Best Year Ever

Battles in Love #1

by Kylie Skye

RORI

After a sizzling one night stand on New Years, I was ready to forget him. No distractions will get in the way of my tennis dreams - including pro football players that look like Greek gods.

Yet wherever I turn, there he is, refusing to be ignored. As he breaks down my walls, I propose we explore whatever this is between us, so long as it stays label-free and a secret.

But can anything stay a secret with the media frenzies surrounding us both?

LANDON

I can’t let go of our night together. As a pro athlete, I follow careful rules when it comes to the women I hook up with. She makes me want a different playbook this time around.

Only, she asks to keep our relationship casual and on the down low. On top of that, this year’s the biggest one yet for both of us professionally. She’s storming up the ranks in women’s tennis, and my team’s set to make major moves in the league.

Can I convince her that we’re the perfect match, even during the best year ever for our sports dreams?

BEST YEAR EVER is a steamy, 18+ romance and the first book in the Battles In Love series.

Sports Romance - Athlete x Athlete - Famous NFL Player MMC- Rising Tennis Star FMC - One Night Stand - Secret Relationship - He Falls First (And Stalks Her Just A Little) - Dual POV

Genres: Sports, Sports Romance, Football, Contemporary, New Adult, Ebooks, He Falls First

344 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 6, 2025

Reviews

[Janelle Swift · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first review for this book, I will absolutely take great pride in that! I was a beta reader for this book, and I am so excited for it to be released into the world and for Landon & Rori’s story to be told. 💛

This is a cozy, feel-good, curled-up-in-a-blanket-with-the-biggest-cup-filled-with-tea-you-can-find kind of book. Landon is a reformed “player”, and Rori is a one-love interest kind of girl, but it’s for tennis - a boy couldn’t possibly distract her from her one love, right?

It’s a story about two people consumed with the need to be the best at their sport, but we’re able to watch them find out there can be more to that, finding someone else who understands the sacrifice it takes to be an athlete but to find another person to ground you in the reality of life too, and fall in love between it all - this story is so heart-warming and it’s such a nice break from constant heart ache. Two people, falling in love, even when it’s not the perfect time in your life, it’s just the perfect person to do it with. 🫶🏻

[Lacey Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rori Reilly is an up and coming tennis star coming off an injury the prior year.

Landon Battle is a pro football player who has taken on the responsibility of raising his younger siblings once their parents checked out of their marriage and their parental responsibilities.

A New Year’s Eve party turns into a one night stand which fit perfectly within their plans…Rori cannot get distracted from her game and Landon does not want a commitment.

At least not until he experiences the perfect night.

Could one night of pleasure turn into…the Best Year Ever?
🎾
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⚡️/🌶️🫑
This was a fun and spicy sports romance.

Both Rori and Landon went through some character growth in both their personal lives and expectations as a public figure and within their individual careers.
🏈
Some tropes within Best Year Ever:
-One Night Stand
-Professional Tennis/Football Romance
-He Falls First
-Secret Romance
-Duel POV
🎾
Battles in Love is an interconnected standalone series.

Book 2 will follow Grace Battle in a Football/Track & Field romance titled: Running After Forever coming in January 2026!
🏈
I look forward to completing the series

[Jessica Bradford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rori and Landon have an over the top unforgettable one night stand but Landon realizes he wants so much more. Rori, not so much. She is on the rise of becoming one the best tennis players after suffering an injury that set her back A LOT. Landon is play boy football player (or so his social media presence says) and Rori doesn’t have time in her life for him.
They are both in the midst of great things happening to them career wise but can he convince her that they are better together?
The instant connection between these two is electric. I love Rori’s no nonsense attitude when it comes to working towards her goal and not allowing anything to get in her way. Landon is a golden retriever because he doesn’t push and works around her feelings when they finally decide to give it a go. Although it’s fake, he can’t help but to allow real feelings to grow.

[Michelle Kssili · Rating 3 out of 5]

Best Year Ever by Kylie Sky had all the ingredients I usually love—fresh-start energy, a fun premise, and a voice that felt relatable at the beginning. I went in really wanting to enjoy it, and for the first few chapters, I honestly thought I would. But somewhere around chapter 12, the spark faded for me.

The pacing slowed, the characters started feeling repetitive, and I found myself drifting instead of feeling pulled into the story. I kept hoping the momentum would pick back up, but it just didn’t hold my interest enough to keep going. It wasn’t terrible—just not engaging enough for me personally.

