Playing with Trouble - Lainey Davis

Pittsburgh 2nd generation hockey romance in the world of the Stag family. Short, low angst, brother’s best friend charm that is layered with real-world, relatable challenges. Book 4 in the series and it stands alone.

Ella Rujkowski is the younger sister of Jason (“Rookie”), a self-absorbed hockey player with the Fury. When she needs a place to stay to finish her nursing training, Rookie offers his apartment, even though it doesn’t have a spare room. Flatmate Howie (aka Bernard - love the nicknames) picks her up from the airport and he’s hooked on Ella pretty quickly. These kids grew up together, with Ella tagging along to endless hockey games and roadtrips. Howie is charming and funny – a himbo but not an idiot – and he quickly sees the dynamic between the siblings – and gives up his bedroom for Ella.
There’s not a lot of hockey in this, as we see more of Ella’s worklife, her struggles with dyslexia and fitting in, and her tricky family dynamic. Howie is a delight – he studies with her, is all in for some sex lessons, and helps her stand up to her brother. So good! Of course it all blows up, and there’s character growth for everyone – even Jason.

Recommended for an easy read that’s breezy and optimistic, but not lightweight. Thank you so much Lainey Davis for the ARC. Opinions are my own.