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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Park Avenue Player without any doubt deserves the five stars that I am awarding it. It is my favourite story out of all six books in this fabulous series that Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland have penned. It seriously blew me away.
The one thing that I wish for when reading a book is that I not only enjoy the story, but I want to feel like I am on that journey too and I instantly connected with the characters which then enabled me to experience every emotion that was being conveyed throughout this emotional rollercoaster of a ride. One other thing that gets a huge tick from me is when a story goes off in a direction I never expected and I honestly loved the path that the authors took this story along.
Elodie and Hollis are two of the most incredible people I have met recently. They have many reasons to be cautious with regards to embarking on a relationship with each other, yet their attraction and connection was palpable from the moment they met! I absolutely loved Hailey and Bree and how much they added to this fabulous story.
This story is an absolute must read. I laughed, cried, felt every emotion possible and I loved every single chapter! I am certain you will love experiencing Elodie and Hollis’s journey which I felt has been written perfectly to show each of them working through their issues and trying to move forward in their lives. Elodie is a breath of fresh air and I loved seeing the change in Hollis as the story progressed. I’m taking many things that I found to be very thought-provoking away with me and I know this story will stay with me for a long time to come.
The story, while it has tension, is very easy to read until it gets bogged down in the middle. Then, without a proper warning, it turned into a BDSM story. The unwelcome scene contributes nothing to the story. Fortunately I took a chance and found out it had only one unacceptable scene. The relationships involving Bree, Elodie, Anna, and Hollis are a bit confusing, but eventually they work themselves out in a manner that I could follow. Overall, a good story despite the unnecessary scene.
I received a copy of this book as a gift from the author. This is my honest review.
This was a cracker of a story!
“I lowered my mouth to hers and emptied all of my breath into her. We kissed as if we were both starved.”
I absolutely loved this story! Elodie Atlier was a sunny, sassy character. She was so confident and didn’t put up with any nonsense. Hollis LaCroix was so arrogant and cocky – I loved his dirty mouth! LOL. There was so much funny banter, scorching chemistry, and hot, flirty moments between them that I never saw the twist in the storyline coming! They had a roller-coaster ride as they both fought to overcome their issues and fears, so that they could make a proper go of a relationship between them. After all the good stuff, my heart hurt for them and their confusion. They struggled to come to terms with the revelation and make sense of it all, but I loved how it all worked out in the end. I loved Hollis’ niece, Hailey. LOL. She was a little minx, and I’m looking forward to reading her story in Cocky Kilt.
“You said you love the man I am when I’m with you. I love the man I am when I’m with you, too.”
This was a fab, sexy, amusing story that also tugged on the heartstrings. Thoroughly recommend!
I know I have said it before but this is definitely my favorite of the original cocky hero books! This book had everything! Romance, suspense, laugh out loud moments, moments that gripped my heart, swoon worthy scenes, and so much more that made this such an epic story. Elodie and Hollis don’t have the best way of meeting. They get in a traffic collision and blame each other. They separate on not so good terms but it gets worse with it turns out Elodie is interviewing to be nanny to his niece that he is responsible for. After some convincing he gives her a chance and Elodie shines. They get to know each other and it turns out they aren’t meant to be enemies. (Truth about whose fault it really was is revealed too!) But this is where the story just starts. Soon there are frustrating games being played that lead to secret kisses. Then they both are hit with a huge shock, a secret neither of them knew. Their worlds are turned upside down and they aren’t sure if they can’t find their way back to each other. Man, just thinking about this story gives me chills. It was so good. And these narrators knocked it out the park portraying these characters. I felt like I was in a room with them witnessing it all. Another must read/listen from my favorite writing duo!
Park Avenue Player by Vi Keeland
Narrated by Andi Arndt and Sebastian York
4.5 Stars – Me while listening to the book: How old is this guy??? With Sebastian York narrating I assume mid to late 20’s AT LEAST… but then he is dating a 17 year old girl??? And his mom is calling him home for dinner…. ?? What?? – I checked the book description and then, I rewound… and yep, missed the “14 years ago” sentence lol. Much better… phew. That ever happened to anyone else??
I had this book on my tbr list for a while as I had been reading too many of the same type of story lines. This was heavier than I expected however, a story about loss and grieving, finding love and acceptance as well, yet was still light in areas to make you laugh and feel happy. An enjoyable read.
Narration was well done.
~ Paragraphs and Petticoats ~
“You deserve Prince Charming. But I’m a selfish enough bastard that I don’t give a shit what you deserve.”
Park Avenue Player is a heartbreaking story, it’s raw, a bit ugly with a whole lot of reality. Elodie and Hollis are both damaged property and trust is a gift rarely given. It feels like I’ve been riding an emotional roller coaster and thrown into a spin cycle. What a fantastic storyline, characters, lots of angst, I could not put this one down. Usually I pick up on twists but this one threw me for six.
