What do you think?
Rate this book
The McCain Saga #4
Playing it Kale
It was one of the scariest things I’d ever done: walking out on stage, opening my mouth, and singing for everyone at that wedding to hear. Because I’m awkward. I always mess things up, I forget my lyrics, and guaranteed, I’ll do something weird. I’m a nerd, a lab assistant. Not a pop star.
But that night, I met someone who changed my life forever. Kale McCain. World-famous model, ladies’ man, not a flaw to him. And the most unexpected thing happened—sparks flew. Everything about Kale is smooth: his attitude, his voice, his body… He is my polar opposite. But somehow, him—me, we work.
Then there was the video he made. Us together, me singing, him grinning like I was the sun, moon, and stars. And my simple life exploded. Suddenly, the world has a new celebrity couple to obsess about. We’ve barely started a relationship. Now there’s all this pressure. When our once seemingly perfect life gets shaken, will we come out stronger, or will what everyone has been saying about us—that this is too quick, too serious, and that we’re too young for this to be real—come to truth?
I’m Whitney Ford, and from the second Kale McCain walked into my life, I knew it would never be the same.
The McCain Saga
EVER AFTER DRAKE
MOMENTS OF JULIAN
DEPTHS OF LAKE
PLAYING IT KALE
But that night, I met someone who changed my life forever. Kale McCain. World-famous model, ladies’ man, not a flaw to him. And the most unexpected thing happened—sparks flew. Everything about Kale is smooth: his attitude, his voice, his body… He is my polar opposite. But somehow, him—me, we work.
Then there was the video he made. Us together, me singing, him grinning like I was the sun, moon, and stars. And my simple life exploded. Suddenly, the world has a new celebrity couple to obsess about. We’ve barely started a relationship. Now there’s all this pressure. When our once seemingly perfect life gets shaken, will we come out stronger, or will what everyone has been saying about us—that this is too quick, too serious, and that we’re too young for this to be real—come to truth?
I’m Whitney Ford, and from the second Kale McCain walked into my life, I knew it would never be the same.
The McCain Saga
EVER AFTER DRAKE
MOMENTS OF JULIAN
DEPTHS OF LAKE
PLAYING IT KALE
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 9, 2015
27 people are currently reading
430 people want to read
About the author
Keary Taylor
82 books2,112 followersKeary Taylor is the USA TODAY bestselling author of over twenty novels. She grew up along the foothills of the Rocky Mountains where she started creating imaginary worlds and daring characters who always fell in love. She now splits her time between a tiny island in the Pacific Northwest and Utah, with her husband and their two children. She continues to have an overactive imagination that frequently keeps her up at night.
Please Note: Keary does not check Goodreads very often, so the best way to get in contact is directly through email: me@kearytaylor.com.
Please Note: Keary does not check Goodreads very often, so the best way to get in contact is directly through email: me@kearytaylor.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 11, 2016
There have only been two books that I’ve read that have made me bawl like a baby. This is one of them. Have your tissues ready but know that you will be SO glad you read Kale and Whitney’s story!
Excerpt:
“Music has always been able to fix everything in my life, except my awkwardness.”
Whitney Ford won me over with the first line of this book. I relate with her 100% when it comes to her combination of clumsiness and dorkiness and love of music.
She is not your average 22-year old girl. She was homeschooled when she was younger, and with both of her parents being scientists, she was destined to be one too. She graduated high school when she was 14 and college at 18. Currently, she is working at Evergreen Micro as a lab assistant, while going to school to get her masters in microbiology.
She meets The Kale McCain while filling in for a friend as lead singer in their band. They are performing at the wedding of Kale’s brother, Lake, and Lake's fiancé and Riley. Kale hears beautiful music coming from the barn where the wedding is to take place and he follows it to find the source. He catches Whitney off guard and, being the clumsy person that she is, she trips and falls and drops her guitar along the way.
Kale strikes up conversation with Whitney and, once she gets over the shock of seeing her #1 Hollywood crush, literally a few feet away, and his attention is on her, she finds that he is really easy to talk to. After she explains to him about her horrible stage freight, he helps calm her woes so that she is able to go through with singing in front of everyone. She ends up giving a stellar performance for which she received the highest of praise.
After the wedding, Kale asks Whitney if she would like to go for a ride and spend time with him that evening. She agrees and together they enjoy a wonderful night of playground basketball and good conversation and then Kale drives her home. Whitney is shocked when Kale shows up on her doorstep the following morning, coffee, and OJ, Kale’s signature drink, in hand. They spend the day seeing the sights in the city and getting to know each other a little better. Throughout the time that they are spending together, feelings quickly develop between the pair.
