He’s a player.He plays the bass with expert fingers. He plays women with intoxicating charm. And he’ll play me with the ease of a virtuoso.Who better to teach me to play than the master himself?I’m his model student, front row, pencil sharp. Pick up lines? I’ve got them. Free drinks? By the dozen. Kissing? Let me grab my chapstick.But the most valuable lesson I’ve learned is that there’s so much … I’ve learned is that there’s so much I don’t know. Like why his touch sets off a chain reaction straight to my nethers. Or how I’m certain each kiss is the best I’ll ever have, until the moment his lips take mine again.
There’s so much I don’t know.
Like the fact that I’m only a bet.
But we are what we are. He’s a player, through and through.
And I’m the fool who fell in love with him.
Standalone romantic comedy and part of the Red Lipstick Coalition Series–Val’s story
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4.5 Stars!
LAWD HELP ME BECAUSE SAM!
Val’s crush on Sam gets ridiculous every day but she knows nothing will ever come off of it. A man like Sam cannot be interested in someone like her. But then one day he is talking to her and suddenly he is her friend. Val knows she can’t have Sam but why not learn how to be better at dating from the professional himself?
She might regret it later but spending any time with Sam makes her heart beat wildly and she feels happier than she’s ever had. When it all ends, she’ll hurt but damn if that’ll stop her.
Okay so I am pretty much OBSESSED with Sam and his entire being. I adore how easily he smiled and loved and cherished. He’s a marshmallow that is soft and sweet and pure. Like sure he made a mistake but my man was hella tortured over it ALL THE TIME. He knew he was wrong and he did everything to set it right. Also, every time he talked about Val you could feel his entire life lighting up and IT WAS GLORIOUS. I just really love him and his love for music and Val. *cathartic screams of love*
Val is one amazing goddamn woman. I really adore her but my heart also hurt for her. I understand how hard it can be to love oneself specially when all you see are flaws. I love that she got a partner like Sam to help her and guide her into a place where she could see there was nothing wrong with her. I would have loved it more if she was the one who got there herself but still Val is an exceptional woman and I loved reading her journey.
This story had everything ; heart, mind, soul and passion. The way music is intertwined with the story is mind blowing. You can actually picture them dancing and signing and for me that was such a thrilling and important experience. I adore Staci and her stories with all my heart and I hope I get to read them forever.
Player is one of those super fun and super sexy reads that will have you signing up for swing dance lessons and paying uber close attention to the band – searching for your very own heartthrob musician. But seriously, the second in Staci Harts “Red Lip Stick Coalition” features the vibrant Valerie and fellow musician sexy Sam, a man who she shares an unexpected and amazing connection with. The dialogue is built on some fabulous banter between these two that will make you giggle and blush, and being in Sam’s head , for the most part, will make you swoon.
You’ll know from the blurb that there will be some heartache, but the journey these two take is oh so sweet. As the story takes off we get to know a bit about Val and the issues with her body hold her back in the dating world. Regardless of size this alone makes Val totally relatable. Sam is that ultra handsome guy that everyone crushes on and we’ve all experienced being one of the numbers there. But what I love is that Val musters up the courage to approach Sam and is floored to find him giving her some attention:
“He’d touched my hand. He’d smiled at me. He knew my name. And in my book, that was a win regardless of how much drool it had taken me to get there.”
Now Val is not entirely unconfident, in fact I think she’s rather courageous. She receives Sam’s attentions for what they are and even pushes her comfort levels and shines. For Sam’s part, I loved how he reasons through his ever changing feelings and opinions of Val:
“I was an aficionado of women; I admired them, valued them, appreciated them always. And there was a lot to appreciate about Val.”
I found that once things started rolling between these two I was so immersed and life outside of Player ceased to exist. I just got so caught up in them and what they were experiencing – all the good and bad. The story is perfectly paced and time with the Val and Sam captivated me.
I absolutely adore this series and the most I get to know the ladies, through the way Val reports back to them on Sam and their general input her life, I like them more and more. I really excited for next installment and can’t recommend this enough!
The Player- a wonderful story of love!! Val and Sam are amazing! Staci Hart sends readers on a journey of love, friendship, throws music, passion, fun, caring, a little betrayal into this book!
Val and Sam are part of the orchestra on Broadway! He is attractive, confident! She is awkward with herself. He agrees to help with her confidence, yet he doesn’t know how Val will help him!
The Red Lipstick Coalition girls which is Val’s roommates are this awkward sweet group of best friends who are so supportive and honest with each other! They made me laugh and appreciate friends.
The details of music, NYC, dancing- make you feel like you are there!
Of course there is some angst but this story is seeing the beauty in everyone and knowing how to open yourself to grow with those who love you!!
FANTASTIC, SUPER SWEET, DELICIOUS READ!
Sam is the whole package. I mean, you can’t go wrong having googly eyes for a man like Sam. He’s charismatic, super sweet and is sexy as heck. Sam has never dated, nor does he want to date. He has one night stands, long weekend affairs but that’s about it. He tries not to bed the same girl again either. Once is good enough in his book.
Val, super sweet girl who has a whole sheet of insecurities. But this girl, I absolutely LOVED her! Her pick-up lines were ridiculously hilarious. She might have been quirky and self-conscious and never in a million years thought that she could actually have Sam, let alone speak to him.
But even though Sam wasn’t planning falling for Val, he just couldn’t help it. She had all the best qualities that woman could have and I loved, LOVED the fact that he fell in love with a girl who isn’t a size zero. She had curves, she had a few rolls but what counts is her sense of humor, her loyalty and the way she loves is beyond better than being a size zero.
It was a typical love story that had you flipping those pages faster than you can count. I totally didn’t see myself loving this book the way I did. I seriously think you all should read it because it will leave your heart full of happiness in the end.
But of course we always get a villain in the story and I wish I could grab a stick and whack him across the head. Always someone looking for trouble and causing trouble.
But if it weren’t for Ian causing trouble, I don’t think Val and Sam would have seen how great they were together, nor they probably would have ended up hooking up because of each other’s insecurities. Yeah, Sam had them too but totally different insecurities from what Val had. Point is they fit perfect together.
This is definitely a MUST READ!
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Review How do you know a book will capture your everything (heart, mind, imagination) and not release you, even after the final word? How do you combat the heartache? The insecurities? The emotional response?
No, I’m asking you. I’m asking because once again Staci Hart has managed to manipulate me into believing…I am a trumpet player who has a new affinity for Swing dancing. (P.S. I played clarinet for 6 months and then flute for 5 years. I’m pretty sure I’d be terrible at the trumpet…Plus it’s way more spit than a flute. Yuck! P.P.S. I would totally try Swing but my hubs is allergic to dancing. Or so he says…)
I felt every insecure moment. I empathize with Val on a genetic level. I personally would love my own Sam. (I’m waiting Staci.) I cried at the worst and best times. I mean who wouldn’t. I felt this story in very part of my self. Every one needs a Sam. Not a hero. Not an as$hole. Just a Sam.
A Sam, a swing club, and the best friends you could ever ask for. To the RLC!
4.5 stars
Reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood
Player was pure and utter perfection!! If there is one book you don’t want to miss out on this fall Player is definitely it. I honestly never considered myself a rom com girl but this book changed my tune rather quickly. This funny, sweet, sexy and emotional read had me swooning from the very beginning and reading it straight through in one sitting.
If I had to chose a favorite character from this book I don’t think I could. From Val with her quirky, shy and beautiful personality to Sam, the self-declared playboy with a hidden heart of gold and the equally entertaining and unforgettable members of the Red Lipstick Coalition, I loved them all. Val was the character I could relate to the most and I loved how Sam saw past her insecurities to the amazing woman inside. Both Val and Sam helped each other transform into the amazing individuals neither realized they were and their transformation was quite the sight to behold.
With the perfect combination of comedy, romance, drama, and unforgettable characters Player held me spellbound from the very beginning until the last page. I laughed, teared up and swooned right alongside Val and Sam and can’t wait for Amelia’s story next. If you haven’t meet the ladies of the Red Lipstick Coalition, what are you waiting for?
I’m not sure where to start. And I’m not going to say too much because I just want you to read it for yourself.
This book… this book was funny. This book was super sweet. And this book was sexy and hot, gosh. *Fans oneself*
But all of that aside, this book had some of the greatest messages that every woman needs to hear. This book has the ability to give girls around the world strength and confidence, and I couldn’t ask for much more in a book.
The writing was phenomenal, the characters were so lovable, and the story kept me laughing, but the message.. the message makes the book. YOU NEED THIS BOOK.
NO SPOILERS!
Staci Hart is extraordinarily talented and always writes the best stories, and she has quickly become a top favorite author! Player was a fun, sexy, swoon-worthy standalone romantic comedy, and I absolutely loved it! The storyline and characters were amazing, and I loved the author’s writing style and sense of humor. I have dearly loved everything I’ve read from Staci Hart so far, and I can’t wait to devour more!
The storyline was wonderful and I enjoyed it very much. Staci Hart creates fun and unique storylines you can’t help but love, and the concept for Player was amazing. I loved how she incorporated music and several other aspects into the plot. There were a few parts I didn’t love, and others that were a little predictable, but otherwise Player was an entertaining read from beginning to end.
The characters were excellent. Sam and Val were kind, funny, compassionate, and I couldn’t help but fall in love with them and their story. I loved Sam and Val’s personalities and smoking HOT chemistry together, and how their relationship progressed throughout. I loved reading Player from both Sam and Val’s point of view, and all of their banter and interactions with each other. Most of the secondary characters, with the exception of one, were amazing as well, and I very much enjoyed their addition to the story. Sam and Val’s journey was fun, fresh, and unique, but they had some difficult moments too. However, Staci Hart healed my heart in the end and gave me the conclusion I desperately wanted for these two, and I’d couldn’t have been happier.
Player was another unique, sexy, funny, and swoon-worthy romantic comedy hit from Staci Hart, and I would HIGHLY recommend it! I’ve truly adored every standalone in the Red Lipstick Coalition series so far, and I’m so excited for the next one, Booked!
This story is just another reason why I freaking love this author. She always gives her readers a classic tale with that Staci Hart one of a kind twist! She seriously writes some of the best books EVER and I have yet to be disappointed by one.
Player is a sexy, fun and all around swoon-worthy romantic comedy that ROMCOM fans will LOVE. Not only was the character development on point (as always), but the storytelling captivated me right from the beginning and oh my goodness I did not want to put this one down, not even for a second. Oh and the humorous tone in this story was such a nice touch. Sam and Val’s personalities had be intrigued and their chemistry was H-O-T! I absolutely adored how their relationship played out and how it progressed throughout. There was just so much to love!
Readers make sure to one-click your copy of Player by Staci Hart today and discover the greatness behind the new standalone in the Red Lipstick Coalition series!
I adore Staci Hart’s dynamic, sassy and distinctive voice and her unique, authentic characters, and she’s at her best in Player. It’s a refreshing, sensual and poignant romance, but what makes it truly stand out is Hart’s commitment to delivering a story of female empowerment and self-acceptance that leaves the reader feeling invigorated, optimistic and downright happy.
The heroine, Val, struggles with low self-confidence and poor body image, and she’s adorably awkward around men, especially Sam. He’s a fellow musician in the orchestra pit of a big production musical, and he’s sexy, gorgeous, talented, nice and a player. She has an epic crush on him, so when he suddenly offers to give her lessons in flirting, she leaps at the opportunity, while also resigning herself to just being friends. What she doesn’t realize is that Sam’s offer was instigated by a bet, although he does genuinely like her and is wildly attracted to her. Sam doesn’t do relationships or want to hurt her, but he finds himself increasingly in a quandary when he can no longer resist her. She continually surprises him and is slowly chipping away at the walls around his heart, and he helps her to realize how amazing she is — just the way she is. Player is a potent blend of sweet, sexy, funny and emotional, and it is an absolute joy to read.
Recommendation appeared @ USA Today’s Happy Ever After on October 9, 2018
ARC provided, but this review was voluntarily and honestly written.
Get ready to go nuts over Player because this book was rom/com gold. I cannot even begin to convey how much I adored Val and Sam. The plot, the chemistry, the humor, it was just all spot on.
Get comfortable for a bit, because I’m about to shamelessly gush over how much I loved Val. She was perfection. There was honestly not one thing I didn’t love about her. I’m going to get real for a second about why I connected to her so much. As a curvy girl I’ve lived her struggle for most of my adult life. Self doubt can creep in and it can gets hard sometimes, but the way she pushed through insecurities had me mentally yelling, Yes girl, you deserve it all, you are worthy and beautiful and as bold as that red lip stick you wear. Like I said before she was perfect.
I was equally smitten with Sam. Staci writes the best “good men” and I am a sucker for good men in books. I loved how he saw Val for who she was. He helped her find that bit of confidence she needed and he found some in himself as well. He truly is perfect book boyfriend material.
These two together were adorably awkward , sexy, and just plain fun to read. These kind of stories are always make me so happy, and exactly why I love to read. It’s great to find a book that speaks to you, it’s even better when you find an author that can do that constantly through her stories. Hart is certainly that for me. Bravo, I absolutely loved it.
Gahhhh incredible, just incredible.
Oh gosh, I’m not even sure where to begin right now except a wow because this book was simply amazing! I don’t think I’ve come across a storyline like this, I mean once a bet is made it’s inevitable that it’s gonna come out but this wasn’t your typical bet kind of story, it was so different. Yes it was heartbreaking and sad but there’s so much behind everything and that makes you feel all the feels and your eyes begin to water and damn. This book battered me with all the feels.
Val and Sam were everything I hoped they’d be and more.
Val isn’t your typical main character. She’s beautiful and curvy and I absolutely love that. Growing up was difficult and it’s put a huge dent on her confidence but she doesn’t let that stop her. She’s strong and an amazing woman through and through.
Sam is handsome and can rock any kind of instrument. He’s a player and knows it. Seeing the one woman that makes him feel the slightest feeling has him set on protecting her from him and any other man.
Watching Sam and Val is an experience and a half. Their relationship is strange but fun and I love every single second of it. I loved their journey, their happiness and heartbreak, I loved how much passion they have for music and I just loved them.
Second chance romances are my absolute favourite especially when it’s mastered the way Staci Hart did. Fun, sexy and a hint of angst, this book was the perfect mixture.
Staci Hart did an absolute fabulous job on this book. It had me invested from the get go and I just couldn’t get enough.
It started as a bet so his friend can stay away, then they were friends and then they fell in love. Val and Sam were the cutest that had a slow built but it got there. Val always had a crush on Sam but she didn’t think she was good enough. Her self esteem was low. But what she didn’t know was Sam also had a crush on her and has always noticed her. But he thought she was too good and too sweet for him.
How wrong were these two. It started out as a cute friendship and then feelings got involved and then heartache. When she found out in the reasoning why Sam approached her imagine what it did to her low self esteem. It was heartbreaking. But she wasn’t going to let that break her and Sam fought for her when he realized the real reason behind everything all along. You never do know someone completely.
They got their HEA which they clearly deserved. Her friends were awesome and were great secondary characters. Very cute read.
“You see it as a flaw. I see it as honest. It’s you. And I want you just as you are. Every tiny freckle on your nose. Every curl on your head. Every soft place on your body. You call them flaws. I call it a signature. Because there is no one like you, not in the whole world. And I will love ever curve until you realize you love them too.”
It should be no surprise to you, nor is it a surprise to me, that Player by Staci Hart is my favorite ROMANCE OF THE YEAR! It’s hard to continue writing this review because I don’t think I could ever do it justice. I kinda feel that way with everything that Staci writes because everything she gives us is PURE MAGIC! The writing is impeccable. These characters, oh my, these characters are LIFE! The imagery is just incredible. The plot? It was absolutely addicting and so full of meaning and heart. The journey…well, that was just unforgettable.
Sam and Val (and the entire gang) are some of my most favorite characters that I’ve ever had the joy of reading about. The banter, the loyalty, the pep talks, it was just all amazing. I’ve never wanted to jump through the pages of a book so bad! Player is EVERYTHING you could ever want in a love story. Sam and Val had this undeniable connection…they just made me feel everything. They gave me hope. They made me smile. They made me laugh and it wouldn’t be a Staci Hart romance unless I shed a tear or two. Ugh! I could go on and on about these characters but I want, no, I need you to experience everything you possibly can for yourself.
This book was an easy choice for my TOP FAVORITE, and it wasn’t just because the romance blew me away (which it SO did). It’s because this is so much MORE. I didn’t know reading a book in this genre could teach me so much, help me gain confidence, make me want MORE out of everything. Val and her #squadgoals makes me want to be brave. Staci Hart makes me want to be brave. She’s an inspiration, along with the characters she has brought to life. I can’t wait to see what greatness she brings us next!
4.5 Stars
I always know I’m in for a good time when I pick up a Staci Hart book and Player had so many things to love. Sam the male lead is a sexy musician. I have a soft spot for sexy musicians and Sam is extremely sexy. Then you have Val, the female lead. She’s a member of the Red Lipstick Coalition (RLC), which I found particularly awesome. She’s independent and strong despite her body image hangups. Add in a fake relationship, a bet, a slow build romance that is sexy and full of passion and lots of amazing witty dialogue and this is the exact kind of book that makes you feel excited in all the right ways. The awesomeness does not stop there, because we also get the perfect amount of angst and secondary characters I adored. Some of my favourite books involve men who don’t do relationships and women who think they go unnoticed. This book was pure, unadulterated magic for me.
Well I can’t decide if I hate these characters or if they are my absolute favorite…
Val is conquering her dream job on Broadway. She is just missing the relationship and has a huge crush on Sam.
Sam is another player in the band on Broadway. He is the definition of a player. His best friend Ian makes a bet with him to date Val. It’s not a good one either. Each guy is kind of a douchebag from the beginning.
Over the course of the relationship, we see a new side to Sam. He wants to protect Val all the time.
It’s a good solid foundation to the start of an amazing relationship but not everyone is happy for the pair.
People are mean and cruel buy Val stays true to herself. She is the best character I think this author has ever written. I love this story and would highly recommend it for any romance lovers…
4.5 stars
My, this book was fun. I understand Val so much.. body insecurities are tough, super tough.. and I felt Val every step of the way. Wanting the confidence, the assuredness to put oneself out there.
Sam’s behaviour was.. interesting. I adored how he wanted to bring out all the good things in Val, make her be confident in herself and see the great things that he saw in her. Some behaviour of his I was a little less agreeable with, but okay. Not everyone is all perfect, and his reasoning was alright, as were his excuses. Overall I really, truly enjoyed this story. And a great continuation of the Red Lipstick Coalition. I cannot WAIT for Amelia’s story now!!!
The beauty and importance of music throughout was absolutely beautiful. Ms. Hart really manages to feature various kinds of art forms in this series.
*4,5 stars*
Every time I read a book by Staci Hart, I can’t help but fall in love with the story. She’s definitely become one of my favorite authors and a one-click certainty! I really enjoyed this fun, romantic and playful book; definitely different than what I’ve read before. Val and Sam were just perfect and when reading you couldn’t help but feel the emotions they were going through. I can’t wait for the next one!
Val doesn’t really think much of herself and she’s always had a big crush on Sam but never acted on it. When Sam makes a stupid choice that he’s regretting he took but goes ahead with anyway, there’ll be even a world for both of them that goes open. Even though Sam isn’t a relationship guy, the more he gets to know Val, the more he seems to be falling for her. They are having fun together and Sam seems to be helping Val in all kind of ways.
Will Val finally see her own worth and will Sam finally open up to her?…
Staci is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. She writes about real people with real life issues and insecurities and I just love her characters.
This was so much more than a romance, it was the continuing friendship between the four girls of the Red Lipstick Coalition Val, Katherine, Rin and Amelia. I love the girls they are so funny they come up with and say the absolute strangest but best things!! It was the building friendship between Sam and Val that slowly turned to so much more.
Val is a musician on Broadway and she has a huge crush on Sam the bass player. But Val thinks she is way out of his league. Sam notices that Val has a crush on him and so does his friend Ian. One thing leads to another and somehow Ian has challenged him to a bet involving Val, wanting to protect Val from Ian he accepts.
Val with her body insecurities (know how many times I have worried about my back fat) yeah I can relate. Sam doesn’t see her like that he thinks she is beautiful with all her curves.
I love the path that the story takes especially that music and dancing play a huge part. They were just magic together, from start to finish Staci had me smiling! Both learning thru each that they both deserve so much more for themselves then they think. Her family was amazing so loyal and funny and his parents!!
There were some laugh out loud moments with all of Val’s hilarious pick-up lines. One in particular moment while they were walking down the sidewalk while eating hot dogs and she said she’d been thinking about blowjobs and what men really like and Sam chokes on his hot dog!!
As always, the writing is exceptional, Staci has such a way with words they just flow so beautifully. Next book please!!
*** ARC Received for Honest Review ***
5 stars
My heart is so happy right now. What a wonderful book. I had no idea how much I missed these characters until I was reading about them again.
Val is a wonderfully awkward musician with all of the insecurities a woman has about her body. Sam is the hot as sin playboy who only sees all of the beauty in Val’s curves.
I loved Sam’s determination to want to be the one to single handedly make Val understand her own incredibly beauty and self worth. You are reminded of the great importance of self confidence and how a lot of our insecurities are all about our perception.
I gobbled up every word and every page never wanting to leave the world that Staci has created. It’s so much fun. And after reading the sneak peek into the next book I know it is going to be just as amazing; it can’t get here quick enough. (Review by Terri “Jane”)