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Bennu Firebirds #1
Making the Play
The school of her dreams? Check.
The perfect boyfriend? Check.
The only problem? He’s best friends with her brother… and her dad is their coach.
Kaley didn’t intend to fall in love, but what started out as innocent study dates with her favorite baseball player has turned into excuses to see each other as often as possible.
They know they need to stay just friends, but they can't fight the pull toward one another.
When the lines start to blur, Jax must decide whether he's willing to risk his friendship with her brother and his spot on the Firebirds. If not, he’ll have to leave behind the one girl who reminds him that there is still some good in the world.
The girl who reminds him that love is real.
The perfect boyfriend? Check.
The only problem? He’s best friends with her brother… and her dad is their coach.
Kaley didn’t intend to fall in love, but what started out as innocent study dates with her favorite baseball player has turned into excuses to see each other as often as possible.
They know they need to stay just friends, but they can't fight the pull toward one another.
When the lines start to blur, Jax must decide whether he's willing to risk his friendship with her brother and his spot on the Firebirds. If not, he’ll have to leave behind the one girl who reminds him that there is still some good in the world.
The girl who reminds him that love is real.
212 pages, Paperback
Published June 26, 2021
12 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Cait Marie
30 books361 followersYA/NA multi-genre author Cait Marie has enjoyed reading and creating stories her entire life. Her 2020 fantasy debut, The Lost Legends, encompasses her love of fairy tales and adventure while her following book, The Last Summer, shows her appreciation for fluffy-but-moving contemporary romance.
In the time since, she has continued publishing in both genres and has plans to expand into science fiction, steampunk, and dystopian worlds.
Cait is the creator and manager of the book blog Functionally Fictional, works for YA Books Central, and offers a variety of author services, including editing, proofreading, and formatting. She has a BA in forensic psychology and an MFA in creative writing, both from Southern New Hampshire University.
Basically, her life revolves around books, but she also enjoys music, bullet journaling, graphic design, and Disney movies.
Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cait.marie.h/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/caits...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/c8_marie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/c8_marie/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cait.marie.h
Newsletter Sign-Up: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cait-Marie/e/B...
Website: https://caitmarieh.com/
Functionally Fictional: https://functionallyfictional.com/
In the time since, she has continued publishing in both genres and has plans to expand into science fiction, steampunk, and dystopian worlds.
Cait is the creator and manager of the book blog Functionally Fictional, works for YA Books Central, and offers a variety of author services, including editing, proofreading, and formatting. She has a BA in forensic psychology and an MFA in creative writing, both from Southern New Hampshire University.
Basically, her life revolves around books, but she also enjoys music, bullet journaling, graphic design, and Disney movies.
Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cait.marie.h/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/caits...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/c8_marie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/c8_marie/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cait.marie.h
Newsletter Sign-Up: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cait-Marie/e/B...
Website: https://caitmarieh.com/
Functionally Fictional: https://functionallyfictional.com/
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 2, 2021
A sweet and wonderful contemporary YA with all the feels! I would have liked to see more of the baseball, but not everyone is a sport geek like me, so nothing that affects my overall impression. 😉
We get both Jax's and Kaley's POV's, which I always enjoy, and I like that they hook up almost at once. Of course, you know there will be bumps along the way, but I don't mind. I also appriciate to get glimpses of Lila, Gavin, Beth Ann and Dylan, characters Cait Marie written about before.
Although this is an, in many ways, easy read, it also brings up some serious topics. For example, death of parents, siblings who stop talking to each other, and homosexuality. This book made me both angry and sad, but the feeling I'm left with after finishing Making the Play is happiness. That's all I need once in a while!
* I received an ARC from the author and I'm giving my honest review. *
We get both Jax's and Kaley's POV's, which I always enjoy, and I like that they hook up almost at once. Of course, you know there will be bumps along the way, but I don't mind. I also appriciate to get glimpses of Lila, Gavin, Beth Ann and Dylan, characters Cait Marie written about before.
Although this is an, in many ways, easy read, it also brings up some serious topics. For example, death of parents, siblings who stop talking to each other, and homosexuality. This book made me both angry and sad, but the feeling I'm left with after finishing Making the Play is happiness. That's all I need once in a while!
* I received an ARC from the author and I'm giving my honest review. *
October 6, 2021
‘Making the Play’ by Cait Marie follows Kaley and Jax as they navigate a relationship with each other, despite hurdles that they must overcome before they can be truly happy. One such hurdle is Kaley’s brother Kade, who just so happens to be Jax’s best friend and roommate. They play on the college’s baseball team, and while Kaley’s relationship with her brother is strained at best, she still doesn’t want to hurt him. When she and Jax start seeing each other, even for tutoring sessions, she keeps it a secret, as does Jax. What Jax doesn’t expect in return is to fall for his best friend’s sister, especially when he’s never had too much more than some one-night stands.
The story reflects so many emotions, from caring to uncertainty, like to love, anger to understanding, and more. The sweetness of Kaley and Jax’s relationship with each other comes across, even through the conflict that must occur in any book of this nature that is meant to keep them apart and shine a light on the troubles that might ensue if they stay together. Yet, through it all, they keep finding that they are drawn to each other, no matter how many obstacles stand in their way.
Jax is a great book boyfriend, and Kaley is definitely deserving of the love he so desperately has to give based on other issues in his life, from his parents to his sister and aunt. Life isn’t always easy, as Jax very well knows, and even though he doesn’t share his troubles with Kaley right away, readers do learn how he and Kade understand each other and find ways to cope with their issues together, making it all that much harder for Jax to tell Kade the truth about his feelings for Kade’s sister.
Definitely a recommended contemporary romance for any lover of that genre!
Beth Rodgers, Author of ‘Welcome to Chanu-Con!,’ a Children's Picture Book, and ‘Freshman Fourteen’ and ‘Sweet Fifteen,’ Young Adult Novels
*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*
The story reflects so many emotions, from caring to uncertainty, like to love, anger to understanding, and more. The sweetness of Kaley and Jax’s relationship with each other comes across, even through the conflict that must occur in any book of this nature that is meant to keep them apart and shine a light on the troubles that might ensue if they stay together. Yet, through it all, they keep finding that they are drawn to each other, no matter how many obstacles stand in their way.
Jax is a great book boyfriend, and Kaley is definitely deserving of the love he so desperately has to give based on other issues in his life, from his parents to his sister and aunt. Life isn’t always easy, as Jax very well knows, and even though he doesn’t share his troubles with Kaley right away, readers do learn how he and Kade understand each other and find ways to cope with their issues together, making it all that much harder for Jax to tell Kade the truth about his feelings for Kade’s sister.
Definitely a recommended contemporary romance for any lover of that genre!
Beth Rodgers, Author of ‘Welcome to Chanu-Con!,’ a Children's Picture Book, and ‘Freshman Fourteen’ and ‘Sweet Fifteen,’ Young Adult Novels
*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*
May 11, 2024
This book is so freaking adorable and I loved every second. I read it in one sitting because it was such an easy read. All characters felt complex whilst still having a storyline that flowed. The dynamics between all the characters was entertaining and the romance was on point. Kaley and Jax are so cute!
I just want a ten years later epilogue, please and thank you.
Five stars, just go read it.
As always make sure to check content warnings before reading.
I just want a ten years later epilogue, please and thank you.
Five stars, just go read it.
As always make sure to check content warnings before reading.
October 12, 2021
This was a super cute, fun read. There's plenty of chemistry (and some drama) between Kaley and Jax and each has their own lives making them well-rounded characters.
I have really enjoyed CM's fantasy books (so so good!) and even though I rarely read contemporary romance or sports-themed books, I totally enjoyed this story!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I have really enjoyed CM's fantasy books (so so good!) and even though I rarely read contemporary romance or sports-themed books, I totally enjoyed this story!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 18, 2021
Kaley absolutely loves being at her dream school, but starts having trouble in one of her classes. She enlists the help of Jax, a baseball player and her brother's best friend. But the more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to ignore the connection they have. Kaley feels comfortable with Jax and grows more and more excited to see him with each tutoring session.
