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Kings of Heart #2
Make the Play
Jason King:
Jason King has everything he could ever want—an amazing best friend, great relationships with his family, a job he loves, and the best fur babies in the whole world. He doesn't need a partner to share that with, and the burn in his chest when his baby brother snuggles up to his lifelong best friend is definitely indigestion and not jealousy, thanks. But when he self-appoints himself as the new English teacher's welcoming committee and catches unexpected feelings, it throws everything he thought he knew about himself into chaos.
Emerson Miller:
Emerson Miller has always known he’s different—people have told him so his entire life. As a high-masking autistic person, he’s spent years trying to fit in, but now, he’s ready to embrace his true self. Moving to Southern California for his dream teaching job is his chance to unmask and carve out his own path. With the support of his new friend and fellow teacher, Jason King, it finally feels possible. That is, as long as he doesn’t fall in love first.
Make the Play is a character-driven, slow burn, standalone MM romance. It is the second book in the Kings of Heart series, each featuring one of the four King brothers on their sometimes messy, sometimes tender paths to happy ever after. Make the Play features a golden retriever football coach who thinks he’s straight until he meets the new introverted, autistic English teacher at his high school. Expect a bisexual awakening, the sweetest of first times, neuroaffirming love and a guaranteed HEA.
Jason King has everything he could ever want—an amazing best friend, great relationships with his family, a job he loves, and the best fur babies in the whole world. He doesn't need a partner to share that with, and the burn in his chest when his baby brother snuggles up to his lifelong best friend is definitely indigestion and not jealousy, thanks. But when he self-appoints himself as the new English teacher's welcoming committee and catches unexpected feelings, it throws everything he thought he knew about himself into chaos.
Emerson Miller:
Emerson Miller has always known he’s different—people have told him so his entire life. As a high-masking autistic person, he’s spent years trying to fit in, but now, he’s ready to embrace his true self. Moving to Southern California for his dream teaching job is his chance to unmask and carve out his own path. With the support of his new friend and fellow teacher, Jason King, it finally feels possible. That is, as long as he doesn’t fall in love first.
Make the Play is a character-driven, slow burn, standalone MM romance. It is the second book in the Kings of Heart series, each featuring one of the four King brothers on their sometimes messy, sometimes tender paths to happy ever after. Make the Play features a golden retriever football coach who thinks he’s straight until he meets the new introverted, autistic English teacher at his high school. Expect a bisexual awakening, the sweetest of first times, neuroaffirming love and a guaranteed HEA.
411 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2025
491 people are currently reading
1948 people want to read
About the author
Lucky Hart
5 books222 followersLucky writes character-driven, contemporary mm romance. Her debut novel CROSS THE LINE came out in 2024, and began the series “Kings of Heart”, each featuring one of four brothers on their sometimes messy, sometimes tender paths to happy ever after. MAKE THE PLAY, coming 4.23.25 continues this series of interconnected standalones.
Lucky is a millennial who grew up on fanfic, a lifelong West Coast resident, and a Canva Pro enthusiast. Queer and neurodivergent representation is deeply important to her as a member of both communities, and she loves exploring intersectional experiences through her fiction as a writer and a reader.
When she's not writing, her favorite things include drinking coffee, walking on the beach, staying up late to finish her latest read, and filling her house with rainbows.
Lucky is a millennial who grew up on fanfic, a lifelong West Coast resident, and a Canva Pro enthusiast. Queer and neurodivergent representation is deeply important to her as a member of both communities, and she loves exploring intersectional experiences through her fiction as a writer and a reader.
When she's not writing, her favorite things include drinking coffee, walking on the beach, staying up late to finish her latest read, and filling her house with rainbows.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 342 reviews
April 16, 2025
This book is a warm hug. I devoured it in less than 24 hours and tried to savor every moment cause AHHHHH all the feels 🥹
Another beautifully done slow burn from this author. I was a huge fan of Lucky’s debut and so I was eagerly awaiting Jason’s book. Let me tell you, she *did not* disappoint.
Sweet and emotional and loaded with all the chest aching moments you could ever want out of a slow burn romance. You could FEEL these two falling in love.
The characters are opposites attract to the max. The sexual awakening and first times were so well done. Emerson and Jason give soul mate vibes. 🥹
Loved getting to see the couple from the previous book! The Alec and Theo cameos were gold, and I seriously can’t wait to read the twins’ stories.
“You want to be mine, Emmy?” Emerson is quite certain he’s never wanted anything more in his entire life than to belong to Jason.
Check this book if you enjoy:
Opposites attract
Low angst
Slow burn
Autism rep
Sexual awakening
First times
Another beautifully done slow burn from this author. I was a huge fan of Lucky’s debut and so I was eagerly awaiting Jason’s book. Let me tell you, she *did not* disappoint.
Sweet and emotional and loaded with all the chest aching moments you could ever want out of a slow burn romance. You could FEEL these two falling in love.
The characters are opposites attract to the max. The sexual awakening and first times were so well done. Emerson and Jason give soul mate vibes. 🥹
Loved getting to see the couple from the previous book! The Alec and Theo cameos were gold, and I seriously can’t wait to read the twins’ stories.
