Playing for Keeps

Pillow Talk #3

by Kate Perry

A Novel of Family and Love

Since her mother's death more than fifteen years before, Grace Connors has been the matriarch of her family. She's put her own dreams on hold to raise her younger sisters and keep her ex-marine father in line.

So when her sister Nell decides to get married, it's on Grace to make it a wedding their mother would have been proud of. It can't be hard to organize a party, right?

But then everything falls apart, including her budding romance with her sexy best friend Pete. Caught in the crossfire with the enemy at her back, will Grace be able to fix it all before she becomes a casualty of love?

Other Novels of Family and Love by Kate:
PLAYING DOCTOR
PROJECT DATE
PLAYING FOR KEEPS

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Fiction, Ebooks, Family

278 pages, ebook

First published June 6, 2012

About the author

With over 6 million books sold (and counting), Kathia’s novels have been #1 bestsellers around the world. They’ve received starred reviews from Booklist, have consistently earned Editor’s Picks for Best Romance, and have been featured by O, The Oprah Magazine and Entertainment Weekly.

Kate (aka Kathia) has written over 50 romcom and paranormal books so far, as well as a couple romantasy screenplays and various poems (her ode to the color orange is particularly moving). Full of hope and bonds of found family and friendship, her stories feature sassy, independent women who just want love and earthy men full of heart who are more than able to rise to the occasion.

Reviews

[Pam · Rating 2 out of 5]

I tried to like the book but had to force myself to finish. Nell and Chloe are selfish, self centered women who are so petty and self absorbed until they made me want to slap them. Grace is such a sniveling martyr until I couldn't understand what Pete saw in her. Then we have Riley who lets Nell treat him like crap, go to Paris for two weeks before the wedding. It was all so predictable, the Dad always gone so you know there's a girlfriend. Grace finally telling off Nell then they all make up and have a wonderful wedding. Very sophomoric and silly. It could have been an interesting book if the author had actually told a story instead of making these people so thoroughly unlikeable.

[Latte · Rating 2 out of 5]

The sisters are whiny. Grace martyrs herself and honestly, I couldn't figure out what Pete sees in her. It's an ok read but I found myself annoyed more often than not at both the characters and storyline.

[C · Rating 2 out of 5]

This had the bones of a good story but was very elementary. Seemed like something a high school kid wrote on the weekend. The story went on too long about trivial matters and spent very little time building characters. Thank goodness it was free!

[Nenette · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very quick read; took me a 3-hour flight plus a few minutes waiting in rush hour traffic. For a cute romantic novel like this, quick is the way to go. It preserves the momentum, and the tiring/dragging point is not reached.

The story is about a woman in her 30s who is so committed to the deathbed promise she made to her mom many years ago to take care of her family. Her family, as they are now, consists of her dad (who was secretly dating), a sister who's engaged to be married in 6 months, and a 20-year old college student. As independent as this bunch looks, there is that unspoken fear amongst them if ever there will be a major change on how their life is running. It started when the mom died, and then they got this semblance of stability, and no one wants to disturb that "peace", no matter if each of their lives is somehow individually "halted".

Realistic plot, interesting characters, good storytelling. I would definitely look up Kate Perry's other books.

[Loretta Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

PLAYING FOR KEEPS is the first Kate Perry book I have read but it will not be my last. The ending was well worth the wait while I read from beginning to end. You might ask "is there any other way to read a book?" My answer would be "yes, for books that do not catch my interest with the first few chapters in the beginning - I will read the last couple chapters, at the end, to see if it is worth my time to read the entire book." Who has time to waste on a book that is not interesting?

Well, I can honestly say - I did not have to check the ending to see if this book would be interesting all the way through. One can almost foresee what the outcome will be for Gracie and Pete; however Kate Perry has an interesting way of bringing this to life as she includes the problems and/or the dynamics of other family members, friends, and new characters relevant to the plot. For awhile the reader might think this novel is about the sister, Nel, but Perry weaves the plots together to keep us interested in the upcoming chapters and always brings us back to the relationship growth of Gracie and Pete. By the end of this book, Gracie has shed her doormat shield that she undertook after her mother passed away some fifteen years prior.

[J.J. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I went back and forth between 2 or 3 stars for awhile with this one. It was super annoying at times when the main character was such a pushover and always got guilt tripped with the whole "what would mom want/say" thing. If you can stomach that, you'll be fine. What got me to officially decide on a 2 star rating was the end. I just wanted more of a conclusion. Everything wrapped up nicely but I wanted more, like a 6-months-from-now more to find out what happened after the wedding. All in all, if you don't mind a bunch of whining, read this because ultimately, it isn't bad. The dialogue and some of the main character's thoughts are what had me laughing a lot because I couldn't help but think that I would say or think something similar. That's why I think I'll stick with a 2.5 star rating, just because that dialogue did help make up for some of what I previously mentioned.

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so cute and fun, the relationship between Grace and Pete is so remarkable, "it's just that you're so housebroken. You'd think some woman would have snapped up up long before now." It's evident that Pete would do anything for Grace, "the sacrifices I make for you." He squeezed my hand. "At least you're worth it." He's just so unbelievably sweet, "someone should kiss your hurts better." He also doesn't like bras ladies, "you have no idea how it drives me crazy when you don't wear a bra." I really love how Kate writes, I just love her books.

[Aleta · Rating 2 out of 5]

A train wreck of a book.... More later... Oh, and why does this book have two titles: Playing for Keeps and Rules of Engagement???

[Laka · Rating 1 out of 5]

I absolutely hated this book!!!! Gracie was a effing pushover and too weak of a character for me, i would have rather read this if Chloe was the main character.

[Erika · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. Characters were annoyingly one dimensional. Plot details were obvious within one chapter. Stopped reading when I realized I wanted to strangle the narrator.

[triceratops-stomp · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 56% (plus the ending)

[Arely · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story. It was romance, but the romance wasn’t the only focus in the book. The family was the focus of the book. It’s easy to see why this book is A Novel of Family and Love.

Grace’s family is her main priority—they are the reason she pretty much doesn’t have a life. Her sisters Chloe and Nell are always taking her for granted, mostly because she never says no to them. She takes care of her dad and Chloe all of the time, and Nell some of the time. She does the cooking, and she works in her father’s business—putting her dreams on hold.

She does all of this without complaining. When her mother died, she promised to take care of her family, and that’s what she’s done all of these years. She’s been more of a mother than a sister, and she’s expected to resolve everything. But when her sister Nell puts her in charge of everything in her wedding, things start to fall apart.

Grace was an amazing character. I loved how she never really thought of herself, even though she was using her family as an excuse to not put herself out there. She played it safe. Most characters that do this annoy me, but the writing style and Grace herself were so unique that I wasn’t annoyed—I understood where Grace was coming from and I was immersed in the book.

I connected with Grace the most. Though she was sometimes a pushover, I loved her personality and I really felt like she was a great person.

Pete is Grace’s best friend, but he’s also very hot. Grace is blind to his attraction towards her, preferring to play it safe. But that never lasts, does it? He was really supportive and patient with Grace, and pushed her to follow her dreams, though she didn’t listen.

There’s a bunch of family drama and hilarious moments, paired with the cutest romance and steamy passion. I definitely recommend this book to people who love family and love. Oh, and dreams coming true. That’s always important :)

[Aubrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off, I love Kate Perry's stories, and this one was no exception. I love the writing, the character development, and the realistic dialogue and situations. That being said, Playing for Keeps was not my favorite so far (this is the third of her books I have read), and not because it was lacking any of the above. Oh no, it is because the sisters, and even Grace from time to time, were just terrible people! I wanted to slap them half the time, they were so awful to Grace. And Grace LET them be, because her mother would have. Which, I don't think the sisters would have been that terrible to their mother, at least I hope not. And the Dad, he was absolutely no help whatsoever and would yell at Grace for things that weren't even her fault, ie: the in-laws, the dog, and the lack of pork products in the house. I was just so frustrated with all of them, that the wonderfulness that was Pete was overshadowed by my wondering what the sisters, and Grace, would do to be terrible next. I wanted to reach into the book and smack Grace when she had the audacity to keep Pete a secret. Who would want to keep him a secret?! Finally at the end Grace opens her eyes and gives an unforgiving speech to Nell, and I finally felt I could be proud of her. This was a great book for all the right reasons to love a book, but Nell and Chloe need some serious help. Grace should just run off into the sunset with Pete and never look back.

[LaBelleMel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this novel. It was well-developed, didn't drag on, and the characters were endearing and entertaining. Grace Connors is the older, doting, loyal sister who helps her family at the sacrifice of her own social life. Her sister Nell is getting married and she becomes the one who everyone defers to for advice and help. Her best friend is Pete, whom she has a deep connection with but doesn't realize it. He is her confidant and the one who tries to get Grace to realize that she doesn't always have to be the one who takes care of her family. Grace's sister Nell isn't the most likable person; she is pretty selfish and is sabotaging her own wedding plans and blames Grace for it when she kept forcing Grace to deal with most of the planning. Though I can actually see that happening in real life because I'm sure it happens. I was hoping for more on Grace's friend, Celeste, because I wanted to know if she really had some clairvoyant powers seeing as she actually knew Riley's real name.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not great literature but a fun read.

Grace has devoted her life to taking care of her dad and her two younger sisters after the death of her mom. Now one sister is getting married, the other is applying to med school, dad has other interests and Gracie’s best friend (male) wants more. While Grace arranges her sisters wedding the way her mother would have, she realizes she is free plan the rest of her life.
This is a fun read with a lot of well written humor and several erotic interludes. The only part I didn’t like was that novel was made up of several vaguely related sequences related to the wedding, the groom’s hippie parents, Grace’s romance, the bride’s extreme wedding jitters, and a big dog named George. It is almost like each sequence was written independently and then loosely sewn together.

If you are looking for something read at the beach or on a cold winter’s day, this one will do the job.

[Tina (A Novel Time With Tina) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finished this book with unclear feelings. I wanted to like it. Pete was a perfect hero which makes it hard to understand how Grace overlooked him for so long and was still unable to commit once feelings had been put out there. The breakdown that occurs with Nell was super annoying and was over the top even once it was ecplained and her fears were disclosed. It just didn't make sense how seriously she was sabotaging a wedding she really wanted to occur. Nell was a seriously spoiled and rotten sister, never putting Grace's feelings into consideration. And Chloe and their father were no better, treating her like a maid and cook and a replacement wife instead of a daughter and sister. only when dad meets a new woman does he begin to release his daughter from her obligations. Grace was too much of a pushover and too cowardly to live her life and risk disappointing her family. The secondary characters were so unlikeable that they ruined the book for me.

[Nicole Hardin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in 3 days if that gives you any idea how much I liked the book. I recently had surgery so I have been laid up for over a week now and I sure do love my kindle. I decided to read "Playing for Keeps" after I read several other reviews. I'm not a spoiler writer nor a very indepth reviewer, but I do like to review a good book.
The characters were all very likeable and easy to relate to. The plot kept me wanting to turn the page to find out what would happen. In some places the book was very predictable but in some places she threw a wrench in the plot. I really enjoy when a book can make me laugh out loud when I'm the only one home! I look forward to reading more books by Kate Perry.

[Helen Farnall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok sooo this was the first of Kate's books I picked up ( well down loaded lol) and I fell hopelessly in love with her writing I just loved it so much I got all her books and this one is my fav.

I love the fact he's loved her for ever and she is hopeless at seeing it for what it is and then they both snap and it's all sizzle lol. I love her best friend that's crazy, I love her sisters dog that becomes her friend after he destroys her garden but most of all I love that she loves her family and has always put them first ( even if its not the right thing or healthy thing).

This is a sweet bit of happiness for those rainy days or when your a little down and want a ray of sunshine to warm you up.

[Jovanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bravo! Kate Perry has certainly won my vote toward 'Family & Friends' arena collection. This short ebook has fascinated me every inch of page possible. This ebook is commonly seen similar to 27 Dresses, which being more reason of personal likings.

