Playing to Score

Playing the Field #2

by Sasha Lace

Revised Previously published as Scoring the Doctor, this edition of Playing to Score includes editorial revisions.

He’s wanted her for years…but they’re professionals now. Who will cross the line first?

Skylar

I’ve fought my way to the captaincy of Calderdale Ladies, and it means everything to me. So when my toxic boyfriend breaks my heart, I bottle it up. The team comes first.

Dr Reece Forster is supposed to be getting the team in the right head space for victory, not counselling me through heartache, but I can’t help opening up to him.

The hot doc is off limits, but the chemistry between us is off the charts…

Reece

I’ve longed for Skylar Marshall since we were in school, when she was prom queen and I was eating lunch with the librarian. She never even knew I existed.

And now? I’m good at my job because I’m in control. The professional boundaries are there for a reason.

But when Skylar confides in me, it’s all I can do not to abandon my principles completely. If I tell her how I feel, I could lose everything. But, how can something that feels this right be wrong…?

Playing to Score is the second book in the Playing the Field series—addictive romances full of heart and steam, perfect for fans of T L Swan.

Revised edition: Previously published as Scoring the Doctor, this edition of Playing to Score includes editorial revisions.

Genres: Sports Romance, Romance, Sports, Audiobook, Contemporary, Soccer

268 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2024

About the author

Sasha Lace used to be a very serious scientist before she ditched the lab coat and started writing kissing books. Sasha lives in the North of England and is a mom of two young boys. Everyone in her family is soccer mad, so she knows way more about soccer than she ever wanted to know. As a scientist and mom, her hobbies include: mulling over the complexities of the universe, treading barefoot on Lego, chipping dried Play-Doh from fabric surfaces, dried flower arranging (because you can’t kill something twice), and writing about herself in the third person.

Reviews

[crystal niche · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book made me think of my ex & now I’m mad about it 😂

I really liked Skylar.. her spunk made the book way better. Reece worked my nerves for the second half of the story, until the last chapter and epilogue. Overall, I liked the story… it’s only 3 stars because that’s what I’d rate my ex on a scale of 1-10.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my second time reading this book. It's part of a series about a British woman's football (soccer) team, about a player and the new team phycologist.

I loved it first time around and even more this time. Sasha brings the characters to life and I'm back to being 25 again ( although I was not a sports player ).

[LecturesdeJenn ☾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

"𝙸 𝚍𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚒𝚏 𝚊𝚗𝚢𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚖𝚢 '𝚙𝚒𝚕𝚐𝚛𝚒𝚖 𝚜𝚘𝚞𝚕'."

5⭐

If I loved the 1st book, it was nothing compared to this one. I love absolutely everything about this story.

For Reece and his nuterer and giver personality. For his kindness, strength, tenderness, sensitivity, unconditional love and worship for Skylar, trying to do the right thing even if he has to sacrifice himself. For the way he constantly gives without knowing how to receive and shut his feelings. For the way he listens, understands, helps and is always there for Skylar and his family. I got so personally attached to this character, having seen myself in him.

For Skylar and all the cracks and vulnerabilities that lie beneath her mask of a strong woman who is immune to anything. For the way she opens up to Reece, realizing that she deserves more and better, understanding and accepting her body.

And last but not least, for the way Sasha's writing was more intense, passionate, romantic, moving, addictive, dealing with the imperfection of sexual relationships and the kindness and understanding a couple must have. I don't know what kind of magic Sasha puts into her books, but every time, she keeps me reading her stories in one sitting, in 24h, unable to put the book down.

[Elisa ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

enjoyed, the accents on the audiobook were amazing!
he's always had a crush on her, she just got out of an awful relationship and she starts feeling attracted to him.

[Mallory Moureau · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, Montlake and Sasha Lace for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Didn’t feel connected to Reece in book one but I got over that quickly. However, about midway through the book Reece started to drive me a little crazy. It was nice to see even professional therapists have issues but his were a little frustrating after a while.

Hard to look past Skylar ignoring Reece’s verbal boundaries and that she just kept pushing. If it were a role reversal and a male ignoring the “no”, it would be more glaring. Yes, from knowing his POV we know he wants her but he still said no several times.

Overall, I liked book #1 better but I did like a few themes in this book - most notably that Skylar wasn’t broken and there was no reason for her to doubt herself. I especially appreciated that Reece stressed that she didn’t need him, she just needed herself.

Similar feedback with this one, they jump so quickly to love and don’t even have the “what are we” conversation.

Open door.
Forbidden/work place.
Childhood crush.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I'm losing my mind for you."

Ladies (and gentlemen), get yourself a man that flies five thousand miles to ask you on a date. Even when he has a fear of flying. The bar has been set HIGH by our Reece.

My heart is so full for these two; Skylar was treated so insanely bad by Sean, I am glad Reece was able to show her she wasn't the problem and that's she good enough.

The whole 'loved you since I was a kid' part was so special to me. Reece, the dorky, nerdy kid, finally got the girl of his dreams. And they both deserve the love they give each other.

I think reading about Skylar and her struggles, the responsibility she thought she had to carry as captain, and learning the team had lost their faith in her, was so heart breaking. But she was able to get back to herself and choose HER. And that's the most important thing.

I can't wait to read book 3! 🤍✨

[Ana Narez · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️

Playing to Score explores the lives of Skylar and Reece. Skylar plays for a women’s soccer team and has just ended a long-term relationship with a narcissistic, self-absorbed soccer star. Now, she’s grappling with her sense of identity and self-worth.

Then enters Reece—an uptight psychologist and Miri’s brother (whose story is told in book one of the series). These two unlikely people find a way to heal each other as they work toward their happily ever after.

[Megan O'Brien · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another 3.5 star fun little soccer adventure!

This time, we’re focused on Miri’s nerdy brother, Reece, who Reece-ntly (lol) became the team’s psychologist and has had a crush on team captain Skylar since they were in school together! Navigating tricky boundaries, tough emotional situations, and annoying exes, Reece and Skylar have a delightfully beautiful little journey to being together!

Spending time with the Calverdale Ladies is so fun, and I’m excited to continue on with them! Thanks so much to Sasha Lace and NetGalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review!

[Taylor Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was way more sports focused than the last one and I enjoyed it way more. I loved that we got a little more exposure to other characters too.

Great 2nd book in the series

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spicy and fun
Skylar is the captain of Calverdale Ladies football club but her life changes when she breaks up with her boyfriend, darling of the men’s team Sean, but support comes in the guise of Reece, a psychologist who has been hired to help the team be in the best place for the end of the season who has liked Skylar from afar since they were at school together (all of this is revealed in the first few chapters so no spoilers!)
I liked Skylar, she felt relatable and incredibly human, the pain and hurt she feels from the breakup came through and as a reader I really emphasised with her. Reece was a harder character for me to bond with, he has some obsessive qualities that I struggled with but I also understand how things affect him, his internal conflicts and the way that these manifest in his life. Once I got to know him better as a character I started to like him more, until he did something stupid, and then I was back to not being his biggest fan (this happened a few times for me!)
When I first heard about this series I was excited to read it, it allowed me to see into the world of elite women’s football and behind the scenes in a way that I hadn’t before. I will admit that this book was the one with the blurb that captured my attention most and I’m so glad that it did and that it lived up to and surpassed my expectations what I was hoping and dreaming for
I would recommend this book to those who enjoy a spicy romance with quirky but loveable characters which will have you hooked right from the start
I was granted access to this book to allow for an honest review

[M Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tl;dr- well written story of healing, growth, finding your place and love

Sasha Lace has talent to burn and Playing To Score showcases her writing chops to perfection! This is the second book in the series and the emotions, storylines and characters are all addictively absorbing and of breathtaking quality. This is spicy sports romance but Sasha is an incredibly skilled author and successfully combines themes of growth, healing, family, strong friendships and finding your place with tales of women succeeding in the soccer world and the bedroom.

I have never felt such visceral and immediate loathing for a character as I did for Sean. His treatment of Skylar left me fuming, and I can only imagine that the author was left with a need to disinfect her keyboard after writing such disturbing dialogue. Brilliant work on her part to elicit such a response in me!

Skylar and Reece have a tangential history dating back to their school years. Over the course of the book both acknowledge this time and the events that occurred then as playing an important role in their ability to establish and maintain relationships. Reece in particular has suffered from trauma and dealt with it by personally and professionally finding ways to maintain distance in all relationships, while seeing that as himself freeing others to live their lives, not him pushing people away. It is heartwrenching to read when immersed so well in his mind. Ms Lace really delves into the way their youthful experiences have molded them and the strengths and flaws that resulted, in a very sensitive way. I have never had this kind or degree of emotional damage explained so well. The author has gently peeled back the layers of the psyche of these characters, revealing their innermost thoughts and unconscious responses. She has done this so gently that I while I occassionally wanted to rap Reece over the knuckles for his self-sabotaging, I never found myself judging or mocking.

While Skylar barely remembers him, Reece has carried a torch for her, and this is built into their current relationship in such a way that he immediately becomes a convincing sympathetic character. Reece's feelings are twisted up in his lack of self-worth and the way he has rationalised and transformed grief, loss and guilt into a need to control his world and help others. It is an absolute credit to the author that she had been able to take such a damaged character and make him relatable, while presenting this fraught story as one highlighting healing and have readers enjoy both mc's perspectives. The use of first person, dual POV's is, I think, the perfect way to bring the story to life - we know Reece is genuine in his desire to help Skylar and sincere in his feelings for her but misguided in his certainty of the existence of a therapy scenario and that Skylar feels genuine friendship for him, while moving towards regaining a sense of her own worth.

Found family and character growth are favourite tropes of mine and both are important in this book, and it seems, the whole series. Soooo looking forward to continuing with Sasha and her Calverdale family.

[Molly Kirkham · Rating 4 out of 5]

An ALC of the audiobook was provided by the author, but all opinions are my own.

📖: 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
🎧: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5/5
🥵: 🌶️🌶️/5

Playing to Score is the 2nd story in the Playing the Field series. It follows the captain of Calverdale women's team, Skylar Marshall, as she's getting over a bad relationship and dealing with the stress of vying for promotion, and Reece Forster, Miri from book 1's psychologist brother who is brought in to help the team with some mindfulness and relaxation techniques. Reece has had a huge crush on Skylar since school, but has complicated feelings about working with her.

I enjoyed this story! There is a lot more angst between the MCs in this one, as Reece is so reluctant to breach professional conduct, but they had lots of chemistry! It also deals with some important topics, such as abusive relationships, female sexual pleasure, and communication.

Reece had such a dry sense of humour that really tickled me, and he is such a support to his family. He's clearly very emotionally intelligent, but I was getting so frustrated that he refused to listen to any of the people who told him Skylar wasn't a patient!

I loved that Skylar knew what she wanted and went for it! After years with an awful boyfriend who was verbally abusive, her confidence is so low, but Reece helps her build herself back up.

The spice in this was pretty hot! And Reece was so good at helping Skylar to communicate and figure out what she needed!

The narration was performed in dual style by Will Watt and Flora King. I've listened to Will Watt before and this was my favourite performance by him, perhaps because he wasn't playing a caricature Brit! Flora King was new to me and I really enjoyed it! They both paced well and did discernable character voices.

Overall, another really good audiobook from Sasha!

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty solid! Short, sweet, and my favorite by Sasha Lace so far!

Reece, Miri’s brother from the first book, makes such a great MMC. He’s a psychologist who needs a break from the fast paced hospital gig (especially in the wake of his mother’s health scares and his recent breakup). Gabe, his brother-in-law just so happens to own a professional women’s soccer club and invites him to be the team psychologist. Reece accepts the job, but his boundaries and ethical principles are pushed to the limit when he falls for the team captain, Skylar. It’s probably worth mentioning that he’s been pining after her since they were children in school together.

Skylar (FMC) is a fierce team captain who pushes herself and takes what she wants…professionally speaking. Off the field, she’s in a toxic relationship with her celebrity soccer playing boyfriend. She’s been with him since high school, they own a home together, and he’s been cheating on her and manipulating her for years. Finally she gives him the boot, while getting back on her feet she happens to meet wholesome and caring Reece.

It’s worth noting that the author does a great job ensuring that the relationship avoids any icky power dynamics or poor ethics. Skylar was never a patient of Reece’s, but they do work together.

Thanks Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Jordan Charlesworth AKA Book Brilliance Xo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Managed to snag books 2 and 3 from Netgalley, but before reading I had to go read book 1, only because I cannot read a series without reading the priors first.

So I divided into book 1 and it pretty much set the scene for me, in a sense of, now I have to read the rest in the series because I devoured book 1.

So book 2, playing to score we follow Reece and Skylar on their journey. When I tell you I wanted to scoop Skylar up and just shout “you are ENOUGH” so she wouldn’t keep beating herself up overt the breakup with her now ex. She kept pulling at my heart strings, but I wouldn’t change it. She was such a beautiful character.

Lace has such a good way of creating the tension and chemistry, but not in a way that makes you cringe. It is done properly and its enjoyable to read. I loved watching both characters on their journey and thoroughly enjoyed the tension that came from it.

I’m now off to dive into Book 3!

[andshe.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sasha Lace is an incredible author with a writing talent out of this world. Playing to Score is the second book in this series and with each book I swear it just gets better. Sasha incorporates spicy romance with growth, healing, family, friendships and self love.

What I loved most is how the story involves having to deal with sexual problems and how a couple must have patience, understanding, support and good communication. This aspect alone made the book relatable.

I absolutely enjoyed getting to know the characters on a deeper level. Reece is like an onion.. he has so many layers. He's geeky and quiet, has a need for order and control but he's also super caring and loving and empathetic, and then he's seductive and passionate and the list could go on. Skylar I felt I could relate to, she just felt so real with her breakup and her way of putting so much pressure on herself.

I'm not a sports fan in real life but I'm loving these books so far.

[Kali Dempsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐ 3 🌶️

I'm absolutely loving this series. Reece and Skylar were so dang sweet together and while it took him foreverrrrr to get his shiznit together, I loved how both of them grew during the process.

I love that we keep getting these forbidden office romances, they are so much fun. Reece and Skylar's back and forth and her persistent quest to bed him had me swooning and screaming non stop. Unrequited grade school crushes are always one of my favorite tropes, especially when it's the nerdy guy and popular girl, and even more so when she falls so fast as an adult.

I really enjoyed the ending and Reece stepping up to make things right. Lana is up next and I'm really unsure how I feel about it... I was kinda hoping she'd get cut after that stunt she pulled, but it better be an epic grovel if she's gonna fix things.

[Elizabeth Vazquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even after reading the entire series, I can say that without a doubt this is my favorite book in the entire series.

This is the second book in the series, and it follows Reece, a brother to the FMC from the first book. He works in a hospital but needs a break, so is offered a temporary position from Gabe to help out the women's soccer team, where he silently pines after Skylar, his crush from high school. The pining is strong from this man, and he is absolutely adorable. What had me really loving this story was how it focused on mental health. While they don't officially give him a diagnosis in the book, he has some OCD characteristics that seem to cause some struggles with his family that make him feel isolated. Reece definitely sees the world from a different perspective, as most of us do, but he seemed to be under the impression that Skylar would never look in his direction.

I was worried that it was going to be a rebound type of situation, but the relationship was innocent and they helped each other in ways I hadn't anticipated. Skylar seemed to need a boost in her confidence, but not in a way that required her to depend on him. Reece helped build herself after the breakup from the beginning, and I loved that.

We get cameos from characters in the first book, some betrayals, and lots of love. I can go on and on about this book, but I won't, just believe me when I say it's a must-read!

[Kristie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skylar is the captain of the Calderdale Ladies football (soccer) team and is just getting out of a toxic relationship. Reece has had a crush on Skylar since school and has to deal with that as he starts to work with the Calderdale Ladies.

I am glad I read Playing to Score, the second book in the Playing the Field series, after not loving Playing the Game. While there is still a level of workplace romance, I felt it was handled in a better more realistic way. I really liked both Reece and Skylar and identified with both of them for different reasons.

I listened to the audiobook of this after reading the ebook of Playing the Field and I think that is part of why I enjoyed it more. The voice actors did an excellent job and captured the story so well.

Tropes:
* Childhood crush
* Workplace romance
* Sports romance
* Forbidden romance

4 stars

[P.Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️



✨ opposite attract
✨ woman’s football
✨dr psychologist
✨ series but can be read on its own
✨Level 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

✨ LOVE. LOVE . LOVE!!


✨ this series on this book is one of my fav.
I think it’s because the girl is a strong woman, messy and just herself . She has self doubt from being letting down from an emotional ex lover.
Falling inlove with there assigned doctor, adding their forbidden love. Plus!! The doctor is an apposite to her, always tidy, bookworm and just different.

✨ Can be read on its own but it’s better to read the first one too so you can know the other characters in the story.

This book is great for someone who loves romance, advice for self love and just cosy.
Definitely worth the read❤️



✨ Thankyou for the opportunity to read this arc for a honest review.




❤️ Shaye.Reads

[Erika [The Smut Files] · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALC Review
Playing to Score by Sasha Lace
Playing the Field - Book 2
Narrated by: Flora King and Will Watt

Skylar found out that her boyfriend was cheating on her and is having a rough time shaking out of it. She finds some relief when chatting with a new friend, Reece, the psychologist for her football club. Reece was a bit particular at times, but it was for specific reasons. Skylar and Reece worked well together, once they dealt with the guards they have built up.

This was a beautiful story of healing after heartbreak, working though self-esteem issues, and struggling to juggle emotions and responsibilities of life.

Pick this one up if you enjoy:
* Female Football/Soccer club
* Team psychologist x Player (but not client)
* Forbidden romance
* Anorgasmia representation


Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the advance copy of this audiobook.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I really loved about this book was that this is the first book I have read in a long time where the FMC is the one that plays the sport, and not the MMC.The MMC is just gorgeous even if he likes everything neat and tidy, and in the right place. His younger siblings are horrible to him - which only made me love him more. The FMC really comes from a place of pain which the author developes and communicates well. The plot and characters grow wonderfully throughout the book and the ending was just delightful. The spice was great and well written. If you are looking for a new take on sports romance, this is for you!

Big thanks to Netgalley, Montlake and Sasha Lane for an early release copy of this book. This is my honest review.

[Heather R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two of the series - read it in two halves! ⚽️

- as with the first book, I absolutely loved that I was reading about a FMC who’s the athlete!
- can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading book 1 first
- as with book 1 - as a British person, it was great reading a book by a British author, set in England, however… there were a few occasions where the language flipped between British and American English

*small spoiler ish*
Really looking for faults here but I wish Reece’s condition was acknowledged more professionally, especially given his chosen career.
I can understand not throwing out terms like OCD without proper research (it’s a sensitive topic) but I couldn’t help feeling that that particular part of Reece’s story needed more closure.

[amillionbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the entire series from net galley and overall the series is a 4 star for me. This is the second book. I will say that this was a 4.25 star read for me. I loved the couple more than the last one but i simply didn't really like the reason that they weren't together from the beginning. Reece is a very complicated character but still i definitely enjoyed this. It didn't give off five star feeling but none of the books in the series did. These books are the perfect length for romance books and are mazing pallet cleansers after a fantasy book. I will definitely re read this series at some point

[zasou.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounded up from 3.5
When Skylar, captain of a women's football club, breaks up with her boyfriend, she finds support in Reece, a psychologist who has been hired to help the team be at their best to end the season.
This sports, sorta second chance, workplace, fodbidden romance where he falls first is book 2 in the Playing the Field series. It was a fun and spicy read, up until the third act break up. The last quarter of the book was a big mess, and it was just plain stupid (and it was the same thing in books 1 and 4, so I have the feeling it's something the author could work on).
I received an advance reading copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jessica Wilczynski · Rating 2 out of 5]

2⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for an advanced copy of Playing To Score.

Skylar has found out that her boyfriend has been cheating on her and she is done. She is the captain of the football team and she cannot let this stuff get to her. Reece the new counselor for the team has been in love with Skylar since high school. When she goes to him with her problems he tries to remain professional but both of them become attracted to one another.

This is the second book in this series. It was again just not my favorite read. The characters were okay and the storyline was promising but I just felt bored reading it.

[Mystic KT · Rating 5 out of 5]

I immediately went into this book after completing Playing The Game, I was invested in the characters in this group of individuals. I would say that this is a series of companion novels, in this one it centers around Reece (Miri's Brother) and Skylar and how they go from colleagues to being in a relationship that neither of them expected. This one had me by the heart when I started to read it and felt so much for Skylar that I knew that she was in a toxic relationship which had destroyed her confidence. when she meets Reece, he makes her feel special and that she is worth loving and being with.

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I love Skyler and Reece even more!!!! Skyler the wild child soccer player who’s covered in tattoos and piercings is with Sean who’s on the same level team wise but a total jerk. Until Mia’s brother Reece becomes the new team councilor. Skyler decides to vent to him about her breakup no one knows about and how Sean said she’s broken. Reece is appalled that Sean called her broken over that. Not only does he make her feel safe but helps her learn herself. I absolutely loved!!! Everything Sasha writes is amazing! 🖤

[ChapterChaser1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved loved reading about Reese and skylar.
He isn't your alfa pushy male character that we usually read in our books, he is calm ,soothing, sure of himself, caring.
On the other hand I was shouting at them in the book as they weren't good at communicating and that was annoying me and breaking my heart... two grown ups keeping so many comments that they should have voiced out loud. The ending was very sweet, I enjoyed this book a lot.
Bravo author, I don't usually read many books on sports but you have me reading them and loving them and wanting more.

[Danielle Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5

Thank you so much for the ARC Montlake & Netgalley exchange for an honest review.

Whilst I did enjoy this more than the first book, it seemed a lot more cohesive and flowed really nicely. But it was quite repetitive and I found myself getting bored towards the 70% mark and I just wanted it to be over.

In comparison to the first book it was definitely better but I'm sorry, it just wasn't for me and I can't bring myself to finish the series.

[The Arcist · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this was a pretty good book even not knowing the characters. It absolutely can be read as a standalone. I loved the FMC and the MMC but I was a bit tired of the MMC about halfway/three quarters through. It was trying too hard to pull conflict where there wasn't any

A knew the MMC narrator from The Enchanted Highlands series. Def recommend his work (Will Watt).

Overall a solid listen

This is a review of the audiobook.