Perfectly Played by Holly Kerr

Perfectly Played Reviews

• 
  Margo

  Nothing fell together for me. I'll definitely check out this author again.
• 
  Sassy Beta Reading & Review

  After 8 years of being together, Flora is about to marry the man of her dreams....or is it her nightmares? He belittles her, makes her eat nasty things, and forgets to bring her a bouquet for their wedding. Finally, enough is enough and Flora realizes, marrying Thomas would be a mistake. As she makes her escape from the Vegas Chapel, she literally runs into Dean. Poor Dean has been stood up by his own bride. After a quick apology, Flora makes a run for it and heads back to her hotel. What a surprise when she runs into Dean again at the bar in her hotel. After a crazy night of strippers, brawls, and Ihop, things come to an end. Feelings are hurt, disappointment is felt, and oversights happen. What happens next is one wacky roller coaster ride of emotions but it all leads up to a nice HFN ending.
  
  Written as a 1st person, multi pov. Nice story line, good description to details (a little too wordy at times, but not bad), nice characters, and engaging dialogue. All in all, a good read.
  
  Would I recommend this book?? Yes
  
  Would I read more from this author? Yes
  
  Sassy Beta Reading and Review
  
  I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
• 
  Kim

  Cute but hero wasn't much of a hero
  
  This is about two people who meet at a very pivotal time in their lives. She leaves her fiance at the altar and he is stood up at the altar. They are brought together under strange circumstances. So the plot is interesting. However, there is very little chemistry and the hero does quite a few things that is not very hero worthy. All's well that ends well but really wasn't rooting for them. Ok read.
• 
  Katryna

  This was my first Holly Kerr book. I enjoyed her writing style. I also enjoy when books start off with a bang & this one did. I’ll read more of her work in the future.
• 
  Coco.V

  🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/9/2019)! 🎁
• 
  Nati

  Can Flora and Dean have a future together their one night together in Las Vegas? They met whil Flora is running away from her wedding with her boyfriend of eight years and he is been dumped by her perfect girlfriend. When they met again unexpectedly in Toronto Dean thinks he is nor ready to start a new relationship and they agree to be friends. But will friendship be enough for both of them when they are meant for each other? A sweet and funny story about love, second chances, confidence and trust. I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest review.
• 
  Regina

  What an absolutely delightful story!
  
  I adore Flora and Dean - their meet-cute is definitely on the memorable side, they make great friends and an even greater couple.
  I also enjoyed M.K. and Clay's romance - and the part they play in their respective BFFs' lives.
  
  Bonus points for Flora's dislike for heels, assorted geeky references, and - last but not least - for Dean's last name being Coulson. 'Nuff said.
  
  This cute and funny story is the first book I've read by Holly Kerr, but it sure won't be the last!
  
  4.5/5
• 
  Evonne Hutton

  Flora is about to get married after eight years together.........until she realizes he did not even sort out her wedding flowers as promised. In that moment she realized he had never given her flowers, or encouragement. As a matter of fact he did not even know her or love her.
  So she did the only thing she could..............
  A good story line that is well written. The characterization extremely good with the emotions that will keep you reading
• 
  Annalise Masad

  Stuff your kindle day books are terrible. I’m realising there’s a reason that they’re free
• 
  Katie

  Since I was only about an hour into my flight after finishing my last book, I needed another. The one I really wanted wasn’t downloaded on my iPad yet, so I settled for this.
  .
  Both main characters are from Canada but in Las Vegas for their weddings that don’t happen. They meet, spend the night together, and never see each other again until he walks into her flower shop and they realize their practically neighbors.
  .
  It’s sweet, but with a lot of the friendship stuff skirted over. They spend more than half their time together getting to know one another and becoming great friends … but only about a chapter of the book is spent covering this. It was alright, but not amazing.
  .
  ⭐️⭐️⭐️
• 
  Karen (BaronessBookTrove)

  I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Perfectly Played by Holly Kerr is a fabulous romantic comedy about a florist and a baseball player.
  Can a florist and a baseball player make it work?
  Flora Shaughnessy
  Flora is our main female character and love interest to Dean. We first follow her, then Dean and doing that makes it flow better in my head. Flora is the youngest with three older brothers, who are a lot older than her, and has a florist family business. She is a great character that has her flaws, but she is embracing them even more now without Thomas, her husband-to-be. Flora learns a lot about herself without Thomas around and loves the way that she is without him trying to make her into someone that she isn't.
  
  What I like about Flora is that she is a superb character and knows kind of what Dean is going through as an ex softball player herself. She is also a big nerd and can geek out about Star Wars with no problems. Once Flora sets her mind on something, she will work hard to get it or at least to get the other person to see that. 
  Dean Coulson
  Dean is our main male character and Flora's love interest. He is an ex-professional baseball player that got out of the game because he hurt his arm. Dean's ex-girlfriend and his bride-to-be was a lot different than Flora and wanted him to quit being who he is. Of course, Dean couldn't see any of this until after she broke off the wedding that she wanted. Dean, just like Flora, has grown a lot without Evelyn, his ex,  trying to change him. 
  
  What I like about Dean is that he didn't want to start something with Flora until he knew that she was ready to be with him. He is a lovely friend to Flora and helps her out with anything that she needs him to do. 
  
  I think that both Flora and Dean changed throughout this book. They have both returned to the people that they were before.
  Five Stars
  Perfectly Played by Holly Kerr is a great romantic comedy about what happens when you realize that the person you are with isn't the right one. Flora and Dean have some ups and downs in here, but it makes a fabulous story. I am giving five stars to Perfectly Played by Holly Kerr and recommending it to everyone who reads romantic comedies out there.
  
  
  
  Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Perfectly Played by Holly Kerr. 
  
  Until the next time,
  
  
  
  Happy Reading!
  
  
  This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
• 
  Angela

  4 Stars
  
  “Suddenly I have the urge to run, run away from the chapel and the justice of the peace and what is undoubtedly going to be on the top ten list of all-time worst days. Hiking up the dress I bought off the rack at Nordstrom for forty percent off, I run down the aisle to the lobby, with M.K. and Ruthie hot on my heels.
  And then the toe of my shoe really does catch on a loose thread on the carpet, sending me careening right into a man standing in the doorway of the chapel.”
  
  
  Perfectly Played is an angsty second chance romance by Holly Kerr. The story was quite a clever idea, with lots of drama to keep the tension at a high level. The angst, push-pull, assumptions, miscommunication, and misunderstandings which added to the drama, was quite frustrating. There were several moments where I wanted to shake some sense into both of our MC’s.
  
  Flora Shaughnessy owns her own flower shop, “Fleur”. She’s in Vegas to finally marry her long-time boyfriend. On the way down the aisle, she has a realization that prompts her to turn and run- right into an innocent bystander. Little does she know that fate has plans for them, but right now all she wants to do is find the nearest bar and drown her sorrows. With her two best friends in tow, they begin a wild night that will take them on a bit of an adventure. And Flora will find herself in the arms, and bed, of a handsome stranger- before waking up to an empty bed. But fate isn’t done with them yet. And so the angst, drama, and hilarity ensue.
  
  It took me quite a while to connect with the characters. They were really well developed, interesting and likeable- but the drama, indecision, and miscommunication really made it difficult to connect with them because there was so much of it. I felt that a lot of the drama was added just for the sake of it. For me, the story would have worked even better, with less drama. But having said that, I did enjoy the story, reading it in one sitting just so I could find out how everything tied together in the end.
  
  
  Thank you, Ms. Kerr!
  
  
• 
  Karyn Taylor

  Perfectly Played is an awesome contemporary romance novel by Holly Kerr. It’s the first time I have read any of this author’s work and I’ll certainly be reading more if Perfectly Played is anything to go by.
  Flora is partway down the aisle when she realises that she really doesn’t want to say ‘I do’ so she turns foot and legs it out of the church colliding with hot, bearded 6ft 5inches of Dean who is waiting at the church for his bride to arrive, only to get a text to say she’s not coming.
  When Flora and her bridesmaids M.K. and Ruthie bump into Dean and best man Clay later, the fun and games begin. While Clay and M.K. are smitten with each other, Dean and Flora hit it off and end up in a steamy one night stand. When Dean leaves in the morning he leaves Flora a note in the hope that they will stay in touch. A note that Flora doesn’t find.
  Both Flora and Dean can’t stop thinking about each other, Dean is hurt that Flora didn’t call, Flora is hurt that Dean left and never so much as left a note. Little do Dean and Flora know that they live close to each other and fate has a way of stepping in.
  I loved Dean and Flora’s story. Both are worried that the other is still in love with their former partners (well they did meet on what should have been both their wedding days). But they just can’t stop thinking of each other and how much they like each other than they did their former partners, both of whom had definitely not been right for them. Dean and Flora are perfect for each other but will they allow themselves to move on with each other so soon after ending their previous relationships?
  
• 
  Laura Furuta

  Perfectly Played
  By: Holly Kerr
  5 out of 5 stars
  
  The story Perfectly Played by Holly Kerr is a wonderful romance book that I loved reading. It is funny, emotional, entertaining, and hooked me in from the very beginning. I loved reading about the characters of Flora and Dean. They both had wedding plans. Flora found that she couldn’t go through with her big day and Dean’s fiancé told him she was not coming. They didn’t see themselves spending a night together that they can’t stop thinking about. An unfound note seems to end any chance between these two may have together until fate steps in. Will they act on the second chance that has been set before them? What does the future hold for Dean and Flora? Read this book to find out. I grew to care about both Dean and Flora with each chapter that I read. I couldn’t help but be sympathetic to what they go through and my heart went out to them. They deserve to find happiness. I enjoyed reading about the interactions/dialogue between many of the other characters in the story had with Dean and Flora. Some conversations are emotional. There are also moments that warmed my heart and had me saying “Aww.” Don’t miss out on a story that you won’t want to put down until you have read the final page. Highly recommended.
  
• 
  Marcia

  This is the first book that I have read from this author. What a treat! Engaging characters and an unusual scenario, made this a very entertaining read.
  
  There should have been two weddings that day at the Las Vegas wedding chapel, but although it was both brides that push for the wedding, they were the ones that left their grooms at the altar. At least Flora showed up. Walking down that aisle, instead of love coming from Thomas, all she saw was impatience. and disappointed and then she knew, she couldn't marry him. Fleeing the hall, she ran smack into Dean. Dean's bride, Evelyn, didn't even both to show up, but sent him a text. Serendipity, orchestrated by their creator, in this case the author. Meeting up later that evening Flora and Dena spend the night together, but the note that Dean left, as they usually do, feel off the pillow, and she never saw it. So fate steps in again and they are both living in Toronto. Both scared the other is not over their former fiancee, they agree to be friends, for now. Meanwhile there is another romance between their best friends.
  
  I read a ARC provided by AuthorsXP. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
• 
  Jana

  Perfectly Played is a charming romantic comedy read by Holly Kerr. It is my first read by this writer and I know that it will not be the last! I am not sure if this story is an opening to a series but I really hope that the writer would give us the stories of all those great supporting characters that she introduced us to in this Flora and Dean universe in Toronto!
  We meet Flora in a chapel in Las Vegas when in the middle of walking down the aisle to marry a guy she has been together with for 8 years … she ‘comes to her senses’ and calls it off! While running out she bumps into Dean who is waiting for his bride to turn up … Evelyn never comes, instead she sends a text message to Dean’s best man (and friend) Clay saying she is calling it off …
  There are a loads of situations that crack you up or squeeze your heart … The writer takes us on a merry ride and at no point did I feel that it was too much or boring or … mix into it Flora’s BFF M.K. and Dean’s best friend’s Clay’s blossoming relationship, Flora’s cookie niece Ruthie and you will be left panting for more!
  
• 
  Natalie Hanley

  What an opening to a book! Flora is literally about to walk down the aisle to marry long term boyfriend Thomas when she suddenly realises she can’t. Running from the chapel she bumps into Dean who was there for his own wedding which is also not destined to happen. A chance meeting, a night of passion, then they go back to their own lives, but is this really all there is for this intriguing couple?
  Flora is a fab character with lots of pizzaz and enough positivity to counteract the sometimes negative Dean who is disappointed from a failed pro sports career. The minor characters MK and Clay are also entertaining and give us some great moments in the book. What made me laugh very early on in the story was the reference to him looking like a character from Game of Thrones – very current! I knew exactly who the author meant and that cemented this character’s look for me for the rest of that opening part of the book.
  This was a light-hearted fun, second chance, “will-they, won’t-they” kind of book that I love to read by the pool on holiday. Totally recommend it!
  
• 
  Kristen Lewendon

  When I started reading this, I wasn’t expecting the “Canadian-ness” of it. Turns out, I am ecstatic for it. That my hometown is featured as Dean’s hometown makes me stupid-silly with happiness. Though, on behalf of all Edmontonians, I’m slightly offended by Flora’s slur against our observational skills. I mean, have you seen the transformational ability of some of today’s drag queens? “Fishy” no longer just describes something you’ve got a bad feeling about. I loved these two. I wanted to hug the stuffing out them. And I wanted to take them and knock their heads together. This story is an amazing amalgamation of “what happens in Vegas…”, enemies-to-lovers, friends-to-lovers, and love-at-first-sight. It also manages to pull in a little bit of sports romance and have a small-town feel. I realize that nothing in the Greater Toronto Metroplex area can really be called “small town”, but that’s still the feeling it conveys. Call it fate, karma, kismet, or just serendipity, Dean and Flora are perfect together.
• 
  Penelope

  Perfectly Played is book #1 in a romance comedy series about a runaway bride and a guy who ends up jilted on his wedding day. I haven’t read this trope before and wondered how the author was going to pull it off, since both characters would seem to be carrying serious baggage following such events. As the novel began, I thought, “Oh; this is going to be an Insta-love story” but then the direction turned, the attraction smoldered and, for me, Perfectly Played became a richer, more complex and believable romance. I found myself desiring a real HEA for the characters Dean and Flora, rather than simply a HEN. I haven’t read other Holly Kerr novels but after reading Perfectly Played, I will most likely order Beautifully Baked, #2 in the series. :D. Pleasantly Popped is #3.
  
