Val can land a coveted spot performing in the orchestra on Broadway, but she doesn't think she'd ever be able to get a man like Sam to give her the time of day, even when she trips on his music stand. With hands that play the bass like it's a woman he's making love to, he's out of her league, at least she thinks. Sam agrees to tutor Val in the art of flirting and dating, their lessons taking place on the dance floor of the hot club he performs at. There's an immediate connection, but with her confidence holding her back and a secret bet holding him back there's no telling whether the music can keep them together.
"There was something about the way he'd told me to come here, like he was going to take me to bed or to France or to heaven."
I love vintage fashion. I love swing jazz. I love non-stereotypical characters. Oh my word, I just love EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS BOOK. Seriously Staci, where is the sign up sheet for the Red Lipstick Coalition? Staci Hart is a go-to author for me, it's a
given that I'm going to enjoy anything she writes, but Player blew my expectations out of the water. In fact, at this point in time I can't even remember what I expected, because I am too busy being obsessed with Sam and Val. They're so sweet, both so headstrong, and seriously so perfect. Sam is the actual face next to the definition of tall, dark and handsome, able to get the girls whenever he wants, while Val has always embraced awkward, clumsy, and self conscious as her words. She and her three best friends have a pact around red lipstick and going after what they want, in this case, Val wants Sam and the lipstick has spoken. What starts with a bet turns into the most romantic love story between the player and his "the art of flirting" student.
"Imagined that look of hope on her face that made me feel like a king and a crook."
I connected so much with this story, in fact Val and I could be the same person. Her fashion, her build, her lack of confidence thanks to years of bullying and brotherly overprotectiveness, I know all those things so very well. And I too know the trick of red lipstick, putting a smile on your face, and dancing like nobody's watching. Sam is, as we know, a player, but there's a heart in there even if he doesn't yet know it. The two click, jiving on the dance floor in perfect time, and discovering they connect when she's not taking lessons in flirting, kissing, and other dating activity from him. What starts as an agreement naturally grows into more, especially as they relax, revealing their true nature and finding comfort in each other. They bring out the best in one another and it's so heartwarming, so natural, and so real to read. Staci Hart uses gorgeous prose and descriptive imagery to bring the story to life, allowing readers to see the club's dance floor and the emotions that grow on it as the music picks up speed. Just like music makes you wanna dance, the connection these two share as they flirt makes them wanna love.
"'When you get a kiss better than that, you'll know'
And I knew for a fact that I never would."