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BOOKWORM REVIEW: The Player in New Zealand by Liz Alden


RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
STEAM: 🔥🔥

This book had me at New Zealand, but The Player and The Bartender gave my favorite country so much life.

Claire is a fish out of water in New Zealand. She is trying to make an unexpected move to the country work on so little funds, and it includes working at a bar/winery. This isn't her first barkeeping gig -- in fact, she loves mixology -- but an awkward encounter with her boss is not exactly how she wanted to make a good first impression. 

Despite her rocky start with Tane, retired rugby player and curmudgeonly bar owner, they eventually learn to co-exist with each other, even helping each other out. When Tane has to attend his cousin's wedding, Claire gets roped into being his fake date to avoid Tane's overeager mama from setting him up. But with their close proximity, will their relationship continue to be fake or move into something more authentic?

This was a fun, sweet read between two people who feel out of place when life throws them for a loop. Tane and Claire might have initially thought they had little in common, but as they -- and the readers -- learn more about each other, we all find that there is so much more than common ground. There is a connection around and mutual respect for their own struggles. I love how Liz Alden slowly takes us on a journey as these two move from enemies to friends to lovers. With the wonderful backdrop of New Zealand, no less.

This is part of a series, but as someone who jumped in with this book first, I did not feel lost at all. I am looking forward to reading Iris' story and take a world tour with the rest of the books in the series.

** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Liz Alden and Grey's Promo for providing an ARC. **

ABOUT THE BOOK

That surly ex-rugby player making a ruckus in the dark corner of the bar I work at? Yeah, I try to avoid him. Too bad he's my boss.

I thought I was grumpy AF but I've met my match. Tane has two moods when I see him in the bar he co-owns with his sister: grouchy in a dark corner or reliving his rugby days with a rowdy group that likes to cause trouble. I try to avoid him at all costs—the last thing I need is more male drama in my life after my stalker ex. He's why I came to New Zealand—to escape.

When my closest friend in the country—who happens to be Tane's sister—asks me for a huge favor, I can't say no. Now I'm Tane's fake date to a family wedding, and it turns out he is trying to turn his life around.

Adventuring around New Zealand opens my eyes to more than just Lord of the Rings fandom and sheep. I didn't expect to fall in love with the country...or Tane.

The fourth in the Love and Wanderlust series, The Player in New Zealand is two grumps having a meet-hate before a fake date pushes them together. This standalone contemporary romance is perfect for everyone who wants their wanderlust to continue into the happily-ever-after.

Get Your Copy 
Amazon: http://mybook.to/playerinnz
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3r8IHzq
Nook: https://bit.ly/3I3tLJS
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3r9fbJG
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3I1sXoO

Add to Goodreads → https://bit.ly/3JVqQEu


MEET LIZ ALDEN



I've spent the past five years traveling the world with my husband on our sailboat. I have so many stories to share of grand adventures, beautiful places, and the love that's found along the way.

While I've been happily married for over ten years, the stories from our friends of meeting each other and falling in love have inspired me. I hope to show through my stories that the world is both a large and a small place, and that love can be found everywhere.

We still live the vagabond life on our sailboat. When I miss terra firma, I read in my hammock, slip into the water for a snorkel, or watch the sunset over a glass of wine.

Connect with Liz
Website | lizalden.com
Goodreads | https://bit.ly/3nqRwn5
Amazon | https://amzn.to/34PxYm3
Facebook | https://bit.ly/3fi9a8e
Facebook Group | https://bit.ly/3fjhKnd
Instagram | https://bit.ly/3KbUy8o
Twitter | https://bit.ly/3fjbbAW
Bookbub | https://bit.ly/3I1Fus7
Pinterest | https://bit.ly/31TKDDd




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