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Checkmate #4
Playing For Keeps
Life is all about choices, right? Everything we do, from brushing our teeth in the morning, until we climb into bed at night, is a series of choices.Sometimes we make bad choices, sometimes they’re good, sometimes they’re made under duress, and sometimes they’re the lesser of two evils kind.Sometimes there’s no choice at all, but you’re still forced to do something, because the world refuses to slow for you. And sometimes, the one perfect choice stands right in front of you in a cop’s uniform and he asks you to feel what he feels.But if you're proud like me, even when you know the right choice, the wrong words slide off your tongue and begin a chain reaction that can't ever be undone.Playing For Keeps is the conclusion to a Checkmate duet featuring Andi Conner and Riley Cruz. The first part is titled Castling The Rook and should be read first.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️After the first book in this duo, I was a little worried because it left everything so open and so many possibilities. We really hadn’t heard anything about Riley or Andi in the other books from the series - so my mind was FILLED with craziness. But, as usual Emilia Finn’s mind is even crazier than mine - which I didn’t think possible! This author’s ability to write real human emotions is unparalleled.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Holy hell. This book wrecked me in all the ways possible...it was such an incredibly poignant, beautifully written, heartbreakingly breathtaking story of loss, love, and second chances. Never have I rooted for someone as I did Riley; he’s the hero we didn’t know we needed. His story won’t leave you — ever. I have so many feels after this book, I don’t even know how to put it into words.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Have you ever gone through such an emotional state that you feel heart can't take much more? That is what happens within the first chapter of this book.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️I don't know how she does it. I really don't. This book was so freaking amazing I can't stand it! I cried for Riley, I cried for Andi, I cheered for both of them, I wanted to punch Riley a couple times.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️I'd like to know where Emilia gets her superpower! She has this amazing gift of pulling you in, getting you invested emotionally to all the characters, and leaves you always wanting more. I haven't been able to find an author in a long while that can do that for me.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 20, 2019
706 people are currently reading
566 people want to read
About the author
Emilia Finn
93 books1,522 followersEmilia Finn is an Amazon Top 20 bestselling, Australia-based author with more than 55 books written and published to date.
She's a mom, a coffee addict, a collector of quirky coffee mugs, and before she had kids, she was a real-life full-contact fighter.
Her experience on the fight circuits helped her pen her first ever book—Finding Home—featuring a world champion MMA fighter Bobby Kincaid, and his leading lady and equal in every way, Kit Reilly. What was only supposed to be a once off experience instead turned into a career for Emilia, a thriving empire, and a daily grind she never wants to be rescued from.
Join Emilia's mailing list for exclusive material and new release alerts.
Website➜ https://www.emiliafinn.com
She's a mom, a coffee addict, a collector of quirky coffee mugs, and before she had kids, she was a real-life full-contact fighter.
Her experience on the fight circuits helped her pen her first ever book—Finding Home—featuring a world champion MMA fighter Bobby Kincaid, and his leading lady and equal in every way, Kit Reilly. What was only supposed to be a once off experience instead turned into a career for Emilia, a thriving empire, and a daily grind she never wants to be rescued from.
Join Emilia's mailing list for exclusive material and new release alerts.
Website➜ https://www.emiliafinn.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
December 4, 2019
This whole series is good but this duet (books 3 and 4) are my favorite.
Riley and Andi's story is so good. It was serious, funny, sweet with just the right amount of suspense. I felt so bad for what happened to Riley, and love that Andi did not give up. She's a crazy chick you just wanna be besties with.
That's the thing about this author. She sucks you in to her world and you actually wanna stay there. Love how all the books thru out all the series are interconnected. Love catching glimpses of past characters.
Riley and Andi's story is so good. It was serious, funny, sweet with just the right amount of suspense. I felt so bad for what happened to Riley, and love that Andi did not give up. She's a crazy chick you just wanna be besties with.
That's the thing about this author. She sucks you in to her world and you actually wanna stay there. Love how all the books thru out all the series are interconnected. Love catching glimpses of past characters.
January 15, 2020
Easily the best of the series
The author did a superb job about the learning curve that comes from something like this. The anger, guilt, even rage, and eventually, the persistence to get to the place they needed to be.
I loved Andi and Riley in the first book but I LOVED them in this book. The bantering, the back and fourth, and still the chemistry.This book in a nutshell, gave me every could. Perfect story. Can't wait for the next one.
The author did a superb job about the learning curve that comes from something like this. The anger, guilt, even rage, and eventually, the persistence to get to the place they needed to be.
I loved Andi and Riley in the first book but I LOVED them in this book. The bantering, the back and fourth, and still the chemistry.This book in a nutshell, gave me every could. Perfect story. Can't wait for the next one.
August 26, 2020
Not Such A Nice Guy
Riley Cruz is the rookie. But he really isn't. That's what they call the young faced cop on the squad. He has fallen in love with the cousin of one of his coworkers wives. Andi doesn't live in town. She lives on the other side of the country. She is a physical therapist. She has also fallen in love with the rookie. Her first time and she is having a hard time dealing with it. It isnt black and white for her. She is all kinds of grey over it. Until she hears that he was hurt in the line of duty and she is off to protect him and take care of him. But will his injury stand in the way of his feelings.
Riley Cruz is the rookie. But he really isn't. That's what they call the young faced cop on the squad. He has fallen in love with the cousin of one of his coworkers wives. Andi doesn't live in town. She lives on the other side of the country. She is a physical therapist. She has also fallen in love with the rookie. Her first time and she is having a hard time dealing with it. It isnt black and white for her. She is all kinds of grey over it. Until she hears that he was hurt in the line of duty and she is off to protect him and take care of him. But will his injury stand in the way of his feelings.
Read
July 25, 2019Didn' read the first book.
But what Riley did to Andi at the beginning of this book is abuse. It doesn't matter that he went through something traumatic and is angry....
*You do not grab at women is anger to the point were they can't breathe, you do not shove women, you do not throw glasses at walls that cut a woman's skin.*
I do not care how nice and sweet he was before or how big is heart is.
But what Riley did to Andi at the beginning of this book is abuse. It doesn't matter that he went through something traumatic and is angry....
*You do not grab at women is anger to the point were they can't breathe, you do not shove women, you do not throw glasses at walls that cut a woman's skin.*
I do not care how nice and sweet he was before or how big is heart is.
May 10, 2021
A great conclusion to Riley and Andi's story which started in book 3. Now be aware that the back-story is ongoing and ends on a slight cliffhanger - book 5 is out and available in KU. Riley was hurt in book one and books 3 & 4 conclude his story, because as a side character in Kane's story, Riley was left hanging and didn't appear again till his story began in book 3. NB- This isn't a stand-alone. There's drama and all the feels in this second chance romance.
June 25, 2020
Bravo! Loved this book.
Riley, goodness my heart goes out to him with all his struggles. I cried off and on throughout this book and his journey.
However, if anyone can get him up and moving it is Dee. Her character I absolutely loved. She is strong, witty, sassy, and funny. She takes a beating emotionally from Riley but she doesn't stay down for long.
This is a must read!
Riley, goodness my heart goes out to him with all his struggles. I cried off and on throughout this book and his journey.
However, if anyone can get him up and moving it is Dee. Her character I absolutely loved. She is strong, witty, sassy, and funny. She takes a beating emotionally from Riley but she doesn't stay down for long.
This is a must read!
June 5, 2025
wow this tugged on the heart strings. another great read by Emilia. I'm slowly working through her entire repertoire
July 24, 2020
OH MY GOD
July 26, 2019
Straight 🔥
After the first book in this duo, I was a little worried because it left everything so open and so many possibilities. We really hadn’t heard anything about Riley or Andi in the other books from the series - so my mind was FILLED with craziness. But, as usual Emilia Finn’s mind is even crazier than mine - which I didn’t think possible!
This author’s ability to write real human emotions is unparalleled. Which I think is the major reason why I think readers feel as if these characters are real - we feel their pain, smile at their happiness and laugh at their jokes(or at their expense)
Get ready for a roller coaster of emotions, the bottom drops out pretty fast, so have those tissues ready - but just hold onto the suckers because it’s one loop after the other.
After the first book in this duo, I was a little worried because it left everything so open and so many possibilities. We really hadn’t heard anything about Riley or Andi in the other books from the series - so my mind was FILLED with craziness. But, as usual Emilia Finn’s mind is even crazier than mine - which I didn’t think possible!
This author’s ability to write real human emotions is unparalleled. Which I think is the major reason why I think readers feel as if these characters are real - we feel their pain, smile at their happiness and laugh at their jokes(or at their expense)
Get ready for a roller coaster of emotions, the bottom drops out pretty fast, so have those tissues ready - but just hold onto the suckers because it’s one loop after the other.
July 23, 2019
Emotional rollercoaster
Have you ever gone through such an emotional state that you feel heart can't take much more? That is what happens within the first chapter of this book. You want to put your emotions back on track and find out what will happen next, so you keep turning the pages. Emilia Finn has a way of pulling you into her world and doesn't let you out until the end...although I'm sure we don't get off this rollercoaster until the end of this series.
Book 4 picks up where the 3rd one left off. After reading Riley's story you want to know what happens between the two characters, and trust me when I say it's nothing you would expect. Hold tight and strap in while your pulled through a gut wrenching ride.
Have you ever gone through such an emotional state that you feel heart can't take much more? That is what happens within the first chapter of this book. You want to put your emotions back on track and find out what will happen next, so you keep turning the pages. Emilia Finn has a way of pulling you into her world and doesn't let you out until the end...although I'm sure we don't get off this rollercoaster until the end of this series.
Book 4 picks up where the 3rd one left off. After reading Riley's story you want to know what happens between the two characters, and trust me when I say it's nothing you would expect. Hold tight and strap in while your pulled through a gut wrenching ride.
October 30, 2023
Saving the Rook
Riley and Dee’s story continues in book 4 with their story focusing more on their personal relationship rather than a police case although the epilogue picks up on a case from book one and two so I sense there’s more to come for Riley and Dee as this sort of ends on a cliffhanger.
Riley and Dee’s story continues in book 4 with their story focusing more on their personal relationship rather than a police case although the epilogue picks up on a case from book one and two so I sense there’s more to come for Riley and Dee as this sort of ends on a cliffhanger.
July 16, 2024
This is book 4 of the Checkmate series. It is a continuation of book 3. Please read that one first.
Spoilers for Book 3.
This one starts at Andi finding out Riley got hurt 3 weeks ago. She had been calling him nonstop but he never answered.
This story... this story hurt A LOT. I sobbed a lot and not from happiness. Something happened to Riley and it changed his life forever. He pushed everyone away. He turned mean and nasty because he was hurting mentally and physically. Andi was a Saint and a changed women. She refused to leave and made it very clear she was staying for life. Handcuffs, pot brownies and shattered glass. It was a long and very painful ride. My heart hurt for both of them. The ending was exciting to see where their life and the rest of the series was going. The whole story was what was happening at the same time as the first two books. The ending is now where they all meet up. I'm so excited to see what happens next because I know who he is.
The pain and recovery was so accurate, we felt it all with him. Emilia's writing is so perfectly detailed and accurate that you always feel the emotions. This story was the perfect way to get us caught up to speed and set up for the rest of the series. This story can not be read on its own without a lot of confusion in my opinion. You need to read book 3 but for a better experience you need to read them all.
Andi has changed so much and has proven to herself and her pig that she can commit and that she is capable of love. She is so strong and exactly what he needed.
I also need all the recipes from this book especially the soup.
I had to keep this short and sweet because it would spoil too much. I cried sad tears until those tears turned to happy ones
Spoilers for Book 3.
This one starts at Andi finding out Riley got hurt 3 weeks ago. She had been calling him nonstop but he never answered.
This story... this story hurt A LOT. I sobbed a lot and not from happiness. Something happened to Riley and it changed his life forever. He pushed everyone away. He turned mean and nasty because he was hurting mentally and physically. Andi was a Saint and a changed women. She refused to leave and made it very clear she was staying for life. Handcuffs, pot brownies and shattered glass. It was a long and very painful ride. My heart hurt for both of them. The ending was exciting to see where their life and the rest of the series was going. The whole story was what was happening at the same time as the first two books. The ending is now where they all meet up. I'm so excited to see what happens next because I know who he is.
The pain and recovery was so accurate, we felt it all with him. Emilia's writing is so perfectly detailed and accurate that you always feel the emotions. This story was the perfect way to get us caught up to speed and set up for the rest of the series. This story can not be read on its own without a lot of confusion in my opinion. You need to read book 3 but for a better experience you need to read them all.
Andi has changed so much and has proven to herself and her pig that she can commit and that she is capable of love. She is so strong and exactly what he needed.
I also need all the recipes from this book especially the soup.
I had to keep this short and sweet because it would spoil too much. I cried sad tears until those tears turned to happy ones
June 29, 2019
Oh look, another review where my mind is entirely blown and I can’t word because of Emilia Finn. I’m sure absolutely no one is surprised. The second half of Riley and Andi’s story is drastically different from the first. Picking up where things left off you are immediately thrust into the same state of mind that the previous book left you in, but don’t worry questions begin to get answered quickly. Where Castling the Rook was packed with more light hearted moments Playing for Keeps will punch you with a Roller Fighter hit right in the feels. Grab the tissues, nix the mascara, you’re going to ugly cry boo boo.
I’ll be keeping things vague AF because jear desus does shiitake go down with these two. And trust me when I say you don’t want ANYTHING spoiled. Don’t go looking. Sit back and feel the ride. Emotions run high for the vast majority of this book and let me tell you if you didn’t already LOVE Andi you will after reading this. Honest to Bob, she is hands down my favorite female character from Emilia ever. Her strength, loyalty, determination and ferocious love outshine absolutely everything.
That said, it wouldn’t be an Emilia Finn read if even during the darkest of times there were moments that still made you die of laughter too. I swear I went from cussing like a lunatic in anger to crying my eyes out to full on swooning then into laughing like crazy more times than I can count. Now I’m left screaming, yes SCREAMING for the next book.
I’ll be keeping things vague AF because jear desus does shiitake go down with these two. And trust me when I say you don’t want ANYTHING spoiled. Don’t go looking. Sit back and feel the ride. Emotions run high for the vast majority of this book and let me tell you if you didn’t already LOVE Andi you will after reading this. Honest to Bob, she is hands down my favorite female character from Emilia ever. Her strength, loyalty, determination and ferocious love outshine absolutely everything.
That said, it wouldn’t be an Emilia Finn read if even during the darkest of times there were moments that still made you die of laughter too. I swear I went from cussing like a lunatic in anger to crying my eyes out to full on swooning then into laughing like crazy more times than I can count. Now I’m left screaming, yes SCREAMING for the next book.
July 21, 2019
Holy cliffhanger Batman
In the words of one of my girls in the Rollin Crew, I stole her subject from her review of the last book. It DEFINITELY works here too. I’m slightly hyperventilating and on pins & needles. I CAN’T WAIT FOR CHECKMATE 5!!!! Ooooo, the theories!!
Ok, to review Playing For Keeps, ❤️❤️❤️. I knew I loved Riley from his intro in Because of You. Andi was an acquired taste for me at first. But Riley & Andi together is absolute perfection!!!!! I wanted to punch Riley’s lights out for a while, but at the same time, just wanted to hug him & snug him (I may have had a moment where I wanted to ‘Chapter 8’ him, but not as intensely, a much muted version). Andi’s resiliency & deep seated love for this man is so pure & absolute. It’s exactly what Riley needed at exactly the right time. Everything she does for him & every step forward he makes in his recovery made me cry over and over. They were sad tears, happy tears, & hurtful tears. There was of course, as always, many moments of laughter. I just don’t know how Emilia does it. She throws out epic novels like Pawns & then Till the Sun Dies just to come back with the amazingness that is Castling the Rook & then Playing For Keeps.
Emilia, my friend, you are AMAZING 🥰🥰!!!!! Your an amazing author & an amazing person. Just so you know, I will forever be one of your FanGirls, you can count on it!!!
In the words of one of my girls in the Rollin Crew, I stole her subject from her review of the last book. It DEFINITELY works here too. I’m slightly hyperventilating and on pins & needles. I CAN’T WAIT FOR CHECKMATE 5!!!! Ooooo, the theories!!
Ok, to review Playing For Keeps, ❤️❤️❤️. I knew I loved Riley from his intro in Because of You. Andi was an acquired taste for me at first. But Riley & Andi together is absolute perfection!!!!! I wanted to punch Riley’s lights out for a while, but at the same time, just wanted to hug him & snug him (I may have had a moment where I wanted to ‘Chapter 8’ him, but not as intensely, a much muted version). Andi’s resiliency & deep seated love for this man is so pure & absolute. It’s exactly what Riley needed at exactly the right time. Everything she does for him & every step forward he makes in his recovery made me cry over and over. They were sad tears, happy tears, & hurtful tears. There was of course, as always, many moments of laughter. I just don’t know how Emilia does it. She throws out epic novels like Pawns & then Till the Sun Dies just to come back with the amazingness that is Castling the Rook & then Playing For Keeps.
Emilia, my friend, you are AMAZING 🥰🥰!!!!! Your an amazing author & an amazing person. Just so you know, I will forever be one of your FanGirls, you can count on it!!!
June 8, 2023
Sweet Riley Cruz. He was put through the wringer! When we first meet Riley and Andi they have a steamy one night stand. The rookie cop is hooked from the first moment but Andi isn’t convinced. Riley is the youngest cop on the force with Oz. Andi is Lindi’s cousin, Oz’s wife, and in town for their wedding and then their honeymoon to watch the kids. She was not expecting the baby faced cop to be such an alpha in bed but she wants more.
Everything takes a drastic turn when Riley is shot. The happy go lucky cop is now grumpy, angry, closed off and mean. But Andi refuses to leave him and is determined to help him overcome his new challenges. I love how strong and committed Andi is. She’s funny and fiesty but she is also compassionate and caring. Riley comes off harsh but really he just wants to give Andi what she deserves and no longer thinks he is it. Eventually they tear down each other’s walls and insecurities and their love is a beautiful one.
This duet is full of banter, spice, hurt, hope, love, and fighting to overcome personal battles. Book 3 also goes back to book 1 and fills in the gaps from Kane’s story. Don’t skip this one!
Read if you like:
- one night stand turned more
- forced proximity
- grumpy/ sunshine
Everything takes a drastic turn when Riley is shot. The happy go lucky cop is now grumpy, angry, closed off and mean. But Andi refuses to leave him and is determined to help him overcome his new challenges. I love how strong and committed Andi is. She’s funny and fiesty but she is also compassionate and caring. Riley comes off harsh but really he just wants to give Andi what she deserves and no longer thinks he is it. Eventually they tear down each other’s walls and insecurities and their love is a beautiful one.
This duet is full of banter, spice, hurt, hope, love, and fighting to overcome personal battles. Book 3 also goes back to book 1 and fills in the gaps from Kane’s story. Don’t skip this one!
Read if you like:
- one night stand turned more
- forced proximity
- grumpy/ sunshine
July 13, 2020
This is book four of the Checkmate Series, which is a spinoff of the Survivor Series that is a spinoff of the Rollin On series all by the same author Emilia Finn. Playing For Keeps is part of a duet featuring Andi Conner and Riley Cruz. This is part two. Part one is titled Castling The Rook.
The Riley and Andi saga continues, but we learned that Riley is hurting and hurting bad on himself, he is angry and Andi thanks she can help. She cannot give up on the man she loves. This book is all about showing love in the face of anger, showing love when your head is telling you to run, and then getting all that love back when you finally break through the bad.
The character development was really good and well thought out, it built on the knowledge that the reader had from previous books. Unlike previous books by this author in this series, it does not center on all the other characters, this one is compact it is really just this family of Riley and the family of Andi. This is a book of fear, insecurity, and growth, forgiveness, healing, and finding one’s self in all the madness.
This book does not have a HEA and it does have a cliffhanger.
The Riley and Andi saga continues, but we learned that Riley is hurting and hurting bad on himself, he is angry and Andi thanks she can help. She cannot give up on the man she loves. This book is all about showing love in the face of anger, showing love when your head is telling you to run, and then getting all that love back when you finally break through the bad.
The character development was really good and well thought out, it built on the knowledge that the reader had from previous books. Unlike previous books by this author in this series, it does not center on all the other characters, this one is compact it is really just this family of Riley and the family of Andi. This is a book of fear, insecurity, and growth, forgiveness, healing, and finding one’s self in all the madness.
This book does not have a HEA and it does have a cliffhanger.
April 21, 2022
A great ending, until it wasnt......
This was an emotional roller coaster that was worth the ride. What happened to Riley was tragic, but Andi's strength to pull them through was beautiful! The fact that the author was able to add in some laugh out loud moments to such a serious story and give it all balance is what makes Emilia Finn and her stories so spectacular. I was a little annoyed that it ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, but lucky for me I discovered this series only recently so I can move right along to the next book without having to wait for it to be released, which is exactly what I intend to do.
Note: This book can be read as a standalone BUT Emilia Finn does an amazing job of developing her characters throughout her stories and then they continue to be included in each book. I highly suggest getting to know them by starting with the Rollin On series and reading the books in order.
This was an emotional roller coaster that was worth the ride. What happened to Riley was tragic, but Andi's strength to pull them through was beautiful! The fact that the author was able to add in some laugh out loud moments to such a serious story and give it all balance is what makes Emilia Finn and her stories so spectacular. I was a little annoyed that it ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, but lucky for me I discovered this series only recently so I can move right along to the next book without having to wait for it to be released, which is exactly what I intend to do.
Note: This book can be read as a standalone BUT Emilia Finn does an amazing job of developing her characters throughout her stories and then they continue to be included in each book. I highly suggest getting to know them by starting with the Rollin On series and reading the books in order.
June 20, 2025
4.5 stars, 2 on the spice scale.
This is book 4 in the Checkmate series, but book 2 of a duet within the series where we are following Riley and Andi.
This second installment in the duet absolutely delivered—it was emotional, heartfelt, and beautifully character-driven. Watching the journey unfold after the cliffhanger from Book 1 had me completely hooked. The author strikes a perfect balance between humour, vulnerability, and resilience, crafting a story that digs deep into healing, love, and stubborn determination. The cameos from beloved characters across the broader universe were such a treat, and the banter and warmth throughout made the tough moments hit even harder.
I was so invested in the relationship at its core—their fierce loyalty, the slow rebuilding of trust, and the raw honesty that anchored every scene. Add in an adorable piglet, some laugh-out-loud antics, and a finale that sets the stage for the next book, and it’s safe to say I loved every minute.
This is book 4 in the Checkmate series, but book 2 of a duet within the series where we are following Riley and Andi.
This second installment in the duet absolutely delivered—it was emotional, heartfelt, and beautifully character-driven. Watching the journey unfold after the cliffhanger from Book 1 had me completely hooked. The author strikes a perfect balance between humour, vulnerability, and resilience, crafting a story that digs deep into healing, love, and stubborn determination. The cameos from beloved characters across the broader universe were such a treat, and the banter and warmth throughout made the tough moments hit even harder.
I was so invested in the relationship at its core—their fierce loyalty, the slow rebuilding of trust, and the raw honesty that anchored every scene. Add in an adorable piglet, some laugh-out-loud antics, and a finale that sets the stage for the next book, and it’s safe to say I loved every minute.
July 21, 2019
As usual, I’m giving an Emilia Finn book a 5 star rating. It could be that the writing gets better with every single book. It could be that she leaves me with cliffhangers that have me anxiously awaiting the release of her next book. It could be that she has created a “family” community that every single reader wants to be a part of. It could be that her books draw ALL of the emotions from me every single time.
I loved it. I loved it at 13% when Kit and the Rollers showed up to help out. I loved it at 75% when Riley finally called her DeeDee. And, I loved it at the end when I got my happily ever after.
Then I read the epilogue.....and now I’m mad that I’ve got to wait for the next book!
I loved it. I loved it at 13% when Kit and the Rollers showed up to help out. I loved it at 75% when Riley finally called her DeeDee. And, I loved it at the end when I got my happily ever after.
Then I read the epilogue.....and now I’m mad that I’ve got to wait for the next book!
January 21, 2020
Spoiler alert!!!
So this book was heart breaking and impressive while we learned in book 3 the rook is definitely not what he seemed he went from total good boy to down right pissed off and hurt back to the guy that was so passionate and loving. Killed me to go through his pain and struggles over his lost leg but was glad he got his HEA... Can’t wait fo find out who the mystery guy in the garage is but I think I know since he has been to the nursing home, Kane’s, Spencer’s and even Riley’s house only one person has all those places in common and we thought he was dead just like his brother was thought to be dead.... Man is it getting good!
So this book was heart breaking and impressive while we learned in book 3 the rook is definitely not what he seemed he went from total good boy to down right pissed off and hurt back to the guy that was so passionate and loving. Killed me to go through his pain and struggles over his lost leg but was glad he got his HEA... Can’t wait fo find out who the mystery guy in the garage is but I think I know since he has been to the nursing home, Kane’s, Spencer’s and even Riley’s house only one person has all those places in common and we thought he was dead just like his brother was thought to be dead.... Man is it getting good!
July 22, 2019
I have no words! So amazing.
I absolutely loved this book and the only complaint I have is that I have to wait until the next in the series! Dee Dee and Riley have a heartbreaking journey but their love helps them overcome all of the challenges. The Roller crew makes fun appearances and we get to see glimpses of all of the the next Gen with Benny, Max, Bean and Evie! Teasers for future books. I laugh and cry with every single one of Emilia’s books and count down the seconds until her next release.
I absolutely loved this book and the only complaint I have is that I have to wait until the next in the series! Dee Dee and Riley have a heartbreaking journey but their love helps them overcome all of the challenges. The Roller crew makes fun appearances and we get to see glimpses of all of the the next Gen with Benny, Max, Bean and Evie! Teasers for future books. I laugh and cry with every single one of Emilia’s books and count down the seconds until her next release.
August 4, 2020
Yes to Playing For Keeps
Playing For Keeps is the second book in Riley and Andi's story. This story starts were book three ends..but Finn will end it three months after book two Till the Sun Dies stops.
This story is an emotional rollercoaster for all characters. Andi is an amazing character in my opinion absolutely loved her. I loved the way she pulled Riley out of his funk. This story is about healing, finding your way again and living. Finn will end this story with another cliffhanger so be prepared to read Rise of The King!! Happy Reading!!
Playing For Keeps is the second book in Riley and Andi's story. This story starts were book three ends..but Finn will end it three months after book two Till the Sun Dies stops.
This story is an emotional rollercoaster for all characters. Andi is an amazing character in my opinion absolutely loved her. I loved the way she pulled Riley out of his funk. This story is about healing, finding your way again and living. Finn will end this story with another cliffhanger so be prepared to read Rise of The King!! Happy Reading!!
April 1, 2021
This book was so good, I adored it, like it was awesome. Riley and Andi story was beautiful and heartbreaking. They went through a lot and still stayed together in the end. Took some work from both of them but they did it. Riley's pain just about broke my heart, and Andi was so strong for staying even all he put her through, not many people would have stayed. She never gave up on him and in the end she made him understand that they loved each other and were better together than apart. Their love was a fantastic thing to see
June 25, 2022
This book went to a place I’ve never seen a book go. It was really hard to see the Riley be so mean for half the book. But as soon as things turned around, I don’t think I’ve ever been more relieved while reading a book. This book took a risk in showing a woman that would stay no matter what. Even when someone is an asshole. But in life, sometimes that is the right move, when you really know someone and their suffering. It isn’t pretty sometimes, but worth it in the end. I think this book portrayed chronic pain and suffering so well. There’s so much grief involved and I was glad to see it was done well.
July 21, 2019
Phenomenal book
Each Emilia Finn book is an incredible journey. This book is so intense and an emotional roller coaster that is so worth the angst and tears....because there is laughter, tears and joy as your heart is stitched back together stronger for taking the journey.
I love Reilly and Andi as a couple. If for some reason you click on this book without reading the books earlier in the Roller and Survivor series STOP and start at beginning with Kit and Bobby.
Each Emilia Finn book is an incredible journey. This book is so intense and an emotional roller coaster that is so worth the angst and tears....because there is laughter, tears and joy as your heart is stitched back together stronger for taking the journey.
I love Reilly and Andi as a couple. If for some reason you click on this book without reading the books earlier in the Roller and Survivor series STOP and start at beginning with Kit and Bobby.
July 22, 2019
Emilia has done it again! Another wonderful book in the Checkmate series! Riley and Andi’s story will have you crying, laughing, and cheering from chapter to chapter. A can’t say enough about her book series from the Rollers, to the survivor series, and now the checkmate series. All the characters have different personalities yet they all fit together to make any reader come back and want more about their lives, the struggles, and their love stories!
July 22, 2019
Riley! 😍😍😍
What can I say? Emilia Finn is an excellent writer. I read a lot of books and hers have that certain something that makes them great. Her character development and dialogue between characters are two things that makes her books stand out. Riley and Andi did not disappoint. Even when Riley was being an a**hole, you understood why. His vulnerability with his mom and the dr appts touched my heart. I 10/10 recommend! Can’t wait to read Checkmate #5!
What can I say? Emilia Finn is an excellent writer. I read a lot of books and hers have that certain something that makes them great. Her character development and dialogue between characters are two things that makes her books stand out. Riley and Andi did not disappoint. Even when Riley was being an a**hole, you understood why. His vulnerability with his mom and the dr appts touched my heart. I 10/10 recommend! Can’t wait to read Checkmate #5!
July 23, 2019
How soon will the next book release?!?!?!
Hooked and then hooked again with the continuation of Riley and Andi's story. Absolutely stunned at the ending and now waiting for book 5 to learn who the bad guys are. Emilia shares the truly hard feelings and reality for those who lose a limb in the call of duty, and then are left to put their life pieces back together. Thank you for sharing such a great topic with your readers
Hooked and then hooked again with the continuation of Riley and Andi's story. Absolutely stunned at the ending and now waiting for book 5 to learn who the bad guys are. Emilia shares the truly hard feelings and reality for those who lose a limb in the call of duty, and then are left to put their life pieces back together. Thank you for sharing such a great topic with your readers
July 23, 2019
Playing for Keeps continues the story of Andi and Riley from Castling the Rook. We find out what happens with Riley's injury and go on an emotional rollercoaster with him and Andi during his recovery. There's lots of moments of humor mixed in with heartbreaking life changes. I loved both Andi and Riley's pets and their attitudes, which brought in some much needed comic relief to some heavy topics. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
June 7, 2020
This book is in the Checkmate Series about Riley coming too terms with his disabilities and Andi who has a brilliant character she funny compassionate, strong and a little bit mad.She helps him go from being angry hurt no self worth back to being the person he wants to be.I loved this story it’s emotional , the dialogue is wonderful also I cried needed tissues.this series so far has be a pleasure to read.
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