Shoot The Gap

Nelson High Raiders #4

by Jordan Ford

The final book in a young adult romance series about a small town football team and the girls who win their hearts.

Tyler Schumann has always been known as Nelson High’s goofy clown, the guy with the big mouth. But there’s something people don’t know: he’s tired of being in the shadows of his Raiders’ buddies, and he’s ready to do whatever it takes to get the one girl in school he wants to finally notice him: Roxanne Carmichael.

Sammy Carmichael is just one of the guys, known for her mad boarding skills and her razor-sharp wit. But she has a secret, too—a crush on her best friend. It’s a relationship she’s not willing to risk damaging by getting all romantic about it.

When Tyler asks for Sammy’s help, she’s stoked to be able to spend a little one-on-one time with him. Their secret mission will bring them closer together…until she realizes what he’s really after—her sister. Tired of being in the shadows herself, Sammy sets out on a mission of her own to prove that she’s the Carmichael girl he really wants.

But the secrets and lies she discovers as she embarks on her quest could tear her relationship with Tyler to shreds, and Sammy must decide which lies are worth exposing and how much damage the truth will cause.

Already released!
Book 1: The Playmaker
Book 2: The Red Zone
Book 3: The Handoff

If you'd like to stay up-to-date with releases, you can either follow Jordan on Amazon or you are welcome to sign up for her newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bMhHFr

Genres: Sports Romance, Young Adult, Romance, Football, Contemporary, Friends To Lovers, Young Adult Romance

571 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 9, 2016

About the author

Jordan Ford is a teen and young-adult romance author. She loves to write romance novels filled with angst, mystery, danger and first love. If you're looking for heartfelt romance, loyal friendships, thrilling drama and characters you can fall in love with, then you're in the right place.

“Writing romance brings me the greatest joy. My heart bubbles, my insides zing, and I am at my happiest when immersed in a great scene with characters who have become real to me.”

To stay up-to-date with Jordan's latest news, you can sign up for her newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/JF_book...
You'll also get a free introduction to her Ryder Bay series.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Website: www.jordanfordbooks.com
Email: jordan@jordanfordbooks.com

Reviews

[Yoda · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay, I didn´t hate it but I didn´t love it either. Story was nice and entertaining much less drama then in the last ones, that´s a big pluss.

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.

I've been really enjoying this series and when I was sick and wanted a comforting read that would keep my attention I decided to read the fourth and last book in this series. Shoot the Gap was an awesome read and I really enjoyed it. It also works perfectly as series ender as it not only has a new romance, but also wraps up some small mysteries that were introduced earlier in the series.

Shoot the Gap follows the point of views of Tyler and Sam. I really liked getting to know these two. I especially liked seeing Tyler change throughout this book and figuring out what he really wanted and what was really important to him. While with Sam I am so happy she stayed true to herself and didn't change to impress Tyler. I have a soft spot for friends to lovers romances and this book had an awesome and sweet friends to lovers romance. I've enjoyed reading about Tyler and Sam in previous books and it's clear how close they are. Seeing them turn into more was awesome.

Tyler wants to be seen and to do that he wants to go to prom with Roxy, he has a plan to figure out who took some uncomfortable pictures of her best friend Layla to get into Roxy's good graces. He asks his best friend Sammy for help with this, but Sam actually has had a crush on Tyler for ages and she struggles seeing him infatuated with her sister Roxy. Sam is a tomboy and knows Tyler will never look at her that way. It was great seeing the story develop and seeing their friendship turn into romance.

This book also serves great as series ender. We get to see all the couples from previous books again and it was great. There are two small mysteries the previous books left open, who posted those cartoons of Kaija and who took those pictures of Layla and it was great seeing those truths come to light in this book and it made sense how Tyler and Sam where the ones to figure it out. It's great to read about this close group of friends. We also get some new characters in Tyler's family, who were so fun to read about.

To summarize: This was an awesome book. It kept my attention from start to finish and I had so much fun reading it. This was a great read and made for a great series ender, although I am sad this series is over now. Tyler and Sam were great characters and I enjoyed reading about them. From how Sam wants to be herself and be accepted that way and how she doesn't change. To how Tyler thinks he wants one thing, but then realizes he actually wants something else. I really liked their sweet friends to lovers romance and they made for a great couple. I enjoyed seeing more of the previous couples and reading about this tight group of friends. I also enjoyed seeing the resolution to some small mysteries that were left open earlier in the series that get wrapped up here. This series was a lot of fun to read!

[Shy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel sort of sad to say goodbye to this series. Jordan Ford's books have made been dear to me as I read the journey of these characters.

I've always like Tyler and I think it's just fitting to end the series with him. Tyler was mostly seen through the series as a goofy guy and it's so nice to see a different side of him in this book. With him, along with Sam showed us that it's not so bad to be true to yourself.

Sam's strength is so admirable. I like how she stood firm and stood for who she is despite how dysfunctional her family was.

I guess that's another great thing about this series. We not only get to see diverse characters but we also get to see diverse parents and how they contribute to these youngsters up bringing and shaping their characters as they make their way into the world.

This book is so much more than I expected it and I enjoyed every moment with Sam and Tyler. Praises to Jordan Ford for writing an awesome young adult series.

[Jordan Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's always a bittersweet feeling writing the final book in a series. I have fallen in love with the Nelson High Raiders and their awesome girlfriends. I kind of don't want to leave, but senior year has come to an end. Being part of that world was nothing but a pleasure, and Sammy is one of my favorite characters. I love how tough she is, how true to herself she's willing to be. Watching her and Tyler figure out how they really feel and then doing something about it was super fun.

I hope you enjoy the final novel! I was nervous trying to wrap up the series and make the book a satisfying one for my readers. I really wanted to do the best job I could and tie up those strings in a way that would leave readers feeling happy and satisfied :)

Thank you so much to anyone who has taken the time to read these books. I appreciate your time and your support :)

xxx

[LOVink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jordan Ford has done it again, making me fall in love with her characters and making me cry because my heart hurt with and for them.
Sam is awesome and I totally have a girlcrush on her ♥
I love her strength and her nobullshit-attitude, and that she would put her friendship with Tyler first even though she was hurting inside. She is that kind of friend who'll always support the ones she loves no matter what (it takes on herself).

„I'd rather have Tyler as a buddy for life than a boyfriend for half a second.“

I wanted to hug her so many times and although I believe her mom and dad do love her, I'm glad she has Tyler's parents. Donnie is awesome, he is definitely my fav Dad in this series ;)

„It's settled, we're keeping her.“

She just wants to feel that she is enough and in Tyler's home with his parents and his siblings she is loved for herself ♥

As much as my heart was breaking for Sam, there were so many funny scenes too :D
Tyler was adorably clueless and his „discovery“ that his buddy Sam is a girl with boobs made me laugh out loud.
After that it still takes him some time, but he finally gets there and that's just so sweet ♥

„I'm happiest when I'm hanging out with you, Sams. (...)“

„Shoot the gap“ is a wonderful and touching friends-to-lovers story and the p e r f e c t ending to this series, we get to say goodbye to the whole gang and there are no lose ends, all questions answered.

I love everything about these 4 books - the writing, the characters, the pacing, the emotions - they will stay with me for a long time and I can't wait to have them all on my real bookshelf, the covers are so pretty.
I'm a little sad „Shoot the gap“ is the last Big Play novel BUT I'm totally looking forward to Jordan Ford's next book.



ARC provided in exchange for an honest review

[Kelly Mccurdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

~~I received this in exchange for my honest opinion~~

Where do I even begin with this review? I am so sad that this series is over! I loved every minute I read it!!! This book was amazing. Jordan really knows how to keep a person on her toes. Just when you think you have it all figured it out there she goes, throwing another curve ball in there. I am so glad this book ended the way that it did. The two the ended up together are perfect for each other.

I love reading Jordan's work. She makes it fun and twisty. You don't know what she is going to put in there. Some may make you cry and other will definitely make you laugh!! If you haven't started this series yet, then you need to. You are totally missing out!

[Cate · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's getting really hard for me to rate the quick, clean cutesy YA contemporary romances. I've been drawing away from them and reading more NA which features characters with a lot more problems (well, the ones I read anyway) and a twisted plot line. I don't really know how to rate these quick reads.

This is the fourth book in the series and I previously hadn't read any of the other books. I didn't think you had to- each book features a different couple. But, now after only reading the fourth book, I strongly recommend it.

Sammy and Tyler and both in the same friend group. The friends are the other couples. There's not getting around not seeing those couples. This series works just like any other series- the storyline starts from the first book and continues throughout the other books. There's just a spice of romance on the side of the two characters telling the story.

I found it really difficult to understand what they were talking about because I hadn't read the previous books. You're expected to know what's going on and I didn't. It's like every book had a little story line and that story line was part of a bigger plot which climaxed in the final book.

Although I did enjoy it, I would have enjoyed it a lot more if I had read the previous books.

In saying that, I think I will go back and read all four books in order because I did enjoy the characters very much. They were very life-like and they bonded so well together. Sammy was a very relatable character and I really liked her. I can't say the same for her sister Roxy. She was an ass and I really didn't like her. I don't have an older sister so I can't compare but I do have two younger siblings and if I was like Roxy I would hate myself. She was horrible to Sam and only cared about herself. I didn't like her mother then either. We got to see her opening up a bit with Sammy near the end but otherwise, I didn't like her. She took sides with Roxy way too often.

"I have to consider the fact that for all Sammy's hard-ass coating, maybe there's a girl under there who just wants someone to make her his number one priority."

The romance was a bit too quick for me but I think it was because the relationship was already established in the previous books, I just didn't get to see that. Tyler and Sam are already really good friends so there's only really one step to go. No first meeting, no getting to know each other, no first time spending time together. They'd done all of that as friends.

[Quick side note: have you even seen High School Musical? You know when they sing the status-quo (sp?) song and there's the like skater dudes and one of them plays the cello? Yeah, I imagined Tyler to look like his friend. And, Sammy to dress similarly.]

Overall, I quite enjoyed this book and as I've said before, I'm going to go back and read the three previous when I have time.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!!

I am so, so sad that this is the last book in The Big Play Series. Jordan Ford has provided me with well written and heart warming stories. She has reignited my love for the Young Adult book genre and has left me begging for more.

The final installment of The Big Play Series, Shoot The Gap, follows the story of Tyler and Sammy. Tyler has a big mouth and has always been known as the class clown. However, there is so much more to him than meets the eye. He’s tired of being the status quo and wants more. He especially wants a certain girls attention….Sammy isn’t afraid to hang with the guys. She’s smart, witty and has crazy board skills. Only, she’s tired of being seen as just one of the guys. She wants her best friend to see her, to see what’s always been there, but has been too afraid to voice. When an opportunity to help Tyler presents itself, Sammy can’t help but jump at it. It’s finally her time to shine and show Tyler what he’s missing out on. As these two friends grow closer, secrets will be told and their relationship will be tested. The truth will set you free, but sometimes, it hurts more than it helps. Will Sammy and Tyler get their HEA? There’s only one way to find out.

Shoot The Gap is a fantastic addition to The Big Play Series. Jordan Ford pulled out all the stops with this one and had my emotions all over the place. This story was well-written and took me back to high school. I loved the angst and the cliques. The characters as always are very real and easy to connect with. I loved Sammy and Tyler together. Yes, they shared a lot of frustrating moments, but that made the slow burn/build of their romantic relationship all that much better. There were quite a few times where I just wanted to shake Tyler and make him open his eyes to finally see Sammy, but I have to tell you, he more than makes up for it and had my heart swooning all over the place.

Overall, I really enjoyed Shoot The Gap. Jordan Ford has created a beautiful story with amazing friendships and young love. This story had the perfect balance of angst, swoon worthy moments and frustration. I loved the way that Shoot The Gap wrapped up this series. I loved seeing it all come together and getting some time with a few of our old friends. My only complaint, is that the series is over!

I can not wait to read more from this author in the future.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*

[Renee Adams-Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished my ARC of Shoot the Gap by Jordan Ford. It's the 4th in her 'A Big Play Novel' series.

First of all, hands down, favourite one of the series. It's The Duff meets Mean Girls.

I've never felt more in sync with a character as I did with Sammy. I'm the younger sister of the gorgeous popular girl and grew up in her shadow. I know exactly what it's like to be in love with a guy who is in love with your sister. I read this on the verge of tears every time we got a glimpse inside Sammy's head. The only difference was my sister was the total opposite of Roxy. And because of that fact, she got the guy and I did not. She also had no idea of my crush, still to this day.

Sammy and Tyler's story was a perfect way to end the series. I loved how, even though it was written in 2 perspectives, it was really about 3 people. I really enjoyed the closer look into Roxy, even though we weren't in her head, we could still see the real her.

Sammy was such a great girl, and even though she is so tough on the outside, she is still a softy on the inside and can actually be hurt with words.

And I loved how Tyler could admit his faults and show his vulnerable side to Sammy. Unconditional trust.

All in all, one of the best books I've read all year and am heartbroken that this was the last one in the series.

I am looking forward to reading more from Jordan.

Very highly recommended read. But I suggest starting from the beginning.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little Bianca meets a little Kat and you get Sam

I was unaware that this was the final book in the series til the end, but to be honest, it was extremely fitting for a finale to this amazing series. I loved Sammy so much. She was refreshing in a world of too much need of perfection. Tori and Samy are my favorite because of this reason. They were so different, outwardly, then other girls so they were never seen as girlfriend material, but they were just as sweet and caring and ready for love. While Tori was seen as outside because of her quirkiness, Sammy was seen as one of the guys. I liked Tyler but his way of thinking drove me to want to slap him a lot, yet I could still see he was a good guy. The twist was something I had thought before but not for part of it and not to that extreme. I was shocked to say the least. I loved watching Sammy and Tyler explore the possibilities of togetherness and and that first kiss, swoon. It was a Duff - 10 Things I Hate About You mash up and those are both my favorites so you know I loved it. Sad there's no more Nelson High love to be sought but happy with where it took them. Miss Ford, as always, it was a true pleasure.

[Chicken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐

This was the perfect ending to this series! I felt so bad to let all these characters who now own a piece of my heart. They were such cute couples and this story wraps up the entire thing. In books two and three, I won’t spoil the suspense, but while there is a happy ending, there isn’t a full closure and you get that in this book.

To be honest, I didn’t like Tyler in the past books. He came across as conceited and obsessed with popularity. Sammie though, damn! I want to be that girl. She’s so not perfect buy yet perfect in every way. (It looks like I’m speaking gibberish. Sorry about that.) Okay, let’s go back to Tyler now that I’ve admitted my girl crush. Tyler wasn’t any of those things. Yes, he was a bit arrogant but he had his reasons. He was holding up a facade. I liked that the author took the fact that the readers would think of him as a horrible person from the past novel and add that aspect of him into this story and how it slowly dissipated. He was also a good person overall after you put his immature thoughts away. He turned to be a great older brother and a loyal friend. Sammie just got better. She seemed more human in this story. I got to learn more about her, what knocks her down and how strong she was. I don’t want to spoil anything about the story but all of the characters were beautifully created. They were like pieces of art.

The story, as I’ve said numerous times, was amazing. The writing, characters, overall completion was whole. All the events led up to the grand finale which really was grand. I liked that the other stories in this series were wrapped up tight in this one. There were no strings left loose. I didn’t feel overwhelming though I was truly surprised at how the story ended. It was a little bit predicted but still amazing. I wish there were more people who needed a story written in this series. I will say that this story is a bit more of a series bounded story. It won’t read well if read without the second and third books. Though you could read this and then those, whatever you like.

This story is worth reading. You need this series in your life!

I received a review copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kate McMurry · Rating 3 out of 5]

PG, YA novel featuring a melodramatic, romantic triangle

This is a "best friends become lovers" plot. Unfortunately, the main romantic conflict is that Roxanne, the horrible older sister of the tomboy heroine, 16-year-old Sammy, starts dating Sammy's 16-year-old best friend, Tyler, and frequently and publicly making out with him, solely to torment Sammy.

I'm not personally a fan of romantic triangles, and I get outright squeamish with a situation like this one, when the male protagonist is interested in two sisters. Fortunately, though Roxanne is presented as being callously promiscuous, both Tyler and Sammy are virgins, so the story does not devolve into debasing sexcapades.

[Melissa Pearl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book so fast. The banter between Sammy and Tyler always makes me smile. I love them together :)

I'm having a major Big Play novels hang over right now.
Love this series so much.

[Lenore Kosinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://celebrityreaders.wordpress.co...

4.5 stars -- I received a free copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.

OK, I'll have to read The Playmaker again, but I think this is my favourite of the series!! Sammy and Tyler's story was exactly everything I was hoping for. Not only did it answer all the questions I had, but it tied up the overarching plotline that was running in the background for most of the series in a satisfying way for me.

You know one of the strange things I love about this series? For most of the main characters, we actually get a glimpse of the parents -- and they run the gamut, some great examples of good parents, and some great examples of dysfunctional families and (sort of) bad parents. So it really gives a lot of teens someone to vibe with in the family department. So many times in young adult novels I find the parental figures to be just missing altogether. It's not that they take up a lot of time in any of these stories, but they exist, and they've shaped who the heroes and heroines are. Tyler has a great set of parents that I admired as much as Sammy (though I will admit I'm confused and curious about Tyler's family sibling-wise, b/c we'd get occasional mentions of older siblings, and so I was curious about the make up even if it wasn't really relevant to the story). Sammy, on the other hand, comes from a more dysfunctional family with parents that fight and bring those children into the fights. And while her parents aren't *bad* per se, they aren't ideal and she struggles with them (in particular her Mother). But I did appreciate that her Mother wasn't just an evil character, but a misguided one moreso.

Tyler was hella interesting as a book boy for me, b/c we saw him have lustful feelings for lots of girls, but it didn't take away from his feelings for Sammy (once he finally started to realize them). It was a nicely realistic guy perspective in my opinion. He was a little heartbreaking in his own right b/c he just had such skewed priorities, and so it prevented him from seeing what was important in life. I also loved how his experiences didn't match up with his boasting, as we'd sort of seen hints of in the previous books. I thought his growth was really realistic and I really believed in how he fell for Sammy, and how confused he was by all that he was feeling.

Sammy was the star for me. I don't have a lot in common with her, but I fell for her regardless. I loved how strong she was in wanting to be who she was inside, regardless of the pressures she felt from family to be something else (more girly). But my heart also broke for her, b/c while she wasn't willing to compromise herself, it didn't mean that it didn't still hurt that it didn't feel like anyone wanted her for *her*. I can vibe with that -- wanting to be liked/loved, but not willing to change myself to achieve that. So in that way she totally spoke to me. Yeah, I don't really know what more to say, other than I really loved who she was and totally have a girl crush on her. I don't tend to get a lot of book girl crushes, so she's in a bit of an elite club.

The romance was definitely pretty slowburning b/c Tyler had to get his head out of his butt, but I loved what we did get, and I really felt like it was realistic and authentic. And woo boy, the kisses were pretty sweet. I definitely had some mega-grinning going on.

It was FANTASTIC to see all the characters from the series coming together in this book. It was honestly the perfect wrap up in that way.

I was feeling a little up and down with the whole Roxy situation. On one hand I started thinking the way Sammy was feeling and reacting didn't fit her, but then when I really thought about it (and as the story continued at the end) I supposed I could see it. So basically I'm conflicted. There were parts of me that liked it, but parts that wished there was a more satisfying explanation or something.

I'm sad to see this series end, but I think it was the perfect end at the same time. I can't wait to find out what the next series is for Ms. Ford, I will definitely be on board for checking it out.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
(I only rate a book five stars if I was drawn to read it three or more times.)

I would not only recommend this book, but the entire series. Most satisfying if you read in order.

Shoot the Gap - when a defensive lineman exploits the space between the offensive lineman

Remember your best friend and how it was so important to you not to screw it up by admitting to yourself, or him, that your feelings have grown into something else.

From the Best Friend's perspective - if you could just claim the "it girl" as yours it would solidify you spot as king of the in-crowd. That position was opening up since the current king was due to graduate. You needed to do something now to set yourself up for your senior year.

This is the fourth and final in the Big Play series that focuses on four members of the Nelson High Raiders football team and the girls that change their world. The whole series is a good read, and is a series of stories of the "in crowd" stepping outside of their preconceived notions of what they want in a girlfriend.

Shoot the Gap is the story of Tyler Schumann, a Junior, who in order to take his place as king of the in crowd next year wants to date the most popular girl and cheerleader, Roxanne Carmichael. The problem: Roxanne is Tyler's best friend, Sammy Carmichael's sister, and she has no interest in Tyler. That is until Roxanne notices her sister Sammy looking longingly at Tyler.

Sammy, is a tomboy with major skate board skills. As one of the guys, she is in the position of not being thought of as a typical girl, but that doesn't mean she still doesn't have typical girl feelings towards a guy. She is doesn't feel she fits in with her family and is tired of being the one that is alone and decides to Shoot the Gap for Tyler. Yet, she still has underlying doubts that it will ruin their friendship, which is the most important relationship she has.

They both learn that being who they are and being honest with themselves first and then each other can change everything.

Favorite line: "I have to consider the fact that for all Sammy's hard-ass coating, maybe there's a girl under there who just wants someone to make her his number one priority."

Jordan Ford allowed the Tyler, Roxanne, and Sammy story to tie up loose ends from the previous three stories in a non-forced or contrived way.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy in exchange for a honest review. So here we go.
I wish I could give it more than 5 but that's the limit, but that won't stop me from giving it more +, so my ratings goes like this:

5++++++++++++++++++++++

I must say that this books was way more than I was expecting. I mean my hopes we're high, but the book completely blew me away. I want to take this opportunity to say something about Sam and Tyler. Since the first books I felt something about them, not necessarily together, I just knew that I wanted to get to know them better. I knew that behind the tough attitudes and funny jokes, there was something more. And it felt so good to be right. Hahaha
Sam is a great chick, I fell in love with here in the second book. She's loyal, sweet, caring, loving, honest, does not takes bulls@&$t from anybody, she's very Independent and she's clearly a little bit insecure about who she should be, I mean she is who she is, and she shows it without remorse, but she's insecure, of what her parents want her to be, living in the shadows of her horrible sister in her own home, made her feel like she couldn't relied on anyone. Not even her Best friend, who she was madly in love with. Even tho he didn't know it, because of course that would ruin everything.
At first I thought it was going to be the same cliché, best friends falls in love with Boy best friend and at the end he ends up falling for her, it is something like that, but the story is anything but ordinary. I mean we get to see the finish result, and we get to discover mysteries from the other books.

Is so amazing to see how each character started growing up in each book. How they started to change. It's really great.
They are by far my favorite characters. Tyler is so sweet when he wants to. He was tired of being in the shadows, but what he never realized before is that he was the world to someone who was beside him. She saw him as so much more than he saw himself.

I loved the end, even tho I'm very sad because the series came to an end, I would have loved to read more about them. They are such great kids.

I highly recommend you to read this book. You can read it as a standalone, you will understand it, but it would be way more awesome if you read the other 3 books, you will not regret it.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Officially Schumann and Carmichael hooked.

I received an advanced copy in exchange for a honest review. So here we go.
I wish I could give it more than 5 but that's the limit, but that won't stop me from giving it more +, so my ratings goes like this:

5++++++++++++++++++++++

I must say that this books was way more than I was expecting. I mean my hope we're high, but the book completely blow me away. I want to take this opportunity to say something about Sam and Tyler since the first books I felt something about them, not necessarily together I just knew that I wanted to get to know them better. I knew that behind the tough attitudes and funny jokes, lasted something more. And it felt so good to be right. Hahaha
Sam is a great chick, I fell in love with here in the second book. She loyal, sweet, caring, loving, honest, does not takes bulls@&$t from nobody, she's very Independent and she's clearly a little bit insecure about who she should be, I mean she is who she is, and she shows it without remorse, but she's insecure, of what her parents want her to be, living in the shadows of her horrible sister in her own home, made her feel like she couldn't relied on anyone. Not even her Best friend, who she was madly in love with. Even tho he didn't know it, because of course that would ruin everything.
At first I thought it was going to be the same cliché, best friends falls in love with Boy best friends and at the end he ends up falling for her, it is something like that, but the story is anything but ordinary. I mean we get to see the finish result, and we get to discover mysteries from the other books.

Is so amazing to see how each character started growing up in each book. How they started to change. It's really amazing.
They are by far my favorite characters. Tyler is so sweet when he wants to. He was tired of being in the shadows, but what he never realized before is that he was the world to someone who was beside him. She saw him as so much more than he saw himself.

I loved the end, even tho I'm very sad because the series came to an end, I would have loved to read more about them. They are such a great kids.

I highly recommend you to read this book. You can read it as a standalone, you will understand it, but it would be way more awesome if you read the other 3 books, you will not regret it.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book surprised me in more than one way. I got to see a side of Tyler that you just didn't get much of in the other books. Of all of the guys, he seemed the most cliquish so you wouldn't expect to see that he was actually a pretty decent guy...just with bad taste in women apparently. The clown of the group, he wanted everyone, including the girl of his dreams to see that there is more to him than what they see. All of his closest friends, except Sammy, would be graduating and moving on. All of his closest friends have found their soul mates, and none of the girls are who he would have pegged for his boys. He would never admit it, but he wanted what they have and he already has the girl picked out...it just happened to be the wrong girl. And it takes him a while to figure it out.

The other thing that surprised me was that although he was blind to what was right in front of his face, when he did figure it out, he was a pretty stand up guy about how idiotic he was. And I loved his family. I think if you would have asked them, they could have told him who the perfect girl was for him. And like his friends, not who he would have pegged for himself. I loved Sammy. I loved how the guys all treated her as one of their own too. Unlike the other girls, she wasn't a girly girl, but she was comfortable with who she was. Unlike Tori, she was more fierce too. Hands down one of my favorite characters of the series.

For all those who have yet to read this book and have read the previous books, the good news is that you get the closure that was missing in the other books. You'll learn who was behind the photos and cartoon drawings. If like me, you're not a fan of cliffhangers, but you understand why they are there and just want that closure, you'll be happy to know you get it.

[Naadhira Zahari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot believe that this series has come to an end!! I need more! I want to know more about them!

I love this story! I can't choose as my absolute favourite between this story-Tyler and Sammy's story or Tori and Cole's story. Both of them started off as nothing but a friendship that soon evolves into a budding romance. I am not here to talk about the latter couple but I am here to rant on about Tyler and Sammy. I adore them. Both of them.

There are some stories that does not seem to grasp the kind of story that started off as two main characters who are just friends and later on confesses their romantic feelings to each other. Well, this story is definitely something else. This story lives up to the expectations of these kind of stories.

I love the fact that Sammy is a very strong independent girl but in dire times, she also needs a man to protect her. And that man is Tyler. He was a bit blind in the beginning at aiming for popularity instead of actually seeing the only girl for him that is right in front of him. Nevertheless, he realizes it soon enough. It kind of seems perfect to insert a proverb here in which everyone is familiar with-better than never.

I really enjoyed myself while reading this book. It wraps up everyone's story in The Big Play series and I am both happy and sad to read about them. I am happy that they all got their deserved happy endings and I am also sad because I really want to read more about them.

[Reader By The Mountains · Rating 5 out of 5]

God, the finale of the The Big Play series had my head reeling.

Sammy Carmichael is the epitome of something that every girl in high school should be. Smart, funny, and all around nice. Plus, she likes one of the not-so-well-known guys of the school. Don't get me wrong. Tyler Schumann is indeed the class clown and being best friends with Sammy brings a whole new level of hell to the school. The one thing that I enjoyed about this group of friends is that they overlook the popularity status.

It fades after a while and so when Tyler recruits Sammy in desperate need of some help, she will jump at any chance to be friends with him.

Roxy and Sammy could not be any more different and as aforementioned, you can tell which is clearly my favorite. Jordan Ford does a fantastic job at creating a unity amongst her characters with revealing revelations and wonderful relationships.

Though this is the end of the Big Play series for now, Jordan Ford is bound to come up with something even more fantastic. So with a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, The Big Play comes to a thrilling end.

I could not deal with the ending because well, it was the ending of it all.

Blog you later, awesome book nerds.

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the final book of the series, we have Tyler and Sam's story. They have been best friends forever, but Tyler thinks that he needs something 'special' to make him stand out from his teammates. That something comes in the shape of Roxy Carmichael. Will Tyler open his eyes and see what is right in front of him, or will he stumble around in the dark and lose what he's already got?

This story wraps up all the previous storylines into one amazing climax. We see more of Tyler and Sam's home life, and the differences are there to see. Whereas one family is full of life and love, the other is clinical and detached. Professions of love are made, but to be honest, even after reading it all, I have my doubts!

With the full crew here helping to complete the story, the pages near enough turn themselves. Everything comes out to the harsh light of day and only time will tell how they all survive the fallout.

Absolutely recommended - both this book and the series.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 15, 2016

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam has a crush on her best friend, Tyler. Too bad he doesn't think of her as a potential girlfriend. Tyler only sees her as his buddy, so he doesn't think that she will mind when he asks her sister Roxy, head cheerleader of Nelson High, to prom. When Roxy discovers that Sam likes Tyler, she makes sure to accept Tyler's invitation.

As if watching her sister make out with Tyler wasn't bad enough, Sam is also dealing with her mother's constant pressure to change her appearance. Her mother wishes that she was more like Roxy instead of a tomboy. I'm glad that Sam stays true to herself and doesn't change who she is.
I love Skater Girl. I'm so glad that she got her own story.

I really enjoyed all of the Big Play Novels and I'm sad to see this series end.

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.*

[Melissa S Frederick]

Shoot the gap is the last book in the Big Play Series and once again Jordan Ford has written a great book.

I love how by the end of this book, everything comes to a point and we see how much each of the characters has changed and matured as their lives went through many ups and downs.

What can I say? I love this series and I'm so sad to see it end. However, I know that whatever Jordan brings to us next, is going to be just as amazing! Maybe someday we will even get another glimpse of these beloved characters.

I know I'm probably to old to be reading YA but who cares! I'll admit it, I'm an adult that is addicted to YA books,especially really great ones like this.

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

I've really enjoyed this series, I received a copy for an honest review.
This is Tyler's story, the goofy funny guy and his friend Sammy who is like one of the guys. He has the hots for her sister and can't see past her looks and popularity to what a b*tch she is.
The story line flowed smoothly and kept me entertained, I enjoyed catching up with characters from previous books too. Such teen angst, typical high school with the popular kids and the jocks and the nerds.
I'm sad to see this series end, but look forward to whatever this author puts out next.

[Juliana Ignácio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this story. It was the perfect end to this wonderful series!
Tyler and Sammy's friendship is perfect, they are true partners, and when the line between friendship and love begins to overcome, things change completely for them.
I loved how the whole group managed to discover the truth about what happened to Kaija and Layla, it was amazing!
It's a perfect story with wonderful characters! It's a shame it's over, but the end was perfect to the entire series.

[Angi · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite couple!!! Sam and Tyler are perfect together. I really loved their story, but I felt like theirs was more of a backdrop to all of the crazy that was going on and figured out. I'm not surprised by who the villain ended up being. I am surprised that there was no remorse there, no shame for the absolute wrongfulness of the situation. I think the sumner planned for that person is going to be quite the lesson and I really hope we get a book out of it...even better would be a series!

[Paula Genereau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. This series so far has been one of my favorites. Can't wait to see what's coming next

[Sarah Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Sammy and Tyler):
Her eyes narrow to tiny slits and she lunges for the remote. I pull my arm back and she flops into my lap. I catch her waist before she rolls onto the floor and gaze down at those blue eyes… hypnotized.
I don’t actually know what’s happening right now. All I can do is stare at her and just breathe. Her face is inches from mine. One little move forward and I could be kissing her again.
Does she want me to?
Her eyes are kind of saying that she does, but… it’s Sammy.
I mean, she’s like one of my bros.
A very kissable one.
My tongue sweeps across my bottom lip and I’m thinking about our hospital kiss so hard right now. If she doesn’t move, I won’t be able to resist.

“Layla’s got Finn. Colt’s got Tori. And you’ve”—she pecks my lips—“ got me."
I grin and stretch forward, capturing her mouth again. As her tongue slides against mine, I realize how right she is. Yeah, we’re all going to miss Mack, but new things await. For the first time in my life, I’m going into a summer break with a girlfriend… and not just any girlfriend, but the best one out there. My best friend. The one girl who can put up with my shit and still come out smiling.
We’ve been together for just over a month now and my there’s a chance I might love you has quickly morphed to an I’m gone for this girl. Being with her is easy, fun… natural. Next week, we’ll be leaving for Myrtle Beach—two weeks of sun and surf with my family. Sammy’s already part of it, and I can’t wait to see her in the bikini Layla convinced her to buy last weekend.

I swear to myself that I’ll take the honor seriously as I step into the summer sunlight and enjoy the fact that the end of something awesome has dawned the beginning of something epic.
I don’t need to prove myself to anyone anymore. I don’t need to play the hero or dodge shadows. I’m happy just to be the goofball who loves my family and makes my girlfriend laugh.
Senior year for Sammy, Layla, and me is gonna be just fine.
But first things first...summer vacation.
The perfect way to start something new.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet friends-to-lovers story!

I fell in love with Jordan Ford’s writing when I first read The Playmaker, and The Handoff when I was sick (I’ll have to write reviews for those now that I’m feeling better) so I knew I was going to equally adore Shoot the Gap.

All the books in this series were written so well, and even though there was some pretty over-the-top drama, most of the characters’ interactions with each other and the way they came to realize their feelings felt completely realistic and natural. I also have to say that I loved all of the heroines in this series—they were all strong and determined in their own ways and didn’t change who they were to get the guys.

This is definitely true for Shoot the Gap. Sammy was one strong girl and even though she felt insecure and left out because she was “just one of the guys” to Tyler, she absolutely refused to change anything about herself. Tyler really grew on me too. At first he seemed pretty shallow (pretty understandable for a high school guy) and more focused on making a name for himself than actually being himself, so I was really glad when he started to see the true value of his friendship with Sam.

While Sam’s home life and relationship with her family were pretty heartbreaking, I loved how she so seamlessly fit in with Tyler’s family. Every scene with her and his family in it was absolutely heartwarming—I’m pretty sure everyone would like to have a family like Tyler’s! It was also great catching up with all the couples from the previous books, and seeing how their friendship was still as strong as ever.

Can’t wait to read her next series!

[Lexee Toste · Rating 4 out of 5]

great read and conclusion to the series

I really enjoyed this story! It pulled me in from beginning to end and I had a lot of fun with these characters and seeing the previous ones. I loved how this one gives us Tyler and Sammy's story while also giving us some answers and dealing with the dangling threads/loose ends that were left behind in the previous books. Tyler and Sammy have been best friends for a long time but Tyler has always seen Sammy as just another one of the guys but that starts to change and he starts seeing her as a girl but he doesn't know what to do with it. Sammy really likes Tyler but she doesn't think he sees her that way and she doesn't want to ruin their friendship. I loved Sammy and the way that she dealt with things in this story as well. I fully engaged with these characters and this story and had a lot of fun reading it. I am sad that the series is complete now since I really enjoyed the characters and this world. Well done with the wrap up of everything though.