Rating: ★★★★✬ (4.5/5 Stars)
Title: Play to Win
Author(s): Kelly Jamieson
Character(s):
― Lacey Olson: 24 years old, Blonde, Brown Eyed
― Théo Wynn: 28 years old, Brunette
Setting: California
Tag(s): Romance, Contemporary, Sports
Content Rating: Alternates between Heroine/Hero
POV: Alternates between Heroine/Hero
Smexy Level: Hot
Favorite Quote(s):
― “I promise to put you first . . . always.”
― “You’ll remember this, won’t you? I don’t want to tell our grandkids that I proposed while Grandma was lit.”
Overall Opinion:
Kelly Jamieson surely delivered with “Play To Win” but let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good sports romance filled with family rivalry? The drama filled lives of Theo and Lacey with their chaotic families, one sibling stealing their brother girlfriend while another pimps them out to repay their debts, left me intrigued and the bombshell attraction between the leads were notable. The relationship started off unorthodox ― meeting at a restaurant, getting fired and then hopping off to a Vega wedding chapel to get married before moving to California to starts their new lives. From the get-go it was obvious that the leads were flaw human beings and just like everyone else in the real world, dealt with the highs and lows of creating a solid foundation in their relationship. Let's also mentioned the relationship developed in a span of a few months, allowing the romance and relationship time to grow. Lacey and Theo were a good mesh together, the premise was solid and the hot-mess of the Wynn family left me wanting more. I seriously can’t wait to read the rest of the Wynn family stories and I look forward to Theo edition when it’s released later on this year.

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Talk about family dynamics! The feud between Theo’s father, uncle & grandfather keeps getting bigger. Now his grandfather wants to hire him to manage the hockey team he owns that is in direct competition with the team Theo’s father owns & brother manages. Theo wants to prove himself to the family & enact a little revenge against the brother that betrayed him. His grandfather gives him the chance. Now he just needs the lovely lady on his arm. At his going away party, he meets the One.

Lacey can’t take much more. Every time she starts to get ahead, her brother drags her down. Now he’s not only taken what little money she has, he’s put her in danger. Now she’s on the way out of town to protect herself - married to Theo. What has she done?

I really enjoyed Theo & Lacey. The chemistry between them was easy to pick up & they have a great relationship. The dynamic between them changes between the fun & witty banter of friends to the tense & sexy vibe of lovers. The family dynamics between Theo, his grandfather & the rest of the family reminds me of the battles in any family. There still is an underlying love & affection that ends up battling the hurt, pride & loss. Great story! ( )

Kelly Jamieson has a breakout with PLAY TO WIN, the first book in the Wyn Hockey series. Needing to prove himself to his family, Théo Wynn accepts the position of general manager of the NHL team, the Los Angeles Condors. He enlists the help of Lacey Olson to get her out of Las Vegas. The two decide to get married to help with his plan. This contemporary sports romance is suitable for adult audiences.

Kelly Jamieson does an amazing job laying the foundation to the Wynn series. The Wynn family is very complicated. Jamieson does a fantastic job of explaining the history and dynamics of the family. Both Théo and Lacey have been betrayed by their brothers. I love that they meet each other and help one another with their issues.

Théo is a likable hero. His NHL career was cut short due to an injury. He pursues a job in NHL management. I felt horrible for him and what happened with his previous relationship. It is understandable why he enlists Lacey’s help. Lacey is a sweet heroine. Her brother is a gambling addict who abused their relationship. The two are good for one another. I appreciated that Lacey helps Théo relax and enjoy himself, instead of analyzing everything.

I am a huge fan of Kelly Jamieson. I enjoy her writing style. PLAY TO WIN is an amazing start to the Wynn series. I like how it ties into the Aces Hockey series. There is a lot of interesting drama with the Wynn family. I’m looking forward to the rest of this series to find out how everything unfolds. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book. ( )

Play to Win is no cookie cutter romance. Lacey and Theo do have to tackle a few stereotypical fairytale aspects, but Jamieson packs in a bit of modern attitude to balance out some of the old. For instance, Theo has a knack for rescuing a damsel in distress, but he's no White Knight. Prince Charming wears glasses, loves numbers and is not afraid to show off his sensitive side. When Lacey finds herself in a bind, she refuses to be a victim and she finds her warrior in the most surprising of places. Play to Win fights it's way through the fantasy of who can be a hero and gives it a realistic shine. ( )

Anytime you get a book from Kelly you know you are going to enjoy it, especially if it is about hot hockey players at least to me anyway..I hate when her series ends so I was excited that we started a new series with the Wyn family and my friends have fun trying to keep all of them on track. So we meet Theo who unfortunately for him, his hockey career ended but he has a new venture to follow, the LA Condors, he now working for his colorful grandpa who I personally enjoyed. Anyhoo he meets Lacey who is struggling with her gambling addict of a brother (but she still loves him and wants to help him) Theo and Lacey get together for a make believe marriage but as you and I know those are the best and never stay make believe..Enjoy!

Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) Voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions. ( )