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Grover Beach Team #1
Play With Me
There are alternate cover editions for this ASIN here and here.
What if you had to do the one thing you hated most to get the guy you loved to notice you?
Ryan Hunter’s parties are legend. And tonight she’s going to be there.
Lisa Matthews anticipates the return of her best friend and only love since kindergarten from soccer camp. But when Tony finally shows up, his mind is more focused on another girl. And worse, she’s a soccer player. Fighting for the attention Lisa craves, she’s just a hairbreadth away from making a very stupid decision. But when extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures, she’s prepared to play ball to get her man.
The tryouts are hell, the first match ends bloody, and the morning after the selection party she wakes up in the worst place possible—in the arms of the captain of the soccer team. The hottest guy in school… Ryan Hunter.
What if you had to do the one thing you hated most to get the guy you loved to notice you?
Ryan Hunter’s parties are legend. And tonight she’s going to be there.
Lisa Matthews anticipates the return of her best friend and only love since kindergarten from soccer camp. But when Tony finally shows up, his mind is more focused on another girl. And worse, she’s a soccer player. Fighting for the attention Lisa craves, she’s just a hairbreadth away from making a very stupid decision. But when extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures, she’s prepared to play ball to get her man.
The tryouts are hell, the first match ends bloody, and the morning after the selection party she wakes up in the worst place possible—in the arms of the captain of the soccer team. The hottest guy in school… Ryan Hunter.
237 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 8, 2012
498 people are currently reading
9596 people want to read
About the author
Piper Shelly
6 books472 followersThe quick-and-dirty:
I’m a cool girl with a passion for writing.
The genres you’ll find me hanging out at are contemporary and paranormal YA, but I’m also snooping into some adult paranormal right now. All of them romances…of course.
The nitty-gritty:
I’m an Austrian lass—totally uncomplicated and up to anything fun.
I grew up in Vienna, not by free will but because my parents decided to move there when I was only 4 years old. I. Hated. The. City. Everything about it. So right after graduation I moved back to Upper Austria, where I settled down with a nice husband and an awesome laptop.
I’ve been a storyteller all my life. Already in kindergarten, I came up with the most exotic fantasies and tales. My teacher would call me a liar. I call it the cornerstone of my writing career.
People always told me you can’t make a living with being an author. So when my first novella PLAY WITH ME came out and shot straight to the stars within the first week, I was totally dumbstruck. Took me a while to realize what was happening, LOL.
And the personal stuff:
At the (awesome) age of seventeen, I met the love of my life. But he was a playboy, and I was so not going to be his next trophy. It took him another four years of fighting for me until I finally decided to give that “couple-thing” with him a shot. I’m now married to this man. ;-)
We have an eleven-year-old son, and together we travel a lot…although I sometimes wish the trips were shorter because I can’t wait to get back to my laptop and my many stories. Unless we’re in Disneyland. No stress to go home then…
If you still want to know more about me, my FAQ page is the right address for you. ;-)
http://pipershelly.com/faq/
I’m a cool girl with a passion for writing.
The genres you’ll find me hanging out at are contemporary and paranormal YA, but I’m also snooping into some adult paranormal right now. All of them romances…of course.
The nitty-gritty:
I’m an Austrian lass—totally uncomplicated and up to anything fun.
I grew up in Vienna, not by free will but because my parents decided to move there when I was only 4 years old. I. Hated. The. City. Everything about it. So right after graduation I moved back to Upper Austria, where I settled down with a nice husband and an awesome laptop.
I’ve been a storyteller all my life. Already in kindergarten, I came up with the most exotic fantasies and tales. My teacher would call me a liar. I call it the cornerstone of my writing career.
People always told me you can’t make a living with being an author. So when my first novella PLAY WITH ME came out and shot straight to the stars within the first week, I was totally dumbstruck. Took me a while to realize what was happening, LOL.
And the personal stuff:
At the (awesome) age of seventeen, I met the love of my life. But he was a playboy, and I was so not going to be his next trophy. It took him another four years of fighting for me until I finally decided to give that “couple-thing” with him a shot. I’m now married to this man. ;-)
We have an eleven-year-old son, and together we travel a lot…although I sometimes wish the trips were shorter because I can’t wait to get back to my laptop and my many stories. Unless we’re in Disneyland. No stress to go home then…
If you still want to know more about me, my FAQ page is the right address for you. ;-)
http://pipershelly.com/faq/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,127 reviews
July 12, 2013
“For the time being,”He emphasized each word. “I’ll be the only one climbing through your window.”
Genre: YA/ Contemporary romance
Play With Me was such an amazing and cute book! Just...
Let's be honest here, i did not have high expectations for this book. I thought it'll be a 3-4 star read.
It was so freaking hilarious! I haven't laughed this much in what seems like a very long time.
Meet the main characters!
Liza Matthews has had a crush on her best friend Tony since kindergarten. She's dying to see him after he went away to soccer camp, but when he finally arrives he has his sight on another girl.
And worse, she's a soccer player. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and Liza deciding to fight for her boy joins the team.
In enter...
Ryan stood over me. “What are you doing?”
“Dying.”
The tryouts end up a total catastrophe, the first match ends up bloody and the morning after the selection party she wakes up in the worst place possible—in the arms of the captain of the soccer team. The hottest guy in school - Ryan Hunter.
Which boy will Liza play with? Will Ryan win her heart over?
What i thought of Liza?: I don't think i have ever adored a main female protagonist so much. She wasn't annoying like all the other female characters and for that i am so grateful. I could extremely easily understand and connect with her because she was very much like myself - sarcastic, didn't let people bring her down, and had the most amazing comebacks ever. They had me laughing out loud. Although i was a little bit angry at her for still having a crush on Tony after what a jerk he was to her, i was like...
What i thought of Ryan?:
I absolutely LOVED, LOVED, LOVED Ryan! He was so sexy, sweet and just swoon worthy. Ladies, you will need a bib because you will drool all over the place. He was also a very interesting character to read about. I only wish we would get more background about him, and more scenes where he's at least half naked wink**.
Liza's and Hunter's relationship was beautiful at it's worst. It was heart-warming and heart-melting and just 'awww'. I love them together so much! And i simply adored reading the romantic and not so scenes between them - like every time Hunter climbed through Liza's window.
“You’re such an ass, you know.” I shoved his shoulder, grinning at him.
The roguish gleam in his eyes captured me. “I’ve been told girls go for that.”
Overall
Play With Me was a fabulous book that i inhaled in one day. Din't want to put it down. A very sweet, short 200 pages novella that i recommend to everyone who loves romance books. A perfect summer read. Although, you might want to re-think if you're the type of reader who hates love triangles and girl having a crush on her best friend.
I'm dying to read Hunters POV. So if anyone has a spare copy or something let me know!
April 1, 2023
Die 16-jährige Liza ist seit Kindertagen mit Tony eng befreundet. Er ist ihr allerbester Freund, doch dann taucht plötzlich Chloe auf, für die Tony sich tatsächlich zu interessieren scheint. Um Chloe auszustechen und Tony wieder für sich zu gewinnen, nimmt Liza an der Auswahl für die neue Fußball-Schulmannschaft teil, obwohl sie Fußball eigentlich gar nicht leiden kann. Doch Tony spielt Fußball, und Liza wird tatsächlich in die neue Mannschaft aufgenommen. Hier trifft sie auch auf Ryan, der der Kapitän der Mannschaft ist und sich auffallend um Liza bemüht...
💙💙💙
Mein Leseeindruck:
Eigentlich wäre mir dieses Buch gar nicht aufgefallen, aber es ist mir inzwischen so oft empfohlen worden, dass ich neugierig geworden bin. Also wollte ich es nun auch endlich lesen, und ich muss sagen, es hat sich gelohnt! Die Geschichte von Liza, Tony und Ryan ist wirklich zuckersüß; es hat mir viel Spaß gemacht, das Buch zu lesen. Der Schreibstil ist auch sehr angenehm und leicht, so dass die Seiten schnell weggelesen sind. Nachdem mir also dieser erste Band so gut gefallen hat, werde ich bestimmt noch Folgebände der Reihe lesen.
💙💙💙
Mein Leseeindruck:
Eigentlich wäre mir dieses Buch gar nicht aufgefallen, aber es ist mir inzwischen so oft empfohlen worden, dass ich neugierig geworden bin. Also wollte ich es nun auch endlich lesen, und ich muss sagen, es hat sich gelohnt! Die Geschichte von Liza, Tony und Ryan ist wirklich zuckersüß; es hat mir viel Spaß gemacht, das Buch zu lesen. Der Schreibstil ist auch sehr angenehm und leicht, so dass die Seiten schnell weggelesen sind. Nachdem mir also dieser erste Band so gut gefallen hat, werde ich bestimmt noch Folgebände der Reihe lesen.
September 28, 2013
4.5 Sexy Soccer Player Stars! Someone find me a time machine so I can climb in, go back to high school, and find me a Ryan Hunter!
Young love, it can be so cruel, but it can also be so good and incredibly sweet! This was excellent! The cover and the price were what caught my eye, then I read the sample, I immediately one-clicked, because I was hooked! This is an adorable, swoon-worthy story with some really great characters. It's amusing, fun and it doesn't wallow in angst, which made it that much better.
Liza's confused and hurt, but an unexpected boy comes into her life, makes her forget and she finds herself falling for him...just as I did. Ryan Hunter where were you when I was back in high school? You were there, you just didn't see me. So, I lived my teenage fantasy through Liza Matthews, and for a while Ryan Hunter was mine too!
I love a good YA, was in the mood for one, and this was exactly what I was looking for! This is a read that will appeal to all ages. The writing is very good, the dialogue is witty and cute...and lots of it...and the story is entertaining. For a few hours it took this older reader back to her youth, and I had a blast! Oh my, young love and your first kiss...*sigh*
I see there is a version of this story, Ryan Hunter, written from Ryan's point of view. The author did a wonderful job portraying a teenage girl, now I'm curious to see what she does with a boy's. More time with Ryan Hunter...woohoo! Guess what I'll be reading this afternoon?!
9/28/13 ~ Play With Me is only $0.99 for Kindle. Worth every penny for this well done YA novella!
January 11, 2020
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Surprised It's Not That Bad*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
Re-read:
I don't know why I'm trying at another re-read of a YA book. I mean, YA and I do not get along anymore, and haven't for quite some time. But I wanted to test myself at least one more time. I mean, I might luck out. The book centers around Liza ‘Liz’ Isadora Matthews (16), a girl who has loved her best friend for ages. Unfortunately, he only has eyes for another girl, and then there's the boy with the tiger eyes that seems to catch her attention.
Overall, I'm glad I did this re-read. The book is adorable, cute and had me smiling quite a lot. I'm surprised at how fast the time went while reading it. I didn't stop once, nor did I want to. That being said, I strongly want more of Liza and Ryan. With them being a couple and in college, but in the new adult genre. This one is a typical YA romance story, yet the characters aren't naive, so it doesn't feel like it's a YA all the time, which is good. Put in a bit more naughty scenes and make the book longer and it would've been perfect ;) So I'm surprised the book still works for me 7 years later.
Other Characters:
→ Ryan Hunter (18), the captain of the Grover Beach’s high school soccer team and the hottest guy in school.
→ Anthony ‘Tony’ Mitchell, Liza's best friend and only love since kindergarten from soccer camp.
→ Susan Miller, a girl on the soccer team.
→ Cloey ‘Cloesetta’ ‘Barbie Clone/Girl’ Summers, a girl on the soccer team who Liz hate as she flirts with Tony. Only for Tony to finally share the news that they are dating.
→ Simone Simpkins, friend of Liz.
→ Rachel ‘Rach’ Carter, Hunter's sister. Philip Carter, her husband, who own's Club Tuscany.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Young Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/F).
Series: - Series, Book One.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Ryan Hunter.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Sure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Sure.
Will I read this again in the future? - Who knows.
New Rating - 3.5 stars.
First read:
What an beautiful quick read! God, I love it! I seriously wish it was long!! Piper Shelly, why did you write so little?! I need more! It was wonderful! I'm pretty sure I laughed until tears were streaming down my cheeks! The characters.. One word: AWWWEE!! They were completely adorable! And those hot kisses from Ryan..Damn..
Liza was awesome, snarky, and woah, I just loved her attitude! Damn, that girl know how to talk!! But.. yeah there is a but.. Sometimes she did annoy me.. And I think that's why I'm not giving this book a clean five stars... And of course, as much as I adored Tony, I think he was a shitty friend sometimes.. I mean, leaving Liza drunk, (and not for the first time, I must say!) alone with people she doesn't know so he can dance with some blond chick? No, just no! Ryan on the other hand... Mmmmm, I would love some of that body of his.. The way he is towards Liza is so freaking adorable, and cute, and perfect! I love them as a couple!
I really want more of them, so I freaking pray that Piper will write more.. Perhaps some future collage, jealousy, fighting, sweat, alone together, a bed, hands everywhere..... Sounds good? Yeah... :D
Rate: 4.5 stars
December 21, 2012
Morning came... and I still love this novella. I think this is the first book after months that really made me giddy because of the sweetness? Ah! I don't know what to phrase it in English but we do have this word in Tagalog called 'kilig'.
kilig (KEE-lig) – To shiver. When used in topics of love and romance, it means to shiver with delight when something romantic or cute...
That's what I freakin' felt while reading this novella. I'm grinning from ear to ear (Thank God it's night time when I read this), stupidly feeling happy and I've been biting my lower lip while reading to stop myself from smiling. BUT I JUST CAN'T HELP IT.
A smirk played around one corner of his mouth.
“I’m afraid my time of numb indifference is over.”
His thumb had started drawing small circles on my skin.
“So, unless you’re up for some trouble now, would you mind moving your leg?”
“I strongly suggest you don’t do that. During a game you will have to stop the ball. But you’re not allowed to use your hands. So you use your body to block it. Your shoulders, or head, but mostly your chest.”
“Aha. There’s only one problem with that.” I cupped my boobs with both hands. “I’ve got these!”
Struck silent, his gaze traveled from my eyes downward and didn’t return. The spark in his eyes almost scared me. Like I was Snow White and he was the…Hunter. In fact, I didn’t want to even imagine what thoughts crossed his mind right then. I sapped my fingers between our faces.
“Eyes up here.” He obeyed. Reluctantly. The sliver of an impish smile crept to his lips
It's a light novella, a bit predictable, BUT I really love it cause it made me really really smile, an honest-to-goodness smile. An innocent smile and laugh, not the smile because I know something would lead to something adult-like. LOL. I've been reading new-adult books a lot now, so this is just a good change of pace.
July 26, 2020
Actual Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5
My GR challenge was in desperate need of help, soooo I used this quick read.🙈
Liza Matthews has always been in love with her best friend, Tony, but he's never really noticed or if he has, he's not doing anything about it. She finally decides that maybe joining the soccer team (which he's on) will get Tony's attention. Everything changes though after a party at Ryan Hunter's...........😱
I knew going into this that it'd be really short, but I was still surprised—especially with the ending.
It was pretty......abrupt. It's not really much of an ending, although I've read reviews for the 2nd book which shows Ryan's POV and there's more of an ending there, so I'll definitely read that soon.
Oh and something else: one scene in the story was super unrealistic—it was actually funny how unbelievable it was.🤣 Ryan and Tony are both yelling at each other with a lot of punching in the middle of the night INSIDE Liza's room while her mom is asleep in the same HOUSE. I don't know about you, but my parents would definitely wake up from that—they wake up from a CUP falling onto the floor so a bunch of yelling and fighting would with no doubt awaken them.😂
Ahhhh oh well, it's fiction.🤷♀️
Well, Play With Me was a cute and light read. I just wish that it was longer and we could've seen maybe more development with the MC and other characters....? I liked the characters and all (especially Ryan🤩), but I would've liked to know more about them.😢
Can't wait to see Ryan's POV!
|Blog|
My GR challenge was in desperate need of help, soooo I used this quick read.🙈
Liza Matthews has always been in love with her best friend, Tony, but he's never really noticed or if he has, he's not doing anything about it. She finally decides that maybe joining the soccer team (which he's on) will get Tony's attention. Everything changes though after a party at Ryan Hunter's...........😱
I knew going into this that it'd be really short, but I was still surprised—especially with the ending.
It was pretty......abrupt. It's not really much of an ending, although I've read reviews for the 2nd book which shows Ryan's POV and there's more of an ending there, so I'll definitely read that soon.
Oh and something else: one scene in the story was super unrealistic—it was actually funny how unbelievable it was.🤣 Ryan and Tony are both yelling at each other with a lot of punching in the middle of the night INSIDE Liza's room while her mom is asleep in the same HOUSE. I don't know about you, but my parents would definitely wake up from that—they wake up from a CUP falling onto the floor so a bunch of yelling and fighting would with no doubt awaken them.😂
Ahhhh oh well, it's fiction.🤷♀️
Well, Play With Me was a cute and light read. I just wish that it was longer and we could've seen maybe more development with the MC and other characters....? I liked the characters and all (especially Ryan🤩), but I would've liked to know more about them.😢
Can't wait to see Ryan's POV!
|Blog|
February 2, 2015
If it was Piper Shelly's intent to showcase the shallow nature of teenagers, she's succeeded spectacularly with this book and its sequel. I can't quite figure out how to describe Shelly's writing. I think she has potential. She knows how to pace, at least, and her plots could make for some compelling reads, but her characters and the attention she pays to detail are abysmal. The reader isn't led into the story and shown around so much as thrust into the middle of an OC-style melodrama. And don't read this hoping for any kind of emotional depth because there isn't any.
Probably a read teenagers would love since there's a lot of angst and kissing and whatnot, but the emotional connection that most seasoned readers require is glaringly absent.
Probably a read teenagers would love since there's a lot of angst and kissing and whatnot, but the emotional connection that most seasoned readers require is glaringly absent.
November 24, 2015
Very cute and sweet! Really liked it :)
Epilogue for Play With Me is up here :)
http://pipershelly.com/epilogue-for-p...
Epilogue for Play With Me is up here :)
http://pipershelly.com/epilogue-for-p...
October 24, 2016
“For the time being—”He emphasized each word. “I’ll be the only one climbing through your window.”
I don't know why I did it... The cover announces a cheesy romance, the summary too, I'm officially 19 years old and therefore, way too old for those romances with a lot of drama, which include girls who think their lives gravitate around boys and that if a guy will stop being a part of their life, everything will be ruined + girl hate + another girl "stealing" their crush away and all those high school tropes that I hate. I just hoped I would find a decent romance which included soccer, yeah, sure, keep searching, gurl.
I don't know why I did it... The cover announces a cheesy romance, the summary too, I'm officially 19 years old and therefore, way too old for those romances with a lot of drama, which include girls who think their lives gravitate around boys and that if a guy will stop being a part of their life, everything will be ruined + girl hate + another girl "stealing" their crush away and all those high school tropes that I hate. I just hoped I would find a decent romance which included soccer, yeah, sure, keep searching, gurl.
December 9, 2012
Scarily enough, I LOVED this story..... 0_o Lke I REALLY LOVED IT!!! Coming from ME, that says a lot, considering this is YA!!!
September 27, 2016
3.5 Young Love Stars
September 30, 2013
4.5 Very cute, *sigh*, young love stars!!
It's been quite a long time since I've read a true-blue YA book like this one. I say, true-blue because this book and others like it (see Julie Prestsater's So I'm a Double Threat as an example) has a more, shall I say, realistic portrayal of high school love and the drama that goes along with it. And personally, I find these books endearing and it takes me back to, well, my own high school days. :)
Play With Me tells the story of Liza Matthews, a semi-awkward high school student who's been in love with her best friend, Tony, since kindergarten. Unfortunately for Liza, Tony returned from soccer camp in love, but *gasp*, not with her but with another girl.
In order to get close to Tony and steal his attention away from his new love interest, Liza joined the soccer team organized by the boy's soccer team. Determined to fight for her man, Liza accepted Ryan Hunter's proposal to help her with her soccer skills.
Ryan Hunter, by the way, is the team captain. Gorgeous, loaded and actually very sweet. And he seems to enjoy Liza's company as much as she's enjoying his. But of course, not everything is quite what it seemed and when secrets started coming out, Liza must choose between Tony and Ryan. No worries though for all of you love-triangle-trope haters like me, this isn't a love triangle per se. Just one heck of a confuse girl who needs a little push in the right direction.
Very entertaining, very sweet, very cute novella about the joys and pitfalls of young love. I really enjoyed myself. Ryan Hunter is a wonderful hero and Liza is adorable. A great novella to read in between "heavier" themed books. Definitely worth it!
It's been quite a long time since I've read a true-blue YA book like this one. I say, true-blue because this book and others like it (see Julie Prestsater's So I'm a Double Threat as an example) has a more, shall I say, realistic portrayal of high school love and the drama that goes along with it. And personally, I find these books endearing and it takes me back to, well, my own high school days. :)
Play With Me tells the story of Liza Matthews, a semi-awkward high school student who's been in love with her best friend, Tony, since kindergarten. Unfortunately for Liza, Tony returned from soccer camp in love, but *gasp*, not with her but with another girl.
