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Make the Play #1
Play Safe
I always thought that when I fell in love it would be easy, like catching the perfect pitch. The right girl would slide into my life as seamlessly as a ball into my glove. That’s what I wanted. A typical boy meets girl, girl falls for jock story. But that’s not what I got. I had to fall for the one girl I couldn’t have. The one girl I shouldn’t want. My best friend Cal’s younger sister. Against my better judgment, I helped Emmy the night she got into a fight with her loser boyfriend. I did it because it was the right thing to do. What happened afterward was a mistake. A mistake Cal can never find out about. The problem is that it’s a mistake I want to make again…and again. Even though Emmy is pushing me away, I know she wants it too. If we act on our desire people will get hurt, but I don't think I’m strong enough to fight my feelings. I’ve never been the type of guy to take a risk, but for Emmy I will. I’m tired of playing it safe.
399 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 22, 2015
89 people are currently reading
490 people want to read
About the author
Amber Garza
53 books1,408 followersAmber Garza has had a passion for the written word since she was a child making books out of notebook paper and staples. Her hobbies include reading and singing. Coffee and wine are her drinks of choice (not necessarily in that order). She writes while blaring music, and talks about her characters like they're real people. She lives with her husband and two kids in Folsom, California, which is also home to another Amber Garza.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
November 22, 2016
The characters in this weren't awful, but I can't say there were any that I warmed to enough to really like them.
This was an okay read, although there were times where I felt quite bored while reading it. It didn't drag all that much, but it did start to feel quite long at one point.
Overall, An okay read.
This was an okay read, although there were times where I felt quite bored while reading it. It didn't drag all that much, but it did start to feel quite long at one point.
Overall, An okay read.
May 26, 2019
DNF at 41% the writing style was awful also the characters specially Emmy she was so frustrating abt what she wanted and how she want things to be and cmon she still being with josh and him going for some random girl at the party cmon boring
April 14, 2018
Stellar Execution
I must say that this book was truly amazing in capturing the brother and sister dynamics, the tension and reflection of how characters felt (when Emmy was sad, you felt it too) I read this book in a single day because it kept pulling me back. You’ll easily fall for Emmy and Christian’s passionate story. A truly perfect ending as well!
I must say that this book was truly amazing in capturing the brother and sister dynamics, the tension and reflection of how characters felt (when Emmy was sad, you felt it too) I read this book in a single day because it kept pulling me back. You’ll easily fall for Emmy and Christian’s passionate story. A truly perfect ending as well!
August 14, 2017
A Different--and Better--“Brother’s Best Friend” Book! *Spoiler Alert*
Play Safe is a classic brother's best friend book but with so much depth and you actually really end caring so much for the characters and the book. It is a YA sports romance novel, the first book in the Make the Play Series. The book is about a girl, Emmy, that has always had a crush on his brother, Cal,’s best friend Christian. She had always liked him but she thought he only saw her as a little sister.
When Emmy gets into a fight with her boyfriend, Josh, Christian is there to defend her, he always had been. When he is taking her home they kiss and that’s the kiss that changes everything. They both knew they could never do anything about it because Cal would freak out.
Later in the book, they really want to be together, so they decide to tell Cal together but Josh decides to tell Cal before either of them can tell him and he is really mad with Christian and they get into a fight in baseball practice. Cal and Christian were best friends since they were little kids but they also had a strong friendship because of baseball. Cal was the pitcher and Christian was the catcher and they were really good.
Slowly, Cal starts to accept Christian and Emmy but he warns that if he hurts Emmy he will hurt him. Christian always had problems with his father because he was never around in any part of his life. Do when he dies, Christian didn’t even meet him and he is really messed up. In the end, they work it out and Emmy and Christian are happy together.
Christian’s character is a character that is in layers. He always had problems with his family because his mother cheated on his boyfriend with his college professor and that’s how she had him. His father never wanted to do anything with him but he sent him cards in his birthday every year. When his father dies it messes him up really bad and he tells Emmy he can’t be with her.
Emmy’s character is really different from Christian’s. She has a really good family life but when it comes to friends it’s not really good. She had a best friend, Ashley, that was one of the really popular girls at her school. In a part of the book she found Ashley kissing Cal and there she found out Ashley was only her friend to get to Cal. Ashley and Josh, that were now dating, really gave her a hard time because she fell for all of that. Christian and Cal are a really important part in her life, especially after she stops being friends with Ashley.
