Item: Playing for Keeps
Rating: 5
Author: Kimberly

Playing for Keeps by Jill Shalvis

January 21st, 2019 Kimberly Review 23 Comments

21^st Jan

Playing for Keeps
by Jill Shalvis
Series: Heartbreaker Bay #7
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:

Heat Level:

If you’re planning on falling in love…

When it comes to the confident, charismatic Caleb Parker, Sadie Lane feels the spark—the kind that comes from rubbing each other the wrong way. She’s a tattoo artist, he’s a straight-laced mogul. But after they accidentally co-rescue an abandoned dog from a storm, Sadie sees a vulnerable side to the seemingly invincible hottie.

you’d better be sure…

Caleb doesn’t do emotions. Growing up the underdog, he’s learned the hard way to build up an impenetrable wall. Perfect for business. Disastrous for relationships. He’s never worried about it before—not until he finally gets behind Sadie’s armor and begins to fall.

… someone is there to catch you.

Both guarded and vulnerable, Sadie and Caleb are complete opposites. Or are they? Shocked at their undeniable connection, can they ever admit to wanting more? That all depends on what they’re each willing to risk.

Playing for Keeps by Jill Shalvis is the seventh novel in the Heartbreaker Bay series. I loved Sadie and Caleb’s story from beginning to end! Prepare to fall in love with the cutest dog ever!

I love when two seemly opposite people realize they are more alike than they ever could have imagined. From snark to sparks this romance had it all. All the elements came together and gave me an addictive, sweet, sexy and heartwarming five cups of coffee swoon!

Coffee dates with Playing for Keeps

First Date: Sadie Lane is a starving tattoo artist with a chip on her shoulder and purple dye in her hair. She has seen Caleb Parker around the courtyard and has admired his psyche but the man she has dubbed “suits” is not her type. Yes, she finds him yummy, but she has tested the type and knows oil and water don’t mix. When he strolls past her shop one rainy evening bending over something near the alley curiosity gets the better of her. What they find is a soaking wet ball of fur. Caleb decides he will care for mutt, but so does Sadie. This changes the game and I strapped in for one heck of a ride!
Second Date: Shalvis has this way of bringing her characters to life, flaws, scars and swoon worthy qualities. She makes me care about them. From the way both react to the furball, to their interactions with secondary characters I felt as if I knew them. It wasn’t long before I became their cheerleader. The romance from that first kiss to awkward moments sizzled and felt genuine.
Third Date: The big obstacles in this romance came from trust and character growth. Trouble in the form of family and the characters’ own reactions caused issues. We saw and felt genuine growth as the storyline moved towards an HEA. I laughed, sighed and cheered my way through this final date.

The book also contains a sneak peek of The Lemon Sisters, book three in the Wildstone Series. I adore this series, the characters, friends, animals and setting and cannot recommend the series enough.

From snark to sparks this romance had it all. Playing for Keeps by Jill Shalvis. #MustRead #NewRelease #Romance #HeartbreakerBay Share on X

About Kimberly

Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram