Playing the Game by Ann Jacobs Published by Smashwords Edition Publication Date: November 4th 2016
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Dani Murdock grew up on the wrong side of the tracks, but the passionate young love she shared with Brand Carendon filled her with hope for a bright future and a beautiful family. Until Brand’s domineering mother stepped in, filling Dani’s head with malicious lies and forcing her to flee the marriage with a broken heart—and a secret that would take twelve long years to reveal.
Brand, now an all-pro quarterback, has never forgotten the day Dani left without a word, crushing his heart and turning him against true love. When Dani reappears in his life he’s stunned, but nothing could have prepared him for the young boy she brought with her—their son. Suddenly Brand finds himself struggling to reconcile the most painful episode of his life with the most joyous discovery he could imagine.
As Dani and Brand work to rekindle the love, and trust, that neither of them ever truly gave up on, they’ll rediscover the intense sensual need they stir in each other and the unimaginable bliss they find in each other’s arms. And when together they confront Brand’s mother with her betrayal and the three lives she put in peril, they’ll find a lasting love and become the family they always wanted—and were always meant to be.
This is a fully revised and expanded edition of a story originally published as Enduring Love.
About the Author:
Ann Jacobs is the author of more than one hundred romance novels, novellas, and short stories, including the Oil Barons series, the Hunting the Dark Lord vampire series, and the Courthouse Connection series, among others. She lives in Tampa with her own personal hero, her youngest son, a sometimes neglected orchid collection, and four very spoiled and much-loved cats. She loves hearing from readers and tries to meet as many fans as possible at one or more conferences each year.
Cocktails and Books received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect our opinion of the book or the content of our review.
I enjoyed this second chance at love sports romance. Brand and Dani had a happy and loving relationship in high school. Until Brand’s meddling mom broke them up, because she didn’t think Dani was good enough for her son. Now, eleven years later, Brand and Dani are reunited and Brand is surprised to discover he has a son. Brand is now a successful professional quarterback. While Dani has struggled and made many sacrifices raising their son on her own.
The years have not diminished the strong attraction between Brand and Dani. Brand still loves Dani and wants a relationship with her and his son but his mother continually tries to interfere. I liked Brand. He is an easygoing and nice guy and he is totally committed to Dani and his son. His biggest mistake is believing his mother’s lies. Brand and Dani try to overcome the obstacles that confront them and tear them apart. Their love is tested and they have to learn to trust each other if they want a future together. This is an entertaining story with some angst. I was rooting for Brand and Dani to work through everything and stay together this time.
