Game of Love

by Melanie Shawn

What's a girl to do when her NFL star ex-husband hijacks her small town to announce his engagement?

Simple.
Fake-date his rival.

Niko Costas was always the center of attention, the life of the party, and never met a spotlight he didn’t like. With a six-foot-two athletic frame and smile that boasted a singular deliciously deep dimple, he was the embodiment of charisma. He perfected the art of charm, chaos, and keeping things light. But underneath the fun and flirty exterior was a heart that beat with unexpected depth and sensitivity, a side of him that few saw, hidden behind the laughter and signature bad-boy, half-grin.

Tiana Marie Matthews didn’t do chaos. After surviving a childhood in foster and group homes, and a very public contentious divorce, she built her life on calm and purpose with poise and grace. She was magnetic without trying, stunning without effort, and had sworn off relationships in an effort to protect the peace that had been so hard won.

When Tiana’s NFL star ex-husband showed up in town with a new woman, who happened to be Niko’s ex-girlfriend, to publicly announce their engagement he threatened to disrupt the perfect microcosm she’d built. Enter Niko who made her an offer she couldn’t refuse…a fake relationship.

She fought for peace.

He fights for her.

Sometimes two exes do make a right.

Author's Note : Game of Love is a laugh-out-loud, slow-burn-to-high-heat rom com, small-town, sports romance featuring fake dating, an irresistible sunshine hero, a guarded heroine, messy ex drama, found family, with a few tear jerking moments and a guaranteed happily ever after. Perfect for fans of steamy rival romances and binge-worthy Kindle Unlimited love stories.

440 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 19, 2026

About the author

NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestselling author Melanie Shawn writes HEAs filled with sweet and sassy heroines, heroes who are cinnamon rolls in the streets alpho-holes in the sheets, casts of supportive *cough: meddling* friends and family who put the fun in funny, toe-curling combustible heat, and sugary sweet “aww” moments that will have your hearts and e-readers melting.

Reviews

[Tina Buchberger Oase · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving all the books in this series and the characters!
This book did not disappoint and even some of the other Hope Falls characters were represented.
Niko is back in town for his Yaya's (grandmother) wedding and needing to get his head back in place after some set backs with his baseball career.
Tiana grew always having to struggle and thought she had found love and was married. This failed and she again had to recreate herself. She is new to town and has set up a business and placed her Pops (created relationship) in the adult care center.
One night her husband and her attended an event for ESPN and that night is where everything started changing for both Niko and Tiana. He held on to that attraction for over 10 years and never thought he'd be in a position to be more than her admirer.
That is until they both see each other again in Hope Falls and both are single needing some help from the other. She needs some protection from her ex and needs to show the paparazi that he isn't the face that they have been seeing.
What started out as a fake relationship soon develops into more, but will Niko be able to get around and over Tiana's walls that she placed around her heart?

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Game of Love is the third novel in the Hope Falls: Main Street series by Melanie Shawn. This story follows our favorite yoga teacher Tiana and AJ's twin brother, Niko, to their happily ever after.

Tiana is a closed off woman who somewhat recently got out of a terrible decade long marriage. She is doing everything she can to support herself and build a business.

Niko is in his grandmother's home town for a break. After officially retiring, well unofficially, from baseball he needs time to figure out his next steps and that starts with Yaya's wedding in Hope Falls.

I loved Niko's alpha energy balanced with his desire to care and support those that he loves. Tiana has walls so high only greatest can break them down, but Pops has faith!

I have always loved the Hope Falls series and this story is no exception!

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tiana was a beautiful woman who had a hard childhood in foster and group homes. I loved the story of how she found Pops and he became her family. Her trust was broken even further when she made the mistake of marrying a narcissistic NFL player that sucked her confidence out of her. I was happy to see she was able to divorce him and go back to her home town where she took care of Pops, but it took her ten years. Niko had been a charismatic baseball player who needed to work on his reputation. Niko and his twin brother were in the same town as Tiana to walk their 90 year old grandma down the aisle. Niko and Tiana’s ex husband never got along to say the least. The crazy thing was that her ex came to her town with his family and his fiancé who was Niko’s ex. I loved that Niko came up with the idea of Tiana and him having a fake relationship to keep her ex away. There may have been some feelings in the past that never went anywhere because of wrong place, wrong time. I couldn’t help but love Niko’s grandmother and her personality that was always good for a laugh. Niko had to be patient with Tiana as she had a wall around her so high and low trust in people. It was very easy to fall in love with Niko and how he treated Tiana. It was also fun catching up with past characters. I strongly encourage you to read the book..

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really great read. I loved both Tiana and Niki by themselves. But put them together and it is even better. I like that we still get visited by our other Hope Falls couples throughout the book and their stories grow as well.
This was entertaining and well written. The character development is fantastic. I loved how detailed backgrounds and such are. It makes the characters more realistic while reading.

I also enjoyed the lead up to the next in series. I can’t wait to read that one too!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book! I literally couldn’t put it down! Every time I read a new Hope Falls book, it becomes my new favorite. Niko comes to town to reconnect with family and figures out his next steps after his career comes to an end. He finds himself “faking” a relationship with Tiana to help his bad boy reputation-he had always been attracted to her but she was married to his rival! Will they be able to get past Tiana’s ex meddling and their own relationship fears? The chemistry in this book is off the charts. I loved every second of it!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

fabulous

A fabulous book. Loving this series.
We met Niko and Tiana in previous books, Niko a bit of a playboy.
Niko is the twin brother of AJ and brother to Frankie.
Tiana has real trust issues and although their relationship started as a fake one it soon became apparent that it was more than that, especially for Niko.
Brock, her ex-husband is in town with his new girlfriend who happens to be Niko’s ex hence the fake relationship.
For those you who have read the series about the Sloans, Jessie is Niko’s publicist and appears in this book., as well as her husband Zack.
I have read a lot of Melanie’s books and I always love it when we get people included from other books.
Next up is Jenna and Deacon, can’t wait!

[Brandi Sartin lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will pull you in. You will want to know what Tiana is keeping to herself. What really happened with her ex that she needs to warn the new girlfriends. Niko is the ideal boyfriend, who wouldn’t want to date an athlete! And this one just happens to have a side that the public doesn’t see. The challenge is going to be if Tiana can let her past go and learn that maybe you can trust people and that they will be there for you. Will Niko be able to convince her he is worth taking a chance on?

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another swoon-worthy trip back to Hope Falls. This time up Nico and Tiana together. Loved their past connection and the current connection. But don't get me started on her ex. Can you say a$$hole? Thanks for another great story Melanie.

[Sherri Babb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love with this book. From the moment I began reading it I was drawn into Niko and Tiana's story. These two had so much chemistry going on between them. Niko wants a second shot at a relationship with Tiana so he suggests a fake relationship in hopes that just maybe it will become more. The question is will it work! I loved everything about this book. It was funny, emotional and so much more. This is one book you don't want to miss reading. Highly recommend. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Argie · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Sweet, Swoony, and Totally Addictive


Game of Love by Melanie Shawn is a charming, feel-good romance that’s impossible to put down. The chemistry is effortless, the writing flows beautifully, and the story keeps you hooked from start to finish.

If you’re looking for a captivating, swoon-worthy read that leaves you smiling long after the final page, this book absolutely delivers.

A perfect quick read that leaves you smiling. 💕

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Niko and Tiana both have fought this odd attraction for YEARS. Now that Tiana is on her own, just trying to take care of her "Gramps", Niko steps in to help. His reputation is not the best, but his shoulder has given up on him and he needs a new direction. This was an heartfelt story of moving on and sometimes we all need a little help from others.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love Niko and Tiana together. She had a rough childhood and built walls around her heart. Niko was smitten years ago and finally got his chance, but it was not going to be easy. With the great town of Hope Falls, his friends and family he might just get the HEA they deserved. With Tiana’s evil ex lurking around, it will take some drastic measures to take him down! 💕💕💕

[Nate Brightman · Rating 4 out of 5]

When it comes to immediate attraction, visual or physical or emotional attraction, this author does not do subtlety. Not in this story or the previous stories in this series, nor in the couple that are the subjects of the next book in the series Deacon and Jenna who are introduced as a budding and secret couple in this story. The moment Nico Costas and Tiana Matthews look into each other’s eyes, time stands still and each other is all they see as the rest of the world slips away. And when they touch. Well just get ready for a smoke and a cold shower. Unfortunately for our two future lovers the first time they saw each other more than ten years before this story begins at an ESPY awards banquet when Tiana was with Bartlett a pro football player and Nico's college nemesis, who was a textbook narcissist who specialized in making her feel small about herself so he could feel better about himself. And sadly for Tiana who grew up in the foster care system with literally no emotional support system, falling in love with a man who makes her feel small was the last thing she needed. As this story opens Tiana has been divorced from Bartlett for approximately two years and is rebuilding her life in Hope Falls, opening a successful yoga studio there and has developed a small group of close female friends. Two of whom are Frankie, the female protagonist from this series first book, and Poppy, the female protagonist from the second book in the series. Frankie is Nico’s younger sister and Poppy is now engaged to Nico’s twin brother and her baby daddy A.J. It is at Grandma Costas better known as Yaya’s wedding that Nico and Tiana connect after Tiana discovers her ex is in town and dating Nico’s long time on and off ex. Tiana is correct in assuming the only reason Bartlett her ex is in town is to fuck with her because he’s still bitter over their divorce settlement that strongly favored Tiana because the judge recognized what a dick he was. Nico had been a superstar level MLB pitcher who suddenly finds his career as a baseball player is over after a career ending shoulder injury. This forces him to reevaluate his life and figure out what his future will look like. He’s back in Hope Falls for weddings and the Christmas holidays where his beloved Grandma Yaya lives and is getting married, along with his equally beloved siblings Frankie and A.J. It’s at Yaya’s wedding where he sees Tiana whom he has had a thing for since he first saw her over ten years ago. And Tiana has also had a thing for Nico despite being married to Bartlett. But Tiana has sworn off of men after her disastrous marriage and she has a freight car full of emotional baggage, trust issues, abandonment issues etc. Still when Nico suggests they fake date to throw a wrench in her ex-s plans to fuck with both of them and temporarily stop everyone from trying to set Tiana up on dates, Tiana’s attraction to Nico and the logic of his proposition has her agreeing to play along with his plan until Barlett leaves town. Of course circumstances conspire to have Nico and Tiana not only fake dating but living under the same roof. Which given their undeniable, explosive chemistry can only result in one thing despite Tiana’s best intentions to keep their relationship platonic. Nico has known from the start that he wants more than to fake date Tiana but her issues prevent Tiana from accepting the inevitable even after they become intimate. Her reluctance forces Nico to learn patience if he wants to win Tiana’s trust and heart. And patience isn’t something that comes naturally to him. One thing I really enjoyed about this story was that Tiana who was either Black or mixed race was never an issue for anyone. Other than a few mentions about her golden skin tone and her picture on the cover you would never even know this was a mixed race romance. And IMHO that’s how it should be in books and life.
Much as I enjoyed this book I did have a couple of issues with it. The biggest was Tiana’s choice to live at a virtual poverty level rather than use some of the millions of dollars she got in her divorce settlement to live an at least comfortable if not affluent life and to pay for her beloved pseudo father/grandfather’s health needs. Or how about to pay for some therapy for herself to help her overcome her trust and abandonment issues and struggles with anxiety? I also didn’t understand Poppy’s decision to exclude her half-siblings (except Liam) from her wedding day. I know from reading the last book in this series that Poppy had well deserved issues with her mom and that even after discovering her older her half-sisters who openly and warmly accepted her into the family, she always felt a little like an outsider because the three of them grew up together and had a real relationship with their father. But it wasn’t because of anything they had done. It just seems to me that by excluding them from her wedding day she was sending them a clear if unintended message that she didn’t feel like one of the family. Which was again on her, not them.
All and all another great romance with heart and steam and enough drama to keep things interesting.

[Michelle Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a crazy start to this story and I really felt for Niko while he’s just trying to make it through the airport to make a flight to see Yaya get married and he has to deal with the crazy intrusive paparazzi. Yes I know it’s part of his life but when one of them yells something that hits very close to home and they shouldn’t know that, I can see where that would make him beyond livid. I’m glad he kept his composure. However, while Niko is trying to get back to Hope Falls for the wedding Tiana is dealing with getting cryptic emails from past WAG’s while trying to run her yoga studio and dealing with her Pops who has medical issues. Unfortunately when Niko lands and heads to the wedding he finds out his ex is in town which coincides with Tiana finding out her ex is in town as well and they are together. The wedding with Yaya and Mr. Santino had me laughing and crying and cheering - what a perfect day for the two of them. Shortly after we have Tiana and Niko making a deal to ‘fake date’ while their exes are together spurring conversations of their engagement and then we also have Jessie in town which I loved as part of this story and there are more strings that entangle Niko to Tiana’s ex which makes Niko see red because at this point he’s being a nuisance. We also have a WOW update with AJ and Poppy. Loved when Niko co-teaches with Tiana at her yoga studio, when he steps in and their team dominates quiz night, when Tiana is under the weather and he takes care of her and his friends and family step up and not only cover for her but make changes that will help her studio in the long run. Per usual, just when you think everything is coming to a calm conclusion, Tiana only hears half of a conversation and leaves, ends up in a confrontation with her ex and I honestly was concerned for her safety but of course Mr. Santino comes to the rescue. I knew he had a background in something military that you don’t talk about but finally figuring out what his background is, says everything. I’m so glad that Tiana and Niko finally had the hard conversation and can I say that the way this ended with everyone being there for both of them and Niko also making sure his ex G was taken care of as well. Perfect ending with a bow on top for this great story. Can’t wait to read Jenna’s book next.

[Urvashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Niko Costas was always the center of attention, the life of the party, and never met a spotlight he didn’t like. With a six-foot-two athletic frame and smile that boasted a singular deliciously deep dimple, he was the embodiment of charisma. He perfected the art of charm, chaos, and keeping things light. But underneath the fun and flirty exterior was a heart that beat with unexpected depth and sensitivity, a side of him that few saw, hidden behind the laughter and signature bad-boy, half-grin.

Tiana Marie Matthews didn’t do chaos. After surviving a childhood in foster and group homes, and a very public contentious divorce, she built her life on calm and purpose with poise and grace. She was magnetic without trying, stunning without effort, and had sworn off relationships in an effort to protect the peace that had been so hard won.

When Tiana’s NFL star ex-husband showed up in town with a new woman, who happened to be Niko’s ex-girlfriend, to publicly announce their engagement he threatened to disrupt the perfect microcosm she’d built. Enter Niko who made her an offer she couldn’t refuse…a fake relationship.
This is the third book in the series and I love them all.

We have seen Niko in the previous books, and he seemed like a huge personality, a charmer, nothing affects me kind of person. In this book we see vulnerability which made me just want to hug him.
Tiana has her own issues and I loved how supportive and caring Niko is towards her. He gives her the space she needs at the same time showing he is there for her in his gestures.
This was a beautifully well written book. Their story pulled me in and kept me hooked. Loved their past and current connection. I enjoyed seeing Mr Santino in action once again, and catching up with Jesse from Actually Love. Can’t write a review without mentioning Poppy and Yaya - every town should have people like them.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Game of Love was a wonderful addition to the Hope Falls: Main Street series!

Niko Costas is back in his hometown for his Yaya's wedding and he's looking forward to spending time with his family. He's also looking to figure out what is next in life for him, so he plans to stick around Hope Falls for several weeks to figure it out.

All Tiana Matthews wants in her life is peace. She's been through so much both in her childhood, due to foster and group homes, and in her adult life given she went through a very contentious and high profile divorce. She has moved to Hope Falls and is focused on her yoga studio and making sure her Pops, her found family is taken care of.

Niko had seen Tiana a decade ago at an awards show and was taken with her. By the time he thought more about it, she was engaged to be married to his biggest rival. Now fast forward and Niko and Tiana are in the same place and her ex has come to town and is sure to cause problems. Niko sees an opening to potentially get past the walls Tiana has built by proposing they fake date to help both of them out. While she agrees, will it end up with them realizing there is more between them or will it end before it begins?

I really enjoyed this story and how it unfolded. There was so much that Tiana had dealt with in her life and the way that Niko supported her and was wonderful. I also always enjoy the townspeople that show up when we're in Hope Falls. It's fun to see some of our favorites pop up! I'm already looking forward to the next book in this series!

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back in Hope Falls where the last of the Costas siblings finds love.
Niko Costas is a baseball star who after an injury has returned home to reassess his future and spend time with his family.
Bonus was finding out that the girl he’s been attracted to for ten years but was married at the time, has moved to his grandparents’ hometown. She is also the ex of his rival and the reason he never approached her.
Tiana Matthews has moved to Hope Falls to be close to the one person who believed in her and helped her survive her years in foster care.
Getting away from her ex and their toxic marriage is helping this yoga teacher and studio owner, find herself. Though she is definitely not opened to love.
When Niko’s ex and Tiana’s ex show up in town, together, Niko proposes a fake relationship. Something he does not only so others would stay away from them and avoid any additional gossip, but also so he could show Tiana they were meant to be together.
The story was at times heartbreaking as we learn all that Tiana has endured throughout her life.
Niko , with his sweet and devoted disposition, will win the readers’ hearts.
A sweet , touching , and at times humorous story when we reconnect with Yaya, the grandmother and the rest of the Costas family. It was also a story about redemption and second chances in life and love.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Niko is a keeper!
I thought that AJ Costas, Niko’s twin, was a perfect boyfriend, but Niko is just as perfect. This man has so much love and compassion in him and the way that he helps others is amazing. I can’t believe how much this man has given to others in need. He’s a true keeper.
Now, Tiana Matthews is a woman who had a rough and sad childhood. She bounced from foster home to foster home that she never felt like she could trust others to stick around. The only person that she loves and trust is Pops, who helped her when she was a young child. This woman has been through so much in her life from her childhood to a horrible marriage to a man who hates Niko.
Niko and Tiana agree to a fake relationship to help them avoid the chaos with both of their exes who are in town for the holiday. Watching Niko have Tiana’s back while dodging her ex’s every opportunity to get in her face was great to see. He is exactly what Tiana needed in her life. This was a wonderful story.

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back to Hope Falls -right where we left off, with AJ and Poppy's story......this book follows AJ's brother Niko, a baseball player contemplating his future and Tiana, a yoga instructor that lives in Hope Falls. Though they were each aware of the other for years, they have never met and the timing with Tiana's ex in town focused on making her life miserable and Niko contemplating his future makes for the perfect backdrop for them to start their "fake" relationship so they can keep Tiana's ex from bothering her. I loved how this story started as the previous one was ending which gave updates on those characters and continued the story seamlessly. Can't wait for the next installment of Hope Falls from Melanie Shawn!

[Robyn]

Tiana and Niko had an instant attraction 10 years prior but circumstances in life led them in two different directions. When they come back together after her ex shows up in the town she settled in after their divorce, sparks fly and fake romance is in the air...or is it fake?

Niko and Tiana had chemistry that everyone could feel and even though there were challenges, they seemed to always gravitate back to each other. Patience, time, & acceptance for the things that have shaped themselves into who they are all played into this story of love and thankfully happily ever after.

Can't wait to find out what happens next in Hope Falls.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this was an amazing love story!! One of my favourite troupes is a fake relationship and you have to love when he falls for her first!! When Niko gets a chance to get close to Tianna he shoots his shot with a fake relationship!! Tianna has major trust issues and past problems that make it hard for her to lower her walls!! Once Niko get close he works on showing her that he is trust worthy!! Very emotional read because many secrets and a past enemy try to derail all their plans!! I could not get enough of this book and highly recommend you grab your copy today and enjoy visiting with all the many Hope Falls residents!!

[Linn Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

We're stepping into the evolving world of Niko (AJ's twin from Someone to love) as he meets the yoga studio owner Tiana. They have a longer history, albeit from a far, than we knew and it's really nice to get to know them and know so little about them from previous books in the series. We have only seen them through the eyes of siblings, family or friends and neighbours. I liked that I only had a vague impression before and then we get to dive into their complicated and fascinating personalities and lives. The chemistry is great, but even more so their personalities really fit. I loved their story, I loved them as a couple, I loved her honorary Grandfather and how their story bloomed.

[Laurie Louis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tiana and Niko’s story starts as one of chemistry from a distance. Fast forward many years after a divorce to an ex that won’t go away and a fake romance of convenience. Luckily for the reader and Niko, this story is an HEA and the fake relationship turns into a real one.

Like all Melanie Shawn series books, we get to catch up with the other residents of Hope Falls.

This book can be read as a stand alone but it’s worth it to start at the beginning.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hope Falls effect did not fail Niko and Tiana. Lots of childhood trauma on both sides. A fake relationship that isn’t really fake. His ex girlfriend is with her ex husband. The chemistry between Niko and Tiana is undeniable, it’s their hearts that have walls around them. Melanie Shawn continues to share her talent of spinning a story with relatable characters in a beautiful, meddling small mountain community.

[Marlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is Nikko and Tianna's story. There were hints of it in the previous book of the series. They were nice characters to get to know, the story was interesting with a few layers and the ending was as expected.

[Toi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Read

Great Read, what happens when you have a fake relationship that's not a fake relationship for one of them or is it both, only time will tell.

[Roe Quinajon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fun but sometimes heartbreaking read. I’m so glad Tiana got her HEA. But I call dibs on Niko! He’s officially my new favorite.