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All's Fair #2
Play Me Once
What happens when the man I can't stand becomes my boss?
Kingston Palmer is public enemy number one. Pain in the—*ahem.
You see, I used to like Kingston. He even asked me out…and then crushed my feelings.
To Kingston, I'm nothing more than a game. One that he's sure he can win.
Don't worry; he underestimates my own dedication to winning.
Unfortunately for me, I accidentally signed on to work at his company (yes, yes, it's a loooong story).
Kingston is my new boss.
But I'm nothing if not efficient. I'll be an expert at my job all while dutifully ignoring my boss and his ability to lean on door frames.
My task is to create a nonprofit that benefits the community. Easy peasy.
It's everything else that gets avoiding my boss, making the required snide comments, and turning him down for dates is turning into a full-time job all on its own.
It's not like he actually wants me. At least, I don't think so…
Kingston Palmer is public enemy number one. Pain in the—*ahem.
You see, I used to like Kingston. He even asked me out…and then crushed my feelings.
To Kingston, I'm nothing more than a game. One that he's sure he can win.
Don't worry; he underestimates my own dedication to winning.
Unfortunately for me, I accidentally signed on to work at his company (yes, yes, it's a loooong story).
Kingston is my new boss.
But I'm nothing if not efficient. I'll be an expert at my job all while dutifully ignoring my boss and his ability to lean on door frames.
My task is to create a nonprofit that benefits the community. Easy peasy.
It's everything else that gets avoiding my boss, making the required snide comments, and turning him down for dates is turning into a full-time job all on its own.
It's not like he actually wants me. At least, I don't think so…
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First published January 10, 2024
372 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
December 21, 2024
This book was absolutely adorable!
I loved the main characters, and their banter was fantastic.
There’s one scene that had me laughing so hard, I was literally gasping for air! 😂
I loved the main characters, and their banter was fantastic.
There’s one scene that had me laughing so hard, I was literally gasping for air! 😂
January 30, 2024
Well butter me up and call me a biscuit! That was ADORABLE!
Carina did an amazing job giving us such perfectly flawed characters, who KNEW they weren’t perfect. And while they were a bit reluctant to, knew they needed to work to heal.
This was a sizzling, workplace romance with yummy banter and even yummier kisses! (We love kissing buddies to more!)
But it was more than that! It was showing up. It was choosing each other. It was fighting against and then for their relationship. It was being strength in the other person’s weakness.
It was love!
I so enjoyed this story & I just want to give Willa and Kingston the biggest hugs!
4.5/5 stars
*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*
Carina did an amazing job giving us such perfectly flawed characters, who KNEW they weren’t perfect. And while they were a bit reluctant to, knew they needed to work to heal.
This was a sizzling, workplace romance with yummy banter and even yummier kisses! (We love kissing buddies to more!)
But it was more than that! It was showing up. It was choosing each other. It was fighting against and then for their relationship. It was being strength in the other person’s weakness.
It was love!
I so enjoyed this story & I just want to give Willa and Kingston the biggest hugs!
4.5/5 stars
*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*
January 10, 2024
I just couldn’t get into it, try as I might. The tropes failed me on this one. Enemies to lovers? Not at all, simply two people who have different thoughts on dating. Office romance? Barely. He falls first? Doesn’t really count if he continues to push her away. There are some fun moments and a unique, lighthearted vibe, but something was off for me the whole way through. I’m sure there are readers who are going to love this one, but it wasn’t a win for me.
The story follows Willa, a consultant who is ready for a more stable job. She decides to apply for a position at one of the biggest companies in her small town, not realizing that her new boss is the man who has been trying to convince her to go out with him. Though Willa acknowledges that she and Kingston have chemistry, their plans to go on a date went awry when Willa overheard him saying that they’re just going to have some temporary fun. Kingston never meant to hurt Willa’s feelings - and he would still love to have that date - so he’s excited by the prospect of having Willa come work for his company. As the two spend more time together, the attraction between them is tough to ignore.
I guess I saw this one playing out differently, I just didn’t love that Kingston continued to pursue Willa even when he had no intention of starting up something real with her. I was genuinely confused by his motivations at times, though I guess he was too. There was also zero conflict about him pursuing his sister’s best friend (not to mention his new employee) for something that he wholly intended to be temporary. Seems ill-advised. But I also didn’t feel the chemistry. There were definitely some good moments of banter and an overall playful tone, but some of the scenes fell flat. I’ve got nothing against closed door romance, but sometimes it gets in the way of the story. All in all, I've read better by the author and simply didn't love this one. I received an early copy, and am voluntarily leaving a review of this lighthearted romance.
The story follows Willa, a consultant who is ready for a more stable job. She decides to apply for a position at one of the biggest companies in her small town, not realizing that her new boss is the man who has been trying to convince her to go out with him. Though Willa acknowledges that she and Kingston have chemistry, their plans to go on a date went awry when Willa overheard him saying that they’re just going to have some temporary fun. Kingston never meant to hurt Willa’s feelings - and he would still love to have that date - so he’s excited by the prospect of having Willa come work for his company. As the two spend more time together, the attraction between them is tough to ignore.
I guess I saw this one playing out differently, I just didn’t love that Kingston continued to pursue Willa even when he had no intention of starting up something real with her. I was genuinely confused by his motivations at times, though I guess he was too. There was also zero conflict about him pursuing his sister’s best friend (not to mention his new employee) for something that he wholly intended to be temporary. Seems ill-advised. But I also didn’t feel the chemistry. There were definitely some good moments of banter and an overall playful tone, but some of the scenes fell flat. I’ve got nothing against closed door romance, but sometimes it gets in the way of the story. All in all, I've read better by the author and simply didn't love this one. I received an early copy, and am voluntarily leaving a review of this lighthearted romance.
January 15, 2024
What a cute romance! Willa and Kingston were such fun characters and I loved their story!
Kingston and Willa have had a mutual attraction, but she canceled her first date with him after overhearing him say he wasn't looking for anything long-term with her.
She’s ignored him since then, even if he is her best friend’s brother, but that becomes impossible after she starts working at his company and he’s now her boss.
Kingston regrets hurting Willa because of his comments, but he wants to be honest with her about his huge commitment issues. As they spend time on a work project together, he can’t let go of the idea of dating her and is very persistent in getting her to change her mind about going out with him. Gradually, being in a committed relationship sounds a lot more appealing.
What I loved:
Enemies to lovers
Fun banter and dialogue
Willa’s feisty personality
Workplace romance
Dual POV
Paul the cat
Forced proximity
Golfing
The elevator scene
Football game
Lots of kisses
The grand gesture
There were so many fun and swoony moments in Play Me Once, and just an overall feel-good story.
It’s is the second in a series but can be read as a standalone.
I received a complimentary copy, but a positive review was not required.
Kingston and Willa have had a mutual attraction, but she canceled her first date with him after overhearing him say he wasn't looking for anything long-term with her.
She’s ignored him since then, even if he is her best friend’s brother, but that becomes impossible after she starts working at his company and he’s now her boss.
Kingston regrets hurting Willa because of his comments, but he wants to be honest with her about his huge commitment issues. As they spend time on a work project together, he can’t let go of the idea of dating her and is very persistent in getting her to change her mind about going out with him. Gradually, being in a committed relationship sounds a lot more appealing.
What I loved:
Enemies to lovers
Fun banter and dialogue
Willa’s feisty personality
Workplace romance
Dual POV
Paul the cat
Forced proximity
Golfing
The elevator scene
Football game
Lots of kisses
The grand gesture
There were so many fun and swoony moments in Play Me Once, and just an overall feel-good story.
It’s is the second in a series but can be read as a standalone.
I received a complimentary copy, but a positive review was not required.
October 29, 2025
Play Me Once #2 All's Fair
2✨
second book in the serie All's Fair. Did not enjoy it. The first book was a 5Star read. So I'm disappointed..
2✨
second book in the serie All's Fair. Did not enjoy it. The first book was a 5Star read. So I'm disappointed..
January 10, 2024
Play Me Once is a sweet, clean, enemies to lovers romance. This is the 2nd in the series but definitely stands alone, although the first book, Forget Me Twice, is definitely worth the read.
I really enjoyed these characters, they were so well devoloped and likable.
Although this is a clean romance, there is plenty of chemistry, a hard balance in the sweet romance genre.
I will definitely continue to read her books, I'll be first in line.
I really enjoyed these characters, they were so well devoloped and likable.
Although this is a clean romance, there is plenty of chemistry, a hard balance in the sweet romance genre.
I will definitely continue to read her books, I'll be first in line.
January 10, 2024
From the opening page, I knew this story was going to win me over and it sure did! Carina Taylor has written another winner.
Kingston and Willa have some attraction and almost dated–until she overheard something and her crush literally crushed her. But I love that they have so many connections, mutual friends and run-ins, especially with his sister being her closest friend. And when Kingston becomes Willa’s boss? Let the games begin. 👏🏻
Kingston is so persistent and irresistible, and he totally gets under sassy Willa’s skin–and the feeling is reciprocal. I couldn’t get enough of them and their interactions.
“So, you don’t drink your coffee as black as your heart?”
“No, I need the extra sweet to make up for my bitter attitude.”
While there is an enemies-to-love vibe, the witty snark, lively banter and ignitable chemistry make this a story worth reading. I was snort-laughing through so many parts and swooning and almost teary-eyed through others.
Things to love:
⛳Golf carts😏
😸Working together for a cause
😺Cats and cat cafes
😻Big emotions
😽Elevators😽
This is the second book in the All’s Fair series, but can be enjoyed as a stand-alone, and I loved seeing the cast from Forget Me Twice make appearances throughout this story.
Content/TW: mild language; talk of disordered eating and neglectful families
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Kingston and Willa have some attraction and almost dated–until she overheard something and her crush literally crushed her. But I love that they have so many connections, mutual friends and run-ins, especially with his sister being her closest friend. And when Kingston becomes Willa’s boss? Let the games begin. 👏🏻
Kingston is so persistent and irresistible, and he totally gets under sassy Willa’s skin–and the feeling is reciprocal. I couldn’t get enough of them and their interactions.
“So, you don’t drink your coffee as black as your heart?”
“No, I need the extra sweet to make up for my bitter attitude.”
While there is an enemies-to-love vibe, the witty snark, lively banter and ignitable chemistry make this a story worth reading. I was snort-laughing through so many parts and swooning and almost teary-eyed through others.
Things to love:
⛳Golf carts😏
😸Working together for a cause
😺Cats and cat cafes
😻Big emotions
😽Elevators😽
This is the second book in the All’s Fair series, but can be enjoyed as a stand-alone, and I loved seeing the cast from Forget Me Twice make appearances throughout this story.
Content/TW: mild language; talk of disordered eating and neglectful families
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
January 20, 2024
Adorable!
Aww! This book was so cute! After an almost-date with Kingston, Willa is trying hardest to stay away the handsome, flirtatious Kingston who only wants casual dating in his life. But after a taste of Willa, he’s hooked and can’t get enough!
I loved all the flirtatious banter between these two and how hard Kingston chased Willa we he tried to convince him to go out with her! I cracked up when they were at the golf course, smirked through their conversations, and sighed at their love for each other.
Aww! This book was so cute! After an almost-date with Kingston, Willa is trying hardest to stay away the handsome, flirtatious Kingston who only wants casual dating in his life. But after a taste of Willa, he’s hooked and can’t get enough!
I loved all the flirtatious banter between these two and how hard Kingston chased Willa we he tried to convince him to go out with her! I cracked up when they were at the golf course, smirked through their conversations, and sighed at their love for each other.
January 29, 2024
"Nemesis? That was giving too much weight to what Kingston is to me. He is nothing to me. Just someone I almost went on a date with."
I don't know what it is about Carina Taylor's writing, but I absolutely love it and feel that she has such a natural, authentic way with her romances. Play Me Once just flowed so nicely with each turn of the page. Kingston and Willa's characters are instantly likable, and the tension, the chemistry that Willa keeps trying to ignore by telling herself he means nothing to her is entertaining to say the least.
What is also entertaining throughout is the hilarious instances these two find themselves in. From incidents with cats, to golf carts and football, Kingston and Willa keep you laughing and swooning. The unique job that brings Willa to Kingston's company is another added aspect that is interesting all on its own. Bring everything together and Taylor has another hit that will bring on the laughing fits and make your heart swoon because these two are fire and more when it comes to banter and chemistry.
While this is book two, I have not yet read book one, Forget Me Twice. Though I will be reading it because I love Taylor's books. With that said I do not feel like I was missing pieces of the story because of that, though I'm sure reading book one would enhance the reading experience even more. Whether you've read the first or not I think you will enjoy the reading experience a lot with these two.
*I received an advanced ecopy from the publisher/author and all opinions are my own.
I don't know what it is about Carina Taylor's writing, but I absolutely love it and feel that she has such a natural, authentic way with her romances. Play Me Once just flowed so nicely with each turn of the page. Kingston and Willa's characters are instantly likable, and the tension, the chemistry that Willa keeps trying to ignore by telling herself he means nothing to her is entertaining to say the least.
What is also entertaining throughout is the hilarious instances these two find themselves in. From incidents with cats, to golf carts and football, Kingston and Willa keep you laughing and swooning. The unique job that brings Willa to Kingston's company is another added aspect that is interesting all on its own. Bring everything together and Taylor has another hit that will bring on the laughing fits and make your heart swoon because these two are fire and more when it comes to banter and chemistry.
While this is book two, I have not yet read book one, Forget Me Twice. Though I will be reading it because I love Taylor's books. With that said I do not feel like I was missing pieces of the story because of that, though I'm sure reading book one would enhance the reading experience even more. Whether you've read the first or not I think you will enjoy the reading experience a lot with these two.
*I received an advanced ecopy from the publisher/author and all opinions are my own.
January 20, 2024
Willa and Kingston will never see eye to eye. He alternately cajoles and teases Willa into going out but having spurned her once, Willa rejects him every time. With a new working relationship forcing more interaction, Willa finds herself struggling to resist his charm.
I loved the interactions between the main characters most of all. The supporting cast provided levity too, but I just found that the chemistry and flirting between Kingston and Willa worked so well. A "he fell first" after emotional betrayal makes my heart absolute mush.
Without having read the first in the series, this can absolutely be read as a stand alone. I can only assume that Willa's sister will be the next book's heroine and I know it will be just as much fun.
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
Why it wasn't a five star: it was a bit jumpy between scenes - would have loved to see more page interactions between the sisters and the MC with her best friend and the main obstacle for Willa with a previous client was rushed/abrupt.
I loved the interactions between the main characters most of all. The supporting cast provided levity too, but I just found that the chemistry and flirting between Kingston and Willa worked so well. A "he fell first" after emotional betrayal makes my heart absolute mush.
Without having read the first in the series, this can absolutely be read as a stand alone. I can only assume that Willa's sister will be the next book's heroine and I know it will be just as much fun.
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
Why it wasn't a five star: it was a bit jumpy between scenes - would have loved to see more page interactions between the sisters and the MC with her best friend and the main obstacle for Willa with a previous client was rushed/abrupt.
January 25, 2024
Carina Taylor is an author I have been wanting to read for several months and I’m so glad I finally picked up one of her books. This was a super cute rom-com that made me laugh!
Willa had been interested in her best friend’s brother, until she overheard him saying he was not looking for anything long term with her. She has been ignoring him for some time but when she gets a new job she finds out he is now her boss. With the sparks flying everyday how will she ignore him now? Kingston is definitely interested in Willa, but due to being hurt in the past he has major commitment issues, however he can’t seem to ignore his feelings for her that keep growing stronger.
This one took me a little it to get into. It could be because I hadn’t read the first book in the series yet and had trouble keeping up with some of the side characters, but once I got into the story it was so super cute! I love the enemies to lovers vibes and witty banter between Willa and Kingston. They had such great chemistry and some really amazing kisses! I love how their attraction and feelings kept growing stronger until they couldn’t ignore it any longer and how they supported each other. Both characters are dealing with some hurt in the past that keeps them from truly being together for a while. I love how Kingston keeps pursuing Willa despite his fears and Willa won’t let him give up on their relationship. The golf cart scene is so funny and one of my favorites in the book and the cats/cat cafe made my heart happy.
Things I loved:
Best friend’s brother
Early kiss
S’mores
Golf cart incident
Elevator scene
The cats
Lots of kissing
Grand gesture
Content Awareness: mild swearing, a couple sensitive topics including: disordered eating and neglectful families. It is handled well by the author and the book remains light.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Willa had been interested in her best friend’s brother, until she overheard him saying he was not looking for anything long term with her. She has been ignoring him for some time but when she gets a new job she finds out he is now her boss. With the sparks flying everyday how will she ignore him now? Kingston is definitely interested in Willa, but due to being hurt in the past he has major commitment issues, however he can’t seem to ignore his feelings for her that keep growing stronger.
This one took me a little it to get into. It could be because I hadn’t read the first book in the series yet and had trouble keeping up with some of the side characters, but once I got into the story it was so super cute! I love the enemies to lovers vibes and witty banter between Willa and Kingston. They had such great chemistry and some really amazing kisses! I love how their attraction and feelings kept growing stronger until they couldn’t ignore it any longer and how they supported each other. Both characters are dealing with some hurt in the past that keeps them from truly being together for a while. I love how Kingston keeps pursuing Willa despite his fears and Willa won’t let him give up on their relationship. The golf cart scene is so funny and one of my favorites in the book and the cats/cat cafe made my heart happy.
Things I loved:
Best friend’s brother
Early kiss
S’mores
Golf cart incident
Elevator scene
The cats
Lots of kissing
Grand gesture
Content Awareness: mild swearing, a couple sensitive topics including: disordered eating and neglectful families. It is handled well by the author and the book remains light.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 30, 2025
I was looking on my Kindle for a light read to keep my streak going while decompressing from my massive fantasy read. This one was solidly just ok, for the rom-com genre. The main characters’ chemistry felt a bit forced, and their interactions with their siblings and other side characters was often more interesting. I love some good witty banter, but theirs was more juvenile potshots and forced misunderstandings than Beatrice and Benedick (always the gold standard). Even the big dramatic conflict at the end had me scratching my head and wondering if people are really that petty. I mean, they probably are, but it was still a bit out there. Also, this book badly needed some stronger editing. I couldn’t help noticing things like missing punctuation marks and words swapped for similar sounding ones.) It makes me wonder what else I would have seen if I’d been reading more closely. Overall, I liked her Sweater Weather series book better, but this one was a freebie, so I can’t complain.
(Read as part of my new quest to make a dent in the unread portion of my Kindle.)
(Read as part of my new quest to make a dent in the unread portion of my Kindle.)
January 11, 2024
Play Me Once is the sequel to Forget Me Twice. It can be read as a standalone story, although characters from the first book do show up in this one. Willa and Kingston were introduced in the first one as well.
This has enemies-to lovers vibes as well as workplace romance. There is banter and tension between main characters.
Read the author's content warnings. There is some mild language and a few topics that may be triggering for some. (disordered eating and neglectful families) I thought everything was tasteful addressed.
One of my favorite parts was the animals! I won't go into any more detail so that I won't be tempted to give spoilers. But they had my heart!
Thanks to Netgalley and Carina Taylor for the complimentary copy of the book. I am happily and voluntarily leaving my honest review.
This has enemies-to lovers vibes as well as workplace romance. There is banter and tension between main characters.
Read the author's content warnings. There is some mild language and a few topics that may be triggering for some. (disordered eating and neglectful families) I thought everything was tasteful addressed.
One of my favorite parts was the animals! I won't go into any more detail so that I won't be tempted to give spoilers. But they had my heart!
Thanks to Netgalley and Carina Taylor for the complimentary copy of the book. I am happily and voluntarily leaving my honest review.
January 15, 2024
Many thanks to Carina Taylor for my complimentary copy of Play Me Once. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Willa and Kingston are such a fun couple. This is a great enemies to lovers story, with plenty of snark thrown in to keep you laughing. What it all boils down to is both Willa and Kingston have huge hearts and feelings. They just need time to come into their own.
The golf cart scene has me laughing out loud. I actually had to read it twice to make sure I didn’t miss anything. The cats added another layer of fun to the story.
While Play Me Once can be read as a standalone, if you plan at all on reading the first book, I recommend reading them in order. I haven’t read the first book but I am going to now ! Even though I already know the ending.
Edit. I just finished listening to book one and I highly recommend it.
While there are some heavy topics addressed on this one:
Food disorders
Body shaming
Separation from parents
Unhinged clients
They are all addressed with the utmost care.
And for your comedic enjoyment there are:
Golf cart shenanigans
Cats
Cat cafes
Margaret !
Willa and Kingston are such a fun couple. This is a great enemies to lovers story, with plenty of snark thrown in to keep you laughing. What it all boils down to is both Willa and Kingston have huge hearts and feelings. They just need time to come into their own.
The golf cart scene has me laughing out loud. I actually had to read it twice to make sure I didn’t miss anything. The cats added another layer of fun to the story.
While Play Me Once can be read as a standalone, if you plan at all on reading the first book, I recommend reading them in order. I haven’t read the first book but I am going to now ! Even though I already know the ending.
Edit. I just finished listening to book one and I highly recommend it.
While there are some heavy topics addressed on this one:
Food disorders
Body shaming
Separation from parents
Unhinged clients
They are all addressed with the utmost care.
And for your comedic enjoyment there are:
Golf cart shenanigans
Cats
Cat cafes
Margaret !
August 27, 2025
This one was fun! I really enjoyed Kingston and Willa and their flirty banter and their enemies to more vibes!
Willa and Kingston were so fun! They had such great tension, chemistry, and banter. They had this great enemies to more banter that played so well into their story. Willa was fun, determined, independent, and quirky. Kingston had this tough exterior but deep down he was charming and lovable. I love how Kingston looked at Willa like she was a strong, smart, capable woman. He was enamored with her. He fell for her so hard! Willa tried so hard to resist Kingston, but I love how naturally their relationship progressed and surprised them.
All the side characters were so fun and added so much to the story. I especially loved the cats and the cat cafe concept that was featured throughout.
I read this in audiobook and I enjoyed the narrators. It took me a while to get used to the voices they would use as different characters but I think they did a great job.
Willa and Kingston were so fun! They had such great tension, chemistry, and banter. They had this great enemies to more banter that played so well into their story. Willa was fun, determined, independent, and quirky. Kingston had this tough exterior but deep down he was charming and lovable. I love how Kingston looked at Willa like she was a strong, smart, capable woman. He was enamored with her. He fell for her so hard! Willa tried so hard to resist Kingston, but I love how naturally their relationship progressed and surprised them.
All the side characters were so fun and added so much to the story. I especially loved the cats and the cat cafe concept that was featured throughout.
I read this in audiobook and I enjoyed the narrators. It took me a while to get used to the voices they would use as different characters but I think they did a great job.
January 10, 2024
*3.5 stars!
Play Me Once is the follow up to Forget Me Twice, and it was so much fun to read! I enjoyed the new characters we got, as well as getting to see some of the characters from Forget Me Twice.
This is my third time reading a book by Carina Taylor, and none of them have disappointed me with the comedy in them! Play Me Once had me giggling and smiling the whole way through. Willa and Kingston were adorable, and I enjoyed seeing their relationship development and how they were able to work together to solve issues.
My reasoning for a lower rating is that I didn't particularly care for the conflict towards the end, as well as Kingston's thoughts towards the relationship and how he wasn't super open to having a relationship with Willa.
Although I prefer Forget Me Twice (and recommend reading it first if you want to see some cameos from those characters), Play Me Once is still a fantastic read and works well as a standalone if that's how you prefer to read it!
Play Me Once is the follow up to Forget Me Twice, and it was so much fun to read! I enjoyed the new characters we got, as well as getting to see some of the characters from Forget Me Twice.
This is my third time reading a book by Carina Taylor, and none of them have disappointed me with the comedy in them! Play Me Once had me giggling and smiling the whole way through. Willa and Kingston were adorable, and I enjoyed seeing their relationship development and how they were able to work together to solve issues.
My reasoning for a lower rating is that I didn't particularly care for the conflict towards the end, as well as Kingston's thoughts towards the relationship and how he wasn't super open to having a relationship with Willa.
Although I prefer Forget Me Twice (and recommend reading it first if you want to see some cameos from those characters), Play Me Once is still a fantastic read and works well as a standalone if that's how you prefer to read it!
April 24, 2025
I enjoyed this story as an audiobook. It is narrated by Julia King and Christopher Rourke.
This story will have you laughing so hard. Willa and Kingston are an unlikely duo and I think it hits both hard when they start working together (in different ways). Willa is no nonsense when it comes to her job and I’m impressed with how persistent she is professionally and personally. Kingston has been burned in the past and he lets it dictate his life but he is no match for Willa and a cute little kitty.
This is a dual pov, clean romance. It is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone novel.
This story will have you laughing so hard. Willa and Kingston are an unlikely duo and I think it hits both hard when they start working together (in different ways). Willa is no nonsense when it comes to her job and I’m impressed with how persistent she is professionally and personally. Kingston has been burned in the past and he lets it dictate his life but he is no match for Willa and a cute little kitty.
This is a dual pov, clean romance. It is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone novel.
January 8, 2024
I loved this book! It was the perfect rom com, fast paced, lighthearted, entertaining and swoon worthy!
Play Me Once is the sequel to Forget Me Twice but it can totally be read as a standalone. Most characters are from the first book but it’s a different story.
I loved both the MCs! Willa was sassy and loveable and so relatable. Kingston was charming and cheeky! He was so persistent
in wanting to go on a date with Willa, he just knew they were meant for each other and he was sooo right! The back and forth witty banter between the two of them had me laughing out loud. I also loved how he always made sure that she was eating after she told him about her eating disorder when she was younger. It was so heartwarming.
If you love rom- coms and cats then this one is defo for you since they open a cat cafe which is the cutest thing!
Although this is a lighthearted book it deals with some heavy topics like disorded eating so make sure to check out Carina’s trigger warnings before you give it a read.
Overall this was a sweet, funny and enjoyable read that I would recommend you read when it comes out on Jan 10th!
* Thank you NetGalley and Carina for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. *
Play Me Once is the sequel to Forget Me Twice but it can totally be read as a standalone. Most characters are from the first book but it’s a different story.
I loved both the MCs! Willa was sassy and loveable and so relatable. Kingston was charming and cheeky! He was so persistent
in wanting to go on a date with Willa, he just knew they were meant for each other and he was sooo right! The back and forth witty banter between the two of them had me laughing out loud. I also loved how he always made sure that she was eating after she told him about her eating disorder when she was younger. It was so heartwarming.
If you love rom- coms and cats then this one is defo for you since they open a cat cafe which is the cutest thing!
Although this is a lighthearted book it deals with some heavy topics like disorded eating so make sure to check out Carina’s trigger warnings before you give it a read.
Overall this was a sweet, funny and enjoyable read that I would recommend you read when it comes out on Jan 10th!
* Thank you NetGalley and Carina for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. *
January 24, 2024
Sigh. I just ate this one up! I don’t know what it was exactly, but I just loved both Kingston and Willa. They were so driven, stubborn, snarky and funny. I just got a kick out of both of them and I loved their banter and flirting so much. I’m not even a fan of cats and I still loved it! lol Such a fun read, but also many sweet moments with more depth that just endeared me more to these characters. I’m really liking this author.
February 3, 2024
This book was funny. I really like the tone of the book, and the evolution of the romantic relationship. It had me smiling and laughing out loud. It contains mild language and the romance level is kissing only. The cat Cafe storyline is lots of fun, and the golf cart situation was hilarious.
March 10, 2024
Adorable 🙂
March 10, 2024
Super cute! Loved the banter.
August 19, 2025
Just love their banter! I love that they are teasing and real. Just love carinas books!!!
October 12, 2025
3.5⭐️ For the most part, I liked Willa and Kingston as characters. I had a hard time rooting for Kingston in the first half, and his transformation was a little hard to believe sometimes.
January 29, 2024
“Vague threats from Willa could be my new favorite thing”
🐈🐈⬛🐈🐈⬛🐈
I love Willa and Kingston!! They had me laughing the whole time!! I got a kick out of their banter and the snarky and flirty texts they sent back and forth. And their chemistry was off the charts!
This book was such a blast with unique aspects that were so fun! Even though I don’t really like cats, I loved their inclusion in the story and the idea of the cat cafe. There were so many fun scenes and elements of the story that made this book stand out to me.
We are first introduced to Willa and Kingston in Forget Me Twice, the first book in the All’s Fair series. I reread Forget Me Twice (because I love it) before the release of this one, and I highly recommend it but reading it before is not necessary for the enjoyment of Play Me Once.
If you haven’t picked up any of Carina Taylor’s books, YOU NEED TO! I really love her humor and style.
🔥: Kissing
CW: mild language
.
.
.
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
🐈🐈⬛🐈🐈⬛🐈
I love Willa and Kingston!! They had me laughing the whole time!! I got a kick out of their banter and the snarky and flirty texts they sent back and forth. And their chemistry was off the charts!
This book was such a blast with unique aspects that were so fun! Even though I don’t really like cats, I loved their inclusion in the story and the idea of the cat cafe. There were so many fun scenes and elements of the story that made this book stand out to me.
We are first introduced to Willa and Kingston in Forget Me Twice, the first book in the All’s Fair series. I reread Forget Me Twice (because I love it) before the release of this one, and I highly recommend it but reading it before is not necessary for the enjoyment of Play Me Once.
If you haven’t picked up any of Carina Taylor’s books, YOU NEED TO! I really love her humor and style.
🔥: Kissing
CW: mild language
.
.
.
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 14, 2024
Fun, quick read.
April 23, 2025
GENRE
-romcom
CONTENT
-🤬: mild language (7 a, 1 d, 5 h, 1 s)
-❤️: makeouts
-⚠️: discussions about disordered eating
HEYYYY YOUUUU GUYYYYYYSS! You’re going to want to read this one. It was SO good! SO. GOOD!!! Play Me Once is Kingston and Willa’s story. My goodness, I love them. Willa is the queen of snark and sass. For real! We’re actually bffs now. And Kingston! He really can not let go of the idea of dating Willa, and his persistence pays off. I loved how they worked together and especially how Willa called him on his crap. I don’t know how I’m going to pick a handful of quotes because I highlighted 1/3 of the book approximately.
This one releases on the 10th— DON’T MISS IT!
Best Quotes:
😂 Kingston is a determined soul (bless his heart, if he has one)
😴 This, ladies and gentlemen, is what's wrong with the world. There would be fewer wars, less violence and greed if people just stayed in bed and got a decent night's sleep.
❤️🩹 Sharing a broken part of yourself with someone is a gift. It's offering someone trust in a vulnerable way and hoping they don't crush you even more.
🔥 "If we had more time in this elevator, I'd take these glasses off so that I didn't break them when I kiss you and find out what type of gum you're chewing. If I had time, I would slip a hand under your jacket and find out if that shirt is as soft as it looks. I would grab a handful of your hair and see how many times I could wrap it around my fist." I step back slowly.
"But we don't have time... and you wanted to keep things professional."
🍴 "Are we flirting?" "Yes, I think that's what it's called." "I threatened you with a fork." "I thought it was sexy."
💋 I politely informed him that I didn't kiss during working hours. And he immediately showed me that I did.
*I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own. No positive review was required.
-romcom
CONTENT
-🤬: mild language (7 a, 1 d, 5 h, 1 s)
-❤️: makeouts
-⚠️: discussions about disordered eating
HEYYYY YOUUUU GUYYYYYYSS! You’re going to want to read this one. It was SO good! SO. GOOD!!! Play Me Once is Kingston and Willa’s story. My goodness, I love them. Willa is the queen of snark and sass. For real! We’re actually bffs now. And Kingston! He really can not let go of the idea of dating Willa, and his persistence pays off. I loved how they worked together and especially how Willa called him on his crap. I don’t know how I’m going to pick a handful of quotes because I highlighted 1/3 of the book approximately.
This one releases on the 10th— DON’T MISS IT!
Best Quotes:
😂 Kingston is a determined soul (bless his heart, if he has one)
😴 This, ladies and gentlemen, is what's wrong with the world. There would be fewer wars, less violence and greed if people just stayed in bed and got a decent night's sleep.
❤️🩹 Sharing a broken part of yourself with someone is a gift. It's offering someone trust in a vulnerable way and hoping they don't crush you even more.
🔥 "If we had more time in this elevator, I'd take these glasses off so that I didn't break them when I kiss you and find out what type of gum you're chewing. If I had time, I would slip a hand under your jacket and find out if that shirt is as soft as it looks. I would grab a handful of your hair and see how many times I could wrap it around my fist." I step back slowly.
"But we don't have time... and you wanted to keep things professional."
🍴 "Are we flirting?" "Yes, I think that's what it's called." "I threatened you with a fork." "I thought it was sexy."
💋 I politely informed him that I didn't kiss during working hours. And he immediately showed me that I did.
*I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own. No positive review was required.
March 3, 2024
Carina Taylor never fails to make me laugh! 🤍 Thank you @carinataylorauthor for the lovely gifted copy of Play Me Once! 🤍
Whenever I pick up a Carina Taylor book, I’m always 100% certain it will make me laugh and my heart will be happier.
Willa and Kingston are two fantastic characters, and put them together!? It was a fiery explosion of banter, chemistry, and resisted feelings.
I was charmed by their story and I can’t wait to read whatever comes next from Carina Taylor!
If you love:
• enemies to lovers
• workplace romance
• a cat café
• friendship
• laugh out loud moments
★ ★ ★ ★/5
Steam: kissing
TW: none
Whenever I pick up a Carina Taylor book, I’m always 100% certain it will make me laugh and my heart will be happier.
Willa and Kingston are two fantastic characters, and put them together!? It was a fiery explosion of banter, chemistry, and resisted feelings.
I was charmed by their story and I can’t wait to read whatever comes next from Carina Taylor!
If you love:
• enemies to lovers
• workplace romance
• a cat café
• friendship
• laugh out loud moments
★ ★ ★ ★/5
Steam: kissing
TW: none
January 12, 2024
Loved this!! It's sweet and silly, and the writing flows and pulls you right into the story. There was also a thoughtful content warning at the start.
While trying to close a deal, Kingston is told he must prove his commitment to the community before the man will make a deal with him. This prompts his assistant to post a job listing for a PR & Marketing position that will focus on community outreach.
Willa works in freelance PR & Marketing. Kingston owns a company that is buying up commercial real estate in their small town. Burned out and looking to slow down and work an office job, Willa takes a job at his company. Only, she doesn’t know it's his company.
Admittedly, the cat cafe isn’t a central location in the story. The idea for it comes up around the 50% mark, and they visit it a few times.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for my advanced digital copy!
While trying to close a deal, Kingston is told he must prove his commitment to the community before the man will make a deal with him. This prompts his assistant to post a job listing for a PR & Marketing position that will focus on community outreach.
Willa works in freelance PR & Marketing. Kingston owns a company that is buying up commercial real estate in their small town. Burned out and looking to slow down and work an office job, Willa takes a job at his company. Only, she doesn’t know it's his company.
Admittedly, the cat cafe isn’t a central location in the story. The idea for it comes up around the 50% mark, and they visit it a few times.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for my advanced digital copy!
January 13, 2024
Good characters
There were good characters, but this author desperately needs a good editor. The time consistency is deeply lacking(it’s three days, no three hours, it’s the weekend, no it’s Monday), characters are said to not be there because they had a baby, the a few paragraphs later are there, the main character’s name is wrong once (Willow instead of Willa). A bit more effort before publication goes a long way.
There were good characters, but this author desperately needs a good editor. The time consistency is deeply lacking(it’s three days, no three hours, it’s the weekend, no it’s Monday), characters are said to not be there because they had a baby, the a few paragraphs later are there, the main character’s name is wrong once (Willow instead of Willa). A bit more effort before publication goes a long way.
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