Title: Playing the Player
Author: Lisa Brown Roberts
Published September 14, 2015
400 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781943336562
Rating: 3.73
Overview
Trina Clemons is the epitome of a good girl. She never breaks the rules and always follows her carefully crafted plans.
But when she takes a job as a nanny for the summer, she’s paired with the ultimate player – Jackson Matthews. Jackson is everything Trina isn’t – carefree, reckless, and always looking for a good time.
Despite their differences, they quickly realize they make a great team when it comes to taking care of the kids. But there’s a catch.
Jackson made a bet with his friends that he can get Trina to let loose and have some fun before the end of the summer. As they spend more time together, Trina begins to see a different side of Jackson and can’t deny the chemistry between them.
But when Jackson’s secret is revealed, Trina must decide whether to stick to her good girl image or take a chance on love.
About the Author
Lisa Brown Roberts is an award-winning author who specializes in writing YA romantic comedies. Her work has received critical acclaim from numerous publications including Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, and School Library Journal.
As a teenager, Lisa experienced a variety of mishaps, including tweezing off all her eyebrows, crashing a car while trying to impress a crush, and accidentally attending prom with someone else’s boyfriend. To cope with these situations, she turned to her diary and created her own happy endings.
Today, Lisa still enjoys crafting stories with happy endings. She currently resides in Colorado with her family and a vast collection of books.
If you’re interested in connecting with Lisa, you can find her on Twitter (@LBrownRoberts), Instagram (LisaBrownRoberts), Facebook, or her personal website.
Editoral Review
Playing the Player by Lisa Brown Roberts is a young adult contemporary romance novel that was published on September 14, 2015. Roberts is an American author who has written several other young adult novels, including The Replacement Crush and How (Not) to Fall in Love.
The novel tells the story of high school student Trina Clemons, who is determined to win a scholarship to a prestigious college. To improve her chances, she enlists the help of her school’s star lacrosse player, hockey-playing hottie Sean McCallister, to teach her how to play the game.
However, things get complicated when Trina finds herself developing feelings for Sean, who is known for being a player and has a reputation for breaking hearts. Playing the Player explores several themes that are common in young adult literature, including coming of age, love, and self-discovery.
The novel also touches upon issues such as peer pressure, social class, and female empowerment. Roberts’ writing style is engaging and humorous, capturing the voice of a teenage girl while still tackling serious topics.
The pacing of the book is well-done, and the plot is both entertaining and relatable. The characters are well-developed and have depth, making the reader invested in their journeys.
One of the strengths of the book is its ability to tackle complex issues in a way that is accessible to its target audience. The novel’s exploration of peer pressure and social class is particularly well-done, and the book serves as a reminder that everyone has the power to define their own destiny.
However, some readers may find the romance between Trina and Sean to be predictable or cliched, and the ending of the book does feel a bit rushed. Additionally, some of the secondary characters lack development, leaving the reader wanting more.
Overall, Playing the Player is an enjoyable and well-crafted novel that will appeal to fans of young adult romance. Its exploration of important themes and relatable characters make it a worthwhile addition to the genre.
We give it 4 out of 5 stars.