The Playing Hard Series
Contemporary romance novels featuring strong, relatable heroines and charming heroes. Each book stands alone while sharing the same fun, flirty tone that readers love.
Running from Love
Playing Hard #1
January 2020
206 pages
Running from Love
Playing Hard #1
Clara Weaver returns home for her brother's wedding – only to confront the one thing she's vowed to avoid: romance. Clara does everything in her power to ignore her old friend Cooper Tucker and the "heart palpitations he causes" when he's near. But when her dangerous stalker ex-boyfriend resurfaces and a heartbreaking secret about another ex comes to light, Cooper's protective presence becomes impossible to ignore.
Clara must decide whether she can open her heart again or if she'll stay guarded, "always running from love". This novel blends small-town charm with touches of intrigue and suspense, all building up to a toe-curling love story.
"Full of intrigue, suspense, and toe-curling love", truly a "not-too-guilty guilty pleasure"
Love on the Rebound
Playing Hard #2
February 2020
200 pages
Love on the Rebound
Playing Hard #2
Betty Davenport is an ambitious online boutique owner juggling a fledgling business and a bruised heart. While upgrading her website, she crosses paths with Baylor Griffin – a charming recreation center basketball coach – in a chance meeting that sparks instant attraction. Encouraged by her friends to use Baylor as a "rebound" fling after a breakup, Betty expects nothing serious.
Baylor isn't looking for anything beyond a fun time either. But as their flirtation grows, Betty realizes it might become "more than just a fling". This story delivers a fast-paced, feel-good romance with a sporty twist and a heartfelt journey of second chances in love.
Kirkus Reviews called it "a fun, fast romance featuring a little bit of sports and a lot of love". The quick connection "doesn't ever feel rushed... or awkward"
— Kirkus Reviews
Love on Par
Playing Hard #3
May 2025
205 pages
Love on Par
Playing Hard #3
Emma Blackwood appears to have the perfect, by-the-book life – a great job, a loving family, and a fiancé who treats her like a princess. Emma has always been "fine with settling" for stability. That is, until she meets Ezra at her boss's elite golf club. Ezra is a "smoking hot, flirtatious" staff member who awakens a thrill in Emma that she's never felt before.
His playful, nothing-held-back flirting makes Emma feel "electric" and even a bit daring. For once, she indulges in secret fun before her wedding. As the big day approaches, Emma faces a life-changing choice: stick with the safe, comfortable path of an "okay" marriage, or risk it all for a shot at real passion and excitement with Ezra.
"Full of flirting, wit, and following your heart", delivering exactly what fans expect from a Cassandra Cavanaugh romance – "your not-too-guilty guilty pleasure"
About the Playing Hard Series
Each book in the Playing Hard series can be read as a standalone novel, but together they create a world of contemporary romance with sports themes. Cassandra's writing features likable characters, heartfelt chemistry, and relationships that never feel rushed or forced.
Perfect for fans of romantic comedy and sports romance who enjoy upbeat, feel-good love stories with just the right amount of heat.