Beyond the Play

Out of Reach #3

by Kaylee Ryan

Parker

Of all the hot guys in the club, of course I find myself tangled up with a baseball player. Our chemistry is out of the park, igniting as his athletic body moves next to mine.

I know exactly who he is, but the infamous Holden Bailey has no idea who I am, or my connection to the team. I prefer it that way. I give in to one dance with Holden and send him home alone.

He can have any woman he wants, but for some reason, he wants me. His pursuit is relentless. He wrote the playbook on being a player, though. Giving in could cost me my heart.


Holden

I thought getting traded to the Blaze was life changing, but it’s nothing compared to meeting Parker Monroe. From the moment she bumps into me on the crowded dance floor, I can’t tear my eyes away.

She’s gorgeous, intelligent, and definitely not interested. At least not in the player the media portrays me to be. I need to convince her that with her, I’m authentic, and what we have is the real thing. Game on.

When the truth gets twisted, it looks like I’m playing her. But she has it all wrong. The way I feel about Parker is beyond the play. She’s my end game.

Genres: Sports Romance, Romance, Baseball, Sports, Contemporary, College, M F Romance

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 4, 2022

About the author

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.

Reviews

[The Romantic Rush Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

The queen of swoony stories hits another home run- Beyond the Play dazzles with it’s feel-good, heartfelt romantic charm. Parker and Holden gave me all the giddy, swoony butterflies. Yet another enchanting visit to the Out of Reach world.

Beyond the Play treats us to the story of the middle Monroe sister- the sassy Parker, Easton’s much loved little duchess. A senior in college, Parker takes a much deserved night out for fun with her friends after weeks of hard work and studying, a night that serendipitously introduces her to recently traded baseballer Holden. And HE IS SMITTEN. But Parker isn’t a one night stand kind of girl, and while Holden is undeniably sexy and their chemistry is scorching, she’s not willing to risk her heart on a man who playboy exploits frequently appear on gossip sites. Fortunately for us, Holden is a tried and true Kaylee Ryan here, and this ladies man is ready to reform his ways and go all in for the woman he can’t stop thinking about. Now he just has to convince her he’s serious- and won’t hurt here.

Oh my squishy heart- these two are just ADORABLE. And I think they’re my favorite couple yet. Parker is a heroine I adored- she’s sweet and kind, but she’s also principled and genuine. She’s upfront with Holden, open with her hesitations, and uninterested in silly games. I loved how she stands up for what she thinks she deserves- both with her father and with Holden. She definitely makes him work for it- and she holds out for quite a bit (this is the slowest burn of the three so far), but it makes for a really sweet and sincere budding relationship between her and Holden as he seeks to woo her.

And Holden- I mean DREAMY. Like Parker, I had hesitations- he’s upfront about his interest in her and his past antics, but he quickly proves himself to be worthy and genuine in his pursuit of Parker. He’s confident, but not arrogant, direct but respectful. And he works so hard to win his lady-which forces him to grow up a bit, so earn her trust and affection. Their chemistry is believable and captivating- they flirt, they connect emotionally, they have fun, they COMMUNICATE. And even with a bit of quickly resolved drama, they just can’t keep their hearts from each other. Watching them fall in love filled my heart with giddy joy and tingly butterflies. They enrich each other- give each other the courage to be brave in going all in and help the other live into the better versions of themselves.

I’m so excited Kaylee decided to continue this series with some second generation stories for the Out of Reach series- I can’t wait for our final story with the baby Monroe. I have a feeling papa Easton is going to cause the most trouble in the finale!

[Anne OK · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really fun sports-related romance series. A quick read that filled my evening and left me smiling. I've enjoyed the first three books and laughed and swooned over the players. A little less baseball involved in the third installment -- it's off-season for the team. But don't worry because Holden gets a homerun anyway. Parker is Holden's gamechanger from the first time he lays eyes on her. There's the back-and-forth angsty will they or won't they, but readers know Kaylee Ryan won't disappoint. They definitely will -- and there's so much fun to be had on the road to happy ever after.

Next up is the youngest sister's story -- and I wonder if Peyton will follow in her older sisters' footsteps and find herself a baseball player, as well. Readers will find out in March, so not long to wait.

[Tanja OMGReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I thought the first two books were great, I don't think I can find the words to explain what I felt while reading this book.
PERFECTION is what this was!!!


Parker and Holden had chemistry that was burning up my Kindle and the slow burn at the end where she was fighting it every step of the way, made me so happy.
Holden had a reputation and I for one was all for him working a little extra to get her to give me a time of day. She was raised to be strong and independent and she knew what she wanted and wouldn't settle for less. When they finally got together I felt my heart sing. They were so right for one another. I loved the banter, sharing secrets, helping each other out when need be. The relationship itself felt effortless and when it almost came to an end I absolutely LOVED how little drama was involved and that (despite being young) they talked about it and didn't let »it« destroy them.

I've been a Kaylee Ryan fan for a while now, with her co-writing with another fav author Lacey Black, but this series has made me a »ONE-CLICK« fan and I couldn't be happier for it.

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

I absolutely loved Parker's story just as much as the previous books in this series! Man, this series is definitely my favourite from Kaylee Ryan. I loved every single one that I've read and I keep on wanting the next one.

Parker has known what love looks like, watching her parents love each other growing up and that's exactly what she wants. Holden is definitely not looking for anything serious. Until he saw Parker in the club. Who knows just one look made him wait and sit in the club just to get a glimpse of Parker again.

I loved how Holden chased and pursued Parker. I loved that Parker did not give in easily and really made him work until he's sure that he also wants forever. He has always known that she's the forever kind of girl and he's definitely up to the challenge to prove that he's not the playboy the media paint him to be. Just like the previous book, I loved Parker's family and I loved how both Holden and Cameron were accepted and included in the family. I can't wait for the last Monroe sister, Peyton's story next!

[Nancy Metsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the feels!!!
Parker and Holden's book was a mix of everything for me, I will start by saying I was team Holden right from the start. I loved that at first it was the thrill of the chase fr Holden. I man seriously, he's ht as sin and could have any woman he wants. But he had his sight set on Miss Monroe...Who happens to be Baseball Royalty.
That was the other thing that I loved about Holden, once he put 2 and 2 together it never deterred him from pursuing Parker....

[Jess P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

[BOOKLOVER_81 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really sweet baseball romance. He falls first, He falls fast.. but he's known as a literal player, and she won't give him the time of day.

Libby listen 🎶 👌

[Sandie Chraponski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Monroe family and their genuine ability to love with their whole hearts!! Kaylee Ryan has made these characters so real that they are going to jump right off the page and into your hearts!!

If there is one thing Parker Monroe knows is how to spot a player, being surrounded by baseball her whole life the last thing she wants to do is fall for a player with a reputation that follows him.

Holden’s life is currently full of changes, but he was not ready for the biggest change of them all, the minute he spots Parker his whole world came to a halt.

Read this series, Kaylee just writes excellent romance with the perfect amount of all the good things. This is a slow burn, but once it catches it’s an inferno!!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read of the new year and it was so good! Pre-Order it today so you get it as soon as it's live!! Parker and Holden are fantastic characters who you will fall in love with!

Holden is known as a player on and off the field. He isn't happy about being traded to his hometown team.

Parker was raised around baseball and has heard/ read all about the Holden and his player ways off the field. She is not intrested in being just another one of his many girls.

Will Holden be able to convince Parker that he isn't the player the media portrays him as? Maybe he is the player, maybe he isn't. Read this to find out!

Kaylee Ryan has hit it out of the ballpark once again with this one!

[Ꭿຖᥲ·♡ ྀི · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5✯

°Non virgin heroine
°The hero was a player
°Mainly switching POVs
°Insta lust->love
°He's 23, she's 21
°Neither with others after meeting
°Unwanted attention from OW-nothing serious (a couple women flirted with the hero, one of them in front of the h but he was definitely not interested)
°No OM drama
°No cheating or scenes with OP
°Low steam - I think there were only 2 sex scenes
°She pushed him away bc of his reputation but he never stopped pursuing her
°Lackluster epilogue: 3 months later they get engaged

[Thuy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooooohhhh lala, Holden and Parker!!!! The chemistry between them, just WOW! This guy, he isn’t really a relationship guy, BUT, there is just something about Parker, he is completely falling head over heels. Their journey is definitely not one to miss. From beginning to end, definitely a delicious page turner! Love seeing the characters from the series pop into Parker and Holden’s story. Can’t wait for the next one!

[The Bosnian · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always you can find my full Review & More on my REVIEW BLOG -> CLICK HERE

[A-reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

My reviews always contain spoilers, I write them so I can remember the story.

4.5/5 stars
I didn’t like Holden, at first, he did win me over by the end. It’s a rare author that can write a redeemable manwhore, Kaylee does a good job. He wasn’t a 5 star hero because for me there were inconsistencies with Holden’s thought, his playboy image, and reality. He says his manager told him all publicity is good, but should he not know that he can speak up when he’s labeled a playboy. But he really couldn’t refute it because he did earn the label. He says a few times he didn’t sleep with every woman he was pictured with but his thoughts are always saying he slept around a lot. Starting in high school. He says he’s selective but when a blond hits on him at the club while he’s waiting for Parker he finds her a little annoying but thinks before Parker he would have had sex with her. So is it his brain that’s picky but his dick doesn’t care? And it’s his dick that always won. It’s perfectly normal to like sex, but his thoughts and actions were inconsistent. Felt a little disrespectful of women.

Holden’s been recently traded to the Blaze, he’s not happy about it at first, but his parents live in town and he’s glad to be near them again. He’s out at a local club when he sees Parker and wants her instantly, she knows who he is, she’s Easton Monroe’s daughter, she’s practically baseball royalty and knows all the major player. She also knows of Holden’s playboy reputation and wants nothing to do with him even though she finds him super sexy and is her hall pass. He dances with her and thinks she’s his for the night but she tells him no and leaves. He’s shocked, no woman has ever turned him down. The chase is on after that. He can’t get her out of his head and pretty much stalks her. She keeps turning him down. Their chemistry is hot and the attraction is real. He slowly but persistently wins her over. He show her a side of himself even he didn’t know was there. A devoted man, attentive, and focused only on Parker. It’s a good 80+% into the book before they have their first time together. I liked how he was building a lasting relationship with her even though that’s not how it started. She doesn’t play hard to get, just cautious, and true to herself. She’s all in once they commit to one another. Easton plays the disapproving dad but Larissa and Paisley help Parker sooth him. I liked when Holden tells him how he really feels about her. He does eventually give Holden a chance and even helps him with a surprise for Parker. Loved how Cam had her back. When she overhears something he said before they started dating and is hurt he pulls out all the stops and gets his boys to tell her the truth. She believes him and quickly forgives him. Cute epilogue with her finishing college, graduating, and getting to throw out the first pitch on opening day. After the pitch she notices people pointing behind her, when she turns around there is Holden on bended knee proposing. Of course she says yes.
Loved how Parker knew what real love was because she saw it with her parents and with Paisley and Cam and that was what she expected for herself. Was nice that she wasn’t a virgin, she had had boyfriends and a relationship before. Holden’s parents also have a very loving relationship so it didn’t make sense why he was such a manwhore and the fact his dad thinks it’s ok that he’s sowing his wild oats was all kinds of wrong. Shouldn’t a happily married man want the same for his son, one good woman? There was very little baseball since their romance starts in the off season.
Loved seeing all the family and can’t wait for Peyton’s story.

[TTP · Rating 3 out of 5]

- Baseball player / student
- He falls first
- Reformed playboy
- Heroine with a backbone

He’s so sweet, falls hard first time he sees her in the bar. He makes it his mission that he wants her, but she’s not impressed because of his reputation being a manwh*re. Liked how he had to chase her a while, and how he couldn’t let her go because it was something different with her.

But kind of got the feeling it was because it was the first time a woman says no to him - and he tells her that maybe was some of it at the beginning, but he was interested in her still.

It was a good book and sweet, he did nothing wrong in this book, but based on who he was before and how often we got that reminder it made the book kind of lacking.

Safety:
- Former manwh*re. Media portrayed his as a bigger player than he actually is, but still, he have been with a lot of different women, and he’s only 23 y
- No owd. A woman at a bar flirts, he is nice and talks, but he has no intention on anything, he’s at the bar hoping to see the h. His realtor hit on him, h tells him that he has had girls on his arm during interviews and never cared that the reporter flirted, but he tells her that now he cared and shut the ow up pretty smooth.
- He’s all about her from the second he sees her.
- She has had boyfriends and slept with them, but never been a girl for one night stands

What I did like
- He’s not with anyone after meeting h, only has eyes for her
- How much he “stalks” (lift stalking, visit her favorite cafe) just to see her
- How he wanted to show her that it’s more to him than what the media writes

What I didn’t like:
- Manwho: Don’t need the constant reminder that he’s a playboy. He keeps comparing about being in her company with how other women usually behaves around him, and even tho he says it in a way he likes her better, it’s not what I constantly need to read.
- That we get info about before he went to events with women on his arm and flirted with other women while having a date. And now, suddenly it’s not okay to do so because now he has a girl he actually likes? The fact that he didn’t care about how he treated other women before he fell in love and cared about the woman on his arm - not ok.
- Third act break up: felt unnecessary because he never took a bet about getting with the h, he turned the bet down because she deserved better than what he’s teammates teased him about. But fhen she hears the one time they tell H about the bet and she overheard, and runs. She was afraid bc his story with women and thought the worst, was nice to see how sad he was of the possibility to lose her, but felt unnecessary to give this hour like breakup just to make drama in the last 10% of the book.

This book disappointed me, due to how sweet the two former books in the series was.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved Parker’s book!

She plays very hard to get and makes Holden work for her time. Loved how hard Holden works to prove his want for her.

Tropes:
Reformed Playboy
Close family
MLB player
Slow Burn
Angst

[Kat Wes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

This was an excellent story! I enjoyed it so much more than the second in this series. Don't get me wrong, that one was good, but this was better. I can't wait to see what is in store for us with the last one!

[Ally.Always.Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe 2.5 stars?
I don’t know, man.

I liked it buuuut…
There were parts that felt like it was exactly the same as book two.

[Marissa Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parker and Holden were meant to be! I loved how he never gave up on Parker. She just needed to make sure it was the real deal to give him the chance and he showed it to her. I'm so happy they made it worked and got their happily ever after! ❤❤❤

[Nana Pickrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book! There were some surprises I never saw coming! Looking forward to Peyton's book.
I was privileged enough to receive an advanced reader copy of this book from the author for a voluntary and honest review

[Ashley Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

By now I’m sure everyone has noticed I am a HUGE fan of this other and I’ve pretty much read almost every book she has released, so I’ll just jump to it.

I fell in love with Easton in “ Beyond The Bases” (the first book in this series) and to continuously get an extension of him through his daughters within this series, is something truly special. Every time he and his wife make an appearance, it’s like reliving their story, but again that’s not why I am here lol. I just had to start from the beginning and the beginning is his.

Okay, okay, now onto all that is Beyond The Play. If you want me to be honest, I kind of went in blind. Meaning, I did not read the blurb. I rarely do that, because I am always terrified of the unknown, but I won’t do that with this author. I know whatever is within the pages, this authors words will take me to the finish line and leave me with a heart so full, and obviously my heart is overflowing right now. No one writes likes Kaylee Ryan. No one, and that’s why I continuously keep coming back for more.

Beyond the Play is a heart happy book, full of all the amazing feels. I literally had all the feels, from the butterflies and anticipation, to the nervousness from the unknown. It was like I was walking step by step with both Parker and Holden. The development was so throughly plotted out, and the flow was as natural as it could get, that I couldn’t help but to fall in sync with these characters. Everything was just so authentic, I felt like a friend was detailing a once in a lifetime experience. The dialogue was picture perfect, and just like a movie, it was like I could see every time someone opened their mouth to speak. The same thing when it came to the mannerisms. It was all so…. Natural.

I loved Parker from the beginning. She knew who she was, and she was not going to settle for anything less than perfect. She was always honest even when it was hard. Now Holden is a different story. I was wary of him within the first chapter. He came off as some cocksure jockey that was used to getting what he wanted when he wanted it. It was nice to see him so accepting of his own self and growth without ever wavering. And that brings me to the chemistry. Um hello, someone go ahead and knock me in the head with a broom because that was some serious chemistry and it just kept bleeding from the pages.

Now that I have more than a few paragraphs written I realize I need to wrap this up because well… I’m not an author lol. Obviously Beyond The Play was amazing, and I can not wait for more of this series.

[*Ebony I* · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series, even though it's predictable. Beyond the Bases is still my favorite, simply because Easton had a heart of Gold.

Each one of these series are about a baseball player that wasn't thinking about settling down, but meet the woman that knocks them off their square. Each woman cares nothing about their stardom so they all have to chase the women until she knows body, mind, and soul it's real. That sums them up. Each story is different in how they meet and how they approach the woman, but it's a formula. When I got to 90% of the story and there was no real conflict I knew it was coming because there always is some type of conflict in love stories.

Aside from the predictable nature of the story I loved the characters. Holden was traded to the Blaze unexpectedly after 2 years with the rival Tomahawks. Initially he was upset, but being that he was back in his hometown near his family and the Blaze had promise he was warming up to the idea. After meeting Parker he was all in, even before she was.

Parker knew exactly who Holden was and despite their chemistry she wanted no parts of the playboy. Her father was famous baseball player Easton Monroe and he loved and cherished her mother. She too wanted that same type of love. She didn't think Holden was ready for that type of commitment so she ran from their connection.

At first Holden was just intrigued, but after being turned down by her something shifted. He wanted to make her his girl. He commenced to showing her he could give her the love she deserved.

Despite the plot being repetitive I enjoyed these characters. I also loved getting updated on previous characters brcause the Monroe bunch is everything.

[Jen (jensdreamylittlereads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like I'm always repeating myself when it comes to Kaylee Ryan, but her romances are the swooniest and this book is no exception! Beyond the Play was such a great sports romance with an instant attraction that slowly and beautifully built between Parker and Holden.

From the moment they meet, there's an undeniale connection between this couple, but Parker is set on playing hard to get. She is so reticent to engage in a romantic relationship with Holden and I admired his perseverence with her. The guy is so persistent at times, but he clearly knows what he wants and it's Parker. Their interactions were adorable and gorgeous. But we also get the steam and passion from these two!

Charming from start to finish - low angst, low drama, just all the happy feels. I’m so excited Kaylee decided to continue this series with some second generation stories for the Out of Reach series - I can’t wait for Peyton’s story!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What an amazing addition to this series! 5 baseball stars for this one! You will swoon, fall in love and cheer on Holden as he tries to convince Parker that he's not that guy portrayed in the news! He's also not ready for a relationship, or is he? As time goes by and he finally convinces her to spend time with him, he realizes what he already had a feeling was happening, he's falling hard for her. But he's got a lot of work ahead of him, and being that her dad is super protective of his Dutchess, it makes his mission a lot harder.
I could not put this story down! Loved it, and loved Holden! Grab this one ASAP, if you've read the first two, you're going to love this one! If you haven't started the series, what are you waiting for?

[Julie Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the spirit of the series, it is the middle of Monroe’s sister Parker’s turn to find love. Not just any love, but love like her parents and older sister have.

Now her family has set the bar high, and no players or hangers-on allowed. She is part of baseball royalty and is unsure if people want to be around her for who she is. Parker has captured the eye of baseball’s number one playboy if you believe the media. She wants no part of him, and he has no clue who she is. Will she let him in?

Their story is a swoony tale of him chasing and her running. Parker makes Holden work for her attention. Then, finally, she might get the love she is looking for.

Thank you to the author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[Dog Mom Reads A Lot · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was simply phenomenal I fell in love with Parker and Holden from chapter 1 and with every chapter I kept reading I felt a little more in love with the relationship and characters the storyline was incredible in the way more than what I dreamed was possible after reading this blurb I knew this book was going to be good but I had no idea this book was going to be this great I highly recommend reading beyond the play if I could give it more than five stars I would this book is my top pick for January 2022 and it's only the 4th day of January I cannot wait to see how the author Kaylee Ryan finishes this series up later this year with the last book this series is one of my favorite Kaylee Ryan series

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this story! Parker and Holden were perfect for each other. I already loved the Monroe family and getting to know Parker better just made me love them all that much more. Holden being a baseball player is definitely a player with the ladies as well. Parker wants NO part of that. She doesn’t fall quickly to Holden’s charms until she does. Their chemistry is on fire. And Holden shows the patience of a saint with Parker. This is by far another favorite Kaylee Ryan book of mine. I really can not wait for Peyton’s story next.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I adore this series, especially that we got to see the parents' story and now their daughters. This one is about Parker and I love her so much! She is so fierce and knows what she wants and is gun shy because of her lineage. Honestly cannot blame her. But when Holden enters her world unexpectedly, all bets are off. The drive he has to be a part of her life even before knowing she is baseball royalty was everything. Add a little drama and a lot of banter, I could not put this one down once I started it. It was a joy to read and I am looking forward to the next one!

[Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a swoon-worthy romance of growing up and going for what you want and working for it. I loved Parker and how she made Holden work for it. She didn't give in right away even when their chemistry could be felt scorching everything. This is a slow burn for sure but I loved seeing how they relationship develops because of that. A home run!

[Larissa Rye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Holden!! God this series is full of amazing male characters! Granted it’s also got amazing female characters too. I loved Holden & Parker’s story! It was another perfect addition to this series!

[Books I Flove · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Holden and Parker! Great story, loooots of sizzling chemistry, laughter and love!
Fun seeing ‘old characters’ from previous books, love to catch up on them.
I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!!!



I kindly received an arc and voluntarily left a review