Play to Win is the first book in the Wynn Hockey series, written by author Kelly Jamieson. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone, however, I strongly recommend reading each book as they become available. Kelly Jamieson will focus on a main set of characters in each book, but she will also give updates on the reoccurring and supporting cast of characters as well.

Members of the Wynn family all have a stake in hockey, whether it is owning rival NHL teams, coaching the rival teams, or playing for rival teams...it is easy to see why there is a family feud going on. Bob Wynn is the head of the Wynn family, and he is also the owner of the California Condors, a team that has been on a major losing streak. Bob wants to turn the team around, and he has just the right person in mind for the job...his grandson Theo.

Theo Wynn was a professional hockey player until he had to give up playing due to an injury. Theo then turned to his brilliance with numbers, and uses that knowledge to help players advance their game. He has just accepted a general manager position for the California Condors, a NHL team owned by his grandfather...and a rival of the Long Beach Golden Eagles...a team owned by his father Matthew. Theo wants nothing more than to prove himself to his family, and he will do whatever it takes to win.

Lacey Olson has had a difficult life, and her life has become even more difficult now that her brother Chris is once again in trouble. It was bad enough that he cleaned out her bank account, but now he is nowhere to be found. Apparently, Lacey is not the only one looking for him because two guys show up at Lacey's job, and they mean business. Luckily for Lacey, a customer comes to her rescue and helps her escape from the two men looking for her brother. Little does she know, but this stranger is going to change her life in ways she never expected.

Theo is out celebrating his last night in Las Vegas with members from the team, when he sees a waitress being harassed. Theo immediately steps in to help her, and is instantly drawn to her. Theo is not one to make crazy decisions without thinking things through, but it is obvious this woman needs help. What he never expected was for his act of kindness to turn into a quick Las Vegas wedding the night before he leaves to begin his new job in California.

Theo and Lacey arrive in California, and both are trying to "pretend" that they are the happy newlyweds, but only they know the real truth...this is a marriage of convenience. The attraction they feel towards one another is undeniable, but they both know this is only a temporary situation. After all, they are complete opposites. Theo is always planning and rationalizing every decision he makes, and Lacey is more spontaneous. Theo is a neat freak, and Lacey tends to be unorganized. As the days turn into weeks, they begin to adjust to one another...if only they would realize that they are actually perfect for one another!

I absolutely loved Play to Win, and thought that Theo and Lacey perfectly complimented one another! Theo and Lacey have both been hurt in the past, and both are afraid of taking the chance on one another because of that hurt they both experienced in past relationships. What may have started as a fake marriage, definitely leads them not only into friendship, but into love as well. The Wynn family adds a great dynamic to the story line, and I especially loved the fact that Lacey seems to fit right in, much to Theo's surprise. As with any family drama, a big part of it is the lack of communication, in addition to some members feeling like everything is a competition.

Overall, Play to Win is a terrific start to the new Wynn Hockey series! Kelly Jamieson always writes amazing series, and the character developments are pure joy to follow. I was truly heartbroken when her Aces Hockey series ended, but must admit that she completely redeemed herself with this new series. I am looking forward to reading this series about the Wynn hockey family, and seeing the behind the scenes look into what it takes to own, manage and coach an NHL team. This is a different approach for Kelly, and one in which I will be patiently waiting to follow along with. The one thing about any hockey series by Kelly Jamieson is that she writes from the heart, and her love of hockey is portrayed in each and every story. Her characters are always realistic, facing every day problems that we can all relate to. I hope you enjoy Play to Win as much as I have!

I would like to thank Kelly Jamieson and Random House Publishing Group-Loveswept for allowing me the opportunity to read and review Play to Win. My views are my own, and are in no way influenced by anyone else.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance
Triggers: Addiction and all that comes with that.

This is a book more about being yourself than romance. While there is a romance, I really enjoyed watching the put-together Théo take a walk on the wild side with Lacey. She was able to bring out the goofball side of his personality and it was fun to see them have fun.

Lacey is hoping to get out of town when her twin brother puts her in a very dangerous and vulnerable position. Théo just happens to be there to help her with that.

What these two begin is a journey of discovery, friendship, and love. It was a funny story and full of jokes and laughter. I really liked how Lacey was able to get Théo to not take himself so seriously. It's a quick read that leaves you feeling good afterwards. I really want to see books for Taylor and JP, as I think they have very interesting books coming. I can't wait!


Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars

This is the first book in a new hockey series and what a beginning it is. This is Théo and Lacey's story and it is fun, caring, lustful, family drama, and full of love.

Théo Wynn is part of the Wynn family and hockey dynasty, he played hockey until an injury took him off the ice for good. Now his grandfather wants him to be general manager of the Los Angeles Condors. While grandpa thinks he can push Théo into being a yes man, Théo will make his own decisions about the team. Before he leaves Vegas, his team takes him out for a goodbye celebration and he meets Lacey. She is their waitress and he is drawn to her.

Lacey Olson isn't having a good life. After her mother died, her twin brother was supposed to help her with the bills and help pay the debts owed. But he is more worried about gambling the money away and winning big than getting paid the honest way by getting a real job.

When things suddenly go wrong and Lacey needs to get out of Vegas, Théo has the perfect plan. She should go to L.A. with Théo until it is safe for her to go back to Vegas. After several drinks, a quick Vegas wedding and they are on their way. Lacey has a way out of town and Théo has a beautiful woman on his arm.

Can Théo and Lacey keep the relationship casual without fall for each other? Will Lacey's problems from Vegas come looking for her in L.A.? Will Théo show his grandfather that he can be a good manager for the Condors?

I love a good sports romance and this one was great, it kept me reading and left me wanting more. I can't wait for the next one. If you are looking for a new hockey series, then this one is it, hope you enjoy it as much as I have.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the first book in a new series and has quite a significant amount of world building it in, as the Wynn dynasty is somewhat complicated and definitely fractured! Théo, who is the lead in this story, is learning that his change of employer brings on some unexpected revelations about the family dynamics. I enjoyed this side of the story, but do be ready to get your head around the players in this new series - and then there are the hockey stars!

As we get to meet Théo and Lacey and have knowledge of their whole relationship from evening one, it is useful that we get both their sides of the story. There is really no side to either of them, they are both good people, but wow, their one night of rebellion has a significant outcome. And moving forward is both entertaining and very sweet.

Lacey is a fascinating mix of worldly and yet innocent. She has had to be such a grown up since her mother died, and her brother has really lost it when he sends his debt collectors after her. It really is true that Théo saved her from a terrible fate - but he considers that she too has given him the confidence he needed to face his family, and most especially his brother. It is therefore eminently right that they both help the other's brother to make amends.

The way in which Théo's original career had been cut short is horrible, but I loved his take on hockey, the impact of analysis, and his plans for the draft. It is setting up some very interesting stories as his team uses his systems to improve their chances of a Stanley Cup. Cannot wait!

Any fan of Jamieson would know that there would be a fabulously satisfying ending, but the journey there definitely had some interesting roadblocks. In the end though, we are set up perfectly for some more Wynn romance in the future.

You guys …. The Wynn family puts the functional in dysfunctional and it works hilariously well! I’m still laughing days later ………… I mean there’s so much frikking laughter! I cannot wait for the rest of the family to get their story! Like I want them yesterday!!!

So obviously this was a total #win for me. It was easy and fun and not over the top in the least. It was absolutely relatable, and you cannot help but want to be their friend!

”Meet the Wynns—a hockey dynasty built on family, money, and drama.” truer words have never been written!

This is the first book by this author I have read. I am glad I took the chance. The Wynn family is one crazy family! This story had me smiling, laughing, crying a little, and a bit of action. Great characters! This is a great romance set in the hockey world. I will be looking for new releases by this author.

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.

This is the second book from Kelly Jamieson that I have read and I am not disappointed. The story follows Theo and Lacey. They have an unconventional first meeting that ends with marriage. Both characters are vulnerable, have been emotionally wounded and need each other more than they believe. The reader is fortunate in that they get to go along with them on this journey of self discovery and healing.
The book is well written. The bedroom scenes are steamy. The characters’ flaws and strengths are fully explored. Complicated personal relationships are explained well.
This book is entertaining & easy to read. Kelly Jamieson has convinced me to keep looking for more of her books. She has easily become a new favorite author.

Theo has agreed to take on the GM position for his grandfather hockey team in LA. At his farewell party at a hot Vegas strip bar he meets Lacey his waitress. There is just something about her that draws him in and he marries her that night. Lacey is struggling to find her footing with the crazy Wynn family and deal with her brother who is still in Vegas. Theo and Lacey have to learn to trust in each other and see where it takes them in their marriage. Can two polar opposite people work, yes they can.

I loved this marriage of convenience trope that Jamieson has started her new Wynn Hockey with. The Wynn family is insane in a good way and I want to know more about them now.

I adore Kelly Jamieson and though I could TELL you all the reasons why, I'd rather you just grab a copy of her latest, Play to Win, and find out for yourself. Guys, you won't be disappointed by this fake marriage/hockey romance/rom-com with all the feels. I was left smiling, feeling good and positively impatient for the next member of the dys-FUN-ctional Wynn clan to get their HEA. Gimme more, Kelly!!

This book offended me on so many levels. Theo sees Lacey having some difficulties and inserts himself into her life. She lets him. They run off and get married on a drunken whim (they're in Vegas). She up and moves with him to another state after knowing him for one day and they pretend to be real man and wife so he can lie to his family. No. Just no.

‘Play to Win’ is the first book of Kelly Jamieson’s new hockey series. I really enjoyed ‘Aces Hockey’ series but I got a feeling that ‘Wynn Hockey’ will be much better. Wynn family is a hockey dynasty and everyone is involved in hockey in someway. They are a big family and when the family is big there are usually tons of dramas, sons suing their father, brother stealing brother’s girlfriend but these family dynamics definitely seems to keep things interesting through the series.

After a career ending injury, our hero, Theo Wynn takes a managerial duty in Las Vegas hockey team. When his grandfather offers him a job and he accepts to become the General Manager of California Condors. But the idea of going back home doesn’t feel too appealing to Theo. He has too much to prove to his family and his backstabbing brother. On his last night during his farewell celebration, he saves their waitress being harassed by two guys. But his saving wasn’t enough because she gets fired right after the event. Lacey Olson is dealing with his gambling addict brother Chris and his gambling debt. Thanks to his brother now there are bookies harassing her. After getting rescued by the hot stranger and getting fired, she was invited to have a drink with his rescuer. Theo always has a plan but Lacey makes him do crazy things, like jumping into a pool fully clothed, getting married with a total stranger and taking her back to LA with him. After their quickie fake marriage, Theo’s life turns into a more entertaining and fun. Their attraction for each other is undeniable and with each minute they share, they start caring and depending on each other. When their fake marriage starts feeling not that fake any more, past shows its face and messes everything up for them. Will they get their HEA? That is for you to find out :)

‘Play to Win’ is sweet, inspiring, heartwarming and sexy story, you won’t be able to put it down until you are done with it. Kelly Jamieson and Wynn Hockey definitely becomes an auto buy for me. I cannot wait to get my hands on the second book of the series ‘In It to Win It’ in July and amazing thing is it is about the two people I was dying to read more JP and Taylor :)

P.S. I hope Everlyn’s story will be out sooner than later :)

Would I recommend this book: Yes.
Would I re-read this book: Already did.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.

I loved this story of Lacey and Theo, how they met and what happens after that. Theo is so hunky and now a GM, bc sadly he was injured and it sidelined his playing career.
Lacey is a gorgeous woman who finds herself in trouble, so when Theo offers a solution she goes with it. May have been a wee bit of alcohol involved lol. Their chemistry was smoking even tho they were opposites and I enjoyed reading their ups and downs, along with their quirks and banter.
The Wynn dynasty was a bit overwhelming with the many character intros, dirty laundry airing, etc. and I just didn't cohese with all that in the 1st book. That, to me, made it feel 2nd or 3rd generation, depending on which family of ol Bob you would be talking to.
I do look forward to reading more in this series, as I'm sure it will all make sense and flow smoothly moving forward.
I received an ARC thru NetGalley and am freely giving my honest opinions on Play To Win!

In Play To Win by Kelly Jamieson, we are introduced to the Wynn Dynasty and boy are they a crazy bunch! Meet Theo Wynn an ex-Hockey player which happens to be the grandson of a Hockey legend. He’s constantly trying to prove himself off the ice with his brilliant mind and he is a tad rigid and OCD but also SEXY as sin!

Lacey Olson has done nothing but take care of everyone around her since she was 15. She’s worked so many different jobs just to make ends meet. She finds herself looking to get out of Vegas and fast after her brother borrows money from the wrong people.

When Lacey meets Theo and he suggests a quick marriage in Vegas that will help both of them with their problems. First Lacey relocating to L.A. and Theo will be getting back at his brother with a beautiful woman on his arm. What they don’t figure into the equation is the spark they feel between them!

This is my first read by author Kelly Jamieson and I have to say I read this book in a day! I’m not a big sports fan but this story takes us through so much more than just a sport. There’s so many emotions high and low, some twists and turns, and you will fall in love with both Theo and Lacey! Although, Theo came from a big family I didn’t find it hard to keep up with the different characters. The way Kelly Jamieson wrote about these characters made them each have a little something to stand out and remember them by without bogging you down trying to keep up! I CAN NOT WAIT to read the second book in the Wynn Series coming in July! Yes, I’ve already looked because I want to dive deeper into this family and the wonderful characters!

Goodness me there's a lot going on here - several different plot threads, and a scarily wide reaching cast of characters. however, the author manages to pull this all together well.

The writing is decent and the characters are pretty well fleshed out. I mean, don't come to this book expecting it to buck a trope trend - it will give you exactly what you expect. but sometimes, consistent delivery is just what a reader needs.  

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

Kelly Jamieson and hockey romance novels just go hand in hand together. Every time I read one of her novels, I just know I am going to love it and can't wait for the next one.
Play To Win is the first book in a new series - Wynn Hockey. I must admit I was confused at the start as to who was who. This family is just so big, and even though at the start Kelly does list all the family members and where they fall in the family tree, it did take me a while to get it together.
One thing though about this being a huge family - I predict there will be many, many books. Yay!!!
Theo and Lacey's story is a trope that has been used time and again. There were times I guess I knew what was going to happen next, but needless to say, I enjoyed every word of Kelly's version.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.

Reviewed by Deborah from <a href="http://www.alphabookclub.org/">Alpha Book Club</a> <br><img src="https://alphabookclub.org/wp-content/uploads/Deborah.png" width="150" height="150" alt="description"/> <img src="http://alphabookclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/ABC_Pinterest.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="description"/>

Lacey and Theo met in a conventional way but they got married in a way that a lot of people tend to do. A night of drinking and feeling sorry for one self can lead to a night they both will not forget. While Theo is out celebrating his new job, Lacey is trying to keep her head above water because her brother has once again upended her life. With Lacey in trouble with her brothers’ bookies and Theo wanted to save face with the family there is something bound to happen that night. Theo comes up with a plan to get married so that he can go home with a woman on his arms to show everyone he has moved on from the ex that did him wrong. Lacey takes the deal because she needs to get away from the people after her because of her brother. After that night though they head to Theo’s home to begin their married life. The come up with a solution to keep their feelings out of it but sometimes the best laid plains fail. Lacey is a girl living her life to survive and when she finds herself falling for Theo it is not met with happiness. Theo is analytical and not about the emotions. He has a hard time figuring out people’s emotions and has hard time dealing with his own. When he and Lacey finally get together in the best way, they find it hard to keep their emotions at bay. Until one day Theo ruins it all and his past comes back to haunt him. Lacey tells him he needs to face the past in order to have a future. When he realizes that there is more to him and Lacey will he do the right thing and fight for her or will he let her stay gone forever. I like heir story and the way the author made each of the characters unique in their own way. Theo was the practical and logical one with Lacey being the one afraid to take risk and living her life trying to survive. They met at the right time and it was slow build in their relationship that I think was perfect for their story. It’s a sweet romance with some family drama thrown in and a quickie wedding to whet your appetite.

Lacey had no idea what she was in for when she met Theo Wynn. He was out for his last night in Vegas before moving to California to start his new job as GM for the Los Angeles Condors. Lacey finds out that her brother is in more debt that she can even contemplate and the thugs after him was to use her as payment. Theo steps in and so begins their journey. Theo was honest and said he wanted Lacey to bring to his next family function so he didn't have to face his brother, JP and the woman he stole from him, Emma. I wasn't quite prepared for the quickie wedding within hours of meeting each other, but for these 2 it worked. They could not have been more different in their life philosophies but they did bring out the best in each other. '

Kelly Jamieson did a great job of showing what a general manager of a hockey team does. Her stories usually center on the players, so this was an interesting change for me. Theo is a numbers guy and he needs that knowledge to help him figure out what he is going to do to get the Condors to be a winning hockey team.

The Wynn family has a lot of dysfunction in it. They sue each other, yell at each other and declare all out war on each other with no shame. In short, they are a hoot to read. There is no filter with them and it is interesting to see how they interact with each other. Lacey only has her twin brother to rely on and, suffice to say, that is not working out well for her. I did like how she made new friends and seemed to put herself out there and now just wallow in what happened to cause her to have to flee Vegas. The fact these 2 learn to depend on each other was pretty significant in this story. I won't give away what happens, but it was a good read. I am quite interested to see where Kelly Jamieson goes with this series.

You have to read this book it is captivating. Awesome story line with a little steamy love thrown in. Theo is a overachiever scared of being rejected and Lacey needs security. Throw in a quick Vegas wedding and then the relationship starts. Will they realize they love each other?

5 Stars ... I loved this book!

Its Théo's last night in Vegas and he's out at the bar celebrating ... he's going to be the General Manager for Grandfather's hockey team in LA. When the waitress (Lacey) gets fired, he talks her into joining his moving celebration. By the end of the night it's just the two of them and he finds out that Lacey's brother has a gambling problem and there are guys after Lacey to get to her brother. Théo and Lacey end up in a quickie wedding so that she can get away from her brother and his problems. And Théo can have a beautiful bride by his side when he returns home to his cheating ex-girlfriend, who happened to cheat with his brother and now they're together.

Théo is just a sweetheart ... I couldn't help but love him. I loved the fact that he wasn't portrayed as a womanizer ... he's just a regular guy. And Lacey ... I couldn't help but be drawn to her infectious attitude. She makes friends easily and has a welcoming way about her. Théo and Lacey just seemed to be the perfect couple. Too bad it wasn't a real marriage. The banter between Théo and Lacey just seemed to realistic. Also there is a great cast of supporting characters that I know will all have stories in this series. Ms. Jamieson sure knows her stuff with hockey. I have read a lot of Ms. Jamieson's book and I have never come across one I didn't like. A great start to a new series and I highly recommend it.

I received an early copy courtesy of Random House-Loveswept through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

I always look forward to reading the newest Kelly Jamieson but this one went above and beyond. Cant wait to read the rest of the Wynn family members’ stories. At first seeing the long list of characters I was concerned I wouldnt be able to remember all of them and their relationships but the writing was good enough that it wasnt an issue. I would definitely recommend this title!

Fake marriage becomes a real marriage!

Théo Wynn got a job offer from his grandfather to be the general manager of the hockey team he owned even though he knew this would cause a lot of conflict because of all the family conflict. On his last night in Las Vegas, his friends took him to a bar as a going away party. Waitress Lacey Olson is having a crappy day when her twin brother emptied her bank account because he was compulsive gambler and she was fired from her job waitressing because she didn’t want to sit with the guys her brother owed money to. Théo asked Lacey to marry him temporarily so his family wouldn’t ask him any questions since his brother was now dating his ex-girlfriend.

Lacey is more outgoing and Théo new to his job and busy with the very messy family dynamics make it a very good story with some twits and turns. I already preordered the next two books in the series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.