Title: Don’t Hate the Player…Hate the Game
Author: Katie Ashley
First published April 29, 2013
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 3.87
Overview
Noah Sullivan has always been best friends with the notorious player and douchebag, Jake Nelson. From being duct taped to his chair in kindergarten to cleaning out his room after Jake’s tragic death, Noah has been through it all.
However, when he discovers a half-carat ring in Jake’s room, Noah is tasked with finding the mystery girl from Jake’s past. With a reputation for collecting trophy panties, Noah finds himself on a modern-day quest to find the girl who meant so much to Jake.
But as he delves deeper into the investigation, Noah finds himself drawn to Maddie, the Valedictorian and choir girl who also happened to catch Jake’s eye. Spending time with Maddie, Noah discovers a side of Jake that he never knew existed – a side that was deeply human and surprisingly free from douchery.
As Noah tries to solve the mystery of the ring and of Jake, he finds himself discovering more about himself and the true meaning of love.
About the Author
Katie Ashley is a best-selling author, having achieved the New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon Top Three Best-Selling status for her books, which range from Indie to Traditional publishing. Her novels cover a variety of genres, including rockers, bikers, manwhores with hearts of gold, New Adult, and Young Adult.
Katie resides outside of Atlanta, Georgia, with her daughter, Olivia, her rescue mutts, Belle and Elsa, and her two cats, Mama Kitty and Luna. When she’s not writing, you can find her watching The Golden Girls, reading Shakespeare, or indulging in Harry Potter and Star Wars fandoms.
Katie’s educational background includes a BA in English, a BS in Secondary English Education, and a Masters in Adolescent English Education. For eleven years, she taught middle and high school English, as well as some college English classes.
However, in January 2013, she decided to pursue writing full-time.
Despite being a Georgia native, Katie loves to travel and meet readers from all over the world. When she’s not writing, she enjoys lounging in leggings, binge-watching Netflix, and spending time with her daughter, unless she’s watching Paw Patrol or Frozen.
To keep up with Katie, check out her website and connect with her on social media.
Editoral Review
In Katie Ashley’s “Don’t Hate the Player…Hate the Game,” readers are treated to a contemporary romance tale that combines wit, humor, and steamy romance in equal measure. First published in 2013, Ashley’s book dives headfirst into the world of professional football, examining the cutthroat nature of the game and the impact it has on the athletes who play it.
Ashley, a bestselling romance author with a penchant for creating flawed, lovable characters, brings her trademark writing style to the page in “Don’t Hate the Player…Hate the Game.” The book is a must-read for romance fans, as well as anyone who loves a good underdog story. The novel’s protagonist is Cam, a talented football player who has been unfairly maligned by the media and his colleagues.
Despite his impressive talent on the field, Cam is constantly battling to prove himself to a world that doesn’t take him seriously. Enter Avery, the fiery and independent publicist hired to help Cam repair his reputation.
Sparks fly immediately between the two, but Avery is a woman with her own ambitions, and she’s not about to let herself be sidetracked by a handsome football player. The tension that exists between the two is palpable from the start, and Ashley does an excellent job of crafting scenes that sizzle with chemistry.
Readers will find themselves rooting for Cam and Avery from the start, eager to see where their relationship will go. One of the book’s strengths is its authenticity when it comes to depicting the world of professional sports.
Ashley clearly did her research, and she manages to portray the cutthroat world of football with all its glory and grit. The book is a tribute to the hard work and dedication required to succeed in the sport, as well as the ups and downs that come with being a professional athlete.
However, the book does occasionally fall into cliches, particularly when it comes to the depiction of Cam’s character. The brooding, misunderstood athlete is a trope that has been done to death in the romance genre, and Ashley doesn’t do much to subvert it here.
There are also moments where the dialogue feels a bit clunky or predictable, particularly during some of the more heated romantic scenes. Overall, though, “Don’t Hate the Player…Hate the Game” is a well-crafted romance novel that will leave readers swooning.
Ashley’s writing is sharp and engaging, and the chemistry between Cam and Avery is undeniable. While it may not be the most groundbreaking book in the romance genre, it’s certainly an enjoyable read that’s perfect for anyone who loves a good, steamy love story.
Fans of Nicholas Sparks and Kristin Hannah will likely enjoy this book, as will anyone who’s ever harbored a crush on a football player. “Don’t Hate the Player…Hate the Game” is a fun, lighthearted read that’s perfect for curling up with on a lazy afternoon.
With its witty banter, complex characters, and heartwarming romance, it’s a book that’s sure to leave a lasting impression on readers.
