Playing For Keeps by Kendall Ryan

Narrated by Jason Clarke and Virginia Rose

First Standalone in a Related Series. Sports Romance.

Playing for Keeps by Kendall Ryan was a light, fun and sexy escape. A perfect poolside read or great listen for a long drive. There was nothing overly memorable or unique about it, in fact, when I first started it, I had to put it down because it was so similar to the book I was reading. But I am glad I picked it up again and dove in because I really enjoyed it. Playing for Keeps combines a Hockey Romance with Friends-to-Lovers, with Best Friend’s Little Sister tropes, and they all worked great together.

“I know I should see him as nothing more than a disgusting manwhore, or as a second brother to me-but I’ve never felt anything remotely familial about Justin Brady.”

Elise is a pre-school teacher who has been in love with her brother’s best friend since she was in Kindergarten. When she was old enough, Justin realized he had more than brotherly feelings towards Elise, but he held those feeling in check out of respect for his best friend.

“Is that a hockey stick, or are you just happy to see me?” I tease.

Until one drunken night.

“He kisses like he plays hockey– with complete confidence and laser focus.”

When they wake up the next day, it couldn’t be more awkward, or more devastating to Elise. But as they worked through their feelings, I absolutely loved their connection.

While Playing For Keeps may not be a stand-out memorable read, I absolutely enjoyed listening to every word, and I had a smile on my face the whole time. Can’t complain about that!

“When she’s beside me, all my nerve endings light up with a feeling I can’t explain. I feel alive. Raw. On edge.”

Likes:

Light, sweet and fun.
Very Sexy.
I loved both characters.
Great side characters.
Listened with a smile on my face.
A great feel-good escape.

Dislikes:

There was nothing particularly unique about it, it just felt like it was written to market.

Narration:

I absolutely love Jason Clarke and Virginia Rose did a great job with Elise, but I wouldn’t have minded a slightly younger sounding voice for her.

The Down & Dirty:

Playing for Keeps by Kendall Ryan is a feel-good sexy hockey romance that has lots of fun tropes like friends-to-lovers and Best Friend’s Sister. It had great banter, wonderful pacing, and I smiled the whole way through. I am glad I took good notes though, because as I sit to review this over a week after finishing, I can barely remember it, and find myself confusing it with other similar books I have recently read. So if you are looking for something unique, this isn’t for you. But if you are looking for a light, fun, feel-good sports romance, I think you’ll love Playing for Keeps.