The Endgame by Riley Hart

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU 

Goodreads Link

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!

Tease Me (Rebel Mechanics Book 1) by A.T. Brennan

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

I’ve broken the first rule of my profession. I’ve caught the feels for a client.

Working as a mechanic and moonlighting as an escort takes up most of my time. The rest is split between hanging out with my friends and coworkers and taking care of my brother. I didn’t have the time or the desire for a relationship until I met a client I couldn’t get out of my head.

Ryan is kind, attentive, and downright addictive. His maturity, as well as his calm and slightly awkward nature, draws me in. We’re as different as can be, but after an explosive first meeting, I can tell there’s something between us. Lines become blurred and boundaries are pushed as we continue to meet.

Neither of us is looking for more, but Ryan is the first guy I can’t seem to get out of my head. I’m not sure what I want, I just know that ending things isn’t an option.


Tease Me is a steamy 70k word, opposites attract, hurt/comfort story featuring an age gap, an empowered sex worker, some zany coworkers, and accidental feels. It is Book One in the Rebel Mechanics series but can be read as a standalone.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

AT Brennan's Tease Me, the first book in the Rebel Mechanics series, is a great age gap romance. I was hooked throughout and couldn't put it down. 

Damn, I love this book. From their first meeting, as escort and client, the connection between Ryan and Jace is intense. Both men can't get the other out of their minds, and both end up breaking their self imposed rules. I love it all. 

Ryan's divorced and still traumatized from some events with his ex. It's heartbreaking, especially the way he reacted to it at the time. Then there's Jace. His story is complex, as he cares for his disabled brother, works two jobs trying to cover all the medical bills, and is drowning in debt. 

Both men are wonderful characters; extremely well developed, multi-layered, and downright lovable. As a couple, their feelings develop naturally and make for some amazing emotion. I love when the lines blur and suddenly they can't be without one another.

Written in alternating 1st person pov, these men fully come alive. I could feel every emotion, every look, every touch. It was mesmerizing. Add in the secondary characters and it gets even better. 

Tease Me is one of those special books that consumed me throughout. I love this AT Brennan book and found everything about it to be fabulous. The next time you're in the mood for a sweet hurt/comfort read, definitely consider this one. These are two men who help each other heal, and their chemistry is off the charts. I seriously need to read more from this author. 

Love Always, Wild by A.M. Johnson

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

Wilder,

When I left that night, I had every intention of coming back to you. To us. But no matter how hard I wish for what I want, there are some things in life that aren't meant to be. I don't expect you to understand. You've already moved on, living your life. But mine ended that night, nine years ago, and I still can't let you go. Not sure I ever will. I regret so many things, but hurting you, I'll never forgive myself. I'm sorry for… everything.

Jax~

****

Jax,
If only you could've seen it like I did, the way you were when you thought the world wasn't watching. How you'd change when I looked at you, when it was just us.
But most of all… I wish you could've seen how much it hurt me when you disappeared. Regrets are for cowards. It has always been my belief you should chase after the things you want with actions, not words. There is no such thing as never meant to be.
So this apology… not accepted…

Love always, Wild

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Love Always, Wild is one of those special books that grabbed me immediately and consumed me throughout. I lived every second of this AM Johnson book along with the characters. 

This is a second chance romance between Wilder and Jax, years after they separated. The heartache and longing is intense throughout. Both men have lived a tough journey and their reunion is perfectly timed.

This is a story with family issues, incredible sacrifice, and a first love that never dies. It's a swoon-worthy read that will leave you mesmerized along the way. 

The writing is extraordinary, fully pulling the reader into the emotions, hook, line, and sinker. The love these two men still have for one another jumps off the pages. There are some wonderful secondary characters, including Jax's brother, as well as some not so nice side characters. 

I can't praise Love Always, Wild enough. Just read it. It's perfect when you're in the mood for a beautiful second chance romance. This AM Johnson tale will not disappoint. 

Fired Up (Fever Falls #1) by Riley Hart

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

ASHTON
If there’s one thing I know, it’s how to play the game…both on and off the field. If it hadn’t been for that one teenage slipup where I kissed Beau Campbell, I’d be able to keep fooling myself. Football is the one thing I use to distract myself from the truth, and when I screw-up and lose the game I love, I find myself right back in Fever Falls. And right back face-to-face with Cranky Campbell, who hates me even more than he did when we were kids. Whatever magic he held over me then is still there. As much as I fight it, I still want him. And I always get what I want…well, except with Beau, who constantly calls me on my crap. Why do I like that so much?

BEAU
I might’ve spent years watching Ash live out my dream—without the off-field antics and orgies with women, at least—but I’ve made a good life for myself. I’m a firefighter, and I coach my brother’s football team for those with developmental disabilities. But when Ash swings back into town armed with his monster ego and an arsenal of stupid nicknames, everyone is in awe of him. Nope, not me. I don’t care if our kiss years ago was responsible for my sexual awakening. I won’t fall for Ashton Carmichael. Though that resolution would be a whole lot easier if he wasn’t so tempting. Once he finds his way into my bed, I’m screwed—in more ways than one. But there’s more to Ash than meets the eye, buried beneath his ego, sarcasm and how we burn up the sheets together. Soon, it’s more than a game. We don’t just get each other fired up, we just might win each other’s hearts.

Too bad things are never that simple…

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Riley Hart's Fired Up is the first book in what appears to be another amazing series, Fever Falls. It's a beautiful story of an athlete who lived for his sport, trying to move on and discovering who he is, now that he's no longer playing.

From the beginning of his time back in Fever Falls, I love Ash's view on fame. I love that a part of him feels uncomfortable with his fame. He's more down to earth than he appears in the press and his vulnerability makes him so damn likeable and nice.  

And Beau. Sweet, sweet Beau. Beau's relationship with his brother is amazing. No one pushes him to always be there for Kenny, which makes it so much more meaningful. He's not only sacrificed his career for Kenny, but he's also involved in all the day to day things. 

Ash longs to be just Ash, not Ashton, the ex football player. His fame comes with a lot of down sides, including being used by so many people. He finds himself full of confusion, loneliness, and fear, as he's lost trying to live without football.

Together, Ash and Beau are a special couple. Their connection is strong and their past bonds them deeply.

Linc is fun and is a great addition to the story. He's refreshing and I love his sass and banter.

Riley Hart does a wondeful job with writing Kenny and all of his differences. He's written with knowledge, love and care. And the fact that Ash treats Kenny with respect is endearing.

Fired Up is an accomplished tale that I highly recommend. As usual, Riley Hart manages to captivate her readers with a complex story involving some wonderfully developed characters. The growth of these men through the story is spectacular, and I enjoy getting some glimpses into their past.