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Oleander Springs #1
The Return Play
USA Today Bestselling Author Mariah Dietz will have you swooning, laughing, and staying up late to finish this childhood friends-to-lovers sports romance!
Hudson McKinley, starting quarterback for the Camden Knights, is preparing for the most crucial season of his college career—when a familiar stranger returns and his entire world gets turned upside down—or possibly right side up.
Evelyn Watts spent every summer of her childhood in Oleander Springs, escaping the orderly confines of her life and submerging herself into the chaos and fun found there. But those summers ended four years ago, and during that time, new plans were paved, ones that required focus, discipline, and a new ending that didn’t involve Oleander Springs.
Until she drove those plans off the rails.
Now, Evelyn’s back in Oleander Springs, and Hudson’s no longer looking at her like she’s just a friend, and she realizes that childhood crushes evolve into adult fantasies.
It was supposed to be a temporary return, but are they ready to make a play for more?
Hudson McKinley, starting quarterback for the Camden Knights, is preparing for the most crucial season of his college career—when a familiar stranger returns and his entire world gets turned upside down—or possibly right side up.
Evelyn Watts spent every summer of her childhood in Oleander Springs, escaping the orderly confines of her life and submerging herself into the chaos and fun found there. But those summers ended four years ago, and during that time, new plans were paved, ones that required focus, discipline, and a new ending that didn’t involve Oleander Springs.
Until she drove those plans off the rails.
Now, Evelyn’s back in Oleander Springs, and Hudson’s no longer looking at her like she’s just a friend, and she realizes that childhood crushes evolve into adult fantasies.
It was supposed to be a temporary return, but are they ready to make a play for more?
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2023
1053 people are currently reading
1840 people want to read
About the author
Mariah Dietz
33 books1,854 followersThe One-Night Scrimmage, A New Forbidden/Secret Sports Romance is Coming May 20th!
Mariah Dietz is a USA Today Bestselling Author and self-proclaimed nerd. She lives with her husband and sons in North Carolina.
Mariah grew up in a tiny town outside of Portland, Oregon where she spent most of her time immersed in the pages of books that she both read and created.
She has a love for all things that include her family, good coffee, books, traveling, and dark chocolate. She's also been known to laugh at her own jokes.
Learn More:
→ www.mariahdietz.com
→ Sign-Up to Receive my Newsletter
→ Join My Reader Group on FB
→ Follow me on FB
Mariah Dietz is a USA Today Bestselling Author and self-proclaimed nerd. She lives with her husband and sons in North Carolina.
Mariah grew up in a tiny town outside of Portland, Oregon where she spent most of her time immersed in the pages of books that she both read and created.
She has a love for all things that include her family, good coffee, books, traveling, and dark chocolate. She's also been known to laugh at her own jokes.
Learn More:
→ www.mariahdietz.com
→ Sign-Up to Receive my Newsletter
→ Join My Reader Group on FB
→ Follow me on FB
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
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September 16, 2022I had the best intentions for this story.
The cover was beautiful and the blurb piqued my interest immensely.
I liked all characters, as well as the premise, but the story was too lengthy and it was taking ages for the romance to unfold. Also, the secondary characters were stealing time from the main couple and I didn’t have the patience to keep reading.
I managed to read 11 chapters and dnf it @ 28%.
The cover was beautiful and the blurb piqued my interest immensely.
I liked all characters, as well as the premise, but the story was too lengthy and it was taking ages for the romance to unfold. Also, the secondary characters were stealing time from the main couple and I didn’t have the patience to keep reading.
I managed to read 11 chapters and dnf it @ 28%.
July 30, 2024
4 stars
I haven’t read a Mariah Dietz book in a while, and I’m so glad I picked this one up! It was a great college sports romance. I love a good coming of age story and watching Evelyn come into her own was great. I also loved the scenery. And of course, Hudson. Looking forward to more from this series.
I haven’t read a Mariah Dietz book in a while, and I’m so glad I picked this one up! It was a great college sports romance. I love a good coming of age story and watching Evelyn come into her own was great. I also loved the scenery. And of course, Hudson. Looking forward to more from this series.
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Neill Thorne & Samantha Brentmoor
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: NA Romance
Length: 12h 50m
July 31, 2024
THE RETURN PLAY
● Hudson & Evelyn
● college
● Hudson is QB
● Evelyn previously played volleyball but she wants a break to discover herself
● Evelyn loses her scholarship and switches colleges (now attending where Hudson plays football)
● childhood friends to lovers
● slow burn
This one felt long.
● Hudson & Evelyn
● college
● Hudson is QB
● Evelyn previously played volleyball but she wants a break to discover herself
● Evelyn loses her scholarship and switches colleges (now attending where Hudson plays football)
● childhood friends to lovers
● slow burn
This one felt long.
Audiobook source: Audible
Narrator: Neill Thorne & Samantha Brentmoor
Length: 12h 50m
October 8, 2022
A quick afternoon's read -- if you know me, you know I can't seem to help myself when there's a new sports-related romance awaiting the one-click button. Two wonderful main characters, a best friend and a younger brother who simply caught the pass and ran with the ball, along with a team of players that kept things moving. Not much different from others but this one had such a sweet storyline for the most part. Of course, there had to be some angst or there's no making up and finding a happily-ever-after!
June 1, 2023
I struggled to finish this one. Wanted to DNF multiple times (and I should’ve)
September 30, 2022
3.75 stars--THE RETURN PLAY is the first instalment in Mariah Dietz’s contemporary, new adult OLEANDER SPRINGS erotic, romance series. This is twenty year old college football players Hudson McKinley, and eighteen year old Evelyn Watts’ story line.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Hudson and Evelyn) THE RETURN PLAY follows in the aftermath of Evelyn Watts walking away from a volleyball scholarship at New Mexico State, in the wake of verbal abuse and burn out at the hands of her coach. Needing time to herself, and away from the family that is quickly spiraling out of control, Evelyn heads to Oleander Springs, North Carolina, her home away from home, where she will reconnect with the people from her past. Enter twenty year old, college football player Hudson McKinley, and the man with whom Evelyn will fall in love. What ensues is the rebuilding friendships, and relationship between Evelyn and Hudson, and the potential fall out when Hudson sees red, and pushes Evelyn out of his life.
Evelyn Watts’ homelife is struggling to survive, and when she quits the volleyball team, the reality of her family slowly unravels. In an effort to regroup and reconsider her options for the future, Evelyn heads to Oleander Springs, to a place where innocence and first love were all that mattered. Hudson McKinley never forgot about the young girl that had stolen his heart but Evelyn is struggling with a direction in life, and Hudson is hoping to convince Evelyn Oleander Springs is her final destination.
The relationship between Hudson and Evelyn is one of second chances, of a sorts. A rekindling friendship that slowly blossoms into love, a love that is threatened when Hudson is unable to forgive and forget. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
As this is the introductory story line, we are introduced to several secondary and supporting characters including Hudson’s family, friends and teammates: Nolan Payne, Greyson Meyers, and Corey Bishop; Hudson’s brother Griffin;, and their divorced parents; Mila Atwool, as well as Evelyn’s embattled parents, her brother Shane, her great Aunt Pat, and Evelyn’s friend at home Trinity.
THE RETURN PLAY is a slow building, lengthy story of friendships, relationships, family and love- the author is building the back story for several upcoming instalments therefore not all of the focus was on our story line couple. The premise is engaging and interesting but the conflict is mostly limited to the behind the scenes dysfunctional family problems; the characters are charismatic and flirty; the romance is seductive.
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from dual first person perspectives (Hudson and Evelyn) THE RETURN PLAY follows in the aftermath of Evelyn Watts walking away from a volleyball scholarship at New Mexico State, in the wake of verbal abuse and burn out at the hands of her coach. Needing time to herself, and away from the family that is quickly spiraling out of control, Evelyn heads to Oleander Springs, North Carolina, her home away from home, where she will reconnect with the people from her past. Enter twenty year old, college football player Hudson McKinley, and the man with whom Evelyn will fall in love. What ensues is the rebuilding friendships, and relationship between Evelyn and Hudson, and the potential fall out when Hudson sees red, and pushes Evelyn out of his life.
Evelyn Watts’ homelife is struggling to survive, and when she quits the volleyball team, the reality of her family slowly unravels. In an effort to regroup and reconsider her options for the future, Evelyn heads to Oleander Springs, to a place where innocence and first love were all that mattered. Hudson McKinley never forgot about the young girl that had stolen his heart but Evelyn is struggling with a direction in life, and Hudson is hoping to convince Evelyn Oleander Springs is her final destination.
The relationship between Hudson and Evelyn is one of second chances, of a sorts. A rekindling friendship that slowly blossoms into love, a love that is threatened when Hudson is unable to forgive and forget. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
As this is the introductory story line, we are introduced to several secondary and supporting characters including Hudson’s family, friends and teammates: Nolan Payne, Greyson Meyers, and Corey Bishop; Hudson’s brother Griffin;, and their divorced parents; Mila Atwool, as well as Evelyn’s embattled parents, her brother Shane, her great Aunt Pat, and Evelyn’s friend at home Trinity.
THE RETURN PLAY is a slow building, lengthy story of friendships, relationships, family and love- the author is building the back story for several upcoming instalments therefore not all of the focus was on our story line couple. The premise is engaging and interesting but the conflict is mostly limited to the behind the scenes dysfunctional family problems; the characters are charismatic and flirty; the romance is seductive.
www.thereadingcafe.com
September 14, 2022
Hudson and Evelyn were EVERYTHING!! These two had me swimming in emotions, basking in the swoon and feeling ALL. THE. FEELS! A skillful combination of emotion, drama, humor, heat and heart was seductive, potent and like an arrow straight to your heart. Be prepared for the hit and love every second of it. I know I did. I am posting an unbiased, unsolicited review.
August 20, 2023
4.5 stars
This book was really sweet and reminded me why I love the friends to lovers trope. I think Hudson and Evelyn’s chemistry felt organic and their added history made their love story seem inevitable. I would have wished the book showed the dynamic of Hudson and Evelyn’s relationship during the school year, but I won’t complain about a summer romance. The only thing I didn’t like was how fast everything wrapped up in the end. I felt like the issues that Evelyn were facing should have been explored more and given more attention. Instead of only a few pages explaining her resolution with her mom, maybe the book could have allowed Evelyn and her mom a few chapters of peeling back their masks and revealing their thoughts and raw emotions to each other. Despite all of that, I enjoyed this book and would definitely read it again.
This book was really sweet and reminded me why I love the friends to lovers trope. I think Hudson and Evelyn’s chemistry felt organic and their added history made their love story seem inevitable. I would have wished the book showed the dynamic of Hudson and Evelyn’s relationship during the school year, but I won’t complain about a summer romance. The only thing I didn’t like was how fast everything wrapped up in the end. I felt like the issues that Evelyn were facing should have been explored more and given more attention. Instead of only a few pages explaining her resolution with her mom, maybe the book could have allowed Evelyn and her mom a few chapters of peeling back their masks and revealing their thoughts and raw emotions to each other. Despite all of that, I enjoyed this book and would definitely read it again.
June 14, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
2🌶️🌶️
Friends to lovers ahhhh this was so good! It was slow to start off for me at first but once we got past the 45% mark I was hooked.
This is book 1 in a sport romance series and I am so excited to jump into the next two books.
If you love:
Slowburn
Childhood friends
Best friends to lovers
Sports romance
Football captain
College romance
Then this is for you
2🌶️🌶️
Friends to lovers ahhhh this was so good! It was slow to start off for me at first but once we got past the 45% mark I was hooked.
This is book 1 in a sport romance series and I am so excited to jump into the next two books.
If you love:
Slowburn
Childhood friends
Best friends to lovers
Sports romance
Football captain
College romance
Then this is for you
May 4, 2024
This was a really good and quick read. I enjoyed the writing and the plot, Mila was probably my favorite character of the lot and I’m looking forward to reading book 2 soon!
December 15, 2022
adored
This was so stinking sweet it made my teeth hurt! It was a perfect story with a grand romance that just had me swooning! Looking forward to the next book in the series!
This was so stinking sweet it made my teeth hurt! It was a perfect story with a grand romance that just had me swooning! Looking forward to the next book in the series!
December 26, 2023
DNF at 10%.
August 9, 2023
Appreciate the asthma representation, but her getting an asthma attack and passing out on the highway would’ve been a better ending.
October 31, 2022
I loved this story from start to finish. The raw emotions that are bleeding on the pages for Evelyn are intense. The back and forth in her mind about what to do with her life and what to do with why she is back in Oleander Springs. Evelyn reconnecting with her summer friends from childhood was amazing and brought all the feels for me. But her connection with Hudson was deeper. Seeing things play out with these two was just everything and more. I loved the ups and downs and the teenage angst that these two have. It was a great read that I adored. I cannot wait for more within this world!
May 28, 2024
Long
This one was just too long. Lots of details/storylines that really didn't contribute much and could've been left out (the asthma and garden are two major ones that seemed like filler-- took up lots of space but nothing came from it). Meanwhile, the major conflict at the end of the story felt rushed and overly dramatic. Also needed editing-- lots of typos and the timeline was a little difficult to follow. I'm curious about the other characters' stories so may try another, but not sure yet.
This one was just too long. Lots of details/storylines that really didn't contribute much and could've been left out (the asthma and garden are two major ones that seemed like filler-- took up lots of space but nothing came from it). Meanwhile, the major conflict at the end of the story felt rushed and overly dramatic. Also needed editing-- lots of typos and the timeline was a little difficult to follow. I'm curious about the other characters' stories so may try another, but not sure yet.
March 29, 2024
**from my post on ig @diagon.alie
this book was so cute!! hudson and evelyn were the most wholesome characters ever and i loved all the dynamics between the characters. i swear my cheeks hurt from smiling so hard!!
also look at that gorgeous character art card??! trust that my next read will be the roommate route!
if you guys are looking for an un-put-down-able friends to lovers book, i'd 100% recommend you guys join me and indulge yourself in the oleander springs books!!
this book was so cute!! hudson and evelyn were the most wholesome characters ever and i loved all the dynamics between the characters. i swear my cheeks hurt from smiling so hard!!
also look at that gorgeous character art card??! trust that my next read will be the roommate route!
if you guys are looking for an un-put-down-able friends to lovers book, i'd 100% recommend you guys join me and indulge yourself in the oleander springs books!!
May 1, 2024
4⭐️/ 2-3🌶️
A sports romance with friends to lovers, slow burn, and a summer filled of fun sounded like a good story to me. Evelyn and Hudson had known each other since they were kids, spending the summers together when Evelyn came to Oleander Springs to visit. Now, with Evelyn being accepted into Camden University, she found herself back in the place where she spent many summers, reconnecting with olds friends, and feelings coming back to resurface.
The thing that I liked immediately about this story was the ease and comfort it brought me. Maybe it’s because it’s starting to feel like summer or maybe it’s because of the way the story was set up, who knows? But what I do know is that, I found myself liking the vibe of the story. Despite the beginning showing Evelyn having some doubts on staying in Oleander Springs, I could see that she was enjoying herself little by little and remembering aspects of herself that she unknowingly didn’t realize were gone. Evelyn in Oleander Springs just made sense and with her friendships with, Mila, Griffin, and Hudson, being all back together brought back the nostalgic memories they all had. There was a laid back feeling I felt while reading, and found myself feeling like I was part of the story in some ways.
I’m a sucker for a slow burn romance and it was good in this story. Evelyn and Hudson had this great chemistry together that was evident in their friendship, but also hinted at the deeper feelings they had for each other. By the time Evelyn and Hudson kissed for the very first time, it was only the beginning of seeing them slowly, but surely move away from just being friends to something more. Also, as much as I love a good romance brewing within the pages, the friendship part of the story was really sweet and endearing. Hudson and Evelyn had a wonderful friendship that spanned many years, and despite four years having passed, being back in Oleander Springs, some things didn’t change like the way Hudson and Evelyn were able to communicate so clearly in a way they understood each other.
I feel like in terms of character growth it was more about Evelyn’s story that caught my eye more. Evelyn was always use to maintaining certain traits in order to please her parents, coaches, or friends while living in New Mexico, but being in Oleander Springs, she was able to let loose. Evelyn was able to get back to her roots of having fun, but also coming to the realization that life shouldn’t always be catered to others, but instead about what SHE wanted. As the story progressed, I felt more sympathetic towards the things that Evelyn dealt with from her self confidence and at times feeling like she let others done even if it was out of her control. Evelyn was such a heartwarming person who was always there for her friends and family. Despite some trust issues from her past, Oleander Springs was the best place for Evelyn as she was back with her friends, and found a new kind of connection with Hudson.
Hudson was not only an amazing football player/captain, but also a loving, caring big brother. Hudson had a lighthearted attitude towards everyone, but he was also disciplined when it came to school and football. When it came to his brother, Griffin, Hudson made sure everything well according to Griffin’s needs. Since Griffin dealt with cognitive disability, he was very particular about his routine, certain sounds, and tones that could be triggering for him which, Hudson was always aware of in order to help take care of him. I loved the way Hudson and Griffin’s bond was, and it was really endearing how they always hugged and said, “I love you” to each other. If there was a sweet moment aside from Hudson and Evelyn, it was definitely whenever Hudson and Griffin were together. So, with trying to juggle lots of responsibilities, Hudson had a lot on his plate which was understandable, but also caused a bit of tension in his life.
Overall, this was a cute and entertaining story. While I wasn’t obsessed with Hudson and Evelyn, I did have an appreciation for their friendship and the way they found themselves back together again. The romance was sweet, the slow burn romance was good as well, and surprisingly the spice in this book was just the right amount for me at the moment. I think my favorite part of reading this story was how I felt laidback and immersed in the summer vibes of Oleander Springs. I thought Evelyn and Hudson were great together, and again their friendship was endearing and loving. Both, Evelyn and Hudson had good character growth, were likable characters, and had a happy ending together. I’m interested to see how the other stories pan out, and how it focuses on. All in all, this was a good book for the type of mood I was in and I enjoyed it. If you’re looking for a lighthearted sports romance with friends to lovers, slow burn romance, and that dash of spice, and found family then I think you’ll like this story.
A sports romance with friends to lovers, slow burn, and a summer filled of fun sounded like a good story to me. Evelyn and Hudson had known each other since they were kids, spending the summers together when Evelyn came to Oleander Springs to visit. Now, with Evelyn being accepted into Camden University, she found herself back in the place where she spent many summers, reconnecting with olds friends, and feelings coming back to resurface.
The thing that I liked immediately about this story was the ease and comfort it brought me. Maybe it’s because it’s starting to feel like summer or maybe it’s because of the way the story was set up, who knows? But what I do know is that, I found myself liking the vibe of the story. Despite the beginning showing Evelyn having some doubts on staying in Oleander Springs, I could see that she was enjoying herself little by little and remembering aspects of herself that she unknowingly didn’t realize were gone. Evelyn in Oleander Springs just made sense and with her friendships with, Mila, Griffin, and Hudson, being all back together brought back the nostalgic memories they all had. There was a laid back feeling I felt while reading, and found myself feeling like I was part of the story in some ways.
I’m a sucker for a slow burn romance and it was good in this story. Evelyn and Hudson had this great chemistry together that was evident in their friendship, but also hinted at the deeper feelings they had for each other. By the time Evelyn and Hudson kissed for the very first time, it was only the beginning of seeing them slowly, but surely move away from just being friends to something more. Also, as much as I love a good romance brewing within the pages, the friendship part of the story was really sweet and endearing. Hudson and Evelyn had a wonderful friendship that spanned many years, and despite four years having passed, being back in Oleander Springs, some things didn’t change like the way Hudson and Evelyn were able to communicate so clearly in a way they understood each other.
I feel like in terms of character growth it was more about Evelyn’s story that caught my eye more. Evelyn was always use to maintaining certain traits in order to please her parents, coaches, or friends while living in New Mexico, but being in Oleander Springs, she was able to let loose. Evelyn was able to get back to her roots of having fun, but also coming to the realization that life shouldn’t always be catered to others, but instead about what SHE wanted. As the story progressed, I felt more sympathetic towards the things that Evelyn dealt with from her self confidence and at times feeling like she let others done even if it was out of her control. Evelyn was such a heartwarming person who was always there for her friends and family. Despite some trust issues from her past, Oleander Springs was the best place for Evelyn as she was back with her friends, and found a new kind of connection with Hudson.
Hudson was not only an amazing football player/captain, but also a loving, caring big brother. Hudson had a lighthearted attitude towards everyone, but he was also disciplined when it came to school and football. When it came to his brother, Griffin, Hudson made sure everything well according to Griffin’s needs. Since Griffin dealt with cognitive disability, he was very particular about his routine, certain sounds, and tones that could be triggering for him which, Hudson was always aware of in order to help take care of him. I loved the way Hudson and Griffin’s bond was, and it was really endearing how they always hugged and said, “I love you” to each other. If there was a sweet moment aside from Hudson and Evelyn, it was definitely whenever Hudson and Griffin were together. So, with trying to juggle lots of responsibilities, Hudson had a lot on his plate which was understandable, but also caused a bit of tension in his life.
Overall, this was a cute and entertaining story. While I wasn’t obsessed with Hudson and Evelyn, I did have an appreciation for their friendship and the way they found themselves back together again. The romance was sweet, the slow burn romance was good as well, and surprisingly the spice in this book was just the right amount for me at the moment. I think my favorite part of reading this story was how I felt laidback and immersed in the summer vibes of Oleander Springs. I thought Evelyn and Hudson were great together, and again their friendship was endearing and loving. Both, Evelyn and Hudson had good character growth, were likable characters, and had a happy ending together. I’m interested to see how the other stories pan out, and how it focuses on. All in all, this was a good book for the type of mood I was in and I enjoyed it. If you’re looking for a lighthearted sports romance with friends to lovers, slow burn romance, and that dash of spice, and found family then I think you’ll like this story.
November 17, 2025
The Return Play è il primo volume autoconclusivo della serie Oleander Springs. Oltre a essere un New Adult con una spolverata abbondante di sport, è soprattutto un Friends to Lovers, uno dei trope che preferisco in assoluto, con un amore a lenta combustione e in grado di far provare tante e intense emozioni.
Hudson McKinley è il quarterback titolare e fresco capitano dei Camden Knights, la squadra di football della Camden University. La stagione che inizierà alla fine della pausa estiva sarà di fondamentale importanza per lui e il suo sogno di giocare nella NFL. I suoi piani, tuttavia, vengono scombinati dal ritorno di Evelyn, la sua più cara amica. Hudson è un bellissimo protagonista, non è il classico giocatore di football che pensa solo alle feste e al divertimento, ha la testa sulle spalle, tante responsabilità e una solarità molto coinvolgente. Ha un fratello minore di nome Griffin, a cui è molto legato e per lui è disposto a fare qualsiasi sacrificio.
Evelyn Watts ha trascorso ogni estate della sua infanzia a Oleander Springs almeno fino a quattro anni fa, quando la vita, gli impegni e gli obiettivi personali l’hanno tenuta lontana dai suoi amici di un tempo e dai ricordi più cari. Ora, però, Evelyn sta attraversando un momento molto complicato, ha preso delle decisioni che hanno avuto un impatto molto grande nella sia vita e sui piani che aveva fatto per il futuro, per questo motivo decide di seguire il suggerimento della sua famiglia e di tornare nel North Carolina per frequentare la Camden University almeno per un semestre.
Anche Evelyn è un personaggio che mi è piaciuto molto, è una ragazza gentile, di buon cuore e che ha sempre cercato di dare il meglio di sé per non deludere le persone, in primis la sua famiglia. Ora si sente molto confusa e più insicura che mai, perché non riesce a capire se le decisioni che ha preso, tra cui lasciare la pallavolo, siano state giuste per lei. Ritrovare Hudson e averlo al proprio fianco sarà molto importante per lei e per il suo percorso di crescita.
L’amore tra Hudson ed Evelyn è evidente, la connessione che li ha sempre uniti è più viva e intensa che mai, ma il loro sarà un avvicinamento lento, graduale e molto emozionante. Entrambi hanno paura di rovinare quell’amicizia così speciale, ma i sentimenti che provano non possono più essere ignorati e questo elemento mi ha molto coinvolta.
I personaggi secondari mi sono piaciuti pressoché tutti, l’autrice è stata molto brava a farli interagire tra loro e con i due protagonisti, per tutta la durata del libro si respira un’aria di famiglia e di un forte condivisione. L’autrice ci ha anche presentato alcuni compagni di squadra di Hudson che sono per lui molto importanti e proprio dalle parole di Hudson stesso percepiamo un senso di grande unità, si coprono le spalle a vicenda e hanno saputo accogliere Evelyn facendola sentire parte del gruppo.
Lo sport è presente e questo è indubbiamente un elemento a favore, anche se il libro si svolge durante il periodo estivo e quindi in assenza di partite di campionato, il football ha un peso specifico elevato e attraverso lo sport vengono esaltate anche le qualità di Hudson così come le pressioni e le aspettative del ragazzo.
I rapporti sono molto importanti, sia amicali sia familiari e questo conferisce un certo spessore a tutta la storia facendo apparire i protagonisti ancora più vividi e reali. Hudson ha una situazione familiare non semplice con diverse questioni che devono essere approfondite, allo stesso tempo Evelyn crede che le sue scelte si stiano ripercuotendo in negativo sulla serenità familiare e quello che ho apprezzato è che alla fine ogni cosa troverà il giusto epilogo.
Il percorso che Hudson ed Evelyn intraprendono è molto bello, soprattutto Evelyn che si trova in un momento abbastanza confuso della propria vita. Ho apprezzato molto l’amicizia che unisce i due protagonisti, l’autrice è stata brava a farmi percepire l’intensità della profondità del loro rapporto e anche se sono stati distanti per ben quattro anni e sono entrambi cambiati la base della loro unione è più che solida.
Recensione completa:
https://virtualkaty.blogspot.com/2025...
Hudson McKinley è il quarterback titolare e fresco capitano dei Camden Knights, la squadra di football della Camden University. La stagione che inizierà alla fine della pausa estiva sarà di fondamentale importanza per lui e il suo sogno di giocare nella NFL. I suoi piani, tuttavia, vengono scombinati dal ritorno di Evelyn, la sua più cara amica. Hudson è un bellissimo protagonista, non è il classico giocatore di football che pensa solo alle feste e al divertimento, ha la testa sulle spalle, tante responsabilità e una solarità molto coinvolgente. Ha un fratello minore di nome Griffin, a cui è molto legato e per lui è disposto a fare qualsiasi sacrificio.
Evelyn Watts ha trascorso ogni estate della sua infanzia a Oleander Springs almeno fino a quattro anni fa, quando la vita, gli impegni e gli obiettivi personali l’hanno tenuta lontana dai suoi amici di un tempo e dai ricordi più cari. Ora, però, Evelyn sta attraversando un momento molto complicato, ha preso delle decisioni che hanno avuto un impatto molto grande nella sia vita e sui piani che aveva fatto per il futuro, per questo motivo decide di seguire il suggerimento della sua famiglia e di tornare nel North Carolina per frequentare la Camden University almeno per un semestre.
