Playing for Keeps

By Susan May Warren, Andrea Michelle Wood, Tari Faris

Substitute Teacher Piper Caveneau is all about making sure her students succeed-even if she has to bench the entire Heritage Football team. And of course she'll stand up to the school's new football coach. Even if he, inconveniently, happens to be the charming man who rescued her on her first night in town.

But being a teacher is her calling-and a fulltime position in Heritage is her dream and she'll do whatever it takes to finally call this small town home.

Former NFL player Titus Ford can't believe he's back in the tiny, cramped town of Heritage, Michigan-but a guy has to do something while he's trying to recover, so sure, he'll coach his former high school team. Titus doesn't have time for distractions-especially not the fiery new English teacher who's derailed his season by failing his players.

When Piper suggests tutoring for his kids, he's willing to give it a chance. He has no idea that one yes might lead to the life he never thought he wanted. And Piper just might find the home she longs for.

But when a prestigious coaching job comes calling...and Piper's dreams go up in smoke, maybe Heritage wasn't their happy ending after all.

Home to Heritage

Book 1: You're the Reason

Book 2: Here With Me

Book 3: Christmas With You

Book 4: Playing for Keeps

Book 5: Under the Mistletoe

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1966463073
• ISBN13: 9781966463078
• Release Date: September 2025
• Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.74 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Love and grace

his story began with a really cute meet. (I won’t give it away.) I reallly liked Titus. He is a former football star recovering from a serious injury. Piper has recently moved to town and is a substitute English teacher in the same school where Titus coaches football. These two are at odds a lot in the first part of the book. But then… I always love returning to the quaint town of Heritage, Michigan. This story was a great story of how when life changes your plans, you should be open to a better plan. And of course God always makes the best plans. Angela, Tari and Susan did a great job on this one. I really enjoyed it. My favorite quotes: “Everyone will eventually fail to measure up, so any relationships going to require a little grace.” “but if you're expecting perfection. You’re looking in the wrong side of heaven.” Thank you to the authors for the allowing me to read this book. The opinions are entirely my own.

fun small-town romance

It's wonderful to be back in Heritage. It's like going to my special place for vacation every time I visit. Piper and Titus were adorable and super fun to get to know. I loved Piper's stubborn optimism and belief in her students. Titus' tender and compassionate soul contrasted against his image as an NFL star trailed by rumors. They started out as adversaries due to misunderstandings but progressed to friends with a common goal. Watching Titus' high school football team come together as a band of brothers was a heart-warming experience. Both Piper and Titus's past failures haunted them but they learned to depend on God's sovereign grace and mercy. I loved catching up with all the characters from the previous Heritage novels and can't wait to read the next book about Piper's roommate. If you love small-town heart-warming romance, you will love this book. If you've never read a Heritage novel, you really need to pick one up soon! I received a complimentary copy courtesy of the publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

Enemies to Lovers at Its Best

This is my first time to read a story by Wood, and she’s done a great job with this novel. I’m a huge fan of the enemies to lovers trope, and this fits the bill perfectly. Piper Caveneau and Titus Ford are at odds with each other almost from the start. Both Piper and Titus are looking for a home and a sense of belonging. I could feel their heartaches as they struggled to reach their goals and fit in. If you’ve read the other books in the series, you know this is a small-town story, and Wood hits the quirkiness of Heritage right on the head. You’ll find a solid faith element without being in your face. I’ve enjoyed this series and think this story by Wood is a super addition.