  I enjoyed and recommend Perfectly Played to readers of light, positive romance novels without all the angst. Several sexual situations did occur, and other past events were discussed, but were off scene. Profanity was minimal, if any.
• 
  Julie

  What starts out as what should be the best day of Flora's life, it really turns into a big decision day. To end the past 8 year relationship. While Flora is out learning and enjoying Vegas she is also learning about herself and it seems maybe a narcissistic relationship, where she has lost site of her self and tried to be all that "he" wanted her to be. She had given up so much for him-family business, her friends, etc. Now that she has finally said no, at the alter in the little Vegas chapel. She runs into someone who fate has put in her path. Together they both learn about themselves and grow closer to each other emotionally. All while supporting each others life dreams.
  
  Overall I enjoyed the book, there was one section that seemed a bit confusing….he comes back to her place after helping plant and doesn't want to put on dirty clothes. He doesn't put on a shirt as it will rip due to his size, but then later in the morning he has a shirt on. It was a silly detail, but one that was a bit of huh, did I miss something in my reading.
  
  I would recommend the book to others.
  
• 
  Christy Wicklund

  The book was good, but it doesn’t have an ending. The author leaves you hanging on several things. Did Flora win the contest she was busting her butt for? How did working with her family again actually work out since her oldest brother is so controlling and she had freedom for so long being the owner of her own business? Why fold her business into theirs and not keep them separate until she’s sure things with the family work out? What happened with Dean and baseball? He just reconnected with his former triple a coach via text and the reader is left wondering what happened. He wants him to come and throw, but throw seriously or just have a damn catch? Too many strings left untied. Something an epilogue could have easily tidied up, but was oddly left out. I was invested in these characters and the author just left them flapping in the breeze. We don’t even know if Flora and Dean are boyfriend and girlfriend by the end. They say they love one another, but they've not talked about being together. Strange ending.
• 
  Robin Rankin

  Perfectly Played by Holly Kerr had so many things I love to read about.
  
  First, there is a dog Cappie and I'm a firm believer that every book should have a dog and/or a cat. Second, a hot guy with a beard, you can't go wrong there and as an added bonus he's a baseball player which is one of my favorite things about summer. Finally you have a sweet story about how fate brought two people together so far from home.
  
  Dean and Flora's story is just adorable and really not too far fetched which I enjoyed. After they both have their previous relationship end on what should have been their wedding day they literally run into each other and the games began immediately.
  
  I loved Flora and her relationships with M.K., Ruthie and Patrick. Though two were family they were amazing and I fell in love with Patrick.
  
  This story drew me in front the start and I hated having to put it down. I throughly enjoyed this book.
• 
  Anastasia

  This is the first book that i have read by this author and it will not be my last. The author has a great writing style and i enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Flora is our man character and i adored her. She has horrid taste in men though. She is fixing to marry a man who she has been with for the last 8 years and he is a terrible person. He nitpicks everything she does and puts her down any chance he gets. Fiona finally decides she has had enough and runs away from him and their never-to-be wedding. That is when she runs into Dean. He was just stood up by his own bride and has gone through the ringer too. These two go through a roller coaster of feelings, both for the things they're going through and for each other. Will they end up together or are they destined to move on and see other people who haven't been so close to saying I DO?
  I enjoyed this book a lot and i cannot wait to read more by this author. I would recommend this to a friend!
• 
  Jenni Bishop

  Perfectly Played by Holly Kerr is a nice second chance story ​and my first read of Holly’s work. I enjoyed her writing style and loved the characters. It is a quick and easy read and you will find yourself invested in the lives of the characters. The story is told in multiple POV’s which enriches the story and the understanding of the characters and their emotions and backgrounds. It is a bit of an emotional rollercoaster ride but it works in the end.
  
  Flora is starting to finally see the man she is supposed to marry one step at a time for what he truly is. Walking away is the best thing she needs to for herself and in doing so she meets the one person who could make her life complete.
  
  Dean has just had his heart crushed and he isn’t sure why when he literally bumps into the one person who makes his heart feel whole again and could be his whole life and accept him for who he is. If only he can get over his past.
  
  I look forward to reading more from Holly.  
• 
  Maura

  This book by Holly Kerr is absolutely PERFECTLY PLAYED. It is a quick and easy read with closed door sexy times making this a clean romance.
  
  The story moves quickly both in pace and in time frame of the book. Even with the pace, the characters are well developed, it is understood what role they play in the M/m's life and every character has a purpose *even the dog and the neighbors*. The story presents itself as one that was well plotted and doesn't waste time with too much detail or fillers to up the word count. While I could have done without two specific characters, I understand the part they play in moving the story along.
  
  PERFECTLY PLAYED sets up as if it is going to be a series and I am very interested in finding out about the friends and siblings we are introduced to and hope that the author will continue with this theme.
  
  I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good romance.