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.
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I adored Playing for Keeps. This my favourite in the Heartbreaker series. This story addressed dark issues that affect young children, teens and adults.
The story featured two individuals from different social standings but who both experienced trauma from their past. From the moment I met Sadie, Caleb and their adorable pup I knew I would love them. Although sometimes Sadie frustrated me with her actions.
Sadie is a struggling tattoo artist, who works at a day spa to make ends meet. She has no interest in relationship as her last one ended on a bad note. She has no interest in a man especially one who dresses in fancy suits and drives expensive cars. Caleb Parker should be avoided at all costs, as he is the epitome of these traits.
Caleb grew up poor, sickly and bullied by his peers. He managed, with help from an unexpected source turn around his life. He is now a self-made billionaire and a dreamboat. Something about Sadie keeps pulling him to her, but he recognises she wants nothing to do with him. However, all that changed when one rainy night they both came to the aid of a homeless puppy who saw it fit to claim them both as her owners.
Sparks sizzled between these two, but they fought them to no avail. Love proved the stronger opponent.
Caleb proved to be a swoon worthy hero, which made him the perfect book boyfriend. He is caring, always looking to help persons in need. The more time Sadie spent with him she realised she misjudged him and she could not help but fall for him.
Sadie had a hard time opening her heart to anyone. Her fears went deep, but Lollipop and Caleb had the capacity to melt the hardest of hearts and soon she found herself opening her heart.
Their relationship developed at a good pace but it was not without its obstacles, which was to be expected from two damaged souls plagued by ghosts from their pasts and meddling family members
I enjoyed Sadie’s sarcasm. Sometimes her comments had me laughing aloud. I loved how Caleb held his own with her and never allowed her to scare him away.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Playing for Keeps is a well-written story with well-developed characters that will keep you engaged from start to finish
About Jill Shalvis
New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental.
Look for Jill’s bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold and visit her website for a complete booklist daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.
Nadene's addiction to reading began at an early age, when a family friend gifted her a copy of Wuthering Heights. From that moment she was never without a book.She will read anything as long the material is compelling enough to hold her attention. She gained many experiences through the pages of the books she had the opportunity to read.She created this blog to share her love of books with like minded individuals hopes that in sharing reviews of the books read visitors to the blog will discover their next addictive read. When not reading, Nadene enjoys cooking, listening to music and watching television.
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Title: Playing for Keeps
Ha! Totally opposite reactions. I loved Caleb and Lollipop, though 🙂
Shalvis has never disappointed me, and I really adored this coupling. Caleb was a fantastic hero, and Lollipop stole my heart.
Everyone seems to be liking this one. I will be reading more of her books.
Bounces. I am glad you loved this one too, and I agree this was my favorite to date. Just the perfect blend of adorkableness and snark.
I love Jill Shalvis and this series has been a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to reading this one!
This series is on my wish list Nadene thanks great review
I always have a good time with her books
So many people love this author, I really do need to make time for her this year. So glad this was another good one for you!
I thought that this one was really well done. Sadie and Caleb had a lot in common and worked well together. Plus Lollipop was adorable.