The Holiday Play

by Katy Archer

It’s time for the annual Football Frat Christmas celebration… and this year, it lands on Valentine’s Day as well, but can these lovers steal a few moments for romance in a house packed full of chaos and some very strong-willed children?

No one said navigating parenthood and the world beyond college would be easy, and each of the Nolan U Football couples is experiencing this firsthand.

Zander is busy trying to figure out what’s up with his wife, Sienna, while also dealing with a very rude and sulky Zoey. Meanwhile, Sienna is reeling over an unwelcome advance from her personal trainer and trying to figure out how to let her protective husband know she was hit on.

As Wily laments the end of his football career, he’s trying to figure out what to do with his future, while Elizabeth quietly yearns to get out of the busy city and raise her five children in a small town. But how does she tell her husband that when he’s just been offered an amazing coaching opportunity?

Carson and Nylah are at odds over what to do with a large sum of money they’ve just inherited. Can she convince her stubborn husband that he’s more than capable of raising their family and turning his dream business into a reality?

Blake is struggling to cope with parenting her two little girls—one angel and one troublemaker—while Grady is desperately trying to bring a little order and discipline into their chaotic lives.

Meanwhile, Tyrell and Dani are stuck at an airport in Singapore, trying to get back in time for the Football Frat Christmas and wondering if their nomadic lifestyle is still worth pursuing with a fussy six-month old who just won’t settle.

This weekend reunion looks to be falling apart, but can they pull it together in the nick of time and still celebrate their love for each other?

Find out in this sweet and spicy epilogue novel, written for Katy's die-hard Football Frat fans with all her love ❤️

Genres: Sports Romance, Football

ebook

Published February 14, 2026

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

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

It's 10 years later and the entire football frat are gathering on Valentines day, partners and children will fill this hired mansion. I don't know why but I'm sad, I wanted them to be young forever lol.

This story is told in multiple POVs, each section covering a different player or family.
A small drama ensues, will everyone be ok? Tantrums from teens to toddlers creating chaos and finally a fake Christmas and presents, made for a very noisy house.

We can now look forward to the next Gen coming in the future. The children growing up and having their own lives and issues and love.

[Shae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is set 10 years after the end of The Perfect Play and showing all 5 couples and where they are now. Let me tell you this did not disappoint! I loved seeing all the guys be dads some to a whole tribe. Their dynamics and everything going on is still so close knit. She even gave Zoey some POVs which I thought was just perfect. I cannot wait to get to the next gen series she has coming next year!

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect extended epilogue!

I loved everything about his book. It was great to catch up with all the couples. I enjoyed seeing them as parents and watching how they supported each other and their kids. I can't wait for the second generation series! I am hoping that we will get a reverse age gap story with Zoey and Dominic.

[Madie Gines · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved getting a glimpse into football frat and their futures.

[A.Onstad · Rating 4 out of 5]

NO ONE WRITES EPILOGUE BOOKS LIKE KATY ARCHER!! I just love seeing them sort through their struggles after so many years together. I’m DYING for Zoey’s book. I’m putting my hope in now for her and Dom ❤️❤️❤️❤️

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

The Holiday Play is the finale to Nolan U Football series by Katy Archer.
Book 6 takes place 10 years later and has us following each of the couples through multiple POVs.

Even though through the multiple journeys showcased, author Katy had us navigating within each couples current lives. She still made sure to fill in the gaps by allowing us to learn about what occurred for Zander and Sienna, Carson and Nylah, Wily and Satch, Grady and Blake and Tyrell and Dani’s after leaving Nolan U to go on their separate ways and how it led them to living their current lives.
And considering the story was told in multiple POVs, it allowed even more further insight with being able to hear and see it from both partners within the couples. And learn how it was for each of them to navigate their new lives.

Since the Nolan U Football series wouldn’t be what it was without the Found Family aspect. Author Katy made sure to show that it was very much alive and kicking, seeing as the story revolves around them all coming together.
It was definitely nice to see that their bond was still very much there and keeping strong with all the love, care and respect they still had for one another upon their latest reunion.
In those moments it led to entertainment from the laughter it brought forth with seeing the interactions between the adults and the kids, while giving off warm, sweet and cute feels, particularly when seeing the dynamics between all the different families and how they were there for one another and helping each other out. Especially in the time of need when a crisis arose.

Despite The Holiday Play being an enjoyable read, there were a couple of complaints for me.
One being regardless of Tyrell and Dani’s situation, it would’ve been nice to hear from them more since there wasn’t enough chapters from their perspective in comparison to the other couples.
Which brings me to my other complaint, where one of the POVs was from a second generation character, something I would’ve preferred less of since not only will they be getting a story in the next generation spin off series.
But seeing as this was more about the first generation, with being an end to their series, to me it took away from having more chapters from the main characters instead. Especially those who hardly had any POV chapters to begin with.

All in all, Author Katy Archer did a good job with The Holiday Play.
It made for an enjoyable read, giving holiday vibes with found family feels from seeing two generations come together and celebrate.
All the while giving updates into each of the couples lives and their family post Nolan U, which was nice to see and catch up on.



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

[Stephanie Chapin · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review of The Holiday Play Book 6 in the Nolan U Football Series by Katy Archer. This book is an epilogue book about all 5 couples from the series. This is definitely a 5 star read for me I love this whole series and this book was the perfect conclusion. I absolutely loved seeing where all the Nolan U Football Frat couples are now and where they are at in life and seeing them with their growing families. This book is set 10 years after the couples have left Nolan U and I love how it’s told in alternating POV’S  and everyone gets a turn even Zoey who is Zander and Sienna’s daughter who is a teenager now. All the couples and their families are getting together for their annual Christmas celebration that actually falls on Valentine’s Day this year. I am in love with this found family these football guys and their woman have made when they were in college and how much they are there for each other and love each other and that they still get together and are family even with everything going on in their busy lives. I love catching up with all these couples and how relatable this book is all these couples are going through different things and stages some good some tough all just real life things. It gave me all the feels it had me smiling and laughing because all these families are hilarious. It really is the perfect ending. I can’t wait for Nolan U Basketball Series next and then the next generation because I love all the Nolan U couples kids. I highly recommend this series

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Football Frat family and their kids are gathering this Valentine’s Day for their annual Football Frat Christmas. With all 5 couples and all their kids under one roof. There is chaos, drama, laughs, and a lot of love.

I loved catching up with all the couples and getting to know all of their kids. Katy did a beautiful job showing that no family is perfect, the struggles of raising kids, differences in parenting styles, and putting in effort with your relationship. The kids range from 10 weeks old to 14 years old, all with their own unique personalities. Some are wild and full of energy, and some are quiet and reserved. They were so fun, and I personally saw myself in Harley, Carson, and Nylah’s sensitive and quiet twin. It’s no surprise Uncle Wily and Aunt Blake are the kids’ favorites. In addition to all the 5 couples having a POV, we get Zoey’s POV. The teen angst is strong with this one, and Zander is struggling seeing his little girl grow up.

I loved seeing that no matter what life throws at these couples, they are always supportive and come out stronger. This group’s bonds are strong, and their kids are creating their own bonds within the found family. I loved seeing that Zoey and Wily’s bond is still the same; it was one of my favorites since The Forever Play.

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

[Lauren Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome back to Nolan U! It was SO great being back and getting a glimpse into where the football guys all are.

Seeing how these couples have continued to grow and mature both as individuals and together was amazing. They’ve taken on new life roles and new career roles, and each one had me cheering for them all over again. It was just great to see that while they have changed, the characters I came to know and love through the series are still just as present but making themselves known in a different way while navigating life and its obstacles.

They are all just as close, just as loving, just as connected, and just as I remember-a family. It was so great to see them all again, and the new additions who are bringing their own forms of chaos and takes on life. I can’t wait for another generation of these characters. They have stories that stuck with me and getting to see how their own stories impacted them was great. Thanks for another great chapter, Katy 🥰

[Marsha Graniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Holiday Play is a glimpse into the lives of the Football guys of Nolan U and their love ones!! I love seeing how their lives are years after college. I love how even through the tough times, they come together and celebrate Valentine and Football Christmas together. All of their lives is in some sort of complications, but each family work through it and try to come to an understanding. I also love seeing the personalities of their kids and how they are similar to their parents. This book gave me all the feels with the struggle, unexpected moments, emotional scares and forever love. I really love going back into Nolan U and seeing the football family back together. I can’t wait to read the next series.

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

[Closet Romance Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply amazing!! Loved getting all the updates on everyone I have fallen in love with throughout the series!! The Holiday Play was the sixth book in Katy’s Nolan U Football series. It must be read in order so you don’t spoil anything!! It was full of sweet moments, love, and all the craziness this found family brings to the scene.

The Football Frat Christmas celebration was almost upon the group but would everyone make it? Fate seemed to be playing with them all, but with a little determination anything was possible.

Ahh!!! This was everything wrapped up with a pretty little bow! Katy really knew we weren’t done with this group. Truth be told, I wasn’t ready to say goodbye again. Fingers crossed for a second generation!!

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet

This was phenomenal. Katy really knows how to tie characters together and make them family. It's beautifully wrapped up these strong people as individuals and groups.

Learning about where they've gone and what they've become over a ten year time period.

I also love that Zoey got a voice to share in the story. I truly enjoyed this weekend peek into the Football Frat's lives.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot tell you how much I loved this book! Getting to read about all of the couples and their families, how they've grown, and any struggles is the best. I really loved a lot of the inner mom dialogue from our females and seeing these very real thoughts/feelings they were having. I am going to Love Love Love the Next Gen books in the future, I can already tell!

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was like one big epilogue 10 years later. Only one small problem…I need more!

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

♡ “We don’t want anyone else. Just you. And I believe in you. I believe in us and what we can achieve together.” - Nylah ❄

❄♡❄---ARC Review---♡❄♡

I absolutely adored getting to return to these characters after their initial HEAs, and seeing how their lives unfolded made this feel like a true love letter to the series. From the first pages, it was clear that the found family dynamic remained the emotional backbone of the story. The fact that the group kept their shared tradition alive for an entire decade was incredibly meaningful and reinforced the idea that these bonds were meant to last forever.

♡ “You are fire, baby. You’ll always be my blue flame.” - Zander ❄

Even with such a strong focus on tradition and family, the book still made room to explore how each couple’s relationship evolved over time. Katy did a great job showing their day-to-day lives and the realities of marriage and parenthood without making anything feel overly dramatic or off-limits. The relationships felt lived-in, honest, and grounded in history rather than manufactured conflict.

❄ “I just need her to know that she’s just as special and important, even if her light shines a different color to everyone else’s.” - Blake ♡

One genuine surprise was the inclusion of Zoey’s POV. Her teenage sass added humor and a fresh perspective, and it was fun seeing how the next generation viewed the tight-knit family dynamic. That said, there were moments where her chapters felt slightly disconnected from the emotional core of the original group.

♡ “He can be a stubborn ass when he wants to be. But he’s my stubborn ass and I adore him. Every single inch of him.” - Dani ❄

I appreciated that the story never relied on illicit drama to carry the plot, even when things got bumpy. Instead, the focus stayed on connection, growth, and the lasting impact of shared history. The authenticity in how love, marriage, and raising children were portrayed made the story feel deeply satisfying. Overall, this book was a perfect celebration of the series and the relationships readers have grown attached to. Watching these characters continue to grow, love, and play their roles within such a strong found family was a joy from start to finish.

❄ “Man, I don’t care what the f*ck she calls herself as long as it’s mine. My woman. My wife.” - Tyrell ♡

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

Spice: 2.5/5

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

Tropes:
♡ Found Family ❄
❄ 10 Years After HEA ♡
♡ Multi POV ❄
❄ Family Chaos ♡

♡ “No matter what friction there might be between us, what crisis we face in a day…she owns my heart and soul.” - Grady ❄

[Amanda Prince · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book and am doing an honest review in return. I love how this wasn't all sunshine and rainbows like most epilogue novels are. Zander is still playing football and being the overprotective dad towards Zoey. He and Zoey get into a fight when he catches her kissing a guy, and she ends up saying some not-so-nice things to Sienna, which gets her grounded for the weekend. Sienna is dealing with her personal trainer kissing her against her will and is unsure of how to tell Zander.
Wiley is officially no longer playing football due to recurring knee injuries, and he decides he wants to be a stay-at-home dad to their five kids and have Satch finally put her degree to use.
Carson is still dealing with his insecurities and self-doubt. His father has passed away and left him with a large sum of money with the clause that he has to spend it on something he enjoys. Nylah tries to convince him to open his own garage, but he doesn't believe that he could actually do it.
Blake and Grady are struggling to agree on their parenting styles. Blake doesn't want their girls to have a childhood like hers and has a hard time telling them no. When her youngest and one of Carson and Nylah's twins goes missing, she realizes that sometimes she has to put her foot down. Down.
Tyrell and Dani are stuck at an airport across the world, trying to get back on time. They realize that they don't have to travel as much, and they even get engaged on the plane. They eventually make it with one night to spare.

[Angela Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t love this more! Getting a glimpse into the future lives of the Nolan U characters was so much fun!

Told in alternating POVs, we’re gifted an intimate look at what everyone has been up to for the past ten years. Some of it is amazing and some is just, well, life. I love that the author added in a few new issues for the couples to face and overcome. It’s a great way to show that even though two people may be perfect for each other, it doesn’t mean everything is sunshine and roses all the time. It’s a nice dose of reality in this fictional world, and since the characters are so well written, I daresay every reader will defend their “real” status. Does it mean the romance and the “Calgon take me away” feeling a good book brings are lost? Nope. IMO, it cements it because nothing’s more satisfying than when love stands the test of time and conquers all.

Catching up with the Football Frat gang was like getting warm hugs from old friends. The fun dynamic between the characters is as strong as ever, as is the mutual friendship, respect, and love.

The Holiday Play was the perfect way to check in and bask in all the warm, fuzzy feelings the series instilled. How fun would it be if the author let us check in on the characters again, even further into the future? That’s a very (not) subtle hint. Though rumor is, we may be getting just that with some next gen fun. Can’t wait!

[Sophie Sinclair · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Holiday Play By Katy Archer🥹🏈

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What a way to end the series, I got emotional finishing it as I didn’t want it to end🥲

This book was the perfect way to end the Nolan U football series, and the way Katy executed this was amazing. This book was 284 pages long, which is on the shorter side for a romance book, but I thought it was the perfect length and included everything it had to. Quality over quantity 🫶🏻

This is my first 5 star read in a while but I feel like for this book 5 stars is an understatement.

The Holiday Play is the perfect read for Valentine’s Day. Throughout The Holiday Play, the main characters from each book meet up on Valentine’s weekend to host a late Christmas weekend for the couples and children to celebrate the holidays together.

Reading this book really solidified the amazing chemistry and love stories that we have seen throughout this series. You can tell Katy Archer has really thought out the plan for each character, individually, in their relationships and in their children. This was a really amazing book and I’m sad the series is over… but I’m so excited for Nolan U Basketball🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻 Thankfully by the looks of things Katy has many more books to come😁

Don’t miss this perfect Valentine’s Day read! The ebook is out on the 14th of February!

[Frankie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good finale for Katy's Nolan U Football series, a fun mix of Christmas and Valentine's Day vibes that takes place 10 years after The Perfect Play.

We get to see all our favourite characters from Football Frat Family, along with their children, who each have their own wild personalities. We get POV's from all the main couples, plus one extra, which tops it all off and makes this an amazing read - we get to see things from Zoey's POV now that shes all grown up!

I adored being able to see how these characters' futures and lives turned out, and Katy did an incredible Job and showing that life isn't always perfect after the Initial HEA, that there are struggles to adulthood and raising a family. But she also shows us that no matter what they go through, their bonds remain stronger than ever and that these couples can get through anything life throws at them.

Loved that there was so much more to this than just a holiday romance, yes, there were those cosy aspects we all love in Holiday Novellas, but this one has a storyline that keeps you captivated, it's got Drama, tension, and it felt so raw and realistic.

Can't wait for Nolan U Basketball! This universe is becoming a comfort, and I can't wait to see what Katy has in store for us next.

[Laure · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been about ten years since they graduated from Nolan U but the boys, now men, of the football frat and their wives/girlfriends have kept their friendships strong throughout all the ups and downs life has thrown at them. With two of the men playing professional football, they started the tradition of an annual Christmas get together, which is impossible to have on Christmas because Wily and Zander usually have games during the holiday season. This year the only date they can all manage just happens to fall on Valentin’s Day.
I loved this book and as always, the characters are beautifully written, compelling, and incredibly realistic. A particularly enjoyed the kids and the way that the reality of traveling with so many kids in tow is such a daunting undertaking. Some interesting twists in this story kept me engaged in this book from the first page to the last. I highly recommend this book to other readers with the caveat that it is absolutely necessary to read the first five books in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by the author.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful ending to the football series. We got to catch up with all the characters lives ten years later to see where they all were. Even miles apart they are still such a strong family who when they get together it’s like no time has passed at all. Life isn’t always beautiful, but the people you share it with can make it all worth it. I loved seeing that even years later they still had ups and downs but were never short on love.

All of the football family comes together for a valentines/christmas celebration. There’s lessons learned, there’s character growth, and there is fun shenanigans. Everything I could ask for to close this chapter and move on to the baseball house.

I love seeing Zoey as a teenager, all angsty and brooding. It’s such a fun contrast to her younger years. She is my favorite of the kids and I can’t wait to see what is next for her.

[TheBookishK9RN · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chaotic, cozy, and packed with love in every direction

The Holiday Play by Katy Archer is the kind of reunion story that feels like walking into a house full of noise, kids, messy feelings, and couples who genuinely love each other—even when they’re driving each other insane.

This book is less about big romantic arcs and more about the reality of long-term relationships: miscommunication, stress, life changes, parenting overload, and the constant tug-of-war between “who we were” and “who we are now.” It’s domestic in a way that feels warm instead of boring, and the emotional beats land because they’re relatable.

What I enjoyed most is that every couple feels like they’re fighting for something real—connection, stability, time, understanding—not just a romantic moment. It’s chaotic, but it’s the kind of chaos that reads like family.

[My_Book_Quote Magallanes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katy Archer does it again giving us the ending to Nolan U Football we've been waiting for. Bringing all the guys and their woman together for Football Frat Christmas in February. We see the changing dynamics of each relationship, how they deal with the changes in their careers, relationships and with their children. As always spicing up the romance, rekindling the magic, and holding us captive with tragedy. Remind us that family is everything and these men and woman stand together always.
As well as giving us a new characters to fall in love with in future Nolan U: Gen 2 series and upcoming Nolan U Basketball.
After reading Nolan U Hockey and Nolan U Football i can wait to read more.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

The gang from the Football Frat have all grown up!

Ten years after leaving Nolan U, the group finds themselves navigating parenthood, life changes, career moves, and self development. Despite what may be happening in their lives, the group make it a priority to come together annually to keep their found family close.

I love the dynamic each couple continues to have, and how much they have grown together. Add their children to the mix, and it is a great story! I can’t wait to see what the next generation brings!

[Nati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coming back to the great people inform all frat house is the best. The friendship between all the bay and girls ten years after they parted ways is stronger and the one weekend a year they all spend together is the best. The way their lives are intertwined, their children and the choices they had made and that they will make bringing them together. A great ending to great series.

[Kristin Scearce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful way to close out this series! Seeing everyone together with their kids, celebrating the holidays as a huge found family while making further plans for the future, is so amazing. <3

5 stars

[Tina Salem · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the perfect conclusion to the Nolan U football series. Loved seeing them 10 years down the road. Katy brings these characters to life and you hate for the series to end but this was the perfect conclusion. It also has some teaser in it for the next couple of series.

[Elissa Billman · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

I adored this epilogue. I’d say it was perfect except the editing!! There were a few mistakes with spelling and grammar and that’s a huge pet peeve of mine. But I loved this so much. I’m gonna miss these families!

[Diana Rabatin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so glad there was a sixth book in this series! It answered quite a few of my questions that I was wondering. My favorite two characters were Lincoln and Wily I loved their stories.

[Lisa Truong · Rating 5 out of 5]

The football house family reunion was so good. This takes place in the future when most of them are married with kids and it brings a lot of chaos, laughters, memories, love, and a tight-knit family that will always be there for one another when one is in trouble. I love the fact that Zoe is now 14 years old and navigating through her teenage life. This book focuses on how each couple have their own struggles with career-changes, self-identity, dealing with kids' behavioral issues, and navigating through parenthood. It is not easy but with the love and support from their friends; they can overcome anything.