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Playing for Keeps #2
Throwing the Curve
Nothing is more important than the team. Until her.
How is this her life? Peyton Sharp prides herself on being a good person and doing the right thing. So how the heck did she end up at a party with a married man? Sure, she hadn’t known he was married, but still. Apparently, all her life experience didn’t prevent her from being an idiot when it came to men. And don’t even get her started on Ryan Graves.
Being a good teammate has been drilled into star pitcher Ryan Graves’ head since he first picked up a glove. Somehow, he never thought that would extend to helping his cheating teammate out of a jam. he avoids relationships for a reason. Now he’s fake dating a woman who hates him. Thinking about her more than he should and questioning everything he thought was important. This was not what he signed up for.
Falling in love with his fake girlfriend was never part of the plan. But when life throws you a curve, sometimes all you can do is swing for the fences.
*Throwing the Curve can be read as a standalone*
How is this her life? Peyton Sharp prides herself on being a good person and doing the right thing. So how the heck did she end up at a party with a married man? Sure, she hadn’t known he was married, but still. Apparently, all her life experience didn’t prevent her from being an idiot when it came to men. And don’t even get her started on Ryan Graves.
Being a good teammate has been drilled into star pitcher Ryan Graves’ head since he first picked up a glove. Somehow, he never thought that would extend to helping his cheating teammate out of a jam. he avoids relationships for a reason. Now he’s fake dating a woman who hates him. Thinking about her more than he should and questioning everything he thought was important. This was not what he signed up for.
Falling in love with his fake girlfriend was never part of the plan. But when life throws you a curve, sometimes all you can do is swing for the fences.
*Throwing the Curve can be read as a standalone*
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 7, 2023
14 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Fraser
25 books168 followersI am happily married to an amazing man. We have two children and the requisite 2 dogs.
After picking up my first romance book in my teens, I was hooked on the happily ever after. Sure it's often a bumpy road to get there, but then the best things in life are worth fighting for.
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After picking up my first romance book in my teens, I was hooked on the happily ever after. Sure it's often a bumpy road to get there, but then the best things in life are worth fighting for.
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Bookbub: link text
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
January 26, 2023
My first book of Lauren’s and it absolutely will not be my last. I loved everything about it. She gives us spice and fake dating turning into love. But she also gives us a strong woman and that woman not only being in the social work field which I really enjoyed. I love they dynamics between Ryan and Peyton and really hope the rest of the series involves them and we see more good things they continue to do for the children’s center and with Ryan’s new venture.
February 9, 2023
Peyton Sharp wasn't sure about the man she had just started seeing, but when they show up at a party she quickly realizes that everything he told her was a facade. Getting thrown under the buss Ryan Graves, star pitcher of the team, finds himself pretending to be Peyton's boyfriend at least until he can get her out of there. Ryan though believes she is just another woman in a long line trying to date a baseball star for personal gain, he couldn't be more wrong. News gets out that the man who no one sees date is dating, Peyton and Ryan come to a truce and decide to continue to pretend. What happens though when feelings get involved though, can Ryan push his doubts aside?
This was delightful. The story pulls you in right away and I really liked Peyton. I thought the way the characters emotions were written you could easily visualize what was happening. Terrific chemistry, terrific book.
This was delightful. The story pulls you in right away and I really liked Peyton. I thought the way the characters emotions were written you could easily visualize what was happening. Terrific chemistry, terrific book.
February 6, 2023
Peyton thought she had met the guy she could possible settle down with but when she is invited to his friends barbeque and realises he has a wife her whole world comes crashing down. So when Steve pushes her off to his team-mate Ryan when Steve's wife makes an appearance Peyton is a little annoyed.
Totally embarrassed Peyton makes he way out of the party but once away from the humiliation she discovers Ryan is one of the player due to be in her mentorship program so biting the bullet she approaches him and is met with a proposition. To be Ryan's fake girlfriend?
Ryan is the loner not really a party man but can't get over the blant way some of his team mates cheat on their wives, when one particular player becomes unstuck with the lie he drags in Ryan to save face from his wife and becomes utterly annoyed with the situation. But Ryan can't let this woman go, the fire and sass this woman has makes for an interesting game and the sexual chemistry is off the charts with them. So he decides to offer her a solution, a kind of Friends with Benefits situation with a few fake dates thrown in.
We all know what will happen with that, it never runs as smoothly and this relationship gets interesting the more they argue with each other they are not attracted to each other.
I loved this book, the Enemies to Friends genre is one I am becoming very fond of, these two characters are both fiery and strong willed, both not willing to admit their feelings are growing between them which makes for an interesting story. The story is well written and flows along brilliantly with each turn of the page. Peyton's character although a bit naïve at the beginning grows with you as you read her past and understand why she is so guarded. I loved the character of Ryan, the cocky ball player who has a mushy heart underneath although not original was heart warming and brilliant.
I loved the additional characters in the form of Ryan's sister Kendall and how she helps Peyton with her insecurities when it comes to Ryan, overall the story was lovely and would love to read more from this series and hopefully see Steve get what he deserves.
Totally embarrassed Peyton makes he way out of the party but once away from the humiliation she discovers Ryan is one of the player due to be in her mentorship program so biting the bullet she approaches him and is met with a proposition. To be Ryan's fake girlfriend?
Ryan is the loner not really a party man but can't get over the blant way some of his team mates cheat on their wives, when one particular player becomes unstuck with the lie he drags in Ryan to save face from his wife and becomes utterly annoyed with the situation. But Ryan can't let this woman go, the fire and sass this woman has makes for an interesting game and the sexual chemistry is off the charts with them. So he decides to offer her a solution, a kind of Friends with Benefits situation with a few fake dates thrown in.
We all know what will happen with that, it never runs as smoothly and this relationship gets interesting the more they argue with each other they are not attracted to each other.
I loved this book, the Enemies to Friends genre is one I am becoming very fond of, these two characters are both fiery and strong willed, both not willing to admit their feelings are growing between them which makes for an interesting story. The story is well written and flows along brilliantly with each turn of the page. Peyton's character although a bit naïve at the beginning grows with you as you read her past and understand why she is so guarded. I loved the character of Ryan, the cocky ball player who has a mushy heart underneath although not original was heart warming and brilliant.
I loved the additional characters in the form of Ryan's sister Kendall and how she helps Peyton with her insecurities when it comes to Ryan, overall the story was lovely and would love to read more from this series and hopefully see Steve get what he deserves.
February 7, 2023
Boy! If there were any two people that shouldn’t date, it is Ryan and Peyton. The judgment, the preconceived notions, the hurt and the bitterness that start this relationship are the reasons you wonder even if faking it is a good idea. But soon you realize that all the venom that they spit out is a byproduct of the baggage they carry and the chemistry they feel.
Peyton hasn’t dated in three years, choosing to focus on her career and making her non-profit program a real place in the community. When the good-looking baseball player pursues her, Peyton is flattered and doesn’t take the time to do some basic cyber profiling. She misses the one big, glaring detail that would have made her run for the hills. He is married. Peyton discovers this in a most embarrassing way, at a team party when his wife shows up.
Ryan has been burned before. He wants nothing to do with his cheating teammates but Ryan doesn’t make waves when he gets pulled into Andy’s, jerkface extraordinaire, scheme to keep Andy’s wife from realizing that he brought a date to the party. The only reason that Ryan is willing to accept is that Peyton is beautiful and completely sexy. To everyone’s surprise, Peyton and Ryan have to continue the fake dating charade longer than anyone expects. As the feelings slowly start becoming real for both, the baggage becomes too much for them and threatens to tear them apart.
Andy is a complete and utter sleazeball. There should have been many more consequences for him after what he did. I love the foundation idea Ryan has. It is needed in today’s world. All the small things Peyton does for the kids at her program, the members of her community are amazing. The world needs more of that.
The story is a really good one. It was sad and funny, it was happy and heart wrenching. It has great banter and dialogue. Andy is the worst. But overall a fantastic read!!
Peyton hasn’t dated in three years, choosing to focus on her career and making her non-profit program a real place in the community. When the good-looking baseball player pursues her, Peyton is flattered and doesn’t take the time to do some basic cyber profiling. She misses the one big, glaring detail that would have made her run for the hills. He is married. Peyton discovers this in a most embarrassing way, at a team party when his wife shows up.
Ryan has been burned before. He wants nothing to do with his cheating teammates but Ryan doesn’t make waves when he gets pulled into Andy’s, jerkface extraordinaire, scheme to keep Andy’s wife from realizing that he brought a date to the party. The only reason that Ryan is willing to accept is that Peyton is beautiful and completely sexy. To everyone’s surprise, Peyton and Ryan have to continue the fake dating charade longer than anyone expects. As the feelings slowly start becoming real for both, the baggage becomes too much for them and threatens to tear them apart.
Andy is a complete and utter sleazeball. There should have been many more consequences for him after what he did. I love the foundation idea Ryan has. It is needed in today’s world. All the small things Peyton does for the kids at her program, the members of her community are amazing. The world needs more of that.
The story is a really good one. It was sad and funny, it was happy and heart wrenching. It has great banter and dialogue. Andy is the worst. But overall a fantastic read!!
January 1, 2023
This is book two in The Playing For Keeps Series and it is Peyton and Ryan's story and it is definitely a must read. Leyton is the coordinator at kids play and had managed to get the Hawks Team to volunteer and sponsor which would help the centre and that is how she met Andy and they started going out with each other only for them to go to a party together and Peyton to find out that Andy was married and had children which made her not only angry but also needing to get out of there as soon as possible and that is where Ryan stepped in and took Peyton home. Ryan is angry because Andy is cheating again on his wife and then put Ryan in a difficult position by telling his wife that Peyton was Ryan's girlfriend and now they needed to continue being in a fake relationship because of Peyton's display centre and it will help with publicity. Neither Peyton or Ryan were happy about the situation even though the attraction and chemistry between them is so strong and intense that it sizzles whenever they are near each other even though neither have a very good opinion of each other but the more time that they spend together things between them start to change but what will happen when there fake relationship starts to feel so real but neither will acknowledge or talk about it and then everything falls apart leaving them both upset and heartbroken but will they ever be able to trust each other and put themselves and there hearts on the line and get the happy ending that they both deserve or will they both walk away and miss out on something very special. I absolutely loved this book and I couldn't put it down and had to keep turning the pages to see what would happen next and what the outcome would be for them and I can't wait to read more book's in this series.
January 29, 2023
I love baseball! And I do thoroughly enjoy sports romances. Of course this one is nothing short of drama as well. Throwing the Curve was enjoyable and entertaining. Of course the title didn’t make sense to me till the end, but it’s not my place to explain why. Read it you will understand. Trust me it's worth the read. Book 2 in the Playing for Keeps Series and though it’s part of a series it’s very much a standalone in its own right. The author pulls you in to the point you don’t want to stop. And when you do stop it’s over, and all you want is more!
Peyton ends up in an unfortunate situation, as the other woman, who is bailed out by none other than star pitcher Ryan Graves. Now though I mention he’s a pitcher doesn’t auto connect him to the title, because he’s known for his 100+ mph fastball(so my point again read it, you will understand.) Anyway these two make assumptions about one another that are further from the truth. But was starting their relationship under dislike what brought them together? Do a mistress and a broken man fit together? Let’s not make judgments, because the way this book is written is how it keeps on interesting. Yeah they both have a crappy back story, but how they move forward and persevere is what keeps you reading. It’s what pushes anyone forward in life as it does the characters in the story. Are there speed bumps along the way? Absolutely! But what’s more entertaining than a little drama?
I like everything about this book, and though it’s book 2 it’s the first book I read in this series. So while you read this, I’m going to go find book 1 to read!
Peyton ends up in an unfortunate situation, as the other woman, who is bailed out by none other than star pitcher Ryan Graves. Now though I mention he’s a pitcher doesn’t auto connect him to the title, because he’s known for his 100+ mph fastball(so my point again read it, you will understand.) Anyway these two make assumptions about one another that are further from the truth. But was starting their relationship under dislike what brought them together? Do a mistress and a broken man fit together? Let’s not make judgments, because the way this book is written is how it keeps on interesting. Yeah they both have a crappy back story, but how they move forward and persevere is what keeps you reading. It’s what pushes anyone forward in life as it does the characters in the story. Are there speed bumps along the way? Absolutely! But what’s more entertaining than a little drama?
I like everything about this book, and though it’s book 2 it’s the first book I read in this series. So while you read this, I’m going to go find book 1 to read!
December 29, 2022
Ryan is a top pitcher for The Hawks and although one of the good guys, he can also be a jerk.
Peyton works with under priveledged children and is trying to organise a sports program in conjunction with The Hawks.
When Ryan and Payton first meet, they are not off to the best start. His opinion of her is very low, and the names he calls her are not gentlemanly. Peyton thinks all celebrity ball players are not to be trusted and are full of lies.
She can't however deny the attraction and how her heart rate increases at his touch. Ryan is happy to think it is all physical attraction and one night together with get her out of his system.
So when they start a fake relationship 'for the sake of the team' they are not expecting to enjoy their time together as much as they do. However, since they don't like each other why does Ryan look forward to the time spent together and why has his game improved when she attends his games?
Peyton looks forward to seeing Ryan and spending time with him, and enjoys watching him coach the kids. However when a past brief relationship brings trouble, things start to full apart and their new relationship is tested to the max.
Can they overcome their issues, and learn to trust each other again?
I loved the characters and how their relationship develops over the pages. Well written and a real page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Peyton works with under priveledged children and is trying to organise a sports program in conjunction with The Hawks.
When Ryan and Payton first meet, they are not off to the best start. His opinion of her is very low, and the names he calls her are not gentlemanly. Peyton thinks all celebrity ball players are not to be trusted and are full of lies.
She can't however deny the attraction and how her heart rate increases at his touch. Ryan is happy to think it is all physical attraction and one night together with get her out of his system.
So when they start a fake relationship 'for the sake of the team' they are not expecting to enjoy their time together as much as they do. However, since they don't like each other why does Ryan look forward to the time spent together and why has his game improved when she attends his games?
Peyton looks forward to seeing Ryan and spending time with him, and enjoys watching him coach the kids. However when a past brief relationship brings trouble, things start to full apart and their new relationship is tested to the max.
Can they overcome their issues, and learn to trust each other again?
I loved the characters and how their relationship develops over the pages. Well written and a real page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 1, 2023
Throwing the Curve was a fantastic follow-up to the first book, Everything to Me, in Lauren Fraser’s Playing For Keeps series!!!
Peyton has found herself in quite a predicament. In one night she discovers the man she has been dating is married and now she seems to have a fake boyfriend, star pitcher, Ryan Graves. Thinking this will pass quickly, now others are drawn into the ruse, and it seems Ryan and Peyton find themselves in a fake relationship indefinitely. How can they make it believable when they can hardly stand the sight of one another?
As the two are forced to spend time with one another, they find themselves letting go of the preconceived notions they had of one another. Now, the relationship doesn’t seem so fake, and the lines are becoming much more blurry. I was a huge fan of Peyton’s from the beginning, and I soon became a fan of Ryan’s when I learned why he was so distrustful. However, he was far from perfect, and it was going to take a lot of work and pain to finally let the past go if he wanted to have a future that might actually give him his HEA!
While this was a great romance, Fraser touched on some darker topics involving not only some athletes’ treatment of women but of some men as well. Yet, she also showed her readers there are good men out there too who give women the respect and love they deserve. If you are looking for a spicy romance with some tender moments and deeper content, you need to give this book a try!
Peyton has found herself in quite a predicament. In one night she discovers the man she has been dating is married and now she seems to have a fake boyfriend, star pitcher, Ryan Graves. Thinking this will pass quickly, now others are drawn into the ruse, and it seems Ryan and Peyton find themselves in a fake relationship indefinitely. How can they make it believable when they can hardly stand the sight of one another?
As the two are forced to spend time with one another, they find themselves letting go of the preconceived notions they had of one another. Now, the relationship doesn’t seem so fake, and the lines are becoming much more blurry. I was a huge fan of Peyton’s from the beginning, and I soon became a fan of Ryan’s when I learned why he was so distrustful. However, he was far from perfect, and it was going to take a lot of work and pain to finally let the past go if he wanted to have a future that might actually give him his HEA!
While this was a great romance, Fraser touched on some darker topics involving not only some athletes’ treatment of women but of some men as well. Yet, she also showed her readers there are good men out there too who give women the respect and love they deserve. If you are looking for a spicy romance with some tender moments and deeper content, you need to give this book a try!
February 11, 2023
Throwing the Curve is available now in Paperback and eBook
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐️ Book Review
“When life throws you a curve sometimes all you can do is swing for the fences.” Throwing the Curve is an enemies to lovers, sports romance written by Lauren Fraser. It is the second installment of the Playing for Keeps series. Although it is a part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.
Peyton Sharp prides herself on being an honest person and doing what is right. When she realizes the baseball player she is dating is a married man she can’t continue with the shenanigans and must escape from the mess. Ryan Graves, another member of the baseball team comes to her rescue and agrees to be Peyton's fake boyfriend. This fake relationship doesn’t come without stipulations.
Lauren Fraser writes about love and relationships but in the end she’s a sucker for a happy ending. Throwing the Curve will not let you down in the happy ending category. The characters of Peyton and Ryan were relatable and lovable. Ryan’s team mates as secondary characters really wrapped up the storyline. The pace of this novel kept me wanting more, never bored throughout. I did feel like the forced fake relationship was awkward but overall I really liked the story. Despite this the characters and Fraser’s writing style really drew me in. And the SPICE, oh my! It will not disappoint. I can’t wait to see what installment 3 of this series brings to the table.
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐️ Book Review
“When life throws you a curve sometimes all you can do is swing for the fences.” Throwing the Curve is an enemies to lovers, sports romance written by Lauren Fraser. It is the second installment of the Playing for Keeps series. Although it is a part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.
Peyton Sharp prides herself on being an honest person and doing what is right. When she realizes the baseball player she is dating is a married man she can’t continue with the shenanigans and must escape from the mess. Ryan Graves, another member of the baseball team comes to her rescue and agrees to be Peyton's fake boyfriend. This fake relationship doesn’t come without stipulations.
Lauren Fraser writes about love and relationships but in the end she’s a sucker for a happy ending. Throwing the Curve will not let you down in the happy ending category. The characters of Peyton and Ryan were relatable and lovable. Ryan’s team mates as secondary characters really wrapped up the storyline. The pace of this novel kept me wanting more, never bored throughout. I did feel like the forced fake relationship was awkward but overall I really liked the story. Despite this the characters and Fraser’s writing style really drew me in. And the SPICE, oh my! It will not disappoint. I can’t wait to see what installment 3 of this series brings to the table.
August 7, 2023
Lauren Fraser did it again with the second book in the Playing For Keeps series! I love that this next book in the series, Throwing the Curve, is all about Kendell's big brother, Ryan Graves. We got to get to know Ryan, Kendell, and Pete in the first book when Pete and Kendell start a fiery romance between the two even though Pete was Ryan's best friend growing up. This next book starts with us meeting Peyton who shows up at a party, where several of the team's baseball players are celebrating, with Andy. Little did Peyton know that Andy is married with kids but makes it a regular occurrence to step out on his family to enjoy a fling. When Andy's wife, Carmella, shows up to the party, Peyton gets a rude awakening, and to cover his butt, Andy tells his wife that Peyton is there with Ryan Graves. This little white lie builds as Andy tells the whole baseball team as well as the team's PR that Ryan and Peyton are an item. This leads to the two to fake date, but will it lead to a budding romance for Ryan, or will he drop the lie and walk away, cause it's not like Ryan is friends with Andy, he actually can't stand the cheating jerk. You will not want to skip this next story in this amazing series, where we not only get to take a closer look into Ryan's life but also get to follow along with Kendell and Pete as their romance continues to blossom in the background.
@Brandy Rymer
08/2023
@Brandy Rymer
08/2023
February 12, 2023
Throwing the Curve is a sports romance between Peyton and Ryan. Peyton is a director of a community center who will be working with the Hawks, a professional baseball team. She meets one of the players, Andy, and really hits is off, however he is hiding some important information. This deceitful behavior leads Peyton to have to use Ryan, the star player on the team, to save her from embarrassment. This joint union ends up being one of the best things to happen, once the two of them stopped making assumptions about each other. What is suppose to be a business transaction ends up becoming all to real. However, each of them, especially Ryan, have some major insecurities around relationships. Hopefully he can get it together before everything is ruined.
I really enjoyed this sports romance with a little enemy to lovers motif. Each of the characters were loveable, but Ryan you had to get to know a little before that happened. By the end, he became one of my favorite characters and you could really see love develop over the page. I enjoyed how the book had male figures standing up for female rights and defending a positive treatment for them (but with that comes some negative treatment of women too). Peyton was a great character. She was strong, feminine, intelligent, but also realistic. I enjoyed her strength throughout. Overall, it was a good, fun read.
I really enjoyed this sports romance with a little enemy to lovers motif. Each of the characters were loveable, but Ryan you had to get to know a little before that happened. By the end, he became one of my favorite characters and you could really see love develop over the page. I enjoyed how the book had male figures standing up for female rights and defending a positive treatment for them (but with that comes some negative treatment of women too). Peyton was a great character. She was strong, feminine, intelligent, but also realistic. I enjoyed her strength throughout. Overall, it was a good, fun read.
February 12, 2023
In all honesty, I'm not much into sports romances, but the concept of these books had me so intrigued that I had to read this series and wow, am I glad I did. Lauren Fraser has written this series so well that I truly connected to the characters and was invested in their stories.
When I read the description of this book I was like a moth to a flame. I had to know how two people who were thrown together because of the actions of a selfish jerk were gonna pretend to be a couple and why would Ryan (the main hero) even bother to help out this stranger?
Peyton finds herself at a party with a married man, which completely baffles her that she could be so stupid as to not have known. Ryan, the star pitcher, goes above and beyond for his teammates, so he ends up trying to help his cheating teammate by fake dating the girl he was cheating with. Peyton and Ryan are now thrown together and neither is that happy about it, though as time goes on they can't deny the chemistry they have. Will a fake relationship turn into a real one that neither of them could see coming, or is it safer to move on and forget this whole ordeal? Even if you're like me and not so much into sports books, I'd definitely say check this out, because if you like a book with drama, romance, chemistry, and enemies to lovers, then you are in for a treat.
When I read the description of this book I was like a moth to a flame. I had to know how two people who were thrown together because of the actions of a selfish jerk were gonna pretend to be a couple and why would Ryan (the main hero) even bother to help out this stranger?
Peyton finds herself at a party with a married man, which completely baffles her that she could be so stupid as to not have known. Ryan, the star pitcher, goes above and beyond for his teammates, so he ends up trying to help his cheating teammate by fake dating the girl he was cheating with. Peyton and Ryan are now thrown together and neither is that happy about it, though as time goes on they can't deny the chemistry they have. Will a fake relationship turn into a real one that neither of them could see coming, or is it safer to move on and forget this whole ordeal? Even if you're like me and not so much into sports books, I'd definitely say check this out, because if you like a book with drama, romance, chemistry, and enemies to lovers, then you are in for a treat.
January 17, 2023
Fantastic book! I knew I was going to love it because I just loved the second book of this series. Peyton is dating a guy named Andy who’s living a double life. She goes to this party with him and finds out he’s married. Andy pretends she’s actually there with his teammate Ryan..when really she came here with him. Peyton has no idea and is absolutely crushed. The guy she’s apparently dating (Ryan) thinks Peyton knew Andy was married and just didn’t care. Ryan instantly judged Peyton and they don’t start off on the right foot. They have to keep pretending they’re dating but is that all it’ll stay as? Fake dating? Will real feelings come into play? Ryan tends to react on things before thinking but he really is amazing. The drama, the intenseness, the romance, THE SPICE? Absolutely amazing. The characters were great, there’s characters that are absolutely AWFUL I’d love to smack them but that’s what makes a great book. You need different kinds of people. This author knows how to captivate you and keep you interested. There’s humor but there’s also some pretty dark topics discussed in this book. I loved the entire thing. I wish I could read it again for the first time. I love a sexy spice read and I loved the hot tub scene 🥵 edging is so 🔥 10 stars for me.
February 8, 2023
This book was an amazing book to read. Lauren did a great job developing each character and building the characters.
Peyton is a woman determined to help local at-risk children have a place to go to keep them off the streets. She works at a facility that has programs to allow kids to play different sports after school. She has worked very hard to build her career.
Ryan is a professional Baseball player. He has a hardened exterior due to past relationships and friendships. He enjoys playing the game and helping others. He has only a small group of friends due to his job and all the downfalls that come with it.
Peyton meets Ryan by accident in one very embarrassing way. Ryan decides from the moment he lays eyes on her that she is not worth his time. Unfortunately for both of them, unforeseen circumstances push them together and force them to spend time together.
Can you prove to someone that you are different than they originally thought? Can past mistakes ruin a good thing? Can you forgive someone for something they had no knowledge of? Can you learn to trust someone after they break you? Read this book to find out what brings them together and if they can survive any curves.
Peyton is a woman determined to help local at-risk children have a place to go to keep them off the streets. She works at a facility that has programs to allow kids to play different sports after school. She has worked very hard to build her career.
Ryan is a professional Baseball player. He has a hardened exterior due to past relationships and friendships. He enjoys playing the game and helping others. He has only a small group of friends due to his job and all the downfalls that come with it.
Peyton meets Ryan by accident in one very embarrassing way. Ryan decides from the moment he lays eyes on her that she is not worth his time. Unfortunately for both of them, unforeseen circumstances push them together and force them to spend time together.
Can you prove to someone that you are different than they originally thought? Can past mistakes ruin a good thing? Can you forgive someone for something they had no knowledge of? Can you learn to trust someone after they break you? Read this book to find out what brings them together and if they can survive any curves.
February 12, 2023
This is the second book in this series and it doesn't disappoint. It can be read as a stand alone so don't fret. If you enjoy this book as much as I did, you will definitely want to read the first book in the series. To start this book took some turns that I didn't see coming. The way that the leading female character in the book is introduced to her love interest, completely caught me off guard. It was an amazing twist that you don't typically see in the sports romance genre. The way that the characters build their interest in each other is by "using" the other person. They each had something to gain from their fake relationship. The leading female hates that she has been put in this situation and is angry with everyone including herself. The leading man is just trying to be a good team mate, so he steps up to help when a teammate tries to hide the lies and save his marriage. What starts as an enemies agreement turns to something else. The slow build in this book is everything. It helps builds the feelings, helps the characters to have growth, and makes for a dang good story. This is an easy to read story that will keep you interested in the plot the whole time. It is all fun and games until a fake relationship isn't so fake anymore.
January 16, 2023
3.5 stars
Throwing the Curve is the third book in the Playing for Keeps series. It is a sports romance with a fake relationship/fake girlfriend storyline.
This is Peyton and Ryan’s story. He is all about the team and the game. She finds herself stuck between a rock and a hard place. They don’t like each other. He has some ill preconceived ideas about her, and I wanted to smack some sense into him. She has already been entangled with one lying ar$ehole and doesn’t need his condescension. However, they soon find themselves in a situation neither like at all because of his teammate and for the team. Andy was someone I wanted to kick his cheating arse.
But you never know what you will find in unlikely places, along with drama and angst. There is chemistry and steam when you take a longer look at what is right in front of you.
