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Games #1
The Games We Play
"You don't have to choose, Baby."
Ali had been content keeping to herself and staying hidden from her abusive ex.
But when she meets two seemingly ordinary guys, Cam and Kace, the three of them develop an unexpected friendship that makes Ali feel like herself for the first time in years.
Cam and Kace aren’t just ordinary guys, though. They’re superstars in the Atlanta sports world, with their names and faces plastered all over town. But Ali didn’t know that, and they didn’t tell her the truth.
A lie that was never intended to hurt anyone.
But their little game ends up bringing danger back into Ali’s life, putting her at risk and causing her to push them away.
For Cam and Kace, walking away from Ali isn’t an option. They both want her. They both want to protect her. And despite being unable to choose between them, she can’t seem to say no to their game plan.
With her ex lurking and her feelings for Cam and Kace growing more intense, Ali has to navigate the danger as well as the societal expectations of her new relationship. A balancing act that proves to be harder than she anticipated.
Will they succumb to the pressure? Or is this a game they can win together?
This fast-paced romance has laughs, swoony moments, and MAJOR spice. But beware, there is also assault, attempted sexual abuse, and kidnapping, keeping you on the edge of your seat.
Written in 1st person, triple POV, with an HEA.
Ali had been content keeping to herself and staying hidden from her abusive ex.
But when she meets two seemingly ordinary guys, Cam and Kace, the three of them develop an unexpected friendship that makes Ali feel like herself for the first time in years.
Cam and Kace aren’t just ordinary guys, though. They’re superstars in the Atlanta sports world, with their names and faces plastered all over town. But Ali didn’t know that, and they didn’t tell her the truth.
A lie that was never intended to hurt anyone.
But their little game ends up bringing danger back into Ali’s life, putting her at risk and causing her to push them away.
For Cam and Kace, walking away from Ali isn’t an option. They both want her. They both want to protect her. And despite being unable to choose between them, she can’t seem to say no to their game plan.
With her ex lurking and her feelings for Cam and Kace growing more intense, Ali has to navigate the danger as well as the societal expectations of her new relationship. A balancing act that proves to be harder than she anticipated.
Will they succumb to the pressure? Or is this a game they can win together?
This fast-paced romance has laughs, swoony moments, and MAJOR spice. But beware, there is also assault, attempted sexual abuse, and kidnapping, keeping you on the edge of your seat.
Written in 1st person, triple POV, with an HEA.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2024
429 people are currently reading
1748 people want to read
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August 4, 2021
The Games We Play is book one in The Games series by Katie Rae. This is my first book by this author. This is a ménage, sports romance, MFM! I was first attracted to this book by both the cover and the blurb. But I have to tell you, I didn’t expect to be totally overwhelmed by this awesome book. The first seventy percent was a good solid 4.5 rating. Then, WHAM! That last thirty percent completely took me by surprise and knocked it right out of the park! I didn’t get anything done today because there was no way I could put this down and walk away without seeing it through to the end. NO WAY!
“They were Gods among men in their fields.”
Kace Jackson is a famous professional baseball player. His best friend, Cam Nichols is the number one quarterback in the league. These two have been best friends since they were little. They were neighbors, grew up together. And they both went in to professional sports at the same time. Neither had time for much in their busy lives but they had each other. It was a rare weeknight that they were meeting at a favorite bar for a beer when they first saw her. Their regular waitress wasn’t there and instead, it was a beautiful woman who didn’t seem to know who they were. Who jumped back when their hand touched her arm with an alarmed expression on her face. A woman that they spent maybe a total of five minutes talking to but were so smitten, neither of them could get her out of their minds. And neither of these men were into relationships. They didn’t have time. Add to that, most women just wanted their attention because of who they were and what they had in the bank.
Ali Hansen did not enjoy cocktail waitressing. By day she was a freelance writer for a publishing company. But she had past experience and her friend was sick and needed her to fill in for her. She could do this. Two years ago Ali had been a normal college student until something happened that caused her to run. She’s been living here ever since, working from home, staying safe. Until now. And then THEY walked in. Two of the most beautiful men she’d ever seen. They seemed like they were someone important but she had no idea who. And try as she might, she could not be the recipient of their attention without being affected.
“We’ve shared beds. We’ve shared clothes. We’ve shared food. We’ve shared laughs. We’ve shared history. We’ve shared dreams. But tonight, we shared Ali. And it was the best night of my life.”
Kace and Cam were both attracted to Ali. Both wanted to pursue her. But, neither wanted to hurt the other. So what is the only way to deal with this conundrum? We’ll both pursue her. We’ll see where it goes, play it day by day. The three of them became close quickly, but they did take things slowly. This was new territory for all three of them. Ali was drawn to both of them. She knew she could never choose. She eventually figured out who they were but never thought about the consequences of being seen with someone famous. Until those consequences came looking for her, and her past became her worst nightmare.
This book just blew me away. It made me smile, swoon, and made my heart pound so hard I thought sure someone else could hear it. These three were so adorable together but Kace and Cam were also fiercely protective, so loving, so swoony, and so devoted to Ali. There wasn’t an epilogue and I was sad about that but the author does mention that these characters make appearances in other books. I looked through the author’s other work and it looks like the rest of her books are all MF. I am definitely going to be looking through them all but I really hope she’ll again venture into ménage at some point in the future.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
“They were Gods among men in their fields.”
Kace Jackson is a famous professional baseball player. His best friend, Cam Nichols is the number one quarterback in the league. These two have been best friends since they were little. They were neighbors, grew up together. And they both went in to professional sports at the same time. Neither had time for much in their busy lives but they had each other. It was a rare weeknight that they were meeting at a favorite bar for a beer when they first saw her. Their regular waitress wasn’t there and instead, it was a beautiful woman who didn’t seem to know who they were. Who jumped back when their hand touched her arm with an alarmed expression on her face. A woman that they spent maybe a total of five minutes talking to but were so smitten, neither of them could get her out of their minds. And neither of these men were into relationships. They didn’t have time. Add to that, most women just wanted their attention because of who they were and what they had in the bank.
Ali Hansen did not enjoy cocktail waitressing. By day she was a freelance writer for a publishing company. But she had past experience and her friend was sick and needed her to fill in for her. She could do this. Two years ago Ali had been a normal college student until something happened that caused her to run. She’s been living here ever since, working from home, staying safe. Until now. And then THEY walked in. Two of the most beautiful men she’d ever seen. They seemed like they were someone important but she had no idea who. And try as she might, she could not be the recipient of their attention without being affected.
“We’ve shared beds. We’ve shared clothes. We’ve shared food. We’ve shared laughs. We’ve shared history. We’ve shared dreams. But tonight, we shared Ali. And it was the best night of my life.”
Kace and Cam were both attracted to Ali. Both wanted to pursue her. But, neither wanted to hurt the other. So what is the only way to deal with this conundrum? We’ll both pursue her. We’ll see where it goes, play it day by day. The three of them became close quickly, but they did take things slowly. This was new territory for all three of them. Ali was drawn to both of them. She knew she could never choose. She eventually figured out who they were but never thought about the consequences of being seen with someone famous. Until those consequences came looking for her, and her past became her worst nightmare.
This book just blew me away. It made me smile, swoon, and made my heart pound so hard I thought sure someone else could hear it. These three were so adorable together but Kace and Cam were also fiercely protective, so loving, so swoony, and so devoted to Ali. There wasn’t an epilogue and I was sad about that but the author does mention that these characters make appearances in other books. I looked through the author’s other work and it looks like the rest of her books are all MF. I am definitely going to be looking through them all but I really hope she’ll again venture into ménage at some point in the future.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
May 15, 2023
“You taste so good... fuck so good. I can even taste Cam. Everything he left on your 🐱.”
I watched on as he took himself over the edge, throwing his head back and cursing. Our 💦 mingled together on Ali’s chest and I had never felt more like a caveman in my life.
It felt like we owned her.
Lord knows she owned us.
Ali was breathing hard, taking a finger to her chest and gently mixing the 💦 we left on her body. Kace and I watched her while we caught our breath.
Was this okay? Are we okay?
I watched on as he took himself over the edge, throwing his head back and cursing. Our 💦 mingled together on Ali’s chest and I had never felt more like a caveman in my life.
It felt like we owned her.
Lord knows she owned us.
Ali was breathing hard, taking a finger to her chest and gently mixing the 💦 we left on her body. Kace and I watched her while we caught our breath.
Was this okay? Are we okay?
February 18, 2023
This was SO GOOD! I love menage romances.
Kace (professional baseball player) and Cam (#1 quarterback in the NFL) have been best friends since they were children. Sharing everything is something they’re used to.. but they never thought they would want to share a woman. Ali has no idea who they really are. She’s too busy hiding from an abusive ex and taking care of her only friend.
So many elements to this! I absolutely LOVED every second!! Both Kace and Cam are such possessive and protective men, and exactly what Ali needs in her life. The adoration they all have for each other is so natural and beautiful. I’ve never been more jealous of a relationship.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Kace (professional baseball player) and Cam (#1 quarterback in the NFL) have been best friends since they were children. Sharing everything is something they’re used to.. but they never thought they would want to share a woman. Ali has no idea who they really are. She’s too busy hiding from an abusive ex and taking care of her only friend.
So many elements to this! I absolutely LOVED every second!! Both Kace and Cam are such possessive and protective men, and exactly what Ali needs in her life. The adoration they all have for each other is so natural and beautiful. I’ve never been more jealous of a relationship.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
December 24, 2024
4.5⭐️
This was really good! I love mfm romance and this was one of the best I’ve read 🥰
Things I loved:
- the whole dynamic of mfm was new to all of them, the guys had never shared a girl before and so many firsts were between the MCs.
- Kace said this was his 1st relationship, 1st time he had a girl in his apartment, 1st time sharing his bed and the 1st time he’s ever made love 🥹 I fucking love when it’s special only for the fmc.
- How amazing the guys were, there was no jealousy and they were so supportive to the fmc when she was dealing with the stuff with her ex. And they never gave up on her when she was kidnapped and the police and even their lawyer were doubting her.
Things I didn’t like:
- ok so we find out her exes name was fake, that’s why the police had no record of him or couldn’t find him and that’s why they doubted he was real. But after he’s arrested and everything we’re never told why he was even using a fake name or anything else at all about him other than he was in prison now. Would have liked some closure around all that.
But I do recommend this, I really enjoyed it.
Multi PoV
Why choose, no mm
MFM
Insta love ❤️
Fmc hiding from her ex
Baseball star
Football star
Hidden identity (for just a little while)
No owd
Omd- her psycho ex blackmails her and the guys and then kidnaps her
HEA
Epilogue- 1 year later, they get engaged and she tells them she’s pregnant 🥰
This was really good! I love mfm romance and this was one of the best I’ve read 🥰
Things I loved:
- the whole dynamic of mfm was new to all of them, the guys had never shared a girl before and so many firsts were between the MCs.
- Kace said this was his 1st relationship, 1st time he had a girl in his apartment, 1st time sharing his bed and the 1st time he’s ever made love 🥹 I fucking love when it’s special only for the fmc.
- How amazing the guys were, there was no jealousy and they were so supportive to the fmc when she was dealing with the stuff with her ex. And they never gave up on her when she was kidnapped and the police and even their lawyer were doubting her.
Things I didn’t like:
- ok so we find out her exes name was fake, that’s why the police had no record of him or couldn’t find him and that’s why they doubted he was real. But after he’s arrested and everything we’re never told why he was even using a fake name or anything else at all about him other than he was in prison now. Would have liked some closure around all that.
But I do recommend this, I really enjoyed it.
Multi PoV
Why choose, no mm
MFM
Insta love ❤️
Fmc hiding from her ex
Baseball star
Football star
Hidden identity (for just a little while)
No owd
Omd- her psycho ex blackmails her and the guys and then kidnaps her
HEA
Epilogue- 1 year later, they get engaged and she tells them she’s pregnant 🥰
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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January 26, 2025dnf @56%
Bored af. Tried pushing through but I'm just not connecting with the writing style.
No OW drama/cheating, some OM (abusive ex) drama and on page graphic/descriptive DV scene + sexual harassment so please check the TWs!
Bored af. Tried pushing through but I'm just not connecting with the writing style.
No OW drama/cheating, some OM (abusive ex) drama and on page graphic/descriptive DV scene + sexual harassment so please check the TWs!
January 31, 2021
Easy five stars
Loved The Games We Play!
Fast paced. Enjoyable, well written, sports romance read, with a twist of suspense you won’t see coming. I laughed and wanted to throw my reader numerous times.
Loved the MFM. Hot characters in Kace and Cam you just need to meet yourself.
Loved The Games We Play!
Fast paced. Enjoyable, well written, sports romance read, with a twist of suspense you won’t see coming. I laughed and wanted to throw my reader numerous times.
Loved the MFM. Hot characters in Kace and Cam you just need to meet yourself.
September 12, 2022
Storyline was good, characters very likeable and easy to read. Ending was a bit short cut tho which is a shame to be honost. I would love a bit more of an ending tho it is not an open-ended ending
March 8, 2022
Baseball Romance✅
Football Romance✅
Reverse Harem✅
Insta love✅
Plot 5✨
Spice 4.5🌶️
Cam and Kace have been best friends their whole lives. They have been beside each other through every high and low in their lives. They shared a lot over their lives, being drafted to their home teams, becoming rookie of the year their first year playing, and starting a camp together.
Ali started over two years ago when she left her abusive ex behind. She quite college and working as a server when she left but now, she finds herself in a bar once again. She is helping out the only friend in her life by covering her shifts at the local bar. Ali hates it there but is determined to make it work.
One night, two name changes, and three heated stares later and the boys and Ali find themselves in a very unconventional situation.
Can Cam and Kace share one more thing in their lives, the same girl?
Will Ali's past come between them?
When everything hits the fan will they be torn apart or become closer?
14% of the way through this book I knew it was getting five stars from me. The banter between Cam and Kace was everything, it had me laughing out loud. Then when Ali joined their conversations, the banter got even better. Cam and Kace will make you fall in love with them quickly, especially if you love the protective alpha male.
Another thing I loved is the relationship between Cam and Kace, they both want Ali but are willing to step back in order to not hurt the other one. This whole book read so easily before I knew it, I only had like 20% left.
Football Romance✅
Reverse Harem✅
Insta love✅
Plot 5✨
Spice 4.5🌶️
Cam and Kace have been best friends their whole lives. They have been beside each other through every high and low in their lives. They shared a lot over their lives, being drafted to their home teams, becoming rookie of the year their first year playing, and starting a camp together.
Ali started over two years ago when she left her abusive ex behind. She quite college and working as a server when she left but now, she finds herself in a bar once again. She is helping out the only friend in her life by covering her shifts at the local bar. Ali hates it there but is determined to make it work.
One night, two name changes, and three heated stares later and the boys and Ali find themselves in a very unconventional situation.
Can Cam and Kace share one more thing in their lives, the same girl?
Will Ali's past come between them?
When everything hits the fan will they be torn apart or become closer?
14% of the way through this book I knew it was getting five stars from me. The banter between Cam and Kace was everything, it had me laughing out loud. Then when Ali joined their conversations, the banter got even better. Cam and Kace will make you fall in love with them quickly, especially if you love the protective alpha male.
Another thing I loved is the relationship between Cam and Kace, they both want Ali but are willing to step back in order to not hurt the other one. This whole book read so easily before I knew it, I only had like 20% left.
March 23, 2022
4 ⭐️
I happened to come across this book by chance & decided why not, I love multiple love interests & I dig sports romances, so let’s give it a try! it honestly threw me for a big surprise. I ended up liking it far more than I expected & was immediately engrossed!
Ali is a hermit. she keeps to herself, she has a past that keeps her wanting & enjoying her alone lifestyle of sitting at home & writing. only now the time comes to help a friend in need & it causes her to have to break out of her shell & go back into a lifestyle she isn’t entirely ready to. enter, Kace & Cam. two life long best friends & top notch athletes. Kace, the hometown baseball Allstar & Cam, the hometown NFL quarterback. they have always been close & kept it that way for their whole lives. now with liking the same girl, it seems to be the most natural thing for them to share her too, but will ali’s past come knocking & ruin them or strength them?
I happened to come across this book by chance & decided why not, I love multiple love interests & I dig sports romances, so let’s give it a try! it honestly threw me for a big surprise. I ended up liking it far more than I expected & was immediately engrossed!
Ali is a hermit. she keeps to herself, she has a past that keeps her wanting & enjoying her alone lifestyle of sitting at home & writing. only now the time comes to help a friend in need & it causes her to have to break out of her shell & go back into a lifestyle she isn’t entirely ready to. enter, Kace & Cam. two life long best friends & top notch athletes. Kace, the hometown baseball Allstar & Cam, the hometown NFL quarterback. they have always been close & kept it that way for their whole lives. now with liking the same girl, it seems to be the most natural thing for them to share her too, but will ali’s past come knocking & ruin them or strength them?
February 14, 2024
4.5 stars
So I went into this thinking it was a light, fun, sexy Why Choose with a star QB and his BFF star Short Stop. I was right and it was delicious. The relationship between Ali, Kace, and Cam was just so perfectly organic and easy. It's a version of what I would imagine heaven would be. Two men who are opposites yet provide exactly what Ali needed when she need it. They're both attentive and caring and so swoony I couldn't take it at times.
However, what I WASN'T expecting was the suspense part of the story. It's straight terrifying. Something I think every woman has either gone through or worries about going through. The way Cam and Kace would burn down the world for her while also being the gentlest most understanding creatures is just freaking sexy.
Thank you, The Author Agency and Katie Rae for submitting this to me for possible review. I can't wait to read the next in the series!
So I went into this thinking it was a light, fun, sexy Why Choose with a star QB and his BFF star Short Stop. I was right and it was delicious. The relationship between Ali, Kace, and Cam was just so perfectly organic and easy. It's a version of what I would imagine heaven would be. Two men who are opposites yet provide exactly what Ali needed when she need it. They're both attentive and caring and so swoony I couldn't take it at times.
However, what I WASN'T expecting was the suspense part of the story. It's straight terrifying. Something I think every woman has either gone through or worries about going through. The way Cam and Kace would burn down the world for her while also being the gentlest most understanding creatures is just freaking sexy.
Thank you, The Author Agency and Katie Rae for submitting this to me for possible review. I can't wait to read the next in the series!
Want to read
May 18, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/18/2021)! 🎁
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March 3, 2022This was fun and quick. Their courtship was butterfly inducing and LOVED the continuous questioning of consent.
February 22, 2024
Ali spends her time keeping to herself, for her own reasons, until she strikes a friendship with Cam and Kace. Their relationship is one of a kind, but the guys want more than friendship with Ali.
Thing is, Cam and Kace are famous athletes, and a case of hidden identities brings trouble right to Ali before they have any idea what’s happening.
Part mystery, part tension, and all romance, The Games We Play is a book easily read in a day.
Releases on February 24th, and will be available on Kindle Unlimited! Thank you to the @theauthoragency for the e-arc in exchange for an honest and free review!
Thing is, Cam and Kace are famous athletes, and a case of hidden identities brings trouble right to Ali before they have any idea what’s happening.
Part mystery, part tension, and all romance, The Games We Play is a book easily read in a day.
Releases on February 24th, and will be available on Kindle Unlimited! Thank you to the @theauthoragency for the e-arc in exchange for an honest and free review!
April 20, 2020
Katie is a new author for me, her waiting is amazing and I can't believe this is her very first book!
The story is an MFM Sports Romance with a twist and a finale that I definitely wasn't expecting. A lot of things happen in this book that you do not want to miss!
The story is an MFM Sports Romance with a twist and a finale that I definitely wasn't expecting. A lot of things happen in this book that you do not want to miss!
February 17, 2026
You ever get like 80% into a story and suddenly find yourself wondering if the author doesn't live in the country her characters are in??
That happened to me on this one. Because I really don't think Katie Rae is American.
I barely think she's from planet earth.
Why? Because of the way the legal system behaved in this book. Or rather - the way it didn't.
But let me back up. I do have other thoughts about this story first.
1.The nicknames go on a bit too long for my taste - I get why the guys gave Ali aliases in the beginning, them being famous hotshot ball players, I get wanting the anonymity - but it literally continues for a quarter of the book before she finds out by accident, and for a quarter of the book I could not tell the two apart. I still have no idea who was who.
2. For a menage scenario - there is a surprising lack of menaging going on. Before anybody can get naked, Ali's ex finds her and beats the hell out of her - which understandably puts all the sexy time shenanigans on hold for a bit (despite Ali trying it on with the boys right after it happens, despite being tore up from the floor up). I can't say I'm terribly mad at this because it allows room for some actual plot - which I honestly wasn't expecting.
It also allows us to get to know the three of them as friends first before all the sexy time stuff comes into play. Katie Rae's gonna get her flowers for that - this is insta-attraction, but it's not ista-fucking.
And now - the part that lost this book all the stars and left me questioning this author's citizenship to earth.
I know cops can be incompetent from time to time. But to look at a woman's battered body and go "yeaaaaah we don't believe you about the guy you said did this. We think it's probably one of these hyper-famous ballplayers who you're currently clinging to for dear life did it instead." 🙄😒
The fact that she's gone to the cops several times in this story and not once has anybody taken her seriously about the harassment she's received over the years is a bit ludicrous.
I'm not trying to defend police officers here, but c'mon. Not in the year of our lord 2026 (or 2020, whenever this was written). I can't imagine a cop in a massive city like ATL is going to look at a woman as badly beaten as Ali is and go "yeah nah we're not gonna bother looking into things, you're probably lying."
Like who is this Alan guy that he's immune to cop punishment? I'd also wager that a police officer would be MORE willing to take things seriously when not ONE but TWO professional ball players were hovering around. Their first instinct, surely, isn't to BLAME the guy worth millions of dollars who probably has an army of lawyers at his back.
Like as much as I enjoyed the plot it hinges solely on the cops being complete morons, and while some of them IRL may be, you cannot convince me that NOBODY would have taken Ali or the 2 love interests seriously.
Honestly, the story was fine, up until BOTH Cam and Kace got publicly arrested for the assault of Ali - even though she'd already told the cops who really did it and didn't blame either of them. The cops never look for the man she accuses, and instead arrest 2 millionaire pro-ball players???????????????
Come on, Katie. In no world would that EVER happen.
Like that's not how the legal system works lmao. Believe it or not, cops can't just arrest someone for assault if the one assaulted doesn't say it's them. There has to be an accusation, there has to be evidence. That's ridiculous.
I also don't think the leagues Kace and Cam play for would just immediately oust the guys "suspending them indefinitely". Pro ball leagues have a literal army of lawyers and they'd be all over this - keeping things hush hush until they found the best narrative that wouldn't make the league (at bare minimum) look bad.
And the fact that the VICTIM isn't believed at all, first that she's being harassed, then that she was assaulted - even though her body is literally black and blue, and THEN about the person who assaulted her...
This whole part of the story is so ill-thought-out it ruined everything in this book that WAS good.
The action and danger at the end would ordinarily have pushed me to rate this book higher - because we love a girl who learns to fight back, but I simply cannot get around the fact that apparently Atlanta is being policed by brainless, bottom-feeding sea slugs and not rational human people with IQs higher than the temperature of 3 day old bathwater. As a Georgian, I'm frankly offended! lol
That happened to me on this one. Because I really don't think Katie Rae is American.
I barely think she's from planet earth.
Why? Because of the way the legal system behaved in this book. Or rather - the way it didn't.
But let me back up. I do have other thoughts about this story first.
1.The nicknames go on a bit too long for my taste - I get why the guys gave Ali aliases in the beginning, them being famous hotshot ball players, I get wanting the anonymity - but it literally continues for a quarter of the book before she finds out by accident, and for a quarter of the book I could not tell the two apart. I still have no idea who was who.
2. For a menage scenario - there is a surprising lack of menaging going on. Before anybody can get naked, Ali's ex finds her and beats the hell out of her - which understandably puts all the sexy time shenanigans on hold for a bit (despite Ali trying it on with the boys right after it happens, despite being tore up from the floor up). I can't say I'm terribly mad at this because it allows room for some actual plot - which I honestly wasn't expecting.
It also allows us to get to know the three of them as friends first before all the sexy time stuff comes into play. Katie Rae's gonna get her flowers for that - this is insta-attraction, but it's not ista-fucking.
And now - the part that lost this book all the stars and left me questioning this author's citizenship to earth.
I know cops can be incompetent from time to time. But to look at a woman's battered body and go "yeaaaaah we don't believe you about the guy you said did this. We think it's probably one of these hyper-famous ballplayers who you're currently clinging to for dear life did it instead." 🙄😒
The fact that she's gone to the cops several times in this story and not once has anybody taken her seriously about the harassment she's received over the years is a bit ludicrous.
I'm not trying to defend police officers here, but c'mon. Not in the year of our lord 2026 (or 2020, whenever this was written). I can't imagine a cop in a massive city like ATL is going to look at a woman as badly beaten as Ali is and go "yeah nah we're not gonna bother looking into things, you're probably lying."
Like who is this Alan guy that he's immune to cop punishment? I'd also wager that a police officer would be MORE willing to take things seriously when not ONE but TWO professional ball players were hovering around. Their first instinct, surely, isn't to BLAME the guy worth millions of dollars who probably has an army of lawyers at his back.
Like as much as I enjoyed the plot it hinges solely on the cops being complete morons, and while some of them IRL may be, you cannot convince me that NOBODY would have taken Ali or the 2 love interests seriously.
Honestly, the story was fine, up until BOTH Cam and Kace got publicly arrested for the assault of Ali - even though she'd already told the cops who really did it and didn't blame either of them. The cops never look for the man she accuses, and instead arrest 2 millionaire pro-ball players???????????????
Come on, Katie. In no world would that EVER happen.
Like that's not how the legal system works lmao. Believe it or not, cops can't just arrest someone for assault if the one assaulted doesn't say it's them. There has to be an accusation, there has to be evidence. That's ridiculous.
I also don't think the leagues Kace and Cam play for would just immediately oust the guys "suspending them indefinitely". Pro ball leagues have a literal army of lawyers and they'd be all over this - keeping things hush hush until they found the best narrative that wouldn't make the league (at bare minimum) look bad.
And the fact that the VICTIM isn't believed at all, first that she's being harassed, then that she was assaulted - even though her body is literally black and blue, and THEN about the person who assaulted her...
This whole part of the story is so ill-thought-out it ruined everything in this book that WAS good.
The action and danger at the end would ordinarily have pushed me to rate this book higher - because we love a girl who learns to fight back, but I simply cannot get around the fact that apparently Atlanta is being policed by brainless, bottom-feeding sea slugs and not rational human people with IQs higher than the temperature of 3 day old bathwater. As a Georgian, I'm frankly offended! lol
April 26, 2020
For a debut novel this was fantastic! It was well written and such an easy read. Although there was the hard topic of Ali and her abuse it was well written and the majority of the book was still light and fun.
I love the chemistry and banter between Cam, Kace & Ali. To start with I wondered if Cam & Kace were a bit too close but I think if they didn’t have a friendship like they did the relationship with Ali wouldn’t have worked.
Ali was a great female lead she was strong and didn’t let what happened with Alan hold her back. Even when he held her captive she was determined she would get out of there.
Cam & Kace are such fun loving characters, I can see them giving Ali a perfect life. I loved how they took care of her, showing her good guys do exist.
My only pick is that I’m not sure how believable the final part of the story was about Cam & Kace being arrested and the police thinking Ali had run away. I would have thought guys with as much money as them would have had more pull over the police. And certainly with their own PI it still took 5 days for a lead. It is usually the case the more money the quicker things happen. However that said the story did really flow together and make for a great story.
I love the chemistry and banter between Cam, Kace & Ali. To start with I wondered if Cam & Kace were a bit too close but I think if they didn’t have a friendship like they did the relationship with Ali wouldn’t have worked.
Ali was a great female lead she was strong and didn’t let what happened with Alan hold her back. Even when he held her captive she was determined she would get out of there.
Cam & Kace are such fun loving characters, I can see them giving Ali a perfect life. I loved how they took care of her, showing her good guys do exist.
My only pick is that I’m not sure how believable the final part of the story was about Cam & Kace being arrested and the police thinking Ali had run away. I would have thought guys with as much money as them would have had more pull over the police. And certainly with their own PI it still took 5 days for a lead. It is usually the case the more money the quicker things happen. However that said the story did really flow together and make for a great story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2020
ENTERTAINING - SUSPENSE - FIERY PASSIONATE ROMANCE
"The Games We Play" is a fast-paced well-written roller-coaster read. Inside: Fantastic character interaction, soul-stirring suspense, action, flirtatious innuendos, life-threatening moments, fiery passionate romance, fun times, and a happy forever.
Cam the hot QB, and Kace the sexy tatted up baseball player are best friends since childhood. They are lucky enough to play for teams in their hometown and cheer each other on at games when they can. One night they go to their favorite bar to support a musician friend. They meet Ali, who dazzles them with her beauty. Ali is a freelance writer covering as a server for a sick friend. Her past is haunting and a well-kept secret. Will these three get their happy forever or will Ali's past crush it?
Captivating debut book with credible characters and backstories that give readers insight into each character's persona. I loved the witty banter and vivid scene descriptions. The romance is convincing and passionate. Cam, Kace, and Ali are a perfect match, and their devotion to each other shines in this story. {I found this KU read quite entertaining and look forward to reading more stories by this author.}
"The Games We Play" is a fast-paced well-written roller-coaster read. Inside: Fantastic character interaction, soul-stirring suspense, action, flirtatious innuendos, life-threatening moments, fiery passionate romance, fun times, and a happy forever.
Cam the hot QB, and Kace the sexy tatted up baseball player are best friends since childhood. They are lucky enough to play for teams in their hometown and cheer each other on at games when they can. One night they go to their favorite bar to support a musician friend. They meet Ali, who dazzles them with her beauty. Ali is a freelance writer covering as a server for a sick friend. Her past is haunting and a well-kept secret. Will these three get their happy forever or will Ali's past crush it?
Captivating debut book with credible characters and backstories that give readers insight into each character's persona. I loved the witty banter and vivid scene descriptions. The romance is convincing and passionate. Cam, Kace, and Ali are a perfect match, and their devotion to each other shines in this story. {I found this KU read quite entertaining and look forward to reading more stories by this author.}
May 31, 2020
Debut is good!
I’ve been leery about new authors lately. I know what I like and when it can’t be delivered, I get discouraged. While I will admit that the dialogue was a bit stilted for me, that’s probably just my personal preference coming out. I like to read how I speak, so that it flows more naturally for me. Maybe more use of contractions were needed? I don’t know.
That being said, the story is good. The heat is there. The plot is there. There’s some humor. There’s a lot of love.
“But that was a lie. I knew what we were doing. We were going to fall for the same girl. The crazy part was, I wasn’t even mad about it.”
— The Games We Play: A Sports Romance Novel (Standalone Book 1) by Katie Rae
I couldn’t put it down. The first meet had me smiling, and there were so many moments that I was smiling after that. My heart broke for Ali. It shredded. And then these loving boys were there to piece it back together.
I’ve been leery about new authors lately. I know what I like and when it can’t be delivered, I get discouraged. While I will admit that the dialogue was a bit stilted for me, that’s probably just my personal preference coming out. I like to read how I speak, so that it flows more naturally for me. Maybe more use of contractions were needed? I don’t know.
That being said, the story is good. The heat is there. The plot is there. There’s some humor. There’s a lot of love.
“But that was a lie. I knew what we were doing. We were going to fall for the same girl. The crazy part was, I wasn’t even mad about it.”
— The Games We Play: A Sports Romance Novel (Standalone Book 1) by Katie Rae
I couldn’t put it down. The first meet had me smiling, and there were so many moments that I was smiling after that. My heart broke for Ali. It shredded. And then these loving boys were there to piece it back together.
July 24, 2020
I wanted more.
This story held a lot of promise but fell way short. It came across as just a bunch of words on the screen. There were no real emotional moments or connection. Girl meets two boys, two boys want her, girl has crazy ex that beats her, police accuses boys without investigating or taking pics of beating, girl gets a little light pleasure from boys at the same time, girl has mediocre sex with each boy separately, girl gets kidnapped, police still accuse boys, girl is beaten while kidnapped then superficially stabs crazy ex, boys show up to beat crazy ex, police arrest crazy ex, all parents are okay with it, silly hints dropped at press conference, the end. Nothing touching, no character development, no hot sex scenes, nothing stood out. Glad this was KU. Maybe this was a first attempt at writing but better luck on the next book.
This story held a lot of promise but fell way short. It came across as just a bunch of words on the screen. There were no real emotional moments or connection. Girl meets two boys, two boys want her, girl has crazy ex that beats her, police accuses boys without investigating or taking pics of beating, girl gets a little light pleasure from boys at the same time, girl has mediocre sex with each boy separately, girl gets kidnapped, police still accuse boys, girl is beaten while kidnapped then superficially stabs crazy ex, boys show up to beat crazy ex, police arrest crazy ex, all parents are okay with it, silly hints dropped at press conference, the end. Nothing touching, no character development, no hot sex scenes, nothing stood out. Glad this was KU. Maybe this was a first attempt at writing but better luck on the next book.
February 22, 2024
-I received a copy of this book by The Author Agency for an honest review-
First I do want to mention that I am very lenient when it comes to the books I review. If there are some misspelled words I'll ignore it since I am really there for the story and the characters. That being said, there were a lot of those in this book. I also noticed words that just didn't show up in the sentence, like the sentence was cutoff mid thought. I kept going since I was intrigued by the characters and how their relationship started and progressed throughout story. Something happened midway that I noticed some awkward sentences or information that was thrown without context or even making sense for what was happening at that moment, if that makes any sense. There were quite a few plot holes or explanations of certain things that were happening that realistically that made no sense. God, I feel awful writing this review, because I really don't like giving bad reviews, but I really think this book needed a whole lot more editing. It felt like a first draft, maybe second draft of the manuscript. It needed a lot of polishing.
First I do want to mention that I am very lenient when it comes to the books I review. If there are some misspelled words I'll ignore it since I am really there for the story and the characters. That being said, there were a lot of those in this book. I also noticed words that just didn't show up in the sentence, like the sentence was cutoff mid thought. I kept going since I was intrigued by the characters and how their relationship started and progressed throughout story. Something happened midway that I noticed some awkward sentences or information that was thrown without context or even making sense for what was happening at that moment, if that makes any sense. There were quite a few plot holes or explanations of certain things that were happening that realistically that made no sense. God, I feel awful writing this review, because I really don't like giving bad reviews, but I really think this book needed a whole lot more editing. It felt like a first draft, maybe second draft of the manuscript. It needed a lot of polishing.
October 3, 2020
I'm not sure what it was about this story but Cam, Kace and Ali.... sigh. This was the right temperature throughout, enough steam, intrigue, and character growth the whole way around.
Poor Ali, dealing with the obsessed Alan. You would have hoped 2 yrs separation he would have moved on but instead went OTT in getting her back.
Loved Kace's wildness, Cam's center of gravity and how the two boys knew how to make Ali a top priority even when they couldn't always be together. This was a true sharing, even without the double teaming. I felt Kace's pain when he finally had to lay down in the bed with Cam leaving just enough space where Ali should have been. Nice HEA.
Poor Ali, dealing with the obsessed Alan. You would have hoped 2 yrs separation he would have moved on but instead went OTT in getting her back.
Loved Kace's wildness, Cam's center of gravity and how the two boys knew how to make Ali a top priority even when they couldn't always be together. This was a true sharing, even without the double teaming. I felt Kace's pain when he finally had to lay down in the bed with Cam leaving just enough space where Ali should have been. Nice HEA.
November 27, 2020
Must Read Sports Romance - I’m a believer.
This book y’all... I don’t even have the words to properly explain how much you need to read The Games We Play. If you love baseball (or sports romance in general), two hot swoon worthy dudes, a heroine who grows continually throughout the story, and a little suspense this is your jam!
I laughed, I swooned A LOT, I swore multiple times, I wanted to throw my dang phone across the room, and then I did it again. I swooned HARD. You all need to experience Kace and Cam for yourself. I won’t spoil it, but seriously.... read it!
Onto the next story by Katie and dear Lord I hope it’s just as good. (Not that I have any doubts)!
This book y’all... I don’t even have the words to properly explain how much you need to read The Games We Play. If you love baseball (or sports romance in general), two hot swoon worthy dudes, a heroine who grows continually throughout the story, and a little suspense this is your jam!
I laughed, I swooned A LOT, I swore multiple times, I wanted to throw my dang phone across the room, and then I did it again. I swooned HARD. You all need to experience Kace and Cam for yourself. I won’t spoil it, but seriously.... read it!
Onto the next story by Katie and dear Lord I hope it’s just as good. (Not that I have any doubts)!
November 24, 2021
Kace and Cam are best friends and famous athletes. They have people all over them all the time. So when they meet a woman that doesn’t know who they are or cares, they are intrigued.
Ali is attempting to overcome her past, and she’s only working to help her friend. However, Ali finds herself drawn to Kace and Cam. I love how they build a fun friendship, and it’s like they have known each other. She’s the perfect fit for their relationship. Hot and steamy and highly addictive.
Kace, Cam, and Ali make a beautiful trio, and it was a fantastic sports romance page-turner to read. I highly recommend it.
Ali is attempting to overcome her past, and she’s only working to help her friend. However, Ali finds herself drawn to Kace and Cam. I love how they build a fun friendship, and it’s like they have known each other. She’s the perfect fit for their relationship. Hot and steamy and highly addictive.
Kace, Cam, and Ali make a beautiful trio, and it was a fantastic sports romance page-turner to read. I highly recommend it.
March 2, 2024
This was such an excellent read! And my first by this author!
I was captivated from beginning to end with the super hot and sexy baseball and football player (both the MMC’s)! The gorgeous FMC!
I loved the insta connection both Nick & JJ had towards Ali! The protectiveness and care they had for her was so swoon worthy!
The male characters were top notch! Loved everything about them!
Ali was so strong and endured so much and still came out on top! She is a strong woman had herself a dream situation with two hotties!
I was captivated from beginning to end with the super hot and sexy baseball and football player (both the MMC’s)! The gorgeous FMC!
I loved the insta connection both Nick & JJ had towards Ali! The protectiveness and care they had for her was so swoon worthy!
The male characters were top notch! Loved everything about them!
Ali was so strong and endured so much and still came out on top! She is a strong woman had herself a dream situation with two hotties!
May 30, 2020
I am a sucker for sports romances and Katie Rae's "The Games We Play" was nothing less than exceptional. From the start you're captivated by Ali, Kace and Cam. I found myself laughing out loud and often times having a huge smile on my face.
For a first time author I found the writing to be very well thought out and developed. Katie Rae knows how to write the alpha male with a heart of gold. I can't wait to read more from this author!
For a first time author I found the writing to be very well thought out and developed. Katie Rae knows how to write the alpha male with a heart of gold. I can't wait to read more from this author!
December 24, 2020
Twist
Wow! I couldn’t put this book down. MFM sports romance, I love reading about different ways to be in a relationship and seeing the plus side of poly relationship.
The bromance was already there for the boys Kace and Cam aka JJ and Nick growing up together they have a bond that’s unbreakable , until the both see a girl they both instantly fall for...is this where they start fighting over a girl?
Ali is a domestic violence survivor when she discovered her ex manipulating her life for him to gain control she questioned him and the he got physical. She left without a trace to survive.
Now doing a favour for a neighbour she is working at a local bar And has to serve 2 gorgeous men that introduce themselves as JJ and Nick
Wow! I couldn’t put this book down. MFM sports romance, I love reading about different ways to be in a relationship and seeing the plus side of poly relationship.
The bromance was already there for the boys Kace and Cam aka JJ and Nick growing up together they have a bond that’s unbreakable , until the both see a girl they both instantly fall for...is this where they start fighting over a girl?
Ali is a domestic violence survivor when she discovered her ex manipulating her life for him to gain control she questioned him and the he got physical. She left without a trace to survive.
Now doing a favour for a neighbour she is working at a local bar And has to serve 2 gorgeous men that introduce themselves as JJ and Nick
March 7, 2022
Somethings are worth more
I'm going to be honest, I picked up this book to help an author that was seeing effects from another authors wrongs.
I enjoyed this book, a first for me from this author. What do you do when you and your best friend whose more like your brother fall for the same girl?! Love her. Ali wasn't sure what to make of Cam and Kace, all she knew is she was drawn to them both.
This book had a little bit of everything, a lit bit of uncertainty, flirty fun getting to know you, steamy moments and some suspense mixed in. Definitely glad I picked it up.
I'm going to be honest, I picked up this book to help an author that was seeing effects from another authors wrongs.
I enjoyed this book, a first for me from this author. What do you do when you and your best friend whose more like your brother fall for the same girl?! Love her. Ali wasn't sure what to make of Cam and Kace, all she knew is she was drawn to them both.
This book had a little bit of everything, a lit bit of uncertainty, flirty fun getting to know you, steamy moments and some suspense mixed in. Definitely glad I picked it up.
March 8, 2022
Loved!
I swooned so hard over Cam and Kace! Their characters were lovable, and Ali was so easy to like!
The story was great, the development and arc were incredible and I just really enjoyed this book!
This author was recently caught up in some of the recent issues within the community with her book be returned unnecessarily due to a similar name, which is what made me pick it up in the first place, but I’m so glad I did!
I swooned so hard over Cam and Kace! Their characters were lovable, and Ali was so easy to like!
The story was great, the development and arc were incredible and I just really enjoyed this book!
This author was recently caught up in some of the recent issues within the community with her book be returned unnecessarily due to a similar name, which is what made me pick it up in the first place, but I’m so glad I did!
March 23, 2023
Engaging read
New author for me, scrolling tiktok and a video came up and I was instantly downloading this book!
I find this genre fascinating, wondering how they could possibly make it work.
Loved the storyline, loved loved the guys and protective they were of Ali.
The dialogue was great, it moved quickly and as a reader I was invested.
It’s a yes from me.
New author for me, scrolling tiktok and a video came up and I was instantly downloading this book!
I find this genre fascinating, wondering how they could possibly make it work.
Loved the storyline, loved loved the guys and protective they were of Ali.
The dialogue was great, it moved quickly and as a reader I was invested.
It’s a yes from me.
June 2, 2020
This book found its way on my “want to read” shelf because I actually know the author - and I’m not afraid to give an unbiased AMAZING rating. Fantastic storytelling, fun characters, with a little bit of dark & twisty thrown in. What a fun read!!
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