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Anna Katmore
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Play With Me (Grover Beach Players Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Anna Katmore (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 2,639 ratings
I never thought my summer would end up like this—tangled in a love triangle and knee-deep in soccer.

I’ve been head-over-heels for my best friend Tony since, well, forever. We’ve been inseparable since kindergarten, and I’ve always known that one day I’d be Mrs. Anthony Mitchell. But then he went away to soccer camp, and when he comes back, things are oddly not the same.

Desperate to stay close to him, I’m up for the unthinkable—I’m trying out for the co-ed soccer team. Me, the girl who can’t run a mile without tripping over her own feet. But guess what? I did it. I should be thrilled now, right? Only, there’s this one tiny problem. Ryan Hunter. He’s the team captain, and he’s got this infuriatingly sexy smile that makes my heart do weird things.

Now I’m stuck trying to juggle my feelings for Tony, who seems more interested in the new girl with legs for days, and trying to figure out why Ryan makes my stomach flip every time he looks at me.

Between late-night practices, unexpected parties, and more than a few embarrassing moments, I’m beginning to wonder if my plan to stay close to Tony was a huge mistake.
Or maybe, just maybe, it’s the best decision I’ve ever made...


If you love swoon-worthy romance, laugh-out-loud moments, and a heroine who’s just trying to figure it all out, then you’ll fall head over heels for "Play With Me."

This is a standalone. No cliffhanger.
The complete series in chronological reading order:
1. Play With Me
2. Ryan Hunter
3. T is for...
4. Dating Trouble
5. The Trouble with Dating Sue

Spin-off series: FALL FOR ME
Teen & young adult contemporary romance
New adult romance
Read more
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  1. Book 1 of 5
    Grover Beach Players
  2. Print length
    230 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    3 Jan. 2014
  6. File size
    8.6 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Shop this series

 See full series
There are 5 books in this series.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00AL251T2
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 3 Jan. 2014
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 8.6 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 230 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 5 ‏ : ‎ Grover Beach Players
  • Customer reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 2,639 ratings

About the author

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Anna Katmore

Anna Katmore

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“I’m writing stories because I can’t breathe without.”

Anna Katmore lives in an enchanting world of her own, which allows only those to enter who are ready to hand in logic and rationalism. But beware, if you dare to step through this door, you’ll never want to leave again…

Disney is her attitude towards life, and if she could, she’d save the world from itself. Her patronus is a wolf, her wand the broken twig of an apple tree, 13 inches long with a unicorn hair core. Glitter on her shoes is a must, though she doesn’t care for Cinderella’s glass slippers. Too risky that something might break…

For more information, please visit www.annakatmore.com

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
2,639 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this young adult romance for its boy and girl best friends relationship and real-life situations. The book is an easy read with lovable characters, and one customer notes it's good for teens. However, the pacing receives mixed reviews, with one customer finding it boring, and several mentioning it's too short.

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15 customers mention ‘Romance’15 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in this book, describing it as an incredibly fun young adult romance with a great love story, and one customer notes that it includes relatable real-life situations.

"First love, sport, wit, and teenage angst all combined into one incredibly fun young adult romance - what more can you ask for?..." Read more

"I really liked this YA Contemporary Romance. It was sort of run-of-the-mill but I really liked it...." Read more

"...The storyline was interesting enough to entice me in and once I got into it, I couldn't out it down...." Read more

"...Great story about love, especially first love, first heartbreak, a loads of teasing and friendship...." Read more

10 customers mention ‘Ease of reading’10 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read, with one customer noting there are hardly any typos.

"...The writing was so tense, it had me relentlessly turning the pages until I got to the end, and then I kept thinking about the characters and their..." Read more

"...The style was really easy for me to get into and I read the full 200-odd pages within a few hours...." Read more

"...It is very well written and I would recommend the whole series." Read more

"...I'm happy to report that there are hardly any typos in this book and it definitely comes across as professionally edited...." Read more

5 customers mention ‘Adorability’5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book adorable.

"...Clean and sweet, this novel's portrayal of teenage confusion and feelings is strong and realistic...." Read more

"...I read both bookes from both point of views and it's so nice. They are so cute and funny, really adorable...." Read more

"a great quick read, loved it. cute and simple story line but very effectie and fun to read, finished it in one night. a twist on a lovve story" Read more

"this book is the best. I cant wait to read the next book. it is fantasic you should read it" Read more

4 customers mention ‘Ages’4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's age-appropriate content, with one mentioning it's good for teens.

"I enjoyed this short romance, however it is more suited for younger teen readers...." Read more

"...I'm 11 now and I got this about 2 years ago so I'd say it's okay for people aged 11+. I love it." Read more

"really enjoyed this book and there was nice a twist in the story. good for teens as it doesn't have any explicit content" Read more

"This book was really good, I enjoyed it! I would say this book is recommended for teens also there's another book that is like it." Read more

4 customers mention ‘Character development’4 positive0 negative

Customers love the characters in the book.

"...The characters were life like and warning and it gave you that feeling of childhood and memories...." Read more

"...It's a great YA contemporary read, addictive, engrossing and full of likeable characters (have I mentioned Ryan? Yes? Okay then)...." Read more

"Aw I loved this book and found myself falling love with the characters and sharing every happy and sad moment with them:)..." Read more

"...I'm in love with the characters as I'm in love with this book." Read more

3 customers mention ‘Angst level’3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the emotional depth of the book, with one mentioning how it captures the angst of teenage years and first heartbreak.

"First love, sport, wit, and teenage angst all combined into one incredibly fun young adult romance - what more can you ask for?..." Read more

"...Great story about love, especially first love, first heartbreak, a loads of teasing and friendship...." Read more

"...It is a Young Adult romance that is full of the angst from those days!! It is very well written and I would recommend the whole series." Read more

5 customers mention ‘Pacing’0 positive5 negative

Customers find the pacing of the book unsatisfactory, with one mentioning it lacks a great storyline and another noting it ends abruptly with no follow-up.

"A nice story but could get a bit boring in the middle, but still would recommend it to any one." Read more

"...didnt like how it just kinda ended with no follow up or anything...." Read more

"This was a good book although maybe a little young for me. It lacked a great storyline instead opting for a more basic teen love story...." Read more

"Sorry this did not hold my intrese. I tried to read the whole story buy gave up in the end. glad it was free." Read more

4 customers mention ‘Shortness’0 positive4 negative

Customers find the book too short.

"...Though I enjoyed the book I felt it was a little short, though that made be because I read it as quick as I could to fin out the ending...." Read more

"That was sooooo good, but it was way to short. I'm really sad because there isn't more to read about this two...." Read more

"...I loved it!! Just a shame it was so short, can't wait to read the next!" Read more

"I loved this book. But I thought that it was a bit short. I would have really liked the story to go on more." Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • C
    5.0 out of 5 stars Page-turning young adult romance
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 August 2016
    Verified Purchase
    First love, sport, wit, and teenage angst all combined into one incredibly fun young adult romance - what more can you ask for?

    Lisa Matthews, in love with her best friend Tony for as long as she can remember, is disturbed by the appearance of a rival in the form of leggy blonde football (soccer) player, Chloe, and, in a moment of madness, decides to try out for the mixed team. Making it onto the team, she's invited by the captain, Ryan Hunter, to one of his legendary parties that Tony has been keeping her from for years. When she wakes up the following morning in Ryan's arms, she finds herself questioning a lot of things...

    Clean and sweet, this novel's portrayal of teenage confusion and feelings is strong and realistic. The writing was so tense, it had me relentlessly turning the pages until I got to the end, and then I kept thinking about the characters and their shenanigans for days afterwards. Highly recommended.
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  • LeanneC
    4.0 out of 5 stars Run=of-the-mill but GOOD!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 May 2015
    Verified Purchase
    I really liked this YA Contemporary Romance. It was sort of run-of-the-mill but I really liked it.

    Ryan Hunter obviously had feelings for Lisa and used the opportunity presented to him to get to know her better by training her for the--what I know as football, but what American's know as soccer--team.

    Of course it didn't all go to plan, as is the case with most romances. There is always something that goes wrong or a misunderstanding.

    The style was really easy for me to get into and I read the full 200-odd pages within a few hours. It was right up my street and I can't wait to read Ryan Hunter, book 2 in the series and all from Ryan's POV.
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  • Vikki
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fab start
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 May 2019
    Verified Purchase
    First book I've read by this author and I must say it was an exceptional first book. The storyline was interesting enough to entice me in and once I got into it, I couldn't out it down. The characters were life like and warning and it gave you that feeling of childhood and memories. Will definitely be looking out for more in the series.
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  • Addicted to Reading
    5.0 out of 5 stars love every page....!!!!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 November 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I can't believe that I finished this book. I couldn't stop thinking what is going to happen next between Liza and Ryan. You can just image how angry I was when I have to sit at work when I could read in that time!

    Great story about love, especially first love, first heartbreak, a loads of teasing and friendship.

    I have to ready this again but this time from Ryan's point of view!
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  • R.kennedy
    3.0 out of 5 stars <3
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 31 December 2013
    Verified Purchase
    A nice story but could get a bit boring in the middle, but still would recommend it to any one.
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  • Dora912
    5.0 out of 5 stars I really enjoyed this book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 May 2015
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed this book. It is a Young Adult romance that is full of the angst from those days!! It is very well written and I would recommend the whole series.
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  • Jenny, Wondrous Reads
    4.0 out of 5 stars Play With Me
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 February 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I can probably count on one hand how many self-published eBooks I've read since I've owned a Kindle. I tend to stay well away from them because of typos and grammatical/editing errors drive me crazy, and they seem to be prevalent in the self-published world. A couple of months ago Play With Me was free on Kindle and had been on my wishlist for a while, so I snapped it up and read it the day after. I really loved it, and I don't think I'll avoid books like this again!

    Play With Me is the first book in the Grover Beach Team series, focusing on the romantic lives of Liza, Ryan and Tony. Liza's always liked Tony but they're BFFs, and nothing has ever happened between them. When Liza gets more friendly with Ryan Hunter (swoon), a nice little potential triangle is formed and Liza has a couple of tough decisions to make. It's very reminiscent of The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines, though not quite as steamy!

    I love Liza and Ryan - they're my favourite thing about the whole book. Their chemistry is off the charts, jumping off each page and making their will-they won't-they moments compulsive reading. Tony's okay too though I didn't like him as much: he never seems right for Liza in a romantic sense, and I can't understand why she's so hung up on him. I think maybe she hasn't really experienced a strong attraction to anyone else before, and Tony's always been there to fill that space. They are, without a doubt, better as friends, which becomes apparent as the story progresses

    I'm happy to report that there are hardly any typos in this book and it definitely comes across as professionally edited. Whether it has been or not, I don't know, but it's enough for me. It's a great YA contemporary read, addictive, engrossing and full of likeable characters (have I mentioned Ryan? Yes? Okay then). The next book in the series is Ryan's side of events, simply titled Ryan Hunter. Hurrah - I can't wait to read it!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Herbie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet Romance
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 February 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed this short romance, however it is more suited for younger teen readers. Infatuated teen thinks she's in love with her best friend who doesn't reciprocate her feelings until he realises far too late and she falls for someone else.. Highly recommended
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Sabine
    5.0 out of 5 stars Großartiges Buch
    Reviewed in Germany on 13 October 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Liza Matthews ist seit einer halben Ewigkeit in den Nachbarsjungen Tony Mitchell verliebt. Die beiden sind quasi unzertrennlich und treten immer im Zweierpack auf. In der Schule werden sie nur "M&M" genannt. Doch alles ist anders als Tony nach 6 Wochen Ferien im Fußballcamp mit seinen Jungs zurückkommt. Plötzlich ist das dieses blonde Mädchen, das ebenfalls Fußball spielt und Tony scheint nur noch Augen für sie zu haben. Um das zu ändern beschließt Liza, dass sie ebenfalls anfängt Fußball zu spielen und sieht ihre Chance gekommen, als es ein Auswahlverfahren gibt für ein gemischtes Fußballteam an der Schule. Doch eigentlich hasst Liza Fußball und ist absolut unsportlich. Doch mysteriöserweise übersteht sie die Tryouts und ist im Team. Ob das was mit dem Kapitän Ryan Hunter zu tun, der sie immer wieder in Wortgefechte verwickelt? Ryan, der ungekrönte König der Schule, Traum aller Mädchen und absoluter Playboy? Seine Partys sind legendär und als sie nach den Tryouts dazu eingeladen wird, ist sie neugierig. Doch am nächsten Morgen wacht sie in einem fremden Bett auf - in den Armen von eben diesen Ryan Hunter. Was ist passiert? Und warum hat sie plötzlich in seiner Gegenwart Schmetterlinge im Bauch wo sie doch eigentlich in Tony verliebt ist...?

    ----------------------------------------

    Eines der süßesten Bücher die ich seit längerem gelesen habe. Dieses Buch ist ein echtes Highlight. Schreibstil, Handlung und Personen haben wunderbar gepasst und es las sich leicht und schnell. Ich mochte Liza sehr gerne und auch Ryan fand ich klasse. Mit Tony hatte ich ziemlich schnell ein großes Problem. Welcher beste Freund lügt denn und kommt ungestraft davon? Und welcher beste Freund lässt einen betrunken auf einer Party zurück?!? Er hat am Ende die Kurve gekriegt aber auch nur gerade noch so.

    Ich war so begeistert, dass ich direkt danach das zweite Buch der Serie "Ryan Hunter" gelesen habe. Darin wird im Prinzip die gleiche Geschichte erzählt, allerdings aus der Sicht von Ryan. Muss man nicht lesen, werden viele sagen aber ich fand Ryan so toll geschrieben in diesem Buch, dass ich extrem neugierig war, den Verlauf der Dinge aus seiner Sicht zu sehen. Es hat sich gelohnt und man erfährt darin auch noch Kleinigkeiten, die die Geschichte insgesamt prima ergänzen.

    Sehr schön geschrieben waren die Dialoge, besonders die zwischen Liza und Ryan. Ich musste stellenweise laut losprusten weil sie sich wirklich nichts schenken und Sarkasmus und Ironie eine tolle Mischung ergeben.

    Alles in allem verdiente 5 Sterne für dieses wirklich niedliche Jugendbuch. Eigentlich bin ich längst aus der Zielgruppe herausgewachsen aber es hat riesen Spaß gemacht, dieses Buch zu lesen. Daher eine unbedingte Leseempfehlung von mir. Nicht verpassen!!
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  • *C.K.
    5.0 out of 5 stars It's the perfect read after reading something heavy. The love triangle isn't annoying.
    Reviewed in the United States on 23 January 2015
    Verified Purchase
    This is the perfect read after reading something heavy. The story is light and fun. It’s a quick read. I have read it four times. One of the things I really liked about the book was that the characters did not have tragic pasts. They were just normal teenagers.

    I always thought the cover was cute.

    Normally, I am not a huge fan of love triangles. This love triangle one did not really bother me. I think because the story is more innocent. The triangle worked and did not become annoying. The story took place over a short period of time. Usually, girl in the love triangle gets on my nerves. Fortunately, that was not the case with this book. I found Liza to be extremely likable and adorable. I loved her spunk and humor. She was hilarious. I like that Liza stood up for herself and spoke her mind.

    Liza Matthews and Tony Mitchell have been best friends since kindergarten. Liza was the girl next door and Tony was the boy next door. Literally, they live next door to each other. Everyone refers to them as “M&M”. I thought that nickname was cute. Liza has been pining away for Tony for a long time. She dreamed of becoming “Mrs. Mitchell”. Tony was kind of oblivious to Liza’s feelings. At the start of the story, Tony was just returning from a 5 week soccer camp training. Liza was hoping that their relationship would move beyond friendship when Tony returned. She was tired of being in the “friend zone.”Liza thought that if she gave Tony a little more time that he would realize that they were meant to be. Liza almost seventeen and had never been kissed. Unfortunately for Liza, another girl caught Tony’s eye at soccer camp. They started a co-ed soccer team.

    This is where Ryan Hunter entered the story. He is captain of the soccer team and Tony’s friends. Ryan has been secretly in love with Liza since third grade. I found that so sweet. Ryan asked Liza if she wanted to try out for the team. Liza hated soccer and Tony knew it so he never thought she would try out for the team. However, Liza decided to go to try outs because she wanted Tony to see her in a different light. Also, she wanted to fend off Cloey aka “Barbie Clone” aka “Closetta’s” advances on Tony.

    Surprisingly, Liza ends up making the team even though she is not a very good soccer player. Lucky for Liza, Hunter takes it upon himself to attempt to train her. As Liza spends more time with Hunter, she starts to question her feelings for Tony. Maybe the right guy was in front of her all along and she just did not realize it because she was so wrapped of in the idea of “M&M”.

    I like stories where childhood friends get together. As soon as Ryan Hunter entered the picture, all bets were off. I was thinking Tony who? I was rooting for Hunter all the way. In the past, Ryan did not flirt with Liza or turn on the charm out of respect for his friendship with Tony. Everyone considered Liza “Tony’s girl” even though they were only ever just friends. When the opportunity presented itself, Hunter really went for it. I think that if Hunter had turned on the charm sooner with Liza, he could have won her over years ago.
    I think the separation was a good thing for Tony and Liza. I felt that their relationship was a little co-dependent. Liza said that they spent most of their time together.

    It seemed like Liza did not know what to do with herself when Tony was busy with soccer. People did see them as a package. They were “M&M”. The guys on Tony’s team even called Liza his “groupy”. Usually, it is not a positive thing to be called a “groupy”. I felt that Liza was able to branch out more and make more friends when she was not hanging out with Tony as much.

    I felt that Liza’s love for Tony was more “puppy dog” love. I think if Liza was really so in love with Tony, then she would not have fallen for Hunter so fast. She had this whole fantasy built up in her head. Again Tony was the only guy that she really spent time with before Hunter and Liza did not really have a high opinion of Hunter before she got to know him.

    I had mixed feelings about Tony in the story. He was a good guy but acted like such an idiot. Sometimes he did not think before he spoke. He acted immature at times. I hated when he made up a lie about Ryan because he was jealous. Liza was never really “Tony’s girl”. Tony really took Liza for granted. In a way, I am glad that Tony was a fool because that opened up the door for Hunter to have his chance. He made the most of his one chance. He knew what he wanted and went for it. Hunter waited a long time to even have the hope of a chance with Liza. I’m happy that Hunter ended up being Liza’s first kiss. Ryan did everything right and really deserved to get Liza. Hunter never once took her for granted. There is that saying that, “One man’s loss is another man’s gain.”

    Anna Katmore wrote a companion novel from Ryan Hunter pov. The book is called Ryan Hunter this Girl is Mine. I was over the moon when she felt inspired to write a companion book in Ryan’s pov. It is not a word for word rehash of Play with Me. There are some new scenes in it too. It made me love Hunter even more after reading his side of the story.

    *Originally the name was spelled Liza but I think the spellings been changed to Lisa. I still think of her as Liza though.*
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  • satisfied customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars good book
    Reviewed in Canada on 26 May 2015
    Verified Purchase
    I love this book very relaxing and being a romance you can not go wrong at a good price and a very fast delivery (whispersync) and yes I will buy more of these e-books in the future
    thank you
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  • Critical reader
    4.0 out of 5 stars Sweet book
    Reviewed in the Netherlands on 7 February 2016
    Verified Purchase
    It is a quick, sweet book. Young love, young fights, sweet fights. I's a good feel book, and quick to read. Keeps you smiling....
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  • Maynez
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love it..
    Reviewed in Australia on 3 April 2017
    Verified Purchase
    So sweet.... Every girls dream is to have that first beautiful kiss and I say what a surprise it was for Liza. Great read and brings back lots of memories for me lol.
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