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Playing for Keeps

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Coming soon! The next instalment in the Single Dads Club series...

372 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 23, 2023

171 people are currently reading
70 people want to read

About the author

Hannah Ellis

118 books434 followers
Hannah Ellis spent many years working in childcare before deciding she'd like to write books. When she's not busy writing she likes to read, drink tea and eat chocolate. She also enjoys yoga and jogging.

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5 stars
633 (72%)
4 stars
183 (20%)
3 stars
46 (5%)
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10 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Sarah Kingsnorth.
455 reviews14 followers
November 23, 2023
Hannah Ellis - Playing For Keeps.

Welcome back to Hope Cove, and to book 3 in the Single Dad’s Club series.
#PlayingForKeeos can easily be read as a standalone story. However, this is a super series, so do yourself a favour and read them all!

I loved heading back to Hope Cove and I was excited to catch up with all its loveable characters, especially the little gang of single dads and their families.

This is Hugh’s story. All is well in his world, and then he meets Allie.

The pair hit it off and quickly their relationship blossoms.
However, there are secrets bubbling to the surface and everyday life is just waiting to step in their way with it’s own set of issues for the pair to contend with.

Hope Cove is one of my favourite book settings.
Hannah Ellis has brought it beautifully to life and filled it with a warm hearted community of fabulous characters.

Hugh and Allie are a lovely pairing. Their romance is very sweet and touching. I adored their journey and was kept guessing by all the hurdles thrown in their way.

#PlayingForKeeps is a charming and feel good read, full of warmth and heart.

I can’t wait to catch up with everyone in book 4 of the series, out 26/12/23.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Profile Image for Sarah.
2,949 reviews221 followers
March 13, 2025
This series just gets better and better!

We are back in Hope Cove where it’s the turn for Hugh to take centre stage. He is a single dad who has been happy being single and concentrating on raising his daughter Emmy. His friends and his daughter all push him into trying dating which is where Allie comes in. Their friendship to start with was a lot of fun to read and it doesn’t take long for a spark to ignite between them.

The storyline around the golf course was really good. It enhanced the reading experience even more and it was hard not to get swept up in Allie’s plans for the place. We still get to catch up with the characters from the previous two books which is always nice and whilst all three books so far can be read as standalones, I think it’s still best to read in order, especially as by the looks, book four, the last in the series focuses on them all.

Playing For Keeps was just wonderful! The background stories of the characters added to the appeal as well as the thread to do with Emmy, Hughes daughter. Ultimately they are romance stories but it was good that it also highlights the dynamics of a family where the parents have split up. There are just as many great dads as their are mums and this is reinforced in these books. A fabulous read that I absolutely adored!

Profile Image for Carlin.
1,755 reviews18 followers
November 27, 2023
Delightful book in a beautiful setting

It has been wonderful to catch up with one of my favorite authors. Even you're sure there will be a happy ending (it is a romance after all), she puts wrinkles in the plot line to keep you wondering if everything will actually all work out in the end.

This is the third book in the Single Dads series and the first one that I have read. It was delightful. The characters are so real and their problems as well. In this story the impact of the main characters' childhood traumas are clearly evident in their current actions. Usually there is no real insight. In this book however both characters Ali and Hugh are able to see the impact their family of origin had on their current behaviors. Both had mothers who abandoned them either by death or actually leaving. Especially Hugh was terrified that Ali would leave him so he hesitated to commit himself to her. I also love how children wetr incorporated into the story, Hugh's daughter Emmy and her friends and Hugh's other friends' children as well. I intend to go back and read the first two books in the series and go on to number four. This one was that good (I actually stayed up most of the night to finish it!).
Profile Image for Leanne.
2,155 reviews43 followers
November 17, 2023
Playing for Keeps is the third book in the totally heartwarming single dad's series. This one is centred around single dad Hugh who meets the golf pro Allie. They hit it off but Hugh's daughter Emmy and a secret that Allie is hiding may ruin everything. I loved this book from the start and didn't want it to end. The characters are ones that I was introduced to in previous books and I was thrilled to catch up with them all again. A book about life and love and a little golf which was a nice new touch. The time just seemed to fly by while I was reading this one so I recommend clearing your schedule before starting!
Profile Image for Krisha.
68 reviews2 followers
November 22, 2023
I LOVE Hannah Ellis books… rarely do I find an author I resonate with so much. Her stories are delightfully heartwarming and brilliantly written. The characters and the settings are so endearing. I’m always sad when they’re over and eagerly await the next one.

Thank goodness I won’t have to wait too long for the next one in this series which releases in Dec.

When I’m reading her books, I often wish there was a Hannah Ellis travel tour group! Where you could step into the villages she so beautifully describes. I would be first to reserve a spot!
10 reviews
December 2, 2023
Another triumph from Hannah Ellis! Having already been introduced to steady and dependable Hugh in the previous books in this series, the Hugh we see at the start of the book is exciting and different and perfect for a holiday romance with Allie. As the book progresses, their stories combine and we see how, rather than individual interests keeping them apart, the combination of these can turn into a joint passion and the result can far outweigh initial expectations. I’m a huge fan of this author and cannot wait for the next instalment in this lovely series. 5*
Profile Image for Julie Foster.
749 reviews1 follower
January 1, 2024
Absolutely brilliant

I really loved reading this book the third in this series. A single dad who hadn't been on a date for years and was out of practice. It was nice that characters from another series of books was mentioned in this book, if only briefly. I am really looking forward to the next book in this series.
28 reviews
December 26, 2023
Perfect.

Fabulous to read Hugh' story, loved the crossover with Lock Lannick characters as they were one of my favourite series of books. I really like how Hannah inter weaves her characters seamlessly from one series to another.
876 reviews3 followers
February 29, 2024
I have really enjoyed this series, this is the third book and focuses on Hugh a single dad to his daughter Emma. It’s been over ten years since Hugh's wife left and he is told it’s time to start dating again (even though he doesn’t really want to!).
23 reviews
December 2, 2023
Another great book

I loved catching up with these guys and the overlap of characters from Loch Lannick series is brilliant 👏 more more more ...please!
9 reviews
December 4, 2023
Another fantastic read

Such a lovely visit to Hope Cove. I love how Hannah describes a place so well that I feel like I'm there.
Profile Image for Ena Elliot allington.
4 reviews
December 13, 2023
Hannah Ellis has done it AGAIN!

I have never enjoyed any book more! .
There are no other books that are better written or that I would rather have read!
☺☺☺☺

41 reviews
January 16, 2024
Another great read

Another great book in the series , ready for the next one ,great characters and story with a bit of romance
199 reviews1 follower
January 19, 2024
Hard to put down!

It is a wonderful book. I love the story line and learning more about Hugh and the turmoil he went through. The best part is how love always prevails.
146 reviews1 follower
February 7, 2024
Brilliant

I really love these books once I start reading them it's hard to put them down. I love all the characters
272 reviews6 followers
March 24, 2024
best one

This was one rollercoaster of a story. The roles of both Allie and Hugh were at constant odds with each other. But they still make it work, and it ends beautifully.
Profile Image for Julie Evans.
49 reviews
June 16, 2025
Awesome read

Another one of my favourite books to read. This is my 2nd time of reading it and it won't be my last. I can't wait to read the next book.
252 reviews2 followers
November 30, 2023
Hope cove

Ive thoroughly enjoyed this book after reading the previous books. There were so many twists and turns in this book i couldn't put it down till i finished it. I was sad thinking it was the last one in the series but happy when i read your writing a fourth one. Keep up the good work.
Profile Image for Mesha.
15 reviews
May 5, 2024
Hannah has done it again. An enjoyable, easy, feel good romance with a HEA!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews

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