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katedahl's review against another edition
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Death of parent
sdupont's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Isaiah Rhodes!!! What a babe! I truly cannot get over how swoony this man is. He is unbelievably observant, caring, thoughtful, and sweet. Isaiah deeply cares about his family and friends. He plays himself out to be this carefree good time guy but he has a lot of depth. He absolutely has it down bad crying in the gym for Kennedy. I loved Kennedy right there with him. She’s been through a lot, never having a person in her corner or building her up. It was beautiful seeing her gain confidence and come into her own with Isaiah’s support. As their relationship grows and evolves they both find ways to support the other. I loved seeing that shift of playing along to the real deal for Kennedy (because let’s be real Isaiah was never playing). This is a top tier Vegas wedding romance and a perfect summer read. As excited I am for Rio’s story, this book has me feral for a Monty x Reese romance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Sexism
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Grief, Car accident, and Death of parent
Minor: Infidelity and Pregnancy
paperbacksandsnacks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I live, laugh, LOVED this book!!
Liz Tomforde needs to be rewarded or given a medal or something on the basis of international services to romance readers everywhere.
How does she keep writing all these 5⭐️ romances. The men in her head are so perfect, I’m telling you, I want to be Liz Tomforde for the day and see who else she has hiding in her mind waiting to come alive on paper.
Isaiah Rhodes?! Are you kidding?! I’m in love. I’m a married woman, but I’m in love with Isaiah. To be honest, I’m in love with both Rhodes men and a basketball playing Shay. But this isn’t their book so I’m going to stop myself before I drool everywhere.
Isaiah Rhodes is a man who has been hurt by love, and yet when it comes to Kennedy he’s not afraid to love at all. And I love that. I adored his gentle and funny nature. His hilarious but well placed confidence and arrogance but, most of all the way he interacted with those he loves. That is a family man through and through. Speaking of families, this man for sure knows how to practice making one. I was aDICKted to the spice in this. Truly a masterpiece. The fireworks scene? 🥵!!!! Plus, the way he takes his time with Kennedy and builds up their intimacy is so beautiful. He’s a true gentleman.
I think his anxieties were handled super delicately throughout this, he was never made to seem like he needed to be fixed but rather people were offering their support and help to make his life easier. I think showcasing men with anxiety or other MH issues is something that deffo needs to be done more so bravo Liz!
Oh and sweet Kennedy. Now you don’t mind physical touch I hope you don’t mind but I will be wrapping you up in a big hug. Again, I think the hard topic of toxic/abusive relationships was handled in a super relatable and gentle way here. I found myself relating to Kennedy and the relationship she had with her ex because my ex was similar. I think the way this affected her in her new relationship was so genuine. The constant question asking, the need for reassurance and the disbelief when someone compliments you and there’s nothing hidden under the surface. Kennedy Kay, I was rooting for you all along, and boy did you get a good one and make some absolute moves. I felt genuinely proud as if I was reading about a real person.
Honestly I just adore Liz Tomfordes writing. You can really relate to the characters even though half of them are sports stars and the other half are boss women with great careers. I am neither of those things but I am a human being and those human experiences that Liz explores in her books are universal, and portrayed in a raw and genuine light. Despite this though, I laugh out loud at every single book of hers and this was no exception. I just adored the story and the characters. I also love the continued presence of previous couples and how they’re all friends. It makes it feel extra special and means that characters from earlier books that I love get to still have a voice.
It’s a tough call as to which Rhodes boy I prefer, but Kai in daddy mode? 😮💨. Might still just edge it. I’m sorry Isaiah but I still love you.
Anyway, if you haven’t read this yet then please do. If you haven’t read any of this series yet then where have you been? Don’t be put off by the size of the books. They’re so addictive you literally fly through them and it’s totally worth the wrist ache! From holding the book, deffo holding the book!! Also, they’re on KU so you can kind of pretend they’re free… girl math.
Liz Tomforde needs to be rewarded or given a medal or something on the basis of international services to romance readers everywhere.
How does she keep writing all these 5⭐️ romances. The men in her head are so perfect, I’m telling you, I want to be Liz Tomforde for the day and see who else she has hiding in her mind waiting to come alive on paper.
Isaiah Rhodes?! Are you kidding?! I’m in love. I’m a married woman, but I’m in love with Isaiah. To be honest, I’m in love with both Rhodes men and a basketball playing Shay. But this isn’t their book so I’m going to stop myself before I drool everywhere.
Isaiah Rhodes is a man who has been hurt by love, and yet when it comes to Kennedy he’s not afraid to love at all. And I love that. I adored his gentle and funny nature. His hilarious but well placed confidence and arrogance but, most of all the way he interacted with those he loves. That is a family man through and through. Speaking of families, this man for sure knows how to practice making one. I was aDICKted to the spice in this. Truly a masterpiece. The fireworks scene? 🥵!!!! Plus, the way he takes his time with Kennedy and builds up their intimacy is so beautiful. He’s a true gentleman.
I think his anxieties were handled super delicately throughout this, he was never made to seem like he needed to be fixed but rather people were offering their support and help to make his life easier. I think showcasing men with anxiety or other MH issues is something that deffo needs to be done more so bravo Liz!
Oh and sweet Kennedy. Now you don’t mind physical touch I hope you don’t mind but I will be wrapping you up in a big hug. Again, I think the hard topic of toxic/abusive relationships was handled in a super relatable and gentle way here. I found myself relating to Kennedy and the relationship she had with her ex because my ex was similar. I think the way this affected her in her new relationship was so genuine. The constant question asking, the need for reassurance and the disbelief when someone compliments you and there’s nothing hidden under the surface. Kennedy Kay, I was rooting for you all along, and boy did you get a good one and make some absolute moves. I felt genuinely proud as if I was reading about a real person.
