Playing for Keeps (Hot Jocks #1 ) by Kendall Ryan

 

 A Review by Wendy

 4 The Line Got Fuzzy Stars
* * * *   

Spoiler Free

Kendall Ryan presents the classic tale of best friend's little sis crushing for what seems forever on her brother's bestie and then everyone grows into the adults they become. Which means...Hot Jocks and Adorable Pre School Teacher. This is a sweet fun read which follows the troupe but never bores.

Elise Parrish has been either following Justin or her brother, Owen, since they were practically out of diapers...well, she may have been in training pants and they had graduated to big boy underwear...but you get the picture. These three did a whole bunch of everything together growing up and they felt like family. As the boys became older, though, Elise began to see Justin as more than a big brother. It was her best-kept secret throughout the years.

Now Owen and Justin are living their dream; they are part of the NHL. Together they landed on the same team and with all the hard work they have done, they are partying and enjoying the championship they just won. Elise is there to keep her brother and the guys in line like she always has. As Owen's sister, she has seen it all, ushered the puck bunnies out the door the morning afters, and has made sure her brother had his sh!t together for the games or practice after his indulgences.

Elise loved her brother and knew he was enjoying these wild times. She had always been there cleaning up the messes. Elise saw what hockey players did and decided not to date or consider any of the teammates or other jocks.

Well, that was a little easier said than done because there was one hockey player she would jump through any hoop for...

Justin has always been the one for her. She has been pining for him since teen years but nothing was going to happen... Her brother would go nuts and she would not be responsible for Justine and Owen fighting.

So when Elise saw Justin alone during this champion celebration, she never thought the two of them would be hanging out, enjoying each other and after drinks...kinda lots of drinks...hooking up.

Now the next day was everything you wouldn't want...Justin not remembering any of the deep thoughts he said to her making her feel a connection making this so much more than a hookup... With her having to turn away as if that was ok but dying inside. Yeah, not the thing dreams are made of...

Now Justin hadn't forgotten one moment of this blissful experience. It was everything he had fantasized and more...but he had to pretend because it was more than just being with Elise...it had to do with his best friend Owen and teammate. No, he had to try to step away from everything he had ever wanted.

But Justin wasn't able to move on...instead he wanted more and wanted to figure out how to have it all...Elise and keep Owen close. Justin never turned away from a challenge and he will not let his desire for Elise go.

This was an easy read and Ms. Ryan has more in store for us. All of the books will be stand-alone yet connected. Should be fun.

A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review

About Kendall Ryan

A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen titles, Kendall Ryan has sold over 3 million books and her books have been translated into several languages in countries around the world. Her books have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists more than three dozen times. Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA Today, Newsweek, and InTouch Magazine. She lives in Texas with her husband and two sons.