Playing for Keeps: A Heartbreaker Bay Novel

I absolutely loved Sadie and Caleb’s story in Playing for Keeps by Jill Shalvis, book seven in her Heartbreaker Bay series. Caleb Parker is a wealthy successful entrepreneur who is very close to his sisters, who all work with him. The Parker family is loyal and protective of each other. Sadie Lane is working two jobs, tattoo artist and in a spa, in order to make ends meet. She appears tough, always needing to have the last, often sarcastic response, as she does not care to open herself to a chance of again getting hurt. She is private, keeping her past to herself, and unlike Caleb, is not close to her family. One stormy, rainy night, Caleb encounters an abandoned three legged dog, trying to catch it. Sadie, who knows Caleb as a businessman who she calls “Suits”, tries to help him with capturing the dog. Together they rescue the dog and decide they both want to keep the dog Lollipop, as Sadie named her. Sadie and Caleb decide co-owning the dog is best, forcing them to work together, and learn how to ask someone else for help. Caleb was an asthmatic and scrawny youngster, often the victim of bullies. One day he met a dojo who helped him learn to protect himself and save his life. As Caleb made his mark in the world he made sure his sisters and mom had all they needed, money-wise, and helped others, like his old dojo, in dire straits. Sadie was a round peg in a family of square holes; she did not fit. Misunderstood by her family she suffered from their over the top concern with her and her differences; losing much of her freedom and confidence. It was not surprising that she wouldn’t let people get close to her. Caleb wanted to help her, take care of her but knew she would resent any interference in her life. On paper Caleb and Sadie were opposites, him rich and she struggling, but they both loved that dog to pieces. As they spent time together, getting to know each other, their attraction grew and became steamy. I loved that Caleb was the first to truly see Sadie, through her walls, through her armor, and started understanding her. Saying that, Caleb and Sadie are experts as sabotaging any relationship they’ve been in and this one has its moments; especially when a major misunderstanding occurs causing trust issues. Like the other residents in Cow Hollow, I was cheering on these two toward a happy ending. Ms. Shalvis wrote a wonderfully sexy, emotional and heartwarming story that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with amusing and sexy banter, out loud laughs, sarcasm, and endearing characters not only giving Sadie and Caleb a chance at having a solid, loving future together but also a wonderful network of supportive friends. This book is totally in Jill Shalvis’ voice; I could hear her voice and many of her funny tales as I read this book. I highly recommend Playing for Keeps to other readers. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Wow, another excellent story by this talented author. We are back at the Pacific Pier Courtyard and this time the story belongs to Sadie Lane, and Caleb Parker/Suits. She is a tattoo artist and he’s a billionaire. Both share friends in Heartbreaker Bay. When Caleb sees Sadie rescuing a homeless dog during a rain shower, he helps her and they end up co-parenting the dog. Their friendship and relationship begins to evolve. Though seemingly very different people, each has had a tough childhood . While Caleb starts opening up to her, Sadie fears her secrets will destroy whatever it is they have. But overcoming her past, and finding someone who truly gets her and accepts her, scares Sadie even more. While the plot is engaging and the characters complex, it’s the underlying story that got to me most. Sadie’s story could be describing any teenager nowadays . A girl that doesn’t fit her family expectations, whose actions are asking for help and in turn is treated like a freak. Heartwrenching . This is another heartbreaking but also heartwarming story in this series. Have your hankies ready, because you’ll need them. I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

Sadie Lane does not do love, she has been burnt too many times to go there again, so she puts off this prickly, somewhat sarcastic front to shield herself from the enemy. But then her friends bring Caleb Parker into her world, and suddenly maintaining that standoffish exterior becomes harder than ever to keep up. He has trouble written all over him, but convincing her heart and head to be on the same page about that becomes a major problem!! Every time Caleb Parker is near Sadie Lane he notices the sparks, but she doesn't seem to notice them, or him for that matter. She acts like she can't stand him, constantly pushing him away with sarcastic comments, and damn if he still doesn't want to get to know her, there is just something about her that cannot be denied. He just needs to find a way in... little does he know a scared little dog is about to give him that chance. Playing for Keeps brings you a swoony love story that is good for your heart, each page is filled with humor and feisty banter that will have you giggling out loud! I absolutely loved this character pairing, the moment they graced the pages I was enamored with them and their unique little union. They tried so hard to fight the sparks, but ultimately love won out, and they both found themselves surrendering to it, and boy was it fun to watch the battle unfold! This is definitely one of my favorites from this author, it had everything I crave in a story, and then some, Caleb really helped seal the deal for me! He was the perfect book boyfriend, sexy, sweet, considerate, and just a tad bossy!! Highly recommend you get your hands on this newest offering from Ms. Shalvis, her wonderfully crafted characters will have you beaming throughout! I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.