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Accidentally in Love #1
The Player Hater
From USA TODAY Bestselling Author Sara Ney comes a new series of stand-alones about strong, single girls falling in love: accidentally.
I would do anything for my best friend.
Well. Almost anything.
When she begs me to come on a weekend getaway so I can bond with her new boyfriend, I can’t say no—no matter how badly I want to. After all, who will keep an eye on the guy; he’s your stereotypical, professional football player (emphasis on PLAYER) and I don’t trust him with my friends heart.
Worse? He has the nerve to bring his single best friend Davis on the trip, too. Davis is too handsome, so funny and smart he can’t possibly be human. Grandma’s, babies and kittens fall for his smile.
In fact, everyone adores but me **narrows eyes** What’s he hiding?
I refuse to fall for his act; at some point he’ll will drop the Good Guy act and show his true colors: he’s a player, too. He must be.
You know the saying: if he seems too good to be true, he probably is.
I would do anything for my best friend.
Well. Almost anything.
When she begs me to come on a weekend getaway so I can bond with her new boyfriend, I can’t say no—no matter how badly I want to. After all, who will keep an eye on the guy; he’s your stereotypical, professional football player (emphasis on PLAYER) and I don’t trust him with my friends heart.
Worse? He has the nerve to bring his single best friend Davis on the trip, too. Davis is too handsome, so funny and smart he can’t possibly be human. Grandma’s, babies and kittens fall for his smile.
In fact, everyone adores but me **narrows eyes** What’s he hiding?
I refuse to fall for his act; at some point he’ll will drop the Good Guy act and show his true colors: he’s a player, too. He must be.
You know the saying: if he seems too good to be true, he probably is.
ebook
First published February 15, 2022
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About the author
Sara Ney
89 books6,631 followersSara Ney is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the How to Date a Douchebag series, and is best known for her sexy, laugh-out-loud New Adult romances. Among her favorite vices, she includes: iced latte's, historical architecture and well-placed sarcasm. She lives colorfully, collects vintage books, art, loves flea markets, and fancies herself British.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 329 reviews
March 15, 2022
Touchown for Sara Ney!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💛🖤💜💙❤️
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌎🌍🌏🌎🌏
Character development: 😕🤬🤯😎🥰
The Hero: Davis Halbrook - former NFL football player, he is now 33 years old and retired from the sport with a bad knee. He works in finance and helps a lot of athletes invest their money wisely to ensure they keep it into retirement. He is at the stage in his life where he wants a wife, kids, dog and home but is finding it hard to find women who like him for himself.
The heroine(s): Juliet - she is a school teacher who has been on a lot of bad dates and has taken a respite from dating due to not being able to find many genuine people that she could like to spend time with.
The Story: Juliet and Davis’ best friends Mia and Thad want to get to know each other’s best friends so they are comfortable spending time together as Mia and Thad get more serious. So the four of them go away together for a vacation weekend. Juliet expects to go to a tropical paradise but ends up camping in the woods.
Juliet also expects to hate Thad and possibly his friend Davis but finds both to be just regular guys (though much hotter). She also discovers that Thad is really in love with Mia, and not at all like the fakers and players she, herself has gone out with.
Sara Ney does great sports romance and I love her humor. This got downright hilarious at points and I nearly had an asthma attack from laughing so hard.
I really liked the fact that Davis and Juliet get to know each other before things start to get steamy and though each of them acknowledges that they find each other attractive, nothing happens until they decide that they really enjoy each other and like the type of person that the other is. They both have been in bad relationships and are wary of fakers and players.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💛🖤💜💙❤️
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌎🌍🌏🌎🌏
Character development: 😕🤬🤯😎🥰
The Hero: Davis Halbrook - former NFL football player, he is now 33 years old and retired from the sport with a bad knee. He works in finance and helps a lot of athletes invest their money wisely to ensure they keep it into retirement. He is at the stage in his life where he wants a wife, kids, dog and home but is finding it hard to find women who like him for himself.
The heroine(s): Juliet - she is a school teacher who has been on a lot of bad dates and has taken a respite from dating due to not being able to find many genuine people that she could like to spend time with.
The Story: Juliet and Davis’ best friends Mia and Thad want to get to know each other’s best friends so they are comfortable spending time together as Mia and Thad get more serious. So the four of them go away together for a vacation weekend. Juliet expects to go to a tropical paradise but ends up camping in the woods.
Juliet also expects to hate Thad and possibly his friend Davis but finds both to be just regular guys (though much hotter). She also discovers that Thad is really in love with Mia, and not at all like the fakers and players she, herself has gone out with.
Sara Ney does great sports romance and I love her humor. This got downright hilarious at points and I nearly had an asthma attack from laughing so hard.
“My brain cannot seem to see reason. Whatever it is can’t get through the door, can it?”
“Do bears even know how to open doors? I swear I’ve seen videos of them waltzing into campers through the front door, but maybe those were circus bears and not bears born in the woods.”
I really liked the fact that Davis and Juliet get to know each other before things start to get steamy and though each of them acknowledges that they find each other attractive, nothing happens until they decide that they really enjoy each other and like the type of person that the other is. They both have been in bad relationships and are wary of fakers and players.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
June 4, 2023
3.5 stars
This was really cute. Low angst, fun, and short. Juliette and Davis meet because their best friends are dating. They don’t get off on the right track, but quickly see they like each other a lot. The end felt really rushed and more of a set up for another character, but aside from that it was good.
This was really cute. Low angst, fun, and short. Juliette and Davis meet because their best friends are dating. They don’t get off on the right track, but quickly see they like each other a lot. The end felt really rushed and more of a set up for another character, but aside from that it was good.
Audio book source: Hoopla
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: Avery Reid & Alexander Cendese
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 6h 6m
March 20, 2022
I used to love Sara Ney's books, her how to date a douchebag series was a really good one, but lately her books lack everything like the building of relationship of the MCs, the romance and what the hell are those endings? no closure, no epilogue. It feels like a part of the book is missing. I'm sorry for saying this but this book looks like a draft,
and the humor....😭 I don't even want to talk about how awful it is.
and the humor....😭 I don't even want to talk about how awful it is.
February 13, 2022
I’m so excited for this one ! I used to love her writing but it’s a long time since I read her books
April 25, 2024
DNF
I just did NOT like Juliet at all. She sounded so judgemental and annoying.
“He’s a really great guy, you’ll see! You’ll like him. It’ll be totally fun, you’ll see.”
She’s said ‘you’ll see!’ twice, but who’s keeping track?”
“Break it up you two, some of us are embarrassed to be standing here while you paw at one another, it’s on the tip of my tongue to say. I’m hungry and tired, and would love to climb into a shower and into the one pair of warm pajamas I’m glad I brought.
Hallelujah!
The whole scene is vomit inducing, heart pounding romance and although I hadn’t wanted to be here, I am glad I get to see Mia so happy.”
“Oh my god—that guy is Davis Halbrook?
That…that…lumbersexual with the plaid shirt, tight ass and lingering stare?”
“The man is a god—women must chase him and throw themselves at his feet. Do you know how much willpower that takes?” She snorts. “What man can resist a groupie.”
And then we have Davis
”If Juliet is always this high-strung, then she’s definitely not my type. I like good-natured, easygoing, and fun-loving women—not uptight hall monitors.”
okay good for you bro.
”I’m still single, with zero kids and no dog.
I know what you’re thinking: poor guy doesn’t even have a dog?! How can that be?
Alas, it’s true—I’d love one, obviously, but would love a partner to shoulder the responsibility with and also take it to the dog park with me, because dogs need friends, too”
“Besides, in a few hours after spending a bit of time with me, she’ll be singing a different tune, not spearing me with her murder face.
She’ll be half in love with me like they all are.
If only they loved me for me.
Ha!”
I couldn’t even get myself to finish the second chapter
I just did NOT like Juliet at all. She sounded so judgemental and annoying.
“He’s a really great guy, you’ll see! You’ll like him. It’ll be totally fun, you’ll see.”
She’s said ‘you’ll see!’ twice, but who’s keeping track?”
“Break it up you two, some of us are embarrassed to be standing here while you paw at one another, it’s on the tip of my tongue to say. I’m hungry and tired, and would love to climb into a shower and into the one pair of warm pajamas I’m glad I brought.
Hallelujah!
The whole scene is vomit inducing, heart pounding romance and although I hadn’t wanted to be here, I am glad I get to see Mia so happy.”
“Oh my god—that guy is Davis Halbrook?
That…that…lumbersexual with the plaid shirt, tight ass and lingering stare?”
“The man is a god—women must chase him and throw themselves at his feet. Do you know how much willpower that takes?” She snorts. “What man can resist a groupie.”
And then we have Davis
”If Juliet is always this high-strung, then she’s definitely not my type. I like good-natured, easygoing, and fun-loving women—not uptight hall monitors.”
okay good for you bro.
”I’m still single, with zero kids and no dog.
I know what you’re thinking: poor guy doesn’t even have a dog?! How can that be?
Alas, it’s true—I’d love one, obviously, but would love a partner to shoulder the responsibility with and also take it to the dog park with me, because dogs need friends, too”
“Besides, in a few hours after spending a bit of time with me, she’ll be singing a different tune, not spearing me with her murder face.
She’ll be half in love with me like they all are.
If only they loved me for me.
Ha!”
I couldn’t even get myself to finish the second chapter
May 10, 2022
Glamping
Juliet and Davis are thrown together in a camper because their best friends are dating and they wanted Juliet and Davis to get to know each other. I really like the progression of the story and how their relationship gets started. I loved the fact that they were initially distrustful of each other before they got to know and like the other. It was funny, and I especially loved that Davis had fears of bears and squirrels and wasn't portrayed as a macho strong guy.
I'm especially excited to read the next book. I'm glad it is already out so i can just start reading it right away.
Juliet and Davis are thrown together in a camper because their best friends are dating and they wanted Juliet and Davis to get to know each other. I really like the progression of the story and how their relationship gets started. I loved the fact that they were initially distrustful of each other before they got to know and like the other. It was funny, and I especially loved that Davis had fears of bears and squirrels and wasn't portrayed as a macho strong guy.
I'm especially excited to read the next book. I'm glad it is already out so i can just start reading it right away.
June 3, 2023
THE PLAYER HATER
● Juliet & Davis (33)
● middle school teacher / former NFL football player
● glamping
● Juliet's best friend, Mia, is dating a new guy, Thad, and he invites her on a camping trip with them
● he also invites one of his friends, Davis, who will be sharing a camper with Juliet
● Juliet is sure Thad and Davis are players since they are famous
● she's surprised that they aren't how she judged them
● Juliet & Davis (33)
● middle school teacher / former NFL football player
● glamping
● Juliet's best friend, Mia, is dating a new guy, Thad, and he invites her on a camping trip with them
● he also invites one of his friends, Davis, who will be sharing a camper with Juliet
● Juliet is sure Thad and Davis are players since they are famous
● she's surprised that they aren't how she judged them
Audiobook source: Hoopla
Narrator: Avery Reid & Alexander Cendese
Length: 6H 06M
February 10, 2022
I feel like we're missing at least 25% of the book...?
This book starts off a little rough. Juliet is pretty damn awful and petty. She was definitely a really tough pill to swallow and I had a hard time connecting with her or even seeing what Davis could possibly find "adorable" about her. However, she did end up changing so I eventually did end up liking her more.
I thought Davis was really sweet. Sara Ney has been leaning less towards the douchebag sort and more towards the nice guys with her books lately and I'm so here for it. I feel like I constantly read books with alphaholes, so it's nice to switch it up from time time.
Sara Ney is a one click for me, but I will say she has a habit of just ending a book with no epilogue and no completion. In this one she basically uses the last chapter as the big set up for Penelope's book, which honestly did a huge disservice to Davis and Juliet. They don't even get to have their big "I love you" moment or even really ride off into the sunset. I was already intrigued by Penelope just from her being Davis' sister. I didn't require any kind of set up, especially given that you know where her story is going to go; it's pretty much set up in the book anyway. There's nothing more done with Thad and Mia either, it just ends with Penelope. Honestly? That kind of sucks. I liked the story, but it definitely felt like a novella and not a complete book. Overall, I didn't hate it, but I'm disappointed. It had all the trappings to be a great romance book, but I wanted more meat and less outline.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
**Review by Jaime**
This book starts off a little rough. Juliet is pretty damn awful and petty. She was definitely a really tough pill to swallow and I had a hard time connecting with her or even seeing what Davis could possibly find "adorable" about her. However, she did end up changing so I eventually did end up liking her more.
I thought Davis was really sweet. Sara Ney has been leaning less towards the douchebag sort and more towards the nice guys with her books lately and I'm so here for it. I feel like I constantly read books with alphaholes, so it's nice to switch it up from time time.
Sara Ney is a one click for me, but I will say she has a habit of just ending a book with no epilogue and no completion. In this one she basically uses the last chapter as the big set up for Penelope's book, which honestly did a huge disservice to Davis and Juliet. They don't even get to have their big "I love you" moment or even really ride off into the sunset. I was already intrigued by Penelope just from her being Davis' sister. I didn't require any kind of set up, especially given that you know where her story is going to go; it's pretty much set up in the book anyway. There's nothing more done with Thad and Mia either, it just ends with Penelope. Honestly? That kind of sucks. I liked the story, but it definitely felt like a novella and not a complete book. Overall, I didn't hate it, but I'm disappointed. It had all the trappings to be a great romance book, but I wanted more meat and less outline.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
**Review by Jaime**
February 17, 2022
Just OK
Normally I love a Sara Ney book. For some reason I struggled with this one. I didn't connect with the couple. Though I did love that the Hero was shy and sweet and sensitive.
Ends in HFN with a bit of a cliffhanger for the sisters book.
Normally I love a Sara Ney book. For some reason I struggled with this one. I didn't connect with the couple. Though I did love that the Hero was shy and sweet and sensitive.
Ends in HFN with a bit of a cliffhanger for the sisters book.
February 11, 2022
4 Stars!
It had been a hot minute since I'd read this author. Her Douchebag series was such a favorite of mine a few years back.
So, Davis Halbrook is a retired football player in his early thirties, and a good looking one at that. He's used to women falling at his feet but, really, has little use for it. He's been trying to date someone of substance for so long, who he can share a few pets and a life with, that he's finally just given up.
Let me tell you something...I don't know what the name of this trope is, but I am a goner for it!
The super hot but also super sweet guy who doesn't realize he's super hot, and if he does, it's more of an inconvenience to him than it is anything else. And he's sweet, shy, and dare I say, dorky when it comes to women. Gah, LOVE!!!
So when Davis's best friend, Thad, invites him to a weekend on the lake with his girlfriend and her salty-on-life best friend, Juliet, Davis figures, why not?
This book reminded me of a friends' version of The Parent Trap and also reminded me so much of Kate Stewart's The Guy on the Left. I found Davis's shy demeanor and lack of confidence when it came to dating to be the sweetest most endearing thing in the world!
There were also several laugh out loud moments in this book like the fishing incident and the, um, eye brow incident.
This was a pretty low angst story, which some readers might love, but I would've liked to have seen a bit more. Both characters had also been through a lot in the relationship department leading up to meeting one another, so I get it. I just felt like one minute, they were thinking short term, and the next they were all in.
I wish the ending would've been a bit longer as well, but then this is also the beginning of a series. And, oh what a hook at the end with Davis's sister and her story coming next in The Mrs. Degree.
I know that most of the heroes we read about (or at least me!) are bad boys, anti-heroes, alphaholes...I can go on. But there is definitely still a place for just a straight up nice guy hero. I will never not love reading about those too, and David Halbrook was definitely a nice guy hero.
This is a feel-good story and a fun read around SUPER BOWL time!!
I can't wait to read more of this series soon!
“What I’m trying to say is, we got a little off track by doing the horizontal mambo before going on a romantic first date—banging one out does not count—but that doesn’t mean we can’t start over again. That’s what I want—to start over. I think you’re spectacular even when you’re throwing up in the bushes.”
It had been a hot minute since I'd read this author. Her Douchebag series was such a favorite of mine a few years back.
So, Davis Halbrook is a retired football player in his early thirties, and a good looking one at that. He's used to women falling at his feet but, really, has little use for it. He's been trying to date someone of substance for so long, who he can share a few pets and a life with, that he's finally just given up.
Let me tell you something...I don't know what the name of this trope is, but I am a goner for it!
The super hot but also super sweet guy who doesn't realize he's super hot, and if he does, it's more of an inconvenience to him than it is anything else. And he's sweet, shy, and dare I say, dorky when it comes to women. Gah, LOVE!!!
So when Davis's best friend, Thad, invites him to a weekend on the lake with his girlfriend and her salty-on-life best friend, Juliet, Davis figures, why not?
This book reminded me of a friends' version of The Parent Trap and also reminded me so much of Kate Stewart's The Guy on the Left. I found Davis's shy demeanor and lack of confidence when it came to dating to be the sweetest most endearing thing in the world!
There were also several laugh out loud moments in this book like the fishing incident and the, um, eye brow incident.
“You’re just saying that because you feel stupid—but you look stupid, so your feelings are valid.”
“Shut up.”
This was a pretty low angst story, which some readers might love, but I would've liked to have seen a bit more. Both characters had also been through a lot in the relationship department leading up to meeting one another, so I get it. I just felt like one minute, they were thinking short term, and the next they were all in.
I wish the ending would've been a bit longer as well, but then this is also the beginning of a series. And, oh what a hook at the end with Davis's sister and her story coming next in The Mrs. Degree.
I know that most of the heroes we read about (or at least me!) are bad boys, anti-heroes, alphaholes...I can go on. But there is definitely still a place for just a straight up nice guy hero. I will never not love reading about those too, and David Halbrook was definitely a nice guy hero.
This is a feel-good story and a fun read around SUPER BOWL time!!
I can't wait to read more of this series soon!
February 9, 2022
The Player Hater was a cute, fun (sometimes hilarious) story.
Juliet goes on a trip (begrudgingly) with her best friend Mia, Mia's boyfriend, Thad, and, to even out the numbers. Thad's friend, Davis .
Mia wants Juliet to bond with Thad. However, Juliet doesn't trust Thad. So, she uses this trip to really see what he's about and see if she can prove he really is using her friend.
What she wasn't expecting was Davis. Also an athlete, he throws her for a loop. Davis makes Juliet question everything she thought about jocks.
These two have the worst luck on this trip and it makes for a hilarious read.
If you're looking for an easy read where there is more banter and drama, this is a good one to pick.
Juliet goes on a trip (begrudgingly) with her best friend Mia, Mia's boyfriend, Thad, and, to even out the numbers. Thad's friend, Davis .
Mia wants Juliet to bond with Thad. However, Juliet doesn't trust Thad. So, she uses this trip to really see what he's about and see if she can prove he really is using her friend.
What she wasn't expecting was Davis. Also an athlete, he throws her for a loop. Davis makes Juliet question everything she thought about jocks.
These two have the worst luck on this trip and it makes for a hilarious read.
If you're looking for an easy read where there is more banter and drama, this is a good one to pick.
February 7, 2022
3.5 stars
I'm not sure what happened here. I typically slobber all over anything Sara Ney writes. But this left me wanting. I had a hard time connecting with Juliet. She was a brat at first. And Davis was too soft for me. While I did enjoy it when they finally started connecting, I was disappointed we didn't get a HEA. We didn't even get an ILY. But that ending has me panting for Penelope's story!
