Fourth Down

San Diego Seals #3

by Cecelia Storm

Coaching in the NFL is a complex game… but it’s nothing compared to falling for your best friend. Simon
I worked hard to become the Head Coach of the San Diego Seals. Long hours, exhausting games, never-ending practices, and don’t get me started on the politics. But Dallas has always been there for me, my best friend and colleague. He’s my rock. I can’t help feeling, though, that there’s an emptiness in my chest - something missing… some one missing. Why, all of a sudden, does my heart leap when I look at Dallas? Dallas
Working for the Seals is stressful, but at least I don’t have Simon’s gig. I wouldn’t be able to handle it. I’m glad to be there and support him through the playing seasons. Why, then, do I feel like I can’t trust him or anyone else? My best friend doesn’t even know I have a son, but he’s going to find out soon because I just won sole custody. How will this affect our relationship? Will he hate me for hiding this secret for so long? Or will we become closer? Somehow I like that idea. Closer… much closer. Fourth Down is a Single Dad Friends to Lovers MM Sports romance and the third book in the San Diego Seals series.

Genres: M M Romance, Sports, Football, Friends To Lovers, Romance, LGBT

382 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 28, 2023

Reviews

[S a n d r a · Rating 2 out of 5]

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Rating: ⭐⭐

I was really expecting to like this book better than I did. Really. Friends to lovers between the sunshine Head Coach and the grumpy Offensive Coach? I was so in! Much more considering Dallas happened to have a secret son! I love single parent stories, so this looked like the perfect one for me.
But it wasn’t.

The beginning was good, the see them being full grumpy/sunshine and get to see how their friendship goes. Dallas is very private with his life, even with Simon, and that added to the intrigue… But it got old soon, really. And it went from being intriguing to being irritating.

Dallas’s secret son, Luke, is a teenager. Why did Dallas keep him a secret from everyone, even from Simon? Well, that’s tricky. I can understand Dallas not wanting Simon to discover how wild he was when he was in his teens but taking it to the length of not even telling him Luke existed felt like too much.

I don’t know how to explain why this story didn’t do it for me since spoiling the plot too much, but I’ll try.

For starters, it feels like here’s too much unnecessary drama. All the character behave so that everything goes bad, adding to the angst and the complications. And yes, a bit of misunderstanding is cool… but too much is boring.

Dallas being a private man is cool, but when you take that to the length of keeping those around you apart, hurting them when they try to understand and getting angry when they try to help… well, sorry, guy, but there’s just so much grumpiness I can take, I Dallas was not just grumpy, he was a complete asshole sometimes (and the time Simon eavesdrops on Dallas conversation and they both behave like Simon looked into Dallas’s phone or something like that? I could not understand).

Simon is the sunshine of the couple, but he seems to have insecurities of his own. Insecurities that are not developed and that just makes him “not truly believe Dallas could like someone like him”. Does this add to the story? Not really. Does this add to the unnecessary drama? Certainly so.

And then we have the Angelica subplot. I liked her in the previous book but in this one… it was like a rollercoaster. Sometimes she’s a fine girl, and then she’s unsufferable. I was not interested by this plot because it does not center on the new squad (maybe getting to know Louis, Ingrid or Xu would have been better, but we do not) but on Angelica and her, once again, insecurities. There are many things that I could have gone without regarding this new squad plot, and this just adds to my not liking the book in the end.

The plot with Imogen (Luke’s mom) and her parents? Irritating, mostly. Once again we have Dallas behaving like a prick, mostly towards Simon. And once again we encounter unnecessary drama because the characters are just too stupid to speak to each other. And there’s so much miscommunication my brain can take.

So… yes, there were things I liked. Luke and Imogen, even though sadly we see very little about them; Mrs. Xu is always so funny when she’s around and I also liked the beginning of Simon and Dallas’s relationship turning from friendship to something more.

The rest? Just not for me. I would have preferred for the story to focus on Dallas learning to be a parent, to him also learning to open up to others, than what the story actually was.

Also, I was hoping for the next book to be, finally, about Pierre. But not. Bummer. Now I’m not even intrigued by the next book, if I’m honest with you.

[Edga · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good premise for a story. However, I felt that it was too long and overly wordy at times. Simon was a lovely character, a little bit of a door mat though. He's the head coach of an NFL football team, I'd have expected him to be tougher, and wilier. I can understand why Dallas was so introspective and such an introvert when he was younger, (crappy patents and all that), but his lack of development into adulthood had me stumped. Also towards the end of the story, he does a stupid thing, then disappears....no warning, worrying a lot of people! I wasn't really sure why the author bothered going there. If I'd have been Simon, Dallas would have been out on his ear. There was a lot of scope for a decent story here, felt that the author missed a good opportunity by a mile.

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Soooo .... this is one of the books where I have real troubles with the rating.
I am afraid my problems with it are a me issue ... so maybe take it with a grain of salt.

I love sports books and was really looking forward to this .... but, and here comes one of my me-issues, I was slightly disappointed that both characters are really young. Especially when you consider that they hold their positions for quite some time now (I think it was at least 5 years) ...
so, Simon is 33 and Head coach of an NFL team and he always talks about being old (I felt slightly offended, being 10 years older ... and not feeling old)
I think it is an unrealistic scenario and really bothered me. But as I said, a me issue

Furthermore, they are partly childish and immature ... especially for their positions (perfect example Dallas at the end of the book).

I also thought that their issues were not taken seriously, but could not understand why the author decided to include some of them when she didn't do anything with them.
Eg. bringing Luke into their life's could and should have been a big thing and would have been perfect for really working the background and development of Dallas as a character.
But he was mostly ignored ...

I am ranting here as I love character and relationship development and felt cheated out of it. But as I said, most of that is a me-issue

All in all, it is a 2,5 star read for me... rounded up because it really gripped me in the second half and I wanted to know what happens

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He is a coach in the NFL which is not an easy job but his best friend has been there through it all. They play for the team which he knows is not easy. He is finding his heart leap when he looks at them now. How will that go? Can he take that step? Will they want that as well? See just how it is all going to go

[Julie Underhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fourth Down by Cecelia Storm is the third book in her San Diego Seals series. It is the story of two very different men who become best friends and then find love together while facing situations that could tear them apart. Simon Bullock is the head coach for the San Diego Seals NFL team. He is very good at his job, outgoing, empathetic to everyone, and seems to know what to say to get what he wants. He also had a background where he was raised by his grandparents because his parents were unable to take care of him. Dallas Morrow was his offensive coordinator. He also had a childhood with uncaring parents and was introverted and didn’t talk much. He was a good coach and had been best friends with Simon for 10 years. He had a lot of secrets that he kept, the biggest one being that he had a 13 year old son who was coming to live with him. When this came out it threw Simon for a loop because he thought he knew Dallas. But he dug in and went to his house and offered to stay and help, which Dallas appreciated because he hadn’t had much contact with his son, Luke, when he was growing up due to circumstances concerning Luke’s mother. The story continues as they come to the conclusion that they love each other more than the love of best friends. They start a relationship that they keep secret because of their jobs but then events beyond their control happen that sees it starting to implode. They both have to dig deep inside themselves to see what they need to do and change in order to be together which is what they really want. The ending shows that they are willing to do what needs to be done to show each other their love. I really enjoyed this book. Simon and Dallas are such different characters yet they are both what each other need. They have to learn to open up and tell what they need instead of keeping it hidden because that is only making them miserable. The side characters also range from outrageous to funny to contemptuous in their actions and how they affect the story, especially Angelica, Kendra, Mrs. Xu, and PR Guy. The conversations are often so snarky that I found myself laughing out loud many times and the situations they find themselves in also add to the humor. There are also sad parts, especially for Dallas, as he tries to figure out how to reach Luke and not keep things hidden from Simon. When they finally get together their love scenes are hot. There is also another ongoing story within this book about a rebel group of cheerleaders who are trying to show the NFL that ordinary people who love cheer can also make it even though they don’t match the image that cheerleaders often have. And, of course, this has to include the coaches. While this book is about people who work in football, there isn’t much action occurring within games as it is mostly about the characters and what is happening to them. I highly recommend this book especially if you like opposites attract, best friends to lovers, and stories that will almost break your heart yet keep you laughing throughout as the main characters finally get their happy endings. It does not disappoint.

[Laura Lou · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fourth Down by Cecelia Storm is the third book in the San Diego Seals series. It is a MM friends to lovers romance story about NFL Coach Simon Bullock and NFL Offensive Coordinator Dallas Marrow.

