In Play Along, Liz Tomforde continues to expand her beloved Windy City universe with a compelling fourth installment that blends humor, emotional grit, and an unforgettably swoony hero. Set against the backdrop of the Chicago Warriors baseball team, the novel explores what happens when a calculated trainer and an impetuous shortstop wake up in Vegas with rings on their fingers—and no recollection of how they got there.
But what starts as damage control quickly evolves into a season-long game of pretend marriage, simmering attraction, and growing vulnerability. Tomforde keeps readers emotionally engaged from start to finish, proving once again why she’s become a go-to voice in sports romance fiction.
Quick Recap of the Windy City Series
Before diving into the dynamic between Kennedy and Isaiah, it’s worth noting the broader emotional arc of the series:
- Mile High (2022) – A fiery enemies-to-lovers romance between NHL star Zander and flight attendant Stevie.
- The Right Move (2023) – A slow-burn basketball romance with a fake-dating twist featuring Ryan and Indy.
- Caught Up (2023) – MLB pitcher and single dad catcher drama meets sweet bakery chaos.
- Play Along (2024) – The fake marriage romance between the team’s shortstop and its only female trainer.
- Rewind It Back (2025) – An anticipated finale that ties the entire lineup together.
Each novel is written to stand alone, but they collectively deliver a deeply satisfying emotional and relational journey for readers who follow the entire roster.
Plot Overview: What Happens in Vegas… Stays Complicated
Kennedy Kay, the lone female on the Chicago Warriors’ staff, has one goal: survive her final season, escape the toxic work culture, and secure a dream job with another team. The last thing she needs is drama. But when a bachelorette weekend in Vegas turns into a morning-after revelation—she’s accidentally married to Isaiah Rhodes—everything unravels.
Isaiah, the flirtatious yet emotionally sincere shortstop, sees the accident as fate. He’s had feelings for Kennedy for years, and now fate’s handed him a season-long shot to win her over—under the guise of a fake marriage.
To protect Kennedy’s professional reputation and avoid scandal, they agree to keep up appearances. But when pretending starts to feel too real, the question becomes: is it a game, or has love been in play all along?
Writing Style and Narrative Voice
Liz Tomforde’s prose continues to evolve with Play Along. She balances witty, snappy dialogue with emotionally rich introspection. The dual POV format allows for intimate glimpses into both Kennedy’s guarded inner world and Isaiah’s open-hearted optimism. This alternating perspective adds dimension and nuance to their growing connection.
The tone is more grounded than earlier entries in the series, with less focus on external drama and more on emotional tension, professional boundaries, and personal healing.
What Play Along Does Exceptionally Well
1. A Compelling, Respectful Male Lead
Isaiah is not your typical alpha jock. His approach to romance is patient, respectful, and consistently consent-oriented. His unwavering belief in their potential is not pushy—it’s persuasive. He communicates, he listens, and he creates a safe emotional space. It’s a refreshing shift from domineering love interests and redefines what strength looks like in a male protagonist.
2. Thematic Depth Beneath the Tropes
While the story hinges on the “married in Vegas” trope, Play Along by Liz Tomforde explores deeper themes:
- Workplace misogyny and isolation
- Fear of emotional intimacy
- Self-worth beyond professional validation
- Choosing vulnerability over control
Tomforde ensures these topics aren’t merely mentioned—they’re integrated into character arcs.
3. Realistic Portrayal of High-Performance Pressure
Kennedy’s experience as the only woman in a high-stakes athletic environment is layered with realism. She’s constantly navigating assumptions, condescension, and subtle (and not-so-subtle) sexism. Her fear of losing professional credibility is valid and skillfully portrayed.
4. A Slow Burn that Earns Every Moment
Tomforde’s romance is never rushed. The physical intimacy unfolds organically, built on trust and emotional closeness rather than sheer lust. By the time the steam arrives, it’s meaningful, not mechanical.
Areas Where the Book Could Be Stronger
1. Uneven Middle Act
The story’s second act slows down as Kennedy’s internal conflicts take center stage. While her emotional hesitancy is understandable, readers may feel stuck in repetition as she wrestles with the same fears without much progression for several chapters.
2. Lack of Clear Resolution for Kennedy’s Career
The novel begins with Kennedy laser-focused on her next career move, but by the end, this thread fizzles. While her romantic arc is neatly wrapped, her professional journey feels unfinished. A more defined resolution would have strengthened the payoff.
3. Side Characters in the Background
Compared to previous books, the supporting cast—particularly returning favorites from Mile High and Caught Up—feel more like background noise. More meaningful interaction with the rest of the “Windy City” crew could’ve added emotional depth and continuity.
Kennedy and Isaiah: A Partnership of Equals
The heart of Play Along by Liz Tomforde is the dynamic between Kennedy and Isaiah. Where she is reserved, methodical, and reluctant to let people in, Isaiah is emotionally available, intuitive, and persistent in the best way. Their tension isn’t just romantic—it’s philosophical.
Kennedy has spent years believing that love is a threat to her goals. Isaiah gently proves otherwise. And he doesn’t do it by changing her mind; he does it by showing up consistently, without demanding she change.
Their progression from awkward fake spouses to emotionally invested partners is laced with honesty, missteps, and ultimately, a willingness to grow—both individually and together.
Who Should Read Play Along?
This book is perfect for readers who enjoy:
- Slow-burn fake marriage plots
- Smart, capable heroines who are afraid to fall
- Golden-retriever heroes who love hard and respectfully
- Romances with real emotional depth but satisfying swoon
- A strong sense of setting with behind-the-scenes sports dynamics
It’s especially recommended for fans of:
- From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata
- Blind Side by Kandi Steiner
- Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams
- Hard Pass by Sara Ney
Overall Assessment and Rating
Play Along proves once again that Liz Tomforde understands the intersection of romance and real life. With a heroine fighting to protect her autonomy and a hero determined to earn her trust—not steal it—this book delivers a satisfying blend of warmth, spice, and substance.
Despite a few pacing hiccups and some unresolved threads, the novel thrives on its emotional core. Kennedy and Isaiah’s journey feels earned, layered, and deeply human. Tomforde doesn’t just write love stories—she writes character studies in disguise. A quietly powerful, emotionally resonant romance that scores big with fans of fake marriages, real growth, and deeply earned love.