If you’re planning on falling in love… to the seemingly invincible hottie.
you’d better be sure…
Caleb doesn’t do emotions. Growing up the underdog, he’s learned the hard way to build up an impenetrable wall. Perfect for business. Disastrous for relationships. He’s never worried about it before—not until he finally gets behind Sadie’s armor and begins to fall.
… someone is there to catch you.
Both guarded and vulnerable, Sadie and Caleb are complete opposites. Or are they? Shocked at their undeniable connection, can they ever admit to wanting more? That all depends on what they’re each willing to risk.
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Another fantastic return to Heartbreaker Bay! If you’ve read any of the previous books in this series, you will not be disappointed. If you haven’t read any of the previous stories in this series, you will not be disappointed. It is so, so good. It’s the story of Sadie and Caleb. She is a tattoo artist that also works at a day spa and he is perfection in a suit (business man). Though they are aware of each other, they don’t “officially” meet until on a cold, rainy night, Caleb saves a stray dog and Sadie helps. They become co-pet-parents and the fun begins as well as the beginning of what could be a really, remarkable relationship. But they both have complete sets of baggage from their past so they need to not only get past their current situation (they couldn’t be more opposites – in every sense of the way) but everything from the respective pasts.
It’s a story that will have you laughing out loud as well as drawn in with the serious issues they both are dealing with. You fall in love with both characters, become incredibly frustrated with their family’s behavior and want nothing more than them to find their happily ever after. READ THIS BOOK!!
Jill Shalvis delivers a bit of a change-up in her newest release, Playing for Keeps, and I was totally entranced by it. I have come to know and love this authors books as mostly light and witty, however, our main heroine, Sadie, emerges from a somewhat darker past that drives who she is and how she handles life and relationships throughout the whole book that gave this novel a bit of a darker feel. Although there are still plenty of laugh out loud moments and witty dialog, Sadie’s character was written so gracefully that I found myself completely drawn into her love story and cheering her along as she faced her demons (and family). Of course, there cannot be a truly great romance without a strong hero and Caleb certainly hit all the right buttons from the very first time he walked onto the page. Caleb’s own demons play their own role in this book but the way that he helps break through Sadie’s truly captured my heart. For me, a great romance novel must have the right amount of push and pull. This book had that and then some accompanied by wonderfully sexy love scenes. I would have liked to have seen some of the angst/drama between Sadie and Caleb play out a bit longer. Their fallouts seemed to be repaired a touch on the fast side for my taste which was really the only thing that held me back from giving the full 5 stars on this book. With guest appearances from several characters from previous books (go Willa and Keane!), I was once again transported back to the quaint area of the Pacific Pier Building and its magical fountain.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Heartbreaker Bay was the first series I have ever read by the Author Jill Shalvis (including the novella that you get with signing up for her newsletter), and while I was late to the party, it doesn’t take long for you to fall in love with her writing style, quirky heroines, and heroes, but no book has hit quite close to home in my life as this one.
Playing for Keeps is the newest installment in the Heartbreaker series, and while Jill Shalvis has never been one to shy away from many things, with this book she has taken a huge leap into the realm of teenage mental health and the aftermath into adulthood, as this book deals with cutting. For those of you that don’t know what cutting is, the definition is:
Non-suicidal self-injury, often simply called self-injury, is the act of deliberately harming your own body, such as cutting or burning yourself. It’s typically not meant as a suicide attempt. Rather, this type of self-injury is a harmful way to cope with emotional pain, intense anger, and frustration.
~Mayo Clinic
This is a very emotional subject for my family, as my niece was a cutter, and it is an extremely painful situation for my family, and unlike the Mom in this book, our family handled it in a non-extreme, passive-aggressive sort of way. but like the character Sadie, my niece is stronger and also covered in tattoos.
And speaking of Sadie, she is the long-suffering daughter who doesn’t quite fit in with her family, especially her mother. She is also a talented tattoo artist, just breaking into the field. But to make ends meet, she also has to work a spa, but it doesn’t stop her from risking her heart…for a dog, that her and “Suits” (aka Caleb) finds. but that is not all Sadie ends up risking to Caleb after all.
Caleb is a self-made millionaire, who has a heart of gold and wants to repay the people who took care of him when he was the small asthmatic kid always being beaten up. But when he and Sadie rescue Lollipop the dog together, he wants to do more with Sadie than “be kind”. And if you have read the last couple of books in this series, you would have has seen the fireworks between them! In this book, we see them at their snarky best, and to add to that the sweetness of Lollipop and Caleb’s sisters, whom he affectionately calls “the Coven”, and OMG! the dinner with Sadie’s family is THE BEST part of this book! Playing for Keeps is such a hoot to read.
Now I’m not going to bother going over the main part of the story, as you can honestly read that in the synopsis, but I just wanted to say that this book is truly amazing, its not graphic or will give you nightmare, but the character does reflect back on the pain of the past, but the author has written it in an amazing way, that in no way will you find it disturbing.
In Playing for Keeps, Ms Shalvis takes us back to Pacific Pier building with a couple of secondary characters (Caleb and Sadie) that we’ve met before, but not gotten to know well.
While this book is connected to the previous books in the series (via location and recurring characters) it feels more like a standalone.
I enjoyed getting to know both of these characters. I appreciated the fact that while both struggled with emotional baggage they didn’t let that stop them from exploring their growing feelings.
This was classic Ms Shalvis with a slight twist that made it feel fresh. Add in a fun secondary cast, many of whom we haven’t met before, and a scene stealing dog and this is a winner of a fun read.
I have really enjoyed reading this series but this book has become one of my new favorites. I love how the book started and of course how could you not fall for Lollipop and Sadie. This story had a lot of our characters we love and then you add in Sadie’s family, Caleb’s sisters ‘The Coven’ and it was great. It was sooo cute with Caleb holding Lollipop’s paw and the guys at the tattoo parlor and one of my all-time favorite parts of this book was Naoki. For two people who you wouldn’t think should be together, their backgrounds were more similar than you thought and once misunderstandings were resolved it lead to an amazing HEA. So many great lines but I really enjoyed, “Mom, I don’t need a Prince Charming. Forest animals who clean, yes, but it’s a hard pass for me on Prince Charming.” Another awesome book in this series, definitely looking forward to the next one.
Hooray for another Heartbreaker Bay story!
Caleb Parker and Sadie Lane are only acquaintances but they partner together to care for a neglected three legged dog that they adopt and name Lollipop. It’s an unlikely partnership between a straight laced, suit wearing entrepreneur and a tattoo artist but it’s not long before Caleb and Sadie realize that they are more compatible than either one of them thought. There are secrets between them but the loving dog knocks down all other barriers.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review; all opinions are my own.
A truly wonderful addition to the Heartbreaker Bay series. Playing for Keeps is the story of Sadie Lane and Caleb Parker and of course Lollipop.
The story begins with Caleb and Sadie rescuing a three legged dog (which Sadie names “Lollipop”) during a storm. Sadie has referred to Caleb as “Suits” in her inner dialogue when thinking of him (which she has done for about a year). As a result of this rescue, they take on the role of co-parenting Lollipop. Now we all know that this will lead to more interactions between the two… and I wonder where that will lead them?
The following two quotes definitely set the tone for a tumultuous relationship between Sadie and Caleb:
“And to be honest, he wished it was anyone out here in this storm with him tonight rather than the cynical smartass who seemed to take personal pleasure in driving him nuts.”
“Damn. Her heart was still pounding, body aching for things she was absolutely not going to give in to. Ever. The ratfink bastard.”
Sadie is one tough cookie (or so she likes to portray). But seriously, she is very tough on herself. It has been three years since her last big breakup and this past relationship has sullied her views on romance and the opposite sex. With such an apparent low self esteem, it is not surprising that Sadie questions what Caleb could see in her. I really enjoyed Caleb’s blatant attempts at convincing Sadie that he would not give up on “them” regardless of her angst driven attitude.
Despite each of their own “baggage” from childhood, it was fun to see them overcome their reluctance to be together. Sadie too proud to accept any assistance and the way that Caleb worked around that definitely brought a smile to my face. And lets not forget that the chemistry between the two was off the charts!
Playing for Keeps kept me entertained from page one until the very last page. As well, I really could not read the book fast enough – something which seems to be a trend with the Heartbreaker Bay series!
*I would like to thank the author for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Handsome, rich, I don’t need anyone male? Check
Pretty, struggling, prickly, I can do it on my own female? Check
Cutie patootie, lost, cold, shivering, three-legged dog? Check
What do you have? The beginning of a wonderful book, Playing for Keeps 7th in the Heartbreaker Bay series by Jill Shalvis.
Caleb and Sadie…sigh…both so needy but wanting to go it alone. I loved the way their differences evolved into love and understanding. Both came from overbearing families and both took different roads to become themselves. Coming together, with the help of Lollipop, they realize they’re so much more with each other than without. Arguments, differences of opinion, and then the realization that they’re their perfect match. Loved it!
I’ve been a fan of the down to earth books penned by Jill Shalvis for a long time. She is an ‘auto-buy’ author for me. Her ability to pull emotions out of every day situations is done so well, and her wit and wisdom surrounding life in general, and happily ever after endings specifically, is one of the reasons I love her books.
I just love this series. Caleb & Sadie and Lollipop are a fun, sexy read. Sadie does not want to like
“Suits” but he proves irresistible to her and Lollipop loves him…Dogs are never wrong, right? He’s just one of those men who are good. And Sadie has been hurt and doesn’t trust herself or love. So it takes Caleb a while to get in to her heart but when he does…it’s well worth the wait! Excellent story.
Aww what a great story. Absolutely loved Caleb and Sadie. And the dog. Totally melted my heart. I really felt for both of them and their past but I’m glad they were able to work through it all and trust one another to achieve their HEA.
This auto-buy author lost a little shine this time around, mainly due to the heroine’s lack of growth. ~~ Don’t bash me over the head ~~ it just that Sadie never seemed to stop taking her insecurities out on Caleb. Caleb (aka “the Good Guy’) was a fantastic addition to Heartbreaker Bay crew; the snippets only hinted at this sexy man’s potential.
Of course, the star of the book was – Lollipop!
Sadie and Caleb couldn’t seem any more different – he’s all buttoned up suits and schedules and she’s all tattoos, but when a poor three legged dog needs rescuing they find themselves sharing custody. Neither one willing to let go of the pup or the instant attraction seem to have.
There are a few twists as Sadie tries to understand how she could even fit in Calebs world and that she can trust her judgement and Caleb tries to convince Sadie that they do belong together.
This story is so perfect. It shows that even though you have made it by yourself and find it easier than to trust others motives are pure (Caleb) and you have made some bad partner choices in the past (Sadie) you can still find your one. Sometimes it just a spirited dog that has overcome it’ sown odds and has found the perfect family to show you the way.
I received an advance readers copy for a honest review.
I am new to Jill Shalvis world and I have to say that I am loving so far.
Caleb and Sadie story is very romantic and emotional. The way the cute dog brings them together is so wonderful to read.
They are two hurting souls and have had their difficulties in the past and now they are paying it in adulthood. This is why Lollipop is so important to them, it is the glue that will keep them together and it is heart melting to read their story.
This is my first Jill Shalvis ARC and I was very excited! I have some of her books in my TBR shelf but have not started on one yet so I don’t have any idea what to expect.
So this book is about Caleb Parker and Sadie Lane’s journey to happy ever-after. It all started when they decided to co-parent a mutt they found on the street… it was the catalyst of why their relationship grew more and became complicated as the days passed.
Sadie was has trust issues and an emotional baggage that could stretch an Airbus320. Caleb was retrospective but he’s more easy going and easy to love.
To be honest, I’m on the fence about Sadie… She was a tad bit exasperating because of her push and pull… it’s as if she’s playing games without the actual game playing. I hope I make sense… she was prickly and indecisive… Caleb on the other hand was more relatable because of his sisters and his love for his family was very obvious.
The story talked about self-harm, about body issues, insecurities and bullying.
I don’t think it’s a light read. Its a wee bit heavier than what I consider as my usual “light read” but I did enjoy the book.
Playing for Keeps: Caleb Parker, Sadie Lane are total opposites who try to fight the attraction between them until they co-parent a dog they find. Caleb and Sadie are funny spunky and Sadie is a little sassy. It’s a story that keeps you so entertained thru out the book. Jill Shalvis always writes the most amazing stories that involve animals This is a must read story that captures your heart from the beginning
Jill Shalvis is one of my must-read authors. I loved this edition in the Heartbreaker Bay series. Despite being a billionaire romance, the characters are real and relatable. Caleb and Sadie seem like oil and water on the surface, but when they get to know each other, they have much in common. Playing for Keeps is emotional and humorous, with just the right amount of steam interspersed. Both Caleb and Sadie as well as all the peripheral characters are unique, interesting and kept me glued to the book till the end. Definitely a must-read!
I’m so happy to finally get Caleb’s story. Although he’s always played a small part in the background of previous books, I’ve always had my eye on him. Aren’t the mysterious ones always more intriguing?
I think it’s fair to say that most romances are either made or broken by the likeability of the hero, which is probably why I am such a huge fan of Jill Shalvis. She just has this innate ability to create these heroes who are somehow soft, yet strong, who are successful and smart, yet vulnerable and imperfect. Caleb is all of these things and more.
Sadie, on the other hand, I could see why she might be more of a challenge for readers to fall in love with. At times she was a little too self-deprecating, angry and insecure but, who isn’t? I get it, we read to escape reality but I can appreciate a realistically broken heroine who isn’t always easy to get along with as long as it fits the story.
Sadie and Caleb are complete opposites on the surface but when you finally get a glimpse into their pasts and the things that they’ve overcome, or are still working to overcome, it makes complete sense why they are perfect for each other. Throw in the adorable three-legged dog, Lolipop, that they rescue and decide to take co-ownership of, and you have a perfect blend of fun and romance that are a signature of Jill Shalvis’s writing.
I still can’t get enough of the Heartbreaker Bay series and look forward to the next one!
L
Caleb and Sadie are two of the strongest characters I’ve read about in a long time. Caleb overcame childhood struggles to become a powerful man and Sadie’s past, and scars, continue to be active in her present life. Although I can’t relate to the particular troubles of these characters, their hardships are understandable and their strength is to be commended, especially as they deal with family, friends and one very special dog.
I read an advanced copy of this book
Caleb & Sadie make the best partners & pet parents!
A touching, emotionally charged story, with a high level of lust as well. I love the ups and downs along with the push and pull this relationship takes. Reading about Sadie’s life and her choice to be a starving tattoo artist and Caleb’s background leading up to becoming a billionaire genius had me alternating between tears, anger, and wonder. After knowing each other for a year and only trading sarcastic barbs, they are suddenly rescuing a dog that they both fall in love with. Becoming co-pet parents means they will be forced to communicate in a different way. Their shared interest in doing what’s right for their fur baby helps them learn more about each other. Another fantastic story by Jill Shalvis! The Heartbreaker Bay series is a must read and is always a possibility for a reread.
4.5 Stars
Another winner by Jill Shalvis. I truly do love her Heartbreaker Bay series. Caleb and Sadie instantly grabbed me. I mean this book opens with rescuing a dog and right there they have won me over. What Caleb does for Sadie solidifies him as top book boyfriend material. It’s truly beautiful in the way he sees the real Sadie and accepts her just as she is. That’s going to be tough for Sadie to swallow because she’s never had someone like Caleb in her corner. I love the scenes of them being doggy parents. Such sweet, playful, and funny moments. This book has the touch of humor that I love and look forward to in a Shalvis book. It’s one you want to keep reading, but yet sad to see end. I honestly read this in a bout a day because it was so hard to put down. I definitely have a book hangover because of it. It’s one you shouldn’t pass up!