Surprise Baby for My Enemy Player

by Zelene Heath

LilyI had my whole life planned, and it didn't include dating a handsome hockey player who never believed in true love.We ended things before our feelings got too strong, but it was too late.I promised myself I wouldn't look back.Then, I got unexpected news and decided to handle it alone.But one day, he comes back into my life...EthanI got my sister's rival pregnant.Neither of us was ready for a big commitment.It started to mess with my mind and hurt my hockey games.What I never expected was having to fight for her love.I let her leave me once, but this time, I won't let her go.

Genres: Sports Romance, Sports, College, Romance, Hockey, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary

214 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 26, 2023

Reviews

[Mulan Book Princess · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was fairly entertaining but didn’t love Finn and wished that Layla was stronger mentally. Finn was immature and didn’t have much of a backbone when it comes to his sister and was a bit too arrogant. His treatment of Layla is horrible though we do see him grow by the end of hte book.

I received a free advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest review.

[JL Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have liked this better if I could stand the main characters. Finn started out as a complete egotistical jerk, but I ended up really liking him because he pulled an almost 180 and became a character who was actually sweet and caring. Layla, (eye roll) she had multiple personalities. One second, she's the silent geeky chick, then she's overdramatic about everything and finally she has to be right all the time! Even when she's being a hypocrite. I liked the roommate though. Simone was the voice of reason and was a supportive friend and was always ready to hurt Finn when they fought.
All in all I liked the story and side characters, but Finn and Layla were not my favorite characters.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

First time reading a book by this author, it was fine. There was one thing I noticed that I’m surprised bothered me is that she uses the word “must” a lot…😒

He must
She must
We must
I must
We must
They must

The musts were never-ending🤦🏻‍♀️

I honestly didn’t care for both of the main characters. Finn (MMC) was full of himself, selfish, arrogant, cocky and he was also a pushover when it came to his bitch of a twin sister, Mia. She convinced him to go along with her stupid plan to have him get Layla to fall in love with him and then break her heart all because she was jealous of Layla. Layla (FMC) was a bit of a brat, and very fucking ignorant, too trusting and too forgiving. There was one part in the book where Finn was supposed to be helping her study for physics and she took a test and got a C; she was so pissed she blamed Finn for her getting a C, like he was the one that took the test for her when she should blame herself for having no control over her vagina while studying with Finn. They’d study and have sex and then study and have sex and then the studying became a distant thing and it became all about sex, you have only yourself to blame, girl. The secondary characters who were their best friends, Simone and Charlie, were decent people, they were practical and kept being good friends while their two idiot friends went through a bunch of stupid drama.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

❗️SPOILERS❗️
__________________________________
❤️ "I'm starting to fall for him. I can't help it. He's always around, always smiling, always going out of his way to be there for me."
__________________________________
✔️ Hockey
✔️ Small Town
✔️ Enemies to Lovers
✔️ College Romance
✔️ Surprise Pregnancy

I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion and review. Secret Baby for My Enemy Player is a standalone, written in dual POV. This book is drama...drama and drama. I actually enjoyed the plot, even though some of the characters, including the FMC, got on my nerves at times.

Finn and Layla went to High School together, he was 2 years ahead of her - his twin sister, Mia, didn't like Layla and convinced him to ask her to prom, only to embarrass her in front of the school and say it was a joke. When Mia runs into Layla in college, she decides that Layla needs to be taught a lesson (for basically just existing) and talks Finn into fake dating her, so that he can break her heart. There is actually no legit reason that Mia hates Layla, only because she's jealous of her. In Finn's efforts to get Layla to fall for him, he falls for her. But he's afraid of admitting his feelings. Honestly, he's not the best boyfriend and Layla forgives him too easily every time he messes up.
__________________________________
❤️ "The feelings that are creeping up on me-that have been for a while now if I'm being honest-have to be real."
__________________________________

