🏉 Book Review: Play Me by Adriana Locke
A sizzling enemies-to-lovers sports romance with grumpy banter, slow-burn chemistry, and a hero you’ll love to hate—and then just love.
Adriana Locke’s Play Me is the latest entry in her contemporary romance catalog, and it’s already winning hearts with its sharp wit, emotional depth, and irresistible tension. Set in the high-stakes world of professional rugby, this standalone novel delivers a perfect storm of forced proximity, snarky banter, and unexpected vulnerability.
💥 Plot Overview
Astrid is hired to keep the Royals’ newest rugby star, Gray Adler, on schedule and out of trouble. Easy enough—until she meets him. Gray is rude, arrogant, and infuriatingly attractive. His truck is obnoxiously large, his attitude worse, and his smirks? Dangerous.
Astrid dreams of smothering him with his own jersey. But when their verbal sparring turns into something far more heated, she realizes Gray might be hiding more than just a bad attitude. As secrets unravel and sparks fly, Astrid must decide whether she’s being played—or if Gray’s heart is finally in the game.
🧡 Why Readers Love It
- Grumpy x Grumpier: Both leads bring sass and bite, making their chemistry explosive and their banter hilarious.
- Enemies-to-Lovers Done Right: The tension builds slowly, with emotional payoff that feels earned and satisfying.
- Found Family Vibes: The supporting cast adds warmth and depth, making the world feel lived-in and lovable.
- Sports Romance Energy: Rugby scenes add adrenaline and authenticity, grounding the romance in a competitive, high-pressure setting.
🔥 Spice Level
Moderate to high. Expect steamy scenes with emotional weight, plus plenty of teasing and tension before the heat kicks in.
⭐ Early Praise
- “A romance reader’s playbook for a good time.” — PP’s Bookshelf
- “Now that I know what enemies-to-lovers SHOULD look like, I think I’m ruined in the best way.” — ReadLaughRomance
- “This book had everything I want in a romance: banter, chemistry, and a cast I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to.” — Smutty Professor
🏁 Final Verdict
Play Me is a laugh-out-loud, emotionally rich romance that hits every trope with style. If you love sports heroes with hidden hearts, heroines who don’t back down, and stories that balance heat with heart, this one’s a must-read.
