Book: Play the Game by Samantha Brinn
Reviewed by Maggie Hayes
Rating: 4/5
📚✨ ARC REVIEW ✨📚
Play the Game by Samantha Brinn
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)
Thank you, @thesmuthood, for providing an ARC!
Evan and Cooper are sworn enemies, rivals at the law firm where they work. With only one partnership slot open, they’re locked in a constant battle… until one late night when they finally give in to the sexual tension between them.
Neither is prepared when a positive pregnancy test arrives two months later. Now they must put their rivalry aside for the good of their baby... and maybe their romantic futures.
I’ve become a big fan of Samantha Brinn thanks to a book club buddy who introduced me to her Laws of You series. Play the Game nails her perfect blend of humor, heart, and spice.
Evan (short for Evangeline) is a total boss babe. She’s the top lawyer in her year (maybe even the whole firm) and a killer fanfic writer—side note: someone please, please, give me that why choose Gilmore Girls fic! I loved her ambition, especially in a field that favors men, and how her pregnancy didn’t slow her down. No “leave the keys in the fridge” baby brain clichés here—just a driven, capable heroine.
And Cooper? Ugh, yes. His calm, steady nature perfectly balances Evan’s anxiety as they navigate the news that they’ll be parents. They complement each other so well. I loved seeing an excited and supportive father who seems genuinely ready to share parenting duties equally, which is very sexy.
It was heartwarming to see Cooper’s family welcome Evan, inviting her to “book club” and adding her to group chats. And I about died laughing as they became fans of Evan’s fanfic (as they should). Their good vibes were a needed counter to Evan’s awful parents. Thankfully, she had her brother, and now she’s got a found family showing her the love and support she deserves.
Play the Game is perfect for anyone craving a steamy rivals-to-lovers romance with strong found-family vibes and plenty of emotional beats.
Tropes:
💼 Workplace romance | ⚖️ Lawyer x lawyer | 😈 Enemies to lovers | 🔥 One-night stand | 🤰 Accidental pregnancy | 👨👩👧👦 Found family
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