Honestly I just adore Liz Tomfordes writing. You can really relate to the characters even though half of them are sports stars and the other half are boss women with great careers. I am neither of those things but I am a human being and those human experiences that Liz explores in her books are universal, and portrayed in a raw and genuine light. Despite this though, I laugh out loud at every single book of hers and this was no exception. I just adored the story and the characters. I also love the continued presence of previous couples and how they’re all friends. It makes it feel extra special and means that characters from earlier books that I love get to still have a voice.
It’s a tough call as to which Rhodes boy I prefer, but Kai in daddy mode? 😮💨. Might still just edge it. I’m sorry Isaiah but I still love you.
Anyway, if you haven’t read this yet then please do. If you haven’t read any of this series yet then where have you been? Don’t be put off by the size of the books. They’re so addictive you literally fly through them and it’s totally worth the wrist ache! From holding the book, deffo holding the book!! Also, they’re on KU so you can kind of pretend they’re free… girl math.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Pregnancy
rebakesl's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Liz Tomforde is definitely one of my top five favorite authors. She writes complex, loveable characters with plenty of real-life issues and they actually deal with them in healthy ways and build secure relationships. I thought this was the saddest of all of the Windy City books so far, possibly with the issues that Kennedy and Isaiah were dealing with hitting closer to home than I’m used to. I love Isaiah’s sweetness and they way they both encourage the other to be their whole selves in their relationship and work together to create a safe and loving place within each other to call home. The spice (as always) is *chef’s kiss* with easy banter and good tension. I wish there were a thousand more books like this (although I’d probably never get anything income if that were the case).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, and Sexual content
Moderate: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Grief, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Minor: Child abuse, Infidelity, Car accident, Gaslighting, and Alcohol
shamaramill's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, and Sexual content
Minor: Bullying, Infidelity, and Death of parent
fairytalefootnotes's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Writing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes, etc: Workplace Romance, Marriage of Convenience, He Falls First, Boy Obsessed, Found Family.
3rd Act Breakup?: No
The Praise: Liz can do no wrong in my eyes. I’ve loved every book in this series more and more (and that’s saying something because I adored Mile High!) The characters are so funny and sweet and I just love their little found family. Isaiah is truly a model MMC: kind, funny, supportive, and so in love. He supported Kennedy every step of the way, even when it was to his own detriment.
The Critique: My only complaint is that there’s only one more book left! Can we at least get a Monty/Reese novella, Liz?!
Final Thoughts: I absolutely loved Play Along. It’s a definite favorite of the year.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Bullying, Panic attacks/disorders, Medical content, Grief, and Alcohol
Minor: Car accident and Death of parent
ronnieex's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Grief, and Abandonment
Moderate: Death of parent
mjen1203's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Isiah Rhodes may be the best of them all! Top 5 read of 2024 hands down
This series just keeps getting better and better. I laughed and cried and sometimes needed a fan. Liz really knocked it out of the park with this book! I can already feel the book hangover coming from these two.
Isiah and Kennedy are such a duo. Plus with appearances by the rest of the Windy City characters it just gives you all the feels. I’m not sure I’m ready for book 5 and this group to be over
This series just keeps getting better and better. I laughed and cried and sometimes needed a fan. Liz really knocked it out of the park with this book! I can already feel the book hangover coming from these two.
Isiah and Kennedy are such a duo. Plus with appearances by the rest of the Windy City characters it just gives you all the feels. I’m not sure I’m ready for book 5 and this group to be over
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, and Death of parent
sami_leigh's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
“Have I told you lately how much I dislike you?”
“I should warn you, Ken, I like it when you’re mean. It does something to me.”
“I see you, Kenny, even if you haven’t been looking at me.”
‘That right there is another first. Having someone across the room looking for me, checking on me. It seems like such a simple act, but it’s something I’ve always wished for and didn’t think I’d have.”
⚾️ First person dual POV
⚾️ Fourth in the Windy City series; can be read as stand alone
⚾️ Professional MBL player / Athletic trainer
⚾️ Pining (for 3 years!)
⚾️ Vegas wedding / marriage of convenience (stay married so they don’t lose their jobs)
⚾️ FMC is applying for a job across the country to avoid a misogynistic boss
⚾️ Forced proximity; animosity in the beginning
⚾️ ‘Teach me…’😏🔥
⚾️ Banter 🙌🏻
⚾️ Cinnamon-ROLL!
⚾️ He falls first
⚾️ He shows her the love she deserves and could never imagine having 🥹
⚾️ Consent culture
⚾️ Representation of anxiety
⚾️ Wholesome AF!
⚾️ Well established secondary characters; Monty, Ryan & Indy (Book 2), Stevie & Zanders (Book 1), Kai & Millie (Book 3), Rio (Book 5), Max 🥹, Reese (hopefully a book 😏)
⚾️ MC growth; career goals, overcoming past trauma, risking relationships/attachment, communication, intimacy.
⚾️ Epilogue
⚾️ On my comfort read list 😍
⚾️ Liz Tomforde is a must-read author for me 🙌🏻
⚠️ Parental abandonment (past), death of a parent (past), pregnancy (secondary characters), misogyny (boss, ex), panic attacks (moderate).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, and Death of parent
Moderate: Misogyny, Pregnancy, and Abandonment
redempta's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
4.5 🌟
It was a cute story. I love a good marriage of convenience romance.
Next is Rio!!!!!
It was a cute story. I love a good marriage of convenience romance.
Next is Rio!!!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Death of parent
Minor: Car accident