Wildly

Playing for Hearts #1

by Debra Kayn

Shauna Marino left Cottage Grove, California an innocent teenager, gangly, wild and with no fashion sense, always diving headfirst into whatever feelings ruled the moment. Now, she’s back to fix her mistakes. She’s gained a respectable job, set a plan in motion to benefit the town, and all that’s left is to prove to Grayson Schyler she’s changed. Maybe this time, he won’t tell her no when she shows up naked and asks him to make her a woman.


Grayson Schyler, former Wimbledon champion, would've recognized Shauna anywhere. She’s made his life sweeter one moment, and hell the next. As someone in the public eye, he’d gone to great strains not to allow the media to misread their relationship, which wasn't always easy when Shauna was around. Now she’s back, asking for his help, and all he can think about is if she came back to make him pay for what he’d done.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Sports, Contemporary

212 pages, Paperback

First published January 21, 2013

About the author

Debra Kayn is published by Grand Central Publishing, Simon & Schuster Publishing, Carina Press - Harlequin Enterprises Limited, and is also a hybrid author who publishes independently. She's repped by FinePrint Literary Management and is a member of RWA. A multi-bestseller, she always has another book coming soon.

Believing everyone deserves to love and be loved, she takes the most unlikely characters and turns them into heroes and heroines.

She lives with her family in the Bitterroot Mountains of beautiful North Idaho, where she enjoys the outdoors, the four seasons, and the wild animals that gather in her yard.

Reviews

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wildly (Playing For Hearts, #1), great start to this new series with fun characters

Shauna Marino left Cottage Grove, California an innocent teenager, gangly, wild and with no fashion sense, always diving headfirst into whatever feelings ruled the moment. Now, she’s back to fix her mistakes. She’s gained a respectable job, set a plan in motion to benefit the town, and all that’s left is to prove to Grayson Schyler she’s changed. Maybe this time, he won’t tell her no when she shows up naked and asks him to make her a woman.

Grayson Schyler, former Wimbledon champion, would've recognized Shauna anywhere. She’s made his life sweeter one moment, and hell the next. As someone in the public eye, he’d gone to great strains not to allow the media to misread their relationship, which wasn't always easy when Shauna was around. Now she’s back, asking for his help, and all he can think about is if she came back to make him pay for what he’d done.

This is my seccond book from Debra Kayn is which I read about young infatuation. The age difference between the 2 characters was not that big but when Shauna started to grow, Grayson noticed.
It was fun to read the how many things Shauna did to get Grayson's attention when she became a teenager. I loved the fact that it was not an infatuation but love.
Grayson knew she has a problem when he saw Shauna as an attractive woman and not the girl that she was coaching and befriended.
When Grayson decided that staying away and denying his attraction was not an option their relation took of.
Super fan to read.

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grayson sure doesn't beat around the bush in stating what he wants, "I want to have sex with you." He licked his lips. "Don't tell me you're shy. You walked into my office naked when you were eighteen years old and offered yourself to me. You're no longer a litter girl -" he glanced down at her breasts, "- and I want to take you up on your offer now." I mean the boy obviously has a jealousy issue as well, "what are you doing here with John? I gave you one ticket." Grayson gazed out on the lawn where the others were dancing. "He's not the kind of man you need. You're high maintenance. You'll have him cowering and running for the hills before the night's over." I mean I loved this story and there were times I wanted to kill Grayson but I think that's because he was fighting his feelings for Shauna, but when he wasn't fighting them the boy was a dang horn dog, "he groaned. "I know for a fact there's no feeling in my knee. All the blood has rush north. I hop you're taking off your clothes..." I can't wait to read about the other characters in the series.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

I always read reviews before I buy a book. So it's very frustrating when I'm disappointed in book that had 4 and 5 stars. Several times, I thought to quit reading this book, but I stuck it out based on the reviews. To be honest I only enjoyed the last quarter of the book. The first three quarters were ridiculous! Shauna was so annoying! So many times I thought, "Come on, girl! Buck up!" What self respecting woman would take that kind of treatment? Then continue to go back for more, professing her undying love? Grayson was such a jerk! He said the meanest, nastiest things to her when they were supposed to be such good friends. I just got sick of reading about how much Shauna loved him, when all I could see was an egotistical jerk. He did nothing to deserve this undying devotion. I really liked the premise. This book could've been so much better if Shauna wasn't so pathetic and Grayson was a little more humble. I gave two stars because I enjoyed the end of the book when Shauna finally grew a backbone. But I won't read the rest of the series, I can't trust the reviews!!!

