A Brit Player

Castle Calder #4

by Brenda St. John Brown

Whoever said taking a second chance on your first love was a good idea obviously had nothing to hide…

They say the best way to get over someone is to get under someone else. But shagging a guy with a “Bad Decision” tattoo is never a good idea. It’s a warning label. Trust me.

So when a friend coerces me into taking part in a charity dating auction, I jump at the chance to leave London - and my bad decisions - behind for a weekend.

But Max Foster is there and he’s bidding on me like it’s his job. Max isn’t just a guy. He’s THE GUY - my first love who I haven’t seen since the day he left high school to go play professional football in Spain.

I shouldn’t see him again, never mind want to. Because if he finds out about the secret I’ve kept from him these past twelve years? That has “bad decision” written all over it.

Genres: Sports, Romance, Second Chance

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 23, 2021

About the author

Brenda is a USA Today bestselling author living in the English countryside. Originally from New York, she's lived in the UK long enough to gain dual citizenship, but still doesn’t understand Celsius. However, she has learned the appropriate use of the word “pants”. And how to order a proper bacon bap/barm/buttie. Because, well, bacon.

Brenda writes contemporary romance to make you giggle and swoon. When she’s not writing, she enjoys hiking, running and reading. In theory, she also enjoys cooking, but it’s more that she enjoys eating and, try as she might, she can’t live on Doritos alone.

For more information or to connect with Brenda visit http://brendastjohnbrown.com/

Reviews

[Stina Lindenblatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this story. I couldn't put it down. It's easily one of my favorite books from the series.

[Louise - romance.movies.and.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a massive fan of this author. I fell in love with author when I read A Brit Complicated which is book 3 in the Castle Calder series. Yes - I started this series out of order but the best thing is these books are also classed as stand alone books.

I am glad we are now back in Castle Calder. This book is slightly different to the previous books but this author did not disappoint.

You will fall in love with Tara (T) and Max. You will enjoy the banter, chemistry, on-liners, friendship, drama and love.

I loved how the author also takes you back in time (12 years) throughout the book but in doing so the story still flows.

If you loved Scarlett and Bradley in the first book you will love their side story in this book (insert wink wink)

Here is to another amazing book by this author.

I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book for an honest review.

[TheLazyCatLady · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the story of Max and Tara. Max was swooney and there was no doubt that he was in it for the long haul. It wasn't as easy to warm up to Tara. I almost stopped reading because of her but between the flashbacks and Max's determination to make things work I began to understand a bit better. I still think she should have been honest from the beginning. He had a right to know why she wouldn't give him a chance. She was pretty stubborn and selfish.

Oh, how I wished there had been dual POVs. I love to know what is going on in their heads. I think I've gotten spoiled because the trend is to hear both MCs but I guess I can't always have my way. LOL. The flashbacks helped a lot and Max was pretty straightforward, too.

I have read nearly every book that Brenda St John Brown has released and this is the first book by her that has made me cry. It touched a nerve for me. Fortunately, the author wrote it in such a way that it wasn't as traumatic as most authors seem to want to make things these days. I know I'm being vague but I can't be the one to spoil things. Not this time, anyway. Just know that you will sense when it's coming but the bumps are soft and the end is smooth.

This is a very touching second chance romance that is definitely worth the read. It's well written, romantic, and thought-provoking with a heartwarming HEA. Four and a half stars. Grab some tissues and give it a go.

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story of Max and Tara. I definitely liked Max a lot. Tara’s character was hard to like and a bit annoying at times. She should have just told Max why she didn't want to pursue a second chance with him. I thought that was a bit selfish on her part. Max deserve to know it. I wished the story was told in dual POV, I really wanted to know what he was thinking and feeling. But I could still feel his emotions.

This is only the second book I've read by the author and I'm looking forward to reading more. I definitely need to go back to the first book of this series.

[Mindy Diegel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fabulous! Tara is such a key character in Scarlett’s story I’m so glad that she is finally getting her own book. Even though it’s got a rocky history to get there. Oh Tara and Max. They have such a complicated history, but I’m so glad that we get to see it. Even better is that we still get all the fab Scarlett and Bradley interactions that we have come to love so very much! Tara and Max really do overcome all their history and come out better on the other side I love it so much.

[Sonja Ton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cross my arms over my chest to keep my heart from following him out the door and watch him leave. Totally swooning after that sentence.

High school sweethearts, the one that got away, second chance and a sports romance. What more do you want? It’s emotional and has wonderful characters and I’m totally addicted. Even if the really hard parts are both universal and a bittersweet reminder it’s only adding to the story in the best way.

It’s a great story and I got to both laugh, swoon and shed a few tears. Highly recommend this series and all the books from this author.

[Sarah W · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good to be back with some of the Castle Calder gang. The story of Tara and Max really is engrossing and I liked the way you got the back story as well of what happened 12 years ago. I really like Brenda’s writing, her characters are so real and jump off the page.

Highly recommend this and the other ‘Brit’ books, they draw you in and you’ll want to read them all!

I received this as an ARC for an honest review.

[Meghan Edwards · Rating 1 out of 5]

"This book may contain triggers for sensitive readers."

Either tell us what the content warning is for, or leave it off. Don't pull this passive-aggressive shit.

[Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars


A Brit Player is the fourth book in the Castle Calder series by Brenda St John Brown. I haven't read the previous books and found this to easily be read as a standalone.

I love sports romances, so this one has a lot going for it as far as I'm concerned. Sometimes I just need to drown in athletes falling in love. And this one definitely allowed me to do just that.

Tara and Max make for a fun couple. They have great chemistry and their relationship kept me entertained with fun banter and one liners.

They have a messy past for sure, but the connection between them is easily reestablished when they are reunited. I enjoy the way they easily fall back into their old ways.

That said, the reader is fully aware that something messy happened in their pasts, with the anticipated complications looming throughout.

Their tale is full of heartache, hot sex, and intense longing. They are perfect together if they can just deal with the obstacles in their way.

Written with alternating between the past and the present, the author slowly brings the reader up to date about their complicated past. It all flows well and is easy to follow. I appreciate the way this is written and wouldn't change a thing.

A Brit Player is a great second chance romance. I am definitely interested in reading the other books in this Brenda St John Brown series.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

💞 How time flies when the book's as good as this one!😊

My first read in the Castle Calder romance series and it was everything I expect from a good romance right from the start. The second chance for teenage sweethearts Max and Tara had all the feels and, though Tara sometimes comes off as a bit cold what with her tendency to ghost guys (!), she's actually acting in what she believes is their best interests. When I learned what she'd gone through when Max's dreams starting to come true I knew this character needed a happy ending after all that disappointment and sorrow.

Tara is an intelligent, successful, professional twenty-something and has some great friends. She's also really down to earth. I also really liked Tara's family and how her Asian cultural background influenced her life, particularly in her teen years. In a universe with its share of screwball comedies and flighty heroines she stands apart.

Highly recommended, well-written romance/women's fiction. It's not a romcom.

Thanks to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Nicola · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Brit Player is the fourth book in Brenda's Castle Calder series and is Max and Tara's second chance romance that will hook you from the very beginning.
Twelve years ago Tara and Max were inseparable, they were each other's first love and things couldn't of been more perfect. But all that changes when Max gets recruited to a football academy in Spain and their little bubble is popped.
A charity auction brings the pair back into each other's worlds, all those old feelings come flooding back and makes them question whether they ever stopped loving each other and whether the timing will be right second time around.
"Seeing him has only reinforced how much I've missed him."
But Tara has a secret, a twelve year old secret that she hasn't told anyone.
Is the timing finally right or will Tara's secret tear them apart for good?
Read A Brit Player now to find out!
This is my first book by Brenda and it will definitely not be my last. I haven't read the previous books in the series and it did not stop me from enjoying it. A Brit Player makes me want to go and read the others too!
I received an arc of A Brit Player and I am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Jessi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

TW: Pregnancy loss
This was a sweet friends to lovers/ second chance romance story. I always love a good charity date auction and soccer player MC. Tara and Max were high school friends turned sweethearts in a total opposites attract situation. Once Max was given an opportunity to play professional football (to Americans- soccer) in Spain, Tara's family moved and they lost contact. This story starts 12 years later when a chance encounter brings them back together.

I really liked both Tara and Max. They seemed realistic, which isn't always the case when one is a pro athlete. Their relationship was warm and caring, and their chemistry was amazing. Some things I really appreciated about this story apart from the romance were: Tara had strong female friendship, therapy was normalized and encouraged, there was a second-chance friendship as well. There is a pregnancy loss in the story, and I felt like it was handled with care and empathy.

This book is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. It was a quick read because it was fun and easy to get immersed in the story. This HEA made me particularly happy, and I may have to read more by the author to see if I can get a follow up on Max and Tara's future.

[Diane McConnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can Tara tell Max her secret?

Tara’s friends want to get her out of her six-month funk, so they are making architect Tara Kapoor to do her part as a dinner date for charity. Tara thought that some rich guy would bid on her, little did she know it would be soccer player Max Foster. Max was her first boyfriend and he’s the one person that she never wanted to talk to again after she ghosted him when he moved to Spain for his first professional soccer contract.

A Brit Player is a second chance romance where you almost get to redo your first love, but Tara has been keeping a massive secret from Max (you need to read the trigger warning on the blurb) that could cause problems for their reunion. It’s the fourth book in the Castle Calder series but it can be read as a stand-alone.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sharon Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

So it seems that I am a little late to the party as I have only read this book from the series. Needless to say, it definitely reads as a stand-alone but has piqued my interest enough that I will more than likely go back and read the first three books as well.
Tara was a hard character to like for the majority of the book. I just felt that she was only worried about her own feelings and tried to put everything in the too hard basket rather than confronting anything difficult. Luckily she has some amazing friends that finally get her to see some sense and she ends up revealing her heartbreaking secrets to Max.
I would have loved for this story to be told in dual POV as I really wanted to know what Max was truly thinking and feeling. I definitely could sense his emotions throughout the book and this is probably only down to me being a little nit picky.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.

[Read.Review.Repeat Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

"So it seems that I am a little late to the party as I have only read this book from the series. Needless to say, it definitely reads as a stand-alone but has piqued my interest enough that I will more than likely go back and read the first three books as well.
Tara was a hard character to like for the majority of the book. I just felt that she was only worried about her own feelings and tried to put everything in the too hard basket rather than confronting anything difficult. Luckily she has some amazing friends that finally get her to see some sense and she ends up revealing her heartbreaking secrets to Max.
I would have loved for this story to be told in dual POV as I really wanted to know what Max was truly thinking and feeling. I definitely could sense his emotions throughout the book and this is probably only down to me being a little nit picky.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book."

[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Max and his caring heart. He is sweet and so attentive to Tara, and he always has been. These two-share a history of being friends in school. He was the jock, and she was the geek. But he never saw her as that. He never really saw what was right in front of him until it was too late. She ghosted him after he left to pursue his dream. And then she is left to figure out what to do with her life without him. Max comes back twelve years later in the craziest of circumstances and he is not losing her again.

These two will have to trust each other to share their insecurities and secrets of the past to move on together. But sometimes, it is too hard to forgive and these two need a lot of forgiveness.

Tara has the best friends in Rina and Scarlett. I cried at how supportive and encouraging they are with her. It was fun to see Scarlett and Bradley again. I adore this series and love the characters.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-stars for A Brit Player

This was my first time reading this author so it definitely can be read as a stand alone. While I loved the storyline and was hooked from the first few chapters there was a few things I didn't like. First, Tara wasn't my favorite heroine and I missed dual POVs and really thought this book could have been elevated if it was written from dual POVs. With that being said, I truly did love the story and would definitely not want to miss reading A Brit Player so well worth your time to read. I look forward for reading more from the author and hope she expands to dual POVs. Although I don't want to give away spoilers in my review because this was a great read not do I want to dwell on missing dual POVs, but I would have rated 5-stars if it was told from both POVs, the book is that good!
Even though I did receive an advanced review copy of this book from NetGalley, I am voluntarily leaving my own unsolicited opinion with my voluntary review.

[Karrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

They fell in love when she was 16. He had a once in a lifetime chance of making his dreams come true. He left her behind to follow his dream. Tara knew in her heart that they wouldn’t make it for the two years that Max was supposed to be gone. She let him go when without a word when she kept the biggest secret of her life. Only her then best friend knew. He came back looking for her, but Tara and her family had moved. She didn’t keep in contact with anyone from their hometown. Twelve years later they meet again. It was a chance for second chances until Tara decided that she couldn’t do it anymore. She was letting the secret get in the way of her chance at her one and only love. She finally decided to tell him and thought that they were done. Third time is the charm for them and their happy ending.

[Bookgyrl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the writing of this author. It flowed and took me along on the journey of Tara and Max. We get several flashbacks to 12 years prior when they are both in school and in love. What is the reason they broke up?

I liked Max a lot but I was sometimes a bit annoyed by Tara and the way she thought sometimes. I know there is a sensitivity warning so I will put it as a spoiler Tara got pregnant in high school and lost the baby. Tara ghosted Max after that and I thought she was rather callous to him this time around, again. .

Overall it was a hot love story with some issues. I liked it and will go look for her backlist (Scarlett).

*** I requested and received an ARC via Netgalley and this is my honest and voluntary review. ***

[Kristina Maysonet · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautifully written book! This is the story of high school first loves torn apart by circumstance and brought back together 12 years later. I loved how we went back in time throughout the entire book and not just all at once. Max had gone away to become a big soccer star leaving Tara to finish high school by herself. A big secret leads Tara to cut all ties with Max and leaves him wondering what happened. Now 12 years later, Tara needs to come clean with what happened back then or they will never be able to have a serious relationship. I like that Tara sought out professional help to work through her feelings. In the end, Max’s love beats out his anger and they are able to work through their problems.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in this amazing series and is Max and Tara’s story. These two were each other’s first love, but things changed when Max is given the opportunity to play professionally, and Tara started ghosting him, and he has no clue why. When there is a charity auction Max is on a mission to bid for Tara, and the sparks still fly between them. Will Tara tell Max the truth about why she started ghosting him? This is a well written story which is a beautiful 2nd chance romance story, which is emotionally charged, and with drama, secrets, truths, witty banter, friendships, and love, which leads to a humorous and entertaining page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Breanna Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can love survive being ripped apart? What about a secret?

