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Playing for Keeps: San Antonio Outlaws Book 1
Dylan Thompson thought she’d left her childhood crush behind when Dean Smith, her brother’s best friend, left for college and the NFL six years ago. A college graduate and ready to start a new chapter, she’s determined to focus on her career—not the man who broke her heart from afar. Following his rise as a star player for the Chicago Chillers was a bittersweet habit she eventually gave up, unable to watch him move through a parade of women she could never compete with.
Dean Smith has it talent, fame, and the kind of lifestyle most men dream of. But none of it compares to the girl he left behind. Traded to San Antonio’s brand-new NFL team, Dean jumps at the chance to return home and fix the biggest regret of his life—walking away from Dylan Thompson, the only girl who ever mattered.
When fate throws them back into each other’s lives, their chemistry reignites like no time has passed. But old wounds and unspoken feelings complicate their reunion. For Dean, breaking the unspoken rule about dating his best friend’s little sister could destroy his lifelong friendship. For Dylan, trusting the man who shattered her heart once already feels like the ultimate risk.
As Dean tackles the pressures of leading a fledgling team and Dylan faces her own challenges in carving out her place in the world, they’ll have to decide if love is worth the gamble. Can they overcome the obstacles that stand between them, or are some lines meant to stay unbroken?
Playing for Keeps is a heartwarming and steamy second-chance romance about love, loyalty, and risking it all for the one who got away.
Dean Smith has it talent, fame, and the kind of lifestyle most men dream of. But none of it compares to the girl he left behind. Traded to San Antonio’s brand-new NFL team, Dean jumps at the chance to return home and fix the biggest regret of his life—walking away from Dylan Thompson, the only girl who ever mattered.
When fate throws them back into each other’s lives, their chemistry reignites like no time has passed. But old wounds and unspoken feelings complicate their reunion. For Dean, breaking the unspoken rule about dating his best friend’s little sister could destroy his lifelong friendship. For Dylan, trusting the man who shattered her heart once already feels like the ultimate risk.
As Dean tackles the pressures of leading a fledgling team and Dylan faces her own challenges in carving out her place in the world, they’ll have to decide if love is worth the gamble. Can they overcome the obstacles that stand between them, or are some lines meant to stay unbroken?
Playing for Keeps is a heartwarming and steamy second-chance romance about love, loyalty, and risking it all for the one who got away.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2025
5 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 30, 2025
A heartfelt, second-chance romance that’s impossible to put down.
Playing for Keeps by Kelly Luinstra delivers sizzling chemistry, emotional depth, and all the feels. Dylan and Dean’s story is a perfect blend of passion, forgiveness, and finding the courage to love again a true touchdown for romance fans.
Playing for Keeps by Kelly Luinstra delivers sizzling chemistry, emotional depth, and all the feels. Dylan and Dean’s story is a perfect blend of passion, forgiveness, and finding the courage to love again a true touchdown for romance fans.
June 24, 2025
Playing for Keeps had me hooked from page one. Kelly Luinstra does a fantastic job balancing the heat of a slow-burning romance with the emotional depth of two people who never really let go of each other.
Dylan Thompson is a refreshingly grounded heroine smart, determined, and trying to protect herself after years of quietly nursing a broken heart. Dean Smith, her brother’s best friend and now NFL superstar, returns to San Antonio not just to lead a new football team, but to finally do right by the woman he never forgot.
Their chemistry is palpable. Every interaction between them is laced with tension sometimes playful, sometimes painful and I found myself rooting for them even when it hurt. The emotional beats are really well done. You feel Dylan’s hesitation and self-preservation, and you understand Dean’s guilt and longing. He’s not just some cocky athlete; he’s layered, sincere, and ready to fight for her in a way that feels earned.
What I especially loved was how Luinstra gave both characters their own arcs. Dylan isn’t just “waiting” for Dean she’s finding her footing, healing, and deciding what she wants on her own terms. Dean has to navigate the pressure of being the face of a brand-new NFL franchise while also trying to reconnect with the woman he walked away from. The stakes feel real, and the romantic payoff is absolutely worth it.
If you love brother’s best friend tropes, second chances, and emotionally satisfying love stories with just enough steam, Playing for Keeps is one to pick up. I’m already looking forward to the next installment in the San Antonio Outlaws series.
Dylan Thompson is a refreshingly grounded heroine smart, determined, and trying to protect herself after years of quietly nursing a broken heart. Dean Smith, her brother’s best friend and now NFL superstar, returns to San Antonio not just to lead a new football team, but to finally do right by the woman he never forgot.
Their chemistry is palpable. Every interaction between them is laced with tension sometimes playful, sometimes painful and I found myself rooting for them even when it hurt. The emotional beats are really well done. You feel Dylan’s hesitation and self-preservation, and you understand Dean’s guilt and longing. He’s not just some cocky athlete; he’s layered, sincere, and ready to fight for her in a way that feels earned.
What I especially loved was how Luinstra gave both characters their own arcs. Dylan isn’t just “waiting” for Dean she’s finding her footing, healing, and deciding what she wants on her own terms. Dean has to navigate the pressure of being the face of a brand-new NFL franchise while also trying to reconnect with the woman he walked away from. The stakes feel real, and the romantic payoff is absolutely worth it.
If you love brother’s best friend tropes, second chances, and emotionally satisfying love stories with just enough steam, Playing for Keeps is one to pick up. I’m already looking forward to the next installment in the San Antonio Outlaws series.
October 29, 2025
Playing for Keeps by Kelly Luinstra is everything I love about a small town, sports infused love story heartfelt, emotional, and full of chemistry that practically crackles off the page.
Dylan and Dean’s story hit me right in the heart. She’s the girl who never stopped loving her brother’s best friend, and he’s the man who had everything fame, success, the NFL dream but realized none of it meant anything without her. Their reunion feels raw and real, layered with regret, desire, and hope. I loved how the author didn’t rush their relationship; instead, she allowed their history to breathe, showing how love can hurt, heal, and grow stronger through time.
The football backdrop adds a fun, dynamic energy to the story, but the real heart lies in the emotional honesty between these two characters. Dean’s vulnerability and determination to make things right are beautifully written, while Dylan’s strength and guarded heart make her easy to root for. Together, they navigate loyalty, friendship, and forgiveness in a way that feels genuine and deeply satisfying.
This book is:
A perfect mix of sports and slow-burn romance
A beautiful story of redemption and second chances
Steamy in all the right ways but grounded in emotion
Perfect for fans of Meghan Quinn, Corinne Michaels, or Kristen Callihan
Dylan and Dean’s story hit me right in the heart. She’s the girl who never stopped loving her brother’s best friend, and he’s the man who had everything fame, success, the NFL dream but realized none of it meant anything without her. Their reunion feels raw and real, layered with regret, desire, and hope. I loved how the author didn’t rush their relationship; instead, she allowed their history to breathe, showing how love can hurt, heal, and grow stronger through time.
The football backdrop adds a fun, dynamic energy to the story, but the real heart lies in the emotional honesty between these two characters. Dean’s vulnerability and determination to make things right are beautifully written, while Dylan’s strength and guarded heart make her easy to root for. Together, they navigate loyalty, friendship, and forgiveness in a way that feels genuine and deeply satisfying.
This book is:
A perfect mix of sports and slow-burn romance
A beautiful story of redemption and second chances
Steamy in all the right ways but grounded in emotion
Perfect for fans of Meghan Quinn, Corinne Michaels, or Kristen Callihan
July 8, 2025
I devoured Playing for Keeps in a single weekend, Dylan and Dean’s story had me hooked from page one. The push and pull of their past and present feelings felt so real. I loved how Kelly Luinstra captured the messiness of rekindled love, especially with the added layer of Dean being her brother’s best friend. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
July 8, 2025
This was such an addictive read! I loved the NFL backdrop and how Dean’s return to San Antonio wasn’t just about football, it was about making things right with Dylan. Their chemistry practically jumped off the page. I wish Dylan’s brother had been more involved, but overall, it was such a satisfying second-chance romance.
July 8, 2025
I’ve always been a sucker for the “brother’s best friend” trope, and this one did not disappoint. Dylan’s hesitance felt so relatable, who wouldn’t be wary after watching their crush date every girl but you? Dean’s character was flawed but endearing, and watching him fight for Dylan’s trust again was everything. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews