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!
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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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Kendall Ryan hits it in the net with PLAYING FOR KEEPS (Hot Jocks #1). Twenty-eight-year-old NHL star, Justin Brady, falls for his best friend Owen’s little sister, Elise Parrish. This novel takes place in Seattle. It is suitable for adult readers.
I love Justin. Admitting, my son’s name is Justin, so I immediately had a soft spot for him. Unlike my Justin, this Justin had a tough life growing up. His parents used him against each other, making him feel unloved. He has known his best friend and teammate, Owen Parrish and his sister, Elise, since they were kids. Elise has always been interested in Justin. After winning the championship Justin and Elise wind up in bed together. Elise thinks Justin doesn’t remember, and Justin thinks Elise regrets it. So many interesting things transpire after their encounter.
Kendall Ryan does a great job with PLAYING FOR KEEPS. It is the perfect foundation for the Hot Jocks series. The novel is skillfully executed and hard to put down. I recommend this story to people who enjoy sports romances and/or best friend’s little sister stories. I cannot wait for Owen Parrish’s and Elise’s best friend Becca’s story next in book two, ALL THE WAY. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
I’m never disappointed with new books by Kendall. I love this book and I’m totally looking forward to this new series. Who doesn’t love a hot jock? This book has everything you could want in a romance and more. Kendall is one of my favorite authors and I can see why this is her favorite book yet. It’s now mine.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
He shoots, He SCORES!!!!
Playing for Keeps is the first book in Kendall Ryan’s new Hot Jocks series and what a first book to start with. I think I have a new “book boyfriend” in Justin. Yes he is a is no strict “no relationship”, different woman each night hockey player and he has some issues but he also has a heart tucked away deep down inside him.
Elise on the other hand is a ray of sunshine. She is a preschool teacher but is also the last woman he should ever touch, let along spend a drunken night that was amazing, as she is the younger sister of his best friend. Elise has loved Justin since forever but always thought there were be no way he would ever do anything because she is not his type and her older brother situation.
But one night changes everything and their relationship becomes a friends with bene’s situation. But Justin is ready for a change not matter how hard he fights it. He is growing tired of the rotating puck bunny’s in his bed and the emptiness that comes with that. So he is beginning to think that maybe he would like to have a relationship and that it would be with Elise. But how could she love him or want more with him, at least that is what he thinks and believes. While Elise thinks he will not change and if this is what he has to offer then she will accept it for what it is. But what would happen if Justin and Elise were actually truthful with themselves and each other? Would they be able to build a future and have the possibility at a HEA? Or would they crash and burn and also kiss their friendship goodbye because of hurt feelings?
Kendall Ryan’s first sports romance book is a total score!!! She has brought to life wonderfully flawed but lovable characters that tug at your heart from the beginning to the end. The story-line is interesting and will make a wonderful background to the books in this series. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Playing for Keeps and am waiting for the next book in this series to see what happens next.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Don’t we all love a man who puts the feelings of the woman first…even if that is the wrong thing to do? How about a woman that will protect the man so as to protect her heart? Maybe not, but you will definitely find yourself laughing at situations like that in Playing for Keeps. Kendall Ryan reaches deep into her bag of tricks to bring us a great story of growth, respect, and determination.
Justin and Elise are two people that deal with their own inner battles yet always seem to find themselves together. Some of those times they maybe should NOT have been. So when the gloves come off and the true intentions appear, both parties are faced with addressing their own concerns as well as those of friends and family. What they discover about each other along the way had me smiling and cheering them own. But let me warn you, dang do they take a while to get all the woven web untangled.
I am happy to say this is a very fun story and well worth all the stars it gets.
Playing for Keeps is a swoon worthy forbidden romance. Kendall Ryan gives us another fun and sexy read. Justin & Elise have that “made for each other” chemistry. Kendall Ryan is certainly a “one click” author for me.
Justin has known Elise most his life as his best friends little sister she has always been around. Recently however he seems to be noticing her as more than that. Elise has had a crush on Justin for years but has realized it just is not meant to be. Then one night all of that changes and nothing is the same. 3 months later these two finally get the courage to clear the air and decide a benefits relationship is the way to keep their friendship intact while persuing their chemistry toward one another. Soon however feelings find a way into their agreement and the hard truth of what they really want is revealed. Will they be able to finally give in and become a real couple or will fears and emotions get the better of them and send them running. This was a sweet story about a reformed manwhore and a sweet girl next door. Great writing and wonderful characters. I can not wait to read the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kendall Ryan has quickly become an automatic must buy author for me. I love that her books are so easy to lose yourself in and I couldn’t put Playing For Keeps down. After been in a bit of a book slump, this was exactly what I needed.
I have always had a soft spot for sports romances so I knew going in that I’d love this book. Elise has had a crush on her brothers best friend Justin for years. Justin is fully aware that Elise is off limits, it’s not as if he’s lacking for female company, but one drunken night together changes that. With Elise determined to just forget about that night, Justin decides he’s not ready to let her go just yet and goes about convincing her that a no strings secret affair is the way to go. I loved these two. They have a history, a friendship, some great banter and some serious chemistry. They also have obstacles standing in their way (mainly Elise’s brother Owen) but I was definitely hoping that Justin would get his girl.
This is a great start to a new series that I absolutely loved. I can’t wait to read more from The Hot Jocks series.
I’m a sucker for hockey players stories, I’m so down for this series. Justin had a mess up upbringing as his parents used him in a pull war after they divorced, ergo he turns into a major player (his teammates are no better. Elise is his best friend’s little sister and he’s been attacked to her for some time but doesn’t believe he’s good enough. Mixed alcohol, some heavy feelings, hooking up, a morning after that doesn’t go well and you’re in it for a ride.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is Book 1 of the Hot Jocks Series by this author. It an off limits romance between Elise and her brother’s best friend, Justin. It is a journey of self-discovery as these two very different but likeable characters figure out a relationship between them with love and intimacy, along with drama, passion, and angst. It is a love story with enough drama, sweetness, humor and steam, plus engaging secondary characters to keep the reader interested. Overall, it is an entertaining read with almost the perfect amount of everything – heart, heat, and a happy ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4 1/2 STARS!
Playing For Keeps is the debut book in Kendall Ryan’s new Hot Jocks series and centers around a pro hockey player and a preschool teacher who happens to be his best friend and teammates little sister.
Justin Brady is quick to catch the reader’s eye because not only is he a sexy hockey player, but he also has a softness that only comes through for Elise. He’s quick to try to protect her by pretending he doesn’t remember their time together when it’s obvious she’s full of regret.
Elise Parrish is used to being around hockey, but she’s not used to having to admit her feelings. When three months pass and they finally confront what each is feeling, a clandestine affair kicks off and things are about to get serious when they have to decide whether to go public to her brother.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast paced, steamy gem. The hockey was a little light in the plot, but the bad boy players were front and center and a lot of fun to get to know. Looking forward to Owen’s story next!
This is the first book of the Hot Jock series. Meet Elise, the teacher and Justin, the pro hockey player. Justin’s team wins the championship and it is time to celebrate. But just flirting during this night of celebration turns into a one night stand. Elise takes off the next morning believing that Justin doesn’t remember a thing. Justin remembers EVERYTHING, including how Elise is his teammates little sister. This turns out to be more that a one night stand as both characters cannot stop thinking or wondering about each other. Could they be more? Will they get their heart broken? Rumors and reputations seem to have some weight as well but can they be proven to be wrong? This was a really enjoyable read and a great start to a new series. This is a new author for me but I look forward to enjoying this series and expanding to other books as well.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was my first book by Kendall Rayn and I loved it! Her word usage and story building has you hooked form the start. It’s a friend to lovers, brothers best friend amazing book. Justin and Elise have all the banter and chemistry down for a forbidden secret romance. It leads to many funny moments and lots of romance! It’s the start of a new hockey romance series and WOW did Kendall Rayn stag a GOAL with this one! I can’t wait too see more in this series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I first listened to this on audible as it was released first there and I loved it then. The audible drew me in and brought the written word to life. When I received the ebook I was interested to see if it changed my perception of the book but it didn’t. Kendall Ryan did a brilliant job of enticing me in from the first page and keeping me interested until the very end.
This is Kendall Ryan’s first sports romance and she has knocked it out of the park with this one. I am a fan of her style of writing and this one brought that brilliant style of witty, sexy, steamy romcoms and contemporary, mixed with this sports, forbidden-romance, best-friends-sister style.
I loved Elise and Justin, the chemistry between them was off the charts, even before they hooked up. Their banter was entertaining and hilarious from their years of friendship. They have both buried their feelings for each other until a party and alcohol breaks down their walls temporarily. Only problem is now they have tasted the forbidden fruit the attraction and chemistry builds to epic proportions ready to explode with one flame.
I was rooting for them the whole way through as they were the prefect match, they just needed to get over the challenges between them to get their HEA.
I can’t wait to see what Kendall Ryan brings us next with All the Way out in September
Justin and Elise were amazing!!! Best friend little sister with brother best friend is always a good read and this one was great. Drunken one night stand led to more. Elise always had a crush on Justin since they were little kids. Justin has known Elise all his life and she’s the only female that he trusts. When things happen he doesn’t want to complicate things. Elise thinks that he’s never wanted more but she’s so wrong. It wasn’t easy but they got it and surprise her brother wasn’t overly ridiculous like in some books and their parents eventually knew since they were little that it was going to happen. Great storyline and great secondary characters of course because their professional hockey players. Can’t wait for Owen’s story because he will be hard to tame.
This is the debut of a brand new series of hockey players. A 4 star friends to lover/ best friends sister.
Justin has been secretly lusting after his best friends little sister. One drunken night led to a night of passion.
It was an entertaining story that was full of passion and a great introduction to a new series. Why I didn’t give it a 5 star? A story that has been told many times over. I felt like it was a repeat from previous stories by this author.
A great summer read that is a breath of fresh air. It was beautifully written but lacked originality.
Standalone for now told in a dual POV with an HEA. I recommend this story.
I love being in a Kendall Ryan world! Playing for Keeps is simply delicious! Kendall Ryan spoils me with a fantastic older brother’s best friend romance, mixed in with a little virgin vixen. This book is super hot, an easy going read that I devoured in a day. A little beefier than her usual quick reads, Playing for Keeps kept me hooked from beginning to end, loaded with fun, sexy times.
Justin Brady, hockey god extraordinaire, and former manwhore, finally has found the one, his best friend’s little sister, Elise. After one drunken night, he’s hooked on her forever. Setting the stage for a friends with bennies situation, Justin and Elise deep dive into a friendship with perks with no strings attached. Easier said than done considering they’ve been crushing on each other forever. Gosh darn, Kendall spoils us rotten with all these steamy scenes. Get your fans ready! But be prepared to get a dose of the FEELS…Justin is a super romantic book boyfriend – and he doesn’t know it! My inside literally turned to mush, he’s so sweet.
I’m so excited for this hot jock series! Sports romances are one of my favorite jams, and these guys will have you squealing hard, they’re ridiculously hilarious together. Justin and Elise are perfect together, I can’t wait to see them more throughout the series!
Playing For Keeps by Kendall Ryan is a sweet, sexy hockey romance!
Owen and Justin have been friends forever. Elise was Owen’s annoying little sister until one day Justin saw her as someone completely different…sweet, intelligent, and sexy. He wanted her, but he knew he could never have her for two reasons.
She was Owen’s little sister.
Because of his own past, he thought he wasn’t good enough for her.
Elise has wanted Justin as long as she could remember. However, she always avoided that because of his reputation as a manwhore. She isn’t into one-night stands. It’s funny what happens when destiny or fate has other ideas. One night the two cross that line they have drawn in the sand, and the feelings they have for one another grow even more complicated.
The friendship between Justin and Elise laid the foundation for a great relationship, but it wasn’t easy for them to find their forever. Justin has relationship “hang ups,” and he knows dating Elise will definitely affect his friendship with Owen. Elise is afraid to give her heart to Justin just to have him crush it.
There were several things that stood out about the book. Elise and Justin’s story is told from both of their POVs, so I was able to see how they truly felt about one another as well as their insecurities. I liked the way Ryan included things from their past that showed the bond they always had. The cast of secondary characters really added to the book. I really LOVED the fact that Ryan also didn’t follow the same pattern in which a couple fall for each other, then break up, and get back together again. There really wasn’t that sort of angst. It was more about two people falling in love and the fear of giving yourself completely to another person.
I am a fan of hockey romances as well as a huge fan of Kendall Ryan, and she certainly didn’t disappoint me. She knows how to create chemistry and strike the perfect balance of emotion and steam. I am so excited to read the next book in the series.
As a side note, I have also listened to the Audible edition, and I highly recommend that one too. Both narrators really bring the story to life!!!!
Elise has watched her brother and his friends play hockey for years. She even watches every game but she’s always payed special attention to his best friend Justin. Justin loves hockey and spending time with guys but he wants something more. Will Elise tell Justin how she feels? How will he react? What will her brother and his best friend say?
Kendall Ryan has always been my go to for feel good romances. She always manages to give you all the feels with the best HEA’s. This story is a brother’s best friend romance and it is one of my favorite tropes. Throw in sexy hockey players and this is a win.
I can not wait for the next story in this series!! Absolutely a must read!!
Playing For Keeps is my first book by Kendall Ryan and I loved reading it so much. I’m a sucker for Hockey players and I knew I had to read this book. I love Justin and Elise so much. I’m excited for Becca and Owen’s book.