THOUGHTS I HAD WHILE READING: ⬇️
▪️ Jesus Christ Finn, can your big ass head (and ego) fit through a door?
▪️ Love the idea that they slept with each other and had no idea who the other was.
▪️ Someone smack Mia. Firstly, she has no reason to hate Layla let alone to want to ruin her life.
▪️ I wish that Layla played harder to get, and that he fell fast and hard while Layla pushed him away... he deserved to sit and stew for a little bit.
▪️ Mia is a shitty sister. Firstly, she doesn't even care how hurt her brother is when they break up. Then when she finds out Layla is pregnant, she's excited because "no better way to ruin someone's life than a surprise baby." She doesn't even think about how it will effect Finns life.
▪️ I think this is a personal preference really but I dislike when sentences start with "I must..." "She must...," "We must," etc. I'm not sure why it bothers me.
▪️ When Layla automatically assumes they were boyfriend and girlfriend because they were sleeping together... It felt immature and like she lived in a sheltered world.
▪️ Simone annoys me. I think she oversteps a lot and it's not her place to decide what Finn deserves, especially when it comes to the baby. I guess she's supposed to come off as being realistic but it gave me bad vibes.
▪️ I absolutely LOVE Charlie. I'd love to see a little novella about him. He's a good friend, and I love how he tells Finn that he needs to get Layla back.
▪️ They fought a lot, and Layla forgave him easily for the most part. But I wanted to slap her when he apologized and she continued to pick a fight, and then they had "make up sex" and the next day she started to fight with him again. We're gonna blame it on the hormones, but no... I can't get behind that idea.
▪️ I could have done without the Paige drama. There wasn't a real need for that. They already had enough drama going on in their relationship.
▪️ "You and this kid are my future." Sweet of Finn to want to be invested but I wish it said "our baby" and not this kid.
▪️ Layla started to get on my nerves about her future now that she's pregnant. See exhibit A. B. and C.
A. She went from wanting to be an optometrist, to suddenly ready to give up everything to be a stay at home Mom.
B. Assuming her parents would help her take care of her baby, again you're how old?
C. How exactly did she think she'd pay the bills if she gave up her education and didn't get a job?
▪️ In the end, I liked Finn overall. Sure he was a d-bag when it came to his sisters weird vendetta against Layla, but I'm glad he figured his stuff out.
__________________________________
❤️ "Layla, you took me by surprise. I never planned to fall for you, and if I could go back, I'd change everything. I'd do it right, I would tell you from the start how much you enchant me. How you make me laugh. How you're beautiful even when you're not trying."
__________________________________.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon McMaster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nerdy girl in high school and college, Layla has a glow up that attracts handsome/popular/cocky college hockey captain who was also her former classmate/bully from high school Finn. But Finn doesn’t recognize Layla and they end up with a steamy one night stand they both can’t stop thinking about. Layla is smart but also a dancer and has always attracted the hatred of Finn’s twin sister Mia for no reason other than existing but now with her glow up is again taking focus off of Mia (so she thinks). Mia has bullied her all through high school and is now setting her sights on her for college. She talks her twin brother Finn into getting together with her since Layla had a crush on him in high school and then dumping her to break her heart which he agrees…and then he realizes it was the super-hot girl that he hooked up with the night before. Layla and Finn both keep thinking about the other and their chemistry so it was a no brainer for Finn because he would do anything for his twin and hopefully will continue to get to have sexy time with Layla which is his end goal.

Finn works his way into Layla’s good graces, and they begin to enjoy each other, and they start dating. Layla thinks they are boyfriend/girlfriend and Finn struggles as he doesn’t want to put a label on it but he finds himself really enjoying Layla not just in bed but as a person. There are a couple of times where Finn and Layla get into fights for stupid things and are completely dismissive of each other’s dreams and feelings. Finn doesn’t want to keep on with Mia’s plan as he is falling for Layla, but everything blows up when Mia’s plan comes out and then Layla finds out she is pregnant.

I felt that both Layla and Finn were immature through most of the book but am happy to see that there was character growth at the end. I would have liked a little more closure at the end as I felt that Mia started the whole thing but literally only got a 1/2 chapter a the end and said "I'm Sorry" and Layla accepted it whereas Finn had to grovel a lot when he screwed up. I needed more there but I did enjoy the side characters of Simone and Charlie and I like that they were there individually for Layla and Finn. Would love to see Simone and Charlie get a book and maybe tie in some more of Layla and Finn. Overall it was a good read and I enjoyed it.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mawewe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. However, this back and forth with Finn just annoyed me after awhile. Finn is an asshole who actually along the way grows a bloody heart. He took his time to grow a pair of balls and finally admit his real feelings for Layla and actually fight his sister Mia on the whole ‘revenge plan’ of having Finn making Layla fall in love and then break her heart, all just because Mia was jealous that Layla was more likeable, smarter and prettier than Mia which is stupid. And even then, it wasn’t a proper fight, he freaks out over finding out Layla is pregnant and he admits it all saying how it should have never happened because he and Layla were never meant to be anything, it was also made up of false pretences and revenge, Layla tells Finn to get out and he never wanted to be a father, he just stares at her annoying Layla more to the point she tells him to get the fuck out of her place. At that point Layla has made the decision she will be a single mum and is ready to do anything and everything for the baby as Finn insinuated he didn’t want to be part of their kid’s life. Which his sister still remains mean which makes Finn realise, that his sister will never actually change and grow up. It takes Charlie and Ricky to knock some sense into Finn for him to FINALLY come to his bloody senses and do something to win Layla back and decide he wants to be part of the baby’s life (which I will be honest the way he kept saying he wanted Layla and Layla had to then be like what about our child and he says he wants the baby too annoyed me a little bit because I felt like he only wanted Layla back but didn’t want to be a father at that point. Thankfully that changed and he became the perfect father).
I wish we could’ve seen Layla and Finn actually be in a ‘real’ happy relationship. I did feel the book was rushed after a certain timeline, in particular when Layla finds out she was pregnant. I wished I saw more grovelling being done by Finn and Layla simply having a backbone towards Finn where she won’t forgive him as quick and as easily as she did, and making sure her kid was the main priority (which she did but I wanted more). But anyway, it’s a quick read and like I said I did enjoy it.

[Stacey T · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enemies to lovers college romance with a surprise pregnancy. Layla is focused on her future and that means studying a lot to maintain her grades. What could go wrong with letting loose just one time, right? Finn is the captain of the hockey team with hopes of taking the team to the state championship. He doesn’t want a girlfriend to distract from hockey and his carefree and partying ways. A night together turns complicated as they realize their pasts have crossed in high school and unpleasant memories resurface. Now Finn’s twin sister, Mia, wants to continue her bullying ways and Finn agrees to help set Layla up for a fall. However, the more time that Layla and Finn spend together, the more feelings develop and an unexpected surprise is just around the corner.
I had a hard time with this book and the characters. Mia is a jealous bullying snob and her twin, Finn, is little better by helping her hurt someone that has never done anything to them. By the end of the story, Finn has redeemed himself slightly in my book and although Mia admits her mistakes, nothing is revealed that shows she has changed. I feel like Layla is a good person and although forgiveness is important, I think she forgave a little too easily especially after Finns’ lies and immaturity. Both characters didn’t value each other’s pursuits and they were both ready to throw away their goals at the start of hard times. Charlie, Finn’s best friend, was a confusing addition that didn’t seem to have a life of his own, even years later. I wanted better from a book containing some challenging issues like bullying and unplanned pregnancy. I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Char ღ Denae · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story but I thought the characters were a little bit… lacking? The main male character, Finn, is a jerk. He and his twin sister, Mia, were bullies in high school and they’re still bullies in college. He’s the captain of the hockey team, is handsome, very popular, and is with a new girl every night. His sister is the typical mean girl, the head cheerleader, beautiful, popular, yet is extremely jealous of the main female character, Layla, the same one she bullied in high school.
Layla’s studious, doesn’t have many friends, is beautiful but understated, and isn’t very social. Her roommate talks her into having a little fun, so they go to a party held by the hockey team. She ends up sleeping with Finn, not recognizing him without her glasses and freaks out when she realizes it’s him.
Throughout the entire book, Finn is a shallow, immature ass. We do see glimpses of a better Finn but, even when he starts liking Layla, he goes along with his sister’s evil plan to ruin her life. She wants Finn to get Layla to fall in love with him and then break her heart. He knows that Layla doesn’t deserve it but he doesn’t put a stop to it. In fact, he just dismisses Mia’s cruelty by saying she’s always been that way and she’s his twin, so he has to go along with her plan.
As I said, I did enjoy the story. It kept me interested and the ending was very satisfying. I just wasn’t a big fan of the characters and the way they continued to excuse their behavior.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Grinning Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note: the names in the Goodreads description of this book do not match the names in the actual book. Also, the title of the book and the title on the cover are different.
MMC/FMC- Finn and Layla
POV- 1st person dual
Genre- Contemporary Romance
Sub Genre- Sports Romance (Hockey)
Heat- 🌋🌋☄️ (1🌋=2☄️). They do the things and use the P and D words.
Series? I don’t think so
Safety? Y
Triggers- Language, Explicit Erotic Content
Tropes- Surprise Pregnancy, Big Man On Campus, Nerd/Jock
What I liked- I had a hard time with this one. I did like that they studied together and that the hero eventually removed his head from his posterior. And the heroine took the high road when she granted forgiveness to certain people.
What I didn’t- I just wasn’t crazy about this book. I felt that the hero was pretty weak minded at best. He let his sister convince him to be an active participant in bullying a person of whom she happened to be jealous. His sister was straight up evil, being a bully and a mean girl. And I was disappointed in the heroine’s willingness to give up her dreams. I was also bothered by the fact that the title of the book is completely different to the title on the book cover. That’s a pretty ridiculous mistake.
Verdict- I’d give this book 2.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Franklin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This enemies to lovers, surprise pregnancy romance takes you on the whirlwind journey of Layla and Finn. Finn is the hockey captain playboy and Layla is the quiet girl focused on her future. They meet at a college party and things take off from there. Mean girl Mia (Finn’s twin sister) has had it out for Layla since they went to high school together, college hasn’t changed that. Using Finn to get to Layla (again) seemed like too good of an opportunity to pass up for Mia, too bad things take a turn when what was supposed to be a fake dating situation for Finn turned real quickly. Throw in a surprise pregnancy and this definitely don’t go as planned….

I think Finn needs to grow up and realize that his sister is as evil as she seems and that following her blinded will just end up biting him in the end, I also think that Layla gave into Finn too easily. I think after everything came to light especially after how he treated her during their “relationship” as well as how he reacted to the pregnancy, he deserved to grovel a bit more in order to earn her forgiveness. Overall it was a good story and a quick read, I would definitely read more of that this author has to give.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this was a book I wouldn’t normally pick for my reading pleasure, there was something about the blurb that made me chose it.

Finn and Layla meet at an “after game hockey party”. Soon after meeting they leave the party and go to Finn’s house. After a night of drinking and sex Layla leaves to go home to get ready for her dance class. She teaches young kids whose parents not necessarily could afford dance classes.

At this time we are introduced to Layla’s high school bully Mia, who hasn’t grown up even though she is now in College.

Soon enough we find out there is more history to Finn and Mia.

The story now continues with twists and a plot that will make you question everything about how this relationship will turn out.

I wasn’t a fan of Finn’s and wished his sister didn’t have so much control over him but then I guess the story wouldn’t have been what it was.

Overall, this was a quick read and I did enjoy it. I may consider reading other books by the author in the future.

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Layla lets loose a party one night, only to find out that her one night stand was none other than Finn, one of her high school bullies. And now Finn is putting on the moves, which confuses Layla. But as they get to know each other, Layla falls in love.

Little does she know that the only reason Finn started putting on those moves was because he jealous twin sister, Mia, egged him on to pull a huge bully prank on Layla again. But then Finn realises what a great girl Layla is, and realises he's falling for her.

Everything comes to a head, but with more consequences than Finn, Layla or Mia ever imagined.

You watch Finn, Layla and Mia grow a LOT as characters as they deal with the consequences of their actions towards each other. And definitely YA logic for the characters are there are moments where you want to grab all three of them by their ears and try to shake some sense into them. But a great story overall, with a fabulous HEA...

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephanies.books_ · Rating 3 out of 5]

-Secret Baby
-Sports (Hockey)
-College/New Adult
-Enemies to Lovers

Layla/Finn

Could have been better.

The writing could have been polished a little more. The writing style is not as mature as I am used to.

I also had issues with the first chapter. I read the chapter and was like what? I had to go back through it just to see if I misread something. I did not cause apparently if everything is fuzzy and you can't see, you can still make out details of people from across the room. 🙄

I did not like Layla. She seemed easily dismissive of Finn when it came to hockey. Finn did grow over the course of the story. Of course, hated his sister. I did like a few of the friends, they seemed to have their heads on right.

Layla had been harboring a crush on Finn since high school even after what him and his sister had done to her.
Finn's sister wants to mess with Layla and uses Finn to do it. Unfortunately, he never planned on falling for her or having a baby.

[Isabel Nicholson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed the other books I have read by this author so I was excited to try this one too. It did not let me down. I like the plot it is engaging and enjoyable throughout. There are some unexpected moments and it builds up the characters and their world hooking readers into the story as it does.
I liked the characters and the way that they intersect with each other and with some of the supporting characters. There are some interesting scenes between friends, siblings, roommates and teammates that add varying layers to the characters and to the plot.
I would happily read more book by this author in the future.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be a good read, you go on a real emotional rollercoast throughout Layla and Finn's journey.

I felt glued to this just waiting on the secret to come out, thinking I knew how it was going to happen, but I was wrong and pleasantly surprised.

My only issue was with how much of an ass Finn was and how Layla continued to take him back and forget everything. I just felt he was too much of the bad guy to have been forgiven.

Still a really good read though.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[K.R. Moir · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked that I wasn't sure where the story was going. This wasn't the usual enemies / secret baby trope that I'm used to. The characters were believable, even if I didn't like Finn at first, but that's because of everything that was going on. I really wish the sister would have gotten what was coming to her, but that's my vengeance for the mean girls bone kicking in.

If you like angst and surprise baby tropes, this one is for you!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Layla agrees to go to a party with her roommate and ends up having a one night stand. But she doesn't realize that him and his Twin sister Mia were the ones that bullied her and broke her heart in high school. And when Mia sees her she decides to get Finn to make her fall for him again and then break her heart again. And he agrees.
Until he really gets to know her and begins to fall for her. But Finn, having never had a long term girlfriend just keep messing up. Love the characters and the storyline.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect For Fans of Romace

Zelene Heath’s “Secret Baby for My Enemy Player: A College Hockey Romance” has everything for fans of Romance: the hunky, sporty lead character, Finn, and the previously bullied, but emerging strong female protagonist, Layla, who faces and gets through a difficult predicament.

There is also plenty of chemistry creating steamy heat, interesting backstories and entertaining situations with roadblocks and twists leading to a gratifying ending that makes it a perfect read for lovers of the Romance genre.

[Berta Greenleaf Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In high school Finn and his twin sister Mia were bullies to Layla. She never forgot hot Finn humiliated her. In college she sleeps with him and they don't recognize each other. Mia decides to use her brother to humiliate and totally wreck Layla's life. Finn starts out to hurt Layla but ends up in love with her. They end up with a surprise pregnancy and decide to give it a go. There are a lot of ups and downs before they reach their HEA. I highly recommend this book to all romance readers.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Book Addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot followed the usual path that a boy meets girl storyline arc. The only difference is that the boy is a bit of a cad and his sister is just plain mean. Plain Jane has become pretty and he sleeps with said girl…. And then a ploy by the mean girl encourages him to pursue her…. The baby isn’t a secret more of a surprise …. But usual HEA is achieved with an “awww” and warm fluffy feelings.

Liked the characters and the way the author weaves the tale.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda Marlowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finn and his twin sister, Mia, bullied Layla, when they were in school, now they're in college and Layla has grown up and changed, her best friend, Simone drags her to a party, she hasn't got her glasses on so she can't see who everyone is. She ends up having a one night stand with Finn and is horrified after. Mia persuades Finn to trick her, will it work? Or will Finn stand up to her? And what are his feelings for Layla?

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

A good read from Zelene

[Cecy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a captivating story that will leave you on the edge of your seat. It starts out as a fun night but quickly morphs into a romantic and unexpected journey that neither one ever expected. It's a fascinating story that I really enjoyed and ended up reading the whole thing in one sitting. This was a great read and I do recommend taking the time to read this!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julie Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real page-turner

I wished I could have frozen time and had a bucket of caffeine so I didn't have to put the book down at bedtime, and instead read it in one hit. This story had me wanting to keep turning pages. I fell in love with the characters immediately, they were perfect. All the characters were written brilliantly. If you're after a super steamy romance full of drama with a perfect ending, this is the book for you.

[lissyloo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about Finn and Layla. Layla is in her first year of college and Finn is in his final year. He is the captain of the hockey team and he and his twin sister are Layla’s high school enemies. This book has some angst and some hot and steamy scenes. It is an addictive read that I couldn’t put down. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michael Gesellchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Romance Read

Romance readers won’t want to miss this one. Secret Baby for My Enemy Player is a college romance story. The book is told from different points of view of the characters. I’ve always enjoyed books written this way as it lets the reader dive into the minds and first hand experiences of each character. This book is well written and an excellent read for any fan of the romance genre.

[YAZ3885 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story had me wanting to keep turning pages. I fell in love with the characters immediately, they were perfect. There’s so much drama. Finn and Layla can’t get enough of each other.The secret plot at the beginning draws you in. A hockey star player anh his twin sister are bullies to a smart sexy and naive young woman and her make her hihgschool days miserable.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Tamara Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice story with a good finish.

I was pulled into the story from the very beginning. The characters were believable, although I thought Finn was a complete jerk. Ha! This type of book is not what I generally read—too much bad language and graphic sex, but it was still a nice plot with a good ending.

[Mar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this story! It was a fun quick read that had me totally engrossed! I love a surprise baby trope with a little enemies to lovers! The story had a great flow and I was fond of the characters and their development!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Geraldine Streit · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story is not surprising but it’s not the worse with this book. The characters are a just awful. Finn is conceited and Layla is so high maintenance. They have no dept and just go from tantrums to tantrums. It was really boring to read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elesha's book fun gossip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Layla and Finns story was definitely a plot twist and chain of events unfolding. That day never judge about by it cover. Poor Layla was bullied at a young age and that petty behaviour come from Finns twin sister. As the storyline unfolds you see two side to the characters which makes this read. And enjoyable book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.