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Work for It #5
Play Smart
Nash Ellis knows music. Producing, performing, writing—if it involves the creative process he’s there for it. He knows nothing about copy machines. Or financial reports. Or anything related to the stuck-up business world his best friends have been chasing since they were kids. But Nash also needs money, so when his roommate gets him a paid internship at Reedweather Media, he reluctantly agrees. At least his know-it-all intern competitor is kind of cute in a nerdy-librarian sort of way—especially when she’s being tormented by an angsty rocker she can’t stand.
The only thing Paige Andrews hates more than failure? Nash Ellis. She has little patience for incompetence and zero tolerance for indifference. He clearly doesn’t belong in their corporate world, so why does he insist on ruining her dream job? And the worst part—he’s not what he seems. In fact, it’s all the things he’s hiding behind those electric blue eyes that make him straight-up captivating in an ironic-slacker sort of way.
But their smoldering friction bursts into open flames when the feuding interns are forced into a high-stakes mission that requires intimate knowledge of the music industry. Yep, what could go wrong when the least-qualified candidate to ever walk the halls of a major corporation becomes their only hope of success?
'Play Smart' is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #5 in the Work For It series, Educated Romance World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
The only thing Paige Andrews hates more than failure? Nash Ellis. She has little patience for incompetence and zero tolerance for indifference. He clearly doesn’t belong in their corporate world, so why does he insist on ruining her dream job? And the worst part—he’s not what he seems. In fact, it’s all the things he’s hiding behind those electric blue eyes that make him straight-up captivating in an ironic-slacker sort of way.
But their smoldering friction bursts into open flames when the feuding interns are forced into a high-stakes mission that requires intimate knowledge of the music industry. Yep, what could go wrong when the least-qualified candidate to ever walk the halls of a major corporation becomes their only hope of success?
'Play Smart' is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #5 in the Work For It series, Educated Romance World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
409 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2022
148 people are currently reading
574 people want to read
About the author
Aly Stiles
37 books507 followersLove. Laugh. Cry.
From angsty and dark to snort-laugh funny, Aly writes romance from her soul to yours.
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From angsty and dark to snort-laugh funny, Aly writes romance from her soul to yours.
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October 13, 2022
★★LIVE in KINDLE UNLIMITED★★
“Aly’s writing is so witty with her signature heartfelt emotion that will have you relating to her characters and adoring them.” –Goodreads Reviewer
Ahhhh! Happy Release Day to Author Aly Stiles! Paige and Nash are here!! Definitely check ‘Play Smart’ out if you enjoy any of the following:
+workplace shenanigans
+enemies to lovers banter
+snort-laughing romcoms
+hot rockers
+Abram cameos
★★Grab your copy TODAY!★★
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3cRh9uI
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3PD3DJT
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3JdO8Wi
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3zJsF4F
Audiobook: Coming this fall!
★ ★ BLURB ★ ★
Nash Ellis knows music. Producing, performing, writing—if it involves the creative process he’s there for it. He knows nothing about copy machines. Or financial reports. Or anything related to the stuck-up business world his best friends have been chasing since they were kids. But Nash also needs money, so when his roommate gets him a paid internship at Reedweather Media, he reluctantly agrees. At least his know-it-all intern competitor is kind of cute in a nerdy-librarian sort of way—especially when she’s being tormented by an angsty rocker she can’t stand.
The only thing Paige Andrews hates more than failure? Nash Ellis. She has little patience for incompetence and zero tolerance for indifference. He clearly doesn’t belong in their corporate world, so why does he insist on ruining her dream job? And the worst part—he’s not what he seems. In fact, it’s all the things he’s hiding behind those electric blue eyes that make him straight-up captivating in an ironic-slacker sort of way.
But their smoldering friction bursts into open flames when the feuding interns are forced into a high-stakes mission that requires intimate knowledge of the music industry. Yep, what could go wrong when the least-qualified candidate to ever walk the halls of a major corporation becomes their only hope of success?
‘Play Smart’ is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #5 in the Work For It series, Educated Romance World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
Want to read
October 16, 2022★★LIVE in Kindle Unlimited★★
Gah! Happy Release Day to Aly Stiles! Paige and Nash are here!! Check ‘Play Smart’ out if you enjoy any of the following:
+workplace shenanigans
+enemies to lovers banter
+snort-laughing romcoms
+hot rockers
+Abram cameos
★★Grab your copy TODAY!★★
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3cRh9uI
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3PD3DJT
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3JdO8Wi
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3zJsF4F
Audiobook: Coming this fall
★ ★ BLURB ★ ★
Nash Ellis knows music. Producing, performing, writing—if it involves the creative process he’s there for it. He knows nothing about copy machines. Or financial reports. Or anything related to the stuck-up business world his best friends have been chasing since they were kids. But Nash also needs money, so when his roommate gets him a paid internship at Reedweather Media, he reluctantly agrees. At least his know-it-all intern competitor is kind of cute in a nerdy-librarian sort of way—especially when she’s being tormented by an angsty rocker she can’t stand.
The only thing Paige Andrews hates more than failure? Nash Ellis. She has little patience for incompetence and zero tolerance for indifference. He clearly doesn’t belong in their corporate world, so why does he insist on ruining her dream job? And the worst part—he’s not what he seems. In fact, it’s all the things he’s hiding behind those electric blue eyes that make him straight-up captivating in an ironic-slacker sort of way.
But their smoldering friction bursts into open flames when the feuding interns are forced into a high-stakes mission that requires intimate knowledge of the music industry. Yep, what could go wrong when the least-qualified candidate to ever walk the halls of a major corporation becomes their only hope of success?
‘Play Smart’ is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #5 in the Work For It series, Educated Romance World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
November 1, 2022
Favorite Quotes:
You didn’t get me a job. You sent me through a wormhole to Hell...
If lust was a competitive sport, pretty sure I just made Nationals.
He doesn’t look at me as he gets lost in some distant recess of his head. As usual, a part of me wants to follow him there. The other part is relieved I can’t.
We are fire and gasoline, and we’ve become addicted to the flames.
Another win for Zeros Being Heroes, I guess. We’re like the Accidental Avengers. We’re so bad at shit it goes full circle and kinda works.
My Review:
I enjoyed the clever humor, cunning snark, and crisp banter between Ms. Stiles’s complex characters. I delighted in the volatile chemistry and blossoming romance between the two main protagonists. Still, I got a bit lost and disinterested in the corporate politics, espionage, and double and triple spies storylines. I so wanted to befriend Nash Ellis, he was quite the tasty treat despite being anathema to his coworker Paige upon meeting. Both were whip-smart, more than a bit fractured, and had complicated personalities. The writing was emotive, heart-squeezing, as well as scorch the sheets and gasp producing steamy.
You didn’t get me a job. You sent me through a wormhole to Hell...
If lust was a competitive sport, pretty sure I just made Nationals.
He doesn’t look at me as he gets lost in some distant recess of his head. As usual, a part of me wants to follow him there. The other part is relieved I can’t.
We are fire and gasoline, and we’ve become addicted to the flames.
Another win for Zeros Being Heroes, I guess. We’re like the Accidental Avengers. We’re so bad at shit it goes full circle and kinda works.
My Review:
I enjoyed the clever humor, cunning snark, and crisp banter between Ms. Stiles’s complex characters. I delighted in the volatile chemistry and blossoming romance between the two main protagonists. Still, I got a bit lost and disinterested in the corporate politics, espionage, and double and triple spies storylines. I so wanted to befriend Nash Ellis, he was quite the tasty treat despite being anathema to his coworker Paige upon meeting. Both were whip-smart, more than a bit fractured, and had complicated personalities. The writing was emotive, heart-squeezing, as well as scorch the sheets and gasp producing steamy.
Read
September 18, 2022Aly just isn't capable of writing a bad book. Ever.
October 25, 2022
I've really enjoyed revisiting Reedweather Media and see that there still is a bunch of chaotic workers and someone who works hard.
Nash Ellis becomes an intern at the Reedweather Media only to help his best friend and to make the money to buy something he really wants. His true calling is to make music, but he put it back in a closed drawer for the time being. Paige Andrews is a new intern who wants to gain experience for a future work.
The two intern are so different from each other, they have different personalities and expectations, will they call a truce for the good of the company?
I liked Nash and Paige so much, they are polar opposites yet believable as a couple. Their attraction is strong, and their chemistry is steaming, and their clashing personalities make their banters fervent and funny.
Aly Stiles unmistakable writing shows her talent in every kind of trope.
Play Smart is a nice rom com but the characters' past give more depth to the story, and it's an even more pleasurable read.
I look forward to reading more from this author!
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
September 28, 2022
We’re back at Reedweather Media for more shenanigans with a new pair of interns. This time we have Marco’s roommate, struggling musician, Nash Ellis battling it out with wannabe CEO Paige Williams. Nash and Paige are exact opposites, but you know what they say, opposites attract, or in their case, they combust when they get within touching distance of each other. Otherwise they just love to hate each other, but when a little undercover mission brings them together, they both discover that they maybe misjudged each other. I absolutely love Aly Stiles stories, she has a unique writing style and a wonderful imagination, she’s also a real life musician which I think helps with this particular story and the backdrop within the music industry. A fun, sexy, and at times emotional story. My heart broke for both Nash and Paige, but also I’ve got to give a shout-out to Val, he was adorable, and got to say he stole my heart a little. A wonderful story that I could not put down. I received an advanced copy of this book. This is my honest review.
November 6, 2022
https://celebrityreaders.com/2022/11/...
I received a free copy through Smartypants Romance in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
3 stars — Let me start this review with a confession: I’m not really an enemies to lovers fan. I KNOW! So why did I request this book right? The thing is, on occasion, I really love an enemies to lovers book, because there’s always exceptions. And I DO love me a nerdy/rockstar romance, so I think that’s what pulled me in in the blurb. I think I thought this would be one of those ones I enjoy where the enemies/hate doesn’t last past the chemistry. Alas, it was not. Which doesn’t mean the book is bad, just that it’s not a match for me. I’m too sensitive to handle fighting, and bickering that for me felt more like legit bickering rather than bantering.
On the plus side, both of our MCs had some awesome things going for them. I loved how unconventional of a heroine Paige was at times — she was forthright, motivated, and in certain things she went after what she wanted (ie Nash). I appreciated that she still had her own fears to get over, and that just made me cheer for her when she figured it out and tried to do better in her life. I also loved her relationship with her brother, how proud she was, how happy to see him succeed.
And while occasionally it felt a bit more telling than showing for Nash’s sensitive artist’s soul, I actually really loved when I did see it come to the forefront. I loved how he cared for and protected his loved ones. And most of all I loved how easily he included new people in his circle and wanted to protect them as well. His lyrics really made my heart both ache and soar, I adored them. He could also be pretty feisty and funny when he was egging Paige on.
I was conflicted by the two together — but again, mostly just in a personal taste way. They had a lot of physical chemistry, and some solid friendship chemistry eventually too…I just had a hard time getting around the persistent passionate arguing I guess. It’s just not my thing. And I think at times, for me, the physical overshadowed what was developing underneath…I would have liked to see more underlying connection.
I was a bit bummed we didn’t have a more solid feel for each of their pasts, though mostly Nash. It affected him in such a profound way, and I just found myself wanting something more there. Even Paige’s relationship with her parents and brother…I just wanted something more from that too.
I will admit, and this is why it’s not 3.5, there were elements of the humour that just didn’t work for me and were too over the top. The whole Chad and Mr. Reedweather stuff had me scratching my head. Yet again, personal taste.
So yeah. Some great elements, but all in all just not a match for this reader.
I received a free copy through Smartypants Romance in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
3 stars — Let me start this review with a confession: I’m not really an enemies to lovers fan. I KNOW! So why did I request this book right? The thing is, on occasion, I really love an enemies to lovers book, because there’s always exceptions. And I DO love me a nerdy/rockstar romance, so I think that’s what pulled me in in the blurb. I think I thought this would be one of those ones I enjoy where the enemies/hate doesn’t last past the chemistry. Alas, it was not. Which doesn’t mean the book is bad, just that it’s not a match for me. I’m too sensitive to handle fighting, and bickering that for me felt more like legit bickering rather than bantering.
On the plus side, both of our MCs had some awesome things going for them. I loved how unconventional of a heroine Paige was at times — she was forthright, motivated, and in certain things she went after what she wanted (ie Nash). I appreciated that she still had her own fears to get over, and that just made me cheer for her when she figured it out and tried to do better in her life. I also loved her relationship with her brother, how proud she was, how happy to see him succeed.
And while occasionally it felt a bit more telling than showing for Nash’s sensitive artist’s soul, I actually really loved when I did see it come to the forefront. I loved how he cared for and protected his loved ones. And most of all I loved how easily he included new people in his circle and wanted to protect them as well. His lyrics really made my heart both ache and soar, I adored them. He could also be pretty feisty and funny when he was egging Paige on.
I was conflicted by the two together — but again, mostly just in a personal taste way. They had a lot of physical chemistry, and some solid friendship chemistry eventually too…I just had a hard time getting around the persistent passionate arguing I guess. It’s just not my thing. And I think at times, for me, the physical overshadowed what was developing underneath…I would have liked to see more underlying connection.
I was a bit bummed we didn’t have a more solid feel for each of their pasts, though mostly Nash. It affected him in such a profound way, and I just found myself wanting something more there. Even Paige’s relationship with her parents and brother…I just wanted something more from that too.
I will admit, and this is why it’s not 3.5, there were elements of the humour that just didn’t work for me and were too over the top. The whole Chad and Mr. Reedweather stuff had me scratching my head. Yet again, personal taste.
So yeah. Some great elements, but all in all just not a match for this reader.
March 18, 2023
I dislike the heroine who is supposedly so smart but comes off as a judgemental idiot. It is unattractive and I wanted dnf many times just because of offputing heroine. Ce off your high horse. This series wasn't a winner for me, but overall I think this author's books stand out at least I somewhat enjoyed them especially book one.
October 26, 2022
Check out an EXCERPT Here
***4 Stars ***
This book has my head spinning, not in a bad way, but it’s still coming down from all that happened. There were some great, heartstring pulling moments and then there were some just absolutely ridiculous ones ~ if you know, you know ~ Add in some angst and a great crew of friends, and you have a book, that while somewhat headache inducing, was a great read.
Nash and Paige. It was hard for me to not love these two. They are both stubborn, determined and see and feel more than most people think. They are witty and snarky and can be a bit impetuous when the situation calls for it, but they love hard and will fight for those they care about most. Their journey was all kinds of push/pull, sometimes aggravating, but also heart melting as they figure out that what they see on the outside is a very, very small percentage of what is underneath and that what’s underneath is something they both never knew they needed.
Despite the head spinning, this was a fun read overall. Loved catching up with Marcos and Eva, as well as Nate, who I loved in Street Smart, as well as a couple other characters from the Pennyverse and Val was just a sweetheart. There is a situation that could be triggering to some, but it is handled well and is important for character development. And then there is Mer-Nut man…IYKYK…I just don’t know about him and his enabler, but they are definitely unique and keep things interesting.
~ Copy provided by SmartyPants Romance & voluntarily reviewed ~
***4 Stars ***
This book has my head spinning, not in a bad way, but it’s still coming down from all that happened. There were some great, heartstring pulling moments and then there were some just absolutely ridiculous ones ~ if you know, you know ~ Add in some angst and a great crew of friends, and you have a book, that while somewhat headache inducing, was a great read.
