Playing For Keeps

by Janet Gurtler

What do you do when you like one girl as a friend, like another girl as more than a friend and keep crossing paths with a third?

Despite outward appearances, Zack Chase is a good guy with good intentions. The last thing he wants to do is end up like his dad, who died before Zack was born, with groupies in his car.

When tragedy strikes it changes everything for Zack, in this true-to-life novel, giving readers an insight into the heart and mind of a loveable boy flawed boy who wants to be better.

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary

138 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Janet Gurtler is a RITA Award finalist and the author of several acclaimed young adult novels.

Janet writes emotionally raw and layered stories about heartbreak, identity, forgiveness, and the complicated relationships that shape us. Her books are for readers who want to feel deeply seen, emotionally validated, and a little less alone.

Janet’s novels have been selected for the Junior Library Guild and named Best Books for Teens by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre. Booklist called her work “just right for fans of Sarah Dessen and Jodi Picoult,” while RT Book Reviews praised her writing as “reminiscent of Judy Blume.”

In addition to writing fiction, Janet edited the anthology You Too, has worked as a freelance writer, and has a successful career in sales.

She lives in Calgary, Alberta with her best friend, a Golden Retriever named Betty White.

Reviews

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally pubbed as Waiting To Score, this is a boy pov but definitely a book that has a lot of romance for the girls too. I love Zack.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a great book to read

[Priya Kanaparti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty sweet and short story! This was an all male POV and I'd recommend it to 12 and above only because of something that happens to the girl in the story...

[Donna Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

So far the mother in this book is annoying as shit!!

[Tracy Banach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read I loved Zack. Great characters very easy read.

[Rachelle Graham-Bernal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I need to brush up on this one I read it a long time ago. So will be getting this on kindle and get you a review. But was the most unforgettable of her novels. Even though her novels are all good. Very good. Excellent even. Somehow forgot this one.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, sweet story written from a male point of view. Zachary is a 16-year-old hockey player who is new in town. His father died before he was born, and Zachary's mom seems to be trying to make Zachary into his father.

Zach's relationship with his best friend Haley is unique as is his interest in Jane. His hockey rival, Mac, provides the "mean girl" conflict in the story.

Sexual situations and underage drinking make this story more appropriate for older teens.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book surprised me,and in a good way, definitely check it out,it was great!

[Emmie Kates · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a young adults book, but well written and interesting story.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was cute!