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Players #2
Counter Play
My ex-fiancé is back, waving around my expensive ring, sitting in the stands, and being a royal pain in the ass. My lady-friend is pretty cool about the whole thing until the ex sets me up for a photo shoot, starring yours truly and her naked in my hotel room. That's when I figure enough is enough. Sure, we've been friends since we were kids but that doesn't give her the right to ruin the best thing that's ever happened to me. And when the love-of-my-life disappears? That's just over-the top. This is book 2 in the Busted Play series. Absolutely no cheating, despite what the ex wants, and HEA guaranteed.
89 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 3, 2017
38 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Stella Marie Alden
69 books533 followers Amazon Best Seller Stella Marie Alden loves Zumba, yoga, watercolor painting, and all genres of romances.
Her first book, ‘How to Train Your Knight’, won Romance Writers of America coveted Molly and Show me the Sparks Contests, and placed in four others.
Truly remarkable, considering she’s only been writing for three years.
Growing up in Vermont, she loved to make up stories. Crayons fought each other over size and placement in their cardboard box and imaginary friends crowded the house. Her brother often complained. “Tell her no one’s here, Mother.".
Her career paths have varied. She’s been a librarian, a classical clarinetist wanna-be, recording studio engineer, broadcast electronics repairman, and now she architects software programs.
She lives in Bergen County, NJ with her life-long hero and their two cats. Her two girls are grown but ever supportive. You go Mom!
Her first book, ‘How to Train Your Knight’, won Romance Writers of America coveted Molly and Show me the Sparks Contests, and placed in four others.
Truly remarkable, considering she’s only been writing for three years.
Growing up in Vermont, she loved to make up stories. Crayons fought each other over size and placement in their cardboard box and imaginary friends crowded the house. Her brother often complained. “Tell her no one’s here, Mother.".
Her career paths have varied. She’s been a librarian, a classical clarinetist wanna-be, recording studio engineer, broadcast electronics repairman, and now she architects software programs.
She lives in Bergen County, NJ with her life-long hero and their two cats. Her two girls are grown but ever supportive. You go Mom!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 28, 2020
This is an excellent story, could not stop listen to this book. The narrator did a phenomenal job. I love Melanie for being able to calm down and think before she goes off the deep end. I must say I wouldn’t have blamed her. As for Chance I love how when it matters he is there to the rescue. Above all I’m glad they both realized that they can’t live without each other.
May 30, 2017
Stella Marie Alden's Counter play continues Chance and Melanie's story which started in Busted Play. This novella was great. Well written, with steamy scenes, good plot, a few secrets and characters you already love; it's definitely a winner. In this book Chance and Melanie must deal with Chance's ex Mary Jane. It's not an easy thing to do because she just won't accept that it's over and that he's has moved on with someone else. So she proceeds to do anything and everything in her power to break up our couple. Can their relationship survive? Read this novella to find out.I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
July 9, 2017
This continues the story of CJ and Mel. I love both characters, mostly strong and sometimes little weak. I liked the story line, the twists, the turns and I hated Mary Jane alot! Well done again Stella!!! I can't wait for "Final Play"!!!
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book.
June 4, 2017
I liked the story line, but I didn't like Chance much in this book. He seemed weak and, well, a little un-alpha in his dealings with Mary Jane. I could tell his feelings for Melanie were genuine, but I would have liked to see his character be more alpha and confident. I felt that was lacking in this book. But, I did like the plot twists and the way the story concluded. It was steamy and ended well for the most part. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
May 25, 2018
things that really bugged me is CJ seems more focus on his publicity rather than Mel's safety until something finally happened. The pace still feel rushed.
February 11, 2020
ARC review/audible For honest review when chance James Quinn 's ex Mary Jane starts using the media to break up Melanie and him and it doesn't work she steps up her game to get him back awesome story and great audible.
September 18, 2020
This is a cute quick story of CJ and Mel. I enjoyed them and their story. It’s full of action, sexy times and danger. I enjoyed it and look forward to more.
I did listen to this on audio. Jonathan Winters did a nice job. His accents are wonderful to listen to. Finn?? oMG! Irish!
I did listen to this on audio. Jonathan Winters did a nice job. His accents are wonderful to listen to. Finn?? oMG! Irish!
May 13, 2019
Great book
November 30, 2020
Great story with some action and a happily ever after.
July 11, 2017
Great sequel to Busted Play
CJ had gotten himself in trouble with the league, the press, his sponsors and maybe the fans when he was found with an underage girl in her car after an accident. He swore she looked older but he'd had a few drinks and she had a lot of makeup on. He was in PT for busted knee and that's how he met Melanie whom he called Barbie because he thought she was too beautiful to be a good physical therapist. Sounds like a real a--, right? He grows on you, really. Melanie had been locked out of her home by her, obviously ex-boyfriend, and she had no clothes, makeup, toiletries, or computer. He refused to give her anything even though she'd been paying rent for a year and his car payment for several month since he was out of work. Jerk. He had a new girl too. Melanie was homeless. Fortuitously, CJ and Melanie thought up a plan where they could benefit from each other. He would look better being engaged to a wholesome young woman (she was from Iowa) and Melanie would have a place to live. All of this would be spelled out in contracts. Nice and neat. Feelings don't do contracts and vice versa. Hearts can't read. So at the end of Busted Play, CJ and Melanie were sort of in love but taking it slow, no more fake fiance. It was real but on the down low. Enter EX-fiance Mary Jane McAllister whom CJ had never told Melanie about be a use she was no longer in the picture, not important. BUT, Mary Jane is waging a social media campaign to say she is still CJ's fiance and they are planning a wedding! CJ doesn't want to blow his good PR, right, so he's trying to play it cool instead of getting a restraining order, Mary Jane is getting weird. What will she do next? Melanie may not be able to be so understanding about all the stuff that's being said and done! Will CJ and Melanie ever get to their HEA? Is something sinister afoot? Read this book!
CJ had gotten himself in trouble with the league, the press, his sponsors and maybe the fans when he was found with an underage girl in her car after an accident. He swore she looked older but he'd had a few drinks and she had a lot of makeup on. He was in PT for busted knee and that's how he met Melanie whom he called Barbie because he thought she was too beautiful to be a good physical therapist. Sounds like a real a--, right? He grows on you, really. Melanie had been locked out of her home by her, obviously ex-boyfriend, and she had no clothes, makeup, toiletries, or computer. He refused to give her anything even though she'd been paying rent for a year and his car payment for several month since he was out of work. Jerk. He had a new girl too. Melanie was homeless. Fortuitously, CJ and Melanie thought up a plan where they could benefit from each other. He would look better being engaged to a wholesome young woman (she was from Iowa) and Melanie would have a place to live. All of this would be spelled out in contracts. Nice and neat. Feelings don't do contracts and vice versa. Hearts can't read. So at the end of Busted Play, CJ and Melanie were sort of in love but taking it slow, no more fake fiance. It was real but on the down low. Enter EX-fiance Mary Jane McAllister whom CJ had never told Melanie about be a use she was no longer in the picture, not important. BUT, Mary Jane is waging a social media campaign to say she is still CJ's fiance and they are planning a wedding! CJ doesn't want to blow his good PR, right, so he's trying to play it cool instead of getting a restraining order, Mary Jane is getting weird. What will she do next? Melanie may not be able to be so understanding about all the stuff that's being said and done! Will CJ and Melanie ever get to their HEA? Is something sinister afoot? Read this book!
August 18, 2018
Not sure what went on...
...but things were confusing. First, they're pretending they're engaged, then they hook up, are exclusive, but his ex-fiance shows up still wearing his ring, and it's back and forth, letting this crazy woman run ridiculous circles around them. Who ALLOWS someone who's supposed to be in your history to get away with breaking and entering(albeit with a key, but HOW did she get a key?), harassment, stalking, without slapping her with a restraining order or charging/reporting her to authorities? I get the word count is necessary, but as a writer, how about getting more creative? Also, why, after Mel got KIDNAPPED, weren't charged filed against MJ? She pulled a gun on CJ! She FIRED the gun! There should have been GSR on her hands, fingerprints on the gun - oh, wait! What happened to the gun?!
If you're going to write about conspiracy, kidnapping, stalking, CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES committed against your main characters, TIE UP the loose ENDS! Are you kidding me? The ending was a joke, and turned what might have been a great book into a cheap collection of erotica.
...but things were confusing. First, they're pretending they're engaged, then they hook up, are exclusive, but his ex-fiance shows up still wearing his ring, and it's back and forth, letting this crazy woman run ridiculous circles around them. Who ALLOWS someone who's supposed to be in your history to get away with breaking and entering(albeit with a key, but HOW did she get a key?), harassment, stalking, without slapping her with a restraining order or charging/reporting her to authorities? I get the word count is necessary, but as a writer, how about getting more creative? Also, why, after Mel got KIDNAPPED, weren't charged filed against MJ? She pulled a gun on CJ! She FIRED the gun! There should have been GSR on her hands, fingerprints on the gun - oh, wait! What happened to the gun?!
If you're going to write about conspiracy, kidnapping, stalking, CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES committed against your main characters, TIE UP the loose ENDS! Are you kidding me? The ending was a joke, and turned what might have been a great book into a cheap collection of erotica.
February 14, 2020
Counter Play
Players, Book 2
By: Stella Marie Alden
Narrated by: Jonathan Waters
I am loving this set of novellas, each giving us just enough of CJ and Mel to keep us coming back for more. This one picks up a little after the first novella ends, and the two are together. But when CJ's ex comes out to play, things get a little dicey! Will the paparazzi kill their relationship? Can CJ be trusted when Mary Jane is around? And what is she up to? It's fast paced, passionate and exciting listen. These characters are larger than life, and make the listen so much fun, I just can't get enough. Can't wait to hear the next one.
Jonathan Waters continues his narration of this series and I am loving his voice. He puts the right amounts of emotion into each character and plays each so well. He really brings it alive and I look forward to more from him.
Players, Book 2
By: Stella Marie Alden
Narrated by: Jonathan Waters
I am loving this set of novellas, each giving us just enough of CJ and Mel to keep us coming back for more. This one picks up a little after the first novella ends, and the two are together. But when CJ's ex comes out to play, things get a little dicey! Will the paparazzi kill their relationship? Can CJ be trusted when Mary Jane is around? And what is she up to? It's fast paced, passionate and exciting listen. These characters are larger than life, and make the listen so much fun, I just can't get enough. Can't wait to hear the next one.
Jonathan Waters continues his narration of this series and I am loving his voice. He puts the right amounts of emotion into each character and plays each so well. He really brings it alive and I look forward to more from him.
November 7, 2020
Better Than the First Book
I think this book was better than the first. But I think mentally unstable people add a little something to a story, so...
Both CJ and Mel had some moments that bordered on TSTL. I mean...if a woman keeps showing up to your football games, sneaking into your hotel rooms, and harassing your girlfriend, would you really hesitate to get a restraining order? And if you knew that your boyfriend's ex was one Froot Loop short of a full bowl, and that she was determined to get him back, would you really put any stock in her games, lies, and tricks? They were just so stupid at times!
Like I said, crazy people really add excitement to a story. They really made the difference in this book.
I think this book was better than the first. But I think mentally unstable people add a little something to a story, so...
Both CJ and Mel had some moments that bordered on TSTL. I mean...if a woman keeps showing up to your football games, sneaking into your hotel rooms, and harassing your girlfriend, would you really hesitate to get a restraining order? And if you knew that your boyfriend's ex was one Froot Loop short of a full bowl, and that she was determined to get him back, would you really put any stock in her games, lies, and tricks? They were just so stupid at times!
Like I said, crazy people really add excitement to a story. They really made the difference in this book.
June 6, 2017
I was so excited to see CJ and Mel from the first book Busted Play!! I loved the first story and this continued on with more of these wonderful complex characters. This time around we have to deal with CJ's wackadoodle ex M.J. who is most definitely certifiable. Once again Stella Marie Alden packs a ton of story into a novella for our reading pleasure. Lots of surprises here and still heartwarming, with the love, family, friendship and laughter from before. Don't let me forget the hot and steamy lovemaking. Loved this book. I voluntarily read a copy of this book for review.
February 28, 2018
Just Ok
This book was not as good as the first one. I found CJ to be very weak and docile in this book. I wanted him to be alpha and stand up to Mary Jane instead he was weak and didn't do much of anything. Mel was alright and she put up with a lot of drama concerning Mary Jane but I wish she stopped letting CJ bowl her over with sex. CJ needed to be honest with her and have a conversation. I really wanted to see Mary Jane get what was coming to her.
This book was not as good as the first one. I found CJ to be very weak and docile in this book. I wanted him to be alpha and stand up to Mary Jane instead he was weak and didn't do much of anything. Mel was alright and she put up with a lot of drama concerning Mary Jane but I wish she stopped letting CJ bowl her over with sex. CJ needed to be honest with her and have a conversation. I really wanted to see Mary Jane get what was coming to her.
July 1, 2017
Shoddy....
Even though this is a novella, this was a shoddy job at writing. The POVs were not clearly demarcated. You just kind of figure out whose it is as you read along. The kidnapping and rescue was haphazard. The storyline was scanty and rambling. There was an engagement, a wedding, the next sentence was the honeymoon. Huh???? Wow.
Even though this is a novella, this was a shoddy job at writing. The POVs were not clearly demarcated. You just kind of figure out whose it is as you read along. The kidnapping and rescue was haphazard. The storyline was scanty and rambling. There was an engagement, a wedding, the next sentence was the honeymoon. Huh???? Wow.
February 12, 2018
4 stars
A lot in this book was done differently, done better, than how those types of situations are usually done in books. I was really pleased by that. The editing needed a bit of book as there were mistakes, but I have seen way worse. I really enjoyed this book and the previous, and I look forward to more books like this.
