Playing For Fun

Stewart Island #6

by Tracey Alvarez (Illustrator)

PLAYING FOR FUN is the sixth story in Tracey Alvarez’s best-selling Due South books set against the stunning backdrop of Aotearoa, New Zealand. If you like Jill Shalvis or Bella Andre, then you’ll enjoy diving into these heart-warming, sexy & seductive small-town romances with authentic men and women struggling to find their special someone.

Meet Holly and Ford...

Wanted: A woman for Ford.
Ford Komeke can’t deny he could use an up-skill in the dating arena. It’s a local in-joke that his game, as far as women go, sucks. Thanks to the meddling of New Zealand’s worst octogenarian matchmaker, he’s got an online dating profile, a new wardrobe, and a haircut from Stewart Island’s sexy hairdresser, Holly Parker. But since he’s well and truly mired in the friendzone with Holly, what’s the harm in exploring his options? A little jealousy could work wonders.

Offered: Dream job with a catch.
What do you say when you’re offered an un-turn-downable career opportunity? You say, hell-to-the-yeah! Only there’s a problem. To get the dream job Holly must leave Stewart Island and her two best friends, Shaye and Ford. But if Holly can distract Shaye with wedding planning and set Ford up with a nice girl so she can stop imagining him naked, neither will notice if she exits stage right. Neither will notice if her feelings for Ford stop being strictly platonic.

Warning: One kiss is never enough.
As addictive as the chocolate stash Holly hides in her fridge, one kiss forces them out of the friendzone—way out of the friendzone. Heat and hunger explode, but the ugliness in Ford’s past hold his heart hostage. Playing for fun or playing for keeps? Holly and Ford must decide because the consequences of falling in love means that someone’s heart or someone’s dream will ultimately end up shattered.

Intended for mature 18+ aged readers.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit, Ebooks, Adult

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 13, 2015

About the author

Tracey Alvarez lives in the Coolest Little Capital in the World (a.k.a Wellington, New Zealand) where she’s yet to be buried under her to-be-read book pile by Wellington’s infamous wind—her Kindle’s a lifesaver! Married to a wonderfully supportive IT guy, she has two teens who would love to be surgically linked to their electronic devices.

Fuelled by copious amounts of coffee, she’s the author of contemporary romantic fiction set predominantly in New Zealand. Small-towns, close communities, and families are a big part of the heart-warming stories she writes. Oh, and hot, down-to-earth heroes—Kiwi men, in other words.

When she’s not writing, thinking about writing, or procrastinating about writing, Tracey can be found reading sexy books of all romance genres, nibbling on smuggled chocolate bars, or bribing her kids to take over the housework.

Tracey also writes flirty, dirty stories under the penname Jessie Logan.

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing For Fun is book six in the Due South series by Tracey Alvarez. I was generously provided this book in exchange for an honest review by the author.



I have loved this series from the start and have been so excited to go back to Stewart Island and see the people I have grown to love throughout this series. This book focuses on Oban’s resident mechanic, Ford Komeke, and the part time hair dresser and Ford’s best friend, Holly Parker.



Ford has been single and without the company of a woman for a very long time. Some of the older residents of Oban have decided it’s time to find Ford a woman. So they think the best way to do so is to start an on-line dating profile for him and to enlist Holly to do a make-over. Ford and Holly have been best mates for so long but Ford has other feelings for Holly, non-friend type feelings. Maybe this on-line dating thing will make Holly jealous and he can find out if maybe she might feel the same way too.

Holly isn’t happy with the way her life is turning out. She went to school to get her license so she can work in a salon. But in Oban, she doesn’t think there is any way to do that full time and live on it. So she is working full time for the grocery store and part time out of her home doing hair. She has been given the chance to move off island to a full time beautician position, her dream. But that would mean leaving everyone she loves behind. Including Ford.



After some very disastrous dates, Holly and Ford decide to try just one kiss to see if there is a spark, and baby oh baby is there ever a spark. But finally Holly admits to Ford that she is leaving the island. So would they be better off just remaining friends or could they have a few hot weeks together before she leaves?

As Holly and Ford attempt to navigate the friends to lovers path, Ford’s past comes back to haunt him. A past he has kept hidden deep inside him. A past he doesn’t want to share with anyone. But as the relationship changes between he and Holly, the secrets he is keeping hidden threaten to tear them apart.



“What was it about this woman that completely undid him? How did she simultaneously make him feel as weak as a kitten and as strong as Superman?”



