Play With Me

Quince Valley #4

by Claire Wilder

A shy librarian and a charming ex-tennis pro single dad come together in this steamy friends-to-lovers romance from Claire Wilder, USA Today bestselling author. With banter, steam, and a guaranteed Happily Ever After.

I’ve been in love with my best friend Jude Kelly—and his dark-haired mini-me son Cap—since the moment they walked into my library.

Jude thought I didn’t recognize him as the ex-tennis pro who’s now the big draw for his family’s luxury resort. I did.

He thought I was immune to his gorgeous smile and signature panty-melting wink. I wasn’t.

But my shy and frumpy corduroy was never going to be a match for Jude’s sweet and gorgeous charm—even if he did believe in love. Which he doesn’t.

That’s why I accepted a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do a college program in London. Two years with an ocean between us should help Jude and Cap find their best match. It should help heal my broken heart, too.

Except there’s just one thing keeping me from that night I said I was leaving.

That night Jude Kelly kissed me.

*This is the alternate paperback edition of Play With Me with the same interior as the original paperback.*

Play With Me is book four in the interconnected standalone Quince Valley Romance series. Featuring an introvert meets extrovert (un)requited love story, high heat, explosive banter, frisky business in a convent (!?) and a little mystery subplot too. There is no need to read the other books in the series to fall head over heels for Play With Me.

Genres: Friends To Lovers, Romance, Sports, Small Town Romance, Second Chance, Sports Romance, Slow Burn

362 pages, Paperback

Published June 14, 2023

About the author

USA Today bestselling author of spicy small-town romance featuring

- Relatable women who always support each other
- Strong, sexy wounded men
- A sometimes rocky but always steamy road that always leads to a guaranteed HEA

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Where to find me:

Website: clairewilder.com
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Facebook: facebook.com/clairewilderromance
FB Reader Group: facebook.com/groups/wilderwomenreaders
Bookbub: bookbub.com/profile/claire-wilder
Amazon: amazon.com/author/clairewilder
TikTok: tiktok.com/@clairewilderbooks
Bonus Material: clairewilder.com/extras

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

☆☆ 3.75 stars ☆☆

“I'd travel the world a hundred times just to spend a moment with her again.”

Play With Me follows Jude, former tennis pro and single dad, and his best friend, Nora, a shy introverted librarian. Their friendship was everything to them, so deep and rooted, on a level neither shared with anyone else. When Nora moved from Quince Valley to study abroad in London, Jude crossed the line and kissed her, emotionally wrecked about her leaving.

Jude fell into a dark place following the knee injury that derailed his career and carried so much emotional pain behind his easy-going, extroverted personality. My heart broke for him as he struggled with talking about his feelings as they manifested in anger and frustration instead. He denied himself pleasure and happiness for so long, filled with guilt and shame over the decisions of his past. I simply ached for him to see how special he truly was.

Nora had always been secretly attracted to Jude, not immune to his charms as he had thought but she considered his love unrequited. Yet the sexual tension between them was so palpable it sizzled just beneath the surface. What if they could be friends with benefits or maybe even something more?

“I want you, Nora, and it’s confusing as fuck.”
“Then show me, Jude. I dare you.”

I loved how Nora found her inner strength to be brave and start taking risks, especially in the name of love. And I loved how Jude worked through his issues to see what had been right in front of him all along. Fear and uncertainty gave rise to an incredible fire and I couldn't get enough of the two of them together. And holy hotness, that bathtub scene!! I loved how possessive and jealous Jude became with Nora but never in a dark way. He was always patient and understanding with her as she tried to overcome her difficulties in the bedroom. I especially loved how they broke through each other's walls and finally discovered they both deserved love.

This installment dives deeper into the Eleanor Cleary mystery. After all, that's what led Nora and Jude to first meet on that fateful day in the library. At times, the mystery overshadowed the romance but they may have never met without it. I also had some issues with the pacing of the book which seemed off in the last third so that's where my investment in their story faded.

One of the best parts of this book was Cap, Jude's 7-year-old little boy. I loved his relationship with Jude and his love for Nora as well. He had a heart of gold and so much love to give. He brought tears to my eyes multiple times so I'll share one of the most heartfelt things he said.

“I have you guys. I don’t need anything else in the whole world.”

Claire Wilder is a queen of steamy, small town romance and this was my favorite couple so far in the Quince Valley series. Ultimately, this was a story about learning to forgive yourself for your past, knowing your worth and embracing the present to take a chance on love.

** Special thanks to author Claire Wilder for sending me this ARC to read and review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Quotes subject to change at time of publication. Available June 16, 2023. **

[Kristiej · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book didn’t really work for me. I kept getting annoyed with Jude and Nora, the hero/heroine and their complete cluelessness and their stupid games. I got 50% done, lost interest, skipped to the last chapter to see the details on how it ended. Because it’s a romance of course it ends with an HEA but I wanted more of how the HEA worked. It wasn’t bad so I went back, read more chapters and then I was just done with these two.

Jude is a former pro tennis player, forced out of the game, took it hard and compensated with screwing around. When he got a barely legal young woman pregnant and didn’t even remember that was his wake up call and he straightened his life out. When the young woman gave birth and with immense pressure from her parents, she gave their very young son to Jude to raise and disappeared. This all happened before the book opens. Now Jude and Nora are best buds. They hang out all the time and Nora is a substitute mother to Chap, Jude’s son. Nora is madly in love with Jude but because she is a librarian and somewhat of a nerd, who works as a librarian, wears thick glasses, bright red hair she keeps in pig tails and dresses oddly, she doesn’t think Jude could possibly have any real feelings for her other than friendship.

Of course he does but he’s completely oblivious to them. Nora needs to get away from the pain of loving Jude and enrols in a two year library course in England. Jude of corse misses her and he and Cap go to visit her. And so it goes.

I found much of the book on the boring side. Jude and Nora were ok but nothing really memorable. Jude is very cruel when Caps mother comes back into the picture and just wants a chance to get to know her son and Jude lost quite a few hero points for the way he treated her.

This isn’t a book I’d ever be tempted to read again and I’m glad I got it on KU and could return it.

[Sarah McDonald · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little boring

I’m so disappointed. I love a friends to lovers trope but this was so boring. Jude and Nora had such cute chemistry in the other books but it just didn’t translate into their own book. Maybe because there were too many other story lines fighting for space as well. It just felt awkward.

[BookKraves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you really not been with a woman in almost eight years

Jude and Nora have an amazing friendship with the edge of hidden attraction. With tensions high between a nerdy librarian and an ex-tennis pro who is also a single dad, things got complicated really fast. With Jude's baby mama making a reappearance, unwarranted feelings are stirred up in Nora. On top of that, Jude and Nora are trying to solve a mystery about a crime they think may have been committed.

The mystery that Nora and Jude were trying to solve kept me invested in the book. I love a good mystery. I particularly like Jude, he caring, a great parent, puts his son's needs before his own and he's adventurous.
The characters felt real to me. There was nothing too outlandish which was very appealing.

Play With Me is a good read but I wish I felt more emotions from the characters.

[jessicakaitlin]

Hot tennis pro who falls for his best friend?!!

Loved the angst and the tension🤌🏻

[Sarah Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful!

I am in LOVE with Claire Wilder’s writing. I have been so looking forward to Jude and Nora’s story and it was an absolute winner. I just loved their special dynamic - as best friends and as more. This was a very fun yet beautiful read - Nora’s bravery, Jude’s honesty, their epic chemistry, Cap’s gorgeousness, the unfolding mystery of Eleanor Cleary - there was just so much to love about this story I could go on and on.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brayzen Bookwyrm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Winning HEA in Quince Valley

Diving into the next book in a series always feels like coming home. And Play With Me by Claire Wilder brought not only that sense of comfort, but upped the ante with a love story spanning multiple countries on an adventure steeped in love, loss, mystery, and connection. It’s more than a best friends to lovers, single dad, opposites-attract, forced proximity romance. It’s an immersive dive into all the feels. A love story setting the scene and tone for a love story.

Wilder does a beautiful job of building the relationship between not only Jude and Nora, but all of the characters in play. It’s a relatable tale of walls built, expectations shattered, and the stunning innocence of a child who sees how things should be way before the adults catch on. The overarching series mystery brings them all together, culminating in a whirlwind page-turner of closure for one family, while deepening the mystery for another.

Jude is definitely more than he appears, a swoonworthy book boyfriend who will grab your heart, and turn up the heat. And Nora is so genuine and authentic in her concerns, fears, and self-discovery she will resonate with every reader who’s ever wondered if their perfect match may be just a bit too perfect for them. But Cap, he definitely steals the show. Not only is he absolutely adorable, but he’s a great reminder that sometimes the best things are right in front of us, we just lose our ability to see them as we grow older and life gets in our way.

With one sibling left to find his HEA in the Quince Valley series, and that overarching enigma so close to resolution, I’m impatient biding my time until Griffin gets his HEA and Wilder brings everything together.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been so excited to read Jude and Nora's book. And guess what? I was not disappointed! So so good! These two had me on the edge of my seat for a bit in this book. I'll let you read for yourself because then you'll understand. :)

I absolutely loved Cap in this book. Seriously, he had me laughing and even pulled at my heartstrings a couple of times with some of the stuff he said. That could just be because of the mom in me. I don't think so though.

Sasha was such a great addition too! I loved how she pushed Nora. I'm going to cross fingers we see her again.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Donna McEachran · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are getting better as they go along. I'm so glad the mystery component is carrying through all the books and that we got to see more of Griffin in this one. There were moments in this book where I cried and others where I laughed out loud (salt nuggets!!). I think Nora is my favourite character from these books so far...closely followed by Jude and Cap!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sarah Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an arc from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review.

This was a fantastic friends to lovers romance. It was a really well written story and it had a great pace. I absolutely adored Cap, he was such a darling and his bond with Nora was amazing. Nora and Jude had amazing chemistry and the train scene was so steamy. I liked the mystery subplot and I can’t wait to see it resolved in the next book.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love with this series! After reading Sing For Me, I couldn’t wait for Jude & Nora’s story! And the suspense of Elenor’s story just added another dimension to this book. Cap has got to be the cutest kid ever & the fact that Farrah was cool eased my mind. Griff is just as mysterious in this story & I can’t wait to read his! Fingers crossed Sasha’s in it!!!

[readinggabs · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ Adorable friends to lovers story!

small town, famous ex-tennis star MMC, friends to lovers, single dad, opposites attract, say it again!, mystery aspect

This is book 4 of the Quince Valley series, which follows Jude and Nora.
Jude and Nora become unlikely friends when he goes into the town library with his son and Nora is working as the librarian.
Nora develops feelings quickly for Jude, but he has not let a woman in since his son's mother and has no interest in dating.
Nora gets into a prestigious program in London and moves there for school. On her last night in town, her and Jude share a kiss.

What I didn't love:
- Nora seemed a little boring
- Jude came off as kind of a dick in the beginning
- I felt like I didn't get a chance to know them as friends before they developed into something more
- I couldn't tell how old they were
- Some parts just didn't add up for me (ie. Nora seems innocent/slightly boring, but then isn't actually in bed - but there's no mention of this prior)
- Some plot points were underdeveloped and introduced a little too late for my liking (ie. Nora's history with her brother)

What I DID love:
- I ADORE when Nora finally stands up to Jude and makes more bold moves - she had an amazing character growth
- the smut was definitely shocking (DP in a convent? Claire you're wild)
- Jude had a lot of depth (when you finally get his history and why he's so closed off things make more sense)
- Interesting setting! (they weren't in Quince Valley, they were in Switzerland looking into the mystery that has spanned the other 3 books)
- How much Cap (Jude's son) adored Nora. The way he says he only needs the two of them was SO sweet.

Overall, I think things just didn't present themselves in a timely manner for me
I wish I got more of who Nora and Jude were before she moved, both as individuals and as friends.

Thank you Claire for the early copy of this book!

[Nicole Scarborough · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so cute. I couldn't put it down. The chemistry was great. I loved the story so much. It was well written

[randi · Rating 2 out of 5]

def got bored and skimmed

[Rebmay · Rating 4 out of 5]

One hero (Jude) who doesn’t trust love and suffers from a very well hidden self esteem problem. A heroine (Nora) who is deeply in love with the hero, but believes he will never see her as more than a friend. Add in a delightful young boy (Cap) who knows what and who he wants, though no one seems to be listening very well. He wants the kind, compassionate and very approachable heroine to be his mom, but the heroine thinks he wants the mom who left him. His Dad definitely doesn’t want his son’s mother back in his life, but doesn’t want the heroine as anything more than a friend. It takes distance and time to make the hero and heroine’s hearts grow much fonder, and an unexpected trip together to finally open their eyes to possibility of something more than friendship.


Jude has been told his whole life that he can’t multitask and needs to focus on one thing at a time or he will mess up everything. Case in point, at least to him, he took his focus off his career and ended up getting a far too young and ruthlessly controlled woman pregnant. A woman who left his son in his care while she pursued her modelling career. A loss of focus also led to an injury that ended his pro tennis career. Jude has learned his lesson. His sole focus is his son. He can’t split his focus to include a woman, not even his best friend and confidante who suddenly sparks his desire and fuels his fantasies. He and Cap are devastated when Nora applies for a spot in college program in England that will take her away from them for two years or more. Nora truly believes that father and son will have a better chance to find someone to fill the roles of wife and mother if she isn’t in the way. Maybe Jude will even allow his son’s mother back into their lives.

A year later, all concerned have missed and pined for the missing piece of their trio. Nora is shocked when Jude and Cap turn up in England during the Christmas holidays. Cap’s mother is going to join them on a trip to Switzerland, a trip Nora once thought she would take with them as a way to find out more about a mystery in his family. Everyone who sees Nora and Jude together is aware of their very palpable chemistry, the glances they try to hide and the barely tamped jealousy when the other gives attention to someone else. A drunken night leads to her agreement to join the trip to Switzerland and a nearly naked and far too sexy Jude sharing her bed. Could that be interest and desire in the other’s eyes? This trip may lead to a whole lot of discoveries, some very personal, that could change everything between them, for better or worse.

These characters easily captured a piece of my heart and my whole attention until I had finished their story. Their story is a bit bumpy, rather emotional and spicy. They waste so much time not listening to their hearts and being brave enough to fight for love. Their communication skills definitely need work too. In the end, Jude and Nora’s story is very entertaining and engaging.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ms. Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jude Kelly’s family owns the Rolling Hills resort in Quince Valley, Vermont. He has a six year old son named Jack. Jack became obsessed with Captain America so his nickname is Cap. Jude used to play professional tennis until he got injured and had to retire. He spiraled out of control, had sex with a young girl named Farrah and she got pregnant with Cap. When Jude had a DNA test run to confirm paternity, he found out Farrah was only 18 when they slept together. She left the country and Jude grew up quickly and focused on Cap. He became best friends two years ago with Nora Albright. She worked in the library and together, they researched the story of a ghost that supposed haunts the resort. They are obsessed trying to figure out about the mystery man who was in love with his boss’ wife Eleanor.

Nora is shy except when she’s working at the library or when she’s filming videos with her camera. She is in love with Jude but he doesn’t do relationships at all. She applies to the Waldorf Archival College in London for a special college program. She is accepted and leaves on New Year’s Eve. It is a two year program.

It is a year later and Nora still misses Jude and Cap. She hoped that by being away, Jude would find someone and that she would get over him. Jude and Cap visit Nora in London. They are going to Switzerland with Cap’s mom Farrah so Cap and Farrah can spend time together and Jude wants to continue the search for Eleanor’s love story. They invite Nora to go with them.

Will Nora go with them and Farrah to Switzerland? Will Nora and Jude reveal their true feelings for one another? Will they find out what happened with Eleanor and her mystery man?

I am loving all the stories about the Kelly siblings.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tima · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Jude and Nora, the lead characters, have been friends for years, since Jude asked for librarian Nora’s help in unravelling a mystery surrounding his family resort. Whilst Nora has always been attracted to Jude, she never thought he’d want someone shy like her. Jude has never had a relationship because a coach who trained him told him he could only focus on one thing at a time if he wanted to succeed and the thing he’s focusing on is raising his surprise son. But when Nora leaves to pursue career goals, he realises how much he and his son have been relying on their relationship, especially compared to his son’s mother returning and wanting a relationship with the Cap.

They’re also still pursuing the mystery at his resort so he convinces Nora to come with the three of them to be a buffer and investigate the mystery at the same time.

This story is dual POV, well written, and a great addition to the series. I empathised with both lead characters’ personal struggles. I enjoyed Nora’s gradual growth into self confidence and her reaching for her own goal. I enjoyed Jude’s dawning self-awareness and the encouragement from others that saw him move past the verbal abuse perpetrated by a past authority figure. I enjoyed Cap, Jude’s son, and his active integration into the story and his meaningful contributions to the relationship development. I enjoyed the family building dynamic and the importance of family support. I enjoyed the intimate scenes. I am looking forward to the last story in the series, both for its lead characters and the finalisation of the background plot!

I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Samantha (rain.books.and.tea) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4⭐️ 3🌶️

- MF
- Friends to Lovers
- Single Dad
- Former Pro-Athlete
- Librarian
- Mutual Pining
- Murder Mystery


I loved this best friends to lovers book. It was hilarious! Don’t get me started on the convent scenes. I was cackling throughout the book, but it also had angst and a murder mystery! I could not put it down and only stopped when I fell asleep.

I fell in love with Jude and Cap from page one and I knew that any author who could make me fall so hard so fast for a single dad and his son must have an equally amazing FMC in store and Nora did not disappoint. She was such a strong, brave, and kind person who loved Jude and Cap enough to break her own heart if it meant they would ultimately be happy.

I loved Jude and Nora as a couple. When they weren’t fighting or uncertain about the changes to their relationship, they complemented each other so well. Jude was a total golden retriever who used his playfulness to mask hidden insecurities. But his outgoing nature coaxed Nora out of her shell and made her laugh. Nora was the first person to make him feel like more than a former pro-tennis player and was someone he felt comfortable being his true self with.

I enjoyed the spice in this book and the way that Jude and Nora were so adventurous and playful with each other. They were also able to have some real and difficult conversations about their history and hang ups that I really loved.

I don’t know that I would have been as cool as Nora was when it came to Farrah, she was definitely a better person than me. But I was pleased that the OW drama was non-existent.

I cannot wait to see how the murder mystery wraps up with Griffin’s story. Is it October yet?

[Kali Dempsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐
2/5 🌶️

I can always count on Claire to leave me smiling. Play With Me was hilarious, adorable and oh so sweet. I instantly fell for Jude, Nora and Cap (although to be honest, I already loved Jude and Nora to pieces after meeting them in Sing For Me) and fell in love with Farrah, Sasha and Griff too as the story went on. This was such a wonderful adventure of love, forgiveness and finding out what's truly important in life.

I love how much more of Eleanor's story we got in this book. It was so fun how her mystery got Jude and Nora back on their best friend track and allowed them to get back to normal, which of course, eventually led to them finally admitting their love for each other. I'm really sad we didn't get to hear the end of the mystery, but Claire confirmed we will get it with Griff's story which is coming soon.

This book was laugh out loud funny. Between Jude's inappropriate day dreams, Nora's sleep habits, Jude's forgetfulness and both of their utter insanity when it comes to each other, I was laughing non-stop. The convent departure was probably my favorite scene, but their were so many runner ups that it's truly hard to choose.

I really loved watching the progression of Jude, Cap and Nora's relationship with Farrah. It was so sweet how Nora was able to really mediate for them and make sure that Cap wasn't stuck in the middle. I wish we got a little more of her and Cap's HEA, but hopefully we see her again in future books.

I'm already so excited to head back to Quince and get more of this family and set of characters. Griff played a significant role in this story which has me salivating for more, more, more.

[Kerri Bonvie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic story by Claire Wilder. The stories in this series just keep getting better. Jude seemed a little lost but happy with how his life had been playing out. His world is his son Cap, his best friend Nora and his role within his family's resort.

I love Jude for his joie de vivre. He had spiraled out of control after he was injured and I think we can all relate to that. I know I can. It's human nature to be devastated when your entire world comes crashing down and to attempt anything to numb the pain. Jude's reckless behavior gave him Cap. Brought him home to Quince Valley and pull his life together. The resort has saved him and brought him Nora in a way that is so cool and in hindsight romantic. I love how this story has unfolded.

I love Nora for being such an introverted person and an amazingly strong person. She is awkward and nerdy and I can totally relate to this. I was so proud of her for following her dreams and not holding on to what could have been with Jude. Jude loves his best friend but love is blind on every level. I loved every part of this book. I have loved Nora and Jude from the beginning of this series. Do you need to read the series to understand the story? No, however you will understand their complex relationship more if you do read the series. Plus, you meet the other characters in this series as well. You won’t regret visiting Quince Valley.

[Katja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jude and Nora are good friends and Jude's son Cap adores her but things have been awkward between them lately. Nora put an ocean between them in the hopes of getting some distance, but now Jude and Cap are there asking for her company on a Switzerland trip. While there, they have to sort out a bunch of conflicting feelings including their sexual hang-ups, Nora's fears, Jude's conviction that he's better off alone, focusing on being a dad, the anger and mistrust he's harboring for Cap's mother, who is trying to make an effort to be there for Cap. There is also a mystery subplot as they are trying to find out what happened to a pair of star-crossed lovers a long time ago.

I liked the characters who are basically good and nice people. The obstacles in their way were mostly self-inflicted, their own insecurities standing in their way. Cap's mom is there but it's not her intention to cause Other Woman drama, although there is some lingering damage from the time Cap was born. The mystery subplot was a bit of an afterthought but I guess it gave them something to do.

Series status: You can get it while reading as a stand-alone but it's probably better enjoyed in a series. The mystery is going to require another book to be solved, anyway.

Steam level: Vibrators at the convent.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kelchickbooklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a terrific friends-to-lovers, single-dad romance with some suspense thrown in. Ms. Wilder gives us two best friends that have been there for one another since day one. Feelings are there but they are one-sided.
Jude is a retired pro tennis player but more importantly, he is a single dad to Cap. He is all happy and nothing gets him down except having to deal with Cap's mother. He has Nora and she has been there forever. Cap loves her and so does Jude, but not in the way that she loves him. Or does he? When distance is put between them, will Jude see that Nora is what he needed? A trip together, with Cap and his mother has them tap dancing around their feelings for one another. Secrets are revealed, lines are crossed and things heat up. The two of them have even more of a connection when Jude is all in with helping Nora solve a mystery while overseas. The way that he is with her and how he seems to only see her is what makes him swoon-worthy.
Cap adds a fun-loving addition to this story. Although he is stuck in the middle of the situation between his mom and dad, she seems to be able to bring out the best in everyone with his actions and the way he talks to them.
I recommend adding Play With Me to your TBR list.

[Sue Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great single dad/friends to lovers romance. Nerdy librarian, Nora has been in love with hunky ex-tennis player, Jude since they met when he was researching a ghost story about his family’s resort. I loved this story about how these two very different, but likeable, characters try hard to fight their feelings for each other. I really enjoyed the dual pov format of this story – as you get to know what both the main characters are thinking. Unknown to Nora, and a tease for the reader, Jude has been having ‘inappropriate’ thoughts about his best friend for a while and thinks Nora isn’t into him in that way - merely there for friendship and his adorable son. I liked the way Nora decides to cut her losses and leave to study in London – then Jude's kiss on the eve of her departure shakes both of them to the core! Moving forward a year, what adds to the reader engagement in the story, is the historical love story that Nora and Jude are researching which takes them both on their travels via London to Switzerland. A satisfying steamy romance with a lovely HEA – despite the fact you want to bang Nora & Jude’s heads together on occasions!

[Amy Reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jude is over the top charming and his personality is like a beacon. The former pro tennis player is now a single dad and tennis pro at his family's resort. He is everything his best friend Nora isn't, and she thinks their relationship is holding him back. She decides to further her education in London, and spend her time studying and getting over Jude.

Every time I read a new Claire Wilder book, I think THIS one is my favorite. Well guess what? This is her best work yet. Jude's story is one I've been looking very forward to, NEEDING to see Jude and Nora's happily ever after. Jude feels much more deeply than he lets on, and Nora sees all of him and loves him not in spite of it, but because of it. They are beautiful together. Part of the Quince Valley Romance series, this may be read as a stand alone, but because of a story arc that runs through the series, it is better read in order. Besides, you wouldn't want to miss out on the other siblings' stories, would you? This book is absolutely worth the one click.

I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jude is a retired tennis star who now works at his family's resort. Nora is the shy town librarian who has become his best friend and adores him and his son, Cap. She thinks he couldn't possibly be interested in any other way since he's dated models and other celebrities during his pro-tennis career.
In the first chapters, it is obvious to us, but not to them, that they belong together. Nora goes to London to study archival science at a famous school. They stay in touch via her video calls to Cap, whom she can't abandon. Cap's birth mother shows up, even though she is very young and has signed over all her rights to Cap. Nora "hopes" they will be a family but is brokenhearted for her own loss of the hope of love. Jude and Cap come to see her at Christmas, but Cap's mom is there too. We see how much Jude loves her and needs her.
The plot gets very complicated with a trip to Switzerland to work on the mystery that has been unraveling across the whole Quince Valley series. And there really are hijinx in a convent--you'll have to read this wonderful book to find out what, how, and why! Let's say that once these two give in to their feelings, sparks fly!

[Amy Reierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One MILLION ⭐'s
Jude and Nora's story was nothing like I expected. AT ALL!
Congratulations to the author for completely throwing me for one.
Sure there were the tried and true things I love about a good small town romance (even though technically speaking this one took place out of town.)
You have your all too loyal single Dad who's going to work extra hard to be the best he can be.
Plus he is a bit of a lost soul which I also love because his siblings all seem to be a bit of a bunch of over achievers. They're great but it leaves Jude always feeling less than.
Then you have Nora her lost soul makes an instant connection to Jude's and they become instant friends. Nora however falls in love with Cap Jude's son and soon both are harbouring feelings neither understand.
What do I mean? Well that's where the story gets interesting.
Let's also not forget the ongoing mystery which I'm loving almost as much as this series.
As we are running out of siblings I feel sad it will end. But this was so good.
I have voluntarily left this review.

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

💜opposites attract 🖤friends to lovers 💜single dad 🖤second chances💜former pro athlete . Claire Wilder has once again taken so many of my very favorite tropes and entwined them in the most wonderfully written and emotional love story . From the moment I met both Jude and Nora they grabbed onto my heart so tightly and refused to let do . The angst , the romance, the humor , the witty banter , the heartbreaking and heartfelt moments, the obstacles, the off the charts chemistry , the unexpected surprises, the family and friendships . Jude and Nora’s love story is the type that will have you smiling one minute and laughing out loud the next . Then when you least expect it you find yourself crying and rooting so freaking hard . In short it’s a emotional rollercoaster that will keep you up reading well into the early morning hours and a must read . Claire Wilder never fails to deliver - in fact she happens to be one of my very favorite authors and play With Me is the perfect example of just why that is

[Susan Klipp · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this story. It was the first story in the series I read. I went into it thinking it would be the typical trope of pro-athlete and the shy girl crushing on her best friend, and after miscommunications and some laughs, you get an HEA.

Yeah. No. This is not that story. Nora does fall first. She is shy, but she is so much more. There is something so satisfying about people finding their own self-worth and that was the road Nora traveled in this story.

Jude. Jude. Jude. He brought out the marshmallow in my heart for sure. I don't think I have ever read a more vulnerable and likeable male character than Jude. He was written perfectly. You could see how being a pro-tennis player, that focus and drive, while fantastic on the court, really made his personal life very difficult. He was just so hard on himself.

I didn't get mad or upset at either of the characters when the inevitable fallout happened. It was necessary. I was also pleased that both characters tried to minimize the issues for Cap, Jude's son. Well done.

[Donise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning: parts of this story will not make sense if you haven't read the other books in the series as there is an ongoing mystery to solve. Our hero's head is too wrapped up in his past to see what is going on in his present and it just might cost him his future. It might take some major shake ups to get him to open his heart and his eyes and finally find love for himself and his son. Our heroine has been hiding herself behind her movie camera and will have to push her own boundaries if she ever wants the love that she has been dreaming of to see her as more than just a friend. Then there is another chapter in the story of Eleanor and JEQ to be found and help may come from some very unexpected sources. This book also made me want to go visit Switzerland especially by train. I am really anxious for the final? book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two years ago Jude and his son met mega-smart, nerdy Nora at the library where she works and they struck up a friendship. While Jude and Nora have developed feelings for each other, Jude's past has made it difficult to trust anyone and Nora is so painfully shy she doesn't think anyone like Jude could truly fall for her.

Once Nora realizes their flirting will never lead to more, and as much as she loves both Jude and his son Cap, Nora has made the difficult decision to leave town and follow her dream of furthering her education. But just when she is finally moving on Jude pops up in her life again. How will she ever truly get over him?

This was such a sweet, heartwarming, best friends to lovers romance. I was so excited to see the saga of who killed Eleanor Cleary carried over into this book.
And, of course six year old Cap steals the show in this book.

I received an ARC and freely offer this review.