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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Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward truly are the dynamic due for romance.
I have yet to read anything by them that I haven’t absolutely loved, and Park Avenue Player is no exception.
Meet Elodie. Hot mess extraordinaire, well at least when it comes to driving. Strong willed, heart of gold, smart-ass. Nanny.
Meet Hollis. Stressed out billionaire with an unexpected, permanent house guest. Battling silent heartbreak, this man is quite the puzzle.
Their story is wrapped in mind [read: panty] games, misplaced anger, unwanted jealousy, angst, and plenty of heat.
I thought I had this storyline figured out within the first few chapters. Let me tell you that I was WRONG! There is quite an expected plot twist, but it just makes the book that much better.
This just proves how much versatility these authors can put into their romance novels together.
I loved this book.
And as always from my reviews, my top quotes of the book:
“I was madder at myself that Elodie. I’d caused this. Why? Because I was impulsive, horny, selfish – and a goddamn panty snatcher apparently.”
“This woman – she was Eve, and that ass was my shiny apple.”
“There are some people who come into our lives and take a little piece of our hearts when they go. So they’ll always have that love with them. But the heart is resilient and will eventually heal itself. Though the new heart isn’t the same as the old heart, and that’s why we never love two people the same way.”
What a marvellous surprise! Ward and Keeland have gone to town with Park Avenue Player and given their readers an unforgettable romance with touches of humour, tearful passages and a good dose of angst thrown into the story to boot. I’d even go so far as saying this is the best stand-alone they’ve written together. The spotless writing flowed smoothly throughout, and the original plot kept me stuck to the pages from beginning to end.
“I‘ve been telling you to quit that job for a year.”
“Yeah, I guess I just needed some time.”
Love, love, loved the heroine! Her ‘smashing’ start had me chuckling to myself and although I could see what was coming, I couldn’t help rubbing my hands with glee when it actually occurred. Elodie Atelier’s job is an unusual one that’s burnt her out and a much-needed change could just be the answer. Have to mention her boss Soren, ‘cause his witty comebacks were something else. But he’s all for backing her new venture up. Hmm…you know when something goes dreadfully wrong, it’s no fault of your own but you want to put it right? Well, Elodie did just that. Also, she kinda made an impression on the man who would have her future plans in his hands, no pun intended!
“I like honesty. And beauty is the biggest lie of them all. People look at you, see the outside, and assume the inside is a match. But a mirror doesn’t show who you are.”
Gorgeous, emotionally untouchable and testy, Hollis LaCroix virtually tries to ignore Elodie. As long as she takes care of his niece which I might add, she does beyond his expectations, he thinks the less he sees of her, the better. They have their reasons for shying away from commitments in regards to relationships and Elodie doesn’t want to overstep the mark for fear of losing her new job. Young Hallie is at that age where she needs guidance and she gets it in abundance from her new nanny.
“See? Sometimes it’s nice to do different.”
“Believe me, my life has been different from the moment Hailey landed at my door.”
Ward and Keeland certainly have a thing for animals! Remember Chance and his fainting goat in Cocky Bastard? Well, I can’t tell you how pleased I was to see their cameo appearance.
“…Pixy here…well, he fainted. He does that from time to time when he’s startled.”
This time around the authors have given us an irritating feathered variety which won’t shut up much to Hollis’ dismay. It’s all neatly tied to Hollis’ past, a past that’ll come back to bite him where it hurts the most. I’d rather not go into more details but just when I thought the protagonists’ present was looking rosy, the authors dropped a bombshell leaving me speechless.
“Does that drive your uncle nuts?”
“Pretty much.”
The story is well-thought-out, very character-driven and to be honest, I simply couldn’t find fault with it. And Bree, Elodie’s bestie…I have no words to describe how her generosity affected me. I was in the midst of a dreadful book hangover and Ward and Keeland’s offering quickly solved my problem. Mixed with flirty banter, plenty of ‘you shouldn’t have but you did’ naughty scenes and sensible dialogue, makes this book an unputdownable one! My recommendation…read it! Bravo to you both!
‘It wasn’t like there was proper etiquette for stealing back your lingerie from a panty thief.’
“I love you so fucking much. And I’m sorry if that freaks you out a little, but it’s the truth, and I thought you should know.”
Seriously Penelope & Vi… your books are just the absolute BEST!!!!
How do they do it. Because the books they keep bringing out I read them and fall in love with the Hero more and more.
Hollis & Elodie their first encounter is when they have a little car accident. She’s like it was all his fault and Hollis is like it’s all her fault haha. Oh I did laugh because she thinks he’s an arsehole and he thinks she’s hot but is annoyed that ‘she caused the damage to his car’ lol. Things are exchanged and then she leave as she has an appointment to get to and he has to wait for a tow.
They think they’ll never see eachother again… But they will… and very soon haha.
I loved Hollis’s story even though it was a sad one I felt so sorry for him when he loses them. He then loses someone and it turns him into the person his is… a player. He does it so he doest ever get his heart broken again.
I loved Elodie too she was amazing. Her story is a little bit sad aswell. But she made me laugh with the game she played with Hollis haha. Once you read the story you’ll know what I’m talking about.
I loved every second of this story from start to finished I couldnt put it down. I knew eventually it would get to a part in the story where I’d be like WTH.. let me tell you I didnt see it coming. Then it all makes sense. But I did actually say ‘What the hell’ lol.
I laughed, cried sad and happy tears, swooned, hand on heart moments and seriously hot scenes where I said OH MY GOD a few times lol.
Well done Penelope & Vi for yet another amazing book xx
Sexy and fun! And I love the sexual tension between Elodie & Hollis!
As always with Penelope and Vi’s books once I pick one up I can’t put it down and Park Avenue Player was no different.
You really can’t imagine a worse day than to have a fender bender with a super arrogant but gorgeous guy, give him lots of sass only to find that he is the person hiring you for a job that you really want. Elodie has to sit through an excruciating interview with Hollis as he shoots down every argument that she is suitable to be his niece’s nanny.
As Elodie takes a breather in the lobby of the building she accidently meets Hailey, Hollis’s niece. After chatting with her she feels a connection and wants to help the young girl to navigate life with her uncle so she finally persuades him to give her the job.
Immediately the attraction between Hollis and Elodie sizzles but as both were badly hurt in previous relationships neither wants to try again. They indulge in lots of flirting and after a hilarious game involving Elodie’s underwear she realizes that she more with him. Though Hollis is going crazy wanting Elodie he tells her there can be nothing between them. That’s until Elodie goes on a date!
Just as you think that everything is working out for them Hollis’s past collides with Elodie’s present, and everything between them is suddenly blown apart. I have to say that I was going along just enjoying this fun romp and I was totally floored by this ending. Penelope and Vi lull you into a false sense of security then drop this totally unexpected ending on you, which goes to show what incredible writers these two are. Brilliantly done ladies!
This is a definite not to be missed story.
What will the end game be when two broken hearts are on the line?
Authors Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland give you many reasons to believe modern day prince charming’s do indeed exist. Together these two authors are combustible as they create real, raw, gut wrenching, heart pounding, pulse pumping storylines! Their sinfully sexy book boyfriends, badass heroines and unique storylines give the trifecta effect, all together, they’ll grab you by the heart, mind, and soul and make you hold on long after you’ve finished reading them. After all they say when ‘you’re feeling, you’re living’ and boy do they make you feel EVERY word and emotion!
I just finished reading their newest co-written book, Park Avenue Player and I’m begging for more! Elodie and Hollis, the two main characters have built a flirty dance around their chemistry because past relationships burnt them in the worst ways. In order to protect themselves, they’ve built these walls and rules not expecting anyone to crumble them down and be the exception.
Love is like a storm though, it can either destroy you or make you stronger. As you read page by page, you’ll find out if they’ll restore fate in relationships and take a risk or if they’re walls stay up as armor forever in Park Avenue Player?
I’m left here in awe with my eyes closed reliving what just swallowed me up whole in Park Avenue Player. I highly recommend this brilliantly written book as your next read!
Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland writing duo is an absolute auto buy for me, always amazing writing and storylines!!
From start to finish this story flowed perfectly and what an incredible ride, there was so many levels to this book lots of humor, it was fun and sexy, along with all the emotions that these two authors love to deliver.
I really loved Elodie and Hollis, they had ridiculous banter and some fierce chemistry.
The secondary characters just complemented and added to the storyline.
It was told in a dual POV with an amazing epilogue. This is undoubtedly my very favorite Vi and Penelope co-write book. These two just create magic together effortlessly. There is not one thing about this story that I did not absolutely LOVE!!! One of the best books I have read in 2019!
Wow what an amazing story from the incredibly talented writing team, Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland. This cocky player stole my heart from the beginning even when he was being his brutey self from chapter 1! Elodie is by far the most perfect best friend, nurturing person you will want for life. Hollis has taken in his 11 year old niece and is in need of a nanny. Elodie’s best friend happens to find a nanny position available in the city. Hollis & Elodie literally crash into each other and sparks fly. But it’s the humor, banter, awkward moments, lol sexually tense moments, and the fun between Hollis & Elodie that make this book. It also is emotional and beautiful in the genuine love that Hollis shows his niece and in how much Elodie loves her best friend Bree, then how Hollis & Elodie allow themselves to fall in love with each other. This book is truly about genuine love and what we will do, unconditionally, for those that mean the most to us, and how we have to survive our fears of the unknown in all aspects of our lives or we aren’t really living. This is such a great story!!!
This book is awesome. I love all of Vi and Penelope’s books anyway but this one went a step beyond. Hollis and Elodie’s story had so many twists and turns and the I don’t want to spoil anything but there is a twist that I did not see coming and it was a big one. It had all the feels!! As always the writing is on point and the tension and chemistry between the two of them was obvious from their first meeting. Hollis is closed off by a previous heartbreak but underneath he really wants someone to love and he is h.o.t. and a dirty talker, which I love. Elodie is gorgeous, outspoken and has an equally closed off heart. Together they are something else. This is a definite must read and I can’t wait for the next book by Vi and Penelope because they just seem to get better and better.
***a review copy was provided by the authors***
Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland have done it again!
I always get so excited when these two release a book! The characters are fun, funny and realistic. One exciting part of this story was that the hero was taking care of his niece, much like a single father, and it was nice to see a stand-up male parental figure.
The story had me gripped from page 1! Definitely well worth it!
This story was able to shatter my heart and string it back together with all the beautifully rendered moments of tender emotions and smile-inducing banter. I love the feel of an enemies-to-lovers story because it’s so much fun watching the two characters fight their growing feelings for one another. The attraction, the feelings, the laughs, the wicked heat? It’s what makes this book the perfect binge-read. Hollis is an unwilling participant in this two-way attraction and it’s understandable given his history with love. However, he is the prime candidate any woman would want as he is quite literally a gentleman in every way (if a tad overzealous in his sexual….urges, but in a hilariously deviant way I assure you)! Elodie is bright, courageous, sassy, and sweet. She gives her all without even trying and her compassion is the catalyst to Hollis’s attempts to remain unaffected by her charm. The slow burn of this romance? Worth each turn of the page until the pages go up in flame!
There is also the addition of a third main character-Hollis’s niece Hailey, which only enhanced each aspect of the plot. Seeing the challenges Hollis experienced as an unexpected guardian to this funny, kind, and spirited teenager was a riot. Elodie was the necessary equation to this formula for giving a girl a much needed mother figure. The interactions between them separately and together are some of the most treasured bits.
Let’s not forget the twists and turns. The OMG moments that these two authors always provide. I still cannot get over them. I still think about the tears this book caused. As usual, in a good way, but you’ll have to read to understand. I’m not jesting….I simply loved this heartwarming story.
Why oh why does the jerk who she got into a fender bender with have to be the man who ends up interviewing her for a job she really wants? Elodie doesn’t know, but it’s clear as soon as Hollis sees her that he’s not going to give her a fair chance, even if his assistant forces him to actually interview her. But thanks to Elodie’s own less than pristine past, she just may be the right woman for the job of nannying Hollis’ niece. And the right woman to give his heart to?
I LOVE Hollis and Elodie together! They’re all snark and matching witty barbs on the outside, and pain and scars on the inside, especially Hollis. I love how Elodie’s feisty, tell it like it is, take no prisoners personality is the perfect match for Hollis’ uptight, rather pretentious personality, and how she takes him out of his own head when he needs it. And most of all, I love that the authors once again did not take the easy way out, they put their characters through the paces and make them experience heartbreak, take them out of the usual run of the mill romance box. No, Park Avenue Player is definitely not the norm, and I applaud that. It makes Hollis and Elodie much more realistic, and makes their story all the more memorable for it. This is one I won’t soon forget, made me shed a few tears, and definitely made me fall in love with both these characters and all their pain.
ARC via authors. Also purchased ebook via Amazon.com.
5 Stars!!!
I’m in love. In love with this story, in love with Hollis and Elodie.
This writing duo has done it again and have managed to top themselves in writing an unforgettable tale.
It has everything I’ve come to enjoy from their writing – hilarious moments, sexy chemistry and witty natural banter between its characters.
Their story was quite emotional and though-provoking.
I think they’ve done a fantastic job with this one and it’s sure to become a favorite for many. Recommended!
Omg! This book is everything
Talk about an emotional roller coaster!! This newest release by this awesome duo is absolutely amazing! I think it may be their best compilation yet! I love the build up between Hollis and Elodie!! Their chemistry was so hot I thought they might combust!! And I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop because things were going way too smoothly but I never could’ve seen what was coming!! Such a heartbreaking and heartwarming read at the same time! It had me laughing and then almost in tears and then left me so very happy at the end! Definitely 5+ stars for me!! I highly recommend this!
This book completely wrecked me. I was not prepared for the emotional roller coaster this story took me on. My heart will never be the same after this beautifully touching read that will take you through all your emotions and so much more. This story is seriously unputdownable with a twist ending that you will not see coming.
“But it felt good to feel a little spark from my blackened heart. Like maybe it isn’t dead after all.”
Ah Hollis I freaking loved everything about him. He’s closed off and broody but deep down he’s so romantic and sweet. He’s also possessive in the most delicious ways. He tries so hard to keep himself closed off behind all the many walls he’s built. But slowly the more time he spends with Elodie she chips away at his walls. Their slow burn romance is complete fire. The games they play with each other are like a sensual never-ending game of foreplay that builds and builds until it reaches peak levels of melt your kindle heat. I could not get enough of it.
“I was madder at myself than Elodie. I’d caused this. Why? Because I was impulsive, horny, selfish—and a goddamn panty snatcher, apparently. ”
Elodie was amazing. She’s smart and funny with a huge heart. She knows that she’s drop dead gorgeous but she doesn’t want to be noticed for that reason. She too has walls that she has built due to her cheating douche of an ex. But when she meets Hollis she feels this undeniable connection. Even though he gives her whip lash with his back and forth. She is playful with him and he most definitely needs that in his life. They help each other come to terms with what has caused each of them to build walls and keep others out. They are exactly what the other needs.
“I giggled. “Frankie was fifteen.” He snuggled into my neck. “Don’t care. What’s mine is mine, and I don’t like to think of it belonging to anyone else, before or after me.”
This story was so much more than I expected it to be. Penelope and Vi will take a hold of your heart and keep it until the very last page. This book gutted me I laughed, I cried, I got pissed off. If taboo reads are your thing with twist endings that will grab ahold of you and not let go, then this book is for you. You will not be disappointed. Read this but fair warning be close to tissues you will need them.
So I went into this book totally blind, didn’t read the blurb or know anything about the storyline and I’m so glad I did, it was fantastic. I loved Hollis and absolutely adored Elodie and Hailey just made it even better. I didn’t know what to expect out of this book, but I definitely wasn’t disappointed.
Hello Hollis!!!! I was smitten with Hollis and Elodie’s story. They were both such fun characters especially Elodie. She was such a ballsy girl who didn’t give a shit about how she spoke or who she spoke to. That girl spoke her mind and that to me, is one tough cookie.
Even though Elodie and Hollis got off on a bad start, they managed to figure out how to get along especially when Hollis saw how well Elodie got along with his niece so that scored Elodie brownie points to get the nanny position that he was hiring for.
Elodie found Hollis very attractive and even though they both loved to play the cat and mouse game with each other, they knew one of them was bound to end up hurt if they continued playing these flirty games. It had to come to an end and either be special in each other’s lives or move on and find love elsewhere.
This book had me at HELLO! I think by far Elodie and Hollis are my favorite characters from this magnificent author duo.
Ugh. I. Cant. Even.
Like seriously?!
How do these authors do this?
They literally steal a part of my heart everytime they write a book.
This book was beyonf amazing, i have no words. Well no words to do it justice. Amazing doesn’t even cut it.
Elodie and Hollis was out of this world, i loved everything about them. Them meeting, their banter, the chemistry, just everything.
Elodie was witty and amazing, she had put up with alot in a short space of time and then she comes crashing into Hollis’ life. Quite literally! LOL!
Hollis bless him, he was not ready for the whirlwind that was Elodie, just a normal day and then he meets Elodie who puts him on his a**e.
This book was seriously just something. It’s a book that needs to be read to fully get what I’m saying.
Park Avenue Player is just like any other book by Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland. It’s amusing, sexy, funny, heartfelt and just soo emotional. And it’s so freaking hot.
This writing duo always makes me fall in love with their characters, and this time it was no different. Elodie, Hollis and Hailey just stole my heart. Penelope and Vi managed to develop the characters, their life and their story so perfectly, it felt real and I loved that. It’s just the perfect story about love and family. I also loved the whole dynamic of this book. The characters and their life are unique and so is their storyline. Elodie and Hollis were just really easy to fall in love with. The chemistry between those two was over the top. It was sweet and really fun to read their story. And I couldn’t help to also fall in love with Hailey.
Park Avenue Player is just the perfect combination between love, lust, angst, fun and family. Definitely another great book by this writing duo.
Another winner from Vi and Penelope, and probably one of their best!
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.