In this new series from Kelly Jamison. The story opens with Theo Wynn who is the assistant general manager with the Las Vegas Hockey team listening to an offer from his grandfather to run his team in California. Days later he has decided to take the job and with some of the guys from the team, they are at a bar celebrating his promotion where he meets Lacey. She starts off as the table’s server and within an hour or two she has lost her job because her brother owes some guys money, loss of it. He is attracted to her and brings her to their table and they begin to hang out and hours later after a dip in the pool and more drinking. They are at the wedding chapel getting married. His plan is for her to go with him to California and this was his way of making it work. This would be the beginning of his not normal taking time to run the numbers and see all of the possibilities. After another mad dash from the bad guys and of course an unexpected stop that was not part of his plan they make it to California. This begins their getting to know each other as well as her getting to know his family which is beyond dysfunctional. What ends up happening for him is that everyone likes her including his family. So when he screws everything up and he realizes it was not for show he must now think outside of the box and find her to hopefully get her back. This is a very good book with many good characters and a lot going on but it all works for this book.

This book showed me the inner workings of the hockey world and boy was I sooo okay with it. I loved Lacey and Theo’s story and I fell in love with the crazy Wynn family that I so cannot wait to hear more about. This behind the scene story about what goes on in managing hockey teams showed me that it really takes a lot to own a sports team and Theo did a wonderful job in doing so despite getting a little to into it right there are the end. I loved that though Theo rescues Lacey, the author still portrayed her as this strong woman who is more than able of taking care of herself. I loved the main characters dynamics and just everything this book had to offer but that cliffhanger?? It SO left me wanting more.

As the first book in a series, I liked it ok. Sometimes, it is difficult on a first book, because there is time spent setting up the series background in addition to the central plot of the main characters' story. I love hockey romance and feel Ms. Jamieson does a great job with the hockey aspect of the story. I prefer for the main character to be a current hockey player, but did like some nice behind-the-scene stuff regarding the management part of the game, since Theo is a general manager. Speaking of Theo, I never really fell for him. He was nice and all, but never felt swoony enough to make me fall for him. I liked Lacey pretty much and the fact that she tried to stay true to herself. The fake relationship was good even though it started out very fast. I didn’t feel as engaged with the middle portion of the story, but it picked back up again. In a nutshell, I like Play To Win ok, but didn’t love it.

4
This was a roller coaster of a romance. I thought things were a little predictable for Lacey and Théo, but at the same time their chemistry was off the charts. Without saying too much,I thought the blurb seemed a little misleading with Lacey turning Théo’s life into a beach party, which yes there seems to be more spontaneity, but to me it sounded like she was a party animal, when she’s a girl living her life while she can. She isn’t trying to take things for granted, Théo included. They’re made for one another.
I would recommend this HEA if I was asked.

Play To Win is the first in a brand new hockey series by Kelly Jamieson. This new dynastic family is the ‘Wynn’s and it’s one of the biggest and most convoluted bunch of people I’ve ever read about in a fictional story.
Théo is the first of the Wynn’s to get his story. He’s on a night out celebrating with friends because he is leaving Las vegas for a new job the next morning, when he meets Lacey.
Lacey is a cocktail waitress struggling to make her rent when she gets to tend Théo table, and even though they shouldn’t, they are attracted to one another. It’s clear from that first moment that these two are destined to be together.
When Lacey finds herself out of work and in deep water, Théo offers a helping hand, and she soon finds herself in Los Angeles and living the high life.
Théo’s life is changed in many ways when he has spontaneous and lively Lacey under his roof, but it’s what he needs to get his head out of the ‘analytical’ mire his gets bogged down in. Théo is a former NHL player, and has been hired by his grandfather to be GM of his team, so he has a lot on his plate already and adding Lacey is at times more than he can handle. Plus, he has one crazy mixed up family, when a lot of conflict going on.
Théo and Lacey’s relationship may be unconventional at first, but the chemistry is all to real and soon, so are their feelings for one another. But, it only takes one misunderstanding for it all to go sideways and it’s down to Théo to set things right.
I really enjoyed this book, Théo and Lacey make a great pair. They are believable. Sweet and romantic at times and whew! Some of the steamy scenes might make you blush, lol. Great start to a fabulous new series that I can’t wait to read more of. Book 2, In It To Win It, can’t come soon enough.

4 1/2 STARS!

With lots of drama, Kelly Jamieson kicks off a brand new hockey family saga with her latest release PLAY TO WIN. The characters are fairly well developed, and though we have a lot of family to get familiar with, the key players are drawn forward slightly in order to make several of the family members background until their time to shine comes up later. I loved Theo & Lacey's story and look forward to getting to know JP in the next book in the series!

Las Vegas cocktail waitress Lacey Olson finds herself in need of a rescue from some very bad guys her brother is mixed up with. She just so happens to be serving a group of sexy hockey players when it all goes down and one steps forward to defend her honor. Before the night is over, they agree she's coming with him to L.A. tomorrow ... oh and they get married!

Theo Wynn might be an offspring of the famous Wynn hockey family, but his playing days are over thanks to an injury and he's just trying to find some other way to fit in. He's had some success in Vegas, and now his grandfather is handing over some of the reins in order to make him the GM of the Los Angelas Condors, but he's going to have to buckle down and work hard to achieve the success he needs. Too bad he has a sexy bombshell of a temporary wife distracting him from work, but she's a great support system when he has to walk into that dreaded family dinner that holds his former best friend brother cozied up to the girlfriend he stole out from under Theo!

Great book that kicks off what should be an amazing new series from this author. I love a Kelly Jamieson hockey romance but with this one we get a different view into the hockey world with insight into team ownership. The Wynn's are hockey royalty and Theo Wynn is taking his place now that his playing days are over. Doing things his way are important so he needs his grandfather off his back. That's how when he meets Lacey in Vegas he comes up with a crazy plan for a fake relationship and a quickie Vegas wedding. That's when the wild ride begins and all he can do is hang on! Don't miss this one. It's a fun read and I definitely recommend it.

There were many reasons this story could have been trite and boring - wed after a knowing each other a couple of hours, money owed to the mob, even the sports angle seems to have been overdone lately. However, Jamieson's writing kept me enthralled from start to finish. She gives a fresh voice to the book that kept me from rolling my eyes as the various elements. Lacey and Theo are genuinely nice in general and to each other. Lacey's infectious likeability is genuine. I was as taken in as was Theo's family. Theo, perhaps because he's as much math geek than gifted athlete, is definitely not a stereotype either. He's not the privileged bad boy you'd expect.

I thought the mob angle would become a bigger part of the story and I usually like some suspense with my romance. However, I actually liked that it didn't become the focus of the book. I liked the lighter topics because the stresses on these two were so well written they alone were plenty to kept my interest.

This book is an especially good read if you're looking for a nice, sweet read. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

reviewed by Jem

I've been a fan of Kelly Jamieson's for several years especially her BAYARD and ACES HOCKEY series so when I heard that she was coming out with another hockey series I was all over it.

PLAY TO WIN is the first in the brand new WYNN HOCKEY series, and boy does it start us off right. Not only do we have two wonderful Main Characters, Lacey and Théo, but we meet The Wynn family and boy oh boy you can tell they are just going to be a ton of fun getting to know!

Théo and Lacey aren't your typical couple where they meet and fall in love and then they get married, nope not at all....and quite honestly that probably makes this story fun to read. You can feel the chemistry between the two right from the start which is always a plus, but there's more than just the chemistry you feel the pain of what each of them are struggling with as well, and quite honestly that makes you never want the story to end. Kelly Jamieson did a wonderful job with not only giving us a great story but a story that has us wanting more of the crazy Wynn family. I for one cannot wait for IN IT TO WIN IT, which is due out in July 2019.

Great start to the new series, I love Théo and Lacey!!! This is an easy book to recommend to all lovers of sports romance as well as fans of Kelly Jamieson. Happy Reading!!!

**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**

Theo and Lacey meet in Vegas when Theo is on his way out of town to be the GM of his grandfathers hockey team. He likes what he sees when he meets her but knows that nothing can come of it BUT reasons out of their control make it to where she goes with him. They both have their reasons and they both have decisions to make.

Theo feels that he needs to show his family that he knows what he's doing when it comes to being a manager and doing it all with a beautiful woman on his arm. When seeing his ex with his brother he finds that he just doesn't care. The family dynamics in this book make me cringe, laugh, and make me look forward to seeing the rest of the family and their stories.

Will Theo and Lacey realize before it's too late that what started out as helping each other that they're falling for each other? Will they both be able to fulfill their dreams with each other or will they have to go their separate ways to achieve them?

A career ending injury means that Theo is no longer able to play the game he loves, but an opportunity from his grandfather to become the general manager of the hockey team the California Condors seems like the next step. With his new job he will be able to combine his love of hockey and analytics even if his relationship with certain members of the family is strained.

Lacey’s life isn’t turning out the way she planned. When the trouble that her brother is in becomes her trouble as well Theo steps in to assist. She needs to get out of Vegas and a few drinks later they decide that a marriage of convenience would be the solution to both their problems and where better than Vegas.

Lacey and Theo couldn’t be more different or more perfect for each other. She brings fun to his life which is something he needs while dealing with his drama filled family. This is the beginning of a new series and I look forward to more of the Wynn family.

4.5 stars
Oh my! A sports romance and a friends to lovers story all wrapped up into one!
With a Hitch, featuring Dax and Darcy, is a fun story that is also emotionally touching and sweet.
This is a very character driven story. Dax is the boyfriend that every girl wants. Darcy frequently refers to him as an "unicorn" and he really is; not to mention a good son/brother/uncle/friend. One of the things I loved about Dax's story was the way Ms. Boldt wove real life events into the story highlighting his awesomeness. (As a transplanted Houstonian, I loved seeing the similarities to JJ Watt's efforts post Hurricane Harvey). As great as Dax is, he has just enough in the flaw department to be real.
Darcy is an equally awesome character. She's strong, an entrepreneur who has literally pulled herself up by the boot straps to make a successful life for herself. Add in her selflessness and dedication to her friends and she is someone I would want to get to know better.
It was wonderful to watch Dax and Darcy move from an arranged client/professional relationship to friends to more. The sub plot that ultimately leads to the story's conflict highlighted Darcy's strength and made me like Dax even more.
Add in an awesome secondary cast and this is a series I might just fall in love with. This is the second book in a series, but can easily be read on it's own. I enjoyed With a Hitch so much, I want to go back to read Ditched and am looking forward to the next book in the series.

This the first book in a brand new series. I have followed this author now for quite some time. I loved her writing and the way she weaves a story. This book is no different. It is well written and the pace, in the beginning, a bit slow but it picks up and you find yourself drawn into this hockey family. When I say hockey family I mean all of them.

I liked the people they draw you in. This is a new series so a lot of people are thrown at you to set the pace for the rest of the series. The dynamic of this family, oh my gosh so much drama. I love it I thrive on it. It what makes the book work.

Theo was a player and got hurt so his dream was cut short. He then became an assistant manager on Las Vegas. When his grandfather calls him and offers him the GM position on his team he jumps at the chance.

Lacey was fun to read. She was a great people and I loved her personality. She was honest and so down to earth. There is so much more to these people.

These two have chemistry and I liked reading about the growth of them. They have passion and reading it build was great.

There is so much going on and the turns were great and I look forward to more in this series. This family is dysfunctional and there is some bad blood but what family doesn't have that. Hopefully, when I read the other books I can revisit these two. I feel there is so much more to them as I said.

Charming, Sexy & Entertaining! OMG This series is going to be so, so good. I can’t wait for the next story in this series. Getting to meet all the Wynn Family was quite the treat. You know what they say. That there is a thin line between love and hate. Well get ready to see the drama and how accurate that statement is, in this larger than life family.

Théo Wynn has just accepted a position as General Manager of the California Condors Ice Hockey Team. His whole life he had wanted to play in the NHL and he did, until a injury ended his career. But all his life Théo also had a mind for numbers. So he took his mind for numbers and applied his knowledge of hockey and started a hockey analytic business coast to coast. Now he just needs to prove his worth to his family. So with his last night in Vegas he finds himself at Silk, a high end cocktail lounge where he becomes a knight to a damsel in distress.

Lacey Olson has never been so desperate. Her twin brother is missing along with the money in her bank account. Her twin brother Chris has a gambling problem, and she is sick and tired of enabling him. When she is confronted by two men that want her to payoff her brother’s debt at her high-end waitress job, she knows she needs to get out of Vegas and let her brother clean up his own mess for once. So, when a hot, stranger comes to her rescue after she gets fired, she can’t believe what the stranger is offering. And before the night is through, she is married to him and heading to California.

I loved that the series started with Theo and Lacey’s story. These two have instant chemistry and so much in common. But they are also so open and honest with each other. Their conversation and relationship is heartwarming, sexy and fun. You can’t help but fall for them and root for their HEA!

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

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!

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.