Anche Evelyn è un personaggio che mi è piaciuto molto, è una ragazza gentile, di buon cuore e che ha sempre cercato di dare il meglio di sé per non deludere le persone, in primis la sua famiglia. Ora si sente molto confusa e più insicura che mai, perché non riesce a capire se le decisioni che ha preso, tra cui lasciare la pallavolo, siano state giuste per lei. Ritrovare Hudson e averlo al proprio fianco sarà molto importante per lei e per il suo percorso di crescita.
L’amore tra Hudson ed Evelyn è evidente, la connessione che li ha sempre uniti è più viva e intensa che mai, ma il loro sarà un avvicinamento lento, graduale e molto emozionante. Entrambi hanno paura di rovinare quell’amicizia così speciale, ma i sentimenti che provano non possono più essere ignorati e questo elemento mi ha molto coinvolta.
I personaggi secondari mi sono piaciuti pressoché tutti, l’autrice è stata molto brava a farli interagire tra loro e con i due protagonisti, per tutta la durata del libro si respira un’aria di famiglia e di un forte condivisione. L’autrice ci ha anche presentato alcuni compagni di squadra di Hudson che sono per lui molto importanti e proprio dalle parole di Hudson stesso percepiamo un senso di grande unità, si coprono le spalle a vicenda e hanno saputo accogliere Evelyn facendola sentire parte del gruppo.
Lo sport è presente e questo è indubbiamente un elemento a favore, anche se il libro si svolge durante il periodo estivo e quindi in assenza di partite di campionato, il football ha un peso specifico elevato e attraverso lo sport vengono esaltate anche le qualità di Hudson così come le pressioni e le aspettative del ragazzo.
I rapporti sono molto importanti, sia amicali sia familiari e questo conferisce un certo spessore a tutta la storia facendo apparire i protagonisti ancora più vividi e reali. Hudson ha una situazione familiare non semplice con diverse questioni che devono essere approfondite, allo stesso tempo Evelyn crede che le sue scelte si stiano ripercuotendo in negativo sulla serenità familiare e quello che ho apprezzato è che alla fine ogni cosa troverà il giusto epilogo.
Il percorso che Hudson ed Evelyn intraprendono è molto bello, soprattutto Evelyn che si trova in un momento abbastanza confuso della propria vita. Ho apprezzato molto l’amicizia che unisce i due protagonisti, l’autrice è stata brava a farmi percepire l’intensità della profondità del loro rapporto e anche se sono stati distanti per ben quattro anni e sono entrambi cambiati la base della loro unione è più che solida.
Recensione completa:
https://virtualkaty.blogspot.com/2025...
November 20, 2025
Evelyn Watson torna ad Oleander Springs, il paesino in cui ha passato tutte le estati della sua vita, dopo aver mollato tutto. Giocatrice di pallavolo con una borsa di studio per il college, era stanca di sottostare a soprusi da parte del suo allenatore, lasciando la squadra, la scuola ed i suoi amici per non perdere se stessa.
Il rientro in quel paesino che affaccia sull’oceano è quanto di più traumatico possibile, la sua persona preferita al mondo, sua nonna, non c’è più e quella casa adesso le sembra estremamente grande e vuota.
Unici coinquilini una zia taciturna e tanti cani, ai quali Evelyn ha rubato la stanza da letto.
Hudson McKinley è la star dei Camden Knights, quarterback popolare, bello ed intelligente. Ma soprattutto è la star di Griffin, il suo fratellino. Cerca di passare quanto più tempo possibile a Oleander Springs, prima dell’inizio del college e delle selezioni che potrebbero cambiare la sua vita.
In un pomeriggio di mezza estate, questi due vecchi amici si incontreranno, per caso, in quella piccola cittadina e da quel momento nulla sarà più come prima, tranne forse quei cuori che non sono mai riusciti a tenere a bada.
The Return Play è il primo volume della Oleander Springs series, scritto da Mariah Dietz ed edito Kiss Publishing.
E’ la storia di due ragazzi che si conoscono sin da bambini e che hanno sempre rispettato un tacito accordo di essere amici in estate e poi non sentirsi più per i restanti mesi dell’anno, nonostante il pensiero dell’uno fosse sempre all’altra. Il ritorno, forse definitivo, di Evelyn, cambierà tutti gli equilibri che negli anni Hudson si era imposto. Allo stesso tempo, il ritorno di Evelyn ad Oleander Springs metterà in discussione la vita che la ragazza ha sempre vissuto, le scelte che ha sempre compiuto, ciò che credeva voler diventare.
Evelyn ha sempre messo il benessere degli altri davanti al suo, fino a quando tutto è diventato troppo. E’ una ragazza insicura, che pretende troppo da se stessa.
Hudson invece ha fin troppe responsabilità, per essere un ragazzo che vorrebbe vivere della sua passione. Ha una famiglia che non vede quasi mai ed un fratello che ha dovuto crescere da solo al meglio delle sue possibilità. Cresce in fretta ma il suo cuore, nonostante tutto, resta puro proprio come lui.
La loro è un’amicizia pura, profonda ed al tempo stesso carica di passione e sentimento messi a tacere per fin troppo tempo.
The Return Play è uno slow burn a tratti fin troppo slow, quasi come una miccia che non esplode mai. Quando lo fa però brucia tutto. E’ un romanzo fatto di scelte, di seconde possibilità, di attenzione e cura verso l’altro. Di un amore che è ossigeno, di prime volte che non sono prime volte ma diventano più speciali.
E’ un romanzo che parla di crescita, di egoismo, perchè a volte bisogna esserlo, di famiglia, famiglia assente, famiglia composta da amici a cui doni pezzi del tuo cuore senza chiedere mai nulla in cambio ma che rivedi nel momento in cui più ne hai bisogno.
L’autrice è stata bravissima nella scelta del POV alternato, ci fa entrare nelle vite e nei pensieri dei protagonisti a 360 gradi. Il romanzo è scorrevole, anche se a mio gusto forse un pò prolisso in alcune parti, a mio parere avrebbe reso ugualmente anche se fosse stato più breve. La sua penna dinamica, pungente a tratti, intensa quando serve, rende il romanzo coinvolgente.
A far da sfondo un’ambientazione cozy, l’oceano ed un’estate indimenticabile.
Il rientro in quel paesino che affaccia sull’oceano è quanto di più traumatico possibile, la sua persona preferita al mondo, sua nonna, non c’è più e quella casa adesso le sembra estremamente grande e vuota.
Unici coinquilini una zia taciturna e tanti cani, ai quali Evelyn ha rubato la stanza da letto.
Hudson McKinley è la star dei Camden Knights, quarterback popolare, bello ed intelligente. Ma soprattutto è la star di Griffin, il suo fratellino. Cerca di passare quanto più tempo possibile a Oleander Springs, prima dell’inizio del college e delle selezioni che potrebbero cambiare la sua vita.
In un pomeriggio di mezza estate, questi due vecchi amici si incontreranno, per caso, in quella piccola cittadina e da quel momento nulla sarà più come prima, tranne forse quei cuori che non sono mai riusciti a tenere a bada.
The Return Play è il primo volume della Oleander Springs series, scritto da Mariah Dietz ed edito Kiss Publishing.
E’ la storia di due ragazzi che si conoscono sin da bambini e che hanno sempre rispettato un tacito accordo di essere amici in estate e poi non sentirsi più per i restanti mesi dell’anno, nonostante il pensiero dell’uno fosse sempre all’altra. Il ritorno, forse definitivo, di Evelyn, cambierà tutti gli equilibri che negli anni Hudson si era imposto. Allo stesso tempo, il ritorno di Evelyn ad Oleander Springs metterà in discussione la vita che la ragazza ha sempre vissuto, le scelte che ha sempre compiuto, ciò che credeva voler diventare.
Evelyn ha sempre messo il benessere degli altri davanti al suo, fino a quando tutto è diventato troppo. E’ una ragazza insicura, che pretende troppo da se stessa.
Hudson invece ha fin troppe responsabilità, per essere un ragazzo che vorrebbe vivere della sua passione. Ha una famiglia che non vede quasi mai ed un fratello che ha dovuto crescere da solo al meglio delle sue possibilità. Cresce in fretta ma il suo cuore, nonostante tutto, resta puro proprio come lui.
La loro è un’amicizia pura, profonda ed al tempo stesso carica di passione e sentimento messi a tacere per fin troppo tempo.
The Return Play è uno slow burn a tratti fin troppo slow, quasi come una miccia che non esplode mai. Quando lo fa però brucia tutto. E’ un romanzo fatto di scelte, di seconde possibilità, di attenzione e cura verso l’altro. Di un amore che è ossigeno, di prime volte che non sono prime volte ma diventano più speciali.
E’ un romanzo che parla di crescita, di egoismo, perchè a volte bisogna esserlo, di famiglia, famiglia assente, famiglia composta da amici a cui doni pezzi del tuo cuore senza chiedere mai nulla in cambio ma che rivedi nel momento in cui più ne hai bisogno.
L’autrice è stata bravissima nella scelta del POV alternato, ci fa entrare nelle vite e nei pensieri dei protagonisti a 360 gradi. Il romanzo è scorrevole, anche se a mio gusto forse un pò prolisso in alcune parti, a mio parere avrebbe reso ugualmente anche se fosse stato più breve. La sua penna dinamica, pungente a tratti, intensa quando serve, rende il romanzo coinvolgente.
A far da sfondo un’ambientazione cozy, l’oceano ed un’estate indimenticabile.
November 20, 2025
Voto 4,5
Cari lettori, con questo volume iniziamo una nuova serie, quella della Oleander Springs di Mariah Dietz, portata in Italia dalla collana digitale Kiss Publishing. The return play è una storia che profuma di primo amore, della possibilità di realizzare il proprio sogno, dell’importanza di essere e rappresentare sempre se stessi.
Qui abbiamo due giovani protagonisti, un lui carismatico sul campo da football, spinto a dare sempre più di quello che ha, legato al fratello di cui si è preso la responsabilità e che non vede mai come un peso quanto più come l’opportunità di famiglia, e poi abbiamo una lei che si è caricata del peso di essere sempre colei che è ben voluta, colei che rispetta le aspettative di tutti, colei che mantiene un profilo basso continuando a fare ciò che gli altri si aspettano da lei.
“Avevo lavorato sodo per essere la figlia perfetta, la figlia facile, nella speranza che, se i miei genitori non avessero dovuto preoccuparsi per me, il loro rapporto ne avrebbe giovato.”
Hudson ha il sapore delle avventure estive, i ricordi delle sfide per entrare nel guinness dei primati per qualsiasi sfida rientri nel libro, rappresenta il lago, le gite nel campus, la roccia su cui sedersi e sognare. Oleander Springs, per Evelyn, rappresenta lasciarsi andare per essere semplicemente se stessa, è un luogo magico che le ha rubato il cuore quando era solo una bambina.
“Era il suo sorriso a scatenare i ricordi, perché era il mio sorriso – immutato, ipnotico, e perfetto. Un sorriso che meritava murales e dipinti in modo da essere sempre conservato e ricordato. Un sorriso che aveva marchiato così tanti miei pensieri e ricordi che mi era impossibile distogliere lo sguardo e, ancor più impossibile, dimenticarla.”
Ma la vita si è trasformata, diventando qualcosa che non la rappresenta più, che è diventata un peso sulle spalle, che l’ha costretta a chiudere il passato in un cassetto a cui non accedere mai. Crescere non è facile per nessuno, ma quando le tue giornate si riempiono di maschere da tenere su in maniera costante, tutto diventa difficile.
“Hudson viveva in un cassetto dei ricordi che aprivo ogni volta nei momenti meno opportuni; […]”
Tornare in quella cittadina della North Carolina per Evelyn vuol dire lasciarsi andare, vuol dire tornare a essere spensierata, libera e non più obbligata in schemi che le stanno stretti. Vuol dire vivere e fallire, correre rischi per migliorarsi. Vuol dire ritrovare vecchie connessioni, riallacciare rapporti profondi rimasti in sospeso anni prima. Hudson e suo fratello Griffin e Mila rappresentano tutto ciò.
Hudson è un personaggio molto bello, carico di sentimenti, con una vita complicata, compie sacrifici che non gli pesano, nonostante le difficoltà non perde mai il sorriso.
“Evelyn aveva riempito i vuoti che aveva lasciato mia madre nella mia vita e che avrebbe lasciato anche nel mio cuore, se non fosse stato per la sua presenza costante e il suo rifiuto a lasciarmi solo anche quando glielo chiedevo.”
Ci sono connessioni, legami che non si distruggono, che affondano le loro radici rendendoli immuni al tempo e allo spazio.
I personaggi secondari sono un corollario e rappresentano una famiglia per i protagonisti, pronti a mostrare le loro storie.
Non mi rimane che ringraziare la casa editrice con la sua collana digitale per avermi dato la possibilità di conoscere quest’autrice.
Cari lettori, con questo volume iniziamo una nuova serie, quella della Oleander Springs di Mariah Dietz, portata in Italia dalla collana digitale Kiss Publishing. The return play è una storia che profuma di primo amore, della possibilità di realizzare il proprio sogno, dell’importanza di essere e rappresentare sempre se stessi.
Qui abbiamo due giovani protagonisti, un lui carismatico sul campo da football, spinto a dare sempre più di quello che ha, legato al fratello di cui si è preso la responsabilità e che non vede mai come un peso quanto più come l’opportunità di famiglia, e poi abbiamo una lei che si è caricata del peso di essere sempre colei che è ben voluta, colei che rispetta le aspettative di tutti, colei che mantiene un profilo basso continuando a fare ciò che gli altri si aspettano da lei.
“Avevo lavorato sodo per essere la figlia perfetta, la figlia facile, nella speranza che, se i miei genitori non avessero dovuto preoccuparsi per me, il loro rapporto ne avrebbe giovato.”
Hudson ha il sapore delle avventure estive, i ricordi delle sfide per entrare nel guinness dei primati per qualsiasi sfida rientri nel libro, rappresenta il lago, le gite nel campus, la roccia su cui sedersi e sognare. Oleander Springs, per Evelyn, rappresenta lasciarsi andare per essere semplicemente se stessa, è un luogo magico che le ha rubato il cuore quando era solo una bambina.
“Era il suo sorriso a scatenare i ricordi, perché era il mio sorriso – immutato, ipnotico, e perfetto. Un sorriso che meritava murales e dipinti in modo da essere sempre conservato e ricordato. Un sorriso che aveva marchiato così tanti miei pensieri e ricordi che mi era impossibile distogliere lo sguardo e, ancor più impossibile, dimenticarla.”
Ma la vita si è trasformata, diventando qualcosa che non la rappresenta più, che è diventata un peso sulle spalle, che l’ha costretta a chiudere il passato in un cassetto a cui non accedere mai. Crescere non è facile per nessuno, ma quando le tue giornate si riempiono di maschere da tenere su in maniera costante, tutto diventa difficile.
“Hudson viveva in un cassetto dei ricordi che aprivo ogni volta nei momenti meno opportuni; […]”
Tornare in quella cittadina della North Carolina per Evelyn vuol dire lasciarsi andare, vuol dire tornare a essere spensierata, libera e non più obbligata in schemi che le stanno stretti. Vuol dire vivere e fallire, correre rischi per migliorarsi. Vuol dire ritrovare vecchie connessioni, riallacciare rapporti profondi rimasti in sospeso anni prima. Hudson e suo fratello Griffin e Mila rappresentano tutto ciò.
Hudson è un personaggio molto bello, carico di sentimenti, con una vita complicata, compie sacrifici che non gli pesano, nonostante le difficoltà non perde mai il sorriso.
“Evelyn aveva riempito i vuoti che aveva lasciato mia madre nella mia vita e che avrebbe lasciato anche nel mio cuore, se non fosse stato per la sua presenza costante e il suo rifiuto a lasciarmi solo anche quando glielo chiedevo.”
Ci sono connessioni, legami che non si distruggono, che affondano le loro radici rendendoli immuni al tempo e allo spazio.
I personaggi secondari sono un corollario e rappresentano una famiglia per i protagonisti, pronti a mostrare le loro storie.
Non mi rimane che ringraziare la casa editrice con la sua collana digitale per avermi dato la possibilità di conoscere quest’autrice.
September 29, 2022
.75 stars--THE RETURN PLAY is the first instalment in Mariah Dietz’s contemporary, new adult OLEANDER SPRINGS erotic, romance series. This is twenty year old college football players Hudson McKinley, and eighteen year old Evelyn Watts’ story line.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Hudson and Evelyn) THE RETURN PLAY follows in the aftermath of Evelyn Watts walking away from a volleyball scholarship at New Mexico State, in the wake of verbal abuse and burn out at the hands of her coach. Needing time to herself, and away from the family that is quickly spiraling out of control, Evelyn heads to Oleander Springs, North Carolina, her home away from home, where she will reconnect with the people from her past. Enter twenty year old, college football player Hudson McKinley, and the man with whom Evelyn will fall in love. What ensues is the rebuilding friendships, and relationship between Evelyn and Hudson, and the potential fall out when Hudson sees red, and pushes Evelyn out of his life.
Evelyn Watts’ homelife is struggling to survive, and when she quits the volleyball team, the reality of her family slowly unravels. In an effort to regroup and reconsider her options for the future, Evelyn heads to Oleander Springs, to a place where innocence and first love were all that mattered. Hudson McKinley never forgot about the young girl that had stolen his heart but Evelyn is struggling with a direction in life, and Hudson is hoping to convince Evelyn Oleander Springs is her final destination.
The relationship between Hudson and Evelyn is one of second chances, of a sorts. A rekindling friendship that slowly blossoms into love, a love that is threatened when Hudson is unable to forgive and forget. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
As this is the introductory story line, we are introduced to several secondary and supporting characters including Hudson’s family, friends and teammates: Nolan Payne, Greyson Meyers, and Corey Bishop; Hudson’s brother Griffin;, and their divorced parents; Mila Atwool, as well as Evelyn’s embattled parents, her brother Shane, her great Aunt Pat, and Evelyn’s friend at home Trinity.
THE RETURN PLAY is a slow building, lengthy story of friendships, relationships, family and love- the author is building the back story for several upcoming instalments therefore not all of the focus was on our story line couple. The premise is engaging and interesting but the conflict is mostly limited to the behind the scenes dysfunctional family problems; the characters are charismatic and flirty; the romance is seductive.
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from dual first person perspectives (Hudson and Evelyn) THE RETURN PLAY follows in the aftermath of Evelyn Watts walking away from a volleyball scholarship at New Mexico State, in the wake of verbal abuse and burn out at the hands of her coach. Needing time to herself, and away from the family that is quickly spiraling out of control, Evelyn heads to Oleander Springs, North Carolina, her home away from home, where she will reconnect with the people from her past. Enter twenty year old, college football player Hudson McKinley, and the man with whom Evelyn will fall in love. What ensues is the rebuilding friendships, and relationship between Evelyn and Hudson, and the potential fall out when Hudson sees red, and pushes Evelyn out of his life.
Evelyn Watts’ homelife is struggling to survive, and when she quits the volleyball team, the reality of her family slowly unravels. In an effort to regroup and reconsider her options for the future, Evelyn heads to Oleander Springs, to a place where innocence and first love were all that mattered. Hudson McKinley never forgot about the young girl that had stolen his heart but Evelyn is struggling with a direction in life, and Hudson is hoping to convince Evelyn Oleander Springs is her final destination.
The relationship between Hudson and Evelyn is one of second chances, of a sorts. A rekindling friendship that slowly blossoms into love, a love that is threatened when Hudson is unable to forgive and forget. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
As this is the introductory story line, we are introduced to several secondary and supporting characters including Hudson’s family, friends and teammates: Nolan Payne, Greyson Meyers, and Corey Bishop; Hudson’s brother Griffin;, and their divorced parents; Mila Atwool, as well as Evelyn’s embattled parents, her brother Shane, her great Aunt Pat, and Evelyn’s friend at home Trinity.
THE RETURN PLAY is a slow building, lengthy story of friendships, relationships, family and love- the author is building the back story for several upcoming instalments therefore not all of the focus was on our story line couple. The premise is engaging and interesting but the conflict is mostly limited to the behind the scenes dysfunctional family problems; the characters are charismatic and flirty; the romance is seductive.
www.thereadingcafe.com
November 15, 2022
The Return Play Cured my The Dating Playbook Book Hangover!
My Headline says it all....The Return Play Cured my The Dating Playbook Book Hangover!!! After devouring all 6.5 books in The Dating Playbook series, I was seriously in desperate need of another Mariah Dietz Sports romance series, especially football! I won't lie, I wasn't sure if her new series, Oleander Springs, would compete or come anywhere near my love for The Dating Playbook series, but it absolutely slide right past like to LOVE and squeezed right next The Dating Playbook!
First, let me say how much I enjoyed that the series is set in a completely different location compared to her previous series. I love that The Return Play is set in NC and vivid description of the weather (heat/humidity) during the last weeks of summer. It set the scene and played into the storyline.
Okay, but lets talk characters. Like I said I'm a big stan for The Dating Playbook and all the characters (especially Arlo and Olivia...my A1 Day1), but Evelyn & Hudson lived up to the hype. The Childhood friends to lovers troupe is always one I have a soft spot for, and these two were no exception. I loved how after multiple years of not seeing or talking to each other they jumped right back into their easy friendship and the secret crushes they had for one another when they were younger come back to the surface as adults. While I could probably write another 5 paragraphs just on Evelyn & Hudson, I wouldn't be doing this review or book Justice if I didn't mention the fantastic side characters. I hate to even call them side characters because in reality they are their own main characters in their own stories. Mila, Griffin and the rowdy, but lovable bunch that make up Hudson's close friend group/teammates on the Camden U Football team make this book!. I also would like to say Thank you Mariah for giving a voice to characters like Griffin. It's rare that characters with special needs or learning disorders are written into book or given such a large presence. You portrayed Griffin not only as a character with special needs, but also as a person who is trying to navigate life and overcome obstacles that not many of us have to face. I love the relationship between Griffin & Hudson. Their brotherly bond will warm even the coldest heart. All in all I have this book a 5/5 and highly recommended if you haven't read it yet 10000% read it today! You won't be able to put it down!!
My Headline says it all....The Return Play Cured my The Dating Playbook Book Hangover!!! After devouring all 6.5 books in The Dating Playbook series, I was seriously in desperate need of another Mariah Dietz Sports romance series, especially football! I won't lie, I wasn't sure if her new series, Oleander Springs, would compete or come anywhere near my love for The Dating Playbook series, but it absolutely slide right past like to LOVE and squeezed right next The Dating Playbook!
First, let me say how much I enjoyed that the series is set in a completely different location compared to her previous series. I love that The Return Play is set in NC and vivid description of the weather (heat/humidity) during the last weeks of summer. It set the scene and played into the storyline.
Okay, but lets talk characters. Like I said I'm a big stan for The Dating Playbook and all the characters (especially Arlo and Olivia...my A1 Day1), but Evelyn & Hudson lived up to the hype. The Childhood friends to lovers troupe is always one I have a soft spot for, and these two were no exception. I loved how after multiple years of not seeing or talking to each other they jumped right back into their easy friendship and the secret crushes they had for one another when they were younger come back to the surface as adults. While I could probably write another 5 paragraphs just on Evelyn & Hudson, I wouldn't be doing this review or book Justice if I didn't mention the fantastic side characters. I hate to even call them side characters because in reality they are their own main characters in their own stories. Mila, Griffin and the rowdy, but lovable bunch that make up Hudson's close friend group/teammates on the Camden U Football team make this book!. I also would like to say Thank you Mariah for giving a voice to characters like Griffin. It's rare that characters with special needs or learning disorders are written into book or given such a large presence. You portrayed Griffin not only as a character with special needs, but also as a person who is trying to navigate life and overcome obstacles that not many of us have to face. I love the relationship between Griffin & Hudson. Their brotherly bond will warm even the coldest heart. All in all I have this book a 5/5 and highly recommended if you haven't read it yet 10000% read it today! You won't be able to put it down!!
September 15, 2022
“This has always been your second home, and you’ve always belonged here—with us—with me.”
The Return Play is a beautifully emotional story of second chances and rediscovery. Evelyn used to return to Oleander Springs every summer to visit her grandmother but stopped once her grandmother passed away. Now she’s reluctantly returning to attend college and she reunites with her best friends from those summers. Evelyn is skittish and thinks the bond they had developed cannot still be intact, but she soon discovers that time and distance hasn’t diminished their connection.
“When I’m with you, it feels like you see me, like you know me—understand me. You’ve helped me remember who I am, and who I want to be.”
Evelyn is a bit lost when she returns to town. She has spent her entire life trying to please everyone around her while hiding her true self and feelings. Returning to Oleander Springs helps her rediscover her self and she feels truly seen for the first time since she last visited. Hudson understands her in a way that no one else does and he encourages her to think for herself and follow the path that feel right for herself.
“I know him, know him better than anyone, better than I know myself, like our souls were written from the same pen, completing each other’s.”
Hudson is a sweetheart. He’s juggling so much in his life and feels the pressure of all of it, but he still tries his best to be there for everyone that he cares for. When he sees Evelyn again, he recognizes her instantly and is determined to bring back the spirited girl that he fell for so long ago.
“I know you and the variation of your smiles and tones better than our playbook. I know you—still know you.”
Hudson and Evelyn are sweet and spicy and so much fun. Their banter is entertaining and snappy from the beginning and you can see the spark instantly spring back to life in their words. I loved watching them revive the connection that they always had. They understood each other with only a single glance and supported one another unconditionally. Their friendship was lovely and their chemistry was on fire.
“…she’s always been more than just my friend. I’m fairly sure she’s the other half of my heart.”
The Return Play was full of heat, heart, drama, and passion. I loved watching this group of friends support one another through life’s ups and downs and I can’t wait to read about the rest of these fantastic characters.
The Return Play is a beautifully emotional story of second chances and rediscovery. Evelyn used to return to Oleander Springs every summer to visit her grandmother but stopped once her grandmother passed away. Now she’s reluctantly returning to attend college and she reunites with her best friends from those summers. Evelyn is skittish and thinks the bond they had developed cannot still be intact, but she soon discovers that time and distance hasn’t diminished their connection.
“When I’m with you, it feels like you see me, like you know me—understand me. You’ve helped me remember who I am, and who I want to be.”
Evelyn is a bit lost when she returns to town. She has spent her entire life trying to please everyone around her while hiding her true self and feelings. Returning to Oleander Springs helps her rediscover her self and she feels truly seen for the first time since she last visited. Hudson understands her in a way that no one else does and he encourages her to think for herself and follow the path that feel right for herself.
“I know him, know him better than anyone, better than I know myself, like our souls were written from the same pen, completing each other’s.”
Hudson is a sweetheart. He’s juggling so much in his life and feels the pressure of all of it, but he still tries his best to be there for everyone that he cares for. When he sees Evelyn again, he recognizes her instantly and is determined to bring back the spirited girl that he fell for so long ago.
“I know you and the variation of your smiles and tones better than our playbook. I know you—still know you.”
Hudson and Evelyn are sweet and spicy and so much fun. Their banter is entertaining and snappy from the beginning and you can see the spark instantly spring back to life in their words. I loved watching them revive the connection that they always had. They understood each other with only a single glance and supported one another unconditionally. Their friendship was lovely and their chemistry was on fire.
“…she’s always been more than just my friend. I’m fairly sure she’s the other half of my heart.”
The Return Play was full of heat, heart, drama, and passion. I loved watching this group of friends support one another through life’s ups and downs and I can’t wait to read about the rest of these fantastic characters.
September 19, 2022
Another wonderful story by Mariah
Mariah Dietz has written an emotional, heartfelt story of two people rediscovering themselves, a story of second chances, and a love that was never forgotten.
Oleander Springs is a place Evelyn Watts went to every summer, enjoying her time there with her grandmother and the friends she had there. This came to as stop when her grandmother died. Now Evelyn is returning to attend Camden University after quitting her volleyball team and losing her scholarship. Evelyn is lost, unsure she had made the right decision, her mind is soon changed when she, once again, meets up with her childhood friends, Hudson, Mila, and Griffin. Evelyn has always had feelings for Hudson, but when her grandmother dies, and she tried to be the person everyone else wanted her to be, she never returned to Oleander Springs.
Hudson McKinley was thrilled that his childhood friend was back in Oleander Springs. Yet he soon learns that Evelyn isn't the same carefree, outgoing girl she once was, she's changed, seems lost, and thee is only one thing for him to do ... help Evelyn find the girl she once was. Hudson was perfectly sweet with Evelyn, she was the girl he never forgot, and is now the woman he desperately wants. Trying to remain friends with her doesn't work for Hudson, so he finally finds the courage to tell her his true feelings. Will they be able to maintain their friendship while exploring their deeper feelings?
The chemistry between Evelyn and Hudson burned brightly, it was undeniable. Theirs was a sweet, slowburn romance that evolved from a deep loving friendship. I loved that Hudson made Evelyn feel at ease and how he was important in helping her find the person who she once was and was always meant to be. Will they be able to let go of their doubts and allow their love for one another to flourish?
THE RETURN PLAY is yet another wonderful read from Mariah Dietz. It was a fast paced, easy read that definitely pulled on my heartstrings.
Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction
FOUR STARS
Mariah Dietz has written an emotional, heartfelt story of two people rediscovering themselves, a story of second chances, and a love that was never forgotten.
Oleander Springs is a place Evelyn Watts went to every summer, enjoying her time there with her grandmother and the friends she had there. This came to as stop when her grandmother died. Now Evelyn is returning to attend Camden University after quitting her volleyball team and losing her scholarship. Evelyn is lost, unsure she had made the right decision, her mind is soon changed when she, once again, meets up with her childhood friends, Hudson, Mila, and Griffin. Evelyn has always had feelings for Hudson, but when her grandmother dies, and she tried to be the person everyone else wanted her to be, she never returned to Oleander Springs.
Hudson McKinley was thrilled that his childhood friend was back in Oleander Springs. Yet he soon learns that Evelyn isn't the same carefree, outgoing girl she once was, she's changed, seems lost, and thee is only one thing for him to do ... help Evelyn find the girl she once was. Hudson was perfectly sweet with Evelyn, she was the girl he never forgot, and is now the woman he desperately wants. Trying to remain friends with her doesn't work for Hudson, so he finally finds the courage to tell her his true feelings. Will they be able to maintain their friendship while exploring their deeper feelings?
The chemistry between Evelyn and Hudson burned brightly, it was undeniable. Theirs was a sweet, slowburn romance that evolved from a deep loving friendship. I loved that Hudson made Evelyn feel at ease and how he was important in helping her find the person who she once was and was always meant to be. Will they be able to let go of their doubts and allow their love for one another to flourish?
THE RETURN PLAY is yet another wonderful read from Mariah Dietz. It was a fast paced, easy read that definitely pulled on my heartstrings.
Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction
FOUR STARS
September 19, 2022
4.5 stars for this wonderful story!
"This has always been your second home, and you've always belonged here - with us - with me."
When Evelyn Watts quits the volleyball team, she loses her scholarship to New Mexico State and ends up moving to Oleander Springs in Florida. Although Camden University was always her childhood dream, she arrives with mixed feelings. However, when she meets her childhood best friends, Hudson and Griffin McKinley, and Mila Atwool, she finally starts to find her groove again.
"There's something between us, something undeniable that burns and hums and sparks when we're apart and grows in intensity when she's nearby."
When his childhood best friend turns up expectedly in Oleander Springs, Hudson can hardly believe it. After her four-year absence, Evelyn is familiar yet not familiar; changed yet unchanged. She's definitely no longer the cute, coltish 14YO girl he knew. As the summer days pass and they reacquaint themselves, Hudson struggles to stay in the friend-zone, until he finally declares himself and hopes to persuade Evelyn that Camden is the right choice for her.
"I feel him against every part of me, not just in my heart, but in my veins, in my bones, in my memories, and my forever."
This was a sexy, sweet, slow-burn romance. I loved the connection between Hudson and Evelyn, and also how Evelyn reconnected with both Griffin and Mila, too. The solid summer friendship she had with them all resurfaces the more time she spends with them. Evelyn was all kindness and patience with Griffin. I loved her manner with him and how good she was with him. I enjoyed how Evelyn gradually found her footing back in Oleander Springs, as she battled with her doubts and insecurities. The romance that blossomed between Hudson and her was gorgeous, as it had a fantastic friendship base to work from. Once they stepped over the line, the romance went from slow-burn to incendiary. Their chemistry was hot and all-consuming. Hudson was such a fabulous guy! He had a lot on his plate as he dealt with his own worries and responsibilities. I loved how flirty and sweet he was with Evelyn, and his desire for her was thrilling. I really enjoyed this story and hoping to have stories about the other characters.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/review/ROXG98S...
"This has always been your second home, and you've always belonged here - with us - with me."
When Evelyn Watts quits the volleyball team, she loses her scholarship to New Mexico State and ends up moving to Oleander Springs in Florida. Although Camden University was always her childhood dream, she arrives with mixed feelings. However, when she meets her childhood best friends, Hudson and Griffin McKinley, and Mila Atwool, she finally starts to find her groove again.
"There's something between us, something undeniable that burns and hums and sparks when we're apart and grows in intensity when she's nearby."
When his childhood best friend turns up expectedly in Oleander Springs, Hudson can hardly believe it. After her four-year absence, Evelyn is familiar yet not familiar; changed yet unchanged. She's definitely no longer the cute, coltish 14YO girl he knew. As the summer days pass and they reacquaint themselves, Hudson struggles to stay in the friend-zone, until he finally declares himself and hopes to persuade Evelyn that Camden is the right choice for her.
"I feel him against every part of me, not just in my heart, but in my veins, in my bones, in my memories, and my forever."
This was a sexy, sweet, slow-burn romance. I loved the connection between Hudson and Evelyn, and also how Evelyn reconnected with both Griffin and Mila, too. The solid summer friendship she had with them all resurfaces the more time she spends with them. Evelyn was all kindness and patience with Griffin. I loved her manner with him and how good she was with him. I enjoyed how Evelyn gradually found her footing back in Oleander Springs, as she battled with her doubts and insecurities. The romance that blossomed between Hudson and her was gorgeous, as it had a fantastic friendship base to work from. Once they stepped over the line, the romance went from slow-burn to incendiary. Their chemistry was hot and all-consuming. Hudson was such a fabulous guy! He had a lot on his plate as he dealt with his own worries and responsibilities. I loved how flirty and sweet he was with Evelyn, and his desire for her was thrilling. I really enjoyed this story and hoping to have stories about the other characters.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/review/ROXG98S...
September 29, 2022
Loved, Loved, LOVED this book!!
This is such a rich, emotionally-fueled story about love, family, relationships and self-discovery.
Evelyn is about to become a freshman at a University she’s not sure she wants to attend, even though it was her dream growing up to go there. She lives in New Mexico with her family, but usually spent every summer visiting her grandmother in North Carolina. During those summers, she became best friends with Mila, Hudson, and Hudson’s brother, Griffin. They did everything together during that time, and when their summer was over & Evelyn had to return to New Mexico in September, they vowed to see each other next year: same time, same place.
After her grandmother’s passing, Evelyn never did return to her grandmother’s house, where her aunt now lives. It’s been 4 summers since she’s seen those friends and has a lot of hesitation to want to go back there to the university she’d planned on attending so long ago. She tried to hint to her parents that she wanted to stay and attend New Mexico University, but her parents were having their own issues and didn’t really hear Evelyn’s hesitations.
After her mother flies out and drops Evelyn off at her grandmother’s (now aunt’s) house, Evelyn has to try and reconnect with the friends she used to have to see if this is, indeed, where she belongs. A lot has changed in 4 years between the 4 friends, but not as much as Evelyn thinks!! 😉
This book is such a wonderful story about past and present relationships. It’s got everything you want to read in a story, and I love the memories it touches on, as you get a very clear picture of the sense of “home” Evelyn felt while spending time at her grandmother’s and how deep those feelings are to the friends she thought might had forgotten her.
I would highly recommend this story as a MUST Read!! ❤️
November 12, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️,5
Evelyn, torna a Oleander Springs dopo aver mollato tutto, la carriera da atleta, la borsa di studio, e soprattutto l’idea di sapere chi è. Il suo ritorno non è solo geografico, è un vero e proprio “ritorno in a stessa”.
E indovinate chi ritrova? Hudson McKinley, l’amico d’infanzia, il ragazzo con cui condivideva risate, segreti e quelle estati in cui sembrava che nulla potesse cambiare.
Solo che ora Hudson non è più il ragazzo di un tempo. È cresciuto, porta sulle spalle responsabilità più grandi — un fratello da proteggere, una famiglia da tenere in piedi, e un cuore che, nonostante tutto, non ha mai smesso di aspettare Evelyn.
Tra loro non esplode subito la passione, ma c’è un lento slow burn che fa sospirare e battere il cuore ,ciò sono sguardi che sembrano dire: « attento il passato é dietro l’angolo»
Ho molto apprezzato come l’autrice è brava nel far emergere la tensione silenziosa tra i due — quei momenti sospesi in cui nessuno parla, ma entrambi sanno perfettamente cosa vorrebbero dire.
La loro relazione si costruisce tra ricordi, scuse mai dette e la paura di sbagliare.
È un amore che cresce come una confidenza ritrovata, come un “ti ho aspettato” sussurrato dopo anni.
Ciò che rende il romanzo speciale è il contrasto tra la leggerezza estiva e la profondità emotiva. Evelyn non cerca solo Hudson, cerca se stessa, un nuovo modo di sentirsi “abbastanza”. E Hudson, con la sua dolcezza matura e la sua pazienza, diventa un punto fermo, ma mai una stampella.
È una storia che non ha bisogno di fuochi d’artificio: brucia lentamente, ma scalda a lungo.
Quando arrivi alle ultime pagine, ti ritrovi a sorridere con un pizzico di nostalgia — come se avessi vissuto anche tu un’estate così.
Consigliato a chi ama le storie che fanno battere il cuore lentamente, dove l’amore è anche crescita e perdono.
Evelyn, torna a Oleander Springs dopo aver mollato tutto, la carriera da atleta, la borsa di studio, e soprattutto l’idea di sapere chi è. Il suo ritorno non è solo geografico, è un vero e proprio “ritorno in a stessa”.
E indovinate chi ritrova? Hudson McKinley, l’amico d’infanzia, il ragazzo con cui condivideva risate, segreti e quelle estati in cui sembrava che nulla potesse cambiare.
Solo che ora Hudson non è più il ragazzo di un tempo. È cresciuto, porta sulle spalle responsabilità più grandi — un fratello da proteggere, una famiglia da tenere in piedi, e un cuore che, nonostante tutto, non ha mai smesso di aspettare Evelyn.
Tra loro non esplode subito la passione, ma c’è un lento slow burn che fa sospirare e battere il cuore ,ciò sono sguardi che sembrano dire: « attento il passato é dietro l’angolo»
Ho molto apprezzato come l’autrice è brava nel far emergere la tensione silenziosa tra i due — quei momenti sospesi in cui nessuno parla, ma entrambi sanno perfettamente cosa vorrebbero dire.
La loro relazione si costruisce tra ricordi, scuse mai dette e la paura di sbagliare.
È un amore che cresce come una confidenza ritrovata, come un “ti ho aspettato” sussurrato dopo anni.
Ciò che rende il romanzo speciale è il contrasto tra la leggerezza estiva e la profondità emotiva. Evelyn non cerca solo Hudson, cerca se stessa, un nuovo modo di sentirsi “abbastanza”. E Hudson, con la sua dolcezza matura e la sua pazienza, diventa un punto fermo, ma mai una stampella.
È una storia che non ha bisogno di fuochi d’artificio: brucia lentamente, ma scalda a lungo.
Quando arrivi alle ultime pagine, ti ritrovi a sorridere con un pizzico di nostalgia — come se avessi vissuto anche tu un’estate così.
Consigliato a chi ama le storie che fanno battere il cuore lentamente, dove l’amore è anche crescita e perdono.
October 11, 2023
This was a cute book. It had a nice story and I liked how everything developed. I liked the pace and I liked the characters. I loved the Evelyn's character development. You can tell she really grew that summer and opened herself up. She became more comfortable in her skin and more true to herself. As for Hudson, he was a good love interest. For the most part, he was a good love interest at least. He was there for her, cared for her, supported her and tried to keep her as a priority in his life. He did annoy me when he didn't explain who Ashland was right away. Come to think of it, I don't remember if they ever had that talk. Plot hole? I could be wrong bcs I don't remember. He also annoyed me at the end when he didn't ask her why she was late to pick up his brother from the library. Like bro jumped to conclusions so fast. So many bad things could've happened to Evelyn. She could've driven off the side of the road bcs of her flat, she could've gotten run over, she could've gotten kidnapped when she hitchhiked, etc. So many things could've gone wrong. Like yes, it sucks that his brother was injured but it wasn't her fault. He left the library two hours and a half before his shift ended, so even if Evie was on time, he wouldn't have been there anyways. As you can tell, that really pissed me off. Since I shat on that so much, let me give a positive. I liked the community in this book. It felt like a little family, especially when they went to camp for the week.
Overall, it was a good book. I enjoyed reading it. It wasn't my favourite bcs Hudson did annoy me at times but there were a lot of positives too. The author was really good at stretching out those 2-3 months bcs I felt like so much happened.
Overall, it was a good book. I enjoyed reading it. It wasn't my favourite bcs Hudson did annoy me at times but there were a lot of positives too. The author was really good at stretching out those 2-3 months bcs I felt like so much happened.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2022
This book is a slow burn friends to lovers plus sport romance between a good girl who to please everyone around her and a boy who has a trust issue. Evelyn and Hudson had been each other summer friends along with Hudson's brother and best friend until she stopped coming to his small town after the death of her grandmother.
Aside from their friendships, their chemistry is still easily spot on but their love has a lot to prove. First with Hudson's teammate, then Hudson's ex, and later with Hudson's trust issue.
The book is lightly angsty and intense but also sweet and steamy. I like their friendships and at the end, it's not just Evelyn that grows up but Hudson is also starting to trust again which is good for his family and his team. I even think he is swoon-worthy for what he does to win Evelyn back.
And like I said before that it's slow burn so you have to be patient because once Evelyn and Hudson get there, their encounters sure can set the book on fire.
But I have to remind myself while I'm reading this book that it's new adult romance so Evelyn's behavior is understandable and this is why I decide to give the book 4.5 stars. She is unsure of everything and afraids to voice what she wants because she wants to please everyone until she loses herself in the process. But when she runs into Hudson and he keeps pushing her to do everything for herself, she slowly but finally becomes her old self again. I adore Evelyn and Hudson's friendship including Hudson's brother and best friend. Evelyn needs them and they are good for her.
Aside from their friendships, their chemistry is still easily spot on but their love has a lot to prove. First with Hudson's teammate, then Hudson's ex, and later with Hudson's trust issue.
The book is lightly angsty and intense but also sweet and steamy. I like their friendships and at the end, it's not just Evelyn that grows up but Hudson is also starting to trust again which is good for his family and his team. I even think he is swoon-worthy for what he does to win Evelyn back.
And like I said before that it's slow burn so you have to be patient because once Evelyn and Hudson get there, their encounters sure can set the book on fire.
But I have to remind myself while I'm reading this book that it's new adult romance so Evelyn's behavior is understandable and this is why I decide to give the book 4.5 stars. She is unsure of everything and afraids to voice what she wants because she wants to please everyone until she loses herself in the process. But when she runs into Hudson and he keeps pushing her to do everything for herself, she slowly but finally becomes her old self again. I adore Evelyn and Hudson's friendship including Hudson's brother and best friend. Evelyn needs them and they are good for her.
August 7, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were all very relatable and for me, felt the connections of their friendship. Though I felt that the feelings and relationship took a lot of pages to get there, it was natural for two people that haven't seen each other in 4 years and were reconnecting. Plus both have pasts that make it a little more challenging to just jump right in. Hudson was trying to balance it all which included taking care of his brother who had some extra needs and maybe that is where my biggest struggle was. I get Hudson's age but it seemed like his dad would just leave and Hudson was left making sure his brother was taken care of, instead of being the parent. But honestly, I guess that shouldn't be a surprise as there are situations like this in every day life I am sure. Evelyn is the girl just trying to keep everything perfect. Yes, I used the word for a reason, read the book and find out why. She goes to Oleander Springs and finds who she was all those summers she would go and stay with her grandma, and also that he three people that she has always been closest to were there to help remind her as well.
The support characters are all great. We get the best banter between then all and I think he friendship between the guys and how they always have each others backs makes me smile the biggest. It is that found family and how they will always take care of the others as well as help pick up the pieces when they start falling apart. They tell it like it is and that is true friends.
The support characters are all great. We get the best banter between then all and I think he friendship between the guys and how they always have each others backs makes me smile the biggest. It is that found family and how they will always take care of the others as well as help pick up the pieces when they start falling apart. They tell it like it is and that is true friends.
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