Playing Mr. Perfect: Clay Braden

The Bradens at Ridgeport, Book 1

De: Melissa Foster

Narrado por: Savannah Peachwood, Christian Fox

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.

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.

**THE BRADENS AT RIDGEPORT

Playing Mr. Perfect

Sincerely, Mr. Braden

More Bradens coming soon!

About the Series: Fall in love with the Bradens at Ridgeport and join these business-savvy, pleasure-oriented New Englanders as they fall head over heels with their forever loves.

©2025 Melissa Foster (P)2025 Melissa Foster

There's no one I'd rather call mine than you.

I thought I had swooned enough over the book, but no. I was proven wrong by Mr. Christian Fox. And if I thought Pepper was strong in writing, I was not ready for Ms. Savannah Peachwood either.

Listening to this audiobook was a delight, and my romantic heart is very full!

Quarterback Clay Braden has been pining for Pepper for a while, but the workaholic scientist wants nothing to do with him, especially since his reputation as "Mr. Perfect" and a ladies’ man precedes him.

However, when they’re both in Paris for an event, he sees his chance. The things he says and does, along with his charm, make it impossible for her to resist him.
Christian Fox was perfect. The longing, the want, the need to be with this woman he sees as the only one who’s right for him… and especially his unwillingness to give up even when she does her best to try to keep him away were all there in his voice.

Pepper allows herself to let go and just be with him in Paris. I really loved her monologues and the should I or shouldn’t I. Her insecurities are understandable and relatable, as are her fears, and I loved how Savannah played her and how she was able to showcase the way she becomes more and more confident as time goes by, both in herself and in what they have.

Obviously, what happens in Paris doesn’t stay in Paris. And obviously, Clay is all in. Everything he does to show her she’s his girl… It’s right out of dreamland. She just has to allow herself to be loved.

The chemistry between them incinerated my earbuds. It was a real connection, with fun and flirty banter, some push and pull, intimate moments where secrets were exchanged in deep conversations, and a lot of sunrises that mean a lot with the right person.

More than just opposites attract, it was two people bringing out the best in each other.

A heartfelt story played by two incredibly talented narrators that will make you feel very single but also dream about meeting your own Mr. Perfect—one who’s perfect just for you, of course :)

Mr. Perfect

Mr. Perfect
Clay Braden is known for his football prowess but after a big year-end loss he's not feeling his nickname of Mr. Perfect. He's been trying for years to get the attention of Pepper Montgomery. She's a scientist and feels that she can't have romance and be true to her business. She's in Paris for her sister's concert and so is Clay. He feels that this is the perfect time to show Pepper what is possible for them. She agrees to a weekend with him and he shows her the perfect time. I read the book first but this audiobook version is perfect. Christian Fox as Clay and Savannah Peachwood as Pepper bring it to life. I'm looking forward to more in this new series.

Mmmm Clay and Pepper 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️

I knew Pepper’s story was going to be explosive once she got out of her own way! I had no idea just how explosive once Clay Braden was finally able to get her to stop running from him and her own feelings. Playing Mr. Perfect by Melissa Foster is so very good. As always Melissa works so very hard to create characters that the reader can relate to while creating a world that the reader can escape to. Clay Braden is one extremely s*xy football player with lots of decisions to make about his future. When he finally gets Pepper alone they both learn so much more about each other while on a trip with family and friends. Once back home Pepper begins to pull back from Clay. Fortunately, Clay does not let that happen. He literally shows Pepper how he feels by his actions along with such sweet words. Pepper Montgomery is an amazing researcher designing medical equipment. Will Pepper truly allow Clay to love her outside their little bubble once their friends, family, and the outside world find out about their romance? When both Pepper and Clay really let the other in by sharing past hurts they both see each other in different lights and so much love. Will this be enough for Pepper to truly let Clay in to love her as she so deserves? I absolutely loved Playing Mr. Perfect by Melissa Foster. The chemistry between these two is just so perfect, the between-the-sheets action is definitely 5 flames, and all their scenes are masterfully written. I’d definitely say that Melissa Foster is a master of relatable characters, amazing stories with heat, heart, and passion. The road that Clay and Pepper travel to their forever love is fun, passionate, and a few sad and many many happy tears.
For the audiobook Christian Fox and Savannah Peachwood bring Clay and Pepper to life in your ears with a dual narration POV. This is the very first time I’ve listened to Christian Fox. I was very pleasantly surprised with Mr. Fox’s performance. His voice is smooth and easy on the ears. I’ve listened to Savannah Peachwood multiple times and have not been disappointed so far. I thoroughly enjoyed the newest Melissa Foster release. Playing Mr. Perfect earns a 5***** rating from this true fan of Melissa Foster.

Cat and mouse

Play is absolutely adorable name for these two! Pepper and Clay have been circling each other for a while now. Watching them finally fall was a lot of fun. It is always fun to see the Braden and Montgomery families in action!!!The narration made the story come even more alive!

Absolutely loved!

I absolutely love Clay and Pepper! After spending time with Pepper in Paris, Clay is more determined to show her how good they are together. After returning from Paris, Pepper throws herself into her work but can't forget her time with Clay. When he shows up at her office unexpectedly, Pepper finally realizes her feelings for Clay are deeper than just a friendship. As they spend more time together, Clay shows Pepper that she can have both her career and a HEA.

Clay is charming, sexy and fun and exactly what Pepper needs. A wonderful story! Outstanding narration by Savannah Peachwood and Christian Fox!

A simply divine morsel!

PLAYING MR. PERFECT is a simply divine morsel!
Ekk, it's just so stinking good! It is a delectable powerhouse of a novel.
You might fall in love with Clay and Pepper as much as I did.
Swoon!!! Plus, the narration by Christian Fox and Savannah Peachwood is utterly mouth-watering good.

Oh, Clay Braden! I

When Clay 'Mr. Perfect' Braden's friend asks him to go to Paris to watch Johnny Bad's farewell concert, he only accepts it because he finds out that Dr. Pepper Montgomery is going with her family for the event. The dreamy quarterback has been pining for the scientist for a while now but she magically disappears every time he is around. 
Pepper can't say no to going to see her twin sister's band open for Bad Reputation and she basically ran out of excuses. And it's Paris! Who says no to Paris? She would never hear the end of it. She had no idea, though, that the man who makes her want to forget work and throw caution to the wind was also going to be there. A girl can only resist so much. A few drinks, the City of Lights, that gorgeous man... She can let her hair down for one day and be... Reckless. 
I wasn't ready for Clay Braden! I should've been, after all he's a Braden, but when Melissa created 'Mr.Perfect', she was not joking. Pepper never stood a chance. This book is swoony, lighthearted, without losing Melissa's special gift of touching on serious subjects with a delicate hand. 
The audiobook  will have you dizzy with all the swooning. Narrated dual style in first person POV by Savannah Peachwood and Christian Fox, it's unputdownable. Savannah does an incredible job portraying the skittish scientist who finally dips her toes into being Reckless (capital  R there). Christian's voice is everything you could hope for when you have a character that goes by Mr. Perfect. The swagger, the cockiness, but most of all, the tenderness Clay has for Piper are all there in his performance. ALL the stars. 
As it always happens in Melissa's books, we have the families. These two families - The Montgomerys and the Bradens - have a place in my heart and I loved catching up with beloved characters. It can, though, be read as a standalone. 

Oohh Clay!!

There is nothing better than a good he falls first story! Melissa Foster pens a wonderful listen with her first book in the Bradens at Ridgeport and I am so glad I grabbed it! This features Clay, a football quarterback who is on a mission. Win the heart of Pepper, the scientist. Pepper has other ideas. She has obstacles to overcome, and putting her work first and remain in the quietness that is her home is top priority. An extra night in Paris though has her thinking about Clay. Talk about engaging, this story had me from the start. Their first night together grabbed my heart and now I needed to see how Clay would play it all out. After all, he is in the limelight, he travels and that makes it hard to have a relationship. Or does it? Pepper has real feelings but has to make some decisions. How does it all play out? Get ready for a great romance, including some of the Bradens we have some to know and love. It will worm into your heart just like it did mine.

Savannah Peachwood is so good as Pepper. Her feelings are strong, whether it's her passion for work or for Clay. She plays her conflicting feelings perfectly. Christian Fox is Clay, and he is sensual, and seductive. He delves into the reasons why he loves Pepper and pours it out in his voice. A fantastic listen that should not be missed.

I LOVED IT!

I absolutely loved this book, what a start to the new series! It had all the feels (drama, humor and romance). The narration was outstanding! It will keep you entertained! The author did an amazing job with the character builds and plot! I love this author's way of keeping you in touch with the previous characters! I look forward to reading more books in this series! I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Pepper and Clay

Savannah Peachwood and Christian Fox are the perfect pairing for this opposites attract romance.

Christian Fox perfectly embodies NFL quarterback Clay Braden, blending just the right amount of irritating confidence and charm to turn Pepper Montgomery’s world upside down.

Savannah Peachwood brought nerdy, but sexy scientist Pepper Montgomery and the many facets of her personality to life. From vulnerable, wary, intelligent and passionate to seeing Clay in a whole new light.

The audio adds so much to the already
entertaining and satisfying story that only Melissa Foster can weave.

Persistence pays off or does it? Clay Braden is about to find out as he continues his so-far unsuccessful pursuit of Pepper Montgomery to Paris.

Is she merely a distraction from some life changing decisions or more?

Chemistry is not the problem for these two, but Pepper’s painful experience has forever changed her and erected impenetrable barriers around her heart.

Can Clay dismantle those barriers and show her he’s more than his reputation?

Playing Mr. Perfect has all the heat of a five alarm fire, but it’s so much more. This book is witty, sweet, achingly tender, and incredibly charming with genuinely likable characters.

Clay and Pepper draw you in, capture your heart as you find yourself invested in their happiness.