past where it belongs.

Of course, that would be a whole lot easier if I didn’t just find out that big-time hockey star Caleb Stone, the leader of that crew of popular kids who made my high school life so miserable, is back home to play for the Stallions this year after losing his temper on the ice one too many times to stay in the big league.

It’s bad enough that he’s got the whole town talking, but now he’s eating at the diner where I work, shopping where I shop, and to top it off, he’s even living in my building!

Then I see him with his daughter. Daisy has Down syndrome and a smile that lights up a room. And as the sweet little girl and her single dad melt my heart, I start to wonder if maybe Caleb Stone isn’t the man I always thought he was.

So much for leaving the past behind me…


If you’re craving a clean, no spice romance with elements like:

• a hockey celebrity returning to his home town
• an ugly duckling becoming a swan
• a single dad with a very special daughter
• a cozy small-town setting
• forced proximity
• a grumpy sunshine duo you can’t help rooting for

This is the book for you!

 

Audiobook Release: Catch (Destined Hearts #1) by Evelyn Montgomery, narrators Lee Daniels and Joe Arden

Catch by Evelyn Montgomery is available on audio! Narrated by: Joe Arden and Lee Daniels One look. One touch. One sound of her beautiful voice and I’m hooked. Like a dream I never want to wake up from, she pulls me in and wraps me around her. Consumed. Driven with need. Fueled by an unrelenting desire to make her mine. One night, I take more than she has ever given before, which only leaves me wanting more. Needing more. Craving more. She’s the one I’ve waited for my whole life. I’ll be damned if I let anyone, including our families, stand in our way. She trusts me. Hungers for me, just like I want only to covet her. Forever. But there is one twist neither of us see coming. A curveball no one could have ever expected. Still, I hold on tight to her light. She’s my Angel. Something about her, us, makes me feel like I found heaven on earth. She’s my best Catch, and I’m not letting her go. Ever. Listen today! https://books2read.com/u/47O6Kg Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4wMdOSz

 

Meet the Characters: Just Playing for Keeps (Hockey Every After #2) by Lauren Blakely

When she’s fake dating the hockey star, but he was never faking it…

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blakely, comes the next standalone hockey rom com in her brand new Hockey Ever After series, JUST PLAYING FOR KEEPS! This spicy, fake dating, grumpy/sunshine, only one bed in a room, opposites attract hockey romance releases June 3rd in all formats, and will be free to read in Kindle Unlimited. Want to know more about Remy and Lake? Get all the details below, and one-click your copy today!

✦ Amazon ➜ https://blkly.pub/JustPlayingAMZ
✦ Audible ➜ Sign up for an alert! Sign up for an alert!
https://www.subscribepage.com/LaurenAudio 

About JUST PLAYING FOR KEEPS (Coming 6/3/2026):

A grumpy/sunshine fake dating hockey romance from #1 NYT Bestseller Lauren Blakely!

Ever hear the story about the dating coach who got dumped on the hockey arena’s jumbotron?

Everyone did. But I lived it. Including the moment when the team’s broody, tattooed winger, Lake Axelrod, swooped in on skates to rescue me from public humiliation.

Even more surprising? When the famously grumpy (and ridiculously sexy) hockey star insists on being my fake boyfriend for my sister’s high-profile wedding.

It’s the perfect sweet revenge plan since my ex is the best man. Bonus – I might even salvage my professional reputation.

We need rules though.

1. To pull this off, everyone from his teammates to my boss has to believe we’re a real couple.

2. That means swoony touches and knee-weakening kisses are required.

3. When it ends, we walk away.

But the intensity in Lake’s eyes after every post-game kiss makes me wonder if he’s pretending. With each whispered secret, the line between fake and real bends. Until it shatters one night in a hotel room.

Soon, he isn’t just playing the protective boyfriend—he’s the only one who truly sees me.

If I’m not careful, I’m going to break the most important rule of all: don’t fall for your fake date.

This is Lake and Remy's romance. Tropes include: grumpy/sunshine hockey romance, fake dating, workplace romance, best friend's brother, obsessed hero

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

✦ Amazon ➜ https://blkly.pub/JustPlayingAMZ
✦ Audible ➜ Sign up for an alert! Sign up for an alert!
https://www.subscribepage.com/LaurenAudio 

ABOUT LAUREN BLAKELY:

A #1 New York Times Bestselling, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and #1 Audible Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s sexy, feel-good and witty. Her books have been featured in US Weekly and People. Lauren likes dogs, cake and show tunes and she is the vegetarian at your dinner party. 

Connect w/ Lauren:

Website: laurenblakely.com 

NL Signup: http://laurenblakely.com/newsletter  

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LaurenBlakelyBooks

Instagram: http://instagram.com/laurenblakelybooks

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@laurenblakelybooks 

 

Excerpt Reveal: Just Playing for Keeps (Hockey Ever After #2) by Lauren Blakely

When she’s fake dating the hockey star, but he was never faking it…

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blakely, comes the next standalone hockey rom com in her brand new Hockey Ever After series, JUST PLAYING FOR KEEPS! This spicy, fake dating, grumpy/sunshine, only one bed in a room, opposites attract hockey romance releases June 3rd in all formats, and will be free to read in Kindle Unlimited. Check out the excerpt below, and one-click your copy today!

✦ Amazon ➜ https://blkly.pub/JustPlayingAMZ
✦ Audible ➜ Sign up for an alert!
https://www.subscribepage.com/LaurenAudio 

Read the Excerpt: 

“I don’t want to be your plus-one, sweetheart. I want your ex, and everyone else, to think I’m your real date.”

She’s quiet for a long beat. Eyes flickering. Brow furrowing. “You do?”

That might sound f*&k-all pushy, so I amend it. “Fake date.”

She tilts her head, a small, curious smile forming. “You’re saying you want to fake date me for all the wedding events?”

This makes perfect sense to me. A plus-one can be anyone—a friend, a rando, some guy who lives across the country and happens to be in town. But a date? That signals something important.

“What I’m saying is a plus-one is a cop-out. But being your new guy? That says your ex is a dumbass for losing you, and you’re moving the hell on like the f*&king goddess you are.”

Maybe I’ve said too much with goddess, but the way her smile spreads is divine. 

“Looks like you just got yourself a fake date then, mister.”

I inch closer, tuck my thumb under her chin, like I did the night I walked her to her door. Her breath catches. I slide my thumb gently along her jaw. “See you soon.”

About JUST PLAYING FOR KEEPS (Coming 6/3/2026):

Ever hear the story about the dating coach who got dumped on the hockey arena’s jumbotron?

Everyone did. But I lived it. Including the moment when Lake Axelrod, the team’s broody, tattooed right winger, swooped in on skates to rescue me from public humiliation.

Even more surprising? When the famously grumpy (and ridiculously sexy) hockey star insists on being my fake boyfriend for my sister’s high-profile wedding.

It’s the perfect plan. His family stops pressuring him to settle down, and I’ll get the ultimate revenge, since my ex is the best man. Bonus – I might even salvage my professional reputation.

We need rules though.

1. To pull this off, everyone from his teammates to my boss has to believe we’re a real couple.

2. That means swoony touches and knee-weakening kisses are required.

3. When it ends, we walk away.

But the intensity in Lake’s eyes after every post-game kiss makes me wonder if he’s pretending. With each whispered secret, the line between fake and real bends. Until it shatters one night in a hotel room.

Soon, he isn’t just playing the protective boyfriend—he’s the only one who truly sees me.

If I’m not careful, I’m going to break the most important rule of all: don’t fall for your fake date.

ABOUT LAUREN BLAKELY:

A #1 New York Times Bestselling, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and #1 Audible Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s sexy, feel-good and witty. Her books have been featured in US Weekly and People. Lauren likes dogs, cake and show tunes and she is the vegetarian at your dinner party. 

Connect w/ Lauren:

Website: laurenblakely.com 

NL Signup: http://laurenblakely.com/newsletter  

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LaurenBlakelyBooks

Instagram: http://instagram.com/laurenblakelybooks

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@laurenblakelybooks 

 

Teaser: The Ugly Stick (Stallions Hockey Romance #1) by Cori Lane

The Ugly Stick 

by Cori Lane 

Releases on May 26th!

https://geni.us/TheUglyStick

Read With Kindle Unlimited

When hockey’s grumpiest single dad returns to my hometown, he doesn’t even recognize me as the ugly duckling from his past.

I was the most forgettable girl in high school. You know the one – fat, braces, bad clothes, the works. And so painfully awkward that it never occurred to me to fight back, even when the other kids said I got beat with the ugly stick.

But ten years later, I’m a whole new woman. I’ve lost weight, gained confidence, and all I want is to enjoy the new life I’ve built and leave the past where it belongs.

Of course, that would be a whole lot easier if I didn’t just find out that big-time hockey star Caleb Stone, the leader of that crew of popular kids who made my high school life so miserable, is back home to play for the Stallions this year after losing his temper on the ice one too many times to stay in the big league.

It’s bad enough that he’s got the whole town talking, but now he’s eating at the diner where I work, shopping where I shop, and to top it off, he’s even living in my building!

Then I see him with his daughter. Daisy has Down syndrome and a smile that lights up a room. And as the sweet little girl and her single dad melt my heart, I start to wonder if maybe Caleb Stone isn’t the man I always thought he was.

So much for leaving the past behind me…


If you’re craving a clean, no spice romance with elements like:

• a hockey celebrity returning to his home town
• an ugly duckling becoming a swan
• a single dad with a very special daughter
• a cozy small-town setting
• forced proximity
• a grumpy sunshine duo you can’t help rooting for

This is the book for you!

 

Narrator Reveal: Fire and Ice (Boston Bobcats #2) by Carly Robyn, narrators Summer Morton and Keval Shah

Carly Robyn has revealed the narrators for Fire and Ice!

Narrated by: Summer Morton & Keval Shah

Releasing July 28, 2026 

A spicy Fake Dating, Grumpy x Sunshine, hockey romance from bestselling author, Carly Robyn

One fake relationship, a delicious dash of chemistry, and a recipe that's bound to get messy.

Kennedy Caplan bakes the best cakes in town, but taking her business to the next level requires more than butter and grit. She’s determined to turn her dreams into something bigger, even if the odds—and her bank account—are stacked against her.

Cameron Davies, NHL goalie and resident grump, has perfected the art of shutting people out. He’s content with his small circle, until life throws him off balance: a toxic ex back in town, teammates who won’t stop hovering, and a spotlight that refuses to dim.

His solution is as practical as it is risky: a fake relationship with Kennedy—his sister’s friend and the one person he can’t seem to ignore. The arrangement gives her business the financial investment it desperately needs, and provides Cameron a buffer from his ex and overprotective teammates.

But what begins as a strategic arrangement soon blurs into late-night calls and sparks neither of them can deny. And the more they lean into the lie, they’re forced to face the question they’ve both been avoiding: what if this isn’t fake anymore?

Fire and Ice is a spicy hockey romance with heart, heat, humor, and a guaranteed HEA. This is the second book in the Boston Bobcats series and can be read as a standalone, although reading in order is recommended for the best experience!

Pre-order today!

Audible: https://bit.ly/49hQe5K

Amazon: https://bit.ly/3PsfPSU

Apple: https://bit.ly/4d9WLjY

B&N: https://bit.ly/4uC3fj0

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3ORUDpf 

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4da4U8m