Member Reviews
I just loved getting to read this title. It was just so much fun seeing these characters and I just couldn’t get enough of them. I look forward to reading more wonderful stories in this series.
No Player Required continues the Biggest Little Love Story series with a couple who, on the surface, seem to mix like oil and water… not that well. But when mixed with the right ingredients, that oil and water could be part of one delicious treat — something one spoiled, rich man and one romance-shy woman who no longer trusts herself will soon find out.
Rafa is definitely a spoiled, rich playboy when we first meet him there is no denying that. He feels he’s being punished by being sent to his father’s newly acquired, rundown casino in Reno and that persona is on full view. Yet, he’s also a man with a good heart that he hides well but peeks through now and then. Destiny has a lot on her plate between her partner making off with the funding for their non-profit, her family’s issues, and the clear fact that she doesn’t have the least belief in true love or trust… at all. And maybe that’s understandable as we get to know her background a bit, especially her – let’s say – unique family situation. Add to that mix this couple’s first truly cringe-worthy meeting and it’s easy to see that this couple is going to have a rocky road to travel before that happy ending comes for them. Still. I liked them individually and as a couple in spite of their views on life and love.
Although I believe in the possibility of love at first sight and read about it often, I just didn’t buy it here. Oh, I’ve no doubt that Rafa got hit with the lightning bolt but maybe more like lust that could grow into love… but that’s me and my interpretation of their emotions. There were times when I wanted Destiny to just stop assuming everyone was like her mother, that there were good, believable emotions out there for her if she’d just take the risk of believing in those possibilities. Rafa and Destiny got there in the end, it simply took a little time and patience.
I had fun with No Player Required, loved that some familiar faces popped up, enjoyed the secondary characters so much, and really wanted Destiny and Rafa to find their way to each other and those future possibilities. This is a closed-door romance, so if detailed scenes aren’t your thing then this would be fine.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
This was a cute short story with a happy ending. If you are looking for a quick entertaining read, this is a good choice! Rafa and Destiny had great chemistry. Definitely a closed door romance though.
I was partial to No Player Required because it was set in my hometown of Reno. I loved the plot…for the most part. I felt like Destiny and Rafael dealt with heavy issues that were resolved way too easily/quickly. Their love story was one with chemistry no doubt. I would’ve liked a more detailed and drawn out ending. It was almost like the author was rushing a deadline and wanted to wrap things up.
JoAnn Sky’s No Player Required is a fun romantic read full of sass, sparkle and sizzle.
Caviar and champagne are more up billionaire casino magnate Rafa Salord’s alley than cowboy boots and rodeos, but when he is sent to run his father’s newly acquired casino in the middle of nowhere, he finds himself with no other choice but to head off to downtime Reno. Rafa is not exactly overjoyed at this unexpected turn of events, but when social worker Destiny Morson crosses his path, life in Reno quickly begins to look up…
Destiny is not looking for love. She’s been burned far too many times before and with her business partner having absconded with the community-raised funds from their non-profit, she fully intends to keep her heart in an impenetrable vault and people at arm’s length – even if they are drop dead gorgeous billionaires like Rafa Salord. Destiny has no intention whatsoever of giving into his charm and charisma, but keeping her distance becomes more and more difficult with each passing day.
Rafa cannot stop thinking about Destiny and he is determined to breach the defenses she has built around her heart and prove to her that she can trust him. When giving into temptation proves inevitable, Rafa and Destiny succumb to the desire that sizzles between the two of them. However, when things go sideways for them, they find themselves faced with an impossible choice to make that could put paid to any hope they might have had of transforming their one night affair into a love that will last a lifetime.
An enjoyable contemporary romance full of humor, intensity and drama, JoAnn Sky’s No Player Required is a compelling tale with strong characters, witty dialogue and heartfelt emotion. Readers will fall in love with Rafa and Destiny and find their romance to be simply delightful.
JoAnn Sky’s No Player Required is a feel-good romantic page-turner that readers should check out.
3.5 stars
Destiny's not so thrilled with people these days. Her business partner has taken off with all their money, and now their non profit is suffering. One mistaken identity later, and she's wondering if perhaps she should just keep all men out, especially spoiled ones like Rafa.
Rafa's been sent undercover to check out his family's casino, when he meets someone who gets under his skin immediately. How will he ever convince her he's not the spoiled guy she thinks he is?
This is a fun, lighthearted read. It's not very deep or particularly new in content, but it is entertaining and I liked both Rafa and Destiny, both as a couple and individually.
Rafael aka Rafa has been sent to oversee the Nevada location of the family's casinos by his father. Suspecting it to be a sort of punishment given the current state of his and his father's relationship, Rafa isn't looking forward to the stay. The manager of the casino isn't excited, either, but Rafa's attention is pulled in a different direction when a case of mistaken identity awakens a different sort of appetite.
Destiny is struggling to get her charity, All For One, off the ground. She doesn't have time for rude, insufferable, spoilt brats like Rafa, who already have their futures taken care of. Yet, as their paths continually intersect, Destiny begins to see different sides of Rafa. But with her charity and family life in chaos, her life isn't at a place where she can even begin to focus on a relationship.
No Player Required is a light read. I would have liked to have a little extra to the story, though, as the way it ended left me hanging a bit. I felt the "I love yous" were exchanged a bit too... drily. The twists in the story were well done, and kept me intrigued.
This is a good read with lots of positive lessons, but I was hoping for a deeper connection between the main characters.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book, via NetGalley.
It has been a while since I have read a book written by JoAnn Sky so I was looking forward to reading No Player Required. The is an interesting look at two very complex individuals who find romance and love along the way of helping to support others. Rafael “Rafa” Salord is new to Reno but not to casinos. His confidence spills over to arrogance at time but I found him overall likable. Destiny Morson has the more nurturing job as a social worker but I did not always find her so kind especially when she could be judgmental concerning Rafe. Their romance is bumpy but balanced out with non-profit fund raising, family and overcoming past events.
An interesting read of two people who are good at their vocations but need to learn to trust in their relationships. Though for Destiny trusting has not always been a good thing, take her former business partner for example. So for her trust is even harder. Most of us have been there so we can relate.
Part of a series but easily a book that is able to be read on its own.
An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Um, this one wasn’t my favorite. It was okay. Very fast paced, I feel like it could’ve slowed down a bit and the characters didn’t need to decide on love so fast. It’s set in Reno which I loved, Reno isn’t too far and it’s fun to read about somewhere you know. Over all it was just okay for me.
This billionaire romance was an enjoyable and fun read. I really liked seeing how the romance between Rafael and Destiny started and developed through the story. They seemed to not get along the best at first, but that quickly changed the more time they seemed to spend together.
Rafael who also goes by Rafa is a forced to drop what he is most comfortable with when his father ships him off to Reno to run a new casino his father acquired there to help him "grow up." There is a bit of an insta-love element in this book when Rafa lays eyes on Destiny for the first time. From that moment he starts to wonder if it's worth it to drop his player was to have something more with someone.
Destiny is a social worker who has had just about enough of people in general after her business partner she trusted took off with with the community-raised funds that were collected from their non-profit. Even though Rafa is genuinely wanting to help her, she immediately worries about his motives and reasoning to want to help the way he is. The attraction she feels to him makes it all the harder to keep him away.
Throughout the story Rafa works to break away some of Destiny's the strong walls she has around herself. With each attempt he slowly begins to knock parts of her walls away. But after a night of passion together things become increasingly difficult at the casino, and they are forced to determine what their relationship is worth and whether it should stay whole or fall apart.
While there were parts that I would have liked see more I still really enjoyed this novel and would still recommend it. Thank you NetGalley for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a quick and cute read. I didn’t rest feel the connection between Rafa and Destiny. I felt the chemistry but never felt they had anything other than physical chemistry. Saying I love you felt forced. Overall, very enjoyable.
Rafa works for his father’s company and his job is to go wherever he is sent to manage the location and his latest assignment finds him at a casino in Reno even though it is the last place he wants to be. He has two memorable meetings with Destiny which may not have gotten them off to a great start, but it certainly has him intrigued.
Destiny already has a lot going on in her life from being a loyal friend, an eccentric aunt and promoting her new charity that her partner has bailed on. The last thing she needs who she believes in only interested in a good time however she may just find out there is more to the man than she believed.
Destiny is very independent which is a direct conflict to Rafa’s wanting to help. There is no denying the chemistry between them but they both have a lot going on in their lives that they haven’t shared with each other which causes a few misunderstandings along the way.
Odds are high, hearts are wild and emotions run deep. No Player Required is a sure bet when it comes to the unpredictable. Rafa and Destiny are not an instant attraction kind of couple but after a while they grow on you. The pampered playboy and the embittered social worker sneak up on your blindside and take up residence in your heart.
Being mistaken for a call girl?
Rafael “Rafa” Salord is used to the finer things in life and being forced by his father to oversee the rundown casino in Reno wasn’t what he had planned. Rafa meeting charity worker Destiny Morson when he though she was the call girl that the general manager had hired made him realize that there might be something to having a girlfriend.
Destiny Morson was excited to be the new director of client services for All For One but constantly running into Rafa Salord helped her realize that she wanted to find time for a relationship. But there are some major walls between them that must worked through.
I want an Aunt Mabel because she did what she wanted but still family.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Good plot but needs more to round out the insta-love.
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This book has some great bones. I love the premise and the plot of the story because it’s unique. The different twists and the difference in the main characters really create an intriguing story.
However, the story became almost an Insta-love book. There was not enough depth to really round out the story as it is written. I liked the characters a lot and that really helped cement the story together for me. But I wanted a bit more emotion, care, concern, passion.
The author brought us levity, the reality of trying to make it on your own, naivety, plus a fear about letting others help. And this goes for both of the hero/heroines. The supporting characters really boosted this story a lot! They were fun and a tad crazy!
I really wish we would’ve gotten a more complex look at the main characters. While I don’t mind Insta-love – it’s actually a fun read, I think more of a connection was missing for me. No Player Required was a satisfying and romantic story. I just needed more.
A Casablanca read. Rafa is in Reno from Spain to look at his family business. Destiny is trying to get a charity off the ground and has no time for fun. What seems like two total opposite personalities find themselves attracted to each other. His two best friends are like the pop ups in whack-a-mole who show up wherever Destiny is. They make for great fun.
This book was okay. It just felt like it was missing something. There was not a lot of development with the romance which is the main plot of the book. Also it was a fade to black book which is fine but the cover is a bit misleading.
I received an arc from netgalley
Will she walk away by fear of being left …
It was the blurb which caught my eyes, and while it did not turn into something I expected, it was a fun quick read.
Destiny has no time nor the envy for any romantic entanglement. She is persuaded nothing last and love is just a vain pursuit. Her mother is the perfect example of its pointless quest.
So her job to help others is what fill her day and never mind if she is sometime alone at night. But when everything spirals down, is she stronger enough to begin again.
Rafael has been sent to check on his father’s newly acquired business, a kind of test or punishment as he sees it. Despite having been born with a sliver spoon in his mouth, he is a do-gooder, cleaning his father’s business of the bad blood and protecting the weakest. Yet he did not think to fall instantly for a woman upon his arrival.
This is a kind of insta thing on Rafa’s side, likely because she walked away. So he had to work to win her.
Their romance is fast and quickly resolved, even if Destiny pushes him away repeatedly. She is the one with a chip on her shoulder. I just thought the insta love thing lacked a bit of sparks.
What I struggled to understand was how could Destiny be so understanding and kind to her aunt who is an unrepentant gambler when she left her mother who was an unrepentant lover of love, none is better than the other, none is less a loose cannon than the other. Yet she just forgives her again and again, like she lets her associate go away without setting the law after him.
3.5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen foreplays but closed door lovemaking scenes.
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
The mistaken identity in this romance is rather unusual. Needless to say that it creates some animosity, and subsequently leads to some interesting developments.
Rafa is in Reno against his will. It's only temporary and soon he'll be going back to what he is used to. He doesn't have relationships and doesn't intend to start now. How wrong can he be?
Destiny has just started a new venture in a charity. Her life is so busy that she doesn't have time for any fun.
On the night that she decides that she is going to let her hair down, everything changes. The fun turns into a bit of a nightmare. Then she discovers that her business partner isn't who he appears to be. Rafa is intrigued by her, but he finds trouble in his own business. They both face various problems whilst juggling their newly found attraction. It can only be casual. Right?
There are unscrupulous deeds going on. Aunt Mabel is a treasure. Rafa has a heart of gold and Destiny is most caring. The concept is good. There is fun and laughter. There is some anxiety and then there is love. It's a very enjoyable read.
I received an eARC from Netgalley and the views expressed are my personal opinion.
I had mixed feelings about this book. Some of it was very good, but some of it irritated me. I would rated this 3.5 stars. I would have rounded up to 4 if my second con had been addressed.
Pros:
Destiny is a relatable and complex heroine. She struggles with things that lots of women do, especially trying to find the right way to help family members. She is my favorite part of the book.
Rafa is honorable and is trying to do the right thing. He tones down the arrogance as he spends time with Destiny. He is also pretty funny.
Destiny and Rafa have several fun and sexy scenes that will be the parts of the book I remember. I will not list them because of spoilers, but they are creative and entertaining.
Cons:
Destiny accepts lies from some people like they are just par for the course. Then she freaks out on Rafa because he did not spill the details of a story that he had never told anyone and that does not have anything to do with her. That is also hypocritical because she omits details when talking to Rafa several times about things that actually do affect him. Like I said, she is complex. No one is completely consistent, but she owed him a better apology or explanation than he got.
Rafa stinks as a businessman. If he is so honorable and determined to prove himself, there are some things he would have followed up on, even with the distraction of Destiny. They were things that would have gotten the casino sued and dragged through media mud. I was disappointed that this was not addressed in even the briefest way.
The Mike subplot wraps up really strangely. There was no creativity here.