Quarterback Clay “Mr. Perfect” Braden is determined to show sexy scientist Pepper Montgomery the benefits of hands-on research in PLAYING MR. PERFECT, the first book in the Bradens at Ridgeport series. Loaded with heat, humor, and heart, this steamy, small-town, opposites-attract standalone romance is unputdownable. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a happily ever after that will leave you breathless.
Playing Mr. Perfect by Melissa Foster
The Bradens at Ridgeport #1
Contemporary Romance
February 12, 2025
🏈Sports Romance (He’s the Quarterback)
💕Scientist Heroine (She’s a workaholic)
🏈Opposites Attract
💕Paris Fling
🏈He Falls First
💕Small Town
🏈Close Proximity
💕Celebrity Roman
🏈Billionaire Romance
💕1st POV
What happens in Paris, stays in Paris, right?
Oh, Pepper. If only…
Okay, I admit it.
Sleeping with the NFL quarterback who the media has dubbed Mr. Perfect might not have been the smartest move, but I’m in the City of Love, I’d had a few drinks, and was jacked up on giddy girl talk and hopeful hearts—two things I never buy into—and I threw caution to the wind.
I want to sneak out before he wakes up, but when I open my eyes, he’s already up.
In more ways than one.
Convincing the ridiculously cocky (pun intended) man that I’m not the woman he slept with last night is awkward.
Actually, he makes it impossible.
The thing is, I don’t even know who that woman was.
And now he’s determined to find out.
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This title will be coming to audio soon.
Narrated by Christian Fox and Savannah Peachwood.
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“If I hadn’t asked about tomorrow, were you going to leave without telling me?”
“No. I just…” I try to think of something to say other than the embarrassing truth, but I don’t want to lie to him. “I’ve never done this before. I don’t know how to navigate a fling. I thought that’s what people did. They have fun, then move on.”
He rubs the back of his neck, giving me a look somewhere between amusement and disappointment. “I gotta say, that makes me feel a little cheap. You were just using me for a few orgasms and going to take off like it meant nothing?”
“I wasn’t using you. I mean, no more than you were using me, but—”
“Ouch.” He puts a hand over his heart, feigning pain. “I might be strong, but I’m still human. My ego can be bruised.”
I try to give him a stoic look, but he’s so damn endearing, with those sexy dimples and a playful glint in his eyes, I can’t maintain it, and I laugh. “You’re a fool. What am I supposed to do with you?”
“I can think of a few things.” He strides toward me like a panther stalking prey, and my pulse quickens with every powerful step. “That is, unless you didn’t want one more night to kiss me?” His breath warms my lips, sending heat prickling down my limbs. His hands slide over my hips, resting hot and heavy on my ass as he draws me to him. “Another night to explore each other’s bodies?”
Forget talking. I want exactly what he’s offering. One more night, for closure. “I never said I didn’t want that.”
“My bruised ego needs to hear you say you want me.”
He brushes his scruff along my cheek, and I feel him getting hard. Lust coils tight and hot in my core as I wind my arms around him. “Your ego feels solid to me.”
He smiles against my lips. “Maybe I’m a greedy bastard with you and want to hear that you want me as much as I want you.”
“Maybe?” I taunt, emboldened by his desire.
“You know damn well how greedy I am for you.”
Playing Mr. Perfect: Clay Braden by Melissa Foster
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Clay and Pepper were a story waiting to happen. Clay had been trying to get her to give him the time of day for a year now. He almost gave up when a surprise trip to Paris gave him the opportunity he needed to show her how good they would be together. But when she returned to the States, it took another huge maneuver for her to finally realize that he was serious about her.
Pepper had built very high walls and was not going to let a charming playboy sway her away from her work. But when she finally let him see what was behind her walls, she started to discover a side of herself she had forgotten. Being together brought them both joy and happiness, and sailing into the sunset seemed like the natural thing to do.
From start to finish, this book had me hooked. I loved the banter, the friendships, the families, and most of all, I loved how persistent he was without being annoying, if that makes sense. I loved the sweet moments more than anything in this book, and I’m excited to see the next Braden losing his mind over a woman.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of Melissa Foster’s review team***
Playing Mr. Perfect: Clay Braden by Melissa Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’ve been raving about Melissa’s talent as a word wizard for what seems like decades, so I always think I sound like a broken record when I review one of her books LOL! However, today, have something to add to my usual repertoire! Today I’d like to add that her first person dual POV stories are better than best! This isn’t the first one she has written, but it’s the first one where it really stood out for me. I don’t know why now, because she’s written this in the past and they have been great but something about this story made it even more impactful. *shrug* I know, I’m a little weird, just go with it :)
The first word that comes to mind when I think of this story, is flirty, then come fun, sexy and swoony. It’s a story that not only will put a smile on your face but also make your heart sing. I loved Clay’s persistence and Pepper’s pushback (but not really lol). I love that this entire story was a journey, not conflict free, but their relationship had no dramatics that came out of left field. Feel me? I like that the “conflict” was character driven so the book was just one giant romance journey. There’s no mystery, no suspense, nothing dragged, just life and the pursuit of happiness *shrug*
If you’re not reading any Melissa Foster stories, I don’t think you’re truly experiencing the best that romance fiction has to offer. I said what I said! :)
NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL, and USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR
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Melissa writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance, new adult romance and women’s fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Readers adore Melissa’s fun, flirty, and sinfully sexy, award-winning big-family romance collection, LOVE IN BLOOM featuring the Snow Sisters, Bradens, Remingtons, Ryders, Seaside Summers, Bayside Summers, Harborside Nights, Wild Boys and Bad Boys After Dark, Tru Blue and the Whiskeys, the Wickeds, and the Montgomerys. Melissa’s emotional journeys are always family oriented. Perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about loyal, wealthy and blue-collar heroes and smart, sassy, and empowered heroines with complex and relatable issues.
Melissa also writes sweet romance with no harsh language or explicit scenes under the pen name Addison Cole.
Melissa’s interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping others see the positive side of life, and enjoying beach life on Cape Cod.
Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes comments and emails from her readers. Visit Melissa on social media or her personal website.
“Melissa Foster is synonymous with sexy, swoony, heartfelt romance!” -NYT Bestseller Lauren Blakely
“With her wonderful characters and resonating emotions, Melissa Foster is a must-read author!” -NYT Bestseller Julie Kenner
“What sets Melissa Foster apart are her compelling characters who you care about… desperately. I dare you to read the first chapter and not be hooked.” NYT bestseller, M.J. Rose
“You can always rely on Melissa Foster to deliver a story that’s fresh, emotional and entertaining. Make sure you have all night, because once you start you won’t want to stop reading. Every book’s a winner!” New York Times Bestselling Author Brenda Novak
“Melissa Foster is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Fated For Love was amazing. It kind of reminds me of Jill Shalvis’ books and they are my benchmark for contemporary romance awesomeness.” –Books Like Breathing
Comments from Melissa:
I grew up in Maryland with my mother, a slew of wonderful brothers, and never a shortage of friends or pets. I am passionate about writing, reading, living healthy, and helping others do the same, and I enjoy just about anything outdoors (and anything chocolate!). I love to chat with readers and book clubs, and welcome your comments and suggestions. Feel free to email me. You can also catch me on Facebook.com/MelissaFosterAuthor.
Thanks for reading!
Connect with Melissa Foster:https://melissafoster.com
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