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The Glendale Series #2
Playing The Field
Kate and Malcolm. Best friends. Work Buddies. Confidants. They have nothing in common. She's a free spirit with hot pink tennis shoes. He's a grump who prefers afternoons in his vegetable garden. Yet, somehow, someway, they have been attached at the hip for five years.
And now, after years of swearing off men, Kate has decided she's ready to date again. Whether it's her gal pal's looming nuptials, or the annoying pit of loneliness she feels eating her nightly pint of ice cream, she isn't sure. She just knows it's time to get back out there and find her person, and she is a firm believer that the universe will make it clear who she is meant to be with.
Malcolm, on the other hand, as much as he hates to admit it, has been in love with his quirky, extroverted bestie since the moment he met her. And now is his chance to move from just friends to more. With a plan, orchestrated by their meddling friends, he will up his charm and be what the ladies call swoony while they take their athletes to camp. A week with Kate, at the beach, seems perfect, right?
Well when reservations are messed up, ex-boyfriends show up, concussions and unintentional kissing happen, it starts to seem that the universe does actually have a plan. And it's quite possible the universe wants Kate to choose Malcolm. What's a girl to do when her older, insanely attractive best friend starts to be the only person she pictures a life with? Will she accept they can be more than just friends or will she keep playing the field?
And now, after years of swearing off men, Kate has decided she's ready to date again. Whether it's her gal pal's looming nuptials, or the annoying pit of loneliness she feels eating her nightly pint of ice cream, she isn't sure. She just knows it's time to get back out there and find her person, and she is a firm believer that the universe will make it clear who she is meant to be with.
Malcolm, on the other hand, as much as he hates to admit it, has been in love with his quirky, extroverted bestie since the moment he met her. And now is his chance to move from just friends to more. With a plan, orchestrated by their meddling friends, he will up his charm and be what the ladies call swoony while they take their athletes to camp. A week with Kate, at the beach, seems perfect, right?
Well when reservations are messed up, ex-boyfriends show up, concussions and unintentional kissing happen, it starts to seem that the universe does actually have a plan. And it's quite possible the universe wants Kate to choose Malcolm. What's a girl to do when her older, insanely attractive best friend starts to be the only person she pictures a life with? Will she accept they can be more than just friends or will she keep playing the field?
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 17, 2024
8 people are currently reading
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June 8, 2024
Title: Playing The Field by Grayson Long
The Glendale Series, Book 2
Release date: June, 17th, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars
"Playing The Field" by Grayson Long unfolds as a captivating and heartfelt story of friendship blossoming into love, set against the backdrop of life's unpredictable journey.
At the heart of this novel is the enchanting dynamic between Kate, a spirited soul with a flair for hot pink tennis shoes, and Malcolm, her adorably grumpy best friend who finds peace among his vegetable plants. Their connection, nurtured over half a decade of shared experiences, is a poignant reflection of the intricate dance of human relationships.
As Kate embarks on a quest to rediscover the joys of romance, prompted by the upcoming nuptials of a friend and the silent yearning that accompanies her solitary ice cream indulgences, a new chapter in their story begins. Malcolm, secretly harbouring a love for Kate too stubborn to be voiced, sees in her decision a chance to deepen their bond.
The narrative is a delightful blend of humour, warmth, and a dash of chaos, as Kate and Malcolm navigate a series of comedic misadventures. From mix-ups in reservations to surprise encounters with past flames and an unforeseen kiss that leaves them both off-balance, these incidents, orchestrated by their circle of friends with the best intentions, underscore the profound affection and natural compatibility between the duo, hinting that perhaps the universe is guiding them towards a more profound connection.
Malcolm, as depicted by Grayson Long, is a shining example of kindness, patience, and steadfast support, personifying the essence of a contemporary romantic hero. His love for Kate, silent yet powerful in its expression through his actions and the tender moments they share, is both moving and uplifting. Kate, with her vibrant spirit and openness to life's adventures, is equally captivating, her journey of personal growth and the pursuit of love enriching the narrative.
"Playing The Field" is a slow burn romance that delights with its gentle humour, clever banter, and the slow revelation of Kate and Malcolm's deepening relationship. It is a celebration of the enduring power of friendship, the enchantment of love, and the serendipitous realisation that the person meant for you might have been closer than you ever imagined.
"Playing The Field" is an essential read that promises to leave you with a smile and a sense of joy.
Thank you to The Author Grayson Long & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.
The Glendale Series, Book 2
Release date: June, 17th, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars
"Playing The Field" by Grayson Long unfolds as a captivating and heartfelt story of friendship blossoming into love, set against the backdrop of life's unpredictable journey.
At the heart of this novel is the enchanting dynamic between Kate, a spirited soul with a flair for hot pink tennis shoes, and Malcolm, her adorably grumpy best friend who finds peace among his vegetable plants. Their connection, nurtured over half a decade of shared experiences, is a poignant reflection of the intricate dance of human relationships.
As Kate embarks on a quest to rediscover the joys of romance, prompted by the upcoming nuptials of a friend and the silent yearning that accompanies her solitary ice cream indulgences, a new chapter in their story begins. Malcolm, secretly harbouring a love for Kate too stubborn to be voiced, sees in her decision a chance to deepen their bond.
The narrative is a delightful blend of humour, warmth, and a dash of chaos, as Kate and Malcolm navigate a series of comedic misadventures. From mix-ups in reservations to surprise encounters with past flames and an unforeseen kiss that leaves them both off-balance, these incidents, orchestrated by their circle of friends with the best intentions, underscore the profound affection and natural compatibility between the duo, hinting that perhaps the universe is guiding them towards a more profound connection.
Malcolm, as depicted by Grayson Long, is a shining example of kindness, patience, and steadfast support, personifying the essence of a contemporary romantic hero. His love for Kate, silent yet powerful in its expression through his actions and the tender moments they share, is both moving and uplifting. Kate, with her vibrant spirit and openness to life's adventures, is equally captivating, her journey of personal growth and the pursuit of love enriching the narrative.
"Playing The Field" is a slow burn romance that delights with its gentle humour, clever banter, and the slow revelation of Kate and Malcolm's deepening relationship. It is a celebration of the enduring power of friendship, the enchantment of love, and the serendipitous realisation that the person meant for you might have been closer than you ever imagined.
"Playing The Field" is an essential read that promises to leave you with a smile and a sense of joy.
Thank you to The Author Grayson Long & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.
June 2, 2024
Malcolm is the absolute best! I loved this book. The whole gang was there and they are hilarious. Sweet Malcolm worked so hard to get his girl. The perfect grump!
June 19, 2024
This book is for you if you love:
🐥 friends to lovers slow burn
🐥 pining!
🐥 forced proximity, one bed
🐥 fun work group and friends
🐥 he falls first and is so far gone for her :)
🐥 FMC who struggles with feeling unloveable
🐥 Lola with a TikTok obsession
🐥 chick named Nugget
The only reason I gave this a 3 star is 100% personal preference. Slow burn with pining and not just communicating usually just frustrates me but I know lots of others love it! If you do, read this one!
This is book 2 in the series but can be read as a standalone
(Dual POV, Closed door)
🐥 friends to lovers slow burn
🐥 pining!
🐥 forced proximity, one bed
🐥 fun work group and friends
🐥 he falls first and is so far gone for her :)
🐥 FMC who struggles with feeling unloveable
🐥 Lola with a TikTok obsession
🐥 chick named Nugget
The only reason I gave this a 3 star is 100% personal preference. Slow burn with pining and not just communicating usually just frustrates me but I know lots of others love it! If you do, read this one!
This is book 2 in the series but can be read as a standalone
(Dual POV, Closed door)
June 18, 2024
2.5/5⭐
I mostly enjoyed this cute friends-to-lovers, closed door romance. It was a fun, light read that scratched my "best friends who eventually realize they're something more" itch.
The highlights for me were definitely the antics of the high school students and the relationship Kate had with her extended family, especially her grandmother. This book also had some great Filipino rep as well as PTSD rep and I always appreciate that in a story.
The romance was the sloooowest of slow burns, and I love a slow burn but it was almost too much for me. They kept getting interrupted right before big moments, and Kate was so in her head about everything and really just needed to get out of her own way. That combined with the miscommunication (just talk to each other, you're best friends!) got pretty frustrating. I also thought the MCs seemed a bit young (they're supposed to be in their 30s but I think 20s would have felt better), and there were times when I thought the writing could have used some tightening up.
Overall though this is a cute and easy read for your summer TBR, especially if you love pining and slow burn!
Thank you to Booked with the Emilys and the author for the review copy.
I mostly enjoyed this cute friends-to-lovers, closed door romance. It was a fun, light read that scratched my "best friends who eventually realize they're something more" itch.
The highlights for me were definitely the antics of the high school students and the relationship Kate had with her extended family, especially her grandmother. This book also had some great Filipino rep as well as PTSD rep and I always appreciate that in a story.
The romance was the sloooowest of slow burns, and I love a slow burn but it was almost too much for me. They kept getting interrupted right before big moments, and Kate was so in her head about everything and really just needed to get out of her own way. That combined with the miscommunication (just talk to each other, you're best friends!) got pretty frustrating. I also thought the MCs seemed a bit young (they're supposed to be in their 30s but I think 20s would have felt better), and there were times when I thought the writing could have used some tightening up.
Overall though this is a cute and easy read for your summer TBR, especially if you love pining and slow burn!
Thank you to Booked with the Emilys and the author for the review copy.
June 25, 2024
Quick intro:
Malcolm and Kate have been best friends for five years. Two years after healing from a breakup, Kate is ready to start dating again. But now the pressure is on - how does Malcolm get out of the friend zone and convince Kate he’s the one she’s supposed to be with?
Quick thoughts:
For me, it doesn’t get much better than friends-to-lovers. I love the tension, the questioning of feelings, the wondering, the worrying about things changing, and the build up. It’s my own personal HEA, so I’m definitely partial to the trope. 🥰
GUYS - what I loved most about this friends-to-lovers story was that he fell first and OMG HE FELL HARD. Malcolm is SO GONE (and has been for years) for his best friend and his POV is top notch ooey gooey mushy pining and longing. I was grinning like an idiot reading his POV.
I also really liked the setting. Malcolm and Kate are teachers and coaches at a highschool in a small Oklahoma town. Their coworkers, friends, students, and Kate’s family really shine. I loved the relationships, banter, and shenanigans. I especially loved Malcolm’s secret plan he concocted with the help of he and Kate’s mutual (and so supportive) friends to get out of the friend zone.
Ultimately what kept me from fully enjoying it was it felt far too long (I got bored toward the end) AND Kate sort of drove me crazy. Oh my gosh woman, you are in your thirties - where on earth is your self awareness? I sort of just wanted to shake her at the 75% mark. 😂 I couldn’t take her obsession with the universe giving her signs. Also, I think she just needed some therapy. 🙈
Read this book if you like the slowest of the slow burns (LIKE SO SLOW), grumpyxsunshine, friends to lovers, only one bed, small town vibes, closed door romances, age gap, dual POV, and mental health rep.
Thank you, @bookedwiththemilys for the #gifted copy in exchange for my honest thoughts!
Quick details:
376 pages
CW: PTSD and death in military service
Second in a series but can be read as a stand alone
Malcolm and Kate have been best friends for five years. Two years after healing from a breakup, Kate is ready to start dating again. But now the pressure is on - how does Malcolm get out of the friend zone and convince Kate he’s the one she’s supposed to be with?
Quick thoughts:
For me, it doesn’t get much better than friends-to-lovers. I love the tension, the questioning of feelings, the wondering, the worrying about things changing, and the build up. It’s my own personal HEA, so I’m definitely partial to the trope. 🥰
GUYS - what I loved most about this friends-to-lovers story was that he fell first and OMG HE FELL HARD. Malcolm is SO GONE (and has been for years) for his best friend and his POV is top notch ooey gooey mushy pining and longing. I was grinning like an idiot reading his POV.
I also really liked the setting. Malcolm and Kate are teachers and coaches at a highschool in a small Oklahoma town. Their coworkers, friends, students, and Kate’s family really shine. I loved the relationships, banter, and shenanigans. I especially loved Malcolm’s secret plan he concocted with the help of he and Kate’s mutual (and so supportive) friends to get out of the friend zone.
Ultimately what kept me from fully enjoying it was it felt far too long (I got bored toward the end) AND Kate sort of drove me crazy. Oh my gosh woman, you are in your thirties - where on earth is your self awareness? I sort of just wanted to shake her at the 75% mark. 😂 I couldn’t take her obsession with the universe giving her signs. Also, I think she just needed some therapy. 🙈
Read this book if you like the slowest of the slow burns (LIKE SO SLOW), grumpyxsunshine, friends to lovers, only one bed, small town vibes, closed door romances, age gap, dual POV, and mental health rep.
Thank you, @bookedwiththemilys for the #gifted copy in exchange for my honest thoughts!
Quick details:
376 pages
CW: PTSD and death in military service
Second in a series but can be read as a stand alone
June 18, 2024
4⭐️ Okay this book was too cute. There were just so many things to love. The main characters, Kate and Malcolm, and their relationship, Kate’s adorable family (mostly her Lola), and all of their supportive friends and students. The dual POV in this was so necessary, cause Kate was an absolute silly goose, and Malcolm was just down bad for her. Reading his POV was extremely satisfying. They both have past trauma, so them coming together and loving each other was just, ugh, so sweet. I enjoyed this one.
There were couple things that knocked my rating down a star. First, the romance and story itself dragged a little too long. Second, Kate’s self sabotage drove me nuts! And last, the miscommunication trope. Ugh! I hate it ha. But honestly, all of that wasn’t enough to make me hate this book. Malcolm was an angel that you couldn’t help but love and cheer for. I enjoyed Kate too, but obviously she bothered me in some ways.
But like I said, there were too many good things that overshadowed the bad. One bed. I mean come on. We all love that in a closed-door book. Their initial meet cute and friendship was adorable. I just needed it to move quicker to their together relationship lol. And Malcolm. I’ve already said so many thing about him but he was just the sweetest. Anyways, that’s all. It was a cute read, with low stakes, and some good ol’ fun, so I would recommend it.
Thank you to the author, Grayson Long, for the complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
There were couple things that knocked my rating down a star. First, the romance and story itself dragged a little too long. Second, Kate’s self sabotage drove me nuts! And last, the miscommunication trope. Ugh! I hate it ha. But honestly, all of that wasn’t enough to make me hate this book. Malcolm was an angel that you couldn’t help but love and cheer for. I enjoyed Kate too, but obviously she bothered me in some ways.
But like I said, there were too many good things that overshadowed the bad. One bed. I mean come on. We all love that in a closed-door book. Their initial meet cute and friendship was adorable. I just needed it to move quicker to their together relationship lol. And Malcolm. I’ve already said so many thing about him but he was just the sweetest. Anyways, that’s all. It was a cute read, with low stakes, and some good ol’ fun, so I would recommend it.
Thank you to the author, Grayson Long, for the complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 3, 2024
THIS BOOK IS SOOOO GOOD!! I absolutely love Malcolm! He is so perfect, and the way he treats Kate and loves her is so beautiful!! Kate is such a fun character and I loved reading about her! And you can’t forget about all of the students (the ultimate wingmen and wingwomen), Lola (for obvious reasons), and of course the chickens! Every part of this book was amazing and I highly recommend you do yourself a favor and read this book!!
June 20, 2024
Man this is the sloooooowest of slow burns. Like so slow it was a little agonizing and not in a great way for me.
Malcom is phenomenal. The patience and goodness of this man. I liked Kate’s personality and thought she was fun, but she was a little exhausting in regards to her feelings regarding Malcolm. The side characters were all fun.
This is a closed door romance with mild language and innuendo.
Malcom is phenomenal. The patience and goodness of this man. I liked Kate’s personality and thought she was fun, but she was a little exhausting in regards to her feelings regarding Malcolm. The side characters were all fun.
This is a closed door romance with mild language and innuendo.
June 18, 2024
Gosh, what a fun read!
This was book two of the Glendale Series, but it could have been read as a standalone book. I think I enjoyed this one more than the first. The tension between besties Malcolm and Kate was off the charts. The clever banter between the two was so unique but also so safe and familiar.
Grayson Long really added something to this when she included the students in the shenanigans that ensued. This was a fun and light read! Perfect for summer reading!
This was book two of the Glendale Series, but it could have been read as a standalone book. I think I enjoyed this one more than the first. The tension between besties Malcolm and Kate was off the charts. The clever banter between the two was so unique but also so safe and familiar.
Grayson Long really added something to this when she included the students in the shenanigans that ensued. This was a fun and light read! Perfect for summer reading!
June 4, 2024
Short Synopsis:
Kate and Malcom work together at the same high school. They’ve been best friends for years. But when Kate finally starts to date again after a horrible breakup, Malcom decides it’s time to get himself out of the friend zone.
My Thoughts:
Playing the Field is such a fun, sweet story. Kate and Malcolm are both high school coaches and I adored their dynamic and the levity the teenagers brought to the story. It had some great PTSD rep and a great pick for a closed door, summer read.
What You’ll Find:
2️⃣ Dual POV
💕Best friends to lovers
😗 Workplace romance
☀️ Grumpy/Sunshine
🛏️ Only one bed
Kate and Malcom work together at the same high school. They’ve been best friends for years. But when Kate finally starts to date again after a horrible breakup, Malcom decides it’s time to get himself out of the friend zone.
My Thoughts:
Playing the Field is such a fun, sweet story. Kate and Malcolm are both high school coaches and I adored their dynamic and the levity the teenagers brought to the story. It had some great PTSD rep and a great pick for a closed door, summer read.
What You’ll Find:
2️⃣ Dual POV
💕Best friends to lovers
😗 Workplace romance
☀️ Grumpy/Sunshine
🛏️ Only one bed
August 23, 2025
Reread August 2025:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Malcom Geer & Katherine (Kate) Stanley
- Dual POV
- Friends to lovers
- Workplace romance, high school teachers & coaches
- Opposites attract
- Sunshine & Grump
- Found family
✨ a few of my favorite things:
- how observant Malcom is
- How both MCs take care of one another without expectation
- The teasing and light-hearted-ness Malcolm & Kate have
- Lola and her infinite wisdom
- New sides to Emma, Benny, & Ellie 😂😂 we don’t fully see in book 1
- The highschool kids and their support and love for their coaches
- The real life emotions and processing throughout the book
- THE CHEMISTRY
- Flirty Malcom
- Jealous Malcom
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 2 of the Glendale Series - *REREAD REVIEW* I was blessed enough to get to read Grayson’s book as an ARC last year when it released. I originally gave it 4 stars when I read in June 2024. Now rereading it I would for sure give it 5. Originally I was frustrated with the miscommunication and lack of needed conversations. However, I’m older and wiser 😉 and I’m so grateful for this book because it’s so human and real.
We RARELY get things right the first time and our life experiences often hold us back or push us one way or another. If we were harmed or abandoned, we don’t trust easily or risk easily. This is so beautiful and graciously displayed in this book.
Malcom and Kate are polar opposites and their characters feel like real people. I loved both MCs and the growth they had throughout the book. They both struggled to truly be honest about how they felt with each other and themselves. They needed the guidance and support of their people to finally be able to piece together all the feelings they couldn’t name. This is a slow burn marathon, not a sprint 😅
Can’t recommend this book enough if you want real people who struggle but also flirt, have crazy chemistry, and have fun together 💕
This is a clean closed door romcom with some vague innuendo and kissing.
Songs:
On my mind by Alex Warren & ROSÉ
Everything by Alex Warren *
Wait for you Myles Smith
Back to friends by Lauren Spencer Smith
Didn’t feel a thing by ROSIE
Piece of my heart by ROSIE
Stuck with u by Justin Bieber & Ariana Grande
ARC 6/16/24:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Malcom Geer & Kate Stanley
- opposites attract
- Friends to lovers
- He falls first
- Found family
- Dual POV
- HILARIOUS meetcute
- Sunshine & grump
- Coworkers at a school (teachers & coaches)
- He takes care of her & her family
- Protective & jealous MMC
- Quiet, snarky, Ex-military, football coach, math teacher MMC
- Quirky, ball of energy, caring, vegan, volleyball coach, sports director FMC
- One bed trope 🤭
- PTSD & trauma from time in military
- Anxiety & panic rep
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Happy Release day to Malcom & Kate!!!
Malcom & Kate are the best kind of best friends. They tease each other. They help each other grow and push each other when they know it’s needed. They give each other unconditional love and understanding without always realizing it. Malcom helps her family at the drop of a hat and would do anything to help Kate and show her she is loved. He is thoughtful and caring and does little things to make sure Kate is seen and her needs are taken care of (the luau) 🥹. They also know how to make each other laugh like no other person can do.
This book is a fun sports romance but it’s different than other sport romances. Both MCs coach sports as well as being teachers at the high school together. They bond over helping the teenagers and all the teenagers weird shenanigans.
The book follows the characters as the MCs work through some childhood trauma, trauma & PTSD from time served in the war, and learning how to communicate how they feel. I was most wowed by Malcom’s character development because it felt like he came so far from the beginning of the book with their meetcute. Kate had some stuff to figure out as well as she often confused herself more when she relied on “fate” or “the universe”. They figured it out together with the help from a wise, sassy grandma, meddling friends, and meddling teenagers. 💕
This is a clean, closed door romcom. There is no cursing and some kissing.
**Thank you so much to Grayson for letting me read this ARC via Netgalley. I received a complimentary copy. No positive review was required. All thoughts are my own.**
Songs:
“Let em go” by Matt Hansen
“Man who stays” by Jake Scott
“You don’t see it” by Jake Clark
“Close to you” by Kenzie
“Haven’t you been in love before” by Lewis Caparldi
“This is how you fall in love” by Jeremy Zucker & Chelsea Cutler **
“I was made for loving you” by Tori Kelly
“A little more” by Alessia Cara *
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Malcom Geer & Katherine (Kate) Stanley
- Dual POV
- Friends to lovers
- Workplace romance, high school teachers & coaches
- Opposites attract
- Sunshine & Grump
- Found family
✨ a few of my favorite things:
- how observant Malcom is
- How both MCs take care of one another without expectation
- The teasing and light-hearted-ness Malcolm & Kate have
- Lola and her infinite wisdom
- New sides to Emma, Benny, & Ellie 😂😂 we don’t fully see in book 1
- The highschool kids and their support and love for their coaches
- The real life emotions and processing throughout the book
- THE CHEMISTRY
- Flirty Malcom
- Jealous Malcom
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 2 of the Glendale Series - *REREAD REVIEW* I was blessed enough to get to read Grayson’s book as an ARC last year when it released. I originally gave it 4 stars when I read in June 2024. Now rereading it I would for sure give it 5. Originally I was frustrated with the miscommunication and lack of needed conversations. However, I’m older and wiser 😉 and I’m so grateful for this book because it’s so human and real.
We RARELY get things right the first time and our life experiences often hold us back or push us one way or another. If we were harmed or abandoned, we don’t trust easily or risk easily. This is so beautiful and graciously displayed in this book.
Malcom and Kate are polar opposites and their characters feel like real people. I loved both MCs and the growth they had throughout the book. They both struggled to truly be honest about how they felt with each other and themselves. They needed the guidance and support of their people to finally be able to piece together all the feelings they couldn’t name. This is a slow burn marathon, not a sprint 😅
Can’t recommend this book enough if you want real people who struggle but also flirt, have crazy chemistry, and have fun together 💕
This is a clean closed door romcom with some vague innuendo and kissing.
Songs:
On my mind by Alex Warren & ROSÉ
Everything by Alex Warren *
Wait for you Myles Smith
Back to friends by Lauren Spencer Smith
Didn’t feel a thing by ROSIE
Piece of my heart by ROSIE
Stuck with u by Justin Bieber & Ariana Grande
ARC 6/16/24:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Malcom Geer & Kate Stanley
- opposites attract
- Friends to lovers
- He falls first
- Found family
- Dual POV
- HILARIOUS meetcute
- Sunshine & grump
- Coworkers at a school (teachers & coaches)
- He takes care of her & her family
- Protective & jealous MMC
- Quiet, snarky, Ex-military, football coach, math teacher MMC
- Quirky, ball of energy, caring, vegan, volleyball coach, sports director FMC
- One bed trope 🤭
- PTSD & trauma from time in military
- Anxiety & panic rep
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Happy Release day to Malcom & Kate!!!
Malcom & Kate are the best kind of best friends. They tease each other. They help each other grow and push each other when they know it’s needed. They give each other unconditional love and understanding without always realizing it. Malcom helps her family at the drop of a hat and would do anything to help Kate and show her she is loved. He is thoughtful and caring and does little things to make sure Kate is seen and her needs are taken care of (the luau) 🥹. They also know how to make each other laugh like no other person can do.
This book is a fun sports romance but it’s different than other sport romances. Both MCs coach sports as well as being teachers at the high school together. They bond over helping the teenagers and all the teenagers weird shenanigans.
The book follows the characters as the MCs work through some childhood trauma, trauma & PTSD from time served in the war, and learning how to communicate how they feel. I was most wowed by Malcom’s character development because it felt like he came so far from the beginning of the book with their meetcute. Kate had some stuff to figure out as well as she often confused herself more when she relied on “fate” or “the universe”. They figured it out together with the help from a wise, sassy grandma, meddling friends, and meddling teenagers. 💕
This is a clean, closed door romcom. There is no cursing and some kissing.
**Thank you so much to Grayson for letting me read this ARC via Netgalley. I received a complimentary copy. No positive review was required. All thoughts are my own.**
Songs:
“Let em go” by Matt Hansen
“Man who stays” by Jake Scott
“You don’t see it” by Jake Clark
“Close to you” by Kenzie
“Haven’t you been in love before” by Lewis Caparldi
“This is how you fall in love” by Jeremy Zucker & Chelsea Cutler **
“I was made for loving you” by Tori Kelly
“A little more” by Alessia Cara *
June 20, 2024
Boy was this the slowest slow burn I’ve ever read. This rom com had absolutely NO “rom” until the last 4% of the book. The other 96% of the book was filled with self depreciation and frustrating mix signals.
Malcolm and Kate were best friends for FIVE YEARS and all of a sudden the romance blossoms? The book gives tons of detail that over the years they’ve cuddled, touched, had moments, etc but now was THE moment? It was veryyyyy frustrating how naive and unaware Kate was the entire book and even after the moment happened she STILL was not sure about it. The whole book she’s complaining no one loves her dabbling hard into the dating apps desperate to be loved and when it’s thrown in her face she’s like “eh, idk”. Also it felt like even for Malcolm it was pulling teeth for him to even admit to Kate he loves her. He had no problem being flirty with her but he absolutely refused to do anything about it? Why bother having feelings for her?
On top of holding the reader out until the very last possible second, there was just a lot going on. The prologue was so out of left field and the book jumps from a holiday party, to school setting, to Florida for a camp sport thing, to school again, to prom. There was just a LOT happening. The book could have been shortened and maybe edited more to cut out the continuous miscommunications and self doubting on both ends and maybe stuck to one or two settings.
Malcolm and Kate were best friends for FIVE YEARS and all of a sudden the romance blossoms? The book gives tons of detail that over the years they’ve cuddled, touched, had moments, etc but now was THE moment? It was veryyyyy frustrating how naive and unaware Kate was the entire book and even after the moment happened she STILL was not sure about it. The whole book she’s complaining no one loves her dabbling hard into the dating apps desperate to be loved and when it’s thrown in her face she’s like “eh, idk”. Also it felt like even for Malcolm it was pulling teeth for him to even admit to Kate he loves her. He had no problem being flirty with her but he absolutely refused to do anything about it? Why bother having feelings for her?
On top of holding the reader out until the very last possible second, there was just a lot going on. The prologue was so out of left field and the book jumps from a holiday party, to school setting, to Florida for a camp sport thing, to school again, to prom. There was just a LOT happening. The book could have been shortened and maybe edited more to cut out the continuous miscommunications and self doubting on both ends and maybe stuck to one or two settings.
April 30, 2024
I have a new book boyfriend and his name is Malcolm Geer. That man alone is worth my 5 star rating however, he doesn't get to take all of the credit. Because Mrs. Grayson Long outdid herself with this novel! I laughed, and then I laughed some more, and then I wanted to shout in frustration, but then I was swooning and laughing again. Grayson took me through all of the emotions and really made me fall in love with the characters within this book. Not just the two main characters but also the side characters like Kate's quirky grandma (she's a favorite), the students, and high school faculty. I was rooting Kate and Malcolm on from the start, praying they'd finally get their heads out of their butts and SEE that they belonged together but of course, in typical book fashion, they made the wait both excruciating and worth every bit of it. Malcolm was my all time favorite grump and Kate as her hilarious sunshiny self. Their friendship was adorable, especially how they meet ( trust me, just read the book and find out. It involves a baby chick and will have you laughing.... that is all I'll say!).
Grayson, you earned that 5 star rating! You did an amazing job with this book and this story. You're writing style is unique in the best way and captivated me the whole book. I love you, I love your books, and I love Malcolm. I am claiming him as mine now. Thanks.
I can't wait to see what book Grayson writes next!
Grayson, you earned that 5 star rating! You did an amazing job with this book and this story. You're writing style is unique in the best way and captivated me the whole book. I love you, I love your books, and I love Malcolm. I am claiming him as mine now. Thanks.
I can't wait to see what book Grayson writes next!
June 24, 2024
3.75⭐️
This is book 2 in the Glendale Series and this book follows Kate and Malcom. Kate is a free spirit with bright pink shoes and barely contained curly hair. Malcom is her sweet, bearded, grumpy best friend and coworker. Malcom has been in love with Kate for the last 5 years, but Kate was first in a relationship, and when that ended she swore off men. Now Kate is finally ready to start dating, and Malcom is ready to shoot his shot.
This story was a super SLOWWWWWWWW burn! I love a good slow burn, if you are a fan of Mariana Zapata then you will love this slow burn. Malcom is so in love with Kate and it is adorable and she is so unbelievably blind. When they take a group of kids to a week long camp in Florida, Malcom decides that he is going to work to get out of the friend zone, but nothing goes right! There is a mix-up with the room reservation, so they have to share a room with only one bed! There are meddling teenagers, concussions, and ex-boyfriends. All of the shenanigans made the story very funny.
Kate is terrified of losing Malcom, she has some past abandonment issues, and that makes her completely blind to his obvious love for her. She fights against it through the entire book. Malcom has his own previous trauma that makes him feel unworthy of Kate in some ways. I liked this part of the story, they both had to work through some things to get to the happily ever after.
I loved the high school setting of this book, I was a teacher in a high school and a lot of what Grayson writes about was true for me as a teacher, the insanity of the kids, the relationships you form with your students, how nosey they can be and the commarderie with your fellow teachers.
There were several points in this story when I wanted to scream at my Kindle "Just talk to each other" or "tell him/her how you feel already". They would get right up to the line and then avoid the topic and it really made me crazy. I felt like Kate self-sabataged a lot and I really wanted to equally shake her and hug her. We do finally get there though.
This was a sweet book, if you like slow burn and friends to lovers I think you will enjoy this book. Playing the Field is out now and is available with Kindle Unlimited.
Thank you to Grayson Long and Booked with The Emily's for my gifted copy.
`
This is book 2 in the Glendale Series and this book follows Kate and Malcom. Kate is a free spirit with bright pink shoes and barely contained curly hair. Malcom is her sweet, bearded, grumpy best friend and coworker. Malcom has been in love with Kate for the last 5 years, but Kate was first in a relationship, and when that ended she swore off men. Now Kate is finally ready to start dating, and Malcom is ready to shoot his shot.
