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Given the Circumstances
Two promising college athletes meet, each needing something only the other can give him…
When Roger and Brian lock eyes on the first day of school, a friendship is born. Both men are hungry for connection – Brian needs the acceptance, encouragement and support he never had growing up, and when he finds out his new best friend is gay, it brings his own identity into question. Roger needs a big brother, a best friend, but that will never be enough, especially not when he’s this close to big, strong, handsome Brian.
And both men want something more – careers as professional athletes. For Roger, the demands of the closet, the need to reject the love of a man to fulfill his love of the game, will be a crushing burden. For Brian, his downfall will be the substances he uses to get an edge over the competition, and to suppress his gnawing self-doubt and guilt.
One set of desires will bring them together, the other will force them apart…
When Roger and Brian lock eyes on the first day of school, a friendship is born. Both men are hungry for connection – Brian needs the acceptance, encouragement and support he never had growing up, and when he finds out his new best friend is gay, it brings his own identity into question. Roger needs a big brother, a best friend, but that will never be enough, especially not when he’s this close to big, strong, handsome Brian.
And both men want something more – careers as professional athletes. For Roger, the demands of the closet, the need to reject the love of a man to fulfill his love of the game, will be a crushing burden. For Brian, his downfall will be the substances he uses to get an edge over the competition, and to suppress his gnawing self-doubt and guilt.
One set of desires will bring them together, the other will force them apart…
283 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 4, 2013
33 people are currently reading
747 people want to read
About the author
Brad Vance
61 books245 followersBrad Vance is the author of over twenty books. He's hard at work on the sequel to Stabitha. Keep up with Brad at BradVanceAuthor.com, or email him at BradVanceAuthor@gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
August 30, 2014
Testosterone+Sports+Muscle+Cock+Jocks=Happier than a pig in shit (me). But I'm kind of f'ing simple in the fictional sporting arena..too. This is one well-balanced pot of testosteroni-ravioli crafted into one juicy man-love story.
There's a lot to appreciate in the football and baseball technicalities..without being overly abundant or overbearing. If anything it's these details that reinforce the story's credibility. It creates a-sort-of tactile reading experience with some really relatable moments.
The emotional writing has a passionate energy contrasting the character dynamics pretty perfectly with some pretty sexy man-on-man-heat.
Maybe at times a bit predictable? No matter. I'm just grateful for a sports-geared m/m read.
Want to read
July 25, 2015Awesome kindle freebie, 7/25/15!
July 29, 2015
"You can go a long time, a very long time, without love. The mind adapts. The body accepts. You get a dog, or a cat. But. If love ever shows up, or even the promise of it, you’re fucked. You haven’t really accepted the lack of it. You’ve stored the lack, like a black hole, and the possibility of it being filled…sucks you in with its gravity. That’s why they call it falling in love. It’s scary, it’s a long way down, the fall could kill you."
4.5 Rounded up
* A note about this review: 1. You're going to need to read it all the way through to get what I'm actually feeling. It's a hot mess. 2. I may talk in general about things, but any actual specifics will be in spoilers.
So, here's the thing. I was really excited to read this story. I love football, and I especially love sports in my M/M. When I started it, though, the first chapters made me a bit nervous. At times they were wordy, the perspectives shifted randomly and without warning, and the back story was stuck in there randomly. Also, for some of the football scenes you may need to understand football to get the gist of what's going on, which isn't a problem for me but I could see some people being a bit confused. And yeah, it has some cheesy moments, but I actually liked them.
But obviously, I'm giving this book a high rating, so there's a lot more to the story than that, isn't there?
In short, Given the Circumstances is about Roger and Brian, two young athletes who are devoted to their sports. Roger has it all, he's smart, has a great father, and talent that people would kill for. Brian, on the other hand, has a rough upbringing. He's talented, but struggles to balance out his life. It might sound cliche, but boy, this goes above and beyond the cliche that you are expecting. The characters have depth and heart and really bring this to life.
So let's start talk about the characters.
Jeremy: God, I couldn't stand him. He played the perfect villain in this. His negative influence was the kind that made me grit my teeth, and he had a sense of realism to him. I could think of people who reminded me of him, who had gotten really lucky to make it where they were and then pulled everyone down with them when that luck ran out. I didn't like him, but his influence was important in this story.
“I’m gay.” Saying it out loud was a relief. It was over! The hiding, the worrying, at least here, at home.
“Well, you’re not the only one in the world.”
Jacob: Roger's father. He's a history professor with a big heart. While the perspective shifting was odd, I'm glad that we got a glimpse into Jacob's mind, especially as Roger was growing up. It really helped give him life. Mr. Vance somehow managed to make Jacob toe the perfect line between acceptance for his son and worry for what his sons sexuality would bring him in life. He just hit the perfect note for me. He wasn't perfect, he was real.
It was worth the hiding, the lying, the hurt. To be here, now, to do this. And to do it again, and again, as long as he could.
Roger: He finds football one day as a little boy, against all odds. He's far from perfect, but his determination speaks volumes for him. He never gives up, in any facet of his life. My heart broke so many times for Roger in this. He was so likable, and he didn't push the lines of being "too perfect," which I appreciated.
You want us to hit home runs, you want us to jump and run and do amazing shit, and we want you to love us, we want to do that for your love, and if it takes a fucking pill to do it, I’ll take it. Most guys would take it.
Brian: Brian. Oh Brian. Sometimes, he was the source of my heartbreak for Roger, other times, my heart broke into a million pieces for him. I've made a few comments above about realism, and I want to put it out there how realistic Brian was to me, more so then any other character in the story. Beyond the romance, he had such a rich depth to him. With his upbringing, he clings to those who lend him a hand, or offer him friendship. Sometimes, this leads him great places - like to Roger, and others, it leads him down dark paths. It's made fairly clear in the prologue that Brian is suspended from baseball for drugs, and this addiction isn't just a one-off thing. The theme runs throughout the book. It's a continuous battle with him, with ups and downs. He can break the habit, but so easily fall back into it. His need for acceptance and success drive him to such painful, desperate times. While we don't actually know what happens in his . And god, at times he mad me so mad, like when . But... I just can't help but love him despite all of that.
So this story... is it perfect? God no. It's flawed in a number of ways. Do I think everyone would love it? Absolutely not. But the realism of the characters, the bumpy journey... it's well worth the ride, the wading through imperfections, to see if this is a fit for you.
back-burner-for-now
April 24, 2015It's weird, this book looks really good! With a high rating and good reviews. I'm wondering why more of my GR friends haven't read it. I read a few spoiler-free reviews to get a feel for it and decide to buy it. Sure enough, right on the Amazon.com page, some yahoo writes ***SPOILER ALERT*** right before completely spoiling a key plot point. Nice. They even did it in all caps to draw my attention to it.
Fucking people.
Fucking people.
July 26, 2015
All I have to say is:
1. PHEW! :wipes brow:
2. That was damned good! Now, where can I find more of this author?
3. The author even made football sound appealing and I don't even like football!
4. I even think that there was only 1 typo! Shocking, right!?
Seriously though, I know this might be an unpopular opinion but sometimes it's just extra refreshing to read an M/M novel by a guy. Well this book was a breath of fresh, cool air.
1. PHEW! :wipes brow:
2. That was damned good! Now, where can I find more of this author?
3. The author even made football sound appealing and I don't even like football!
4. I even think that there was only 1 typo! Shocking, right!?
Seriously though, I know this might be an unpopular opinion but sometimes it's just extra refreshing to read an M/M novel by a guy. Well this book was a breath of fresh, cool air.
August 15, 2017
From the beginning of this story I was captivated with the two leads, Roger and Brian. I loved every word of their very real story. It’s well-written, characters are fully developed, real and likeable, the story has a great flow, LOVE Brian and Roger… the sexual scenes are realistic, very sensual and OMG steamy! I also enjoyed the sports aspect (you can tell the author did his homework), but what I liked best is the love story (I’m a girl, what can I say) and Roger and Brian’s romance is one of the best I’ve read in awhile. As I said I was totally hooked right from the beginning. Parts of this story are sad and heartbreaking to read, but much of it, much of them together is just so sigh worthy! I can tell you I hated when it was over and I had to move on. I wanted more!! Brad Vance is a new author to me (and frankly I'm fairly new to M/M romance), but he can consider me a sold-out fan. GIVEN THE CIRCUMSTANCES was an amazing read and he is a talented writer! In the audiobook version, the author is also the narrator which works well since he knows better than anyone the emotions the characters are feeling and perfect times for emphasis.
February 5, 2014
3.5 stars
Life can place many obstacles in our way towards the pursuit of a dream or goal. And sometimes we make our own obstacles.
Given the Circumstances is about two young guys, Roger and Brian, gifted athletes from completely different backgrounds who share a common love for sports. Roger was raised by a loving, widowed father who made it his goal to understand and support his son. Unfortunately, Brian’s father was more the dead-beat type, with no interest or support to give. And this proves to make a real difference in Brian’s life.
We all need help along the way -- teachers, coaches, parents, or friends -- to guide and shape talent and ambition or just help with the pressure. We see the importance of this in Brian’s story… and his issues really overshadow Roger’s journey.
It’s difficult to like Brian, his athletic skill comes to him naturally and we see him squander it over and over, making stupid choices, falling to alcohol and drugs. He constantly needs validation, and doesn’t accept responsibility for his actions. But there is a light in him too, he’s a good guy, and he recognizes his shortcomings even if he doesn’t always face them. He just happens to need more of that support and guidance to keep him in line, than the next guy. Lucky for him, he meets Roger who seems to have patience and compassion to spare. He always has Brian’s back. And Brian’s bad-boy persona unleashes some dark want in Roger.
The author gives us a fully laid out background to both guys, we see where they come from and how they grow together. It helps if the reader has some knowledge of sports but the jargon is skimmable. The focus is really on the romance between Brian and Roger and how they find their way in obstacle-ridden careers.
I did have an issue with the setting where Brian and Roger meet, a fictional college called Cal State Berkeley. I found it distracting, the idea that there is another important university in the same town as the internationally known UC Berkeley. Clearly the author has made up a fictional college, I just wished it had a different name -- there’s really no reason why Berkeley even needs to figure into the setting. In fact, it implies that these brilliant athletes weren’t quite good enough to attend the famous university with it’s own well-known sports program.
Still, this was an enjoyable, typical gay-for-you, best friends-to-lovers sports romance. Surprisingly, there is very little angst between the two MC’s; most of the tension lies in Brian’s fight with his inner demons. Extra points for that.
Even with the commentary on athletes and drugs, and on professional sport’s harsh treatment of gay athletes, this reads very much like a fairy tale with a very tidy story arc. But, this is fiction after all, and at least we feel that these guys have earned their happily ever after.
February 2, 2021
This is my second read of this book and once again when I open the book I was hook. Usually you never understand why one MC emotional attracted to one and other. You only get that they are really physically attracted to one another then bam they are saying I love you and have no clue why to begin with. Given the circumstances give me the concept that not all relationships is good or bad just sort in the grey area and what works for them might not works for you but it works. I love how you get a lot of information of how they are as individuals before they made the transition from friends to lovers. The romance between the MCs happens late in the book and I have to say that it was worth the wait. The author knows how to write playfully hot scene without me eventually getting bored with them. I totally would recommend this book as must read you might have miss in 2013.
First Read: November 16
I received a copy of The book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I was hook on this book they moment I open my kindle and tap to open this book to read. I read it all in one sitting and I must say I was bit shock about how much I love it. I'm not familiar with this author and completely stumble on this book simply because I needed a break from m/m paranormal related novels. I love both characters and thankfully it didn't get too angsty like it could have easily done. It gave me everything I was looking for in a book. I need something that is based in reality even though it was a work of fiction. This was a slow burn to the actual romance between the two MCs and when they agree about their feelings for one another it was on. I love that when they got together that it was simply them. There wasn't hand full of toys and they had fun with it. They weren't all serious about it and they enjoyed each other. I love that I got glimpses into their background. From Roger somewhat solid home life and determination to achieve his goal of becoming a pro football player even though he has to denied part of himself. But I have to say that I think everybody who knew Roger could easily discover that truth. As for Brian who unlike Roger who had natural talent but lack of determination at baseball and let people influence him in a negative way more than positive way. I'm not a sport fan and reading about it is not my cup of tea but it was enough to understand why they love it. I will admit that last sport related scene I was completely wrap up in it. The only negative thing I have to say about this book is the dealing of Brian's drug use was bit swept under the rug at the end for my taste. But I must say while reading this book I didn't notice lack of reference till after I finish reading this book and still thinking about this book weeks later. Even through my opinion might not carry much weight with random strangers I would highly recommend this book which I already have.
First Read: November 16
I received a copy of The book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I was hook on this book they moment I open my kindle and tap to open this book to read. I read it all in one sitting and I must say I was bit shock about how much I love it. I'm not familiar with this author and completely stumble on this book simply because I needed a break from m/m paranormal related novels. I love both characters and thankfully it didn't get too angsty like it could have easily done. It gave me everything I was looking for in a book. I need something that is based in reality even though it was a work of fiction. This was a slow burn to the actual romance between the two MCs and when they agree about their feelings for one another it was on. I love that when they got together that it was simply them. There wasn't hand full of toys and they had fun with it. They weren't all serious about it and they enjoyed each other. I love that I got glimpses into their background. From Roger somewhat solid home life and determination to achieve his goal of becoming a pro football player even though he has to denied part of himself. But I have to say that I think everybody who knew Roger could easily discover that truth. As for Brian who unlike Roger who had natural talent but lack of determination at baseball and let people influence him in a negative way more than positive way. I'm not a sport fan and reading about it is not my cup of tea but it was enough to understand why they love it. I will admit that last sport related scene I was completely wrap up in it. The only negative thing I have to say about this book is the dealing of Brian's drug use was bit swept under the rug at the end for my taste. But I must say while reading this book I didn't notice lack of reference till after I finish reading this book and still thinking about this book weeks later. Even through my opinion might not carry much weight with random strangers I would highly recommend this book which I already have.