Simon and Dallas have been best friends for ten years. Simon has a crush on his best friend, but he believes that nothing could ever happen between them. It isn't until Simon moves in with Dallas to help him out that Dallas realizes he may have repressed some serious feelings for Simon. When they finally admit their feelings for each other, they both agree they want to try to be together as long as it doesn't jeopardize their friendship.

I felt like we saw a different side to Simon than we did in previous books. I didn't expect his lack of confidence and vulnerability with his feelings towards Dallas. Dallas is an introvert that has many secrets from his past. It is so sad that he believes he ruins the lives of everyone he gets close to, and unfortunately this has a negative impact on his relationship with Simon. I understand why Dallas is closed off, especially due to his upbringing, but I would hope after ten years that he would have realized he could have trusted Simon and confided in him so much sooner.

I did like the important message the alternative cheer squad was trying to get across, but that part of the story was a little hard for me to get into. It didn't make sense to me that the head coach of the football team would get so involved. What I did enjoy was seeing some of the characters from the other books in the series make an appearance.

I really liked Simon and actually felt bad for him for how Dallas was treating him. I wasn't a fan of Dallas's actions in the end, and it seemed to me Simon was too easy to forgive and forget. With that being said, I was glad they were able to work it all out and find their HEA.

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

[Stacey T · Rating 3 out of 5]

Third book in the San Diego Seals series and a friends to lovers MM romance. Simon is the head coach of a pro football team that has a secret crush on his best friend Dallas, who is another coach on the team. He enjoys their friendship and is resigned to the fact that it will never be more. Dallas is known as the grumpy, unapproachable and closed off Offensive Coordinator. He holds many secrets from his past and keeps people at a distance. When unexpected feelings emerge in Dallas toward Simon, he is unsure of how to proceed, but running away after a first kiss was not in his plans. Soon secrets are uncovered and their newly revealed feelings toward each other are in jeopardy as is their friendship. Will they be able to move beyond the past and find a deeper connection than ever before? I loved Simon in the previous books, but I feel like this was a different version of him. We saw a very vulnerable and hesitant side of him, and it didn’t seem to ring true to who he was previously shown as. Dallas, the silent one oftentimes had more of a voice and was often the first to want to talk things out which didn’t fit his personality. I’m not saying that people are all one sided, but it seemed too far-fetched and that the roles should have been reversed. The side story of the alternative cheer squad, although addressing an important topic, just seemed to take over the story at times and was hard to believe that Simon would play such a prominent role in it. A little disappointed in this book but still pleased overall with the series. I received a free copy for an honest review.

[Pontiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simon is head coach for the Seals, but he also helps out anywhere he can. So, he takes on Angelica, an ex cheerleader who wants diversity in her sport, with an experiment to have an alternate cheer squad.

Dallas is a coach who’s worked with Simon snd been his best friend for a decade. He’s stoic and serious, until he has his son Luke come to stay with him. Then he kind of goes nuts.

Simon moves in to help with Like, and their long standing feelings for each other finally come out. But Dallas has other secrets that have led him to a life alone, and he’s not ready to share.

Meanwhile, Simon is so busy with his job, helping Angelica, and trying to look out for Luke, that the two mens’ wires get crossed. When Dallas’ in laws try to take Luke and Dallas goes downhill, Simon lets Luke stay with him, giving them both some time to focus on getting better.

Dallas helps Angelica with her disbanded squad, while Simon meets snd gets to know Luke’s Mom and her own terrible history with her parents. Finally, the squad is kept alive, Dallas is ready to let Simon in, and Luke is closer to all his family.

I love this book, Simon is sweet, and grumpy Dallas does some growing. But, my favourite character from the last book, Mrs. Xu, is back! I also love that Angelica and Kendra are a nice side story, with a significant role in the plot.

Looking forward to more in this series.

I received this ARC for free, and am pleased to provide an honest review in appreciation for this book.

[Roger R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great 3rd book in the “San Diego Seals” series by Cecilia Storm. I had the pleasure of following the San Diego Seals journey. If you haven’t read the first two books, it’s recommended you do so although they are standalone stories. The reason I’m recommending you read them is because the MCs from the books are in this one and you get to know this story’s MCs in the other books so easy to connect with them! The MCs in this story are the Head Coach and the Offensive Coach of the San Diego Seals Football team. Throw in a surprise son of one of the MCs, dealing with past alcoholism, mean parents-in-law, and starting a new “non-conformity” cheer squad makes for a wonderful and sweet reading!!!! 5 stars reading!!!

The story focuses on Simon, the head coach of the very inclusive football team and his great rapport with his offensive coach named Dallas. With Simon’s happy attitude which is somewhat a 180 degree to Dallas’ grumpy attitude. It didn’t help when Dallas was gobsmacked with the fact he has a teenage son that he didn’t know about until the son’s mother had to check herself into a rehab for her manic depression which got worse. The son came to live with Dallas per his mother’s instruction which didn’t sit too well with her parents. He tried to keep it a secret but couldn’t keep it. Simon came to help Dallas and he kinda crashed at Dallas’ place to help out. I’ll stop right there and have you pick up the book to read to find out what happens!

[Manon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had a lot of good ideas but unfortunately it felt flat on these promises.

I really loved Simon in the last book when he sorted Leo's issues out. But here, he felt like a totally different character. He appears a lot younger than I would have pegged him based on his position as head coach as well.

He is attracted to Dallas, his best friend for years but Dallas being not only an introvert but also very closed up about his private life is not giving him anything. I actually felt sorry for Simon, he was clearly a good friend and helping but Dallas's behaviour just was not what I thought is that of a friend.

The book is very long and it also covers a multitude of various plots, Dallas and his son, his past, Simon's feelings of being not good enough, the alternative squad. It often felt like the author wasn't able to pinpoint her ideas to one big plot and just added on.

I love the alternative squad idea but it could have been a story on it's own with a different couple. Instead it sometimes felt pushed aside when Dallas wasn't coping well and the ending just felt rushed and not properly thought through.

Previous characters weren't really that present and there was hardly any sport action or even interacation between Simon/Dallas and the team.

I don't think I will continue with the series.

[Nengi Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been trying to find the right words to describe this book, but I can't seem to find them. I read this book while I was in a reading slump. I expected it to be just one more book that wouldn't really get to me, because I was in that phase where no book felt right. but this got me out of it. I love the single dad trope, and I'm a sucker for best friends to lovers so this... was just incredible to read. The chemistry between Simon and Dallas is one I dream of. These characters are imperfect, they're human.. they make mistakes but they still give me that escape from reality which is the best feeling. I can't describe it. I'll just say it has the right amount of spice, a chemistry that doesn't seem forced, and the way they're written can make you dream of a love just as imperfectly beautiful as theirs. They're not young anymore but I felt like that was okay. sometimes the good things come when we're much older.
I fell in love with this story, I fell in love with the characters, the author has me in a trance. is it strange that this feels like a comfort read???

[Traci S · Rating 4 out of 5]

This best friends to lovers has tons of emotion, Simon and Dallas are a wonderful addition to the series. I loved Simon in the previous book so I was happy for a story dedicated to him. There is a good mix of sweetness and angst in Dallas and Simon’s story, they have quite a lovely friendship but struggle with communication. Dallas has some pretty huge secrets he’s been hiding. While he is shocked to find Dallas has a son, I loved that Simon’s instinct was to try to jump in to help. I liked both main characters, they have a natural chemistry and are realistically flawed. If I’m being picky, it did feel a bit long, I wish maybe they didn’t struggle quite so much. I was also thrilled to see Mrs Xu show up, she is truly one of the most memorable and fun characters I’ve come across. I’m really enjoying this series, the characters are unique and well developed. Definitely recommend.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sand Diego Seals book three (I kind of feel like not making this book four was a missed opportunity) is the story of Simon - our head coach - and Dallas his Offensive Coordinator. Dallas has secrets. Big ones. Like a 13 year old son and Dallas isn’t handling it well. As in keeping with the character established in the proceeding books, Simon sweeps in to help out, but as it’s from his POV in part, we get to dive deeper and also get a sense of his insecurities. We really see both Simon and Dallas at their best and their worst. For anyone who read the preceding works, I initially hated Angelica at the beginning of this book (unexpected since I really liked her by the end of book 2) but she grew on me. Some of the subplots - the cheering situation - were a bit extra, but they added depth and some darn good chuckles so I’m not opposed to the dramatics. Normally I wouldn’t choose a sports sorry, but this series has me coming back each time-no regrets.

