Review * Playing for Keeps by Jill Shalvis

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Playing for Keeps by Jill Shalvis
Published on: January 22, 2019 
Pages: 384
Goodreads

If you’re planning on falling in love…

When it comes to the confident, charismatic Caleb Parker, Sadie Lane feels the spark—the kind that comes from rubbing each other the wrong way. She’s a tattoo artist, he’s a straight-laced mogul. But after they accidentally co-rescue an abandoned dog from a storm, Sadie sees a vulnerable side 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.

Midnight Thoughts

For the last five years I have started the year with a Jill Shalvis book. I love starting the year with a book I can count on to make me feel good, laugh and start my reading year off right.

Playing for Keeps has a bit of a different undertone from the other books in this series. Sadie has some serious issues, I don't want to go in to it for fear of spoilers, but everything from her childhood issues to now have a edge to them.

Sadie's family is all over her as she doesn't meet their expectations, she's working two jobs to make ends meet and has tattoo's. I completely understand how annoyed Sadie was with her family as everyone was always "What about Sadie?". Let her live her own life!

Caleb is one of my favorite heroes in the series. He's not perfect (the utilities thing would have pissed me off something fierce) but he has such great qualities. He's kind, looks out for his family, but isn't afraid to say his mind to them. He truly wants the best for everyone in his life. I adored his sisters and their roll in his life both in his childhood and now.

Sadie and Caleb were such a cute pairing. They skirted around each other for awhile, but rescue dog Lollipop brought them together and it was all downhill from there (not to say there weren't some bumps in the road). I thought Caleb handled Sadie's trust issues so well, giving her the space and time she needed, but also pushing her when it was right.

As always I loved seeing the previous characters lingering around and seeing what they're up to. I really hope that we get a book for Ivy.

I highly recommend Jill Shalvis' Heartbreaker Bay series (and her others)!

Midnight Rating