Being labelled a player never stopped me from being successful with women. Until I met Truly Harbury.Truly was the first girl who ever turned me down.The first female friend I ever had.And she might just be the first woman I ever fall in love with.When an emergency means she needs my help running her family’s charity, I’m happy to introduce her to the glitz and glamour of the London business … glamour of the London business world—taking her to dinners, coaching her through speeches, zipping up the sexy evening gown I helped her pick out.
The more time we spend together, the more I want to convince her I’m not a man to avoid, that we’re not as unsuited as she believes.
She sees herself as the book-reading, science-loving introvert while I’m the dangerous, outgoing, charmer.
She thinks I love parties and people whereas she prefers pajamas and a takeaway.
What she doesn’t realize is that I like everything about her–the way her smile lights up a room, how her curves light up my imagination, and especially the way her lips taste when coated with tequila.
She’s the first woman I ever fell in love with. I just need to know if she could ever love me too.
A standalone novel.
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New contemporary, friends-to-lovers office romance from an author I absolutely adore! Not to mention a British hero. YUM!
“Truly was the first girl who ever turned me down.
The first female friend I ever had.
And she might just be the first woman I ever fall in love with.”
International Player is a enjoyable friends to lovers romance! Noah and Truly relationship had everything from the perfect conversations, the right amount of chemistry and sexiness. When Truly and Noah started to have feelings for one another, those emotions just jumped right off the pages at you. This slow burn romance story was the perfect light and sexy read!
4 ‘Lifetime’s challenge’ Stars!
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
A friends to lovers romance with one of Louise’s yummy British heroes? Heck yes! I am always in the mood for a dose of Louise Bay’s writing. When I want to read a light romance, with a whole lot of British and awesome characters, light drama and a couple with lots of chemistry, I just know this woman will not fail me. She surely did not disappoint with this one!
International Player is a standalone contemporary romance and, get ready guys because it releases tomorrow and you don’t want to miss it if you enjoy Louise’s stories. In this case, it’s the journey into love between two good friends: Truly Harbury and Noah Jensen. Noah is back from New York, he is a first-class player and, of course, he is not a big fan of long term commitments. He loves enjoying life and women. Well, that changes when he reunites with his only female friend, Truly. They start seeing each other in a different way (Truly already did..) and things are about to get interesting!
I needed him in the just-friends box. And then I had to nail the lid shut, just to make sure that’s where he stayed.
I am a massive fan of this romance troupe. A good friends to lovers romance always works for me and I loved how Noah and Truly’s relationship evolved from a wonderful friendship to a beautiful love story. I really enjoy seeing all the layers of an author’s list of characters and it was great to get to know these two to their core (and the people around them). Of course, I loved when sexual tension started, when the chemistry intensified and when love made its appearance. Is it my favorite book by Louise? Probably not but it definitely was entertaining, easy to read, with a good amount of feelings and a couple with smoking hawt chemistry. This girl is not complaining on any of that, especially when she gets what she wants: a happy ending. And I really enjoyed Truly and Noah’s.
Loving Truly wasn’t a goal or a challenge. She was a way of life. She was and would be at the heart of everything, forever.
Therefore, I am rating International Player with 4 STARS because I really liked reading how these two turn their already beautiful friendship to something so much more intense. Louse developed this story very fluently, as always, and I continue enjoying the way she goes with her stories and characters. Noah and Truly worked so well together and their chemistry was impossible not to love. I always know where to go when I want a delicious British book boyfriend. If you are a fan of them too, do not miss reading Louise Bay’s novels!
International Player by Louise Bay is the story of Noah Jensen and Truly Harbury.
This is intense and amazing friends to lovers romance read that will have you wanting your own British playboy to warm your Nights And your Days.
Noah is that guy who doesn’t do commitment or relationships until he crosses paths with Truly. Truly has a crush on Noah who is her brother in Laws best friend. She knows he is too different from her and they can never be but that doesn’t stop her from letting him into her life and secretly lusting after him. Truly ends up in from friends zone because Noah is always in that playboy lifestyle while she is in her books and at home life so the two never seem to meet and that’s why they seem to just end up as friends…. or do they? The story shows how Noah comes to realize what he wants and realizes what he has in Truly. The feels and heat are beautiful and powerful. Loved Noah and Truly’s love story !!! Their relationship develops and blossomed into a awesome love!!
My Rating: 4.5 stars *****
4 Stars
International Player is the all new friends to lovers stand-alone novel by Louise Bay. At first the story started out slowly, but as it gained momentum I realized the slow burn between the main characters really fit the storyline and made perfect sense. International Player was charming and witty and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
Going from friends to lovers is never easy on anyone. Especially for Truly and Noah. Noah is a successful entrepreneur who has never been in a long term relationship. Truly is dedicated to her job and doesn’t make time for anything else. From the outside looking in, it doesn’t seem like they have much in common. But as they are thrown together to help Truly’s charity, Noah starts to realize what’s right in front of him. Will Truly give Noah a chance to prove he’s more than just an international player?
I seriously loved both Noah and Truly. Their chemistry was on point and once it picked up, I had a hard time putting the book down! Overall, International Player was a great story and I highly recommend reading it.
Louise Bay does it again!! I cannot read one of her books without completely falling in and losing myself until every single word is devoured. I absolutely love this ladies books and can reread every single book over and over again. And I don’t like giving anything away because you need to take it all in on your own. Just know you will love following Truly and Noah’s story as much as I did. And I highly recommend it. – By Tina
As a lover of all things written by this author, I was very surprised at how disappointed I was with this book. I felt no real depth to the characters of Truly and Noah at all and I never connected to them in any way. With the book being called International Player I really felt that it’s title is misleading for the story, as to me it suggests he is a big shot businessman that is more billionaire than just have a few millions in his pocket, that he has a string of beautiful women on his arm and that he is in the spotlight at all times, where as I found his character to be nothing like that at all. Yes maybe he is handsome and has just sold his business but nothing on the high end level I was expecting after reading so many of this author’s other stories. This was more of an average friends to lovers story than a hotshot rich man meets the love of his life that he can’t live without. The story just fell a little flat on the excitement side of things with not a lot of romance to be honest. It’s killing me to be this brutal about this book because I know Louise Bay can write so much better stories than this. I wanted to see some glitz and glamour and some sweep you of your feet romance and sizzling sex, which there was some of but not in the way that I wanted there to be. This was an ok story but not one I would ever bother to read again.
International Player by Louise Bay was such a great friends-to-lovers story. The characters have known each other for years, shared an intimacy and friendship to be admired, and really had a great base to build from. The story is full of swoony moments that every girl dreams of, and even though Noah Jensen is the ultimate playboy, you still can’t help but fall in love with him.
Noah is as suave as he is sexy. He knows how to treat a lady with whispered words and gentle touches. He is an awesome alpha male hero; a man whom I loved at the same time as I wanted to knock some sense into him. His obliviousness in what was going on around him with Truly was endearing and oh so man-like. One of my favorite character traits about him was how he never really saw things for what they were and was shell-shocked when reality came knocking. Getting advice from his best friend, Rob, was hilarious. Two peas in a pod but the discussions were great, and the outcome satisfied the endgame.
“You’re my heart. You’re my passion. Anything else is gravy, as long as I have you.”
Truly is a compilation of many women. Full of self-doubt, self-conscious about a lot of things, but still steps up to the plate when she is needed most. Women are great that, and Truly succeeded beyond her wildest imagination. She guards her heart fiercely and her logical brain stands in her way helping her to build boundaries of electric fences and barbed wire. Eventually, she uses that logic to push lower the boundaries just a bit and dips her toe into that forbidden place she has not dared to go but has been pining for. Of course, it is a fantastic escape that she may not be able to give up easily.
“He was the best man I knew, my past, present, and future, and my very best friend.”
The story had no extreme angst, just a little frustration with Truly and Noah dodging commitment. Truthfully, that is what made this book so fun. It is filled with sexual tension along with some amazing sexual release. The journey these two take is the stuff lasting relationships are made of, even if things get too logical at times. Our couple muddles through and breaks through their barriers to love and commitment so much wiser and aware of what their future has in store for them.
“. . . you’re my lifetime’s challenge—the girl I never conquer. You’re the woman who joins me in the challenges to come. We face them together . . . We’ll figure it out. It can be the first challenge we face together.”
I found International Player to be a sweet and sexy romance that was easy to read, had endearing, lovable characters, and made my week a little easier to survive. I fell in love with the romances of Louise Bay, especially those Brits that American women just can’t get enough of.
Truly and Noah are fantastic!
Once best friends, Truly and Noah are reunited after four years apart. Truly used to have a huge crush on her friend and is determined not to fall for him again. It seems wise to stay away but once he starts coaching her on taking a bigger role at work, all bets are off!
I really enjoyed this story! Noah faced all of Truly’s insecurities and fears and gave her confidence. It was lovely to watch them grow as a couple.
Truly is an introvert, she likes her numbers and she likes her job in the background of the company her mother started. Truly feels that her sister Abigail is the face, getting donors brought in and raising money. Noah is a free spirit, after an accident when he was younger, he vowed to live life to the fullest and not hold back. When Noah and Truly see each other again after four years of him being in New York, the attraction came right back. When Abi gets put on bedrest, it is up to Truly to take over and make presentations to ensure that donations keep coming in. Noah decides that he wants to help Truly, and as the two spend more time together their chemistry becomes too much to ignore. Can Noah settle down and be with one woman, or is Truly destined to be just another 3 month girl?
Louise Bay nailed it once again with this book. This stunning friends to lover’s romance was one that I wanted to read slow so it never ended but also wanted to keep reading so I would find out how it ended! This book has a slow burn feel, which I couldn’t get enough of. The way that Louise writes just evokes so much imagery in my mind. I can picture the setting and what the characters are doing. That is one of the reasons why I love to read Louise books. She paints such a picture, and she writes about such beautiful and moving relationships. I cannot wait to see what she writes next!
Truly was the first girl who ever turned me down.
The first female friend I ever had.
And she might just be the first woman I ever fall in love with.
If you are looking for a friends to lovers romance, slow burn with a British hero, look no further! This is the book for you!!
International Player was such a nice and enjoyable read.
I felt like this story was telling exactly my life at the moment,minus the millionaire thing…unfortunately,it was authentic and relatable.
I liked to read Truly and Noah’s journey from friends to lovers.They are perfect together,pushing and pulling each other out of their comfort zones,and their chemestry is incredible.
I just love Louise Bay books,I never got tired of her words, plots and the execution of the task.
Louise Bay once again gives us incredibly steamy and captivating story that melts the heart! This friends to lovers romance is filled with sexual tension and electrifying chemistry, which has been suspended for years and is ready to find an outlet. Add to this incredibly sexy main character with a British accent and I guarantee that this book will put your e-readers on fire!
Truly and Noah met years ago when her twin married his best friend. There was an instant attraction between them, but Noah’s reputation and Truly’s low esteem meant that their acquaintance became platonic from the very beginning. And that’s how their friendship was born. However, when there was a possibility for something more, Noah left for business and their contact faded. After a few years, Noah returns to London and meet Truly again and it turns out that she needs his help because she has to take over in managing the family’s charity. An introvert must become the life of the party and Noah seems to be the best teacher to build up her self-confidence. Besides, their small deal will help her also get him out of her system, so it’s a win-win, right?
Yeah, we already know how these agreements end 😉
I liked both characters very much, but I can’t deny that they had qualities that irritated me. In the case of Truly it was selfishness concerning all this arrangement with Noah. I understand that the girl wanted to protect herself from a potential heartbreak, but by that she got blinders on and didn’t see how Noah really saw her. Noah in turn was so clueless at times that he didn’t even realize the strength of Truly’s feelings and in some situations he unconsciously exposed her to suffering. Communication is the key. Unfortunately, both of them seemed to forget about it… It’s a pity, because they would save each other a lot of uncomfortable situations. However, as in the case of stories written by Louise Bay, we quickly forget about characters flaws, because the power of their feelings and burning passion obscures all shortcomings.
International Player was really enjoyable read. A little bit angsty and extremely hot.
Simply D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S!
I “Truly” loved this book. Louose Bay delivers another hit with International Player. This is a friends to lovers trope with a HEA.
Truly and Noah were friends first even though Truly always had a secret crush on Noah. Noah is a sexy player & risk taker ever since he got in an accident that almost crippled him. He enjoys women but doesn’t do relationships. He leaves London to pursue other things leaving Truly brokenhearted. Truly is an introvert with a brilliant mind. She’s quiet, quirky, smart, and endearing. When Noah ends up coming back to London. Truly is shocked to hear that Noah is returning to London. She believes they can pick back up as friends & she can keep her heart protected. Is Truly’s will strong enough to resist Noah? Will Noah finally wake up and realize what he needs is right there in front of him?
