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Holiday with the Players #2
Sneaking Around with the Player
It was supposed to be a quick conversation with a cute boy at the airport while I dodged my ex and his new girlfriend.
We weren’t supposed to trade numbers.
He wasn’t supposed to be a football player.
And I definitely wasn’t supposed to fall for him since he’s attending a college a thousand miles away.
I saw past his jersey. And he saw past my last name.
Now it’s semester break, and by some Christmas miracle, he’s going to be close. So close.
I want to meet him again, but there’s just one problem.
My older brother can’t, under any circumstances, find out I’m dating his rival.
We weren’t supposed to trade numbers.
He wasn’t supposed to be a football player.
And I definitely wasn’t supposed to fall for him since he’s attending a college a thousand miles away.
I saw past his jersey. And he saw past my last name.
Now it’s semester break, and by some Christmas miracle, he’s going to be close. So close.
I want to meet him again, but there’s just one problem.
My older brother can’t, under any circumstances, find out I’m dating his rival.
153 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2022
About the author
Rebecca Jenshak
54 books4,158 followersRebecca Jenshak is a new adult romance author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 434 reviews
November 26, 2022
4.5 stars
The two novellas in this series are just such fun new adult Christmas romances! This was the perfect way to pass a cold evening tucked in a blanket on the couch! At the end of the first book, we saw that Stella had fallen for her brother's rival, so I was excited to see how that all played out. It was super cute how Stella and Beau met in the airport and then started a relationship through texting and FaceTime. The development of their romance was so cute and you could tell they just genuinely liked each other and started falling for each other. I do think the beginning of this book was kind of a brief overview of the previous book from Stella's point of view, so I definitely found myself liking the second half more when we passed the previous book's timeline and saw new things. I just loved the relationship with Stella, Holly, and their brother and how important their family was to each other. If you just want a fun holiday time with a forbidden romance that starts off as an epistolary romance, definitely read this one! And don't forget to pick up book one for an adorable brother's best friend romance!
The two novellas in this series are just such fun new adult Christmas romances! This was the perfect way to pass a cold evening tucked in a blanket on the couch! At the end of the first book, we saw that Stella had fallen for her brother's rival, so I was excited to see how that all played out. It was super cute how Stella and Beau met in the airport and then started a relationship through texting and FaceTime. The development of their romance was so cute and you could tell they just genuinely liked each other and started falling for each other. I do think the beginning of this book was kind of a brief overview of the previous book from Stella's point of view, so I definitely found myself liking the second half more when we passed the previous book's timeline and saw new things. I just loved the relationship with Stella, Holly, and their brother and how important their family was to each other. If you just want a fun holiday time with a forbidden romance that starts off as an epistolary romance, definitely read this one! And don't forget to pick up book one for an adorable brother's best friend romance!
December 10, 2022
THIS WAS THE CUTEST HOLIDAY NOVELLA EVER 😃
duo pov, brothers rival, banter, so cheesy and funny. i adored beau & i loved stella + u cant go wrong w the christmas vibe. 💚
duo pov, brothers rival, banter, so cheesy and funny. i adored beau & i loved stella + u cant go wrong w the christmas vibe. 💚
July 16, 2023
3.5 stars
Cute holiday themed novella where the angst is caused by external forces (H is a rival of h’s brother). The H is a football player and the h is a diver at different schools. They have a meet cute in an airport and begin a long distance relationship with more time spent together over winter break. Written in first person, dual POV. No ow/om drama (both act jealous but each reassures the other they’re not seeing anyone else in the early stages of them talking) and neither was a virgin (H had a party/player rep, but no specifics, and no history on h).
Easy read with just a touch of steam and lots of texting. Even though I knew it wouldn’t delve too deeply since it’s meant to be a light novella, I just wanted a touch more. I think my enjoyment was affected by how much the brother situation affected the relationship from hiding their interest to tensions. But the brother does make an accepting gesture after being spoken to by both the H and h separately. The ending is HFN with an epilogue a year into the future. They’re in love, their families support their relationship, and it’s sweet. I did wish that a couple scenes mentioned in the epilogue had been shown on page since I was curious how they played out.