This story was a super SLOWWWWWWWW burn! I love a good slow burn, if you are a fan of Mariana Zapata then you will love this slow burn. Malcom is so in love with Kate and it is adorable and she is so unbelievably blind. When they take a group of kids to a week long camp in Florida, Malcom decides that he is going to work to get out of the friend zone, but nothing goes right! There is a mix-up with the room reservation, so they have to share a room with only one bed! There are meddling teenagers, concussions, and ex-boyfriends. All of the shenanigans made the story very funny.
Kate is terrified of losing Malcom, she has some past abandonment issues, and that makes her completely blind to his obvious love for her. She fights against it through the entire book. Malcom has his own previous trauma that makes him feel unworthy of Kate in some ways. I liked this part of the story, they both had to work through some things to get to the happily ever after.
I loved the high school setting of this book, I was a teacher in a high school and a lot of what Grayson writes about was true for me as a teacher, the insanity of the kids, the relationships you form with your students, how nosey they can be and the commarderie with your fellow teachers.
There were several points in this story when I wanted to scream at my Kindle "Just talk to each other" or "tell him/her how you feel already". They would get right up to the line and then avoid the topic and it really made me crazy. I felt like Kate self-sabataged a lot and I really wanted to equally shake her and hug her. We do finally get there though.
This was a sweet book, if you like slow burn and friends to lovers I think you will enjoy this book. Playing the Field is out now and is available with Kindle Unlimited.
Thank you to Grayson Long and Booked with The Emily's for my gifted copy.
`
June 17, 2024
MALCOLM 😍😍😍
I loved this entire book from the getgo when he was accused of stealing the chicken.
This whole crew. Malcolm and Kate. Benny and Ellie. Lola. The meddling teenagers. Nugget 🐣.
It was very obvious to anyone with eyes that Malcolm was head over heels for Kate for the whole five years he'd known her. I loved that he 100% played the long game. He was the definition of grump, 'I hate everyone but you'. . .but still took care of her, took care of her family, rescued chickens every other week from the town's feed store. He made sure that there were vegan options and even in the midst of the senior athlete camp, had the pig roast moved so Kate wouldn't be bothered or have to step out.
This man could definitely restore your faith in men.
Kate, on the other hand, totally oblivious to Malcolm trying to get himself out of the best friendzone. After a bad breakup and deciding that men were the enemy, she makes the leap head first into finding 'the one'. The catalyst for Malcolm to make his feelings know and to finally get his girl. I felt for Kate trying to work thru her loneliness and the feelings of never being wanted. Trying to fill a hole left by her parents.
I loved that both of these characters were the others' tether back to earth during episodes or during Malcolm's PTSD flashbacks. I loved that he realized she was his safe place. I was 100% down for the meddling grandma and the equally meddling teenagers.
This was the second book in the Glendale series, but I didn't feel like I lost out on any story line by reading it alone. If you love:
🏈friends to lovers
🏐slow burn
🏈he falls first and HARD
🐥'hate everyone but you' vibes
👵🏼meddling grandma with a TikTok obsession
and 🐥a main character pet chicken
THEN GET READY TO SWOON OVER THIS BOOK!!
RELEASES JUNE 17TH
thank you to Grayson Long for trusting me with an early copy of this adorable book. And thank you Valentine PR for making the ARC possible
I loved this entire book from the getgo when he was accused of stealing the chicken.
This whole crew. Malcolm and Kate. Benny and Ellie. Lola. The meddling teenagers. Nugget 🐣.
It was very obvious to anyone with eyes that Malcolm was head over heels for Kate for the whole five years he'd known her. I loved that he 100% played the long game. He was the definition of grump, 'I hate everyone but you'. . .but still took care of her, took care of her family, rescued chickens every other week from the town's feed store. He made sure that there were vegan options and even in the midst of the senior athlete camp, had the pig roast moved so Kate wouldn't be bothered or have to step out.
This man could definitely restore your faith in men.
Kate, on the other hand, totally oblivious to Malcolm trying to get himself out of the best friendzone. After a bad breakup and deciding that men were the enemy, she makes the leap head first into finding 'the one'. The catalyst for Malcolm to make his feelings know and to finally get his girl. I felt for Kate trying to work thru her loneliness and the feelings of never being wanted. Trying to fill a hole left by her parents.
I loved that both of these characters were the others' tether back to earth during episodes or during Malcolm's PTSD flashbacks. I loved that he realized she was his safe place. I was 100% down for the meddling grandma and the equally meddling teenagers.
This was the second book in the Glendale series, but I didn't feel like I lost out on any story line by reading it alone. If you love:
🏈friends to lovers
🏐slow burn
🏈he falls first and HARD
🐥'hate everyone but you' vibes
👵🏼meddling grandma with a TikTok obsession
and 🐥a main character pet chicken
THEN GET READY TO SWOON OVER THIS BOOK!!
RELEASES JUNE 17TH
thank you to Grayson Long for trusting me with an early copy of this adorable book. And thank you Valentine PR for making the ARC possible
June 17, 2024
4.25 ⭐️ SLOW burn, miscommunication, grumpy/sunshine, dual POV, clean romance, and friends to lovers. If you are a slow burn and friend to more reader, this is a good one for you. I’ve come to really enjoy friends to more romances and slower burn story lines. This had banter, forced proximity, pining, and so so much more. It truly was a fun read. Did I get super frustrated at Kate’s blindness to Malcolm’s attraction to her? Boy, did I. However, I personally understand the mental battle Kate goes through. Kate is a science teacher/volleyball coach and literally bombards the new science teacher, Malcolm. Why? He’s steeling her chick of course. 🐥 Years later Malcolm still can’t shake Kate, and he wouldn’t want to. She is now his best friend and the only one who can make this grumpy, ex-military man socialize. When the two of them are the coaches chosen for the sports camp this year, Malcolm is determined to finally see if Kate will see him as more. But when Kate’s ex-boyfriend, Eric, shows up, everything seems to go wrong. Kate is confused by all of it. Her greatest wish is to not be alone. Getting back out in the dating field hasn’t been easy. Plus, Malcolm is flirting with her and that makes her feel some kind of way but what does it mean. Eric has shown up and seems to want another chance. But is he worth opening up to again after breaking her heart three years ago. Throw in meddling high school students, friends/fellow teachers, and Lola (my personal favorite book grandmother), you have a fun time coming. Huge thank you to @authorglong and @bookedwiththeemilys for giving me to opportunity to read Playing the Field via advance e-reader copy. It was an honor to be a part of the team. Available on Amazon in Kindle (I believe Kindle Unlimited as well) and physical book format tomorrow, June 17th! Tomorrow!!! Website to come for signed copies.
June 10, 2024
If I could sum this book up in a single word it would be: SWOON!!!
Kate and Malcolm are both absolute cutie patootie’s! I was absolutely enamored with Malcolm and it was refreshing to read a main male character that is a giant green flag after reading so many morally questionable male leads in romance books recently. I mean, come on! He’s been her best friend for five years, stands beside her with every decision she’s ever made, does home improvement on her sweet, grandmothers house, and never fails to show up when Kate needs him most.
I have to admit, I found myself pretty frustrated with Kate at certain places, because I wanted to just scream at her “YOUR FUTURE HUSBAND IS RIGHT THERE!!! OPEN YOUR EYES MY LOVE!!!” but by the end of the book, she had grown on me significantly. Kate’s main drawback is that she does not feel like she is a worthy of the type of love that Malcolm can provide, and deludes herself into thinking that he could never love her, and she could never love him.
Another aspect of this book that I immensely enjoyed were all the side characters. The teachers and students at Kate and Malcom’s school were so well written, and had me giggling at their tactics to get Kate to realize what she had been missing.
Overall, definitely add this to your TBR! After release date, I plan to come back and update my review with more detail, but for now I wanted to leave it relatively spoiler free.
I want to thank Grayson Long and her team for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was my first book that I’ve read by Grayson long, and I will definitely go back and read this book’s predecessor, and be on the lookout for future releases!