If someone likes a slower, more introspective style, they might connect better with it. For me, it just wasn’t the “best year ever” I was hoping for.

[Katt (Fierykatt) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars ✨️
Best Year Ever is such a cute entry into sports romance. Rori and Landon's journey from one night stand to finding their happy was refreshing and genuine, and it was really fun to get to know more about the world of tennis from an insider pov.
Personally not a fan of 3rd act breakups, but it was handled well with the plot moving forward quickly.
Thank you to the author for the eARC! 💖

[Ashlyn Boozenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐
This book was so fun to read! I absolutely love sports romance, so this was right up my alley. I loved the flirty banter and how much Rori and Landon cared for each other!

I definitely recommend this book and I can't wait for book 2!

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, so good!! A slow burn that ends so perfectly!,

[Joanne Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Best Year Ever” is the first book in the “Battles in Love Series” and Kylie’s debut novel. Landon Bland is the starting Quarterback for the Orlando Waves. Football and his siblings are his life, since his parents messy divorce, he has been brother and parent. Gloria Reilly, aka Rori, is a young up and coming American tennis player. After being out with a knee injury, she is finally back and has made it to the top 50. With the Grand Slam season about to start with the Australian Open, one of the four major tournaments in the season, she has no room for distractions. “The other Slams include the French Open, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open. Winning a regular tournament is nice, but winning one of the Slams makes a player’s career.”

At a New Year’s Eve Party in New York, not her idea of fun for a twenty year old, but is the right thing to do for career. Upon hearing her name, she looks up to an unexpected face, Landon Battle, and he knows her name. “I stand there, stunned. I may be used to being around pro athletes, but I’m shocked that I’m on his radar.” The two hit it off, literally. “…. felt a jolt of attraction when she walked into the party an hour ago, and the feeling is building as we speak more.”

Going back to Landon’s room, their night continues in each other’s arms. “For hours, we push each other’s stamina and pleasure - and then finally, at three AM, we crash, trying to get a little sleep. It’s unquestionably the hottest night of my twenty-three years.” When he wakes up a couple of hours latter, she is gone. He sends her a text, “Safe travels to Australia, I had a great time last night”….no response, he’s been ghosted! A few months latter he steps in to cover for a teammate in photo shoot with a tennis player, Rori. After an intense, hot and sexy photo shoot, they have dinner together, and end up spending the night together again. “No one understands pressure better than another professional athlete, Rori. And no worries, but I will say that I’ll never think of New Year’s without thinking of you.” The agreement to stay in contact this time….

🎾Sports Romance 🏈Pro Football Romance 🎾Tennis Romance 🏈One Night Stand 🎾He Falls First 🏈Secret Romance 🎾Athlete x Athlete 🏈Dual POV 🎾Contemporary Romance 🏈Interconnected Standalone

There is never a dull moment! This book is everything you expect from a sports romance with a touch of alpha male thrown in. I’m very happily hooked - I did not want it to end! Once I started reading, I could not put this book down! At times you will laugh, you will cry, get angry and frustrated - most of all, you will love the twists! This book will charm “the pants off you” and leave you going back for more. This is a lovely book that will keep you hooked! It has fun, laughs, intrigue, twists that you do not expect, and physical attraction. You will fall in love with Landon and Rori 🩷💚

This is a wonderful debut novel and I cannot wait for the next book in the series! I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful love story, with all the ups, the downs, the friendship, the heartaches and most of all, what love can overcome 💗 From page to page, chapter to chapter, from cover to cover - you will enjoy this beautiful story! This book will not disappoint! Highly recommended 😊

[Kritikal Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for the ARC of this book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ½ — Fresh, grounded, and genuinely fun take on a sports romance!

Best Year Ever gives us Landon Battle, an NFL player, and Rori (Gloria) Reilly, a rising tennis star — and it’s such a refreshing change to see both leads equally ambitious, equally driven, and equally deep in their own sports worlds.

Both of them are at really interesting stages in their careers — that sort of inflexion point where you’re figuring out who you are while the world is already watching. Especially Rori, who’s gone from “one to watch” to “the one everyone’s watching.” The book captures that fame-fuelled scrutiny so well — how every move, every relationship, every “off” day becomes a public talking point. I really liked how Kylie Skye handled that angle; it felt grounded and very real.

Plot-wise, this one starts with an industry party, a one-night hook-up, and then… a ghosting. (Rori, not intentionally, just one of those “it’s been too long, now it’s awkward to reply” situations — relatable, right?) When fate throws them back together at a brand shoot, that’s when their story really kicks off.

What I appreciated most was how mature their communication felt early on. There’s a real sense of two people being honest about who they are and what they want — building a friendship and relationship on steady ground. So when the inevitable conflict comes later, it doesn’t feel over-the-top or frustrating. It makes sense. You get why they react the way they do.

I will say some of the Battle siblings’ subplots dragged a little — interesting, but slightly distracting from the central story. Still, I get why they were there; they added context around fame, image, and the PR side of being an athlete in the spotlight.

Overall, this was such a refreshing take on the sports romance genre. If you’ve read Face Off by Chelsea Curto and liked that idea of two equals in the same world, this one’s in that lane.
Best Year Ever is also grounded, realistic, less dramatised, and emotionally textured.

The chemistry was solid, the grovelling was satisfying, and the relationship development felt organic — nothing forced or too convenient. Just two people with a genuine connection navigating the highs and lows of fame, love, and self-discovery.

Highly recommend if you want a sports romance that actually feels like a romance between two athletes rather than just a sports backdrop with a love story slapped on.

[Kylie Weigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually never stray from my tried and true hockey romances so I took a chance on this new turn of sports romance and I'm actually very happy I did!
Best Year Ever is a great piece that highlights the demands of professional athletes and the maturity/understanding needed to navigate a relationship at the same time! Both Landon and Rori are very goal oriented and just trying to make it in their respective fields without sacrificing a chance to move forward in their career and at love. Rori isn't used to the scrutiny that comes with the job so she avoids it at all costs which ultimately leads to rash and painful decisions while Landon has been the go to guy to pick up the pieces of everything in his life due to his upbringing but his loyalty is not a weakness.
Their dynamic and social backgrounds are a fresh outlook at how to break not only the cycles we are born into but taking back control and even when it means putting our hearts out on the line at the chance of a happy ending. I love the rarity of a male main character getting a harsh upbringing but instead of becoming cold, cut off and harsh - he's actually a big supporter of anyone and their dreams, he's understanding and calculated, tuned into everyone's needs. While the roots of his upbringing played a role in not allowing anyone to close - he was very well written and mature for someone navigating that kind of childhood that finally allowed him to go after something he wanted.
The book overall surprised me in the best ways and it leaves you feeling positive and actually has you reflecting on similar situations in your own life and how to better manage and navigate the complexities of growing mentally, letting go and still leaving a little room for someone to maybe come in and change your life and not allowing our own darkness to block the chance of something great happening! Will definitely be following this series closely now!

Thank you Kylie Skye for the chance to advance read this for you!

[Jenia · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Thank you to the author, Kylie Skye for E ARC, in exchange for an honest review*

Over the past year, I have fallen in love with sports romance. When I came across this one, especially after reading the blurb, I knew I had to check it out. I’m so glad that I did. One of the things I liked about this book was that both main characters were athletes, and one of them was a tennis player. You don’t often come across sports romances featuring a tennis player, and I appreciate the fact that it was different. I enjoyed how realistic this book felt when it came to professional athletes and trying to balance a relationship at the same time. Their relationship felt realistic to me, although at first, I thought it moved a little too fast. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough, wanting to see what was going to happen with them next.

I enjoyed that the story was written from both Rori and Landon’s perspectives. I feel that you can get to know and connect with each of the characters more that way. I liked both characters, although there were some choices that Rori made that made me want to talk some sense into her, even if I understood the reason behind them. Landon, on the other hand, you couldn’t help but love him; how can you not? He took care of everyone. I also adored the bond between Landon and his sister, Grace. I loved that he had such a support system. I enjoyed how big sports were part of this book, I noticed that not all sports romance books are like that. I found myself rooting for Rori along with everyone else.

I liked the way that relationship evolved between Landon and Rori, and the other characters. Best Year Ever is the type of book that you find yourself connecting with all the characters. I’m already excited about the next book in the series. This was a heartwarming, yet heartbreaking at times, debut novel by Kylie Skye and I cannot wait for her next one!

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book and was not paid for my review.

***
A sizzling one-night stand. A pro-football player who falls first. A rising tennis star who wants zero distractions.

He's ready to change his entire playbook for her, but she'll only agree to a secret, no-labels arrangement. With the media frenzy watching both of their careers, keeping it casual is a game neither of them might win.
• Sports Romance (Athlete x Athlete)
• One-Night Stand to More
• He Falls First
• Secret Relationship
• Steamy & Spicy
***
This book was such an easy fun read, it would make a great holiday read, palate cleanser or mood booster. It gave me vibes from the film Wimbledon with Paul Bettany and Kirsten Dunst, and now that I’ve aged myself I’ll write my review!

I really enjoyed this book, it was such a nice read, with characters that had enough depth, gorgeous, real romance but not too much drama or overly high stakes. It also sets up the series well with some tasty hints into the next Battle sibling’s upcoming love story.

Landon was adorable, the big brother, the carer and protector with the body of a Greek god and a gorgeous beagle baby – what’s not to love? Rori is driven, determined and absolutely kick ass on the tennis courts. Their one-night stand throws you right into the story and sets up the 'he falls first' yearning so well it was delicious!

The spice is well written and there is plenty of it, but not at the expense of the story. I really enjoyed getting to see their competitive sides, following their athletic stories through as well as their romantic ones. I’m looking forward to book two!

⭐⭐⭐⭐ - easy read with sweet romance and plenty of yearning!

[Cassandra Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Okay listen… I took a break from my beloved hockey romances for this one, and I fully expected to just like it — but nope. I was feral. I was kicking my feet. I was giggling and screaming into my pillow.

Best Year Ever by Kylie Skye is athlete x athlete perfection. Rori’s a rising tennis star, Landon’s an NFL player, and from their very first meet-cute (well… more like meet-hot-and-regret-it-one-night-stand), I was hooked. Then she ghosts him (accidentally, kind of, maybe?), and when fate throws them back together for a brand shoot?? I lost it.

The banter? Electric. The chemistry? Immediate. The yearning? Off the charts.
But what really got me is how mature this book felt without losing the fun. Both of them are ambitious, successful, and trying so hard not to let love derail them — and it somehow makes their relationship even better. They communicate. They respect each other. They actually talk about things like grown adults (shocking, I know).

Landon Battle?? A green flag wrapped in muscles and emotional intelligence. The man supports her dreams, encourages her ambition, and still manages to be a total menace in the best way possible.
Rori?? My girl. She’s driven, sarcastic, focused, and so real. She makes mistakes, but she owns them.

The spice? Delicious. The banter? Addictive. The vibes? That perfect “we’re both famous and messy but somehow still wholesome” kind of energy.

This book is fun, flirty, mature, and genuinely refreshing — the kind of sports romance that actually feels like two athletes falling in love, not just a backdrop for drama. I’m obsessed, I’m emotional, and I’m already counting down for book two.

Thank you Kylie Skye for the ARC — I was not prepared to fall this hard 😭🫶

[Michelle Muller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to get a chance to ARC read this book. i LOVED the premise of both MC's being professional athletes FMC Rory is an up and coming tennis star and MMC Landon is a pro football player. They meet at a NYE event where they are both there to mingle and meet sponsors and have a one night stand. Neither of them "do" relationships - Rory because she's coming off an injury and doesn't want distractions and Landon because he still carries trauma from his parents relationship. Landon def falls first and while he is fairly respectful of Rory's choices - he does do a wee bit of stalking and shows up at her Australian Open match - but gives her space and they don't reconnect till a sponsor photo shoot puts them together again. As they start to get together, they decide to keep their relationship on the down low and out of the media. A series of events pushes back their public debut and there is a second act break up third act redemption story line. Where it felt a little flat for me was we got alot of their internal thoughts and I felt that got a bit repetitive, but for the most part - they really acted their age (Rory 20YO and Landon 23YO) in alot of them and maybe for me they were just a little too young (but that's just me, I'm old lol). I loved the author letting Orlando have a pro football team lol and the FMC lived over in Tampa - but the idea of them driving back and forth with I4 traffic just for a night was def a point where I had to suspend reality for a bit lol (IYKYK) The supporting cast was great and we got to meet the other 3 Battle siblings and felt the author really did a great job setting us up for the next three books. I can't wait to read more and watch this series grow.

[Heather Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Tropes: Sports Romance - Athlete x Athlete - Famous NFL Player MMC- Rising Tennis Star FMC - One Night Stand - Secret Relationship - He Falls First (And Stalks Her Just A Little) - Dual POV

Rori Reilly is an up and coming tennis star coming off an injury from the previous year. She has gone into the top 10 for tennis stars. She is always traveling / training. Something Landon and her have in common.

Landon Battle is a pro NFL football player. His parents divorced when he was younger, now He has taken on the responsibility of raising his younger siblings once their parents divorced. Landon and Rori meet one night in New York City at a sponser dinner/outting. They are instantly taken with each other. Rori doesn't want anything 'formal'. But, she likes being with Landon. Landon has never done relationships before, but, with Rori he only wants to be with her.

With their training schedules / and tennis events Rori and Landon are hardly in the same city / place at the same time. They do start texting each other and both like being around each other. Rori is worried that having Landon in her life may complicate her tennis and her being in the zone. But, she is surprised being with him for a few months doesn't seem to change her tennis. It actually seems to help her standing!

Will Landon and Rori be able to be together with their sports schedules? Will they be able to hide their relationship from the public? Or will the media make a huge deal and ruin things for them? Tori isn’t sure if having a boyfriend is going to be good for career or a hindrance. She isn’t sure if she can have both tennis and a boyfriend.

I did receive a free ARC book copy. I am freely leaving a honest book review. Ms. Kylie Skye is a new to me author.

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best Year Ever is Kylie Skye's debut novel and the first book in the Battles in Love series. I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review directly from Kylie. All opinions are my own.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. As a sports fan, I always find it interesting when authors can take their sport of choice such as football and tennis and put into words on paper. What I liked about Best Year Ever is that its focus was on Rori's rising tennis career. As someone who has watched tennis sparingly, some of the information went over my head, but I thought that using real tennis competitions with fictional characters was a great way to keep my attention. I also liked how Rori and Landon's relationship developed. While there was a lot of spice between the two of them throughout the book, I felt that the connection between them was genuine and it definitely showed that they were attracted to one another. It also showed how fame can affect relationships between two athletes. As someone who grew up with two brothers playing basketball...I get it.

The only thing that I wish I could have seen more of in was Landon's football career. I feel like while there were some scenes during training camp and other events, I would have liked to have seen more on field action.

Overall, 4/5 stars. I recommend this book to those who love sport romances, just know that there is a bit more spice in it than other sports romance. The spice I would rate a 3/5 due to the frequency and details. I also feel that those who enjoy a relationship developing organically would also enjoy it.

I am definitely looking forward to the second book in the series. Thank you Kylie for the ARC!

[butterfly_reading_effect · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first sport romance, if all of them are this good i will be obsess with the genre! Thank you Kylie for choosing me as an arc reader!
The author seamlessly incorporate sport into the story so even someone like me who does not know football (we play rugby here) and have never really followed tennis was able to not only understand the sport references but also learn a bit about each sport in a way that felt part of the story.

I loved the fact that both athletes value and support each other’s career ambitions and lifestyles that go with it. We get a peak into relenting world of being in the public eye and navigating media and gossip sites. Rori (FMC) is younger and new at this as a up and coming star while Landon (MMC) is a little bit older and more experienced and can offer support.

Both characters has a lot of personal growth as their relationship evolve from a one night stand to a secret relationship.
I loved how the text element was incorporated although there was a text saying “here is you picture of the day with Grover” - i need the actual photo please because Grover is the best boy!

The sibling dynamic between the Battle’s is great and would love to see more of the other two siblings!
The spice is done to perfection. And lets face it we all kick our feet at a good “mine” moment!

Kylie Skye is an extremely talented author that writes an easy to read light novel that you dont want to put down while still addressing deeper issues.
I personally cannot wait for the next book!

[Sarah Roybal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my second time receiving an ARC and I couldn’t be more grateful.

If you love sports romance then this book is for you! It has all the right things, humor, spice, drama, and showing the struggles of what athletes go through when in a relationship.

The writing is so good in this one. It flows easily with duel POV’s. The character growth happens throughout the whole book. I enjoyed learning more about each sport and what these athletes go through from schedules, constant travel, promotions, events and dealing with media on a regular basis. I absolutely loved Rori’s strong and focused attitude. Tennis was her life but she had to work through how to keep tennis a focal point but also let more people into her life. Not just with her relationship with Landon but also her friends and family. It was great to see her character growth and for to see her true potential in her career and relationships. And don’t get me started on Landon! Talk about golden retriever vibes!! He might be a big muscular pro football player but he’s a softy at heart. You can see it with how much he loves and cares for his siblings, his teammates and Rori. His love language is definitely acts of service. I really loved his character and also getting to watch him grow and learn how to put his past behind him and focus on his career, being there for his teammates and siblings but also helping Rori work through her struggles. I loved their story!

This was such a great read and had me interested from the beginning. I cannot wait to dive into book 2 next year!

[Simplicity of Words · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to the author for the ARC!

This is the story of Rori and Landon, a tennis star on the rise and a rookie football player, whose connection feels instant yet so genuine. Both are young, ambitious athletes who understand the pressures of their careers, and I loved how their relationship was built on mutual respect, understanding, and ambition.

Rori is a determined, Type A athlete making her comeback after an injury, laser-focused on her goals and wary of distractions. Landon is navigating fame as a new football player, but he’s still grounded, family-oriented, and a total green flag. Both have their own emotional wounds to heal, and watching them grow (both individually and together) was so rewarding.

What really stood out for me was how authentic the sports element felt. The author doesn’t just tell us they’re athletes, we experience their world on the court and field, which makes the story come alive.

Rori’s character development was beautifully written, and Landon’s warmth and family values made him such a joy to read. I loved getting small glimpses into his family dynamic, and I’m already excited for Book 2!

A heartfelt, inspiring, and fun sports romance that perfectly balances ambition, love, and growth. Highly recommend this if you enjoy strong characters, emotional depth, and a romance that feels real.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC Review*
This one pulled me in fast. Rori and Landon are rising stars in their sports, and the public wants to know everything— but mostly who they’re dating. Their chemistry is instant, but what really got me was how emotionally guarded they both are. They’ve stayed clear of relationships for a reason and watching them try to navigate something real under all that pressure was addictive.

Landon’s carrying so much—his parents’ divorce, the responsibility of being the steady one for his siblings, and now a secret relationship that’s starting to mean more than he expected. You can feel the weight on him, and it makes his vulnerability with Rori hit harder.

Rori is focused, driven, and fiercely protective of her heart. After losing her mom young, she’s used to guarding herself. Tennis is her safe place, and when Landon starts to break through that wall, it’s not just romantic—it’s risky. That hesitation felt real, and I liked how the story didn’t rush her through it.

What stood out most was how the emotional tension stayed front and center. Their packed schedules, the secrecy, the pressure—it never felt overdone. With their drive, their friends’ and families’ opinions, and everything they’re juggling, it felt like the odds were stacked against them. But the way they kept showing up for each other made it work.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best Year Ever is the first book in the brand new Battles in Love series by Kylie Skye. If your favorite tropes are a Secret relationship, he falls first, ONS, and both MCs are Athletes then go download this book upon release day.


I would like to Thank Kylie Skye for my ARC and in return I voluntarily promised an honest review.


Landon Battle 23, a Professional Football Player who is a playboy and doesn't do relationships. He has 3 siblings and they are very close.

Gloria "Rori" Reilly 20, a Professional Tennis Player who breaks hearts but never commits. Tennis is her focus and she doesn't want any distractions.

New Years in New York is a gala for all the Athletes across the country and Rori has caught Landon's attention. He introduces himself, they get acquainted for a few minutes before deciding to take the party to his room.

In the morning she's gone and when he reaches out to her he gets ghosted. They meet again at a sports wear photo shoot and afterwards they set out for a repeat performance of New Years.

They meet up, hookup whenever they can between both of their schedules. Landon wants more and is ready to go public but Rori is confused and isn't ready for the publicity firestorm.

Rori breaks up with him but soon realizes she made a mistake. She has a plan, a few actually, and if it works then this will be her Best Year Ever.

[Sonya Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reilly is a tennis player, who is making a comeback after an injury. She isn’t looking for anything series, but doesn't turn down a fun NYE fling. Landon is a football star, also not looking for anything serious, as he wants to focus on his siblings & his career. Then he has "unquestionably the hottest night of my twenty three years” and she ghosts him? A month later they have an unplanned reunion at a photo shoot, and there are still sparks. Why not keep texting?

This was a sweet take on the one night stand, he falls first trope. I loved how Landon’s siblings rallied around each other in several moments. It was sweet to see group texts & calls, reminding Landon they were there for him. I enjoyed the simple moments between Landon & Reilly. They truly had undeniable chemistry and once they gave in it was unstoppable. I’m glad Landon addressed the scandal, and didn’t let it blindside Reilly. I liked how vulnerable Landon was, telling her he was hurt, that she can’t keep running. I appreciated that they didn’t jump back in bed together after the initial apology. At least not right away, lol.

Best Year Ever is book one, in the Battles of Love series, all books will have both main characters as athletes. I’m excited to read Grace’s story next!

Thank you to the Author for the ARC.

[Becky Clack · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review:

Best Year Ever is a fun story about two pro athletes who try to manage their busy schedules and a relationship with "no labels". Rori, a rising tennis star, and Landon, a pro football player, have an instant physical attraction when they meet at a New Year's Eve party. They have a hot one night stand, but nothing else happens despite one of them reaching out after that to reconnect. They see each other again months later and their chemistry is still just as strong, so it leads to a friends with benefits relationship.

I enjoyed how the author placed emphasis on Rori and Landon truly becoming friends and providing support in between visits to see each other. Their text message exchanges were adorable, and I really liked how it let them get to know each other on a deeper level other than only physical. Neither one of them have had a serious relationship in the past so they are both working through their feelings and trying to figure out what it's like to connect when you want to explore more with someone. This was made a little more difficult as the two of them balanced very busy professional careers.

I was not a fan of the third act breakup, but that's only my preference since it is one thing I normally don't enjoy reading. However, the story did redeem itself when the drama resolves itself and we get the HEA that the reader is always hoping for.

[Crystal CC · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very sweet read and felt like a really believable elite athlete x elite athlete dating experience. It might be a little slow or repetitive to some, but felt more realistic because sometimes love doesn’t come at the right time. It’s on the people in the relationship to determine if it’s all worth it in the end.

Characters:
Landon Battle
Gloria “Rori” Reilly

Landon and Rori start out as a one night stand and then start a “no labels” relationship. Both are young and inexperienced in relationships. They have a great slow burn and development of their relationship starting from friendship to unlabeled boyfriend/girlfriend. There is such a base level of trust and support that’s developed.

Landon is is steady and the perfect example of the old saying, “if he wanted to, he would.” He goes above and beyond to keep connected with Rori. He is her biggest fan.

Rori is going through a transitional time in her life, coinciding with her rise in fame. She makes mistakes and owns her failures.

Best Year Ever is book #1 in the Battles of Love series. It is an interconnected standalone. There’s some hinting at book two in the end. 👀

What to Expect:
Dual POV
Pro Football Player
Rising Tennis Player
Secret Relationship
He fall first
One Night Stand
Happy for now ending

Spice:
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

Thank you Kylie Skye for providing me with an advanced copy of this book!

[Rachel Barboni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was chosen to read this as an ARC. Not knowing much about Tennis and only having a little knowledge on football, I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this. Let me tell you, Kylie Skye does an amazing job filling you. It was refreshing to see that the main characters Rori and Landon didn’t have much knowledge of eachothers sport, so it made connecting to them easy. Kylie captured my attention from the very first page with her writing. Once I started I didn’t want to put it down. Can’t wait to read more by Kylie Skye.



Best Year Ever follows Gloria “Rori” Reilly, an up and coming tennis pro. She eats, sleeps and breathes tennis and feels like her life is complete. That is until she meets Landon. He’s one of the Orlando Wave’s superstars. What is supposed to be a one night, no strings attached turns into an unforgettable night for the both of them. When they decide to keep the connection, but only as friends, can they leave that night in the past? Much to their surprise they get thrown together to do a photoshoot for a brand that sponsors both of them, they are thrust right back into each other's orbit. Can they leave the past behind? Do the sparks they both feel ignite into fireworks? Will Rori’s fears be the end of something unexpected? Read Best Year Ever to find out if Rori and Landon get their much deserved happily ever after.

[Kirsty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rori and Landon? GOOD LORD. Their one night stand turned “we’ll keep it casual” disaster (aka total emotional implosion) had me glued to the pages. The tension between them was off-the-charts, like every time they were near each other I could feel it—heat, banter, heartache, all of it. And the fact that they’re both athletes chasing their dreams? I ate that dynamic up. The grind, the pressure, the media chaos, the sneaky hotel meet-ups—I was living for every second.

Landon totally stole my heart though. He’s this big confident pro football god who turns into a total simp for Rori. Like, the man was gone for her and I was HERE FOR IT. The way he respected her career, her goals, but still couldn’t stop falling harder every time they crossed paths—ugh, yes please.

And Rori—my fierce, focused, take-no-nonsense tennis queen. She’s got walls for days, and watching her slowly let Landon in? That hit right in the feels.

This book had everything—steam (holy wow), humor, heart, and just the right touch of chaos. I couldn’t put it down. If this is book one in the Battles in Love series, then I’m already counting down the days for book two.

Kylie Skye just gave me a sports romance that’s sexy, addictive, and completely unforgettable. Definitely my best read ever. 💋🔥🎾🏈

[Julia Van Dyke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

3.5 stars, rounded down. Not really my cup of tea, but this should be taken with a grain of salt. It’s my first sports romance, and I have decided they are not my thing.

I appreciated learning more about sports and athletes through this novel, and the overall plot was decent enough to keep me entertained and reading quickly. In fact, the compulsive readability is what lended the extra half star! However, I did feel that this story was a bit juvenile for my taste. The story didn’t feel like it had a ton of depth to me, and the writing style was pretty unpolished. I’m also not a fan of present tense novels, which didn’t help. I’m sure the author will get better as she releases more books and hones her craft!

Also, I felt that the spice was a lot, and it didn’t feel very realistic. I’m not a big fan of characters’ relationships starting with one night stands. While I understood on the surface that the characters’ careers made them compatible, I didn’t feel like there was a ton of other connection.

Overall, I think I just wasn’t this book’s intended audience. I’m sure a sports romance fan will enjoy this book very much.

[EJ Washington · Rating 3 out of 5]

eARC Review:

Firstly, I want to say I was feeling brave trying another sports romance because I actually liked the last one I read.

Unfortunately, this just confirmed that… I don’t think I really like contemporary romance all that much.

The writing itself was fine, but what really stood out to me was the dialogue. The banter between the characters was cute… sometimes even sexy… and most importantly, it felt real, not cringey.

Our ML is overall a green flag. He doesn’t do relationships because of his parents’ messy divorce, and the FL avoids relationships to stay focused on her tennis career.

I honestly feel a little bad leaving this one at 3 hearts because if you enjoy contemporary romances with minimal drama and very low stakes, this would probably be a great read. I just found myself so bored. I liked the characters, their banter was great, but it all felt too realistic and predictable. Where’s the drama?

In conclusion:
In conclusion, I need someone who actually enjoys contemporary romance to read this and give their opinion—because I don’t think I was the best reviewer for this one. Going forward, I probably won’t request any more purely contemporary romances.

[Nolia Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a sizzling New Year’s Eve one-night stand, Rori was ready to move on and chase her tennis dreams… until fate (and a certain football player built like a Greek god) kept crossing her path. What starts as a secret, no-label situationship quickly becomes something neither of them can ignore.

Honestly, this might be one of the best romance books I’ve read this year and I still can’t believe I got to read the advanced copy. This had me giggling, kicking my feet, and hot and bothered 🫠

Landon is the definition of a perfect book boyfriend — green flag after green flag. A softie with muscles who gave me literal butterflies 🦋
And Rori? I love how she owned her feelings and went after what she wanted… so me-coded! She’s determined, relatable, and easily one of my favorite heroines this year.

The writing flowed beautifully, and the dual POV? Chef’s kiss. It’s quick, fun, emotional, and spicy in the best way. Absolutely a 5-star read for me 💕

✨ Best Year Ever is now available on KU + Amazon — go give it a read! Huge thank you to @authorkylieskye for this gifted ARC 🧡

Recommend if you love:
🏈 Sports romance
🎾 Strong, determined heroines
💋 Dual POV perfection
💫 Feel-good + flirty reads

Tropes: One Night Stand · Dual POV · Sports Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

[nombooks Nomary · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW 🎾🏓🏈

The book was an easy and very cute read. I really liked the tennis part.

I loved the flirty banter they have. The spice was so good too.

Rori was afraid of everything that came with fame and didn’t want to lose focus on her tennis career. That’s why, after spending a night together, she suggested to Landon that they keep things as friends with benefits, but in secret, since the connection they had from that first encounter was very strong. However, she often let herself be influenced by what others thought.

Landon, on the other hand, struggled with trust issues and past trauma, but he fell quickly and was the first to fall in love. In my opinion, he gave more in the relationship, and long before Rori did, he already knew he wanted something serious with her.

I liked what Rori did for Landon in the end and how the story wrapped up. I would have loved to see more of Landon’s brothers, but I guess that’ll come in the next books.

Landon supports Rori and her dreams wholeheartedly, without ever feeling less of a man for encouraging her and watching her shine.

This book reminds us that sometimes we care too much about what others think, and in doing so, we end up neglecting our own dreams.