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 … 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.
This time, he’s playing to win, and the prize he’s looking to score is me.
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What does it mean when you have a three-week fling with someone in college and still can’t get them out of your thoughts years later? What happens when that someone walks into the place you work and the sparks are still there and they aren’t one sided? Well, I’ll tell you, it makes for one hell of a spicy second-chance romance!
PLAYING TO WIN is exactly what Jude lives for, he loves to win on the ice and now he is aiming to win off of it as well when it comes to winning Kate’s heart. Kate doesn’t make things easy for him though because if they get caught socializing it could cost her her career because it’s unethical for a Physical Therapist to become involved with a client at the practice she works at, even if he isn’t her patient.
This was a great start to the Ice Kings Series and I for one cannot wait to watch each of these men fall to their knees for the right woman. If you enjoy Sports Romance, Second Chance Romances, or even just a great Romance that has lots of heat and is low on the angst I would recommend this book to you.
Happy Reading!!!
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.
Title: Playing to Win
Author: Stacy Lynn
Format: Audio
Narrator: Stella Hunter, Liam DiCosimo
Genre: Romance, sports (hockey), second chance
Standalone: yes
Part of a Series: book 1 of Ice Kings
POV: Kate and Jude
Steam Level: steamy
5/5
I love both second chance and sports romance tropes so Playing to Win was right up my alley. Playing to Win is both sweet and funny, especially Jude’s parents. This is my first book by Stacey Lynn and I’ll definitely be reading more of her.
I received this audiobook for free from Audiobooks Unleashed. This is my honest and voluntary review.
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.
4
This was a good book, but things seemed to fall into place way too easily. Jude and Kate’s second chance romance, though it had to be hidden, seemed fluffy with very little drama. Though I usually don’t mind fluff, I was expecting a little more drama than there was.
Patient, Therapist, hockey, second chance, fluff
This is a pretty decent second chance sports romance. Katie is a sports therapist who is shocked when her old flame Jude comes back into her life with a potentially career ending knee injury. There isn’t anything overtly wrong with this, but I’ve definitely read better. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the audio ARC of this.
Playing to Win by Stacey Lynn
5 SLAP-SHOT STARS
I received an ARC audio version from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.
I have read other books by this author and really enjoyed them – Playing to Win was my first audio listen on Netgalley. Loved it – I will definitely be requesting more audio books . It is a great option to listen to a book while cleaning or just relaxing – I also loved the narration ( voices ) of both the 2 main characters.
This is the story of Jude Taylor and Kate ( Katie ) Carter and they have known each other since college. There has always been chemistry between the two … Jude is now a professional hockey player rehabbing after a surgery for an ACL tear and a second concussion. Katie is a trained physical therapist and the two meet again when Jude begins his sports rehabilitation in the Chicago area to be closer to home.
Why I really liked this book :
Sports romance ( a favorite of mine – specifically hockey )
Awesome main characters in Jude & Katie – as well as great secondary characters
Realistic
Both characters are willing to work on what they need to do to make their HEA happen – that there is more to life then what they both want out of their careers
Great humor
Jude’s supportive family
Love that Katie goes for what she wants – that being solely Jude
I really enjoyed this story and would like to read or listen to more in the series.
Highly recommend this book !!
This is a review of the audiobook.
This was a great second chance romance that was just pure fun! Jude is a hot shot hockey player who sustained a bad injury that took him out of the game, actually the rest of the season and the team sends him back home to Chicago to get surgery and rehab. Kate cannot believe her eyes when Jude hobbles into her physical therapy center. He is not her patient but she cannot help the tingles. They had brief fling in college until he was called up to the league and she was left behind. Now he is back on her turf. The chemistry is still as strong but will they be able to get past the…past…This was a great story and love the entire family. Mom is a hoot and dad is…well, inventive with his curses. I had this one in audio form and the narrator was perfection!
This is the first book in the Ice Kings Series, a Sports Romance. Jude and Katie’s story is a sweet and romantic second chance to love. Stella Hunter did a great job with the narration. I enjoyed it. Looking forward to listen to the next book in the Series, Scoring off the Ice.
Can Jude get a second chance with Katie, the one who got away? That is what you will discover when you read Playing to Win, an intoxicating second chance story about a charming hockey player. I liked the two main characters, Jude and Katie, they are great together and I loved reading their story.
When Jude, a professional hockey player, is injured he is upset and worried that it could end his career. The last thing he expects is to reconnect with his college girlfriend, Katie while he is healing.
Katie is just what Jude needs. Jude lost Katie once and he isn’t going to take a chance of letting that happen again. He knows he wants Katie back in his life and he doesn’t waste time playing games. Jude is confident and comfortable letting Katie know exactly how he feels about her. Jude comes from a hockey family dynasty. They are all crazy and funny and add a lot of entertainment and laughter to the story.
I love stories about sexy hockey players and I loved this second chance hockey romance. I listened to the audio version and thought the narrators did a wonderful job. Perfection.
Thanks to the author for providing a copy of this book via Cocktails and Books and Netgalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
Exhausted … couldn’t stop reading! … downloading book #2 now!
Holey Moley!
Playing To Win ticks all the boxes.
It’s got a hot hockey pro who’s been crushing on sweet, beautiful, physical therapist since college days, sigh worthy dialogue, scenes that sizzle, and a great storyline.
I loved Jude and Katie … but best of all, I loved how Stacey Lynn wrote Jude’s character and his single focused full court press to win over Katie!
Download this book now! I’m off to read book #2!Stacey Lynn
I enjoyed this one. Sports romance can cause me a bit of anxiety at first only because they usually have heavy “other women” involvement due to overeager fans. I’m happy to say you do not get that in this book. In fact, I really like how much Jude was crushing on Katie, even years later after their first encounter. I felt like because of that, this was a fun romance even though they had a few obstacles to overcome.
I listened to the audiobook version of this and really enjoyed the narrators. It had both a male, and female narrator who showcased both POVs, and I love that. This gives us readers a look into both characters thoughts throughout the book. I definitely recommend this if you are looking for a fun, safe sports romance.
Playing to Win by Stacey Lynn
A second chance romance. Jude and Katie were together for a short time in college. Katie thought she had found her forever. Jude found his forever of the moment and left skid marks leaving the next day to follow his dream leaving Katie before she knew what was happening. He went on to fulfill his passion of following in his father and brothers footsteps and became a professional hockey player. Katie was left behind with a broken heart. From then on she guarded her heart and decided to fulfill her own dreams of planting roots, becoming a physical therapist and creating her own version of family that she has always craved and never experienced as a child. Jude, is injured during a game and goes home to Chicago to rehab his damaged knee and hobbles in to her physical therapy clinic. The sizzle is still there, but is Katie willing to risk her her heart and career? Jude decides he is going to get it right this time and isn’t leaving her behind a second time. It’s a fun, sweet, steamy journey back together with a bunch of nosy friends, family and coworkers all chiming in with their opinions and comments all along the way. Of course there is a HEA and it was a long time coming and well deserved for both of them. The one hiccup for me in this book was a woman who Katie worked with who made it her mission to torture Katie from the day she started at the rehab clinic. If there is going to be woman on woman hate in the work place in these times it would have been nice for that woman to be called to the mat and held responsible for the way she treated her. For one person who saw it happening to stand up for Katie. That she just walked away rang false even though she was moving forward to a whole wonderful new life. Seemed out of character and again, in these times just a terribly wrong message to set forth. Other than that issue, which is small in the big picture this is a terrific listen. The narration of the audiobook is fine, though I cannot figure out who decided to have his mother sound like she did. Awful, but aside from her voice the rest was good.
Audio Review:
Playing to Win (Ice Kings #1) is a sports romance with a second chance twist told in dual pov. This is a fun, flirty romance with a bit of angst. Jude Taylor and Katie Carter’s engaging characteristics and cute banter create a entertaining listen. A sweet epilogue to wrap up this winsome second chance romance
Narrators Liam DiCosimo, Stella Hunter performance was smooth and consistent. A entertaining listen. Characters emotions were voiced.
Overall a entertaining listen.
Jude Taylor, professional hockey player, may have career ending injuries, from a game. Jude was sent to Chicago, one of the best rehab facilities is located there.
Katie, a physical therapist happens to work there. They had a brief romantic history while in college. it was something neither one forgot about.
Now Jude wants to pursue where they left off. Katie would love that, but would she jeopardize her job and possibly losing her license?
This is a second chance romance, full of angst, secrets, self doubts,
Liam DiCosimo and Stella Hunter are new narrators for me! I enjoyed the listening to this story. I was gifted this audio and offered my honest review.
This is a nice story. I didn’t love it because I struggled to connect or care about the characters. It seemed like their story was rushed too much for me to get to know them. Other than that it’s a nice story. I like
the whole second chance story thing plus hockey added to it. I did listen to this on audio.
Second chance sports romance following professional hockey player Jude Taylor as he goes back to his home town to recover from a hockey injury. Five years after he ran out on his first love, Kate Carter, he bumps into her at his physio office. Kate too, has never gotten over Jude, although she’s also not particularly happy to see him. When he suddenly left 5 years earlier to follow his dream, she refused to answer his calls, eventually blocking his number. Jude however, is not willing to let her ignore him any more and is relentless in his persuit of her. A sweet and romantic audio, narrated by Liam DiCosimo and Stella Hunter, both new to me narrators.
Playing to Win
Ice Kings
By: Stacey Lynn
Narrated by: Liam DiCosimo, Stella Hunter
I love hockey romances, so when I saw this coming out, I knew I had to listen. Jude and Katie had a brief college fling but never got over each other. Now years later, Jude finds himself in physical therapy where Kate works, and the sparks are flying. The question is, will they ignite? Second chance romances are so much fun! The history behind the couple really enriches the story and I love rooting for the couple to find their groove. Stacey Lynn gets it. She writes with fun, flirty lines, but also captures the vulnerability of both Jude and Katie.It’s a feel good romance, including family teasing, witty banter and a romance that makes your heart warm. I can’t wait to meet more of the team!
Liam DiCosimo and Stella Hunter are fabulous together. These up and coming narrators have their voices in sync and emulate the characters perfectly. They are great at story telling and I really enjoyed their performance.
https://adbl.co/2ZuqtvF
Terrific Story & Narration Captivating & Heartfelt!
Playing to Win
Ice Kings
By: Stacey Lynn
Narrated by: Liam DiCosimo, Stella Hunter
This is a terrific sports romance, it is my first book by Stacey Lynn and it will not be my last. She has a wonderful writing style, she created interesting storylines that are captivating from start to end. Her characters are realistic and easy to relate to. I adored the two lead characters, Jude Taylor and Katie Carter. Jude, a right wing for the Carolina Ice Kings, he sustained what could be a career ending injury while playing. He goes back to Chicago for surgery and PT, his family is close by and he could use some time away. Katie and Jude have history, they had a fling while in college, just before he was drafted for team. Katie finished her studies and internship and is currently working at one of the best physical therapy practices in Chicago. When Jude walks in he is surprised to see her, she is the one who got away, the one he always thinks about and none of the woman he has been with since compares to her. After Jude left for training camp Katie deleted and blocked him, she had her reasons. Can she open her heart to him again, will it jeopardize her career if she does? I loved how everything played out in this book, the story is beautifully plotted and there is plenty of drama, a touch of angst, a whole lot of heartfelt emotions, some hot loving all leading to a great second chance romance. Stacy Lynn, thank you for this great story and the emotional rollercoaster ride.
I listened to the Audible edition, Liam DiCosimo and Stella Hunter are terrific narrators and voice artists. They were perfectly casted to bring the character to life. They did a great job portraying the characters, humanizing them, giving each their own voice and personality. You could hear how much heart they put into their work as they capture the characters emotions and project them into their performance. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for this great listen
A great start to a new series! Second chance romances and hockey romances are one of my favorites and this was both. It was a great fast read with no unnecessary drama!! Cant wait for the next book!
Was given an arc for an honest review