Tara Kapoor is about to find out when, after years of being apart, she runs into her first love, Max Foster.

Tara is the one that got away when Max left to pursue his dream of being a professional football player. And Max isn’t going to let her get away again.

A Brit Player is a welcome return to Castle Calder and some of our favorite characters. Tara and Max’s story is full of dreams, sweetness, and steam mixed with the angst that only secrets can bring.

Do Max and Tara finally get their happily ever after? Or is the secret too big? Find a comfy chair because once you dive in to find out, you won’t want to leave Castle Calder until the end.

[Brenda Brown]

I'm SO excited to be back in the world of Castle Calder with Max and Tara's story. Like all of the books in this series, this one can be read as a standalone. (If you've read A BRIT COMPLICATED, you'll be pleased to see Bradley and Scarlett are back in this story, too!)

A BRIT PLAYER is a little less rom com than some of the other books in the series, but there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, I promise. And the swoons! It's a second-chance romance and, oh my, was it fun to write all of that first love goodness!

Find buy links and content warnings here: https://brendastjohnbrown.com/castle-...

[Emily T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with Tara and Max from their very first meeting! I swooned over Max and how sweet he is, and just love big, softie footballers! I loved getting to peel back the layers on Tara and her relationship with Max -- it was so well done, that it drew you into the story even more. I loved the flashbacks to when they were teens, and loved getting to see them in high school! They have such a rich and complex history together, and I was sucked into their story and couldn't put this book down!
Another amazing read by Brenda, and I already want more books and stories in the Castle Calder series <3

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

As teenagers Max and Tara fell in love however when Max had the opportunity to fulfill his dream of playing soccer professionally Tara made a decision that she believed was the right one at the time and she hasn’t seen or spoken to him since.

More than a decade later fate brings them together when she is a participant at a charity auction and Max wins a date with her. The chemistry and connection between them is stronger than ever but will the secret she holds be the one challenge they can’t overcome?

Max and Tara have always belonged together, and I enjoyed seeing them fight to overcome their past so that they could have a future together.

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the story of Max and Tara so much , gah , I could not stop crying . Max’s character was so genuine and caring , I loved that he was so invested in the relationship between him and Tara . It took me a bit to warm up to Tara but once I did , I understood there was so much more to her character .there was a lot of flashbacks , some hesitation to Pursue a relationship on Tara’s part . That is why it took me a bit to wake up to her , she did not communicate her feelings to max . I truly could not stop reading though . I love all Brenda’s books , she never disappoints and always delivers a awesome read . This was a truly touching second chance romance

[Carolynn Brill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes a difficult subject, handled brilliantly!

Sweet, young love is always so touching to read. But when the young couple encounters challenges at a young age, lose touch then reconnect years later (older, yet wiser?) those challenges might be too much to overcome.

Such is this story. We’ve met Tara before as a secondary character in Scarlett’s story, so it’s fun to get to know her here. Cute, smart, brilliant at her job & still struggling with the issues she encountered as a teen. And Max is just perfect as our hero, hot, kind & talented but totally unaware of just what young Tara had gone through.

Fun British lingo always makes these stories such fun!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A proper football player

Max goes straight from High School and his girlfriend Tara to his first professional team in Spain. Their young love has been intense, their parting abrupt. After a few months Tara makes the decision to move on without telling Max.

Twelve years later a charity event at Castle Calder sees them meeting up again. They are both successful in their chosen careers and both single.

Although still in love with Max, Tara has secrets she wants to keep and she convinces herself to hijack what could be rather than sharing them with Max.

I knew the author would provide a happy ending but she keeps us waiting for it.

Another great book in this series.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. The Castle Calder series continues with a second chance at love for Tara and Max. These two have a history together that did not end on the best of notes. Over a decade later they are brought back together. The chemistry is still there but their issues have not changed. This time Tara has to be honest with Max if they have any chance at a future together. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters were good.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an arc of this book in exchange for my honest review. I loved this book. Max is a footballer and he's also Tara's high school love. Tara fell in love with Max when she was 16 and even though it didn't work out back then she never stopped loving him. Fast forward 12 years when they meet up again by accident. The romance was never truly over between these two. This was such a feel food romance full of second chances and flash backs to youth.