Excerpt Reveal: Just Playing for Keeps 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 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

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 Breaking the Rules by Lauren Blakely

 

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blakely, comes the first standalone hockey romance in her brand new Hockey Ever After series, JUST BREAKING THE RULES! This sexy, single dad, opposites attract hockey workplace romance answers the burning question -- what happens when you open a small town bakery with your brother's hockey star best friend? This romance about the one that got away is filled with steamy moments, love letters, and all the heart, heat, and humor you’ve come to love from Lauren’s sports romances! Releasing January 21st in all formats, and free to read in Kindle Unlimited, check out the excerpt below and pre-order your copy today!

✦ Amazon ➜ https://blkly.pub/JustBreakingAMZ
✦ Audible ➜ https://blkly.pub/JustBreakingAUD
Samantha Brentmoor & Teddy Hamilton narrate in Duet!
✦ Special Edition Paperback ➜ https://novelgrounds.com/products/pre-order-just-breaking-the-rules-hockey-ever-after 

About JUST BREAKING THE RULES (Coming 1/21/2026):

Everyone knows the golden rule of business—don’t bang your business partner.
Especially if he’s your brother’s hot-as-sin, hockey-star best friend.

But when the sexy single dad athlete saves me from a cake contest catastrophe—and shows me how good he is with his hands—I blurt out the world’s worst business pitch: Want to invest in my bakery?

With no loan or backup plan, this is my last shot at proving I’m more than my past mistakes, and shockingly, he says yes.

We set one rule: don’t mix business with pleasure.
Except Corbin Knight’s impossible to resist.

When he’s not scoring goals, he’s staying up late with me to test tempting recipes.
Braiding my hair before we bake like it’s foreplay.
Giving me his jersey to wear to games.

I try to keep a professional distance from the bossy, possessive and dangerously flirty hockey player, but soon we’re testing the limits of the kitchen counter.

This bakery is my chance to finally get my life right, so I fight the messy feelings.
Until one night, he shows up after closing and admits he can’t stop thinking about me.

Suddenly I’m ready to break every rule—no matter the cost to our dreams.

And breaking the rules has never tasted so good.

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

✦ Amazon ➜ https://blkly.pub/JustBreakingAMZ
✦ Audible ➜ https://blkly.pub/JustBreakingAUD
Samantha Brentmoor & Teddy Hamilton narrate in Duet!
✦ Special Edition Paperback ➜ https://novelgrounds.com/products/pre-order-just-breaking-the-rules-hockey-ever-after

Read the Excerpt:

In a flash, he dips his brush into the red paint, then darts out a strong arm, wraps it around my waist, and grips me in place. He lifts the brush and brandishes it.

Inches from my face.

My breath catches.

Everything goes silent between us. The Frank Ocean tune finishes. The air crackles. He’s holding me and staring at me, all while threatening me with red paint in a way I want to be threatened, judging from the heat climbing up my legs.

“I have no choice,” he murmurs at last, then he drags the brush along the hollow of my throat.

It’s cool and soft, the paintbrush slick and surprisingly sensuous as he runs it slowly down to my chest, bristles turning a swath of my pale skin red. He stops at the neckline of my shirt.

All thought flees my head. I’m nothing but atoms and vibrating molecules. I can’t even speak. I’m just breathing—and breathing him in.

The scent of paint, delightfully non-toxic, mixes with his aftershave. Or maybe it’s bodywash. I don’t know, but that campfire-by-the-lake scent is not only going to my head, it’s going to my thighs. I squeeze them together, lick my lips, and try to find a word, a phrase—something to tease him with.

But when his brow furrows again, like he’s at war with himself, I stay quiet. His silent debate stretches a few seconds, then he gives in with a raspy, “You have red paint on your chest.”

“Like a candy apple,” I say.

His gaze strays to the canvas of me, his eyes turning darker, glimmering like emeralds. When he raises his face, he drops the brush to the floor. It clatters against the drop cloth, a spray of red splattering on the ground. But I don’t care where, since the sound of the brush falling feels like a before and after. Mine falls from my hand and splatters too.

Slowly, teasingly, Corbin runs his calloused finger across the paint on my body. I pant ludicrously loud. It feels too good. 

“Good enough to bite,” he muses as he traces a circle near my breastbone.

“I don’t think the paint would taste good,” I say.

“Probably not, but this would.”

His lips come crashing down on mine, and I grab him, my fingers roping through his messy hair, tugging him close. He kisses me hard, a little ruthlessly, all teeth and heat and need.

My brain is buzzing, my body humming, but somewhere in the back of my mind, I’m keenly aware there’s a pretty mural inches from us, and I just don’t want to mess it up.

“The mural,” I whisper with concern.

He backs up, away from our work, scanning it to make sure we didn’t smear it. It’s safe. He spins me around and pushes me against the brass pole.

Is that a sign? “Do you want me to strip?” I ask in between hot, wet, deep kisses.

“Don’t tempt me.”

Excerpt Reveal: The Flirting Game by Lauren Blakely

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blakely, comes the final standalone hockey romance in her Love and Hockey series, THE FLIRTING GAME! This sexy, revenge fake dating, neighbors-to-lovers, workplace hockey romance is filled with unexpected surprises while spying on the neighbor, fake-turned-very-real sleepovers, and all the feels, spice, and heat you’ve come to expect and love from a Lauren Blakely sports romance! Available on Audible now, THE FLIRTING GAME releases in eBook and paperback on December 12th and will be free to read in Kindle Unlimited! Check out the excerpt below and pre-order your copy today!

✦ Amazon ➜ https://blkly.pub/flirtinggameAMZ
✦ Audible ➜ https://blkly.pub/FlirtingGameAUD
Listen Now! Brooke Bloomingdale & Sean Masters Narrate in Duet!

About THE FLIRTING GAME (Coming 12/12/2025):

Revenge was the plan. Falling for the hockey star next door wasn’t.

My new neighbor is a hot, grumpy hockey player who works out shirtless on his porch every morning. But it’s not technically spying if I just happen to be on my patio at the same time … right?

Imagine my surprise when the sexy grouch turns out to be the client who just hired me to redecorate the house he’s giving his mom.

What’s a ray of sunshine like me to do? Pretend I’ve never noticed his abs while we pick out furniture—since I’d never date a client. And Ford’s made it clear this is his final season, and he wants zero distractions.

Which means I need to exercise some serious resistance …

To his cool blue eyes that track my every move.
To that deep voice that makes me shiver.
And to the mouth that shuts me up one night in our shared backyard with a scorching kiss.

We agree it’s a one-time slip-up—until my cheating ex invites me to a party, and Ford insists on being my revenge date. Our fake night out turns into a very real sleepover.

Now the press and fans think we’re a couple, so we keep it up. One fake date at a charity gala turns into another at a hockey game, and somewhere between fabric swatches and porch picnics, I stop pretending.

But how do I convince Ford that with me, he can have both love and hockey?

Tropes: Neighbors to lovers, hockey romance, workplace romance, revenge fake dating, romantic comedy. This is Ford and Skylar's romance!

Read the Excerpt:

“Can I come in?” he asks, a new urgency in his voice. “Or are you going to be late?”

“I have ten minutes before I have to go.”

“To catch the bus?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll drive you.” It comes out like a command.

“I still only have fifteen minutes.”

“That’s fine.” The click of the door shutting activates guard-dog mode. Simon barks, then hustles his little wiggling body down the stairs. He rushes over immediately, whimpering and circling Ford like they’ve known each other for years.

I think of Landon. Of the times he ignored Simon. Of the other guys I dated who didn’t care, didn’t even ask to see a photo on our first dates. But Ford? He crouches down and strokes Simon’s long, soft ears with this gentle reverence that melts my heart.

“Hey there,” he murmurs. “You’re a good boy, aren’t you? A very good boy, helping your mom with the bills.”

My brain short-circuits.

He called me Mom. A dog mom, sure, but still—I love it too much. The stupid, silly designation that we dog lovers use is doing unfair things to my insides.

Once Simon trots off to his living room bed—shaped like a cupcake—Ford rises slowly, his gaze locking with mine. “If we’re going to fake date,” he says, “we should probably…” His eyes drift to my mouth.

I feel it. The shift in the air. The way every nerve in my body goes on high alert. The pull.

He doesn’t have to finish the sentence.

But he does.

“Fake kiss.”

And all I can think is yes, please, and now.

“Don’t make it fake.”

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: My Favorite Holdiate by Lauren Blakely

 

It's Christmas time and I'm fake dating my billionaire boss!

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blakely, comes a sexy, standalone holiday romance, MY FAVORITE HOLIDATE! This spicy, small town, fake dating, billionaire, single dad, office romance will have you rocking around (or under…) the Christmas tree! The MY FAVORITE HOLIDATE paperback is releasing on October 7^th, including the Target special edition with beautiful snowflake edges! The eBook and audiobook are available now! Check out the excerpt below, and pre-order or one-click your copy today!

✦ Amazon ➜ https://blkly.pub/MyFavoriteHolidateAMZ
✦ Audible ➜ https://blkly.pub/MFHAudible
Samantha Brentmoor & Jason Clarke narrate in duet with a full cast!
✦ Target Special Edition ➜ https://blkly.pub/MFHTargetSE
✦ Signed & Personalized Copies with Artwork ➜ https://www.thirdplacebooks.com/book/9781668208502
✦ Other Retailers ➜ https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/My-Favorite-Holidate/Lauren-Blakely/9781668208502

 

READ THE EXCERPT:

I tremble, then glance around the office. It’s huge, with windows overlooking the field. With a massive desk for the owner. With me on that desk. Have I had boss fantasies before? I don’t think so but right now all I want is to be taken in the morning by this powerful man.

I lean back further, making my intentions clear. The Christmas music is my wingwoman, the songs turning sexier.

“Fable,” he says, as a warning.

“Yes, Wilder?”

His eyes squeeze shut. There’s that battle again. But only I can assuage it. 

“Practice,” I urge. “Practice with me.”

He opens his eyes, shakes his head, but it’s not a no. It’s resignation to this lust. “You,” he mutters.

That’s all. Just you.

In one fell swoop, he pushes a folder of papers off to the side. My skin tingles from the thrill of watching them fly.

 

About MY FAVORITE HOLIDATE:

Wanted: hot billionaire to pose as my Christmas boyfriend. Must be willing to make my cheating ex jealous by kissing me under the mistletoe at holiday parties. Bonus if you make him cry.

To my surprise my billionaire boss is more than up for the challenge of coming down the chimney as my holiday boyfriend. The sexy single dad desperately needs a plus one at a Christmas Eve wedding, where he’s the best man and I’m the maid of honor.

And since my ex is in the wedding party too, my boss and I team up as a pair of insta-lovebirds for the holiday season, including during the annual week-long Christmas competition leading up to the snowy destination wedding.

But soon staying up late to string the best popcorn balls ever turns into a scorching night in his arms where the chestnuts aren’t the only thing roasting on the open fire.

Can all these winter wonderland nights seeking revenge turn into the real thing when we return to the office? Or are we destined to go the way of a Christmas tree on New Year’s?

Tropes: fake dating, billionaire, single dad, office romance, small town, holiday romance

 

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