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Players #5
To Win Her Smile
When sultry British Baroness Piper Darrow falls on desperate times, she needs a diversion—and cash. As a talented photographer, she jumps at the chance to travel to the U.S. for a Manhattan Marauders football event. But she gets more than she bargained for when buff quarterback Wyatt Hunter’s errant pass lands…in her face. And when it results in Wyatt’s comeback of a lifetime, the superstitious athlete is convinced Piper is his good luck charm . . .
With his sights on the Super Bowl, Wyatt will do anything necessary to keep Piper close. The fact that she’s a feast for the eyes is a bonus. And as they get closer, he discovers that beneath her proper English surface is a sweet, sexy seductress. Soon the notorious playboy finds himself genuinely smitten, and surprisingly open to love—until his powerful family uncovers something about Piper that threatens to shatter his trust. Now he’ll have to decide whether to team up with his fears, or his heart.
With his sights on the Super Bowl, Wyatt will do anything necessary to keep Piper close. The fact that she’s a feast for the eyes is a bonus. And as they get closer, he discovers that beneath her proper English surface is a sweet, sexy seductress. Soon the notorious playboy finds himself genuinely smitten, and surprisingly open to love—until his powerful family uncovers something about Piper that threatens to shatter his trust. Now he’ll have to decide whether to team up with his fears, or his heart.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2017
3 people are currently reading
333 people want to read
About the author
Mackenzie Crowne
16 books401 followersHi there. My name is Mackenzie Crowne.
I'm a a wife, mother and really young grandmother. Together with my high school sweet heart husband, a neurotic Pomeranian and a blind cat, I call Phoenix home because the southwest feeds my soul. My love of the romance genre has been a lifelong affair, both as a reader and a writer. A bout with breast cancer sharpened my resolve to see my stories shared with others. Today I'm a seven-year survivor living the dream.
Raised on the concept that a stranger is just one conversation away from being a friend, I love meeting new people. My friends call me Mac. I hope you will too.
I'm a a wife, mother and really young grandmother. Together with my high school sweet heart husband, a neurotic Pomeranian and a blind cat, I call Phoenix home because the southwest feeds my soul. My love of the romance genre has been a lifelong affair, both as a reader and a writer. A bout with breast cancer sharpened my resolve to see my stories shared with others. Today I'm a seven-year survivor living the dream.
Raised on the concept that a stranger is just one conversation away from being a friend, I love meeting new people. My friends call me Mac. I hope you will too.
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July 19, 2017
TO WIN HER SMILE Release Day Blitz & Giveaway from Mackenzie Crowne
Beach Book Bag giveaway!
This bag is stuffed with beach gear and signed print books from
AJ Nuest, Author Alison Bliss, Kelly Moran and Vonnie Davis!
Click on either banner to enter!
Desperate times call for desperate measures…but the British stiff upper lip makes it difficult for the Baroness Piper Darrow to allow anyone too close to the reality that is her life. Beautiful, titled, rich in ways that define a person, yet broke financially, Piper clutches at the chance for a paycheck that will help her save the land she holds dear. On the eve of losing her home, her heart and her legacy, Piper will use her talent as a photographer to capture a Marauders football event for posterity.
Marauder Wyatt Hunter needs a lucky charm to recapture his quarterbacking mojo…and then they connected, or rather Wyatt’s pass connected with Piper’s nose and his “A” game is back. Now Wyatt will do anything to keep his lucky charm around with the Super Bowl in sight, because even big, bad quarterbacks can be superstitious! He thought cost was no object, but little did he know what he stood to lose.
So, let’s do the math: One hot jock + one cool goddess + one big secret + the unknown factor = another love story that only Mackenzie Crowne could write! TO WIN HER SMILE is a journey through the hearts, minds and pride of two people who can’t just wave the flag of surrender and take the plunge, no matter how much they may want to! Why not? In part, Wyatt just happens to come from big money and hard-hitting politics and Piper has kept her lofty title a secret from him, due to her empty coffers. She also hides the true warmth of the woman she is when she retreats to her own world across the “pond.”
Once burned, twice shy, when Wyatt learns of Piper’s true heritage, as well as her circumstances, he is blinded to the woman who has rocked his world in every way. Yep, man angst is an ugly animal that will cost him is happiness, heart and the woman he loves. Will he become just a bad memory for Piper as she struggles to save her legacy?
Mackenzie Crowne has nailed two hearts with the precision of Cupid, separated them with the barbed wire of doubt, not to mention a rather large ocean, doing so with some heartwarming moments and some cold-hearted interference, all while holding me captive to every word! Take the bittersweet plunge into one of her best stories yet as the scoreboard ticks down the final seconds for love.
I received an ARC edition from Mackenzie Crowne and Kensington Books in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Players - Book 5
Publisher: Lyrical Shine (July 18, 2017)
Publication Date: July 18, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Beach Book Bag giveaway!
This bag is stuffed with beach gear and signed print books from
AJ Nuest, Author Alison Bliss, Kelly Moran and Vonnie Davis!
Click on either banner to enter!
Desperate times call for desperate measures…but the British stiff upper lip makes it difficult for the Baroness Piper Darrow to allow anyone too close to the reality that is her life. Beautiful, titled, rich in ways that define a person, yet broke financially, Piper clutches at the chance for a paycheck that will help her save the land she holds dear. On the eve of losing her home, her heart and her legacy, Piper will use her talent as a photographer to capture a Marauders football event for posterity.
Marauder Wyatt Hunter needs a lucky charm to recapture his quarterbacking mojo…and then they connected, or rather Wyatt’s pass connected with Piper’s nose and his “A” game is back. Now Wyatt will do anything to keep his lucky charm around with the Super Bowl in sight, because even big, bad quarterbacks can be superstitious! He thought cost was no object, but little did he know what he stood to lose.
So, let’s do the math: One hot jock + one cool goddess + one big secret + the unknown factor = another love story that only Mackenzie Crowne could write! TO WIN HER SMILE is a journey through the hearts, minds and pride of two people who can’t just wave the flag of surrender and take the plunge, no matter how much they may want to! Why not? In part, Wyatt just happens to come from big money and hard-hitting politics and Piper has kept her lofty title a secret from him, due to her empty coffers. She also hides the true warmth of the woman she is when she retreats to her own world across the “pond.”
Once burned, twice shy, when Wyatt learns of Piper’s true heritage, as well as her circumstances, he is blinded to the woman who has rocked his world in every way. Yep, man angst is an ugly animal that will cost him is happiness, heart and the woman he loves. Will he become just a bad memory for Piper as she struggles to save her legacy?
Mackenzie Crowne has nailed two hearts with the precision of Cupid, separated them with the barbed wire of doubt, not to mention a rather large ocean, doing so with some heartwarming moments and some cold-hearted interference, all while holding me captive to every word! Take the bittersweet plunge into one of her best stories yet as the scoreboard ticks down the final seconds for love.
I received an ARC edition from Mackenzie Crowne and Kensington Books in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Players - Book 5
Publisher: Lyrical Shine (July 18, 2017)
Publication Date: July 18, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
June 7, 2017
Baroness Piper Darrow needs money and needs it desperately before she loses everything important to her. So, when she's offered the chance to take some photos for the Manhattan Marauders, she accepts the opportunity. However, it means spending time in Wyatt Hunter's company, the charming and handsome star player for the Marauders. Will she give into the strong chemistry that bounces between them, or will things that happened in her past keep her from getting involved with Wyatt?
Ms. Crowne scores a touchdown with any sports romance she writes with her ingenious and utterly beguiling style of writing, and this fifth story ends her Players series with a bang. In other words, it was a remarkable and marvelous story that had me hooked from the very beginning until the very end. The way this story started had me loving the hero immediately, as he's a cocky, confident sports hero that's feeling the pressure of whether he and his team are going to win or not until something disastrous for Piper while miraculous for Wyatt happens.
The dialogue was well-written, entertaining and I loved every moment of it, because it's a perfect combination of intense dialogue due to the main characters back stories and playful banter between the main characters that had me smiling and chuckling throughout this story and shedding a few tears towards the end. Certainly, Piper knows how to wound Wyatt's ego, but luckily he knows how to take her digs on the chin like the champ he is. Furthermore, the heroine is resilient, courageous and I liked how determined she was to solve her problems on her own. No way can she accept help from anyone else, especially not from Wyatt because she doesn't need another scandal to surface like the one in her past.
While Wyatt, he is one of the best heroes I've read lately. His back story and what he goes through with his family throughout this story isn't easy for him. His father is a total jerk that deserved every bit of Wyatt's wrath when it came to the hero's relationship with Piper and making certain his father kept his nose out of Wyatt's personal life. I also liked the close relationship Wyatt had with his sister. Then again, they'd have to be close to survive being in the spotlight and under constant scrutiny because of who their father is. Then there's the nickname the hero has for the heroine. I loved every time he called her it because of her reaction and what a guess it was, considering her title.
Finally, Ms. Crowne has penned an incredible read in this book where the romance was scorching and had me thinking Piper is one lucky woman to have the attention of such a great guy. The way this story had me a tad emotional because of what happened between Piper and Wyatt to tear them apart, but I liked how Wyatt made things right between them. Certainly, he does things with style and flamboyance. How could what he's wearing not tempt her, especially when it might mean he's going commando? However, it was the epilogue that wrapped things up splendidly, because of Wyatt's surprise for Piper. How did he manage to get something that was so precious to her back? I would recommend To Win Her Smile by Mackenzie Crowne, if you enjoy sports romance or books by authors Sawyer Bennett, Toni Aleo, Kelly Jamieson or Jami Davenport. I would also highly recommend this entire series, because they're all fantastic reads.
June 10, 2017
The ending was a wee bit cheesy (ok massively cheesy), but otherwise it was a nice story.
This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 18, 2017
What a fantastic story. Piper was down in her luck and took a job as a photographer to work a special event for the Manhattan Marauders. Little does she know. It isn't going to be easy as her it's not a quick job especially when she gets hit in her nose buy their quarterback Wyatt Hunter. I loved the main characters and all the secondary ones. Football is my favorite sport so this book wasn't just about their love story to me. I road to the championship!!!
June 8, 2017
Their romance is a beautiful story and if you’re into sports you’re going to absolutely love this book! To Win her Smile is a charming tale of romance in the world of sports! http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/reviews/...
July 6, 2017
*FTC Disclaimer: I received a copy of To Win Her Smile from Mackenzie Crowne in exchange for an honest review. I have in no way been influenced by the author and/or publisher's generosity. You can't fake these stars, baby!
Review originally published at NDP Book Review.
Call me India Jones because I’ve got me a whip-o-LUV! Is it bad that I am obsessed with Mackenzie Crowne? Probably. Is it dangerous that I think her characters are real? Wait, they’re not real?
Let me tell you THIS: you want Wyatt Hunter to be real. It’s important that we are on the same page moving forward, otherwise this is going to be a rough ride for you. There ain’t no fiction here, friends. We’re delusional, and he’s real.
Let’s get on to the sweet juju, shall we?
Wyatt Hunter is a quarterback and we are first introduced to him mid-game. The stakes are high! Aww sad panda, he's losing.
He's not losing for long, though, because he smacks a girl across the FACE with his pigskin and the game takes a miraculous turn! Win for the hotty hotties!... Except Wyatt thinks hitting this girl (aka Piper, the photographer) is the reason for the sudden turn of events.
Our sweet, foolish, superstitious Wyatt wants Piper to be his WHAT?... For the next 5 months? Well, he had better act fast because she's supposedly leaving for England in a couple days.
I'm not quite sure what he's expecting with this whole "lucky charm" theory; maybe have her dress up as a leprechaun and toss marshmallows at the corner of 2%-Lane? I hazz a pot of gold!
YaaaOK. Good luck, Mr. Quarterback. (*snort* Secretly I'm screaming, "I VOLUNTEER AS TRIBUTE!" #shhh)
I can think of one reason why Piper would agree to such a bizarre request: money. She's at an all time low. With both of her parents in royal heaven, she's left to her own devices to try and keep what's important to her. Sure, she has bucketloads of cash in the land she owns, but she is one broke girl! Piper needs money. And BAD.
Good thing Wyatt has money and he is willing to pay $100,000 for this superstition of his. And Piper is willing to accept. Sit on the sidelines. Take some pictures. What's the worst that could happen?
Oooo the drama is about to start, my friends! What chapter are we on? 4? Oh gaaawd this book is so delicious and nutritious.
What is Piper going to think when she finds out there have been other lucky charms before her? You know, when her feelings start getting intermingled in their... err-arrangement? 😏
Now that Wyatt is Piper's "side project," there's no way she can leave the States now. What a mess. But she does eventually go back overseas, right? When is she going to tell Wyatt she's a Baroness? (Never 🙄)
Uh oh... looks like a conflict. Let's just pray our Baroness doesn't get herself into a scandal (something she's used to.) Let's be clear: Wyatt ain't a prince either, with his tainted secrets and jagged family history...
This plot is about to take a turn for the worst. Lucky charm? HA. Maybe in a parallel universe where things ACTUALLY go as planned... in this lifetime? Not a chance.
Mackenzie Crowne has done it again. To Win Her Smile is recklessly saucy. What starts as superstition, evolves into desire, and finally need. I am living vicariously through this book right now (I GOT NO SHAME!) and I ENVY Mackenzie Crowne. Mac, write me a book-o-heros, ya? Chapter 1: Wyatt Hunter.
To Win Her Smile is a beautiful juxtaposition: slow and tantalizing, yet volcanic with action. Always moving forward, characters always being developed. Every sentence has a purpose, every chapter takes us on a journey.
Desire, passion, selflessness. Doubt, faith, a viscous primal love. This standalone is PERFECTION.
Taste the rainbow. 🌈
Review originally published at NDP Book Review.
Call me India Jones because I’ve got me a whip-o-LUV! Is it bad that I am obsessed with Mackenzie Crowne? Probably. Is it dangerous that I think her characters are real? Wait, they’re not real?
Let me tell you THIS: you want Wyatt Hunter to be real. It’s important that we are on the same page moving forward, otherwise this is going to be a rough ride for you. There ain’t no fiction here, friends. We’re delusional, and he’s real.
Let’s get on to the sweet juju, shall we?
Wyatt Hunter is a quarterback and we are first introduced to him mid-game. The stakes are high! Aww sad panda, he's losing.
He's not losing for long, though, because he smacks a girl across the FACE with his pigskin and the game takes a miraculous turn! Win for the hotty hotties!... Except Wyatt thinks hitting this girl (aka Piper, the photographer) is the reason for the sudden turn of events.
"Introduce me. I need to talk to her."
[He] laughed and drew his attention. "I know that look."
"What look?"
"The look that says you've discovered your newest lucky charm."
Our sweet, foolish, superstitious Wyatt wants Piper to be his WHAT?... For the next 5 months? Well, he had better act fast because she's supposedly leaving for England in a couple days.
I'm not quite sure what he's expecting with this whole "lucky charm" theory; maybe have her dress up as a leprechaun and toss marshmallows at the corner of 2%-Lane? I hazz a pot of gold!
"What are you going to do? Convince Piper to let you break her nose every week for the rest of the season?"
YaaaOK. Good luck, Mr. Quarterback. (*snort* Secretly I'm screaming, "I VOLUNTEER AS TRIBUTE!" #shhh)
I can think of one reason why Piper would agree to such a bizarre request: money. She's at an all time low. With both of her parents in royal heaven, she's left to her own devices to try and keep what's important to her. Sure, she has bucketloads of cash in the land she owns, but she is one broke girl! Piper needs money. And BAD.
Good thing Wyatt has money and he is willing to pay $100,000 for this superstition of his. And Piper is willing to accept. Sit on the sidelines. Take some pictures. What's the worst that could happen?
Oooo the drama is about to start, my friends! What chapter are we on? 4? Oh gaaawd this book is so delicious and nutritious.
What is Piper going to think when she finds out there have been other lucky charms before her? You know, when her feelings start getting intermingled in their... err-arrangement? 😏
Now that Wyatt is Piper's "side project," there's no way she can leave the States now. What a mess. But she does eventually go back overseas, right? When is she going to tell Wyatt she's a Baroness? (Never 🙄)
Uh oh... looks like a conflict. Let's just pray our Baroness doesn't get herself into a scandal (something she's used to.) Let's be clear: Wyatt ain't a prince either, with his tainted secrets and jagged family history...
This plot is about to take a turn for the worst. Lucky charm? HA. Maybe in a parallel universe where things ACTUALLY go as planned... in this lifetime? Not a chance.
Mackenzie Crowne has done it again. To Win Her Smile is recklessly saucy. What starts as superstition, evolves into desire, and finally need. I am living vicariously through this book right now (I GOT NO SHAME!) and I ENVY Mackenzie Crowne. Mac, write me a book-o-heros, ya? Chapter 1: Wyatt Hunter.
To Win Her Smile is a beautiful juxtaposition: slow and tantalizing, yet volcanic with action. Always moving forward, characters always being developed. Every sentence has a purpose, every chapter takes us on a journey.
Desire, passion, selflessness. Doubt, faith, a viscous primal love. This standalone is PERFECTION.
Taste the rainbow. 🌈
July 9, 2017
Thank you to Net-Galley, the publisher and author for the ARC. This is my thoughts and only my thoughts on the story. NO form of payment was received.
I have read all but one of the books in this series, and I will be reading it. This one is my favorite. I love Wyatt and Piper. Both are dealing with things caused by family in life that they wish they didn't have to. Pipers is a bitch of a cousin causing her grief and for Wyatt it is his dad, running to be POTUS.
The chemistry between these two is off the charts. I was not ready for the book to end! I was sucked into the story from the get go. I love Mac and her stories. Another great story!
I have read all but one of the books in this series, and I will be reading it. This one is my favorite. I love Wyatt and Piper. Both are dealing with things caused by family in life that they wish they didn't have to. Pipers is a bitch of a cousin causing her grief and for Wyatt it is his dad, running to be POTUS.
The chemistry between these two is off the charts. I was not ready for the book to end! I was sucked into the story from the get go. I love Mac and her stories. Another great story!
June 17, 2017
4.5 Stars
MacKenzie Crowne is a new author to me but she won't be new for very long, I loved this book and I need to read the previous books in the Players series.
British Baroness Piper Darrow is having a hard time, her inherited estate needs money and if she is going to keep it in her families name she needs a lot of money and fast so when she gets the chance to go to the US as a photographer to take take some pictures at the Manhattan Marauders Football Game she jumps at it but what she doesn't expect is for the hot quarterback Wyatt Hunter to throw a pass that ended up smacking her on the nose ....
Wyatt Hunter is a superstitious athlete and he gets into his head that Piper is the teams good luck charm so he will do what ever is needed to keep her a every game even if that means paying her to be there...
What starts as a business arrangement turns into a love affair but what happens when Wyatts powerful family find out about Pipers past, will he trust Piper enough to follow his heart. If you love sports romance this is a must read. Can't wait to read more from this author.
MacKenzie Crowne is a new author to me but she won't be new for very long, I loved this book and I need to read the previous books in the Players series.
British Baroness Piper Darrow is having a hard time, her inherited estate needs money and if she is going to keep it in her families name she needs a lot of money and fast so when she gets the chance to go to the US as a photographer to take take some pictures at the Manhattan Marauders Football Game she jumps at it but what she doesn't expect is for the hot quarterback Wyatt Hunter to throw a pass that ended up smacking her on the nose ....
Wyatt Hunter is a superstitious athlete and he gets into his head that Piper is the teams good luck charm so he will do what ever is needed to keep her a every game even if that means paying her to be there...
What starts as a business arrangement turns into a love affair but what happens when Wyatts powerful family find out about Pipers past, will he trust Piper enough to follow his heart. If you love sports romance this is a must read. Can't wait to read more from this author.
July 24, 2017
***** 3.75 Stars *****
Can be read as a standalone.
A baroness doing everything she can to keep her estate afloat meets a superstitious quarterback with a notorious reputation.
I found To Win Her Smile a bit cheesy, but overall it had its cute moments. One thing I didn't really care for was Wyatt constantly finding her accent sexy. It was repetitive, and the story was also predictable.
I definitely enjoyed the other books in the series more, but I'm glad I got a chance to read this.
Can be read as a standalone.
A baroness doing everything she can to keep her estate afloat meets a superstitious quarterback with a notorious reputation.
I found To Win Her Smile a bit cheesy, but overall it had its cute moments. One thing I didn't really care for was Wyatt constantly finding her accent sexy. It was repetitive, and the story was also predictable.
I definitely enjoyed the other books in the series more, but I'm glad I got a chance to read this.
June 9, 2017
Loved It!!! Another fantastic read by MacKenzie Crowne. I had been waiting for Wyatt's story and finally got to read it. *sighs* The chemistry between Wyatt and Pipper is off the Charts Hot. This book is so heartfelt. Once you start reading you won't be able to put the book down. I highly recommend reading this book. Thank you Netgalley.
July 7, 2017
**I received a copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
This was a sweet romance sports read and I enjoyed it a lot. The characters were enjoyable and the storyline was great. I even enjoyed all of the secondary characters. Piper knows what its like to have someone accuse her of using another person and feeling helpless to stop the rumors. The last thing she wants is to get involved with someone else but Wyatt Hunter is hard to resist. I enjoyed reading how their relationship developed and they were so sweet together. However, Wyatt has a secret to keep and someone will use what they have to get what they want. As they say, money is the root of all evil and it applies to this book. The ending was wrapped up nicely but I wished we got to see Wyatt's dad reaction when the truth came out since it was made a big deal in the story. So, that part of the story felt a little unfinished because I wanted to know what was said; what his dad said. Anyways, I enjoyed this story and I would definitely read more books from this author.
This was a sweet romance sports read and I enjoyed it a lot. The characters were enjoyable and the storyline was great. I even enjoyed all of the secondary characters. Piper knows what its like to have someone accuse her of using another person and feeling helpless to stop the rumors. The last thing she wants is to get involved with someone else but Wyatt Hunter is hard to resist. I enjoyed reading how their relationship developed and they were so sweet together. However, Wyatt has a secret to keep and someone will use what they have to get what they want. As they say, money is the root of all evil and it applies to this book. The ending was wrapped up nicely but I wished we got to see Wyatt's dad reaction when the truth came out since it was made a big deal in the story. So, that part of the story felt a little unfinished because I wanted to know what was said; what his dad said. Anyways, I enjoyed this story and I would definitely read more books from this author.
May 11, 2017
From page one I fell in love with Wyatt, he had some interesting quirks, “well, there you go. I broke your nose.” She mentally shook her head at the satisfaction in his tone as if he were actually pleased to have his culpability confirmed." Piper can sure shock Wyatt at times, "he straightened with a jolt. “Hold on. Are you screwing with my head? You’re willing to show up at the games?” I loved this book, Wyatt is definitely my favorite man out of the series.
July 7, 2017
4.5 Stars
This was the first book I’ve read by Mackenzie Crowne and oh my goodness did I love it!
Her witty writing style sucked me right into Piper and Wyatt’s story.
Wyatt is a professional quarterback in the NFL and has these quirky superstitions that you may find other professional athletes having. Except instead of having a lucky rabbit’s foot, he has lucky women. Or in this case he finds Piper to be the team’s lucky charm.
Piper Darrow, Baroness of Delaney, finds herself at the tail end of a soaring football that gets tipped straight into her face at a professional football game. She ends up with a broken nose but also finds herself intensely attracted to the quarterback who feels horrible for breaking her nose from the pass that he threw. Piper’s passion is photography but she also feels a sense of duty as a Baroness to look after the estate that has resided in her family for over four hundred years. Her estate, and home, becomes threatened by her snooty and dare I say, bitchy, cousin if she isn’t paid her inheritance that is due by New Year’s Eve.
The story that comes out of these circumstances is fantastic! I loved the other professional athletes that take part, who I’m also assuming are from the previous books in the series. There are also the Gridiron Girls who are the wives and significant others of the other teammates on Wyatt’s team. Piper’s best friend Moira and her extended family, Tilly and Angus, are all hysterical and had me laughing out loud quite frequently throughout the book.
Needless to say, you NEED to read this book! It is so worth it.
Seriously loved it!
This was the first book I’ve read by Mackenzie Crowne and oh my goodness did I love it!
Her witty writing style sucked me right into Piper and Wyatt’s story.
Wyatt is a professional quarterback in the NFL and has these quirky superstitions that you may find other professional athletes having. Except instead of having a lucky rabbit’s foot, he has lucky women. Or in this case he finds Piper to be the team’s lucky charm.
Piper Darrow, Baroness of Delaney, finds herself at the tail end of a soaring football that gets tipped straight into her face at a professional football game. She ends up with a broken nose but also finds herself intensely attracted to the quarterback who feels horrible for breaking her nose from the pass that he threw. Piper’s passion is photography but she also feels a sense of duty as a Baroness to look after the estate that has resided in her family for over four hundred years. Her estate, and home, becomes threatened by her snooty and dare I say, bitchy, cousin if she isn’t paid her inheritance that is due by New Year’s Eve.
The story that comes out of these circumstances is fantastic! I loved the other professional athletes that take part, who I’m also assuming are from the previous books in the series. There are also the Gridiron Girls who are the wives and significant others of the other teammates on Wyatt’s team. Piper’s best friend Moira and her extended family, Tilly and Angus, are all hysterical and had me laughing out loud quite frequently throughout the book.
Needless to say, you NEED to read this book! It is so worth it.
Seriously loved it!
July 16, 2017
To Win Her Smile is rich in laughter, strong in character and full of heart. Any story where the titular character has the ingenuity to not wait to be rescued but work toward their own salvation is aces with me. It's always a added bonus to discover a heroine as relatable and spirited as Piper. She bucked the odds by seeking a life filled with happiness. Wyatt, may be a jock but he's no fool. When the heart speaks he listens and that made him a winner in my book. Ms. Crowne continues to bring excitement and heart to some of the most delightful characters romance has to offer.
July 15, 2017
Loved this book! It had a ton of great characters and the story was fun and easy with a great flow to it. Angus is now one of my all time favorite characters! I really enjoyed how the relationship between Wyatt and Piper developed and how kind and caring Wyatt was when he found out about Piper's issues. Just an all round feel good story that left me smiling and happy. I highly recommend it to everyone.
July 14, 2017
Wyatt has perfected the charming rascal face that he shows the world and for the most part he’s found a way to live a life that he wants. But all is not perfect in his world. Piper knows what it is like to have the world turn on you but she’s got moxie and is willing to work for what she holds dear. It can’t be easy for either of them living in such scrutiny, but at least it is something that they can both understand. And best of all, both of them have a great support system in their friends and family. (Well, for the most part.)
Together Wyatt and Piper are a hoot. From their first introduction to the take no prisoners seduction campaign that Wyatt stages, there is laughter and fun and heat. He definitely makes it difficult for Piper to do what she feels is best and resist the oh-so-tempting QB. And then … *sigh* I knew before I started that Wyatt was going to do something to screw things up. (Well, one of them was and it was most likely going to be him.) That didn’t stop me from giving these two my heart and then watching him just stomp all over it. I understand why he does what he does – and major props to the guy for making up for it – but that didn’t stop me from getting mad and hurt … but that’s what tells you you’ve found a great book and an amazing author, right? That you get so invested in the characters that it feels like you are involved with them too?
I have loved this series from the beginning and I was super excited to be given the chance to not only read this one but to be involved in promoting it. At least until I realized that Ms. Crowne said this was it, the last of the series. Say it isn’t so!!! If this is your first chance to experience these rough and tumble football players (and the women who bring them to their knees) it is definitely a great place to start. But don’t blame me when you find yourself adding the rest to your TBR pile :)
*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***
Together Wyatt and Piper are a hoot. From their first introduction to the take no prisoners seduction campaign that Wyatt stages, there is laughter and fun and heat. He definitely makes it difficult for Piper to do what she feels is best and resist the oh-so-tempting QB. And then … *sigh* I knew before I started that Wyatt was going to do something to screw things up. (Well, one of them was and it was most likely going to be him.) That didn’t stop me from giving these two my heart and then watching him just stomp all over it. I understand why he does what he does – and major props to the guy for making up for it – but that didn’t stop me from getting mad and hurt … but that’s what tells you you’ve found a great book and an amazing author, right? That you get so invested in the characters that it feels like you are involved with them too?
I have loved this series from the beginning and I was super excited to be given the chance to not only read this one but to be involved in promoting it. At least until I realized that Ms. Crowne said this was it, the last of the series. Say it isn’t so!!! If this is your first chance to experience these rough and tumble football players (and the women who bring them to their knees) it is definitely a great place to start. But don’t blame me when you find yourself adding the rest to your TBR pile :)
*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***
July 17, 2017
Review also found at https://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/...
3.5 stars
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! The expected publication date is July 18th, 2017.
This is the 5th in the Players series and while I believe I had read most, I do not think I have read all. This can be read as a stand alone. While characters from the previous installments are present, it is not necessary to have their whole back story to enjoy this book. While I recommend reading the others simply for the entertainment factor, if you choose not to, it won't impact this story.
This book delivers exactly what one would expect from this genre. Some interesting characters with some sizzling chemistry. I particularly liked Wyatt and enjoyed his character. I had previously hoped he would get his own story. Wyatt was the cocky on the outside while mushy on the inside character that makes most woman swoon, and I may have been a little guilty myself. Piper was the typical gun shy because she had been previously burned character who was helpless to Wyatt's charms. What resulted was a steamy and interesting relationship between the two.
I am a fan of Mackenzie Crowne and look forward to every new release she has. This story did not disappoint me. I just wonder if this is the last in the Players series or if we will see something new in the future. Only time will tell!
3.5 stars
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! The expected publication date is July 18th, 2017.
This is the 5th in the Players series and while I believe I had read most, I do not think I have read all. This can be read as a stand alone. While characters from the previous installments are present, it is not necessary to have their whole back story to enjoy this book. While I recommend reading the others simply for the entertainment factor, if you choose not to, it won't impact this story.
This book delivers exactly what one would expect from this genre. Some interesting characters with some sizzling chemistry. I particularly liked Wyatt and enjoyed his character. I had previously hoped he would get his own story. Wyatt was the cocky on the outside while mushy on the inside character that makes most woman swoon, and I may have been a little guilty myself. Piper was the typical gun shy because she had been previously burned character who was helpless to Wyatt's charms. What resulted was a steamy and interesting relationship between the two.
I am a fan of Mackenzie Crowne and look forward to every new release she has. This story did not disappoint me. I just wonder if this is the last in the Players series or if we will see something new in the future. Only time will tell!
May 14, 2017
netgalley
Loved this book, a fun read. a re read
Loved this book, a fun read. a re read
July 22, 2017
4 stars
July 18, 2017
To Win Her Smile by MacKenzie Crowne
Players #5
Do you believe in luck? Some, especially those that are sports minded and like to win, do believe and either have a routine or a charm or something they adhere to religiously – Wyatt Hunter is just such a man. When Wyatt’s football pass hits Piper Darrow on the sidelines changing their game from a loss to a win he is willing to stake money and more on getting her to attend the rest of the games. Piper, in need of money, has mixed feelings about the situation. Eventually an agreement is hammered out that includes photographs, money coming in from more than one source and the potential for some hot steamy times – without commitment. Well, a story can’t roll along smoothly without glitches so add in Wyatt’s politically minded father who has his nose in everything, a secret Wyatt’s sister does not want to come out, Piper’s atrocious cousin, misperceptions, mistrust and misconceptions and you have much to contend with. And…you also have a well written book that is not sunshine for all from beginning to end. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. I am not sure if this is the last book in the series but I have a feeling it might be since there are five books published now and mention of The Fabulous Five throughout. There ARE other characters that could have their stories told, though, so who knows?
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books – Lyrical Shine for the ARC. This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
Players #5
Do you believe in luck? Some, especially those that are sports minded and like to win, do believe and either have a routine or a charm or something they adhere to religiously – Wyatt Hunter is just such a man. When Wyatt’s football pass hits Piper Darrow on the sidelines changing their game from a loss to a win he is willing to stake money and more on getting her to attend the rest of the games. Piper, in need of money, has mixed feelings about the situation. Eventually an agreement is hammered out that includes photographs, money coming in from more than one source and the potential for some hot steamy times – without commitment. Well, a story can’t roll along smoothly without glitches so add in Wyatt’s politically minded father who has his nose in everything, a secret Wyatt’s sister does not want to come out, Piper’s atrocious cousin, misperceptions, mistrust and misconceptions and you have much to contend with. And…you also have a well written book that is not sunshine for all from beginning to end. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. I am not sure if this is the last book in the series but I have a feeling it might be since there are five books published now and mention of The Fabulous Five throughout. There ARE other characters that could have their stories told, though, so who knows?
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books – Lyrical Shine for the ARC. This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
July 18, 2017
The author would like an honest review.
4 stars
I love football, American football, it is my favorite sport and I try to read all these books because they always end up better than I can imagine. This book was just as good as I thought. I loved the little twist of the football player falling for a baroness, but not knowing. It was kinda of neat listening to her accent all the way through this book. On top of that she has a lot of stuff going on in this book and so it was not all about him. It was about them. That is what keeps you going in this book. So what happens when a Baroness that needs extra money comes to a football game. Ball in the face. And I really mean it. That is how they meet. Mackenzie needs extra money to keep her family home. A home that she would never let go. Wyatt needs to have a great year. He screwed up over the summer and now he is on their teams radar. One more screw up, well that could be the end. One more loss, could mean goodbye to football. So when he comes face to face to to this stunning woman, he knows she is going to be his lucky charm. With that being said now he needs to figure out how to get her. That is what makes this book fun. He sets up a proposition that she can't refuse and that is where their journey begins.
I don't want to get into this story much, but it is a great read. You will fall for Mackenzie and Wyatt. Mackenzie is sweet and she will do anything for family, but she will do anything for love, but she will fight the feeling because she has been burnt before. She has been burnt extremely bad, so now she will proceed with caution. Wyatt is pretty awesome in his own way. He is a star, but he is doing stupid things. He needs to get his act together before it is too late.
I loved the writing in this book and it kept you going the whole time. I miss that the story has ended, but it was a fun ride during the read. The characters are very likable and I can't wait to see what comes out next from this author.
4 stars
I love football, American football, it is my favorite sport and I try to read all these books because they always end up better than I can imagine. This book was just as good as I thought. I loved the little twist of the football player falling for a baroness, but not knowing. It was kinda of neat listening to her accent all the way through this book. On top of that she has a lot of stuff going on in this book and so it was not all about him. It was about them. That is what keeps you going in this book. So what happens when a Baroness that needs extra money comes to a football game. Ball in the face. And I really mean it. That is how they meet. Mackenzie needs extra money to keep her family home. A home that she would never let go. Wyatt needs to have a great year. He screwed up over the summer and now he is on their teams radar. One more screw up, well that could be the end. One more loss, could mean goodbye to football. So when he comes face to face to to this stunning woman, he knows she is going to be his lucky charm. With that being said now he needs to figure out how to get her. That is what makes this book fun. He sets up a proposition that she can't refuse and that is where their journey begins.
I don't want to get into this story much, but it is a great read. You will fall for Mackenzie and Wyatt. Mackenzie is sweet and she will do anything for family, but she will do anything for love, but she will fight the feeling because she has been burnt before. She has been burnt extremely bad, so now she will proceed with caution. Wyatt is pretty awesome in his own way. He is a star, but he is doing stupid things. He needs to get his act together before it is too late.
I loved the writing in this book and it kept you going the whole time. I miss that the story has ended, but it was a fun ride during the read. The characters are very likable and I can't wait to see what comes out next from this author.
July 18, 2017
4 1/2 STARS!
A sexy pro baller plus a touch of British royalty equals the sassy ride of a lifetime! We recognize most of the supporting cast from previous books in the Players series, and enjoy jumping into their mix again. Lots of chemistry between characters and family turmoil abounds! Really fun and feisty read!
British Baroness Piper Darrow is undercover in Manhattan taking the opportunity to visit an old friend and take part in a charity event at the same time. She never expects to meet the sexy quarterback of the Manhattan Marauders in quite such a slamming way!
Wyatt Hunter is taken with Piper as soon as he sets eyes on her, and the fact that her misfortune on the sidelines of the game happened to be his turning point to a victory makes her this season's good luck charm! He'll do anything to convince her to stick around and help the team make it to the play-offs! When he offers her a deal she can't refuse considering she's a bit money strapped, will they use the opportunity to grow closer or will secrets tear them apart before they get the chance?
A sexy pro baller plus a touch of British royalty equals the sassy ride of a lifetime! We recognize most of the supporting cast from previous books in the Players series, and enjoy jumping into their mix again. Lots of chemistry between characters and family turmoil abounds! Really fun and feisty read!
British Baroness Piper Darrow is undercover in Manhattan taking the opportunity to visit an old friend and take part in a charity event at the same time. She never expects to meet the sexy quarterback of the Manhattan Marauders in quite such a slamming way!
Wyatt Hunter is taken with Piper as soon as he sets eyes on her, and the fact that her misfortune on the sidelines of the game happened to be his turning point to a victory makes her this season's good luck charm! He'll do anything to convince her to stick around and help the team make it to the play-offs! When he offers her a deal she can't refuse considering she's a bit money strapped, will they use the opportunity to grow closer or will secrets tear them apart before they get the chance?
July 19, 2017
I was asked by the author for an honest review.
I would like to have given To Win Her Smile 4.5 stars.
This is the first book I've read by Mackenzie Crowne. You don't need to have read any of the other books in the Players series to enjoy To Win Her Smile.
It was a cute story. I liked how strong of a character Piper was and how she made tough decisions with integrity. I would have liked the ending to be a little less smooth considering the event that led up to it and the amount of time it took to resolve it.
After reading this one, I'm interested in reading the other books in the series.
I would like to have given To Win Her Smile 4.5 stars.
This is the first book I've read by Mackenzie Crowne. You don't need to have read any of the other books in the Players series to enjoy To Win Her Smile.
It was a cute story. I liked how strong of a character Piper was and how she made tough decisions with integrity. I would have liked the ending to be a little less smooth considering the event that led up to it and the amount of time it took to resolve it.
After reading this one, I'm interested in reading the other books in the series.
July 20, 2017
To Win Her Smile, Mackenzie Crowne
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance,
I didn't realise this was book five in a series, but its one of those where each story is a stand alone, and connected by the characters so I was able to keep up OK ;-)
I really enjoyed this read, loved Piper, understood her desire to keep the family estate intact, it sounds a wonderful place and there's so much family history attached.
Times are tough though, and she's facing a fierce financial deadline, so when offered the chance to earn enough to clear it she jumps at the chance. Its using her beloved photography skills too, she's been running the estate as a posh B&B but photography is what really is her preferred way of earning, she loves the magic found in the right picture.
She's working for Wyatt though, as well as his team, and gets to know the group well. Wyatt makes it clear he's wants more than just her there as his lucky charm...more than her taking pics for the charity calendar, and soon they're into a hot and steamy relationship for the five weeks she's there working.
I loved Wyatt too, talented, a great team mate and player yet his father, just starting a bid for Presidency, doesn't see how well he does, can't see he's doing what he loves, he's simply irritated that Wyatt hasn't followed him into politics. He wants him around solely to back up the family image, to boost his own career. He needs squeaky clean family, and as usual his employees are checking into every part of their lives.
Secrets beware! and of course we all have them.
Of course just when everything is going well it isn't...and in a way that brought the story down for me.
I saw this angle coming way, way off, as soon as something happened right back in the early part of the book, but thought it was so obvious and clunky that maybe the author had thrown it in to distract form the real story line. As we got closer to the end more clues came in, almost spoon feeding us to the event.
I still kept hoping that it would be something else, this was too easy, too simplistic and surely Piper as a professional would have taken measures to ensure it couldn't happen.
But no...Sigh...I was right :-( and that brought the story down a star.
I was so angry with Wyatt, but understood his reaction, absolutely loved the way he was made to work for redemption, the way it covered months in the story, not juts one of those sorry, I goofed, effed up and its all happy, happy, happy on the next page.
I do like my characters to have to work hard for forgiveness, love the leads to be feeling really sad, upset, distraught, and Piper was all those.
Its got the perfect ending too. If only that reveal had been less clumsy, less obvious it would have been a full five star read for me.
Stars:Four, a great read, just brought down by a too obvious story line.
ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance,
I didn't realise this was book five in a series, but its one of those where each story is a stand alone, and connected by the characters so I was able to keep up OK ;-)
I really enjoyed this read, loved Piper, understood her desire to keep the family estate intact, it sounds a wonderful place and there's so much family history attached.
Times are tough though, and she's facing a fierce financial deadline, so when offered the chance to earn enough to clear it she jumps at the chance. Its using her beloved photography skills too, she's been running the estate as a posh B&B but photography is what really is her preferred way of earning, she loves the magic found in the right picture.
She's working for Wyatt though, as well as his team, and gets to know the group well. Wyatt makes it clear he's wants more than just her there as his lucky charm...more than her taking pics for the charity calendar, and soon they're into a hot and steamy relationship for the five weeks she's there working.
I loved Wyatt too, talented, a great team mate and player yet his father, just starting a bid for Presidency, doesn't see how well he does, can't see he's doing what he loves, he's simply irritated that Wyatt hasn't followed him into politics. He wants him around solely to back up the family image, to boost his own career. He needs squeaky clean family, and as usual his employees are checking into every part of their lives.
Secrets beware! and of course we all have them.
Of course just when everything is going well it isn't...and in a way that brought the story down for me.
I saw this angle coming way, way off, as soon as something happened right back in the early part of the book, but thought it was so obvious and clunky that maybe the author had thrown it in to distract form the real story line. As we got closer to the end more clues came in, almost spoon feeding us to the event.
I still kept hoping that it would be something else, this was too easy, too simplistic and surely Piper as a professional would have taken measures to ensure it couldn't happen.
But no...Sigh...I was right :-( and that brought the story down a star.
I was so angry with Wyatt, but understood his reaction, absolutely loved the way he was made to work for redemption, the way it covered months in the story, not juts one of those sorry, I goofed, effed up and its all happy, happy, happy on the next page.
I do like my characters to have to work hard for forgiveness, love the leads to be feeling really sad, upset, distraught, and Piper was all those.
Its got the perfect ending too. If only that reveal had been less clumsy, less obvious it would have been a full five star read for me.
Stars:Four, a great read, just brought down by a too obvious story line.
ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers
July 19, 2017
to win her smile, is the fifth book in the gridiron players series. quarterback wyatt hunter has no idea how things will change when he decides the woman he inadvertently hit with a football on the sidelines is his new lucky charm.
piper darrow has plenty of reasons to avoid a professional athlete, her ex saddled her with the label of the gold-digging baroness, and her land-rich, cash-poor inheritance helped lend credence to his claims. the last thing she wants in her life is another jock, especially not a superstar football player with hordes of press coverage, and even worse, his father happens to be running for president. so them as a thing can't happen.
except someone forgot to tell her traitorous body. because one kiss from wyatt and piper's reasons completely slip her mind. and then there's the fact that wyatt keeps saying things like sticking together and falling for her and other words that commitment-phobes avoid. so she starts believing that maybe he won't let her down.
of course he's a guy, and she's a lady, and there's this huge misunderstanding where he doesn't trust her or himself, mainly because someone he loves is hurt. and so winning piper back is going to take one hell of a grand gesture, because she'd been so close to believing in them when he forgot to believe in her. and those lapses of trust are harder to forgive even when you understand the reasons why.
to win her smile is an enjoyable sports romance, and even though the fifth (possibly last) in the series it stands alone. although i enjoyed this enough to want to check some of the other books out.
**to win her smile will publish on july 18, 2017. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/kensington books (lyrical shine) in exchange for my honest review.
piper darrow has plenty of reasons to avoid a professional athlete, her ex saddled her with the label of the gold-digging baroness, and her land-rich, cash-poor inheritance helped lend credence to his claims. the last thing she wants in her life is another jock, especially not a superstar football player with hordes of press coverage, and even worse, his father happens to be running for president. so them as a thing can't happen.
except someone forgot to tell her traitorous body. because one kiss from wyatt and piper's reasons completely slip her mind. and then there's the fact that wyatt keeps saying things like sticking together and falling for her and other words that commitment-phobes avoid. so she starts believing that maybe he won't let her down.
of course he's a guy, and she's a lady, and there's this huge misunderstanding where he doesn't trust her or himself, mainly because someone he loves is hurt. and so winning piper back is going to take one hell of a grand gesture, because she'd been so close to believing in them when he forgot to believe in her. and those lapses of trust are harder to forgive even when you understand the reasons why.
to win her smile is an enjoyable sports romance, and even though the fifth (possibly last) in the series it stands alone. although i enjoyed this enough to want to check some of the other books out.
**to win her smile will publish on july 18, 2017. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/kensington books (lyrical shine) in exchange for my honest review.
July 21, 2017
Loved it! This series just keeps getting better with each new book. I really enjoyed the dialogue of Piper. & her family's scottish phrases & profanity, it's a nice change from the everyday Americanized slang. Both the characters of Wyatt & Piper were strong but caring, with a very steamy side, especially for Piper when she refuses to give up on a promise made even though she was devastated by the person she made the promise to.. We see the softer side of Wyatt when his young niece is around & the controversy surrounding her also shows us his protective side when it comes to her being hidden from his father & the media. We also see the greed & sadness that has been brought into Piper's life since her father's death but there's also a determination in her that pushes her past all that. Unfortunately for all, the forces of greed & selfishness rear their ugly heads & put Wyatt & Piper at odds with each other. The intrigue of the chase, the joy of catching love, the fear of being broken & the heartbreak of losing love are just a few of the emotions running through this book that takes us on the ride through Wyatt & Piper's story. Definitely recommend to read. I received this book from Net Galley for an honest review.
July 20, 2017
Baroness Piper Darrow has never wanted for anything in life. When her father passed away three years ago, she discovered he was treating her by using credit and as part of his will, she now owes £300,000 to her nasty self centered cousin. Piper desperately needs cash to pay off this debt but she refuses to sell her ancestral home. When a opportunity presents itself to photograph the Manhattan Marauders, Piper gets the attention of their star quarterback. Wyatt Hunter has his sights set on winning another Super Bowl and believes that Piper is his good luck charm that will get him that victory. Wyatt convinces Piper to come to his games and photograph a calendar for charity. But can these two keep things professional as sparks fly between them?
I am not sure which character out of Piper and Wyatt that I loved more. They were both equally charming and fiercely protective of their lived ones. Both dealt with being in the tabloids with grace and dignity.
The interactions between Wyatt and Piper were fantastic. I was rooting for these two to get together the moment Wyatt's pass hit her in the face on accident. This couple makes for a beautiful love story that is meant to be passed down to their children and grandchildren.
I loved the slow build up between these two. Once Piper accepted Wyatt's job offer, he slowly began to woo her into accepting more. Crowne does a great job of building up the anticipation and the actual love scenes were very much worth the wait.
To Win Her Smile by Mackenzie Crowne is the fifth book in the Players series but it can be read as a standalone. If you haven't read anything by this author, you are missing out. Crowne creates fantastic stories that make you become emotionally invested in the outcomes. If you enjoy contemporary romance or sports romance, this series and book would be a great read for you.
*Copy provided by the author in exchange for review
** Review also on Facebook at So Many Reads
I am not sure which character out of Piper and Wyatt that I loved more. They were both equally charming and fiercely protective of their lived ones. Both dealt with being in the tabloids with grace and dignity.
The interactions between Wyatt and Piper were fantastic. I was rooting for these two to get together the moment Wyatt's pass hit her in the face on accident. This couple makes for a beautiful love story that is meant to be passed down to their children and grandchildren.
I loved the slow build up between these two. Once Piper accepted Wyatt's job offer, he slowly began to woo her into accepting more. Crowne does a great job of building up the anticipation and the actual love scenes were very much worth the wait.
To Win Her Smile by Mackenzie Crowne is the fifth book in the Players series but it can be read as a standalone. If you haven't read anything by this author, you are missing out. Crowne creates fantastic stories that make you become emotionally invested in the outcomes. If you enjoy contemporary romance or sports romance, this series and book would be a great read for you.
*Copy provided by the author in exchange for review
** Review also on Facebook at So Many Reads
July 21, 2017
To Win Her Smile is a heart-warming, and all around fantastic book!!! I absolutely loved it! This book is very well written and the story tugged at my heart strings. Piper and Wyatt's story held my interest from the very first page until I reached the end.I want a Wyatt!!! This is definitely a book that I will be re-reading and will be recommending to others!
Mackenzie Crowne has knocked it out of the ballpark with this book!!
Mackenzie Crowne has knocked it out of the ballpark with this book!!
July 18, 2017
So far I’ve been really loving this series, set around the friendships and romances of an American Football team, so I was intrigued at the prospect of a British Baroness joining the cast. But, alas, as a Brit, I found her hit-and-miss Britishness really distracting.
I won’t go into all the in and outs of why, though I often wondered why when all of them talk with Scottish accents (apart from her friend whose slang seemed to know no boundaries as it rampaged around the country) the manor wasn’t actually IN Scotland. Yes, the far north of England has a lot of Scottish characteristics, but they have their own unique character, accents and dialects too, not that you’d know it in this book. Also cranes and chipmunks in Cumbria? Um…
It was also inconsistent. Piper might talk about the boot of her car one moment, then be discussing bachelorette parties (for non-Brits, we call them hen parties). It got to the point where I noticed every time she used a Britishism, and every time she didn’t, with car talk being particularly distracting. I also grew annoyed by her overly formal speech at times.
In fact, I wasn’t all that impressed with Piper. Her wishy-washy attempts not to give into her attraction to Wyatt were pathetic. I don’t know why she even bothered. He is pretty pushy, but her defence was non-existent. Coupled with everything mentioned above, she annoyed me a lot and around the halfway mark I came very close to giving up.
But I like this series, so I gave it another go, and once they do give into their attraction it does get better. There’s a lot more to Wyatt than the careless playboy he pretends to be. I came to like him as the book progressed, though I never loved him. I felt like Piper improved too when she had real problems to focus on. They make a cute team and that ending was plain adorable – if a little over the top when he knows how much she hates being the centre of attention.
So overall this was okay and probably works a lot better for those who aren’t British, or who aren’t bothered by things being a bit skewed in that quarter. It was great seeing old characters again, but if you’re new to this series you can start here without too much difficulty. It has sports, it has romance and even has a hint of British aristocracy to keep things ticking along. My own issues with this book aside, this series remains a thoroughly enjoyable read.
(ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)
I won’t go into all the in and outs of why, though I often wondered why when all of them talk with Scottish accents (apart from her friend whose slang seemed to know no boundaries as it rampaged around the country) the manor wasn’t actually IN Scotland. Yes, the far north of England has a lot of Scottish characteristics, but they have their own unique character, accents and dialects too, not that you’d know it in this book. Also cranes and chipmunks in Cumbria? Um…
It was also inconsistent. Piper might talk about the boot of her car one moment, then be discussing bachelorette parties (for non-Brits, we call them hen parties). It got to the point where I noticed every time she used a Britishism, and every time she didn’t, with car talk being particularly distracting. I also grew annoyed by her overly formal speech at times.
In fact, I wasn’t all that impressed with Piper. Her wishy-washy attempts not to give into her attraction to Wyatt were pathetic. I don’t know why she even bothered. He is pretty pushy, but her defence was non-existent. Coupled with everything mentioned above, she annoyed me a lot and around the halfway mark I came very close to giving up.
But I like this series, so I gave it another go, and once they do give into their attraction it does get better. There’s a lot more to Wyatt than the careless playboy he pretends to be. I came to like him as the book progressed, though I never loved him. I felt like Piper improved too when she had real problems to focus on. They make a cute team and that ending was plain adorable – if a little over the top when he knows how much she hates being the centre of attention.
So overall this was okay and probably works a lot better for those who aren’t British, or who aren’t bothered by things being a bit skewed in that quarter. It was great seeing old characters again, but if you’re new to this series you can start here without too much difficulty. It has sports, it has romance and even has a hint of British aristocracy to keep things ticking along. My own issues with this book aside, this series remains a thoroughly enjoyable read.
(ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)
July 30, 2017
Plot: 3/5
Characterisation: 4/5
Prose: 3/5
How much I enjoyed it: 4/5
We've got a glimpse of Wyatt in the previous books but I was a bit disappointed with the route that the author took with the character. I just feel that being a successful quarterback is already a huge deal, add the old-money family background and the president-aspiring political father is a bit too much of a cliche.
However, I guess without this background the story wouldn't have moved forward when Wyatt is paired with the Baroness-who-is-trying-very-hard-not-to-be-a-Cinderella, Piper. I have to give mad props to Piper for being one of a kind heroine, one who stick to her principles all the way. Which made me enjoyed the book more even if there's less of drama in the story because of it.
Characterisation: 4/5
Prose: 3/5
How much I enjoyed it: 4/5
We've got a glimpse of Wyatt in the previous books but I was a bit disappointed with the route that the author took with the character. I just feel that being a successful quarterback is already a huge deal, add the old-money family background and the president-aspiring political father is a bit too much of a cliche.
However, I guess without this background the story wouldn't have moved forward when Wyatt is paired with the Baroness-who-is-trying-very-hard-not-to-be-a-Cinderella, Piper. I have to give mad props to Piper for being one of a kind heroine, one who stick to her principles all the way. Which made me enjoyed the book more even if there's less of drama in the story because of it.
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