The Way We Win by Tia Louise

• Facebook
• X
• ShareCopied to clipboard

INITIAL THOUGHTS

I picked up This is How We Win as an ARC through Grey’s Promotions, expecting a fun, steamy small-town romance. I was in the mood for something emotional but not too heavy, and this hit the spot. Right away, I knew this was going to be a spicy Hallmark-style story with extra heat and drama.

WHAT IT IS ABOUT

Allie is a single mom and school librarian. She’s long crushed on Jack Bradford. Jack is her best friend’s brother. He’s also her son’s football coach and a single dad. When a series of events forces Jack into her home and life more intimately than ever before, sparks fly. Secrets surface. Their once-unrequited love finally gets a shot at happily ever after.

MY REVIEW

Writing Style

Tia Louise delivers an easy-to-devour blend of heat and heart. The pacing was solid, and the banter sparkled. Her use of group texts added a modern, charming way to deepen character dynamics. I did find the football passages heavy, but that’s a personal preference.

Themes & Messages

This book balances themes of second chances, healing from trauma, and the strength of found family. It also dives into parental love, exploring both the good and the toxic aspects. It examines what it means to feel safe in love.

Characters

Jack Bradford is officially book boyfriend material: thoughtful, protective, emotionally mature, and sexy as hell. Allie is relatable and strong, navigating single motherhood and her feelings with grace. The Bradford siblings were lovable and added so much warmth. The villainous characters? Just the right amount of despicable.

Vibes, Settings, and Tropes

The Way We Win has a lot of tropes in the best way. It includes single dad, single mom, and best friend’s brother. There’s also second chance romance, forced proximity, and found family. All these are set in a cozy small-town with Friday night lights and library scenes.

Favorite Quotes

““I’ve loved you for so long, Jack Bradford! I’ve dreamed about you every night, and every time we’d walk down that aisle, I’d imagine what it would be like if it were really us and not your brother or your sister getting married. What if you were my man, looking at me that way, with so much love in your eyes?” (Allie, p. 295)

“Wear this tonight with that skirt. No underwear. My stomach tingles, and I gently pull the sparkling pink top to reveal a black silicone cone, smaller than my palm. A small tube of lubricant is also in the box.” (Allie, p. 312)

“I honestly don’t want to wait, but I know she’s savoring these final days with her son. Her bookcase is in my bedroom now, and she has it filled with her favorite spicy romance novels.” (Jack, p. 336)

What Worked For Me

The steam was A++. The table scene? Unforgettable. Jack and Allie’s chemistry sizzled. I loved the close-knit community and sibling group chat threads. The emotional payoff felt genuine, and Jack’s character was a dream. I also appreciated the sense of chaos; it kept things exciting!

What Didn’t Work For Me

The football-heavy scenes lost me. I skimmed through some of the strategy talk and game-day drama, which slowed the pacing for me. That said, I know other readers enjoy the realism it adds to the setting.

Final Thoughts

I’d recommend The Way We Win to fans of spicy small-town romances with depth and drama. If you love second chances, protective men, single-parent dynamics, and a touch of suspense, you’ll love this. Just maybe brush up on your football lingo first!

Let’s Talk

Do you like sports in your romance reads, or do you skim past the game talk like me? Let me know your thoughts below!