From New York Times bestselling authors Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland comes a new standalone novel.It started out like any normal day.Then the fender bender happened.The guy I collided with drove an expensive car and was drop-dead gorgeous. Too bad he was also a total jerk. We argued over whose fault it was and any other thing that came out of his condescending mouth.Eventually, the police came … of his condescending mouth.
Eventually, the police came and we went our separate ways. The insurance companies would have to figure things out. I had a job interview to get to anyway–one I was excited about.
Though that excitement changed to disappointment the moment the person interviewing me walked in. The guy from the accident.
Whoops!
Yeah, so I didn’t get the position.
The problem was, I really wanted it. No, I needed it. Anything to get me out of my current career and back into working with kids.
So, even though Hollis LaCroix was as intimidating as he was devastatingly handsome, I went back to see him and begged for a chance.
To my surprise, he gave me a shot taking care of his troubled niece.
At least my attraction to him wouldn’t be able to go anywhere. I wasn’t about to jeopardize my job or the strong bond Hailey and I formed.
But resisting the magnetic pull between us wasn’t that simple. (Then there was our little underwear game–don’t ask.)
We continued to flirt without crossing the line–until it finally happened.
This is the part of the story where we fall in love and live happily ever after, right?
Well, life has a way of throwing some major curveballs.
Ours was one I didn’t see coming.
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I love Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward individually, both authors are fantastic, but their collaborative works are truly special love stories. The yin to each other’s yang, their words blend together seamlessly, effortlessly transitioning between their writing styles and meshing into addictive, unputdownable stories. Every. Single. Time. This pairing is brilliant, simply magical, and I can’t get enough of them.
Park Avenue Player, a standalone novel in the same vein as Cocky Bastard and Stuck-Up Suit, is the latest co-written novel from Keeland and Ward, and I absolutely loved it. A mash-up of the enemies-to-lovers and boss/nanny tropes, the plot was fresh and original. I was all-in with Hollis and Elodie’s story from the moment their worlds—literally—collided. Keeland and Ward penned a unique, creative love story here featuring a couple who had both been burned by love in the past and each had their own trust issues. Hollis was a bit of a prickly hero, but he quickly stole my heart, and Elodie was my favorite kind of heroine—whip-smart, funny and confident. This couple bickered and bantered their way through a good portion of the book resulting in crackling chemistry and sizzling sexual tension, and those interactions were the fuel firing the slow-burn build-up of their romance.
But Hollis and Elodie’s story was so much more than a simple love story. Keeland and Ward treated readers to a moving, beautiful romance in Park Avenue Player that was hard-fought and, at times, heart-wrenching yet still managed to be hopeful and occasionally humorous.
Park Avenue Player is the full package of endearing characters ensconced in an engaging, emotional storyline that ran me through the wringer but spit me out whole. A completely engrossing page-turner that I simply did not want to put down, I swooned, sobbed and snickered my way through this book in a day. Five smooches from me for Park Avenue Player by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward!
~Danielle Palumbo, Red Cheeks Reads
She never liked her lastest job. She was going to get this new job she would fight for it. The young girl in the cafeteria reminded her of herself. She was to be her charge. But she didn’t get the job. She did get the job and proved to the girls uncle she was a good fit. Neither knew their lives would change fast. Yet in a turn of events it showed both that things are as the seem.
Emotional Depth
This is romance so real, the crazy banter and snark to make you lol. The precious life and unselfishness of a loved one who just wanted those she loved to be happy, and will make you cry. A crazy, twisted path, a crazy cockatoo and a little girl who made the world brighter.
Elodie and Hollis had one heck of a journey. I loved it all
4.5 stars
Elodie needs the job she is preparing to interview for. Her current job is a dead end and nowhere near the field she wants to be in. But her chances of getting this perfect job are crushed when she is involved in a fender bender on her way to the interview. It isn’t until she reaches the interview that she realizes the other party in the accident was none other than her interviewer.
Hollis is grupy from the start. Guarded, short tempered, and focused on work, he needs a nanny but hasn’t found a candidate that fits with his spirited niece. He wouldn’t have hired the woman involved in his fender bender, except that Hailey seems to actually get along with her – something he hadn’t found yet.
Both are holding on to baggage from previous relationships, both have constant reminders of the pain in their past. Hollis’s ex-girlfriend did a number on him when she left, and he hasn’t moved on in the six years since. Elodie is still healing from a divorce that left her bitter towards men. Neither are looking for anything, even as they admit there is an attraction between them. Besides, as Elodie forms a connection with Hailey, Hollis knows he needs to keep Elodie around and a relationship will only complicate things.
But even as they both admit they aren’t interested in anything, the attraction builds and flirting turns into panty games, which only fan the flames of their attraction further. As they flirt with the idea of more, a twist pops up that neither of them saw coming. There were times that I grew frustrated with their back and forth games, but when the twist came up, I was fully invested. The build up of the end was exactly what I needed to be pulled back into the story.
This was a quick read full of heart. There was a lot going on, more than I anticipated as I reflected at the end. The side characters add a lot of depth to the story, and this is one of those books that needs these rich side characters for the main characters to face their fears. The twist at the end pulled a lot of things together that I hadn’t noticed hanging and I loved the journey the characters were on as a result.
I received a copy from the authors in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I’ve always been a sucker for anything Vi and Penelope write together–or separate, but that’s a different story–and this book is no exception! Grab a copy and start reading!
Vi and Penelope have yet to write a book I haven’t devoured immediately.
Their unique storylines, humor, and writing style make them automatic, one-click authors for me.
Park Avenue Player has everything I love in a romance – it’s sweet, sexy, steamy, witty, emotional, and plus a twist.
One of my favorite elements about their books is they have the two main characters meet in the beginning.
That always pulls me in, and I can’t turn the pages fast enough.
I won’t rehash the blurb, but their meet-cute made for a rocky start and brought out their prickly side.
Luckily, I love a grouchy alpha.
As their slow-burn relationship develops, their pranks become more serious, and their honesty about their attraction to each other is formed, it doesn’t matter how they met.
The characters they create are relatable, witty, clever, and always have great chemistry.
I fell in love with not only Hollis and Elodie but the secondary characters (including the bird), as well.
One of my favorite characters that I love from a previous book has a cameo, and he’s ALWAYS welcome to pop in.
This story will make you laugh, pull at your heartstrings, and have you wishing for your very own Hollis.
*****
1st person
Standalone
Kindle Unlimited
#ThongGate was hilarious.
Worth The Risk
My heart is wrung out! This is a story you will be thinking about long after you turn the last page. A romance that will break your heart but make you believe in true love and second chances.
He was her boss. She was his niece’s nanny. He doesn’t want a relationship. She’s afraid to trust. Sexual tension and chemistry will break down their walls!
Hollis had lived through so many hurts. Risking his heart for Elodie was going to test his limits.
A great first meet up and some of the best flirty behavior EVER! The tension that was slowly building between Hollis and Elodie was so sexy! You just knew when they gave in, it would be explosive!
Hollis was ultimately a good man with a big heart. He loved hard but battled his fear of being hurt. Elodie was wonderful and forgiving. She was also strong and resilient. She was everything Hollis needed. She made them a family.
It’s rare that I am ever taken completely by surprise when reading a story, but these ladies managed to knock me off my feet. This story was so much more, but you need to read it and discover all their secrets for yourself. Get ready to take this unexpectedly emotional journey. You will be put through the ringer, but you’ll never forget this one.
Hands down the best book yet from this dynamic duo. They just have the right recipe for a book that will have you laughing one minute and ripping your heart out the next.
Hollis and Elodie (Ok I admit, it took me waaaaayyyyy too long to figure out how to pronounce her name – Was it E LO DEE or Melolie without the M — ARRRGH) were the perfect match and I kinda figured out the big twist a little early on… but even with all of that, this book was still perfection.
It will definitely be on my Top 5 if not my Top 3 for the year.
Hollis is a workaholic, love scorned, douchcanoe. He needs to find a nanny to help him with his 11-year-old niece, whom all of a sudden is living with him after her dad was placed in prison.
Elodie needs a change in her career. She thinks that she would be the perfect match for Hollis’ niece Hailey since she grew up in a similar situation. She’s also love scorned and has sworn off men. At least until she meets Hollis.
The banter and sexual tension between these two are OFF THE CHARTS. I was crying laughing at the games these two would play and I just couldn’t put the book down.
5 PLUS STARS!!! I’m an addict for these two when they collaborate and hope this never ends!
DID YOU SEE THIS???!
From New York Times bestselling authors Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland comes a new standalone novel…
It started out like any normal day.
Then the fender bender happened.
The guy I collided with drove an expensive car and was drop-dead gorgeous. Too bad he was also a total jerk. We argued over whose fault it was and any other thing that came out of his condescending mouth.
Eventually, the police came and we went our separate ways. The insurance companies would have to figure things out. I had a job interview to get to anyway–one I was excited about.
Though that excitement changed to disappointment the moment the person interviewing me walked in. The guy from the accident.
Whoops!
Yeah, so I didn’t get the position.
The problem was, I really wanted it. No, I needed it. Anything to get me out of my current career and back into working with kids.
So, even though Hollis LaCroix was as intimidating as he was devastatingly handsome, I went back to see him and begged for a chance.
To my surprise, he gave me a shot taking care of his troubled niece.
At least my attraction to him wouldn’t be able to go anywhere. I wasn’t about to jeopardize my job or the strong bond Hailey and I formed.
But resisting the magnetic pull between us wasn’t that simple. (Then there was our little underwear game–don’t ask.)
We continued to flirt without crossing the line–until it finally happened.
This is the part of the story where we fall in love and live happily ever after, right?
Well, life has a way of throwing some major curveballs.
Ours was one I didn’t see coming.
This amazing duo just keeps getting better and better!
I’ve started this review so many times, how do i tell you how freaking amazing this book is? These authors collaborations just get better and better and exceed all your expectations.
You know when you start a book and the next thing you know your gutted because you have reached “The End”. When you get so engrossed in the story and characters that nothing else exists, except what comes on the next page then this is a book you have to read!!
Hollis and Elodie meet with a bang!!
Both have been burned by Love..
Neither want a relationship…
But they both need each other, Elodie needs the job as nanny to his neice, and Hollis needs help with caring for his niece.
All the attractions and Sexual chemistry will have you melting into a puddle…
Emotions that will hit you both hard and heart healing..
The humour will have you laughing….
Their issues will have you sobbing..
Side “characters” that bring giggles and smiles…
Pixie Moments, Light bulb moments and Hot Steamy moments to leave you hot and bothered!!
But most of all, its two people falling in love, becoming a family and finding the happiness we all strive for, packaged and written beautifully!!!
It just doesn’t get better and this, and my personal favourite from this magical Duo of Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland so far !!!!
I adore this writing duo (both individually and together) and Park Avenue Player is another fabulous hit. With loads of amazing, witty banter, great humor, and incredible heartfelt moments, this story will having you flipping pages, fanning yourself and reaching for the tissue box! An absolute must read.
I have to say: it amazes me how Vi and Penelope bring real life situations to life in their books, and bring out all the feels.
Hollis might be a hard ass, but he’s a softy too! Elodie she’s fierce and they are a perfect match.
Be ready to laugh, cry and be like whoa wait a minute. I couldn’t put the book down. While reading you mind of take a trip back to your teenage years. You have feelings for someone, yet you can’t really tell him. What do you do? Play a game. One song comes to mind THONG SONG!! I was giddy, and shocked that Hollis actually took her belongings LOL!!
Loved it, you’ll love it too
This is absolutely one of my top 5 reads for 2019. Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward are a duo not to be reckoned with. Elodie and Hollis have one of the worst first meetings in the history of meetings. They both have troubled pasts, heartache and secrets that they don’t want to tell. Elodie has been married, cheated on and divorced and now she wants her happily ever after with a family. Hollis has death, trust issues, and now custody of his 11 year old niece.
There so many twists that you don’t see coming. My heart was just pounding waiting to see how this was all going to turn out in the end.
“It’s okay to smile in the midst of darkness. It’s okay to be happy – our loved ones want that.”
Well, what can I say? The dynamic writing duo of Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland strikes again! Kapow! Baam! There is so much heart and soul that clearly went into this story and came out as a truly wonderful and heartwarming book. This story has all the elements I love in a romance; it’s sweet, sexy, sassy, funny and emotional. It also has the best hero/heroine in Hollis and Elodie. I adore them both very much! These are two people whose lives literally crashed together but it seems they may have been fated to meet and enter each other’s lives at exactly the precise time they did. Elodie needs a new meaningful job and Hollis is in need of a nanny. Perfect right? Nope, definitely not perfect.
Hollis is such a swoony hero and Elodie is the sweetest heroine. Both have been hurt by past relationships. Their chemistry is undeniable even if they definitely teetered on the love/hate line for a while. I love their story so much and how much it made me feel. That is the result I am looking for when I read and these two ladies consistently deliver in the best way. I laughed, swooned, screamed and cried.
I think I can say, it’s just perfect.
I planned to just read a few chapters before bed but when it comes to Vi & Penelope’s books, I should’ve known better. It’s now the early hours of the morning and I’m in the dark laughing. I loved it! Laugh out loud moments, bonus cameos but some of my favourite characters from a previous story, emotional twists and turns. Holy moly, I was NOT expecting some of those things… no way am I spoiling any of it for whoever may be reading this! I suggest you read it, enjoy the characters, the boss/employee will they or won’t they, the craziness, the sweet, romantic, the sad, the frustrating, the devastating, the bird (yes I said bird). Just enjoy the ride!
What a beautiful story! Elodie Atlier never expected her morning to turn out the way it did. A fender bender with a “Mr.Mercedes” jerk trying to get the same parking spot on her way to a new job interview. Too bad for her, said jerk is also her potential new boss apparently. Oops!! Hollis LaCroix needs to find a nanny for his 11yr old niece, Hailey. He can’t believe his eyes when miss fender bender is also his next interview. Can this really work? Hire the sexy yet infuriating Miss Atlier? Maybe that’s just what he needs. This was a very funny, sweet story but be warned it does handle some real, emotional issues. The connection Elodie has with Hailey is perfect and the chemistry with Hollis is off the charts! Oh and you are all gonna Love the cameo from a certain goat!! This is more than just a romantic comedy…Have some tissues ready too. Told in dual POV
Wow. Never saw that coming. What a story. Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward write the best books but this one has to be the ultimate best story as of yet. At first I thought Hollis was going to be the typical jerk rich guy but how wrong I was. The relationship he had with Hayley was so special. You fell in love with him from the start. This story wasn’t your typical nanny/boss romance. It was gradual and yet so satisfying. Absolutely amazing read.
I funny meet-cute turns into a steamy romance with her new boss.
Hollis & Elodie
Hollis needs help with the care for his niece Hailey, who is in his care.
Notes
Cute, bantering, heartbreak, loss, drama, surprises, plot twist , pain from the past, Friendships.
This book made me cry, love and made me feel it all.
The little girl that will steal your heart, the friendship between two besties that get an other meaning in the end, the love that survived in the end
And it all started with an ‘bang’ …
5 star read