🏈 Playing for Keeps — A Story of Second Chances, Sibling Codes, and the Linebacker Who Fell First

4/3/2025 - What happens when your older brother’s best friend—the one who crushed your heart and disappeared years ago—walks back into your life, looking better than ever and acting like he never broke you? Playing for Keeps is my spicy, emotional, and laugh-out-loud sports romance debut. Set against the backdrop of the NFL, this story follows Dylan Thompson, a fiercely independent physical therapist with a soft spot for sarcasm, and Dean Smith, a star linebacker for the San Antonio Outlaws with a secret he’s carried for far too long. This is a story about timing, trust, and rediscovering love when the world thinks you've already moved on. There’s banter, betrayal, a bit of brotherly brawling, and the kind of slow-burn tension that’ll have you flipping pages way past bedtime.

Meet the Characters:

Dylan Thompson Smart, sassy, and loyal to a fault, Dylan has spent years building a life that doesn’t revolve around anyone else. After being mugged and injured, the last thing she expects is for her brother’s best friend—and her old flame—to show up as part of her recovery.

Dean Smith Linebacker. Loyal protector. Low-key golden retriever energy disguised in a 6’4”, tattooed beast of a man. Dean left years ago, believing it was the right thing to do. Now, he’s back—and he’s not leaving this time. Especially not without her.

Exclusive Excerpt:

I opened my mouth to respond, but he was already leaning in, his lips brushing mine softly, carefully—like he was giving me a choice. Like he was letting me decide where this was going. I rose up on my tiptoes, threading my fingers through his hair, and met his mouth with mine. His hands slid around my waist, and our kiss deepened—tongues dancing, tasting, teasing. He kissed like a man starved for something he’d thought he lost, and I kissed like a woman who had finally admitted she wanted to be found. Whether you’re a fan of the best friend’s little sister trope, love a strong but wounded heroine, or can’t resist a man who falls first—and hard, Playing for Keeps brings heart, heat, and humor to every page. It’s for anyone who’s ever loved someone in silence… and finally got the chance to speak.

🎯 Available now on Amazon and Kindle

📘 Add to your TBR on Goodreads