Playing for Keeps

Oakwood Ranch #3

by Bella North

It’s all fun and games until fake starts to feel like forever…

My life revolves around two things: football, and family. Romance? Not so much. But my fans have other ideas. And they’ve turned my easy-going life into a nightmare with their campaign to find me a wife…

My childhood best friend Serena thinks it’s hilarious. She’s always wanted the big, swoony love story, but instead, she has a controlling ex she can’t shake breathing down her neck. And then the solution to both our problems hits me: a fake romance. ‘Settling down’ with Serena will get the fans off my back, and having a muscly football player on her arm should be enough to warn off her ex. Plus, we’re best friends, so what could go wrong?

Our first date is set for the city’s annual charity ball. I’m smug as I imagine how easy my life will be after tonight. Except, when my lips touch Serena’s in front of the flashing cameras, when I hear her soft sigh as I dip her lower, something like panic creeps through my chest. I’m not meant for love—letting people down runs in my genes. I can’t do that to Serena. I won’t.

As the story we’re spinning gets bigger, so do the feelings I’ve worked so hard to chase away. We want completely different things. But I can’t stop wondering: do we both want the one thing that counts—each other?



Playing for Keeps is a fun, steamy, friends-to-lovers sports romance, perfect for fans of Liz Tomforde, Stephanie Archer and Elsie Silver. The third in the Oakwood Ranch series, it can also be read as a standalone.

Genres: Friends To Lovers

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication April 27, 2026

Reviews

[Laura❄️📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher Bookouture for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Where to start, I really enjoy friends to lovers and fake dating but we all know fake dating leads to catching feelings. It’s like the song you belong with me, Serena was waiting for Chase to wake up and smell the roses and see what was under his nose this whole time. I liked Chase and Serena together, they were seamless and worked well together. I loved that Serena was smart and passionate about weather patterns while holding down her dream job as a cheer coach. I did feel for Chase as his biological parents abandoned him and he worried he wasn’t cut out for a family or love, but I think he needed to wake up and see what was in front of him as loving someone just means showing up everyday even when it’s not perfect. Serena’s ex Ryan was a creep, very coercive and controlling, showing up in all of her favourite places is just creepy. I really enjoyed this book, it was fun and very romantic and I loved the dynamic between Chase and his family, also between Serena and her friend Liv. Overall highly recommended.

[Tam · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I very much enjoyed this book! It’s not the typical fake dating story and that was definitely a nice surprise.
You get to see them struggle and heal and make mistakes and that felt really really real tbh.

Characters

Serena: Such a great fmc! She’s strong, independent and yearning for a certain kind of love and who can blame her? I definitely loved her and the way she understood Chase without forgetting herself or that it turns somehow toxic

Chase: My brokenhearted boy 💔 while he made mistakes and made me made here and there, he’s such a real character. I felt with him and i hoped with him and im so happy he realized what he wanted and that he deserved what he wanted

All in all they were really sweet! I loved their banter and their friendship and how it turned into so much more. While I don’t usually like certain things that happened at the end (without spoiling), I felt it was fitting for this story!

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this arc❤️ I really appreciate it! Also thank you to the author of course. I will read more by her!!

[Haleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute fake dating book. I enjoyed the fact that it wasn't your typical "keep the fake a secret from everyone" storyline as all their friends and family were aware of the situation. Definitely a nice, easy sports romance to read. The characters had good depth, but some internal thoughts were quite repetitive.

I knocked a star because I wanted more from the ending. I loathe a pregnancy trope done in this manner, and the ending just felt all around rushed. I jut wanted a little more on their actual relationship and instead it jumped right into the epilogue and post-birth. We didn't really see them legitimately together for very long.

***Thank you Bella North and Bookouture for this ARC. My review is voluntary and all thoughts and opinions are my own***

[Ads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did I stay up until 6am reading this book because I physically couldn’t put it down? yes. But i’m not mad about it and i’d do it again! I said this when I read Game Changer and i’m going to say it again, Bella North can’t write a bad book.

All 3 of the Sullivan men are top tier but oh my god Chase Sullivan has stolen my heart!! Now, he definitely did make me want to grab him and shake some sense into him at points but he made up for it in the end. In previous books, you only caught a glimpse of Chase’s story, so it was really nice getting in his head, seeing him deal with so many inner battles and mourn a relationship he wished he’d had, rather than one that actually existed. His growth throughout the book was beautiful to see!

I am a sucker for friends to lovers, add fake dating into the equation, i’ll absolutely devour it and Playing for Keeps? Devoured!!!! I absolutely adored Serena, as someone who loves a random fact, she’s definitely given me some new ones to use. Chase and Serena together was extremely wholesome to see, watching years of friendship bubble into something so beautiful, i loved their story so much! I’m not going to be able to stop thinking about them, I already want to reread.

If you like a fake dating football romance, with a small town, found family feel to it then this book is definitely for you. I would suggest reading the 2 others in the series before this, both are also great books with so many amazing characters!!

In a world full of Ryans may everybody find their Chase Sullivan!

Thank you netgalley, bookouture and bella north for this arc copy!

[Lilith · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.6 ⭐

I enjoyed reading the love story of Serena and Chase. Chase is such a sweet character with deep wounds and I knew it'd be a very interesting character! He was. Serena was also a good character.

📚 Both have been best friends since they met. Both have a struggle of their own and someone suggested they start fake dating as it would solve both their problems. Plus they're not looking to date just now. So they do.
Will the scheme work?
Will they allow themselves to fall for each other?


🌟 I like that Bella North takes the time to have interesting and emotionally layered characters. I also like that it's not cliché and instead brings good intentions into the stories, some new things. Like how a character would raise children encouraging self worth that is self centered and not dépendant on the presence or validation of others.


🥰 When I read the previous book in this series I wanted to read the story of Serena and Chase. I was pleasantly surprised to find the ARC available for request not long after!
Now I just need to read the first book as I don't know the story of Harper & Jake!


🌟 Tropes: fake dating, best friends to lover.
And others but they would spoil some things! But sometimes we want to know so I'll put them bellow. Read at you own risk 😉

😶‍🌫️ TW: light stalking (not between the MC), grief and loss of a parent.

🌶️ Open door sexual scenes




🚨 Additional tropes but this is spoiler adjacent!
Grief. Third act break up. Accidental pregnancy.



🖋️ I was provided the ARC of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Alessia Allan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! This was such a cute, quick sports romance.

There’s something about the friends-to-lovers trope that always gets me. Watching that moment when they suddenly realize they may have been in love the entire time—and everything shifts—is so satisfying.

This story also weaves in deeper plot line as well. The main character feels unable to fully experience love until he uncovers the truth about why his mother left when he was a baby. His relationship with his adoptive mom was especially heartwarming, and understanding why he needed that closure made my heart ache for him.

Overall, the dual plotlines worked well together, and the book was well written and easy to fly through.

[Jen Altman · Rating 3 out of 5]

RTC. ✨

[Seersh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got the approval for this one today and I started reading straight away, could not put this one down. It’s quite a fast paced book, the fake dating is more or less done 40-50% in and then I felt that the ending was far too sudden, I felt this book could have benefited from 50~ pages just because the surprise pregnancy came about and then a couple weeks before Chase pulls his head out of his ass, it’s a lot of time we the reader just don’t get with the pacing, but I would have preferred more grovelling from Chase and seeing him being the partner Serena deserves and seeing some of the pregnancy moments, at a scan or something like that just to give us more, see how Chase spoils Serena and is protective as hell over her and the babies. You know, get a glimpse into the work Chase is doing for himself, therapy etc.

The weather updates, random facts and their chemistry. I loved it. I loved how they had a friendship that was basically a base for them like to grow to a couple.
I don’t really like a friends to lovers trope in the sense of one just pining for years and saying nothing. It frustrates me but I wasn’t too bothered in this one. Serena wasn’t just sitting along while Chase was out being a manwhore.

I did not see the surprise pregnancy coming at all. I just figured that Chase would have some realisation that he wanted the same things as Serena. I did love this twist, and I was happy for Serena, I know how it feels to feel somewhat behind in life and I would have thought I’d be at that point too, wondering if it’s an if and not when. Hold on and keep hope.
His reaction to her being pregnant was genuinely horrible and childish. There’s nothing wrong with shock etc BUT he literally RAN away and drove off on the mother of his kids… and then it’s like he shows her a furnished house and it’s all resolved. Nah. He should have been grovelling and literally see him do things to prove this to her, like literally had been friends their entire life and how he treated her then was just upsetting to read. I felt heartbroken for Serena in that moment. He knew too how much being a mom meant to her and took that moment from her. That really angered me and genuinely was the only part of the book that I disliked. I’d consider maybe knocking 0.5/0.75 off the rating so 4.5-4.75 stars

I am so confused why only one of the babies name is said??? Is that just me who is annoyed about that? I’m nosey lol I just want to know. I re read the epilogue three times to be sure I didn’t just miss it. Bella North please tell us!!
I’ve read all of the books from this series, so I loved to get a catch up with them. I love Mad and Izzy. AND Izzy having a baby!! Yes
Mama is the person who person who’ll set you straight. She’s not a meddling character but she delivers the home truths when needed, I love a boy mom who is not afraid to call their sons out and also be a good mom while doing it. Mama should forget being a sports agent and be a therapist for real. She’d help so much. I wanna see Flic get a story, but the three boys have their own books so if this is the end of the series, I’m still happy regardless. Maybe Mama gets with a GM or coach in a book?
It’s a great series. I think this is my favourite one of the series.

The writing style is easy to follow and understand. I was bad at English at school, but always loved reading and the style just made it so easy to completely fall in love with this book.

Thank you so much to Bella North, Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.


- fake dating
- dual POV
- friends to lovers
- sports romance
- surprise pregnancy trope

[justcallme_linaa_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

@justcallme_linaa_ sur Instagram
🇫🇷 Playing for Keeps, de Bella North
*service presse numérique*
5/5⭐️

Merci à NetGalley pour le SP de Playing for Keeps et wow, je l’ai littéralement dévoré. Impossible de le poser. C’est exactement le genre de romance sportive que j’adore : fake dating + meilleurs amis depuis l’enfance + tension + émotions = combo parfait.

On suit Serena et Chase, meilleurs amis depuis l’école primaire. Lui est quarterback en NFL (avec le hashtag viral #ChasingLove qui n’aide PAS sa tranquillité), elle est coach de cheer, passionnée de météo (oui, et j’ai adoré ce petit côté geek). Quand ses fans deviennent envahissantes et que l’ex de Serena refuse de comprendre que c’est fini, quoi de mieux que de faire semblant de sortir ensemble ? Sauf que… évidemment, les lignes deviennent floues. Et quand on ajoute des sentiments enfouis depuis des années… ça fait des étincelles.

Ce que j’ai le plus aimé, c’est la base de leur relation. Leur amitié est tellement solide, tellement douce. On sent l’histoire entre eux, les souvenirs, les private jokes, les messages au début des chapitres (j’ai A-DO-RÉ ce détail, ça rendait tout encore plus r��el). Quand leur relation évolue, ça ne sort pas de nulle part. Ça paraît naturel. Mérité.

Mais surtout… l’émotion. Chase m’a brisé le cœur. Son passé, ses peurs, sa manière de repousser Serena “pour son bien”… j’étais MAL. Le third act conflict m’a vraiment touchée. J’aime quand ça fait mal avant de réparer, et ici ça a fonctionné. Même si j’aurais aimé un peu plus de pages avant l’épilogue pour profiter davantage de leur bonheur.

J’ai aussi adoré la dynamique familiale, les frères, Mama… ça donne une vraie sensation de found family hyper chaleureuse. On s’attache à tout le monde.

🇺🇸 Playing for Keeps, by Bella North
*ARC Review*
5/5⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Playing for Keeps and wow, I literally devoured it. I couldn’t put it down. It’s exactly the kind of sports romance I love: fake dating + childhood best friends + tension + emotions = the perfect combo.

We follow Serena and Chase, best friends since elementary school. He’s an NFL quarterback (with the viral hashtag #ChasingLove not helping his peace at all), and she’s a cheer coach who’s obsessed with weather (yes, and I loved that geeky side of her). When his fans become too much and Serena’s ex refuses to accept that it’s over, what’s better than pretending to date each other? Except… of course, the lines start to blur. And when you add feelings that have been buried for years? Sparks fly.

What I loved most was the foundation of their relationship. Their friendship is so strong and so soft. You can feel their history, the memories, the inside jokes, the text messages at the beginning of the chapters (I LOVED that detail : it made everything feel more real). When their relationship shifts, it doesn’t come out of nowhere. It feels natural. Earned.

But most of all… the emotion. Chase broke my heart. His past, his fears, the way he pushes Serena away “for her own good”… I was hurting. That third-act conflict really got me. I love when a story hurts a little before it heals, and this one delivered. I just wish we had a few more pages before the epilogue to enjoy their happiness longer.

I also loved the family dynamic : the brothers, Mama… it gives such a warm found family feeling. You get attached to everyone.

With all my love,
Ur Lina 🏑

[cakecoffeeandbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read in this series! I was going to say the final Oakwood Ranch book but I do wonder if we might get a book for Flic and possibly a new mystery football team owner?! Perhaps that will be a new series though?!

Playing for keeps follows Jake and Dylan’s brother Chase. We’ve met him and his best friend Serena in their books. Biologically Chase is actually their cousin but they were raised together as brothers after his mother abandoned him age 2, and his father has never been in his life. So despite the love and support of the rest of his family, Chase has always felt there was something missing, and maybe something wrong with him. He’s vowed that marriage and kids will never be on the cards for him because of this- he doesn’t want to repeat his biological parents’ mistakes.

Chase and Serena have been best friends since they were children. Her ex is causing trouble- he won’t take no for an answer. Everyone thinks Chase needs to find love. So when it’s suggested that fake dating for a little while might solve both their problems, it feels like a no brainer. But will they be able to keep strictly in the friend zone afterwards?

I absolutely loved Serena! She is such a warm, nurturing soul and a wonderful friend. I really liked the layers to her character and what a hard worker she was. I loved Chase for the most part but he really frustrated me towards the end and I was pretty mad at him a couple of times! I would have liked to see the mental health aspect of his abandonment explored a little deeper, and the ending felt quite rushed. I think the resolution could have been a bit longer and it would have been great to see more of them when they were fully together. From memory this was similar to book 2 where the ending felt rushed too.

Overall an enjoyable read and I’m keeping my fingers crossed for another book set in this world so we can revisit Chase and Serena again in the future.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.

[Jytte Huizing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC!
I rate this book 4.5 stars.
This review contains massive spoilers.

After finishing the second book in the series I was already looking forward to the next one. Chase and Serena were already introduced, but so far I didn’t know a lot about their dynamic or relationship. It was really interesting to get an insight into this. Usually I am not the biggest fan of a friends to lovers, but I ATE this up. Their dynamic, the fake dating, the secret longing, it was amazing.
In the previous book they didn’t communicate well, which was so better in this one. Both characters knew exactly what the wanted and were vocal and open about their struggles.
I absolutely love the world and the ranch and all the characters. I feel connected to everyone, even the side characters, and I love them all (except Ryan I am the president of his hate club actually).
I saw the ending coming from a mile away but that didn’t take away from it to be honest. The tears I cried for these two, oh my. I really felt for Serena and her doubts (and Chase’s as well) were written about so honestly and raw, I couldn’t help but shed a few (a lot) tears. Although I hated how Chase acted in the end, it felt a little out of character, I was happy that there was a big reconciliation. He spent the entire book talking about how he didn’t want to be like his parents and run away from his child, yet that was his first reaction??? I wished to see a bit more character growth in that specific area, but it was still a happy ending.
I could have read a hundred more pages about these two because I LOVE them. I’m also certain that I will pick up the next book because I’ve come to love this world and the characters in it (I need a book about Flic plsss)
Another cute romance that is an easy and fun read, but still touches on some serious topics.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Playing for Keeps. This was such a fun, spicy childhood friends-to-lovers romance with real emotional depth. I devoured it in a single day because I simply couldn’t stop turning the pages.

Chase is an NFL star quarterback constantly being hounded by fans thanks to the viral hashtag #ChasingLove. Serena, his childhood best friend (and longtime secret admirer) is now a cheer coach dealing with an ex who refuses to take the hint. These circumstances push them into a fake dating arrangement and it’s only a matter of time before those blurred lines turn into something very real.

What I loved most was the foundation of their friendship. The history between Chase and Serena made every moment feel earned and when their relationship finally shifted it felt natural and completely right. The chemistry? Definitely there. The spice was well-written and satisfying without overpowering the story.

There’s also genuine emotional weight. When Chase receives devastating news and chooses to push Serena away “for her own good,” it genuinely hurt. That third-act conflict had me in my feelings. The twists along the way kept things interesting and I didn’t see all of them coming. I was fully invested in their journey to a well-deserved happy ever after.

I especially loved the text conversations at the beginning of each chapter - such a fun touch that added personality.

If you’re a sports romance fan who loves dual POV, first-person narration, fake dating, childhood friends-to-lovers, and a solid dose of spice Playing for Keeps is definitely one to add to your TBR.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Love isn't about being perfect. It's about choosing to stay. Choosing to show up every day and be there for the other person. We don't give up on what we love. Or who we love."

What a fun and quick read! I have never been the biggest fan of the fake dating trope, but I think this book has officially converted me.

Set in Colorado, Chase is a professional football player desperate to get rid of the relentless female fans trying to get his attention. Serena is a multi-talented professional cheer coach with a passion for weather who needs help convincing her ex there's really no hope of them ever getting back together. So who better to pretend to date than the person who's been your absolute best friend since you were in middle school? This solves both of their problems. Chase's fans will think he's taken, and Serena's ex will finally see she's moved on. But then feelings start creeping in and they decide to take a chance and "ruin the friendship".

This book has found family, hilarious sibling banter, grief, longing, and of course, some *chef's kiss* spice. It would've easily been a five-star read if the ending had been drawn out a little more rather than feeling a bit rushed to wrap up. But overall, I enjoyed every page.

It's part of an interconnected series but can definitely be read as a standalone without missing any necessary context. If you need a book you can get lost in, feel the yearning, and enjoy the heat, then this best friends to lovers, fake dating, sports romance is for you.

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Emma Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

🩵 Blurb-
My life revolves around two things: football, and family. Romance? Not so much. But my fans have other ideas. And they’ve turned my easy-going life into a nightmare with their campaign to find me a wife…
My childhood best friend Serena thinks it’s hilarious. She’s always wanted the big, swoony love story, but instead, she has a controlling ex she can’t shake breathing down her neck. And then the solution to both our problems hits me: a fake romance. ‘Settling down’ with Serena will get the fans off my back, and having a muscly football player on her arm should be enough to warn off her ex. Plus, we’re best friends, so what could go wrong?
Our first date is set for the city’s annual charity ball. I’m smug as I imagine how easy my life will be after tonight. Except, when my lips touch Serena’s in front of the flashing cameras, when I hear her soft sigh as I dip her lower, something like panic creeps through my chest. I’m not meant for love—letting people down runs in my genes. I can’t do that to Serena. I won’t.
🩷 Review -
I have enjoyed the other two books in the series and Playing For Keeps certainly didn't disappoint. It was such a cute and easy to follow read. I'm loving all the Cowboy/sports romance novels that are around at the moment and the author did this really well. Also, I love the friends to lovers troupe and this one was really cute. I loved Serena and Chases chemistry and I wanted them to have their happy ending. Overall a brilliant novel that I highly recommend to other readers.
💝 Thank you to Bookoture, the author Bella North and Netgalley for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Courtney Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perfect read for today- Super Bowl Sunday!
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and rate this ARC!

I absolutely love fake dating and friends to lovers tropes. And I think this book wrote the most plausible reason for one! This was a sweet and easy read, but I just couldn’t get past the cheesiness of it. Nothing about it was unpleasant but nothing was really believable to me. I mean, I guess books like this are meant to be a stretch. We turn to books for the things we don’t find in real life but this just felt over the top. A cheerleader turned coach who has a YouTube channel about the weather? And she happened to grow up besties with a hot famous NFL QB? And they both happen to cheer and play in the city where they grew up ? Really? I don’t know. It’s different. But it’s not believable. Also the team names of this fake world’s NFL were so bad. Like- I get copyright issues but desertraptors and ironclads?? Really? Awful.
I did find myself enjoying the whole of the story the deeper it got but by the last page before the epilogue I rolled my eyes a bit. I love happy endings but that one was a little too much.
The author definitely did her open-door intimate scenes well. I just reviewed a book recently about how they felt very forced into the story and this story had very well placed and believable scenes. Overall, I was happy with this book. It’s the genre I enjoy and I got what I expected. Just nothing really stood out to give more than a 3 star rating. I’d recommend this as a light and easy beach read for those who love romance.

[Raquel Duncombe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Playing for Keeps! It was such an easy, light-hearted read that I flew through it without even realizing how much time had passed. The writing felt effortless, making it the perfect book to pick up when you just want something fun and heartwarming.

The plot itself might be considered a little cliché, but honestly, the delivery made it feel fresh and completely satisfying. Sometimes you don’t need a groundbreaking storyline—you just need great characters and undeniable chemistry, and this book absolutely delivered on both. The spark between the two main characters was undeniable, and knowing they were best friends made their connection even more special. You could feel the tension, the history, and the depth of their bond in every interaction.

And yes… the steamy scenes? So good. They were passionate, well-written, and added so much to the emotional intensity of the story without overshadowing the romance.

Near the end, I actually found myself tearing up right along with the female lead. The fear of commitment hit a little too close to reality—it’s heartbreaking because it’s true that some people really just can’t commit, no matter how strong the feelings are. That emotional depth made the story feel real and relatable.

But that ending? It made me so happy. It wrapped everything up in such a satisfying and heartwarming way. Overall, it was a good book, and I truly loved it. Definitely one I’d recommend if you’re in the mood for something sweet, emotional, and a little steamy! 💕

[A.Onstad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NETGALLEY and Bookouture for the ARC of Bella North’s Playing for Keeps (Oakwood Ranch #3)

Before jumping into Serena and Chase’s story, you MUST go back and Books 1 and 2 (Score to Settle and Game Over) It makes this book extra enjoyable knowing the brothers and their stories.

If you love friends-to-lovers and fake dating tropes, you will fall in love with this book. The prologue almost had me in tears. Being in Serena’s head as she finds the courage to tell Chase how she feels only for it to turn out the way it did….At the same time, I could not fault Chase at all for his reaction. It just was what it was.

That said, I did ache often for her throughout their story. It just must have been so hard being so close but still not quite where she wanted to be. The star of the show was really their friendship though. They were so sweet with one another.

The other thing I appreciate about this story is her inclusion of actual sporting events. It is a sports romance, but sometimes when they are labeled this, there aren’t very many scenes with actual events, so I was glad to see Chase in action during the course of the book.

I did wish that there was a little more at the end of the book before the epilogue appeared.
That said, I am DYING to know where Bella North is going next…Hopefully, Flic and the surprise handsome fill-in bartender that appears at the end (perhaps a new owner of ….something….)
Can’t wait!!

[Nadia Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Playing for Keeps is a sports romance that leans more into emotional development than surface-level tropes, which I appreciated.

While it uses familiar elements such as fake dating and long-standing friendship, the strength of the story lies in the character work. Both main characters are written with internal conflict that feels grounded and human rather than exaggerated for drama.

Serena is a particularly well-developed heroine. She is independent, emotionally intelligent, and capable of holding boundaries while still being compassionate. Her characterisation felt consistent and realistic throughout.

Chase’s arc centers more on internal healing and confronting unresolved emotional wounds. His hesitation and fear are understandable given his background, and his growth is gradual rather than sudden. The author allows space for vulnerability, which adds depth to the romance.

The pacing works well for most of the book, though I would have appreciated a slightly more extended resolution to fully explore the established relationship once the primary conflicts were addressed.

Overall, this is an engaging, emotionally focused sports romance that balances warmth and tension. Readers who enjoy friends-to-lovers dynamics, character growth, and heartfelt romantic development will likely enjoy this one.

[Katie Hodgie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the third book in the Oakwood Ranch series and it was so good to be back! I re-read book #2 before this one to make sure I was fully back in the world, and whilst Playing for Keeps was a quick, easy read, it felt a little less character developed than its predecessors - possibly because it was relying on a lot of the excellent characters from earlier.

Serena and Chase were really fun, easy to read characters and I loved seeing Chase and his relationship with his family. I feel like he went through a very emotional thought process with regards to his mother throughout the book and the conclusion to that part seemed very rushed and glossed over in comparison to how much of the book we spent with him self sabotaging as his reasoning. I hated that Serena forgave him so easily despite having had her main character points be how headstrong and confident she was!

I wished the friends to lovers part had been less of a sudden flip - I know they were fake-relationshipping, but it felt like Chase went from she's my best friend to 'oh I love her' without any evidence or build up to it. I just feel like we could have had more building, more character development and maybe a plotline less to fit it all in- but I loved Bella North's style, and it was an excellent addition to the series.

[K.J. Sweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good fake dating storyline. We all know where they're really going to go, and usually they are quite far-fetched, but they are still enormous fun. This time around, there was at least some reason behind the fake dating idea, and it worked really well. It probably helped that one of my other favourite romance genres is Friends to Lovers, and Playing for Keeps fits that as well.
Serena has been in love with Chase for years, but after he made it clear that they were just friends, she's been determined not to step out of that role. When they start to fake date, her feelings all come rushing to the surface, and she's not the only one who is affected in that way.
This was a really fun read, and although there are some weighty issues for both Chase and Serena to deal with, it's still quite lighthearted and enjoyable. I really liked these two as a couple and although they have been friends for years, best friends at that, there was still plenty to discover about one another.
I'm enjoying this Oakwood Ranch series. I'm hoping there's another one coming soon (I know who I thik it might be about too) but we'll have to wait and see if that actually eventuates...
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

[SJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Denver, Colorado, Serena and Chase have been best friends since elementary school. When they both face pressures (from his fans and her ex), they set out on a fake dating relationship. But after some passionate kisses, will they be able to stay only friends?

I really liked how they communicated with each other and their family and friends about the fake relationship. Serena is a fantastic character, working hard for years to get where she is. She wants a partner and family but keeps dating losers. I loved seeing Chase figure out his feelings after thinking he couldn't be someone's partner. But that third act breakup! I liked how Chase finally fixes things, but I wish we'd had more time with them before the epilogue. I'm hoping there will be another book (I saw possible hints of) that may take place during that in-between period.

Read this romance for:
🌟 Fake relationship
🌟 Best friends to lovers
🌟 Football
🌟 Adoptee (Chase is biologically cousins with Jake and Dylan)
🌟 Grief and loss
🌟 Horrible ex (light stalking)
🌟 Accidental pregnancy

Open Door / Spicy

3.5 / 5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this eARC!

[The Lit · Rating 5 out of 5]

POV: You’ve been best friends since you were five, but now a "fake" relationship is starting to feel like forever... 🏈💍
​I’m giving this a 5 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
​I received a complimentary copy of this book. A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this absolute gem! Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Be warned...some major spoilers are dropped bellow



​By now I know that if I’m picking up a Bella North book, especially an Oakwood Ranch one, I’m not leaving my sofa until I’m done. I fell in love with the Sullivans in books 1 and 2, but Chase? God. Between the friends-to-lovers arc and the fake dating trope, this might be my favorite of the series!
​The comfort between Chase and Serena was sublime. Their banter was witty, and the way the whole family was rooting for them made my heart melt. Chase did have his "kindle-dropping" moments—I literally shouted at him when he tried to run from the pregnancy news—but his growth and eventual maturity made the payoff so worth it. And that twin reveal? I was laughing right along with him!
​Obsessed with the Sullivan brothers? Head over to my profile @TheLitWhisperer to see my full series ranking and character breakdown!

[inesmflor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Bookouture and Bella North for this ARC 🤍

4.25⭐️

This is the 3rd book of the Oakwood Ranch series and I loved it!
Dual POV in the 1st person AND with an amazing writing?? YES YES YES 🙌🏼

I loved Serena! A sweet and strong fmc who knows her value and what she deserves 💕
Chase on the other hand, pissed me so much. I understand that he has trauma from being abandoned by his parents and that sometimes our reactions are unconscious, BUT his actions were excessive and so irrational.

Serena was nothing but honest with him. She offered him space, a relationship, a friendship… whatever he was comfortable. But noooo… he was so immature. The way he disappeared from her life like it was nothing for the first time was needless. And don’t get me start in the second one… I was so heartbroken for Serena!! I swear I just wanna jump in the book and end him. Like he did the exact same thing his parents did to him… no sense at all.

BUUUUUTTTT and this is were my heart heal, that end was the sweetest apology EVER!! I admit, I cried 😭 I love that part SO MUCHHHH!

I loved to see the other couples!! It was amazing to see them again 🥹
So yeah, this book was a roller coaster. I liked, I hated AND in the end I loved it 🤍

[Silvia LD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Playing for keeps is the third book in the Oakwood Ranch series, and it’s the book I was waiting for. I was lucky to have been chosen to read all the books in the series as arcs, so thank you, Netgalley for giving me the chance because these books are AMAZING, and playing for keeps absolutely delivers and makes you feel ALL the feels! I loved Chase’s story from book one, I knew his book would be amazing. Friends to lovers is not my favourite trope, but the friendship between Chase and Serena it’s so wholesome that made the whole read experience glow. Enter: FAKE DATING! Do I have to say more? They are both trying to dissuade people to pursue them, so what better way to make the world think they are dating? What could go wrong…..? We do have a third act break up, a quite dramatic one, and I wasn’t expecting at all the plot twist. That made it even better in my eyes, because I love drama, grovelling, and an MMC learning to love himself before loving someone else. I absolutely am sad that this series has ended (… Has it? Will we have a Flic book? Pretty please? Or a Mama book?), so if you haven’t already, pick this series up because all books are fantastic.

[Sarah Sameh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review of an Advance Reader Copy received from NetGalley

3.5 ✨

Best friends to lovers with a fake dating trope? Say less.
This book was so easy to get into as a romance reader. A couple of things really made it stand out for me. First, the combination of sports and the ranch setting was everything ... what do you mean I get a sports romance with an MMC who lives on a ranch? I loved that dynamic so much.
I also really enjoyed the texts at the beginning of some chapters. They added an extra layer to the story and helped you understand Dylan and Jake better, especially if you haven’t read the first two books.
Second, Chase was the ultimate golden retriever boyfriend. The way he talked, the way he acted, everything about him was just so soft and lovable. Not that Serena was grumpy (she wasn’t), but Chase definitely felt more easygoing, despite his own struggles.. which is a whole different topic.
So if you’re going to read this book.. and you absolutely should... expect best friends to lovers, fake dating, and of course that “it’s always been you” energy.
I really enjoyed this one. Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and the publisher for the eARC.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A best friends fake dating romance? Oh I was so onboard for this! I already loved the first two books in this standalone series so I ready for this trope set up! We’ve already met Chase and his golden retriever energy in earlier books as well as his life long best friend Serena.

Still, as much as I loved them, there were moments when I really wanted to hit Chase upside the head and tell him to get it together and get some therapy. At least at the end of the book I think he may be ready to tackle that.

There were many little things I loved about the book but I absolutely love that she is a weather nerd and does a weather related morning youtube. That is such a cool thing. I also love their years of friendship and ease with each other.

I really hope this isn’t the end of our visits to Oakwood Ranch! I really want to check in and see how everyone is doing. I don’t always fall in love with small towns/families in on going standalones like this. But I really did enjoy the whole family here, especially Mama. She is just such a great supportive woman and I want her in my life!

Thanks Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC.

[Allison Free · Rating 3 out of 5]

Playing for Keeps is the third book in the Oakwood Ranch series. This story is about the youngest Sullivan brother Chase and his best friend Serena. Chase was adopted at the age of two and still carries deep emotional scars from both of his birth parents abandoning him. Chase believes because of his past he will never be able to be the settling down type he knows Serena needs.

I think the fake dating scheme was done well in that everyone important in their lives knew it was fake. That way we can focus on Serena's old feelings resurfacing and Chase starting to realize he is in love with his best friend. I usually don't love third act breakups but this story would not have worked without it. I do wish we had seen more growth between the two characters during that time, especially Chase. Maybe have him see that sport psychologist that was mentioned several times. I don't think Chase groveled nearly enough for Serena to forgive him so easily.

Overall if we get nothing else from this world it was atleast a satisfying conclusion but I'd love Flic's story or even a mama and Harry prequel.




Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture, and Bella North for a copy of this book.

[Lillian Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

THIS BOOK. THIS BOOK. It was so dang cute! The best friends to fake dating trope might officially be a new favorite of mine. The banter and chemistry between the characters completely sold the story. They felt natural, fun, and genuinely enjoyable to read. It definitely leans more into the cliché side of romance, but honestly, that’s something I love. If you’re not a fan of those classic, trope filled moments, this one might not be for you.
My only real complaint is that I wish it had been just a little longer. With more time spent building up certain moments, this easily could have been a five star read for me. Still, it was such a fun, heart warming story and absolutely worth picking up if you’re in the mood for something sweet and feel good.

Thank you NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this eARC. All opinions are my own.

“Love isn’t about being perfect. It’s about choosing to stay. Choosing to show up every day and be there for the other person. We don’t give up on what we love. Or who we love.”

[Yureli ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4. 25 ⭐️

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for review.

The dedication says “For readers who fall for fictional men with messy hearts and perfect smiles…”

I have learned that childhood best friends turned lovers is one of my favorite tropes. Serena and Chase have been best friends since third grade, and we learn that she has been in love with him for years. She has always wanted the traditional life of growing up, getting married, having children, etc.. He was abandoned as a child and his trauma makes him think that having a family is not in the cards for him.
They agree to fake date, the boundaries of their friendship are blurred and things go from there.
This was book 3 of the series and it lived up to my expectations. The main characters were both loveable and I couldn’t help but root for them from the beginning.
I would definitely recommend this to any contemporary romance reader.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy.

[Adrianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC. I was excited to read book three in the Oakwood Ranch series because I have been looking forward to Chase’s story.

Chase is the Sullivan brothers’ cousin and was raised with them after being abandoned by his mom at a young age. That history shapes how he approaches relationships and helps explain why he keeps emotional distance.

Serena has loved Chase since she was sixteen, while he has always avoided anything that could lead to a real relationship.

I enjoyed the small-town setting and the family dynamic that continues throughout the series. It was also refreshing to read a fake dating storyline where the people closest to them knew what was going on.

I am not usually a fan of accidental pregnancy storylines, but it did not take away from my overall enjoyment of the book.

Overall, this was a solid addition to the series, and I look forward to seeing what comes next from Bella North.