Reviews with content warning for Toxic relationship - Play Along

Reviews tagging 'Toxic relationship'

Play Along by Liz Tomforde

28 reviews

rynjean's review against another edition

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emotional funny inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

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amanda_reads13's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted fast-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

4.0

After a drunken night in Vegas, Kennedy and Isaish wind up married. Unfortunately for them, what happens in Vegas does not stay in Vegas as the news of their marriage makes headlines and word gets back to their boss.

I really enjoyed the progression of Isaiah and Kennedy's relationship. Kennedy was afraid of opening herself up to others and Isaiah managed to slowly tear down her walls. I wish we had delved deeper into her relationship with her family, maybe a few flashbacks or something? Just to give us a real understanding of her past. Isaiah always puts up a happy front, afraid to let people what is behind the smile. Kennedy helps him see that compassion and concern for others are actually his strength.

I found parts of the story to be kind of repetitive and felt like it could have been cut back a bit.

Isaiah and Kai had a really difficult childhood. After their mother died in a car accident, their father left them, and Kai pretty much raised Isaiah. To say they are close in an understatement. I LOVE the relationship these two men have. They are so supportive and encouraging of each other. Throw in Miller, Max, and the other friends, this gives such a warm hearted found family vibe. I think that Isaiah's panic attacks/anxiety was handled well, but I wish that there would have been a conversation about him getting help earlier. Yes, they could not afford when he was a kid, but he certainly can now.

Kennedy grew up in a cold home, void of love. She was expected to marry for business and was basically forced into an engagement. Her family, with the exception of her step-brother Dean, have zero respect for any life choices she has made and do not support her at all.

I actually really liked the epilogue. I love that it mentioned him going to therapy for his trauma, but I wish that it had mentioned Kennedy going as well. I also like that they are taking time for themselves as a couple and not rushing into having a baby.

Tropes: he falls first, teach me, marriage of convenience, co-workers, found family

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ariana_m's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted 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

I loved this book from start to finish! This was actually a bit unexpected for me because I went into this one with low expectations. Judging from the last book and the way that Isaiah always messed with Kennedy (even though he had a crush on her), I thought the plot was going to be very different and also I'm usually not a fan of the "accidentally got married in Vegas" trope.

I loved both Isaiah and Kennedy as individuals and together. They have both been through a lot in their lives. Their trauma is very different and reading about them working through it was heartwarming. They both deserve everything good. Kennedy learning about herself and turning into the person she has always wanted to be was amazing. I wanted to go through the book and hug her. The relationship between both of them was great. The bar is in hell but he was so patient with her and never pushed her to do anything unlike other people. I liked the banter and their little moments. Their overall dynamic was really cute. It was also nice seeing everyone from the previous books. The found family trope is really present and I love it. I can't wait for the next book!

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