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Westfall U #1
Heartless Player
Rebel
Notorious heartbreaker and handsome-as-sin hockey captain, Wolfe Judd is the golden boy on campus. He could have any girl he wants... and he wants me.
He sees beyond my surface. The way his stormy blue eyes watch me... I feel beautiful for the first time since my accident. Little by little, he tears down my walls, exposing a passion that leaves me breathless and a vulnerability that could leave me shattered.
But all my scars aren’t on the outside, and the ones inside whisper that a guy like him will never fall for a damaged girl like me. Turns out Wolfe is just as broken as I am. He might be a heartless player, but that won’t stop me from playing his game.
Wolfe
Rebel thinks she’s invisible, but I see her... even when she doesn’t want me to. Even when I wish I could get her out of my mind, because falling for her is a complication I can’t afford.
My reputation proceeds me, but Rebel is a game changer. And if I get too close, I’m afraid she’ll see right through me. Behind the person who my family and teammates expect me to be, to the person who’s been keeping secrets.
With every scorching touch, every unapologetic kiss, the rules change, and the truth unravels around us. If only we could go on living this lie, then I wouldn’t risk losing the only girl I’ve ever loved.
Notorious heartbreaker and handsome-as-sin hockey captain, Wolfe Judd is the golden boy on campus. He could have any girl he wants... and he wants me.
He sees beyond my surface. The way his stormy blue eyes watch me... I feel beautiful for the first time since my accident. Little by little, he tears down my walls, exposing a passion that leaves me breathless and a vulnerability that could leave me shattered.
But all my scars aren’t on the outside, and the ones inside whisper that a guy like him will never fall for a damaged girl like me. Turns out Wolfe is just as broken as I am. He might be a heartless player, but that won’t stop me from playing his game.
Wolfe
Rebel thinks she’s invisible, but I see her... even when she doesn’t want me to. Even when I wish I could get her out of my mind, because falling for her is a complication I can’t afford.
My reputation proceeds me, but Rebel is a game changer. And if I get too close, I’m afraid she’ll see right through me. Behind the person who my family and teammates expect me to be, to the person who’s been keeping secrets.
With every scorching touch, every unapologetic kiss, the rules change, and the truth unravels around us. If only we could go on living this lie, then I wouldn’t risk losing the only girl I’ve ever loved.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2021
904 people are currently reading
2889 people want to read
About the author
R.C. Stephens
45 books1,415 followersR.C. Stephens writes the kind of stories that make you laugh, cry, and believe in love all over again.
A Top 100 Amazon bestselling author, she crafts emotional, heartfelt romances full of humor, heat, and happily ever afters.
When she’s not writing, she’s probably wrangling her three kids, sneaking in a coffee date with her husband, or walking her lovable goldendoodle, who’s always by her side during late-night writing sessions.
A proud Toronto native, she loves cozy winters—but it’s the colors of fall and the first bloom of spring that truly inspire her.
Keep up with R.C. by signing up to her newsletter-http://rcstephens.com/newsletter/
Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rc.stephens.8/
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rc_stephens...
A Top 100 Amazon bestselling author, she crafts emotional, heartfelt romances full of humor, heat, and happily ever afters.
When she’s not writing, she’s probably wrangling her three kids, sneaking in a coffee date with her husband, or walking her lovable goldendoodle, who’s always by her side during late-night writing sessions.
A proud Toronto native, she loves cozy winters—but it’s the colors of fall and the first bloom of spring that truly inspire her.
Keep up with R.C. by signing up to her newsletter-http://rcstephens.com/newsletter/
Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rc.stephens.8/
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rc_stephens...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 285 reviews
August 22, 2021
is friends to lovers my new favorite trope?
for the past three years Rebel has made herself a ghost but then out of nowhere the captain of the hockey time Wolf notices her.
they start as friends and slowly they start to fall for each other.
if you're looking for sweet friends to lovers, with a kinda softie hero, this is your book.
P.S: This book has one of my favorite things when the couple binge-watches something together, here was 'la casa de papel'.
for the past three years Rebel has made herself a ghost but then out of nowhere the captain of the hockey time Wolf notices her.
they start as friends and slowly they start to fall for each other.
if you're looking for sweet friends to lovers, with a kinda softie hero, this is your book.
P.S: This book has one of my favorite things when the couple binge-watches something together, here was 'la casa de papel'.
September 5, 2021
This was sweet and fun friends to lovers read! A great start to the series.
Rebel has hidden away from everything and everyone while at college. She doesn't want to be noticed or want any remarks made about her. She sees how some people look at her and it makes her want to crawl deeper into herself.
One night, a playboy hockey player named Wolfe notices her. He's known around campus as the Heartless player. He loves the ladies once and then moves on to someone new. They still flock to him knowing his reputation. Rebel can't believe that he even spoke to, the nobody who never stands out in a crowd. He's the last person she would want to associate with. There is no way she can remain a ghost with his attention blowing up her quiet life. He seems to always be where she is - at the bar, on campus, the gym... Everywhere!
Slowly and so sweetly, their relationship grows and evolves into so much more than either of them had planned. They both have a brutal past that constantly haunts them day in and day out. Can they fill that dark hole in each other's heart? Can they allow their steel walls to crumble down and allow something good into their live and hearts?
Don't miss out on this book. It's a good one!
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Rebel has hidden away from everything and everyone while at college. She doesn't want to be noticed or want any remarks made about her. She sees how some people look at her and it makes her want to crawl deeper into herself.
One night, a playboy hockey player named Wolfe notices her. He's known around campus as the Heartless player. He loves the ladies once and then moves on to someone new. They still flock to him knowing his reputation. Rebel can't believe that he even spoke to, the nobody who never stands out in a crowd. He's the last person she would want to associate with. There is no way she can remain a ghost with his attention blowing up her quiet life. He seems to always be where she is - at the bar, on campus, the gym... Everywhere!
Slowly and so sweetly, their relationship grows and evolves into so much more than either of them had planned. They both have a brutal past that constantly haunts them day in and day out. Can they fill that dark hole in each other's heart? Can they allow their steel walls to crumble down and allow something good into their live and hearts?
Don't miss out on this book. It's a good one!
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
September 9, 2021
I was completely caught up in this story!
”You know how it is. You’re Westfall’s golden boy, and I’m the ghost no one sees.”
Rebel keeps to herself. She’s no longer the outgoing girl she once was back in high school, after the traumatic events that took place when she was seventeen. Now, at college, she keeps her head down and tries to remain unnoticed. However, when the popular jock, Wolfe Judd, appears to be everywhere she is and offering her lifts in his car, it’s pretty hard to remain invisible. Contrary to his cold, heartless reputation, he shows her a side to himself rarely seen by others, and she can’t help but be dazzled by him.
”Truth is, I want more with her. More Rebel, more of her sweet smile, more of her flushed cheeks.”
Wolfe may be a god on campus but he hides his true self from all but his closest friend. Rebel piques his interest for a reason but that reason becomes less important as he gets to know her. She’s not his type – the one-and-done type – but there’s no denying that he’s attracted to her. No matter how much she tries to keep him at arm’s length and in the friend zone, he can see that the attraction is mutual. Unfortunately, she doesn’t trust easily, and what will happen when all his truths come to light?
”We may come from different worlds…But when we’re together, the world makes sense.”
I absolutely enjoyed this story. Rebel and Wolfe seemed like opposites but both were pretty broken people and had been let down by those that should have supported them. Rebel is pretty sassy, strong and direct under her meek exterior, and I loved seeing how Wolfe’s care and attention brought her out of herself. In turn, I loved that Wolfe felt like he could tell her anything and confide in her about the things that really mattered to him. I loved how they gradually fell into a more intimate relationship – Wolfe was sweet and patient with her, as well as passionate. I adored their chemistry and how they took the time to know what the other liked. Both of them had a journey in this story as they came to terms with things that happened in their pasts, and how they changed each other’s lives for the better. Can’t wait to read the next book!
Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/review/R3DOF6J...
”You know how it is. You’re Westfall’s golden boy, and I’m the ghost no one sees.”
Rebel keeps to herself. She’s no longer the outgoing girl she once was back in high school, after the traumatic events that took place when she was seventeen. Now, at college, she keeps her head down and tries to remain unnoticed. However, when the popular jock, Wolfe Judd, appears to be everywhere she is and offering her lifts in his car, it’s pretty hard to remain invisible. Contrary to his cold, heartless reputation, he shows her a side to himself rarely seen by others, and she can’t help but be dazzled by him.
”Truth is, I want more with her. More Rebel, more of her sweet smile, more of her flushed cheeks.”
Wolfe may be a god on campus but he hides his true self from all but his closest friend. Rebel piques his interest for a reason but that reason becomes less important as he gets to know her. She’s not his type – the one-and-done type – but there’s no denying that he’s attracted to her. No matter how much she tries to keep him at arm’s length and in the friend zone, he can see that the attraction is mutual. Unfortunately, she doesn’t trust easily, and what will happen when all his truths come to light?
”We may come from different worlds…But when we’re together, the world makes sense.”
I absolutely enjoyed this story. Rebel and Wolfe seemed like opposites but both were pretty broken people and had been let down by those that should have supported them. Rebel is pretty sassy, strong and direct under her meek exterior, and I loved seeing how Wolfe’s care and attention brought her out of herself. In turn, I loved that Wolfe felt like he could tell her anything and confide in her about the things that really mattered to him. I loved how they gradually fell into a more intimate relationship – Wolfe was sweet and patient with her, as well as passionate. I adored their chemistry and how they took the time to know what the other liked. Both of them had a journey in this story as they came to terms with things that happened in their pasts, and how they changed each other’s lives for the better. Can’t wait to read the next book!
Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/review/R3DOF6J...
September 5, 2021
Heartless Player is the first book in R.C. Stephens new hockey romance series Westfall U. If you love friends to lovers and hockey romance this is perfect for you!
This book follows Rebel and Wolfe. Rebel is an amputee, who suffers with her confidence and is damaged from her past. She sticks to herself and never lets anyone in. In walks Wolfe, the captain of the Hockey team and the campus player, attempts to break down Rebel's walls and show her how truly beautiful she is inside and out.
I really enjoyed this book! I adored how both characters helped heal each others scars. The transition from them being friends to lovers felt really natural and never forced and they really did have amazing chemistry! I love hockey romances and this one was really good. The writing flowed well and was a really fun and quick read!
*ARC provided in exchange for honest review*
This book follows Rebel and Wolfe. Rebel is an amputee, who suffers with her confidence and is damaged from her past. She sticks to herself and never lets anyone in. In walks Wolfe, the captain of the Hockey team and the campus player, attempts to break down Rebel's walls and show her how truly beautiful she is inside and out.
I really enjoyed this book! I adored how both characters helped heal each others scars. The transition from them being friends to lovers felt really natural and never forced and they really did have amazing chemistry! I love hockey romances and this one was really good. The writing flowed well and was a really fun and quick read!
*ARC provided in exchange for honest review*
December 27, 2021
I think this book comes down to, it's-me-not-you. I just don't think the writing was for me and it felt more like reading a YA book than one set in college with characters in their early 20's. The inner dialogue from both characters felt very immature and I saw another review say that it felt like fanfic and I can honestly agree with that. Especially how the characters described each other. I easily lost interest and ended up skimming the ending because by that point I wasn't even invested enough in Rebel and Wolfe to care if they actually ended up together or not. I also think one of the downsides for me was that there wasn't enough attention given to some plotlines. Like Wolfe's mother just added confusion to the story since there wasn't much of an explanation on why exactly Wolfe didn't get along with her and what her (for lack of better word) problems were. So overall, this wasn't a horrible story and I did like the premise but the execution didn't work for me.
August 22, 2021
ARC provided in exchange of an honest review!
Rating: 4.8/5 🌟
Amazing!!! I absolutely adored this book. I loved how there was stress on disability and also how strong one is to have overcome and also the difficulties that they went through for the same!!! Loved the way it was shown in the book and definitely worth a read!!!There was a perfect balance between the sports aspect, romance aspect, character's growth and development and also the improvement arc in everyone's relationship!!! It made this book even more better with that.
Rebel was such a pure soul, she cared for others and also was so strong which made her character so freaking good. The love she had for her sister!!! Please I could cry, Holland was her best friend and she was the best.
Wolfe, he was not heartless, not even the least, he was just frank af in telling what he thought which made him look like a heartless jerk. His dad was an asshole the last chapters about him was satisfying. His love for his sister Cait was what got Rebel and Wolfe got together. I loved the whole premise of this book. It is just so lovely!!!!!
Can't wait to read the next one!!! The first chapter of the next unedited book is getting me too curious.
Rating: 4.8/5 🌟
Amazing!!! I absolutely adored this book. I loved how there was stress on disability and also how strong one is to have overcome and also the difficulties that they went through for the same!!! Loved the way it was shown in the book and definitely worth a read!!!There was a perfect balance between the sports aspect, romance aspect, character's growth and development and also the improvement arc in everyone's relationship!!! It made this book even more better with that.
Rebel was such a pure soul, she cared for others and also was so strong which made her character so freaking good. The love she had for her sister!!! Please I could cry, Holland was her best friend and she was the best.
Wolfe, he was not heartless, not even the least, he was just frank af in telling what he thought which made him look like a heartless jerk. His dad was an asshole the last chapters about him was satisfying. His love for his sister Cait was what got Rebel and Wolfe got together. I loved the whole premise of this book. It is just so lovely!!!!!
Can't wait to read the next one!!! The first chapter of the next unedited book is getting me too curious.
March 22, 2022
This is a sweet and heartfelt sports romance. While Wolfe appeared to be your typical jock, he has a secret past that he’s ashamed of. Rebel is an interesting heroine in that she has a past of her own. She lost her leg in a tragic accident years ago, and she uses a prosthesis to get around. I like reading romances where the heroine doesn’t fit your typical mold for a perfect 10, though she is gorgeous and intelligent, so her disability is the only thing that sets her apart from other Mary Sue heroines.
The plot is fairly straightforward, though I loved the angst sprinkled throughout the storyline. Unfortunately, everything wrapped up a little too perfectly. I kind of wanted to pinch myself, because it was somewhat abrupt and felt like I’d entered the Twilight Zone.
That said, if you’re looking for a feel-good romance, then this is for you!
The plot is fairly straightforward, though I loved the angst sprinkled throughout the storyline. Unfortunately, everything wrapped up a little too perfectly. I kind of wanted to pinch myself, because it was somewhat abrupt and felt like I’d entered the Twilight Zone.
That said, if you’re looking for a feel-good romance, then this is for you!
September 10, 2021
After a traumatic event that happened in her life, Rebel is no longer the outgoing girl she used to be. Now she just wants to keep her head down and stay invisible. Unfortunately for Rebel, when a popular jock in college takes notice of her, she’s no longer invisible. He may be a god on campus but Wolfe is just as broken as Rebel. Rebel intrigues him, especially because he SEES her.
I loved Wolfe and Rebel. On the outside they seem like total opposites, but inside they’re two broken souls. I loved seeing their relationship and connection to each other grow. I enjoyed Heartless Player so much and if you love sports romances, read this one ASAP.
I loved Wolfe and Rebel. On the outside they seem like total opposites, but inside they’re two broken souls. I loved seeing their relationship and connection to each other grow. I enjoyed Heartless Player so much and if you love sports romances, read this one ASAP.
August 24, 2021
My first R.C. Stephens book and I loved every minute of it! This college sports romance was so unexpected. The story was captivating and the characters had great depth and faced completely surprising challenges.
Wolfe is the campus golden boy. He's the captain of the hockey team and while he's definitely a hot commodity amongst the ladies he's known to be cold as the ice he skates on. Not one to commit to anyone and broody on a good day, he's caught off guard when he finds himself drawn to Rebel. The quiet girl who tries to blend into the background more often than not. Somehow he finds he can open up to her, she doesn't ask for more than he's willing to give and for the first time ever, he has a friend that's a girl.
I love Rebel. She's so freaking resilient, supportive and not a pushover even when it would be easier. She's clear about what she wants and she may wish to be invisible sometimes but that's more a product of her past more than anything. She has real challenges to overcome and while I don't want to spill all the details it's definitely not one I saw coming. It really added to her character development. Over the story she confronts her fears and she finds a stronger version of herself for it.
Once these two finally get it on, it's so sexy and loving. Wolfe has a caring side that he didn't even realize he had and it's so sweet when he's always there to help Rebel even when she's spitting mad. I got so wrapped up in these two because they're actually likeable and endearing.
This is heartfelt sports romance with actual hockey action too! The games are exciting and well-written. I'm so happy this is just the beginning for this series-can't wait for the next book!
I was kindly provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review
*Does contain aspects that some may find triggering
Wolfe is the campus golden boy. He's the captain of the hockey team and while he's definitely a hot commodity amongst the ladies he's known to be cold as the ice he skates on. Not one to commit to anyone and broody on a good day, he's caught off guard when he finds himself drawn to Rebel. The quiet girl who tries to blend into the background more often than not. Somehow he finds he can open up to her, she doesn't ask for more than he's willing to give and for the first time ever, he has a friend that's a girl.
I love Rebel. She's so freaking resilient, supportive and not a pushover even when it would be easier. She's clear about what she wants and she may wish to be invisible sometimes but that's more a product of her past more than anything. She has real challenges to overcome and while I don't want to spill all the details it's definitely not one I saw coming. It really added to her character development. Over the story she confronts her fears and she finds a stronger version of herself for it.
Once these two finally get it on, it's so sexy and loving. Wolfe has a caring side that he didn't even realize he had and it's so sweet when he's always there to help Rebel even when she's spitting mad. I got so wrapped up in these two because they're actually likeable and endearing.
This is heartfelt sports romance with actual hockey action too! The games are exciting and well-written. I'm so happy this is just the beginning for this series-can't wait for the next book!
I was kindly provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review
*Does contain aspects that some may find triggering
April 20, 2023
Cristina B - per RFS
.
L’autrice R.C. Stephens inaugura una nuova serie sport romance Westfall U, edita Triskell Edizioni, in cui la fanno da padrone sentimenti impossibili da ignorare e sogni da realizzare.
Ero molto curiosa di leggere questo primo volume e non sono rimasta affatto delusa, ma lasciate che vi presenti i protagonisti: Rebel è una ragazza timida, traumatizzata da un passato difficile e da un incidente che l’ha segnata non solo metaforicamente. Nonostante tenti in ogni modo di essere “invisibile”, non ci riesce perché Wolfe la vede, anche quando lei non vorrebbe. Wolfe Judd è il rubacuori del campus e capitano della squadra di hockey, un ragazzo dai segreti piuttosto ingombranti e difficili da tenere sottochiave. Lo so, a prima occhiata e dal titolo “senza cuore”, il giovane Wolfe potrebbe sembrarvi il classico bad boy bello da morire e senza voglia di legami, tipico di questo genere letterario, ma vi assicuro che vi stupirà in quanto nasconde una personalità niente male.
Non vi svelerò troppo, perché la storia tratta un paio di temi molto delicati che non voglio spoilerare.
Di questo romanzo mi sono piaciuti i personaggi secondari e i protagonisti – in particolare Rebel, una ragazza buona, forte e coraggiosa. Lo stile dell’autrice è fluido e la lettura è sempre scorrevole, con alcuni colpi di scena che mantengono l’interesse del lettore. La trama è piuttosto interessante, anche se, secondo me, la parte finale è stata un po’ sbrigativa relativamente al perdono … in più sensi, che capirete solo leggendo.
Sì, perché se siete amanti del genere sport romance e del trope friends to lovers, non potete proprio farvi sfuggire questa nuova serie targata Triskell Edizioni e io non vedo l’ora di leggere il prossimo capitolo della Westfall U.
.
L’autrice R.C. Stephens inaugura una nuova serie sport romance Westfall U, edita Triskell Edizioni, in cui la fanno da padrone sentimenti impossibili da ignorare e sogni da realizzare.
Ero molto curiosa di leggere questo primo volume e non sono rimasta affatto delusa, ma lasciate che vi presenti i protagonisti: Rebel è una ragazza timida, traumatizzata da un passato difficile e da un incidente che l’ha segnata non solo metaforicamente. Nonostante tenti in ogni modo di essere “invisibile”, non ci riesce perché Wolfe la vede, anche quando lei non vorrebbe. Wolfe Judd è il rubacuori del campus e capitano della squadra di hockey, un ragazzo dai segreti piuttosto ingombranti e difficili da tenere sottochiave. Lo so, a prima occhiata e dal titolo “senza cuore”, il giovane Wolfe potrebbe sembrarvi il classico bad boy bello da morire e senza voglia di legami, tipico di questo genere letterario, ma vi assicuro che vi stupirà in quanto nasconde una personalità niente male.
Non vi svelerò troppo, perché la storia tratta un paio di temi molto delicati che non voglio spoilerare.
Di questo romanzo mi sono piaciuti i personaggi secondari e i protagonisti – in particolare Rebel, una ragazza buona, forte e coraggiosa. Lo stile dell’autrice è fluido e la lettura è sempre scorrevole, con alcuni colpi di scena che mantengono l’interesse del lettore. La trama è piuttosto interessante, anche se, secondo me, la parte finale è stata un po’ sbrigativa relativamente al perdono … in più sensi, che capirete solo leggendo.
Sì, perché se siete amanti del genere sport romance e del trope friends to lovers, non potete proprio farvi sfuggire questa nuova serie targata Triskell Edizioni e io non vedo l’ora di leggere il prossimo capitolo della Westfall U.
August 30, 2021
This was a good book. I was intrigued by Wolfe and Rebel's relationship. Wolfe is a star hockey player who doesn't do relationships. Rebel had an accident 3 years prior and prefers to stay to herself.
It almost has an opposites attract feel, but really they are so much alike. It's definitely an instant attraction, because they both come out of their shells to each other almost immediately. I was rooting for them throughout the book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It almost has an opposites attract feel, but really they are so much alike. It's definitely an instant attraction, because they both come out of their shells to each other almost immediately. I was rooting for them throughout the book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 5, 2021
I was really excited to get started on a new hockey, college sports series but I struggled with the characters and that lead me to losing interest in the story as well.
Wolfe has the reputation of being a heartless player (which was mentioned too many times to make sense) and yet it was not showed once in his actions or anything else. To me he just seemed to be like any other college guy in the books I've read, he sleeps around a lot and don't really care to settle down but that doesn't make him the cruel guy everyone said he was.
Rebel is the girl who prefers to live in the shadows than in the spotlight, because she was in an accident a few years back and lost part of her leg.
I loved that we got more disability representation! Both Rebel and Cait are amputees and even though it was not discussed a lot, it is still something.
Their fallout made me like Rebel less, because god, she was annoying and just talking about 'sides' whenever someone tried to talk with her about Wolfe.
Heartless player is overall an okay read and I'm sure other people will find it more to their liking than I did!
Thank you to Grey's Promotions for providing me this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Wolfe has the reputation of being a heartless player (which was mentioned too many times to make sense) and yet it was not showed once in his actions or anything else. To me he just seemed to be like any other college guy in the books I've read, he sleeps around a lot and don't really care to settle down but that doesn't make him the cruel guy everyone said he was.
Rebel is the girl who prefers to live in the shadows than in the spotlight, because she was in an accident a few years back and lost part of her leg.
I loved that we got more disability representation! Both Rebel and Cait are amputees and even though it was not discussed a lot, it is still something.
Their fallout made me like Rebel less, because god, she was annoying and just talking about 'sides' whenever someone tried to talk with her about Wolfe.
Heartless player is overall an okay read and I'm sure other people will find it more to their liking than I did!
Thank you to Grey's Promotions for providing me this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 23, 2021
Ugh something just did any gel with the writing for me with this one. It felt clunky. Too slow. I didn’t feel the chemistry and I didn’t get click with the two MC’s.
The story is about Rebel who before becoming an amputee was a social volleyball playing butterfly, whereas Wolfe on the other hand is Weatfall’s resident heartless manwhore and captain of the hockey team.
They meet, they’re from different worlds, they spend time together as friends and inevitably fall for each other, but not before a little bit of angst. And as much as it could have been such a good book there was such a lack of emotion it bored me in the end.
Every guy .. well the three main guys are dicks .. fully fledged asshats. There’s making guys likeable manwhores, and then there’s turning them into unattractive douchebags. Wolfe the MC, has sex with a puck bunny pretty much straight away in the book, it goes into specific detail of what they get up to, which to be honest I didn’t need to know. Then there’s Cole (who’s book is next in the series) and he’s described as having bad breath by the heroine, totally a turn on fur making me want to read the next book. Then there’s Dec who putting it mildly, gets to third base with a girl on the kitchen counter, in the middle of the day! Three total babe magnets right there!!
Then there’s Rebel who is mopey, and quite pathetic if I’m honest. Yes she’s had her leg removed but that’s all that we really know until the end and you find out how it happens. But the whole book is about how everyone judges her for not having a leg.
