This marriage of convenience is about to teach him a big life lesson…Ben Leach, a defenseman for the York Bombers, has everything in life he could want—except happiness. Terminally miserable, he’s settled into his rut with the acceptance of someone who knows he doesn’t deserve any better—until he runs into an old acquaintance during a quick trip to Las Vegas…a trip that changes everything.… that changes everything.
Natalie Kenney is on the run thanks to a stalker ex who thinks she belongs to him. Running into her old friend’s brother couldn’t have come at a better time and, in an impulsive move that surprises her, she accepts his half-hearted attempt to rescue her.
But the rescue comes with consequences. The new couple suddenly finds themselves in positions neither one expected, faced with challenges—and threats—that push them both out of their comfort zones. Will their new relationship lead to something more, or is it merely a marriage in name only? Ben expects it to crash-and-burn like the happiness that always seems to be just out of his reach and when the final buzzer sounds, he needs to decide if he’s simply playing a part or if life—and love—is a lot more than a spectator sport.
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Loved reading Ben’s story! Excellent fake turned real relationship story. Both have secrets and past hurts holding them back. Can they let go for a HEA? I read an arc copy of this book.
A new twist on an eloped marriage of convenience. Playing His Part really kept me on the edge of my seat, not unlike Lisa’s military books. This is the first book I’ve read in her hockey series and it can be read as a complete standalone even though it is #7 in the series. She does bring the team into the book at various points (this is a hockey team after all), and I’m sure those who have read the series will love the updates, but I didn’t feel like I was missing out by not having read the other books if you haven’t either.
The book begins during the marriage of convenience. Natalie Kenney is in a panic of how she got to this point, basically on a whim, she ran into Ben Leach, a childhood acquaintance, while they are both in Vegas. She tells Ben the trouble she is in and he casually throws out that they should get married. Thus, how she now is standing in a chapel in Vegas about to be married.
Once the deed is done, what plagues her most, that is after Ben abandons her on their honeymoon night, is why? Honestly, as a reader it is the one question we are left with too, why?
Why would Ben ask Natalie to marry him? We understand the basic mess that Natalie has found herself in while she is in Vegas and why she would seek protection, but Ben is an enigma.
He is both hero and indifference rolled all into one. He marries Natalie and then walks away, leaving her alone, without information, and yet seems so miserable in his decisions. He also shelters his wife, looks out for her in public, and wants to take care of her basic needs. He is like a wounded animal who doesn’t know how to trust and love, but why?
I love Lisa’s writing and she never fails to draw me in. Getting down to the mystery, the suspense, and ultimately the romance is what draws me back. This was my first hockey romance and it won’t be my last.
Playing His Part by Lisa B. Kamps
Playing His Part by Lisa B. Kamps is a York Bombers Hockey Novel but is a standalone read that will make you fall in love with the sport whether you want to or not. With a big softy of a guy hidden in the body of a gorgeous hulking brute this story is chock-full of sexual tension with some very good follow through in the way of some hot and heavy sexy scenes. Kamps tells a story about two people that are both struggling a little in their own way but if they can get past their miscommunications, they just might be able to find a little happiness. Playing His Part by Lisa B. Kamps is worth 5 goals!!!
Natalie has once again found herself in an unpredictable situation but this time the spontaneous discussion she made is supposed to help her not hurt her. As she stands before the alter with Ben Leach a man, she hasn’t seen in nine years and just barely knew back then she must question why she is about to exchange wedding vows with him and why is he helping her. Ben knew Natalie was in trouble when he asked her to marry him the night they met, and it was something completely out of character for him to help her. Now the two are married and butting heads at every turn but the undeniable attraction they feel for each other can’t be ignored. Each time they kiss Ben keeps telling himself he’s just Playing His Part, but he can’t stand the thought that one day Natalie might want to leave. Natalie knows Ben is just trying to keep her safe, but for how long and what happens to her when he’s done with his role?
Natalie and Ben’s story is a somewhat rocky one. They. Other make the decision to marry for very different reasons. Thankfully in the end their luck changes for the better and they find what they really need in each other. Fantastic story and a quick read. This was one that I couldnt put down because I enjoyed it so much.