Book Review: Winning Brynn (Seattle Strikers)
When I stumbled upon Winning Brynn by Maisie Myers, the title and premise hooked me instantly. I mean, who can resist a sports romance that teases a brother’s best friend, single dad, and nanny situation? It felt like all my romantic tropes were about to collide in a glorious way. But as I navigated through the pages, I found myself in a bit of a whirlwind—both of heartwarming moments and some frustrating bumps along the way. I’m thrilled to share my thoughts on this engaging yet mixed experience!
Let’s jump right in. The story revolves around Leo, a gruff single dad, and Brynn, his brother’s best friend and nanny to his adorable daughter, Salem. One of the story’s greatest assets is, without a doubt, Salem. Seriously, she’s the cutest little character who brings so much joy to every scene she’s in. The relationship she shares with both Leo and Brynn is heart-melting, capturing that sweet family ambiance that I adore in a romance. Brynn’s maternal instincts and the tender moments she shares with Salem genuinely made my heart swell.
However, as I delved deeper, I found myself wrestling with Leo’s character. While the tension between him and Brynn was supposed to give us that "I-hate-you-but-I-kinda-love-you" feel, I found it exhausting instead. His treatment of Brynn—especially his disregard for her job as an influencer—was off-putting and, frankly, made it hard for me to root for him. Was I supposed to cheer for him just because he had a change of heart later? It felt more like a “well, we’re sleeping together now, so I’ll be nicer” kind of deal. Not exactly the redemption arc I was craving!
And when it comes to the romance, let’s just say I was left wanting. Leo and Brynn’s connection never fully bloomed in a way that made me swoon, which is a HUGE deal for a romance novel. Instead of feeling like they were developing a profound bond, it felt a bit superficial at times.
As for the family drama involving Salem’s birth mom? Let’s just say that it threw me for a loop. Her sudden reappearance felt dramatic and over the top, which detracted from the main storyline I was there for—Brynn and Leo’s relationship. I felt disappointed that the narrative spent more time intertwining this tension rather than nurturing the growth of Leo and Brynn’s character dynamics.
In terms of style, Myers’ writing is enjoyable and flowing, but there were moments when the pacing faltered, especially in relation to the non-essential side plots. The focus on Brynn, Salem, and their bond shines brightest, and I wished there had been more of that sweetness, rather than getting tangled up in the drama.
In conclusion, Winning Brynn is certainly a fun read if you’re a fan of the single dad nanny trope and family dynamics. However, if you’re looking for a passionate love story that leaves you fanning yourself and swooning, this might not quite hit the mark for you. While I enjoyed the vibrant family moments and the charming antics of Salem, I’m left pondering what could have been if the central romance had received a bit more depth. If you love drama and a sports backdrop, you might find it enjoyable; just don’t expect all the romantic fireworks! 💖
So, grab a cozy blanket and a cup of tea if you decide to dive in—it’s a rollercoaster of emotions and, at the very least, adorable moments await! 🌟
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