Cute holiday themed novella where the angst is caused by external forces (H is a rival of h’s brother). The H is a football player and the h is a diver at different schools. They have a meet cute in an airport and begin a long distance relationship with more time spent together over winter break. Written in first person, dual POV. No ow/om drama (both act jealous but each reassures the other they’re not seeing anyone else in the early stages of them talking) and neither was a virgin (H had a party/player rep, but no specifics, and no history on h).
Easy read with just a touch of steam and lots of texting. Even though I knew it wouldn’t delve too deeply since it’s meant to be a light novella, I just wanted a touch more. I think my enjoyment was affected by how much the brother situation affected the relationship from hiding their interest to tensions. But the brother does make an accepting gesture after being spoken to by both the H and h separately. The ending is HFN with an epilogue a year into the future. They’re in love, their families support their relationship, and it’s sweet. I did wish that a couple scenes mentioned in the epilogue had been shown on page since I was curious how they played out.
December 11, 2022
5 Stars!
(ARC provided by Valentine PR)
Stella Walters is a freshman at Valley University in Arizona. She's just finishing up her first semester of college where she's enjoyed being a part of the Valley U Swim and Dive Team. When they are at the airport traveling she meets a cute guy named Beau that plays football at Colorado University. He's a great distraction from her ex and his girlfriend she'd prefer to avoid. Their both athletes, and she also really enjoys his company, so they trade numbers. He's ridiculously handsome, but attends college miles away, so nothing will likely come of it. She's excited for the end of the semester, and spending her holiday break at the family cabin with her twin sister Holly. They are looking forward to all their favorite Christmas traditions, and then their plans change and things turn complicated when she finds out her new crush she's been texting is going to be close enough to see again. She wants to spend time with him, but there's just one problem. He's her older brother's biggest rival. Will she fall hard for the sexy guy that's become her secret, or give him up?
Sneaking Around with the Player by Rebecca Jenshak is book two in the Holiday with the Players novellas. This duo can be read as standalones, but I really enjoyed them reading in order. They are the perfect holiday reads each about a different twin sister. This was a forbidden, college, sports romance full of flirty, fun banter and amazing chemistry. I really love this couple together and Beau is super swoony! I can't get enough of this world, and can't wait for Felix's book! <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
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(ARC provided by Valentine PR)
Stella Walters is a freshman at Valley University in Arizona. She's just finishing up her first semester of college where she's enjoyed being a part of the Valley U Swim and Dive Team. When they are at the airport traveling she meets a cute guy named Beau that plays football at Colorado University. He's a great distraction from her ex and his girlfriend she'd prefer to avoid. Their both athletes, and she also really enjoys his company, so they trade numbers. He's ridiculously handsome, but attends college miles away, so nothing will likely come of it. She's excited for the end of the semester, and spending her holiday break at the family cabin with her twin sister Holly. They are looking forward to all their favorite Christmas traditions, and then their plans change and things turn complicated when she finds out her new crush she's been texting is going to be close enough to see again. She wants to spend time with him, but there's just one problem. He's her older brother's biggest rival. Will she fall hard for the sexy guy that's become her secret, or give him up?
Sneaking Around with the Player by Rebecca Jenshak is book two in the Holiday with the Players novellas. This duo can be read as standalones, but I really enjoyed them reading in order. They are the perfect holiday reads each about a different twin sister. This was a forbidden, college, sports romance full of flirty, fun banter and amazing chemistry. I really love this couple together and Beau is super swoony! I can't get enough of this world, and can't wait for Felix's book! <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/3hjzeEE
January 13, 2024
4 Stars
Book two in the little new adult holiday duet, Sneaking Around with the Player follows the “forbidden” romance that develops between college diver Stella and rival college football star Beau.
Stella and Beau shared an immediate connection, going from strangers who meet in an airport, to new friends who text incessantly, to potential lovers who talk about everything and nothing during their long late-night phone conversations.
Somewhere along the way, they realise that Stella is the sister of Beau’s football rival since childhood, and that the news of their new relationship may not go over so well with family and friends.
But the chemistry between these two was undeniable, as they strive to get to know one another better over Christmas break, while navigating the minefield of explaining their relationship to others (namely, the brother and his broody teammates).
I liked the ease with which Stella and Beau found and held onto their growing connection. Sure, there was idiotic boy-drama with the whole “he’s my rival, you can’t date him” caveman nonsense from the brother, but I still liked him anyway, which is saying something.
Although more a new adult, sports romance at its core, the Christmastime setting and the activities they enjoyed together and with their families, made this a nice little addition to my holiday reading this year.
Side note: although this can be read as a standalone sequel, some of the events here overlap with things that we saw happen (through a different perspective) in book one, Snowed In with the Player, which featured Stella’s twin sister Holly and her long-time crush Teddy. Reading in order isn’t strictly necessary, but it’s recommended for optimal enjoyment.
******************************
Holiday with the Players Series
Book 1 - Snowed In with the Player (3.5 Stars)
Book 2 - Sneaking Around with the Player (4 Stars)
Book two in the little new adult holiday duet, Sneaking Around with the Player follows the “forbidden” romance that develops between college diver Stella and rival college football star Beau.
Stella and Beau shared an immediate connection, going from strangers who meet in an airport, to new friends who text incessantly, to potential lovers who talk about everything and nothing during their long late-night phone conversations.
Somewhere along the way, they realise that Stella is the sister of Beau’s football rival since childhood, and that the news of their new relationship may not go over so well with family and friends.
But the chemistry between these two was undeniable, as they strive to get to know one another better over Christmas break, while navigating the minefield of explaining their relationship to others (namely, the brother and his broody teammates).
I liked the ease with which Stella and Beau found and held onto their growing connection. Sure, there was idiotic boy-drama with the whole “he’s my rival, you can’t date him” caveman nonsense from the brother, but I still liked him anyway, which is saying something.
Although more a new adult, sports romance at its core, the Christmastime setting and the activities they enjoyed together and with their families, made this a nice little addition to my holiday reading this year.
Side note: although this can be read as a standalone sequel, some of the events here overlap with things that we saw happen (through a different perspective) in book one, Snowed In with the Player, which featured Stella’s twin sister Holly and her long-time crush Teddy. Reading in order isn’t strictly necessary, but it’s recommended for optimal enjoyment.
******************************
Holiday with the Players Series
Book 1 - Snowed In with the Player (3.5 Stars)
Book 2 - Sneaking Around with the Player (4 Stars)
November 28, 2022
sneaking around with the player was such a cute and fun read!! a holiday novella starring the brother’s rival trope?! consider me obsessed! what’s better than a sports romance, brother’s rival trope tagged with a holiday romance!! beau and stella are the cutest and this book was adorable!! if you’re looking for a quick and fun holiday read, sneaking around with the player is definitely it.
December 10, 2022
He’s my brother’s rival. Can this really go anywhere? Do I even want it to?
Beau and Stella were so cute. The perfect quick and sweet, holiday adjacent, romance novella. Stella and Beau meet by chance in an airport when they are on their way back home from their respective sporting events. They quickly form a long distance texting friendship that slowly builds. Unfortunately, Beau is Stella’s older brother’s rival and there is NO love between those two. All that said, this is relatively low angst and really focuses on these two bonding and wanting to peruse more regardless of all the drama that it causes. I enjoyed it. It was sweet and quick and I sort of love how it’s all resolved. It made me excited for Stella’s brother to eventually get his love story.
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AVAILABLE NOW!
*ARC
Beau and Stella were so cute. The perfect quick and sweet, holiday adjacent, romance novella. Stella and Beau meet by chance in an airport when they are on their way back home from their respective sporting events. They quickly form a long distance texting friendship that slowly builds. Unfortunately, Beau is Stella’s older brother’s rival and there is NO love between those two. All that said, this is relatively low angst and really focuses on these two bonding and wanting to peruse more regardless of all the drama that it causes. I enjoyed it. It was sweet and quick and I sort of love how it’s all resolved. It made me excited for Stella’s brother to eventually get his love story.
Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRV8FaTy/
AVAILABLE NOW!
*ARC
December 11, 2022
4.25⭐️ Another cute and festive book! I adored Stella and Beau so much.
These novellas have me so excited for Felix’s book… I can’t wait for Scoring the Player! 💛
These novellas have me so excited for Felix’s book… I can’t wait for Scoring the Player! 💛
December 28, 2023
this was sm better than the first one! beau is so sweet 🤭
“Home Alone 2. That’s my favorite.”
“I know. I remembered.” 💞
“Home Alone 2. That’s my favorite.”
“I know. I remembered.” 💞
December 13, 2022
I get it now. I understand why people do the relationship thing, want to spend all their time with one person, and are perfectly happy to shut out the rest of the world. Nothing feels better than being with Stella.
4.25 stars
This was another cute, holiday romance story between Holly's twin sister, Stella, and Beau. These two first meet by chance at the airport and strike up a long-distance friendship through texts before Beau figures out that Stella is the sister of his long-time football rival. However, neither can resist the pull from the other, and soon Stella and Beau find their feelings for each other run deeper than friendship. Their romance was so sweet yet tricky as they navigate everything that's keeping them apart. This was a fairly low-angst, forbidden-love story that was a perfect read this holiday season, and I cannot wait for more from Rebecca!
Tropes: secret relationship, sports romance, brother's rival, friends-to-lovers, forbidden love, texting long-distance relationship, holiday fling, meet-cute
*ARC provided by Valentine PR, and I voluntarily reviewed it*
November 26, 2022
A quick but adorably sweet holiday, sports, and forbidden romance are found in Sneaking Around with the Player.
Stella and Beau cross paths at an airport when she chooses to ignore her ex-boyfriend and his new girlfriend by sitting next to him. The more they chat, the closer they become. Although they both attend colleges in different states, they still text each other daily, and their feelings are beginning to develop. The only issue is that Beau competes against Stella's brother, and she rapidly learns that Beau is her older brother's rival. However, she decides to make peace between them since she desires to be with Beau.
This book's development of romance was quite sweet and wonderfully done. It's a cute and easy read all around to get you in the holiday spirit!
𝟑.𝟓 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬🌟
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘙𝘦𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘤𝘢 𝘑𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘬 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘱𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸
Stella and Beau cross paths at an airport when she chooses to ignore her ex-boyfriend and his new girlfriend by sitting next to him. The more they chat, the closer they become. Although they both attend colleges in different states, they still text each other daily, and their feelings are beginning to develop. The only issue is that Beau competes against Stella's brother, and she rapidly learns that Beau is her older brother's rival. However, she decides to make peace between them since she desires to be with Beau.
This book's development of romance was quite sweet and wonderfully done. It's a cute and easy read all around to get you in the holiday spirit!
𝟑.𝟓 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬🌟
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘙𝘦𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘤𝘢 𝘑𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘬 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘱𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸
December 13, 2022
Sneaking Around with the Player is book 2 in the Holiday with the Players series! After reading these two books I can officially say I am a fan of Rebecca Jenshak’s books and need to immediately go back and read her previously released titles! I’ve always loved new adult college romances, so I know her books will be a perfect fit for me!
In this one, readers will get Stella’s story! Stella is the sister of Holly from Snowed in with the Player. I do recommend reading them in order so that you don’t get hit with any spoilers from Holly’s book. Each one is novella length though and you can read them in less than a day. Back to the book: in this one Stella falls in love. But its not easy. You see Beau plays on her brother’s rival (and quite hated) team. Felix isn’t happy when he finds out Stella is dating his nemesis and Stella is put in a tough situation. But Christmas may just work its magic for her this holiday season!
If you enjoy sweet Christmas novellas or are looking to dip your toes in the authors novels, then I highly recommend reading these two books! I adored both of them!
𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝗢𝗙:
• Holiday Novellas
• New Adult Romance
• Falling for the enemy books
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
In this one, readers will get Stella’s story! Stella is the sister of Holly from Snowed in with the Player. I do recommend reading them in order so that you don’t get hit with any spoilers from Holly’s book. Each one is novella length though and you can read them in less than a day. Back to the book: in this one Stella falls in love. But its not easy. You see Beau plays on her brother’s rival (and quite hated) team. Felix isn’t happy when he finds out Stella is dating his nemesis and Stella is put in a tough situation. But Christmas may just work its magic for her this holiday season!
If you enjoy sweet Christmas novellas or are looking to dip your toes in the authors novels, then I highly recommend reading these two books! I adored both of them!
𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝗢𝗙:
• Holiday Novellas
• New Adult Romance
• Falling for the enemy books
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Read
December 6, 2022❄️SNEAKING AROUND WITH THE PLAYER IS LIVE❄️
A brother's rival, football hero, diver heroine, texting, mistaken identity fun!
"Sneaking Around with the Player is enchanting- a tender and heartfelt story perfect not just for the holidays but for any season. I'm madly in love with this couple!" -The Romantic Rush Blog
Get Your Copy ➝
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3VNeBjm
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3TctV7i
Nook: https://bit.ly/3ekUl7X
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3yxUKef
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3EtzJoL
A brother's rival, football hero, diver heroine, texting, mistaken identity fun!
"Sneaking Around with the Player is enchanting- a tender and heartfelt story perfect not just for the holidays but for any season. I'm madly in love with this couple!" -The Romantic Rush Blog
Get Your Copy ➝
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3VNeBjm
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3TctV7i
Nook: https://bit.ly/3ekUl7X
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3yxUKef
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3EtzJoL
December 9, 2022
Sneaking Around with the Player tells the story of Stella, the second Walters twin sister, who falls in love with her brother's rival.
Beau and Stella are really sweet together, I rooted for their happy ending all the way because I had such a great time reading their story.
I adored how swoon worthy Beau is with Stella, he tries to do the right thing and not coming in between her and her brother, but Stella being a decisive girl doesn't listen to him. She wants her brother to understand her feelings and overcome his dislike for her boyfriend.
I'm sure you'll love this novella as much as I did, Rebecca Jenshak unique style will conquer you at the first page.
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
March 18, 2023
Коли хочеться чогось легкого, ця книга саме те.
November 23, 2022
What a fun forbidden, sports, holiday romance! I loved Stella and Beau and how they quickly connected with each other while waiting for their flights! They communicated well, they had some things in common and really enjoyed talking to each other! Stella's brother wasn't happy with it as they are from rival football teams. But they were definitely meant for each other! Definitely recommend picking this one up.
December 31, 2022
This book is such a cute, perfect Christmas read! The chemistry between Stella and Beau is pretty natural and they hit it off when they first met in the airport. (See, another reason I adore any story setting in an airport.) Since I read this around Christmas time, I swoon so much when Beau doordashes a cheeseburger--Stella's favorite--to her dorm. I mean, awwww, how sweet is that, right?? Besides, they chat/text/facetime each other all day every day, which makes more sense of their relationship. The only disappointment I have is that it seems a bit rushed when they decide to let the desire and lust overpower the basics of their romantic development. They pretty much jump into bed the second they meet in person (long-distance relationship), and I certainly hope they'd at least deal with the elephant in the room before having any intimate moment. Anyways, it's just what I think so it's very likely you'll disagree with me and end up loving Stella and Beau's story more than I do!
April 7, 2023
such a cute a fun novella! it definitely gave me all the holiday vibes and I loved the whole romance plotline so so much. beau and stella were the absolute cutest, and their banter was just everything and more!!
there were so many cheesy moments but it was so cute I didn't even mind it. beau was just the absolute BEST and the way he cared and loved stella was just everything, i adored it so so much!
I loved this little novella so much and it was honestly such a perfect read for the holidays! so excited to read more of this author's books!
if you love brother rival trope, witty banter, sports romance and dual pov, I really recommend this one! perfect for the holidays.
thank you so much to Valentine PR and Rebecca for this ARC!
there were so many cheesy moments but it was so cute I didn't even mind it. beau was just the absolute BEST and the way he cared and loved stella was just everything, i adored it so so much!
I loved this little novella so much and it was honestly such a perfect read for the holidays! so excited to read more of this author's books!
if you love brother rival trope, witty banter, sports romance and dual pov, I really recommend this one! perfect for the holidays.
thank you so much to Valentine PR and Rebecca for this ARC!
December 26, 2022
Cute holiday novella. This one didn’t flow for me as easily as the first twin’s novella, but I enjoyed it overall. It just felt disjointed in areas.
Otherwise, it had great characters, I love a brother’s rival trope, and it’s football. All my faves!
