PLAY FOR KEEPS is the sixth installment in L.P. Maxa's Devil's Share series. Although PLAY FOR KEEPS alternates focus between the various couples in the Devil's Share crew, the focus is on Dash and Lexi -- the couple who first met in PLAY NICE. I really enjoyed this book because, up until now, everybody in the band The Devil's Share have been pairing up and focusing on home and family bliss and this book shakes things up a little. The conflict between Dash and Lexi is real, but the story stays true to the characters without having the drama seem artificial or unnecessarily dreary. It's great to catch up with favorite characters and see how they've grown.

Amidst a rash of "baby fever" in their close-knit group, Lexi is having second thoughts about having a second baby so soon after having her first child. Lexi's concerns and struggle to balance work and family are very easy to relate to and makes her a more realistic character. Dash is very sympathetic in this story because, although he is a big rock star, he never pulls an entitled rock star attitude with his wife. I like a flawed, and slightly vulnerable, hero like Dash. Having this book told from alternating perspectives gives the reader a better understanding of the characters and the love they feel for each other, rather than appearing jarring in any way. The side story involving Smith and Jacks is emotionally very powerful and adds depth to both characters.

PLAY FOR KEEPS is a heartfelt story about family unity with romance woven all the way through. The Devil's Share guys are still sexy goofballs, but it's nice watching them mature over time and happiness. I am intrigued by glimpses of Mason Maxwell and can't wait to discover more about him in future stories. The ending to PLAY FOR KEEPS is satisfying and is just what fans are looking for. I look forward to L.P. Maxa's next book.

Book Summary

Dash and Lexi have been planning their Seaside wedding for months, and the closer the date gets, the more it looks like this marriage will never happen.

FIRST COMES LOVE THEN COMES MARRIAGE?

They had a deal. Get married, have another kid. But Dash is convinced Lexi isn't feeling it. She's working 60 hour weeks at RiffRaff Records, and - if you can believe this - she's avoiding him. Plus the family is going crazy. Dylan's pregnant, Smith's a wreck, Luke and Lo have become moguls and Jacks...well, Jacks is Jacks. Then things get really dicey and the wedding is postponed. Hey! What happened to Dash's happy-ever-after? Worried? Don't be. The Devil's Share women got this.