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The Connor Family #5

Fighting for You

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I have a lot of titles. Jace Connor, Sexiest Soccer Player. Top-Scoring Athlete. America’s Favorite Party Boy. But I’m sick of being what other people expect. Starting with the last one, I’m ready to earn some new nicknames.

So I absolutely, positively, can’t go anywhere near my coach’s daughter.

Brooke Darringer was warned up and down about my rep as a reformed bad boy when she got hired as sponsorship manager. What no one told her was that all my swagger hides a gentle family man who loves his nieces and nephews even more than soccer. And she likes it.

She couldn’t be more off-limits, especially as she tries to prove she wasn’t hired for her name.

I truly want to stay on the straight-and-narrow, but it isn’t just her sexy-as-sin body that’s tempting me. Her warmth and bubbly personality are everything I never knew I wanted.

Brooke is trying her best to keep things strictly professional, but all these late-night gym sessions and covert dinners might just convince her I’m finally done playing.

261 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 16, 2019

1406 people are currently reading
1371 people want to read

About the author

Layla Hagen

79 books4,809 followers
Welcome! My name is Layla Hagen and I am a Contemporary Romance author.

I fell in love with books when I was nine years old, and my love affair with stories continues even now, many years later.

I write romantic stories and can’t wait to share them with the world.

And I drink coffee. Lots of it, in case the photo didn’t make it obvious enough ;)

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5 stars
1,679 (48%)
4 stars
1,139 (33%)
3 stars
521 (15%)
2 stars
73 (2%)
1 star
21 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 253 reviews
Profile Image for DJ Sakata.
3,337 reviews1,782 followers
September 12, 2019
Favorite Quotes:

I understand boundaries, Brooke. I’m just not very good at respecting them.

We have a system. We drink Chardonnay when we celebrate something and Pinot when we’re sulking.


My Review:

Another Connor sibling gets bitten by the love bug and his single life bites the dust once he falls for the team's new sponsorship manager, who also happens to be the coach’s daughter. Sizzle and snap, this well-matched couple had electrifying chemistry that yielded scalding sensual scenes.
Profile Image for Rochelle.
1,647 reviews
September 13, 2019
Great story. Loved Jace and Brooke. I can't wait to read Hailey's book.
Profile Image for  Ela's Welt der Bücher.
1,832 reviews
March 18, 2022
Die Autorin hat mich so gut wie abhängig von ihren Büchern gemacht. Ich verstehe wirklich nicht, warum ich nicht schon früher auf sie aufmerksam wurde. Jedes ihrer Bücher konnte mich vollends von sich überzeugen und jetzt bleibt mir nur noch ein Buch über die Connors übrig. Ich will diese Familie nicht verlassen. Dieser Band war wieder durchgehend gut und hat mich immer in seinen Bann gezogen. Den letzen und vorletzten Abschnitt habe ich gleich in einem Rutsch durchgelesen, da ich nicht aufhören wollte. Ich hoffe, dass wir schon bald weiterlesen können.
5 Sterne
Profile Image for Sofia Lazaridou.
2,866 reviews135 followers
June 18, 2019
Fighting For You is the fifth book in the "The Connors" series by Layla Hagen. I am a fan of the author, but this time I found the book lacking the usual spark that makes me love her books. Jace is a great hero and a very loving uncle and I also liked Brooke who is trying to pick up some of the pieces in her life after she was betrayed by her boyfriend and her best friend. To be honest, I didn't like her as much as I liked Jace. There was something about the two of them as a couple that did not work for me and I can't pinpoint what that was. My biggest issue with the book, I think was how the situation with Levi and the aftermath were handled by pretty much everyone. Some things felt forced about it and over the top.

Despite all that, I read the book in my usual one sitting, but I didn't feel the spark as I said. I loved seeing the Connors again and I am very excited about Hailey's book. She is a very cool lady and I love her already.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,114 reviews90 followers
May 28, 2019
* A review copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review *

~ 5 Hot Stuff Stars ~

Layla Hagen has done it again. She gave another excellent addition to the Connor Family Series. I do have to say this book is kind of bittersweet for me, because I know there is only 1 more sibling and then this series will come to an end. I hate to say good-bye to the Connors and even the Bennetts.

Layla’s family sagas always leaving me with a huge smile on my face. Her books are the perfection mixture of humor, sex and romance. Yes she even throws in some drama to keep things interesting.

Fighting For You is the fifth book in the Connor Series. It is a standalone novel and told in Dual POV. I thought the flow and pace of this story was spot on. I was immediately swept up in the story and I didn’t want to put it down. I would recommend reading this series in order so you get the full effect of the Connor family. You don’t have to read her Bennett Series before jumping into the Connor’s. This is a spin-off series and we only see some cameos from the Bennetts.

Fighting For You is the story of Jace and Brooke. Jace is the youngest sibling in the Connor family and is a pro soccer player. He was quite the playboy in years past but now he has decided that isn’t the life he wants. Brooke is the daughter of the head coach of Jace’s soccer team. She just left her job and is looking for something new when her father sets up this new job for her. She is determined to prove to her colleagues and the players that she didn’t get the job because of her dad, but on her merit. Brooke has to work closely with the players because she is in charge of their sponsor deals. Which puts her with Jace, but she only wants to keep things “friendly”, even though the attraction is instant, for both of them. Having been burned in the past Brooke is set in her ways. Can Jace break down her walls? What happens when they take things further and the team find out?? Can these two get their HEA?? Read this book to find out.

I again enjoyed seeing all the Connor clan in this story. I liked we got to see more Hailey , I felt we got to know her better and I look forward to her story and HEA. I also liked getting a cameo of Pippa Bennett. I miss that family :)

If you are a fan of family saga’s then jump into the mix with The Connor’s. These stories will entertain you and leave you smiling. Oh…and the Heroes will melt your kindle ;) Don’t miss Layla’s newest romance novel….it’s worth the read!!!!

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Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,962 reviews212 followers
June 18, 2019


Jace is the sweet, charming playboy of the Connor family. Lately, though, he's been a little envious of the love many of his siblings have found with their partners. So when he meets the newest employee of his pro soccer team, he's ripe for love. Now, if he could only get past Brooke's insistence that they just be friends...



I LOVE Fighting for You! One word - Jace. He's so sweet and charming, and down to earth, and persistent. I don't know how Brooke resisted him for so long, because he's one swoony guy! Reading how he and Brooke fell in love was, as always with Layla Hagen, pure romance. Fighting for You is sexy, a tad angsty, and has a stellar cast of main and supporting characters. This Connor Family is just as great as the Bennetts, and I'm looking forward to more Connors falling in love.

ARC via author for an honest review.

Full review ---> Live Through Books Blog.

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Profile Image for Babel.
2,371 reviews198 followers
June 16, 2019
This is the kind of romance that happens at a natural pace. No hate or offensive banter like in enemies-to-lovers stories. This is the way you'd choose to fall in love. Inevitably and pleasurably ;-)

The author manages to add a fresh spin to Brooke and Jace's relationship, as this is part of an ongoing series about different couples, while maintaining the lovely traits of humour, warmth and flirty hotness.

I admit to reading this in one sitting. And I loved every page, every sinful smile from Jace, and every feeling that kept growing between the two main characters. I also cherished this couple. He's very sweet and utterly gorgeous. All in from the start, he pushes a little bit and tempts a very job-aware woman who's been burned before both professionally and personally. That plays a very interesting and intense twist at the end which was smartly hinted at throughout the plot.

It has a definitive sport background as he's a soccer team player and she works to earn the team sponsorships, but it was never overwhelming or boring. It really blended in well with the fun and passionate interacions between the haracters. I really fell for Jace's supportive side. He completely reflects the title of the novel as he fights for Brooke with all his heart. He fights to have her for himself, but also to defend her and commend her at work. He sees her value on all accounts. That was so good.

As always, the Connors are fantastic when they gather as a family. I truly enjoyed this book and I never plan to stop reading any of this author's books. They always warm my heart and tickle my romantic and funny sides.
Profile Image for Favourite Book Corner.
821 reviews9 followers
June 1, 2019
5* Sexy Soccer Stars

The story of Jace, the “playboy” pro soccer player and Brooke, the newly appointed Sponsorship Business Development Manager for the LA Lords was heartfelt and real. The attraction between the two of them was instant but Brooke was reluctant to take it to the next level because she did not want to mix business with pleasure as she had done with her past relationship that ended badly as well as her job.
However keeping it strictly business was proving to be a challenge for both of them.

I enjoyed that there was some mild angst to their story as well as humour and undeniable chemistry.

It was great to catch up with the rest of the Connor family and see where they are at in their lives. I especially connected with sassy Hailey and cannot wait to read her story next.

Once again Layla has delivered a sexy enjoyable and addictive read.

Many thanks to Layla for my ARC to read and review.
Profile Image for Nick.
37 reviews
Read
September 28, 2019
It has had it moments.

A 13-year-old giving a talk to a 16-y.o., defending his sis from potentially bad romance. My, my!
Profile Image for Natalie Hosang.
1,460 reviews21 followers
April 25, 2021
Rezension „Flowers of Passion – Sinnliche Lotusblüten (Flowers of Passion 5): Roman“ von Layla Hagen



Meinung

Layla Hagens „Flowers of Passion“ zählt ebenfalls zu meinen Herzensreihen, in der ich stets ein Gefühl von nach Hause kommen mit einer unglaublichen Wohlfühl Atmosphäre sehe. So ist es schon die zweite Familienbande, welcher ich nicht widerstehen kann. Zuerst waren es die Baileys, dann die Connors. Es ist immer wieder faszinierend und spannend zu sehen, wie die einzelnen Familienmitglieder ihren Weg finden.

Vielleicht ist es deshalb so eine starke Verbundenheit zu den Connors, weil ich selbst nie solch eine Familie hatte. Zusammenhalt, Liebe, Vertrauen, Loyalität, Freundschaft - und immer ist man füreinander da. Ich bewundere und beneide diese großen Familien, wenngleich natürlich auch bei ihnen verrückte Dinge passieren. Layla Hagen zeigt auf reale, authentische, ehrliche Weise wie es laufen kann, ohne jedoch dem Leser das Gefühl zu geben, dass diese Familie ein Hollywood vorzeige Bild wäre.

So war es kein Wunder, dass auch diese Geschichte mich sofort in den Bann gezogen hat. Ich konnte nach dem Release ja nicht mal abwarten, das Buch zu lesen, so sehnsüchtig und neugierig war ich. Layla Hagen bietet wie in ihren Vorgängern eine abwechslungsreiche, spannungsgeladene, emotional mitreißende Handlung, der ich nur zu gern gefolgt bin. Meine Finger klebten an den Seiten und wollten sich nur widerwillig lösen. Was ist schon Schlaf, wenn man gerade mittendrin bei den Connors ist?

Jace und Brooke machten es mir verdammt leicht sie ins Herz zu schließen und jede Emotion, jedes Gefühl, jeden Moment mit ihnen zu teilen. Ich fieberte dem Geschehen entgegen, als gäbe es nichts wichtigeres, und für diese kurzen Stunden war es auch so. Layla Hagen versteht einen perfekten Mix aus Momenten zum schmunzeln, lachen und mitfühlen. Für mich war es wieder greifbar und stürmisch und bewegen, eben herzerweichend süß, denn so sind alle Geschichten der Autorin.

Ob Brooke und Jace ein Happy End finden und welche Anziehungskraft hier verströmt wird, müsst ihr unbedingt selbst erfahren. Ihr solltet euch diese Familie nicht entgehen lassen, denn es warten viele Überraschungen, spannende Momente, und jede Menge Emotionen auf euch. Layla Hagen hat es wieder geschafft, ihr meisterliches Talent perfekt umzusetzen. Ich bin geflasht, verliebt, begeistert, fasziniert und will gleich den nächsten Band lesen.


Fazit

Die Flowers of Passion Reihe ist eine Sinfonie der Gefühle, mit meisterlicher Hand von Autorin Layla Hagen geschrieben. Leidenschaft, Emotionen, Humor, Spannung und Überraschungen - dafür stehen die Connors und ihre zukünftigen Partner. Diese Reihe ist Balsam für Herz und Seele und bringt mich jedes Mal zum verträumten schmachten. Unglaubliche Dynamiken, Wohlfühl Atmosphären und das starke Gefühl, endlich wieder nach Hause gekommen zu sein, machen diese Geschichte zu einem sprudelnden Erlebnis der Extraklasse.



🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5 Sterne
Profile Image for Jen.
1,551 reviews7 followers
March 23, 2024
This was a decent addition to the series. I liked both Jace and Brooke. And even though she was the coach's daughter, her dad really didn't make that big of a deal about her dating Jace like I expected. Maybe it's because Jace was really a good guy who had mellowed a lot in the last year and stepped back from his playboy ways. I only gave it three stars because of the whole secret relationship part.

I wasn't a huge fan of Tina and the whole firing thing. It didn't seem very realistic to me given her connection to the team's owner. I mean for sure Graham would have stopped Tina in her tracks on that decision. But it all works out in the end.
Profile Image for what.rachel.reads.
549 reviews39 followers
July 18, 2022
The have a self imposed rule to not dare so she doesn’t look to be getting special advantage at work since her dad is also the coach but it’s not actually forbidden.

It’s cute how into Brooke he is but it’s not very steamy and there’s no fun jealousy or major issues keeping them apart other than her not wanting people to think she’s not qualified.

It was alright and I’m glad I didn’t pay for it.
Profile Image for Ruben ♡.
143 reviews4 followers
May 6, 2026
Sorry but this couple is just an ick
Profile Image for Carol | tilthelastpage.
325 reviews35 followers
June 20, 2019
Any book by Layla Hagen is like a wonderful treat on Christmas morning. This book is one of my most anticipated read in the series because I've been waiting for Jace to tell his own story. Plus, who wouldn't want to fall in love with a sexy soccer player? Alas, Layla Hagen delivered another heart-warming and satisfying romance with a much-needed drama and incredible dynamic between a family that wouldn't let you down. The plot and pace of this story are very well-adjusted, making it easy for readers to relax and just enjoy until the very end.



Jace is the youngest of the Connor siblings. He's charming in every way possible, has a credible reputation as a professional soccer player, and is trying to leave the playboy image the media portrays him to be. Right around the corner, he found Brooke. Brooke is the newest addition to Jace's Soccer Club in charge of all the players' sponsorship deals. But, she's also the coach's daughter which makes her totally off-limits. With both, their jobs on the line, crossing the relationship border between colleagues and lovers would be like walking a tightrope. Despite it all, the attraction, sexual chemistry, and their fun-flirtatious banters might just blow everything right off the waters.

It is always a pleasure reading this kind of romantic trope because in the end, you won't be disappointed. But it's always a surprise to find what the author had in store for our characters. Gotta say, this might be the most angsty Layla Hagen story ever been. I've never been so invested in seeing these two through ups and downs and back again. I'm kind of reeling and looking forward to see the next book in the series. I know it'll be sad to see the last installment and the end of the series, but I'm sure Layla Hagen will come up with another excellent romance series.

*e-ARC kindly provided by inkslinger PR and author in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Farah.
677 reviews61 followers
June 6, 2019
Another Connor to love and boy was he fun to fall in love with!

Jace Connor is a soccer player hitting the high stats he can and doing all he can to help out his family with donating money to their foundations and just being a sweet, charming guy he is.

So when Brooke the new employer to help find sponsorships for the team shows up his heart falls a little hard for her. He tries to use his charms and smiles to win her over but with Brooke having moved away from a difficult situation she's not ready to dive into another relationship so soon leaving Jace to only accept the friendship she's willing to give.

Jace not one to listen to the word no, takes the challenge and tries to fight for her to see that the connection they have can be so much more.

With sweet, stolen moments they find themselves falling for one another faster than they thought. However with questions of how it could impact their careers, Brooke wants to take caution which Jace respects yet it doesn't stop him from persuading her to tell the world about them.

I'm the fashion of Layla Hagen she delivers a sweet, funny and endearing story that you hanging on for more. Jace Connor stole my heart in Only with You with his family dynamic and love so it was only fair that I'd love him more after his story.

Moreover, Brooke was an unstoppable force, she was determined and proved herself time and time again not letting anyone deter her which showed a lot about her as a person. She gave Jace a chance and that showed so much more about her.

Together Jace and Brooke were an amazing duo and I loved how quickly they fit into the Connor clan.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.6k reviews96 followers
June 21, 2019
Jace appears to have it all MVP, sexy soccer superstar, great teammate, loving uncle/siblings but the one thing he would like is to find the one woman who completes his world. He never expected that she would not only be the coach’s daughter but that they would be co-workers as well.

Brooke has recently joined the team and she is determined to prove to her father and the team that she is qualified for the job and that she isn’t there because she is daddy’s girl. She is very attracted to Jace, but she has come out on the losing side of a workplace relationship and isn’t about to repeat that experience.

Good intentions go by the wayside and the chemistry between them ignites but convincing Brooke that they are more than a fling may be the biggest challenge that Jace will ever face.

It is always fun to catch up with the Connors and this book was no exception. Jace is so determined when it comes to his pursuit of Brooke that it is enough to make you swoon and Brooke’s feisty personality is his perfect match. It is always fun to catch up with the Connors and this book was no exception.
Profile Image for Vania Nunes.
2,372 reviews52 followers
June 17, 2019
Oh, dear. I didn't know this series. Now I have 4 previous books to read

But you don't have to read the previous books to understand this story.
The Connor family (6 brothers) find happiness and love in the most unusual way.
Here, we have the story of Jace, the youngest, a soccer player who besides being talented, knows that his beauty attracts more attention. And that's good for business and for the team.
He finds in the coach's daughter, Brooke Derringer, the new manager in dealing with the advertising contracts of the team, the right person to win his heart.
Brooke is beautiful and super professional. She follows his father's advice: friendly-vs-friends.
But Jace attacks with full force since he is sure that it is Brooke whom he wants for life. And, of course, he will have all support of his loving and noisy family.

"You don't really understand the concept of boundaries, do you?"
"I understand boundaries, Brooke. I'm just not very good at respecting them."


This is that kind of novel that puts a silly grin on your face.
5 stars
Profile Image for Wendy.
1,040 reviews11 followers
June 9, 2019
4.5 stars

I’ve been waiting for Jace’s book since Anything for You and it did not disappoint. As much as I love all the Connors, Jace is my favorite. I loved the relationship between Jace and Brooke. Layla did a great job building it up so that when it finally explodes, it was massive. Independently Brooke and Jace held their own. Jace was charming as ever and Brooke was fierce. I also enjoyed all the Connor family moments-they are always great. Fighting for You was sweet, fun, romantic, and pleasant. I’m excited for Hailey’s book next.
Profile Image for Marika.
4,896 reviews102 followers
June 20, 2019
It's Jace's turn and he falls spectacularly..the guy with the easiest smile and a career that brings him joy, he never considered a relationship, since all women wants from him is status or opportunities..
Until he meets Brooke, his coach's daughter, a woman who has been burned before and is determined to keep things friendly.
These two develop an easy friendship that slowly grows into more..
I love the Connor and I adored Jace's story! He is such a great guy and so so sweet!
Can't wait for the next sibling!
Profile Image for Becca Stanfield Vernon.
1,853 reviews23 followers
June 17, 2019
Another Connor sibling bits the dust! Jace is the playboy athlete & his character didn’t disappoint. Brooke is sweet, yet strong. This was a fun, sweet storyline. It was great to see more into Jace’s character. He is a wonderful alpha guy, that meets Brooke then all bets are off. He starts off being her friend then it progresses from there. They are such a sweet couple & I loved them. I recommend this book. Told in dual POV.
Profile Image for Debby.
1,999 reviews6 followers
December 31, 2023
Still the same basic storyline. Unfortunately, this means once again that the focus is mostly on sexual aspects, not so much on other things. Again, skimmed through many of those areas as the story didn’t need them. But, then it would have been much shorter. I will finish the series to see how the last sibling fairs in finding her “true love”. Keep hoping for more story with the romance complimenting the story. That apparently isn’t how this author writes.
18 reviews
May 29, 2019
FIGHTING FOR YOU lived up to its title. I love the Connor family and the story of Jace and Brooke was really good. Reading about independent and strong characters is my cup of tea. Also, since I am a true romantic, the love story was great and seeing the “mean characters “ get their just due was terrific!
Profile Image for Colleen.
694 reviews8 followers
June 20, 2019
I can always rely on this author to write a book I will enjoy. So thank you, author.
I loved catching up with the Connor siblings, and it was so great to see Jace fall in love. I enjoyed Pippa's cameo because I love the Bennetts as much as I love the Connors. Now I can't wait for Hailey to find her someone.
Profile Image for Cristina.
789 reviews8 followers
May 27, 2023
Como una inesperada vista de la nueva trabajadora te cambia la vida.
Cómo luchas por los miedos y a no cometer los mismos errores que te han llevado a tener que cambiar de trabajo, con lo que no cunetas es con enamórate.
Profile Image for Laura Veloso.
196 reviews7 followers
June 12, 2019
Hot damn!!! I could not wait for Jace’s book and let me tell you it did not disappoint. Loved it from cover to cover❤️
Profile Image for Mandy .
1,070 reviews14 followers
August 7, 2019
Great narration and sweet friends to lovers.
It did get a little slow but over all a nice book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 253 reviews