Friends with benefits—it never works. Someone always ends up wanting more.
What happens when both want more, but neither will tell the other?
Richard Murphy has been in the NHL for fifteen years, playing the game he loves. But with retirement looming in the next few years, he’s ready to settle down and start a family. There’s only one woman he wants that with, but she’s put him firmly into the friends—with benefits—category. Can he change her mind and heart, and prove to her he’s playing for keeps?
Madison O’Neal has been a lover of sports since she was young. She and her dad bonded over them, both during and after her mother lost her battle with breast cancer. Her love of sports led to a successful career as a sports agent. As much as she loves her job, what she really wants is a family—and someone to call her own. But the one man she’s head-over-heels in love with has her in the friends—with incredible benefits—category.
Can Madison and Richard find their way through the murky waters of friendship and become the lovers they secretly want to be?
Samantha Lind is a USA TODAY Bestselling contemporary romance author. Having spent the first 27 years of her life in Alaska, she now calls the mid-West home, where she lives with her husband and two sons. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading, watching hockey (Go Knights Go!), and listening to country music. You can connect with Samantha on her website, www.samanthalind.com.
I absolutely loved Playing For Keeps it was a sweet romance. The main couple had amazing chemistry. I really enjoyed reading about the pervious characters as well and catching up on what they were doing. Overall, this was a great read and can't wait for the next book.
Panty Scorching - 1 Angst - 0 tissues - 0 Storyline - 3.5 Value - 3.5 Overall - 3.5 Kindle eArc provided by Author Reviewed by Ladyballs
This was a super quick read and I have to admit I'm not disappointed it was fast. This was your typical best friends turn best friends with benefits scenario...yada, yada, yada.
Richard is a bald, hot hockey player and has an equally hot best friend Madison. They have been best friends with benefits for about seven years but their relationship has very clear set boundaries - almost robotic. Madison and Richard both have feeling for each other but both are too scared to speak to the other about it for fear that their friendship would be jeopardized. Until Madison's friend pushes her in the direction to put herself out there to date and find her perfect match to start a life with. She does until Richard finds out and as you can suspect, jealousy rears its ugly head and he realizes he has to fess up to his feelings about Madison or risk losing her.
Due to the fact that this benefit relationship was going on for YEARS when these two finally do come together there was no passion, fire fireworks or chemistry. It just seemed like it was old hat but now they had an official title. This was just ehhh for me and a little too predictable.
Indianapolis Eagles Series Just Say Yes (Book 1) - Scott and Becca Scoring the Player (Book 2) - Brian and Kinley Playing for Keeps (Book 3) - Richard and Madison
Playing for Keeps is the third book in Samantha Lind's Indianapolis Eagles series. Each book focuses on a different couple and I thought could be read as a standalone (even though times in each book may overlap a bit). Playing for Keeps focuses on long-time friends-with-benefits Richard "Murph" Murphy and Madison O'Neal. Each are to scared to reveal their true feeling for one another and could potentially lose out on their happily-ever-after.
After reading all three books so far in this series, I think Playing for Keeps is my favorite. I liked the characters in Just Say Yes. I didn't click with the characters in Scoring the Player (this book was just okay for me). But I really liked Madison and Richard in Playing for Keeps. I don't want to say to much about if or how these two get their act together and stop being so stubborn about their true feelings toward each other.
Rating: 4 out of 5
**An ARC was provided by Give Me Books Promotions in exchange for a honest review.**
Last book from the author I investigate. Her books are definitely not for me. This one smells miscommunication and assumptions. Both want the same thing but none tells the other because each of them ASSUMES the other doesn’t want the same thing. 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
Samantha Lind hits it into the net with PLAYING FOR KEEPS, the third book in the Indianapolis Eagles series. Fifteen-year NHL veteran, Richard Murphy, and sports agent, Madison O’Neal, have been friends with benefits for years, not realizing that they both want more from their relationship. Neither one wants to make the first move for fear of jeopardizing their friendship. This contemporary sports romance is suitable for adult audiences.
I really enjoyed this story. Samantha Lind does a great job with her character development and plot. I like that Madison and Murphy met because she started walking his dog for him. I also, appreciate that she is not his agent; although she does represent a few of his teammates. The two have a wonderful friendship. I love their text and conversations. They have been friends for eight years. Everyone knows that they are perfect together, except them.
I appreciate that Madison is friends with Kinley and Becca from books one and two. The three have a close friendship and support one another. I found it amusing how they helped kickstart the couple into realizing they want to be together as a couple. They face some interesting challenges. PLAYING FOR KEEPS was realistic and heartfelt. It was stimulating from beginning to end. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
So, I think it should be known that I'm not a hockey fan. I've been to two hockey games in my life. The atmosphere was fun. Couldn't follow the game for the life of me. And then there's that annoying player whose job is to start fights. No thanks. HOWEVER. That being said. I'm planning on watching a game on tv tonight because of this lady right here. Samantha Lind does not hide the fact that she's a mega fan of hockey. And her love for the sport is infectious.
Story Line: Ah, the dreaded "friend" zone. It's the base of this story. Madison and Richard have been "friends" forever. Not really. But for quite a while. They've been in the "friends with benefits" zone for SEVEN years. Girlfriend. You've been giving it up to one guy for 7 years without a commitment?! No promise of monogamy. No "let's see where this goes". NOTHING. But then again who am I to judge? This is exactly how my husband and I started our relationship. Granted it only took us 5 months to realize things were going to escalate, but anyways. Richard seems like the perfect guy. He's built like a sports god, first of all. He's sweet. He's thoughtful. He's magnificent in bed. But he does have an Achilles heel. He is to chicken to talk about taking the relationship further. UGH! Men!
With a little help from Madison's friends, Richard finally gets his head on straight and makes an honest woman out of her. But don't go blowing the wedding bubbles just yet. There are struggles that follow. One of those being a huge issue with Madison's dad. And I will say this, prepare to cry over this man. They are good tears. But his role in this novel is definitely an emotional one.
Interaction: FLAWLESS. I will just start by saying that. Madison and Richard are flawless when it comes to communication. Their texts are perfect. Their phone calls are perfect. I cannot find one nit-picky thing about these two. And the Facetime sexy time? Every form of communication between these two is flawless. Seriously. At one point I found myself saying outloud, are you serious right now? Negative Nancy that I am, I kept holding my breath that something was going to happen and make Richard less desirable. If you're like me and do the same thing, you're going to die from holding your breath. He's perfect and I've never wanted a hockey player. There's a first for everything.
Laundry: So, Richard is perfect. We've established this. He's even better between the sheets. NO JOKE. He's got a dirty mouth and he knows exactly how to use it. I mean, at first, I was super mad at him for being so amazing and incredible and refusing to make Madison even spend the night after their rendezvous. But, thankfully, he redeems himself. And then he makes it so Madison cannot ride a bike for DAYS. LUCKY DUCK.
Depth: For me, the meat to this story is at the beginning and then the second half. The beginning when Richard is pulling his head out of his rear end. I love how their inner turmoil is played out for our greedy eyes to read. We get to hear from both sides of the story which is exactly what I wanted for this story. I loved knowing where they each were coming from. And then the second half of the story where it involves Madison's dad. There were definite tears at the end but well worth the smudged mascara.
Samantha Lind has done it again with her latest installment in the Eagles series. These books can be read together, but do not need to be since the characters are all very easy to follow. I recommend snatching this one up on release day!
I have been keen to know more about Richard/Murph and Madison since I started reading this series a couple of weeks ago, and Ms Lind has not disappointed with Playing For Keeps.
This is a sweet, cute read and was a great development of Richard and Madison's story. They have been best friends / FWB for years and now both wants more - but haven't told each other (that is the one thing that annoys me - communicate people!). Will they ever make it out of the "friend zone"?
I loved that there was no OTT drama. No puck bunnies jumping out of corners causing grief. No stupid misunderstandings. In fact at times I was wondering if these two were rea? Sometimes they were just too good at being just friends - but this is probably just me!
Richard and Madison "just fit", and you can't help but adore them together.
I loved getting more of Scott/Becca and Brian/Kinley and seeing where they were at now. I love the friendships between this group.
Sweet, sexy, fun and cute, Playing For Keeps was just what I needed today.
Playing for Keeps is another amazing story in the Indianapolis Eagles series. This one was a funny read for me because it is about friends with benefits and we all know that that usually does not end well so I was expecting their to be some angst and everything in between. But what I got was the total opposite and I loved every minute of it.
Richard and Madison have been friends with benefits for seven years. Richard plays hockey and Madison is a sports agent. They decide to be friends with benefits because of their careers and the time they spend away from each other. Then Richard decides he is going to be retiring soon and he wants to settle down and start a family and he knows who he wants he is just not so sure she will be willing to up the anty and be his wife and start a family.
Madison is secretly in love with Richard and always has been but she knows that they are friends with benefits and nothing more. Then her best friends tells her to get out there and start dating so she can find someone to settle down with. Once Madison starts to date and Richard finds out he decides to tell her how he really feels and asks her to be his girl and settle down with him.
But will Madison believe him and give him that chance or will they remain friends with benefits?
Richard Murphy and Madison O'Neal's relationship started as a friends with benefits style where they both fell into a pattern and a comfort level, but what happens when someone catches feelings and they need to move on? This book was another sacharin sweet love story following Indianapolis hockey team, The Eagles, and there quest to find love. I felt like there was definitely room for more drama and suspense. Like ∙ flag
Richard likes to give his woman options, "her back is plastered to my front, my very rock-hard erection pressing into her. “You up for a movie tonight, or can I entice you into a few orgasms?” Richard is just so sweet, “don’t worry about my practice, I can be with you if you need me. This is important. Practice will be there tomorrow.” I really liked this book, I fell in love with Richard.
What happens when friends with benefits turn out to be something much more! Oh I loved the chemistry between the main characters and how they developed from best friends to the next level. The plot was great and the story was very sweet. I will definitely search for the previous books from the series and will read them, also I am looking forward to reading the next books from the author
Another awesome read by Samantha Lind! I loved the way this story was told. Watching the progression of relationship between Madison and Richard, made me feel like I was right there with them. Didn't want to put it down. A must read!
I enjoyed this friends (with benefits) to lovers story so much. I loved seeing the growth of the relationship between Murph and Madison. Just a nice, easy read. Looking forward to reading more of this series.
Playing for Keeps is the third book in the Indianapolis Eagles series and I loved it. We get to know the story of Richard” Murph “ and Madison, two long time friends with incredible benefits and yes, they can make you feel everything with their texts and conversations.The couple has a great chemistry and loved that we were updated to what’s happening with the others couples friends from the previous books. The main characters are to scared to admit to each other what they really feel and want from another because they actually don’t want to loose what they already have for so long. I loved that Madison has such a great and strong relationship with her father. Probably what I loved most is the fact that we have both points of views because it helps so much to know what they are thinking and what they want to do and how they really feel about everything. Another 5 stars from me ❤️
After many years of being friends with benefits, Madison and Richard both wanted more. But both were afraid to tell each other and loose their friendship. Loved it. It was a sweet read. You see they’re both so in love with each other but afraid to make the next step. It was a little slow building but so happy to see they get their Happily Ever After. It was great to see the other couples in this series.
Madison and Richard have had a friends with benefits relationship for years. But the thing with that arrangement is that usually someone wants more. Madison has decided she is going to start dating since Richard has shown no signs of persuing a real relationship. Richard needs to woo Madison. Will he have what it takes to make her his? A great book of finding who your heart really wants.
I have enjoyed this series from the very beginning, but this was by far my favorite. I really enjoyed the storyline, the characters, and of course the hockey. I have been looking forward to Murph’s story since we first met him, and this friends with benefits to lovers story didn’t disappoint.
Murph, or Richard as we now know him, is one of the good guys. I fell hard for him. He was loving and faithful. He was there through the good times and the bad. He was sweet and hot, strong and kind. I loved that he knew just how good he had it with Madison and was ready to play for keeps.
I completely fell in love with Madison. She was a strong woman. She knew what she wanted, and she was prepared to go after it. She faced hardship head on and was always there for those she cared about regardless of what she had going on. She understood what it was like to be with a hockey player, and while it was hard, she didn’t waver.
Together, these two were perfect. They complimented each other well and fell into an easy relationship. While life wasn’t always easy, and they were forced to face a very hard situation, since they had been such good friends for so long, they knew what to expect from each other. I loved that when times were hard, they were there for each other and found ways to support one another. I absolutely love that we got to see them together as a couple for so much of the book. Lind definitely doesn’t give us a HEA and quickly wrap it up. Instead, we really get to see their relationship grow and develop. We got to see what life for them was like and things progressed.
I love that the hockey in this series isn’t so in depth that you need to be a fan to understand and follow the book, but it is there enough to be more than a backdrop. I love the team aspect and getting to know the other players. I love seeing the way they really are like a family both for the players who spend so much time together on the road and the WAGs (wives and girlfriends) who spend so much time away from them. It makes for a great series that leaves me wanting more after each and every book. I love that Lind continues to check in with the other players and we get updates on all the other relationships as we read each new book.
This book is a standalone, but I definitely think it is fun to read in order and get updates on the other characters throughout the series. However, even if Playing for Keeps is the first one you read, you will be able to easily follow along and enjoy the story. I definitely recommend checking it out.
Friends with Benefits romance! Playing for Keeps was a decent book. I liked the idea of the plot and the characters, but this book didn’t hit me like the others did. This is the third book in the Indianapolis Eagles series. It was be read as a standalone. The plot of this book interested me. I love reading stories when the characters have history. Usually that history makes the heat so much better. I will get to the heat later. As for the plot, I liked the story overall. Friends slash lovers to serious relationship sounds like a great idea. I think the author did good, but this story just didn’t keep my attention like the others in the series did. Madison is a good character. I liked how strong she is. I feel like with her job, she kind of has to be. With that being said, she also annoyed me at times. The relationship with Richard went on far too long for my liking before it changed into something more serious. I felt like that made me feel like she was a bit of a pushover when it came to him. Then you have Richard. He is actually a sweet guy. He annoyed me at times too, but it was because of a lack of communication. I felt he let things go on too long before making that change. The heat in this book was good. These characters have a history as I mentioned before. I do feel like the history added a layer to the heat in the story. I liked that outside the bedroom stuff, they really are friends. I feel like that strong foundation lead to them being able to be more open with each others (except for telling each other how they really feel. Come on guys!) which lead to better heat. The writing style of this story was good. I liked the characters. The pace of the story is steady. It is told from dual point of view. I liked the flashback from their past. I didn’t care too much for how the plot was developed overall, but I did like the story. Overall, this was a good book. I marked it down because it didn’t really hit me like I wanted. While I liked the characters and the story overall, there were things about the story that bothered me. With that being said, this has been a great series so I would recommend the book to others. Ratings: Plot: 4/5 Characters: 4/5 Heat: 5/5 Writing Style: 4/5 Overall: 4/5
Genre: Romance - Friends with Benefits, Sports, Hockey Standalone: Yes Part of a Series: Yes - Book 3 of the Indianapolis Eagles series. Each book features a different couple who show up as side characters in the other books. Books are chronological so as the series progresses you see more of the previous couple's HEA. Fun for readers of the series but not necessary for the story. POV: Richard and Madison Steam Level: Toasty 4/5
Playing for Keeps is the third book in Samantha Lind's Indianapolis Eagles series. I read all three and love them all. Samantha Lind has a unique writing style, in that her books are about adults being adults. There's no angst or drama for the sake of angst and drama. The couples in her books feel like real couples, like they could be your friends. Playing for Keeps continues in this manner. Madison and Richards (aka Murph) have had a long term friends-with-benefits relationship. Both love each other but are afraid to tell the other for fear of ruining their friendship. When Madison decides to start dating, she tells Richard. There's no hiding, no wishy washy boo hoo bologna that a lot of other books have. Richard then decides that stop being chicken and tell her how he feels, but is respectful enough to not if things get serious between Madison and someone else. Once everything is out in the open it's like reading a couple doing everyday things: work, dinner, life. Richard and Madison are there for each other when things get rough and communicate when feeling blue. While sexy, the sex just enhanced their relationship. Sex wasn't used just because, but as a was to express love and support, a way to get closer to each other. If you're looking for a fun sports romance filled with adults, in adult relationships, acting like adults and communicating in a drama-free environment, then pick up Samantha Lind's Indianapolis Eagles series. The guys are sweet and sexy, the ladies are sassy and funny, and all characters are smart and mature. Playing for Keeps continues this and is well worth the read.
I received an advanced copy of this book for free. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Playing for Keeps, Indianapolis Eagles Book 3 by Samantha Lind - Narration by Kelsey Navarro and Tim Paige I purchased the 3book/audio whisper snyc off Amazon. Murph and Madison. These two have been on my radar since book 1. This friends with benefits routine they have put on was for their blinders but scared to admit it. Too afraid to rock the safe oat of friends them open the possibility of the love they they could have. Murph/Richard has been in the hockey industry for a few years and is looking at his future. He is wondering if he should hang up his skates and look at doing something else. Madison is an awesome agent who met this young stud 8 years ago when she started the new job and has moved up in the ranks. The two spend more time together then apart. But they are so scared to move forward. They know each other inside and out yet are afraid to be without the other if they are rejected. When Becca and Kinsley push Madison in to blind date with a doctor, Murph/Richard knows its now or never. He realizes he needs to claim his girl of lose her to someone else. The couple transforming from friends to more was a great read. The relationship and love were easily felt through the story. Th narrators did an amazing job changing voices and becoming the characters of the stories. They pulled me in and kept me draw in the entire time. Once the couple move into a new phase Madison is rocked with news and leans on Richard/Murph more than ever. I loved the direction of the story and can’t wait for the next book.
This is the Third book in the Indianapolus eagles series, with book one being "just say yes" and book two "Scoring the player".
Each book centres around a different ice hockey player and his life. Playing for keeps is Murphy's book as his friends call him or Richard if you prefer.
Long standing team mates of Scott and Brian from the other two books this book continues the story of their lives on and off the ice.
I do highly recommend you read the other two books first as otherwise you won't get the fuller picture just a snapshot.
Murphy the happy go lucky no strings but loyal to his booty call girl, and Madison the lady in love but unwilling to share her true feelings for fear of rejection make the sweetest pair and you just know they need to put their big girl/boy pants on and take the next step.
For every happy event there's sadness lurking around the corner but no tears were spilled here during reading this as it's not that kind of read.
It's hopeful, light hearted, and beautiful with lots of steam and sweat! and if you have read any other of Samanthas books they you need to read This!
I love the characters Samantha creates they are all easy to like and are adorable in their own way, the relationships formed between friends are those that we all wish we had and love to read about.
This book melts your heart and fills it with joy and I look forward to her next book in the series
"We just fit. Like peanut butter and jelly go together. Madison and I just fit, we make sense together, and I'll do everything in my power to keep it that way."
Madison O'Neal needs to change things. The arrangement was fine for a while, but now her heart wants more. Seven years. This has been going on for seven years. He's her best friend - with or without the benefits. And she loves him. But telling him that, when he doesn't feel the same, could cost her his friendship. Life without him is unacceptable. She just needs to make him see her for more than just a mattress dance. It's a delicate line she'll have to walk to get what she wants but she'll do what it takes to make him hers. Forever.
Richard "Rick" Murphy is in love with Madison. He knows it. She doesn't. With possible retirement from hockey in the near future, he's ready to settle down, and he's already picked out the girl. He can't imagine his life without her in it, and if he tells her how he really feels, he could lose her forever. Should he keep his mouth shut, or put his heart on the line? When another threatens to take her away, his decision is made, but is it too late? Has he lost his chance at a happily ever after with the woman of his dreams?
I love this series! From Scott and Becca to Brian and Kinley, and now Rick and Madison, these books are heartfelt and steamy too! I'd recommend this whole series!!
Books are my one great escape. A chance to disappear into someone else’s life for just a little while and possibly feel what they feel. Samantha Lind gave me all the feels in this Indianapolis Eagles, Book 3.
Richard Murphy has been a professional hockey player in the NHL for fifteen years
Madison O’Neal has a successful career as a sports agent and is in love with Richard Murphy but is afraid he doesn't feel the same about her since they have had a friends with benefits relationship for years. So she decides she is going to start dating again.
All their friends know they love each other so with some friendly pushes they set out to see if they can get these two to stop being hard headed and admit to the other that they want more.
Madison's dad gives them a scare when he is diagnosed with prostate cancer but it's quickly brought under control.
I love how the players and their wives or girlfriends are such a close knit bunch and that we can keep seeing how the couples from the two previous books are doing in their lives. I actually had to stop reading a couple of times during the proposal, to wipe tears. Yes it was just that special. So grab yourself a copy of this book and see what made it so special.
I'm hoping there will be another book in this series so that Laura and Mark can have their story.
I love this book. This story is real and not over the top. It’s very believable and touched my heart. The author has not only tapped into a love story of two individuals. She’s showed the love we have within a family and reveals to us how within a spilt second the life you’re living can change. This hit me on a very deep and meaningful level. Watching Richard and Madison’s relationship evolve was natural, and beautiful. It made me tear up when they realized their feelings and how deep they actually were. Seeing a big sports hero coming to terms with his own insecurities and humanities was so touching. It showed a totally different side to the big hunky athlete and how they are usually portrayed . My personal opinion, this is more often the case than not. This is not my first read by this author and it certainly won’t be my last. With every book she continues to get better and better. I loved her first book, her second book and the streak continues with each subsequent book. The story had angst, smiles, romance, and it brought just the right amount of heat and all the feels. The tender moments I think gave me the most sighs. I totally bought into this couple and fell in love with them. They were just so normal. Do yourself a favor and read this book. You will be so happy you did. I can’t wait to see what Samantha writes next.
Samantha really knows how to write a lovely, happy, romantic and steamy story!
We have been teased with bits about Madison and Richard in the first two books of the Indianapolis Eagles series and now we get the full story! I have been waiting anxiously for this!
Madison is a career woman, she is a hard as nails sports agent and she works hard to support her clients. She has had a friendship with Richard (Murph - to his friends and teammates) for YEARS and it has moved to the friends with benefits stage for a while. But she is looking for more. She is wanting the whole package, with feelings! And she wants it with Richard. However, she doesn't want to lose the fantastic friendship her and Richard have. What's a girl to do? What she doesn't realize is...
Richard, oh my! I love his vulnerability. He too wants more from his "friendship" with Madison but doesn't want to chance losing her. But when push comes to shove, he rises to the occasion brilliantly and makes sure that Madison knows where she stands with him.
I wanted to shake the both of them for waiting soooo long, but in the end it was worth it!
This is a low angst, lots of love romance, must read, that is classic Samantha! She is really knocking her stories out of the park and is getting better and better with each book she releases! Well done, Samantha! Well done!!
Playing for Keeps: Indianapolis Eagles Series Book #3, is Samantha Lind’s proverbial Hat Trick! I loved it, and I can relate to some of the story, I’m battling my own Cancer for the past almost 5 years, or my type of cancer is 5 years and yep I’m right there, but you fight every day and every day is a battle. My years are numbered, but there is always hope and love. This book instilled a hope in me for love, that it is never to late to get the love of your life. Richard Murphy “Murphy” and Madison have been Friends with Benefits for several years, but little did the other know that they were only getting the benefits from each other and had were in a quasi-relationship. They love each other and no other but Madison had to start thinking of the future tells Richard that she wants to start to date again and that she has a date scheduled with a doctor friend of Kinley’s. Richard is heartbroken and angry but realizes he hasn’t told her or really expressed how he feels about her, so he must prove his intent.
This book is really well written, and I loved and felt every word of it. Samantha Lind thank you for once again knocking it out with this story. Your characters are amazing, and I can only think you know these people in real life to get them down so well.
Getting ready to start on Protecting her Heart and getting more into Mark and Laura’s story.
Playing for Keeps by Samantha Lind is a fantastic book! I am enjoying reading the Indianapolis Eagles series so much! Playing for Keeps is the 3rd book in this series. You will need to read the first two books in the series to follow along with Playing for Keeps. Playing for Keeps explores the romance between Madison O'Neal and Richard "Murph" Murphy. Madison is a Sports Agent and Richard has been playing for the Eagles for some time. Madison and Richard have been friends with benefits for years. Along the way, Madison and Richard have started having feelings for each other, but both are scared to tell the other for fear of ruining their friendship. Madison makes the decision to begin dating again and end the friends with benefits arrangement with Richard. This throws Richard for a loop! Will Richard be able to admit his feeling for Madison? Will the pair give having a relationship a chance? Will they have their happy ever after? You will have to read Playing for Keeps by Samantha Lind to find out! This book has plenty of romance and love scenes. I couldn't put my kindle down while reading this book. I am also learning a lot about professional hockey by reading this series. Make sure to grab a copy of Playing for Keeps by Samantha Lind! You won't be disappointed! I am definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the Indianapolis Eagles series.
Playing for Keeps is the third book in the Indianapolis Eagles series and while each book can be read as a standalone, it’s always nice to see the WAGS and Eagles Team throughout each book. This is Madison and Richard AKA Murphy to his hockey team and they have been friend with benefits for quite a few years and throughout those years feelings are starting to change. Both don’t want to take the next step or say anything for fear of ruining their friendship but leave it to the WAGS and Team to make this dynamic duo see what they are missing and have been missing by going to the next level. One thing I love is that there is no drama and nothing bad occurs to them before they reach their end game like in most reads. It was nice to see a book and set of characters flow from friendship to maybe moving into the next category and what this would mean for their friendship. We get a little worried with events from Madison’s dad, but this story just confirms real life events that can happen and how to make it work through these events. I love the closeness that this whole knit of friends have and how each one helps the other in a time of need or stressful moment. I hope to see more on the Eagles hockey crew in the future.
I love, love, loved Richard and Maddy! Friends, then lovers, for years, they both hid their true feelings from each other, out of fear that it was one sided! So much time wasted!
Maddy is a sports agent, a strong, independent woman, in a male dominated field. She knows who she is and what she wants from life. But her love life is just...complicated! She and Richard have had a friends with benefits relationship for years, and she has slowly developed feelings for him. Feelings she thinks have no chance of being returned. She has lived in limbo for a long time, neither moving forward in her relationship, nor moving on to something else.
Richard is a professional hockey player. He has strong feelings for Maddy, wants more with her, wants everything with her, but will take whatever she will give him. He doesn't want to rock the boat, for fear that he will loose it all.
This story takes the friends to lovers theme to a whole new level! I love supportive Richard is when Maddy's life spirals out of control. They are so perfect for each other! I love how, even though this is a sports romance, that isn't the focus of the story. It's about romance, and how a real love is about support and family. And did I say that I love, love, love Richard and Maddy?!?