Book Review: He was Playing for Keeps by Cora Reed
- Kristen Lewendon
- Apr 17, 2019
- 3 min read
Magnolia Valley Book 4
They fake a relationship to save a failing mountain lodge, but as the boundary between a fake and real relationship blurs, things get wild…
She manages the lodge during the day and writes steamy romance novels at night…
Quinn Lawson manages the upscale lodge in Magnolia Valley and she prides herself on running every aspect of it—and her life—perfectly. But now, with the lodge facing financial ruin after its owner fled the country, she’s forced to partner with the last person she wants to work with: Caine Wilder, the famous tennis player.
After his career-ending injury, Caine drinks too much and flirts with anything that moves. But the worst part is, Quinn can’t stop thinking about that shirtless Sports Illustrated cover he did.
When they’re have to pretend to be a couple to secure investors, Quinn sees beneath his playboy mask to the man beneath, and it becomes increasingly difficult to conceal her attraction and keep her well-guarded secret…
She’s Elois Montgomery, the popular romance author, and the sexy main character in her latest novel is based off of Caine Wilder.
He’s a famous tennis player with a recently ruined knee, forced to take over his family’s failing lodge…
Caine has never had any trouble charming women, but the lodge’s beautiful manager is immune to him. No matter what he does, she thinks the worst of him. Despite her open dislike, he can’t stop thinking about her.
Caine’s older brother confronts him and tells him he won’t subsidize the lodge anymore. Caine and Quinn have to make it profitable or the lodge will go under.
Caine is determined to show her that he’s not just a washed-up athlete and that he can help her pull the lodge from collapse. The more time he spends with Quinn, the more he realizes that she isn’t like any woman he’s met before, and the attraction he feels for her isn’t a fleeting infatuation.
For the first time in his life, Caine might have to learn how to play for keeps.
But as secrets and old grudges come to light, it threatens the love that neither of them thought they’d find.
This is the fourth book in the MAGNOLIA VALLEY series. It can be read as a standalone or as part of a larger story line. Dreaming of You (Josie & Calvin) Destined for You (Ethan & Astrid) Fascinated by You (Nora & Alek) He was Playing for Keeps (Caine & Quinn) Catching Her Wild Heart (Wyatt & Penny)
My Review:
I love a fake relationship set up, but I don’t quite know what to say about this sweetly angsty story. After living in Caine’s head for the duration of this book, I’m shocked he’s as well-adjusted as he is. Some people just shouldn’t be allowed near children, and his father, obviously, was one of those people. Quinn spends so much of her time straight-laced and buttoned up, it’s no wonder she’s created her own fantasy world to escape into by writing steamy romances. This duo isn’t a perfect Odd Couple, however they are perfectly complimentary to one another. Quinn is very grounded and goal oriented while Caine is a much freer spirit, prompting each other to embody those neglected qualities a bit more to become their best selves. I also though this was possibly the funniest book yet in the series. I found lots of laugh out loud moments that had people looking at me oddly. I can’t wait to read even more about Magnolia Valley. I received a complimentary copy of this book through Hidden Gems Books.
Other books in this series:
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