What do you think?
Rate this book
Games #5
The Way We Fight
“They can’t handle the way we fight.”
As one of the first women to referee in the NFL, Charleigh has a lot of pressure on her shoulders and a lot of eyes watching her every move.
But no one is watching Charleigh harder than the head coach of Atlanta’s football team.
Levi Peyton has made a name for himself, becoming the youngest coach in the NFL to win a Super Bowl. His achievements didn’t come without a price, though, and the last thing Levi needs is a rookie referee standing in front of him on the sideline.
Especially a woman the league wants him to coddle to save their precious image.
Despite the warnings, Levi plans to treat her the way he would any other referee: With a fight. If she blows a call, he plans to let her have it.
But there’s a history between Charleigh and Levi that neither of them can erase, much less forget. It’s a feeling they have to fight for the sake of their jobs.
Of course, that’d be easier to do if the fight stayed on the field. But it carries over to the locker room, the gym, and even to the middle of a boxing ring.
Their feelings get complicated, and with the twists and turns going on around them, it’s getting harder to deny that what they have is no longer a fight. It’s real.
And the only way for it to work is for one of them to throw in the towel.
In this steamy sports romance, Charleigh and Levi learn that some things are worth fighting for. With humor, spice, and banter, this book will have you in all your feels.
Written in dual, 1st person POV, with an HEA.
As one of the first women to referee in the NFL, Charleigh has a lot of pressure on her shoulders and a lot of eyes watching her every move.
But no one is watching Charleigh harder than the head coach of Atlanta’s football team.
Levi Peyton has made a name for himself, becoming the youngest coach in the NFL to win a Super Bowl. His achievements didn’t come without a price, though, and the last thing Levi needs is a rookie referee standing in front of him on the sideline.
Especially a woman the league wants him to coddle to save their precious image.
Despite the warnings, Levi plans to treat her the way he would any other referee: With a fight. If she blows a call, he plans to let her have it.
But there’s a history between Charleigh and Levi that neither of them can erase, much less forget. It’s a feeling they have to fight for the sake of their jobs.
Of course, that’d be easier to do if the fight stayed on the field. But it carries over to the locker room, the gym, and even to the middle of a boxing ring.
Their feelings get complicated, and with the twists and turns going on around them, it’s getting harder to deny that what they have is no longer a fight. It’s real.
And the only way for it to work is for one of them to throw in the towel.
In this steamy sports romance, Charleigh and Levi learn that some things are worth fighting for. With humor, spice, and banter, this book will have you in all your feels.
Written in dual, 1st person POV, with an HEA.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2024
146 people are currently reading
838 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
September 28, 2022
I’ve never wanted a couple to be together less than these two.
First of all, so much hinges on their initial one night stand and we didn’t even see it! I think if we started there it might have helped.
Levi is a walking red flag. Here are just some reasons I hated him:
-He is *so rude* to her during games. And not just your usual coach to ref remarks, but sexist and terrible things.
-But don’t worry. He thinks only he should be able to demean her this way. When he hears fans calling her a c**t he actually thinks to himself, only I can tell her when she’s being one.
-He tries to have sex with another girl to erase her from his mind, but can’t get hard. But we get to see him finger the girl until she comes. No thanks.
-He pushes her over twice. I don’t care if he wasn’t trying to be violent, it was unsettling.
-They fight - he doesn’t ever hit her but thinks at one point it’s not because he doesn’t want to punch the mouth off her, because he does.
-He wants her to quit the entire time for her “own good” to be away from the dirty side of the sport instead of telling her or warning her why.
And the list goes on!!
They literally had no connection outside of sex that I could see. Charleigh says they don’t even have deep conversations! At one point almost 3/4 of the way into the book, she blocks his number because she wants peace and has a great week. If you’re doing better away from someone, take that as a sign.
I just feel like the whole book is them being terrible to each other and then bam, they are in love!
And the ending was unsatisfying. The antagonist doesn’t even get punished?
Overall, I liked the premise! A woman ref in the NFL, cool! But I felt like we are just told this is her dream and I never really felt it. Especially when she seemingly risked it allll the time by being with Levi and having “no regrets” despite not trusting him almost the whole book.
I just didn’t like them together and even a happy ending didn’t make me root for them. Two stars because I read to the end and liked the idea of it!
First of all, so much hinges on their initial one night stand and we didn’t even see it! I think if we started there it might have helped.
Levi is a walking red flag. Here are just some reasons I hated him:
-He is *so rude* to her during games. And not just your usual coach to ref remarks, but sexist and terrible things.
-But don’t worry. He thinks only he should be able to demean her this way. When he hears fans calling her a c**t he actually thinks to himself, only I can tell her when she’s being one.
-He tries to have sex with another girl to erase her from his mind, but can’t get hard. But we get to see him finger the girl until she comes. No thanks.
-He pushes her over twice. I don’t care if he wasn’t trying to be violent, it was unsettling.
-They fight - he doesn’t ever hit her but thinks at one point it’s not because he doesn’t want to punch the mouth off her, because he does.
-He wants her to quit the entire time for her “own good” to be away from the dirty side of the sport instead of telling her or warning her why.
And the list goes on!!
They literally had no connection outside of sex that I could see. Charleigh says they don’t even have deep conversations! At one point almost 3/4 of the way into the book, she blocks his number because she wants peace and has a great week. If you’re doing better away from someone, take that as a sign.
I just feel like the whole book is them being terrible to each other and then bam, they are in love!
And the ending was unsatisfying. The antagonist doesn’t even get punished?
Overall, I liked the premise! A woman ref in the NFL, cool! But I felt like we are just told this is her dream and I never really felt it. Especially when she seemingly risked it allll the time by being with Levi and having “no regrets” despite not trusting him almost the whole book.
I just didn’t like them together and even a happy ending didn’t make me root for them. Two stars because I read to the end and liked the idea of it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2022
ARC Review
5/5⭐️ 5/5🌶
I have enjoyed each book in Katie Rae’s Games series, and The Way We Fight is my new favorite. This enemies-to-lovers, steamy story is her best sports romance yet! Katie has a gift for writing romance with a dark and twisted side. Her storytelling in this book is a perfect balance of sweet, spice, and sports. The Way We Fight is a layered story with a tormented Alphahole hero and a trailblazing, beguiling heroine. Levi & Charleigh are making waves in their careers and paving the way for others. But will a chance meeting and a night of passion put them on a path to professional demise?
When the young head coach and the new female referee cross paths again, desire crackles in the air. Levi wants her gone and Charleigh refuses to be pushed around. I have read a lot of frenemies-to-lovers books recently. So this gritty, enemies-to-lovers romance was darkly refreshing. This angsty, action-packed story will make your heart race and hit you in all the feels. The tension between Levi and Charleigh is tangible throughout Fight. Katie is great at keeping you on your toes and making her characters work for their HEAs. I love that she wrote Charleigh as an NFL referee. I always adore Katie’s fierce, independent, self-aware heroines, and Charleigh is next level. She is a tough, kind hearted, sexy, boxing badass with a brain for the game. Charleigh was the one woman he couldn’t forget, now she’s the enemy & the one he can’t have. Levi is a surly, career-driven NFL coach fighting to keep his team together. He’ll be the alpha-hole hero you love to hate and hate to love. Fight’s ancillary characters are fantastic; I loved Charleigh’s family and Levi’s brother. They’re all engaging, sweet additions to the story. Katie wove in delightful cameos of the other Games series heroines & heroes. Her characters are unique, witty, and endearing. If you love an alphahole with heart, you’re going to love Levi! Charleigh is the champion heroine we all need as a book bestie!
The Way We Fight is a perfect end to a terrific series! If you love a hot one night stand, tension-filled, E2L sports romance, add this book to your TBR! You’ll love Levi & Charleigh’s dynamic on the field, in the ring, and in the locker room. #IYKYK
5/5⭐️ 5/5🌶
I have enjoyed each book in Katie Rae’s Games series, and The Way We Fight is my new favorite. This enemies-to-lovers, steamy story is her best sports romance yet! Katie has a gift for writing romance with a dark and twisted side. Her storytelling in this book is a perfect balance of sweet, spice, and sports. The Way We Fight is a layered story with a tormented Alphahole hero and a trailblazing, beguiling heroine. Levi & Charleigh are making waves in their careers and paving the way for others. But will a chance meeting and a night of passion put them on a path to professional demise?
When the young head coach and the new female referee cross paths again, desire crackles in the air. Levi wants her gone and Charleigh refuses to be pushed around. I have read a lot of frenemies-to-lovers books recently. So this gritty, enemies-to-lovers romance was darkly refreshing. This angsty, action-packed story will make your heart race and hit you in all the feels. The tension between Levi and Charleigh is tangible throughout Fight. Katie is great at keeping you on your toes and making her characters work for their HEAs. I love that she wrote Charleigh as an NFL referee. I always adore Katie’s fierce, independent, self-aware heroines, and Charleigh is next level. She is a tough, kind hearted, sexy, boxing badass with a brain for the game. Charleigh was the one woman he couldn’t forget, now she’s the enemy & the one he can’t have. Levi is a surly, career-driven NFL coach fighting to keep his team together. He’ll be the alpha-hole hero you love to hate and hate to love. Fight’s ancillary characters are fantastic; I loved Charleigh’s family and Levi’s brother. They’re all engaging, sweet additions to the story. Katie wove in delightful cameos of the other Games series heroines & heroes. Her characters are unique, witty, and endearing. If you love an alphahole with heart, you’re going to love Levi! Charleigh is the champion heroine we all need as a book bestie!
The Way We Fight is a perfect end to a terrific series! If you love a hot one night stand, tension-filled, E2L sports romance, add this book to your TBR! You’ll love Levi & Charleigh’s dynamic on the field, in the ring, and in the locker room. #IYKYK
June 8, 2022
HOLY MOLY!! This book is fire! Charleigh and Levi are adversaries due to their careers in the NFL. He’s a head coach, and she’s one of the few female referees in the league. I loved how the author addressed the challenges and prejudice that Charleigh endures to do what she loves. Those situations bring out Levi’s knight in shining armor. Regardless of their feelings, they have deep respect for one another. Their dynamic is off the charts hot and explosive. On top of everything, they have to keep their relationship a secret, which leads to some interesting encounters in places I never would have imagined. These two characters clash and butt heads on the football field. Behind the scenes, they fight each other but also fight relentlessly for each other and the love they share. This is a wonderful end to the series. While it is a standalone, I adored the appearance of the couples from the other books in this one. Read this one with the AC cranked, a cold beverage and an ice bath on standby!
May 3, 2022
Charleigh and Levi sucked me in from the beginning. They met one night and sparks flew. Neither give each other their real names. Charleigh takes off the next morning. Fast forward and they meet again. This time Levi is head coach of a football team and Charleigh is the first female referee. The shock of seeing each other, thinking their one night was one night, starts a chain of events. Levi knows she is off limits. Their push and pull banter continues. Charleigh gets on Levi’s nerves and vice versa. When they are together, alone, all I have to say is mama Mia! Their chemistry is thru the roof. Throw in both are part of gyms and when the gym closes, let’s just say wow! You’ll have to pick this book up to find out. In the end though, will these two stop and realize they can be together despite everything? They fight, they make up, they try to keep what’s going on between them secret. Charleigh is also trying to make it as a referee without one particular Debby downer. Will she cave or will she fight to do what she wants? This page turner will have you continue reading. #Levchar. You’ll be rooting for them also!
May 8, 2025
Female Ref & Coach Enemies to Lovers Is Everything!
This is amazing!!! Female Ref & NFL Coach Enemies to Lovers Is Everything!!!!
Holy hotness!!! This book blew me away!!! I loveeee the idea! I love Levi, the NFL coach and Charleigh the female NFL referee! You not only got their banter you got how it all works, it is amazing! The story kept me engaged and it was funny too! All of Levi’s nicknames for Charleigh were my favorite!!
Amazing concept, soooo spicy! And such an incredible enemies to lovers!!!
This is amazing!!! Female Ref & NFL Coach Enemies to Lovers Is Everything!!!!
Holy hotness!!! This book blew me away!!! I loveeee the idea! I love Levi, the NFL coach and Charleigh the female NFL referee! You not only got their banter you got how it all works, it is amazing! The story kept me engaged and it was funny too! All of Levi’s nicknames for Charleigh were my favorite!!
Amazing concept, soooo spicy! And such an incredible enemies to lovers!!!
June 9, 2022
I will give this book 4.5 stars. Sometimes I lost interest in it but then they were times I couldn't stop reading it. Katie sure has a way with words at times. The ending happened to quickly I wanted to know did coach get the team to the super bowl again. I definitely was left wanting more of them.
June 8, 2023
Awesome
Love this!! Charleigh is amazing… she is strong, capable, puts up with zero BS!!! Levi is awesome… I don’t want to give anything away… but the way things get handled… beyond EPIC!!! Iykyk!!!
Love this!! Charleigh is amazing… she is strong, capable, puts up with zero BS!!! Levi is awesome… I don’t want to give anything away… but the way things get handled… beyond EPIC!!! Iykyk!!!
May 18, 2022
Charleigh and Levi meet as strangers in NY where she is at for a job interview and he is at for a meeting. They end up spending one really HOT night together and go their separate ways thinking they'll never see each other again. Imagine their surprise when Charleigh shows up for her first day on her new job as a female coach for the NFL and finds out Levi is the head coach! This book was really well written, I've loved seeing Katie Rae's writing grow over the past couple of years. I've read the entire GAMES series and I do believe this one may be my favorite. Each book in this series is written as a standalone, so you don't have to read them all if you don't want to, but I definitely think you should. You do see glimpses as other characters throughout all of the books. FIGHT had me hooked from pretty much the beginning. There were so many elements of this story that I loved - conflict of interest, forbidden aspect, kind of sort of enemies to lovers.... It was just so good! Make sure you check the author's website for trigger warnings because there are definitely some in there!
May 17, 2022
Chapter One
Charleigh
Maybe I shouldn’t have had sex with the first guy that caught my attention in the hotel bar. Maybe I shouldn't have had that extra shot of courage in the form of tequila and lime. Maybe I shouldn’t have even been in New York City for a job interview that I had no shot of getting in the first place.
But I did… all of it.
*DOWNLOAD NOW to keep reading*
Free in KINDLE UNLIMITED.
Charleigh
Maybe I shouldn’t have had sex with the first guy that caught my attention in the hotel bar. Maybe I shouldn't have had that extra shot of courage in the form of tequila and lime. Maybe I shouldn’t have even been in New York City for a job interview that I had no shot of getting in the first place.
But I did… all of it.
*DOWNLOAD NOW to keep reading*
Free in KINDLE UNLIMITED.
June 9, 2025
Dnf at 15%:
- dude gets unnecessarily and irrationally angry (legit angry) over his attraction to Charleigh
- thinks very highly of himself - has an encounter with a woman (not FMC) at a bar (around 1-3 months after having a one-night stand with FMC) and thinks ofc the woman is attracted to him (as if the contrary would be impossible); gets her off
- is a douche
- NOT AN ENEMIES-TO-LOVERS; adversaries is the more appropriate term
- dude gets unnecessarily and irrationally angry (legit angry) over his attraction to Charleigh
- thinks very highly of himself - has an encounter with a woman (not FMC) at a bar (around 1-3 months after having a one-night stand with FMC) and thinks ofc the woman is attracted to him (as if the contrary would be impossible); gets her off
- is a douche
- NOT AN ENEMIES-TO-LOVERS; adversaries is the more appropriate term
September 26, 2023
Tbh - I’ve read worse books this year. However, the Atlanta Jets?!? Atlanta winning a Super Bowl?? Hilarious.
May 17, 2022
💥💥ARC Review 💥💥
🚨I tried to aim for no spoilers but I'm really bad at it... along with keeping things short... so most likely SPOILER ALERT & SIA🚨
C- "I just want to hate you. Fighting you is easier than loving you."
L- "But loving you is worth the fight."
*one night stand ✔
*enemies to lovers ✔
*Hot, young NFL coach ✔
*New female referee ✔
*Fight of their lives on/off the field ✔
& in/out of the ring ✔
But isn't anything worth having worth the fight to keep it?!
The chemistry is undeniable from first meet! Apple and Brett are steamy together that's for sure!! But Liam & Charleigh are even hotter together!!! & their love is def worth the fight!!!
I have been itching to talk about this book since I finished it days ago, because I loved it so much! Katie Rae scored another touchdown!! ❤🏈 or knockout!!! 🖤🥊or maybe a little of both!! 😂😂
From the very first book The Games We Play I knew I was a goner for this series... Now here we are Book 5, The Way We Fight and I'm sad this is the end of the series. First I want to say I absolutely love how they all go together but could def be read separately.
Despite the fact I was already in love with this series and knew I was going to love this book. The blurb pulls you in and leaves you knowing it's going to be a good read that you're not going to want to miss!
Katie as always, has given us another amazing book. It was a smoothe read. One I struggled to put down because I have a serious case of need to know when it comes to a good book!
The book starts off with Charleigh reminiscing on her one night stand months prior in New York with a man she thought she'd never see again but hasnt stopped thinking about. Until she sees him on the TV being interviewed. Who is he, you ask... well his name isn't really Brett that's for sure! Nope.. he's really Levi Peyton the head coach of the NFL team. The same team that will house her as a home game official.
For Levi he finds himself reminiscing about that same one night stand, with a woman who he thought he'd never see again until he's breathing down the neck of the new woman referee. When she finally turns around, he comes face to face with Charleigh aka Apple Parks his ONS from New York.
Our main characters are in for the fight of their lives in more ways than one! They are both fighting for their careers. They've got a lot to prove. Levi is head coach in the NFL who is fighting to get his team a superbowl win and stay at the top of his game. He's also one of the youngest. Charleigh is a woman trying to make it in a "man's world" as a referee in the NFL.
Fighting is a part of them both on the field and off. Not only are the fighting to keep New Year under wraps. Also fighting to keep current events and tension under wraps. When Levi think he can work it all out by boxing it out he learns quickly that she's apart of that too. As she works are the gym that his trainer send him to.
When fighting for your careers turns to fighting for what's right. Fighting for love!
I absolutely loved this book! Would def recommend it. I'm giving it 5 stars because I can def see myself reading this book again. As well as putting it on my bookshelf! I'd say it's a must read!!
Favorite Line had to be the last one where Levi says to Charleigh "... you know I'm always up for a fight with you. With you, for you, over you, and any other way you want to fight." Its the perfect way to end the book!
🚨I tried to aim for no spoilers but I'm really bad at it... along with keeping things short... so most likely SPOILER ALERT & SIA🚨
C- "I just want to hate you. Fighting you is easier than loving you."
L- "But loving you is worth the fight."
*one night stand ✔
*enemies to lovers ✔
*Hot, young NFL coach ✔
*New female referee ✔
*Fight of their lives on/off the field ✔
& in/out of the ring ✔
But isn't anything worth having worth the fight to keep it?!
The chemistry is undeniable from first meet! Apple and Brett are steamy together that's for sure!! But Liam & Charleigh are even hotter together!!! & their love is def worth the fight!!!
I have been itching to talk about this book since I finished it days ago, because I loved it so much! Katie Rae scored another touchdown!! ❤🏈 or knockout!!! 🖤🥊or maybe a little of both!! 😂😂
From the very first book The Games We Play I knew I was a goner for this series... Now here we are Book 5, The Way We Fight and I'm sad this is the end of the series. First I want to say I absolutely love how they all go together but could def be read separately.
Despite the fact I was already in love with this series and knew I was going to love this book. The blurb pulls you in and leaves you knowing it's going to be a good read that you're not going to want to miss!
Katie as always, has given us another amazing book. It was a smoothe read. One I struggled to put down because I have a serious case of need to know when it comes to a good book!
The book starts off with Charleigh reminiscing on her one night stand months prior in New York with a man she thought she'd never see again but hasnt stopped thinking about. Until she sees him on the TV being interviewed. Who is he, you ask... well his name isn't really Brett that's for sure! Nope.. he's really Levi Peyton the head coach of the NFL team. The same team that will house her as a home game official.
For Levi he finds himself reminiscing about that same one night stand, with a woman who he thought he'd never see again until he's breathing down the neck of the new woman referee. When she finally turns around, he comes face to face with Charleigh aka Apple Parks his ONS from New York.
Our main characters are in for the fight of their lives in more ways than one! They are both fighting for their careers. They've got a lot to prove. Levi is head coach in the NFL who is fighting to get his team a superbowl win and stay at the top of his game. He's also one of the youngest. Charleigh is a woman trying to make it in a "man's world" as a referee in the NFL.
Fighting is a part of them both on the field and off. Not only are the fighting to keep New Year under wraps. Also fighting to keep current events and tension under wraps. When Levi think he can work it all out by boxing it out he learns quickly that she's apart of that too. As she works are the gym that his trainer send him to.
When fighting for your careers turns to fighting for what's right. Fighting for love!
I absolutely loved this book! Would def recommend it. I'm giving it 5 stars because I can def see myself reading this book again. As well as putting it on my bookshelf! I'd say it's a must read!!
Favorite Line had to be the last one where Levi says to Charleigh "... you know I'm always up for a fight with you. With you, for you, over you, and any other way you want to fight." Its the perfect way to end the book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2022
One Night Stand✅
Co-workers✅
Sports Romance✅
Enemies to Lovers Vibe✅
Plot 5✨
Spice 5🌶️
Being a woman in a male dominant world is hard enough. Charleigh makes it even worse by wanting to work in the most male dominant place ever, the NFL. She has wanted to be an NFL Referee since she was just a little girl. She has worked her ass off to achieve this goal and to make her family proud of her. She is almost there all she has to do is nail this interview in New York and then she has finally made it to the big league.
The pressure of being the youngest coach in the NFL threatens to suffocate Levi constantly. He loves his job, his players, and the sport but he hates the higher-ups. The ones that just see money signs and will do anything to get more of it. In order to manage the pressure and the stress, Levi does the one other thing he loves boxing in the ring. After this meeting with the owner of his team about the new potential female ref, he is going to need a few rounds in said ring.
One chance meeting.
Two fake names.
Three months ago.
What happens in New York stays in New York right?
How will Charleigh react when her one-night stand Brett turns out to be none other than the coach of the team she now works with?
Can Levi keep his cool long enough to find out how Apple is now Charleigh the new female ref?
Why does Levi hate Charleigh so much?
Can Charleigh ignore all the mean things being said to her and about her by everyone in the league or is her dream going down the drain?
Can they both resist each other, or will the fighting become too much?
I don't know how I am going to put how much I love this book into words. The tension, back and forth, fighting, and not to mention Levi's protectiveness.... this book has everything in it. I absolutely love that Charleigh is not some little girl that the boys can push around. She gives everything Levi does right back to him. And Levi, this man can have my soul. To the world, he seems to be an asshole but in reality, he isn't. This book made me laugh while also making me very mad at times. I am not ashamed to say that at the end I cried like ugly cried because I do not want to say goodbye to these characters or this series. Absolute perfect!!!!
Co-workers✅
Sports Romance✅
Enemies to Lovers Vibe✅
Plot 5✨
Spice 5🌶️
Being a woman in a male dominant world is hard enough. Charleigh makes it even worse by wanting to work in the most male dominant place ever, the NFL. She has wanted to be an NFL Referee since she was just a little girl. She has worked her ass off to achieve this goal and to make her family proud of her. She is almost there all she has to do is nail this interview in New York and then she has finally made it to the big league.