Kate and Malcolm are both absolute cutie patootie’s! I was absolutely enamored with Malcolm and it was refreshing to read a main male character that is a giant green flag after reading so many morally questionable male leads in romance books recently. I mean, come on! He’s been her best friend for five years, stands beside her with every decision she’s ever made, does home improvement on her sweet, grandmothers house, and never fails to show up when Kate needs him most.
I have to admit, I found myself pretty frustrated with Kate at certain places, because I wanted to just scream at her “YOUR FUTURE HUSBAND IS RIGHT THERE!!! OPEN YOUR EYES MY LOVE!!!” but by the end of the book, she had grown on me significantly. Kate’s main drawback is that she does not feel like she is a worthy of the type of love that Malcolm can provide, and deludes herself into thinking that he could never love her, and she could never love him.
Another aspect of this book that I immensely enjoyed were all the side characters. The teachers and students at Kate and Malcom’s school were so well written, and had me giggling at their tactics to get Kate to realize what she had been missing.
Overall, definitely add this to your TBR! After release date, I plan to come back and update my review with more detail, but for now I wanted to leave it relatively spoiler free.
I want to thank Grayson Long and her team for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was my first book that I’ve read by Grayson long, and I will definitely go back and read this book’s predecessor, and be on the lookout for future releases!
June 7, 2024
read if you like:
💙 romcoms
🧑🏫👩🏫 teacher romances
🔥 slow burn romances
👯♂️ best-friend-turned-lover stories
summary:
After an intense thriller, sometimes you just need a good beach read, and this did not disappoint! This story is about two best friends, Malcolm and Kate, who both work as teachers in their local high school. Kate ended a long term relationship a few years back, and decides it’s finally time to start “playing the field” and getting back in the dating game. As you would expect, her best friend Malcolm has mixed feelings about this, and asks himself, does he want to be more than friends with Kate, and if so, does she feel the same?
This book follows your popular “will they/won’t they” trope, through a fun lens of high school teachers working together to support the school’s athletic program and sports teams. I really grew to love both characters — Kate for her sensitivity and desire to be happy, and Malcolm for her vulnerability and commitment to their friendship. I also love a good story where the boy is chasing the girl (instead of the other way around!) And even though sports romances are becoming a new thing (so many hockey romances!), a story where the characters are coaches rather than players is always a fun twist. The book probably goes on just a little bit too long, but it’s an easy read with some fun and cute twists that set it apart from other similar books.
Thanks to Grayson Long and Net Galley for the advanced copy! Check this book out when it releases on June 17!
June 11, 2024
Playing the Field is the second book in The Glendale Series. While characters from the first book do make an appearance, I think this could be enjoyed just fine as a standalone as well. That said, the first book was great and definitely a must read as well.
Oh my goodness, what a meet cute! Right from the start, I was drawn into this story with that rather unique and hilarious first introduction. I loved how Kate invited herself into Malcolm's life (and his truck) and how their friendship grew from there. They had such a great friendship, and when she decides she's ready to start dating again, he decides it's time to make her see him as an option... and I loved it! The chemistry was so good! It was definitely a slow burn... but with all the tension and almost moments, the payoff was so worth it! Truly a prime example of how a friends to more romance should be! As much as I loved these two, the side characters also helped to take the story to the next level. Kate's grandma was hilarious, and I once again adored the staff and students at the high school where they both worked that added so much to the story!
Like the previous book in the series, I love that this one also had great mental health representation, this time with his PTSD from combat. As a military wife, I definitely think this is such an important topic, and one that was handled very well in this story.
Playing the Field is a closed-door romance with kisses only. It does have a good amount of minor language throughout the story.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Oh my goodness, what a meet cute! Right from the start, I was drawn into this story with that rather unique and hilarious first introduction. I loved how Kate invited herself into Malcolm's life (and his truck) and how their friendship grew from there. They had such a great friendship, and when she decides she's ready to start dating again, he decides it's time to make her see him as an option... and I loved it! The chemistry was so good! It was definitely a slow burn... but with all the tension and almost moments, the payoff was so worth it! Truly a prime example of how a friends to more romance should be! As much as I loved these two, the side characters also helped to take the story to the next level. Kate's grandma was hilarious, and I once again adored the staff and students at the high school where they both worked that added so much to the story!
Like the previous book in the series, I love that this one also had great mental health representation, this time with his PTSD from combat. As a military wife, I definitely think this is such an important topic, and one that was handled very well in this story.
Playing the Field is a closed-door romance with kisses only. It does have a good amount of minor language throughout the story.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
June 25, 2024
A chance encounter at the local feed store 5 years ago between the curly headed vibrant, Kate and the eternally grumpy, Malcolm.
Since that day the two friends have been inseparable. Friends. Colleagues.
Sure, they’ve been attached at the hip ever since that day- but after a bad breakup years ago, Kate has sworn off men. So Malcolm has devoted himself to being the best friend Kate’s ever had, while not so secretly being in love with her.
But when Kate decides she is ready to start dating, Malcolm is determined to make her see him differently.
Enlisting the help of their friends, he hatches a plan to win her over while they chaperone the athlete talent exhibition.
When things begin to go awry, Kate starts to believe that the universe is telling her something and that she needs to listen.
Will Malcolm be able to get out of the friend zone, or will he lose Kate to playing the field?
This was such a fun story. All the supporting characters were amazing and I automatically fell in love with each one!
I am an absolute sucker for the forced proximity, grumpy x sunshine, one bed tropes, and will read any book that features any of those plot lines!
I was pleasantly surprised when I read a take on all 3 of these that I had not read before!
This book was sweet, hilarious, easy read. The descriptions were amazing, and I truly felt like I could picture each detail.
If you are a fan of sweet, rom-coms with low spice, I highly recommend.
Since that day the two friends have been inseparable. Friends. Colleagues.
Sure, they’ve been attached at the hip ever since that day- but after a bad breakup years ago, Kate has sworn off men. So Malcolm has devoted himself to being the best friend Kate’s ever had, while not so secretly being in love with her.
But when Kate decides she is ready to start dating, Malcolm is determined to make her see him differently.
Enlisting the help of their friends, he hatches a plan to win her over while they chaperone the athlete talent exhibition.
When things begin to go awry, Kate starts to believe that the universe is telling her something and that she needs to listen.
Will Malcolm be able to get out of the friend zone, or will he lose Kate to playing the field?
This was such a fun story. All the supporting characters were amazing and I automatically fell in love with each one!
I am an absolute sucker for the forced proximity, grumpy x sunshine, one bed tropes, and will read any book that features any of those plot lines!
I was pleasantly surprised when I read a take on all 3 of these that I had not read before!
This book was sweet, hilarious, easy read. The descriptions were amazing, and I truly felt like I could picture each detail.
If you are a fan of sweet, rom-coms with low spice, I highly recommend.
June 28, 2024
Thanks to @bookedwiththeemilys and @authorglong for the #gifted copy of this book.
Summary: Malcolm and Kate have been friends for the last 5 years despite being complete opposites. After swearing off men for years, Kate has decided to dip her toe back into the dating world. She is completely oblivious to the fact that Malcolm has been in love with her since they met. Will Kate find the great love she's been looking for or will Malcolm finally win the girl of his dreams over?
Thoughts: I have a love/hate relationship with friends to lovers stories because it drives me nuts how long it takes for them to reveal their feelings to each other and not worry about what is about to change. However, when they finally give in to their feelings, I've got heart eyes and ready to read another. This book was no different. Having both Malcolm and Kate's POV really helped give me hope throughout the story. Kate was frustrating at times because she was just too worried about losing Malcolm, without seeing that she might anyway with her continued dating of other men. Malcolm was so patient, but I loved the fact that he finally roped in his friends to help him win her over. The meddling football team was so fun as well!! If friends to lovers is a favorite of yours, be sure to check this one out.
Read if you like:
💖Best Friends to Lovers
🐣Opposites Attract
⛈️☀️Grumpy / Sunshine
🐣Age Gap
🛏️Only One Bed
Summary: Malcolm and Kate have been friends for the last 5 years despite being complete opposites. After swearing off men for years, Kate has decided to dip her toe back into the dating world. She is completely oblivious to the fact that Malcolm has been in love with her since they met. Will Kate find the great love she's been looking for or will Malcolm finally win the girl of his dreams over?
