I requested this due to Sandra Kitt’s standing in romance history, as I was happy to see she was still writing. However, I couldn’t get into it. The hero, Patrick, came off as super suspicious right away, but instead of questioning it, Jean seems to let him in super easily, at least into her bed. The sex scenes 20-30%, while not super detailed, were awkward, especially as I require some investment in the characters before they get physically intimate beyond maybe a few passionate kisses. I was just like, no way this doesn’t come back to bite her in the ass, and then I was gone.

This book was so entertaining. I was drawn into the story from the beginning and was involved until the end. The characters were complex and interesting. I found the story to be well paced and engrossing throughout the whole book. It was a variation of a second chance romance in that the characters were interested in each other in high school but neither knew. There was also a lottery win so dealing with how to manage the hero’s win was also a central part of the story. The background characters were also fun. I was invested in the couple throughout the book and felt all the emotions through both the highs and lows of the story. If you want an entertaining and well written book this is it for you.

Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks for access to this arc. I'm going to have to toss in the towel on this one. Having loved previous Sandra Kitt books I was really looking forward to this. The subject matter also sounded fascinating as who hasn't thought about how easy life would be if they hit the Mega Millions jackpot. But a dark side looms and this aspect is what interested me.

But the early and continued vibes I'm getting from both hero and heroine plus one of the hero's co-workers just keep making me uncomfortable. Patrick is pushing too hard and too quickly to get back into Jean's life. If they'd had a past romantic relationship (beyond the crush that's mentioned on Jean's part) or even a more recent relationship of any kind, I could see it. But from what I gather, they haven't had any contact in about 15 years. The early scene of Jean tiptoeing into her living room to watch Patrick sleep off his seven beers was just a bit beyond creepy, too and I couldn't help but flip the scenario and imagine how I'd feel if it were the hero doing this to the heroine. Just nope. Patrick's co-worker continuing to press Jean - while realistic - isn't something I want to read right now with #metoo. Sadly for me, this one just isn't working well. DNF

I think we've all had a dream of what we would do if we won the lottery - expensive cars, paying off our houses, quitting our jobs, you name it. But I think the reality of that maybe ends a little differently for a lot of people - it ends with a lot of hands out and a lot of unwanted attention. Particularly when the winner is someone already in the spotlight.

Even though this book is all about a 75 Million dollar lottery winner (who also happens to be a former pro-athlete and ESPN commentator) - there is really no imbalance on the scales of successful professionalism. Jean is a very successful woman - she works a high level job in the Mayor of New York's office managing events and public affairs. She is very busy and career focused. Jean and Patrick knew each other in high school when Jean tutored Patrick in math. He was interested in her then - but Jean's mom shut him down for various reasons. They meet again all due to Patrick's lottery win. Patrick pursues Jean pretty strongly but their very busy and VERY complicated lives keep pushing them apart. So much of what was going on with them was very realistically portrayed - even the drama of the lottery win and the stress it added to Patirck.

I give this one a solid 3.5 stars - I loved Jean and Patrick but sometimes it felt like they were in a long distance relationship - even though they lived in the same city. I also felt like the stuff they weren't telling each other - was something they really should have been. For two people to be in love - but not have the trust to talk about past relationship and major life-changing things seemed off. I also was kind of shocked when <spoiler> Patrick's son came in to the picture - or maybe it was the way the topic was introduced. In one chapter we have his friend mention seeing his ex with a very young boy. Then nothing - then BAM they are fighting over custody. I feel like I must of have missed something key. </spoiler>

Overall I recommend it - Sandra Kitt is definitely a gifted author and writes amazing multicultural books with amazing strong black heroines. I adored Jean and loved seeing all of the other amazing black women in the book!

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.

Juggling the daily responsibilities and last-minute duties for the mayor of New York City gets complicated for Jean Travis when a missed romantic connection from her past shows up in her life one night. For Patrick Bennett it's more money, more problems after he wins the lottery jackpot. Reviving his friendship with Jean is an unexpected benefit amid a series of escalating conflicts, hassles, and unwanted attention. Their friendly, flirty banter, emotional vulnerabilities, and palpable sexual chemistry anchor the story. Second chance love, secrets from the past and present, and romantic weariness themes swirl within the context of the present-day ravenous news and social media appetites for scandal. The layered elements of multifaceted characters who are feeling tugged between their personal and professional lives, private and public personae make Winner Takes All resonate as authentic to 21st-century quandaries about prioritizing one's obligations and desires. With the exception of one outdated, cringe-worthy (despite an obvious attempt at conveying respect) minor Asian character, Jean and Patrick's love story generates (as expressed by Jean in chapter 12) “… feeling a settled and calm kind of contentment.” As the novel that introduces a new series the storyline isn't a barn burner and doesn't need to be as masterfully crafted storytelling that focuses on the drama of messy emotional entanglements. Sandra Kitt was decades ahead of the representative inclusion #OwnVoices wave in mainstream contemporary romance in 1995's The Color of Love and subsequent novels and anthologies that addressed the lived experiences of privileged Black and Brown and Mixed people in non-stereotypical ways. Winner Takes All rewards the patience of S.K.’s long-time fans awaiting her return and introduces newcomers to a venerable O.G. of contemporary love stories.

[a comment about writing dialogue for characters who speak English as a second language or in informal ways: To avoid the cringe factor please consider these questions. If the character's ethnicity is specified, are they the only character from that ethnic group? What un/conscious monolithic assumptions are being projected by this character?]

Almost a DNF. The premise was good - about Patrick, a former athlete turned sportscaster, who wins $75 million in the lottery. The good news is that he reconnects with Jean, a woman he knew in high school. The bad news is the complications it brings - people coming out of the woodwork looking for a handout. I just didn't enjoy the writing style. I was also frustrated by the lack of communication between the two lead characters. The complications in the plot would never have been complications if Jean and Patrick had communicated like adults.

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read an advance copy in return for an honest review.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Jean Travis is announcing the lottery wins. While looking at the names of the winners she recognizes Patrick's name. Patrick hits it big with the lottery win. Everyone wants to be his friend. Jean remembers that she had a crush on Patrick when they were younger. I enjoyed the chemistry between Jean and Patrick.

I liked the dialogue, descriptions and characters. Jean put up with a lot from her boss Brad. I wasn't completely hooked. Good quick read

Boy, did Jean and Patrick have their work cut out for them. Between rekindling an old friendship that Patrick definitely wanted more from (then and now), fielding outrageous attempts from friends and strangers alike, and trying to find time for each other somewhere within busy schedules, I was tired for both Jean and Patrick. And when Patrick has one huge thing slap him upside the head, he’s forced to place Jean further down on his list. Even with all of that, Jean managed to support Patrick and vice versa...and this book still didn’t feel chock full of drama. Instead, it felt like two very real people were stuck juggling schedules and insecurities and life while trying to keep their love. Overall, this was an enjoyable read that flowed very well and kept me wondering how this could possibly all work out in the end.