Playing Hard to Get (The Players, 1) Paperback – October 29, 2024

Knox and Jo’s story is everything a romcom is meant to be… funny, steamy, and with just enough drama to be entertaining without being irritating. I loved the side characters in this book. Not just Blair, but also Natalie and I hope we get her story too.

This was so good. I couldn’t put it down. The only reason it’s a 4⭐️ rating instead of a 5⭐️ is because I wanted more? The ending seemed blah? Rushed? Not sure I just wanted more. I also wanted a conversation between the characters about the future. Jo Jo being afraid is normal but they never talked about it. Other than that the book was great

I was so excited to get this book! A coworker recommended it along with the first one and my favorite part, the artwork on the edges. That’s why I ordered it to display the beautiful pages on my shelf. I am starting to get and display more unique books like this. The first one came in the same package and it is gorgeous. This one doesn’t have those- even though the pictures and descriptions do! Disappointed is an understatement. I’m still going to read. Will probably sell it to get the one with the beautiful edges.

I love Monica’s books. They’re so light, funny and emotional. The flirty banter is the best. Knox is a sweet cocky jock and Jo Jo is equally sweet and playful. It’s insta love for them both despite their vows they need no one. I look forward to the next book!

Knox is in his senior year of playing college football. He has spent the last three years avoiding taking a freshman level English class. Now it is do or die for Knox when it comes to being able to pass to play. Currently the odds are stacked against him unless he gets some help.Joanna works at the college bookstore and as an English tutor. She is shy, revered, and likes to keep to herself. When Knox keeps turning up every where JoJo is she can’t help but wonder if he is doing it on purpose.This is such a cute story. He is her exact opposite and most of the time she doesn’t feel like she can’t trust him. She quickly becomes everything he needs and everything he didn’t know he was missing. Lots of sweet moments in this one.This is my first Monica Murphy book and it I plan to read more. Anyone else a fan of hers?Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️

I’m so happy that I decided to read ‘Playing hard to get’, it was just what I was looking for. A sweet, well written new adult story with no drama and wonderful characters. It was a very pleasant read and I’m looking forward to reading more stories in this new series.This new adult story is about Knox Maguire and Joanna (Jo Jo) Sutton. Both attend the same college but their paths never crossed until their unexpected meeting in the bookstore where Joanne works a few hours now and then. Knox is the popular football player and Joanna is the quiet girl who loves to read and doesn’t like football or going to parties.In recent years, Knox acted like the typical college football player, enjoying the attention of the many girls on campus and partying a lot but lately he’s not feeling it anymore. The stress of college, the pressure of playing great football and the emptiness of one-nightstands is getting to him. He decides to start his last year on college with a sole focus on studying and playing football. He even goes so far (after a conversation with his teammates) to make a vow of celibacy!!! But then he meets Joanna. Joanna just got out of a long-distance relationship with her high school sweetheart Bryan so she starts this college year as a single girl. From their first meeting there is a spark between them but their love story really starts when Knox needs an English tutor and Joanne is the one waiting for him in the library, from that moment it becomes very clear they’re meant to be and that Knox’s vow of celibacy will be broken at one point in the story. The only question remaining is when will ‘it’ happen.I really enjoyed this story. Knox and Joanne were great characters. At first glance they didn’t have much in common, yet there was something between them, a spark that started small but grew bigger and bigger and blossomed into something beautiful during the story.Yes, Knox was a big player in the past (on and off the field) but you could really feel that he was changing and ready for a relationship. He was very patience with Joanna and completely honest with her. He really tried his best to be a good boyfriend. He was a good guy with a kind heart. Joanna was wonderful too, she just got out of a relationship that wasn’t so good for her so she wasn’t looking for a new relationship but she couldn’t resist Knox. From the beginning Joanna trusted Knox and I loved that. And Knox treated her very well, he complimented her a lot which helped build her self-confidence. The banter between them was entertaining and the English lessons in the library were interesting (and steamy at times!). Knox and Jo Jo were a cute couple. I’m so happy that they found each other.‘Playing hard to get’ might be a ‘sweet’ story with no drama but it had some steamy and hot sex scenes in it. The story’s told from both POV’s.The secondary characters were great too, you had Knox’s younger sister Blair, his roommate Cam and Joanna’s roommate Natalie and her colleague in the bookstore Leon. All the characters were loyal and supportive. They were all great friends and I’m looking forward to their stories.(For the readers who read Owen Maguire’s romance story, Knox and Blair are his children. But if you haven’t read that story, there is no need to read that first.)‘Playing hard to get’ is definitely a story that I will reread in the future.

I liked it! Easy read, not a cheesy one, but well thought out. I would recommend. Feel like the characters really got to know each other and fall in love. Would definitely recommend.

Knox and Joanna are the cutest! Their story is adorable.College Jock meets nerdy girl and they couldn’t be more different. Something about her keeps drawing him in and he finally gives in. Nothing can keep him away from Jo. This story follows ups and downs of break up’s and new relationships, football and other college stressors. It’s a wonderful story of friendship and love and that sometimes the world doesn’t end when your heart gets broken. Sometimes it leads you to something better.