Back when I read this book, I had so many feelings and things I wanted to say about this book because I liked it so very much. And as time passed between reading the book and writing my review, I became worried that I’d forget all the things that made me love this book so much. And honestly, I probably will omit a thing or two because of that, but it’s a testament to how much I enjoyed this book, that I can come here over 6 months later, and still write this review!

So to begin, what’s this book about? Well, this book follows Miriam who ends up winning millions of dollars from a lottery ticket she purchased on a whim. To ensure there are no issues with claims to this money in the future, she reaches out to her husband, Leo, that she hasn’t seen in years, to try to finalize their divorce. And thus ensues a second chance romance that I quite enjoyed.

Now typically, I don’t even reach for second chance romances. It’s not a trope I tend to be a fan of. But after reading and loving Bet On It by this author, I trusted her to treat this trope with the care it deserves. And I could not have been more right! Because not only was this one trope handled with thought and nuance, but the whole book was filled with great conversations and deep dives and thoughtful commentary.

Essentially, while this book most definitely centers around Miriam and Leo’s relationship, it also focuses on the impact of money. Miriam winning the lottery is an obvious starting point, but she didn’t grow up wealthy. Coming into all this money so suddenly doesn’t erase the years of being poor and struggling and the impact that had. Money can fix a lot of things, sure, but it can’t fix the past and the influence that had. This theme was so strong in the book, and I really appreciated the time that was taken to unpack all the different effects that suddenly becoming rich had on Miriam, and what unexpected things (besides her husband) she had to deal with and work through.

While the commentary and nuance on wealth and poverty was possibly my favorite part to read, the romance was pretty great too. See, usually with second chance romances, I hate the love interest, and I don’t trust them with the main character anymore. But in this book, both characters contend with this. Miriam isn’t in any rush to take Leo back. And Leo knows exactly how he messed up and is just begging for a chance to prove that he can do better. The two of them have a lot to work through, but they actually take the time to do so. Their past is definitely at play in this story, but they’re both also trying to build something new, something stronger, and it was a joy to read.

Ultimately, I gave this book four stars. While it may not be my absolute favorite romance, this book is just a masterpiece onthe impact of money and how that affects relationships, among other things. It also has the distinct honor of being one of the few second chance romances I can get behind! So don’t be surprised if you see me picking up another Jodie Slaughter book soon!

Jodie Slaughter's "Play to Win" is an absolute triumph in the world of contemporary literature, deserving every bit of its well-earned five-star rating. Slaughter's writing is nothing short of breathtaking, immersing readers in a world where ambition, passion, and personal growth intersect. The characters in this novel are brilliantly developed, their struggles and triumphs ringing true to life. The plot is a rollercoaster of emotions, surprises, and deep introspection, keeping you glued to the pages from start to finish. What sets this book apart is its inspiring message about the power of perseverance, self-belief, and the pursuit of one's dreams. Slaughter's storytelling is a masterclass in weaving together complex themes, heartwarming moments, and a dash of romance that leaves you both exhilarated and deeply moved. "Play to Win" is a literary gem that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page, solidifying Jodie Slaughter's position as a remarkable storyteller in the genre. A must-read for anyone seeking a story that resonates with the power of human spirit and determination.

"I've loved you since before I even known what that meant..."
This story felt so REAL. Okay, minus the $200 million lotto winnings. I'm not a huge fan of second chance romance but Miss Jodie Slaughter had me with this one. First thing's first, Leo wins. Every. Dang. Time. As soon as he is introduced it is clear that he would do anything for Miri and I am a sucker for a pining male main, yes please!! This love story was so down-to-earth and so believable, which was honestly refreshing. I think Miss Slaughter offered an interesting point of view giving the reader insight into Miri and Leo's past and present relationship struggles through conversations with family members and friends as opposed to between the two characters. I also think she did an awesome job painting the picture that money, no matter what ungodly amount, cannot fix everything. I liked this one a lot, y'all.
Thank you so much NetGalley for this ARC!! All opinions are my own.

Jodie Slaughter captured a similar heat and chemistry between Miri and Leo as with Aja and Walker. One thing that was missing was Miri meeting Aja's psychologist. Mental health played a large role in Bet On It and I was looking forward to its appearance here. Miriam takes the time to talk to Aja about theraqpy and the sessions don't happen at all. Likewise with Leo, he doesn't do enough to deserve getting Miri back. With how broken she was when Leo left years before, it really was a disservice to not show more relationship repair. Renovating the house wasn't enough.

It was a nice visit back to Greenbelt but a deeper dive into Miri and Leo's reconciliation was needed to leave a more resonant impression.

Actual rating: 3.5

I thought this was such a cute story about love lost but finds a way to reconnect despite the hardships. I feel like the lottery thing was almost secondary to the plot because I forgot that happened, but it was a cute way to bring the characters back together.

I used to really dislike second chance romances because I've been cynical about whether or not relationships deserve a second chance since, oh, I don't know, I was 18. But then one of my best friends married a man she'd dated and broken up with because in the interim years, they'd both grown up and knew what they wanted. And slowly, over time, my position on second chance romances has really softened. But this book... Well, it brought all of those feelings rushing right on back. Because here's the thing, abandonment is the one thing that I'm just really not sure I can forgive. And you might be saying, well, Jenica, it's not your relationship. And you're correct. But you know, it's not a lot of fun to read a romance where the whole time you're agreeing with the side characters who are telling Leo to get the f**k back out of town. Because when this man left, HE LEFT. You know?

So, here's the thing. This book, it was not for me. But it DEFINITELY could be for you. What it has going for it is the angst, the well-developed side-characters, the Black history in the Greenbelt of South Carolina. It is honestly really well done for all that it IS, but at the end of the day, I just can't get behind this book as a romance, which is why it took me a month and a half to read.

3.5 stars

I had such high hopes in the first part of this but I think (personally) Leo should have to do so much more in order to get Miriam back. As a romance it's great but the backstory was extreme for as little it took to resolve. It was a quick read and keeps your interest. I really enjoyed all the side characters and the family aspect of each Leo and Miriam. I look forward to reading more from Jodie.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the digital advanced readers copy.

I thought this story was okay. There were parts I really liked and the other times when the story felt dragged out or a little too back and forth. Imagine winning the lottery and being able to do anything but recognizing you have an estranged husband you need to talk to. This could potentially reignite the flames or crate disaster.

Fun premise. Wouldn't we all love to win the lottery? Although everyone thinks winning will solve all their problems, Miriam's have now changed. She won, but she has to track down her ex so he can sign divorce papers and she can move on. Leo, her soon-to-be ex decides he wants Miriam back instead. Will love the second time around be sweeter?

I enjoyed this story overall. I liked Miriam. She was nice and giving and caring. I'm not sure Leo deserved her. He left because of money issues, and now he's back for the same reason. Obviously they still cared for each other, but I think he needed to grovel more. LOL

Many thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.

Ummmm I was a little disappointed in this one because I liked the one before this one soooo much. I’m not sure if it’s because I don’t really like slow burn romances or I don’t love second chance romance or what but I just didn’t want these two to be together and it’s really because I didn’t like Leo’s character and the reason why they broke up the first time. Like being dirt poor is bad enough but to then… ugh anyway. There were things I liked about this book though which were seeing Aja and Walker and getting to know Miriam more. I feel like I’m like Jade I didn’t like Leo but I wanted to see Miri happy so if it’s with Leo then I guess that’s okay lol. I needed so much more graveling in this one as well. I do enjoy this authors work and I’ll continue to read from her but this one was just okay to me.

I thought the synopsis to this one sounded so cute! I was a little disappointed that the lottery win was only about 10% of the plot but the romance made up for it and my favorite part was the friendship lost and found between Miri and Thea.

I love Jodie Slaughter's writing! When I read Bet On It last year, I was hoping that Miri's story would be next!
She is such a strong character and I loved how she pumped up her friends - even newer ones like Aja.

Jodie's characters are multifaceted with complex backgrounds. They have experienced emotional trauma or difficult life circumstances, but are still willing to go out on a limb and try to love again. The banter between Miri and her friends is top notch! Also, every description of Leo will forever live in my mind rent free (🤤). New book boyfriend unlocked!

Read if you love:
💔 Second chance romance
👭 Friends who are like family
🔥 Slow burn with some spice (Jodie writes a hawt romance scene)

Thank you to NetGalley and Jodie Slaughter for an advanced copy. This is my honest review.

3.5 I was gifted an EARC of this book on behalf of the publisher; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

This one missed the box for me. I struggled to connect with the characters and the storyline. Maybe I was just jealous that they won the lottery, and I would never even play; however, I just didn't connect with the story or the characters. The writing is top-notch and on point for someone who is craving that sudden change of lifestyle and all the drama that comes with it. Oh this was my husband and now that my life has changed he wants back. It was okay. The writing was good, but the story. again yes the story, just wasn't for me.

Tropes:
-Second Chance Romance
-Small Town

Play It To Win

Now that I’m done reading this book all I have to say is that I am so glad to be leaving the town of Greenbelt, North Carolina behind in my rearview window.

Wow, this book is so bad. I don’t even know where to begin. It’s so bad that I bailed on it with less than 20 pages left to go in the story.

So what’s so wrong with it you may ask? Well for starters there is absolutely no chemistry between Miri and Leo. If you ask me they were giving off kissing cousins vibes rather than estranged husband and wife.

Another issue I have with “Play to Win” is Leo. In the novel he is the reason behind his and Miri’s estrangement. It’s frustrating because his reason for leaving Miri is so dumb. Because he and Miri were married young they weren’t established financially. As a result of their monetary struggles, Leo’s ego takes a hit because he feels that he is unable to be a good provider for Miri.

Now here’s my problem with Leo. At the beginning of the story we find him down and out. Living in crappy motels in Florida, working in construction, being paid under the table. If he is so concerned with being a better provider for Miri then why doesn’t he try to improve his situation? Instead, when his wife calls him home to settle the matter of her lottery winnings, Leo arrives in pretty much the same situation he was in when he left, which is broke. So in conclusion, his sudden impassioned efforts to get back with Miri come across as weak. Again, what was he doing during the eight years of their estrangement?

When it comes to foul language use in a book, I have absolutely no problem with it. In my opinion, the use of a good curse word adds realism to the dialogue. However, there is such a thing as overuse, which unfortunately, occurs in this novel. I swear I couldn’t read a page without some character releasing the F Bomb. It really dumbs down the dialogue, which is regrettable.

I believe this is only part two of a future series. After reading this book, I obviously do not want to continue. Fortunately for me there are much better romances out there.

Thank you to @netgalley and @Stmartinspress for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to @macmillian.audio for a free download of the audiobook.

Winning the lottery is such and exciting thing, but brings out many stressors. You have to hide if from your family, your friends…but legally you cannot hide if from your husband, even if you’re separated. Enter in Miriam’s first love Leo, who left her 8 years ago.

This was a fun read and sizzling like Jodie Slaughter’s other books. The longing and attraction between these distant lovers is palpable from the start.

One thing I loved about this book is it started and ended with Miriam digging a hole. Why? Guess you’ll have to read it to find out!

4 stars

#books #bookishlife #booklover #readingisfun #iowabookstagrammers #iowabookstagram #netgalley #stmartinspress #macmillianaudio #ltbreaderteam #playtowin #jodieslaughter #smpinfluencers

This book was very hard for me. None of the story or characters I found intriguing. I found myself skimming through and still not engaging in any of the story. I also really struggled with believing that a Black Woman in The South would call her mother by her first name.

I've read a previous book by this author, and I felt like the writing included way too much filler and side characters. I saw the writing on the walls and decided to DNF this book.

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

Play to Win
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Jodie Slaughter

I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.

Synopsis: Miriam Butler’s life is going nowhere in the slowest, most excruciating way possible. Stuck in the same barely-paying job she’s had since she was sixteen and spending every night sleeping in the spare twin bed in her mother’s house, her existence might be hilarious if it wasn’t so bleak. One trip to her favorite Quickie Mart upends everything when she finds herself the winner of a Mega Millions Lottery Jackpot. Unfortunately, not even life-altering roses come without their painful thorns. Hers just so happen to be in the form of an estranged husband who has the right to claim his share of her money.

It’s been eight years since Leo Vaughn has had a conversation with his wife. When she calls out of the blue, practically begging him to come back to Greenbelt, the last thing he expects her to tell him when he gets there is that she’s come into a whole heap of money. She offers him a life-changing proposition of his own. Take a lump sum, finally sign the divorce papers, and be done with her for good. Only, a forever without her is the last thing Leo wants. So he gives a proposition of his own. One that won’t cost her nearly as many millions, but will buy him the time to do the one thing he’s been hungry to do since he left -- win her back.

