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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Justin + Elise’s story was heartwarming in the best way possible. A brother’s best friend sports romance with major feels and surprising swoons, this book kept me turning the pages to figure out how Justin + Elise could make this forbidden relationship of theirs work. I’m only one book in and I’m loving this series.
Can’t wait to read the second stand-alone as soon as I can get my hands on it. 🙂
** spoiler alert ** I wanted something light and this definitely fit the bill. I’m all for hockey romances, they are some of my favorites, but this one just wasn’t for me. It definitely could be for you, so don’t let my manwhore hate deter you if you love them.
It wasn’t the love story between Elise and Justin that had me cringing, but ALL. THE. MANWHORES. Look, I get it. Maybe it is the real world now, but I refuse to accept that every guy is doing this. I’m fine with it being talked about, but I am NOT fine with the amount it was thrown in my face in this book by pretty much all of the made characters. Panties clogging the hot tub lines? Girls who can hold their breath for 4 minutes? Guys who bang a different girl each night for years? It’s a no for me. I feel like SO MUCH of this book focused on Justin being a “reformed” manwhore (ick) and how many girls his friends and BFF were with that the love story between Elise and him was weighed down with cringey moments. If you love reformed manwhores, you will like this better than me. I’m ok with (well not really ok but) side characters being talked about as manwhores but it was thrown in our face at literally every turn.
I just wanted Elise and Justin’s love story. Give me more of that and less kicking out your brother’s and his friends puck bunnies in the morning all while being in love with an oblivious to you manwhore.
Wonderful! I had the audio version of this book. This is my first time reading/listening to one of Kendall Ryan stories. This is the first book in a brand new series called Hot Jocks. Elise always had a crush on her brother’s best friend and that would be Justin. Justin is your typical pro athlete, who is enjoying his single life. This story is sweet, funny, and everything that could fill the heart of my inner hopeless romantic could hope for. I love the banter between them. Can they become friends with benefits without having feeling involved? You will HAVE to read this one for yourself to find out. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast paced, and steamy book. I love the duel narrators. I found that Jason Clarke and Virginia Rose brought each of their voices to life. Keep up the awesome work! Can’t wait to read more from this author.
Playing for Keeps is the first book in Kendal Ryan’s Hot Jocks series. Justin is a star hockey player and infamous, self-described man-whore. He and his best friend, Owen, have been through thick and thin both playing hockey as teens and then together in the pros on the same team.
The relationship with Justin and Owen is very important to the story. Growing up, Justin was used as a pawn in his parents’ relationship, so he did what every resourceful person does. He found a family of friends. Owen’s family is Justin’s family.
He connects so much with Owen that it bothers Justin when he feels he’s changing as a person. He’s less interested in going out, partying with his friend and teammate. After their championship win, Justin and Owen are relaxing in the house they share with all their teammates and “puck bunnies” celebrating their tremendous season.
It is at this moment Justin starts to evaluate his life and the choices he’s making. He realizes that Owen’s little sister, Elise (who has cleaned up after these two since they were kids) is someone he sees as beautiful, stable, and so unattainable. Justin’s own self-worth or lack thereof becomes the first obstacle between Justin and Elise falling in love. It won’t ruin anything by telling you it’s a central theme to this story.
As Justin begins to trust Elise with his heart, he ends up taking more risks in his friendship with Owen. A sweet, romantic story that makes you swoon with each chapter as you root for this couple to overcome their challenges in order to be together. Their solid friendship helps lower their defenses as each one shows their vulnerability to the other. In the end, their love is impossible to deny. Playing for Keeps is a terrific start to Kendall’s new “Hot Jocks” series.
I recommend it – Four STARS
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Loved the characters.
Captivating and steamy- great read!
We’ve all read a book where the best friend has a crush on the sibling of their best friend right? You’d think there’s not a lot of those type of stories to tell but you’re wrong. My proof? Kendall Ryan. She can write a best friend’s little sister book that is unlike any you have read. You start reading it thinking it will be a certain way and that is not what Elise & Justin’s story is like at all!
Elise does have a crush on her older brother’s BFF but it isn’t because he’s a hottie or a jock, it’s because he’s really a nice guy that she has grown up with. And Justin doesn’t just like Elise because she’s a cute girl who isn’t in awe of his pro sportsman self.
And that’s all I’m saying because you just need to read this book and LOVE Justin & Elise yourself!! And meet Owen – who might be a jock getting an HEA…..
I have always attempted to give ‘star’ ratings on my completed reads, just as a tracking method for my titles that I have completed. I have unlimited packages for audio, kindle, and utilize the local/state library.
However, I do not check the ‘I recommend this book’ unless I am willing to reread a book and or a series.
[I read about 5-15 books a month through kindle, and I listen to about 15-30 books monthly]
I have a full life as a nurse, professor, wife, daughter [daughter in law], sister, and mother. I love to read and love a thousand other lives by turning the pages in countless books.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide a review. Happy reading 🙂
Strong narrator performances dispel any minor story flaws…
I am a big fan of the ‘brother’s best friend/ best friend’s younger sister’ trope and there is nothing I enjoy more than a solid hockey player romance. In Kendall Ryan’s first entry in the Hot Jocks series, there is a great deal to enjoy – endearing main characters, steamy love scenes (complete with dirty talking hero), strong bonds between more than just the H and h (I love an extended ‘chosen’ family of friends). And the set up of Owen and Becca, who will lead the next installment, make the reader excited for their story.
However, this story is not without flaws. There were moments of odd pacing because of story threads (two in particular) that are never fully woven into the whole; they’re just left to dangle, which gives the reader/listener pause. Perhaps this is because they are plot devices that typically get more room to develop when they are used in the genre. As they are elements that are meant to aid the the H’s character growth, it would have been beneficial if at least one of them was fleshed out to add a stronger external conflict to the story. Neither of the two scenarios got far past the H’s internal thinking, so they fell kind of flat. Though internal struggle is interesting and certainly leads to growth, allowing one of these to be an external as well as internal conflict would have added some depth to the plot and more depth to Justin as a character.
Still, I enjoyed this listen quite a bit and that is not just because of the narrative elements Ryan got right, but also because she chose the perfect narrators to breathe life into her words. Jason Clarke was a perfect choice for Justin; his delivery is enough to make me overlook the previously mentioned flaws. And Virginia Rose also does a fine job as Elise, allowing the listener to ignore some of Elise’s less appealing character traits -for example, believing gossip (however briefly) or letting insecurities drive decisions; Rose’s performance saved such moments from cliche.
Overall, I recommend this read/listen; a solid start to what promises to be a fun series. I will definitely be back for more.
Who hasn’t had a crush on their brother’s best friend, the one that you know you shouldn’t pursue for the sake of your brother. Justin and Elise are just that couple.. Their attraction to one another has always been there……the forbidden fruit just dangling there in front of them but always kept out of reach for the sake of friendship.
But after a night of drinking lines blur and get crossed and now there’s no going back in Justin’s mind. He is determined to find a way to have Elise in his life outside the friend-zone.
In true Kendall Ryan fashion she delivers a sweet, sexy romance that will deliver a smile to your face and have you looking forward to the next “Hot Jock” in this series. Game on!
I loved Justin and Elise! They had such amazing banter and a great connection that ran deep. Having known each other most of their lives, they had a great backstory to build on. I really enjoyed this story a lot. It had secrets, steam, and some amazing humor! I loved when Justin came to the classroom. It was so sweet and one of my favorite scenes!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sports Romance and Friends to Lovers – my favorite genres – written by one of my favorite authors – makes for an amazing book! I could not put it down and as soon as I read the last word, I already wanted more of this story and these characters!
Elise has adored her big brother’s best friend for most of her life. That little girl crush grew into her teenage years and is now full blown love in her adult life. One night – celebrating a championship – too many drinks – Elise & Justin wind up in bed together. The next morning is a huge misunderstanding between the two, where the both play it off like they don’t remember and nothing happen – except something did happen – Elise lost her virginity. Justin can’t get Elise out of his mind and is determined to prove to her that he’s not the playboy that he once was and is a man deserving enough of her love. Elise wants fun, no strings attached – but can she keep her heart at bay when Justin turns up the charm.
I love Justin and he has become one of my favorite characters!
Another feel-good book from Kendall Ryan! This is a friends-to-lovers, best friend’s little sister romance. If you enjoy these tropes, then you should definitely give it a try! Also it’s a sports romance with some seriously sexy hockey players to occupy your time
Elise has been crushing on Justin for years, but he never looked at her sexually. This changes when one night they get drunk and sleep together. The next morning Justin reacts like he doesn’t remember anything and she leaves without a word.
It was really interesting seeing both Elise and Justin realizing their feelings for each other. It may be a little awkward at first but they get through it! My favorite scene was the one with the tampons; I laughed so hard with their conversation
I really enjoyed the story and I’m looking forward to the next book, Owen and Becca’s story!!
This is a great start to this hockey series. Elise and Justin have know each other forever. Justin and Owen are best friends and teammates and Owen is Elise’s big brother. Rule one, you don’t date your best friends sister. Rule 2 you don’t date a teammates sister. Rules are made to be broken ! Elise is strong and independent and tells it like it is so what her brother thinks isn’t relevant. Justin had a hard life growing up feeling unloved and unworthy because of his parents horrible divorce and the fallout. This story will have you laughing one minute then fanning yourself the next from the hot scenes. I can’t wait to read Owen’s story next!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved this fun, sexy story! Elise and Justin’s forbidden romance begins with one hot night together which they both try to pretend never happened the next day due to confused feelings and lack of communication. What follows is months of awkwardness and longing as they continue the pretense. Elise is the younger sister of Justin’s best friend and Owen has made it clear his sister is off limits but after three months of trying to forget, Justin knows Elise is the only girl for him. He just has to convince her to give them a chance.
The writing sparkles. I loved the characters who have major chemistry. This sweet, warmhearted love story is a very entertaining read and I loved it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4.5 Stars
This is book one in the Hot Jocks series and it features super sexy hockey star, Justin and his best friend‘s sister, Elise. These two have known each other since they were children. At 24, she’s a preschool teacher and at 28, he’s a pro hockey player. This is an EXTREMELY sexy and sweet but forbidden, bestfriend’s sister romance. You could see the steam rolling off my E-reader! By forbidden, I mean that her brother knows exactly how much of a player Justin is and wants him NOWHERE near his sister!
The story line was smooth and the characters were fantastic! I was captivated right away and couldn’t put it down until the end. This author knows how to write her hockey players and I cannot wait to read about the others.
fun read
First I forgot how much I loved this author. She has the ability to draw you in and keep you in her world long after you’ve read the last sentence. The same can be said about this story. Justin and Elise’s chemistry is evident from the beginning but with Elise’s over protective brother Owen she is off limits. In Ms Ryan’s brilliant way of story telling Justin and Elise’s journey towards an HEA starts with a drunken night of vodka and ends with these friends to lovers growing up and except and facing adult challenges together. As much as I disliked Owen I trust Ms Ryan’s gift that by the end of the next book I’ll dislike him a little less
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kendall Ryan has created a series that we all secretly love and boy does it start off sexy with Justin. Hot Jocks book 1 and already I am loving the concept of all these players and the team. We have Justin who by all counts seems like all about having fun with women considering how many puck bunnies he has had in the past. What I loved is how Kendall Ryan literally derails his whole outlook in life when it comes to Elise. They are friends yet it takes one kiss to make him see what has been missing from his life so far. Then we have Elise who has seen it all in hockey, the good, bad and all the women that keep chasing after her brother and Justin. Not only is she strong but nothing fazes her when it comes to knowing Justin can be a one woman man. Loved it and seeing all the guys in this team is definitely an idea of what is to come especially Owen and Becca. This new series, Hot Jocks by Kendall Ryan is more than just players having fun but seeing them fall for love is one hot story worth getting starting with Justin and Elise.
“I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.”
I am a big fan of Kendall Ryan and couldn’t wait to get my hands on Playing for Keeps because I love forbidden love, friends to lovers, and sports romances, and this book was all three wrapped up in one gorgeous cover! Sigh…
As the overview suggests, Elise Parrish is the younger sister of Owen, a professional hockey player and roommates with his best friend and teammate, Justin. I just adored Elise as she was not pretentious, was a pre-school teacher, and had a great head on her shoulders. She wasn’t afraid to be herself and it was really beautiful to read the honest relationship that she and Justin shared. He was protective of her and was ready for a commitment, tired of the scene with all the superficial women just wanting him because of his job and smokin’ hot body.
Justin was sweet and genuine, and our heroine was so smitten by this man who was off-limits in everyway. I love how they defied the odds and followed their hearts and desire to be together. Their chemistry was undeniable and I really enjoyed all their conversations and sexy times.
I am always engaged when I read a Kendall Ryan book and kept turning the pages because I needed to know what happens next! I loved all the secondary characters and relationship between the family members in this new series and can’t wait to read more of their stories in future editions. Loved the bonus content included in this story as well.