A lot in this book was done differently, done better, than how those types of situations are usually done in books. I was really pleased by that. The editing needed a bit of book as there were mistakes, but I have seen way worse. I really enjoyed this book and the previous, and I look forward to more books like this.
March 23, 2018
A great follow on
This is the 2nd book which follows on from cj and Mel keeping their relationship secret which turns in to chaos as cj's ex fiancee mj turning up at his games and in his hotel room acting like they never ended and causing problems Mel disappears and cj tries to find her before it's too late. Great follow on from book one can't wait to start book 3
This is the 2nd book which follows on from cj and Mel keeping their relationship secret which turns in to chaos as cj's ex fiancee mj turning up at his games and in his hotel room acting like they never ended and causing problems Mel disappears and cj tries to find her before it's too late. Great follow on from book one can't wait to start book 3
January 27, 2020
Captivating
This book is a great continuation and just as captivating as the first. Love, in this series, is crazy, clumsy,misinterpreted but resilient. I love this so much I re-read it because of Mel. MY I could live without but the story has to have a village idiot. Too bad CJ is a typical man who is lost in the rules of relationships. He keeps trying though.
This book is a great continuation and just as captivating as the first. Love, in this series, is crazy, clumsy,misinterpreted but resilient. I love this so much I re-read it because of Mel. MY I could live without but the story has to have a village idiot. Too bad CJ is a typical man who is lost in the rules of relationships. He keeps trying though.
May 1, 2022
Great!
Part 2 of C J and Melanie story. After dissolution of theirvfake engagement, they have been secretly dating for 6 months. His former neighbor from NC and former fiance returns, announcing on all social media that they are still engaged and makes their lives difficult. It is scary when Melanie is kidnapped and held for ransom!
Part 2 of C J and Melanie story. After dissolution of theirvfake engagement, they have been secretly dating for 6 months. His former neighbor from NC and former fiance returns, announcing on all social media that they are still engaged and makes their lives difficult. It is scary when Melanie is kidnapped and held for ransom!
Read
June 1, 2017Great addition to the series. This continues the story of CJ and Melanie who are wonderful characters. Twists and turns and emotions running all over the place keep you hooked from beginning to end. Can't wait to read the next one.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book.
June 19, 2017
So CJ and Mel's story continues. Got to say I was excited to read this one. Crazy ex MJ is doing her best at trying to get between them. I absolutely loved reading this book and can't wait for "Final Play" great connection and super plot. Well written and would deff recommend
July 2, 2017
I was a voluntary ARC reader for this book. Awesome start to book 2. Hated Mary Jane, she's an evil witch. Love that the couple faces some struggles and have to find their way in the public eye. Looking forward to Final Play.
January 31, 2020
The story was good. I didn't read or listen to the first book, But I did like. CJ is a football player and a playboy! Meets a woman who has stolen his heart. I will now read the first book. I received this audible for free.
March 7, 2020
The second novel in the series is the continuing drama of C.J. and Mel's love story. An ex-girlfriend shows up to start more drama, driving a wedge of distrust. The lovers learning to trust and they did not need an ex causing trouble..
June 12, 2020
Great 2nd book in the Players series. CJ and Mel have to deal with CJ's ex Mary Jane, she will do anything to get CJ back, how far will she go? I loved this 2nd book as much as the 1st. Stella Marie Alden does a great job with the characters and story.
July 17, 2020
Love CJ and Mel
Another great book by Stella Marie Alden. I enjoyed the second part of CJ and Mels story. there were some stumbles, throat clearing and miss pronounced words through out the story but otherwise it was good
Another great book by Stella Marie Alden. I enjoyed the second part of CJ and Mels story. there were some stumbles, throat clearing and miss pronounced words through out the story but otherwise it was good
September 21, 2020
This book has so much more to it than a sports book. To be honest the sports bit doesn’t feature that much in the storyline. It’s got good characters and lots of action. Excellent narration from Jonathan.
October 2, 2020
Wow
Just wow. Craziness indeed. Charges should have been pressed way earlier. Omg. CJ should have done something earlier. Props to Mel for all the understanding. After the crap MJ pulls.
Just wow. Craziness indeed. Charges should have been pressed way earlier. Omg. CJ should have done something earlier. Props to Mel for all the understanding. After the crap MJ pulls.
April 3, 2021
Story line good
I love it so far but I really hate these stories that are split up into more than one book. Most irratating and a clever business practice because if u want he end then u r forced to buy the other books.
I love it so far but I really hate these stories that are split up into more than one book. Most irratating and a clever business practice because if u want he end then u r forced to buy the other books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews