A second chance romance that will hit a slap shot straight into your heart. Stacey Lynn's hockey series are a combination of finding the one you love and getting the opportunity to try again.

Playing to Win by Stacey Lynn is a charming and captivating second-chance romance that will leave you wanting more. The story is well-paced and the characters are well-developed, making it easy to connect with them and understand their motivations. The chemistry between Jude and Katie is palpable and their interactions are both sweet and steamy.

The author does an excellent job of exploring the complexities of their past relationship and how it impacts their present. The plot is engaging and keeps you invested in the story from beginning to end. The supporting characters also add depth and nuance to the story, making it a well-rounded read.

Overall, Playing to Win is a delightful start to the series and is perfect for fans of sports romance and second-chance romance. I highly recommend it and look forward to reading more from this author.

I don't normally go for sports romances... or audiobooks, but I love hockey, so I gave this one a chance! I'm really, REALLY glad I saw this on NetGalley.

Playing to Win is the first book in the Ice Kings series by Stacey Lynn. It's a steamy hockey romance featuring Jude Taylor and Katie Carter. Jude and Katie knew each other in college, they had one hot night together- then the next morning, he was gone. And now, five years later, Jude is a right winger for the Carolina Ice Kings and has been seriously injured during a recent game. He’s sent to his hometown to recuperate and realizes he’s going to be doing his rehab at the place where Katie is a physical therapist.

Their chemistry is still evident and it's clear that they both have strong feelings for each other. Jude is determined not to let her slip away again and is willing to fight for their relationship. Katie, on the other hand, is scared of being hurt and is hesitant to give in to her feelings. As they spend more time together, they both realize that they want to be together and their emotional bond grows stronger.

Although some might say that Katie gives in too easily, Jude does an excellent job of explaining himself and she takes some responsibility for cutting off all contact with him. Despite Jude's good looks, charm, and determination, it's Katie who initially holds the reins in their relationship. Their journey is a treat to read and watching their emotional bond grow is heartwarming.

 A second-chance love story with fun characters and an exciting storyline. If you're a fan of hockey/sports romances or just looking for a new series to dive into. Kate and Jude's journey to finding their way back to each other was beautiful, and I highly recommend it!

I was not able to download or listen to Playing to Win audio book, but I did purchase the digital book for my personal library and really liked it. Jude and Katie were at college together and just started dating when he was called to the pros. It has been 5 years, but they both remember their one night together. I really liked the digital book and I hope the audio was as good.

Thank you so much Netgalley for the advance reader's copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I struggled to finish listening to Playing To Win by Stacey Lynn. This was my first time listening/reading a romance book with a hockey theme. Jude is currently off the ice after an injury forcing him onto the sidelines. He and Katie once shared a past. In Playing To Win Jude and Katie are once again crossing paths.
I'm giving this audiobook 3 stars.

A great start to the series!

Jude and Katie are so cute together and had me rooting for them to have their happily-ever-after. The air just sizzled between them and WOW, Ms. Lynn sure knows how to write a steamy scene! This was an audiobook and I really liked that there were female and male narrators and they did a great job with lots of emotion in their voices.

Jude and Katie had a brief affair in college that ended abruptly when Jude went to play in the NHL and moves to the southern US. Five years later he gets hurt and is sent home to Chicago to get physical therapy and recuperate. Katie didn't know what happened between her and Jude, but even after all this time, she still thinks about him and what if. She is shocked to see him come in to her workplace for physical therapy .,, because he doesn't even live here anymore. But the attraction is still there between them ... as strong as ever. Will they be able to make it work this time? Or will their past and present get in the way?

I received a copy courtesy of Spectrum Audio through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

How to even listen to it when the Netgalley app audiobook is such shit. It would stop by itself after a while and you have to look for your last read

such bullshit

I loved this book!! Really reminded me of Alexa Martin books where they tie in sports and romance. Right up my alley!! 10/10 recommend! Thank you to Spectrum Audio for a copy of this audiobook for an honest review.

This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in dual POV my personal favorite this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know your 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.

Playing to Win is a second chance romance between Jude and Katie who had one night together in college before Jude made it big as a hockey star. Now many years later, neither one has forgotten the other, and it seems like fate has put them back in the same path again when Jude is injured in a game and finds himself in rehab where Katie works. Their relationship was quick to pick up again and despite the time, that passed their connection seemed just as strong.

I really enjoyed both Jude and Katie as characters. They seemed real and genuine and well matched and they definitely were not lacking chemistry. I overall enjoyed the premise of the story and found the overall book to be engaging. My only down side to the book would just be that it had a little bit of an "insta love" feel considering they only had one night together and spent years apart and felt so strongly towards each other, but on the flip side, perhaps, when you know, you know. I do really enjoy this author's writing style and look forward to reading/listening to more from this author and more in this series.

I think both of the narrators, Liam DiCosimo and Stella Hunter did a good job with this audiobook. It was my first listen by both of them and I found them both to be pleasant to listen to and I would be interested in listening to more of their work in the future.

I wasn't a fan of this audiobook. The narrator didn't seem to fit well and the writing itself was choppy. There were times I did like, though. The story and idea weren't bad,.

Insta love, hockey, and second chance romance all in one. ❤️

The audio was very well done! I love when there is a male and female cast for romance audio books 👏🏻👏🏻

Thank you Netgalley and Spectrum Audio for an advanced audio book for my sassy feedback.

Oh, this was fun! It should come as no surprise to anyone that follows my reviews that I like a good hockey romance. Stacey Lynn was a new author to me but I was willing to take a chance on this first installment in the Ice Kings series. I was not disappointed. I was hooked by this story from the very start and couldn't wait to see how everything worked out.

Jude and Kate were both wonderful characters. I am a fan of second chance romances so I was thrilled by the fact that these two have a history. The chemistry between them was amazing and I really felt their connection from the start. They do each have some things to deal with and it was fun to take the journey with them.

I thought that Liam DiCosmio and Stella Hunter did a great job with the narration. I really enjoy books that use a different point of view for each character because I feel like it really helps to bring the story to life. I found this to be a very easy listen and both narrators had a very pleasant voice. I wouldn't hesitate to listen to either of these narrators again in the future.

I would recommend this book to fans of sports romance. There isn't a whole lot of hockey in this book but Jude is pretty focused on doing what needs to be done to get back into the game. I found this to be a wonderful romance featuring characters that were easy to fall for.

I received a digital audiobook review copy of this book from Spectrum Audiobooks via NetGalley.

I've read and enjoyed other books by Stacey Lynn, and I didn't get far into this one before I was wishing I'd just read it too. I think I would've liked it better. The story is interesting and the characters are likable, and I do like a second chance romance. Jude and Kate don't even have a lot of angst over their first chance, which was refreshing to see in this romance trope. They do have their hurdles, of course - we have to have some conflict to keep things moving along, but I like that it wasn't all about what happened the first time around. So, the story is good. The problem for me is all about the audio performance. Well, performances, but some parts were better than others. This one is done in dual narration just like the book is written with chapters alternating between Jude and Kate. Stella Hunter does a fair job with Kate's chapters. Some parts were better than others, and there were times when I would've liked to have heard a little more emotion, but mostly, she does pretty well. That said, Liam DiCosimo drove me to distraction. His voice is pleasant, but more often than not, it just lacks any feeling, which didn't do much for holding my attention. At the risk of sounding harsh, he may as well have been reading the newspaper for all the emotion being used, or not being used. There were a few rare moments when I heard some feeling, but mostly it was just a guy reading the lines without any connection to those lines. What it comes down to is I would definitely read another book by this author, and I'd probably listen to one too but not with these narrators.

This audio book was enjoyable. I really liked both the female and male narrators. The story line was fun and flirty. Thanks to Netgalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review

This was such a fun book!! I love a good second chance romance and when you mix in a hockey superstar too...it's a win-win!

Playing to Win introduces us to Jude and Katie. Due to some insecurities when they were younger, their brief romantic interlude in college evaporated when Jude entered the NHL. Katie, intent on protecting her heart from being broken, decided the best course of action was to head the inevitable off by cutting all ties to Jude when he left. However, he never forgot her and always wondered why she shut him out. She never forgot him either and has continued to follow him and his hockey career.

An injury brings Jude back into Katie's life indirectly. It give them the opportunity to see one another again and begin the conversation of what happened all those years ago. The complicating factor now is that Jude's team is in another city and Katie's career is in Chicago. Can they find a meeting ground and make things work this time around? Do they want to? They both have so many unknowns to deal with.

I really did enjoy these characters. I liked that it was a story that could hold its own without any unnecessary "girl drama." There was a little life-type drama, but nothing over the top. Just realistic things to deal with.

The narration was good. I often have trouble with men doing the women's voices and unfortunately for me, that did occur with Jude's narrator. However, he was perfect for Jude! Katie's voice was spot-on. It was a very enjoyable listen.

I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook from NetGalley. This review contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

I really enjoyed this book and narration was fantastic. It was a second chance romance which I love. Jude and Katie were a well-matched pair. I liked how this was an easy, light-hearted read and it kept me entertained.

Playing To Win is the first book in the Ice Kings series written by Stacey Lynn and narrated by Liam DiCosimo and Stella Hunter. It was a three-week fling. Nothing more than a couple of college kids having some fun, but then I did the stupid thing and fell for Jude Taylor quicker than he can score a goal on the ice. And after one beautiful night together, he left for the pros before I could make my first cup of coffee. I thought I’d put him behind me. I thought I’d moved on. Then he hobbles into my physical therapy office and I realize how absolutely wrong I’ve been - there’s no getting over Jude Taylor. But now things are complicated. Jude lives half a country away and his career is in direct opposition to my need for stability. Most of all, getting involved with him could mean losing my job and everything I’ve worked so hard for. Jude doesn’t seem to mind one bit and he’s all in. He might be a patient in my office, but he’s no longer the patient guy I remember.


Playing To Win is the third or fourth book I have read (or listened to) from this author. I rarely listen to romance, usually choosing to read rather than listen, but the narrators might have made me a bit more willing to listen, at least with my headphones though maybe not in my car. I enjoyed the voice work and thought the tension and emotions were well done, and I really enjoyed the effect of dual narrators. I liked the characters, and the build up of their story. Second chance romances are not my favorite trope, but when done well they are fantastic and this story does it well. Jude is a good guy that just happens to be a hockey player. He fell hard for Kate, but just when he had his chance with her he made it pro in hockey and it never had a chance to grow. Now they have another chance, but her career may be on the line and fears about his injury bringing his career to an end way too early are huge obstacles that need to be faced. I really enjoyed them finding their way back to each other, and I liked the secondary characters. I felt like there was plenty of room left for this series to continue with more books. My biggest complaint was not finding out why two of the secondary characters seem to dislike others with no explanation, and why a couple I am sure will have their own book soon are clinging so hard to just being friends. I fully expect to keep following this series just to see if I get those answers.

Playing To Win is an entertaining and engaging romance novel, fans of second chance romance and sports romance will particularly enjoy it.

Getting injured is a hockey player’s worst nightmare but in Jude’s case it may just be a blessing in disguise when it allows him to reunite with the one woman he has never forgotten. While in college Jude and Katie were developing a relationship until circumstances tore them apart.

Katie is a physiotherapist who is surprised to find that her newest client is Jude, a man she dated in college and hasn’t seen since. The chemistry and connection between them is stronger than ever, but will they be able to work through the misunderstandings of the past and their different plans for the future?

There is no denying that they were meant to be and I really liked both these characters. Jude is determined to show Katie that the only place she belongs is with him while Katie is willing to move on from the past but she wanted to make sure that the love they had for each other would be strong enough to meet any and all challenges that they might face. I listed to an audio copy of the book and thought that the narrators did a great job with the story and the characters.

Jude Taylor is the perfect book boyfriend!

He has had feelings for Katie since college when he chased her until she finally went out with him. When he turns up at her PT practice after years of being apart, Katie can't believe Jude still wants her! Katie fights the attraction since it could mean her job, but the feelings between these two never left.

It was a good hockey story. I can't wait to get some more from this bunch! Good read.

I thought the narrators did a great job with the story. It really brought the characters to life.