Not too long ago, I read my first Kelly Jamieson novel and I really enjoyed it. When I heard she was writing a new series, I was excited. Today Play to Win, the first book in the Wynn Hockey series has been released! A big thanks to the author and publisher for providing me an ARC to read and review! Keep reading to find out what I thought of this new series.
Meet the Wynns—a hockey dynasty built on family, money, and drama. From USA Today bestselling author Kelly Jamieson, the first novel in a new series is a total win-win.
“Kelly Jamieson is an auto-buy for me.”—Carly Phillips
After an injury forced Théo Wynn to give up professional hockey, he turned to his second love: numbers. Now, as the general manager of his grandfather’s NHL team, the Los Angeles Condors, Théo is dying to prove to the rest of his family—especially the brother who betrayed him—that he’s just as successful as the rest of them. If only Théo had a gorgeous woman on his arm to complete the picture. . . .
Lacey Olson needs to get out of Las Vegas right now, thanks to her no-good, crooked brother. When a handsome stranger who’s out partying with friends comes to her rescue in the cocktail lounge where she works, they strike up a conversation that leads to a crazy plan: her leaving with Théo for L.A. tomorrow. A few drinks later, the idea gets even crazier: a quickie marriage that works for both of them.
But back in California, Lacey immediately turns Théo’s precise, well-ordered life into one big beach party. And before long, she’s tempting him with her smart mouth, sexy body, and sunny charm. The last thing Théo needs is a real relationship to distract him. Because he only plays to win. . . .
Review
It’s clear from the start that this series will be about the Wynn family. I loved the family tree in the beginning, but even with that help it’s hard to keep everyone apart. There are a lot of unique relationships and the family is quite big, so it was hard to keep them all in mind. I’m sure once I’ve read a couple more books in this series, I will be a pro.
Play to Win focuses on Théo Wynn. He’s always worked hard and is really smart. Théo had a short hockey career, but after an unfortunate injury, he had to work behind the scenes. His grandfather offers him to manage the hockey team he owns. This is a dream for him, but he know it’s going to cause a lot of drama in his family.
Lacey doesn’t have a lot of family left and when her twin brother messes up once again, things get dangerous. Meeting Théo at her job in Vegas was probably perfect timing, because who knows what would’ve happened if he hadn’t been there? After having a fun night together, he offers her a deal. Come to LA with him and pretend to be his wife. She’ll get away from the people after her brother and he won’t feel like such a loser seeing his family again.
I was expecting this to be the cliché story we have read a thousand times. And while that happens in many ways in this story, these characters and their story is just so much fun. Lacey and Théo definitely have a connection, but it’s not an insta-love one that I can’t stand. They’re attracted to each other, but while reading we slowly seeing them fall in love. I think that was my favorite part.
Théo is a hard worker and has always had to work hard for everything, so he has a hard time letting go. Everything needs to be planned and just having fun isn’t something he normally does. It’s fun watching him let loose and enjoying himself with Lacey around.
Lacey has always worked really hard, so actually letting someone take care of her is hard. I think Lacey is really brave though. I can’t imagine how hard it was to let her brother face his problems the way she did. After losing everything she’s known, she really bounces back. Lacey is caring and smart. She adapts fast and makes friends really easily.
The romance in this book is really sweet and the family drama is extreme! I have never read about a family like this! It’s interesting though and I’m curious to see how everything in this family will continue. I also enjoyed the hockey aspects. The romance didn’t take over and I even learned some things I never knew. There was a great balance of romance, sports and family.
Play to Win is a book I read in one sitting and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next books in this series. If you’re looking for a sports romance with great characters, a family with lots of drama, humor, romance and even some hockey, this book is for you!
I really recommend this book! If you decide to read it, definitely let me know what you think!
