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bribreez's review
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
4⭐️/ 2-3🌶️
A sports romance with friends to lovers, slow burn, and a summer filled of fun sounded like a good story to me. Evelyn and Hudson had known each other since they were kids, spending the summers together when Evelyn came to Oleander Springs to visit. Now, with Evelyn being accepted into Camden University, she found herself back in the place where she spent many summers, reconnecting with olds friends, and feelings coming back to resurface.
A sports romance with friends to lovers, slow burn, and a summer filled of fun sounded like a good story to me. Evelyn and Hudson had known each other since they were kids, spending the summers together when Evelyn came to Oleander Springs to visit. Now, with Evelyn being accepted into Camden University, she found herself back in the place where she spent many summers, reconnecting with olds friends, and feelings coming back to resurface.
The thing that I liked immediately about this story was the ease and comfort it brought me. Maybe it’s because it’s starting to feel like summer or maybe it’s because of the way the story was set up, who knows? But what I do know is that, I found myself liking the vibe of the story. Despite the beginning showing Evelyn having some doubts on staying in Oleander Springs, I could see that she was enjoying herself little by little and remembering aspects of herself that she unknowingly didn’t realize were gone. Evelyn in Oleander Springs just made sense and with her friendships with, Mila, Griffin, and Hudson, being all back together brought back the nostalgic memories they all had. There was a laid back feeling I felt while reading, and found myself feeling like I was part of the story in some ways.
I’m a sucker for a slow burn romance and it was good in this story. Evelyn and Hudson had this great chemistry together that was evident in their friendship, but also hinted at the deeper feelings they had for each other. By the time Evelyn and Hudson kissed for the very first time, it was only the beginning of seeing them slowly, but surely move away from just being friends to something more. Also, as much as I love a good romance brewing within the pages, the friendship part of the story was really sweet and endearing. Hudson and Evelyn had a wonderful friendship that spanned many years, and despite four years having passed, being back in Oleander Springs, some things didn’t change like the way Hudson and Evelyn were able to communicate so clearly in a way they understood each other.
I feel like in terms of character growth it was more about Evelyn’s story that caught my eye more. Evelyn was always use to maintaining certain traits in order to please her parents, coaches, or friends while living in New Mexico, but being in Oleander Springs, she was able to let loose. Evelyn was able to get back to her roots of having fun, but also coming to the realization that life shouldn’t always be catered to others, but instead about what SHE wanted. As the story progressed, I felt more sympathetic towards the things that Evelyn dealt with from her self confidence and at times feeling like she let others done even if it was out of her control. Evelyn was such a heartwarming person who was always there for her friends and family. Despite some trust issues from her past, Oleander Springs was the best place for Evelyn as she was back with her friends, and found a new kind of connection with Hudson.
Hudson was not only an amazing football player/captain, but also a loving, caring big brother. Hudson had a lighthearted attitude towards everyone, but he was also disciplined when it came to school and football. When it came to his brother, Griffin, Hudson made sure everything well according to Griffin’s needs. Since Griffin dealt with cognitive disability, he was very particular about his routine, certain sounds, and tones that could be triggering for him which, Hudson was always aware of in order to help take care of him. I loved the way Hudson and Griffin’s bond was, and it was really endearing how they always hugged and said, “I love you” to each other. If there was a sweet moment aside from Hudson and Evelyn, it was definitely whenever Hudson and Griffin were together. So, with trying to juggle lots of responsibilities, Hudson had a lot on his plate which was understandable, but also caused a bit of tension in his life.
Overall, this was a cute and entertaining story. While I wasn’t obsessed with Hudson and Evelyn, I did have an appreciation for their friendship and the way they found themselves back together again. The romance was sweet, the slow burn romance was good as well, and surprisingly the spice in this book was just the right amount for me at the moment. I think my favorite part of reading this story was how I felt laidback and immersed in the summer vibes of Oleander Springs. I thought Evelyn and Hudson were great together, and again their friendship was endearing and loving. Both, Evelyn and Hudson had good character growth, were likable characters, and had a happy ending together. I’m interested to see how the other stories pan out, and how it focuses on. All in all, this was a good book for the type of mood I was in and I enjoyed it. If you’re looking for a lighthearted sports romance with friends to lovers, slow burn romance, and that dash of spice, and found family then I think you’ll like this story.
ashcan22's review
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
jennalattanzio1's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
hudson and evelyn, good book
bcope84's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Grief, Abandonment, and Alcoholism
reading_with_2_book_lovers's review against another edition
5.0
Wow this story was a great read, I devoured this book in a day highly recommended
nightlyreadandtea's review
4.0
The Return Play is an emotional story of second chances, coming of age, and rediscovery. Evelyn used to spend her summers in Oleander Springs visiting with her grandmother but sadly stopped once her grandmother passed away. This story begins with Evelyn returning four years later to attend college. Readers see her reunite with her closest friends from those summers. Evelyn isn’t who she used to be, with a little wary to her, and thinks the bond they had evaporated over time. Luckily for her, Mila, Griffin, and Hudson are quick to show her just how much she belongs in Oleander Springs.
While the love story between Hudson and Evelyn is the main point, and very cute (and sometimes a little steamy) I found myself LOVING the background characters, their stories, and needing more of them. Dietz does a great job here introducing characters who could potentially get their own books (Grey is my top choice for the next book). The banter between the characters felt very natural and real. I enjoyed watching not only the main couple get together but seeing others come out of their shell, including Evelyn.
While the love story between Hudson and Evelyn is the main point, and very cute (and sometimes a little steamy) I found myself LOVING the background characters, their stories, and needing more of them. Dietz does a great job here introducing characters who could potentially get their own books (Grey is my top choice for the next book). The banter between the characters felt very natural and real. I enjoyed watching not only the main couple get together but seeing others come out of their shell, including Evelyn.
sware65's review
5.0
This book is worth so much more than 5*s.
Evelyn is not sure who she is anymore after she quit volleyball. She has always tried to be what she thinks everyone else wants her to be but it has just got too much. She is soon on a plane to Oleander Springs, where she use to spend her summers and where her college is.
Hudson cannot believe his eyes when he sees Evelyn back in his home town. Evelyn, Hudson, Mila and his brother Griffin where best friends every summer until Evelyn's grandma passed away and she stopped coming.
The friendship between them all is still there but there is also a spark of something more between Hudson and Evelyn.
I loved how they were together but can they get their HEA.
So much drama with plenty of emotion but also so much more and plenty of love.
An absolute must read.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Evelyn is not sure who she is anymore after she quit volleyball. She has always tried to be what she thinks everyone else wants her to be but it has just got too much. She is soon on a plane to Oleander Springs, where she use to spend her summers and where her college is.
Hudson cannot believe his eyes when he sees Evelyn back in his home town. Evelyn, Hudson, Mila and his brother Griffin where best friends every summer until Evelyn's grandma passed away and she stopped coming.
The friendship between them all is still there but there is also a spark of something more between Hudson and Evelyn.
I loved how they were together but can they get their HEA.
So much drama with plenty of emotion but also so much more and plenty of love.
An absolute must read.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
jennasbookcase's review
slow-paced
4.0
I'm a sucker for a best friends to lovers romance and this one was especially good with the slow burn.
amrobe17's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5