The Games We Win

Braysen U #0.5

by Brooke O'Brien

A close proximity sports romance by Brooke O'Brien about a woman who's spent her life playing it safe and her brother's ex-teammate who risks it all for the chance to spend a week with her.

I've been told to stay away from football players my whole life. Dating one was out of the question. That's what happens when your brother warns his teammates you're off-limits.

It wasn't just him—my parents controlled every move I made throughout high school. Now, with graduation behind me, the life I've been planning with my best friend is finally coming together.

✓ Get accepted to Braysen University
✓ Join the Bulldogs Dance Team
✓ Find an apartment
✓ Soak up every ounce of freedom

Everything was going perfectly until I arrived to pick up our new apartment keys and discovered water damage made it temporarily uninhabitable. My brother, Alec, would offer me his couch, I’m sure, but that's not an option I’m willing to consider.

I want to prove to myself I can handle this on my own. So when Colter Vaughn, the football team captain and Alec’s former teammate, suggests I stay with him, I happily agree.

Except he failed to mention one small detail—the room he’s offering is his.

I've spent my life playing it safe. If keeping this secret means I get to share a bed with Colter, it's a risk I’m willing to take.

___________________________________________

TROPES:
College Football
Close Proximity
Brother's Ex-Teammate
Only One Bed
He Falls First
Small Town
Interconnected Standalone Prequel
___________________________________________

The Games We Win is a prequel in the Braysen U series: a series of interconnected standalones following the football players of Braysen University and the women who can't help but fall for them. The Games We Win is a prequel novella to the Braysen U series. While each book in the series can be enjoyed on its own, it's strongly recommended to read The Games We Win as a companion novella to The Rivals We Hate, as their storylines are intertwined.

Genres: Sports, Football, Romance, Novella, Contemporary, College, Sports Romance

160 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 4, 2024

About the author

Click the FOLLOW AUTHOR button to be notified of Brooke's new releases!

USA Today Bestselling author Brooke O'Brien writes steamy and swoon-worthy new adult romances. She's best known for her sports and rock star romances.

Brooke believes a love worth having is worth fighting for, and she brings this into her stories where her characters risk it all for love.

When she isn't writing or falling in love with a new book boyfriend, you can find her spending time with her family, cheering on her favorite sports teams, listening to ASMR, or binge-watching the latest true crime documentary. She loves rockin' a comfy hoodie with leggings and believes the best days include a good nap.

If you're new to Brooke and are wondering where to start, visit authorbrookeobrien.com/booksbybrooke and download the reading order guide.

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Reviews

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALC REVIEW

I love this series and I am so happy we finally get the audio for The Games We Win! 🎤Lee Samuels & Stefanie Kay🎤 have once again performed fabulously together and have made my audio loving heart explode with happiness!

This is a short novella that most of you probably read a couple of years ago when it first came out but I didn’t catch up with this series until mid last year and from my experience of reading “out of order”, I have to advice all of you not to do that lol. You will get the best experience out of this group if you begin with this story and lucky for you, the audio is out now so no matter your preferred format, it’s available! #winning

The one aspect of this story that is a standout for me is that even though the story leans towards “insta”, it doesn’t really feel that way. Yes, it’s short and the timeline is short, but it doesn’t give off that vibe. There’s growth and development that is clear in the story. I love that Colter (our MMC) fell hard first but Ava (our FMC) didn’t and needed time and Brooke somehow managed to write that really well in this short story! I shouldn’t really be surprised because if it’s one thing I’ve learned from reading and catching-up to Brooke O’Brien’s backlist is that she is quite the word wizard and delivers well!

This is a perfect little introduction to Braysen U that is now available in all formats! Go forth and enjoy!

[Maggie | MagReadsBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun little foray into Braysen U! I only wish I had been able to read this before the series started, but I loved it nonetheless.

I had a friend who went on a first date with her now husband, which started as coffee, that took so long it became dinner, and they still weren't ready to say goodbye so they went for ice cream. This book gave me the same heart feels as I did that day when she called me on her way home! These two were just magnetized to each other from the moment they met.

I loved how even though it was insta-lust, it wasn't the immediate 'oh she's it for me now' moment. While it did move fast because of their proximity, Colter still gave Ava space to figure herself out and move a bit slower. She was anxious to get things moving for sure, but the pace felt natural and I liked how respectful they were of each other.

Overall, super cute, super fun novella to kick off a favorite series of mine!

[Devonne Hahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 Stars

I know this is a prequel novella to the Braysen U series but these two characters are just adorable and I would have loved for an extended novel of them but overall, a great quick read of instalove between a hunky football player and the dancer he's become obsessed with. <3 To see more of these 2, make sure to read the series because it is a wonderful series! I cannot wait for the next book in the series to release in the fall :)

[Marsha Graniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Games We Win is a novella of college football with roommate vibes and instant attraction. This is Colter and Ava’s story filled with brother’s ex teammate and unexpected feelings. Ava is moving into her new apartment when an unexpected maintenance problem left her without a place for a week. In comes Colter willing to help and offer her a place to stay. I love how close they become and their attraction to each other becomes more than they can handle. I really enjoyed the audiobook and Stefanie Kay and Lee Samuels did an amazing job!! I love how they brought the characters to life and gave me all the feels. I really enjoyed their story and can’t wait to read more.

I voluntarily leave my honest thoughts about this gifted advance listeners copy.

[Marisela M. Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colter and Ava story was absolutely amazing. The chemistry was off the charts. You see it from the moment they first met. I just enjoyed this story so much. And can’t wait to continue with this series. 💙

[Hayley Gallant · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5

This was such a good prequel novella and it made me want to pick up book one right away!

It had everything you need, sports romance, amazing spicy scenes, some forbidden love, and a confident MMC who doesn't give up.

I also loved that I could devour it in a couple of hours!

You get:
• Novella
• Spicy
• Dual POV
• He Takes Care Of Her
• Forced Proximity
• Sports Romance (Football)
• Forbidden Love

I highly recommend this one and the rest of the series! Pick it up on Amazon.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

the romance was way too fast, especially with this as a slow burn. I also felt like the characters were moving too fast and never had any emotion besides attraction to each other. I didn’t really feel for either of them. There also was not really any plot or stakes.

[Char (1RadReader59) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Braysen College Bulldogs football team, was upset when it lost most of its starting lineup to graduation and rival teams. Colter Vaughn was made captain of the Bulldogs. It was an honor for sure, he’s worked his tail off, so it’s nice to be noticed. He knows his dad, would have been proud. Now he has to bring his team together to make them champions again. Leaving the coach's office Hayes is waiting for him. They are all supposed to go to Sugar Bottom. Hayes seems so much more settled compared to last year.

You see he is a twin, and his brother, Beckham, had friends on the Hockey team he was tight with, and wanted to hang with them. As soon as he found out, he was not getting the playing time he was looking, for he transferred to Braysen. And since they were losing Ford when he graduated, that left Alec Watson and him. But, the minute Alec heard he was coming he bailed and went to their rival school. He was now a trader, not a teammate who had lied to his face. They were walking down the hall past the training rooms near the practice facilities.

A group of girls stood in the hallway near one of the gyms. He recognized a couple of them from the dance team last year. By the way they were running through their routine while the others looked on, he was going to guess that they were new to the team. The one facing away from him, every time it sways, he catches a glimpse of a name and number on the back of her shirt that he thought he’d never see again in Braysen colors. Every time her hips move as she runs through the dance, the way her body moves entrances him.

Mandy yells out to Hayes about a party and that’s when she stops and turns her eye line of sight to him. The way her smile lights up her face, accentuating her strikingly blue eyes, catches him off guard. A voice in his head told him she’d be beautiful even before she turned around, but it still didn’t prepare him for her stunning appearance. His mind circles back to the name printed on her shirt, and he blurts out the words on the tip of his tongue before he can think better of it. “Hate to break it to ya, sweetheart, but Watson doesn’t play for Braysen anymore.

If you want a jersey to wear, though, I’ll give you one of mine.” he chuckles. “Might as well toss that one out while we’re at it.” Her mouth falls open before she quickly snaps it shut. She drags her teeth over her plump lower lip, appearing to stifle her smirk. She tilts her head to the side, boring her gaze into me. “I’ll be sure to let my brother know you think his jersey belongs in the trash.” She crosses her arms, popping her hip like an exclamation point to the end of her retort. “You walked right into that one.”

Hayes chuckles next to me, but I don’t bother breaking eye contact with her as he winks at her watching the fiery look on her face melt away. He had driven to practice that morning after picking up a few overtime hours. He’s been working for a local moving company. It kept him active, and the money was nice. It pained him not to take advantage of the extra hours with all the new students swarming back to campus. At this point, with the sun gone on the distant horizon, most of the locals ditched the beach, leaving Sugar Bottom relatively empty for them.

Beckham and Hayes are unloading their coolers, and their other roommate, Reed, follows, lugging their chairs. Colter unloaded the two bonfire barrels they brought with them, full of tree limbs and cardboard leftovers from when Beckham and Hayes moved back to campus. One of his favorites by Luke Combs starts to play loudly. When he lights one of the matches and tosses it into the barrel, glancing up and locking eyes with the one person he hadn’t expected to see tonight. “Well, I changed.” “You did.” he nods. They kept their gazes locked. Flirting that night was intense.

“So the apartment won’t be ready for at least another week?” “I’m sorry. We uncovered a water leak after the previous tenant moved out, but we were never informed of it. There’s significant damage, which could cause mold. We have a crew coming out to start on the repairs on Monday. You should be able to get in by this time next weekend.” “Ava?” a gruff voice asks when she hits the sidewalk. Ava never caught his name the other night, but she’d recognize that voice anywhere. He chuckles. “I never got your name, but I’m going to guess you’re Ava Watson.”

He holds up his clipboard, and she spots her name printed along the top. Welcome to their meet-cute. Experience how Colter comes to Ava’s rescue, and they become close. See the adventure of a lifetime as Ava experiences her freshman year and Colter his sophomore year. Ava wants them to be a couple as much as Colter does, but communication becomes important. But an outsider tries to sidetrack them, and it gets tense, but Ava sticks up for herself.

[Laura Fabian · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review

I'd been wanting to read this series for years, and now I'm more certain than ever that I'll be reading more by Brooke O'Brien because I enjoyed listening to Colter & Ava falling in love SO MUCH. Even though it's a short story, I think the author gave this couple the perfect pacing, and I loved that it also serves as an introduction to the first book in Braysen U.

Colter won me over immediately. I really liked his flirtatious, cocky personality and the way he's always there to support Ava. I also appreciated that, even in just a few pages, the author gave me a clear idea of ​​who he is, his background, and his personal history. I also have to say that I really enjoyed reading about his relationships with the guys on his team, and I can't wait to read them all!

I liked Ava a lot too; I absolutely LOVED the way she confronts Colter in that first encounter and how she lets him know what she wants and expects from him. I enjoyed learning about her relationship with the rest of her family, especially with her brother Alec, because that made it so much more meaningful that she found in Colter the freedom she always wanted.

🎧Audiobook Review🎧

🏈Narrators: Stefanie Kay & Lee Samuels
🩵Dual narration
🏈Narration: 5/5

I loved this audiobook. I LOVED listening to Lee Samuels as Colter because he brought that attitude that made me fall in love with his character to life, especially in his first encounter with Ava. I also loved hearing how this narrator brought to life that protective side of Colter that always comes out when he's with Ava and in every interaction he has with his teammates.

Stefanie Kay truly brought Ava to life. Her narration made me love this character immediately. I loved hearing her strong, brave, and charming personality, especially in the moments when she confronts Colter and flirts with him as much as he flirts with her.

🏈Colter: 5/5
🏈Ava: 5/5
🏈plot: 4/5
🏈love story: 4.5/5
🏈secondary characters: 5/5
🏈cover: 5/5
🥵 2/5

ALC amablemente proporcionada a cambio de una reseña honesta

Llevaba años queriendo leer esta serie y ahora estoy más segura que antes de que estaré leyendo más de Brooke O'Brien porque disfruté mucho escuchando a Colter & Ava enamorándose, y a pesar de que es una historia corta creo que la autora le dio a esta pareja el ritmo perfecto y me encantó que sirva también como la introducción al primer libro en Braysen U.

Colter me enamoró de inmediato, me gustó mucho su personalidad coqueta, un poco engreída y la manera en la que siempre está ahí para poyar a Ava. Además me gustó mucho que aunque fueran pocas páginas, la autora me diera una idea clara de quien es él, de su contexto y de su historia personal. También tengo que decir que disfruté mucho leyendo su relación con los chicos de su equipo y me muero por leerlos!

Ava también me gustó mucho, AMÉ con locura la manera en la que enfrenta a Colter en ese primer encuentro y como le hace saber lo que quiere y espera de él, también disfruté mucho conociendo su relación con el resto de su familia, especialmente con su hermano Alec, porque eso hizo mucho más significativo el hecho de que encontrara en Colter la libertad que siempre quiso.