In order to get close to Tony and steal his attention away from his new love interest, Liza joined the soccer team organized by the boy's soccer team. Determined to fight for her man, Liza accepted Ryan Hunter's proposal to help her with her soccer skills.
Ryan Hunter, by the way, is the team captain. Gorgeous, loaded and actually very sweet. And he seems to enjoy Liza's company as much as she's enjoying his. But of course, not everything is quite what it seemed and when secrets started coming out, Liza must choose between Tony and Ryan. No worries though for all of you love-triangle-trope haters like me, this isn't a love triangle per se. Just one heck of a confuse girl who needs a little push in the right direction.
Very entertaining, very sweet, very cute novella about the joys and pitfalls of young love. I really enjoyed myself. Ryan Hunter is a wonderful hero and Liza is adorable. A great novella to read in between "heavier" themed books. Definitely worth it!
February 13, 2017
Я люблю, люблю эту книгу.
Это был такой прекрасный роман, такой забавный и легкий. Такой милый и потрясающий. Все как я люблю от и до. Язык автора, герои, сюжет – словно эта книга писалась специально для меня.
Лиз с детства влюблена в своего лучшего друга. Они множество раз спали вместе в одной кровати, он регулярно тайком пробирался через окно в ее комнату, Тони играет с ее волосами и всегда защищает от обидчиков. Но увы… они всего лишь лучшие друзья. Но не смотря на все девушка твердо уверена, что Тони ее будущий муж и им суждено быть вместе. Все меняется, когда Тони начинает уделять внимание другой девушке, и Лиза решает начать бороться за свою любовь. Но что делать, если интерес к ней начнет проявлять близкий друг Томи, капитан футбольной команды, ловелас Райан Хантер?
Звучит немного запутанно, но на деле это не так. Я наслаждалась этой книгой. Забавными и бесконечно милыми моментами между Лизой и Райаном, ее попытками обратить на себя внимание Томи. Честно, я не особая сторонница треугольников в книгах, но здесь все было так гармонично и взвешенно. К тому же ситуация и поступки героев были понятны и логичны от и до. Все их слова, действия соответствовали возрасту и событиям.
Я, правда, совершенно ничего плохого не могу сказать об этой книге. Это замечательный роман. ВОСХИТИТЕЛЬНЫЙ. Люблю такие простые и одновременно очаровательные романтичные истории. Мне кажется, каждая девушка в романтических историях представляет себя героиней такой вот истории.
К слову книга читается моментально, буквально проглатывается за полчаса. Насчет остального, молчу-молчу, только отмечу, что Райан – душка и мимимии.
Это был такой прекрасный роман, такой забавный и легкий. Такой милый и потрясающий. Все как я люблю от и до. Язык автора, герои, сюжет – словно эта книга писалась специально для меня.
Лиз с детства влюблена в своего лучшего друга. Они множество раз спали вместе в одной кровати, он регулярно тайком пробирался через окно в ее комнату, Тони играет с ее волосами и всегда защищает от обидчиков. Но увы… они всего лишь лучшие друзья. Но не смотря на все девушка твердо уверена, что Тони ее будущий муж и им суждено быть вместе. Все меняется, когда Тони начинает уделять внимание другой девушке, и Лиза решает начать бороться за свою любовь. Но что делать, если интерес к ней начнет проявлять близкий друг Томи, капитан футбольной команды, ловелас Райан Хантер?
Звучит немного запутанно, но на деле это не так. Я наслаждалась этой книгой. Забавными и бесконечно милыми моментами между Лизой и Райаном, ее попытками обратить на себя внимание Томи. Честно, я не особая сторонница треугольников в книгах, но здесь все было так гармонично и взвешенно. К тому же ситуация и поступки героев были понятны и логичны от и до. Все их слова, действия соответствовали возрасту и событиям.
Я, правда, совершенно ничего плохого не могу сказать об этой книге. Это замечательный роман. ВОСХИТИТЕЛЬНЫЙ. Люблю такие простые и одновременно очаровательные романтичные истории. Мне кажется, каждая девушка в романтических историях представляет себя героиней такой вот истории.
К слову книга читается моментально, буквально проглатывается за полчаса. Насчет остального, молчу-молчу, только отмечу, что Райан – душка и мимимии.
December 18, 2014
4.5 stars
Liza has been best friends with Tony since kindergarden. She's also in love with him (or so she thinks). So when Tony comes back from soccer camp obviously infatuated with a girl that plays in the team, she decides the only way to win him back is to enter the team herself. But once there, she captures the attention of the team's captain, Ryan Hunter, who's a known playboy. And the fun begins:)
A book that forces me to put two very nice books I was already reading on hold, leaves me with a huge smile on my face and an incredible itch on my finger that will 99% force me to press the one-click-buy button within the next couple of hours in order to buy the second book (which is essentially the same story from the hero's POV), obviously deserves a place in my keepers shelf.
This freebie is certainly one of the best books I read this year and I can't wait to see Ryan's POV (even though two GR friends warned me I might get bored if I read them back to back!). But I can't get enough of Ryan, sorry girls!
I only wish this was a bit longer. I needed a couple more meetings between them before the big night. And though I loved the epilogue, those two were so cute together, I needed a bit more of their HEA too. Hope Ryan's book will deliver all these.
If you're looking for a light, enjoyable, humorous, sweet YA romance with two likable characters and little to no drama, look no further.
Liza has been best friends with Tony since kindergarden. She's also in love with him (or so she thinks). So when Tony comes back from soccer camp obviously infatuated with a girl that plays in the team, she decides the only way to win him back is to enter the team herself. But once there, she captures the attention of the team's captain, Ryan Hunter, who's a known playboy. And the fun begins:)
A book that forces me to put two very nice books I was already reading on hold, leaves me with a huge smile on my face and an incredible itch on my finger that will 99% force me to press the one-click-buy button within the next couple of hours in order to buy the second book (which is essentially the same story from the hero's POV), obviously deserves a place in my keepers shelf.
This freebie is certainly one of the best books I read this year and I can't wait to see Ryan's POV (even though two GR friends warned me I might get bored if I read them back to back!). But I can't get enough of Ryan, sorry girls!
I only wish this was a bit longer. I needed a couple more meetings between them before the big night. And though I loved the epilogue, those two were so cute together, I needed a bit more of their HEA too. Hope Ryan's book will deliver all these.
If you're looking for a light, enjoyable, humorous, sweet YA romance with two likable characters and little to no drama, look no further.
December 15, 2012
For a self published book, this is surprisingly well edited. Also the Pinky and the Brain reference :D
May 20, 2016
That was pretty short!
But other than that, it was a fun fluffy read.
It was kind of generic and stereotypical but I still liked it.
The characters (and by charterers I mean Ryan and Lisa) are pretty awesome!
Ryan is so mature for an 18-year-old boy and not the typical player!
And he was perfect for Lisa! I loved that he respected and treated her like a queen.
Tony was pretty cool too!
I loved how Ryan already liked Lisa before he met her. What I mean is that it wasn't like the whole, meets-dork-falls-in-love-after-being-skeptical-about-dork's-effect-on-popular-status.
While Lisa isn't exactly a dork or unpopular, she still isn't the typical barbie that the stereotypical jocks go after. Ryan still liked her. Not because of a hot bod or popular status.
Give this book a shot!
As for me, I'll be on the couch reading the sequel :D
But other than that, it was a fun fluffy read.
It was kind of generic and stereotypical but I still liked it.
The characters (and by charterers I mean Ryan and Lisa) are pretty awesome!
Ryan is so mature for an 18-year-old boy and not the typical player!
And he was perfect for Lisa! I loved that he respected and treated her like a queen.
Tony was pretty cool too!
I loved how Ryan already liked Lisa before he met her. What I mean is that it wasn't like the whole, meets-dork-falls-in-love-after-being-skeptical-about-dork's-effect-on-popular-status.
While Lisa isn't exactly a dork or unpopular, she still isn't the typical barbie that the stereotypical jocks go after. Ryan still liked her. Not because of a hot bod or popular status.
Give this book a shot!
As for me, I'll be on the couch reading the sequel :D
April 16, 2018
This is more like three and a half stars.
I feel like this should have been book two in this series and book two should have been book one.
I'm really glad I accidentally read book two first. I really enjoyed this story from Ryan's pov and the longer story. This is an enjoyable ya romance though and I will continue this series.
Lisa is in love with her childhood friend Tony. They do everything together but she's almost seventeen and they have never even kissed. She's surprised when he comes back from soccer camp and everything seems off. Tony's friend Ryan, captain of the soccer team, pressures her to tryout for the new co-ed team and she gives in. When he offers to give her personal training she agrees too. For some reason she can't say no to Ryan Hunter.
I feel like this should have been book two in this series and book two should have been book one.
I'm really glad I accidentally read book two first. I really enjoyed this story from Ryan's pov and the longer story. This is an enjoyable ya romance though and I will continue this series.
Lisa is in love with her childhood friend Tony. They do everything together but she's almost seventeen and they have never even kissed. She's surprised when he comes back from soccer camp and everything seems off. Tony's friend Ryan, captain of the soccer team, pressures her to tryout for the new co-ed team and she gives in. When he offers to give her personal training she agrees too. For some reason she can't say no to Ryan Hunter.
August 14, 2017
Infradesarrollado. Todo pasa demasiado rápido, no da tiempo de empatizar con los personajes: en una página Liza dice estar enamorada de su mejor amigo del cual ya olvidé el nombre desde hace 10 años, giras la pagina y está suspirando por Ryan Hunter, giras la pagina y terminó el libro.
December 3, 2015
Original Review @ Naomi’s Reading Palace
4.5 Stars
I love a good sports romance, and when I saw this on a friend’s blog (Marilyn’s Mystery Blog) I had to check it out for myself. It was free, so I snapped it up and decided to read it immediately because I was looking for something light and fun. It turned out to be exactly what I needed and I really enjoyed reading it!
Lisa has spent the summer waiting for Tony to come back and when he does he seems to brush her off a little, wanting to go to the local cafe to discuss the mixed soccer team. Even though Tony invited her to go along, I could see that she was hurt by his actions, and it didn’t stop there as he interacted with Chloe, who is also a soccer player; they are a bit touchy and sweet to one another. So when she is challenged by Ryan to try out for the team she doesn’t hesitate. After her disastrous day on the grass, she somehow makes the team and finally gets to go to one of Ryan’s famous parties.
I really liked Lisa! She was willing to step out of her comfort zone to try and get the guy she likes to see her as more than his best friend. She was a little naive at times, not being more careful at parties, but that’s due to lack of experience and being only sixteen. I liked seeing her interact with Ryan, and how she was oblivious to the crush he had on her. Just the simple things like going out of his way to talk to her, inviting her to try out and to his party, and helping her take her mind of things when she needed it most.
The whole story was entertaining and light! I loved going back to high school and experiencing those feelings; the crushes, being part of a team and the sadness of feelings not being mutual. I liked seeing the connection between Lisa and Ryan grow; Lisa is unsure of her feelings, but the heated glances from Ryan made me giggle like a school girl! Tony made me a little cranky though; he was a crappy best friend. He withheld information from Lisa and would forget about her. But I was happy Ryan was there to swoop in and save the day!
This is the first book I have read by Piper Shelly, and she has found an instant fan in me! I connected to the world that she created and felt that the characters were believable. My only complaint, Play With Me too short! It was such a fast read and was over in no time! I wanted more from these characters! If you enjoy young adult reads that will take you back to your high school days, pick this one up while it’s still free!
4.5 Stars
I love a good sports romance, and when I saw this on a friend’s blog (Marilyn’s Mystery Blog) I had to check it out for myself. It was free, so I snapped it up and decided to read it immediately because I was looking for something light and fun. It turned out to be exactly what I needed and I really enjoyed reading it!
Lisa has spent the summer waiting for Tony to come back and when he does he seems to brush her off a little, wanting to go to the local cafe to discuss the mixed soccer team. Even though Tony invited her to go along, I could see that she was hurt by his actions, and it didn’t stop there as he interacted with Chloe, who is also a soccer player; they are a bit touchy and sweet to one another. So when she is challenged by Ryan to try out for the team she doesn’t hesitate. After her disastrous day on the grass, she somehow makes the team and finally gets to go to one of Ryan’s famous parties.
I really liked Lisa! She was willing to step out of her comfort zone to try and get the guy she likes to see her as more than his best friend. She was a little naive at times, not being more careful at parties, but that’s due to lack of experience and being only sixteen. I liked seeing her interact with Ryan, and how she was oblivious to the crush he had on her. Just the simple things like going out of his way to talk to her, inviting her to try out and to his party, and helping her take her mind of things when she needed it most.
The whole story was entertaining and light! I loved going back to high school and experiencing those feelings; the crushes, being part of a team and the sadness of feelings not being mutual. I liked seeing the connection between Lisa and Ryan grow; Lisa is unsure of her feelings, but the heated glances from Ryan made me giggle like a school girl! Tony made me a little cranky though; he was a crappy best friend. He withheld information from Lisa and would forget about her. But I was happy Ryan was there to swoop in and save the day!
This is the first book I have read by Piper Shelly, and she has found an instant fan in me! I connected to the world that she created and felt that the characters were believable. My only complaint, Play With Me too short! It was such a fast read and was over in no time! I wanted more from these characters! If you enjoy young adult reads that will take you back to your high school days, pick this one up while it’s still free!
February 24, 2013
This book was like a chocolate snack between two main meals-short,fast and yummy!
Liz is about to be 17 and she has never kissed a boy because she is in love with her best friend Tony who has a passion for soccer and is suddenly interested in another soccer girl! Liz is determined that Tony and her are meant to be together and in order to win him over she signs in the tryouts for the soccer team. Team captain Ryan Hunter takes it on him to teach Liz soccer and everything else if she only takes her eyes from Tony.
Liz at the beginning of he book seems a little naive and childish with her "Liz+Tony=LFE" ideas but she gets over it.
Now I know I've said I don't like triangles but this book was fast and without the usual pathetic "oh, I love them both", "oh, I don't want to hurt them", "oh, I'm a little slut and have two bfs", so that at the end I really had no problem with it.
Of course the book didn't exactly have a plot to brag about and it wasn't all that original so you may ask why the 4 stars. It was the fact that I had a good time reading it and I believe that this is the goal of such books, not heavy thinking, not emotional turmoil, just something pleasant to read and forget.
Btw I loved Ryan(sexy,easy-going,considerate) and absolutely hated Tony(ignorant,idiot,pathetic). Okey maybe I am a little partial but you get what I mean!;)
Liz is about to be 17 and she has never kissed a boy because she is in love with her best friend Tony who has a passion for soccer and is suddenly interested in another soccer girl! Liz is determined that Tony and her are meant to be together and in order to win him over she signs in the tryouts for the soccer team. Team captain Ryan Hunter takes it on him to teach Liz soccer and everything else if she only takes her eyes from Tony.
Liz at the beginning of he book seems a little naive and childish with her "Liz+Tony=LFE" ideas but she gets over it.
Now I know I've said I don't like triangles but this book was fast and without the usual pathetic "oh, I love them both", "oh, I don't want to hurt them", "oh, I'm a little slut and have two bfs", so that at the end I really had no problem with it.
Of course the book didn't exactly have a plot to brag about and it wasn't all that original so you may ask why the 4 stars. It was the fact that I had a good time reading it and I believe that this is the goal of such books, not heavy thinking, not emotional turmoil, just something pleasant to read and forget.
Btw I loved Ryan(sexy,easy-going,considerate) and absolutely hated Tony(ignorant,idiot,pathetic). Okey maybe I am a little partial but you get what I mean!;)
September 23, 2016
I loved this! YA can be hit or miss, this was definitely a winner. The synopsis won me over instantly. I loved seeing love blossom from an unexpected place. Ryan Hunter was hot, captain of the guys soccer team and has his eyes set on Lisa. Too bad she's in love with her best friend, Tony.
This was clean, plenty of sexual innuendos, though. I adored Ryan. I loved Lisa. Tony was ok. This type of story is among my favorites in YA: sports romance with an unexpected love interest, an underdog. I loved it and picking up book 2 from Ryan's perspective.
This was clean, plenty of sexual innuendos, though. I adored Ryan. I loved Lisa. Tony was ok. This type of story is among my favorites in YA: sports romance with an unexpected love interest, an underdog. I loved it and picking up book 2 from Ryan's perspective.
October 10, 2013
Play With Me was such a great story about first loves and first kisses and true love and friendship. This story was a quick read and I wanted more but when I found out there is going to be a book from Hunter's POV I just about had a heart attack and when you read this book you see why. There was so much going on in my head when I read this book because the story flowed so smooth that at times I had to say WTF when one of the characters acted up.
So the low down is this Liza Matthews has loved her best friend and partner in crime Tony since she was in Kindergarten. She has done every thing with him and they have spent night after night with each other. Yes they are best friends but Liza seriously loves Tony and she is head over heels with him and she decides that this is going to be the summer because she is going to tell him how she feels. Well let's just say that it does not work out that way but what does happen is EPIC because Liza is about to find out what kind of best friend Tony is and what it feels like to have a broken heart only to discover that the person you thought you loved all this time is actually not the person you REALLY love.
This is where Tony's best friend and Soccer Captain Hunter Ryan comes in. Lord he is hot sex on a platter and he plays soccer my favorite sport in the whole wide world! See Hunter has a secret and when that secret comes out Liza and Tony's life and Hunter's will change in the blink of an eye. What happens when Liza and Tony and Hunter's worlds collide and the secrets are revealed and the lies are uncovered and hearts are broken and fists start flying? Well you have to read it to find out!
So the low down is this Liza Matthews has loved her best friend and partner in crime Tony since she was in Kindergarten. She has done every thing with him and they have spent night after night with each other. Yes they are best friends but Liza seriously loves Tony and she is head over heels with him and she decides that this is going to be the summer because she is going to tell him how she feels. Well let's just say that it does not work out that way but what does happen is EPIC because Liza is about to find out what kind of best friend Tony is and what it feels like to have a broken heart only to discover that the person you thought you loved all this time is actually not the person you REALLY love.
This is where Tony's best friend and Soccer Captain Hunter Ryan comes in. Lord he is hot sex on a platter and he plays soccer my favorite sport in the whole wide world! See Hunter has a secret and when that secret comes out Liza and Tony's life and Hunter's will change in the blink of an eye. What happens when Liza and Tony and Hunter's worlds collide and the secrets are revealed and the lies are uncovered and hearts are broken and fists start flying? Well you have to read it to find out!
April 5, 2017
Книга очень даже ничего, вот только крайне короткая. Язык не поворачивается ее книгой назвать, это скорее рассказ... рассказик. А рассказы я не люблю, только начнешь к героям привыкать, а все, уже конец.
Вспоминается цитата из фанфика Кассандры Клэр: "Да про его житье-бытье я могу хоть сейчас рассказать. Родился, наелся картошки, наигрался в квиддич, перепихнулся, наелся картошки, умер".
Вот такие короткие истории мне напоминают такой рассказ: знакомство, пара романтичных моментов, любовь на века.
Но, в общем и целом, милая, забавная, юмор у автора отличный, герои вышли неплохими, парень так вообще красавчик. Можно потратить 30 минут на рассказик, не пожалеете, но чего-то серьезного не ждите, повторяю, мило и романтично, рассказ про подростков.
Вспоминается цитата из фанфика Кассандры Клэр: "Да про его житье-бытье я могу хоть сейчас рассказать. Родился, наелся картошки, наигрался в квиддич, перепихнулся, наелся картошки, умер".
Вот такие короткие истории мне напоминают такой рассказ: знакомство, пара романтичных моментов, любовь на века.
Но, в общем и целом, милая, забавная, юмор у автора отличный, герои вышли неплохими, парень так вообще красавчик. Можно потратить 30 минут на рассказик, не пожалеете, но чего-то серьезного не ждите, повторяю, мило и романтично, рассказ про подростков.
December 26, 2012
Very cute. And puts you in a good mood.
May 22, 2019
Let mine be the 1000th review of the book.
The story is cute and quite similar to some other YA books I've read but this one was funny and not yucky.
I would say 3.5 stars, but on the good side.
The story is cute and quite similar to some other YA books I've read but this one was funny and not yucky.
I would say 3.5 stars, but on the good side.
May 14, 2013
EDITED NOW THAT I'VE READ THE EPILOGUE...
Who rocks...?
.....Piper Shelly!!!!
BOOK-GASM ALERT
OMG OMG OOOOOOOOH MMMMMMMMYYYYYY GOOOOOOOOSH!!!!
WHY is this over?!
This book is soooo good! I wish it wasn't a novella and that I hadn't finish in one freakin' sitting <_<
Liza is in love with her best friend from since kindergarten. They've done it all, slept in each other's bed, spend the night over, him sneaking in her bedroom window. The only thing is - they've never kissed. He's simply her best friend. The guy who teases her like any normal couple, plays with her hair and tell her how sexy she is - the guy who'll beat up someone who insults his girl. But alas... they're the best of friends - but Liza is adamant about him being her future husband. After all, they are the M&M couple.!
But a few weeks away at soccer camp not only brought her back Tony, but a bimbo she just couldn't stand - a bimbo who won over Tony, who in turn kept it all from Liz because the jerk knew how Liz felt about him. (Ok, he's not really a jerk!) Liz fumed with jealousy and to make sure she can win over Tony, she joins the soccer team, something she is sure was a hidden plague that'll end the world! lmao
But joining the team, even though she royally sucked (also thanks to the teasing comments from Hunter), she found herself spending more time with Hunter himself, the team captain. Might I add that he's so sweet, funny, sexy, charismatic and just down to earth? Yeah, he's rich too but he's not snobby about it. Ryan Hunter just makes you go ga-ga over him and completely makes you forget about Tony. No joke. He's always there for Liza and as she spends more time with him, the things that usually make her go crazy over Tony, was replaced by Hunter. Not to mention she found herself thinking about him more and more. An undeniable attraction grows, and soon, instead of Tony being her first kiss..Ryan got the honor. SQUEEE!!!!!
I fell in love with both Liza and Ryan. Liza wasn't a push over, she was quick witted and funny, plus Ryan just knew what to say and do to make her smile and forget. He is so amazing, omg just makes you turn to mush <3
I love how Tony backed down when he realized he lost his chance. The fact that he felt that she'll always be there because she love him made me pissed at him for a moment. Seriously? Comfort isn't always a sure thing Tony! I wanted him to win her for the first 5 pages or so lol, but the moment Hunter was introduced I was lost in his tiger eyes. He is so smooth, so...sexy in all he do. That dude has moves that'll turn you to mush and still beg for the spark to ignite you. I love him and glad the years of silently watching on the side line paid off. You go Hunter!!
This book is fun, quick-witted, seriously funny and the characters are likable (except for ms. Bimbo). I'm already fixated on a next read by Piper Shelly.
READ THIS BOOK - YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!!
Epilogue rant
“Don’t worry. I’ll be with you and protect you all evening. No one gets to gnaw on you.” He leaned in and softly bit into my earlobe. “Apart from me, that is.”
I totally had a squee moment; Ryan is so fucking hot (I seriously tried my hardest not to curse but it needed to be said. HE. IS. AH-FUCKING-MAZING!!!!
I love that even though Ryan got the girl, adores her to bits - he still had that moment of insecurity; he knows Liza was hung up over Tony for years - hell everyone knew and the reality of what ifs when it comes to her feelings was still there, even with the happiness it brings. I just love how real this book is!!
Gah. Tony is amazing. His and Liza's reunion wasnt that awkward, and although their friendship wouldn't be the same, it's still pretty solid and that's always good. She still has Tony AND snag an amazing guy like Hunter. Fucking lucky girl ;)
Sigh... Oh Ryan... Why is my heart still fluttering by simply thinking of your?
*Plucks up Ryan Hunter and run away with him* That dude is officially added to my hubby lists. Tony is a side dish. (Can't let him get away cuz he's freakin' hot and something kinna amazing too <3 *waggles brows*
January 11, 2013
UPDATED
This review is also posted HERE.
Damn it, I can't stop smiling. It's been four days since I finished reading this story and I still can't stop smiling! I know that Play with Me is rather short, but wow, it sure did hit the mark with only 30,000 words. I finished this novella in one sitting (I did have to pause sometimes to shut my eyes and squeal silently - don't judge!) and I had this huge cheshire cat grin on my face almost all throughout! This book is such an amazing fun read. Read it after you read those heavy Mature YA/ New Adult novels; heck, read it if you want a permanent grin tatooed on your face. Play with Me is the perfect feel-good book! If that's not enough to coax you into giving this one a shot, hey, I don't know what's wrong with you.
As I said before, the plotline's a little overused, but that's somehow part of this novella's charm. I knew from the get go that I would be reading a fun, light (sorry, I just can't use these adjectives enough) story, and that was indeed what I got. Despite this book's length, I found out that I was able to know everything that I needed to know about the characters - I love that Shelly was still able to provide a sufficient background to make everything about this novella enjoyable, and I truly enjoyed Play with Me from start to finish. Moreover, I was pleasantly surprised at how tightly edited the book was. I don't remember finding any grammatical errors; every word in the book contributed to the story - Shelly definitely didn't dilly-dally, and I loved that!
I adored the characters - I liked Liza from the very first page, and I'm pretty sure a lot of girls who have been largely ignored by their guy friends in a romantic sense would have no problem relating to her. And of course, we have Ryan Hunter. Good god how perfect is that name? As much as I liked Liza, what made this book such an amazing read would have to be this guy. He has such a way with words, and I love how he treated Liza. He never took her for granted, and he was always there to make her smile. The chemistry between these two was off-the-charts - their playful banter had me biting my lip while trying my hardest not to smile. (I still ended up grinning though!)
The lemon surprise. Man I've tried making this review as coherent as possible but I think I'm going to give that notion up. This part? Sizzling hot! My breath hitched, my heart started pounding quicker, and I ended up letting out this high-pitched squeal. Just writing about it right now has already caused my heart rate to increase! Also, I loved how Shelly hinted at Hunter's feelings for Liza through some choice words and little but obvious actions and reactions.
I did like Tony and Liza's friendship. How can you not like M&M even just a tiny bit? They've been friends since they were in kindergarten and they were so ridiculously comfortable with each other. I'm actually a bit envious of their friendship! However, while it was blatantly obvious that they adored and cherish each other, it was also apparent that Tony took Liza for granted, and I did kind of hate him for that. Though a part of me is satisfied by how this novella ended, I really wish it could have been just a little longer because I would have loved to see how Tony and Liza's friendship mature.
If it's still not obvious enough, I simply LOVED this book. I loved it so much that I'm actually seriously considering buying a paperback even though I've never bought one from Amazon and even though I already have an ebook copy. Also, I think that my blind adoration for this book is properly represented by all the 'grin', 'fun', 'perfect' and 'love' in this review. Initially, I rated this novella at 3.5 stars but because I've already reread it (after only four days of finishing it!) and because I can't stop thinking about it, I'm bumping up my rating to a well-deserved 5 stars. Seriously - this is the perfect fun, light read that you will love and make you grin non-stop! (Ha, see what I did there?)
This review is also posted HERE.
Damn it, I can't stop smiling. It's been four days since I finished reading this story and I still can't stop smiling! I know that Play with Me is rather short, but wow, it sure did hit the mark with only 30,000 words. I finished this novella in one sitting (I did have to pause sometimes to shut my eyes and squeal silently - don't judge!) and I had this huge cheshire cat grin on my face almost all throughout! This book is such an amazing fun read. Read it after you read those heavy Mature YA/ New Adult novels; heck, read it if you want a permanent grin tatooed on your face. Play with Me is the perfect feel-good book! If that's not enough to coax you into giving this one a shot, hey, I don't know what's wrong with you.
As I said before, the plotline's a little overused, but that's somehow part of this novella's charm. I knew from the get go that I would be reading a fun, light (sorry, I just can't use these adjectives enough) story, and that was indeed what I got. Despite this book's length, I found out that I was able to know everything that I needed to know about the characters - I love that Shelly was still able to provide a sufficient background to make everything about this novella enjoyable, and I truly enjoyed Play with Me from start to finish. Moreover, I was pleasantly surprised at how tightly edited the book was. I don't remember finding any grammatical errors; every word in the book contributed to the story - Shelly definitely didn't dilly-dally, and I loved that!
I adored the characters - I liked Liza from the very first page, and I'm pretty sure a lot of girls who have been largely ignored by their guy friends in a romantic sense would have no problem relating to her. And of course, we have Ryan Hunter. Good god how perfect is that name? As much as I liked Liza, what made this book such an amazing read would have to be this guy. He has such a way with words, and I love how he treated Liza. He never took her for granted, and he was always there to make her smile. The chemistry between these two was off-the-charts - their playful banter had me biting my lip while trying my hardest not to smile. (I still ended up grinning though!)
The lemon surprise. Man I've tried making this review as coherent as possible but I think I'm going to give that notion up. This part? Sizzling hot! My breath hitched, my heart started pounding quicker, and I ended up letting out this high-pitched squeal. Just writing about it right now has already caused my heart rate to increase! Also, I loved how Shelly hinted at Hunter's feelings for Liza through some choice words and little but obvious actions and reactions.
I did like Tony and Liza's friendship. How can you not like M&M even just a tiny bit? They've been friends since they were in kindergarten and they were so ridiculously comfortable with each other. I'm actually a bit envious of their friendship! However, while it was blatantly obvious that they adored and cherish each other, it was also apparent that Tony took Liza for granted, and I did kind of hate him for that. Though a part of me is satisfied by how this novella ended, I really wish it could have been just a little longer because I would have loved to see how Tony and Liza's friendship mature.
If it's still not obvious enough, I simply LOVED this book. I loved it so much that I'm actually seriously considering buying a paperback even though I've never bought one from Amazon and even though I already have an ebook copy. Also, I think that my blind adoration for this book is properly represented by all the 'grin', 'fun', 'perfect' and 'love' in this review. Initially, I rated this novella at 3.5 stars but because I've already reread it (after only four days of finishing it!) and because I can't stop thinking about it, I'm bumping up my rating to a well-deserved 5 stars. Seriously - this is the perfect fun, light read that you will love and make you grin non-stop! (Ha, see what I did there?)
January 14, 2013
I honestly have this secret and weird obsession with short stories/novellas. There's just this sense of easiness with reading them and the story just easily sucked me up into their world. It jumps right into the story and we easily get to know the characters and their backgrounds in not so many words and the story just seems to zoom right in front of your eyes. A good example of this is Play With Me. Sigh. This is one of those times that I want to lengthen the story. It contains everything a story needs but you really just couldn’t help but to want more.
Liza is in love with her best friend Tony. When she decides it’s already time to tell him that's also the time he chose to show interest with someone else. She tries her best to gets his attention and with that she finds herself in a much deeper doodoo - she begin spending time with Ryan Hunter - the soccer team captain and a really good friend of Tony -- and she even find herself awake on his bed.
Not even on the half of this story it is much obvious how much Ryan has a thing for Liza. Their relationship was pretty sweet and swoony for me and the way it blossom was just too much for me to handle. I wanted to squeal with all my heart. The way they call each other by their last names – Sigh. I want more of Liza and Ryan and I do hope Tony would find his better half.
Play With Me is the first story by Piper Shelly that I've read and this would definitely not my last. I loved everything about this book and this is one highly recommended easy read for you all. :)
PS. Heads Up guys!
There's an Epilogue! Read more here. :)
Liza is in love with her best friend Tony. When she decides it’s already time to tell him that's also the time he chose to show interest with someone else. She tries her best to gets his attention and with that she finds herself in a much deeper doodoo - she begin spending time with Ryan Hunter - the soccer team captain and a really good friend of Tony -- and she even find herself awake on his bed.
Not even on the half of this story it is much obvious how much Ryan has a thing for Liza. Their relationship was pretty sweet and swoony for me and the way it blossom was just too much for me to handle. I wanted to squeal with all my heart. The way they call each other by their last names – Sigh. I want more of Liza and Ryan and I do hope Tony would find his better half.
Play With Me is the first story by Piper Shelly that I've read and this would definitely not my last. I loved everything about this book and this is one highly recommended easy read for you all. :)
PS. Heads Up guys!
There's an Epilogue! Read more here. :)
January 5, 2013
And that's how you make my heart flutter! Thank you very much! ^_^
Just AMAZING!
MORE! MORE! MORE PLEASE!
I enjoyed this a lot. Liza and Tony have been friends for like, forever, and Liza had it in her head that they were bound to be together forever. She was always doing things for him and him alone. She totally believed that eventually, Tony will look her way. Personally, I didn't like Tony's character from the start because hellooo? How could he be so dense? It's either he's ignoring Liza's efforts or he's just plain dumb. Anyway, just when Liza was all set to prove to Tony that she's the perfect girl for him, fate has another plan for her. She gets to meet Ryan, my new ya crush ;p.. and everything changed. She started to hang out with Ryan and finally realized that things are hotter with him than with her best friend. The drama was just so cute. Yeah, it was cute to me.. haha, I swear I was giggling silly at the fight scene inside Liza's room. It was just so cute when two boys fight for one girl like that. Anyhoo.. I'm glad that Liza opened her eyes to the better catch and things became well with Tony too.
This was such a nice, fluttery, light and happy read.
I wish this was longer. Although I don't think that there will be a sequel, I'd still hope for one. :)
Just AMAZING!
MORE! MORE! MORE PLEASE!
I enjoyed this a lot. Liza and Tony have been friends for like, forever, and Liza had it in her head that they were bound to be together forever. She was always doing things for him and him alone. She totally believed that eventually, Tony will look her way. Personally, I didn't like Tony's character from the start because hellooo? How could he be so dense? It's either he's ignoring Liza's efforts or he's just plain dumb. Anyway, just when Liza was all set to prove to Tony that she's the perfect girl for him, fate has another plan for her. She gets to meet Ryan, my new ya crush ;p.. and everything changed. She started to hang out with Ryan and finally realized that things are hotter with him than with her best friend. The drama was just so cute. Yeah, it was cute to me.. haha, I swear I was giggling silly at the fight scene inside Liza's room. It was just so cute when two boys fight for one girl like that. Anyhoo.. I'm glad that Liza opened her eyes to the better catch and things became well with Tony too.
This was such a nice, fluttery, light and happy read.
I wish this was longer. Although I don't think that there will be a sequel, I'd still hope for one. :)
September 1, 2014
WHY DID THIS HAVE TO BE A SHORT STORY/NOVELLA!!!!
Oh, Hunter. I love love love Ryan Hunter! ♥_____♥ Piper Shelly sure knows how to make her readers giddy! I couldn't stop smiliiiing and it's been a long time since that happened. This may be short but I had more butterflies reading this novella than the long ones out there.
I'm going to read Piper Shelly's "Her Game, His Rule" next! Novella no more!! Yay!
BTW, thanks to Lexie for the copy!! ^^
Oh, Hunter. I love love love Ryan Hunter! ♥_____♥ Piper Shelly sure knows how to make her readers giddy! I couldn't stop smiliiiing and it's been a long time since that happened. This may be short but I had more butterflies reading this novella than the long ones out there.
I'm going to read Piper Shelly's "Her Game, His Rule" next! Novella no more!! Yay!
BTW, thanks to Lexie for the copy!! ^^
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