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Sports #5
Making It Count
Sports Series Book #5. This series is related by a sports theme, not by characters.
NOTE: The characters of this book are living during the first year of the pandemic.
Shay Amos chose Dunbar University because she wanted to play basketball at a smaller school and be the best player on the team. Her plan to make it to the WNBA seemed on track when her team was about to make it to the school’s first NCAA tournament. When the tournament is canceled due to COVID-19, Shay spirals and feels like her dream might never happen because of something out of her control.
Layne Stoll liked basketball enough, but she went to Dunbar to get a scholarship to pay for school, with no dreams of becoming a professional athlete. When the pandemic hits, and the university goes on lockdown, Layne finally gets a chance to get to know Shay Amos, another senior on the team whom she’s had a crush on forever.
Throughout all of the interruptions, the two women embark on one more year of school together in order to have a chance to take their team back to the tournament and give Shay the best chance at going pro, all while they fall in love.
Books in the series:
Book #1 - Always More
Book #2 - A Shot at Gold
Book #3 - The Unexpected Dream
Book #4 - Finding a Keeper
NOTE: The characters of this book are living during the first year of the pandemic.
Shay Amos chose Dunbar University because she wanted to play basketball at a smaller school and be the best player on the team. Her plan to make it to the WNBA seemed on track when her team was about to make it to the school’s first NCAA tournament. When the tournament is canceled due to COVID-19, Shay spirals and feels like her dream might never happen because of something out of her control.
Layne Stoll liked basketball enough, but she went to Dunbar to get a scholarship to pay for school, with no dreams of becoming a professional athlete. When the pandemic hits, and the university goes on lockdown, Layne finally gets a chance to get to know Shay Amos, another senior on the team whom she’s had a crush on forever.
Throughout all of the interruptions, the two women embark on one more year of school together in order to have a chance to take their team back to the tournament and give Shay the best chance at going pro, all while they fall in love.
Books in the series:
Book #1 - Always More
Book #2 - A Shot at Gold
Book #3 - The Unexpected Dream
Book #4 - Finding a Keeper
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 26, 2024
149 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Pyland
81 books826 followersNicole Pyland is a bestselling author of lesbian romance stand-alone novels and series like Chicago Series, Holiday Series, Royalty Series, Sports Series, and more. Since 2017, she’s published over 60 novels (not including her What Happened After shorts), and more books are on their way.
Nicole grew up in Indiana, studying English & Film and then getting a MS in Behavior Analysis and moving to California, working by day as a Head of Training at a startup. She lives with her wife and their opinionated cat, who spends his evenings helping her write stories by occupying half the chair.
Newsletter: nicolepyland.com/newsletter
Nicole grew up in Indiana, studying English & Film and then getting a MS in Behavior Analysis and moving to California, working by day as a Head of Training at a startup. She lives with her wife and their opinionated cat, who spends his evenings helping her write stories by occupying half the chair.
Newsletter: nicolepyland.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
January 27, 2024
I found it interesting to see how the pandemic affected the college and its athletes. Shay and Layne are so different, but fit together so well. I got totally involved in the game and was on edge waiting to see how each game turned out. They had some very intense matches and I was rooting for them throughout. It's not easy dealing with so much and being so isolated, but they worked through it and I enjoy following their journey.
January 30, 2024
Nicole Pyland’s newest book, Making It Count, takes the reader back to the sports series, although as far as I can tell, there are no crossovers. Correct me if I’m wrong; it’s been a very long time since I read those ones.
Pyland’s story is set in the time when Covid first hits, and as much as this might scare some readers away, I felt like it added to the intensity of the relationships, and goals set by the MCs.
Shay is a college basketball superstar who is aiming to be selected into the WNBA after her final year of school. Layne plays for the same team, but her goals are simply to graduate with the marks to get her into a job with prospects for her future. Basketball was simply a means to an end. It provided her with a scholarship.
In the four years they have played together, Shay and her teammates haven’t gotten to know Layne. They find her hard to understand; usually choosing to study rather than hang out, and she is always happy to ride the bench.
When she is called onto the court to play after another teammate is injured, even Layne is surprised at how well she played. Getting more game time means more time with Shay. Both women suddenly click, and after a shared tipsy kiss, they begin to hang out.
Covid hits, changing the course of everyone’s journey, and throughout, Shay and Layne continue talking (Over the phone, or from a distance, and with masks on) and their friendship becomes a relationship before either admit it to each other.
I couldn’t put Making it Count down. It was slow-burn because there was no physical contact between the two MCs for a big chunk of the book, but the way Pyland built up the relationship was perfectly balanced and sweet.
The plot felt relatable, even though I’ve never set foot on a basketball court. We all experienced 2020 uniquely, yet the shared struggles of lockdowns, masks, and isolation resonate with Shay and Layne’s journey.
Making it Count is up there as one of my favourite Nicole Pyland books. Make sure you check it out.
Pyland’s story is set in the time when Covid first hits, and as much as this might scare some readers away, I felt like it added to the intensity of the relationships, and goals set by the MCs.
Shay is a college basketball superstar who is aiming to be selected into the WNBA after her final year of school. Layne plays for the same team, but her goals are simply to graduate with the marks to get her into a job with prospects for her future. Basketball was simply a means to an end. It provided her with a scholarship.
In the four years they have played together, Shay and her teammates haven’t gotten to know Layne. They find her hard to understand; usually choosing to study rather than hang out, and she is always happy to ride the bench.
When she is called onto the court to play after another teammate is injured, even Layne is surprised at how well she played. Getting more game time means more time with Shay. Both women suddenly click, and after a shared tipsy kiss, they begin to hang out.
Covid hits, changing the course of everyone’s journey, and throughout, Shay and Layne continue talking (Over the phone, or from a distance, and with masks on) and their friendship becomes a relationship before either admit it to each other.
I couldn’t put Making it Count down. It was slow-burn because there was no physical contact between the two MCs for a big chunk of the book, but the way Pyland built up the relationship was perfectly balanced and sweet.
The plot felt relatable, even though I’ve never set foot on a basketball court. We all experienced 2020 uniquely, yet the shared struggles of lockdowns, masks, and isolation resonate with Shay and Layne’s journey.
Making it Count is up there as one of my favourite Nicole Pyland books. Make sure you check it out.
January 29, 2024
Making It Count by Nicole Pyland is the 5th book in the Sports Series, immersing readers in the world of basketball. It is a slow burn romance that beautifully transitions from friends to lovers, all set against the backdrop of the pandemic.
Initially centred on basketball, the narrative gradually unfolds to showcase the growing bond between Shay Amos and Layne Stoll. As seniors at Dunbar University, they both share a love for basketball and play on the university team. Since first laying eyes on Shay, Layne has held a secret crush, never thinking Shay would be a friend, let alone anything else.
I enjoyed the twists and turns that were spun at a tumultuous time during the pandemic years and the uncertainty of the unknown.
Both characters are well developed, with distinct personalities that complement each other perfectly. What struck me the most about Layne was her unwavering belief in the power of hard work and dedication to creating a better future for herself and her mother.
I received an ARC for my honest review.
Initially centred on basketball, the narrative gradually unfolds to showcase the growing bond between Shay Amos and Layne Stoll. As seniors at Dunbar University, they both share a love for basketball and play on the university team. Since first laying eyes on Shay, Layne has held a secret crush, never thinking Shay would be a friend, let alone anything else.
I enjoyed the twists and turns that were spun at a tumultuous time during the pandemic years and the uncertainty of the unknown.
Both characters are well developed, with distinct personalities that complement each other perfectly. What struck me the most about Layne was her unwavering belief in the power of hard work and dedication to creating a better future for herself and her mother.
I received an ARC for my honest review.
August 9, 2025
A beautiful story about a budding relationship between two lovely team mates during the COVID pandemic, unfortunately somewhat overshadowed by too many specific details about basketball and COVID lockdown procedures.
I always enjoy Nicole Pyland's books, but this is one of her lesser ones in my opinion. Could be because I don't know much about basketball. 3.5⭐️
I always enjoy Nicole Pyland's books, but this is one of her lesser ones in my opinion. Could be because I don't know much about basketball. 3.5⭐️
March 11, 2024
HOOP DREAMS
I learned far more about basketball than I ever wanted to know. I’m not a sports fan, but I loved the book.
I got so involved in their lives especially during COVID that I felt squeamish about getting out of the house without a mask. A most excellent read.
I learned far more about basketball than I ever wanted to know. I’m not a sports fan, but I loved the book.
I got so involved in their lives especially during COVID that I felt squeamish about getting out of the house without a mask. A most excellent read.
January 29, 2024
the sports serie is just soo charming
March 24, 2024
Excellent NCAA cinderella story - set in 2020 to 2021
I just recently found Nicole Pyland's Sports Series. I enjoyed the first book, Always More, about the start of a US professional volleyball league, on Audiobook. I have not read a Sapphic volleyball novel before. She did an excellent job of capturing the challenge of elite women's sports in the US.
When I started Making it Count, published in 2024, I realized how cool it was to be reading about women's college basketball in March as the league tournaments were starting. And then I realized it was set in 2020. I was hyper-aware of the link between the onset of the covid crisis, and its relationship to the annual March Madness. A friend was busy planning to travel to attend rounds of the men's tournament and was shocked when I predicted it would be cancelled. I got kudos from her for giving her fair warning and being correct.
I read on with trepidation, knowing that as a rehab doc, 2020 and 2021 were tough years for me. At least this year, the winter outbreak is starting to fade and it has been a few weeks since I had a covid isolation patient on my service.
The book is worth the read. Nicole does a good job of capturing a college athlete's experience playing in 2020, and 2021. She addresses the difference between a well off family who can work from home versus a financially marginal family relying on service industry jobs. She captures the terror of loved ones getting ill, and worrying about infecting friends and relatives.
There is plenty of new relationship angst, mixed with the stress of figuring how to prioritize sports career versus partner. The basketball side is fun and exciting to read. Liberties were taken to create the cinderella story line, but the outcome made sense in light of the situation of the athletes.
All in all, it was good enough for me to have Alexa read it to me while I drove. That is a high mark for me. I often let my kindle book list languish while favoring professionally narrated audible books.
As always with Nicole Pyland books, the characters are genuine, with strengths and weaknesses. There is a lot of great dialog, just enough angst and HEA.
I definitely endorse reading Making it Count, as long as you can stomach the covid climate.
I just recently found Nicole Pyland's Sports Series. I enjoyed the first book, Always More, about the start of a US professional volleyball league, on Audiobook. I have not read a Sapphic volleyball novel before. She did an excellent job of capturing the challenge of elite women's sports in the US.
When I started Making it Count, published in 2024, I realized how cool it was to be reading about women's college basketball in March as the league tournaments were starting. And then I realized it was set in 2020. I was hyper-aware of the link between the onset of the covid crisis, and its relationship to the annual March Madness. A friend was busy planning to travel to attend rounds of the men's tournament and was shocked when I predicted it would be cancelled. I got kudos from her for giving her fair warning and being correct.
I read on with trepidation, knowing that as a rehab doc, 2020 and 2021 were tough years for me. At least this year, the winter outbreak is starting to fade and it has been a few weeks since I had a covid isolation patient on my service.
The book is worth the read. Nicole does a good job of capturing a college athlete's experience playing in 2020, and 2021. She addresses the difference between a well off family who can work from home versus a financially marginal family relying on service industry jobs. She captures the terror of loved ones getting ill, and worrying about infecting friends and relatives.
There is plenty of new relationship angst, mixed with the stress of figuring how to prioritize sports career versus partner. The basketball side is fun and exciting to read. Liberties were taken to create the cinderella story line, but the outcome made sense in light of the situation of the athletes.
All in all, it was good enough for me to have Alexa read it to me while I drove. That is a high mark for me. I often let my kindle book list languish while favoring professionally narrated audible books.
As always with Nicole Pyland books, the characters are genuine, with strengths and weaknesses. There is a lot of great dialog, just enough angst and HEA.
I definitely endorse reading Making it Count, as long as you can stomach the covid climate.
February 4, 2024
Two Young Women Athletes Find True Love During COVID
My review title sums up the essence of this book, but it’s a unique sort of slow burn love story and a coming of age story as well.
Shay is her small college basketball team’s captain and the team star. Layne sits on the bench mostly playing only when the team is well ahead or far behind.
For four years, from their freshman year to their senior year, this is how it’s been. For the rest of the team, basketball was one of their main reasons for coming to this small college, a chance to start, to be a big fish in a small pond. Shay even dreams of a chance to play women’s pro basketball.
Layne plays, and is on scholarship, mainly to pay for school and get her business degree. She was good in high school but was not recruited. She earned her scholarship as a walk-on tryout for the basketball team. So it never bothered her that she got little playing time.
But near the end of the season of their senior year, things change. Fouls, injuries, and circumstances propel Layne onto the court, where her awareness of the game around her turns Layne into the team’s key playmaker, and elevating everyone else, including Shay, as they struggle to get to their conference playoffs, and hopefully qualify for the NCAA tournament.
