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Playing the Field #3
Playing for Keeps
Revised Previously published as Keeping the Single Dad, this edition of Playing for Keeps includes editorial revisions.
She’s breaking all his rules.
Lana
The press say I’m the wild child of women’s football, and now a tabloid journalist’s blackmailing me. No wonder I needed distraction in the shape of Alex, the men’s team’s new Scottish goalie.
It was a one-night stand: fun and done. I don’t do commitment – and he’s old enough to be my dad. But there’s something different about Alex…
Alex
Lana is like a tornado. Fierce. Devastating. Just passing through. My son, Brodie, is my world, and he needs someone who’s sticking around.
But Lana’s made me feel alive again for the first time in years, and I can’t get her out of my head. Is a future with this party girl too much to hope for…?
Playing for Keeps is the third book in the Playing the Field series—addictive romances full of heart and steam, perfect for fans of T L Swan.
Revised edition: Previously published as Keeping the Single Dad, this edition of Playing for Keeps includes editorial revisions.
She’s breaking all his rules.
Lana
The press say I’m the wild child of women’s football, and now a tabloid journalist’s blackmailing me. No wonder I needed distraction in the shape of Alex, the men’s team’s new Scottish goalie.
It was a one-night stand: fun and done. I don’t do commitment – and he’s old enough to be my dad. But there’s something different about Alex…
Alex
Lana is like a tornado. Fierce. Devastating. Just passing through. My son, Brodie, is my world, and he needs someone who’s sticking around.
But Lana’s made me feel alive again for the first time in years, and I can’t get her out of my head. Is a future with this party girl too much to hope for…?
Playing for Keeps is the third book in the Playing the Field series—addictive romances full of heart and steam, perfect for fans of T L Swan.
Revised edition: Previously published as Keeping the Single Dad, this edition of Playing for Keeps includes editorial revisions.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2024
81 people are currently reading
6639 people want to read
About the author
Sasha Lace
9 books181 followersSasha Lace used to be a very serious scientist before she ditched the lab coat and started writing kissing books. Sasha lives in the North of England and is a mom of two young boys. Everyone in her family is soccer mad, so she knows way more about soccer than she ever wanted to know. As a scientist and mom, her hobbies include: mulling over the complexities of the universe, treading barefoot on Lego, chipping dried Play-Doh from fabric surfaces, dried flower arranging (because you can’t kill something twice), and writing about herself in the third person.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
August 30, 2024
This book 📚 the third in the series is the very best one yet. I loved listening to Alexander (Alex) and Lana’s story!! I really love this series but I truly enjoyed book 3. This series just gets better and better!!
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November 21, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ This was a pretty good sports romance.
The first thing I want to say here is that, as always, getting audio ARCs is amazing, so thank you so much to Net Galley and the publisher for giving me this audiobook for free. As always, though, my opinion is completely unbiased (it's the whole point, right?).
This audiobook started a bit slow for me. Mostly because I couldn't stop focusing on the narrators' accents and thinking they didn't match who they were supposed to be... In any case, the more I got into the book, the more I liked it, but I admit that it took me till around the 50% mark to really start rooting for these characters. This is an Age Gap sports romance, where both MCs are football players, which I LOVED! I adore it when FMCs are the athletes. However, this book's main plot point is about the difference in the treatment of female and male teams in professional sports, and exploiting the fact that "no one cares about the women's team"... I get it, but it also pisses me tf off.
The MMC is a widower and a single father, and his grief and connection to his late wife are still a big deal to him. Personally, I really liked the way it was handled, but if the MMC being in love with his dead spouse is a problem for you, don't read this. There are also a lot of family issues and alcoholism as key plot points.
Overall, I would recommend this audiobook if you are someone who likes spicy sports romances with an Age Gap, and the single father trope!
🌶🌶.5 / 5 - Pretty decent spice. A handful of open-door scenes.
The first thing I want to say here is that, as always, getting audio ARCs is amazing, so thank you so much to Net Galley and the publisher for giving me this audiobook for free. As always, though, my opinion is completely unbiased (it's the whole point, right?).
This audiobook started a bit slow for me. Mostly because I couldn't stop focusing on the narrators' accents and thinking they didn't match who they were supposed to be... In any case, the more I got into the book, the more I liked it, but I admit that it took me till around the 50% mark to really start rooting for these characters. This is an Age Gap sports romance, where both MCs are football players, which I LOVED! I adore it when FMCs are the athletes. However, this book's main plot point is about the difference in the treatment of female and male teams in professional sports, and exploiting the fact that "no one cares about the women's team"... I get it, but it also pisses me tf off.
The MMC is a widower and a single father, and his grief and connection to his late wife are still a big deal to him. Personally, I really liked the way it was handled, but if the MMC being in love with his dead spouse is a problem for you, don't read this. There are also a lot of family issues and alcoholism as key plot points.
Overall, I would recommend this audiobook if you are someone who likes spicy sports romances with an Age Gap, and the single father trope!
🌶🌶.5 / 5 - Pretty decent spice. A handful of open-door scenes.
May 29, 2025
4.75 stars
Once again I enjoyed the re-read more than the first read through and I really enjoyed the first read too! I think because I knew the basic story, I found new things this read through. It doesn't hurt that I loved Alex and Brodie! Lana grew on me too.
A professional female football player ( soccer for us Americans ) waiting on her call to the big league, while dealing with family drama and fighting her attention to Alex and his son. Alex is also a baller.
What's not to love?
Once again I enjoyed the re-read more than the first read through and I really enjoyed the first read too! I think because I knew the basic story, I found new things this read through. It doesn't hurt that I loved Alex and Brodie! Lana grew on me too.
A professional female football player ( soccer for us Americans ) waiting on her call to the big league, while dealing with family drama and fighting her attention to Alex and his son. Alex is also a baller.
What's not to love?
September 16, 2024
3.5 (RTC)
November 17, 2024
Of the first 3, this one was my favorite!
I love Alex, he’s so sweet and just what Lana needs ❤️
I liked with this one that there was the athlete and sport perspective from both point of views, that was a fun element.
I’m never a fan of the miscommunication/ lack of communication trope, but I deal lol. It was done alright in this book. I was so anxious nearing the end of this book, I wasn’t sure how it’d play out.
I LOVED the ending, it was so perfect 😍
I love Alex, he’s so sweet and just what Lana needs ❤️
I liked with this one that there was the athlete and sport perspective from both point of views, that was a fun element.
I’m never a fan of the miscommunication/ lack of communication trope, but I deal lol. It was done alright in this book. I was so anxious nearing the end of this book, I wasn’t sure how it’d play out.
I LOVED the ending, it was so perfect 😍
November 7, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC - read in return for an honest review.
Book review : 3.5 Stars
Narration : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I haven’t read any of the other books in the series but didn’t feel like I was missing out. Although other characters were mentioned, and I thought perhaps they had their own stories, I never felt like it left gaps in the book.
This was an audio version of the book and I really loved the U.K. accents. The Scottish narrator was lovely to hear. It’s a shame it wasn’t a duet, the females Scottish accent wasn’t as great, but it didn’t stop me from enjoying the read.
It’s a lovely story through loss and grief and learning to love again.
Alex and Lana find themselves playing for the same football club after a “one and done” night stand.
Although Alex is an old friend and team mate of Lana’s dad, the attraction is there and they are drawn together when he is transferred to the men’s team at Lana’s club.
Alex caring and I feel gives Lana the type of attentive love she’s been missing, whilst taking control in the bedroom 😉
There’s some spicy parts but on the whole this book is more about finding love after loss, and less about a fiery forbidden romance. Maybe I was hoping for more of a burn with age gap and the storyline of Alex and Lana’s dad playing football in the past together. But that didn’t really bring any dramas.
The character development for both MCs and their family dynamics really was the main storyline I feel. The writing really did draw you into each situation. With Alex learning to let go and love again, and Lana trusting that it’s ok to let others in to help and support her and accept love.
It’s a lovely story and easy to read. The narration makes it even better with an immersive experience.
The tea ☕️
🚫 - age gap/dads friend
⚽️- both play football
🧑🧒 - single dad
1️⃣- one night stand
💔 - dealing with grief
🌶️ - 2/5 spice
Book review : 3.5 Stars
Narration : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I haven’t read any of the other books in the series but didn’t feel like I was missing out. Although other characters were mentioned, and I thought perhaps they had their own stories, I never felt like it left gaps in the book.
This was an audio version of the book and I really loved the U.K. accents. The Scottish narrator was lovely to hear. It’s a shame it wasn’t a duet, the females Scottish accent wasn’t as great, but it didn’t stop me from enjoying the read.
It’s a lovely story through loss and grief and learning to love again.
Alex and Lana find themselves playing for the same football club after a “one and done” night stand.
Although Alex is an old friend and team mate of Lana’s dad, the attraction is there and they are drawn together when he is transferred to the men’s team at Lana’s club.
Alex caring and I feel gives Lana the type of attentive love she’s been missing, whilst taking control in the bedroom 😉
There’s some spicy parts but on the whole this book is more about finding love after loss, and less about a fiery forbidden romance. Maybe I was hoping for more of a burn with age gap and the storyline of Alex and Lana’s dad playing football in the past together. But that didn’t really bring any dramas.
The character development for both MCs and their family dynamics really was the main storyline I feel. The writing really did draw you into each situation. With Alex learning to let go and love again, and Lana trusting that it’s ok to let others in to help and support her and accept love.
It’s a lovely story and easy to read. The narration makes it even better with an immersive experience.
The tea ☕️
🚫 - age gap/dads friend
⚽️- both play football
🧑🧒 - single dad
1️⃣- one night stand
💔 - dealing with grief
🌶️ - 2/5 spice
November 5, 2024
5 ⭐ 3 🌶️
This series is slowly unaliving me in all the best ways. I'm loving these characters and their stories to bits, this one particularly got me a little emotional with everything these two went through, past and present. It was such a beautiful story about grief and growing and I just loved it.
Despite wanting to scream at Lana multiple times, I absolutely adored her, especially with Alex and Brodie. She was truly so strong and while her weak moments led to the third act, I still applaud her for being brave and ultimately finding how to love and how to be herself and let that side of her free. In those moments she let's go, you see such a wonderful and inspiring woman and I loved it.
The end was perfect. Alex and Brodie are so good for Lana and I really hope we get a wedding and baby Macs in the future. I could read about these two for ever and ever and never get tired.
This series is slowly unaliving me in all the best ways. I'm loving these characters and their stories to bits, this one particularly got me a little emotional with everything these two went through, past and present. It was such a beautiful story about grief and growing and I just loved it.
Despite wanting to scream at Lana multiple times, I absolutely adored her, especially with Alex and Brodie. She was truly so strong and while her weak moments led to the third act, I still applaud her for being brave and ultimately finding how to love and how to be herself and let that side of her free. In those moments she let's go, you see such a wonderful and inspiring woman and I loved it.
The end was perfect. Alex and Brodie are so good for Lana and I really hope we get a wedding and baby Macs in the future. I could read about these two for ever and ever and never get tired.
December 20, 2024
3⭐️
Looks like we’re fixing the love lives of the entire women’s soccer team, aren’t we? Lana, the wild child of the team, has a one-night stand with a stranger at the bar. Little does she know, he’s the new addition to the men’s team, which means she’ll have to see him as more than just a fling.
