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Players #1

To Win Her Love

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To win the game, they’ll have to risk losing their hearts… When a bizarre child custody stipulation pits popular sports blogger Gracie Gable against football superstar Jake Malone, losing the battle for her twin nieces isn't the only thing Gracie has to worry about. Forced to live for three months under the same roof as the sexy tight end, will she fall prey to his flirtatious pursuit? Or worse, will the skeletons in her closet destroy her chance for the love and family she so desperately wants?  Neglected by his parents as a boy, Jake doesn’t believe in happily ever after. Yet living with Gracie and the twins might be enough to change his mind—and his womanizing ways. But when the press unearths a scandal from Gracie’s past, will he lose the one woman he was ready to open his heart to? 88,000 Words

246 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 4, 2015

47 people are currently reading
1287 people want to read

About the author

Mackenzie Crowne

16 books401 followers
Hi there. My name is Mackenzie Crowne.

I'm a a wife, mother and really young grandmother. Together with my high school sweet heart husband, a neurotic Pomeranian and a blind cat, I call Phoenix home because the southwest feeds my soul. My love of the romance genre has been a lifelong affair, both as a reader and a writer. A bout with breast cancer sharpened my resolve to see my stories shared with others. Today I'm a seven-year survivor living the dream.

Raised on the concept that a stranger is just one conversation away from being a friend, I love meeting new people. My friends call me Mac. I hope you will too.

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5 stars
190 (26%)
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239 (33%)
3 stars
210 (29%)
2 stars
51 (7%)
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21 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
Profile Image for Mandy.
1,559 reviews234 followers
July 26, 2015
4.5 stars

Gracie has had a hard life. Her single mom died when she was 14 and she was raised by her sister who was four years older. 3 years ago, her sister died leaving behind a husband and twin daughters. Gracie promised her sister she would help raise her daughters and look after them. When her brother-in-law dies, Gracie wants to fulfill the promise she made to her sister and take custody of the girls and raise them. Surprisingly, in the will, she has to share custody of her nieces with the half brother they never knew they had - football superstar Jake Malone - for 90 days until a permanent decision is made. Jake is a playboy, never settling down and he doesn't believe in love. He was raised by his single alcoholic mother, having a father that didn't even acknowledge he existed. Jake is stunned when he's called to the reading of his fathers will and told that he has twin 6 year old sisters. To rehab his public image, his publicist convinces him to share custody with Gracie and show there's more to him than just an arrogant playboy.

I really enjoyed this story. When I first read the description of this one, I thought it sounded like a fun, easy read but in truth, this story was a lot more emotional than I was expecting. There is much more to this book than just a custody arrangement. Gracie and Jake both came from difficult situations and some of that plays into the story. My favorite park of this book was Jake falling in love with his sisters. There is something so sexy about a guy who is good with kids and I loved the relationship Jake developed with them. Also, Jake and Gracie had fantastic chemistry and I loved the development of their relationship. This book had steam, humor, friendship, romance, drama, and a little mystery. I really enjoyed this story and can't wait to read more in this series!

**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
Profile Image for Amber .:★Wild Heart Reviews★:..
554 reviews47 followers
June 16, 2015
Towinherlove"/

To Win her Love jumped out at me, mostly because of the cover. Then I went and read the synopsis of it and thought to myself, that might be different. So I jumped in with both feet, went on one heck of a journey with Gracie and Jake, before coming out on the other side with the biggest cheesy smile on my face. Hands down, I loved this book!

Gracie is full of spunk, light and love. She’s protective of those she cares about, knows football like the back of her hand and throws one hell of a right hook. :D No stranger to heartache, she’s been through a lot in her life to this point that has shaped the woman she is. She knows exactly who Jake Malone is, having followed football for years and being the “Gridiron Girl”. She’s popular female blogger with a horde of minions who discuss football stats, game predictions and the men -of- football.

Jake is what you’d call a playboy, a self assured charming rogue with a Texas twang. He loves football, his team, his friends and what he does not like, is the Gridiron Girl. He can be a right grouch when he sets his mind to it and sometimes even when he doesn’t, but this guy has an absolute heart of gold. He’s been drug into a custody battle over his twin nieces, nieces he never even knew he had. His estranged father leaves a bombshell of a will and stipulations as to custody of the girls.

“I never hid the fact that I find you attractive, and don’t bother denying you feel the same about me. I’ve held your body against mine, princess. I made you quiver.” – Jake, To Win Her Love by Mackenzie Crowne


Thrown together for three months to fulfill the stipulations of his fathers will, Jake and Gracie move into the ranch. These two buttheads constantly at first, but the sexual tension underneath runs rampant. Jake is Gracie’s favorite man of football, you could even say she’s always had a “crush” on him. As for Jake, he can’t seem to keep his eyes or his mind off of Gracie’s legs, or her shoes for that matter.

“Oh God. He’s a sex whisperer.” – Gracie, To Win Her Love by Mackenzie Crowne


Throw in a cast of hilarious co-stars, some scandal, a rambunctious dog with a bulls-eye target zone, and two adorable little girls, and you have a book that will make you laugh out loud as well as smile. The writing is well done, the book doesn’t lag out and moves at a steady pace. Now I’m left waiting, eagerly and anticipating the other stories of the co-stars. Hopefully I can contain myself!

ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Lillian ☁ Cloud 9 Books ☁.
575 reviews342 followers
June 16, 2017
****4 Stars****

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This was so good! I need to do the happy dance.

Stuck on a farm for 3 months, Gracie and Jake are in a competition to win custody over 6 year old twins. Gracie has always had a crush on the famous football player, but she tries to keep her distance to avoid heartbreak. She also has a painful secret about her past, which causes her to have some trust issues.

Jake has a reputation of being a playboy and never thought he needed to settle down. But then he becomes head over heals for Gracie. Although they are both worried about the custody battle, they both put the kids first. These two love birds are perfectly matched!

The banter throughout the book is laugh out loud funny. I couldn't put this down, and I can't wait to read more books from Crowne.

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Profile Image for Carol.
1,642 reviews67 followers
October 11, 2015
“Gridiron Girl” meets the “Outlaw” and do sparks fly?? Not the
kind one would think.
Gracie Gable, the “Gridiron Girl”, is a female blogger who
discusses football: game predictions, stats and the players.
Gracie’s sister, Sarah helped raise Gracie when their mother
died and there had never been a known father. Now Sarah has
passed with a promise that Gracie help take care of her
twin girls.
The “ Outlaw” is football player, Jake Malone. He is a
Casanova and always involved in awkward situations.
When Gracie’s brother-in-law, Pete Thompson, dies, Gracie
thinks she will be named guardian over the twins but his will
surprises all!!!!
Turns out Jake is Pete’s son. So under the terms of the will,
Gracie and Jake need to live at the Thompson Farm for three
months and both raise the twins together. After the time period
is up, custody will be awarded.
Oh my….how will this work out? Will Jake discover who the
“ Gridiron Girl” is? Will Jake be able to handle two six year
old half sisters and Gracie? Will Gracie be able to ward off
Jake’s advances? Was Jake the only secret one in the book
to discover who his father was? Will Jake and Gracie learn
to trust each other? Who will end up as guardian of the twins?
The characters were well defined. There was undeniable
chemistry between the main characters plus humorous
shenanigans happening. The secondary characters were
engaging bringing their own flavor to the story.
The story was an unique one. The author weaved together
the past and present without difficulty which made it flow
effortlessly.
The plot had many twists, turns and surprises.
The dog in the story, Murphy adds to the excitement of
the story!!!!
This book is a clever, witty, unpredictable, humorous and
romantic read.
Thank you to Net Gallery for this eBook. My opinion is my own.
864 reviews7 followers
June 21, 2015
This was such a dramatic story so full of twist and turns. Gracie Gable wants custody of her nieces after the death of her brother-in-law only it turns out the perfect husband and doting father she knew had a huge secret.

