Climbing for First

Rock Jocks #3

by F.A. Ray

The professional climbing world can be lonely, especially when your best friend is too busy with his boyfriend to hang out. Jude goes looking for company on a dating app. And damn, this chick taking pictures of herself in nothing but lacy little lingerie is super hot. He swipes— And realizes he just matched with a competitor. A male competitor. Wait, how the hell did he just match with a guy? Jude confronts Finn, a climber from Canada. Finn is pretty. Jude can’t deny it. But Jude is straight, so this can’t go anywhere. Good thing Finn isn’t a guy. Finn has always yearned to come out as non-binary on the professional climbing circuit, but they never imagined they’d finally do it thanks to some horny American swiping right on an old, unused dating profile. Jude is hot, but Finn doesn’t need to be some straight guy’s tour guide into the gay world. Finn should say no. But when Jude admits he wants them, wants them exactly the way they are, Finn finds they’re a more willing teacher than they first suspected. Jude has a lot to learn. Finn is determined to introduce him to every single first-time they can. Climbing for First is a first-time gay sports romance with rock climbing, lots of "exploration," spicy open-door scenes, a non-binary lead, a confused "straight" guy and a HEA.

Genres: Sports

303 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 16, 2023

About the author

F.A. Ray writes contemporary queer romance fiction, including gay romance and lesbian romance (writing as Lainee Ash). They especially enjoy sports romance with rivals who become lovers, second chances, unusual sports and grumpy sunshine opposites attracting.

You can connect with them at linktr.ee/faraywrites to keep up to date on new releases, social media and more.

Reviews

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Laora · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the newest installment about competive climbers finding their one. The stories do partly seem to overlap in timeline. However can be read as standalone books, I feel I get more out of the stories having read them all in order.
This time Jude, an American lead climber with a supportive family, and Finn, a Canadian climber whose fanily, beside his sister, do not seem to get that he identifies as non binary are the leading persons.
Jude has been away from home for a while and is looking for a good time with a woman on an app. He swipes the right way in the app on photos that appeal, he belately releases it is Finn. Nothing really comes of it since Finn has not actively used the app and Jude puts his foot in it when he mentions his swipe to them.
Finn is in general the better climber of these two and is on wins medals. He however finds it more difficult to be identified as male by the climbing community. When the coaches of both countries place both Finn and Jude in the same hotelroom they find out they have a likingg to each other that tuns deeper than tought. Judd together with his friends does a very sweet thing for Finn and they do find their hfn/ hea in this forced proximity, sport romance.
I like this series since it brings together the climbing sport and queer romance, what more do I need.

I kindly received a copy of this book via Booksprout/ the author and all opinions expressed are my personal ones.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oops! Jude is lonely and accidently swipes right on a male dating app. Then he realizes he swiped on a competitor, Finn. Finn, is nonbinary and surprised by the match. He forgot about the profile on the forgotten site. There is confusion about roles and who they are, but they eventually work through that. The author handled Finn's non-binary designation with grace, humor and great care. The journey through sexual awakening and we the reader learn about climbing keeps us riveted and engaged. Jude and Finn are great characters and absolutely likeable. Great read, fantastic characters. Well done! Nice cover art. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather MMRomanceReviewed · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first F.A. Ray book, but it certainly won't be my last. The story may have started in the first book in the series, but it was easy to pick up as a standalone and I enjoyed the way that the two main characters fit together, both in their relationship and in life.

There was a good balance of personal and sports, with lots of opportunities to glimpse the lives of team members and friends. I truly appreciated the way this author handled the non-binary character and the stress that being a world-level competitive athlete put on their identity.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an enjoyable read! I really loved both main characters. Jude is an adorable golden retriever who was totally comfortable with the changes in his sexuality. Finn was so sweet and it was lovely seeing them open themself up to loving Jude. The storyline was strong throughout, the relationship progressed without any big angst, which I love to see. Great heat, low angst, and a sexy happy ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[TELA666 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finn & Jude

This can easily be read as a standalone but the glimpses of the previous 4 main characters is a great addition. The group as a whole have built a tight knit but inclusive support group. Jude's realisation has been hinted at previously and has equal focus to Finn's emotional journey.

[Janice Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was well-written and kept my attention throughout. I enjoyed getting to know the characters. I enjoyed the dynamics between them and watching their romance blossom over time. This is the third book in the Rock Jock series and while you can read this book as a standalone, I highly recommend reading them in order, as there are some great past characters in this book. I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.