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author and sat down last night and began reading it. I really had no idea what the book was about and it was fun not knowing. Grayson is a sexy tennis player and Shauna is his "Blast from the Past". I had a hard time putting this book down to sleep and got up this morning to finish it.... I had to know how it ended! This story has emotion, angst, humor and the characters have great chemistry. I Highly recommend this read (and all others by DKayn) to anyone that loves a good romance!

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet yet sensual story that I recommend to anyone who enjoys contemporary romances. To read my review in its entirety, please click HERE.

[Carin · Rating 4 out of 5]

When two people with messed up families meet when he is 19 and she is 12 and become friends the age difference to him is HUGE.

When those friends are now 25 and 18 and she is in love with him the experience difference seems insurmountable to him.

Now she is 24 and he is 31, she is done with college and has come back home to make up for all the trouble she caused both him and the town trying to get his attention back then, with all the walls he has built around his heart can she make a difference?

Shauna first real crush was Grayson and her only love has always been Grayson. She has gotten a job in her home town working as the head of the Chamber of Commerce and she hopes to show Grayson, along with the entire town, she has grown up and matured. Her first order of business is to get Grayson to help her put on an event with some famous sports celebrity friends of his to help revitalize the town and boost tourism in Cottage Grove.

Grayson had tried to put Shauna out of his mind, she was the type of girl who should fall in love, get married and have a family, that was something he just was not prepared to give her. His celebrity status as a former Wimbledon star gets him all sorts of women that he can use and leave and not have to worry about it. Why then is he so affected by her return to Cottage Grove?

I must say that at the beginning of this book I thought that Grayson was an enormous jerk, but as we get to know him and his reasons behind some of the things does I came to like him a lot more. I really could empathize with Shauna, I mean who hasn't had a crush on a hot older guy and of course making a fool of yourself over said older guy is a rite of passage.
I enjoyed the give and take between Grayson and Shauna and the relationship Shauna shares with her dad. The side story about Shauna's dad and mom is also compelling and helps us to understand Shauna and her reasoning process.

I think that Debra Kayn has put together a compelling story that shows us love evolving and changing over time and in all facets of the lives of the main characters.

I received and ARC of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

[Phuong · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review:

I always enjoy reading a sexy story written by Debra Kayn because her main characters are ones you can relate to and become emotionally invested in as they experience the ups and downs of failing in love and making the relationship work. I also love a story where the hero must let the heroine go for her own good and then try to get her back when the time is right. Wildly had all of this and so much more. Shauna Marino and Grayson Schyler have a past history together when the much younger girl and the upcoming tennis star befriended each other during a difficult time in their lives. Shauna's crush on Grayson resulted in some crazy shenanigans that ended up having to leave town. Years later, a more mature Shauna returns to her hometown and tries to onvince everyone that she's not the same wild girl anymore. She wants to help restore the town's economy by proposing a sport charity event that brings her in close contact to Grayson. Has she really gotten over her feelings for Grayson or is she setting herself up for heartbreak all over again? Grayson is now a nefarious playboy with no desire to settle down with one woman but will that change now that Shauna's back on his radar? The story started a bit slowly for me as Shauna kept denying her feelings for Grayson when he pursued her while she tried to convince everyone, including herself, that she was ready for a new relationship by dating nice-guy John Bigstraum. I felt so bad for him knowing that Shauna could not love him and I even found myself not liking her at times for leading him on and hoping he would find the right woman. Once Shauna and Grayson let themselves acknowledge their feelings and gave in to their desires for each other, the pace picked up and I found myself sucked into their love story and couldn't wait to see what happened next. I enjoyed seeing their interaction with their friends and Shauna's loving relationship with her dad. Not all was smooth sailing for them as secrets came out, tears were shed and a hero who finally realized he couldn't live without the woman he loved and a truly beautiful ending that had me cheering.

[Tee loves Kyle Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I have to say Debra Kayn is a brilliant writer! Lord she knows how to write a romance story. After reading her Sisters of McDougal Ranch I was very excited to read Wildly. Man this story did not disappoint me and I know it will not disappoint you. Wildly is a story about love, loss, and growing up and owning how you act and the people you interact with.

Wildly is a story about Shauna Marino who is in love with Grayson Schyler who is seven years older than she is. It doesn't help that he is a Wimbledon champion and he is drop dead gorgeous no she loves him because every time she is around him she gets the jitters and her heart flutters but the problem is she is so young and he is off doing his own thing and has no time to be worried about a kid chasing him down.

We girls have all been down that rode where we like someone older and we just know we are in love and we chase them and they run from us but the chase makes it more exciting and so we keep chasing until they tell us to go away. But Grayson is different because he has a whole different life and he knows he can't give Shauna the life she wants and the life she deserves so he stays clear from her even if she makes his life miserable.

Shauna realizes as she finishes up college she wants to go back and make amends with Grayson. But what she gets is more than I think she even bargained for. Will Grayson forgive her and give her a chance? Will Grayson open up and let Shauna in? This is a must read romance book that Debra has so brilliantly shared with her readers. I loved this story and I need more from Debra just like The McDougal Sisters!

[Gigi staub · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who has not gone "Wildly" crazy over their first love, well Shauna did and in a big way! Now years later the less naive, innocent and wild Shauna comes back home to redeem herself and prove to her first love (Grayson) that they can be together. Shauna convinces Grayson to help with a plan for a fundraiser to help their financially ailing town get back on its feet. In the process of working together Grayson discovers that she is what he has always wanted and tries to be a better man for her. Now the path to true love is never easy and that is the case here....I do not want to give away too much, but Shauna's mother comes home and a revelation about Shauna's going to college threatens her and Grayson's HEA.

I like Shauna, she may have made bad decisions and gone a little wild in her teenage year, but who didn't? She is a strong woman who faces her past my moving back to town and trying to show everyone what a strong business woman she is. She is also a determined woman now wanting to prove to Grayson that they could be good together. Grayson is a hot, ex-tennis superstar, but is determined not to fall for the now sexy and grown up Shauna. I think readers will instantly relate to the story because of the chemistry between Shauna and Grayson and that their story is realistic and relate able. It was fun and emotional to see these two work out their issues and come together. I thoroughly recommend this story to all!

[Aurora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start by saying that Wildly is not the kind of book I usually read. A quick glance at my book shelves or my reading list here will tell you that my first choices are paranormal romances and action/adventure lit - usually with a romantic twist. On the other hand, I readily admit that I'll read anything that's put in front of me, including the cereal box my breakfast just came out of, so when Deb Kayn said she was looking for reviewers for brand new book that was due out early next year I jumped at the opportunity, and I'm awefully glad I did.

Wildly will be found under Romance in the new book listings but it's really a book about relationships - about parents and children, friends, lovers, celebrities and their fans - and the media that both feeds their egos and harasses them unmercifully. It's about how people and relationships grow and change and about the things that don't ever really change.

Shauna Marino is a young woman with a troubled past who's come home to take a job with the Chamber of Commerce and to prove to everybody in town that people can change and that she's not the girl who made a fool of herself chasing after a man who didn't want her before she left for college a few year back. In the process of proving to the world just how much she's changed she discovers that some of the most important things in life never really change at all.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a shorter book at around 135 pages. Something you can read in a afternoon which some days is just about perfect. There is a six year age difference between Shauna Marino and Grayson Schyler which was a big gap when she was 12 and he was 18 and they became friends. Shauna had a hugr crush on him and hounded him for years trying to show her affection and love. Grayson cared about her too but knew he was to old and it was inappropriate for them to even be seen together. He was a tennis star with the eyes of the world on him. Finally Shauna's dad sent her off to college after one of her stunts and she decided she needed to grow up too. Now she's back and both are old enough but Shauna is back home to prove to the town she is a mature adult now and regain some respect she lost as a teenager. This a good quick paced story but i was wanted to kick Grayson's but for at least half the book. He's kind of mean and unfeeling toward Shauna but you finally figure out he's trying to protect her and he's kind of a chicken. lol I liked all the characters and there is a lot of conflict in Shauna's life she's dealing with that i know i would have a hard time with too. Poor Grayson learns his lessons in the end. 4 out of 5 Stars for Wildly by Debra Kayn.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wildly is Book One in the Playing for Hearts in a HEA series by Debra Kayn. I found the characters to be likable and Kayn does a great job at make their quirkiness both fun and endearing. I think that most women can relate to Shauna. We …..umm ok I have done some crazy things in my younger days to get a “boys” attention. And as an adult (we) I cringe about when I think of those past actions much like Shauna. The object of Shauna’s affections is Grayson, a former tennis pro and a celebrity in his own right. At first he comes across as the typical Jock/celebrity, but soon we get to glimpse into his past and realize there is a lot more to him. Shauna has recently moved back to her hometown and is trying to prove to everyone that she is not that pesky little girl with a crush anymore. Shauna sets out to help the town with a fundraiser and needs Grayson’s help…… Wildly is a great story and if you like continuity books, you will like this
series. I loved the sense of community that is woven throughout by both the locals who grew up together and the athletes that have bonded and became a family of sorts. I look forward to learning more about the different characters that were introduced in Wildly in future books of this series.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book through a blog contest.

I had a hard time rating this book. It was between a 3 & 3-1/2. Lots of great ideas & a quick moving plot propel the story along. There were a few too many story lines for my taste, but I could definitely see the set up of a series. Now that we've met the characters and have some back story, I think the next books will read even faster.

Shauna has been obsessed with the home town hero & tennis star, Grayson, since she was 12 & he was 19. She followed him around, spray painted his name on the school, and remained his #1 fan. When she turned 18, Shauna propositioned Grayson and formally professed her love for him. Grayson sent her packing & her dad sent her away to college.

Now, Shauna's back with a new job and a desire to prove to the town that she's not that obsessed little girl any longer and that she is over Grayson. When the two meet up again, sparks fly and they can't deny the mutual attraction.

Fun read. A few unlikely plot twists. All in all, a fast, sexy story to start what appears to be an intriguing series.

[Christy McKellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew after reading the first page I was going to really enjoy this story.

Shauna has returned to her home town after finishing at college determined to prove to the town she’s no longer the wild child she used to be. She’s also hoping to win the love of her long-time crush Grayson, a retired pro tennis star, who appears to be a ‘player ‘ in ever sense of the word.

There’s some scorching sexual tension between these two, who have just a little bit of trouble keeping their hands off each other as a battle of wills commences.

There are some lovely humourous scenes with Shauna’s girlfriends and some very moving scenes with her family.

This author’s voice is fresh, fun and immensely readable.

Highly recommended!

[Sara HarlequinJunkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed at HarlequinJunkie.com

Wildly is a sweet and sensual romance about finding love with a childhood crush.

Shauna Marino has had a crush on Grayson Schyler every since she was twelve years old and he was nineteen. At sixteen she fell head over heels in love with Grayson, and at eighteen she decided to present herself to him wearing nothing but a coat to try to get his attention. Years have passed since that embarrassing day when Grayson turned her down. Shauna is now all grown up and is a changed woman. She wants nothing more than to show Grayson how much she has changed and she hopes that he will find her more attractive now that she is grown up. Read More

[Monica Tillery · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that moment when I'm reading a romance and I realize that I don't care for the hero. It's then that I know that the author (if she's any good) will turn it around for me. Wildly is a fun but heartwarming story about a childhood crush turning into grown-up love.
Shauna is a girl we can all relate to, whether or not we were wild child hellions with inappropriate crushes growing up or not. We all know what it's like to have our past come back time and time again. We all know people who won't let us forget.
Wildly is, at its heart, a sweet love story a long time in the making. Ms. Kayn deftly weaves in subplots that add depth and emotion to the story as well as to her characters. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed Wildly and look forward to reading more of Debra Kayn's work.

[Tiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young Love. Infatuation. Wanting someone to notice you, when you know they shouldn't.
This wildly in love book by Debra Kayn shows how Shauna goes after the man she's been in love with her whole life. Grayson is a celebrity of sorts. He's a professional tennis star. Shauna has thrown herself at him for years, then she went away to college. She came back, grown up, but still in lust. Will Grayson finally notice the woman that Shauna has grown up to be? You'll just have to read the book to find out!

[Fyreball · Rating 1 out of 5]

I see that lots of other readers loved this book. For me, it was a DNF - I couldn't get into it, the set just seemed a little too thin. I picked this up as an Amazon Deal of the Day after checking out the reviews on Goodreads. Not every book works for everyone, could just be me and a style difference.

[Chris Mead · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet romance that seemed a little one sided to me. Full review coming soon to harlequinjunkie.com

[Emery · Rating 1 out of 5]

Horrible! I got halfway but DNF. The h is a stalker! Bad writing...

[Leigh Parrish · Rating 2 out of 5]

I give it a 2.5
It's a ok read, but kind of simple. No but moments.

[Shock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both characters were strong. The book is heartwarming and made you smile and bring a tear to your eye. A sweet and warm squeeze to your heart. Not a cliffhanger either.

[Johanna · Rating 1 out of 5]

I think I'd have preferred if the characters were bowlers instead of tennis players

[Caryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this story. The concept was believable. ..I remember having huge crushes on "older" men as a young teen as well! That she grew up and still loved this man was no surprise. Grayson was very stubborn and failed to admit the love he had for Shauna and it almost cost him everything.

I love when love prevails!