Robyn M. Ryan writes books that have characters with which you'd like to be friends. The excitement of college and pro sports is fun, but at the end of the day, the characters are like a group of your own best friends. The chemistry between Kim and Spence is fantastic and I really enjoyed the chance to catch up with other familiar characters!
I received an ARC of this book, and I am so happy and grateful for that because this is another fantastic sports book in the “world” of the Tampa Suns professional hockey team created by Robyn M Ryan, but with a little deviation into baseball. And I am here for it! I don’t know that I can improve upon the blurb that the author provided, but I can say is a fun and sweet love story. Kim moves to Tampa from Canada to continue her education and to get away from her controlling and abusive ex-bf, and literally stumbles into the greatest “meet-cute” ever…with lots of popcorn. Fate must be bringing Kim and Spence together, because they just keep rolling mining into each other and become fast friends. The attraction is there from the beginning, but they each have other priorities above dating…at least for a while. The storyline in this book is wonderful. Realistic and lighthearted for the most part. Supportive friends and family (but with the one troublemaking family member), sports, and a fake relationship that progresses into a friends-to-lovers trope. It’s just all-around great. Not too steamy, but plenty of “feels” and emotional scenes, and lots of love. I just couldn’t put it down. Read the whole thing within 12 hours of receiving it…and that included sleeping a full night. I’m always excited to read Robyn’s books because they never disappoint. Can’t wait for the next one! But I’ll read this one again while I’m waiting.
With unpredictable romance, irresistible characters, and an overload of emotion, Ryan is a master at breezing past the senses and going straight to the heart. Winning Play is flirty and fun. Kim and Spence are the perfect combination of adorable and clueless. From their frustrating dance with heartache to their often risky love story, their antics are temptation at its best.