Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of Playing For Keeps. This book dealt with several themes: family, empathy, forgiveness, fresh starts, humor, grief, and redemption make this book a standout. If you love these themes, then add this to your TBR.
The spicy scenes in this book are not just entertaining—they play a crucial role in deepening the story and characters. But as always with Sasha Lace, there’s so much more beneath the surface. A poignant quote from Alex, the MMC, really captures the heart of this book: “You never know when you walk around in this world, who is doing everything they can, just to hold things together…” His emotional maturity and the message of walking in someone else’s shoes before judging them are central to the story, and Sasha Lace handles this theme with sensitivity and grace. Behind the brave faces of the characters lies a painful, complex reality that is deeply moving.
Family—whether biological or chosen—remains a powerful theme in Sasha’s books, and it shines here as well. The sibling relationships, particularly Alex’s and Lana’s bonds with their sisters, play a significant role in shaping who they are. I love how relatable her characters are, displaying both the good and bad traits of everyday people. This is my first book by Sasha Lace, I look forward to reading the other stories in this series.

This book had me sobbing and laughing at the same time. I felt so bad for Lana and everything that she was going through and been through in her life - she has had a tough life and when she starts to have things go right for her the press comes for her and her family. She meets Alex and tries to deny her feelings for him and hides away parts of herself to protect herself, however by the end she has overcome this and asks for help if she needs it.

This book was a very enjoyable read. I read it in a few sittings and was hooked after just a short time reading. The story was well paced and the characters were well developed.

⚽ Book Review⚽

Okay Sasha- just take my heart and give it a good squeeze, why don't you? The FMCs family situation in this book was heart wrenching and hard to read. Addiction is a terrible disease and impacts the whole family. The support the MMC gives to the FMC as she comes to terms with everything is just wonderful to read. This MMC is everything! The way he finally gets the FMC to show her real self is just gorgeous. Another great sports romance where both the FMC and MMC play professional sports. Again, Sasha did a fabulous job with the spice.

Big thanks to Netgalley, Montlake and Sasha Lane for an early release copy of this book. This is my honest review.

Lana

The press say I’m the wild child of women’s football, and now a tabloid journalist’s blackmailing me. No wonder I needed distraction in the shape of Alex, the men’s team’s new Scottish goalie.

It was a one-night stand: fun and done. I don’t do commitment – and he’s old enough to be my dad. But there’s something different about Alex…

Alex

Lana is like a tornado. Fierce. Devastating. Just passing through. My son, Brodie, is my world, and he needs someone who’s sticking around.

But Lana’s made me feel alive again for the first time in years, and I can’t get her out of my head. Is a future with this party girl too much to hope for…?

Playing for Keeps is the third book in the Playing the Field series—addictive romances full of heart and steam, perfect for fans of T L Swan.

Loved it. Will recommend to others.

Recently sports romance has become my favourite and this was such a easy breezy quick read with brilliant character. Both the protagonists were mesmerizing and amazing in their own way and I had a great time reading this one. This is the third installment in the series and it was as impressive as the previous parts of this series.

Fun and spicy with a twist of fottball. Loved it! Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for this free eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Holy smokes i need more. So obsessed! I love all the characters and their different stories. So many sweet moments, funny moments, moments that made me angry cry

I'll be honest, I wasn't really sure what to think about this book when first getting into it. Assuming you've read the second book in the series, you know that this book follows a friend who betrays (sort of) a best friend, who is now the FMC in this book. It wasn't the biggest problem in the second book, but it did cause some conflict, enough for me to see her as the enemy lmao. So to see her as the FMC in this book was conflicting, but I'm glad I read it because I still enjoyed it!

That being said, Lana's family life was ROUGH and I honestly cried for her several times throughout the book. She had to go through so much, and while I would typically get mad at a character for not seeking help when they needed it, I completely understood why she kept everything to herself and didn't bother with it anymore. She tried her best, even when others didn't deserve it, and and truly was so proud of her. It's not a great reason/excuse for how she was acting but I can definitely see the reasoning behind some of her decisions.

Alex was, I feel, an interesting match for her. I was concerned since he has a daughter, but something they clicked easily and it worked. Honestly, the fact that he was so mature and had things figured out was probably why they worked out so well. She needed someone who was older and could handle her and be direct in a way that didn't come off in a condescending matter. I loved the both of them together and their relationship grew in such an honest way.

The ending to this story was perfect in my opinion, making it my second favorite in the series!

This was definitely a heavier read than the first two books in this series. But the age gap romance was a fun trope. Alexander is Scottish and dominant which made this a fun spicy read. The male narrator with his Scottish accent had me finishing this book in one workday. Alexander’s son was adorable but I wasn’t a huge fan of Lana keeping secrets… it feels like a common theme in this series.

ARC Review
Playing for Keeps by Sasha Lace
Playing the Field Series - Book 3

Okay, this was an excellent addition to the series. I am a sucker for a single dad trope, and the kid in this book was the CUTEST. It was enjoyable to see how the 'party girl' seemed to tame down a bit for the broody dad. The way no one stood up for her made me want to cry.

Pick this one up if you enjoy:
* Football (soccer) romance
* New to town Scottish goalie x veteran FMC player
* Single dad
* Age gap - 15 years
* A bit of a blackmail plot

Of the first 3, this one was my favorite! I love Alex, he’s so sweet and just what Lana needed ❤️

I liked that with this one there was the athlete and sports perspective from both points of view, that was a fun twist to the plot.

I’m never a fan of the miscommunication/ lack of communication trope, but It was done well in this book, so I'll let it slide. I was so anxious nearing the end of this book, I wasn’t sure how it’d play out. I LOVED the ending, it was so perfect 😍

Thank you to Montlake, Netgalley and Sasha Lace for allowing me access to this ARC. I have been struggling with this series but have been wanting to finish it. I don't like not finishing a series halfway through.

My feedback remains the same as previous 2 books.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!

Sasha Lace has done it again! The third installment (which totally works as a standalone) is about Wild Child Lana Sinclair and her romance with swoony single dad Alex. This book was fast paced, mildly spicy, and easy to devour in a single sitting. ALSO… Alex in a kilt *sheeeeeeeesh*

-single dad
-age gap
-sports romance
-work place romance (kinda)

This was absolutely delightful. The plot was well-paced and captivating from start to finish. The characters were charming and witty. I highly recommend this fun and quick read.
A well-written and fun story, with the engaging characters with believable struggles.
The novel flows well and hits all the romantic spots.

3⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for a copy of Playing For Keeps.

Lana has a reputation of wild party girl even though she does not drink due to her dad struggling with alcohol addiction. Alex is a widow and a single dad to a son who is finally ready to put himself out there. Alex and Lana meet and spend a no strings attached night together. But they both find out they are playing football for the same organization. Lana keeps him at arms length to keep from getting hurt but she has never felt this way before. The more time they spend together the more they fall for each other. But she is being blackmailed and has to choose to protect her family or her new relationship.

This is the third book in this series and so far this is the one I enjoyed the most because I love the single dad trope.

The best of the series - the Calverdale Ladies are back with an age gap romance, tricky feelings, new feelings, facing fears and insecurities, and ultimately finding that you can be your own worst enemy. Struggles with grief and addiction are strong themes and handled well. Can stand alone and definitely recommended.

Sasha Lace is definitely one of my must read authors just from this whole series. If you loved the hype from this summers Olympics and girls Rubgy, this series will be a hit for you!
Lana and Alex ...... what can you say! Wild girl and Single Dad is a hit. They both have things they have to get through so they can be together. Alex didn't think he'd find love again after his wife passed. And Lana has home issues she doesn't want to come to light. I feel like both their scenarios are really relatable.
And of course these 2 are hot! Definitely clear your calendar for the day because you won't put it down.

Thank you NetGalley, Montlake and Sasha Lace for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Let’s start this off with the most important feedback - Alex is a flipping stud in a kilt and can do no wrong. Sexy accent, amazing dad, hotshot soccer player (sorry, I’m American), and is mature…like, come on!

Lana was a tough start for me due to her behavior in book #2 and while I didn’t love some of her decisions in this book I warmed up to her, especially seeing her with Brodie.

Overall, I still liked book #1 the best but I’m a sucker for a single dad situation and Alex really pulled more than his weight in this book. 3.5 rounded up

Open door.
Age gap.
Single dad.

Lana plays professional soccer. Alexander has just been transfered to the men's team. But not before they had one hot night together.
This one night stand, age gap, single dad romance is book 3 in the Playing the Field series, and sadly, it was my least favorite in the series. I didn't like the female main character much, she was dubbed as a wild child and really was all over the place, Her lack of maturity made me want to slap her more than once. Her actions also don't make sense. She's adamant that their relationship is only physical, but all of a sudden she's ready to play house? The story also deals with alcoholism and blackmail, which is announced in the content warnings, but both are part of my least favorite subjects. It's not the only reason this one was not my favorite in the series, but it sure didn't help. It's mostly a me thing, because overall, the reviews are fantastic! Also, on the bright side, I did not absolutely hate the third act breakup in this one as I did with the other ones in the series.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.