Liz Tomforde

Play Along

Hana 

Sophia

Travis nudges my shoulder. “So, who is she?”

On this day, where everything feels like a sign, I don’t hesitate when I say, “My future wife.”

“You’ve been into that girl since the day she walked into the clubhouse for the first time.”

“Yeah, but I only realized she was single eight months ago, so 

 I’m only eight months in on this whole thing.”

Eyes glancing back to the group of women she’s with, she takes a step closer to me. It’s the strangest thing she’s ever done. The fact that I’m, for once, not the last person in the room she wants to be around is surprising and concerning all at once.

Kennedy tossed her heels in a trash can on the strip, and I noted the red bottoms on those while I was carrying them, so I made sure to pull them right back out from the bin.

My last memory was that on the worst day of the year, I had the time of my life.

“Why would I go along pretending that the wedding I had with this girl I’ve had a crush on for years is legitimate? Why would I force myself to spend time with her for an entire season to make sure she lands her dream job at the end of it? Hmm, I’m not sure, Kenny. Let’s think about that.”

He holds his hands up, index fingers outstretched as they reach for my face, bringing them to my lips. Each one tugs at the corners of my mouth, pulling up my frown and flipping it into a smile.

“Smile, Kenny. We just saved your job.” He’s forcing me to smile, and he couldn’t be more pleased about how stupid we look, judging by the mirroring grin on his own lips.

“Just think of this as one big game.” His tone is low and deep when he leans down to my ear and whispers, “C’mon wife. Play along.”

In theory, I understand his concern. Kennedy might have an expiration date on this marriage, but all I’ve heard is that I got six long months to get my wife to fall for me.

Maybe if I wasn’t such a goddamn hopeless romantic, her insistence would hurt a bit more, but all I keep hearing are the words six months. I have six months to change her mind about me.

“That day we met in the bathroom, I couldn’t classify it. For the most part, I’ve gotten blonde and brunette figured out, so I asked Cody what color your hair was and he told me it was auburn. Kennedy Kay Auburn.” His eyes follow my hair falling past my shoulder until he gently twirls a piece around his finger. “Nothing else has ever been Kennedy Kay Auburn.”

“Let me get this straight.” He links his fingers on the tabletop, mirroring me. “You want to practice on me in order to be better at dating other people.”

“Not exactly my favorite thing to hear.” He exhales a defeated sigh. “But you didn’t ask to be in another unwanted marriage. Well . . .” He bobs his head from side to side. “You definitely did ask. Multiple times. Begged me, really.”

This is different from that hug. That felt like I was someone’s friend. This feels like I’m someone’s everything.

He gasps. “Kennedy Rhodes!” His smile is all mischief as he hooks a foot around my calf, pulling me to stand between his legs. “Hi.”

Our wedding song is on full blast as Isaiah makes his way to the plate, but before he gets there, he turns back in my direction. With the entire stadium singing the song I walked down the aisle to, Isaiah extends his bat, points at me, and winks.

“I know. I see you, Kenny, even if you haven’t been looking at me.”

My heart breaks every time for him lol he's so crushed

I watch as his eyes move from my face to the people around us. Watch the moment he finds Reese tracking us from the third row. Watch as his smile falls at the realization of what this moment actually is.

His eyes bounce around the cabin as he puts the pieces together, and I can visibly see the second it hits him. He looks devastated, as if he thought I was holding his hand because I wanted to and not because others needed to see it.

I don’t let hope spark for a second. Instead, I look around and quickly find Reese and Arthur Remington approaching. My heart doesn’t even have to sink with disappointment. I already knew that if Kennedy was holding my hand, it wasn’t simply because she wanted to.

"It’s with absolute joy that I get to leave this career I love so much to do something I love even more, and that’s to be there for my family."

i actually can’t pick a favorite book in this series, they are all too good. 

Tamara Wood

Voto complessivo: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Tropes and vibes: sport romance - workplace romance - Las Vegas wedding - fake marriage - forced proximity - only one bed

Quarto volume della Windy City, e tutto è filato proprio come previsto, il che è probabilmente il mio problema principale con questa serie.