🎧Reseña del audiolibro🎧

🏈narradores: Stefanie Kay & Lee Samuels
🩵narración dual
🏈narración: 5/5

Este audiolibro me encantó, AMÉ escuchar a Lee Samuels como Colter porque me dio esa actitud que tanto me enamoró de su personaje, especialmente en el primer encuentro que tiene con Ava. También me encantó escuchar como este narrador le dio vida a esa parte protectora de Colter que siempre sale cuando está con Ava y en cada interacción que tiene con sus compañeros de equipo.

Stefanie Kay realmente le dio vida a Ava, su narración me hizo amar a este personaje de inmediato, me encantó escuchar la personalidad tan fuerte, valiente y encantadora, especialmente en los momentos en los que enfrenta a Colter y coquetea con él tanto como él con ella.

🏈Colter: 5/5
🏈Ava: 5/5
🏈trama: 4/5
🏈historia de amor: 4.5/5
🏈personajes secundarios: 5/5
🏈portada: 5/5
🥵 2/5

[Eleanor Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

🏈The Games We Win by Brooke O’Brien is the perfect kickoff to the Braysen U series—a quick, flirty, and addictive sports romance that had me smiling from start to finish.💙🏈
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🏈
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW 𝔸𝕃ℂ🎧

𝕋ℍ𝔼 𝔾𝔸𝕄𝔼𝕊 𝕎𝔼 𝕎𝕀ℕ 𝔹𝕆𝕊𝕋𝕆ℕ 𝕌
by Brooke O’Brien
Performed by Lee Samuels & Stephanie Kay


❀𝕋𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕚𝕤 𝔸𝕧𝕒 𝕒𝕟𝕕 ℂ𝕠𝕝𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕤𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕪 ❀


🏈 He Fell First… and Hard

When Ava Watson arrives at college ready to embrace her independence, the last thing she expects is for housing issues to leave her stranded… or for football captain Colter Vaughn to step in and offer help. What starts as a convenient solution quickly turns into undeniable chemistry.  

💙❀🏈❀💙


💙 Meet the Main Characters of The Games We Win 💙

❀💙❀


𝔸𝕍𝔸 𝕎𝔸𝕋𝕊𝕆ℕ ❀
An incoming freshman at Braysen University and a member of the Bulldogs Dance Team.
After years of being sheltered by her parents and protective older brother, Ava is determined to experience freedom and make her own choices.
She’s independent, determined, and a little stubborn when it comes to proving she can handle life on her own.  
Despite her sweet nature, she isn’t afraid to stand up for herself or challenge Colter when needed.

🏈

ℂ𝕆𝕃𝕋𝔼ℝ 𝕍𝔸𝕌𝔾ℍℕ 🏈
The captain of the Braysen University football team and Ava’s brother’s former teammate.
A classic “looks intimidating but is actually a sweetheart” hero—protective, loyal, patient, and completely devoted once he falls.  
Colter is known for putting Ava’s needs first and making her feel safe while encouraging her independence.
He falls first, falls hard, and never plays games when it comes to his feelings.  

Together
Ava and Colter have instant chemistry, playful banter, and a close-proximity romance that quickly turns sweet and steamy. Their relationship works so well because Colter gives Ava the support she needs to grow, while Ava brings light, confidence, and happiness into Colter’s life.  

🏈

But Ava is determined to prove she can stand on her own after years of being overprotected by her family, and I loved watching her grow into her confidence. Colter is the kind of hero romance readers adore—protective, patient, swoony, and completely gone for Ava from the moment he meets her. Their banter is sweet, their connection feels effortless, and the tension between them makes every interaction fun listening to.

𝔹𝕦𝕥 𝕃𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕟𝕟𝕟𝕟🎧
The audiobook experience is elevated by narrators Stefanie Kay and Lee Samuels, who bring Ava and Colter’s personalities to life beautifully. Their performances add extra emotion, charm, and chemistry to an already engaging romance.  These voice actors aren’t novices so you will get the best experience listening to them. It’s one immersive experience you don’t want to miss.

💙🏈💙

This novella may be short, but it delivers plenty of heart, steam, and football romance goodness. If you love college sports romance with a protective football captain, instant chemistry, and a heroine finding her independence, this is a fantastic introduction to the Braysen U world.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars
🎧 Audiobook Approved
❤️ Sweet, spicy, and impossible not to binge


Why you will love this book...
🏈College Sports Romance
💙Football Player Hero
🏈Brother’s Former Teammate
💙Close Proximity
🏈Forced Proximity
💙He Falls First
🏈Protective Hero
💙Insta-Attraction
🏈New Adult Romance
💙Only One Bed Vibes
🏈Found Independence Journey 🎧🏈💕


A close proximity sports romance by Brooke O'Brien about a woman who's spent her life playing it safe and her brother's ex-teammate who risks it all for the chance to spend a week with her.

𝚂𝚙𝚎𝚌𝚒𝚊𝚕 𝚂𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚃𝙰𝙰 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚃𝚎𝚊𝚖 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚎𝚡𝚌𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚎𝚖𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝙽𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚕𝚕𝚊!
𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚋𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚖𝚢 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚛𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜, 𝚞𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚕 𝚗𝚎𝚡𝚝 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎
𝙾𝚗𝚎𝙻𝚘𝚟𝚎💕 𝙾𝚗𝚎 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚊𝚝 𝚊 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎
🦋𝒢ℯℴ𝓇ℊ𝒾ℴ𝓊𝓈🦋✍︎☕︎

"𝒜𝓁𝓌𝒶𝓎𝓈 𝒮ℯ𝒶𝓇𝒸𝒽𝒾𝓃ℊ ℱℴ𝓇 ℳ𝓎 𝒩ℯ𝓍𝓉
𝒰𝓃𝒻ℴ𝓇ℊℯ𝓉𝓉𝒶𝒷𝓁ℯ 𝒜𝓊𝒹𝒾ℴ𝒷ℴℴ𝓀"🎧📚

#audiobooklover #footballromance

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Games We Win by Brooke O'Brien is an absolutely amazing, fast-paced prequel to the Brayson U series that I just could not put down! This short, gripping close-proximity sports romance centers around Ava, a girl who has spent her entire life playing it safe and under the strict control of her parents. To top it off, she has been explicitly warned her whole life to stay away from football players—especially since her brother, Alec, made sure to tell all his teammates that she was strictly off-limits. Now, with high school graduation behind her, Ava is ready to embrace her freedom, attend Braysen University, join the Bulldogs dance team, and move into an apartment with her best friend.

Everything is going perfectly until Ava arrives to pick up her keys and discovers the apartment has severe water damage and is temporarily uninhabitable. Refusing to run to her brother's couch because she wants to prove her independence, she runs into Colter Vaughn. He is the football team captain, her brother’s former teammate and rival, and the ultimate forbidden fruit. When Colter risks it all and offers her a place to stay for the week while her apartment is being repaired, Ava happily agrees. The only catch? He conveniently forgets to mention that the room he is offering is actually his own bed.

What follows is an incredibly fun, sweet, and steamy week together where the chemistry between Colter and Ava is completely off the charts from the very moment they meet. As they navigate the high stakes of keeping their living situation a secret from her brother, a genuine, deep friendship forms alongside a delicious, angst-filled romance. It is the perfect story about finding the love of your life in the most unexpected places while searching for your own identity.

To make this delightful read even better, the audiobook narration by Lee Samuels and Stefanie Kay is incredibly good. They bring so much life, emotion, and talent to all the best moments of the book, making the audio experience an absolute treat. I enjoyed this quick, feel-good story so much, and I absolutely cannot wait to dive into the rest of the series!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Page Escapes by J · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s something about a college sports romance with an off-limits hero, forced proximity, and only one bed that immediately gets my attention—and The Games We Win absolutely delivered on that promise.

Colter Vaughn is the kind of book boyfriend who sneaks up on you. On the surface, he’s the confident football captain, but underneath all that swagger is a genuinely caring guy who’s been quietly falling first and falling hard. Watching him make room for the heroine in his life (and literally in his bed) was equal parts sweet and swoony.

The heroine’s journey was what really worked for me. After years of being sheltered and having every aspect of her life mapped out by others, she’s finally trying to figure out who she is on her own terms. That added an emotional layer beyond the romance and made her growth feel authentic throughout the story.

The close-proximity setup was executed so well. Sharing a room—and eventually a bed—created plenty of tension, awkward moments, and some genuinely adorable interactions. The banter between Colter and the heroine felt natural, playful, and flirtatious without becoming over-the-top.

I also loved the Braysen University setting. Brooke O’Brien does a great job making the campus and football culture feel immersive without letting it overshadow the romance. The small-town and college atmosphere blended together nicely and gave the story a cozy, familiar feel.

Pacing-wise, this is a fairly quick listen. The story leans heavily into relationship development rather than dramatic twists, which worked for me because I was invested in the characters. A few conflicts resolved a bit too easily, but overall the emotional payoff was worth it.

As for the audio, the dual narration added a lot of personality to the characters. The performances captured both the chemistry and emotional moments well, making it an easy audiobook to binge.

If you’re looking for a sweet college football romance packed with longing looks, protective hero energy, only-one-bed tension, and a hero who falls first, this one is definitely worth picking up.

[Destany · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Games We Win is a short and sweet prequel to the Braysen University series, packed with football, rivalry and swoon-worthy insta-love! Meet Colter and Ava, and get ready to cheer for the Bulldogs and the spirited girls who win their hearts. It's nice to meet most of the characters involved in this story, so can get a feel for their personalities!

Colter Vaughn—Bulldogs team captain, big guy, full beard, and absolutely not the hookup type. When he spots a new face on the dance team, he's curious. When she turns around, he's hooked. And when they start to flirt? He falls so very hard and fast.

Ava Watson is finally living her dream: attending Braysen University, dancing for the Bulldogs and rooming with her best friend. After many years of being sheltered and protected by her father and brother, she’s ready to live life on her own terms.

When unexpected water damage to the new apartment leaves Ava without a place to stay, Colter offers her a bed at his place—strictly as friends. But as the week goes on, sparks fly, lines blur, and neither of them wants it to end. Everything seems perfect… until Ava’s overprotective brother—Colter’s biggest rival—walks in and catches them together. Can their budding romance survive the fallout?

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Games We Win is the prequel to the Braysen University series. It's short and sweet but still packs a punch! This is Colter and Ava's story and you get football, a brothers rival and Insta love. Come on and cheer for Bulldogs players and the spirited girls who wins their hearts...

Colter Vaughn, Bulldogs team captain, big guy, full beard and one who doesn't do hookups. When he spots a new member for the dance team he's curious, when she turns around he's attracted, and when they flirt, he falls.

Ava Watson is finally getting to live her dream by attending Braysen University, being on the Bulldogs dance team and getting an apartment with her bestie. She's lived with her brother and father dictating her every move but not anymore.

Colter and Ava have done a little flirting but when her apartment gets water damage and she has nowhere to go the big guy offers her a bed at his house.

As the week passes they just want to keep spending more time together and don't want it to end. They take the plunge but what happens when Ava's brother, Colters rival finds them together?

[Lyn Brownlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this Novella
This is a short novella in the Braysen U series which was fast paced and I found it very enjoyable.
Ava is finally free from her parents and older brother and is excited to start her uni life with all the fun it entails.
She meets the football team captain, Colter and they are instantly attracted to each other.
Circumstances have her unable to move into her apartment and Colter happens to be there and offers his room.
This then leads to them really getting to know each other as they spend more and more time together.
It’s a fun, quick read / listen that has a little side drama and is also steamy once their relationship grows.
With excellent characters and storyline, I found it to be a really enjoyable novella.
I listened to the audiobook that was narrated by Lee Samuels and Stefanie Kay.
I loved their performance and what their voices brought to the story, making it more believable.
Thank you Brooke O’Brien and The Author Agency for the opportunity to listen to this story.

[storieswithlizzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to The Author Agency and Brooke O’Brien for the advanced audio for my honest review.

This was one of those “finished it before my Diet Mountain Dew got warm” kind of listens.

Forbidden romance? ✔️
Brother’s former teammate? ✔️
One bed? ✔️
Football player who falls first? ✔️

Colter and Ava were sweet together, and I enjoyed watching Ava finally start choosing what she wanted instead of living by everyone else’s rules.

As for the audio, Stephanie Kay was the standout for me. Lee Samuels occasionally pulled me out of the story, which made it a little harder to stay fully immersed.

My biggest issue wasn’t the story, it was the length. The bones of something really good were here, but I wanted more character development, more tension, and more time to sit with their relationship. I understand it was a novella but I felt just another 50 pages or so could have helped.

Cute? Yes.
Spicy? Yes.
Life-changing? No.

A solid three-star listen when you’re in the mood for something quick, easy, and swoony.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Games We WIn
Braysen U #.5
By Brooke O'Brien
Narrated by Stefanie Kay, Lee Samuels

The first year of college is supposed to go smoothly, enjoy the new freedoms that the new journey brings. Ava was excited, but came to find the place she was supposed to live is no longer available. Her brother used to play on the football team, so when Colter, his old teammate offered her a place to stay, their bond immediately forming. But nothing could happen, after all it's his old teammate sister. Right? A quick listen, this book is fun, flirty and full of passion. Brooke O'Brien has started this series with a wonderful romance and introduced me to some of the team. I can't wait to meet them all!

Stefanie Kay and Lee Samuels tell this story and they are fabulous. Kay is Ava, as she melds into her new year of school, finds her niche and falls in love. Samuels is Colter giving his all to fighting his feelings to falling for the girl. I enjoyed their performance as Ava & Colter!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the prequel to the Braysen U series and I loved getting Colter and Ava’s story after seeing pieces of this world before. Colter is the football team captain trying to step up and hold his team together, and Ava is coming in as a freshman finally getting her freedom and joining the dance team. Their first meeting is instant tension, especially with her connection to his former teammate, and things shift even more when she ends up needing a place to stay and he’s the one who steps in. Being in such close proximity makes it impossible to ignore what’s building between them, even when they know it’s not exactly simple.

These two just pulled me in so easily. I loved how sweet he was with her and how he showed up for her without making it a big thing, he just did it. Ava wanting to prove she could stand on her own made me love her even more, and watching her let someone in felt so natural. Their chemistry was there from the start but it was the way it kept building that really got me. I was completely locked into them and how everything was going to play out.

The narration was so good. Both Lee Samuels and Stefanie Kay were new to me but they really brought these characters to life and made it so easy to get lost in the story.

If you love college sports romance, close proximity, and a couple that just clicks, you need this one.

[✨Zoraida✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALC Review
Audiobook: The Games We Win
Author: Brooke O'Brien
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I had already read the book and was so excited to listen to this audio and let me tell you, I was not disappointed. This was a spicy and cute listen and I enjoyed it from chapter one. This was a dual narration by Stephanie Kay and Lee Samuels They both did an amazing job bringing Colton and Ava's characters to life.

This Novella is the intro of the Brayson U Series, which follows the story of Ava, who just moved to the city and when her apartment is not ready, Colter, the football team captain, steps in and offers her a place to stay. There is an instant connection between them and they can't deny it. The audiobook was so beautifully narrated, and I enjoyed every second of it.

If you enjoy college football, close proximity, brother's ex-teammate, and that he falls first, to mention some of the tropes, this audiobook is for you!

[Donna reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

My OBSESSION Begins!!
Colter and Ava’s novella The Games We Win is the prequel to the Braysen U series that I have had the pleasure of reading and am obsessed with!! These characters are very INTERESTING, FASCINATING and PASSIONATE. Their story is deeply engaging and entertaining.
The attraction Colton and Ava have for one another is undeniable and HOT. Even though Ava promised herself not fall for a football player Colter Vaughn the captain of the football team charms her in a way that it’s impossible to resist him. He makes her feel safe and enjoys spending time with her watching a movie and chilling at home. I really liked Colton and Eva’s short story (left me wanting MORE) and I recommend it.

If you haven’t started this series read this novella and grab The Rivals We Hate.
Believe me when I say that just like Colter ,the Braysen U men are so sexy, charming and dirty.

[TheHiddenPostscript · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc Book Review - “The Games We Win” by @authorbrookeobrien

This extraordinary book is a prequel to the Brayson U series, which centers around Ava whom has been told to stay away from football players. That is until the captain of the football team, Colton, and her brothers ex-teammate and rival offers her a place to stay. He also offers her his bed to sleep in, while her flooded apartment is getting fixed.

Throughout their week together, the bonds of a true friendship form, as well as steamy relationship.

This is a short and gripping read that you don’t want to miss if you love sports romance, angst, search for independence, and finding the love of your life in unexpected places.

*ARC courtesy of the author and all thoughts and opinions are my own. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. Thank you to the valued author and publisher for providing a copy.*

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Games We Win, an Audiobook by Brooke O’Brien, is the fast-read novella that’s an intro to the world of the Brayson U series…a football team. It’s the story of Colter and Ava. These two were just sooooo romantic!! She is new in the city and her apartment isn’t ready. So, she’s in dire straits! Colter offers her a room overnight in his place. But, things take a bit of a twist… They start something and try to keep it on the down low…because of who she is…and who he is…

Absolutely loved these two!!!! Loved the story!!! Loved the characters. Just loved everything about it!

This Audiobook was masterfully narrated by Lee Samuels and Stefanie Kay, who were both incredible!!! Colter is accurately and tenderly portrayed while Ava is demurely and sweetly performed. Thoroughly enjoyable experience!!

[Rachel Russell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick and short read novella to the series. A free book so of course I had to give the series a try before I commit to getting the next book. It wasn't what I expected. It was a good enough read but for me I would have liked a little more and I know that this is a novella but I think it could have done with being a little longer.

The two main characters have chemistry from the start and it didn't start immediately in the way of a relationship. It was a cute read. Has it convinced me to read the rest of the books in this series. Hmm. I'm still debating but I think I will read the first book and then decide from that.

A good read and a good way to introduce the series and what to expect from the rest of the books.

[Book_Lovers_Quest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author for gifting me an early copy of the audiobook to The Games We Win, a standalone in the Braysen U series. This was such a fun listen and you know I completely devoured it the minute it was downloaded into my phone.

The audio is narrated in duet by Lee Samuels and Stephanie Kay whose performance was phenomenal. Both narrators did an amazing job portraying Colter and Ava. Their talent was demonstrated so well when it came to voicing our FMC and MMC.

The chemistry between characters was so sweet and heartfelt. I loved how even though there was an instant attraction between our couple we were able to see their relationship flourish at a great pace. Colter was the best when it came to Ava's feelings making him the perfect book boyfriend for this story. He gave her the necessary space to allow her to overcome her emotions and anxiety which just melted my heart. Definitely a swoon moment with his actions towards her.

Overall I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook and would highly recommend.

[Teresa Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooke O’Brien's The Games We Win: A Brother's Ex-Teammate Close Proximity Novella (Braysen U) is a companion audiobook narrated by Lee Samuels and Stephanie Kay telling the story of Ava Watson, a freshman on the college dance team, and Colter Vaughn, a Bulldog football player and her brother’s rival and former teammate. Ava meets Colter when he arrives with her furniture in a moving truck, but after her apartment floods, she needs temporary housing. Colter offers her a place to stay. Spending a week together in a one-bedroom sparks passion and more. The story's emotions feel authentic and draw the listener in. This novella introduces Brooke O’Brien’s fun universe of college football teammates and the women who capture their hearts.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute novella prequel.

3.5 ⭐️. I’m on the fence about rounding up to 4. It was a cute way to introduce the characters and get an idea of the future of this team but I’m never a fan of when books in a series overlap on what’s happening because I always feel like I should be reading them in tandem instead of separately. This book does that so many moments. Therefore it almost gets you too big of a glimpse into the next book that feels like a bigger flash than just the next two characters meeting for the first time. I’m hoping it’s just how this one needed to be written for timing.

[Karissa Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

The games we win

Audiobook

I'm slowly getting into audio books and this was a good duet.

Ava has just arrived to Braysen University but her apartment isn't ready for her to move in.

Coltor Vaughn is the, the football captain and hired moving truck drive and has offered for her to stay at his place.

What could happen?

This is a quick novella that starts the Braysen U series and it starts off great.

Ava and Coltor just got well. Coltor is like a great big teddy bear and wants to keep Ava safe, even when her brother shows up.

Enjoyed listening to this and excited for the next.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was thrilled to listen to this novella as I have read a number of books within this series. The narrators were fabulous and I really enjoyed it. This novella is super cute and super fun. I loved both characters. Ava was just trying to prove that she could do everything herself but realises you can choose who you ask for help from. I enjoyed their love story where Colton falls fast and hard while Ava needs some time. It was just supposed to be insta-lust but the author does a fabulous job of creating insta-love.

Big thanks to the author agency and the author for a copy of this audiobook. This is my honest opinion.

[CookesBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great start to what’s sure to be a fantastic series!

Colter & Ava had an instant and true connection from the moment they met. I loved seeing their relationship develop into something pure and long lasting. Colter was so good to Ava, swoon worthy golden retriever energy but hot and heavy in the sheets. They were so good for each other and their friends supporting them made their relationship even stronger. I cannot wait to find out what happens with Halls and Beckham…
I hope we find out who was behind the breaking too.

[Mindy Menotti bookishly_mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colter & Ava’s Novella Was beautifully written.

I absolutely adored Colter’s character and his sweet personality, as his compassion and care he had for Ava from the very start. He didn’t have that jerk-ish jock attitude a lot of football MMC’s have. He was sweet, a cinnamon roll and a true gentleman.

Ava was as a fun FMC. She knew what she wanted and she pushed Colter’s boundaries a little to show him She was craving more than just his friendship.

I ate this story up && can’t wait to dive more into
This series!!

Highly recommended by me!!!