Jill Shalvis is a go-to for me. I can always count on her to be smart and sexy and fun. This book is no exception. Loved it. I think the one thing that kept me from going five stars isn’t a criticism of her or her writing but more that her characters are becoming more and more damaged. I struggled alongside Sadie, whose issues go beyond your typical low self-esteem or “damaged by past relationships.” One of the things I love about Jill’s books is the relatability. We are all that idiot sometimes. Sadie was a step farther. With that being said, I love Ms. Shalvis’s quirky characters and still enjoyed the story. ( )

Jill Shalvis is one of my must-read authors. I loved this edition in the Heartbreaker Bay series. Despite being a billionaire romance, the characters are real and relatable. Caleb and Sadie seem like oil and water on the surface, but when they get to know each other, they have much in common. Playing for Keeps is emotional and humorous, with just the right amount of steam interspersed. Both Caleb and Sadie as well as all the peripheral characters are unique, interesting and kept me glued to the book till the end. Definitely a must-read! ( )

Listened to audio narrated by Vivienne Leheny.

Caleb is brilliant, runs a successful company now, but growing up was tough, he was very ill and his family struggled to get by and pay all his medical bills. He was bullied and beat up until he found his sensei, whom he know takes care of.

Sadie is a tattoo artist that never fit in with her family, struggled growing up with cutting and making bad choices leading her to close herself off from relationships.

While Caleb's family pulled together over his problems, Sadie's family alienated her so that when these two come together they have a ton of hurdles to overcome. Thank goodness for a three legged dog bringing them together. While I didn't really buy into why Sadie wanted to lay claim to the dog, it made a good excuse for these two to keep interacting.

This was just an okay read for me, there was too much angst and not enough chemistry between these two for me to believe in them. Caleb is Mr. Wonderful, helping everyone and being so supportive and Sadie is constantly being biting, negative and judgmental. While Sadie does get a little better as the story progresses it just wasn't enough to turn it around for me.

For more of my reviews follow my blog at https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/

( )

Jill Shalvis does it again! Another great addition to the Heartbreaker Bay series. You don't have to have read the previous books in the series top enjoy this but you certainly don't want to miss reading them. In this book, tattoo artist Sadie Lane has been watching Caleb Parker (aka Suits) walking through the Pacific Pier courtyard for over a year. When she catches him kneeling in the rain trying to help an abandoned 3 legged dog she finally manages to talk to him. Together the decide to share ownership of the dog - Lollipop. While they seem to come from 2 different worlds, they are more alike than they think. They both have secrets from their past and have shut out anyone who tries to get near, but somehow, they are able to open up to each other.
The characters are smart and witty and you can feel the chemistry between them. You just want to see them find the love they deserve.
I received an advanced copy of this book. ( )

Sadie Lane and Caleb are setting off sparks enough to ignite a tent of fireworks from a 1000 feet away, even if one of them is working their hardest to put a damper on those combustible emissions before they have a chance to work their magic. In this case, it's Sadie putting the brakes on. Why? Because...she doesn't think she's worth it, or at least that's what it REALLY boils down to...but the thing is, Caleb is more than what he seems. I mean sure, he's gorgeous, built, well off, incredibly smart, caring, generous....*sigh* I think I'm in love...but his world wasn't always so polished, and he's bound and determined to show her the error of her way of thinking.

I gotta say, I loved it so much more than I even thought I would...the characters, their history, their triumphs and failures, their journey, and of course LOLLIPOP! OMG...the addition of this three-legged rescued furry friend was the cherry on the already irresistible sundae. You'll ride the highs, and sink with the lows, as these two work out how to get exactly what they want out of life, and love, even when it doesn't look like what they thought they wanted from the start. My only hang up....the cover. I know, I know...don't judge a book and all that, and while I totally subscribe to that mantra, I just didn't feel this one as much as the others in the series. The character representations? Spot on. The setting...I get it, but it just didn't hit the spot. Cie la vie, the story ROCKED, so regardless of your dislike or lust for the imagery, get thyself to your favorite bookstore or online portal stat and grab your copy today! Oh and yeah, older teen through adult readers only. ( )