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The Fight Game #5
4th Degree
He's her coach.
She's too young.
They're both risking everything.
Forced to grow up too soon, Skylar has built her entire life around taking care of her family. But when she catches her first lucky break, she’s finally able to pick up the sport that has always intrigued her. Signing up at the local MMA gym is where she meets Coach Dominic.
Because everything in Dominic’s life is based on his reputation as a coach and fighter, he’s always kept a professional boundary between himself and his students. But when Skylar impresses him in the gym, and their post-class chats start to last into the night, that boundary begins to blur. Before long, a relationship develops between them—that they’re forced to keep behind closed doors.
While Skylar struggles to balance her feelings for Dominic with taking care of her family, Dominic has to decide if he’s willing to risk everything for a chance at love.
Will Dominic and Skylar let themselves find happiness with each other? Or is the cost of their relationship too high?
“4th Degree” features strong language and explicit sexual scenes. Reader discretion is advised.
She's too young.
They're both risking everything.
Forced to grow up too soon, Skylar has built her entire life around taking care of her family. But when she catches her first lucky break, she’s finally able to pick up the sport that has always intrigued her. Signing up at the local MMA gym is where she meets Coach Dominic.
Because everything in Dominic’s life is based on his reputation as a coach and fighter, he’s always kept a professional boundary between himself and his students. But when Skylar impresses him in the gym, and their post-class chats start to last into the night, that boundary begins to blur. Before long, a relationship develops between them—that they’re forced to keep behind closed doors.
While Skylar struggles to balance her feelings for Dominic with taking care of her family, Dominic has to decide if he’s willing to risk everything for a chance at love.
Will Dominic and Skylar let themselves find happiness with each other? Or is the cost of their relationship too high?
“4th Degree” features strong language and explicit sexual scenes. Reader discretion is advised.
406 pages, Paperback
First published May 3, 2024
334 people are currently reading
3253 people want to read
About the author
Nikki Castle
10 books1,257 followersNikki 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.
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 590 reviews
May 6, 2024
2.5☆ DNF 37% “Meh” MMA coach + student romance should really be an oxymoron.
Damn. I was so looking forward to this after loving 1 Last Shot. It seems like it was rushed and could have used more beta readers. 🫤 And while a forbidden coach-student dynamic and a dog dad are normally winning aspects for me, I didn't feel the chemistry between Dominic and Skyler at all. The story was dragging and both characters come off flat. Skylar’s POV hit me over the head too much with the caretaker-martyrdom-but-don’t-pity-me thing, and somehow I didn’t quite buy her MMA obsession. Too much telling instead of showing, maybe. Coach Dom’s POV was very subdued, and I didn’t quite understand his great attraction to Skylar. She’s young and likes watching MMA fights and…? My favorite part was Dominic’s brief memory of mentoring an at-risk kid and the cameo of Isabella and Kane. I’ll always love those two. 💋🤌😏
Damn. I was so looking forward to this after loving 1 Last Shot. It seems like it was rushed and could have used more beta readers. 🫤 And while a forbidden coach-student dynamic and a dog dad are normally winning aspects for me, I didn't feel the chemistry between Dominic and Skyler at all. The story was dragging and both characters come off flat. Skylar’s POV hit me over the head too much with the caretaker-martyrdom-but-don’t-pity-me thing, and somehow I didn’t quite buy her MMA obsession. Too much telling instead of showing, maybe. Coach Dom’s POV was very subdued, and I didn’t quite understand his great attraction to Skylar. She’s young and likes watching MMA fights and…? My favorite part was Dominic’s brief memory of mentoring an at-risk kid and the cameo of Isabella and Kane. I’ll always love those two. 💋🤌😏
May 4, 2024
Did I cry? Yes. Multiple times.
May 3, 2024
I am pretty much convinced at this point that Nikki Castle can do no wrong. Each book in this series is so frickin’ good (all 5stars!) and 4th Degree is no exception. Absolutely devoured this book in less than 24 hours…could not put it down.
This story follows Skylar and Dominic. Skylar is juggling a lot…She is 19, in college, takes care of her mother and her younger brother, works a full-time job to pay the bills…she basically does it all for her family. She wants something for her and has always been into watching MMA fights and decides to sign-up to start taking lessons at a local gym. She meets Coach Dominic there on her first day, he’s not only the owner and head trainer of the gym but a former MMA fighter too. The more these two spend time together the more pull they have toward one another.
As soon as Nikki announced that this was coach x athlete…I was all in. I am feral for any and all coach stories. Give me the age gap, taboo, forbidden all of it!!
And these two were honestly so perfect for each other. I mean you could see their chemistry right away, but I absolutely loved how organically their relationship blossomed. I loved the push/pull aspect, THE ANGST, and when they finally gave into each other….phew man. We know Nikki can bring the spice…and she did. It was HOTTT ya’ll!!!
I have been waiting to see more of Coach Dominic since 5 Rounds and Nikki did not let me down. Dominic is so supportive of Skylar and just so in awe of her for what she has to deal with. The things that he does for her has me smiling and kicking my feet, he was so gone for her right from the start. Plus…that jiu-jitsu scene….um excuse me! PHEW!!! Had to fan myself a few times during that scene alone.
I don’t think I will ever stop talking about this series…it’s honestly one of my favorites and it’s not even hockey! This book was so hot, steamy and delicious, I couldn’t get enough. Coach and Skylar have taken over the #1 spot for me. Thank you to Nikki and team for eARC. I cannot wait to read more in this series.
Overall: ♾️
Spice: 3.5
Tropes:
-MMA Romance
-Age Gap
-Coach x Athlete
-Secret Relationship
-Forbidden
-Found Family
This story follows Skylar and Dominic. Skylar is juggling a lot…She is 19, in college, takes care of her mother and her younger brother, works a full-time job to pay the bills…she basically does it all for her family. She wants something for her and has always been into watching MMA fights and decides to sign-up to start taking lessons at a local gym. She meets Coach Dominic there on her first day, he’s not only the owner and head trainer of the gym but a former MMA fighter too. The more these two spend time together the more pull they have toward one another.
As soon as Nikki announced that this was coach x athlete…I was all in. I am feral for any and all coach stories. Give me the age gap, taboo, forbidden all of it!!
And these two were honestly so perfect for each other. I mean you could see their chemistry right away, but I absolutely loved how organically their relationship blossomed. I loved the push/pull aspect, THE ANGST, and when they finally gave into each other….phew man. We know Nikki can bring the spice…and she did. It was HOTTT ya’ll!!!
I have been waiting to see more of Coach Dominic since 5 Rounds and Nikki did not let me down. Dominic is so supportive of Skylar and just so in awe of her for what she has to deal with. The things that he does for her has me smiling and kicking my feet, he was so gone for her right from the start. Plus…that jiu-jitsu scene….um excuse me! PHEW!!! Had to fan myself a few times during that scene alone.
I don’t think I will ever stop talking about this series…it’s honestly one of my favorites and it’s not even hockey! This book was so hot, steamy and delicious, I couldn’t get enough. Coach and Skylar have taken over the #1 spot for me. Thank you to Nikki and team for eARC. I cannot wait to read more in this series.