Otherwise, it had great characters, I love a brother’s rival trope, and it’s football. All my faves!
November 11, 2023
Super cute zweite novella 😍 diese ist etwas weniger Winter und Christmas, auch wenn es da einige Szenen gab. Es ging mehr um die Figuren an sich und wie sie mit der Herausforderung umgehen.
October 10, 2022
Another charming and adorable holiday novella from the queen of sports romance! Sneaking Around with the Player is enchanting- a tender and heartfelt story perfect not just for the holidays but for any season. I'm madly in love with this couple!
December 8, 2022
Cute, brief new adult holiday novella with a dash of spice
One thing about me? I love a sports romance. Maybe it’s the inner shy girl/theatre kid in me, but something about them is healing for my high school self. Add in the holidays and a snowy cabin? I’m in. I was excited by the synopsis of Sneaking Around with the Player and the adorable cover didn’t hurt. It’s an easy, breezy, fun Christmas novella for lovers of new adult romance. It’s open door but the very brief and mild spice, if that’s not your thing.
Synopsis:
“It was supposed to be a quick conversation with a cute boy at the airport while I dodged my ex and his new girlfriend.We weren’t supposed to trade numbers.He wasn’t supposed to be a football player.And I definitely wasn’t supposed to fall for him since he’s attending a college a thousand miles away.I saw past his jersey. And he saw past my last name.Now it’s semester break, and by some Christmas miracle, he’s going to be close. So close.I want to meet him again, but there’s just one problem.My older brother can’t, under any circumstances, find out I’m dating his rival.” —Goodreads
What I Liked:
The Setting—I love a mountain setting! I think I’ll enjoy Snowed in with the Player more because it takes place over a shorter amount of time and spends more time at the cabin!
The Tropes—I’ve read tons of brother’s best friend books, but I haven’t read any family rivalry books! I really liked this one and thought the conflict was stronger. I’ll definitely seek this trope out more!
The Meet Cute—I love airports. I love an airport meet cute!
What Didn’t Work:
Insta-lovey—Since this is a novella, there isn’t as much time for development. But I did like how it showed that the friendship blossomed through conversation. I think today it’s such an important aspect for young people to develope!
Remember it’s a Novella—I didn’t go in knowing it was on the shorter side which is a reader error on my part. There’s nothing wrong with a novella! Just wanted to hammer the point home!
Character Authenticity: 3/5 Spice Rating: 0.5/5 Overall Rating: 4/5
One thing about me? I love a sports romance. Maybe it’s the inner shy girl/theatre kid in me, but something about them is healing for my high school self. Add in the holidays and a snowy cabin? I’m in. I was excited by the synopsis of Sneaking Around with the Player and the adorable cover didn’t hurt. It’s an easy, breezy, fun Christmas novella for lovers of new adult romance. It’s open door but the very brief and mild spice, if that’s not your thing.
Synopsis:
“It was supposed to be a quick conversation with a cute boy at the airport while I dodged my ex and his new girlfriend.We weren’t supposed to trade numbers.He wasn’t supposed to be a football player.And I definitely wasn’t supposed to fall for him since he’s attending a college a thousand miles away.I saw past his jersey. And he saw past my last name.Now it’s semester break, and by some Christmas miracle, he’s going to be close. So close.I want to meet him again, but there’s just one problem.My older brother can’t, under any circumstances, find out I’m dating his rival.” —Goodreads
What I Liked:
The Setting—I love a mountain setting! I think I’ll enjoy Snowed in with the Player more because it takes place over a shorter amount of time and spends more time at the cabin!
The Tropes—I’ve read tons of brother’s best friend books, but I haven’t read any family rivalry books! I really liked this one and thought the conflict was stronger. I’ll definitely seek this trope out more!
The Meet Cute—I love airports. I love an airport meet cute!
What Didn’t Work:
Insta-lovey—Since this is a novella, there isn’t as much time for development. But I did like how it showed that the friendship blossomed through conversation. I think today it’s such an important aspect for young people to develope!
Remember it’s a Novella—I didn’t go in knowing it was on the shorter side which is a reader error on my part. There’s nothing wrong with a novella! Just wanted to hammer the point home!
Character Authenticity: 3/5 Spice Rating: 0.5/5 Overall Rating: 4/5
December 31, 2022
Hollys Geschichte hat mir besser gefallen.
Zum einen ist mir Holly sympathischer gewesen. Stella wirkte eher egoistisch. Die Geschichten spielen aber zum gleichen Zeitpunkt, deshalb wars ganz nett gewisse Momente aus Hollys und Teddys Geschichte aus Stellas Sicht zu sehen.
Beau mochte ich sehr, mit Stella bin ich nicht sooo warm geworden, aber war süss nachdem die Geschichte endlich in Fahrt kam. Hat etwas gedauert….
Ich werde hoffentlich mehr von der Autorin lesen.
Zum einen ist mir Holly sympathischer gewesen. Stella wirkte eher egoistisch. Die Geschichten spielen aber zum gleichen Zeitpunkt, deshalb wars ganz nett gewisse Momente aus Hollys und Teddys Geschichte aus Stellas Sicht zu sehen.
Beau mochte ich sehr, mit Stella bin ich nicht sooo warm geworden, aber war süss nachdem die Geschichte endlich in Fahrt kam. Hat etwas gedauert….
Ich werde hoffentlich mehr von der Autorin lesen.
January 3, 2024
Rating: 4 stars ⭐️
Tropes:
friends to lovers 🫶🏻
In this story, you follow Stella. She’s Holly’s twin sister that you got to know in book one.
Stella was at the airport and saw her ex kissing another girl. She was hiding from them and sat next to a boy, Beau. There was an instant attraction and after their conversation, they started texting each other.
She didn’t know that Beau was a famous football player and her brother’s rival… 🏈
Tropes:
friends to lovers 🫶🏻
In this story, you follow Stella. She’s Holly’s twin sister that you got to know in book one.
Stella was at the airport and saw her ex kissing another girl. She was hiding from them and sat next to a boy, Beau. There was an instant attraction and after their conversation, they started texting each other.
She didn’t know that Beau was a famous football player and her brother’s rival… 🏈
November 26, 2022
Sneaking Around with the Player by Rebecca Jenshak
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Beau and Stella’s story starts with an airport meet cute that turns into marathon texting and FaceTiming. They’ve got sizzling chemistry going for them, but they are at a smidge of a disadvantage because he’s her brother’s rival. Cue the record scratch that is Felix, the brother in question, finding out and things getting complicated quickly. Can they overcome the obstacles?
I love Rebecca Jenshak. This might as well be a fan account at this point so it’ll come as no surprise that I loved this novella. The pacing of the developing relationship was perfect, something I often struggled with in novellas because of their short nature.
If you love a bit of forbidden romance to spice up your holiday then this novella is for you!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Beau and Stella’s story starts with an airport meet cute that turns into marathon texting and FaceTiming. They’ve got sizzling chemistry going for them, but they are at a smidge of a disadvantage because he’s her brother’s rival. Cue the record scratch that is Felix, the brother in question, finding out and things getting complicated quickly. Can they overcome the obstacles?
I love Rebecca Jenshak. This might as well be a fan account at this point so it’ll come as no surprise that I loved this novella. The pacing of the developing relationship was perfect, something I often struggled with in novellas because of their short nature.
If you love a bit of forbidden romance to spice up your holiday then this novella is for you!
December 13, 2022
this was so cute!!!
January 3, 2023
3.5 stars.
December 6, 2022
Such a fun and cute story. I loved that these two were forced to be friends first since they were doing the long distance thing. Their phone calls/facetime and texting really gave them the chance to get to know each other. And it was so fun! I truly adored watching their relationship bloom. My only complaint is that it ended - I could really read about these two forever.
December 4, 2022
I’m sold. I was getting bored of instaloves, and this story is the exact opposite. I can’t express how happy that made me.
Stella and Beau meet at an airport. Sure, they’re mildly attracted to each other, but more importantly they spend some fun time together as total strangers. Then they start texting to each other, become long distance friends. And along the way, their feelings grow… and they haven’t even kissed. I told you: total opposite of instalove.
Okay, they aren’t really strangers. At least, Beau finds out very quickly who Stella is. She’s his rival’s little sister. He keeps it a secret for a long time. Then they both keep it a secret to Freddy, Stella’s brother. Which is, in my opinion, stupid. Unless they thought it would never last–quite a depressive thought–did they think they could delay the revelation to indefinitely? Or that Freddy would have a change of heart without any prompt? I felt this plot device–the secret, not the best friend’s rival trope–added unnecessary drama. Or at least, it dragged it for too long.
Otherwise, I loved Stella and Beau’s relationship. Through their friendship, they learn stuff about each other that they kept to themselves–Beau’s pressure to play football, Stella’s place in her family–and help and support each other. Their feelings of inadequacy and loneliness inside their own family bring them close. It really was an heartwarming relationship.
In the end, the conflict comes from outside their couple, and it’s also not seen enough. I haven’t seen it in a long time anyway. They’re perfect for each other–despite the distance between them, which isn’t even brought up as an obstacle, just a temporary hindrance. It’s people around them that don’t see it that way.
It wasn’t as sexy as other books by the author, since they don’t see each other a lot. Maybe that helped with the cute factor. More heart, less sex. It was good as it was.
Quickie
- Series: Holidays with the players #2 (can be read as a standalone, but linked to other series by the author)
- Hashtags: #sports romance #college romance #holiday romance #football #brother’s rival #long distance #friends to lovers
- Triggers: N/A
- Main couple: Stella Walters & Beau Ricci
- Hotness: 3/5
- Romance: 5/5
- + I loved the way they slowly fall in love without anything sexual
- – the closure Beau needed with his family should have been on the page, in my opinion
Stella and Beau meet at an airport. Sure, they’re mildly attracted to each other, but more importantly they spend some fun time together as total strangers. Then they start texting to each other, become long distance friends. And along the way, their feelings grow… and they haven’t even kissed. I told you: total opposite of instalove.
Okay, they aren’t really strangers. At least, Beau finds out very quickly who Stella is. She’s his rival’s little sister. He keeps it a secret for a long time. Then they both keep it a secret to Freddy, Stella’s brother. Which is, in my opinion, stupid. Unless they thought it would never last–quite a depressive thought–did they think they could delay the revelation to indefinitely? Or that Freddy would have a change of heart without any prompt? I felt this plot device–the secret, not the best friend’s rival trope–added unnecessary drama. Or at least, it dragged it for too long.
Otherwise, I loved Stella and Beau’s relationship. Through their friendship, they learn stuff about each other that they kept to themselves–Beau’s pressure to play football, Stella’s place in her family–and help and support each other. Their feelings of inadequacy and loneliness inside their own family bring them close. It really was an heartwarming relationship.
In the end, the conflict comes from outside their couple, and it’s also not seen enough. I haven’t seen it in a long time anyway. They’re perfect for each other–despite the distance between them, which isn’t even brought up as an obstacle, just a temporary hindrance. It’s people around them that don’t see it that way.
It wasn’t as sexy as other books by the author, since they don’t see each other a lot. Maybe that helped with the cute factor. More heart, less sex. It was good as it was.
Quickie
- Series: Holidays with the players #2 (can be read as a standalone, but linked to other series by the author)
- Hashtags: #sports romance #college romance #holiday romance #football #brother’s rival #long distance #friends to lovers
- Triggers: N/A
- Main couple: Stella Walters & Beau Ricci
- Hotness: 3/5
- Romance: 5/5
- + I loved the way they slowly fall in love without anything sexual
- – the closure Beau needed with his family should have been on the page, in my opinion
December 5, 2022
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: brother’s nemesis
Angst: 😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥
Super cute and sweet Christmas novella about how a chance meeting in an airport can change everything ♥️. Sometimes distance is the easier thing to overcome when the boy you like is your brother’s long term nemesis on the field. Well written with wonderful characters. Can’t wait for Felix’s story!
⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes be spoilers
Trope: brother’s nemesis
Angst: 😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥
Super cute and sweet Christmas novella about how a chance meeting in an airport can change everything ♥️. Sometimes distance is the easier thing to overcome when the boy you like is your brother’s long term nemesis on the field. Well written with wonderful characters. Can’t wait for Felix’s story!
⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes be spoilers
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