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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Authors Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland can both write romance like no other but when they work together it goes to a new lever. Hollis and Elodie story was so good and the twist was soooooo good never seen it coming and love when authors give you something more and believe me when I say you get so much!
Park Avenue Player is Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward’s newest masterpiece! These two make up one of my favorite writing duos. I don’t know how they keep getting better and better by they do. The synopsis is spot on so I will make this as fast as I can.
Elodie needs a new job. Hollis needs a nanny for his niece. One car accident brings on the banter. One interview turns it up! Hollis didn’t want to like her. She was nothing but a pain in the ass from the first moment he met her. Elodie knew she was playing with fire when he came to Hollis but she enjoyed the game. It started off with panties and it turned into more…
Elodie loved being not only Hailey’s nanny but her friend. She was a twelve year old spitfire who knew how to push her uncle’s buttons. This is just one of the reasons they got along so well. But, there was more to just watching his niece. She enjoyed him. Especially when he was being causal Hollis not uptight Hollis. One of her favorite Hollis’ was a mad one. His alpha came out and his hair looked like he put his hands through it a hundred times. It was both adorable and hot at the same time. He got flustered with her antics and losing that control was exactly what he needed.
But was it worth the risk? Hollis was a runner. He didn’t want to be burned by love again and that was why he needed to keep his hands and every other part of his body away from her. She was the type of woman who deserved it all not just a causal hookup. He also didn’t want their relationship to jeopardize the relationship between Elodie and Hailey. Again, is it worth the risk?
You shall see! I loved, loved, loved this book! So hard. If life didn’t get in the way I would have read it in one sitting and it’s not a short book. Yes, it’s full of banter, laughter, heat, and angst but it is also an emotional read. It was the perfect blend of it all.
Quotes:
“You might be in more trouble than me. Did he yell at you?”
“Not really.” Well, that certainly isn’t the truth.
She took another bite of her bar. “I know how to get him off your case.”
“How?”
“Ask him to buy you maxi pads. Shuts him right up.”
“You’re a nanny I’d like to friend, Elodie. Does that makes you a…NILF?”
Hollis glanced over at me, and it gave me chills when he muttered under his breath, “Elodie is definitely a NILF.”
I leaned in and whispered in her ear. “Better close that sexy mouth before I’m not such a gentleman.”
Bad first impressions sure can make things difficult between two people, especially when those involved are Elodie Atlier and Hollis LaCroix because try as she might, Elodie does not show herself to be anything more but a hot mess in her first interaction with Hollis and needless to say, he has no intention to give her the desired position. But one rejection doesn’t stop Elodie, and soon enough, she’s the hired nanny for Hollis’ niece, putting her squarely in his line of sight for an indefinite amount of time.
It’s clear from their initial encounters that Elodie and Hollis know how to push each other’s buttons and it’s quite comical how much disdain these two seem to have for each other because, as a reader, I find their banter and snarky exchanges in person and through texts to be a catalyst for the sexual tension that continues to build between them, which puts them in quite a precarious position, not only because he’s her boss and she’s responsible for a member of his family, but because their pasts dictate how they view and approach relationships, they most definitely are not on the same page. So the question becomes…should they cross the line that seems to be growing smaller the more time they spend together or keep their relationship firmly in the employer/employee category.
Both the hero and heroine held their own against each other, but the fact that their experiences led them down very different paths is a point of contention for them, which may be a blessing in disguise given the professional nature of their relationship, but with how much chemistry Elodie and Hollis appear to have, working through the things that divide them might just be what these two need for everything to finally fall into place.
The idea that Hollis was responsible for his niece’s care definitely allowed his softer side to come out and it painted him in a much different picture than the player persona that he seemed to carry with him. There were times that I didn’t quite understand some of Elodie thoughts, words, and actions, especially when they were directed toward Hollis, but by the end I had a clearer perception of who she was and I felt like she complemented Hollis nicely.
I’ve been a fan of this writing duo for quite some time, and I always enjoy the way they craft their stories and create their characters. But I wonder if the fact that I’ve read all of their books if it’s becoming easier for me to infer what’s going to happen, making the twist a bit too predictable given the information that is dispensed prior to the its reveal. Despite that, though, Park Avenue Player fits perfectly with the rest of the Cocky World characters created by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward.
4 Poison Apples
This is the story of Hollis & Elodie. I really enjoyed this story. It is about people leaving you out of your life, whether it being from death or walking away. The people left behind are sad or mad because of it, and don’t want to ever go through it again; until they realize they do. This story is funny for a bit over half of the book, with the main characters bantering back and forth and playing games with each other. I haven’t laughed out loud in a while reading a book. It’s also a tragic story with a twist near the end. It has a great story line, too. I was engrossed in this book from beginning to end. Kudos to Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland to a wonderful book. Can’t wait to read the next one.
These authors collaborations are my top favorite and every book I read I know why, this book is phenomenal. It will exceed your expectations as it did mine and that is a hard one as you know from my former statement. Hollis and Elodie story is steamy, have you laughing and I love how they needed each other, it will have you on a very emotional edge. The banter these authors create for their characters is one I always enjoy, this book had it and I loved it. A 5 star book you need to read!
This is a Top 2019 Must Read Book from Authors Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland!
It is such a beautiful story of two people finding love in the most unexpected way.
It is true what they way that events in your life gear you to your future in ways you never thought possible.
Hollis and Elodie’s story was EVERYTHING!
You will swoon, laugh, cry, get emotionally vested, be surprised and fall in love with how romantic this story is.
It has very powerful messages in the world of love.
Like they say, don’t judge a book by its cover or title.
This book is sooo brilliantly written.
This is my favorite book to date from these Authors and I soo will forever be in love with this story.
Go One Click it!
5 popped!
My god, Park Avenue Player was everything I didn’t know I needed this week!
Fun, sassy, smart leading lady
Dominant, sexy, vulnerable leading man
Comic relief by way of an African parrot and a pre-teen girl
Ridiculous, witty, antagonistic banter
Embarrassing, but sexy AF pranks
Undeniable attraction between the lead characters
Deep, touching, emotional storyline
Seriously, Park Avenue Player ticked off every single box. I adored the budding relationship between Elodie and Hollis. Loved how they tried so hard to keep their relationship professional and failed so epically.
Don’t even get me started on the drying laundry prank that escalated to something so much more. Much like their professional relationship to a . . . err, more intimate, personal one. I couldn’t flip the pages on my Kindle fast enough to read and know what would happen next.
I L-O-V-E-D every minute spent with Elodie and Hollis. That their relationship was truly an adult one—even with the fun and crazy times. And the emotional connection shared between Elodie and Hollis was unexpected and breathtakingly beautiful. It was everything I wanted and so much more too.
Park Avenue Player is easily one of my top reads of 2019!
I absolutely loved Park Avenue Player! I’ve read most of Vi and Penelope’s collaborations and this is tied with Hate Notes as my favorite. The banter between Elodie and Hollis was wonderful as was their emotional journeys to their HEA. This book made me both laugh and cry. You will need a box of Kleenex toward the end, but the epilogue will leave you with a warm smile. Highly recommend!!!
Great read.
Park Avenue Player by Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland is a standalone contemporary romance, told in dual POV. This story of Elodie and Hollis is humorous, quirky, romantic, and just when you think you are safe – Wham! the emotional angst that I have come to expect from these authors. From the very first meet-cute with the car accident to the emotional and hard-won happily ever after. The journey you take as a reader is filled with everything you could ask for from a romance novel and so much more. Each of the books I have read from these authors, individually or co-written, almost always has some serious twist or deep emotional message to convey within the web of the story and this one is no different. I absolutely LOVED Park Avenue Player! Enjoy!
4.5 stars
Elodie Atlier needed a new job. But a mishap before her interview nearly jeopardized her chance as an employee of Hollis LaCroix. Now she must prove her worth, but it’s getting harder as attraction sparked between them.
This book was not what I expected in a good way. It reminded me of the authors’ older works which I love.
Hollis was the more serious and uptight one, while Elodie was the fun risk-taker. The relationship was a slow burn but they complemented each other well and I loved their banters and the tension between them.
The story was hilarious especially with a cameo appearance by the authors’ well-loved character. I also liked how in between the laughter there were heartbreaking moments that added depth to the story. I wasn’t fully surprised by a certain thing in the book but it didn’t take away my enjoyment.
Park Avenue Player is a story of healing and seizing the moment. It would appeal to readers looking for a light-hearted romance with doses of emotions.
4.5 Stars.
I am a huge fan of what these two authors write together, I love that is seamless, their writing style is so similar. I loved all of these characters so much and I really feel that this is the best one yet. Are you ready for a roller coaster of emotions?
Elodie is ready to move to the next chapter of her life and is determined to get this new job. She has a fiery quick whit about her and she just might need to use it and everything else she has in her power. She does not get off on the right foot with her sexy new potential employer. She is certain that she can connect with this young girl as she hears a lot of herself in what she has been told.
Hollis feels like he is swaying in the wind with his new task of looking after his niece. He is used to be in control of things in his life. He has made damn sure of that since his heart was broken for the second time. He has walls that are so high, he lets very few in. That last thing he has time for is a nanny who seems to challenge his wills.
When she gets him to give her a chance so many great things happen. Elodie actually connects with Hailey and he can see a quick difference in his niece. There is also a quick chemistry between Hollis and Elodie that makes thing interesting in the beginning. They both try very hard to resist the pull as the want to keep the line drawn in the sand for Hailey’s sake. As their relationship grows they can both realize that they both have some trust issues. Just when they think they are maybe headed in the right direction there is a huge surprise that threatens everything they have worked for.
Will they be able to stay in the now and not let the hurts from the past block their judgement?
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review.***
Loved this book so funny with the parrot and the goat lol and so sad too but such a wonderful story and a twist at the end
This book took a little longer to read because I never wanted it to end! I loved Elodie and Hollis from the beginning. I laughed, I swooned, and I cried. The life lessons are so heartfelt and genuine, I know it will touch the hearts of every reader. Penelope and Vi never disappoint with their unique writing style, and this book really surprised me with the plot twist. I highly recommend this beautiful story, as it is definitely an all time favorite.
Yeah…spent the day listening to Park Avenue Player and then finished by reading the last few chapters. Always a relaxing day to sit back and enjoy a story written by Penelope and Vi. They are super talented. This is the story of Hollis who is helping to raise his niece Hailey. He hires Elodie to come and work as the nanny. It is a roller coaster of emotions and so happy I took the time to listen/read today.
Ok so I’ve been trying to come up with the words to give this book the proper review it deserves. But I don’t think I will be able to do that but I am going to give it my best shot. First off Penelope Ward is one of my favorites ever and I will automatically one- click any and all of her books and even though I’ve gotten a later start on Vi Keeland’s books she is definitely on that list as well I just have more to catch up on. And then when these two powerhouses get together can you believe the magic that they put out, if not then apparently you haven’t read one of their books yet and you need too. And Park Avenue Player is the best they have produced and I do not say this lightly!!!! Hollis and Elodie story is absolutely breathtakingly beautiful. But it is also absolutely heartbreakingly beautiful as well. Like if you read this book and it doesn’t reach deep down into your soul and squeeze then something is majorly wrong with you. 10 stars wouldn’t be enough for this book let alone 5!!! If you read just 1 book this entire month read this one!!! I highly highly recommend it!!!!! By Tina
The ladies are at it again. This is up there with Hate Notes as one of my favorite co-written books by Penelope and Vi!! Starts with Elodie who works trying to bust cheaters to their spouses in an ill hated job. Her friend Bree tells her to interview for a Nanny as this is a position that she has been wanting to do. On the way to her interview she has a fender bender with a stuck up jerk….who happens to be HOT….and the man hiring for the nanny job. Elodie does not get the job, but after hounding Hollis, he relents and gives it to her.
Elodie and Hollis’s niece Hailey get along and grow pretty close as does the attraction that Elodie and Hollis feel towards each other. This book is filled with so much laughter, witty banter and some hot times! Loved Bree! She was such a strong character to go through everything that she did and have that outcome. You grow to really love her through the book. Think this was my first tear jerker from Penelope and Vi as well. This book had all the angsty feels. Re-read coming soon!
5+ Stars!!
Park Avenue Player is the latest release by Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland. This dynamic writing team is known for their sexy, sassy, snarky, sizzling hot romance novels. It all began with a sexy Aussie and a fainting goat and has evolved from road tripping to the busy streets of NYC with the Park Avenue Player. They have kept their readers enchanted with their ultra sexy hero’s, sassy leading ladies, and unusual lovable pets.
Hollis LaCroix and Elodie Atlier started off on the wrong foot, or should I say with a fender bender. They were both late for an appointment. The appointment just happened to be with one another. Elodie was interviewing to become the nanny for his eleven year old niece who was quickly entering the TWEEN era. Hollis needs someone who can handle a rebellious tween and sensitive girl. He needs someone who is stable and dependable. His first impression of Elodie is not good and he thinks she’s a bit quirky until he sees her interacting with his impressionable niece.
What begins as a “Nanny” + “Employer” romance evolves into something else entirely.
Park Avenue Player is an emotional story about family, friendship, love, heartache, and every aspect of life. Hollis is an exceptional human beneath his polished surface. Elodie is more than a quirky woman, she is dependable in the most important way. Hollis and Hailey can count on her to be there for them through thick and thin. Together the three of them will find their ” happy” in life. Add a magnificent bird named Huey that Baaas after he meets a certain goat at the vets office and some very endearing friends and Park Avenue Player becomes more than just a typical romance. It becomes an extraordinary story of life and love.
I highly recommend reading Park Avenue Player by Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland. It is their best novel to date!
Wow! If I didn’t love Penelope and Vi enough as it is! I love them even more after reading this book!! Elodie works as a nanny for Hollis. Who has his niece, Hailey! They start off on the wrong foot, but there’s something there just the same. I love the back and forth banter between them. They have chemistry even as they try to deny it. This book had lots of twists and it was a very emotional read, but I loved every minute of it. Read it to find out if they get their happily ever after!
If you can only read one book this year. This is the book.
Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland work their magic better than ever.
This book has it all and more. It will go down as one of my very
favorite books of all time.
Elodie is sweet and kind but her life is dull and boring. She is tired of
her “going nowhere” job. She is looking for a position she can enjoy.
Hollis is a player, after having his heart broken years ago.
He is a sworn bachelor. Famous last words.
Beautifully written book, funny, sweet, tender and emotional.