Playing for Keeps by Michelle C. Hillstrom

Every rebound is a personal challenge. It’s no longer time for playing safe. It’s time to play for keeps.

Taylor Echols… He was my childhood friend. My bully. My savior when I felt like my life was falling apart. He pieced me back together when I was broken. He made me fall in love with him. But it was all fake. He’s a liar. A user. A man-whore. Selfish and irredeemable. I’m done with him. I’ve hardened my heart and built walls that not even he can jump over. Basketball will always be the most important thing to him. He’ll do anything to make sure that he achieves his dream of getting drafted to the NBA, even if it means hurting the people he claims to love. But I’m no chorus-line-girl content to remain in the background playing backup to anyone or anything. I’m a shining star, and I’m going to strut my stuff across Molyneaux University’s campus, reminding everyone, including Taylor, that this Prima Ballerina can steal the show with her solo.
Mikayla Hightower… The girl of my dreams. The girl I’ve wanted since we were kids. Now, the woman that I’ve lost. She’s my first and only love. And I’ve ruined everything. I screwed up – screwed up big. I unintentionally betrayed and humiliated her in front of the whole Molyneaux University Student body before we’d even stepped foot on campus. She hates me more now than she ever did. But I’m going to rally back from this loss. I’m going to get her to love me again. I’m on the rebound. And this time I’m playing for keeps.

PLAYING FOR KEEPS is a 100,000 word, full-length novel and is part two of a series. No cliff-hanger! Ends with a HEA.
Recommended for 18+ Content Warning for grief, survivor’s guilt, depression, teen drinking, strong language, online bullying, and explicit sex scenes (all sex scenes are consensual and all characters featured in them are over the age of 18).