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Playing for Keeps

(Heartbreaker Bay #7)

Jill Shalvis (Goodreads Author)

4.06 · Rating details · 4,045 ratings · 713 reviews

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.

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Kindle Edition, 387 pages

Published January 22nd 2019 by Avon

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Dec 20, 2018 Carol [Goodreads Addict] rated it it was amazing

Shelves: contemporary-romance

Playing for Keeps is book seven in the Heartbreaker Bay series by Jill Shalvis. Wow, Jill did it again with this one. I was in love in the first chapter. Not only did I fall in love with these two main characters, but also, I fell head over heels in love with this little dog.

Mercedes Alyssa Lane, otherwise known as Sadie Lane is a struggling tattoo artist. To make ends meet, she also has to work at a day spa, so twelve hour days are her norm. She works in the Pacific Pier Building and has known ...more

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Jan 15, 2019 Julie rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2019

Playing for Keeps by Jill Shalvis is a 2019 Avon Publication.

I’m always happy to return to the Heartbreaker Bay series. So far, each chapter in the series has been a little whimsical and maybe a bit quirky. This book begins with a similar tone as the other books in the series, with Sadie and Caleb adopting an adorable dog named ‘Lollipop’ and becoming co- pet parents.

However, Sadie and Caleb are complete opposites. Their attraction to each other is like mixing oil and water. Caleb has deal Playing for Keeps by Jill Shalvis is a 2019 Avon Publication.

I’m always happy to return to the Heartbreaker Bay series. So far, each chapter in the series has been a little whimsical and maybe a bit quirky. This book begins with a similar tone as the other books in the series, with Sadie and Caleb adopting an adorable dog named ‘Lollipop’ and becoming co- pet parents.

However, Sadie and Caleb are complete opposites. Their attraction to each other is like mixing oil and water. Caleb has dealt with some heavy issues in his past, but he’s taken big strides toward maturation, although he still hides behind emotional barriers, and his sister’s overabundance of caution and extreme protectiveness.

Sadie on the other hand-

Well, Sadie is still coping with a lot of baggage she can’t quite seem to shake off. In Sadie, the reader sees someone struggling not only with a haunted past, but with some bitterness, and the immature need to rebel, still trying to shock and offend.

Of all the books in this series, to date, this one feels a little more serious. Shalvis always has an uncanny knack for addressing uncomfortable topics, while keeping the tone light. Her humor always offsets the heaviness in any given situation. This time, however, the whimsy, charm, humor, felt forced and often falls a bit flat.

Despite that, the story is still a very compelling read. Sadie’s issues would test the patience of Job, but so would Caleb’s sisters!! I am glad, however, that Shalvis addressed a topic rarely explored in romance novels of this caliber.

Although I found this couple to be more of a challenge than most, their happily ever after may have been the most rewarding, in some ways. Perceptions, expectations, family, acceptance, and forgiveness are adeptly woven into the story. Caleb and Sadie defy all the odds against them and at the end of the day, this is what makes this book stand out.

In all honesty, I struggled with this one just a little bit and I can’t, in one hundred percent honesty, tell you this is my absolute favorite book of the series. It almost felt a little like the black sheep of the family, going off on a different course from the others. However, I still think the outcome was worth the extra patience this couple seemed to require. Of course I was, as always, happy to see this couple, and Lollipop, get their long overdue happily ever after.

3.5 stars
...more

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Jan 21, 2019 DJ Sakata rated it it was amazing

Shelves: humor, adult-contemporary-romance

Favorite Quotes:

Sadie listened with half her brain, the other half wandering off.

Sometimes life really bit a girl on the ass. Thankfully she had enough padding there to take the hit.

“So she can be bribed.” “You just fed her a fortune in fancy cuts of meats and cheeses,” she said. “Anyone could’ve been bribed with that. Hell, I’d have jumped into a stranger-danger van for that.”

“She dumped me. Twice. Women should come with instructions.” “What would be the point of that?” Sadie asked. “I’ve never ...more

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Dec 05, 2018 Stacey is Sassy rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arc, angry-fix, cats-and-dogs, dark-ish, steamy, favourites-2018, millionaire-billionaire-hero, tear-jerker, the-good-guy-hero, cont-series

****IT'S ALIVE!!!****

He wasn’t just a billionaire in a suit

When it comes to love, I have been known to be a little insecure at times. For years I saw my hubby with rose-coloured glasses. To me, he’s handsome, smart, caring and sweet. I thought every woman in the world would want him for their own. We’re so different, he is sporty and doesn’t read (WEIRD!!) and survives with little to no sleep. Finally, after 21 years of marriage, the rose-coloured glasses have a few smudges on them. He’s sti ...more

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Jan 10, 2019 MELISSA *Mel Reader* rated it really liked it

Shelves: arcs

4.5 ”Follow Your Heart” Stars!
(ARC provided by Social Butterfly PR)

Caleb Parker is a confident, charming, charismatic gorgeous man living in San Francisco. He's a hugely successful, well known venture capitalist who seems to have the midas touch in business. He's driven when it comes to his career, but never has put much effort into his personal life. He doesn't date much or do relationships. Then one evening he rescues an abandoned dog with a beautiful woman named Sadie Lane, and everything ...more

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Jan 22, 2019 Sabrina rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc-edelweiss-netgalley, contemporary-romance

Amazon US * Amazon UK

Playing for Keeps brings readers back to Heartbreaker Bay with Sadie Lane and Caleb Parker. Sadie is struggling to make ends meet while Caleb is a successful businessman, but you know what they say about opposites - they attract. In the case, Sadie and Caleb attract a whole lot of sexual tension hidden under a bunch bickering encounters.

I have to say, if I wasn't already a fan of this series I definitely would be now. I just adored this couple and I loved seeing how all of ...more

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Oct 14, 2018 Beth rated it it was amazing

Shelves: edelweiss, kindle, tour, own, romance, january-2019

Sometimes life circumstances and/or an abused drive people apart but utterly adorable puppy with three legs, can bring a two unlikely people together. In Playing for Keeps, Shalvis pens a strong family dynamic that intrudes, aggravates and strongly supports the bonds that form between the reader and the connection to the characters.

In the end, Playing For Keeps completely sucked me. I loved the how these opposites attracted each other finding a common goal that brought them together.

I received ...more

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Jan 23, 2019 Jen ♥Star-Crossed Book Blog♥ rated it really liked it

Shelves: arcs, love-makes-my-heart-happy, hot-hot-hot, romance, adult

Playing for Keeps was a heartwarming love story where opposites attract. With the help of their friends and a dog that quickly stole both of their hearts, destiny seemed to be in the air. I absolutely adore the Heartbreaker Bay Series and I couldn't wait to read Caleb and Sadie's story! While each book can easily be read as a standalone, I highly recommend starting back at the beginning. You don't want to miss a moment with this group of friends and coworkers.

He was everything she no lon

He was everything she no longer let herself want.

Sadie Lane opened her heart up to us from that very first chapter. The relationship she had with her mother was heart wrenching and she was jaded towards men. But thankfully Sadie was working hard doing something she loved. She was building up her clientele as a tattoo artist, but to make ends meets she also works at a spa. Finances were tight and she was definitely struggling, so I found myself sympathetic to her from that very first chapter.

“Not interested,”said her mouth.
Her brain though, it was telling her a different story.
He just grinned. He knew. Dammit. She forced her gaze off his body and into his eyes.

One dark and stormy night, Sadie found herself helping Caleb Parker rescue a dog. Caleb was someone who had been around Sadie for the last year. They knew mutual people, worked near one another, but Sadie quickly labeled him Suits. She didn't ever stop to think that his past wasn't just a golden spoon. Or how hard he worked to get to where he was. But when they both ended up rescuing a three-legged dog, Sadie named Lollipop, everything slowly started to change.

He’d taken Lollipop to a pet park. He held her hand whenever she got scared. Damn. The man was dangerous to her heart and soul.
Which made him the very opposite of perfect . . .

I have fallen for every single male Jill Shalvis has created, so of course I heart Caleb. While he was in the Forbes top 100 and was labeled a billionaire, he was so much more than that. Caleb was the most kind, patient, compassionate and thoughtful man ever. He loved his family deeply and helped to take care of them. They were such a huge part of his life. And I loved watching how his sisters would meddle in his love life, whoops lol. But Sadie intrigued Caleb from the beginning, and no matter what was thrown at them, he fought for them to be together.

“I keep telling you, there’s no this.”
“Are you sure?” Very slowly and carefully, clearly giving her plenty of time to get away if she really wanted, he stepped into her, making her extremely aware that she now stood hemmed in between the alley wall and his body, neither quite touching her.

Even though they now shared a dog, Sadie still had her walls up high and was closed off. As they started to spend more time around each other, Sadie realized she judged Caleb wrong. And while she started to share herself with him, it was not always easy. You see, she lacked faith and jumped to conclusions at times with Caleb. It hurt not only them, but me too. Especially when she wouldn't just take a breath and listen. Thankfully Caleb had the most patience ever and thankfully Sadie knew how to apologize and step up her game. Their road to a HEA was an emotional journey, but I kept faith that it would all work out in the end.

When he was gone, she looked at Lollipop. “Okay, maybe I see a tiny bit of why you heart him so much. But just a little bit, mind you.”

Luckily they both had help from their friends, Ivy, Rocco and Spence. Plus Lollipop. Lollipop was so important to this story. Not only did she initially bring them together, but she helped them. She got them to see each other in different ways. She helped them grow as friends and slowly into something more. It didn't even matter that she was really good at interrupting them lol. Lollipop added a ton of heart to this story, she was the hugest star ever! Just don't tell Caleb I said that!

“Okay, fine,” Sadie said. “I know what I have to do.”
Ivy narrowed her eyes. “Do you really?”
“Sure.”
Ivy shook her head. “You don’t have a clue, do you?”
Sadie’s eyes filled. “No,” she whispered.
“You follow your heart.”

So if you're a fan of Jill Shalvis, this series or stories where a kind man, an adorable dog and a women who's learning how to love and trust fill the pages then definitely pick up this book. This story made me smile so much and this is completely random but I loved Sadie's take on food. I love that she requested In N Out, they're my favorite burgers in the world, and I'm a huge sucker for muffins and everything else she loved too! Playing for Keeps was an adorable love story and I can't wait to see who the next book in this series is about!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

For more of my reviews, please visit:

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Oct 08, 2018 Christie«SHBBblogger» rated it it was amazing

Shelves: advanced-copy, mr-money-bags, auto-buy-author, snarky-heroine, part-of-a-series, jan2019

Title: Playing For Keeps
Series: Heartbreaker Bay #7
Author: Jill Shalvis
Release date: January 22, 2019
Cliffhanger: no
Genre: contemporary romance

Accidentally on Purpose was my first read in this series, and Elle and Archer have remained my favorite couple since then. I officially have a new leading couple because Caleb and Sadie unexpectedly swept me off my feet. I adore Jill Shalvis' humor in her books. You can always depend on her to deliver belly laughs and chuckles galore. Playing for Keeps d ...more

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Dec 30, 2018 Claire Robinson rated it really liked it

Shelves: shit-hot-series

4 - "You’re different…" Stars!

We return to Heartbreaker Bay for the seventh book in the series; Playing for Keeps giving us Sadie and Caleb’s story. Star of the show for me, and jelly that held this particular relationship sandwich together was three legged mutt Lollipop a.k.a Poops-a-lot.

"You have your superhero armor… and I have mine"

We have stepped somewhat away from the original crew now, and this far along in the series, Jill has started giving stories to some of the characters who have bee ...more

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Jan 19, 2019 Carole (Carole's Random Life in Books) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2019, direct-from-publisher, romance, reviewed, series

This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.

I loved this book! This is the seventh book in the Heartbreaker Bay series but it can easily be read as a stand-alone novel. Fans of the series will enjoy checking in with some much-loved characters. I have enjoyed all of the books in this series so I was pretty eager to read this newest installment and it did not disappoint. Once I started reading this book, I didn't want to put it down and felt swept away by the story.

Caleb and Sad This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.

I loved this book! This is the seventh book in the Heartbreaker Bay series but it can easily be read as a stand-alone novel. Fans of the series will enjoy checking in with some much-loved characters. I have enjoyed all of the books in this series so I was pretty eager to read this newest installment and it did not disappoint. Once I started reading this book, I didn't want to put it down and felt swept away by the story.

Caleb and Sadie are the focus of this book along with their little dog, Lollipop. The book opens with Caleb and Sadie finding a stray dog in the rain. They both are ready to accept responsibility for the dog and end up deciding to share custody of the pup. Of course, this means that the pair will be seeing a lot of each other as they pass the dog back and forth.

Caleb and Sadie are both great characters. Sadie's past was rather heartbreaking and her relationship with her family wasn't great. I think that learning about her past really gave the reader a lot of insight into her personality. She is very independent and refused to ask anyone for help. Caleb is rich and highly intelligent. He is also a very hard worker and quite generous. He is very close to his family but has spent a lot of his life being protected by them.

I loved watching this pair fall in love. I think that they had great chemistry with each other and I enjoyed all of their interactions. Caleb wants to take care of Sadie when he sees that she needs things but that didn't mean that he thought she wasn't capable. I liked that they both had to give and take a bit and when they were upset they talked about it.

I would recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance. This was a heartwarming romance with fantastic characters and an adorable dog. I can't wait to read more from Jill Shalvis!

I received a digital review copy of this book from Tasty Book PR via Book Funnel.

Initial Thoughts
I thought that Sadie and Caleb were great together. They had a lot of chemistry and seemed to be exactly what the other needed. Lollipop was adorable and I liked how she helped to bring them together. They were both scared at times and their families were not a big help. It was great to see them work together to make a relationship work. I do wonder who the next book will be about....maybe Ivy?
...more

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Oct 13, 2018 Anna's Herding Cats rated it liked it

Shelves: for-review, contemporary, billionaire, shalvis-jill, pets, california, known-each-other-forever, heroine-ruined-it, dog, 2018-done

Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup. (posting 1/28/19)
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2pUw63I

Yall know I love me some Jill Shalvis. And I've enjoyed this series quite a bit. But Playing for Keeps and I had some issues. Namely the heroine. Which was frustrating because the hero and the pup? Adorable!

Gist: A homeless pup in need of an owner finds herself...two! Does she care that her new mommy and daddy don't like each other? Nope! She surely doesn't. She loves them and she's not giving either up. So ...more

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Mar 17, 2019 NMmomof4 rated it liked it

Shelves: artist-mc, disordered-mc, freebie-or-loan, family-aspect, 3-star, safe, unlikely-couple, separation-without-other-partners, famous-wealthy-popular

3 Stars

Overall Opinion: This was enjoyable, but I don't think it'll be finding its home on my favorites shelf or will be all that memorable in the long run. The interactions with the dog were excellent! I also liked the H's crazy family. The connection was alright, but I feel like there was so much more that the author could've gotten into with their pasts. I was disappointed with the ending too. BUT! If you're looking for a sweet, low angst book about two lonely characters with dark pasts and ...more

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Jan 12, 2019 Samantha (WLABB) rated it really liked it

Shelves: adult, 2019, contemporary, arcs, romance

I will openly admit to you right now, that I love Jill Shalvis' books. She always has the right balance of humor, steam, and warmth, with just enough heartbreak and drama to keep it interesting. The other thing I love about her companion series are the wonderful groups of found-family she creates, and that was definitely one of the draws for me when it came to the Heartbreaker Bay books.

This go around we have not ONE, but TWO heavily armored characters. Both Sadie and Caleb kept themselves emoti I will openly admit to you right now, that I love Jill Shalvis' books. She always has the right balance of humor, steam, and warmth, with just enough heartbreak and drama to keep it interesting. The other thing I love about her companion series are the wonderful groups of found-family she creates, and that was definitely one of the draws for me when it came to the Heartbreaker Bay books.

This go around we have not ONE, but TWO heavily armored characters. Both Sadie and Caleb kept themselves emotionally detached. Though they sought this form of protection for different reasons, the results were the same - no successful romantic relationships. That was until a three legged dog changed their plans.

As I have grown to expect, Shalvis gave us a fun and adorable doggie meet-cute. Caleb and Sadie had actually known each other for a year or so, but they never really interacted until they decided to "co-parent" a stray dog, Lollipop. I won't lie, Lollipop endeared herself to me, and I loved what she brought out in Caleb and Sadie. She helped us see that softer side of Sadie, while clearly revealing that carefree and loving side of Caleb. It was so wonderful to see all three of them on-page together, and I loved the way Shalvis utilized an awesome dog to ignite this romance.

In case you couldn't already tell, Sadie and Caleb were sort of complicated. Sadie had a lot of pain in her past, which still overshadowed her present, and this made her weary of Caleb and his advances. Caleb had been taken advantage of in the past, and this made his sisters, who he lovingly referred to as "the coven", overprotective of him. Ghosts of their pasts and family drama of their present cause a few bumps in the road, but it was working through those things, that clearly showed these two belonged together.

Sadie was cool, fun, salty, and sassy, but I think it was Caleb, who made me love this story. Though he may have been sort of closed off to most of the world, he loved his inner circle fiercely. He was able to open his heart a lot quicker, than Sadie was, and he was also more vocal and demonstrative. Sadie was not an easy woman for him to love, and I really liked seeing him fight a little for her.

"You're not an easy woman, Sadie."
"I am a handful," she agreed, her pulse kicking into gear. "But that's why you have two hands."

One thing I got a little excited about was the mention, over and over again, of Caleb's cousin Kel. Kel is a character from the Animal Magnetism books, which I adored, and the way he kept coming up was making me think that we might get some crossover action (?). If that's where Shalvis' muse is leading her, I am wholly onboard.

Overall

I definitely got what I have come to expect from Shalvis: a great romance, that was heartwarming, funny, a little emotional, and a little hot. It was stacked with a hero and heroine, who were both interesting and complex, and who I grew to care about. And, don't forget the adorable dog.

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS ...more

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Jan 09, 2019 Linda (un)Conventional Bookworms rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arc, fave-author, netgalley, review-books, read-in-2019, romance, 2019-releases, contemporary, fave-series, coyer-winter-18-19

This review was originally posted on (un)Conventional Bookworms
*I received a free copy of [title] from [publisher] via Edelweiss. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review, which is honest and unbiased *Playing for Keeps just might be my favorite Heartbreaker Bay story! I loved Sadie and Caleb so much. And Lollipop was the best rescue puppy ever!

Playing for Keeps just worked so very well for me! Sadie and Caleb both wanted nothing to do with a relationship. And they kind of worked th ...more

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Feb 06, 2019 Pamela rated it really liked it

I recently described another author's books as always ending up less than the sum of their parts. That was my clumsy way of saying that while this other author's prose, dialogue, characterization, themes etc. were all stellar when evaluated as individual components, somehow they came together as disappointingly lackluster novels as a whole. Jill Shalvis's books are actually the exact opposite for me: while objectively the prose, characterizations, plots, etc. tend to hover at or just above medio I recently described another author's books as always ending up less than the sum of their parts. That was my clumsy way of saying that while this other author's prose, dialogue, characterization, themes etc. were all stellar when evaluated as individual components, somehow they came together as disappointingly lackluster novels as a whole. Jill Shalvis's books are actually the exact opposite for me: while objectively the prose, characterizations, plots, etc. tend to hover at or just above mediocre (in my opinion, of course!) if assessed on their own, somehow they magically combine to make for such spirit-boosting, mood-lifting, endorphin-raising books as a whole. As others have noted, some of the subject matter is a bit darker in this one, but I found the book was still full of the warmth, heart, and goodnatured humor that makes her books an auto-buy for me no matter how frustrating I find certain individual elements of them along the way.

I deducted one star for the usual Jill Shalvis lapses in grammar, syntax and punctuation (what is up with her editors?! Certain passages are written really well while others are always marred by misused words, conspicuously absent commas, etc.) I also wish the book had been at least 100 pages shorter, but to be fair, I find myself thinking that nearly ALL romance novels could and should be more concisely and tightly written, so that's certainly not unique to this book! There's not always enough plot to sustain the momentum, and it sometimes feels like our heroine and hero's feelings change arbitrarily rather than based naturally on events that occur in the story, but again...that's true of so many romances that I'm almost immune to that by now :)

As I've come to expect from Jill Shalvis, the book had some memorably amusing and/or insightful lines. I can see why some found Sadie too negative and abrasive, but for some weird reason I love the way Jill Shalvis writes the more seemingly 'bitchy' and attitude-ridden heroines (Sadie, Amy from At Last, Aubrey from Once in a Lifetime, Molly and Elle from this series, etc.), all of whom have secretly loving hearts, of course. Many of the other heroines she writes tend to lack clear and well-defined personalities to me, but I love the way she writes these comparatively 'problematic' heroines who have dark pasts and slowly become more open and ready to love. Maybe it's because we're so used to heroes meeting that description rather than our heroines that I find it so refreshing...?

I can also see why some thought Caleb was 'too perfect', but after reading a bunch of romance novels where I felt like the nearly perfect heroine was way, way, WAY too good for the 'allowed to be a complete and total ass for at least 90% of the novel' hero, I actually liked the subtle gender reversal here, how Caleb was the kind, patient, comparatively optimistic one. And I did find him a more layered character than others did, in part because of his background and his deliciously geeky passion for tech innovation. We get so many of the nearly exact same types of heroes from Shalvis over and over, and Caleb, with his ingenious brain, large bank account and more charming and 'smooth' exterior, was a welcome departure from her usual male characters. (I do like her usual male characters, but they all sort of run together as one identical, interchangeable "semi-alpha blue collar bad ass commitment phobic guy who's stoic but brave, overprotective and with a secretly good heart'!)

As with most Jill Shalvis books, I probably won't reread the entire novel, but I WILL definitely go back to reread a lot of warm, funny, insightful and/or sigh-worthy sections of it, which means I definitely consider it a worthwhile purchase. If you have any interest in reading about a troubled but badass and snarky heroine, a smooth but genuinely sweet and highly intelligent hero, and one of the most adorable fictional dogs you'll ever be lucky enough to meet, I'd definitely recommend Playing for Keeps!
...more

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Jan 21, 2019 Kimberly rated it really liked it

Shelves: review, read-2019, contemporary, romance

Reviewed for Wit and Sin

Sparks fly when opposites attract in Playing for Keeps . Jill Shalvis’s seventh Heartbreaker Bay novel has all the humor, heart, and endearing characters you’d expect to find in her books. And when you add in a scene-stealing rescue dog, it’s easy to see why Sadie and Caleb’s book charmed the heck out of me.

Sadie grabbed my heart from the very first page and didn’t let go. She’s a wonderful tattoo artist, she’s strong, independent, and deeply vulnerable. She has a Reviewed for Wit and Sin

Sparks fly when opposites attract in Playing for Keeps . Jill Shalvis’s seventh Heartbreaker Bay novel has all the humor, heart, and endearing characters you’d expect to find in her books. And when you add in a scene-stealing rescue dog, it’s easy to see why Sadie and Caleb’s book charmed the heck out of me.

Sadie grabbed my heart from the very first page and didn’t let go. She’s a wonderful tattoo artist, she’s strong, independent, and deeply vulnerable. She has a family that doesn’t understand her, and she has scars both physical and emotional that she keeps hidden. Sadie isn’t a perfect heroine – she’s been hurt badly in the past and it’s hard for her to trust, to risk her heart and open up to someone, and that causes her to make mistakes more than once with Caleb. But Caleb has the patience and heart to get through to Sadie. He’s pretty much the perfect hero; he’s got a huge heart, a brilliant mind, and is loyal and protective to the max without ever being pushy. Basically, Caleb is the ultimate book boyfriend. He and Sadie have been dancing around one another for over a year, but each has been holding back. When they co-rescue a dog and decide to co-parent the utterly adorable Lollipop, the barriers start to come down. I loved seeing Caleb and Sadie’s full characters slowly revealed and I’ll leave it to readers to discover what lies beneath the sass and the suits. Their love story is sensual, emotional, and not always easy, but every bump in the road is worth it in the end.

It wouldn’t be a Heartbreaker Bay story without family and friends playing strong supporting roles and I loved both seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones in this story. The bonds of friendship and family are almost as important to Playing for Keeps as the romance and I just adored the quirky cast of characters. So while I finished Caleb and Sadie’s story a well-satisfied reader, their book definitely left me wanting more Heartbreaker Bay stories (Ivy’s in particular).

FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ...more

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Jan 02, 2019 Dísir rated it it was ok

Shelves: arc, chick-lit, hair-pulling-frustrating, contemporary-romance, idiotic-lead-character, irksome-prick-bastard, skimmed-through, annoying-brainless-wimpy-female, edelweiss

Co-parenting an abandoned dog is what brings Sadie Lane and Caleb Parker together in Jill Shalvis’s ongoing ‘Heartbreaker Bay’ series—one that I had no idea would be going on and on and on.

And much of ‘Playing For Keeps’ is about bringing down the walls that Sadie has built after an emo-filled teenage-hood and adult-life, complete with barbs, pushing away and a whole lot of questioning when the man for her finally rolls around the corner with his own special brand of baggage that he’s already o Co-parenting an abandoned dog is what brings Sadie Lane and Caleb Parker together in Jill Shalvis’s ongoing ‘Heartbreaker Bay’ series—one that I had no idea would be going on and on and on.

And much of ‘Playing For Keeps’ is about bringing down the walls that Sadie has built after an emo-filled teenage-hood and adult-life, complete with barbs, pushing away and a whole lot of questioning when the man for her finally rolls around the corner with his own special brand of baggage that he’s already overcome.

In essence, ‘Playing For Keeps’ is built upon a push-pull between Sadie and Caleb: the former is an expert at lashing out, self-sabotaging good things and running away, while the latter’s supposed proclaiming that he’d been falling for her with her for over a year yet hooking up with other women in the meantime over the past few months (maybe I'm the only one with this hang-up?) didn’t quite make them a couple I could really stand behind.

But in Shalvis’s gentle exploration of emotional self-harm and the scars that don’t really fade is also the implicit message of getting a guy who pursues you no matter how deep your issues run and puts himself out there for you until you finally soften and give in...well, that's the core of romantic fiction that's always been the age-old draw for readers. That much I appreciate, as much as the light-hearted storytelling that Shalvis excels at: emotions are drawn out, though not overly so and conflict is resolved as quickly as they come, leaving just gentle waves that lap at the shore that do no lasting harm, so to speak.

Yet I think the Heartbreaker Bay series is losing its sheen for me. I couldn’t find it in myself to get excited over Sadie/Caleb, even though Shalvis’s writing is as buoyant and rom-com pitch perfect as I remember. Other than the small, irksome bits I can’t seem to let go of when it comes to the characters in question, the anthropomorphising of animals (something that Shalvis does a fair bit) where a pet’s behaviour is tailored to tug at every ‘cute’ heartstring is only something I can take in small amounts.

I’m guessing that ‘Playing For Keeps’ is something a devoted Shalvis fan will enjoy and I did wish that it’d worked better for me.

*ARC by the publisher via Edelweiss ...more

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Mar 12, 2019 Rochelle rated it really liked it

Love Jill Shalvis. This book was no exception. The characters were cute, funny, endearing, and real. This is the reason why her books are so easy to read. You get pulled into their world and makes you never want to leave. I can't wait to see what is next.

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Jan 27, 2019 Aly rated it really liked it · review of another edition

4.5

She calls him Suits. They're living in the same neighbourhood but keep their distance, rubbing each other the wrong way. He's a tech genius who sold the apps he invented and she's a tattoo artist who also work at a spa, doing makeup. Then one day, she sees Caleb hunker down outside in the rain. Curiosity didn't kill the cat but brought her a special dog she'll share custody with the hero.

