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Playing to Win #4
The Sweet Spot
A fake marriage with a single dad wasn't on my dance card but there are worse ways to start the summer.
Our story didn’t begin the night I agreed to marry Deacon Kane to help him keep his daughter. It started ten years ago, with a hotshot hockey player I couldn’t wait to see each summer. He was big, broad, and filled out his board shorts so damn nicely. But holy hell… The memories of teenage Deacon don’t hold a candle to the man he is now, the one who makes me melt each time he says, "my wife."
What was supposed to be a marriage of convenience quickly spirals into something else. Something I can’t control. Because this man makes me feel alive in a way I haven’t felt in months, and I want more.
More sparks.
More life.
More time.
Can a relationship based on lies last… Especially when I’m the one keeping all the secrets?
Our story didn’t begin the night I agreed to marry Deacon Kane to help him keep his daughter. It started ten years ago, with a hotshot hockey player I couldn’t wait to see each summer. He was big, broad, and filled out his board shorts so damn nicely. But holy hell… The memories of teenage Deacon don’t hold a candle to the man he is now, the one who makes me melt each time he says, "my wife."
What was supposed to be a marriage of convenience quickly spirals into something else. Something I can’t control. Because this man makes me feel alive in a way I haven’t felt in months, and I want more.
More sparks.
More life.
More time.
Can a relationship based on lies last… Especially when I’m the one keeping all the secrets?
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2024
1481 people are currently reading
4542 people want to read
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June 25, 2024Available now!
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Single Dad
Hockey Coach
Opposites Attract
Secret Romance
Marriage Of Convenience
Grab your copy today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3U7CUZr
Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/TheSweetSpotBM
Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3w3GGLn
Single Dad
Hockey Coach
Opposites Attract
Secret Romance
Marriage Of Convenience
June 26, 2024
I am giving this one a solid 3.5 stars. As much as it said this is a standalone, I feel like I would have understood a lot more had I read the previous books. This was a pretty fast paced book considering the length. I am still a little lost on how Brynlee knew Deacon when they were younger but from what I gathered she had a crush on him from a far but the age gap was too large. Now they are at different circumstances and things line up better for them to see where things could go while also having a marriage of convenience. The chemistry between these two was there from the jump. While I didn't necessarily understand the dynamics of all of the relationships, I did like the side characters. This universe seems like it could be endless!
Brynlee is at a loss for words. What her cousin just told her can't be true. Her mom wouldn't move her from her job without talking to her about it would she? She can't think about that now because she has run into none other than Deacon Kane. The Deacon that she crushed on so hard when she was young but was never sure how he felt. Well it seems like things have changed because desire is all over his face. They have an unbelievable night together before he has to go back home to get ready for his new job with Brynlee's family. Even with him gone, she can't stop thinking about him. Things have changed now though- his ex wife and new hubby are moving to Japan and Deacon is going to have sole custody of his daughter for a while. He is scrambling to find a nanny when Brynlee comes up with why don't they get married? She can stay with his daughter while he travels. And they can see where things go. But she doesn't want her family to know yet because they are all waiting for the other shoe to drop on a test she is prolonging getting done. A test she hasn't told Deacon about. Even though he holds her heart, will he walk away once he knows everything?
Deacon is going to be the youngest NHL coach in history. He is moving to be closer to his daughter and ex wife. He has no plans of a relationship at the moment. He wants to see where things go. But then he runs into Brynlee. The same Brynlee whose dad made it clear to him that she still wasn't old enough when he went to make a move. The same Brynlee who is now proposing marriage to help him out of a hard spot. The same one who he can't stop thinking about and now gets to call my wife. But why doesn't she want to tell anyone? Especially if there is not a fraternization rule in their organization, and she is already leaving. He wants to shout it from the rooftops because this is all real for him, and nothing would make him walk away.
Overall this was a super easy and fast read. I enjoyed the characters but never felt like I fully connected with them. The disconnect with all of the other characters also contributes to the rating. I felt like their chemistry was great, and the spicy scenes were hot. I liked the setting as well and do look into reading other books by Bella.
Thank you to Valentine PR and Bella for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Brynlee is at a loss for words. What her cousin just told her can't be true. Her mom wouldn't move her from her job without talking to her about it would she? She can't think about that now because she has run into none other than Deacon Kane. The Deacon that she crushed on so hard when she was young but was never sure how he felt. Well it seems like things have changed because desire is all over his face. They have an unbelievable night together before he has to go back home to get ready for his new job with Brynlee's family. Even with him gone, she can't stop thinking about him. Things have changed now though- his ex wife and new hubby are moving to Japan and Deacon is going to have sole custody of his daughter for a while. He is scrambling to find a nanny when Brynlee comes up with why don't they get married? She can stay with his daughter while he travels. And they can see where things go. But she doesn't want her family to know yet because they are all waiting for the other shoe to drop on a test she is prolonging getting done. A test she hasn't told Deacon about. Even though he holds her heart, will he walk away once he knows everything?
Deacon is going to be the youngest NHL coach in history. He is moving to be closer to his daughter and ex wife. He has no plans of a relationship at the moment. He wants to see where things go. But then he runs into Brynlee. The same Brynlee whose dad made it clear to him that she still wasn't old enough when he went to make a move. The same Brynlee who is now proposing marriage to help him out of a hard spot. The same one who he can't stop thinking about and now gets to call my wife. But why doesn't she want to tell anyone? Especially if there is not a fraternization rule in their organization, and she is already leaving. He wants to shout it from the rooftops because this is all real for him, and nothing would make him walk away.
