Book: Just Playing for Keeps by Lauren Blakely
Reviewed by Maggie Hayes
Rating: 5/5
ARC REVIEW
Just Playing for Keeps by Lauren Blakely
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
I cannot believe I slept on Lauren Blakely for so long. This is exactly the kind of hockey romance I love—heartfelt, funny, and undeniably sexy.
Remy was such an easy character to root for. She's ambitious, capable, and completely willing to take charge when needed, while still being allowed to be soft and feminine. After being dumped on a Jumbotron by the ex who will also be standing beside her at an upcoming wedding, she comes up with the perfect solution: a fake date to keep the focus where it belongs. I loved her devotion to her sister, her thriving career, and the strong female friendships surrounding her. The women in this book genuinely support each other, and I am always here for that.
And Lake? What an MMC. As the grump to Remy's sunshine, he's spent years quietly yearning for her, and I absolutely ate it up. Beneath his reserved exterior is a man who would do just about anything to make Remy happy. Watching him willingly throw himself into social situations he would normally avoid just to spend time with her was incredibly endearing. He's protective, thoughtful, and so hopelessly gone for her that I couldn't stop smiling.
What begins as a fake dating arrangement quickly develops into something real. Their dates are fun, the banter is fantastic, and the emotional connection feels authentic from the start. It never felt like two people forcing a relationship for appearances—it felt like two people finally getting the opportunity to see what had been right in front of them all along.
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced listener copy, and the audio absolutely elevates the experience. Erin Mallon and Jason Clarke's duet narration is fantastic, and Jason's gravelly performance as Lake was particularly swoonworthy.
This definitely won't be my last Lauren Blakely book. Bring on all the rom-com goodness.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC and ALC!