A review by bookbae96
Playing for Keeps by Kendall Ryan

4.0

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... :-)