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11 days and 10:00:37
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Home to Heritage #4
Playing for Keeps
Not yet published
Expected 23 Sep 25Win a free print copy of this book!
11 days and 10:00:37
3 copies available
U.S. only
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
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
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 23, 2025
3 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 31, 2025
I enjoyed this charming story about a substitute teacher and a football coach who learn to set aside their differences, work together, and focus on the students.
The focus of this book was on repairing broken pieces.
It was good to read about a character facing some of the same challenges I faced in my career. It was easy to put myself in her shoes; I could understand her frustration, but I could also see the bigger picture. Piper Caveneau couldn’t rein in her disgruntled students until she learned to meet them where they were at - there’s good advice for us all in that! When she gave of herself (time and effort), the students stepped up to the plate and Piper didn’t have to compromise her values.
Titus Ford was also struggling with broken pieces of his family, his career, and his football team. Repairing team dynamics was essential to success.
The authors tied these two threads together with a spotlight on God putting the broken pieces of our lives together and how this faith requires our trust.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
The focus of this book was on repairing broken pieces.
It was good to read about a character facing some of the same challenges I faced in my career. It was easy to put myself in her shoes; I could understand her frustration, but I could also see the bigger picture. Piper Caveneau couldn’t rein in her disgruntled students until she learned to meet them where they were at - there’s good advice for us all in that! When she gave of herself (time and effort), the students stepped up to the plate and Piper didn’t have to compromise her values.
Titus Ford was also struggling with broken pieces of his family, his career, and his football team. Repairing team dynamics was essential to success.
The authors tied these two threads together with a spotlight on God putting the broken pieces of our lives together and how this faith requires our trust.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
September 11, 2025
I absotootilootly love going home to Heritage! I love the scenery, I love the people, and I especially love Otis (IYKYK)!
And now I love Piper and Titus! He’s a football player who’s recovering from a serious knee injury, and she’s a long term substitute English teacher. Both have baggage—don’t we all!—and both are searching for a home to belong.
We quickly find out that the football team is a disorganized mess and that the previous English teacher has been just going along to get along. When Piper actually takes the education of her students seriously, Coach Titus comes at her like a bull who’s seen red.
And let the misunderstandings begin and the sparks start flying. There’s heartbreak and healing in Heritage, and both are in abundance for these two adorable people.
Old friends show up and new friends are made. And Otis is ever faithful (again, IYKYK). I can hardly wait to go back again—I’d live there if I could!
I received an advance copy of the book from the publisher. I’m under no obligation and my review has not been solicited. Highly recommend!
And now I love Piper and Titus! He’s a football player who’s recovering from a serious knee injury, and she’s a long term substitute English teacher. Both have baggage—don’t we all!—and both are searching for a home to belong.
We quickly find out that the football team is a disorganized mess and that the previous English teacher has been just going along to get along. When Piper actually takes the education of her students seriously, Coach Titus comes at her like a bull who’s seen red.
And let the misunderstandings begin and the sparks start flying. There’s heartbreak and healing in Heritage, and both are in abundance for these two adorable people.
Old friends show up and new friends are made. And Otis is ever faithful (again, IYKYK). I can hardly wait to go back again—I’d live there if I could!
I received an advance copy of the book from the publisher. I’m under no obligation and my review has not been solicited. Highly recommend!
September 8, 2025
4.5 stars
This is a sweet, Christian contemporary romance. We return to small town Heritage, Michigan, with a former NFL player and a substitute teacher. We’re reeled in with a “break in” meet cute that soon turns into an enemies to sweethearts trope as Piper starts benching Titus’ players for academic ineligibility. As Titus struggles to get his team to work together - both on and off the field, he and Piper slowly start to work on projects together. They quickly ease down their walls and have a sweet romance. This romance has family, friends, faith, and more. It was an enjoyable read. This is a just kisses romance, intimacy level 2. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This is a sweet, Christian contemporary romance. We return to small town Heritage, Michigan, with a former NFL player and a substitute teacher. We’re reeled in with a “break in” meet cute that soon turns into an enemies to sweethearts trope as Piper starts benching Titus’ players for academic ineligibility. As Titus struggles to get his team to work together - both on and off the field, he and Piper slowly start to work on projects together. They quickly ease down their walls and have a sweet romance. This romance has family, friends, faith, and more. It was an enjoyable read. This is a just kisses romance, intimacy level 2. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
September 7, 2025
Beautiful contemporary romance! It takes a lot to impress me with a modern-day love story but this book did it. The storytelling is engaging, inspiring and romantic. The main characters, Titus and Piper, are deeply good people and it was delightful reading their journey together. They have Great Chemistry!
I received an early copy of this story. A positive review was not required but was my pleasure.
I received an early copy of this story. A positive review was not required but was my pleasure.
September 7, 2025
Playing For Keeps was my first book in the Heritage series and now I want to binge the rest of them.
Piper Caveneau takes a temporary teaching position in Heritage after she loses her previous job for refusing to change a student’s grade. Piper wants nothing more than to see all of her students succeed even if it makes her the least liked teacher in Heritage.
Titus Ford was a professional NFL player until he suffered from a career ending injury. Titus heads back to Heritage to take a temporary job coaching high school football with the hopes of someday returning to the field.
When Titus comes to Piper’s rescue sparks fly. When they meet again, there are sparks of a different kind. Pepper refuses to hold Titus’s team to lower standards than the rest of her students even if it means they lose playing eligibility. As their undeniable attraction continues to grow, they both win need to reevaluate what God wants for their futures.
I really enjoyed Titus and Piper’s story. I connected with Piper over her trust issues and with Titus over his desire to control his future. I strongly recommend this book.
I received an arc of this book from the publisher with no expectation a positive review.
Piper Caveneau takes a temporary teaching position in Heritage after she loses her previous job for refusing to change a student’s grade. Piper wants nothing more than to see all of her students succeed even if it makes her the least liked teacher in Heritage.
Titus Ford was a professional NFL player until he suffered from a career ending injury. Titus heads back to Heritage to take a temporary job coaching high school football with the hopes of someday returning to the field.
When Titus comes to Piper’s rescue sparks fly. When they meet again, there are sparks of a different kind. Pepper refuses to hold Titus’s team to lower standards than the rest of her students even if it means they lose playing eligibility. As their undeniable attraction continues to grow, they both win need to reevaluate what God wants for their futures.
I really enjoyed Titus and Piper’s story. I connected with Piper over her trust issues and with Titus over his desire to control his future. I strongly recommend this book.
I received an arc of this book from the publisher with no expectation a positive review.
September 7, 2025
Another heartwarming small-town story in a favorite location: Heritage, Michigan. This author fits right in with the other books penned by Tari Faris. Welcome back to the close-knit community with the town mascot, Otis the metal Hippo. People still cannot figure out how he moves from place to place.
Starting out with a meet-cute with witty banter, it quickly turns into enemies, coach Titus and substitute teacher Piper, clashing in the highschool over footbal player’s eligibility because of failing grades.
Soon, the rivals become allies and a bit more, when they join together to do what is best for the football team and individual players.
I liked the theme of puzzle pieces being lost, found and fitting into their proper places. I especially liked that the community always comes together to help a newcomer and worthy causes. Faith is evident in the main characters and although there are challenges along the way, God and His leading is the ultimate focus.
I am delighted once again to visit Heritage and look forward to the next book, a Christmas setting!
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Sunrise Publishing on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
Starting out with a meet-cute with witty banter, it quickly turns into enemies, coach Titus and substitute teacher Piper, clashing in the highschool over footbal player’s eligibility because of failing grades.
Soon, the rivals become allies and a bit more, when they join together to do what is best for the football team and individual players.
I liked the theme of puzzle pieces being lost, found and fitting into their proper places. I especially liked that the community always comes together to help a newcomer and worthy causes. Faith is evident in the main characters and although there are challenges along the way, God and His leading is the ultimate focus.
I am delighted once again to visit Heritage and look forward to the next book, a Christmas setting!
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Sunrise Publishing on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
September 4, 2025
𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖
So this series is book 4 in the Home to Heritage series by @sunrisemediagroup & @tarifaris @andrea.michelle.wood
This series is based on the fictional small town of Heritage, Michigan. Substitute Teacher Piper Caveneau is new in town and she’s trying really hard to help her students but she quickly realizes it’s harder than she thought. Titus Ford, Former-NFL player is home to heal. He had a career—altering injury that just doesn’t seem to want to heal. These two from the start clash, she’s wanting to get her students on the right track but they’re failing and Titus is a new football coach at the high school where Piper’s students are failing. When things heat up between these two they have to decide whether or not it’s worth the risk. This is perfect for football fans and swoon-worthy romance. Lots of chemistry. Christian contemporary romance
EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE right now in the
Sunrise Shop.
This book is perfect for anyone who loves a swoon-worthy romance with a dash of small-town charm, heartfelt dreams, and a sprinkle of football magic! 🏡✨
So this series is book 4 in the Home to Heritage series by @sunrisemediagroup & @tarifaris @andrea.michelle.wood
This series is based on the fictional small town of Heritage, Michigan. Substitute Teacher Piper Caveneau is new in town and she’s trying really hard to help her students but she quickly realizes it’s harder than she thought. Titus Ford, Former-NFL player is home to heal. He had a career—altering injury that just doesn’t seem to want to heal. These two from the start clash, she’s wanting to get her students on the right track but they’re failing and Titus is a new football coach at the high school where Piper’s students are failing. When things heat up between these two they have to decide whether or not it’s worth the risk. This is perfect for football fans and swoon-worthy romance. Lots of chemistry. Christian contemporary romance
EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE right now in the
Sunrise Shop.
This book is perfect for anyone who loves a swoon-worthy romance with a dash of small-town charm, heartfelt dreams, and a sprinkle of football magic! 🏡✨
May 11, 2025
This was a sweet, adorable read. I enjoyed Piper and Titus's meet-cute at the beginning of the story. Things took a turn and they butted heads when it came to Piper failing Titus's football players in her English class . As the story continues, readers discover Piper's intentions for why she had to, but with that comes compromises and a new understanding. A former NFL player, Titus has his hands full coaching his former high school's football team. In order to do so, the players have a lot to learn both on field and off field. The characters were well-written, I enjoyed the chemistry between Titus and Piper, the plot was interesting, and the storyline was engaging.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 3, 2025
Sweet, emotionally engaging, timely, and a joy to read. It was funny and sad by turns, as a story about kids and their teachers should be.
I can totally imagine my friends-who-are-lawyers-now from high school in a role similar to Piper Cavaneau's bar raising substitute teacher. I also have a distant cousin whose story would sound a lot like Titus Ford's character. I expected fireworks! As each teacher asks more questions about their students, their goals turn out to be more aligned than they expected.
HEA turns out to be right at their fingertips as each character decides to come Home to Heritage. I jumped into the middle of this series with this book and was so pleased to do so.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I can totally imagine my friends-who-are-lawyers-now from high school in a role similar to Piper Cavaneau's bar raising substitute teacher. I also have a distant cousin whose story would sound a lot like Titus Ford's character. I expected fireworks! As each teacher asks more questions about their students, their goals turn out to be more aligned than they expected.
HEA turns out to be right at their fingertips as each character decides to come Home to Heritage. I jumped into the middle of this series with this book and was so pleased to do so.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 30, 2025
This is book 4 of the series but can easily be read as a stand alone.
While there is a fun meet cute in this book, Piper and Titus do not get along. In fact they are at odds with each other almost from the start.
Titus, in injured former football player, is back home and coaching his high school football team. Not exactly what his plans were for his future.
Piper is a substitute teacher and has a heart for her students. She believes education is important. Definitely more important than sports.
I love the small town described in this book. I would enjoy life in Heritage. Small town life brings Titus and Piper together again and again. And due to that they need to figure out how to not butt heads over and over again.
I enjoyed the growth that both characters do in this book. I have not read some of the others in the series but this book has me checking into getting them read soon. Definitely recommend to anyone that loves a small town book with characters you want to have as friends.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
While there is a fun meet cute in this book, Piper and Titus do not get along. In fact they are at odds with each other almost from the start.
Titus, in injured former football player, is back home and coaching his high school football team. Not exactly what his plans were for his future.
Piper is a substitute teacher and has a heart for her students. She believes education is important. Definitely more important than sports.
I love the small town described in this book. I would enjoy life in Heritage. Small town life brings Titus and Piper together again and again. And due to that they need to figure out how to not butt heads over and over again.
I enjoyed the growth that both characters do in this book. I have not read some of the others in the series but this book has me checking into getting them read soon. Definitely recommend to anyone that loves a small town book with characters you want to have as friends.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 29, 2025
This is my first time reading a Heritage book and I must go back and read the other books! I loved reading about the Little Sable Lighthouse and Ludington, both places that I'm extremely fond of.
The relationship between Titus and Piper was so interesting to watch it grow and develop. I'm a huge fan of football, which definitely made Titus an enjoyable character. I loved how Piper cared so much about her students even despite not being their favorite teacher.
Thanks to Sunrise Publishing for the arc. The opinions are my own.
The relationship between Titus and Piper was so interesting to watch it grow and develop. I'm a huge fan of football, which definitely made Titus an enjoyable character. I loved how Piper cared so much about her students even despite not being their favorite teacher.
Thanks to Sunrise Publishing for the arc. The opinions are my own.
August 29, 2025
This is the fourth Home to Heritage book. You don’t have to have read the first books but it does help to have read the original Restoring Heritage books, as several of the main characters show up here. The two main characters have both had their dreams crash and burn, ending up in Heritage to figure out the way forward. There’s attraction, clashes, frustration, hope, and learning that God really does care about what happens to them. I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
September 4, 2025
Great! I love going back to small towns and seeing old characters along with the new ones. Titus and Piper didn’t disappoint! I loved watching them grow in the small town and step into the roles that God gave them. Andrea did a great job of keeping it real while also delivering the real message that God can be trusted.
August 16, 2025
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 Cavaneau 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.
I’m a huge fan of the enemies to lovers trope, and this fits the bill perfectly. Piper Cavaneau 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.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews