Playing for Keeps
Romance
Avon
January 6, 2026
Paperback, Ebook, Audiobook
320
Lambda Literary Award winner and national bestselling author Alexandria Bellefleur returns with a steamy Sapphic rom-com about two rival publicists who are forced to work together when their mega-famous clients—a popstar and a quarterback—begin to date.
Poppy Peterson’s life is finally back on track and she’s thriving as the publicist of the NFL’s most promising quarterback (and her childhood best friend), Cash Curran. So, she doesn’t appreciate when he makes an impulsive and public pass at America’s popstar darling, Lyric Adair. When Lyric’s notorious publicist Rosaline Sinclair reaches out, Poppy is ready to face her wrath, but instead learns that Lyric is equally interested.
As Cash and Lyric embark on their ill-advised whirlwind romance, Poppy and Rosaline are forced together, each determined to protect their own client from the other. Poppy is frustrated by Rosaline’s cool demeanor, while at the same time, as a legend in the industry, she’s determined to impress her. But, no matter what she does, she can’t shake the feeling that Rosaline doesn’t like her.
That is until one steamy night, when the two women contend with their unexpected feelings and begin a messy romance of their own. But with paparazzi, tabloids, and stalker fans nipping at their heels, Poppy and Rosaline’s loyalties will be tested in ways they could never expect.
A high energy, Sapphic, and deeply sexy romance, Playing for Keeps has everything listeners expect from Alexandria Bellefleur and more!
… Ready For It?
Alexandria Bellefleur is gifting us with another book release! Dare I say she’s been inspired and we are the benefactors of her muse. Quickly following her first paranormal romance, readers are now being blessed with a contemporary, pop-culture-esque romance loosely based on the budding romance of a famous music artist and a future all-star football player. While our fictional celebrities are falling in love, so are their respective publicists! A love story orbiting another love story.
We love love at the Litbuzz! Give us all the romance! We’re ready for it!
Love Story
If you’ve been paying attention to pop culture the last few years, you’ll probably recognize the meet cute that kicks off this Sapphic, sultry romance between two celebrity publicists. The number of Easter eggs about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s relationship really starts adding up, but it’s more like a “IYKYK” situation. The non-Swifties wouldn’t really pick up on the subtle nods to the real life meet cute.
All of the Girls You Loved Before
“Playing for Keeps” is reminiscent of Alexandria Bellefleur’s ‘Written in the Stars’ series. The banter, the characters’ interaction and play off of each other, felt natural and reminiscent of her earlier work. Some of the best love stories are character driven, rather than plot driven, because you’re spending most of your time immersed in the feeling and emotion rather than external action. Poppy and Rosaline seem very different but come together for the best interests of the people they care about, and come to find mutual respect for one another… not to mention they each think the other is super hot. They remind me of the dynamics between Elle and Darcy, the angst of Margot, and the determination of Olivia.
I Can See You
“Playing for Keeps” felt just cheesy enough to be cute and not weird. This was extremely easy to read and I finished the story in a little over a day. This would be perfect for anyone missing those days of waiting for news from the Eras tour.
Put the friendship bracelets back on, friends, and grab your copy of “Playing for Keeps” today to immerse yourself in that magical world for just a little bit longer. Even if you’re not a Swiftie, you’ll still love this celebrity-adjacent love story, so baby just say yes.
I’m Val, and I’m excited to share my love of books with you! I’m a sassy Sour Patch kid from New Jersey, dog mom to Chance the beagle, and much like the rest of the Hive, I’m a coffee lover (I think it’s a requirement to be here). The first book I remember reading voluntarily involved a boy wizard who lived in the cupboard under the stairs, and I’ve been chasing magic ever since. I love Happily Ever Afters, and I love love. My favorite genres are romance and rom-coms, fantasy, and young adult/new adult. If I’m not reading, I’m probably kayaking, watching the Great British Baking Show, or discovering a new craft beer.