But then COVID hits, the NCAA tournament is canceled, their senior year ends, Layne graduates while Shay hopes for another year of eligibility and to try again next season. When the NCAA does grant eligibility, to seniors and even to post-graduate students who were players and seniors when COVID hit, and Shay and Layne are given one more chance to find each other and to compete for a national championship.
The struggles of falling in love during quarantine, of trying to stay healthy and not hurt their team’s chances, all while wanting to be together but not allowed make this a unique sapphic love story.
I recommend this book!
My review title sums up the essence of this book, but it’s a unique sort of slow burn love story and a coming of age story as well.
Shay is her small college basketball team’s captain and the team star. Layne sits on the bench mostly playing only when the team is well ahead or far behind.
For four years, from their freshman year to their senior year, this is how it’s been. For the rest of the team, basketball was one of their main reasons for coming to this small college, a chance to start, to be a big fish in a small pond. Shay even dreams of a chance to play women’s pro basketball.
Layne plays, and is on scholarship, mainly to pay for school and get her business degree. She was good in high school but was not recruited. She earned her scholarship as a walk-on tryout for the basketball team. So it never bothered her that she got little playing time.
But near the end of the season of their senior year, things change. Fouls, injuries, and circumstances propel Layne onto the court, where her awareness of the game around her turns Layne into the team’s key playmaker, and elevating everyone else, including Shay, as they struggle to get to their conference playoffs, and hopefully qualify for the NCAA tournament.
But then COVID hits, the NCAA tournament is canceled, their senior year ends, Layne graduates while Shay hopes for another year of eligibility and to try again next season. When the NCAA does grant eligibility, to seniors and even to post-graduate students who were players and seniors when COVID hit, and Shay and Layne are given one more chance to find each other and to compete for a national championship.
The struggles of falling in love during quarantine, of trying to stay healthy and not hurt their team’s chances, all while wanting to be together but not allowed make this a unique sapphic love story.
I recommend this book!
February 8, 2024
Love and Basketball
*Honest review as part of Arc*
Making it Count is the 6th book in the Nicole Pyland's Sports series. I was honestly so surprised and excited when I found out that she was going to add on to the sports series - the first 4 books were all very good but the series felt unfinished and now she'd heard our prayers and has delivered.
This story follows Shay Amos who is an All-star college basketball player hoping to get drafted into the WNBA after graduation. It's clear from the very beginning that Shay has the talent and the heart to go as far as she wants but her life is consumed by her dreams and it's obvious that she's missing out on the rest of her life.
Then we have Layne Still who is pretty much Shay's opposite. Layne likes basketball
enough and she is a decent player but her goals extend past graduation - Layne is obsessed with her future career and financial stability.
Both women come together during the COVID-19 outbreak and share not only a court but the opportunity to teach each other the values that the other is missing. Shay teaches Layne how to fall in love with basketball while Layne shows Shay that planning for the future is vital. The two women also work together to help bring their underdog team to victory and their love grows more and more with every game.
I absolutely loved this book and not just because I love basketball. It was so very interesting to see the effects of COVID taking place in fiction while also being able to remember that time in reality. That made this story so very relatable and realistic for me. The romance was a little slow burny with some angst sprinkled in there but it was also sweet. They cared about each other as much as they cared about their passions.
10/10 would recommend and read again. Can't wait for the 7th book of the series.
*Honest review as part of Arc*
Making it Count is the 6th book in the Nicole Pyland's Sports series. I was honestly so surprised and excited when I found out that she was going to add on to the sports series - the first 4 books were all very good but the series felt unfinished and now she'd heard our prayers and has delivered.
This story follows Shay Amos who is an All-star college basketball player hoping to get drafted into the WNBA after graduation. It's clear from the very beginning that Shay has the talent and the heart to go as far as she wants but her life is consumed by her dreams and it's obvious that she's missing out on the rest of her life.
Then we have Layne Still who is pretty much Shay's opposite. Layne likes basketball
enough and she is a decent player but her goals extend past graduation - Layne is obsessed with her future career and financial stability.
Both women come together during the COVID-19 outbreak and share not only a court but the opportunity to teach each other the values that the other is missing. Shay teaches Layne how to fall in love with basketball while Layne shows Shay that planning for the future is vital. The two women also work together to help bring their underdog team to victory and their love grows more and more with every game.
I absolutely loved this book and not just because I love basketball. It was so very interesting to see the effects of COVID taking place in fiction while also being able to remember that time in reality. That made this story so very relatable and realistic for me. The romance was a little slow burny with some angst sprinkled in there but it was also sweet. They cared about each other as much as they cared about their passions.
10/10 would recommend and read again. Can't wait for the 7th book of the series.
February 1, 2024
I was so happy to see Nicole Pyland writing another book in the Sports Series. While basketball is not a sport I really follow or know much about, I still enjoyed “Making It Count”.
Shay and Layne are two senior college basketball players, who even though they have played for the same team their whole way through college, the two have never really talked or spent any time with each other off the court. All that changes as Shay and Layne start to talk and slowly get to know each other. However, just as they are starting to become friends the pandemic hits and it changes everything.
*Possible Spoiler*
The two continue talking and getting to know one another through text, calls and FaceTime. Isolation, masks, social distancing and restrictions change life and the plans these two had set for themselves, but the connection they are forming doesn’t change. Their relationship progresses and without either of them realising it, they’ve become more to each other than just friends. When Covid becomes more manageable and Shay and Layne return to College, there are new challenges they face.
*End of Spoiler*
This book was definitely a slow burn, which fit really well into the timeline of occurring during the pandemic. It was also relatable, as everyone had different experiences and journeys through the pandemic. I couldn’t put down the book and finished in less than a day. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Shay and Layne are two senior college basketball players, who even though they have played for the same team their whole way through college, the two have never really talked or spent any time with each other off the court. All that changes as Shay and Layne start to talk and slowly get to know each other. However, just as they are starting to become friends the pandemic hits and it changes everything.
*Possible Spoiler*
The two continue talking and getting to know one another through text, calls and FaceTime. Isolation, masks, social distancing and restrictions change life and the plans these two had set for themselves, but the connection they are forming doesn’t change. Their relationship progresses and without either of them realising it, they’ve become more to each other than just friends. When Covid becomes more manageable and Shay and Layne return to College, there are new challenges they face.
*End of Spoiler*
This book was definitely a slow burn, which fit really well into the timeline of occurring during the pandemic. It was also relatable, as everyone had different experiences and journeys through the pandemic. I couldn’t put down the book and finished in less than a day. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2024
Dunbar University is a small school where Shay and Layne go to school and play basketball. Dunbar makes it to the championship and then everything shuts down due to the Covid pandemic. While playing to get to the championship prior to the shutdown, Shay decides to get to know Layne, who is quiet and helps the coaching staff. A friendship is struck and then Covid shuts the world down. Shay and Layne make choices that lead them in different directions after all students are sent home due to the Covid shutdown. While at home, they continue to text each other and chat on the phone. The pandemic gets under better control and businesses and the world open back up. Shay returns to Dunbar as a 5th year senior, and unbeknownst to Shay, Layne returns also. This time around will hopefully be different and the basketball team can go all the way to the top. Shay and Layne realize that their friendship has grown into more than mere friends. Can they get Dunbar to the Final Four in the NCAA championship? Come along for their journey as life resumes. I enjoyed reading about Shay and Layne and the different trials they each had to overcome. I really enjoyed how they realized that their relationship was more than just a crush.
January 26, 2024
In Pyland’s fifth sports series book you get immersed into college basketball life. Shay and Layne both love the game of basketball and are both pretty good at it. While they are dedicated to the team, they are for different reasons. They are seniors who have played together from the start. Just when their final season is about to be over they realize that they both may have missed out on something with each other. Then the pandemic happens and dreams are crushed. They both have their own personal battles to fight through as they have to deal with the fallout and scary new reality. Strangely enough, it may have been given one last shot to explore what could have been.
Making It Count grabbed my attention right from the start and was easy to read. I liked it so much I couldn’t put it down and ended up finishing it in 24 hours. The basketball aspect was described very well, and overall, it gives you a pretty accurate look into college life as a college athlete. Plus, you get some March Madness action…Layne and Shay are two endearing characters you will find yourself cheering! I highly recommend this book! And if you happen to enjoy sports stories, I recommend it even more!
Making It Count grabbed my attention right from the start and was easy to read. I liked it so much I couldn’t put it down and ended up finishing it in 24 hours. The basketball aspect was described very well, and overall, it gives you a pretty accurate look into college life as a college athlete. Plus, you get some March Madness action…Layne and Shay are two endearing characters you will find yourself cheering! I highly recommend this book! And if you happen to enjoy sports stories, I recommend it even more!
January 31, 2024
This is the latest installment in Nicole Pyland's sport series, each book is about a different couple involved in different sports. This one was based on two college basketball players who are in their senior year when the pandemic hits.
I think this book walked a fine line between describing how covid affected things while not getting too bogged down with covid. I know I was a little apprehensive about reading a story dealing with covid, but this story is more about the couple and the ncaa tournament rather than the disease.
I am a big basketball fan and love the ncaa tournament, but even if you didn't love basketball this story was engaging and since it single elimination tournament there is some stress and drama with the basketball element.
The couple was also very cute but it is a slow burn due to the pandemic restrictions on being together in person. It was more of an evolution of a friendship through texts, phone calls and passing notes.
This was a sweet romance who played aggressive basketball.
I think this book walked a fine line between describing how covid affected things while not getting too bogged down with covid. I know I was a little apprehensive about reading a story dealing with covid, but this story is more about the couple and the ncaa tournament rather than the disease.
I am a big basketball fan and love the ncaa tournament, but even if you didn't love basketball this story was engaging and since it single elimination tournament there is some stress and drama with the basketball element.
The couple was also very cute but it is a slow burn due to the pandemic restrictions on being together in person. It was more of an evolution of a friendship through texts, phone calls and passing notes.
This was a sweet romance who played aggressive basketball.
February 15, 2024
This is the 5th book in Nicole Pyland’s sports series, about women’s college basketball. Like the previous sports series it’s read as a stand-alone novel so you don’t need to have read any of the previous books (though I do recommend them as well).
Shay and Layne have played basketball for the past 4 years but haven’t interacted much on or off the court. Shay is the top player on the team while Layne is a walk-on and happier to help the team in other ways and have less playing time. Layne starts to get more playing time when a player is injured and proves to be a valuable team member when they’re working their way to the NCAA tournament.
Layne and Shay become closer when they share a tipsy kiss after one of the games but then the COVID lockdown happens and they have to get to know each other instead through texts and phone calls.
I think Pyland did a great of showing how COVID affected the sports world and the slow burn romance between the two MC’s felt genuine and relatable. I also think she did a good job of showing just how scary it was in the beginning with Layne’s experience in the novel.
If you like her previous sports novels, I recommend picking this one up as well. You won’t be disappointed!
**Received an ARC from the author for an honest review**
January 26, 2024
Love and basketball in the time of COVID
Another well crafted, Sports & Love story from Nicole Pyland.
As an avid fan of her work, I’m always impressed with the depth of her research in creating these stories. In Making It Count, she seems to effortlessly describe the details of exciting basketball games, and she does it in a way I can easily understand, even as a non-expert.
The relationship is well handled. As the author does so skillfully, this love story also touches on greater societal issues. Such as misunderstanding and making assumption about someone simply because they act differently, breaking out of personal comfort zones, and the big issue of the impact of COVID on college athletes. All of these topics are handled in a way to help the reader empathize with the characters.
This is definitely a slow burn romance. (Which seems appropriate for a COVID story.) Although it’s a long wait, the ending makes it worth it.
Make It Court scored well with me and I’m looking forward to the continuation of the Sports Series.
Another well crafted, Sports & Love story from Nicole Pyland.
As an avid fan of her work, I’m always impressed with the depth of her research in creating these stories. In Making It Count, she seems to effortlessly describe the details of exciting basketball games, and she does it in a way I can easily understand, even as a non-expert.
The relationship is well handled. As the author does so skillfully, this love story also touches on greater societal issues. Such as misunderstanding and making assumption about someone simply because they act differently, breaking out of personal comfort zones, and the big issue of the impact of COVID on college athletes. All of these topics are handled in a way to help the reader empathize with the characters.
This is definitely a slow burn romance. (Which seems appropriate for a COVID story.) Although it’s a long wait, the ending makes it worth it.
Make It Court scored well with me and I’m looking forward to the continuation of the Sports Series.
January 30, 2024
Shay & Layne....especially Layne... have completely stolen my heart! Making It Count is a bingeworthy, sapphic, sports romance that took a look into how the pandemic changed how people got to know each other!
The bulk of the book takes place during the first year or so of the pandemic where Shay & Layne play on the same basketball team from a small college! The team is doing well just before the pandemic ends their NCAA bid and everyone has to go home. Shay finally gets to learn more about her teammate of four years and ends up falling for her!
I was a little skeptical about how the book would go considering it takes place during the pandemic and they are not an existing couple before it hits. I ended up loving how Nicole wrote their love story taking into considerations the restrictions that were in place...especially for atheletes...during the pandemic. Their reunion in the end was everything I wanted it to be!
The bulk of the book takes place during the first year or so of the pandemic where Shay & Layne play on the same basketball team from a small college! The team is doing well just before the pandemic ends their NCAA bid and everyone has to go home. Shay finally gets to learn more about her teammate of four years and ends up falling for her!
I was a little skeptical about how the book would go considering it takes place during the pandemic and they are not an existing couple before it hits. I ended up loving how Nicole wrote their love story taking into considerations the restrictions that were in place...especially for atheletes...during the pandemic. Their reunion in the end was everything I wanted it to be!
February 15, 2024
I was extremely excited when Nicole announced that she'd be revisiting her Sports Series in 2024.
This time, book 5 of the series is about Shay and Layne and surviving the pandemic as college students. I grew up playing and watching basketball, so naturally loved the storyline and the main characters' experiences as they make it to March Madness. Loved the slow burn of their relationship, especially from Shay's end as she finally realizes that she's just as much in love with Layne as Layne is with her. One thing I wished was that Shay and Layne had more "time" together in the book development as a couple since they really only "got together" the last 1/3 of the book or so.
Other than that, another home run from Nicole, and can't wait for to read the next one! :)
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author for my honest review.
This time, book 5 of the series is about Shay and Layne and surviving the pandemic as college students. I grew up playing and watching basketball, so naturally loved the storyline and the main characters' experiences as they make it to March Madness. Loved the slow burn of their relationship, especially from Shay's end as she finally realizes that she's just as much in love with Layne as Layne is with her. One thing I wished was that Shay and Layne had more "time" together in the book development as a couple since they really only "got together" the last 1/3 of the book or so.
Other than that, another home run from Nicole, and can't wait for to read the next one! :)
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author for my honest review.
January 31, 2024
This was an enjoyable book that was hard to put down. As a women’s college basketball fan, I appreciated the balance between the game and relationship dynamics. The basketball plot was fun and well researched. The addition of Covid with the cancellations, isolation and strict protocols was interesting. The basketball and Covid storylines wrapped nicely around a sweet love story. They enhanced the development of the relationship while adding intensity and highlighting the differences between the main characters. Despite the challenges they faced, there was a minimal amount of angst.
I recommend this book - you get a happy ever after ending love story and a Cinderella fairy tale all in one.
I recommend this book - you get a happy ever after ending love story and a Cinderella fairy tale all in one.
February 9, 2024
Making it Count is the newest in Pyland’s sport series books. The story takes place during the start of COVID and wow did it take me back to 2019-2020. Pyland does an amazing job of transporting the reader back to early COVID. The love story in Making it Count which revolves around a college basketball team in Indianapolis, IN is a beautiful and at times worrisome slow burn w/w romance. Shay and Layne both are put through the ringers in different ways however they both find ways to navigate and survive in a beginning of COVID world. They also manage to find each other and be there for one another with some hiccups along the way. This story gave me all the feels and I can’t wait to see what Pyland writes next.
July 19, 2024
this was… not good. I knew what I was signing myself up for with a book set in 2020, and I really thought I could just read around the pandemic plot line, but this was so over the top that I really almost quit halfway through. The only reason I stuck it out was because the actual game play was really well written and anyone who knows me knows I love a good women’s basketball game. It wasn’t a poorly written book, and I liked the characters well enough, but the plot really just fell apart for me after it felt like I was transported back to the worst parts of lockdown again and all that was talked about for 65% of the book was masks and tests and symptoms and distancing. I think we could have had the same story with a lot less of those details, but that’s just my opinion!!
January 27, 2024
This is the first book in the the Sport series that I’ve read. I’m definitely not disappointed. This story happens during Covid and living through that and going back to what that was like reminded me that we’ve come a long way and that was such a scary time but this book really was on point with how that time felt, but bringing an amazing story along with it. I really enjoy this story of Shay and Layne, their characters development and how they navigated all these obstacles kept me hooked and wanting to read more. I know this series are more stand alone books but I wish we can get more of these two. Love them!!
January 31, 2024
This is another fantastic sports romance by Nicole Pyland. Shay and Layne’s slow burn journey travels on a road that is winding but very much worth the time it takes to find love. Their story revolves around the world of college basketball and covid. Nicole’s writing style perfectly describes the game of basketball whether you are a sports fan or not. She captures the emotions and perspectives of the two MC’s as they handle how the path of life gets turned upside down in a world dealing with a pandemic in such a way you will not be able to put this book down until the very end. Shay and Layne do indeed Make It Count and you should also- READ this fabulous story!
February 2, 2024
I was glad to see this series continue. It was interesting to see how the dynamic between shay and Layne evolved especially with the pandemic aspect along with playing a college sport. I love how protective they are of one another. I love basketball and it sucked when the pandemic hit and all the tourneys were canceled. I think the book does a good job accurately describing that along with the rules that were implemented to teams. I loved seeing Shay and Layne get to know each other at a distance instead of jumping straight in, more of a slow burn out of necessity. Overall a great read and look forward to more.
March 6, 2024
Two basketball players in the pandemic. The beginning had a good hook, made Layne a bit mysterious and i wanted to know what happened. Then it got a bit slow and there was some drama that i didn't really buy and i almost didn't read all the way to the HEA and i don't really believe the HEA.
June 10, 2024
sapphic basketball!
Young love that became forever. I love how the situation about covid was described, it was pretty accurate. It was really hard for some and maddening to others. I love Layne, she’s like the coolest quiet person, who knows what she wants and will do what’s needed to accomplis that. I was in a basketball team too and even with a small group, it will really take an effort for someone to truly know a teammate. The build up was slow, but I think is on point. Made me shed a few tears on how hard life is for Layne. And I like how maturely Shay handled things. Overall, a great read! 4.5stars for this.
Young love that became forever. I love how the situation about covid was described, it was pretty accurate. It was really hard for some and maddening to others. I love Layne, she’s like the coolest quiet person, who knows what she wants and will do what’s needed to accomplis that. I was in a basketball team too and even with a small group, it will really take an effort for someone to truly know a teammate. The build up was slow, but I think is on point. Made me shed a few tears on how hard life is for Layne. And I like how maturely Shay handled things. Overall, a great read! 4.5stars for this.
January 28, 2024
This book brought back so many memories from the beginning of covid! Shay and Layne are the cutest! They really know what they are looking for in life when the book starts. Then bam, their worlds are turned upside down. For a year they went through what so much of us had to deal with when COVID first happened but doing it all while starting a relationship is even worse in my opinion. They made it through though and they both got what they wanted in life and in love. Making It Count is a great read and I even learned alot about basketball as well!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2024
The Sports series is probably my favorite series that Pyland has done, so I was happy to see it continued! This was one of the first (if not only) books I have read that took place during COVID. I follow college sports and it was a crazy time so it was an interesting read.
I really enjoyed Layne and Shay’s story. It was fun to read about two different characters who had completely different outlooks on their college career come together with the same goal in mind. I also love a good slow burn so this book was right up my alley.
I really enjoyed Layne and Shay’s story. It was fun to read about two different characters who had completely different outlooks on their college career come together with the same goal in mind. I also love a good slow burn so this book was right up my alley.
February 8, 2024
Since I was already in love and married when the pandemic hit, I never really considered how it would be for someone just finding it. Until I read this book! Shay is determined, Layne will not slip through her grasp! This is a slow burn, but a slow burn in the best way possible. The distance between them gives them the time to really get to know each other. They don't have the pressure of being physically close to each other. They have the beginning that I think many of us wish we had gotten. Shay really makes it count with Layne! Thank you, Nicole Pyland you have done it once again!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2024
If you love women’s basketball and a happy ending, here’s your story. Nicole has written a good story about what it was like to play college level basketball during the covid pandemic. Throw in a love story between two of the players and you have a really good read. Her characters, as usual, are easy to like and help us feel the emotions involved in their story. The basketball aspect flows with the story, it’s fun and even quite exciting at times. So if you’re looking for a good sports story to read during a cold day, curl up with this one. You won’t be disappointed.
January 24, 2024
I really enjoyed the love story between Layne and Shay. We really got to witness them develop a strong, meaningful connection. Their love is sweet, supportive and angsty! If you enjoy basketball you will also get very detailed plays, although I admittedly got lost in some of the play description it was so well done that I felt I was part of the game. It was also interesting to look back on how things were with Covid which I wouldn’t have been able to do until now. Well done, very enjoyable .
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