Playing for Keeps: A Novel

I waited for a month to come out and I’m so glad I did. Hot and steamy. Just enough smut to where you don’t feel like you are reading something you shouldn’t be. Very much enjoyed the storyline and the way the author wrote.

“This isn’t a game to me…or if it is? I’m playing for keeps.” “I think I could be really good at loving you, if you’d let me.” Playing for Keeps has been a highly anticipated release of Alexandria Bellefleur’s for me, as an avid lover of all of her books. While it may not be my #1 of hers, it’s definitely one I plan to add to my reread list. Playing for Keeps follows publicists Poppy Peterson and Rosaline Sinclair’s love story as their clients, football player Cash Curran and pop-princess Lyric Adair, throw themselves into their own whirlwind romance under the limelight. While I’m normally not a fan of so many social media and article elements in a book, it made complete sense in a romance about two publicists to see it at the beginning of every chapter. There were times where I felt there were too many articles but it wasn’t an element that made the book hard to read for me (maybe to listen to at some points but that’s just the way I process things auditorily). Poppy Peterson is very Evan Buckley from 9-1-1 coded (we even get a little Evan Buckley reference in the Tweets!) (Alexandria, don’t think I overlooked that “You’re supposed to love me anyway” quote) and I think that made me love and relate to her even more. Personally, I love seeing authors’ personal interests sprinkled into their work, especially when it’s in a modern-day setting such as this one. Poppy’s history and battle with alcoholism and the way her family treats her was done very well for me, as I’ve…

Alexandria Bellefleur, the woman you are. This was PHENOMENAL! The writing. The plot. The SPICE! I am in awe. 10/10 would recommend.

I came into this book so excited to find a saphic book with strong women in important careers. I can admit that this book definitely had that aspect, but a majority of the rest of the book did not hit with me. I e-read this and audio listened at the same time for a full immersive experience because I have loved doing that with other books by this author. I will start with saying the obvious part- this book was so taylor/travis inspired that it felt sort of icky to read after a while. Also, oddly enough, Cash and Lyric's storyline was almost equal to Poppy & Rosaline's in the book. My biggest issue with the book is- I'm not sure I understood why they liked each other. The characters felt very surface level and I really did not know Rosaline at all. Dual POV MIGHT have added something, but I still did not get much depth from Poppy's perspective either way. By the time we got to the third act issue, I was confused why the reaction to events was so large because the feelings didn't feel large. The book wasn't bad by any means, but it definitely felt surface level. It's a book I'd recommend reading if you want something easy to listen. The author has shown real, raw characters in other books, I was truly hoping for the same here, but it fell short for me.

Playing for Keeps by Alexandria Bellefleur is a standout romance that balances chemistry, humor, and emotional depth. The connection between the main characters feels immediate but still develops in a way that is believable and earned. Their banter is sharp and engaging, and the tension keeps you invested from start to finish. What makes this story work is how it explores vulnerability, ambition, and the fear of taking emotional risks. You see both characters grow as they navigate what they want versus what they are afraid to admit. It is fun, heartfelt, and satisfying without feeling predictable. If you enjoy character driven romance with strong dialogue and real emotional stakes, this is an easy recommendation.