Playing the Game

Part of the Heartside Bay series, the story follows Lila, Polly, Eve, and Rhi as they navigate a summer of social shifts. The narrative balances contemporary teen romance with an underlying plot involving Larry, a boy who flees a misunderstood past to work on a ranch, hiding his wealthy identity to prove his worth through hard work. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book touches on the fear of legal trouble (accidental involvement in a brawl), and the pressures of fitting in. The approach is realistic and contemporary, with a hopeful resolution that emphasizes character over status. EMOTIONAL ARC: The story begins with the tension of secrets and the excitement of new romance. It builds through social friction and personal trials, ending in a satisfying moment of self-discovery and relational stability. IDEAL READER: A 13-year-old girl who enjoys 'friendship group' dramas but is also looking for a story about someone trying to prove they are more than just their family's money or reputation. PARENT TRIGGER: The mention of a 'cafe brawl' or a character fleeing because they think they killed someone might sound intense, though it is handled as a misunderstanding. PARENT PREP: Parents should be aware that a character is hiding because he fears he accidentally caused someone serious harm and the mild romantic tension (first dates, kisses). The book can be read cold as a standard teen romance. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger readers (11-12) will focus on the excitement of the crushes and the 'secret' identity, while older readers (14-15) will connect more with the themes of social pressure and the difficulty of maintaining authenticity within a clique. DIFFERENTIATOR: It uniquely blends the 'glitzy' summer romance genre with a classic 'western-style' redemption arc where a protagonist seeks to earn respect through merit rather than birthright.