The Perfect Play

Nolan U Football #5

by Katy Archer

He's the gentle giant of Football Frat… and he's ready to fall in love. But he can't find the right girl…until he bumps into his best friend's ex…

Dani's not an option. I can't get together with Atlas's ex, he'd never forgive me. Those two were end game…until he left.

But I still talk to him all the time and if he knew Dani was out there trying to find herself a new man, he'd be gutted.

That's what she's doing, though. She's ready to move on with her life, and after her tearful phone call telling me she'd just had the worst date ever, I have to step in and help her. I'd rather help her find someone decent to replace my best friend than let her go on a date with another loser.

Atlas is going to hate it, but the truth is… he didn't just leave us two years ago. He died. And it doesn't matter how much I talk to him, he's not coming back.
Not for his girl and not for me.

It's time to move on…for both of us.

I can't keep clinging to a ghost and my guilt over how I should have saved him. And the first step is to help Dani… except the more time I spend with her, the harder it gets. The more I like her. The more we click.

Maybe it's time to tell Dani that none of the guys I set her up with are going to work…because none of them are me…

The Perfect Play is a stand alone, sweet and spicy NA football romance with no cheating and a guaranteed happy ending. Perfect for fans of Kelsie Rae, Hannah Gray and Rebecca Jenshak.

Genres: Sports Romance, Football, Sports, College Romance

516 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 9, 2025

About the author

Katy Archer is the author of sweet and spicy college sports romance. Her debut novel, The Forbidden Freshman, released in February 2024 and is for fans of slow burn hockey romance, forbidden love, and found families.

In her novels you're guaranteed to find happy endings, protective book boyfriends and sassy heroines. Welcome to the world of Nolan U, where love is a game changer…

You can find out more on her website and sign up for a sneak peek of The Forbidden Freshman!

Reviews

[Commamirandabooknerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review 📖
The Perfect Play
Nolan U Football Book 5
Written by Katy Archer


Ahh the moment they saw each other I was dying for the moment “we meet again” it was everything I hoped it would be and so much more.

This is a story of healing and about two people that are trying to move on after a tragedy. Two people that found what they needed in each other. Even though he was helping her find someone else and even if at first they were both couldn't forget the past. I loved the journey I went on with these two. Also bittersweet that it's almost the ending to the Nolan U football series. Bring on the Christmas get together.




#NolanU
#FootBallromance
#bestfriendsex
#newstart
#loss
#thesilentknight
#blackjack
#ty
#tyrell
#dani

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was beautiful but it broke me. If you read the epilogue in the last book you kinda know what I am talking about. I had to sit with it for a minute afterwards to really let it all soak in.
Sometimes in life things don’t go as planned. And you can let it best you and stop trying or you can learn to dance through the lightning strikes. And it’s in those moments, when you can find the good in the bad and keep dancing, that you find healing and strength.
This book was an incredibly emotional journey through learning to dance through the storm and find the good in the bad things that happen to us. I cried and laughed, laughed and cried, I got mad a few times. I wanted to kick some characters a few times, but the journey was so beautiful that all of that emotional roller coaster I was put through became an experience I don’t often have with books. I think Tyrell and Dani will stay with me for a while. I felt so connected to their journey from page to page and I just didn’t want it to end. I look forward to what is next, and the basketball series we got to see a little insight to with a character. I love how these people find family with each other and it’s so loyal and tight knit that even years down the line they are still just as tight knit. It’s woven through every book in this series and the hockey series before it. If you want a good feel good cry this is the book for you.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This romance is breathtaking and beautiful but be prepared because I promise you, it is going to yank absolutely viciously at your heartstrings. Yeah, Tyrell and Dani really put your heart and feelings through the wringer as their intensely emotional and highly potent story unfolds. I can't even tell you how many times I teared up while reading because honestly, I lost count. Don't worry though because in the end this ultra angsty and powerfully bittersweet romance was totally worth everything it puts you through.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story of Tyrell and Dani!

They are friends who shared a tragedy, and were reunited a couple years later at Nolan. Dani was looking to move forward from the past and Tyrell was happy to help her. But the more time they spent together looking for the perfect match for each other, the stronger their feelings grew.

Moving forward proved to be difficult for both of them due to perceived feelings of guilt, as well as lingering trauma. After learning to let go and get help, they are able to move forward together and follow their dreams together.

Definitely gets the feelings stirred, but the love they have for each other overcomes and makes you root for them to find their happily ever after.

[Nati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dani and Tyrell’s life changed forever with Atlas’s death two years. He was his best friend and her boyfriend. Trying to go on with her life and date again p, Dani is starting over in Nolan. When she bumps with Tyrell, they reconnect and are set to help each other find love. But what if they had already found each other? Intense, emotional and full of love.

[Shae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow just wow! This book was so powerful. Dani and Tyrell are friends from high school who lost someone very close to them in a horrific way. They both have yet to fully move on from it. They end up reconnecting when Dani moves to Nolan and run into Ty one night. They both decide they are going to find the other person their perfect partner and end up falling for each other. This book is a roller coaster of emotions but it’s truly worth all the heartfelt moments, the growth of these two characters, and all the laughs.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute perfection, once again! I just loved all of the football frat guys. I loved Tyrell so much and Dani was perfect for him. I liked how they had a history with each other and the reconnect in a new way was fantastic. I also loved getting to hear/see how the previous couples were doing!

[Tina Salem · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brings out so many emotions. It is good to see how the characters develop and how they help each other heal through out the book. Great story of love and loss.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a huge fan of this author! Great writing!

[Leanne ~ Tales From The Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can feel this series winding down and I've loved all the characters, their partners, kids and falling in love.
Dani and Atlas along with Tyrell were close during highschool. Tyrell left for college and Atlas passed away. Dani left town a broken young woman.
It's been a couple of years now and it's time to move on...or is it? Dani and Tyrell had quite the journey finding dates for each other until they realised what was right in front of them.
Could they make it work or is the ghost of Atlas still in their lives.

This was a wonderful romance, a story of love and healing. It's bittersweet with these characters all growing up and about to enter life after college. The epilogue was wonderful and I can't wait to see their lives in the near distant future.

[Amanda Prince · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book. I hate to say it, but it took me longer to get into this one than any of the others. Throughout the last four books, Tyrell felt like an afterthought character but I’m glad we are finally getting to know more about him. This story immediately tugs on your heart at the first page. I hate that Tyrell blamed himself for Atlas’s death. It was a gook book and I can’t wait for the final installment.

[A.Onstad · Rating 4 out of 5]

So sad to end the series, but I can’t wait for the epilogue book in February. She is amazing at those! I’m also sooooo ready for Nix’s story. 😊

[Maddie (Bookaholic_Dreamer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/4 ⭐️

Author Katy Archer is back with the newest and final release from her Nolan U Football series.
Book 5 The Perfect Play has us following senior Tyrell ‘Ty’ Jackson, the Center for Nolan U Football team and his dead Best Friend’s Ex Dani Hill through the telling of dual POVs.

The overall story was good and had moments throughout that made me enjoy it and find Tyrell and Dani’s storyline a pleasant read.
From seeing Tyrell and Dani’s friendship reignite and unfold through their journey, that was showcased within the double dates as well as Tyrell’s protectiveness that had him coming to Dani’s rescue when needed. It was sweet and beautiful to read about.
All the while allowing for growth to be had, considering the shared loss and trauma bonding that connected them to one another.
Yet simultaneously it led to them as individuals, as well as together having to venture through the emotional ride when facing the past and learning to overcome it in order to heal and finally move on.

When it came to showcasing that particular journey, author Katy did a great job in laying it out there. Seeing it unfold through both Tyrell and Dani’s eyes, considering the different views due to the different relationship the two shared with Atlas.
It’s what made the Slow Burn to the unfolding of their relationship feel all the more realistic, allowing it to play out slowly with great detail through the many ups and downs, given where they both stood.
Especially Dani, considering Atlas was her first and only.

Again it was nice to see the inclusion of both their friends and family. Particularly from the Football Frat house and their partners. Seeing the close knit family grow even closer was heartwarming, even more so with how they were all there for Tyrell in his time of need.
Seeing the faces of some new characters from Dani’s found family that were her roommates was nice and funny too, given the laughter they bought to the table.
Hopefully it won’t be the last we see of them.

While I did enjoy the book in the end, I can’t deny for some reason the story did take me quite some time to actually connect. Nearly 40% to be exact.
My attention just seemed to wane in and out, causing me to step away from the book a few times.

There were some things that I wasn’t the big fan of and sort of annoyed me when reading.
Given the inconsistency of its usage, I couldn’t help but be annoyed by Tyrell’s nickname ‘Black Jack’ by Dani. In one sentence Dani would call him by his nickname and the next his actual name, only to go back again. Then there were times she would go without using it for quite some time, only to then randomly throw it in again out of the blue. I guess it also didn’t help that I wasn’t the fan of his nickname as well.
What I found even more weird and odd was Tyrell never once mentioned how his nickname came to be or even acknowledged his nickname when Dani first used it. Instead we only hear about it from Dani’s side.
When compared to the other characters, I didn’t understand why their nicknames were never used as much as Tyrell’s was in his book. Was it to remind us that his character was a POC? Given how the 'Black' in the nickname was in referral to his colour. And if this was the case, I don’t recall anything like this in Grady’s story seeing as his character was a POC too.

Another issue was the use of ‘Boy’.
Hearing Tyrell’s parents use it seemed random, seeing as majority of Tyrell’s interactions with his parents it was never used. Not until close towards the very end in their final interaction together, where it just seemed to be thrown in. IMO it could have done without, especially since it felt very impersonal with no emotion to it, which was the opposite of how Tyrell's parents were.

Given my issues, I can’t deny that it made the story hard to read at times, since I couldn’t help but critique it one too many times.
However the moments I did like, on top of my love for Tyrell's character who definitely ended up being a top favourite characters from Nolan U Football series for me.
It made The Perfect Play a pleasant read, having enjoyed seeing Tyrell and Dani’s emotional journey that slowly healed their pain and grow from the trauma bond, all the while slowly bringing them together. It was heartfelt, warm and beautiful.
Plus it was great to see that both characters were POC, as opposed to just one.


*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Lauren Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! I can’t believe another story has come to a close at the Football Frat. I absolutely LOVED Tyrell and Dani as characters individually, together as a couple, and as an overall part of the beloved football family we have come to know at Nolan U.

These two together were so great. Tied together by a tragic incident in their pasts, they learn how to make amends with their grief and move on (but not without some growing pains of course). Katy does a wonderful job bringing such a tough topic to light in a sensitive, honest, and powerful way. The inner dialogue and struggle that both Tyrell and Dani face provides insight to the reader in a way that allowed me to grow closer with both characters. Watching them face their fears and overcome some of the largest obstacles they have faced both individually and as a couple had me swooning and cheering for them from the beginning.

I absolutely love their love and even though there were many ups and downs, tears of joy, frustration, and sadness, this book had me feeling all the feels from page one. I didn’t want their story to end, but I’m for where it’s going and where it will lead them.

Thank you, Katy, for creating and sharing another Nolan U couple that truly shows what “found family” means in the toughest of times and how with the best of friends and greatest support, the most difficult challenges (even when it’s ourself) can be overcome to help us learn and grow individually and together.

I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the February Christmas celebration with this crew. From their kids running wild together, to the fun and witty banter amongst the adults, I’m excited for where each of these couples will be and what they’ve been up to.

[Sophie Sinclair · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Perfect Play Arc by Katy Archer🏈⭐️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My first read of December and what a way to start!! This one was an amazing read, so fun, so unique and an all round amazing romance read to start the month.

Tyrell and Dani (the main characters) have a special place in my heart🥹 They both have been through so much alone and together, it really makes you have a soft spot for them.

I was a bit hesitant going into this book as I was unsure on the tropes that this book included and I’ll admit that I wasn’t sure how Dani and Tyrell would unite due to past events which are revealed when you read the book🤭(no spoilers here) but when they did, they made perfect sense together.

I feel like this book was really special as it’s unique and there’s no love story that I’ve ever read like it. It was heartwarming and sometimes heartbreaking but at the same time it was suspenseful, gripping and filled with tension which I love in a romance book!!

I love the way Katy executed this book as she was able to create an amazing romance read as well as including real-life scenarios that can create bumps in the road. I feel like my main takeaway from this book is what’s meant for you will find you and you won’t be able to ignore it.

Thank you Katy for another amazing arc and I can’t wait for the next one as always!!!!Being on your review team really is the best🫶🏻🥹

The Perfect Play is coming to Amazon on December 9th! You don’t want to miss it☺️

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tyrell and Dani knew each other when they were kids. Brought together by Tyrell’s best friend and Dani’s boyfriend, Atlas. Until two years ago, after a tragic accident, Atlas passed away.

Dani Hill is looking for a new start. New surroundings. And ready to start dating again. The last person she expected to run into is her ex’s best friend, Tyrell Jackson. Who is a reminder of everything she lost two years ago.

Tyrell Jackson is very much a silent knight in shiny armor. He puts everyone before himself. He is surrounded by four happy and very in love couples and is ready to fall in love himself.

This is a beautiful story about grief and healing. Tyrell and Dani carry so much blame for what happened two years ago. They both feel guilty for moving on, especially with each other. The slow burn was addictive. Especially when they agreed to help each other find someone to date. Completely ignoring the fact that the people they were describing were each other. All of their friends could see what they didn’t want to acknowledge. Until they did!

Can’t wait to catch up with the Football Frat group in 10 years in the series epilogue.

I recommend the whole series and the Nolan U Hockey series (still have to finish Baxter’s story and the series epilogue). I look forward to the Nolan U Basketball series next year. We’ve already met most of the couples, but can’t wait to read their stories.

Thank you, Katy Archer, for this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions, and a review.

[Closet Romance Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy emotional roller coaster ride!! The Perfect Play was the fifth book in Katy’s Nolan U Football series and can be read as a stand-alone but you should check the rest of the series out if you haven’t! It had all the emotions, angst, and did I say emotions??

Tyrell and Dani knew each other years ago when they shared a mutual friend. Atlas was his best friend and Dani’s end game, but Atlas had been gone for years. So why did thinking about her moving on from Atlas hurt both of them still? Could they help each other find their next chapters?

Oh man, be prepared. I had tears streaming down my face multiple times! The storyline was so raw you could feel both their heartache and hesitation. I am so glad that they had each other!! It was sweet to see them work through something that no one can prepare themselves for. I can’t wait to see how everyone’s lives pan out years later!!

[Kim Gauger · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute read

A read that is emotionally charged filled with leftover grief and healing. Good storyline and written well. Lots of chemistry and heat. I enjoyed it.

[Alisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grab the Kleenex!

This is a beautifully written story full of emotions, vulnerability and healing. It ripped my heart apart and put it back together again. I adored Dani and Tyrell. Their connection and chemistry were truly special.

[Gabsss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so sweet! Def sad to finish the series but can’t wait for the next book & the next series!

[Theresse (Tess) Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

❀ “He wasn’t me. That’s what was wrong with him. That’s what’s wrong with all the guys you’ve been dating. None of them are me.”♡

♡❀♡---ARC Review---❀♡❀

I went into this book thinking I had a decent idea of what Tyrell and Dani’s story might look like, mainly from the sneak peek at the end of The Illicit Play and the teaser on the cover, but I wasn’t prepared for how emotionally raw and deeply human their journey would be. What struck me most was how beautifully Katy Archer handled the subject of grief. This wasn’t a story about two people magically fixing each other; it was about two individuals learning to navigate loss in their own ways while slowly finding comfort in one another. The emotional authenticity was so apparent, especially in the way Archer allowed Tyrell and Dani to move through the same stages of grief but in completely different ways. It made everything feel grounded, real, and genuinely moving.

❀“You can’t heal someone else. You can help, if they let you, but it’s ultimately up to them.”♡

Tyrell, for his part, was such an unexpectedly soft and sweet MMC. He embodied the “good guy” archetype in the best possible way: steadfast, patient, and kind without ever becoming bland or one-note. Dani, on the other hand, was someone I constantly wanted to reach through the page and hug. Watching the two of them rebuild their connection, from “strangers”, to tentative friends, to something much deeper, was one of the most gratifying aspects of the book. Their “find each other the perfect date” arrangement was adorable and flowed so naturally into their eventual romance. The only part that gave me pause was how quickly the physical side of their relationship unfolded; given Dani’s past, I expected a slower build, though Archer does have the characters acknowledge the pacing.

♡“He’s a safe bet. No, more than that…he’s a grand prize.”❀

One smaller detail that stood out to me (though it didn’t impact my rating) was how often Tyrell’s race was referenced (mainly by his nickname), especially compared to how rarely Dani’s appearance came up. It wasn’t offensive or poorly intended, just something that felt a bit more noticeable than necessary. Similarly, I do wish we’d seen Tyrell reflect on the “Black Jack” nickname, especially since it originated with Atlas; it felt like the kind of detail that would naturally spark some emotion or memory for him.

