What do you think?
Rate this book
Cocky Hero Club
Egotistical Player
Preston Scott.
Self-centered a$$hole.
Self-absorbed prick.
The king of supposed one-night stands, and my brother’s best friend.
I hate him.
I loathe him.
I despise him.
I love him.
He’s the man of my dreams and everything I know I should stay away from, but, oh, he’s so irresistible.
The things he does to me, I can’t keep my mind off of him.
But God, I need to keep my distance, yet I’m so drawn to him.
And then in an instant when my world is forever changed, Preston is the only one who I can turn to for comfort. He takes care of me, my mind, my soul, my heart, and my body.
But I know this can never last.
It’s not in him to settle down, and he surely won’t with his best friend’s sister.
Self-centered a$$hole.
Self-absorbed prick.
The king of supposed one-night stands, and my brother’s best friend.
I hate him.
I loathe him.
I despise him.
I love him.
He’s the man of my dreams and everything I know I should stay away from, but, oh, he’s so irresistible.
The things he does to me, I can’t keep my mind off of him.
But God, I need to keep my distance, yet I’m so drawn to him.
And then in an instant when my world is forever changed, Preston is the only one who I can turn to for comfort. He takes care of me, my mind, my soul, my heart, and my body.
But I know this can never last.
It’s not in him to settle down, and he surely won’t with his best friend’s sister.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 19, 2020
61 people are currently reading
1,054 people want to read
About the author
Bella Emy
105 books2,372 followers♥️The Imprisoned Hearts Series is LIVE!!!♥️
✨Freed & Imprisoned✨
USA Today Bestselling Author.
She loves all books, but her favorite genre to read, as well as write, is romance. Bella loves creating heartbreaking stories that will deeply touch her readers, but in the end, a good HEA is usually the turnout.
Whenever Bella is not typing away on her computer with a nice hot cup of coffee, she loves spending time with her family and friends. Her favorite places to go are the movies, the beach, or just on a good plain old road trip. Some of her must haves are coffee, chocolate, pizza, music, & movies.
You can stay in touch with Bella here:
Facebook Page: bit.ly/BellaEmyFB
Book Group: bit.ly/BellaEmyFBGroup
Twitter: bit.ly/BellaEmyTwitter
Instagram: bit.ly/BellaEmyIG
TikTok: bit.ly/BellaTikTok
Pinterest: bit.ly/BellaEmyPinterest
Goodreads: bit.ly/BellaEmyGR
Amazon: bit.ly/BellaEmyAmazon
Bookbub: bit.ly/BellaEmyBookbub
Order Paperbacks: bit.ly/BellasSignedPaperbacks
Website: www.bellaemy.com
Newsletter: bit.ly/BellaNL
Want some exclusives?
✨Freed & Imprisoned✨
USA Today Bestselling Author.
She loves all books, but her favorite genre to read, as well as write, is romance. Bella loves creating heartbreaking stories that will deeply touch her readers, but in the end, a good HEA is usually the turnout.
Whenever Bella is not typing away on her computer with a nice hot cup of coffee, she loves spending time with her family and friends. Her favorite places to go are the movies, the beach, or just on a good plain old road trip. Some of her must haves are coffee, chocolate, pizza, music, & movies.
You can stay in touch with Bella here:
Facebook Page: bit.ly/BellaEmyFB
Book Group: bit.ly/BellaEmyFBGroup
Twitter: bit.ly/BellaEmyTwitter
Instagram: bit.ly/BellaEmyIG
TikTok: bit.ly/BellaTikTok
Pinterest: bit.ly/BellaEmyPinterest
Goodreads: bit.ly/BellaEmyGR
Amazon: bit.ly/BellaEmyAmazon
Bookbub: bit.ly/BellaEmyBookbub
Order Paperbacks: bit.ly/BellasSignedPaperbacks
Website: www.bellaemy.com
Newsletter: bit.ly/BellaNL
Want some exclusives?
Members ONLY: facebook.com/groups/bellasheartbreakers
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
July 17, 2020
At first, Egotistical Player had me desperate to see how the story played out. Unfortunately, it’s one of those books that I enjoyed less the deeper through the book I worked.
There is one simple reason for this: the angst did not work for me. I love an angsty story, and this tried hard to deliver angst. There were lots of events that could have resulted in broken hearts, but it never worked for me. Each time something bad happened, we would skip forward in time. It happened, but we did not get the chance to appreciate and feel it. Add in the fact this happened over and over, dragging it out, and I stopped caring about what was happening.
It’s possible I’m in the minority, but this one didn’t deliver the angsty read I had expected.
There is one simple reason for this: the angst did not work for me. I love an angsty story, and this tried hard to deliver angst. There were lots of events that could have resulted in broken hearts, but it never worked for me. Each time something bad happened, we would skip forward in time. It happened, but we did not get the chance to appreciate and feel it. Add in the fact this happened over and over, dragging it out, and I stopped caring about what was happening.
It’s possible I’m in the minority, but this one didn’t deliver the angsty read I had expected.
July 31, 2020
You know how I was so young and naïve being in love with this series? Yeah, well now I feel super old and disappointed.
Egotistical Player was not my favorite book from this series. I don't think there's a competition for my least favorite book but this one is winning so far. Not trying to be brutal here but I was enjoying life and all the books that I've come across in this damn series. Then this book just stabbed me in the heart repeatedly.
Honestly, I didn't get the relationship. I feel like I have whiplash from this book and not the fun kind. The whole "I love you so let's have sex" thing to "I'm saying goodbye forever" was beyond frustrating to read about. It wasn't my cup of tea one bit. Then to see them heal and move on just to come crawling back to one another was a slap in the face.
To say I was angry and annoyed with everything is putting it very lightly. Not to be dramatic or anything but Harleigh and Preston were toxic to themselves and to me. I mean, I get it.. they "loved" each other but there was just always some stupid reason as to why they couldn't be together. Then there's the fact that people were dying left and right like it's the freaking hunger games.
In the end, I'm just disappointed by this one.
