Tracey Kruger
Let's see, hot hockey player, best friend's sister, longtime unrequited love...Kendall Ryan has managed to cover a multitude of delicious bases with PLAYING FOR KEEPS, the first book in her new Hot Jocks series, and, y'all, she hit a home run with this one. I have to tell you, as much as I love Kendall's books, I wasn't sure that I was going to love Justin Brady as much as I did. I mean, he's the typical sports god player, playing as hard as he works, and getting all the ladies. But Justin is harboring a secret, that soft spot that he has for Elise Parrish, lifetime friend and younger sister of his teammate and bestie. To make matters even stickier, Justin is not alone in his feelings, because sweet Elise feels just the same. Ruh-roh, romance lovers, talk about a fly in the ointment. Because we all know that the best friend's sis is waaay off limits. I really did enjoy this book, and I especially loved that Justin redeemed himself so easily for me. He and Elise work so well because of the friendship that existed before all of the romantic stuff, and it makes for a more solid and realistic relationship, which I personally really like. Kendall is building a group of characters that are fun to read, have some actual depth to their personalities, and storylines that are about more than just the steamy stuff. PLAYING FOR KEEPS is a solid 4 stars for me, and a great set-up for ALL THE WAY, the next book in the series. This is definitely one for all of the sports romance fans, and, if you're already a fan of Kendall's books, this is one to grab right the heck now. You can thank me later... :-)
4 people found this review helpful
Emma Davies
Playing for Keeps is an adorable tale of a player meets true love and how it turns his whole world upside down and the right way up 😉 Justin is an amazingly talented hockey player and a PLAYER, all his good looks and fame have sent him on a douche-making path. At the core of his antics is something far more emotional and heart-wrenching stemming from being used as a pawn between his parents and lacking the loving care he should have received as a child. That being said, it doesn’t make his mutt tendencies more acceptable. However, Justin gets a serious wake-up call while not at all in his plans it does alter his outlook and hopes for the future. Elise is a wonderful compassionate person who has a high tolerance for stupidity; which comes in handy with her brother and his friends. Who despite being adults and professional sportsmen are unbelievably immature in their downtime. One such friend is Justin, her brothers BEST friend, and roommate; her brothers oldest friend and also the man of her dreams. Elise has had a major crush on Justin from adolescence but has consoled herself with his friendship. All that alters with one drunken encounter between the pair and a whole lot of errors in the ensuing morning after. As Justin and Elsie navigate the path to their future, Kendall provides a fascinating insight into the other members of the Hot Jocks as well as Elise’s bestie Becca. It is going to be one heck of a series with each of the peripheral characters getting their turn in the spotlight, believe me, they have A LOT of emotional growth to do!!! If Justin is anything to go by the transformation will be spectacular and highly swoon-worthy.
27 people found this review helpful
Diane Subsits Lynch
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.
