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The Player
- Rockliffe, Volume 3
- Narrated by: Alex Wyndham
- Series: Rockliffe, Book 3
- Length: 10 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Literature & Fiction, Genre Fiction
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Summary
Tragedy drove him into unwilling exile. Death demands his reluctant return. In the decade between, he has answered to many names and amassed a variety of secrets. Now the actor known to Paris as L'Inconnu must resume his real identity and become Francis Adrian Sinclair Devereux, Earl of Sarre...a man he no longer knows how to be and whose name, thanks to the malice of a friend turned enemy, remains tarnished by an old scandal. Revenge, so long avoided, slithers temptingly from the shadows.
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What listeners say about The Player
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Wendy
- 19-04-16
Another absolute winner from the Riley/Wyndham team.
I have quickly come to realise that if I see the name Stella Riley on the cover of a novel then I know I'm going to disappear into 'book land' and not emerge for hours! THE PLAYER is no exception and add the velvet voiced, talented and versatile, Alex Wyndham, into the mix and we have perfection, clear and simple.
THE PLAYER, the third in Ms. Riley's Rockliffe series is simply superb. There are deeply moving moments, giggly moments and sheer genius moments. Stella Riley has a deep understanding of human nature and because of this quite unique talent, her writing tweaks something in my heart every time. All of her books are different yet she subtly introduces old friends/favourites - like the swoon worthy Rock from THE PARFIT KNIGHT and THE MÉSALLIANCE - into each of her stories.
Ms. Riley couldn't have chosen a more perfect narrator to perform her fab books; long may their partnership continue. I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE her writing.....The whole series is highly recommended.
7 people found this helpful
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- Antony
- 11-06-16
Witty & romantic
Wonderful. Great characters, well written and funny too. A worthy successor to Georgette Heyer. More Rockliffe novels please
4 people found this helpful
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- Yildiz
- 20-04-16
Sublime
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
Yes, without hesitation because it is beautifully written and brilliantly narrated.
What was one of the most memorable moments of The Player?
Mr Bailes - see review
What does Alex Wyndham bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?
A expertise in being able to transition seamlessly from one character to another and then back into the narrative. All his characters are well crafted.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
Yes - Mr Bailes - see review.
Any additional comments?
Sublime is the one word I can use to describe the final audio in Stella Riley’s Rockliffe series, The Player.
Once again the collaboration between Ms Riley and Alex Wyndham has proved to be a triumph because of the written and narrated content.
The hero in The Player is Francis Adrian Sinclair Devereux, Earl of Sarre who has spent the last 10 years living in France only returning to England now due to a family bereavement.
While living in France he has learned new interesting skills (I won’t say more!) and acquired a good friend Bertrand who adds a lot of fun to the story. As a result French and English characters are sprinkled throughout the book so Mr Wyndham has to narrate the different languages that he does seamlessly - Wonderful.
The storyline is typically Stella Riley with assured and well-constructed dialogue between all characters where not one word is wasted - Superb.
There are a number of touching scenes in the book but my favourite is when Adrian meets a former employee of his father, Mr Bailes. This is beautifully written and with a real emotional pull.
I will not say anymore regarding the plot but will concluded by highly recommending this book to anyone who likes a really good romance coupled with an outstanding narration, which I can only describe as Sublime.
4 people found this helpful
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- avidreader
- 02-09-21
Excellent
Having read 'the Player' several times, I was sure that I would enjoy Alex Wyndham's narration of Stella Riley's story. It exceeded expectation; there is a vast cast of characters, male and female, from a variety of backgrounds, and Alex Wyndham has given each one a separate voice. Early on in the book, Rock, Amberley, Adrian, Sheringham, the Frenchman Aristide and several others meet by chance at Sinclairs; every voice, every accent is clear and distinguishable, which can be no mean feat and is testament to the narrator's skill.
This is a moving story of betrayal and ultimately, finding love unexpectedly. I think in Adrian, Lord Sarre, Stella Riley created one of her most vulnerable male characters, one who has forgotten how to be himself and is waiting to be kicked again, when he is down. It is all hidden behind an icy reserve, and it takes Caroline, the grand-daughter of a wealthy merchant, to see through the reserve to the man beneath. Such a good story, narrated with great skill [I especially love Bertrand, both on the page and in audio - I am so glad the author gave him his own happy ending in Midwinter Magic!]
2 people found this helpful
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- Sailaway
- 03-02-19
Just loved it
Have read the two preceding volumes and, again, enjoyed them. Excellent story line and great character definition . Great reads for fan of this genre.
2 people found this helpful
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- Thor
- 18-03-18
One of my favourite
Again the same characters as before, with the additional new comers.
I like the romance of this story and how the main characters slowly get to know each other. Finding out they are nothing like expected or thought.
These have all been gentle evolving stories, deal with some tough issues.
All showing how hypocritical and censors society was and sadly still can be. However, in those days you were either accepted or rejected.
2 people found this helpful
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- JMD
- 15-10-21
Possibly the best of the Rockcliffe series
This is my favourite of the Rockcliffe series. What I love about Stella Riley’s writing is the way she makes her characters three dimensional. I find that so many authors have difficulty in achieving this. The story gives a real insight into life in the late 18th century and the main characters are so likeable.
Add to this Alex Wyndham’s superb narration and you have my favourite!
1 person found this helpful
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- Mo Bass
- 07-01-21
Another gloriously improbable bit of escapism
I thoroughly enjoyed this while doing my daily chores and working in the garden. Stella Riley's heroes are delicious and her heroines believable. The narration is also very good.
1 person found this helpful
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- WendyT
- 07-10-20
Another wonderful story
Every time I read or listen to one of Stella’s books, I think that these are my favourite characters, until the next one! Book one was the Marquis of Amberley and Rosalind, then the Duke of Rockliffe and Adeline, and now the Earl of Sarre and Caroline. All have their own stories, but all are intertwined with each other. I love this, and can listen or read them again and again. On to the next one!
1 person found this helpful
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- Karrie
- 12-09-20
Addictive listening....
I found this by chance after searching for other books narrated by Alex Wyndham. The story moves forward at an exciting pace and I truly found it hard to put down. It's a lovely romance, a little different to the usual genre's storylines, and one which I really enjoyed! The narration, as always, by Alex Wyndham is excellent!
1 person found this helpful
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- Marcheta
- 20-04-16
One of the best traditional romances I've heard
I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book, but once I got into it, I couldn't stop listening. This is my favorite kind of hero - one who is an actor when he needs to be someone else, has a wicked sense of humour, and gets himself out of situations in ways I'd never imagine. I check the Amazon reviews before buying most books (and if I don't I usually end up returning them), and this book is one I'd recommend. The reader was perfect. How many characters argue with themselves while playing two different people?
13 people found this helpful
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- BJ's Reviews
- 23-06-16
4.5 Story & 5+ Narration Stars!
Any additional comments?
4.5 "The Gentleman Actor and the Merchant's Daughter" Stars for the story and 5+ Stars for the narration! (Narration by Alex Wyndham)Stella Riley's creative imagination and wit are in top form for the third book in the Rockcliffe Series, The Player. Proving her ability to weave in unconventional and unique circumstances into a romantic tale, Ms. Riley kept me intrigued and on my toes throughout the entire listen (a 10+ hour listen which I devoured over two short days!). Moreover, Alex Wydham's appealing and soothing voice kept me glued to my earbuds. The rumors surrounding his rushed departure from his home in England have kept Adrian Sinclair Devereux away for a decade. But upon becoming the Earl of Sarre, he can no longer run away from his fate, so home he returns with revenge plans in hand.Having survived in the interim in Paris through an unconventional trade for a gentleman--one which mixed gambling and acting--he soon finds himself leaning on old habits when he uncovers a potential damsel in distress (Caroline Maitland). Caroline appears perilously close to falling victim to a former friend who betrayed him in the worst of possible ways (Marcus Sheringham). Caroline's grandfather has determined to marry her off to a gentleman with a title, and as is typical of the time, the one who has taken a particular interest in her (Marcus), is much more interested in her dowry than love. But the only way Adrian can get close to her involves him polishing off his old acting skills, so he dusts off one of his favorite roles and puts on a show worthy of an encore. But though Sarre first crossed paths with Caroline as an unintended effect of his planned revenge, he must soon determine if his role in the play that involves her salvation (and, in turn, Marcus' damnation) is merely an act spurred by revenge or driven by something much deeper and heartfelt. Moreover, having met her under a cloud of deception will he be able to convince Caroline that he has her true interests at heart?As always, Alex Wyndham delivers a spell-binding narration. Without a doubt Mr. Wyndham is one of my top-favorite historical romance narrators. His voice is so soothing and his deliver is always perfectly timed to give heightened effect to the scene enacted. Additionally, Mr. Wyndham's attention to even the minutest details is sublime. From the age to the regional accent of each character (and even of the same character, like Adrian who switches accents back and forth depending on the role he is playing), you can count on Mr. Wyndham to present both an authentic and easily distinguishable voice for each and every character that perfectly matches the story Ms. Riley has written. Perhaps one of my favorite things about Ms Riley's romances is her ability to capture the societal conventions of the historic times she writes about. Things that appear trivial in today's world, such as whether you earned or inherited your wealth, had profound ramifications in the times Ms Riley writes about. Capturing this cultural depiction and mixing it together with compelling characters worthy of a true HEA makes her romances especially endearing. The Player is no different, and given Mr. Wyndham's extraordinary narration to boot, deserves to be on every historical romance listener's to be listened to list. Source: Review copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
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- susan
- 20-05-16
Best one of the series
I've listened to all three books-this one is the most interesting and funny. The first two are good-and listening to them in order would be best. Alex Wyndham out does himself with the accents!!
10 people found this helpful
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- Maine Knitter
- 23-04-16
My new favorite author and a fabulous narrator
I loved this book! Everything about it.
Alex Wyndham is my favorite male narrator for period romances. He does a wonderful job with all the characters. It's too often that a male narrator makes the female characters sound like whiny children or old ladies. Wyndham is perfect!
This has been a great series. I'm so glad I discovered it recently so all the books were available in audio format. I hope there are more. Stella Riley is one of my new favorites.
7 people found this helpful
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- JimB
- 02-06-16
Love love loved this series
Amazing characters and storyline along with Alex Wyndham-what more could you ask for.
I hope you are continuing this series as each one has been a jewel.
6 people found this helpful
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- Cam
- 19-04-16
Sigh Worthy Earl
I have enjoyed this series so much but I think this book is, so far, my favorite of all. I love a book that basis it's love on true love and gives a legitimate reason as to how that was formed. What I find frustrating is that in most other books love is based on looks mostly and here that is entirely taken out of the equation. An engaging and wonderful story, characters to fall in love with and a believable plot. Can't go wrong with this book.
10 people found this helpful
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- Nell Emma S.
- 30-05-17
Best of the Series Yet
I enjoyed very much the series and Mr. Wyndham's outstanding performance. This is definitely the best of the three so far. While a talented narrator cannot be the making of a book, he can however propel a good book to the next level. The characters are so vivid and alive. Bravo!
4 people found this helpful
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- Jaci
- 10-06-18
Stella Riley's Rockliffe Series just keeps getting
Stella Riley's Rockliffe Series just keeps getting better. This book for me was riveting, exciting, and Brilliant! I absolutely loved Adrian. Adrian is a man who has adopted many faces to hide the pain and betrayal of the last ten years. Banished from England by his father who chose to believe that his son was a murderer. He travels the world unconsciously looking for a place he can be at peace and banish the nightmares of the night that changed his life. He is compelled to go back to England after the death of his younger brother. His father is dead and now he must take the title and sire an heir. He has no illusions that he will be welcomed back, but he has no choice. He must brave Society to find a bride. He knows that he the old scandal will resurrect itself and everyone will be talking behind his back. So he keeps himself safely hidden behind the facade of his title Lord Sarre while he stalks the man responsible for the nightmare that his life became. He still has friends who will stand with him, you have met them in the previous two Rockliffe books.
Caroline Maitland is the granddaughter of a rich merchant who has been thrust into Society by her mother to make a good match, preferably a title. She has two younger sisters that will need a lot of help if they are going to be launched also. Caroline has one problem, her dowry is 100,000 pounds and all the fortune hunters are all competing for her hand. One persistent suitor Marcus Sheringham is desperate to capture Caroline and get his hands on her dowry. He is just weeks away from either debtor prison or fleeing England to escape his debtors. There is something about Marcus that scares Caroline and she wants nothing to do with him.
One night returning from a society party the coach that Caroline and her chaperone are in is stopped by a Highwayman intent on robbing them of their money and jewelry. The highwayman is a charming, well built, handsome (he is wearing a mask) and very charming. He insists that Caroline disembark from the carriage. She is shocked when he insists that she dance with him and he kisses her before he disappears into the night. She thinks about him all the time and he manages to show up at the strangest places. Now the enigmatic Lord Sarre is another suitor, but she just isn't interested.
Will Caroline and her Highwayman fall in love? Will Lord Sarre get his revenge? You will have to read the book or listen to the luscious Alex Wyndham's performance. Alex makes the audiobook worth the price. I will be listening to all of Stella's books from now on because Alex brings them alive. Stella is an amazing author with a remarkable talent for creating the most compelling characters and original stories. Her dedication to getting all the historical details right is second to none. I highly recommend her books to anyone who is a fan of Historical Romance.
3 people found this helpful
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- D. Fields
- 09-04-18
I Just Fell in Love With an Earl....
Where does The Player rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
Among romance novels, in the top 10. (It's not fair to compare this to a thriller or regular fiction).
What did you like best about this story?
This book is completely charming. I adore romances that actually SHOW the hero/heroine falling in love, and that is what Riley gives her reader here. Parts were laugh out loud funny. The character development is excellent. I almost felt like these were real people. Please keep in mind this is a very traditional, proper romance. There are no explicit love scenes, and especially not in the first five pages of the book. Part of the plot (with the villain) was perhaps not the most original, but that is more than made up for by the way the characters are brought to life. It is interesting to see the hero and heroine both try to find their authentic selves while still navigating the social constraints of the times.
Which character – as performed by Alex Wyndham – was your favorite?
Either Adrian or the cameo appearances by the Duke of Rockliffe. As usual, Alex Wyndham does an excellent job with all of the characters. His voice is magical.
Who was the most memorable character of The Player and why?
Definitely Adrian because he was still discovering himself.
Any additional comments?
This is a character driven romance, really lovely. If you are looking for steaminess, look elsewhere.
3 people found this helpful
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- Patiotoole
- 21-07-17
An unexpected and gradually deepening love - beautiful!
Great storyline. I truly enjoyed getting to know and appreciate both Caroline and Adrian/Dev. Theirs was such a lovely unexpected romance with gradually deepening love and understanding. I fell asleep late last night while reading and have been anxiously waiting all day to finish. I know I will be thinking about them and hope to catch up with them (and the others from this series) in the next book.
Of course, Alex Wyndham's narration is incomparable!
3 people found this helpful