There is no one on this earth who annoys me more than my best friend’s little sister.
And no matter what her brother says, she would make a terrible nanny for my daughter.
But I don’t have any other choice.
And she knows it.
I’m convinced she only said yes just to mess with me, but the more time she spends with my baby girl, the more I start to think that I was wrong about her.
And as the soccer season progresses, I realise I’m starting to care less about winning games… and more about winning her.
BRYNN
With a goal count as big as his ego, an annoyingly sexy British accent, and the world's cutest daughter, it's no wonder Leo Sullivan has found himself on the list of World’s hottest soccer players.
Too bad he's also a jerk.
But now he needs a nanny for his daughter. And much to Leo’s annoyance, my brother seems to think I'd be the perfect person for the job.
I only go along with it out of spite.
But as time passes, I find myself falling more and more in love with his little girl. And even worse... her father.
3 Stars! 🌟 Huge thanks to Maisie Myers and Love Notes PR for the ARC! 💌
Okay, so I’ve got some mixed feelings here. I don’t even know how to rate this, honestly because while I did enjoy it overall, there were some things that didn’t quite click for me. When I first saw the blurb, I was like yessss—brother's best friend + single dad x nanny + sports romance? Sign me up! But, uh... it’s not exactly what I thought.
Let’s start with the positives, shall we? First of all, Leo’s daughter, Salem—cutest little thing ever. 🥺 I seriously loved the relationship she had with both Leo and Brynn. 🥰 Speaking of Brynn, I totally loved her maternal instincts with Salem. Like, every time she interacted with the little girl, my heart melted. 💖 There were some great moments, especially with the family vibes, and the tension between Leo and Brynn? You could cut it with a knife—they were both so prickly with each other, and I thought that would be fun… but boy, was I wrong.
Now, let’s get to the drama. I have to address this. First off, Leo? Ugh, he was a complete jerk. Intolerable. And rude. 🙄 Like, what’s up with disrespecting Brynn's job as an influencer? 😡 He seriously made me mad for a good portion of the book. I get that there's supposed to be tension, but it just wasn’t fun tension for me. I didn’t feel any of that "I hate you, but I kinda love you" thing I usually get in a good enemies-to-lovers trope. The banter? Nonexistent. 😶 They just didn’t know each other, and Leo was so disrespectful that I couldn’t get past it. The growth in him later? Sure, but it felt more like a "we’re sleeping together now, so I’ll be nicer" situation. Not the kind of change I was hoping for. 🙅♀️
And don’t even get me started on the love story. 😑 I didn’t buy it. 🤷♀️ There wasn’t enough depth between Leo and Brynn. They were convenient for each other, sure, but love? Eh, not feeling it. I get that the connection grew through the story, but it didn’t make me swoon, and that’s a big deal in a romance like this! 😓
Now, the twist involving Salem’s birth mom—this is where I was just like... 😒 What a mess. I mean, who just abandons their kid with no real reason, and then shows up demanding rights? 😤 I couldn’t stand her. And Brynn? Giving her a chance? Girl, what are you doing? 🤦♀️ The drama felt over the top, unnecessary, and honestly, I couldn’t get behind how everything unfolded with her. 😖
Honestly, the book should’ve focused more on Leo and Brynn's relationship, but instead, it spent so much time on Salem's mom drama. Not my fave. 🙅♀️ But then, there’s the sweet stuff with Brynn, Salem, and little Ivy, and that was chef’s kiss—so cute!! 👏
I guess overall, I’d say it’s a decent read if you love the single dad trope, but I wasn’t as invested in Leo and Brynn as I’d hoped. 😔 If you're into the drama and the soccer vibe, it’s got those elements, but if you’re looking for that intense love connection, you might not find it here. 💕
Can’t say I'm jumping into the next book just yet, but I’d still recommend it if you’re a fan of single dads, nanny romances, and forced proximity! 💖
Tropes: 💘 Hate to Love ⚽ Single Dad x Nanny 💘 Forced Proximity ⚽ Grumpy/Sunshine 💘 Brother’s Best Friend ⚽ Family Drama
Best friend's little sister X enemies to lovers X nanny - romance? SAY LESS. Aah, I can't wait to read this book. ⚔🧸😍⚽🫠
Dnf 72%
I was not a fan of the main character's dynamic at all. And while I liked some of their interactions, most of them came off as cringy and unserious. I would still have finished this book, though (cringe be damned), if it wasn't for the melodramatic plot twist. It was the last straw for me. However, I loved the kids and Gordon Ramsay the cat. So cute!
In addition, in the first few chapters, we learn that Leo (mmc) is 29. And Alex (Leo's best friend) is 3 years younger than him. Which, if I'm not totally off base, would make Alex 26. But Alex is also four years older than his sister (fmc) Brynn, who is 24. Which would then make Alex 28. Am I missing something? Losing it? Or just plain stupid? Make it make sense.
Is Alex's age important to the plot? Nope, not whatsoever. Totally insignificant. But it still bothered me.😅
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
* single dad x nanny * best friend’s little sister * enemies to lovers * soccer romance * spice and banter
Started out not loving Leo .. but he really came into himself while falling in love with Brynn. And his care and love for her really made him shine too by the end. And Brynn was a certified baddie imo. She was so selfless and full of love (you’ll see what I mean especially at the end) but also not gonna take less than what she deserves.
The little surprise/twist was at first unexpected but then I caught on. Won’t spoil it but was an interesting piece to throw in that I think actually added to the story to show the depth of their love and family.
This is for you if you are a fan of single dad, best friend’s little sister, spicy reads with an engaging plot!
Loved it! Single daddy 4eva (ever and Eva be my name is Eva and I want one) As a side note, Isabella is not redeemable in my eyes. She was until she did it a second time. F —no.
This book was so sweet and so stressful at the same time. I loved the evolution of the relationship, not only between Leo and Brynn, but also them with Salem. How it went from a house to a home (corny BUT true). Leo deserved the sterns talks he got to open his eyes and realized that he was being an ass (or how he would say it: arse) He was such a good dad, but he had to see that he could be more than just that, that there was balance and his life, while having to adapt and change for Salem, didn't have to end or stop because of it. He was so protective and caring, not only of his daughter but also of Brynn, and after learning of Ivy, I was a goner cause I knew that man loved with his whole heart (it also helped me forgive him for almost making me cry with the cat).
Brynn was such a sweet soul that sometimes she got on my nerves. She was nice to a fault, understanding even when it wasn't warranted, and it says more about me than about her that I felt she could have been mean (like super mean, and I would have understood). The whole baby situation made me feel so anxious, and even if I could see Brynn and Issa's views, I still didn't really like that whole experience.
Overall this was a great read and I can't wait to see where Maisie takes us with Alex's story!
Leo was a professional soccer player living a bachelor lifestyle when a one night stand dropped off a baby at his apartment. Now, he is a single dad who is desperate for child care with the new season about to start. Brynn has just returned home after working abroad. She is living with her older brother when he suggests she become his teammate’s temporary nanny. Leo thinks Brynn is spoiled and shallow, so he isn’t happy with the arrangement, but his opinion of his best friend’s little sister soon changes as he gets to know her better.
This book has some of my favourite tropes, but I didn’t love it as much as I expected. I was not a fan of Leo in the beginning, but he did grow on me throughout the book. I also did not love the big plot twist. I did really like Brynn and her relationship with Leo’s daughter was adorable. The story was really cute and you might enjoy it if you’re a fan of single dad sports romances.
What to expect: 🩷 Sports Romance 🩷 Pro Soccer Player x Influencer 🩷 Dislike-to-Lovers 🩷 Single Dad x Nanny 🩷 Best Friend’s Brother 🩷 Forced Proximity
Thank you to Maisie Myers and Love Notes PR for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I think single-dad has become my favorite trope. I am literally obsessed with them! They now have this special place in my heart. This is a couple that I didn't know I needed. They were such a relatable couple (and I've never been in any of their situations). You follow Leo, a soccer player, and Brynn, who is an influencer. She is also his best friend's little sister. Eeeekkk. He became an instant single dad and closed off to protect his daughter. And Brynn was the first woman his baby liked. Like how perfect is that. They have both had their struggles but I truly enjoyed seeing it all come together
i had a lot of fun with this book! I enjoyed the characters a lot, and the overall plot was good as well.
I felt the writing was well done. Super bingable making it a fast and easy read.
Salem was the sweetest addition to this book! i loved her little character. Brynn was probably my favorite character in the book. Her empathy and overall self confidence was beautiful.
My only “issue” with the book was the first 20-25% of the book just felt so slow! I even considered DNFing, which i’m glad i didn’t cuz once things picked up it was hard to even put it down!
Winning Brynn is a fun, loving, and oh so entertaining sports romance book that I could not put down. It's funny, heartwarming, and surprisingly deep, with characters that feel real and relatable. It's a perfect mix of sports, romance, drama and plot twists that will have you reeling!
Brynn is strong, independent and does not take shit from anyone! Leo is sooo grumpy, I was afraid Brynn wouldn’t be able to crack him. The dialogue between all the characters in this book was hilarious. The love building between Leo and Brynn was done just right and the cuteness between Salem, Ivy, and Brynn just melted my heart.
I absolutely loved Winning Brynn and cannot wait for Alex and Eden’s story!
✨Thank you Love Notes PR and Maisie Myers for the ARC! ✨
sports romance? check. brothers best friend? check single dad/hot nanny? check mutual pining? DOUBLE CHECK
i went into this book mostly blind and was blown away again and again. Maisie has created characters with such depth and allowed them to grow both independently and together as a couple.
the banter was perfection, the found family Leo has in “The Brotherhood” was heartwarming, and i can’t wait for book 2!
unfortunately this was just not for me :/ i did like brynn and salem however i couldn’t bring myself to like leo. the way he belittled her job was just icky to me and didn’t think their relationship was going anywhere with how rude he was most of the time. however even though leo was not for me i do hope to see more from the other characters thank you love notes pr and maisie myers for the arc <3
Thank you to Love Notes PR & the author for this e-ARC!!
Unfortunately, this book is not for me!
My main issue was with the main characters, Brynn & Leo. While Brynn was obviously attached to Leo’s daughter Salem, it felt like Brynn did not care at all about Leo. She was always putting herself first, and never gave a second thought about him or his feelings (not taking care of his daughter (her literal job), bringing a stray cat into a house with a baby, etc.). Leo, on the other hand, was SO judgmental and was always so quick to belittle her, even in front of others. It just felt like there was no respect between them, and I just couldn’t over look it. Their connection was purely sexual, and it was just sad how much they objectified each other.
Another thing that I didn’t care for was the dialogue and the way the characters interacted with each other. It was just so unrealistic!! There is just no way that these 30 year old men are gossiping like teenagers in their “Daddy Sully and the Bros” group chat. And the way that Brynn’s brother was so over-protective of her & wanted to monitor her sex life was just disturbing.
However, the ending was really cute!! I really liked the found family aspect of the book & the ending perfectly wrapped that up!
Winning Brynne by @maisiemyersauthor 5 million ⭐️/5 | 🌶️🌶️
𐙚 arc review oh my gosh! OMG Maisie! What did you put in this book that made me fall head over heels! I know, for in fact, this has to be one of my favorite books of this year. This baby made it to my top five books of the year. Everything about this book was so incredibly special. to the plot, the characters, to everything. I loved every little aspect of this book. To me the characters are what made this book so special. Everyone one in this book will hold a special place in my heart. This was my first book by Maisie Myer and it definitely won’t be my last! First I would like to say I fully adored how much Leo and Brynne fell in love with each other. It was expected but it was so beautifully designed that it will make you fall hard for these two. Plus the way Brynne and Salem clicked so well warmed my heart so much. The little family they created was so special. It made my heart grow ten sizes! The true highlight of the book was the group chats! I loved every conversation and every time the group chat name was changed. Another highlight that made me sat for this book was the unexpected drama that happened in this book. I know it almost every book. It’s not always smooth sailing but the way the drama came in this book actually had me sat and ready for more. I can’t wait for the next book to come out. This mmc is one I was interested to read so I’m ready.
thank you so much @maisiemyersauthor and @lovenotes.pr for sending me this acr😘
Winning Brynne by Maisie Myers will be available everywhere on February 24th 🫶🏼
read this if you love: ♡ sports romance ♡ nanny romance ♡ good girl x good boy ♡ brother’s best friend ♡ Single dad ♡ found family
I rarely cry while reading a book and I’m crying so bad. Instant 5 star read.
This book is about Leo. A soccer player that unexpectedly became a single dad. In the beginning of the book he’s trying to find a nanny. Best friend and teammate Alex convinced him to hire Brynn, Alex sister, as his nanny.
Brynn is the sweetest. Baby Salem is adorable. And Leo is an extremely grumpy man. From the first pages I was laughing already out loud. Leo and his friends are hilarious while texting together. The banter between Brynn and Leo is so good as well! I love that there is adoption in this book. A cute cat with 3 legs and 1,5 ears. There is a surprise visit from the baby mama which is causing a lot of stress.
I would 100% recommend this book!
I received this book as an ARC read from lovenotespr, but this is my honest opinion!
3.5 star read! a special thank you to lovenotes pr for the arc copy🫶🏼
right off the bat: i will eat up a single dad book every single time! this book was cute, but also so stressful at the same time. i enjoyed seeing how the relationship between leo and brynn developed and unfolded, but also how salem fit into the mix too.
i felt my eyes rolling into the back of my head MANY times because of leo and how he acted like a jerk most of the time. don't get me wrong, he was a great dad, but he had a hard time adapting to change around him. BUT i did love how protective and caring he was.
and then there's brynn. she was so sweet and understanding. she reminds me of the ultimate people pleaser (which is me, hi!), but i found myself yelling during the book saying "be mean!" because dang, it was warranted but she just never could do it.
Leo is in desperate need of a nanny for his daughter Salem. Unfortunately everyone he’s interviewed either wants to sleep with him or belongs in jail. Lucky for Leo his best friend/teammates sister just got back to town. Brynn is the first woman Salem has even felt comfortable around so despite Leo not being her biggest fan he hires Brynn to be Salem’s nanny.
The banter in this book is A+. I absolutely adored Brynn and Salems relationship. Once Leo got over his grumpiness he was the sweetest! This book is well written and wraps everything up in a nice little bow.
Rating 4.5/5
🌶️3/5
Tropes -single dad/nanny -brothers best friend -forced proximity -sports romance (soccer) -mild enemies to lovers
💌 Single Dad/ Nanny Romance 💌 Soccer Romance 💌 Brother's Best Friend 💌 Forced Proximity 💌 Mild Enemies-To-Lovers
This had so many of my favorite tropes!! The brother’s best friend and single dad/nanny tropes are becoming my top faves! I loved the dynamic between Brynn and Leo and how their relationship developed. Their banter was hilarious and their tension was hot. Brynn and Alex’s sibling bond was amusing and wholesome. Seeing how protective Alex was of Brynn and him trying to cockblock/shutdown his teammates for them trying to flirt, make a move on her was too funny. The group chat convos between the guys had me dying! . Brynn is a feisty, stubborn woman with the kindest heart. Her empathy is her strength. Omg how Salem and her instantly bonded! Brynn was destined to be Salem’s mother. When Brynn finally realized what Salem was saying and calling her “Muh Muh” 🥹. She got the family she deserved! I was not expecting the twist with Issy. Her letter to Brynn made me cry! . Leo was such a grumpy asshole in the beginning. All his trauma made him guard his heart and Salem so fiercely. Brynn broke down his walls and captured not only his heart, but Salem’s too. He was truly the best dad to Salem. Seeing him interact, care for and love Salem melted my heart. Salem had him wrapped around her finger along with all her uncles and especially Brynn. Brynn fit in seamlessly with Leo and Salem. She completed their family. Leo’s big reveal/ act of showing his love for Brynn would’ve made me sob. . I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!! Thank you so much to @lovenotes.pr and @maisiemyersauthor for the ARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The banter in this book is off the chart. I mean, Leo and Brynn are incredible. I have loved how their connection grew. From hating Brynn and thinking she was a shallow person, to needing to be next to her and helping her with everything she needed.
Leo at first is not so keen to have Brynn's help as a nanny for his one year old daughter, but beggars can't be choosers, so he finds himself having Brynn at his home caring for his daughter. It doesn't help the fact that Brynn is the first woman that Salem, Leo's daughter, has ever felt comfortable with.
Again, this book is quite good, well written and grasp your attention with twists and turns that you don't see coming.
Thank you Maisie Myers and Love Notes pr for the arc opportunity, all opinions are my own
When star football player, Sully, needs a nanny, it makes sense for his best friend’s sister to move in and take on the role. She’s between jobs anyway, and only an instagrammer so it’s not like she has a real job to do.
Honestly, Sully is one of the most unlikable MMCs to walk this planet. From the start he’s judgy, paranoid, and downright rude to Brynn and he doesn’t deserve to ‘win’ her, or anyone else for that matter. He doesn’t have any real reason to act the way he does, so it’s completely inexcusable.
I LOVED Brynn as a character, very well-rounded and three-dimensional so it was tough to get through the book, especially because she could get a lot better than Sullly, no matter how big his penis is.
Still, for the most part the book was easy to read and I reckon if you like single dad x nanny stories, you’ll still get a kick out of this one.
Thank you @lovenotes.pr for a copy of this book in exchange for my review
personally, I think it could've been better written. Not that I didn't loved that. I do. But there were some perks that I'm not used to, given the books I read 🥸
Still it was a good book. The plot twist I didn't fully expect and let me tell you it get me. Like Issa is her mother??
I get to this book through tiktok just because of one thing which I get to in 95%🤪. IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT!!
And just a spoiler 🤭 when Alex found out about them. what was that guys! like okay I get it but hell kind of overreacting on his part. And when Leo told him he loves her he still didn't get that it was them he heard fucking!!😄😄
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I've had this book on my kindle waiting for weeks to read and oh man I am so glad I got to it. Speechless really. There are so many different situations in this book and they all hooked me! Brynn and Leo were perfection. Period. The dude bros were so well written as well. And the backstory? And the twist?! Come on. The banter, the spice. I could go on and on with how well written this book was. I am so ready for book 2.
I would first like to thank Maisie Myers and Love Notes PR for giving me this arc. 🩷
I loved this book, although at the beginning I was a little hesitant and Leo's character seemed superficial to me, but I changed my mind. He is a character who needs to be understood, who is afraid to trust but open to understanding others even though he is a little prejudiced at the beginning.
I loved the character of Bryan, however, she is empathetic, compassionate and super coherent. I loved his direct jokes and his development. not to mention his relationship with Salem, I melted at every scene (Leo too)
Trope: 🥰 Single Dad / Nanny Romance ⚽️ Soccer Romance 🤭 Brother's Best Friend ⛓️ Forced Proximity ❤️🔥 Mild Enemies-To-Lovers
The plot? I liked it. Would I read more by this author? absolutely yes
This book delivered everything I love in a grumpy x sunshine romance—forced proximity, tension-filled banter, and just the right balance of fluff, angst, and spice. Leo, a grumpy soccer star and devoted single dad, took his sweet time getting it together, but at least he actually stepped up as a father instead of relying solely on the nanny. Brynn and Salem’s bond was so wholesome, and the soccer team’s group chat had me laughing out loud. I also appreciated the lack of a frustrating third-act breakup (thank you, Maisie Myers!). If I had one complaint, I wouldn’t have minded a bit more groveling from Leo and a few more moments of their relationship outside the nanny dynamic. But overall, this was a binge-worthy, heartwarming read with all the tension and swoon-worthy moments I could ask for!