Nash and Paige. It was hard for me to not love these two. They are both stubborn, determined and see and feel more than most people think. They are witty and snarky and can be a bit impetuous when the situation calls for it, but they love hard and will fight for those they care about most. Their journey was all kinds of push/pull, sometimes aggravating, but also heart melting as they figure out that what they see on the outside is a very, very small percentage of what is underneath and that what’s underneath is something they both never knew they needed.
Despite the head spinning, this was a fun read overall. Loved catching up with Marcos and Eva, as well as Nate, who I loved in Street Smart, as well as a couple other characters from the Pennyverse and Val was just a sweetheart. There is a situation that could be triggering to some, but it is handled well and is important for character development. And then there is Mer-Nut man…IYKYK…I just don’t know about him and his enabler, but they are definitely unique and keep things interesting.
~ Copy provided by SmartyPants Romance & voluntarily reviewed ~
October 13, 2022
Nash knows music, not the corporate world, but when he needs money, his roommate sets him up with an internship at Reedweather Media. What he doesn't know is that he is vying for the same position with someone else, someone who really, really wants this job. Paige has been working towards this job and needs it, she isn't really keen on Nash trying to take it from her.
I love this series because it is light enough to have me laughing out loud, but has enough substance that there is still that emotional aspect to it. These two had such amazing banter and the book is full of fun and lots of swoony romance.
I love this series because it is light enough to have me laughing out loud, but has enough substance that there is still that emotional aspect to it. These two had such amazing banter and the book is full of fun and lots of swoony romance.
October 8, 2022
5 star Review Play Smart (Work For It #5) by Aly Styles
It was great to be back in the Reedweather Media world. I was hooked on Play Smart from the first to the last chapter. This is Nash Ellis and CEO Paige Williams’s story and it was an entertaining read that ticked the boxes for me.
I really liked Paige, she was such a dynamic woman, feisty, sassy and could hold her own in a male dominated world, which was something that I really admired. From the moment she met Nash, the sparks flew and not in a good way. Nash aggravates her in more ways than she can count. These two could not be more different and on paper they should not work; yet they do.
The banter was witty and I found myself smiling throughout. Nash was such a swoon worthy man and one I fell for quickly. As I have come to expect from Aly Stiles, Play Smart was a well written, laugh out load romantic comedy . The secondary characters were entertaining and added an additional layer to the story.
It was great to be back in the Reedweather Media world. I was hooked on Play Smart from the first to the last chapter. This is Nash Ellis and CEO Paige Williams’s story and it was an entertaining read that ticked the boxes for me.
I really liked Paige, she was such a dynamic woman, feisty, sassy and could hold her own in a male dominated world, which was something that I really admired. From the moment she met Nash, the sparks flew and not in a good way. Nash aggravates her in more ways than she can count. These two could not be more different and on paper they should not work; yet they do.
The banter was witty and I found myself smiling throughout. Nash was such a swoon worthy man and one I fell for quickly. As I have come to expect from Aly Stiles, Play Smart was a well written, laugh out load romantic comedy . The secondary characters were entertaining and added an additional layer to the story.
October 15, 2022
Amazon
Nash needs money for equipment so his roommie has set him up with this internship. Unfortunately, he's not really sure he's gonna cut it in this boring corporate world. To top it off, he's having to compete for the job with a woman who's his complete opposite. She's gorgeous, feisty, and smart, though, and working with her may end up being more fun than he had anticipated.
Paige desperately wants this job. So why does she have to compete, and work with, her new nemesis, a guy who seems so far from fit for the corporate world, that she cannot imagine why he's even here. He's clueless, he doesn't pay attention, and he doesn't seem like he wants to be here anymore than she wants him here. But when working together brings out a side of him she hadn't known existed, their attraction begs to be consummated.
Paige and Nash are so snarky and antagonistic and not doing a great job of masking their chemistry. I love the way they riffed off each other, but were definitely into each other. There's an element of emotional heaviness to their story, though, so it's not all fun and snark. Nash in particular, has a heavy backstory, and it really grounded the story, making it more well rounded than the average rivals/enemies to lovers. I haven't read the other stories in this series, but after having fallen in love with Nash and Paige, I am about to download all of them, and any that come after this one.
ARC provided by author for an honest review.
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October 18, 2022
I received an ARC via the author and Smartypants Romance, all opinions are my own.
This book features characters mentioned in other books in the same universe, but it reads as a complete standalone. If you want to get to know Marcos and Eva you will want to read Street Smart, and if you want to know more about Kaitlyn and Abram you will want to read Elements of Chemistry series and Laws of Physics series respectively. Again this reads as a 100% standalone, but if you want to read about the other characters I like to mention where you can find them.
This follows Nash, a musician at heart who ends up as an intern at a media company. He has no interest in a corporate job, but he needs the money and his roommate hooked him up with the job. Paige was built for this internship, she wants nothing more than to make her mark in the corporate world. She immediately judges Nash because he doesn't look the part of an MBA and future CEO. When they get their first intern project, Nash's music skills are put to good use and Paige is left wondering what other skills he is hiding. He challenges her at every step and it makes her furious. Paige pushes Nash's buttons in a completely different way, once she realizes that he's not the person she expected, she tries to understand why he's hiding his talents. Nash's story is heartbreaking, but he's got a great support networks. Paige and Nash may be opposites, but sometimes that makes for the best story. I loved them together!
This was great! It has a great balance of serious and funny moments. This is a bit of an emotional rollercoaster so be prepared. It has some heavy moments, but it also has some laugh out loud ones as well. If you read Street Smart, you know who Chad is and he is back and he add a nice comic relief to the story. This has some great side characters to help move the story along. I loved that we get to see some characters that we've met before in supporting roles as well as new characters that we will hopefully see more of. I thought Paige and Nash had great chemistry and equally good character development. Neither character turned out to be what they seemed from the beginning. They both have to play parts to protect themselves. The ending to this was perfect! I also love when authors put song lyrics in books when there is a musician, it lets us see a different side of the author. The lyrics were awesome!
This book features characters mentioned in other books in the same universe, but it reads as a complete standalone. If you want to get to know Marcos and Eva you will want to read Street Smart, and if you want to know more about Kaitlyn and Abram you will want to read Elements of Chemistry series and Laws of Physics series respectively. Again this reads as a 100% standalone, but if you want to read about the other characters I like to mention where you can find them.
This follows Nash, a musician at heart who ends up as an intern at a media company. He has no interest in a corporate job, but he needs the money and his roommate hooked him up with the job. Paige was built for this internship, she wants nothing more than to make her mark in the corporate world. She immediately judges Nash because he doesn't look the part of an MBA and future CEO. When they get their first intern project, Nash's music skills are put to good use and Paige is left wondering what other skills he is hiding. He challenges her at every step and it makes her furious. Paige pushes Nash's buttons in a completely different way, once she realizes that he's not the person she expected, she tries to understand why he's hiding his talents. Nash's story is heartbreaking, but he's got a great support networks. Paige and Nash may be opposites, but sometimes that makes for the best story. I loved them together!
This was great! It has a great balance of serious and funny moments. This is a bit of an emotional rollercoaster so be prepared. It has some heavy moments, but it also has some laugh out loud ones as well. If you read Street Smart, you know who Chad is and he is back and he add a nice comic relief to the story. This has some great side characters to help move the story along. I loved that we get to see some characters that we've met before in supporting roles as well as new characters that we will hopefully see more of. I thought Paige and Nash had great chemistry and equally good character development. Neither character turned out to be what they seemed from the beginning. They both have to play parts to protect themselves. The ending to this was perfect! I also love when authors put song lyrics in books when there is a musician, it lets us see a different side of the author. The lyrics were awesome!
September 25, 2022
4.5 Stars!
From the very first pages this book had me laughing so hard. Chad is back, and his chaotic ways had me laughing with every page he was one. I would definitely recommend reading Street Smart prior to this book, since there is an over lapping plot through both.
This book definitely had a little chaotic feel to it (mostly due to Chad and Reedweather), but there are such deep emotions in this book, that the levity helps balance out the emotions. I just wanted to wrap Nash up and and hold him. Val too.
Paige comes off as prickly, but man does she banter with Nash like she was born to do so. Her own growth in this book was icing on the cake, and I LOVE how much she wanted and supported Nash. A found family can be everything. The chemistry between these two is definitely undeniable, the push and pull between them definitely amps up the tension.
Absolutely adored seeing Marcos and Eva again, and the way that the author really brought in some of Penny’s characters was absolute perfection.
“ Family picks you up when you fall and pushes you when you’re too weak to go on,” Paige says, centering my face on hers. “Family trusts and believes enough for both of you when you’re too scared to take the next step, so let us do that for you. Let us help you stop being fine and start being whole.“
From the very first pages this book had me laughing so hard. Chad is back, and his chaotic ways had me laughing with every page he was one. I would definitely recommend reading Street Smart prior to this book, since there is an over lapping plot through both.
This book definitely had a little chaotic feel to it (mostly due to Chad and Reedweather), but there are such deep emotions in this book, that the levity helps balance out the emotions. I just wanted to wrap Nash up and and hold him. Val too.
Paige comes off as prickly, but man does she banter with Nash like she was born to do so. Her own growth in this book was icing on the cake, and I LOVE how much she wanted and supported Nash. A found family can be everything. The chemistry between these two is definitely undeniable, the push and pull between them definitely amps up the tension.
Absolutely adored seeing Marcos and Eva again, and the way that the author really brought in some of Penny’s characters was absolute perfection.
“ Family picks you up when you fall and pushes you when you’re too weak to go on,” Paige says, centering my face on hers. “Family trusts and believes enough for both of you when you’re too scared to take the next step, so let us do that for you. Let us help you stop being fine and start being whole.“
October 29, 2022
4 tomes après Street Smart, on se retrouve à Reedweather Media avec un nouveau couple de stagiaires forcés de travailler ensemble : Nash, un des colocataires de Marcos, musicien déchu, a pris le job par nécessité financière et Paige, voulant à tout prix réussir pour devenir une cheffe d'entreprise. Ici encore, nos deux héros vont être au coeur d'une opération spéciale pour contrer une entreprise concurrente tout en sabotant celle où ils sont... et évidemment c'est Marcos et Eva qui les embarquent dans la suite de leur plan ^^
Cette histoire est encore plus farfelue que celle de Street Smart, Aly Stiles nous offre des situations tordant agrémentées de dialogues digne des meilleures comédies. Et puis surtout, nous avons le retour de Chad et son délire de mer-nuts xD ce personnage nécessiterait son propre roman tellement il est énorme.
Paige et Nash n'ont rien en commun et pourtant ils vont réussir à travailler ensemble et à saboter les plans diaboliques des deux entreprises. L'attraction qu'ils ont l'un pour l'autre est électrique, ils font des étincelles dès qu'ils succombent à leurs sentiments.
Aly Stiles nous rappelle qu'on peut lire des romances avec des intrigues complètement barrée, qui ont pas besoin d'être hyper crédibles, du moment que le rythme comique est là et que les personnages tiennent la route. Je le recommande à celles et ceux qui cherchent à passer un bon moment, sans prise de tête et sans drame.
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4 books after Street Smart, we find ourselves again at Reedweather Media with a new couple of interns forced to work together : Nash, one of Marcos' roommates, a fallen musician, took the job out of financial necessity and Paige, wanting to succeed at all costs to become a business leader. Here again, our two heroes will be at the heart of a special operation to counter a competing company while sabotaging the one where they are... and obviously it's Marcos and Eva who take them on board in the rest of their plan ^^
This story is even wackier than that of Street Smart, Aly Stiles offers us twisting situations embellished with dialogues worthy of the best comedies. And above all, we have the return of Chad and his delirium of sea-nuts xD this character would require his own novel because he is so huge.
Paige and Nash have nothing in common and yet they manage to work together and sabotage the diabolical plans of the two companies. The attraction they have for each other is electric, they make sparks as soon as they succumb to their feelings.
Aly Stiles reminds us that you can read romances with completely crazy plots, which don't have to be super believable, as long as the comic rhythm is there and the characters hold up. I recommend it to anyone looking to have a good time, without headaches and without drama.
-Read as an ARC-
Cette histoire est encore plus farfelue que celle de Street Smart, Aly Stiles nous offre des situations tordant agrémentées de dialogues digne des meilleures comédies. Et puis surtout, nous avons le retour de Chad et son délire de mer-nuts xD ce personnage nécessiterait son propre roman tellement il est énorme.
Paige et Nash n'ont rien en commun et pourtant ils vont réussir à travailler ensemble et à saboter les plans diaboliques des deux entreprises. L'attraction qu'ils ont l'un pour l'autre est électrique, ils font des étincelles dès qu'ils succombent à leurs sentiments.
Aly Stiles nous rappelle qu'on peut lire des romances avec des intrigues complètement barrée, qui ont pas besoin d'être hyper crédibles, du moment que le rythme comique est là et que les personnages tiennent la route. Je le recommande à celles et ceux qui cherchent à passer un bon moment, sans prise de tête et sans drame.
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4 books after Street Smart, we find ourselves again at Reedweather Media with a new couple of interns forced to work together : Nash, one of Marcos' roommates, a fallen musician, took the job out of financial necessity and Paige, wanting to succeed at all costs to become a business leader. Here again, our two heroes will be at the heart of a special operation to counter a competing company while sabotaging the one where they are... and obviously it's Marcos and Eva who take them on board in the rest of their plan ^^
This story is even wackier than that of Street Smart, Aly Stiles offers us twisting situations embellished with dialogues worthy of the best comedies. And above all, we have the return of Chad and his delirium of sea-nuts xD this character would require his own novel because he is so huge.
Paige and Nash have nothing in common and yet they manage to work together and sabotage the diabolical plans of the two companies. The attraction they have for each other is electric, they make sparks as soon as they succumb to their feelings.
Aly Stiles reminds us that you can read romances with completely crazy plots, which don't have to be super believable, as long as the comic rhythm is there and the characters hold up. I recommend it to anyone looking to have a good time, without headaches and without drama.
-Read as an ARC-
September 30, 2022
I'm no newbie to Aly, her emotional stories are an insta buy for me. However, I'm not familiar with her romantic comedies. Which is why I decided to explore this side of her storytelling.
Play Smart is the first book from this series that I've read and yes, I can confirm; it can be read as a stand-alone.
It made me smile, it made me laugh and it made me giggle. The comedy is strong, fresh and fun.
The romance made me swoon and gasp. In typical Aly's style there's an emotional side to it. Nash and Paige need each other more than they can admit, more than they realise. They are total opposite and yet they're perfect for each other. Nash is a bit broken, but he's a master at hiding it. Paige's encouraging and patient, so she's exactly what he needs.
Oh, and the banter. The banter was exceptional!
This book is wonderfully charming, incredibly entertaining, and endlessly swoon-worthy.
Play Smart is the first book from this series that I've read and yes, I can confirm; it can be read as a stand-alone.
It made me smile, it made me laugh and it made me giggle. The comedy is strong, fresh and fun.
The romance made me swoon and gasp. In typical Aly's style there's an emotional side to it. Nash and Paige need each other more than they can admit, more than they realise. They are total opposite and yet they're perfect for each other. Nash is a bit broken, but he's a master at hiding it. Paige's encouraging and patient, so she's exactly what he needs.
Oh, and the banter. The banter was exceptional!
This book is wonderfully charming, incredibly entertaining, and endlessly swoon-worthy.
October 13, 2022
Aly Stiles manages to make me laugh and impress me with her writing.
Her protagonists are exceptional with real depth, real personality, real issues. I loved them.
Paige wants to succeed professionally at all costs, she is very serious, like the first of the class who raises her hand all the time. But she hides a complicated family situation, a big heart, generosity, a sense of responsibility.
Nash, on the other hand, seems like the bad student who doesn't really listen to the boss and doesn't care about his new office job. But ultimately, when he is determined to succeed in a mission, he shows intelligence and ingenuity. He even uses his true passion: music.
Nash also hides a complicated, painful past. He thinks he is alone when he is very well surrounded by wonderful people who love him. His mind is too stuck on the sufferings and disappointments he has experienced.
The author, extremely clever, gives us the revelations drop by drop and even if we can only be touched by our heroes, she never goes overboard. We are moved but we do not cry ugly tears.
I loved seeing Abram and Kaitlyn again (Penny Reid's characters), but also the heroes of Street Smart.
I loved the secondary characters. I laughed. I loved. In short, I had a great time.
Thanks Smartypants Romance and Aly Stiles for the ARC.
Her protagonists are exceptional with real depth, real personality, real issues. I loved them.
Paige wants to succeed professionally at all costs, she is very serious, like the first of the class who raises her hand all the time. But she hides a complicated family situation, a big heart, generosity, a sense of responsibility.
Nash, on the other hand, seems like the bad student who doesn't really listen to the boss and doesn't care about his new office job. But ultimately, when he is determined to succeed in a mission, he shows intelligence and ingenuity. He even uses his true passion: music.
Nash also hides a complicated, painful past. He thinks he is alone when he is very well surrounded by wonderful people who love him. His mind is too stuck on the sufferings and disappointments he has experienced.
The author, extremely clever, gives us the revelations drop by drop and even if we can only be touched by our heroes, she never goes overboard. We are moved but we do not cry ugly tears.
I loved seeing Abram and Kaitlyn again (Penny Reid's characters), but also the heroes of Street Smart.
I loved the secondary characters. I laughed. I loved. In short, I had a great time.
Thanks Smartypants Romance and Aly Stiles for the ARC.
December 12, 2022
This was an opposites attract, enemies to lovers, workplace romance between a type A intern and a wounded bad boy musician with a big heart. Not my favorite of the series, this story felt a little too all over the place for my tastes. I did still enjoy it though and thought it was good on audio narrated by Ryan Lee Dunlap and Stefanie Kay.
October 25, 2022
Some authors, as amazing as they are, are predictable. When you pick up one of their books, you just know what to expect. Aly Stiles is not one of those authors. Yes, she is an amazing writer, but she is far from predictable and she has surprised me again with Play Smart.
This book is a laugh-out-loud romantic comedy. Some of the scenarios in this story are ridiculously funny, but other parts of this story? Well, they had my heart breaking and tears threatening to fall.
Nash Ellis knows music, but he's found himself caught up in a corporate world that he really wants no part of. Paige Andrews thrives in an office setting and has no tolerance for laziness or indifference and that's all she sees when she first meets Nash. These two are complete opposites, but Paige soon starts to discover that Nash isn't really the uncaring musician that he portrays.
There are a lot of different things happening throughout this story, and I was unable to predict most of the outcomes. An outlandish corporate spy mission and some crazy secondary characters kept me laughing while Nash's past and insecurities had me wanting to reach through the pages and give him a big hug. The twists and turns kept me guessing and turning the pages, and Nash and Paige's slow burn relationship had me swooning.
Play Smart is a fun, romantic and heartwarming story. If you're looking to laugh (and maybe cry just a little), then I highly recommend this one.
This book is a laugh-out-loud romantic comedy. Some of the scenarios in this story are ridiculously funny, but other parts of this story? Well, they had my heart breaking and tears threatening to fall.
Nash Ellis knows music, but he's found himself caught up in a corporate world that he really wants no part of. Paige Andrews thrives in an office setting and has no tolerance for laziness or indifference and that's all she sees when she first meets Nash. These two are complete opposites, but Paige soon starts to discover that Nash isn't really the uncaring musician that he portrays.
There are a lot of different things happening throughout this story, and I was unable to predict most of the outcomes. An outlandish corporate spy mission and some crazy secondary characters kept me laughing while Nash's past and insecurities had me wanting to reach through the pages and give him a big hug. The twists and turns kept me guessing and turning the pages, and Nash and Paige's slow burn relationship had me swooning.
Play Smart is a fun, romantic and heartwarming story. If you're looking to laugh (and maybe cry just a little), then I highly recommend this one.
October 28, 2022
Aly Stiles has a way with books that are set in the music industry, I am just such a huge fan of this author and Play Smart is the PERFECT example of why. This book has so much heart that you will be on a great wonderful roller coaster of feels while still being delightfully funny. I love how there are so many layers with not only the characters, but also the story in general. I highly recommend you check out this book (and series) right away and give it 4.5 outta 5 stars!
PS: Thank you to Aly Stiles and Smartypants Romance for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly!
PPS: Learn more about this book HERE
PS: Thank you to Aly Stiles and Smartypants Romance for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly!
PPS: Learn more about this book HERE
October 29, 2022
Play Smart is a fantastic book from Aly Stiles!
Nash and Paige are definitely opposites, but there is something between them that's undeniable. It was so much fun watching them grow closer and learn there's more to each other than they initially thought.
It was entertaining, too, being back at Reedweather Media. I was hooked - and cracking up - from the very beginning when we meet Paige and Nash at their intern orientation. This was one of my favorite books in this Fall Smartypants Romance launch and I can't recommend it enough.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
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Bookstagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CkSPcM8La1S/
Nash and Paige are definitely opposites, but there is something between them that's undeniable. It was so much fun watching them grow closer and learn there's more to each other than they initially thought.
It was entertaining, too, being back at Reedweather Media. I was hooked - and cracking up - from the very beginning when we meet Paige and Nash at their intern orientation. This was one of my favorite books in this Fall Smartypants Romance launch and I can't recommend it enough.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
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Bookstagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CkSPcM8La1S/
October 28, 2022
Heh. We're back in the...err, I'm not going to call it high-powered because Eva's father and Chad put a painfully awkward spin on corporate wheelings and dealings. Instead, I'm going to say we're back at Reedweather Media and the odd things that go on there.
Nash might not be a corporate drone at heart (the man is a musician and pretty much everyone who spends time with him figures that out pretty quickly), but he takes the intern job at Reedweather because it's offered. He doesn't expect to like Paige's fierce sense of competition (SERIOUSLY, these two send off sparks when they're trying to one-up each other) and he certainly doesn't expect to start daydreaming about just how sexy he thinks she is.
On Paige's end, she's driven, but she's also holding herself back. Family, man. They can mess a person up. Nash's attitude might drive her up a wall, but she can't stop fantasizing about him and his abs. Which makes working together interesting, to say the least.
A little case of corporate espionage, a few familiar faces (Leo and Abram!), a musician who makes things happen for others even though his dreams were smashed, and a lady who starts to see there's a whole lot more to Nash Ellis than the lazy slacker he pretends to be. My heart eyes are strong with this one.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Nash might not be a corporate drone at heart (the man is a musician and pretty much everyone who spends time with him figures that out pretty quickly), but he takes the intern job at Reedweather because it's offered. He doesn't expect to like Paige's fierce sense of competition (SERIOUSLY, these two send off sparks when they're trying to one-up each other) and he certainly doesn't expect to start daydreaming about just how sexy he thinks she is.
On Paige's end, she's driven, but she's also holding herself back. Family, man. They can mess a person up. Nash's attitude might drive her up a wall, but she can't stop fantasizing about him and his abs. Which makes working together interesting, to say the least.
A little case of corporate espionage, a few familiar faces (Leo and Abram!), a musician who makes things happen for others even though his dreams were smashed, and a lady who starts to see there's a whole lot more to Nash Ellis than the lazy slacker he pretends to be. My heart eyes are strong with this one.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
October 29, 2022
I received an ARC from @smartypantsromance.
It was another sweet and inspiring love story. I enjoyed reading about these new characters , as well as, getting to catch up with some old ones. I recommend this book and series.
It was another sweet and inspiring love story. I enjoyed reading about these new characters , as well as, getting to catch up with some old ones. I recommend this book and series.
November 18, 2022
Brief review addition: I just finished listening to the audiobook and the narrators couldn’t have been more perfect! Stefanie Kay & Ryan Lee Dunlap ARE Paige & Nash! Their comedic timing is FLAWLESS! I’ve been a fan of Stefanie’s narrations for awhile, but this was my first by Ryan and now I need to binge his work. He has immediately jumped on my list of favorite narrators w/ just this one book!
••••••••••••••••
Ok first and foremost I need to make it clear that NASH is MINE! I call dibs.
If you’ve read Aly Stiles before then you’re probably obsessed with her angsty gut-wrenching heart-mending romances. But if you haven’t, then you’re missing out on some of the most beautiful & emotionally authentic characters I’ve ever read.
Last year, Aly joined the SmartyPants Romance crew and showed us her comedic side with Street Smart. I had no idea she was so funny. She takes it to a whole other level with Play Smart! It’s brilliant. Aly has combined her angsty rocker style with the most ridiculously & ingeniously funny slap-stick RomCom! Paige & Nash bring the steam, the angsty banter, and warm my heart.
Play Smart has it all:
Enemies to Lovers
Office Romance
Hilarious Comedy
Hot AF Chemistry
Strong, Brilliant Heroine
Sexy Rocker
and Chad & his Mer-Nuts
I’m completely obsessed with every single book Aly’s written. Play Smart is now definitely one of my faves.
And as an added bonus, Aly Stiles & musician Julian Greene have written and performed an original song “Living a Lie” to coincide with Play Smart. Experience Nash’s music here: https://linktr.ee/alystiles
••••••••••••••••
Ok first and foremost I need to make it clear that NASH is MINE! I call dibs.
If you’ve read Aly Stiles before then you’re probably obsessed with her angsty gut-wrenching heart-mending romances. But if you haven’t, then you’re missing out on some of the most beautiful & emotionally authentic characters I’ve ever read.
Last year, Aly joined the SmartyPants Romance crew and showed us her comedic side with Street Smart. I had no idea she was so funny. She takes it to a whole other level with Play Smart! It’s brilliant. Aly has combined her angsty rocker style with the most ridiculously & ingeniously funny slap-stick RomCom! Paige & Nash bring the steam, the angsty banter, and warm my heart.
Play Smart has it all:
Enemies to Lovers
Office Romance
Hilarious Comedy
Hot AF Chemistry
Strong, Brilliant Heroine
Sexy Rocker
and Chad & his Mer-Nuts
I’m completely obsessed with every single book Aly’s written. Play Smart is now definitely one of my faves.
And as an added bonus, Aly Stiles & musician Julian Greene have written and performed an original song “Living a Lie” to coincide with Play Smart. Experience Nash’s music here: https://linktr.ee/alystiles
October 26, 2022
Overall Grade: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers; hate-to-love; opposites attract; workplace romance; found family;
hero with a heart of gold, but a cold exterior; tenacious heroine; slow burn
“Most people aren’t damaged by dreams they never achieve. It’s having those dreams ripped away that break us.”
Aly Stiles returns to the world of corporate espionage in her newest offering to the SmartyPants Romance world, Play Smart. Situated in the Educated Romance Work for It Series, her first book of the series, Street Smart, placed us squarely in Reedweather Media, the media counterpart to Brighthouse and Sandeke Telecom, contemporaries of Penny Reid’s Hypothesis series. Like her first book, Stiles treats us to inept leaders of entitled companies and subordinates whose genius is foiling the destructive plans of privileged CEOs.
In Play Smart, there is much to love.
The Keystone Cops/Three Stooges-esque humor of Street Smart returns and finds a place in Play Smart. In an interesting turn, the smartest people in Stiles’s book are her women. There are also intelligent men who aid them, but the true impetus for change lies at the feet of her heroines, shining the light of female empowerment in corporate America.
Her hero, Nash, is drawn with many layers. Outwardly, he’s abrupt and guarded, hiding behind his street smarts. He’s a perfect foil to Stiles’s heroine, the buttoned-up, rule-following, Paige. Their chemistry develops through the attraction of their opposites rendering, and it begins as hate-to-love or adversaries-to-lovers, one of my favorite tropes. However, this leads us to the message of Stiles’s Play Smart.
There is more to Nash’s rendering. A foster kid, he has endured serious trauma in his life, culminating in a separation from his love, music. Paige and Nash judge each other based on their initial perception of the other. Once they realize there is greater depth to their character, their attraction grows. Yet, Nash must move beyond the trauma of his past. He must accept that he doesn’t traverse the world alone, but he has a “found family” who will support him whether he is at his best or his worst. This lesson takes most of the book to learn, and Nash’s portrayal is the emotional tether of Stiles’s Play Smart.
Similar to Nash, we find there is more to Paige’s characterization. Through her character development, Stiles underscores the message about not being “fine”. Paige is incredibly competent, and she’s accepted her parents’ expectations of her. In contrast to her brother, who has chosen a different path and been ostracized because of it, Paige has played peacemaker and followed their path for her even if it isn’t her dream. Through her journey, we are reminded that we aren’t all fine, and that we can make choices for ourselves so that we can be happy. Stiles seeks to encourage her reader to avoid “be[ing] something else [...] they wanted…” Instead, we should choose to be who we are meant to be.
Aly Stiles’s Play Smart isn’t a decidedly $exy book. It’s a slow-burn story meant to challenge the idea of first impressions and internal struggles. It’s insightful, funny, and emotional as it asks us to choose ourselves and believe we’ll have people to catch us when we fall. It’s another great addition to the SmartyPants Romance universe.
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers; hate-to-love; opposites attract; workplace romance; found family;
hero with a heart of gold, but a cold exterior; tenacious heroine; slow burn
“Most people aren’t damaged by dreams they never achieve. It’s having those dreams ripped away that break us.”
Aly Stiles returns to the world of corporate espionage in her newest offering to the SmartyPants Romance world, Play Smart. Situated in the Educated Romance Work for It Series, her first book of the series, Street Smart, placed us squarely in Reedweather Media, the media counterpart to Brighthouse and Sandeke Telecom, contemporaries of Penny Reid’s Hypothesis series. Like her first book, Stiles treats us to inept leaders of entitled companies and subordinates whose genius is foiling the destructive plans of privileged CEOs.
In Play Smart, there is much to love.
The Keystone Cops/Three Stooges-esque humor of Street Smart returns and finds a place in Play Smart. In an interesting turn, the smartest people in Stiles’s book are her women. There are also intelligent men who aid them, but the true impetus for change lies at the feet of her heroines, shining the light of female empowerment in corporate America.
Her hero, Nash, is drawn with many layers. Outwardly, he’s abrupt and guarded, hiding behind his street smarts. He’s a perfect foil to Stiles’s heroine, the buttoned-up, rule-following, Paige. Their chemistry develops through the attraction of their opposites rendering, and it begins as hate-to-love or adversaries-to-lovers, one of my favorite tropes. However, this leads us to the message of Stiles’s Play Smart.
There is more to Nash’s rendering. A foster kid, he has endured serious trauma in his life, culminating in a separation from his love, music. Paige and Nash judge each other based on their initial perception of the other. Once they realize there is greater depth to their character, their attraction grows. Yet, Nash must move beyond the trauma of his past. He must accept that he doesn’t traverse the world alone, but he has a “found family” who will support him whether he is at his best or his worst. This lesson takes most of the book to learn, and Nash’s portrayal is the emotional tether of Stiles’s Play Smart.
Similar to Nash, we find there is more to Paige’s characterization. Through her character development, Stiles underscores the message about not being “fine”. Paige is incredibly competent, and she’s accepted her parents’ expectations of her. In contrast to her brother, who has chosen a different path and been ostracized because of it, Paige has played peacemaker and followed their path for her even if it isn’t her dream. Through her journey, we are reminded that we aren’t all fine, and that we can make choices for ourselves so that we can be happy. Stiles seeks to encourage her reader to avoid “be[ing] something else [...] they wanted…” Instead, we should choose to be who we are meant to be.
Aly Stiles’s Play Smart isn’t a decidedly $exy book. It’s a slow-burn story meant to challenge the idea of first impressions and internal struggles. It’s insightful, funny, and emotional as it asks us to choose ourselves and believe we’ll have people to catch us when we fall. It’s another great addition to the SmartyPants Romance universe.
November 19, 2024
3.5 stars. They hate each other... kind of. But when they have to work together, suddenly they can't resist the strong reactions they have with each other.
Nash is a talented musician that left the music industry abruptly. He agrees to work with his roommate in a truly horrible corporate job. The worst part is this woman sitting beside him is new too and desperate to take this job seriously.
Paige just wants to get to work. She is overqualified for this chaotic workplace. Her relationship with her parents is toxic and she just wants her brother to be successful as a music producer. In the meantime, she is willing to grind at the corporate machine if it means she can be useful. Even worse, there is a hot, tattooed, bad boy who won't take his job seriously.
Paige and Nash agree they hate each other. The bickering and verbal sparring takes a surprising turn when both are assigned to work on a secret project within the company. Not only do they have to work together but they are going to fake a relationship. Chaos ensues in a slow burn fashion.
Dual POV, haters to lovers, fake relationship, slow burn, open door love scene.
I didn't get this one. I found it hard to get into the story. Once I did I spent half of the book not knowing what was going on. Paige is a type A overachieving brilliant woman with a touch of nerd. Nash is a musician with a troubled past. In reality these two do not make sense which is why they fight their attraction to each other. After numerous false starts it felt like these two would never get together. Honestly, I was fully prepared for this story to end with them choosing to not be together. By the end the bizarre plot distracted from the whole reason we are reading. You have to dig and scratch to find the romance but it's there. Overall, I kind of feel like I have no idea what happened. There is a HEA and bonkers Epilogue. If there is a story with Larinda and Val I might read it.
Bonus: Marcos and Eva from "Street Smart" by Aly Stiles are secondary characters.
Nash is a talented musician that left the music industry abruptly. He agrees to work with his roommate in a truly horrible corporate job. The worst part is this woman sitting beside him is new too and desperate to take this job seriously.
Paige just wants to get to work. She is overqualified for this chaotic workplace. Her relationship with her parents is toxic and she just wants her brother to be successful as a music producer. In the meantime, she is willing to grind at the corporate machine if it means she can be useful. Even worse, there is a hot, tattooed, bad boy who won't take his job seriously.
Paige and Nash agree they hate each other. The bickering and verbal sparring takes a surprising turn when both are assigned to work on a secret project within the company. Not only do they have to work together but they are going to fake a relationship. Chaos ensues in a slow burn fashion.
Dual POV, haters to lovers, fake relationship, slow burn, open door love scene.
I didn't get this one. I found it hard to get into the story. Once I did I spent half of the book not knowing what was going on. Paige is a type A overachieving brilliant woman with a touch of nerd. Nash is a musician with a troubled past. In reality these two do not make sense which is why they fight their attraction to each other. After numerous false starts it felt like these two would never get together. Honestly, I was fully prepared for this story to end with them choosing to not be together. By the end the bizarre plot distracted from the whole reason we are reading. You have to dig and scratch to find the romance but it's there. Overall, I kind of feel like I have no idea what happened. There is a HEA and bonkers Epilogue. If there is a story with Larinda and Val I might read it.
Bonus: Marcos and Eva from "Street Smart" by Aly Stiles are secondary characters.
October 21, 2022
All the Stars for Play Smart
Aly Stiles needs to be a household name. The woman's talents shine in everything she touches (okay, maybe not the kitchen, but I'm talking about what matters.) A diverse author who brings out all the emotions so well, including the much needed laughter that shines throughout Play Smart. And she's an incredibly talented musician too - be sure and listen to the song she wrote and performed for this book.
By 2% in I had already fallen in love with Nash and wondered where his smart...butt...has been in all my years of corporate trainings - I so needed him to help me survive. As with every book Aly has written you get intelligence and soul and laughter. Her pacing is perfect and her characters imperfections just make them more ... Perfect...
My husband is not particularly amused that my middle of the night laughter had to be so loud when I couldn't walk away from pretty much reading this one in one sitting. That same inability may have raised some ire from him while I was trying not to completely break down cry laughing while we were watching bad horror movies - but it's not like I don't laugh at them anyway, guess it must have been the timing.
Fortuitous ambiguity has no place here other than my determination to add it to my vocabulary. Everyone overversed in corporate language needs to jump into this book immediately. May every creator of such have a Chad to convince them of their brilliance.
The ONLY thing this book is missing is an illustrated edition. I truly *need* to see the full Mer-Nut presentation. It was just a wish after Street Smart, but it's now a full on *need*.
I cannot think of another author who can bring out all the feels in me as deeply and consistently. I can think of no greater compliment. A must read. Take a much needed break from your October horror binges and laugh with this brilliant rom-com that will stay with you long after the last word has been read.
Aly Stiles needs to be a household name. The woman's talents shine in everything she touches (okay, maybe not the kitchen, but I'm talking about what matters.) A diverse author who brings out all the emotions so well, including the much needed laughter that shines throughout Play Smart. And she's an incredibly talented musician too - be sure and listen to the song she wrote and performed for this book.
By 2% in I had already fallen in love with Nash and wondered where his smart...butt...has been in all my years of corporate trainings - I so needed him to help me survive. As with every book Aly has written you get intelligence and soul and laughter. Her pacing is perfect and her characters imperfections just make them more ... Perfect...
My husband is not particularly amused that my middle of the night laughter had to be so loud when I couldn't walk away from pretty much reading this one in one sitting. That same inability may have raised some ire from him while I was trying not to completely break down cry laughing while we were watching bad horror movies - but it's not like I don't laugh at them anyway, guess it must have been the timing.
Fortuitous ambiguity has no place here other than my determination to add it to my vocabulary. Everyone overversed in corporate language needs to jump into this book immediately. May every creator of such have a Chad to convince them of their brilliance.
The ONLY thing this book is missing is an illustrated edition. I truly *need* to see the full Mer-Nut presentation. It was just a wish after Street Smart, but it's now a full on *need*.
I cannot think of another author who can bring out all the feels in me as deeply and consistently. I can think of no greater compliment. A must read. Take a much needed break from your October horror binges and laugh with this brilliant rom-com that will stay with you long after the last word has been read.
February 14, 2023
4.5 Stars
This was an excellent follow-up to Street Smart! It's a direct sequel but focused on a different couple. I'd HIGHLY recommend reading Street Smart first if you haven't already.
Aly Stiles has a very unique voice that I really enjoy. Her writing style is very quirky and witty. She writes sarcasm and humor very well.
This book follows Nash, the roommate of the hero from Street Smart. Paige is a new character, and she was wonderful. They were both wonderful characters!
Nash has literally come from nothing. No family, no money, lost and abandoned by everyone except Marcos and Nate, his foster brothers. He has an incredibly dramatic and traumatizing past, which validates his behavior and need to push everyone and everything away. Often, I get frustrated with heroes who have what I call a "woe-is-me" complex. But the way Nash is written, he holds a cement wall around himself without the woe-is-me complex. He does resist Paige, and she resists him, in the beginning and most of the book, while also getting to know each other. They both see the other completely as they are and love each other for it.
The whole fake spy/espionage storyline that continued from the first book, held up, and was fun! There were enough of the previous characters to have it make sense while still having a whole new story. And I LOVED how much of Abram was in this book! He's from The Laws of Physics by Penny Reid, and he's one of my favorite heroes EVER, hands down. So I was very pleased 😀
There's three almost sex scenes where they get close-ish but get interrupted. Then there's one full sex scene that could have been longer. Everything is moderately detailed with excellent sexual chemistry that jumps off the page. Mild language, but not tons.
I'm hoping she writes a book about Nate! He's barely in either book, so I wonder if she will, but I'd definitely love it if she did!
This was an excellent follow-up to Street Smart! It's a direct sequel but focused on a different couple. I'd HIGHLY recommend reading Street Smart first if you haven't already.
Aly Stiles has a very unique voice that I really enjoy. Her writing style is very quirky and witty. She writes sarcasm and humor very well.
This book follows Nash, the roommate of the hero from Street Smart. Paige is a new character, and she was wonderful. They were both wonderful characters!
Nash has literally come from nothing. No family, no money, lost and abandoned by everyone except Marcos and Nate, his foster brothers. He has an incredibly dramatic and traumatizing past, which validates his behavior and need to push everyone and everything away. Often, I get frustrated with heroes who have what I call a "woe-is-me" complex. But the way Nash is written, he holds a cement wall around himself without the woe-is-me complex. He does resist Paige, and she resists him, in the beginning and most of the book, while also getting to know each other. They both see the other completely as they are and love each other for it.
The whole fake spy/espionage storyline that continued from the first book, held up, and was fun! There were enough of the previous characters to have it make sense while still having a whole new story. And I LOVED how much of Abram was in this book! He's from The Laws of Physics by Penny Reid, and he's one of my favorite heroes EVER, hands down. So I was very pleased 😀
There's three almost sex scenes where they get close-ish but get interrupted. Then there's one full sex scene that could have been longer. Everything is moderately detailed with excellent sexual chemistry that jumps off the page. Mild language, but not tons.
I'm hoping she writes a book about Nate! He's barely in either book, so I wonder if she will, but I'd definitely love it if she did!
October 24, 2022
hiding behind humor
I LOVED Nash-el-is and his true match Paige . These two are just gorgeous ! This story is an enemies to lovers rom come but there is also plenty of emotional substance to satisfy readers like me that need that bit of angst and growth for the characters.
this one had both in spades ! I got the giggles a few times in this book , and definitely chuckled a lot and that’s not easy for me to do with books so I’ll count that as a huge win ;)
Nash has a traumatic past and he’s scared to let people in , he’s smart and knows how to keep people at a distance and pretend her doesn’t care . Because he’s “fine” (and we all know what that word really means )
Paige is introduced to us as a character that is determined to prove she’s capable and got everything together , but Nash quickly shakes her world up and helps her see theres dreams worth chasing out there .
Their story is touching , and fun but also deep. It’s beautifully executed and I highly recommend it .
I also just have to say CHAD - he’s like the weirdest funniest extra in the book and although he’s cringey his Mernut idea is … just funny. Haha
Note : I also just wanted to add that my reasoning for 4 star rating was mostly because although I loved this story I read it as a stand alone and there were some things that just didn’t quite make sense to me - the ‘why ‘ Of the purpose of bringing the two large companies down wasn’t clear to me - and it felt like that was a bigger story that I was missing pieces to. Given this book is book 5 of a series probably means that’s why haha - so while it was good as a stand alone I do feel like I need to go find these other books to make sense of that part of the story . Which I might do and then come back and re evaluate .
I LOVED Nash-el-is and his true match Paige . These two are just gorgeous ! This story is an enemies to lovers rom come but there is also plenty of emotional substance to satisfy readers like me that need that bit of angst and growth for the characters.
this one had both in spades ! I got the giggles a few times in this book , and definitely chuckled a lot and that’s not easy for me to do with books so I’ll count that as a huge win ;)
Nash has a traumatic past and he’s scared to let people in , he’s smart and knows how to keep people at a distance and pretend her doesn’t care . Because he’s “fine” (and we all know what that word really means )
Paige is introduced to us as a character that is determined to prove she’s capable and got everything together , but Nash quickly shakes her world up and helps her see theres dreams worth chasing out there .
Their story is touching , and fun but also deep. It’s beautifully executed and I highly recommend it .
I also just have to say CHAD - he’s like the weirdest funniest extra in the book and although he’s cringey his Mernut idea is … just funny. Haha
Note : I also just wanted to add that my reasoning for 4 star rating was mostly because although I loved this story I read it as a stand alone and there were some things that just didn’t quite make sense to me - the ‘why ‘ Of the purpose of bringing the two large companies down wasn’t clear to me - and it felt like that was a bigger story that I was missing pieces to. Given this book is book 5 of a series probably means that’s why haha - so while it was good as a stand alone I do feel like I need to go find these other books to make sense of that part of the story . Which I might do and then come back and re evaluate .
September 30, 2022
Format - EARC
Rating- ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice- 🌶 🌶
Series- Work for it #5
Troupes- office romance, enemies to lovers, opposites attract, slow burn
CW- Violent Bullying,
Aly Stiles does it again! This time with a story about a down on his luck musician who just took a corporate internship at Reedweather Media, and is now embroiled in corporate espionage involving a country music star and two of the largest media companies in the world. Oh and he is also falling for his intern partner, a woman who is way out of his league and kinda despises him…
Nash is just my favorite, his smart mouth and broken soul are my cat nip and Paige’s too apparently. He’s really a good human and has had a tough time of it in the music industry and in life to be honest. He been drifting for a while now and it takes this crazy harebrained scheme and a take no nonsense woman to knock some sense into him.
And least I forgot about Paige who has kept her head down and done the easy thing to keep her parents happy while also trying to protect her bother from their portentous rathe, while he chases after his own music producing dream. Now faces with is irritating but wildly attractive musician turned corporate spy she has to rethink how she wants to go about this life thing, and what she want to keep in order to be truly happy.
I loved every fast paced, steam, pining, crazy, mer-nut second of this book. Nash and Paige have crazy chemistry proving the adage of opposites attract and making for some very steamy false starts before we finally get to the spicy parts!
It was fun to have our favorite corporate espionage scheming couple Evie and Marco back! The bumbling Mr Reedweather and the Mer- nut obsessed Chad are also back to give us some exasperating cometic relief from the swirling mixing up emotions of our MC’s.
Looking forward to Nate’s story!
Rating- ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice- 🌶 🌶
Series- Work for it #5
Troupes- office romance, enemies to lovers, opposites attract, slow burn
CW- Violent Bullying,
Aly Stiles does it again! This time with a story about a down on his luck musician who just took a corporate internship at Reedweather Media, and is now embroiled in corporate espionage involving a country music star and two of the largest media companies in the world. Oh and he is also falling for his intern partner, a woman who is way out of his league and kinda despises him…
Nash is just my favorite, his smart mouth and broken soul are my cat nip and Paige’s too apparently. He’s really a good human and has had a tough time of it in the music industry and in life to be honest. He been drifting for a while now and it takes this crazy harebrained scheme and a take no nonsense woman to knock some sense into him.
And least I forgot about Paige who has kept her head down and done the easy thing to keep her parents happy while also trying to protect her bother from their portentous rathe, while he chases after his own music producing dream. Now faces with is irritating but wildly attractive musician turned corporate spy she has to rethink how she wants to go about this life thing, and what she want to keep in order to be truly happy.
I loved every fast paced, steam, pining, crazy, mer-nut second of this book. Nash and Paige have crazy chemistry proving the adage of opposites attract and making for some very steamy false starts before we finally get to the spicy parts!
It was fun to have our favorite corporate espionage scheming couple Evie and Marco back! The bumbling Mr Reedweather and the Mer- nut obsessed Chad are also back to give us some exasperating cometic relief from the swirling mixing up emotions of our MC’s.
Looking forward to Nate’s story!
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