Review of Playing for Keeps

Book Summary courtesy of Avon Publishing 

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.

My Review:

I received an ARC of Playing for Keeps from Jill Shalvis and the publisher in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. This is the 19th book that I have read of Jill's and #7 in the Heartbreaker Bay series. I have to be honest that this book took me a little bit to get into but once I got into the story I was hooked.

Jill does a great job of creating well developed characters that make a story you want to keep on reading to find out what happens to them in the end. In addition to the well developed characters she also does a great job of adding humor to the story so that it isn't just a boring romance story that puts you to sleep. For instance the humor between Sadie, Caleb and their adopted dog Lollipop just made me giggle out loud a number of times and had my dog Oliver staring at me.

Lastly, I really think this is Jill's best story yet. This story does not only have the romance, humor, family aspect and cute animals but also has the struggle of a woman trying to open heart to an attractive successful business man. Not just because of the normal stuff but because of serious things that happened during her teenage years. Mrs. Shalvis tackled the issue with facts and details which will make this story feel real and relatable to readers.

I can't wait to read more in this series from her. I recommend this book to anyone that reads fiction, romance and comedy.