Publisher: Berkley
Publish Date: Out Now
How we got this book: NetGalley
Reviewers: MinnChica & E
Playing For Keeps
Grant Cassidy knows how to be a football star—flash that dazzling smile, throw the winning pass, get the girl. But while the hot quarterback loves the game and the lifestyle, no woman has come close to catching his heart. Then he matches wits with a smart, gorgeous model, and Grant finds himself wanting more than a fling.
Supermodel Katrina Koslova might live in a world of glitz and camera flashes, but she works hard to provide for the family that relies on her. She doesn’t have time for fun—much less a boyfriend—but Grant seems determined to be the exception to Katrina’s rule.
Their explosive chemistry is undeniable, but Katrina’s afraid to let go and rely on anyone but herself. Grant intends to ease her fears and prove he’s a man of style and substance
*Blurb from Goodreads*
MinnChica: I love the Play-by-Play series, so each new release has me doing a little happy dance. Going back to football made me even happier. Grant is charming and a little bit of a playboy, but meeting Katrina throws him for a loop, especially when he realizes just how complicated her personal life is. What throws him even more is that those complications don’t seem to deter him from wanting more with her. I loved that about him!
E: Like MinnChica I really enjoy this series. The connections Burton makes between friends and family set against the backdrop of high intensity sports and competition have kept me hooked since I started the first one. Burton has actually managed to make me start to appreciate a few more sports but football is my first love so I was happy to see Burton return to the gridiron. I had a lot of fun reading about Grant and Katrina as they managed to fall for each other and their respective families despite their best intentions to remain heart-whole. The connections Burton is known for really shone through in this story.
MinnChica: Again, I can’t even say enough good things about Grant. Yes, he had a bit of a playboy history, but that all seemed to fall to the wayside when he met Katrina. There was something about the way he was drawn to her that I loved. He wasn’t shut down by her icy attitude, and he just kept on charming her whenever he got the chance. And the way he interacted with her siblings… <3<3
E: Grant was certainly a playboy. He liked women in general and didn’t have any particular type he preferred. He was also willing to try hobbies his interest of the moment enjoyed but as a result had developed a sort of a reputation, which didn’t set him up well for Katrina. Initially I thought it was amusing to watch Grant’s reactions to Katrina’s obvious disinterest despite the sparks of attraction during their initial meeting but then he started to see there was a lot more to her than a challenge. I also really liked how Katrina wasn’t playing games. Yes, she was attracted to Grant but she had other priorities and responsibilities so her attraction took a backseat but she found herself both enjoying his company and outmaneuvered by her family. As poised and self-controlled as she was, it was refreshing to see on the inside she needed to learn how to relax just a bit and remember what it felt like to have fun.
MinnChica: Like Grant, I loved Katrina as well. She was so down to earth, despite the famous job she had. Her family was her number one priority, and she didn’t let anything stand in the way of providing for her brother and sister. The dedication she had to her family was perfect, even in the way she tended to smother them. 🙂 I loved the way she slowly opened up to Grant, slowly let him into her life and the lives of her brother and sister. It was so great to read and I just loved their romance so much.
E: In addition to the never boring verbal exchanges between Katrina and Grant I really liked the role her family played and how they were a key piece of not just Katrina’s life but her relationship with Grant. As part of Grant’s personality made him value Katrina’s family for the individuals they were and not as just a stepping stone to Katrina’s feelings. Seeing them encounter and fit in with Grant’s extended family was also another treat. They were absorbed right in and treated as if they belonged instead of unfamiliar guests. I loved watching the two moody teens forget to be moody as they were captivated by the Cassidys and their exuberance.
MinnChica: All in all, I think Burton knocked this one out of the park. There were so many wonderful things to love about this book. Between Grant and Katrina being all around wonderful characters, Katrina’s family was super cute, Grant’s family was fun and competitive, and the romance was just perfect. This might be one of my favorites in the series to date!
I give Quarterback Draw an A-
E: Once more Burton demonstrated why I return to this series time and time again. Her ability to create connections between family and friends while showing how others can be welcomed is always enjoyable. I found the fire between Katrina and Grant as they flirted via friendly arguments a lot of fun and probably meant they would never be bored together. I also liked seeing both Grant and Katrina have separate epiphanies with some family assistance before their HEA. I thought it really showed how far they had come emotionally and again how important their families were to the greater whole. It made total sense because so much of what formed them was based on family. Overall I really enjoyed Quarterback Draw and I can’t wait to see what Burton has coming next in this world.
I give Quarterback Draw an A.
Pingback: E’s Memorable Reads of 2015 | The Book Pushers | Book Reviews | Book Chatter