Book Review: Well Played by Jen DeLuca
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I feel that Well Played is the perfect book for anyone looking for something sweet with a relatable heroine, a nice hero and a love story set around a Renaissance Faire. A great book for in between heavier books. It was sweet, cute and fun!
Stacey is jolted when her friends Simon and Emily get engaged. She knew she was putting her life on hold when she stayed in Willow Creek to care for her sick mother, but it’s been years now, and even though Stacey loves spending her summers pouring drinks and flirting with patrons at the local Renaissance Faire, she wants more out of life. Stacey vows to have her life figured out by the time her friends get hitched at Faire next summer. Maybe she’ll even find The One.
When Stacey imagined “The One,” it never occurred to her that her summertime Faire fling, Dex MacLean, might fit the bill. While Dex is easy on the eyes onstage with his band The Dueling Kilts, Stacey has never felt an emotional connection with him. So when she receives a tender email from the typically monosyllabic hunk, she’s not sure what to make of it.
Faire returns to Willow Creek, and Stacey comes face-to-face with the man with whom she’s exchanged hundreds of online messages over the past nine months. To Stacey’s shock, it isn’t Dex—she’s been falling in love with a man she barely knows.
Book Review: Well Played by Jen DeLuca
MY THOUGHTS & REVIEW
I’m a huge fan of small town romances and small town life in general. I might not want to live in a small town myself, but I love to read about it in books. And the Renaissance Festival setting makes this series really interesting and unique.
Something else I love in romance books is correspondence, that can be letters, emails, texts. Because if it’s done well it can really showcase a person’s character. And the author did a good job by introducing this medium in her plot.
Also the author is really good at writing relatable characters. Especially Stacey, whose journey and growth was universally relatable. Which makes for a nice change. From relatable to sweet. Daniel our hero, was as sweet as can be. Which is not necessarily my favorite kind of hero, but it worked in this case.
Also, if you loved the first book Well Met, you’ll really enjoy the cast’s reunion in Well Played. And fans of Emily and Simon will get a special surprise!!!!
In the end I wish the author would have focused a bit more on the couple’s chemistry. I didn’t really feel it. Something was missing. Not exactly sure what it was, maybe some sizzle, edge, passion. Whatever it was it left a palpable hole.
However, I can’t get enough of romances set around a Renaissance Faire.
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I received a copy of this book from the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. I receive no compensation for reviews.
Book Review: Well Played by Jen DeLuca
I’m a bit unsure if I’ll read this one as Book one was only 3 stars for me. Great review -Micky 😊
I’m in the same predicament, I wasn’t wowed by the first book, but somehow can’t say no to it either – lol.
I loved this one while reading it, but I think you are right. It probably was missing that sizzle. I don’t think I noticed because I loved the writing and story so much.
I’m glad you loved the writing! The writing is what I’m looking forward the most, it can make or break a book. Also, I love that she continues this series, the premise is the most unique part of these books.
Many are saying the same thing about this. I have this Netgalley copy. I will rad it soon. Great review!
Thank you 😊, and enjoy it!!!
Fabulous review! I also enjoy stories that feature email or text exchanges.
The one who does it best is Whitney G 😀
not my favourite either. it was good but ultimately won’t be too memorable, I think! very excited for book three, though. – H
right? It’s so sad if I can’t remember what the book was about a week after reading it.