❀“I’m whole on my own, but I’m not complete. And I’m pretty sure there’s only one person who can fill that space. Or at least one person that I want to fill that space.”♡

Still, despite those minor points, I really enjoyed their story. Surprisingly, I even enjoyed the third-act breakup; it was handled incredibly well. Dani’s growth during their time apart, along with the cemetery scene, delivered some of the most heartfelt moments in the entire book. I’ve followed this series from the beginning, and while I’m sad to say goodbye to the Football Frat crew, I loved the way Archer wrapped up each storyline. Now I’m counting down the days until the Football Frat “Christmas” special, and absolutely itching to dive into whatever the Basketball Base Series has in store next.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Spice: 1.5/5

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tropes:
♡ Mutual Grief/Healing ❀
❀ Friends to Lovers ♡
♡ Best Friend’s Ex ❀
❀ Slow Burn ♡

♡ “No what-ifs. We can’t do that to ourselves. We have to live in the what is. And what is…What is…is that I love you.” ❀

[Stephanie Chapin · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review of The Perfect Play Book 5 in the Nolan U Football Series by Katy Archer. This book is part of an interconnected series but can be read as a standalone. I absolutely love the Nolan U series. I always love Katy's writing her books have so much feeling all her characters are so complex and have so much depth I always find them so relatable which makes me love the stories even more. This is a 5 star read for me. I love this book, it gave me all the feels there is so much emotion. There are so many heart felt moments in this book. This book broke my heart and put it back together. I love the found family of the football team and their girls and how they are all best friends and there for each other and support each other. It is a story about love, friendship, grief and loss and learning how to move forward and live and love after unimaginable loss. This is a slow burn, spicy, friends to lovers, mutual grief, best friends ex, college football romance. This is Dani and Tyrell’s story. Tyrell is a football player on the Nolan U Football team. Dani recently transferred to Nolan U. Tyrell is so sweet and such a good guy all of his friends have found their person and he’s ready to find his. Dani and Tyrell are connected by grief and a tragic accident when they lost Atlas who was Tyrell’s best friend and Dani’s boyfriend. My heart hurts for Dani and all she goes through it’s been 2 years since she lost Atlas and she is trying to move on and start dating again. Her date goes horrible she tells Tyrell he feels guilty and has mixed feelings about Dani moving on but can’t stand to see her so sad and upset and would rather her be with a good decent guy than someone who doesn’t deserve her so he decides to help her find someone to date by going on double dates with her. Spending time together again they realize they have feelings for each other they are both still grieving and dealing with it in different ways but are finding their way and moving forward toward healing. I love Tyrell and Dani together I love that they are there for each other and can help each other heal and I love their HEA they deserve it. I highly recommend this book

[Angela Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, did Katy Archer pull out all the emotional stops on this one! Dani and Tyrell’s story is full of all the angst, uncertainty, and heartache that goes along with coping with a loss of a loved one. But there’s also compassion, hope, and a love that walks through fire and comes out the other side stronger.

Dani feels broken and is trying to cope the best way she knows how…with a change of scenery and the determination to move on with her life. Her plans didn’t include running into Ty, however, nor the fact seeing him would stir up what she’d tried to forget. I like that she has grit, whether she realizes it or not. I also admire her bravery in finding the strength to overcome the harsh knocks she’s been dealt and to persevere despite the pain.

Tyrell is a man who wears his heart on his sleeve. Even though he’s fighting his own demons, I love how he’s willing to put Dani’s needs before his own. But him realizing his own happiness is important too was a definite high five moment. He’s so selfless and caring, you can’t help but fall in love with him.

The two together are a salve to the soul; hope and healing rolled into one. Simply put, they’re meant to be, and it’s so satisfying when they finally come together.

In true Nolan U fashion, the found family of Football Frat was there to not only provide support, but a swift kick in the rear when needed. And I loved the addition of Dani’s friends and their entire dynamic. They were a welcome breath of fresh air and instantly made you want to hang out with them.

In case you haven’t guessed, The Perfect Play was the perfect continuation to a wonderful series!

[Laure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grief and moving on.

This is Dani's and Tyrell's story. Dani was his best friend's girl, but Atlas died two years ago, and Dani needs his help. That is what he tells himself as he reaches out to find a nice guy for Dani to date, but he is coming to realize that he doesn't want her to date anyone but him. He just needs to figure out how to tell her. Dani moved to Nolan to escape the painful memories of Atlas her first love and she thought, her one and only, until he wasn't. When she decided that two years was long enough to grieve and that she ready to find someone else she never expected Tyrell to come back into her life, or that after they finally decided to try dating each other, that her feelings for him could be so powerful. They were finding their way, but one night at a celebration, the night turns into a nightmare for Dani, and her unresolved guilt over Atlas's death drives a wedge between them.

While this is a steamy love story, it is also about grief, survivor's guilt, and the struggle of these two young people to move on from the guilt they both feel over the death of someone that meant a great deal to them. This book made me cry, so keep a box of tissues close. These are wonderfully well written and complex characters that struggle with what they both consider their failure to save someone they both loved, and their guilt over the feelings they develop for each other. This is a fantastic book that gave me all the feels, and with some unexpected twists and a happily ever after I think this is a must-read book that I will happily recommend to any reader.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by the author.

[Lisa Truong · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful written story between Dani and Tyrell. They went from being friends to lovers. Tyrell and Dani unexpectedly bumped into each other in Nolan a couple years later after the death of Atlas. Atlas was Tyrell's childhood best friend and Dani was his girlfriend. They were having a hard time dealing with their grief after Atlas died and the memory of him haunted them constantly. Dani and Tyrell were trying to help each other to move on by trying to play matchmaker with other people and going on double dates so they can find the "right one. As they kept spending time with each other, Unknowingly, they started to develop feelings for one another, but guilt was always on their mind. They were trying to fight against their feelings and believed it would be a betrayal against Atlas and his memory if they ended up being together. Doubts, guilt, hesitancy, grief, anger, and hurt kept getting in their way to be happy together. It was hard for both of them to forgive themselves of what happened to Atlas and to accept they are not at fault. The death trauma has took a heavy toll on them mentally but their love is what helped them healed again and to move on forward with their happy future.

[Marsha Graniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Perfect Play is such a heartbreaking story of Childhood friends/best friend's girl. This is a sports romance of Tyrell and Dani, filled with rekindled moments and unexpected feelings. Dani has been through a lot after her boyfriend passed. She thought a second chance in Nolan U would help. Turns out, Tyrell, her boyfriend's best friend, welcomes her and help her get her life back. I love how they have this easy friendship, and it slowly develops into something more. I love how they are both protective of one another and also how they try to help each other in life. Their story is heartbreaking when the past enters, and they work it out the best way they can. I just love how understanding and patient Tyrell is and he is willing to wait for Dani. I also love how they followed their dreams and found their HEA. I can't wait to read more of the Nolan U boys and girls.

I voluntarily leave an honest review of this gifted advance readers copy.

[Frankie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katy, you really had the happy and sad tears flowing with this one!

The Perfect Play is book 5 in the Nolan U Football series. Not only is it a college sports romance, but it's also such a powerful story about grieving, moving forward, healing and finding forgiveness in yourself.

Dani and Tyrell's story is an emotional one, so get your tissues ready. Both are holding a lot of regret, and each blames themselves for the loss of someone close to them.
The connection between these two was perfect. I loved watching them reconnect as friends, but also slowly realise that there's more to their relationship than just friendship. The love these two share for each other is nothing short of beautiful.

[TheBookishK9RN · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helping His Best Friend’s Ex Find Love… Until He Realizes He Wants Her Himself

Rating: ★★★★☆
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Tropes: Best friend’s ex, slow burn, grief, friends-to-lovers, sweet college football romance

Review:
He promised his best friend—now gone—that he’d look out for Dani. Helping her date again seemed innocent enough… until every setup feels wrong because none of those guys are him. As the truth of Atlas’s death settles and guilt loosens its grip, new feelings rise.
What works: Soft chemistry, emotional vulnerability, and a gentle progression from support to love.
What might not: Low drama; very character-driven.
A sweet, healing romance about moving forward without letting go of the past.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐️

Tyrell has kind of been in the background throughout the series, like a forgotten character that just gets mentioned sometimes, so it was nice for him to get his moment to shine.

This book did a great job at showing love after loss, the grief, the guilt, the trauma and learning from it. We saw it from both Dani and Tyrell, both blamed themselves for Atlas’ death, Dani’s first boyfriend and Tyrell’s best friend, but Dani’s journey was a lot more emotional. She needed to learn about herself first before she could really take that big jump of getting into another relationship. Their journey is a bumpy rollercoaster, but they find their way back to each other in the end.

~ARC Review

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a page turner for sure, I've noticed that Katy Archer books are usually just so easy to get sucked into. I had to force myself to put this one down to actually sleep. This is a matchmaker "I'll find the perfect person for you " type of romance very Polin IYKYK. Dani and Tyrell are both coming to terms with a death to them and some of the scenes made me tear up but I also just love the Nolan University series because you get characters that you fell in love with without cliffhangers. Plus the most adorable Zoey scenes with her uncles