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Nelson High Raiders #1
The Playmaker
The first book in a small town series about a high school football team. Get ready for hot guys, BFFs, sizzling kisses and teen drama as the Nelson High Raiders figure out who to love, and how to play out their final year of high school.
This is it—Tori Lomax’s senior year.
Her last chance to leave Nelson High without a bucketload of regrets.
Number one priority—get Colt Burgess to fall in love with her. So what if he’s the Raider’s number one playmaker? So what if he’s so far out of her league, the idea of them together would rupture the school’s social order?
She has to try, before it’s too late.
She’s come up with the perfect set of plays. All Colt has to do now is buy into them.
Colt Burgess wants one thing: to play football after high school. But his grades are tanking and his dreams of playing college ball are fading…fast. He shouldn’t waste time on Tori Lomax. However, she was a friend back in middle school, and he can’t really ignore her small request for a favor. How hard can it be to get the guy she’s lusting after to notice her?
He’ll help her out, and then he’ll focus on what’s really important: football.
Assuming he can stop thinking about her…
This is it—Tori Lomax’s senior year.
Her last chance to leave Nelson High without a bucketload of regrets.
Number one priority—get Colt Burgess to fall in love with her. So what if he’s the Raider’s number one playmaker? So what if he’s so far out of her league, the idea of them together would rupture the school’s social order?
She has to try, before it’s too late.
She’s come up with the perfect set of plays. All Colt has to do now is buy into them.
Colt Burgess wants one thing: to play football after high school. But his grades are tanking and his dreams of playing college ball are fading…fast. He shouldn’t waste time on Tori Lomax. However, she was a friend back in middle school, and he can’t really ignore her small request for a favor. How hard can it be to get the guy she’s lusting after to notice her?
He’ll help her out, and then he’ll focus on what’s really important: football.
Assuming he can stop thinking about her…
332 pages, ebook
First published March 17, 2016
495 people are currently reading
1228 people want to read
About the author
Jordan Ford
56 books794 followersJordan Ford is a teen and young-adult romance author. She loves to write romance novels filled with angst, mystery, danger and first love. If you're looking for heartfelt romance, loyal friendships, thrilling drama and characters you can fall in love with, then you're in the right place.
“Writing romance brings me the greatest joy. My heart bubbles, my insides zing, and I am at my happiest when immersed in a great scene with characters who have become real to me.”
To stay up-to-date with Jordan's latest news, you can sign up for her newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/JF_book...
You'll also get a free introduction to her Ryder Bay series.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Website: www.jordanfordbooks.com
Email: jordan@jordanfordbooks.com
“Writing romance brings me the greatest joy. My heart bubbles, my insides zing, and I am at my happiest when immersed in a great scene with characters who have become real to me.”
To stay up-to-date with Jordan's latest news, you can sign up for her newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/JF_book...
You'll also get a free introduction to her Ryder Bay series.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Website: www.jordanfordbooks.com
Email: jordan@jordanfordbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
August 26, 2019
What can I say? I love high school romances 😍❤️
Meet Tori Lormax, the quirkiest, crazy hippie style girl in the school. And this girl is up for a misión. To make her last year in high school the most memorable, she is determined to move from the sidelines and enter the big crowds. Why? To get the guy she wants, Colt Burgess.
To make her plan work, she will try to win his heart by pretending to want someone from his team. The more time they spend together coaching her to fit into the ‘popular’ world, the sooner Colt will realise and see her.
But will changing who she is to become someone she knows she isn’t really make Colt see her ?
Colt is a great football runner, he loves the sport and hopes to one day play in college. Despite the lack of his parents’ support, he is determine to prove that he can play in his future. The problem is if he doesn’t get his grades up he will get benched. He is struggling to keep his grades up, he doesn’t need any distraction. Worse now that Tori, the weirdest girl he knows wants lessons on how to be ‘popular’ and try to get a teammate to notice her.
He knows she doesn’t fit in to his world but he will just for the fun of it.
But what will happen if they spend more time together ? Can two people from different worlds be together ?
This book really had me thinking from the start. Here we have a girl who wants a guy and in her mind, the way to get his attention is to become like those girl, change who she is to be like that. To get noticed, to be in their group.
It had me thinking because this is real. There are girls out there who will want to change just to be noticed by someone.
It’s sad to see that girls will allow this to happen, to change their identity to be with someone. But this book really changed that perspective. It tells how we shouldn’t change who we are or what we like to be with someone.
Before we can love someone, we need to learn to love ourselves, who we are. And I believe this story really delivers a good message to readers on how we can be original and still have a great future
Absolutely loved Tori’s and Colt’s story, while there were moments of confusion and shame, there is moments of love and laughter. Which is the reality of things.
Can’t wait to read about Mack’s conquest in the next book. And hopefully read Tori’s best friend’s love story later on.
Definitely worth starting this series!
Meet Tori Lormax, the quirkiest, crazy hippie style girl in the school. And this girl is up for a misión. To make her last year in high school the most memorable, she is determined to move from the sidelines and enter the big crowds. Why? To get the guy she wants, Colt Burgess.
To make her plan work, she will try to win his heart by pretending to want someone from his team. The more time they spend together coaching her to fit into the ‘popular’ world, the sooner Colt will realise and see her.
But will changing who she is to become someone she knows she isn’t really make Colt see her ?
Colt is a great football runner, he loves the sport and hopes to one day play in college. Despite the lack of his parents’ support, he is determine to prove that he can play in his future. The problem is if he doesn’t get his grades up he will get benched. He is struggling to keep his grades up, he doesn’t need any distraction. Worse now that Tori, the weirdest girl he knows wants lessons on how to be ‘popular’ and try to get a teammate to notice her.
He knows she doesn’t fit in to his world but he will just for the fun of it.
But what will happen if they spend more time together ? Can two people from different worlds be together ?
This book really had me thinking from the start. Here we have a girl who wants a guy and in her mind, the way to get his attention is to become like those girl, change who she is to be like that. To get noticed, to be in their group.
It had me thinking because this is real. There are girls out there who will want to change just to be noticed by someone.
It’s sad to see that girls will allow this to happen, to change their identity to be with someone. But this book really changed that perspective. It tells how we shouldn’t change who we are or what we like to be with someone.
Before we can love someone, we need to learn to love ourselves, who we are. And I believe this story really delivers a good message to readers on how we can be original and still have a great future
Absolutely loved Tori’s and Colt’s story, while there were moments of confusion and shame, there is moments of love and laughter. Which is the reality of things.
Can’t wait to read about Mack’s conquest in the next book. And hopefully read Tori’s best friend’s love story later on.
Definitely worth starting this series!
August 27, 2016
2.5 Stars!
95% is when they finally get together. Ugh! By then I didn't care for Colt! What a pu$$y!!!!
Will I be reading more from this series? Maybe because I am curious but I hope the others aren't like Colt!!
95% is when they finally get together. Ugh! By then I didn't care for Colt! What a pu$$y!!!!
Will I be reading more from this series? Maybe because I am curious but I hope the others aren't like Colt!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2019
I eye-rolled a lot throughout this book! It wasn´t overall bad, just a lot of the plot was cringe/eye roll worthy.
Read
August 20, 2019Yay! It's here. It's finally here!
I'm so excited to release this book. Tori and Colt have found a place in my heart and I hope they find one in yours too. Creating the Nelson High world has been so much fun and I can't wait to share the rest of the Big Play Novels with you.
Colt is totally the kind of guy I would have fallen for in high school. Just like Tori, I would have watched him from afar, quietly swooning. I guess Tori's story is a way of me living out a dream I once had. There's no way I would have had the courage to do what she does in this story, so it was fun to live through her and watch it play out.
I really hope you enjoy the book! It's such an honor and a privilege to share it with you.
I'm so excited to release this book. Tori and Colt have found a place in my heart and I hope they find one in yours too. Creating the Nelson High world has been so much fun and I can't wait to share the rest of the Big Play Novels with you.
Colt is totally the kind of guy I would have fallen for in high school. Just like Tori, I would have watched him from afar, quietly swooning. I guess Tori's story is a way of me living out a dream I once had. There's no way I would have had the courage to do what she does in this story, so it was fun to live through her and watch it play out.
I really hope you enjoy the book! It's such an honor and a privilege to share it with you.
March 19, 2016
🌟 4.5 Stars 🌟
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
I can almost guarantee that you will enjoy this story if you love those 80's and 90's teen romcom movies like I do. It plays out just like one! For this to be the author's first attempt at writing a young adult novel with American high school football, she did a phenomenal job! I could even compare this book to Abbi Glines' Until Friday Night, and we all know how much I love Abbi!
Tori Lomax has a plan. Phase one: Get Colt Burgess to agree to teach her how to fit in so she can try and snag the guy she's been in love with since she was twelve. Which is, of course, Colt. He thinks she likes a different guy on his football team and because he thinks he knows how Tori will be treated by him, he tells her no. However, he feels bad for hurting her feelings and wants to help build her confidence up so he eventually agrees.
They spend some evenings together. He teaches her about the game of football so that she will have something to talk about with Mack (the guy Colt thinks she likes). He also tells her to change the way she dresses so Mack will notice her more. The problem is that Mack does take notice but he's not the only one. When Colt starts to feel something for Tori, he tries his best to fight it but once you've been bitten by that love bug, there's no turning back!
This book catapulted me right back to high school. I could very easily remember sitting in the bleachers just as Tori did and cheering on my team. I liked the atmosphere and the camaraderie between the characters very much, especially the football team and the way they all took up for one another. Finn and Amy were amazing friends and great secondary characters. Maybe those two should get together? Best friends dating best friends? It happens.
I am so excited to continue on with this series! Mack's book will be the next to be released and I have a feeling it's going to be just as good as this one! Fans of YA with high school romances, football, and close friends...here's your next read!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
I can almost guarantee that you will enjoy this story if you love those 80's and 90's teen romcom movies like I do. It plays out just like one! For this to be the author's first attempt at writing a young adult novel with American high school football, she did a phenomenal job! I could even compare this book to Abbi Glines' Until Friday Night, and we all know how much I love Abbi!
Tori Lomax has a plan. Phase one: Get Colt Burgess to agree to teach her how to fit in so she can try and snag the guy she's been in love with since she was twelve. Which is, of course, Colt. He thinks she likes a different guy on his football team and because he thinks he knows how Tori will be treated by him, he tells her no. However, he feels bad for hurting her feelings and wants to help build her confidence up so he eventually agrees.
They spend some evenings together. He teaches her about the game of football so that she will have something to talk about with Mack (the guy Colt thinks she likes). He also tells her to change the way she dresses so Mack will notice her more. The problem is that Mack does take notice but he's not the only one. When Colt starts to feel something for Tori, he tries his best to fight it but once you've been bitten by that love bug, there's no turning back!
This book catapulted me right back to high school. I could very easily remember sitting in the bleachers just as Tori did and cheering on my team. I liked the atmosphere and the camaraderie between the characters very much, especially the football team and the way they all took up for one another. Finn and Amy were amazing friends and great secondary characters. Maybe those two should get together? Best friends dating best friends? It happens.
I am so excited to continue on with this series! Mack's book will be the next to be released and I have a feeling it's going to be just as good as this one! Fans of YA with high school romances, football, and close friends...here's your next read!
June 19, 2016
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4.5 stars -- Well I started this book at bedtime, and stayed up til 6am finishing it. I was so in the mood for a great YA romance, and this book sucked me right in. It was everything I was looking for in this moment, and I was so glad I had the ARC in my greedy little hands. (which I guess I should say -- I received an ARC of this book from the author)
This was one of those books where you both love and cringe for the characters -- both Tori and Colt. They had such endearing qualities, but they were both suffering from the insecurities of high school and sometimes I just wanted to slap them.
Tori was such a unique and crazy girl, but it was heartbreaking to watch her try to change herself to fit in and win the boy. It took her longer to learn that lesson than I was expecting -- I was surprised by her tenacity in sticking to her goal. She would get kicked down and I would have been running for the hills, but she would just pick herself up and try even harder. Seriously, heartbreaking and occasionally cringe-worthy. And normally that might turn me off a character, but I still found her really endearing, and I guess I just really felt for her and wanted her to get to the end unscathed.
And Colt was just so insecure and worried about his place in the social ladder -- but you do get to see why he is the way he is. He was kind of a hard character to love b/c of his fear of being an outcast again, but I still did. He just disappointed me occasionally. But it felt really real you know? Like I could totally see how he became who he is and why he clung so hard to his beliefs. And my heart just broke for how he saw himself as being dumb. I know my brother always saw himself in the same way, and it's so hard to watch them just accept something that isn't true. I was epically disappointed in his parents for not dealing with his dyslexia in an appropriate way. I kind of wish that had been addressed more in the end, and that he'd accepted help to learn to deal with his disability...it's almost enough to make me want to round down instead of up, but I was just so engaged with the story as a whole that I'm going to let it slide.
I sometimes wish I had seen more of the romance connection between Tori and Colt, but at the same time their kissing scenes (and one almost kissing scene) were totally butterfly inducing. So I'm not entirely sure what I'm trying to say...I guess they were so good I kind of wish we had a bit more. They had a pretty solid friendship connection, though at times it felt like something was missing there too (to extend it past football). Hmmm...maybe I should round down. I hate analyzing books afterwards, sometimes I just want to go with my gut. I guess we'll see what I finally decide on.
Loved the secondary characters -- Finn was definitely my favourite. I sincerely hope he gets his own book, b/c he is just adorable and a half. I was even intrigued by Mack, b/c while he could be such a typical boy, there was depth there.
On a totally selfish side note -- a character in the book had my name!!! OK, so it was only mentioned once, and was an extremely minor character, but still...it's exciting for me.
So all in all it was a winner for me. I've been in the mood for a sweet YA romance, and this one definitely fit the bill. Definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.
4.5 stars -- Well I started this book at bedtime, and stayed up til 6am finishing it. I was so in the mood for a great YA romance, and this book sucked me right in. It was everything I was looking for in this moment, and I was so glad I had the ARC in my greedy little hands. (which I guess I should say -- I received an ARC of this book from the author)
This was one of those books where you both love and cringe for the characters -- both Tori and Colt. They had such endearing qualities, but they were both suffering from the insecurities of high school and sometimes I just wanted to slap them.
Tori was such a unique and crazy girl, but it was heartbreaking to watch her try to change herself to fit in and win the boy. It took her longer to learn that lesson than I was expecting -- I was surprised by her tenacity in sticking to her goal. She would get kicked down and I would have been running for the hills, but she would just pick herself up and try even harder. Seriously, heartbreaking and occasionally cringe-worthy. And normally that might turn me off a character, but I still found her really endearing, and I guess I just really felt for her and wanted her to get to the end unscathed.
And Colt was just so insecure and worried about his place in the social ladder -- but you do get to see why he is the way he is. He was kind of a hard character to love b/c of his fear of being an outcast again, but I still did. He just disappointed me occasionally. But it felt really real you know? Like I could totally see how he became who he is and why he clung so hard to his beliefs. And my heart just broke for how he saw himself as being dumb. I know my brother always saw himself in the same way, and it's so hard to watch them just accept something that isn't true. I was epically disappointed in his parents for not dealing with his dyslexia in an appropriate way. I kind of wish that had been addressed more in the end, and that he'd accepted help to learn to deal with his disability...it's almost enough to make me want to round down instead of up, but I was just so engaged with the story as a whole that I'm going to let it slide.
I sometimes wish I had seen more of the romance connection between Tori and Colt, but at the same time their kissing scenes (and one almost kissing scene) were totally butterfly inducing. So I'm not entirely sure what I'm trying to say...I guess they were so good I kind of wish we had a bit more. They had a pretty solid friendship connection, though at times it felt like something was missing there too (to extend it past football). Hmmm...maybe I should round down. I hate analyzing books afterwards, sometimes I just want to go with my gut. I guess we'll see what I finally decide on.
Loved the secondary characters -- Finn was definitely my favourite. I sincerely hope he gets his own book, b/c he is just adorable and a half. I was even intrigued by Mack, b/c while he could be such a typical boy, there was depth there.
On a totally selfish side note -- a character in the book had my name!!! OK, so it was only mentioned once, and was an extremely minor character, but still...it's exciting for me.
So all in all it was a winner for me. I've been in the mood for a sweet YA romance, and this one definitely fit the bill. Definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.
February 25, 2016
4.5 Pixie Stars!!
“When he falls in love with a girl, she’s going to be the luckiest human on the planet, because if he looks like that when he’s talking about a game, imagine what he’ll look like taking about the woman of his dreams.”
Full review to come closer to release date!
“When he falls in love with a girl, she’s going to be the luckiest human on the planet, because if he looks like that when he’s talking about a game, imagine what he’ll look like taking about the woman of his dreams.”
Full review to come closer to release date!
March 2, 2016
I laughed at the end of the first chapter and that's where I knew I was going to love this book.
The story of how Tori wanted to get Colt's attention reminded of my highschool years when I talked to my best friend about my crush and what I wanted to do to make him fall in love with me. Of course my plans didn't work.
I really think people, specially girls, can feel identified with Tori about feelings you have had for a boy for a very long time and just want to do something to be attracted by him.
I loved this books a lot, even though I wanted to know more at the end, like their life at college and such.
I received a copy of this book for my honest review and can't wait for more people to read it when it's out so we can share our thoughts about this cute pair.
The story of how Tori wanted to get Colt's attention reminded of my highschool years when I talked to my best friend about my crush and what I wanted to do to make him fall in love with me. Of course my plans didn't work.
I really think people, specially girls, can feel identified with Tori about feelings you have had for a boy for a very long time and just want to do something to be attracted by him.
I loved this books a lot, even though I wanted to know more at the end, like their life at college and such.
I received a copy of this book for my honest review and can't wait for more people to read it when it's out so we can share our thoughts about this cute pair.
February 26, 2016
I absolutely loved this book. It's a great YA book. Tori is the daughter of soap making hippie parents. She's set out to win Colt over but asks him to help her win over w team mate. Will he do it without falling for her?
I received a copy of this book for my honest review
I received a copy of this book for my honest review
December 5, 2016
There were quite a few times where I felt bored while reading this, and I didn't love the characters, but it wasn't a bad read overall.
Not sure if I'll continue the series or not.
Overall, An okay read.
Not sure if I'll continue the series or not.
Overall, An okay read.
March 6, 2016
This was such a wonderful read, with just the right amount of heartbreak and sweetness, that left me hApPy and with a big smile on my face ♡
Tori is so very lovely, you can't help but fall in love with her. I instantly connected with this sweet and quirky girl. Maybe because she reminds me of a childhoodfriend but mostly because she is so openhearted and brave and amazing, my heart rooted for her from page one.
Her girlfriend Amy expressed how I feel: „I love that you were brave enough to try, sweetie.“
Amy is a great friend and Tori couldn't wish for a better BFF. She didn't agree with everything Tori did, to reach her goal, but she always had her back.
With Colt I felt his struggles, why it was so hard for him to jump over the so called social boundaries and I couldn't be mad at him for long, because I saw the sweet boy beneath the football player.
To witness him slowly falling for Pixie Girl made my heart melt – it was sweet and funny and so awwww ♡
„...when did I go from avoid Tori at all costs to I kind of like having her around?“
His friend Finn was the best and I wanted to hug him more than once! He was just the friend Colt needed to get his head straight.
It's not wrong to step out of your comfort zone and to try something new and I admire Tori for being brave enough and for not giving up.
„My heart is convinced that I've found my person, and that feeling is only getting stronger the more time I spend with him.“
Of course I did not want her to change, I loved her from the beginning but I could understand why she did it and in the end she stood up for who she really was.
I'm so glad this book is the beginning of a series of standalones because I already want more and can't wait for the next book.
One of my fav scenes is the kissing scence...awww...made my heart race and gave me all kinds of butterflies ♡
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
Tori is so very lovely, you can't help but fall in love with her. I instantly connected with this sweet and quirky girl. Maybe because she reminds me of a childhoodfriend but mostly because she is so openhearted and brave and amazing, my heart rooted for her from page one.
Her girlfriend Amy expressed how I feel: „I love that you were brave enough to try, sweetie.“
Amy is a great friend and Tori couldn't wish for a better BFF. She didn't agree with everything Tori did, to reach her goal, but she always had her back.
With Colt I felt his struggles, why it was so hard for him to jump over the so called social boundaries and I couldn't be mad at him for long, because I saw the sweet boy beneath the football player.
To witness him slowly falling for Pixie Girl made my heart melt – it was sweet and funny and so awwww ♡
„...when did I go from avoid Tori at all costs to I kind of like having her around?“
His friend Finn was the best and I wanted to hug him more than once! He was just the friend Colt needed to get his head straight.
It's not wrong to step out of your comfort zone and to try something new and I admire Tori for being brave enough and for not giving up.
„My heart is convinced that I've found my person, and that feeling is only getting stronger the more time I spend with him.“
Of course I did not want her to change, I loved her from the beginning but I could understand why she did it and in the end she stood up for who she really was.
I'm so glad this book is the beginning of a series of standalones because I already want more and can't wait for the next book.
One of my fav scenes is the kissing scence...awww...made my heart race and gave me all kinds of butterflies ♡
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
March 22, 2016
Gotta Stick To The Plan To Get Yo Man! . . .
This novel is a sweet high school romance that will have you believing dreams can come true. If you make a plan that is. ;) The dialogue and characters are real but quirky giving you taste of reality with all the feelings of a classic romantic comedy flick. Issues of social status, race, learning disabilities and self esteem are addressed in this novel making great for young adults and up.
Deciding that her senior will be different and she will land the man of her dreams, Victoria 'Tori' Lomax hatches the plan "Operation Fall for Tori." The plan have her crush, Colt Burgess, fall for her under the guise of him helping her fit into his social circle for another guy. The issue, Tori is known as the schools weird hippie chick. Being nothing like the girls in Colt's social circle, he's reluctant to help her. Plus Colt has his grades to worry about, since he can't play if he doesn't pull in a C average. So when his poor grades threaten to take away his love Colt is crushed. Colt finally agrees to help Tori and she helps Colt in history. Tori's plan could work after all IF only Colt could see her for more than a project and friend.
Overall, great read. Just love how Tori has a plan to catch her man, it's ridiculous but cute, classic RomCom. Colt is the iconic jock but sweet at heart. Together they are just too cute. The fact that Tori tried changing herself to get her dream man at first bugged me but it then I realized how true Tori was in representing a lot of people and situations. So many times people change to fit in when being original is the best or life would be boring. Basically, this novel is a great series opener for new author Jordan Ford and I can't wait for more. So if you're looking for a cute high school read about a quirky girl trying to nab a hot jock when everyone says stick to status quo, then you'll love this book.
------Read more of my reviews at: http://heyitwasfree.blogspot.com/------
This novel is a sweet high school romance that will have you believing dreams can come true. If you make a plan that is. ;) The dialogue and characters are real but quirky giving you taste of reality with all the feelings of a classic romantic comedy flick. Issues of social status, race, learning disabilities and self esteem are addressed in this novel making great for young adults and up.
Deciding that her senior will be different and she will land the man of her dreams, Victoria 'Tori' Lomax hatches the plan "Operation Fall for Tori." The plan have her crush, Colt Burgess, fall for her under the guise of him helping her fit into his social circle for another guy. The issue, Tori is known as the schools weird hippie chick. Being nothing like the girls in Colt's social circle, he's reluctant to help her. Plus Colt has his grades to worry about, since he can't play if he doesn't pull in a C average. So when his poor grades threaten to take away his love Colt is crushed. Colt finally agrees to help Tori and she helps Colt in history. Tori's plan could work after all IF only Colt could see her for more than a project and friend.
Overall, great read. Just love how Tori has a plan to catch her man, it's ridiculous but cute, classic RomCom. Colt is the iconic jock but sweet at heart. Together they are just too cute. The fact that Tori tried changing herself to get her dream man at first bugged me but it then I realized how true Tori was in representing a lot of people and situations. So many times people change to fit in when being original is the best or life would be boring. Basically, this novel is a great series opener for new author Jordan Ford and I can't wait for more. So if you're looking for a cute high school read about a quirky girl trying to nab a hot jock when everyone says stick to status quo, then you'll love this book.
------Read more of my reviews at: http://heyitwasfree.blogspot.com/------
March 7, 2016
Wow. I received this book as an arc. This is a spectacular read. I loved Tori and her quirky - less than perfect antics. I loved Colt and his own self doubts. The characters were flawed and had real high school Problems. They had imperfect friendships and families. They were on individual journeys of self discovery and doubts.
I read this book in 1 day. I couldn't put it down. Tori is a quirky girl with a secret crush. She's watched to many Rom-coms and she's playing it out - in her real life. Colt is the dreamy guy who appears to have it all. Inside, he has insecurities and doubts like everyone else. Their journey is funny and sweet. I found myself laughing out loud a few times. They have a great connections and their story is well written.
I loved all the friendships. Some more than others. But what I really enjoyed was how real the characters appears.
Great book. Sweet story. And I can't wait to read more by the author!!!
I read this book in 1 day. I couldn't put it down. Tori is a quirky girl with a secret crush. She's watched to many Rom-coms and she's playing it out - in her real life. Colt is the dreamy guy who appears to have it all. Inside, he has insecurities and doubts like everyone else. Their journey is funny and sweet. I found myself laughing out loud a few times. They have a great connections and their story is well written.
I loved all the friendships. Some more than others. But what I really enjoyed was how real the characters appears.
Great book. Sweet story. And I can't wait to read more by the author!!!
March 18, 2016
Tori isn't something like me at all, yet reading The Playmaker felt like I rode a time machine to my high school years. This book brings the feelings you have back then, the worries you used to have thinking life revolves around those. Actions you badly wanted to take thinking it was your last chance.
This book was well written and I believed it portrayed well what it wanted to portray. I love all the characters in this novel too. There are mature ones, a little too childish ones, arrogant ones... well you know, pretty much everyone in high school.
I was just a little disappointed that it didn't tell at the last part if Tori ever figured out what she really wanted to do. I hope to see that in the other books.
I'm glad that I was given a chance to read this early. It was a breathe of fresh air from all the heavy and serious stuff I read from last month. I'm looking forward for more of what Jordan Ford have for us in the future.
This book was well written and I believed it portrayed well what it wanted to portray. I love all the characters in this novel too. There are mature ones, a little too childish ones, arrogant ones... well you know, pretty much everyone in high school.
I was just a little disappointed that it didn't tell at the last part if Tori ever figured out what she really wanted to do. I hope to see that in the other books.
I'm glad that I was given a chance to read this early. It was a breathe of fresh air from all the heavy and serious stuff I read from last month. I'm looking forward for more of what Jordan Ford have for us in the future.
March 11, 2016
I received this book for an honest review.
I love a good YA in between other books and this was one not to be disappointed with. In fact I absolutely enjoyed every bit of it.
Teenage angst...so long ago for me and I'm an Aussie so American sports is another world away.
Tori is not one of the 'popular girls' as she is different and unique, she's hot for the football jock who is also a childhood friend. Colt the football jock has his own self doubts that he keeps hidden to stay cool. Circumstances bring them together and we watch Tori change herself, her clothing and makeup to try and fit in. Their journey is amusing, the banter funny, but I'm sure to a teen it's total drama.
Ultimately it's about friendships and the journey through the final year of high school.
The story flowed well and the characters were engaging, I look forward to more from this author.
I love a good YA in between other books and this was one not to be disappointed with. In fact I absolutely enjoyed every bit of it.
Teenage angst...so long ago for me and I'm an Aussie so American sports is another world away.
Tori is not one of the 'popular girls' as she is different and unique, she's hot for the football jock who is also a childhood friend. Colt the football jock has his own self doubts that he keeps hidden to stay cool. Circumstances bring them together and we watch Tori change herself, her clothing and makeup to try and fit in. Their journey is amusing, the banter funny, but I'm sure to a teen it's total drama.
Ultimately it's about friendships and the journey through the final year of high school.
The story flowed well and the characters were engaging, I look forward to more from this author.
May 31, 2023
This is an awesome début for Jordan Ford - it has everything here that a Young Adult Contemporary Romance should have. Tori and Colt are both fantastic characters, with enough quirks to make them interesting and 'real'. Of course, the miscommunication and confusion lead to some amazing scenes, that will make you laugh and wince at the same time.
Well-written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I could see, this book was a delight to read from the first page to the last. I loved the different characters and situations that were brought into it. I honestly can't wait for more! Absolutely and definitely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 22, 2016
Well-written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I could see, this book was a delight to read from the first page to the last. I loved the different characters and situations that were brought into it. I honestly can't wait for more! Absolutely and definitely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 22, 2016
March 22, 2016
~~I received this in exchange for my honest opinion~~
Jordan Ford has made the play of the year!! This book is amazing! I couldn't put this down once I started it.
Tori is an awkward Senior in high school, her parents are known as the weird parents, and Tori is just as weird. Colt is the star running back on the high school football team. He can't be seen with anyone but cheerleaders. Tori has a plan, and Colt is part of it. Tori comes to Colt to see if he will help her, he can't help but help her out. But, will one teeny tiny omission destroy what they are doing?
This is the first book that I have read by Jordan, because this is the first book that has been written by her. The Playmaker is well written and everything flows nicely. I love this book, and I can't wait until I read more of Jordan!! Get your copy now!!
Jordan Ford has made the play of the year!! This book is amazing! I couldn't put this down once I started it.
Tori is an awkward Senior in high school, her parents are known as the weird parents, and Tori is just as weird. Colt is the star running back on the high school football team. He can't be seen with anyone but cheerleaders. Tori has a plan, and Colt is part of it. Tori comes to Colt to see if he will help her, he can't help but help her out. But, will one teeny tiny omission destroy what they are doing?
This is the first book that I have read by Jordan, because this is the first book that has been written by her. The Playmaker is well written and everything flows nicely. I love this book, and I can't wait until I read more of Jordan!! Get your copy now!!
June 6, 2016
Tori is a quirky teen in her last year of high school. She is determined to make senior year the year of her dreams. Tori has been crushing on Colt for years, but he's the cliche high school jock. Despite the warnings of her best friend, Tori has a plan. I mean, she's watched all kinds of RomComs and read all kinds of books, this should be easy...ish.
Colt is your All American football guy. Great on the field, great with the ladies, and great with school...ok the last one is a lie. All he needs is a C average to stay on the field, but when learning is harder for him than the average person, he's going to need a miracle.
Now that Colt has accepted Tori's cry for help, he can't stop thinking about her vanilla scent, her hidden curves, and her gray eyes. How is he supposed to hand her over to Mack when the time comes?
Good YA read. Cute, quirky, funny. 4.5 stars
Colt is your All American football guy. Great on the field, great with the ladies, and great with school...ok the last one is a lie. All he needs is a C average to stay on the field, but when learning is harder for him than the average person, he's going to need a miracle.
Now that Colt has accepted Tori's cry for help, he can't stop thinking about her vanilla scent, her hidden curves, and her gray eyes. How is he supposed to hand her over to Mack when the time comes?
Good YA read. Cute, quirky, funny. 4.5 stars
August 27, 2019
Tori Lomax creates a plan, Operation Fall For Tori, to get Colt Burgess to fall in love with her before the end of her Senior year. This is a challenge because she is not part of the popular crowd at school and doesn't fit in with Colt and his friends. Part of her plan is to convince Colt to help her get the attention of his teammate, Mack.
Colt secretly meets with Tori after school to teach her the rules of football and gives her tips on how to get noticed by Mack. As Colt and Tori spend time together, they grow closer and learn about each other's secret struggles. I enjoyed Tori and Colt's journey as they navigated their senior year.
**I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.**
Colt secretly meets with Tori after school to teach her the rules of football and gives her tips on how to get noticed by Mack. As Colt and Tori spend time together, they grow closer and learn about each other's secret struggles. I enjoyed Tori and Colt's journey as they navigated their senior year.
**I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.**
March 22, 2016
This was a really cute book! I absolutely loved it! Bringing back my HS days (even though it was only 6 years ago).
This book is on key. Meaning if you aren't part of the inner circle then you don't belong. And disrupting that circle will only cause trouble! Tori is your typical outsider. Wanting to live her senior year of HS out to the best as possible, well that includes the boy. Colt is your typical HS boy, on the football team, all the girls desire (including tori)
But Tori's plan. To make Colt fall in love with her.
This book is on key. Meaning if you aren't part of the inner circle then you don't belong. And disrupting that circle will only cause trouble! Tori is your typical outsider. Wanting to live her senior year of HS out to the best as possible, well that includes the boy. Colt is your typical HS boy, on the football team, all the girls desire (including tori)
But Tori's plan. To make Colt fall in love with her.
March 16, 2016
I received this book as an ARC exchange of an honest review.
I loved this book and I'm anxious for the next one in this series!
I found myself laughing in various parts with Tori, she's a really weird girl, but in a good way. And Colt's a great kid too, facing his problems in school and chasing his dream of playing football. They are a really special couple!
Colt partners on the football team and Tori's best friend are also very interesting and well-developed characters.
I loved this book and I'm anxious for the next one in this series!
I found myself laughing in various parts with Tori, she's a really weird girl, but in a good way. And Colt's a great kid too, facing his problems in school and chasing his dream of playing football. They are a really special couple!
Colt partners on the football team and Tori's best friend are also very interesting and well-developed characters.
March 18, 2016
The sweetest light read with a high school setting. It is a bit clichè but without it, it would be bland and boring.
I love how sweet and considerate Colt is, most of the time. Tori can be so naive and be so reasonable at the same time.
This story really highlights the two of them. There aren't much scenes about family time and whatnot.
I think that the ending could have been better. It felt too concluded. Maybe it's just that I need more of them!
I love how sweet and considerate Colt is, most of the time. Tori can be so naive and be so reasonable at the same time.
This story really highlights the two of them. There aren't much scenes about family time and whatnot.
I think that the ending could have been better. It felt too concluded. Maybe it's just that I need more of them!
March 19, 2016
I absolutely fell in love with Tori and Colt.
The journey they each took, as they are starting their senior year, was interesting, and easily sucked me into each of their emotional ride's.
The slow budding of a renewed friendship was so sweet to read.
This fell exactly into the teen/ya genre the way I would hope it to. Nothing crossed the line that shouldn't have, it was a sweet story, with just the right amount of teen angst.
I look forward to reading the next book!
The journey they each took, as they are starting their senior year, was interesting, and easily sucked me into each of their emotional ride's.
The slow budding of a renewed friendship was so sweet to read.
This fell exactly into the teen/ya genre the way I would hope it to. Nothing crossed the line that shouldn't have, it was a sweet story, with just the right amount of teen angst.
I look forward to reading the next book!
March 22, 2016
You know what? I loved this book.
A little on the short side and with a slightly underdeveloped plot but lovable nonetheless.
The idea was very cute and the characters felt real. I especially loved Amy and her attitude towards conformity. I think she would make a great pair with Finn.
I really can't wait to read the next books in this series because I've had so much fun reading this.
A little on the short side and with a slightly underdeveloped plot but lovable nonetheless.
The idea was very cute and the characters felt real. I especially loved Amy and her attitude towards conformity. I think she would make a great pair with Finn.
I really can't wait to read the next books in this series because I've had so much fun reading this.
April 28, 2016
This book is predictable cute and sweet. It was everything I was looking for in a quick easy read. I liked it and I definitely be checking out which player gets his heart stolen next.
Want to read
January 21, 2017FREE on Amazon right now! Just grabbed my copy.
March 6, 2016
Cute and funny. Brought me back to my High School days. Definitely worth reading.
February 25, 2021
I received a free copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
The Nelson High Raiders series was one of the few series by Jordan Ford I hadn't read yet and I am so excited to have the chance to read these now as well. The Playmaker is the first book in this series, which introduces the Nelson High Raiders football team and I had fun reading this book. It was one of those books I wanted to keep reading as I had to know how it all turned out.
This book follows Tori and Colt. Tori wants to make her senior year great and to do that she has this big plan to make Colt notice her. Colt is a cool footballer and she's the daughter of a hippie. They don't run in the same circles, so Tori knows she has to do something to make him notice her. To be honest I totally agreed with Tori's best friend Amy when it came to Tori's plan to get Colt notice her. And at the same time it sounds exactly like the type of a plan a teenager would come up with, it felt realistic. There is teenage drama, romance and football.
While I wasn't a fan of Tori's plan how she lied to Colt about her real reason she wanted to spend time with him, I couldn't help but like these two together. There are some great scenes where they spend time helping each other. One of my favorite scenes is where Colt shares one of his secrets with Tori and opens up to her and she accept him and his secret and helps him instead. I really liked that and it really shows what a kind person Tori is. There was more to both of these characters than I first thought and I liked them even more as the book progressed.
I like how Jordan Ford can really capture the essence of teenage drama without making it over the top or too much. I thought Colt's worries about Tori not fitting in with the football crowd were realistic. Same with Tori's worries that she had to change to fit in. I all felt realistic, even though it made me sad. I wanted Colt to not worry about his status and Tori to realize she could be herself. I like how in the end it gets wrapped up in a great way. My only complaint is that I would've loved to see a bit of them together, they only get together late in the book and I would've liked to see a bit more of them as a couple. As this is the first book in the series I hope to get that in book 2.
Besides the two main characters there are some great side characters too. I really liked Tori's best friend Amy and am hoping we will see more of her in future books. Then there are the other Nelson High raiders team members, I liked how they stuck together and helped each other out, they felt like a close group and I am excited to see who will get their own story and romance and spend more time with these characters. The sport aspect is an important part of the story, but it doesn't overtake the romance plot line and even tough I don't know a lot about football I was able to follow those scenes.
To summarize: This was a great young adult contemporary romance book. I liked how the author gives it this realistic vibe, I could understand the characters worries and insecurities. I liked Tori, although I wasn't a fan of her plan how she wanted to win Colt over, I did like their romance. There are some great scenes where they spend time together and I enjoyed them growing closer and Colt realizing how he felt for her. I liked how the book got wrapped up and some of the realizations they have. I liked the side characters and look forward to more books in this series.
The Nelson High Raiders series was one of the few series by Jordan Ford I hadn't read yet and I am so excited to have the chance to read these now as well. The Playmaker is the first book in this series, which introduces the Nelson High Raiders football team and I had fun reading this book. It was one of those books I wanted to keep reading as I had to know how it all turned out.
This book follows Tori and Colt. Tori wants to make her senior year great and to do that she has this big plan to make Colt notice her. Colt is a cool footballer and she's the daughter of a hippie. They don't run in the same circles, so Tori knows she has to do something to make him notice her. To be honest I totally agreed with Tori's best friend Amy when it came to Tori's plan to get Colt notice her. And at the same time it sounds exactly like the type of a plan a teenager would come up with, it felt realistic. There is teenage drama, romance and football.
While I wasn't a fan of Tori's plan how she lied to Colt about her real reason she wanted to spend time with him, I couldn't help but like these two together. There are some great scenes where they spend time helping each other. One of my favorite scenes is where Colt shares one of his secrets with Tori and opens up to her and she accept him and his secret and helps him instead. I really liked that and it really shows what a kind person Tori is. There was more to both of these characters than I first thought and I liked them even more as the book progressed.
I like how Jordan Ford can really capture the essence of teenage drama without making it over the top or too much. I thought Colt's worries about Tori not fitting in with the football crowd were realistic. Same with Tori's worries that she had to change to fit in. I all felt realistic, even though it made me sad. I wanted Colt to not worry about his status and Tori to realize she could be herself. I like how in the end it gets wrapped up in a great way. My only complaint is that I would've loved to see a bit of them together, they only get together late in the book and I would've liked to see a bit more of them as a couple. As this is the first book in the series I hope to get that in book 2.
Besides the two main characters there are some great side characters too. I really liked Tori's best friend Amy and am hoping we will see more of her in future books. Then there are the other Nelson High raiders team members, I liked how they stuck together and helped each other out, they felt like a close group and I am excited to see who will get their own story and romance and spend more time with these characters. The sport aspect is an important part of the story, but it doesn't overtake the romance plot line and even tough I don't know a lot about football I was able to follow those scenes.
To summarize: This was a great young adult contemporary romance book. I liked how the author gives it this realistic vibe, I could understand the characters worries and insecurities. I liked Tori, although I wasn't a fan of her plan how she wanted to win Colt over, I did like their romance. There are some great scenes where they spend time together and I enjoyed them growing closer and Colt realizing how he felt for her. I liked how the book got wrapped up and some of the realizations they have. I liked the side characters and look forward to more books in this series.
March 10, 2021
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐
I love this book so much. It’s the first of the series and introduces all the characters really well. I love how Colt and Tori’s relationship progresses. I’m super excited for Mack’s story after getting a bit of a background on him in this novel.
First off, the characters. They were so diverse. Tori was so cute. I didn’t like that she wanted to change herself and her personality her a boy. But, she did grow throughout the story and learned that she didn’t have to change. This story delivered a positive message to respect yourself and love yourself the way you are. I loved Amy’s role in the story. She was a positive influence on Tori and really was a great friend. I hope she has more of a part throughout the story. Colt was a different character. He wasn’t the average hero who actually liked Tori back before she approached him. He actually thought she was super weird. He was a good character though. He had his reasons for putting his full attention to football. At first, I thought him to be a dumb jock but as the story went on and I learned more about him, I saw there was much more behind his tough exterior. I did feel like he could be kinder to Tori but Tori was such a sweetheart. Even the rest of the Raiders team added something to the story. I super look forwards to their story.
Then comes the story. It was a different one, that’s for sure. Tori has liked Colt for years and wants one chance to actually try to get his heart. She comes up with a plan but then changes it when the phases kind of phase-out. Then she comes up with another one where Colt would teach her how to become one of them. She comes up with the absurd idea of liking his friend. Slowly, she believes, Colt will start liking her. They both learn a lot about each other as the story goes on. Their story progresses. There are so many different events happening but they all lead to the big finale. I love how the epilogue concludes the whole story even if it isn’t necessary to read. I think I’ve said this way too many times but I need the second book now!
I received a review copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love this book so much. It’s the first of the series and introduces all the characters really well. I love how Colt and Tori’s relationship progresses. I’m super excited for Mack’s story after getting a bit of a background on him in this novel.
First off, the characters. They were so diverse. Tori was so cute. I didn’t like that she wanted to change herself and her personality her a boy. But, she did grow throughout the story and learned that she didn’t have to change. This story delivered a positive message to respect yourself and love yourself the way you are. I loved Amy’s role in the story. She was a positive influence on Tori and really was a great friend. I hope she has more of a part throughout the story. Colt was a different character. He wasn’t the average hero who actually liked Tori back before she approached him. He actually thought she was super weird. He was a good character though. He had his reasons for putting his full attention to football. At first, I thought him to be a dumb jock but as the story went on and I learned more about him, I saw there was much more behind his tough exterior. I did feel like he could be kinder to Tori but Tori was such a sweetheart. Even the rest of the Raiders team added something to the story. I super look forwards to their story.
Then comes the story. It was a different one, that’s for sure. Tori has liked Colt for years and wants one chance to actually try to get his heart. She comes up with a plan but then changes it when the phases kind of phase-out. Then she comes up with another one where Colt would teach her how to become one of them. She comes up with the absurd idea of liking his friend. Slowly, she believes, Colt will start liking her. They both learn a lot about each other as the story goes on. Their story progresses. There are so many different events happening but they all lead to the big finale. I love how the epilogue concludes the whole story even if it isn’t necessary to read. I think I’ve said this way too many times but I need the second book now!
I received a review copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 2, 2018
איכשהו נשאבתי לספר לנוער.
אהבתי, מאוד.
נתתי 5 לא כי זה הספר הכי אהוב עליי עלי אדמות, אלא כי באמת שלא מצאתי דבר אחד רע לומר עליו. קראתי את כל המשפטים, מההתחלה ועד הסוף (יש לי נטייה לדלג את מריחות, גם קצרות).
מגיע לו הרבה יותר ממה שהוא מדורג.
אהבתי, מאוד.
נתתי 5 לא כי זה הספר הכי אהוב עליי עלי אדמות, אלא כי באמת שלא מצאתי דבר אחד רע לומר עליו. קראתי את כל המשפטים, מההתחלה ועד הסוף (יש לי נטייה לדלג את מריחות, גם קצרות).
מגיע לו הרבה יותר ממה שהוא מדורג.
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