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.
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✔ 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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Loving My Girl
There’s nothing sexier than your brother’s, professional hockey playing, manwhore of a best friend. Justin’s been her crush since she was six years old. Now he’s just all grown up and too sexy to resist! Who cares if a relationship with him is off-limits…no one ever has to know!!! Elise is about to tame the untamable!
Her brother’s best friend was a big part of her life growing up. She crushed on him hard. Now they are all grown up. One drunken night leaves them falling into bed together. But the next morning she is freaking out. She is all about avoiding him from now on since he seems to be unable to remember their night together. Her long time crush just crushed her.
Justin has his own secret. He is not supposed to feel anything toward his best friend’s sister except some sisterly love. His feelings are anything but. He’s so tired of the one-night-only puck bunnies. It’s time to get what he wants.
Maybe they can both have a little of what they want…a no strings arrangement with an incredible connection that they can’t resist. They’ll just break it off if either catches feelings.
Justin is open and honest. I loved that about him. He did not hold back when it came to his attraction for Elise. Their relationship grew from no strings to so much more. The connection they shared was nothing they could walk away from. Justin delivers on the swoon and the romance. You will be totally smitten. The banter between them was filled with some laugh-out-loud moments.
A sweet and sexy story with great characters that had depth. You are going to love it!
I received a review copy before release for an honest review.
This was a fun and hot and sweet romance. It brings together childhood friends and also uses the trope of brothers best friends with a dash of a hockey superstar and the sexy school teacher.
I am a recent fan of this authors work. This is a brand new series and features a happy ending at the book. I repeat NO CLIFFS in this story. This story features Ellie who has sex for the first time with her childhood friend/ and brothers roomie and best friend and teammate, Justin.
They wake up together but Ellie pretends nothing happened and Justin lets her. But the reality is he knows what happened and he feels very guilty for letting her think he doesn’t remember. She then ghosts him and all he can think about is her and he wants more. But there is the issue with his best friend/roomie and how he would not want his sister with him.
What results is two people falling for the other and hiding it with lotsa hijinks I loved. Lots of laughs and sweet moments and some hot scenes. This was an awesome story and I cannot wait for the brother to get his happy ending too.
A sports romance/best friends sister romance read that was sexy, sweet and fun. You will love Justin and Elise’s character, they had the perfect chemistry and friendship that became more as their attraction intensify. There are fun moments in this story as they try to get together without her brother finding out and steamy moments that will leave you hot and bothered. A wonderful storyline and great characters made this an enjoyable read. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
This is a fun sexy brother best friend romance and I really enjoyed it. I liked that Elise and Justin and know and liked each other for years but because of her brother, they had never acted on their feelings that is until one night and one too many drinks but afterward, there are some misunderstandings between them and their relationship is now not the same but when she tries to move one he finally decides to act and prove he is good enough for her.
4 Stars
There’s nothing I love more than a best friend’s little sister romance and this one made my heart happy. Justin and Elise have grown up together and being Owen’s little sister, has always been on the forbidden side. That is until one drunken night changes everything. Now everything is awkward and they aren’t sure how to act around each other because the feelings they both have scream for more. The writing is great as always and I love the way the author weaves a story. I really enjoyed this first book in Ryan’s Hot Jock series and I can’t wait for Owen’s book next.
Angela – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
Oh my stars! I think Kendall Ryan hit gold with this series. The forbidden romance of the best friend’s sister. Plus hockey. Hello… I am a total sucker for anything hockey! But what I love about this series is how Ryan made it her own. I love the banter and the chemistry. Elise is such a sucker for Justin. Always has been. But then things happen and hello awkward. Then when things get into the flow of the story. The way these two play off of each other was amazing. I love the wit but also how much these two just fit.
There are some crazy ups and downs but not insane drama ups and downs which I LOVED. Sure we have the whole “I shouldn’t be doing this because it’s the little sister” aspect, but it was overall, a very sweet and lovable story. Between the swoon worthy moments, tampons and more, this book is a must read! I am super excited to see what is coming next!
Excellent best friends sister romance! I love hockey themed romances and this was outstanding!! Cannot wait for the next one!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book was so great. I first listened to it on Audible and I loved being able to revisit them. Justin and Elise were such a great couple. Their story is a friend to lovers’ romance and I loved it. This is one of my favorite tropes to read. I love watching them finally realize their person has been there the whole time. Justin and Elsie were no exception. Elsie is considered forbidden territory because her brother Owen and Justin are best friends. All it took was one drunken night and all that changed. Justin and Elsie were unable to fight the temptation and chemistry that was always between them. This book ticked off all my boxes – sports romance, friends to lovers, great characters and wonderful story. Kendall had done it again and I can’t wait to see what is next in this series.
It was so easy to fall for this couple and their sweet and steamy forbidden romance. The chemistry is off the charts and the attraction is a powerful as gravity between Elise and Justin but she is his best friend’s little sister so the Bro Code is in effect. I really liked both these characters. Elise is spunky, smart but at the same time naïve. Justin is a hot, charming and a pretty typical arrogant player (both on and off the ice). As the story unfolds there is emotional turmoil, tension and a little drama. All together it was a very enjoyable read wth a few minor annoyances (I’m kind of tired of the alcohol let us finally give in excuse) and (the extacurricular activities). A fun start to a new series and it left me eager for the next book.
4 1/2 Stars
Great storytelling talent as this author was able to show such sweetness in the way Justin cared for Elise. True, he retreated as soon as the next morning rolled around, but as boneheaded as that was, he did struggle with his decision to act as though nothing happened between them.
For Elise, it was clearly a self preservation tactic to try to move on from Justin.
I liked the way they slowly found their way back to each other and their HEA!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Justin is a sexy hockey player. He’s friends with Elise’s brother. Justin and Elise have a connection but they haven’t acted on it until lone night. The next day Justin makes the decision to pretend he doesn’t remember the night before. It may have seemed liked a good idea to him be it’s not. I didn’t like the that Elise was a virgin and kind of felt that it didn’t bring anything to the story-line, other than that I loved Elise. Justin and Elise clicked together but they are thrown some bumps in the roads. It’s a standalone but there will be more books in the series and I can’t wait for the next one.
4.5 Stars!
Justin Brady is a gorgeous 28 yr. old professional hockey player who is the star forward for the Seattle Ice Hawks. He grew up with his best friend Owen who is now his teammate and roommate. Owen and his younger sister Elise have always been like family to him. Recently something had shifted between Justin and Elise. She was all grown up now, and absolutely stunning. Her friendship means everything to him, and he can be himself with her. Normally if he wants something, he goes after it, but his best friends sister is off limits, that is until one flirty night when things turn physical and things go a little too far. Suddenly their relationship is extremely complicated. He doesn’t do feelings or romance, but he can’t deny he wants Elise to be his in every way. He can’t get her out of his head, and she makes him feel out of control. He desperately wants the one woman he can’t have.
Elise Parrish is a 24 yr. old pre-school teacher who has secretly crushed on her brother’s best friend Justin for years. They’ve known each other since they were kids, but in recent years it’s become more difficult to ignore the insane chemistry between them. After one unforgettable night with her dream guy she’s anxious to explore what could be between them. She just can’t let herself fall for him, which is easier said than done when the heart gets involved.
Playing For Keeps (Hot Jocks #1) by Kendall Ryan is an all new standalone friends to lovers, brothers best friend, sports romance. It’s a sexy, fun, forbidden love story full of emotion and sizzle that will keep you wanting more. I really enjoyed this book, and can’t wait for Owen & Becca’s story!
I am a sucker for sport romances especially hockey romances and was so very excited to read Kendall Ryan’s new Hot Jock Series. Book 1 “Playing For Keeps” does not disappoint. Justin is a sexy self proclaimed playboy hockey player. He is serious about his sport and (in his own mind) seriously damaged relationship material. Having to deal with the fallout from his parents messy divorce, Justin took refuge with his best friend Owen and his family. Elise is a well balanced preschool teacher and Owen’s little sister. Having grown up alongside her brother and Justin she couldn’t help developing a school girl crush on him. Unbeknownst to her, Justin also has feelings for her but never felt good enough to act upon them. One drunken night they find themselves drawn to one another and give in to their mutual attraction. The next day forces them to deal with, or better yet, not deal with what happened creating an avalanche effect taking them on an interesting journey towards their much deserved happily ever after. If you love sports romances as much as I do them you must absolutely add this to your TBR list.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*Spoilers*
This was a good book, every character was someone you felt like you knew, which I love. Kendall Ryan is really good at creating those relate-able kinds of characters, and I have never been disappointed in her books or characters. I wish she would right in a little more detail about hockey, but she may not have all the knowledge to that, and that is only because, with my husband and boys, my household lives and breathes hockey. What she does write, she does very well. It was nice to see Justin grow throughout the book. He had such a horrible childhood and I get how hard it is for him to think he is worth anything. Having grown up in a similar situation, I relate to the feeling he was unlovable and thinking everyone deserves better than him. I still feel that way and I have been with my husband for almost 10 years now so it is not an easy fix. I gave my husband every reason to run, so I do understand Justin better than any other character in the book. Justin had it hard because while he had friends/teammates, he was surrounded by several guys who needed to act their age but my experience with guys in general, especially hockey players, is that they tend to be childish, making it hard for him to be allowed to or be able to change. But he did it which was awesome. I do wish Elise and Justin had been more honest with everyone, especially Owen, but I understand, too. Owen needed to grow up and realize that people, especially a friend he grew up with, is capable of change and could be a good fit for his sister Elise, who also grew up with them. It says a lot that some of those close to Justin and Elise were betting on when, not if, they would stop dancing around the feelings. Why Owen wasn’t aware of the same thing everyone else was shows how blind he was to what he didn’t want to see. I was glad he finally came around in the end, and I hope him and Becca, in the next book, both commiserate together and take a similar path as Justin and Elise. I can see this being an excellent series with each of these boys growing up and finding the love they were meant to. I look forward to more books in the series and will read each as soon as I am able to, I am sure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another “Goal” for Kendall Ryan! I really fallen for this new series. Playing for Keeps was witty, funny, and smokin’ hot! The forbidden romance trope will have you craving for what you cannot have. Elise and Justin hit that spot! I loved this story and cannot wait for more to come from this new series! I mean come on, who does not like a bunch of hunks falling for the right girl 🙂
Playing for Keeps is a charming, funny, and steamy hockey romance and just an outright entertaining read!
Justin and Elise are absolutely adorable. Their chemistry together was evident from the very beginning of the book and transformed into a passionate and forbidden romance that neither one was expecting. Even though the plot was somewhat predictable with the ‘off limits’ aspect of their relationship and Justin’s manwhore-ish behaviors of a typical hockey star, I still found the story to be very satisfying. The book does have its moments of drama and heartache woven into the storyline, which I think benefits the overall outcome and connects the readers more emotionally with the characters.
Playing for Keeps is sweet and exciting, topped off with perfectly placed comedic elements that makes this story a fun reading experience. Kendall Ryan scored with this swoony friends-to-lovers romance, and the next book in the series will no doubt be just as enjoyable!
I have been a huge lover of the sports genre always. Add in a bit of forbidden romance and you have me hooked. With Playing For Keeps, Kendall Ryan delivered all that I was looking for and then some, in the most delicious way!
Justin and Elise are absolutely perfect! I was completely enamoured with the sweet, sexy Justin. He had me swooning into a puddle from the start and kept me fanning myself until the very end. Elise has been in love with Justin her entire life. Unfortunately, him being her brother’s best friend, he has always put her in the off-limits box.
I love, love, loved this one and I can’t wait to see what Ryan brings us next in this series!
I absolutely loved this book and didn’t want it to end. This is the first book in a new hockey series and if the next two books are anything like this one then this series is an absolute winner! Justin and Elise are childhood friends and to top it off Justin is best friend’s and teammate to Elise’s older brother, Owen. Which means Elise is on the Do Not Date list. Of course they are both attracted to each other and try to fight it especially after a one time drunken encounter which doesn’t turn out too great, well….
For as much as I love Justin and Elise, I also loved Owen, Becca, Teddy and Sara. All of them were a great group of friends and teammates and it was great to meet all of them in this book. Justin and Elise were perfect for each other and I was so happy that Justin realized his feelings off Elise was more than just sex and that he really loved having her as his friend too and missed that just as much when he would be away from her because of hockey.
I am so excited for the next two books in this series. I couldn’t put this one down and I know that will be the same with the next books.
They were a trio, best friends forever since childhood. Him, her and her brother.
They understood each other before fame and fortune, before all the puck bunnies came out to mate, before well everything that now is.
The drinks are flowing, and it feels right. No thoughts just actions.
The morning after and then it sinks in. What they did, what happened and the line on the floor between them is very blurred.
Where do they go from here? what about her brother?
This book is such a sweet read, so very fresh and innocent whilst naughty but nice too.
A new world to them both, exploring in the dark, scared and fearful. Tip toeing here there and everywhere.
Elise is the typical innocent girl next door. Shes good and wholesome but quick and smart too.
Justin is the man about town. The guy who has women like most have hot dinners.
Opposites that share a world, a love, a passion a bond.
A beautiful read of bad timing and obstacles but hope and love too.
I thoroughly enjoyed this and had a cheesy smile plastered to my face through most of it.
Ice hockey reads are slowly but surely become a sports romance love of mine.
I’m looking forward to Becca and Owens story so much! I know that’s not going to be even remotely plain sailing!
Their story is filled with what if’s and a bunch of possibilities and it is not without potential fall outs. But I loved everything about it and can not recommend it enough!