~**~ ARC Review: The Player in New Zealand (Love and Wanderlust #4) by Liz Alden ~**~

ARC Review: The Player in New Zealand (Love and Wanderlust #4) by Liz Alden

***4 Stars***

There are many reasons why people pick up the books they read. Author. Cover. Subject. Or even the title and when I saw “New Zealand” in the title, my curiosity peaked.

Then I saw Rugby and I was all like gimmegimmegimme..because I love New Zealand and Rugby is my fav sport (especially when it’s AB’s rugby)

So I had to jump in and I gotta say, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. From the characters and their antics to the setting, it all worked for me and has me really wanting to visit New Zealand again.

I adored Claire and Tane. Claire may see herself as a bit grouchy and quirky, she owns it all. She is vivacious and definitely not afraid to speak her mind in most situations. Tane. First impressions weren’t great, but as the book progresses, you see just how huge his heart is and how charming he can be and it was hard to not fall in love with him.

Their journey to their HEA may have started out a bit rocky, but it was a fun one. I really liked them together. Their bantering and flow was on point, even when things were a bit rocky, and though things do happen somewhat quickly, they had me rooting for them to find a way to make things stick.

This is my first read by the author and it was a winner. The writing was engaging, the pacing good and though I would have liked to have Tane’s POV at times, I liked being in Claire’s head as she experienced New Zealand for the first time. There are a few situations in here that could be triggering for some, but they aren’t anything too intense and, IMHO, handled well. As for New Zealand. I honestly felt like I was back there. The chill vibe and beautiful country jumped off the page for me. And the supporting cast of characters were awesome! Nina was my fav, hands down, but Emily and Iris were just as awesome.

So, if you’re looking for a fun, low on the angst read then this is a must click for you!

~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~

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 Taumata 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.

Release Date: March 22nd, 2022

Liz Alden is a digital nomad. Most of the time she’s on her sailboat, but sometimes she’s in Texas. She knows exactly how big the world is—having sailed around it—and exactly how small it is, having bumped into friends worldwide.

She’s been a dishwasher, an engineer, a CEO, and occasionally gets paid to write or sail.