Playing for Keeps

I thoroughly enjoyed this new novel from Jennifer Dugan. One of the primary things that I look for when I am reading a new book is how the characters are developed over time and whether I feel any emotion for them. This story did an excellent job of character development to the point that I thoroughly disliked a couple of the characters and loved the main characters.

I have seen so many kids go through what June did, where their parents try to mold them and shape them into star athletes without letting them grow up and enjoy their teen years. I experienced some of that growing up as well and the author did an excellent job of portraying the father and the aspirations he placed on his kid.

I loved the relationship building that was done between Ivy and June. They were bitter enemies at the start due to one being an athlete and the other being a player. But their attraction was magnetic. When they kissed in the book, I could feel the love as I read it. I found myself hoping for them to work through their trials and come out on the other side.

I enjoyed that this was a sweet romance and was very well written.