Sandy M’s review of Playing for Keeps by Shiloh Walker
Contemporary Romance ebook published by Samhain 13 Jan 09
Yes, I’ve had this ebook tucked away on the computer for a year and a half now. Shame on me. But I’m actually glad. Shiloh Walker is one of those authors whose books I know I’m going to like no matter what, even if there’s the smallest, niggling doubt that creeps into my mind on one page that I may not care for what’s happening. Then on the very next page she’s sucked me in and I’m lost in the story, the characters, and most of all the emotion.
In this case that little doubt came early on, when during a storm Jacob heads over to Dana’s house to make sure she’s okay, finds her and her lover at the back of the house in the rain, but before he can hightail it out of there, Dana is as plastered to him as her clothes are to her, asking him to join in their play. Jake has always loved Dana, she’s always been a part of his life, and if the only way he can have her is to be part of a threesome, so be it.
What’s wrong with that, you ask, that caused my doubt? I had to read a little further past the threesome bit to learn of Jake’s want, desire, love for Dana. Most of the time when I read menage books, it seems they’re written just because the author can write them, no substance or feeling to them. Well, I felt Jake’s emotion surrounding Dana’s invitation and then his acceptance of it, and Ms. Walker gave me huge amounts of substance and emotion.
And that’s just the beginning between these two characters. The heart of this story is surrounding the unplanned pregnancy when the condom breaks during one of their one-on-one love making scenes. Coming to grips with the situation, happier about it than she thought she’d be, Dana hopes Jake is happy about it too. Of course, he is. He’s always wanted a life with Dana, so this is a dream come true, a new beginning.
Dana ousts the other man in her life, asks Jake to move in with her, and begins to plan for the future. Then one of those awful, horrible moments in life happen and their baby is in danger. The gut-wrenching fear this couple goes through and then later their raw grief and anger is palpable. Dana turns inward with her emotion while Jake wants to be together for comfort and love, but our hearts and minds don’t always work the way we hope and want, and these two find that out in such mind-numbing ways.
What makes this story more poignant is the author’s note at the end. Ms. Walker and her husband went through this very thing (though in a very different way), and you can feel their pain and loss in every word on every page. I hope it was somehow cathartic for Ms. Walker, and I admire her for putting her experience into such a beautiful piece of work. I appreciate it that much more for it.
If you’re a Shiloh Walker fan and haven’t read this one yet, do so soon. This is one story you don’t want to miss.
Grade: B+
Summary:
Jacob has always been part of Dana Cochran’s life. They’ve lived next door to each other for years, they’ve dated on and off and now they see each other through work.
But their timing has just never been right, and when Dana invites Jacob over to play with her and Mason Caldwell…things get complicated.
Doctor Jacob McCoy loves Dana. So much so, that he’s even willing to share her with Mason Caldwell. But a red-hot threesome isn’t all that Jacob wants from Dana.
When tragedy strikes their fledging relationship, Jacob has to convince Dana that pushing him away isn’t the answer.
He wants to be in her life forever. And some things are worth fighting for.
Read an excerpt.
Hi Sandy I knew you’d feel this way about this book even before I read your review.
You really captured exactly how I felt when I read it. My chest was already aching when I finished it & then to read Sholoh’s own note at the end just did me in. Another excellent story by one of my faves.
It just amazes me sometimes, Mary, how an author can pull such emotion from you as you read, and Shiloh is one of the best. She never fails in that regard, and, of course, that’s we love her work and continue to read her. And when they’re especially moving like this one, you can wait for the next. I’m already searching for my next Shiloh to start on!
Hi Sandy… I’m glad you enjoyed Playing for Keeps… and yes, it was cathartic. 🙂
That truly was one of those ‘God takes, God gives’ periods in my life. If we had been able to have that child, then I wouldn’t have my baby bratlet-and while I’ll miss the baby we lost every day, I wouldn’t trade my baby bratlet for all the books in the world, all the gold in the world, all the chocolate, all the ice cream… you get the point. She’s ours, and we wouldn’t have her if we hadn’t lost her sister. It’s a strange peace we’ve come to grips with.
Hey Sandy
Don’t know what you’ve already read but you can’t go wrong. I’ve read all of her contemp erotica backlist. I’ve loved all of them. My faves remain: The Missing, Fragile, Broken, Always yours, No Longer Mine, My Best Friend Lover aaah forget it LOL. Good luck picking the next one!!