Egotistical Player was not my favorite book from this series. I don't think there's a competition for my least favorite book but this one is winning so far. Not trying to be brutal here but I was enjoying life and all the books that I've come across in this damn series. Then this book just stabbed me in the heart repeatedly.
Honestly, I didn't get the relationship. I feel like I have whiplash from this book and not the fun kind. The whole "I love you so let's have sex" thing to "I'm saying goodbye forever" was beyond frustrating to read about. It wasn't my cup of tea one bit. Then to see them heal and move on just to come crawling back to one another was a slap in the face.
To say I was angry and annoyed with everything is putting it very lightly. Not to be dramatic or anything but Harleigh and Preston were toxic to themselves and to me. I mean, I get it.. they "loved" each other but there was just always some stupid reason as to why they couldn't be together. Then there's the fact that people were dying left and right like it's the freaking hunger games.
In the end, I'm just disappointed by this one.
July 27, 2020
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
'Egotistical Player' is a Standalone novel of the Cocky hero club series , by the author Bella Emy.
I am always up for more cocky hero books , and whenever I see on with my favourite themes like second chance and bully Romances , then I am all over them in seconds! This book is yet another amazing book of this series of so many standalones.
Harleigh and Preston literally stole my heart! I have always been a sucker for brother's best friend theme and this author seemed to hit right onto that. Harleigh and Preston have had a hate love relationship. Preston was the usual cocky jerk who used to tease Harleigh and make her feel all girlish. Harleigh had always had a brush on the hot best friend of her brother. However it didn't take her long to realise that her crush was a huge jerk. This book had all the feels for me , and was an amazing one time read!
This book is recommended to all the contemporary romance lovers out there, who would die for an awesome love hate relationship Romance!
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Bookbub | My Blog
July 19, 2020
I’ve not heard of this author until I read this so big thumbs up for the Cocky Hero Club.
Harleigh has always had a big crush on her brothers best friend, Preston. There is plenty going on in this story and it has a great storyline.
If you like slow burning reads then I’ll certainly recommend this story to you. I really enjoyed it.
Harleigh has always had a big crush on her brothers best friend, Preston. There is plenty going on in this story and it has a great storyline.
If you like slow burning reads then I’ll certainly recommend this story to you. I really enjoyed it.
May 4, 2020
Every book I read by Bella Emy I just end up loving, whether the book is a short or a full length novel, I can’t help but fall in love with the story and characters. This time is no different, yet again Bella delivered another amazing story and I can’t help but swoon over the characters. In all of Bella’s books I have never found one of her guy characters to just be amazing overall, but with this story I couldn’t help but want Preston as my own…. I’ve actually claimed him as he is pretty awesome, even though some of the things he does in this book you can’t help but wish he would use his head or just throttle him so that he realises what’s going on. I couldn’t fault the story because Bella just created a masterpiece like she always does, I know that this story may actually reach out to a lot of readers because of some of the elements that take place. It’s such a sweet, heartbreaking book and no matter what happens you can’t help but want to comfort the characters. I highly recommend giving this book a read as honestly, it’s a story that you’ll end up getting so entangled with that you won’t want to put it down.
For a while Harleigh has had the hugest crush on Preston, but because he’s her brother’s best friend, she knows that he’s off limits, but that doesn’t stop her from wanting him or draydreaming about him. Both her best friend (Aubrey) and Cory (her brother) know that she’s crushing on him, but they both warn her that whilst he’s a good guy, he’s not worth the heartbreak and the fact he’s a huge player. But what none of them think, is that maybe Preston has a reason for why he’s doing everything he does….
Harleigh knows that he will never go for a girl like her, but she can’t help but crave him. So when the opportunity arises she’s in shock when Preston goes and kisses her, but she’s not one to back down so she keeps it going. However, after that one night, he seems to avoid her and she can’t figure out why.
Neither of them realise that their lives are about to change forever, and that they both go through something so similar. Will everything that goes on between them keep them apart or will it bring them closer together?
For a while Harleigh has had the hugest crush on Preston, but because he’s her brother’s best friend, she knows that he’s off limits, but that doesn’t stop her from wanting him or draydreaming about him. Both her best friend (Aubrey) and Cory (her brother) know that she’s crushing on him, but they both warn her that whilst he’s a good guy, he’s not worth the heartbreak and the fact he’s a huge player. But what none of them think, is that maybe Preston has a reason for why he’s doing everything he does….
Harleigh knows that he will never go for a girl like her, but she can’t help but crave him. So when the opportunity arises she’s in shock when Preston goes and kisses her, but she’s not one to back down so she keeps it going. However, after that one night, he seems to avoid her and she can’t figure out why.
Neither of them realise that their lives are about to change forever, and that they both go through something so similar. Will everything that goes on between them keep them apart or will it bring them closer together?
July 18, 2020
*sigh.*
It's no secret that the brothers best friend trope is my all time favorite. If I had to pick one trope to read for the rest of my life, I would pick that one. That's how much I love it. That being said, I could not get into this one. Which is sad, because I usually enjoy this author.
So Harleigh and Preston's romance spans 20 years. Yep. 20. Years. And I would have been ok with that if they were star crossed lovers who truly adored one another but their timing was never right, but that wasn't the case here. Preston was just a huge fucking prick who wanted his cake, and then every other woman's cake .. if ya get my drift. He was very much attracted to Harleigh and felt a pull to her, but every time he would give her a part of him (his dick) he would get her hopes up just to crush her all over again EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.
Honestly, I felt very ragey while reading this. I am so tired of authors having the heroines pining over little fuck-twits with absolutely no redeeming qualities. She waited TWENTY years, and he still couldn't make up his mind? Boy, bye. I wanted her to find someone who wasn't afraid to be with her, that would show her what it was like to be loved out in the open and be proud of their love.. not just a series of one night stands that spans over two decades.
Then when he actually realised what he wanted was always within his grasp, it was so rushed! I wanted an epic grovel to make up for all the shit he pulled, but I honestly can't recall if he ever once apologized for doing this to her. Ugh.
