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A review by avidreader87
Play to Win by Jodie Slaughter
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Play to Win is a second chance romance that had me from the go, when that trope normally has me saying no.
Miri and Leo married young, before Leo left town under the pressure of poverty, gender roles in marriage, poor communication, and lack of access to resources such as counseling, leaving Miri devastated. Eight years and a rebuilt life later, Miri wins the lottery and has to sort out who she is, what she wants, and what the heck to do about her 8 year absent husband, when the pressure of poverty is lifted.
Hands down, I loved Miri. Miri is everything, in the best way - confident, vulnerable, strong, broken, beautiful, tired, an amazing friend, daughter, community member, funny, compassionate. She is so wonderfully written. The story drops us in at a point where Miri has really been carrying a load - winning the lottery should remove that load, but while money is the answer to so many problems, Miri finds herself lost when her everyday burdens are erased and she's left with the things money doesn't solve. Miri is so down to earth on her journey to heal herself and find her own peace, there is no starry-eyed loved story or money that magically makes up for the broken parts. This is very much a romance, but Miri is the star for me.
Leo spent 8 years growing up alone, without family, friends, or Miri and coming home seems to have sent him back to those original days a little. He's impatient, stubborn, wants Miri back right away and wants her to know it. But I believe he's remorseful, thoughtful, and does want Miri to choose him back, in the way that he has chosen her. I think the character development is a little unbalanced with Leo, having felt so much from Miri's character.
I loved the writing style and the dialogue in this book is excellent. Although it's a slower paced book, I found myself pushing along because the flow and character dialogue were so well done.
I do wish we had seen Miri's ultimate decision to get back together from her perspective and not Leo's. Because the portion was shared from Leo's side, it felt a bit sudden and unexplained. Much of the book was leading up to that moment and it flashed by a bit for me.
Over all, it's a gem. I truly loved it.
This review is based off an ARC received from the publisher via NetGalley, and is my true and honest opinion and thoughts.
Miri and Leo married young, before Leo left town under the pressure of poverty, gender roles in marriage, poor communication, and lack of access to resources such as counseling, leaving Miri devastated. Eight years and a rebuilt life later, Miri wins the lottery and has to sort out who she is, what she wants, and what the heck to do about her 8 year absent husband, when the pressure of poverty is lifted.
Hands down, I loved Miri. Miri is everything, in the best way - confident, vulnerable, strong, broken, beautiful, tired, an amazing friend, daughter, community member, funny, compassionate. She is so wonderfully written. The story drops us in at a point where Miri has really been carrying a load - winning the lottery should remove that load, but while money is the answer to so many problems, Miri finds herself lost when her everyday burdens are erased and she's left with the things money doesn't solve. Miri is so down to earth on her journey to heal herself and find her own peace, there is no starry-eyed loved story or money that magically makes up for the broken parts. This is very much a romance, but Miri is the star for me.
Leo spent 8 years growing up alone, without family, friends, or Miri and coming home seems to have sent him back to those original days a little. He's impatient, stubborn, wants Miri back right away and wants her to know it. But I believe he's remorseful, thoughtful, and does want Miri to choose him back, in the way that he has chosen her. I think the character development is a little unbalanced with Leo, having felt so much from Miri's character.
I loved the writing style and the dialogue in this book is excellent. Although it's a slower paced book, I found myself pushing along because the flow and character dialogue were so well done.
I do wish we had seen Miri's ultimate decision to get back together from her perspective and not Leo's. Because the portion was shared from Leo's side, it felt a bit sudden and unexplained. Much of the book was leading up to that moment and it flashed by a bit for me.
Over all, it's a gem. I truly loved it.
This review is based off an ARC received from the publisher via NetGalley, and is my true and honest opinion and thoughts.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
The book is premised on Miri's husband leaving her and coming back after 8 years. The grief she experienced is referenced a number of times, sometimes very detailed including staying home, not showering, not eating, needing support from others to do basic tasks