Review: To Win Her Heart by Mackenzie Crowne (Players #3)

Note: This ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

To Win Her Heart is the third, and I'm presuming the final, novel in author Mackenzie Crowne's Players series. If you're a fan of the series like I am, you've probably been itching to get Max Grayson's story in your hands ever since he was first introduced in the series starter, To Win Her Love, which featured Max's best friend Gracie Gable and football pro Jake Malone. He's paired here with Jessi Tucker, a famous singer and cousin to one of his best friends. Again, if you're familiar with the series, you'll remember the first time these two meet in the second book, To Win Her Trust, which was about Jessi's cousin Tuck Tucker and CC Calhoun. Max and Jessi may not make sense to a lot of people, what with her being the country music's sweetheart and his being a rough and tumble cage fighter. Add to that the fact that there's a nine-year age difference and Max being one of Tuck's closest friends, and keeping his distance from Jessi is Max's only option. But when veiled threats are made, Max throws caution to the wind to protect his girl. 

Oh, Max. I swear I've been wanting this man to have his shot at a much deserved happily-ever-after ever since I first came across him in the first book. He was also somewhat of a mystery and we finally get to know more about him here, and let me tell you, there were surprises with regards to his personal history and background. He comes off as hard-edged, and there's no doubt that he's got an alpha streak to him, but being around Jessi softens him and brings out a side that is only seen when he's with those who know him best. He's very protective of those he cares about, and it's pretty obvious that he cares about Jessi. His past, though, has made him more than hesitant to become heavily invested in what could possibly be stirring between him and his country darling of a superstar. I had a feeling these two would end up getting together because of Jessi's reaction to him when they initially meet, but I was surprised there was a five-year gap between the second and third books, though nothing significant happens within that time frame.

This third book has the added element of suspense, brought about by a stalker who sends Jessi letters that lead to those around her to protect her. I loved that the story didn't go in the direction I would have expected it to, and it's those little surprises that kept me on my toes, not just in this latest addition to the series but all throughout. While each of the books have familiar themes to them, they're able to distinguish themselves with really good writing and enough unique touches that make them memorable reads. The addition of a cast of characters that you can both empathize with and want to cheer on until they get to the happy endings we know are waiting for them has made Mackenzie Crowne's Players series one that I won't soon forget. With Max and Jessi's story plus getting to see how far Jake and Gracie and Tuck and CC have come in their own relationships has made this book even far more endearing, almost as if getting the kind of send-off it deserves. Read the Players series, people. 4.5 stars for To Win Her Heart. ♥

Release Date: 12 April 2016

Date Read: 12 April 2016

Learn more about Mackenzie Crowne.

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