Play the Last Card is Olivia Fenwick’s debut novel, and there’s a lot to like here for sports romance fans, football in particular. The characters are bright and vivid with clear, if occasionally frustrating, motivations. The story is sweet, spicy, and it’s emotionally gripping. The slow burn has a nice payoff when Scott and Ivy finally give in to each other. If you’re into stories that will break your heart and then put you back together again, this one has that potential. 

The themes of mental health, anxiety, and grief, all feel so close to home for me. It’s almost Christmas, so the emotional weight of everything feels heightened for sure. I’d definitely suggest care if you’re freshly into a grief journey and want to read this story, but I personally found it cathartic. 

Thank you to BookishBubbly PR & Olivia Fenwick for the opportunity to review this ARC.