Play Maker

King of the Court #3

by Piper Lawson

I chose a championship over love.

When Nova smashed her way into my hardened heart, she showed me there’s more to life than basketball.

She taught me patience and forgiveness. With her help, my Kodiak teammates became brothers instead of rivals. For the first time, I cared about more than a game.

But one mistake sent me crashing from all-star to rock bottom.

Broken inside and out, there’s no one to blame but myself.

I won’t let the people I love suffer for my mistakes, on or off the court. I’ll win back the brothers who trusted me, the city that backed me, and the woman I don’t want to live without.

Unless I’m too late.

I have one last shot. One last chance.

Countdown's on, and I’m playing for keeps.

Play Maker is the third and final book in the King of the Court series. Clay and Nova’s steamy, addictive grumpy sunshine sports romance begins in Game Changer and continues in Shot Taker.

Genres: Sports Romance, Romance, Sports, Audiobook, Basketball, Second Chance, Contemporary

237 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 29, 2023

About the author

Piper Lawson is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of smart, steamy romance! She writes about women who follow their dreams (even the scary ones), best friends who know your dirty secrets (and love you anyway), and complex heroes you’ll fall hard for (especially after talking with them). Brains or brawn? She’ll never make you choose. Piper lives in Canada with her tall, dark and brilliant husband. She believes peanut butter is a protein, rose gold is a neutral, and love is ALWAYS the answer.

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Books by Piper Lawson:

DENVER KODIAKS SERIES

Hard to Fake
Hard to Take
Hard to Break
Rookie Season

KING OF THE COURT SERIES

Game Changer
Shot Taker
Play Maker
Game Day

WICKED SERIES

Good Girl
Bad Girl
Wicked Girl
Forever Wicked

RIVALS SERIES

A Love Song for Liars
A Love Song for Rebels
A Love Song for Dreamers
A Love Song for Always

ENEMIES SERIES

Beautiful Enemy
Beautiful Sins
Beautiful Ruin
Beautiful Salvation

OFF-LIMITS SERIES

Crave
Collide
Claim
Tempt

TRAVESTY SERIES

Schooled
Stripped
Sealed
Styled
Satisfaction

PLAY SERIES

PLAY
NSFW
RISE

MODERN ROMANCE SERIES

Easy Love
Bad Love
Twisted Love

Reviews

[Olga 🌺 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have come to the conclusion that Piper Lawson is great at writing adorable romantic content but is not as talented addressing drama, angst and conflict.

The first half of the book is a weird dynamic of a fall out between the MCs.
After he hurts his knee and is benched for the rest of the season, he let's his demons take over his mood and is hardly the affectionate person he was before. It doesn't make sense why he changed at least with Nova. He shuts down, distances himself from her, from his team and from his friends.
And what doesn't make sense is that she doesn't try to reach out to him, they don't fight to save what they have. They are very impassive and indifferent about their fall out and the author paved that very easily for the third book breakup. I don't get the dynamic.
She asks for a break and he's ok with it. He doesn't try to bridge the gap or let her in on what he's going through. Meanwhile she's taking it all in stride with passiveness and without an effort from her part to approach him.

The second half of the book is him suddenly realising he has let everyone down, making his way back to her again while she's waiting apprehensively with one arm stretched and the other hesitant.

I wanted more angst and more access to their suffering, their torment, their insecurities and what they were willing to do about it to save their relationship.
But seeing them together and wanting to be together in the second half of the book still made me cling to the romantic nuances of the book. Together they are beautiful and I loved witnessing their relationship through the three book reading journey.

P.S: Still hate her sister and her brother in law.

Thank you CB and Lori for BRing these books with me. I loved our comments and reactions to the books 🥰

[Destany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book. All views are my own.

So we've reached the end. Honestly, I wasn't ready for this. I begged Piper for Clay's story after meeting him, and I'm definitely not ready for it to be over. I have loved every second of the King of the Court series. It made me cry, it made me laugh, and it made me swoon. Seriously all up in my feels right now.

The end of book 2 was a sock in the gut, let's me honest. James Parker is an evil vindictive little man who really deserved proper retribution for what he did - and if I have only one problem with Play Maker, it's that he wasn't properly punished haha! Honestly, tho, it seemed like Clay and Nova were heading for break-up territory in this installment, and I knew it would work out, but it still got me. The crush of depression, the grief, the sadness. Feeling all of that in Clay's head was excruciating, but it was also very real.

Clay and Nova finding their way back to each other was so bittersweet. They knew they needed to be together, and they still cared about each other, but it was wrong place, wrong time. No man is an island, but Clay sure thought he was. He cut a lot of people out of his life on force of habit, but his found family, the Kodiaks, weren't having it (well, except for Jay, but he eventually came around). The end was very satisfying, especially the epilogue.

I look forward to more stories in the Kodiak's world :)

[Jess - Reader of Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

*** ARC Review ***
Play Maker by Piper Lawson
(King of the Court, Book 3)

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Adult • Romance
Print Length:
Out in the world on Aug. 29th

🌿sports romance 🏀
🌿found family
🌿grumpy x sunshine
🌿HEA
🌿complete trilogy
🌿Miles

💕“You stole my heart on that godforsaken plane. I have a better life than I deserve, and I don’t want any of it without you.”

It’s finally here 🥹 Well, for me… not for you. But I refuse to feel bad for it because I deserved this. I’m a nice person, I try to control my grumpiness (try being the key word), and I return my shopping carts! Always! I’m also in love with Nova and Clay (and Miles) and therefore needed this book ahead of release.

But as most women in love, I also thought my babies to be perfect. I honestly didn’t see how much they were still broken inside and how much growing they still needed to do. Alas, my broken heart had to endure quite a bit of pain. However, let me tell you this… better yet, let me ask you this… how can they be giving me such a hard time and still be completely, utterly adorable?! 🥹 Clay and Nova are such a mood. A good mood. A wholesome mood. *sigh* This ending was beyond perfect 🤌🏼 I can’t wait for you guys to read it. 😭

P.S.: Miles beat Clay. And Jay with his second chance is going to destroy me.

[Cam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really excited to see how Clay and Nova's story would wrap up but honestly, I was a bit disappointed. Considering everything that happened in books one and two, it was frustrating to see how they weren't communicating with each other and they didn't handle things together very well. Also, considering they already separated once after book one, I really wanted to see how they worked as a team to figure things out. I would have liked to see more growth in how they handle difficulties as a couple. However, there really aren't that many moments of them together in this story. It actually felt rather rushed because a lot of significant moments were skated over (the championship, Clay's coach, Clay's relationship with his Denver teammates, the break, basically any moments Clay and Nova have together outside of the championship, etc). I did like this book but a large part of that is because I'm already attached to the characters since reading the first two books. I don't think there was much happening plot-wise since everything was pretty surface level and I would have liked more of just Clay and Nova together in general, especially just of them having fun whether it was them two alone or with Clay's teammates.

[turn_the_page_lady. (sue mc) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having stumbled over the first of this trilogy I have quickly been sucked into the story of Nova and Clay. The final part does not disappoint and continues with the drama, angst, spice with a great sports story. Usually like at d alone books but this trilogy was great and highly recommended. Delighted to hear there is more to come with Miles’s story next year.

[CB · Rating 5 out of 5]

REVIEW

Rating: 4.5/5
POV: 1st; Dual
Tropes: Grumpy/Sunshine; Angst; Sports - Pro Basketball; Artist FMC; Found Family
Heat Level: 4/5
Kinks: Size Difference

Likes:
* The angst for the first 50% of this book was good. It had me so emotional!
* I enjoyed seeing how successful Nova was and all the support she had from Clay and her friends
* I'm really glad Clay's romantic streak sticks. It really never wavers.

Dislikes:
* Even though I have that the "heat" level was 4/5 (4 scenes) I just wished it was spicier. The story did feel like it was lacking in that department.

Conclusion:
Really great conclusion to this trilogy! Technically this isn't the conclusion as there is a 4th book but it's more of a Novella length and at this point I'm a bit Clay and Nova'd out so I'm going to count this book as the end, lol.
This particular book was heavy on the angst and emotions and it went straight to my heart! Tears were falling y'all, lol.
As I said above I really loved how Clay's romance continues through this book. He is really good at romantic gestures. Like hubs might need to take some notes from this fictional character LOL.

If you're not intimidated by a trilogy, love sports romances that isn't hockey- ha, love the grumpy/sunshine trope then I highly recommend this book series. It was worth the 2 and 1/2 days it took to read it.

So glad y'all joined me on this long journey ladies! Lori and Olga

4.5/5

[PP's Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did you ever fall harder and faster for a heroine than a hero in a romance book? It has only happened a few times with me and Nova from this series is one of them. She is equally brave and vulnerable, sassy and sweet, compassionate and a fighter, inspiring and a tiny bit insecure. She loves Clay with all his darkness and through the emotionally intense journey of their relationships and to his dream, while getting her pieces together and achieving her own goals. Isn’t that epic? Our grumpy stubborn alpha baller needed someone in his corner and Nova was perfect. They went through some heartbreaking times,lost their paths but love conquers all. I love how the sports itself and the bromance of the Kodiaks stand out like an important character, bringing the tension and adrenaline rush to this spicy and emotional finale of Nova and Clay's story.

This is book 3 of a trilogy and must be read in the order. We ended book two at a point when Clay has been unexpectedly traded to LA. Nova agrees to go with him but Clay isn't sure it is the place he wanted. He wins the championship but loses his Kodiak family. Nova doesn't know what to do with this Clay and when she offers a break..Clay doesn't fight her. Will they find their way back to each other?

This is the kind of sports romance where sports play the center role. Clay's aspirations, ambition and failures. The Kodiak's beautiful dynamics. Clay and Nova's rollercoaster of a relationship. Basketball plays a role everywhere. Clay had a lot to heal and Nova was his healing touch. She had her own growing journey too. She had to own her art and her talent. She needed to be sure of her self worth and not let her all consuming love for Clay to overwhelm her. Clay lost her because he was lost in his own sadness and despair. But the heartbreak was a wake up call and our grumpy baller did his best groveling. It was heartbreaking and inspiring and whole heartedly epic.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily

[Nadine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I kind of didn't feel like reading in October and this book actually didn't quite catch me as I thought it would. So I had a reading break between starting this book at the beginning of October and only end it by the end of the month.

It's a nice and easy to read conclusion to this series, but I missed a few things that would have made it a little more "round". I missed some depths to the character development, especially Clay's.
However, this didn't dim the light the King of Court series has, all three books are totally worth reading and I can't wait to read more from Piper!

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once again, the breakup (the break) didn't give anything to the story and it was mostly a repetition of the second book.

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎧🎧AUDIO REVIEW🎧🎧

PERFORMANCE: 5 STARS

Lance Greenfield & Carly Robins nailed their parts in this narration and brought this story to life for me spectacularly! They played a huge part in my overall outstanding experience with this story! Well done!

STORY: 5 STARS

#FunFact: I’ve never really been a huge fan of duets and/or trilogies because more often than not, they are either published so far apart that I have to re-read the previous book(s) or they honestly could have been written in just one book. So instead of diving head first into most of these types of books, I wait, therefore lessening my anxiety. The more you know. Amirite? Having said that, every story except for Tempt that I have experienced by Piper thus far has been a trilogy (some with a plus one lol) and they’ve all been after the fact, meaning they have already been published so I got to read them without a *pause*, but if they hadn’t, she’s proven to be a really great storyteller so I would probably dive in head first if the opportunity arises. Again, the more you know …

I wasn’t the biggest fan of Clay & Nova’s story as a trilogy going into this leg of their story (see my previous review) but they more than made up for it and I am back in my Piper Lawson #HappyPlace now! Since this story was released last year, I feel I could say just about anything about the plot and no one would be spoiled, but I’m not going to do that. I’m going to talk about how this story felt instead.

I’ve always said that how a story makes a reader feel is just as important as the mechanics of the story itself, if not more, which is why reviews are mostly subjective and not really neutral or unprejudiced. This story made me feel all the things!! The growth, the upheaval, the redemption, the heartbreak, the tension, the comradery, the love, the friendship, the absolute #swoon and #cryfest … all of it … thru what felt like every page. When looked at as a whole, and not parts, for me, this was one of the most satisfying romance fiction journeys I have experienced in a long while! The writing made me feel like I was in it with them both and getting to experience it through narration made it that much more real for me. The final leg to the sweet spot was epic and I loved it!

If you’re a sports romance reader that loves their stories to be relatable and realistic, this trilogy should be on your TBR!

[Saloua · Rating 1 out of 5]

Girl, bye.. if someone tells me "the problem isn’t that I’m not happy—it’s that you are” he'll never see my ass AGAIN!! And the "groveling"? The bar is in hell. I should bill ms. Lawson for the time I spent reading these damn books.

[TheSassyNerdBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am obsessed with this series and can’t actually believe that Clay and Nova’s story is over! I fell in love with them from the beginning and it only grew the deeper I got into their story.

I saw so much growth in Clay in this book.
He’s aware of his actions and how they affect his relationships with others, he prioritises his relationships with others, he’s more considerate and extremely protective of those he loves and he is now the first to admit when he’s in the wrong, which is something he normally wouldn’t be able to admit. I loved witnessing him healing and coming to the realisation that Nova was the most important person in his life.


Nova is so relatable. I loved her so much. She’s strong and not one to give up, she’s a fighter. She has a beautiful heart and soul and it shines through, she’s feisty/sassy and funny, she’s a little insecure but she’s working on her mental health and self-worth. Even though she and Clay’s relationship is anything but perfect, even at one point it was nonexistent. She still showed compassion, love and support for Clay. She was there for him through his struggles and his dark times, even when she was going through her own. She helped him heal.

Even though Clay and Nova's relationship was a roller coaster of emotions and they both went through so much heartache and struggled to the point that they broke up, they came back to each other, their love was too strong to keep them apart. Love really did conquer all.

I’m not going to dive any deeper into what actually happens in this book. However, be prepared for these two to take you on one hell of a ride. You will laugh, cry and probably want to scream throughout this book and that’s most definitely not a bad thing!


The author wrote what I think is the most perfect conclusion to an epic love story. It was a well-written, emotional and unique story with amazing characters that you can’t help but fall in love with. I couldn’t stop listening!

5+ STARS!!!

[Mary Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you mean the series is over?? Say it ain’t so??

But honestly, I’m so sad to see this series end! These were the first basketball romances I’ve read and I truly enjoyed them! I loved the characters, the banter, and the romance through all three.

In Play Maker, it picks up right where Shot Taker left off — with Clay making a decision that throws everyone, including Nova, for a loop.

Now, he’s got to win back her trust, his teammates’ trust, and learn how to trust himself again.

Play Maker is the third installment in the King of the Court series, trilogy that follows grumpy x sunshine, athlete x artist characters, Nova and Clay.


Like with the other two books, Play Maker was fantastic! It sucked me right in and I just HAD to know what was gonna happen next. I loved that we got to see a more emotional side to Clay, and a badass side of Nova.

I’m sad to see this series come to an end, but cannot wait for another Kodiaks player’s story!

Thank you Valentine PR and Piper for this eARC in exchange for my honest review <3

🏀 4.5 ⭐️ rounded up!

Play Maker by @piperlawsonbooks is now LIVE! 

Download today on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, and Kobo! 
Amazon: https://bit.ly/3NruJF1
Apple Books: https://bit.ly/3NoiOb7
Nook: https://bit.ly/43Bvmli
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3Jcxk34
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3NpXtOC

Play Maker is the third and final book in the King of the Court series. Clay and Nova’s steamy, addictive grumpy sunshine sports romance begins in Game Changer and continues in Shot Taker.

[Aislinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Play Maker” is the final book in the King of the Court series by Piper Lawson. While most are sad to get to the final book in a series, I can’t tell you how excited I was to start! Clay and Nova have gone through such immense amounts of growth, and with the cliffhanger in book two I was eager to see how they would come out of it.

After receiving unexpected news, Clay and Nova make a decision to pack their bags and head to LA. While Nova takes to LA easily, Clay struggles with the change for a long, quiet time. Naturally, this tests their relationship and causes Clay and Nova to think about what the future looks like.

While questioning, Nova leans heavily into her Denver family. If you love the found family trope then you’ll be so pleased with how it plays out in this book! Nova also spends more time developing her craft and I enjoyed seeing more of Nova’s work as opposed to just Clay.

Clay does so much internal work in this book. By the time you reach then end he truly is a changed man. He is more considerate of others, prioritizes his relationships, and doesn’t shy away from admitting when he’s wrong.

Long story short? Clay and Nova begin the book in a rocky place but end up in a beautiful, healthy state. Lawson doesn’t shy away from humanizing her characters, and I love how real these two became.

“Play Maker” could not have been a better ending for this couple. Thank you to Piper and Valentine PR for letting me read an early copy and swoon over these characters a little longer!

[Deborah Peach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full-court press with a slam dunk! Play Maker was a phenomenal way to close out the King of the Court trilogy. The emotional highs and lows I experienced while following Clay and Nova on their journey had me equally exhilarated and devastated within the first few chapters of the third book. I have never cheered so hard for a couple of characters to straighten out their lives, fall in love, and win their happily ever after as I did for these two. Their heartbreak became my own, and my heart soared with theirs when they beat the odds. I wanted to comfort Nova during the hard times and celebrate her triumphs. Clay needed someone to love him no matter the circumstances, and Nova was the perfect person to teach him exactly what love was. These two fought hard against themselves and each other, proving nothing comes easy and hard work pays off, both in sports and love.

This whole three-book series grabbed my heart and held me enthralled. The magic that eventually developed between the grumpy pro-basketball player and the pink-haired pixie full of sunshine and rainbows was delightful and delicious. I can't wait to see them pop up in this author's future writings.

[Travelogged Blogs · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I will try every day to be the kind of man who’s worthy of you,” he murmurs against my mouth. “I don’t care how long it takes.”

The connection between Nova & Clay was incredible. Although they're going through a rough patch, they find a way to get back together which proves that their relationship was worth it. Clay was strong and intense in the previous books but in this, his vulnerabilities came to light. Nova had to protect her heart but she couldn't stay away from him. I loved how she uplifted him and tried to get him out of the stance he found himself in after moving. Clay finally came to the realisation that Nova is the most important person in his life and I devoured every moment of them being together. This book was short and sweet and the epilogue was perfect! The side characters were pretty amazing too and I can't wait to read Miles' story next!

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick Summary: A third time is a charm romance

My Review: Play Maker by Piper Lawson is book #3 in the King of the Court series.

About the Book: Clay and Nova get their happy ending. The team realizes a dream. Hints are given about what comes next.

My Final Say: And then there was one. Book 4 is on the horizon.

Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Series: Yes
Status/Level: 💞

#wishlistseries

[Azuris Chiocca]

⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥🔥

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will forever love Clay and Nova and the Kodiaks.

This series has had my heart from the get-go. This book reminded me so much of my teenage TV love, One Tree Hill, and just brought me back in time to teenage years.
Seeing Clay overcome himself. Seeing therapy painted in a positive light. Seeing friendships get rebuilt. I loved it all.

There may have been a couple of pacing issues, but I didn’t even care because of how much I adore this couple and this series. I laughed so hard at the banter between the guys. I loved the conclusion of Clay and Nova finding out who they are together, as well as apart.

Thank you Valentine PR for this eARC! All opinions are my own!!!

AND MILES IS GETTING HIS OWN STORYYYYYY AAHHHHHH!

[Sarah Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh the bliss of being immersed in the world of Clay and Nova again. I absolutely adore them, and loved this final instalment in the King of the Court trilogy. There were ups and downs, trials and tribulations, excitement, energy, heat and so much heart - I couldn’t put it down! I’m definitely a Kodiak supporter and can’t wait for Mile’s story next year.

I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Alana Lewis-Haynes (Smut Lover Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's so hard to believe that Nova and Clay's story is over! I have fallen in love with these characters, and I have honestly enjoyed these books so much!

Both Clay and Nova's stories are so heartbreaking and inspiring, and it was lovely to finally see the conclusion of it. The growth that they both went through was wonderful.

Clay was such a protective, sweet man, and I loved his journey throughout this book. You really start to see him recognize that there is more to life than just basketball. His relationship with his old coach had to have been the sweetest thing ever!

I am so incredibly sad to say goodbye to Nova and Clay, but I'm so excited for Miles's story!!! I'm happy to not have to say goodbye to this universe yet!!

"𝓘 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓭𝓮𝓿𝓸𝓽𝓮 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂 𝓭𝓪𝔂 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓭 𝓸𝓯 𝓶𝓪𝓷 𝔀𝓱𝓸'𝓼 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓽𝓱𝔂 𝓸𝓯 𝔂𝓸𝓾."

[Joyffree · Rating 5 out of 5]

"No matter what happens today, that won't change. What you do doesn't mean sh it compared to who you do it with. "

Kodiak's 4ever!

Fricking Hades what a heartwarming rebound!

This is Nova and Clay's happily ever after -
And as you would expect from Lawson -
It does not come easy
There is a lot of personal growth
A really big learning curve
Some unwanted but necessary subtle and not-so-subtle input from family and friends
And yes
A whole lot of steam!
I absolutely adore these two

If you haven't read their story yet -
What are you waiting for?
Grab your beverage of choice, find a comfy spot to stretch your legs
and curl up with one of this year's hottest couples

[Laura Stacks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Play Maker is the final book in the King Of The Court trilogy.
I was sent the first book in this series by Valentine PR in April 2023 and I was blown away! I have been so invested is Clay & Nova’s story from the very beginning.
These are such easy reads with an incredible plot & great tasteful spice!
Play Maker was a GREAT way to wrap up this series & honestly I’m sad it’s over. This last book we can see such a huge change in the Clay we met in Book 1 & a change in Nova as well. I could feel their chemistry in the pages!
Great job Piper Lawson! I am most definitely a fan 🩷

THANK YOU SO MUCH TO PIPER LAWSON & VALENTINE PR FOR ALLOWING ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO READ THIS AS AN ARC.

[Enni (on hiatus) ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s empty. Like me. Spent my entire life trying to be the strongest. The fastest. The best. Now, I’m nothing.

First of all, I was disappointed in the length of this book. I understand that a trilogy focused on one couple cannot be too long but after the first too books, I felt like this one was over too quickly. I thought I would read a bit before going to bed and a couple of hours later (around 2 am haha) there I was, finished with the book and feeling a bit empty.

Honestly, I have some mixed feelings after reading this book. On one hand, I was super exited to read the conclusion to Nova and Clay's story but, on the other hand, I am a bit disappointed in how it all went down. Especially taking into account the adversities the couple has faced in the first two books and how they should have learned from them.

I know Clay has his challenges but the withdrawal and non-communication honestly pissed me off a bit cause he intentionally drove Nova away with his behavior. And Nova silently accepted it all without confronting him. I get the break (not break-up!) but I still feel like the non-communication regarding important matters continued being a problem for the couple even after they got together.

"You’re not responsible for the clouds. You’re my rainbow, Pink. You’re the good that comes after."

Throughout the whole series, it has been clear that Nova is it for Clay and he just needs time to admit it to himself. I feel like this book includes most of Clay's growth as a person but it was a bit skirted over. The huge life changes in Clay's life in this book included being traded (after he did not want it anymore), cutting off the communication with his former teammates, isolating himself from Nova, his former Coach waking up from coma and beginning therapy again. Considering the length of the aforementioned list, I think Clay's POV could've included more of his inner turbulence and deliberation on the matters.

What feels so good is that he’s here with me, body and soul. Present. Completely.

I was thrilled when Nova decided to return from Paris to support Clay and the whole team in the playoff endeavour. I was not, however, thrilled to notice that the whole championship portion was completely skirted over. Even though, during the course of the book, Clay finally learned there is more to life than basketball, it is still a huge portion of his (and by association Nova's) life.

What I did like was that Clay and Nova's story did not end immediately after them getting back together. Instead, I felt like they got their happy ending with me being left satisfied. The only question relates to the timing of their wedding but, if I was to guess, it will be incorporated into Miles' story which is why the epilogue ends in the engagement.

I am a sucker for spice and would have loved for this book to include more spice. Not that it's anything out of the usual.

I don’t think I’ve ever wanted to be anything as much as I wanted to be his.

I realized my review is mostly filled with (constructive) criticism so don't misunderstand since I definitely enjoyed this book! In fact it was over too quickly. There is always room for improvement but, in this book, there was nothing major that would have bothered me and put me off this book. Instead, it was more the little things that I noticed but they did not really affect my reading experience.

I loved Nova and Clay and the whole world of Kodiaks! I am definitely intrigued by Miles' story (c'moon his love interest has got to be Brooke) and will definitely be reading it!

I received an ARC of Play Maker in exchange for an honest review

[Peggy M · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 stars

I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntarily, honest review of it.

‘Player maker’ is the third and the last book in the ‘King of the court trilogy’. After that big cliffhanger in book two, I was very curious to see how Nova and Clay’s story would continue.

Clay’s big dream of playing in LA comes true, his big shot at winning a championship. To Clay’s surprise and happiness, Nova decides to move to LA with him. Both have to adapt to a new city and environment. Nova adjusts better than Clay. She keeps herself busy artistically and also makes new friends. Clay discovers that dreams don’t always make you happy. Clay isn’t settling in LA and he’s closing himself off, he stops talking to Nova and this hurts her very much. The birth of Emily, her older sister’s baby brings her back to Denver. This drives Nova and Clay further apart. As Nova continues to gain success as an artist, Clay becomes more and more depressed. Just when it seems their relationship is over, good things happen, things that bring Clay back to Denver. Things that make him think about a new future, both professional as personally. The question now is can Clay convince Nova to give him a new chance?

The story was again told from both POV’s. It was wonderful to see not only Nova and Clay again, but also all the other secondary characters from the previous two books. ‘Play maker’ was a good story, but for me personally the first part (their time in LA) felt a bit rushed. But I liked the part where they were both back in Denver. It’s been great watching them both grow as individuals throughout the trilogy. Nova as an artist and Clay became a better version of himself. (That’s why I was a little surprised by what happened between them in LA and the time it took them to get back together.) Clay went from a selfish player to a team player. He started thinking and doing what was best for the team. I loved that! It was wonderful to see the guys play together, to see the trust between them grow, as well as their friendship (there was a scene where they did something together which I really loved!). I really liked the ending of the story.

(If you’re familiar with the other books by this author you will recognize even more familiar faces in this book.)

[Christine (Shh Moms Reading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

The epic conclusion is finally here. I have loved this series from the beginning—cliffhangers that nearly killed me and all. This couple has been through so much and I was so happy to finally get my hands on this book.

The grass is not always greener on the other side—something that Clay will learn the hard way. I loved that Nova was finally in her own element—following her man out to LA, finding her own friends, and really living her life and enjoying her art. It's Clay's turn to realize who he is and that maybe all the dreams that he has been hoping and wishing for are not what they are all cracked up to be. Maybe the most important thing has been in front of him this whole time—namely the love of his life and the love of his career—playing ball with his friends.

I enjoyed watching Clay's journey and growth most especially watching him grow as a teammate. I LOVED LOVED seeing characters from Lawson's other series. If you love sports romances, this is a can't-miss series!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

King of the Court #3

The final book in this series.

Nova is at the gala celebrating the team and the mural she did for them. She finds out that Clay got his wish and is moving to LA to play for another team and the chance at a championship.
Nova agrees to move to LA with Clay.

Clay is struggling with this move and the new team while Nova seems to settle in fine and is even making new friends and being commissioned for paintings.
This puts a strain on their relationship and Nova decides to move back to Denver to be closer to family and they take a break on their relationship.

During the season Clay got hurt and now that the season is over he hasn't decided what he wants to do.
He goes back to Denver to see his old coach and spend time with him and he runs into his former teammates, not all of which are happy to see him.
Nova has always kept in touch with the former teammates and their wags and Clay is surprised.
He has finally made a decision on his future but will it be accepted by all?

4.5 stars

[Summer · Rating 4 out of 5]

~ALC Review🎧~
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶.5

~Play Maker~Book 3~King of The Court~Piper Lawson~

~Dual Narrated By~ Lance Greenfield & Carly Robins~

💜The narration was once again great for this book. The narrators fit the characters great!! Play Maker picks up where Shot Taker left off. We follow Clay & Nova on their journey to LA, where Clay is supposed to sign with a new team. It was nice to finally see the growth in Clay when he realized basketball isn't everything that he wants anymore, & without Nova, basketball is no longer enjoyable for him. I also loved that Nova finally realized her worth as an artist as well.

I loved reading about the growth of this couple and the ups and downs they faced trying to find the love they both deserved to have. I'm so glad they both found their happy ever after & I'm looking forward to listening to book 4💜

~As Always Happy Reading~

[Kay Burrows · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Book 3 picks right up where book 2 ended with Clay and Nova receiving unexpected news. Things happen very quickly from there.
Where the other books focused a lot on Nova this book featured a lot of Clay struggling with to accept his new circumstances.
I think this was my least favorite of the books so far mostly because the characters felt so distant from each other. Instead of difficult circumstances bringing Clay and Nova together it drove them apart. After already having a rocky start to their relationship I had been hoping to see them handle this together instead of separately.
Overall still a good to listen to sports read. I am really enjoying all the characters and looking forward to seeing how the series finishes in book 4.

Thank you to Valentine PR and Piper Lawson for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

[Books I Flove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 of the King of the Court series brings us the conclusion of Nova’s and Clay‘s story!

And a king he is. After getting everything he thought he wanted in his life he most definitely hit rock bottom and these two get estranged. Nova is off to help her sister with the baby and Clay finally realizes that he needs to change. Working on himself and trying to get all things in order. Loved how he did that.
Nova changed a lot in this series as well. Getting more self esteem, being more seen. Getting along with her sister again.

All in all I really enjoyed this series and can’t wait to read more books about the team mates!!


I kindly received an arc and voluntarily left a review