What do you think?
Play & Pretend
Single parent, Playboy, Both rugby players, Broken boy
395 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2026
About the author
Meghan Hollie
13 books258 followersMeghan is a British author living in East England with her husband, two children and their yappy dog.
You can find Meghan reading and escaping into fictional worlds or with her head in her laptop creating brand new ones for you all to enjoy.
She writes adult contemporary romance novels, with happily ever afters, swoony and sexy men and strong capable women with a sprinkle of spice.
Connect with Meghan on her social media:
https://www.tiktok.com/@authormeghanh...
https://www.instagram.com/meghanholli...
Website and newsletter sign up coming soon!
You can find Meghan reading and escaping into fictional worlds or with her head in her laptop creating brand new ones for you all to enjoy.
She writes adult contemporary romance novels, with happily ever afters, swoony and sexy men and strong capable women with a sprinkle of spice.
Connect with Meghan on her social media:
https://www.tiktok.com/@authormeghanh...
https://www.instagram.com/meghanholli...
Website and newsletter sign up coming soon!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
September 9, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A single mom book will hook me every time, especially when she’s falling for a playboy who is willing to change his ways for her and her kiddo. I was completely here for it!
I once again loved the found family aspect in this book. Jake was honestly top-tier. The way he showed up for Seren and Cai through it all had me swooning. Watching him go from playboy to completely down bad for his little family was so sweet.
If you’re looking for a sweet romance with a man who is absolutely gone for his woman and an adorable kiddo you can’t help but love, this one is for you!
A single mom book will hook me every time, especially when she’s falling for a playboy who is willing to change his ways for her and her kiddo. I was completely here for it!
I once again loved the found family aspect in this book. Jake was honestly top-tier. The way he showed up for Seren and Cai through it all had me swooning. Watching him go from playboy to completely down bad for his little family was so sweet.
If you’re looking for a sweet romance with a man who is absolutely gone for his woman and an adorable kiddo you can’t help but love, this one is for you!
September 16, 2026
This book was so good,The tropes and everything.
What you will find inside this book:
Single Mom Athlete X Reformed Playboy
Rugby Romance – they both play
Brother’s Best Friend
Forced Proximity
Found Family
Friends to Lovers
Dual POV
Open Door Romance
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
What you will find inside this book:
Single Mom Athlete X Reformed Playboy
Rugby Romance – they both play
Brother’s Best Friend
Forced Proximity
Found Family
Friends to Lovers
Dual POV
Open Door Romance
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
September 8, 2026
Such a cute and heartwarming read! I couldn’t stop squealing! I really love our bright, flirty, yet gentle golden retriever MMC, Jake 💛 and how he's down bad for her right from the start all the way to the end. He accepts Serene with all his heart, including Cai.
Can we talk about how precious Cai is, too, and how amazing his bond with Jake is? I'm melting!
Even when Jake has his own insecurities due to his sad past, he still tries his best and stays right there for Serene and Cai. I love him so much for that! 💛
And appreciation for Serene, too! She's AMAZING. As a single mom and a cool athlete, she tries so hard to balance her life in the midst of everything. It's so cool, and it gives us a glimpse into how hard it is to juggle a career especially as an athlete ; when you're a mom.
Also, I love the found family vibes here! Their team is amazing... the biggest supporters ever!!
Can we talk about how precious Cai is, too, and how amazing his bond with Jake is? I'm melting!
Even when Jake has his own insecurities due to his sad past, he still tries his best and stays right there for Serene and Cai. I love him so much for that! 💛
And appreciation for Serene, too! She's AMAZING. As a single mom and a cool athlete, she tries so hard to balance her life in the midst of everything. It's so cool, and it gives us a glimpse into how hard it is to juggle a career especially as an athlete ; when you're a mom.
Also, I love the found family vibes here! Their team is amazing... the biggest supporters ever!!
September 9, 2026
Seren + Jake
-mf rugby romance
-friends to lovers
-single mom athlete
-reformed playboy
-he falls first
-found family
-“watch your ex while i 💥 you”
gahhh i just LUUURRRVVVEEEE a really great angsty blended family vibe that also somehow doesn’t have baby daddy/momma drama yk? & meghan pulled it off SEAMLESSLY!! 🤌🤌
-mf rugby romance
-friends to lovers
-single mom athlete
-reformed playboy
-he falls first
-found family
-“watch your ex while i 💥 you”
gahhh i just LUUURRRVVVEEEE a really great angsty blended family vibe that also somehow doesn’t have baby daddy/momma drama yk? & meghan pulled it off SEAMLESSLY!! 🤌🤌
May 9, 2026
♾️⭐️
Jake Ledger is mine. That’s all. That’s the review😆
Jake and Seren’s story is the most beautiful heartfelt journey of two people who are lonely in their lives without having that special someone to call home. They’re not unhappy with what they have- but there’s something missing for both of them. Jake is the happy go lucky flirt with a big heart. He’s never had a serious relationship and has never truly had a home of his own after ageing out of the foster system. He doesn’t feel like he belongs anywhere until he meets Seren in a coffee shop with her little boy Cai, who is completely enamoured with Jake’s truck. This coffee meet cute will have you hooked from the very first moment. And then when Jake realises that Seren is his best friend Nate‘s sister- who he’s been antagonising Nate about wanting to meet for months!?Yeh. All bets are off. Jake, from the moment he meets them both he wants to get to know them better. He feels a connection to them instantly like he knows them already. And not only is he completely gone for Seren, he’s totally obsessed with her little boy too and is a complete natural with him.Their journey is so stunning to watch unfold with Seren letting go of some of her control and giving it to Jake to help her hold. Whilst Jakes vulnerability of not quite being enough is so heart wrenching, because from Seren’s point of view- he’s so easy to talk to and be around. She’s a single mum who hasn’t really had any help from her baby daddy because they were never really together, but Jake just wants to be there for everything- and he proves it time and time again until Seren realises that he’s her safe space and she needs him to help ground her. And the mouth on this man?? WOW. The balcony scene and VIP box scene are currently on a constant loop in my brain. You are not ready🥵This was pure delight from beginning to end, it had me squealing, blushing crying and laughing the whole way through. So again, Jake’s mine and no you can’t have him. I won’t be over this one for a while. ✌🏼
♾️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Jake Ledger is mine. That’s all. That’s the review😆
Jake and Seren’s story is the most beautiful heartfelt journey of two people who are lonely in their lives without having that special someone to call home. They’re not unhappy with what they have- but there’s something missing for both of them. Jake is the happy go lucky flirt with a big heart. He’s never had a serious relationship and has never truly had a home of his own after ageing out of the foster system. He doesn’t feel like he belongs anywhere until he meets Seren in a coffee shop with her little boy Cai, who is completely enamoured with Jake’s truck. This coffee meet cute will have you hooked from the very first moment. And then when Jake realises that Seren is his best friend Nate‘s sister- who he’s been antagonising Nate about wanting to meet for months!?Yeh. All bets are off. Jake, from the moment he meets them both he wants to get to know them better. He feels a connection to them instantly like he knows them already. And not only is he completely gone for Seren, he’s totally obsessed with her little boy too and is a complete natural with him.Their journey is so stunning to watch unfold with Seren letting go of some of her control and giving it to Jake to help her hold. Whilst Jakes vulnerability of not quite being enough is so heart wrenching, because from Seren’s point of view- he’s so easy to talk to and be around. She’s a single mum who hasn’t really had any help from her baby daddy because they were never really together, but Jake just wants to be there for everything- and he proves it time and time again until Seren realises that he’s her safe space and she needs him to help ground her. And the mouth on this man?? WOW. The balcony scene and VIP box scene are currently on a constant loop in my brain. You are not ready🥵This was pure delight from beginning to end, it had me squealing, blushing crying and laughing the whole way through. So again, Jake’s mine and no you can’t have him. I won’t be over this one for a while. ✌🏼
♾️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
August 30, 2026
”maybe that was the extraordinary thing about him. he had come into our lives believing he was searching for a home, never realizing he carried one within him all along.”
i fear that play & pretend just surpassed try & resist for my favourite coastal try book. although, i can’t commit to that just yet, so they’re both number one for now.
jake and seren? perfection. cai? perfection. jake was so sweet and caring and attentive, and truly never missed a beat when seren needed something but didn’t know how to ask for it. seren was a fucking rockstar. seriously, i envy her. she was strong and beautiful and capable and talented. she was so many good things at once, and she was deserving of all the good things, even though she felt like she had to be certain things for her son and her family. she was truly extraordinary. these two hold a very special place in my heart, and i’ll be thinking about them for a very, very long time. cai was such a joy to read. that kid had me giggling and saying “aww” at my screen every few chapters, and the way he loved jake was just precious. they were definitely a dynamic duo. as sweet and sexy as this book was, make no mistake that it was also incredibly emotional, at least for me. i may have shed a tear or two, but the tears were absolutely worth it.
rugby has quickly become one of my favourite sports to read about, and the imagery in this one was *chef’s kiss*. i can’t wait for nate’s book next and the future of this series!
thank you so very much to meghan for the e-arc! <3
⋆˙⟡ info ⋆˙⟡
ᰔ pages: 397
ᰔ pov: first person + dual
ᰔ position in series: book 2
ᰔ release date: september 15th
⋆˙⟡ tropes ⋆˙⟡
ᰔ he falls first
ᰔ rugby romance
ᰔ friends to lovers
ᰔ brother’s best friend
ᰔ single mom x reformed playboy
i fear that play & pretend just surpassed try & resist for my favourite coastal try book. although, i can’t commit to that just yet, so they’re both number one for now.
jake and seren? perfection. cai? perfection. jake was so sweet and caring and attentive, and truly never missed a beat when seren needed something but didn’t know how to ask for it. seren was a fucking rockstar. seriously, i envy her. she was strong and beautiful and capable and talented. she was so many good things at once, and she was deserving of all the good things, even though she felt like she had to be certain things for her son and her family. she was truly extraordinary. these two hold a very special place in my heart, and i’ll be thinking about them for a very, very long time. cai was such a joy to read. that kid had me giggling and saying “aww” at my screen every few chapters, and the way he loved jake was just precious. they were definitely a dynamic duo. as sweet and sexy as this book was, make no mistake that it was also incredibly emotional, at least for me. i may have shed a tear or two, but the tears were absolutely worth it.
rugby has quickly become one of my favourite sports to read about, and the imagery in this one was *chef’s kiss*. i can’t wait for nate’s book next and the future of this series!
thank you so very much to meghan for the e-arc! <3
⋆˙⟡ info ⋆˙⟡
ᰔ pages: 397
ᰔ pov: first person + dual
ᰔ position in series: book 2
ᰔ release date: september 15th
⋆˙⟡ tropes ⋆˙⟡
ᰔ he falls first
ᰔ rugby romance
ᰔ friends to lovers
ᰔ brother’s best friend
ᰔ single mom x reformed playboy
September 16, 2026
Jake and Seren are perfection! I absolutely fell in love with these two faster than he fell for Seren 😍
Seren is a single mom to Cai, her 2.5 year old son, who is returning to rugby since giving birth. She is independent, strong, fierce and a protector. The way she parents Cai is beautiful.
Jake is known as a playboy on his rugby team. He is the one who makes you laugh, a natural flirt and a friend to all. Beneath it all, he is a man who wants to be loved and chosen after a life of foster care jaded his feeling of being worthy.
The initial chemistry between these two when Cai sees his “big twuck” is palpable off the pages. Cai had no clue what he was doing, but it was what they both needed. Jake’s presentation of “friend dating” had me giggling with all his justifications - I mean how could she ever say no?
I loved the flow of their relationship. They truly built from a friendship with simmering feelings and him respecting her as a parent first and foremost. He absolutely adores Cai and Cai is a BIG fan of Jakey! It had me melting even more for Jake. The way Jake is there for her in big ways without pushing had me swooning for him! Seren allowing Jake to feel comfortable in expressing his feelings of fear when her ex returns was the best!
I love the team family aspect so much. The girls and guys are all there for each other - even for silly TikTok trends where half grumble through the lighter. They are the support system we all need in life! I’m excited to see how this grows with the series.
Thank you to Luna Literary for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Seren is a single mom to Cai, her 2.5 year old son, who is returning to rugby since giving birth. She is independent, strong, fierce and a protector. The way she parents Cai is beautiful.
Jake is known as a playboy on his rugby team. He is the one who makes you laugh, a natural flirt and a friend to all. Beneath it all, he is a man who wants to be loved and chosen after a life of foster care jaded his feeling of being worthy.
The initial chemistry between these two when Cai sees his “big twuck” is palpable off the pages. Cai had no clue what he was doing, but it was what they both needed. Jake’s presentation of “friend dating” had me giggling with all his justifications - I mean how could she ever say no?
I loved the flow of their relationship. They truly built from a friendship with simmering feelings and him respecting her as a parent first and foremost. He absolutely adores Cai and Cai is a BIG fan of Jakey! It had me melting even more for Jake. The way Jake is there for her in big ways without pushing had me swooning for him! Seren allowing Jake to feel comfortable in expressing his feelings of fear when her ex returns was the best!
I love the team family aspect so much. The girls and guys are all there for each other - even for silly TikTok trends where half grumble through the lighter. They are the support system we all need in life! I’m excited to see how this grows with the series.
Thank you to Luna Literary for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 2, 2026
[4.75⭐️]
thank you so much to luna literary & meghan hollie for the earc of this book!!
ahhh this was so cute!! this is my first book by this author, and after finishing this i am so excited to go and read more from her. the very first interaction between seren and jake literally had me smiling from ear to ear. and from that point on i already knew i was going to devour this book. not only do you get to see jake come completely undone the moment he meets seren; but you also get to see his adorable relationship build with her son cai. who can i just say, what an absolute cutie omg!!! literally had me saying "awww" out loud at least 50 times. i feel like seren has really struggled since being a single mum to let people into her life and help out, so to witness her slowly but surely let jake in truly was beautiful. and you could tell that jake didn’t want to overstep or do too much, but just wanted to let seren know that he’s there does she ever need it. the chemistry between them was undeniable!!!! i mean again, going back to their first interaction i don’t know how you couldn’t feel it. i really loved all of the side characters in this book, especially nate. which has me so excited to go back and read book 1, because now that i know how much i absolutely love his character, i feel like it’s going to make my reading experience of that book 10x better. anyway, if you want a fun but also heartwarming sports romance read, i couldn’t recommend this enough!!
thank you so much to luna literary & meghan hollie for the earc of this book!!
ahhh this was so cute!! this is my first book by this author, and after finishing this i am so excited to go and read more from her. the very first interaction between seren and jake literally had me smiling from ear to ear. and from that point on i already knew i was going to devour this book. not only do you get to see jake come completely undone the moment he meets seren; but you also get to see his adorable relationship build with her son cai. who can i just say, what an absolute cutie omg!!! literally had me saying "awww" out loud at least 50 times. i feel like seren has really struggled since being a single mum to let people into her life and help out, so to witness her slowly but surely let jake in truly was beautiful. and you could tell that jake didn’t want to overstep or do too much, but just wanted to let seren know that he’s there does she ever need it. the chemistry between them was undeniable!!!! i mean again, going back to their first interaction i don’t know how you couldn’t feel it. i really loved all of the side characters in this book, especially nate. which has me so excited to go back and read book 1, because now that i know how much i absolutely love his character, i feel like it’s going to make my reading experience of that book 10x better. anyway, if you want a fun but also heartwarming sports romance read, i couldn’t recommend this enough!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Jake really stole my heart! From playboy to family man. OH MY GOD!!! The way he stepped up and loved them both so fiercely… I MELTED🫠 And Seren... such a loving and caring mama. You could feel Cai meant everything to her.
I loved watching the three of them slowly become a family! This one definitely gave me all the feels ❤️
🏉 Rugby Romance
🏉 Brothers Best Friend
🏉 Friends to Lovers
🏉 Single Mom
🏉 Reformed Playboy
💌 I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
⭐ 4
I loved watching the three of them slowly become a family! This one definitely gave me all the feels ❤️
🏉 Rugby Romance
🏉 Brothers Best Friend
🏉 Friends to Lovers
🏉 Single Mom
🏉 Reformed Playboy
💌 I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
⭐ 4
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story is ridiculously wholesome. The relationship dynamics here were EXACTLY what they should be between consenting adults capable of communicating like adults.
This book make me smile and laugh from the get go.
This is the polar opposite to the kind of darkness I usually read and it was honestly the perfect respite!
This book make me smile and laugh from the get go.
This is the polar opposite to the kind of darkness I usually read and it was honestly the perfect respite!
September 6, 2026
✨ARC review✨
this was my first book by Meghan and definitely won’t be my last! Jake, Seren and Cai stole my heart while reading this book and i’ll be thinking about them from now till forever 🥹
this was such a beautiful story of a strong, single mom attempting to gain back her dream of being a professional rugby player where she meets Jake, who instantly becomes obsessed with both her and Cai. Cai is such a cutie and the bond he developed with Jake was so pure and heartwarming i can’t 😭
Jake and Seren attempt a friendship while adjusting to this new phase of life, but with the way he continually shows up for them it was only a matter of time before it developed into more and when he called her mama….. ohhhhh just shut up and take my money🧎🏼♀️
the relationships developed between Seren and her team was beautiful, and how both the men and women’s teams team showed up for each other was such a fun part of the story. def going back and reading book 1!
this was my first book by Meghan and definitely won’t be my last! Jake, Seren and Cai stole my heart while reading this book and i’ll be thinking about them from now till forever 🥹
this was such a beautiful story of a strong, single mom attempting to gain back her dream of being a professional rugby player where she meets Jake, who instantly becomes obsessed with both her and Cai. Cai is such a cutie and the bond he developed with Jake was so pure and heartwarming i can’t 😭
Jake and Seren attempt a friendship while adjusting to this new phase of life, but with the way he continually shows up for them it was only a matter of time before it developed into more and when he called her mama….. ohhhhh just shut up and take my money🧎🏼♀️
the relationships developed between Seren and her team was beautiful, and how both the men and women’s teams team showed up for each other was such a fun part of the story. def going back and reading book 1!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book so much , and I am still not over it ! Seren & Jake completed each other in ways that wasn't evident to them at first. Together they were sweet, their relationship steamy and Jake's moments with Cai made my heart so warm 🥰 he accepted Seren & Cai so easily and found family in them both. An ♾️ ⭐ read if I could rate it as such !
September 17, 2026
I genuinely don’t know if I’ve ever giggled this much while reading a romance. Not just smiling at my Kindle—actual, out-loud giggling and biting my tongue back playfully because the banter between Jake and Seren was SO GOOD. The one-liners were basically foreplay, and I ate up every second of it.
And I am completely in love with Jake Ledger. Let’s just put that on the table right now.
Seren is returning to professional rugby after more than two years away, and I loved the way her journey explored finding herself again after becoming a mother. She absolutely loves being Cai’s mom, but she’s also learning how to be Seren again—the woman, the athlete, the teammate—and how to feel comfortable in a body that changed after carrying a child. Watching her reclaim that part of herself while finding this incredible family with the Valkyries was beautiful.
Then there’s Jake. Charming, funny, flirty Jake who is down BAD almost immediately after a chance meeting at a coffee shop and Cai’s fascination with his “big twuck.”
But there is so much more underneath that playboy exterior. Jake grew up in foster care and has spent most of his life never really feeling like he belonged anywhere or was someone people chose to keep. That history has shaped the way he sees himself and relationships, and his vulnerability absolutely got me.
What I loved most was that even though Jake is immediately attracted to Seren, their relationship isn’t rushed. They become friends. They spend time together. Jake comes up with increasingly ridiculous reasons why their outings are simply “friend dates,” and Seren lets him slowly become part of her life. He learns what she needs, respects her role as Cai’s mom, and simply shows up over and over again.
And he doesn’t just fall for Seren. He falls completely in love with Cai too.
Those moments between Jake and Cai were some of my favorites in the entire book. Watching this little boy choose Jake, trust him, want him around, and love him hits completely differently when you understand Jake’s history. Cai telling Jake he loved him for the first time absolutely melted me.
I also loved that neither Seren nor Jake is presented as someone who needs to be fixed. Seren is strong, independent, and perfectly capable of building a life for herself and Cai. Jake’s past has left him with insecurities and fears, but Seren doesn’t magically erase them. They give each other a safe place to be vulnerable, ask for what they need, and finally let someone else help carry some of the weight.
And then there is the other side of Jake Ledger.
THE MOUTH ON THIS MAN.
How we went from sweet Jakey loving on Cai and quietly yearning for a family of his own to THAT balcony scene and THAT VIP box scene, I will never know. The contrast between emotionally vulnerable Jake and filthy-mouthed Jake was absolutely ridiculous, and I loved every second of it.
The found family was another huge highlight for me. I loved the Valkyries, the Knights, the friendships between the teams, and the way this entire group simply makes room for people. Knowing Jake has spent his life searching for somewhere he belongs made watching him slowly become part of this family even sweeter.
Play & Pretend was funny, filthy, emotional, vulnerable, and ridiculously sweet. It gave me a single mom reclaiming herself, a man learning what it feels like to be chosen, an adorable little boy obsessed with big trucks, incredible friendships, so much banter, and a relationship built on genuinely showing up for one another.
I giggled. I blushed. I got emotional. And I fell completely in love with this little family.
And I am completely in love with Jake Ledger. Let’s just put that on the table right now.
Seren is returning to professional rugby after more than two years away, and I loved the way her journey explored finding herself again after becoming a mother. She absolutely loves being Cai’s mom, but she’s also learning how to be Seren again—the woman, the athlete, the teammate—and how to feel comfortable in a body that changed after carrying a child. Watching her reclaim that part of herself while finding this incredible family with the Valkyries was beautiful.
Then there’s Jake. Charming, funny, flirty Jake who is down BAD almost immediately after a chance meeting at a coffee shop and Cai’s fascination with his “big twuck.”
But there is so much more underneath that playboy exterior. Jake grew up in foster care and has spent most of his life never really feeling like he belonged anywhere or was someone people chose to keep. That history has shaped the way he sees himself and relationships, and his vulnerability absolutely got me.
What I loved most was that even though Jake is immediately attracted to Seren, their relationship isn’t rushed. They become friends. They spend time together. Jake comes up with increasingly ridiculous reasons why their outings are simply “friend dates,” and Seren lets him slowly become part of her life. He learns what she needs, respects her role as Cai’s mom, and simply shows up over and over again.
And he doesn’t just fall for Seren. He falls completely in love with Cai too.
Those moments between Jake and Cai were some of my favorites in the entire book. Watching this little boy choose Jake, trust him, want him around, and love him hits completely differently when you understand Jake’s history. Cai telling Jake he loved him for the first time absolutely melted me.
I also loved that neither Seren nor Jake is presented as someone who needs to be fixed. Seren is strong, independent, and perfectly capable of building a life for herself and Cai. Jake’s past has left him with insecurities and fears, but Seren doesn’t magically erase them. They give each other a safe place to be vulnerable, ask for what they need, and finally let someone else help carry some of the weight.
And then there is the other side of Jake Ledger.
THE MOUTH ON THIS MAN.
How we went from sweet Jakey loving on Cai and quietly yearning for a family of his own to THAT balcony scene and THAT VIP box scene, I will never know. The contrast between emotionally vulnerable Jake and filthy-mouthed Jake was absolutely ridiculous, and I loved every second of it.
The found family was another huge highlight for me. I loved the Valkyries, the Knights, the friendships between the teams, and the way this entire group simply makes room for people. Knowing Jake has spent his life searching for somewhere he belongs made watching him slowly become part of this family even sweeter.
Play & Pretend was funny, filthy, emotional, vulnerable, and ridiculously sweet. It gave me a single mom reclaiming herself, a man learning what it feels like to be chosen, an adorable little boy obsessed with big trucks, incredible friendships, so much banter, and a relationship built on genuinely showing up for one another.
I giggled. I blushed. I got emotional. And I fell completely in love with this little family.
September 17, 2026
This is the first time that I have read a book by this author and let me tell you it did not disappoint! Jake is a happy guy that runs into this girl at the coffee shop one morning when her son tries to run of the store to see the big truck that is parked out front. What he didnt know at the time, was that this was his best friend’s sister that no one had ever seen before. Seren just moved to town to play for the Rugby team that her brother helped her get on. When she walked into the coffee shop that morning with her 2 year old son Cai the last thing that she ever expected was to be helped buy a good looking guy that helped her keep her son from running out the door. neither one knew who the other was, and didn’t even know each other names. Then one day, he sees her again, and they find out who each other is and they hit it off right away. He treats not only her with the upmost respect, but he does it with her son. He is so good with him that he is learning what it feels like to be at home. Seren, is slowly feeling what it’s like to be treated so well and to have someone that cares and looks out for her. She is so use to being on her own, doing everything herself and being the one person her son can count on that is at first has a hard time with allowing him to be that close to her. What neither expected was that their bond with each other was so strong that it takes them a little time to finally admit that yes, they are a couple but taking caution because of her son.
When one day, her son comes home from school with a picture he made of them, Jake, Cai, Seren and her brother that he finally is able to say the words I love you. Just not to her yet, he says it to her son when he says it to Jake one night when he is putting him to bed. The big 6’4” rugby player is taken down by a super cute little 2 year old that trust him with everything. After that happens, and everything is put to the test when an accident happens, and her brother is injured. Jake is there for everything and providing care for her, being there for Cai, her parents and for his best friend. Jake is finally able to tell Seren why he is the way he is and why he doesn’t know how to show love. She doesnt run and get scared. She is there for him, and is very supportive.
I loved this story very much. It had just the right amount or growth for each main character. But you are able to grow with them as they grow during the story. It includes just the right amount of rugby content that you dont feel like thats the major part of the book. It included enough that you can see what they do for a living, but see how they because friends and bonded. You get to watch them grow closer together, have their spicy moments (and laugh as they get interrupted just like in real life when you have kids). You watch them become closer grow trust and become each other support person. Most of all, you get to watch a man because a stand in dad (you do meet Cai’s dad in the story in small batches) and how this little boy trusts him with every thing. He is willing to do anything for Seren and Cai, it’s not weird but it works so well with how this story goes.
I may not have read the first book in the series, but I might just have to go back and take a look at it now! I cant wait to see where the next book takes us and see where her brother’s story goes.
When one day, her son comes home from school with a picture he made of them, Jake, Cai, Seren and her brother that he finally is able to say the words I love you. Just not to her yet, he says it to her son when he says it to Jake one night when he is putting him to bed. The big 6’4” rugby player is taken down by a super cute little 2 year old that trust him with everything. After that happens, and everything is put to the test when an accident happens, and her brother is injured. Jake is there for everything and providing care for her, being there for Cai, her parents and for his best friend. Jake is finally able to tell Seren why he is the way he is and why he doesn’t know how to show love. She doesnt run and get scared. She is there for him, and is very supportive.
I loved this story very much. It had just the right amount or growth for each main character. But you are able to grow with them as they grow during the story. It includes just the right amount of rugby content that you dont feel like thats the major part of the book. It included enough that you can see what they do for a living, but see how they because friends and bonded. You get to watch them grow closer together, have their spicy moments (and laugh as they get interrupted just like in real life when you have kids). You watch them become closer grow trust and become each other support person. Most of all, you get to watch a man because a stand in dad (you do meet Cai’s dad in the story in small batches) and how this little boy trusts him with every thing. He is willing to do anything for Seren and Cai, it’s not weird but it works so well with how this story goes.
I may not have read the first book in the series, but I might just have to go back and take a look at it now! I cant wait to see where the next book takes us and see where her brother’s story goes.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I wasn't sure if Meghan Hollie could live up to the promise she delivered with Try and Resist, but holy cow, she knocked this one out of the park.
And I am in love with Jake Ledger. Let's just put that on the table.
Meghan has brought together two incredibly vulnerable characters without ever making either of them seem needy, clingy or unworthy because of the things they need from another person.
Seren is a single mom who is living her life the way she wants to and taking back one of the things she loves most, rugby. She has a healthy co-parenting relationship with her son Cai’s father and isn't hanging on anyone's coattails. She's strong, independent and knows who she is.
Jake carries a very different kind of history. Growing up in the foster system left him with this deeply rooted feeling that he was never really wanted or chosen, and that has shaped how he views relationships and what he believes he can have in his own life.
Jake is instantly attracted to Seren, which isn't normally my favourite way to start a romance, but it worked so well here because Meghan doesn't rush what comes next. We spend so much of this book watching these two simply become friends. They get to know each other. They learn what the other person needs and wants. They show up for each other. And somewhere along the way, they start learning a few things about what they need themselves.
Especially Jake.
It was his emotional journey that really got me.
Jake has spent so much of his life believing that he wasn't chosen that I don't think he ever really allowed himself to recognize some of the things he wanted. Through Seren, he starts to see a different kind of life and connection that maybe he didn't know he could have. She doesn't fix him. Being with her simply helps him recognize what has been missing. He embraces Seren and everything that comes with loving her, which was so incredibly heartwarming.
Let’s talk about the female power dynamic that I loved so much in the first book. Seren and the Valkyries aren't trying to force themselves into the world of sport. They are taking up the space they deserve. These women support each other, stand up for each other and have created this incredible network around themselves. And I love that we also get that same sense of support from the men's rugby team, both for each other and for the women.
There is such a strong feeling of chosen family woven through these stories, and knowing Jake's history made that hit hard.
This book is tension. It is yearning. It is recognizing what you want and allowing yourself to actually want it. It's dealing with past hurt and emotional baggage without letting those things define who you are or what you deserve.
There isn't a single thing I disliked about this story. I loved Soren. I adored Jake. I loved them together, and I loved the community Meghan has built around them.
Try and Resist set the bar incredibly high, but Play and Pretend proved to me that this series is definitely special.
I am so excited for the next book, and these are absolutely going to be sitting on my shelf.
Thank you to Luna Literary and the author for my advance electronic copy to read and review.
And I am in love with Jake Ledger. Let's just put that on the table.
Meghan has brought together two incredibly vulnerable characters without ever making either of them seem needy, clingy or unworthy because of the things they need from another person.
Seren is a single mom who is living her life the way she wants to and taking back one of the things she loves most, rugby. She has a healthy co-parenting relationship with her son Cai’s father and isn't hanging on anyone's coattails. She's strong, independent and knows who she is.
Jake carries a very different kind of history. Growing up in the foster system left him with this deeply rooted feeling that he was never really wanted or chosen, and that has shaped how he views relationships and what he believes he can have in his own life.
Jake is instantly attracted to Seren, which isn't normally my favourite way to start a romance, but it worked so well here because Meghan doesn't rush what comes next. We spend so much of this book watching these two simply become friends. They get to know each other. They learn what the other person needs and wants. They show up for each other. And somewhere along the way, they start learning a few things about what they need themselves.
Especially Jake.
It was his emotional journey that really got me.
Jake has spent so much of his life believing that he wasn't chosen that I don't think he ever really allowed himself to recognize some of the things he wanted. Through Seren, he starts to see a different kind of life and connection that maybe he didn't know he could have. She doesn't fix him. Being with her simply helps him recognize what has been missing. He embraces Seren and everything that comes with loving her, which was so incredibly heartwarming.
Let’s talk about the female power dynamic that I loved so much in the first book. Seren and the Valkyries aren't trying to force themselves into the world of sport. They are taking up the space they deserve. These women support each other, stand up for each other and have created this incredible network around themselves. And I love that we also get that same sense of support from the men's rugby team, both for each other and for the women.
There is such a strong feeling of chosen family woven through these stories, and knowing Jake's history made that hit hard.
This book is tension. It is yearning. It is recognizing what you want and allowing yourself to actually want it. It's dealing with past hurt and emotional baggage without letting those things define who you are or what you deserve.
There isn't a single thing I disliked about this story. I loved Soren. I adored Jake. I loved them together, and I loved the community Meghan has built around them.
Try and Resist set the bar incredibly high, but Play and Pretend proved to me that this series is definitely special.
I am so excited for the next book, and these are absolutely going to be sitting on my shelf.
Thank you to Luna Literary and the author for my advance electronic copy to read and review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First of all I want to thank Luna Literary and Meghan Hollie for the ARC of Play & Pretend :) I freaking loved this book
I'm in love with Jake Ledger... That's all that needs to be said
Meghan brought two vulnerable characters together without making either one of them seem needy or unworthy of the things that they need from the other person
Seren is a single mom who is living her life the way she wants to while taking back something she loves, rugby. Her co-parenting relationship with Cai (her son) is very healthy. Seren is a very certain, strong, and independent human being which is amazing
Jake grew up in the foster system leaving him with a rooted feeling that nobody wants him nor will anyone ever chose him. That shaped how he sees relationships and what he believes he can have for his own life
There's a lot of this book where you watch Seren and Jake become friends then throughout the story they open up to each other and get to know one another that ends up with both of them falling in love
Jake's emotional journey got me. Seeing someone chose him was spectacular! Seren was able to help Jake start to see that a connection and life he didn't think he was worthy of is actually a possibility. Seren doesn't fix Jake... all she does is show him what he's been missing. Jake embraces Seren and ends up falling in love with her and that right there just makes my heart happy
Women supporting Women in the world of Rugby was so freaking badass! What's even cooler is the support that the men's team shows them... How great is it that you get both sides respecting one another? I loved it!
There is a strong feeling of found family throughout these stories which made Jake's journey with his history hit home even more. This book had tension, yearning, emotional, sweet, and spicy moments all throughout the story and I loved every minute of it
Allowing yourself to want someone or something and recognizing you can have it was so cool. Both Seren and Jake deal with past hurt and emotional damage but neither one let that those experiences define who they are or what they ultimately deserve
I adored Seren and I absolutely love Jake! The family that Meghan built around them was pretty freaking cool :)
I am excited to see what Book 3 in this series has in store for us readers! 5 Stars Easily
Again, thank you to Luna Literary and Meghan Hollie for the ARC of Play & Pretend... Delightful story
I'm in love with Jake Ledger... That's all that needs to be said
Meghan brought two vulnerable characters together without making either one of them seem needy or unworthy of the things that they need from the other person
Seren is a single mom who is living her life the way she wants to while taking back something she loves, rugby. Her co-parenting relationship with Cai (her son) is very healthy. Seren is a very certain, strong, and independent human being which is amazing
Jake grew up in the foster system leaving him with a rooted feeling that nobody wants him nor will anyone ever chose him. That shaped how he sees relationships and what he believes he can have for his own life
There's a lot of this book where you watch Seren and Jake become friends then throughout the story they open up to each other and get to know one another that ends up with both of them falling in love
Jake's emotional journey got me. Seeing someone chose him was spectacular! Seren was able to help Jake start to see that a connection and life he didn't think he was worthy of is actually a possibility. Seren doesn't fix Jake... all she does is show him what he's been missing. Jake embraces Seren and ends up falling in love with her and that right there just makes my heart happy
Women supporting Women in the world of Rugby was so freaking badass! What's even cooler is the support that the men's team shows them... How great is it that you get both sides respecting one another? I loved it!
There is a strong feeling of found family throughout these stories which made Jake's journey with his history hit home even more. This book had tension, yearning, emotional, sweet, and spicy moments all throughout the story and I loved every minute of it
Allowing yourself to want someone or something and recognizing you can have it was so cool. Both Seren and Jake deal with past hurt and emotional damage but neither one let that those experiences define who they are or what they ultimately deserve
I adored Seren and I absolutely love Jake! The family that Meghan built around them was pretty freaking cool :)
I am excited to see what Book 3 in this series has in store for us readers! 5 Stars Easily
Again, thank you to Luna Literary and Meghan Hollie for the ARC of Play & Pretend... Delightful story
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2026
Play & Pretend by Meghan Hollie
⭐⭐⭐⭐¾ (4.75/5)
I fell hard for Seren and Jake's single mom, dual-athlete rugby romance.
I absolutely adore Seren. I love when women are strong and independent, but also soft and girly, and she delivers. She is an amazing single mother, fantastic sister, and kickass rugby player. I want to be Seren when I grow up.
I love the discussion around being a mother and how your identity changes. It isn't discussed enough, and it should be, because it would help destigmatize mourning the version of yourself you were before becoming a mother. I love that Seren is reclaiming a part of herself by getting back into rugby and building an external support system with her found family of teammates.
I'm obsessed with Jake lifting Seren up, determined to show her how much she has to offer. And how sweet he is with Cai from the very start? Melted this mom into one giant puddle of goo. Nothing is sexier than a man who will care for a child, especially one who isn't his own. Watching Jake doubt whether he was the best person for Seren and Cai to lean on hurt my heart because he is such a natural caregiver. Honestly, he's total book husband material.
Seren and Jake have great banter, especially on the pitch during joint practices. They take their time building a foundation of friendship and communication. And when they finally give in to the attraction building between them? THE SPICE IS SPICING. Jake gives Seren the safety to let go of the control she carries in her daily life and explore—and he does it all with a dirty mouth.
I really like how close Jake and Nate, Seren's older brother, are. Their friendship goes beyond teammates and best friends; they're closer to brothers. Even when Nate is unhappy that Jake and Seren are starting something up, he is still there to talk Jake through his pre-first-date jitters. I appreciate that Nate voices his concerns about Jake and Seren dating without coming across as overbearing or out of line.
And the girls on Seren's rugby team? I love how readily they accept Seren as one of their own. They make space for her and support her when she needs it—even if she doesn't recognize the need herself.
This is the second book in the Coastal Try series, and you can read it as a standalone. That said, it is so good that you will want to read them all, so you might as well do it in order.
Thank you to the author and Luna Literary Management for providing an ARC.
⭐⭐⭐⭐¾ (4.75/5)
I fell hard for Seren and Jake's single mom, dual-athlete rugby romance.
I absolutely adore Seren. I love when women are strong and independent, but also soft and girly, and she delivers. She is an amazing single mother, fantastic sister, and kickass rugby player. I want to be Seren when I grow up.
I love the discussion around being a mother and how your identity changes. It isn't discussed enough, and it should be, because it would help destigmatize mourning the version of yourself you were before becoming a mother. I love that Seren is reclaiming a part of herself by getting back into rugby and building an external support system with her found family of teammates.
I'm obsessed with Jake lifting Seren up, determined to show her how much she has to offer. And how sweet he is with Cai from the very start? Melted this mom into one giant puddle of goo. Nothing is sexier than a man who will care for a child, especially one who isn't his own. Watching Jake doubt whether he was the best person for Seren and Cai to lean on hurt my heart because he is such a natural caregiver. Honestly, he's total book husband material.
Seren and Jake have great banter, especially on the pitch during joint practices. They take their time building a foundation of friendship and communication. And when they finally give in to the attraction building between them? THE SPICE IS SPICING. Jake gives Seren the safety to let go of the control she carries in her daily life and explore—and he does it all with a dirty mouth.
I really like how close Jake and Nate, Seren's older brother, are. Their friendship goes beyond teammates and best friends; they're closer to brothers. Even when Nate is unhappy that Jake and Seren are starting something up, he is still there to talk Jake through his pre-first-date jitters. I appreciate that Nate voices his concerns about Jake and Seren dating without coming across as overbearing or out of line.
And the girls on Seren's rugby team? I love how readily they accept Seren as one of their own. They make space for her and support her when she needs it—even if she doesn't recognize the need herself.
This is the second book in the Coastal Try series, and you can read it as a standalone. That said, it is so good that you will want to read them all, so you might as well do it in order.
Thank you to the author and Luna Literary Management for providing an ARC.
September 17, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I will always love stories that focus on two people who aren’t unhappy in life, but know something is missing. My hopeless romantic heart swells as they fall deeper and deeper and realize everything just fits. It doesn’t always come easy, but the journey is worth it. Meghan Hollie captures this perfectly in Play and Pretend, book 2 in her Coastal Try series. A single mom and reformed playboy find their happily ever after with each other in such a sweet and spicy romance. I have loved reading Meghan for some time now and always look forward to her stories.
Seren captured my heart from the very beginning of this story. As a single mom, she is still thriving, and I appreciated the healthy, non-toxic, co-parent relationship she has with her son’s father. She is a beast on the field and has worked really hard to get to where she is at on her rugby team. This team is filled with strong women who support each other with everything they have. Seren is a wonderful character and I absolutely would want to be friends with her if she was a real person.
And then we have Jake! This man shows up in such a big way for Seren and her son, Cai. The attraction to Seren is almost immediate for him and he adores her son. His willingness to be their friend first and foremost, before the romance kicked in. But through this, they were both able to realize things they both needed. Jake has believed for a while he wasn’t worthy of good. Yet Seren shows him how worthy he is. The scenes between Jake and Cai are beyond sweet. Jake is sure to make it known he is additional support in Cai’s life, not taking over for anyone else.
Meghan has written a book that pulled at my heartstrings, made me swoon, and couldn’t wait for the two MCs to finally admit their feelings for each other. While spicy, the book definitely focuses more on the building of the relationship vs the physical. This series has been so fun to read thus far and I am truly looking forward to what Meghan has in store for us next. The side characters add so much to each story and I am so excited to see them more as the series continues.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🏉Ruby Romance
🧡Brother’s Best Friend
🏉Friends to Lovers
🧡He Falls First
🏉Single Mom FMC
🧡Reformed Playboy MMC
🏉Athlete x Athlete
🧡Found Family
I will always love stories that focus on two people who aren’t unhappy in life, but know something is missing. My hopeless romantic heart swells as they fall deeper and deeper and realize everything just fits. It doesn’t always come easy, but the journey is worth it. Meghan Hollie captures this perfectly in Play and Pretend, book 2 in her Coastal Try series. A single mom and reformed playboy find their happily ever after with each other in such a sweet and spicy romance. I have loved reading Meghan for some time now and always look forward to her stories.
Seren captured my heart from the very beginning of this story. As a single mom, she is still thriving, and I appreciated the healthy, non-toxic, co-parent relationship she has with her son’s father. She is a beast on the field and has worked really hard to get to where she is at on her rugby team. This team is filled with strong women who support each other with everything they have. Seren is a wonderful character and I absolutely would want to be friends with her if she was a real person.
And then we have Jake! This man shows up in such a big way for Seren and her son, Cai. The attraction to Seren is almost immediate for him and he adores her son. His willingness to be their friend first and foremost, before the romance kicked in. But through this, they were both able to realize things they both needed. Jake has believed for a while he wasn’t worthy of good. Yet Seren shows him how worthy he is. The scenes between Jake and Cai are beyond sweet. Jake is sure to make it known he is additional support in Cai’s life, not taking over for anyone else.
Meghan has written a book that pulled at my heartstrings, made me swoon, and couldn’t wait for the two MCs to finally admit their feelings for each other. While spicy, the book definitely focuses more on the building of the relationship vs the physical. This series has been so fun to read thus far and I am truly looking forward to what Meghan has in store for us next. The side characters add so much to each story and I am so excited to see them more as the series continues.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🏉Ruby Romance
🧡Brother’s Best Friend
🏉Friends to Lovers
🧡He Falls First
🏉Single Mom FMC
🧡Reformed Playboy MMC
🏉Athlete x Athlete
🧡Found Family
Review of advance copy received from Author
𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒐𝒇 𝑨𝒅𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝑪𝒐𝒑𝒚 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓. 𝑨𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒐𝒘𝒏.
I finished reading this one 2 days ago. I had to take some time to process before writing this. Normally, I jot down notes while reading a book. I was so engulfed by this book that I think I stopped writing notes around chapter 4 or 5.
Jake Ledger is THAT man. I am convinced that the playboy thing was just a front. He consistently showed up for Seren even when his doubts were raging in his head. Even when they were so damn loud. He took a walk to cool off and STILL showed up for her. It was honestly one of the most beautiful things I've ever read. To top that off, he always put her son first above what he wanted. Every decision. Every step. He made sure everything he did was with him in mind and how the outcome of him and Seren being together would affect Cai.
And our girl Seren? Rockstar. She is all but raising her son alone because his dad, Derek, basically bailed to follow his dreams. She puts her son above everything in her life, including her happiness. I've read a lot of single mom books, but the way Meghan portrays Seren was so perfect. Cai was included in so much. I loved every second of it. She is strong and resilient. She quite literally deserves the world.
And holy crap the communication in this book deserves 5 stars on its own. Whenever a conflict came up, they both took a beat and then ACTUALLY COMMUNICATED WITH EACH OTHER. There's no drama between them. No third act breakup because one can't express their feelings or there's a misunderstanding. It's just so perfect.
My ONE complaint was Derek. And the way Seren didn't shut him down the way she should have. She was able to put up a clear boundary with Jake, but couldn't do that with him. And I get it. He's Cai's dad. But he wasn't a bad guy believe it or not. So I don't know what she was so scared of. And much as Derek pmo, I left a space for him in my heart because I have a gut feeling he'll be in a book eventually for a redemption arc. Honestly, I kinda hope he is.
This is a book that will live in my heart forever. I can't wait for Nate's book and I plan on going back and read book one because Connor and Teddy were great.
Thank you so much to the author for this ARC.
Haply Reading 🌻
I finished reading this one 2 days ago. I had to take some time to process before writing this. Normally, I jot down notes while reading a book. I was so engulfed by this book that I think I stopped writing notes around chapter 4 or 5.
Jake Ledger is THAT man. I am convinced that the playboy thing was just a front. He consistently showed up for Seren even when his doubts were raging in his head. Even when they were so damn loud. He took a walk to cool off and STILL showed up for her. It was honestly one of the most beautiful things I've ever read. To top that off, he always put her son first above what he wanted. Every decision. Every step. He made sure everything he did was with him in mind and how the outcome of him and Seren being together would affect Cai.
And our girl Seren? Rockstar. She is all but raising her son alone because his dad, Derek, basically bailed to follow his dreams. She puts her son above everything in her life, including her happiness. I've read a lot of single mom books, but the way Meghan portrays Seren was so perfect. Cai was included in so much. I loved every second of it. She is strong and resilient. She quite literally deserves the world.
And holy crap the communication in this book deserves 5 stars on its own. Whenever a conflict came up, they both took a beat and then ACTUALLY COMMUNICATED WITH EACH OTHER. There's no drama between them. No third act breakup because one can't express their feelings or there's a misunderstanding. It's just so perfect.
My ONE complaint was Derek. And the way Seren didn't shut him down the way she should have. She was able to put up a clear boundary with Jake, but couldn't do that with him. And I get it. He's Cai's dad. But he wasn't a bad guy believe it or not. So I don't know what she was so scared of. And much as Derek pmo, I left a space for him in my heart because I have a gut feeling he'll be in a book eventually for a redemption arc. Honestly, I kinda hope he is.
This is a book that will live in my heart forever. I can't wait for Nate's book and I plan on going back and read book one because Connor and Teddy were great.
Thank you so much to the author for this ARC.
Haply Reading 🌻
September 3, 2026
ARC Review ✨
First I would like to say a big thank you to Meghan for letting me be a part of this ARC Team!
Rate: 5/5⭐️
Spice: 2/5🌶️
What to expect when reading ;
-Rugby Romance
-Brothers Best Friend
-Friends x Lovers
-Single Mom
-Reformed Playboy
This is book two of the Coastal Try Series! You get to continue to follow Seren and Jake! Seren is a single mom trying to find the balance of prioritizing her kiddo and her new team. Jake is known for his playboy ways and his hot rugby thighs. What he didn’t expect was to run into the girl of his dreams and her son.
Starting off I just want to say Meghan, the writing Queen that you are, this book was IT! I am officially overly in love with Jake Ledger!!!!! He is officially one of my all time favorite MMCs ever!
Okay lol, on to my thoughts! This was AMAZING!!! I wish I could read this book again for the first time. Seren, Cai and Jake literally melted my heart into a big gooey puddle. Seren, I just want to hug this girl and tell you her she is phenomenal in every way. I love the support she got from her team and how they not only welcomes her but Cai as well. Cai and Jake’s dynamic was pure gold, I could not get enough of their cuteness. Jake is so goofy, all while making sure his people know he cares for them. He has such a big and pure heart. Oh and the mouth on this man, talk about HOT! The tension that sizzled between Seren and Jake was top tier. I honestly could read a hundred or more pages of these two and probably still want more because I don’t want their story to be over.
Thank you Meghan for giving us such an incredible story!
Side notes:
-excited for book three
Fav Quote:
•”You had a cute mini accomplice who left fingerprints everywhere. You’d both make terrible thieves”
•”Your recognized my thighs over my face”
•”I’m a glutton for punishment. Plus, I like looking at you”
•”Stay, Jake. You won’t be alone with us”
•”Let me go down. It’s only right a man get on his knees for you first”
•”Don’t flirt with me, Seren, or I’ll start daydreaming about us “
•”I’m not storming, and I’m no goose”
Make sure you get your copy of this book🤍
#bookstagram #romance #review
First I would like to say a big thank you to Meghan for letting me be a part of this ARC Team!
Rate: 5/5⭐️
Spice: 2/5🌶️
What to expect when reading ;
-Rugby Romance
-Brothers Best Friend
-Friends x Lovers
-Single Mom
-Reformed Playboy
This is book two of the Coastal Try Series! You get to continue to follow Seren and Jake! Seren is a single mom trying to find the balance of prioritizing her kiddo and her new team. Jake is known for his playboy ways and his hot rugby thighs. What he didn’t expect was to run into the girl of his dreams and her son.
Starting off I just want to say Meghan, the writing Queen that you are, this book was IT! I am officially overly in love with Jake Ledger!!!!! He is officially one of my all time favorite MMCs ever!
Okay lol, on to my thoughts! This was AMAZING!!! I wish I could read this book again for the first time. Seren, Cai and Jake literally melted my heart into a big gooey puddle. Seren, I just want to hug this girl and tell you her she is phenomenal in every way. I love the support she got from her team and how they not only welcomes her but Cai as well. Cai and Jake’s dynamic was pure gold, I could not get enough of their cuteness. Jake is so goofy, all while making sure his people know he cares for them. He has such a big and pure heart. Oh and the mouth on this man, talk about HOT! The tension that sizzled between Seren and Jake was top tier. I honestly could read a hundred or more pages of these two and probably still want more because I don’t want their story to be over.
Thank you Meghan for giving us such an incredible story!
Side notes:
-excited for book three
Fav Quote:
•”You had a cute mini accomplice who left fingerprints everywhere. You’d both make terrible thieves”
•”Your recognized my thighs over my face”
•”I’m a glutton for punishment. Plus, I like looking at you”
•”Stay, Jake. You won’t be alone with us”
•”Let me go down. It’s only right a man get on his knees for you first”
•”Don’t flirt with me, Seren, or I’ll start daydreaming about us “
•”I’m not storming, and I’m no goose”
Make sure you get your copy of this book🤍
#bookstagram #romance #review
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
۶ৎ ᴘʟᴀʏ & ᴘʀᴇᴛᴇɴᴅ ʙʏ ᴍᴇɢʜᴀɴ ʜᴏʟʟɪᴇ ۶ৎ
#arcreview
ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ★★★★★
𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩 - rugby romance, single mom, bestfriend sister, found family, rugby player fmc & mmc, he falls first, friends to lovers
—
Wheww I couldn’t wait for these two, them teasers was something special it made me so excited for this book and I devoured it in one sitting it was so good. These two are just so amazing together their chemistry is so special and the way their relationship blossom into something more was chef kiss and their little family mean so much to me even if it did take some time to get there.
Seren is a single mom who just moved and is now back playing rugby after not playing for the last two years after having her son Cai who’s literally the best little boy ever!! Seren is just so amazing I love her so much and she’s such an incredible mom who loves her son so deeply it was special seeing her that way. Seren becoming apart of the time was such a great thing and seeing them be there for her was inspiring.
Seren and Jake are so freaking amazing, I love them so much they just made my heart so full and reading about them was something so touching and seeing them both open up and sharing their thoughts and fears with each other felt so real and raw and the relationship with baby Cai and Jake was just so beautiful to see
Jake is a reformed playboy who is the team’s fullback. When I say I would do absolutely anything for this men I freaking mean it he’s something good and such a green flag I love him so much! Jake is just everything and more and his backstory definitely made me cry, I just wanted to hug him so badly but I am so glad he finally made a family just for him
Seren and Jake decided to get to know each other and be friends but their pull together is just so strong they eventually become something more and the way they love each other so much is everything because you can tell they just belong together and I am so happy they found each other cause they both needed each other and Cai is just so perfect I love that little man!
The last couple chapters were definitely emotional but I still can’t wait for the next book!
Thank You So Much for giving me this incredible arc💖
#arcreview
ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ★★★★★
𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩 - rugby romance, single mom, bestfriend sister, found family, rugby player fmc & mmc, he falls first, friends to lovers
—
Wheww I couldn’t wait for these two, them teasers was something special it made me so excited for this book and I devoured it in one sitting it was so good. These two are just so amazing together their chemistry is so special and the way their relationship blossom into something more was chef kiss and their little family mean so much to me even if it did take some time to get there.
Seren is a single mom who just moved and is now back playing rugby after not playing for the last two years after having her son Cai who’s literally the best little boy ever!! Seren is just so amazing I love her so much and she’s such an incredible mom who loves her son so deeply it was special seeing her that way. Seren becoming apart of the time was such a great thing and seeing them be there for her was inspiring.
Seren and Jake are so freaking amazing, I love them so much they just made my heart so full and reading about them was something so touching and seeing them both open up and sharing their thoughts and fears with each other felt so real and raw and the relationship with baby Cai and Jake was just so beautiful to see
Jake is a reformed playboy who is the team’s fullback. When I say I would do absolutely anything for this men I freaking mean it he’s something good and such a green flag I love him so much! Jake is just everything and more and his backstory definitely made me cry, I just wanted to hug him so badly but I am so glad he finally made a family just for him
Seren and Jake decided to get to know each other and be friends but their pull together is just so strong they eventually become something more and the way they love each other so much is everything because you can tell they just belong together and I am so happy they found each other cause they both needed each other and Cai is just so perfect I love that little man!
The last couple chapters were definitely emotional but I still can’t wait for the next book!
Thank You So Much for giving me this incredible arc💖
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved this book. From the characters to the romance, the emotional depth and all the little moments in between, Play & Pretend gave me everything I wanted from a Sports Romance and then some. 🥹🏉💕
🛼 Seren was such a wonderful heroine. I loved seeing her find her way back to rugby after becoming a mother and, more importantly, find her way back to herself. Her journey felt emotional and genuine, and I really appreciated that motherhood was such an important part of her story without ever becoming her entire identity.
And Jake… I adored him. 🫠 He is charming, funny and definitely knows how to flirt, but what completely won me over was the way he consistently showed up for Seren. Their relationship starts with friendship and a lot of pretending, but watching those feelings slowly turn into something real was one of my favorite parts of the book. ☕🥞🍓
I especially loved Jake with Seren’s son, Cai. 🥹 Their relationship was incredibly sweet and added so much warmth to the story. Those little family moments absolutely melted my heart and made it impossible not to root for all three of them. 🧸💛
The chemistry between Seren and Jake was fantastic, but what made me love them so much was everything beyond the chemistry. Their friendship, the emotional support, the vulnerability and the way they made each other feel seen made their relationship feel incredibly natural.
I also loved the forbidden element of Jake being her brother’s teammate, the rugby setting, the banter and the overall cozy feeling of the story. There was something about this book that just made me want to stay in its world a little longer. ✨☺️🐚
Honestly, I don’t think I can find a single thing I didn’t love about this book. @meghanhollieauthor made me laugh, made me emotional, gave me all the butterflies and had me completely invested in Seren and Jake.
⭐ 5/5 • 🌶️ 3/5
Thank you to @meghanhollieauthor for the opportunity to read it in advance. 💚
🛼 Seren was such a wonderful heroine. I loved seeing her find her way back to rugby after becoming a mother and, more importantly, find her way back to herself. Her journey felt emotional and genuine, and I really appreciated that motherhood was such an important part of her story without ever becoming her entire identity.
And Jake… I adored him. 🫠 He is charming, funny and definitely knows how to flirt, but what completely won me over was the way he consistently showed up for Seren. Their relationship starts with friendship and a lot of pretending, but watching those feelings slowly turn into something real was one of my favorite parts of the book. ☕🥞🍓
I especially loved Jake with Seren’s son, Cai. 🥹 Their relationship was incredibly sweet and added so much warmth to the story. Those little family moments absolutely melted my heart and made it impossible not to root for all three of them. 🧸💛
The chemistry between Seren and Jake was fantastic, but what made me love them so much was everything beyond the chemistry. Their friendship, the emotional support, the vulnerability and the way they made each other feel seen made their relationship feel incredibly natural.
I also loved the forbidden element of Jake being her brother’s teammate, the rugby setting, the banter and the overall cozy feeling of the story. There was something about this book that just made me want to stay in its world a little longer. ✨☺️🐚
Honestly, I don’t think I can find a single thing I didn’t love about this book. @meghanhollieauthor made me laugh, made me emotional, gave me all the butterflies and had me completely invested in Seren and Jake.
⭐ 5/5 • 🌶️ 3/5
Thank you to @meghanhollieauthor for the opportunity to read it in advance. 💚
Review of advance copy received from Author
Well, Meghans done it again! She always has me falling in love with every character she writes about🫶🏽
I’d like to start this review off by thanking Meghan for allowing me to join her street team and to be able to get this wonderful opportunity of ARC reading not 1, not 2, but 3 of her books!!
Play & Pretend is such an emotional, heartwarming read that not only shows rugby, romance and relationships but also the struggles a single mom has to deal with, bringing realism into the book.
Seren is the FMC of the book and portrayed beautifully. She’s strong, brave and so passionate about everything she does. She balances being a single mom with her athletic career and is so inspirational.
Jake, the reformed playboy and talented rugby player becomes completely smitten with Seren and her son Cai as soon as he meets them. What I like about Jake is even though he’s suffered trauma in the past, he’s never let that change his bubbly self, even when he’s struggling he never lets that affect how he treats others or his performance at rugby.
One of my favourite parts of this book is the friendship Jake and Nate has, Nate is such a beautiful soul and obviously cares so much about Jake, taking him under his wing and ensuring he’s okay. That’s what makes Jake and Seren’s love story even better - Seren is Nate’s sister!!
The tension is palpable as Seren and Jake tip toe around the fact they love each other, when they’re obviously just “friends”. I’ve been looking for a strangers to friends to lovers book for so long and this has fed my fix!!
Another highlight of this book was the friendships Seren found as she joined the rugby team - all the girls were so welcoming and supportive. It’s such a positive team that offered their support and just made the book even more enjoyable to read!
Jake, Seren and Cai - you’ve bewitched me!!❤️❤️
I’d like to start this review off by thanking Meghan for allowing me to join her street team and to be able to get this wonderful opportunity of ARC reading not 1, not 2, but 3 of her books!!
Play & Pretend is such an emotional, heartwarming read that not only shows rugby, romance and relationships but also the struggles a single mom has to deal with, bringing realism into the book.
Seren is the FMC of the book and portrayed beautifully. She’s strong, brave and so passionate about everything she does. She balances being a single mom with her athletic career and is so inspirational.
Jake, the reformed playboy and talented rugby player becomes completely smitten with Seren and her son Cai as soon as he meets them. What I like about Jake is even though he’s suffered trauma in the past, he’s never let that change his bubbly self, even when he’s struggling he never lets that affect how he treats others or his performance at rugby.
One of my favourite parts of this book is the friendship Jake and Nate has, Nate is such a beautiful soul and obviously cares so much about Jake, taking him under his wing and ensuring he’s okay. That’s what makes Jake and Seren’s love story even better - Seren is Nate’s sister!!
The tension is palpable as Seren and Jake tip toe around the fact they love each other, when they’re obviously just “friends”. I’ve been looking for a strangers to friends to lovers book for so long and this has fed my fix!!
Another highlight of this book was the friendships Seren found as she joined the rugby team - all the girls were so welcoming and supportive. It’s such a positive team that offered their support and just made the book even more enjoyable to read!
Jake, Seren and Cai - you’ve bewitched me!!❤️❤️
Review of advance copy
What a wonderful book!!
This felt like a stylistic blend of Chelsea Curto and Sarah A Bailey’s writing (in the best way!). You’ve got the sports element which was just detailed enough for it to be beneficial to the plot, but not so much that you feel like you’re getting a PhD in rugby, and this was found family galore.
On the topic of the rugby subplot, I will say there were certain positions of the game mentioned which you will have to google if you aren’t familiar with rugby. Namely rucks and tackles.
There were a few chapters which had me sobbing - I just wanted to give Jake and Seren such a big hug, separately! They each go through such a journey of growth and finding happiness within themselves, which was beautiful to watch play out on the page.
I really really liked the way the dynamic between Derek, Seren and Jake was handled. No one was the villain, and the shift in intentions was completely believable and understandable, and I loved that ultimately it came down to what was best for little Cai (who, by the way, was such an absolute shining character throughout the whole book).
I do kind of wish we’d gotten maybe a scene with Connor and his mum, to really feel the impact of that family connection, but we did get enough context to be able to determine the relationship they have with Jake.
I’m very thankful to Meghan’s team and Luna Literary for the opportunity to read this eARC.
About the book:
▫️Single parent (2.5yo son)
▫️Brother’s best friend
▫️Rugby romance
▫️Friends to lovers
▫️Workplace
▫️Set in America
▫️Open door (Chapters 29, 30, 34, 35, 40, 42, 48)
Warnings:
▪️Unexpected pregnancy (off page, mentioned)
▪️Motorcycle accident (off page, side character)
▪️Child abandonment (off page, mentioned)
This felt like a stylistic blend of Chelsea Curto and Sarah A Bailey’s writing (in the best way!). You’ve got the sports element which was just detailed enough for it to be beneficial to the plot, but not so much that you feel like you’re getting a PhD in rugby, and this was found family galore.
On the topic of the rugby subplot, I will say there were certain positions of the game mentioned which you will have to google if you aren’t familiar with rugby. Namely rucks and tackles.
There were a few chapters which had me sobbing - I just wanted to give Jake and Seren such a big hug, separately! They each go through such a journey of growth and finding happiness within themselves, which was beautiful to watch play out on the page.
I really really liked the way the dynamic between Derek, Seren and Jake was handled. No one was the villain, and the shift in intentions was completely believable and understandable, and I loved that ultimately it came down to what was best for little Cai (who, by the way, was such an absolute shining character throughout the whole book).
I do kind of wish we’d gotten maybe a scene with Connor and his mum, to really feel the impact of that family connection, but we did get enough context to be able to determine the relationship they have with Jake.
I’m very thankful to Meghan’s team and Luna Literary for the opportunity to read this eARC.
About the book:
▫️Single parent (2.5yo son)
▫️Brother’s best friend
▫️Rugby romance
▫️Friends to lovers
▫️Workplace
▫️Set in America
▫️Open door (Chapters 29, 30, 34, 35, 40, 42, 48)
Warnings:
▪️Unexpected pregnancy (off page, mentioned)
▪️Motorcycle accident (off page, side character)
▪️Child abandonment (off page, mentioned)
Review of advance copy received from Author
📚 BOOK REVIEW 📚
Play & Pretend - Meghan Hollie
Two words - Utter Perfection!
Take a bow Meghan Hollie because this book is infinity stars and then some. There aren't enough words to tell you how special this book was but this is an example of why I read romance. It gave me all the feels and I didn't just fall for Jake and Seren, but I also fell head over heels for Cai, who I think is possibly the cutest kid I've ever read.
Jake Ledger, ladies and gentleman! This vulnerable, swoonpot, dirty talker of a man! Oh my goodness, he was absolutely everything and more. The guy who just wanted to be someone's first choice but luckily for him he wasn't just one person's first choice, he was both Seren and Cai's number 1. The relationship that developed between Seren and Jake was beautifully written but the cherry on the top was his relationship with Cai. Oh my it was so wholesome.
And then there is also the relationship with his best friend, Nate who is also Seren's brother. This was so good also.
Seren was an amazing mother who was trying to find herself outside of motherhood. Playing with the Valkyries and slowly falling for Jake. I loved her character so much.
This story was just so beautiful but it explored anxiety really well. I liked how the communication was written, and it felt true to the characters because of what they had been through. But it felt mature as well.
I was so sad when this book was over as I didn't want to leave these characters and I now have a book hangover as it was simply perfection. Loved, loved, loved it ❤️
Play & Pretend - Meghan Hollie
Two words - Utter Perfection!
Take a bow Meghan Hollie because this book is infinity stars and then some. There aren't enough words to tell you how special this book was but this is an example of why I read romance. It gave me all the feels and I didn't just fall for Jake and Seren, but I also fell head over heels for Cai, who I think is possibly the cutest kid I've ever read.
Jake Ledger, ladies and gentleman! This vulnerable, swoonpot, dirty talker of a man! Oh my goodness, he was absolutely everything and more. The guy who just wanted to be someone's first choice but luckily for him he wasn't just one person's first choice, he was both Seren and Cai's number 1. The relationship that developed between Seren and Jake was beautifully written but the cherry on the top was his relationship with Cai. Oh my it was so wholesome.
And then there is also the relationship with his best friend, Nate who is also Seren's brother. This was so good also.
Seren was an amazing mother who was trying to find herself outside of motherhood. Playing with the Valkyries and slowly falling for Jake. I loved her character so much.
This story was just so beautiful but it explored anxiety really well. I liked how the communication was written, and it felt true to the characters because of what they had been through. But it felt mature as well.
I was so sad when this book was over as I didn't want to leave these characters and I now have a book hangover as it was simply perfection. Loved, loved, loved it ❤️
September 17, 2026
It’s so refreshing reading about healthy relationships🥰
As a single mother, navigating new relationships can be challenging, but I love how Seren’s relationship with Jake developed throughout the book. We get to see Seren’s insecurities and doubts when it comes to being a single mother and always putting her kid first. She was afraid of moving by herself, starting rugby once again, and living the life she thought she had lost when she had Cai.
I love how the Valkyries were there for Seren, not letting her feel left out or alone because she was a newer member and a mother. Instead of letting her struggle, they showed up and helped Seren become more like herself.
As for Jake, he had such an innocent soul. Being a foster kid, never being adopted, and always being seen as the “fun type,” Jake had his own share of insecurities. But one thing he was sure about, which I really enjoyed, was his attraction to Seren. He wanted to become the type of person she could rely on, showing up and being there for her without overstepping. It was adorable seeing his interactions with Cai and how much Cai loved him (ugh, I just loved them together)🤭
The communication was done right, which I appreciated. I also enjoyed seeing the relationships and interactions with Cai’s biological father being navigated in a mature way instead of through fighting or immaturity. Seren, Jake, and Derek put aside their differences for Cai’s benefit. Co-parenting can be hard, but I love how they worked together for him.
Thank you @lunaliterary.management for the eARC!!❤️
As a single mother, navigating new relationships can be challenging, but I love how Seren’s relationship with Jake developed throughout the book. We get to see Seren’s insecurities and doubts when it comes to being a single mother and always putting her kid first. She was afraid of moving by herself, starting rugby once again, and living the life she thought she had lost when she had Cai.
I love how the Valkyries were there for Seren, not letting her feel left out or alone because she was a newer member and a mother. Instead of letting her struggle, they showed up and helped Seren become more like herself.
As for Jake, he had such an innocent soul. Being a foster kid, never being adopted, and always being seen as the “fun type,” Jake had his own share of insecurities. But one thing he was sure about, which I really enjoyed, was his attraction to Seren. He wanted to become the type of person she could rely on, showing up and being there for her without overstepping. It was adorable seeing his interactions with Cai and how much Cai loved him (ugh, I just loved them together)🤭
The communication was done right, which I appreciated. I also enjoyed seeing the relationships and interactions with Cai’s biological father being navigated in a mature way instead of through fighting or immaturity. Seren, Jake, and Derek put aside their differences for Cai’s benefit. Co-parenting can be hard, but I love how they worked together for him.
Thank you @lunaliterary.management for the eARC!!❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
First, this was so much more than just a cute love story. This was a book about healing the soul. This was about a man who found love with not only another person, but her adorable son as well. Watching the relationship between Jake and Cai was absolutely precious and probably my favorite part of the book. Jake really needed that, he needed them just as much as they needed him 🧡
I loved that Jake gave Seren just the right amount of space and the perfect amount of attention. He was there for her, showed up and supported her, even when she didn’t ask. The love he had for Cai was out of this world! Every interaction was heartfelt and made me love that Jake had Cai and that Cai had Jake. Jake wasn’t replacing Derek, he was just adding another amazing person to Cai’s life.
Seren was truly a badass, but she did was all strong women do, she struggled to let others help. She never asked and she tried to do it all on her own. It wasn’t until Jake and the Valkyries that she truly understood she wasn’t alone. Sure, she had her parents and Nate, but she soon learned she had the community, the village.
I loved Try & Resist, but honestly this book was by far my favorite out of the two. I’m excited for book three and seeing what Nate has in store for us. Maybe a little love interest with the team’s physical therapist?
This review is based upon my own opinions and thoughts. Thank you to Meghan Hollie Luna Literary for my ARC.
First, this was so much more than just a cute love story. This was a book about healing the soul. This was about a man who found love with not only another person, but her adorable son as well. Watching the relationship between Jake and Cai was absolutely precious and probably my favorite part of the book. Jake really needed that, he needed them just as much as they needed him 🧡
I loved that Jake gave Seren just the right amount of space and the perfect amount of attention. He was there for her, showed up and supported her, even when she didn’t ask. The love he had for Cai was out of this world! Every interaction was heartfelt and made me love that Jake had Cai and that Cai had Jake. Jake wasn’t replacing Derek, he was just adding another amazing person to Cai’s life.
Seren was truly a badass, but she did was all strong women do, she struggled to let others help. She never asked and she tried to do it all on her own. It wasn’t until Jake and the Valkyries that she truly understood she wasn’t alone. Sure, she had her parents and Nate, but she soon learned she had the community, the village.
I loved Try & Resist, but honestly this book was by far my favorite out of the two. I’m excited for book three and seeing what Nate has in store for us. Maybe a little love interest with the team’s physical therapist?
This review is based upon my own opinions and thoughts. Thank you to Meghan Hollie Luna Literary for my ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
𝟱⭐️ 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆 & 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱 (𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 #𝟮) 𝗯𝘆 𝗠𝗲𝗴𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲.
“𝗜𝗳 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗺𝘆 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗳.” 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗳𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗳𝘁 𝗺𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝘂𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱, 𝘆𝗲𝘁 𝗺𝘆 𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗳𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁. “𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲. 𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝘁𝗿𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝗸.” “𝗡𝗼, 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁.” 𝗛𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝘂𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗲𝗱. “𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝗮 𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝗳𝘁 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲. 𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗱 𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝘀.”🥰🥰
𝘛𝘳𝘺 & 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘰 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘺 & 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘳𝘶𝘯! 𝘋𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨, 𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺 𝘛𝘳𝘺 & 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘸 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳. 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘦’𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯’𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘨 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘑𝘢𝘬𝘦. 𝘐 𝘢𝘣𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘵. 𝘕𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘴.
Seren is a single mom to the cutest little human Cai, after putting her life on pause for 2 years to rock the single mom thing she is returning to professional rugby.
Jake is just a fun guy who doesn’t do serious or is he? Maybe he is the guy that never got picked and is protecting himself. That boy broke my heart, what a sweetheart.
“𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗶𝗺. 𝗛𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲, 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻 𝗵𝗶𝗺 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴.”🥹
These two were the best together.
And I cannot wait for Nate’s story. Thank you Meghan for the advanced reading copy, forever grateful to get to read and review, all my opinions are my own.
𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄.• 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲.• 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁. • 𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟱.
“𝗜𝗳 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗺𝘆 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗳.” 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗳𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗳𝘁 𝗺𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝘂𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱, 𝘆𝗲𝘁 𝗺𝘆 𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗳𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁. “𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲. 𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝘁𝗿𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝗸.” “𝗡𝗼, 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁.” 𝗛𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝘂𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗲𝗱. “𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝗮 𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝗳𝘁 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲. 𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗱 𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝘀.”🥰🥰
𝘛𝘳𝘺 & 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘰 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘺 & 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘳𝘶𝘯! 𝘋𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨, 𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺 𝘛𝘳𝘺 & 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘸 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳. 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘦’𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯’𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘨 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘑𝘢𝘬𝘦. 𝘐 𝘢𝘣𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘵. 𝘕𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘴.
Seren is a single mom to the cutest little human Cai, after putting her life on pause for 2 years to rock the single mom thing she is returning to professional rugby.
Jake is just a fun guy who doesn’t do serious or is he? Maybe he is the guy that never got picked and is protecting himself. That boy broke my heart, what a sweetheart.
“𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗶𝗺. 𝗛𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲, 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻 𝗵𝗶𝗺 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴.”🥹
These two were the best together.
And I cannot wait for Nate’s story. Thank you Meghan for the advanced reading copy, forever grateful to get to read and review, all my opinions are my own.
𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄.• 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲.• 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁. • 𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟱.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Play & Pretend was exactly what I wanted and needed with the second book of this series! It completely won me over. This was such a warm, emotional romance with a family dynamic that made the story feel like so much more than just a love story.
Serren is a strong, independent single mom who has built her life around her son, so watching her slowly make room for someone else was incredibly rewarding. And Jake? 🥹 He may start out with a reputation as a carefree flirt, but seeing him fall so hard for Serren and Cai was absolutely everything.
What really stood out to me was the way Jake connected with Cai. Their relationship was adorable, and it added so much heart to the story. The found-family elements were just as enjoyable, especially watching Jake realize that maybe the home he had always wanted wasn’t a place, it was the people he loved. ❤️
There was plenty of chemistry, some seriously swoony moments, and enough emotional depth to keep me invested from beginning to end. I loved seeing these characters become each other’s safe place and build something that felt genuine.
And that balcony scene? 🔥🔥 Definitely a moment I won’t be forgetting anytime soon!
If you’re looking for a romance with single-mom vibes, found family, a reformed playboy, adorable kid moments, emotional depth, and plenty of chemistry, add this one to your list!
Jake + Serren + Cai = one little family I absolutely adored.🧡
Thank you Meghan and team for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
Serren is a strong, independent single mom who has built her life around her son, so watching her slowly make room for someone else was incredibly rewarding. And Jake? 🥹 He may start out with a reputation as a carefree flirt, but seeing him fall so hard for Serren and Cai was absolutely everything.
What really stood out to me was the way Jake connected with Cai. Their relationship was adorable, and it added so much heart to the story. The found-family elements were just as enjoyable, especially watching Jake realize that maybe the home he had always wanted wasn’t a place, it was the people he loved. ❤️
There was plenty of chemistry, some seriously swoony moments, and enough emotional depth to keep me invested from beginning to end. I loved seeing these characters become each other’s safe place and build something that felt genuine.
And that balcony scene? 🔥🔥 Definitely a moment I won’t be forgetting anytime soon!
If you’re looking for a romance with single-mom vibes, found family, a reformed playboy, adorable kid moments, emotional depth, and plenty of chemistry, add this one to your list!
Jake + Serren + Cai = one little family I absolutely adored.🧡
Thank you Meghan and team for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
September 16, 2026
This book is probably my newest favourite by Meghan! Jack is just PERFECT, and I loved him so much throughout the entire book. He is such a cutie with Seren, and I absolutely loved how all-in he was from the very beginning. 🥹
Seren is such a sweet character, and I loved seeing her relationship with Cai and how central he is to her life. I also really appreciated how careful she was with her choices, always making sure that her life wouldn’t negatively affect Cai’s. And Jack really understood that he wasn’t entering a relationship with just Seren, but with Cai too, and I loved that so much. ❤️
The story between Jack and Seren isn’t just a romance; it’s also a story about personal growth, facing your fears, and learning to become the best version of yourself.
And the BANTER?! Absolutely top-notch. 😂 I laughed so much throughout this entire book! Not only because of Jack and Seren, but also because of all the secondary characters. Jack and Nate were absolutely unreal — their interactions had me laughing so much!
The found family aspect is such a huge part of this book, and I loved every single bit of it. There’s something so special about watching these characters become each other’s safe place. 🥹
Rugby is also a central part of the story, and I thought it was incorporated and written so well. It really added to the whole atmosphere of the book without taking away from the romance.
Overall, this book is an absolute MUST if you love a good sports romance! 🏉❤️
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