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Playing for Time

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Darcy Rayne is King of his team, this club, this city.
Every girl wants a shot at winning his heart.
I want to know the real man behind those guarded eyes.

It started like any other night at the club.
Our eyes connected. More fleeting glances.
Awareness.

The game clock started for us.
I underestimated a footballer’s determination and focus to the game.
Played with my heart, and in doing so almost stole his dream.
Misjudged the importance of the clock in the game of love.

Even elite athletes miscalculate the rules.
And he undervalued mine, realising all too late.
You can’t play for time.
Only hope for a second chance…


Playing for Time is a stand alone read and Book 6 of The Bay Series.

Reading
Winning the Player
Charming the Outback
Jardine
Caught Out
Winning the Game
Playing for Time

287 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 13, 2019

39 people are currently reading
100 people want to read

About the author

Leesa Bow

26 books578 followers
Best selling Australian author, Leesa Bow writes alphas with a fierce determination to win, and the women who will push for them to fight harder.
Her love of sports romance came from inspiration from her sporty family.
Leesa loves nothing more than to curl up with a good book, and a glass of South Australian wine.


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Website: https://www.leesabow.com
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Leesabowromance
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5 stars
31 (41%)
4 stars
33 (44%)
3 stars
8 (10%)
2 stars
1 (1%)
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1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Helen.
2,886 reviews56 followers
April 27, 2019
This is an emotional moving story, really there is a lot of heart-felt feelings running through this one, ups and downs, pain and hurt but from these emotions springs love, a deep love, but it takes time for Allie and Darcy to get there, they have a lot to overcome first, I thoroughly enjoyed this one, I hope you will pick this one up and enjoy it as I did.

Allie is a domestic flight attendant, she is quiet and comes across reserved, she lost her parents when she was just ten years old and has been bought up by her loving grandparents, her grandmother is not well at the moment and Allie spends a lot of time with her and Pops but she meets a lot of people on her flights and one of them is Darcy Rayne top football player for The Adelaide Thunder team, Footy or any sport for that matter is not Allie’s cup of tea but for some reason she is drawn to the man Darcy and cannot deny the pull that he causes.

Darcy Rayne is a player on and off the field, but he wants nothing more than being the best in football and aiming for a grand final is what he is after, but he has met the beautiful flight attendant on a couple of flights now and he feels connected to her for some reason, and he decides that he needs to be with her, although it is not easy he has been hurt before, but the pull is so hard to let go off and the sensual and emotional connection grows.

Did an old phone number and fate bring Allie and Darcy together? What is this connection that will not go away, the need they have for each is spiraling with emotion and a very sensual attraction. I have to say I really did enjoy this book even though there were times that I struggled with Allie and then I was cheering her on and Darcy yes again I could have pushed him and then cheered for him as well and yes there were tears and sighs and smiles, wow you got me invested in this one MS Bow, you pulled at my emotions and had me turning the pages, yes this is one that I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Alina Graf.
200 reviews17 followers
February 8, 2019
First things first I love this book so bloody much.

This author always gives me all the feels with her hot Aussie footy players and her strong heroines.
Allie and Darcy were not perfect. They both made mistakes und were so terribly imperfect which made them so real and I loved that. Because making mistakes and taking wrong turns and making a wrong decision, that is real life and seeing that in books is sometimes a rarity. And I loved seeing characters of other books of hers return for short cameos, that made my heart happy.

Another thing that almost brought tears to my eyes was Allie's relationship with her grandparents. I loved how close they were. And that Darcy was also trying to at the end, made me smile like a damn idiot.

It was the whole package. Heartbreak, laughs, smiles, sadness. I recommend if you haven't read anything by this author then please do check this out and if you have read something by this author then please read this too because swoon.

Also last remark! Now where is my 7 feet tall Aussie footy player?
Profile Image for Gwen Shafer.
2,181 reviews38 followers
February 13, 2019
This is the first book I have read by Leesa. It was enjoyable. A sweet touching story line. They meet on a plane and start something. But when she needs him the most he isn't there. Will she forgive him? Touching sweet moments in this story line. Well written story line. Some great characters. I loved Pops. Definitely has me wanting to read more from Leesa.
Profile Image for Jenny.
1,107 reviews
February 1, 2019
I enjoyed reading this book. Although it didn’t keep my focus as much as some others, it was a good story. Alli and Darcy are great characters. I look forward to reading more from this author.
*Magic Beyond The Covers Book Blog*
Profile Image for Jemina Venter.
35 reviews9 followers
February 8, 2019
I absolutely loved Alli & Darcy's story! This was by far my favourite in this series. Heartbreaking and heartwarming and just gorgeous all the way through! Highly recommend! You don't need to read the series in order, but it is cool as there are cameos.
Profile Image for Aimie.
Author 16 books148 followers
April 29, 2020
Another fantastic story from Leesa Bow. It was great to see some old faces pop up in this one. And the new ones were great additions too.
Profile Image for Angelina.
742 reviews
February 16, 2019
Playing For Time was certainly worth the wait! This is a story about finding your soul mate, but it also shows that not every relationship runs smoothly and sometimes a couple have to walk away until the time is right. Leesa Bow has written an emotional story that had me enthralled throughout and unsure if this couple would be able to overcome their fears to be together. I loved how fate kept ensuring Alli and Darcy's paths crossed, and the text messages storyline was so moving and allowed us to understand one of the characters better. I also find the setting of Australia beautiful and the perfect place for a romance. Leesa Bow incorporates the setting so well within the story that it adds to and allows you to ‘see’ what's happening. This author definitely has a way with words.

I absolutely love this whole series and can't pick my favourite book or couple because they're all amazing and 5 star reads. We get to catch up with old friends in this addictive addition to a series that I'll always read again and again. I've said this before, and I'll keep saying it, I wish Leesa Bow was discovered by more readers. She deserves to be a best selling author! So if you haven't picked up any of her books yet, please make sure do you as you'll then want to read them all. I discovered this very talented author by chance and I'm so glad that I did. You won't be disappointed!

*I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book
Profile Image for Ga Books LoverX.
2,410 reviews24 followers
February 11, 2019
Good gracious did this book break my heart! Don't worry, it then did a great job of rebuilding it after the fact! :)

Alli and Darcy both were a little broken when they met each other. Alli dealing with separation and family issues while and Darcy dealing with almost achieving his dream.

The story line is so freaking insane and how the universe kept throwing them together was amazingly poetic. The author did a great job shaping these characters to be a little broken, but at the same time pushing the fact that they are still redeemable. They both need to believe in themselves and them in each other before they could ever have anything real.

This book was extremely emotional and was not light-hearted at all, but it was not meant to be. The underlying messages kind of slapped you in the face towards the middle and end and I legit teared up.

The characters had major steam, but this book did a crazy amazing job of showcasing that sometimes steam isn't everything when you are playing for time.

4 outta 5 stars, it was a really good book! There was quite a lot going on and I felt a little lost at a couple of points, but not many, because the author brought me right back in and I LOVED the ending!

PS: I received this book as an ARC in return for my honest feedback.
Profile Image for Thuy Taylor.
1,400 reviews19 followers
January 31, 2019
Alli has a heart of gold. She loves her family, she loves her friends, plays safe, anxious of letting people in because the thought of attachments, falling in love, fearful of them leaving. She lost her parents at a young age, and she wants to keep her family as close as possible. So family is everything to her. Darcy is a rugby player, he's a superstar in his craft. He sees Alli on a couple of flights where she is a flight attendant. There is a pull they have towards each other. He doesn't do relationships but he knows Alli is more of a game changer, a distraction, a forever type of girl. But, he's worked all his life for these championship games, and he knows its not the right time for the distraction.

I liked this story, it was sweet reading how Alli slowly broke down his walls. There is a little twist in there, which was interesting. It was good seeing these two growing during their semi relationship. Timing is everything. Sometimes its terrible, miserable, makes your heart ache. Sometimes its perfect, amazing and can change your life to unbelievable happiness.
Profile Image for Amy  Crull.
2,430 reviews38 followers
February 13, 2019
So Darcy and Alli aren't your normal couple. They don't meet, fall in love and live happily. This one takes work and priorities in order before they finally become a couple. Football is life for Darcy. He never had work for a woman before. They all were easy due to his success in football. Meeting Alli changes his way of thinking. Sure they might have jumped into bed early but you can't fault her for falling for his charm. He definitely has it. He also has a heart and cares for others. Alli is a sweet girl. She went thru a tragedy and thanks to her grandparents, made her who she is today. Her brother is whole other story. I kinda felt bad for her. She realized that he moved on and found a new family to which she thought he didn't need her anymore. It was kinda heartbreaking. These two characters were fun and real all at the same time. I enjoyed this book!
Profile Image for Anastasia.
141 reviews2 followers
February 7, 2019
What a fantastic read!

This is a great story with all the feels and it reduced me to tears at one point. The characters are well thought out, with depth and flaws that make you connect with them and feel their pain, their excitement, their joy.

I love how Ms Bow is able to interweave her stories so that you get glimpses of previous characters without it detracting from the main story in any way. She is a wonderfully talented author and I cannot wait to see what she does next.

A must read.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.1k reviews91 followers
February 13, 2019
The loss that Alli has suffered in the past makes her reluctant to let anyone too close except for her family but when she loves she loves deeply.

Darcy is a star rugby player who has focused all his attention on his career. Alli is a flight attendant and Darcy is attracted to her but he knows she is the relationship type not the fun type.

There is no denying the chemistry between them but is it enough for them to overcome the obstacles that life throws in their way. This is an emotional story of love, healing and realizing what is truly important.
Profile Image for Ashleigh Christou.
223 reviews19 followers
February 7, 2019
A nice romantic story with a few twists along the way. I adored Darcy, he was a sweetheart and I honestly think he deserved a bit better then how Alli treated him during the story. It lost me a little with some decisions she made but I was back on board towards the end. I loved her grandparents and think there’s a story that could be told about their relationship, I’d read it!
An enjoyable story with a twist or 2 thrown in the rock the boat. I’d definitely try some of this authors other work.
Profile Image for Jen (jensdreamylittlereads).
964 reviews121 followers
February 11, 2019
This was such a fantastic read. I just loved it.

This is a great story with all the feels and it was very emotional. The characters are extremely well written that have depth and flaws that make you relate and connect with them and feel their every emotion.

I loved how Leesa Bow interweaved this story with glimpses of characters from previous books without it detracting from the main story in any way. She is a wonderful talent. I am loving this series from Leesa Bow. I cannot wait to see what comes next.
Profile Image for wendy Shelton(obsessedbybooks).
2,554 reviews27 followers
February 13, 2019
Darcy is a rugby player and playing the game is all he has time for and wants til a flight attendant has his mind wondering what if. Alli is sweet and kind d girl who loves her family, friends, they're everything , so just the thought of losing them sets her anxiety high, that's why she doesn't do attachments, but when she meets Darcy it's a good time right? I loved these characters so much. The flow was amazing.
Profile Image for Missy.
210 reviews4 followers
January 30, 2019
Playing for Time was a great book. I read it from beginning to end in one sitting. Darcy was was a sexy football player and Alli is a flight attendant. I thought it was funny how Alli played hard to get with Darcy. The way all the characters were there for each was wonderful.

This is the second book I have read of Leesa Bow's. I look forward to reading more.
Profile Image for I Dont Get Sundays.
1,018 reviews7 followers
February 7, 2019
Although I loved Alli I did not care for Darcy. He just didn't get it. Well he started to get it when it looked to be a little too late. These characters were enjoyable at times and had a tough go at life. At least Alli had a backbone on her and we were able to see that she just didn't bow down. It was a good story.
Profile Image for Lauren.
2,579 reviews13 followers
February 10, 2019
Otay so I read this as a standalone and really enjoyed both Alli and Darcy. My biggest problem was there was so much back and forth and he goofs she tells him she needs space and time he gives it to her she takes a year and then tells him when he finally goes to her that she wanted him to come after her. They both grew alot in that year but there was so much build up then it was like bam stories done. Im glad in the end they got there happy.
Profile Image for Jennifer Ann.
Author 43 books752 followers
February 14, 2019
Another excellent read by one of my favorites! I almost forget I don't know anything about Australian sports when I'm reading one of Ms. Bow's books. She effortlessly pulls me into another culture every time, and I fall in love with the characters as if they're my close friends. Darcy may be my favorite hero to date! You won't want to miss out on this emotional love story!
Profile Image for Nicole Ortiz.
2,037 reviews53 followers
February 14, 2019
I enjoyed reading Darcy and Allie's story. This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster. This is a story of two broken souls who meet, break up and then years later try again. I really liked the storyline and the characters. This is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. I can't wait to dive into the previous books to read the other characters in this book and their story.
I received an ARC and volunteered to leave a review.
3,159 reviews
February 14, 2019
My first read by the author and I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it. This was a sports romance that had its up and down with all the feels that made for some emotional moments. The characters are well defined and their journey was interesting to follow. I’m glad that the author gave the Darcy and Alli a HEA that they both had to work for which kept me hooked until the end. I voluntarily reviwed an advance readers copy of this book.
Profile Image for Quincey Conway.
177 reviews8 followers
February 17, 2019
Alli who lost everything at such a young age, who has the biggest heart, plays it safe doesn't let anyone close for fear of them leaving. she keeps her family close. Darcy plays rugby, the best in his game, Alli is a flight attendant who happens to be on a few of his flights. Two people who don't let love in, may just have meet their match in one another. Can they let go of their hang ups and let love in?
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20k reviews255 followers
February 9, 2019
Allie is a flight attendant, and Darcy is a star rugby player, and both of these characters struggle with their troubled pasts. This is a well written story which is heartbreaking, heart-warming, and humorous with twists which had me intrigued and hooked throughout. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
580 reviews9 followers
January 31, 2019
This book started out strong...loved the device of the characters and the storyline...somewhere in the middle I felt the emotions fall off...but by the end it was back to being very strong.
Profile Image for Laura.
585 reviews5 followers
February 16, 2019
I had a hard time putting this book down! The whole time I was waiting to figure out who the text messages were from & I'm glad that my hunch was right!!! There were so many feels in this book: giddiness, heartbreak, happiness, & worry. I'm glad we got to see how Darcy & Allie story played out!
Profile Image for Messy Bun Book Blog.
2,319 reviews
February 16, 2019
I had a hard time putting this book down. The whole time I was waiting to figure out who the text messages were from & I was glad that my hunch was right!! So many feels in the book: giddiness, heartbreak, happiness, & worry. I’m glad we got to see how Darcy & Allie’s story played out!!
1,712 reviews14 followers
February 9, 2019
This was an okay read for me. It has it's sweet parts and sad parts but I didn't really feel the heat between Alli and Darcy.
Profile Image for Spunky N Sassy.
5,389 reviews118 followers
February 22, 2019
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 4.0

~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~

🌟🌟🌟🌟

This is a great book. It’s a quick read that readers are going to want to stay up all night for.
Profile Image for Donna.
378 reviews17 followers
April 4, 2019
First book by Leesa Bow. It was a good read. It was hard to get into the story at first but after chapter 4 it started getting better and kept my interest. The story was sweet and steamy. I was so happy to see Darcy and Ali get their HEA.
Profile Image for Kirsty Adams - Kindle Freak Book Blog.
918 reviews26 followers
February 13, 2019
Alli and Darcy’s story had all the feels. Two troubled characters just hovering through life, scared to really live due to tragic paths. Their connection was undeniably strong and it radiates off the pages. Ali’s relationship with her Grandparents was heart warming. A story that made me cry but also had me sitting with a big fat smile on my face.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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