Blagica Jankuloska
Play It By Heart
A Stellar 4-Star Debut
The best remedy for a sick day is curling up in bed with a Kindle and a great story. After reading a rom-com yesterday where the main character drove me nuts, Play It By Heart by Flick O’Mara was the perfect, refreshing antidote. This is a strong debut and a really enjoyable friends-to-lovers romance.
The story follows Ollie (a musician), Kennedy (his business partner and fellow vocalist), and Becca (a photographer) as they run a wedding business together, which serves as a fun, lively backdrop for the plot. The characters are incredibly likeable, and their witty banter makes the friendships feel completely organic. The transition from platonic to romantic is handled beautifully, making the emotional development feel entirely believable and satisfying.
For readers still easing into the romance genre, the spice is on the milder side—making it a fantastic entry point that maintains plenty of tension and chemistry without being overwhelming. Alongside the romance, resurfacing family drama and unresolved history between Ollie, his ex, and Becca add great depth and entertainment to the narrative. My only minor gripe is that I occasionally found it a bit jarring when Ollie was referred to as "Ol" instead of his full name.
Overall, this is a highly promising start to what looks to be a great series. I already need Kennedy to find her person next (and he absolutely requires some ink!). I will definitely be reading more from Flick O'Mara. Solid 4 stars.
A Stellar 4-Star Debut
The best remedy for a sick day is curling up in bed with a Kindle and a great story. After reading a rom-com yesterday where the main character drove me nuts, Play It By Heart by Flick O’Mara was the perfect, refreshing antidote. This is a strong debut and a really enjoyable friends-to-lovers romance.
The story follows Ollie (a musician), Kennedy (his business partner and fellow vocalist), and Becca (a photographer) as they run a wedding business together, which serves as a fun, lively backdrop for the plot. The characters are incredibly likeable, and their witty banter makes the friendships feel completely organic. The transition from platonic to romantic is handled beautifully, making the emotional development feel entirely believable and satisfying.
For readers still easing into the romance genre, the spice is on the milder side—making it a fantastic entry point that maintains plenty of tension and chemistry without being overwhelming. Alongside the romance, resurfacing family drama and unresolved history between Ollie, his ex, and Becca add great depth and entertainment to the narrative. My only minor gripe is that I occasionally found it a bit jarring when Ollie was referred to as "Ol" instead of his full name.
Overall, this is a highly promising start to what looks to be a great series. I already need Kennedy to find her person next (and he absolutely requires some ink!). I will definitely be reading more from Flick O'Mara. Solid 4 stars.