Player

This book hits me on so many levels can I just start out by saying that overall I loved this book. Though it took me a little longer than usual to truly get into this. I've a feeling that had more to do with the book hangover from then first book than the content of book two.
This book hit me first with the content. That fact it takes the insecurities that women deal with and throw it in your face over and over again so that you have to look at it, to feel it and deal with it on a personal level is insane and well written. Even though there were times when I was like come on Val how do you not know how freaking beautiful you're, but how many times in our own lives do you not believe what your friends and family tell you that you're beautiful and you don't truly believe it!
The childhood trauma that she dealt with.
This book just made me cry while loving every minute of it.
Well done Staci Hart

This is the third in the Red Lipstick Coalition series that I've read and it was my least favorite so far. It was super cliché - we get the "going out with you on a dare," the "I really like you but you are just 'teaching' me how to date, kiss, etc.," the "I'm a 'big' girl who doesn't know how to appreciate my body," and the "he's never dated anyone before you." So, yeah, I was pretty sure I'd read all these stories before. I wanted to like that Val was a size 16 with curves but a real change of pace would have been for her to love her own body rather than require the guy to love it for her. None of this book was a surprise or unique to me, but YMMV.

"Love is music. It's learning when to be loud and when to be soft. It's riding the scales up and down. Learning the curves and strings to play the song of your heart. You have to know when to lead and when to follow. When you're wrong and when you're right. Love is music."

I picked this book up because I'd just finished a pretty intense book prior and wanted something that would warm my heart. Staci Hart creates a story that feels like a cool spring day and your favorite home cooked meal. I gobbled this book up so quick, it was that good.

From the first chapter I was consumed. I think many people can relate to Val. Feeling an attraction to someone so strongly that you can't help but embarrass yourself thoroughly. When we got Val's POV in the first chapter I felt my own cheeks getting warm because of the wacky situations she got herself in. I really loved how real and sweet this book is. It was a bit chic-lit, which isn't normally my thing, but I dug it.

"I've never known anyone who can make food sound so incredibly pornographic," I said half to myself.
"Well, I've never known who can make cheesy pick-up lines work."
I chuffed. "Well, we all have our talents."

Sam was deemed a player, yet he didn't really give off those vibes. I think it was because he was unbelievably sweet. He knew Val was attracted to him, but never did anything to make her uncomfortable. He's the type of man you fall for when you see him. Then when you get to know him you can't help but let yourself love him because he's that wonderful.

Val was a woman that many of us can relate to. She lacks confidence and has only ever had mediocre sex. Her crush on Sam constantly leaves her cheeks red because she can't stop making a fool out of herself. Watching Val grow to slowly appreciate herself was amazing.

I didn't start with book one, Piece of Work, because Player was calling my name. I plan to remedy that in a few days and finish this series.

"Everyone has flaws, and that's all they see. But other people, they don't see your flaws. They're way too concerned with their own."

So, I have to admit, I sort of read this series out of order starting with Player instead of Piece of Work. Since this is a series of standalones, it wasn’t an issue at all, and I absolutely fell in love with Val in this book. Besides the major insecurities she has about her body image (which was something I and many others can relate to), I found Val to be really upbeat and outgoing. I loved her quirky attitude and positive outlooks. Her many embarrassing moments in front of her major crush, Sam, were extremely entertaining throughout the beginning; from the first page Val’s antics had me doubling over in laughter. I also really like Sam as a character as well; I thought he was a pretty genuine, sincere, and caring person even though he could be a little blind of the people around him. Overall, I thought Sam and Val made a great couple. I also loved the underlying message throughout the book to step outside your comfort zone ever once and while to try new things. More than likely, in the end, you’ll be glad you did. After reading Player and reading about the rest of the roommate gang, I’m really excited to go back and read the first book in the series, Piece of Work.