Jax doesn't date. He has enough going on in life with family and wanting to get into MLB. Then, he meets Kaley. She feels different from other girls he's talked to and it isn't because she's his best friend's sister. Not wanting to risk his bond with her brother Kade, Jax decides it's best to keep their meetings a secret. But the more time he hangs out with Kaley, the more he realizes that she isn't like other girls at all. She keeps him wanting more.
MAKING THE PLAY is a contemporary romance with characters people can relate to. Everything seems perfect in Kaley's life, but her brother won't even talk to her. As for Jax, he has a lot going at home with helping his sister and is known for being a player around school. Jax and Kaley compliment each other and I enjoyed watching as their relationship progressed. Both are strong characters with imperfections anyone can have. The hardest part is to overcome and rise above them.
Final Verdict: MAKING THE PLAY is a perfect read for fans of sweet love and sports, especially baseball. This was a book I didn't want to put down, which is to be expected from Cait Marie's books.
Jax doesn't date. He has enough going on in life with family and wanting to get into MLB. Then, he meets Kaley. She feels different from other girls he's talked to and it isn't because she's his best friend's sister. Not wanting to risk his bond with her brother Kade, Jax decides it's best to keep their meetings a secret. But the more time he hangs out with Kaley, the more he realizes that she isn't like other girls at all. She keeps him wanting more.
MAKING THE PLAY is a contemporary romance with characters people can relate to. Everything seems perfect in Kaley's life, but her brother won't even talk to her. As for Jax, he has a lot going at home with helping his sister and is known for being a player around school. Jax and Kaley compliment each other and I enjoyed watching as their relationship progressed. Both are strong characters with imperfections anyone can have. The hardest part is to overcome and rise above them.
Final Verdict: MAKING THE PLAY is a perfect read for fans of sweet love and sports, especially baseball. This was a book I didn't want to put down, which is to be expected from Cait Marie's books.
October 30, 2021
I swear I couldn’t put this book down. I was invested from the beginning stumble.
How can two broken souls for different reasons be tied together and learn to live. It was so much going on in a great way, secrets that had the ability to burst the perfect bubble. A past that was not understood because saying the reason made it all to true. Yeah you may think I am everywhere with this review because I don’t want to give away anything. I was all happy go lucky then bawling my eyes out in a parking garage for feeling too much emotion. Connecting to the pain of constant rejection and being second fiddle. A connection and understanding that family is more than blood and will ALWAYS show up.
I usually meet authors different ways but a TikTok promotion of a new release proved to me that I have another series to indulge in.
How can two broken souls for different reasons be tied together and learn to live. It was so much going on in a great way, secrets that had the ability to burst the perfect bubble. A past that was not understood because saying the reason made it all to true. Yeah you may think I am everywhere with this review because I don’t want to give away anything. I was all happy go lucky then bawling my eyes out in a parking garage for feeling too much emotion. Connecting to the pain of constant rejection and being second fiddle. A connection and understanding that family is more than blood and will ALWAYS show up.
I usually meet authors different ways but a TikTok promotion of a new release proved to me that I have another series to indulge in.
September 17, 2021
I loved this story so much! The writing was fantastic, the story line amazing, and it just kept me intrigued and I couldn’t put this book down!
We follow Kaley in her first year at Bennu, where her brother is on the baseball team and her dad coaches. She’s always gone to the games, but how has caught the eye of Jax, her brothers teammate and best friend. Will they be able to keep a relationship going while keeping it a secret? What happens when everyone finds out?
Highly recommend, I can’t wait to read the others in the series!
We follow Kaley in her first year at Bennu, where her brother is on the baseball team and her dad coaches. She’s always gone to the games, but how has caught the eye of Jax, her brothers teammate and best friend. Will they be able to keep a relationship going while keeping it a secret? What happens when everyone finds out?
Highly recommend, I can’t wait to read the others in the series!
June 16, 2021
This was such a cute story.
Kaley and her brother don't get along. They used to be inseparable, but now he hates her for a reason she can't figure out. It doesn't get any better when she meets his teammate Jax, the broken baseball player.
Kaley and Jax try to remain just friend, but the draw they feel toward each other is too strong and before long, they're sneaking around and trying to figure out how to tell the people in their lives.
But Jax is hiding things about his life and it's not long before it all comes out.
I love Cait Marie's writing. There's something sweet in her love stories. This one isn't completely clean but it's close enough to satisfy most clean readers.
Can't wait til the next book in the series!
Kaley and her brother don't get along. They used to be inseparable, but now he hates her for a reason she can't figure out. It doesn't get any better when she meets his teammate Jax, the broken baseball player.
Kaley and Jax try to remain just friend, but the draw they feel toward each other is too strong and before long, they're sneaking around and trying to figure out how to tell the people in their lives.
But Jax is hiding things about his life and it's not long before it all comes out.
I love Cait Marie's writing. There's something sweet in her love stories. This one isn't completely clean but it's close enough to satisfy most clean readers.
Can't wait til the next book in the series!
September 21, 2021
Cait did an excellent job of hooking me from the first chapter. I LOVE how it switches back and forth between the POV of the main characters each chapter. I was invested in all of the characters, not just the main characters. This is a perfect read for readers who like fade to black romance instead of full blown romantic scenes. I cannot wait to read more of Cait's books
September 19, 2021
This book had more substance than I expected. Jax is really struggling with a lot, but he holds it together so well. I loved the relationship between him and Kaley, as well as him and his little sister. Overall, a great book that I read in less than a day and would definitely recommend.
October 14, 2021
This was a cute, fun, and emotional book. Following Jax and Kaley at college. Trying to make a relationship work while hiding it from her family. I stayed entertained throughout.
October 29, 2021
Really enjoyed the book. I wasn't sure how it was going to go. The story goes through so much in a small window of time. I am glad it ended the way it did.
June 12, 2021
Cait Marie writes the most perfect contemporary novels!
I loved this story so much! There was drama, heartache, and so much love in this book! Kaley and Jax's relationship was so sweet and selfless. What I loved most about them was how much they cared about each other, even when they were angry, they always found a way to be there for one another when nobody else was.
This was a sweet book and I can't wait to read more in the series!
I loved this story so much! There was drama, heartache, and so much love in this book! Kaley and Jax's relationship was so sweet and selfless. What I loved most about them was how much they cared about each other, even when they were angry, they always found a way to be there for one another when nobody else was.
This was a sweet book and I can't wait to read more in the series!
October 15, 2021
Making The Play was slow paced for me. I felt it was predictable and that I had read this story before. A few times. The coach’s daughter ends up with one of the baseball players and there’s family drama between her and her brother etc etc.
If you felt this way also then I say to definitely KEEP READING. I finally got into the story about half way through and then couldn’t put it down. It also had much more depth too it than I was expecting and it definitely made me cry.
Kaleys dad is the coach of the Bennu baseball team and her brother is one of the players. Jax is her favorite player on the team though. A super short conversation in the parking lot is what sets everything in motion.
This was a quick relationship story. But they wanted to keep it hidden from her dad and brother. Throughout this story you wonder what is happening between her brother and her because he is being very standoffish towards her. You find out so many things about Jax and her brother that you can’t help but cry or feel very upset. I’m so glad that Jax could be there for his sister and that he eventually had Kaley to lean on also.
Plus acting and musicals are present in this story so it’s enjoyable for people who aren’t really into baseball.
If you felt this way also then I say to definitely KEEP READING. I finally got into the story about half way through and then couldn’t put it down. It also had much more depth too it than I was expecting and it definitely made me cry.
Kaleys dad is the coach of the Bennu baseball team and her brother is one of the players. Jax is her favorite player on the team though. A super short conversation in the parking lot is what sets everything in motion.
This was a quick relationship story. But they wanted to keep it hidden from her dad and brother. Throughout this story you wonder what is happening between her brother and her because he is being very standoffish towards her. You find out so many things about Jax and her brother that you can’t help but cry or feel very upset. I’m so glad that Jax could be there for his sister and that he eventually had Kaley to lean on also.
Plus acting and musicals are present in this story so it’s enjoyable for people who aren’t really into baseball.
January 25, 2022
Making the Play by Cait Marie was a great start to the series! Between family drama, a smidge of romance and everything in between, this book will definitely hit you in all the feels. I can't wait to read more of this series!!
September 27, 2021
The perfect contemporary romance book for someone looking for something to get them in their feelings. This book touches on the emotions of parent loss, hidden relationships, and of falling for someone you know you shouldnt.
July 25, 2021
Cait has never failed to hook me into a book. This is another of her genius ideas that I read in one sitting. The entire time I just needed to know what was going to happen next. Making the Play made me smile, laugh, and cry all within a few moments of each other sometimes. I am pretty sure at one point I laughed while I was crying. The connection I have made with all the characters in her Summerville stories make me feel like I actually know them in real life and I am continuously sad to reach the last page.
Making the Play is directed toward the new adult population. The college setting and the challenges faced by the characters are for an older audience compared to her other works. There is a trigger for family loss here but everything in this book is approached beautifully and perfect for a sensitive reader.
Making the Play is directed toward the new adult population. The college setting and the challenges faced by the characters are for an older audience compared to her other works. There is a trigger for family loss here but everything in this book is approached beautifully and perfect for a sensitive reader.
July 25, 2021
Amazing summer read! This book was a quick read, but very detailed. This is not my usual genre, but I fell in love with the characters, even the ones that were side characters. Creating dynamic characters is a great skill of Cait Marie's for sure. I've noticed that in each of her books. The plot also drew me in instantly. I was questioning why Kade was angry with Kaley immediately, and wondering why Jax held himself back at first. Each chapter switched viewpoints between Jax and Kayley seamlessly, allowing for wonderful points of view and creating interesting interactions. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a light interesting read, with some deeper characterization.
August 9, 2021
Cait has never failed to bring me into a book. I always have high expectations of her books. "Making the Play" did not disappoint me either. It was a cute book that brought together some serious topics. Some of these topics were death of parents, a split relationship between brother and sister, and homosexuality. I think it is amazing how the author can bring together serious topics but still make a book seem light-hearted and fun.
The way Kaley and Jax interact, they made me want to learn as much as I could about them. I was super excited to see how their relationship developed because they were trying so hard to avoid each other. There were times when I got frustrated with the book because I just wanted them to end up together. This is part of the reason I do not like romance books because the end is predictable, but Cait writes the books in such a way that you can't help but keep reading.
There were many things I questioned while reading the book and one of the topics I questioned was why Kade was mad at Kaley the entire time. This little plot piece helped move the book along and made it that much more interesting.
"Making the Play" is directed towards adult readers because of some of the content and way it is written. It is set in a college campus.
I rate this book a 4.5/5 stars for overall content and pace. I highly recommend this book and hope others will read it. I also love how characters from Cait's other books were brought in. She really did an awesome job with this book.
I received and ARC for an honest review.
The way Kaley and Jax interact, they made me want to learn as much as I could about them. I was super excited to see how their relationship developed because they were trying so hard to avoid each other. There were times when I got frustrated with the book because I just wanted them to end up together. This is part of the reason I do not like romance books because the end is predictable, but Cait writes the books in such a way that you can't help but keep reading.
There were many things I questioned while reading the book and one of the topics I questioned was why Kade was mad at Kaley the entire time. This little plot piece helped move the book along and made it that much more interesting.
"Making the Play" is directed towards adult readers because of some of the content and way it is written. It is set in a college campus.
I rate this book a 4.5/5 stars for overall content and pace. I highly recommend this book and hope others will read it. I also love how characters from Cait's other books were brought in. She really did an awesome job with this book.
I received and ARC for an honest review.
November 23, 2021
This sweet and realistic YA Romance follows Kaley, an aspiring theater major, and Jax, who wants to play pro baseball, on their journey through life changing events.
The two are an unlikely pairing but after and accidental encounter, neither can forget about the other. Not only do we get to see Jax and Kaley dominating their career paths, we also get to see them around their family and friends.
Cait Marie did an excellent job of writing these two characters. They grab your attention and have you feeling second hand embarrassment from the very beginning.
The two are an unlikely pairing but after and accidental encounter, neither can forget about the other. Not only do we get to see Jax and Kaley dominating their career paths, we also get to see them around their family and friends.
Cait Marie did an excellent job of writing these two characters. They grab your attention and have you feeling second hand embarrassment from the very beginning.
November 2, 2021
I was able to get an ARC of this and absolutely loved it. I instantly fell in love with the characters and was able to get invested in their lives without much backstory. I really enjoyed how the story unfolded, and thought the pacing was really good for this type of story. I've definitely found a new favorite author!
September 19, 2021
This was a great start to this story. The main characters are down to earth and sweet. You get to see them in their highs and lows in this book. Jax main focus was always on baseball but then tragedy struck and his priorities changed. His baseball team rallied around him and was always supportive. There was just something missing from his life though. The sleeping around was getting him bored and then fate stepped in. Kaley is the daughter of the baseball coach and her brother is on the team. When fate steps in, her and Jax have instant connection but there's that picky item of her brother being Jax's best friend and teammate. Sneaking around is always a favorite of mine to read about and this one is great! Kaley has her own love and that is theater. She is a star but really is forgotten about alot of the time. Falling for Jax and making up with her brother put things in line for her life. It changed a lot and she got to know all the secrets her brother was hiding. Yes there is the scene where the brother finds out and everything goes south..It's sooooo good!! Jax's life is heartbreaking but he makes it looks easy. He's an easy going guy who loves hard,has the best of friends and a girl he gets to call his own. I really liked this story and can't wait to read book 2! Oh and part of me is hoping for a Kade story but I guess we will see if that happens or not..
November 1, 2021
Do you love baseball and love?
I am not normally the biggest fan of sports romances but baseball ones are the exception for me and I really enjoyed my reading experience with this book.
I loved getting to see the events of Kaley and Jax's relationship unfold through both of their perspectives. I feel like each of the characters had a distinct voice which I appreciated in this dual POV novel.
I feel like there are so many intense subjects that were discussed and the ones that I have experience with I feel were done well.
My biggest dislike was just the reasoning for why Kade and Kaley stopped talking. I think that the way that it was executed was done tastefully I just personally didn't like that element.
I did like how Jax and Kaley's relationship blossomed over the course of the book. As someone who doesn't read a whole lot of romance I really enjoyed seeing their relationship grow.
I really liked how the author handled parent deaths and the discussion of homosexuality in sports. I think that this author really puts a lot of work into her novels and I was so happy to receive an ARC in exchange for a honest review. I would read more from this author in the future.
I am not normally the biggest fan of sports romances but baseball ones are the exception for me and I really enjoyed my reading experience with this book.
I loved getting to see the events of Kaley and Jax's relationship unfold through both of their perspectives. I feel like each of the characters had a distinct voice which I appreciated in this dual POV novel.
I feel like there are so many intense subjects that were discussed and the ones that I have experience with I feel were done well.
My biggest dislike was just the reasoning for why Kade and Kaley stopped talking. I think that the way that it was executed was done tastefully I just personally didn't like that element.
I did like how Jax and Kaley's relationship blossomed over the course of the book. As someone who doesn't read a whole lot of romance I really enjoyed seeing their relationship grow.
I really liked how the author handled parent deaths and the discussion of homosexuality in sports. I think that this author really puts a lot of work into her novels and I was so happy to receive an ARC in exchange for a honest review. I would read more from this author in the future.
June 30, 2021
Even though Jax is Kaley’s older brother’s best friend, they’d never met until she quite literally crashed into him one night before a game. Their attraction is fiery and instantaneous, but they try to stay just friends because of all the complications (Kade, Kaley’s brother, and her dad, Jax’s coach). However, they soon realize that this is impossible. Their connection is just too strong. But are their feelings worth risking everything?
Omigosh, this book was super sweet, but it had its’ fair share of angst. Kaley and Jax had to go through so much to be together, and each had a lot of problems they were dealing with separately. But they still made time for each other, and I think that’s really beautiful. Kudos to Marie for writing such a lovely clean romance, and I can’t wait to see what happens next at Bennu!!
Omigosh, this book was super sweet, but it had its’ fair share of angst. Kaley and Jax had to go through so much to be together, and each had a lot of problems they were dealing with separately. But they still made time for each other, and I think that’s really beautiful. Kudos to Marie for writing such a lovely clean romance, and I can’t wait to see what happens next at Bennu!!
July 18, 2023
Cute college sports romance
Making the play is an adorable college sports romance with the most amazing characters. If you've read the Leaving Summersville series you'll see some familiar faces and meet new ones as well (some of whom, in turn, you'll encounter in the Love Hunters series as well). The story is very relationship centred, while the characters go through relatable stuff, surrounded by their friends. There were scenes that made me swoon while others broke my heart.
If you're looking for a light read with likeable characters and a HEA, this book is for you!
I've listened to the audiobook, this one is very easy to follow. On top of that, the narrator really does a good job in distinguishing the characters and conveying the story.
Thank you Cait Marie for this audiobook.
Making the play is an adorable college sports romance with the most amazing characters. If you've read the Leaving Summersville series you'll see some familiar faces and meet new ones as well (some of whom, in turn, you'll encounter in the Love Hunters series as well). The story is very relationship centred, while the characters go through relatable stuff, surrounded by their friends. There were scenes that made me swoon while others broke my heart.
If you're looking for a light read with likeable characters and a HEA, this book is for you!
I've listened to the audiobook, this one is very easy to follow. On top of that, the narrator really does a good job in distinguishing the characters and conveying the story.
Thank you Cait Marie for this audiobook.
added-it
June 6, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/6/2022)! 🎁
July 24, 2023
An enjoyable love story. Having went through parts of Jax's pain, the emotional aspects were well written and my bestie & I could feel it. I love the whole series.
April 4, 2024
I really loved this book a lot.
August 23, 2022
Making the Play is a charming, heartwarming, captivating new adult contemporary romance novel written by multi-genre author Cait Marie. I am proud of my best friend for publishing another book; she had me on an emotional rollercoaster with this one. However, I did not mind it one minute because I loved the characters and found the story plot relatable. I am always honored to read and review one of her books.
Cait Marie creates a sweet, charming, heartwarming new adult contemporary romance novel entwined with challenging topics to discuss, such as the death of a parent, a split relationship between brother and sister, and homosexuality. I loved that the author brought together serious topics that many readers can relate to while making the story seem light-hearted and enjoyable.
The story features Kaley, a girl who loves baseball and musicals, and Jax, a baseball player and caretaker of his sister. The plot of the story, which I absolutely love, is the chemistry between Kaley and Jax and how much they support each other and face obstacles together. At the story’s beginning, Jax was nervous about leaving his sister with his aunt while he was at college studying and playing baseball for the Bennu Firebirds. His father was deathly sick from a terrible car accident, and his mother’s death weighed on his mind. He used drinking and hooking up with girls as an escape from what was happening at home until he met his best friend’s sister, Kaley. Kaley is a sweet, intelligent young woman excited to attend her dream school, playing the lead in the school’s musical and watching her dad coach the firebirds and her brother make a homerun. She never excepted to be dating her brother’s best friend and the star of Bennu’s Firebirds, but Jax made her feel special.
Kaley and Jax’s relationship started as friends into study buddies, to falling hard for one another. The way Kaley and Jax converse and engage with one another was adorable; they made me want to learn as much as I could about them. I was enthusiastic to see how their relationship developed as I read each chapter and watched them overcome multiple obstacles. One such hurdle is Kaley’s brother Kade. Kade does not approve of his sister dating his best friend because he knows that Jax is not the type of guy to have a serious relationship with a girl. Another obstacle is their family life. Kaley’s relationship with her brother is strained, and she doesn’t understand why her brother is mad at her. Jax tries to be there for his little sister because their parents were in a terrible accident.
The story illustrates so many emotions, from caring to unsureness, like love, anger, understanding, and more. No matter how many disagreements or challenges, Kaley and Jax kept finding their way back to each other. They even had love and support from their friends. They all came together, especially when Jax had to plan his dad’s funeral and at Kaley’s performance. The tension between Kaley and her brother brought mystery to the storyline, along with learning what weighed heavily on Jax’s mind. The hangout at the diner and having fun at the baseball games drove the plot forward and created the setting dynamic of a college campus.
Making the Play is directed towards new adult readers because of some of the content and way it is written, and the story’s setting is a college campus. Despite the story’s target audience, it has meaning behind the storyline and life lessons like you’re never alone in a difficult situation, family and friends will always be by your side no matter what, and keep chasing those dreams.
I rate this book 5/5 stars for overall content and pace. I highly recommend this book to all readers who love reading contemporary romance stories with an inspiring tale share between two people who are met to be together. I hope others will read the story because I love the characters, and the story is very sweet. Bestie, you have done it again; you got me falling for the characters and playing with my emotions.
I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Happy Reading!
~Destiny
Owner of Destiny’s Magical Creations
YA & Children’s Book Author
Writer at Coffee House Writers
Freelance Writer, Editor, and Book Reviewer
www.destinysmagicalcreations.com
https://linktr.ee/dconstantin
Cait Marie creates a sweet, charming, heartwarming new adult contemporary romance novel entwined with challenging topics to discuss, such as the death of a parent, a split relationship between brother and sister, and homosexuality. I loved that the author brought together serious topics that many readers can relate to while making the story seem light-hearted and enjoyable.
The story features Kaley, a girl who loves baseball and musicals, and Jax, a baseball player and caretaker of his sister. The plot of the story, which I absolutely love, is the chemistry between Kaley and Jax and how much they support each other and face obstacles together. At the story’s beginning, Jax was nervous about leaving his sister with his aunt while he was at college studying and playing baseball for the Bennu Firebirds. His father was deathly sick from a terrible car accident, and his mother’s death weighed on his mind. He used drinking and hooking up with girls as an escape from what was happening at home until he met his best friend’s sister, Kaley. Kaley is a sweet, intelligent young woman excited to attend her dream school, playing the lead in the school’s musical and watching her dad coach the firebirds and her brother make a homerun. She never excepted to be dating her brother’s best friend and the star of Bennu’s Firebirds, but Jax made her feel special.
Kaley and Jax’s relationship started as friends into study buddies, to falling hard for one another. The way Kaley and Jax converse and engage with one another was adorable; they made me want to learn as much as I could about them. I was enthusiastic to see how their relationship developed as I read each chapter and watched them overcome multiple obstacles. One such hurdle is Kaley’s brother Kade. Kade does not approve of his sister dating his best friend because he knows that Jax is not the type of guy to have a serious relationship with a girl. Another obstacle is their family life. Kaley’s relationship with her brother is strained, and she doesn’t understand why her brother is mad at her. Jax tries to be there for his little sister because their parents were in a terrible accident.
The story illustrates so many emotions, from caring to unsureness, like love, anger, understanding, and more. No matter how many disagreements or challenges, Kaley and Jax kept finding their way back to each other. They even had love and support from their friends. They all came together, especially when Jax had to plan his dad’s funeral and at Kaley’s performance. The tension between Kaley and her brother brought mystery to the storyline, along with learning what weighed heavily on Jax’s mind. The hangout at the diner and having fun at the baseball games drove the plot forward and created the setting dynamic of a college campus.
Making the Play is directed towards new adult readers because of some of the content and way it is written, and the story’s setting is a college campus. Despite the story’s target audience, it has meaning behind the storyline and life lessons like you’re never alone in a difficult situation, family and friends will always be by your side no matter what, and keep chasing those dreams.
I rate this book 5/5 stars for overall content and pace. I highly recommend this book to all readers who love reading contemporary romance stories with an inspiring tale share between two people who are met to be together. I hope others will read the story because I love the characters, and the story is very sweet. Bestie, you have done it again; you got me falling for the characters and playing with my emotions.
I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Happy Reading!
~Destiny
Owner of Destiny’s Magical Creations
YA & Children’s Book Author
Writer at Coffee House Writers
Freelance Writer, Editor, and Book Reviewer
www.destinysmagicalcreations.com
https://linktr.ee/dconstantin
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