A review by lisaluvsliterature
Playing to Win by Monica Murphy

funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

At first I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this one, as the characters were not ones I would connect with based on how they behaved at first. But I kept going, because I am a big fan of this author, and in the end I wasn’t disappointed. The chemistry between Ace and Ruby really was more than just physical, even if the way that was the start of their relationship turned me off at first. And it was more than that, they seemed to enjoy each other’s company besides just physically. I liked how she kind of became a good luck charm for him in a way at his practices. I like how he really seemed to kind of “fall” first. It’s nice to once in a while see that happen for the guy in the way it did. 
The whole contract with the bit about not being able to date the football players sucked, but I’m sure there are things like that. I don’t think it is fair. And especially how she was the one to get in trouble and lose her job, but also Ace didn’t sign anything saying he couldn’t date her, so in that perspective it makes sense. But the ending was perfect. The way the whole big drama about that situation happened, or how the drama wasn’t over the top, the way she reacted was perfect and I loved it. She’s actually a bit more mature in how she handled it compared to the woman in the audiobook I’m listening to now! lol
Another fun addition to this series, that I think is now ending according to the author’s note at the end.