Playing for Keeps

Pack Heat #5

by Sam Hall

I've done all the dumb things.

Shaun thought he'd found the one, his mate in Jules only to have the cruelly ripped away. She hadn't even thought to include him in her choosing ceremony. What they'd shared was hot and over and she'd moved on, without him.
He could have kept it together, could have kept his honour if it wasn't for that day. She came to talk about it and... this bile came flooding out. He hurt the woman he cared most about with vicious words and then, she was gone.
Not trusting himself, not knowing who he was anymore, he avoids the mating runs. Better to be alone than being that guy. Who's to know when the mean side of him might rise again?
And then she comes stumbling into Sanctuary: alone, vulnerable and needing help, needing him.
He should turn his back on her, redirect her to the alpha, anything, anything but listen to the urge inside him that beats so loud: to make her his.
Join Shaun from the Pack Heat series, when he finally gets his HEA as once he gets past his fear, he's playing for keeps.

Author note: This is a super steamy paranormal romance from a reverse harem series, but not sure if that's the way its going to play out yet. BOOK WILL BE RELEASED BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED.

Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy, Shapeshifters, Romance, Polyamory, Paranormal Romance

280 pages, ebook

First published October 3, 2021

About the author

Australian author of paranormal RH novels

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Reviews

[Poppy || Monster Lover · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bit too caught up in spiritual for my tastes but gave a tidy ending

3.5
This series has by far been the spiciest I’ve read by Hall so far. I enjoyed the beginning of this book - the girl who knew what she was and the boy that Jules didn’t keep. It had potential. But it felt like everything was a rush to the the finish line. There were so few answers to questions that were posed early on. I wanted to get to know the other MMCs better as well.

Spice: 5/5

Triggers: murder, brief mention of abuse

[Angelique · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have words. So many words

What an epically amazingly brilliant way to round off what is one of my favourite series.

I am so glad that Shaun got his happy ending, and the way he got it made my heart happy.

In this book Sam blessed you with little visits from previous characters you might have missed a bit and also throws in a whole new plot to mess with your head. And lots and lots of hot steamy scenes that leave you begging for more

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh - I had enjoyed the beginning half of the book when the FMC Rebecca/Bec was figuring out who would be in her harem during her heat, but once it started going into the reincarnation plot and bringing back Branwen and Lonan drama, I got bored. I wanted to read reverse harem romance rather than spend half the book trying to tie up the confusing metaphysical stuff I detested in Thrown to the Wolf. The synopsis is misleading as well, since while we are familiar with Shaun as a character from the previous books in the series, the story is all written from Bec's POV, not his.

This book filled out the backstory of the smoke wolves, which didn't make sense to me. In one story, Branwen was the one that gave the shifting power to a bunch of women. In another description, the first shifters gained the power after touching a bunch of crystals, and subsequent shifters were all reincarnations of the originals. The two stories conflict with each other as one assumed that there would be a stable number of Tirians that were fated to each other. Additionally, the lost city Oemis was said to be in the portal in the jaws of the Great Black Wolf - so it was in another dimension different than the dimension of the mines? Where did all these dimensions come from? The wolf gods honestly seemed rather useless IMO and came and went for dramatic effect to eat someone.

I also didn't like a lot of characters in the book. Jules was a total bitch, and I hated her cameos and irritating comments about Shaun. Shade was kind of just shoved into the harem with the reincarnation excuse and wasn't really properly developed as a character. Ethan went hot and cold randomly near the end, but it was magically resolved by the time the Bec required mating bonds with everyone to move the story along.

The crone, mother, and maiden figures also had some continuity issues. In the last book Survivor, I had thought the FMC Flick in that book was the mother representative, but in this one, it was actually Kiralee's mother Arelia. Speaking of which, Kiralee's name from the previous books somehow changed to Kailee in this book.... Super confusing, but I just went with it just to finish it.

It was an okay read, and overall, I really only enjoyed a couple of books in the series. The author noted that they had wanted to tie up all the loose ends and conclude the series here, so I guess that's why the story ended up this way, even if I hadn't enjoyed it. Honestly, I would have been happy with the setting in the series had it just been focused on Sanctuary and nothing about this other world and gods and reincarnations. It made the story messy and confusing and overly complicated when trying to explain all the metaphysical and dimensions.
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Ratings - completed series:
#1 The Wolf at My Door: ★★★★☆
#2 Cry Wolf: ★★★☆☆
#3 Thrown to the Wolf: ★★☆☆☆
#3.5 Joining the Pack: ★★★☆☆

Standalones:
#4 Survivor: ★★★★☆
#4.5 Noah: ★★★★☆
#5 Playing for Keeps (this book): ★★★☆☆

[XxnightxowlxX74 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so glad that Shaun got his book. He deserved a happy ending after all that he went through.
This starts off with a bang and keeps on going.
I liked seeing others from previous books peaking in here and there.
Shaun wasn’t looking for anything when he walked into that bar but he sure did get something from it.

[Kimm · Rating 3 out of 5]

For those of you who are fans of the Pack Heat series, this book makes a nice ending. I was so heartbroken over what happened between Jules and Shaun. Poor guy. Well, in this book, he finally finds his mate and it becomes obvious that he HAD to be with her. It was fated for many years and lives.

It is sad he had to go through the sorrow of what happened with Jules, but he emerges victorious and a new man.

There are sexy times as there always are in Sam’s books, but I felt that this one was less sexy than the other Pack Heat books. Not that that is a deterrent.

My only complaint is that I was a bit confused as to what was going on in the mystical part of the plot, but that may have been due to my reading disability.

Honestly, I was just so happy that Shaun got a happy ending that it didn’t matter.

[Bettylicious · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the first half was a good read it lost the plot completely halfway through the book. I did not understand a single bit of that mythical side story whatever it was and was as bad as book 3.

Same issue. Lovely characters, good romance/smut, and even the world-building was okay but the whole magic system and that plotline is a convoluted mess this book (series) could have done without! There was enough material with the why choose romance and the relationship dynamics and adding that mythical bit in hurt the story more.

Clearly, this author was over it at this point and it shows.

[Snow Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bec the MC knows she is something different but is unaware of how special she really is. She works in a rundown bar just trying to make ends meet and keep on the down low. 
This story also brings Shaun back to us. However it is not just about his redemption. If you have read any of the prior Pack Heat books you know what I mean. A lot of readers had an axe to grind with him. Trust in the talent that is Sam Hall, she will not do you wrong. They meet on Christmas day and with the help of Becs friend have an amazing meal and an even more amazing night together!!! The heat level in this book is off the charts, you will need a fan and maybe some water. Trying to not give spoilers is hard… they end up at Sanctuary with Bec being in heat. So we know what that means… hot man parade. I loved how Axel and Elliott interacted with each other and Bec. Everything was always at her pace and what she wanted. She is no shy miss and I loved that she spoke up for what she wanted and accepted that part of herself. I think that that is something that women in the real world tend to struggle to do. We get to see parts of Sanctuary that we have not been able to in prior books and all I have to say is there is a Club, a "special" club that the guys take Bec to at her request. There are also flashbacks or memories you are not quite sure of, you just have to keep reading to find out. I don't want to say more but know that the ending is amazing and the storyline is tied up in a really great way. I was so glad to read this series by such an amazing author!

[Book Life With Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing for Keeps brings it all home for the Pack Heat series with Shaun's story and wraps it up beautifully in this amazing conclusion. If you were one of those that always rooted for Shaun to have his one happily ever after then this story is definitely for you! And if you were one of those that had an ongoing love/hate relationship with him then this story is STILL for you as everyone needs a chance at redemption—and this is it for Shaun.

Playing for keeps is the final conclusion that we all needed and shows us that sometimes things happen for a reason and we’re meant to be—that it’s the ultimate steamiest of reads is also a huge plus! The heat (literally!) bursts into hot steamy flames instantly as Shaun encounters Bec at a truck stop and the journey to Sanctuary and forming their own pack is of course inevitable. Their story, and of course their hot chemistry, makes for an amazing read that was well worth the wait!

Thankfully with this book, Sam beautifully ties up some previous unanswered questions and loose ends from the series and wraps it all up with a big shiny bow! 5 star read all the way!

[Liza Miller Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Just wow. So many feelings. Pack Heat was my first series by Sam Hall and will always hold a special place in my heart. This book was everything I had hoped for and more. Shaun got his HEA with Bec (and the rest of their pack), Sylvan and Arelia figured themselves out, the Black Wolf and the White Wolf came back to Oemis/Wolflantis (hehe), and we finally found out who and what Branwyn and Lonan really were. And of course Jules and her mates made an appearance.

In keeping with the OG Pack Heat 3, the world building was phenomenal. We’re talking ruined shrines, worlds of wolf gods, Sanctuary, and portals to other realms, as well as a great background story for Bec. The characters will tear your heart out, in the best way, and make you cry tears of joy and sorrow. And let’s not forget, perhaps the staple of any book in the Pack Heat series, the steamy, smexy, smuttiness that is non-stop (almost from page 1) and culminates in a psychic orgy that only Ms. Hall could write.

I’m going to miss Pack Heat, I’m sad it’s over, but if I have to say goodbye then this story was the way to do it.

[MRichardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

FIRE!
Through this series, my feelings towards Shawn would flip. Love him, then hate him, then understand his actions, etc.…. This was a perfect story about his “ever-after” if I do say so myself. Though this book does have me upset with Jules! Who the hell did she think she was to go assuming the things she did. She should have stayed in her lane until something more suspicious took place. In my opinion, nothing had happened to the FMC that warranted those nasty looks or comments.

The world that was built by the author is just amazing. To have released this many books in the series, she had to have been thinking so far ahead to plan the types of twists and turns that she does. These are not only jam-packed with STEAMY scenarios all of us secretly fantasize about but there is real storytelling too. I have written in my daily planner all available release dates for each series, so I don’t miss a new book dropping.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shaun finally gets his HEA! If you read the first books in the Pack Heat series, you know that Shaun was not selected as Jules's mate - and he didn't take it well. I wasn't terribly upset with that twist, but I know that many readers were furious. So here is Shaun's redemption arc - a totally smut-tastic adventure that finds Sanctuary at the center of (yet another) apocalyptic event. This Shaun is a lot less arrogant, a lot more introspective, and very sure of his connection to Bec. Bec thought she was the only Tirian around and never understood her fantasies, visions, and voices. She is thrown right into the mix when she goes into heat and wakes up in a land filled with hot, buff, thirsty men. All the elements I loved from Pack Heat are here and I'm a little sad that this is the last book of the series. But everything was wrapped up very nicely and I'm so glad that this series introduced to this talented author.

[B ~ modern day bookworm~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s not 100% required but highly recommended to read the previous book in the series.

Beautiful, twisting, and a hint of divine.

The world is multilayered, so be prepared to experience flashbacks, present day, other realm, and something else all together.

The leading lady has to battle not only her inner animal, a goddess, but the tampering of a lustful creature who didn’t learn from the mistakes of the first round.

I like how the other tied up some of the questions from the previous books, wrote a beautiful love story, and brought the world to a place it will be able to survive from not and to beyond.

There isn’t much of trigger for me in this, but do be mindful for some of you readers that the first 50% book is steamy, has erotic and quite a few M/M scenes. It goes beyond smut because there is the beginning of something new and reading the beauty of formation of bonds too.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the final installment of the Pack Heat Series and one us fans were waiting for. My first exposure to Sam Hall was this series so it was a special treat for me to see a conclusion. Shaun, one of the characters from the first book, finally gets his chance. I love that Bec is hot for him and goes after him. I love that she never wavers in her belief in him. It is so different from how he was treated in the first book and I am here for it! I was worried I would have difficulty seeing him in a new light, but I shouldn't have been. Bec and the rest of her harem seemed perfectly suited to each other and even though there were some unexpected twists and turns, it was a delightful read. Could you read this first? Yes. If you do though, go back and start at book one and dive in! You won't regret it.

[Kathy Landis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous

Having read the author's note at the end, I'm a little sad to hear that neither Survivor nor Playing for Keeps sold well. Both were amazing books, although definitely a little confusing at times. I know personally as a reader, I only just found out about both books in January of 2022. I'm glad I did. I've read the others, I'm following the author, and I get emails all the time about books. But I didn't get these. I found them as a result of a Facebook request for recommendations. However it happened, I'm glad I found them. I am extremely grateful to the author for tying up all the little loose ends, and for Noah's story. Many authors don't continue what they see as an unwanted series. I think it shows a lot of dedication to the readers and a commitment that will keep me reading her books, knowing that she's not going to leave us hanging.

[Elizabeth Ryan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I intend to go back and write reviews on the rest of this series, but I just wanted to explain why I will not read this book.

This whole series was horrifically confusing. I STILL do not know what was going on with the first three books, and I'm utterly confused by the series in general.

I bought the entire series without reading anything about it, and maybe that was my mistake.

Then in one of the first three books, we met Shaun, who seemed like a nice guy, until he gets rejected by Jules, and then he becomes a raging asshole who kicks the dog, Buddy. Then I find out he's the male love interest in this book? Nope, nope, nope, nope. Raging assholes do NOT get a redemption arc. He needs to go lie in a ditch somewhere. Shouldn't have even been mentioned in the 4th book. Big Ol' nope to this book.

[Melissa Howse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing for Keeps brings us Shaun's HEA in an amazing conclusion to the Pack Heat series. I was on the fence with Shaun after his experience with Jules but this book really gave us Shaun at his best as he learned from his past and we understand why he needed his journey to find his pack. A chance meeting at a truck stop brings Beck into the fold and the road to Sanctuary is inevitable. Beck learns a lot about herself and the terians and her path to find her pack. Experiencing her heat with wolves brings the heat that Sam Hall is known for. PH will always be a favorite series for me and Sam Hall tied up so many loose ends with this epic conclusion. This book evoked all the emotions and was a bittersweet goodbye to Sanctuary.

[Esmarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Hotness

If you are offended by steamy scenes that will burn your kindle, you should definitely skip this book. For the rest of you deviants: This is the final book in the Pack Heat series and gives a (very very) happy ending to one of the characters from the first book, who was essentially left out in the cold. We meet Bec, a mouthy bartender with a secret, who meets Shaun while he’s out on a run for Sanctuary, and from there things develop really fast. You definitely need to read the whole series - which deals with other characters but has an overarching story arc - in order to fully appreciate this book. The strings from the last book (Survivor) are tied up and a new future is laid out for Sanctuary residents, with a HEA for Bec and her men.

[Marisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shaun finally gets to have his happily ever after and it was such a satisfying ending. I love the new female main character and I love the new side of Shaun, and that he finally found the love he deserves.

I loved all the players in this book. I think Sam Hall did a great job establishing this relationship and making each of the men memorable. There was a lot of steam, a lot but, other than intricate and detailed story lines, that is what Sam Hall does best. No complaints.

A satisfying conclusion to the Pack Heat series. Honestly, I didn’t even need that much of an update from characters from the rest the series because this book and the characters were very well written and it was easy to become immersed in the story.

[Danyelle Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ending for Shaun

This book competes the pack heat series. We finally get to see poor Shaun get his happy ending. He had a hard road with Jules in the previous book so I'm glad he ended up with a good pack.

Bec comes in knowing a good bit more than the FMC we had previously met. Her and Shaun and the rest of her pack Axel, Ethan and Shade wind up having a past that goes further than just this mating.

I'm sad to see the series end as I would have liked many of the other men to find their happily ever after. There is alot happening in this book as the author goes about tieing the loose ends. Overall great book I loved the character of Axel...I would like one of these please Sam.

[Richelle Zirkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shaun is back as he finally gets a girl to call his very own. When he picks up Bec at a roadside diner, he has no idea what he's in for. These two are so hot, they could peel the paint off a car. As the story unfolds, it's clear that there is more going on than meets the eye. This one reads a little like a paranormal mystery, as there is very much a problem to be solved here. As the newly forming harem (they're all amazing) work together in a race toward the novel’s conclusion, it was inevitable that all of the threads in the plot be resolved. Sam did an exceptional job, and I feel like I can rest knowing the characters found happiness thanks to this amazing author's storytelling skills.

[Skay Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Super steamy” is an understatement. This book is so hot, I may need to do a reread many times over. I was one of the many throughout this series that had a love/hate relationship with Shaun, but I don’t think he did anything in this book that the rest of them wouldn’t have done the exact same way. I’d call it fate that Shaun showed up when Bec needed someone like him the most. I loved how absolute Shaun was in what he wanted with Bec. He took perfect care of her and helped her realize what she really wanted was okay for her to have in Sanctuary. This was a great ending to the series. I’m sad it’s over, but if you want to click a few sort of leftover pieces together, read this!

[Inga O · Rating 4 out of 5]

Horrah!! We get to see Shaun’s story! Poor sod had it pretty rough and he took things pretty hard in the earlier pack heat series so it’s really nice to see him get his HEA! This book is absolutely sizzling hawt so full of spice. I really loved Bec our FMC she was full of sass and knows her own mind from being alone for so long. Scary thing was it gave a new side to Jules the previous fmc a not so pretty side which works so well as in previous books Shaun obviously was shown in the not so good light very cleverly done! As the final book I think this was all tied up nicely and I just need to mention that spice again… wow….

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well people what can I say.... just hang up your knickers and sit on a towel for this one. Have your partner or vibe on standby because it is hot, hot, hot. I personally loved Shaun and was broken by what happened with Jules. So I am so glad he gets another chance at love. Bec is a little sex pot that has found an outlet, that comes in the form 4 males Shaun, Axel, Ethan and Shade. This has been my favorite RH series and I am sad that it is over. Hope you read this series and this book and love it as much as I did.

[Krys DeCantillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has a special place in my heart. I love the pack heat series. I’m sad to hear this is the last installment. I love how smuttily delicious this book was. There is a plot but let’s be honest, it’s a giant fantastic orgy. The characters came together naturally. I kind of hated Jules in this book. Which is funny because I hated Shaun in her book. But Shaun has redeemed himself. I felt he had done that in Survivor but this one we see a side of him we had not before. Such a fantastic read. You, Sam Hall, do not disappoint.

[Ange Bennetts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wrapping up the whole Pack Heat series was always going to be hard for Sam Hall, but damn, she manages to tell an amazing series, tie up all the lose ends and really finish creating a brilliant legend. One of the things I loved about this series was all the metaphysical stuff going on, but sometimes I found it hard to follow, in Playing for Keeps, I feel like it all gelled better with me and I really really loved it. Bec, Shaun, Axel, Ethan and Shade make an amazing story, the heat, passion and love between them all is just a joy to read.

[Christy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

While you don’t have to read the rest of The Pack Heat Series to enjoy this book, it definitely helps with so much back story.

This book allows some of the characters you weren’t sure you loved or disliked from the earlier series to finally get their HEA. I’m so glad Shaun finally got to experience the true mate bond and Bec was a strong female character. Of course Bec also collects her men and they go through some trials, and the steam(get your fan ready).

Nice wrap up to this series, but a good standalone too.

[Melissa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is absolutely amazing and this was a perfect ending to it all. It wrapped up a few loose ends in Sanctuary, touched on previous characters and Shaun finally got his mate! After loving and hating Shaun in previous books, I was so excited to read his HEA and for him to be able to show his true colors. Bec's story was fantastic. She was bound to be bada$$ in whatever she decided to do and definitely had her own rulebook lol! Playing for Keeps was HIGH heat with a ton of steamy goodness as well.

[Colleen Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice closing for this series

This series was an amazing ride loved all the twists and turns it contained. Love all the characters as well very developed storyline as well as utopia, although not everything of that world was perfect aside from the sexy beasts and the euphoria… well any way a big thank you to Author Sam Hall for giving Shaun his story it really needed to be told. As he was one of my favorite male characters in the series. If you have an open mind to Reverse harems with sexy Wolf shifters this might be the series for you!

[Galina Sulaiman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pack Heat 5

To me this is Shaun's story even if it's hers if that makes any sense. I have followed this series from day one and I can tell you I was shattered when he was rejected before. I have rooted for him to get himself a mate that was worthy and he did! He got a great new pack, Jules apologized you can say and we have closure on multiple storylines. This book was written by the author for us fans and I am ever so thankful for her generosity! Bless you Sam for giving us an ending worthy of this fantastic series! I'm howling with joy!

[Sarz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Complicated

I feel like it's maybe more my fault than the book's, but I really felt a bit lost through much of this book. It's been a while since I read the previous books, and so the back story was a bit hazy. But also there were so many flashbacks, too many competing voices, and new characters that didn't feel like they had enough personality, particularly one who appears from out of nowhere mid-story. I think it would be a lot better to read a part of the whole series, when all the players are fresh in mind.