Playing Mr. Perfect: Clay Braden

The Bradens at Ridgeport, Book 1

By: Melissa Foster

Narrated by: 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

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.

A man must treat you like a diamond before you treat him like a penny!

Wow, Melissa did it again!
Wonderful Braden/Montgomery love story!❤️
Clay really did treat Pepper like a diamond!💝

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 :)

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.

#teamplay

Playing Mr. Perfect audiobook was the best companion on a long road trip. I absolutely loved Clay and Pepper’s story. Melissa Foster is a master at a slow and believable transformation of her characters and that was certainly true for Pepper. Maybe it is more of a revelation and that is what makes these books worth reading. That was certainly true for Clay as well. I loved diving back into both the Braden and Montgomery families.

Pepper runs. She has run from Clay since she met him. Clay finally decides to chase and what a wonderful story this becomes. The sexy times are so real between them. The reader/listener can’t help but fall in love with Clay as well. If you want a book that will make your heart thump for the characters this is it. I so loved the twist at Clay’s charity game. This book makes me want to go back and reread the previous Montgomery books as well.

If you are up for tugs on your heartstrings Melissa Foster’s Playing Mr. Perfect is for you. The narration by Savannah Peachwood and Christian Fox had me laughing out loud as I listened. Even though I had previously read the book their voices really brought it to life. A hit for both the author and narrators.

Love Clay and Pepper!

I love the Braden Family and it was nice to have Clay and some of his family in this wonderful book!  Clay has wanted Pepper since they were younger, but they were only friends in school.  They meet up with friends and family in Paris and Clay decides it time to get Pepper to really notice him.  It was a bit of a long road because Pepper wanted to run but we all know this is a HEA.  Very fun, sexy book and I just fell in love with Clay and how wonderful he was to Pepper. Savannah Peachwood and Christian Fox were wonderful narrating this book.  I can’t wait until the next story! 

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.

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. 

Sweet Small Town Romance

This is the first book in The Bradens at Ridgeport series. Clay and Pepper's story is fun, passionate, and heartwarming. They are opposites attract, and they complement each other. I liked this small town slow burn romance. The supporting characters are great. Savannah Peachwood and Christian Fox did a great job bringing this story to life. Looking forward to more in the series.