A sexy, brother’s best friend hockey romance from New York Times bestseller Kendall Ryan, kicks off a series you’ll devour! “PLAYING FOR KEEPS IS PERFECT!” -Modern Belle “A TOTAL, UTTER MUST READ.” -Book FanaticI’ve never been so stupid in my entire life.My teammate’s incredibly sweet and gorgeous younger sister should have been off-limits, but my hockey stick didn’t get that memo.After our team … off-limits, but my hockey stick didn’t get that memo.
After our team won the championship, and plenty of alcohol, our flirting turned physical and I took her to bed.
Shame sent her running the next morning from our catastrophic mistake. She thinks I don’t remember that night—but every detail is burned into my brain so deeply, I’ll never forget. The feel of her in my arms, the soft whimpers of pleasure I coaxed from her perfect lips…
And now I’ve spent three months trying to get her out of my head. Which has been futile, because I’m starting to understand she’s the only girl I’ll ever want.
I have one shot to show her I can be exactly what she needs, but Elise won’t be easily convinced.
That’s okay, because I’m good under pressure, and this time, I’m playing for keeps.
Free Bonus With Purchase
✔ A bonus scene in his POV that you DO NOT want to miss!
✔ A sneak preview of the next book in the series
Get ready to meet your new favorite hot jocks in this series of stand-alone novels. If you like sexy, confident men who know how to handle a stick (on and off the ice), and smart women who are strong enough to keep all those big egos in check, this series of athlete romances is perfect for you!
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From friends to lovers
Kendall Ryan has woven her magical spell again with another 5 star bookAnd let’s be honest, there isn’t a genre she can’t do
Elise has had a crush on Justin for years as they grew up together, with her brother Owen. One night after they win a Hockey event, Elise and Justin have a little too much to drink and end up sleeping together. She thinks he doesn’t remember taking her v-card and he’s trying to go with it, thinking she regrets sleeping with him…only months down the line realising that things are awkward and that they needed to clear the air
I loved this story of Elise and Justin and I can’t wait to read Becca and Owen’s story next…read a bit of it at the end of this book and I’m excited
Just Who’s “Playing for Keeps” Here… IS IT Him or IS IT Her!?! Maybe It’s BOTH, But They’re TOO Blind To See!
She’s LOVED Him ForEver…
And Stupidity have HIM Her First TIME!
Too BAD they were BOTH Drink’n,
Cuz the Morn’n AFTER didn’t GO over quite Sooo FINE!
There She was… “Playing for Keeps,”
And though a MisUnderstanding…
Thought He didn’t Remember IT at ALL!
Meanwhile… He’s think’n She’s Regretted being with HIM,
When actually He’s ALL IN!
YEAH… He’s “Playing for Keeps” Alright…
With the only ONE He’s been wanting for quite a while!
Sooo what’s IT gonna take…
To get these TWO to get ON the Same page!
And make them see,
They’ve BOTH been “Playing for Keeps,”
One-Click “Playing for Keeps” TODAY, & find OUT the Answers to the Twists & Turns in store for these would-be LOVERS!
I rarely give Coveted 5 STAR ratings; they’re saved for Books/Items that Outshine, Outclass, & Outperform their competition… They’ve gotta give me something MORE! Kendall Ryan’s done just that with “Playing for Keeps;” Kudos, Ms. Ryan, for your Stellar work!!
I was granted an ARC of Kendall Ryan’s “Playing for Keeps (Hot Jocks Book 1)” via B00|{$P®0UT. I recommend this book to others based upon its own recommendations. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time… Happy Reading!
Playing for Keeps by Kendall Ryan is an amazing sweet and steamy best friend’s/teammate little sister story. This is such a deliciously forbidden sport romance read that I was taken on such a phenomenal journey with Justin and Elise as they tried to maneuver the complicated and complex intricacies between them. Being that this is a sports romance (hockey) really made this a great read. I love the sassy and sweet woman Elise is, the tough and handsome man Justin is … the road to the HEA was fantastic!!
My Rating: 4.5 stars *******
Playing for Keeps is Kendall Ryan’s first foray into hockey romances, and she kicked this series off with a completely addictive hybrid romance that was a blend of the friends-to-lovers and best friend’s little sister tropes. I’m definitely a fan of Kendall Ryan’s writing, especially in her sassy, sexy, easy-reading contemporaries and romcoms. Playing for Keeps was brimming with heat and heart, and it had just enough angst to keep me on the edge of my seat.
Elise and Justin had the banter thing down born from a long friendship, and I couldn’t get enough of their witty, easy relationship. Elise has buried her long-held feelings for Justin, and he’s done the same, hiding them behind a playboy pro athlete persona. But Justin had reached the point in his life where he was looking for something more meaningful, something real, and he found that something in Elise. Once the chemistry between them started simmering, their attraction couldn’t be denied. The relationship build-up was seriously sweet, and I was rooting for this couple the whole way through. But they did have their challenges to overcome in the form of Elise’s big brother, Owen, as well as Justin’s relationship hang-ups. This couple had a solid foundation of friendship to fall back on, though, and because of that they were effortlessly playful, overwhelmingly passionate and so naturally paired.
Playing for Keeps was a fabulous start to an exciting and promising new hockey-themed sports romance series from Kendall Ryan. Full of heart-tugging emotion, Elise and Justin’s irresistibly sexy, forbidden romance pulled me in from page one, and I devoured it in a day. Kendall Ryan’s Playing for Keeps gets 5 smooches from me!
~Danielle Palumbo, Red Cheeks Reads
This is the first book in the Hot Jock series. I loved the characters Justin and Elise. They had great chemistry. It was a wonderful, sweet and forbidden read. It was a page tuner, captivating romatic read. I look forward to reading the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4.5 Stars
Elise & Justin
Pre-school teacher and hockey pro.
She’s been in love with him since she was in kindergarten.
He’s her older brother’s best buddy – so she’s obviously off-limits.
But that doesn’t stop them from having this one – slightly drunk – night with each other.
And now, after months of trying to stay away from each other, they don’t/can’t/want to stay away any longer … but it’s just a fling, right? It can’t be anything more. Justin is not the relationship type….
3
Well. That was adorable!
I really liked it.
It wasn’t anything new or über-exciting-interesting-mindblowing. But it was a cute and adorable and sexy hockey-best-buddy’s-little-virgin-sister romance!
Justin and Elise are perfect for each other, but there’s always that stupid ‘law’ that you can’t start something with your best buddy’s little sister. Especially when you’re a bit of a manwhore.
They both came across as a bit naive and immature at times. Just talk about things kids! Ugh. Both think the other doesn’t want anything serious and both are in love with the other at the same time. It’s a bit too much back and forth. But we love these cute little romances. There has to be some drama to make it interesting. I liked reading it… I will definitely come back for book 2.
We already meet lots of other characters from the upcoming books – the 2nd book will be about Elise’s brother and her BFF Becca!
This is my favorite Kendall Ryan book I’ve read in a while!! Justin and Elise are too cute, sports romance is my jam, and sibling’s best friend/best friend’s sibling romances are amongst my fave tropes so this had all the ingredients to be great. Add to that FANTASTIC sexy times, appropriate angst, and a couple who handles their sitch maturely (or as maturely as possible while trying to be on the DL) took Playing For Keeps over the top. And the narration is PERF. Now, I’m simultaneously reading another KR book right now (Two Week Arrangement) and now I have high hopes that I will enjoy it just as much and if not, I’ll just float on the cloud of contentment produced by Playing For Keeps. AND I can’t wait for the next book in the Hot Jocks series!!! Five wine glasses!
Terrific best friend’s little sister/older brother’s best friend set up! I’m a sucker for this trope, and Kendall Ryan pulled it off brilliantly. This book was fun and super sexy. Awesome read!
I absolutely love everything that Kendall Ryan writes. Playing For Keeps is the first book in her new Hot Jocks series. This book is sweet, sexy and a little bit dirty.
Elise and Justin have known each other for years because he is the brothers best friend. In recent years their feelings for each other have changed alittle bit. One night at a party when they are both drunk things go a little too far. They both worry about how Owen would react if they decided to act on their feelings for one another so they try pretend that amazing night never happened. After they continue to spend time together it gets hard to deny how they feel about each other. Will they be able to keep denying their feelings for Owen’s sake or will they finally decide to give a relationship a try and hope Owen can accept it?
I loved the connection between Elise and Justin. The secondary characters added lots of depth to the storyline. I can’t wait for Becca and Owen’s story!!
I haven’t found a Kendall book I don’t like and Playing for Keeps in her new series is no different. I love a great friends-to-lovers romance and this is one that had me hanging on every word from the very beginning. Elise and Justin were nothing short of sweet, sexy, fun and a whole lot of chemistry. I love sports romance and this book was scoring all the points! If your a Kendall fan like myself then this is one book you definitely want to read because I have a feeling this series is going to be amazing!
FUNtastic Steamy read.
A quick steamy read that was not just enjoyable is was so much fun to read. A whirlwind of emotions that pull at your hearts strings to smirky laughter. Great dialogue and yummy steamy chemistry. I enjoyed this read and gladly recommend.
Justin is a Professional Hockey Player that has grown tired of the party life and he’s looking for something/someone meaningful and real. He finds that in his best friend’s sister Elise. The chemistry between them is hot, sweet, and deep. They both try to be secretive and play it off as a fling. What will happen when her brother Owen finds out? Will their true feelings finally be revealed? I loved this book, and I can’t wait for Owen and Becca’s story to come out. I was rooting for them too!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love this type of book! Especially when they have known each other a long time, and he knows he is supposed to stay away from his best friend’s sister. Justin is the perfect broody man, but he was always thinking of her and always put her first. They started this relationship that was supposed to be casual. They were funny though and sweet. I fell for these characters in the first chapter! I can’t wait for more!
it was amazing
Justin Brady is swoon worthy!!!
I loved this friends to lovers story. Elise Parrish is so cool, and it’s easy to see why she and Justin always got along growing up. Besides who can you trust more then your best friend, right?
It’s like they were truly made for each other. Was there some hurt feelings? Yes there was, BUT things got fixed quickly…Now ojn to Owen and Becca’s story and let me just say I cannot wait for it
Reading Progress
I was completely captivated by this friends-to-lovers story between a hot, sexy hockey player and his best friend/teammate/roomie’s younger sister. Their story was fun, flirty, and full of moments I could definitely identify with. I started reading and couldn’t stop…always a good sign! Sexy Justin came to life in my head immediately. Sensible and sweet Elise was smart, sassy and very likable. They grew up together, but will they grow old together? You won’t want to miss this first book in Kendall Ryan’s new Hot Jocks Series. It’s a quick, steamy, enjoyable read which will leave you satisfied (it’s a standalone) and anxiously awaiting Book 2!
I really love Kendall Ryan’s books! The publisher’s description of this book is accurate, and the part about his hockey stick is so funny, but so accurate 🙂
Another 5 star! Love the story line, the characters, and her attention to detail.
Justin is gorgeous muscular professional hockey player with Owen, Elise older brother. The attraction between them, especially hers, comes to life one semi-drunk night.
When they finally discuss what happened, she confirms, what he suspected. They agree to see each other, no strings attached, but, Elise is falling in love with Justin. Justin does not do relationships, especially after witnessing his parents horrible marriage.
But, like is a good and steamy romance, this is a definite must read/listen!!!!
The narrators performed amazingly well, Virginia Rose and Jason Clarke.
Playing for Keeps by Kendall Ryan is an older brother’s best friend romance with all kinds of feels!. Justin Brady has been friends Owen and Elise Parish forever. As best friends with Owen, his little sister was always a fixture in their lives. But now they are grown and there isn’t anything little about Elise. But bro code dictates he stay as far away from her as he can. But a night of celebrating leads to an unforgettable night together they both try desperately to forget.
Elise and Justin have tried to deny the attraction they feel for each other, but when things come to a head, can they keep thing fun and light? I loved Justin. He was a truly a good guy who did not think he deserved Elise. He was caring and strong. Elise grew up around hockey and hockey players all her life. She saw the good in Justin. She was very likeable, sweet and considerate.
I absolutely loved listening to Justin and Elise’s story in Playing for Keeps by Kendall Ryan. Narrated by Jason Clarke (one of my top favorite male narrators) and Virginia Rose, they did an absolutely amazing job brining Justin and Elise to life for me. A sweet and delightful older brother’s best friend romance with light angst and a whole lot of charm.
Happy listening!
This book has a little bit of everything; laugh out loud moments, angst, steaminess, and an adorable romance. Elise is a little immature, and Justin is a “player” who cannot see himself committing. These two certainly did not know how to communicate, But they do have a cute friendship. Overall, this book was entertaining.
A good brother’s best friend storyline. A low angst story filled with laugh out loud moments. I really enjoyed the narration. I can’t wait to listen to book 2 in this series!
Audiobook review:
I absolutely loved this audiobook!
Jason’s voice is heaven to listen to and since the female narrator is new to me, I have to say I really love her voice too!
This book was so enjoyable to listen to and the way they narrated made it even more so!
The characters were just fun! Sometimes all you need to listen to is a really good Brothers Best friends to lovers romance but this isnt just any book! Oh no, a hockey romance with steam and secrecy and great friendships! Oh yes!!
Does keeping a secret from her brother longer than necessary mean the proverbial poo will hit the fan when he finds out??? The suspense was killing me and I thought the way their connection deepened was beautiful! Shouldn’t you go after the person you want regardless of the consequences??
Drama galore and so many laughs to be had but the whole storyline is just so flipping good!!
Ebook review: This is a sports romance with a best friends to lovers story that will make you laugh, swoon and has some great friendships, secrets and steamy moments to keep you intrigued and not want to put the book down!
I just loved Justin and Elise and I think Justin is a very swoonworthy man trying to do his part justice. Yes there is dilemmas, yes there is so much LOVE and I cannot wait for more of this series.
Does keeping a secret from her brother longer than necessary mean the proverbial poo will hit the fan when he finds out??? The suspense was killing me and I thought the way their connection deepened was beautiful! Shouldn’t you go after the person you want regardless of the consequences??
Drama galore and so many laughs to be had but the whole storyline is just so flipping good!!