Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Samantha

Jase Andrews is trouble... but the best kind. Too gorgeous for his own good, the former professional athlete is every woman’s dream, including mine. I need to stay away, but he’s relentless.

Most girls want Jase because of who he is, but that’s exactly why I don’t want to get involved. A guy like him and a girl like me are bound to fumble.

His panty-melting smile is so hard to resist... until one day, I don’t. I give in and say yes to my boss’s cocky best-friend.

His charming determination wears me down, and once I realize what I’ve been missing, there is no going back. Now we’re a team, and thanks to his insatiable drive, our squad is growing.

Jase

The minute I lay eyes on her, I know she will be mine. I want her, even though my best-friend warns me to stay away from his assistant.

Samantha Wilson is smart, gorgeous, and not afraid to call me out. She’s perfect. A refreshing change from all the women who threw themselves at me when I was in the professional league.

Not Samantha. She turns me down. Every. Single. Time. For nearly a year. It makes me want her even more. I’m not giving up, I’ve got plays for days, and I’m not afraid to use them.

When she finally says yes. My life is turned upside down in ways I can’t imagine — get ready for the play by play.

This is a prequel Novella to the Riggins Brothers series.

70 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 16, 2020

649 people are currently reading
1234 people want to read

About the author

Kaylee Ryan

102 books6,389 followers
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kaylee Ryan has earned the affectionate title of “Queen of Swoon” from her devoted readers. With over sixty romance novels to her name, Kaylee has built a beloved catalog of heartfelt stories that celebrate love in all its tender, emotional, and undeniably swoony forms. Her signature blend of charm, chemistry, and genuine happily-ever-afters has captivated readers around the world.

When she’s not crafting new love stories or dreaming up her next unforgettable couple, Kaylee can usually be found with a book in hand, fueling her creativity as a lifelong reader. She cherishes the time spent with her family and friends, embracing the moments that inspire the heart of her stories.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,094 (47%)
4 stars
696 (30%)
3 stars
403 (17%)
2 stars
71 (3%)
1 star
25 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 258 reviews
Profile Image for Andrea Fleury.
1,021 reviews79 followers
August 21, 2020
Samantha and jase

The minute jase saw Samantha he was hooked. He promised himself he'd get her. The more times he asked her out the more times she would say no. Then he makes a plan. He leaves his phone at her office while he is visiting her boss his best friend. Then she brings his phone to him at his house. When she gets there he has a surprise for her. He prays she will say yes.
Profile Image for Carmen Rae.
1,688 reviews187 followers
August 27, 2020
I love Kaylee Ryan but I haven't had the chance to read her earlier books yet. I have them on my TBR mountain but it's the same old story too many books not enough time. So I have only really read her new books as they have released. And naturally when I saw the sign up for layer by layer I jumped on it.


I was so excited to receive this prequel to the new series. But now I am really wishing I could have read her other books first because I've just realised that a few (?) of the secondary characters cross over from her soul serenade series and I adore when that happens. It feels like an inside story I'm apart of, except right now I'm not and I so want to be one of the cool kids. Oh well guess I should just be excited at how awesome the start to this new series is and how much I can't wait to read the next book.


Because if the characters are anything like Jase and Sam I am going to freaking love it. This book has all the feels of insta love since it's a fairly short novella, except that we have the background info that Jase gas pursued Sam for quite some time. But damn does that man give amazing chase and even better boyfriend. I love him.


And this has been the perfect little intro to the main series as it's given a great set up on who all the Riggin's brothers are. And a bit of background info on each of them being that Sam works for them and Jase has been close with them forever.
Profile Image for Kylee.
3,005 reviews57 followers
August 19, 2020
This prequel to the new series, Riggins Brothers, is a fast paced story that is an amazing introduction and one that has you ready, willing and waiting for more. There is not a lot of background for this couple but Jace and Samantha do not leave you feeling unsatisfied. He was a player and she was the girl that was going to resist until she couldn't. Play by Play leads us to a HEA that we all crave and want. This quick novella leaves you with nothing but a huge smile on your face and looking forward to more from this series.

Merged review:

This prequel to the new series, Riggins Brothers, is a fast paced story that is an amazing introduction and one that has you ready, willing and waiting for more. There is not a lot of background for this couple but Jace and Samantha do not leave you feeling unsatisfied. He was a player and she was the girl that was going to resist until she couldn't. Play by Play leads us to a HEA that we all crave and want. This quick novella leaves you with nothing but a huge smile on your face and looking forward to more from this series.
Profile Image for Amy [Book Addict Reviews].
2,666 reviews179 followers
August 26, 2020
Play by Play is a fun and sweet prequel novella. I loved getting to know Jase and Samantha, but also getting an introduction to some new characters of an all new series from Kaylee.

Jase has retired from sports, he is wanting to settle down and has his eyes on Samantha. I loved his determination, it never felt too much or forced. He was committed to her and has been for some time, now he just needed to prove it to her. Samantha knows Jase wants her, however, she thinks he is a player, she doesn’t want to give him a chance and waster her time on someone who won’t be serious.

This was a fast paced story, but I loved everything about it. I loved getting an introduction to new characters and an introduction to a new series. I loved Jase and Samantha and their chemistry. Their story is fun and sweet and those two are perfect for each other.

If you’re looking for a fun, short read this one is a MUST READ.
Profile Image for Nana Pickrell.
680 reviews10 followers
August 19, 2021
I was privileged enough to receive an advanced reader copy of this book from the author for a voluntary and honest review.
This was a quick, fun read full of passion, emotion, excitement and plenty of swoony moments. It features Jase Andrews, Logan's brother from Emphatic. He's all grown up now and finding his own HEA. It also introduces readers to Kaylee's newest characters in her next series. Can't wait to read about those Riggins boys!
Profile Image for Joanne T.
332 reviews13 followers
November 1, 2023
Great start to series

I actually started reading the next book first, then realized I was missing something when it came to Sam and Jase. This led me here and I am so happy to have the backstory now. Great little read!
Profile Image for Linda.
1,092 reviews51 followers
January 1, 2025
3.5 stars

People can change, Jase is trying to prove that he has. A story of trying to prove that love of a woman can make a man want to move mountains (at least he wants to)!
Profile Image for Noëmie.
241 reviews3 followers
April 24, 2023
This prequel with Jase and Samantha was a sweet short story. I loved the way Jase chase Samantha and want her in his life. He’s willing to do everything to win her. He want to prove her he’s not the player he used to be. As a former professional athlete he’s ready to settle down and he wants Samantha with him even if she pushing him back. Will she let him do this? Will she succomb to his charm and lovely face? Read it and you’ll know. You'll also be introduced with the Riggings family.
Really loved it and recommend it 🥰.
Profile Image for Tilly.
1,731 reviews245 followers
July 24, 2022
2 Stars

Oh dear, not the start to this series that I had hoped for! So cheesy and zero chemistry between the 2 characters. I really struggled through that!
Going to give Book 1 a go and hope this novella was somehow different to the rest of the series but fully prepared to DNF!
733 reviews9 followers
December 13, 2021
Very short so no development. To be honest, I liked this couple more as the background in the next book. This was their story but he was something of a douchebag and she was a pushover.

“Her eyes stray to my cock that’s hard and getting harder by the second with her eyes on me.”

Okay.

He’s a retired football player who sees her and gets what he wants. They’ve already known each other for a year. She’s his best friend’s assistant. So you miss the early stages of this and it makes what we do get to see very…shallow.

Trite ending. Not sure why this was an intro story bc both characters are on the outskirts. Could’ve been a full length and would have been much better. Kind of disappointing. But maybe because I read it after the first one.
Profile Image for Starbubbles.
1,641 reviews128 followers
February 16, 2023
So cheesy

This was too corny for me. The "babes" had me rolling my eyes and "Player" should have been capitalized. It was her nickname for him after all. I just wasn't in the mood for this level of cheese.
Profile Image for Ellen Anderson.
1,251 reviews
September 6, 2020
Play by Play

This prequel is perfect. Kaylee Ryan did a great job of setting up the Riggins Brothers along with a fun little romance between their office manager Samantha and friend, retired football star Jace. Looking forward to reading about this family.
Profile Image for Laronda.
963 reviews5 followers
January 23, 2022
Great novella

A low drama and no issues story. Just a man with a plan or a play in this case and the woman who can no longer resist him. Jase was so sweet, glad Sam finally took a chance. Looking forward to the Riggins brothers. I will continue to read this series.
Profile Image for Marissa Chavez.
1,382 reviews4 followers
February 18, 2022
Jase and Samantha (Sam) were amazing! I really enjoyed them! That ending was fun and sweet! 😊
Profile Image for layla.
303 reviews6 followers
May 1, 2022
legal e sem plot
Profile Image for Hailey Siedel.
483 reviews10 followers
November 4, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5

I loved this novella!!!
Profile Image for Beth.
781 reviews
October 28, 2024
Audio-prequel so it was very short. Great setup for the series.
Profile Image for Mags.
3,050 reviews36 followers
February 2, 2021
Play by Play is a prequel to the Riggins Brothers series, although I must confess I've read the two books available in that series first. But I still liked this one as it was sweet, easy, and enjoyable to read. And at only 70-ish pages long it was the perfect story to keep me engaged and out of trouble on a cold and wet Saturday night.
Profile Image for Nikki  Cudnik.
844 reviews9 followers
August 18, 2020
This was a quick prequel to a brand new series by Kaylee Ryan introducing us to the 5 Riggen’s brothers but first we get the story of Jace Andrews (Logan’s (from Emphatic) brother and Samantha.

Lots of cameos from the Soul Serenade Series which is a ton of fun.

And as always with Kaylee Ryan an alpha male with his sights set on a woman, his woman.

I liked this introduction to the news series and cannot wait to get to know the 5 Riggens brothers. I’m so ready for Royce’s story!

**I was generously provided with an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review**

Merged review:

A super fun introduction to a new series

This was a quick prequel to a brand new series by Kaylee Ryan introducing us to the 5 Riggen’s brothers but first we get the story of Jace Andrews (Logan’s (from Emphatic) brother and Samantha.

Lots of cameos from the Soul Serenade Series which is a ton of fun.

And as always with Kaylee Ryan an alpha male with his sights set on a woman, his woman.

I liked this introduction to the news series and cannot wait to get to know the 5 Riggens brothers. I’m so ready for Royce’s story!

**I was generously provided with an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review**
Profile Image for Chalice.
3,701 reviews111 followers
February 6, 2023
The couple: Jase and Samantha

Romance genre:
Part of a series: Yes (Riggins Brothers)
Length: 96 pages

Plot: Jase is Samantha's boss' best friend, and he's known her for a while. In fact, he's been asking her out for the past year, but she's having none of it; Jase was well-known as a player (football and otherwise), and she wants someone who's serious about her. She doesn't realize, though, that he is serious about her, and his player ways are dead and gone. He goes to great lengths to create the perfect date for her and make her believe that he wants her - and only her.

Character development: Sam was a relatable character. If I were a normal person (which I think I am), and a wealthy retired pro football player asked me out, I'd be suspicious! The one advantage Sam has is that she knows all of his friends, and her boss, despite being Jase's best friend, is definitely on her side. This was a quick story, but I enjoyed it.

Would I read more from this author/in this series: yes
Next book in the series: Layer by Layer
Profile Image for A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog.
2,816 reviews171 followers
August 13, 2020
I had lots of swoony moments in this short story. It may be a quick read but it hits the spot and did the job of introducing me to the characters in the upcoming series about the Riggins brothers. I was totally hooked and have fallen in love. The romance and fast pace of the story had me smiling a lot.

Sam has laughed Jase’s flirting off for over a year but he’s determined and boy does he go all out! He won my heart by chapter two. The way Jase is so relentless but sweet just melted my heart and kept me turning the pages.

This short and sweet story introduced me to all five Riggins Brothers, from the upcoming series, in the form of the eldest Riggins brother’s best friend, Jase. There are a lot of people introduced in this book and I have a feeling I will love them all. This is a lovely informative prequel.
Profile Image for Ashley Hampton.
506 reviews22 followers
August 12, 2020
Play By Play was a super quick read for me. As always, Ryan’s words sucked me in so deep, I couldn’t come up for air until I read the very last word in Jase and Sams story. This fast past read flowed along with the development. I think this was a great introduction into the Riggins world, and now I’m so excited to read the supporting characters stories in the near future. My only compliant is, I want more of Jase and Sam, and their story.

I loved loved loved Jase. He has the patience of a saint, and his devotion knows no bounds. He is a go getter. Sam is something else. She is use to cleaning up after everyone else. She seems easy to please as well.

Now I can’t wait to get my grabby hands on the next one.

** I RECOMMEND
Profile Image for Book Maniac Forever.
1,147 reviews390 followers
August 14, 2020
Play By Play was such a sweet novella. I was soon captivated by Jase and Samantha's cute romance. I'm not usually the biggest fan of novellas, as the build of the romance happens too fast between the main characters, but with this read everything felt just effortless between the couple and their connection was believable. Jase was this dreamy hero I couldn't get enough of and Samantha his perfect match. They had me smiling so big over their lovely relationship!

This read was also the introduction to the Riggins Brothers Series where we met the five brothers. I'm really intrigued about them and can't wait for Royce's story coming next. Kaylee Ryan assuredly started a new addicting world!

** ARC received in exchange for an honest review **
Profile Image for Jen (jensdreamylittlereads).
973 reviews122 followers
August 18, 2020
If this prequel to Kaylee Ryans new series, The Riggins Brothers, is anything to go by then readers are in for treat. This is Kaylee Ryan at her best — crafting great heartwarming, sexy stories that leaves me with a smile on my face.

Play by Play is a fast paced quick read yet it hits the spot and did its job of introducing me to the characters in the upcoming series about the Riggins brothers. I was totally hooked immediately and have fallen in love with these characters. The romance and fast pace of the story left my heart happy.

Jace and Samantha’s story is sweet, sexy, steamy and passionate. There’s lots of laughs and humor from the Riggins boys and a fantastic HEA. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase .
4,831 reviews179 followers
February 6, 2023
It might be short but this book was an amazing start to a new series that just left me wanting more. Retired football player Jase has been known to play on and off the field but the moment he sees his best friend's assistant he falls and falls hard. But will Samantha give him the time of day? Or will she continue to keep him at arm's length to protect her heart from the player? Also included in the book are small glimpses of the Riggins brothers. The reader is in for a series filled with sexy men with big hearts. I cannot wait!!
688 reviews6 followers
August 18, 2020
Jase and Samantha's story was an amazing short read! This novella truly has everything I ever want in a book! I usually don't like novellas because I find they're too short and don't give us much but this was truly spectacular! I also loved that we got a glimpse of the boys from Soul Serenade and their wives and kids! I cannot wait to read more about the Riggins brothers! This book was the perfect introduction to a new series!
Profile Image for We Like them Dark Book Blog.
828 reviews110 followers
August 13, 2020
Such a cute story!!!  These characters had so much chemistry. They played off each other very well. To me it was the perfect touch of romance with a sprinkle of spice! You can feel the tension between these two. I couldn't put this book down! I cannot wait to read the rest of the series. Without giving anything away I hope these two pop up in the rest of the series, because I really want to know more!

Mae
Welikethemdarkbookblog
Displaying 1 - 30 of 258 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.