Cover Image: Play to Win

Play to Win

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Member Reviews

3.5 Stars

I'm a fan of Kelly Jamieson's hockey romances, so when I saw that she was releasing a new series it's safe to say I was intrigued and quite eager to read Play to Win.

The Wynn family is large, complex and completely dysfunctional. There is so much jealousy, anger, hurt and betrayal that revolves around the various members of this family, not to mention their competitive natures it's sure to be an interesting series.

What starts as a marriage of convenience between two opposites, was quite different to the hockey story I was expecting.

Theo Wynn is a former NHL player, so he buff and brawny, but also a bit of a nerd. He's quite the contradiction and has a point to prove to his family, in particular his younger brother. I really liked his drive, intelligence and determination.

Lacey is Theo's opposite whilst he organised and goal orientated, she's more flighty and free spirted but still very honest which I really liked.

With all the drama and large family, it took me a while to figure out how the characters fit in and are connected, but now i'm quite intrigued by this dysfunctional dynastic family, and look forward to reading the next Wynn Hockey title.

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OH MY HELL these Wynn's are something else, and I can already tell that the Wynn Hockey series is going to be EPIC, just from the family dinner! But let me talk about Play to Win, which the first book in this newest series by the brilliant Kelly Jamieson. It all starts with Theo Wynn, who used to play pro hockey until a career ending injury took him out, now he works in the front office. His wily grandfather has poached Theo from the Las Vegas team to make him GM of his team, which isn't going over with the rest of the family, since they all don't get along, well it's kind of a family feud between Theo's grandfather & his sons, including Theo's own father. But see, Theo wants to to prove himself, so he goes for it. Now, on his last night, he goes out to a club, and this is where he meets Lacey Olson, who is having a bad night. She learned that her twin brother cleaned out her banking account, then some men that he owed money to came in to her job to threaten her because her brother tried to pimp her out. When that didn't work, those men got her fired, and she was also in danger. Theo got the story out of her, and on the spur of the moment talked her into going to California with him, and they also got married. Yeah, married, but it was supposed to be in name only. However, Lacey turns his orderly life into chaos quickly, and he finds that he quite likes it, plus they have serious chemistry. It makes for sexy times that light the sheets on fire from time to time, though some very frustrating push & pull happens as well. Then there's the fun of Lacey, who no one can hate, as she's just a ray of sunshine, so I laughed at her antics, and interactions especially with Theo, who could be a bit stuffy from time to time. And the family dinner? OMG! What an insane night! Made for an interesting cast of secondaries, along with some f-bomb dropping worthy twists to the mix as well, and future books to come! So Welcome to the Wynn Family, as HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL

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Marriage of convenience is always a favourite of mine and Play To Win wasn’t a disappointment. Théo and Lacey’s relationship starts out that way but it becomes so much more as they spend time together and when they realize the chemistry between them can’t be denied and a more meaning full relationship develops....what do they do?
A terrific, intense story, which has hot sexy lovers. No hockey action in this one, Théo is general manager so a little hockey talk. There’s also gambling addiction to contend with.
This was a thrilling read and a great start the new series, I’m looking forward for more and can’t wait or the next.

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I loved this book. Theo is definitely book boyfriend material, but I think what caught my interest more was the large family involved and Lacey's knack at bringing them together. I love the premise, one of my favorites. They have to overcome so much past and it is so fulfilling to follow them as they find their HEA.

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I genuinely enjoyed this new entry into Kelly Jamieson's hockey romance series. Lacey and Theo were great characters, with fun interactions that made me laugh. The secondary characters were also a lot of fun, and I am really looking forward to future books in this series.

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What a great start! Kelly Jamieson never seems to disappoint. I look forward to more in this series.

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This was a great start to a new series! Lacey and Théo's story of two strangers marrying in Vegas and falling in love as they got to know each other, was far-fetched, but somehow worked. Their motivations and feelings were plausible and the pacing of the evolution of their feelings was just right. Both characters were very likable and the interactions had me smiling and even outright laughing throughout the book. I am charmed by this very messy, very imperfect family and looking forward to discovering PJ's story next.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Wow! There are no words to explain how much I loved this book! There were a few errors with the characters. Like family members names and hair color being changed or switched. Which I'm sure will be fixed in the final copies. I adored how Théo was sexy and nerdy, which not many main guy charactersare! And Lacey was super cute! I loved all the family drama, I think that really added to the growth of the plot. Over all definitely a good romance read!
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I received an arc for an honest review.
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Thank you, Netgally and Kelly Jamieson

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Play to Win is a wonderful start to Kelly Jamieson's new series. Theo and Lacey have their own obstacles to overcome but find that it is easier to do when they work together. What starts off as a sham marriage ends up being so much more when their true feelings come out. They have such wonderful chemistry together and are each others biggest supports. The Wynn family is full of drama and chaos that you just can't help but love. I can't wait to find out what happens next to this family.

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I love the start of this new series by Kelly!
Meet Theo` Wynn, had to cut his NHL career short because of an eye injury, and is currently taking a position with his Grandfathers team the LA Condors, leaving the Vegas team behind. He's an analytical kind of guy, numbers don't lie, and he's going to build this team by following not only the numbers but his gut too. When he's out celebrating with friends in Vegas on his last night there, he's taken with the waitress, Lacey Olsen that's working at the club, and when he see's she is in some danger, he makes her a proposition that she can't refuse.
Follow their story as these two navigate their move to LA. 5 hockey pucks for this one! Grab it asap!

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Kelly Jamieson does it again! This book is a little bit different than other Jamieson books. I will admit it took a little bit to get into the groove of this book, but once it captures you, you are all in!

This is the first book in a new series by Jamieson about the Wynn Family. It still involves hockey, and the same steam as her usual books. This one focuses on the General Manager of a team, versus the hockey player. The Wynn Family brings lots of drama to the table, and sometimes it is hard to keep it all straight and all the different family triangles involved, but it sure does keep everything interesting!

On Theo's last night out on the town, he meets Lacey, who needs to escape town and get away from her brother, who continually uses her, not for good. Drinks lead to more drinks, and then Lacey is moving with Theo to his new job as General Manager.

Lots of twists and turns to keep you focused and turning the page for more!

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The first of the Wynn Hockey series, and this was so good!! Lacey's stuck in a bit of a bad place, her brother is a d-bag that stole her last dime and now the people he owes money to are coming after Lacey for payment. Theo is celebrating his new job, a job that has him moving back to California where his crazy family are, where his girlfriend stealing brother is. After saving Lacey from the goons that are after her brother, Theo pulls Lacey into the celebration with him and the two end up having an amazing night, one filled with booze, jumping in pools fully dressed, and getting married. The plan is simple, Theo helps keep Lacey safe by taking her to Cali with him, in turn she helps by making it look like he has moved on from the ex-girlfriend. What happens when feelings start getting involved? Will the two be able to keep up this fake relationship even though it's getting very real?

I really enjoyed this story! With funny moments, like seriously some laugh out loud moments, loads of drama, and some really steamy hot naughty bits. The Wynn has some issues that are going to rival a soap opera, and I am excited to see that soap opera play out. Lacey and Theo's story was entertaining and I give it 4 stars.

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I really liked this book and excited for this series.

This book introduces us to the Wynn Dynasty book one was a great introduction to the family and the drama!

Theo a GM of a hockey team that belongs to his grandfather, a rival team of his father's is only one of the families interesting relationships. He is leaving Vegas for a new opportunity in California and is out for one last night with his tea in Vegas.... when he meets Lacey Olson who has her own family drama.

A night out for Theo is a night happens to be the night Lacey loses her job. Although their interactions have been for only one evening, Theo feels something for Lacey and wants to protect her from the trouble he seems to understand is bigger than even her understands.

A few drinks= a friendly marriage to help Theo move back home, and protect Lacey....once they arrive in LA, Theo sees they are very different, but he welcomes their relationship. Lacey sees him in a different light and wants more than she know he is looking for.

There are sparks and interest, add in a little family drama and you just never know what will happen with love.

I loved this book and looking forward to book 2!

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4 star

I was pulled right into this story. The story has pain, laughs, naughty fun, and heartbreak.

This is Lacey and Theo’s story. Theo is out to prove to everyone including his family that he is just a successful even after being injured and not being able to play hockey anymore. Now he is the general manager of his grandfather’s NHL team. He has everything he need except a woman to share his success. Theo meets Lacey when he rescues her. A few drinks, some conversation, and a quickie wedding and he is taking her home with him. It was supposed to be all for show but what happens when they start falling? Theo is in big trouble because he only plays to win and if he wants her, he is going to win her over. Is she ready for that? He’s into a well-ordered life and she is making him live. Can she loosen him up?

I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I recommend this book.

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I was really enjoying this for the first couple of chapters; Lacey was enjoyable despite her circumstances and Theo had potential. And then I felt like it was trying too hard. There were several instances of the characters "staying woke" and using vernacular that I thought teenagers would use. I felt like I was listening to mature adults trying to sound "cool". The plot was okay, your typical fake marriage trope, but the conflict was pretty weak. Lacey gave up way too easily.

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This was a great read. I have enjoyed every book that I have read by Kelly Jamieson. Another title of hers that I would recommend would be “Jilted”.

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Play to Win is the first in a new hockey dynasty series by Kelly Jamieson. It has everything I'd usually like in a romance novel, a Vegas marriage to a stranger, convoluted family issues, a mansion on the beach. Unfortunately you could really tell this was going to be a big series and it was to the books detriment. There were too many backstories, too many characters and not enough character development. I think this will be one of those series that works themselves out by book number three.

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I voluntarily received a copy of this book for an honest review!

So in love with is. Of course I’m a huge fan of people getting married on the fly and falling in love against all odds.

I was in love with the characters straight away and dealing with their perspective families was hilarious. I wanted evil Emma t9 get her due. Like I wanted to hear the nitty gritty of everything com8ng to a head with her.

Taylor and Bryon, how can a girl get better friends then someone with a dog. Lol! I’m a sap for animals. But there relationship is great and the support she gets from Taylor is perfect.

The book wasn’t too long at all in fact I wanted an Epilogue with babies!

Jp’s relationship with his brother...those are fragile things and even if you think your sibling is better hold on to it. They can be your best friend or worst enemy and we see both side of the coin here.

Theo and Lacey are completely adorable and they have the best sort of fun!

I will be looking for more from this author!

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This is a brand new series from Kelly Jamieson though I'm not as well read from her I like her writing and characters. This focuses on the Wynn Dynasty a hockey family through in through, with owners, players, coaches just generally involved in the sport. That is an interesting concept, it involves a lot of new names to intro and backgrounds for the future books. With some family drama and issues along the way, intriguing family dynamics that fuel part of who Theo is. Lacey has her own family issues.

I gotta say I loved that this was more on the management side of hockey, sports romance is general are more focused on the players and game play. So having Theo as a general manager was great, all the trades, drafts, managing and behind the scenes. The author knows her hockey which is good for fans. Theo wants to rebuild and change things with the Condors, he's statistician but trade and focuses on that. I think it's pretty brilliant to look at stats how to manage a team and playing he thought process was smart.

Theo and Lacey started out unusual with a Vegas wedding to help Lacey escape a mob her brother owes money from and all that. They are both different one is rigid and a planner, the other more carefree and light. It's a nice balance. But they get along well, the sexual tension is there but they don't act on it. They are married friends without benefits till tthe sparks become so overheated. They have the physical down pat now is the emotional aspect. Lacey helps calm Theo and appreciates him, Theo makes Lacey feel cherished which is also good.

With Theo having burned before he can often have a one track mind and with him trying to prove himself in his new job he forgets what's more important. He'll have to step it up if he doesn't wanna lose Lacey for good. This was s great start to this hockey family! So curious on what happens next or who will end up with who. I'm sure we will see more of Theo and Lacey is the upcoming books. I enjoyed this one a lot, lots behind the scenes hockey and a heartfelt romance.

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This will be a great series! I can always tell by the foundation the author lays in the first book and this side of the family of hockey dysfunction will be great! Super fun Vegas wedding that leads to true love with some realistic family drama on both sides (one on the expensive side of the track, the other not). These two are just what the other needed and you'll find yourself pulling for them through the whole read!

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