[Didi Ps · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simon & Dallas have always been friends, but now Simon is starting to feel that Dallas might just mean more to him than just a friend.

Dallas has a good relationship with Simon, but now he has just won custody of his son. He hopes this news will help them become closer.

The characters seemed a tad immature. One example was how Simon was jumping to conclusions about a missed visit to his grandparents' graves, Dallas hiding a huge part of his life from his best friend, or when he looked for his missing teenage son inside a potted plant or in some towels... In a moment of panic, to break potted plants, sure, but in a panic, to look for a teenager? Not believable....

In any case, the rest of the story was nice to read. The complications with Luke & his grandparents was something else to read about...

I received this free ARC, and this is my honest review.

[Shelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just another great installment of the series. Simon works hard and has finally achieved his dream of being a head coach. With his best friend, Dallas by his side, he knows he can achieve everything he wants for his team. Dallas is OC for the SD Seals and BFF of HC Simon. There is something that Dallas has kept secret from Simon for years. But now, there is going to be a huge change for him, and he wonders if Simon will hate him for not telling him sooner. Add in the ongoing war with Angelica as well as many other factors working against them, will these two finally see they can be more than best friends and coaches? Get this book and continue reading about the SD Seals and those that make up the team and support staff.

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

[Bkwrm24 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simon and Dallas ❤️

3 Stars ⭐️

I thought this story was chaotic compared to the others in this series. It had most of the elements that the other books had, like humor, spice and sweetness but I felt that it was lacking with the relationship. I have narrowed it down to Dallas. His character drove me nuts, he confused the hell out of me at times tbh and I felt like Simon would forgive anything stupid he did. If it weren't for the sexy times, I wouldn't have bought these two as a couple throughout the book up until the ending. I liked the beginning and the ending, the middle left me scratching my head most of the time. I'm going to say that I'd recommend, especially for series fans. It was nice to see Simons story and like I said the ending was good so that's a plus.

* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I really wanted to love this story, but the story of Dallas and Simon going from friends to lovers became more and more tedious as it progressed, mostly because Dallas was so incredibly foolish in his decisions. His reasons for keeping secrets from Simon even after they were together did not resonate with me, and there wasn't enough showing him learning to be the kind of father he said he wanted to be. The growth he tries to show comes at the expense of believability as well, since I didn't buy the too-easy forgiveness of his lover and his family after his week-long disappearance. Too often, as well, both he and Simon felt like immature college students rather than grown men of experience. In the end, this was too much for me to accept as plausible, even though I liked them as individuals and could see the potential for quality characters in them.

[Vols77 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good sports story even if it asks me to suspend belief occasionally (believing that Simon could be head NFL coach at 30 and already feel as if he was over the hill). This one was fun and entertaining as I liked both Simon and Dallas, despite their acting like teenagers at times, not young adult. It has enough intrigue, of two friends who suddenly become more and the fact that Dallas has a teenage son he has not shared with Simon (I do think that scenario could have been more fully developed) and he wondered what impact that might have on their relationship. An easy read that I enjoyed enough to want to go back and red the first two books in this series. I did receive an ARC and lead this honest review.

[Brad Secrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this book and I’m reeling from all the feels. Simon and Dallas make the cutest couple! These longtime friends finally realize they love each other. Well Dallas does… Simon has been attracted to Dallas for a while. There are plenty of ups and downs, twists and turns, and some great characters thrown in that add so much to the story. If you’re not a sports lover like me, don’t worry… this tale is spun around the lives of an NFL team’s coaching staff, but the actual gameplay is minimal. This being the second novel I’ve read of Cecelia Storm’s novels, I’m absolutely in love with her story-telling!

[Thera · Rating 4 out of 5]

These two men y'all! Simon was an excited golden retriever. And Dallas. Well, he wasn't! These two were best friends somehow though. Eventually turned more. It was lovely how they got together and how eager Simon was to help. But Dallas got in his head and pushed Simon away. And Simon got in his head and didn't push. I was frustrated but I understood where this was going. I cried. I laughed. I cried some more. I was happy when they finally decided to open up to each other. And I was thrilled they were going to therapy. No shame in that. I loved seeing past characters. Especially Mrs Xu. She's a hoot.
Highly recommend this book!

[LJ Henley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the story between Dallas and Simon. All of the extra characters add so much to the story too! Best friends to lovers is such a good trope that you just about can't go wrong. Dallas is silent, hulking, but also deep. He thinks he doesn't feel things like other people, but he does once he realizes he could lose Simon. Simon is a ray of goodness. As a head coach, he has a lot of responsibilities thrust upon him, but he adds people to his responsibilities because he cares and is invested in their lives. They are very different, but are so good together. I loved Fourth Down! Now who's next? PR guy? or someone else?

[Tonya Kloiber · Rating 2 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed the first 2 books in this series, but found this one to be seriously disappointing.
Dallas was ridiculous. Secretive, sneaky, indecisive, and just plain unlikeable (for me). The idea that he kept a teenage son secret from his best friend just feels wrong. The chemistry between him and Simon felt off once the romance was involved. Dallas made stupid decisions, and was mean to people. Honestly, I thought Simon's character was decent, but his personality just didn't jive with being a big-league football coach, and certainly didn't feel right matched with Dallas. Despite not really liking this book, I will read any more that possibly come out in the series.

[Laora · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was wondering where this would go, since I am not an American Football or Cheerleader fan. I was pleasantly surprised by how the story unfold. Partly best friends to lovers, forced proximity. I liked that presumptions and ineptitudes by the central characters are worked on without a magical cure. I did enjoy that Dallas has a good relationship with his former partner and they both take care of their son at their best possible way. I like this blended family. And find I can read it as a standalone as part of the series.

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

[Leonie Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dallas is so much more than I expected. Simon is the perfect Yin to his Yang. Simon super open and funny and always taking care of everyone and Dallas can't share his private life, thoughts or worries. Simon is never going to let his best friend Dallas suffer. All the while they are getting the Seals ready for the new season and helping get an alternate cheer squad ready. Things go awry, surprise! There are some super characters from previous stories and some new ones to entertain as well. I loved this book! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the San Diego Seals series and I have enjoyed this series so far. This book focuses on head coach Simon and offensive coordinator Dallas. They have been friends for 10 years, but Dallas has been keeping a huge secret. I did get annoyed with Dallas at his lack of communication with Simon throughout the book. The sub story about the cheerleading squad was good, but I felt like it was drawn out a little too much - I did like the message it was sending. Overall, a very good part of the series.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable friends to lovers sports romance. Simon and Dallas do extraordinarily well as friends and have for a long time. They support each other, they share things about the team and seem totally happy and open. Unfortunately, they don't know how to talk honestly about the big things in their lives and when they start to feel more for each other than friendship and their are life changes going on they really need to talk about they are unable to do it. Fortunately, we get the chance to see them mature and find a way to rebuild their friendship into a romantic relationship.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dallas has a lot of pressures on his shoulders-a new love , a teen son, and interference from in laws, and the cheer squad reformulation. He's not dealing well with any of the pressures and they're all suffering. He needs to get on the same page with his new paramour-trouble in paradise. Angst in one pressure area after another. Will it all blow up in his face and he lose his new found love and teen son? Mrs. Xu remains my hero since book 1 !!!!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another good addition to the series the story is good and will take you through a range of emotions from laughter to tears, the MCs Both have times when they act childishly, but you can tell Dallas and Simon really care for each other and they do have chemistry. There seems to be a bit of a side story going on which has nothing to do with the main story and again there are some great side characters, looking forward to reading more from this series.

[Jo Atkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a bit of a two sided coin. The first half was Simon and Dallas, two co-workers with feelings that neither know about until the arrival of Luke. Some work issues are also happening as a side story. The second half had my glued to my kindle to find out what happens but some of the moves are weirdly added - Dallas disappearing for a week, Imogen turning up. Sports based so gets a star for that alone

[Guilherme William · Rating 1 out of 5]

I picked this one up for the only fact that one of the MC has a son. Imagine my surprise when the son character is such a non character that only shows up every ten chapters and doesn’t contribute to the plot in any way, shape or form.

Seriously, Dallas is such a bad dad. From the very introduction of Luke, it felt like he didn’t gave the kid a second thought. Simon was a little better, but frankly I didn’t care about the whole cheer squad at all, which seemed to be the meat of his plot.