Review: Played by Naima Simone

Played wasn’t quite what I expected. I went in anticipating a sports romance, but that aspect was minimal. However, I loved the representation with Black main characters, which earned this book a solid 3.5 stars from me.

The story is beautifully written, particularly in how it handles grief. The raw emotions really tug at the heartstrings, balancing moments of deep loss with hope and happiness. The relationship between widowed hockey player Solomon and firefighter Adina develops after she finds his private journal. Their connection is genuine, with great chemistry and plenty of spicy moments.

Despite the engaging characters and well-crafted narrative, I found myself wishing for more of the sports element. Still, it’s a powerful story, just not one I’d recommend if you’re looking specifically for a sports romance.