Playing for Keeps (Heartbreaker Bay, #7)

by Jill Shalvis

[Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading]

I adored Playing for Keeps. This my favourite in the Heartbreaker series. This story addressed dark issues that affect young children, teens and adults.

The story featured two individuals from different social standings but who both experienced trauma from their past. From the moment I met Sadie, Caleb and their adorable pup I knew I would love them. Although sometimes Sadie frustrated me with her actions.

Sadie is a struggling tattoo artist, who works at a day spa to make ends meet. She has no interest in relationship as her last one ended on a bad note. She has no interest in a man especially one who dresses in fancy suits and drives expensive cars. Caleb Parker should be avoided at all costs, as he is the epitome of these traits.

Caleb grew up poor, sickly and bullied by his peers. He managed, with help from an unexpected source turn around his life. He is now a self-made billionaire and a dreamboat. Something about Sadie keeps pulling him to her, but he recognises she wants nothing to do with him. However, all that changed when one rainy night they both came to the aid of a homeless puppy who saw it fit to claim them both as her owners.

Sparks sizzled between these two, but they fought them to no avail. Love proved the stronger opponent.

Caleb proved to be a swoon worthy hero, which made him the perfect book boyfriend. He is caring, always looking to help persons in need. The more time Sadie spent with him she realised she misjudged him and she could not help but fall for him.

Sadie had a hard time opening her heart to anyone. Her fears went deep, but Lollipop and Caleb had the capacity to melt the hardest of hearts and soon she found herself opening her heart.
Their relationship developed at a good pace but it was not without its obstacles, which was to be expected from two damaged souls plagued by ghosts from their pasts and meddling family members

I enjoyed Sadie’s sarcasm. Sometimes her comments had me laughing aloud. I loved how Caleb held his own with her and never allowed her to scare him away.

Conclusion/Recommendation
Playing for Keeps is a well-written story with well-developed characters that will keep you engaged from start to finish