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When I came back to Sin Valley, the mission was simple—avoid the ex-girlfriend who broke my heart. At all costs.
Too bad I just (accidentally) moved in next door to her. And her battery-operated boyfriend(s). Plural.
Crap!

No matter how hard I try to steer clear of Desiree Grant, fate keeps tossing us together.
And, so far? It’s not going too well for me.

When our eyes lock across the crowded bar, I get all tongue-tied and make a damn fool of myself.
Next, we end up trapped in an elevator alone and my protector instincts switch on at the speed of light.
Then, a pink, glittery, vibrating package with her name on it shows up in my mailbox and—poof!— there goes my master plan to resist her.

Okay. Change of plans.

Now, I've got a new mission in mind—reminding my gorgeous ex-girlfriend that her battery-operated playthings could never compare to me.

Y'see, the truth is, I never stopped thinking about her. Never stopped wanting her. Never stopped loving her.

But things are different now.

She's a single mother with a demanding career and a little boy she's raising on her own.
I'm a former military man, struggling to find my place in the civilian world.
The life I'm trying to build is a threat to the life she's fighting to protect.

But I’d go to war for a second chance with the girl who was always supposed to be mine. This time, I'm determined to give her the happy-ever-after she deserves.

Now, the only question is, how do I get her to play along?

Pfft...And I thought this would be simple.

Playing Along is a steamy, laugh-out-loud, single mom and grumpy protector-next-door, small town second chance romance. (Wow—that was a mouthful!) It is set in Sin Valley, Iowa and is book 3 in the Playboys of Sin Valley Series. It is a standalone.

410 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 4, 2021

333 people are currently reading
314 people want to read

About the author

Cassie-Ann L. Miller

70 books876 followers

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5 stars
695 (60%)
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324 (28%)
3 stars
98 (8%)
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21 (1%)
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5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
504 reviews6 followers
November 10, 2021
Lots to say.......wow

This book was so long. I guess this book was written as therapy for you. Everything was explained to the tee. So many words. Made it boring at times. I hope this therapy worked for you because a five hour read with you sometimes saying nothing got on my nerves. The story was funny in spots, and good in spots. That's why I gave it three stars.
Profile Image for Daisy Knox.
Author 4 books37 followers
November 8, 2021

All reviews posted at Tales of Love, Life, and Murder

This series is a favorite so I’ve been waiting for Wyatt and Desiree’s book because there’s bad blood between them but we don’t know what happened and now we finally get some answers. Be patient because it takes time. This one is a slow burn in every possible way, not just with the sexy stuff. At first, they can’t even talk to one another but they both loosen up in their own ways and made progress. Their friends are jumping through hoops to push the former high-school sweethearts together, especially Liam, who hatched a diabolical but genius plan that puts the story in motion.

Liam’s conniving wouldn’t have finished the job though, they still needed a bigger push. Enter Nathan, Desiree’s adorable four-year-old. He’s primarily responsible for bringing them together because he’s just so outgoing and friendly that Wyatt has to respond, even when the adults aren’t communicating. There’s a lot going on in this story, but it all works and the subplots don’t overshadow the romance, they enhance it. Desiree has some family issues to work out that are affecting her life and she’s in for a few surprises but once everything is out in the open, she sees things in a whole new light.

Wyatt also has to make some changes because they’ve spent the last twelve years blaming each other for their break-up but they both played a part and they’re finally realizing their own roles. This is a steamy, sweet and lol funny story and I loved every minute.
Profile Image for Tammy Moldovan.
1,984 reviews25 followers
January 19, 2022
Finally Wyatt and Desi’s story

I have been loving this series and the Sin Valley characters. Unfortunately, this was my least favorite book. It felt too long and I ended up skimming portions of the section of the book where the H and h’s romance was moving at a glacial pace. I think that section could have been deleted and the book would have flowed better. I ended up much more engaged in the story after it hit the 50% mark. I liked Wyatt and Nathan’s characters more than I liked Desiree’s character. Desiree and Wyatt were HS sweethearts but Desiree broke up with Wyatt when he joined the military. Desiree is now a divorced single mom. Wyatt has left the military and is working private security. On their way to their HEA, Desiree and Wyatt have to both learn a lot about forgiveness, misconceptions, love, trust, family and embracing the life you have. Despite my lackluster feelings about this book, I liked the other two books in the series more than enough to keep reading.
Profile Image for Marina Skinner.
1,643 reviews47 followers
November 5, 2021
Playing Along is the third book in The Playboys of Sin Valley series and its a veritable roller coaster of a ride! Its quite a perfect second chance romance for Desiree and Wyatt.
Desiree is a divorced single Mother with a little boy. She works 2 jobs and struggles to do everything a mother has to do for her little family. Needless to say when Wyatt, her ex high school boyfriend moves in next door, things aren’t always what they seem. Yes there are still feelings after so many years, but she needs to put her son first.
This book was heart wrenching but also rather heartwarming too. Wyatt has been in the military and returns home. His struggles to return to civilian life, his protective and caring side certainly are at the forefront where Desiree is involved. However should they leave the past in the past? The steamy moments and the banter were fantastic.
I highly recommend this book, it captured my heart and the family and friends that support both Desiree and Wyatt is wonderful. Can the hearts of these two be mended?
Loved it!
Profile Image for Jo-Ann Forrest.
2,940 reviews23 followers
November 6, 2021
Desiree and Wyatt have been high school sweethearts, but when he left to join the military she broke it off an went on with her life. Now years later he is back after his last tour and lives next door to Desiree and her son Nathan. What started out has awkward, soon turns into so much more. Can they put the past to rest to have a bright future? When her ex-husband business threatens her life, Wyatt steps up t the plate and decides to take a chance at a future with Desiree and her cute like boy. Sweet, sexy, and the dual POV's makes it such an interesting story to read. The depth of feelings that these characters have, is jumping off the pages and make you love them even more. I love this series as well as it's cast of characters. I volunteered to review this story.
Profile Image for Fleur.
3,731 reviews29 followers
November 15, 2021
I was so stoked Wyatt's books was next as he totally intrigued me after meeting him in the first book and boy did he not disappoint. Wyatt and Desiree were a couple since like forever and everyone thought they would finish school and get married and have a happy ever after but that wasn't to be and now he is out of the military and back home so destiny aka his friends decide he and Desiree need a good nudge or shove together to see how good they were and still are together. There are plenty of highs and lows to go through as well as laughs, sweet times, bull headedness, twists you don't see coming and times you want to shake sense into both Wyatt and Desiree so they see everyone is right about them and you can't forget a sweet wee boy who deserves a HEA just as much as his Mum.
Profile Image for Brenda Motza.
448 reviews5 followers
November 10, 2021
I am claiming Wyatt...sorry Desiree, you had your chance.

Gah! I just loved this book so, so much!

I swear that Cassie's writing just keep getting better and better and her men keep getting hotter and hotter.

I love a second chance romance because there are always way more feelings involved plus you really can't wait to find out what the reason was for the first breakup.

I loved Wyatt and Desiree so much and the whole cast of characters, especially those from Cassie's other series.

Now, I must know what the heck is going on with Declan and Minka. Ugh!
Profile Image for Christina Rybka.
1,129 reviews17 followers
November 11, 2021
Absolutely love Wyatt, Desiree, and Nathan

Wyatt comes home from the military and his friend Liam lets him rent one of his apartments. This apartment is right next to his ex girlfriend who broke his heart in high school. Desiree and her son Nathan have everything in working perfectly except Desiree is always tired. When Desiree sees Wyatt she shaken cause she broke her and his heart in high school. Can they be together and get over the past ? Great characters and storyline Highly recommended. Amazing book Cassie Ann writes characters you want to know personally.
2,095 reviews31 followers
November 19, 2021
Wyatt and Desiree’s story has been a bit in the making and so glad we finally have it. These two were sweethearts and something happened to break them up and we are dying to find out what it was. When fate steps in and gets a little nudge from others these two will have to figure things out. Their attraction and chemistry is on point, but both have issues to work through. Nathan is a sweetie and takes to Wyatt and actually I think he steals the show. Who can say no to a four year old? Am I right? Another great read by this author.
3,171 reviews
November 22, 2021
A must read addition to the series!

A second chance romance must read! Desiree and Wyatt were high school sweethearts, but she ended their relationship when he left to join the military. When he return to town he finds himself next door to Desiree and her son Nathan. What happens next was a slow build up to a forever that they both deserve. Entertaining and heartwarming romance story, low on danger and lots of emotions. I loved how these two was able to get their HEA.
1,180 reviews3 followers
November 29, 2021
Started out great

Unfortunately, it just refused to end.
Had it stopped at around the 50% point, it would have been just fabulous.
But. It. Would. Not. End.
Finally, with subtle hints throughout, pointing in that direction, around the 75% point, it started the painful slide down into the dreaded Scooby Doo Mystery nonsense.
Just a few pages after that, I closed it out, and deleted it from my kindle.
I long for the day when ‘romance’ writers can, and will, once again, stick to plain romance. Leave Scooby for the kids.
Profile Image for Gladys.
14k reviews162 followers
November 3, 2021
I thought this was a really fun read. Wyatt and Desiree story is a bit of a slow burner, that offers up plenty of laughs and a whole lot of heart. I really liked these two together. I could easily feel their connection and chemistry. It is a cute, sweet and steamy romance that that by turns will have you chuckling to yourself or feeling a tug on your heartstrings. This is my elective, objective review.
Profile Image for Kors Chick.
169 reviews1 follower
November 7, 2021
Couldn’t Finish

This was an extremely long and boring read, which is a shame given the premise and cover. The author tried so hard to create angst, but just created sad, pathetic-sounding characters. There was so much repetition of inner monologues, that I found myself skipping paragraphs, then pages, until at 46% I refused to continue with the story. Better luck to the next reader, but this put me to sleep 3x.
386 reviews5 followers
February 19, 2023
Desiree & Wyatt

Oh the love between these 2 could never be ignored by either of them. 12 years of being apart due to Desi's fears of Wyatt's choice to be in the military. He never stopped loving her. Different paths and a marriage that left Desi divorced but with a sweet, adorable son that she loved more than life itself, they reconnected. Not always a cake walk, but the love could not be denied. So worth the read.
2,159 reviews14 followers
November 5, 2021
Back in high school, Wyatt was everything to Desiree and it kills her to know she threw away what might have been her only chance at happiness in this lifetime. Now Wyatt's back in town and the last thing Desiree needs is her friends playing matchmaker. Playing Along is a second chance romance that's funny, sweet, steamy and will give you all the feels!
434 reviews2 followers
November 6, 2021
After parting ways as teenagers, Wyatt and Desiree move forward with their lives. Twelve years later, fate has them cross paths again. Trying to get it right a second time proves harder than they can imagine, even when the love they have for each other is still there.
Hot, angsty, second chance romance, guaranteed to make you swoon!! Wyatt and Nathan will melt your heart!! Great story!!
156 reviews
November 11, 2021
Good book

Wyatt and Desi are such a cute couple. This book was so hard to put down. CASSIE-ANN did an amazing job at this story and keeping the reader wanting more. There was so many twists and turns in this story Might I add some steam parts too. Overall this is a book that won't disappoint.
Profile Image for Melissa Swafford.
748 reviews
November 23, 2021
Wyatt and Desiree have a long history together. When Wyatt gets home from the military, his friends are constantly setting him up with Desi. I laughed so hard at some of these situations and kept my fan handy for the love scenes. Throw in a surprise twist close to the end and you have a bestseller. I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
928 reviews3 followers
December 1, 2021
This was my least favorite book in the series. I was so excited to have another book but it didn’t live up to my expectations. It dragged on to long and the story was boring for most of the book. I’m still excited about the next book because I love Cassie Ann and I love the series. Until next time y’all happy reading.
Profile Image for NanaX8.
2,489 reviews66 followers
November 1, 2021
A slow burn, 2nd chance romance brings Wyatt and Desiree back in touch after years apart. Hearts hardened, yet the feelings are still there. Can they let their walls down or do they lose it all again?
Profile Image for Selina Ma.
271 reviews8 followers
November 9, 2021
It was a nice, quick, romantic read and I enjoyed it. My favorite parts probably revolved around the main characters' interactions with little Nathan. The conflict with Ron and the drug-dealing seemed unnecessary to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Suez.
839 reviews
November 10, 2021
Wyatt and Desiree story is sweet and sensitive, yet woven with tension and bad choices. Although the beginning is a little slow, this is beautiful second-chance love story that shows how these two are definitely meant to be together. This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.
10 reviews
November 30, 2021
Love love love

I love this book. I didn't want to put it down, I needed to know what happens next. With the details in this book, I had no problem following along and imagining the story. Definitely a book I will reread.
Profile Image for Lori Ritondale.
396 reviews5 followers
January 1, 2022
Great book!

I liked Wyatt and Desi story! I did at times find her frustrating. I’m usually team girl, but I was glad when she realized her immaturity in their relationship. I really hope Nadia is getting a book. Every book I love her character.
Profile Image for Deeanna- ReadLaughRomance.
168 reviews2 followers
September 27, 2022
It was well worth the wait!

I was anticipating this book from the very first moment these characters were introduced to us in book one. I laughed and I cried and enjoyed every minute of Wyatt, Desiree and Nathan’s story.
336 reviews
September 1, 2024
Old lovers.

He is back, her one true love , living in the a joining apartment. She is a divorcee with a four year old son. She cannot believe her boss rented him the apartment next door. Wait for the fireworks to explode.
Profile Image for Carol Gil.
899 reviews3 followers
May 27, 2025
I will never think of dinosaurs the same

Such a great story! I love how Wyatt and Desiree were together long ago and now that he is back in town for good they pick up where they left off. Such a sweet story!
96 reviews4 followers
November 4, 2021
This was a sweet, funny , sexy read for sure ! This book gives ya call the feels :) I also love this series and I can not wait for the next book !!!
335 reviews2 followers
November 7, 2021
Awesome second chance romance with the most adorable 4 year old, his hard working mom, a few surprise sex toys, and a protective neighbor who realized quickly love doesn't just fade away!!!
4,843 reviews10 followers
November 17, 2021
Okay read

An okay read that has some angst and a bit of drama. Characters were okay but don’t think this is a series I’ll want to pursue.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

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