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Playing For Keeps #5
Blindside
Them…
Nothing hurts more than your favorite person becoming a life lesson…
Closure is a scam!
Accept what they did to you and move on, or try to.
We manifested our goals into a reality, everything we wanted was within reach… everything but her…Not even being drafted into our dream teams could fill the void she left. Her absence caused a wedge between us, we tried to close that gap by falling into bed together…
She turned her back on us and left us reeling.
Now that we’ve found her, we plan to seek the revenge we are owed.
She hid the truth from us, Katie Turner is going to learn just how ruthless we can be when we’re wronged and believe us, she fu*king did us real dirty.
You can’t change someone by loving them harder…
Her…
Having a soft heart in a cruel world takes courage, not weakness.
Months away from them lulled me into thinking I was able to move on, Crue Hastings and Saint Morgan aren’t the types of guys you can just get over. They forced me to need them, to love them and all that got me was them turning their backs and leaving me on the floor in a pool of my own blood.
They found me and now they plan to exact their revenge.
I screwed up, I made the worst mistake of my life. They hate me and want to see me fall, they may just get their wish if I can’t convince them to help me save her from the devil himself.
If you don’t heal what hurt you, you’ll bleed on people who didn’t cut you
Nothing hurts more than your favorite person becoming a life lesson…
Closure is a scam!
Accept what they did to you and move on, or try to.
We manifested our goals into a reality, everything we wanted was within reach… everything but her…Not even being drafted into our dream teams could fill the void she left. Her absence caused a wedge between us, we tried to close that gap by falling into bed together…
She turned her back on us and left us reeling.
Now that we’ve found her, we plan to seek the revenge we are owed.
She hid the truth from us, Katie Turner is going to learn just how ruthless we can be when we’re wronged and believe us, she fu*king did us real dirty.
You can’t change someone by loving them harder…
Her…
Having a soft heart in a cruel world takes courage, not weakness.
Months away from them lulled me into thinking I was able to move on, Crue Hastings and Saint Morgan aren’t the types of guys you can just get over. They forced me to need them, to love them and all that got me was them turning their backs and leaving me on the floor in a pool of my own blood.
They found me and now they plan to exact their revenge.
I screwed up, I made the worst mistake of my life. They hate me and want to see me fall, they may just get their wish if I can’t convince them to help me save her from the devil himself.
If you don’t heal what hurt you, you’ll bleed on people who didn’t cut you
194 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2023
57 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Barrett
54 books864 followersSamantha Barrett is originally from Auckland, New Zealand but living in Brisbane, Australia.
Sam writes all things dirty dark and delicious with a side of twisted mind fu*k.
She is a lover of all things red flags and an anti-hero is a must.
Sam writes all things dirty dark and delicious with a side of twisted mind fu*k.
She is a lover of all things red flags and an anti-hero is a must.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
September 9, 2023
Such a fantastic book, I couldn’t put it down at all - I was completely mesmerised.
The storyline moves at a fast pace with so many twists and turns, I was in the edge of my chair and at least a few times screamed out ‘WTF!’
Loved the relationship journey, at first I thought she was fricking crazy to go there but as you keep reading it all makes sense.
The comradeship between the group is utterly special, it’s beautiful to see how family is not blood alone.
The emotion and detail in this book was amazing, I was honestly in tears in a few parts - perfection!
Overall a great read and can’t wait to read more from this author in the future.
The storyline moves at a fast pace with so many twists and turns, I was in the edge of my chair and at least a few times screamed out ‘WTF!’
Loved the relationship journey, at first I thought she was fricking crazy to go there but as you keep reading it all makes sense.
The comradeship between the group is utterly special, it’s beautiful to see how family is not blood alone.
The emotion and detail in this book was amazing, I was honestly in tears in a few parts - perfection!
Overall a great read and can’t wait to read more from this author in the future.
January 22, 2025
This one’s probably on me for starting on the 5th book in a series.
September 16, 2023
This is how you end a series!!! Holy Twists and Turns on this one!! So freaking Good!!
Let me first start off by saying Samantha never ceases to amaze me with her words. This one took me on a trip I didn't see coming that's for sure. All I can say is when you think you know what will happen next she throws you a twist that has you questioning what you thought you knew.
Ahh Katie, Crue, and Saint were the threesome we got to see pieces of in prior books but now we get all the nitty-gritty details of what these three had going on finally! Katie fell for two best friends, who both had this underlying attraction to each other that they denied for years. With Katie's acceptance, Crue and Saint were able to share in their love of sorts with her there. Unfortunately, their love takes a backseat when Katie hides a big secret and makes an even bigger mistake that will rock this threesome's world in unexpected ways. When Crue and Saint decide to cross a line with years in the making to only find out that they don't just need a physical relationship, they just need a relationship period and Katie is the missing piece. Watching these three fight to get their HEA with the help of their friends makes it an easy read to get lost in. I absolutely love that she gave several epilogues to tie up each character's storyline.
Hands down this series will be one I will put in my reread rotation because it has everything I love in it! If you love enemies to lovers, dark themes, college romance, mystery, heartbreak, vengeance, stalking, spice, friends to lovers, and epic storylines this is a Must Read Series!! Highly recommend it!!
Overall: 5/☆☆☆☆☆
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Let me first start off by saying Samantha never ceases to amaze me with her words. This one took me on a trip I didn't see coming that's for sure. All I can say is when you think you know what will happen next she throws you a twist that has you questioning what you thought you knew.
Ahh Katie, Crue, and Saint were the threesome we got to see pieces of in prior books but now we get all the nitty-gritty details of what these three had going on finally! Katie fell for two best friends, who both had this underlying attraction to each other that they denied for years. With Katie's acceptance, Crue and Saint were able to share in their love of sorts with her there. Unfortunately, their love takes a backseat when Katie hides a big secret and makes an even bigger mistake that will rock this threesome's world in unexpected ways. When Crue and Saint decide to cross a line with years in the making to only find out that they don't just need a physical relationship, they just need a relationship period and Katie is the missing piece. Watching these three fight to get their HEA with the help of their friends makes it an easy read to get lost in. I absolutely love that she gave several epilogues to tie up each character's storyline.
Hands down this series will be one I will put in my reread rotation because it has everything I love in it! If you love enemies to lovers, dark themes, college romance, mystery, heartbreak, vengeance, stalking, spice, friends to lovers, and epic storylines this is a Must Read Series!! Highly recommend it!!
Overall: 5/☆☆☆☆☆
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
September 16, 2023
What an absolutely fantastic way to conclude the series.
Blindside gave us all the drama, desire and damage we have come to expect from earlier books in the series whilst cementing the strong relationships between the main characters, even when it felt like they were falling apart.
Blindside is the story of Crue, Saint and Katie. They all make mistakes and then fight not only each other but to put things right again. It was full to the brim with passion - sometimes that passion came out as vitriolic anger and other times it came out as self-sacrifice, but no matter how hard some of the scenes were to read - Crue and Saint’s initial treatment of Katie especially, trust the process and keep reading because Samantha is a fantastic author and won’t let you down.
I loved the twists and turns that came about in the book and the involvement of characters from the past, such as Gary. As a reader, we were fed snippets of things that would be brought up against Saint’s Dad, but the author also managed to keep some aspects a surprise which added an element of suspense as we wait to find out what will happen to everyone.
I really liked the way that Samantha involved all the main characters in this book, giving each couple their own personal epilogue at the end so that as the series comes to an end, we can find out what happens to them was a great touch. I’d have loved to have a proper epilogue for Nathan and I loved his involvement in this book - he really came through and added a touch of sanity, selflessness and support as well as a huge amount of humour.
Blindside gave us all the drama, desire and damage we have come to expect from earlier books in the series whilst cementing the strong relationships between the main characters, even when it felt like they were falling apart.
Blindside is the story of Crue, Saint and Katie. They all make mistakes and then fight not only each other but to put things right again. It was full to the brim with passion - sometimes that passion came out as vitriolic anger and other times it came out as self-sacrifice, but no matter how hard some of the scenes were to read - Crue and Saint’s initial treatment of Katie especially, trust the process and keep reading because Samantha is a fantastic author and won’t let you down.
I loved the twists and turns that came about in the book and the involvement of characters from the past, such as Gary. As a reader, we were fed snippets of things that would be brought up against Saint’s Dad, but the author also managed to keep some aspects a surprise which added an element of suspense as we wait to find out what will happen to everyone.
I really liked the way that Samantha involved all the main characters in this book, giving each couple their own personal epilogue at the end so that as the series comes to an end, we can find out what happens to them was a great touch. I’d have loved to have a proper epilogue for Nathan and I loved his involvement in this book - he really came through and added a touch of sanity, selflessness and support as well as a huge amount of humour.
September 11, 2023
The final chapter of Sam’s Playing for Keeps series. This book is the gift that keeps on giving in so many ways.
I hoped from book one that my favorite MCs would get their own book but I never in my wildest dreams imagined it to be like this.
Am I mad? Hell no🤣
Sam continues to release absolute fire month after month, and that’s no exaggeration. How she wrote Blindside in FIVE days, I’ll never understand but hey, the characters want what they want. No rest for the wicked, hey, Sam🤣
Katie baby and her men… Oh shoot, y’all, did I forget to mention this is an MFM? 🥵
Saint, Crue and Katie went through hell & back throughout this series but this book… it will test their limit, and just when you think it’s over, BAM! No, it isn’t.
When I get a book from Sam, I don’t know what emotions I will experience while reading. I’ve long dubbed her the Cliffy Queen, lovingly🤣🫶🏼 Blindside was definitely one of her faster paced books I feel, but with some time jumps and keeping things accurate, you’ll find no qualms from me.
If there’s one thing you can be absolutely sure of when reading one of Sam’s books, it’s that she writes alphahole men and badass, fierce women. Katie is no different; her character development throughout this series is probably one of the strongest!
Make sure you start with book one, Offside, to get the full effect of this topsy-turvy, mindfxck series🤪
I hoped from book one that my favorite MCs would get their own book but I never in my wildest dreams imagined it to be like this.
Am I mad? Hell no🤣
Sam continues to release absolute fire month after month, and that’s no exaggeration. How she wrote Blindside in FIVE days, I’ll never understand but hey, the characters want what they want. No rest for the wicked, hey, Sam🤣
Katie baby and her men… Oh shoot, y’all, did I forget to mention this is an MFM? 🥵
Saint, Crue and Katie went through hell & back throughout this series but this book… it will test their limit, and just when you think it’s over, BAM! No, it isn’t.
When I get a book from Sam, I don’t know what emotions I will experience while reading. I’ve long dubbed her the Cliffy Queen, lovingly🤣🫶🏼 Blindside was definitely one of her faster paced books I feel, but with some time jumps and keeping things accurate, you’ll find no qualms from me.
If there’s one thing you can be absolutely sure of when reading one of Sam’s books, it’s that she writes alphahole men and badass, fierce women. Katie is no different; her character development throughout this series is probably one of the strongest!
Make sure you start with book one, Offside, to get the full effect of this topsy-turvy, mindfxck series🤪
February 15, 2024
Nooooo! It's over!!!! I want more!!!!
Oh, holy crapballs! I can't take it anymore! This series has me crying, laughing, yelling, mentally throwing hands and then it had me falling in love with all of them. But this one...oh my lord *said breathlessly with tears streaming* I about died. The feels I caught with Saint, Crue and Katie...I can't, oh lord I can't. Their story literally had me balling from the beginning. Samantha Barrett you ripped out my heart, squeezed it with a maniacal laugh and then gently put it back in with a loving pat for good measure. You my dear are a majestic, evil genius. Your stories have gripped me and refuse to let me go and I LOVE IT!!!! I can't wait to grab every single one of your stories and binge read like I did with this Series. For anyone that wants an enemies to lovers, with some really heated scenes, a good laugh and some snot nosed cries. Oh and even some mental junk punches and byatch slaps then these are definitely books for you. Get the whole series and binge them, put them in your re-read collection, buy some wine, stock up on panties and maybe some batteries cause wooo *fanning self* these babies are HAWT!!!!
Oh, holy crapballs! I can't take it anymore! This series has me crying, laughing, yelling, mentally throwing hands and then it had me falling in love with all of them. But this one...oh my lord *said breathlessly with tears streaming* I about died. The feels I caught with Saint, Crue and Katie...I can't, oh lord I can't. Their story literally had me balling from the beginning. Samantha Barrett you ripped out my heart, squeezed it with a maniacal laugh and then gently put it back in with a loving pat for good measure. You my dear are a majestic, evil genius. Your stories have gripped me and refuse to let me go and I LOVE IT!!!! I can't wait to grab every single one of your stories and binge read like I did with this Series. For anyone that wants an enemies to lovers, with some really heated scenes, a good laugh and some snot nosed cries. Oh and even some mental junk punches and byatch slaps then these are definitely books for you. Get the whole series and binge them, put them in your re-read collection, buy some wine, stock up on panties and maybe some batteries cause wooo *fanning self* these babies are HAWT!!!!
September 6, 2023
Blindside
🛑 Check trigger warnings if needed 🛑
Ease of Reading ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Unpredictability ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
Storyline ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Over All Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 5…I do not want this series to be over.
Saint, Crue & Katie… this trio is going to tear your heart out repeatedly. The struggles each of them are facing will make you question everything that has happened in past books and if it will be a HEA or not. Playing for keeps is yet another amazing series!!
I am at a loss of words for how amazing Samantha Barrett writes. I am a complete and utter fan for life! Every book of hers I have read. I absolutely love her writing style from the way she builds the worlds, her characters back stories & progress, the banter between them, the highs & lows, the growth & twists, everything about how she writes pulls you in. She is one of my top five authors of all time and I don’t see that changing any time in the future. As long as she writes it… I will read it! Hands down every time can’t recommend her books enough.
🛑 Check trigger warnings if needed 🛑
Ease of Reading ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Unpredictability ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
Storyline ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Over All Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 5…I do not want this series to be over.
Saint, Crue & Katie… this trio is going to tear your heart out repeatedly. The struggles each of them are facing will make you question everything that has happened in past books and if it will be a HEA or not. Playing for keeps is yet another amazing series!!
I am at a loss of words for how amazing Samantha Barrett writes. I am a complete and utter fan for life! Every book of hers I have read. I absolutely love her writing style from the way she builds the worlds, her characters back stories & progress, the banter between them, the highs & lows, the growth & twists, everything about how she writes pulls you in. She is one of my top five authors of all time and I don’t see that changing any time in the future. As long as she writes it… I will read it! Hands down every time can’t recommend her books enough.
September 13, 2023
This was such a good book and an amazing conclusion to this series! I stayed up late to finish this book because I couldn't put this down. I thought this book really amped up my emotions and had my feelings all over the place. I had to know what was going to happen with Katie, Saint, and Crue.
I loved Katie. She has been through so much but is still trying to remain strong while dealing with it. There were so many times where my heart just completely broke for her. I liked Saint and Crue but there were quite a few times that I just wanted to punch them especially in the first 50% of the book. The dynamics between Katie, Saint, and Crue are filled with tension, heartache, love, and so much more.
This conclusion really tied everything up from the previous books. I loved the epilogues but I am still sad this series is over. I really loved these characters and can't believe their stories are over. I also have to say that I completely loved Nathan and wish he would have his own book!
I loved Katie. She has been through so much but is still trying to remain strong while dealing with it. There were so many times where my heart just completely broke for her. I liked Saint and Crue but there were quite a few times that I just wanted to punch them especially in the first 50% of the book. The dynamics between Katie, Saint, and Crue are filled with tension, heartache, love, and so much more.
This conclusion really tied everything up from the previous books. I loved the epilogues but I am still sad this series is over. I really loved these characters and can't believe their stories are over. I also have to say that I completely loved Nathan and wish he would have his own book!
September 1, 2023
Sam you did it again. You never cease to amaze me. Love love loved Blindside. You totally blindsided me with this book lol. Out of Playing for Keeps series Blindside is my favorite. Katie is such a badass. I just love her. She stands her ground and does not take any crap from Crue and Saint. They royally messed up in the beginning but in the end they really made it up to Katie. Blindside hooks you in right from the beginning. Can’t even put it down because you want to know what happens next. Keeps you on the edge of your seat. It was so so good. Beginning to end. I’m sad the series is over. Wish there was more books in the series. All the books in the series are awesome but Blindside is my absolute favorite. Thank you Sam for an another amazing book. You are an amazing author. Thank you for the opportunity of receiving an ARC. This review is my own honest review.
September 5, 2023
Blindside
By Samantha Barrett
⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I held my hand against my mouth, shocked and flabbergasted! It was the story I didn’t know I needed by so glad we got it! It’s official! My new favourite way to end a series? extended epilogues featuring ALL the main characters!!
Now the series is over.. what am I gonna do without monthly checking!? IYKYK 🤣
#blindside #samathabarrett #darkromance #bookish #bookaddict #readersofinstagram #bookaholic #readingtime #bookshelf #instabooks #bookblogger #bookreview #booktok #reading #booklover #bookworm #booknerd #goodreads #aussiebookstagrammers #aussies #australianreaders #smut #darkromance #reading #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #instabook #booksofinstagram #review #arcreader #whychooseromance #whychoose
By Samantha Barrett
⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I held my hand against my mouth, shocked and flabbergasted! It was the story I didn’t know I needed by so glad we got it! It’s official! My new favourite way to end a series? extended epilogues featuring ALL the main characters!!
Now the series is over.. what am I gonna do without monthly checking!? IYKYK 🤣
#blindside #samathabarrett #darkromance #bookish #bookaddict #readersofinstagram #bookaholic #readingtime #bookshelf #instabooks #bookblogger #bookreview #booktok #reading #booklover #bookworm #booknerd #goodreads #aussiebookstagrammers #aussies #australianreaders #smut #darkromance #reading #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #instabook #booksofinstagram #review #arcreader #whychooseromance #whychoose
September 11, 2023
Woah the ending we needed for this final throuple. Damm did it bring out the water works for me.
Katie , Saint and Crue, the ones who had everyone on tenter hooks from day one for their relationship, which they never defined but rolling from the events from the ending of the last book it picks up immediately and boy , this one was a doozy.
I loved the pain that all 3 of them go through, want to mention that I wanted to punch the boys initially because they were just twat waffles. But they do redeem themselves. And Katie that girl has so much strength I'm in awe. I love her so much. Such a fierce protective mamma she is! Amazing woman.
Of course we meet all our favourite men and women from this universe and we get the closure we need from them. Gonna miss all of these guys. A perfect ending to the series.
Katie , Saint and Crue, the ones who had everyone on tenter hooks from day one for their relationship, which they never defined but rolling from the events from the ending of the last book it picks up immediately and boy , this one was a doozy.
I loved the pain that all 3 of them go through, want to mention that I wanted to punch the boys initially because they were just twat waffles. But they do redeem themselves. And Katie that girl has so much strength I'm in awe. I love her so much. Such a fierce protective mamma she is! Amazing woman.
Of course we meet all our favourite men and women from this universe and we get the closure we need from them. Gonna miss all of these guys. A perfect ending to the series.
September 25, 2023
Why do all good things have to come to an end. I'm absolutely heartbroken that this series is complete. I never wanted to it to stop.
Samantha has done it again. She's this incredible machine that keeps us hooked with incredible books in quick succession. He really has such an incredible talent.
My heart broke for Katie, Crue, and Saint. This book was such a whirlwind of emotions. I've been sucked in and made to feel every emotion across the rainbow, and Samantha's books never lack in the spicy category .
Katie is such a strong queen. What she overcame with the help of our incredible Nathan was such an inspiring tale. Samantha was able to capture her story beautifully.
Seeing their family become complete was the perfect HEA we could have wished for even if we wished for it to never end.
Samantha has done it again. She's this incredible machine that keeps us hooked with incredible books in quick succession. He really has such an incredible talent.
My heart broke for Katie, Crue, and Saint. This book was such a whirlwind of emotions. I've been sucked in and made to feel every emotion across the rainbow, and Samantha's books never lack in the spicy category .
Katie is such a strong queen. What she overcame with the help of our incredible Nathan was such an inspiring tale. Samantha was able to capture her story beautifully.
Seeing their family become complete was the perfect HEA we could have wished for even if we wished for it to never end.
October 3, 2023
American football facts are a bit off
As a true American football fan the author’s lack of football knowledge is blaring…
College plays Saturdays (typically) and FNL (aka Friday night lights) is for the high school kids.
College teams don’t play for State Championships again that’s high school. College teams hope to play in bowl games, the biggest are for National championships.
Ect…
Also clear the author is not American, it’s a hood of a car not a bonnet.
Once you get past that part, there are missing words or wrong words through out kind of regularly enough to make it a mild distraction.
Over all the series was fun and sweet enough. Characters were endearing enough. The plot over all is rom-com unrealistic, trite but entertaining enough. It is a good, easy read.
As a true American football fan the author’s lack of football knowledge is blaring…
College plays Saturdays (typically) and FNL (aka Friday night lights) is for the high school kids.
College teams don’t play for State Championships again that’s high school. College teams hope to play in bowl games, the biggest are for National championships.
Ect…
Also clear the author is not American, it’s a hood of a car not a bonnet.
Once you get past that part, there are missing words or wrong words through out kind of regularly enough to make it a mild distraction.
Over all the series was fun and sweet enough. Characters were endearing enough. The plot over all is rom-com unrealistic, trite but entertaining enough. It is a good, easy read.
September 3, 2023
Jumping for Joy
Well when left off from the Hail Mary it looked like poor Katie was not only dumped by her boyfriends but also lost the baby 😢
When she turns up on date with the boys arch enemy and cousin they see red!
Katie has to face them both and spill the truth.
Saint and Crue are not the “easy going” guys and their fury at being lied too has them, once again, lashing out at Katie.
Ultimately it takes a family coming together to support each other to make it through this one. And we finally get a special Saint and Crue moment ⚔️
We do finally get to our HEA there are also bonus epilogues to tie up this series.
Despite dealing with some past dark themes, this is a fast easy read and it a great way to finish off this series ❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
⚔️
❤️❤️❤️
Well when left off from the Hail Mary it looked like poor Katie was not only dumped by her boyfriends but also lost the baby 😢
When she turns up on date with the boys arch enemy and cousin they see red!
Katie has to face them both and spill the truth.
Saint and Crue are not the “easy going” guys and their fury at being lied too has them, once again, lashing out at Katie.
Ultimately it takes a family coming together to support each other to make it through this one. And we finally get a special Saint and Crue moment ⚔️
We do finally get to our HEA there are also bonus epilogues to tie up this series.
Despite dealing with some past dark themes, this is a fast easy read and it a great way to finish off this series ❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
⚔️
❤️❤️❤️
September 4, 2023
So sad to see this series come to an end. But what a great way to end it. Blindside was so damn good. Crue , Saint and Katie’s story was epic. Katie gets pregnant , the guys get pissed yelling at her saying she did this on purpose and storm out leaving her on her own. Nathan her bestie steps in to help her. She thought she was having a miscarriage due to extremely heavy bleeding. But nope lol she has her baby and gives her up for adoption. But oh man wait until you see who adopts her. Now can Crue n Saint get passed all this and forgive Katie to help her get their daughter back? You def need to read this and find out. Trust me you will not be disappointed. Thank you Samantha Barrett for a wonderful ending to yet another crazy good series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2023
Altough this is book 5 in the series. This can be read as a standalone. I did, and thoughly enjoyed reading this book. I was able to read without feeling like was missing the storyline. It was that well written and presented beautifully.
The characters Crue Saint and Katie's journey was captivating to follow. Katie was such a strong young woman who when it was needed, did what should felt she had to.
Cruel and Saint at times acted like spolit brats. They are quickly discovering Katie's innerstrengh even when they don't anderstand or agreed with her discissions.
Their backstories were emotional and at times unjust.
I loved reading how Crue and Saint are brought to their knees and Katie develops and becomes one strong determined wowan.
A must read.highly recommended.
The characters Crue Saint and Katie's journey was captivating to follow. Katie was such a strong young woman who when it was needed, did what should felt she had to.
Cruel and Saint at times acted like spolit brats. They are quickly discovering Katie's innerstrengh even when they don't anderstand or agreed with her discissions.
Their backstories were emotional and at times unjust.
I loved reading how Crue and Saint are brought to their knees and Katie develops and becomes one strong determined wowan.
A must read.highly recommended.
September 8, 2023
Blind Side is book 5 and the last book in the Playing for Keeps series. And I don’t know how I feel about that.
Samantha Barrett has solidified her role in my top favorite authors. I have read enough of her books now to know she doesn’t give us anything less then 100%.
Blindside was so much more then what I though it would be. I really didn’t think this was how Saint, Crue and Katie’s story would play out. This series has been emotional so it really is not a surprise that this story wouldn’t be all rainbows and butterflies. Samantha made these three work for their HEA. And she ended this series in a high. I have to mention I absolutely loved the epilogue and the references to the title names. She slayed!!!!
I would recommend this one to everyone. It’s another 5 star from me.
Samantha Barrett has solidified her role in my top favorite authors. I have read enough of her books now to know she doesn’t give us anything less then 100%.
Blindside was so much more then what I though it would be. I really didn’t think this was how Saint, Crue and Katie’s story would play out. This series has been emotional so it really is not a surprise that this story wouldn’t be all rainbows and butterflies. Samantha made these three work for their HEA. And she ended this series in a high. I have to mention I absolutely loved the epilogue and the references to the title names. She slayed!!!!
I would recommend this one to everyone. It’s another 5 star from me.
September 9, 2023
Oh man this book was the cherry on top of the cake for this series. Starting off hating Crue and Saint for their actions and ending it madly in love with them.
This book has every emotion going, I just love these boys and their bond with both Katie and the other friends. Going through hell and back for their baby mumma Katie and little Addy just melts your heart. I was so glad that a few people finally got what they deserved.
Like they say in the book, they aren’t just friends they are family and it shows with everything that goes on.
What finishes this book off is the epilogues, not just for Crue and Saint but for all the boys, we get to see further down the line and what has happened. It was exactly what I needed as a reader and I got that and more.
This book has every emotion going, I just love these boys and their bond with both Katie and the other friends. Going through hell and back for their baby mumma Katie and little Addy just melts your heart. I was so glad that a few people finally got what they deserved.
Like they say in the book, they aren’t just friends they are family and it shows with everything that goes on.
What finishes this book off is the epilogues, not just for Crue and Saint but for all the boys, we get to see further down the line and what has happened. It was exactly what I needed as a reader and I got that and more.
September 13, 2023
Blindside by Samantha Barrett is book five in the Playing for Keeps Series. This author has an amazing talent in crafting stories. This book was so good, I read it all in one sitting. The plot and pace was great and it kept me interested all the way until the end. This was an emotional rollercoaster of a tale that’s full of twists and turns. I love the way Samantha Barrett writes the growth between characters. Also the banter between them all is just the best. The development of Katie was great, I was hooked! I loved how strong she was be the end of this journey. This was an overall amazing book and I can’t wait for more books from this amazing author. If you haven’t read this series, you need to check it out.
Final review:
5 out of 5 stars
Final review:
5 out of 5 stars
September 15, 2023
Last book in the Playing for Keeps series, which follows five brother/friends (found family) as they fall in love. The last book is Katie, Saint and Crue's story, which is difficult to read in places. In particular, Katie's pain when the guys find out about her pregnancy and you can totally understand why she ghosts them and events turn out as they do. When they finally find out and their anger consumes them and they take it out on Katie, I wanted to drop kick them. They should have been grovelling to her, not the other way around. Add in an evil father, a corrupt cousin and Nathan as the BFF you want by your side, plus a side of MM, that I wanted more of. This was a great end to a really good series.
September 17, 2023
Emotional Rollercoaster
Unpopular opinion here but Katie needed counseling. She was not in the right frame of mind making decisions based on getting heart broken by the guys she was d*ckmatized over.
This story was an emotional rollercoaster with so many ups and downs and unnecessary drama. Katie, Crue and Saint realized that it was time to grow up. You lay down to have fun be prepared for the consequences of your actions. There is more to life than fun and hitting the sheets everytime the mood arises. Grown up decision require grown up actions.
Overall it was a good ending to the series with all of the couples fighting for their HEA. Although there was a lot bs to maneuver through to get there.
Unpopular opinion here but Katie needed counseling. She was not in the right frame of mind making decisions based on getting heart broken by the guys she was d*ckmatized over.
This story was an emotional rollercoaster with so many ups and downs and unnecessary drama. Katie, Crue and Saint realized that it was time to grow up. You lay down to have fun be prepared for the consequences of your actions. There is more to life than fun and hitting the sheets everytime the mood arises. Grown up decision require grown up actions.
Overall it was a good ending to the series with all of the couples fighting for their HEA. Although there was a lot bs to maneuver through to get there.
September 9, 2023
Blindside is the final installment in the Playing for Keeps series. In this book, readers finally get to delve into the complex and fascinating relationship between Crue, Saint, and Katie. Once again, Samantha Barrett scores a touchdown! The book is full of twists, banter, and of course a ton of spice! Although, the book could probably be read as a stand-alone, I highly suggest that you start at book one because you will fall for each character, the development is amazing, and we get all of our questions answered. Also, the best part of this book is each mmc is given an extended epilogue with ending they deserve!
September 11, 2023
This series beat me up!!! Each story pulled at you a different way, and Blindside was no different. At times, it pulled and hit harder than the rest. @author.samantha.barrett is that author who knows how to hit you in the gut, make you cry, get you mad, and then have you smiling at the end. Getting the story about Katie, Saint, and Crue was not what I expected. These 3 are perfect for each other, but they dont understand what they are feeling and how to go forward with the feelings. They have all been hurt, used, and abused in some form, but learned the hard way how to move past the pain. I am sad to see it over with.
December 26, 2023
Samantha has done it again with Blind Side, the fifth and final nook in the Playing for Keeps series and man was it everything I needed it to be and more! For four stories now I have waited in pins and needles for tbis story and it did not disappoint!
From the very beginning Saint, Crue and Katie’s story intrigued me and I love how Samantha wove their tale so intricately together with tons of bunks along the way to test their faith and resolve. In true Sam fashion she made these three work for their happy ending, almost to the point you’d think it was never coming, but when it came? Utter perfection! A definite must read for any sports MMF fan out there!
From the very beginning Saint, Crue and Katie’s story intrigued me and I love how Samantha wove their tale so intricately together with tons of bunks along the way to test their faith and resolve. In true Sam fashion she made these three work for their happy ending, almost to the point you’d think it was never coming, but when it came? Utter perfection! A definite must read for any sports MMF fan out there!
September 22, 2023
Blind Side is Playing for Keeps series book 5 and the last in this series and I’m sad to see this one come to an end.
The final story is that of Katie, Saint and Crue and it definitely isn’t a plain sailing romance, they each have their own struggles that will send you on an emotional rollercoaster , but can their passion for each other break through all that’s against them?
A brilliantly written book that I’ve come to expect from Samantha Barrett and I can’t wait for what she brings us next! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The final story is that of Katie, Saint and Crue and it definitely isn’t a plain sailing romance, they each have their own struggles that will send you on an emotional rollercoaster , but can their passion for each other break through all that’s against them?
A brilliantly written book that I’ve come to expect from Samantha Barrett and I can’t wait for what she brings us next! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 6, 2025
A Perfect Ending
Gahhhh! I loved this book! Crue and Saints story was perfect! I loved it. Although, they really pissed me off in the beginning, they were complete jerks to Katie baby! Some of the things they said to her had me gasping. They were ruthless, but they also love with such a big heart! And in the end they melted mine.
A huge plus was seeing a glimpse into their lives in the future for all the characters! From Goldie and D , to Becky and Val, Reaper and Jail Bait and finally our three sum!
Gahhhh! I loved this book! Crue and Saints story was perfect! I loved it. Although, they really pissed me off in the beginning, they were complete jerks to Katie baby! Some of the things they said to her had me gasping. They were ruthless, but they also love with such a big heart! And in the end they melted mine.
A huge plus was seeing a glimpse into their lives in the future for all the characters! From Goldie and D , to Becky and Val, Reaper and Jail Bait and finally our three sum!
September 4, 2023
Ergh.... don't let it be over!! This book was the perfect ending to the series. I seriously thought I was going to have a heart attack from this book. The anxiety reading it f##k me!.
I was so bloody angry with Crue, Saint, and Katie for different reasons. To say my life went on hold till I finished these books is an understatement . I'm obsessed, and now I feel a little empty, knowing I don't have any more to wait for. Thank you for sharing your boys and girls with us.
I was so bloody angry with Crue, Saint, and Katie for different reasons. To say my life went on hold till I finished these books is an understatement . I'm obsessed, and now I feel a little empty, knowing I don't have any more to wait for. Thank you for sharing your boys and girls with us.
September 4, 2023
What an ending to a fantastic series - I can’t recommend these books highly enough. I have enjoyed all of the stories leading up to this last book that wraps up the playing for keeps series so perfectly. We see all of the amazing characters coming together for one final and epic conclusion. Once you start this series you won't be able to stop and although I'm sad that it is now over - I will be reading these books again.
October 24, 2023
Blindside - Lucky last in this series book 5!!
I would like to say saving the best for last, but I loved all of these books..
This one had me just as much on the edge of my seat as the others.
Saint, Crue and Katie damn!!! What a ride with these 3... So much HEAT in this trio!!
Sam you totally have a way of writing which I truly love...
I highly recommend reading this series!!!
I would like to say saving the best for last, but I loved all of these books..
This one had me just as much on the edge of my seat as the others.
Saint, Crue and Katie damn!!! What a ride with these 3... So much HEAT in this trio!!
Sam you totally have a way of writing which I truly love...
I highly recommend reading this series!!!
September 2, 2023
Omg Samantha, I’m not ready for this journey to be over! You aced it! I didn’t think you could beat Corv’s story, but Crüe and Saint’s got me good. As sad as I am, what a brilliant wrap up to this series! Loved every second of it! They brought the heat from the get-go, it was spicy and emotional. LOVE!
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