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Woodsmen Football #11
The Option Play
Two strikes—and she's out!
Caitlyn Waite didn’t mean to get into trouble. Ok, maybe the first time she caused a stir, it was her own fault—but her run-in with Kellen Karma? No way. She didn’t plan to get tangled up with the big football player and go viral with what was actually was just a big mistake! And whatever people may be saying, thinking, and writing about her, none of it’s true.
But this isn’t baseball, it’s real life. It only takes two strikes before Caitlyn loses her job, her friends, and all her dreams for the future. She’s out.
Or maybe not. Because the next time Kellen Karma pops into her life, the Woodsmen wide receiver has a proposal that might help the both of them get onto the right track. They’re going to scam everyone into thinking that they’re in love, which is going to be harder than it sounds. Sure, Kellen’s gorgeous with a body that makes her get gooey. But in terms of personality? He struck out there, himself. Everyone knows he’s a jerk.
Or maybe not. There seems to be more to Kellen Karma than Caitlyn had noticed. But that just makes their plot even harder! Yeah, it’s going to take some fudging, some outright lying, and a lot of nerve, but if she and Kellen can pull this off? They’ll both get what they want.
But what does she want, anyway? Is it a return to how things were? Or does Caitlyn’s future suddenly have a lot more to do with the guy in the football uniform?
Caitlyn Waite didn’t mean to get into trouble. Ok, maybe the first time she caused a stir, it was her own fault—but her run-in with Kellen Karma? No way. She didn’t plan to get tangled up with the big football player and go viral with what was actually was just a big mistake! And whatever people may be saying, thinking, and writing about her, none of it’s true.
But this isn’t baseball, it’s real life. It only takes two strikes before Caitlyn loses her job, her friends, and all her dreams for the future. She’s out.
Or maybe not. Because the next time Kellen Karma pops into her life, the Woodsmen wide receiver has a proposal that might help the both of them get onto the right track. They’re going to scam everyone into thinking that they’re in love, which is going to be harder than it sounds. Sure, Kellen’s gorgeous with a body that makes her get gooey. But in terms of personality? He struck out there, himself. Everyone knows he’s a jerk.
Or maybe not. There seems to be more to Kellen Karma than Caitlyn had noticed. But that just makes their plot even harder! Yeah, it’s going to take some fudging, some outright lying, and a lot of nerve, but if she and Kellen can pull this off? They’ll both get what they want.
But what does she want, anyway? Is it a return to how things were? Or does Caitlyn’s future suddenly have a lot more to do with the guy in the football uniform?
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 29, 2022
84 people are currently reading
301 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 6, 2022
Jamie Bennett releasing another Woodsmen book?
Look at me hurrying to sign up to KU again just to read it and fall in love with her characters again.
Why is she so good at portraying weird almost on the spectrum main characters? And her? An air headed cheerleader who ended up being so nice and thoughtful ❤️
I mean, you can’t beat this, the fake dating, the characters, the build up… and now I want to re read 😭
Look at me hurrying to sign up to KU again just to read it and fall in love with her characters again.
Why is she so good at portraying weird almost on the spectrum main characters? And her? An air headed cheerleader who ended up being so nice and thoughtful ❤️
I mean, you can’t beat this, the fake dating, the characters, the build up… and now I want to re read 😭
April 26, 2023
Cute.
December 16, 2022
3.7 stars
Tropes: fake relationship
Tropes: fake relationship
July 3, 2022
Trying not to sound mean, but I’ve read a bunch of these author’s books and the MC is usually kind of pathetic, or super down on her luck, or ditzy.
This was no exception, and I first I wasn’t sold on Caitlyn. I didn’t like how she didn’t realize how terrible her friends or ex were, but I guess somewhere along the way I got used to it and rooted for her to grow.
I loooved Kellen. He seems to be somewhere on the spectrum, and I actually think his practicality and frankness was good for someone like Caitlyn. I lived for his sweet gestures to her, his nickname, and thought his backstory was interesting. He did a bunch of swoony things despite not always understanding the nuances of a social situation.
They were very easy to root for and my only compliant is that they got together soo late. I wanted a little more of them actually being together, but overall, it was a super cute book!
This was no exception, and I first I wasn’t sold on Caitlyn. I didn’t like how she didn’t realize how terrible her friends or ex were, but I guess somewhere along the way I got used to it and rooted for her to grow.
I loooved Kellen. He seems to be somewhere on the spectrum, and I actually think his practicality and frankness was good for someone like Caitlyn. I lived for his sweet gestures to her, his nickname, and thought his backstory was interesting. He did a bunch of swoony things despite not always understanding the nuances of a social situation.
They were very easy to root for and my only compliant is that they got together soo late. I wanted a little more of them actually being together, but overall, it was a super cute book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2024
3.5-4 ⭐️
Another enjoyable read from this author. I liked the hero a ton, loved learning his backstory and what made him so awkward in social interactions as the book went on, as well as how sweet he was the heroine and how she helped him and came into her own after being comfortably sheltered with loving parents. She came across a little ditzy at times but stepped out and grew and as a pair they were well- matched.
This takes place in the Woodsmen football team interconnected standalone series by this author; the heroine Caitlyn is friends with Gaby from The Hardest Cut who appears in this one but really this book stands alone more than most as far as the series goes, in my opinion.
Another enjoyable read from this author. I liked the hero a ton, loved learning his backstory and what made him so awkward in social interactions as the book went on, as well as how sweet he was the heroine and how she helped him and came into her own after being comfortably sheltered with loving parents. She came across a little ditzy at times but stepped out and grew and as a pair they were well- matched.
This takes place in the Woodsmen football team interconnected standalone series by this author; the heroine Caitlyn is friends with Gaby from The Hardest Cut who appears in this one but really this book stands alone more than most as far as the series goes, in my opinion.
June 5, 2025
Ok wow wow I was not expecting to fall in love with this book. Besides the start, I really really enjoyed basically everything about this book.
Caitlyn and Kellen are awkward, adorable love bugs. They are both odd in their own way, in the best way. Caitlyn is so sweet and just so pure. Kellen is awkward in a very sweet way once you realize what is happening. I kinda feel like Kellen is on the spectrum. Anyway, these two are so sweet together. Due to their personalities, they were able to push past each others quirks and be friends fast. Which I liked a lot.
This was like a breath of fresh air. No cheating. Literally zero other women or man drama. No crazy external drama that overshadows the romance. Besides the start, this was just pure fluff to me. These two started dating for real almost immediately even if they both didn’t notice it.
I am kinda just gushing and rambling. I really loved this. Jamie is always making me love these awkward men (defending the rush has been my number one for this series for a while, I adore Jory). These two are just so sweet together. This is definitely a good comfort read due to how low stress this is. I wish it was longer.
Caitlyn and Kellen are awkward, adorable love bugs. They are both odd in their own way, in the best way. Caitlyn is so sweet and just so pure. Kellen is awkward in a very sweet way once you realize what is happening. I kinda feel like Kellen is on the spectrum. Anyway, these two are so sweet together. Due to their personalities, they were able to push past each others quirks and be friends fast. Which I liked a lot.
This was like a breath of fresh air. No cheating. Literally zero other women or man drama. No crazy external drama that overshadows the romance. Besides the start, this was just pure fluff to me. These two started dating for real almost immediately even if they both didn’t notice it.
I am kinda just gushing and rambling. I really loved this. Jamie is always making me love these awkward men (defending the rush has been my number one for this series for a while, I adore Jory). These two are just so sweet together. This is definitely a good comfort read due to how low stress this is. I wish it was longer.
January 28, 2023
Me gusto, pero como que me faltaron escenas en el libro; había momentos en los que los protagonistas tenían planes que eran interesantes o por ejemplo cenas que resultarían muy interesantes de leer pero que la autora no incluyó en el libro…
Also, tuve que esperar hasta el 98% para que se besaran, EL 98%!!
Also, tuve que esperar hasta el 98% para que se besaran, EL 98%!!
June 30, 2022
Jaime Bennett hits it out of the park!
This book is classic Jamie Bennett... Quirky, sweet, addicting and always a great read. I got lost in this book over 5 hours! Back to The Big Hit and start the reread again!
This book is classic Jamie Bennett... Quirky, sweet, addicting and always a great read. I got lost in this book over 5 hours! Back to The Big Hit and start the reread again!
July 26, 2022
This was a fun read. Loved the heroine.
Fake dating trope
Fake dating trope
August 13, 2022
I’m obsessed
The high is so high with this one … Jamie always hits with the slow burn. Her character development is always spot on. Love this series. Cannot wait for more from miss Bennett
The high is so high with this one … Jamie always hits with the slow burn. Her character development is always spot on. Love this series. Cannot wait for more from miss Bennett
August 18, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 3.75 stars - almost very good
So I liked this book. I like slow burns and sports romances so this was no surprise and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes these genres too.
I'll start off with the things I liked and then get into the reason why I didn't give the book all 4 stars.
Reason number one; Kellen. I love this guy and all his little quirks. I fell in love with him the moment I realised why he's always alone. He's honest, attentive, intelligent and really cute. And here comes something I am not quite sure about but I think he's autistic. Undiagnosed of course - I don't think even the author knows - but yeah. Maybe it was on purpose and maybe not I don't know.
Let's move on to my second reason I liked this book; the character development. On Caitlyn's side. I did not like her at all in the beginning. She annoyed the heck out of me. And I did not understand how Kellen was supposed to fall in love with her. But then she grew up. She didn't chance her whole identity, but just learned. It was amazing to watch her find herself.
And reason number three; the slow burn. It was executed beautifully. Never have I felt like the progression of events was unnatural. Both of the MC learned more and more about each other. And I adored the way they complemented each other. I never thought it could lead to that in the beginning.
Now to the things I didn't like. The weird comments about food and bodies. Especially Caitlyn about her own. I mentioned before that I didn't like her in the beginning and this was one of the reasons. Most of the things I didn't like (like her childish behaviour at times) she grew out of. But this issue got never resolved. It was never even questioned. And for someone who struggles with their body image, this could be hard to read.
That was it, okay byeee
So I liked this book. I like slow burns and sports romances so this was no surprise and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes these genres too.
I'll start off with the things I liked and then get into the reason why I didn't give the book all 4 stars.
Reason number one; Kellen. I love this guy and all his little quirks. I fell in love with him the moment I realised why he's always alone. He's honest, attentive, intelligent and really cute. And here comes something I am not quite sure about but I think he's autistic. Undiagnosed of course - I don't think even the author knows - but yeah. Maybe it was on purpose and maybe not I don't know.
Let's move on to my second reason I liked this book; the character development. On Caitlyn's side. I did not like her at all in the beginning. She annoyed the heck out of me. And I did not understand how Kellen was supposed to fall in love with her. But then she grew up. She didn't chance her whole identity, but just learned. It was amazing to watch her find herself.
And reason number three; the slow burn. It was executed beautifully. Never have I felt like the progression of events was unnatural. Both of the MC learned more and more about each other. And I adored the way they complemented each other. I never thought it could lead to that in the beginning.
Now to the things I didn't like. The weird comments about food and bodies. Especially Caitlyn about her own. I mentioned before that I didn't like her in the beginning and this was one of the reasons. Most of the things I didn't like (like her childish behaviour at times) she grew out of. But this issue got never resolved. It was never even questioned. And for someone who struggles with their body image, this could be hard to read.
That was it, okay byeee
July 23, 2022
A not-so-bright heroine and a probably on-the-spectrum hero get together and it's adorable.
Caitlyn is mostly endearing as she realizes she is a follower with not much ambition, and goes on a path of self improvement that's all for herself. Kellen is great with everything counted and timed to the minute, and when he figures out how special Caitlyn is, he is all over her safety and well-being. It could have been problematic, with the dozens of texts and supervision, but frankly Caitlyn needed it for her often poor decisions. Kellen showed her that thinking before acting is smart, and these two were perfect for each other.
JB is great at creating flawed characters that you can't help but like.
Caitlyn is mostly endearing as she realizes she is a follower with not much ambition, and goes on a path of self improvement that's all for herself. Kellen is great with everything counted and timed to the minute, and when he figures out how special Caitlyn is, he is all over her safety and well-being. It could have been problematic, with the dozens of texts and supervision, but frankly Caitlyn needed it for her often poor decisions. Kellen showed her that thinking before acting is smart, and these two were perfect for each other.
JB is great at creating flawed characters that you can't help but like.
November 13, 2022
Repetitive
Usually I can enjoy Jamie’s books because the characters are quirky and goofy but also intelligent.
But Caitlyn is dumb and whiney and teary and unbelievably naive. I couldn’t get past the first two chapters without skimming past the paragraphs of outright stupidity. To not know when someone is insulting you or when is someone is treating you terribly or really not your friend at all. Endlessly polite and sweet even when people insult her. Can you say low self-esteem?
I’m just tired of the same trope. Can’t these women be even a little bit smart or have any self-awareness?
There’s a difference between naivety and delusions. It’s hard to read it over and over again.
Usually I can enjoy Jamie’s books because the characters are quirky and goofy but also intelligent.
But Caitlyn is dumb and whiney and teary and unbelievably naive. I couldn’t get past the first two chapters without skimming past the paragraphs of outright stupidity. To not know when someone is insulting you or when is someone is treating you terribly or really not your friend at all. Endlessly polite and sweet even when people insult her. Can you say low self-esteem?
I’m just tired of the same trope. Can’t these women be even a little bit smart or have any self-awareness?
There’s a difference between naivety and delusions. It’s hard to read it over and over again.
August 23, 2022
Sassy, Sweet, Slow Burn 💕🔥
A great summer weekend read. It will give you some giggles, some single-bed tropes, and all of the JUST MAKE IT HAPPEN ALREADY frustrations.
A refreshing MMC who is blunt and possibly on the spectrum(?), paired with an emerging FMC who is a bit lost but finding what really matters. They just got together somehow and Bennett makes their story sweeter than honey.
Is it the best book ever? No. But is it a cute little read, easy to pick-up/put-down mid-summer as you’re running around? Absolutely! Not a complex plot, and simple enough to grab after going days without reading. Pairs well with wine - to continually drown your angst just waiting for the burn 🔥
A great summer weekend read. It will give you some giggles, some single-bed tropes, and all of the JUST MAKE IT HAPPEN ALREADY frustrations.
A refreshing MMC who is blunt and possibly on the spectrum(?), paired with an emerging FMC who is a bit lost but finding what really matters. They just got together somehow and Bennett makes their story sweeter than honey.
Is it the best book ever? No. But is it a cute little read, easy to pick-up/put-down mid-summer as you’re running around? Absolutely! Not a complex plot, and simple enough to grab after going days without reading. Pairs well with wine - to continually drown your angst just waiting for the burn 🔥
July 8, 2022
Unexpected
When I read that this book was about a fake relationship the first thing I thought was, another fake boyfriend book?? But since I love Jamie Bennet I still gave it a shoot and was not disappointed in the slightest. I've never read about someone like Kellen ever, this book was a mix of old character and new very interesting characters. Loved it and will read again in the future!
When I read that this book was about a fake relationship the first thing I thought was, another fake boyfriend book?? But since I love Jamie Bennet I still gave it a shoot and was not disappointed in the slightest. I've never read about someone like Kellen ever, this book was a mix of old character and new very interesting characters. Loved it and will read again in the future!
August 26, 2022
This was an enjoyable book. I almost quit because Caitlyn was pretty immature but another reviewer said she matures throughout the book so I kept going, and they were right. I liked her much more by the end (still a bit immature but she was trying, and she's still only 21).
I did find some of the dialogue at times to be stilted in that I recognized I was read a book, i.e. it was very formal feeling and took me out of the moment.
I did find some of the dialogue at times to be stilted in that I recognized I was read a book, i.e. it was very formal feeling and took me out of the moment.
November 27, 2022
I nearly didn't read this book, but I'm so, so glad I did!
deliciously fluffy..
kinda like watching a dolly parton movie.. it's got a lot of heart .
We have all read the script for these fluffy romances, and this novel doesn't turn the genre on its head. however, the characters are real, fresh and surprising.
the hero isn't an a grade masochist and the heroine isn't a vapid beeatch.
loved them together.
deliciously fluffy..
kinda like watching a dolly parton movie.. it's got a lot of heart .
We have all read the script for these fluffy romances, and this novel doesn't turn the genre on its head. however, the characters are real, fresh and surprising.
the hero isn't an a grade masochist and the heroine isn't a vapid beeatch.
loved them together.
July 1, 2022
For those who loved the woodsmen and their wonders women (the cheerleader team), this book is a perfection. it's the story of Caitlyn, friend of Gaby (from the Hardest cut) . And of Kellen a woodsmen that is quite mysterious because he never answers to any question and is very private
Their story is really sweet and nice.
Their story is really sweet and nice.
July 1, 2022
it doesn’t get better than this
Jamie Bennet is the only author I check all the time to see if she has a new book out. This book is one of her best. The H was such an amazing character. Very unique - almost autistic in a way but so thoughtful and considerate and of course understood. Loved the book and I am going to reread it now!
Jamie Bennet is the only author I check all the time to see if she has a new book out. This book is one of her best. The H was such an amazing character. Very unique - almost autistic in a way but so thoughtful and considerate and of course understood. Loved the book and I am going to reread it now!
July 24, 2022
Love the nerdy ways of kellen and how they create a more deep character.
It was not the typical stereotypes of characters, each has a multiple layers, and there's a parallel development in their relationship and the growth in each one.
It was not the typical stereotypes of characters, each has a multiple layers, and there's a parallel development in their relationship and the growth in each one.
October 14, 2022
I love kellens personality and how Caitlyn has to figure it out. He’s not overconfident and rude. He’s actually reserved and socially anxious and it’s so very sweet to see it. He’s also so very loving despite being awkward sometimes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2022
I enjoyed The Option Play and the relationship between Caitlyn and Kellan. I liked how both grew as individuals and learned from each other. Jamie Bennett’s books are so easy to read – they go down smooth like cold brew for me.
August 21, 2024
I read this book a while ago and can’t recall many details, but I do remember that it was enjoyable. The sportsman and fake/arranged trope is one of my favorites. Jamie Bennett is also skilled at crafting solid stories.
July 3, 2022
Kindle Unlimited
Read
July 20, 2022I try so hard to finish but I couldn't.
August 15, 2022
cute story
Very sweet story with a good plot. Not a spicy book but a good sexual tension and HEA. Liked the uniqueness of the characters
Very sweet story with a good plot. Not a spicy book but a good sexual tension and HEA. Liked the uniqueness of the characters
Read
August 17, 2022The writing is not for me. Dnf
September 7, 2022
I’m wondering why did I pick this book.
Very mediocre. It’s a poor Mariana Zapata attempt, honestly.
Lesson of the day: Not everything Instagram suggests is a good read.
Very mediocre. It’s a poor Mariana Zapata attempt, honestly.
Lesson of the day: Not everything Instagram suggests is a good read.
September 24, 2022
3.5 stars
October 5, 2022
writing style 5/5
story 5/5
romance 5/5
steam 2/5
mmc mfc interactions were fun - too short in the end
story 5/5
romance 5/5
steam 2/5
mmc mfc interactions were fun - too short in the end
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews