Well Played by Jen Deluca

4 / 5

** Thank you to Netgalley, Berkeley Publishing, and of course, Jen Deluca, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I DEVOURED WELL MET! I also recommend it to so many people if they want something cute and fun to read, So when I saw that Jen was coming out with Well Played in September based on Stacy, I KNEW I had to get it in my hands as soon as possible.

The Stacy that I understood in Well Met was not the Stacy I came to love in Well Played. I was so pleasantly surprised to see the character development of Stacy take a turn I did not expect after following her around in Met.

What I expected - the stereotypical former cheerleader who never left home. Beautiful and Homely, and the unorganized girl we met when Emily signed up for the Faire.

What I got - SO MUCH MORE! Stacy’s Character arc broke the first expectation I had from the prologue and first chapter.

Now, Let’s get to Daniel. Daniel is the epitome of what I wanted for Stacy. I did figure out the twist pretty quickly but was still so excited and shocked when it came to light. As a fan of Simon, it is pretty obvious to know my type as a stan for Daniel ;). Plus, Dex annoyed me so so much I hated how much power he held over Stacy. Everything about Daniel was great - Jen did a great job of showing his pros and cons as a human being, as she did with Stacy as well.

Returning to the Faire was also an easy thing for me. I absolutely loved the setting and how it continues to intertwine in Deluca’s books.

Now, Jen, WHEN ARE WE GETTING WELL MATCHED?!?!?! (Gotta love that foreshadowing in the final few chapters ;)! )

This is a cute series. Both titles so far have been about finding love while volunteering or working at a local RenFest. Both have meet cute setups and were light, satisfying reads.

I was so excited for another installment in the RenFaire world with Stacey, Emily's bff, being the main character. I enjoyed seeing more of the world the characters live in outside of the RenFaire and loved that there was a cat. I didn't care for the story spanning a whole year where weeks were brushed over - it didn't lessen the story any but it was strange. I mainly knocked a star because I greatly dislike the "fight for me" trope. Fight for yourself, girl. If you say you're done, don't expect a man to come back crawling on his knees begging to be with you. Fight for him if you want to be with him.

Well Played by Jen DeLuca shares the worst bits of story with the movie Sierra Burgess - a knowing and calculated prolonged catflish performed by a character who is not redeemed before getting exactly what they wanted. Stacey decides to get her life "on track" after a jolt caused by the engagement of her friends - her first step is drunkenly facebook messaging her regularly scheduled Ren Faire hookup to see if it can progress to anything more.
The story proceeds over the course of year with the two messaging via facebook, email, and eventually text messaging - hilariously (especially in our current world where zoom activities are so ubiquitous) the two never video or phone chat and Stacey never presses for or questions why their relationship is exclusively text based in all that time. So much of the book is given over to being a distance relationship, that I was (rightly) worried about the arc of the in person portion of the relationship.
Separately from the relationship itself - the conclusion is nonsensical. The characters both often discuss feeling stagnant and frustrated with the trajectory of their lives, and then they settle on continuing down his stagnant path rather than forging a new one. Had they grown emotionally and made the changes they said they wanted to, I would've though higher of the book as a whole, but it was one final disappointment after a litany of others.
I like Jen Deluca's writing style, but she deserved better than playing out this specific romance trope.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc for review. This in no way influenced my opinion.

I had pretty high hopes for this one since I really enjoyed DeLuca’s first, Well Met. While Well Played was enjoyable, I didn’t love it as much.

Daniel had a sweet personality and was a character I could root for. I think he may be classified as a cinnamon roll hero? He was such a sweet guy and you could tell he just really liked Stacey so much, exactly as she was. I really liked the character arc Stacey went through. Her development was really solid and I particularly liked how it explored her making new friends and developing her friendships more.

**POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD**

What I didn’t really get was the chemistry between Stacey and Daniel. In the first half of the book they only communicated via email and text, plus combined with the whole catfishing premise, I didn’t feel a lot of chemistry between the two of them. This is the first time I’ve read a book where one of the main characters is essentially catfishing the other, and it just was not for me. I think if Stacey had realized and expressed early on that she didn’t think it was Dex she was talking to, or if Daniel didn’t know she thought he was Dex, I’d feel differently about the whole situation. But that’s not how it was, so it just felt kind of icky to me. And then when Stacey found out, yes she was angry, but she sort of says she knew deep down it was Daniel all along. But, how? She hardly talked about him that first half. I needed more of him at the beginning of the book, more of their friendly acquaintance to believe that she had this inkling. He wasn’t really ever mentioned in the first 50% of the book except for 1 time maybe.

Also, how did they never talk about how Stacey slept with Dex a ton?! I feel like there should’ve been at least one conversation about how they both felt about that. Even if it was a non-issue for both. It’s pretty similar to your crush sleeping with a sibling, considering how close Dex and Daniel are as cousins. So the fact that there wasn’t one single convo, was weird to me.

So, yea. There were bits and pieces I enjoyed. And I can see why others would enjoy it too. I do really like DeLuca’s writing, I just had issues with this particular setup. I am excited about the third book and will definitely be reading it.

As always, just because a book wasn’t right for me, doesn’t mean it won’t be right for you. Check out some other reviews, as I've had some friends really enjoy it!

5 Stars
Jen Deluca has done it again!

Stacey has been living in Willow Creek all her life. Watching her friends getting married, having babies and moving away, Stacey second-guesses her choices, could she still make her dreams come true? That dragonfly necklace she bought at the end of Faire last year meant change. Could she make the relevant changes? Starting with her love life? On a drunken night, Stacey reminisces back to the fling she had over the last few summers, Dex MacLean ( the hunky Hemsworth kilt-wearing band member of the Dueling Kilts). After sending him a drunken email, Stacey believes he would never hear from him. However, when she receives an email back from none other than Dex MacLean stating he feels the same. Stacey can't believe it. It is too much to be true. You know the saying though, if it is too good to be true, it probably isn't. Is this really Dex at the other end of the emails?

I loved this book! After a whirlwind, online romance, Stacey really opens up to the man she believes to be Dex. They are the sweetest couple. Stacey begins to get her "Stacey smile" back while "Dex" helps her through her situations at home, including her mother's illness and putting her life on hold. He becomes the best friend and shoulder to lean on, she never realized she needed. When she discovers Dex isn't who he says he is (no spoilers here) Stacey's feelings are too strong to ignore. Their online romance transfers into real life perfectly.

I loved ? (still no spoilers here). He is so sweet and has such a vulnerable quality to him, I couldn't help but love him! I genuinely thought I couldn't love a character more than Simon. Well, there might be a little competition now haha! The way the storyline progressed I couldn't really predict what was going to happen next between them. It was gripping and I was genuinely smiling to myself while reading this book!

This book is very well researched. Jen Deluca knows a lot of the renaissance and the cultures. I loved the balance between new and old. It was incredible. Jen DeLuca is the rom-com renaissance queen!! I have to add I was humming "drunken sailor" and the next thing I knew my family was singing away for the evening. It was like my personal pub sing at home.

It was great to see Emily and Simon again, even though it wasn't their story. They had a massive part to play in this book and I loved how they fitted into this storyline perfectly. Within book one, this book was set up, therefore the small references back to book number one "well met" were perfect. It showed that a lot of thought went into this series. In saying that, the third book has also been set and I can't wait! Squeal!!

Overall the pace was perfect, the characters were lovable and captivating. I genuinely can't find one fault in the entire book (maybe the fact it ended, but we have book 3 to look forward to, so I can't even fault it there haha!)

Overall I highly HIGHLY!! recommend it! If you have to buy one book in 2020, this is it!!

Thank you @Berkleyromance and @netgalley for providing me with this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Is another hit for this is author!
I hope that more are coming. Even if your not a fan of renaissance fairs.... if you are a fan of love and people figuring life out and not being perfect or just all-around feel good rom-coms , you'll like this.

I received a digital copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a review. When I requested this title I didn't realize it was part of a series. I haven't read the first book (yet), but I can definitely say this one stands well on it's own. I can also say that it is absolutely delightful. Great characters and interesting plot. I love the RenFaire background! Stacey is completely likable.

One of the great things about this book is that it really bridges a gap between chick lit and romance. Take out a couple of the racy scenes and this would be totally chick lit. Yet there's more traditional romance elements to it as well. I could see recommending this book to both types of readers.

And it looks like there is going to be a third book. Huzzah!

3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

Well Met by @jendeluca was one of my absolute favorite romcoms of 2019, so when I found the widget for the sequel, Well Played, in my email a couple weeks ago, I was beside myself with excitement! I couldn't wait to get back to the Ren Faire world of Willow Creek, and while this second visit may not have been quite as powerful as the first, it was nonetheless charming!

Thank you so much to @jendelucawrites @berkleyromance and @netgalley for this wonderful ARC!

DeLuca's sequel focuses on Stacey, who readers of Well Met will remember as one of the first friends Emily made in Willow Creek. Fun-loving, bubbly, and always smiling, Stacey's life has long-revolved around Willow Creek's Renaissance Faire, karaoke nights at the local bar, her job as a dental office receptionist, and keeping an eye on her parents (especially in light of the heart attack her mother suffered five years before). But lately, Stacey's life has felt stagnant, especially as more of her friends begin to marry and start families. At 27, the closest thing she's had to a relationship recently is hooking up with Dex MacLean (the hunky, kilt-wearing player of the band, The Dueling Kilts) the past couple summers during Faire. In a rare moment of extreme honesty (after several glasses of wine), Stacey confesses her true feelings for Dex in an email, and is pleasantly surprised when she receives a sensitive, heartfelt reply back. Could there be way more to Dex than just his Chris Hemsworth-esque body?

Embarking on an 11-month-long online and text relationship, Stacey's feelings for Dex grow even more, but when The Dueling Kilts and Ren Faire return in July, she receives quite a shock when she realizes the man behind the sweet texts and emails she's been receiving is not Dex.

I really loved getting to know more about Stacey's character in this follow-up book. I adored how close she is to her parents (especially her mom), and completely felt for her as she struggled to break away from the nest while still feeling tethered there by the worry that her mom's health could worsen if she left. The cameo appearances by Emily and Simon were a nice feature of the book, and while Stacey's catfish romance didn't quite have the same powerful chemistry and draw for me that Emily and Simon's did in Well Met, I was completely rooting for her happily ever after and really admired how much she grew as a character. The supporting characters of April, Mitch, Emily, and Simon were wonderful, and this book definitely gave me the dose of steam and Ren Faire magic I was hoping for. I don't want to give too much away, so let me conclude by saying that, if you loved Well Met, definitely give this one a read because it is a charming page-turner that will leave you smiling and hype you up for DeLuca's Well Matched, which is rumored to be dropping in 2021! I can't wait!

Well Met is available for pre-order now and will be hitting shelves in September, so definitely get your pre-orders and library holds in now!

Maybe even down to 2.5 stars? It's cute, but I didn’t enjoy this one nearly as much as Well Met. I had a hard time connecting with the characters, they weren't as solidly defined as Emily and Simon were. There weren't any really endearing traits or decided passions/interests that anchored the characters of Stacey and Daniel, or that made them seem like they belonged together. And so much of the development of the relationship happened off-page, so I wasn’t as invested in it.

*This review is based on NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.

I expected to enjoy revisiting this small Maryland town's Ren Fest. It was not quite as interesting the second time around - a bit too much if I'm being honest. But I did love the two characters and their love story was intriguing, if a bit confusing at times. In fact I wanted more depth to their relationship. There were some transitions I just didn't quite understand. But all in all it was a fun escape.

I love Renaissance Faires so this book was great. While a little predictable it was still a lot of fun. I figured out the angle pretty quickly but it was interesting to see which way the author would go with it. Loved the characters and the way the protagonist learns to move forward.

I really enjoyed the second installment to the Well Met series! Stacey is a fun, vibrant twenty-something year old that is stuck in a rut. When she begins an online correspondence she begins to think outside her small town life and more about her own happiness. The love story was predictable, but that's not always a bad thing. The end also felt a bit flat...but overall I'm a sucker for a Ren Faire themed story!!

I think I might have found my favorite book of 2020! Honestly this was a much better story than Well Met. I loved Stacey with every fiber of my being. I absolutely love a plus sized main character, it makes me feel represented in romance novels.

Stacey has been emailing the sexy Dex since last Faire. But when she finds out that she wasn’t emailing Dex at all she must come to the realization that maybe the person she’s meant to be with had been in front of her all along. As Stacey deals with being 20 something and single you really get to know her and her potential love interest Daniel. Seeing the two fall in love really made me want to go out to a faire and find a true love of my own hidden amongst the performers.

A sweet read that I blew through in a day. It was worth every minute and I highly suggest it to everyone!

Well Met was one of my favorite romances last year, and the sequel doesn't disappoint. So warm and often hilarious, and its romance went in a place I didn't really expect but felt like a natural development. Will be recommending this one as much as I did Well Met.

The follow-up to Jen Deluca’s last year’s hit, Well Played delivers a charming and heartwarming romance at the same small town Renaissance Faire you fell in love with in Well Met.
Stacey is feeling a little stuck in her life – she doesn’t love her job and she’s living in an apartment above her parents’ garage. When her friends Emily and Simon announce their engagement she feels the need to do something to make a change. After having one glass of wine too many, Stacey works up the courage to message her Summer Fling from the Faire and share her feelings. She’s pleasantly surprised when she receives a message back and the two begin emailing back and forth. However, as Stacey thinks she’s building a relationship with Dex MacLean, she’s actually been messaging with Dex’s cousin Daniel. Things come to a head right before the Willow Creek Renaissance Faire is about to start and Stacey has to decide if she can give Daniel a second chance and if she will fight for what she wants for her life.
Deluca has created another quick and entertaining story. The Renaissance Faire setting has such a summer vibe and is so unique. I love reading these books and I’m sure I’ll re-read them again before the next book is released.

Stacey decides she is in a rut, and after a few glasses of wine makes a bold move over the computer to a former fling from Faire. She is both surprised and exhilarated by the response she gets. As things move on over the course of months, and closer to the next Faire season, Stacey can't wait to see Dex again to find out if all of conversations they have been having are the real man behind the facade she thought she knew. A litle bit cliched, but still a fun romantic comedy read that will keep you interested. Fun setting, good characters.

Well Played was a fun, easy read! The characters were like-able, the setting was entertaining, and the story flowed well. I had no idea that this was the second book for the author, I am now reading the first book (Well Met), and enjoying it as well. The authors descriptions of the Fair have me wanting to attend a fair again (unfortunately all near me have been cancelled this year). I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun, easy romance.

Sweet contemporary romance focusing on long-distance relationships and grappling with loneliness. I really liked the characters in this one and enjoyed that the secondary characters were well developed as well as the leads, which I think builds well on the first book in the series where I felt the secondary characters could use a little more depth. Thoughtfully done use of the setting, which overlaps a lot with the first book, without this feeling at all like a re-write of the same story. Would recommend to contemporary romance fans, as well as possibly some historical fans who might enjoy the way that the Renaissance Faire captures aspects of history too.

Well Played is the second book in the series. However, you can start with this one as it loses nothing if you read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed both books (so go back and read Well Met if you haven't) fun romance with a dash of Ren-Faire.