Overall this was a super easy and fast read. I enjoyed the characters but never felt like I fully connected with them. The disconnect with all of the other characters also contributes to the rating. I felt like their chemistry was great, and the spicy scenes were hot. I liked the setting as well and do look into reading other books by Bella.
Thank you to Valentine PR and Bella for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
June 20, 2024
This is the 4th book in the Playing to Win series and this follows Brynlee St. James and Deacon Kane. Brynlee has had a crush on him since she was younger and now Deacon is the new hockey coach for the team Brynlee works for. Their connection and chemistry is so good. Deacon is a single daddy and his relationship with his daughter Kennedy is so beautiful. I love Brynlee and Kennedy relationship it was so sweet. Of course it’s always nice and so much fun to see the entire family and past characters in the other books.
June 18, 2024
I received an ARC and all thoughts are my own.
While I did enjoy The Sweet Spot, I felt like everything just moved very quickly. I never felt truly connected to the MC's, especially the MMC. We have the previous books where we got to known Brynlee but Deacon just came out of left field for the most part. Sure, he's a single dad but I don't feel like that even played a huge part in the story, especially with how the book stressed how his daughter had anxiety and didn't deal with change well. That was a thing for a few pages and then was just...not a thing anymore. I think this is where the book would've benefited from being longer. Maybe if we had been able to see both Deacon as a dad, and Brynlee as a caretaker, it would've had more impact.
And while Brynlee wanted to be treated like an adult by her mother, the way she acted really didn't help matters. I think this is where my own age is becoming an issue for certain stories. I just can't handle early 20 somethings having fits and giving their parents the silent treatment while at the same time demanding to be seen as an adult and independent.
All that being said, this book was a quick and easy read. The spice was solid (Bella always brings the heat), and I did enjoy seeing all the kids from the series interact.
While I did enjoy The Sweet Spot, I felt like everything just moved very quickly. I never felt truly connected to the MC's, especially the MMC. We have the previous books where we got to known Brynlee but Deacon just came out of left field for the most part. Sure, he's a single dad but I don't feel like that even played a huge part in the story, especially with how the book stressed how his daughter had anxiety and didn't deal with change well. That was a thing for a few pages and then was just...not a thing anymore. I think this is where the book would've benefited from being longer. Maybe if we had been able to see both Deacon as a dad, and Brynlee as a caretaker, it would've had more impact.
And while Brynlee wanted to be treated like an adult by her mother, the way she acted really didn't help matters. I think this is where my own age is becoming an issue for certain stories. I just can't handle early 20 somethings having fits and giving their parents the silent treatment while at the same time demanding to be seen as an adult and independent.
All that being said, this book was a quick and easy read. The spice was solid (Bella always brings the heat), and I did enjoy seeing all the kids from the series interact.
February 19, 2025
deacon & brynlee are adorable. i love them sm
June 18, 2024
I honestly don't know how Bella does it but she gives me a 5 star ⭐️ banger every single time. Bella never misses. I know whenever she releases a new book, it's going to be better than the last and she did not disappoint with The Sweet Spot.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars... but honestly anything Bella writes gets infinite stars!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Brynlee St. James always had eyes for the hot shot hockey player Deacon Kane growing but as they grew up, they found themselves on different paths. Fast forward 10 years and he is now her husband. She agreed to marry him to help him keep his daughter but can a relationship last when it's based on lies?
📚 Book Tropes:
- Single Dad
- Marriage of Convenience
- Hockey Coach MMC
- Strong and Sassy FMC
- Protective Hero
- Opposites Attract
- Secret Relationship
💭 My Thoughts: If Bella Matthews writes it, your girl is going to DEVOUR it! Just when I think Bella can't deliver me a better MMC, she makes me eat my words! I fell in love with Ares Wilder in The Knockout, but Deacon Kane... this man is perfection! I felt like I was cheating on my boy Ares. But honestly, Deacon had me the moment he called Brynlee his wife. Not to mention how this man was a goner for her the moment they reconnected in the bar.
I've read this whole series and Brynlee has always been a constant. She's that friend that has been there for everyone through their problems and to see her go through her own struggles silently this book was different to see. She was keeping a large secret and for her to be vulnerable with Deacon made me melt.
Now if you read The Knockout, I am sure you were left with some questions about Brynn. Grace and Brynn had this don't ask, don't tell policy going on which made you wonder who was that guy that Brynn was sneaking off with. Who was she on the couch with that Ares walk in on? Why did they need to switch apartments? I needed all of these questions answered and boy were they answered! I will also say I loved how this book had an overlapping timeline with The Knockout. I also just loved seeing Brynlee get her happily ever after! I honestly am just so invested with this world that Bella has created and it warms my heart to see all of their stories!
*I would like to say a HUGE thank you to Bella Matthews for allowing me to be a part of your ARC team and for allowing me to read The Sweet Spot as an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions and review! I am so thankful!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars... but honestly anything Bella writes gets infinite stars!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Brynlee St. James always had eyes for the hot shot hockey player Deacon Kane growing but as they grew up, they found themselves on different paths. Fast forward 10 years and he is now her husband. She agreed to marry him to help him keep his daughter but can a relationship last when it's based on lies?
📚 Book Tropes:
- Single Dad
- Marriage of Convenience
- Hockey Coach MMC
- Strong and Sassy FMC
- Protective Hero
- Opposites Attract
- Secret Relationship
💭 My Thoughts: If Bella Matthews writes it, your girl is going to DEVOUR it! Just when I think Bella can't deliver me a better MMC, she makes me eat my words! I fell in love with Ares Wilder in The Knockout, but Deacon Kane... this man is perfection! I felt like I was cheating on my boy Ares. But honestly, Deacon had me the moment he called Brynlee his wife. Not to mention how this man was a goner for her the moment they reconnected in the bar.
I've read this whole series and Brynlee has always been a constant. She's that friend that has been there for everyone through their problems and to see her go through her own struggles silently this book was different to see. She was keeping a large secret and for her to be vulnerable with Deacon made me melt.
Now if you read The Knockout, I am sure you were left with some questions about Brynn. Grace and Brynn had this don't ask, don't tell policy going on which made you wonder who was that guy that Brynn was sneaking off with. Who was she on the couch with that Ares walk in on? Why did they need to switch apartments? I needed all of these questions answered and boy were they answered! I will also say I loved how this book had an overlapping timeline with The Knockout. I also just loved seeing Brynlee get her happily ever after! I honestly am just so invested with this world that Bella has created and it warms my heart to see all of their stories!
*I would like to say a HUGE thank you to Bella Matthews for allowing me to be a part of your ARC team and for allowing me to read The Sweet Spot as an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions and review! I am so thankful!
June 23, 2024
5 EFFING STARS!!! i could NOT put this book down 🫣🫶🏼 single dad? yes. marriage of convenience? yes. childhood crush turn into marriage? yes. HEA? yes. them not doubting the others love and not breaking up only to get back together again? YES. fuckkkkk i loved that this book they loved each other, didn’t play around each other and i loved how they talked to the other without getting mad too much. i loved that they didn’t have a ‘falling’ out of some sort. that they didn’t break up for a bit to get back together again. it was just them two the whole time 🫶🏼
kennedy accepting brynlee the next day. i loved it. kit kat 🫶🏼🩷.
maybe a spoiler: i wished we could’ve read about how brynlee told deacon she’s pregnant. did kennedy help her? gahhh that would’ve been adorable 🥹🫶🏼
kennedy accepting brynlee the next day. i loved it. kit kat 🫶🏼🩷.
maybe a spoiler: i wished we could’ve read about how brynlee told deacon she’s pregnant. did kennedy help her? gahhh that would’ve been adorable 🥹🫶🏼
June 19, 2024
I devoured this story in one sitting!
I adored getting to know Brynlee on a deeper level.
This entire series has been a delight, and the banter between the characters is simply fantastic.
Brynlee and Deacon's story surprised me in the best way possible -their journey together is a beautiful, tear-jerking romance that stole my heart. Five stars isn't enough! I’m looking forward to reading more
from this universe; Kenzie’s story can’t come soon enough!
I adored getting to know Brynlee on a deeper level.
This entire series has been a delight, and the banter between the characters is simply fantastic.
Brynlee and Deacon's story surprised me in the best way possible -their journey together is a beautiful, tear-jerking romance that stole my heart. Five stars isn't enough! I’m looking forward to reading more
from this universe; Kenzie’s story can’t come soon enough!
June 18, 2024
4/5⭐️
2.5/5🌶️
Brynlee has been one of my favorite side characters in all of the other books in this series so I was beyond excited to finally get her story! I wasn’t sure what to expect but I did enjoy it. Brynlee had a crush on Deacon as a teenager but she hadn’t seen him in over a decade when they run into each other at a bar. Little does she know, he is the new head coach of the NHL team her family owns.
One of my absolute favorite things about Bella’s books is the strong sense of found family incorporated into each one. The world she has created with these characters is just so amazing and it’s almost comforting getting to return to these characters with each new one that gets released.
Thank you to Bella & her team for the ARC!
“𝑳𝒆𝒕 𝒎𝒆 𝒃𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉, 𝑩𝒓𝒚𝒏𝒏. 𝑰’𝒍𝒍 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒍𝒆𝒇𝒕. 𝑾𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔. 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖’𝒗𝒆 𝒈𝒐𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒏.”
Tropes:
- Sports Romance
- NHL Coach x Owner’s Daughter
- Marriage of Convenience
- Single Dad
- Secret Relationship
- “My Wife”
- Found Family
2.5/5🌶️
Brynlee has been one of my favorite side characters in all of the other books in this series so I was beyond excited to finally get her story! I wasn’t sure what to expect but I did enjoy it. Brynlee had a crush on Deacon as a teenager but she hadn’t seen him in over a decade when they run into each other at a bar. Little does she know, he is the new head coach of the NHL team her family owns.
One of my absolute favorite things about Bella’s books is the strong sense of found family incorporated into each one. The world she has created with these characters is just so amazing and it’s almost comforting getting to return to these characters with each new one that gets released.
Thank you to Bella & her team for the ARC!
“𝑳𝒆𝒕 𝒎𝒆 𝒃𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉, 𝑩𝒓𝒚𝒏𝒏. 𝑰’𝒍𝒍 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒍𝒆𝒇𝒕. 𝑾𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔. 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖’𝒗𝒆 𝒈𝒐𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒏.”
Tropes:
- Sports Romance
- NHL Coach x Owner’s Daughter
- Marriage of Convenience
- Single Dad
- Secret Relationship
- “My Wife”
- Found Family
June 19, 2024
The fourth and final book in the Playing to Win series and its true what people mean when they say “saving the best for last” as with Brynlee and Deacon’s story, Bella Matthews has outdone herself. Sweet and steamy in equal measure, the Sweet Spot had a surprising touch of angst as Bryn was weighed down by a secret of the possibly life changing variety something she dealt with by ignoring it much to the annoyance of her mother whose reaction just made Bryn avoid all the more. Luckily, she had Deacon, her teenage crush to distract her who she lured with the tried and tested cherry stalk manoeuvre, yes, its an oldie but it’s a goodie. It worked, and the delicious Deacon was putty in her hands.
If you like your romance filled with wonderful, larger than life characters, strong family dynamics and and a whole lotta love, not forgetting the group texting which always makes me laugh then you won’t go wrong with these books. And while this is the last in this particular series, the Kingston/Beneventi/Sinclair families are nothing if not prolific so I’m sure a lot more visit to Kroyden Hills lie ahead. Personally, I’m developing a serious soft spot for Maddox and can’t wait to read whose lucky enough to win his heart. I also have my suspicions about the Kroyden Chronicles and I’m thinking there might be a Lady Whistledown situation going on and the culprit may lie close to home.
The Sweet Spot does run concurrent with Gracie’s story in The Knockout but if you haven’t read that book, first of all why not! And secondly it won’t spoil anything if you read them out of sync.
If you like your romance filled with wonderful, larger than life characters, strong family dynamics and and a whole lotta love, not forgetting the group texting which always makes me laugh then you won’t go wrong with these books. And while this is the last in this particular series, the Kingston/Beneventi/Sinclair families are nothing if not prolific so I’m sure a lot more visit to Kroyden Hills lie ahead. Personally, I’m developing a serious soft spot for Maddox and can’t wait to read whose lucky enough to win his heart. I also have my suspicions about the Kroyden Chronicles and I’m thinking there might be a Lady Whistledown situation going on and the culprit may lie close to home.
The Sweet Spot does run concurrent with Gracie’s story in The Knockout but if you haven’t read that book, first of all why not! And secondly it won’t spoil anything if you read them out of sync.
June 21, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
The Sweet Spot is the 4th and final book in the Playing to Win series. I was excited to see this was Brynlee’s romance since I have loved her character since The Knockout.
Brynlee had a crush on Deacon when they were young teens, but she hasn’t seen him for 10 years. Deacon knew she had a crush as a teen but seemed too young at the time. However, sparks fly when they run into each other at a bar. She definitely has grown into a beautiful woman, and Deacon is finally ready to pursue her. Their connection and chemistry were immediate, and this was a very low angst romance.
Deacon has just been hired as a head coach for the Revolution hockey team, which her mother owns. He is also a single dad of a sweet but anxiety ridden daughter, who is about to live with him full-time when his ex-wife is moving overseas. This leads to a marriage of convenience between Deacon and Brynlee, which had a unique setup. Get ready for some sexy and dominant, “my wife” vibes from Deacon.
I have to say, I really loved how amazing his relationship was with his ex-wife. It was a nice change of pace to read about an ex who is so kind and accepting of the heroine and their relationship. I also loved seeing how his daughter Kennedy opened up to Brynlee.
Bella Mattews has written such a beautiful and emotional series for 2nd generation characters. She has created such a sweet and amazing family that is so huge but loving. The found family, extended family is perfection, and I love how supportive the women are in this family.
I can't wait to read the next book in her new series, which will be about Kenzie.
Thank you to Valentine PR for providing the ARC.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
The Sweet Spot is the 4th and final book in the Playing to Win series. I was excited to see this was Brynlee’s romance since I have loved her character since The Knockout.
Brynlee had a crush on Deacon when they were young teens, but she hasn’t seen him for 10 years. Deacon knew she had a crush as a teen but seemed too young at the time. However, sparks fly when they run into each other at a bar. She definitely has grown into a beautiful woman, and Deacon is finally ready to pursue her. Their connection and chemistry were immediate, and this was a very low angst romance.
Deacon has just been hired as a head coach for the Revolution hockey team, which her mother owns. He is also a single dad of a sweet but anxiety ridden daughter, who is about to live with him full-time when his ex-wife is moving overseas. This leads to a marriage of convenience between Deacon and Brynlee, which had a unique setup. Get ready for some sexy and dominant, “my wife” vibes from Deacon.
I have to say, I really loved how amazing his relationship was with his ex-wife. It was a nice change of pace to read about an ex who is so kind and accepting of the heroine and their relationship. I also loved seeing how his daughter Kennedy opened up to Brynlee.
Bella Mattews has written such a beautiful and emotional series for 2nd generation characters. She has created such a sweet and amazing family that is so huge but loving. The found family, extended family is perfection, and I love how supportive the women are in this family.
I can't wait to read the next book in her new series, which will be about Kenzie.
Thank you to Valentine PR for providing the ARC.
June 29, 2024
The Sweet Spot (ARC review)
Thank you to Bella Matthews for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Bella Matthews did it again!! I'm so in love with the whole series, and I truly believe each book has some unique beauty. Deacon and Brynlee were everything! I can't explain how much I adored them. Their scenes were perfect! Deacon was so dreamy. I loved his possessive side, and I just swooned over his caring and loving side. He was a wonderful father to his daughter, and I adored each scene that included them. Brynlee became a favorite of mine. I loved her passion, her beauty, and her confidence. I just admired her so much as a character, and I loved how selfless she was. She truly did everything for the people she loved! I also adored her bond with Deacon's daughter. They were so sweet together, and it seemed like little Kennedy found comfort in Brynlee. The moments between Deacon and Brynlee were truly magnificent. The chemistry, the lingering stares, and the soft touches all had me in a chokehold. They were made for each other. The epilogues were so beautiful and everything this little family deserved!!
Book by: Bella Matthews
Tropes:
• Sports romance
• Single dad
• Marriage of convenience
• Secret romance
• He falls first
• Found family
• Opposites attract
My rating: 5/5 ⭐️
Spice level: 2,5/5 🔥
Thank you to Bella Matthews for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Bella Matthews did it again!! I'm so in love with the whole series, and I truly believe each book has some unique beauty. Deacon and Brynlee were everything! I can't explain how much I adored them. Their scenes were perfect! Deacon was so dreamy. I loved his possessive side, and I just swooned over his caring and loving side. He was a wonderful father to his daughter, and I adored each scene that included them. Brynlee became a favorite of mine. I loved her passion, her beauty, and her confidence. I just admired her so much as a character, and I loved how selfless she was. She truly did everything for the people she loved! I also adored her bond with Deacon's daughter. They were so sweet together, and it seemed like little Kennedy found comfort in Brynlee. The moments between Deacon and Brynlee were truly magnificent. The chemistry, the lingering stares, and the soft touches all had me in a chokehold. They were made for each other. The epilogues were so beautiful and everything this little family deserved!!
Book by: Bella Matthews
Tropes:
• Sports romance
• Single dad
• Marriage of convenience
• Secret romance
• He falls first
• Found family
• Opposites attract
My rating: 5/5 ⭐️
Spice level: 2,5/5 🔥
June 24, 2024
Brynlee + Deacon
-hockey coach
-single dad
-hidden relationship
-marriage of convenience
-billionaire
-big family
this family ties just get crazier & crazier & more scandalous as well!! makes it very entertaining!! but there’s always something that hits me right in the feels!!
-hockey coach
-single dad
-hidden relationship
-marriage of convenience
-billionaire
-big family
this family ties just get crazier & crazier & more scandalous as well!! makes it very entertaining!! but there’s always something that hits me right in the feels!!
July 13, 2024
This one is my fave by far , absolutely adored brynn and deacon ugh they're so cute , and there struggles and everything, absolutely loved this. Single dad romances , hockey romances , yes pls
June 17, 2024
I received my first ever ARC and it couldn’t have been a better story. The Sweet Spot is absolutely my new favorite Playing To Win book!
Brynn and Deacon are love and partnership goals. The love Brynlee has for everyone in her orbit and the dedication Deacon shows to supporting those he loves with his entire soul just makes me swoon.
I also can’t help giggling each time we get a new easter egg explained from a previous book. “Did you just Friends us?” about made me pee myself laughing and it was the perfect explanation (and not at all what I was expecting) from The Knockout.
Bella Matthews totally knocked this one out of the park and I’m already salivating for the next book. The Kroydon Hills legacy kids have set up camp in my heart and are not leaving anytime soon.
Brynn and Deacon are love and partnership goals. The love Brynlee has for everyone in her orbit and the dedication Deacon shows to supporting those he loves with his entire soul just makes me swoon.
I also can’t help giggling each time we get a new easter egg explained from a previous book. “Did you just Friends us?” about made me pee myself laughing and it was the perfect explanation (and not at all what I was expecting) from The Knockout.
Bella Matthews totally knocked this one out of the park and I’m already salivating for the next book. The Kroydon Hills legacy kids have set up camp in my heart and are not leaving anytime soon.
June 22, 2024
I was so disappointed. I’ve been WAITING for Brynn’s book after we got little snipits last book but it didn’t measure up tbh. The trope of “fake marriage” or “marriage of convenience” was excited horribly. There was no introduction into their past, or even their relationship in the present. It was all so fast paced and sudden. It felt like they had no time to get to know each other. And the fake marriage thing !?!? They didn’t even HAVE to get married. All they had to do was commit to each other. It didn’t matter to the plot at all. Tbh I’m really disappointed
June 18, 2024
I have been anxiously awaiting Brynlee St. James’s story since we met her in The Keeper! She is part of the second-generation crew – her parents are Scarlet and Cade, which we met in previous books.
⭐️ Single dad
⭐️ Marriage of convenience
⭐️ Secret romance
⭐️ Childhood crush
⭐️ Hockey coach x team physical therapist
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
Angst level: 💔.5
Brynlee and Deacon Kane knew each other when they were kids and Brynn had a not-so-secret crush on him. But he was a few years older and going off to play professional hockey, so nothing ever came of it.
Now here we are in the present and they bump into each other at a bar and have an instant connection with chemistry that is undeniable. Their romance and future together is a whirlwind and instantaneous when they marry for convenience.
Brynlee is such a strong character with a huge personality, which we saw in previous books, but I loved seeing her in her element and things from her point of view. It was also really great to see her relationship and how that progressed since we knew that Scarlet came into her life when she was three.
Deacon is one fireball of a man and the fact that he’s a loving, single dad, made him that much hotter. His relationship with his daughter Kennedy was one of the most heartwarming parts of this book for me. I loved seeing them together and I loved Kennedy’s interactions with the new woman in his life.
The side characters, as always, were great. Brynn and Maddox’s relationship was so heartwarming to see, even when they were bantering back and forth.
This book is full of so much heart and emotion – I felt myself getting choked up during the end with certain situations. But as usual with these characters, they all show up for one another and I loved that.
⭐️ Single dad
⭐️ Marriage of convenience
⭐️ Secret romance
⭐️ Childhood crush
⭐️ Hockey coach x team physical therapist
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
Angst level: 💔.5
Brynlee and Deacon Kane knew each other when they were kids and Brynn had a not-so-secret crush on him. But he was a few years older and going off to play professional hockey, so nothing ever came of it.
Now here we are in the present and they bump into each other at a bar and have an instant connection with chemistry that is undeniable. Their romance and future together is a whirlwind and instantaneous when they marry for convenience.
Brynlee is such a strong character with a huge personality, which we saw in previous books, but I loved seeing her in her element and things from her point of view. It was also really great to see her relationship and how that progressed since we knew that Scarlet came into her life when she was three.
Deacon is one fireball of a man and the fact that he’s a loving, single dad, made him that much hotter. His relationship with his daughter Kennedy was one of the most heartwarming parts of this book for me. I loved seeing them together and I loved Kennedy’s interactions with the new woman in his life.
The side characters, as always, were great. Brynn and Maddox’s relationship was so heartwarming to see, even when they were bantering back and forth.
This book is full of so much heart and emotion – I felt myself getting choked up during the end with certain situations. But as usual with these characters, they all show up for one another and I loved that.
June 23, 2024
Brynlee’s childhood crush Deacon has just been signed as the coach for the hockey team that she works for. When she finds out that Deacon has been left to look after his daughter she suggests that they get married in order to give his anxious daughter a stable home life while Deacon travels the country for work. They start to fall for one another however Deacon is unaware that Brynlee is hiding a huge secret…
It’s been such a pleasure to be on Bella’s arc team for this series. Ive loved every book in the series & this was no exception. I know the word is in the title of the book but this book was so damn SWEET! It’s short, fast-paced, hot but also wholesome, emotional & quite heavy, & it wrapped the whole series up nicely. The epilogues & time jumps at the end were amazing. I love this family & I’m so excited for the next series with the rest of the characters🩷
Brynlee is a character that you don’t know much about throughout the series so I’m glad we finally got to see inside her mind. She was dealing with so much whilst still being such a bright light. She tried her best to be positive & was always there for everyone despite needing support herself. Deacon is a charmer. He was swoony, so patient with Brynlee, protective, & upfront about his feelings.
Brynlee & Deacon had such a sweet romance. Neither of them were shy about their feelings for one another. The care that had for one another was amazing & their chemistry was great. Deacon helped Brynlee find strength in times of weakeness & Brynlee helped deacon to relax.
𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞: hockey coach x team physical therapist, childhood crush to lover, girl group, found family, marriage of convenience, single dad, secret romance
Thank you to Bella for having me on your arc team💘
It’s been such a pleasure to be on Bella’s arc team for this series. Ive loved every book in the series & this was no exception. I know the word is in the title of the book but this book was so damn SWEET! It’s short, fast-paced, hot but also wholesome, emotional & quite heavy, & it wrapped the whole series up nicely. The epilogues & time jumps at the end were amazing. I love this family & I’m so excited for the next series with the rest of the characters🩷
Brynlee is a character that you don’t know much about throughout the series so I’m glad we finally got to see inside her mind. She was dealing with so much whilst still being such a bright light. She tried her best to be positive & was always there for everyone despite needing support herself. Deacon is a charmer. He was swoony, so patient with Brynlee, protective, & upfront about his feelings.
Brynlee & Deacon had such a sweet romance. Neither of them were shy about their feelings for one another. The care that had for one another was amazing & their chemistry was great. Deacon helped Brynlee find strength in times of weakeness & Brynlee helped deacon to relax.
𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞: hockey coach x team physical therapist, childhood crush to lover, girl group, found family, marriage of convenience, single dad, secret romance
Thank you to Bella for having me on your arc team💘
June 19, 2024
5/⭐️
3.5/🌶️
Bella did it again with this story.
Deacon and Brynlee were a force. From the moment they reconnected at the bar you could feel the connection. And it just kept growing through the whole book. They were just brilliant.
This book had a lot more emotional turmoil than most of Bella’s other books, and it caught me off guard. Cause I wasn’t expecting it, mainly because Brynlee always gave off a “I’m a badass and nothing affects me” attitude within all the other stories, but in is book we got to experience a softer side to her- but she is still a badass and so feisty throughout the story.
Daddy Deacon. Goodness. This man had the world on his shoulders and all he wanted was someone to love him the way he loves everyone else. I loved seeing a dad figure and all his thoughts with handling her daughter who has anxiety and how much time and attention he gave her, even when he couldn’t be there. Also a healthy co-parenting relationship with his ex wife and there was no jealousy or anything like that.
I couldn’t get over the love in this story but also the spice. I think it’s been one of her spicer books in a while and it was done. So. Well.
I always fly through Bella’s books because they are easy to read, but this one had me stopping because 1)I didn’t want to read it all so quickly and 2) I cried and felt all the emotions.
*thank you to Bella and her team for sending me this as an arc and all my thoughts are my own*
3.5/🌶️
Bella did it again with this story.
Deacon and Brynlee were a force. From the moment they reconnected at the bar you could feel the connection. And it just kept growing through the whole book. They were just brilliant.
This book had a lot more emotional turmoil than most of Bella’s other books, and it caught me off guard. Cause I wasn’t expecting it, mainly because Brynlee always gave off a “I’m a badass and nothing affects me” attitude within all the other stories, but in is book we got to experience a softer side to her- but she is still a badass and so feisty throughout the story.
Daddy Deacon. Goodness. This man had the world on his shoulders and all he wanted was someone to love him the way he loves everyone else. I loved seeing a dad figure and all his thoughts with handling her daughter who has anxiety and how much time and attention he gave her, even when he couldn’t be there. Also a healthy co-parenting relationship with his ex wife and there was no jealousy or anything like that.
I couldn’t get over the love in this story but also the spice. I think it’s been one of her spicer books in a while and it was done. So. Well.
I always fly through Bella’s books because they are easy to read, but this one had me stopping because 1)I didn’t want to read it all so quickly and 2) I cried and felt all the emotions.
*thank you to Bella and her team for sending me this as an arc and all my thoughts are my own*
June 18, 2024
I don’t know what Bella puts in these books but I couldn’t put this down!!!
I read this in about 4/5 hours.
But all good things must come to an end, this is the last book in The Playing To Win series.
I love everything about this series.
The MFC’s are always bad a$$ and the MMC’s swoony AF!!
Just when you think the men can’t get any better in walks Coach Kane!
This book is Brynnlee St James, the physical therapist for the Revolution hockey team and Deacon Kane, the hot new hockey team coach!
Tropes are:
🏒Single Dad
🏒Hockey Coach
🏒Opposites Attract
🏒Secret Romance
🏒Marriage Of Convenience
10 years ago Deacon was the hot hockey player Brynnlee always looked forward to seeing, even though he was off limits what with him being older.
But now Deacon is back in town to coach the team and Brynnlee is seeing him in a new light, one she can’t stay away from.
These two burn hot fast and it was everything!!
It’s not long before Brynnlee is offering to marry Deacon to help him keep his daughter, a secret they keep from their loved ones while they try and work things out…. But she also has an even bigger secret she’s keeping to herself and it could be life altering.
I loved Brynnlee and Deacon, their relationship was perfect and I may have shed a few tears!!
And all the “my wife” moments…. 🥵
Also we get to find out whose story is next in the new series Red Lips and White Lies….. I’m excited!
I read this in about 4/5 hours.
But all good things must come to an end, this is the last book in The Playing To Win series.
I love everything about this series.
The MFC’s are always bad a$$ and the MMC’s swoony AF!!
Just when you think the men can’t get any better in walks Coach Kane!
This book is Brynnlee St James, the physical therapist for the Revolution hockey team and Deacon Kane, the hot new hockey team coach!
Tropes are:
🏒Single Dad
🏒Hockey Coach
🏒Opposites Attract
🏒Secret Romance
🏒Marriage Of Convenience
10 years ago Deacon was the hot hockey player Brynnlee always looked forward to seeing, even though he was off limits what with him being older.
But now Deacon is back in town to coach the team and Brynnlee is seeing him in a new light, one she can’t stay away from.
These two burn hot fast and it was everything!!
It’s not long before Brynnlee is offering to marry Deacon to help him keep his daughter, a secret they keep from their loved ones while they try and work things out…. But she also has an even bigger secret she’s keeping to herself and it could be life altering.
I loved Brynnlee and Deacon, their relationship was perfect and I may have shed a few tears!!
And all the “my wife” moments…. 🥵
Also we get to find out whose story is next in the new series Red Lips and White Lies….. I’m excited!
June 22, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thank you to the author and Valentine PR for a copy of Sweet Spot in exchange for my honest review. I honestly squealed when I saw my copy come through my email.
I just love these characters and Bella Matthews!
I devoured this book in less than 48 hours. I couldn’t put it down! I was so excited to see Deacon and Brynnlee together. Per usual, the writing sucked me right in and was easy to read and follow. I also enjoyed the overlap that this book had with the previous release, The Knockout. Brynnlee was always such a mysterious character to me so I’m so happy she got her own book!
Of course, characters from the previous books made a comeback and the banter between all of them was hilarious. I love seeing them appear over and over in the books and how close they all are. (I need to study this family tree though because I keep mixing people up!)
The steam was great. The plot was great. The characters were great. I really don’t have any complaints about this one!
I absolutely cannot wait to see Kenz’s story next! In the meantime while I (impatiently) wait for that to release, I plan to go back and dive into The Kings of Kroydon Hills series and the first book in this one!
June 22, 2024
I have absolutely loved reading this second gen series by Bella Matthews & finishing it off with Brynlee's story was the icing on the cake.
Rated: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶.5
This book tied up all the holes that I had yet to be explained. In particular how the apartment swap came about. I also love how some of the books timelines overlap getting to see the same situation from different peoples POV'S.
I have loved Bryns character throughout the series & it was so nice to see her evolve & overcome her fears throughout her book.
Meeting coach Deacon Cade I fell in love with him instantly!!! I loved how committed he is to his daughter, his job & of course Bryn.
I can't wait to see where this world heads next!!!
Some of the themes/tropes in this book are:
*First Crush
*Fake Marriage
*Possessive MMC
*Single Dad
*Sports Romance
*Girl Squad
*Fur Mum
I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Rated: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶.5
This book tied up all the holes that I had yet to be explained. In particular how the apartment swap came about. I also love how some of the books timelines overlap getting to see the same situation from different peoples POV'S.
I have loved Bryns character throughout the series & it was so nice to see her evolve & overcome her fears throughout her book.
Meeting coach Deacon Cade I fell in love with him instantly!!! I loved how committed he is to his daughter, his job & of course Bryn.
I can't wait to see where this world heads next!!!
Some of the themes/tropes in this book are:
*First Crush
*Fake Marriage
*Possessive MMC
*Single Dad
*Sports Romance
*Girl Squad
*Fur Mum
I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
June 18, 2024
Just when I thought that I couldn't love a couple more, along comes Brynlee and Deacon and blows that theory out the water.
Deacon made me melt so much throughout this book, he's sweet and attentive with a dirty mouth. I absolutely love him.
I've loved brynns no f***s attitude throughout this series but she's finally in the spotlight and I love her so much more, she's sweet, sassy and feisty with a vulnerability that has me sobbing
I could not put this down, I loved every single moment and the emotion that it pulled out of me.
I can not wait to see what's to come.
This series is absolutely amazing, seeing old faces was brilliant and heartwarming. It's a must read.
Deacon made me melt so much throughout this book, he's sweet and attentive with a dirty mouth. I absolutely love him.
I've loved brynns no f***s attitude throughout this series but she's finally in the spotlight and I love her so much more, she's sweet, sassy and feisty with a vulnerability that has me sobbing
I could not put this down, I loved every single moment and the emotion that it pulled out of me.
I can not wait to see what's to come.
This series is absolutely amazing, seeing old faces was brilliant and heartwarming. It's a must read.
June 20, 2024
Deacon and Brynlee start with intense and HOTT chemistry. Their banter is hilarious and I love that these two have a history.
I really enjoyed the fact that these two didn’t deny how they felt and how they trusted their connection and handled everything like adults. Even during the intense times, these two communicated beautifully.
This story is a little more emotional than the rest and seeing Deacon become a rock for Brynlee and vice versa made this story even more intense and one that I couldn’t put down.
I really enjoyed the fact that these two didn’t deny how they felt and how they trusted their connection and handled everything like adults. Even during the intense times, these two communicated beautifully.
This story is a little more emotional than the rest and seeing Deacon become a rock for Brynlee and vice versa made this story even more intense and one that I couldn’t put down.
June 20, 2024
Tropes:
Found family
Second chance
Coach/physical therapist
Single dad
Marriage of convenience
Rating:
5 ⭐️
3.5 🌶️
Trigger warning: does mention illness and death
Gosh.. this book gave me all the feels. Deacon and his hot words, man knew how to talk 🥵 and Brynlee, the strong determined woman that she is. What a match made in heaven. The ending definitely had me in tears, wasn’t prepared for that.
I love the little Brynlee’s secret thoughts, and of course the text convos. Always good.
Found family
Second chance
Coach/physical therapist
Single dad
Marriage of convenience
Rating:
5 ⭐️
3.5 🌶️
Trigger warning: does mention illness and death
Gosh.. this book gave me all the feels. Deacon and his hot words, man knew how to talk 🥵 and Brynlee, the strong determined woman that she is. What a match made in heaven. The ending definitely had me in tears, wasn’t prepared for that.
I love the little Brynlee’s secret thoughts, and of course the text convos. Always good.
June 22, 2024
Deacon's portrayal as a single dad here was beautiful. Even though he fell hard for Brynn, he still made sure Kennedy was put first. And Brynn made sure to endear herself to Kennedy by being her genuine self.
As always, the group chats kept me laughing. I live for those. lol
And just sayin', I'm DYING for Madman's story. Please let it be soon! ;)
As always, the group chats kept me laughing. I live for those. lol
And just sayin', I'm DYING for Madman's story. Please let it be soon! ;)
June 19, 2024
I haven't yet read a book in The Kroydon Hills 2nd Generation that I haven't loved yet and Brynlee's (FMC) book is a great addition to it. Brynlee and her childhood crush - Deacon is given the job of hockey coach in her family's team. Making sparks re-ignite between both of them as well as start an unconventional proposition that helps them get closer. Plenty of laughs especially in the group chats, a few tears and a truck load of steamy scenarios too. A knockout read that I loved reading.
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June 22, 2024Not touching this crap….so not only does he have a kid with OW but his ex wife is still his closest friend😡
Also the h has had a crush on H since she was young….
Also the h has had a crush on H since she was young….
June 20, 2024
Deacon and Brynlee was wow. These two were so good together. I fell in love with Deacon because of the way he was with her, he was so attentive and caring. Great characters and loved how the story flowed.
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