They say first impressions last a lifetime. Hollis and Elodie literally crashed into each other’s lives, so they were off to a bumpy start. He’s in need of a nanny for his niece and Elodie is an applicant. Hollis discounts her for the position as soon as he sets his eyes on her. Elodie isn’t one to just quit though, she keeps pleading her case until he gives her the opportunity. He’s shocked by changes in his household, Hailey is manageable, with home cooked meals and she is very easy on his eye. They play a dangerous game, taunting each other with flirty fore play. Hollis holds his past close to his chest, getting him to open up isn’t easy. Him and Hailey have worked their way into Elodie’s heart, she has a much harder task of finding her way into Hollis’. Every time they take a step forward they take more backward.
Hollis LaCroix met the love of his life when he was a young kid. After 10 years together, Hollis decides to propose to Anna to only be turned down because she met someone else. This causes Hollis to write off love and become a typical “player”. Six years have passed and now Hollis finds himself thrown into a life he never expected……he is raising his 11 year old niece because his half-brother is in jail. While looking for a nanny to take care of Hailey while he is working, he meets Elodie Atlier, who is applying for the job. Too bad she’s the same crazy woman who ran into him on the way to the meeting! Of course Hollis and Elodie have great sparring back and forth as most Keeland/Ward books do. Hollis eventually gives Elodie the job and that’s when the fun begins. Elodie brings something to Hollis’s life that knew he was missing but didn’t realize he wanted. It’s even better how well Elodie and Hailey get along too!
As Hollis and Elodie play their fun cat and mouse game, the chemistry between these two just keeps getting more explosive until they can’t contain it anymore. Just when it looks like these two are going to finally get a happy ending, things from both of their pasts come crashing in causing the life as they knew it to be in a tailspin. It will take a lot of examining of their feelings to be able to overcome this issue but in the end, love win!
I really enjoyed this story. It was way more emotional than I was expecting. If you are an emotional reader, have the tissues ready. I really enjoyed Elodie. After having gone through a divorce she didn’t put up with any crap from men and Hollis did love to sling it! I really loved the way Elodie went through life. She is a great role model for Hailey. I also love when a cocky, alpha man is put in his place by a strong female. I also enjoyed the emotional side to Hollis that he liked to keep hidden. I just adored Hollis’ relationship with his business partner, Addison. Addison is a hoot! Overall this was an enjoyable, entertaining and emotional read.
This book is funny, and sweet and all the things a good romance book should be. I really enjoyed it!
When Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland write together, magic happens. They have such a great symmetry, their books become rich and multi-layered as a result. Park Avenue Player is no different. Hollis Lacroix is a completely unattainable, emotionally brooding hero whose vulnerability has jaded him into a pretentious jerk. Elodie Atelier is an authentic, “say it like it is”, beautiful, woman who won’t be pushed around by ANY pretentious jerk.
Hollis’ young niece, Hailey is an integral part of this story. She is literally the reason Hollis and Elodie are brought together at all. With her mother dead many years before and her father (Hollis’ stepbrother) in prison, Hollis is found in the unlikely position of being the only relative to take responsibility for his young niece, Hailey, albeit, not full time.
With the help of his best friend and business partner, Addison (who plays a pivotal role as “the voice of reason” for Hollis) he begins searching for a nanny. Elodie answers the ad and comes for the interview but not before she gets in a car accident on the way. To her awful surprise, the interview is with none other than the gorgeous jerk she just ran into with her car mere minutes before.
This story has a lot of complex themes running through it which just makes it deep. I am impressed how Penelope and Vi create this slow-burn story with lots of angst. The way these two characters come together is original. I loved the back and forth sexy game Hollis and Elodie engage in, never letting on to the other about what’s really going on. It made this book so much fun and exciting to read.
When you discover all the love and loss these characters have endured, it explains a lot of the behavior you see in their interactions. But, the plot twist at the end is something I never saw coming. It will blow you away. Some people might think it’s a little far-fetched or out of the realm of possibility, but I like to think fiction is what allows you to take risks and for me, it makes for a great story.
In the end, the chemistry between Elodie and Hollis is hot, hot, hot and will keep the pages flipping themselves.
Where to start? Well, for one thing, this story was a standout without the incredibly unexpected and so very smart direction the authors chose to go towards the end of the book. I never saw it coming and it added another layer of angst in this beautifully emotional book. Hollis and Elodie are characters you can “see” and despite all their flaws, you grow to really like. All the characters are actually skillfully written. There’s smart humor and such sadness at points and all of it is accomplished beautifully. This is one I won’t forget any time soon … and I highly recommend. If you haven’t already guessed, I loved it. 🙂
The uniqueness and distinctive writing of Penelope & Vi makes me love each and every one of their books. They have characters with heart and soul. Elodie and Hollis are some of my favorite Vi & Penelope characters. From their meet-cute to their friendship, I was enthralled with them. As always, I read this book in a day and couldn’t put it down.
The relationship with Elodie and Hollis is fun and sexy and of course, there’s a twist!
Being a spectator as these two get to know each other was entertaining and the frequent laugh out loud moments were perfect but there is definitely a serious tone at times too. The perfect mix!
What did I just read!?! That was a twist I was not expecting! I didn’t think Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward’s writing could get any better, but I. WAS. WRONG! I am still reeling from Park Avenue Player, like totally speechless.
I absolutely love Elodie and Hollis’s relationship! From the flirty banter to the downright sexy games, their relationship was like a volcano ready to explode and explode it did! And I loved every single second of it. I honestly am struggling to write this review, because nothing I can say will give it justice. Not only that, I don’t want to give anything away.
Honestly, kudos to Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward on a truly great book!
This book hooked me from the very first page and swept me away on an emotional, heart-stopping, passionate ride that I loved every second and did not want to end!!! The two main characters Hollis and Elodie are two souls that are lost in the pain of their pasts searching for peace. The connection they have is so powerful that I felt that undeniable pull to each other. Finding your soul mate when all hope was lost. Hollis is stunning, complex, and fiercely protective; the layers to this man are endless. Elodie is resilient, tenacious, kind, and loyal. Their chemistry is undeniable and electric. The banter is funny and witty; they spar so well with each other. The writing flowed seamlessly and is so well-written. The emotions literally jumped off the pages and I felt like I was living each moment through their eyes. The secrets, the twists, and that ending! A breathtakingly beautiful love storyl! This book forever left a mark on my heart and soul. A definite must read.
I loved the Meet-cute of this book, very funny. Elodie and Hollis were great characters. I loved his niece and the relationship that Elodie builds with her, and how she genuinely teaches Hollis how to be with her with out making him feel he’s bad at being her guardian. There’s a nice Twist that I though was an amazing addition to this story. I personally was expecting or maybe wanting a little more angst with this one but as always another great book by Penelope & Vi!
I love when Penelope and Vi come together and bring us something new.
Hollis is pretty gruff, Elodie is fun, and poor Hailey a sweet tough little girl
Love how Hollis and Elodie meet- great hook to get me sucked into the book fast.
And Chance making an appearance is awesome and that bird.
So good
One of the things that always catches my attention when I read a book by Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland is that their books always have a twist that I rarely see coming or don’t see the complete depth of until it pipes up. As typical, Park Avenue Player allowed me to experience that yet again.
Hollis and Elodie meet after a little parking incident. Later that day, Hollis walked into an interview for a nanny only to discover that Elodie is the one to be interviewed. Needless to say, Hollis has no intention of hiring her, until Elodie hits it off with his niece. From there, the banter and flirting and games that they play build up the sexual tension until it is too much. But there are situations from their pasts that still make a future difficult for them.
I loved these two! I loved their dynamics and teasing. I loved Hollis’s obvious love for his niece, and his desire to do what’s bet for her. I loved Elodie’s personality and desire for wanting to be more than her looks.
I really loved Park Avenue Player. I highly recommend it. I look forward to more from Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland!
A must read sexy, unputdowanable, billionaire romance by the duo Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward! All the swoons, all the feels, with a fabulous New York setting.
You are always good for a steamy can’t put down excellent book with Penelope Ward and Vi K…..this book threw me for a loop. Funny witty and the chemistry, oh my!
I’m delighted to see this great writing duo is back on track again with a terrific book this time. Park Avenue Player is full of wonderful dialogue and characters who will grab you by your heart and hang on. Highly recommended!
Beware of a man with a goat and a scene stealing bird!
Park Avenue Player is all around fun. Cameos from friends and animals worth knowing…or at least their owners are. There’s a spot of fun for everyone. (Pardon my rhymes, a certain horny player got me in the mood!)
Hollis and Elodie are quite the team. Their issues are not insurmountable but avoidance seems to be the current method of dealing.
I loved the realization that Hollis went through learning to let go. I had a lightbulb moment at a stop sign while listening to this book. I pulled over did a one word search and then cursed up a storm because I may have been late to the party but I still got there before Hollis and Elodie.
Heartache and love are both intense. You get both in this book as well as a side of whhhhaaaaaa!?!?!
Enjoy your innocence. Ignore the arrogance. Embrace the eloquence. And whatever you do love the player…even if you hate the game! No wait, that’s not the saying! Lol. Player, play on. Nope, that one either. How about…
Love is a many splendored thing.