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The Way That You Play It
After her boyfriend dumps her for a teenage pop starlet, Caroline Curran moves to a rental house so far outside of downtown Atlanta that even the care of her closest friends cannot reach her. Short, stacked, and soft hearted to a fault, Caroline allows her failed relationship to drag down her songwriting career. An influential friend in the music business sends a gift to inspire her to write some new songs: a talented young singer named Trent Buckney whose beautiful voice is overshadowed by his stony demeanor and poor White trash accent.
Running from a violent past, and from being overworked, underpaid, and overwhelmingly responsibility for his mother and sister, Trent is desperate to work with Caroline both for money and for surcease from his dismal life. The songwriter and the singer form an uneasy relationship cemented by their mutual willingness not to ask questions that neither wants to answer.
However, just a few days together in Caroline’s house stir up artistic admiration and arousal, while they collaborate on a song, “The Way That You Play It.” They try to sublimate their attraction into forming a band and recording a single, but late nights full of torrid blues music only feed their festering sexual tension. They engage a raw romance that is put to the test when Trent’s past catches up to them both. Facing the consequences of his actions leaves Trent with one chance, at one pivotal performance, to turn his feelings for Caroline into more than a one hit wonder.
On opposite sides of the same guitar, they both learn that love isn’t limited to the hand that you’re dealt if you gamble on The Way That You Play It.
Running from a violent past, and from being overworked, underpaid, and overwhelmingly responsibility for his mother and sister, Trent is desperate to work with Caroline both for money and for surcease from his dismal life. The songwriter and the singer form an uneasy relationship cemented by their mutual willingness not to ask questions that neither wants to answer.
However, just a few days together in Caroline’s house stir up artistic admiration and arousal, while they collaborate on a song, “The Way That You Play It.” They try to sublimate their attraction into forming a band and recording a single, but late nights full of torrid blues music only feed their festering sexual tension. They engage a raw romance that is put to the test when Trent’s past catches up to them both. Facing the consequences of his actions leaves Trent with one chance, at one pivotal performance, to turn his feelings for Caroline into more than a one hit wonder.
On opposite sides of the same guitar, they both learn that love isn’t limited to the hand that you’re dealt if you gamble on The Way That You Play It.
188 pages, Nook
First published January 1, 2011
1 person is currently reading
333 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 30, 2011
The Way That You Play It by BJ Thornton set to release on the 7th of July is a novel that fans of romances who love a bit of music with their romance ought to read. It tells the story of the 29 year old Trenton Buckney who has lost all 3 jobs which he had been working to support his mother and baby sister. From Bibb City Georgia, Trent is down on his luck, a man at his wits end as to what to do to turn his life around whilst deep inside he fears that it might already be too late for him.
31 year old Caroline Curran is a song writer who has been cheated out of everything by her slimy ex-boyfriend who has dumped her for a much younger and happening singer. Caroline might still feel like bawling her eyes out every time she sees the much younger woman's pictures plastered all over magazines but she is determined to get back every dime he owes her even if it means resorting to less than legal means to get what she wants.
When the beaten down looking Trent turns up looking for her, courtesy of Reyes, the man who seems to be hellbent on making a favorable impression on her and whose motives remain unclear to Caroline, she is taken-aback at first until she hears the magic that Trent's voice can weave. From then on, Caroline is determined that she would pick up the pieces of her broken professional life and that Trent would be her means of achieving that.
Trent is afraid to let hope rein in and lodge itself permanently in his heart, afraid that everything will come crashing down the minute he lets his guard down and give into what Caroline makes him feel. As his music career moves forward so does his burgeoning feelings towards Caroline until his tenuous control on his emotions break finally, releasing them both to embrace a passion as heady as the beautiful music that they make together.
But Trent's happiness is a short-lived one when his past actions come calling, forcing him to walk away from the only thing that his heart yearns for in its otherwise bleak existence. Their happily ever after when it comes is a hard won one which makes their union all that much stronger and their story a more wonderful one on all counts.
The Way That You Play It is a great romance that encompasses the struggles of a nearly broken man who emerges a winner through no small feat. Though Trent might not be your typical hero material, he is nevertheless a lethal combination of charm and a body that could provoke a saint to sin. Caroline is just the right woman for a man like Trent with her combination of sweetness and the iron grit that lets her dig her heels in when Trent pushes her away when he actually needs her love the most.
The story between the enigmatic Reyes and Caroline's best friend Jackie is an interesting one that was left unresolved by the end of the story. I am hoping there might be a story loosely tied with this one in the future that would give them both a fitting happily ever after even though Reyes does come off as a bit of a snob and control freak in this story though he might have had the best of intentions.
The Way That You Play It is a beautiful and different contemporary romance that fans of the genre should give a go just to experience the difference. With two characters who makes you root for them right from the very beginning, The Way That You Play It would make for an ideal summer read to escape reality, one page at a time.
Rating=4/5
Original review posted on MBR's Realm of Romance
31 year old Caroline Curran is a song writer who has been cheated out of everything by her slimy ex-boyfriend who has dumped her for a much younger and happening singer. Caroline might still feel like bawling her eyes out every time she sees the much younger woman's pictures plastered all over magazines but she is determined to get back every dime he owes her even if it means resorting to less than legal means to get what she wants.
When the beaten down looking Trent turns up looking for her, courtesy of Reyes, the man who seems to be hellbent on making a favorable impression on her and whose motives remain unclear to Caroline, she is taken-aback at first until she hears the magic that Trent's voice can weave. From then on, Caroline is determined that she would pick up the pieces of her broken professional life and that Trent would be her means of achieving that.
Trent is afraid to let hope rein in and lodge itself permanently in his heart, afraid that everything will come crashing down the minute he lets his guard down and give into what Caroline makes him feel. As his music career moves forward so does his burgeoning feelings towards Caroline until his tenuous control on his emotions break finally, releasing them both to embrace a passion as heady as the beautiful music that they make together.
But Trent's happiness is a short-lived one when his past actions come calling, forcing him to walk away from the only thing that his heart yearns for in its otherwise bleak existence. Their happily ever after when it comes is a hard won one which makes their union all that much stronger and their story a more wonderful one on all counts.
The Way That You Play It is a great romance that encompasses the struggles of a nearly broken man who emerges a winner through no small feat. Though Trent might not be your typical hero material, he is nevertheless a lethal combination of charm and a body that could provoke a saint to sin. Caroline is just the right woman for a man like Trent with her combination of sweetness and the iron grit that lets her dig her heels in when Trent pushes her away when he actually needs her love the most.
The story between the enigmatic Reyes and Caroline's best friend Jackie is an interesting one that was left unresolved by the end of the story. I am hoping there might be a story loosely tied with this one in the future that would give them both a fitting happily ever after even though Reyes does come off as a bit of a snob and control freak in this story though he might have had the best of intentions.
The Way That You Play It is a beautiful and different contemporary romance that fans of the genre should give a go just to experience the difference. With two characters who makes you root for them right from the very beginning, The Way That You Play It would make for an ideal summer read to escape reality, one page at a time.
Rating=4/5
Original review posted on MBR's Realm of Romance
August 26, 2011
Great story filled with love, faith, and trust in someone you love no matter what.The raw passion between the two main characters Trent and Caroline from the moment they met would not allow me to stop reading until i was turning the last page.
January 21, 2016
Review can also be found on my book blog -- Book Boudoir
It took me a while to really get into this book. Probably not until I was about 60% done did I really feel the chemistry between Trent and Caroline. I spent a lot of time worried that Trent was going to get hurt, either emotionally or physically. I loved his devotion to his mother and sister and my heart went out to him-- that his family had been through so much and it was all on his shoulders to take care of them.
I liked Caroline and her sass and really wanted to see her happy with someone that treated her right. She definitely got a raw deal with her ex. It was understandable that any attraction she might have felt for Trent in the beginning was fought against.
I enjoyed some of the secondary characters. Caroline's girl friend was funny and their relationship entertaining. I definitely felt like some of the secondary characters had larger roles than I expected. Especially Reyes, who tried to woo Caroline throughout the book. He was kind of a jerk, but I guess that's to be expected when you are suppose to be rooting for the 'hero' of a novel. He was just so pushy! Ms. Thornton did an excellent job of making me want to punch him time after time haha
I had my fingers crossed for Trent through the whole book, desperately hoping that he would be able to do something with his music. I wanted something big to happen for him so bad. He definitely went through many obstacles in a short period of time. With the help of others, he really started to shine.
Once Caroline and Trent allowed their chemistry to come to a head things really picked up. They were delicious together. Caring and trusting and giving. I enjoyed that side of them-- seeing them as a couple since they'd fought against it for most of the book. I was on pins and needles until the end, worried that something was going to happen and it would fall apart. Thank goodness that did not happen!
Overall, I enjoyed The Way That You Play It. It had some great dialogue and an interesting plot.
It took me a while to really get into this book. Probably not until I was about 60% done did I really feel the chemistry between Trent and Caroline. I spent a lot of time worried that Trent was going to get hurt, either emotionally or physically. I loved his devotion to his mother and sister and my heart went out to him-- that his family had been through so much and it was all on his shoulders to take care of them.
I liked Caroline and her sass and really wanted to see her happy with someone that treated her right. She definitely got a raw deal with her ex. It was understandable that any attraction she might have felt for Trent in the beginning was fought against.
I enjoyed some of the secondary characters. Caroline's girl friend was funny and their relationship entertaining. I definitely felt like some of the secondary characters had larger roles than I expected. Especially Reyes, who tried to woo Caroline throughout the book. He was kind of a jerk, but I guess that's to be expected when you are suppose to be rooting for the 'hero' of a novel. He was just so pushy! Ms. Thornton did an excellent job of making me want to punch him time after time haha
I had my fingers crossed for Trent through the whole book, desperately hoping that he would be able to do something with his music. I wanted something big to happen for him so bad. He definitely went through many obstacles in a short period of time. With the help of others, he really started to shine.
Once Caroline and Trent allowed their chemistry to come to a head things really picked up. They were delicious together. Caring and trusting and giving. I enjoyed that side of them-- seeing them as a couple since they'd fought against it for most of the book. I was on pins and needles until the end, worried that something was going to happen and it would fall apart. Thank goodness that did not happen!
Overall, I enjoyed The Way That You Play It. It had some great dialogue and an interesting plot.
June 9, 2013
Loved, Loved, Loved this book... This is the 2nd book that I've read by Ms. Thornton, and I must say that I'm thoroughly impressed.
Well crafted storyline, great characters.... Once the story gets rolling, it really gets going....
My only complaint is that the book should have had a more definitive epilogue.. It's funny how one can get wrapped up in a world that's been crafted by a creative author...
Giving this one 4 Stars
Well crafted storyline, great characters.... Once the story gets rolling, it really gets going....
My only complaint is that the book should have had a more definitive epilogue.. It's funny how one can get wrapped up in a world that's been crafted by a creative author...
Giving this one 4 Stars
July 8, 2018
One of my all-time favorite reads!
The characters were relatable and interesting.
I really enjoyed the dialogue between them! And their love story was realistic.
Personally, I would love a continuation of this story, but I still loved the way that it ended.
And I look forward to more stories from this author.
The characters were relatable and interesting.
I really enjoyed the dialogue between them! And their love story was realistic.
Personally, I would love a continuation of this story, but I still loved the way that it ended.
And I look forward to more stories from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2020
Hey BJ, hope you're doing well.
March 26, 2024
One of my favorite books! Well crafted story with a Black Heroine! I highly recommend.
December 7, 2011
I liked (the hero)Trent Buckney's sense of family, and his devotion to his "ladies", meaning his mom and his sister. He really had a deep sense of responsibility. The chemistry between Trent and C.C.(the heroine) was great at times and at others I was a little annoyed at C.C.
I thought the secondary character, Reyes, a kind of "Latin Lothario" and bad-ass, ridiculously overshadowed Trent as the leading man. As a reader, I was much more interested in his pursuit of C.C., which was awkwardly juxtaposed with his apparent love/hate of her friend Jackie. He had layers that I wanted the author to continue peeling...so yeah...I would like to read his story.
3 1/2 stars due to some wrinkles in the plot (the ending and the inconsistency of interweaving the theme of music and its place in their relationship, among other things). But a worthy read.
I thought the secondary character, Reyes, a kind of "Latin Lothario" and bad-ass, ridiculously overshadowed Trent as the leading man. As a reader, I was much more interested in his pursuit of C.C., which was awkwardly juxtaposed with his apparent love/hate of her friend Jackie. He had layers that I wanted the author to continue peeling...so yeah...I would like to read his story.
3 1/2 stars due to some wrinkles in the plot (the ending and the inconsistency of interweaving the theme of music and its place in their relationship, among other things). But a worthy read.
November 13, 2016
For me, the drawn-out character development made this story feel so much like real life. I kept waiting for a whole character to be revealed, wanting instant gratification, and then realized that this is like real life. Two people don't simply meet and know everything about one another. Watching these characters learn and grow and shine on their own brought the story to life in what felt like real time. A Southern romance, where small-town meets big-city, gives readers what they want: Southern charm and wit, well-timed drama, unexpected heartbreak, and of course, a few steamy bedroom scenes.
October 10, 2012
Me gustó la histori y los personajes. Sin embargo hubo ocasiones en las que las cosas pasaban demasiado rápido y me dejaban mareada o tenía que regresar para asegurarme que había entendido bien.
Es un libro agradable y divertido en general.
Es un libro agradable y divertido en general.
October 26, 2012
I had a hard time getting into this story. Trent's was all bad luck and bad choices.....Caroline was a pushover and still hung up on a past realtionship with a complete ass. I liked them together and once everything was out but getting there was a battle.
not-for-me
September 3, 2013See comments.
May 28, 2013
Love the cover. Good book overall.
July 29, 2013
The plot and characters are good but he writing and language are too difficult to follow and engage. I loved Trent's accent...it's the rest of the writing I struggled with.
January 3, 2016
Didn't tie up in places but I could have forgiven that if it had an actual ending, deducted a star because i dislike loose ends
December 30, 2012
Great story!
no-dnf-zzz-avoid
October 7, 2015Zzz
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews