Book: Elite Player by Sophie Andrews
Reviewed by Booksbystarlightandshadows
Rating: 4/5
I was rooting for Jo and Nico after the first moment with the puck to the head. Jo struggles with her self worth after growing up in a toxic family but Nico falls hard and fast for Jo; he seems to be the only person who really sees her. Jo's family is the worst; the passive aggressive levels are high. Nico sees right through it though and is in her corner from day one. We never really see his playboy image on page and his green flag energy is so infectious that it became easy to forget he was getting something out of the fake dating too. The fake dating is pretty much real dating throughout and although there is a third act moment, the drama really comes from Jo dealing with her family rather than between Nico and Jo.
Willa Jaymes & Ryan Lee Dunlap have amazing chemistry in this duet recording. Willa Jaymes is a new to me narrator and I loved her performance as Jo. A lot of the book is banter between the two leads which I really enjoyed as they went toe to toe but when Jo started to stand up for herself was when James shone especially in the scene with her mother. Golden Retriever Ryan Lee Dunlap may be my favourite Ryan Lee Dunlap. I never once doubted Nico's sincerity and his performance had me kicking my feet. A definite must listen if you want a sweet sports romcom with all the Hallmark vibes.
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read