Review For Reckless Player by R.C. Stephens

kristawebster

Jun 1

Blurb:

Paris

I've had a crush on my best friend for as long as I can remember. But he's a hockey winger who has quite a reputation with the puck bunnies, and I'm a nerdy girl trying to survive my biochemistry degree as a single mom.

If science has taught me anything, it's that facts don't lie. And the truth is Ryse and I are from two completely different worlds. He's headed for the pros, and I hypothesize I'll be left behind... again.

Ryse might not be boyfriend material, but he makes a great fake fiancé because he's fooling even me. After months of subtle touches and staged kisses, our experiment finally combusts.

He may be a reckless player... but his pretend love is the realest thing I've ever felt.

Ryse

After my gorgeous best friend moves in next door, things go from friend-zone to chemistry off the charts. Now I'm seeing the sexy single mom in a whole new light.

It's my year to go pro, and before I can draft, I need to clean up my playboy reputation and graduate. I can't risk a relationship... or my friendship with Paris.
When she needs a fake fiancé to get her son into private school, I do what any good friend would do-- I volunteer.

But the closer we get, the more blurred the lines become. Falling for her is a complication I didn't calculate... but pretending to love her is the easiest game I've ever played.

I just hope when the game is over, I don't lose her for good.

My Review:

Reckless Player is the fourth book in the Westfall U series by R.C. Stephens. This is the sweet slow burn, friends to lovers romance between Ryse McGuire and Paris Donovan. This group of brothers, sisters and friends always provide an interesting story and it was lovely being back with the Westfall Dragons Hockey Team, past and present.

Ryse has become disillusioned with the puck bunnies and wants his best friend Paris but she is off limits because he can't ruin their friendship. He is positive she doesn't feel the same way. He dreams about her and it doesn't help she has moved in next door to the hockey house he lives in. He also understands what being a single mum involves as his own mum was one bringing up him and Poppy.

Paris is a single mum to Max, studying for her science degree and is Holland's sister. She adores Ryse but knows he is a playboy and will never settle down. He is very smart, is kind to her and helps with Max. She gets all swoony over him when he is with Max because they are so good together but isn't ready for a relationship as still getting over Max's dad.

Ryse is the spotlight player this year and eligible to draft but after being in the gossip column he needs to keep a low profile especially with the ladies. He has worked too hard to lose his future so must show he is dependable. His sister Poppy suggests a fake girlfriend to keep the puck bunnies away.

At the same time Paris is desperately trying to get Max into a private school and they expect her to be in a stable relationship so it is a win, win situation for both of them to pretend they are engaged.

They have amazing chemistry but both have childhood insecurities which affect them. She doesn't know any good men so finds it hard to accept Ryse wants to put his bad boy tendencies behind him. Can she put her heart on the line for a guy who'll be leaving for the NFL. I understood Paris wants to protect herself but also her son, but I felt at times she didn't give Ryse the chance he deserved. Ryse has his hands full trying to cope with his growing feelings for her and proving to her he is serious about their relationship. He is determined to reform his ways so he can live up to being the man she needs. It was sad when he feels he doesn't deserves her and starts to worry that Paris and Max need more than he can offer.

It was lovely seeing everyone get together for Thanksgiving, having Wolfe and Rebel's wedding plus the great news for another couple. This is an enjoyable story about how the things that happen when you are younger, can greatly affect your life and attitudes as you grow up. Will this couple ever admit their true feelings for each other? I had read all the previous books and knew who everyone was so felt some of the information was very repetitive. I loved how adorable Ryse was with Max.

I am really looking forward to Broken Player #5 about the mysterious unavailable Darren, and Rebel's sister Blossom.

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