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Review

5 “Sean + Lucy = Spectacular” stars!

“You have this incredible way of showing me new ways to look at things, do you know that, Lucy Fitzpatrick?”

The Player and the Pixie is the second book in the Rugby series co-written by L.H. Cosway and Penny Reid. With these two authors, it is no surprise they continue to write entertaining stories. This story is heart warming, hilarious, sweet, and sexy, with a fair share of awkward moments and a bit of angst. In the end, The Player and the Pixie left a huge smile on my face.

We met both Lucy and Sean in the first book, The Hooker and the Hermit, and where Lucy came across as an interesting, likable character, Sean acted in a less than desirable way. In The Player and the Pixie, Lucy is sassy, witty, clever, fun, beautiful, loyal, and a compulsive shoplifter, and I immediately loved everything about her including her “wild rainbow hair!”

When we see Sean, it seems like he is still the gorgeous asshole who we saw in the first book but we slowly see that he is misunderstood, lost, and lonely. He is quick to push people away so that he won’t be rejected first and my heart felt for him.

Lucy and Sean’s first interactions do not go over well and the impressions they have of each other are awful. Lucy may be biased because her brother, Ronan, can not stand Sean, but Lucy is so good that she tries to view Sean in a better light.

I always tried to believe everybody had the potential to be good, to be redeemed. But this guy might just be the one to prove me wrong.

However, after another encounter, she starts to see a different side of him, one that he hides from the world. Sean doesn’t understand it but there is something intriguing about Lucy that keeps her on his mind, and the attraction between the two of them grows. They can’t deny their connection and the sexual tension is sizzling, just waiting to ignite. Even though Sean has been with a lot of woman, Lucy would have never guessed how their first time would go. OMG!! I was cracking up the entire time. Poor Lucy! Sean has no idea how to please a woman, and he knows he’s rubbish in the sack but until Lucy, he has had no reason to change. Now, he is determined to learn everything and he wants Lucy to teach him. When they agree to go forth with the “lessons,” they were not only hilarious and steamy, but also so sweet.

“It was a completely insensitive thing to say. I am insensitive. But I’d like to be otherwise, with you, if you’ll give me the chance.”

Lucy is patient, understanding, and honest with him while teaching him what she likes. We see Sean is this big guy who ends up being so gentle. Their relationship starts to progress but she’s convinced they can’t be anything more because of the relationship between Sean and her brother. I love that Sean doesn’t push her too far and understands her reservations and fears.  He is so caring, and is always quick to tell her how wonderful she is.

“The moment you walk into a room you brighten it, Lucy Fitzpatrick, and I for one feel like the luckiest bastard in the world for having known you.”

The relationship they do have isn’t easy, and I liked how even though Lucy pushed Sean away, she didn’t really drag it out. There are time lapses that show when they weren’t together but they both couldn’t stop thinking about each other and never fear, neither of them got with another person during their time apart. When Lucy decides that maybe they can make something work, there’s some drama, adding a bit of angsty.  Can it be resolved?

“I’ve missed you…”
“When did you miss me?…”
“I think I’ve missed you all my life.”

I adored Lucy. Everything about her made me smile. At times I may have wanted to push her to do what she truly wanted but I completely understand her loyalty to her brother. I loved her energy, enthusiasm, spirit, and attitude. She was a fun, likable character and I found her easily relatable.

I loved Sean and I had a feeling there was more to him than what we initially saw. After getting a bad reputation in The Hooker and the Hermit, I knew we were missing the bigger picture. LH Cosway and Penny Reid were able to take a character from the first book who was most definitely not a favorite of mine and turn him into a man I fell hard for. I really liked that he grew throughout the story. He started to change with the help of Lucy’s warm personality. I loved that when he felt something more for Lucy, he didn’t really try to hide it and he was honest with his feelings. I also loved the relationship between Eilish and Sean. Before Lucy, she was the only one who saw the real Sean.

I really enjoyed the banter between Rick and Lucy and thought he was a great addition to the story. And of course I loved that we got to see Annie and Ronan again!

L.H. Cosway and Penny Reid are not only exceptional authors independently, but are amazing when they put their minds together. And after reading the excerpt from The Cad and the Co-Ed, I can’t not wait to read more by this duo! I am really looking forward to Eilish’s story!

A spectacular 5 star read written but two spectacular 5 star authors!

 

The Rugby Series