I felt bad for Harleigh, and actually did like her, but she needed to kick Preston in the balls so hard he would never have a functioning dick again, and then find a man to appreciate her.💁
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions.**
It's no secret that the brothers best friend trope is my all time favorite. If I had to pick one trope to read for the rest of my life, I would pick that one. That's how much I love it. That being said, I could not get into this one. Which is sad, because I usually enjoy this author.
So Harleigh and Preston's romance spans 20 years. Yep. 20. Years. And I would have been ok with that if they were star crossed lovers who truly adored one another but their timing was never right, but that wasn't the case here. Preston was just a huge fucking prick who wanted his cake, and then every other woman's cake .. if ya get my drift. He was very much attracted to Harleigh and felt a pull to her, but every time he would give her a part of him (his dick) he would get her hopes up just to crush her all over again EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.
Honestly, I felt very ragey while reading this. I am so tired of authors having the heroines pining over little fuck-twits with absolutely no redeeming qualities. She waited TWENTY years, and he still couldn't make up his mind? Boy, bye. I wanted her to find someone who wasn't afraid to be with her, that would show her what it was like to be loved out in the open and be proud of their love.. not just a series of one night stands that spans over two decades.
Then when he actually realised what he wanted was always within his grasp, it was so rushed! I wanted an epic grovel to make up for all the shit he pulled, but I honestly can't recall if he ever once apologized for doing this to her. Ugh.
I felt bad for Harleigh, and actually did like her, but she needed to kick Preston in the balls so hard he would never have a functioning dick again, and then find a man to appreciate her.💁
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions.**
Read
July 19, 2020
Oh this was a spicy little number. Harleigh had it bad for your brother's best friend Preston. You are smiling to yourself right now. You think you know how this is going to play out. Save your old ideas, this is a great story with a perfect and engaging story line. You'll have to read it to know if it breaks the mold or repeats the trend.
I really enjoyed it!
This book was provided to me for review.
If you like slow burning reads then I’ll certainly recommend this story to you.
Purchase Link:
US - amzn.to/3j4yGya
UK - amzn.to/2ZplRH
July 19, 2020
I love the premise of the Cocky Hero Club- a chance for a diverse swarth of authors to play around in the worlds created by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward’s Cocky Bastard series. It’s a fun idea- seeing the different spins authors put on the premise, it expands the world and cannon of a well established series, and it gives readers a chance to discover new authors.
Egotistical Player is a slow burn brother’s best friend romance. And I mean SLOW- Harleigh has had feelings for her brother’s friend, Preston since high school. But, he’s a player, the cocky ladies plan, and while she’s attracted to him, she also can’t stand him. The classic love-hate draw. Little did she know, he was also attracted to her, but she was young and his best friend’s sister, so definitely off limits. This story spans their connection over several years as they battle the will-they/won’t-they dynamic, fall into bed together, deal with personal tragedies that become barriers to them taking the plunge, and grapple with moving beyond quickies.
Unfortunately, this book just wasn’t a good fit for me. I get the premise- these are “Cocky Heroes” after all, and I can handle a cocky leading man any day of the week- but I also need to like him, to get the attraction, for the swagger to be endearing and/or masked vulnerability. But, I just could not get behind Preston. I just wanted him to man up- because the issue is never the brother or the obstacles, the issue is him, his wishy washyness over being with Haleigh I love a good jerky hero, but I also need them to own it, for their to be a reason, other than the hero actually just is an immature jerk. Consistently hurting our heroine, not ever being willing to commit- over a long period of time? Yeh, just not feeling him. I loved Haleigh- but I wanted her to move on from him for much of the story, not be with him. He does redeem himself some at the end, but at that point I couldn’t be won over.
I think my feelings about him are also exacerbated by the really slow progression- this love story spans two decades, with a lot of quick time hops, so it is more than slow burn, this is slow-slow burn. I love a good push-pull but when it spans that much time and with a guy that I’m not loving, well, I felt myself disengaging. To be fair, slow burn isn’t my favorite approach- I love watching a couple get together, but I like also getting to spend time with them once they do. And this is a drawn out “getting together” story, less on the actual together- which I know many people love. My challenge thorough was that when they did get together, I didn’t see enough remorse, enough growth from Preston for it to feel gratifying.
The writing here is great, and I know many will enjoy this story- so pick it up and decide for yourself! For me personally, wasn’t my cup of tea.
2.5 stars
Merged review:
I love the premise of the Cocky Hero Club- a chance for a diverse swarth of authors to play around in the worlds created by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward’s Cocky Bastard series. It’s a fun idea- seeing the different spins authors put on the premise, it expands the world and cannon of a well established series, and it gives readers a chance to discover new authors.
Egotistical Player is a slow burn brother’s best friend romance. And I mean SLOW- Harleigh has had feelings for her brother’s friend, Preston since high school. But, he’s a player, the cocky ladies plan, and while she’s attracted to him, she also can’t stand him. The classic love-hate draw. Little did she know, he was also attracted to her, but she was young and his best friend’s sister, so definitely off limits. This story spans their connection over several years as they battle the will-they/won’t-they dynamic, fall into bed together, deal with personal tragedies that become barriers to them taking the plunge, and grapple with moving beyond quickies.
Unfortunately, this book just wasn’t a good fit for me. I get the premise- these are “Cocky Heroes” after all, and I can handle a cocky leading man any day of the week- but I also need to like him, to get the attraction, for the swagger to be endearing and/or masked vulnerability. But, I just could not get behind Preston. I just wanted him to man up- because the issue is never the brother or the obstacles, the issue is him, his wishy washyness over being with Haleigh I love a good jerky hero, but I also need them to own it, for their to be a reason, other than the hero actually just is an immature jerk. Consistently hurting our heroine, not ever being willing to commit- over a long period of time? Yeh, just not feeling him. I loved Haleigh- but I wanted her to move on from him for much of the story, not be with him. He does redeem himself some at the end, but at that point I couldn’t be won over.
I think my feelings about him are also exacerbated by the really slow progression- this love story spans two decades, with a lot of quick time hops, so it is more than slow burn, this is slow-slow burn. I love a good push-pull but when it spans that much time and with a guy that I’m not loving, well, I felt myself disengaging. To be fair, slow burn isn’t my favorite approach- I love watching a couple get together, but I like also getting to spend time with them once they do. And this is a drawn out “getting together” story, less on the actual together- which I know many people love. My challenge thorough was that when they did get together, I didn’t see enough remorse, enough growth from Preston for it to feel gratifying.
The writing here is great, and I know many will enjoy this story- so pick it up and decide for yourself! For me personally, wasn’t my cup of tea.
Egotistical Player is a slow burn brother’s best friend romance. And I mean SLOW- Harleigh has had feelings for her brother’s friend, Preston since high school. But, he’s a player, the cocky ladies plan, and while she’s attracted to him, she also can’t stand him. The classic love-hate draw. Little did she know, he was also attracted to her, but she was young and his best friend’s sister, so definitely off limits. This story spans their connection over several years as they battle the will-they/won’t-they dynamic, fall into bed together, deal with personal tragedies that become barriers to them taking the plunge, and grapple with moving beyond quickies.
Unfortunately, this book just wasn’t a good fit for me. I get the premise- these are “Cocky Heroes” after all, and I can handle a cocky leading man any day of the week- but I also need to like him, to get the attraction, for the swagger to be endearing and/or masked vulnerability. But, I just could not get behind Preston. I just wanted him to man up- because the issue is never the brother or the obstacles, the issue is him, his wishy washyness over being with Haleigh I love a good jerky hero, but I also need them to own it, for their to be a reason, other than the hero actually just is an immature jerk. Consistently hurting our heroine, not ever being willing to commit- over a long period of time? Yeh, just not feeling him. I loved Haleigh- but I wanted her to move on from him for much of the story, not be with him. He does redeem himself some at the end, but at that point I couldn’t be won over.
I think my feelings about him are also exacerbated by the really slow progression- this love story spans two decades, with a lot of quick time hops, so it is more than slow burn, this is slow-slow burn. I love a good push-pull but when it spans that much time and with a guy that I’m not loving, well, I felt myself disengaging. To be fair, slow burn isn’t my favorite approach- I love watching a couple get together, but I like also getting to spend time with them once they do. And this is a drawn out “getting together” story, less on the actual together- which I know many people love. My challenge thorough was that when they did get together, I didn’t see enough remorse, enough growth from Preston for it to feel gratifying.
The writing here is great, and I know many will enjoy this story- so pick it up and decide for yourself! For me personally, wasn’t my cup of tea.
2.5 stars
Merged review:
I love the premise of the Cocky Hero Club- a chance for a diverse swarth of authors to play around in the worlds created by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward’s Cocky Bastard series. It’s a fun idea- seeing the different spins authors put on the premise, it expands the world and cannon of a well established series, and it gives readers a chance to discover new authors.
Egotistical Player is a slow burn brother’s best friend romance. And I mean SLOW- Harleigh has had feelings for her brother’s friend, Preston since high school. But, he’s a player, the cocky ladies plan, and while she’s attracted to him, she also can’t stand him. The classic love-hate draw. Little did she know, he was also attracted to her, but she was young and his best friend’s sister, so definitely off limits. This story spans their connection over several years as they battle the will-they/won’t-they dynamic, fall into bed together, deal with personal tragedies that become barriers to them taking the plunge, and grapple with moving beyond quickies.
Unfortunately, this book just wasn’t a good fit for me. I get the premise- these are “Cocky Heroes” after all, and I can handle a cocky leading man any day of the week- but I also need to like him, to get the attraction, for the swagger to be endearing and/or masked vulnerability. But, I just could not get behind Preston. I just wanted him to man up- because the issue is never the brother or the obstacles, the issue is him, his wishy washyness over being with Haleigh I love a good jerky hero, but I also need them to own it, for their to be a reason, other than the hero actually just is an immature jerk. Consistently hurting our heroine, not ever being willing to commit- over a long period of time? Yeh, just not feeling him. I loved Haleigh- but I wanted her to move on from him for much of the story, not be with him. He does redeem himself some at the end, but at that point I couldn’t be won over.
I think my feelings about him are also exacerbated by the really slow progression- this love story spans two decades, with a lot of quick time hops, so it is more than slow burn, this is slow-slow burn. I love a good push-pull but when it spans that much time and with a guy that I’m not loving, well, I felt myself disengaging. To be fair, slow burn isn’t my favorite approach- I love watching a couple get together, but I like also getting to spend time with them once they do. And this is a drawn out “getting together” story, less on the actual together- which I know many people love. My challenge thorough was that when they did get together, I didn’t see enough remorse, enough growth from Preston for it to feel gratifying.
The writing here is great, and I know many will enjoy this story- so pick it up and decide for yourself! For me personally, wasn’t my cup of tea.
June 30, 2020
This is a classic girl who falls for the brother's best friend who is a player. I am a huge fan of this author, so I was really excited about this book.
My excitement was short-lived. Even though the premise was there, it fell short for me. It starts in High School then there is a time jump to college then several more time jumps, some months, some several years, in different increments, and then finally they get their moment to finally not break up for silly reasons, which led to a very fast HEA. It was in the time jumps that the book lost the plausibility for me. Even as an avid romance reader and knowing that this is fiction and that I need to suspend reality, I couldn't rationalize the concept that Hayleigh would have pined after Preston for as long as she did and he the same for her. They would have moved on, gotten married, or been in another relationship.
Even though I am a huge fan of this author, this was not my favorite of hers. Had there not been some really touching moments, I would have struggled to finish this and that pains me to say. That is not meant to be disparaging but is my honest opinion. However, even though it is not my favorite, it doesn't mean that others won't connect with it. That is the magic of books.
My excitement was short-lived. Even though the premise was there, it fell short for me. It starts in High School then there is a time jump to college then several more time jumps, some months, some several years, in different increments, and then finally they get their moment to finally not break up for silly reasons, which led to a very fast HEA. It was in the time jumps that the book lost the plausibility for me. Even as an avid romance reader and knowing that this is fiction and that I need to suspend reality, I couldn't rationalize the concept that Hayleigh would have pined after Preston for as long as she did and he the same for her. They would have moved on, gotten married, or been in another relationship.
Even though I am a huge fan of this author, this was not my favorite of hers. Had there not been some really touching moments, I would have struggled to finish this and that pains me to say. That is not meant to be disparaging but is my honest opinion. However, even though it is not my favorite, it doesn't mean that others won't connect with it. That is the magic of books.
June 26, 2020
That's a really slow burning love story. With several bite and runs, because it shouldn't happen. And the story runs on a long timeline, from high school to years later.
At some point turns really emotional and sad, but don't worry the happy ending still there.
The plot is classic. She had an obvious crush on this hot manwhores player from highschool and long before that. The cocky player happen to be also her brother best friend. And the whole story goes from there. Like I said it's a little too predictable, even if at some point the hero start loosing charm, because of the overall dynamic of a promise and that bro code.
At least she's more concrete. She knows from the beginning who she wants to be with. And honestly has the patient of an angel with all his f**** up.
Honestly, the author broke my heart because of a second character I particularly "felt". But her choice made the story earn a really high level of tear-jerker. So keep the tissues close.
You'll need them at some point.
*ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
At some point turns really emotional and sad, but don't worry the happy ending still there.
The plot is classic. She had an obvious crush on this hot manwhores player from highschool and long before that. The cocky player happen to be also her brother best friend. And the whole story goes from there. Like I said it's a little too predictable, even if at some point the hero start loosing charm, because of the overall dynamic of a promise and that bro code.
At least she's more concrete. She knows from the beginning who she wants to be with. And honestly has the patient of an angel with all his f**** up.
Honestly, the author broke my heart because of a second character I particularly "felt". But her choice made the story earn a really high level of tear-jerker. So keep the tissues close.
You'll need them at some point.
*ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
July 26, 2020
Egotistical Player by Bella Emy is the story of Preston and Harleigh.
Harleigh has been in love with Preston her brother's best friend since high school but she also doesn't like him because of his attitude and his playboy ways. So she has a love/hate relationship with him. Their feelings and interaction with them goes through a few years before they finally confront their feelings towards one another and finally ignore what was holding them back. Enjoyed their story.
Harleigh has been in love with Preston her brother's best friend since high school but she also doesn't like him because of his attitude and his playboy ways. So she has a love/hate relationship with him. Their feelings and interaction with them goes through a few years before they finally confront their feelings towards one another and finally ignore what was holding them back. Enjoyed their story.
July 20, 2020
Hanleigh has been in love with her brother’s best friend since she was a teenager however he has seemed to notice every other girl except for her. Preston is trying to respect the fact that Hanleigh is his best friend’s sister by not getting involved with her but some things are too strong to deny.
Their love story is 20 years in the making with a lot of ups and downs. Every time Hanleigh gives her heart to Preston he ends up distancing himself and she is left to pick up the pieces once again. Both apart and together they endured so much emotional turmoil. At times they will have you feeling that they just need to move forward with their lives even if it isn’t with each other and at times you are want them to find their way back to each other but the characters and the storyline will definitely make you feel.
Their love story is 20 years in the making with a lot of ups and downs. Every time Hanleigh gives her heart to Preston he ends up distancing himself and she is left to pick up the pieces once again. Both apart and together they endured so much emotional turmoil. At times they will have you feeling that they just need to move forward with their lives even if it isn’t with each other and at times you are want them to find their way back to each other but the characters and the storyline will definitely make you feel.
July 19, 2020
Ok, this is one of those books where I refuse to claim the lead characters as my book boyfriend...I wanted to reach through my kindle to shake him time and again! Preston definitely earned the name that Harleigh gave him in their early years lol. I will say that I loved Harleigh and enjoyed following her from her teenage years all the way into adulthood. The heartbreaks that she went through in this story would have broken just about anyone but she kept pushing on. I also enjoyed Harleigh and Aubrey’s friendship, every girl needs someone to be there through thick and thin and Aubrey was that for her.
July 5, 2020
Egotistical Player is the first book I've read by Bella Emy, and boy did she make me feel!! This book will have your emotions going all over the place...you'll be rooting for Harleigh and Preston to figure things out, and you'll also want to smack them both...more so Preston Lol I'm so recommending this book, give it a go...it's slow burn, and spans quite a few years, but you'll want to know how it ends, and if love overcomes it all
July 8, 2020
Egotistical Player was an ok read for me, but I didn't fall in love with the story or characters.
There are many 'snapshots' of moments between Harleigh and Preston from high school, college, and beyond as they get close but things don't work out. I think it felt like too much back and forth between them over so many years.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
There are many 'snapshots' of moments between Harleigh and Preston from high school, college, and beyond as they get close but things don't work out. I think it felt like too much back and forth between them over so many years.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
July 11, 2020
While this was a good story, I had trouble getting my head into it with the switching back and forth in time. Preston and Harleigh just didn't click for me like I hoped they would but I would still recommend this story.
August 23, 2020
Great book, really enjoyed reading it. I do highly recommend this book to everyone.
August 13, 2020
Both the hero and the heroine were very unlikable. Also, how much bad luck can de author give the heroine? It was so unnessecary to kill all those people because it barely had any effect on the story. It took them away too long to get together, it got really repetitive and boring.
Very disappointing.
Very disappointing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2020
WOW! I've volunteered this book for United Indie Book Blog. This is my first time reading a book from Bella Emy. Egotistical Player is yet another WOW novel in the Cocky Heron Club series. It can be read as a standalone too. It's Preston and Harleigh's story. Preston was a sexy, egotistical player, who all the girls in school wanted. Harleigh had a huge crush on Preston, who is also her brothers' best friend. This story starts off while they are in high school. This story begins in high school, moves through college, ten years of avoidance, denial, heartache and grief. Oh, my all I wanted to do was to yell at Preston for being such a dough bag for hurting Harleigh. I just wished that Preston realized that he was always in love with Harleigh sooner rather than waiting and hurting her for so long already. I can't wait to read more from Bella Emy. If you love reading about brothers' best friend then is the one for you.
review by CHANTELLE
I don't want to give a lot away so this review will be short and sweet. This book packs a lot in it. There's a lot that happens to Harleigh and Preston is this book. It isn't a they meet and fall madly in love with each other kinda book. There's a lot of emotions, missconceptions and just messing up the moment. Preston and Harleigh met thru her brother. Harleigh was crushing hard on him but anytime she was ready to take things further, tragedy or him running away would happen. There's some tension and angst, which I love but with these two it was kinda annoying. I just wanted them together and that didn't happen. I felt like some of things that was just fillers because the author didn't know what else to throw her way. I mean it was crazy the amount of death in this book! This isn't a true 4 star review more like a 3.5. Harleigh had a lot going on. She was trying to get on her feet but her brother held her back and was overprotective. Her best friend was a force to be reckoned with. She meant well but sometimes her pushiness became to much. I know she just wanted Harleigh to be happy and get over Preston but pushing her out and making her do things, she didn't want to do, wasn't the answer. Just my opinion. I'm sure others will like this book but it just wasn't my thing.
REVIEW BY AMY
review by CHANTELLE
I don't want to give a lot away so this review will be short and sweet. This book packs a lot in it. There's a lot that happens to Harleigh and Preston is this book. It isn't a they meet and fall madly in love with each other kinda book. There's a lot of emotions, missconceptions and just messing up the moment. Preston and Harleigh met thru her brother. Harleigh was crushing hard on him but anytime she was ready to take things further, tragedy or him running away would happen. There's some tension and angst, which I love but with these two it was kinda annoying. I just wanted them together and that didn't happen. I felt like some of things that was just fillers because the author didn't know what else to throw her way. I mean it was crazy the amount of death in this book! This isn't a true 4 star review more like a 3.5. Harleigh had a lot going on. She was trying to get on her feet but her brother held her back and was overprotective. Her best friend was a force to be reckoned with. She meant well but sometimes her pushiness became to much. I know she just wanted Harleigh to be happy and get over Preston but pushing her out and making her do things, she didn't want to do, wasn't the answer. Just my opinion. I'm sure others will like this book but it just wasn't my thing.
REVIEW BY AMY
July 19, 2020
I wanted to like it. I wanted to love it. But I didn't. Older brother's best friend is a secret fantasy of mine (except my brother's friends were all gross). Egotistical Player had a lot of potential. I think the author got caught up in trying to make it angsty. The push pull made me feel like the heroine was a doormat instead of a love sick girl. How many times would you let "the One" break you!?! Apparently, its always at least one more time. Closed off from experiencing a life outside of him, she just exists. It's more depressing than romantic. I want to take her to therapy and explain a toxic relationship. Now, to be clear if this was a dark romance, that would totally work but as a contemporary romance it comes across as dragged out and drama just for the sake of it.
With eight parts depicting eight different time periods, I wanted to ask Harls when enough would be enough. I hate how negative this is becoming. In the end, I would say this definitely wasn't a hit for me.
Merged review:
Not for me
I wanted to like it. I wanted to love it. But I didn't. Older brother's best friend is a secret fantasy of mine (except my brother's friends were all gross). Egotistical Player had a lot of potential. I think the author got caught up in trying to make it angsty. The push pull made me feel like the heroine was a doormat instead of a love sick girl. How many times would you let "the One" break you!?! Apparently, its always at least one more time. Closed off from experiencing a life outside of him, she just exists. It's more depressing than romantic. I want to take her to therapy and explain a toxic relationship. Now, to be clear if this was a dark romance, that would totally work but as a contemporary romance it comes across as dragged out and drama just for the sake of it.
With eight parts depicting eight different time periods, I wanted to ask Harls when enough would be enough. I hate how negative this is becoming. In the end, I would say this definitely wasn't a hit for me.
With eight parts depicting eight different time periods, I wanted to ask Harls when enough would be enough. I hate how negative this is becoming. In the end, I would say this definitely wasn't a hit for me.
Merged review:
Not for me
I wanted to like it. I wanted to love it. But I didn't. Older brother's best friend is a secret fantasy of mine (except my brother's friends were all gross). Egotistical Player had a lot of potential. I think the author got caught up in trying to make it angsty. The push pull made me feel like the heroine was a doormat instead of a love sick girl. How many times would you let "the One" break you!?! Apparently, its always at least one more time. Closed off from experiencing a life outside of him, she just exists. It's more depressing than romantic. I want to take her to therapy and explain a toxic relationship. Now, to be clear if this was a dark romance, that would totally work but as a contemporary romance it comes across as dragged out and drama just for the sake of it.
With eight parts depicting eight different time periods, I wanted to ask Harls when enough would be enough. I hate how negative this is becoming. In the end, I would say this definitely wasn't a hit for me.
July 16, 2020
"I know, once upon a time, she would have loved to know the way I'm feeling about her, even if it is wrong."
4 Slow Burn Stars!! If you love slow burn romance... then this is the book for you!
Harleigh has lusted after Preston since high school, but she knows that he's a jerk and isn't really looking for a girlfriend. And for that reason she hates him. Not to mention Preston is Harleigh's brothers best friend. So clearly off limits! Little does Harleigh know, Preston also crushes on her, but doesn't want to cross that line because of his friendship with her brother. This relationship will cross several lines and jump across several years. There's a lot of tragedy that hits Harleigh throughout the book, and Preston is dealing with his own tragedy. Which is also a catalyst as to why they can't get it together.
While I wanted to loathe this book for the very reason that it took forever for these two to get it together. I couldn't help but root for them! I will say I hated Preston on numerous occasions but he won my heart in the end! The back and forth between these two was frustrating, but I was so invested in this story I had to know what was going to happen next! If you love a slow burn book, with a ton of time jumps, then this book is for you! Overall a great read!
July 10, 2020
This was a brother's best friend trope.
Preston Scott was a sexy, egotistical player. All the girls wanted him. He was Harleigh's brother, Cory's best friend. Preston starts to notice Harleigh and how she's grown up. He also catches her stealing glances at him but he can't act on it because he doesn't want to ruin his friendship with Cory. She is strictly off-limits.
Harleigh hated him but also had a secret crush on him. She couldn't help but notice how hot he was. Especially since he was always hanging out at their house. She stole glances when she didn't think he was looking but she knows that he's off-limits because he's Cory's best friend. Her brother notices that she is crushing on him and tells her that he is no good for her but he wouldn't hold her back if he is who she wants. Down the road, an opportunity presents itself and Harleigh takes matters into her own hands. She makes the move and sleeps with Preston. Will this decision be the best decision of her life or her biggest regret?
This book did not resonate with me. It was too drawn out. The culmination of their friendship and quickies lasted over 6 years. There were a lot of tragedies. Harleigh was way too forgiving with Preston. He never had to really work for her affection. She forgave him time and time again. Preston couldn't make up his mind and kept running. The plot really just didn't work for me and it was too slow. I almost stopped reading it but persevered and struggled to read until the end. Unfortunately, it didn't get better for me. I didn't feel the connection between the characters. I honestly just couldn't connect with it overall but encourage you to read it and form your own opinion.
***ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.***
Preston Scott was a sexy, egotistical player. All the girls wanted him. He was Harleigh's brother, Cory's best friend. Preston starts to notice Harleigh and how she's grown up. He also catches her stealing glances at him but he can't act on it because he doesn't want to ruin his friendship with Cory. She is strictly off-limits.
Harleigh hated him but also had a secret crush on him. She couldn't help but notice how hot he was. Especially since he was always hanging out at their house. She stole glances when she didn't think he was looking but she knows that he's off-limits because he's Cory's best friend. Her brother notices that she is crushing on him and tells her that he is no good for her but he wouldn't hold her back if he is who she wants. Down the road, an opportunity presents itself and Harleigh takes matters into her own hands. She makes the move and sleeps with Preston. Will this decision be the best decision of her life or her biggest regret?
This book did not resonate with me. It was too drawn out. The culmination of their friendship and quickies lasted over 6 years. There were a lot of tragedies. Harleigh was way too forgiving with Preston. He never had to really work for her affection. She forgave him time and time again. Preston couldn't make up his mind and kept running. The plot really just didn't work for me and it was too slow. I almost stopped reading it but persevered and struggled to read until the end. Unfortunately, it didn't get better for me. I didn't feel the connection between the characters. I honestly just couldn't connect with it overall but encourage you to read it and form your own opinion.
***ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.***
July 9, 2020
This is the first book that I have read by this author and is part of the cocky hero book series. This book is a brothers best friend romance and is a real slow burn kind of love that goes through quite a few years. This book is part of the cocky hero series and is a story of love , hope and heartbreak.
Preston is a total cocky alpha male and and he does what he wants when he wants. He is the guy that only has one nighters or so he thought but now things are changing.
Preston is meant to be looking out for her but he too cant get her out of his mind and tries to stay away from her.
Harleigh has got Preston in her mind and she cant get him out. She knows that she shouldn't but she cant help herself. They have known each other for a long time and because he's her brothers best friend that made things harder.
This is a real slow burn love that takes them on a ride and they know it shouldn't happen but do it anyway. They both go through so much and the love spans over a long period of time. This book will have your emotions a bit all over and some moments make your heart ache and I was really feeling what they were going through they had so much heartbreak. The characters were written so good and so were the others and they will have you shouting at your kindle at times. This story flows throughout but some parts were are a tad predictable but its still a great story and a great cocky hero book, a great addition to the cocky hero world.
Preston is a total cocky alpha male and and he does what he wants when he wants. He is the guy that only has one nighters or so he thought but now things are changing.
Preston is meant to be looking out for her but he too cant get her out of his mind and tries to stay away from her.
Harleigh has got Preston in her mind and she cant get him out. She knows that she shouldn't but she cant help herself. They have known each other for a long time and because he's her brothers best friend that made things harder.
This is a real slow burn love that takes them on a ride and they know it shouldn't happen but do it anyway. They both go through so much and the love spans over a long period of time. This book will have your emotions a bit all over and some moments make your heart ache and I was really feeling what they were going through they had so much heartbreak. The characters were written so good and so were the others and they will have you shouting at your kindle at times. This story flows throughout but some parts were are a tad predictable but its still a great story and a great cocky hero book, a great addition to the cocky hero world.
July 18, 2020
Wow what another great addition to the Cocky Hero Club and yet another new author for me to follow, if Egotistical Player is anything to go by I will have another go to author on my list. Bella Emy is new to me and I’m really struggling to understand why she hasn’t crossed my path before now.
If you love Slow Burn Romances look no further because this is slow burn at its best !!!!!
Preston Scott is a hot, egotistical player, all the girls fall for his charm but the girl he wants is off limits because Harleigh is his best friend Cory’s sister and there is no way he will risk that friendship.
Harleigh is used to him being around, he spends at much time at her house as he does his own but as she has grown up so has the crush she has had for so many years and when Cory tells her leave it alone because Preston would act if he felt the same way, Harleigh knows it’s time to move on...
This book crosses so many lines over many years and you can’t help feeling all the emotions Prescott and Harleigh go through on their journey to happiness. This book touched me on so many levels, I smiled and I shed a tear for the tragedies this couple have to go through before they can finally get together. I was captivated from the first page and there was no putting down until I had read the final line, the friendships are loyal, the years of heartache, denial and grief felt real and like Harleigh I swooned over Preston. All that’s left for me to say is I highly recommend this gem of a read.
If you love Slow Burn Romances look no further because this is slow burn at its best !!!!!
Preston Scott is a hot, egotistical player, all the girls fall for his charm but the girl he wants is off limits because Harleigh is his best friend Cory’s sister and there is no way he will risk that friendship.
Harleigh is used to him being around, he spends at much time at her house as he does his own but as she has grown up so has the crush she has had for so many years and when Cory tells her leave it alone because Preston would act if he felt the same way, Harleigh knows it’s time to move on...
This book crosses so many lines over many years and you can’t help feeling all the emotions Prescott and Harleigh go through on their journey to happiness. This book touched me on so many levels, I smiled and I shed a tear for the tragedies this couple have to go through before they can finally get together. I was captivated from the first page and there was no putting down until I had read the final line, the friendships are loyal, the years of heartache, denial and grief felt real and like Harleigh I swooned over Preston. All that’s left for me to say is I highly recommend this gem of a read.
