Book Review: Play With Me by Anna Katmore
When I first stumbled upon Play With Me, the vibrant cover instantly drew me in. It seemed to promise the perfect blend of humor, youthful romance, and life’s awkward moments—a combination I couldn’t resist. Having heard whispers of Anna Katmore’s ability to weave teenage emotions into relatable stories, I knew I was in for a treat. What I didn’t expect was how quickly I would become invested in the lives of Liza, Tony, and Ryan.
Play With Me follows Liza Matthews, a girl whose life flips upside down when her best friend Tony returns from soccer camp, seemingly enamored with a new girl. The blend of friendship and budding romance makes for a deliciously relatable love triangle, but Liza’s journey doesn’t just pivot on her feelings for Tony. Her decision to join the co-ed soccer team to get closer to him leads her to discover unexpected feelings for the charming team captain, Ryan Hunter. This plot element evokes not only the sweet thrill of first crushes but also the genuine confusion that often accompanies teenage love.
From the get-go, Katmore’s writing style captivated me. The narrative is light yet poignant, capturing the essence of those formative years. The pacing is perfect; I found myself smiling one moment and cringing in sympathetic embarrassment the next. Liza’s internal monologue and the hilarious exchanges with her friends and teammates are sprinkled with just the right amount of wit, making it easy to cheer for her as she navigates the complexities of her emotions.
One standout aspect is the way Katmore crafts her characters. Liza is a relatable protagonist, filled with self-doubt, humor, and a fierce desire for acceptance—qualities that many readers, regardless of age, can identify with. Ryan, with his charming yet earnest demeanor, quickly became a favorite. A line that resonated with me was Liza questioning whether her feelings for Tony were genuine or a mere “puppy dog” love. At that moment, I couldn’t help but reflect on the times I’ve been wrapped up in infatuations, chasing dreams that weren’t necessarily meant to be.
What’s delightful about this book is how it tackles themes of friendship, heartbreak, and self-discovery without delving into melodrama. The love triangle here is refreshingly innocent, allowing readers to enjoy a sweet narrative rather than getting caught up in angst-ridden turmoil. It’s a story that reminds us how easy it is to overlook those who truly care for us in the haze of lust and youthful fantasy.
If you’re somebody looking for a fun, heartfelt read that blends youthful exuberance with real moments of growth, Play With Me is absolutely for you. Whether you’re revisiting the tender years of high school or experiencing them for the first time, this book invites you to laugh, cheer, and maybe shed a nostalgic tear or two. Anna Katmore has penned a charming love story that, while it may be a simple tale, leaves a lasting impact—one that reminds us to open our hearts to the possibilities that lie just beyond our first crushes. So grab your favorite cozy blanket and prepare for a delightful read; I promise you won’t regret it!
You can find Play With Me (Grover Beach Players Book 1) here >>