In my opinion this book was really good. It’s told in both Christian and Emmy’s perspective. I like that the author used two point of views because you can see into both of their stories and you can see how both of them feel. I guess some people would say that this is the classic “my brother’s best friend” but I think it is much more than that. I really think the author did an amazing job with this book and the series and I recommend you read the Make the Play series and other books by Amber Garza I think she is an outstanding author.
Play Safe is a classic brother's best friend book but with so much depth and you actually really end caring so much for the characters and the book. It is a YA sports romance novel, the first book in the Make the Play Series. The book is about a girl, Emmy, that has always had a crush on his brother, Cal,’s best friend Christian. She had always liked him but she thought he only saw her as a little sister.
When Emmy gets into a fight with her boyfriend, Josh, Christian is there to defend her, he always had been. When he is taking her home they kiss and that’s the kiss that changes everything. They both knew they could never do anything about it because Cal would freak out.
Later in the book, they really want to be together, so they decide to tell Cal together but Josh decides to tell Cal before either of them can tell him and he is really mad with Christian and they get into a fight in baseball practice. Cal and Christian were best friends since they were little kids but they also had a strong friendship because of baseball. Cal was the pitcher and Christian was the catcher and they were really good.
Slowly, Cal starts to accept Christian and Emmy but he warns that if he hurts Emmy he will hurt him. Christian always had problems with his father because he was never around in any part of his life. Do when he dies, Christian didn’t even meet him and he is really messed up. In the end, they work it out and Emmy and Christian are happy together.
Christian’s character is a character that is in layers. He always had problems with his family because his mother cheated on his boyfriend with his college professor and that’s how she had him. His father never wanted to do anything with him but he sent him cards in his birthday every year. When his father dies it messes him up really bad and he tells Emmy he can’t be with her.
Emmy’s character is really different from Christian’s. She has a really good family life but when it comes to friends it’s not really good. She had a best friend, Ashley, that was one of the really popular girls at her school. In a part of the book she found Ashley kissing Cal and there she found out Ashley was only her friend to get to Cal. Ashley and Josh, that were now dating, really gave her a hard time because she fell for all of that. Christian and Cal are a really important part in her life, especially after she stops being friends with Ashley.
In my opinion this book was really good. It’s told in both Christian and Emmy’s perspective. I like that the author used two point of views because you can see into both of their stories and you can see how both of them feel. I guess some people would say that this is the classic “my brother’s best friend” but I think it is much more than that. I really think the author did an amazing job with this book and the series and I recommend you read the Make the Play series and other books by Amber Garza I think she is an outstanding author.
October 21, 2017
Not bad...
So this book was cute, in a very young adult rated way. I'd recommend it to young teens who are looking for a decent PG rated read. However, for me I felt that this book was a bit hard for me to get into. It was quite wordy, in my opinion, with hardly enough dialogue between characters. Books like that drive me insane. I don't mind wordy paragraphs but at least balance it out with decent character interactions. I literally fought to keep my interest in this book, at times I would skim paragraphs quickly just to get it over with. I wouldn't go so far as to say that this book is horrible, because it's not, it's just hard to really focus on the story, especially when there's pages upon pages of wordy paragraphs. Other than that it was a decent book, but I doubt I'll read the next two in the series.
So this book was cute, in a very young adult rated way. I'd recommend it to young teens who are looking for a decent PG rated read. However, for me I felt that this book was a bit hard for me to get into. It was quite wordy, in my opinion, with hardly enough dialogue between characters. Books like that drive me insane. I don't mind wordy paragraphs but at least balance it out with decent character interactions. I literally fought to keep my interest in this book, at times I would skim paragraphs quickly just to get it over with. I wouldn't go so far as to say that this book is horrible, because it's not, it's just hard to really focus on the story, especially when there's pages upon pages of wordy paragraphs. Other than that it was a decent book, but I doubt I'll read the next two in the series.
January 9, 2016
Some book has to be first DFN of the year. So here is is. Play safe made no sense at all. The characters are wishy washy, we have some stupid teens, with stupid ideas, a love that could just be if the characters weren't so stupid.
I need to read something good, not a receipt that has been tried 1.000.000 already.
This book was like a wreck the more I read the worst it got.
November 29, 2015
This was your usual high school romance where the girl falls for the brother's best friend. I enjoyed the characters and the story, but I thought the main character was a little timid and I didn't see her rise up as much as I wanted to. It was an okay story, not the best but it was worth the read.
June 23, 2016
More like a 3.5. It was pretty cute and knew how it would end but it was still had its surprise moments, I also thought Mr Easton was going to be someone else but still I'm glad that it work out for Olivia and him and getting to know their back story
May 14, 2018
Lo ame... me mantuvo atenta en todo momento
November 9, 2018
Easy to read,interesting,emotional,jealousy and bit drama.
Thank you Amber Garza!
Thank you Amber Garza!
August 12, 2020
I loved this book. It was really cute, and I could picture every moment in my head.
January 4, 2021
3.5*
At some parts, it felt very slow, however the writing was cute. I wish Emmy could have been more assertive, but good character growth for both characters
At some parts, it felt very slow, however the writing was cute. I wish Emmy could have been more assertive, but good character growth for both characters
October 25, 2015
Looking for a sweet, angst filled forbidden romance? Play Safe is definitely a book to check out.
Emmy has had the biggest crush on her brother Cal’s best friend Christian for years, but since he’s Cal’s best friend and hasn’t shown any interest in him, she tries to move on with Josh. We meet Emmy while at a party where she’s about to confront Josh about his lies, and immediately I hate his character! You can tell he’s not a good person, but Emmy stays with him for some reason. When Christian saves her and takes her home, things change between them for a split second, and then Christian says something stupid.
Since this story is told in both characters points of views, we truly get to experience this story to the fullest. Christian at times needed to be slapped upside his head. He wants Emmy but doesn’t act on it, and then gets jealous of anyone else spending times with her. He’s afraid, I get that, but he shouldn’t have pushed Emmy away so many times. I felt bad for Christian and everything he’s been through, but at the same time, he shouldn’t have pushed Emmy away and he should have talked to Cal about what he was feeling. He handled things wrong a few times, but the way he feels about Emmy is definitely noticeable to anyone who has a set of semi-working eyes. That’s why I was a little shocked that Cal hadn’t put it together sooner.
Emmy, oh Emmy… I loved her character, but I hated her at times too. She lets people walk over her in the beginning, Josh, Ashley, anyone and everyone. She thinks she’s happy but she’s not, and when she finally realizes what she needs to do, is when I didn’t hate her anymore. She grew a spine in this book and went after what she wanted. She stopped letting people use her and fought for what she wanted and deserved. I loved seeing the character growth of Emmy in this book.
Christian and Emmy’s story isn’t an easy one, and just when you think they finally have things figured out, something else comes up that makes a mess of things. They are both young, and scared, I just wish both of them would have been more open with one another and not pushed each other away at times. The bond Cal, Emmy, and Christian share is beautiful and you can tell they will always be there for one another. Cal didn’t handle the news of Christian and Emmy well at first, but I was happy to see how things turned out with that situation.
This is definitely an angsty read, and a stand alone. I adored Emmy and Christian’s story. It was sweet and beautifully written. I am definitely looking forward to reading Cal’s book when it releases. He definitely deserves his HEA! I encourage anyone looking for a new adult stand alone filled with angst and hot baseball players to one-click their copy of Play Safe today!
Emmy has had the biggest crush on her brother Cal’s best friend Christian for years, but since he’s Cal’s best friend and hasn’t shown any interest in him, she tries to move on with Josh. We meet Emmy while at a party where she’s about to confront Josh about his lies, and immediately I hate his character! You can tell he’s not a good person, but Emmy stays with him for some reason. When Christian saves her and takes her home, things change between them for a split second, and then Christian says something stupid.
Since this story is told in both characters points of views, we truly get to experience this story to the fullest. Christian at times needed to be slapped upside his head. He wants Emmy but doesn’t act on it, and then gets jealous of anyone else spending times with her. He’s afraid, I get that, but he shouldn’t have pushed Emmy away so many times. I felt bad for Christian and everything he’s been through, but at the same time, he shouldn’t have pushed Emmy away and he should have talked to Cal about what he was feeling. He handled things wrong a few times, but the way he feels about Emmy is definitely noticeable to anyone who has a set of semi-working eyes. That’s why I was a little shocked that Cal hadn’t put it together sooner.
Emmy, oh Emmy… I loved her character, but I hated her at times too. She lets people walk over her in the beginning, Josh, Ashley, anyone and everyone. She thinks she’s happy but she’s not, and when she finally realizes what she needs to do, is when I didn’t hate her anymore. She grew a spine in this book and went after what she wanted. She stopped letting people use her and fought for what she wanted and deserved. I loved seeing the character growth of Emmy in this book.
Christian and Emmy’s story isn’t an easy one, and just when you think they finally have things figured out, something else comes up that makes a mess of things. They are both young, and scared, I just wish both of them would have been more open with one another and not pushed each other away at times. The bond Cal, Emmy, and Christian share is beautiful and you can tell they will always be there for one another. Cal didn’t handle the news of Christian and Emmy well at first, but I was happy to see how things turned out with that situation.
This is definitely an angsty read, and a stand alone. I adored Emmy and Christian’s story. It was sweet and beautifully written. I am definitely looking forward to reading Cal’s book when it releases. He definitely deserves his HEA! I encourage anyone looking for a new adult stand alone filled with angst and hot baseball players to one-click their copy of Play Safe today!
November 10, 2015
Can't wait for book 2!
It's always been Cal and Christian.....with Cal's little sister Emmy. It was so much easier to protect her when she was always with them.
She was always off limits and to Christian she was always considered a little sister. But as time went on Emmy changed and with that so did Christians feelings for her.
Emmy has always had a crush on her older brothers best friend. She could never act on it because she was always considered the best friends little sister.
After a party one night they kiss, mutually. But afterwards Chris tells Emmy that it meant nothing so she goes back to her boyfriend and tries to forget Chris. But that's not how it works.
When they both realize their feelings for each other's there's more factors that go into their relationship than just them two! They must decide if they want to take the next step or try to remain friends.
I loved this book! It's got baseball! It's got hot guys! It's got love! What more could you ask for in a book??!! Can't wait to read about Cal!
It's always been Cal and Christian.....with Cal's little sister Emmy. It was so much easier to protect her when she was always with them.
She was always off limits and to Christian she was always considered a little sister. But as time went on Emmy changed and with that so did Christians feelings for her.
Emmy has always had a crush on her older brothers best friend. She could never act on it because she was always considered the best friends little sister.
After a party one night they kiss, mutually. But afterwards Chris tells Emmy that it meant nothing so she goes back to her boyfriend and tries to forget Chris. But that's not how it works.
When they both realize their feelings for each other's there's more factors that go into their relationship than just them two! They must decide if they want to take the next step or try to remain friends.
I loved this book! It's got baseball! It's got hot guys! It's got love! What more could you ask for in a book??!! Can't wait to read about Cal!
December 14, 2015
I DONT THINK I HAVE CRIED SO MUCH IN A BOOK! LIKE GET ME IT WAS A GREAT OMG CRAZY AMAZING BOOK BUT I CRIED SO MUCH!
Right to start off with i knew i would love this book from the start i read the blurb it had me at we cant be together!
Omg this is such an amazing book, like the way they cant be together but he loves her so much and the only thing in there way is one of the most important person in there lives like CRYING.
I ship this book with my brain so much! I WOULD SUGGEST IT ANYTHING!
Right to start off with i knew i would love this book from the start i read the blurb it had me at we cant be together!
Omg this is such an amazing book, like the way they cant be together but he loves her so much and the only thing in there way is one of the most important person in there lives like CRYING.
I ship this book with my brain so much! I WOULD SUGGEST IT ANYTHING!
October 24, 2015
Very sweet yet deep read. I love romance in all different forms. There young love is sweet and spicey. The perfect combination. There is a much deeper story then just the love off two teenagers(young adults). There is a lot of pain in this book. Friendships are tested, some shattered. Relationships are broken, others rekindle, some are brand new. I have had it on my 'to read' since it popped up. Bought it the day it was released. One of my favorite themes. Eagerly awaiting book two. Wondering if Taylor was mentioned for a reason? ;)
May 8, 2016
I enjoyed every minute of reading this book. The characters are so amazing and well developed. It has so many things that I love in a romance story. There is the forbidden romance, sports romance and best friend's sister/brother. You can feel the chemistry between Emmy and Chris from the beginning of the story. They have secretly crushed on each other for awhile and can't help themselves any more. It's definitely not predictable. There are twists and turns all through the story. Read it in one sitting!
May 24, 2016
Mehhh
Cliche. Predictable. Emmy had no backbone. All of the characters were juvenile and petty. I skimmed a lot of it. I am too old for high school drama because everything in this book made me roll my eyes.
Cliche. Predictable. Emmy had no backbone. All of the characters were juvenile and petty. I skimmed a lot of it. I am too old for high school drama because everything in this book made me roll my eyes.
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February 1, 2016This started out pretty interesting for me, but by 43% through I was just over it. I was forcing myself to read it and I know that's a good time to put it down and walk away. There wasn't anything wrong with it, I just don't think it was the book for me!
additional reviews and content on my blog listful booking
additional reviews and content on my blog listful booking
February 5, 2016
I would go with a solid 4 1/2 stars if that was an option. I like this book took me a little bit to get into because I have a problem with characters (people) that don't express their feeling and keep things bottled up just to try to appease someone else. In the end though going for it is just what Emmy and Chris do and love is all that is left.
April 12, 2016
Sweet, clean high school romance. Good lessons about trusting people you shouldn't as well as letting people in. Did a good job showing how tough the social aspect of high school can be. Nice take on a forbidden type of romance.
Good characters and a quick paced storyline. Looking forward to reading more in this series.
Good characters and a quick paced storyline. Looking forward to reading more in this series.
February 8, 2016
Sweet young love
I love these sweet young love stories. Emmy is beautiful and innocent. Christian is wholesome with a few daddy issues but nothing dark. This friends to lovers story is sweet, innocent and fun. Loved it.
I love these sweet young love stories. Emmy is beautiful and innocent. Christian is wholesome with a few daddy issues but nothing dark. This friends to lovers story is sweet, innocent and fun. Loved it.
November 5, 2015
Young love
I've never had an older brother, but I definitely appreciate crushing on my friends older brother. This was a sweet story, albeit a little young for this old lady. Still a great book.
I've never had an older brother, but I definitely appreciate crushing on my friends older brother. This was a sweet story, albeit a little young for this old lady. Still a great book.
April 25, 2016
Aaahhh loved it!!
Loved this book! So glad Chris finally realized he loved!! That situation had to have been hard! So sad about his dad also! Loved the ending! Can't wait to read Cal's story!
Loved this book! So glad Chris finally realized he loved!! That situation had to have been hard! So sad about his dad also! Loved the ending! Can't wait to read Cal's story!
May 12, 2016
Sweet
I loved how sweet it is. Is a great story. It's not what I was waiting for. It thought it would be the typical I'm in love with my best friend's little sister, but it was more than that. I highly recommend it. Im excited to read the best friends story now. ☺️
I loved how sweet it is. Is a great story. It's not what I was waiting for. It thought it would be the typical I'm in love with my best friend's little sister, but it was more than that. I highly recommend it. Im excited to read the best friends story now. ☺️
May 18, 2016
This was a 3.5 for me.
Super cute and sweet. Lots of drama, some crappy topics handled in a great way. Emmy and Christian were a great story, and the supporting characters were just as interesting. I liked it a lot. I'm excited to keep reading! On to the next one...
Super cute and sweet. Lots of drama, some crappy topics handled in a great way. Emmy and Christian were a great story, and the supporting characters were just as interesting. I liked it a lot. I'm excited to keep reading! On to the next one...
October 1, 2016
Play Safe is the first book in the Make the Play series by Amber Garza. The storyline was solid and well thought out. The characters had depth, emotion and chemistry. All in all a pretty solid book and great opener for this series.
October 23, 2015
it was a nice and easy read. But it wasn't something I haven't read before... I will read the next one though because the writing was fabulous
October 25, 2015
Stereotypical and full of cliches. Did NOT like the heroine. Characters are too wishy washy and the drama is extreme.
November 2, 2015
I love it!!!! Best story ever!!! And the characters are amazing!! Very excited to see what's in store for book 2!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews