Playing for Keeps

Hardwood Country Club #3

by Amy Pinkston

He’s a game she never intended to play...

Free spirit Olivia knows everyone in Hardwood. Or at least she thought she did. After a bike crash, she opens her eyes and finds a handsome and mysterious man tending to her.

Brock lost everything two years ago and now lives a perfectly quiet life with his dog. A former Army medic, he knows a possible concussion when he sees one and he’s too much of a hero to kick Olivia off his property.

He’s able to deny her charms, and his desire, for the weekend — and keep his secret — but when he’s instructed to bring a plus-one to the family vacation, Olivia is his only hope. She also might just be his undoing.

A week with his family puts their fake relationship under the microscope, and Olivia soon learns there’s more to this handsome warrior than meets the eye. And she wants all of him.

What started as a game turns serious, but who’s in it for fun and who’s playing for keeps?

Book 3 in the Hardwood Country Club Series, PLAYING FOR KEEPS, is a sizzling, fake-relationship romance, and can be read as a standalone.

225 pages, ebook

Published April 30, 2019

About the author

Amy Pinkston writes contemporary romance and romantic comedy. 
She lives in Bend, Oregon, with her husband and three spoiled cats. When she’s not writing or doing freelance graphic design work, you’ll find her on the golf course, on a mountain bike trail (likely covered in dirt, blood, or both), hiking, snowshoeing, or camping, and most of the time enjoying a local craft beer afterward. She’s also an avid cook and she travels as often as she can.

Connect with Amy here:

➜ WEBSITE: http://amypinkstonwrites.com
➜ NEWSLETTER: amypinkstonwrites.com/newsletter
➜ FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/amypinkstonwrites
➜ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/amypink
➜ TWITTER: www.twitter.com/amypinkston

Reviews

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be a superb storyline that grabs you right from the start keeping you engrossed and on edge throughout the whole book!

I was very impressed with how simply and effortlessly this author told this addicting, multi-layered story with well-developed world building and great characters.

I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.

[Jackie Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia is into extreme sports, especially mountain biking. One day she decided to trespass on the old Stapleton trails which had been closed since Carol died a couple years ago. She's distracted by barking and tumbles down the hillside knocking herself out and injuring her ribs, waking up to dog licks and a gorgeous frowning man. He helps her to his home (Carol's old place), turns out to be Carol's grumpy grandson Brock, and his dog Duke. Olivia is undeterred and tries to make him smile, even though she trespassed. He has medic training and knows she's had a concussion, which she somehow gets him to agree to watch over her for 48 hours for since no one is at her home. The attraction is there between the two but he won't act on it, constantly hurting her feelings by rejecting her. She can tell he's attracted and doesn't understand why he won't 'go for it'. Brock has been injured, as readers will find out. It has affected his whole physical, mental, and emotional outlook on life. Can the mischievous, daredevil, sometimes reckless Olivia break him out of his gloom or cause him to retreat further?

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book I've read written by Amy Pinkston; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I will definitely be reading more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Petra Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous story about Olivia and Brock. Brock feels broken and rejected. Can Olivia pull him out of his funk and get him back to living and socialising .

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lynne Cuda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Any Pinkston's stories about Hardwood' s inhabitants. The stories have centered around the Country Club but this one involves Fitz's daredevil sister Olivia. She of the broken bones! Olivia is into extreme sports, especially mountain biking. One day she decided to trespass on the old Stapleton trails which had been closed since Carol died a couple years ago. She's distracted by barking and tumbles down the hillside knocking herself out and injuring her ribs, waking up to dog licks and a gorgeous frowning man. He helps her to his home (Carol's old place), turns out to be Carol's grumpy grandson Brock, and his dog Duke. Olivia is undeterred and tries to make him smile, even though she trespassed. He has medic training and knows she's had a concussion, which she somehow gets him to agree to watch over her for 48 hours for since no one is at her home. The attraction is there between the two but he won't act on it, constantly hurting her feelings by rejecting her. She can tell he's attracted and doesn't understand why he won't 'go for it'. Brock has been injured, as readers will find out. It has affected his whole physical, mental, and emotional outlook on life. Can the mischievous, daredevil, sometimes reckless Olivia break him out of his gloom or cause him to retreat further? Great story. Former characters revisited, which is always fun. And we get to meet a whole group of interesting new characters! Enjoy!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite story of the series. Younger sister, Olivia, finally gets her story in the Hardwood Country Club series and it's terrific. Although she's not a golfer, she is into extreme bike racing, among other sports, and appears to be a bit accident prone. When she crashes her bike in front of former Army medic and wounded warrior, Brock, she is taken in by him and his wonderful dog, Duke, who just happens to adore her.

When they fake a relationship, while spending a vacation with his family, true feelings are uncovered and a secret is revealed that makes Brock the man he has become. This author, Amy, carefully constructs a story of a man With deep, deep physical and emotional wounds and the young, vibrant woman who sees beyond his scars.

With much support and love from joyful, charismatic Olivia, and the on-going familial love, and occasional ads whoopings from his siblings, Brock becomes the man worthy of love. I really love the character of Olivia and find her his perfect partner. And so does Duke! It's a well written book that I heartily recommend. Well done, Amy Pinkston! For the future, there is a wealth of stories just waiting to be told regarding Brock's siblings!

[Maria771 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Olivia and Brock. This is the 3rd book in the series. I loved all of them thus far, but there is something special about this one. I love how the author makes you feel like you are part of the story through her style of writing. This book takes you on an emotional journey with lots of ups and downs. Be prepared for lots of tears but lots of laughter as well. Great story and very well written. I definitely recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisbeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the story of Olivia and Brock. Brock is a former military man who lost his leg and is struggeling to live with it. He is dark and brooding. Olivia is a fun, happy and full of energy person who litteraly comes into Brocks life by accident. They spend a weekend toghether but Brock can't face telling her about what happend to him and Olivia walks away a little hurt and not understading what happend. When Brock needs her help she gives it and she learns what happend to him and although he struggles she accepts it. They go through some ups and downs, and I laught, shed a tear, got frustrated and happy while reading this book! It made me feel so many different things and I really like it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shannon Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series. I’ve really enjoyed each story and they’re all very different. There is character overlap but past characters are not a main part of the story so you can read this as a stand alone if you wanted or even read it out of order.

I gobbled this story up! I was an emotional wreck reading it as it’s written with so much emotion. Any Pinkston does such a great job portraying the sense of loss and question of self worth that comes from loosing a limb as the male lead in this story has. You get a great sense of understanding what his character is going through and why he makes the choices that he does.

If you’ve read other books in this series you already know Olivia. She’s adventurous, fun loving and practically knows everyone in Hardwood. When she meets Brock (by accident) she finds him attractive but also brooding and guarded. Does she have what it takes to show him life still has meaning and his is worth living?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real tear jerker for sure. Amy does a awesome job with the plot the story was well written with so much feeling, the story is very emotional Brock and Olivia have some challenges to overcome. I shed more then a few tear both sad and happy reading this story but i just couldn't put down. I highly recommend reading this story you wont be disappointed Well done Amy amazing story
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hardwood Country Club series is a great series to read! Each book can be read as stand alone books so if you haven't read the first 2 books in the series you won't be lost. Playing for Keeps is another great read in the series, it's a great story line that keeps your interest, is a fun and enjoyable read and has a HEA! Amy Pinkston has quickly become one of my favorite authors.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book of the Hardwood Country Club Romantic Comedies series. Olivia and Brock's story is well written and one I enjoyed reading. Brock lost his leg while in the military and has to fight to stay on top of his depression, when Olivia comes into his life she makes it brighter. They will face a lot before they get their happy ending.I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia is a free spirit, out going and as determined as be. Brock is a veteran that has been injured physically and emotionally and has shut down his life ina lot of ways. One act of defiance brings these two together, the love of a very adorable Duke helps build there friendship. Great story with a lot of laughs, emotional moments and a second chance that was better than his first one ( a whole lot better). Through their moments Brock was pushed by his brother to finally admit what was wrong and go after what his heart wanted. This book is a must read. Good job to the author on bringing these two together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia is a daredevil and when she crashes her bike and get knocked out she awakes to a dog licking her face. Brock finds Olivia on his private property and takes her home to attend her concussion. Brock is a broken veteran who has shutdown and shut everyone out but he can't help his attraction to Olivia. Loved this story and how the relationship developed between Olivia and Brock and of course Duke the dog.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[poppy · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this is the third book in this series it can easily be read as a standalone. This was a great read and I really enjoyed it once I started reading it I just did not want to put it down. I liked both Olivia and Brock they were good characters and you cannot help but root for them, this was a good well-written book that is quite an emotional read but it will also have you chuckling at times too I liked it.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, each book gets better and better. I love this series, I don't normally like reading a series, but you can read each one individually you don't have to read them all. But I would highly recommend reading them all. They're such great books and so well-written and I just love them they really tug at the heart and pull you into the story.

[Lucinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really feel-good romance. I loved the characters and the story had a great flow. I enjoyed the book and would highly recommend this book to all!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun book with characters that are well developed and engaging with a storyline that flowed easily and smoothly. I loved every word that was written with enough chemistry to set the pages on fire.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Xiomara Segovia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was something that I will read again. The love they both had was great. How they were able to over come problems

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[April Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story with great characters that you will love. I really enjoyed reading this book. This is a great read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Char Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Liz tells Ashley to dress up she needs her as a wingman so she can get over her breakup.Ashley can;t believe that Liz brought her to a dive cop bar. She tells Ashley she will get them drinks so Liz heads up to the bar all of a sudden some sleazy looking guy comes up grabs Ashley an tries to pull her toward the door. That;s when Jason grabs the guy an tells him to get away from her an to leave .He asks if shes ok?She tells him her name is Ashley he says Jason shake Mr her hands.He says let me buy you a drink.Ashley sees her friend is after the bartender so she says ok.Then when he comes back he asks if this is her first drink she says yes because why?He says that he plans on taking her home an wants her sober to make a choice.After spending the night Ashley sneaks off.Will Jason think she was just a one night stand? Will Jason find her friends number and call Ashley? Will he just show up an tell her he wants forever with her? There are a lot of twists and turns to this story will keep you riveted until the very last page. I love the way this amazing author brings the characters to life before your eyes and you can feel their emotions and their pain.I can hardly wait to see whats next by this multi talented author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Teri Ruscak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing for Keeps
Amy Pinkston
The Hardwood Country Club Series. This is the third book in the series, and each can be read as a standalone. Duke is ADORABLE! Olivia meets Brock quite by accident. She is an extreme biker, and lands on his property after a tumble from said bike. Brock was military, a medic, who sacrificed much for his country both physically and mentally.
Do these opposites attract?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the ‘Hardwood Country Club’ series
This is Olivia and Brock’s story. Olivia is into extreme sports, Brock is struggling with PTSD and injuries. She’s just what he needs to brighten up his life (he’s been wallowing) this is a story of emotional journeys for tow very kind people that only want the best for each other. Will that happen? Will they really get their HEA?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The great plot was well written and the characters were so well developed that as I turned each page the chemistry between the characters kept me totally hooked until the very last page!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cherye Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olivia and Brock

Olivia is such a free spirit that lives life wild and free...thank goodness she found Brock. My fav character...Max is definitely the hero of the story. Loving the series.
Fav quote:
“I’m a sideshow act,” he said quietly. The next thing he knew, Olivia was climbing on top of him............. “Then I guess that makes me a paying customer. Tell me, Sideshow Brock... "