“Being loved by you is gift enough.”

Christy is a book agent and Holden is a professional baseball pitcher. They are both dealing with PR scandals and make a deal to fake date to save their careers. (TW: disordered eating, body dysmorphia, grief)

⚾️ Fake dating
📖 Dual POV
🌺 One bed
🏝️ Enemies to lovers
⚾️ Family drama
📖 Baseball pro MMC
🌺 He falls first
🏝️ Curvy FMC
⚾️ MCs in their 30s
📖 Hilarious
🌺 Mental health rep

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Five stars, no notes! If this is not on your TBR, it should be. I love fake dating. I love sports romance. Wow this book was so fun!! It would make a great movie! The chemistry and banter had me kicking my feet and giggling. The romance is so sweet. I loved the characters and their development. Christy is so relatable! Holden is so swoony.

There’s so much plot and drama going on in this book that I couldn’t put it down! I loved the updates and appearances of characters from books 1 and 2. Can’t wait for the next book!

Release date 2/25/26. Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the ARC!

“Because now, I know that you don’t play fair—which means I don’t have to either.”

Christy and Holden completely stole my heart. what a joyous read. sweet, tender and fun in all the right measures.
Christy is our book agent. but she could use some help on that front right now. Holden is our baseball player and he could use some help on that front too. the Pr machine is having a field day with them both in different ways. so what could be more complex to the mix than a fake dating deal,haha. but it might just give them the spin they need for the outside world. but what happens when on the inside things are beginning to feel a bit more, a bit TOO real.
it was a great touch to make these two have some deeper issues in their lives too. its done with the compassion and sensitivity it needs, far too often than these subjects are hit it somehow follow stereotypes or sounds judgemental. Nathalie didn't sound like that at all, instead she made it like she really did care that her characters were going through it.
i was rooting for these two both in their own lives and then together.
having support and love is literally the key to all things. having someone by your side whoever that is.
and of course as we know with these books that Nathalie gives delicious connections and banter. top tier for this one once again.
you'll want to read this book and then squeeze it to your chest.

This was the third book in a series of interconnected stand-alones, and I came in blind. I would give this 10 stars if I could and I will definitely be going back and reading the other two books in the series. This book checked so many boxes for me:
✅sports romance
✅ fake dating
✅ Supportive MMC
✅He falls first
✅ phenomenal spice

I had such a good time reading this one but it also made me really emotional. I was also super close to my grandparents and when I lost my gran, I didn’t do quite what Holden did when I found out but I can relate to that level of devastation. Subsequently I had a soft spot for him from the get go, poor baby. Christy our sweet badass FMC with such a marshmallow center for all her bravado. I wanted to give her the biggest hug because I get it, truly deeply get the lasting damage a partner’s constant criticism of your body can do to you. Watching both Holden and Christy grow and do the hard emotional work to overcome their respective trauma had me sobbing way too often because I was so proud of them. Holden’s parents are foul demons and I hope they both get swallowed by a kraken from the depths. I became so attached to these two characters and I will definitely be recommending this to my book besties. We love an emotionally intelligent down bad man who knows exactly what he’s doing in the bedroom! The spice was phenomenal and I loveeeeee how he went at the speed Christy needed without a single complaint.

Thank you NetGalley and Nathalie Theodore for the advanced copy of If We Play Fair; in exchange for my honest review.

💭My Thoughts💭
About a chapter in I was already captivated by Nathalie Theodore’s writing yet again. The story was so easy to get into, the first day I had already gotten through 25% of the book. Her writing makes you get wrapped up in the story and feel how her lovely characters are feeling.

The spice in this book might make your cheeks get a little flushed, but it’s so delicious.

It was nice to be in the world of Jenna, Sam, and Christy again, also love that we get glimpses of Dex and Sunny as well. I love how serious but also blunt Sam’s character is, and would love for her to finish out the four main ladies with a book centered around Sam. The way she is the opposite of Jenna, but also the two of them together are just what Christy needs and is friendship goals right there.

I can relate to Christy in many different ways, so I could really feel how she was throughout the story. I loved how Christy had growth throughout and really came to realize who she was and what she had wanted out life. The feisty side to her character is part of what makes her so wonderful as well. Although she has some issues to work through, she is strong and fights for what she believes is right.

How she brings out the soft side of Holden is also so endearing. Holden’s character is probably most girls fantasy. At first the character just seems so one dimensional, but I reality he has so much depth to him. The way he struggles with his family can be so familiar for some, and it made my heart break for him and how he was treated.

Absolutely loved this book, I didn’t want to put it down. Another wonderful book from Nathalie Theodore.

Thank you to the publisher Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

If I could rate this book any higher than 5 stars I would in a heartbeat, I absolutely loved it as it was sublime. This book had everything a romance novel should plenty of tension between the two leads, he falls first, fake dating, a couple who supports each other no matter what and the spice was well balanced and added to the story rather than distracting from it. I loved both Christy and Holden from the get go, they were perfect together and Holden was the perfect book boyfriend. I felt for Christy when her career that she’d worked hard at went up in smoke due to the fake wellness guru she was representing but she rose like a phoenix from the ashes. Poor Holden I really felt for him as his family really was despicable, I really felt the bond he had with grandma Evelyn through the pages. I really enjoyed reading this book, I feel a little bit sad now I’ve read the last page as I was really invested in Christy and Holden story. This book was really well written and I loved all the side characters too, this was a very satisfying and enjoyable read.

The fake dating trope and sports romance elements really drew me in from when I read the blurb for the first time and it did not disappoint! I loved this book so much and I have definitely been persuaded to read the other two books in this series! I also couldn’t put it down and finished it rather quickly!! I loved the way Christy was written, her insecurities, and also frustration and anger felt so real and raw. Holden’s family dynamics and grief also add so much depth to his character, and I thought he was really well written as well! Also he was the most perfect book boyfriend🥰 I absolutely just fell in love with him!!! Christy and Holden together were also just so tender, I loved them so much! Thank you so so much for the ARC, i’m so so grateful!!!!!

This is such a fun, refreshing rom-com story!!! It would make a fun movie! A new take on "The Proposal" :)

Christy & Holden didn't get along at first... but they decided to work together to try to save both their reputations...

The book had me laughing & sighing... it's full of stolen touches & kisses that soon turn into more, and LOL moments (the airplane bathroom scene...LOL) and of course a happily ever after.

Thanks to the author (Nathalie Theodore), publisher (Victory Editing) & Netgalley for the ARC read. All opinions are my own.

The book is scheduled to be published February 25th, so mark your calendars! You won't want to miss this book!!

Thank you Nathalie Theodore for the ARC of If We Play Fair 💜❤️

🗓 Release Date: 2-25-26

📚 Sports Romance

"They can fake the relationship. They can’t ignore the chemistry. An enemies-to-lovers baseball romance—free with Kindle Unlimited."

~~

🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶

I LOVED this book so much! From Christy and Holden's "meet-cute" that went a little wrong, to their fake dating and week in Hawaii with Holden's family. This was so funny and romantic 😍

The family drama was entertaining. I think Holden's mom kind of reminded me of Shira Huntzberger from Gilmore Girls, so that definitely made the Hawaiian family vacation interesting.

The spicy scenes were well-written and I think this book was just perfect! I think Nathalie did a wonderful job with the way she handled Christy's body insecurities and the book dedication was 💯 - "To every woman whose body has been critiqued instead of cherished. You were never the problem." 🥹

Some tropes you may be interested in:
*Fake Dating
*Sports Romance
*Enemies to Lovers
*Only One Bed
*Curvy FMC

Be sure to get your copy on release day - 2/25/2026!

“With a mischievous smile, he grabs the hem of his white t-shirt and yanks it over his head with one hand.
There he is. Holden Fucking McBride.
The most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen.
Sun-kissed hair and skin. Rock-hard body.
Blue-gray eyes that make me ache for wanting him.”

Oh my days I’m in love with this book, with these characters and with this story. It’s everything I could’ve wanted for my first ever sports romance. Packed with spice, romance and genuine heart melting moments I demolished this book. I was truly invested in Christy and Holden. @nathalietheodorewrites writing style made it impossible to put down and now I’m looking forward to reading the first two books in the series.

Thank you to @netgalley
#netgalley #ifweplayfair #dramaticheartsclub

📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖

Christy Andersen and Holden McBride bring out the worst in each other. Too bad the fates of their careers lie in each other’s hands.

Disillusioned with dating, Christy’s a powerhouse literary agent at the top of her game. But when a scandal threatens to shatter her hard-won reputation, she pins her hopes on signing pop icon Lola Piper, rumored to be writing the juiciest tell-all of the decade. There’s just one problem: Lola’s gone off the grid.

Holden, a starting pitcher for the Chicago Starlings, is a notorious player on and off the field. After a devastating loss sends him streaking across Soldier Field, his fans are outraged. All but Christy—until he manages to get on her bad side. When she tells him off, the clip goes viral, getting Holden the best press he’s had in weeks. Fans adore the feisty redhead, and his agent insists she’s exactly what he needs to clean up his image.

Christy and Holden pitch each other a deal: she’ll pretend to be his girlfriend, and he’ll introduce her to his best friend’s sister, the elusive Lola Piper. The plan is simple—fake the romance, fix their reputations, and they both walk away winners.

But as their staged relationship heats up, so does the chemistry they can’t ignore. With their hearts and careers on the line, Christy and Holden must decide whether they should keep playing fair…or change the game.

Thank you NetGalley, Victory Editing Co-op and Nathalie Theodore for my review copy. These are my thoughts:

Oh wow what a ride!! I have to say I’m in love with Christy and Holden!! Their emotional journey, character growth, hot chemistry and the caring and supportive relationship they develop after starting off as a fake couple - and with her not liking him very much (and trying to deny her attraction) was everything!

For different reasons, both Christy and Holden's careers were on the line and the only way to salvage them? Pretend to be a couple until both of their scandals blew over. What was supposed to be a simple, mutually beneficial arrangement, quickly proved to by anything but that.

Holden was smitten and made it his "life's mission" to help build Christy up and show her that she was a beautiful and lovable woman, flaws and all. And Christy quickly realised that there was more the the cocky and flirty star pitcher than met the eye and that beneath all his fame, money and family connections, was a selfless and somewhat, insecure man, who just wanted to be loved for who he was.

Theodore always brings mental health issues to her books and this one was no exception. The body image, anger management, insecurities and self-esteem issues, and anxiety are dealt with care and in a relatable way.

The found family and restored family bonds were heartwarming. I loved seeing how Christy's sister, mother and best friend rallied around when her life blew up and then were caring and welcoming of Holden into their mix.

As usual, I did not see the little plot twist coming!! And I have to say, I loved how that the "villains" got a redemption arc and a HEA.

I already mentioned this but the chemistry, tension and spice were on fire in this book. Theodore upped her game here but I enjoyed the transition from the heavy physical attraction, to the tenderness in the caring and loving relationship that Christy and Holden built. They were all about building each other up and being each other's safe space, to be angry and sad without judgement.

Overall, this is a fun and flirty and spicy book. The Hawaiian luxury setting was so lush I wanted to pack my bags and go on holiday. I appreciated the care taken with the heavier topics and that the characters were relatable in their struggles and in their healing journey.

Holden McBride, a famous MLB Starlings baseball player, is in major need for a reputation makeover, but how? Along comes Christy Anderson, a slowly growing Literary Agent who the internet loves, when she meets the famous Holden McBride their worlds collide. Can they pull of a fake dating scheme to benefit the both of them? Christy and Holden are in for a wild ride about learning to love yourself, sticking together, and true love.

If We Play Fair by Nathalie Theodore, is simply chefs kiss! This book is easily my favorite romance book I've read thus far in 2026! Nathalie Theodore is phenomenal at writing amazing, layered characters. I see myself so much in her main character Christy Anderson which helped me connect to this book on another level. I've not read the other books in this series but I absolutely going to read them ASAP! I simply cannot express how much I loved this book, I'm absolutely purchasing a physical copy although I read this as a ebook.


My Rating 5 out of 5 Stars for sure!!
Character Development 5 stars as well.
Flow & Pace 5/5




Review already posted on Goodreads
will be posted on amazon on release day (per the algorithm preferances) but I'm including a link now.
also will post a review to Fable


Thank you again for this ARC, I truly loved it so much!