Melissa Foster has become one of those authors whose books I can pick up with absolute confidence, without worrying about being disappointed. Therefore, picking up Playing Mr. Perfect was an absolute must, and once again, Foster lived up to my expectations.

Quarterback Clay "Mr. Perfect" Braden is determined to show sexy scientist Pepper Montgomery the benefits of hands-on research in PLAYING MR. PERFECT, the first book in the Bradens at Ridgeport series by New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Melissa Foster. Loaded with heat, humor, and heart, this steamy, small-town, opposites-attract standalone romance is unputdownable. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a happily ever after that will leave you breathless.

What happens in Paris, stays in Paris, right? Oh, Pepper. If only...

Okay, I admit it.
Sleeping with the NFL quarterback who the media has dubbed Mr. Perfect might not have been the smartest move, but I’m in the City of Love, I’d had a few drinks, and was jacked up on giddy girl talk and hopeful hearts—two things I never buy into—and I threw caution to the wind.
I want to sneak out before he wakes up, but when I open my eyes, he’s already up.
In more ways than one.
Convincing the ridiculously cocky (pun intended) man that I’m not the woman he slept with last night is awkward.
Actually, he makes it impossible.
The thing is, I don’t even know who that woman was.
And now he’s determined to find out.
**
THE BRADENS AT RIDGEPORTPlaying Mr. PerfectSincerely, Mr. BradenMore Bradens coming soon!
About the Series: Fall in love with the Bradens at Ridgeport and join these business-savvy, pleasure-oriented New Englanders as they fall head over heels with their forever loves.
Special Editions: In addition to unique covers, special editions may include special formatting, images, and a playlist.
**READY TO BINGE READ? The LOVE IN BLOOM big-family steamy contemporary romance collection features loyal alpha heroes and smart, empowered women. They're funny, flawed, passionate, and relatable to readers who enjoy sexy romance with emotional depth and strong storylines. Characters from each sub-series appear in future books so you never lose track of engagements, weddings, or births. Tropes include friends-to-lovers, billionaires, cowboys, close-proximity, fake dating, he falls first, enemies-to-lovers, sports romance, and more.
BIG FAMILIES / SMALL TOWNS (Heroes from all walks of life)Snow SistersThe Bradens at WestonThe Bradens at TrustyThe Bradens at Peaceful HarborThe Bradens & The MontgomerysThe RemingtonsThe RydersSugar Lake Harmony Pointe The Mr. Right Checklist
CAPE COD and BEACH READSSeaside SummersBayside SummersThe Steeles at Silver IslandSilver Harbor (Kindle Unlimited)Hot Mess Summer (Kindle Unlimited)Harborside Nights
BILLIONAIRESWild Billionaires After DarkBad Billionaires After Dark
BIKERS & BAD BOYS with BIG HEARTSThe Whiskeys: Dark Knights at BaysideThe Wickeds: Dark Knights at BaysideThe Wickeds: Dark Knights at Redemption Ranch
**"When it comes to contemporary romances with realistic characters, an emotional love story and smokin' hot sex, author Melissa Foster always delivers!" The Romance Reviews
"You can always rely on Melissa Foster to deliver a story that's fresh, emotional and entertaining...Every book's a winner!" NYT Bestselling Author Brenda Novak
"Melissa Foster is synonymous with sexy, swoony, heartfelt romance!" NYT Bestseller Lauren Blakely
"I highly recommend the Snow Sisters all the Braden and Remington books... They remind me of the McCarthy of Gansett series and The Green Mountain series. I am a huge fan of Marie Force. And now Melissa Foster has joined her ranks...." - I Love NY, Reviewer

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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“Playing Mr. Perfect” is the first book in Melissa Foster’s “The Bradens at Bridgeport” series. It explores the themes of opposites attract and forced proximity. The novel features a football-playing hero, making it particularly appealing to sports romance fans, especially those seeking a steamy romance with a happy ending.

Clay Braden and Pepper Montgomery are as different as night and day. Clay is a renowned NFL quarterback, while Pepper is a dedicated scientist. Sparks flew when they first met, and Clay made it his mission to get to know her better. However, whenever he was present at friends and family get together, Pepper deliberately stayed away. Imagine her mortification when, during a family trip to Paris, she discovered that he had been invited. This time, there was no escaping the inevitable. It was amusing to watch Pepper attempt to avoid Clay despite the intense attraction between them. Clay’s persistence eventually paid off, and now he needs to convince her that what they have is the real deal.

This was a wonderful story. Clay deserves the award for the number one swoon-worthy hero for 2025. Charming, sexy, handsome, caring, selfless, and romantic—that’s Clay Braden. Pepper initially believed him a player and past hurts made her wary. However, she soon realized that there was more to him than she had originally thought.

Whenever, I pick up one of Foster’s books I expect humorous and playful banter between the protagonists and Playing Mr. Perfect delivered it all. I loved their swoon worthy romance. I loved how they connected as a couple. Clay knew Pepper was the one for him and he never shied away from proving it to her. He delivered all the romantic moments. With his persistence, Pepper never stood a chance. How could she resist a man who was willing to put everything on the line for her. One who opened her up to new experiences.

Foster consistently incorporates family dynamics into her stories. In Playing Mr. Perfect, we experience a blend of Clay’s and Pepper’s families. They added humor and depth the story. It was fun to revisit characters whose stories I had previously enjoyed and to get acquainted with those whose stories are yet be released. I am certainly looking forward to reading those.

I had a blast with Playing Mr. Perfect. This was a sweet, spicy and endearing story that captivated me from the start.

 

Story Evaluation
Plot	4.5
Characters	5
World Building	5
Writing Style	5
Pacing	4
Cover	5
Enjoyment	4.5
Ending	5
Overall:

 

About Melissa Foster

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and women’s fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented, the perfect beach reads for contemporary romance and women’s fiction lovers who enjoy reading about loyal, wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines with complex relatable issues. Melissa also writes sweet romance under the pen name Addison Cole. Melissa enjoys chatting with readers and book clubs. Send her an email invitation to your next event! Never miss a brand new release, special promotions or inside gossip again by simply signing up to receive your newsletter from Melissa.

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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• COYER-Out to Lunch 2025