Playing for Keeps

Orphan Series #1

by Yahrah St. John

More than meets the eye

Driven and ambitious, commercial-art buyer Avery Roberts always trusts first impressions, whether it's art…or men. Sexy Quentin Davis might make her pulse race, but the smooth, laid-back charmer is not her type. Then a secret about her past comes to light, leaving her vulnerable, shattered—and turning to Quentin for strong shoulders and sympathy. One kiss, and fierce attraction takes over, leaving first impressions in a haze of sensual bliss.

Quentin's focus was always on the next assignment, leaving no room for long-term relationships or commitment.

Now sleek, sophisticated Avery has him looking beyond his camera and his career. But as love and aspirations collide, heartbreak seems inevitable, until Quentin realizes he can't picture a life—or a future—without Avery in it.

Genres: Romance

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 28, 2013

About the author

Yahrah St. John is the International author of forty two books. When she’s not at home crafting one of her sexy romances with compelling heroes and feisty heroines with a dash of family drama, St. John can be found in the kitchen cooking one of her gourmet meals discovered on the Food Network for her husband. Or this thrill-seeking junky can be found traveling the globe seeking out her next adventure.

A graduate of Hyde Park Career Academy, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Northwestern University. St. John is a member of Romance Writers of America, but is an avid reader of all genres. St. John lives in sunny Orlando, the City Beautiful.

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Reviews

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quentin and Avery rub each other the wrong way when he crashes her gallery show with his friends and they bet him that he can seduce her. His photojournalist work becomes a conflict of interest when he’s paid to highlight the developer who is trying to buy the center his friend runs and he grew up in. Avery is dealing with her own issues with a terrible boss and just discovering that she’s adopted. Quentin is too pushy with Avery. I wouldn’t have gotten on a motorcycle and spicy Moroccan food burns my mouth and gives me heartburn. Plus he gets upset that she doesn’t just jump into bed with him. But he is helpful to Avery when she discovers the truth about her birth parents; if only the bet doesn’t ruin things. This was a steamy romance.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an emotional charge story that it felt so real, and the characters were genuine and willing to fight for their future. Avery and Quentin faced many obstacles to gain their HEA. I loved reading about how the characters navigated through everything that was thrown at them, and they proved that they were strong enough to handle it. It was a great story from start to finish and it was definitely worth reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rishonda Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Read

While the story was Great with Quentin and Avery, both, conquering demons from their pasts; I'm glad to know that they had each other to find comfort and solace. I especially loved how each misjudged the other at their first encounter. However, I would've liked to have learned a little more about Richard King. That's all I wish to say without a spoiler.

[Dina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Avery knew her place in her world. She was spoiled but trying to make her own way also. Quentin had changed his reality from orphanage to top tier. They both have reservations about each other. Worlds changing.

[SassyMama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opposites Attract

This is the first installment to Ms. St. John's "Orphan Series." This book was a page-turner from beginning to end. The first orphan, is Quentin Davis, a famous photojournalist, who lives life on the edge and isn't afraid to try new and different things. Then we have, Ms. Avery Roberts, who has done quite well for herself as a commercial art buyer. And although Avery is quite beautiful, she is a COMPLETE control-freak and she wears her professionalism like a "suit of armor". When the two first meet Avery is very cold towards Quentin, which earns her the nickname of the "Ice Princess." And even though Avery finds Quentin very handsome, she assumes he's just a bum off the street and treats him as such. Quentin's friends bet him $50 he can't melt Avery's icy heart.~~~~~~~I love the way Quentin takes charge and "forces" Avery to loosen up and literally let her hair down. Quentin Davis' character is quite memorable. He is portrayed as a very perceptive, passionate, and sexy young man. Although the attraction between Quentin and Avery isn't instantaneous, there are still some underlying sparks, and once Avery learns to let go and just enjoy, the desire and heat between them CANNOT be contained.~~~~~~~But will Quentin and Avery allow their personal baggage to ruin the best thing that's ever happened to them?!!! Or will they finally realize that despite their differences, they TOTALLY compliment each other! And bring out the best in one another, intellectually, emotionally and physically?!!! This is only the second novel I've read by Ms. St. John's, and I must admit I enjoy her writing style. I found this to be a very entertaining read and I look forward to the upcoming novels about Sage, Dante and Malik.

[Shonnie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book did not hold my attention. I felt like the heroine was not realistic especially due to the fact that she came from a wealthy family however everything she said contradicted the wealthy family aspect. I just didn’t like her therefore I felt she couldn’t redeem herself.