In It to Win It

I like that the author jumped right into JP's story. He was not well liked in book 1 since he stole his brothers girlfriend. We did find out a few truths about that at the end of Theo and Lacey's book that didn't paint JP as bad as you are lead to believe. In fact, we learn a lot about JP in this book that shows there is always more that meets the eye. I like that we learn that JP is actually a really great guy who just doesn't always make the right choice.

Taylor is a girl who believes in love even if she has never experienced it herself. She isn't afraid to put herself out there to find it. She and JP start off on the wrong foot but the undeniable attraction is persistent and it takes a bit for them to find their footing. There is a bit of push and pull in the first half of the book but we do learn a lot about both these characters during this time.

It's not necessary to read book 1 first, however we do get a lot of Theo and Lacey in this book. We also get to see that spark for our next couple in book 3. I really like Everly and Wyatt sounds pretty intriguing.

I went into this book having not read the first in the series, but with a deep love for any hockey romance stories.

The highlight of this book for me was definitely JP. He felt genuine and realistic, and was trying to be a better person throughout the book while still being relatable and human. I know I would be happy to be on the receiving end of his affections!

(That being said, A for the bedroom scenes)

There was some decent banter, the hockey references were good (she's one of the first authors I've come across that have actually detailed what goes on during training camp), the yoga scenes were fun, and who doesn't love a guy with a soft spot for a golden retriever?

I will say though, the big time jumps felt weird, some phrases got repetitive, and at times the voices of all the characters sounded the same, so it was hard to tell who was narrating (or really care for that matter). It all blended together, and not in a good way. A part of this is because of the first issue below.

There were two main issues I had that really prevented me from enjoying this book, and makes me hesitant to read more in this series. First, the whole family drama/dynamic. There was a lawsuit that kept being alluded to, who owned/worked for what team, who was mad at who and how were they related? The grudges that were held onto for no apparent reason and petty drama. It was too much and it seriously took away from the story rather than add to it. If you want to read a book with a glossary of family members at the beginning, then go to town, but it was unnecessarily complicated for me.

Secondly, I really and truly disliked Taylor. She was so forgettable, immature, and annoying. Like, come on, I just couldn't stop rolling my eyes from the moment she ran out of the wedding on. Her characterization and perspective felt incredibly superficial, and she did little more than whine through the entire book. I would have given the book 2.5 stars but she made me drop it by 0.5 because I was that annoyed by her. She continuously made cringeworthy, terrible choices. JP kept saying he wasn't a good enough person for her, but let's be honest it was the other way around.

Some people may really enjoy this book, but there were just too many negatives for me and I couldn't really get immersed in it. I do wonder if it would be different if I read the first book in the series first!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided to me through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Kelly Jamieson has done it again with another amazing hockey series and a great family to easily fall in love with!! I adore the Wynn's and am totally fascinated by their incredibly complicated family dynamic. This story is sweet, fun, hot, sexy and heartwarming all wrapped into one! In this second book of the series, JP Wynn has a chance to redeem himself after being firmly placed out of his family's good graces for some poor choices he made. Honestly, I love JP and am happy he is trying to put the past behind him and be a better man. Taylor and Byron are very good for him!! He and Taylor have some serious chemistry and attraction from the start! Their wedding hook-up was flaming hot! But they sort of went back to square one after that. I loved watching their relationship bloom again from there. It certainly was not without complication and drama, but the way it was worked out and those who help along the way, made the story that much heartier. I love that we get so much of the other family members in the story too! I can't wait for Everly's HEA next and more of the Wynn family!!!!