Playing for Keeps
A Heartbreaker Bay Novel
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4.3 • 336 Ratings
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- $8.99
Publisher Description
FIRST TIME AVAILABLE
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 yoga pants, he’s a suit. 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.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Shalvis's seventh Heartbreaker Bay contemporary (after Hot Winter Nights), set in the Cow Hollow neighborhood of San Francisco, is a perfectly acceptable but formulaic romance. Sadie's a woman of many talents: tattoo artist, dog whisperer, and survivor of a difficult childhood. One stormy night, a three-legged dog appears and she rescues the pup with help of the man she calls Suits, aka Caleb, a young, wildly successful entrepreneur with a passion for taking care of his loved ones. They're oil and water, yet irresistibly drawn together. Sadie wants to see what's under Caleb's designer threads, while Caleb is fascinated by the pierced, aloof, tough artist. Lollipop, the rescue (who's more likable than any of the human characters), keeps them in contact, and soon a slow-burning romantic and sexual connection develops. From the adorable meet-cute through interfering families and misunderstandings, the novel delivers sweet fun with warmth and joy, but no surprises.
Customer Reviews
See AllCo-pet parenting at its best!
Playing for Keeps is the latest installment of the Heartbreaker Bay Series. Sadie and Caleb find themselves brought together by an unlikely source, Lollipop, the dog they rescue and end up co-pet parents for. Sadie is a spitfire and Caleb, or Suits, as Sadie thinks of him. Lollipop becomes their buffer but Sadie is dealing with "family" stuff and is determined not to fall in love with "Do Not Even Think About Falling For This Guy". Caleb may have a number of successful businesses but just because he is successful doesn't mean he wants to share it alone, and in the process get the Coven aka his sisters off his back. Playing for Keeps is a great story of two people learning how to be themselves and possibly in a relationship at the same time. And let's be honest, who can resist a guys whose favorite food is Mac and Cheese and a dog named Lollipop!
Loved it!!!
Every time I read a Jill Shalvis book, it’s like coming home. Her writing is fantastic, and you can’t help but fall in love with her character, and Playing For Keeps is no different.
I love Sadie’s character. She’s sassy, kick butt, and a bit guarded. Which makes her the perfect hero for Caleb. They both have demons from their past that still haunt them a bit today, but are growing from it. Most of the family members I could do without, and there were a few that really irked me, but I guess their hearts were in the right place.
A fantastic read that I would definitely recommend!!
Caleb & Sadie make the best partners & pet parents!
A touching, emotionally charged story, with a high level of lust as well. I love the ups and downs along with the push and pull this relationship takes. Reading about Sadie’s life and her choice to be a starving tattoo artist and Caleb’s background leading up to becoming a billionaire genius had me alternating between tears, anger, and wonder. After knowing each other for a year and only trading sarcastic barbs, they are suddenly rescuing a dog that they both fall in love with. Becoming co-pet parents means they will be forced to communicate in a different way. Their shared interest in doing what’s right for their fur baby helps them learn more about each other. Another fantastic story by Jill Shalvis! The Heartbreaker Bay series is a must read and is always a possibility for a reread.