“You want to be mine, Emmy?” Emerson is quite certain he’s never wanted anything more in his entire life than to belong to Jason.
Check this book if you enjoy:
Opposites attract
Low angst
Slow burn
Autism rep
Sexual awakening
First times
May 1, 2025
This book was pure autistic joy and made me feel all warm and cosy inside 💚
I absolutely loved the autism representation. Emerson’s character felt so well written and relatable in pretty much every way. Jason was a wonderful friend and partner to him, and their dynamic was everything—supportive, gentle, and just really lovely to watch unfold. Seeing them go from awkward strangers to close friends to a soft, swoony romance was genuinely such a joy.
My only complaint would be the pacing though. The start felt a bit scattered and hard to get into, and after a long (but very satisfying) slow burn, things ramped up a little too quickly right at the end. I would’ve loved a couple more chapters to slow things down and really sit in the tenderness of them becoming a couple, to let them explore what that looks like, and build up sexually, instead of going all-in immediately.
Overall, this was a beautiful read, and I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for thoughtful neurodivergent rep and comforting vibes.
I absolutely loved the autism representation. Emerson’s character felt so well written and relatable in pretty much every way. Jason was a wonderful friend and partner to him, and their dynamic was everything—supportive, gentle, and just really lovely to watch unfold. Seeing them go from awkward strangers to close friends to a soft, swoony romance was genuinely such a joy.
My only complaint would be the pacing though. The start felt a bit scattered and hard to get into, and after a long (but very satisfying) slow burn, things ramped up a little too quickly right at the end. I would’ve loved a couple more chapters to slow things down and really sit in the tenderness of them becoming a couple, to let them explore what that looks like, and build up sexually, instead of going all-in immediately.
Overall, this was a beautiful read, and I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for thoughtful neurodivergent rep and comforting vibes.
April 10, 2025
4.5⭐️ This felt like a love letter to all the kids who never fit into their high school or families for that matter. Emerson is the new freshmen English teacher and Jason is the beloved gym teacher/head football coach. As the story unfolds we learn that Emerson has run off to a small Oceanside town in SoCal to feel closer to his late mother and he’s doing this all on his own while navigating the world as an autistic person. Jason provides a safe place for Emerson by having an innate understanding of what he needs. So much kindness, warmth, and above all else the complete opposite of ableism. Jason doesn’t just recognize Emmy’s needs, he loves them. All the behaviors that Emerson’s family loathed, Jason wants more of.
I asked for this arc not realizing the representation would hit so close to home. My brother is an adult with autism who masked until our father passed. We realized quickly from there that he may be on the spectrum but he wasn’t diagnosed until age 45. This may have hit particularly hard for me because of my personal experience but I have a feeling everyone can relate to either Jason or Emerson in some ways. I hope no kids have to wait to be seen like Emerson or my brother these days.
Read this book if you want to be left with all the warm fuzzies.
I asked for this arc not realizing the representation would hit so close to home. My brother is an adult with autism who masked until our father passed. We realized quickly from there that he may be on the spectrum but he wasn’t diagnosed until age 45. This may have hit particularly hard for me because of my personal experience but I have a feeling everyone can relate to either Jason or Emerson in some ways. I hope no kids have to wait to be seen like Emerson or my brother these days.
Read this book if you want to be left with all the warm fuzzies.
April 7, 2025
I fear that this book is going to be my new obsession. Reading this book gave me the same feeling as putting on a fluffy bathrobe still warm from the dryer. Jason and Emerson are absolutely precious and I loved their dynamic. Jason is just the perfect golden retriever caretaker and I loved how open he is with his students and Emerson. He never tries to "fix" or infantilize Emmy but the love and support he showed him first as a friend and then later as he started to recognize his feelings was just so heartwarming.
June 19, 2025
this is insanely cute and wholesome but goddamn the descriptions. they almost killed me. i genuinely don’t need to know about every micro action the character does, mainly because i don’t give a shit.
but the characters are absolutely 10/10
but the characters are absolutely 10/10
April 18, 2025
this book was beautifully written. i loved emerson so much ): this book made me realize how similar i am to emmy and it made me feel safe.
i loved jason and how much he loves emerson!!! i’m so emotional 😭😭😭😭😭
also now i have this urge of building legos …. emerson putting his legos on the bookshelves, he’s just like meeee
the intimacy between those two was beautiful and im so happy to read how they felt safe and comfortable with each other
i loved jason and how much he loves emerson!!! i’m so emotional 😭😭😭😭😭
also now i have this urge of building legos …. emerson putting his legos on the bookshelves, he’s just like meeee
the intimacy between those two was beautiful and im so happy to read how they felt safe and comfortable with each other
December 3, 2025
That's the most comforting book I've ever read in my life
April 14, 2025
Emerson and Jason were just everything. This is my first book I've read from Lucky and once I started this book I couldn't put it down!!! I can't wait to read the rest of this series.
💚Friends to lovers
🌻Slow Burn
💚Autism Rep
🌻Teacher x coach
💚Bi-Awakening
🌻First Times
💚Friends to lovers
🌻Slow Burn
💚Autism Rep
🌻Teacher x coach
💚Bi-Awakening
🌻First Times
December 10, 2025
“Jason is Emerson’s favorite person in the entire world. He’s the person he wants to see even when he doesn’t want to be around anyone. Jason is everything good in the world, and Emerson is maybe a little bit in love with him.”
“Staring at those wide, green eyes all Jason can think is that Emerson is his favorite person. Even if nothing ever comes of his new feelings that would be okay; if nothing ever changes between them and all he ever gets are morning commutes and shared lunches and a phone full of text messages it will be enough because Emerson is enough. Emerson is everything.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ five out out of five stars .ᐟ.ᐟ
jason & emerson were each others FAVORITE person and every time the two of them thought that i just melted inside
this whole book felt an extra warm cup of cocoa on a snowy day. i felt cavities start to grow in my teeth from how sweet jason & emerson were toward each other. when i say give me slow burn friends to lovers give me THIS: where fundamentally the two characters click in a way they can with no one else. first and foremost jason & emerson were believable friends. the two of them might have vastly different interests but from the start the two of them were just looking for a connection. that connection blossomed into friendship which blossomed into something else as the two of them got to know each other.
also, the way neurodiversity is presented in this book made me feel very seen & jason king is in fact the standard for whole heartedly supporting emerson in whatever way he needed
love love loved this! i did skim occasionally because the descriptions were a bit too much at times but it didn’t take away at all from how much i enjoyed the characters and this book overall ❤️
April 19, 2025
"𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚊𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚗 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚊𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚎. 𝙸𝚝’𝚜 𝚊𝚋𝚜𝚘𝚕𝚞𝚝𝚎𝚕𝚢 𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚛𝚒𝚏𝚢𝚒𝚗𝚐."
Hold up. Did I just read my favorite book of the year? In April? It's definitely staying in the top 5, I'm calling it now. Jason and Emerson are top tier swoon material and my insides 'Kermit flailed' for their entirety.
This is book 2 in the Kings of Heart series...I haven't read book 1 (yet) but the teasers did their job with this one. The neurodivergent rep and promise of soft boys had me sprinting to the arc signup. You guys...my eyes were leaking by chapter 3 and just never stopped. Not sad tears though. These were the full heart tears of familiarity. When you see yourself and/or the people you love in the characters you're reading and there's that click of connection. This kind of story is the reason I read books, you know?
So what's the book about? I WOULD LOVE TO TELL YOU. It's about this sweet, giant, golden retriever of a man, Jason King. It's about Emerson Miller and his huge leap into the life he's always wanted for himself. It's about Jason meeting Emerson and seeing something in him that no one else ever has. Showing Emerson that he doesn't have to hide; that every part of him is worth knowing and loving - and experiencing some pretty epic self-discovery in the process.
I am so in love with every single part of this story. Pretty sure I say that a lot, but I especially mean it with this one. Jason is pure sunshine and I adore the way he shows up for Emerson. This is a story of fictional characters, yes. But it's also a beautiful message to the reader: You are not too much. Whatever the circumstances, you deserve to be seen and loved exactly as you are. And the ones on your team will never make you feel otherwise.
*I received an arc in exchange for an honest review
Hold up. Did I just read my favorite book of the year? In April? It's definitely staying in the top 5, I'm calling it now. Jason and Emerson are top tier swoon material and my insides 'Kermit flailed' for their entirety.
This is book 2 in the Kings of Heart series...I haven't read book 1 (yet) but the teasers did their job with this one. The neurodivergent rep and promise of soft boys had me sprinting to the arc signup. You guys...my eyes were leaking by chapter 3 and just never stopped. Not sad tears though. These were the full heart tears of familiarity. When you see yourself and/or the people you love in the characters you're reading and there's that click of connection. This kind of story is the reason I read books, you know?
So what's the book about? I WOULD LOVE TO TELL YOU. It's about this sweet, giant, golden retriever of a man, Jason King. It's about Emerson Miller and his huge leap into the life he's always wanted for himself. It's about Jason meeting Emerson and seeing something in him that no one else ever has. Showing Emerson that he doesn't have to hide; that every part of him is worth knowing and loving - and experiencing some pretty epic self-discovery in the process.
I am so in love with every single part of this story. Pretty sure I say that a lot, but I especially mean it with this one. Jason is pure sunshine and I adore the way he shows up for Emerson. This is a story of fictional characters, yes. But it's also a beautiful message to the reader: You are not too much. Whatever the circumstances, you deserve to be seen and loved exactly as you are. And the ones on your team will never make you feel otherwise.
*I received an arc in exchange for an honest review
August 1, 2025
This was so cozy and lovely 😭 the author does not do great sex scenes but everything else is perfect and warm and full of heart!!
I am dying to know what was going on in the family group chat that Jason ignored over 100 messages and Andrew warned him about though. I hope that wasn’t a forgotten plot point?
I am dying to know what was going on in the family group chat that Jason ignored over 100 messages and Andrew warned him about though. I hope that wasn’t a forgotten plot point?
October 22, 2025
Ось ця частина мені більше сподобалась, я майже звикла до того, що тут все від третьої особи. Дуже дуже мила і приємна атмосфера і немає драми🤌🏻🥰
April 13, 2025
4.5 stars
Oh my gosh, these two….🥹
The second King brother to get his HEA is Jason who we met in book one as Theo’s best friend (and Alec’s brother). High school football coach and generally supportive AF golden retriever Jason meets the new English teacher Emerson as he’s trying to find his way to his classroom.
Jason picks up on Emerson’s anxiety instantly and takes him under his wing. When Emerson then tells Jason he’s autistic, and starts opening up to Jason more the friendship they form is so freaking beautiful.
Jason does everything he can to make Emmy feel safe and he does that without even thinking about it. All before he realises he feels more than just friendship towards him.
I’m honestly not sure I could love Jason and Emmy more than I do, Jason is a TOP TIER book boyfriend, and Emmy is the sweetest and could genuinely see us being friends IRL.
I loved all the appearances from the other King brothers, especially Andrew (I already have a massive soft spot for him!), and loved that the whole King family welcomed Emmy and made him part of the family he so massively deserved.
I could rave about this book forever, thank you Lucky for sharing Jason and Emmy’s beautiful story! 🌻
Oh my gosh, these two….🥹
The second King brother to get his HEA is Jason who we met in book one as Theo’s best friend (and Alec’s brother). High school football coach and generally supportive AF golden retriever Jason meets the new English teacher Emerson as he’s trying to find his way to his classroom.
Jason picks up on Emerson’s anxiety instantly and takes him under his wing. When Emerson then tells Jason he’s autistic, and starts opening up to Jason more the friendship they form is so freaking beautiful.
Jason does everything he can to make Emmy feel safe and he does that without even thinking about it. All before he realises he feels more than just friendship towards him.
I’m honestly not sure I could love Jason and Emmy more than I do, Jason is a TOP TIER book boyfriend, and Emmy is the sweetest and could genuinely see us being friends IRL.
I loved all the appearances from the other King brothers, especially Andrew (I already have a massive soft spot for him!), and loved that the whole King family welcomed Emmy and made him part of the family he so massively deserved.
I could rave about this book forever, thank you Lucky for sharing Jason and Emmy’s beautiful story! 🌻
April 16, 2025
The premise:
Emerson is a sweet autistic gay man who loves Lord of The Rings and is very stuck in his ridgid routine. He was raised by his aunt and uncle after his mother passed away and they never truly understood him. They were constantly berating him "for not fitting in", or being "difficult" and never gave him the love and respect he deserved.
Jason is the golden retriever gym teacher/football coach who everyone loves. He's straight but his brothers and best friend are all queer and he's a very passionate ally.
When Emerson starts working at the school where Jason works, Jason decides Emerson looks like he could use a friend. Their friendship grows quickly and after a while they're talking constantly, having lunch together every day and hanging out after work. Jason embraces Emerson's quirks and treats him with the respect he's always deserved.
This is a super slow burn as it takes a long time for their friendship to develop into something more, but their friendship is beautiful and the character development of Emerson as he slowly opens up to Jason is super sweet.
Its pretty light on the spice but the plot is so captivating that I couldn't put it down.
Overall, definitely recommend!
Vibes:
- Slow burn
- Autism rep
- Queer awakening
- Found family
- Football coach (jock)/English teacher (nerd)
- HEA
Rating: 4⭐️
Spice: 1.5🌶
Emerson is a sweet autistic gay man who loves Lord of The Rings and is very stuck in his ridgid routine. He was raised by his aunt and uncle after his mother passed away and they never truly understood him. They were constantly berating him "for not fitting in", or being "difficult" and never gave him the love and respect he deserved.
Jason is the golden retriever gym teacher/football coach who everyone loves. He's straight but his brothers and best friend are all queer and he's a very passionate ally.
When Emerson starts working at the school where Jason works, Jason decides Emerson looks like he could use a friend. Their friendship grows quickly and after a while they're talking constantly, having lunch together every day and hanging out after work. Jason embraces Emerson's quirks and treats him with the respect he's always deserved.
This is a super slow burn as it takes a long time for their friendship to develop into something more, but their friendship is beautiful and the character development of Emerson as he slowly opens up to Jason is super sweet.
Its pretty light on the spice but the plot is so captivating that I couldn't put it down.
Overall, definitely recommend!
Vibes:
- Slow burn
- Autism rep
- Queer awakening
- Found family
- Football coach (jock)/English teacher (nerd)
- HEA
Rating: 4⭐️
Spice: 1.5🌶
August 8, 2025
Neurodivergent rep ✔️
Bi-awakening ✔️
Absolutely too sweet to be realistic ✔️✔️
This was a cute read, but oh my gosh Jason was so sweet, like cavity worthy.
Side note; in case you didn’t get it the first 20 times, Jason is huge, he’s tall, thick thighs, spongy belly (pop tarts), loves ‘gay’ sex.
Bi-awakening ✔️
Absolutely too sweet to be realistic ✔️✔️
This was a cute read, but oh my gosh Jason was so sweet, like cavity worthy.
Side note; in case you didn’t get it the first 20 times, Jason is huge, he’s tall, thick thighs, spongy belly (pop tarts), loves ‘gay’ sex.
April 22, 2025
My last note on this book simply reads, “Perfection.” Quite simply, I loved every single word in this book. This is one of those books where I felt a shift in myself, whilst I was reading it. A feeling of I’ll never be quite the person I was before.
I feel like Make the Play is a book for anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t belong because of who they are. This book will make you feel like you do belong, and you’ll learn that the right people will make you feel like you never have to be anyone but yourself.
Make the Play is a beautifully written, heartwarming story about Jason King and Emerson Miller. It’s a story of love, joy, acceptance, support, reassurance and found and real family.
I already had fallen for Jason in Cross the Line. Everyone needs a Jason in their lives. He is beyond special. Jason is so thoughtful, caring and kind. His loving nature is constantly shown throughout this book. The way he takes time to get to know and understand how to support Emerson filled my heart with so much joy. The way he knows how to provide reassurance in different ways is just everything. Jason becomes the safest person for his Emerson.
I knew this book would break me. I had cried by chapter 3. Emerson Miller. The character I never knew I needed. Emerson has been through a lot. He deserves the absolute world, and I am so glad Jason is the one who Emerson finds he can be his full self with. I loved everything about him. I don't know if I'll ever be able to put into words how much Emerson means to me.
As a teacher, I loved the passion these two had for their jobs. I loved how much joy they got from their profession and for advocating for their students. It was inspiring to read about the safe spaces they both had created.
I love different forms of communication in books and their text messages are absolutely everything. The way Jason recognises Emerson’s different needs for communication is just so genuine and understanding.
This book made me feel all of the emotions. One minute I was smiling and the next I’ve got tears in my eyes. There were a few times where I had to put the book down because I just couldn't see it. One of the reasons for this was because Lucky just writes representation so well. From the author’s note you can feel the vulnerability that is present in the book. Lucky writes in a way that if you relate to the characters in any way, you feel so seen. Emerson’s story is so important and I’m really glad Lucky has chosen to share it.
I loved how important Jason and Theo’s relationship still was. The glimpses we got into Theo & Alec were perfect as well. I still love them both. Charlie made me smile with his cheeky comments and Andrew is the voice of calm and understanding. Seeing the King family dynamics as they welcome someone new was, once again, really special.
Jason and Emerson will forever have a special place in my heart. I’ll never forget this one.
I was very lucky to read an ARC copy of Make the Play. Lucky, thank you for this opportunity.
I feel like Make the Play is a book for anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t belong because of who they are. This book will make you feel like you do belong, and you’ll learn that the right people will make you feel like you never have to be anyone but yourself.
Make the Play is a beautifully written, heartwarming story about Jason King and Emerson Miller. It’s a story of love, joy, acceptance, support, reassurance and found and real family.
I already had fallen for Jason in Cross the Line. Everyone needs a Jason in their lives. He is beyond special. Jason is so thoughtful, caring and kind. His loving nature is constantly shown throughout this book. The way he takes time to get to know and understand how to support Emerson filled my heart with so much joy. The way he knows how to provide reassurance in different ways is just everything. Jason becomes the safest person for his Emerson.
I knew this book would break me. I had cried by chapter 3. Emerson Miller. The character I never knew I needed. Emerson has been through a lot. He deserves the absolute world, and I am so glad Jason is the one who Emerson finds he can be his full self with. I loved everything about him. I don't know if I'll ever be able to put into words how much Emerson means to me.
As a teacher, I loved the passion these two had for their jobs. I loved how much joy they got from their profession and for advocating for their students. It was inspiring to read about the safe spaces they both had created.
I love different forms of communication in books and their text messages are absolutely everything. The way Jason recognises Emerson’s different needs for communication is just so genuine and understanding.
This book made me feel all of the emotions. One minute I was smiling and the next I’ve got tears in my eyes. There were a few times where I had to put the book down because I just couldn't see it. One of the reasons for this was because Lucky just writes representation so well. From the author’s note you can feel the vulnerability that is present in the book. Lucky writes in a way that if you relate to the characters in any way, you feel so seen. Emerson’s story is so important and I’m really glad Lucky has chosen to share it.
I loved how important Jason and Theo’s relationship still was. The glimpses we got into Theo & Alec were perfect as well. I still love them both. Charlie made me smile with his cheeky comments and Andrew is the voice of calm and understanding. Seeing the King family dynamics as they welcome someone new was, once again, really special.
Jason and Emerson will forever have a special place in my heart. I’ll never forget this one.
I was very lucky to read an ARC copy of Make the Play. Lucky, thank you for this opportunity.
April 14, 2025
4.5 rounded up ⭐️
“He thinks about Emerson and his little resting grumpy face. Emerson and his endless Lord of the Rings facts. Emerson and his toothy smile when Jason offers him a Dr. Pepper every day. Emerson and his beautiful red hair and kissable full lips. Emerson and his peanut butter sandwiches and quiet laugh. Emerson and his beautiful, brave heart. Emmy. His Emmy.”
Gah, these two. I loved this so dang much. This book is so wholesome and felt like a giant hug. This book soothed something in me that I didn’t know I needed.
Jason is a high school PE teacher and football coach - and the most golden retriever, walking green flag MC ever to exist. Emerson is the new English teacher who hides within himself and has autism. Emmy was the sweetest character and I just want to be his best friend. I loved his so much and related with him more than I realized I would.
The friendship that slowly forms between the two is so endearing to watch and when it becomes more, it’s so natural and beautiful. The connection between the two was perfect and Jason and Emmy complimented each other so well.
I loved the autism representation in this and I loved how Jason didn’t try to change Emmy - instead, he supported Emmy how Emmy needed.
I’m only rating it a 4.5 because I am selfish and wanted more time with them as a couple.
What you’re getting:
Teacher x Coach
Bi awakening
Size difference
Friends to lovers
Found family
Autism rep
Slow burn
Opposites attract
HEA
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
**ARC Review**
“He thinks about Emerson and his little resting grumpy face. Emerson and his endless Lord of the Rings facts. Emerson and his toothy smile when Jason offers him a Dr. Pepper every day. Emerson and his beautiful red hair and kissable full lips. Emerson and his peanut butter sandwiches and quiet laugh. Emerson and his beautiful, brave heart. Emmy. His Emmy.”
Gah, these two. I loved this so dang much. This book is so wholesome and felt like a giant hug. This book soothed something in me that I didn’t know I needed.
Jason is a high school PE teacher and football coach - and the most golden retriever, walking green flag MC ever to exist. Emerson is the new English teacher who hides within himself and has autism. Emmy was the sweetest character and I just want to be his best friend. I loved his so much and related with him more than I realized I would.
The friendship that slowly forms between the two is so endearing to watch and when it becomes more, it’s so natural and beautiful. The connection between the two was perfect and Jason and Emmy complimented each other so well.
I loved the autism representation in this and I loved how Jason didn’t try to change Emmy - instead, he supported Emmy how Emmy needed.
I’m only rating it a 4.5 because I am selfish and wanted more time with them as a couple.
What you’re getting:
Teacher x Coach
Bi awakening
Size difference
Friends to lovers
Found family
Autism rep
Slow burn
Opposites attract
HEA
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
**ARC Review**
May 3, 2025
4 ✨
Has my slump been broken? Maybe!(?) This was a really lovely book, and even though a slow burn will never be my favorite thing, it felt purposeful and not tooooooo drawn out. Jason was an awesome main character, and it was super fun to follow such a sunshine-y golden retriever MC. I liked Emerson, and I liked the “only likes being touched by one person” vibes, but I found him a little too awkward sometimes to the point where it was a little bit painful to read. I think autism rep for me can either be really enjoyable and validating, or it can hit too close to home and feel too much like real life and not enough of an escape. This kind of leaned toward the latter for me, but I still really enjoyed the book overall and would definitely recommend it.
And now, a quote that made me lol:
“For a dizzying second, he feels like maybe he might pass out, and he really wishes that his brain understood that fight or flight is meant for actual near death experiences and not asking if you can suck your first dick.”
Has my slump been broken? Maybe!(?) This was a really lovely book, and even though a slow burn will never be my favorite thing, it felt purposeful and not tooooooo drawn out. Jason was an awesome main character, and it was super fun to follow such a sunshine-y golden retriever MC. I liked Emerson, and I liked the “only likes being touched by one person” vibes, but I found him a little too awkward sometimes to the point where it was a little bit painful to read. I think autism rep for me can either be really enjoyable and validating, or it can hit too close to home and feel too much like real life and not enough of an escape. This kind of leaned toward the latter for me, but I still really enjoyed the book overall and would definitely recommend it.
And now, a quote that made me lol:
“For a dizzying second, he feels like maybe he might pass out, and he really wishes that his brain understood that fight or flight is meant for actual near death experiences and not asking if you can suck your first dick.”
May 2, 2025
This book made me really emotional. I related to Emerson a little too much and wish I could be a part of the King family! Or maybe just besties. I love their chaotic love for each other.
I did think the writing was a bit redundant in parts but loved the story enough for 5 stars.
This had me laughing and crying while also getting so mad a some people *cough cough* Mr Caldwell and Emerson’s family.
I think there was also a missed opportunity for Jason’s parents to have known Emerson’s mom. And that’s just because I was really hoping he would find more nuggets of her. Maybe a bonus story!
Dying to know who the next story will be about! I’m guessing Charlie. And fingers crossed he gets with Hunter from book one. And would love to see development with Matty and Arlo.
I loved, loved the educator aspect of this story. I just know Coach King and Mr. Miller were making such positive impacts on their students.
