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Wild Card #4
Play Maker
Friends without benefits. For now.
Mac
Last year, I only wanted three things out of a good time, a date with Wonder Woman, and a shot at playing and singing in the same Superbowl. This year, I can’t bring myself to care. Until Blue. The quiet girl with the rainbow hair refuses to let me suffer alone, and I’m starting to think losing everything is worth finding her.
Blue
I will not sleep with my best friend’s ex. I will not sleep with my best friend’s ex. I will not sleep with my best friend’s ex. Even if she leaves and he needs a friend. Even if he agrees to tutor me in dating. Even if no one makes me feel the way Mac does with a simple look. That’s the deal. Friends without benefits. Strictly platonic. Doomed from the start.
Play Maker is the fourth full-length novel in the Wild Card series of steamy interconnected standalones featuring the football players of Teagan University—a friends to lovers, reverse grumpy/sunshine, he falls first, college football romance with plenty of heat.
Mac
Last year, I only wanted three things out of a good time, a date with Wonder Woman, and a shot at playing and singing in the same Superbowl. This year, I can’t bring myself to care. Until Blue. The quiet girl with the rainbow hair refuses to let me suffer alone, and I’m starting to think losing everything is worth finding her.
Blue
I will not sleep with my best friend’s ex. I will not sleep with my best friend’s ex. I will not sleep with my best friend’s ex. Even if she leaves and he needs a friend. Even if he agrees to tutor me in dating. Even if no one makes me feel the way Mac does with a simple look. That’s the deal. Friends without benefits. Strictly platonic. Doomed from the start.
Play Maker is the fourth full-length novel in the Wild Card series of steamy interconnected standalones featuring the football players of Teagan University—a friends to lovers, reverse grumpy/sunshine, he falls first, college football romance with plenty of heat.
278 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2023
584 people are currently reading
1515 people want to read
About the author
Nikki Hall
9 books455 followersNikki Hall is a smart-ass with a Ph.D. and a potty mouth. She writes happy ever after stories with found families, sassy heroines, and strong men who love their women hard. Coffee makes her happy, messes make her stabby, and she’d sell one of her children for a second season of Firefly. You can find all her contemporary sports romance books at www.nikkihallbooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
October 30, 2023
Ok Mac/Adam, you are adorable. Want to put you in my pocket and keep you.
October 7, 2023
Hermoso este libro tenemos a max que siempre ha estado enamorado de su mejor amiga pero que cuando está se da cuenta de los sentimientos se va y por otro lado también tenemos a blue que también es amiga de mar en un día es que ellos están en una fiesta de la universidad ellos no se conocen pero no dejan como que la conexión siga o exploran la conexión ya que se han dado cuenta de la conexión que tiene hacia esa persona.
Todo cambia para blue a medida de que empieza a vivir como con su nuevo padrastro y su hermanastro y la acosan sexualmente y es ahí cuando entra Mac y le dice que se vaya a vivir con él y su otro compañero que comparten un apartamento y pues la aproximidad hace de lo suyo.
Blue es una persona que es muy tímida muy introvertida muy callada y poco a poco mac la va sacando como de caparazón y vemos una blue va floreciendo al transcurso del libro.
Amé mucho la frescura que tiene este libro es una ligereza para leerlo y la relación que tiene Mac con blue fue simplemente bella.
Todo cambia para blue a medida de que empieza a vivir como con su nuevo padrastro y su hermanastro y la acosan sexualmente y es ahí cuando entra Mac y le dice que se vaya a vivir con él y su otro compañero que comparten un apartamento y pues la aproximidad hace de lo suyo.
Blue es una persona que es muy tímida muy introvertida muy callada y poco a poco mac la va sacando como de caparazón y vemos una blue va floreciendo al transcurso del libro.
Amé mucho la frescura que tiene este libro es una ligereza para leerlo y la relación que tiene Mac con blue fue simplemente bella.
July 9, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
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i loved how she refused to call him mac even tho everyone else did. also his nickname for her 😍 UGH. we love mac
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i loved how she refused to call him mac even tho everyone else did. also his nickname for her 😍 UGH. we love mac
October 8, 2023
**ARC REVIEW**
"She was mine for the summer, and I wasn't wasting a second."
Play Maker is book #4 in the Wild Card series by Nikki Hall.
This book was my first one by Nikki and I enjoyed this book sooooo much!!!
This was really easy to read as a stand-alone considering I hadn't read the other ones in the series
My rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 stars
Spice: 🔥🔥
If you enjoy these tropes, you will enjoy reading this book :)
🏈 Football Romance
🏈 Friends to lovers
🏈 Reverse Grumpy/ Sunshine
🏈 Forced Proximity
🏈 College Romance
🏈 Dating Lessons
🏈 Best-Friend's Ex
Adam Mackenzie, aka Mac, is a college football player who made a mess of things with his best-friend Eva by telling her he had feelings for her and she leaves him to go to her beach house. Not knowing what to do with himself for summer , he decides to start a friendship with her best-friend Blue.
Blue, aka Bluebonnet (yes I know!!! haha), is the quiet type who likes being unapologetically herself with her rainbow streaked hair. She has been trying to avoid her best friend's ex-boyfriend but when they run into each other at a sorority party they find each other striking a friendship to get through the summer.
Blue finds herself needing to find her own date to her mother's wedding as she refuses to go with her sleazy step-brother to be, Shad. She decides who better to ask for dating lessons from than none other that Adam but she makes the rules clear that they will not be having sex with each other.... and then she moves into his apartment...
This book was such an enjoyable read!! Here are some of my thoughts on it!!
I loved how she kept calling him Adam when everyone else called him Mac. I also was obsessed with his nickname for her "Sunshine".
I could not stop laughing when he called his co** "Big Mac" 😂😂😂
I loved how their friendship developed and he really became protective over her. She was one strong woman too wanting to stand up for herself without his help. The way he stood up for her against Shad made me swoon over him!
The sexual chemistry between them was SOO GOOD!! and it just gets more angsty when she moves in with him!
I was surprised when Adam had a secret passion not many people knew about and I love that Blue was so supportive of him achieving his dreams regardless of whatever they might be.
Overall, I loved this book and I cannot wait for the new series starting next with Eva featuring as the FMC!!! P.S I am officially in my Nikki Hall era!!!
Thanks Nikki & Wordsmith Publicity for kindly sending me this arc to read and review. This review is my own honest opinion on the book.
"She was mine for the summer, and I wasn't wasting a second."
Play Maker is book #4 in the Wild Card series by Nikki Hall.
This book was my first one by Nikki and I enjoyed this book sooooo much!!!
This was really easy to read as a stand-alone considering I hadn't read the other ones in the series
My rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 stars
Spice: 🔥🔥
If you enjoy these tropes, you will enjoy reading this book :)
🏈 Football Romance
🏈 Friends to lovers
🏈 Reverse Grumpy/ Sunshine
🏈 Forced Proximity
🏈 College Romance
🏈 Dating Lessons
🏈 Best-Friend's Ex
Adam Mackenzie, aka Mac, is a college football player who made a mess of things with his best-friend Eva by telling her he had feelings for her and she leaves him to go to her beach house. Not knowing what to do with himself for summer , he decides to start a friendship with her best-friend Blue.
Blue, aka Bluebonnet (yes I know!!! haha), is the quiet type who likes being unapologetically herself with her rainbow streaked hair. She has been trying to avoid her best friend's ex-boyfriend but when they run into each other at a sorority party they find each other striking a friendship to get through the summer.