My Thoughts: To win the lottery is EVERY person’s dream and to play it on your first try, a rare event, although it does happen. I was lucky enough to have the digital and audiobook formats. I preferred the audiobook. In order for Miriam to claim her entire fortune, she has to officially divorce Leo and offer a settlement. One of his conditions is rehabbing the house that she has to be involved in, as they spend more time together, will they realize they are destined to be together or will they move forward with the divorce? Any other surprises along the way? This follows the tropes of second chance romance and small town romance.

I struggled with parts of this and then other parts I really loved. The premise of a lottery win reuniting a couple was not a terrible idea and as the plot was revealed, I was more okay with it. However, in the beginning, and really throughout, I was hoping to have more of their backstory and it was just lacking somewhat. The story is narrated in a dual narration by both Miriam and Leo, from their respective POVs. The story definitely had some steamy and spicy moments. 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️. Miriam (Miri) is independent, a tad insecure, and struggled with her separation from Leo. Leo is strong, loyal to a fault, and could have owned more of the separation. The characters were not lacking, they were developed well, had witty banter, mad chemistry, and were creative. I especially loved the relationship Miri had with her mother, it was heartwarming and endearing. The author’s writing style is humorous, swoony, spicy, and for the most part, kept me engaged.

Overall, this was a cute listen and I would recommend to other readers.

Title: Play to Win
Author: Jodie Slaughter
Genre: Romance
Rating: 2.75
Pub Date: July 11, 2023

I received a complimentary eARC of this book from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted #Ad

T H R E E • W O R D S

Lively • Spicy • Forgettable

📖 S Y N O P S I S

Miriam Butler’s life is going nowhere in the slowest, most excruciating way possible. Stuck in the same barely-paying job she’s had since she was sixteen and spending every night sleeping in the spare twin bed in her mother’s house, her existence might be hilarious if it wasn’t so bleak. One trip to her favorite Quickie Mart upends everything when she finds herself the winner of a Mega Millions Lottery Jackpot.

It’s been eight years since Leo Vaughn has had a conversation with his wife. When she calls out of the blue, practically begging him to come back to Greenbelt, the last thing he expects her to tell him when he gets there is that she’s come into a whole heap of money. She offers him a life-changing proposition of his own. Take a lump sum, finally sign the divorce papers, and be done with her for good. Only, a forever without her is the last thing Leo wants. So he gives a proposition of his own.

💭 T H O U G H T S

Last summer, I read (and loved) Bet On It by this author, so I requested an advanced reader copy of Play to Win. Unfortunately, this one didn't have the same appeal and it's likely I won't remember much in the weeks to come.

I'm not quite sure if it was the characters, the storyline, or a combination of the two, but something just didn't work for me. This second chance romance lacked character depth. Both main characters felt one-dimensional. Miri and Leo lacked chemistry. In fact, it felt like they were trying to convince themselves. Additionally, the fact that the money brought them back together left me with an unsettled feeling. It just didn't come across as believable.

The one thing I do know is that the issue wasn't the writing! It's written in Jodie's authentic style with witty banter and steamy sex scenes. Jodie also has excellent representation in her romance books. This one specifically tackles generational poverty and the lingering anxieties even when Miri's financial situation changes. These were redeeming qualities for a less than memorable plot.

Despite Play to Win being a miss for me on the romance side of things, Jodie is an excellent author and I will continue to read her books for their representation alone. She certainly comes up with fun ideas.

📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• second chance romance lovers
• fans of the marriage in trouble trope

⚠️ CW: cursing, sexual content, abandonment, infidelity, death, death of parent

Jodi is a new-to-me author and I enjoyed her writing style, along with the many realistic aspects of this book. Like acknowledging how much in taxes get taken out, and there’s a strong theme of generational poverty that fuels a mindset that isn’t going to change overnight, even as Miri’s bank account does.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I don’t love the “I’m leaving you for your own good” trope that’s commonly seen in second chance romances like this, but if that doesn’t bother you then you’re more likely to enjoy this book!

There's a reason people discourage high school romances turning into marriages. When two people have not been able to mature as individuals, it may be difficult to have the difficult conversations that are necessary within a marriage. Miriam Butler and Leo Vaughn's marriage imploded eight years ago when they both had unrealistic expectations for their young romance. He left town and she moved home. After years of financial struggle, Miriam decides on a whim to play the lottery when she picks up her mom's ticket. Using five numbers symbolic of her relationship with Leo, Miriam wins!!! She needs Leo to sign off on any claim he has since they are still married. Whatever will happen?! The reader gets to see Miriam and Leo heal as they strive to settle their differences and move forward. This is a spicy, open door romance.