After a high school leadership conference ends with Sam saving Riley from the wilderness, Riley promises to make it up to him by setting him up with the girl of his dreams...even though that girl is actually dating Riley's brother. Through twists and turns of Riley trying to make good on her promise, the two slowly find out that maybe what they originally wanted isn't what they actually need.

PLAYED by Liz Fichera is one of the most adorable books I have ever read. The two main characters, Sam and Riley, will easily capture your heart with their precious and warm moments. The levels the two reach as individuals as far as depth goes shape the story into something that can be examined from layer upon layer of emotion, human growth, family, and love.

Sam, living on a reservation, brings excellent diversity to the story. His home life is richly described with so many small, but meaningful details. It contrasts well with Riley's suburban life, much like that of most middle class people. What's incredible about this book is that while you have forces like that contrasting and letting you make whatever response you want to form, you have other issues at play, like how to live in the present while also being confident in the future and how to communicate with family members whose language (metaphorically speaking) you don't remember how to speak. I love the important role the parents of both characters have in the story and how family connections are such a big deal.

Without a doubt, PLAYED is not a book you want to miss. Liz Fichera gives you giggles, tears, and a nearly impossible amount of smiles of all kinds in this amazing story. I recommend this to anyone whose heart is fully prepared to be warmed to the max.