1 3

Playing for Keeps + The Player's Path Prequel

Playing for Keeps + The Player's Path Prequel

When a star athlete’s reckless choice lands him in the fight of his life, the woman who saves him must confront her own broken dreams.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 80% 4-star or above ratings!

$4.99 USD
$7.99 USD $4.99 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Secure Checkout Money-Back Guarantee Trusted by Thousands

Two lives. One defining moment. A love story a decade in the making.

This special duet bundle brings together The Player's Path—the powerful prequel novella—and Playing for Keeps, the full-length romance that completes Hunter and Jo’s unforgettable journey.

In The Player's Path, rising soccer star Hunter McKinley is flying high—until one reckless choice brings everything crashing down. Disillusioned college student Jo Donnelly never expected to save the life of her brother’s best friend… or that the aftermath would redefine them both.

Years later, in Playing for Keeps, Hunter is living every athlete’s dream—but fame comes with temptations that test his character and his faith. Jo is dedicated to saving others but carrying wounds of her own.

When their lives intersect again, sparks fly, but grief, guilt, and the widening gap between their worlds threaten to keep them apart. When tragedy forces them to confront everything they’ve been running from, Hunter and Jo must decide: will they walk away again—or finally fight for the love they were meant to find?

Perfect for readers who love slow-burn chemistry, emotional depth, and redemption arcs grounded in faith and real life.

This duet is part of a larger series but can be read as standalone.

Playing for Keeps explores healing, resilience & forgiveness but addresses difficult experiences that may be triggering for some, including steroid use and a minor character's suicide.

What Readers Say:

"One of the best books I’ve read in awhile. Can’t wait to read more by this author. I would recommend this book to everyone." ~ coyotecactus

💙 Sample Chapter

Jo’s gaze tracked back to Hunter. He was everywhere—pressing, tackling, intercepting—like the field itself belonged to him. His intensity was magnetic.

“Hunter plays like a crazy man,” someone muttered behind them.

“He’s always like that,” another replied. “A loose cannon. I’m surprised he doesn’t get called more often.”

“Yeah, but he’s got killer instincts.”

Just then, Hunter got sandwiched between two defenders as he dribbled toward the goal. Another whistle. Free kick.

The opposing player wagged a finger at him, but Hunter didn’t even glance his way.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if Hunter was the one throwing punches,” the voice behind them said.

Her mom stiffened. But Jo’s attention was fixed on the field—where Carson now had possession of the ball. He passed to Hunter, who feinted once, twice, and burst ahead on a rare breakaway.

The crowd surged to its feet, a wall of noise.

Hunter tore down the field, the nearest defender several paces behind. He drew back his foot—

POP! POP! POP!

The sound shattered the moment.

People on the far side of the stands ducked.

“Oh my God!” someone screamed. “He’s got a gun! Get down!”

Jo froze—and then instinct took over. She dropped, tucking her head, hands over her skull. Her pulse thundered in her ears. The world had gone insane—this couldn’t be happening, not here, not home.

POP! POP! POP!

The crack of gunfire mixed with the shriek of tires. An engine roared, then faded. Silence fell—an eerie, suspended quiet. Heads lifted. The crowd murmured.
Then came the shouting—sharp, panicked, urgent.
Her head snapped toward the field. Carson was waving frantically, his voice carrying across the chaos.

“Jo!”

She was already moving, scrambling over the bleachers before her brain caught up. Her foot caught on the last bench; she stumbled, but hit the ground running. People scattered in all directions, a blur of faces and noise.

She almost collided with someone, dodged right—and nearly tripped over Carson.

He was kneeling. Not hurt. Thank God. But next to him—
Hunter.

His body lay sprawled on the grass, one arm twisted under him, a dark red bloom spreading across his side.

Blood.

Delivery Information

Ebooks: Delivered instantly via BookFunnel. Check your email for delivery instructions after purchase.

Paperbacks: Shipped with care. Expect to receive your book in 7-10 days.

View full details