Player was the perfect guilty pleasure read. It’s a sports romance reverse harem.
The reason I rated the novel three stars instead of four is because Hattie Jude stumbled in the introduction of the male love interests, but quickly found her footing afterwards.
Though Ever is a virgin, so is Ethan. I appreciated this because there are too many novels that perpetuate this ideal that men should be experienced while women should remain untouched. However, Ethan has demons to work through and him realizing that Ever is a virgin shouldn’t have been his turning point.
There’s a touch of instalove in Player, however this goes back to the poor introduction of the love interests, especially Jude. Jude is shoehorned in the novel almost out of left field, but he did end up being my favourite of the three.
Player wraps up quickly, but I enjoyed the ending. Hattie Jude didn’t drag it out for a sequel.
The spice in this novel is excellent. It isn’t over the top nor is there so much of it that it becomes repetitive.
Overall, Player is the perfect guilty pleasure read with a main character who knows what she wants and love interests who will keep you going back for more.
*** I received an eARC via Valentine PR in exchange for an honest review.
I was so excited that Ever is getting her own book and Player did NOT disappoint. Even a full 24 hours after reading this book, I am still gushing about how much I loved it. I want to start by saying that yes, Ever is Lennon’s best friend and yes we meet Ever in the Loxley Prep books, but there is no need to read those books first if you don’t want to. Now with that said, you should read them just because Lennon has an amazing story and you do get timelines that run right alongside each other.
Now, Ever. This girl was strong before but after reading this book the strength that she carries is so much more than anything else I might have read recently. Life has not been kind to her, but she refuses to be unkind to anyone, which includes the new kid in school, Ethan. These two get off on the wrong foot, and no matter how hard Ever and her older sister Sadie try, that doesn’t appear to change. Senior year is going to be the year that Ever finally allows her wings to fly a little and with the help of Lennon and Sadie she works hard to get the best grades possible. Roscoe may have been the starting center for the Loxley Knights hockey team, but he is feeling like it is time to find his own dreams. He has no idea what those are, but he is tired of putting dreams and the one girl he has wanted on the back burner any longer. He takes his chance and pushes to be friends with Ever. Just happens to be at the same time that his best friend Jude does the same thing. Jude is the quiet type, but then when he sets his mind on something he is all in. Ever has no idea what to do with all the attention as she never allows anyone to be close. That is until these guys continue to push her to fly a little higher. When trouble comes crashing down, will the guys be there to help out or will they walk away?
Oh, my word these three guys. I love that they are best friends and communication is amazing in this book. Once things are out in the open you see everyone bloom so much. Can we say movie theater?! WOW. All three play on the high school hockey team and each are dealing with their own personal issues. This was written so well there was no way I could put it down because I needed to know what was next.
I loved the Loxley Prep series with Lennon and her boys but I knew Ever had a juicy story, so I was excited to finally get it. Her life did not disappoint. She’s been through so much and is still suffering. These secrets burden her something awful, but she doesn’t share them with anyone, not even Lennon, so Ever’s sister, Sadie, is the only person can she truly confide in. Until Roscoe.
The hot hockey star could have any girl in school, but he wants Ever and she finds that hard to believe. The two form a sweet friendship that eventually becomes more. Sure, Roscoe’s hot but Ever can’t help feeling guilty as she lusts after his best friend, Jude. And while their third bestie starts out as her biggest enemy, she soon has Ethan under her spell as well. The guys are happy sharing and Ever’s just relieved she doesn’t have to choose because she loves them all. Her mysterious past is starting to catch up, so things get a bit dicey, but these men won’t let any harm come to her.
I enjoyed Ever’s story a lot. There’s a great balance between the steam and the emotions and I really felt their connections -- not just hers with the guys but also the strength of their friendship with each other. The tension between her and Roscoe as friends who both clearly wanted more just sizzled while the dynamic with Ever and Ethan was fire. I liked Jude but while she had this complex love-hate thing with Ethan and this deep, soulmate type connection with Roscoe, the draw with Jude seemed to be purely physical and never seemed as deep so weren't quite as yummy. I loved Ever’s story and am probably Team Ethan out of all the guys, but this was a fun read. I also really want Sadie’s story now and hope it’s coming soon.
Too lazy to write a whole ass review for this so I’m only going to do safety info🥱
Best part about this book was that the heroine lost her v card to the only virgin hero in the harem.
-virgin heroine, one virgin hero in harem. The virgin hero is the asshole one. I liked this difference because most of the time if there is a virgin in the harem, he’s shy. I mean, he was shy but he also was the asshole. -3 guys in harem -sometimes condoms are used, sometimes not but she is on birth control -the guys have never invited a girl to sleepover at their house. I don’t think they ever brought a girl home since they moved into the hockey house. -they met her in freshman year (I think) and this story takes place in senior year (high school) -even after meeting the heroine 2/3 of the guys were with other girls -the two guys that fucked around (slight manwhore vibes, they are star players on the hockey team) have been celibate for a little while. -virgin hero flirts with OW to make heroine jealous in front of her -virgin hero also has his mind set that the heroine is a whore and bullies her for it (she’s actually a virgin)🙄
The thing that made me upset the most was that even though they were all head over heels for the heroine, two of them continued to fuck others. Like why😭😭
I don’t regret taking my time with her and developing this friendship, but the days and nights I’ve fantasized about touching Ever Walker, kissing my way up her soft thighs and watching her face as I dipped my fingers inside of her or worked her over with my tongue…there have been many, many of those days and nights. It was midway through junior year that I realized what a dick I was being to fuck another girl while fantasizing about Ever the whole time, so I stopped fucking other girls and have just fantasized about her.
At least you had the decency to stop fucking others but you should’ve figured out you were an asshole for having sex with women while picturing the heroine the second you started kissing another woman.
I said it before and I will say it again.
NOTHING IS HOT ABOUT HEROES WHO FUCK OTHER WOMEN AFTER THEY MEET THE HEROINE!!!
I LOVE the Loxely Prep world and so excited to return to it for Ever’s story!
Ever and her sister, Sadie, have been through so much during their short lives. They have experienced this and seen things that most people don’t in their life. However, they stick together and are strong individuals. Ever has also stay in the shadows, but it is her senior year and she wants to really experience it and she definitely has a year that she won’t forget.
Hockey is life at Loxley Prep. Roscoe, Jude, and Ethan are all on the team and all are best friends and live together. Roscoe and Jude have known Ever for years and both have secretly had a crush on her for years, but never made any sort of move. Ethan is new to the group and school. His family moved in right across from Ever and her sister, but they didn’t start out on the best foot.
The chemistry between Ever and all three guys is fantastic and each of them have a different relationship with each other. I loved all of them. I loved how they were all there for each other, even if their lives may have been in danger.
This book is absolutely addicting and one I completely devoured from start to finish. I truly didn’t want it to end.
If you’re looking for a why choose romance check this one out.
Let me just start by saying I LOVE this story so much, I was so excited to hear Ever was getting her story, and her happily ever after. I adore the characters so much, Ethan had to grow on me a little, I kinda just wanted to throat punch him a bit. I love how everything unfolded between Ever, Roscoe and Jude, with of course Ethan picking up the rear. I love that they were not like over the top ladies men. It is set in high school, all characters are 18 or over, so there is no worry there. I enjoyed the love the sisters had for each other, always having each other's backs, I read far too many books where the siblings hate each other, so this was a nice change. This book is told in multiple pov, and contains, steam, lust, hate, anger, love and so much more. The world building is phenomenal, and if I could I would live in it. The author makes the book so real, you feel like you are part of everything, and it makes you feel what the characters feel, and what they are going through.
I loved Evers story! She certainly hasn’t had it easy but she always tries to keep her head up but when she meets the guys that will change everything for her she’s about to learn that sometimes things can work out for her
The secrets I’m keeping are catching up with me. I’ve tried to keep my life as simple as possible out of necessity, and for the safety of me and my sister. I’ve kept my virginity, focused on my grades, and stayed away from trouble. But the desire to live a normal life is beginning to override everything else. All I can think about are the three hottest hockey players at Loxley Prep, especially when they start pursuing me. My plan has been to get through senior year and college and then live a comfortable, quiet existence with a nice, safe guy. But Roscoe, Jude, and Ethan have other plans in mind—and trust me, there is nothing safe about the three of them.
I have been waiting for Evers story since i read Lennon's, and Hattie knocked it outta the park!!!
Ever and her sister Sadie have been thru so much in their lives, but they are still so very strong. Since its her senior year, Ever wants to open up more amd experience more things that a teenager would.
Roscoe, Jude and Ethan all play for the hockey team. Roscoe has had a crush on Ever for so long, and wants to be more than friends. Jude also wants her and wants to make his move. Ethan starts off being a jerk, but once you get to know him and he gets closer to Ever, he is so sweet. All 3 of them are perfect for her in different ways. Ever doesn't let anyone close, but these guys knock her walls down.
And when Evers past comes back, trying to ruin everything, can they all stay safe?
I dont even have the words for how amazing this book is and how much i love it!!! Hattie wrote such an incredible story that keeps you glued to the pages. I already want to read it again!
Thank you for writing this amazing story, Hattie!!
This book takes place at Loxley Prep again. This story is about Ever, Roscoe, Jude and Ethan.
Evers past is heartbreaking and within the first few pages of this book, you just want to reach out through them and comfort her.
We’ve met Ever and heard about all three boys in the other Loxley Prep series with Lennon. Ever has been at Loxley Prep for about three years. She lives in a trailer park with her older sister Sadie.
Ever is sweet, kind and can’t believe Lennon, when she tells her that Roscoe and Jude have a thing for her. And even though Ethan stares daggers at her during lunch, she can’t shake the pull between them.
Ah, to be 18 again, lol. The drama, the plot twist and the happy ending were worth the roller coaster ride of emotions.
Wouldn’t mind a short on Sadie’s POV from when she meets Harris.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Saying that Ever has had a rough life, is a major understatement. She’s literally been to hell and back. Finishing school and staying safe with her sister is her main priority. Jude, Ethan and Roscoe play hockey for a prep school. They all have their own emotional baggage and want to move on. This was a great extremely layered story with a lot going on. Can these three be honest with each other and get the life they all deserve? Ever and her sisters journey was intense and emotional. I enjoyed the well told story and the characters with great depth. I’m soo happy I went On this journey, I look forward to reading more books by this author.
thank you valentine pr for the ARC, i'm so sad to say this one just missed the mark for me. the writing seemed rushed and kind of random, didn't really enjoy the men either. lennon's story just had my attention very quick and not to compare, but this one just isn't doing it. i'm gonna try again (i am a mood reader) but so far it's just not for me
OMG it was so GREAT to be back in the Loxley Prep world and to get this why choose romance for Ever! I absolutely devoured this book and never wanted it to end! This can be read as a standalone but I HIGHLY recommend reading the Loxley Prep series first, since there are cameos of those characters in this book.
Ever and her sister Sadie have been on the run for years and the reason had my heart breaking for them. Ever winds up attending Loxley Prep to finish high school and come senior year she’s ready to start living her life as a teenager, and not constantly looking over her shoulder in fear. Once she graduates she plans to hightail it out of there for college. However, Roscoe, Jude, and Ethan have waltzed into her life unexpectedly and her plans become derailed and she has new decisions she has to make about her future.
I could not get enough of these hockey players! Roscoe and Jude made my heart melt with how much they cared about Ever, and that they’ve both secretly had a crush on her for years, but simultaneously finally take the plunge to pursue her. Ethan was definitely the broodier one of the bunch. There were many times I just wanted to smack him upside the head. But when things start to unfold and secrets started to be revealed you begin to see a softer side of him, and ultimately he became my favorite!
Loved that this book is told in multiple POVs because then you get a better understanding of each character individually and get to see their own inner battles and emotions. There were so many emotions to be had while reading this book from anger, grief, humor, love, healing and forgiveness! Hattie definitely amped up the steam in this book, and boy were those scenes SPICY! I can attest to say this book moved up to the top of my list of all her books! Those plot twists had me gasping and my head reeling, that I neglected life just to finish because I had to know how it was all going to play out.
I loved every single minute of this book! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED READ!! And don’t worry I already yelled at Hattie that we need Sadie’s book next!
I actually really enjoyed this book! This is reverse harem, where in the beginning, Ever has to decide which guy she actually likes, but later on, she figures that she likes all of them equally. I did like Ever’s confidence and how she’s comfortable in her own skin and embraces her sexuality. Towards the end, I feel like there was a missing piece between Roscoe and Ethan. I also liked all 3 guys, but my favorite was Ethan. Despite his grumpiness and rudeness towards Ever, he was very sweet when he started to open up to her. The spice was also written well; it didn’t seem to drag in my opinion!
Loved it!!! There was a bit of action and suspense, angst and lots of steam!! The steam was perfect! I loved Ever/Nova. She is a survivor. I love that no matter how hard her life was, she was still kind. Jude and Roscoe were so sweet and Ethan too, despite how things were in the beginning. I'm so glad we got the guys POVs as well. I love having their insight too. Another great read from Hattie! Fantastic job!
3.5 ⭐️ i did like Ever more than i liked her friend in the series (i am so bad with names omg) i felt like Roscoe’s dilemma was kinda dragged on and then resolved like instantly so it was kinda weird fitting to me i personally want to hear more about sadie but i don’t think that’s going to happen with how this book wrapped up ….
Love, love, love! I’m so glad we go Ever’s story! She was such a great character in Lennon’s story. Learning the things that she and her sister, Sadie, have gone through was heartbreaking. Ethan’s hostility towards Ever was a little mind boggling at first but as the story progressed I see why he was so overreactive to Ever. And the drama with Roscoe’s dad?! Oh my! This is definitely a one click no brainer!
Ever is full of secrets. Ethan is her new neighbor and both Roscoe and Jude are classmates. All 3 boys play hockey. Ever is torn because she likes all 3…but can all 3 share. Also what secrets are Ever hiding?
This has some triggers/content warnings. Please check them if you have any
I really enjoyed this novel. Ever was a total sweetheart as was her sister Sadie. These two had been through so much in their lives. Roscoe and Jude were totally swoon-worthy. It took me a little bit to warm up to Ethan, but once you found out why he is the way he was, then it made so much sense. The chemistry between Ever and the three boys was sizzling hot and steamy, but it was sweet to see how much they really cared about each other. There was some suspense and twists in the story which made it even more entertaining.
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest review.
Not many books surprise me, but this one had some twists that did. The plot of the book wasn’t my favorite, but I did really enjoy it and it was interesting. I just don’t think I would want to read something similar, I would rather just reread this book. I also really liked the characters, but the FMC’s best friend and all of her boyfriends were sort of a distraction because there were so many of them and it was just confusing. While I enjoyed this book, I wouldn’t recommend this book unless someone was looking for things this book has. I don't really think this book is for everyone.
The writing felt really awkward here, I don’t know how else to explain in. And I’m not a fan of how the relationships were written, they just felt inauthentic.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
The secrets I'm keeping are catching up with me. I've tried to keep my life as simple as possible out of necessity, and for the safety of me and my sister. I've kept my virginity, focused on my grades, and stayed away from trouble. But the desire to live a normal life is beginning to override everything else. All I can think about are the three hottest hockey players at Loxley Prep, especially when they start pursuing me. My plan has been to get through senior year and college and then live a comfortable, quiet existence with a nice, safe guy. But Roscoe, Jude and Ethan have other plans in mind-and trust me, there is nothing safe about the three of them.
I was so excited to see that we were getting to read Ever's story. If you have read the three books that are also in the Loxley Prep world then you know exactly who Ever is. She is Lennon's best friend and we finally finally get her story. Ever and her sister really have a back story and she worked her butt off to get in Loxley Prep so that she can go to college and get her and her sister out of there so they can live a nice and comfortable life. Safe and sound never to be found again. She has sworn off a social life and doesn't date. When she gets a new neighbor she really scares the boy but then goes to apologize but his big brother Ethan hates her with a fiery passion and she can't figure out why. Quite frankly he is horrible to her at times. He is the newest star on the schools hockey team and checks on his mom and brother regularly and is really protective of his brother. He doesn't even like for Ever to bring him a plate of food. Ever has a heart of gold because she would go hungry for Ethan's brother to eat. Then you have her life at school and the two boys there. Roscoe is the coaches son and he has always had a thing for Ever. He's been trying to work up his never since freshmen year but he is carrying around something huge that is reeking havoc on his life. Jude is also on the team and super hot. He is also what I would call the most outgoing and he too has had a crush on Ever but stayed out the way for Roscoe and is finally tired of waiting. Ever though is terrified to let anyone in since she knows they will go their separate ways one day when they go off to college of the NHL. I thin Jude is the only one that has a life where he isn't carrying a secret except of Roscoe's. I just love Ever. I love her loyalty to her friends and how she wanted a better like than they had ever been able to have. How she really liked the boys but was focused on the goal so much and trying to save them all heartbreak. Ethan has a lot going on that no one knows about but so does Roscoe and he's carrying around an explosive secret. I was surprised when all the secrets came out especially what is revealed about Ethan's mom and her procurer. I can't say anymore or I have going to give something away. I loved this book and devoured it in a day and never wanted it to end. Now I can only hope that we are going to get the feull story of Sadie and Harris.
Ever has gone through a lot. I wanted to reach in to the book and just hug the little girl. She was fierce as a child and just as strong as a teen. Her and Sadie are very strong and I am in Aww of them both for everything they have accomplished and been through.
I was really on the edge of my seat and needing to finish this book. I was thinking there was going to be a part 2 or there was a trilogy like Lennon’s story. I was wrong this is a one and done so there was a lot going on. My emotions were kind of all over the place like Evers were.
Ethan has some issues he needs to work through. He and his brother Aaron have a lot going on in their lives that they have had to over come to make it where they are today. Again very aw inspiring as well being able to work through all the crud life has handed them to make themselves who they are and have the drive to make it happen. He has goals and Ever is not going to derail those goals no matter how badly he wants her.
Roscoe has been drooling over Ever for years finally has the guts to do something about it after he finds out something that could rip his family apart. His dreams and goals have changed and now they are his own to fulfill.
Jude has a sadness to him not only did he lose his brother but he lost his parents to grief as well. He needs them as well since he is still here he wants their praise and love. He has been wanting to get closer to Ever for years but never did it until now. He is tired of sitting behind her and sniffing her hair.
They all have flaws and things to work through it really isn’t easy being a teen especially with their added stress and of course everyone wants the same girl. After a conversation with Wells they come to an understanding the four of them. For some fun smexy times.
Quote: “If I lose any one of them, a part of me will die.”
Tropes: why choose, prep school, friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, sports romance, virgin heroine AND hero
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Player is a why choose romance featuring Ever, Roscoe, Jude, and Ethan. Now, in this story, each of our MC’s come from unstable families, and I have to admit, I kind of loved that. Because, it meant that they were all the more understanding when it came to learning each other’s deepest secrets. Plus, we had a hero that was virgin. I absolutely loved that Ever and one her guys used each other to “learn” how it works and what felt good for each other. We don’t get that a lot in romance, and I was absolutely here for it.
Now, putting aside the fact that I loved this why choose group of MC’s, let’s talk about the plot. My heart broke for everything that Ever and her sister had to go through. Plus, what her men were going through with their own families? Yeah, this book was definitely making me just want to wrap them all up in a hug and give them all the comfort in the world.
A couple of things I wish we could’ve seen: a little more groveling on Ethan’s part, a little more scenes of the MC’s getting to know each other, more of Ever’s dad being in the picture in the end, and the moment that Ethan learned a certain twist (IYKYK).
All of that being said, I could not get enough of this book. It held me in its grip the entire time. Highly recommend!
RH Sports Romance with a few Twists thrown in to add a little Suspense!
I was excited to finally get Ever's story. We met her in the Loxley Prep Series and I loved her character then. I loved that the author gave her a more indepth storyline. Her story is intense and heartbreaking, but when she finally finds her men and the acceptance she's been craving for so long it just hits an all time high. Ever was a girl who knows what she wants and finally goes after it when she sees how well her friend Lennon has made it work with her guys. So yes you get a little but of a slow burn then full on combustion between each of these characters finally.
Each of the guys have a little of their own dramas going on also, but they all end up focusing on Ever as the story progresses. I loved that each guy has his own back story as to when and why they found this dynamic with one another and Ever. They definitely bring some heated fun moments individually and then as the foursome finally.
This book has the spice and a little suspense to add to the fast pace of the progression of these characters. It's the perfect guilty pleasure read you want in RH with a little hockey sports mixed into it. I had the pleasure of reading it early and it was one that I easily got lost in the story fast. I loved that this one ends on HEA and possibly giving you a setup for more to come with a certain few other characters in the future. If you love RH or sports romance then make sure you grab this one.
While this is a complete stand alone, it really helps if you read the trilogy prior to this story.
This story follows Ever who has honestly gone through the ringer before she ends up in attending Loxely Prep and she catches the eye of not one but three hockey players.
Ever finds it really hard to open up to people so it takes her a while to accept the advances made by Roscoe and Jude. While these besties have a lot in common, they have been crushing on the same girl forever. They both decide to shoot their shot while being aware of Ever’s other love interests and it was so great to see them really go for it.
While Jude and Roscoe have tried to bring Ever closer to them with their actions, Ethan does the opposite. Ethan is fairly new to their school and is real quick to make assumptions (with good reason) but it definitely causes a lot of issues in the beginning.
This story had me nervous, excited and swooning all over the place. The quick paced story line really kept my attention and I love the dynamic Ever has with her guys. I love how they all came together so naturally and their relationship just worked.
I also have to point out that I LOVE the sister/sister dynamic that she has with Sadie. For so long, they only had each other and it’s so nice to know that when things get rocky, they will always been each other constant.
I really hope that we get a chance to revisit this world again.
Ever, isn’t even Ever. Her and her sister Sadie and mom (who’s passed) have been on the run from her abusive father since she was a child. They moved several times and changed her name and now she is at Loxley Prep (for a few years) on a scholarship.
Ethan is new to Loxley on a hockey scholarship. He lives in the hockey house with the guys but him mom and brother live in X across from Ever and her sister. From the moment he see her, he hates her. He thinks she’s just like his mom and wants nothing to do with her, except he truly wants everything to do with her.
There’s also Roscoe and Jude. They are on the hockey team with Ethan and quickly became best friends with him. Both also have had crushes on Ever since freshman year, they’ve just never acted on it til now.
It’s a confusing battle for Ever. She has this vision for herself to get through high school then college and help support her sister who’s give so much to her too. But these three guys aren’t going anywhere and have other plans in mind for and with her.
I love a good why choose. And throw in three hot hockey players and I’m done for. I love the internal struggles Ever faces, it’s real and raw. And when you have three guys who are willing to share, why not go for it!
I loved being back in the world of Loxley Prep. I never could’ve expected the story Ever had to tell. You see behind that quiet reserve is a girl who’s strong and a true survivor. Hattie Jude had me caught in this gripping story from the prologue. The bomb drops started right in the beginning and from there it was truly’s anyone’s guess what would happen next.
The sexual tension was mouthwatering thick. And times three thanks to Jude, Roscoe and Ethan. The guys were this mix of sweet, broody, adorable, protective. They loved them some Ever and anyone who tried to come between that had better watch their back. There was also a little enemies to lovers and boy the stand offs with Ever and Ethan were haaawt. Hattie took her time teasing that delicious build up between Ever and her guys. Once it all came to a head though, my kindle pages were left scorched.
Each guy had his own secret and heartache that just added to the angst of everyone trying to suppress their feelings. Secrets that my jaw on the floor. This sexy why choose truly took us on a journey with Ever, Jude, Roscoe and Ethan. But, Hattie made sure you’d every single minute.
Ever doesn’t have an easy life. Living in a life of secrets and on the run isn’t something that anyone ever wants. She keeps to herself and never lets herself get close to anyone at all. But it’s the last year of high school and Ever wants to be able to live her life and make the best of her senior year. She doesn’t expect to Roscoe, Jude, and Ethan to fill in the void that was missing in the life
Ahh! I’m so glad that we got Ever’s story. I loved how much she was there for Lennon and loved reading about her background and story. Ever has been through so much and seeing how easily she was able to open up to Roscoe and how he was able to be patient with her was the best! I loved that he never pushed her and always tried to put her interests first! And Jude!!! He’s so sweet and once his feelings were out there he wasn’t afraid to show her how much he really cares for her. Ethan tried so hard to keep away but the sexual tension has always been there. It took awhile but once they were on the same page, both Ethan and Ever were able to navigate through this new relationship and all the new experiences together.