Once upon a Player

by Agay Llanera

Gorgeous college senior Val Fabian is a player in every sense of the word. She's the star spiker of her university's volleyball team, and she never runs out of dates. But it seems that this year, she has finally been bitten by the commitment bug. She sets her sights on an unexpected target--the unassuming yet ultra-cute Jake Clementia. Val is used to getting what she wants, and is sure she'll snag him before graduation. But in the process of winning his heart, she is sideswiped by a surprise move that sends her tumbling from her pedestal.

Genres: Romance, Sports, Chick Lit, Contemporary

Unknown Binding

First published August 9, 2014

About the author

Agay is a freelance writer for TV and print. In her spare time, she enjoys writing Romance, New Adult, and Young Adult novellas.

Reviews

[Aj the Ravenous Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fine writing and a decent plot, albeit a little predictable but definitely forgivable. This is a Filipino contemporary-romance written in English and set in the Philippines with a sport element making up for an interesting new adult read. I'm quite impressed because even though I don't like the main character Val that much, the author still managed to make her a sympathetic character.

But to be honest, I rooted more for her best friend Dessa and her love story which is actually the one that I enjoyed more. I just also feel a little sad for how Rico was easily dismissed by Val and consequently in the story. He just seemed like a nice guy underneath the bravado. But anyway, I'm still glad to see that positive change in Val as the story closed to its end and it does make sense that she ends up with someone who will humble her.

A very well-deserved three stars and for a new adult novel, that's still a very satisfactory score from me.

[Lex · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was in for the blog tour of this book so my full review will come in a matter of two weeks. :)

When I saw that Diane of Oops I Read A Book Again had this book on tour, I decided to sign up. I don't know the reasons why I did. I just did. So I read it in just a couple of hours, and I think it is a good book.

First, I didn't know it was written by a Filipino. Or maybe I did, maybe that is why I choose to participate in the Blog Tour. Promote our own writers. Well, anyway, the whole time I was reading, I felt... Weird, I guess. Mainly because it's been so long since I read my fellow countrymen's stories. And the setting took place here. It's definitely weird. Lol.

Second, I think... It doesn't have too many differences to the ones published locally (e.g. PHR). Only difference was... It's purely written in English. Local romance novels published it Taglish. It's kinda weird to read stories with settings here and they are talking in English language.

The plot... It's okay. It doesn't elicit all the feels but just so-so. I don't feel the 'kilig' I most felt whenever I read romance books especially ones that are written by local authors. But I give the author some positive points. It's definitely interesting.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read Agay's debut #romanceclass novella and I liked the authenticity of her characters in terms of voice, motivations, and decisions. That's why when a blog tour of her latest work was announced, I jumped at the chance to join. Once Upon a Player did not disappoint. If anything else, Agay's writing chops have "leveled up" even more as evidenced in the fluid narrative and loveable characters.

Speaking of characters, I loved Val Fabian, the story's protagonist. The title of the book alone was a dead giveaway on what kind of heroine Val was, but instead of hating her guts, I became a fan! I haven't read a lot of anti-heroines in other stories and Val may seem to be on the "tame" side of being a bitch. Nonetheless, her background and personal motivations made me understand the reason behind her reputation and why she did that nasty stuff to a loved one. A lot of us have experienced that moment where we want to keep the good things to ourselves because we need that breather from this so called thing called life. What I loved about Agay's writing was how she expertly depicted Val's eureka moment that turned things around for her. That scene was the golden moment for me (so much feels for her mom, too!).

Jake Clementia was mentioned in the book's synopsis but he didn't figure into the story until Val's character exposition started rolling. I wish there was more to Jake other than what was mentioned by Val's best friend, Dessa. It would have been interesting to see the interaction between him and Val at the beginning.

Nonetheless, I enjoyed the chemistry between Val and EJ, although the romance aspect between the two of them could have been played up a bit more for the kilig factor. EJ initially seemed like a very minor character that only started to play a significant part in the middle of the story. However, the ending was pretty satisfying and well told. I liked the story's "universe" that I hope Agay would think of writing the stories of the other girls in the volleyball team. It would definitely make for another interesting read.

[Claire - The Coffeeholic Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always admired ladies who have guts, spunk and courage to do what they want and to say what they feel. But girls with attitude and extreme self-confidence and drive, to the point of hurting other people's feelings... no, major no no to me.

Valerie Fabian, star player and captain of the Star Phoenix volleybelles is cutthroat and determined in life, especially after an unfortunate family affliction. She's quite vain (in my opinion) and pretty pretentious too. She's used to getting what she wants, when she wants it. Even to the extent of losing someone she loves in the process.

Now I don't want be negative about Val or her fab abs and fab friends. While there's a reason to her notoriety, I find her flaws remarkably spot on. Her character is actually realistic, and I could agree that some kids of this generation behave like her. I'm not saying everyone - maybe just a portion.. but that's beside the point.

Anyway, I like how Val's personality eventually won me over. It was really hard for me to like her at first, but her co-volleybelles, Kat and Dessa, made her likeable in the end. And her love interests (take note the plural form) were really surprising, I wasn't expecting the lucky guy to finally claim his spot on Val's heart by the end of the story.

This has been a totally deceivingly good book! Agay Llanera's writing is descriptive and succinct. A breath of fresh air. Would surely love to read more of her works, soon!

[sil ♡ the book voyagers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I've found one of my favorite ships. Because yes, guys, this one was glorious and perfection and so adorable I nearly died when they finally got together. I reread those scenes LIKE A MILLION TIMES. And squealed every. Time.

I'll do a proper review on the blog but let me tell you some bullet points:
- There's a volleyball star and she's the MC aka Val. She reminded me a bit of Blair Waldorf {if you read it, you'll know which traits she has that reminded me}.
- There is a cute boy who wants to start a food business.
- Girl friendships! I love this group of girls so much, they are there to support each other 1000%
- SO MUCH FUN. It's an amazing college romance that it's just so fresh and nice to read about.

Also this quote:

"Dark, straight-cut, medium-rise. Boring but serviceable." Her voice glazed with venom. "Just like you."

Deadpan, EJ accepted the jeans and rubbed the fabric between his fingers. "It's stiff and it rubs me the wrong way, but yeah, it looks nice." He dropped his voice a little. "Just like you." He did a mock-bow and headed to the fitting room.

[Lynai · Rating 4 out of 5]

If there is one sport that I enjoy playing, it will be volleyball. I am not exactly the sporty type or a huge fan of sports, but at least I can throw a (satisfactory) volleyball serve or stop a spike. If it weren’t for my myopic eyes, I would have readily joined our elementary volleyball team. It is, therefore, not a surprise that I became interested in joining this blog tour for Agay Llanera’s newest novella, Once Upon A Player.

Continue reading.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you love Blair Waldorf at her worst, you're going to dig Val from Once Upon a Player.

She's one of the most complex characters I've ever come across in NA. She's unlikable, selfish, She's difficult to root for, she's exactly not your standard heroine. If you're looking for self discovery NA-ish with a fierce mc. This is it.

[Paula Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love teen novels and ones about sports ? Do you enjoy Volleyball ? Lately there has been an influx of Filipino reads and Once Upon a Player adds to that list. Volleyball captain Val has always had everything handed to her and no matter what she tries her hand at , it comes easy and in this case boys are no shortage as she also has Rico who is also a big star and considered a sports celebrity in circles. This year though, she has her eyes set on Jake and will do anything to snag her crush by the end of the year but what will happen when obstacles are put in her way ? Will this halt Val's goal or will she sidestep those obstacles and go for the main prize ? Once Upon a Player is definitely a teen novel and focuses quite closely on the art of friendships and more importantly the danger of lies and what can happen if you treat people wrongly and sabotage for your own benefit as there is one person standing in her way of Jake - her best friend . Will Val lie to get her own way ? Will it work or will it backfire and Val find herself losing the people she cares about the most ?

Really people should know by now that "Liars never Prosper".

This was a nice clean read in the fact that it has no sex and only touches base on dating and romances etc.

[kb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid plot and beautiful writing, as can be expected from this author! At first I wasn't sure if I was going to be #TeamVal (here's a sentence from the book that I thought perfectly described her: But there was a fine line between asserting herself and being a bitch. , but not even halfway through, I was already on the sidelines, raising my pompoms for her. Also got kind of confused by all the boys but in the end, I knew she and EJ would eventually hit it off. Other themes explored: broken family issues, sports scholarship, friendships.

Favorite parts:

She felt that if she stood on one spot for too long, people would mistake her for a disco ball and start dancing the shuffle around her.

He reminded her of those tiny plants that thrived through the cracks of concrete: unexpected and annoying, especially if she tripped on them.

Carbs equal happy hormones.

Val was tired of scrimping, anticipating, planning the next step—which was why, most of the time, all she wanted to do was float around, not caring where the tide would take her.

Love was not selfish. It ran deeper than whims and fancies. Love was a daily decision: to scrimp and save whatever one can while doing the same things day in and day out, year after year: teaching, checking homework and exams, drafting lesson plans, making dinner, buying your daughter hot bread each morning, watching her games, raising her up on your own.

Note: I won my copy through Ana Tejano's giveaway! Thank you.

[Nini · Rating 4 out of 5]

i love those unexpected romances, you expect Val to get together with her crush, Jake, but then EJ sneaks up behind you and you're rooting for them and their happiness.
Also all the volleyball talk is just the icing on this cute romance :)

[Silayan · Rating 5 out of 5]

No words can describe what I love about this book.

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I honestly don’t like reading books that are written by Filipino authors and you might wonder why the heck did I read this book? It’s because change is coming. I want to change that fact. For the information of everybody, I took a break in the blogging community and even in reading (experienced a year-long reading slump). And during that time, I contemplated a lot of things. One was that I should support first my local authors before the international ones. I promised myself that when I will get back in blogging, I will read a slew of books that are written by local authors. And Once Upon a Player is the first one on that list. I have mixed feelings about this book. I will list down the things that I like and don’t like about this book. Let’s start with the positive ones.

The love interest I won’t go into details because I don’t want to spoil you. But I absolutely like the love interest in this book. It was really unexpected because I thought the character that I like is not Val’s love interest but boy was I so wrong.



Focus of the story Have you ever heard of the saying that goes, “don’t judge a book by its cover?” Well, I’m guilty of that. I judge a book by its cover sometimes. I thought this book’s main focus is love. I expected to read cheesy and mushy stuff. But what I get was ever better. ;)

So those were the things that I liked in this book. Now let’s get on with the thing that I hated. Yes, thing. That means I only hate one thing about this book. Wondering what it is?

Main character I must say that I absolutely hate the main character in this story. I hated her personality. She’s vain, pretentious, and the list goes on. I’m aware that she was spoiled when they were still well-off and maybe it was hard to let go of that but c’mon, she was still a kid that time. She had a lot of time to adjust. And the thing that she did to her best friend? That totally made me hate her more. Ugh.



I’m aware that the positive side outweighs the negative one. But the MC of a book is a make or break for me hence the rating for this one. To sum it off, Once Upon a Player is a deceiving book (in a good way). I suggest you read it without knowing anything about it. Don’t read the synopsis just dive straight in the book and I’m sure you’ll have more fun reading it.

This review can also be found at Diary of a Book Maniac.

[Florence Joyce Dongael · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn’t exactly a fan of any sports nor had any desire to play one except archery. Well, I guess that wasn’t much of a physical outdoor sport, huh? But my point here is, even though I wasn’t a fan of any sports at all, I managed to imagine the scenes where the characters played. Or should I say struggled with their game?

Though this book was part of the RomanceClass, somehow I noticed that this book doesn’t exactly highlight the romance genre too much. Especially on Val’s part. It was more of her desire to please everybody in any way she can after everything in her life had gone haywire when her father left them for good. For the most part of the story, I hated Val’s characteristics and personality. She wanted to grab everything—particularly attention—that she wanted for her life to be considered perfect in her perception, just as how it was before when she was a child. She wasn’t the bitch type—at least to me. But I really didn’t like thew fact that she was so selfish and quite vain.

But as the story progressed, I saw her grow up, no matter how slow it had been. Though I must say, she did quite a damage to everything and everyone around her before she managed to learn something and grow up because of it. At one point, I really want to strangle her. But that’s impossible, right? Staying strong and trying to keep up with it all those years was obviously a hard task for Val and in a way, I can understand that. Though unlike her, I never tried to do something to have people notice me or to belong to a group.

One thing I noticed in the story, there were no distinctions between events told in the present times and flashbacks, even though it was narrated. This is more specific to the actions and dialogues of the characters during the flashback. Other than that, I love reading this story despite not being a sport fan and disliking Val most of the time.

And I never knew that this was posted in Wattpad before. I wish I read that version.

In any case, thank you so much for this story!

[Pamela Gayrama · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted a light read - not much drama (compared to other books I read that were too heavy) - and I thought that this book provided that. Reading the first few chapters, I admired the determination Val gave in the things that she wanted - volleyball, etc. Halfway through though, I found her a little too vain and "mababaw". When she lied to her bestfriend about Jake liking her, I had to stop reading. It was wrong on so many levels. How could you say you love someone after just a few interactions Besides, why sacrifice friendship over a guy? She hated her dad when she realized that he had an affair and yet there she was, ruining someone else's. As the story progressed, she realized her mistakes (thank God). Over all, I liked how Val's character developed. I wish EJ and Val had more kilig moments though lol. EJ <3

[Ines Bautista-yao]

I was blown away ... And shed some tears.

This book was awesome! The descriptions were so vivid, so well-written that I felt the story was flashing before my eyes. The volleyball descriptions didn't just make me feel like I was watching the game, but like I was on the court with the players. And the way the author got into Val's head - her issues, her drive - everything was so real, done so masterfully.

I can't gush enough about this book. All I can say is I will definitely recommend this and gift this book to my friends who have kindles and enjoy an awesomely written story about a haughty, gorgeous volleyball superstar who not only finds love, but herself.

[Jay Tria · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is no going back. I'm now irrevocably a solid fan of Agay Llanera's work--her clear, fluid prose, her witty dialogue, and her very real characters. In this story, Agay said herself that her MC Val Fabian is a bitch, so I came into it preparing to hate her. I didn't though. I hated her guts sometimes, but I kind of understood her. Val is confident, tough, and perfect, which of course meant that she isn't any of those things some days too. I loved her development, and how it centered not only on herself and on the boys in her life (yes, plural because it's Val, duh), but also on her family and friends. Another awesome, favorite read from Agay <3

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, Llanera brought me into her well-crafted and relatable contemporary universe where athletes are celebrities and humans at the same time. Once Upon A Player is honest, raw, and real, delivering a mean spike to the heart at the right moments. Fudge it.

Full review at Tara Tries to Write.