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Love in Play #5
Totally Played
Continue the Love in Play series with Totally Played. Heep an eye out for the cover and blurb coming soon.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2025
19 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Becca Jackson
16 books43 followersBecca Jackson writes MM romance that delivers heart, heat, and happily ever afters for some totally adorkable and fabulous guys.
Becca’s books have all your favorites, small-town romances, bi-awakenings, sports, friends to lovers, and enemies to lovers too, but no matter the trope that takes your fancy, you’ll always find a happily ever after.
Becca’s books have all your favorites, small-town romances, bi-awakenings, sports, friends to lovers, and enemies to lovers too, but no matter the trope that takes your fancy, you’ll always find a happily ever after.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 26, 2025
Tropes: found family
Feels: 2.75/5
Steam*: 1.5/5
Kinks: n/a
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: absent father, deceased parent in past, reference to the brother of a minor character committing suicide after struggling with mental health.
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: once they meet they aren't with anyone else. Ash does go on a date with Calvin's twin brother, but nothing happens with them. Before they even met, Ash had an unnecessary hookup (it served no purpose) with a random guy (AJ) that kind of icked me out. I was icked out because the guy was an a******, and I felt like Ash shouldn't reward assholery by fucking him. LOL! Poor choice.
3.5 stars
Calvin and his twin brother Tony are banana ball players. They are 26. Calvin has always identified as straight, Tony is bi, and most of their siblings are also part of the rainbow family. Tony takes his rating on a dating app very seriously, and he doesn't want to cancel and get dinged points. So when he gets sick with a flu, he asks Calvin to attend one of his dates for him. Calvin meets Ash, and tells him about Tony's bug, and has a bro date with Ash. They get along really well and have a connection, and they keep extending their time together and making more plans to see each other, as friends. But Calvin starts to be attracted to Ash, and it really throws him because he doesn't know who he is anymore, he doesn't feel attracted to any other guys and he just feels like he wants to find a box he'll feel comfortable in. They decide to give dating a shot and they mesh really well together, they just have a few bumps to get through with Calvin's identity struggles and the distance of their two jobs which require a lot of travel.
This book was a little slow burn, the first kiss was at 61%, but after that things started happening pretty quickly. I wasn't a huge fan of the smut in this book. It was disconcerting, the way the author kept having the characters talk about what they wanted to try/do. I know it was new to Calvin and Ashley was being a consent king. But the author could have worded things better. It felt like they were doing paint by numbers or treating sex like a menu and talking more about the menu than enjoying the food. It just gave it a cheesy distance. But I did like the emotional connection between the characters. They were friends, they had shared interests, they could talk to each other so easily. They felt seen by each other, they both felt like what they had was something special. While this was probably a bit of a cheesy rom-com, it was sweet so I'll round up with it. The friendships they had with the side characters were nice, they had supportive people in their lives.
Some notable moments:
This is sweet. "“Yeah, I mean, there was a time, in high school, I wasn’t sure about myself. I don’t think I really came to the conclusion that I was actually gay until college.” “But you did come to that conclusion. What if I never know where I fit?” He tilts my chin to look at him. “You fit right here,” he says, laying a hand over his heart, and my chest swells."
"“Okay, everyone listen up,” Red starts, clapping his hands a couple of times to quiet down the conversations. “Tonight is for charity, but we’ll also be working, so no getting sloshed, looking at you, Riggs.” “Hey, it was one time,” he replies, glancing down at the glass of half-finished scotch in his hands. He reaches over and sets it on the bar side."
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
Feels: 2.75/5
Steam*: 1.5/5
Kinks: n/a
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: absent father, deceased parent in past, reference to the brother of a minor character committing suicide after struggling with mental health.
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: once they meet they aren't with anyone else. Ash does go on a date with Calvin's twin brother, but nothing happens with them. Before they even met, Ash had an unnecessary hookup (it served no purpose) with a random guy (AJ) that kind of icked me out. I was icked out because the guy was an a******, and I felt like Ash shouldn't reward assholery by fucking him. LOL! Poor choice.
3.5 stars
Calvin and his twin brother Tony are banana ball players. They are 26. Calvin has always identified as straight, Tony is bi, and most of their siblings are also part of the rainbow family. Tony takes his rating on a dating app very seriously, and he doesn't want to cancel and get dinged points. So when he gets sick with a flu, he asks Calvin to attend one of his dates for him. Calvin meets Ash, and tells him about Tony's bug, and has a bro date with Ash. They get along really well and have a connection, and they keep extending their time together and making more plans to see each other, as friends. But Calvin starts to be attracted to Ash, and it really throws him because he doesn't know who he is anymore, he doesn't feel attracted to any other guys and he just feels like he wants to find a box he'll feel comfortable in. They decide to give dating a shot and they mesh really well together, they just have a few bumps to get through with Calvin's identity struggles and the distance of their two jobs which require a lot of travel.
This book was a little slow burn, the first kiss was at 61%, but after that things started happening pretty quickly. I wasn't a huge fan of the smut in this book. It was disconcerting, the way the author kept having the characters talk about what they wanted to try/do. I know it was new to Calvin and Ashley was being a consent king. But the author could have worded things better. It felt like they were doing paint by numbers or treating sex like a menu and talking more about the menu than enjoying the food. It just gave it a cheesy distance. But I did like the emotional connection between the characters. They were friends, they had shared interests, they could talk to each other so easily. They felt seen by each other, they both felt like what they had was something special. While this was probably a bit of a cheesy rom-com, it was sweet so I'll round up with it. The friendships they had with the side characters were nice, they had supportive people in their lives.
Some notable moments:
This is sweet. "“Yeah, I mean, there was a time, in high school, I wasn’t sure about myself. I don’t think I really came to the conclusion that I was actually gay until college.” “But you did come to that conclusion. What if I never know where I fit?” He tilts my chin to look at him. “You fit right here,” he says, laying a hand over his heart, and my chest swells."
"“Okay, everyone listen up,” Red starts, clapping his hands a couple of times to quiet down the conversations. “Tonight is for charity, but we’ll also be working, so no getting sloshed, looking at you, Riggs.” “Hey, it was one time,” he replies, glancing down at the glass of half-finished scotch in his hands. He reaches over and sets it on the bar side."
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2025
Being a Banana Ball league player means you are on the road a lot, making it somewhat difficult to start a lasting relationship. What Calvin is not expecting is Ashley. Ashley is on the road a lot for his job, making him resort to hook up apps to get what he wants. When he is matched with Tony he gets Calvin, his twin, instead, and begins a beautiful friendship. What could be an awkward meeting ends up allowing Calvin to become comfortable with a man in a way he was never expecting. Ashley seamlessly fits into his world, making him give something deeper a chance. I will admit mistaken twin stories are not my usual jam, and frigging loved that Ashley wasn’t fooled, he just knew something was not right. Mix in the supportive relationship that Calvin & Tony have for one another, allowing them to be honest and open when they start feeling the dynamics shift. A great addition to an already fun series, I as usual cannot wait to see who is next in this world.
I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received. My review is solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received. My review is solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
September 6, 2025
3.5/5 ⭐️ 2/5 🌶️
- Twin switch
- Queer awakening
- Strangers to friends to lovers
- Banana ball player MMC
- MMC loves to wear corsets
- Low angst
- Twin switch
- Queer awakening
- Strangers to friends to lovers
- Banana ball player MMC
- MMC loves to wear corsets
- Low angst
November 29, 2025
Here's Becca Jackson's "Totally Played." Its the fifth novel in her Love in Play series.
["Meet Calvin Parks, the sweetest guy to ever set foot on a banana ball field.
CALVIN
I was just supposed to be a body double, a stand-in to save my twin brother Tony’s dating app rating after two no-shows, and a raging flu.
One quick drink, some polite small talk, and out.
Simple, right?
As a shortstop, I’m used to quick thinking, but even I’m surprised by how quickly I gave up the whole ruse. One smile from this guy and I’m spilling my guts.
I buy him dinner to make up for the switch up, and with the pressure off, what started as a fake out turns into a genuine good time. We bond over baseball, battle it out for the king of the claw machines, and somehow end up on Tim’s rooftop wrangling wayward kittens with the guys.
It's the best bro-date I’ve ever had.
Except I forgot one thing: coming clean to Tony. And when he reschedules his date with Ashley like we planned, I start feeling way too territorial for a straight man.
Why do I feel like I just gave up a grand slam... and I’m the idiot who pitched it?"]
I needed a low-angst, sweet as fuck, simple romance. Granted, it wasn't entirely free of angst and there were lots of spicy moments and it wasn't 100% simple, but this book was a glorious break from my dark romances.
Their connection and chemistry was instant. Their friendship was easy. Their romantic connection was there from the start, even if our sweet Calvin didn't understand everything at frist.
Clavin and Ash were perfect together. Even all of their quirks and idiosyncrasies matched. They made each other happier and supported each other in everything, even if they were both constantly traveling. But they made it work. They made it work with butterflies and cute texts and giant Snickers bars.
#totallyblitzed #totallyducked #totallygeeked #totallyopposed #totallyfanatic #totallyplayed #loveinplay #loveinplaysseries #beccajackson #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["Meet Calvin Parks, the sweetest guy to ever set foot on a banana ball field.
CALVIN
I was just supposed to be a body double, a stand-in to save my twin brother Tony’s dating app rating after two no-shows, and a raging flu.
One quick drink, some polite small talk, and out.
Simple, right?
As a shortstop, I’m used to quick thinking, but even I’m surprised by how quickly I gave up the whole ruse. One smile from this guy and I’m spilling my guts.
I buy him dinner to make up for the switch up, and with the pressure off, what started as a fake out turns into a genuine good time. We bond over baseball, battle it out for the king of the claw machines, and somehow end up on Tim’s rooftop wrangling wayward kittens with the guys.
It's the best bro-date I’ve ever had.
Except I forgot one thing: coming clean to Tony. And when he reschedules his date with Ashley like we planned, I start feeling way too territorial for a straight man.
Why do I feel like I just gave up a grand slam... and I’m the idiot who pitched it?"]
I needed a low-angst, sweet as fuck, simple romance. Granted, it wasn't entirely free of angst and there were lots of spicy moments and it wasn't 100% simple, but this book was a glorious break from my dark romances.
Their connection and chemistry was instant. Their friendship was easy. Their romantic connection was there from the start, even if our sweet Calvin didn't understand everything at frist.
Clavin and Ash were perfect together. Even all of their quirks and idiosyncrasies matched. They made each other happier and supported each other in everything, even if they were both constantly traveling. But they made it work. They made it work with butterflies and cute texts and giant Snickers bars.
#totallyblitzed #totallyducked #totallygeeked #totallyopposed #totallyfanatic #totallyplayed #loveinplay #loveinplaysseries #beccajackson #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
August 25, 2025
Calvin & Ashley
As the 5th book in the Love in Play series, Totally Played did NOT disappoint. This banana ball world from Becca Jackson just keeps getting better.
Wow, was this a feel-good story! Both MCs were sweet, lovable, and completely made for each other. Calvin, taking his twin’s place on a date, can’t find it in himself to deceive Ash, forging a connection that proves to be unforgettable. His self-proclaimed straight status leads to a slow-burn, friend zone that proves to be the perfect way for him to discover his true feelings for Ash. The chemistry when he discovers himself is perfection!
The development of Calvin and Ash’s friendship and then relationship felt so authentic. I truly enjoyed seeing their connection build and was thrilled to find no 3rd act breakup, just ALL the love!
As the 5th book in the Love in Play series, Totally Played did NOT disappoint. This banana ball world from Becca Jackson just keeps getting better.
Wow, was this a feel-good story! Both MCs were sweet, lovable, and completely made for each other. Calvin, taking his twin’s place on a date, can’t find it in himself to deceive Ash, forging a connection that proves to be unforgettable. His self-proclaimed straight status leads to a slow-burn, friend zone that proves to be the perfect way for him to discover his true feelings for Ash. The chemistry when he discovers himself is perfection!
The development of Calvin and Ash’s friendship and then relationship felt so authentic. I truly enjoyed seeing their connection build and was thrilled to find no 3rd act breakup, just ALL the love!
August 25, 2025
Totally played by Becca Jackson arc review 💜⚾️
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Characters: Ash and Calvin
Tropes: twins, banana ball, ‘bro’ date, man who wears corset 😍, instant attraction, bi awakening, friends to lovers
Review: AGH another amazing book by Becca Jackson, honestly this series has me in a chokehold, I have loved every books and becca continue to introduce me to new things every books
I love banana ball and would love to watch a game one day, Becca representation of it is amazing. Calvin and ash were the sweetest characters, I love them as friends to a couple. Their cute little bro date. And the spice was HOT AF
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Characters: Ash and Calvin
Tropes: twins, banana ball, ‘bro’ date, man who wears corset 😍, instant attraction, bi awakening, friends to lovers
Review: AGH another amazing book by Becca Jackson, honestly this series has me in a chokehold, I have loved every books and becca continue to introduce me to new things every books
I love banana ball and would love to watch a game one day, Becca representation of it is amazing. Calvin and ash were the sweetest characters, I love them as friends to a couple. Their cute little bro date. And the spice was HOT AF
January 16, 2026
adorable
As someone who loves banana ball and mm romance, this series is the perfect pairing for me.
Totally Played gives me all the warm and fuzzies! I absolutely love both Calvin and Ashley’s characters. As someone with celiac disease it was nice seeing some of that rep. Bi/gay awakening is my absolute favourite trope and it turns out I now have a thing for men in corsets.
As someone who loves banana ball and mm romance, this series is the perfect pairing for me.
Totally Played gives me all the warm and fuzzies! I absolutely love both Calvin and Ashley’s characters. As someone with celiac disease it was nice seeing some of that rep. Bi/gay awakening is my absolute favourite trope and it turns out I now have a thing for men in corsets.
September 13, 2025
This was enjoyable. The last 25% fell flat for me though. Overall, it was fun. Could use editing. At one point, I felt like I was reading an instruction manual and it took me out of the story
I would like to see if Tony/Red get together and I hear Cosmo will have a book in a different series so I would read those.
I would like to see if Tony/Red get together and I hear Cosmo will have a book in a different series so I would read those.
September 28, 2025
A heartfelt, fun finale with mistaken identity hijinks
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Calvin pretends to be his twin on a date, only for the charade to spiral into something unexpectedly real. With kittens, claw machines, and a sweet mix of comedy and romance, this book closes out the series on a satisfying note. The conflict is more personal than high-stakes, and the mistaken-identity reveal is predictable, but it’s endearing and delivers a warm conclusion for Banana Ball fans.
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Calvin pretends to be his twin on a date, only for the charade to spiral into something unexpectedly real. With kittens, claw machines, and a sweet mix of comedy and romance, this book closes out the series on a satisfying note. The conflict is more personal than high-stakes, and the mistaken-identity reveal is predictable, but it’s endearing and delivers a warm conclusion for Banana Ball fans.
August 24, 2025
Totally Played is the fifth book in the Love in Play series and I love these Banana Ball players. This is a sexual awakening, friends to more, sweet read about Calvin and Ashley. I really enjoyed this story and the wonderful characters.
August 28, 2025
3.5 stars
September 3, 2025
it was sooooo good. not i need a book for Red and Tony lol
October 15, 2025
A cruisey, sweet, swoony love story - Calvin and Ash are one of my favourite couples in the series.
This is a really easy book to read. A super cute meet, 2 really likeable MCs, low angst with a healthy amount of spice.
Calvin, especially, is the cutest. I liked the involvement of his twin Tony and other siblings - I want to know all of their stories as well. Ash is patiently supportive, they’re adorable together and I also think I want a corset!
Good to see some of the other banana ballers and there’s a nod to the Beakers Brothers Ranch series also.
The last few chapters sort of felt a bit rushed, with interactions not really having much to do with the relationship and new to the story. The admission of feelings to one another came right at the end, with no fanfare, which was a little different to what I expected.
But overall I really enjoyed this instalment.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
This is a really easy book to read. A super cute meet, 2 really likeable MCs, low angst with a healthy amount of spice.
Calvin, especially, is the cutest. I liked the involvement of his twin Tony and other siblings - I want to know all of their stories as well. Ash is patiently supportive, they’re adorable together and I also think I want a corset!
Good to see some of the other banana ballers and there’s a nod to the Beakers Brothers Ranch series also.
The last few chapters sort of felt a bit rushed, with interactions not really having much to do with the relationship and new to the story. The admission of feelings to one another came right at the end, with no fanfare, which was a little different to what I expected.
But overall I really enjoyed this instalment.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
January 3, 2026
Calvin, a banana ball player, gets conned into being a body double for his twin brother on a date so as not to mess up his dating app rating. Only thing is Calvin immediately likes Ashley and can’t lie to him. The immediate friendship develops into more as Calvin realizes he’s not as straight as he always believed…
Reasons I Recommend:
1) Fun. Calvin and Ashley have instant chemistry on their brodates
2) Calvin’s protectiveness and general attraction to all things Ashley and
3) When Tony and Ashley finally meet and Calvin’s feelings about it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
#briereads #brierecommends #2025goodreadsreadingchallenge #reviewedongoodreads @beccajacksonauthor
Reasons I Recommend:
1) Fun. Calvin and Ashley have instant chemistry on their brodates
2) Calvin’s protectiveness and general attraction to all things Ashley and
3) When Tony and Ashley finally meet and Calvin’s feelings about it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
#briereads #brierecommends #2025goodreadsreadingchallenge #reviewedongoodreads @beccajacksonauthor
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