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Playing for Keeps #3
For the Rush
Chloe Martin, Band Geek.
Holden Reece, Popular Jock.
These are their labels. But it's not who they are.
Chloe Martin loves music. It's her passion. But being involved in the school band offers more heartache than fulfillment.
Football defines Holden Reece. It always has. He wins football games – not for himself, but for everyone else.
A random encounter at the gym throws Chloe and Holden together. Stripped of their labels they are able to be themselves. With social statuses and expectations set aside, a relationship begins to blossom.
But when they return to school can they abandon the roles that have been forced on them in order to embrace the rush of being together?
Holden Reece, Popular Jock.
These are their labels. But it's not who they are.
Chloe Martin loves music. It's her passion. But being involved in the school band offers more heartache than fulfillment.
Football defines Holden Reece. It always has. He wins football games – not for himself, but for everyone else.
A random encounter at the gym throws Chloe and Holden together. Stripped of their labels they are able to be themselves. With social statuses and expectations set aside, a relationship begins to blossom.
But when they return to school can they abandon the roles that have been forced on them in order to embrace the rush of being together?
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2015
47 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
About the author
Amber Garza
51 books1,405 followersAmber Garza has had a passion for the written word since she was a child making books out of notebook paper and staples. Her hobbies include reading and singing. Coffee and wine are her drinks of choice (not necessarily in that order). She writes while blaring music, and talks about her characters like they're real people. She lives with her husband and two kids in Folsom, California, which is also home to another Amber Garza.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 12, 2015
Chloe and Holden.
Band geek and star quarterback. Love these stories but by the end the relationship got ridiculous. Manufactured drama.
Band geek and star quarterback. Love these stories but by the end the relationship got ridiculous. Manufactured drama.
April 29, 2015
Well now, wasn't this a little gem.
I'm a teacher and know the hidden danger of going to s book every day. I teach alternative education, so I've got rival gang members in the same building for hours on end. Tension is high. Bullying is prevalent. Being on constant guard is constant. I teach creative writing, and have given my students the idea for an outlet when their emotions and tempers are getting out of control, and I am ever diligent about reading the signs that one or some may be close to spinning. That's when I step in with a notebook and pencils and set them down alone with the stern order to go to work. Pour it all out through words. Luckily I've produced good results with this most of the time but sadly not all of the time. Nothing as horrible as what was written in this book has occurred in my 24 years, but still I never say it won't. Ironically, my child is home schooled. I will not take the chance with her life, but I can't turn my back on my students.
The book. Emotionally powerful. Outstanding writing. This truly was just full of everything I look for in a five star read. You won't be disappointed in this book. Truly beautiful.
I'm a teacher and know the hidden danger of going to s book every day. I teach alternative education, so I've got rival gang members in the same building for hours on end. Tension is high. Bullying is prevalent. Being on constant guard is constant. I teach creative writing, and have given my students the idea for an outlet when their emotions and tempers are getting out of control, and I am ever diligent about reading the signs that one or some may be close to spinning. That's when I step in with a notebook and pencils and set them down alone with the stern order to go to work. Pour it all out through words. Luckily I've produced good results with this most of the time but sadly not all of the time. Nothing as horrible as what was written in this book has occurred in my 24 years, but still I never say it won't. Ironically, my child is home schooled. I will not take the chance with her life, but I can't turn my back on my students.
The book. Emotionally powerful. Outstanding writing. This truly was just full of everything I look for in a five star read. You won't be disappointed in this book. Truly beautiful.
April 24, 2015
Eh, ok
I really enjoyed Books 1 and 2. I felt the characters had more depth and chemistry. The story between Chloe and Holden was ok....I didn't feel a strong connection between them.
I really enjoyed Books 1 and 2. I felt the characters had more depth and chemistry. The story between Chloe and Holden was ok....I didn't feel a strong connection between them.
November 9, 2015
I always wonder if I can read about high school. This book really resonates because I've also known kids like this or know kids like this. Can we all do something different to make a difference in their lives?
April 24, 2015
Love, love, love!!!!! Popular jock falls for nerdy girl NEVER gets old!!!!
November 27, 2016
Intense
As the third book in this series I wasn't sure what to expect. Would I cry as much as I did in the previous stories or would this book be as intense. Could it even get anymore intense. So many questions. I should have known that Mrs Garza would keep with the intensity of her previous writings yet she kept this story as real as her previous writings. I enjoy these stories since they aren't completely out of the realm of possibility and the actions of these characters are real. The world is not perfect, and high school is one of the most complicated times in a person's life. I'm glad to find stories with real heart and meaning behind it, and although I am well past my teen years I know that these stories are ones I will recommend to my daughter and nieces. I enjoyed Chloe character that much more because of her confidence yet she also shows her insecurities but does not allow it to control her. Another heart pounding story that is a great readers young and older.
As the third book in this series I wasn't sure what to expect. Would I cry as much as I did in the previous stories or would this book be as intense. Could it even get anymore intense. So many questions. I should have known that Mrs Garza would keep with the intensity of her previous writings yet she kept this story as real as her previous writings. I enjoy these stories since they aren't completely out of the realm of possibility and the actions of these characters are real. The world is not perfect, and high school is one of the most complicated times in a person's life. I'm glad to find stories with real heart and meaning behind it, and although I am well past my teen years I know that these stories are ones I will recommend to my daughter and nieces. I enjoyed Chloe character that much more because of her confidence yet she also shows her insecurities but does not allow it to control her. Another heart pounding story that is a great readers young and older.
July 17, 2024
I liked the storytelling of how the bullied kid turned out to be a mass shooter. It wasn't too obvious from the start that he would turn out that way, so it still kept me guessing. But what I didn't like was how fast paced the romance between the hero and the heroine was. It felt a bit unnatural.
April 23, 2015
An up all night page turner.
I’ve read several of Amber Garza’s books and they just keep getting better and better. This one is my favorite so far. I couldn’t go to sleep until I finished reading it. I loved it! There were some spots that took me completely by surprise and yes, I cried, then sat with my mouth gaping from shock. This book kept me on the edge of my pillow, one finger turning pages like a mad woman reading her first book. Seriously.
This is an ageless story, football hero likes geeky band girl, but what Chloe and Holden go through is not your average boy likes girl story. Going back to one of my favorite movies, American Pie, LOL, band geeks were, well, just geeky, but they weren’t bullied. This book examines some of the hurtful aspects that could be derived from bullying and it kept me wanting to find out what was going to happen. The writing is smooth and interesting. Ms.Garza has a unique gift for weaving just the right amount of young adult romance mixed with real life situations. I think this book is a great read for anyone from the age of 12 to 92+. It opened my eyes to an ongoing problem that exists in many of our high schools today.
I’ve read several of Amber Garza’s books and they just keep getting better and better. This one is my favorite so far. I couldn’t go to sleep until I finished reading it. I loved it! There were some spots that took me completely by surprise and yes, I cried, then sat with my mouth gaping from shock. This book kept me on the edge of my pillow, one finger turning pages like a mad woman reading her first book. Seriously.
This is an ageless story, football hero likes geeky band girl, but what Chloe and Holden go through is not your average boy likes girl story. Going back to one of my favorite movies, American Pie, LOL, band geeks were, well, just geeky, but they weren’t bullied. This book examines some of the hurtful aspects that could be derived from bullying and it kept me wanting to find out what was going to happen. The writing is smooth and interesting. Ms.Garza has a unique gift for weaving just the right amount of young adult romance mixed with real life situations. I think this book is a great read for anyone from the age of 12 to 92+. It opened my eyes to an ongoing problem that exists in many of our high schools today.
June 29, 2015
Holden (star football QB, popular) & Chloe (band nerd)
It all started the day in the spa.
Holden was taking his mothers advice for once and went to the spa only to find this gorgeous girl in the back bikini already in there. Well Holden has to find out more information on this new girl.
Chloe is out with her parents. Where are they you ask? Well that would be the local gym. Yes, her parents are gym freaks. So since Chloe figures she might as well make the most of it and get in the spa.
Thats when they meet
Holden & Chloe must find out more info on the other
Throughout the book, Holden & Chloe start to fall for each other, but its not without it complications.
Those complications being Holden's best friend Ryan & then theres Preston, local weirdo band geek.
Ryan really doesn't like Chloe all to begin with. But Preston on the other hand has a thing for Chloe.
Then tragedy strikes! The school shooting. 3 dead and many with their heart broken.....
It all started the day in the spa.
Holden was taking his mothers advice for once and went to the spa only to find this gorgeous girl in the back bikini already in there. Well Holden has to find out more information on this new girl.
Chloe is out with her parents. Where are they you ask? Well that would be the local gym. Yes, her parents are gym freaks. So since Chloe figures she might as well make the most of it and get in the spa.
Thats when they meet
Holden & Chloe must find out more info on the other
Throughout the book, Holden & Chloe start to fall for each other, but its not without it complications.
Those complications being Holden's best friend Ryan & then theres Preston, local weirdo band geek.
Ryan really doesn't like Chloe all to begin with. But Preston on the other hand has a thing for Chloe.
Then tragedy strikes! The school shooting. 3 dead and many with their heart broken.....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2017
4 stars
Ohhhhh! I loved this one as well. It is safe to say that, so far, I love every single book in this series. I am so happy because all the characters are so real and lovable and very relatable. There is something about Amber Garza's writing that I am drawn to.
Chloe and Holden are such a great couple. Just like London and Cooper, their chemistry was undeniable. I can't get over London and Cooper because they are the best! (Okay sorry going back to For The Rush)...
This book tackled a very serious issue that's why it wasn't really easy to read. The last few events were heavy and I felt like it overshadowed the good and sweet moments with Chloe and Holden. I wish I've gotten more of their romantic moments.
Overall, this is a really good read! I recommend it to all the fans of YA novels with a bit of twist, drama, angst, and ofcourse romance.
Ohhhhh! I loved this one as well. It is safe to say that, so far, I love every single book in this series. I am so happy because all the characters are so real and lovable and very relatable. There is something about Amber Garza's writing that I am drawn to.
Chloe and Holden are such a great couple. Just like London and Cooper, their chemistry was undeniable. I can't get over London and Cooper because they are the best! (Okay sorry going back to For The Rush)...
This book tackled a very serious issue that's why it wasn't really easy to read. The last few events were heavy and I felt like it overshadowed the good and sweet moments with Chloe and Holden. I wish I've gotten more of their romantic moments.
Overall, this is a really good read! I recommend it to all the fans of YA novels with a bit of twist, drama, angst, and ofcourse romance.
March 20, 2016
This book really hit me hard. I was a high school teacher for 10+ years and saw a lot of the issues addressed in this book Although Garza does address so serious issues (bullying, labeling, etc), she keeps the romance in the forefront. This is Chloe and Holden's story. Holden is super popular, super attractive and the quarterback. Chloe is the new girl, who is curvy and is a member of the marching band. Their paths cross by chance and a romance ignites. Navigating teenage politics is never easy and it puts a strain on their relationship, but the two of them are able to rise above the labels and really see each other as just people. It is a lovely story, with a great deal of emotion and an honest assessment of some typical teenage issues. Another great book in the series.
November 22, 2015
"Holden was the kind of guy that music lyrics were written about. He was the kind of guy a girl threw caution to the wind for. A guy so charming his presence eclipsed everything else."
I played clarinet for 7 years and in colorguard for 2 years so I was a total band geek growing up but I loved it. This book also threw an unexpected curve ball and kept me on the edge of my seat!
I love this author's writing. I have read most of her clean romance books. She has sports, suspense, and paranormal with lots of twists and swoons! This is the 3rd book in Playing for Keeps series!
I played clarinet for 7 years and in colorguard for 2 years so I was a total band geek growing up but I loved it. This book also threw an unexpected curve ball and kept me on the edge of my seat!
I love this author's writing. I have read most of her clean romance books. She has sports, suspense, and paranormal with lots of twists and swoons! This is the 3rd book in Playing for Keeps series!
May 28, 2016
Almost great...
It was cute, funny, challenging and very sweet. Then it became terrifying and tragic. It was a good story. I think the end just wrapped up too quickly. With everything that happened, it felt like it needed more. I loved how Chloe and Holden played off one another. Very cute.
It was cute, funny, challenging and very sweet. Then it became terrifying and tragic. It was a good story. I think the end just wrapped up too quickly. With everything that happened, it felt like it needed more. I loved how Chloe and Holden played off one another. Very cute.
June 17, 2017
3.8 It started out cute, then tragedy. I kinda saw the writing on the wall miles away. Bullying is never ok and sometimes the ramifications that happened in this book is real. I didn't like that the Holden just stood there and let his friend bully someone, though he didn't join in, he did nothing either. This book is close to being realistic.
May 10, 2015
Did not expect that
You may think this will just be another chessy teen love story, but its not.Chloe and Holden have a surprising deep live for eachother,and when tradegy strikes it just pulls them closer together.
You may think this will just be another chessy teen love story, but its not.Chloe and Holden have a surprising deep live for eachother,and when tradegy strikes it just pulls them closer together.
July 25, 2015
Very sweet story
Loved all of the characters and their dealings with tragedy. This was a very sweet story with two kids from different groups dealing with what they want and how they and others see things.
Loved all of the characters and their dealings with tragedy. This was a very sweet story with two kids from different groups dealing with what they want and how they and others see things.
August 11, 2015
Amazing
wow where do I start with this one. Emotions are running high after reading book 3, Holden and Chloe are amazing together. Preston I had a gut feeling from the beginning he was gonna be trouble.
wow where do I start with this one. Emotions are running high after reading book 3, Holden and Chloe are amazing together. Preston I had a gut feeling from the beginning he was gonna be trouble.
August 15, 2015
Another Awesome Book
Wow another awesome book to read!!! I am not a big reader but this series is good and when I start I don't stop. I was really surprised how the book took a turn I would have never guessed it, it so caught me off guard. I can wait to read For The Save!!!
Wow another awesome book to read!!! I am not a big reader but this series is good and when I start I don't stop. I was really surprised how the book took a turn I would have never guessed it, it so caught me off guard. I can wait to read For The Save!!!
May 26, 2015
This book had potential but it failed ,its like she tried to put all of her ideas into it but it just didn't work
June 8, 2015
3.5 Stars
January 14, 2016
DNF 83%
December 25, 2015
I am really digging this author. I love books that you can just devour in one sitting.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews