What do you think?
Rate this book
The Winning Defense
If she follows her rules, Chloe is guaranteed a win—but now she’s not sure what she’s playing for.
Chloe Carpenter has developed a system. After a life that has been anything but easy, she has a plan to get what she wants, and what she wants is justice. She’s on offense to make up for the wrongs done to her and punish those responsible.
They’re going down.
So she worked hard, very hard, and maybe she lied a little (and maybe she didn’t), but it’ll be worth it in the end. She has a set of Rules to live by, like #6 (don’t give them a chance to say no) and #10 (know when to cut your losses). It’s #12 (ignore your ruthlessness is key) that starts giving her some trouble, and that happens right around the time that she runs into #77.
No, that’s not a rule—that’s the jersey number of pro-football player Ray Bishop, and he’s a muscular, talented, tall, gorgeous…a-hole. Everyone knows it (even him). But there is something about Ray, something beyond the way he irritates people by parking his car on a sidewalk, beyond the way he fights with his coaches, beyond the way he seems to see through Chloe and all her carefully laid plans.
Those plans are falling by the wayside and Chloe’s trying to hold it together, but she’s also falling. The woman who lives by the Rule to be ruthless is falling in love, and suddenly?
There’s no defense at all.
Chloe Carpenter has developed a system. After a life that has been anything but easy, she has a plan to get what she wants, and what she wants is justice. She’s on offense to make up for the wrongs done to her and punish those responsible.
They’re going down.
So she worked hard, very hard, and maybe she lied a little (and maybe she didn’t), but it’ll be worth it in the end. She has a set of Rules to live by, like #6 (don’t give them a chance to say no) and #10 (know when to cut your losses). It’s #12 (ignore your ruthlessness is key) that starts giving her some trouble, and that happens right around the time that she runs into #77.
No, that’s not a rule—that’s the jersey number of pro-football player Ray Bishop, and he’s a muscular, talented, tall, gorgeous…a-hole. Everyone knows it (even him). But there is something about Ray, something beyond the way he irritates people by parking his car on a sidewalk, beyond the way he fights with his coaches, beyond the way he seems to see through Chloe and all her carefully laid plans.
Those plans are falling by the wayside and Chloe’s trying to hold it together, but she’s also falling. The woman who lives by the Rule to be ruthless is falling in love, and suddenly?
There’s no defense at all.
379 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 14, 2023
53 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 18, 2023
I can only come out from my “no reading 2023” for one of her books, and if it’s Woodsmen Football, well then, my win!
I loved this one. I wasn’t so sure about the heroine and the hero setting up that false charity but oh my, how the storyline twisted into something beautiful 🥹 and that plot twist? I know we all thought why she was coming after them, but no!! Similar, but different.
Can you tell I loved this?
Thank you Mrs Bennett for this entertaining, sweet and enjoyable read ♥️
I loved this one. I wasn’t so sure about the heroine and the hero setting up that false charity but oh my, how the storyline twisted into something beautiful 🥹 and that plot twist? I know we all thought why she was coming after them, but no!! Similar, but different.
Can you tell I loved this?
Thank you Mrs Bennett for this entertaining, sweet and enjoyable read ♥️
June 16, 2023
If you haven’t read Jamie Bennett books yet, this one would be a great start. Probably my new favorite in this series.
I laughed the entire first half and I couldn’t put it down until the last page.
I’m once again amazed by this author’s raw, beautiful and unique style of writing. Her books are like nothing I’ve read before.
Already excited for her next book!
I laughed the entire first half and I couldn’t put it down until the last page.
I’m once again amazed by this author’s raw, beautiful and unique style of writing. Her books are like nothing I’ve read before.
Already excited for her next book!
Read
September 27, 2023i liked where it was headed (aka the exact opposite of insta anything. no insta connection, no insta lust, not even insta hatred. annoyance maybe but a normal amount)
and so the chemistry felt great (coz im biased. they reminded me of mz). the writing though, was simply exhausting
dnf
and so the chemistry felt great (coz im biased. they reminded me of mz). the writing though, was simply exhausting
dnf
June 15, 2023
I'm living in northern Michigan. I love the quirky humor of JB 's books.
This story was a bit harder to rally around the female main character because although we fall for Chloe she's still bent on revenge and it becomes negative energy for her character. Luckily Zeke (&Lyle) know how to help her figure out what she really wants....or they try anyway because Chloe has had a tough upbringing (& she loves Deacon) we root for her.
They finish up the book with epilogue that catches us up to future with Woodmen characters making me think JB is winding down the Woodsmen series??
This story was a bit harder to rally around the female main character because although we fall for Chloe she's still bent on revenge and it becomes negative energy for her character. Luckily Zeke (&Lyle) know how to help her figure out what she really wants....or they try anyway because Chloe has had a tough upbringing (& she loves Deacon) we root for her.
They finish up the book with epilogue that catches us up to future with Woodmen characters making me think JB is winding down the Woodsmen series??
December 11, 2024
3.5-4 ⭐️
Another interconnected standalone in the Woodsmen Football world by this author. As it is technically a standalone you can just read this one but personally I would at a minimum read The Goal Line and also would say before reading that one you should read The Benchwarmer but I have a bit of book OCD so I am reading them all in publication order anyway.
I enjoyed this one more than some of the others, probably because (for similar reasons) I respond well to stories about found families and found Chloe and Ray becoming insta-parents to sweet baby Deacon very amusing and heartwarming. As is typical, the romance is in the background to the main story while also somehow being integral at the same time. This author has a gift for fast-paced writing that keeps you engaged and slow (really, no-burn) romance that is quietly and smoothly satisfying.
Another interconnected standalone in the Woodsmen Football world by this author. As it is technically a standalone you can just read this one but personally I would at a minimum read The Goal Line and also would say before reading that one you should read The Benchwarmer but I have a bit of book OCD so I am reading them all in publication order anyway.
I enjoyed this one more than some of the others, probably because (for similar reasons) I respond well to stories about found families and found Chloe and Ray becoming insta-parents to sweet baby Deacon very amusing and heartwarming. As is typical, the romance is in the background to the main story while also somehow being integral at the same time. This author has a gift for fast-paced writing that keeps you engaged and slow (really, no-burn) romance that is quietly and smoothly satisfying.
July 6, 2023
I was not going to finish this book. Chloe seeks revenge from page 1 and she sounded like a selfish brat. However, as the book continues, you understand her behavior and are able to connect. After awhile I wanted her to seek her revenge. Chloe was born premature and immediately sent to foster care. Her mother just left her. She felt a lot of pain.
I enjoyed the grumpy hero, Ray. Deacon was just adorable.
Great plot and great MCs.
I enjoyed the grumpy hero, Ray. Deacon was just adorable.
Great plot and great MCs.
August 31, 2023
I liked this story, but didn't love it. I didn't feel the connection between the main characters, and the hero was not very likable. I'm a fan of this author and have loved most of her books, unfortunately this one was just okay.
3.25 Stars
3.25 Stars
May 14, 2024
3.5 stars
I wish it was dual pov, I would’ve loved to hear Ray’s side of the story or even if he had said more to Chole would’ve been nice. And i love slow burn but dang.. this one had practically no burn.. either way I still enjoyed it
I wish it was dual pov, I would’ve loved to hear Ray’s side of the story or even if he had said more to Chole would’ve been nice. And i love slow burn but dang.. this one had practically no burn.. either way I still enjoyed it
June 19, 2025
James books are like a warm embrace, they bring me so much comfort.
At first (the first like 15-20%) I did not like Chloe. But the moment Deacon popped up in her and Ray’s life omg I feel in love with the book. This baby troupe is something I didn’t know I needed in my life. I will be searching for more, I will take any recommendations.
I really liked Ray as well. They both really grew on me. I know Ray was definitely scheming (just like Chloe) with the whole foundation thing just to see Chloe more.
Adored the co parenting, truly a new favorite troupe of mine. I also loved Ray and Chloe were so loyal to each other right off the bat.
My only issue is the whole Chloe revenge thing. I kinda figured it out (thought she was Wilde and soleil’s kid not soleil’s from some other person but close enough) but her whole self rules and revenge was just joy my typically speed for FMCs but clearly I wasn’t bothered too much as this is still a 4. Jamie this once again!
At first (the first like 15-20%) I did not like Chloe. But the moment Deacon popped up in her and Ray’s life omg I feel in love with the book. This baby troupe is something I didn’t know I needed in my life. I will be searching for more, I will take any recommendations.
I really liked Ray as well. They both really grew on me. I know Ray was definitely scheming (just like Chloe) with the whole foundation thing just to see Chloe more.
Adored the co parenting, truly a new favorite troupe of mine. I also loved Ray and Chloe were so loyal to each other right off the bat.
My only issue is the whole Chloe revenge thing. I kinda figured it out (thought she was Wilde and soleil’s kid not soleil’s from some other person but close enough) but her whole self rules and revenge was just joy my typically speed for FMCs but clearly I wasn’t bothered too much as this is still a 4. Jamie this once again!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2023
Mixed feelings. The h was my least favorite of any romance book I've ever read. Actually, this wasn't much of a romance book. The h was abandoned as a baby and grew up in foster care. She was bitter, with woe is me attitude, out for revenge on those who contributed to her situation for almost the entire book. Except maybe for the last 5%. There was nothing likable about her. The H was definitely an a-hole (as the author called him that through out the book). And not one of those grumpy a-holes who is actually good. However, he did seem to show growth through out the book. I could not understand what he saw in the h. About 90% of the book was about the plotting of revenge by the h. The last 10% has some pages of romance. Not what I expected when I read the blurb about this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2023
I enjoy this author’s books because they’re single POV V (which I adore), and they’re slower paced/slower burn. My criticisms of this book are that it was too focused on Chloe’s personal agenda and her relationship with Deacon which, while adorable, didn’t leave much time to build a believable romance with the MMC. I think too much time and attention was spent on her revenge plan….and also made it feel a little more boring because her bitterness, while understandable, was the least likeable part about no Chloe.
The epilogue did shed some light onto the main romantic relationship, but I felt like more could have also been in the main story.
Some of Chloe’s rules of life and her office co-workers were great side characters with some truly amusing moments.
The epilogue did shed some light onto the main romantic relationship, but I felt like more could have also been in the main story.
Some of Chloe’s rules of life and her office co-workers were great side characters with some truly amusing moments.
April 10, 2024
3.5 rounded up. the epilogue was sheer perfection.
highly entertaining. at times i got frustrated that chloe clung to her revenge plot for so long, but it was understandable given her past. as always, jamie bennett is such a compelling storyteller, and her cast of characters were so vividly imagined and human.
i loved baby deacon so so much. the hero - rory - was one of my favourites; he’s kind of sidelined at times to chloe’s revenge story, but when he’s in a scene, he completely shines. even when he’s being rude/overbearing, he’s always non-judgemental, the voice of reason and oh so protective when it comes to deacon & chloe. swoooooon.
highly entertaining. at times i got frustrated that chloe clung to her revenge plot for so long, but it was understandable given her past. as always, jamie bennett is such a compelling storyteller, and her cast of characters were so vividly imagined and human.
i loved baby deacon so so much. the hero - rory - was one of my favourites; he’s kind of sidelined at times to chloe’s revenge story, but when he’s in a scene, he completely shines. even when he’s being rude/overbearing, he’s always non-judgemental, the voice of reason and oh so protective when it comes to deacon & chloe. swoooooon.
October 31, 2023
BEAUTIFUL STORY
A story that by the time you read the last page, it makes you feel so good. A story that holds your interest, that has characters that develop and grow as the story goes on, that brings you into the enjoyable world of the Woodsmen football team (and enjoy seeing beloved characters from previous books “visit”) that even teaches lessons of trust, forgiveness, compassion, love. But all that and more is what you find in every wonderful book this very talented author, Jamie Bennett, writes. As with all of Bennett’s books, I highly recommend this book.
A story that by the time you read the last page, it makes you feel so good. A story that holds your interest, that has characters that develop and grow as the story goes on, that brings you into the enjoyable world of the Woodsmen football team (and enjoy seeing beloved characters from previous books “visit”) that even teaches lessons of trust, forgiveness, compassion, love. But all that and more is what you find in every wonderful book this very talented author, Jamie Bennett, writes. As with all of Bennett’s books, I highly recommend this book.
September 13, 2023
I. adored. Chloe.
Chloe is truly the star of this book. I love how Jamie Bennett intertwines so many disabilities and different representations of the beautiful world of people around us. She truly does it where sometimes I just feel so seen. Love this so much. This book is def one of my new favorites.
Chloe is truly the star of this book. I love how Jamie Bennett intertwines so many disabilities and different representations of the beautiful world of people around us. She truly does it where sometimes I just feel so seen. Love this so much. This book is def one of my new favorites.
June 26, 2023
so emotional but so good
Jamie Bennett brings her trademark verve to this intriguing tale of deception, revenge, and relationships forged.
the fun along the way keeps you hooked.
big emotions felt.
Jamie Bennett brings her trademark verve to this intriguing tale of deception, revenge, and relationships forged.
the fun along the way keeps you hooked.
big emotions felt.
June 28, 2023
loved it
Loved that neither of the characters were likeable initially. Loved that Lyle is back and it has a great collection of supporting characters. Loved the heart warming story
Loved that neither of the characters were likeable initially. Loved that Lyle is back and it has a great collection of supporting characters. Loved the heart warming story
July 27, 2023
So I’ve had a few days to process my thoughts on this book. I think the biggest problem I had is that Chloe’s “revenge” plot took up a lot of the story’s focus, so by the time her and Ray kiss I was thinking “oh they like eachother?” Because in all her inner monologues there’s never a mention of her feelings towards him and we really don’t know his feelings till the epilogue when he says why he originally approached her for help with starting a charity. So overall I wish there was more of a balance with her dumb revenge plot (I get her motivations but I feel like she created a narrative in her head that didn’t line up with reality) and her growing relationship with Ray.
June 17, 2023
another great read
I love Jamie Bennett’s characters, stories, and style. She writes books you want to re-read. This one’s no exception! 🩷❤️💙🩵
I love Jamie Bennett’s characters, stories, and style. She writes books you want to re-read. This one’s no exception! 🩷❤️💙🩵
June 18, 2023
A sweet book!
More gorgeous characters from Jamie Bennett. A light read and a chance to catch up with some old friends in the woodsmen world! ❤️
More gorgeous characters from Jamie Bennett. A light read and a chance to catch up with some old friends in the woodsmen world! ❤️
June 22, 2023
Great reading!
Jamie Bennett, I love you books. 😍 some writers, sometimes write the same over and over, but Jamie always puts something that makes them different.
Jamie Bennett, I love you books. 😍 some writers, sometimes write the same over and over, but Jamie always puts something that makes them different.
June 23, 2023
Comfort read
Yes, it's formulaic, but sometimes it's just what I need
Yes, it's formulaic, but sometimes it's just what I need
June 27, 2023
Very funny, I enjoyed the book from start to finidh.
August 28, 2023
4.25 ⭐️
This was such a cute story, I loved the slow burn between Chloe and Ray ♥️
This was such a cute story, I loved the slow burn between Chloe and Ray ♥️
September 10, 2023
I love a book that has ups and downs. This book had plenty. It also had a great story that was well written.
November 27, 2023
This woman writes crack and no one will ever be able to convince me otherwise.
December 12, 2023
I liked Chloe’s journey in The Winning Defense. Deacon was very cute and I liked how Chloe and Ray meshed.
December 16, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Ray and Chloe’s story. They each had their issues but were perfect for each other. The story was satisfying and the characters were vulnerable and easy to connect with.
January 1, 2025
3.75 “too bad the revenge part is shaky” stars
January 7, 2025
Slow burn romance. She blackmailed him and he blackmailed her back. I liked how they had to work together to unexpectedly raise his nephew.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews