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.
more
I love how Lisa B Lamps takes a character and makes you want to punch him in real life. Don’t get me wrong. I love Ben and Natalie’s story, but Ben reminds me of some of the most obtuse alpha males that I knew who hide their insecurities. And Ben has them in spades that makes him appear to everyone what as a miserable ass. Natalie is just as insecure. I love the relationship builds up and the supporting cast. And the last major scene makes it worth the struggle between the two characters. We see some familiar faces and a nice surprise towards the end. I love the “family” Lisa has created.
Playing His Part had my heart aching for both Ben and Natalie. The story is heartbreaking and raw, the characters broken and hurting. I have never wanted two characters to find their way, to open up and to trust their heart to the other more than I did with these two.
Ben and Natalie each are both broken but for different reasons and in different ways. They feel undeserving of love, so believing that someone could find them lovable and worth the effort takes time, understanding and a lot of communication. The later is the one they struggled with the most. Neither of them was willing to show their vulnerability and open up, but they desperately need each other. When they both opened up their hearts to the love that had been simmering under the surface that is when they finally found their happily ever after.
What a lovely, lovely book! From the initial, hurried Vegas wedding of convenience, this book morphs in to something rich and deeply emotional. It explores the vulnerability and isolation if two lonely souls in a sensitive and loving way. Both Natalie and Ben are so emotionally careful, guarded and, in Ben’s case, unavailable. Their journey has pitfalls, but it is so lovely to see the growth both of these sweet characters into something really special. It was so good to spend time with the other players and share a bit more of their lives, but, ultimately this book belongs to two deeply caring souls. Loved it..in case you hadn’t spotted that
Wow! Right from the start I was hooked by this book! The way that it starts had me full of questions and wondering how things were going to work out. Natalie is on the run from her ex, but it is a mystery through most of the story as to what really happened. Ben is a friend of her brothers that she hasn’t seen in a while. When they run into each other in Vegas and Ben makes an offer that Natalie doesn’t think she can refuse.
This book definitely had me feeling lots of feels. Natalie feels so alone and out of place in Ben’s world and my heart broke for what she was going through. Ben had me loving him and not loving him multiple times throughout the story because of the way he would behave. Always known to his teammates as being selfish and not one to settle down he shocks everyone when they find out he is married. Used to the single, unattached life, Ben doesn’t let anyone get close to him emotionally and he isn’t planning on changing just because he and Natalie walked down the isle.
When actual feelings begin to form between the two of them more secrets that could jeopardize their fragile relationship are revealed.
This is a must read book for sure! One Click ASAP, you will not be disappointed!
By Alisa
In their own way both Ben and Natalie are on the run, her from an ex and him from life! Their marriage is one of convenience but they both have a lot issues to overcome before they can each heal and realize they both deserve love and happiness. There are plenty of ups and downs as they learn to trust each other and the truth about why they both agreed to get married comes out. Quick and enjoyable read! I read an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my review.
This was an interesting hockey tale…
Possible SPOILERS
Ben Leach is on a break from playing hockey for the Baltimore Bombers…so he and some of his teammates decied to “explore” Vega and that’s where he runs into his sister’s old childhood friend Natalie.
Natalie’s trip to Vegas has been crazy to say the least…first her ex-boyfriend was stealing, he got arrested, she runs into Ben and the next thing she knows is she is marrying him but she can’t blame marrying him on alcohol because she hasn’t had any….
Ben & Nat have a rocky start with some misunderstandings and missing information although things are starting to work out better until Ben gets a call from the Vegas Police…..
I loved this book! I’m actually in the trope of fake relationships, so this was really refreshing to read about these characters!.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2873205262?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1
I absolutely loved this book. Ben is a bitter, emotionless jerk and everyone knows it. Natalie is in trouble, her ex is going to be so mad when he gets out of jail and realizes what she’s done. They meet after years of not seeing each other. Natalie was Ben’s little sister’s friend. When they agree to have a drink she spills her troubles and Ben offers a unique solution. She jumps on the chance to get away but obviously doesn’t think it through. Their relationship isn’t easy, it isn’t smooth or anything else you’d expect. Lisa B Kamps gives you more than that. This is an emotionally deep book that reaches into your chest and squeezes the entire book. You won’t be able to put it down! What a satisfying read, I couldn’t get enough. You get to revisit other characters from previous books in this series and it’s amazing how she keeps everything moving and relevant.
FUN FACT (lol): I jumped on this story solely on the #CoverWin!! Yes, I do love sports romances, but this author is new to me so I had nothing to go on except this cover and it just sold me! And good thing too because I really enjoyed the heck out of this book!
My enjoyment of this story goes all around the story. I loved the marriage of convenience aspect of the story, especially because it benefited Natalie more than Ben. It surprised me that even tho neither of the two knew each other particularly well, that this is what they jumped into. I expected a whole lot of drama over that obviously, but what I got was a very well thought out plot that unfolded very realistically and was relatable. The conflict was very well placed and not over done.
I really enjoyed that both Ben and Natalie had growth throughout the story. Not only as a couple, but individually. It made the story even more realistic for me. I didn’t feel out of touch with their situation at any point.
I’m excited that not only have I found a new author I enjoy, but also a sports series! I’ve downloaded the first six in this series and can’t wait to #binge! Well done!
I love Hockey romances and this one was fantastic! Ben and Natalie run into each other in Vegas. She was an old friend of his sister he hadn’t seen in years. She is running from an ex. To protect her they got married! They struggle with their own problems but come to realize they need each other. This story has mystery, suspense, hot chemistry and a touching romance! Playing His Part is a wonderful book that captured me from the first page and held me from the first page and held me until the end! I loved it! If you love Hockey romances like I do, get Playing His Part and you’ll love it too!
The way that Ben and Natalie are written in this story, you never really know what they are thinking.There isn’t as much hockey in this story as compared to the previous ones but the appearance of familiar characters makes it interesting.
A good addition to the series.
Ben and Natalie meet in Vegas unexpectedly.. She is on the run from her stalker ex and he is out there partying with his teammates. They knew each other way back in high school , she was friends with his sister, but it was quite awhile ago and he doesn’t really recognize her. When he realizes the danger she is in he asks her to marry him. Natalie says yes as she feels it will help her escape but in the end will it really just be them playing their parts or will they both find the love and happiness they deserve?
Lisa B. Kamps is on a winning streak with book seven in the York Bombers series, PLAYING HIS PART. York Bombers defenseman, Ben Leach, marries his sister’s childhood friend, Natalie Kenney, to help protect her from her ex. This contemporary sports romance is suitable for adult readers.
PLAYING HIS PART is a thought-provoking addition to the York Bombers series. Ben and Natalie have interesting reasons for entering their marriage of convenience. I like that Ben offers to help Natalie despite barely knowing her and not seeing her in nine years. I enjoyed how they grow throughout the story. They have applicable misunderstandings and obstacles to overcome. The two have issues in common and relate. I love that they ultimately provide the other what they need, happiness and belonging.
I like that Natalie decides to let down her guard and befriend the wags of the team, especially Haley. I appreciated how Ben’s friendship and opinion of Banky evolved. A lot of interesting and relevant things happen that make this story hard to put down. I recommend this book to people who enjoy sports romances or marriage of convenience stories. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
This is book #7, in The York Bombers series. This can be read as a standalone novel. For readers understanding of the series, and to avoid spoilers, I recommend reading them in order.
Natalie has had a few problems. Recently an ex-boyfriend who scares her to death. He and all the other problems become one big issue when she runs into the older brother of a an old friend in Las Vegas.
Ben does not even know what comes over him. He is married before he even knows what to do about it. His friends cannot believe it – and truthfully, neither can he. Natalie stirs in him things he does not ever remember feeling.
This book moves at a pace faster than I can even tell you. The characters are so thrilling and compelling it is literally like I should have brought popcorn! I could not put this book down. Like the others in this great series, this one brought the house down.
***This ARC copy was given in exchange for an honest review.
Playing His Part is the seventh story in the York Bombers series and is just as engaging as the first story!
This is Ben and Natalie’s story. Describing Ben as “terminally miserable” isn’t far off the mark. While he is a successful hockey player, he believes happiness is something in life that he cannot attain. Natalie similarly believes she’s just destined to make poor choices, especially when it comes to men. Her latest boyfriend turns out to be all kinds of trouble.
Both Ben and Natalie are engaging characters, ones who are dealing with very real issues that many, unfortunately, face.
While the quickie wedding in Las Vegas throws them together, they both have a lot of issues to work through if they want to make their marriage work.
Will they come to terms with their issues? Will they remain together or will one give up on the other? This is a great story with enduring characters you grow to care about as the story progresses and keeps you engaged until the end!
I thought this was a good read. Ben and Natalie’s story is intense and almost reads like a mystery. There are so many layers going on here. From the characters themselves, to their histories, their emotions and their evolving relationship, there is much exploring to be done and many discoveries to be made. A very entertaining book.
Until I started reading, I didn’t realize how much I had missed this Hockey series! The York teammates, their significant others, and Mystic! This story line jumped right in with both feet and from there, it caused me anguish. (Talk people, quit guarding your hearts. Like I have room to talk!) Ben and Natalie both have troubled pasts, which interfered with their present friendship and with Natalie from making other friends. I like how this author waits to reveal the secrets that bind their present! Great story that took me no time to read because it flows and draws you in!
Stars:
3
This book throws you into the middle of things right off the bat. At first I really didn’t like Ben. I thought he was arrogant and an a$$hole, other than offering to help out Natalie. But as I read on, my need to know why he was the way he was. It wasn’t until most of the way through that I actually started to like him. They may have done things a bit backwards, but these two spark a flame in one another that burns strong, though they don’t know what that entails as they navigate through their relationship. They are both keeping secrets, and that’s fine, but I felt that not knowing at least one of the secrets was like luring me into a false sense of the book. This is didn’t feel like a romance to me, but the plot kept it moving, and there are feeling involved. I wish I had known a little more background on Ben and Natalie, like showing the reason Natalie needs saving, or even why Ben offers to help. I liked this book in the end, and wish I could give it more stars, but I just couldn’t get a deep enough connection with the characters to fully enjoy this HEA.
Marriage of Convenience, Hockey Hottie, On the Run, Shy Girl, Brooding Male
I just love how these tough hockey guys think they will always be alone. They don’t even try to find happiness. However, a few have gotten their head out of their *** and have found it. Ben was no exception. He was always made to believe he isn’t good enough, a loser, and will ever find happiness. Then out of nowhere Natalie appears. She needs help and he needs proof he can be a better man. So what does he do?? He marries her! It took these two a few months to realize that this was not just a marriage of convenience but that they could truly be happy. Natalie fell first and had her feelings hurt more than once; and not just by Ben. She was scared to trust anyone. She quickly made a friend with Haley and Haley helped her find her confidence. And when Ben thought he lost Natalie because he was being stupid, he realized he needed to step up! This is another great hockey book that I definitely recommend.