La mezza stella che manca per arrivare al cinque pieno è dovuta proprio al non aver avuto qualcosa che mi tenesse un po’ sulle spine.

Isaiah è una green flag totale; è addirittura “troppo”, per cui non c’è mai stata la minima possibilità che non riuscisse a far breccia nel cuore di Kennedy, tanto che la nostra FMC ha finito per risultarmi antipatica (come si può dire a un cucciolotto del genere che la tua intenzione è divorziare non appena possibile per frequentare altri uomini?).

Altro neo, ovviamente per quelli che sono i miei gusti, è l’eccessiva zuccherosità della grande famiglia allargata comprendente gli Shay e i Rhodes. Basta con queste protagoniste che diventano subito migliori amiche, senza però vederle davvero interagire in maniera significativa le une con le altre! Capisco che questo tipo di intreccio sia alla base praticamente di tutte le serie di autoconclusivi interconnessi, ma qui l’ho trovato stucchevole, oppure l’ho visto talmente tante volte da non poterne più.

Al di là delle mie sopraelencate riserve, ho trovato Play Along una lettura comunque scorrevole e piacevole, e mi sento di consigliarla soprattutto a chi ha voglia di golden retriever come book boyfriend.

Ilaria Emme

Voto complessivo: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Dramma: 💧.5
Sugar: 🧁🧁🧁
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

Tropes and vibes: sport romance - workplace romance - Las Vegas wedding - fake marriage - forced proximity - only one bed

Quarto volume della Windy City, e tutto è filato proprio come previsto, il che è probabilmente il mio problema principale con questa serie.

La mezza stella che manca per arrivare al cinque pieno è dovuta proprio al non aver avuto qualcosa che mi tenesse un po’ sulle spine.

Isaiah è una green flag totale; è addirittura “troppo”, per cui non c’è mai stata la minima possibilità che non riuscisse a far breccia nel cuore di Kennedy, tanto che la nostra FMC ha finito per risultarmi antipatica (come si può dire a un cucciolotto del genere che la tua intenzione è divorziare non appena possibile per frequentare altri uomini?).

Altro neo, ovviamente per quelli che sono i miei gusti, è l’eccessiva zuccherosità della grande famiglia allargata comprendente gli Shay e i Rhodes. Basta con queste protagoniste che diventano subito migliori amiche, senza però vederle davvero interagire in maniera significativa le une con le altre! Capisco che questo tipo di intreccio sia alla base praticamente di tutte le serie di autoconclusivi interconnessi, ma qui l’ho trovato stucchevole, oppure l’ho visto talmente tante volte da non poterne più.

Al di là delle mie sopraelencate riserve, ho trovato Play Along una lettura comunque scorrevole e piacevole, e mi sento di consigliarla soprattutto a chi ha voglia di golden retriever come book boyfriend.

Annabella

took me 3 months to finish reading & got me out of my slump eventually!!!

took me 3 months to finish reading & got me out of my slump eventually!!!

i love love love you kennedy kay! 🥲

Honestly this series is gold - pure solid gold. 

All these books have been 5 star reads for me - they are spectacular. 

This will end up being one of my top romance series of all time for sure and I am so here for it. 

Brittany Peterson

Honestly this series is gold - pure solid gold. 

All these books have been 5 star reads for me - they are spectacular. 

This will end up being one of my top romance series of all time for sure and I am so here for it. 

OH AND I LIVE, LAUGH, CRIED, LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!!

this book has officially claimed the top spot as my favorite in the windy city series! from the moment i started reading, i was completely drawn by the characters. isaiah's personality is simply irresistible, his charm and humor had me hooked. and kenny? her portrayal as a strong, independent woman with clear goals was fantastic.

but what struck me most, and even brought me to tears, was the book's honest depiction of the challenges faced by couples navigating their individual ambitions. as an athlete's girlfriend, i found their journey of considering each other's paths while pursuing their own so incredibly relatable. it felt like looking into a mirror.

ALSO, the spice level in here (as compared to the other books from the series) was also spot on. just the right amount to keep things interesting without feeling excessive. overall, i am completely in love with this book and could rave about it forever. def a must read!

“i live, laugh, love you” — kenny 

OH AND I LIVE, LAUGH, CRIED, LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!!

this book has officially claimed the top spot as my favorite in the windy city series! from the moment i started reading, i was completely drawn by the characters. isaiah's personality is simply irresistible, his charm and humor had me hooked. and kenny? her portrayal as a strong, independent woman with clear goals was fantastic.

but what struck me most, and even brought me to tears, was the book's honest depiction of the challenges faced by couples navigating their individual ambitions. as an athlete's girlfriend, i found their journey of considering each other's paths while pursuing their own so incredibly relatable. it felt like looking into a mirror.

ALSO, the spice level in here (as compared to the other books from the series) was also spot on. just the right amount to keep things interesting without feeling excessive. overall, i am completely in love with this book and could rave about it forever. def a must read!

 like his soul depends on it like isaiah rhodes, I don’t want him.

If he’s not yearning like his soul depends on it like isaiah rhodes, I don’t want him.

none of that misunderstanding/miscommunication shit, just two people who would do anything for the other person’s happiness. 

nikki 

slow burn. he YEARNS for her, DOWN BAD.

none of that misunderstanding/miscommunication shit, just two people who would do anything for the other person’s happiness. 

a sweet romance with spice 

 

౨ৎ | “i remember every single thing about you, kenny. in case you haven't figured it out already, you're my favorite subject to study."

isaiah rhodes the fucking man you are. i LOVE a boy obsessed. the yearning, the way he was celibate for eight months once he found out kenny was single, the way he always kept her fed and showed her just how important she was. 

and oh sweet kennedy kay how i adore you. there is no words to express how proud i was of her throughout this book my gosh. 

i wish we had a scene of her going off on the people who wronged her though. 

also will NOT be talking about how much this book made me cry, although once again not a five star because there wasn’t really a plot here either but i loved it regardless. 

౨ৎ | “i remember every single thing about you, kenny. in case you haven't figured it out already, you're my favorite subject to study."

— ★ 4/5

isaiah rhodes the fucking man you are. i LOVE a boy obsessed. the yearning, the way he was celibate for eight months once he found out kenny was single, the way he always kept her fed and showed her just how important she was. 

and oh sweet kennedy kay how i adore you. there is no words to express how proud i was of her throughout this book my gosh. 

i wish we had a scene of her going off on the people who wronged her though. 

also will NOT be talking about how much this book made me cry, although once again not a five star because there wasn’t really a plot here either but i loved it regardless. 

this is by far my favorite of the windy city series.. like by farrr. i love a man who yearns. i love a man who does not stop talking about how smart his girl is. i love a man who gets little gifts for his girl all the time like newspapers for her crosswords or food to make sure she eats. i love a man who is different with her than everyone else.

big ab

might just be my new fav series isaiah and kennedy were TOO CUTE i loved how much he loved kennedy🥲🥲🥲 

jenna

Katie Roberts

She has me wanting a relashionship with a man. (But then I remember they’re not written by her)

Julia pinheiro

Liz is one of my favorite authors.

She has me wanting a relashionship with a man. (But then I remember they’re not written by her)

She’s the best author ever cutest couple ever ugh 

Anushree Taparia

I actually didn’t think I was going to like this one as much when I first started it (not a fan of the trope), but it ended up being my fave of the series

Alyssa deRaad

liz tomforde writes some of the bests book boyfriends and she outdid herself with isaiah 😭

kels

Dr. Kennedy Kay thinks she has finally landed her dream position as a doctor for a professional sports team, but when she arrives for her first day with the Windy City Warriors baseball team, the current head of the Heath and Wellness Department denies her the opportunity because she is a woman. Taking the position as a trainer is a step down from her qualifications, but it's better than nothing.  Star player Isaiah Rhodes has driven Kennedy crazy with his flirtation for three years that she has worked for the Warriors, but now that her engagement has been called off, he is even more of a nuisance than ever, especially when they get drunk and accidentally get married in Las Vegas.

Play Along is the fourth book in the Windy City series, and even though it is a good, well-written story, it just didn't carry the same impact as the first three.  Kennedy's need not to be touched seems out of place in a story about an athletic trainer, and it also becomes a repetitive distraction as the story moves forward.  While the reasons behind Kennedy's feelings are addressed, they are never confronted, leaving that plot thread incomplete as are some of the others in the novel.  Overall, Play Along is an entertaining read but misses several opportunities for it to be more.  

Lynn Braden

Dr. Kennedy Kay thinks she has finally landed her dream position as a doctor for a professional sports team, but when she arrives for her first day with the Windy City Warriors baseball team, the current head of the Heath and Wellness Department denies her the opportunity because she is a woman. Taking the position as a trainer is a step down from her qualifications, but it's better than nothing.  Star player Isaiah Rhodes has driven Kennedy crazy with his flirtation for three years that she has worked for the Warriors, but now that her engagement has been called off, he is even more of a nuisance than ever, especially when they get drunk and accidentally get married in Las Vegas.

Play Along is the fourth book in the Windy City series, and even though it is a good, well-written story, it just didn't carry the same impact as the first three.  Kennedy's need not to be touched seems out of place in a story about an athletic trainer, and it also becomes a repetitive distraction as the story moves forward.  While the reasons behind Kennedy's feelings are addressed, they are never confronted, leaving that plot thread incomplete as are some of the others in the novel.  Overall, Play Along is an entertaining read but misses several opportunities for it to be more.  

Ester Waclavova

Loved it, like the rest of the series.

So excited for Rio

anna haskins 

millena

4.5 ⭐️ I thought no book in this series would be as good as The Right Move but I've never been so happy to be wrong 🫂

I loved Isaiah and Kennedy soooo much 😩 I was afraid I wouldn't like their book bc of the trope but the author developed their story so well (and there’s no 3rd act breakup ‼️🥳)

The found family that Liz created with these books is inexplicable, the way the characters love and care for each other is so good to read, I cried so much with Kai's speech and with the players defending Kennedy when she needed it 😭 besides, after the epilogue I REALLY wanted her to write a series about their children in the future.

(one detail I loved was that Rio didn't appear much in this book bc I love him so much that in the other books every time he appeared I kept thinking “damn I want his book soon”)

This is by far my favorite read of 2024. This world is one of my absolute favorites. I actually cried when I realized I won’t be able to read this book again for the first time. I loved every single page of this book. I’m absolute obsessed and Obsessed is the rightful anthem to this book. I could go on and on about this book. Just know I love it and I’m afraid nothing will ever live up to this book. I’m so not ready for this series to end but am excited to have Rio’s book soon

Priscilla Stanfield

5/5⭐️ • 3/5🌶️

This is by far my favorite read of 2024. This world is one of my absolute favorites. I actually cried when I realized I won’t be able to read this book again for the first time. I loved every single page of this book. I’m absolute obsessed and Obsessed is the rightful anthem to this book. I could go on and on about this book. Just know I love it and I’m afraid nothing will ever live up to this book. I’m so not ready for this series to end but am excited to have Rio’s book soon

Riley Gallagher

Kennedy and Isaiah are so ducking cute I cannot. 

I didn’t think anything was wrong with them as such, but their relationship was so smooth sailing I didn’t feel anything as much. 

Also after four books, I’m exhausted reading so many smut scenes 😭😭

Keira 💫

Kennedy and Isaiah are so ducking cute I cannot. 

I didn’t think anything was wrong with them as such, but their relationship was so smooth sailing I didn’t feel anything as much. 

Also after four books, I’m exhausted reading so many smut scenes 😭😭

I didn’t think I would love Isaiah Rhodes more than Kai Rhodes, but boy was I wrong. I’m a goner for Isaiah. He’s the perfect blend of sweet and spice and everything nice. Marriage of convince trope has always been fun to read and this series just knew how to get me addicted. 