Fake Dating, Real Healing, and a Love Worth Fighting For
5 out of 5 stars
Sometimes a book just clicks with you, and Playing for Keeps by Monica McCallan, narrated by Lori Prince, was that book for me. It’s the perfect blend of fake relationship charm, slow-burn romance, and personal growth, all set against the cozy backdrop of Stoneport, Massachusetts. From the very first chapter, I was rooting for Sydney and Reese — not just to find love, but to find healing too.
Sydney King’s story hit me right in the heart. After a devastating sports injury and a messy breakup, she returns home to pick up the pieces. What she doesn’t expect is to get tangled up in a fake dating scheme with her ex-boyfriend’s sister — a woman who’s trying to prove her own worth in a family that overlooked her. Watching Sydney and Reese support each other through past hurts, messy family dynamics, and the complicated emotions that come with starting over made this romance feel so genuine and comforting.
Monica McCallan’s writing shines here. Her characters feel real — their conversations, their dreams, even their doubts are drawn with such care that you can’t help but fall in love with them. I loved how the story didn’t rely on unnecessary drama; the emotional depth came from the characters learning to trust, forgive, and believe in themselves again. It’s a beautifully hopeful story about finding your own version of success and happiness, no matter what life throws at you.
And I can’t talk about this audiobook without mentioning Lori Prince’s narration — she’s simply incredible. She brings a softness and sincerity to the story that makes me feel like I was right there, cheering on Sydney and Reese.
Playing for Keeps is an absolute must-listen if you love fake dating tropes, characters who communicate like grown-ups, and romances that feel like a warm hug. It’s easily one of my favorite sapphic romances. It was sweet, satisfying, and full of heart.
Book Description:
