Play On

WOW!! Samantha Young has blown me away once again!! I'm not surprised of course but I just love it when it happens!

I absolutely love the journey that Play On takes you. As we follow Nora through her life, we see a young lady that is finding her way. She gets lost in herself and struggles to fly...
I loved Nora. No matter how much I wanted to throttle her at times, I understood her choices. My heart ached for her in the beginning and Sam took us to a life that is so real and raw nowadays. Seeing the battles Nora was facing and how she chose to deal with them was gut wrenching. And it doesn't get easier for Nora.
But that is the beauty of this story. No matter what life has dealt you.. PLAY ON!!
I love it!!
I love how she discovered herself..her strength and passion...and how she could love...
Ahhh... that brings me to the alluring, hot Scottish man...Aidan!!
Falling for him is soooo easy and ladies...I may be beat for this but I believe he is my favorite of the Samantha Young men... *sighs*
Truly...Go and read this book...It is brilliantly written. It is a magnificent story that captures your heart and doesn't let go!!

I am normally a fan of this author, however, this book didn't work for me. I couldn't stand Nora and the predictability. Nora is that "I am strong but whiny H that you just can't relate to or like" Aidan is your typical hot rich guy that falls for the basic girl with a crapload of issues. I understand trying to be as authentic as possible to the dialect of a country, but it got annoying before the halfway mark. There is a saying "use as few words as possible to tell your story" I wish this would have been true of this story. It was very wordy without going anywhere. There was mild background filler but not enough to connect you to any of the characters. The synopsis of the book basically tells the whole story or it is drug out to the point of pure boredom and eye-rolling predictability. This was a Kindle Unlimited read, thankfully.

I have read many Samantha Young books over the years. I would consider her one of my favorite authors. I was so excited to hear that we were going to get some more books based in Scotland. I have been lucky and spent a couple weekends in Edinburgh. It was love at first sight. There is just something magical there and I think it translates to books that are set there. I think Play On might be one of Samantha's best books. I got the feeling early on that Play On was going to be a great read.

This book is about Nora's journey. It takes place over a few years. I really liked that her journey felt real. This book made me FEEL so many different emotions. They weren't simple, but truly human and complex. I savored this book. I hope that you read this book and enjoy the journey as much as I did.

4,5 stars. It's a real emotional rollercoaster. If you are looking for somthing more that easy read then this is just for you. You will find here angst, twists, but also some of romantic and sexy moments.

American girl, Nora O’Brien takes the opportunity to go to Scotland. She wants to start over and find herself. There she meets Aidan. They have great chemistry together. And everything would be like in the ordinary romance if not for a sudden twist. Then the real emotions, tears and chills begin.

It a new series, if you never read anything of Samantha you definitely should. This book will be a good start, but I'm sure you will love her writing and become a fan just like me.

I really enjoyed "Played On" by Samantha Young. I have been a huge fan of this author for awhile now, I've read every book in her collection and each one becomes my new favorite. This was no exception. The writing style and the characters are so engaging and suck you in from the beginning and leave you wanting more at the end. It was a roller coaster of emotions throughout this one but well worth it in the end. I would highly recommend this book to any book lover wanting to experience a well written book.
Happy Reading...enjoy!

Woow this book really is a rollercoaster. I cried and laughed, I was angry and surprised many times. Most of all, this book really touched me. It is beautiful, full of humour and sadness. But that is life. It is unexpected, unpredictable and scary. You never know what lies ahead of you. Samantha thank you for this story. It opens your heart and mind. We only live once, so we have to live it to the fullest. We have to try to reach our dreams, aim for the stars..
I really have to mention the Scots. O my god. I love the way you wrote in their slang it is so hot. At first I was what? What is this? But then I tried to read it out loud and it was funny. I loved it!!
Thank you ????

I’ve only recently discovered SY, which is good because it means I have lots to devour! This one made me want to leap into the pages to hug Nora. I felt for her with all she had to go through, and it hurt that she was dealing with so much at her young age. I loved Aiden, although there were two sections that made me want to strangle him, and I almost hoped that Nora would be less forgiving of his behavior. Ultimately, I loved the story, mostly for Nora’s self discovery more so than the romance, and I stayed up far too late tonight to finish it (which I will be paying for at work tomorrow).

A sad disjointed book...very unsatisfactory for a writer of this caliber. SY writes books that I read multiple times. I have mostly hard copies of her books that I buy after reading them on kindle because I love them so much. I even have 2 on Audible because she usually never dissapoints. I think if you are a fan of her books you should read this one and form your own opinion-and I truly hope you enjoy reading it. I however was really frustrated and disspapointed. I don't know why Ms. Abramo let this be released...18 months of never communicating and then at all works out? Come on.....

"You would think after numerous attacks of grief, the human body would be unable to process any more sadness. But our hearts have an annoying amount of endurance."

Whenever there is new book from Samantha, I know I won't be disappointed, I only wait for "how much is this going to hurt"level. With this story, my nerves were already "played on" (oh a joke, not intentional but why not :D) from the second chapter, where Nora met Aidan and I couldn't imagine how these two are supposed to end up together. My heart felt so squeezed for them the whole time. With Sam's romance books, you always know there is some skeleton waiting in a closet and there is always some misunderstanding leading to fight, make up sex and love. However that is not bad thing because you can tell how good author she is based on the fact that even though you know there has to be good end, she will give you the moments where you cry, scream or sob because you are suddenly not so sure anymore.
Play On is one of these books. The plot is interesting, well written and gives you no blank space where you can be bored. Characters are amazing, funny, sexy and you can feel their struggles and in some moments you can find yourself thinking "yeah, that is what I would do". I can't tell you what is going on here because you should (HAVE TO) read it and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did. However you can check some excerpts I had to highlight down below ↓↓↓
Sam just once again delivered well written interesting and AMAZING book. And she should know I do not say that just because .... ;) ... just because I love her.

Thank you Samantha, for this, for all of your books, for many to come and you know for what.

"My nuts are no 'numb'. One lick would prove that tae ye."
Jim cracked him across the head with the palm os a his hand.
Roddy shot him a look out of the corner of his eye. "Too far?"

"Whit I'm sayin' is, a guy doesnae ask a woman about herself unless he really wants tae ken. And he usually only really wants tae ken because he also wants tae ken what she sounds like when she comes."
This was Roddy unfiltered, without Jim to smack him across the head for talking like that in front of me.

"Frank," she supplied with a sigh. "Frank is gone. Frank could not find the clit so bye bye, Frank."

"Then get going. Oh and Pixie..."
"Yeah?"
"Crack another old guy joke and I'll speed things up so fast, you won't be able to walk for days."

Play On, Samantha Young

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre:  Romance

I've been a fan of Samantha's writing since the wonderful On Dublin Street. Until now that's been my favourite of her books but now Aiden and Nora, well, their story is up there too. Not better than but equal to ;-)
This has some wonderful characters, not just Nora and Aiden, but Jim and his family, his mate Roddy, and of course Nora's freinds, the hospital kids and the wonderful Sylvie. 

Its packed with incidences that feel real, that tugged at me, made me happy, made me sad, to the point of tears and I adore books like that. I'd forgotten Quinten in my list of great characters, and he's a wonderful, quirky, old fashioned guy. He has some great lines, and wonderful illustrative phrases.

I need people to feel genuine, for their situations to be ones that I can see happening to real people. I can give "artistic licence" for some things that may not work that way in the real world, as its fiction, and stretching the truth and things that can happen v legal constraints makes for a far more fun story.  
I had one small disappointment here though, Nora's dad. I'm in a very similar situation, probably about the same age when it happened though different circumstances, and though I can see for the story he needed to be That kind of man, it galled a bit that it was for those reasons. My life is very different, and so are the others I know who have the same issues. Gah, I'm trying not to reveal anything spoilerish, so its kind of circular talking, but when you read about him, just remember, his case and actions are so very different to most of us in that position. I guess I'm just disappointed Samantha made him that way for such a minor reason. I'd hate for anyone to think this is what its like for everyone in his position. And enough moaning from me....its a small issue for most readers, but one that felt very personal to me.

Jim was such a great guy, and I understood the conundrum Nora found herself in, the feelings she had, compounded with all the bad things that had gone on in her life so far really sucked her down. Sometimes that seems to happen, life hits those who are already in a bad situation, and its hard to summon the energy for more than just living, and easy to simply continue on a day-to-day basis, keeping everything locked tight inside. I so felt for Nora, and I felt for Jim too - there just wasn't a right answer. 

Aiden, well he's another of Samantha's gruff on the outside but solid, sensual Gentleman. The guy we'd all like to meet. he does remind me so much of Braden, ( and Nora of Joss, though that's only just hit me), and Samantha writes these characters so well. I can hear their voices in my head, can see them in my imagination. 
I love the not so nice characters too, I always like some of those in a book, the nastier and deceptive the better and there's a real cracker here! They add a contrast to too much sweet and goodness, and makes a story so much more interesting. 
I want high highs, and downs that plunge the lowest depths and Samantha delivers that and more. I was so glad that as with ODS the sad parts lasted, really got me feeling for Nora, got me angry, sad, emotional. So many books deliver a solid "down" hit and then two pages later its all "ups " again, and I need to wallow, to really feel the characters have reached the bottom. Then when its all good I'm so happy. 
 
Stars: five, a cracking emotional read, up there with my favourites in contemporary romance

ARC supplied for review purposes by Author and Publishers

I’ve only recently discovered SY, which is good because it means I have lots to devour! This one made me want to leap into the pages to hug Nora. I felt for her with all she had to go through, and it hurt that she was dealing with so much at her young age. I loved Aiden, although there were two sections that made me want to strangle him, and I almost hoped that Nora would be less forgiving of his behavior. Ultimately, I loved the story, mostly for Nora’s self discovery more so than the romance, and I stayed up far too late tonight to finish it (which I will be paying for at work tomorrow).

A sad disjointed book...very unsatisfactory for a writer of this caliber. SY writes books that I read multiple times. I have mostly hard copies of her books that I buy after reading them on kindle because I love them so much. I even have 2 on Audible because she usually never dissapoints. I think if you are a fan of her books you should read this one and form your own opinion-and I truly hope you enjoy reading it. I however was really frustrated and disspapointed. I don't know why Ms. Abramo let this be released...18 months of never communicating and then at all works out? Come on.....

"You would think after numerous attacks of grief, the human body would be unable to process any more sadness. But our hearts have an annoying amount of endurance."

Whenever there is new book from Samantha, I know I won't be disappointed, I only wait for "how much is this going to hurt"level. With this story, my nerves were already "played on" (oh a joke, not intentional but why not :D) from the second chapter, where Nora met Aidan and I couldn't imagine how these two are supposed to end up together. My heart felt so squeezed for them the whole time. With Sam's romance books, you always know there is some skeleton waiting in a closet and there is always some misunderstanding leading to fight, make up sex and love. However that is not bad thing because you can tell how good author she is based on the fact that even though you know there has to be good end, she will give you the moments where you cry, scream or sob because you are suddenly not so sure anymore.
Play On is one of these books. The plot is interesting, well written and gives you no blank space where you can be bored. Characters are amazing, funny, sexy and you can feel their struggles and in some moments you can find yourself thinking "yeah, that is what I would do". I can't tell you what is going on here because you should (HAVE TO) read it and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did. However you can check some excerpts I had to highlight down below ↓↓↓
Sam just once again delivered well written interesting and AMAZING book. And she should know I do not say that just because .... ;) ... just because I love her.

Thank you Samantha, for this, for all of your books, for many to come and you know for what.

"My nuts are no 'numb'. One lick would prove that tae ye."
Jim cracked him across the head with the palm os a his hand.
Roddy shot him a look out of the corner of his eye. "Too far?"

"Whit I'm sayin' is, a guy doesnae ask a woman about herself unless he really wants tae ken. And he usually only really wants tae ken because he also wants tae ken what she sounds like when she comes."
This was Roddy unfiltered, without Jim to smack him across the head for talking like that in front of me.

"Frank," she supplied with a sigh. "Frank is gone. Frank could not find the clit so bye bye, Frank."

"Then get going. Oh and Pixie..."
"Yeah?"
"Crack another old guy joke and I'll speed things up so fast, you won't be able to walk for days."

Play On, Samantha Young

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre:  Romance

I've been a fan of Samantha's writing since the wonderful On Dublin Street. Until now that's been my favourite of her books but now Aiden and Nora, well, their story is up there too. Not better than but equal to ;-)
This has some wonderful characters, not just Nora and Aiden, but Jim and his family, his mate Roddy, and of course Nora's freinds, the hospital kids and the wonderful Sylvie. 

Its packed with incidences that feel real, that tugged at me, made me happy, made me sad, to the point of tears and I adore books like that. I'd forgotten Quinten in my list of great characters, and he's a wonderful, quirky, old fashioned guy. He has some great lines, and wonderful illustrative phrases.

I need people to feel genuine, for their situations to be ones that I can see happening to real people. I can give "artistic licence" for some things that may not work that way in the real world, as its fiction, and stretching the truth and things that can happen v legal constraints makes for a far more fun story.  
I had one small disappointment here though, Nora's dad. I'm in a very similar situation, probably about the same age when it happened though different circumstances, and though I can see for the story he needed to be That kind of man, it galled a bit that it was for those reasons. My life is very different, and so are the others I know who have the same issues. Gah, I'm trying not to reveal anything spoilerish, so its kind of circular talking, but when you read about him, just remember, his case and actions are so very different to most of us in that position. I guess I'm just disappointed Samantha made him that way for such a minor reason. I'd hate for anyone to think this is what its like for everyone in his position. And enough moaning from me....its a small issue for most readers, but one that felt very personal to me.

Jim was such a great guy, and I understood the conundrum Nora found herself in, the feelings she had, compounded with all the bad things that had gone on in her life so far really sucked her down. Sometimes that seems to happen, life hits those who are already in a bad situation, and its hard to summon the energy for more than just living, and easy to simply continue on a day-to-day basis, keeping everything locked tight inside. I so felt for Nora, and I felt for Jim too - there just wasn't a right answer. 

Aiden, well he's another of Samantha's gruff on the outside but solid, sensual Gentleman. The guy we'd all like to meet. he does remind me so much of Braden, ( and Nora of Joss, though that's only just hit me), and Samantha writes these characters so well. I can hear their voices in my head, can see them in my imagination. 
I love the not so nice characters too, I always like some of those in a book, the nastier and deceptive the better and there's a real cracker here! They add a contrast to too much sweet and goodness, and makes a story so much more interesting. 
I want high highs, and downs that plunge the lowest depths and Samantha delivers that and more. I was so glad that as with ODS the sad parts lasted, really got me feeling for Nora, got me angry, sad, emotional. So many books deliver a solid "down" hit and then two pages later its all "ups " again, and I need to wallow, to really feel the characters have reached the bottom. Then when its all good I'm so happy. 
 
Stars: five, a cracking emotional read, up there with my favourites in contemporary romance

ARC supplied for review purposes by Author and Publishers

This book is really well written but at times real wordy and kind of needed to get to the point. I loved Nora's character. This book had an interesting storyline, some hot sex and I couldn't wait to read how ended.
Thanks Jamie Nibarger Ellis

This was such an emotional and beautiful story. The main character's journey is an amazing one. It is an awe-inspiring tale. This author has the ability to tell stories in such a way that it sucks you in completely. I have yet to come across a book of hers that I have not loved. I definitely recommend this book and this author.

Samantha Young has Once Again Delivered Unputdownable book. Play On is a Beautiful, Emotional and Amazing Read.

The Characters take you on unforgettable journey. You laugh with them and you want them to meet again.

I would Highly Recommend all the Readers to read this Fantastic book right now.

Nora and Aidan’s journey was very emotional and turbulent. I loved their connection and the way they gravitated toward each other. A story full of passion, love, emotion, heart ache, overcoming fear, and family. Loved it.

Beautifully written!! Everything fits in place. Loved Aiden and Pixie. Portrayed the young Nora perfectly with her feelings about her life and the reason for leaving Indiana. Her guilt, her fear, her sense of self worth... all legitimate. I'd definitely recommend this book!

Those were the two words that summed up Aiden and Pixie`s journey to a happily ever after. Two people who both went through hell, found each other, a bit more hell, then togetherness.

I'm not one who usually hops on an angst-filled bandwagon, but these two made waiting for the HEA well worth it. Bravo, Samantha Young!

I absolutely loved this story! Nora and Aidan had been through a lot and these two have a pull between them that is undeniable. The journey that Nora and Aidan go through is full of emotion. I could not put this book down!

I didn't feel the overwhelming love. Nora is indecisive and her actions and self loathing and deprivation make no sense. I couldn't feel the love with Aidan. It was insta love on repeat.
Much of this was drawn out and it became redundant and obnoxious.

This was a journey to find happiness and earning the right to have it. Its very poignant and thought provoking. I was hooked from the first page. It was a perfect balance of romance and life. It captured my heart and soul.

I really liked this book. The storyline and writing were excellent. However, I didn't love Nora. She was a bit too stubborn. I also wanted more of Nora and Aidan in the present. It felt like an incomplete story the author rushed through at the end.

This story stole your mind in the first few sentences. The storyline is incredible , you felt joy, happiness, sorrow and laughter .
I truly enjoyed reading and listening to this novel and looking forward to other ones .

Wowza, this book elicited so many emotions from me. I could have continued to read more about nora and Aiden and the group. I was actually sad I finished it so fast. This is not the first time Samantha has done this to me!

She never disappoints! Compelling characters, each dealing with their own sadness coming together to find themselves through one another. Finished this book in one night after telling myself just one chapter.

This is one of my recent favorites. The story line is a bit depressing though with Nora and Adrian facing multiple challenges that test their relationship throughout the book. Even with those challenges, you will be rooting for them as a couple. The ending is right in line with the overall theme without being overly mushy and unbelievable. The chemistry of the couple definitely jumps off the page.

I had a hard time getting through this book. Usually I am sucked into this author’s books and can’t hardly put them down...this one took me over a week to finish...which is unheard of for me. While I thought it was good, there was A Lot going on and I felt like the climax was anticlimactic...

Samantha Young has been one of those authors that has always been a go to since I discovered On Dublin Street. That book has always had a special place in my heart. But Play On is one of those books that will consume you and leave you breathless. The concept alone is brilliant and one of a kind, the passion and the angst that happens throughout for Nora is just heartbreaking.
Nora for all her naivety and youth, she is an old soul after going through so much to get where she is at. That spark that is so instant with Aiden is undeniable though. I love how they connected on so many levels. How things come to play to get to where they are when they meet up again is heartbreaking and omg I wanted to beat the snot out of that chick! How does a friend screw over a friend like that is beyond me!
Overall, this book ranks high up there with On Dublin Street and could possibly surpass it as I am still constantly thinking about it. The fluidity and the way the story plays out makes you want to ignore the world and just read. You will totally be consumed by this spellbinding tale of love, loss and rediscovery! I know I was!

I love all Samantha’s novels and find myself getting lost in all of her stories. She has an amazing writing style that makes the reader feel like they are in the story.
Play on is an angsty story full of heartache and guilt. The story is split into 3 parts. I struggled a bit with part 1, purely because I actually wasn’t fond of Jim and felt like Nora was rushing things and it was a mistake waiting to happen. I was fully rooting for Aiden though after we meet him, he was genuine and loving and despite the age gap between him and Nora I thought they suited perfectly.
Nora was a strange character, I liked her but she took the weight of the world on her shoulders and I was desperate for her to finally get her happy ending.
Samantha managed to pull at every emotion I had throughout this book, I laughed, cried and I felt like I could completely relate to some of the feelings the characters felt and what they were going through.
A beautifully written story and being from Scotland myself I love that Samantha based her stories in Scotland.

This was such an emotional and beautiful story. The main character's journey is an amazing one. It is an awe-inspiring tale. This author has the ability to tell stories in such a way that it sucks you in completely. I have yet to come across a book of hers that I have not loved. I definitely recommend this book and this author.

This story stole your mind in the first few sentences. The storyline is incredible , you felt joy, happiness, sorrow and laughter .
I truly enjoyed reading and listening to this novel and looking forward to other ones .

Nora and Aidan’s journey was very emotional and turbulent. I loved their connection and the way they gravitated toward each other. A story full of passion, love, emotion, heart ache, overcoming fear, and family. Loved it.

This book is really well written but at times real wordy and kind of needed to get to the point. I loved Nora's character. This book had an interesting storyline, some hot sex and I couldn't wait to read how ended.
Thanks Jamie Nibarger Ellis