Trying the Player

by Heather Young-Nichols

A NEW steamy, FORCED PROXIMITY, best friend's brother, baseball, STANDALONE romance.

Being stuck with my best friend’s stubborn, brooding brother was never part of the plan—neither was getting pregnant.

Brooks and I couldn’t be more different. He’s all about control and keeping his emotions in check, while I’ve always been the free spirit who rolls with whatever life throws my way. But when the family leaves me to check in on him after his injury, our differences collide in ways I never saw coming.

One unexpected night changes everything, but it’s not like I can just tell him I’m pregnant. Every time I try, something gets in the way—his recovery, his mood, my nerves. Besides, love was never on the table for us—it was supposed to be a one night mistake—and I’m not sure how he’ll react when he finds out.

The truth is, I don’t know if I’m ready to face what happens next. Because once I tell him, there’s no turning back. And I’m not sure either of us is ready for the fallout.

Trying the Player can be read as a standalone and features an always in control baseball player and a woman who takes things as they come, sister’s best friend romance with heat, heart, and an HEA.

516 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2024

About the author

Heather Young-Nichols is a USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romances. She writes swoony heroes and snarly heroines with a heap of romance.

When she's not writing, she's binging a show with her kids, watching baseball, or snuggling with her cuddly animals.

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Reviews

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harlowe and Brooks . . .

Serving her tables, manager Harlowe Candler hears a crash coming from the kitchen and finds the dishwasher Marco standing among shattered glass. She swept up the glass and told him to keep washing the other dishes since business would pick up once the baseball game started. Her best friend Camden Brigg’s 4 brothers played on the same team, the Kalamazoo Knights, owned by their mom’s father. But everyone stopped at Cleats & Kegs, owned by Harlowe’s parents, before and after the game and, if they had no tickets, they came here to watch on the giant TVs. It was non-stop! Camden wanted her to come with her to the game, but she was just too busy tonight at the bar & grill (and she needs to avoid Camden’s sexy brother Brooks) . When she finished up, she went to her parents’ home to offer to buy Cleats & Kegs which her parents had wanted desperately to sell. They were the real bosses, even though she did all the work and she wants full ownership now. That way she can make the changes she always wanted. And best of all, it allowed her independence which she strongly valued. Her dad offered her more control, but she wanted total ownership. However, he wouldn’t lower the price since her mother had continuous travel plans that would cost a fortune to maintain and keep her happy.

Camden called the next day to tell Harlowe that Brooks got hurt in last night’s game. Their whole family was heading to the All-Star Game the next day and someone needs to stay with stubborn Brooks who would not follow doctor’s orders. Camden begged her to get coverage for work and instead stay with Brooks for a few days until they all came home. But her reason to avoid him was the huge crush she had on him! She wasn’t sure she could hide her feelings up close to the man with just the two of them together. But Camden offered to add funds to her savings to buy the bar & grill and that certainly could help.

Unaware of how Brooks felt about her, now that she was grown up, the two of them are struggling to keep their attraction under control. When his family was heading home, he finally pulled her close and kissed her, neither of them able to stop. Just this one time, did they want to really be together this way? Despite using protection, she ends up pregnant. What will she tell him? When will she tell him -- with the playoffs only 2 months away? And how will he react? Her having a baby with someone she has been in love with since she was 14 was difficult enough for her. But she knew it would break her heart when he wanted to move on with someone else. They were never meant to fall in love! And what would it do to Camden when she admitted who had gotten her pregnant? This was going to affect so many people in her life. How can they get through this?

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Family disfunctions were front and center in this book. Neither Brooks nor Harlowe have had the best examples while growing up. And while that’s turned Brooks into something of the family caretaker, Harlowe’s experiences have driven her to be independent to a fault. And in the middle of all this is BFF and little sister, Camden, who, whether by accident or design, is going to make the situation between our leading couple as difficult and awkward as possible. Once I started reading, I could not put this down. I connected deeply with Harlowe through her driven independence, and I needed to know how this whole comedy of errors would play out. I loved seeing the way just about the whole Briggs family learned to be better people along with Harlowe. And now I’m absolutely desperate to get to the bottom of all Camden’s secrets.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Wanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harlow and Camden have been best friends since they were little and Harlow grew up with the Briggs baseball family. Camden’s dad was retired now but was a star player and all 4 of her brothers now played for the Knights that her grandfather owned and her mother ran. Harlow grew up knowing her parents thought of her as a burden keeping them from the nomad life they wanted. They loved her in their own way but it didn’t change the mental/emotional damage it caused. Harlow also knew how much being the only girl in a family of stars affected Camden with people pretending to be her friend to get close to her brothers so she promised Camden she would never be interested in any of the Briggs boys. Now that they were adults Harlow knew she was breaking that promise but she stayed away from Brooks Briggs so she wouldn’t be tempted. That all changed when he got injured and Camden asked Harlow to look after him for 3 days since the family would all be out of town for the All Star game and Brooks wasn’t allowed to put weight on his right leg. That seemingly simple favor changes everything and on top of her parents selling the family bar at a price too high for Harlow to buy right away she runs the risk of losing her best friend if/when she finds out about the time she spent with Brooks.

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

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

I’ve been not so patiently waiting for Brooks story since book one & it did not disappoint 😍 Brooks was everything I imagined and more. He may have just taken the top spot for my favorite Briggs brother!

This book was full of angst & heartwarming moments. There was quite a bit of drama too. I couldn’t stop reading and stayed up way too late reading Brooks & Harlowe’s story. I enjoy all the actual baseball in this book & it’s even better that it takes place in Michigan 😍

Harlowe was in her head throughout most of this book & I totally understand it, but at times I was just wishing she would accept it all. Brooks wasn’t going anywhere and he just wanted her to let him in. I wasn’t a fan of all the “running” she did. I wish she would have just talked to him.

I’m excited to read the final book in the series & I hope Camden gets her HEA with a so “hated” baseball player.

𝐅𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬:
“I want you to take care of me. It’s not that you need it, it’s that I want to do it. I want you. I want our baby. I just want to make a life with you, Harlowe. Please, let me.”

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲:
• Baseball Romance
• Best Friend’s Brother
• One Night Stand
• Accidental Pregnancy
🌶️🌶️

Thank you Heather for providing an e-ARC in exchange of my honest review!

[Maddie Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather Nichols Young delivers a swoon-worthy, emotional rollercoaster in Trying the Player, blending sports romance with the perfect mix of angst, family drama, and heart-stopping chemistry. The book hooks you from the start with its best friend’s brother dynamic, adding an irresistible layer of tension and forbidden attraction. When an accidental pregnancy enters the picture, the stakes get even higher, forcing the characters to confront their feelings, fears, and responsibilities in a way that feels raw and real.

One of the novel’s strongest aspects is its emotional depth—not just in the romance but in the family dynamics that shape the characters. Young creates a hero who’s more than just a cocky athlete; he’s layered, vulnerable, and surprisingly sweet when it matters most. The heroine is strong, relatable, and fiercely independent, making their push-and-pull relationship all the more addictive.

With swoon-worthy moments, witty banter, and just the right amount of drama, Trying the Player is the perfect read for anyone who loves tension-filled romance with heartfelt family themes. If you’re a fan of sports romances with high stakes and emotional payoffs, this one is a must-read!

[L H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harlowe wants to own the Bar and Grill that she runs for her parents. She does not want to keep reporting to them, she wants to be the one making decisions. Her parents want to sell and she is happy to buy from them and sadly does not feel like they will help much - they have said as much each for their own reasons. She also has a crush on Brooks, her friend Camden's only still single brother and she has learned to keep her distance so she does not do anything to embarrass herself. When Brooks gets hurt Camden talks Harlowe into hanging with him to keep him from overdoing it. Time together reveals that the feelings were mutual but it also allows them not only to move forward in their relationship but to start dealing with some difficult issues each needs to work through so that they can get together and have the future they want together. There were real issues dealt with along with a long overdue love story that needed to happen.

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

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed "Trying the Player." Harlow and Briggs couldn’t be more different, and that’s what made their story so interesting. Harlow is this free spirit who goes with the flow, while Briggs is all about control, especially after his injury. When she’s left to check in on him, things get awkward in the best way possible. I couldn’t stop reading to see how they’d work through their differences.

What I loved most was the well-paced story. Harlow’s struggle with her secret and Briggs’s slow shift from closed-off to open made the journey feel genuinely authentic. Their connection wasn’t rushed—it was a gradual build that felt completely authentic. By the time they finally faced the truth, I was all in. I couldn’t put it down, and I’m already excited for the next book. This is another fantastic addition to your book collection from this author.
Happy reading...enjoy!

[Jessica Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trying The Player is the story of Harlowe and Brooks in the Rules of The Game Series. They have kept their distance all throughout their lives, but an unexpected injury has them spending a few days together at the insistence of Camden, Harlowe’s BFF and Brooks’ sister. They end up keeping their distance after things happen, but an unexpected surprise ends up bringing them back together, but not without drama between friends and family. Be prepared to see how Brooks intends to win over the love of his life, no matter what it takes! But, can the friendship between the BFF’s survive? You’ll have to read this to find out!!

[Kari Tidwell (karisbookstodevour) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable! So much about this read is just adorable. From grumpy Brooks to why he absolutely does not want Harlowe helping him out, from Harlowe fighting her attraction to Brooks to realizing maybe with him she can have it all, it's just a great romance that keeps a smile on your face the whole time.
I absolutely love that Harlowe would sacrifice anything to keep Camden as her friend, that Brooks stood up to his dad because he'd give up anything for Harlowe, and the whole idea that for years they'd liked each other but never crossed the line until they just couldn't help it, so freaking good. A solid, wonderful addition to the Rules of the Game series!

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this one without reading an of the other Rules of the Game books, but it was written so well I felt like I was already part of this family. Of course I am now going to have to go back and read the first 4 books! I enjoyed Harlowe and Brooks story; it felt real, not forced and there was no long drawn out angst. I liked Brooks take charge gently attitude and admired Harlowe's independence, it had we rooting for these two on the sidelines. Let me say the dynamic of Camden not only fits, it was relatable as well as understandable, it only made me want her story more.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed the Rules of the Game series so far having read all four books. Here we have Brooks and Harlowe. They've kept their distance for different reasons, but turns out perhaps they're the same after all. One night changes everything. Plenty of drama (and sexy times) as these two figure out what they want, all while trying to keep Camden happy. And forget the Briggs' dad - stays true to character. Entertaining from beginning to end and an easy read. Looking forward to more in this series - maybe it will be Camden's turn next.

[Julie Juhl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trying the Player by Heather Young-Nichols is book 4 in the Rules of the Game series. This book was everything you want in the romance book. Harlowe and Brooks are brilliantly written, fully developed characters. This is the first book I have read in the series and I will be going back and reading the others. It is also the first book I have read from the author and I will definitely be checking out her work.

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

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forbidden but who cares in the end

Trying the Player is the fourth book in the Rules of the Game series. I read the first book in this series and enjoyed it so thought I would pick up Trying the Player and I enjoyed it a lot also. The story is about Harlowe and Brooks, two very wonderful characters that you would love to be friends with. Their story is filled with sweet, spicy, happy, funny, romantic and more moments. It was a very enjoyed and entertaining book and one I would RECOMMEND to other readers.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harlowe has been crushing on Brooks for a while, and when she gets asked to help out the family by staying with Brooks things take a steamy turn. I loved how the author brought Brooks and Harlowe together and how a special little surprise changed everything for the two of them. This is a sweet and steamy love story that pulled on my heartstrings. Trying the Player is book four and a great addition to the Rules of the Game series. I look forward to reading the next book. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Nancie Blume · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooks and Harlowe

Harlowe has been crushing on Brooks for ages, and when she gets roped into babysitting him, things get hotter than a July sidewalk. I loved how the author brought these two together, and a certain surprise twist that changed everything. It's a sweet and steamy love story that tugged at my heartstrings. Trying the Player is book four and a fantastic addition to the Rules of the Game series and definitely recommend reading this book! Now I'm dying to get my hands on Camden's story!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Trying the Player by Heather Young-Nichols. Its book 4 of the Rules of the Game Series. Best friend' brother romance is one of my ultimate favorite themes and Brooks and Harlowe's story was a great example. Harlowe was strong and very independent. She was determined to not be dependent on a man like her mom was. But Brooks was impossible to resist. Once I started reading I was completely hooked and I simply couldn't put it down. Definitely recommend!

[Dee Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved these two characters! Harlowe and Brooks are interesting, realistic and relatable. I thoroughly enjoyed their banter and chemistry.
This has a strong family element, lifelong friendships, career focus, character growth, crushes, humour, heartfelt emotion, steam, a pinch of angst and sweet romance.
Another brilliant addition to this series and I’m looking forward to more.

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

[Berta Greenleaf Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. It was such a feel good book about unrequited love turned into the real thing. Harlowe feels she isn't good enough for big baseball player Brooks. However, he has had feelings for her for along time. The only problems come from within themselves and their insecurities. I could read this book over and over again. I highly recommend this book to all romance readers.

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

[Narelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The eldest brother Brooks and Harlowe have known each other for a long time since she is his sister Camden's best friend. When things suddenly get really real how will they cope, and what about Camden? Another steamy instalment in this great baseball family series.

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

[Jodie Cary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked into the characters lives right from the start of the book and had a hard time putting it down. The characters and the storyline were great. Sports Romance. A well written story, I can't wait to read more.

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

[TELA666 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brooks & Harlowe
After both keeping their distance due to what they each believe to be unrequited feelings & respect for Camden & Harlowes' friendship they are thrown together & lust rakes over. I wasn't sure Brooks could be redeemed for this response at their next meeting but he was & Harlowe made him work for their relationship.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this one. The main characters were well written and the story flowed well. I did find the MFC a bit annoying. All in all this was a really entertaining read.

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

[Petra Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous continuation of the series. Loved Harlow‘s and Brooke‘s story, bot very charismatic characters and a good engaging storyline.
Cannot wait for Camdon‘s story.

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

[Maja · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another amazing read from this author. I love her books, she never disappoints. Harlowe and Brooks were amazing together. 5 stars.

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

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really really liked this book. I liked the characters and their story, it was an easy and quick read and I really flew through. I enjoyed reading this!.

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

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of books written by Heather Young-Nichols; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the fourth book in the Rules of the Game Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Harlowe & Brooks.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed trying the player which was Briggs and Harlow’s story. It was an entertaining and engaging read. And had my emotions all over the place. I got a copy of the book and voluntarily leaving this review.

[T.I. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good read. I loved the characters so much. They kept me completely entertained for the entire story with lots of sass. Y'all are gonna love it. Happy reading.

[Melissa Ledet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely enjoyed reading Brooks and Harlowe’s story. Love how Brooks defends his love for her and hot he won’t let anyone mistreat her. Love their ending.

[Brittany D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story kept you engaging! It kept you wondering what was going to happen next. The chemistry was fantastic!!