Alexander—a single father, widowed for five years, and older than Lana. He struggles with his newfound feelings for her, while she grapples with maturing and realizing that not all love comes with a goodbye. The story includes a sweet HEA and an adorable little boy named Brodie. His innocence is heart melting and refreshing!
Looks like we’re fixing the love lives of the entire women’s soccer team, aren’t we? Lana, the wild child of the team, has a one-night stand with a stranger at the bar. Little does she know, he’s the new addition to the men’s team, which means she’ll have to see him as more than just a fling.
Alexander—a single father, widowed for five years, and older than Lana. He struggles with his newfound feelings for her, while she grapples with maturing and realizing that not all love comes with a goodbye. The story includes a sweet HEA and an adorable little boy named Brodie. His innocence is heart melting and refreshing!
January 3, 2025
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✨ Age Gap
✨ Single Dad
✨ Women’s Football
✨ Scottish
✨ Series but can be read on its own.
✨ Level :🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨ Definitely a different from the other 2 books. Apart from the guy is a footballer too and Scottish .
I did not felt the chemistry of these two.
The guy is a single dad and Lana is a ‘captain’ of the team while the original captain is in L.A.
Lana felt like she is just using her then she gone missing at the end which is quite confusing .
Definitely a miss on this one.
But it’s great to read some of the chapters connected on the first 2 books.
Thankyou for the opportunity to read this arc for a honest review.
❤️ shaye.reads
✨ Age Gap
✨ Single Dad
✨ Women’s Football
✨ Scottish
✨ Series but can be read on its own.
✨ Level :🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨ Definitely a different from the other 2 books. Apart from the guy is a footballer too and Scottish .
I did not felt the chemistry of these two.
The guy is a single dad and Lana is a ‘captain’ of the team while the original captain is in L.A.
Lana felt like she is just using her then she gone missing at the end which is quite confusing .
Definitely a miss on this one.
But it’s great to read some of the chapters connected on the first 2 books.
Thankyou for the opportunity to read this arc for a honest review.
❤️ shaye.reads
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2024
Thank you NetGalley, Montlake and Sasha Lace for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Let’s start this off with the most important feedback - Alex is a flipping stud in a kilt and can do no wrong. Sexy accent, amazing dad, hotshot soccer player (sorry, I’m American), and is mature…like, come on!
Lana was a tough start for me due to her behavior in book #2 and while I didn’t love some of her decisions in this book I warmed up to her, especially seeing her with Brodie.
Overall, I still liked book #1 the best but I’m a sucker for a single dad situation and Alex really pulled more than his weight in this book. 3.5 rounded up
Open door.
Age gap.
Single dad.
Let’s start this off with the most important feedback - Alex is a flipping stud in a kilt and can do no wrong. Sexy accent, amazing dad, hotshot soccer player (sorry, I’m American), and is mature…like, come on!
Lana was a tough start for me due to her behavior in book #2 and while I didn’t love some of her decisions in this book I warmed up to her, especially seeing her with Brodie.
Overall, I still liked book #1 the best but I’m a sucker for a single dad situation and Alex really pulled more than his weight in this book. 3.5 rounded up
Open door.
Age gap.
Single dad.
November 7, 2025
i dnfed it long ago
November 23, 2025
"I want you to be mine. All of you."
This book now holds a very special place in my heart.
Lana and Alex are both so incredibly special characters.
The portrayal of grief in this story, and how one still deals with it daily, hit a personal place deep in my heart and made me cry more than I want to admit.
Lana her struggles and her trying to put up a front made me hurt so much. We could all see how special she is and what a big heart she has, so it was painful to see how no one else but Alex saw that side.
The ending to their story was absolutely beautiful and I while I cried a lot, I also cackled out loud often and feel so warm.
"My throat burned to talk about it so casually. Sometimes, five years felt like an eternity, sometimes more like five minutes. That was the thing with grief.
Time moved on but the pain didn't lessen.
More and more shit just piled up in your life, so you had less time to think about how much your heart ached."
This book now holds a very special place in my heart.
Lana and Alex are both so incredibly special characters.
The portrayal of grief in this story, and how one still deals with it daily, hit a personal place deep in my heart and made me cry more than I want to admit.
Lana her struggles and her trying to put up a front made me hurt so much. We could all see how special she is and what a big heart she has, so it was painful to see how no one else but Alex saw that side.
The ending to their story was absolutely beautiful and I while I cried a lot, I also cackled out loud often and feel so warm.
"My throat burned to talk about it so casually. Sometimes, five years felt like an eternity, sometimes more like five minutes. That was the thing with grief.
Time moved on but the pain didn't lessen.
More and more shit just piled up in your life, so you had less time to think about how much your heart ached."
October 29, 2024
I really only need one word for my review of Playing For Keeps - Scotsman, and maybe a few fire emojis!!!! The audio version is an absolute aural treat because of that glorious accent and the quality of both narrators. This is another wonderful Sasha Lace story though, and it deserves all the words and stars! Family, empathy, forgiveness, fresh starts, humour, grief and a wonderful redemption arc for a favourite - if you like these elements in a book, then this one is for you.
There are some fun spicy scenes in this book and they play a pivotal role in bringing the story and characters to life. However, there are always tales within tales in this author's stories so to quote the MMC, Alex, "You never know when you walk around in this world, who is doing everything they can, just to hold things together...". I love the emotional maturity Alex shows when he says this and the lesson we can all benefit from : needing to walk in someone else's shoes to really know them and the troubles they are going through, before making a hasty judgement, dismissing them and their problems. More than in any of the other books, I see this as the key theme here, and the author gently shows us the painful reality that can be some people's lives behind closed doors or their brave faces.
Another thing that stands out for me and is a visible and significant factor in moulding both Alex and Lana is the quality of the relationship each has with their sister. Family, whether biological or chosen, is always a strong theme in each of Sasha's books, and I love that! She creates solid characters who display all the good and bad traits of everyday people and are relatable because of it.
This story is Lana's redemption arc and I appreciated her strength even more after learning of her personal difficulties. The situation she was forced into in this book was awful - but well conceived and written. Let's just say I have discovered another character who rivals my distaste for Sean Wallace. This author clearly has a gift for crafting villains!!
I really enjoyed Brodie's inclusion. He's a wonderful boy and brings warmth and humour to scenes. One conversation that made me laugh is when he gleefully points out Alex's 'flaws' by telling his Dad " 'You're not good at Mario Cart and when you try to dance, it's cringe.' ".
Ms Lace has gifted us with a real character driven story, filled with circumstances that test those characters relentlessly, and showcase their growth. I felt anger, grief and loss on behalf of our MC's and celebrated their successes, both career and personal.
This is another enthralling addition to the Playing The Field series and I highly recommend it!
There are some fun spicy scenes in this book and they play a pivotal role in bringing the story and characters to life. However, there are always tales within tales in this author's stories so to quote the MMC, Alex, "You never know when you walk around in this world, who is doing everything they can, just to hold things together...". I love the emotional maturity Alex shows when he says this and the lesson we can all benefit from : needing to walk in someone else's shoes to really know them and the troubles they are going through, before making a hasty judgement, dismissing them and their problems. More than in any of the other books, I see this as the key theme here, and the author gently shows us the painful reality that can be some people's lives behind closed doors or their brave faces.
Another thing that stands out for me and is a visible and significant factor in moulding both Alex and Lana is the quality of the relationship each has with their sister. Family, whether biological or chosen, is always a strong theme in each of Sasha's books, and I love that! She creates solid characters who display all the good and bad traits of everyday people and are relatable because of it.
This story is Lana's redemption arc and I appreciated her strength even more after learning of her personal difficulties. The situation she was forced into in this book was awful - but well conceived and written. Let's just say I have discovered another character who rivals my distaste for Sean Wallace. This author clearly has a gift for crafting villains!!
I really enjoyed Brodie's inclusion. He's a wonderful boy and brings warmth and humour to scenes. One conversation that made me laugh is when he gleefully points out Alex's 'flaws' by telling his Dad " 'You're not good at Mario Cart and when you try to dance, it's cringe.' ".
Ms Lace has gifted us with a real character driven story, filled with circumstances that test those characters relentlessly, and showcase their growth. I felt anger, grief and loss on behalf of our MC's and celebrated their successes, both career and personal.
This is another enthralling addition to the Playing The Field series and I highly recommend it!
November 5, 2024
thank you net galley for the arc in exchange for an honest review ✨
Lana is on the ladies football team at Calverdale, she has an unfortunate run in with the press and ends up being blackmailed into spilling secrets about her male counterparts or risking her family secrets being exposed. Alex has just been transferred to the Calverdale male football squad, he meets Lana unexpectedly and they have a steamy evening in a hotel, unaware that they will see each other again. Alex is a widow and a father, he wasn’t expecting to feel anything for another woman again after losing his wife and he is afraid to let someone into his and his son’s life. Lana doesn’t do relationships, she wants to make the England women’s squad and protect her family from the press, she has no time for sexy Scottish goalkeepers and their adorable son.
i felt like this book was a little boring… there was so much telling rather than showing and the relationship moved really quickly. Lana was adamant about keeping it just physical and all of a sudden she’s okay with sleeping over and meeting his son and playing happy families? it didn’t feel like an organic or natural development. it felt more forced and it didn’t flow naturally.
the chemistry just wasn’t really there, they had all of these heart to heart chats where it was more like Alex was her father and giving her life advice rather than anything romantic between them.
Claire the team manager also bothered me, if she was a good manager then Lana would have wanted to tell her the truth, but she was just hard on her without ever really pushing to find out what was going on.
i haven’t read the first two books so some of the side characters and other couples were just that, they just filled some background and didn’t provide much else.
overall, it wasn’t the most realistic of stories, for one, female football players in the UK have careers outside of football as they don’t earn enough by playing the sport. idk, maybe i’m being overly critical? it wasn’t a terrible book, there was a lot of good in it, the dealing with grief and loss was handled really well at least.
Lana is on the ladies football team at Calverdale, she has an unfortunate run in with the press and ends up being blackmailed into spilling secrets about her male counterparts or risking her family secrets being exposed. Alex has just been transferred to the Calverdale male football squad, he meets Lana unexpectedly and they have a steamy evening in a hotel, unaware that they will see each other again. Alex is a widow and a father, he wasn’t expecting to feel anything for another woman again after losing his wife and he is afraid to let someone into his and his son’s life. Lana doesn’t do relationships, she wants to make the England women’s squad and protect her family from the press, she has no time for sexy Scottish goalkeepers and their adorable son.
i felt like this book was a little boring… there was so much telling rather than showing and the relationship moved really quickly. Lana was adamant about keeping it just physical and all of a sudden she’s okay with sleeping over and meeting his son and playing happy families? it didn’t feel like an organic or natural development. it felt more forced and it didn’t flow naturally.
the chemistry just wasn’t really there, they had all of these heart to heart chats where it was more like Alex was her father and giving her life advice rather than anything romantic between them.
Claire the team manager also bothered me, if she was a good manager then Lana would have wanted to tell her the truth, but she was just hard on her without ever really pushing to find out what was going on.
i haven’t read the first two books so some of the side characters and other couples were just that, they just filled some background and didn’t provide much else.
overall, it wasn’t the most realistic of stories, for one, female football players in the UK have careers outside of football as they don’t earn enough by playing the sport. idk, maybe i’m being overly critical? it wasn’t a terrible book, there was a lot of good in it, the dealing with grief and loss was handled really well at least.
November 23, 2024
3.5 stars.
I enjoyed "Playing for Keeps" by Sasha Lace, a football (soccer) romance featuring an age-gap and a single dad x party gal. It's angsty, sexy, and even has some suspense and blackmail going on there. Speaking of that, there is quite a bit of drama in this story, so if you're looking for something lighter, this may not be the book for you. The main characters, Lana and Alex, are polar opposites. Alex is mature and composed, a single father to his son, who he adores more than anything. When he gets an unexpected night off, he meets Lana, who lies about who she is and has a one-night stand with him. Afterward, they keep running into each other as it turns out they are both footballers and circle in each other's orbits. Lana starts to realize she might not want to continue being the wild child of her football club, and Alex realizes this might be another chance for love after his heartbreak. Alex and Lana have good chemistry with one another, and there is quite a bit of angst between them. The spice is good, but I wouldn't call it my favorite. There is also a good commentary on grief and loss here, too. I do think Lana's redemption arc happens a little too quickly, but I did enjoy how it all shapes up. Zara Hampton-Brown and Marty Mill do an excellent job narrating this book. They bring these characters to life in a fresh, engaging way. In fact, I think their narration made me even more interested in this story! Really solid narration work here.
Thank you to NetGalley, Sasha Lace, Brilliance Publishing, and Brilliance Audio for the complimentary ALC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
I enjoyed "Playing for Keeps" by Sasha Lace, a football (soccer) romance featuring an age-gap and a single dad x party gal. It's angsty, sexy, and even has some suspense and blackmail going on there. Speaking of that, there is quite a bit of drama in this story, so if you're looking for something lighter, this may not be the book for you. The main characters, Lana and Alex, are polar opposites. Alex is mature and composed, a single father to his son, who he adores more than anything. When he gets an unexpected night off, he meets Lana, who lies about who she is and has a one-night stand with him. Afterward, they keep running into each other as it turns out they are both footballers and circle in each other's orbits. Lana starts to realize she might not want to continue being the wild child of her football club, and Alex realizes this might be another chance for love after his heartbreak. Alex and Lana have good chemistry with one another, and there is quite a bit of angst between them. The spice is good, but I wouldn't call it my favorite. There is also a good commentary on grief and loss here, too. I do think Lana's redemption arc happens a little too quickly, but I did enjoy how it all shapes up. Zara Hampton-Brown and Marty Mill do an excellent job narrating this book. They bring these characters to life in a fresh, engaging way. In fact, I think their narration made me even more interested in this story! Really solid narration work here.
Thank you to NetGalley, Sasha Lace, Brilliance Publishing, and Brilliance Audio for the complimentary ALC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
August 31, 2024
Do y'all remember the version of me that had her life together and stuck to her bedtime? Well, that was before this book.
I read it front to back, unable to put it down (okay, my math teacher forced me, but it was unwillingly). Once I reached THE chapters, I didn't even realize it was 2am already.
Lana and Alexs love story left me giggling and crying, the angst towards the end made it out of the pages into my chest.
And can we talk about Alex's son? Brodie is the sweetes and purest soul I have ever met. I'm sorry Alex, but you weren't the best man in this book, it was your amazing son.
Alex is a close second though. He took the responsibility and stepped up for his kid, he had fait in Lana, when everyone else saw just a girl that would mess up anyway.
But she is so much more. She is brave, kind and even though she had her issues, she was good.
Fair warning, this book is spicyy and ohhh, it was good.
The last thing I have to talk about is Sasha Lace's writing. CAN WE TALK ABOUT IT?? I adored every word she wrote, everything whispered between the lines. She is a mastermind!
There is not a single thing I didn't love about this book and you better believe I already requested the rest of this series. My TBR is screamind at me, but I can't hear it over the hapiness I got from this book.
I read it front to back, unable to put it down (okay, my math teacher forced me, but it was unwillingly). Once I reached THE chapters, I didn't even realize it was 2am already.
Lana and Alexs love story left me giggling and crying, the angst towards the end made it out of the pages into my chest.
And can we talk about Alex's son? Brodie is the sweetes and purest soul I have ever met. I'm sorry Alex, but you weren't the best man in this book, it was your amazing son.
Alex is a close second though. He took the responsibility and stepped up for his kid, he had fait in Lana, when everyone else saw just a girl that would mess up anyway.
But she is so much more. She is brave, kind and even though she had her issues, she was good.
Fair warning, this book is spicyy and ohhh, it was good.
The last thing I have to talk about is Sasha Lace's writing. CAN WE TALK ABOUT IT?? I adored every word she wrote, everything whispered between the lines. She is a mastermind!
There is not a single thing I didn't love about this book and you better believe I already requested the rest of this series. My TBR is screamind at me, but I can't hear it over the hapiness I got from this book.
December 20, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of Playing For Keeps. This book dealt with several themes: family, empathy, forgiveness, fresh starts, humor, grief, and redemption make this book a standout. If you love these themes, then add this to your TBR.
The spicy scenes in this book are not just entertaining—they play a crucial role in deepening the story and characters. But as always with Sasha Lace, there’s so much more beneath the surface. A poignant quote from Alex, the MMC, really captures the heart of this book: “You never know when you walk around in this world, who is doing everything they can, just to hold things together…” His emotional maturity and the message of walking in someone else’s shoes before judging them are central to the story, and Sasha Lace handles this theme with sensitivity and grace. Behind the brave faces of the characters lies a painful, complex reality that is deeply moving.
Family—whether biological or chosen—remains a powerful theme in Sasha’s books, and it shines here as well. The sibling relationships, particularly Alex’s and Lana’s bonds with their sisters, play a significant role in shaping who they are. I love how relatable her characters are, displaying both the good and bad traits of everyday people. This is my first book by Sasha Lace, I look forward to reading the other stories in this series.
The spicy scenes in this book are not just entertaining—they play a crucial role in deepening the story and characters. But as always with Sasha Lace, there’s so much more beneath the surface. A poignant quote from Alex, the MMC, really captures the heart of this book: “You never know when you walk around in this world, who is doing everything they can, just to hold things together…” His emotional maturity and the message of walking in someone else’s shoes before judging them are central to the story, and Sasha Lace handles this theme with sensitivity and grace. Behind the brave faces of the characters lies a painful, complex reality that is deeply moving.
Family—whether biological or chosen—remains a powerful theme in Sasha’s books, and it shines here as well. The sibling relationships, particularly Alex’s and Lana’s bonds with their sisters, play a significant role in shaping who they are. I love how relatable her characters are, displaying both the good and bad traits of everyday people. This is my first book by Sasha Lace, I look forward to reading the other stories in this series.
September 1, 2024
"𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚍𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚏𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚎𝚍 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚖𝚎. 𝙸𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚐𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚖𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝, 𝙸 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚔𝚎𝚎𝚙 𝚒𝚝 𝚜𝚊𝚏𝚎."
4,5⭐
Once again, I devoured and adored this book. I'm definitely getting these books when they come out in November.
I succumbed to Lana's strength of character, her vulnerability and insecurities, having to balance her family problems with her career, watching her shell crack to see her cracks, seeing her discover and love herself in a more kind way. She makes mistakes, goes astray, makes amends and always tries to do the right thing.
As for Alex, if some of his reactions were not those of a 40-year-old man, I adored him. Appearing strong, unflappable, planning his new life with his son, I loved seeing his certainties and his plan crumble, seeing him see beyond the wild-girl image the media portrays of Lana, his way of believing and having faith in herself. It was wholesome and passionate.
I just love the way Sasha writes her stories, narrating the lives of her characters, the trials they endure and the battles they fight on a daily basis, all the while conveying important messages and reminders. It's simple, addictive, tender and passionate, the kind you can read in one sitting until 2am.
4,5⭐
Once again, I devoured and adored this book. I'm definitely getting these books when they come out in November.
I succumbed to Lana's strength of character, her vulnerability and insecurities, having to balance her family problems with her career, watching her shell crack to see her cracks, seeing her discover and love herself in a more kind way. She makes mistakes, goes astray, makes amends and always tries to do the right thing.
As for Alex, if some of his reactions were not those of a 40-year-old man, I adored him. Appearing strong, unflappable, planning his new life with his son, I loved seeing his certainties and his plan crumble, seeing him see beyond the wild-girl image the media portrays of Lana, his way of believing and having faith in herself. It was wholesome and passionate.
I just love the way Sasha writes her stories, narrating the lives of her characters, the trials they endure and the battles they fight on a daily basis, all the while conveying important messages and reminders. It's simple, addictive, tender and passionate, the kind you can read in one sitting until 2am.
November 11, 2024
Lana plays professional soccer. Alexander has just been transfered to the men's team. But not before they had one hot night together.
This one night stand, age gap, single dad romance is book 3 in the Playing the Field series, and sadly, it was my least favorite in the series. I didn't like the female main character much, she was dubbed as a wild child and really was all over the place, Her lack of maturity made me want to slap her more than once. Her actions also don't make sense. She's adamant that their relationship is only physical, but all of a sudden she's ready to play house? The story also deals with alcoholism and blackmail, which is announced in the content warnings, but both are part of my least favorite subjects. It's not the only reason this one was not my favorite in the series, but it sure didn't help. It's mostly a me thing, because overall, the reviews are fantastic! Also, on the bright side, I did not absolutely hate the third act breakup in this one as I did with the other ones in the series.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This one night stand, age gap, single dad romance is book 3 in the Playing the Field series, and sadly, it was my least favorite in the series. I didn't like the female main character much, she was dubbed as a wild child and really was all over the place, Her lack of maturity made me want to slap her more than once. Her actions also don't make sense. She's adamant that their relationship is only physical, but all of a sudden she's ready to play house? The story also deals with alcoholism and blackmail, which is announced in the content warnings, but both are part of my least favorite subjects. It's not the only reason this one was not my favorite in the series, but it sure didn't help. It's mostly a me thing, because overall, the reviews are fantastic! Also, on the bright side, I did not absolutely hate the third act breakup in this one as I did with the other ones in the series.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 16, 2024
📖: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5/5
🎧: 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
🥵: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Playing for Keeps is the 3rd story in the Playing the Field series. It follows Lana Sinclair, the wild child of the Calverdale Ladies, and Alexander McAllister, the veteran Scottish goalie newly transferred to the club.
I loved this story! There was quite a lot of angst, Lana was trying to cope with so much and made lots of wrong decisions, but it was so compelling, and I understand why she did things. Her emotions were so real and I definitely got a bit teary at one point.
I loved how mature Alex was, his role as a father was so natural and completely heartwarming. Brodie was adorable and provided a lot of comic relief, as well as all the feels.
The narration was performed in dual style by Zara Hampton-Brown and Marty Mills. These were both new to me authors and I think they did a great job. There seemed to be a few inconsistencies with accents, but they were generally very strong and clearly authentic Scottish!!
Overall, my favourite in the series so far!!
🎧: 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
🥵: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Playing for Keeps is the 3rd story in the Playing the Field series. It follows Lana Sinclair, the wild child of the Calverdale Ladies, and Alexander McAllister, the veteran Scottish goalie newly transferred to the club.
I loved this story! There was quite a lot of angst, Lana was trying to cope with so much and made lots of wrong decisions, but it was so compelling, and I understand why she did things. Her emotions were so real and I definitely got a bit teary at one point.
I loved how mature Alex was, his role as a father was so natural and completely heartwarming. Brodie was adorable and provided a lot of comic relief, as well as all the feels.
The narration was performed in dual style by Zara Hampton-Brown and Marty Mills. These were both new to me authors and I think they did a great job. There seemed to be a few inconsistencies with accents, but they were generally very strong and clearly authentic Scottish!!
Overall, my favourite in the series so far!!
March 27, 2025
Of course, it's spicy!!! LOVE!!
I love the spice.. but I also love how Sasha always incorporates family dynamics, friendships, personal issues, etc, into her books, and this one has it in bucket loads. I actually think I could feel the emotion from this book more than her others so far.
Lana, oh Lana, you wild child! What a fabulous character! I just knew there was going to be so much more and that her crazy side was a front! How much of a front I couldn't have guessed. I loved seeing her character unravel and seeing her calmer, compassionate, and vulnerable side.
Alex was exactly who she needed to show her that she deserves love and that she can love in return. I absolutely loved this couple!!
Also, that friend code is right there at the end with Skylar. That's what friendships are all about, understanding, forgiving, and most of all.... ahh I can't say I won't spoil it!
Another sizzling read from the author who gives us it all. I'm a little bit sad, though, as I'm on the final book now of the Playing The Field series.
I love the spice.. but I also love how Sasha always incorporates family dynamics, friendships, personal issues, etc, into her books, and this one has it in bucket loads. I actually think I could feel the emotion from this book more than her others so far.
Lana, oh Lana, you wild child! What a fabulous character! I just knew there was going to be so much more and that her crazy side was a front! How much of a front I couldn't have guessed. I loved seeing her character unravel and seeing her calmer, compassionate, and vulnerable side.
Alex was exactly who she needed to show her that she deserves love and that she can love in return. I absolutely loved this couple!!
Also, that friend code is right there at the end with Skylar. That's what friendships are all about, understanding, forgiving, and most of all.... ahh I can't say I won't spoil it!
Another sizzling read from the author who gives us it all. I'm a little bit sad, though, as I'm on the final book now of the Playing The Field series.
November 24, 2024
I'll be honest, I wasn't really sure what to think about this book when first getting into it. Assuming you've read the second book in the series, you know that this book follows a friend who betrays (sort of) a best friend, who is now the FMC in this book. It wasn't the biggest problem in the second book, but it did cause some conflict, enough for me to see her as the enemy lmao. So to see her as the FMC in this book was conflicting, but I'm glad I read it because I still enjoyed it!
That being said, Lana's family life was ROUGH and I honestly cried for her several times throughout the book. She had to go through so much, and while I would typically get mad at a character for not seeking help when they needed it, I completely understood why she kept everything to herself and didn't bother with it anymore. She tried her best, even when others didn't deserve it, and and truly was so proud of her. It's not a great reason/excuse for how she was acting but I can definitely see the reasoning behind some of her decisions.
Alex was, I feel, an interesting match for her. I was concerned since he has a daughter, but something they clicked easily and it worked. Honestly, the fact that he was so mature and had things figured out was probably why they worked out so well. She needed someone who was older and could handle her and be direct in a way that didn't come off in a condescending matter. I loved the both of them together and their relationship grew in such an honest way.
The ending to this story was perfect in my opinion, making it my second favorite in the series!
That being said, Lana's family life was ROUGH and I honestly cried for her several times throughout the book. She had to go through so much, and while I would typically get mad at a character for not seeking help when they needed it, I completely understood why she kept everything to herself and didn't bother with it anymore. She tried her best, even when others didn't deserve it, and and truly was so proud of her. It's not a great reason/excuse for how she was acting but I can definitely see the reasoning behind some of her decisions.
Alex was, I feel, an interesting match for her. I was concerned since he has a daughter, but something they clicked easily and it worked. Honestly, the fact that he was so mature and had things figured out was probably why they worked out so well. She needed someone who was older and could handle her and be direct in a way that didn't come off in a condescending matter. I loved the both of them together and their relationship grew in such an honest way.
The ending to this story was perfect in my opinion, making it my second favorite in the series!
March 29, 2025
My only complaint is that this was not long enough. I needed to spend more time with Alexander McAllister 🥹.
Alex is my fave character from the whole series so far. The way that Lana needed him. I cry! Lana was infuriating but, not more than her sister Melissa. Her actions upset me. However, I feel like she really needed to hit rock bottom and have a slice of humble pie. Alex, though! Please. What a man!
I smiled so much and giggled the same. I have no regrets reading this series. I loved seeing Gabe and Skylar. Good riddance there was no Reece in sight. Tea.
Anyway back to Big Mac,
"We’re adults, and we can get past this if we want to. We’ll need to work on things. Promise me that next time you get scared, you’ll talk to me and not run. I want to be the man who you can trust to have your back when everything seems too much. We need to communicate about everything, and we need to be honest with each other."
Perfection of a man!
Alex is my fave character from the whole series so far. The way that Lana needed him. I cry! Lana was infuriating but, not more than her sister Melissa. Her actions upset me. However, I feel like she really needed to hit rock bottom and have a slice of humble pie. Alex, though! Please. What a man!
I smiled so much and giggled the same. I have no regrets reading this series. I loved seeing Gabe and Skylar. Good riddance there was no Reece in sight. Tea.
Anyway back to Big Mac,
"We’re adults, and we can get past this if we want to. We’ll need to work on things. Promise me that next time you get scared, you’ll talk to me and not run. I want to be the man who you can trust to have your back when everything seems too much. We need to communicate about everything, and we need to be honest with each other."
Perfection of a man!
November 15, 2024
3⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for a copy of Playing For Keeps.
Lana has a reputation of wild party girl even though she does not drink due to her dad struggling with alcohol addiction. Alex is a widow and a single dad to a son who is finally ready to put himself out there. Alex and Lana meet and spend a no strings attached night together. But they both find out they are playing football for the same organization. Lana keeps him at arms length to keep from getting hurt but she has never felt this way before. The more time they spend together the more they fall for each other. But she is being blackmailed and has to choose to protect her family or her new relationship.
This is the third book in this series and so far this is the one I enjoyed the most because I love the single dad trope.
Lana has a reputation of wild party girl even though she does not drink due to her dad struggling with alcohol addiction. Alex is a widow and a single dad to a son who is finally ready to put himself out there. Alex and Lana meet and spend a no strings attached night together. But they both find out they are playing football for the same organization. Lana keeps him at arms length to keep from getting hurt but she has never felt this way before. The more time they spend together the more they fall for each other. But she is being blackmailed and has to choose to protect her family or her new relationship.
This is the third book in this series and so far this is the one I enjoyed the most because I love the single dad trope.
October 15, 2024
Oh I’m back again after reading book 1 & 2, now finished book 3 and moving onto 4. I genuinely cannot get enough of these books. I’ve read all 3 in less then a week and I will clearly have book 4 done just as quickly (when it releases).
Lace has very quickly become a must read author for me, and I will not get enough of her. She makes these boring romance books come to life, and it just screams real life? Oh I hope that makes sense.
We follow Lana and Alex in this story and I just felt so many different emotions throughout, it was insane. I was happy, then I was sad, I was giggling and then I was crying. Honestly, I cannot cope with the way Lace writes these books. She’s a hidden gem.
Lace has very quickly become a must read author for me, and I will not get enough of her. She makes these boring romance books come to life, and it just screams real life? Oh I hope that makes sense.
We follow Lana and Alex in this story and I just felt so many different emotions throughout, it was insane. I was happy, then I was sad, I was giggling and then I was crying. Honestly, I cannot cope with the way Lace writes these books. She’s a hidden gem.
September 30, 2024
Sasha Lace is definitely one of my must read authors just from this whole series. If you loved the hype from this summers Olympics and girls Rubgy, this series will be a hit for you!
Lana and Alex ...... what can you say! Wild girl and Single Dad is a hit. They both have things they have to get through so they can be together. Alex didn't think he'd find love again after his wife passed. And Lana has home issues she doesn't want to come to light. I feel like both their scenarios are really relatable.
And of course these 2 are hot! Definitely clear your calendar for the day because you won't put it down.
Lana and Alex ...... what can you say! Wild girl and Single Dad is a hit. They both have things they have to get through so they can be together. Alex didn't think he'd find love again after his wife passed. And Lana has home issues she doesn't want to come to light. I feel like both their scenarios are really relatable.
And of course these 2 are hot! Definitely clear your calendar for the day because you won't put it down.
December 8, 2024
Okay Sasha- just take my heart and give it a good squeeze, why don't you? The FMCs family situation in this book was heart wrenching and hard to read. Addiction is a terrible disease and impacts the whole family. The support the MMC gives to the FMC as she comes to terms with everything is just wonderful to read. This MMC is everything! The way he finally gets the FMC to show her real self is just gorgeous. Another great sports romance where both the FMC and MMC play professional sports. Again, Sasha did a fabulous job with the spice.
Big thanks to Netgalley, Montlake and Sasha Lane for an early release copy of this book. This is my honest review.
Big thanks to Netgalley, Montlake and Sasha Lane for an early release copy of this book. This is my honest review.
January 15, 2025
4 stars for the best one yet!!
“Wild child” soccer star Lana Sinclair (who is anything but) accidentally finds love with single dad, new to Calverdale men’s, and former teammate of her father (yikes) Alex “Big Mac” MacAllister. In a well-written and fast-paced book, it’s surprising how complete and beautifully this story of grief, coping, and finding it in your heart to be able to love truly is!!
In case anyone’s wondering, my first favorite pirate is Stede Bonnet but my second-favorite pirate is Mary Read!
Thanks so much to Sasha Lace and NetGalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review!
“Wild child” soccer star Lana Sinclair (who is anything but) accidentally finds love with single dad, new to Calverdale men’s, and former teammate of her father (yikes) Alex “Big Mac” MacAllister. In a well-written and fast-paced book, it’s surprising how complete and beautifully this story of grief, coping, and finding it in your heart to be able to love truly is!!
In case anyone’s wondering, my first favorite pirate is Stede Bonnet but my second-favorite pirate is Mary Read!
Thanks so much to Sasha Lace and NetGalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review!
September 8, 2024
This book along with the last one f the series were my favorites. Its a 4.5 star read. The only thing is that i didn't get the five star feeling but other than that it was perfect! The character development was amazing. The third act break up wasn't too much and the communication was almost perfect in the books. I loved both of these characters and felt so close to them! It did deal with difficult subjects which is someything that everyone should check out before reading this. But i will for sure re read this book in the future!
August 26, 2024
These keep getting better and better. Are there drugs in these? Because holy cow, I am addicted.
This one was amazing. Lana hurt my heart with her tenderness, insecurities and just how hidden she kept her light. I LOVED her relationship with Alexander, it didn’t feel forced in any way and their chemistry was just perfection.
I’m a sucker for single dad books and I just adored Brodie, I would like more of him somehow lol he’s such a little firecracker of a dude.
This one was amazing. Lana hurt my heart with her tenderness, insecurities and just how hidden she kept her light. I LOVED her relationship with Alexander, it didn’t feel forced in any way and their chemistry was just perfection.
I’m a sucker for single dad books and I just adored Brodie, I would like more of him somehow lol he’s such a little firecracker of a dude.
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