THE PLAY
(Briar U, #3)

by Elle Kennedy

 

Now Available!
Amazon  |  Paperback

 

 

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Blurb

What I learned after last year’s distractions cost my hockey team our entire season? No more screwing up. No more screwing, period. As the new team captain, I need a new philosophy: hockey and school now, women later. Which means that I, Hunter Davenport, am officially going celibate…no matter how hard that makes things.

But there’s nothing in the rulebook that says I can’t be friendswith a woman. And I won’t lie—my new classmate Demi Davis is one cool chick. Her smart mouth is hot as hell, and so is the rest of her, but the fact that she’s got a boyfriend eliminates the temptation to touch her.

Except three months into our friendship, Demi is single and looking for a rebound.

And she’s making a play for me.

Avoiding her is impossible. We’re paired up on a yearlong school project, but I’m confident I can resist her. We’d never work, anyway. Our backgrounds are too different, our goals aren’t aligned, and her parents hate my guts.

Hooking up is a very bad idea. Now I just have to convince my body—and my heart.

Find The Play on GOODREADS

 

 

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Review

5 “yup yup” stars! 

I have been desperate for Hunter Davenport’s story ever since his heart was broken in The Chase, the first book in the Briar U series. Then, he had a rough time in the second book, The Risk, when sleeping around cost the hockey team a chance at the national championship. Now he is back with his own book and he has a new philosophy – “Hockey and school now, women later.”

Hunter has been abstaining from sex for several months when a psych project brings Demi into his life. Even though he is extremely attracted to her, he is determined to stick to his vow. The fact that Demi has a long-term boyfriend makes everything easier because she’s unavailable and isn’t interested.

Demi is a breath of fresh air because unlike every other woman Hunter meets, she isn’t throwing herself all over him, and it gives them a chance to form a solid friendship. I loved watching the fun they have when being friends is all that is on the table.  It allows them to be real and honest without trying to impress each other.

Then, Demi breaks up with her boyfriend. Having only ever been with him, she is in need of a rebound and she knows just who she wants.

I’m confident I wouldn’t have much trouble finding someone to have sex with me. Half the men on Tinder would offer themselves up. But I don’t want those men. I want Hunter Davenport.

Hunter and Demi are a riot together. They are so much fun and the banter is phenomenal. Even when they are just friends, I found myself giddy and full of smiles every time these two are together. They are also wildly attracted to each other. The chemistry is undeniable and the sexual tension spikes when they want make a move but are still holding back. Not only did they not want to ruin their friendship but there is Hunter’s vow too. That doesn’t stop Demi from pursuing him though.

Since experiencing my “move,” she’s launched a campaign to end my celibacy, as evidenced by the text she just sent.

DEMI: Have a good game tonight! I hope you score! Speaking of scoring, have you considered breaking your vow?

It takes a bit to get Hunter on board but when he does, WHOA, talk about cranking up the heat. Demi and Hunter on fire and I loved that they couldn’t keep their hands off each other. The spark isn’t what keeps them together though. They understand and support each other, and they don’t pretend things always works out. They are realistic but still go after what they want.

The character development in this story is well written. Hunter has real fears and I liked that he takes action to control them. He learns who he is and who he isn’t, and I loved him more when his confidence grows. I loved watching Demi fight for what she wants both personally and professionally. She has a huge heart and I knew she would reach her dreams and win the guy.

Overall, The Play gave me so much more than I had hoped and I loved it! Hunter and Demi are wonderful characters and I couldn’t stop from being consumed by their hilarious, emotional, sweet, steamy story. The ending was so satisfying and I was extremely happy to see Hunter finally get his HEA. A fantastic addition to the series!!

“I’m sorry I made you break your vow,” I whisper sheepishly, as I hold him tightly against me.
“I’m not,” he whispers back.

I have to add that I love when characters from other books make cameos and The Play has so many. From the other Briar U guys and gals to the Off-Campus clan, I loved getting more of the characters I fell hard for and I always have a wonderful time with them!

*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

 

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Briar U

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Off-Campus