The second that I read the description of this book, I knew I had to read it. The correlations between the main characters and my husband and I were too good to pass up. The female main character, Farren, and I are both substitute teachers; the male main character, Sebastian, is a developer who worked for a government contract near DC - my husband had a government contract as a developer near DC. Sebastian loves mules - Farren loves sweet drinks - same as my husband andI. Farren loves playing games - my husband and I love playing games (he and his friends broke me down and convinced me to start playing D&D with them; now they’re trying to get me to play the Killing Floor - it’s a slippery slope!)

All this to say that I enjoyed the book more because I felt like I had something in common with the characters, especially Farren and her struggles as being a plus size woman. I thought the meet-cute between Farren and Sebastian was absolutely adorable, and I thought it was sweet how quickly they fell for each other. Reading about characters who have real relatable issues - like being plus size and/or having anxiety and/or having hyperthyroidism - is nice because it makes the story feel realistic.

The only things I wish were different about the story is I wish we got to see Sebastian and Farren get to know each other more - and I wish we got to know more about Farren’s game. Other than that, I thought it was a super sweet story, very easy to read, and I finished it in one sitting.

Can’t wait to recommend this to all of my friends!

Also, huge thank you to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours (and Tristen Crone) for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

5🌟

thank u net galley and lake country press for an e-arc for a honest review

playing for keeps by tristen crone is a heartwarming romance novel that follows the story of farren and sebastian

despite their hectic schedules, they find solace in each other’s company and develop an undeniable attraction to each other. the book features a memorable meet cute between farren and sebastian over the last lemon curd twice baked croissant at their favourite cafe

what sets this book apart from other romance novels i’ve read is the communication between the two characters, they are honest and upfront with each other from the beginning

the book also features a charming board game idea that farren comes up with, which adds to the overall charm of the story

overall, i absolutely loved this. was such a enjoyable read

also the cover art??? pls it’s gorgeous

Thank you Tristen Crone and NetGalley for this ARC of Playing For Keeps.
It should be a crime how cute and heartwarming this read was.
I’m a sucker for grumpy x sunshine and this hit all the right notes.
Reading the story of Farren and Sebastian meeting and falling in love while simultaneously navigating through their own childhood traumas, fears, and insecurities was such a breath of fresh air.
While there is only a very mild amount of spice I couldn’t help but grin from ear to ear seeing how Sebastian had such a dirty mouth/mind considering he is always so serious and an “uptight as*hole” (his own words lol).
If I could inject this book into my veins I would.

was given an ARC by Xpresso Book Tours and Netgalley in exchange for a honest review!

I adored this board game romance!! I adored both our main characters and the plus size representation. I loved the banter and the fights over the croissants. I loved all the board game references and how Farren and Sebastian fell in love at a Board game cafe!! I loved the immense growth of both our main characters throughout the book! I adored Sebastian he is such a great book boyfriend. I loved the side characters as well. Corrine was hilarious! There’s also some really heavy moments that I think we’re handled really well.

If you like:
- board games
- plus size female character representation
- banter and fighting over croissants
- real characters
- the sweetest cinnamon roll book boyfriend

Then go pick this up on June 27,23.

This is one of those books that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside, a must-read!
I truly enjoyed reading it; the two protagonists were so genuine and authentic that I felt everything they were feeling!

However, I would've liked to read more about the games, maybe Sebastian could've been more present at the games' nights, and I would've appreciated a more detailed description of Farren's game.


Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Beautifully written grumpy x sunshine romance. The characters were beautiful and had depth with their shortcomings and with their skills.

A perfect take on a board game playing nerd instead of a traditional video game nerd and it was written with true feeling you can only get from someone who actually enjoys playing all these fun board games.

A plus size fmc is so great to see in romance books because it’s not always common and Farren was so beautifully written I loved her from the start