Publication Date: June 20, 2023
When her new job takes her to a New England boarding school, she’s surprised to find her roommates are all men – including a very handsome one who plays by his own rules.Â
Sophie Doyle has her dream job as the head athletic trainer for her favorite baseball team (go Red Sox!), a handsome boyfriend, and easy access to the finest cannoli in Boston. When she loses all three and the World Series to boot, she’s forced to apply for the open trainer position at an arts-focused boarding school in New Hampshire. The only available room is a glorified closet in an apartment with three guys: Jonas Voss, the aloof and attractive orchestra teacher, and his two rambunctious roommates.
Sophie knows that training a bunch of privileged high school kids whose idea of a play is A Chorus Line instead of a walk-off homer is going to be a big change from the pro athletes she’s used to. She wasn’t expecting that these students would have big-time talent and even bigger-time problems. Sophie has troubles of her own—Jonas is a full-fledged grump who clearly doesn’t want her near him or the precious piano he never plays.
With sunny optimism, Sophie sets out to win over Jonas and help the kids she’s growing attached to. But when her relationship with Jonas moves to the major leagues and plans change at the end of the season, they have to choose whether they are playing for keeps.
Sophie Doyle lost her career, her boyfriend, and her favorite bakery all in the same day, thanks to a call she made to bench a baseball player. Desperate for a fresh start, she takes a trainer job at a boarding school in New Hampshire.
Author Libby Hubscher delivers a delightful rom-com with Play for Me. Sophie’s new job comes with shared housing and three male roommates. Everything would be perfect if Jonas would be nicer.
Instead, Jonas wants absolutely nothing to do with her. With the gauntlet thrown down, Sophie uses her typical cheer to try and make inroads with not only the students but the frowning orchestra teacher.
This story is packed with dialog that will have readers smiling. The plot is well presented as Sophie gains valuable insight into herself and recovers from her initial failure. At the same time, readers get a glimpse into why Jonas seems closed off.
The challenge, though, is Sophie’s placement at the school is not part of her forever plans. When she wins Jonah over, what will happen next?
Play for Me is a perfect beach read with a spunky main character ready for a second chance.
Libby Hubscher is an author and scientist. She studied biology at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, and holds a doctor of philosophy in molecular toxicology from North Carolina State University. Her work has appeared online and in textbooks, scientific journals, and literary journals. Her short story “The Unwelcome Guest” was long-listed for the Wigleaf Top 50 in 2018. She lives in North Carolina with her husband, two young children, and a menagerie of pets.
