I have really loved Bellefleur’s past romances, but this one just didn’t click for me. I wanted to love this sapphic romance, but it felt strangely rushed and I hated the third act breakup. Keep reading this book review of Playing for Keeps for my full thoughts.
Summary
Poppy Peterson’s life is finally back on track and she’s thriving as the publicist of the NFL’s most promising quarterback (and her childhood best friend), Cash Curran. So, she doesn’t appreciate when he makes an impulsive and public pass at America’s popstar darling, Lyric Adair. When Lyric’s notorious publicist Rosaline Sinclair reaches out, Poppy is ready to face her wrath, but instead learns that Lyric is equally interested.
As Cash and Lyric embark on their ill-advised whirlwind romance, Poppy and Rosaline are forced together, each determined to protect their own client from the other. Poppy is frustrated by Rosaline’s cool demeanor, while at the same time, as a legend in the industry, she’s determined to impress her. But, no matter what she does, she can’t shake the feeling that Rosaline doesn’t like her.
That is until one steamy night, when the two women contend with their unexpected feelings and begin a messy romance of their own. But with paparazzi, tabloids, and stalker fans nipping at their heels, Poppy and Rosaline’s loyalties will be tested in ways they could never expect.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
I am a fan of quick witted banter and Playing for Keeps was looking so solid. But the last third or so completely lost me. I loved this sapphic publicist mash up of two prominent figures. And anyone who is a Swift and Kelce fan, this feels just like fanfic of their relationship in some ways. Combined with snippets of tweets, articles, and grand gestures, I enjoyed it until it got to be a bit too much. But putting that aside, Playing for Keeps just felt rushed especially towards the end. I forgave this sudden “I’m getting feels” from one of the characters even though it felt so out of the blue. But the wrap up, and resolution, were a blink of the eye.
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I liked their chemistry, and the spice was there in terms of chemistry, but the transition from the hookup, to the BIG feels just felt so sudden. This is just told from Poppy’s perspective, but I was also missing the character development of Poppy as an individual – especially in relation to her family and best friend. I feel like all the work of the 2/3 went out the window in favor of the last act wrapping up with our classic third act breakup which had me shaking my head. And then the resolution didn’t feel earned because it was over in a blink. Playing for Keeps had the potential to be something super fun, but it lacked depth to really resonate.
Find Playing for Keeps on Goodreads, Storygraph, Amazon, Bookshop. org, Blackwells, & Libro. fm.