The pressure of being the youngest coach in the NFL threatens to suffocate Levi constantly. He loves his job, his players, and the sport but he hates the higher-ups. The ones that just see money signs and will do anything to get more of it. In order to manage the pressure and the stress, Levi does the one other thing he loves boxing in the ring. After this meeting with the owner of his team about the new potential female ref, he is going to need a few rounds in said ring.
One chance meeting.
Two fake names.
Three months ago.
What happens in New York stays in New York right?
How will Charleigh react when her one-night stand Brett turns out to be none other than the coach of the team she now works with?
Can Levi keep his cool long enough to find out how Apple is now Charleigh the new female ref?
Why does Levi hate Charleigh so much?
Can Charleigh ignore all the mean things being said to her and about her by everyone in the league or is her dream going down the drain?
Can they both resist each other, or will the fighting become too much?
I don't know how I am going to put how much I love this book into words. The tension, back and forth, fighting, and not to mention Levi's protectiveness.... this book has everything in it. I absolutely love that Charleigh is not some little girl that the boys can push around. She gives everything Levi does right back to him. And Levi, this man can have my soul. To the world, he seems to be an asshole but in reality, he isn't. This book made me laugh while also making me very mad at times. I am not ashamed to say that at the end I cried like ugly cried because I do not want to say goodbye to these characters or this series. Absolute perfect!!!!
May 7, 2022
🥊 ARC REVIEW 🥊
Review: 5/5⭐️
Steam: 5/5 🔥
#thewaywefight is book 5 in #thegamesseries by @katie_rae_author
Levi is the youngest coach in the NFL with something to prove. Even though he’s led his team to championships he’s still under the microscope and the pressure weighs on him. He boxes to relieve stress and center himself away from everything else. Football is his life. He’s needed to take out his frustration from work and a one night stand he can’t forget. So when the pre season starts, and the new female LJ has been assigned to his team the last person he expected was her. Can he fight his urge to want to strangle her but also lay her out and ravage her or will it all become too much where he risks it all?
Charleigh is a female NFL ref that has been around the game for years starting at the bottom. She’s been given a chance she doesn’t want to lose. But when she sees the coach of Atlanta in an interview, she realizes he’s the man of the epic one night stand. Can she keep her composure to not push his buttons and her hands to herself or will she cross that line and fight for what flames she knows are between them?
I love this series! This book was perfect in my opinion. The sexual chemistry between these two was off the charts. The way they would spar with words and looks was their foreplay. They might have tried to stay away from each other, but it was a pointless fight. They were meant to be together. Levi was strong yet slightly broken and Charleigh was fierce and stubborn, they were the puzzle pieces the other was missing. I wouldn’t just recommend this book but the entire series! I want more!
Review: 5/5⭐️
Steam: 5/5 🔥
#thewaywefight is book 5 in #thegamesseries by @katie_rae_author
Levi is the youngest coach in the NFL with something to prove. Even though he’s led his team to championships he’s still under the microscope and the pressure weighs on him. He boxes to relieve stress and center himself away from everything else. Football is his life. He’s needed to take out his frustration from work and a one night stand he can’t forget. So when the pre season starts, and the new female LJ has been assigned to his team the last person he expected was her. Can he fight his urge to want to strangle her but also lay her out and ravage her or will it all become too much where he risks it all?
Charleigh is a female NFL ref that has been around the game for years starting at the bottom. She’s been given a chance she doesn’t want to lose. But when she sees the coach of Atlanta in an interview, she realizes he’s the man of the epic one night stand. Can she keep her composure to not push his buttons and her hands to herself or will she cross that line and fight for what flames she knows are between them?
I love this series! This book was perfect in my opinion. The sexual chemistry between these two was off the charts. The way they would spar with words and looks was their foreplay. They might have tried to stay away from each other, but it was a pointless fight. They were meant to be together. Levi was strong yet slightly broken and Charleigh was fierce and stubborn, they were the puzzle pieces the other was missing. I wouldn’t just recommend this book but the entire series! I want more!
May 18, 2022
Katie Rae has once again delivered another fantastic addition to what has so quickly become one of my very favorite series . The Way We Fight is the fifth installment in the Games Series ) focuses on the love story of Charleigh and Levi . Two people who share one passionate and unforgettable night that turns into so much more then either expected .Love , romance , angst , off the charts chemistry, unexpected surprises, intrigue, heartbreak, second chances , humor and witty banter , page Turner , drama, family , friendships and two lead characters that will literally grab onto all your emotions, pull at your heartstrings and take you on the most wonderfully written journey. A journey that is best described as a emotional rollercoaster, unforgettable and unputdownable. Katie Rae is not only one of the most talented authors but she is also one of my very favorites. I can honestly say that I have pretty much read everyone of her books and have adored each and every one . Her storylines and characters are just so unique , so likable so relatable as well as multi layered and 100% captivating. Prepare yourself for all the feels because once you start Charleigh and Levi’s awesome journey your going to fall in love . I laughed , I cried and I found myself rooting so hard for their happy ending
November 10, 2022
Wish I could give more than 5 stars
This was one of those “I saw one quote on tiktok and forgot about my entire TBR to read this book” and wow it was worth it!
This story follows Levi & Carleigh, a pro football head coach & a female line judge. I love the give and take with these characters. Levi is just trying to please everyone in his life and trying to get through another football season. Carleigh is starting her first season as a line judge and is trying to prove to the world that females can be good line judges. They met months prior before Carleigh had gotten the job and had a whirlwind night filled with chemistry and lust. When they saw each other for the first time after then, it was on the field and both were taken by surprise.
Katie Rae does a great job of showing the way they fight the chemistry they still have while showing both Levi and Carleigh’s struggles with wanting to please those around them and prove their worth to their superiors.
This book was well written, had an amazing amount of spice while also keeping the plot of the story interesting and captivating. This was my first book I ever read by Katie Rae and will definitely not be my last. I wish I could give more stars!
This was one of those “I saw one quote on tiktok and forgot about my entire TBR to read this book” and wow it was worth it!
This story follows Levi & Carleigh, a pro football head coach & a female line judge. I love the give and take with these characters. Levi is just trying to please everyone in his life and trying to get through another football season. Carleigh is starting her first season as a line judge and is trying to prove to the world that females can be good line judges. They met months prior before Carleigh had gotten the job and had a whirlwind night filled with chemistry and lust. When they saw each other for the first time after then, it was on the field and both were taken by surprise.
Katie Rae does a great job of showing the way they fight the chemistry they still have while showing both Levi and Carleigh’s struggles with wanting to please those around them and prove their worth to their superiors.
This book was well written, had an amazing amount of spice while also keeping the plot of the story interesting and captivating. This was my first book I ever read by Katie Rae and will definitely not be my last. I wish I could give more stars!
May 18, 2022
Having read The Way We Dance i've been wanting to jump back into this series! As soon as this installment was announced it caught my eye right away and i knew i had to pick it up next. I started reading it and got back into the Games world! I so enjoyed this story!
Charleigh and Levi's journey pulled me in right away! These two spent one memorable night together. As they're brought back into each other's lives when Charleigh is the new referee and he's the head football coach, i couldn't wait to see how everything would unfold.
I loved the fact that Charleigh was a referee! The chemistry between her and Levi was so great! I wasn't sure how these two would tackle things and that got me into their story even more! I so enjoyed the way these two got under each other's skin and had me feeling so much from start to finish!
With The Way We Fight, Ms.Rae has created such a good read that you won't want to put down! I can't wait to go back and read the first three installments in this series. I am so looking forward to more from this author!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*
Charleigh and Levi's journey pulled me in right away! These two spent one memorable night together. As they're brought back into each other's lives when Charleigh is the new referee and he's the head football coach, i couldn't wait to see how everything would unfold.
I loved the fact that Charleigh was a referee! The chemistry between her and Levi was so great! I wasn't sure how these two would tackle things and that got me into their story even more! I so enjoyed the way these two got under each other's skin and had me feeling so much from start to finish!
With The Way We Fight, Ms.Rae has created such a good read that you won't want to put down! I can't wait to go back and read the first three installments in this series. I am so looking forward to more from this author!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*
May 31, 2022
◇Enemys to lovers
◇Sports romance
◇Coach vs Reff
A trip to New York, a interview of her dreams what could go wrong?...... Everything
Taking to a bar the night before her interview she was Not expecting to Lock eyes with a hot mysterious man in the bar. Fake names exchanged and a night full of passion had she sneaks away never to see him again....
That is until she gets the job 😱
On the field they are enemies of the field they Fight there way to each others hearts 💕
With Lies and secrets surrounding them both will they be able to balance work life as well as this pull they are feeling for each other??
---------------------------------------------------
Wow what and amazing story!! Following the life of a first female ref and a die yard coach who only wants what's best for his club! I loved the characters we got to see, loved the relationship that we seen form between them!
There was tensions and alot of anger but with that anger came alot of making up and anger relief in the betsbpossible way 🥵
This book can be read as a stand alone but I definitely recommend reading it as a series to get the full feel of the other characters you see.
◇Sports romance
◇Coach vs Reff
A trip to New York, a interview of her dreams what could go wrong?...... Everything
Taking to a bar the night before her interview she was Not expecting to Lock eyes with a hot mysterious man in the bar. Fake names exchanged and a night full of passion had she sneaks away never to see him again....
That is until she gets the job 😱
On the field they are enemies of the field they Fight there way to each others hearts 💕
With Lies and secrets surrounding them both will they be able to balance work life as well as this pull they are feeling for each other??
---------------------------------------------------
Wow what and amazing story!! Following the life of a first female ref and a die yard coach who only wants what's best for his club! I loved the characters we got to see, loved the relationship that we seen form between them!
There was tensions and alot of anger but with that anger came alot of making up and anger relief in the betsbpossible way 🥵
This book can be read as a stand alone but I definitely recommend reading it as a series to get the full feel of the other characters you see.
July 28, 2024
3.5 stars
This is my third book by Katie Rae and I appreciate that her books are different from most romances. She includes scenarios and themes you don't see often and her "voice" is unique in the genre.
This is a unique premise, with the FMC being a ref and the MMC being a coach. I liked how the MMC didn't treat the FMC with kid's gloves and the FMC didn't want him to. Their dynamic was explosive and compelling throughout the story.
There were a couple things that dampened my enjoyment of the story. At one point, the FMC blocks the MMC so he can't contact her and I felt it was out of place and nonsensical, given the status of their relationship/situation at that time. You block after a falling out, not after a night of getting along wonderfully. The second thing I didn't like was the FMC not warning the MMC in time about something, when she absolutely should have and had numerous opportunities. She waited until it was too long and I felt like she needed to apologize more for her betrayal.
Despite these two things, I still enjoyed the story and was engaged throughout, eagerly turning the pages to see what would happen next. Overall, I'd give this book 3.5 stars.
This is my third book by Katie Rae and I appreciate that her books are different from most romances. She includes scenarios and themes you don't see often and her "voice" is unique in the genre.
This is a unique premise, with the FMC being a ref and the MMC being a coach. I liked how the MMC didn't treat the FMC with kid's gloves and the FMC didn't want him to. Their dynamic was explosive and compelling throughout the story.
There were a couple things that dampened my enjoyment of the story. At one point, the FMC blocks the MMC so he can't contact her and I felt it was out of place and nonsensical, given the status of their relationship/situation at that time. You block after a falling out, not after a night of getting along wonderfully. The second thing I didn't like was the FMC not warning the MMC in time about something, when she absolutely should have and had numerous opportunities. She waited until it was too long and I felt like she needed to apologize more for her betrayal.
Despite these two things, I still enjoyed the story and was engaged throughout, eagerly turning the pages to see what would happen next. Overall, I'd give this book 3.5 stars.
September 27, 2022
This was my first book by Katie Rae and I picked it up on KU because it kept popping up on my TikTok feed and I’ll be honest. I didn’t love it.
The writing felt clunky and disjointed and I could NOT connect with Levi and Charleigh. We never got any relationship development between the two, it went from screaming at each other, to fucking a lot, then BAM we’re in love and willing to give up our lifelong dreams in order to fuck each other a lot more. There’s even a line in the book where Charleigh admits they don’t ever get deep in their conversations. They fuck, fight, and have surface level conversations. For me, it wasn’t believable that they were willing to quit their jobs midseason for this great love. I never felt like they were more than fuck buddies.
The plot line was interesting, but I felt it wasn’t well executed. I can believe the sexism in a professional sports league against a woman, but the plot line with Richard felt like a grasp at a dark/mafia romance storyline. All in all, this book did NOT hit for me.
The writing felt clunky and disjointed and I could NOT connect with Levi and Charleigh. We never got any relationship development between the two, it went from screaming at each other, to fucking a lot, then BAM we’re in love and willing to give up our lifelong dreams in order to fuck each other a lot more. There’s even a line in the book where Charleigh admits they don’t ever get deep in their conversations. They fuck, fight, and have surface level conversations. For me, it wasn’t believable that they were willing to quit their jobs midseason for this great love. I never felt like they were more than fuck buddies.
The plot line was interesting, but I felt it wasn’t well executed. I can believe the sexism in a professional sports league against a woman, but the plot line with Richard felt like a grasp at a dark/mafia romance storyline. All in all, this book did NOT hit for me.
May 16, 2022
Can I just say that the chemistry and steam between Apple and Brett is off.the.charts?? Like holy hotness overload, in the best possible way!
But honestly, I really enjoyed the dynamic between Charleigh and Levi. It was very different from the other characters in this series. They both have this fight and drive inside of them and it seems to come out with gloves on and arms swinging every time they cross paths. They brought out both the best and worst of each other in their banter and jabs, but in the end that’s what they both needed in order to develop into who they were meant to be.
Oh, and speaking of banter…I can’t tell you how many times I lol’d because of the verbal jabs Charleigh and Levi threw each other’s way. Some might call it hate, they literally called it foreplay and it was amazingly hot and I couldn’t get enough. All the way to the last page they both held that fire and it was to die for.
But honestly, I really enjoyed the dynamic between Charleigh and Levi. It was very different from the other characters in this series. They both have this fight and drive inside of them and it seems to come out with gloves on and arms swinging every time they cross paths. They brought out both the best and worst of each other in their banter and jabs, but in the end that’s what they both needed in order to develop into who they were meant to be.
Oh, and speaking of banter…I can’t tell you how many times I lol’d because of the verbal jabs Charleigh and Levi threw each other’s way. Some might call it hate, they literally called it foreplay and it was amazingly hot and I couldn’t get enough. All the way to the last page they both held that fire and it was to die for.
May 17, 2022
“I just want to hate you. Fighting you is easier than loving you.”- Charleigh
The sexual chemistry between Levi and Charleigh is so hot... Can I call a timeout for a cold shower?? They take fighting as foreplay to a whole new level and I am here for it! From their very first meeting to the epilogue, the passion they have for each other is deeply intense. Despite the risks to their careers, their connection was too strong to deny themselves the comfort they found in each other.
Katie is one of my favorite sports romance authors. I love her possessive sexy athletes and the fiesty women that steal their hearts, and this is no exception. I may have a slight girl crush on Charleigh. The way she holds her own in not 1 but 2 "boy's clubs" is extremely attractive. Add in her sassy mouth, it's no wonder she hit Levi so hard. And as for that man, Coach Peyton has cemented himself onto my forever book boyfriend list.
The sexual chemistry between Levi and Charleigh is so hot... Can I call a timeout for a cold shower?? They take fighting as foreplay to a whole new level and I am here for it! From their very first meeting to the epilogue, the passion they have for each other is deeply intense. Despite the risks to their careers, their connection was too strong to deny themselves the comfort they found in each other.
Katie is one of my favorite sports romance authors. I love her possessive sexy athletes and the fiesty women that steal their hearts, and this is no exception. I may have a slight girl crush on Charleigh. The way she holds her own in not 1 but 2 "boy's clubs" is extremely attractive. Add in her sassy mouth, it's no wonder she hit Levi so hard. And as for that man, Coach Peyton has cemented himself onto my forever book boyfriend list.
May 17, 2022
This was a fabulous read by Katie Rae. Charleigh and Levi should not be together as Charleigh is a referee in the NFL and Levi is a coach so there is a massive conflict of interest if they commence a relationship. The pull between them is too strong to resist especially since they previously had one magical night in New York and neither could get the other out of their minds. Neither had expected to meet up again so when fate brings them together their relationship is fraught with fireworks. A hot illicit affair begins and feelings develop leaving them both wondering how they can be together. I loved reading about Charleigh and Levi and Ms Rae gives us a hot read full of undeniable sexual chemistry and a captivating story line. I am new to this series and I will most definitely be reading all the other books.
I received an arc copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an arc copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
May 11, 2022
This is the 5th and Final Book in the Games Series. I really enjoyed this whole series.
Book 5 brings us Charlie, a female Ref and Levi, the youngest Head Coach - in the NFL. They both have something to prove in their careers. While in NY to interview for the Ref position, Charlie has a one night stand (or so she thought). She comes to realize her one night stand is Levi and they will be forced to work together on the same field. There was a lot of push and pull while they fight their attraction to each other due to the circumstances.
The writing was flawless and it was a good, easy read - although not my favorite in the series. I just didn't feel connected to the characters (Definitely a me thing). We do get to see the characters from the previous books in this story and I was excited about that!
Overall I enjoyed the story, and I would recommend reading the entire series.
Book 5 brings us Charlie, a female Ref and Levi, the youngest Head Coach - in the NFL. They both have something to prove in their careers. While in NY to interview for the Ref position, Charlie has a one night stand (or so she thought). She comes to realize her one night stand is Levi and they will be forced to work together on the same field. There was a lot of push and pull while they fight their attraction to each other due to the circumstances.
The writing was flawless and it was a good, easy read - although not my favorite in the series. I just didn't feel connected to the characters (Definitely a me thing). We do get to see the characters from the previous books in this story and I was excited about that!
Overall I enjoyed the story, and I would recommend reading the entire series.
May 29, 2022
Charleigh and Levi never thought they would see each other again, but could not stop thinking about each other. However, that is not the case and they wind up working for the same team. I was extremely frustrated when I read how Charleigh was treated as a referee, and how men in the league viewed her. However her perseverance through it all was amazing. I definitely enjoyed the banter and fights that Charleigh and Levi put themselves through to accept their feelings for each other and realize they are a perfect fit. The book is engaging and has a good mix of romance, intrigue, humor, banter , and drama. I highly recommend you read this book and see how Charleigh and Levi find happiness. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 26, 2023
I liked this series as a light, fun read and then we get to this book and it’s a mess.
This had the potential to be excellent. There were solid bones to build on (coach/ref, first female ref & all the sexism, etc) but it just wasn’t executed well. The spice was hot but it was so nonsensical around it that I couldn’t even root for it. We don’t get to see them build any sort of relationship other than sexual attraction- the rest is them being absolute assholes to each other. Not in a hot way. It just didn’t work. It didn’t land.
I was so excited for Levi’s story and I loved that Charleigh was a strong, fierce woman.
My favorite part is her telling him “Your dick isn't big enough to get away with acting like an asshole” on the field 😂😂😂
This had the potential to be excellent. There were solid bones to build on (coach/ref, first female ref & all the sexism, etc) but it just wasn’t executed well. The spice was hot but it was so nonsensical around it that I couldn’t even root for it. We don’t get to see them build any sort of relationship other than sexual attraction- the rest is them being absolute assholes to each other. Not in a hot way. It just didn’t work. It didn’t land.
I was so excited for Levi’s story and I loved that Charleigh was a strong, fierce woman.
My favorite part is her telling him “Your dick isn't big enough to get away with acting like an asshole” on the field 😂😂😂
May 13, 2024
loved this one
Now this is how to write a coach romance! The premise was so good - youngest coach in the NFL falls for one of the first female refs in the league. Both have tons of pressure in their respective roles, fighting for respect and job security, which leads to them fighting each other and some great enemies to lovers and forbidden romance vibes.
There was great banter/insults, but I really enjoyed how Levi drew the line of being protective and not letting anyone disrespect Charleigh. The way the two spar both verbally and physically was very well written and added to the tension. The challenges Charleigh faces as a woman in a male dominated world were also realistically and meaningfully portrayed. This was a fantastic end to the series!
Now this is how to write a coach romance! The premise was so good - youngest coach in the NFL falls for one of the first female refs in the league. Both have tons of pressure in their respective roles, fighting for respect and job security, which leads to them fighting each other and some great enemies to lovers and forbidden romance vibes.
There was great banter/insults, but I really enjoyed how Levi drew the line of being protective and not letting anyone disrespect Charleigh. The way the two spar both verbally and physically was very well written and added to the tension. The challenges Charleigh faces as a woman in a male dominated world were also realistically and meaningfully portrayed. This was a fantastic end to the series!
June 7, 2022
I read so much and so often that sometimes I find myself in a slump because everything seems so similar, I feel like I have read it before. NOT, like seriously, NOT this one!
Yes, is it romance, of course. And yes, is there drama, yes...BUT here is where it gets original, He, Levi, is an NFL coach, and Charleigh is the first female referee ever in the NFL. This is a mix that I have not read before, and I must say it is quite refreshing.
There is so much more I want to say, but I do not want to give away anything because you MUST read this incredible story! I actually am new to reading Author Katie Rae, but it will not be my last.
Yes, is it romance, of course. And yes, is there drama, yes...BUT here is where it gets original, He, Levi, is an NFL coach, and Charleigh is the first female referee ever in the NFL. This is a mix that I have not read before, and I must say it is quite refreshing.
There is so much more I want to say, but I do not want to give away anything because you MUST read this incredible story! I actually am new to reading Author Katie Rae, but it will not be my last.
June 3, 2023
OK, so I hate when I am excited to follow up a good read, and the follow-up isn't really as enjoyable .
I really enjoyed Levi's brother Rhys' story [Reckless Goals], and wanted to "fill in the blanks", so I grabbed this one. Enemies to lovers is how this storyline falls, but there's lots of pretty angry moments and that seem to be forgotten when it flips to lovers in a snap!
Charleigh isn't as respected as I wanted her to be, and I felt Levi got away with it.
There were certainly parts I enjoyed about this couple, and their connection. But I wanted to like it a bit more than I did. ☹
I really enjoyed Levi's brother Rhys' story [Reckless Goals], and wanted to "fill in the blanks", so I grabbed this one. Enemies to lovers is how this storyline falls, but there's lots of pretty angry moments and that seem to be forgotten when it flips to lovers in a snap!
Charleigh isn't as respected as I wanted her to be, and I felt Levi got away with it.
There were certainly parts I enjoyed about this couple, and their connection. But I wanted to like it a bit more than I did. ☹
October 10, 2022
I feel like this was such a great concept, and could've been really great but I was, admittedly, unable to finish it. Within the first few pages, she says the "Atlanta Jets" which is a major plot mistake imo (it's the Atlanta Falcons), and the fact that she kept mentioning New York (their NFL team is the New York Jets) I kept getting confused as to the setting of the book. If this is something you can suspend your disbelief on, then I don't think it's a major issue, but for me it was very confusing and hard to follow.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews