Liz Tomforde

Play Along

Hana 

"Don't fucking apologize." He watches me with rapt attention as he peels off his suit jacket and drapes it on the bathroom floor between us. "Now you can get on your knees in front of me."

Sophia

Sitting up, she uses both hands to pick up her burger, fries tucked under the bun and all.

She pauses with it partway to her mouth. “Hey, Isaiah?”

Because she’s leaving me too. We all know she’s getting that job, and I’m tired of people I care about not sticking around.

I play it safe, hoping if I’m enough of a laugh, if they have a good enough time around me, they’ll stay. It never works.

She needs to break up or finally do sth he is tearing apart at the seams

"For years, I thought you were happy with someone else. But I only found out ten months ago, Ken. For the last ten months, I thought I might have a real shot, so I’ve tried my fucking best. I’ve waited for you to see me, and I’d wait the rest of my life if I thought I ever had a real chance with you, but I don’t. Do I? Never have.”

I’m stunned silent, right there in the hallway with the field behind me and him in front. 

“God.” His exhale is full of agony. “Why can’t you see it? Why can’t you see me?”

"All the guy ever wanted was for someone to stay and love him back, but he never got that. He’s allowed to be jaded, and I’m allowed to hate Dean because of it.”

“Years ago, we used to talk about what retirement would look like for us one day. I was fucking terrified of the idea because this is all I’d ever known. All I’d ever wanted and worked for. But Isaiah said he looked forward to it. ‘Imagine that when this all ends,’ he would say, ‘that you’ve met your person, they’re at home waiting for you to be done, and now you get to have this entire life with them. Think of how good that’s going to feel.’ ” Kai smiles to himself, watching Miller on the dance floor. “He was right. It feels really fucking good.”

"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 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.

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

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.

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.”

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

“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.”

“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.”

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.

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.

“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.”

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.

“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.”

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

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.

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.

“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.”

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. 

madreadz⟢

One bed trope, accidental marriage then forced ish to stay in. This is my fav book in the windy city series isaiah and Kennedy are adorable would reread probably my favourite book ever. 

She broke my heart a couple of times when he looked like a kicked puppy but I loved their dynamic. And i'm very interested in Monty's and Reese's dynamic because idk if I am delusional like Isaiah but smells like a book to me lmao

Also Kai retiring had me sobbing I was so happy for him haha

I fucking love this series.

She broke my heart a couple of times when he looked like a kicked puppy but I loved their dynamic. And i'm very interested in Monty's and Reese's dynamic because idk if I am delusional like Isaiah but smells like a book to me lmao

Also Kai retiring had me sobbing I was so happy for him haha

forgot to review but I finished it two days ago. it was so so cute and definitely got me out of my book slump, I need to finish my other book to start something else already 😔. 

tam 🕴️

Cute!!!! I absolutely love this series and Isaiah was the cutest. The right move is still my fav in the series by a long shot but this one was still amazing. Can’t wait to read the final one about Rio!!

Jordan Leatherdale

Nala

it would’ve been better if both characters had different names

parker

so grateful for the author and team for the early arc!

it’s official! liz tomforde never disappoints bc this is my FAVORITE book and couple by her!!!

kennedyisaiah are such opposites with perfectionist planner x easy-going sunshine but they are so perfect for each other! the way they love each other makes me wanna cry. also the way isaiah just loves kennedy is everything! i appreciate how careful he is with her boundaries and just how attentive he is to her especially whether she ate

liz tomforde created a beautiful love story starting with marriage of convenience where we got to not just see isaiah and kennedy’s love grow but also see how they made each other grow as individuals. this marriage started off fake but it’s the realest love i’ve ever seen 

i also love that the side characters didn’t take a backseat in this one like all the characters are back from the previous books! the family is all here and i couldn’t stop smiling (also crying) MY FOUND FAMILY

imperfect for you by ariana grande (Kennedy’s song)

i love getting to know more about kennedy in this one especially with her struggles with intimacy and touch. it was interesting to learn more about what her family background and upbringing was like and how that shaped her character 

i also love that we got to see a more vulnerable side of isaiah too! he’s actually more layered than what he portrayed in the previous books like we got to learn more about his trauma. also learning more about isaiah just made me love him more esp when you find out why isaiah would always feed kennedy 

also isaiah is such a lover boy with his love languages of physical touch and words of affirmation. the way all his friends knows about kennedy before they even met her bc he’s always talking about her years before they get together SWOONING 

the ending made my heart so full like I love this family so much. I can’t wait for rio’s book even though its the last book. Buttt i have a theory that someone might get his own book maybe spinoff mayhaps hehe 

so grateful for the author and team for the early arc!

it’s official! liz tomforde never disappoints bc this is my FAVORITE book and couple by her!!!

kennedyisaiah are such opposites with perfectionist planner x easy-going sunshine but they are so perfect for each other! the way they love each other makes me wanna cry. also the way isaiah just loves kennedy is everything! i appreciate how careful he is with her boundaries and just how attentive he is to her especially whether she ate

liz tomforde created a beautiful love story starting with marriage of convenience where we got to not just see isaiah and kennedy’s love grow but also see how they made each other grow as individuals. this marriage started off fake but it’s the realest love i’ve ever seen 

yellow by katherine ho

i also love that the side characters didn’t take a backseat in this one like all the characters are back from the previous books! the family is all here and i couldn’t stop smiling (also crying) MY FOUND FAMILY

imperfect for you by ariana grande (Kennedy’s song)

i love getting to know more about kennedy in this one especially with her struggles with intimacy and touch. it was interesting to learn more about what her family background and upbringing was like and how that shaped her character 

i also love that we got to see a more vulnerable side of isaiah too! he’s actually more layered than what he portrayed in the previous books like we got to learn more about his trauma. also learning more about isaiah just made me love him more esp when you find out why isaiah would always feed kennedy 

also isaiah is such a lover boy with his love languages of physical touch and words of affirmation. the way all his friends knows about kennedy before they even met her bc he’s always talking about her years before they get together SWOONING 

isaiah’s songs

gold rush by taylor swift 

fake smile by ariana grande 

notice me by pnbrock 

the ending made my heart so full like I love this family so much. I can’t wait for rio’s book even though its the last book. Buttt i have a theory that someone might get his own book maybe spinoff mayhaps hehe 

i live laugh love kennedyisaiah 

Play Along

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