ashbats99's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
I enjoyed the book in the first half. However, as time went on i just lost intrest. Especially after
Spoiler
the whole secret pregnancy thing. I dont mind pregnancy in the book i just hate when it is pointless in it.barbistull's review
4.0
I loved this book!
Jean works for the Mayor's office and is tasked with a last minute request to emcee the announcement of the latest lottery winners. She is surprised to recognize one of the names on the winners list as her high school crush, Patrick Bennett. Patrick is clearly happy to have bumped into each other and his interest in Jean is immediate, though the feeling is not exactly mutual. Jean guards her feelings to avoid getting hurt while Patrick seeks to get to know her better after all the years they had been apart.
After winning 75 million dollars, Patrick was being bombarded with requests for loans and gifts. It was all so overwhelming for him, but Jean wasn't interested in his winnings. She was there for Patrick and helping him think through some of the requests and ideas for managing his money. Their story was an emotional one and I loved every minute of it. I hope we hear more from these two!
Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Jean works for the Mayor's office and is tasked with a last minute request to emcee the announcement of the latest lottery winners. She is surprised to recognize one of the names on the winners list as her high school crush, Patrick Bennett. Patrick is clearly happy to have bumped into each other and his interest in Jean is immediate, though the feeling is not exactly mutual. Jean guards her feelings to avoid getting hurt while Patrick seeks to get to know her better after all the years they had been apart.
After winning 75 million dollars, Patrick was being bombarded with requests for loans and gifts. It was all so overwhelming for him, but Jean wasn't interested in his winnings. She was there for Patrick and helping him think through some of the requests and ideas for managing his money. Their story was an emotional one and I loved every minute of it. I hope we hear more from these two!
Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
maryanne19's review
2.0
Almost a DNF. The premise was good - about Patrick, a former athlete turned sportscaster, who wins $75 million in the lottery. The good news is that he reconnects with Jean, a woman he knew in high school. The bad news is the complications it brings - people coming out of the woodwork looking for a handout. I just didn't enjoy the writing style. I was also frustrated by the lack of communication between the two lead characters. The complications in the plot would never have been complications if Jean and Patrick had communicated like adults.
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read an advance copy in return for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read an advance copy in return for an honest review.
sarareadstoomuch's review
4.0
This book has one of the most original plotlines I've read.
I mean, it's based around the lottery, how cool is that? Jean and Patrick used to go to high school together but lost touch after Patrick graduated. After winning the lottery, coincidence brings Jean and Patrick together again and with that a whirlwind of obstacles that get in their way.
This was a very innovative and unique second chance romance book!
Thank you NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca for the earc in return for an honest review.
I mean, it's based around the lottery, how cool is that? Jean and Patrick used to go to high school together but lost touch after Patrick graduated. After winning the lottery, coincidence brings Jean and Patrick together again and with that a whirlwind of obstacles that get in their way.
This was a very innovative and unique second chance romance book!
Thank you NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca for the earc in return for an honest review.
ladylaurenexplorer's review
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
This was a meh. There wasn’t a lot of drama when there is so much drama material. The steam had too many fade to black moments, and almost felt like the one time that we did get to see steam it was a textbook version of telling us that they were having a steam session. Overall it was an okay story. Very middle of the road.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Car accident, Sexual content, and Stalking
aqlovestoread's review
5.0
This book was so entertaining. I was drawn into the story from the beginning and was involved until the end. The characters were complex and interesting. I found the story to be well paced and engrossing throughout the whole book. It was a variation of a second chance romance in that the characters were interested in each other in high school but neither knew. There was also a lottery win so dealing with how to manage the hero’s win was also a central part of the story. The background characters were also fun. I was invested in the couple throughout the book and felt all the emotions through both the highs and lows of the story. If you want an entertaining and well written book this is it for you.
prgchrqltma's review
3.0
There were times where I think the POV switched suddenly, or it wasn't clear, and that always takes me right out of the story. Fairly internal plot, somewhat fleshed out protagonists, not much world building, demure sex.
booksuperpower's review
3.0
Winner Takes All by Sandra Kitt is a 2021 Sourcebooks Casablanca publication.
Jean’s job is to announce the name of the seventy-five- million- dollar lottery winner- but she is shocked to discover the lucky ticket owner is her old friend from high school- Patrick Bennett.
Patrick is a pro- athlete turned ESPN commentator- but with his lotto win- people are coming out of the woodwork to buddy up to the new multi- millionaire. The only person in his orbit without an agenda, who is giving him level- headed advice- is Jean. Although Patrick is developing deeper feelings for his old friend, one obstacle after another is blocking the path to any thought of a long-term romantic relationship.
I can’t tell you how excited I have been about Sandra Kitt's return to writing. I’ve read several of her books over the years and really liked her style and the way she weaves interesting subjects, especially that of interracial relationships, and the various challenges that presents into the story.
This book touches on some of those things as Jean is bi-racial and encounters a unique set of difficulties, at times.
The main plot, though, involves Patrick and his adjustment to sudden wealth and how this effects his desire to take his relationship with Jean to the next level.
While Kitt is a seasoned author, a little rust is evident, as the story was a little too busy, leaving some conflicts and threads fading without much follow up, while other, meatier threads, where depth and emotion could have taken the story to a higher level, were underdeveloped.
Despite that, this first book in the Millionaire Club series is a solid enough foundation to build upon. I was invested in the plot and enjoyed watching the couple fight to work through the adversity they faced. The communication breakdown was the most frustrating element of the story, but factoring in the insecurities of a new relationship, the couple needed some room to grow, and they had a lot on their plate!!
Overall, this is a nice, enjoyable, sensual second chance love story. It was so nice to reconnect with this author. I’m am definitely on board for the next installment in this series!!
3.5 stars
Jean’s job is to announce the name of the seventy-five- million- dollar lottery winner- but she is shocked to discover the lucky ticket owner is her old friend from high school- Patrick Bennett.
Patrick is a pro- athlete turned ESPN commentator- but with his lotto win- people are coming out of the woodwork to buddy up to the new multi- millionaire. The only person in his orbit without an agenda, who is giving him level- headed advice- is Jean. Although Patrick is developing deeper feelings for his old friend, one obstacle after another is blocking the path to any thought of a long-term romantic relationship.
I can’t tell you how excited I have been about Sandra Kitt's return to writing. I’ve read several of her books over the years and really liked her style and the way she weaves interesting subjects, especially that of interracial relationships, and the various challenges that presents into the story.
This book touches on some of those things as Jean is bi-racial and encounters a unique set of difficulties, at times.
The main plot, though, involves Patrick and his adjustment to sudden wealth and how this effects his desire to take his relationship with Jean to the next level.
While Kitt is a seasoned author, a little rust is evident, as the story was a little too busy, leaving some conflicts and threads fading without much follow up, while other, meatier threads, where depth and emotion could have taken the story to a higher level, were underdeveloped.
Despite that, this first book in the Millionaire Club series is a solid enough foundation to build upon. I was invested in the plot and enjoyed watching the couple fight to work through the adversity they faced. The communication breakdown was the most frustrating element of the story, but factoring in the insecurities of a new relationship, the couple needed some room to grow, and they had a lot on their plate!!
Overall, this is a nice, enjoyable, sensual second chance love story. It was so nice to reconnect with this author. I’m am definitely on board for the next installment in this series!!
3.5 stars
smartcookiesca's review
1.0
I’ve only recently started to openly admit to reading and enjoying romance novels. So this is my first review of one. I don’t know if it’s because the author has never been in an interracial relationship or because she’s on the older side, but this book is just blech. The way that the characters discuss and think about it is straight out of the 50s. I genuinely hope no one still thinks about miscegenation this way while actively participating in it.... yikes.
beckymmoe's review
3.0
Just okay. The guy-wins-the-lottery-and-problems-come-out-of-the-woodwork premise was interesting and different, but the execution didn't really work for me. Communication could have resolved their problems sooner, and there were weird inconsistencies throughout (like Jean thinking another woman would be a great fit with her ex, but then being shocked when the ex meets that other woman, likes her, and asks her out) that kept throwing me out of the story.
Rating: 3 stars / C-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Rating: 3 stars / C-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.