Blue finds herself needing to find her own date to her mother's wedding as she refuses to go with her sleazy step-brother to be, Shad. She decides who better to ask for dating lessons from than none other that Adam but she makes the rules clear that they will not be having sex with each other.... and then she moves into his apartment...
This book was such an enjoyable read!! Here are some of my thoughts on it!!
I loved how she kept calling him Adam when everyone else called him Mac. I also was obsessed with his nickname for her "Sunshine".
I could not stop laughing when he called his co** "Big Mac" 😂😂😂
I loved how their friendship developed and he really became protective over her. She was one strong woman too wanting to stand up for herself without his help. The way he stood up for her against Shad made me swoon over him!
The sexual chemistry between them was SOO GOOD!! and it just gets more angsty when she moves in with him!
I was surprised when Adam had a secret passion not many people knew about and I love that Blue was so supportive of him achieving his dreams regardless of whatever they might be.
Overall, I loved this book and I cannot wait for the new series starting next with Eva featuring as the FMC!!! P.S I am officially in my Nikki Hall era!!!
Thanks Nikki & Wordsmith Publicity for kindly sending me this arc to read and review. This review is my own honest opinion on the book.
May 15, 2024
Next and final book in @ #WildCard series is Play Maker. All I can see is I absolutely LOVE Mac. Like oh my god.
I just wanted to hold Mac and tell him everything would be OK and then go beat up Blue's side of the family. I love the message of this story was be true to yourself.
Watching Mac go through so much pain from the previous book to the beginning of this one absolutely shattered my heart. I mean SHATTERED IT!!! Then watching him become whole again made me so happy. He is such an amazing guy and helped others without needing to be asked. The way he always took care of Blue made my heart grow and grow until I thought it would burst.
One of my favorite parts of reading all of Nikkis books is being able to see the characters I've fallen in love with interact and grow together.
I seriously cannot tell you how great Mac is without spoiling too many situations but when I tell you Mac IS my favorite I mean it. I loved all the guys but Mac is on a level all by himself. I wanted to hold up giant signs telling him how great he is and that he deserves love.
“It’s not about the party. It’s about showing up for you. It’s about Shad making you feel hunted, and not-Archer making you feel inferior, and your mom making you feel abandoned.” I patted my chest. “I want to make you feel loved. When everyone else is piling on, I want to be your safe place.”
Like how can you not love him. I am so grateful that Nikki always gives us a happy ending because I honestly couldn't have survived that trauma if she didn't let him be happy.
This book also perfectly sets up for her spinoff series that will finally give Eva the story she deserves.
Like the others it is a standalone series. Though it can be read by itself reading the whole series is absolutely worth it and really helps build the emotions that will shatter us. Especially with Mac. His was painful through everyone's books.
#books
#booktrovert
#romance
#sportsromance
#RulesAreMeantToBeBroken
#CircleOfTrust
#booklover
#reading
#FinishInOneDay
#bookmarks
#bookstagram
#bookworm
#bookaddict
#ItCouldHaveBeenDrugs
#SecretDating
#TouchHerAndSeeWhatHappens
#LotsOfCheese
#RespectWomen
#Football
#CrazyHair
#WonderWomen
#BestMan
#HappilyEverAfter
#Protector
I just wanted to hold Mac and tell him everything would be OK and then go beat up Blue's side of the family. I love the message of this story was be true to yourself.
Watching Mac go through so much pain from the previous book to the beginning of this one absolutely shattered my heart. I mean SHATTERED IT!!! Then watching him become whole again made me so happy. He is such an amazing guy and helped others without needing to be asked. The way he always took care of Blue made my heart grow and grow until I thought it would burst.
One of my favorite parts of reading all of Nikkis books is being able to see the characters I've fallen in love with interact and grow together.
I seriously cannot tell you how great Mac is without spoiling too many situations but when I tell you Mac IS my favorite I mean it. I loved all the guys but Mac is on a level all by himself. I wanted to hold up giant signs telling him how great he is and that he deserves love.
“It’s not about the party. It’s about showing up for you. It’s about Shad making you feel hunted, and not-Archer making you feel inferior, and your mom making you feel abandoned.” I patted my chest. “I want to make you feel loved. When everyone else is piling on, I want to be your safe place.”
Like how can you not love him. I am so grateful that Nikki always gives us a happy ending because I honestly couldn't have survived that trauma if she didn't let him be happy.
This book also perfectly sets up for her spinoff series that will finally give Eva the story she deserves.
Like the others it is a standalone series. Though it can be read by itself reading the whole series is absolutely worth it and really helps build the emotions that will shatter us. Especially with Mac. His was painful through everyone's books.
#books
#booktrovert
#romance
#sportsromance
#RulesAreMeantToBeBroken
#CircleOfTrust
#booklover
#reading
#FinishInOneDay
#bookmarks
#bookstagram
#bookworm
#bookaddict
#ItCouldHaveBeenDrugs
#SecretDating
#TouchHerAndSeeWhatHappens
#LotsOfCheese
#RespectWomen
#Football
#CrazyHair
#WonderWomen
#BestMan
#HappilyEverAfter
#Protector
October 2, 2023
Play Maker is the fourth book in the Wild Card series, but it can be read as a standalone.
Mac is a football player for Teagan University. He fell for Eva, the girl who was only his FWB, and when she realized how he felt, she left. So, Mac is now broken-hearted and no longer looking to just hook up with random girls.
Blue is Eva’s friend, and she’s very different from Eva. She’s shy, introverted, and just a little quirky. Blue is also very independent and loyal, always looking out for others.
When Mac and Blue meet, it’s at a sorority party, and there’s instant attraction. But once they realize who they are and that they both have a friendship/connection to Eva, they don’t act on their attraction. They do become friends though. And when Blue needs help, she calls Mac. From there, they become best friends, and they can’t keep holding back their feelings.
Mac, or as Blue calls him, Adam, was so sweet. He did everything he could to help Blue out when she wanted his advice on socializing, even going so far as to help her “talk” to other guys, despite how he felt about her. But he was also there for her, every single time, so he could ensure that she felt safe and comfortable. He was also very hardworking, because he was always practicing and conditioning for not only football, but also his other secret talent. Oh, and Mac was also very protective over Blue, even though she claimed she didn’t need his protection.
Blue was very driven and kind. At first, she didn’t really speak her mind and just wanted to make everyone happy. But with Mac’s help, she was able to help her be more comfortable and confident being herself. She started putting her foot down and refusing to go along with everything that had to do with her mother’s wedding – her fiancé’s son was a real POS, but so was her fiancé. Anyway, Blue was also very supportive in both of Mac’s future careers, and she made sure he was able to pursue both.
This was such a cute friends WITHOUT benefits (at first), close proximity, reverse grumpy/sunshine, college football romance. This was the last book in the series, and I can’t wait for the next series!
Mac is a football player for Teagan University. He fell for Eva, the girl who was only his FWB, and when she realized how he felt, she left. So, Mac is now broken-hearted and no longer looking to just hook up with random girls.
Blue is Eva’s friend, and she’s very different from Eva. She’s shy, introverted, and just a little quirky. Blue is also very independent and loyal, always looking out for others.
When Mac and Blue meet, it’s at a sorority party, and there’s instant attraction. But once they realize who they are and that they both have a friendship/connection to Eva, they don’t act on their attraction. They do become friends though. And when Blue needs help, she calls Mac. From there, they become best friends, and they can’t keep holding back their feelings.
Mac, or as Blue calls him, Adam, was so sweet. He did everything he could to help Blue out when she wanted his advice on socializing, even going so far as to help her “talk” to other guys, despite how he felt about her. But he was also there for her, every single time, so he could ensure that she felt safe and comfortable. He was also very hardworking, because he was always practicing and conditioning for not only football, but also his other secret talent. Oh, and Mac was also very protective over Blue, even though she claimed she didn’t need his protection.
Blue was very driven and kind. At first, she didn’t really speak her mind and just wanted to make everyone happy. But with Mac’s help, she was able to help her be more comfortable and confident being herself. She started putting her foot down and refusing to go along with everything that had to do with her mother’s wedding – her fiancé’s son was a real POS, but so was her fiancé. Anyway, Blue was also very supportive in both of Mac’s future careers, and she made sure he was able to pursue both.
This was such a cute friends WITHOUT benefits (at first), close proximity, reverse grumpy/sunshine, college football romance. This was the last book in the series, and I can’t wait for the next series!
October 17, 2023
Play Maker – Wild Card #4 - Review
Author: Nikki Hall
Couple: Mac & Blue
Tropes: sports romance, college romance, friends to lovers, best friends ex, found family
Review: Nikki Hall ends the Wild Card series in an explosive fashion with Blue and Mac’s story! These two are a wild child romance that you do not want to miss and will have you turning the pages until the end.
I have been waiting for Mac’s story and I can say that it was worth the wait! He is such a goof ball in the other books that I was pleasantly surprised with how much he had his life together in this book. His friendship with Blue was wholesome and perfect for a friends to lovers romance, especially since we all knew he had been reeling after Eva suddenly leaves him in book 3. I enjoyed how his feelings towards Blue were slow going in some respects yet quick to form on others and truly loved how protective he was of their friendship.
I was shocked with how different Blue’s character was than from what I was expecting! When we meet her in previous books she appears to be a free spirit that does not want to be tied down and while she is more go with the flow, she is not flighty. Nikki did a great job delving into her backstory and giving us the dirt on her mother’s new husband and stepson. The way she accepts Mac’s desire to help her out and be her “event date” to her family functions was a perfect segue for their growing friendship and I loved seeing her stepbrother get what was coming!
The romance in this book was more natural feeling. I enjoyed how both of them were friends with Eva and felt her loss throughout the story. I appreciated how Blue broke her shell and became her best self and also how she was Mac’s number 1 supporter for his music. I also LOVED how Eva did not come between them and encouraged them together. Nikki integrates all the previous couples in this book and really creates an environment that shows how social Mac is. I am looking forward to Eva’s book with the hockey captain next!
Rating: 4/5, we finally get Mac’s story!
Author: Nikki Hall
Couple: Mac & Blue
Tropes: sports romance, college romance, friends to lovers, best friends ex, found family
Review: Nikki Hall ends the Wild Card series in an explosive fashion with Blue and Mac’s story! These two are a wild child romance that you do not want to miss and will have you turning the pages until the end.
I have been waiting for Mac’s story and I can say that it was worth the wait! He is such a goof ball in the other books that I was pleasantly surprised with how much he had his life together in this book. His friendship with Blue was wholesome and perfect for a friends to lovers romance, especially since we all knew he had been reeling after Eva suddenly leaves him in book 3. I enjoyed how his feelings towards Blue were slow going in some respects yet quick to form on others and truly loved how protective he was of their friendship.
I was shocked with how different Blue’s character was than from what I was expecting! When we meet her in previous books she appears to be a free spirit that does not want to be tied down and while she is more go with the flow, she is not flighty. Nikki did a great job delving into her backstory and giving us the dirt on her mother’s new husband and stepson. The way she accepts Mac’s desire to help her out and be her “event date” to her family functions was a perfect segue for their growing friendship and I loved seeing her stepbrother get what was coming!
The romance in this book was more natural feeling. I enjoyed how both of them were friends with Eva and felt her loss throughout the story. I appreciated how Blue broke her shell and became her best self and also how she was Mac’s number 1 supporter for his music. I also LOVED how Eva did not come between them and encouraged them together. Nikki integrates all the previous couples in this book and really creates an environment that shows how social Mac is. I am looking forward to Eva’s book with the hockey captain next!
Rating: 4/5, we finally get Mac’s story!
September 29, 2023
Playmaker (Wild Card Book 4) by Nikki Hall is about a college football player, Mac, and his ex-FWB’s best friend, Blue. Mac is still getting over Eva, his best friend who turned into FWB’s on one drunken night only to crash and burn when Eva broke it off, saying it was only for fun, not long term. At a sorority party at the beginning of summer, Mac (Adam) runs into Blue, and they both realize they are attracted to the other, but neither act on it because of Eva. Blue is an introverted, quirky, and beautifully unique girl who doesn’t do “people.” When her mom becomes engaged to an ultra-conservative investment clone, he demands that Blue allow him or his son to pick out her dates for upcoming wedding events to avoid her causing any family embarrassment. In her panic, Blue snares a very willing Mac into helping her learn to flirt so she can find a date. The plan would be perfect, except the more Blue and Adam (to Blue) get to know each other, the spark between them begins to flame out of control.
Additionally, Blue finds her life imploding with nowhere to live except with her new prospective stepfather and his son, who has been sexually harassing her. Adam talks her into moving into the spare room with him and his roommates. Their proximity in the apartment leads to combustible heat flaring hot as Adam and Blue find themselves doing life together. Is this just passion, or is love catching hold of their hearts? The question arises of how Eva will respond. What will their apartment mates think? Will Adam be able to continue his music and play pro football? How will Blue be able to deal with her mother’s new fiancée and his son? What will their future hold? Nikki Hall gives a beautiful HEA with no cheating. I enjoyed Playmaker and will be reading her new Hockey series next!
Additionally, Blue finds her life imploding with nowhere to live except with her new prospective stepfather and his son, who has been sexually harassing her. Adam talks her into moving into the spare room with him and his roommates. Their proximity in the apartment leads to combustible heat flaring hot as Adam and Blue find themselves doing life together. Is this just passion, or is love catching hold of their hearts? The question arises of how Eva will respond. What will their apartment mates think? Will Adam be able to continue his music and play pro football? How will Blue be able to deal with her mother’s new fiancée and his son? What will their future hold? Nikki Hall gives a beautiful HEA with no cheating. I enjoyed Playmaker and will be reading her new Hockey series next!
October 8, 2023
Play Maker #4 in the Wild Card Series by Nikki Hall.
4.5⭐️
2.5🌶️
Tropes
Friends to lovers
Sports romance
Reverse grumpy/ sunshine
Forced proximity
BLURB:
Friends without benefits. For now.
Mac
Last year, I only wanted three things out of a good time, a date with Wonder Woman, and a shot at playing and singing in the same Superbowl. This year, I can’t bring myself to care. Until Blue. The quiet girl with the rainbow hair refuses to let me suffer alone, and I’m starting to think losing everything is worth finding her.
Blue
I will not sleep with my best friend’s ex. I will not sleep with my best friend’s ex. I will not sleep with my best friend’s ex. Even if she leaves and he needs a friend. Even if he agrees to tutor me in dating. Even if no one makes me feel the way Mac does with a simple look. That’s the deal. Friends without benefits. Strictly platonic. Doomed from the start.
𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘺 𝘔𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭-𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘩 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘺 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘰𝘵𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘛𝘦𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘯 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺—𝘢 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘶𝘮𝘱𝘺/𝘴𝘶𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘦, 𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵, 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘰𝘵𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘵.
***
I loved Blue and Mac (Adam) together. It was refreshing to see him show other facets of his personality. Blue really saw who he was and accepted him. In return, he loved all her quirks and fell hard for her. He proved that people do stick around, that she is enough and accepts her unequivocally.
I highly recommend reading this series of interconnected standalones. I can’t wait to read Eva’s story next.
4.5⭐️
2.5🌶️
Tropes
Friends to lovers
Sports romance
Reverse grumpy/ sunshine
Forced proximity
BLURB:
Friends without benefits. For now.
Mac
Last year, I only wanted three things out of a good time, a date with Wonder Woman, and a shot at playing and singing in the same Superbowl. This year, I can’t bring myself to care. Until Blue. The quiet girl with the rainbow hair refuses to let me suffer alone, and I’m starting to think losing everything is worth finding her.
Blue
I will not sleep with my best friend’s ex. I will not sleep with my best friend’s ex. I will not sleep with my best friend’s ex. Even if she leaves and he needs a friend. Even if he agrees to tutor me in dating. Even if no one makes me feel the way Mac does with a simple look. That’s the deal. Friends without benefits. Strictly platonic. Doomed from the start.
𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘺 𝘔𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭-𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘩 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘺 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘰𝘵𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘛𝘦𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘯 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺—𝘢 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘶𝘮𝘱𝘺/𝘴𝘶𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘦, 𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵, 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘰𝘵𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘵.
***
I loved Blue and Mac (Adam) together. It was refreshing to see him show other facets of his personality. Blue really saw who he was and accepted him. In return, he loved all her quirks and fell hard for her. He proved that people do stick around, that she is enough and accepts her unequivocally.
I highly recommend reading this series of interconnected standalones. I can’t wait to read Eva’s story next.
March 5, 2024
There is something so refreshingly light about Nikki's writing that I love. Her style of writing is one I will never tire of! Mac, the always smiling, happy-go-lucky guy is in a funk and needs a friend. He is still coming to terms with what happened with Eva and really just trying to understand what he is feeling and whether he feels heartbroken, she is his best friend after all. Enter Blue. Their first lone interaction for months is one to chuckle at.
Blue and Mac, or Adam as she calls him are the complete opposite of each other, but that just makes them all the more perfect for each other!
Blue's sarcastic comments are hilarious and Mac is just an all-round fun guy. I love how refreshingly frank and honest Blue is, and find myself fan-girling, wanting to be able to say what she thinks, even if she or anyone else sees it as some sort of negative trait.
These two have come to an agreement, friends without benefits….and brutal unfiltered honesty.
I like that these two are bringing out certain traits in each other. Mac never felt possessive until Blue, and she is attracted to Adam and was never a touchy feely type person before him. Mac is trying to figure out why he has never noticed blue before. I personally think it is because, he only ever saw Eva.
I loved these characters together! All of Nikki's characters are very likeable. This was a really great addition to this series and had everything! Humour, angst, it was emotional and plenty of steam! Once again, an easy enjoyable read! I loved it! Thankyou!
Blue and Mac, or Adam as she calls him are the complete opposite of each other, but that just makes them all the more perfect for each other!
Blue's sarcastic comments are hilarious and Mac is just an all-round fun guy. I love how refreshingly frank and honest Blue is, and find myself fan-girling, wanting to be able to say what she thinks, even if she or anyone else sees it as some sort of negative trait.
These two have come to an agreement, friends without benefits….and brutal unfiltered honesty.
I like that these two are bringing out certain traits in each other. Mac never felt possessive until Blue, and she is attracted to Adam and was never a touchy feely type person before him. Mac is trying to figure out why he has never noticed blue before. I personally think it is because, he only ever saw Eva.
I loved these characters together! All of Nikki's characters are very likeable. This was a really great addition to this series and had everything! Humour, angst, it was emotional and plenty of steam! Once again, an easy enjoyable read! I loved it! Thankyou!
May 27, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars
“Let's make a deal. We'll both be authentically ourselves, no performing or hiding. We can be real with each other, whatever that ends up looking like.”
This is the book 4 in the Wild Card series. Finally got to see our happy golden retriever footballer get his own love story! And we met Blue in the last book, was so excited to get to know her more. Summer besties? Or are they something more 😏
✨Tropes✨
- Dual POV
- College Romance
- Football MMC
- Friends to Lovers
- Forced Proximity
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️
Kitchens 😏
MMC - Adam/Mac 🏈🎤
The kaleidoscope of Blue drew me. I wanted to peel back her chameleon layers until I found the real person beneath.
MFC - Blue 🌈📚📦
This relationship was doomed from the beginning if the amusement in his eyes was anything to go by. He wanted a friend, and I couldn't keep my mind out of his pants. Fantastic. Not complicated at all.
Overall Thoughts:
These two pushed each other out of their comfort zones yet also were able to be fully themselves. I loved seeing Adam realize he could open up more, especially his heart which was crushed. Blue was a perfect fit for him. He gave her his all and she did the same in return. Them and Shaw/Rj are my fav couples!!
I craved everything else. The banter, the soft looks, the barely there touches, I wanted to curl around her, safe in my arms, and never let go.
“Let's make a deal. We'll both be authentically ourselves, no performing or hiding. We can be real with each other, whatever that ends up looking like.”
This is the book 4 in the Wild Card series. Finally got to see our happy golden retriever footballer get his own love story! And we met Blue in the last book, was so excited to get to know her more. Summer besties? Or are they something more 😏
✨Tropes✨
- Dual POV
- College Romance
- Football MMC
- Friends to Lovers
- Forced Proximity
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️
Kitchens 😏
MMC - Adam/Mac 🏈🎤
The kaleidoscope of Blue drew me. I wanted to peel back her chameleon layers until I found the real person beneath.
MFC - Blue 🌈📚📦
This relationship was doomed from the beginning if the amusement in his eyes was anything to go by. He wanted a friend, and I couldn't keep my mind out of his pants. Fantastic. Not complicated at all.
Overall Thoughts:
These two pushed each other out of their comfort zones yet also were able to be fully themselves. I loved seeing Adam realize he could open up more, especially his heart which was crushed. Blue was a perfect fit for him. He gave her his all and she did the same in return. Them and Shaw/Rj are my fav couples!!
I craved everything else. The banter, the soft looks, the barely there touches, I wanted to curl around her, safe in my arms, and never let go.
October 6, 2023
There is something so refreshingly light about Nikki's writing that I love. Her style of writing is one I will never tire of! Mac, the always smiling, happy-go-lucky guy is in a funk and needs a friend. He is still coming to terms with what happened with Eva and really just trying to understand what he is feeling and whether he feels heartbroken, she is his best friend after all. Enter Blue. Their first lone interaction for months is one to chuckle at.
Blue and Mac, or Adam as she calls him are the complete opposite of each other, but that just makes them all the more perfect for each other!
Blue's sarcastic comments are hilarious and Mac is just an all-round fun guy. I love how refreshingly frank and honest Blue is, and find myself fan-girling, wanting to be able to say what she thinks, even if she or anyone else sees it as some sort of negative trait.
These two have come to an agreement, friends without benefits….and brutal unfiltered honesty.
I like that these two are bringing out certain traits in each other. Mac never felt possessive until Blue, and she is attracted to Adam and was never a touchy feely type person before him. Mac is trying to figure out why he has never noticed blue before. I personally think it is because, he only ever saw Eva.
I loved these characters together! All of Nikki's characters are very likeable. This was a really great addition to this series and had everything! Humour, angst, it was emotional and plenty of steam! Once again, an easy enjoyable read! I loved it! Thankyou!
Blue and Mac, or Adam as she calls him are the complete opposite of each other, but that just makes them all the more perfect for each other!
Blue's sarcastic comments are hilarious and Mac is just an all-round fun guy. I love how refreshingly frank and honest Blue is, and find myself fan-girling, wanting to be able to say what she thinks, even if she or anyone else sees it as some sort of negative trait.
These two have come to an agreement, friends without benefits….and brutal unfiltered honesty.
I like that these two are bringing out certain traits in each other. Mac never felt possessive until Blue, and she is attracted to Adam and was never a touchy feely type person before him. Mac is trying to figure out why he has never noticed blue before. I personally think it is because, he only ever saw Eva.
I loved these characters together! All of Nikki's characters are very likeable. This was a really great addition to this series and had everything! Humour, angst, it was emotional and plenty of steam! Once again, an easy enjoyable read! I loved it! Thankyou!
April 17, 2024
Healing Hearts - Opposites Attract!
I loved how Nikki developed Blue and Mac's characters so much more in-depth than they were previously shown in the other books - I had developed a previous set of ideas of who these characters were and Nikki did such a wonderful job going deeper into each character so that we understand who they are, what makes them reel and why their emotions are affecting the story plot.
There is so much to Blue and Mac's back story that we wouldn't be able to understand the true meaning of this story and why they both need each other without first taking the time to understand each character individually and Nikki does this masterfully - without you even realizing its happening. It was very well done!
Even though the characters are so critically well-developed - the story is so easy to read and follow that you don't even realize that you've finished it in one sitting! The writing style of this book and the whole series is smooth and easy to follow - there is wit, smut, angst, and just some fun plots throughout!
Blue and Mac are great characters - they take you on a journey through their emotions and what it's like to be battling your commitments and it really is just plain fun to be on it with them.
I loved how Nikki developed Blue and Mac's characters so much more in-depth than they were previously shown in the other books - I had developed a previous set of ideas of who these characters were and Nikki did such a wonderful job going deeper into each character so that we understand who they are, what makes them reel and why their emotions are affecting the story plot.
There is so much to Blue and Mac's back story that we wouldn't be able to understand the true meaning of this story and why they both need each other without first taking the time to understand each character individually and Nikki does this masterfully - without you even realizing its happening. It was very well done!
Even though the characters are so critically well-developed - the story is so easy to read and follow that you don't even realize that you've finished it in one sitting! The writing style of this book and the whole series is smooth and easy to follow - there is wit, smut, angst, and just some fun plots throughout!
Blue and Mac are great characters - they take you on a journey through their emotions and what it's like to be battling your commitments and it really is just plain fun to be on it with them.
August 26, 2024
Mit Play Maker präsentiert uns Nikki Hall nicht nur eine mitreißende Liebesgeschichte, sondern taucht auch tief in die Welt des College-Footballs ein. Die Autorin schafft es die Faszination und Leidenschaft für den Sport in die Handlung zu integrieren, was das Buch zu einem fesselnden Leseerlebnis für Sportfans macht.
Die Beschreibungen der Football-Szenen in Play Maker sind lebendig und detailreich, sodass man sich als Leser direkt auf dem Spielfeld wiederfindet. Die Spannung und Intensität der Spiele werden spürbar, während die Emotionen der Spieler und ihre Hingabe zum Sport authentisch dargestellt werden.
Durch die Einbindung von College-Football in die Handlung wird nicht nur die sportliche Komponente des Buches betont, sondern auch die Bedeutung von Teamwork, Durchhaltevermögen und Leidenschaft für den Sport hervorgehoben. Ich wurde auf eine packende Reise durch die Welt des College-Footballs mitgenommen und erlebte hautnah die Höhen und Tiefen, die damit verbunden sind.
Eine tolle Liebesgeschichte, gepaart mit Sportelementen, sowie fesselnde und nachvollziehbare Darstellung des College-Footballs zu präsentieren, die sowohl Sportfans als auch Liebhaber von Romantik gleichermaßen begeistern wird.
Die Beschreibungen der Football-Szenen in Play Maker sind lebendig und detailreich, sodass man sich als Leser direkt auf dem Spielfeld wiederfindet. Die Spannung und Intensität der Spiele werden spürbar, während die Emotionen der Spieler und ihre Hingabe zum Sport authentisch dargestellt werden.
Durch die Einbindung von College-Football in die Handlung wird nicht nur die sportliche Komponente des Buches betont, sondern auch die Bedeutung von Teamwork, Durchhaltevermögen und Leidenschaft für den Sport hervorgehoben. Ich wurde auf eine packende Reise durch die Welt des College-Footballs mitgenommen und erlebte hautnah die Höhen und Tiefen, die damit verbunden sind.
Eine tolle Liebesgeschichte, gepaart mit Sportelementen, sowie fesselnde und nachvollziehbare Darstellung des College-Footballs zu präsentieren, die sowohl Sportfans als auch Liebhaber von Romantik gleichermaßen begeistern wird.
September 29, 2023
love this group so much
“ Tell Daddy Mac what’s bothering you.”
I’ve been counting down to get my hands on Mac and Blues story and I was not disappointed.
Mac has always been the fun loving goof with all the banter and quick lines. It was so nice to get to know him in a deeper level and see how deep his emotions can go. He got burned after his best friend (and ex hook up) leaves without saying goodbye. He is healing from that but when he sees that Blue needs assistance, he can’t help but swoop in.
“ Never. Persistence is my finest trait…after my abs.”
Blue was a refreshing character because she literally has no filter. She always said what was on her mind, even if it made things awkward. She sees her friends falling in love and she wants that and needs to get out of her head. She approaches her newest bestie and asks for dating lessons.
I’m absolutely enthralled with these characters. I’ve said it before, but the found family trope is so strong in this series and I loved it.
This was such a great series and I can’t wait to dive into the spin off story featuring how leading lady Eva and a HOCKEY player!!!! Let’s goooo
“ Tell Daddy Mac what’s bothering you.”
I’ve been counting down to get my hands on Mac and Blues story and I was not disappointed.
Mac has always been the fun loving goof with all the banter and quick lines. It was so nice to get to know him in a deeper level and see how deep his emotions can go. He got burned after his best friend (and ex hook up) leaves without saying goodbye. He is healing from that but when he sees that Blue needs assistance, he can’t help but swoop in.
“ Never. Persistence is my finest trait…after my abs.”
Blue was a refreshing character because she literally has no filter. She always said what was on her mind, even if it made things awkward. She sees her friends falling in love and she wants that and needs to get out of her head. She approaches her newest bestie and asks for dating lessons.
I’m absolutely enthralled with these characters. I’ve said it before, but the found family trope is so strong in this series and I loved it.
This was such a great series and I can’t wait to dive into the spin off story featuring how leading lady Eva and a HOCKEY player!!!! Let’s goooo
October 1, 2023
Eeeee! This was SUCH a cute read! Mac & Blue are just adorable together.
Lemme start with Mac (or Adam.. whatever you wanna call him). THIS MAN. He is so freaking easy to be with, supportive, protective & damn sexy. He right off the bat is so warm & welcoming to Blue, and never judges her & is always building her up. He also calls her sunshine like.. literally from the start & its adorable.
Blue is complex. She's not very good with social cues/situations & is really bad at reading peoples emotions/body language - so she's an interesting love interest because she's honestly so clueless & puts her foot in mouth many times (but in a cute way).
Their relationship was a slow burn. They go from acquaintances, to friends, to roommates, to lovers. Along the way they deal with getting over exes, family drama, creepy perverts harassing blue - all while navigating their friendship/relationship.
Thanks to Nikki and her team for an ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review! I can HONESTLY say, I really liked this book!
4⭐
2.5🌶️
Tropes: Friends to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Football, Dating Coach
Lemme start with Mac (or Adam.. whatever you wanna call him). THIS MAN. He is so freaking easy to be with, supportive, protective & damn sexy. He right off the bat is so warm & welcoming to Blue, and never judges her & is always building her up. He also calls her sunshine like.. literally from the start & its adorable.
Blue is complex. She's not very good with social cues/situations & is really bad at reading peoples emotions/body language - so she's an interesting love interest because she's honestly so clueless & puts her foot in mouth many times (but in a cute way).
Their relationship was a slow burn. They go from acquaintances, to friends, to roommates, to lovers. Along the way they deal with getting over exes, family drama, creepy perverts harassing blue - all while navigating their friendship/relationship.
Thanks to Nikki and her team for an ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review! I can HONESTLY say, I really liked this book!
4⭐
2.5🌶️
Tropes: Friends to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Football, Dating Coach
October 5, 2023
I was excited for the last book of this series, but will have to say it's a very cute story with fairly minimal drama or complexity. Mac is dealing with losing his best friend Eva after they crossed the line sleeping together. He ends up falling for her friend Blue who originally set up boundaries for them to just be friends but then she too ends up falling for him. Blue and Mac or Adam as she calls him get to know each other on a deeper level and what's a bit refreshing is while they might procrastinate about being honest, they do eventually have grown up conversations to face their situations.
Some parts that I found a touch odd was Mac's competing priorities of music and football while he figured out how he felt about Eva bailing and falling for Blue. I think it was a bit much and during certain parts it almost felt like music was thrown in as a small subplot that never got fully developed. (Yes I know he won the contest, but even then, the epilogues were about football.) Blue's situation with her mom getting married was an interesting one since it was hard to believe that her mom was that clueless over her stupid fiancee and his gross son, but easily forgiven.
Some parts that I found a touch odd was Mac's competing priorities of music and football while he figured out how he felt about Eva bailing and falling for Blue. I think it was a bit much and during certain parts it almost felt like music was thrown in as a small subplot that never got fully developed. (Yes I know he won the contest, but even then, the epilogues were about football.) Blue's situation with her mom getting married was an interesting one since it was hard to believe that her mom was that clueless over her stupid fiancee and his gross son, but easily forgiven.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2023
Play Maker was an easy simple read with some cute moments and plenty of flirting, some of it covert, which practically started from page one. Both Blue and Mac/Adam were likeable characters who I was interested in and wanted to know more about. Their reverse grumpy sunshine dynamic worked well and I loved how Adam interacted with Blue whether it was his playfulness, his protectiveness, or his supportiveness.
The dating lessons mentioned in the blurb and plot in my opinion are almost non-existent. So I see this book as a straightforward friends to lovers romance, with some close proximity and friend with benefits tropes mixed in too. It had an enjoyable plot and I liked how there ended up being more to each of the main characters' lives and interests than first thought and the appearances of secondary characters were also enjoyable.
This is the first book of the series that I have read and my first Nikki Hill book but it was one I enjoyed so I may circle back and read the rest of the series at some point.
Favourite Quote:
The dating lessons mentioned in the blurb and plot in my opinion are almost non-existent. So I see this book as a straightforward friends to lovers romance, with some close proximity and friend with benefits tropes mixed in too. It had an enjoyable plot and I liked how there ended up being more to each of the main characters' lives and interests than first thought and the appearances of secondary characters were also enjoyable.
This is the first book of the series that I have read and my first Nikki Hill book but it was one I enjoyed so I may circle back and read the rest of the series at some point.
Favourite Quote:
“I want to make you feel loved. When everyone else is piling on, I want to be your safe place.”
August 11, 2025
I got to admit I didn’t want to read this book. I stubbornly wanted Mac with Eva.. But Since I’m type A and need to complete a good series, I read it. I LOVE MAC, how can you not love Adam Mackenzie?! It was a cute story about him and Blue. I enjoyed it. It was again a quick read. Some of my favorite lines “I’m sorry your penis isn’t working, but that doesn’t explain why you followed me”
“ have muscles will travel” . My only constructive criticism on this author is that I feel like in other books you really get a sense of what this character looks like so I can visualize it in my head and she’s not overly descriptive in her characters. I mean she like to play off of blue having a rainbow tease in her hair, but otherwise I mean, you really don’t get much description on how they look in their differences in heights and stature, but I read all four wild cards. It was a good series. And to make that my only complaint or critique means she does an amazing job of story weaving .. I was hoping to here on Chloe and Noah’s baby cuz that’s what there epilogue said but she didn’t deliver anymore info on that either … booooo
“ have muscles will travel” . My only constructive criticism on this author is that I feel like in other books you really get a sense of what this character looks like so I can visualize it in my head and she’s not overly descriptive in her characters. I mean she like to play off of blue having a rainbow tease in her hair, but otherwise I mean, you really don’t get much description on how they look in their differences in heights and stature, but I read all four wild cards. It was a good series. And to make that my only complaint or critique means she does an amazing job of story weaving .. I was hoping to here on Chloe and Noah’s baby cuz that’s what there epilogue said but she didn’t deliver anymore info on that either … booooo
September 29, 2023
seriously cannot believe this was my very first time reading one of Nikki’s books !!!! Where the heck have I been . I will definitely be going back to read the rest of this amazing series . Playmaker is the 4th book ( In The Wild Card Series and is the story of Mac and Blue . And it truly was a emotional rollercoaster that just played on all my emotions. Mac is a college football player he is getting over his recent breakup with his ex girlfriend. He’s definitely been having a bit of a hard time . His ex also happens to be Blues best friend . But fate steps in and brings these two into each others orbits when they least expect it . Blue needs a date to her moms upcoming wedding but does not have the first clue about flirting with guys . A friendship starts to develop when Mac agreed to help her and it very quickly turns into so much more . This was such a awesome story . Fun and sexy and angsty and steamy . Filled with humor , obstacles, heartbreaking and heartfelt moments, twists and turns, off the charts chemistry, family , friendships and so much more
October 4, 2023
Sweet and swoony
I loved this entire series and this book was no different. Nikki saved the best for last! I loved Mac from the first book, he was always the life of the party, the jokester, and the best friend you could ask for.
My heart broke for him when his relationship with Eva imploded and he lost some of his spunk but then came Blue who was the perfect person to bring Mac out of his funk.
She brought him back to his old self and helped him take a chance on his music. She saw a side of him no one else did, and he was able to be is true self with her.
Mac was an absolute sweetheart, it was adorable how protective he was of Blue.
Their underlying chemistry was off the charts and Mac had me swooning throughout the book.
Thanks to Blue she hot over her social awkwardness and was able to eventually stand up gorgeous herself.
As usually Iloved this group of friends eh were more like family. Their bond and supportiveness of Mac was awesome.
This book was such an easy, fun and flirty read. The perfect end to an enjoyable series.
I loved this entire series and this book was no different. Nikki saved the best for last! I loved Mac from the first book, he was always the life of the party, the jokester, and the best friend you could ask for.
My heart broke for him when his relationship with Eva imploded and he lost some of his spunk but then came Blue who was the perfect person to bring Mac out of his funk.
She brought him back to his old self and helped him take a chance on his music. She saw a side of him no one else did, and he was able to be is true self with her.
Mac was an absolute sweetheart, it was adorable how protective he was of Blue.
Their underlying chemistry was off the charts and Mac had me swooning throughout the book.
Thanks to Blue she hot over her social awkwardness and was able to eventually stand up gorgeous herself.
As usually Iloved this group of friends eh were more like family. Their bond and supportiveness of Mac was awesome.
This book was such an easy, fun and flirty read. The perfect end to an enjoyable series.
October 26, 2024
Finally a HEA for Mac!
When Eva breaks Mac’s heart and leaves for the summer, he’s left behind to pick up the pieces. He runs into her awkward bestie Blue. They have instant chemistry and become summer besties. She asks him to teach her how to find a date for her mom’s wedding to an awful player with an even worse son. Blue ends up moving into Mac’s apartment when her mom sells her building. I laughed when none of his friends realized they were dating for most of the summer. I liked how Eva forgave and encouraged Blue to stay with Mac. I liked how he accepted Blue for her blunt self. I liked how her nickname for him was Adam, his actual name and she saw all of him and liked him for it. I didn’t like that Blue seemed kind of clueless about what she wanted to do and why she was in school. But it freed her up to follow him after the draft. Their bonus epilogue was my favorite because it showed where everyone ended up. Mac is my favorite roommate other than Riley. Can’t wait to reread Eva’s book.
When Eva breaks Mac’s heart and leaves for the summer, he’s left behind to pick up the pieces. He runs into her awkward bestie Blue. They have instant chemistry and become summer besties. She asks him to teach her how to find a date for her mom’s wedding to an awful player with an even worse son. Blue ends up moving into Mac’s apartment when her mom sells her building. I laughed when none of his friends realized they were dating for most of the summer. I liked how Eva forgave and encouraged Blue to stay with Mac. I liked how he accepted Blue for her blunt self. I liked how her nickname for him was Adam, his actual name and she saw all of him and liked him for it. I didn’t like that Blue seemed kind of clueless about what she wanted to do and why she was in school. But it freed her up to follow him after the draft. Their bonus epilogue was my favorite because it showed where everyone ended up. Mac is my favorite roommate other than Riley. Can’t wait to reread Eva’s book.
April 21, 2025
I did enjoy this book, and I enjoyed Blue, but... I'm still a little traumatized by all that happened with Mac and Eva. The author spent the last few books building them up as inevitable, and then suddenly things went off the rails. For being best friends for their entire lives, wouldn't they know that they wouldn't work long term together? I don't like how their situation ended up going.
I did like Mac and Blue together, though. I just wish it hadn't been in the aftermath of Eva. Blue is very literal, and I have known people like that before. They worked well together.
My biggest issue is how her mom didn't see all the things going on with Rob. I'm glad that Shad ended up getting punched in the face, but mom's sudden realization of what has been going on seemed a little abrupt. I think that whole scene could have used quite a bit of polishing.
I considered moving on to Eva's story, but after this whole issue with her, I'm don't like her as much anymore. I may eventually get to her story, but I'm not planning on it in the near future.
I did like Mac and Blue together, though. I just wish it hadn't been in the aftermath of Eva. Blue is very literal, and I have known people like that before. They worked well together.
My biggest issue is how her mom didn't see all the things going on with Rob. I'm glad that Shad ended up getting punched in the face, but mom's sudden realization of what has been going on seemed a little abrupt. I think that whole scene could have used quite a bit of polishing.
I considered moving on to Eva's story, but after this whole issue with her, I'm don't like her as much anymore. I may eventually get to her story, but I'm not planning on it in the near future.
November 15, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️.5/5
I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR MAC and it was worth every second! I probably did things backwards and read the Ice Cold Player series first, and Mac had guest appearances there. So this series felt like delicious delayed gratification, and of course his story was the final one to feed my obsession.
I connected with Blue on such a deep level. She is used to fading into the background and feels like she lacks the grace, confidence, or presence she thinks she needs to be wanted. She represents the quiet, neurodivergent, non-stereotypical heroine and her internal processing felt so real and mature. I truly related to her thoughts and inner dialogue.
Mac’s angst nearly destroyed me in the best way. The way he wanted her but refused to push made my heart ache. He is everything a woman could dream of. Thoughtful, patient, devoted, and truly a golden human being. I loved him instantly.
✨ What to Expect ✨
🏈 College Football Romance
🐶🖤 Golden Retriever x Black Cat
📚 Dating Lessons
❤️ He Falls First
👯♀️ Girl Code Conflict
🌶️🌶️.5/5
I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR MAC and it was worth every second! I probably did things backwards and read the Ice Cold Player series first, and Mac had guest appearances there. So this series felt like delicious delayed gratification, and of course his story was the final one to feed my obsession.
I connected with Blue on such a deep level. She is used to fading into the background and feels like she lacks the grace, confidence, or presence she thinks she needs to be wanted. She represents the quiet, neurodivergent, non-stereotypical heroine and her internal processing felt so real and mature. I truly related to her thoughts and inner dialogue.
Mac’s angst nearly destroyed me in the best way. The way he wanted her but refused to push made my heart ache. He is everything a woman could dream of. Thoughtful, patient, devoted, and truly a golden human being. I loved him instantly.
✨ What to Expect ✨
🏈 College Football Romance
🐶🖤 Golden Retriever x Black Cat
📚 Dating Lessons
❤️ He Falls First
👯♀️ Girl Code Conflict
September 29, 2023
🏈 ᴘʟᴀʏ ᴍᴀᴋᴇʀ by @nikkihallbooks ARC Review 🏈
𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤 / 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥
🏈 Friends to lovers
🏈 College romance
🏈 Reverse Grumpy x Sunshine
🏈 Sports Romance
🏈 He falls first
Rating- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Spice- 🌶️
From the beginning I could just tell that Mac wears his heart on his sleeve. He was so sweet and always said what was in his mind and heart.
Blue was absolutely hilarious with her snarky remarks and hilarious comebacks. I was so happy when she took the chance with Mac.
I loved them so much I think they may be my favorite couple of the series.
I can’t wait for Eva’s story next!!
🏷️
#PlayMaker #WildcardSeries #NikkiHallBooks #SportsRomance #CollegeSportsRomance #FootballRomance #SportsRomanceBooks #SpicyReads #NewAdultRomance #KindleUnlimitedRomance #SpicyBookstagram #wordsmithpublicity #booklover #romancebookstagram #arcreader #smutlovers #booktropes #bookswithspice #instaread
𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤 / 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥
🏈 Friends to lovers
🏈 College romance
🏈 Reverse Grumpy x Sunshine
🏈 Sports Romance
🏈 He falls first
Rating- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Spice- 🌶️
From the beginning I could just tell that Mac wears his heart on his sleeve. He was so sweet and always said what was in his mind and heart.
Blue was absolutely hilarious with her snarky remarks and hilarious comebacks. I was so happy when she took the chance with Mac.
I loved them so much I think they may be my favorite couple of the series.
I can’t wait for Eva’s story next!!
🏷️
#PlayMaker #WildcardSeries #NikkiHallBooks #SportsRomance #CollegeSportsRomance #FootballRomance #SportsRomanceBooks #SpicyReads #NewAdultRomance #KindleUnlimitedRomance #SpicyBookstagram #wordsmithpublicity #booklover #romancebookstagram #arcreader #smutlovers #booktropes #bookswithspice #instaread
September 29, 2023
This Is How You Do It…
“The Play Maker” is my first Nikki Hall book, but it won’t be my last. I still have a smile on my face. “The Play Maker” is sweet, spicy, and funny. There’s a bit of jealousy, a reverse grumpy sunshine theme, a golden retriever MMC that falls first—it has it all, and I loved every moment.
Mac, a college football player, has been pretty low since breaking up with his girlfriend Eva, Blue’s best friend. After seeking out a friendship with the socially awkward Blue—her using Mac to teach her how to flirt so she can find a date to her mother’s upcoming wedding—they become closer. The two’s friendship evolves and becomes more intimate, and of course, that complicates things mainly because Mac used to be Blue’s best friend’s boyfriend.
Though “The Play Maker” is Book 4 in the Wild Card series, it is an interconnected standalone. There was no confusion on my end.
I received a copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
“The Play Maker” is my first Nikki Hall book, but it won’t be my last. I still have a smile on my face. “The Play Maker” is sweet, spicy, and funny. There’s a bit of jealousy, a reverse grumpy sunshine theme, a golden retriever MMC that falls first—it has it all, and I loved every moment.
Mac, a college football player, has been pretty low since breaking up with his girlfriend Eva, Blue’s best friend. After seeking out a friendship with the socially awkward Blue—her using Mac to teach her how to flirt so she can find a date to her mother’s upcoming wedding—they become closer. The two’s friendship evolves and becomes more intimate, and of course, that complicates things mainly because Mac used to be Blue’s best friend’s boyfriend.
Though “The Play Maker” is Book 4 in the Wild Card series, it is an interconnected standalone. There was no confusion on my end.
I received a copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 30, 2023
[3.75/5⭐️]
Coming out of a relationship with his best friend and a girl that’s always been around, Mac is feeling a bit down — when in walks a mutual friend with rainbow hair that’s offering strictly platonic friendship. But the attraction between them is irresistible and a plan to give Blue dating lessons sends the platonic part of their relationship right out the window.
My absolute favorite part of this story was the vulnerability we get to see with the male main character and how he wants to make sure that their arrangement won’t break his heart. Adam delivers sunshiney goodness for Blue and I loved getting to see that protective side come out too. This was a light, feel good story with easily likable characters and I would read more of this series!
You’ll Find —
Grumpy (her) x Sunshine (him)
Dating Lessons
Friends to Lovers
Best Friend’s Ex
No Third Act Breakup
Thankful for the opportunity to read a gifted digital review copy!
Coming out of a relationship with his best friend and a girl that’s always been around, Mac is feeling a bit down — when in walks a mutual friend with rainbow hair that’s offering strictly platonic friendship. But the attraction between them is irresistible and a plan to give Blue dating lessons sends the platonic part of their relationship right out the window.
My absolute favorite part of this story was the vulnerability we get to see with the male main character and how he wants to make sure that their arrangement won’t break his heart. Adam delivers sunshiney goodness for Blue and I loved getting to see that protective side come out too. This was a light, feel good story with easily likable characters and I would read more of this series!
You’ll Find —
Grumpy (her) x Sunshine (him)
Dating Lessons
Friends to Lovers
Best Friend’s Ex
No Third Act Breakup
Thankful for the opportunity to read a gifted digital review copy!
September 30, 2023
❤️ Mac (Adam) & Blue
🏈 friends to lovers
🏈reverse grumpy/sunshine
🏈he falls first 😍
🏈 cinnamon roll hero
🏈spicy lessons
🏈college sports romance
I’ve been waiting so patiently for this book & it was worth the wait. Blue is one of my favorite heroines. She’s socially awkward, doesn’t make friends easily, & rarely says the right things. Despite her disposition, she still choses to stand out rather than blend into a crowd.
After a tough break Mac decides Blue is going to be his new bestie this summer rather she likes it or not. So Blue decides she has a request of her own. She wants Mac to help her get a date.
Mac is her opposite. He’s extremely social and loves attention. The way he is with Blue is swoon worthy. He takes his time with her and has a true desire to understand and know her. They are perfect.
I loved everything about this book! I also cannot wait for Queen Eva’s book!
🏈 friends to lovers
🏈reverse grumpy/sunshine
🏈he falls first 😍
🏈 cinnamon roll hero
🏈spicy lessons
🏈college sports romance
I’ve been waiting so patiently for this book & it was worth the wait. Blue is one of my favorite heroines. She’s socially awkward, doesn’t make friends easily, & rarely says the right things. Despite her disposition, she still choses to stand out rather than blend into a crowd.
After a tough break Mac decides Blue is going to be his new bestie this summer rather she likes it or not. So Blue decides she has a request of her own. She wants Mac to help her get a date.
Mac is her opposite. He’s extremely social and loves attention. The way he is with Blue is swoon worthy. He takes his time with her and has a true desire to understand and know her. They are perfect.
I loved everything about this book! I also cannot wait for Queen Eva’s book!
October 22, 2023
Nikki’s ability to create these characters that just jump off the page… another must read!
So straight off to start both characters Mac and Blue jump right off the page. Their chemistry is on point, their personalities shine through and their connection… 😮💨 phew!
Mac at the start is dealing with a broken and battered ego and heart from a failed attempt of friends who are more… while Blue is dealing with changes being thrown at her left, right and centre. All with the background creepy going to be step brother figure lurking from behind. Yucky feels on that one.
But through a friendship Mac and Blue grow together and work through things together and just honestly this story had me hooked from start to finish. I love the characters strength, their connect and the way they present themselves. Do the characters fight, have issues to work through and drive the narrative absolutely but it was perfect!
An absolute MUST read! 💕
So straight off to start both characters Mac and Blue jump right off the page. Their chemistry is on point, their personalities shine through and their connection… 😮💨 phew!
Mac at the start is dealing with a broken and battered ego and heart from a failed attempt of friends who are more… while Blue is dealing with changes being thrown at her left, right and centre. All with the background creepy going to be step brother figure lurking from behind. Yucky feels on that one.
But through a friendship Mac and Blue grow together and work through things together and just honestly this story had me hooked from start to finish. I love the characters strength, their connect and the way they present themselves. Do the characters fight, have issues to work through and drive the narrative absolutely but it was perfect!
An absolute MUST read! 💕
January 21, 2024
Unfortunately, after a wrong decision was made, Mac was left without his best friend to deal with what happened.
One sorority party and two individuals who feel like there’s no one out there that understands them, a unsuspecting friendship starts to grow.
When Blue’s mom announced that she was marrying her boyfriend, she blew up Blue’s life as she knew it. Blue turns to her newfound friend for help. Mac, who’s declared himself to be her new best friend, is there without hesitation. With Blue’s mom’s announcement, blue finds her self without anywhere to live. Mac wants to spend as much time with blue as possible and uses a situation to guarantee forced proximity.
What starts out as friendship grows into so much more. Mac doesn’t want to repeat history while Blue doesn’t believe that a relationship is in her future.
I loved the growth and Blue’s character, as well as Mac, deciding to do something for himself that he loves. I can’t wait to read Eva’s super spicy story.
One sorority party and two individuals who feel like there’s no one out there that understands them, a unsuspecting friendship starts to grow.
When Blue’s mom announced that she was marrying her boyfriend, she blew up Blue’s life as she knew it. Blue turns to her newfound friend for help. Mac, who’s declared himself to be her new best friend, is there without hesitation. With Blue’s mom’s announcement, blue finds her self without anywhere to live. Mac wants to spend as much time with blue as possible and uses a situation to guarantee forced proximity.
What starts out as friendship grows into so much more. Mac doesn’t want to repeat history while Blue doesn’t believe that a relationship is in her future.
I loved the growth and Blue’s character, as well as Mac, deciding to do something for himself that he loves. I can’t wait to read Eva’s super spicy story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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