Play Me: A Rugby Romance That Scores Big!
When I first stumbled upon Play Me by Adriana Lock, I felt an immediate spark of excitement. After all, I was entering my rugby sports romance era—and boy, did this book deliver! From the buzz of TikTok to the promise of a grumpy rugby player hiding layers of complexity, I was instantly hooked. Little did I know, I was about to dive headfirst into a whirlwind of passion, humor, and emotional depth.
At the heart of the story are Gray, our sulky, bad-boy rugby player, and Astrid, a fierce and independent personal assistant with a guarded heart. Their initial hate-to-love dynamic is electric and had me laughing and rooting for them in equal measure. The enemies-to-lovers trope is often a hard sell, but Lock nails it here, showcasing their fiery banter and palpable tension. I truly thrived on their back-and-forth exchanges and the way they pushed each other’s buttons—each encounter crackling with both animosity and that undeniable, simmering attraction.
Lock’s writing style is refreshingly engaging, weaving humor and heartfelt moments seamlessly together. I loved how she depicted the complexities of both characters’ past traumas. While Astrid projects an image of confidence, she’s masking her struggles by taking care of everyone around her. Gray, on the other hand, uses arrogance as armor, keeping others at bay. The slow revelation of their vulnerabilities added depth to their relationship, illustrating how love can emerge from understanding and compassion.
One of my favorite moments came when Gray and Astrid start to lower their defenses and share their pain. Lock captures the raw honesty of those interactions beautifully, reminding us how difficult it can be to be vulnerable. I wasn’t prepared for the emotional impact of those scenes! The dual perspective really enhanced my connection to the characters, allowing me to understand their internal battles and transformations.
And let’s not forget the group chats! Lock’s knack for incorporating humor through dialogues with Astrid’s friends brought so much vibrancy and relatability to the story. I found myself laughing out loud, wanting to jump into those conversations, and texting my friends about the hilarity that ensued.
For readers who enjoy a compelling mix of sports, romance, and emotional depth—Play Me is a must-read. If you’ve ever found yourself chasing that thrilling "enemies-to-lovers" vibe or just adore a good slow-burn romance, this book will have you cheering for Gray and Astrid long after you turn the last page. Plus, if you’re already a fan of Adriana Lock’s Brewer Series, the cameos will feel like delightful reunions!
Play Me left me feeling invigorated and inspired, and I’m already crossing my fingers for more rugby boys in tales to come. So, grab your copy, and get ready for a fiery ride filled with laughter, love, and maybe a few tears along the way! 🏉❤️