Jake Malone just learned that his very wealthy deadbeat father got married, had kids and since his wife is dead he's left custody of his daughters to the son he abandoned.

Gracie would do anything for the her nieces; her big sister was her hero, for her she'd even put up with football super star Jake Malone.

Jake is at first pissed at the position his father has put him, but needing a publicity boost following some bad moments and then realizing he can't be a bastard and turn his back on his new sisters, he agrees.

Soon Jake and Gracie are fighting their attraction in order to be perfect parental figures; but when Jake stumbles upon a secret Gracie has been hiding he flips and turns his back on her.

With a little intervention and some good groveling these two get the perfect family they've always wanted.
Profile Image for Allison.
197 reviews24 followers
July 16, 2015
After losing her sister and brother in-law, Gracie would think of no other place she would rather be than raising her twin nieces as the family she always wanted.. That is until him. The pro football star she has fantasized about all her life, but now threatens her chances of happily ever after.

Now caught up in a custody battle, she only has to make it 90 days, then the twins will be hers.. if that is possible.

Wow! Where do begin! This story was great! I laughed, I cried, I wanted to scream a few times but didn't.
I loved the light humor of this book. The characters are fun and flirty.

“Is that a goalpost in your pocket, Malone, or are you happy to see me?”
This was my first ready by Mackenzie Crowne and I was very impressed. Will be looking for more of her books in the future.

** I received a digital copy of this book in exchange of an honest review**
Profile Image for Belinda Hughes.
Author 3 books12 followers
July 20, 2015
If you love football, chocolate chip cookies and Meg Ryan movies, you’ll adore To Win Her Love by Mackenzie Crowne. I never thought I’d like a sports romance novel, but this one stole my heart with its absolutely magnificent storytelling. Crowne’s three generations of characters play the games of professional football and love from every angle with exceptional skills and strategy. Are the X’s and O’s players on a board or kisses and hugs? Which team will you root for?

For twelve years, sports blogger Gracie Gable has been denying herself her heart’s deepest desire, a family of her own. Now it’s been handed to her on a silver platter, along with a farm and the sexy football star of her fantasies – and the chance to finally meet her father. But can she play a dead man’s crazy game to win or lose it all?

One day Manhattan Marauders’ Outlaw Tight End Jake Malone is endangering his career in a war of words with the Gridiron Girl and her minions. The next, he’s forced into a custody battle with the tall, leggy blonde for two little girls he never even knew existed. Can he keep his head in the game and save his career while sharing a roof with a violet-eyed temptress with her own playbook?

This is the first book of Mackenzie Crowne’s that I’ve read. Her writing style stands out as unique, inspiring and easy to read. If you’re thinking of trying your hand at romance writing, this book is a fine example to learn from. If you read to relax, escape or get in the mood, To Win Her Love will warmly embrace you, exercise your heart and leave you refreshed, energized and happy. I say get it – along with some chocolate chip cookies and Kleenex.

Read an excerpt at my blog: https://belindayhughes.wordpress.com/...
Profile Image for Danielle.
1,339 reviews51 followers
June 4, 2015
I couldn't put this book down. The storyline was unique and flowed nicely. This is the first book I have read by this author and it won't be the last.


I adored Jake and Gracie from the beginning to the end. They had this love/hate relationship between them but while reading you see it was animal attraction. As the story progresses things start to heat up but of course their happens to be a bit of drama from the will and the identity of Gracie's father but in the end it was written great. I was actually shocked to find out who her dad was and it wasn't the person I expected.


This story had some really funny parts that had me laughing out loud. I love how every time he kissed her Jake ended up bruised and it was hilarious how it all happened. I also enjoyed her Gracie's dog, he has some funny parts with head butting football players in balls. I couldn't stop laughing. It had funny banter and it wasn't really emotional which was nice.


I deeply enjoyed all the characters and how the story went. I also enjoyed that it took place in New York. Surprisingly this is the second book in 2 days that was set in the big apple which was nice. Sometimes it gets old reading book that take place in the same states over and over again. The only problem I had with this book was at times it felt so wordy that I actually had to skim through some parts but other then that I enjoyed it.



I am looking forward to not only read the next book in this series but to read more from this author.
Profile Image for Jessica .
1,037 reviews21 followers
July 8, 2015
I received an arc from net-galley.

I give this book 5 stars. I loved it! Mackenzie drew me in from the first page and held me captive til the very end. She left me wanting more of these characters

Gracie Gable is a famous sports blogger who gets into it with football superstar Jake Malone on her blog.

The two meet up in the most awkward situation and things are bound to get a little messy. Jake and Gracie are put against each other in a custody battle. Jake didn't know he had half sisters, so he was thrown for a loop considering he didn't have anything to do with his father. Gracie is aunt (her sisters) They are stuck together for 3 months and the twins in the end will decide who they want to live with.


Gracie has had a crush on Jake for a while know but she is keeping a secret of who her father is, she has never met him.

Who will win custody of the twins? Who will the twins pick...the aunt they love or the brother they have never met or will they find the perfect family? Get this book when it comes out in August.

Profile Image for Bette Hansen.
5,073 reviews40 followers
July 21, 2015
Awesome read! This one hit a lot of my emotional buttons! It was funny at times, sad at others, and a great story all around. I can't wait to read more from this new to me author. Great writing style and a nice pace to the story.

Grace is feisty, protective, and a pretty amazing woman. She's had some rough times. She lost her sister to cancer then her brother-in-law also dies, leaving six year old twin girls in need of a family. Grace has no problem stepping up and taking care of the girls. The problem? Six foot four football superstar Jake Malone! Jake never had a relationship with his father. Now he suddenly finds himself responsible for his two younger sisters. The real kicker. He has to share that responsibility with Grace for the next three months!!!

This is one I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews162 followers
June 25, 2015
Jesus Jake cocky much? "His wry grin said he clearly recognized her slight for what it was. “Famous football player, actually. I play for the Marauders.” At least the boy knows how to apologize, "he shook his head and sighed. “S***. I didn’t mean that.” She crossed her arms. Guilty frustration blazed in his eyes. “Sorry. I don’t react well when I’m p***ed.” Jake can be considerate, “I barely said hello before I stuck my tongue down your throat. You’ve already accused me of having a one-track mind. I don’t want you adding horny b****** to the complaint.” this book was entertaining and there was humor, sex, and I enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Shelly.
Author 24 books23 followers
August 4, 2015
This book will make you laugh, cry and hope for the happy ever after. A famous football player Jake and a football blogger Gracie are both thrown to live together for 3 months to determine guardianship over twin girls. Gracie wanting to do what she promised her sister and look after her nieces, while Jake learns that he has step sisters and his dead beat father wasn't who he thought he was. Will her crush on Jake ruin everything Gracie has wanted? Will Jake get what he's always wanted but never knew? You must read this well written book by Mac and find out for yourself.
Profile Image for LJT.
1,257 reviews2 followers
June 25, 2016
The uniqueness of the book blurb and the pretty cover drew me into "To Win Her Love" by Mackenzie Crowne. Although I found the pace to be a bit sluggish at times, the characters and interesting plot kept me engaged from beginning to end. This is a fun and slightly emotional story with a cuteness factor belonging to six-year-old twin girls, and a dog that greets new male visitors with an amazingly strong head butt to the crotch.

Gracie Gable is a webmaster and successful sports blogger. The love of her life, famous football superstar Jake Malone, doesn't even know she is alive, that is until they are thrown together to share custody of Gracie's twin nieces, who also happen to be Jake's half-sisters. A complete shock to both of them and their respective friends. Over time, Gracie and Jake fall in love, while dealing with the day to day child-rearing, the frenzied sports media temporarily camped out on their doorstep, and a major secret Gracie is withholding from those she cares about.

Lots of great characters are introduced in this book. Vi, Jake's best friend and publicist, is a true spin doctor. They grew up together and have always had each other's back. Max, Gracie's best friend, is a popular ex-fighter and owns his own gym. He has been Gracie's protector for many years. Tuck, one of Jake's teammates, seems most likely to star in Ms. Crowne's next book, because he is flirty, interesting and seems to have a lot going on.

I liked this book and hope Ms. Crowne plans on writing more with this cast of characters. I enjoyed the way she evolved Gracie and Jake's relationship, starting with lust and ending with a unique kind of forever. They are a hot couple and I kept cheering for them to stay together. This book has a few twists and turns that will keep you guessing and only wanting more.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Profile Image for Renee Cook.
37 reviews1 follower
June 20, 2015
I downloaded this book for free through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Actual rating: 3.8 stars.

To Win Her Love is the story of Gracie and Jake -- a hardcore female football blogger and an illusive tight end for the Marauders. They're thrown together for three months on a farm and at the end of three months one of them will be the guardian to six-year-old twins. Those twins are Gracie's nieces and Jake's half-sisters that he didn't know about until he received a call from his late father's lawyer.

I loved this story. The storyline wasn't something that's been overly done and the twists and turns that were involved flowed nicely within. You couldn't help but to root for both to "win" and in the end, I think everyone will be happy with the outcome. The love story isn't overly done or cheesy and the familial relationships are all very relatable. All in all, it's just a really good read and I can't wait to read any further sequels (as long as Gracie and Jake are involved somehow).
Profile Image for Christina Montminy.
2,153 reviews22 followers
January 25, 2017
Very good book, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I got this as a read for review from Net Galley and is my first time reading Mackenzie Crowne's work, it won't be the last. The story of Jake and Gracie is heartwarming and funny. I've laughed out loud so many times in this book it's crazy funny at times. They're brought together by her two orphaned nieces, who also happen to be his half sisters(though he's never met them). The terms of his late absentee fathers will have Jake and Gracie living together with the twins for 3 months to see who gets guardianship of the girls. There are a few obstacles in their path to the end, one being her secret of who her absentee father is. The comedic relief is in Murphy the head butting border collie, the ever present $20.00 swear jar for Jake, and the bruises happening whenever Jake tries to get close to Gracie. Also the friendly rivalry between Jake and his teammate Tuck when Tuck makes some moves on Gracie. Looking forward to reading the next instalment in The Players series.
Profile Image for Mackenzie Crowne.
Author 16 books401 followers
August 18, 2015
When a romance author is a football fan, it’s only natural she would combine the two loves and weave tales full of hunky heroes of the gridiron and HEAs. That was my plan when Gracie Gable, a popular women’s sports blogger showed up in my head and introduced me to Jake Malone, the Manhattan Marauders’ #1 tight end. What I didn’t quite expect was the supporting cast of characters who showed up to play along with Gracie and Jake. The twins and Murphy quickly stole my heart while Tuck and Max, Jake and Gracie’s best friends, charmed me to the core.

I love stories full of heart with strong heroines and solid heroes. Fun characters I can see myself sitting down with to share a martini are my absolute favorites. With the “Players” gang, I’d end up smashed, but the laughs and heartfelt emotion of their individual quests toward HEA would be well worth the hangover.

Each of these characters hold a special piece of my heart, and I’m thrilled to share their stories with you.

Mac
179 reviews
June 29, 2015
This book was great Gracie is hiding her past from everyone pretending to be someone she's not, with the chance to get custody of the thing girls she moves into the ranch for three months and is willing to put up with jake a football player she has a crush on and has had public blogging fights with.

Jake is the playboy of all play boys, and when he learns of his fathers other family he didn't know existed he agrees to live on the ranch for three months to gain custody . He doesn't want more bad press then what he's already had and making a good image is needed, so when Gracie is there two he figure he can finally get his revenge .

Can these two move past their hurt and trust issues, can they open up to love!?
Profile Image for Samantha.
2,693 reviews21 followers
June 20, 2015
There is nothing like getting your world upturned and that happens more than once for the characters or To Win Her Love. Jake is a playboy hot shot football player. The reading of the will for Pete Thompson will change his life forever. He never knew about the Twins and thanks to his life falling apart, he's forced to spend time with them.

Gracie has not only lost her sister, but she believes getting custody of the twins are her last chance to have a family that she's always wanted. The only one in her way is Jake.

A three month stint of being forced together turns into quite the wild ride and I seriously enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Ellen Anderson.
1,251 reviews
July 25, 2015
What a fun, beautiful story! I absolutely loved it!!! Gracie is the Gridiron Girl football blogger and Jake is the Outlaw, one of the Marauder's star football players. They meet first online and then find they both are drawn into a battle of sorts for custody of a set of twin six year old girls. Both Gracie and Jake grew up without fathers, and this story has them seeing things a little differently. Mackenzie Crowne has written a truly fun and sweet story that will have you laughing and crying, but definitely keep you interested. Pick yourself up a copy and check out all the fun this group and their friends get into!
**This ARC was given in exchange for an honest review.**
Profile Image for ❤️Melanie G.📖💛.
2,235 reviews
July 3, 2015
This was a sexy, sweet and wonderful story of happily ever after existing. Gracie only had her twin nieces until Jake, the twins older brother comes into the picture. That is when everything becomes more interesting.

I couldn't help but fall in love with each and every character in this story. The ups and downs everyone experiences makes this story great. My only request would be for an epilogue.
Profile Image for Nicola.
25 reviews9 followers
July 15, 2015
I couldn't put this book down! The characters are great, and the story line if great. I desperately wanted everything to work out for Gracie and Jake.
Profile Image for Jen.
3,609 reviews
August 2, 2015
Read the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.

Note: This ARC was provided by Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review.

Gracie and Jake were great lead characters and they had the chemistry necessary to make them believable as a fictional couple. Yes, there were moments that the two didn't think highly of each other, but the undeniable attraction was there from the beginning, something that grated on them because of the distrust and dislike. There were silly antics that the two would employ in order push the other's buttons. I liked the tension between the two of them and it was good to see their relationship develop over time instead of rushing into it and their living in the same house had them on faster pace compared to how long it would have taken had they been living separately. Even when they became a couple, there was Gracie's secret standing in the way and when it finally came out in the open, my heart couldn't help but break alongside hers and I seriously wanted to smack Jake upside the head for how he treated her afterward.

This book had a good cast of supporting characters--from Jake's twin sisters, Angel and Charlie Thompson, to Jake's and Gracie's respective best friends, Victoria "V" Price and Max Grayson, plus Kevin "Tuck" Tucker, Jake's teammate and fellow man candy, and Murphy, Gracie's dog--with each one proving to be as memorable as lead characters Jake and Gracie. I'm sure Tuck will get his own story told in the series and I hope the same for Max and V, whether separately or together. This was a story about finding family in the most unlikely of circumstances and trusting in the person that you love and it was told in an entertaining yet still heartwarming manner. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for future installments in the Players series and would more than recommend To Win Her Love to anyone who loves sports-related romances with humor and heart. Perfect for a weekend read, I'm giving this first in a series 4.5 stars, rounded off to five stars. ♥
Profile Image for Tabitha Jones.
303 reviews15 followers
July 5, 2015
I received this book via Netgalley to read and review for an honest opinion.

I have a strong love for sport romances especially one that involve the game of football.This story wasn't disappointing it was cute and sweet. Gracie Gable the Grid Iron girl blogger really takes her sport of football serious and she outs the famous player Jake out in the open on her blog, however he to has a few words to say. little did they both know that they would end up at a farm for 3 months over a custody battle of two twin girls. Will the bantering between the two continue or will they both come to there senses? The two little girls are so very delightful and funny in the books. Both Jake and Gracie have their own faults that they need to get over all the while trying to keep the girls firsts. Check out To Win her Love to see what happens.
Profile Image for Shakera.
844 reviews13 followers
July 21, 2015
I received a copy from NetGalley for an honest opinion... so here we go! It starts with Gracie, a football blogger, meeting Jake, a professional football player, at the reading of Pete's will. Pete, as it turns out, is Gracie's brother in law and Jake's father. Just when you think it can't get any more awkward... Gracie and Jake were recently in a battle of words via Gracie's blog... and at the will reading, her identity is revealed... and Jake had no idea it was Gracie... talk about sparks flying! There is a condition in Pete's will. He has twin girls, Angel and Charlie, and custody is up for grabs between Gracie and Jake... of course there are stipulations! And Gracie has a secret that could potentially tear them apart!

I truly enjoyed this story! The arrogance of Jake and the bull-headed(ness) of Gracie made this story quite enjoyable and the banter between the two hilarious. Add in some supporting characters and you have a 5 star story! (I hope Tuck gets his own story... too hilarious (obviously a personal opinion) not to have one).
Profile Image for Leeta Sweet.
2 reviews
July 22, 2015
I received a free copy from NetGalley but liked it so much I purchased an advance print version from Amazon. I love the humor and sass Crowne weaves into her books and this one is no exception. Gracie Gable, The Gridiron Gal sports blogger, and Jake Malone, a popular tight-end for the Marauders football team, are vying for custody of Gracie's young twin nieces. Previously unknown they are also related to Jake. The custody stipulation require they spend three months together with the girls on a farm to prove their commitment. There is much more to the story however and you'll have to read it to find that out. The main characters are secretive, sexy, and intriguing. You'll also love Murphy, the dog!
Profile Image for Book Gannet.
1,572 reviews17 followers
August 2, 2015
Oh, this was fun. Smart woman with secrets coming up against the pro football player with baggage with a couple of cute kids and a crazy collie sandwiched between them – what’s not to love? I really liked Gracie. She’s a smart woman who’s worked hard to get where she is and who desperately wants to look after her nieces. She’s understandably protective of them at the beginning, but I love that she never tries to stand in Jake’s way when it comes to him getting to know them. As I said, she’s smart, but she’s also caring and fun, and her dog Murphy is brilliant.

At first I wasn’t sure I was going to like Jake. Not only did he use the traditional troll fall back of making personal remarks about a woman’s appearance when losing an argument on the internet, but his initial thoughts and behaviour towards Gracie really did not endear him to me. He’s arrogant and entitled and wrong. However, he did improve as the book progressed. I loved seeing him getting to know the twins and the way he gradually won Gracie over was nice too. The pair of them make a good team and I enjoyed watching their relationship progress.

Or rather, I did, until they slept together for the first time and then the plot took a massive time jump and basically ignored that side of things for a prolonged period. After the sweet initial build up to their relationship, I found the time jumps a bit of a jolt, if I’m honest, and much though I loved Gracie’s best friend Max (even more than Jake), it might have been nice to have had more Gracie/Jake scenes than ones where Max steals the show.

However, I did like the way Gracie’s secret unfurled. I narrowed it down fairly early on to two candidates, but just when I thought I knew for certain, something would come up that made me question again. It’s cleverly handled right up until the reveal and add that to the too-cute ending and I found myself thoroughly enjoying this read.

If you like a romance with a hint of sporting prowess, a touch of heat and a couple of cute kids thrown in as a bonus, then you can’t go far wrong with this. It’s fun and flirty in all the right places and has a lovely romance at the heart of it all. A perfect pick-me-up after a rough day. I look forward to seeing where the series heads next.

(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
Profile Image for MsChris1161.
487 reviews52 followers
August 4, 2015
I haven't stayed up until 4:00 in the morning on a work day because I couldn't put a book down in a long time, but that is just what happened once I started TO WIN HER LOVE by Mackenzie Crowne. I Could. Not. Stop. Reading!! What makes it even better is it is the first book I've read from Ms Crowne and I just love being so delighted by new-to-me authors.

Another thing To Win Her Love managed was a twist at the end I didn't see coming. Also a rare occurrence. Do I recommend this book? 100% without hesitation. This story was romantic, humorous, filled with some of the funniest banter / dialogue I've read in some time and it was practically non-stop. LOVED the sassy Miss Gracie Gable aka Gridiron Girl. She was one tough cookie with a heart of gold who was ready to take on the larger-than-life football star and all his flirty friends to make sure she would be the one to raise her beloved nieces. I just love when the sexy "players" fall hard before they even realize what's happening to them! And Jake Malone fell not just for Gracie, but also for his sweet little sisters. He never stood a chance! Great heart-warming story that kept me turning the pages with a smile on my face! 4.5 stars
Profile Image for Julie  .
530 reviews42 followers
July 29, 2015
I really enjoyed this one! It had such a different storyline that I instantly knew I wanted to read this story. I loved Gracie's spunky personality and that she could kick butt if she needed to. Jake was an absolute sweetheart and smooth-talker when he wanted to be but like her, definitely had a temper. I liked that neither one of them were perfect, nothing is worse than an ultimately "perfect" character. It makes it more believable when they have flaws. They both had pasts that they had to move past. I love all of the supporting characters and can't wait to read the next one in the series!
Profile Image for Nicole.
4,250 reviews52 followers
August 5, 2015
I really loved this book. Gracie's dog Murphy, antics were hilarious. The humor drew me in this book, but the whole story sucked me in. Gracie and Jake are deemed enemies now they must live in the same house for three months to help two grieving little girls. It was something to see Jake blossom under the love of those little girls plus add Gracie into the mix. Jake is more than his reputation and his jock status, but does he even realize it? Gracie is hiding a big secret that could impact the football world and she will do anything to make sure it stays hidden. Too bad for her her secret might just come out and will it cost her a future with Jake? I loved this kickoff to the Players series. I highly recommend giving this one a shot you won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for (;Missy.Lala;).
670 reviews2 followers
August 11, 2015
Thank you Netgalley for providing me an ARC of this book, it was such a cute book :)

This book was the typical computer geek, and football jock meeting in specific circumstances, when they both find out Charlie and Angel's mom is dead and they need a guardian, so Gracie jumps in the opportunity, but there's one thing standing in her way... Jake.

Summary:

When a bizarre child custody stipulation pits popular sports blogger Gracie Gable against football superstar Jake Malone, losing the battle for her twin nieces isn't the only thing Gracie has to worry about. Forced to live for three months under the same roof as Jake, she is left wondering if she will end up falling in love with him, or beating him in his own game... Plus she has a secret of her past that can threaten Jake's career.

Neglected by his parents as a boy, Jake doesn’t believe in happily ever after. Yet living with Gracie and the twins might be enough to change his mind—and his womanizing ways. But when the press unearths a scandal from Gracie’s past, will he lose the one woman he was ready to open his heart to?

There are secrets in this book that threaten Jake and Gracie's relationship, a test in what love really means in life, and a lesson that you cannot curse in front of 6 year old twins or you will be left broke. :)

This book was cute, I loved the development in the romance, and that the author can balance out Jake's football, the custody battle, and the revelation to Gracie's secrets of her past...

I will be reading the next book for curiosity.
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