*these are my chaotic thoughts off of straight vibes*
I did think the writing was a bit redundant in parts but loved the story enough for 5 stars.
This had me laughing and crying while also getting so mad a some people *cough cough* Mr Caldwell and Emerson’s family.
I think there was also a missed opportunity for Jason’s parents to have known Emerson’s mom. And that’s just because I was really hoping he would find more nuggets of her. Maybe a bonus story!
Dying to know who the next story will be about! I’m guessing Charlie. And fingers crossed he gets with Hunter from book one. And would love to see development with Matty and Arlo.
I loved, loved the educator aspect of this story. I just know Coach King and Mr. Miller were making such positive impacts on their students.
*these are my chaotic thoughts off of straight vibes*
April 13, 2025
♾️⭐️ My new favourite book! 🫶
This book is outstanding! This story introduces us to Jason King, the typical jock, popular guy who turned into the high school PE teacher and football coach. He has an amazing family, friends and loves his job. He’s a happy guy who people love to like.
On the first day back in the new school year, Jason meets Emerson Miller- the new English teacher. Emerson has moved from across country, is new to the school and Jason helps him get settled. Emerson has autism, and until now he has always been made to believe he is difficult. He has sensory processing challenges, struggles with his own emotions and those of others and cannot always understand the world around him.
Jason goes on to have an amazing bi-awakening when he falls for Emerson, giving him his first kiss with a man and Emerson his first everything with anyone. Jason goes out of his way to ensure Emerson’s comfort, but he finds it easy to care for Emmy, and he needs it. Emmy has never been cared for or cherished like he is by Jason and when Jason feels so safe, how can anything be wrong?
There is amazing neurodivergent rep in this book and you can tell it has been written by a ND person because it feels realistic.
This book is outstanding! This story introduces us to Jason King, the typical jock, popular guy who turned into the high school PE teacher and football coach. He has an amazing family, friends and loves his job. He’s a happy guy who people love to like.
On the first day back in the new school year, Jason meets Emerson Miller- the new English teacher. Emerson has moved from across country, is new to the school and Jason helps him get settled. Emerson has autism, and until now he has always been made to believe he is difficult. He has sensory processing challenges, struggles with his own emotions and those of others and cannot always understand the world around him.
Jason goes on to have an amazing bi-awakening when he falls for Emerson, giving him his first kiss with a man and Emerson his first everything with anyone. Jason goes out of his way to ensure Emerson’s comfort, but he finds it easy to care for Emmy, and he needs it. Emmy has never been cared for or cherished like he is by Jason and when Jason feels so safe, how can anything be wrong?
There is amazing neurodivergent rep in this book and you can tell it has been written by a ND person because it feels realistic.
May 13, 2025
Jason + Emerson
-mm slow burn romance
-teacher/football coach
-opposites attract
-friends to lovers
-bisexual awakening
-autism rep
dear god could these two be any more cute & perfect?! no! no they couldn’t!! the autism rep here just literally healed my littler audhd heart 😩😩😩 & having a partner who just gets you & all your stimulus & just wants to support you? it’s the greatest thing ever!! these two were so damn cute!!!
-mm slow burn romance
-teacher/football coach
-opposites attract
-friends to lovers
-bisexual awakening
-autism rep
dear god could these two be any more cute & perfect?! no! no they couldn’t!! the autism rep here just literally healed my littler audhd heart 😩😩😩 & having a partner who just gets you & all your stimulus & just wants to support you? it’s the greatest thing ever!! these two were so damn cute!!!
August 17, 2025
Originally DNF this back in April, but I'm glad I gave this a second chance. This ended up being too cute for words!
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- english teacher + phys ed teacher
- slow burn friends to lovers
- virgin mmc/first times
- autistic mmc
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- english teacher + phys ed teacher
- slow burn friends to lovers
- virgin mmc/first times
- autistic mmc
April 12, 2025
This book was exactly what my heart needed! Jason is the sweetest main character I could ever ask for—his patience with Emerson had me melting. The way he cares for him, especially after realizing how long it’s been since Emerson felt truly seen and cherished, absolutely wrecked me in the best way. Their connection is tender, healing, and full of those little moments that make you fall head over heels. I’m a total lovesick fool for these two. I also have to give huge credit to the author for how beautifully Emerson’s character was written. As someone with family members on the autism spectrum, I deeply appreciated the care, authenticity, and respect that went into his portrayal. It made the story feel even more meaningful, and it only deepened my love for this already amazing book.
April 21, 2025
Jason and his Emerson ♥️
We met Jason in Cross The Line, and when I tell you I immediately loved him I mean it. I loved how openly he loved Theo and how easily he gave out affection to him, he also took Theo and Alec’s relationship so well. So you can imagine how eager I was to read his book.
I knew I was going to love him but I was unprepared for how much. The way he was with Emerson was so cute. He does so many amazing little things for Emmy and he does them all thinking he only likes him as a friend.
Emerson was definitely what I was expecting for Jason I knew he was going to be the sweetest and I loved him from the moment he was introduced to us.
I feel like Lucky writes these characters so well, it’s easy to feel all of their emotions. I connected to Emerson so much and I was so ready for him and Jason to be together. The family aspect is just as good as in the first book. I love all the brothers and the parents.
Surprisingly I didn’t want the slowburn to end. Their friendship was just as good as their relationship and it was so sweet seeing them find ways to be around each other.
Also seeing Alec and Theo as a couple 🔥
Thank you to Lucky Hart for this Arc, this review is entirely my own.
We met Jason in Cross The Line, and when I tell you I immediately loved him I mean it. I loved how openly he loved Theo and how easily he gave out affection to him, he also took Theo and Alec’s relationship so well. So you can imagine how eager I was to read his book.
I knew I was going to love him but I was unprepared for how much. The way he was with Emerson was so cute. He does so many amazing little things for Emmy and he does them all thinking he only likes him as a friend.
Emerson was definitely what I was expecting for Jason I knew he was going to be the sweetest and I loved him from the moment he was introduced to us.
I feel like Lucky writes these characters so well, it’s easy to feel all of their emotions. I connected to Emerson so much and I was so ready for him and Jason to be together. The family aspect is just as good as in the first book. I love all the brothers and the parents.
Surprisingly I didn’t want the slowburn to end. Their friendship was just as good as their relationship and it was so sweet seeing them find ways to be around each other.
Also seeing Alec and Theo as a couple 🔥
Thank you to Lucky Hart for this Arc, this review is entirely my own.
June 5, 2025
if i could give it more than five stars i would
April 23, 2025
💗First of all thank you for this ARC💗
5 ⭐
2 🌶️
see tags for tropes!
I can't put in words how much I LOVE Jason and Emerson! This book has changed (again like her other book) changed my life completely 🫶🫶
First of all Jason King 😫
My baby ohh my baby when can I have a person like him in my life?! How much he cares for Emerson t make him feel comfortable and loved is just 🤭💗
Second of all Emerson Miller 🤭
He is my little baby, I always felt so connected to this character and the autism isn't made in this book as a disability (which i read once). I will give al my heart to him.
Third of all the plot 🙂↕️
STOP! god plot alert.... This was amazing! Maybe the slow burn was a little to slow but I wasn't bored at ALL! because the slow burn is just so well written and also the character development is just 🤌🔥
Soo my positive things ✅
- The character development was perfect
- how the character care for each other
- The KING BROTHER'S APPEREANCE ALWAYS MADE THE PLOT EVEN GREATER!!
- The tropes were well written!
- the doggies 🐶
- the nicknames that Jason gave to Emerson 💗
- Sharky!!! 🦈
- autism rep is perfectly written
Soo my negative things ❌
- maybe if i had to the slow burn was maybe 25-30p too long but it didn't bothered me 🤷♀️
5 ⭐
2 🌶️
see tags for tropes!
I can't put in words how much I LOVE Jason and Emerson! This book has changed (again like her other book) changed my life completely 🫶🫶
First of all Jason King 😫
My baby ohh my baby when can I have a person like him in my life?! How much he cares for Emerson t make him feel comfortable and loved is just 🤭💗
Second of all Emerson Miller 🤭
He is my little baby, I always felt so connected to this character and the autism isn't made in this book as a disability (which i read once). I will give al my heart to him.
Third of all the plot 🙂↕️
STOP! god plot alert.... This was amazing! Maybe the slow burn was a little to slow but I wasn't bored at ALL! because the slow burn is just so well written and also the character development is just 🤌🔥
Soo my positive things ✅
- The character development was perfect
- how the character care for each other
- The KING BROTHER'S APPEREANCE ALWAYS MADE THE PLOT EVEN GREATER!!
- The tropes were well written!
- the doggies 🐶
- the nicknames that Jason gave to Emerson 💗
- Sharky!!! 🦈
- autism rep is perfectly written
Soo my negative things ❌
- maybe if i had to the slow burn was maybe 25-30p too long but it didn't bothered me 🤷♀️
April 12, 2025
Must read book of 2025! I cannot say enough good things about this book. From a neurodivergent perspective, Emerson was flawless in everything. He was such a well rounded, flushed out MC that you felt what he felt. Nothing was left out of his personality. The good, the bad and the spicy were all prominent. Jason is such a sweetheart and the perfect calm and love to Emerson. The steady growth from friends to lovers to everything was solid and a perfect pace for these two.
April 21, 2025
This is easily one of my favorite books ever - full stop. I don't think there are adequate words to describe Jason and Emmy. I love them truly, dearly, and I'm so beyond thankful to have read their story. Their love story is the very first to make me actually physically kick my feet and giggle. I'm so so so in love with these characters and I am so excited for the world to experience them.
April 9, 2025
This book was absolutely so heartwarming slow . Seeing how Jason embraced everything about Emerson never making him feel bad. It was great to see this love blossom through friendship. I feel like Emerson was written so well for people to see the things that some autistic people have to go through on a daily basis.
July 25, 2025
2.5 stars. It was just too repetitive
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