I have read all of Tracey’s books, both this series and her Far North series. I don’t think there was a single book in there I didn’t fall in love with. This one was no exception. Tracey has a way of pulling us in, making us feel like we are a part of the community we are reading about. I completely fell in love with Holly and Ford. The connection between these two was seriously hot and they steamed up the pages. But they both needed and deserved so much more. I could not put this book down. You can read it as a stand alone but I encourage you to start at the beginning of the series and get to know all of the residents of Oban. I hope you’ll fall in love with them just as I have.

[Siobhan Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone that follows me on social media will know I am a massive fan of Tracey's Due South series. I was therefore very excited to get the opportunity to beta read this book in advance of publication.

What can I say? I LOVED Holly and Ford's story and I ADORED being back in the amazing small-knit community that Tracey has created, and it was FANTASTIC to catch up with some of my favorite characters (especially Shaye and Del, they are my absolute favs)

Ford had a very difficult early childhood, and he is still showcasing the scars. He's also very much lost in his twin brothers shadow. Mrs. Taylor (the community busy body with a heart of gold) decides he needs a woman and she ropes in his bestie Holly to help with her matchmaking. Holly and Ford are great friends but she's been harboring more than friendly feelings for him for some time. There were lots of hilarous scenes where Ford is on dates with some crazy chicks! LOL funny.

Holly has an opportunity to leave the Island, and she is torn. On the one hand there is Ford, and her adopted-grandma, and her BFF Shaye, but on the other hand most of her friends are all married or engaged and she feels like she's skirting the fringes of their lives.

This is more than just a simple friends to lovers story. Ford needs Holly to help him overcome his demons, and she needs his love to keep her where she has always belonged. Ford clams up whenever the conversation gets heavy, where Holly really needs to see him vulnerable, so she knows she can truly trust him and plan a future with him. The path to true love and real trust is not an easy one and it's filled with plenty of angst and heartache.

This was a fantastic read for a book that is still undergoing final round of editing. It's testament to Tracey's considerable talent that I'm already rating it 5 stars - it was seriously that good. The worldbuilding and character development was solid, pacing is perfect, and the writing is amazeballs as usual. It's also filled with plenty of sexy times and funny dialogue, both of which I've come to expect from this author.

If you love this series then you must read this book. And if you haven't checked out this series yet then what are you waiting for? In Too Deep, Book 1 is free on all major online retailers.

Thanks to the author for gifting me a review copy in exchange for my honest review. This has in no way influenced my opinion.

This review will feature on my blog in due course: http://myyanabookobsession.com

[Sherilee Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing For Fun was everything I hoped it would be and more.

The Due South Series is my happy place. If you want your happy place to be loaded with a whole bunch of book boyfriend worthy heroes, heroines you could easily imagine as your best friends, and let’s not forget the smoking hot smexy scenes! I LOVE this whole series. LOVE.

I fell for Ford as soon as he crooked his finger thorough the pub window at Holly. After that I was toast. He hides the pain and anger he carries around from the tough start he had in life, not willing to show that side of himself to anyone…until Holy works her magic :)

Holly is my kind of heroine, with her own worries, fears and uncertainties. She’s also smart, funny, and a match for Ford in every way.

Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, and this one was executed flawlessly. The road to Ford and Holly’s happily ever after had me laughing out loud, shedding tears, and at times wondering how they’d finally get there—but then Tracey finished off with a sigh-worthy ending that was more than satisfying.

Seriously, this is one of my favorite series. I can’t get enough of the crew on Stewart Island!

Now, of course, I’m hanging out for Harley’s book!

[Johanna Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy from the author to read and review but the opinions in my review are my own!


This series is fabulous! I'm not a big romantic but this series sure makes me wish I was. I have really grown to love this author and her beautiful work. Not only is the storyline and plot gold but the chemistry strikes hot right off the page. Ford and Holly are besties with a serious attraction for each other, in fact everyone seems to know they're destined but them. The matchmaking old ladies on the island decide it's time their local hottie and there darling hair dresser finally hook up. I thought the book was fun without the serious drama, and the exploits all the more entertaining. Loved it! Five stars!