July 19, 2020
This is a slow burn romance that takes place over a number of years. Harleigh always wanted Preston despite his reputation as a player. Since high school when she first figure things out til years later when they finally get things together and work out the pent angst and tension.
I'm a suck for a good best friend's sister troope romance and this didn't disappoint. I loved they took their time to figure things out and it's not over night. Time can change a person between highschool and your late 20's and early 30's and this showed the best and worse of that period.
This book follows them as they figure things out. Preston is like many of the cocky heroes in this series . He is young and immature when first met him. He takes his time to get his act together as there is a lot happening to them that keeps them apart. It's a tad over the top the obstacles that kept them apart and the fact that have many chances to do something about it but Preston just keeps moving on without taking a moment to things through.
He had to plow his wild oats a little too hard and Harleigh was a saint waiting for him but then that why he is a cocky hero. I dont' agree with everything but I did think it was a okay book.
I'm a suck for a good best friend's sister troope romance and this didn't disappoint. I loved they took their time to figure things out and it's not over night. Time can change a person between highschool and your late 20's and early 30's and this showed the best and worse of that period.
This book follows them as they figure things out. Preston is like many of the cocky heroes in this series . He is young and immature when first met him. He takes his time to get his act together as there is a lot happening to them that keeps them apart. It's a tad over the top the obstacles that kept them apart and the fact that have many chances to do something about it but Preston just keeps moving on without taking a moment to things through.
He had to plow his wild oats a little too hard and Harleigh was a saint waiting for him but then that why he is a cocky hero. I dont' agree with everything but I did think it was a okay book.
July 19, 2020
This is a very typical plot for a Brother’s Best Friend Trope Non popular girl has a obvious crush on the sports star , who also happens to be also her brother best friend.
This was very predictable story and lacked originality, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a good read. I think Preston got really hung up in his own head and the dynamic of a promise and that pesky Bro Code.
Harleigh knows who she loves and who she wants to be with. Her mind never faulters. She is constantly reminded of the possible heartache she could face if she continues to pursue Preston.
Harleigh must make some tough choice and it really does add a level of emotion to it.
Prepare yourself for a very slow burn romance. Like really slow burn. This story runs from high school to young adult timeline. This slow burn does have a very emotional and sad feel to it but never fear there is a HEA.
This was 3.5 star read for me. I just felt like the story dragged on a bit. To many years of pining for a guy. I felt like it stunted Harleigh’s character. I don’t mind a slow burn as long as there is movement and character development.
This was very predictable story and lacked originality, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a good read. I think Preston got really hung up in his own head and the dynamic of a promise and that pesky Bro Code.
Harleigh knows who she loves and who she wants to be with. Her mind never faulters. She is constantly reminded of the possible heartache she could face if she continues to pursue Preston.
Harleigh must make some tough choice and it really does add a level of emotion to it.
Prepare yourself for a very slow burn romance. Like really slow burn. This story runs from high school to young adult timeline. This slow burn does have a very emotional and sad feel to it but never fear there is a HEA.
This was 3.5 star read for me. I just felt like the story dragged on a bit. To many years of pining for a guy. I felt like it stunted Harleigh’s character. I don’t mind a slow burn as long as there is movement and character development.
July 19, 2020
Egotistical Player was a story that I'm conflicted over to be honest. I love brother's best friend, even though the push & pull can be extremely frustrating because of the bro code but this brother's best friend named Preston kept me enraged throughout, and I never got over it even by the end. See, Harleigh has had feelings for him for 20 years, and he never did right by her because he couldn't make up his mind while sleeping with every woman near him, so it did seem like he wanted things his way without thinking of anyone else. Yeah he thought he was attracted to her, but his actions were just gross in my opinion because he was a lying liar, and she put up with it too long. I found myself screaming at my kindle for Harleigh to find someone else because all he was capable of was hookups with her, so he broke her heart over & over again for too many years! Anyway, this is just my opinion so make up your own minds by hitting those one click buttons!
July 2, 2020
Another great read by this author. I enjoy reading Bella’s book because they are so warm and loving. They are such a pleasure to read. And this book was another awesome one for me.
Harleigh and Preston we’re friends for many years. She’s always had a crush on him but because he was her brother’s best friend, it never went anywhere. Preston made her brother a promise to keep an eye on her. And he did, thinking it could never be anything more.
But things began to change for both of them. They had their lives to live. And just maybe this was meant to be. Could they have more together?
Bella’s books have been getting so much better and I look forward to reading her next book. I think this may have been an arc I completely forgot about, if so I am sorry Bella. ❤️
Harleigh and Preston we’re friends for many years. She’s always had a crush on him but because he was her brother’s best friend, it never went anywhere. Preston made her brother a promise to keep an eye on her. And he did, thinking it could never be anything more.
But things began to change for both of them. They had their lives to live. And just maybe this was meant to be. Could they have more together?
Bella’s books have been getting so much better and I look forward to reading her next book. I think this may have been an arc I completely forgot about, if so I am sorry Bella. ❤️
July 18, 2020
Harleigh has always had a crush on her brother's best friend, but it's been a secret crush. She will drool after time him for sure. But He's a jerk and all the do is trade words and looks back and forth. When stuff goes down these two will have to navigate. But sometimes the heart wants what it want. Preston Scott doesn't deny he's a jerk, but there is so much more to him. He has a secret and that is he has always wanted his best friends little sister. But he messes up and now years later their lives are thrown together. But Preston not gonna lie he's an idiot and I wanted to smack him upside his head more than a few times during this story. One thing I will say make sure you have some tissues handy.
July 20, 2020
I figured that any book in the Cocky Hero Club world would be good and this one did not disappoint! Preston and Harleigh have known each other for a long time. But this brother's best friend story was not all sunshine and roses. I like how the author started their story in the past--how they met and their connection to each other--and then had them meet up again as mature adults who were ready to tackle the misconceptions they had about each other. I was so engrossed in this story that I finished it quickly! The characters and story were well written. I'm so happy the author gave this couple a second chance to get their HEA.
I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.
I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews