★★★★★ “… it was all so sublime…”
I moonlight at Ma Maison as an escort to pay for Mom’s pricey psych treatments. Beautiful, broken billionaires pay ungodly sums of money to be with me because I’m empathic — I feel in my own body what they feel in theirs. I can heal what broke them.
When gorgeous high stakes poker player Dylan McAlister hires me, my empathic ability returns with a fury. I … McAlister hires me, my empathic ability returns with a fury. I feel the emotions that torment him. His shame roots in my belly. His heartache compresses my chest. His fear stabs me in my back. It’s overwhelming, it’s excruciating, but I can’t abandon him — I’m falling in love with him.
Will I help Dylan McAlister heal? Or will I break him beyond repair — just like the first boy I feel in love with?
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★★★★★ “If Sierra Simone and Skye Warren had a book baby it would be PLAYER.“ USA TODAY Bestselling author Samanthe Beck
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21st CENTURY COURTESAN is a sexy, dark, addictive SERIES. These books are NOT stand alones. Read in this order: PLAYER #1 * MOVIE STAR #2 * BELOVED #3 * HUSBAND #4.
★★★★★ “…breath-taking, beautiful, and brilliant. A must-read…” USA TODAY bestselling author Maggie Marr
21st Century Courtesan is a romantic psychological thriller series filled with love, lust, family loyalty, deceit, revenge, and all the sweet little things in life worth killing for…
PRAISE
★★★★★ “…original, suspenseful, mysterious, sexy, and dramatic…a captivating read….” Angela – Goodreads
★★★★★ “… it was all so sublime. There was love and drama as well as a darkness that will thrill you…” Sarah – Goodreads
★★★★★ “This book grabbed me from the first page and didn’t let go until the last page. I easily gave up all of my day to blaze through this one…” Ashleigh – Goodreads
★★★★★ “I actually finished this book in one sitting, I couldn’t put it down.” Michelle Austin
★★★★★ “I am ADDICTED!” Liz Vrchota
Buckle up, baby! 1-Click PLAYER and immerse yourself in the 21st Century Courtesan world today!
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Player: 21st Century Courtesan Book 1 written by Pamela DuMond. Players is a quick read about Evie and her empath ability. The story is told from Evie’s point of view and centers around her life, her choices and her newest admirer, except she doesn’t know who it is and they are scaring her by leaving notes and other things laying around, like in her locked apartment. I will say there story at the beginning and then at the end when they make a comeback makes you wonder what’s going to happen next. You really want to see if anything comes out of seeing Easton even if he does despise her.
Player (21st Century Courtesan Book 1)
By Pamela Dumond
Ok so I didn’t know what I was getting into when I started to read this book. Let me tell you it wasn’t long before I couldn’t put the book down. What we have here is not your normal romance book, which was a nice break away from our everyday romance stories. So, we have Evie who is a teacher, Dylan who is the son of a church leader who has left the church. Evie has most of her life looked after her mom who suffers from mental health issues and her younger sister. But now with mounting bills, Evie decided she needs to earn extra money. One of her friends suggests that she becomes an escort at first, she says no but now she is buried under a mass of bills and decides to join her friend at Ma Maison Agency. Evie had no idea that she would be such a good escort. Enter Dylan one of the agencies clients. There was an instant spark between Evie and Dylan but was falling in love with him in her plans? Dylan was not having any luck at the poker tables and is hoping Evie who he sees as his lucky charm will change things at the tables for him. What I liked about this book was that the story just flowed and that’s what made it an easy and enjoyable read. If book one is this good, I think we are in for a good series.
PLAYER by Pamela DuMond is the first book in the 21st Century Courtesan series. The story follows Evie who works as a kindergarten teacher by day and an escort at night. I was not sure what to think before I started the book was pleasantly surprised. Evie is a well developed character who has good reasons for the second job she holds. She has standards and is not a common prostitute. She meets Dylan, who she is attending poker events with as a lucky charm. The two have an irresistible pull towards each other. Their relationship causes Evie to reevaluate her treatment of her clients. I do not want to give too much away so will stop with describing the story.
The characters are well written and I enjoyed the various settings. It was an interesting take on the competitive poker games. We all see what happens on television but behind the scenes is different. I liked that there was a bit of suspense thrown in as well. The story kept me involved and curious as to what would happen with the characters. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
PLAYER (21st Century Courtesan Book 1)
By Pamela DuMond
As soon as I started reading this book I could not put it down. I found this story to be intriguing and riveting. I loved reading about Evie and Dylan. Evie is a high paid escort and a teacher, and I loved her character. There is definitely a lot of chemistry between her and Dylan. Dylan is a broken man and needs healing and Evie might be the only one who can heal him. What will happen between them? What will happen when someone starts stalking Evie? This book will take you on an emotional journey you won’t want to miss. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series. I highly recommend this book.
I give PLAYER (21st Century Courtesan Book 1) by Pamela Dumond, 4 stars.
Evie is an escort that gets paid lots of money to help men with their problems. But it wasn’t always this way. She needed money fast so she did what she had to take care of her mom and sister. This is the story of when things finally turned for her. It all started with Dylan. A man who wanted a girl on his arm for the high stakes poker tournament. But what he needed was much more than that. He was broken and empath Evie was just the girl to help him. She had to at least try, didn’t she? Was he also going to steal her heart in the process?
This was quite an interesting book. I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect since this author is new to me. It was incredible. As soon as I started it, I could not put it down. Evie is such an intriguing main character. An empathic escort is something that I never even heard of in a book and this was refreshing to me. Some story angles have been done man times, but this on definitely breaks the mold. The story grips you from the start. There is heartache — deep rooted grief and heartache. But there is also fun and laughter. And hot and heavy scenes too. I cannot wait to see what the next book has in store. Evie is a new favorite character of mine.
If you like romances on the edgy side, with a bit of darkness thrown in, this book is for you.
Player by Pamela Dumond
4 Stars
Evie Berlinger is a kindergarten teacher by day, escort by night. Evie had a whirlwind of a childhood where she learned to suppress her empathic abilities. Now that she’s all grown up, she realizes that she can use this “power” to heal her clients. These men pay enormous amounts of money to the Ma Maison Agency just to be with her.
Though the blurb on the back of the book speaks of four different clients, this book mainly focuses on one in particular; Dylan McAlister. I’m assuming each book in the series surrounds a client in particular. Dylan is swoon worthy. Him being a gambler kind of turned me off a little but other than that, he’s the man. I believe he’s also good for Evie and I would like to see them together in the end. This story is about Evie becoming who she was meant to be and believing in herself. Dylan helps her with that and more. There is a bit of drama with Glenn (the pervert), some mystery with her fan (stalker?) and many sizzling moments with Dylan. There were a few parts that I found a little long but the story overall kept me interested to keep reading.
There is not a happy ending. This story is a part of Evie’s life. I’m interested to see what will happen with her next client and curious to find out who her fan is. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
Player is the first book in the 21st Century Courtesan series by Pamela DuMond and my first book by this author. I will admit the blurb is what caught my eye and it didn’t disappoint. The book started a little slow but you need to understand where Evie’s life took a turn. By halfway, I couldn’t put this book down because things just took a turn and I wanted to know what was going to happen next. Evie and Dylan were so comfortable with one another that I can see why Evie didn’t want to go back to her life in Chicago. Now, I have so many questions that I need the next book ASAP!
Player (21st Century Courtesan) by Pamela DuMond is a five star novel. I am a poker player and it was really fun to read a book that has poker as a part of the story. Also, hearing someone describe their view on other people’s tells was also great to read about. I loved how he analyzed her while he was working her up to have his way with her. Evie is a high end escort but not the kind that sleeps with her clients. She always makes sure to keep that separate, until she meets Dylan. He keeps her at arms length first but then realizes that neither of them can stay away from the other. Evie works to help men who are aging a difficult time to heal. After growing up with a rough life and something she feels guilty for, she knows she needs to help these men so that maybe she can heal herself as well.
Player by Pamela DuMond a royal flush of a five-star read. This is the first novel in the 21st Century Courtesan series and my first from this author and I can’t wait to sink my teeth into book 2. I don’t know hat I loved most about this one, it was all so sublime. There was love and drama as well as a darkness that will thrill you. This is one of those reads that you will read the surface and then pick up the undercurrents and they will grip you so hard, sometimes that can get a little confusing for me, but this author has a way with words that just flows so well you can keep up with it all. I don’t know if it was Evie as a character that helped me kept me so hooked or just the storyline. This is one of the first reads for this year and I suspect it’s going to be one of the best.
Player 21 Century Courtesan Book 1 by Pamela DuMond
4 Stars!!!!
I love finding new authors. This is the first book in the series and the first book by this author I have
read. I found this book to be quite refreshing. The concept was very unique. I just couldn’t put this book down.
I found myself really drawn to Evie’s character. I found that the author really made it unique. The fact that she is an empath really hit home with me. I also found the author’s use of her past in this book really added to the drama. The underlying starker as well adds to the tension in the book and really grabs the reader. I really look forward to reading more from this series and this author. I really am anxious to see what plays out and will happen next in this series.
Player was a great 5 star read and book one in the 21st Century Courtesan series. I was pulled right in from the beginning with a childhood memory that was heartbreaking for Evie. I actually finished this book in one sitting, I couldn’t put it down.
I am not a rickety shed. Will I survive the storm that blows through? -Evie
Evie is a teacher trying to take care of her mother and sister and is barely paying off her student loans. A friend offers her an opportunity to make some good money, at first she turns it down but quickly changes her mind.
She is now a very popular escort in Chicago with Ma Maison. There are several people interested in Evie. Evie is considered a problem solver and can help people. She was just about to take a 30 day leave to spend time with her family but she was personally requested by someone who needed her badly. Dylan is desperate for her help, she goes with him to a high-stakes poker party and things progressed from there. Things take an interesting twist for Evie with her family, and an unexpected stalker.
I really liked Evie’s story. There is something about her that drew me right in. All of the secondary characters added a great element to the story. We get past and present POV’s which added to the story as well. This is my first read from Pamela and I loved it, she pulls you right in with her writing. The ending isn’t what I expected and now I’m anxiously awaiting the next book to see what happens. If you’re looking for a different type of read with danger, sex, love and so much more I highly recommend this book.
I was completely enthralled and blown away by this book! Player is Book 1 in this series, which is written by Pamela DuMond. There were so many highs and lows and emotional turns that it was definitely a page turner! Evelyn or Evie is empathic. She is very in tuned with others feelings. From the time that she was little she has had to learn to control her empathic surges. Not only that but she has had to deal with a bi-polar mother. Especially when her mother had caused tragedy to others that has followed Evie into adulthood. However, with having to take care of her mother and sister along with student loans, Evie needed to find a way to make more money. Her friend told her of this escort service. Evie decided to try it out and along with that comes the possibility of love and fear. Fear from potential stalkers comes into play because of this job. The potentiality of love also is a factor, which comes to into play with one of her clients. However, her empathic abilities has helped her become one of the most sought after escorts in Chicago. I absolutely loved this book! I really cannot wait for the next book because I need to find out what happens! The characters are amazing and really play well in the storyline. I loved the authors writing style. She really makes you a part of the story. The sexy scenes are severely hot and give just enough for the meat of the story. I was truly impressed with this book and this is a book I would definitely recommend!
PLAYER (21st Century Courtesan Book 1) by Pamela DuMOND
4 Stars
So this book was a pleasant surprise as far as it was definitely not what I expected I would be reading after reading the synopsis. This is my first book by this author and I loved everything about it except the ending…. The flow was awesome and I wasn’t even paying attention to where I was in the story and then just like that it was done and I had no idea this story would be continued, thankfully it did not end on a huge cliffhanger but there was enough of one that I wanted to throw my kindle when I was done.
I loved Evie once I got to know her, and that didn’t take long after reading about her life growing up and then where she was in the present. She has a special ability that has allowed her to make enough money to take care of her mother and her sister, but she wants out and has finally gotten to the point where she can move on yet there are a few men that are making that very hard for her as well as a stalker that she just can’t shake. She has fallen in love with Dylan, one of her clients and this whole part of the storyline had me so frustrated and although I loved them together they still had me so angry and I wanted to crawl through my kindle and slap them both.
I need the rest of this story, I have so many questions and I need to know what the future holds for Evie, will she be able to identify her stalker, will Dylan and Evie figure it out and have a future together? And so many other things…
I highly recommend this book, it was awesome and I can not wait to check out what else this author has available.
5 Star
Player ( 21st Century Courtesan Book 1) By Pamela DuMond is a wonderfully written book that I had a hard time putting down once I started reading . This isnt my first Book by this author and she never ceases to amaze me with her writing style and her ability to grab your attention from the beginning and keeps it till the end. Evie is a woman who hasn’t had the best life but she has done the best she can Evie has a special gift and that gift has helped her to make some money while helping men heal. Dylan is one of Evie’s clients Will she help him heal or break him?I highly recommend reading this book especially if you want to know what happens next. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.
5 Stars
Player is the first book in the 21st Century Courtesan Series by Pamela DuMond. Ms. DuMond is a new-to-me author that I wish I had discovered sooner. This story really had so much going on in it. The multi-layered storyline took me on a ride that I won’t soon forget. It’s original, suspenseful, mysterious, sexy, and dramatic- which made for quite a captivating read.
Evelyn Berlinger (Evie) is an empath who had quite a tumultuous childhood, with one particularly tragic event shattering her young existence. Because of this tragedy she suppressed her empathic abilities- shutting them down and tried to get on with her life. Since reaching adulthood, she has taken financial responsibility for her family, which put a heavy strain on her and her bank account. So, when the opportunity comes to earn some extra money- Evie has to give it serious consideration. But working for the Ma Maison Agency as a high priced escort is not without its own issues.
Things get really interesting when she’s assigned a new client, Dylan McAlister, who awakens her empathic abilities. With a powerful attraction, and intense chemistry surging between them, Evie feels like she’s known him forever. But Dylan is a bit of a broken man, with his life crumbling around him. Evie is in a position to help him heal, using her unique skills to get the crux of his problem- if he’ll let her. But with family dramas, and a creepy ‘fan’, things are never going to be quite that simple.
“Because of Dylan I learned my biggest weakness could also be my strongest strength. My empathic reactions — my most tragic wound — is transformed into my super power.”
Her ‘awakening’ takes her on a bit of a cross-country adventure where she not only learns a lot about her client, but also about herself.
I loved following Evie through the story, she really is a wonderfully complex and endearing character- and I found myself rooting for her the whole way through. I loved Dylan and thought that they were perfect together. There were a few characters that I hated, but I think that was Ms. DuMond’s intent.
This book has made me an insta-fan of Ms. DuMond, and of this series- I really can’t wait for the second book, Movie Star’, to be released, so I can continue the story.
Well Done!!
Thank you, Ms. DuMond!
I, Evie Berlinger, am no longer an average escort. I’m not paid to drop to my knees behind some sh*tty House of Pies and dispense blow jobs to sad gus in town for a hardware show. My services are retained by powerful, privileged, wealthy men at the top of their professions who have lost their way; self-confidence; the spark that made them great.
‘Be still my heart.’ That was what Evie’s thoughts were when she first meets Dylan, and quite honestly, it is the thought that has been swirling in my mind since I have finished this novel. I have never had the pleasure of reading anything from Pamela DuMond until ‘Player’ and this couldn’t have been a better introduction. I am ADDICTED! If I could give this book more than five stars I would. I devoured it in less than 4 hours and my only complaint is that it was over. I can’t wait for the next installment.
This was such a unique take on the good girl needs money, modern escort story. Evie Berlinger is not your typical young woman. She has overcome one hell of a difficult childhood to get where she is today and that isn’t even that great. She finds herself in the hands of Ma Maison Agency. An escort agency. For awhile it gets her by. Kindergarten by day and escort by night. Until she meets the handsome Dylan McAlister. Things start to get a little messy when she starts feeling things she hasn’t felt in years. These two were hot, hot, hot! Like, keep a tall glass of water, and a fan nearby, hot.
Will I ever meet another man I’m attracted to as much as Dylan? Who knows? What I do know is that it’s finally okay for me to be empathic. Not more pushit it away, not more keeping it under wraps. It’s mine to own. Using my empathic ability with clients os a;ready a big messy stew of passion and sex and sadness But if I can help heal these broken men, help them get their power back, I’m cool with that. I’m signing up for a wild ride, but I joined this ruthless rodeo when I was born into my crazy family.
PLAYER 21st Century Courtesan: Book One by PAMELA DUMOND
Four Stars
When I picked this book I didn’t think it would be like this. To live the life that they have chosen. Without regret or shame. Evie took on such a difficult life after so much tragedy. The pain and helplessness she felt watching Wyatt and Easton suffer. I can believe Easton blamed her. Then there is Dylan. He did so much for Evie and brought her out of her shell. But Lord he turned into a douche real quick. Life sometimes has us feeling like nothing will ever go right but Evie kept an ok outlook on most things. For an empath they care too much and are always going out of their comforts to help others. Evie was her own worse enemy. I definitely have to read the next book. The author keeps you engaged by giving you a little taste but then pulling back. This is my first book by this author but it won’t be my last.
Player: 21st Century Courtesan: Book One by Pamela Dumond
5-stars!
I absolutely loved this novel and could not put it down. I found Evie relatable, strong, somewhat humorous, and addictive. She had amazing abilities that she was able to use in a unique way for her position. Great easy read. I was hooked after the first few pages of this novel. The storyline was also easy to follow and smoothly transitioned as I read. I highly recommend it!
Player by Pamela DuMond is the first book in her 21st Century Courtesan series and what a fantastic first book. This book grabbed me from the first page and didn’t let go until the last page. I easily gave up all of my day to blaze through this one and can’t wait until the next installment comes out. Following the story of Dylan McAlister and Evie it was easy to fall in love with them. Evie is a woman of seduction by night and education by day. Becoming a seductress was supposed to be to help her family but the more she does it the more she falls in love with the power that it gives her. When Evie meets Dylan, she thinks he is going to be just another job, but there is something about Dylan that brings out a desire and passion from her that she wasn’t prepared for. When Dylan first set his eyes on Evie, he wasn’t prepared for what she brought out in him. His broken past kept him from connecting to others, but these two connected from meeting one. Can Evie help Dylan with the broken pieces of himself? Can Dylan keep Evie beyond their night together? There is a touch of suspense to this lovers tale, as Evie’s stalker isn’t happy with her budding love affair with Dylan. Can these two get past their dark pasts, or will they be pulled apart by differences. DuMond is a new to me author, but I am so glad that I picked this book up. The chemistry between Evie and Dylan was palpable, and the playful banter between them made this an easy story to fall into. If you are looking for a great story that will take you away from everything for a couple hours than this is the story for you. This book is a part of a series, and while I haven’t read book two yet, if it’s anything like this one I can’t wait to read it. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read and a new author!
PLAYER (21st Century Courtesan #1)
By Pamela DuMond
5 stars
Got to be honest I absolutely loved this book! It was exciting to read, it was entertaining and I couldn’t put it down! It was also a fantastic introduction to Ms DuMond as a brand new author to me. The story was fast paced and the flow was perfect.
I could feel the tension between Evie and Dylan rolling off the pages as I took in their story. I really liked Evie, she was a strong independent woman but as I got to know her more and the more I read about her I could see that this was a front and she was covering up for things that had happened in her past. Dylan is extremely hot and I just knew that the connection and chemistry between the two of them would be good – and I wasn’t wrong!!
I absolutely cannot wait for the next book in the series and I really need to check out the prequel to the series too!
A fantastic 5 star read that I highly recommend!!