Playing the Field by: Stacy Travis (Audio Review)

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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In Playing the Field, Stacy Travis delivers a captivating "opposites attract" sports romance that is nearly impossible to put down. Narrated with incredible chemistry by Hannah Chiclana and Aaron Donahue, the story follows Hunter Reyes, a professional soccer player with a hot-headed reputation, and Gracie, a brilliant data analyst who also happens to be his best friend’s sister.

Book Description

A delicious Forced proximity, Brother’s Best Friend, Sports romance by bestselling author, Stacy Travis.

I didn’t expect my first week with the Devils soccer team to involve saving a career.

But when the team’s hot-headed center back—aka my brother’s best friend, Hunter Reyes—blows up in front of management, it’s my job as the head Data Analyst to keep him on the field.

That’s as close as I plan on getting to the gorgeous, bad-boy soccer god until he shows up at the house I’m temporarily sharing with my brother, needing a place to stay.

Hunter is the epitome of the grumpy, ridiculously muscular, and infuriatingly confident man fans love. I’m the girl who color-codes data sets and stress-bakes muffins. We are opposites in every way. We shouldn’t share the same Wi-Fi, let alone an address.

But late nights with spreadsheets turn into late nights sharing takeout.

Eye rolls turn into inside jokes. And every time his hand brushes mine, I swear the air between us crackles like lightning before a storm.

But he’s my brother’s best friend. A player on the team I work for. And completely, absolutely not my type. Too bad my heart can’t compute our differences.

About Stacy Travis

Stacy Travis writes charming, spicy romance about bookish, sassy women and the hot alphas who fall for them.

Writing makes her infinitely happy, but that might be the coffee talking. She drinks a LOT of it.

She's worked as a journalist, camp counselor, TV writer, SAT tutor, corporate finance researcher, education technology editor, and non-fiction author. When she's not on a deadline, she's in running shoes complaining that all roads seem to go uphill. Or on the couch with a margarita. Or fangirling at a soccer game.

She's never met a dog she didn't want to hug. And if you have no plans for Thanksgiving, she'll probably invite you to dinner.

Stacy lives in Los Angeles with her husband, two sons, and a poorly-trained rescue dog who hoards socks. And she's serious about the Thanksgiving thing.

My Thoughts

In Playing the Field, Stacy Travis delivers a captivating "opposites attract" sports romance that is nearly impossible to put down. Narrated with incredible chemistry by Hannah Chiclana and Aaron Donahue, the story follows Hunter Reyes, a professional soccer player with a hot-headed reputation, and Gracie, a brilliant data analyst who also happens to be his best friend’s sister.

When Hunter’s temper puts his career in jeopardy, Gracie is the one tasked with using her data sets to save his spot on the team. This leads to a forced-proximity situation that quickly sizzles, especially once Hunter moves into the house Gracie is temporarily sharing with her brother.

The dynamic between them is built on years of secret crushing, hidden behind the "brother’s best friend" barrier. Hunter, while portrayed as a "bad boy" on the field, is revealed to be a deeply misunderstood and sweet man who is remarkably hard on himself. Watching him work through his inner struggles while Gracie patiently supports him provides the story with a beautiful emotional depth.

Gracie herself is a standout lead—smart, sassy, and comfortable in her own skin. She balances her color-coded spreadsheets and stress-baking with a fierce passion for her work and for Hunter. As they share a home, the slow-burn tension evolves from eye rolls and late-night takeout into an undeniable, lightning-crackling attraction.

Their banter is natural and witty, providing a lighthearted contrast to the "forbidden" workplace vibes and the steamier moments of their relationship. Gracie helps Hunter see his true worth beyond his athletic performance, while Hunter proves that he is exactly the kind of attentive, caring partner Gracie needs.

The narration by Chiclana and Donahue elevates the experience, perfectly capturing the "grumpy vs. sunshine" energy and the high-stakes world of professional soccer. It is a heartfelt, healing romance that culminates in an adorable and satisfying ending, proving that these two opposites were always the perfect fit.

Other books I've read by Stacy Travis HERE!!!

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