Who do you look to for advise? Well, how about that fierce daredevil best friend or perhaps your commando father. And gush, those sisters! Doesn't this seem exhausting. Maybe for you but character Grace Connors is purely all family supporter and if there's a wedding you need some alterations with then contact Gracie. I guarantee Grace Conners will do best to amaze ya.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished reading Playing for Keeps by Katy Perry and I have to say I really loved this story. My favorite books to read are stories about friends falling in love and this story did not disappoint. I just LOVED Pete and was rooting for him as well as Riley. This was a story not only about love but about family dynamics. Grace was trying so hard to honor her mother's wishes that she was losing herself in the process. When she was finally able to see that she could in fact handle the changes she was also able to see all that love that was standing right in front of her. This was such a great read and I highly recommend this story!

[Genean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me laugh! The onerous responsibility of the older child to organise all - the middle child who does the most amazing brides ills and the ever flaky youngest who's never about but when placed on the spot can whistle up a remedy that might work. A simple romance which hurdles not only the family dynamic but the tough sympathy of all sisters pulling together?? Yes it's a story where it all falls apart all is undone! Not exactly a must read book - but it has charm wit and a load of laughs! Think of it as a mini break...

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book. I was totally into the characters and wanted to know more about them. Perry is really good at creating sexual tension and legitimate conflict (i hate when characters are kept apart for stupid reasons and ridiculous pride.) the characters are relatable and the development and realization of their love felt really real. This is the third in a series and i hadn't read the others, and it didn't make a difference. i hate when you can tell you are missing something because you haven't read the earlier installments. I think I have found a new go-to romance novelist.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely will be recommending this book and this author to my family and friends. Having never read a Kate Perry book before i am not sure if it was her best or not but i LOVED it. Her writing style made the book flow easily from one character to another. The characters were so well developed and i fell in love with their personalities which came through so clear it felt like i personally knew each one. Looking for more to read now :)

[Miae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. Easy to follow storyline, relateable characters and it makes you want to think of "what its" in life. I didn't like the fact that one character was sacrificing her life, her happiness because of her perceived notion that she still had to take care of her grown siblings and father. However, she finally stands up for herself. Sometimes it is good to be selfish for bone's happiness.

[Carmel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Playing for Keeps was an enjoyable story about family relationships as well as relationships with others. It does have profanity sprinkled throughout the book, so that was undesirable. However, I enjoyed the novel; especially, the relationship between Grace and Pete.

[Tammi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy Kate Perry's books. In this one, the heroine is easily manipulated by her family, rather than being an independent woman like many of her main characters. Although her books follow the normal romance formula of boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love but won't admit it, boy loses girl, boy and girl get back together and live happily ever after, the are easy to read and get lost in for a few hours.

[Sharreb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe i should never have touched this series.

I love Kate Perry's writing. With this series i just keep finding not enough love handles for me to hold on too. And it's a shame cause i like both Grace and Pete. And Pete's changing eye colour of blue and grey. Wow a man to fall in love with. Except there wasnt enough of Pete.

There's a lot of pages in the book but too little to be important romantically to the hero and heroine.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

It pained me to not give this one 5 stars. I love Kate Perry. I just did not like Grace's sisters. So selfish. I wanted to just read about Pete and Grace, but with the sisters and the Dad in the way it was hard for me to really enjoy it. I wanted to smack Grace and tell her to let them go, they are all adults. I get so involved in the books I read lol.

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a quick and easy read, not ever readin Kate Perry before I was pleasantly surprised. She grabbed all of my emotions during the reading of this book! I like how the family structure seemed real in the book, they didn't interact with each other in a way that seemed fiction. Being the older sibling who lost their mother I could relate with Grace in many situations.

[Teri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable story. I'd give it a better rating if I hadn't found a couple of the characters so annoyingly selfish and immature. As another reviewer mentioned, the main character was quite a pushover and took a lot of bad behavior from others in her life. But it all came together in a happy ending.