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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Jude had a thing for Katie from the day that he laid eyes on her in college and had pursued her consistently even though she constantly turned him down. Finally giving into a night of beautiful passion, Katie was stunned when Jude left the next day for the pros without so much as a goodbye. Years later after both Jude and Katie had thought they were over each other, Jude is sent for physical therapy where Katie works. Jude realizes he is not over Katie and is determined to win her again.
Playing to Win is my first novel by Stacey Lynn and it did not disappoint. This is another hockey romance series that I will be following along with. I enjoyed the reconnection of Jude and Katie after the unexpected parting when he left for the pros. There is not a lot of hockey in the novel but enough so you know it’s a hockey romance and it is a sweetly emotional and sexy story. This was a good start to the series and the Ice Kings seem like they are going to be a fun team to get to know. Playing to Win is a second chance hockey romance told in the first-person point of view and is the first novel in the Ice Kings series.
This was a fun story to read. Each character – even the minor ones – are all different and intelligent, the dialogue is clever and realistic, and the connection between Jude and Katie is white hot.
I especially loved that their original separation was less about him leaving her or her pushing him away, and more about … I want to say semantics but it was really about tone of voice. When she told him good luck, he honestly heard happiness that his dreams were coming true, while she was saying goodbye. Not miscommunication, exactly, but once you factor in youth and inexperience you get the perfect misunderstanding.
Another thing I loved was that Jude wasn’t a player off the ice as well. I’ve read stories where the athlete “enjoys” his fame at the beginning of his career, while the woman pretty much remains celibate in the intervening years. I didn’t get that here.
I wasn’t a fan of Jude’s behaviour towards his friend, but I certainly understood. Not only do head injuries often times come with emotional outbursts, he was dealing with a lot of fear regarding his career. In that, the author has accurately portrayed his recovery.
I also wasn’t a fan of Katie’s boss’s animosity towards her. Was that ever truly explained? I’m not a fan of female characters who undermine, antagonize, or otherwise cut down other female characters. (I think we get enough of that in real life, so I like a little more “fantasy” in my books.)
(In the ARC I read there’s also an age/timeline that doesn’t quite add up, but it doesn’t take away from the story in any way.)
But I liked the way that Jude worked towards winning Katie over again. It wasn’t a heavy handed “I want her. I get her.” declaration. Instead, it was a declaration that he wanted a do-over; a second chance to explore the connection they had. It was a beautifully written story about letting go of fear and giving love a second chance.
*4.5 stars*
A second chance, forbidden love…
And hockey? Oh if this author wasn’t an insta-everything for me, this series would make her so! Kate’s background made her wary so at the first hint of separation, she was gone. Jude never forgave, or forgot, her so when he had the chance he took it. They may have stumbled back into each other’s lives but they took the opportunity and it was scorching…
It didn’t take long for the walls to come down and when they did it all came out. The resentment, the anger, the lust, the love. It was all brimming under the surface and when let loose, the pages sizzled and shook. The drama could have so easily gone over the top but instead the characters, their story, felt real and open. To the pain they caused each other. To the pleasure only they could create together. It was romantic. It was soulful. It was hot…
I loved it and can’t wait for more in the series.
*I happily reviewed this story
This was such a GREAT read! The fact that it combined a sports romance & a second chance romance just made it even better!
The history between Kate & Jude made me swoon. I loved that he had to work so hard to initially get her to be with him, and now he’s more determined than ever! Watching these two get reacquainted and remember why they were attracted to each other before made such an amazing story! Even better, there was hardly any drama!
I thought Jude and Katie had a sweet and insta-love relationship. It was a nice read with good characters and a cute plot.
She knows he’s probably forgotten about her but knows an injury could ruin his career, she can find out how he is through her friend, but one thing she does realise, after one incredible night together after he convinced her to give him a chance, he left to start his career and she’s never forgotten Jude.
Having no choice but to go home for his surgery and rehab, Jude wonder if the one girl he wished things had gone differently with was still there. He knows she always wanted to do physical therapy.
Jude though he was prepared to see Kate again, still hurt that she blocked his number. After five years he can’t believe how his body reacts to her, one thing Jude knows is he wants to know if Kate feels the same chemistry that he does and what happened all those years ago.
With his career can he give her what she wants the most, stability, will Kate see that she can have both.
Playing To Win is the beginning of a brand new Hockey series from Stacey Lynn and judging by this first installment,this is going to be such a great series.
I Love a sexy Hockey Romance and this ticked all the boxes for that, Jude and Katie are fantastic characters made for one another.They get a second chance at love when Jude gets injured and goes home to rehabilitate were they reconnect.
This is such a sweet story and a feel good one which I ravished with pleasure I am already looking forward to reading book two and possibly meeting Judes brothers and teammates .
An Excellent read which I highly recommend. – BY Cat W.
Jude’s been exiled back to Chicago for rehab on his ACL, and the only reason he’s glad about it is because it means a possible second chance with the woman he still thinks about, the one who got away, his Katie. Thank God she’s the physical therapist he’s been assigned to! Except that second chance could cost Katie her career, so she’s got to make a choice between love and her career.
Jude and Katie are a great couple once they give in and give themselves the second chance both of them wanted. Playing to Win is sexy and sweet and now I’m looking forward to a whole series of Ice Kings.
Kate and Jude were fun to read about. I love the second chance romance genre. Playing to Win was a win in itself. A great beginning to the Ice Kings series! Don’t worry. The hero of the story has to work for it when it comes to Kate. I loved the plot and thought process that makes this story whole!!! A fun and great read for the weekend!
This was a good read! The writing flowed well, and I thought that Jude and Katie were good together. There isn’t a lot of drama in this book, and I was actually a little surprised by that. With the way that Katie’s backstory was written, I really thought she would blow everything out of proportion. It was nice that she was able to talk to Jude and get his take on things before jumping to conclusions. I thought Luke was very sweet and I loved that all he wanted to do was take care of Katie. His family was great, and I loved the way they were there for Luke when he needed it. The ending was very sweet and it was perfect for these characters. I can’t wait to see what happens with the next player 🙂
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
Jude Taylor is a NHL hockey player who’s career is on the line. Jude comes from a family deeply embedded in hockey. He even plays alongside his brother, until that fateful evening when Jude is injured. Jude suffered a debilitating concussion and a torn ACL. He’s not taking it well and can only think the worst. HIs coach decides Jude needs a change of scenery and sends him home to rehab, hopeful his attitude will change.
Katie is a physical therapist who has a history with Jude. She keeps up with his career and knows he has a long recovery ahead, but never dreamed he’d walk into the place she works. Katie knew Jude in college, before he became famous. The day Jude signed a contract as a NHL player, was the day Katie let Jude and her dreams go. Katie blocked Jude’s number and never spoke to him again. Katie loved him so much, that she let him go. She thought she would only hold him back.
I really enjoyed this second chance romance. Katie’s selfless acts enabled Jude to concentrate on his career and become the player she knew he could be. Katie also wanted stability after growing up living a gypsy-like life. Katie worked hard to earn her PT degree and worked with some of the best rehab specialist in the country. It took a leap of faith and Jude’s love to enable Katie to take a chance at love. I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.
4 stars
Gah, I love a sports romance, especially hockey! Stacey Lynn’s Playing to Win was a delicious dive into this awesome genre. Playing to Win mainly took place off the ice during to Jude’s injury but he and Kate still managed to heat up the locker room!
You never forget your first love, even if it was just one night and a big old misunderstanding that cost you your love story. When the universe hands you a second chance, even if it’s in the form of an injury, you hold on with both hands. On the DL from a recent injury, Jude has nothing but time on his hands and he wants those hands all over the girl that got away. As attracted as she is to Jude, Kate is reluctant to get involved again until he earnestly explains their past and she realizes he wasn’t the only one to make mistakes. Things heat up as these two fumble their way through love and physical therapy! Great story full of heart and plenty of heat!
AnnMarie – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
Jude reunites with Katie!
Carolina Ice King hockey player Jude Taylor was injured during a game with a concussion and a knee needing surgery and rehabilitation so everything was scheduled for Chicago where Jude was raised with his brothers. Jude was all for Chicago because he could track down Katie Carter who he had been seeing before he got called up when his brother was injured.
Katie Carter knew that Jude to put all his attention on hockey so she blocked him on all forms of contact but when he hobbled in the clinic where she worked as a physical therapist all her plans changed.
“After years of wanting this woman, years of loving her, I’ve finally won her, and it’s been the best damn victory I could ever have.”
Jude Taylor is a sensation in professional hockey. Famous, millionaire, the best player in the league. But a serious injury can put his career at risk. And end his legacy for good. Sent home by his coach, so he can recover both physically and mentally, with everything that is happening in his life right now, Chicago is the last place he would like to be sent. Dealing with his caring mother, his friends and the fear of his situation are things he can deal with. But being in the same place as the girl he couldn’t forget, it could be too much.
Kate seeks a stable life. After years of uncertainty with a somewhat adventurous mother, she seeks routine and order. Working as a physical therapist, she didn’t expect Jude to show up at the clinic where she works.
A flirtation that started in college. Jude had a hard time trying to get her to accept his invitation to a date. After a night together, a misunderstanding causes her to block his number, and so five years pass.
Fate decided to give these two a second chance. Jude may be facing several problems, but he knows that reuniting with Kate is a chance that should not be missed. He wants everything, he wants the happy ending. She is afraid of getting hurt. Two different worlds, two opposite realities. But an immense feeling between them. How to resist something that feels so right?
Some problems will appear to try to disrupt this relationship, but together, they will be unbeatable. The key to the relationship will be communication.
Jude is perfect, cute and passionate. Kate is strong, determined and deserves her happy ending. A romantic, sweet book, without dramas, where the stars are the two protagonists and the love that unites them. A great read.
With the first book in her new hockey Ice Kings series, Stacey Lynn knocked it out of the park and delighted this reader with PLAYING TO WIN! The character development is strong, the chemistry is steaming hot and the likability of the characters is off the charts.
Jude is an attention grabbing character right off the bat. We get to see his vulnerable side from the beginning as he is handed the details about his injury and what it’s going to take to get him back out there on the ice. It just so happens he gets sent home to Chicago to rehab … and to the very clinic that “the one that go away” works as a physical therapist.
Katie is easy to like. She and Jude weren’t anything serious back in college, but only because just after he finally got her to agree date him and they shared their first amazing night together, he ran out the door to go make his dreams come true. She hasn’t forgotten him over the years … but she also hasn’t changed her mind about wanting to live a settled down life in a town she loves.
I highly recommend this reunion story of past college sweethearts. It’s fast paced and has a good cast of friends and family in the mix. I’m looking forward to more to come in the series!
You ever read two characters meeting on the page and you’re just like… yes, I’m here for it and they better be here for it too? That’s exactly how I felt about Jude and Katie.
Second chance is totally my catnip and this one checked all the boxes. This book has me super excited for this series. I love Jude and Katie but I also fell in love with their friends. I can’t wait to see who gets their HEA next!!
I love a good hockey romance. Stacey Lynn did just that by bringing us the Ice Kings. I felt like this book had a lot of amazing elements. For one…hockey. Second…romance. And last…second chances. This book was everything I could have ever wanted all rolled into one.
This is Jude and Katie’s story. The connection and chemistry between these two are off the charts. I loved watching the love grow between these two amazing characters.
Stacey Lynn did an amazing job with this story. I can’t wait for more from this amazing author.
I really liked this second chance romance between Jude Taylor – Pro Hockey player and his college crush – Kate “Katie” Carter.
It’s been 5 years since Jude left Chicago after being called up to the NHL. There was a connection so strong between Jude and Katie – but Jude ended up leaving before they were ever really able to see where they could go in the relationship. Now Jude is on the injured list and his coach has sent him home to recover. And as fate would have it, Katie works at the physical therapy office where Jude is being treated.
As soon as he sees Katie that connection is strong once again. But why did she block him, not let him try to see where they could go? Just because she got called up to the big league, it didn’t mean he wasn’t still interested in her.
Katie grew up in an unstable home environment. All she’s ever wanted was a place to call home and someone to love. When Jude left, she figured that was the end and her dreams were what kept her hidden from Jude. But could she possibly be mistaken all these years? She gets this feeling every time she spends time with Jude. Could a home be a person and not a place?
I loved Jude’s determination. He wasn’t going to let Katie slip away once again. These two were fun and sexy. Such a great read with not a lot of angst. Just a great love story! Can’t wait for more in the series!
Playing to Win is a second chance romance between Jude and Katie who had one night together in college before Jude made it big as a hockey star. Now many years later, neither one has forgotten the other, and it seems like fate has put them back in the same path again when Jude is injured in a game and finds himself in rehab where Katie works. Their relationship was quick to pick up again and despite the time, that passed their connection seemed just as strong.
I really enjoyed both Jude and Katie as characters. They seemed real and genuine and well matched and they definitely were not lacking chemistry. I overall enjoyed the premise of the story and found the overall book to be engaging. My only down side to the book would just be that it had a little bit of an “insta love” feel considering they only had one night together and spent years apart and felt so strongly towards each other, but on the flip side, perhaps, when you know, you know. I do really enjoy this author’s writing style and look forward to reading more from this author and more in this series.
This was a quick fast read for me. It is a 2nd chance at romance story with a forbidden twist.
Kate and Jude were in lust/love but only had one night together in college. Then Jude got a hockey contract and that’s where he has been in the last few years. Until he gets injured and is sent home and ends up as PT at the same office Kate works at. She is told they cannot have a romantic relationship since he gets PT there even though she has no contact with him. Which is the forbidden aspect.
But Jude is a man on a mission and Kate does put up a big fight but in the end will love win out? And what about what happens when Jude is all better?
This was a sweet romance between two characters who like and still love the other but who life split up. I really enjoyed the romance, characters and story.
I received a complimentary arc before release for review from the publisher and author.