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A charming ladies' man that everybody loves.
A badass photojournalist that treats every day as a new adventure.
A friends with benefits relationship.

When Aiden and Dani meet on his college campus, their playful banter and physical chemistry immediately draws them to each other. It's easy for one accidental meet-cute to become a standing date, and for a certain understanding to develop between them. Because neither one of them has any interest in anything serious.

Over time, their physical relationship blossoms into an actual friendship. Before long, they're texting for no reason, meeting each other's friends, and spending nights together that don't end between the sheets. But the closer they get, the more both of their apprehension toward relationships becomes an obstacle between them.

While Aiden struggles to balance his feelings for Dani with his long-term fear of abandonment, Dani is forced to reexamine her past and her reasons for not wanting to get close to anyone.

Will Aiden and Dani be able to get past their relationship fears and let themselves fall in love? Or will their mistrust of love keep them from their happy ending?



3 Count features strong language and explicit sexual scenes. Reader discretion is advised.

344 pages, Paperback

First published November 18, 2022

511 people are currently reading
5824 people want to read

About the author

Nikki Castle

9 books1,235 followers
Nikki Castle is a wife and dog mom from Philadelphia who writes spicy love stories about alpha MMA fighters and the women that melt their badass, playboy hearts. She's a full-time romance author during the day and spends her evenings running a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) gym with her husband, who is also a retired fighter.

Nikki has been writing in one way or another since she was a teenager. She pursued an English and Philosophy degree in college, and finally decided to sit down and fulfill her longtime dream of writing a novel when quarantine began in 2020. “5 Rounds” was her first book—and it was supposed to be her only book. Now, she’s a full-time author who can’t imagine a life in which she’s not crafting love stories.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 615 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica .
2,622 reviews16k followers
November 29, 2022
Okay, this had SPICE. From the moment Aiden and Dani meet, they have explosive chemistry and can't stop thinking about each other. But Dani has no interest in romance and just wants a fun time. If that's what Aiden can get with her, then that's what he'll take. But the more they find themselves wanting to hang out with each other, the harder they're falling and the more scared Dani becomes. I had a lot of fun with this book and how both Aiden and Dani has their own insecurities about relationships that affected their ability to see a long term future with one another. I enjoyed how Aiden was a fighter and training for the big fight he had at the end of the book. I don't think anyone can beat my love for Tristan and his book, but this was definitely a fun and steamy time!!
Profile Image for Leticia (jerseygirlsbookshelf).
578 reviews289 followers
November 30, 2022
"I figured if you could survive that combo in the ring, we could make it past a 3 count of our own.”
Nikki Castle has absolutely done it again. This book has the perfect amount of steam (well, to be honest, A LOT MORE than perfect!), sweetness, and sports, with a side of banter and flirting that won’t let you stop reading.
Aiden and Dani really are the perfect combo, and while Aiden hasn't topped my favorite Tristan from 5 Rounds, it got pretty close there for a bit.

"Sign me the fuck up. I've met my dream girl."
I'm going to start with Dani because she's everything you've ever wanted to be, and the BFF you want to have in your corner. I love her sass, I adore her confidence, and her vulnerability made me relate to her sometimes. She doesn't show it often, but when she does, it's adorable without making her weak. She has her issues, though, and it's going to take a while to get through to her. I may have wanted to shake her a couple of times, though.

"Do I get your number before or after I make you come? Because I have plans to do a lot of that on Friday, and I fully expect to earn it."
Aiden is dirty-talking, alpha perfection with a side of heart. I found it hard to picture him being only 22 because of the amount of experience he has, but I had to let that go in my mind. He's cocky, self-assured, and so freaking hot he will incinerate your panties (if you happen to be wearing any). Also, he falls first, and that made me fall not only in lust, but in love with him.

"You're going to flatten your palms against the wall, and you're going to keep them there while I eat my fill. If they move, you won't like the punishment."
From the previous book, you know these two are banter-y perfection, but it's nice to see how they meet, and how they're both instantly drawn to each other. Aiden is a student, Dani is a photojournalist. They meet on campus, when she's there shooting some candids, and the way their meet-cute progresses is unusual... and very, very hot. I loved that Dani's wild side brought out Aiden's in the best possible way.

"Always so polite,"
"Say that again in five minutes when I'm disrespecting the fuck out of you in the back alley."

After that first time, Aiden is hooked. When they meet again, wow. I know everyone's talking about Chapter 8, but the alley scene stole the show for me. And the pool table scene. OK, fine. All I'm going to say about how fucking steamy these two are is... there are many scenes to choose from. When you read it, let me know what your favorite is. I'm genuinely curious.

"But when I can finally see her face, when I watch her lashes flutter in her sleep and feel her sleepy breaths puff against my skin, I see enough. I see her."
The deal was... sex. But that progresses into a heartwarming friendship, and friends with benefits, seamlessly. Dani doesn't want anything else, and neither does Aiden - they both have their reasons, and I felt like Aiden's reason was stronger. But still, it's in his mind that things start to get blurred first. He doesn't want to push because he doesn't want to scare her away. He wants her any way he can have her.

"I want your mind, and your passion, and your emotions, and anything else you're willing to give me. I want all of you."
When family stuff happens, the lines get blurred even further, until they’re essentially not there. And that’s where you really fall for Aiden… despite his issues, he has no problem showing his vulnerability and putting himself on the line for her and what he knows is right. But Dani’s assumptions and theories will make it harder for her to see how perfect what they have can be.
Until she has no choice but to face it head-on.

FYI, you still get Tristan and Remy, and Jax, and the MMA backdrop, and I obviously loved all of it. That last fight took me back to Rocky (and how I love those movies), so I was absolutely sold.

"I fell in love with you the first time you ever spent the night in my arms, and I've loved you more fiercely in every moment after that."
Loving someone and giving yourself to someone doesn’t mean losing sight of what you want or who you are. It just means letting someone in to share your life, making everything better in that process. It took them a while to get there, but that Epilogue… it was everything.
So. Freaking. Good.

Nikki, can I ask for a bonus scene a couple of months down the road?
Profile Image for Mim.
609 reviews42 followers
November 20, 2022
I don’t even know where to start.
I absolutely love Nikki’s writing and book 3 in her Fight Games series is, I feel, her best.

This is a friends with benefits to lovers storyline and gosh it’s good 🥰

I freaking loved Dani and Aiden together. Like I want to be their friend. 😂

The chemistry and banter is on point throughout the whole book and it starts in chapter 1 and the spice follows in chapter 2… 👀 🙈
This is the spiciest out of the series and it’s pivotal to the plot between Dani and Aiden.
Both don’t want commitment.
Both want just some fun….
Until they don’t 🥹

I was a little sceptical when I heard about chapter 8 and how the plot would follow but Nikki assured my heart that it all works out and mannnnnn she did it SO DAMN WELL. We get both Dani and Aiden’s POV and we know how they feel and think after it. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 I even posted a quick reel of my thoughts and I never do that 🤣🤣

This book interweaves in the background of book 2. It can be read as standalone, even though we are first introduced to Aiden in Book 1 and Dani in book 2. There are also appearances from the other characters from those books too.🥰

Personally I would read from book 1 because the whole series is honestly great. 😍😍 These are trophy paperbacks for sure. I’m just waiting for all of them to come out with alternate or discreet covers if they come out 🤣🤣 *cough cough*

Also @jamison.lange is the PERFECT AIDEN! That cheeky smile is EVERYTHING and to do a Special Edition cover as well for this book? I mean what an all round sweetheart. 😍

If you love:

🔥 Friends with Benefits to lovers
🔥 Bad Ass Heroine
🔥 Fun Cheeky Hero
🔥 Sports Romance - MMA
🔥 ON FIRE SMUT 🌶🌶🌶🌶
🔥 Dirty Talk 🥵🥵🥵
🔥 He Falls First

READ IT.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾ ALL THE STARS / 5

Also hyperventilating that there is going to be a 4th book about another couple featured in this book 👏🏻

Profile Image for Jess Brady.
Author 1 book166 followers
November 19, 2022
*ARC received from author in exchange for my honest review. *

Y'all Nikki said that sometimes you just want a little bit of fun and whole lot of spice and baby she delivered.

I think I fell harder for Dani than even Aiden did. She was captivating, gorgeous and unapologetically herself from her very first moment on page. Even though she had her own sets of issues to work through when she finally acknowledged she had a problem didn't take away from the fire she brought to this book.

One unexpected hookup leads Aiden and Dani to a place that neither one of them wanted to go. Simple, no strings attached sex was all either of them wanted. They enjoyed one another's company and since boundaries had been clearly set why couldn't they enjoy this for what it was? Easy, they could. And they do for months. Hookups to scratch that itch they both had in-between Dani's photojournalism career and Aiden's time at college, fighting and at his internship.

Yet friends with benefits never last longs because the inevitable happens. Someone always catches feelings but what happens when both parties catch feelings but neither one of them will admit it. Chaos that is what. Overthinking and unexpected emotions come out at the worst of times and before either one of them know it their dinners start to feel more like dates and feelings are present when there shouldn't be feelings.

Nikki Castle spun this book in a way I didn't expect and that is why she has become one of my favorite authors over the last year. Friends with benefits stories always take the same path but Dani and Aiden's story didn't. The emotions were there, the heat was in abundance and even the inevitable blow up happens, but it was different. The raw vulnerability both characters eventually end up showing really brought this fun and spicy read to another level.