I enjoyed this book a lot. The plot is good and I loved the characters. There are funny, sweet, heartbreaking, & sexy moments. It was entertaining and I hated for it to end. I highly recommend reading this book!
****ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.****
Loved it! I really enjoyed reading Truly and Noah’s story. I love the characters and the storyline. I recommend reading all of Louise Bay books.
Louise Bay always delivers the perfect blend of romance in her stories. Passion, lust, family loyalty, and plenty of steam! International Player is a wonderful story with a charismatic male lead character and a loveable quirky heroine. This book is a heartwarming page-turner.
Noah and Truly’s relationship is certainly a roller coaster of emotions with many ups and downs throughout their story. I adored Noah and Truly together and I was rooting for them the whole time hoping for their HEA. Louise definitely knows how to give the reader every feel.
Louise Bay knocks it out off the park again with this book. This is a stunning friends to lover’s romance and has a slow burn feel, which I could always appreciate. The way in which Louise writes just evokes so much imagery for me. I can picture everything; the setting and what the characters are doing. This is one of the many reasons why I love to read Louise Bay’s books. She always paints a vivid picture, and she creates such beautiful and heartfelt relationships. I cannot wait to see what comes next.
3.75 stars
Let me start by staying I liked the story, one that I found was quite engaging. It was a bit of an all rounder. However I felt something was missing. I found an emptiness in the story that I really can’t pin point. I not sure if it was similar to another book I have read by Louise or whether I just felt that it just didn’t have as much impact that I thought it would.
Now the characters I love loads. Truly was brilliant, very normal, personable and so down to earth. She was a huge geek but loved her life. Although she was a little scared of things she didn’t know or couldn’t control or exceed at. She felt she was inferior to her twin sister but the truth was, she so wasn’t.
Now Noah was great and had a geeky way about him too. He was really just a normal man to me, one that hasn’t found his “one” although he wasn’t really looking, he was just enjoying life but so but not to the extreme. Noah is the “Player” in the title and for me I don’t really think that it showed him as that. I guess that is what I found missing.
I really love reading Louise’s book, they are easy reads, with great stories but sometimes, especially of late. I haven’t been able to connect with them as much as I have previously. Now don’t get me wrong it’s a great book but I guess I just wanted more. I do recommend it and I am sure. It will be a huge hit.
This is my first star rating of this number and I need explain. It’s not quite a 4 for me but I didn’t feel I wanted to go too much lower. As I feel it wouldn’t have done it justice.
This was a hot sexy beautiful friend’s to lover’s story about Noah and Truly. Loved their interaction and banter. I couldn’t stop reading until I finished this wonderful thrilling sexy love story. This was a slow burn but so sexy and naughty read. Noah was definitely swoony and possessive. Loved this story and I can’t wait to read more by Louise Bay.
Truly and Noah’s love story will have your Kindle in flames !!! Super hot love scenes from page to page. Truly is beautiful and the “brains” of the Harbury Foundation (a non profit charity) she operates with her twin sister. Truly was always behind the scene while her sister Abi was upfront giving speeches at dinners and meeting with potential donors. When Abi is bedridden due to her high risk pregnancy; Truly must deal with her phobia of speaking face to face with donors. Noah Jensen is a sexy blast from the past and a family friend who just became a very rich business man. Noah is Truly’s one time crush and now her current hot fantasy! Noah agrees to help Truly with her fear of public speaking but his motivation is to finally convince her he really wants a chance to be with her. Noah wants to show Truly he is more than the notorious international player . Absolutely 5 stars !!!
International Player is not a second chance romance, it’s an alternative attempt love affair! International Player by Louise Bay brings her readers to the world of the London charity scene to explore the re-connection love story of Noah and Truly (I adore that name). Five years after Noah left London to make his millions in New York City, he is back to discovery his next business calling. Little does he know, his search leads him straight to his former best friend’s charity organization. Truly has been carrying a torch for Noah all these years, but her reservations about herself and her belief that she is all wrong for Noah holds her back. Noah helps reignite Truly’s passion for the cause, but will they share a passion for each other? My recommendation, one click International Player to find out if Noah is Truly’s player or man of her prayers!