Playin' Hard

by Whitney D. Grandison

Readers of YA contemporary romance, sports romance, enemies-to-lovers stories, and those looking for Black love will be drawn to this title.

If there’s one thing Cree Jacobs can’t stand about Moorehead High, it’s definitely the Ballers Club—an exclusive clique of boys who dominate the school’s sports teams. The boys are arrogant, flashy, and just way too overrated for Cree’s taste.

Don’t tell that to DeAndre Parker, the unofficial leader of the group. Laidback, good looking, a prodigy on the court, and the son of a retired NBA champion, DeAndre knows his potential and that almost everyone at Moorehead would do anything to get close to him—except for Cree Jacobs.

Typically these two would never cross paths or acknowledge each other, but one heated debate with Cree in class sets DeAndre off, igniting a need within him: no one can resist the Club. Determined to get Cree under his spell, DeAndre begins trying to change her opinion of him as the two strike a friendship that sparks into something more.

Genres: Romance, Young Adult, Sports, African American, Basketball, Contemporary, Young Adult Romance

416 pages, Paperback

Published April 8, 2025

About the author

A lover of words, Whitney D. Grandison has been writing since as far back as she can remember. Outside of writing, she is a lover of Asian dramas, all things John Hughes, and horror films. Whitney currently lives in Akron, Ohio with her cats.

Visit Whitney’s website, www.whitneydgrandison.com, and follow her on Instagram, @wheadee.

Reviews

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a tough reminder that I could never survive high school in 2025 and I don’t understand half of what kids these days are saying, but I loved it so much.

[✧ Beanie Reads ✧]

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
DNF @ 31%

This book had pretty forced and telly writing, and I honestly couldn't stand any of the Ballers. Yes, that included our MMC, DeAndre. I couldn't understand why Cree was suddenly okay with them either.

There were some interesting things going on, like seeing the pressures of having a successful NBA father with a single-minded focus for his sons, or how Cree started to let in her stepmother. I THINK this book had in mind arcs it was going for, and who knows? Maybe those arcs will end up good.

But I was just so done with not seeing the Ballers trip on their faces and cringing at all their try-hard-above-others remarks. We get it. You don't believe in high school love and are at least honest that you're just wanting to have some fun. That doesn't mean all of your dialogue or internal thoughts have to make you seem like sucky people 🙄

So, hey, if your read the entirety and I ended up missing some awesome growth, then great, but I cannot bring myself to stick around and see it.

[Kyla · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

The friend group!! They were super funny and cute. I liked that you saw their individual growth through out the book. I loved the complexity of the relationship between Cree and her dad, Dre and his dad, as well as, Troy and her parents and we got to see a bit of resolution regarding a couple of those relationships. I loved the conversation about race and black culture, the beauty as well as the downfalls that come with being black. It was nice to read about it from the perspective of teenagers. I loved the Parker brothers relationship and their ability to disagree but find their way back to one another. It was all so endearing.

I did however feel like the book dragged in certain areas. Ari’s pregnancy scare took entirely too long to figure out, like PLEASE!! The back and forth, hot and cold from Dre regarding Cree took too long and took away from their charm and made the ending Luke warm.

All in all. It’s definitely a cute book that i would recommend if you like YA romance.

[Monét · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

In their final years of high school, Cree and DeAndre form an unexpected friendship. As they both deal with the pressure of not letting their parents down, they end up becoming each other’s support system. Their bond deepens as they lean on one another to get through the tough moments, but will they know how to navigate the feelings of young love?

When I think of young adult romance novels, I think of something cute and easy, a feel-good read. Playin’ Hard was definitely that, but with some depth. It was more than just romance; it explored real emotions, personal growth, and the challenges of life.

I enjoyed seeing the growth of both characters as they navigate friendships, strained parental relationships, and learn vulnerability. I’d be curious to know how their relationship developed over time as they become adults.

Thank you to Whitney D. Grandison, NetGalley, and Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group for this digital ARC.

Playin’ Hard
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️
Pub Date: April 08 2025

[Deniece Mobley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Young teenage angst will always be a favorite of mine. What happens when enemies become friends with the possibility for more. Cree & DeAndre form an unlikely friendship after a heated debate in class. We follow them through their last years of high school, while they navigate friendship, strained relationships with their parents and young love. The book is super cute. Seeing the growth in the characters and their relationships gave me all the feels. Thank You to Net Galley for the ARC.

[Supermorgo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved every moment, like I want more, maybe a bonus chapter

[Cadence Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group, and Wattpad Books for this advance reader copy! You can pick up Playin’ Hard by Whitney D. Grandison on April 8, 2025!

4 ⭐

This book is a perfect addition for the YA sport romance section!

Playin’ Hard follows seventeen-year-old Cree, who cannot stand the Ballers–high school’s popular basketball players. She thinks the boys are too arrogant and full of themselves. But when DeAndre–the Ballers’ “leader”–takes interest in Cree, he forms an unexpected friendship during their final years of high school. As the two both deal with the pressure of not letting their parents down, they end up becoming each other’s support system. Their bond deepens as they get through the tough moments, but will the two navigate their feelings of young love?

The story is heartwarming, and I found myself laughing while reading.

I enjoyed seeing the growth of both characters as they navigate friendships, parental relationships, etc. The banters between the two are hilarious! I loved the basketball romance aspect of the book.

Here’s what you can expect:

- basketball romance
- lots of humor
- friendship
- enemies-to-lovers
- social issues
- Black characters representation

I highly recommend picking up Playin' Hard by Whitney D. Grandison if you are looking for a heartwarming, enemies-to-lovers romance!

[Chasity McCurdy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a sucker for a young adult novel that represents black teenagers in a world that i can relate to. I enjoyed the authors descriptive take on friendships, parent-child relationships, and young love.

This books follows a high school group of friends who become close over about a year and a half time span. These relationships molded who they were and how they showed up for everyone around them. Both the FMC and the MMC had neglect wounds by their parents and bonded/supported each other through it all. I appreciated their growth, the difficult conversations, and their friendship so much.

Thank you NetGalley and Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group for this digital ARC!

Rating: 4.5 ⭐️
Pub Date: April 8, 2025

[Mesha E · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing!! I love a YA that is young adult but also give you an adult feel. Just because a book is YA doesn't mean it has to be childish. This book was able to stay YA while also leaning to what was it was to be at the place between being just a teen and going to being an adult. There were so many complexities to the relationships. The relationship between the main characters, their parents, and their friends were all well define and progress naturally and beautifully. I loved so much about this book. Its one of those you wish you could read over again for the first time.

[ebony · Rating 5 out of 5]

True rating: 4.5 ⭐️
I was SO invested in Cree's and DeAndre's stories! It was great seeing their indifference to each other and what they thought the other stood for progress into a mutual understanding of the other thus blossoming into a friendship. If you want to read something that feels so high school yet complex in a way that feels life-like, I would highly recommend you check this one out.

Thank you to NetGalley and Wattpad Webtoon for sending me an arc!

[Oni Akil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished this book in two days. I could not put it down!!

[Tanesha Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 rounded up! Secondly, thank you to NetGalley and Wattpad Webtoon Publishers for the advance reader copy! I feel like this is a romance with a lot of coming-of-age elements!

As a certified Auntie, phew these teenagers were GROWN AF - bars, drugs, sleepovers, oh my (my parents' Black household would neverrrrr!!)! I was not expecting that part at all, but it made for a realistic and engaging story! Both Cree and DeAndre are so precious and are just trying to do their best - however some of their conflict would've been resolved if their prefrontal cortexes were developed LOL. But as someone who loves mess?? Babyyyyy, this book did it for me! This book hooked me in immediately and I struggled to pace myself reading it, because I just wanted to inhale it! I felt like I was watching this all play out on a Facetime Call!

One Sentence Review - After a very heated debate and mutual dislike for one another, Cree and DeAndre form a very unlikely friendship that helps them navigate high school relationships (both romantic and platonic), difficult family dynamics and pressures, and more!

Whitney is such an engaging author! There were many parts where I had to put the book down and take some deep breaths - because phew the babies were going through it! I wish we could've gotten just like an epilogue or just a little more with Cree and DeAndre, but that might be me being greedy! I also loved all of the characters - Like all of the Ballers and Troy were so dynamic and complex. I want all of them to have their own spin offs!

Would recommend this to a person who likes ENGAGING & Drama filled YA romances that feel like a reality tv show, enjoys enemies to lovers tropes, with great main and side characters!

[Lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dislike-to-bestie-to-lovers?? Say less!
I adored Cree & DeAndre—their banter, the slow-burn friendship, the way they challenged each other in the best way?? Perfection.

That scene when they wrote the paper together?? I felt that. Cree really spoke on what it’s like being a Black girl in this world, and the fact that she could articulate that in high school?? Whew.

DeAndre was out here talking to her soul, falling in love without even knowing it—while also breaking her heart …stupid boys lol

Also the friend group?? The Ballers and Tory had me cracking up. Solid support squad all around.

Add in some grief, strict but loving dads, and a sibling bond that gave real love?? Yeah, this was such a cute YA read with all the feels.

[Mon Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ate this book up. This book's involved characters are well-crafted, inviting and incredibly loveable, immersing me in their story. Thus making it easy to connect with their experiences. The storyline is also compelling and well-paced, offering a satisfying mix of depth and enjoyment.
4.5

[Symone · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ I ATE THIS UP!! Absolutely loved it! I'm so honored to have gotten to read such an amazing ARC. 🥰🥰

[Charelle Shipman-Edmondson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welp, Here we go again. Once again, I too definitely know without a shadow of a doubt that the world these teenagers live in, I could NEVER. LOL.....The imbalance and carefree nature of high school kids and their so called definition of friendship with each other, it's pure genius and maddening at the same time LOL......I both love it and hate that I never had that in one big emotional ball of wishful thinking........but none of that stopped me from enjoying the book. Especially the 1st Half!!! The first sitting of the story definitely had me sucked in....I DID NOT want to put it down.

Main-Characters De'Andre(Baller) & Cree "CJ" Jacobs were undeniably the cutest two kids to NEVER like each other ever. Their slow-climb to realization was enjoyable enough to read......UNTIL they had to bring in the drama.....The side chick pregnancy scare and the potential other guy were definitely introduced WAAAAY too late in the storyline, and for me that made the ending seem very lack-luster. Yes there was a HEA-somewhat-But an epilogue on graduation day or end of summer bash or something would have been great as well....and sealed the storyline for me.

I won't get into the dynamics about the basketball family , the fathers who were doing anything to protect and care for their children....but I do think more could have been done with that as well. Parental dynamics in teenage storylines always take either the strict trope or the carefree trope.....there's not really a lot of heavy dealings unless the parents are the other half of the storyline....I will say the fathers' involvement in this story was great to read about, because usually it's a mother son/daughter storyline that we read about more.

All in all I read this one in 24hrs, staying up on a "school-night" and stealing extra lunch and break minutes at work because I wanted to finish and see how the author was going to finally put them together. Like I said everything worked out at the end.....BUT I could have read this one a little slower, and carried my butt to bed ZZZZzzzzzz's. 1st half was worth the lost of ZZZzzz...but the second half of the book could have given me my coins back at work LOLOL

[Teah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 🌟



I’ve been on Wattpad for years so I have read this story prior to publishing and I’ve always enjoyed the story. That still stands as I have completed this version. However, my biggest gripe about the publish version is the ending. Don’t get me wrong, the ending at all wasn’t terrible . I liked that we get to see DeAndre verbally express his feelings about Cree to Cree. In addition, rather than him being nonchalant, he puts on a tutu and does the dance class which shows some character development. However, with how slow pacing and the consistent back and forth between Cree and Dre , made the ending felt lackluster . Which is why I prefer the original epilogue in the unpublished version because it made it feel worth it rather than just having another chapter of waiting for them to both just cut the games and be together. It almost felt unnecessary if it weren’t for the fact Dre being something other than “calm, mysterious”. I also liked that Cree voiced how she wasn’t going to allow him or herself make it feel like she isn’t enough. I do want to add Cree was avoidant in how she felt towards him just as much as he was to her except she just came to realization sooner.


Overall , it’s a cute story. I love the friendship between all of them and how wholesome it was. I do feel like the book could’ve gave more depth into the characters and the story as a whole.

[Charmaine Mossallam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cree can’t stand the most popular group of boys at her high school, the Ballers Club. She thinks they’re too arrogant and full of themselves, and they just dog girls out. Their “leader”, DeAndre, becomes intrigued with Cree because she doesn’t fall all over herself to be near them like everyone else. He makes it his mission to win her over. However, in the process, he may fall for her.

This book was sooooooo stinkin’ CUTE! It’s a book about high schoolers, but it almost doesn’t feel like it at times. The setting is their school most times, but you almost don’t even focus on that at all after some time. DeAndre is, in fact, VERY arrogant. But I found myself rooting for him… a lot. Once you find out some of the things he’s dealing with in his personal life, it’s so easy to sympathize with him. I rooted for Cree from the very beginning. She’s so strong-willed and not afraid to stand up for herself — not even when it comes to the most popular boys in the whole school. Watching the friendship between her and DeAndre blossom was so heartwarming because they both deserved to have each other to lean on.

If you like cute, cozy, lighthearted books, this is a winner!

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Wattpad books and the author for this ARC.

I’m not usually into YA but I ate this book up!!
Goodness, I loved it! Cree and DeAndre were some of the most touching teens I’ve ever read about. I loved that even if they were still teenagers theirs characters and stories actually had substance and depth. I could feel their emotions and understand their actions. They were pretty emotionally intelligent for kids and even though they weren’t making things easy between each other, they eventually found their way to each other cause it just made sense. I loved how beautifully they fell for each other. Until the very last minute, they had me holding my breath. And I loved every second of it.
What they were going through in their personal lives added a lot to the plot. The romance part was even better, their friendship, their emotional connection, their love was something I enjoyed a lot in this book.
I really am attached to this little group now and I definitely wouldn’t mind having some look up into their grownups lives sometime in the future.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I guess it was true what they said about love being friendship set on fire.

I had a lot more fun with this one that I anticipated! The core story is interesting, told through two main engaging lead povs. I do wish that there was even more depth to both of them and the rest of their friend group, however. The reasons behind the transition from enemies to friends with the Ballers didn't necessarily come across effectively. Though, the Ballers did grow on me more as the story went on. I did keep going back and forth on whether I even wanted Cree and DeAndre to end up together and I think a large part of that is because their hot and cold dynamic gets a bit too core deep at times. The tertiary scare with Ari storyline really needed to have ended before DeAndre's issue with his dad. This part felt milked for drama for too long between ours leads and it became frustrating. I really appreciated how nuanced the exploration of serious topics within the black community was approached. It was always grounded and never preachy.

Thanks to NetGalley and Wattpad Books for the arc!

[Jacknthebooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Cree and DeAndre were such good characters. On one side, you have Cree, who is strong-willed and hates the Ballers because of how they treat the girls at their high school. On the other side, you have DeAndre, who is the king of the Ballers and a famous NBA players son. These two clash in class over what the meaning of love is. Somehow, these two end up being friends after DeAndre places himself in Cree's presence multiple times. While building their friendship, they fall in love but fight it all the way. Reading how these two teenagers were with each other was perfection. I could feel their emotions coming off the pages. The situations each of them faced was hard, but they came through and eventually ended up together. For a moment, I didn't think they would get it right, but they did. I loved this book and wouldn't mind and update on them and the crew in adulthood. Thank you, Netgalley, for allowing me to read this before the release date.

[Luv2TrvlLuvBks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Baller: "a person who is skilled and successful in the sport".

DeAndre and his crew took this term and owned it. Not just in their athletic prowess but in their academic achievements. Unfortunately, their rep also extended to their not so great treatment of their female contemporaries.

The FMC, Cree, challenges this viewpoint in her words and actions. While this is a YA romance novel, the author doesn't hesitate to explore serious discussion worthy social issues. These range how black girls and women are portrayed in the music industry and what is defined as attractive in terms of skin tone, hair styles, body types and vocalness. The story's blurb references an adult black female author, Talia Hibbert, who has contributed tremendously to the latter topic. Would say that is a fair comparison.

#PlayinHard #NetGalley

This ARC was provided by the publisher, Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Jai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book by Whitney and once again, I devoured it in ONE day. ONE sitting. She just knows how to pull you in and make you feel everything these characters are going through. If her YA romances hit like this, I can only imagine how insane an adult romance from her would be.

At first, I wasn’t feeling Cree’s judgmental self… like girl, calm down. Yeah, the Baller crew has a reputation, but each one of them has their own story. And DeAndre? I loved how he showed her that not every Black boy fits the same box that she has created in her mind.

Whitney’s way of weaving in the real cultural struggles that Black women face every day? Top tier. The dynamic between DeAndre and Cree had me in a chokehold their push and pull, his calmness against her walls, it was so good.

By the end, I was straight up bawling. The yearning between them?? Equal and powerful. This book was everything. Whitney’s pen just never misses.

[Alexia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes, you may start a book that is incredibly bingeable. It'll have you not caring if you have work tomorrow (although you will highkey regret it in the morning); and if you are lucky, you will have a good time. "Playin' Hard" was that book for me. Unexpectedly, this was pretty good. These kids are grown as hell though. Other than the strip clubs, famous fathers, hooka lounges, etc. this environment reminded me of my own high school even down to the talent show. What really impressed me was the topics covered in this story. The discussions regarding black culture and family dynamics were done well. Also, the banter between everyone felt genuine. Had me laughing at some of the jokes. You know, I think I will go ahead and check out Grandison's backlog.

Thank you NetGalley for this arc!

[The Library Lass · Rating 4 out of 5]

A HUGE thank you to Wattpad Books for the free copy!

Tropes:
- Enemies to friends to lovers
- Black Representation
- Friendship
- Basketball Romance

Spice:
-Ch. 19

My Thoughts:
As a whole, this was a fun, solid read. There were a lot of interesting topics, such as family pressure, connecting with stepparents, and Black culture. However, I do wish that the third act conflict had been a little shorter, as it felt slightly dragged out more than it needed to be. I also believe the spicy scene was unnecessary and a bit too explicit for a YA book (it goes from being extremely detailed to suddenly very vague). The part of this book that stood out to me was the cast of characters. Despite the many different characters, they each have a distinct personality that makes them easy to differentiate. I would recommend this book to fans of the TV show All American.

[Tori Hays · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley letting receive this as ARC. I devoured this book in one day. This is considered a YA but it kinda a few heavy subjects. It follows DeAndre a big basketball star of his team. Basketball is the most important thing to him.He meets this girl name Cree. Cree is a dancer. she has been dancing her whole life. It was her passion. He has his eyes on her since they met at party. Later on she found out he sex with another girl. He has pregnancy scare with another girl. In the end he was still in love with Cree.

[Joya Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing

The chemistry between these two is amazingggg—my favorite part is when she says “It’s yours” for the first time. An innocent comment about trusting him that rocked his world (in my opinion because wow what a coincidence in the timing!) and what I saw as the beginning of his realization. Their friendship was kinetic I forgot that they were supposed to be friends for a while lol. This is my third time reading this book and I am happily writing my review!

I’m a fan of this author’s work so I’m never disappointed in a book released by her. Would recommend.

[Josie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read the original on Wattpad so I also enjoyed this version

👍🏾
Cree was such a strong character: her personality, steadfast standards, and discernment
The Parker boys standing up to their dad. I agree—dad definitely deserved that punch

👎🏾
Wish we experienced at least a scene of Cree visiting her maternal grandparents
I can’t believe Dre’s mom birthed her 3 sons and just left them to start a new life. Darrel was a terrible husband but stay connected to the babies 😩
Dre harping on his fuck-ups toward the end. He really beat himself up about them

[LolasWorld💞 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. I read this book on Wattpad and it was my first time reading an actual enemies trope- this is how I knew this was my favourite trope. It was a cliche YA frenemies love story but I’ll never complain about a cliche love story. This book even incorporated deep moments that made you love the characters even more. I remember not being able to stop reading this book at nighttime, I would stay up so late instead of going to bed. It was too good. I don’t usually re-read books but maybe one day I’ll revisit it just for the nostalgia.

[Barrett · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first part of the book was ok but the end was horrible. Ari’s pregnancy scare should not have lasted that long. Im honestly sad that this book didn’t end with Cree kicking DeAndre to the curb. I would have rather her end up with Trey and thats saying something. What was the point of the focus on her dancing just for it to lead no where. I wish I hadn’t wasted my money on a book that was barely entertaining.