Playing it Safe
A Fake Dating Romance / Playing / 5
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Pub Date Oct 22 2026 | Archive Date Sep 30 2026
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Description
My whole life, I've been protecting what matters: my family, the puck, and my team’s reputation. Fake dating Briar Beckett should have been easy.
The plan was easy—play out my contract, move home to Boston, and take care of my family. The plan did not include Briar. But then, a fake date for the cameras to keep our coaches and the media happy sounded like a win-win.
No feelings, no complications.
Except the lines are blurring faster than a breakaway.
Now, I’m cooking her favorite meals and shopping for her sister. Even my cat, Puck—who hates everyone—has betrayed me to cuddle with her.
Briar built strong walls and would rather fight than let anyone help carry her load.
But I’m a defender. I’m wired to protect what's precious. And I’m starting to realize the future I planned doesn’t hold a candle to the life I want right here in Pittsburgh.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with Playing It Safe:
Fake dating, forced proximity, and a dual-hockey romance.
A tattooed, protective NHL defender who reads Shakespeare and cooks for his girl.
A fierce, independent women's hockey defender with a heart of gold and walls of steel.
A grumpy cat named Puck who judges everyone (except her).
High-steam, emotional depth, and a swoon-worthy happily ever after!
A Note From the Publisher
Pre-order directly from Lainey at SwoonySteamyStories.com
Advance Praise
"This is my favorite book you've written" --Rachel
"The dialogue crackled. It's really sexy ... this hit all my buttons" --Elizabeth
"This is my favorite book you've written" --Rachel
"The dialogue crackled. It's really sexy ... this hit all my buttons" --Elizabeth
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9781957145853 |
| PRICE | $5.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 222 |
Available on NetGalley
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Average rating from 10 members
Featured Reviews
Danielle H, Reviewer
‘Who wouldn’t fall in love with Cameron Miller, come to think of it?’
If you’re looking for a super cute, fake dating but it’s not fake for long, hockey romance- this is for you!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Cameron and Briar’s story. Both pro hockey players who have big responsibilities away from the ice too.
They are so perfect for each other! Exactly what they each need, and I couldn’t put this book down, I raced through it and really hope to see more of them in future books!
Special mention to Puck the cat too which is a great side character!
Highly recommend this one.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.
Reviewer 1989324
I wish it was longer! I liked Cameron's complicated family story and wish there was more time to explore that and see how they function and find their own healthy dynamics. And I would love to be able to see them meeting DD and the complications that can come from that. Maybe a future story could revisit some of what is going on there. Overall, it was a fun and quick read for people who like fake dating! Will definitely be reading the next in the series.
Kelly E, Reviewer
I absolutely LOVED Cameron and Briar. Lainey Davis created such believably human characters, I almost forgot about the Hockey! What starts as a fake dating arrangement, quickly escalates as Cameron and Briar begin learning how the right person doesn't make you feel "wrong". Even when the book has sad points, it was still such a FEEL GOOD book-- I wish I could stay with the characters longer!
This was the first book I've read in this series, and I just added to others to my TBR! (I'm gonna miss Puck and his shenanigans.)
Thank you, Lainey for the Arc and I can't wait to read the other stories!
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