Online Dating or Your BestFriend: "Playing the Field" By Grayson Long

Rating: 4.8

Clean Level: Level 1.5

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Synopsis

Best friends both in and out of work. Malcom and Kate are total opposites, yet somehow it works. 

Malcolm is straightforward, unbothered and introverted. A man of few words, who would rather spend his days with his vegetables than people. 

Kate is a sunny disposition, cares for all, and wants to be around her friends as much as possible. Now after years of swearing off men because of a bad breakup, she is starting to feel lonely and wants a true relationship. The universe will surely show her the right man. Right? 

Malcom has been pining after Kate since the day he met her. Now that she is ready to date again, he is all in. He lost himself though on how to get her attention. I mean he has tried for years. He concedes and asks his friends for help on how to woo Kate. 

He has a plan, the place and is more than ready to ask her out, but what happens when things are going exactly the way planned. Like Kate's ex-boyfriend showing up, having to share a room, accidental kisses. Is the universe's way of telling Kate it's not meant to be? Will she listen to the universe or will she follow the man who is willing to fight it all. 

Review

Que the blushing!

Likes: 

Something about this book just makes me want to go "aww" and read it all over again. 

Malcolm is a grumpy man, yet when he loves, he is a loyal golden retriever. He understands the importance of the little things. I enjoy his POV as we can see how hard he truly works in getting Kate to notice him in a romantic way. Also, though he says little, getting in his head is nice because he is surely thinking of a lot. 

Kate is a ray of sunshine. She is willing to befriend anyone and is enjoyable to get to know. Her point of view is interesting as you can see where her headspace is at, and sometimes you just don’t understand her decisions. 

The plot is well-written and concise. The story is humorous and, at the same time, heartfelt. The writing makes you blush without going further than a kiss. The teenagers involved don’t take over the story but are funny enough to help keep you engaged. The best friends are supportive and funny but don’t take the shine away from Kate and Malcolm. The chaos and missed opportunities lend to pushing the story further without annoying the readers.

*spoilers *

Dislike: 

Kate's insistence on trusting the universe! This may be only a personal peeve, but when one of the sweetest, hottest men who has stuck by your side for years tries to catch your attention, don’t avoid him. Even if every time something seems to be happening, the “universe” throws a little wrench in the way. I wished Kate could have been more trusting in herself and Malcolm to take the steps towards their relationship instead of it all being on Malcolm. This is a personal preference, as hindsight is 20/20. I see how this plot helps move the story along. So don’t let my little dislike dissuade you from reading this story. 

*Spoilers end *

Vibes of Playing the Field

Content:

• Kiss only

• One bed trope

• Golden retriever MMC

• Helpful teens

Memorable Quotes

"My eyes land on a set of dark-brown ones with hints of auburn. Eyes like a fresh cup of coffee, sparkling with warmth under the Christmas lights. Eyes that dance when they laugh at her own jokes, twitch in the corners when they're angry, and squint to hold back tears when they're sad. Eyes I would die for.

" So, to test if I can make her flustered too, I do it. I rest my arms above my head and lean against the doorframe, flashing her a mischievous smile. "

"If only I were a dragonfly. Why, Kate? Because, Kate, dragonflies play dead to prevent mating with unwanted males. Play dead, and JusticeBeaver3000 will fly off to some other instinct. "

Questions, thoughts. Let me know what you think of this review. If you read the book do you agree with me or do you lean another way?

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