The next day Kale is back on Whitney’s doorstep with a crazy idea to try and get Whitney’s singing career off the ground. He wants to make a video of her singing, with a personal nod from himself, and plaster it all over social media. Whitney wants nothing to do with it. Between her total lack of confidence and lack of support from her parents, she isn’t ready to make that leap. However, Kale promises her that she can trust him and that he won't let her down.
Excerpt:
He holds my eyes for a long moment, and in them, I see a promise. That he’ll never let me fall. That he’ll never let me down, or make a fool of myself, or judge me if I do make a fool of myself.
After a successful evening, they go back to Whitney’s apartment end up falling asleep on her sofa. They wake up to a swarm of paparazzi in front of Whitney’s house. They manage to catch a picture of her with Kale, in his under-roos *swoon*, and the rumors and assumptions start blazing.
Before they know it, Kale and Whitney are headed to Orcas, a remote island off the coast of Washington, to wait for the shock to wear off and for the insanity to calm down. It’s here that Kale and Whitney start falling deeper for each other. Whitney expresses her resistance to continue to pursue her singing career but Kale, in his unwavering support, convinces her that she is ready.
Over the next few days, Whitney meets with several agents, management companies, and record labels who all want her to come and work for them. Kale is right there by her side each and every day and night, supporting her decisions.
Excerpt:
We’re still getting to know each other, and we’re not ready to consume one another just yet. But the past four days have brought out unexpected things in each other, no one else would have brought out in the other.
Before they know it, Whitney is blasted into stardom and she and Kale are the hottest new couple in Hollywood. They were even given a celebrity mash-up nickname; Whale (not a joke). No one can get enough of them. In their line of work, they each have tight, demanding schedules which barely allows time for each other, but they make it happen. They have no problem adapting.
Out of nowhere, Kale is called home due to a family emergency. He heads back to Seattle and Whitney meets him there as soon as she is finished with her obligations to Elysium, her record label. When she gets there, Kale is as low as she’s ever seen him. She can’t get through to him in the way that she has always been able to in the past. She is wrecked that she can’t find the words that will help heal his pain and she feels hurt that he is pushing her away by refusing her comfort.
Excerpt:
“Love is letting someone in all the time,” he says, holding my eyes like it’s his lifeline to reality…
…“Love is letting someone see you. All of you. Even when you’re not perfect,” he says as he reaches forward and takes my hand in his…
…”It’s taking the risk that they’ll still love you, still want you when you’re broken and human. It’s not having to be the perfect giant that is always up and above everything.
Can Whitney and Kale make it through this and come out happier and more alive than they were to begin with? Or is their relationship over as quickly as it started?
Excerpt:
“Music has always been able to fix everything in my life, except my awkwardness.”
Whitney Ford won me over with the first line of this book. I relate with her 100% when it comes to her combination of clumsiness and dorkiness and love of music.
She is not your average 22-year old girl. She was homeschooled when she was younger, and with both of her parents being scientists, she was destined to be one too. She graduated high school when she was 14 and college at 18. Currently, she is working at Evergreen Micro as a lab assistant, while going to school to get her masters in microbiology.
She meets The Kale McCain while filling in for a friend as lead singer in their band. They are performing at the wedding of Kale’s brother, Lake, and Lake's fiancé and Riley. Kale hears beautiful music coming from the barn where the wedding is to take place and he follows it to find the source. He catches Whitney off guard and, being the clumsy person that she is, she trips and falls and drops her guitar along the way.
Kale strikes up conversation with Whitney and, once she gets over the shock of seeing her #1 Hollywood crush, literally a few feet away, and his attention is on her, she finds that he is really easy to talk to. After she explains to him about her horrible stage freight, he helps calm her woes so that she is able to go through with singing in front of everyone. She ends up giving a stellar performance for which she received the highest of praise.
After the wedding, Kale asks Whitney if she would like to go for a ride and spend time with him that evening. She agrees and together they enjoy a wonderful night of playground basketball and good conversation and then Kale drives her home. Whitney is shocked when Kale shows up on her doorstep the following morning, coffee, and OJ, Kale’s signature drink, in hand. They spend the day seeing the sights in the city and getting to know each other a little better. Throughout the time that they are spending together, feelings quickly develop between the pair.
The next day Kale is back on Whitney’s doorstep with a crazy idea to try and get Whitney’s singing career off the ground. He wants to make a video of her singing, with a personal nod from himself, and plaster it all over social media. Whitney wants nothing to do with it. Between her total lack of confidence and lack of support from her parents, she isn’t ready to make that leap. However, Kale promises her that she can trust him and that he won't let her down.
Excerpt:
He holds my eyes for a long moment, and in them, I see a promise. That he’ll never let me fall. That he’ll never let me down, or make a fool of myself, or judge me if I do make a fool of myself.
After a successful evening, they go back to Whitney’s apartment end up falling asleep on her sofa. They wake up to a swarm of paparazzi in front of Whitney’s house. They manage to catch a picture of her with Kale, in his under-roos *swoon*, and the rumors and assumptions start blazing.
Before they know it, Kale and Whitney are headed to Orcas, a remote island off the coast of Washington, to wait for the shock to wear off and for the insanity to calm down. It’s here that Kale and Whitney start falling deeper for each other. Whitney expresses her resistance to continue to pursue her singing career but Kale, in his unwavering support, convinces her that she is ready.
Over the next few days, Whitney meets with several agents, management companies, and record labels who all want her to come and work for them. Kale is right there by her side each and every day and night, supporting her decisions.
Excerpt:
We’re still getting to know each other, and we’re not ready to consume one another just yet. But the past four days have brought out unexpected things in each other, no one else would have brought out in the other.
Before they know it, Whitney is blasted into stardom and she and Kale are the hottest new couple in Hollywood. They were even given a celebrity mash-up nickname; Whale (not a joke). No one can get enough of them. In their line of work, they each have tight, demanding schedules which barely allows time for each other, but they make it happen. They have no problem adapting.
Out of nowhere, Kale is called home due to a family emergency. He heads back to Seattle and Whitney meets him there as soon as she is finished with her obligations to Elysium, her record label. When she gets there, Kale is as low as she’s ever seen him. She can’t get through to him in the way that she has always been able to in the past. She is wrecked that she can’t find the words that will help heal his pain and she feels hurt that he is pushing her away by refusing her comfort.
Excerpt:
“Love is letting someone in all the time,” he says, holding my eyes like it’s his lifeline to reality…
…“Love is letting someone see you. All of you. Even when you’re not perfect,” he says as he reaches forward and takes my hand in his…
…”It’s taking the risk that they’ll still love you, still want you when you’re broken and human. It’s not having to be the perfect giant that is always up and above everything.
Can Whitney and Kale make it through this and come out happier and more alive than they were to begin with? Or is their relationship over as quickly as it started?
July 3, 2017
SPOILERS Read at your own risk
Oh my bloody god. I cried so much. I knew something was going to happen to their dad after reading Sage's story. I cried and cried and then cried some more. I loved this book.
Oh my bloody god. I cried so much. I knew something was going to happen to their dad after reading Sage's story. I cried and cried and then cried some more. I loved this book.
February 1, 2018
Loved it!
All these books were good, but I think this was the best. It's like Keary poured all of her talent into this one. 😊 Well, I really liked the first and third one too. They're all worth reading. 😊
All these books were good, but I think this was the best. It's like Keary poured all of her talent into this one. 😊 Well, I really liked the first and third one too. They're all worth reading. 😊
February 11, 2025
This is is definitely my favourite of the McCain stories .
Recommend them all
Recommend them all
August 20, 2016
I loved this book, it made me literally laugh out loud.
It was really well written and i love the spontaneity of kale and Whitney, love at first sight and the values of sticking by that person.
But also your virtue, in this world of sex it's refreshing for it to be about the person and their personalities and taking it slow..... heads up I am going to quote my favourite laugh out loud moment of this book so if you haven't read it yet look away now!!
“Fine,” I say, my expression growing serious and annoyed. “You want a lack of embarrassment, here you go.” And then I fling back the shower curtain, spring from the shower/tub, and bust an off-beat move to the music playing. Right there. In the bathroom. Totally naked. “No embarrassment, Kale!” I yell, even as every last inch of me turns blush red. “Holy shit,” he laughs in a stutter. His eyes grow wide and his face flushes hard. He drops the towel on the floor and slams the door. “Holy…” I hear him laughing. “Way to go all balls out, Whit!”
It was really well written and i love the spontaneity of kale and Whitney, love at first sight and the values of sticking by that person.
But also your virtue, in this world of sex it's refreshing for it to be about the person and their personalities and taking it slow..... heads up I am going to quote my favourite laugh out loud moment of this book so if you haven't read it yet look away now!!
“Fine,” I say, my expression growing serious and annoyed. “You want a lack of embarrassment, here you go.” And then I fling back the shower curtain, spring from the shower/tub, and bust an off-beat move to the music playing. Right there. In the bathroom. Totally naked. “No embarrassment, Kale!” I yell, even as every last inch of me turns blush red. “Holy shit,” he laughs in a stutter. His eyes grow wide and his face flushes hard. He drops the towel on the floor and slams the door. “Holy…” I hear him laughing. “Way to go all balls out, Whit!”
June 17, 2015
This was my second favorite of the four in the McCain Saga (Moments of Julian was my favorite). It held many elements of suspense in waiting to see what happened with Whitney's career and how Kale's "life" would play out later into the book. I knew some major relationship-changing event had to happen at some point, but what happened wasn't what I was imagining in my head. Enjoyed seeing all of the other characters in the family appear numerous times in this book and how each of the families were growing in number. It felt more complete and full with those added moments and descriptions. This one pulled at my heart in parts, but was a quick and easy read. I really couldn't put it down because it grabbed may attention so much, very similar to how I couldn't put Moments of Julian down either.
Content: some remarks that are "suggestive" and mention of sex in discussion of whether or not it will happen, and some light foreplay or mention of "things", but no description of the act in book
Content: some remarks that are "suggestive" and mention of sex in discussion of whether or not it will happen, and some light foreplay or mention of "things", but no description of the act in book
December 6, 2016
Into the spotlight
When Whitney agrees to fill in for a lead singer at a wedding, she never dreams she will meet her celebrity crush. Kale Mcain is pulled to Whitney first by her amazing voice, then by her fun, quirky self. What burns so hot and bright turns into an overnight sensation for both of them. Will their newfound inferno settle into a love that can survive the spotlight of celebrity? The book started a bit like teen fantasy. It matured into a really good read with well crafted characters that were likable and believable. I have not read any of the other books in this series, it will probably go back and do so. Stayed up way too late reading because it was just too hard to put down!
When Whitney agrees to fill in for a lead singer at a wedding, she never dreams she will meet her celebrity crush. Kale Mcain is pulled to Whitney first by her amazing voice, then by her fun, quirky self. What burns so hot and bright turns into an overnight sensation for both of them. Will their newfound inferno settle into a love that can survive the spotlight of celebrity? The book started a bit like teen fantasy. It matured into a really good read with well crafted characters that were likable and believable. I have not read any of the other books in this series, it will probably go back and do so. Stayed up way too late reading because it was just too hard to put down!
March 20, 2016
What a lovely ending to the McCain Saga. I loved getting to know each and every member of this family. This story focuses on Kale and Whitney. They meet and an instant connection is established between them. All is love and rainbows until tragedy strikes, not once, but twice. This time was so stressful for me, and it was obvious what a connection I had with the member of this family, because I cried, quite a few times, like real tears. Then, because I know Taylor understands that I am an HEA girl, she makes me cry again, but these are happy tears.
April 1, 2015
I love this book.
I laughed, I cried, I got goosebumps, I got chills, I got everything.
From the moment I read about Kale flexing his pecks for Kaylee I liked him. I liked his confidence his attitude, just him in general.
But I liked him so much more when he was with Whit. I liked their relationship cause from the start, how everything just felt right.
Bittersweet ending to a series that I love and will read all the time. Though i do wish that everyone was there in the end. But the ending was perfect none the less.
I laughed, I cried, I got goosebumps, I got chills, I got everything.
From the moment I read about Kale flexing his pecks for Kaylee I liked him. I liked his confidence his attitude, just him in general.
But I liked him so much more when he was with Whit. I liked their relationship cause from the start, how everything just felt right.
Bittersweet ending to a series that I love and will read all the time. Though i do wish that everyone was there in the end. But the ending was perfect none the less.
October 29, 2015
Love the McCain family
This one was definitely PG-13 and almost more as it said. There is no descriptive sex, but quite a bit of foreplay that is descriptive without crossing over into too much. I love the McCain family. This is the second of their books I have read. It deals with some amazing times an with some unbearably rough times. I didn't like it as much as Depths of Lake, but it was still great and I look forward to reading the others.
This one was definitely PG-13 and almost more as it said. There is no descriptive sex, but quite a bit of foreplay that is descriptive without crossing over into too much. I love the McCain family. This is the second of their books I have read. It deals with some amazing times an with some unbearably rough times. I didn't like it as much as Depths of Lake, but it was still great and I look forward to reading the others.
October 14, 2015
Great stories in this series!
But you really have to overlook all the grammar errors. One of my favorites was on the last page or so of this book when a "heard" of children rushed to the playroom. The great majority of the books in this series suffered from this malady.
The author sincerely thanks her editor, Karen. I personally think she needs to find a professional.
But you really have to overlook all the grammar errors. One of my favorites was on the last page or so of this book when a "heard" of children rushed to the playroom. The great majority of the books in this series suffered from this malady.
The author sincerely thanks her editor, Karen. I personally think she needs to find a professional.
December 25, 2015
Fabulous
I really enjoyed reading about Whitney and Kale. I was very impressed with the way Kale was with Whitney. He loved her from the moment he laid eyes on her. The McCLain Series is a wonderful story creation. I recommend anyone who wants to feel like they belong to an amazing family story to read these books!!
I really enjoyed reading about Whitney and Kale. I was very impressed with the way Kale was with Whitney. He loved her from the moment he laid eyes on her. The McCLain Series is a wonderful story creation. I recommend anyone who wants to feel like they belong to an amazing family story to read these books!!
April 18, 2016
Começou como 5⭐️, e foi chegando no final foi decaindo! Últimos 4 capítulos desnecessários!
A autora trata como se você tivesse lido a saga e soubesse quem é quem, e o pior quem é filho de quem.. Até agora não descobri os pais das crianças!
Leitura leve e fácil. Mas eu não pretendo ler outros livros desta autora.
A autora trata como se você tivesse lido a saga e soubesse quem é quem, e o pior quem é filho de quem.. Até agora não descobri os pais das crianças!
Leitura leve e fácil. Mas eu não pretendo ler outros livros desta autora.
February 5, 2015
Playing It Kale is a whirlwind romance that swept me off my feet. It's every girls dream come true, until tragedy strikes. But, thank God, the author believe in a HEA ending. It's just agony getting there.
February 5, 2015
Playing It Kale is a whirlwind romance that swept me off my feet. It's every girls dream come true, until tragedy strikes. But, thank God, the author believe in a HEA ending. It's just agony getting there.
February 11, 2015
Playing it Kale (The McCain Saga Book 4)
This was the perfect wrap up fit the McCain Saga series. Couldn't imagine how the author could interleaved the family in any better way for such a great ending.
This was the perfect wrap up fit the McCain Saga series. Couldn't imagine how the author could interleaved the family in any better way for such a great ending.
December 8, 2015
Finally the story of the oddly named underwear model. I always liked his quirky confidence in the previous books. But this one shows a whole new side. It was a sweet and sad romance. I definitely shed a few tears on this one.
December 15, 2015
True Love
I started with the first and am so glad to be a part of the McCain saga! Love, laughs, fame, heartbreak and heartache. HEA is never assured in life, but Whit and Kale deserve every moment of theirs!
I started with the first and am so glad to be a part of the McCain saga! Love, laughs, fame, heartbreak and heartache. HEA is never assured in life, but Whit and Kale deserve every moment of theirs!
August 8, 2016
I have to say this one wrapped up the series perfectly! I think it was my favorite of the the four. That probably is only because I love how much each couple's story has continued on and finished with the epilogue! I will give a final review on the boxed set.
December 11, 2016
Two Young People Meet, And Make History
We start with a rising young male model, and an akward fill in singer for the wedding band. He starts her out and encouraged her. She begins to sing, and their world changes!!
We start with a rising young male model, and an akward fill in singer for the wedding band. He starts her out and encouraged her. She begins to sing, and their world changes!!
February 1, 2015
Really enjoyed this book, Read it.
December 10, 2015
One of my Favorites !
I love The whole series !!
The best one i ever read!!
All the characters are just perfect !
I can't wait to read more of her books!!
I love The whole series !!
The best one i ever read!!
All the characters are just perfect !
I can't wait to read more of her books!!
October 25, 2015
Sweet and clean. If your looking for a sweet romance with no sex and no swearing, this is the book for you. Nice light read. No deep thinking or heavy angst involved.
Read
April 15, 2016This one is my fave out of the series... I count put it down. It had me crying so much.
November 13, 2015
What a story! It reminds me of Belle Andre.
April 7, 2017
Ahhhhhh - the feels this one gives you will have you laughing, crying, yelling, screaming and cursing at the author! The characters are fun, relatable and make the reader want to know them in real life. The author takes the reader on a roller coaster ride of emotion and leaves them perched on the edge of their seats wondering what is going to happen next. I love the way that the author makes it so the reader can start this book and not feel like they are missing anything - it may be book 4, but the author gives enough of a re-cap that the reader can jump right in and be fine. If you haven't read this author yet, don't wait! It is a must!!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews