What do you think?
Rate this book
The Game #2
Playing for Keeps
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Emma Hart, comes the second book in The Game series, and the story everyone wanted after The Love Game…
She's in love with him.
He's trying not to love her.
One night changes everything.
Aston Banks never meant to get close to Megan Harper – not even for that one night. Haunted by a childhood he refuses to face, he knew she could break through every wall he’d ever built and tear them down without even realizing she was doing it.
Betraying Braden by starting a relationship with Aston wasn’t on Megan’s to-do list, but the second she sees a glimpse of someone other than the arrogant ass she’s come to know, she can’t walk away.
Aston’s childhood is worse than Megan ever guessed, but as he tries and fails to push her away, it’s clear her love is stronger than the demons that cling to him every day. And now, because of it, he finally has to deal with what he’s buried deep down.
What he doesn’t want to face. What he’s fought against for so long. And they have to do it all without Braden finding out. Keeping a relationship secret has never been harder.
She's in love with him.
He's trying not to love her.
One night changes everything.
Aston Banks never meant to get close to Megan Harper – not even for that one night. Haunted by a childhood he refuses to face, he knew she could break through every wall he’d ever built and tear them down without even realizing she was doing it.
Betraying Braden by starting a relationship with Aston wasn’t on Megan’s to-do list, but the second she sees a glimpse of someone other than the arrogant ass she’s come to know, she can’t walk away.
Aston’s childhood is worse than Megan ever guessed, but as he tries and fails to push her away, it’s clear her love is stronger than the demons that cling to him every day. And now, because of it, he finally has to deal with what he’s buried deep down.
What he doesn’t want to face. What he’s fought against for so long. And they have to do it all without Braden finding out. Keeping a relationship secret has never been harder.
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 13, 2013
128 people are currently reading
5023 people want to read
About the author
Emma Hart
125 books7,563 followersEmma Hart is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over twenty novels and has been translated into several different languages. She first put fingers to keys at the age of eighteen after her husband told her she read too much and should write her own.
Four years later, she's still figuring out what he meant when he said she 'read too much.'
She prides herself on writing smart smut that's filled with dry wit, snappy, sarcastic comebacks, but lots of heart... And sex. Sometimes, she kills people. (Disclaimer: In books. But if you bug her, she'll use your name for the victims.)
You can find her online at www.emmahart.org, www.facebook.com/emmahartbooks, or join her reader group at http://bit.ly/EmmaHartsHartbreakers.
Four years later, she's still figuring out what he meant when he said she 'read too much.'
She prides herself on writing smart smut that's filled with dry wit, snappy, sarcastic comebacks, but lots of heart... And sex. Sometimes, she kills people. (Disclaimer: In books. But if you bug her, she'll use your name for the victims.)
You can find her online at www.emmahart.org, www.facebook.com/emmahartbooks, or join her reader group at http://bit.ly/EmmaHartsHartbreakers.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 422 reviews
May 27, 2013
'Cause, well, yeah. Naturally, I think it's bloody brilliant.
November 12, 2013
Aston ❤️❤️❤️ what a story!
Off to research some yummy goodness ....
Off to research some yummy goodness ....
June 27, 2013
So, this second book is the story of Megan and Aston. If you remember, Megan is Braden’s best friend, practically a sister, and Aston is also one of Braden’s best friends.
Braden is very protective of Megan and Aston is a bit (being “bit” an understatement) of a playboy that jumps from girl to girl without even remember their names.
But when they get together one night, they can’t stay away from each other and so they start a secret relationship.
And as the time progresses, Megan’s starts to see that Aston is more than what he seems and that he’s broken by a dark past. And Aston realizes that with Megan, somehow his ghosts no longer seem so important.
And when feelings starts to grow, they’ll have to find out how to become “fre-nemies” to lovers in one day without losing a best friend along the way.
Despite the good reading that this book was, I liked the first better. Was something missing on this one: probably drama. For a secret relationship with a broken playboy, with a protective best friend thrown to the middle… this was seriously missing some drama.
Nonetheless, I liked it and it’s definitely a sweet romance, very fast to read. :)
Braden is very protective of Megan and Aston is a bit (being “bit” an understatement) of a playboy that jumps from girl to girl without even remember their names.
But when they get together one night, they can’t stay away from each other and so they start a secret relationship.
And as the time progresses, Megan’s starts to see that Aston is more than what he seems and that he’s broken by a dark past. And Aston realizes that with Megan, somehow his ghosts no longer seem so important.
And when feelings starts to grow, they’ll have to find out how to become “fre-nemies” to lovers in one day without losing a best friend along the way.
Despite the good reading that this book was, I liked the first better. Was something missing on this one: probably drama. For a secret relationship with a broken playboy, with a protective best friend thrown to the middle… this was seriously missing some drama.
Nonetheless, I liked it and it’s definitely a sweet romance, very fast to read. :)
August 26, 2021
well well well. that was bad. i felt like i was reading a cheap and boring wattpad fanfiction, where everyone was acting like an idiot or fool.
where is the chemistry between the characters? where is the plot? where is megan’s brain?
i’m disappointed, though i had no expectations, because this was about nothing. i can’t even tell you what it is about, how it is about nothing.
where is the chemistry between the characters? where is the plot? where is megan’s brain?
i’m disappointed, though i had no expectations, because this was about nothing. i can’t even tell you what it is about, how it is about nothing.
September 13, 2013
4,5 Stars only for Ashton!!
Ashton, Ashton, Ashton!!!!!
He is perfect and i mean it with all of my heart. His past life was so cruel and he hides everything with putting up an act.. The act of a jerk but still it's all just a game to hide who he really is..
He is emotional, hot, gorgeous, smart, sexy, sensitive and broken..
And when he cries.. I want to cry with him..
Megan on the other hand had a great life so she doesn't have the same background with him.. Being on his side and helping him is great but the truth is i didn't like her as much as i thought i would.. Maybe because i had a huge problem with how Braden was acting out and cause she was really dramatic with no reason at all in some points..
I liked the story though and mostly anything that had to do with Ashton, his past and his dreams..
His grandpa was amazing too and overall i really enjoyed every character except Braden..
I didn't expect to be so displeased with him.. I didn't like how he acted with Megan.. Maddie should be his number one..But i'm still happy that my Ashton delivered the whole player + good girl = fairytale..
THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BOOK
- The childhood memories were heart wrenching..
- I loved their "talk" in the kitchen, with the apple.. HOT
- The cookie story.. O.M.G. *SOBBING*
- The talk Ashton had with his grandpa was so sentimental..
- He is a tortured hero..
- The rain scene!!! PERFECT...
- I wanted to see more of their friends..
- I liked Maddie..
Ashton, Ashton, Ashton!!!!!
He is perfect and i mean it with all of my heart. His past life was so cruel and he hides everything with putting up an act.. The act of a jerk but still it's all just a game to hide who he really is..
He is emotional, hot, gorgeous, smart, sexy, sensitive and broken..
And when he cries.. I want to cry with him..
Megan on the other hand had a great life so she doesn't have the same background with him.. Being on his side and helping him is great but the truth is i didn't like her as much as i thought i would.. Maybe because i had a huge problem with how Braden was acting out and cause she was really dramatic with no reason at all in some points..
I liked the story though and mostly anything that had to do with Ashton, his past and his dreams..
His grandpa was amazing too and overall i really enjoyed every character except Braden..
I didn't expect to be so displeased with him.. I didn't like how he acted with Megan.. Maddie should be his number one..But i'm still happy that my Ashton delivered the whole player + good girl = fairytale..
THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BOOK
- The childhood memories were heart wrenching..
- I loved their "talk" in the kitchen, with the apple.. HOT
- The cookie story.. O.M.G. *SOBBING*
- The talk Ashton had with his grandpa was so sentimental..
- He is a tortured hero..
- The rain scene!!! PERFECT...
- I wanted to see more of their friends..
- I liked Maddie..
May 15, 2016
En realidad 4,5*
El juego de la pasión es una historia preciosa, romántica, realista y con su parte de drama. Perfecta para disfrutar una tarde de una lectura sencilla y fácil de leer que os conquistará de principio a fin.
Reseňa completa -> http://thewordsofbooks.blogspot.com.e...
El juego de la pasión es una historia preciosa, romántica, realista y con su parte de drama. Perfecta para disfrutar una tarde de una lectura sencilla y fácil de leer que os conquistará de principio a fin.
Reseňa completa -> http://thewordsofbooks.blogspot.com.e...
June 9, 2013
Aston and Megan would be perfect for each other, except for two small problems - Aston's a man-whore, and Braden, Megan's best friend since childhood, knows it. Braden's like a brother to her, and even though Aston is his friend, he'd kill Aston before letting him tear Megan's heart out like he's done to a thousand other girls. There's just one problem - Megan's falling hard and fast for Aston, no matter how much Aston thinks she can find someone better.
Aston and Megan are magnetic. I loved Megan's determination to get Aston to see that his life has worth, that he's an incredible person despite his past. Their chemistry absolutely explodes on the page with tension and heat, and their dedication to making sure each has the best future possible is incredibly touching.
This is a book about learning that people can always change - even your best friends, even the people from your past who hurt you most, even - and probably most importantly - yourself. It's a a beautiful story about not only finding someone who helps you see a future for yourself, but who also helps you understand that your past, though it's painful, has had an incredible hand in
PLAYING FOR KEEPS is an exquisite mixture of sweet, heartbreaking, and fan-yourself hot. This story grabbed hold of my soul and, weeks later, still hasn't let it go.
Aston and Megan are magnetic. I loved Megan's determination to get Aston to see that his life has worth, that he's an incredible person despite his past. Their chemistry absolutely explodes on the page with tension and heat, and their dedication to making sure each has the best future possible is incredibly touching.
This is a book about learning that people can always change - even your best friends, even the people from your past who hurt you most, even - and probably most importantly - yourself. It's a a beautiful story about not only finding someone who helps you see a future for yourself, but who also helps you understand that your past, though it's painful, has had an incredible hand in
PLAYING FOR KEEPS is an exquisite mixture of sweet, heartbreaking, and fan-yourself hot. This story grabbed hold of my soul and, weeks later, still hasn't let it go.
dnf
March 12, 2017I feel like I would've liked this book if I've read it a long time ago.
But now.. I'm just not feeling it. Their characters, their romance, their struggles... I got nothing. Don't care either way.
I'm sure it's just me. Maybe I've read this type of book one time too many. Maybe I'm starting to get too old for this storyline. Who knows?
Anyhoo, I recently decided that life is too short to read something I don't enjoy just because I don't want to leave a book unfinished. So I'm DNF-ing this sucker.
But now.. I'm just not feeling it. Their characters, their romance, their struggles... I got nothing. Don't care either way.
I'm sure it's just me. Maybe I've read this type of book one time too many. Maybe I'm starting to get too old for this storyline. Who knows?
Anyhoo, I recently decided that life is too short to read something I don't enjoy just because I don't want to leave a book unfinished. So I'm DNF-ing this sucker.
July 22, 2015
3,5
Estos libros tienen un no-se-qué-qué-se-yo que vaya enganchada. Son JR al 100%, y a pesar de no ser temas novedosos, sus personajes y, sobre todo el ritmo y la prosa narrativa, cautivan y entretienen. Ideales para esas tardes tranquilas de verano...
Aston y Megan tienen una relación tan bonita, aunque no termino de entender ese secretismo al que se agarran tan fervientemente... luego ha pasado lo que ha pasado. Quizás me gustó un poco más el 1º, pero es una saga interesante que seguiré.
Estos libros tienen un no-se-qué-qué-se-yo que vaya enganchada. Son JR al 100%, y a pesar de no ser temas novedosos, sus personajes y, sobre todo el ritmo y la prosa narrativa, cautivan y entretienen. Ideales para esas tardes tranquilas de verano...
Aston y Megan tienen una relación tan bonita, aunque no termino de entender ese secretismo al que se agarran tan fervientemente... luego ha pasado lo que ha pasado. Quizás me gustó un poco más el 1º, pero es una saga interesante que seguiré.
July 29, 2016
Una historia entretenida que se lee en nada. Un Astor que se hace querer desde el primer momento y una Megan enamoradiza y chispeante que nos hace pasar buenos ratos. La trama no tiene mucha originalidad y apenas hay conflicto (a parte de ese secretismo que no acabo de entender muy bien). No está mal, tiene momentos buenos, aunque para mi gusto le falta algo para que sea una historia redonda.
Want to read
April 1, 2013This is definitely Megan and Aston's book!!!!!
October 29, 2015
La mia recensione sul blog ---> http://www.leggereromanticamente.com/...
Tornano i personaggi della serie The Games, anche se questa volta la storia vede protagonisti principali Aston e Megan.
Come probabilmente ricorderete, Megan è la migliore amica di Braden: i due si conoscono sin da bambini e sono cresciuti insieme, tanto che lui l'ha sempre protetta come fosse la sua sorellina minore.
Megan proviene da una famiglia ricca ma non è assolutamente una snob, studia letteratura, è sempre immersa nei libri e sogna di trovare il suo Mr. Darcy (E chi non lo sogna?!).
Megan ha già conosciuto un ragazzo in grado di farle sentire le farfalle nello stomaco, ma nessuno ne è a conoscenza perchè si tratta di Aston, il migliore amico di Braden e dongiovanni incallito, da cui è stata messa in guardia più volte.
Scelta sbagliata? Direi di no, visto che Aston non è solo terribilmente sexy ma anche molto intelligente e attaccato al nonno che l'ha cresciuto. In poche parole, nemmeno i suoi amici lo conoscono veramente, se non per il suo status di play boy strafottente!
La cruda realtà che ha dovuto affrontare Aston da bambino l'ha sempre condizionato facendogli credere di non meritare nulla, soprattutto di non meritare una brava ragazza come Megan, che è l'unica a fargli provare qualcosa di diverso.
Insomma i due ragazzi si lanciano continue occhiate e frecciatine, ma con Braden di mezzo ognuno va per la sua strada... fino ad un indimenticabile bacio che nessuno dei due riesce a togliersi dalla testa!
Mentre nel primo libro la relazione tra i due è nata per gioco, per una scommessa, in questo libro non ci sono scommesse in atto (quindi non fatevi fregare dal titolo!), l'unica cosa su cui potrete scommettere è “quanto si incazzerà Braden quando scoprirà il segreto dei suoi due migliori amici?”.
Entrambi i protagonisti mi sono piaciuti molto: Megan è una romantica sognatrice come me, non si scoraggia, e non ha nessuna intenzione di lasciar perdere il ragazzo che le ha rubato il cuore, mentre Aston mi ha fatto molta tenerezza, soprattutto nei flashback del suo passato... nessun bambino dovrebbe mai vivere certe brutte esperienze!
Ho molto apprezzato il continuo battibeccare con frecciatine e doppi sensi tra Megan e Aston, un interludio divertente è sempre ben accolto: quei due sono davvero esasperanti!
La storia è molto carina e scorrevole, vengono affrontate anche tematiche difficili, ma sinceramente continuo a non capire perché tenere segreta la loro storia! Quella è l'unica cosa che proprio non mi è andata giù!
Nel complesso l'ho trovato un romance new adult molto carino e dolce e visto che le scene sensuali non sono quasi per nulla descritte adatto anche ad un pubblico YA.
Tornano i personaggi della serie The Games, anche se questa volta la storia vede protagonisti principali Aston e Megan.
Come probabilmente ricorderete, Megan è la migliore amica di Braden: i due si conoscono sin da bambini e sono cresciuti insieme, tanto che lui l'ha sempre protetta come fosse la sua sorellina minore.
Megan proviene da una famiglia ricca ma non è assolutamente una snob, studia letteratura, è sempre immersa nei libri e sogna di trovare il suo Mr. Darcy (E chi non lo sogna?!).
Megan ha già conosciuto un ragazzo in grado di farle sentire le farfalle nello stomaco, ma nessuno ne è a conoscenza perchè si tratta di Aston, il migliore amico di Braden e dongiovanni incallito, da cui è stata messa in guardia più volte.
Scelta sbagliata? Direi di no, visto che Aston non è solo terribilmente sexy ma anche molto intelligente e attaccato al nonno che l'ha cresciuto. In poche parole, nemmeno i suoi amici lo conoscono veramente, se non per il suo status di play boy strafottente!
La cruda realtà che ha dovuto affrontare Aston da bambino l'ha sempre condizionato facendogli credere di non meritare nulla, soprattutto di non meritare una brava ragazza come Megan, che è l'unica a fargli provare qualcosa di diverso.
Insomma i due ragazzi si lanciano continue occhiate e frecciatine, ma con Braden di mezzo ognuno va per la sua strada... fino ad un indimenticabile bacio che nessuno dei due riesce a togliersi dalla testa!
Mentre nel primo libro la relazione tra i due è nata per gioco, per una scommessa, in questo libro non ci sono scommesse in atto (quindi non fatevi fregare dal titolo!), l'unica cosa su cui potrete scommettere è “quanto si incazzerà Braden quando scoprirà il segreto dei suoi due migliori amici?”.
Entrambi i protagonisti mi sono piaciuti molto: Megan è una romantica sognatrice come me, non si scoraggia, e non ha nessuna intenzione di lasciar perdere il ragazzo che le ha rubato il cuore, mentre Aston mi ha fatto molta tenerezza, soprattutto nei flashback del suo passato... nessun bambino dovrebbe mai vivere certe brutte esperienze!
Ho molto apprezzato il continuo battibeccare con frecciatine e doppi sensi tra Megan e Aston, un interludio divertente è sempre ben accolto: quei due sono davvero esasperanti!
La storia è molto carina e scorrevole, vengono affrontate anche tematiche difficili, ma sinceramente continuo a non capire perché tenere segreta la loro storia! Quella è l'unica cosa che proprio non mi è andata giù!
Nel complesso l'ho trovato un romance new adult molto carino e dolce e visto che le scene sensuali non sono quasi per nulla descritte adatto anche ad un pubblico YA.
July 5, 2013
Aim for the moon, because even if you miss, you'll land among the stars. --Megan, from Playing for Keeps
If I hadn't liked this cast of characters so much in the beginning of this series and already been half-way in love with Aston, there would have been no hope that this book would work for me. But Aston's childhood horrors, the questions behind so much blame and guilt kept me reading, and of course, the hot and cocky bad boy attitude Aston exuded daily grabbed me from the first book in the series. As a reader, you just knew there were so many underlying currents waiting to surface.
However, all the secretive messiness just didn't sit well. I couldn't relate to the "Braden issue" as being the consuming reason for the "big secret." Never made any sense to me. Too many other major and emotional subjects within should have taken the major role. The author should have found a better answer to all the silliness surrounding her use of Braden and his "protectiveness" of Megan as the reason for all the hush-hush hiding, sneaking, and lies continually front and center. And also, what about Maddie, Braden's girlfriend? Come on girl, get your guy in check -- this kinda friendship is a bit whacked -- don't ya think? It just didn't balance or work -- for me anyway!
The positives for me included some wonderfully written dialogue and the attraction between two young people on totally different ends of the spectrum. The relationship building between Megan and Aston was particularly tender and fun to watch take shape. Megan's best friend Lila was another great addition to the cast. She's the kind of friend a girl would love to have -- the "unconditional" kind! And Gramps stole my heart from his first sassy and gruff remarks to all the love and sweetness in his heart.
There were numerous editing problems that could have easily been avoided with a little extra attention. No, it wasn't exactly up to par and what I had envisioned. Still yet, it wasn't a complete loss and overlooking the aforementioned "messiness," a good story.
If I hadn't liked this cast of characters so much in the beginning of this series and already been half-way in love with Aston, there would have been no hope that this book would work for me. But Aston's childhood horrors, the questions behind so much blame and guilt kept me reading, and of course, the hot and cocky bad boy attitude Aston exuded daily grabbed me from the first book in the series. As a reader, you just knew there were so many underlying currents waiting to surface.
However, all the secretive messiness just didn't sit well. I couldn't relate to the "Braden issue" as being the consuming reason for the "big secret." Never made any sense to me. Too many other major and emotional subjects within should have taken the major role. The author should have found a better answer to all the silliness surrounding her use of Braden and his "protectiveness" of Megan as the reason for all the hush-hush hiding, sneaking, and lies continually front and center. And also, what about Maddie, Braden's girlfriend? Come on girl, get your guy in check -- this kinda friendship is a bit whacked -- don't ya think? It just didn't balance or work -- for me anyway!
The positives for me included some wonderfully written dialogue and the attraction between two young people on totally different ends of the spectrum. The relationship building between Megan and Aston was particularly tender and fun to watch take shape. Megan's best friend Lila was another great addition to the cast. She's the kind of friend a girl would love to have -- the "unconditional" kind! And Gramps stole my heart from his first sassy and gruff remarks to all the love and sweetness in his heart.
There were numerous editing problems that could have easily been avoided with a little extra attention. No, it wasn't exactly up to par and what I had envisioned. Still yet, it wasn't a complete loss and overlooking the aforementioned "messiness," a good story.
July 5, 2013
I really just felt like the book was trying too hard. By trying to be so emotional and deep, a lot of the book came across as contrived. Don’t get me wrong, one of the more entertaining things I’ve read in a long time.
And a couple of nitpicks:
1. Grammar, typos and wrong words in the wrong places galore! This book could use a serious editing.
2. Writing about a place the author clearly isn’t familiar with. For example, they keep commenting on Aston’s high school GPA of 3.8 and calling him smart, but a 3.8 probably wouldn’t have even gotten him in to Berkeley – the average GPA for admitted students is closer to 4.1. Most people familiar with the UC system would know that a 3.8 just wouldn’t do it.
But what was really annoying? Obviously, being from the UK, the author isn’t that familiar with the SF Bay Area. Even transplants wouldn’t refer to San Francisco as “San Fran,” and someone who grew up in the Tenderloin (not the "Tenderloin district") certainly wouldn’t. The city, SF, San Francisco, but NO ONE who lives here calls it San Fran.
And a couple of nitpicks:
1. Grammar, typos and wrong words in the wrong places galore! This book could use a serious editing.
2. Writing about a place the author clearly isn’t familiar with. For example, they keep commenting on Aston’s high school GPA of 3.8 and calling him smart, but a 3.8 probably wouldn’t have even gotten him in to Berkeley – the average GPA for admitted students is closer to 4.1. Most people familiar with the UC system would know that a 3.8 just wouldn’t do it.
But what was really annoying? Obviously, being from the UK, the author isn’t that familiar with the SF Bay Area. Even transplants wouldn’t refer to San Francisco as “San Fran,” and someone who grew up in the Tenderloin (not the "Tenderloin district") certainly wouldn’t. The city, SF, San Francisco, but NO ONE who lives here calls it San Fran.
March 16, 2014
I like/d Aston. He's pretty cute sort of bad boy. Anyway I missed (just a bit) Braden&Maddie.
June 26, 2013
3.5 SWEET and SAPPY Stars!!
Awwwwwww!
This book just made me smile. It was so sweet, and cute and sappy. :) It was NOT deep! But it was entertaining...and a quick read.
Playing for Keeps is book 2 in The Game series. The whole gang is back....Braden and Maddie (featured in The Love Game), Lila and Ryan, Kay (the bi-sexual friend) and Aston and Megan. PfK is Aston and Megan's story. These are standalone books, and while I did read The Love Game, I still found myself a little confused about the dynamics of the all of the different relationships. Who was friends with who....who lived with who....who was dating who, etc. But I caught up pretty quickly.
One thing to remember is that Braden and Megan are childhood BFFs. Braden and Maddie fell in love in The Love Game. Braden is super protective of Megan and has threatened everyone in his frat house to stay away from Megan, specifically Aston--Braden's other BFF. But one weekend while Braden and Maddie are out of town, Aston and Megan hook-up.
Aston is of course one of the campus sluts, sleeping with a different girl every weekend. He sleeps with women to forget about his abusive past. Until he meets Megan, and she's different. Megan's not just a one time thing. She makes him feel. This was a rather predictable story, as you can see. Ultimately Aston ends up opening up about his past for the first time with Megan. His biggest fear being that knowing will push her away. But Megan is there for Aston and helps him to overcome his past.
Like I said, this was cute. It was predicatble, had little depth...but it also had some steamy sex scenes and some witty dialogue amongst the group of friends. I would recommend this if you're looking for something quick and fun. Something to get lost in for a few hours. This was a standalone with a HEA. I am hoping the next book in the series is about Kay--she's one of my favorite characters.
Awwwwwww!
This book just made me smile. It was so sweet, and cute and sappy. :) It was NOT deep! But it was entertaining...and a quick read.
Playing for Keeps is book 2 in The Game series. The whole gang is back....Braden and Maddie (featured in The Love Game), Lila and Ryan, Kay (the bi-sexual friend) and Aston and Megan. PfK is Aston and Megan's story. These are standalone books, and while I did read The Love Game, I still found myself a little confused about the dynamics of the all of the different relationships. Who was friends with who....who lived with who....who was dating who, etc. But I caught up pretty quickly.
One thing to remember is that Braden and Megan are childhood BFFs. Braden and Maddie fell in love in The Love Game. Braden is super protective of Megan and has threatened everyone in his frat house to stay away from Megan, specifically Aston--Braden's other BFF. But one weekend while Braden and Maddie are out of town, Aston and Megan hook-up.
Aston is of course one of the campus sluts, sleeping with a different girl every weekend. He sleeps with women to forget about his abusive past. Until he meets Megan, and she's different. Megan's not just a one time thing. She makes him feel. This was a rather predictable story, as you can see. Ultimately Aston ends up opening up about his past for the first time with Megan. His biggest fear being that knowing will push her away. But Megan is there for Aston and helps him to overcome his past.
Like I said, this was cute. It was predicatble, had little depth...but it also had some steamy sex scenes and some witty dialogue amongst the group of friends. I would recommend this if you're looking for something quick and fun. Something to get lost in for a few hours. This was a standalone with a HEA. I am hoping the next book in the series is about Kay--she's one of my favorite characters.
June 27, 2013
Out of all of Emma's books this one has to be my favorite. Aston sweet baby Jesus I love him, "you're not being attacked." Aston mutters against my mouth. "Unless you want it." He has a cocky jerk side, "I think you're wrong," he whispers. "Because I'm pretty sure you said you wanted me on Saturday night - right before you dug those nails of yours into my back and wrapped your pretty little legs around my waist." Aston and Megan's relationship is a work in progress through out the whole book, both trying to find their ground with each other and others around them, "face it, baby, you need me as much as I need you. Maybe I need you more. I haven't figured that out yet, but believe me, Megan Harper, if I have to walk out of this room without you promising me you're mine, I will come back and chase you down. I will chase you down and if I have to, I will pin you and your naked, trembling body to that damn bed until you say it." Megan and I we have things in common, like our books, "there's nothing wrong with my books. They give me what I don't have in real life." Ain't that the truth, and when someone messes with those books we get mad, "you don't throw my books. Ever." I tell him firmly. His lips twitch. "I mean it. Next time you throw one of my babies, especially a favorite, I will hurt you." Aston he just makes the story well actually both Megan and Aston do, but the s*** that comes out of Aston's mouth is funny, "please tell me it's easy to ride a horse with a boner."
June 28, 2013
Meh, I just wasn't feeling this book. I was bored by 40% but because I usually like this authors writing (The love game & Never Forget) I wanted to finish.
My problem was - Nothing really happens and i felt that the whole book just dragged. The characters meander back and forth too much and there were meaningless chapters which didn't aid the plot or further the story. There was a lot of typos and it was off putting having to constantly go back and re-read sentences/paragraphs.
I did like the back and forth POV's, I love getting in different characters heads and I did like the banter between the MC's when they did talk... Although that wasn't often because they were constantly having sex! I may have to go out on a limb here and say, I think it was too much! I definitely preferred the first book and would recommend to anyone who likes this genre, but I was a let down with this one.
My problem was - Nothing really happens and i felt that the whole book just dragged. The characters meander back and forth too much and there were meaningless chapters which didn't aid the plot or further the story. There was a lot of typos and it was off putting having to constantly go back and re-read sentences/paragraphs.
I did like the back and forth POV's, I love getting in different characters heads and I did like the banter between the MC's when they did talk... Although that wasn't often because they were constantly having sex! I may have to go out on a limb here and say, I think it was too much! I definitely preferred the first book and would recommend to anyone who likes this genre, but I was a let down with this one.
June 6, 2013
In the slew of NA books available these days, Emma Hart stands out.
I adored Playing for Keeps, the second book in her NYTimes Bestselling series. It is fresh, funny, sexy, and deals with tragic situations in such a completely pure way that it doesn't feel maudlin or heavy-handed. Ms. Hart writes her characters and their dialogue with such authenticity, you'll find yourself yelling at the pages like you'd yell at your best friend. And the sexy times? They're hot and sweet, a perfect combination for the young lovers depicted.
Playing for Keeps is a perfect summer read. If you haven't yet, put it on your TBR list. You won't regret it.
I adored Playing for Keeps, the second book in her NYTimes Bestselling series. It is fresh, funny, sexy, and deals with tragic situations in such a completely pure way that it doesn't feel maudlin or heavy-handed. Ms. Hart writes her characters and their dialogue with such authenticity, you'll find yourself yelling at the pages like you'd yell at your best friend. And the sexy times? They're hot and sweet, a perfect combination for the young lovers depicted.
Playing for Keeps is a perfect summer read. If you haven't yet, put it on your TBR list. You won't regret it.
Read
April 30, 2015I can't take any more of this book! It's a DNF at 51%!
June 28, 2016
2,5
Algo más de miga que el anterior, pero tensión 0. Lineal, sin sorpresas ni conflicto... A Aston te dan ganas de achucharlo, pero creo que se podía haber sacado más partido a la historia
Algo más de miga que el anterior, pero tensión 0. Lineal, sin sorpresas ni conflicto... A Aston te dan ganas de achucharlo, pero creo que se podía haber sacado más partido a la historia
March 27, 2019
Ho letto questo libro subito dopo il primo della serie e anche se tutti i volumi sono autoconclusivi, ritroviamo in “Scommettiamo che ti faccio Innamorare” personaggi già conosciuti (se ancora non avete letto la mia recensione dovete farlo subito xD fidatevi!). Nel precedente romanzo la caratteristica che più risaltava era la leggerezza; pochi traumi, poco approfonditi e tanto divertimento. Mi aspettavo lo stesso da questo secondo volume e invece vi ho trovato un più “classico” -se così si può dire- stile New Adult! Anche qui abbiamo il tipico Playboy americano, sportivo, fisicato e che cambia ragazza con la stessa frequenza con cui io cambio mutante! La protagonista invece, rispecchia sicuramente molte di noi: sognatrice, il naso sempre affondato in un buon libro, che cerca l’amore dei romanzi e non si aspetta certo di trovarlo in Aston. Ma la vita si sa, spesso ci sorprende!
“Ho paura di stare con te e ho paura di perderti.
E’ tutta la vita che mi preoccupo solo di me stesso, che scappo dai sentimenti.
Poi… Poi ho incontrato te ed è cambiato tutto.
Ho scoperto che ciò che pensavo fosse vero era solo una montagna di cazzate.
L��unica cosa vera sei tu.”
Tutto inizia dalla mera attrazione fisica, e senza che nemmeno loro se ne accorgano il sentimento cresce e si fa strada perché Aston non è solo un bel ragazzo che vuole divertirsi, ma un uomo che ha sofferto molto, schiavo dei fantasmi del passato e che non sa nemmeno cosa sta cercando finché non lo trova, in Megan.
“Voglio entrare dentro di te finché non capirai più dove finisci tu e dove comincio io.”
Gran parte della loro storia si svolge in segreto, di nascosto dagli amici e da tutti, un amore rubato in pochi momenti e sussurrato in angoli bui. Purtroppo rispetto al primo romanzo, questo è stato meno coinvolgente e a mio avviso, più stereotipato. Ciononostante è stata comunque una piacevole lettura di intermezzo tra un grande romanzo e il successivo. Adesso non mi resta che aspettare il terzo volume e vedere cosa mi regaleranno Abby e la sua disperata e triste storia.
“Siamo un segreto spalancato davanti al mondo, una contraddizione totale.”
In questo secondo romanzo devo dire che anche il modo in cui la scrittrice approccia al rapporto pare cambiato, il primo era molto più sexy rispetto a questo che taglia e sorvola quasi completamente le scene erotiche tra i protagonisti. In realtà ricordo a malapena la loro fisicità. Di che colore ha i capelli Aston? E gli occhi di Megan? Insomma è tutto poco curato, mancano i dettagli che a mio parere farebbero di un libro carino, un buon romanzo. Vi lascio con la solita colonna sonora, in questo caso “Lovers” dei Beech, e con un piccolo estratto che sicuramente rispecchia ognuna di noi, accanite lettrici. Un bacio e alla prossima recensione!
“I miei libri non fanno niente di male. Mi danno ciò che mi manca nella vita vera.”
.
Novalee - per RFS
“Ho paura di stare con te e ho paura di perderti.
E’ tutta la vita che mi preoccupo solo di me stesso, che scappo dai sentimenti.
Poi… Poi ho incontrato te ed è cambiato tutto.
Ho scoperto che ciò che pensavo fosse vero era solo una montagna di cazzate.
L��unica cosa vera sei tu.”
Tutto inizia dalla mera attrazione fisica, e senza che nemmeno loro se ne accorgano il sentimento cresce e si fa strada perché Aston non è solo un bel ragazzo che vuole divertirsi, ma un uomo che ha sofferto molto, schiavo dei fantasmi del passato e che non sa nemmeno cosa sta cercando finché non lo trova, in Megan.
“Voglio entrare dentro di te finché non capirai più dove finisci tu e dove comincio io.”
Gran parte della loro storia si svolge in segreto, di nascosto dagli amici e da tutti, un amore rubato in pochi momenti e sussurrato in angoli bui. Purtroppo rispetto al primo romanzo, questo è stato meno coinvolgente e a mio avviso, più stereotipato. Ciononostante è stata comunque una piacevole lettura di intermezzo tra un grande romanzo e il successivo. Adesso non mi resta che aspettare il terzo volume e vedere cosa mi regaleranno Abby e la sua disperata e triste storia.
“Siamo un segreto spalancato davanti al mondo, una contraddizione totale.”
In questo secondo romanzo devo dire che anche il modo in cui la scrittrice approccia al rapporto pare cambiato, il primo era molto più sexy rispetto a questo che taglia e sorvola quasi completamente le scene erotiche tra i protagonisti. In realtà ricordo a malapena la loro fisicità. Di che colore ha i capelli Aston? E gli occhi di Megan? Insomma è tutto poco curato, mancano i dettagli che a mio parere farebbero di un libro carino, un buon romanzo. Vi lascio con la solita colonna sonora, in questo caso “Lovers” dei Beech, e con un piccolo estratto che sicuramente rispecchia ognuna di noi, accanite lettrici. Un bacio e alla prossima recensione!
“I miei libri non fanno niente di male. Mi danno ciò che mi manca nella vita vera.”
.
Novalee - per RFS
July 10, 2013
Playing for Keeps is the second novel in The Game series and tells the story of Megan and Aston. Sweet and careful Megan is overly protected by her best friend Braden (the leading man from The Love Game) and can't admit that she's in love with bad-boy Aston. Aston's bravado is covering up a painful past and he never means to get involved with Megan. One night together changes everything.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, The Love Game and wanted to like this book, but it ultimately fell short of my expectations. The book is trying really hard to be something it's not. It wants desperately to be deep and moving, but it comes across as more melodramatic than touching. The emotion is forced and contrived.
Just like in her first novel, the author does have a very good male voice in Aston, but the voice of Aston's Gramps, who plays a major role in the story, is disjointed and forced. Somehow Hart never manages to capture the voice of an elderly gentleman in an authentic way, so it comes across as a crude caricature of an older person. Also awkward are the flashback scenes in which Aston is speaking as a child. The child's voice is not believable and once again tries to force emotion. In the end I had a hard time feeling anything for Aston despite his traumatic past. You have to make me want to have feelings for a character and unfortunately Aston is such a jerk to Megan in the beginning that it was hard to feel for him. Yes, I understand the author is trying to show his grand transformation, but the despicable behavior in the beginning was too much.
As for Megan, the book is clearly Aston's story, but I would have liked to have heard more about his leading lady. Although the story flips between point of view to feature both characters, Megan is underdeveloped and flat. It's hard to like a character I know very little about.
Are the sexy scenes steamy? Yes, undoubtedly so. However, the first sex scene occurs five pages into the novel and it was frankly too much too soon. I could have used more story to get to know the characters better. (You know, like foreplay. A New Adult author should know all about that). I like a good sexy scene as much as the next girl, but don't need it forced on me right away.
After finishing Playing for Keeps I'm left disappointed. I really wanted more from this second book in the series. I'm not sure if the author has other books planned for The Game series, but she has unfortunately lost me altogether.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, The Love Game and wanted to like this book, but it ultimately fell short of my expectations. The book is trying really hard to be something it's not. It wants desperately to be deep and moving, but it comes across as more melodramatic than touching. The emotion is forced and contrived.
Just like in her first novel, the author does have a very good male voice in Aston, but the voice of Aston's Gramps, who plays a major role in the story, is disjointed and forced. Somehow Hart never manages to capture the voice of an elderly gentleman in an authentic way, so it comes across as a crude caricature of an older person. Also awkward are the flashback scenes in which Aston is speaking as a child. The child's voice is not believable and once again tries to force emotion. In the end I had a hard time feeling anything for Aston despite his traumatic past. You have to make me want to have feelings for a character and unfortunately Aston is such a jerk to Megan in the beginning that it was hard to feel for him. Yes, I understand the author is trying to show his grand transformation, but the despicable behavior in the beginning was too much.
As for Megan, the book is clearly Aston's story, but I would have liked to have heard more about his leading lady. Although the story flips between point of view to feature both characters, Megan is underdeveloped and flat. It's hard to like a character I know very little about.
Are the sexy scenes steamy? Yes, undoubtedly so. However, the first sex scene occurs five pages into the novel and it was frankly too much too soon. I could have used more story to get to know the characters better. (You know, like foreplay. A New Adult author should know all about that). I like a good sexy scene as much as the next girl, but don't need it forced on me right away.
After finishing Playing for Keeps I'm left disappointed. I really wanted more from this second book in the series. I'm not sure if the author has other books planned for The Game series, but she has unfortunately lost me altogether.
July 1, 2013
I can honestly say, the love game series is one of my fav by Emma Hart and this story if Ashton and Meg is better than the first book! Full review to come soon for the blog tour.
Just buy this book when it comes out. Mhhmm okay? Okay!
*** I got an ARC copy of this book from the author in return for my honest opinion***
In book one we get introduced to Megan as the girl that’s the mastermind behind getting her two best friends together. She had this witty personality and great comebacks. In this book, her personality doesn’t disappoint us. She still has witty comebacks and a her personality is so well developed, it’s hard not to fall in love with the girl.
Then we have our Aston. The guy who every one sees as a playboy and are very dismissive of him. Never judge a book by its cover fits our Aston to the T. His treatment of the girls is the outcome of his broken past, not to say that’s a good thing. But the more we learn about our hero, the more we sympathize with him.
So somewhere between the back story and the on going story, Emma weaves us a neat path that allows us to fall in love with both of her characters. I had found myself to skip dialogues that involve every other character just so I could get to the areas where Aston and Megs face-off.
Over all, I LOVE this book. I loved it more than the first book. This book had certainly earned a place in my heart.
5-Stars.
Just buy this book when it comes out. Mhhmm okay? Okay!
*** I got an ARC copy of this book from the author in return for my honest opinion***
In book one we get introduced to Megan as the girl that’s the mastermind behind getting her two best friends together. She had this witty personality and great comebacks. In this book, her personality doesn’t disappoint us. She still has witty comebacks and a her personality is so well developed, it’s hard not to fall in love with the girl.
Then we have our Aston. The guy who every one sees as a playboy and are very dismissive of him. Never judge a book by its cover fits our Aston to the T. His treatment of the girls is the outcome of his broken past, not to say that’s a good thing. But the more we learn about our hero, the more we sympathize with him.
So somewhere between the back story and the on going story, Emma weaves us a neat path that allows us to fall in love with both of her characters. I had found myself to skip dialogues that involve every other character just so I could get to the areas where Aston and Megs face-off.
Over all, I LOVE this book. I loved it more than the first book. This book had certainly earned a place in my heart.
5-Stars.
June 25, 2013
I fell in love with Emma's writing after reading book 1 in The Game series, The Love Game and I could not wait to finally read Aston's and Megan's story!
Megan has been in love with Aston for months now, but she knows that it is almost impossible for something to happen between them. Why? Because Aston is best friends with Braden, who is extremely over-protective of Megan and loves her like a sister. Aston has been warned not to go there with Megan or he will get his sexy behind kicked.
All Megan wants is one single night with the sexy, cocky, and arrogant Aston and what better opportunity to be with him than the weekend Braden is going to be away with his girlfriend Maddie. But one night for either one is not enough and the relationship will have to be kept secret in order for Braden not to find out.
I loved The Love Game, but I fell in love with Playing for Keeps even more! The story not only focused on the secret relationship, but also on Aston's troubled and violent childhood. We come to realize that his tough exterior was just a shell to protect himself. It was heartbreaking to see how he tended to hide his real self and how low his self-esteem was and I loved to see how much Megan helped him see his self-worth.
I think if Megan was a real person, her and I would be bff's; she's a bigger bookaholic than I am!
I can't wait to read Emma Hart's other books and maybe even book 3 of The Game series.
Megan has been in love with Aston for months now, but she knows that it is almost impossible for something to happen between them. Why? Because Aston is best friends with Braden, who is extremely over-protective of Megan and loves her like a sister. Aston has been warned not to go there with Megan or he will get his sexy behind kicked.
All Megan wants is one single night with the sexy, cocky, and arrogant Aston and what better opportunity to be with him than the weekend Braden is going to be away with his girlfriend Maddie. But one night for either one is not enough and the relationship will have to be kept secret in order for Braden not to find out.
I loved The Love Game, but I fell in love with Playing for Keeps even more! The story not only focused on the secret relationship, but also on Aston's troubled and violent childhood. We come to realize that his tough exterior was just a shell to protect himself. It was heartbreaking to see how he tended to hide his real self and how low his self-esteem was and I loved to see how much Megan helped him see his self-worth.
I think if Megan was a real person, her and I would be bff's; she's a bigger bookaholic than I am!
I can't wait to read Emma Hart's other books and maybe even book 3 of The Game series.
April 6, 2016
Playing For Keeps es el segundo libro de la serie The Game creada por la autora Emma Hart y narra la historia de Asthon y Megan, personajes secundarios en el primer libro.
No recuerdo demasiado sobre el primer libro ( lo lei hace dos años o asi ), lo que provoco que al iniciar este me costara un poco cogerle el ritmo, no conseguia recordar quienes eran Megan y Asthon, aun asi empece la historia con muchas ganas, ya que la mayoria de reseñas decian que era muy bueno.
No voy a mentir y decir que fue el mejor libro que he leido ( a la vista esta por la puntuacion que le puse ), fue una historia sencilla, muuuy rapida de leer ( en serio, me sorprendio lo rapido que lo termine ) y con una trama cliche pero muy tierna.
Mi mayor problema con la historia fue que senti que le falto algo, gran parte de la lectura estuve esperando que pasara algo cualquier cosa que me sorprendiera ya que toda la trama se desarollo de una forma extraña, todo era plano, no senti que hubiera inicio, desarrollo y conclusion como suele pasar en los libros, con eso no digo que fuera una mala lectura, me gusto en cierta manera porque fue una historia mas ligera de lo que esperaba, pero si es cierto que no fue todo lo que yo esperaba.
Si quieres una lectura tierna y rapida de leer, estoy segura de que disfrutaras este libro.
3 Estrellas!
December 13, 2015
Io credo nelle seconde possibilità!
Il primo libro della serie è stato uno dei pochi che non sono riuscita a finire, troppo banale, troppo noioso, troppo tutto! Ma non ho rinunciato e ho deciso di cimentarmi con il secondo capitolo della serie The Game per vedere se la situazione era migliorata un attimino…
NO, NO e ANCORA NO!
Un altro libro insulso, noioso, banale, insignificante, inconsistente, privo di interesse e via così….
Il fatto poi di ritrovare quei due babbei del primo libro mi ha messo addosso pure quell’irritazione difficile da mandare via!
Sempre le solite storie, drammoni familiari, lui il solito che si fa qualsiasi cosa respiri, lei la solita cretinetta…
Ora basta. Per me questa serie finisce qui!
L’unico motivo che potrebbe indurvi a leggere questo libro?
Soffrite d’insonnia? Ecco il rimedio! Basta contare le pecorelle, basta camomilla e valeriana e basta sonniferi! Leggete per 10 minuti qualche pagina a casaccio di questo libro e non vi sveglieranno più neanche le cannonate!
Da evitare!
Il primo libro della serie è stato uno dei pochi che non sono riuscita a finire, troppo banale, troppo noioso, troppo tutto! Ma non ho rinunciato e ho deciso di cimentarmi con il secondo capitolo della serie The Game per vedere se la situazione era migliorata un attimino…
NO, NO e ANCORA NO!
Un altro libro insulso, noioso, banale, insignificante, inconsistente, privo di interesse e via così….
Il fatto poi di ritrovare quei due babbei del primo libro mi ha messo addosso pure quell’irritazione difficile da mandare via!
Sempre le solite storie, drammoni familiari, lui il solito che si fa qualsiasi cosa respiri, lei la solita cretinetta…
Ora basta. Per me questa serie finisce qui!
L’unico motivo che potrebbe indurvi a leggere questo libro?
Soffrite d’insonnia? Ecco il rimedio! Basta contare le pecorelle, basta camomilla e valeriana e basta sonniferi! Leggete per 10 minuti qualche pagina a casaccio di questo libro e non vi sveglieranno più neanche le cannonate!
Da evitare!
February 28, 2018
Honestly after Playing for Keeps I knew I wanted Megs to fall in love… I don’t know why but I wasn’t expecting another bad boy turned straight…but holy hell did Aston have a great back story… that’s what kept this story different and interesting. I laughed and I cried and I jumped for joy =] Aston is literally every woman’s fantasy: he is sexy, broken, romantic, and strong. Shh don’t tell but look where I caught our two lovebirds
“Not everything is made to be shared. Not every scar is on the physical body. Some scars are on the mind. Some scars can’t be seen. They’re inside, burned in so deeply that they’ll never be healed.”
“Not everything is made to be shared. Not every scar is on the physical body. Some scars are on the mind. Some scars can’t be seen. They’re inside, burned in so deeply that they’ll never be healed.”
July 1, 2013
I really like Emma Hart! I was a fan of Maddie and Brayden...but Megan was always a fave of mine! this could have easily been a book filled with shit moments and cheating...lots of man drama, but it was not! instead it was a really emotional love story with two characters embracing one another and proving to everyone that what they have is worth it. Aston is the girl playing frat boy who is secretly shaped by his traumatic past. He feels nothing, he wants nothing! Then there is Megan...she makes his want everything, but she is Brayden's bff...he can't go there! fortunately for him, Megan wants to go there Also! Can they lie to everyone? Can they be together and be accepted? READ it...and find out! I loved when these two were together...Aston is a bad boy...with a big soft heart! their journey is truly heartfelt...I recommend Emma Hart completely!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 422 reviews