With the little hints left behind in this book I hope it is safe to say we will get another book set in this world of seriously hot MMA fighters and the tenacious women they fall for.
Profile Image for Christi (christireadsalot).
2,793 reviews1,434 followers
November 17, 2022
3 Count is the third book in Nikki Castle’s Fight Game series. This is a sports romance series that centers around MMA fighting and I have loved every single thing Nikki has written! This one is a friends-with-benefits romance and it was such a fun time.

I loved the first time Aiden and Dani meet. Aiden is on his college campus when he spots Dani, a photographer taking photos. He is instantly drawn to Dani and a bit awe-struck, with her confidence and photography abilities. He strikes up a conversation with her and Dani ends up leading him through some restricted areas of the campus and they even get chased by campus security at one point. 😆 They hide in a supply closet together and things get steamy quickly! 🔥 Right after, Dani ends up running off and Aiden is left wanting more. He can’t get her off his mind and is so happy when they run into one another again a few days later. Thus starts their friends with benefits situation and wow does it deliver on both the steam and the fun!

Aiden is a MMA fighter and trains at the same gym that has been featured in the series. We get appearances from the previous couples: Tristan & Remy and Jax & Hailey. I really enjoyed seeing Aiden and Dani’s friendship and relationship grow throughout the book. Dani is the one who is anti-relationships, she loves her adventurous and spontaneous life and is convinced that relationships force couples to make personal sacrifices. I thought it was so fun seeing Dani referred to as the “daddy” in their relationship and seeing Aiden want more first, so good! I did miss more of the MMA fighting and training that we got in the first 2 books, we don’t see too much of it but Aiden does have his first pro fight later into the book. The steam and chemistry delivers: we get lots of hookups, some action on a pool table, fun texts and nicknames, and a super hot MFM scene I’m still not over! 🔥

Thank you to the author for an e-ARC, all thoughts in this review are my own. 3 Count has a publish date of November 18, 2022.
Profile Image for Brittany.
575 reviews15 followers
February 20, 2024
3 Count - Nikki Castle
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭. "𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧'𝐭 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐩𝐢𝐝." 𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐮𝐩 𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐧. "𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧, 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐛𝐨𝐲." 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐜𝐤 𝐮𝐩. 𝐈'𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐭 𝐦𝐲 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥.

Honestly, I wish my review could be just "please go read this book and you'll know why a review doesn't do it justice." I went into this KNOWING I was absolutely going to love it because let's be real Nikki has made me do nothing but fall in love with all her characters men AND women. (except Steve, EW) With that though I can honestly say I was still blown away by her words and story telling.

𝐈 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧, 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐮𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐫𝐚𝐩 𝐦𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐭.

Dani and Aiden are my new favorite couple. They are not only witty and perfect for each other their chemistry makes you want to take a cold shower, TWICE after chapter 8 (READ IT TRUST ME).
They are both super relatable with their own personal struggles with wanting or maintaining romantic relationships and the way they fell was just magic.

𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬, 𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐠����𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐥-𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐞 𝐮𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐦𝐞. "𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥," 𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐲 𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡.

Nothing about this book was wrong, (ok Aiden threw away a WHOLE GYRO and that to me is unacceptable lol) BUT other than that this book to me was perfect. The couple, the spice, the conflict...all of it was done in a way that it made sense and wasn't forced or even felt fictional. Personally for me the conflict at the end is something I base a lot of my ratings on because they can be over done or even underdone, but Nikki nailed it!

“𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞, 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥?” 𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬.

If you haven't read any Nikki Castle books then you're doing life wrong. She's a newish indie author and absolutely deserves the hype that's given to her. Let's blow this release out of the water so she can work on Kane and Max!!! Because those books are going to be HOT!!
Profile Image for RavenOfTheSea.
130 reviews146 followers
December 4, 2022
I want your mind, and your passion, and your emotions, and anything else you're willing to give me. I want all of you.

I am utterly speechless with a smile on my face. This was sweet and fun with insane chemistry between the characters. Oh, and of course spicy! This was my first Nikki book and the spice caught me by surprise. In the very first chapters, my jaw had already dropped because well… Aiden.

He chuckles as he puts his hands in his pockets, and the sight of him so comfortable, so happy, immediately knocks any other guy out of my brain. There's only this one in front of me.

Aiden was the definition of a walking green flag. The type of man you wished to meet in real life. He was self-assured but not arrogant, funny, caring, and supportive. He was so gorgeous that had me melting on the floor. And as if he wasn’t perfect enough, imagine my surprise to find out his dominant and very dirty-talking side. He was the ideal specimen of a golden-retriever boyfriend and I adored him.

Dani on the other side was what could be described as “that b*tch*”. She reminded me how much I love a strong fmc. She was confidence in a human form. She wasn’t ashamed of her sexuality, her beliefs, or her dreams. Of course, during her self-discovery journey, Dani had already toughened up a bit too much and had sworn off love not that I blame her. And although it was slightly annoying witnessing her self-sabotaging tendencies during her “relationship” with Aiden, I cannot deny that I had shared or am still sharing some of her ideas.

If you like the friends-with-benefits trope this book is so good. Lust-filled and cheesy where it mattered, emotional, and insanely hot, sports romance can’t get any better.

Did I like it? Yes.
Would I reread it? Yes.

4 /5⭐
3.5/5🌶️
Profile Image for nina ☾.
44 reviews9 followers
February 11, 2024
જ⁀➴₊⊹ 5 stars

THIS BOOK!!! there was spice the moment the book started. in chapter 2 yall. 2!!!! and oh boy was it scrumptious. the beginning of the book was so good and you can feel Aiden and Dani connect instantly. their chemistry was amazing. ugh i love them so much.

*minor spoilers ahead*

AND CHAPTER 8 YALL. I DIDNT SEE THAT COMING BUT WTF!!! bro THAT scene got me fucked up 😩🤌🏼 this is definitely the spiciest book out of the whole series!

just like the previous books, i just felt so attached to Aiden and Dani. it felt like i was their friend 🥹 their conversations felt so welcoming and easy to breeze through. it felt like i was going through their journey with them! it was so comforting!!! i couldn’t put the book down bc the plot sucked me in so much! (Tristan is still my number 1 tho)

and i love how Nikki weaves ✨important lessons✨ in all of her books! (in this book: family, relationships, communication!) it makes the book 10x more enjoyable and REAL.

AND THE LITTLE THINGS AIDEN AND DANI DID FOR EACH OTHER!! 🥹🥹🩷 from cooking to having dinner in formal attire and even the hospital scene UGHHH i couldn’t wait to see their HEA! i was rooting for them so much and it was a perfect ending to this story. i am feral for the both of them.

all in all, I FUCKING LOVE THIS SERIES!!! i’m so excited to read 1 last shot! and i can’t wait to see what Nikki writes next bc will read anything and everything she publishes. kisses to the chef because she ate and left NO CRUMBS 🤌🏼🤌🏼

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Profile Image for Ali Goates.
254 reviews2 followers
November 23, 2022
I was really excited to read this one after I really loved her last two books. unfortunately, this one just wasn’t my favorite. Dani is so pessimistic about love and it’s ridiculous. like her argument is sound and she’s proven that relationships are stupid. like wtf?! I didn’t connect with her because of that and it just ruined the book for me. I didn’t like the friends with benefits situation because it just seemed like Aiden was too good for her, since she never really seemed truly happy. I did like them later in the book, but it burned way too slowly for me and wasn’t super satisfying when they gave in and actually started a relationship. just, Dani! cmon! she’s so unbelievably rude to everyone around her and can’t even be happy for her family and their accomplishments because they didn’t fit her narrow definitions of success.

anyway, I DID still like the book and I just always love the MMA elements and the features of her last characters! if you’re into it (or not) - there are lots of steamy scenes and super cute banter between Aiden and Dani. it was a good book, but I didn’t relate to and couldn’t understand the characters 🤷🏼‍♀️
Profile Image for Kendra •kendrascozycorner•.
105 reviews47 followers
November 27, 2022
Wow, when I say Nikki brought the spice, I mean it. SHE. BROUGHT. THE. SPICE! All I gotta say is chapter 8. Like I’m currently drooling right now just thinking about it.. Is it too soon to reread it?

Oh did I mention you get spice in chapter 2? CHAPER FREAKING TWO! And it was done oh so well.

I didn’t think anyone could top Tristan. Did I get proved wrong? Sure did! Aiden is seriously the best type of book boyfriend. The perfect mix of fun and HOT. The things that came out of that man’s mouth… PERFECTION!

The banter, the chemistry, and the spice was all there and of course it was top notch!

•Friends with benefits to lovers
•Dirty Talk
•Top tier spice
•He falls first
•Sports romance

If you love all of the above, I definitely recommend picking this one up!

Profile Image for Kattie Hughes.
101 reviews5 followers
June 12, 2023
Phew 😅 😮‍💨 Nikki through this one out the park! I wish I had a more thought out review but holy crap this was hot 🥵 is all I can think about. I will forever be a fan of Nikki’s.
Profile Image for Velina.
220 reviews18 followers
May 22, 2023
Good sexual tension, good spicy scenes but that's all. Everything else felt rushed and just not that well written. I loved the first book from this series but the other two are just not it 🙊
Profile Image for Jamie.
1,156 reviews95 followers
November 30, 2022
3.5⭐️ - This was more of a fun sexy romp than the others in this series. Not particularly emotional but definitely swoony and so hot.

I wouldn’t say there’s much depth here but if you’re looking for a lighter read, this should fit the bill. If you have a praise kink, which who doesn’t, this will give you lots.

I definitely enjoyed Aiden and Dani. The bickering was all in good fun and they didn’t seem to take life too seriously. Naturally the friends with benefits never stays that way. Someone always catches feelings. Neither of them were looking for anything serious but they were so well matched that it was inevitable.

Their reticence to build a relationship wasn’t super strong for the overall plot. Dani was still harboring resentments from a high school relationship and her mother stepping away from her career to raise her children. She was overly harsh on her mother because she couldn’t understand - given her age how would she? I don’t think we needed both of these issues. I think one that could’ve been expanded would’ve been better. And there was a very weird and forced run-in with the ex that wasn’t necessary at all. And was explained away far to easily.

Aiden had been abandoned by his mom - which oddly enough was a stronger deterrent to relationships but wasn’t something that continually hung over his head. That might have been a better focus for the book maybe.

They were also quite vocal during sex. I did love how sex positive this book was. Dani was never ashamed (or shamed) for her desires and enjoyment of sex. I wish all MF was like that. There is nothing wrong with a woman loving sex, including anal, and not wanting a relationship. It’s actually very healthy.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I probably would’ve enjoyed more emotion and a deeper plot but it was fun and steamy.
Profile Image for Stephanie Hubenak.
620 reviews92 followers
November 20, 2024
4.5 stars
All the peppers

"𝒴𝑜𝓊'𝓇𝑒 𝒶𝓁𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹𝓎 𝓉𝓇𝑜𝓊𝒷𝓁𝑒 𝒶𝓃𝒹 ℐ 𝒹𝑜𝓃'𝓉 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓃 𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝓃𝒶𝓂𝑒."

What. A. Ride. We've seen Aiden in spurts throughout this series and got a glimpse of Dani in 2 Fights, but to see these two battle their demons was an experience. Dani was so broken, but rather than understand that, she thought everyone else around her was broken. She thought her issues were a "them problem" not a "her problem". Aiden was exactly what Dani didn't know she needed. He's the ultimate ray of sunshine in her dark and stormy world.

"𝒢𝑜𝑜𝒹 𝑔𝒾𝓇𝓁," ℐ 𝓌𝒽𝒾𝓈𝓅𝑒𝓇 𝒶𝑔𝒶𝒾𝓃𝓈𝓉 𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝓁𝒾𝓅𝓈. 𝒜𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉, 𝓈𝒽𝑒 𝓁𝑒𝓉𝓈 𝒶 𝓌𝒽𝒾𝓂𝓅𝑒𝓇 𝓈𝓁𝒾𝓅, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 ℐ 𝑔𝓇𝒾𝓃 𝓌𝒽𝑒𝓃 ℐ 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓁𝒾𝓏𝑒 𝓈𝒽𝑒 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒𝓈 𝓉𝑜 𝒷𝑒 𝓅𝓇𝒶𝒾𝓈𝑒𝒹."

Aiden isn't looking for a relationship but he's also not afraid of his feelings throughout the entire book. The fact that he has such a strong read on Dani was really quite fascinating and endearing to watch unfold. And, in true Nikki fashion, the spice was BROUGHT!

"ℐ 𝓃𝑒𝑒𝒹 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝓌𝑜𝓇𝒹𝓈, 𝒟𝒶𝓃𝒾. ℐ 𝓌𝑜𝓃'𝓉 𝓉𝑜𝓊𝒸𝒽 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓊𝓃𝓁𝑒𝓈𝓈 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝓈𝓀 𝓂𝑒 𝓉𝑜."

CHAPTER 8! Holy hell. It was next level spice that I honestly didn't see coming. That chapter is forever burned into my brain, and I'm not even mad at it. ::sitting here fanning myself::

The audio for this book was even better the second time around. I honestly forgot how spicy this book was and spent the majority of it blushing. It was so good! The narrators were absolutely perfect and I'm such a sucker for Duet narration!

Thank you Nikki for the early copy of 3 Count, for always listening to my rambles about characters that have been with you for so long, and just being you. That last 13% ;)
Profile Image for Baylee Beattie.
677 reviews41 followers
November 26, 2024
Reread (Nov 2024)
4.5⭐️
🎧

**alc via the author🫶🏼**

absolutely LOVED getting to revisit this spicy yet emotional story🥹

golden retriever/black cat duo to the max, these characters were opposites in so many ways but fit perfectly together. love this little bulldog MMA family so much🥰


OG Review (Nov 2022)
4.75⭐️

rtc!! all I know is I’m truly madly deeply in love with Aiden

**arc review!**

yaaaaalllllllll… this book grabbed me by the throat and held on for dear life 😩

sports romance, friends with benefits/friends to lovers story that was honestly just a fun time. I loved the characters and how they interacted with each other and fed off each others energy.

I super love my baby Aiden omg i would climb him like a tree. he always knew what to do/say with Dani to connect with her and make her feel comfortable bc hes a listening man, WE LOVE. he was so in-tune with her and could read her so well and that quality is top-notch in a book bf🫡 he deserves the world and NOTHING LESS.

the spice in this book was almost immediate, often, and hotter than hell. the mouth on this man!! even though the mc’s got together rather quickly, it felt very natural and never felt forced. I feel like there was enough background and history for both parties that the plot/conflict still held together well and actually made the spice better bc of it.

my only gripe is that there defoooo should have been more groveling lol but either way this book was great and I love Aiden and Dani so much
Profile Image for Sophie.
406 reviews75 followers
November 22, 2022
Ahhhh I’ve been anticipating this book since I read 5 Rounds and 2 Fights earlier this year, and Aiden & Dani did not disappoint !

Even though Aiden comes in third in the 3rd in the Fight Club Series Ranking after Jax & Tristan (no shade though, I love all 3 of them), I still adored him. He gave Golden Retriever Energy (outside of the bedroom that is) and I was here for it 🥹 and fine, yes, more like alpha wolf in chapter 8, which, dare I say, will live rent free in my head for as long as I breathe 👀

I did have a hard time connecting with Dani. While I generally understood where she was coming from and why she was afraid of a serious relationship, I did think she was a bit too intense about it, especially given that I didn’t feel like we got a more detailed explanation as to what actually went wrong aside from a few off handed remarks when she remembered something.

Overall I really enjoyed this continuation of the Fight Game Series ! The men in this series are top notch book boyfriends and I am salivating over Kane already 🤤 give me all the broody 😏😏😏
Profile Image for fran.
287 reviews66 followers
March 16, 2023
„If you promise to come to me with those fears, I promise to talk you down every time and remind you just how much I love you and how good we are together.”


i really liked this. it was pretty short and VERY insta love, but what made this book for me was dani’s struggle with relationships. to me the whole problem of remaining your own identity in a relationship and like how to navigate it is very relatable. so it was good to see dani voicing her struggles in this book.

the thing with max kinda caught me by surprise, but honestly if it’s done right for me sharing in books… not a big issue *half of the crowd booing* 😟

i liked how their relationship developed even though it was very physical 🤭 but still my point stands
Profile Image for Jessica Paige (Exercise_Read_Repeat).
1,801 reviews261 followers
July 11, 2023
This book is SPICY and filled with so much chemistry and banter. I’ve loved all of the me. In the series thus far, but Aiden is now at the top of the list. I’m also thankful it was much shorter than the previous book, which felt 100 pages too long.

What to expect:
-Friends with benefits
-Dirty talk
-Photography
-Text messaging chapters
-He falls first and hard
-Cinnamon roll hero
-MMA fighting
Profile Image for Bea.
95 reviews8 followers
November 25, 2024
Update/Review of audiobook:

The audiobook for 3 Count has just been released and if you haven’t listened to it yet, what are you doing?

Nikki has worked her magic yet again, picking the perfect narrators for this story. From Aiden’s very first words, I was hooked.

I loved this spicy story the first time and loved it just as much the second time. However, the time in between had made me forget how much heart Nikki’s able build into a story of friends-with-benefits. I may have been able to handle the spice while I was listening and commuting, but the emotions were another story. Not me crying on the train…

Just when I think Nikki can’t amaze me more, she does all over again!


Original Review:
I see your "good girl" and I'll raise you a "dirty f***ing girl".

I've said it before and I'll say it again, Nikki is the absolute queen of spice and banter. She proves me right once again by writing a book that is entirely based around the spice and banter between the main characters, but still contains all the heart required to get you truly invested!

I have been invested in these characters for months and to finally see them on the page is wonderful! Nikki writes the best, most fun characters with real emotions that'll have you cheering for them to get together. Dani is everything I want to be when I grow up and watching her grow and learn about love made her even more of a queen in my eyes. And Aiden. That boy is so much fun and cheeky and he has my whole heart.

And that spice I mentioned? Top tier, wow. Be fair warned, there's a lot of it, but it is excellent!

Thanks to Nikki for providing me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Sarah.
727 reviews13 followers
January 3, 2025
2024 Audio ALC Reread:

Shoutout to Nikki for an ALC copy of the duet audio because it is FIRE! Once again the narrators chosen for these characters was utter perfection, both Vanessa Moyen & Alex Kydd were new to me narrators. And I’ll definitely be looking for more books narrated by them both!

——
First read review (2022):

Literally JUST finished the book right this minute and it was so freaking good! I’ve been super excited to read about Dani since she was introduced at the end of 2 Fights, and the friends with benefits to lovers romance for her and Aiden was *chef’s kiss* perfect!

Variety may be the spice of life, but Nikki said “hold my beer” to that and made the variety of spice the spice of life in this book and I am here 👏 for 👏 it 👏

Now that that’s been covered, I also really enjoyed how the characters felt like they actually acted their ages. They are 22/23 aka each on the cusp of a new stage of adulthood. And that absolutely influences their internal thoughts & perceptions of the world and other people around them, and what they think life and love are or have to be.

Also special shoutout to Aiden’s dad, who do I have to bribe around here to get that man a bonus content novella?! 😂

Thank you to Nikki for an ARC copy of this book! All thoughts/review are my own!
Profile Image for shane..
304 reviews42 followers
November 21, 2022
Trust me when I say, you don’t want to miss this one because, IT. IS. SO. GOOD.

I have missed being in this world that Nikki created, and she came back with a combo of her own. Fun, flirty, and spicy. The banter alone ,was a favorite of mine in this book.

Aiden, our dirty mouthed fighter with so much heart.
Dani, our sassy, confident heroine with so much passion.
Aiden and Dani’s chemistry was instant and so palpable. I swear you can feel it through it’s pages. Despite their flammable chemistry, I absolutely adored their friendship above all else.

Nikki’s experience and knowledge in this sport is what made this series so unique. She definitely set a bar.

Her writing alone, and the natural way she’s able to weave words together and create such an authentic plot/ story is amazing. Oh! And Her smüt? No one writes it like her.

𝗜 𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝘂𝘁𝘀 𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀.

I didn’t think she can write another another hero that comes close to Tristan (don’t worry, he’s still my favorite)
but Aiden definitely is close to it.

I can not wait for our next couple in this series, because 👀. Lol.

*ARC for honest review.
Profile Image for sophia (swelchreads).
348 reviews57 followers
August 4, 2023
SO GOOD i love u nikki and i love the men u write.

This series y'all. I am OBSESSED. I read this book so fast - one minute I was 45% in and the next I was done with the book. Nikki's writing is so addicting and fun to read. And don't even get me started on Aiden and Dani. I am in love with both of them. These two were just so obviously perfect for each other. Their chemistry was OFF THE CHARTS - safe to say this book was hot as hell.

This book was simply a good time. It was SUCH a cute and steamy read. And don't even get me started on the fight scenes in this book. I swoooon every time. READ IT
Profile Image for (✿◠‿◠).
809 reviews
January 22, 2023
DNF 51%

1. If you’re going to have a random MFM scene in the middle of what’s been advertised as a straight MF, throw a reader a bone (heh), would you? I mean, look. I read RH. I love a girl getting dicked down by all the dicks. But when I go into those, I know exactly what I’m getting. There was absolutely no point to have that scene in this book except for the added smut factor.

2. There’s literally no reason to use the word alpha in a book unless you’re writing about shifters. And to use it 7 times in one book? Well. If you have to say it, you’re not showing it. See also: this hero was a golden retriever. Not an alpha. Golden. Retriever.

3. This heroine. Blech.
Profile Image for Readwithnikki.
153 reviews4 followers
December 27, 2022
Wow!

OH MY GOD! I'm still recovering from chapter 8🥵🥵🥵🥵 Aiden is so swoon-worthy and Dani is as a badass🥰 I love this series and can't wait for Kane and Isabella's story.
Profile Image for Megan (megs_bookblog).
678 reviews103 followers
November 21, 2022
3 Count by Nikki Castle
Rating: 5 stars
Steam: 5 chilis
Pub Date: 11/18

Woke up this morning screaming Happy Pub Day to Nikki Castle! I have read all of Nikki’s books and have loved every one for different reasons. Her FMCs are all strong, confident women and her MCs are alpha cinnamon roll heroes (if there is such a thing). I was not expecting Aiden to come along and steal the top spot from my man Jax, but here we are.

This book starts off with a bang…literally! Dani and Aiden are strangers who get to know each other pretty well after they meet on Temple’s campus and find themselves running from security. Aiden knows right away that there’s something about Dani that he can’t stay away from, but he’s all about the casual, no-strings type of hookup. Dani doesn’t believe in long-term, either, so they agree to see each other casually and just for hook ups. But how long can they keep up this friends-with-benefits scenario before someone catches feelings?

I just loved this so much. I knew going into this that I was going to love Aiden and Dani but I wasn’t prepared for how much. Their chemistry is off the charts, and every interaction is full of hilarious banter and spontaneity. They develop the sweetest, most heartwarming friendship, and their emotional connection will make you want to root for them the entire time.

Dani is a badass photojournalist, and I wish I had an ounce of her confidence. She knows exactly what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it. Her passion for life and her career is inspiring and I love how she stuck to her beliefs and never wavered. Aiden might actually be the perfect man. He’s a confident, dirty-talking, alpha who seems much older than his 22 years. I LOVE when the guy falls first, and poor Aiden never stood a chance.

The spice in this story is insane. Like five chili pepper rating, kindle melting, one-hand reading, insane. Chapter 8 was an unexpected and delightful surprise as were the pool table scene and the supply closet (IYKYK).

I’m glad we got to see Aiden in his element as an MMA fighter, and the competitive element of the story was exciting, as always. I loved the cameos and seeing some of my favorite characters from a new perspective, too.

Read this MMA sports romance if you like dirty talk, the guy falls first, friends with benefits to lovers, and a whole lotta spice. Thank you so much to Nikki Castle for the ARC copy of this book! 3 Count is available on KU today!
Profile Image for Amanda Grace.
800 reviews59 followers
November 17, 2022
This book starts off with a dedication that says "Sometimes, you just want a little bit of fun, and a whole lot of spice." Nikki definitely delivers both in this book.

Damn, I love these two. Pretty Boy & Dirty Girl are my new favorite nicknames.

From their meet to cute to their cheeky banter, Aiden and Dani had me laughing out loud numerous times. Their interactions were such a joy to read. Low angst and fun.

The spice is HOT in every scene. I'm sure you have all seen the posts and stories about Chapter 8 and it is worthy of the hype. You know when an author describes a character being so turned on that they have to rub their thighs together for friction? Yeah... THAT. My reaction was not suitable for public viewing!

This story was exactly what Nikki said it would be and so much more. The early scenes between Aiden and his dad and then Dani with her parents gave such depth to their characters early on. The swoon, when it hits, is EVERYTHING. Aiden falls first and it completely melted my heart. The end of this book made me so happy.

Last, but certainly not least, the fight scenes. These are always my favorite. Nikki's life experience clearly shows with every word. The found family of the gym (all the characters from the previous books), the training, the actual fight and the coaching! I was so happy to see Jax in Aiden's corner. I love him.

Thank you, Nikki, for the ARC. I'm so excited for the next book.
Profile Image for Han.
129 reviews1 follower
November 19, 2022
Miss Castle. I HAVE A BONE TO PICK WITH YOU.

I’m tired of dreaming of these hot, MMA, mushy, only-love-their-women boys only to realize they’re not real men. I can’t get enough, she keeps providing me with said book boyfriends, and then I have to come down from the biggest HIGH of my life. But honestly, feed it to me for breakfast, lunch and dinner because that’s how I want to live the rest of my life. I should’ve known what I was diving into after that dedication. Because she was speaking my LANGUAGE.

Honestly, I don’t even know how to talk about these characters and this book. I loved it, ate it up, sped through it, highlighted in every chapter. Dani is a grumpy(ish) photojournalist scorned by her previous love who vows to never be in love because she doesn’t want to give up the career she loves. Aiden is a mushy, gushy, MMA fighter, love-at-first-sight kind of guy who falls IN LOVEEEE with this woman. Dani is my kinda badass, don’t need no man kind of girl and I loved every moment of her journey. Aiden starts as a cinnamon roll and ends as a cinnamon roll AND I ATE THAT SHIT UP.

And chapter 8?!?!?? 20 MINUTES?!?! NIKKI. CLAPS ALL AROUND FOR YOU. 🐱🦋

* Thank youuuuu to the author for an ARC in exchange for my review.
Profile Image for Kristina Maysonet.
1,733 reviews34 followers
November 18, 2024
Aiden and Danielle’s story is so much fun. What starts with them being strangers quickly turns to a ONS. These two have so much playful banter and FWB (friends with benefits) vibes, but it quickly becomes so much more. Their chemistry? Off the charts! That fiery desire between them simmers into a deep, lasting love that had me completely hooked. Some of these scenes were among the sp!c!est that I have read! I can’t stop thinking about a particular scene.
And let’s talk about Aiden—he’s the ultimate protective hero, always looking out for Dani in the sweetest, most swoon-worthy ways. 🥰 Honestly, who wouldn’t dream of a guy like him? Their connection is equal parts playful, passionate, and heart-melting. They both got into this knowing it would not be a relationship, but the longer they are together, the more the feelings grew. I love how Aiden was quicker to acknowledge how things were changing. Dani on the other hand took a lot longer to come around.
The audio for this was fantastic. First of all it was in duet, and that just elevates it to a different level. The narrators also hit all the emotions and I really was impressed with the way that Vanessa was able to portray Dani and the way she was conflicted with her feelings.
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