AUTHOR: Leigh Lennon GENRE: LGBTQ+ Sports Romance PAGES: 257 RELEASED: 15 October 2020 SERIES: Love Is Love #1 SYNOPSIS: Ryder It's a cliche' really, falling in love with my best friend, my very straight best friend. And to add more complications, I'm a football player, about to be drafted. We're manly men. We aren't supposed to be gay. But I am and I love the one person I'll never have. Until fate forces us together six years later. It'll be both a fantasy and hell on earth, playing along Crush—the only man who will ever truly own my heart. Crush He dropped a bomb on me. Then he left, never looking back. Our friendship—ruined until he lands back in my life. His presence is just as big as ever. I never forgot him, or what that one kiss so many years ago still does to my body. He's here, but is he willing to stay. I was kindly sent a copy of this book from Give Me Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own An M|M romance set to the backdrop of the straight world of football.
Six years after Ryder kissed Crush, coming out as gay and that he's in love with his best friend, the pair are reunited when Ryder signs on with Crush's team. They haven't spoken in six years, despite the several occasions when their teams have played one another. Crush is still pissed that Ryder up and left without a conversation, but moreso he's pissed that his return means he's forced to face the real reason he was so hurt by Ryder's departure. It's been a year since Ryder came out publicly, and he's finally enjoying being able to live freely, paving the way for other footballers to be true to themselves. As the pair reconnect, Ryder senses that his dreams of being with the one person he's only truly ever loved could become a reality. But living in the spotlight means the road to forever isn't an easy one. Ya'll know I LOVE a good sports romance, so when I saw that this was a M|M sports romance, I knew I had to read it. We all know that sport starts, particularly those associated with all forms of football, struggle to come out within such a "manly" sport, so it was great to have Leigh focus on that. And with all the gay characters we meet, the struggle isn't with figuring out their sexuality, but how their coming out will be perceived by a wider audience. Ryder and Crush's chemistry was undeniable, and it was great to follow the development of their relationship, particularly as both opened up about the feelings they've held onto for six years. While I felt at times that Crush's feelings were a little insta-love (even with the explanation as the book progresses), I still couldn't get enough of this duo. I also ADORED Crush's daughter Brooklyn - little kids in romance novels are always so fun and hilarious - and I hope that, as Leigh teased in her acknowledgements, we can get a book about her in the future. Getting to also know a little about Dallas, who is the focus on the next book, was also great, and it really mad me excited to get into his story more in the next installment. Also, I'm hoping there's a chance for a book three in the shape of Garrison (please Leigh!!). This book is the best of both worlds in terms of sports romance and LGTBQ+ romance, so is definitely one to check out if you're a fan of either, or both. There's sugar, spice and all things nice, and everything that romance readers will enjoy. |
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