The story is told in multiple POV’s which helps to understand where each character is coming from. It is a quick and engaging baseball read. It can be read as a standalone, but I encourage you to start at the beginning to get to know all the characters.
The rest of the team are fun, and I look forward for their stories.
Throwing the Curve is the third book in the Playing for Keeps series. It is a sports romance with a fake relationship/fake girlfriend storyline.
This is Peyton and Ryan’s story. He is all about the team and the game. She finds herself stuck between a rock and a hard place. They don’t like each other. He has some ill preconceived ideas about her, and I wanted to smack some sense into him. She has already been entangled with one lying ar$ehole and doesn’t need his condescension. However, they soon find themselves in a situation neither like at all because of his teammate and for the team. Andy was someone I wanted to kick his cheating arse.
But you never know what you will find in unlikely places, along with drama and angst. There is chemistry and steam when you take a longer look at what is right in front of you.
The story is told in multiple POV’s which helps to understand where each character is coming from. It is a quick and engaging baseball read. It can be read as a standalone, but I encourage you to start at the beginning to get to know all the characters.
The rest of the team are fun, and I look forward for their stories.
January 16, 2023
3 Stars
Throwing the Curve is the third book in the Playing for Keeps series by Lauren Fraser. It is a contemporary sports romance (baseball) with a bit of an enemies to lovers element, fake dating, finding love unexpectedly, opposites attract, friendship, team dynamics, drama, chemistry, and angst.
This is Ryan and Peyton’s story, and although I liked the premise of the story, it didn’t ‘blow me away’ like I had hoped it would. And as with the last instalment, I thought it was an ok read- again, this just missed the mark or me.
I really had trouble connecting with the characters, and so that prevented me from fully immersing in the story and/or investing in the characters and the outcome of their tale. I have also read similar stories in the past, which made this quite predictable.
But, having said that, if you are looking for a quick and easy sports romance that has just enough angsty drama to keep things moving, then this might be the book for you.
The series contains:
-Too Far (Book #1)
-Everything to Me (Book #2)
-Throwing the Curve (Book #3)
-Sliding Home (Book #4) (releasing in July 2023)
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Lauren Fraser.
Throwing the Curve is the third book in the Playing for Keeps series by Lauren Fraser. It is a contemporary sports romance (baseball) with a bit of an enemies to lovers element, fake dating, finding love unexpectedly, opposites attract, friendship, team dynamics, drama, chemistry, and angst.
This is Ryan and Peyton’s story, and although I liked the premise of the story, it didn’t ‘blow me away’ like I had hoped it would. And as with the last instalment, I thought it was an ok read- again, this just missed the mark or me.
I really had trouble connecting with the characters, and so that prevented me from fully immersing in the story and/or investing in the characters and the outcome of their tale. I have also read similar stories in the past, which made this quite predictable.
But, having said that, if you are looking for a quick and easy sports romance that has just enough angsty drama to keep things moving, then this might be the book for you.
The series contains:
-Too Far (Book #1)
-Everything to Me (Book #2)
-Throwing the Curve (Book #3)
-Sliding Home (Book #4) (releasing in July 2023)
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Lauren Fraser.
February 13, 2023
When Peyton is confronted with the truth, that the man she has just started dating is actually married with children, she needs to find away out of the situation...fast. When Ryan takes her home, along with an announcement by one his teammates, the story begins to spread that Ryan and Peyton are dating. Little do they know...they can't stand each other. But, they agree to continue the fake-dating arrangement because it would look bad for Peyton's foundation and Ryan's career. These two continue to deny their feelings...but when things start tearing them apart, they must decide if they will acknowledge what is really going on or if they are going to continue to live their lies.
I enjoyed both of these characters. They both had strong personalities in their professional lives and their chemistry together was off the charts. Their strong-willed refusal to admit their feelings, even though it was obvious to everyone around them, was frustrating at times. The both had their reasons to keep their hearts protected...but could they be the ones that the other has been waiting for to make them believe in love? (You have to read it to find out)
I enjoyed both of these characters. They both had strong personalities in their professional lives and their chemistry together was off the charts. Their strong-willed refusal to admit their feelings, even though it was obvious to everyone around them, was frustrating at times. The both had their reasons to keep their hearts protected...but could they be the ones that the other has been waiting for to make them believe in love? (You have to read it to find out)
August 7, 2023
Throwing the Curve (Playing for Keeps Book 2) by Lauren Fraser is a great sport/ romance.
Peyton Sharp takes great satisfaction in being a decent person and acting morally. How on earth did she get to be at a party with a married man, then? She wasn't aware that he was married, but nonetheless. Evidently, despite having lived a long life, she was still a moron when it came to males. Ryan Graves, a standout pitcher, has been taught since he first picked up a glove the importance of being a good teammate. He never imagined that would include getting his dishonest teammate out of a problem. He steers clear of romance for a good reason. Now he's pretending to date a lady who despises him. He was overly preoccupied with her and doubted everything he had held to be significant. He did not sign up for this, though.
Every page was exciting and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a unique sports romance series. The story really brings excitement into your life. I couldn’t put the book down. As the story progressed, it made me glad I got the third one in the series.
Peyton Sharp takes great satisfaction in being a decent person and acting morally. How on earth did she get to be at a party with a married man, then? She wasn't aware that he was married, but nonetheless. Evidently, despite having lived a long life, she was still a moron when it came to males. Ryan Graves, a standout pitcher, has been taught since he first picked up a glove the importance of being a good teammate. He never imagined that would include getting his dishonest teammate out of a problem. He steers clear of romance for a good reason. Now he's pretending to date a lady who despises him. He was overly preoccupied with her and doubted everything he had held to be significant. He did not sign up for this, though.
Every page was exciting and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a unique sports romance series. The story really brings excitement into your life. I couldn’t put the book down. As the story progressed, it made me glad I got the third one in the series.
January 16, 2023
This is sports romance. It is the 2nd book in the Playing For Keeps series. It's is an enjoyable read. I felt so sorry for Peyton. She starts the story finding out the guy she is dating is a married man and to keep this secret she is forced to pretend she is dating another member of the team Ryan.
Ryan has some preconceived ideas about who he things Peyton is. Namely just a women who threw herself at a famous baseball player just to make herself look good and hes not scared to tell her that.
Even though they hate each other they need to put on a good show to convince everyone they are a happy couple.
But what happens when pretending turns real. When anger and hate turned to attraction and want. Will Ryan see how wrong his impressions of Peyton are or will they continue to fight and push away from each other denying their attraction.
This is a story full of angst, friendship, and finding love when you least expect it.
Ryan has some preconceived ideas about who he things Peyton is. Namely just a women who threw herself at a famous baseball player just to make herself look good and hes not scared to tell her that.
Even though they hate each other they need to put on a good show to convince everyone they are a happy couple.
But what happens when pretending turns real. When anger and hate turned to attraction and want. Will Ryan see how wrong his impressions of Peyton are or will they continue to fight and push away from each other denying their attraction.
This is a story full of angst, friendship, and finding love when you least expect it.
January 16, 2023
Throwing the Curve
By Lauren Fraser
This is the third book in the Playing for Keeps series. It contains some of the same characters that were featured in the second book, but it definitely functions as a standalone.
I loved watching the dynamics between Ryan and Peyton play out. From the fact that they were pretending being together for a party to actually developing feelings. I think it is an accurate portrayal of those situations where everyone tells themselves that it is a one time thing but inevitably someone ends up feeling something. I also liked Ryan this time around. He was a character in the second book and I wasn’t a fan of his, but this time around he definitely seemed like more human and relatable.
This is the second book I have read by Lauren Fraser and It most definitely will not be my last. I truly love her writing and her ability to develop characters. Her books are not to be missed.
By Lauren Fraser
This is the third book in the Playing for Keeps series. It contains some of the same characters that were featured in the second book, but it definitely functions as a standalone.
I loved watching the dynamics between Ryan and Peyton play out. From the fact that they were pretending being together for a party to actually developing feelings. I think it is an accurate portrayal of those situations where everyone tells themselves that it is a one time thing but inevitably someone ends up feeling something. I also liked Ryan this time around. He was a character in the second book and I wasn’t a fan of his, but this time around he definitely seemed like more human and relatable.
This is the second book I have read by Lauren Fraser and It most definitely will not be my last. I truly love her writing and her ability to develop characters. Her books are not to be missed.
January 30, 2023
Although part of a series, Throwing the Curve can easily be read as a standalone.
Peyton and Ryan find themselves in a fake relationship, thanks to Peyton's previous relationship. Ryan doesn't respect Peyton due to his understanding of Peyton dating one of his married teammates. Peyton is in the fake relationship for damage control; she can't fathom losing the partnership between the team and her community center for at risk youth. As Ryan and Peyton are forced to spend time together for the fake relationship, they actually get to know each other. After jealousy rears its ugly head, Peyton and Ryan have to decide if a real relationship is worth it or not.
Ryan's family and friends really helped keep the story moving and interesting. The divide within the team added an element of interest too. Kendall was especially entertaining!
This was an easy read with good character development. Definitely worth a read for love, drama, and spice.
Peyton and Ryan find themselves in a fake relationship, thanks to Peyton's previous relationship. Ryan doesn't respect Peyton due to his understanding of Peyton dating one of his married teammates. Peyton is in the fake relationship for damage control; she can't fathom losing the partnership between the team and her community center for at risk youth. As Ryan and Peyton are forced to spend time together for the fake relationship, they actually get to know each other. After jealousy rears its ugly head, Peyton and Ryan have to decide if a real relationship is worth it or not.
Ryan's family and friends really helped keep the story moving and interesting. The divide within the team added an element of interest too. Kendall was especially entertaining!
This was an easy read with good character development. Definitely worth a read for love, drama, and spice.
February 12, 2023
This book is book two of the series. You don’t need to read book one to follow along but I would because both are so good!
Peyton has always strived to do the right thing. How she found herself in this pickle she’ll never know? How did she not know he was married? Ryan has always been told the team comes first. When his teammate makes a mess of things, he steps in to help, begrudgingly. He doesn’t believe for a second that Peyton is innocent in all this. Ryan and Peyton’s fake dating wasn’t supposed to be a whole thing but now they need to keep up the facade. Is it a facade though or do they develop feelings for each other (other than hate)? Will the team always come first or will Ryan’s priorities shift?
I really enjoyed this book! Ryan was a bit harsh at first but I get why. His character evolved well throughout the book. Peyton is also a great character. Their chemistry was wow! I couldn’t put this book down! I can’t wait to read book three!
Peyton has always strived to do the right thing. How she found herself in this pickle she’ll never know? How did she not know he was married? Ryan has always been told the team comes first. When his teammate makes a mess of things, he steps in to help, begrudgingly. He doesn’t believe for a second that Peyton is innocent in all this. Ryan and Peyton’s fake dating wasn’t supposed to be a whole thing but now they need to keep up the facade. Is it a facade though or do they develop feelings for each other (other than hate)? Will the team always come first or will Ryan’s priorities shift?
I really enjoyed this book! Ryan was a bit harsh at first but I get why. His character evolved well throughout the book. Peyton is also a great character. Their chemistry was wow! I couldn’t put this book down! I can’t wait to read book three!
August 2, 2023
My team is struggling this year so I’ve got to read about winning teams. It is definitely an unusual season for my Boys of Summer. Anyway, on to the review. I’ve gotta give this one 3.5 stars, but I’ll also bump it to 4. Ms. Fraser sucks you into this story immediately. If you are super sensitive about cheating, don’t start this one; the first scene involves it. The repercussions of it never go away, but I wouldn’t say the book completely dwells on it. It does focus more on recovering from cheating’s repercussions. There is definitely drama. The M/m don’t like one another much upon first meeting. They struggle throughout most of the book. If you are offended by steamy scenes, this one may not be your cuppa, either. Personally, I think there was too much of a focus on the steam but I have the option of skimming. All in all, Throwing the Curve is an entertaining and fun baseball romance.
January 3, 2023
I volunteered to read this ARC for an honest review. I absolutely loved this story about Peyton and Ryan. The rest of the characters are just as charming and endearing, except Andy. So first you can't go wrong with a baseball romance. The guys are great and the good ones shine even when they were just side characters. Peyton meets Ryan when he comes to save her from embarrassment with Andy and his wife. The two forge a rocky friendship but the sparks between them are hot. As their game progresses so does the drama. Luckily Ryan has good friends and his sister to help him see the objective better. But when it's the last inning, last batter with 3 balls and 2 strikes, these two can depend on their "team"to have their backs.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 16, 2023
An enjoyable and entertaining sports romance, which kept me happily turning the pages. For star pitcher of The Hawkes, Ryan Graves’ his teammates are the most important thing to him, until he meets Peyton. When Peyton Sharp finds herself at a party with a married man she’s horrified, even though she had no idea that he was married. In being a good teammate Ryan helps out his cheating teammate, only to find himself with a fake girlfriend. Peyton somehow finds herself in a fake relationship with Ryan and she’s not happy. However, Ryan soon finds himself falling in love with Peyton, but she appears to hate him. This was a heartwarming and fun romance with likeable characters and a storyline which held my attention. The chemistry between Peyton and Ryan sizzles off the page, and I was hoping they would both get their HEA.
January 25, 2023
I definitely enjoyed this book and it can be read as a standalone. Peyton and Ryan find themselves enter into a fake relationship, both for individual goals. Ryan doesn't like Peyton very much due to his misconstrued belief of her true character and Peyton is just trying to get by without losing the program for the community center that she desperately needs for at risk youth. As time progresses, these two start to build an actual connection but neither wants to admit to the other and we are left wondering if these two will finally realize they actually love each other. I liked the dynamic of the Ryan's friend group of the baseball team and also how Kendall came in as a friend for Peyton. The drama behind the Andy/Simon situation was a bit much and I felt that Ryan and Peyton should have spoken up for themselves more. Great story and mostly good characters.
February 11, 2023
We begin this story with Peyton who is meeting the team because she is dating one of the players. And boy does he turn out to be a player. Just not the type of player Peyton wants to be with. When it rains it pours, bad things happen in threes, waiting for the other shoe to drop. Peyton is living this way. She just wants to be happy and helping the kids at her center is what makes her heart the happiest. But getting the local baseball team to volunteer is a dream come true.
The baseball team includes Ryan. Ryan is Kendall’s brother. We met Kendall in Book 1. (Everything to Me). I love this story so much more than book 1. By chapter 3 I was already loving it! These characters are funny, feisty and sassy. Again, this author throws a curve for her characters. And we get to enjoy the game!
Another homerun by this author. Looking forward to who’s up next!
The baseball team includes Ryan. Ryan is Kendall’s brother. We met Kendall in Book 1. (Everything to Me). I love this story so much more than book 1. By chapter 3 I was already loving it! These characters are funny, feisty and sassy. Again, this author throws a curve for her characters. And we get to enjoy the game!
Another homerun by this author. Looking forward to who’s up next!
January 16, 2023
Filled with wonderful characters, plenty of heart and some steamy moments this is a book you don't want to miss. It is the second book in this particular series and can be read on its own and enjoyed but why do that when you could read more from this talented, creative author.
Peyton and Ryan really do not like each other when they first meet but they are then forced into faking a relationship that all too soon starts to feel very real. Neither of them actually wants a relationship which is why it is so much fun seeing them totally fall for each other. No path to true love runs smooth of course and the storyline created in this book is such fun to explore. Some of the side characters really had me wanting to kick their butt! I can't wait for the next book in this fantastic series.
Peyton and Ryan really do not like each other when they first meet but they are then forced into faking a relationship that all too soon starts to feel very real. Neither of them actually wants a relationship which is why it is so much fun seeing them totally fall for each other. No path to true love runs smooth of course and the storyline created in this book is such fun to explore. Some of the side characters really had me wanting to kick their butt! I can't wait for the next book in this fantastic series.
January 18, 2023
Peyton attends a party with her new boyfriend, who turns out to be a married professional baseball player. Peyton never would have found out the truth, if Simon’s wife hadn’t shown up at the same party with a group of friends. This inconvenient problem causes Simon to introduce Peyton to his wife as the girlfriend of a fellow player, Ryan. Ryan isn’t on board with this plan AT ALL, until he gets to know Peyton more, through her youth program that the team has partnered with. Ryan and Peyton start to get closer to each other and start a real relationship until Simon decides to make everyone’s life as unhappy as his own. This book has a happily ever after, but not before many ups and downs for the main characters.
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