Overall: ♾️
Spice: 3.5
Tropes:
-MMA Romance
-Age Gap
-Coach x Athlete
-Secret Relationship
-Forbidden
-Found Family
May 16, 2024
5 STARS!
My Rating: ★★★★★//5
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥//4
“𝗜 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆,” 𝗗𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝘀𝗮𝘆𝘀. “𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂. 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁.”
Y’all! I am slapping my own face for JUST NOW reading this author! Loved these characters and their romance. The author did an excellent job of balancing the hot lusty part of their attraction with their true bond and undeniable connection.
Recommend if you like/are in the mood for:
💚 Age gap romance (she’s 19/ he’s 37)
💚 Ever considered getting it on with a hot instructor/ trainer
💚 MMA Romance
💚 “Teach me” vibes
💚 Love heroines who hold their whole family together
Skylar is a college student who also cares for her sick mom and is pretty much raising her younger brother. She works two jobs and is just stressed out. When she joins an MMA gym for some release she meets none other than Coach Dominic.
There is a big age gap between them but Skylar is such a mature and older soul that it was in no way seedy or salacious. There was some hot sexual tension and I loved how protective Dominic was over her and how he wanted to care for her while still respecting her boundaries.
This book was really flawless for me and I will soon be going back to book 1 and devouring the whole series because I’m now super intrigued about the other characters who we get brief glimpses of in this story.
This book can totally be read as a standalone, but consider yourself warned that it will make you want to binge the whole series! 😂
Top romance rec from me and a new author for me to stalk! 😁
Absolutely loved it!
My Rating: ★★★★★//5
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥//4
“𝗜 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆,” 𝗗𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝘀𝗮𝘆𝘀. “𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂. 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁.”
Y’all! I am slapping my own face for JUST NOW reading this author! Loved these characters and their romance. The author did an excellent job of balancing the hot lusty part of their attraction with their true bond and undeniable connection.
Recommend if you like/are in the mood for:
💚 Age gap romance (she’s 19/ he’s 37)
💚 Ever considered getting it on with a hot instructor/ trainer
💚 MMA Romance
💚 “Teach me” vibes
💚 Love heroines who hold their whole family together
Skylar is a college student who also cares for her sick mom and is pretty much raising her younger brother. She works two jobs and is just stressed out. When she joins an MMA gym for some release she meets none other than Coach Dominic.
There is a big age gap between them but Skylar is such a mature and older soul that it was in no way seedy or salacious. There was some hot sexual tension and I loved how protective Dominic was over her and how he wanted to care for her while still respecting her boundaries.
This book was really flawless for me and I will soon be going back to book 1 and devouring the whole series because I’m now super intrigued about the other characters who we get brief glimpses of in this story.
This book can totally be read as a standalone, but consider yourself warned that it will make you want to binge the whole series! 😂
Top romance rec from me and a new author for me to stalk! 😁
Absolutely loved it!
October 10, 2024
I can say I thoroughly enjoyed the MMA aspect and group of people here.
3.5 ⭐️
The forbidden coach/student trope I can dig
Age gap is fine
I’m not sure what it was but there was just something off with their relationship.
I like Coach Dominic
Skylar was maybe not my fav.
I feel like there was a lot just skimmed over.
3.5 ⭐️
The forbidden coach/student trope I can dig
Age gap is fine
I’m not sure what it was but there was just something off with their relationship.
I like Coach Dominic
Skylar was maybe not my fav.
I feel like there was a lot just skimmed over.
April 22, 2024
4th Degree is the 5th book in the Fight Game series, which how are there 5 books already?! I remember binging 1 and having to wait for 2 to release! The whole series is amazing by the way! Anyways, this is a forbidden, coach/athlete, age gap, sports romance (MMA) with found family and “teach me” moments!
“So I kiss him.
Because even though we both still have reasons we shouldn’t be together, nothing can contend with the joy that comes from being Dominic’s. Even if only temporarily.”
Skylar has been juggling a lot: shes 19 and in college, she takes care of her mother who has early onset Parkinson’s, she’s looking after her younger brother in highschool, she works a job and pays the bills for their household and her mom’s medical care! She wants something for her and has always been into watching MMA fights and decides to start taking lessons at a local gym. She meets Coach Dominic there on her first day, he’s not only the owner and head trainer of the gym but a former MMA fighter too. They start spending more time together at the gym and end up bonding over watching and talking fights. Both start feeling pulled to one another but have reasons of why they shouldn’t get involved too!
I loved these two together. It is an age gap romance (she’s 19, he’s 36). They were honestly perfect together and the chemistry and connection was so good! I loved how they try to keep their distance at first but eventually give in and can’t stay away. Her surprise of him wanting to actually hang out with her after and still watch fights together was so cute! I love how he wants to take care of her and wants her to take a break for a day or have something for herself. Her brother was so cute in the story too and I just loved the whole found family vibe of it all. I love this whole series so much and this one was such a sweet addition!
“I’m glad you walked into my gym, baby.”
My lips brush against his as they lift into a smile. “Me too, Coach.”
I received an ARC, all thoughts in this review are my own!
“So I kiss him.
Because even though we both still have reasons we shouldn’t be together, nothing can contend with the joy that comes from being Dominic’s. Even if only temporarily.”
Skylar has been juggling a lot: shes 19 and in college, she takes care of her mother who has early onset Parkinson’s, she’s looking after her younger brother in highschool, she works a job and pays the bills for their household and her mom’s medical care! She wants something for her and has always been into watching MMA fights and decides to start taking lessons at a local gym. She meets Coach Dominic there on her first day, he’s not only the owner and head trainer of the gym but a former MMA fighter too. They start spending more time together at the gym and end up bonding over watching and talking fights. Both start feeling pulled to one another but have reasons of why they shouldn’t get involved too!
I loved these two together. It is an age gap romance (she’s 19, he’s 36). They were honestly perfect together and the chemistry and connection was so good! I loved how they try to keep their distance at first but eventually give in and can’t stay away. Her surprise of him wanting to actually hang out with her after and still watch fights together was so cute! I love how he wants to take care of her and wants her to take a break for a day or have something for herself. Her brother was so cute in the story too and I just loved the whole found family vibe of it all. I love this whole series so much and this one was such a sweet addition!
“I’m glad you walked into my gym, baby.”
My lips brush against his as they lift into a smile. “Me too, Coach.”
I received an ARC, all thoughts in this review are my own!
April 17, 2024
When Nikki announced that this book was going to be coach/athlete, I basically was just sitting here waiting until I could get my hands on it. I absolutely LOVE coach/athlete. And I knew that if anyone could really write the shit out of this trope and do it justice, it would be Nikki....and friends, she did not disappoint.
I think what I loved most about this book is how organically they fell for each other. Yes, there was an instant attraction but it took time for them to realize that. Dominic was drawn to her but in a way that he just needed to be near here. There was angst in this book....SO MUCH ANGST but it was delicious. I absolutely fell for them both and it was nothing short of amazing to watch them fall for each other.
And we all know that Nikki can bring the spice...and when it hits....::fans myself::...yall it was so hot. It's no secret that 2 Fights is my all time favorite book of Nikki's. I just LOVED Jax and Hailey. And...I think....I think Skylar and Dom may have taken that top spot. They were just....perfect. I love them so much. I will protect them forever.
Thank you Nikki for trusting me with you babies just a tad bit early. Truly, it was an honor.
I think what I loved most about this book is how organically they fell for each other. Yes, there was an instant attraction but it took time for them to realize that. Dominic was drawn to her but in a way that he just needed to be near here. There was angst in this book....SO MUCH ANGST but it was delicious. I absolutely fell for them both and it was nothing short of amazing to watch them fall for each other.
And we all know that Nikki can bring the spice...and when it hits....::fans myself::...yall it was so hot. It's no secret that 2 Fights is my all time favorite book of Nikki's. I just LOVED Jax and Hailey. And...I think....I think Skylar and Dom may have taken that top spot. They were just....perfect. I love them so much. I will protect them forever.
Thank you Nikki for trusting me with you babies just a tad bit early. Truly, it was an honor.
May 3, 2024
***Well I didn't expect to cry in this 🥹. ***
🥊Age Gap (17 years)
👩🏼⚕️Forbidden
🥊Coach + Athlete
👩🏼⚕️Sneaking around
🥊Found Family
👩🏼⚕️"Teach me"
🥊MMA fighter
👩🏼⚕️Dual/1st pov
🐶DOGGIE
🥊 Dominic/Coach+ Skylar 🥊
This book has all the action in and out of the sheets 🫠. Skylar is the new girl at the MMA training gym and is ready to finally do something for herself. She is a strong, hardworking chicka who has always put everyone before herself. Helping with a sick mom and a younger brother her whole life.
“𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏’𝒕 𝒑𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝒎𝒑𝒕𝒚 𝒄𝒖𝒑, 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘.” 𝒀𝒆𝒔, 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏. 𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒚’𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒅𝒆𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒕, 𝒚𝒐𝒖’𝒅 𝒃𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒑𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎."
Coach. Coach we have seen be a total hard ass, tough as nails coach throughout the series but now we get to see a whole other side of him. He falls hard for Skylar and is a total softie for her. He stands up for her, protects her and helps her and her family. But don't you worry he just just as much a cinnamon roll with a fantastic filthy mouth on him.
I absolutely loved the moments we got with the other guys as well. I actually teared up TWICE, Kane got me in my feels!
🥊Age Gap (17 years)
👩🏼⚕️Forbidden
🥊Coach + Athlete
👩🏼⚕️Sneaking around
🥊Found Family
👩🏼⚕️"Teach me"
🥊MMA fighter
👩🏼⚕️Dual/1st pov
🐶DOGGIE
🥊 Dominic/Coach+ Skylar 🥊
This book has all the action in and out of the sheets 🫠. Skylar is the new girl at the MMA training gym and is ready to finally do something for herself. She is a strong, hardworking chicka who has always put everyone before herself. Helping with a sick mom and a younger brother her whole life.
“𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏’𝒕 𝒑𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝒎𝒑𝒕𝒚 𝒄𝒖𝒑, 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘.” 𝒀𝒆𝒔, 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏. 𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒚’𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒅𝒆𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒕, 𝒚𝒐𝒖’𝒅 𝒃𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒑𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎."
Coach. Coach we have seen be a total hard ass, tough as nails coach throughout the series but now we get to see a whole other side of him. He falls hard for Skylar and is a total softie for her. He stands up for her, protects her and helps her and her family. But don't you worry he just just as much a cinnamon roll with a fantastic filthy mouth on him.
I absolutely loved the moments we got with the other guys as well. I actually teared up TWICE, Kane got me in my feels!
December 18, 2025
🎧 audio re-read: still bloody loved this book so much. Narrators were amazing though the MMC sounded a bit meh on 2.0 speed lol
————-
Didn’t see anyone beating Kane and Isabella for me to be honest, but Coach and Skylar may have just done it! I love this series so much, and Nikki really smashed it with book 5 of this series!! Coach and Skylar really blew me away. Their love blossomed so genuinely!
What to expect: forbidden / secret relationship / coach x athlete / age gap / found family
I really, really enjoyed Skylar’s character. She was beautifully mature, wise beyond her years and working herself to the bone to take on the responsibility of her family but just needing ther one something for herself. I absolutely loved how confident she was, she was so sure of herself and Dominic bought out even more of her vivaciousness.
Throughout this whole series, I really hadn’t been picturing “Coach” as a strong, confident, self-assured beautiful man. He was EVERYTHING. There were two sides to him; Coach with the strict boundaries and Dominic, the man who sees Skylar and gives her the space to just be. He saw her for everything that she was and all she was trying to achieve. That chapter heading name change made me giddy!
I have absolutely no issue with age gaps written in books; everyone knows it’s one of my favourite tropes. PLEASE do not let this age gap put you off; it is large but it has been written beautifully. Skylar is incredibly mature for her age. The chemistry her and Dominic is sizzling.
The tension and the push/pull is just ooomph perfection! I loved the genuine relationship they built. He was so supportive and in absolute awe of her. I bloody loved it! They pushed their fears aside and let their love win!
The found family element is one of my favourite constants in this series and I loved all the scenes where everyone is together!
Thank you Nikki for having me on your team; it’s such a privilege!
————-
Didn’t see anyone beating Kane and Isabella for me to be honest, but Coach and Skylar may have just done it! I love this series so much, and Nikki really smashed it with book 5 of this series!! Coach and Skylar really blew me away. Their love blossomed so genuinely!
What to expect: forbidden / secret relationship / coach x athlete / age gap / found family
I really, really enjoyed Skylar’s character. She was beautifully mature, wise beyond her years and working herself to the bone to take on the responsibility of her family but just needing ther one something for herself. I absolutely loved how confident she was, she was so sure of herself and Dominic bought out even more of her vivaciousness.
Throughout this whole series, I really hadn’t been picturing “Coach” as a strong, confident, self-assured beautiful man. He was EVERYTHING. There were two sides to him; Coach with the strict boundaries and Dominic, the man who sees Skylar and gives her the space to just be. He saw her for everything that she was and all she was trying to achieve. That chapter heading name change made me giddy!
I have absolutely no issue with age gaps written in books; everyone knows it’s one of my favourite tropes. PLEASE do not let this age gap put you off; it is large but it has been written beautifully. Skylar is incredibly mature for her age. The chemistry her and Dominic is sizzling.
The tension and the push/pull is just ooomph perfection! I loved the genuine relationship they built. He was so supportive and in absolute awe of her. I bloody loved it! They pushed their fears aside and let their love win!
The found family element is one of my favourite constants in this series and I loved all the scenes where everyone is together!
Thank you Nikki for having me on your team; it’s such a privilege!
December 4, 2024
much like pineapple on pizza, this slaps💃💃💃
May 3, 2024
ALL THE STARS
I feel like 4th Degree was a test for the Jax fans. I was grinning like an idiot at the first mention of him in Chapter One and would have been happy with an entire book of training and fight scenes. Nikki lulled me into a false sense of complacency with my rankings firmly in place, and then had the audacity to introduce Coach Dominic Caruso! He is the only man who has ever gotten close to making me question my loyalty to Jax. Coach really shows the same level of care and confidence that is perfect for Skylar.
An age gap of over ten years in a contemporary romance is sometimes hard for me to get fully on board with. I think it mostly comes down to an imbalance of power, but I did not feel that at all in this book. Skylar has been a caregiver for most of her life and doesn’t feel like she fits in with her peers. She is mature beyond her nineteen years. Joining the gym gives her an escape from her responsibilities and I love how it becomes her refuge. It made me want good things for Skylar and I cannot imagine anything better than Coach Dominic. SO MUCH SWOON 🫠
The tension that builds between these two is absolutely delicious. The evolution of their relationship from coach and student to something “more” feels organic and real. And when it they finally give into it… 😮💨 There is some push and pull because of the age difference, and I don’t want to give anything away, but I love everything about the way it is handled.
The gym and fight scenes are always my favorite in this series. The amount of them in this book made my heart ridiculously happy. Skylar is new to training, so we see that aspect as well as the professional coach’s POV from Dominic. Her excitement for the sport reminded me of watching the first UFC match with my brother. We practiced moves on each other just like Skylar and her brother 😆
The found family at Bulldog MMA is unmatched and they show up for Coach in a major way that had heart melting. I will be over here not so patiently waiting for Max and Lucy to get books!
Thank you so much to Nikki and her team for the opportunity to read this one early.
I feel like 4th Degree was a test for the Jax fans. I was grinning like an idiot at the first mention of him in Chapter One and would have been happy with an entire book of training and fight scenes. Nikki lulled me into a false sense of complacency with my rankings firmly in place, and then had the audacity to introduce Coach Dominic Caruso! He is the only man who has ever gotten close to making me question my loyalty to Jax. Coach really shows the same level of care and confidence that is perfect for Skylar.
An age gap of over ten years in a contemporary romance is sometimes hard for me to get fully on board with. I think it mostly comes down to an imbalance of power, but I did not feel that at all in this book. Skylar has been a caregiver for most of her life and doesn’t feel like she fits in with her peers. She is mature beyond her nineteen years. Joining the gym gives her an escape from her responsibilities and I love how it becomes her refuge. It made me want good things for Skylar and I cannot imagine anything better than Coach Dominic. SO MUCH SWOON 🫠
The tension that builds between these two is absolutely delicious. The evolution of their relationship from coach and student to something “more” feels organic and real. And when it they finally give into it… 😮💨 There is some push and pull because of the age difference, and I don’t want to give anything away, but I love everything about the way it is handled.
The gym and fight scenes are always my favorite in this series. The amount of them in this book made my heart ridiculously happy. Skylar is new to training, so we see that aspect as well as the professional coach’s POV from Dominic. Her excitement for the sport reminded me of watching the first UFC match with my brother. We practiced moves on each other just like Skylar and her brother 😆
The found family at Bulldog MMA is unmatched and they show up for Coach in a major way that had heart melting. I will be over here not so patiently waiting for Max and Lucy to get books!
Thank you so much to Nikki and her team for the opportunity to read this one early.
May 2, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶🌶
You're going to see a million reviews for this one so I'll keep it short and sweet.
Coach was justtttttt as delicious as I expected. Although he seems like a bit of a hard ass in his brief encounters in the other books he's got a big Ole teddy bear side hiding under there. I absolutely loved his character. And his dirty talk was 😮💨😮💨😮💨😮💨😮💨 plus they like to play into the coach/student thing and you all know that's my kryptonite.
I did enjoy Skylar as well. She was a good mix of what we've seen from prior FMCs and I love how she nestled her way into their little found family.
There were also some great moments with our prior fav characters. You see a good bit of Tristan and some comic relief from Aiden of course!
All in all solid addition to the series. Coach def ranks toward the top of my favorite Fight Game MMCs idk if he fulllyyyyyy took top spot but he's close 😏
Read if you like:
- MMA Romance
- Coach/Athlete
- Age Gap
- Forbidden
- Found Family
- "Teach Me"
- "Yes Coach"
🌶🌶🌶
You're going to see a million reviews for this one so I'll keep it short and sweet.
Coach was justtttttt as delicious as I expected. Although he seems like a bit of a hard ass in his brief encounters in the other books he's got a big Ole teddy bear side hiding under there. I absolutely loved his character. And his dirty talk was 😮💨😮💨😮💨😮💨😮💨 plus they like to play into the coach/student thing and you all know that's my kryptonite.
I did enjoy Skylar as well. She was a good mix of what we've seen from prior FMCs and I love how she nestled her way into their little found family.
There were also some great moments with our prior fav characters. You see a good bit of Tristan and some comic relief from Aiden of course!
All in all solid addition to the series. Coach def ranks toward the top of my favorite Fight Game MMCs idk if he fulllyyyyyy took top spot but he's close 😏
Read if you like:
- MMA Romance
- Coach/Athlete
- Age Gap
- Forbidden
- Found Family
- "Teach Me"
- "Yes Coach"
May 3, 2024
This series has me in a chokehold! Pun intended 😏 but seriously, from the beginning I have been obsessed with this whole found family. Getting to see all these fighters get their happy ever after just makes me giddy. Now it was time for their coach and it was better than I expected 🥵 if we are being honest, I pictured Coach in his 50’s, just bossing the guys around with dad vibes. WOW was I wrong!!!!! Coach is 🔥 and Skylar is the perfect match to him. They just fit so well together. Their roles of teaching and learning fit smoothly to where it’s almost like they are a puzzle that’s finally complete. They way their drama was written was really realistic. I loved how instead of trying to fix everything for Skylar, he supported her through it.
ARC review. Opinions are my own.
April 29, 2024
4.5⭐️
4th Degree is the 5th book in the Fight Game series, and I loved this book so much! The chemistry and angst between Coach and Skylar was so good. I loved how they feel for each other and just couldn’t hide their feelings anymore it was just so damn good.
4th Degree is the 5th book in the Fight Game series, and I loved this book so much! The chemistry and angst between Coach and Skylar was so good. I loved how they feel for each other and just couldn’t hide their feelings anymore it was just so damn good.
November 22, 2025
Nikki Castle you queen and your amazing series is in my blood!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was everything that I ever wanted,and now when I have finished her I don't know what to do with myself 😭😭Dom and Skylar was the epitome of the best couple ever.
Skylar Vega life is not pink,forced to grow up early,and to take care for her family,her life is constant chaos.
But when finally she decided to do something for herself and to sign up for the MMA gym she was not ready for the enigma Dominic Caruso.
Daddy Dom 🤭 is the epitome of professionalism,being fighter and couch he always was putting partition between himself and his students.
But one look one Skylar he was soo fascinated by her joy and interes with the MMA world.
With every post-class chats between them started to last into the night, that boundaries started to blur, leading them to start relationships forced to be behind the closed doors.
Skylar have so many responsibilities,but no matter how young she is,she have this maturity and strength to handle everything that comes in her way.
Dom is the sweetest man ever, wanting always to be with her and to know more about her🥹
But that don't need to fool you because, he is the most dirtiest talking person, who will make a nun to blush lol🤭🤭this man get me one fire, trough the whole book with his spicy mouth 🫠
But will Dominic risk his reputation in the name of the love,and will Skylar be able to balance her family dynamic with her love life!??
To get the answers for this questions, you there need to read the book asap!!🤭💚
Thanks again Nikki for the opportunity to receive this ARC 🙏
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was everything that I ever wanted,and now when I have finished her I don't know what to do with myself 😭😭Dom and Skylar was the epitome of the best couple ever.
Skylar Vega life is not pink,forced to grow up early,and to take care for her family,her life is constant chaos.
But when finally she decided to do something for herself and to sign up for the MMA gym she was not ready for the enigma Dominic Caruso.
Daddy Dom 🤭 is the epitome of professionalism,being fighter and couch he always was putting partition between himself and his students.
But one look one Skylar he was soo fascinated by her joy and interes with the MMA world.
With every post-class chats between them started to last into the night, that boundaries started to blur, leading them to start relationships forced to be behind the closed doors.
Skylar have so many responsibilities,but no matter how young she is,she have this maturity and strength to handle everything that comes in her way.
Dom is the sweetest man ever, wanting always to be with her and to know more about her🥹
But that don't need to fool you because, he is the most dirtiest talking person, who will make a nun to blush lol🤭🤭this man get me one fire, trough the whole book with his spicy mouth 🫠
But will Dominic risk his reputation in the name of the love,and will Skylar be able to balance her family dynamic with her love life!??
To get the answers for this questions, you there need to read the book asap!!🤭💚
Thanks again Nikki for the opportunity to receive this ARC 🙏
May 18, 2024
There's always a new excitement when a Nikki Castle book is released. Every novel overcome the last book. Dominic and Skylar had a wonderful age gap story. They both were not just fighters on the mat, they were real life fighters. Skylar was a fine young women with a need to help her family, letting her own personal life aside. I loved that Dominic gave her a chance to breath and to live the life she should. This book was somehow a life lesson for readers, you need to think about ourselves too and breath for a while. Beautiful love story between Dom and Skylar. Imense chimestry between them. 🤼🩺❤️🥵
May 3, 2024
These characters might as well be a part of my family...
🌟 4.25/5
🛑 Look at the author's trigger warning!!!
‼️ While this book could be read as a standalone, this is book 5 of the Fight Game series.
ℙ𝕆𝕍: first person, dual perspectives
𝕊𝕦𝕞𝕞𝕒𝕣𝕪:
Forced to grow up too soon, Skylar has built her entire life around taking care of her family. But when she catches her first lucky break, she’s finally able to pick up the sport that has always intrigued her. Signing up at the local MMA gym is where she meets Coach Dominic.
Because everything in Dominic’s life is based on his reputation as a coach and fighter, he’s always kept a professional boundary between himself and his students. But when Skylar impresses him in the gym, and their post-class chats start to last into the night, that boundary begins to blur. Before long, a relationship develops between them—that they’re forced to keep behind closed doors.
While Skylar struggles to balance her feelings for Dominic with taking care of her family, Dominic has to decide if he’s willing to risk everything for a chance at love. Will Dominic and Skylar let themselves find happiness with each other? Or is the cost of their relationship too high?
𝕄𝕪 𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤:
Nikki quickly became one of my favorite authors when I read her novella (we're still waiting for more of those characters 👀) a few years back. I frothed in jealousy because a couple of my close friends were on her ARC team, and I missed the deadline. Y'all can't believe how excited I was when Nikki opened up her team before this wonderful book's release, and I was accepted! Mind blown!🫶
Now for what you really want to hear about... Coach. We all know he's dreamy based off teasers shared on IG. Skylar added to this brought a blend of swoon and laughter. The two were on FIRE!🥵
Let me tell y'all, the spice was spicing! If you haven't figured it out yet, please follow Nikki on IG. I would be pretty clueless if she hadn't shared clips of some *ahem* fight scenes. The way I blushed!🤭
I loved how Nikki continued to bring in past characters. The feeling of family has always been strong with this series, but our beloved characters STEPPED UP for their Coach!🥺❤️
🌟 4.25/5
🛑 Look at the author's trigger warning!!!
‼️ While this book could be read as a standalone, this is book 5 of the Fight Game series.
ℙ𝕆𝕍: first person, dual perspectives
𝕊𝕦𝕞𝕞𝕒𝕣𝕪:
Forced to grow up too soon, Skylar has built her entire life around taking care of her family. But when she catches her first lucky break, she’s finally able to pick up the sport that has always intrigued her. Signing up at the local MMA gym is where she meets Coach Dominic.
Because everything in Dominic’s life is based on his reputation as a coach and fighter, he’s always kept a professional boundary between himself and his students. But when Skylar impresses him in the gym, and their post-class chats start to last into the night, that boundary begins to blur. Before long, a relationship develops between them—that they’re forced to keep behind closed doors.
While Skylar struggles to balance her feelings for Dominic with taking care of her family, Dominic has to decide if he’s willing to risk everything for a chance at love. Will Dominic and Skylar let themselves find happiness with each other? Or is the cost of their relationship too high?
𝕄𝕪 𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤:
Nikki quickly became one of my favorite authors when I read her novella (we're still waiting for more of those characters 👀) a few years back. I frothed in jealousy because a couple of my close friends were on her ARC team, and I missed the deadline. Y'all can't believe how excited I was when Nikki opened up her team before this wonderful book's release, and I was accepted! Mind blown!🫶
Now for what you really want to hear about... Coach. We all know he's dreamy based off teasers shared on IG. Skylar added to this brought a blend of swoon and laughter. The two were on FIRE!🥵
Let me tell y'all, the spice was spicing! If you haven't figured it out yet, please follow Nikki on IG. I would be pretty clueless if she hadn't shared clips of some *ahem* fight scenes. The way I blushed!🤭
I loved how Nikki continued to bring in past characters. The feeling of family has always been strong with this series, but our beloved characters STEPPED UP for their Coach!🥺❤️
June 7, 2025
This book was ok. It's not as good as 1 Last Shot or Revive Me though.
It's an age gap. He's 36. She's 19 going on 30.
Skylar lost her dad to cancer when she was very young. Two years later, her mom was diagnosed with Parkinson disease. She had to play the nurse, the mother to her younger brother and the bread winner at a very young age. She managed to juggle finances, keep her mom's health in check and graduate school. She was very mature for her own age.
Upon receiving governmental medical help for her mother, she was able to set aside money to enrol in an MMA fighting club. A dream of hers since she was young.
Dominic He's a retired accoladed MMA fighter, current coach and gym owner, divorced and currently single.
It was not insta lust or insta love but rather admiration from her part for his achievements and respect from his for her perseverance and resilience. Slowly, their relationship blooms into attraction, wanting physical release, seeking validation and eventually unconditional love.
They both fight it for so long because she thinks she would be bad for his reputation and his career whilst he thinks that she'd be mocked and socially ostracised.
After being rejected by Skylar for so long, Craig, a college classmate, sets out to reveal their relationship to the public hurting Dominic's reputation, thus leading to the third act breakup.
The way his students and friends at the gym stand up for him like true family was priceless.
All in all, it was a good book. A good story. Loveable characters but it just didn't hit the right spot for me.
Have to include as well, there was a very detailed ver specific Back Door Intrusion scene which I did not appreciate. The back door should be an exit only, never an entry. 🤷♀️
Anywhoooo, liked it but didn't love it.
It's an age gap. He's 36. She's 19 going on 30.
Skylar lost her dad to cancer when she was very young. Two years later, her mom was diagnosed with Parkinson disease. She had to play the nurse, the mother to her younger brother and the bread winner at a very young age. She managed to juggle finances, keep her mom's health in check and graduate school. She was very mature for her own age.
Upon receiving governmental medical help for her mother, she was able to set aside money to enrol in an MMA fighting club. A dream of hers since she was young.
Dominic He's a retired accoladed MMA fighter, current coach and gym owner, divorced and currently single.
It was not insta lust or insta love but rather admiration from her part for his achievements and respect from his for her perseverance and resilience. Slowly, their relationship blooms into attraction, wanting physical release, seeking validation and eventually unconditional love.
They both fight it for so long because she thinks she would be bad for his reputation and his career whilst he thinks that she'd be mocked and socially ostracised.
After being rejected by Skylar for so long, Craig, a college classmate, sets out to reveal their relationship to the public hurting Dominic's reputation, thus leading to the third act breakup.
The way his students and friends at the gym stand up for him like true family was priceless.
All in all, it was a good book. A good story. Loveable characters but it just didn't hit the right spot for me.
Have to include as well, there was a very detailed ver specific Back Door Intrusion scene which I did not appreciate. The back door should be an exit only, never an entry. 🤷♀️
Anywhoooo, liked it but didn't love it.
March 16, 2025
I am offically a Nikki Castle Stan. I just love her easy yet impactful stories and this one is currently sitting at my second fav in the series after Kane and Isabella’s story.
Skylar and Coachs story??? SLAYYY ME. I love an age gap. Throw in the forbidden aspect, I’m pretty much sold. Skylar was such a good FMC my heart ached for her childhood and as a mom I had a hard time understanding how her mother let the role reversal happen.
Coach my gosh this man!! What a solid MMC. Pretty strait laced but the dynamic between him and Skylar was perfect.
And the epilogue 🥲
Sports romance
Forbidden
Coach/student
Age gap
MMA
5/5⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
“You asked me once if what we had was worth the risk. There is no risk. Baby…you’re worth everything.”
Skylar and Coachs story??? SLAYYY ME. I love an age gap. Throw in the forbidden aspect, I’m pretty much sold. Skylar was such a good FMC my heart ached for her childhood and as a mom I had a hard time understanding how her mother let the role reversal happen.
Coach my gosh this man!! What a solid MMC. Pretty strait laced but the dynamic between him and Skylar was perfect.
And the epilogue 🥲
Sports romance
Forbidden
Coach/student
Age gap
MMA
5/5⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
“You asked me once if what we had was worth the risk. There is no risk. Baby…you’re worth everything.”
May 15, 2024
Skylar & Dom
4.5 ⭐️ I devoured this book. I couldn’t put this down!
I am surprised how much I loved coach. In past book I always pictured him as gruff and older but I was all in for him here. Yes sir. 🥵 The age gap teqcher/student can be icky but it wasn’t here. Skylar is truly amazing, her heart is just too big for her own good. She’s been taking care of others her entire life, and Dom sees it and he respects her for it but also wants to be there for her too.
They are both drawn to each other in a way that is impossible to ignore but also so sensitive and respectful of what the relationship could mean or cost each other.
Of course seeing all the gang again is a treat. Tristan and Aiden are there for him when he needs them like he’s been for them so many times in the past. I enjoyed this whole series so much so far.
4.5 ⭐️ I devoured this book. I couldn’t put this down!
I am surprised how much I loved coach. In past book I always pictured him as gruff and older but I was all in for him here. Yes sir. 🥵 The age gap teqcher/student can be icky but it wasn’t here. Skylar is truly amazing, her heart is just too big for her own good. She’s been taking care of others her entire life, and Dom sees it and he respects her for it but also wants to be there for her too.
They are both drawn to each other in a way that is impossible to ignore but also so sensitive and respectful of what the relationship could mean or cost each other.
Of course seeing all the gang again is a treat. Tristan and Aiden are there for him when he needs them like he’s been for them so many times in the past. I enjoyed this whole series so much so far.
July 17, 2024
2 stars
not me realizing that this was the fifth book in the series almost halfway through. i think this may have played a role in why i rated it quite low. however, i do still think the storyline was meh. literally no plot. the ending was rushed in the parts we didn’t need it to be rushed and then the parts i did not care about were dragged on and on…
it was just giving mediocre. i think i still enjoyed the read. but i was hoping for better after all the good reviews :(
ugh but i am trying so hard to get out of my reading slump and NOTHING is working.
not me realizing that this was the fifth book in the series almost halfway through. i think this may have played a role in why i rated it quite low. however, i do still think the storyline was meh. literally no plot. the ending was rushed in the parts we didn’t need it to be rushed and then the parts i did not care about were dragged on and on…
it was just giving mediocre. i think i still enjoyed the read. but i was hoping for better after all the good reviews :(
ugh but i am trying so hard to get out of my reading slump and NOTHING is working.
June 19, 2025
**adding ALC review**
These narrators did AMAZING 😍 Honestly I couldn’t imagine a better fit for these characters! It was so fun listening to this story be brought to life through duet narration. And don’t get me started on the final conflict—I CRIED all over again!! These stories are so damn special and I feel so lucky to be part of this team. I cannot express my love and appreciation for Nikki’s writing any more, please just believe me when I tell you that you need these books in your life. 🤍
____________
Age gap, forbidden romance, “fuck it,” and a coach/student relationship? What more could a girl ask for? Nikki Castle 👏🏼delivers👏🏼 as always in this recent addition to the Fight Game series. Dominic and Skylar are both incredible characters that I can’t wait for you all to meet!
I will be honest, I felt like I was sitting around 4-4.5 stars through most of the book because I didn’t quite have the same OMG THEY’RE PERFECT moments that I felt with the last three books. Once I hit the 70% mark, I was ALL. IN. If I had to pick *only one thing* that Nikki has captured so beautifully, it’s the found family aspect in this gym. I was a MESS when we hit the final conflict. 😂 But even before then I was emotional through so many parts of this book, mostly in Skylar’s chapters. The ability to make someone care so deeply about fictional characters is an ability I wish I possessed.
I would also like to say, for those who know I’ve still been salty over Tristan’s character because he was such an asshole at the beginning, I HAVE FOUND FORGIVENESS IN MY HEART. 😂🩵 So if that doesn’t tell you enough about how much I loved this book and these characters, I don’t know what will. 😂
How soon is too soon to reread this entire series again? Asking for a friend.
Thank you @nikkicastleromance for having me on your arc team. 🩵
These narrators did AMAZING 😍 Honestly I couldn’t imagine a better fit for these characters! It was so fun listening to this story be brought to life through duet narration. And don’t get me started on the final conflict—I CRIED all over again!! These stories are so damn special and I feel so lucky to be part of this team. I cannot express my love and appreciation for Nikki’s writing any more, please just believe me when I tell you that you need these books in your life. 🤍
____________
Age gap, forbidden romance, “fuck it,” and a coach/student relationship? What more could a girl ask for? Nikki Castle 👏🏼delivers👏🏼 as always in this recent addition to the Fight Game series. Dominic and Skylar are both incredible characters that I can’t wait for you all to meet!
I will be honest, I felt like I was sitting around 4-4.5 stars through most of the book because I didn’t quite have the same OMG THEY’RE PERFECT moments that I felt with the last three books. Once I hit the 70% mark, I was ALL. IN. If I had to pick *only one thing* that Nikki has captured so beautifully, it’s the found family aspect in this gym. I was a MESS when we hit the final conflict. 😂 But even before then I was emotional through so many parts of this book, mostly in Skylar’s chapters. The ability to make someone care so deeply about fictional characters is an ability I wish I possessed.
I would also like to say, for those who know I’ve still been salty over Tristan’s character because he was such an asshole at the beginning, I HAVE FOUND FORGIVENESS IN MY HEART. 😂🩵 So if that doesn’t tell you enough about how much I loved this book and these characters, I don’t know what will. 😂
How soon is too soon to reread this entire series again? Asking for a friend.
Thank you @nikkicastleromance for having me on your arc team. 🩵
June 20, 2025
4/20/24: Reading a Nikki Castle book is an out of body experience for me, unputdownable, so well written, fun MMA lingo and great found family in each one. There is just something special about the tension between a forbidden coach/student relationship — the heated sparring on a mat, hiding budding feelings, and the age gap power imbalance. The age gap trope can be hit or miss for me but this worked so well because our young FMC, Skylar is essentially more mature and has more life experience than a lot of 30 year olds with of all she has been through. And both have guilt associated with feeling this way toward the other… I loved watching Skylar go from being a caretaker and struggling to find time to take care of herself to realizing her worth and the need to set aside that time for her to follow her own dreams. Coach Dominic is a quiet and solid presence that teaches her how to do just that. The third act conflict felt realistic and I adored the epilogue. Watching their love unfold little by little was so so beautiful!
6/20/25 audiobook reread: Ahhh these narrators are absolutely perfect for Coach & Skylar’s characters! The spicy scenes and Coach calling her baby had me absolutely MELTINGGGG🫠🫠🫠 The found family in this series is unmatched, cried AGAIN when the whole crew stands up for Coach’s honor…love them so much!
6/20/25 audiobook reread: Ahhh these narrators are absolutely perfect for Coach & Skylar’s characters! The spicy scenes and Coach calling her baby had me absolutely MELTINGGGG🫠🫠🫠 The found family in this series is unmatched, cried AGAIN when the whole crew stands up for Coach’s honor…love them so much!
July 4, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
June 2025
(Audiobook reread)
Stella Bloom and Sean Masters narrating
This book on audio hit harder than it did reading it with my eyeballs! Stella was a great choice for Skyler, and Sean Masters narrating for Coach was perfection!! They both did a phenomenal job portraying the emotion these characters go through, and their performances left me wanting to listen to “just one more” chapter over and over until it was over. Once I started listening I didn’t want to stop! Great narration for an already great story!! 👏🏻
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nikki did it again.
I love this man!
I’ll have to sit and think about where he falls in the list of my favorite Fight Game MMCs, he didn’t dethrone Kane, but he’s up there at the top.
This book was great! Coach and Sky are hottttt! I highlighted a TON of spicy scenes, and this book made me cry too. (Though not as much as 1LS or 2F.)
I can’t wait for everyone to get to read it!!
June 2025
(Audiobook reread)
Stella Bloom and Sean Masters narrating
This book on audio hit harder than it did reading it with my eyeballs! Stella was a great choice for Skyler, and Sean Masters narrating for Coach was perfection!! They both did a phenomenal job portraying the emotion these characters go through, and their performances left me wanting to listen to “just one more” chapter over and over until it was over. Once I started listening I didn’t want to stop! Great narration for an already great story!! 👏🏻
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nikki did it again.
I love this man!
I’ll have to sit and think about where he falls in the list of my favorite Fight Game MMCs, he didn’t dethrone Kane, but he’s up there at the top.
This book was great! Coach and Sky are hottttt! I highlighted a TON of spicy scenes, and this book made me cry too. (Though not as much as 1LS or 2F.)
I can’t wait for everyone to get to read it!!
July 3, 2025
2nd read via Audiobook July 2nd, 2025
1st read via eBook February 1st, 2025
******
OMG, the audiobook is here (and in duet)! It was perfection! 😍
******
I read this in February, and it quickly became my favorite book in The Fight Game series. What can I say?! I love a great age-gap romance, and this one delivers in spades. Plus, the chemistry between Skylar and Dom? Whew, get yourself a fan or BOB (or both!). I love Skylar's strength. She does not act her young age because she was forced to grow up. And Dom did not expect to fall for Skylar. At. All. That's part of what makes this a great love story. They draw strength figuratively and literally from one another. And, of course, you gotta love the MMA family in this series. Seeing the gang again makes me so happy!
1st read via eBook February 1st, 2025
******
OMG, the audiobook is here (and in duet)! It was perfection! 😍
******
I read this in February, and it quickly became my favorite book in The Fight Game series. What can I say?! I love a great age-gap romance, and this one delivers in spades. Plus, the chemistry between Skylar and Dom? Whew, get yourself a fan or BOB (or both!). I love Skylar's strength. She does not act her young age because she was forced to grow up. And Dom did not expect to fall for Skylar. At. All. That's part of what makes this a great love story. They draw strength figuratively and literally from one another. And, of course, you gotta love the MMA family in this series. Seeing the gang again makes me so happy!
May 1, 2024
Skylar is a young, new student to the world of MMA, and he's her much older Coach. She is attracted to his patience, confidence, assuredness and his strong arms, broad chest and washboard abs. Dominic is attracted to her drive, her thirst for knowledge and how committed she is to taking care of her family, and the way she says, "yes sir" and "yes Coach".
"His eyes... and his expression... it's like he wants to burn. me. up. Like he's holding himself back with a fraying thread of control. Like he wants nothing more than to give in to this heat and let it incinerate us."
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
How many ways can I say, "so good"? I legit went to powerthesaurus.com and looked up all the different ways to say it.
When we were first introduced to Coach back in book 1 of the Fight Game Series (5
Rounds), I'm not gonna lie, I was picturing a 60-year-old grizzled dude, not a fucking hot, ripped 36-year-old man. It wasn't until he was working with Kane in 1 Last Shot did I really start to look at him differently. Man. I want to reread the series again because I feel like I was missing out on some primo Coach moments assuming he was much, much older.
This is a 17-year age gap (she's 19, he's 36) but you never get an ick feeling. Skylar is so mature for her age, she has overcome so much adversity in her young life from losing her father at a young age, and then having to care for her ill mother and little brother.
Their pull to each other is almost instantaneous, but they resist temptation for as long as they can, until we get our "fuck it" moment.
This was so well done, it fit in perfectly with the series and despite all the ways it could go wrong, there are no miscommunications between our two MC's, they are both just trying to be there for the other in any way they can. But also... so hot.
There's a moment in the third act that was such a gut-wrenching violation that happens to them as a couple that made me sick to my stomach, but the love and support that they receive was so beautiful.
"Teach me'. I straighten and take her lips in a heated kiss. She opens for me instantly, like the good student she is.
*E-ARC Review*
"His eyes... and his expression... it's like he wants to burn. me. up. Like he's holding himself back with a fraying thread of control. Like he wants nothing more than to give in to this heat and let it incinerate us."
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
How many ways can I say, "so good"? I legit went to powerthesaurus.com and looked up all the different ways to say it.
When we were first introduced to Coach back in book 1 of the Fight Game Series (5
Rounds), I'm not gonna lie, I was picturing a 60-year-old grizzled dude, not a fucking hot, ripped 36-year-old man. It wasn't until he was working with Kane in 1 Last Shot did I really start to look at him differently. Man. I want to reread the series again because I feel like I was missing out on some primo Coach moments assuming he was much, much older.
This is a 17-year age gap (she's 19, he's 36) but you never get an ick feeling. Skylar is so mature for her age, she has overcome so much adversity in her young life from losing her father at a young age, and then having to care for her ill mother and little brother.
Their pull to each other is almost instantaneous, but they resist temptation for as long as they can, until we get our "fuck it" moment.
This was so well done, it fit in perfectly with the series and despite all the ways it could go wrong, there are no miscommunications between our two MC's, they are both just trying to be there for the other in any way they can. But also... so hot.
There's a moment in the third act that was such a gut-wrenching violation that happens to them as a couple that made me sick to my stomach, but the love and support that they receive was so beautiful.
"Teach me'. I straighten and take her lips in a heated kiss. She opens for me instantly, like the good student she is.
*E-ARC Review*
April 22, 2024
*ARC REVIEW*
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 Stars
“Fuck, Skylar,” he murmurs under his breath. When his eyes meet mine, there’s still heat simmering in them as he says, “I’m already looking forward to tasting every inch of your body. You’re an addiction.”
This was an exceptional book. I adored the storyline; the connection, the forbidden Coach/Student element, the age gao and also the tender love shared. I think this is my new favourite amongst 'The Fight Game' series, making it and a pleasure to read. While this book is within a series, I feel that it can also be read as a standalone. So if you're new to Nikki's work, you will enjoy this one.
I met Skylar in the previous book and now that I know her story, I adore her. She's such an incredible character; a fighter in her personal life and on the mat. She's selfless, has a tough life and she's tired. Now that she has some time in her schedule she joins an MMA gym and makes some new friends. She also meets Coach Domenic and hes a delight and also an icon for her.
Gah!! Coach Domenic was such a gorgeous man. A character who has flown under the radar this entire series and WOW was he a treat to know. A true professional in his field, the owner of the gym and a coach and mentor to all his students. He is hot AF with his ripped body, gorgeous dark locks and light eyes. He gets to know all his students, but Skylar was different somehow. He's captivated by her strength, hard work and happy when shes around. Soon he wants to be in her orbit to spend time with her, then he starts thinking about her in ways he should and the angst starts.
I was touched by Skylar and her story. I even shed a few tears when she opened up, i really connected with her. I'm so glad she got to know Domenic because he was just what she needed. He was patient, tender, friendly, a safe space for her. They supported each other, enjoyed each other's company and were also compatible in other ways. They were hot and steamy together and once Domenic opened his mouth, holy mamma....melt your panties hot!!!
Shared POV, loved everything about it and highly recommend it!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 Stars
“Fuck, Skylar,” he murmurs under his breath. When his eyes meet mine, there’s still heat simmering in them as he says, “I’m already looking forward to tasting every inch of your body. You’re an addiction.”
This was an exceptional book. I adored the storyline; the connection, the forbidden Coach/Student element, the age gao and also the tender love shared. I think this is my new favourite amongst 'The Fight Game' series, making it and a pleasure to read. While this book is within a series, I feel that it can also be read as a standalone. So if you're new to Nikki's work, you will enjoy this one.
I met Skylar in the previous book and now that I know her story, I adore her. She's such an incredible character; a fighter in her personal life and on the mat. She's selfless, has a tough life and she's tired. Now that she has some time in her schedule she joins an MMA gym and makes some new friends. She also meets Coach Domenic and hes a delight and also an icon for her.
Gah!! Coach Domenic was such a gorgeous man. A character who has flown under the radar this entire series and WOW was he a treat to know. A true professional in his field, the owner of the gym and a coach and mentor to all his students. He is hot AF with his ripped body, gorgeous dark locks and light eyes. He gets to know all his students, but Skylar was different somehow. He's captivated by her strength, hard work and happy when shes around. Soon he wants to be in her orbit to spend time with her, then he starts thinking about her in ways he should and the angst starts.
I was touched by Skylar and her story. I even shed a few tears when she opened up, i really connected with her. I'm so glad she got to know Domenic because he was just what she needed. He was patient, tender, friendly, a safe space for her. They supported each other, enjoyed each other's company and were also compatible in other ways. They were hot and steamy together and once Domenic opened his mouth, holy mamma....melt your panties hot!!!
Shared POV, loved everything about it and highly recommend it!
May 27, 2024
Those sparring mats probably don't clean that easy right? 🤨 if you can catch ringworm you can catch an STD cause I'm telling you right now their main focus wasn't on cleaning those mats after what they did on it... counltess times 😐.
I like a simp boi okay and this book delivered.
Overall the book had a super fun plot 🤠 I thoroughly enjoyed it ✌️.
I like a simp boi okay and this book delivered.
Overall the book had a super fun plot 🤠 I thoroughly enjoyed it ✌️.
April 28, 2024
The Fight Game is one of my favorite series! 4th Degree follows Skylar, a college student, as she joins the bulldog gym and falls for Coach Dominic who is 17 years older than her. Nikki once again nails the sexual tension and the spice is impeccable. Coach and Skylar have great chemistry and once they give in, phew 😮💨 I read this in a day and a half - it’s a quick, fun and deliciously spicy read. 🥵
I felt like Sky’s backstory was a little too sad, and I wasn’t a fan of the third act drama; it felt out of place and I didn’t really buy it (purposely vague so not to spoil).
Big age gaps with a young FMC is not typically a trope I go for but Nikki did a good job of making me enjoy this one! Tristan and Kane remain unseated as my fave books and MMCs of the series but I mean, who can beat them?!
Thank you to Nikki for the advanced copy!
I felt like Sky’s backstory was a little too sad, and I wasn’t a fan of the third act drama; it felt out of place and I didn’t really buy it (purposely vague so not to spoil).
Big age gaps with a young FMC is not typically a trope I go for but Nikki did a good job of making me enjoy this one! Tristan and Kane remain unseated as my fave books and MMCs of the series but I mean, who can beat them?!
Thank you to Nikki for the advanced copy!
May 5, 2024
sooo freaking good. I love, love, love this book. Skylar & Dominic share the top spot with Remy & Tristan as my fav fight game couple. 💚💚
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