Saving the best for last is the phrase that popped into my mind immediately after reading the last line of Playing Dirty. Susan Andersen delivers a cute contemporary romance of redemption and love.

Ava Spencer has always been the fat girl. Secure in her friendship with Jane and Poppy, Ava never really needed more. One night, she indulges in her fantasies with popular boy Cade Gallari and is feeling good that he had wanted her.  However, her dreams of being loved despite her weight are shattered when she learns that Cade only slept with her as a bet. After the huge blow, Ava is devastated and hates Cade.

Years later, Ava and her friends inherited a historical home which they have renovated. Cade, a popular director, is back in town to film a documentary about the owner of the home and needs Ava’s permission to film there. Against her better judgment, Ava agrees and all of the old feelings she has suppressed is back. This time Ava vows not to be a fool again but Cade wants Ava and is willing to play dirty to get her.

Playing Dirty is a fun and playful read. You just gotta love a girl like Ava, who embodies most women. Her insecurities are realistic and her approach to dealing with them makes her human. I love that she still feels shy about her weight even though she lost the pounds. The thing that I appreciate about the author is that she didn’t make Ava a stick figure in the present day, she still have curves and wears a size 12/14.

The slow approach to Ava and Cade’s romance is beautifully written. They both work hard at rekindling their romance. Cade doesn’t just repeat that he is a changed person but his actions backs up his words. While he doesn’t make any excuses for his stupid behavior in high school, he shares with Ava his own reasons for acting out during his teenage years. It just made him even more real in my eyes.

For fans of the series, you will enjoy catching up with Jane and Poppy. They play a small role in the story and provide support to Ava. They remind me so much of my two best friends. I recommend this book if you are looking for a sweet and fun read but know that this is the third book in the series.

~ Samantha