After winning a gazillion-dollar lottery ticket, our heroine realizes she might have to do some legal fancy footwork to avoid shelling out for her sort-of ex husband. Unless, of course, they fall into a second-chance romance!

The burn was a little too slow for me so I had a hard time getting invested in Miri and Leo's love story, but I adored the sense of community. That, I felt, was the strongest relationship here.

This second chance romance was great! I loved Jodie’s book Bet on It, so when I saw this one which was along the same line and takes place in the town I knew I wanted to read it.

Thank you NetGalley and St Martin Press for this book. This is my honest voluntary review.

I’ll admit second-chance romance isn’t my first choice trope but what makes a good story into a great romance for me is the PINING!
Play to Win by Jodie Slaughter leans into that with Miri and Leo, friends to lovers who got married young and despite being estranged for almost a decade, they haven’t stopped loving each other.
Miri wins the lotto and in an effort to protect her new wealth, her financial advisor recommends giving Leo a specific amount so he won’t go after half of her money. Once back in town, Leo agrees to a small sum to fix up his family’s home, and in the time he spends fixing up the house he’ll also try to win Miri back too.

There’s a lot of guilt and forgiveness in Miri and Leo’s story. They have to reconcile the pain he caused by leaving and if the love they’ve kept for each other is enough to start again. And while Miri is more stubborn than Leo there is so much yearning I was rooting for them to get their HEA.
I’m hoping Jade is the next to get a story. I’m intrigued by a no nonsense woman who is an assistant football coach in a small town and makes Leo nervous with a withering glare. Her interaction with Leo at the diner was my fave moment!


-friends to lovers
-second chance
-marriage in crisis
-moderate steam
-WDTK? Chapter 12

I’ve started and stopped this book several times, but I still can’t get into it. DNF at 51%.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed as in this review are completely my own.

A sexy romcom. At the start of Play to Win, protagonist Miri isn't sure where her life is headed. Then, she wins the lottery. What a rush. But being a sudden millionaire won't solve all her problems, especially when it comes to her estranged husband Leo, who walked out on her unexpectedly several years before. Leo had his own reasons for leaving, but a dearth of love for Miri was not one of them. When she reaches out to ask him to finally sign divorce papers, he instead is determined to prove his love and do his best to make up for leaving the way he did. Will love win the day, or are past hurts too strong?

I enjoyed the premise of a winning lottery ticket prompting a reconciliation between estranged spouses (for the right reasons of course). I loved the small town setting and how Miri's main focus after winning so much money was giving back to her loved ones and those who had helped her along the way. The sex scenes were very spicy. I didn't want to fully root for Leo, as I can't really relate to his reasons for abandoning his wife... But I do think they make a good couple, and I enjoyed watching them reconnect. A fun read overall.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book was better for me as a story about what happens when you all of sudden have lots of money after stuggling your entire life, how friends, family society react, rather than a romane which didn't work for me.

Book received for free through NetGalley

Read 20% of the way into this book but couldn’t get into the story. It was written well just not my cup of tea.

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