Playing Hard to Get (The Players, 1)

I’m so happy that I decided to read ‘Playing hard to get’, it was just what I was looking for. A sweet, well written new adult story with no drama and wonderful characters. It was a very pleasant read and I’m looking forward to reading more stories in this new series.This new adult story is about Knox Maguire and Joanna (Jo Jo) Sutton. Both attend the same college but their paths never crossed until their unexpected meeting in the bookstore where Joanne works a few hours now and then. Knox is the popular football player and Joanna is the quiet girl who loves to read and doesn’t like football or going to parties.In recent years, Knox acted like the typical college football player, enjoying the attention of the many girls on campus and partying a lot but lately he’s not feeling it anymore. The stress of college, the pressure of playing great football and the emptiness of one-nightstands is getting to him. He decides to start his last year on college with a sole focus on studying and playing football. He even goes so far (after a conversation with his teammates) to make a vow of celibacy!!! But then he meets Joanna. Joanna just got out of a long-distance relationship with her high school sweetheart Bryan so she starts this college year as a single girl. From their first meeting there is a spark between them but their love story really starts when Knox needs an English tutor and Joanne is the one waiting for him in the library, from that moment it becomes very clear they’re meant to be and that Knox’s vow of celibacy will be broken at one point in the story. The only question remaining is when will ‘it’ happen.I really enjoyed this story. Knox and Joanne were great characters. At first glance they didn’t have much in common, yet there was something between them, a spark that started small but grew bigger and bigger and blossomed into something beautiful during the story.Yes, Knox was a big player in the past (on and off the field) but you could really feel that he was changing and ready for a relationship. He was very patience with Joanna and completely honest with her. He really tried his best to be a good boyfriend. He was a good guy with a kind heart. Joanna was wonderful too, she just got out of a relationship that wasn’t so good for her so she wasn’t looking for a new relationship but she couldn’t resist Knox. From the beginning Joanna trusted Knox and I loved that. And Knox treated her very well, he complimented her a lot which helped build her self-confidence. The banter between them was entertaining and the English lessons in the library were interesting (and steamy at times!). Knox and Jo Jo were a cute couple. I’m so happy that they found each other.‘Playing hard to get’ might be a ‘sweet’ story with no drama but it had some steamy and hot sex scenes in it. The story’s told from both POV’s.The secondary characters were great too, you had Knox’s younger sister Blair, his roommate Cam and Joanna’s roommate Natalie and her colleague in the bookstore Leon. All the characters were loyal and supportive. They were all great friends and I’m looking forward to their stories.(For the readers who read Owen Maguire’s romance story, Knox and Blair are his children. But if you haven’t read that story, there is no need to read that first.)‘Playing hard to get’ is definitely a story that I will reread in the future.

It was so adorable and I love the chemistry between the two main characters. Tho I do with the book would have stopped darting around the fact that Knox's sister and cam had a thing. It was so obvious in the story but it was like no one noticed. As someone who has an older brother I'm like 99% sure my brother would have caught on right away

Cute, quick, easy to read football romance.Knox and JoJo are so cute. I love their banter. I love how Knox falls first and harder. I loved how Joanna’s confidence in herself and her self-worth grows so much as their relationship goes on. I love how much the two of them support each other. I loved Chapter 39 🥹 And I loved there was no 3rd act breakup.I know Cam and Blair’s book is next, but I did feel like the foreshadowing to their story took up a little too much of this book and took away from Knox, Joanna, and their story. I’m still very excited to read their book, but I felt their eventual relationship was just discussed or hinted at a little bit too much in this book. As if this book served more as a prequel for their story, than doing justice to Knox and JoJo’s love story.I also don’t like that it puts Joanna in a position to lie to Knox when they’re freshly starting out. Knox cannot seriously be that blind or naïve to not see the writing on the wall. I’m a huge fan of brother’s best friend books, especially sports romance editions, but I’m not looking forward to how Knox is going to react because I know it’s going to be extreme. 🫣All in all a great read and start to a new series.

Love this story about Joanna and Knox. They made this story feel like you were back in school or college being in that polar group. I love how Joanna was able to find her voice and stand up for what she wanted. Great job

Knox and Joanna are the cutest! Their story is adorable.College Jock meets nerdy girl and they couldn’t be more different. Something about her keeps drawing him in and he finally gives in. Nothing can keep him away from Jo. This story follows ups and downs of break up’s and new relationships, football and other college stressors. It’s a wonderful story of friendship and love and that sometimes the world doesn’t end when your heart gets broken. Sometimes it leads you to something better.

It was a good read. The build up and tension was really good. My favorite thing was not 3rd act breakup!! They stayed together the entire book. Very cute college romance.

This book is a winner--it's got very likeable MCs, excellent spice-to-plot ratio (the spice is 🔥🔥🔥), and a believable, non-frustrating plotline (the author thankfully resisted the inclination to amp up the drama using tired plot devices and there was still plenty of interesting conflict).This book was different from the vast majority of others in this genre by having a few key differences:1.) The MMC's ex-hookup is a reasonable, good person who is kind when she seeks out the FMC. 🙌2.) When the FMC confronts her ex, she is clear, direct, and honest with him, and the MMC remains in the background instead of taking charge. This was a scene where there usually would've been extra drama written in (a physical fight, or distrust between the MCs, but it wasn't needed and as written, was very empowering). Generally, this book is feminist and pro affirmative consent.3.) Again, no third act breakup. There was plenty of natural conflict that the MCs resolved through good communication and emotional vulnerability.I would highly recommend this book, and I will absolutely be reading more from this author!