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Braysen U #0.5

The Games We Win

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

First published July 4, 2024

180 people are currently reading
479 people want to read

About the author

Brooke O'Brien

33 books1,671 followers
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USA Today Bestselling author Brooke O'Brien writes steamy and swoon-worthy new adult romances. She's best known for her sports and rock star romances.

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

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

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

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5 stars
109 (29%)
4 stars
139 (37%)
3 stars
85 (23%)
2 stars
28 (7%)
1 star
7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Profile Image for Maggie | MagReadsBooks.
489 reviews16 followers
July 6, 2024
What a fun little foray into Braysen U! I only wish I had been able to read this before the series started, but I loved it nonetheless.

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

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

Overall, super cute, super fun novella to kick off a favorite series of mine!
Profile Image for Devonne Hahn.
126 reviews5 followers
August 6, 2024
4.5/5 Stars

I know this is a prequel novella to the Braysen U series but these two characters are just adorable and I would have loved for an extended novel of them but overall, a great quick read of instalove between a hunky football player and the dancer he's become obsessed with. <3 To see more of these 2, make sure to read the series because it is a wonderful series! I cannot wait for the next book in the series to release in the fall :)
Profile Image for Marisela M. Chavez.
1,406 reviews8 followers
August 5, 2024
Colter and Ava story was absolutely amazing. The chemistry was off the charts. You see it from the moment they first met. I just enjoyed this story so much. And can’t wait to continue with this series. 💙
Profile Image for Hayley Gallant .
852 reviews84 followers
July 23, 2024
4.5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5

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

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

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

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

I highly recommend this one and the rest of the series! Pick it up on Amazon.
Profile Image for Char (1RadReader59).
3,235 reviews19 followers
July 5, 2025
The Braysen College Bulldogs football team, was upset when it lost most of its starting lineup to graduation and rival teams. Colter Vaughn was made captain of the Bulldogs. It was an honor for sure, he’s worked his tail off, so it’s nice to be noticed. He knows his dad, would have been proud. Now he has to bring his team together to make them champions again. Leaving the coach's office Hayes is waiting for him. They are all supposed to go to Sugar Bottom. Hayes seems so much more settled compared to last year.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He holds up his clipboard, and she spots her name printed along the top. Welcome to their meet-cute. Experience how Colter comes to Ava’s rescue, and they become close. See the adventure of a lifetime as Ava experiences her freshman year and Colter his sophomore year. Ava wants them to be a couple as much as Colter does, but communication becomes important. But an outsider tries to sidetrack them, and it gets tense, but Ava sticks up for herself.
Profile Image for Destany.
461 reviews18 followers
June 8, 2025
The Games We Win is a short and sweet prequel to the Braysen University series, packed with football, rivalry and swoon-worthy insta-love! Meet Colter and Ava, and get ready to cheer for the Bulldogs and the spirited girls who win their hearts. It's nice to meet most of the characters involved in this story, so can get a feel for their personalities!

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

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

When unexpected water damage to the new apartment leaves Ava without a place to stay, Colter offers her a bed at his place—strictly as friends. But as the week goes on, sparks fly, lines blur, and neither of them wants it to end. Everything seems perfect… until Ava’s overprotective brother—Colter’s biggest rival—walks in and catches them together. Can their budding romance survive the fallout?
Profile Image for Carolyn.
1,129 reviews30 followers
July 12, 2024
The Games We Win is the prequel to the Braysen University series. It's short and sweet but still packs a punch! This is Colter and Ava's story and you get football, a brothers rival and Insta love. Come on and cheer for Bulldogs players and the spirited girls who wins their hearts...

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

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

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

As the week passes they just want to keep spending more time together and don't want it to end. They take the plunge but what happens when Ava's brother, Colters rival finds them together?
Profile Image for Donna reads Romance.
1,052 reviews42 followers
July 1, 2024
My OBSESSION Begins!!
Colter and Ava’s novella The Games We Win is the prequel to the Braysen U series that I have had the pleasure of reading and am obsessed with!! These characters are very INTERESTING, FASCINATING and PASSIONATE. Their story is deeply engaging and entertaining.
The attraction Colton and Ava have for one another is undeniable and HOT. Even though Ava promised herself not fall for a football player Colter Vaughn the captain of the football team charms her in a way that it’s impossible to resist him. He makes her feel safe and enjoys spending time with her watching a movie and chilling at home. I really liked Colton and Eva’s short story (left me wanting MORE) and I recommend it.

If you haven’t started this series read this novella and grab The Rivals We Hate.
Believe me when I say that just like Colter ,the Braysen U men are so sexy, charming and dirty.
60 reviews5 followers
July 5, 2024
Arc Book Review - “The Games We Win” by @authorbrookeobrien

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

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

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

*ARC courtesy of the author and all thoughts and opinions are my own. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. Thank you to the valued author and publisher for providing a copy.*
Profile Image for Rachel Russell.
704 reviews3 followers
May 7, 2025
This was a quick and short read novella to the series. A free book so of course I had to give the series a try before I commit to getting the next book. It wasn't what I expected. It was a good enough read but for me I would have liked a little more and I know that this is a novella but I think it could have done with being a little longer.

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

A good read and a good way to introduce the series and what to expect from the rest of the books.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
177 reviews
June 11, 2025
A cute novella prequel.

3.5 ⭐️. I’m on the fence about rounding up to 4. It was a cute way to introduce the characters and get an idea of the future of this team but I’m never a fan of when books in a series overlap on what’s happening because I always feel like I should be reading them in tandem instead of separately. This book does that so many moments. Therefore it almost gets you too big of a glimpse into the next book that feels like a bigger flash than just the next two characters meeting for the first time. I’m hoping it’s just how this one needed to be written for timing.
Profile Image for CookesBooks.
913 reviews10 followers
July 7, 2024
A great start to what’s sure to be a fantastic series!

Colter & Ava had an instant and true connection from the moment they met. I loved seeing their relationship develop into something pure and long lasting. Colter was so good to Ava, swoon worthy golden retriever energy but hot and heavy in the sheets. They were so good for each other and their friends supporting them made their relationship even stronger. I cannot wait to find out what happens with Halls and Beckham…
I hope we find out who was behind the breaking too.
Profile Image for Mindy Menotti bookishly_mindy .
663 reviews79 followers
July 19, 2024
Colter & Ava’s Novella Was beautifully written.

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

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

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

Highly recommended by me!!!

Profile Image for Nancy.
1,139 reviews39 followers
July 4, 2024
From the moment Colter locks eyes with Ava on campus things get a little hot. Later when he gets to see her again, she has no where to live because her apartment had some trouble and is not ready for another week. The friendship they build throughout the week is so wonderful. Colter is a dream guy that very girl would love to meet. I loved getting to learn more about this couple and this quick read was just perfect!
Profile Image for Jennifer Leigh (jenjenbookfan).
1,431 reviews32 followers
August 3, 2024
Sweet and Spicy Prequel Novella!!

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐖𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐧 by Brooke O’Brien was originally released as part of the The Trouble with Bad Boys Anthology, and featured a sweet and spicy sports romance for Colter and his former teammate’s sister. I loved their connection, their chemistry, and the overall vibe of the world. The suspense aspect and the sports angle was great too. The bonus scene was fun and spicy, and I’ll definitely have to look into this author more! —★★★★★
Profile Image for Baby Girl.
994 reviews13 followers
April 1, 2025
What a great prequel introducing the Braysen University players and the women who put them in their place. Colter and Ava’s story is a great start in introducing the players of this football series. The football player and the dance have great chemistry, and their banter is sweet and sexy. If the players in this series are just as hot and sweet as Colter, then we are in for a swoon worthy ride! A really great start to this new series by Brooke O’Brien.
Profile Image for Crystal.
1,171 reviews17 followers
July 2, 2024
Quick read

This is a nice short companion novella in the Braysen U world. Ava is the sister of one of Colten’s old teammates who now plays for their rivals. They meet and have an instant connection. I loved seeing snippets from the other books in the series while still giving us a nice little romance between these two.
Profile Image for Erin Stapel.
745 reviews17 followers
July 29, 2024
This short little sports romance that packs a large punch. The Games We Win is the prequel to the Braysen University series gives us Colter and Ava's story, in this story you get the spice, you get the rivals, and you get the passion. This may have been a short read, but it brings so much to the table and really helps start that Braysen University series addiction. Phenomenal read
Profile Image for Jennifer Arrants.
296 reviews1 follower
April 23, 2025
4 stars
Colter & Ava
Sweet, spicy novella. Prequel to the Brayson U Series.
Brother's Rival (former teammate)
Ava is on dance team, Colter is an offensive lineman on the football team.

This was sweet and fun to read about a couple that meets and supports each other from the get go. Colter played no games, and was straight forward in his feeling for Ava and chooses her over repeatedly.
Profile Image for K Webz.
1,986 reviews
July 1, 2024
I fell in love with these two! Colt is so sweet and Ava is looking to break out of her shell since her parents have controlled so much of her life. These two have amazing chemistry and are perfect together.
Profile Image for Rachael.
708 reviews1 follower
August 1, 2024
sweet college football romance

Colter and Ava have an immediate attraction to each other when they meet on the football field and later when he shows up to help her move.
Very sweet, no drama, spicy college football novella.
Profile Image for DesN2004.
652 reviews7 followers
August 2, 2024
Cute new adult short story....
This was a decent read that holds your attention and you can't help rooting for the couple. The chemistry and steam is hot, hot, hot!! I enjoyed the story and the world building, I wouldn't mind reading more of this world.
Profile Image for Debra Shutters.
736 reviews19 followers
August 3, 2024
Read this in The Trouble With Bad Boys and found I had it in my library . I enjoyed reading how Colter and Ava met how their relationship develops and love the ending . Look forward to reading more of Brookes books!
Profile Image for Suze Prescot.
Author 12 books31 followers
August 4, 2024
When Colter sees Ava, he is instantly attracted to her, but it isn't until their second meeting that he gets the opportunity to take things farther.
A steamy college romance with a sporting background. Quite enjoyable.
Profile Image for Kim Gauger.
3,321 reviews6 followers
April 26, 2025
loved this

I hope we see more of these two. I loved them so much. A great start for sure. Heat was great, the chemistry was off the charts. All the sub characters were good too. I’m looking forward to the rest of this series.
1,738 reviews10 followers
June 4, 2025
Colter & Ava
I read this one out of sequence before reading the last book and it helped to tie the timelines in the series together.
There was a slow build for Colter & Ava but it was worth the wait.
754 reviews
June 19, 2025
Good start to series

This is a prequel to the series, so it's axquick enjoyable read. Heroine is freshman told by family to stay away from football players. Hero is ex teammate of heroine's brother.
Insta love, forced proximity, college ball, and more.
253 reviews1 follower
June 25, 2025
The Games We Win

This is my first book by this author, and I really enjoyed the story. It has all the things I enjoy, funny, sexy, and a sweet story. Now, I’m on the the next story.
Profile Image for Day.
1,107 reviews40 followers
August 6, 2025
DNF 44%
2025

Could have finish it but nope!!
Girlfriend doesn't know the guy but stays with him and his friends because she doesn't want to bother her family and seem like she can't be alone....
Summing up the book stupid horny girl and overly nice, placating guy...
Profile Image for Jocelyn Masson.
278 reviews6 followers
January 31, 2026
This is such a sweet and quick read. Literally finished it in less than 1 1/2 hours and I cant say im disappointed in the content and story line. In this book we meet some of the characters in the Brayson U storyline.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews

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