As the #1 WNBA draft pick, I expected to be embraced by sponsors and the media. Instead, I’m being told to act more ‘cheerful’ in front of the cameras, or it will cost me millions in endorsements. And I don’t want to use my father’s NBA legacy to be more popular either.
Now I’m being offered an opportunity to change the narrative on my own terms - pretend to date the other rookie in town, Orlando’s new wide receiver, and create a fresh story for the public to obsess over.
Can this football party boy really be the answer to my problems?
RAWLEY
All I wanted for my first year in the NFL was a fresh start. Yet, the sports pundits are fixated on my so-called character issues and I can’t shake my bad reputation.
Then I meet her, this smoking hot, raven-haired goddess of basketball. By some miracle, weeks later our teams concoct a fake dating arrangement to help improve our media coverage.
But that’s not enough for me. How can I convince her to give me a chance, for real?
NEVER SAY NEVER is a steamy, 18+ romance and the third book in the Battles in Love series, which follows the Battle siblings across four interconnected standalones.
Sports Romance - Pro Football Romance - Basketball Romance - Fake Dating - Black Cat - Boy Obsessed - Banter - He Falls First - Athlete x Athlete - Dual POV - ADHD Representation - Contemporary Romance - New Adult Romance
I have been so excited to get to Rawley’s story & this was worth the wait! I absolutely loved this one!!! I think it might be my favorite so far!! 😍
Rawley & Avery were so fun & together these two had so much chemistry! If you love a sports romance with all the fake dating vibes, banter, and added emotional aspects, you’re going to eat this up!
I absolutely adore Rawley & loved seeing a deeper side of him & his internal struggles. He is just so vulnerable & I love how much he shows up for Avery. Avery is our black cat FMC, but we get to see the softer side of her also & how strong & driven she is!! The way her and Rawley help each other is so amazing. Not only with their image, but also their own emotions & character growth. This book is swoony, emotional, raw, & fun. I really enjoyed the added spice & “bets” in this one that gave it something extra! 🤭
The entire family & friends group through this series is just so lovable and I cannot wait to get more! I loved the emotional depth & heart this one gave! Thank you Kylie for this early copy & writing such a fantastic story.
I am honestly still reeling from how much I adored this book.
Rawley was such a standout character, and he might officially be one of my favorite heroes ever. He was the absolute definition of a green flag, and watching him be so hopelessly gone for Avery while trying to play it cool was both hilarious and incredibly sweet.
Avery was just as phenomenal. She was sharp, driven, and felt so real, especially in how the book touched on the unique pressures female athletes face behind the scenes. Watching them navigate a fake dating arrangement that quickly turned into something deep and genuine was pure magic. Their banter was electric, and the spicy bets they placed on each other created the perfect, addictive tension that kept me hooked.
Beyond the romance, the emotional vulnerability between them really caught me by surprise. They were both so exhausted by the public eye, and seeing them become each other's safest place was everything. Between the fun sibling dynamics and the heartfelt growth, this book was such a perfect, beautiful read.
It was an incredible find and I am already counting down the days until I can dive into more of this world.
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Huge thank you to Kylie Skye & Luna Literary for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
Thank you Kylie Skye for the Advanced Reader Copy of your sports romance “Never Say Never” book three in the Battles in Love series. I’ve been fortunate enough to be a part of the street team for Kylie’s books, and this series has been nothing short of excellent. This Battle Family is full of Green Flag men (and woman, can’t forget Grace).
I’m a sucker for fake dating, it’s my favorite trope, so I was really excited for this one. This dual athlete romance (WNBA and NFL) was full of banter, spicy bets, and fun. It also pays attention to the discrepancy between women’s sports and men’s sports in pay and endorsements. (Kylie is a Girl’s Girl and I love her for it)
What starts as an attempt to better their public personas, the two new to Orlando Rookies (Rawley & Avery) quickly becomes a fun, spicy, and much more intense relationship than either of them bargained for.
Their relationship and friendship dynamic was built on being honest and having a good time, with no overplayed miscommunication tropes or overplayed issues. Rawley and Avery have a unique love that isn’t rushed or forced, and I really enjoyed reading their story.
And the next Battle, Connor, will get his book in September! Can’t wait!
As the #1 WNBA draft pick, I expected to be embraced by sponsors and the media. Instead, I’m being told to act more ‘cheerful’ in front of the cameras, or it will cost me millions in endorsements. And I don’t want to use my father’s NBA legacy to be more popular either.
Now I’m being offered an opportunity to change the narrative on my own terms - pretend to date the other rookie in town, Orlando’s new wide receiver, and create a fresh story for the public to obsess over.
Can this football party boy really be the answer to my problems?
RAWLEY
All I wanted for my first year in the NFL was a fresh start. Yet, the sports pundits are fixated on my so-called character issues and I can’t shake my bad reputation.
Then I meet her, this smoking hot, raven-haired goddess of basketball. By some miracle, weeks later our teams concoct a fake dating arrangement to help improve our media coverage.
But that’s not enough for me. How can I convince her to give me a chance, for real?
*Thank you to the author, Kylie Skye and Luna Literacy for letting me be part of ARC Team!*
I didn’t think I could fall more in love with this series; I was wrong. Rawley and Avery, there is so much I could say about those two. I think that they are my favorite couple from the series- for now. You can’t help but root for Rawley and Avery from the beginning. I think this is one of my favorite fake dating storylines. There was something about this one; it was different. I like the premise of how fake dating was set up in the story, and the way Rawley and Avery formed a connection. I think their ‘fake’ relationship became real even before the two of them realized it. It seemed that Avery was in denial about her feelings, but I hoped that she would come to her senses.
You can’t help but love Rawley, but then all the Battle siblings, you get attached to them. Rawley is the type of guy that every girl wants. I loved the way he was with Avery, and the way that they supported each other, and were there for one another. I loved that this story featured a basketball player, the one sport I played, but in middle school. I loved reading the descriptions of the game; they were so vivid that I felt as I was at the game.
I love Avery and Rawley’s stories and found myself reading when I couldn’t sleep. I’m still thinking about their story; it had a big impact on me. There wasn’t anything that I didn’t like about this story. I’m so glad that I came across Kylie Skye. I can’t wait to read Connor’s story in September! Highly recommended for sports and romance fans.
Kylie. At this point, I’m just willingly letting you feed into every single one of my delusions because “never say never,” right? Because somehow you continue to make love stories feel possible. Like maybe one day I really will meet a football player who cooks dinner, agrees to fake date me, and accidentally falls in love along the way. Your books keep proving that romance doesn’t have to feel untouchable to be special. So consider this my official request for you to never stop writing men who feel real, attainable, and entirely capable of ruining my standards forever.
Rawley. Never apologize for being exactly who you are. Not for your ADHD. Not for breaking the rules a little. Not for loving to cook. Not for making Avery feel seen and wanted and appreciated at every turn. Don’t apologize for the jerseys, the food nicknames, the fake dating arrangement, or for going completely off script when feelings got involved. Don’t apologize for being a walking green flag or for loving Avery so naturally it felt impossible not to root for you. And definitely don’t apologize for falling for your fake girlfriend. Because honestly? Sorry not sorry, but you're easily one of my favorite battles.
Avery. I saw so much of myself in you. In the guardedness. In independence. In the RBF accusations. In pretending not to care what people think while secretly carrying the weight of expectations anyway. In wanting more for women athletes and refusing to settle for less. But most of all, I loved watching you discover that softness doesn’t make you weak. That letting the right people in doesn’t take away your strength. And I think that’s why your story sticks so deeply.
And Connor? You completely blindsided me. Now I’m way too intrigued by you, and I have a feeling I’m about to become emotionally attached against my will. Kylie, I’m assuming this means we’re about to see how well he can kick a football?
4.5 ⭐️ read! I love a good spicy sports romance! And @authorkylieskye never disappoints! Again THANK YOU for allowing me the privilege of getting to be apart of your ARC team. I’ve been able to ARC read every book in this series so far and i think she has really hit her stride with this one! I loved the previous books but there was just something about Rawley from book one that i couldn’t wait for. He is so sweet, caring and understanding. With his siblings and in his relationship with Avery. Fake dating trope is a top one for me and this one didn’t disappoint! Watching them get to know each other, process their feelings while also being forced proximity partners was SO GOOD! I absolutely loved their banter throughout. I loved Avery’s strong willed and sassy personality. How she wasn’t able to pretend to be anything other than who she was. And how even though she held a grudge from the past that made rules for her future was able to see her faults and allow herself the love she deserved. Also Rawley was a DREAMBOAT 🫦 the way that man melted to Avery. How he loved her throughout. Supported and loved watching her succeed was *swoooony* seriously this series is so so good! All three books are out on KU with book four coming this summer. You don’t want to miss the Battle siblings. And if you need more convincing to read this one… did i mention Rawley has slutty little thigh tats? No? Well 👀 #bookish #bookworm #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #readingcommunity
Thank you to Kylie Skye for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Never Say Never gives us Rawley Battle’s story, and honestly, this book was so lovable. Rawley, an NFL rookie trying to overcome a reputation that has followed him since his youth, is such a sweet and vulnerable character. His struggles with ADHD and always feeling like he comes second in life made him incredibly easy to root for. Avery, a WNBA rookie trying to step out from under her NBA father’s shadow while fighting the media’s cold perception of her, was the perfect match for him. She is strong, driven, and guarded in all the ways that made watching them slowly open up to each other feel emotional and real.
The fake dating, banter, and found family vibes were so well done, and Rawley falling hard and fast absolutely had my heart. The bouquet scene made me ugly cry. Kylie Skye’s writing has grown so much throughout this series, and this one felt especially bingeable with strong pacing and emotional payoff. Overall, this has been such a fun athlete romance series, and I cannot wait to see what Connor gets up to next.
Perfect for readers who love athlete romance, fake dating, found family, and soft hearted MMCs who fall first.
Sweet, fun, and a bit spicy! Never Say Never is book 3 in the Battles In Love series by Kylie Skye. This is the first book I've read by Kylie and I am a huge fan now! I'm looking forward to reading more as well as the previous books in this series!
Rawley and Avery were amazing characters! Rawley is trying to recoup his college reputation after not so flattering photo had him labeled as a party boy and since getting drafted into the NFL by the Orlando Waves he is trying to shake that image and be taken seriously as a player. Avery was just drafted by the Orlando Surge WNBA team. She's trying to make her own name away from her former NBA dad but finds making it own her own is going to be more difficult since WNBA players don't make near the amount as NBA players. So while trying to secure sponsorships to help financially, she runs into an image problem. She needs to seem more "likable". So in order to help both Rawley and Avery their PR teams suggest they "fake date". With Avery's "no dating athletes rule" and Rawley's instant attraction, this book takes us on a fun ride!
- sports romance: NFL player x basketball player - black cat x golden retriever - fake dating - he falls first - ADHD rep - 🌶️🌶️.5/5 - dual pov
I did a paid content pull for Kylie, so I won't include a star rating.
But what I will say is I love that this series is a dual-athlete sports romance centred around the four Battle siblings. In Never Say Never, NFL rookie Rawley is heading into his first season playing on his brother’s team when he meets basketball rookie Avery and is instantly hooked. The only problem? She has a strict no-athletes rule.
But that rule gets a little harder to stick to when their teams decide a fake relationship would be great for their public image. And a little harder again when fake dating turns into flirty banter, spicy bets, and very real chemistry.
If you’re looking for a sports romance that balances sweet and spicy moments, Never Say Never is a fun one to pick up.
5 Stars 🌟 Thank you to the author and Luna Literary Management for the ARC! 💜
I was so excited to be diving into Rawley and Avery's story next! This book was so well done in literally every aspect. It was insanely funny, and I loved every single second. And the fake dating trope??? Their relationship came together phenomenally. The pacing and timing of how everything unfolded was perfection. I'd say that so far, this one is my favorite (we ignore that I haven't read book 1 yet)! I'm so excited to read Connor's story next as we get into the final Battle sibling's story.
I love the books that Kylie Skye creates. You can read them as standalones or you can start at the beginning and see how the characters connect. I love how she brings the life of professional athletes into her stories. The relationship with these two is great. I like how they grow within themselves. This book did not disappoint. Need a little football and basketball romance? Definitely a read for your list!
ARC Review Easy 5⭐️ for me! Dual prof sports NFL X WNBA Fake dating He falls first ADHD rep All the things I love! And I was hooked from chapter 1. Rawley and Avery were so real and raw and their relationship was beautiful. There was banter, spice, real vulnerability and it was amazing!
Once again Kylie has released an amazing sports romance that I couldn't put down! I absolutely loved the relationship between Rawley and Avery (more specifically the banter 😂) and can't wait to see what the next book brings!
What to expect: - [ ] Athlete athlete - [ ] Fake dating - [ ] Enemies to lovers - [ ] Black cat FMC - [ ] Boy obsessed - [ ] ADHA rep (MMC) - [ ] Close proximity
I got this book as an ARC and i am very thankful of Kylie for this opportunity.
This is my first ever dual athlete, sports romance. And i like it. Rawley was NFL rookie and Avery was basketball ball rookie and they make such a fun couple.
The MMC in this book is very relatable, interesting and you will instantly like him. The FMC gives 100% black cat energy, she is career driven, strong and i really liked her.
The chemistry between the characters was good, spice was perfectly balanced, banter was fun.
Overall, this book was swoony, funny and heartfelt and you will be hooked till the end of the book.
Kylie Skye really took fake dating, smashed it together with two professional athletes carrying enough emotional baggage to qualify for excess luggage fees, and somehow created a romance that had me grinning like an idiot one minute and clutching my chest the next 🏈🏀✨
I DEVOUR sports romances, but Never Say Never hit differently because Avery and Rawley felt so real underneath all the fame, media pressure, and hot people pretending not to want each other. These two walked onto the page already exhausted by public perception and somehow ended up becoming each other’s safest place and I simply was NOT emotionally prepared for that.
Avery?? I loved her immediately. She’s talented, driven, sharp-tongued, and honestly fed UP with everyone telling her to smile more so they can market her better. The way this book handled the pressure female athletes face compared to male athletes was SO good without ever feeling preachy. You could feel her frustration bleeding through the pages, and I wanted to fight every sports commentator for her personally.
And Rawley??? THAT MAN WAS DOWN HORRENDOUS. Absolutely gone. Spiritually deceased. He met Avery and basically said “this terrifying woman who barely tolerates me is now the center of my universe.” The boy obsessed energy was elite. Every chapter from his POV had me cackling because this man was trying so hard to act cool while internally writing wedding vows after one meaningful glance.
The chemistry between them was ridiculous. Top shelf. Michelin-starred tension. Their banter had that perfect sharp edge where you know they’re flirting but also one argument away from tackling each other through a wall. Fake dating scenes are my catnip already, but adding athlete x athlete energy made everything ten times hotter because they actually understood each other’s worlds. The press conferences, the public appearances, the little touches for the cameras that slowly stop feeling fake??? Inject it directly into my bloodstream.
And the HE FALLS FIRST trope here deserves its own trophy because Rawley folded for Avery at record speed. Meanwhile Avery’s standing there trying to maintain emotional control while this giant football himbo is looking at her like she personally invented sunlight.
Also can we talk about the ADHD representation because I genuinely appreciated how naturally it was woven into the story. It felt human and authentic instead of performative sparkle confetti tossed in for points.
The whole book had this addictive energy where every chapter ended with me saying “okay one more” and suddenly it was 3am and my sleep schedule was lying face down on the battlefield. The spice, the emotional vulnerability, the media chaos, the sibling dynamics, the yearning??? Kylie Skye cooked a full five-course meal here.
Never Say Never was fun, emotional, swoony, chaotic, and unbelievably hard to put down. Fake dating has been done a thousand times but this felt fresh and electric and full of heart. Rawley Battle, you beautiful obsessed disaster of a man, I will never recover from you. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Never Say Never is the third (#3) book in the BATTLES IN LOVE series.
Everything in Avery’s life is going great, as the #1 WNBA draft pick her future is on the rise. The only problem is that her public persona is threatening her chance at millions of dollars from endorsements. The rookie is seen as not being smiley enough, bubbly enough, happy enough. Avery NEEDS the endorsements, women’s pay , even at her level isn’t enough for her to live comfortably.
Rawley sees his first year in the NFL as a chance to restart his image. He has a (mostly unfair) bad reputation, and is worried negative press will affect his career going forward and his chance for high earning endorsements.
When the pairs teams suggest they ‘fake’ date to improve both of their images, Avery and Rawlings reluctantly agree, but the more time they spend together the closer they become. Rawley is determined to break through Averys ‘no dating athletes’ rule and Avery is learning that Rawley’s bad boy reputation may have been exaggerated. Life never runs smoothly though and this pair have to work hard to get their hea….
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I have read previous books in this series by Kylie and I have to say she writes really engaging, page turning, enjoyable stories, Never Say Never is no exception.
The MC’s in this book are relatable, interesting and likeable. The entire Battle crew are great and their stories draw you in.
I really got invested in this story and it felt like I had read it before, the characters are familiar, the plot runs well and the pages seemed to turn themselves.
There are spicy, open door scenes but if that’s not your thing and you can easily skip those parts without affecting your enjoyment of this book.
On a personal note the only thing I didn’t really like about this book was the cover characters. They just look a bit weird to me.
I read an ebook version of this delightful book, with just over 400 pages,a couples cover and good editing.
With thanks to Kylie Skye and Luna Literacy for a chance to read an early copy. All comments are my own honest, unbiased opinion.
🏀 Steamy 18+ Romance 🏀 Open Door Spice 🏀 Sports Romance 🏀 Basketball 🏀 Pro Football 🏀 Fake Dating 🏀 He Falls First
Book Trope: Sports Romance - Pro Football Romance - Basketball Romance - Fake Dating - Black Cat - Boy Obsessed - Banter - He Falls First - Athlete x Athlete - Dual POV - ADHD Representation - Contemporary Romance - New Adult Romance
AVERY is the number 1 woman’s WNBA Draft pick. She is looking forward to being in the WNBA and starting her career. Her father and her brother play in the NBA and she's always being compared to them. She hates that they over shadow her life. Avery has always had a stance of not dating a fellow sports player, as its too hard with her schedule and the other partners schedule to connect. She is worried that she will get cheated on again if she puts herself out there.
RAWLEY made the first round draft pick. Since he was drafted later, he's lost out on a lot of endorsement deals, but, he knows his agent will be able to get him new ads and new deals. The NFL Orlando team wants him to keep a clean image on and off the field. He's now living in his brother's mansion, which has bedrooms for him and all his siblings, which makes the house huge when they are all there together. Being on the same team as his brother is nice, but, at the same time he doesn't want to be in the 'shadow's' either. He wants to make a mark on the NFL team also.
When Avery's agent make a play to her to team up with Rawley at first she's a hard no to the idea. Then she warms up to it, stating it would be good for both their images to get public interest and positive photos. Avery has been told to smile more, act like she's engaged and having fun. That's just not who she is though. She's tough on the inside and on the court. She wants to play and win. Rawley is the same, they both want to be on the winning team. When they connect at a endorsement deal, they work out they can 'fake date' and help each other out. But, when helping each other out crosses the lines they agree they can be friends with benefits of course. But, what happens when they both start to develop feelings?
Will Rawley be able to win over Avery's heart? Or will their sports schedule get the better of both of them? Will Avery be able to work her schedule into Rawley's? Will Avery be able to 'give' any?
I did receive a free ARC Copy of this book. I am freely leaving a honest book review.
Rawley and Avery, YOU will always be famous to me 😭💖
This was honestly such a perfect addition to the series and I had the BEST time reading it. (Can be read as a standalone) From the very beginning, I was completely hooked. Two professional athletes entering a fake dating arrangement for publicity reasons already had me seated, but the emotional depth in this story made me love it even more.
Rawley was SUCH a lovable MMC. Literally the definition of a green flag. Funny, sweet, patient, supportive, and so gone for Avery from the start 😭 and Avery?? I adored her so much. I loved that she wasn’t instantly warm and open with everyone. She felt real, and watching her slowly let Rawley in was everything.
And the BETS between them??? OH MY GOD 😭🥹 Every single one had me swooning so bad. Their playful competitiveness mixed with all that flirting made their chemistry feel even stronger. It was honestly one of my favorite parts of the book because you could see them slowly falling for each other through all those little moments. The banter was so effortless and fun, and every challenge between them just turned into another excuse for them to get closer.
The chemistry overall was INSANE. Every interaction had me giggling and kicking my feet. The “this is fake but maybe not really anymore” energy??? Kylie Skye absolutely ate this up.
One thing I especially loved was how alive the entire world felt. The family dynamics, the friendships, the group chats 😭 it all made the story feel so full and immersive. Every single time Rori and Landon were mentioned, I genuinely got excited like they were my personal friends.
Also, I really appreciated how well the sports aspect was balanced with the romance. Sometimes sports romances can lean too heavily one way, but this felt perfect. You really got to understand both Rawley and Avery as individuals outside of just their relationship.
Overall, this book completely pulled me in and never let me go. I started reading and genuinely could not stop until I reached the final page.
If you love: 🏈 fake dating 🏀 athlete x athlete romance 💖 green flag MMCs 😂 fun family/group chat moments 🥹 flirty bets and playful banter ✨ insane chemistry
I have been waiting so long for Rawley’s story and it was absolutely worth it.
Never Say Never gave me everything I love in a sports romance: fake dating, forced proximity, elite banter, emotional depth, incredible chemistry, and just the right amount of spice. Rawley and Avery were such a fun pair, but what made this story stand out was how genuine their connection felt. Their relationship grew from friendship and comfort into something deeper, and every conversation between them felt effortless and real.
Rawley completely stole my heart. Beneath his charming, goofy athlete persona was someone vulnerable, thoughtful, and incredibly caring. I loved seeing his softer side and the way he constantly showed up for Avery. He was such a gentleman, but also hilariously awkward at times - the way he kept fumbling his words around her was absolutely adorable. Avery was the perfect match for him: strong, hardworking, driven, and giving major black cat energy, while still having this beautifully gentle side that slowly came out with the right person. Watching them support each other, not only with their public images and sponsorship pressures but also emotionally, was so refreshing.
One thing I really appreciated was the look into the business side of professional sports - especially how endorsements and media perception affect athletes differently, particularly female athletes. It added another layer of realism to the story that made Avery and Rawley’s fake relationship feel even more believable.
The chemistry between these two was undeniable. The bets, the tension, the spice, the flirty moments - it was all so fun and addictive. I loved every single interaction.
This book was swoony, emotional, funny, heartfelt, and impossible to put down. Avery and Rawley just made sense together, and that ending gesture completely melted me. Huge thank you to Kylie Skye for the ARC - I loved every moment of this one!
Kylie Skye does it again with another Battle sibling book that was so good I couldn’t put it down! This book hit the spot with emotions, spice, and character connections. This book had me giggling, feeling those heart warming moments, the realness, and even some gut punches. I was hooked by the third chapter and was still wanting more when it ended.
Rawley freaking Battles. Oh my goodness. Green flags all around! I loved him from the very start. He’s so real and just down to earth. Always making the best out of situations. Charming, too. Although he struggles with ADHD, he slowly is learning to deal with it and learn that it is an acceptable thing. His journey resinates the most with me, and is just so personable and real. And my girl Avery!! This girl is absolutely badass! She’s confident, and a little bit cocky, but focused and may even have a little RBF. But she’s stoic and has a guarded heart from being hurt in the past. When these two both become pro athletes in the same area, and both need some PR image cleanups (and to help Avery get more money in deals), they start fake dating. These two couldn’t be any cuter together. They’re flirty, playful, fun, and understand each other on a different level than most. But let me just say, that Avery knows what she wants and goes after it. And I am here for it! And Rawley brings the spice. He may be bringing the golden retriever vibes, but behind closed doors he has a little dark side. Total melt mode.
I really enjoyed the dual athlete POV and that Rawley was back in town with his siblings. The found family aspect was a perfect addition.
Truly a great book! Easy read, flawless writing, and it flowed so naturally. One book you can get lost in!
Thank you so much Kylie Skye for the opportunity to ARC read this book. These are my honest opinions.
🏈⭐️ 4.5 stars | 💍 Fake Dating • 🏀 Athlete x Athlete • 🧠 ADHD Rep • 🔥 Banter • 💚 Green Flag MMC
Fake dating will always own me and Kylie Skye absolutely delivered with *Never Say Never*.
I already loved the Battle family going into this book (Rori was my girl before this one 👀), but Rawly and Avery completely stole the top spot for me. Their chemistry, banter, and spicy little bets had me grinning the entire time.
Rawly “Rook” Battle is SUCH a green flag MMC. Protective without being overbearing, supportive, funny, and completely obsessed with Avery “Avie” in the sweetest way. And Avery? I loved her so much. Seeing a football MMC paired with a WNBA FMC felt fresh and fun, and I loved that both of them understood the pressure of being professional athletes.
The Battle family group chat remains one of my favorite parts of this series. Their sibling dynamic feels so real and chaotic in the best way, but underneath all the teasing is so much love and support for each other. Found family/sibling relationships in sports romance just hit different for me and Kylie does them SO well.
And the ADHD representation was beautifully done. I really appreciate seeing mental health and neurodivergent rep handled with care in romance because it matters so much to readers seeing themselves on page.
Also…Florida girl bias activated because I loved the Orlando setting. I always have such a soft spot for books set somewhere that feels like home.
🏈 Tropes I Loved
💍 Fake dating 🏀 Athlete x athlete 🏈 Football MMC x ⛹️ WNBA FMC 🔥 Spicy bets 💚 Green flag MMC 🧠 ADHD representation 😂 Banter 👨👩👧👦 Chaotic sibling group chats 📍 Florida setting
If you love fake dating, athlete romances, chaotic family group chats, green flag men, fun banter, and couples who hype each other up nonstop, you’ll LOVE Never Say Never.
Never Say Never completely stole my heart. Rawley and Avery had this effortless chemistry that made every scene between them addictive to read. Their dynamic balanced humor, tension, vulnerability, and emotional depth so well that I flew through this book in one sitting.
What I loved most was how layered both characters felt. Rawley may come across as the charming athlete everyone expects, but underneath all of that confidence is someone carrying insecurities, pressure, and the constant feeling of not measuring up. Watching him fall first and love so openly made him impossible not to adore. Avery, on the other hand, is guarded, ambitious, and tired of being reduced to headlines and assumptions. I loved seeing her walls slowly come down throughout the story.
The fake relationship setup brought all the fun banter and tension, but the emotional side of this story is what really made it stand out for me. Their relationship wasn’t just about attraction, it became a safe place for both of them to heal, grow, and finally feel understood. And honestly? Some moments hit me right in the feelings.
This series continues to shine because of the family and friendship dynamics. Every side character adds warmth and charm, and it makes the world feel so lived in and comforting. Kylie Skye also does such a great job balancing swoony romance with deeper topics without losing the fun sports romance vibe.
If you love: • pro athlete romances • fake dating • he falls first • black cat x golden retriever energy • emotionally vulnerable MMCs • found family vibes
…this one deserves a spot on your TBR immediately. 💕
Thank you Kylie for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spicy Level:🌶️🌶️ 🏈 Athlete (NFL) X Athlete (WNBA) 🏀Fake Dating 🏈Banter to Lovers 🏀Boy Obsessed 🏈Spicy Bets 🏀ADHD Rep
Rawley is too good for this world - he was such a great main male character! Rawley was sweet, caring, and showed his love through food. Avery was the FMC you want to see get everything she worked so hard for. She seems standoffish and kinda grumpy - she is trying to protect herself from familiar hurt with rules she follows - especially “No Athletes”. The two together - electric. You want characters that complement each other, grow and become stronger individually and ultimately together. They both come from famous families, know the pressure that entails, and put pressure on themselves to be successful; they understand the pressures. Rawley and Avery do exactly that - they are my new favorite couple in the series. Rawley shows Avery her “No Athletes Rule” is meant to be broken.
Rawly (MMC) is a rookie on the Orlando Wave NFL team, the same team as his brother Landon. He puts pressure on himself to be perfect, which is not realistic. He punishes himself for past mistakes and is constantly trying to make up for them, while fighting against himself and his ADHD. Avery (FMC) was the #1 WNBA pick for the Orlando Surge. She expects greatness of herself and feels the pressure from the outside. Both want to use endorsements to make up for the shortcomings in their salaries. A fake dating plan was made to make them the new sports power couple - it seems simple enough. The more time they spend together, the further Rawley falls (he falls first) till he reaches a point of no return - Avery falls too, but takes a little time to catch up.
**I received an Advanced Readers' Copy in exchange for an honest review.**
This book is officially one of my favorites by Kylie. First, thank you so much for the opportunity to ARC read this in exchange for my honest review—I’m always so grateful to be part of Kylie Skye’s team and get to experience these stories early.
Rawley completely stole my heart. There’s something so powerful about a character who doesn’t need to be loud to be felt. His vulnerability, the quiet way he carries his emotions, and how easy it was to connect with him made him incredibly special. You can feel everything he’s going through even when he’s not saying much, and that kind of writing just hits differently. He’s easily become one of my favorite characters.
And Avery? I loved her just as much. She’s strong, driven, and brings such an important layer to the story. I especially appreciated how Kylie incorporated the conversation around unfair pay and the discrimination female athletes face compared to male athletes. It added depth and realism to the book, making it not just a romance, but also a story with something meaningful to say. It felt relevant, impactful, and handled in a way that made you think while still staying engaged in the story.
The relationship between Rawley and Avery was emotional, real, and full of growth. Watching them navigate their own struggles while finding their way to each other was such a rewarding journey. The balance between vulnerability, strength, and connection made their story stand out.
Overall, this was a really strong, heartfelt read that had both emotional depth and an important message woven throughout. I’m so thankful I got to read it early, and I can’t wait to see what Kylie writes next.
Sweet as Candy! Never Say Never is the third book in the Battles in Love series by Kylie Skye. This is an interconnected series of the four Battle siblings and each can be read as a stand alone. In this book we get dual athletes, Pro football/basketball, Fake Dating, He Falls First, Black Cat/Golden Retriever who is obsessed. If you like a a sweet slow burn with a FMC who doesn't date Athletes and a Golden Retriever who falls quick with low self esteem then get to clicking download today.
TW: On page Neglectful parents, On page Narcissistic parents, On page Ableism related to ADHD, Off page Cheating, not between the main characters.
I would like to Thank Luna Literary and Kylie Skye for my ARC and in return I voluntarily promised an honest review.
Rawley Battle has been drafted into the NFL and all he wants is to shake his bad reputation and make a brand new start.
Avery Parker has been drafted into the WNBA as the number one pick. She doesn't like to use her family's legacy but her RBF is costing her millions in endorsements.
Rawley meets Avery, they click and the banter comes so easily between them. But each have relationship hang ups for different reasons.
The PR teams proposes the idea of them faking a relationship with an expiration date. All to improve their images while reeling in the fans and endorsed offers.
Rawley's feelings quickly become more than friendly when they agree to FWB. But that isn't enough for him and Avie is realizing her feelings are changing as well and needs put a halt on this relationship.
Will they decide that they choose each other and to admit to Never Say Never when it comes to more?
This book had everything I love in a sports romance: fake dating, elite banter, emotional chemistry, and two athletes who genuinely felt like equals in every way 🥹
Rawley and Avery were SO fun together. Their dynamic balanced humor, tension, sweetness, and vulnerability perfectly, and I loved how naturally their relationship developed over the course of the story. Nothing felt forced—the connection between them just worked.
Rawley completely stole the show for me. He has that golden retriever energy that makes him instantly lovable, but underneath all the charm he’s thoughtful, caring, and surprisingly soft. The way he kept stumbling over himself around Avery while still trying so hard to show up for her was honestly adorable 😭
And Avery was the perfect counterpart to him. Driven, guarded, independent, and giving full black cat energy while still having such a caring side underneath it all. I loved that she never lost herself in the relationship, and seeing the two of them support each other both publicly and privately made the romance feel really balanced and healthy.
I also really appreciated the deeper look into professional sports culture, especially how public image and sponsorship pressures affect athletes differently. It added another layer to the fake dating setup and made everything feel more grounded and believable.
✨ tropes ✨ 🏈 NFL player x basketball player 🖤 Black cat x golden retriever 💍 Fake dating 😮💨 He falls first 🧠 ADHD rep 🌶️ Spice: 2.5/5 💞 Dual POV
This was sweet, funny, swoony, and ridiculously easy to binge. Rawley and Avery had the kind of chemistry that keeps you smiling the entire time 🤍
Thank you so much to the author and Luna literary for providing me with a copy✨
I'm a sucker for fake dating and even more when it has sports romance, I just want all the books that have that trope and this one was freaking amazing😝😝😝😝. Two Star Rookies that need to improve their image in the public eye so their team decides that since they get along so well, they could easily fake dating and boyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy I loved every second.
Avery is part of the WNBA, and she is good like really good as a player but outside of court she is kind of cold and meh, so ofc that affects her image with deals and promotions since people think women need to smile more🙄😒. Rawley on the other hand, is in his first year in the NFL, but he got a bad reputation during his college years and people can’t seem to forget about it. Plus, his brother also plays in the NFL, so ofc he has a lot of pressure on his shoulders to prove himself.
These 2 needed to fake date to prove to the media they aren’t like people think but what happens when the feelings start floating around Rawley and Avery has a No dating Athletes rule.
This book was amazing✨ Kylie did an incredible job. She had me smiling like crazy and wanting these two to be together so badly🥹💕And the BETS??? They were so entertaining😩 The mix of competitiveness and flirting was absolutely top tier.
Rawley definitely fell first like DOWN BAD, folded like a beach chair for her🙂↕️🥵, but Avery fell just as hard for him too. She saw how caring and sweet he truly was with her, and that made everything between them even better💗
Their chemistry in bed was amazing and I loved when Avery was bossy with him jj🔥
I literally shrieked when the ARC showed up! I love the Battles in Love Series.
Avery and Rawley were so fun. The banter and spicy bets were amazing. I really enjoyed Rawley’s ADHD representation and how Avery was supportive of him.
Avery, the #1 pick in the WNBA has everything going for her. Except everyone thinks she needs to be more “cheerful” and lose the RBF. She comes from a family of successful basketball players. Her dad is a retired NBA player and her brother is currently playing in the NBA. So she wants to be known for her own achievements.
Rawley is trying to save his future NFL career. After a picture of him at a party makes its way onto the internet he is now known for his so called “partying” but that couldn’t be further from the truth. His draft stock along with potential sponsors are taking a big hit.
Avery and Rawley meet at a pick up basketball game and Rawley couldn’t be more interested in her. Instantly he can’t stop thinking about the beautiful raven haired superstar. When the local media wants the two of them to do an article together things click between them. So much so they keep getting chastised for breaking away from the interview questions. Their PR teams take note and soon suggest they help each other out by “fake dating”. Rawley is all in, if Avery is 😉
Soon, pretend dates and photo ops turn into spicy bets that lead to Rawley catching feels but Avery has a “no dating athletes” rule. Can Rawley prove his actions are worth breaking her rules?
This is the third book in the Battles in Love series that follows the 4 Battle siblings.
Book 1, Best Year Ever, follows the oldest sibling, Landon, in a Pro Football/Pro Tennis “Secretly Dating” romance.
Book 2, Running After Forever, follows the only “Sister” in the family, Grace, in a Track/Pro Football “Brother’s Best Friend” romance
This book follows the 3rd sibling, Rawley, in a Rookie Pro Football/Rookie Pro Women’s Basketball “Fake Dating” romance.
Never Say Never also has late-diagnosed ADHD rep. 🏈 A poorly timed photo of Rawley last year, and his inability to express what really happened, gives Rawley an appearance of being a “partier”. As a result, he is drafted late and is not given the sponsorship opportunities he deserves.
Avery is a rookie in the WNBA for Orlando, but her “resting bitch face” makes her seem unapproachable, causing her to loose prestigious sponsorships.
But a great Agent and PR Manager can fix both of Rawley’s and Avery’s public persona by…fake dating (of course). 😉
Nothing could go wrong…except maybe catching feelings. 🏀 Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/🌶️🫑 This was a fun book.
Part of what I love about this series and Kylie’s writing is her inclusion of actual plays within the sports romance. It’s not just about romance, but incorporating the actual sport as well. Along with the struggles and accomplishments of sponsorships and dealing with PR and the public persona. 🏈 Rawley is such a golden retriever. Too bad no one seems to think he’s worthy of a relationship. Maybe the bad guys really do win, but on occasion, green flag guys are a good thing as well. 🏀 I understood Avery’s reluctance to get involved after her experiences with her past relationship. Being cheated on is the worst and definitely causes trust issues.