PLAYING FOR KEEPS is the seventh book in the wonderful Heartbreaker Bay series about an eclectic group of friends. This fun-to-read series by Jill Shalvis covers all the bases. It deals with family and all the different dynamics involved. Even though there is plenty of humor there are also some painful, real-life emotional issues. You feel for the main characters because both of them have built walls of protection around their hearts. But one little three-legged dog will penetrate their hearts and open them to possibilities...

Caleb Parker is sexy, rich, and extremely successful, but does not do well with emotions. But one rainy day he finds an abandoned, abused dog that captures his heart. Sadie Lane is a tattoo artist who sees the charismatic Caleb standing in the rain and decides to investigate. For the past year, she has given Caleb the name "Suits," because that's what she has always seen him wearing. So when she finds him standing in the rain attempting to get a frightened dog to come out of hiding she is intrigued. Because of childhood illnesses, Caleb grew up used to being the underdog. Being the youngest of his siblings he was always protected by his three older sisters. Even though he's an adult now does not stop his sisters from trying to protect him.

Sadie has had to overcome a number of issues that led to her becoming extremely cautious about relationships. But she opens up and lets Caleb in. But there will be several ups and downs that will test this new relationship. Caleb and Sadie both have issues to work through. This is a great story that shows how a person can step out of their comfort zone and take a chance on something new and find themselves PLAYING FOR KEEPS.