Playing for Keeps: A Heartfelt Journey Through Love and Grief
When I first laid eyes on Playing for Keeps by Jennifer Dugan, I felt a spark of curiosity ignite within me. Why? The blend of young love with the heavy themes of grief drew me in immediately. As a huge fan of Dugan’s knack for crafting characters who are wonderfully flawed yet relatable, I was eager to dive into this fresh offering. Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin for providing me with my first ARC of the year—what a way to kick things off!
From the outset, I found Playing for Keeps to be an endearing read, even if it was marred by some typical ARC technical glitches. Dugan’s talent shines bright through her ability to create characters that seem completely mismatched yet draw you in completely.
Meet Ivy and June
Ivy stole my heart. There’s an unmistakable depth to her character—perhaps it was the connection I felt through her strained relationship with her overbearing parents that made me root for her relentlessly. Selflessness can be both a virtue and a curse, and Ivy embodies this duality beautifully. She reminded me of Ruby from Some Girls Do, both of them reasonable amidst the chaos that surrounds them.
On the other hand, June was the stormy counterpart to Ivy’s calm. There were moments when I wanted to throw my e-reader against the wall in frustration at June’s choices—oh, how infuriating she could be! But that very annoyance kept me engaged. June is not your typical “perfect” character; she’s real and serves as a testament to how not dealing with grief can wreak havoc in a person’s life. Her journey, filled with outbursts and questionable decisions, resonated with me because it highlights that our coping mechanisms can be just as flawed as we are.
Grief in Raw Form
What struck me most profoundly in Playing for Keeps is the authentic portrayal of grief—how it lingers long after a loss, manifesting in various ways. June, Ivy, and even Ivy’s mother all deal with grief that isn’t linear, providing readers with a tapestry of experiences that highlight the universality of loss. Dugan’s skilled narrative reminds us that we all navigate the murky waters of grief differently, creating a poignant backdrop to the romantic tension that unfolds.
The sports aspect, though minimal, was cleverly woven into the story, avoiding any overwhelming jargon while ensuring anyone, regardless of their knowledge level, could easily follow along. As someone who doesn’t know much about sports, I was pleasantly surprised by how accessible the language was—successfully inviting a diverse readership into the narrative.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Playing for Keeps is a delightful YA romance filled with messy emotions, flawed characters, and the ever-complicated landscape of grief. For readers who enjoy narratives that make them want to scream at characters for not simply communicating, this book is a must-read!
If you’re someone who appreciates a heartfelt journey that blends romance with the bittersweet reality of life’s challenges, dive into this charming read. Jennifer Dugan proves yet again she has a talent for capturing the essence of youth, love, and the myriad ways we navigate our hearts—no matter how messy it gets.