Tuesday, April 20, 2021

The Endgame by Riley Hart

 


Amazon Link   - Available in KU 




Weston
When I left home, I swore I'd never hide anything about myself again. From college, to law school, to the United States Senate representing California, I've done it all as an out gay man. So, when I'm in DC and see a beautiful guy at the hotel bar, I don't hesitate to proposition him...right before he runs out on me, leaving his sunglasses behind like my very own Cinderfella.

Anson
I've always known I'm gay, but never acted on it. Pretending isn't easy, but it means I can keep playing football. No one has ever guessed my secret until the gorgeous man at a bar in DC. At least he doesn't know who I am--the best tight end in the NFL, playing for the Atlanta Lightning. Though my identity doesn't stay a secret from him for long.

Between texts and late-night phone calls, we get to know each other. West's the only person who knows all the parts of me, just like I know his. When he asks for one night together so he can show me what it's like to be with a man, I can't say no. But once isn't enough, and we keep sneaking around together--brief encounters, in California, Georgia, or DC, filled with passionate touches and whispered truths.

I never thought I'd have love. West never thought he'd want it. Now we're all in with each other, but he still has time left in his Senate term. I have contract obligations to fulfill, and I'm closeted. We don't even live in the same state. The odds are stacked against us, but if there's one thing I know, it's how to win. He's the endgame in the biggest challenge of my life, the one I'm banking my future happiness on.




My Rating - 5 Stars!


Holy crap! The Endgame is a fabulous sports romance by Riley Hart. It's no surprise that I love this book, as I love Riley's writing, but, wow, I am still impressed. 

Weston and Anson. I love them. An openly gay senator and a closeted football player. Every single moment of this story is amazing!

First, I adore the way they meet. The attraction is there, but the denial is all too strong for Anson. 

Second, I adore the nicknames in their phones. 

Third, I just love this book! The feelings that develop little by little is just awesome. I love seeing them go from a flirting, to a hook up, to friends with benefits and more. 

This book is all consuming and amazingly riveting. 

As for the scenes with Anson's brother, omg, I can't get enough of that relationship. Just amazing moments and attitudes. Just beautiful! The accident is heartbreaking, but I adore everything about Elias's attitude. The fact that this accident has thrown Anson even further into the closet is heartbreaking. Hell, everything about their relationship is heartbreaking, and yet stunningly beautiful. 

Th author wonderfully explores the world of being gay in sports. The fear. The trauma involved. The pain of being closeted. The pain of lying and keeping secrets. The pain of not being able to be open and proud of who you love. The absolute devastation of possibly being outed. Riley hits on all of it and it's fantastic. 

As for Anson's need to be perfect, wow, what a thought provoking aspect of his character. 

This story has all the feels. Their chemistry is off the charts. They're seriously sizzling together. And damn, when they finally have penetrative sex, just kill me with that scene! And omg, the scene where Weston kisses all of Anson's bruises. I can't get enough of it. Just freaking swoon!!!

Written in alternating first person pov, the characters fully come to life and their emotions often jump off the pages. Each character, even the side characters, are complex and easy to relate to. 

The Endgame is a must read for fans of sports romances. This Riley Hart read is wonderful and I can't recommend it enough. And the ending is just perfect!


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