Play With Heart

By: Becca Nelson

“Her sad eyes looked up at me and it about ripped my heart in two.”

When I saw on that Becca Nelson had a new book out, I had to read it immediately. I greatly enjoyed the last book I read by Nelson, so I knew I was going to love this one too. Kate is a big shot basketball player at her school, but she moves to a new town. She doesn’t know anyone and she’s nervous about trying out for the basketball team. When they pull into their driveway, she meets her neighbors Ryan and Landon, who also play basketball. They help her acclimate to the school and encourage her with basketball tryouts. Landon is such a great friend, but Ryan seems to be something more. He’s shy about his feelings, and she thinks that he’s with another girl. As they spend more time together, their feelings grow stronger. But they don’t speak of it. Then there’s an accident – but where does that leave them?

I really enjoyed this book! Nelson writes such wonderful sweet, young adult sports romance books! She really taps into high school students, how they talk and how they feel. Her books really bring me back to my high school days, though I didn’t quite have the romances her characters seem to have.

Ryan was the ultimate cinnamon roll in this book. He was so sweet, and worked really hard at sports and school. He watched out for Kate and always made sure she was safe. Nelson wrote realistic scenes with Kate being the new kid in school. Not all the girls on the basketball team accepted her. It took them a bit of time to learn to accept her.

And let’s talk about the basketball! Nelson was spot on with how much time and effort that the kids have to put into their sports teams. She described games in scenes that left you on the edge of your seat as to how the game was going to turn out.

All in all, this is a great young adult read that I think you should check out.

You can find the book here.