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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I absolutely loved this book in the Heartbreaker Bay series. Caleb and Sadie are two of the best main characters. And I can’t forget Lollipop. It’s always great to go back to the people in a series and Heartbreaker Bay is one of the best places. I would love to live there. Another great book by Jill Shalvis.
Caleb Parker and Sadie Lane are two sides of the same coin. On the surface they look completely opposite, but at their core, where it counts, it turns out they are very much alike.
A stray dog brings them together, but it’s their attraction that has them coming back for more. They have a bit of a love/hate relationship at first, but that is mainly due to the fact that neither one wants be vulnerable and open themselves to possible heartache. Caleb seems more eager to put that behind him and pursue a relationship with Sadie, but they soon they both give in and jump headfirst into romance.
Both Sadie and Caleb have a past to work through, but they are tailor-made to help the other. They challenge each other and push one another and ultimately become stronger together.
Shalvis does it again, continuing her long-standing tradition of swoon-worthy romance that heats the blood and warms the heart. I love that this series is still going strong. It’s great to check in with the group and see how couples from past stories have grown and come together even more. I cannot imagine a world in which I won’t be first in line for anything Jill Shalvis writes.
***talk and past scenes of cutting and being institutionalized.***
I really enjoyed Caleb and Sadie’s love story. Their co-parenting of the rescue dog was entertaining, especially on the night that they found her. Caleb was so adorable with Lollipop throughout the story. Playing for Keeps is another great Heartbreaker Bay novel. I’m glad that Old Man Eddie made an appearance. Loved his part!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary Advance Reader Copy.
Jill Shalvis just keeps writing winners! This series is so real but so fun! Caleb and Sadie are very different on the surface but as we get to know them we see how much they really have in common. The banter between Caleb and his sisters (The Coven) is quite funny. However, the genuine love between them is amazing as is the way they try to help and protect him. The patience and acceptance he shows Sadie just makes you cheer him on more! If you haven’t read any of this series, go ahead and start with this one. You’ll go back to read the others and be an instant Shalvis fan. I read an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my review.
4 STARS
If you’re looking for a steamy romance…then look no further. Playing For Keeps is definitely a MUST read. You can’t go wrong when you have two main characters that initially rub each other the wrong way and later rub each other in all the right ways Add in the co-rescue of a sweet and precious dog … what’s not to love
“No matter how rich or intelligent you are, how you treat an animal tells me all I need to know about you. And look at how he treated your dog.”
This was the first book I’ve read from Jill Shalvis. Even though this is the seventh book in the Heartbreaker Bay Series, she does such a great job of keeping the focus on Caleb and Sadie with just enough glimpses into the lives of the secondary characters that makes you want to learn their stories, too. I thought it was super cute the way the author cleverly made use of hashtags in her chapter titles.
Overall, I was very pleased with this book. Thank you to the author and Lisa of Tasty Book PR with providing me an ARC of Playing For Keeps in exchange for an honest review. Playing For Keeps by Jill Shalvis will join the ranks of BIBLIO-ELITE.
Both Sadie and Caleb had struggles in their childhoods and became stronger people because of what they endured. I loved how Caleb shared himself with Sadie on their “first date” by taking her to meet someone of great importance to him. Just such a good story of two people learning about each other and allowing their feelings to grow. I wonder why Ivy never told Sadie about how Caleb helped her to show Sadie that it’s because of his good heart, not pity, that he helps others. You can always count on a Jill Shalvis book!
3.5-3.75 stars. Playing for Keeps is a good addition to the Heartbreaker Bay series. This is Caleb and Sadie’s story. Sadie is a tattoo artist and Caleb a businessman. Both work in Heartbreaker Bay and have the same group of friends. The two have had an attraction since they met, but Sadie has avoided him because of preconceived notions of him being a “suit” and her own past relationship baggage. But one rainy night, they both happen upon a homeless three-legged dog. They rescue the dog together and both want to adopt him, so they decide to share him. Over the course of time, as they share the dog, they spend time together and fall for each other.
I liked this book. The story and writing are good. I liked Caleb a lot, but Sadie was only an okay character to me. Caleb is a good guy. Sadie is a bit prickly. She pushes him away a good bit and there is a lot of back and forth between them. I felt like Sadie was sometimes mean to Caleb in an effort to push him away. I felt bad for him. But when Sadie and Caleb were happy, I did like her and I do think the two of them made a good couple. Sadie needed someone like him in her life. I liked the “dog share” scenario. It was fun and unique.
Overall, this was a pretty good book, even if it’s not my favorite of the series. I still love the Heartbreaker Bay series and look forward to more from Ms. Shalvis!
Playing for Keeps is the newest release from Jill Shalvis in her popular Heartbreaker Bay series. I have to say I was over the moon to get Caleb Parker’s book and was a bit surprised to see his heroine was Sadie Lane as they seem like polar opposites.
I’ve always loved Caleb and couldn’t wait to get his story. While I did end up enjoying Playing for Keeps overall, it did seem to take me longer to get into this book than other books in the series. I loved the aspect of Caleb and Sadie co-parenting the dog they rescue and those parts of the book brought so much laughter to the story. However, I continuously felt brought down by the secrets from Sadie’s past. It ended up really distracting me a good bit of the time I was reading. I really felt like the secret was much bigger in her mind than in actuality. I guess it bugged me so much as I’m not big on secrets between a committed couple.
Of course neither Caleb nor Sadie would admit to being in a relationship or even having feelings for one another for the longest time. It made me laugh a good bit in the beginning as they couldn’t stay away from each other. I especially laughed out loud when Sadie said the only relationship she was in was with Caleb’s shower. They had so many funny, tender and sexy moments together, I was able to get past my few issues with this story.
I will say the fact that Caleb and Sadie both had super interfering families drove me a bit nuts. I thought Caleb’s sisters went way too far in trying to protect him. I honestly felt like Sadie’s mother was just the biggest witch on earth. I did love seeing her sister step up and finally show Sadie some support at a time when she truly needed it the most.
Overall, Playing for Keeps was a good story, but definitely not my favorite from Jill Shalvis.
Rating: 4 Stars (B)
Review copy provided by publisher
Another Heartbreaker Bay Series book that does not disappoint readers. The great thing about these books is they are all stand alone. You can keep up any book and not miss anything. I was happy to see Caleb get his book! How can you not instantly fall in love with a man who takes in a stray dog? I wasn’t sure what to think of Sadie at first. She comes off as she doesn’t care about anything, but as the story unfolds, so does the truth. Sadie feels everything deeply and her attitude is just her protection from getting hurt. Shalvis wrote another heartwarming story. It was one I didn’t want to put down. Shalvis shows an issue that many woman have went through in their lives. I feel like she did it in a way that helped readers understand Sadie’s feeling and see the tremendous growth she’s made. One of my most favorite things about the book is Lollipop. My favorite line is “you can tell a lot about a man by how he treats animals.” Yep, that made me fall in love with Caleb too!
This was seriously the best story! I know it’s a great read when I get butterflies in my stomach and find myself invested in the characters. This book is definitely going on my keeper shelf and will be reread. I could not get enough of Sadie and Caleb, not to mention Lollipop. I loved that both characters were like everyone else, imperfect. Everyone has an outward shell that is how they want to be perceived and others can’t see what they are hiding underneath. Sadie and Caleb both kept parts of their real selves hidden in order to protect themselves. Watching these two characters stumble through unknown territory was so wonderful and so real. I swear I’d give this more than 5 stars if I could. I have loved every Jill Shalvis book I’ve ever read (and I’ve read every one) but this is in my top 3 list of favs! I mean seriously, she writes unbelievably awesome dialogue and she makes you fall in love with every character she writes. Plus, you always get an HEA!
Jill Shalvis hits another home run with Playing for Keeps! I love all of her books but I especially love this one.
Sadie and Caleb are the perfect characters as in they are both attracted to each other but Sadie tries to put up a brick wall to keep “Suits” away. This wall starts crumbling when they both agree to joint adoption of Lollipop the most awesome rescue dog ever.
I found Sadie’s character to be that of many people that I have met in the walk of life all combined into one. She is fierce, has a tough girl attitude, but is a total sweetheart and Caleb is just the right guy for her.
He is sweet, does nice things throughout the book for her, and is her Prince Charming.
Love this book and love Jill Shalvis! I can’t wait to read more of her books!
Hidden depths
Caleb has the patience of a saint, and Sadie the strength of a lion. And they both have deeply hidden vulnerabilities. Their romance dance was fascinating to watch, both using their adorable co-adopted rescue dog as an excuse to spend time with each other. Both thinking this “thing” between them must be a bad idea. And it is a bad idea, until they open their hearts and tell their truths. Caleb and Sadie are an unlikely pair, which makes them so likable! I loved this book!
Playing for Keeps is the newest title in the Heartbreaker Bay series by Jill Shalvis. There is great chemistry and tension between the main characters Sadie Lane and Caleb Parker. Sadie and Caleb are very different; yet, very much alike in their wants and needs. Ms. Shalvis does a superb job for unfolding the events and the people in the past that influenced Sadie and Caleb’s personal development. I was totally enchanted with the “shared-dog”, over-bearing sisters, and “suits.” “And then there was Sadie, the square peg that couldn’t fit into the round hole to save her own life.” I found this title more series than others in the series, but I was totally captivated with the characters and story.
I read this enigmatic book straight through. I loved revisiting the friends of Heartbreaker Bay and especially enjoyed the main characters of Sadie and Caleb. The writing of Jill Shalvis made me feel like a character in the story. I felt the pain and stress of Sadie but also the love emanating from Caleb. This story also made me laugh with the antics of sweet dog and matchmaker Lollipop. Kudos to Jill Shalvis on this romantic 5 star novel.
Sadie and Caleb have always rubbed each other the wrong way, but when they rescue an abandoned three-legged dog, the pair are forced to spend time together to help Lollipop. Both have their reasons for being hesitant for being in a relationship, but as they spend time together, their animosity begins to turn into something else.
I loved Caleb and Lollipop. It’s clear the god takes and instant like to him, and it was cute how excited she got every time she got to see him.
My issue with the story was mainly with Sadie. She comes across as very judgmental, even though she won’t admit it. When Caleb’s sisters do something, she immediately assumes he was behind it. And when she finds out he wasn’t, she’s still mad about it. I did feel bad for her because of the way her family, especially her mother, treated her, but it didn’t seem like it was enough to warrant the way she treated Caleb. I would have also have liked to have seen more of a resolution between Sadie and her family, considering that was a large part of her problem.
I would rank this a 3.5 star read. Sadie’s attitude brought the story down a little for me. Despite that, I thought it was a good read overall. Fans of the series are definitely going to love Caleb and Lollipop.
**An ARC was provided for an honest review**
I enjoyed this romance. I received this for free and I voluntarily chose to review this. I’ve given it a 4.7* rating. This is not for the under 18 readers because of sexual content and dirty language. One of the nice things was the rescued dog. Lots of fun things because of that. Two broken people are drawn to each other and acceptance of their ways.There is a lot of forgiving and healing in this story not just for them but family also. Felt like a roller coaster ride.
Playing for Keeps is the seventh book in the Heartbreaker Bay series by the fabulous Jill Shalvis. I’m a huge fan of Jill’s and having been reading her book long before I ever knew what a book blog was! She does family, friends and small town comradery like no other author around. Heroes and heroines with pasts to overcome, obstacles to tackle but long for a forever love. We have known Sadie for a while and I knew she was going to have a tough past, but I knew she was going to be amazing and strong. Caleb is sexy, smart and filthy rich. But to Sadie he’s just Suits. She can’t say his name. She can’t like him or think about him or want him. But not saying his name doesn’t stop him from getting into her heart and head. They have known each other for a year, but never really talked or spent any time together. But when they rescue a dog together and agree to share custody they are forced to see each other. Caleb always knew he wanted Sadie. She was like no other woman he’s ever knows. She’s special. But she’s closed off and stubborn. He has never backed down from a challenge before and he’s going to win her over. Sadie doesn’t know how to have a healthy relationship. She’s still trying to forget her past and move on, but it’s difficult to forgive. She’s tough and sarcastic and does things on purpose to ruin anything good in her life. Caleb sees behind the mask to the real woman and that scares her to death. But also gives her hope. Can Sadie let her guard down long enough to for Caleb to sneak in? Will Caleb fight for Sadie’s heart and soul? I loved this story! I didn’t expect it to be so emotional but I loved every minute of it. Caleb and Sadie are perfect for each other. He’s open, friendly and has a crazy bunch of sisters he calls The Coven (LOVE THIS!) and her family is a little crazy and not exactly friendly and welcoming. But they just fit. They complete each other and I loved watching their friendship morph into steamy sexiness and then much more! Overall, I laughed, cried, got mad, and smiled a lot. Caleb is sexy with his smart brain and his unbelievable body and tattoos. Sadie is gorgeous with her piercings, colored hair and aloofness. Looking forward to more from this series!
What can I say about Caleb and Sadie? I LOVED them! The snark, the chemistry, the banter, the animal, the crew… These are just a few of the wonderful things about this book. Mentions of future/past characters make me giddy. I’m excited to see what Jill Shalvis comes up with next. She never disappoints.
Caleb is a wealth man. Sadie is struggling with two job. Sadie has a dark past, Caleb is emotionally detached with women. Their paths have crossed for over a year. However, there was a lot of tension between them. Until one rainy night. Caleb and Sadie rescue a stray dog which they now share joint custody of.
Jill Shalvis never disappoints. Her Heartbreaker Bay Series is amazing. Jill’s books always make me laugh. This book has a HEA with no cliffhanger.
*I reviewed this book voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind for this review.
Amidst their own feelings of imperfection, Sadie and Caleb make mistakes but they work together through many situations and their own feelings to find an imperfectly perfect love. When one is ready to give up, the other one has their back. They each give the other what is needed; they complement each other as two halves that create a perfect whole. This is a wonderful story of unconditional acceptance as well as unconditional love. Jill Shalvis knows just how to work the heartstrings. It was an amazing read. One of those stories that you can’t stop reading but you also don’t want to end.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy.