False Start (Tackled by Love #2) by Quinn Ward

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

There was no way for them to be together in the past. Now that Lincoln's retired and the world football is more accepting, can he convince Nixon to give them a chance?

Nixon Cross isn’t wired to share his life with anyone. He’d considered a relationship once, but after the one man patient enough to put up with all his quirks shut him down, he committed all of his energy to football and helping his players. Now, one of his players need more help than Nixon can provide and his former flame is the one man who will know what to do.

Retired NAFL player Lincoln Sims had no choice but to stay in the closet; he was a professional athlete at a time when it was impossible to be honest about his sexuality. After retiring, he confessed his secret to his wife and son because he was tired of living a lie. Now, he’s ready to live his life.

Nixon Cross is the man he left behind but could never forget.

Can these men find a way to recover from their false start years earlier?

My Rating - 5 Stars!

False Start is the second book in Quinn Ward's Tackled By Love series. This part of the series takes overlaps with the first book's timeline, with it perfectly following book one. 

In Down By Contact, we met Nix and Linc. Now we get their story, which I simply love. 

Their journey is one of second chances between two men in their forties. Being together now makes them face their pasts and all the pain and fears it involves. 

They fell in love years ago, but were victims of the times, never able to be out and proud together. 

This story also has a very serious side to it, as a secondary character is dealing with the side effects of repeated head injuries during his football career. It's a tough thing to read and definitely has a major impact on the other characters. I appreciate the author tackling such a serious issue in a way that explores how it effects the injured person as well as those around them. 

I love this book. And I love this series. Quinn Ward is fabulous at writing sports romances. Each of Quinn's sports books holds a spot close to my heart, with the characters who have come to feel like family. 

False Start is a great addition to this series. Quinn Ward once again impresses with this look into the locker room and support staff. 

Canning the Center (Long Pass Chronicles #2) by Tara Lain

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU  

Goodreads Link - old link

Is there a closet big enough to hold a football pro and a drag queen?

Jamal -- Posing as straight. Feigning affection for his teammate’s sister. Acting like he doesn’t despise his team’s owner.

Trevor -- Hiding his drag persona. Disguising his IQ. Pretending to be someone he’s not.

Jamal Jones, pro football center, and Trevor Landry, college student and drag queen, both fake their lives to keep from losing what they want. They even go so far as to let Trevor pretend to be a woman to convince Jamal’s team that he has a girlfriend.

If they drop their acts, Jamal can lose the promising football career he’s always wanted and Trevor could lose his scholarship.

But is having their dreams worth living a phony life? Or will they finally admit, what the really want is each other?

CANNING THE CENTER is a hiding the truth, secret enemies, forbidden love, toppy femme, MM romance.

Note: CANNING THE CENTER is a republication of an earlier work. Only the cover has changed.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Canning the Center is the second book in the Long Pass Chronicles series. I love everything about this Tara Lain sports romance and am thrilled it's being re-released. 

I love Jamal and Trevor. These men have a great story, with plenty of forbidden feelings and emotions throughout. 

Jamal's an NFL player who's bisexual and stuck playing for a homophobic coach. He's definitely stuck in a situation he doesn't want, unable to come out and having to deal with a coach he doesn't like.

And when he meets Trixie/Trevor, his world gets that much more complicated. 

Oh Trixie! Oh Trevor! I love these characters, both in and out of drag. And most of all, I absolutely find myself swooning over the fact that Trixie/Trevor is everything Jamal wants. Seriously, a bisexual man finding himself in love with a drag queen, and getting what he wants from both a female relationship and a male relationship. Omg. Love it!

Obviously, there's a lot going on in this story. It's bad enough that Jamal is closeted, but falling for Trixie/Trevor starts to make things more problematic. 

Canning the Center is a fabulous read. I have nothing but love for this Tara Lain gem. This tale is full of complex situations and is an emotional rollercoaster. It's a long road for these two to get to their happy ending, but don't worry, they do get there. 

 

RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW - MF - Till It Hurts by Cora Brent

    

TILL IT HURTS by CORA BRENT 

Release Date: July 29th 

Genre/Tropes: Brother's Best Friend/Second Chance Romance  

 

Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58372368-till-it-hurts

 

  AVAILABLE NOW! FREE IN KU! 

  Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2UXkqQM 

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  Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3l7Umgu

No one would say that our story is pretty. But we were in love before we hated each other. And we were friends long before that. Growing up, I saw Jace Zielinski every day. He lived next door. I cheered him on at football games. I gave him advice on girls. He was my brother’s best friend and the three of us were always together. I didn’t realize I’d already fallen for Jace until the hot summer night when we kissed for the first time. Our magical season felt like destiny. And then came the disaster that tore us all to shreds. I lost Jace. I lost my brother. In many ways I lost myself. Ten years later, Jace is untouchable in a world of pro athlete fame and glory. I never wanted to see him again and I’d definitely never pick him to be my hero. Not even when I’m broke and terrified and running away from ruin. But it seems I have no choice. Somehow we’re both back in the same place where we started. I have nowhere else to go and Jace refuses to leave. We’re on this collision course together. Fated to repeat our own turbulent history. Both the parts that felt the best. And the parts that hurt the most.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Till it Hurts is a riveting enemies to lovers, second chance romance by Cora Brent.

Jace and Tori grew up together, along with her brother. Three best friends. Through thick and thin. Until some things ruined it all for them. 

Written with alternating glimpses between the present and the past, the reader slowly learns what happened to tear these siblings, friends, and lovers apart. I appreciate that it's valid obstacles that stood in their way. And I enjoy the way things are carried out in the present.

This is a story with addiction and the struggles involved with it. The author does a stellar job illustrating this topic, including the easy way one can become addicted to pain killers. 

This is a story with an attack and PTSD. 

This is a story with years of pain and regret. It's a story with explanations, understanding, and forgiveness. It's a second chance at love and family. And ultimately, it's a story of healing and recovery. 

Jase and Tori are wonderful together. They obviously love one another and it's beautiful to see them reunited. 

Till it Hurts is a delightful read. I love every moment of this Cora Brent tale second chance romance. The writing is great and left me invested throughout. I just love stories like this. And now I can't wait for Colt's book. 

 

Cora Brent was born in a cold climate and escaped as soon as it was legally possible. Now, she lives in the desert with her husband, two kids and a prickly pear cactus she has affectionately named ‘Spot’. Cora’s closet is filled with boxes of unfinished stories that date back her 1980’s childhood and all her life she has dreamed of being an author. Amazingly, she is now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling writer of contemporary romance and begs not to be awakened from this dream.   

  Connect w/Cora: Website: http://corabrent.com/ 

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Down By Contact (Wilmington Breakers #1) by Quinn Ward

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU  

Goodreads Link

Nothing could derail his season like being forced to spend time with the only man he’d allowed close enough to hurt him...

Zach couldn't step out of the closet if he wanted to play professional football. Griffin refused to stay locked in the dark. As much as it hurt, Zach knew Griffin had done the best thing for both of them when he walked away.

Now Zach will do anything to prove his rookie season wasn't a fluke. The last thing he wants is to be part of a reality TV show. He doesn't need the distraction of cameras tailing him through training camp but he's determined to be a team player.

Distraction becomes an understatement when the camera man assigned to him is none other than his ex. For the next six weeks, the two of them will spend nearly every waking minute together.

Working on Outside the Pocket wasn't where Griffin imagined his career heading but he knows he needs to put in the time before landing the jobs he's dreamed of. Little does he realize his new boss is counting on a heavy dose of sexual tension and unresolved pain to keep the series alive.

Will Griffin be able to convince Zach the chemistry between them is real and not a ratings ploy?


Down by Contact is the first book in the Wilmington Breakers series, previously available under the pen name Sloan Johnson. 

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Down By Contact is a wonderful sports romance by Quinn Ward. No surprise that  I love this book! As a sports romance whore, I loved this book when it was first released. I'm thrilled it's now being re-released by Quinn Ward. 

If you like football romances, look no further. This has everything I could ask for. Sports. Closeted players. And all the angst of if, when, and how to ever come out. 

The first book in the Wilmington Breakers series, this is a spin off of Quinn's Homerun series, with Nate as the connecting character. 

Zach, Nate's twin, is a closeted football player. In this read he gets a second chance with Griffin. They're reunited via a reality show that follows Zach's team. And yes, Griffin is one of the men working on the show.

I enjoy the way everything develops between these two. The feelings are real, yet so is the angst. These two definitely are great together, but they first have to overcome some major obstacles in their way. 

Down By Contact is a fantastic sports romance. Quinn Ward delivers all the feels in this closeted world of sports. A subject I can't get enough of, I love it all. 

Wrapped with Love by Beth Bolden

Amazon Link  - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

Librarian's Note: Alternate covers for this ASIN can be found here and here.

A Five Points holiday-themed novel, featuring a surprise couple, and lots of your old favorites: Jemma & Gabe, Nick & Colin, Landon & Quentin, and more!

NFL player Jordan Christensen walks into Reed Ryan’s restaurant without a reservation. It isn’t the most serendipitous of meet-cute’s and they certainly aren’t the likeliest of romances, but over venison steaks and crème brûlée, they fall in love anyway.

Flash forward two years . . .

Jordan isn’t a football player anymore.

Reed sold his restaurant.

But even more drastically, they’ve lost each other.

When Reed moves to Los Angeles take a new job, he doesn’t realize Jordan now works there too. But Jordan definitely realizes how precious the second chance fate has bestowed on them is. He’s determined to make up for everything that fell apart the first time around, and it turns out he’s not the only one scheming to right old wrongs.

Starting a new career is always difficult but sharing office space—and big projects—with an old lover is particularly rough. Between impromptu Secret Santa exchanges, Christmas light viewings, and more tacos than even Reed can eat, the two former lovers have an eventful holiday season to navigate. 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

The beginning of Wrapped with Love had me hooked on this Beth Bolden romance. 

The prologue is mesmerizing, and then Chapter One starts with a fast forward of  two years. We learn that Reed and Jordan are reuniting after their breakup. 

At first I wasn't sure what to expect. Obviously a lot happened during those two years and the reader is oblivious to all of it. Luckily, it's easy to pick up and the author gives us glimpses of the past, both when they fell in love, and when they broke up.

Ohhh...the emotions! Their feelings of longing, pain, and hurt are front and center. The regret, the heartache, the awkwardness. Everything is felt throughout and is amazing. And in the end, it's a wonderful tale of acceptance, understanding, and forgiveness. 

I love these two together. Jordan and Reed are great together. We know they have a strong connection, and are still pining for each other. But it's so much more. They're perfect for one another, despite their past mistakes. 

Besides, what's not to love about a chef who's awkward, and a famous athlete? Of course, when they are reunited, both are at a crossroads. Reed no longer has his restaurant and is starting all over again. Meanwhile Jordan has retired from the game. With a chance to work with Reed, he can't resist trying for his second chance. 

Again - Pining. Longing. Want. Need. Regret. And second chances.

Wrapped with Love is a sweet and tender second chance romance. Beth Bolden lays the emotions out on every single page. It's a great reconciliation story in which the emotions are everything. 

RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Rough Contact by Beth Bolden

RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title: Rough Contact

Author: Beth Bolden

Publisher: Beth Bolden Books

Cover Artist: Angsty G Book Cover and Media Design

Release Date: October 14, 2020

Genre/s: Gay sports romance, forbidden romance, age gap romance

Heat Rating:  4 flames   

Length: 93 000 words

It is a standalone story.

Goodreads 

  _______________________________________________________________________

Buy Links - Available on Kindle Unlimited

Universal Link   |  Amazon US  |  Amazon UK 

  _______________________________________________________________________

Their romance is forbidden. Their love is a secret.

They’re the Romeo and Juliet of football.

  

Neal Fisher knows heartbreak. It's the clock ticking down in the Super Bowl. It's missing the most important field goal of his life. It's losing everything: his thirteen year career as an NFL kicker, his future, and his pride.

Jamie Wright knows love. It's everything on the line as the crowd holds their breath. It's a perfect kick as the ball soars through the goal posts. It's NFL fame and glory laid out before him.

Neal is on his way out, and Jamie--if he can withstand the pressure of tryouts--is on his way in. The one person Jamie should avoid is the veteran kicker, and the last thing Neal wants is to sink Jamie’s chances. But a chance meeting and a wild and undeniable chemistry proves to be irresistible.

Neal thought he knew heartbreak. Jamie thought he knew love.

They were both wrong.

Their romance is forbidden. Their love is a secret.

But if they trust each other, maybe their growing relationship won't end in tragedy. It might even be the beginning of football’s greatest love story.

 _______________________________________________________________________

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Beth Bolden's Rough Contact is a fantastic sports romance. With sports romances being my all time favorite, I was super excited for this one. And it's awesome! 

This book is easily read as a standalone, but it's even better if you've read The Rivalry first. With the characters and the teams overlapping, it just adds to the fun. 

This is Neal and Jamie's story. They're not only connected to the same team, but Jamie is the young man trying to replace Neal. I have long enjoyed the real life situations like this when rivals for the same spot can be friends. So, yeah, this one definitely had me intrigued from the start.

Poor Neal is hiding in shame after a missed field goal. As an avid sports fan, my heart felt his pain. Everything about his situation sucks and one can't help but to feel for the man. Seriously, after seeing many real life sports situations like the one here, this is something I could sympathize with totally. 

But when he meets his potential replacement, he's shocked with the connection they have. 

Damn, I love this story. I love the way the two men meet and instantly connect on a friendship level. I love the way the conflict is carried out. And I love everything else.

Their story is one of finding someone who makes you feel alive again. And boy do they. I absolutely love the way the men help one another emotionally, as Jamie is just the man to help Neal heal. 

Written in alternating 3rd person pov, both men fully come alive, and their story is fabulous. I am seriously in love with these men and their journey. The author couldn't have made this book any better. 

Rough Contact sucked me in from the start. I love athletes. I love football romances. And this Beth Bolden book is as good as it gets. Definitely check it out the next time you're in the mood for athletes falling in love. 

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It felt surreal to be surrounded by so many people he’d only watched on TV. There was Bran Phillips, the famous center for the Riptide, just over there, a small girl balanced on his shoulders, and they were both laughing. Rashad Green, the best running back in the league, was sitting on a chaise lounge, sipping something fruity and frozen from a plastic margarita glass. And then there was Heath, making sure he got something to eat, and introducing him to everyone who they met. “The new kicker,” Heath said several times, even though it was hardly like he’d won the job. But then Heath would know that better than anyone, because he was on the coaching staff and he knew how many kickers they’d brought in to try out. But every single time he said it, Jamie felt like giving an addendum of not quite yet, but maybe, hopefully? If everything works out.

But Jamie didn’t, because even though Heath was more relaxed than Jamie had ever seen him, he was still Heath Harris, and he contained so much goddamn confident certainty that after meeting most of the people at the party, it was hard not to think of himself as the Riptide’s new kicker.

You’re getting ahead of yourself; you still gotta make it happen, he reminded himself. Tomorrow is the day you’re gonna have to prove yourself, again. And then you’re gonna have to do it over and over again, and then probably a couple hundred more times, for good measure.

Maybe then Coach R and Coach Toby might be satisfied.

He was sitting on the edge of the pool when suddenly he felt a body drop down next to him. He was half-expecting it to be Heath or maybe even Sam—which was surreal because he’d never imagined he’d be in the kind of position to be sought out by either of those guys—but then when he glanced over, he nearly fell into the pool.

It was Neal Fisher, and he was just in a pair of navy blue trunks, with little green palm trees scattered across the fabric. He was pale, like he’d spent too long inside this summer, but he was still undeniably handsome, his green eyes glowing in his gorgeous face, offset by his dark hair. It fell into his eyes a bit, probably because it needed a trim.

Jamie’s hands tightened on the edge of the pool and he prayed he didn’t make a fucking fool out of himself. He was just meeting his idol, that was all, and a guy he’d probably spent way too much time fantasizing about over the years.

Do not tell him you’ve jerked off to him about a thousand times. Do not even think about it.

“Hey,” Neal said casually. So casually that Jamie had a feeling that he didn’t know who Jamie really was. “You told me to come find you.” He smiled then, and though it was only a shadow of his former smile, which Jamie was embarrassed to admit he was intimately familiar enough with to tell the difference, it was still a smile. He poked Jamie in the shoulder. “Found you.”

      

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A lifelong Oregonian, Beth Bolden has just recently moved to North Carolina with her supportive husband and their sweet kitten, Earl Grey. Beth still believes in Keeping Portland Weird, and intends to be just as weird in Raleigh.

Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She’s published twenty novels and six novellas.  

Author Links

Blog/Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |   BookBub

 

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MF - Game Changer (Wynn Hockey #5) by Kelly Jamieson

Amazon Link 
Goodreads Link

Jackson Wynn

I don’t want anything to do with my crazy family’s drama, which I’ve been watching unfold from a distance over the last year, but now my grandfather has Alzheimer’s and I feel I need to at least make a quick visit to see him. My hockey season’s over, all I have to do is get through my teammate Steve’s wedding, and then I’m on a plane to Los Angeles to do my family duty. After that, I’ll head home to Manitoba for some summer R&R at the family lake cottage.


Molly Flynn
Nobody’s expecting what happens at my wedding, which becomes pandemonium. I need to get out of there. Fast. Who do I turn to? Jackson Wynn, one my fiancé’s teammates. He’s been a friend to me since I met Steve. For one night, we hide out in his condo, but he’s leaving in the morning for California. I want to go with him.

Jackson
I can’t take Steve’s fiancée with me to California. He’s going to flip shit over this. But the lying cheating bastard kind of deserves it, and I’ve always had a soft spot for Molly. Or maybe not so soft…because she’s not only sweet and kind, she’s hot as hell. This is a bad idea for so many reasons, and I sure as hell don’t need more drama in my life, but I can’t say no to her.

On this nutso trip, neither of us expect Molly to bond with my bonkers family…especially my poor, confused grandpa. And neither of us expect to bond with each other. 

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Kelly Jamieson's Game Changer is a fabulous sports romance. The fifth book in the Wynn Hockey series, it's easily read as a standalone. 

I enjoy everything about this story. As Molly leaves her fiancee at the altar, her friend and the fiancee's teammate comes to her rescue. Jackson. Ahhh, Jackson is a wonderful character. We are talking book boyfriend all the way. 

What follows is a wonderful slow burn romance as the two spend time together. There are many fantastic moments, with Molly being introduced to Jackson's family. And what a family they are. (The definitely make me want to read the previous books in the series.)

This is a fun hockey romance, without all the hockey. Which is ok. (Not every good sports book needs to have action.) It takes place during the off season, so there's only teammate and contact issues involved. 

The connection between Molly and Jackson is absolutely fabulous. They are so perfectly compatible from the start, and things only get better. Their story is one of getting a second chance at love, as well as friends to lovers. 

The writing is great, with a good flow and riveting dialogue. But the beauty of this story is in it's lesson. Sometimes bad things happen for a reason. Sometimes we need to break in order to improve. Sometimes leaving one's fiancee leaves to real love. 

Game Changer is a great read for any sports romance fan. Kelly Jamieson entertains with this heartwarming tale that has a beautiful ending. 

BLOG TOUR, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Calling Your Bluff (Love's a Gamble #2) by Saxon James

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: 

Calling Your Bluff by Saxon James

 Love's Gamble Series, Book 2

 

Zane

Four years ago, I met Liam Holdsworthy.
Hot, snarky, and hiding behind a sadness I couldn’t place. I wanted him, even back then. There were only two problems.
One, I was deeply closeted.
And two, he was dating my best friend.
Now I’m retired from the NFL and openly out, there’s nothing to stop me from getting my gay on.
When Liam comes back into my life, and I find out he’s single, I’ll find any reason to spend time with him. That’s how I created a list of gay first experiences I coax him into helping me with.
But I don’t just want his help.
I still want him.

Liam

After leaving a long-term relationship with a closeted NFL player, I went through a string of guys trying to find the one. None of them were boyfriend material, let alone the forever type.
I’m looking for a guy to come home to. Someone serious and down to earth.
I’m definitely not looking for Cooper Zane.
Yet, I can’t shake him, and not only because I’m helping him with his big bi bucket list. Every time I see him is like a shot of adrenaline to my system, and I’m always left wanting more.
I need Mr. Serious, and Cooper’s the least serious person I’ve met.
He’s newly out.
He’s never had a relationship.
And most importantly, he may be retired, but he’s not done with football.
He’ll do anything to get it all back. And I’m not prepared to be relegated to the sidelines ever again.

Amazon US  *  Universal Link

  Goodreads

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Saxon James' Calling Your Bluff, the second book in the Love's a Gamble series, is a fabulous book. 

If you enjoy the world of closeted athletes, and everything that goes with it, you'll enjoy this book. Zane was closeted throughout his NFL career, but is out now. Liam, meanwhile, is a man who used to date a closeted football player, aka Zane's best friend, and is still stung by the rejection he suffered. 

Liam is a sympathetic character from the start, always on the side lines and never acknowledged. When he's reunited with the now out Zane, his trust issues are still there. 

The author's writing style and tone immediately drew me in, making me live and breathe the characters' journeys with them. 

I love this story. It's fun, flirty, and entertaining. It's a friends to lovers tale that deals with doubts, fears, apprehension, hiding, and taking things slow. Their journey is ultimately one of big life changes. 

Their story involves the ex/best friend's wedding, and a gay mentorship, as Zane has never actually been with a guy before. It includes many first times, and the problem of trying not to hurt one's ex/best friend. It's a messy web and it's awesome!

In the end, the author excels in demonstrating the difference between a safe and easy relationship versus one that is all consuming. The powerful difference of real love, and feeling home with that person, is well explored.

Calling Your Bluff is a superb read by Saxon James. I love it all, and was crying big happy tears at the end. I can't wait to see what happens next in this series. 

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Seeing the way Liam’s face lights up when we meet has me brimming with unearned confidence. I pull him into a quick, one-armed hug, wishing I could feel him against me a little longer, before we turn to the menu.

“I’m starving.”

“You must work up an appetite getting all sweaty with those hot football players.”

“Hey,” I say warningly, pointing at his face. “Enough from you. I’m the only player you’re allowed to think is hot.”

He blinks at me innocently. “I thought you said you weren’t a player anymore?”

“Still stands,” I grumble as he steps forward to order a hamburger. I almost snort. That’s barely an appetizer.

After I order a double with everything we stand off to the side and wait. He’s quiet, but there’s a soft smile curling the corners of his lips that I’m sure I can get to follow through. “I wonder what will happen right here, exactly one hundred years from now.”

His eyebrows jump. “Right here?”

“Yeah, in this exact spot. Will people still be waiting on burgers? Will it be a park? An underground sinkhole? Will people be chilling on hover boards, or will they beam the food to wherever they are?” I finally look over at him. And I was right, the a smile has split his face.

“Maybe aliens,” he adds.

“Or a meteor.”

“Or nothing.”

I really, really shouldn’t smile at the concept of nothing. “That took a turn. You have a dark mind in that pretty head.”

“We can’t all be perpetual sunshine.”

“Eh.” I run a hand through my hair. “I’ve had my fair share of storms.”

Our orders are called which thankfully derails that line of conversation. Last year was the hardest one of my life. First Mom’s cancer, then my ankle. I’m determined never to go through something like that again.

“Tell me about your job,” I say. Hanging out with Liam is way more fun and interesting than I would have guessed. And even as I get to know him better, the pedestal I’ve put him on keeps getting higher.

We find a table and chairs outside the burger place and take a seat in the late afternoon sun.

“Ah. My job.”

His tone gives me pause. “I thought you liked it?”

“I do, it’s… I thought I’d be getting a promotion to lead teacher last year, and I was passed over.”

“Wow, that sucks. Why did you think you’d get it?”

“I’ve been at the same middle school for a while now and passed all my reviews. My students do really well, and I know I can manage the extra work. But it wasn’t even mentioned.” He takes a bite of his hamburger and pulls a face. “Argh, no cheese.”

“You didn’t ask for cheese.”

“I thought it came with it.”

I don’t point out it wasn’t on the menu. “So. Lead teacher. Did you bring it up at your review?”

“It’s not up to me to bring it up.”

His words are clipped, like they usually are when he’s on the defensive. And yes, I find it ridiculously cute—like a Chihuahua trying to take on a Great Dane—but this time I bite my tongue. There’ve been a few times lately when Liam has mentioned something he’s not happy with, and every time I get him to explain, it becomes clear to me that his expectations are what’s letting him down. Going on a date? He expects to meet the perfect man. Wanting a promotion? He assumes people will know he’s interested. Orders a burger…

“Okay then,” I say.

“Anyway, the promotion thing sucks, but I’m excited to meet my classes this year. Seventh grade is such a good age. They’re not quite old enough to be jaded and still young enough to make an impression on. It feels important, you know?”

“Aww, listen to you.” And I make sure it sounds like I’m teasing, but I need to swallow to shift the lump in my throat. He’s adorable when he talks about things he’s passionate about. And it serves to remind me I’m not passionate about anything anymore.

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Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate Saxon's new release, we are giving away $25 Amazon GC and an e-copy of Book One in the Love's A Gamble Series, Bet On Me.

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

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Saxon James is an author from Australia who's obsessed with writing queer characters. She has a range of books from YA to adult and they all have one thing in common: swoony, sweet love.

When not writing, Saxon exists on a diet of coffee and chocolate while putting her KU subscription to the test.

Connect with Saxon:
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/pg/thesaxonjames/
Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/saxonssweethearts/
Bookbub: www.bookbub.com/profile/saxon-james
Amazon: www.amazon.com/Saxon-James/e/B082TP7BR7
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/19404191.Saxon_James
Instagram: www.instagram.com/saxonjameswrites/

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