[Leigh Sonnekus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Friends to Steamy Lovers 🔥❤️

Ford - sexy mechanic, an introvert yet also a musician. Holly - beautiful inside and out, an extrovert and has trouble asking for what she wants. Best friends first, they finally give in to scorching chemistry between them but unfortunately they have some demons to lay to rest before they reach their HEA.
Beautiful and emotional read

[Doris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review @ To catch a falling book

**I've received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.**

„Playing for Fun“ ist der mittlerweile 6. Band der Reihe und Hollys und Fords Geschichte. Beide sind schon altbekannte, liebgewonnene Figuren, da sie Freunde der bisherigen „Due South“-Pärchen und somit bereits als Nebencharaktere in Erscheinung getreten sind

Holly Parker und Ford Komeke sind seit einigen Jahren die besten Freunde. Und genau so lange schon fühlen sie sich zueinander hingezogen. Aus Angst vor Abweisung und dem Verlust ihrer Freundschaft wagte keiner von ihnen, etwas in diese Richtung zu unternehmen. Bis jetzt, denn zwei Ereignisse geben der Situation eine neue Perspektive: Holly hat ein Jobangebot auf dem Festland und Ford soll dank Obans Seniorinnen endlich mittels Onlinedating verkuppelt werden. Eifersucht regt sich und ein Kuss lässt die bislang festgesetzten Grenzen ihrer Freundschaft verschwimmen. Die beiden müssen sich entscheiden: wollen sie der Leidenschaft nachgeben und sich den daraus resultierenden Konsequenzen stellen oder bleiben sie aus Angst weiterhin platonische Freunde?

Holly ist gelernte Friseurin, sie arbeitet aber als Teilzeitkraft im Lebensmittelladen von Oban. In ihrer Freizeit verhilft sie den älteren Damen des Ortes zu tollen Dauerwellen, aber auch die anderen Bewohner kommen gerne in den improvisierten Friseursalon, den sie sich in ihrer Wohnung eingerichtet hat. Als Shayes beste Freundin hatte sie in der Vergangenheit immer ein offenes Ohr für deren Liebesprobleme, jetzt hilft sie ihr bei den Hochzeitsplänen. Sie ist lustig, smart und liebt Horoskope.

Ford und sein Zwillingsbruder Harley kamen als Kinder nach Oban, nachdem ihr Onkel sie von der süchtigen Mutter „adoptiert“ hatte. Diese Erlebnisse haben einen tiefen Eindruck in Ford hinterlassen, sodass er auch jetzt als Erwachsener noch damit zu kämpfen hat. Er ist ein ruhiger, loyaler Maori, der mit allen bisherigen Protagonisten gut befreundet ist. Er liebt Musik, seine Arbeit als Mechaniker und ist noch dazu ganz sexy.

„Friends-to-Lovers“-Geschichten sind nicht meine bevorzugte Lektüre, doch Tracey gelingt es ausgezeichnet, diese Balance zwischen dem Freundschaft-aufrecht-erhalten-wollen und dem der-Anziehung-nachgeben-wollen zu beschreiben. Ich liebe ihre Freundschaft mit den ganzen Ritualen wie dem Songquiz und den Serienmarathons, aber auch das Werben war sexy und aufgeheizt. Das einzige was mich etwas gestört hat: das Hin und Her, das Holly anfangs veranstaltet, ist mir teilweise verständlich, da sie ja eventuell wegzieht, andererseits ändert sie ihre Meinung so oft, dass ich sie am liebsten geschüttelte hätte. Sie will Ford, gleichzeitig drängt sie ihm andere Frauen auf. Mädel, Invercargill ist mit der Fähre ist nur eineinhalb Stunden von Oban entfernt. Da ist eine Fernbeziehung doch auf jeden Fall machbar; hat ja auch Ford erkannt. Und warum trifft sich Ford mit seinen Online-Dates nicht auf dem Festland? Immerhin reisen die Frauen mehrere hundert Kilometer nach Oban an. ;)

Ford und Holly sind ansonsten ein wirklich nettes, passendes Paar und ihre Geschichte ist süß. Das Drama ist nicht schwerwiegend für die Geschichte, aber für Ford selbst. Er, aber auch Holly haben mir in Bezug auf diese Sache wirklich leidgetan. Außerdem fand ich es sehr schön, etwas über die Maori und ihre Kultur; ihren Familiensinn zu lernen.

Die Serie gehört auf jeden Fall zu meinen Lieblingen, denn Tracey Alvarez gelingt es mit ihrem schönen, wie immer soliden Schreibstil, jedem wunderbaren Charakter einzigartig und auch das für uns exotischen Setting vorstellbar zu machen

"Playing for Fun“ ist zwar nicht mein Lieblingsband der Reihe, aber die Geschichte hat mir wirklich gut gefallen und eine schöne Zeit beschert. Ich kann den nächsten

[Rob. C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great story of friendship and love in the sixth book in the Due South Series, Playing For Fun will not disappoint fans of author Tracey Alvarez’s books. But if you’re new to the series, the good news is you can start at this point and get pulled into the Due South world without any problems. The good thing about this series is that every book works well as a standalone, but it is obviously enjoyed that little bit more if you’ve read all the previous books and met all the side characters (by the way, book one In Too Deep – and my personal favorite – is free for you to enjoy, and you get book two, Melting Into You, free too if you subscribe to the author’s newsletter).

Playing For Fun is the story of two characters who have always been rather in the background in the previous books, always the best friends but never the leading characters. Having read all the previous books in the series, I was curious to read what the author had in store for them. Before I start my review, I have to point out that I am a little partial to a certain character (namely, Ryan “West” Westlake, the hero in book one) so no other hero has ever measured up to him – even though I’ve liked all the previous books in this series.
However, when I started reading the book I couldn’t help liking Ford. He’s the brooding, introverted and handsome hero any girl would like to cuddle. I know the image the author meant to give was probably completely different, but I imagined him like a giant teddy bear with dreadlocks – one that you can’t help wanting to hug and squeeze like a teddy bear.
Holly, just like every other heroine in the series, is super easy to relate to and a girl you’d like to be friends with. I’m happy the author decided to tell her story, because she deserved a little spotlight. My only complaint is that I would’ve liked for the author to delve a little bit deeper into Holly’s family problems, which played a big part in her past and in the way she grew up but were only briefly mentioned, whereas we get to read more about Ford’s family and his troubled past.

Following the style of the previous books, there is humor and banter and there are funny small-town community moments (Mrs. Taylor is hilarious) and as usual, I enjoyed the camaraderie all the guys and girls on the island share. They’re all friends who grew up together, and even the outsiders who have now become a part of the community are treated like family. I’ve loved this small island setting from the very first book, to the point that I’ve been dreaming of moving to New Zealand. But I’m sure if you read these books, you too will be tempted to get on a plane and find out if an adorable little island with friendly and funny locals really exists, somewhere in the Southern Emisphere.

Like in the previous books, there is steam when the two leading characters decide to give in to their feelings. And well, in this book there is a loooot of steam. Prudish as it sounds, I have to say that the author went a little overboard with the sex scenes in this book. Even though the previous books also contained adult material, I felt that the scenes between Holly and Ford were a little too graphic and left me a little surprised since I wasn’t expecting that side of Ford. To be honest, the giant teddy bear didn’t feel like one anymore, after I read their intimate moments… It is only a personal opinion though, so don’t let this discourage you from reading this book because you would definitely miss out on a great friends-to-lovers story if you did.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sixth book in the Due South series is a sweet, fun, sexy, slightly heartbreaking friends-to-lovers tale. I love this series, and overall I loved this one too. There are a lot of things I really liked about it, but one minor issue is preventing me from wholeheartedly loving it as much as I could have. (I'll get to that later.)

Ford and Holly are best friends and have been supporting players in the rest of the series. Holly has been the sounding board for friend Shaye's romantic woes, and a main background character for most, if not all, of the preceding books. She's fun, and smart, and sassy.

And ah, Ford. Quiet, and loyal, and oh so sexy. He's not quite as taciturn as Ben and not quite as charming as West, but a good friend to everyone in the tiny town of Oban. He has also been a main background character in the rest of the series.

I love a good friends-to-lovers story, and I loved the balance between wanting to preserve that friendship and giving in to the intense mutual attraction that developed somewhat suddenly and unexpectedly for them both. They have a quirky friendship and a very sexy, charged courtship. The angst - and there is always angst - is quiet and heartbreaking, and adds a depth to the story that kept me reading until late at night. I loved Ford and Holly together, and their story was sweet, beautiful, and a little sad.

The one thing - the only thing - that I didn't love was something that took me by surprise. I read a lot of romance in different genres; some of it is harder and some is softer. Some books use the "dirty" words, and others use so many euphemisms it's laughable. I tend to like books that fall somewhere in between, and the Due South series has always fallen into that middle ground. Sexy but not raunchy, sweet but not saccharine. This book drifts occasionally over that line into harder language that I found jarring. Not only because I didn't think it fit with the rest of the series, but also because I didn't think it fit the characters. Nothing in Ford's character prepared me for the way he refers to Holly in such a crass way, and while I didn't want a cheesy euphemism (her "womanly valley" or "cavern of heat" or some such nonsense), I also didn't expect the P-word. It may seem like a small detail, and it's just a word - ONE word - but it changed the tone of their lovemaking for me, didn't ring true to the character that had been developed up to that point, and didn't fit the overall attitude towards sex and women's bodies in the series as a whole.

The writing is, as always, rock solid. Each character has a distinct voice, and from the smallest gesture to the wider scene setting, the story feels sincere and natural. I did love it, and I'll probably add it to my rotation of books that I re-read occasionally, but that one little thing held me back from loving it unreservedly. It could be read as a standalone, but really works better as part of the series so should ideally be read in order.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated and all opinions are my own.

[Kat Desi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every time I read a small town romance novel, I feel like it's Christmas time for me! While I've read my fair share of them, I've never read one that is set in New Zealand which I found pretty exciting because I've always wanted to go there. Aotearoa, as the Maori called it. Before we get to the romance part of the story, I really would like to say first that I appreciated the glimpse of the Maori culture in this novel. I have always been intrigued by them and had always meant to do read a little more about them but I never found the time. Anyway, if you are not familiar with the Maori, you might find yourself a little confused with how much the author threw around terms and practices of the culture, etc., but I can assure you that you'll fall in love with them as a whole as I have had by the time I finished this book.

Now onto the review! This was a crazy friends-to-lovers story. Really, I'm not even using the word 'crazy' lightly, but I actually mean that in the good way. It's a little quirky, gives you a 'familiar' feeling (I don't quite know how to explain it), and it's definitely a book that stands out! Holly and Ford had been friends for as long as they could ever remember, but what they don't know is that they're attracted to the other but are also both so deep into the friendzone. It was back and forwards with Holly and Ford, that you'll find yourself annoyed and frustrated--especially when it came to Ford!

A charming (exasperating) group of ladies have decided that it was high time for Ford to have a woman of his own. Holly didn't agree, because she herself had always liked Ford more than she ever let on but that didn't really matter now because if Ford did end up getting the woman of his dreams (via an online dating site) or not, she'll be away for the job that she had had always wanted.

Overall, I really really really enjoyed this book. It was fun and charming and the sex scenes are hot. While the plot is considerably familiar, the way it is executed is impeccable. Steamy contemporary romance lovers shouldn't miss out on this book!

While this book is the sixth in a series, this can be read as a standalone. I have a mind to read the series from the start to get the full experience of Due South. After all, it was easy for me to fall in love with these characters.

This copy was provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Bette Stanek · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Book six in the Due South series by Tracey Alvarez is full of fun and quirky characters. Set in Oban, a small island village in the south of New Zealand, where everyone knows your business, but no one cares like the people of Oban.

Holly and Ford, it’s been a long time coming. They grew up together, they’re part of one another’s “family.” Holly crushed on Harley, Ford’s twin, when she was in high school. The twins carry a lot of baggage from their mother, but Ford’s baggage is the worst. Holly has some of her own so she recognizes it when she sees it. Holly and Ford are firmly in the friend zone and it looks like one of them wants to stay there. Or, maybe not.

It’s fun to be back in Oban and seeing what’s going on in everyone’s lives. Yes, there is plenty of interaction between the regulars so you get to catch up. It’s like old home week. Love this series, it’s pure entertainment. It’s like sitting down with old friends.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great next book in the series!

If you are a fan of Tracey Alvarez's Due South series, I think you will enjoy this book. It was great to read about Holly and Ford and to catch up with the rest of the gang. I have the urge to go back right now to re-read the rest of the series!

[Tracey Cramer-Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a difficult time getting into this story, and into Holly in particular (too much hot/cold and whining about her situation). It seemed to be a run-of-the-mill friends-to-lovers story with decent (if not completely necessary) sex scenes. UNTIL we started to get more of Ford’s backstory and his struggles and issues about half-way through. Then it got more interesting. The town inhabitants are funny (I only got confused about who was who a couple times), and Ford’s “dates” brought some funny situations into the mix. The inclusion of Maori culture/traditions was different as well. I did feel the ending was a little abrupt: one page Ford’s getting an earful from his twin brother (which was good) and the next he’s baring his soul to Holly.

[A.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holly is asked to help her friend Ford find a girlfriend online. He knows she’s always had a crush on his twin brother, Harley, but he is picking up some weird vibes from her. Is she jealous?

Ooh a friends to lovers trope. Ford has kept Holly company for so long on her couch that he knows what each season of Supernatural means to her – season three: safe but approach with caution; season one: everything in my life is crap so let me escape reality.
They’re good friends. But when women start getting off the ferry to meet him, he never feels anything for them, not like he does for Holly.
Naturally, the whole town has an opinion, including Dixie who lives below Holly’s apartment. [and can hear the bed springs squeal] but first, Ford has to tell some major truths to himself.
4 stars

[Esther · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful friends to lovers tale

I love Tracey's heartwarming storytelling style. She writes sexy heroes you want to fall in love with, well as smart, independent women you want to admire and cheer on. Playing for Fun is a sweet friends to lovers story with which you will love to escape from your world. She's tells the sad story of Ford's early years with such compassion and skill. This story highlights the way strong men seem to deal with personal and family wounds in a realistic way, and gives him path to grow beyond the pain,and be redeemed, and healed, by true love. This is a lovely story you won't soon forget.

[Iona · Rating 5 out of 5]

100% Loved it! Total entertainment!

Have never heard of or read the phrase: nuts slammed in the car's doors! I ached in multiple ways reading this treasure. My ribs ached from laughter, my heart ached for the pains of youth and the pangs of love. And my Lady Playground ached over the interesting scenarios that Tracey Alvarez had Holly and Ford playing in. This book will definitely be kept to re-read!

[Caro · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good, if aggravating and exasperating, book. It was written well and pulls you in. However slightly, in the beginning. I enjoyed the different setting and the personalities. I loved the characters, sometimes, and wanted to knock their heads together quite often. This is a good book for something to read and doesn't get you too caught up, but just enough. Good for the lazy-day read. Enjoy

[Pontiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holly wants to move out of the friend zone with Ford, but isn’t sure what he wants. Ford also wants to be with Holly, but has a hard time thinking she’ll take him as he is because he carries past childhood pain.

Their friends see their attraction, which they dance around for awhile, then realize it’s right to be together. He takes care of her, and she loves him no matter what.

Great book, lots of cool characters, sweetness between Ford and Holly.

[MaryRhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

I loved this story of Ford and Holly. Mrs. Taylor is a hoot and when she made Holly be the one to find Ford a woman was almost too much. This self proclaimed Cupid knew exactly what she was doing. She got Holly and Ford to finally act on their feelings. This definitely was not an easy relationship but they did figure it out and got their happily ever after.

[Judi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing for fun or for keeps...

This best friends to lovers to more story is sweet, sexy fun for us. Happy go lucky Ford and his geek girl friend Holly are inseparable, but just friends right? I love this small close knit town and the family of inhabitants make you want to move down there with them.

[Kerry H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Neither wanted to hurt the other

This was a difficult read for me although a good story with endearing characters, I had to revert back several chapters to clarify why the weren't together. Neither wanted to hurt the other... oops, too late. Holly's family issues were brought up several times but not resolved.

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read all the other books in this series and loved them but this one did not keep me glued to the story like the others. Best friends slowly moving to more than and pulling back. Same old same old.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Playing for Fun

A wonderful friends to lovers story. All the characters were well developed and interesting. Easy to read - even if you haven't read all of the other books in the series.

[Mandi Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute story. Though it felt like half way through the book the characters swapped personalities. It does end in a happy ever after though. Which was great. And I have already bought the next book.

[Pamela T Lindau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, sassy read

Holly is strong and yet a very sensitive young woman. Ford is sexy as hell but has his demons. Holly's strength is Ford's salvation. Enjoyable read. Makes one want to visit New Zealand and experience the beauty of the land and people for themselves.

[Rosemary Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

They were best friend's. He was someone to watch the Sci fi series she loved, whilst munching pizza and beer.
So, when Mrs T decided he was her next mission to gain a girlfriend for, it put all sorts of strain on their "only friends" relationship.

[Christine Hayes · Rating 3 out of 5]

was good

[Margarette Dibble · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

I would recommend this book to adults that enjoy stories that are funny, steamy and romantic, with strong characters both male and female

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that I enjoyed reading.

[Merry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny

It was delightful to revisit Stewart island again. I laughed with the familiar characters and really enjoyed the story of Ford and Holly.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a great book to read