Reviewed by True
TITLE: Playing for Keeps
SERIES: Sporting Secrets #3
AUTHOR: Jax Calder
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
LENGTH: 354 pages
RELEASE DATE: July 6, 2022
BLURB:
Falling for your former best friend? Never a good idea.
Ethan Lewis is the joker of his rugby team, the guy who’s always up for a good time. The only thing that can wipe the smile from his face is any mention of his former best friend. Luke was the one bright spot in Ethan’s messed up childhood and losing his friendship was the most difficult thing he’s ever had to cope with. Ethan knows he broke the bro-code by hooking up with Luke’s sister, but the result was his son—and he wouldn’t change that for the world. When he hears Luke’s signed a contract to play for his team, Ethan decides he’s going to do everything he can to get his best friend back.
Luke’s returned to New Zealand from playing rugby overseas, determined to achieve his lifelong dream and make the national team. And he’s not about to let Ethan’s presence distract him. So what if one of his new teammates is the person who shredded his heart? Luke’s moved past that, and he’s happy now with his new boyfriend. There’s no way he’s falling back under Ethan’s spell.
But it turns out no matter how good you are at evading the opposition, there’s one thing you can never escape—and that’s the love of your life.
REVIEW:
I really loved this read. The protagonists were lovable. The story was solid. There are some great side characters and some horrible, yes you ma’am, ugh!
The storyline was attractive and entertainingly written.
After seven years Luke is back, he left his home, family, and best friend Ethan. He was in love with him and felt hurt and betrayed when he knocked up his sister with a child.
Now he’s back, playing at the same rugby team as Ethan.
Ethan was shattered when Luke suddenly left. They were two peas in a pod, inseparable, now he doesn’t even acknowledge him.
There are many many feelings, old and new ones. Ethan is a sweetheart with a hurtful past.
Luke is a sweetheart with a promising future. The question is can they be friends, or maybe lovers.
And even if they found a way back to each other’s hearts, how would that work out? Impossible!
It’s a complicated romance. It started with the enemy part, that part was for me too short lol, I love me some hurt comfort. To call the family situation awkward, complicated, and difficult is an understatement.
The author did a great job with the complexity of the situation. The main characters and their characteristics were wonderfully developed. I stood by the side cheering them on and yelling: take the chance!!
I quite loved this story, even where it was a bit predictable, or where it felt a bit dragging, nothing problematic to be honest. The story was solidly built, clear and intense, the sport was present but not dominating, it was all well-balanced. There’s a satisfying conclusion that was smartly put together.
Overall a widely written, interesting romance, with emotional moments, sexy moments, and fun. I enjoyed it all greatly!
RATING: 
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