When I saw a few reviews saying that this Jill Shalvis was more darker than her usual, I was wary. But I w ...more

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Sep 14, 2019 Alba and Her Secrets..♥ rated it really liked it

Shelves: dirty-talker, made-me-cry, plus-half-star, holy-hotness, family-dynamics, humorous, sweet, reviewed, tattooed-pierced, emotional-feels

4.5 'Do Not Even Think About Falling For This Guy' Stars!

Gah! I know I am being repetitive everytime I speak about Jill Shalvis and this amazing series but I always know this woman won't dissapoint me. I freaking adore every single book about the Heartbreaker Bay crew and Playing for Keeps was no exception! It was sweet, adorable, funny, emotional and, of course, sexy.

Caleb and Sadie seem to be opposites but together they become vulnerable and you'll see why they are perfect for each other. And ...more

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Jun 02, 2020 Bree Hill rated it really liked it

Playing For Keeps is probably the most serious in tone, romance from the series so far. Trigger warning for self-harm. I didn’t feel as connected with these two as I have with other couples but I’m still having a blast reading through the series!

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Jan 01, 2019 ☕️Kimberly rated it it was amazing

Coffee dates with Playing for Keeps

First Date: Sadie Lane is a starving tattoo artist with a chip on her shoulder and purple dye in her hair. She has seen Caleb Parker around the courtyard and has admired his psyche but the man she has dubbed "suits" is not her type. Yes, she finds him yummy, but she has tested the type and knows oil and water don't mix. When he strolls past her shop one rainy evening bending over something near the alley curiosity gets the better of her. What they find is a ...more

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Jan 21, 2019 Sofia Lazaridou rated it really liked it

Playing for keeps is the 7th novel in the Heartbreaker Bay series. I can't believe this is book 7. The series is still fresh and I don't see it slowing down! I liked the book a lot, but Sadie tired me. She kept pushing and pushing Caleb away and when she wasn't doing that she was running away from him. I don't feel like she treated him fairly and he was swoon-worthy. I don't know if you will fall for Sadie, but I know that you will fall for him at least.

The story was good and my favorite charac ...more

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Jan 25, 2019 Gretchen (About That Story) rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-romance, paperback, 2019-reads

4.5 stars

This story was so freaking adorable and fun. Sadie and Caleb's banter was priceless. Throw a cute dog and fun antics into the mix and it was pretty perfect. Playing for Keeps was an entertaining read that was heartfelt and real, from the sweet to the heat I was all in!

Sadie and Caleb totally did it for me. I loved learning their histories and seeing their interactions. They were like fire and ice and I loved their playful bickering, it was so fun! There were just so many fun scenes happ ...more

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Jan 23, 2019 Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2019

I love this series. I was so happy to read Caleb's story. If you have read Shalvis' books before you know she loves dogs and is the queen of romance. This book did not disappoint. Sadie and Caleb are great together. I only wish their story was longer.

I can't wait for The Lemon Sisters this fall.

You have to run don't walk and get your copy of Playing for Keeps. It's a great 4 star read.

The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all vi ...more

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Mar 05, 2020 madandelion [hiatus 160420] rated it liked it

Shelves: adult-fiction, series, the-siblingship-is-strong, la-familia-primero

Still think "Accidentally on Purpose" should have a series of it's own. It has till yet been the best story I've read by Jill.

But this one comes very close to second. And I think I've had enough of Jill Shalvis for the time being. ( ꈍᴗꈍ)

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Nov 27, 2018 Amy rated it really liked it

Shelves: 4-5-stars, 2019, review-books

4.5 Opposites Attract Stars!!

“The seduction of being with a woman who didn’t want anything from his was too much to resist….”

“You’re different too. Different good, by the way. You’re a puzzle, one I can’t seem to solve. That doesn’t happen often.”

“He took Lollipop to a pet park. He held her hand whenever she got scared. Damn. The man was dangerous to her heart and soul.”

“I love you, okay? I never meant to, but I kept feeling all the little broken pieces of my heart give themselves to you. It’s t 4.5 Opposites Attract Stars!!

“The seduction of being with a woman who didn’t want anything from his was too much to resist….”

“You’re different too. Different good, by the way. You’re a puzzle, one I can’t seem to solve. That doesn’t happen often.”

“He took Lollipop to a pet park. He held her hand whenever she got scared. Damn. The man was dangerous to her heart and soul.”

“I love you, okay? I never meant to, but I kept feeling all the little broken pieces of my heart give themselves to you. It’s terrifying, Caleb.” she said to his smile. “I’ve never really given my pieces away before, at least not to someone who could protect them and take care of them.” He kissed her gently. “I’ve got you, Sadie, I promise you. Give me all your pieces, I can take everything you’ve got.”

Playing for Keeps is the 7th book in the Heartbreaker Bay Series, but can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone novel. Playing for Keeps is the kind of story that hooks you from the very beginning and will keep your eyes glued to the pages right until the very end.

From the moment we meet Sadie, I just knew she was going to be a special character. She was rough and tough on the outside, but had a wonderful vulnerability about her. Her life has been complicated and she never really fit in. And when it came to men, her walls were sky high and she wouldn’t dream of letting anyone get close. That is until Caleb came into her life. You see, Caleb is her exact opposite in every possible way. On the outside, it seems like he’s got everything he could possibly want. That the world is his oyster. But there is so much more to Caleb than meets the eye. When you get to know him, you see a sweet and vulnerable man. A man that has worked hard for everything that he has. A man who was bullied and had to learn to protect himself. A man who doesn’t do relationships, yet is searching for love just like everyone else. So, while Caleb & Sadie might be total opposites, it just takes one night to turn their worlds upside down….

Playing for Keeps was a really enjoyable read for me. It was sweet with just the right amount of drama and sexiness. The characters were wonderful and easy to connect with. I loved Caleb & Sadie together. Not only did they have terrific chemistry, but I just loved the banter between the two of them. Between the vulnerability the two had and Sadie’s sassyness, you just never knew what was going to happen next. They both judged one another and that they had each other pegged, but they couldn’t have been more wrong. They say opposites attract and well, these two were a temptation neither one of them ever saw coming.

I have to say, I really adored Caleb. Not only was he smart, but he was so dedicated. He knew what he wanted and wasn’t afraid to go after it. So, while Sadie challenged him at every possible turn, he wasn’t going to give up. He worked hard to build her trust and break down those walls. Sure, he wasn’t perfect and he made some mistakes along the way. But, believe me when I tell you, Caleb is the kind of guy that you want in your corner. The kind of guy that was patient and understanding. They kind of guy that would give his all to the right woman. And Sadie….Yes, there were plenty of moments where Sadie just drove me nuts. But, she’s not perfect. All her life she just wanted to be normal and like the other members of her family. But, Sadie wasn’t destined to be normal. She was destined to be special, unique and totally her own person. She just needed to find the right man who could love her just the way that she was.

Overall, I found this book to be a really enjoyable read. It was sweet and sexy and totally pulled at your heart. The road to happily ever after wasn’t an easy one for our characters, but it was certainly worth each and every moment. I loved the ups and downs and obstacles along the way. I loved the will they/won’t they moments. I enjoyed watching Sadie & Caleb fight for what they want and seeing their walls come tumbling down. Ugh! I just couldn’t get enough of these two. I laughed. I swooned. I begged for more. This book was everything that I was looking for and had one very satisfying ending. I can’t wait to see who’s story I get to fall in love with next!

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, via the author, in exchange for an honest review* ...more

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Dec 29, 2018 ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰ rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favourite-authors, arcs-read-and-reviewed, favourite-series

ARC received for an honest review.

Gah, I just love getting back to Heartbreaker Bay! I just adore every single thing about the people in this series.

This is Caleb (woohoo) and Sadie's story, and it was fun, flirty and emotional. I think all of us can connect a little bit with Sadie, and I can tell you now, I just wanted to b!tchslap some of the people in her life for things!

I love their new addition to their lives, and boy did it make me want to get another dog! Though I don't miss the drool and ...more

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Dec 20, 2018 Stacee rated it it was amazing

Shelves: theyre-tattoos-not-ink-or-tats, edelweiss, read-in-2018

I’m here for a Jill Shalvis book and this series has been a favorite.

I love love love Sadie and Caleb. They’re more alike than they think and their chemistry is off the charts. Of course I loved seeing the other characters and Caleb’s sisters. However, the scene stealer was definitely Lollipop.

Plot wise, it was good. There’s a lot of push and pull and a few overdramatic scenes, but for the most part, they communicate well. I loved that the angst parts didn’t last too long and the ending was qu ...more

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About Jill Shalvis

Jill Shalvis

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Multiple New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is … mostly coincidental. Look for Jill’s bestselling, award-winning heartwarming and full of humor novels wherever books are sold and visit her website for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city ...more

Other books in the series

Heartbreaker Bay (8 books)

Books by Jill Shalvis

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Quotes from Playing for Keeps

“Fifty Shades of Grey is only romantic because the guy’s a billionaire. If he was living in a trailer, it’d be a Criminal Minds episode.” — 2 likes

“A suit is my work uniform, Sadie, nothing more. It’s business, and also about professionalism and maturity, and to a lesser degree, image. I’m not going to wear a T-shirt and jeans into a business meeting with NASA, for example. Not when we’re going to sit down and discuss future projects that could add up to billions of dollars. I’m not hiding behind my clothes, but I’m not being inauthentic either.” — 1 likes

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