Thoughts: I have a love/hate relationship with friends to lovers stories because it drives me nuts how long it takes for them to reveal their feelings to each other and not worry about what is about to change. However, when they finally give in to their feelings, I've got heart eyes and ready to read another. This book was no different. Having both Malcolm and Kate's POV really helped give me hope throughout the story. Kate was frustrating at times because she was just too worried about losing Malcolm, without seeing that she might anyway with her continued dating of other men. Malcolm was so patient, but I loved the fact that he finally roped in his friends to help him win her over. The meddling football team was so fun as well!! If friends to lovers is a favorite of yours, be sure to check this one out.
Read if you like:
💖Best Friends to Lovers
🐣Opposites Attract
⛈️☀️Grumpy / Sunshine
🐣Age Gap
🛏️Only One Bed
June 27, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to @bookedwiththeemilys @author grayson long for the #gifted copy of this book.
Synopsis: Kate and Malcolm. Best friends. Work Buddies. Confidants. They have nothing in common. She's a free spirit with hot pink tennis shoes. He's a grump who prefers afternoons in his vegetable garden. Yet, somehow, someway, they have been attached at the hip for five years.
Well when reservations are messed up, ex-boyfriends show up, concussions and unintentional kissing happen, it starts to seem that the universe does actually have a plan. And it's quite possible the universe wants Kate to choose Malcolm. What's a girl to do when her older, insanely attractive best friend starts to be the only person she pictures a life with? Will she accept they can be more than just friends or will she keep playing the field?
Thoughts:
Kate and Malcom’s relationship was a fun one to watch grow. Love when romantic relationships start as friendships. Their dynamic was was entertaining. I loved how the students they coached helped move the story along and how they played a role in the romance. Appreciated the rep of PTSD faced by soldiers. This would be a great closed door romance pick for your next trip!
🐣📱🍆 🎄🏐🏈🏖️🛏️🍍🍦🐖🪵
#playingthefield #graysonlong #friendstolovers #bestfriendstolovers #onlyonebed #oppositesattract #agegap #grumpysunshine #booktour #bookedwiththeemilys
Thanks to @bookedwiththeemilys @author grayson long for the #gifted copy of this book.
Synopsis: Kate and Malcolm. Best friends. Work Buddies. Confidants. They have nothing in common. She's a free spirit with hot pink tennis shoes. He's a grump who prefers afternoons in his vegetable garden. Yet, somehow, someway, they have been attached at the hip for five years.
Well when reservations are messed up, ex-boyfriends show up, concussions and unintentional kissing happen, it starts to seem that the universe does actually have a plan. And it's quite possible the universe wants Kate to choose Malcolm. What's a girl to do when her older, insanely attractive best friend starts to be the only person she pictures a life with? Will she accept they can be more than just friends or will she keep playing the field?
Thoughts:
Kate and Malcom’s relationship was a fun one to watch grow. Love when romantic relationships start as friendships. Their dynamic was was entertaining. I loved how the students they coached helped move the story along and how they played a role in the romance. Appreciated the rep of PTSD faced by soldiers. This would be a great closed door romance pick for your next trip!
🐣📱🍆 🎄🏐🏈🏖️🛏️🍍🍦🐖🪵
#playingthefield #graysonlong #friendstolovers #bestfriendstolovers #onlyonebed #oppositesattract #agegap #grumpysunshine #booktour #bookedwiththeemilys
July 2, 2024
This was so cute and fun! I wasn’t sure what to expect but I ended up really enjoying this book. Playing the Field is written by Grayson Long and it is a sweet romantic comedy.
Kate was an interesting character and she did have to grow on me a bit. However I liked Malcolm from the start. Kate and Malcholm became friends after a chance encounter and they have stuck by each other ever since. I liked the easy interactions and banter that they had together. They knew each other well.
They both had a lot of trauma that they had to work through because of their past. Kate had to see that she was enough and Malcolm had to learn to let Kate in. There were definitely some obstacles that stood in their way as they navigated their feelings for each other and their situations in life.
The plot was definitely driven by their love story but it was still enjoyable to read. I really liked the side characters, especially the high schoolers that Kate and Malcolm interacted with. The kids were so sweet. Malcolm and Kate’s friends were also really funny.
Playing the Field is a closed door romantic comedy. I would recommend it to those who enjoy rom-coms with hints of seriousness in between.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
Kate was an interesting character and she did have to grow on me a bit. However I liked Malcolm from the start. Kate and Malcholm became friends after a chance encounter and they have stuck by each other ever since. I liked the easy interactions and banter that they had together. They knew each other well.
They both had a lot of trauma that they had to work through because of their past. Kate had to see that she was enough and Malcolm had to learn to let Kate in. There were definitely some obstacles that stood in their way as they navigated their feelings for each other and their situations in life.
The plot was definitely driven by their love story but it was still enjoyable to read. I really liked the side characters, especially the high schoolers that Kate and Malcolm interacted with. The kids were so sweet. Malcolm and Kate’s friends were also really funny.
Playing the Field is a closed door romantic comedy. I would recommend it to those who enjoy rom-coms with hints of seriousness in between.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
June 14, 2024
This was a fun book! Playing the Field can be read as a standalone (however I highly recommend Thinking Out Loud). We see both Kate and Malcolm in Thinking Out Loud. I fell in love with Kate in that book and intrigued by Malcom.
Malcolm was perfectly loveable and I loved that we got to see more of his character and the struggles he deals with but keeps locked up away from others. I wish we had more chapters from his point of view. I felt like we just had long stretches of Kate and I really liked the tone of Malcolm's chapters.
My favorite scene was shopping for prom dresses! It was just perfect! I also liked the teenagers giving Malcolm advice, at the restaurant during Kate's date, and the last night on the trip.
Tropes:
Workplace romance
Best friends to lovers
One bed
Forced proximity
Grumpy/sunshine
He falls first
The few things that bothered me:
The several year pinning as adults (in their 30s) is hard for me to read, and I felt like throughout the book both acted immature for their age. And Kate, I just wanted to shake her telling her she was deserving to be wanted and loved despite her past. So that was hard to read over and over how she didn't feel like she was worthy. But it did drive the point across and resolve in the end of the book.
Malcolm was perfectly loveable and I loved that we got to see more of his character and the struggles he deals with but keeps locked up away from others. I wish we had more chapters from his point of view. I felt like we just had long stretches of Kate and I really liked the tone of Malcolm's chapters.
My favorite scene was shopping for prom dresses! It was just perfect! I also liked the teenagers giving Malcolm advice, at the restaurant during Kate's date, and the last night on the trip.
Tropes:
Workplace romance
Best friends to lovers
One bed
Forced proximity
Grumpy/sunshine
He falls first
The few things that bothered me:
The several year pinning as adults (in their 30s) is hard for me to read, and I felt like throughout the book both acted immature for their age. And Kate, I just wanted to shake her telling her she was deserving to be wanted and loved despite her past. So that was hard to read over and over how she didn't feel like she was worthy. But it did drive the point across and resolve in the end of the book.
June 14, 2024
Playing The Field by Grayson Long was an entertaining and fantastic story! This book was hilarious, let me just say I was cackling so much. I loved the combination of the friends to lover, grumpy sunshine, and forced proximity book tropes mix. Kate and Malcolm had the funniest meet cute. Their meet cute has become one of my favorite that I have ever read in a book! Oh Malcolm, I adored that grump. He waited patiently for Kate, he was not about to miss his chance to be with her. Kate was a very relatable character. We all want to be loved. Their banter was comical. Another funny part of this story was when the boy athletes got involved helping Malcolm win Kate. Their tomfoolery was hysterical! Everyone was invested in helping Malcolm declare his feelings to Kate. This book was rich with fantastic and somewhat quirky side characters. The romance was closed door with only kissing. Can be read as a standalone, however, I wish I had read the first book in The Glendale Series before this one because of all the side characters. Which I planned on reading soon. Playing The Field was a great RomCom and I really enjoyed reading.
I volunteered to read an ARC copy of the book and all thoughts are my own.
I volunteered to read an ARC copy of the book and all thoughts are my own.
June 17, 2024
Kate and Malcolm have been best friends for 5 years and have been working together at the same high school. They are complete opposites. After Kate's break up 5 years ago she swore off men and was content just hanging out with her friends and family. Malcolm is a grump who enjoys being alone, except for when he is spending time with Kate. When Kate finally decides to start dating again, Malcolm decides that it is time for him to get out of the friend zone.
This book was a sweet story about friends to lovers, but it was the slowest of slow burns. Both main characters are high school coaches and I did enjoy the dynamic between the coaches and the athletes and how they helped in getting Kate and Malcolm together.
Somethings that I didn't like were that it had a lot of miscommunication which I don't enjoy. I also didn't like the self-sabotage of Kate and it had me screaming at her multiple times.
This book was just okay for me, but just because it was meh for me doesn't mean it won't be a 5 start for someone else.
Read if you like:
Dual POV
Best friends to lovers
Slow burn romance
Workplace romance
Gumpy/Sunshine
Only one bed
Miscommunication
This book was a sweet story about friends to lovers, but it was the slowest of slow burns. Both main characters are high school coaches and I did enjoy the dynamic between the coaches and the athletes and how they helped in getting Kate and Malcolm together.
Somethings that I didn't like were that it had a lot of miscommunication which I don't enjoy. I also didn't like the self-sabotage of Kate and it had me screaming at her multiple times.
This book was just okay for me, but just because it was meh for me doesn't mean it won't be a 5 start for someone else.
Read if you like:
Dual POV
Best friends to lovers
Slow burn romance
Workplace romance
Gumpy/Sunshine
Only one bed
Miscommunication
June 7, 2024
3.5 - overall a solid read. I really enjoyed this! I'm sorry I can't think of another word other than CUTE. It's very cute. The MMC is a cinammon roll that pines for 5(!!!) years. I love a good friends to lovers story and this was very solid. It's a very slow burn. Lots of touches, glances, etc. And it doesn't resolve with just a kiss. There's a lot of communication that has to go on between the MCs and we love to see it. Sometimes it can be terrifying to let yourself actually accept the good things in your life.
At first it was funny how the FMC missed every sign and word possible that the MMC was into her...like girl bffr. Then it was getting a bit repetitive with him spelling out how he felt and she was like ????? I think I could have bought it if they were still in their 20's but these characters were supposed to be older and acted much younger. Also no spice btw! This is a good standalone. I didn't read the previous book but overall still found this to be super sweet.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thanks Netgalley!
At first it was funny how the FMC missed every sign and word possible that the MMC was into her...like girl bffr. Then it was getting a bit repetitive with him spelling out how he felt and she was like ????? I think I could have bought it if they were still in their 20's but these characters were supposed to be older and acted much younger. Also no spice btw! This is a good standalone. I didn't read the previous book but overall still found this to be super sweet.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thanks Netgalley!
June 17, 2024
If you love friends to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, one bed, slow burn romances this is the perfect book for you! Malcom is the most grumpiest mmc I have ever come across 😂 The only person he can tolerate and is the least grumpy towards is Kate. I absolutely died at their hilarious banter 😂
Kate and Malcom could not be more different but I loved how they completed each other. Malcom is a source of much needed calm for Kate’s erratic, overthinking brain and Kate stops Malcom from being a complete recluse 😂 I loved them so much!!
This book is a definite sloooooow burn 😅 I swear everyone seems to know that Malcom is in love with Kate except for her 😂 she is the most clueless person in the world 🤣 But it was totally worth it. The tactics Malcom goes to in order to make her his are hilarious 😂😂 I was dying!!
Overall, this book is a must read! It’s absolutely hilarious and Malcom will just make you swoon so hard 🤩 Got get this book!!
Thank you so much for sending me this arc Grayson! I loved it!
Kate and Malcom could not be more different but I loved how they completed each other. Malcom is a source of much needed calm for Kate’s erratic, overthinking brain and Kate stops Malcom from being a complete recluse 😂 I loved them so much!!
This book is a definite sloooooow burn 😅 I swear everyone seems to know that Malcom is in love with Kate except for her 😂 she is the most clueless person in the world 🤣 But it was totally worth it. The tactics Malcom goes to in order to make her his are hilarious 😂😂 I was dying!!
Overall, this book is a must read! It’s absolutely hilarious and Malcom will just make you swoon so hard 🤩 Got get this book!!
Thank you so much for sending me this arc Grayson! I loved it!
June 19, 2024
“Playing the Field” is the second book in “The Glendale Series”, but can be read as a stand-alone, just as I had! I didn’t feel like I was missing any background story or that there were any holes in the plot. I love when an author can separate the stories well enough to have a true stand alone that’s within a series.
This is a slow burn best friends to lovers book featuring Kate and Malcolm, who are teachers that work together. The kids even get involved, which is fantastic that their relationship with the kids is strong enough to get them involved, and shows that they’re quite observant! Malcolm has been pining for Kate for years, and Kate doesn’t realize how long he’s been waiting on the side until the perfect time for him to dive in and swoop her off of her feet.
I enjoyed the dual POV so we got to experience both sides of this burning wick.
One of my favorite laugh out loud quotes would have to be from Malcolm saying “At this point, I could really use a lightning strike to the head to get me out of this.” 🤣
This is a slow burn best friends to lovers book featuring Kate and Malcolm, who are teachers that work together. The kids even get involved, which is fantastic that their relationship with the kids is strong enough to get them involved, and shows that they’re quite observant! Malcolm has been pining for Kate for years, and Kate doesn’t realize how long he’s been waiting on the side until the perfect time for him to dive in and swoop her off of her feet.
I enjoyed the dual POV so we got to experience both sides of this burning wick.
One of my favorite laugh out loud quotes would have to be from Malcolm saying “At this point, I could really use a lightning strike to the head to get me out of this.” 🤣
June 20, 2024
Read if you like:
🐓 Chickens
🏈 Sports
🪖 Militarty PTSD rep
💜 Friends to Lovers
🛏️ One Bed
🔥 Sllloooww Burns
Synopsis:
Kate and Malcolm are best friends and work buddies.
After a bad breakup and years of swearing off men, Kate has decided she’s ready to date again.
Malcolm, on the other hand, as much as he hates to admit it, has been in love with his quirky, extroverted bestie since the moment he met her. And now is his chance to move from just friends.
When hotel reservations are messed up, ex-boyfriends show up, concussions and unintentional kissing happen, it starts to seem that the universe does actually have a plan.
My thoughts:
Kate and Malcom have the best meet cute. Then the book cuts to 5 years later after them becoming best friends. I wish we saw more of their building friendship. But the good news is, the rest of the book is them finally falling for each other.
There was quite a bit of “but we can’t ruin our friendship” angst and the burn was a bit too long for me. But I enjoyed this story, the students, Lola, the hated ex, and Malcom!
🐓 Chickens
🏈 Sports
🪖 Militarty PTSD rep
💜 Friends to Lovers
🛏️ One Bed
🔥 Sllloooww Burns
Synopsis:
Kate and Malcolm are best friends and work buddies.
After a bad breakup and years of swearing off men, Kate has decided she’s ready to date again.
Malcolm, on the other hand, as much as he hates to admit it, has been in love with his quirky, extroverted bestie since the moment he met her. And now is his chance to move from just friends.
When hotel reservations are messed up, ex-boyfriends show up, concussions and unintentional kissing happen, it starts to seem that the universe does actually have a plan.
My thoughts:
Kate and Malcom have the best meet cute. Then the book cuts to 5 years later after them becoming best friends. I wish we saw more of their building friendship. But the good news is, the rest of the book is them finally falling for each other.
There was quite a bit of “but we can’t ruin our friendship” angst and the burn was a bit too long for me. But I enjoyed this story, the students, Lola, the hated ex, and Malcom!
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