If you want a good amputee love story, with a bit of humour, try Jewel E Ann’s ‘One’
Anyway I feel like I’ve ranted enough .. People obviously love this book, it has a fab rating. I didn’t.
The story is about Rebel who before becoming an amputee was a social volleyball playing butterfly, whereas Wolfe on the other hand is Weatfall’s resident heartless manwhore and captain of the hockey team.
They meet, they’re from different worlds, they spend time together as friends and inevitably fall for each other, but not before a little bit of angst. And as much as it could have been such a good book there was such a lack of emotion it bored me in the end.
Every guy .. well the three main guys are dicks .. fully fledged asshats. There’s making guys likeable manwhores, and then there’s turning them into unattractive douchebags. Wolfe the MC, has sex with a puck bunny pretty much straight away in the book, it goes into specific detail of what they get up to, which to be honest I didn’t need to know. Then there’s Cole (who’s book is next in the series) and he’s described as having bad breath by the heroine, totally a turn on fur making me want to read the next book. Then there’s Dec who putting it mildly, gets to third base with a girl on the kitchen counter, in the middle of the day! Three total babe magnets right there!!
Then there’s Rebel who is mopey, and quite pathetic if I’m honest. Yes she’s had her leg removed but that’s all that we really know until the end and you find out how it happens. But the whole book is about how everyone judges her for not having a leg.
If you want a good amputee love story, with a bit of humour, try Jewel E Ann’s ‘One’
Anyway I feel like I’ve ranted enough .. People obviously love this book, it has a fab rating. I didn’t.
September 8, 2021
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Grey's Promotions for providing me this ARC.
Heartless Player is the first book of the Westfall U series by R.C. Stephens, and I loved it!. This book was also my first one by this author and, now, I can't wait to read more of her work.
Tropes: friends to lovers, shy girl/popular guy, hockey romance.
Characters: Wolfe and Rebel.
- Wolfe is the campus golden boy. He's the captain of the hockey team and is known to be cold as ice. He has the reputation of being a heartless player.
- Rebel is a quiet and shy girl who tries to hide on campus after an accident in high school that left her with a prosthetic leg. She is a strong, resilient and inspiring character and, we have the opportunity to see how she grows throughout the whole book.
When these two first meet, there is a strong connection between them that they cannot ignore. While Rebel tries to remain a ghost in the background, Wolfe sees her and, they quickly form a friendship that will develop in something else. I really liked how their relationship developed throughout the book.
Overall I enjoyed reading Rebel and Wolfe’s story and, I can't wait for Cole and Holland's one!.
Heartless Player is the first book of the Westfall U series by R.C. Stephens, and I loved it!. This book was also my first one by this author and, now, I can't wait to read more of her work.
Tropes: friends to lovers, shy girl/popular guy, hockey romance.
Characters: Wolfe and Rebel.
- Wolfe is the campus golden boy. He's the captain of the hockey team and is known to be cold as ice. He has the reputation of being a heartless player.
- Rebel is a quiet and shy girl who tries to hide on campus after an accident in high school that left her with a prosthetic leg. She is a strong, resilient and inspiring character and, we have the opportunity to see how she grows throughout the whole book.
When these two first meet, there is a strong connection between them that they cannot ignore. While Rebel tries to remain a ghost in the background, Wolfe sees her and, they quickly form a friendship that will develop in something else. I really liked how their relationship developed throughout the book.
Overall I enjoyed reading Rebel and Wolfe’s story and, I can't wait for Cole and Holland's one!.
September 5, 2021
*I was a BETA reader for this book, but the review is based on my honest opinion.
Rebel isn't you "normal" girl. In fact, just one look at her and you'll know why. She walks with a prosthetic after losing her leg in a tragic family incident. It's been a couple of years getting used to it and her knew life, but she still tries to avoid people at all costs so that she doesn't have to "explain" what happened. Which is why she works in the back of a college bar/restaurant and keeps to herself. That is until one night when her co-worker/friend drags her to the restaurant side for a late night dinner before heading home. Oh how one moment can change everything...
Wolfe is the captain of the college hockey team. When I saw the college hockey team, I mean, one of the only sports at the college that it's known for, hence the players being considered gods. After suffering a leg injury during his game, he's been sidelined; having to commit to physical therapy and the waiting game. But during his recovery, he's become "friends" with Rebel. Why her? Well, his little sister had an accident that's left her in a wheelchair and he's drawn to Rebel, maybe help him get his sister some help. But friendship has a funny way of changing sometimes...and he may be looking for more than just being her friend after all.
I really liked this! It not only tackles the issues of moving on with your life post trauma, it tackles the social acceptance we all face(d) in high school and college. These two really did make me smile a lot while reading this. I CAN'T WAIT for the next one!!
Rebel isn't you "normal" girl. In fact, just one look at her and you'll know why. She walks with a prosthetic after losing her leg in a tragic family incident. It's been a couple of years getting used to it and her knew life, but she still tries to avoid people at all costs so that she doesn't have to "explain" what happened. Which is why she works in the back of a college bar/restaurant and keeps to herself. That is until one night when her co-worker/friend drags her to the restaurant side for a late night dinner before heading home. Oh how one moment can change everything...
Wolfe is the captain of the college hockey team. When I saw the college hockey team, I mean, one of the only sports at the college that it's known for, hence the players being considered gods. After suffering a leg injury during his game, he's been sidelined; having to commit to physical therapy and the waiting game. But during his recovery, he's become "friends" with Rebel. Why her? Well, his little sister had an accident that's left her in a wheelchair and he's drawn to Rebel, maybe help him get his sister some help. But friendship has a funny way of changing sometimes...and he may be looking for more than just being her friend after all.
I really liked this! It not only tackles the issues of moving on with your life post trauma, it tackles the social acceptance we all face(d) in high school and college. These two really did make me smile a lot while reading this. I CAN'T WAIT for the next one!!
September 9, 2021
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
Rebel
Notorious heartbreaker and handsome as sin hockey player captain. Wolfe Judd is the golden boy on campus. He could have any girl he wants.. and he wants me. He sees beyond my surface. The way his stormy blue eyes watch me...I feel beautiful for the first time since my accident. Little by little, he tears down my walls, exposing a passion that leave me breathless and a vulnerability that could leave me shattered. But all my scars aren't on the outside, and the ones inside whisper that a guy like him will never fall for a damaged girl like me. Turns out Wolfe is just as broken as I am. He might be a heartless player, but that won't stop me from playing his game.
Wolfe
Rebel thinks she's invisible, but I see her...even when she doesn't want me to. Even when I wish I could get her out of my mind, because falling for his a complication I can't afford. My reputation proceeds me but Rebel is a game changer. And if I get too close, I'm afraid she'll see right through me. Behind the person who my family and teammates expect me to be, to the person who's been keeping secrets. With every scorching touch, ever unapologetic kiss, the rules change, and the truth unravels around us. If only we could go on living this lie, then I wouldn't risk losing the only girl I've ever loved.
This is the story of Rebel and Wolfe. Rebel is in college but has basically hidden herself away from everyone and everything. She doesn't want to be noticed at all or have anyone even saying her name at any point and time. She sees how some people look at her and it makes want to bury herself further within herself and withdraw even more. But just because she wants things to be that way that doesn't stop Wolfe from noticing her one night. He is nicknamed the Heartless Player because the guy is a hockey player and has always been quite the playboy and only sees a girl one time and its over. But even though the girls know this about him that sure does not stop them from flocking to him all the time. But the night he sees Rebel he speaks to her and she is so shocked. After all why would one of the hottest guys on the campus notice her and even want to talk to her. But in the back of her mind she knows that this can't be good. There is no way she can remain hidden from the entire campus with a guy like Wolfe throwing all his attention in her direction. I loved these two characters. I loved that they connected so well over time and I loved to watch that connection grow. I loved that they both had pasts that were not great and things that had happened to them made them into the people they are now. But can they let go of their past to have the future that I thought they both deserved? You have to read to find that out. I can't tell you or that would be a huge cliffhanger. I thought this was a sweet romance novel and enjoyed reading every word.
Rebel
Notorious heartbreaker and handsome as sin hockey player captain. Wolfe Judd is the golden boy on campus. He could have any girl he wants.. and he wants me. He sees beyond my surface. The way his stormy blue eyes watch me...I feel beautiful for the first time since my accident. Little by little, he tears down my walls, exposing a passion that leave me breathless and a vulnerability that could leave me shattered. But all my scars aren't on the outside, and the ones inside whisper that a guy like him will never fall for a damaged girl like me. Turns out Wolfe is just as broken as I am. He might be a heartless player, but that won't stop me from playing his game.
Wolfe
Rebel thinks she's invisible, but I see her...even when she doesn't want me to. Even when I wish I could get her out of my mind, because falling for his a complication I can't afford. My reputation proceeds me but Rebel is a game changer. And if I get too close, I'm afraid she'll see right through me. Behind the person who my family and teammates expect me to be, to the person who's been keeping secrets. With every scorching touch, ever unapologetic kiss, the rules change, and the truth unravels around us. If only we could go on living this lie, then I wouldn't risk losing the only girl I've ever loved.
This is the story of Rebel and Wolfe. Rebel is in college but has basically hidden herself away from everyone and everything. She doesn't want to be noticed at all or have anyone even saying her name at any point and time. She sees how some people look at her and it makes want to bury herself further within herself and withdraw even more. But just because she wants things to be that way that doesn't stop Wolfe from noticing her one night. He is nicknamed the Heartless Player because the guy is a hockey player and has always been quite the playboy and only sees a girl one time and its over. But even though the girls know this about him that sure does not stop them from flocking to him all the time. But the night he sees Rebel he speaks to her and she is so shocked. After all why would one of the hottest guys on the campus notice her and even want to talk to her. But in the back of her mind she knows that this can't be good. There is no way she can remain hidden from the entire campus with a guy like Wolfe throwing all his attention in her direction. I loved these two characters. I loved that they connected so well over time and I loved to watch that connection grow. I loved that they both had pasts that were not great and things that had happened to them made them into the people they are now. But can they let go of their past to have the future that I thought they both deserved? You have to read to find that out. I can't tell you or that would be a huge cliffhanger. I thought this was a sweet romance novel and enjoyed reading every word.
September 9, 2021
ahh, another september fail for me. i was so excited to read this one. honestly, from the day i saw the gorgeous turquoise colour scheme on the cover, i knew i'd love it. a september hopeful for me, even if it's an arc. however, yet another one that fell flat for me.
wolfe, our mmc, plays hockey for the college team but gets injured. he meets rebel, our fmc, at her place of work when he's out with friends, defends her from his drunk best friend who picks on her leg, well lack thereof. she has a prosthesis, as the bottom half of her leg is gone. moving on, she and wolfe meet again and again, when he sees her limping to work everyday or to the gym, where she volunteers and he works out at, because she can't drive and her sister uses the family car (it's just her and her sister, mum skipped out, dad died) and they eventually become friends.
when i signed up for an arc, slow-burn was/is a trope listed, but it's honestly not. they go from strangers to friends-with-benefits so quick and then they fall in love along the way and it all crashes down with a jealous girl and they get back together just as quickly.
i'm honestly so disappointed. from the beginning, it gave me 'teenfic' vibes. wolfe constantly describe rebel as "different" and not his type, which made him more attractive to me. okay okay, we love it when the male lead falls first. rebel didn't want to date, he's the no relationship guy, they agree to just...you know and yet they fall in love of course.
toward the end, with the big conflict, rebel was incredibly immature. when her best friend and sister both tried to reason with her to hear out wolfe, she snapped at both of them and accused them of taking sides as if they were in pre-school.
there was the matter of wolfe blaming himself for his sister's own disability (she's in a wheelchair, lost part of her leg in an accident) but his father ingrained that thought into his head so i'll let that slide. but i didn't understand why he didn't go after rebel immediately. the way with how he was reacting, i honestly thought his drink had been spiked or something.
that ending fell FLAT completely. it was so stupid. when he went to look for her when he needed to be at the game but had to see her was so cute, but then the way they got back together, just urgh. not to mention that wolfe was a total douche to his best friend. i saw more "shut ups" to cole, his best friend, than anything else.
i look forward to book two, which is about her best friend and his best friend. the unedited chapter added to my arc solidified this.
this is a book i wouldn't recommend to people who have similiar tastes to me, but if you like young adult with a dash of spice (maybe six/seven scenes max—very short, by the way) and contemporary/sports romance, then this is for you.
*𝙖𝙧𝙘 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬*
wolfe, our mmc, plays hockey for the college team but gets injured. he meets rebel, our fmc, at her place of work when he's out with friends, defends her from his drunk best friend who picks on her leg, well lack thereof. she has a prosthesis, as the bottom half of her leg is gone. moving on, she and wolfe meet again and again, when he sees her limping to work everyday or to the gym, where she volunteers and he works out at, because she can't drive and her sister uses the family car (it's just her and her sister, mum skipped out, dad died) and they eventually become friends.
when i signed up for an arc, slow-burn was/is a trope listed, but it's honestly not. they go from strangers to friends-with-benefits so quick and then they fall in love along the way and it all crashes down with a jealous girl and they get back together just as quickly.
i'm honestly so disappointed. from the beginning, it gave me 'teenfic' vibes. wolfe constantly describe rebel as "different" and not his type, which made him more attractive to me. okay okay, we love it when the male lead falls first. rebel didn't want to date, he's the no relationship guy, they agree to just...you know and yet they fall in love of course.
toward the end, with the big conflict, rebel was incredibly immature. when her best friend and sister both tried to reason with her to hear out wolfe, she snapped at both of them and accused them of taking sides as if they were in pre-school.
there was the matter of wolfe blaming himself for his sister's own disability (she's in a wheelchair, lost part of her leg in an accident) but his father ingrained that thought into his head so i'll let that slide. but i didn't understand why he didn't go after rebel immediately. the way with how he was reacting, i honestly thought his drink had been spiked or something.
that ending fell FLAT completely. it was so stupid. when he went to look for her when he needed to be at the game but had to see her was so cute, but then the way they got back together, just urgh. not to mention that wolfe was a total douche to his best friend. i saw more "shut ups" to cole, his best friend, than anything else.
i look forward to book two, which is about her best friend and his best friend. the unedited chapter added to my arc solidified this.
this is a book i wouldn't recommend to people who have similiar tastes to me, but if you like young adult with a dash of spice (maybe six/seven scenes max—very short, by the way) and contemporary/sports romance, then this is for you.
*𝙖𝙧𝙘 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬*
September 10, 2021
Rebel and Wolfe had me completely sucked in and invested in their storylines from the beginning of the prologue.
Both characters are hiding behind masks. Rebel is hiding behind the mask of invisibility, while Wolfe is living up to the mask that portrays him as the BMOC and a player. What people don’t see is the truth behind these masks, the person with that they are down to their soul. Little did either know the ‘Campus King’ and the ‘ghost’ could see each other behind the walls that were erected.
Heartless Player is a heart whelming read that had so many touching moments between the hardened hockey player and the inconspicuous girl studying physical therapist. Their storylines run deep and are they are the puzzle piece to each other.
Both characters are hiding behind masks. Rebel is hiding behind the mask of invisibility, while Wolfe is living up to the mask that portrays him as the BMOC and a player. What people don’t see is the truth behind these masks, the person with that they are down to their soul. Little did either know the ‘Campus King’ and the ‘ghost’ could see each other behind the walls that were erected.
Heartless Player is a heart whelming read that had so many touching moments between the hardened hockey player and the inconspicuous girl studying physical therapist. Their storylines run deep and are they are the puzzle piece to each other.
September 9, 2021
Heartless Player is an emotional, fun, and chemistry filled adventure. Rebel has been through a lot and trying to just get by. Wolfe is the player of all players on campus and trying to follow his father footsteps even though it may not be what he wants. Rebel and Wolfe start a conversation that leads to a connection and one emotional ride that comes with a few twist and turns you don't see coming. These two help each other grow and achieve their greatness, but will their secrets and pasts ruin what could be? Take a chance on Heartless Player, Wolfe will capture your heart and have you rooting for Rebel and Wolfe to figure things out!
March 15, 2022
this just did not click with me at all and i’m really disappointed. i don’t know if it was the characters or just the writing style in general but something didn’t mesh with me. i am interested in reading the 2nd book so i’ll be picking up the next books in the series eventually and hopefully they’ll click with me better.
November 14, 2021
5 כוכבים!!!
אחד הספרים המיוחדים והיפים שקראתי.
מודה שכמעט ופרשתי מיד בהתחלה כשגיליתי כי מדובר בגיבורה לא סטנדרטית. אני מאוד אוהבת לקרוא ספרים בלתי מציאותיים, הגבר חייב להיות מהצם והבחורה חייבת להיות מושלמת וכבר בפרק הראשון או השני (ולכן לא ספויילר!!!) אנחנו מגלים שגיבורה יש רגל פרוטזה.
כן, היה לי קצת קשה לקבל את זה אבל הפרק היה כתוב כל כך טוב שהייתי חייבת להמשיך לקרוא. ווואו! זה היה תענוג.
זה לא ספר מדכא או שמוציא ממך רגשות מעיקים, אלא ספר קליל וכייפי. ספר עם גיבורים מקסימים, ספר שיש בו את כל מה שאני אוהבת:
דמויות חזקות, לא בנאלי, סקס, קלילות ועומק.
אני ממליצה בחום!!!
אחד הספרים המיוחדים והיפים שקראתי.
מודה שכמעט ופרשתי מיד בהתחלה כשגיליתי כי מדובר בגיבורה לא סטנדרטית. אני מאוד אוהבת לקרוא ספרים בלתי מציאותיים, הגבר חייב להיות מהצם והבחורה חייבת להיות מושלמת וכבר בפרק הראשון או השני (ולכן לא ספויילר!!!) אנחנו מגלים שגיבורה יש רגל פרוטזה.
כן, היה לי קצת קשה לקבל את זה אבל הפרק היה כתוב כל כך טוב שהייתי חייבת להמשיך לקרוא. ווואו! זה היה תענוג.
זה לא ספר מדכא או שמוציא ממך רגשות מעיקים, אלא ספר קליל וכייפי. ספר עם גיבורים מקסימים, ספר שיש בו את כל מה שאני אוהבת:
דמויות חזקות, לא בנאלי, סקס, קלילות ועומק.
אני ממליצה בחום!!!
dnf-2022
November 9, 2022DNF , no thank you
September 21, 2025
I absolutely love this author!!!!!
October 15, 2025
it wasn't terrible but also nothing to rave about. I did wish some parts were more talked about and not just brushed over. I didn't have a bad time but also better listening to it.
September 23, 2021
I think my opinion of this book shifted at the beginning.
The thing is I don't know about you but I hate reading about any of the main characters sleeping with other girls even though it was before he had anything serious with the heroine. Just yuck. I couldn't get into their friendship that would later turn into a relationship probably because of that.
And I'm glad I learned about this from the first couple of pages and not find out about it in the middle of reading this book.
I can't read more about the hero and the heroine so I stopped around 27 %. I liked the disability rep but I wish the heroine would have more spine.
2 stars.
ARC was provided via Grey’s Promotions in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
P.s.: Apologies to the author and tour hosts for leaving a review so late. I really thought I could do it sooner but this month wasn't good reading-wise.
The thing is I don't know about you but I hate reading about any of the main characters sleeping with other girls even though it was before he had anything serious with the heroine. Just yuck. I couldn't get into their friendship that would later turn into a relationship probably because of that.
And I'm glad I learned about this from the first couple of pages and not find out about it in the middle of reading this book.
I can't read more about the hero and the heroine so I stopped around 27 %. I liked the disability rep but I wish the heroine would have more spine.
2 stars.
ARC was provided via Grey’s Promotions in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
P.s.: Apologies to the author and tour hosts for leaving a review so late. I really thought I could do it sooner but this month wasn't good reading-wise.
January 1, 2025
Heartless Player is the first book from this author that I have had the pleasure of reading. I loved following and reading Wolfe and Rebel's story. The author brought two people from different backgrounds, but with similar tragedies that change their lives and their futures. I look forward to reading more from this author and this series. ~Dawn
Rebel and Wolfe were more alike than what they realized. They just both went about things in their lives differently. But after one encounter neither can get the other out of their heads. And who hasn’t ever heard that “friends” never works when emotions are there. Great story. Hope to see more into the future with this couple. ~Jen
Rebel and Wolfe were more alike than what they realized. They just both went about things in their lives differently. But after one encounter neither can get the other out of their heads. And who hasn’t ever heard that “friends” never works when emotions are there. Great story. Hope to see more into the future with this couple. ~Jen
June 25, 2024
Meh. Everything was pretty half baked. The plot line, the characters. The end tension was dumb and had no point to it. Everyone got over it pretty quickly. The issues seemed to be repeated…both MC’s had a parent with a drug addiction, both had an absent parent which just made them both have no parents, both were involved in a car accident that caused the loss of her leg or his sisters leg… idk. Just boring overall. I skipped many chunks just to say I finished it. It was weird to me how they literally met once and then started spilling their trauma to each other (trauma they had never told anyone before 🙄). Like at least get their last name before you’re talking about your daddy issues.
October 14, 2021
“A girl like her should be popular. From this angle, the bench hides her leg and she just looks normal. Beautiful.”
The wording and thought behind this quote is simply tasteless; poor choice and offensive for anyone who has a disability. I don’t appreciate the message here at all.
The heroine looks normal because she IS indeed normal. Having a disability doesn’t make you an alien in any way, nor takes away your beauty.
The wording and thought behind this quote is simply tasteless; poor choice and offensive for anyone who has a disability. I don’t appreciate the message here at all.
The heroine looks normal because she IS indeed normal. Having a disability doesn’t make you an alien in any way, nor takes away your beauty.
April 2, 2023
No one over the age of 15 should call their father daddy…i just don’t agree with it.
November 27, 2025
The novel Heartless Player by R.C. Stephens is about a damaged young woman and a campus “golden boy” with a well‑earned reputation both hiding scars, both hesitant to trust but who might pull each other out of their loneliness and pain. It follows Rebel, a student retreating from the world after an accident, and Wolfe Judd, the charmer and star hockey‑team captain, whose icy reputation belies inner turmoil. As their lives intersect, what begins with attraction becomes a fragile, intense bond that forces each to confront their fears, vulnerability, and hopes for healing.
From the early chapters, I found myself empathizing with Rebel’s sense of invisibility, her painful past and cautious soul felt real. Wolfe’s interest in her doesn’t come off as a shallow “player chasing a challenge,” but rather as someone beginning to question who he really is beyond the façade everyone expects him to be. What moved me most was watching their growth: how small acts of kindness, patience, and genuine care slowly chip away at their walls. Their chemistry is intense, but the story balances passion with emotional weight and trauma. The writing flows easily, the pacing felt steady enough to let me linger in their moments of connection, and despite this being a sports romance with college vibes, there’s a sincerity to how their internal struggles are portrayed.
This story isn’t a perfect diamond. Sometimes the inner monologues and the drama felt a bit heightened, and a few plot elements (especially toward the end) seemed rushed or could’ve used more depth. At moments I wished some of the supporting threads, like Wolfe’s family issues or Rebel’s coping with her accident were explored more thoroughly rather than touched over quickly.
Overall, I’d give Heartless Player a 3 out of 5 stars. It’s emotionally engaging, hopeful, and offers a compelling take on healing, acceptance, and unexpected love. If you’re in the mood for a romance that blends “tough past meets soft heart,” with a bit of angst and a chance at redemption, this one’s worth your time.
From the early chapters, I found myself empathizing with Rebel’s sense of invisibility, her painful past and cautious soul felt real. Wolfe’s interest in her doesn’t come off as a shallow “player chasing a challenge,” but rather as someone beginning to question who he really is beyond the façade everyone expects him to be. What moved me most was watching their growth: how small acts of kindness, patience, and genuine care slowly chip away at their walls. Their chemistry is intense, but the story balances passion with emotional weight and trauma. The writing flows easily, the pacing felt steady enough to let me linger in their moments of connection, and despite this being a sports romance with college vibes, there’s a sincerity to how their internal struggles are portrayed.
This story isn’t a perfect diamond. Sometimes the inner monologues and the drama felt a bit heightened, and a few plot elements (especially toward the end) seemed rushed or could’ve used more depth. At moments I wished some of the supporting threads, like Wolfe’s family issues or Rebel’s coping with her accident were explored more thoroughly rather than touched over quickly.
Overall, I’d give Heartless Player a 3 out of 5 stars. It’s emotionally engaging, hopeful, and offers a compelling take on healing, acceptance, and unexpected love. If you’re in the mood for a romance that blends “tough past meets soft heart,” with a bit of angst and a chance at redemption, this one’s worth your time.
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