Playing By Heart

by Melanie Shawn

Stand-alone Valentine Bay romance, complete with HEA--and plenty of heat and heart along the way!

Troy Valentine gave up everything when his parents died, leaving his career as a pro baseball player to come home to Valentine Bay and raise his little sister, Mila. It’d been so long since he put himself first or thought about what he wanted, it was hard to even remember what that felt like.

Broadway star Alison Bartholomew needed a break from her high-pressure theater career and all the scrutiny and judgement that went with it. When she meets Troy on the first morning of her Valentine Bay getaway, she starts to wonder: could a short sabbatical turn into something more lasting?

Troy and Alison can't help but be drawn to each other, but is the force binding them together stronger than the one pulling them in different directions?

18+

Genres: Romance

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 7, 2019

About the author

NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestselling author Melanie Shawn writes HEAs filled with sweet and sassy heroines, heroes who are cinnamon rolls in the streets alpho-holes in the sheets, casts of supportive *cough: meddling* friends and family who put the fun in funny, toe-curling combustible heat, and sugary sweet “aww” moments that will have your hearts and e-readers melting.

Reviews

[Becky Claxon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another wonderful book in the Valentine Bay series. I was glad to see that Allison has a soft side and not turned hardened from being on Broadway and a reality show. She made a good decision to move to Valentine Bay for awhile to figure out what she wants to do. I am sure it was very frustrating to be woken up the first morning by sawing and hammering when she was looking for peace and quiet. Of course, I think it was all worth it when she met Troy. Troy is such a good man. He gave up his pro baseball career when his parents died five years ago to take care of his eight year old sister. It had to be very hard on him. I loved his attitude toward his sister as a teenager now. Mila, Troy’s sister, is funny. I loved her reaction when she finds out Tony went for a date with her idol Allison. I love these small towns in the books where everyone helps each other and knows what is going on with everyone. This is a wonderful romance I encourage you to read. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**

This has been such a great series and I've loved reading the love stories of all the Valentine brothers, but I have to say, I was looking forward to this one knowing what all Troy gave up when his parents passed away.

Troy Valentine was a professional baseball player and when the unthinkable happened and his parents passed away tragically, he was the only one of the four brothers in the position to return to Valentine Bay to care for his young sister. That meant giving up his baseball career, but over the years he's found that caring for Mila and returning to Valentine Bay hasn't been too bad. He's currently working construction and flipping houses.

Alison Bartholomew was doing the job she always thought she wanted to do in performing on Broadway. But when things go sideways a bit after appearing as a judge on a show, she decides she needs a break. She chooses to fly cross country from New York City to Valentine Bay, on the coast of Oregon, to try to get some perspective. Alison rents a house on the water and the first morning she's there she is woken early by the sawing and pounding coming from the house next door. Going to investigate, she ends up coming face to face with Troy and to say sparks flew immediately is an understatement!

As Troy and Alison spend more time together, it's apparent that they have a true connection. Throw in that Troy's sister, Mila, has been a fan of Alison's for years and you have what is either going to be the start of a great love story, or in the end there will be more than two heartbroken people. Will Alison choose to stay in Valentine Bay or will the bright lights of Broadway lure her back?

As always, Melanie Shawn did a fantastic job with this story. I was in it from the outset and I was happy to see Troy, and Mila, get their happily ever after!

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest review for ARC

Allison Bartholomew needed a break from Broadway and her latest stint on the reality show Broadway Baby. She loved performing on stage, singing, dancing, acting. It was in her blood, but as a judge on Broadway Baby, she was labeled as too soft-hearted. Allison wanted everyone to have hope. So she packed her bags and drove from NYC to Valentine Bay, Oregon to get some fresh perspective.

Allison’s first morning, she was awakened by the sounds of pounding and the whine of an electric saw. In order to not start off on the wrong foot, Allison made some coffee and took a cup over to talk to the owner of the hammer and saw, hoping some kind of agreement could be reached. When Allison first saw Troy Valentine, she almost swallowed her tongue. Hubba! Hubba!

Troy couldn’t believe his eyes. There was an angel, a goddess standing in his most recently purchased home, and she was handing him coffee! Troy had left a successful life as a pro baseball player to return to Valentine Bay to raise his younger sister when his parents were killed in an accident. Troy never looked back on his decision, but his first priority was his kid sister Mila, and he took his responsibilities as a parent very seriously. But Allison might put a kink in his plans.

Everyone in Valentine Bay was crazy about Allison, but Troy was sure her stay there was temporary. Why would a performer of Allison’s caliber want to stay in little Valentine Bay? What could keep her there? Certainly she would miss the call of the stage and lights of NYC. Could there possibly be a future for them?

[Doni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the characters in the book
& really enjoyed reading it.
It's an engaging, steamy & fun romance.
Alison, is in Valentine Bay, taking a break from her life & career. She rented a house overlooking the bay, where it was to be a quiet area. That is, till Alison is woken up
early. Wanting to politely take care of the matter, she meets Troy.
Troy, a gorgeous adonis, covered in sawdust, who made her tongue-tied
& her heart race. Troy, is the oldest of
the Valentine brothers. He moved back
to Valentine Bay five years ago, to care for his sister, putting his life on hold.
But, then the most beautiful angel
walked into his house.
Alison & Troy's connection is undeniable.
I loved everything about the book!
Playing by Heart, will steal your heart
from the very first pages to the last.

[Urvashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alison is a broadway star in need of a break, and decides Valentine Bay is the best place for it. But her first morning in the new town she gets woken up by the sounds of a hammer and power saw. On investigating the sounds, she meets Troy who is renovating the house.
Troy gave up his pro baseball career to come home and take care of his younger sister and runs a construction business in Valentine Bay. While fixing up a house to flip, he comes face to face with Alison and he is smitten.
Alison and Troy have an undeniable connection and their chemistry along with being hot was also sweet and passionate in a way that was more emotional than just physical. I loved this sweet romance and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys warm, fun loving, and entertaining stories.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Those that have read the previous books, will be happy to know we finally get Troy Valentine’s story. The last of the Valentine brothers to find love and the one that gave up his successful career to take care of his sweet sister Mia.
When Broadway star Alison Bartholomew needs a break from the theatre lights and her career, she travels cross-country and rents the house next to the one Troy is restoring.
From the moment they meet, there is an attraction, but both are cautious. One is not sure what the future holds, the other one , will do anything to protect a sister.
It’s a sweet romance , that flows seamlessly. If you have been a fan of the series, you’ll get a chance to visit with the rest of the Valentine “boys” and their significant others.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to reading Troy's book and was definitely not disappointed!! After Troy gave up his baseball career to come home and raise his sister Mila, after his parents death, he was just living life day by day!! That is until he met the love of his life, a famous broadway star, who came to Valentines Bay to relax for the summer!! Alison and Troy have amazing chemistry!! I could not put this book down once I started!! Don't hesitate to one click this book!!

[Coral Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Troy is a special, caring man who gave up his lucrative career to raise his younger sister. He needs someone special, but he is not even looking for a romantic partner. Alison needs a break from NY and Valentine Bay seems just the place to recharge. A wonderful, smooth read. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from Valentine Bay. Loved Alison and Troy and their quest for their HEA. Mila added lots of joy to the story. Liked how Alison fit so well with the girls and acquired family in the small town.❤️❤️received this arc for an honest review.

[Wendy Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love visiting Valentine's Bay again. Troy and Allison are great addition to the series. I loved how Mila played a role in this story. It was steamy, hot, sweet read.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!! Oh WOW!! I loved, loved, loved this book!! Troy and Alison’s love story in Playing by Heart book four in the Valentine Bay series by the amazing duo of Melanie Shawn is another must read!! When his parents died Troy gave up everything to come home to Valentine Bay and raise his little sister, Mila. Being the oldest, he puts the needs of everyone else first, forgetting what it’s like to think of him first. Broadway star Alison was badly in need of a break from the high-pressure stress from her theater career along with all the judgment that came with it; so she take a sabbatical and drives across country to regroup. Alison meets the sexy, hot, construction worker Troy on her first morning in Valentine Bay, making her very happy to be far from New York City. Alison is the first woman Troy is attracted to since returning to Valentine Bay. As these two spend time becoming friends and lovers, they discover there is so much more to life than they previously believed. Alison begins to wonder if maybe she could make a life in Valentine Bay instead of on the New York stage.

The chemistry between Alison and Troy is off the charts. I love how human, down to earth, and “soft” Alison is, caring about nurturing other artistic types. Troy is very protective of his sister Mila, so the fact that he allows Alison into their lives demonstrates how strong the attraction between them is. Mila is also very encouraging of Mila and her desire to perform. I found it interesting that the first friends Alison made in town were the wives of Troy’s brothers. Troy will need to learn that letting Alison go to perform for others does not mean sh doesn’t love him nor that she won’t return home to him and Mila.

Melanie Shawn wrote a wonderfully emotional and moving story filled with sexual chemistry, fun dialogue, and endearing characters that is not to be missed. I highly recommend Just One Kiss to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Nate Brightman · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this the fourth book in the Valentine Bay series the last single and eldest Valentine brother Troy, finds love. Since my only complaint with this story was that we really didn’t learn much about the background of the female lead character Alison Bartholomew other than she is a big Broadway star who grew up in a small town. Where was this small town? Were her parents still living? Did she have any siblings? Based upon the ending I’d assume not, but you know what happens when you assume. At any rate it’s a small thing and I’m certainly not going to take points away because of it. In fact, I’m giving this book 5 stars which is fairly rare for me when it comes to contemporary romances. For me this book checked all the boxes. Troy, the male lead was the kind of guy I wouldn’t mind having as a friend and neighbor. Alison was the kind of woman that if I weren’t happily married would be happy to be with. I already adored Ella, Gen and Abbey so it was great to see them get significant secondary roles in the story. Mila is just adorable and steals every scene she appears in. There’s plenty of romance as Troy and Alison’s relationship develops. There’s more than a fair share of laughs. The angst level in regard to the big question of will Alison give up Broadway for Troy, Mila and Valentine Bay to keep it interesting created just the right amount of threat to the H.E.A. And it goes without saying that with the sister writing team of Melanie and Shawna, they know how to bring the heat in steamy scenes and they don’t disappoint in the least in this story. Just a great story to more or less conclude this series unless the authors fast forward ten or so years to give Mila a romance.

[Stella Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Troy, Allison and Mila!

Troy Valentine is the last single Valentine brother. Troy was a professional baseball player, but he gave it up to take care of his sister Mila (who is now a teenager) when their parents passed away. Allison Bartholomew needs to get away from the bright lights and overly stressful Broadway! She decides to go across the country and she rents the house next door to the house Troy is restoring. The first morning in the quiet country, she is awakened by the sounds of construction next door. When she goes to explore the source of these obnoxious noises, she discovers Troy. And sparks fly! The attraction between the two is apparent to everyone and it helps that Mila idolizes Allison! But Allison’s career is in Broadway, while Troy is guarding his heart and trying to protect Mila. As they spend time together, they learn there is more to life than they previously thought, and they move from friends to lovers. As Allison becomes an integral part of their lives, as she becomes friends with Troy’s sister-in-laws, it becomes clear that the two are better and belong together.

As with the other books in this series, the book is well written and I became fully intwined in the story and the characters. You’ll love this book and the series!

I was provided with an ARC of this book and I am providing my honest review. I have received no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.

[D. Brzoska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allison Bartholomew was living her dream performing on Broadway. When she was asked to be a judge on a Broadway reality show, she is labeled “too soft” because she didn’t have the heart to crush the young kids hearts. Allison decides to drive all night to escape New York for some peace & quiet. However, that quiet is ruined by a tool-belted Adonis renovating the supposedly vacant house next door.

Troy Valentine had a promising professional baseball career when his parents died in a tragic accident. He was the only one of the four brothers in a position to return to Valentine Bay to take care of their younger sister, Mila, so he gave up his baseball career. Troy becomes a contractor to make ends meet & to be there for his sister. Troy has never regretted his decision; he knew Mila had to be his first priority.

When Allison tries to bribe Troy to keep the noise down, sparks fly. Allison has always loved New York City but small town life in Valentine Bay is looking better & better but what is a Broadway star to do in a small town?

I love this series and all of Melanie Shawn’s book as a matter of fact. I highly recommend Playing by Heart.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Troy Valentine is the perfect book boyfriend that you love & want in your life! When his parents are killed in a car accident, he drops his promising baseball career to go home & raise his younger sister. He’s hard working & considerate of others feelings but he’s definitely not a wimp!

Alison is a celebrity on the theater circuit but is trying to lay low for a while. She is truly a nice person. Even though she was a judge on a reality show, she couldn’t bring herself to be critical of the contestants. She wanted to give them positive reinforcement. When she was woken up on the first day of her sabbatical by hammering & lots of noise, her solution is to make coffee & offer it as she asks for peace & quiet.

Alison & Troy are perfect for each other. They are so afraid of letting people down. Troy’s sister Mila adds a comic element to the story with her adoration of Alison & the way she talks to Troy. This story had all of the emotions & even some physical comedy with Troy & Alison’s mishaps. It’s a completely wonderful story!!

[Tracy Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely 5 stars!
What a great read. I have been waiting for Troy’s story and this was well worth the wait. Troy and Alison were fantastic characters and worked so well together.

I loved that Mila was and still is, even with Alison in the picture, Troy’s 1st priority. Troy is such a responsible and great brother. He gave his career for his sister and you can tell he doesn’t regret it in the least bit. He also stays true to himself and his family.

Alison is such a sweet woman that needs a nice man to settle her. Troy is the perfect man for her. I loved how easily she made friends with Troy’s brothers and their significant others. Alison also instantly connected with Mila which was huge for Troy at least.

Putting sexy with passion and not just one or the other was a really good way to go. My favorite, besides the couple, was how you showed that Alison could have a career and the man instead of having to pick one over the other.

As always did NOT want the story to end!!

[Sherri Babb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite series by this author. The Valentine Day series always make me laugh and smile while I am reading it. This book is about Troy and Alison. Troy gave up his career in baseball to come home and raise his sister Mila after his parents passed away. Troy has always put Mila's needs first above his own. Alison is looking for something but she is not sure what it is. She drove cross country from New York to Valentine's Bay to get from it all and to try and figure out what she wants in life. She meets Troy the very first morning she is there. There was a connection between them. What happens when this connection becomes the talk of the town? What happens when Troy begins to doubt that connection? I suggest you pick up this book and find out what happens. Honestly I would start with the first book because this is a series you do not want to miss reading. I am still hoping that Mila gets her own book. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Stefani · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book!! The Valentine Bay series has all been amazing, but I feel like I had been waiting for this one the entire time. Troy is the oldest Valentine brother and he gave up so much when his parents were killed. Troy was a professional baseball player who gave it all up in a heartbeat so he could raise his little sister in the only home she’s ever known. Troy dedicated his life to making sure Mila had an amazing childhood. Now Troy didn’t seem all that into dating, but when Allison rents the house next door, all bets are off. Allison is a broadway actress and lives in NYC, but after getting some flack for being “too soft” on competition show, she takes a much needed break from NYC. Throw in some pushing from Mila, Allison’s biggest fan, and these two are adorable together. Will Allison stay? You’re going to have to find out for yourself!! Melanie Shawn did such an amazing job with this one!!

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alison Bartholomew is a Broadway star who was a judge on a reality show. She loved helping the young kids grow their talent. The other people in her industry said that she was too soft and that she should be more cutthroat and critical of everything. She realizes she needs a break from New York and flees to Valentine's Bay.

Troy gave up his pro baseball career to go home and raise his sister after their parents untimely death. He meets Alison and is immediately was drawn to her.

Will Alison make her break turn into a new life or will she end up going back to the thrill of Broadway.

This story was a quick fun read. I found that the story was predictable but the story was also sweet. Alison helped to get Mila out of her shell and Alison found a sense of community that she found she was lacking back in New York.

I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Michelle Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been waiting for Troy Valentine to find his HEA and boy did he ever. I definitely love Broadway and that the heroine is a Broadway star, couldn’t have been better. It was like you were in the wings, watching their story play out. From their first meeting, their first date, the ups and downs that come with any relationship and finally the end scene when they get together. I loved that Mila was such a huge part of this book, as it should have been, and that Alison wanted to be part of her life as well and I thought it was touching that she made special arrangements for her to do something special with Mila the night of her school concert. All I can say is another amazing production by Melanie Shawn. Bravo! Bravo!

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing By Heart is the fourth novel in the Valentine Bay series by Melanie Shawn. I've honestly been waiting for Troy's story since we met him in the first Valentine Bay novel. There is just something about his character that made me want to know his story! And I'm glad I did because Playing By Heart is such a quick, fun read!

I loved Allison and her personality and that even though she fits into Valentine Bay so well, she really is from a whole different world. I also loved her relationship with Mila.

Troy is such a sweetheart, you just cant help but like him. He's hardworking, caring and loyal...how can you beat that?!

Valentine Bay is so much fun! If you haven't read the Valentine boys' stories yet, get on it!!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for awhile for Troy's books. He deserves a great girl. Troy gave up his life to come home and take care of his sister when his parents passed away. Although I don't think he would take it back in a minute but he deserved to find the love of his life. Alison finds herself needing a break from reality and comes to Valentine Bay. Upon her arrival she is woken up by the construction going on next door. She was told this was going to be a quite getaway so she wanders over to take to the construction crew. She finds only one person and he is very attractive. They both need to overcome their reservations but also look out for Troy's sister.

I really enjoyed this books and was excited to see Troy find he true love. I am going to miss the Valentine Bay Family!!!

[Paige Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars


From the moment Alison walks into his life the pair are inseparable. They had a relative easy love which was comforting and sweet. She had a fondness for Mika which is heartwarming too.
There’s a little strife towards the end but for the most part it was a simple easy love story.
While I enjoyed the book, there were a few storylines that I would have liked to see expanded such as what is he doing with the house he’s working on, his house and what about her career?
They were minor wants that didn’t deter my like for this book.

I read a copy of the book for a honest review

[D Nik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this fourth book in the Valentine Bay series. This is Troy’s story the last of the Valentine brothers from the family the town is named. Troy was embarking on a successful baseball career which ended when his parents died and he returned to Valentine Bay to care for his young sister, Mila. Alison a Broadway star has come to Valentine Bay for some relaxation and respite after some harsh criticism from being on a reality tv show.
Their attraction to each other is instant. Troy is hot, Alison is gorgeous and Mila is fun. This book is a perfect blend of emotion, family, fun, wit and passion. I totally recommend this book both as a continuation of the series and as a standalone.

[Tracy Flick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Troy gave up his career and basically his life as he had known it when he moved back home to take care of his sister after their parents were killed. Troy would do anything to ensure his sister's happiness, even putting his personal life on hold, that is until Alison moves to town. Alison and Troy hit it off immediately and are a perfect match. What's wonderful is that Alison understands his loyalty and dedication to his sister and she loves him more for it. Their chemistry is smoking hot as well. I love Valentine Bay and all of the characters and I am so happy that Troy found someone worthy of him.

[Kelly Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Troy Valentine is an ex-baseball player who gave it all up to care for his sister after their parents die. Alison Bartholomew is a Broadway Actress who’s in need of some time away.

When Alison and Troy meet there’s an instant connection and they click finding in each other what they have been missing and looking for.

This is a hot HEA Romance that was an easy read and had you cheering for Troy
and Alison.

Playing by heart is book 4 in the Valentine Bay series and is a stand alone book.

I received an ARC of Playing by Heart and this is my voluntary honest review.

[Tracey Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please don't let this be the end.......

Book 4 in the Valentine Bay series, full of warmth, heat, fun, trials and the hurdles of falling in love when you have commitments and they have to come first - that's Troy and Alisons story. Needing a break and regroup Alison arrives in The Bay, for some peace, she finds Troy, renovating the house next door, early her first morning. Fate unfolds from there. Brilliant read, great story, good snippets of the brothers from the previous stories, family. Definite must read.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Troy and Alison. They were not looking for love, commitment or anything in that nature but they found it anyway. Fighting the inevitable only makes it that much sweeter in the long run. Alison was hiding out from her life basically and Troy was just in my opinion surviving. Yes they were content with their lives but weren’t happy. I love when authors include characters from previous books i theory stories and this one had that. I would absolutely recommend this book and i give it a 5 star rating!

[Kimhe Rockchicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks Melanie Shawn - I love your books - love this series. Love everything about you beautiful ladies. I was so excited to read Troy's story. I have loved him from the beginning and his protective side especially being guardian to his little sister. Alison is perfect for him, she truly is his soul mate. Falling in love in Valentine Bay - yes please - especially with the hunky Valentine brothers. Definitely worth more than 5 stars. You will love this series, in fact be sure to get all Melanie Shawn's books.

[Jessica White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome back to Valentine Bay. This is finally Troy’s story, oldest brother of the 5 siblings, father figure to Mila, former pro baseball player, and current construction business owner. Alison Bartholomew is a broadway star who is escaping the pressures of New York by heading out west to Valentine Bay. She meets Troy her first day there and sparks and coffee fly 😊. The two bond and fall fast in love but Alison isn’t sure about her future in show business. Together they get their HEA and it’s done sweetly. I received this book in exchange for an honest review.