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Publication Order of Beyond the Play Books
| First Down | (2022) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Breakaway | (2023) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Stealing Home | (2023) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Wicked Serve | (2024) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
| Yes, Chef | (2026) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
Grace Reilly
Grace Reilly is an American author who writes New Adult romance, a category that focuses on characters in college or transitioning into adult life. Her books often feature sports as a central element, with athletes and their personal lives driving much of the action. She balances romantic tension with emotional depth, and her stories are known for being warm without losing a sense of realism. Readers who enjoy contemporary love stories with a competitive edge often find her work appealing.
Reilly has a strong ability to create protagonists who feel like real people with clear motivations and believable flaws. She gives them backstories that shape their decisions, and their growth over the course of the story feels earned rather than rushed. The relationships she writes develop through honest conversations and shared experiences, not just grand gestures. This attention to character makes her books engaging and keeps readers invested in the outcome.
She connects with readers around the world by writing stories that feel honest to her own voice and interests. She does not chase trends or try to mimic what is popular at the moment. Instead, she stays focused on the kinds of characters and settings that genuinely excite her, like sports and young adult transitions. That authenticity comes through on the page, and audiences in different countries seem to respond to that realness, even when the cultural details are distinctly American.
Looking ahead, Reilly shows no signs of slowing down, with new projects clearly on the horizon. She continues to develop stories that fit within her established wheelhouse of sports and New Adult romance. Her readers can likely expect more of the same heartfelt, character-driven work that has defined her career so far. The future appears bright for this author, and her growing audience has plenty to look forward to.
Early and Personal Life
Grace Reilly grew up in New York and later made Florida her home, though she admits to some unease about the local wildlife. Her early years likely involved a natural curiosity for stories, which eventually turned into a dedicated writing practice. Like many authors, she spent plenty of time reading across genres before finding her own voice in contemporary romance.
Her inspiration comes from everyday life and the things she genuinely enjoys, including sports, cooking, and time with her dogs. These personal interests often find their way into her books, giving them a grounded and lived-in feel. She draws from her own surroundings and hobbies, which helps keep her writing fresh and connected to who she is.
Over time, she has grown as a writer by staying consistent and paying attention to what resonates with her audience. She continues to refine her craft with each new project, building on past successes while exploring new angles within her chosen niche. Her journey reflects a steady commitment to storytelling, and she shows no signs of losing momentum.
Writing Career
Grace Reilly began her published writing career with the Beyond the Play series, which kicked off with First Down in 2022. She followed that debut with Breakaway later that same year, then added Stealing Home in 2023 and Wicked Serve in 2024. This series established her as a consistent voice in New Adult romance, with each installment building on the sports-themed, character-driven style she is known for.
Later on, she released a standalone novel titled Yes, Chef in 2026, which marked a slight departure from her earlier athletic settings. This new book showed her willingness to explore different backdrops while keeping her focus on romantic relationships and personal growth. Her career remains active, and she continues to develop new material for her readers to anticipate.
Yes, Chef
Grace Reilly’s contemporary romance novel Yes, Chef was published on July 21, 2026, through Avon. This release came from a major publishing house and marked a new standalone title in her growing bibliography. The book arrived several years after her Beyond the Play series.
Chef Jack Hartman faces a career setback after a public incident at a high-end Manhattan restaurant, forcing him to relocate to his small Florida hometown. This move puts distance between him and Poppy Winfield, the daughter of his former employer, with whom he has a contentious history involving thrown shrimp. Poppy herself seeks relief from her family’s disapproval and her reputation as a frivolous social media figure, so she throws her energy into promoting Jack’s restaurant reopening. As they work together closely, their combative dynamic raises the question of whether they will clash completely or find common ground.
Readers will find this story offers a lively mix of tension and charm between two strong-willed characters. The small-town Florida setting provides a fresh backdrop that contrasts nicely with the high-stakes culinary world. The push-and-pull dynamic between Jack and Poppy keeps the pages turning without feeling forced. Overall, it seems like a satisfying choice for anyone who enjoys romance with a side of conflict and humor.
Wicked Serve
Grace Reilly’s sports romance Wicked Serve came out on August 13, 2024, from the publisher Avon. This title was the fourth installment in her Beyond the Play series. It followed three earlier books in that same collection, all released between 2022 and 2023.
Nikolai is a hockey player who needs to make his final season count, but a transfer to McKee University puts him on the same campus as Isabelle Callahan, the sister of his new team captain. He and Isabelle had a secret summer fling, and seeing her again brings all those feelings back, even though getting involved could cause trouble with her brother. Isabelle is focused on regaining her spot on the volleyball team and wants to forget about Nikolai, but she finds herself drawn to him despite her better judgment. As they continue their secret arrangement, they must decide whether to pursue a real relationship or let it fall apart completely.
Many will likely enjoy the tension between the main characters, given their secret history and the high stakes involved. The hockey and volleyball settings add energy and a competitive backdrop that keeps things lively. The push-and-pull of their connection feels genuine and keeps the story engaging throughout. Overall, it seems like a fun, dramatic read for fans of sports romance.
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