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Forbidden Goals #1
Head in the Game
Part of the Groveton College shared world series.
Bryant Nicks is the head football coach for the Groveton College Jackals, determined to do anything to push his team toward a championship season. When scouting out new players, Nicks comes across a rookie running back that impresses him both on and off the field. His attraction to his student runs deep, but Nicks knows better. Instead, he finds himself pushing the young player to the ends of his abilities, curious how much it will take to break him.
All playboy Jack Perry has ever been good at is playing football. So when he gets an opportunity to play at a top school with a full scholarship, he jumps on it. But it's more than just the opportunity that reels him in. The heat and intensity he feels when he's around his new coach is visceral. He'll do anything to make his coach proud.
Bryant Nicks is the head football coach for the Groveton College Jackals, determined to do anything to push his team toward a championship season. When scouting out new players, Nicks comes across a rookie running back that impresses him both on and off the field. His attraction to his student runs deep, but Nicks knows better. Instead, he finds himself pushing the young player to the ends of his abilities, curious how much it will take to break him.
All playboy Jack Perry has ever been good at is playing football. So when he gets an opportunity to play at a top school with a full scholarship, he jumps on it. But it's more than just the opportunity that reels him in. The heat and intensity he feels when he's around his new coach is visceral. He'll do anything to make his coach proud.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 9, 2023
About the author
Rebecca Rathe
27 books713 followersDeliciously dirty, delightfully neurotic, ratchet mess of a daydreamer.
See Linktr.ee/RebeccaRathe for a full list of books, social media, and trigger warnings.
See Linktr.ee/RebeccaRathe for a full list of books, social media, and trigger warnings.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 522 reviews
December 31, 2024
* ☘︎ :･ﾟTOP 5 READ 2024 :･ﾟ☘︎ *
re-read May 2024
I can’t get enough of this book. So hot, so damn addictive!! I hope the rest of the series keeps on delivering.
(and hell, I’m so damn grateful for this new cover!! The black and green previous one was just… ugh!)
And… awww, there is even a bonus epilogue now in the new edition.
4.5***** stars
F*cking hell, this shit was like crack. So freaking addictive. I loved it all. The heat, the drama, the forbidden, the hiding, the threat, the desperation, their dynamic. I WAS HERE. FOR. IT!
The book starts with head coach Bryant Nicks offering Jack Perry a spot on his college team and bring him to the NFL within one school year. Jack only has to abide by the rules. Yeah sure *lol Jack’s a total brat and an asshole through and through doesn’t like people telling him what to do.
Well these two are off to a good start, aren’t they?
But breaking Bryant, his new coach is not as easy as Jack thought, cocky that he is.
And omg, that speech Coach made at the beginning of summer training had me already wiped and ready for a nap only from reading it. *lol Jack was in for quite the surprise himself here.
As I mentioned above this book is super high heat. Coach first uses sex like kind of an incentive to keep Jack in line. It’s fucked up but in the end it works and Jack has never been in better shape or kept out of trouble like this. For both of them it’s the first time being attracted to a man.
Their dynamic changes after Jack initiates their first kiss. Slowly it gets more emotional until they can both no longer deny that this is more than their initial arrangement. It’s almost sweet. But still with hefty dose of cockiness and passion.
This was a wild and super hot ride (pun intended). It was super hard for me to put down and I only wished the epilogue had been a tad longer. I’m def going to check out this author’s other books.
side note: I feel like I should deduct my rating for the barebacking without addressing the matter of safe sex but I don’t and instead like to believe that college athletes have regular testing and Bryant knew that Jack was safe since they also have been exclusive.
****************
Forbidden Goals Series
Book 1 - Head in the Game - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Man On - no rating
Book 3 - Choke Up - 4.5 stars
Book 4 - Off Balance - release 10/24
Book 5 - The Try Line - release 12/24
Book 6 - Off The Rim - release 03/25
⇢ previously part of the multi-author series “Groveton College”
re-read May 2024
This isn't a relationship, it's a reward system for hard work and perseverance, albeit a really fucked up one.
I can’t get enough of this book. So hot, so damn addictive!! I hope the rest of the series keeps on delivering.
(and hell, I’m so damn grateful for this new cover!! The black and green previous one was just… ugh!)
And… awww, there is even a bonus epilogue now in the new edition.
4.5***** stars
I'm his outlet and he's my escape.
F*cking hell, this shit was like crack. So freaking addictive. I loved it all. The heat, the drama, the forbidden, the hiding, the threat, the desperation, their dynamic. I WAS HERE. FOR. IT!
The book starts with head coach Bryant Nicks offering Jack Perry a spot on his college team and bring him to the NFL within one school year. Jack only has to abide by the rules. Yeah sure *lol Jack’s a total brat and an asshole through and through doesn’t like people telling him what to do.
We can both pull a win out of this. We share most of the same goals. But this battle of wills between us? I'll give him a hell of a lot more fight than he is expecting.
I'm going to break you, old man.
Well these two are off to a good start, aren’t they?
But breaking Bryant, his new coach is not as easy as Jack thought, cocky that he is.
And omg, that speech Coach made at the beginning of summer training had me already wiped and ready for a nap only from reading it. *lol Jack was in for quite the surprise himself here.
As I mentioned above this book is super high heat. Coach first uses sex like kind of an incentive to keep Jack in line. It’s fucked up but in the end it works and Jack has never been in better shape or kept out of trouble like this. For both of them it’s the first time being attracted to a man.
Their dynamic changes after Jack initiates their first kiss. Slowly it gets more emotional until they can both no longer deny that this is more than their initial arrangement. It’s almost sweet. But still with hefty dose of cockiness and passion.
I squeeze him tightly and murmur in his ear, although it's so loud he might not hear me. "I'm so fucking proud of you, baby. I fucking love you.”
This was a wild and super hot ride (pun intended). It was super hard for me to put down and I only wished the epilogue had been a tad longer. I’m def going to check out this author’s other books.
side note: I feel like I should deduct my rating for the barebacking without addressing the matter of safe sex but I don’t and instead like to believe that college athletes have regular testing and Bryant knew that Jack was safe since they also have been exclusive.
****************
Forbidden Goals Series
Book 1 - Head in the Game - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Man On - no rating
Book 3 - Choke Up - 4.5 stars
Book 4 - Off Balance - release 10/24
Book 5 - The Try Line - release 12/24
Book 6 - Off The Rim - release 03/25
⇢ previously part of the multi-author series “Groveton College”
January 29, 2024
4.5 stars for the first 70%, 3 (ish) for the rest.
You know the books with the 80% drama/breakup that we all roll our eyes at? They have NOTHING on this book’s third act. Such a shame, because otherwise it might even have ended up with a 5 star rating.
It’s the unlikely story of Jack, a talented football player, who’s just lost his place in his team at college because he pissed off his coach (who deserved it, but that’s not the point). And Bryant, a 48yo former football player who’s now working at a fancy college and who “needs” to win this year’s championship.
To make it short: Bryant convinces Jack to join his team, and to let him “break him and build him back better”.
You guys know where it’s going, right?
The chemistry between them, the inevitability- it’s fire. So good, with all the internal struggles we get to witness - from Jack, but ofc mainly from Bryant, who knows what’s on the line if he gets caught with Jack.
Honestly, guys. VERY hot.
And the relationship development… chef’s kiss!
But the drama. Oh the drama. Yes, I know there had to be some big bang, there’s no way they could have come out unscathed. But the plot chosen for this annoyed me, and it’s been executed sloppily. I mean - how did we go from “there’s a video on his phone” to “she has the means to blackmail/destroy”? On top of that, I’m not very fond of stereotypical characters, and there’s not one female character in this book that’s even remotely ok (ish): not Bryant’s ex, not Jack’s mother, and least of all all the girls who’s only purpose in life seems to be to snatch (or have sex with) one of the players.
And then, just out of nowhere, the blackmailing plot poofs out of existence 🙄
Uh. No. The more I think about it, the more annoyed I am. Why not another form of “big bang”? There are so many possible plot twist that would have made more sense.
So: yes, almost 5 stars for the first 70%, 3 (or maybe 2) for the rest.
I’ll go with 3.5 stars rounded down because - as much as I tend to round up if I end a book on a high note - this one left me mostly annoyed 😒
You know the books with the 80% drama/breakup that we all roll our eyes at? They have NOTHING on this book’s third act. Such a shame, because otherwise it might even have ended up with a 5 star rating.
It’s the unlikely story of Jack, a talented football player, who’s just lost his place in his team at college because he pissed off his coach (who deserved it, but that’s not the point). And Bryant, a 48yo former football player who’s now working at a fancy college and who “needs” to win this year’s championship.
To make it short: Bryant convinces Jack to join his team, and to let him “break him and build him back better”.
You guys know where it’s going, right?
The chemistry between them, the inevitability- it’s fire. So good, with all the internal struggles we get to witness - from Jack, but ofc mainly from Bryant, who knows what’s on the line if he gets caught with Jack.
Honestly, guys. VERY hot.
And the relationship development… chef’s kiss!
But the drama. Oh the drama. Yes, I know there had to be some big bang, there’s no way they could have come out unscathed. But the plot chosen for this annoyed me, and it’s been executed sloppily. I mean - how did we go from “there’s a video on his phone” to “she has the means to blackmail/destroy”? On top of that, I’m not very fond of stereotypical characters, and there’s not one female character in this book that’s even remotely ok (ish): not Bryant’s ex, not Jack’s mother, and least of all all the girls who’s only purpose in life seems to be to snatch (or have sex with) one of the players.
And then, just out of nowhere, the blackmailing plot poofs out of existence 🙄
Uh. No. The more I think about it, the more annoyed I am. Why not another form of “big bang”? There are so many possible plot twist that would have made more sense.
So: yes, almost 5 stars for the first 70%, 3 (or maybe 2) for the rest.
I’ll go with 3.5 stars rounded down because - as much as I tend to round up if I end a book on a high note - this one left me mostly annoyed 😒
June 4, 2024
And that’s why I don’t think alcohol was ever my issue. Because I don’t crave the burn of the scotch anywhere near the way I crave Jack Perry. He dominates my every thought, and the only comparison is my need to dominate him. I want to hurt him and soothe the pain in the same breath, own him and set him free at the same time, push him away while pulling him so close we merge into a single being. Unlike the stupid bottle of scotch that my reflection mocks me through, he’s a true addiction that I can’t seem to let go of.
the second half had me LIVING for Jack and Bryant. while i was already invested with their dynamic (the growing obsession they had for one another omg), i think the angst and drama and how it was executed in the second half was chefs kiss. literally had me glued on the page and i couldn’t stop reading. i also loved their development as individuals (how they changed each other for the better) and how natural it felt bc Jack in the beginning isn’t the same Jack by the end … but he was still the Jack i was endeared by when he first appeared in the story (yes, he may have been cocky in the beginning but, rather than annoying, i found it endearing lol), but also their obsession for each other had me giggling and smiling and the lengths they both took to protect the other!! 🥺 the book isn’t perfect whatsoever, but i was entertained the whole time that idc tbh. :’)
brb gonna read the next book asap!
the second half had me LIVING for Jack and Bryant. while i was already invested with their dynamic (the growing obsession they had for one another omg), i think the angst and drama and how it was executed in the second half was chefs kiss. literally had me glued on the page and i couldn’t stop reading. i also loved their development as individuals (how they changed each other for the better) and how natural it felt bc Jack in the beginning isn’t the same Jack by the end … but he was still the Jack i was endeared by when he first appeared in the story (yes, he may have been cocky in the beginning but, rather than annoying, i found it endearing lol), but also their obsession for each other had me giggling and smiling and the lengths they both took to protect the other!! 🥺 the book isn’t perfect whatsoever, but i was entertained the whole time that idc tbh. :’)
brb gonna read the next book asap!
March 8, 2024
MM Romance
Athlete/Coach
4 Stars ⭐️
🎧Audiobook Reread: 2.5 Stars ⭐️
🎵Narrated by: Jake Bordeaux🎵
When I read this book I had hoped someone like Aiden Snow would voice Bryant because his deep voice is perfect for Bryant’s deep growly coach image and Iggy Toma would do Jack because he’s good at southern accents and Jack is from Alabama but the author stated Jake Bordeaux was her narrator of choice so I waited impatiently to get my hands on this. The book was so hot that I was able to overlook things I normally hate when I read it and I thought the audiobook would be awesome if it had the right narrator. However, after listening to this on audiobook, I’m torn. Obviously I still enjoyed the story but I disliked how Jake voiced Bryant because it sounded like he was shouting the entire time and it didn’t sound natural. He did a way better job with Jack’s southern accent and he did a good job voicing everyone else except the women. Why do guy narrators always make women sound so breathy? It just makes me laugh but I can overlook it. It was hard to overlook Bryant’s voice though and I felt the only thing that truly worked was his catchphrase “Come For Me Jack” because Jake made that sound extremely sexy. I had hoped for more moaning throughout the audio because of how high heat this was and while he did it sometimes, it just wasn’t enough for me. I just overall found the audio to be a bit lacking but I definitely still love the book itself and am excited this author plans to write more mm sports romances this year set in this world.
=================
Original Review Below
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There’s so much I should hate about this book but I absolutely loved it and haven’t returned it to KU yet because I keep rereading my favorite parts. This is labeled as a dark romance but it wasn’t dark for me however it does have a huge age gap and a power imbalance that others may find triggering. It also has MF and MFF sex scenes near the start that I either skipped over or skimmed through but the MF scenes continue even after Jack and Coach Nicks start fucking around because they need a cover. There’s an evil chick, misogyny galore and an obscene amount of OTT drama which is what brought my rating down but I loved the relationship between Jack and Coach and found the bazillion sex scenes so hot that I devoured this book and can’t say too many bad things about it. 🤡
This is part of a multi author series but this is a complete standalone. Jack (20’s) is a superstar football player and is recruited to the team by Coach Bryant Nicks (48) to fulfill the dean’s wish of his team being champions. The dean is a total dickhead as are most of the characters in this book. Coach Nicks demands Jack do a series of tasks over the course of the year to be what the team needs and potentially be drafted to the NFL but he’s hard to please. Jack strives to be the best, wants Nicks to see his dedication but he’s also a brat and when he doesn’t get the attention he seeks he acts out. Nicks wants to make Jack the best, push him until he breaks and gives up full control but when Jack acts out it makes Nicks rage and their relationship becomes this toxic obsessive train wreck neither can walk away from. While the relationship starts in a dubcon like disastrous way, they fall for each other and things feel a lot more balanced as time goes on.
I should not like this book because everything I always bitch about is inside but it was a good time and onto the guilty fucking pleasures shelf it goes.
Oh and Coach Nicks must be taking the little blue pill because he was always hard and ready, even 10 minutes after. I’m also surprised Jack could even play football well after being dicked down with only his own cum and spit most of the book.
Athlete/Coach
4 Stars ⭐️
🎧Audiobook Reread: 2.5 Stars ⭐️
🎵Narrated by: Jake Bordeaux🎵
When I read this book I had hoped someone like Aiden Snow would voice Bryant because his deep voice is perfect for Bryant’s deep growly coach image and Iggy Toma would do Jack because he’s good at southern accents and Jack is from Alabama but the author stated Jake Bordeaux was her narrator of choice so I waited impatiently to get my hands on this. The book was so hot that I was able to overlook things I normally hate when I read it and I thought the audiobook would be awesome if it had the right narrator. However, after listening to this on audiobook, I’m torn. Obviously I still enjoyed the story but I disliked how Jake voiced Bryant because it sounded like he was shouting the entire time and it didn’t sound natural. He did a way better job with Jack’s southern accent and he did a good job voicing everyone else except the women. Why do guy narrators always make women sound so breathy? It just makes me laugh but I can overlook it. It was hard to overlook Bryant’s voice though and I felt the only thing that truly worked was his catchphrase “Come For Me Jack” because Jake made that sound extremely sexy. I had hoped for more moaning throughout the audio because of how high heat this was and while he did it sometimes, it just wasn’t enough for me. I just overall found the audio to be a bit lacking but I definitely still love the book itself and am excited this author plans to write more mm sports romances this year set in this world.
=================
Original Review Below
=================
There’s so much I should hate about this book but I absolutely loved it and haven’t returned it to KU yet because I keep rereading my favorite parts. This is labeled as a dark romance but it wasn’t dark for me however it does have a huge age gap and a power imbalance that others may find triggering. It also has MF and MFF sex scenes near the start that I either skipped over or skimmed through but the MF scenes continue even after Jack and Coach Nicks start fucking around because they need a cover. There’s an evil chick, misogyny galore and an obscene amount of OTT drama which is what brought my rating down but I loved the relationship between Jack and Coach and found the bazillion sex scenes so hot that I devoured this book and can’t say too many bad things about it. 🤡
This is part of a multi author series but this is a complete standalone. Jack (20’s) is a superstar football player and is recruited to the team by Coach Bryant Nicks (48) to fulfill the dean’s wish of his team being champions. The dean is a total dickhead as are most of the characters in this book. Coach Nicks demands Jack do a series of tasks over the course of the year to be what the team needs and potentially be drafted to the NFL but he’s hard to please. Jack strives to be the best, wants Nicks to see his dedication but he’s also a brat and when he doesn’t get the attention he seeks he acts out. Nicks wants to make Jack the best, push him until he breaks and gives up full control but when Jack acts out it makes Nicks rage and their relationship becomes this toxic obsessive train wreck neither can walk away from. While the relationship starts in a dubcon like disastrous way, they fall for each other and things feel a lot more balanced as time goes on.
I should not like this book because everything I always bitch about is inside but it was a good time and onto the guilty fucking pleasures shelf it goes.
Oh and Coach Nicks must be taking the little blue pill because he was always hard and ready, even 10 minutes after. I’m also surprised Jack could even play football well after being dicked down with only his own cum and spit most of the book.
December 21, 2023
✨️Misogyny✨️
I originally dnfd this and then decided to come back to it because the bookstagram girlies are feral for it. It's 80% smut with very little plot, and it is kind of ridiculous. It would have been a 3 star read, but the third act drama was dumb af so here we are.
This is what I get for having so many 5 star reads last week 💀
I originally dnfd this and then decided to come back to it because the bookstagram girlies are feral for it. It's 80% smut with very little plot, and it is kind of ridiculous. It would have been a 3 star read, but the third act drama was dumb af so here we are.
This is what I get for having so many 5 star reads last week 💀
August 14, 2024
Ooookay, i'm gonna give this shit 4 stars for the vibes and my undying daddy kink.
You need to know 3 crucial things about this book:
- The author seems a fucking misogynist from the way she wrote Jack's character
- Anya, or Anyia or WHATEVER is one of the most nasty bitch I ever read so far in a MM romance, with TOO MUCH screen time
- That Bryant coach got a whale's dick
This goes straight to my VERY guilty pleasure. I hate myself right now.
You need to know 3 crucial things about this book:
- The author seems a fucking misogynist from the way she wrote Jack's character
- Anya, or Anyia or WHATEVER is one of the most nasty bitch I ever read so far in a MM romance, with TOO MUCH screen time
- That Bryant coach got a whale's dick
This goes straight to my VERY guilty pleasure. I hate myself right now.
August 31, 2024
Audio 3 stars
The voice the narrator gave the coach was annoying because he always sounded angry and confrontational.
Story - 2 Stars
The voice the narrator gave the coach was annoying because he always sounded angry and confrontational.
Story - 2 Stars
February 18, 2024
❝ I'm going to save this picture, and whenever you try to pull your bullshit, I'm going to pull it out and remind you that you're nothing more than my toy to play with. You catch the ball when I tell you to, you run as fast as I tell you to, and you take my big cock when and how I tell you to. Isn't that right, Jack? ❞
bulleted thoughts bc im lazy:
➥ found this on tiktok! and i think they can be trusted. crucify me! i dont care!
➥ my first book from miss rathe... and she gagged me, i fear. this book was just right up my alley.
➥ coach x star athlete. huge age gap. both mcs are alphas so imagine the tension!
➥ i wanna be the lettuce in this all meat sandwich.
➥ lets face the fucking truth: the whole story was very much unoriginal but written in such a way that as a reader you just want to eat and eat and eat. i was busy devouring it. page-turner for me even if i kinda know already how the story will go
➥ tons of sex between bryant and jack were immaculate. filthy and full of frustration. delicious through and through.
➥ overall im happy to stumble upon this. finally some good fucking food for our beloved genre.
Read
October 9, 2023DNF @ 17% - yeah, no
December 5, 2023
I was going to rate this much lower, because there are quite a few things here I didn't like, but since I really loved the MMCs and the amount of smut they got was completely up my alley, I'm giving this book 3.8 - 3.9⭐ and rounding it up.
We're probably not getting another m/m installment here in this Universe, since the series has only m/f books, but hopefully we'll be getting another long, thorough epilogue for this book, because that ending and that epilogue was a big, fat disappointment .
Even so, the story itself stands out and the main characters are worth reading about.
🟢 American Football, Coach/player
🔵 Double bi-awakening
🟡 Double GFY
🟣 Age gap - 28 years
🟠 A bit of a size difference
🟢 Some good old misogyny
🔴 Scenes with m/f sex
🔵 MMCs are not exclusive until the very end
🌶️ Spice is probably best I've ever read; both vers
Even though there are tons of college sports romances out there and the stories are very similar, the main couple in this book is very memorable. They have a unique dynamic and a really big age gap, they're both straight athletes living in a very rural american town, so them having anything remotely sexual in a sports setting is by itself almost unimaginable - you should have that in mind while reading their story, because this is not your typical cheesy sports romance story.
What I was missing when the story began was the foundation, the prologue which should've been longer and dealt with all the important info about Jack and Bryant that we read much later in the book. That was important information that should've been told up front, I'd experience the first half of the book much differently than I did if I had known where the characters, especially Bryant, was coming from.
The story is about Jack, a very talented 20-year old college football player that gets into an altercation with his current coach and is kicked off the team. He comes from poverty, a trailer park in a small town, with his deadbeat mom and basically has noone in his life to care about him, he's on his own.
Bryant is the 48 - year old coach for Grovetone College Jackals. He's a former football player who's now a coach after a very long injury and alcohol addiction recovery (we don't get that info until much later). Jackals haven't won a championship in decades and Bryant's putting together a team for the win.
Jack eventually comes to play for the Jackals, but under strict conditions given by Bryant and to make Jack really do the work and not stray, Jack and Bryant fall into a somewhat inappropriate, almost coercive sexual agreement, where Jack does his part on the field and at school and Bryant rewards - manipulates - him with sex. There's punishing, almost (but not quite) non-con, but Jack is very willing, although he's in a position where we don't know exactly if he can refuse anything or not.
An interesting idea that at first didn't turn out sexy.
I had to read the whole book and then come back to the beginning when I had the bigger picture in front of me, so I've read their first times again. That could've been told with more layers added when the story began, at least for me.
Jack and Bryant started adding sex to their relationship too soon in the story, so Bryant as a character not only wasn't well developed at that point for a reader, but nothing he did there actually made him a good character, a good love interest.
The build-up started out fantastic, I was really starting to feel the tension and the change in their work relationship and then all of a sudden they start blowing each other, not to mention quite a few sexual encounters were off-page at first.
I think the tension should be building up with a minor slip here and there and they should've really gone for it at 40%, when Jack got sick and Bryant took care of Jack for a couple of days. There was an open window here for them to really jump into it, but with Bryant holding back until this point.
It took some time for me to really start liking Bryant specifically because he was using his rank to subdue Jack and it didn't look good on him.
🟣 That bi-awakening was bothering me. I was absolutely sure Bryant was gay. There was no mentioning of Bryant being straight anywhere and the way he was interested in Jack seemed he was attracted to men. But this bomb drops and I'm thinking to myself I really should've gotten this info beforehand.
"That, and despite all the things I've done to Jack - despite the way my cock seems to stand at attention every time he walks by - I'm not actually attracted to men. I was quite the player back in my day, and after I joined the NFL, I married a beautiful woman."
"Next time you disrespect me, I'll fuck your ass so hard you'll bleed. Do you understand me, Jack?" 👀
Now bear in mind, these are two straight men talking. They're both straight, have absolutely no prior experiences with men, nor have ever felt the attraction to any other guy or thought about having sex with them, so to get that sentence at 25% didn't make sense. It would've made sense later down the line, it would've been hot from the perspective of their power dynamic, but at the very beginning, where Jack was a newbie at the college and Bryant was clearly in a position of authority and because Jack had a legally binding contract, that didn't sound good. It almost seemed like he was doing it because that was his last resort to really win that championship and keep his job, and although he was mostly doing it for Jack too, it left a sour taste in my mouth, it wasn't sexy - precisely because it was too soon.
On one hand this book feels like writing from a straight man's perspective, which is probably what the author was going for to make it really authentic and I give them that, it's really believable, it's not too romantic and strictly monogamous without being really exclusive first, which is usually the case in these books, but this story determines that, in the end, they're both gay. How is that possible?
"I can now say, unequivocally, that I'm probably gay. It's never been something I've questioned or considered, and I'm pretty sure I'm attracted to women in general, but I have never had my world rocked like that before." Isn't there another word for that?
Their inner monologues are definitely those of a straight man, so if this is what the author was going for, they nailed it. 😄
"He didn't kiss me when he left, and I felt like a fucking pussy for being disappointed by it." This book frequently mentions what a terrible thing it is when someone's a pussy. Pussy is bad, in general. The worst.
"I moped around for the first two days of not hearing from him, acting like a fucking girl that got jilted by a bad date." See? Bad.
"I'm technically not supposed to come back until cleared by coach Nicks, but he's not answering my calls or texts and I'm tired of waiting by the phone like a teenage girl waiting for an invitation to prom." Put that good old misogyny in there, just to spice it up a bit.
"Why didn't you tell me you were sick? I thought you were just ignoring me." I cringe as the words come out of my mouth. I sound exactly like a needy girlfriend."
Let's put the whole "anything female is subpar" point of view behind us for a second, because many authors do this, they try to give us a contrast of how good it is when no "whining females" are involved when it's just two men - and let's ask these authors if they really think that the need to be heard, seen or being emotional in general is unique to women? Men don't want a happy relationship, they don't care or worry about their significant other? If they do, they're a teenage girl? Instead of getting rid of stereotypes, let's just cement them somewhere, so they'll never really go away.
Anyway.
THE SMUT.
Goddamn. The smut written in this book is probably one of the best I've ever read. Not only is it that good, it's also very prominent through-out the book, you get it in every chapter, all the time, and it's well written. This is exactly what I've been looking for, I'm really hoping this author continues writing m/m books, because this was fantastic.
There are so many sex scenes that I absolutely loved, but if I had to single out one or two, it would be the deep-throating scene while Jack was lifting at the gym. Have in mind Jack is lying down and has weights on his chest. He can't move.
"I resist at first, trying to push up against the bar and thrashing my head for a reprieve, but eventually I relax and lie there, mouth open wide as he uses me. The angle he's at makes it a little easier to take him without gagging, despite feeling him father back in my throat. My lips are stretched to capacity, my jaw aching. I take short breaths of air through my nose and will my eyes to stop watering. I don't want him to think I'm crying, but I can't stop the tears trailing down my temples whenever I blink my eyes open. Not that I can open them for long, as his balls are hitting against my forehead as he thrusts into me."
Every scene ends up with Jack gagging on Bryan's dick and trying to gulp down his cum, he's really trying, dammit. That time in the storage room, oooofffff. 🔥
"My cock is still wet with his cum that I was rubbing into myself, but I spread his cheeks and spit directly on his crack, watching it trickle down. I rub the wettness into his hole, pushing my fingers inside and spreading him, spitting inside before I replace my fingers with the head of my cock. After spreading large beads of my precum over his hole, I pust just the head inside before retracting. I'm hypnotized, fascinated by the view of my cock breaching his ass and pulling back out."
These aren't even the longest or most descriptive scenes, but I really liked everything, maybe because Jack was also being punished a bit. He was being punished quite a lot in the beginning. You've got gym sex, shower sex, sauna sex, dorm sex, rimming, sweat licking, somnophilia, these guys are at it all the time and I loved it.
Bryant sure knows how to fuck, let me tell you. Tall, muscled with a hairy chest and a short beard with a bit of gray in there and I can forgive all the other stuff in this book, you bet.
It's hot, very descriptive, the sex scenes evolve the more they hook up and everything they do is hot as fuck, I really recommend reading it. Penetrative sex was ridiculously hot and these two couldn't keep they hands off each other.
In the second half of the book the feelings come into play. I do think that could've been a bit more explored, but the developing love between them was palpable and what really did it for me in this story was the events that followed after they were caught and had to break it off. That resolve really brought this story home. It was a bit angsty and even though there's another woman involved with Jack and both of them have sexual encounters with other people aswell, they were constantly connected, they were devoted to making the other safe and happy, the things going on were very realistic and by the end of it I could't help but fall in love with them both.
Jack was dealing with Bryant being an almost 30 years older recovering alcoholic, they were both small fish thrown into the world of rich elite and trying to make it work despite the very traditional, homophobic environment they were in. And because of all those important facts in the story, I was really disappointed how abrupt the ending was here. Jack and Bryant finally got together, they were finally living the dream, and yet the dream is finished off with a couple of sentences showing us their near future.
I, for one, would like to know how exactly they made it work. They weren't out as a gay couple, but they weren't hiding anything. Ok, so tell me what that looked like?
Bryant became Jack's agent and they moved out of Texas, moved in together, so naturally I'd like to know how that went?
I was thinking that's probably mentioned in the epilogue, but it wasn't. Just a quick peek into an event in their future somewhere. So unsatisfying. God, I was really disappointed, what a shame this story ended that way!
Even so I can honestly say Jack and Bryant are one of the most memorable couples in sports romance books for me, I'll probably read this book again after some time and I'm really hoping the author adds a longer, thorough epilogue sometime in the future, dating right after the end of the book.
I think we deserve it.
No, because Jack and Bryant deserve it.
We're probably not getting another m/m installment here in this Universe, since the series has only m/f books, but hopefully we'll be getting another long, thorough epilogue for this book, because that ending and that epilogue was a big, fat disappointment .
Even so, the story itself stands out and the main characters are worth reading about.
🟢 American Football, Coach/player
🔵 Double bi-awakening
🟡 Double GFY
🟣 Age gap - 28 years
🟠 A bit of a size difference
🟢 Some good old misogyny
🔴 Scenes with m/f sex
🔵 MMCs are not exclusive until the very end
🌶️ Spice is probably best I've ever read; both vers
Even though there are tons of college sports romances out there and the stories are very similar, the main couple in this book is very memorable. They have a unique dynamic and a really big age gap, they're both straight athletes living in a very rural american town, so them having anything remotely sexual in a sports setting is by itself almost unimaginable - you should have that in mind while reading their story, because this is not your typical cheesy sports romance story.
What I was missing when the story began was the foundation, the prologue which should've been longer and dealt with all the important info about Jack and Bryant that we read much later in the book. That was important information that should've been told up front, I'd experience the first half of the book much differently than I did if I had known where the characters, especially Bryant, was coming from.
The story is about Jack, a very talented 20-year old college football player that gets into an altercation with his current coach and is kicked off the team. He comes from poverty, a trailer park in a small town, with his deadbeat mom and basically has noone in his life to care about him, he's on his own.
Bryant is the 48 - year old coach for Grovetone College Jackals. He's a former football player who's now a coach after a very long injury and alcohol addiction recovery (we don't get that info until much later). Jackals haven't won a championship in decades and Bryant's putting together a team for the win.
Jack eventually comes to play for the Jackals, but under strict conditions given by Bryant and to make Jack really do the work and not stray, Jack and Bryant fall into a somewhat inappropriate, almost coercive sexual agreement, where Jack does his part on the field and at school and Bryant rewards - manipulates - him with sex. There's punishing, almost (but not quite) non-con, but Jack is very willing, although he's in a position where we don't know exactly if he can refuse anything or not.
An interesting idea that at first didn't turn out sexy.
I had to read the whole book and then come back to the beginning when I had the bigger picture in front of me, so I've read their first times again. That could've been told with more layers added when the story began, at least for me.
Jack and Bryant started adding sex to their relationship too soon in the story, so Bryant as a character not only wasn't well developed at that point for a reader, but nothing he did there actually made him a good character, a good love interest.
The build-up started out fantastic, I was really starting to feel the tension and the change in their work relationship and then all of a sudden they start blowing each other, not to mention quite a few sexual encounters were off-page at first.
I think the tension should be building up with a minor slip here and there and they should've really gone for it at 40%, when Jack got sick and Bryant took care of Jack for a couple of days. There was an open window here for them to really jump into it, but with Bryant holding back until this point.
It took some time for me to really start liking Bryant specifically because he was using his rank to subdue Jack and it didn't look good on him.
🟣 That bi-awakening was bothering me. I was absolutely sure Bryant was gay. There was no mentioning of Bryant being straight anywhere and the way he was interested in Jack seemed he was attracted to men. But this bomb drops and I'm thinking to myself I really should've gotten this info beforehand.
"That, and despite all the things I've done to Jack - despite the way my cock seems to stand at attention every time he walks by - I'm not actually attracted to men. I was quite the player back in my day, and after I joined the NFL, I married a beautiful woman."
"Next time you disrespect me, I'll fuck your ass so hard you'll bleed. Do you understand me, Jack?" 👀
Now bear in mind, these are two straight men talking. They're both straight, have absolutely no prior experiences with men, nor have ever felt the attraction to any other guy or thought about having sex with them, so to get that sentence at 25% didn't make sense. It would've made sense later down the line, it would've been hot from the perspective of their power dynamic, but at the very beginning, where Jack was a newbie at the college and Bryant was clearly in a position of authority and because Jack had a legally binding contract, that didn't sound good. It almost seemed like he was doing it because that was his last resort to really win that championship and keep his job, and although he was mostly doing it for Jack too, it left a sour taste in my mouth, it wasn't sexy - precisely because it was too soon.
On one hand this book feels like writing from a straight man's perspective, which is probably what the author was going for to make it really authentic and I give them that, it's really believable, it's not too romantic and strictly monogamous without being really exclusive first, which is usually the case in these books, but this story determines that, in the end, they're both gay. How is that possible?
"I can now say, unequivocally, that I'm probably gay. It's never been something I've questioned or considered, and I'm pretty sure I'm attracted to women in general, but I have never had my world rocked like that before." Isn't there another word for that?
Their inner monologues are definitely those of a straight man, so if this is what the author was going for, they nailed it. 😄
"He didn't kiss me when he left, and I felt like a fucking pussy for being disappointed by it." This book frequently mentions what a terrible thing it is when someone's a pussy. Pussy is bad, in general. The worst.
"I moped around for the first two days of not hearing from him, acting like a fucking girl that got jilted by a bad date." See? Bad.
"I'm technically not supposed to come back until cleared by coach Nicks, but he's not answering my calls or texts and I'm tired of waiting by the phone like a teenage girl waiting for an invitation to prom." Put that good old misogyny in there, just to spice it up a bit.
"Why didn't you tell me you were sick? I thought you were just ignoring me." I cringe as the words come out of my mouth. I sound exactly like a needy girlfriend."
Let's put the whole "anything female is subpar" point of view behind us for a second, because many authors do this, they try to give us a contrast of how good it is when no "whining females" are involved when it's just two men - and let's ask these authors if they really think that the need to be heard, seen or being emotional in general is unique to women? Men don't want a happy relationship, they don't care or worry about their significant other? If they do, they're a teenage girl? Instead of getting rid of stereotypes, let's just cement them somewhere, so they'll never really go away.
Anyway.
THE SMUT.
Goddamn. The smut written in this book is probably one of the best I've ever read. Not only is it that good, it's also very prominent through-out the book, you get it in every chapter, all the time, and it's well written. This is exactly what I've been looking for, I'm really hoping this author continues writing m/m books, because this was fantastic.
There are so many sex scenes that I absolutely loved, but if I had to single out one or two, it would be the deep-throating scene while Jack was lifting at the gym. Have in mind Jack is lying down and has weights on his chest. He can't move.
"I resist at first, trying to push up against the bar and thrashing my head for a reprieve, but eventually I relax and lie there, mouth open wide as he uses me. The angle he's at makes it a little easier to take him without gagging, despite feeling him father back in my throat. My lips are stretched to capacity, my jaw aching. I take short breaths of air through my nose and will my eyes to stop watering. I don't want him to think I'm crying, but I can't stop the tears trailing down my temples whenever I blink my eyes open. Not that I can open them for long, as his balls are hitting against my forehead as he thrusts into me."
Every scene ends up with Jack gagging on Bryan's dick and trying to gulp down his cum, he's really trying, dammit. That time in the storage room, oooofffff. 🔥
"My cock is still wet with his cum that I was rubbing into myself, but I spread his cheeks and spit directly on his crack, watching it trickle down. I rub the wettness into his hole, pushing my fingers inside and spreading him, spitting inside before I replace my fingers with the head of my cock. After spreading large beads of my precum over his hole, I pust just the head inside before retracting. I'm hypnotized, fascinated by the view of my cock breaching his ass and pulling back out."
These aren't even the longest or most descriptive scenes, but I really liked everything, maybe because Jack was also being punished a bit. He was being punished quite a lot in the beginning. You've got gym sex, shower sex, sauna sex, dorm sex, rimming, sweat licking, somnophilia, these guys are at it all the time and I loved it.
Bryant sure knows how to fuck, let me tell you. Tall, muscled with a hairy chest and a short beard with a bit of gray in there and I can forgive all the other stuff in this book, you bet.
It's hot, very descriptive, the sex scenes evolve the more they hook up and everything they do is hot as fuck, I really recommend reading it. Penetrative sex was ridiculously hot and these two couldn't keep they hands off each other.
In the second half of the book the feelings come into play. I do think that could've been a bit more explored, but the developing love between them was palpable and what really did it for me in this story was the events that followed after they were caught and had to break it off. That resolve really brought this story home. It was a bit angsty and even though there's another woman involved with Jack and both of them have sexual encounters with other people aswell, they were constantly connected, they were devoted to making the other safe and happy, the things going on were very realistic and by the end of it I could't help but fall in love with them both.
Jack was dealing with Bryant being an almost 30 years older recovering alcoholic, they were both small fish thrown into the world of rich elite and trying to make it work despite the very traditional, homophobic environment they were in. And because of all those important facts in the story, I was really disappointed how abrupt the ending was here. Jack and Bryant finally got together, they were finally living the dream, and yet the dream is finished off with a couple of sentences showing us their near future.
I, for one, would like to know how exactly they made it work. They weren't out as a gay couple, but they weren't hiding anything. Ok, so tell me what that looked like?
Bryant became Jack's agent and they moved out of Texas, moved in together, so naturally I'd like to know how that went?
I was thinking that's probably mentioned in the epilogue, but it wasn't. Just a quick peek into an event in their future somewhere. So unsatisfying. God, I was really disappointed, what a shame this story ended that way!
Even so I can honestly say Jack and Bryant are one of the most memorable couples in sports romance books for me, I'll probably read this book again after some time and I'm really hoping the author adds a longer, thorough epilogue sometime in the future, dating right after the end of the book.
I think we deserve it.
No, because Jack and Bryant deserve it.
June 14, 2024
June 2024- Re read: Not a fluke, this is still just as amazing as I remember. Bryant and Jack are a favorite couple from now on. The age gap of almost 30 years is hot, it is! and I don’t care what anyone says. The way Bryant cares for Jack is so so sexy. I’ll keep recommending this book because this is in my opinion highly underrated.
Also! Audiobook doesn’t include the extra epilogues which is very sad so don’t miss out on reading those, they are so so beautiful I promise!
April 2024- Ummm I really liked this. I could not put it down. These two are a hot couple. The chemistry was there from the beginning. This spice was not boring or repetitive at all. It got better the more I read. I do think there was more lust than love at first, but there was definitely true love after everything that happens. I liked their happy ending and the extra epilogues. I liked the large age gap, made the relationship exciting.
Also, is there a book about Luke and Troy? Because I would totally read it
Also! Audiobook doesn’t include the extra epilogues which is very sad so don’t miss out on reading those, they are so so beautiful I promise!
April 2024- Ummm I really liked this. I could not put it down. These two are a hot couple. The chemistry was there from the beginning. This spice was not boring or repetitive at all. It got better the more I read. I do think there was more lust than love at first, but there was definitely true love after everything that happens. I liked their happy ending and the extra epilogues. I liked the large age gap, made the relationship exciting.
Also, is there a book about Luke and Troy? Because I would totally read it
December 6, 2024
6 ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Format: ebook
“I’ll never be finished. I’ll never get enough of him. He’ll always be the drug that I’m addicted to, the fix I can’t live without.”
This story contained so many of my book icks that I contemplated DNFing a few separate times. I hate when M/M romance has graphic M/F scenes, and this book had multiple. I hate when M/M books use overtly misogynistic language to make the characters appear “gayer”. I hate when any romance book has OW/OM drama, and it was rampant here.
As you can see from my rating, I am a hypocrite because my affections can be bought. And they were bought by the absolute wildfire that is Jack and Bryant.
God, the chemistry is so great that I can’t even put it into words. The push and pull of this book is nearly top-tier. They were so obsessed with each other, and I lived for the toxicity and codependency of their relationship. And don’t get me started on the spice. Daddy kink? Nah, I’m all about Coach kink now. They were so hot together.
This story brought my emotions to crazy levels. There were times I was absolutely devastated that I could feel it in my chest. But the good times were so, so good. I was as addicted to them as they were with each other.
Even with all the aspects that I usually generally hate, everything in this book just absolutely worked for me. This was just such a good story that always kept me on the edge of my seat. I want to devour every book by this author now.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Format: ebook
“I’ll never be finished. I’ll never get enough of him. He’ll always be the drug that I’m addicted to, the fix I can’t live without.”
This story contained so many of my book icks that I contemplated DNFing a few separate times. I hate when M/M romance has graphic M/F scenes, and this book had multiple. I hate when M/M books use overtly misogynistic language to make the characters appear “gayer”. I hate when any romance book has OW/OM drama, and it was rampant here.
As you can see from my rating, I am a hypocrite because my affections can be bought. And they were bought by the absolute wildfire that is Jack and Bryant.
God, the chemistry is so great that I can’t even put it into words. The push and pull of this book is nearly top-tier. They were so obsessed with each other, and I lived for the toxicity and codependency of their relationship. And don’t get me started on the spice. Daddy kink? Nah, I’m all about Coach kink now. They were so hot together.
This story brought my emotions to crazy levels. There were times I was absolutely devastated that I could feel it in my chest. But the good times were so, so good. I was as addicted to them as they were with each other.
Even with all the aspects that I usually generally hate, everything in this book just absolutely worked for me. This was just such a good story that always kept me on the edge of my seat. I want to devour every book by this author now.
October 16, 2023
this book just shows two men in lust. there is no love, or affection and no meaningful conversation between them. It's hard to believe in their "HEA", (I would call it HFN) I think the author was more concerned with forcing random MF sex scenes down our throats than focusing on what really matters. this book is a perfect example of why some mf authors should never venture into writing MM.
I'm disappointed.
I'm disappointed.
October 12, 2024
This book took me on a ride I wasn't expecting at all. I love me a Forbidden Romance so once I knew it was coach x player I knew I had to read this!! I did get bored a little pass the halfway felt like nothing was happening and it was giving early DNF after the half way mark but things picked right back up quckily and I got back into reading the rest. Also I didn't get why pictures and videos were always be taken? I found that kinda cringy.
Was I expecting mostly smut and some plot? No but I ate this book up nonetheless. 🤭
Aniyah can go to... You know what.
Was I expecting mostly smut and some plot? No but I ate this book up nonetheless. 🤭
Aniyah can go to... You know what.
May 15, 2024
I uh... damn. Damn Rebecca.
You just got an instant follow.
Fuuuuuck that was hot. Inside you will get:
🏳🌈 College
🏳🌈 Age Gap 20/48 (YAS QUEEN)
🏳🌈 Coach/Student Player
🏳🌈 Be forewarned: there are mf scenes
🏳🌈 Power imbalance
🏳🌈 Rewards/Punishments. Meow.
This book is so dirty I feel like I just rolled around in mud after reading some of those scenes. Then I had to WALK AROUND and have people look at me all day. I was like "can they tell I've been reading smut?" IS IT ON MY FACE? Can they tell??
First of all, read the author's note. It's a dark romance and isn't for everyone. There are potential triggers. Please don't read this book and criticize it for everything delicious I love in my imaginary fiction. It will make me sads. Lotssss of delicious questionable behavior in this book and I am here. for. it.
Second of all, the author gives a few nods to the Roll Tide which makes me hope above hope she's from or has lived in Alabama at some point. ALSO. ALSO. Bryant Nicks? Get out of here with your barely concealed reference to Bear Bryant and Nick Saban. 😂🤣 YASSS I love this soooo much.
So let's look at some of these goodies shall we?
"I'm too old for this shit."
I love Coach. He's everything you'd want in an older somewhat shifty power imbalance with just the right touch of insecurity. He doesn't want to hurt Jack. He just wants Jack to be happy even if it means without him.
Nicks looked positively menacing when he grinned back at me and told me that a little hazing would toughen me up, and I realized then that he's a fucking sadist.
Yes. Yes he is. The torture these two both put each other through is heartbreaking and amazing and I just love their dynamic. Jack pushes and pushes and pushes. He's just enough of a dumbass college kid to make you feel like he's real. He's a real idiot out there fumbling around just trying to survive. The fact that he was a poor kid from a shit town in Alabama? Icing on the football cake.
I love how toxic they are...
"If you ever pull that shit again, I'll fucking end you. Do you understand?"
And also somehow Coach manages to swing it back around to sweet making me root so hard for them. 😭
I burn for him. Crave him. - Coach Bryant
And of course Jack who falls first I think, and possibly harder because, youth. "I wanted everything, Bryant. I wanted you. I wanted this. These past months I've felt more capable, stronger, freer, than I've ever been in my life. You give me something that takes away all the heaviness and lets me see the finish line. I've loved every minute of my time with you."
Lastly, if you don't want to read it for the quality writing, the heartbreaking romance, the fast paced story, then read it for the Heat. The heat in some of these scenes will melt your Kindle right out of your sweaty hands. Got Damn Rebecca. You Tryin To Kill Us out here in these streets.
You just got an instant follow.
Fuuuuuck that was hot. Inside you will get:
🏳🌈 College
🏳🌈 Age Gap 20/48 (YAS QUEEN)
🏳🌈 Coach/Student Player
🏳🌈 Be forewarned: there are mf scenes
🏳🌈 Power imbalance
🏳🌈 Rewards/Punishments. Meow.
This book is so dirty I feel like I just rolled around in mud after reading some of those scenes. Then I had to WALK AROUND and have people look at me all day. I was like "can they tell I've been reading smut?" IS IT ON MY FACE? Can they tell??
First of all, read the author's note. It's a dark romance and isn't for everyone. There are potential triggers. Please don't read this book and criticize it for everything delicious I love in my imaginary fiction. It will make me sads. Lotssss of delicious questionable behavior in this book and I am here. for. it.
Second of all, the author gives a few nods to the Roll Tide which makes me hope above hope she's from or has lived in Alabama at some point. ALSO. ALSO. Bryant Nicks? Get out of here with your barely concealed reference to Bear Bryant and Nick Saban. 😂🤣 YASSS I love this soooo much.
So let's look at some of these goodies shall we?
"I'm too old for this shit."
I love Coach. He's everything you'd want in an older somewhat shifty power imbalance with just the right touch of insecurity. He doesn't want to hurt Jack. He just wants Jack to be happy even if it means without him.
Nicks looked positively menacing when he grinned back at me and told me that a little hazing would toughen me up, and I realized then that he's a fucking sadist.
Yes. Yes he is. The torture these two both put each other through is heartbreaking and amazing and I just love their dynamic. Jack pushes and pushes and pushes. He's just enough of a dumbass college kid to make you feel like he's real. He's a real idiot out there fumbling around just trying to survive. The fact that he was a poor kid from a shit town in Alabama? Icing on the football cake.
I love how toxic they are...
"If you ever pull that shit again, I'll fucking end you. Do you understand?"
And also somehow Coach manages to swing it back around to sweet making me root so hard for them. 😭
I burn for him. Crave him. - Coach Bryant
And of course Jack who falls first I think, and possibly harder because, youth. "I wanted everything, Bryant. I wanted you. I wanted this. These past months I've felt more capable, stronger, freer, than I've ever been in my life. You give me something that takes away all the heaviness and lets me see the finish line. I've loved every minute of my time with you."
Lastly, if you don't want to read it for the quality writing, the heartbreaking romance, the fast paced story, then read it for the Heat. The heat in some of these scenes will melt your Kindle right out of your sweaty hands. Got Damn Rebecca. You Tryin To Kill Us out here in these streets.
January 20, 2024
UPDATE:
I just re-read this and I loved it the first time around, but somehow reading for a second time made me love it EVEN MORE?!
4.5/5 ⭐️
3.5/5 🌶️
—
Original review:
4.25/5 ⭐️
3.5/5 🔥
Tropes:
— Forbidden romance
— Coach/athlete
— Age gap (28 yrs)
I really enjoyed this MM sports romance! 🏈
I just re-read this and I loved it the first time around, but somehow reading for a second time made me love it EVEN MORE?!
4.5/5 ⭐️
3.5/5 🌶️
—
Original review:
4.25/5 ⭐️
3.5/5 🔥
Tropes:
— Forbidden romance
— Coach/athlete
— Age gap (28 yrs)
I really enjoyed this MM sports romance! 🏈
January 21, 2025
Welp, that was fucking disappointing.
The reviews for Head in the Game had me excited and hoping for a 5 star read. Now I very quickly realised it would not be a 5 star read, but it was still a very solid 3 star read for the first third of the book. The romance wasn't believable to me at all but the physical aspect was hot and I was enjoying it.
But then everything went down the drain with the main conflict. It was like the book and author decided to take stupid pills. The third act conflict was stupid, bottom of the barrel, and avoidable. It really pissed me off and made me want to stick the book with a 1 star to spite it.
I'm being too negative, so let me find something nice to say about this book...
I liked the ending a lot. It was actually pretty sweet. But it wasn't enough to wash away the misery that the third act conflict inflicted upon me.
I'm not sure if I'll ever pick up another book by this author. Although I probably will, as like this book, the synopsis' of the books in this series sound really interesting.
The reviews for Head in the Game had me excited and hoping for a 5 star read. Now I very quickly realised it would not be a 5 star read, but it was still a very solid 3 star read for the first third of the book. The romance wasn't believable to me at all but the physical aspect was hot and I was enjoying it.
But then everything went down the drain with the main conflict. It was like the book and author decided to take stupid pills. The third act conflict was stupid, bottom of the barrel, and avoidable. It really pissed me off and made me want to stick the book with a 1 star to spite it.
I'm being too negative, so let me find something nice to say about this book...
I liked the ending a lot. It was actually pretty sweet. But it wasn't enough to wash away the misery that the third act conflict inflicted upon me.
I'm not sure if I'll ever pick up another book by this author. Although I probably will, as like this book, the synopsis' of the books in this series sound really interesting.
December 30, 2024
“𝙔𝙚𝙨, 𝘾𝙤𝙖𝙘𝙝?"
“𝘽𝙚 𝙖 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙗𝙤𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙚'𝙡𝙡 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙧𝙚𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣."
Rating:🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice:❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
Head in the Game by Rebecca Rath is such a spicy, forbidden romance that I couldn’t put down. It follows Jack, a college football player, and Bryant, his coach. Their power dynamic makes things extra tense, but wow, their chemistry was CRAZY. Sexual tension at first sight.
Jack is such a brat, and his banter with Bryant had me hooked. Bryants obsessive personality comes through so well in their relationship, which starts off as a kind of “reward system” to keep Jack focused and disciplined. Let’s just say those rewards get steamy fast, and the spice? Perfection—not overdone but definitely enough to keep things interesting. Jack is a crazy wild temptation and the stunts that he pulls are absolutely BONKERS hahaha.
The only thing I felt was missing was higher stakes. With Jack heading into the NFL draft, there was so much potential for bigger drama, and I wish that had been explored more. Also, I wanted more from the side characters who weren’t the villains, but we do get a little more of them by the end, which was nice.
I also wish we got more of an emotional insight from Jack. I feel like we got a great amount of reflection from Bryant, as expected, with him being the older of the two. I think having that added content from Jack would’ve sold the story even more to me. There were times I questioned his true feelings towards Bryant because I didn’t feel like they were conveyed enough.
Overall I really enjoyed the story! It was fun, fresh and incredibly hot. ❤️🔥 read the bonus chapters!
•Age Gap
•Forbidden Romance
•Coach & Player *American Football*
•Brat
•Reward System
•Mention of addiction
•Double bi-awakening
“𝘽𝙚 𝙖 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙗𝙤𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙚'𝙡𝙡 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙧𝙚𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣."
Rating:🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice:❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
Head in the Game by Rebecca Rath is such a spicy, forbidden romance that I couldn’t put down. It follows Jack, a college football player, and Bryant, his coach. Their power dynamic makes things extra tense, but wow, their chemistry was CRAZY. Sexual tension at first sight.
Jack is such a brat, and his banter with Bryant had me hooked. Bryants obsessive personality comes through so well in their relationship, which starts off as a kind of “reward system” to keep Jack focused and disciplined. Let’s just say those rewards get steamy fast, and the spice? Perfection—not overdone but definitely enough to keep things interesting. Jack is a crazy wild temptation and the stunts that he pulls are absolutely BONKERS hahaha.
The only thing I felt was missing was higher stakes. With Jack heading into the NFL draft, there was so much potential for bigger drama, and I wish that had been explored more. Also, I wanted more from the side characters who weren’t the villains, but we do get a little more of them by the end, which was nice.
I also wish we got more of an emotional insight from Jack. I feel like we got a great amount of reflection from Bryant, as expected, with him being the older of the two. I think having that added content from Jack would’ve sold the story even more to me. There were times I questioned his true feelings towards Bryant because I didn’t feel like they were conveyed enough.
Overall I really enjoyed the story! It was fun, fresh and incredibly hot. ❤️🔥 read the bonus chapters!
•Age Gap
•Forbidden Romance
•Coach & Player *American Football*
•Brat
•Reward System
•Mention of addiction
•Double bi-awakening
July 9, 2024
Lord do I have words to say about this book.
Firstly, it wasn't HORRIBLE... by my standards (which are admittedly very low). I just had some major issues that should be addressed.
For instance, one that many MM romances absolutely LOVE to include ✨Misogyny✨
Please for the love of god why do women write MM romances and make it painfully obvious they hate women. The way both MCs spoke about women made me wanna throw the book against the wall then apologize to the wall for doing it so dirty.
Exhibit A: “But when I look closer, I can see that her tan is fake, slightly too orange. Her eyelashes are almost comically long and also obviously fake. And her makeup is so caked on, you can't see the girl underneath. Her bra is definitely padded—I don't remember her tits being as big as her friend's. She's trying too hard, and it reeks of desperation. Still, she's interested and I might need a cover. Plus, it's been a long time since I sank my dick into a warm body. Like it knows what direction my thoughts are headed, my cock gives a small twitch, which does not go unnoticed by… Anya? Fuck. If I'm going to make this work, I'm going to have to remember her name.”
I apologize for including such a long ass quote but I acc could not believe a woman could actually write this and PUBLISH it? WITH HER OWN NAME? OF HER OWN FREE WILL?
In the beginning, I could handle the abundance of male gaze in this book because *unfortunately* this is a common theme in many sports romances but it tends to go away soon enough after the first few chapters, except halfway into this book IT HAD NOT CHANGED IN THE SLIGHTEST and I did eventually dnf it @ 70%
And don't get me started on the number of times I had to read about Jack's —NUMEROUS as the author loved to inform us— one night stands and him just being a plain whore made me get the ick. I fr wanted to throw up violently multiple times.
Exhibit B: “Okay, that's not true. I definitely thought about what I'd do with the two girls holding hands with the quad… and did them whenever the opportunity presented. Bethany and Cora were freaks.”
AND WHEN IT GAVE DETAILED SCENE OF HIM DOING THE TANGO WITH OTHER WOMEN??? What's that saying? Tell, don't show or whatever it is? yeah someone obv needs to tell homeboy Jack that.
Now okay again it wasn't all that bad if you turn a blind eye to the *obvious*. The only reason I kept reading it for as long as I did was cause I liked the premise of the coachxplayer plotline that was promised and it did deliver on that part, I just despised everything else about it... which was the writing, characters, developing plot and just basically the whole story I don't know why it's 2 stars and not 1 (I'm a coward)
Anyway I did like the aspect of the whole reward system and their relationship dynamic (even though it was toxic as hell but its fiction so its allowed) Though eventually I realized I was just tortuing myself because I didn't really care about any of the characters and the third-act breakup pissed me off so i just decided to end my misery.
Overall, it wasn't terrible I just wish the book went through some proper editing and someone told this lady that its okay if you have internalized misogyny but there's no need to broadcast it to the world :)
Firstly, it wasn't HORRIBLE... by my standards (which are admittedly very low). I just had some major issues that should be addressed.
For instance, one that many MM romances absolutely LOVE to include ✨Misogyny✨
Please for the love of god why do women write MM romances and make it painfully obvious they hate women. The way both MCs spoke about women made me wanna throw the book against the wall then apologize to the wall for doing it so dirty.
Exhibit A: “But when I look closer, I can see that her tan is fake, slightly too orange. Her eyelashes are almost comically long and also obviously fake. And her makeup is so caked on, you can't see the girl underneath. Her bra is definitely padded—I don't remember her tits being as big as her friend's. She's trying too hard, and it reeks of desperation. Still, she's interested and I might need a cover. Plus, it's been a long time since I sank my dick into a warm body. Like it knows what direction my thoughts are headed, my cock gives a small twitch, which does not go unnoticed by… Anya? Fuck. If I'm going to make this work, I'm going to have to remember her name.”
I apologize for including such a long ass quote but I acc could not believe a woman could actually write this and PUBLISH it? WITH HER OWN NAME? OF HER OWN FREE WILL?
In the beginning, I could handle the abundance of male gaze in this book because *unfortunately* this is a common theme in many sports romances but it tends to go away soon enough after the first few chapters, except halfway into this book IT HAD NOT CHANGED IN THE SLIGHTEST and I did eventually dnf it @ 70%
And don't get me started on the number of times I had to read about Jack's —NUMEROUS as the author loved to inform us— one night stands and him just being a plain whore made me get the ick. I fr wanted to throw up violently multiple times.
Exhibit B: “Okay, that's not true. I definitely thought about what I'd do with the two girls holding hands with the quad… and did them whenever the opportunity presented. Bethany and Cora were freaks.”
AND WHEN IT GAVE DETAILED SCENE OF HIM DOING THE TANGO WITH OTHER WOMEN??? What's that saying? Tell, don't show or whatever it is? yeah someone obv needs to tell homeboy Jack that.
Now okay again it wasn't all that bad if you turn a blind eye to the *obvious*. The only reason I kept reading it for as long as I did was cause I liked the premise of the coachxplayer plotline that was promised and it did deliver on that part, I just despised everything else about it... which was the writing, characters, developing plot and just basically the whole story I don't know why it's 2 stars and not 1 (I'm a coward)
Anyway I did like the aspect of the whole reward system and their relationship dynamic (even though it was toxic as hell but its fiction so its allowed) Though eventually I realized I was just tortuing myself because I didn't really care about any of the characters and the third-act breakup pissed me off so i just decided to end my misery.
Overall, it wasn't terrible I just wish the book went through some proper editing and someone told this lady that its okay if you have internalized misogyny but there's no need to broadcast it to the world :)
August 13, 2024
"He dominates my every thought, and the only comparison is my need to dominate him. I want to hurt him and soothe the pain in the same breath, own him and set him free at the same time, push him away while pulling him so close we merge into a single being."
"I'm a forty-eight-year-old man, falling for a twenty-year-old fucking college student. A male student, at that. My student. Someone I'm supposed to be molding into a better football player, not my personal fuckboy. But along the way, he's become more than that. He's an obsession. The dangerous next step on this slippery slope is a four letter word that I barely ever even uttered to my wife when I was married."
This was so much better than I thought it'd be. There was a lot of sex but it was hot af and didn't distract at all from the story. Once I got to the halfway point, I couldn't put it down. It was fantastic. 5 stars
"I'm a forty-eight-year-old man, falling for a twenty-year-old fucking college student. A male student, at that. My student. Someone I'm supposed to be molding into a better football player, not my personal fuckboy. But along the way, he's become more than that. He's an obsession. The dangerous next step on this slippery slope is a four letter word that I barely ever even uttered to my wife when I was married."
This was so much better than I thought it'd be. There was a lot of sex but it was hot af and didn't distract at all from the story. Once I got to the halfway point, I couldn't put it down. It was fantastic. 5 stars
August 25, 2024
*** 3 Stars and 3.5 Spice
Glad i read this second, after Man On. If i had read this first, i wouldn't have been inspired to pick up the second, and the 3rd in the series. So, this was a bit of a hot mess.
TLDR: Bryant, nearing 50, coach of the football team, and Jack, one of his players, early twenties, get it on in a dubcon way.
First of all, the age gap was gapping. double the age is just too high for me, to not get the ick. Bryant literally just ejaculates all over Jack as a discipline tactic, and i was not there for it.
Secondly, there are MF scenes in this book. A lot. I don't particularly discriminate, but i didn't love them either. This was a ballsy move from the author, because the seasoned M/M romance reader doesn't always take kindly to M/F scenes, especially when they happen after the 2 MC's have gotten together.
Third, the shrill bitch on wheels, the disgusting c*nt (as she was portrayed) Anyah or whatever, was too much to take in. I almost DNF'd when she really started to matter in the story.
Having said all that, Rebecca Rathe can do no wrong when it comes to M/M heat and passion, so that was definitely there, explicitly and plentifully.
I recommend reading this one AFTER you have read the second and third in the series though.
Glad i read this second, after Man On. If i had read this first, i wouldn't have been inspired to pick up the second, and the 3rd in the series. So, this was a bit of a hot mess.
TLDR: Bryant, nearing 50, coach of the football team, and Jack, one of his players, early twenties, get it on in a dubcon way.
First of all, the age gap was gapping. double the age is just too high for me, to not get the ick. Bryant literally just ejaculates all over Jack as a discipline tactic, and i was not there for it.
Secondly, there are MF scenes in this book. A lot. I don't particularly discriminate, but i didn't love them either. This was a ballsy move from the author, because the seasoned M/M romance reader doesn't always take kindly to M/F scenes, especially when they happen after the 2 MC's have gotten together.
Third, the shrill bitch on wheels, the disgusting c*nt (as she was portrayed) Anyah or whatever, was too much to take in. I almost DNF'd when she really started to matter in the story.
Having said all that, Rebecca Rathe can do no wrong when it comes to M/M heat and passion, so that was definitely there, explicitly and plentifully.
I recommend reading this one AFTER you have read the second and third in the series though.
October 16, 2023
There are times when I read a book with good ratings and I'm left wondering whether everyone else is living under some sort of collective delusion.
This is one of those cases.
This book is... well... dunno, made entirely of words?? I suppose that's something.
If this had been a crime or a thriller, I would have totally expected for one of them to die. Murdered. By the other.
Either the coach was going to realise his full predator potential and was going to seek for the ultimate thrill of control, killing, or the boy was going to get retribution for all the sexual assaults he endured.
Because that's what it was, let it be clear. It's a book that's trying to make me believe that sexual coercion, sadism *not the consensual kind* and degradation *again not the consensual kind* are hot. That is hot and "forbidden" for a 50 year old man in a position of power to brainwash and gaslight a 20 year old whose future entire depends on him and his goodwill, who has never had a dependable father figure in his life, and who's a gigantic mess to begin with.
Sorry, I don't think that's hot. I think that's creepy. So I couldn't buy it. I couldn't buy they wanted each other (...), let alone they could end up in love. So dnf at about 30%. I have no energies to read AGAIN about romanticised sexual assault. Stop. Pls, romance authors. Some of us are incredibly weary. The journey has been long. Give us a fucking rest.
This is one of those cases.
This book is... well... dunno, made entirely of words?? I suppose that's something.
If this had been a crime or a thriller, I would have totally expected for one of them to die. Murdered. By the other.
Either the coach was going to realise his full predator potential and was going to seek for the ultimate thrill of control, killing, or the boy was going to get retribution for all the sexual assaults he endured.
Because that's what it was, let it be clear. It's a book that's trying to make me believe that sexual coercion, sadism *not the consensual kind* and degradation *again not the consensual kind* are hot. That is hot and "forbidden" for a 50 year old man in a position of power to brainwash and gaslight a 20 year old whose future entire depends on him and his goodwill, who has never had a dependable father figure in his life, and who's a gigantic mess to begin with.
Sorry, I don't think that's hot. I think that's creepy. So I couldn't buy it. I couldn't buy they wanted each other (...), let alone they could end up in love. So dnf at about 30%. I have no energies to read AGAIN about romanticised sexual assault. Stop. Pls, romance authors. Some of us are incredibly weary. The journey has been long. Give us a fucking rest.
January 8, 2024
I was a bit iffy about this one because of the age gap and power dynamic but the author did this quite well. The 🌶 was so good!
I hadn't listened to anything by this narrator before but he wasn't for me, I felt like he was shouting for the most part.
I look forward to more from the author ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I hadn't listened to anything by this narrator before but he wasn't for me, I felt like he was shouting for the most part.
I look forward to more from the author ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 17, 2023
Sooo… there was WAY too much sex in this. I’m shocked the author didn’t get sick of herself writing all this never ending sex! And while I understand the 20 year old football player going multiple rounds in 1 hour, what about the 48 year old?>>?>?
Anyway,… disbelief aside, it’s not all sex. There’s actually real emotions here, real connection, real people. And if there was HALF as much sex, the depth of the relationship development might have shone brighter.
Wasn’t a fan of the BJs with other ppl when it was clear they loved each other. But on the other hand bc there’s soooooo much sex, it’s almost as if the author conditioned the reader as to what is “love” sex and what is “fuck” sex. Meaningless sex. And for sure the 2 BJs were meaningless.
Still… could have done without them.
But, they were actually consistent with the MCs’ personalities.
Bonus is that the older man also bottoms a couple of times - I love that. Love it when the “Bear” makes himself vulnerable like that. Means more.
It seems this is the only MM romance the author has written. I might read more if she wrote them. But, not right away.
TOO MUCH SEX!!
Anyway,… disbelief aside, it’s not all sex. There’s actually real emotions here, real connection, real people. And if there was HALF as much sex, the depth of the relationship development might have shone brighter.
Wasn’t a fan of the BJs with other ppl when it was clear they loved each other. But on the other hand bc there’s soooooo much sex, it’s almost as if the author conditioned the reader as to what is “love” sex and what is “fuck” sex. Meaningless sex. And for sure the 2 BJs were meaningless.
Still… could have done without them.
But, they were actually consistent with the MCs’ personalities.
Bonus is that the older man also bottoms a couple of times - I love that. Love it when the “Bear” makes himself vulnerable like that. Means more.
It seems this is the only MM romance the author has written. I might read more if she wrote them. But, not right away.
TOO MUCH SEX!!
December 31, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️½
I'm desperate for those four words that precede oblivion just as he's filling my mouth: Come for me, Jack.
Head in the Game is my new fav MM romance! It is scorching hot and spicy, with COPIOUS sex scenes.
I wasn’t expecting the emotional gut punch this story packed. This is more than a college sports romance. It is a story about obsession, desire, control, and accepting one’s sexuality. The inner turmoil the MMCs faced in getting to their HEA was absolutely gripping.
This is a very fast burn, very spicy read. The filthy talk… the obsessive thoughts… the claimings… all were so incredibly hot.
Head in the Game is a standalone in the Groveton College shared world that ends in a HEA.
Genre: Dark contemporary romance
Tropes/Features: Elite college, coach/athlete forbidden relationship, large age gap, coercion, bi-awakening MM, gay-for-you, mild OW drama, blackmail
Narrator: Dual 1st Person POV
Relationship Type: MM, fast burn, very spicy
Book Type/Ending: Standalone in Groveton College shared world. HEA
TW/CW: Available in book.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️½
I'm desperate for those four words that precede oblivion just as he's filling my mouth: Come for me, Jack.
Head in the Game is my new fav MM romance! It is scorching hot and spicy, with COPIOUS sex scenes.
I wasn’t expecting the emotional gut punch this story packed. This is more than a college sports romance. It is a story about obsession, desire, control, and accepting one’s sexuality. The inner turmoil the MMCs faced in getting to their HEA was absolutely gripping.
This is a very fast burn, very spicy read. The filthy talk… the obsessive thoughts… the claimings… all were so incredibly hot.
Head in the Game is a standalone in the Groveton College shared world that ends in a HEA.
Genre: Dark contemporary romance
Tropes/Features: Elite college, coach/athlete forbidden relationship, large age gap, coercion, bi-awakening MM, gay-for-you, mild OW drama, blackmail
Narrator: Dual 1st Person POV
Relationship Type: MM, fast burn, very spicy
Book Type/Ending: Standalone in Groveton College shared world. HEA
TW/CW: Available in book.
Read
March 7, 2024DNF @34%
It's been days since I last read this, and I just picked it up to finish it but came back to more of the same. Listen, it's hot. It's very hot. But I'm going through the same thing that I experienced a few books ago where there's a ton of heat and not a lot of plot (if any).
It's been days since I last read this, and I just picked it up to finish it but came back to more of the same. Listen, it's hot. It's very hot. But I'm going through the same thing that I experienced a few books ago where there's a ton of heat and not a lot of plot (if any).
May 8, 2024
3.75🌟
RTC because I binge read this so it’s almost 6am and I haven’t slept.
______________
Side Note; why the fuck did the author label this as dark romance?! What makes it dark?!
RTC because I binge read this so it’s almost 6am and I haven’t slept.
______________
Side Note; why the fuck did the author label this as dark romance?! What makes it dark?!
January 21, 2025
What fun! I was on the edge of my seat the entire time!! Head in the Game hit all the right spots with plenty of spice, just enough plot and not too much football.
One thing though (and the reason I docked a star): am I supposed to believe that there are no girls, at all who can keep their hands off Jack??
Look, Rebecca, I’m not above appreciating a fit body but that doesn’t equate to excessive fawning and whatever other desperado shit those girls were engaged in. Overall, the way female characters were written in this book left a lot to be desired.
Kindle freebie: 28.7.24
One thing though (and the reason I docked a star): am I supposed to believe that there are no girls, at all who can keep their hands off Jack??
Look, Rebecca, I’m not above appreciating a fit body but that doesn’t equate to excessive fawning and whatever other desperado shit those girls were engaged in. Overall, the way female characters were written in this book left a lot to be desired.
Kindle freebie: 28.7.24
Read
October 14, 2024DNF @ 34%
I think I am just putting this one aside for now. I might pick it back up in the future. Maybe. These two are super hot together but I did hear some spoilery stuff about Aniyah and I'm not feeling like slogging through all that.
I am curious to continue on in the series but not sure which. Besties - which ones are worth picking up?
I think I am just putting this one aside for now. I might pick it back up in the future. Maybe. These two are super hot together but I did hear some spoilery stuff about Aniyah and I'm not feeling like slogging through all that.
I am curious to continue on in the series but not sure which. Besties - which ones are worth picking up?
December 20, 2023
What a ride!
This is the first book by this author I've read, and it kept me up way past my bedtime. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and watching them get to know themselves. It's a steamy hot read, but it's also a solid story.
I'll be checking out more by this author!
This is the first book by this author I've read, and it kept me up way past my bedtime. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and watching them get to know themselves. It's a steamy hot read, but it's also a solid story.
I'll be checking out more by this author!
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