This was zingy book!
I’m a bit late with this book review as it published about a week ago, but Playing for Keeps by Alexandria Bellefleur, an LGBT romance is now available to buy!
Poppy is the publicist for top NFL player, Cash. When he makes a pass on social media at the very popular popstar, Lyric Adair, Poppy comes under the scrutiny of her fierce publicist, Rosaline. As Cash and Lyric’s romance develops, Poppy battles her own insecurity up against the legend that is Rosaline, but she stands her own ground and quickly realises that she’s catching feelings herself. As they embark on their romance, the tenuous relationship is tested on red carpets, at football games, and even in LA’s pretentious grocery store, Erewhon.
The romance between Poppy and Rosaline is brilliant – it’s hot and fiesty. I love the development of Rosaline’s character who starts out feeling frosty, fighting the corner for her client and best friend in the only way she knows how – fiercely. She’s brilliant at her job, but when she lets loose, she’s a brilliant person at heart too.
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Poppy has the added depth of her struggles when she was younger, and with her parents. For a light, somewhat fluffy romance, this had some heartbreaking moments outside of the romance itself when Poppy thinks back to her childhood and her relationship with her family. As Rosaline supports her through this, their relationship becomes something they never thought it woud be.
The Hollywood/NFL aspect of this romance gives it the glitz, glam and grit of a world a lot of know very little about. The red carpet moment was a great touch as not only a turning point in the plot but also, after what recently happened with the Ariana Grande fan, very realistic.
This was a great rom-com with a sapphic relationship that feels realistic and has excellent chemistry. I’m excited to pick up more of this author’s books!
Read more:
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Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publishers for an ARC of this book.
