Playing for Keeps
The Game Series #2
Emma hart
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She's in love with him.
He's trying not to love her.
One night changes everything.
Aston Banks never meant to get close to Megan Harper – not even for that one night. Haunted by a childhood he refuses to face, he knew she could break through every wall he’d ever built and tear them down without even realising she was doing it.
Betraying Braden by starting a relationship with Aston wasn’t on Megan’s to-do list, but the second she sees a glimpse of someone other than the arrogant ass she’s come to know, she can’t walk away.
Aston’s childhood is worse than Megan ever guessed, but as he tries and fails to push her away, it’s clear her love is stronger than the demons that cling to him every day. And now, because of it, he finally has to deal with what he’s buried deep down.
What he doesn’t want to face. What he’s fought against for so long.
And they have to do it all without Braden finding out.
Keeping a relationship secret has never been harder.
**This book can be read as a standalone novel, but reading The Love Game (The Game, #1) beforehand is advised.**
HOLY SHIT.
Did I say holy shit??? I already said that? Shit.
Mother of all things that's holy!!! ASTON BANKS!!! I LOVE YOU! I WILL LAY MY LIFE DOWN FOR YOU! <<< This is me talking shit. Haha!
**deep breaths**
**reciting a mantra: I will calm the fuck down**
**repeat the mantra until Aston comes to life**
FUUUUUCCCCKKK I CAN'T!!!
Okay, okay, okay...
I need to stop this crazy antics if I want to write a decent and coherent review. I am pretty sure Emma didn't give me an ARC of this book just to be turned into a lunatic. ;)
Soooo... If you read my TLG review, you already know that I wasn't head over heels with the book. Like, it was just okay for me. And honestly, I had doubts with PFK. But when I started reading PFK...
Mother of the mother goose that turned into an ugly duckling!!! I FUCKING LOVE THE BOOK!
It's pretty obvious right? The way I gush now? Like you probably want to put a rag into my mouth?
But that's okay, I'll do it myself just so I can focus on writing sensible stuff. ;)
This book actually confirmed my fear that I am ruined for fucked-up alpha males. Maybe that's why I didn't connect with Braden because he was an easy-go-lucky kind of guy, while Aston here, ohmygod Aston #$@%%!^@&#, had gone through the darkest days a kid should never ever experience. Maybe that is the reason he was able to bag that soft spot in my heart. Oh, oh. When you read the word "bag", what exactly come up to your mind? You know, Aston and bag in the same sentence? LOL.
And Megan, oh Meggy! She can kick asses of those college boys who think they're the greatest gifts to women. She doesn't take shit from people and that is why I loved her too!!!
Reading this book, I became a fan of Emma's writing. I love how she can come up with those banters between characters!
Here are some of my favorites:
***
"He's standing in front of a girl with more highlights than my e-reader."
***
"You're so green you're practically blending in with the grass."
***
"I know why I need sex, asshole," I retort.
"I'm doing it to work out why people like me hang around with fucktards like you two."
***
"The only math I know is that me plus Maddie, minus clothes, equals a product not even algebra can create."
***
Cuuuute! Haha! I love the characters when they open their mouths; smartasses and asshats! LOL
But aside from those funny banters, I love how Emma can conjure sentences that tug a heart. You can really feel the deep emotions just by reading those lines.
These are my favorite tear-jerker lines:
***
"Love is a fickle thing. Just because you have a person out there that compliments you, that calms your storm and feeds your fire, it doesn't mean you'll always have them."
***
A good word can linger with you for a few fleeting moments while bad one will never leave.
***
"It's good to remember,"
"You gotta remember where you've been to see how far you've come."
***
The one thing coveted above all else, for however long it lasts. The one thing we all want regardless of who gets broken along the way. The one thing that no matter the cost, no amount of money could ever buy it.
The grand prize we play for.
Love.
***
"The beauty of being an outsider is that I can see what you can't."
***
Whatever hate is locked inside his body and whatever hate is burned into his mind, I know that our love can push it out. I believe in the power it gives us.
And that's why I will break my heart over and over again.
I will break my heart to heal his.
***
Emma can seriously write beautiful lines. I honestly believe these are great life lessons. I am definitely a fan now, hands down.
Thank you Emma for writing Aston and Megan's story. They're now one of my favorite couples. And thank you for giving me the chance to read this wonderful book of yours.
4.5 dog-eared pages
P.S. I want to share to you my most favorite scene in the book that made me ugly-cry.
***
"Not everything is made to be shared. Not every scar is on the physical body. Some scars are on the mind. Some scars can't be seen. They're inside, burned in so deeply that they'll never be healed."
Her eyes are earnest and soft. "Just because a scar can't be healed doesn't mean it can't be soothed," she whispers.
I take a deep breath, making a decision I know I'll regret. Making a decision that will change everything.
A decision that will change me.
"Sometimes the dark truth is too much for some people," I warn her.
A decision that will change her.
"Sometimes a light dusting of the truth isn't enough," she responds.
A decision that will change us.
"Is the dark really better than the light?"
She nods. "Sometimes. Sometimes you need to get lost in the dark to truly appreciate the light."
***
Goosebumps every time I read this. Thank you Emma, for this wonderful scene. It's now embedded in my heart.
Note: The quoted texts are copyrighted. If you're going to use it, please give credit to whom it is due.
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About the Author
By day, New York Times and USA Today bestselling New Adult author Emma Hart dons a cape and calls herself Super Mum to a terrible two year old and growing bump, due September 2013. By night, she drops the cape, pours a glass of juice and writes books. She likes to write about magic, kisses and whatever else she can fit into the story. Sarcastic, witty characters are a must. As are hot guys. Emma is currently working too many books to even count - including Playing for Keeps, the companion book to New York Times and USA Today bestselling novel, The Love Game. She likes to be busy - unless busy involves doing the dishes, but that seems to when all the ideas come to life.
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