A review by nagako
Make The Play by Hailey Rodger

4.5

 Hailey Rodgers wrote it best in the book itself: “We love a fake-dating-to-actually-dating arc. Very 'Hallmark if Hallmark had orgasms.”

I blew through this book while on a camping trip and it was the perfect way to spend my weekend. Things that slapped the dopamine button in my brain: 

-Kick ass female protag whose personality was independent, a great friend, and who grew but didn’t change in the ways that mattered

-A MC that fell first but didn’t allow it to get in the way of being Zoe’s friend first and foremost 

-Found. Family. 

-Fake Dating 

-Top Tier Banter 

There is an unexpected thread of mystery/suspense through the story as well with the stalker angle that really added an extra cherry on top for me. I adored the fact that these two were ride or die for each other even when it was Chase quietly pining for Zoe and Zoe just viewing him as a friend.  The whole scene where they are hashing out the details of the dating contract with the team and PR firm? *chef's kiss* 10/10 book boyfriend behavior. No notes. 


Quotes to hook you: 

But I wasn’t strategizing, not for a damn second. And that’s the problem. Because she thinks this is fake, and I’m stuck somewhere between fantasy and free-fall. 

She kissed me like it meant nothing, and I kissed her like it meant everything.

*~*~*

Zoe grins. Not a normal grin. No, this is the grin of a woman who is positively thriving in my suffering. High on chaos and caffeine and whatever this night is turning her into.

*~*~*

Lulu fans herself with the sleeve of her drink tray. “I can’t believe you have to sleep with him later.” 

“I don’t have to,” I snap. “I choose to.” 

“That’s worse.” I don’t even respond, because I realize I’m smiling. And later, I’m going to ruin him for this. Wearing absolutely nothing but his jersey and a grudge.