I'm not sure what happened here. I typically slobber all over anything Sara Ney writes. But this left me wanting. I had a hard time connecting with Juliet. She was a brat at first. And Davis was too soft for me. While I did enjoy it when they finally started connecting, I was disappointed we didn't get a HEA. We didn't even get an ILY. But that ending has me panting for Penelope's story!
February 16, 2022
Juliet Robertson's best friend, Mia, has been dating professional football player Thad for about five months. She wants Juliet to get to know him better, so she asks her to go with them on a weekend getaway celebrating Mia's birthday. Juliet isn't thrilled with the idea for several reasons, mainly because she doesn't want to be a third wheel, but gives in when she learns that Thad's best friend, retired football player Davis Halbrook, will be there too. She's looking forward to a relaxing weekend by the pool at a tropical resort, so it's a major disappointment when she arrives to find that they'll be "glamping" instead - not exactly Juliet's idea of a fun time. Even worse, she's forced to share a tiny camper with Davis and spend most of her time hanging out with him because Mia and Thad keep disappearing for "naps."
After a bad experience while dating a baseball player who cheated on her, Juliet is understandably suspicious of pro athletes, and at first, she's sure both Thad and Davis are players just like her ex. The more she gets to know them, however, the more she realizes that she can't believe everything she sees online. That's particularly true of Davis, who turns out to be the exact opposite of a player. He's been burned too many times by gold diggers, and now all he wants is to find something real. I loved Davis and Juliet's teasing banter and slow burn chemistry, as well as the fact that they took the time to become friends before jumping into a romantic relationship. I also loved how funny this story was, especially the parts related to Davis's fear of bears.
I recommend this funny, sweet story for all fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedy. The next book of the series, featuring Davis's sister Penelope, was set up very well in this one, and I can't wait to find out what comes next for these characters.
*Review copy provided by the author via Wildfire Marketing Solutions. All opinions expressed are my own.
After a bad experience while dating a baseball player who cheated on her, Juliet is understandably suspicious of pro athletes, and at first, she's sure both Thad and Davis are players just like her ex. The more she gets to know them, however, the more she realizes that she can't believe everything she sees online. That's particularly true of Davis, who turns out to be the exact opposite of a player. He's been burned too many times by gold diggers, and now all he wants is to find something real. I loved Davis and Juliet's teasing banter and slow burn chemistry, as well as the fact that they took the time to become friends before jumping into a romantic relationship. I also loved how funny this story was, especially the parts related to Davis's fear of bears.
I recommend this funny, sweet story for all fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedy. The next book of the series, featuring Davis's sister Penelope, was set up very well in this one, and I can't wait to find out what comes next for these characters.
*Review copy provided by the author via Wildfire Marketing Solutions. All opinions expressed are my own.
June 17, 2022
GAHH WHAT HAPPENED TO SARA NEY BOOKS?!?! Sara Ney used to be one of my favorite authors, her books were amazing and now every time I read a new one by her I’m so frustrated!
They literally end in the middle of the story!!!! I’m not even exaggerating, the mcs had just gotten back from their first date, and someone for the H’s sister shows up at their door and the book ENDS. No few more chapters with closure for the couple, no epilogue, just the end! The H and h in this book just started liking each other, they literally have not confessed their feelings for one another, the book just ends! No I love you, no real romance, just ending.
I saw another reviewer say this book feels like a draft that was accidentally published and they’re so right! I had a feeling this would happen since it’s been happening with all her newer books but I was holding out hope that the old Sara Ney would return. Big disappointment. So sad bc her books have potential, but she doesn’t finish them! She publishes incomplete books!
They literally end in the middle of the story!!!! I’m not even exaggerating, the mcs had just gotten back from their first date, and someone for the H’s sister shows up at their door and the book ENDS. No few more chapters with closure for the couple, no epilogue, just the end! The H and h in this book just started liking each other, they literally have not confessed their feelings for one another, the book just ends! No I love you, no real romance, just ending.
I saw another reviewer say this book feels like a draft that was accidentally published and they’re so right! I had a feeling this would happen since it’s been happening with all her newer books but I was holding out hope that the old Sara Ney would return. Big disappointment. So sad bc her books have potential, but she doesn’t finish them! She publishes incomplete books!
February 19, 2023
DNF 60%
This was probably the worst book, I've ever read from Sara. Seems to me that this whole series was dashed off, and it's very obvious. None of the characters are interesting, humor is super bad, and it doesn't make sense most of the time.
I like grumpy heroines, but Juliet was really obnoxious. This girl definitely doesn't deserve the good guy, moreover she doesn't even deserve her own book 😆. I refuse to waste more than one evening on this, and definitely don't need to see Juliet's and Davis' HEA.
April 2, 2023
3.5 stars. The heroine got annoying sometimes.
March 7, 2022
2 stars
The start of a new series by Sara Ney, this is a quick, light and easy read.
Juliet’s best friend, Mia, has a new boyfriend, Thad. He plays for the NFL, and Juliet is unimpressed, writing him off as a player, and not good enough for her friend. In order to convince her otherwise, Thad proposes a weekend getaway for the three of them, along with his best friend, Davis, so they can get to know each other better.
Things go downhill quickly when, instead of a beachside resort like Juliet expected, they end up ‘glamping’ in the woods. And worse… Juliet is sharing a camper with Davis. Awkward! Things get even worse with hazardous fishing trips, almost-lethal moonshine, vomit in the woods, and possible bear attacks. But somewhere in the middle of all of that, Juliet and Davis get to know each other. He seems to be a good guy, but Juliet doesn’t necessarily trust that, and she’s waiting to see his true colours. But the more time they spend together, the more genuine he seems to be, and they find themselves getting super friendly in the woods!
Davis is a sweetheart. He’s fun and real, and he’s a good guy. He has a big heart, and is a bit of a softie, and his POV was entertaining. I wasn’t the biggest fan of Juliet, though, and found her a bit annoying. She seems selfish and juvenile, and it was hard for me to warm to her, which obviously impacted on my enjoyment of the story. And she and Davis together seemed a bit awkward. I could feel the chemistry when they were in the moment, but getting there felt a bit clumsy and stilted.
It’s a quick read, and doesn’t go into too much depth, and I felt it was more sex than actual romance. Though we do see them return to real life, and it was cute seeing Davis and Juliet come together.
This was just an ok read for me. 2 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
The start of a new series by Sara Ney, this is a quick, light and easy read.
Juliet’s best friend, Mia, has a new boyfriend, Thad. He plays for the NFL, and Juliet is unimpressed, writing him off as a player, and not good enough for her friend. In order to convince her otherwise, Thad proposes a weekend getaway for the three of them, along with his best friend, Davis, so they can get to know each other better.
Things go downhill quickly when, instead of a beachside resort like Juliet expected, they end up ‘glamping’ in the woods. And worse… Juliet is sharing a camper with Davis. Awkward! Things get even worse with hazardous fishing trips, almost-lethal moonshine, vomit in the woods, and possible bear attacks. But somewhere in the middle of all of that, Juliet and Davis get to know each other. He seems to be a good guy, but Juliet doesn’t necessarily trust that, and she’s waiting to see his true colours. But the more time they spend together, the more genuine he seems to be, and they find themselves getting super friendly in the woods!
Davis is a sweetheart. He’s fun and real, and he’s a good guy. He has a big heart, and is a bit of a softie, and his POV was entertaining. I wasn’t the biggest fan of Juliet, though, and found her a bit annoying. She seems selfish and juvenile, and it was hard for me to warm to her, which obviously impacted on my enjoyment of the story. And she and Davis together seemed a bit awkward. I could feel the chemistry when they were in the moment, but getting there felt a bit clumsy and stilted.
It’s a quick read, and doesn’t go into too much depth, and I felt it was more sex than actual romance. Though we do see them return to real life, and it was cute seeing Davis and Juliet come together.
This was just an ok read for me. 2 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 14, 2022
Amazon / Apple / Kobo / Nook
Juliet can't resist her best friend Mia's guilt trip, so off she goes on a trip with Mia, Mia's boyfriend Thad, and Thad's friend Davis. What a mouthful, and Davis? He's a revelation to Juliet. Although an athlete, or former one I guess, he's nothing like Juliet had ever pictured a jock to be, and neither is Thad. You see, Juliet's had it with men after a string of bad dates and bad men in her life, so she's understandably down on the idea of men. She doesn't believe for a second that Mia's new boyfriend is the sweetheart Mia claims him to be. So there's no way his own friend can possibly be the nice guy he seems to be either. She'll just have to keep her walls up and resist bonding with either of the men. Someone has to have her friend's best interests at heart, right?
I really liked this sweet, funny story. Davis is such a sweetheart, totally blowing Juliet's preconceived notions out of the water with his genuinely good guy personality, and providing the foil for Juliet's cynical and jaded personality. There are a lot of seriously funny moments, some heat too, and more than its fair share of heart to go along with 4 really likable characters. And after that fun epilogue, I can't wait for Davis' sister and Skip Jennings' story, The Mrs. Degree now!
ARC provided by Wildfire Marketing Solutions for an honest review.
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February 18, 2022
•Forced proximity in the wilderness
•Heroine is a teacher
•Hero is a former pro-athlete
•Ultra low-angst
The Player Hater is book 1 in the Accidentally in Love series. If you’re looking for something low-angst with little-to-no conflict, you may really enjoy this one! It’s lighthearted with some humor tossed in. Juliet & Davis were cute together, although I felt their connection remained surface level for the majority of the book. The teaser to Davis’s sister’s romance was intriguing!
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks Wildfire Marketing for my early review copy.
•Heroine is a teacher
•Hero is a former pro-athlete
•Ultra low-angst
The Player Hater is book 1 in the Accidentally in Love series. If you’re looking for something low-angst with little-to-no conflict, you may really enjoy this one! It’s lighthearted with some humor tossed in. Juliet & Davis were cute together, although I felt their connection remained surface level for the majority of the book. The teaser to Davis’s sister’s romance was intriguing!
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks Wildfire Marketing for my early review copy.
August 3, 2023
what was that? who wrote that shit? miss sara what happened?
dnf
February 16, 2022DNF at 10%. The FMC seemed very shallow and it felt like jumping into the middle when starting this book. I didn’t even make it to the MMC’s POV, I already know this book isn’t for me.
February 7, 2022
The Player Hater by Sara Ney is an adorable love story between two cute and easily lovable people. It made me laugh so hard and the emotions are sweet and simple.
Juliet is emotionally blackmailed by her best friend Mia to go on a "bonding trip" with Mia and her boyfriend Thad, a professional football player. She is sceptical about jocks and this is her chance to see if Thad is a bad choice for Mia. Then she ends up in wilderness surrounded by forest and lakes and in a glamper while she was expecting a tropical getaway. Her camper- mate is Davis Halbrook, Thad's best friend and ex jock and overall the nicest guy. As they go through some seriously hilarious adventures, Juliet realises that she really doesn't hate the player.
You know, there are some stories where everyone and everything is so nice. Sweet. Cute. Sunshine and rainbows. The Player Hater is exactly that kind of story. Some uncomplicated feel good time. Juliet is witty and smart and upto a level, sassy. Davis is the good guy. The kind of good you cannot believe and like Juliet, you keep on expecting the other shoe to drop. But there is nothing bad about this ex jock aka finance man aka dutiful family man aka animal shelter volunteer aka doting uncle. He is kind and charming and funny. The only indecent thing about him is his body. The camping was full of laugh out loud moments and my face is hurting from smiling a lot. It was a big slow burn with heartwarming chemistry. It was a complete feel good one from Sara Ney.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Juliet is emotionally blackmailed by her best friend Mia to go on a "bonding trip" with Mia and her boyfriend Thad, a professional football player. She is sceptical about jocks and this is her chance to see if Thad is a bad choice for Mia. Then she ends up in wilderness surrounded by forest and lakes and in a glamper while she was expecting a tropical getaway. Her camper- mate is Davis Halbrook, Thad's best friend and ex jock and overall the nicest guy. As they go through some seriously hilarious adventures, Juliet realises that she really doesn't hate the player.
You know, there are some stories where everyone and everything is so nice. Sweet. Cute. Sunshine and rainbows. The Player Hater is exactly that kind of story. Some uncomplicated feel good time. Juliet is witty and smart and upto a level, sassy. Davis is the good guy. The kind of good you cannot believe and like Juliet, you keep on expecting the other shoe to drop. But there is nothing bad about this ex jock aka finance man aka dutiful family man aka animal shelter volunteer aka doting uncle. He is kind and charming and funny. The only indecent thing about him is his body. The camping was full of laugh out loud moments and my face is hurting from smiling a lot. It was a big slow burn with heartwarming chemistry. It was a complete feel good one from Sara Ney.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
February 15, 2022
The Player Hater by Sara Ney is the first book in her new Accidently in Love series and I am all here for it. I loved the basis for this story. Juliet’s best friend is dating someone she really likes and both her and her boyfriend want their best friends to get to know each other. So they head out for a getaway. However, Juliet has not had any luck with men or dating and does not have high expectations. She believes they will be players and not worth their time.
And yet, Davis is everything she does not expect. He is a former football player and is sweet and kind. Juliet does not trust easy but has her good intentions. Theirs is a slow burn story and I loved reading their interactions and banter. I enjoyed their story so much. It was a fun and light read and I am excited to get more of this series.
Happy reading!
And yet, Davis is everything she does not expect. He is a former football player and is sweet and kind. Juliet does not trust easy but has her good intentions. Theirs is a slow burn story and I loved reading their interactions and banter. I enjoyed their story so much. It was a fun and light read and I am excited to get more of this series.
Happy reading!
February 17, 2022
Juliet and Mia have been friends forever so when Mia begins to fall head over heels for Thad Juliet knows she must watch out for her best friend's interest. She is sure he is a player, so when she gets invited on a weekend getaway this is the opportune time to scope him out.
Davis was a professional football player but a career ending injury has now sidelined him and he has become the financial adviser to them men he used to meet on the field. He is positive that his best friend is being roped in by a groupie so when he is invited to a getaway he jumps at the chance. Now having to share a camper with the most infuriating woman he has ever laid eyes on, this is about to get very interesting.
A weekend in the rustic surroundings of a camp, lake, so much nature and now Juliet is forced to share her lodging with a player, this has just gone from bad to worse.
This couple is funny, have great sarcastic witty banter and yes Juliet may think she is sleeping with enemy, but everyone's true colors are about to come out on this trip!
~~Michele McMullen ~~
Davis was a professional football player but a career ending injury has now sidelined him and he has become the financial adviser to them men he used to meet on the field. He is positive that his best friend is being roped in by a groupie so when he is invited to a getaway he jumps at the chance. Now having to share a camper with the most infuriating woman he has ever laid eyes on, this is about to get very interesting.
A weekend in the rustic surroundings of a camp, lake, so much nature and now Juliet is forced to share her lodging with a player, this has just gone from bad to worse.
This couple is funny, have great sarcastic witty banter and yes Juliet may think she is sleeping with enemy, but everyone's true colors are about to come out on this trip!
~~Michele McMullen ~~
August 24, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. Davis was incredibly thoughtful and considerate, and Juliette had me laughing from the very first page.
I know Juliette felt guilty about how she acted when they first got to the camp, but I thought she was completely justified in being upset. I can’t imagine asking a woman to she share a bed with a man who is a complete stranger.
I listened to the audiobook and thought both Avery Reid and Alexander Cendese were wonderful. It’s a low angst and very sweet read.
I know Juliette felt guilty about how she acted when they first got to the camp, but I thought she was completely justified in being upset. I can’t imagine asking a woman to she share a bed with a man who is a complete stranger.
I listened to the audiobook and thought both Avery Reid and Alexander Cendese were wonderful. It’s a low angst and very sweet read.
February 18, 2022
Sara Ney is an instant read for me but from the start I just couldn't relate to Juliet. And I just never really connected to the story or the couple. I had moments here I liked Davis but he just wasn't what I would prefer in a hero. But oh well they can't all be the perfect read or I would never adult.
February 14, 2022
Is there a book Sara Ney has put out that I don't love? The answer is no. This is no exception. When I need a light, feel good romance, I know who to turn to.
I am exactly like Juliet, I hate players. So when she sacrifices herself and goes on a trip with her best friend Mia to make sure her boyfriend is on the up and up, I found myself relating big time. I've been in this situation almost exactly before, the issue was, our guys were actual players. I fell in love with Davis immediately. It was clear that Juliet was so focused on trying to find faults with these men that she couldn't look past it. But when Davis started to break down her barriers is where the fun really happened. And when I say fun, I mean the BEST hand holding scene. When an author can make me swoon and get all gooey from a hand holding scene.. you know the book is a winner.
There was basically no conflict in this book so if you are looking for something to just make you feel good, you need this in your life. The book also sets up the next book so perfectly that I can't wait to dive into that one already. What a tease. Thanks to Wildfire and Sara Ney for an early copy!
I am exactly like Juliet, I hate players. So when she sacrifices herself and goes on a trip with her best friend Mia to make sure her boyfriend is on the up and up, I found myself relating big time. I've been in this situation almost exactly before, the issue was, our guys were actual players. I fell in love with Davis immediately. It was clear that Juliet was so focused on trying to find faults with these men that she couldn't look past it. But when Davis started to break down her barriers is where the fun really happened. And when I say fun, I mean the BEST hand holding scene. When an author can make me swoon and get all gooey from a hand holding scene.. you know the book is a winner.
There was basically no conflict in this book so if you are looking for something to just make you feel good, you need this in your life. The book also sets up the next book so perfectly that I can't wait to dive into that one already. What a tease. Thanks to Wildfire and Sara Ney for an early copy!
February 15, 2022
3.5 stars! This was a super cute book and I laughed out loud in places. It is the very definition of a light read. There is zero conflict in the book.
Davis and Juliet are pretty much set up by their friends at glampground. You know, a fancy campground. There are definite hijinx that had me laughing. But Juliet is sort of set up as a bit of diva at the beginning, which doesn’t really seem to ring true for the rest of the book. And Davis was a bit too soft for me to really get invested in. But they are definitely a cute couple and compatible in all the most important ways.
I feel like this book was an elaborate ramp up to Davis’s sister’s book The Mrs Degree that’s out in a few months.
I received an advance copy of this book and these are my honest opinions.
Davis and Juliet are pretty much set up by their friends at glampground. You know, a fancy campground. There are definite hijinx that had me laughing. But Juliet is sort of set up as a bit of diva at the beginning, which doesn’t really seem to ring true for the rest of the book. And Davis was a bit too soft for me to really get invested in. But they are definitely a cute couple and compatible in all the most important ways.
I feel like this book was an elaborate ramp up to Davis’s sister’s book The Mrs Degree that’s out in a few months.
I received an advance copy of this book and these are my honest opinions.
March 10, 2022
I enjoyed this story. Sara Ney delivered a book that was
Swooningly romantic...I didn't want to put it down!
It was sparkling and uplifting! The banter between between David and Juliet was everything!! They both agreed to play nice for their best friends sake and they love to hate each other!
The scene with the other campers was comedy gold!!
Full of characters you can't help but fall in love with.
The Player Hater has a heroine you'll want to be friends with and a hero you'll want to spend more time with. A fantabulous romcom.
Swooningly romantic...I didn't want to put it down!
It was sparkling and uplifting! The banter between between David and Juliet was everything!! They both agreed to play nice for their best friends sake and they love to hate each other!
The scene with the other campers was comedy gold!!
Full of characters you can't help but fall in love with.
The Player Hater has a heroine you'll want to be friends with and a hero you'll want to spend more time with. A fantabulous romcom.
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