December 7, 2016
I love sports m/m, and I haven't read a book by Brad Vance yet that I wouldn't like. And this one was wonderful. It was manly and touching at the same time, I had tears in my eyes at some moments but it never crossed to being too sweet or too sentimental. In the very beginning I had a bit of difficulty to get in - but as soon as the author started telling the story of either main character, it was unputdownable. It is an awesome friends-to-lovers story, it takes time for their relationship to bloom but all the way it was fascinating to watch Roger and Brian move forward - until they finally become for each other what they are meant to be.
I loved Roger, he's really the kind of character I can't resist, with his pure Steve Rogers goodness. But Brian, I understood him so well, his weaknesses, his need for instant gratification, his tendency to slack if given an opportunity were so familiar. I empathized with him, and it was painful to see him being destroyed with those traits of his personality.
And I loved Roger's Dad :)
I loved Roger, he's really the kind of character I can't resist, with his pure Steve Rogers goodness. But Brian, I understood him so well, his weaknesses, his need for instant gratification, his tendency to slack if given an opportunity were so familiar. I empathized with him, and it was painful to see him being destroyed with those traits of his personality.
And I loved Roger's Dad :)
April 17, 2014
4.5 Addictive Stars!
Reviewed for lovebytesreviews.com
All my mind registered when I started reading this book is that this is all about two young athlete falling in love with each in the constant scrutiny in the world of sports. And if after reading the first sentence of this review you are expecting that this book will be all hearts and flowers then think again. This book squeezed the right place in my heart for it to ache and used the right words and scenes to make me fall in love with it.
Roger Ehrens is a football athlete and he learned at an early age that he like boys and he also learned to keep a lid on so it would never come out. It’s a lonely place, to be in the closet all alone but it never feel so pronounced before he met Brian.
Brian is a baseball player. He is thirsty for love, someone who can accept him and be proud of him something his father never gave to him. So when he met Roger, it was the friendship that made him to want to work hard and do his best. Soon feeling developed and he have to rethink, he is straight right? (Well I say Brian, labels are overrated)
This book is really a good read for me. I love the rhythm and the flow of the story even with a lot of flashbacks. It took me a little while to get used to the dual POVs but once I got the hang of it, I started to like the POV shifting in the next paragraph.
Roger and Brian’s characters are pretty well written for me. Their journey in this book is just amazing. I love the sub-characters too. And seeing as this book is set in the Sports world I expected some hate for homosexuality but this would just make you feel good and focus on the struggle of the two main characters instead of the bigotry the world throws at them. How the other faced his demon and regain what we thought he lost, but it was his from the very start.
I really enjoyed this one. I highly recommend this book especially to those who love GFY and MM Sports themed books! My first read from the author and this won’t be the last.
More reviews on http://lovebytesreviews.com/book-revi...
Reviewed for lovebytesreviews.com
All my mind registered when I started reading this book is that this is all about two young athlete falling in love with each in the constant scrutiny in the world of sports. And if after reading the first sentence of this review you are expecting that this book will be all hearts and flowers then think again. This book squeezed the right place in my heart for it to ache and used the right words and scenes to make me fall in love with it.
Roger Ehrens is a football athlete and he learned at an early age that he like boys and he also learned to keep a lid on so it would never come out. It’s a lonely place, to be in the closet all alone but it never feel so pronounced before he met Brian.
Brian is a baseball player. He is thirsty for love, someone who can accept him and be proud of him something his father never gave to him. So when he met Roger, it was the friendship that made him to want to work hard and do his best. Soon feeling developed and he have to rethink, he is straight right? (Well I say Brian, labels are overrated)
This book is really a good read for me. I love the rhythm and the flow of the story even with a lot of flashbacks. It took me a little while to get used to the dual POVs but once I got the hang of it, I started to like the POV shifting in the next paragraph.
Roger and Brian’s characters are pretty well written for me. Their journey in this book is just amazing. I love the sub-characters too. And seeing as this book is set in the Sports world I expected some hate for homosexuality but this would just make you feel good and focus on the struggle of the two main characters instead of the bigotry the world throws at them. How the other faced his demon and regain what we thought he lost, but it was his from the very start.
I really enjoyed this one. I highly recommend this book especially to those who love GFY and MM Sports themed books! My first read from the author and this won’t be the last.
More reviews on http://lovebytesreviews.com/book-revi...
March 10, 2014
I wanted to like this book…and in a lot of ways I did, and do. But then there’s the side of me that wants the perfect HEA where everything is shiny and wonderful with everyone getting exactly what they want. Yet perfect isn’t ever the way things really go and this book was perfect in its imperfections. There was a ton of realism to this story and as much as I kept hoping things would get shiny I knew they wouldn’t and yet it still has a wonderful HEA.
Roger has always known he was gay, yet he’s also known he’d have to keep it a secret. His entire life, since he was a little kid, he’s always wanted to be a football player. He’s dedicated his childhood to perfecting his skills and now he’s finally going to get his chance after two years watching from the bench behind the most recent #1 draft pick. He’s now the starting quarterback for the Cal State Berkeley Barbarians, it’s his time to shine.
Brian is petrified, he’s struggled to get his father’s approval for years and nothing ever seemed good enough. With baseball though he’s gotten a little respect from the man who used to take a belt to his ass. But his lack-a-dasical attitude towards school and putting in anything that required much in the way of effort had originally gotten him passed over by the college scouts. But two years later, after the best coach he ever had took a chance on him and gave him a spot on the Lessing College team and his history professor sparked a wish for something more in his heart he’s finally got a chance at a bigger spotlight at CSB. Finding out the only other jock in his advanced history course is not only the star quarterback but also the son of his favorite professor ever just seems like a friendship made in heaven.
So this book was a little painful for me to read with how messed in the head Brian was. There was so much he was struggling against in his own head and it put all sorts of crazy pressures on him that he couldn’t help but cave. But I loved watching him trip over himself and fall for Roger. I admit I struggle to like such clearly flawed characters, especially when drug use is involved. Strangely, or not really, I was inexorably drawn to cheering for Brian to find his inner strength somehow. If I had one complaint it’s that Roger and Brian were a little too perfect in their “good boy”/“bad boy” personas. Roger never drinks/does drugs, is a perfect athlete and student, Brian’s issues and insecurities led him to a drug/sex filled lifestyle that wasn’t healthy in the least. In the end I did feel like Brian grew a lot more throughout the book as he struggled to be the better man.
Ok, I feel that this particular thought deserves some space in this review since one of my biggest pet peeves with a previous football book I read was how unrealistic the sports elements played. I have to give major props to Mr. Vance for the realism of his football elements. I loved how he kept so many of the real teams and players intact will creating his own new teams both college and professional for Roger to play on. For someone who is as intensely passionate about her football as I am the mix here was perfect. I giggled reading about certain players and their college careers knowing where they are at now in the NFL. So kudos Mr. Vance, you had the perfect blend of the real teams in the NFL and the fiction to make your story work. It was incredibly well written and wonderfully realistic.
Jeremy was sleazy the perfect villain, but it was incredibly believable how his party boy attitude could suck Brian down with him. Jacob was such a wonderfully compassionate father and as a history buff he gets extra bonus points for just plain awesomeness in history. :D I loved his worry for his son, especially because it was coupled with such strong faith and belief in everything Roger did. And Roger and Brian together, well they were just beautiful. Two sexy athletes struggling to find love together in a world that would not accept them as a couple in their chosen professions. In the end though I felt both were happy with where life took them and would have a wonderful life together.
While the beginning was a little confusing with the flashbacks and POV changes, but once I connected what was going on I really enjoyed those peaks into Brian and Roger’s pasts. It really helped connect me to them and their story. I liked the peaks into Jacob’s opinions as well because he was such a wonderful man. In all it made a very complete picture of what was happening and gave a comprehensive picture of what brought Roger and Brian to the place they were at when they finally met.
Overall there were a lot of really great things about this book and I liked both Roger and Brian despite their clear stereotypes. But the football elements really made this story for me. I enjoyed what I was reading in so many ways. Solid, solid story and I’ll definitely look for more books by Mr. Vance.
Roger has always known he was gay, yet he’s also known he’d have to keep it a secret. His entire life, since he was a little kid, he’s always wanted to be a football player. He’s dedicated his childhood to perfecting his skills and now he’s finally going to get his chance after two years watching from the bench behind the most recent #1 draft pick. He’s now the starting quarterback for the Cal State Berkeley Barbarians, it’s his time to shine.
Brian is petrified, he’s struggled to get his father’s approval for years and nothing ever seemed good enough. With baseball though he’s gotten a little respect from the man who used to take a belt to his ass. But his lack-a-dasical attitude towards school and putting in anything that required much in the way of effort had originally gotten him passed over by the college scouts. But two years later, after the best coach he ever had took a chance on him and gave him a spot on the Lessing College team and his history professor sparked a wish for something more in his heart he’s finally got a chance at a bigger spotlight at CSB. Finding out the only other jock in his advanced history course is not only the star quarterback but also the son of his favorite professor ever just seems like a friendship made in heaven.
So this book was a little painful for me to read with how messed in the head Brian was. There was so much he was struggling against in his own head and it put all sorts of crazy pressures on him that he couldn’t help but cave. But I loved watching him trip over himself and fall for Roger. I admit I struggle to like such clearly flawed characters, especially when drug use is involved. Strangely, or not really, I was inexorably drawn to cheering for Brian to find his inner strength somehow. If I had one complaint it’s that Roger and Brian were a little too perfect in their “good boy”/“bad boy” personas. Roger never drinks/does drugs, is a perfect athlete and student, Brian’s issues and insecurities led him to a drug/sex filled lifestyle that wasn’t healthy in the least. In the end I did feel like Brian grew a lot more throughout the book as he struggled to be the better man.
Ok, I feel that this particular thought deserves some space in this review since one of my biggest pet peeves with a previous football book I read was how unrealistic the sports elements played. I have to give major props to Mr. Vance for the realism of his football elements. I loved how he kept so many of the real teams and players intact will creating his own new teams both college and professional for Roger to play on. For someone who is as intensely passionate about her football as I am the mix here was perfect. I giggled reading about certain players and their college careers knowing where they are at now in the NFL. So kudos Mr. Vance, you had the perfect blend of the real teams in the NFL and the fiction to make your story work. It was incredibly well written and wonderfully realistic.
Jeremy was sleazy the perfect villain, but it was incredibly believable how his party boy attitude could suck Brian down with him. Jacob was such a wonderfully compassionate father and as a history buff he gets extra bonus points for just plain awesomeness in history. :D I loved his worry for his son, especially because it was coupled with such strong faith and belief in everything Roger did. And Roger and Brian together, well they were just beautiful. Two sexy athletes struggling to find love together in a world that would not accept them as a couple in their chosen professions. In the end though I felt both were happy with where life took them and would have a wonderful life together.
While the beginning was a little confusing with the flashbacks and POV changes, but once I connected what was going on I really enjoyed those peaks into Brian and Roger’s pasts. It really helped connect me to them and their story. I liked the peaks into Jacob’s opinions as well because he was such a wonderful man. In all it made a very complete picture of what was happening and gave a comprehensive picture of what brought Roger and Brian to the place they were at when they finally met.
Overall there were a lot of really great things about this book and I liked both Roger and Brian despite their clear stereotypes. But the football elements really made this story for me. I enjoyed what I was reading in so many ways. Solid, solid story and I’ll definitely look for more books by Mr. Vance.
December 8, 2013
I enjoy a good story about sports because it makes me wonder just what a profound effect all of the gay players would have on young people today if they all came out. As we saw in this story, Roger and Brian went through hell sneaking around and living in the closet. This story was both well written and beautifully paced. I was sucked right into the story from the beginning and it never let me go. The story showed much of the demanding life of a professional athlete and just how easy it is to get lost in the demands of the career. I liked both Roger and Brian and their individual struggles to reach the top of their careers and how easily one can fall from the top. Did their sexuality affect their talent, not really. Did it make them better people, not really. It just made them human as we all are.
September 27, 2017
2.5 STARS FOR THE AUDIBLE
I am a huge sports/romance fan, this one looked perfect for me by the description. I can’t tell it it was the story or the narration that just didn’t do it for me. The plot of the book I did enjoy, each of the M/C’s history, their relationship... but somewhere through the book for me something was missing. I can’t put my finger on it but like the reallife-ness felt missing to me, also the second half of the book the timeline was a bit convoluted ? where did the prologue fit.
Mostly my issue had to do with the narration, I think the author was he narrator? Not sure, but I did not enjoy it, at times I could not tell who’s POV I was listening to, the emotions were flat and sound effects just read over and childish. He actually detracted from the Roger character for me.
I am a huge sports/romance fan, this one looked perfect for me by the description. I can’t tell it it was the story or the narration that just didn’t do it for me. The plot of the book I did enjoy, each of the M/C’s history, their relationship... but somewhere through the book for me something was missing. I can’t put my finger on it but like the reallife-ness felt missing to me, also the second half of the book the timeline was a bit convoluted ? where did the prologue fit.
Mostly my issue had to do with the narration, I think the author was he narrator? Not sure, but I did not enjoy it, at times I could not tell who’s POV I was listening to, the emotions were flat and sound effects just read over and childish. He actually detracted from the Roger character for me.
February 13, 2023
DNF @ 37%
There was a really interesting story hiding in here but I couldn't find it due to the writing style not being my cup of tea and the author's unique choices regarding the timelines in the story.
Some of the positive things include having the MCs be professional athletes for two different sports (baseball versus football). I've never seen that before. I also liked that Roger's dad Jacob (who is a university professor) had relationships with both boys before they even met, which nicely set up a little family dynamic between the three of them. I also liked that the author tackled the issue of drug addiction in terms of performance enhancing substances. I didn't get to the drug part so I can't comment on it but it's not something that's common in MM sports romances.
Unfortunately, the actual story was a boring slog and also used the start-in-future-jump-backwards technique, which often doesn't work for me. We start out in the future when the MCs are professional athletes and Brian has just been suspended for his drug abuse. Then we jump back in time and I kid you not - we go through Roger's entire life from the time he was a young boy until he gets to college. The same thing happens with Brian but to a lesser extent because the author jumps forward to start with Brian's high school school days.
In addition to this boredom-inducing-approach, a lot of things are described in way too much detail. In particular, the football games are described in excessive detail (the baseball games are shown but not in such detail) and that isn't my thing. When we finally get to the college years, things still stay boring and slow because the author goes into detail about the MCs shared history class (like detailing what they're studying, what books they're reading, what topic their essays will be on etc). Not only were all these details unnecessary to bring the main point across but the whole structure didn't for me. We hadn't even met Brian and we'd only had a short scene with Roger before we went back in time to meet them as young boys and I didn't care about them at that point. This approach made the book feel like coming-of-age gay fiction, instead of gay romance. It didn't help that the author's writing style was kind of amateur and there was a YA vibe from time to time, which made me lose even more enthusiasm.
In addition, there's constant head hopping happening. Not just between Roger, Brian and Jacob but every on-page character gets to share their thoughts. The POV switched from paragraph to paragraph and I hate this technique anyway but because 99% of the characters (including side characters) were guys, it meant the pronoun situation made things even more confusing.
Lastly, this is a personal issue but I skimmed ahead to check out the sex scenes and sure enough, they're not for me. This is a problem I have with many male authors (Damon Suede, Brandon Shire and now, Brad Vance). Their approach to writing smut is very blunt and resembles porn scenes (ex. lots of dialog like 'yeah, take that dick'). There's nothing wrong with this approach and I'm glad it worked for so many readers (you can see by the positive reviews that many readers loved the smut scenes in particular) but I need the language to be more sensual and focused on the smutty details.
I'm sad this one didn't work for me because the premise was really interesting and I liked the characters, but unfortunately, this author's writing style isn't my cup of tea.
There was a really interesting story hiding in here but I couldn't find it due to the writing style not being my cup of tea and the author's unique choices regarding the timelines in the story.
Some of the positive things include having the MCs be professional athletes for two different sports (baseball versus football). I've never seen that before. I also liked that Roger's dad Jacob (who is a university professor) had relationships with both boys before they even met, which nicely set up a little family dynamic between the three of them. I also liked that the author tackled the issue of drug addiction in terms of performance enhancing substances. I didn't get to the drug part so I can't comment on it but it's not something that's common in MM sports romances.
Unfortunately, the actual story was a boring slog and also used the start-in-future-jump-backwards technique, which often doesn't work for me. We start out in the future when the MCs are professional athletes and Brian has just been suspended for his drug abuse. Then we jump back in time and I kid you not - we go through Roger's entire life from the time he was a young boy until he gets to college. The same thing happens with Brian but to a lesser extent because the author jumps forward to start with Brian's high school school days.
In addition to this boredom-inducing-approach, a lot of things are described in way too much detail. In particular, the football games are described in excessive detail (the baseball games are shown but not in such detail) and that isn't my thing. When we finally get to the college years, things still stay boring and slow because the author goes into detail about the MCs shared history class (like detailing what they're studying, what books they're reading, what topic their essays will be on etc). Not only were all these details unnecessary to bring the main point across but the whole structure didn't for me. We hadn't even met Brian and we'd only had a short scene with Roger before we went back in time to meet them as young boys and I didn't care about them at that point. This approach made the book feel like coming-of-age gay fiction, instead of gay romance. It didn't help that the author's writing style was kind of amateur and there was a YA vibe from time to time, which made me lose even more enthusiasm.
In addition, there's constant head hopping happening. Not just between Roger, Brian and Jacob but every on-page character gets to share their thoughts. The POV switched from paragraph to paragraph and I hate this technique anyway but because 99% of the characters (including side characters) were guys, it meant the pronoun situation made things even more confusing.
Lastly, this is a personal issue but I skimmed ahead to check out the sex scenes and sure enough, they're not for me. This is a problem I have with many male authors (Damon Suede, Brandon Shire and now, Brad Vance). Their approach to writing smut is very blunt and resembles porn scenes (ex. lots of dialog like 'yeah, take that dick'). There's nothing wrong with this approach and I'm glad it worked for so many readers (you can see by the positive reviews that many readers loved the smut scenes in particular) but I need the language to be more sensual and focused on the smutty details.
I'm sad this one didn't work for me because the premise was really interesting and I liked the characters, but unfortunately, this author's writing style isn't my cup of tea.
August 22, 2018
Review Coming
July 28, 2016
I could not stand Bryan because he did not take control of nor responsibility for his addictions. He should have gone through rehab and joined several 12 step programs - NA, AA and SA. Bryan lied to himself and to the public that he only used performance enhancement drugs to excel in professional baseball. Yea right. He liked Percocet but then needed DMAA to offset it. He liked getting drunk at night but then needed Adderall to get going the next day. Bryan was surprised that he did not have a STD because he had so much anonymous sex and many times couldn't remember if he used a condom.
I thought Roger was weak. Roger was a masochist and was attracted to bad boys. He knew that Bryan was a drug addict and did nothing to try to help him stop. Roger knew that Bryan was a sex addict and his answer was to allow Bryan to have sex outside of their relationship.
Both guys approached their relationship like a series of hook ups. No communication. Not much support of each other. No commitment. They were loyal to each other as friends though.
The sex was great.
I thought Roger was weak. Roger was a masochist and was attracted to bad boys. He knew that Bryan was a drug addict and did nothing to try to help him stop. Roger knew that Bryan was a sex addict and his answer was to allow Bryan to have sex outside of their relationship.
Both guys approached their relationship like a series of hook ups. No communication. Not much support of each other. No commitment. They were loyal to each other as friends though.
The sex was great.
November 10, 2013
Wow what can I say Brad Vance just gets better and better.
The amount of work involved getting the facts straight in this book is mind boggling.
Truly a terrific read.
Be sure to check out Brads other books on retail sites that haven't banned his work.
"The great champions have a secret. They can stuff their emotions down so hard and so deep for so long. Long enough, anyway. It’s not denial, or repression, but a sophisticated bioelectrical emotional control system that can raise or lower your mental temperature as needed. When you win it all, when you reach the top, then, only then you can burst into tears, if you still have to. Roger just deactivated everything related to Jayce, his feelings, the gay thing. It was all in the way, so out of the way it went."
“The Decepticon,”
The amount of work involved getting the facts straight in this book is mind boggling.
Truly a terrific read.
Be sure to check out Brads other books on retail sites that haven't banned his work.
"The great champions have a secret. They can stuff their emotions down so hard and so deep for so long. Long enough, anyway. It’s not denial, or repression, but a sophisticated bioelectrical emotional control system that can raise or lower your mental temperature as needed. When you win it all, when you reach the top, then, only then you can burst into tears, if you still have to. Roger just deactivated everything related to Jayce, his feelings, the gay thing. It was all in the way, so out of the way it went."
“The Decepticon,”
July 31, 2016
Well written. Made me feel the terrible pressure felt by a gay athlete who hopes to become a pro. Should not be that way in real life but is. Complex characters with difficult path choices ahead of them. One made me cry for him. If you liked this story read THE LOCKER ROOM by Amy Lane.
June 2, 2014
5 heartbreaking stars!
This is the story of two college athletes. And their need for one another.
“You can’t, you’re straight.”
“Well, maybe I’m gay for you.”
When Roger Ehrens, a football player with a bright future ahead of him, meets Brian, he knows their friendship wont be enough for him, and for Brian Rauch, a baseball player that craves the acceptance and support he has never had, Roger's support makes him question his own identity.
He’d come up with a system for times like this, a numbering system for all the reasons to do, or not do, something.
One, NFL. That was always number one. The order never changed there. No more needed to be said.
Two, he’s straight. Three, he’s your friend. Four, you’re going to be his class project co-author. Five, I want him on top of me, all his giant weight on me, me on my back with my legs over his shoulders shoulders, his eyes boring into mine as he… Shit!
But the problem wont be knowing they are perfect for one another, the problem will be Roger's struggle with hiding his love, while both he and Brian pursue their professional career as athletes. And for Brian, his never ending substance abuse to get an edge over the competition and to suppress his own overwhelming guilt and self-doubt.
*-*-*-*
The story first starts in the present, and then turns into the past with Jacob's -Roger's amazing father- POV of when Roger was little and then with Roger's and Brian's take while in college.
Jacob is such an adorable man, so cute and sweet! I actually loved his take on Roger's childhood.
Roger got better. He started completing passes. Handoffs. Fakes! The pump fakes, the fake handoffs, the zig zag runs that left, um, less intelligent players going left when they should have gone right. His honest little guy was the most unbelievably devious bastard when he was on the field. There was no question who the QB was now. >>> See? Utterly adorable!
Then there's Brian's addiction problem, ohhh I got so mad! So so extremely mad! I wanted to hate him but it was impossible, he just couldnt help himself, I have no experience with addiction but on a level i knew he was in trouble and couldnt stop, the war going on inside his head was too big.
Later, Brian told himself. Later I’ll feel guilty I couldn’t fuck him, that I’m off to spring training soon and won’t see him again until who knows when. Later I’ll feel guilty that I’m on drugs and can’t stop, don’t dare stop.
Then there's Roger, he's such a sweet, gorgeous, sexy and self-less man, I just love him. Not only is he sweet but he's such a nymph! GRRR the sexy scenes were just too much for my poor heart.
“Yeah,” Roger whispered, eyes away from Brian, his face blank but his voice revealing. “I’m cold. I need a hot beef injection.”
The relationship between the MC's hurt so good, you actually get to feel the struggle, the raw love and caring they had for one another, it was simply beautiful.
Roger broke, broke wide open, and Brian felt it, kissed him again, on the eyes, the lips, the throat. God it feels strange, to kiss the big strong muscles in Roger’s neck, to feel his stubble…God it feels good.
“No. You’re a dude. You’re my dude. You wear plaid boxers, or boxer jocks, Champion or Fruit of the Loom. Maybe UA. No fucking high fashion bullshit.”
“Otherwise what?”
Roger reached under and cupped Brian’s ass. “Otherwise I’ll make you the bottom, candy ass.”
This is the story of two college athletes. And their need for one another.
“You can’t, you’re straight.”
“Well, maybe I’m gay for you.”
When Roger Ehrens, a football player with a bright future ahead of him, meets Brian, he knows their friendship wont be enough for him, and for Brian Rauch, a baseball player that craves the acceptance and support he has never had, Roger's support makes him question his own identity.
He’d come up with a system for times like this, a numbering system for all the reasons to do, or not do, something.
One, NFL. That was always number one. The order never changed there. No more needed to be said.
Two, he’s straight. Three, he’s your friend. Four, you’re going to be his class project co-author. Five, I want him on top of me, all his giant weight on me, me on my back with my legs over his shoulders shoulders, his eyes boring into mine as he… Shit!
But the problem wont be knowing they are perfect for one another, the problem will be Roger's struggle with hiding his love, while both he and Brian pursue their professional career as athletes. And for Brian, his never ending substance abuse to get an edge over the competition and to suppress his own overwhelming guilt and self-doubt.
*-*-*-*
The story first starts in the present, and then turns into the past with Jacob's -Roger's amazing father- POV of when Roger was little and then with Roger's and Brian's take while in college.
Jacob is such an adorable man, so cute and sweet! I actually loved his take on Roger's childhood.
Roger got better. He started completing passes. Handoffs. Fakes! The pump fakes, the fake handoffs, the zig zag runs that left, um, less intelligent players going left when they should have gone right. His honest little guy was the most unbelievably devious bastard when he was on the field. There was no question who the QB was now. >>> See? Utterly adorable!
Then there's Brian's addiction problem, ohhh I got so mad! So so extremely mad! I wanted to hate him but it was impossible, he just couldnt help himself, I have no experience with addiction but on a level i knew he was in trouble and couldnt stop, the war going on inside his head was too big.
Later, Brian told himself. Later I’ll feel guilty I couldn’t fuck him, that I’m off to spring training soon and won’t see him again until who knows when. Later I’ll feel guilty that I’m on drugs and can’t stop, don’t dare stop.
Then there's Roger, he's such a sweet, gorgeous, sexy and self-less man, I just love him. Not only is he sweet but he's such a nymph! GRRR the sexy scenes were just too much for my poor heart.
“Yeah,” Roger whispered, eyes away from Brian, his face blank but his voice revealing. “I’m cold. I need a hot beef injection.”
The relationship between the MC's hurt so good, you actually get to feel the struggle, the raw love and caring they had for one another, it was simply beautiful.
Roger broke, broke wide open, and Brian felt it, kissed him again, on the eyes, the lips, the throat. God it feels strange, to kiss the big strong muscles in Roger’s neck, to feel his stubble…God it feels good.
“No. You’re a dude. You’re my dude. You wear plaid boxers, or boxer jocks, Champion or Fruit of the Loom. Maybe UA. No fucking high fashion bullshit.”
“Otherwise what?”
Roger reached under and cupped Brian’s ass. “Otherwise I’ll make you the bottom, candy ass.”
October 30, 2015
Strong writing and compelling characters make this book a great read. The fact that Vance uses the “gay for you” trope that (until now) I thought only women m/m writers fell for lost it a star from me.
I’ve read quite a few sports-themed m/m books, which sort of intrigues me, because I don’t like sports and have always disliked jocks, frat boys, any of those obvious (and, I suppose, desirable) versions of manhood. Maybe it’s the gay thing – the idea of one of those testosterone-filled beasts actually yearning for another guy – that lowers my walls against jocks and let them into my head.
In Brad Vance’s case, the main characters of Roger Ehrens and Brian Rauch are followed over time, and develop before us as richly textured, fully 3-D young men. There is the requisite adoration of their size and their beauty and their substantial endowments; but it goes beyond that. We come to know their hearts and souls, what drives them, what causes them pain.
Part of what makes their portraits so vivid is the back-up player of Jacob Ehrens, Roger’s college-professor father. Jacob is the sort of gentle, loving, intuitive father that anyone would be lucky to have. His influence on his son’s life is incalculable. Brian’s father has a similar influence, but in a negative way. Part of what makes Brian’s character so interesting is his journey to find someone who will make him feel he is worthy of happiness.
Roger is a football player, and the description how he becomes one is adorable (and I know that doesn’t make sense, but that’s how it struck me). Brian is a baseball player, and his development as a star hitter is handled with equal care. For a book full of sports, Vance handles the descriptions very well, making them terse and journalistic, so that we can follow the games without drowning in details we don’t care about (which, for me, is a lot).
Somewhere out there is something called the Klein Sexuality Grid. It is a far more subtle and complex way to measure sexual orientation than the good old Kinsey Scale (on which I am a total six). I kept thinking of the Klein Grid as I read this book, trying to manage my negative emotions around Vance’s “gay for you” plot device. It almost worked, although I kept hearing cries of “bi-erasure” in the back of my mind. Gay writers need to write about bisexuality better.
By the end of “Given the Circumstances” I was genuinely moved to tears. There are so many good people in this book, and their support of Roger and Brian in the face of the ugly rigors of high level team sports was one of the most powerful narrative threads. Brian and Roger’s relationship is the bright center of this book. Whatever my qualms, Vance makes them an unforgettable duo, and with them builds a romance worthy of our devotion.
I’ve read quite a few sports-themed m/m books, which sort of intrigues me, because I don’t like sports and have always disliked jocks, frat boys, any of those obvious (and, I suppose, desirable) versions of manhood. Maybe it’s the gay thing – the idea of one of those testosterone-filled beasts actually yearning for another guy – that lowers my walls against jocks and let them into my head.
In Brad Vance’s case, the main characters of Roger Ehrens and Brian Rauch are followed over time, and develop before us as richly textured, fully 3-D young men. There is the requisite adoration of their size and their beauty and their substantial endowments; but it goes beyond that. We come to know their hearts and souls, what drives them, what causes them pain.
Part of what makes their portraits so vivid is the back-up player of Jacob Ehrens, Roger’s college-professor father. Jacob is the sort of gentle, loving, intuitive father that anyone would be lucky to have. His influence on his son’s life is incalculable. Brian’s father has a similar influence, but in a negative way. Part of what makes Brian’s character so interesting is his journey to find someone who will make him feel he is worthy of happiness.
Roger is a football player, and the description how he becomes one is adorable (and I know that doesn’t make sense, but that’s how it struck me). Brian is a baseball player, and his development as a star hitter is handled with equal care. For a book full of sports, Vance handles the descriptions very well, making them terse and journalistic, so that we can follow the games without drowning in details we don’t care about (which, for me, is a lot).
Somewhere out there is something called the Klein Sexuality Grid. It is a far more subtle and complex way to measure sexual orientation than the good old Kinsey Scale (on which I am a total six). I kept thinking of the Klein Grid as I read this book, trying to manage my negative emotions around Vance’s “gay for you” plot device. It almost worked, although I kept hearing cries of “bi-erasure” in the back of my mind. Gay writers need to write about bisexuality better.
By the end of “Given the Circumstances” I was genuinely moved to tears. There are so many good people in this book, and their support of Roger and Brian in the face of the ugly rigors of high level team sports was one of the most powerful narrative threads. Brian and Roger’s relationship is the bright center of this book. Whatever my qualms, Vance makes them an unforgettable duo, and with them builds a romance worthy of our devotion.
August 4, 2016
Man, how I loved this...
This was such a wonderful story!
Lately I'm lucky enough to keep finding great stories that push all the right buttons. This one was no exception.
I loved the pace, how the slow-burn gave meaning to the relationship, it made it more special. I loved the chance to get to know both guys and to understand them as completely as possible... And it was impossible not to love them.
As I usually say, friends-to-lovers is one of my guilty pleasures. This one had also the "gay for you" element, which I'm not always sold on, but in this case it was handled skilfully, so I really enjoyed it.
Again, I loved the characters. They felt so real, so genuine and honest, it was hard not to feel for them. They really got to me.
At first glance, I guess you could say that both were pretty stereotipical. But it took only to get to know them, and you could see just how many layers there was to them, how they were so much more than what they appeared, they had true depth; and so did their relationship. The evolution of their journey (and not without a couple bumps in the road) was perfectly paced, and it took all the directions that made sense. It was so well crafted, really. A true pleasure to behold.
As a special mention, I just HAVE to give this shoutout to the message conveyed through Brian's arc. It's so important a message to give, much needed (especially because not every person in a situation like Brian's- or similar- is lucky enough to have the support he did, not eventually, not ever; and it's hard sometimes for people to stand on their own two feet; but we need to know that it's not impossible).
And I just can't NOT mention how much I enjoyed the sex scenes. I think they were my favorites I've ever read. They felt so right, you know? Like, I was reading that and I kept thinking "yes, this is exactly what I aim for, it's exactly what I want". I mean, I was almost as wondered as Roger: it was just so amazing to have them be so happy and relaxed and joking and laughing and having SUCH a good time... That was the sexiest thing ever, and I think that is how it should always be (or at least how I would want it to be for me).It felt much deeper, because the connection they have outside the bedroom was still there; in most sex scenes I've read, it's like the relationship completely changes, like the characters interact completely different than usual, and this time it didn't feel off at all, and I loved that. It made me SO happy!
Honestly, I could go on for hours about what I loved about this book. But I would be too excited to watch myself for spoilers. So all I'm going to say is: just read it. It's SO worth it, for a number of reasons, so get inside this book and find yours.
This was such a wonderful story!
Lately I'm lucky enough to keep finding great stories that push all the right buttons. This one was no exception.
I loved the pace, how the slow-burn gave meaning to the relationship, it made it more special. I loved the chance to get to know both guys and to understand them as completely as possible... And it was impossible not to love them.
As I usually say, friends-to-lovers is one of my guilty pleasures. This one had also the "gay for you" element, which I'm not always sold on, but in this case it was handled skilfully, so I really enjoyed it.
Again, I loved the characters. They felt so real, so genuine and honest, it was hard not to feel for them. They really got to me.
At first glance, I guess you could say that both were pretty stereotipical. But it took only to get to know them, and you could see just how many layers there was to them, how they were so much more than what they appeared, they had true depth; and so did their relationship. The evolution of their journey (and not without a couple bumps in the road) was perfectly paced, and it took all the directions that made sense. It was so well crafted, really. A true pleasure to behold.
As a special mention, I just HAVE to give this shoutout to the message conveyed through Brian's arc. It's so important a message to give, much needed (especially because not every person in a situation like Brian's- or similar- is lucky enough to have the support he did, not eventually, not ever; and it's hard sometimes for people to stand on their own two feet; but we need to know that it's not impossible).
And I just can't NOT mention how much I enjoyed the sex scenes. I think they were my favorites I've ever read. They felt so right, you know? Like, I was reading that and I kept thinking "yes, this is exactly what I aim for, it's exactly what I want". I mean, I was almost as wondered as Roger: it was just so amazing to have them be so happy and relaxed and joking and laughing and having SUCH a good time... That was the sexiest thing ever, and I think that is how it should always be (or at least how I would want it to be for me).It felt much deeper, because the connection they have outside the bedroom was still there; in most sex scenes I've read, it's like the relationship completely changes, like the characters interact completely different than usual, and this time it didn't feel off at all, and I loved that. It made me SO happy!
Honestly, I could go on for hours about what I loved about this book. But I would be too excited to watch myself for spoilers. So all I'm going to say is: just read it. It's SO worth it, for a number of reasons, so get inside this book and find yours.
October 25, 2015
Really liked this one, my first Brad Vance read...and it won't be my last as I have two more of his lined up on the Kindle. This is kind of a 'twofer' cos you've got Roger, all American boy and his attempt to be the best QB he could be, and poor, disadvantaged Brian and his baseball. 4 very realistic stars from me.
I was pretty certain that professional athletes get little or no private time, and this story confirmed it for me, but when you're young and a certain sport is all you want to do when you grow up, what other opportunity do you have to make a success of it for yourself?? Add the fact that you're gay into the mix, and you're more or less forced to keep quiet and do what everyone else wants you to do as Roger discovered. Once he knew that he was actually in love with Brian and that it was returned, he was prepared to let their relationship take a back seat until they got older and could quietly fade away from the intense media pressure they were under. It must be horrific!! Brian, of course, was not as strong as Roger and succumbed to the pressure of easily available drink and drugs (God, that Jeremy was a slimy little s**t, and I'm so glad he got his!!) but an older mentor took him under his wing, and things got sorted in the end. Did I get my HEA??? You betcha!!
January 18, 2014
Wow. I feel like goldilocks when she finds the right porridge, the right chair, and the right bed. This was the right book. So many things right about this one. The character development was there and the pace was fantastic. There was such a nice build up to the relationship. No insta-love and completely different from other books with this kind of storyline in that the relationship is really built on relationship. Not a sudden budding attraction, but true affection and love deeper than the physical act. Although once the physical relationship begins it is blazing!
One other piece that really had an impact on me is how Brian's father was handled. Although the impact of his parenting had long reaching effects, he wasn't a major part of the story. Instead the focus was on other father figures and mentors who filled in the gap for Brian. I honestly loved that.
If I had any complaints at all it would be that there are some scenes that were cut off. (i.e. the Heisman Trophy dinner) They weren't really important to the story, but the jump threw me a bit.
This book had me from beginning to end...great epilogue. 4.5 stars
One other piece that really had an impact on me is how Brian's father was handled. Although the impact of his parenting had long reaching effects, he wasn't a major part of the story. Instead the focus was on other father figures and mentors who filled in the gap for Brian. I honestly loved that.
If I had any complaints at all it would be that there are some scenes that were cut off. (i.e. the Heisman Trophy dinner) They weren't really important to the story, but the jump threw me a bit.
This book had me from beginning to end...great epilogue. 4.5 stars
March 22, 2014
Was a good read, but a strange mixture...
It was entertaining and held my interest.
But I asked myself afterwards, why I liked reading it.
It was a little too much about physical perfection as the foundation for love.
Brian didn't have much else going on for him imo. I never had the impression that he was such a great person. Mostly he was weak.
And Roger was too good to be true in every dimension.
It was well written, but it lacked a certain impact for me.
The end was too convenient and sappy.
It was entertaining and held my interest.
But I asked myself afterwards, why I liked reading it.
It was a little too much about physical perfection as the foundation for love.
Brian didn't have much else going on for him imo. I never had the impression that he was such a great person. Mostly he was weak.
And Roger was too good to be true in every dimension.
It was well written, but it lacked a certain impact for me.
The end was too convenient and sappy.
February 5, 2014
I liked the plot of the story but Brian made me hate him sometimes. I know that Roger liked bad boys and all that, but come on Jayse was a loser. Sad about what happened to him, but still. Brian really really worked my last nerve. I liked him at certain times, but the dude totally knew how to fuck everything up. He played that I had no support from dad, my dad didn't love me, i don't feel worthy; so I'm gonna fuck up thing so good! Overall it was a good read, kinda slow paced but good!
July 30, 2015
two gay athletes one a hard worker and determined at doing it the hard way and the other a natural who looks for the easy way when not challenged by some one good. they fall in love in college and one has his pro career ruined in scandal and the other because of injury. we get to see their wedding after they are both no longer pros.
February 26, 2016
An amazing book!
I loved the slow build of Roger and Brian's relationship, to learn, how their upbringing formed them and affected the decisions they made. To read, how demanding a career as a professional athlete is, how much it takes from the personal life.
A book about friendship, trust and pure, unconditional love.
I loved the slow build of Roger and Brian's relationship, to learn, how their upbringing formed them and affected the decisions they made. To read, how demanding a career as a professional athlete is, how much it takes from the personal life.
A book about friendship, trust and pure, unconditional love.
February 8, 2022
I liked it a lot but missed what Roger did after NFL, Brian became a coach but not sure about Roger. Unlike others I didn't mind the cheating as it made the story more real-life like and fitted Brian's state of mind at that time. For such a nice man I found it surprising that Roger's dad didn't find a lady friend. Anyway, a good read from the author.
4 stars
4 stars
April 12, 2017
Roger and Brian meet. Sparks fly. They are both college heroes in sports that are not so open and accepting of the relationship developing between the two men. One of the men works hard to get to the top of his game because of the support of a loving father. The other needs to work just as hard but is willing to take shortcuts to get to the top that aren’t always ethical. Both need to keep their relationship as quiet as possible so that they can play in the professional leagues and finally make their dreams come true.
Told in flashback style, the book takes us on their long journey to make it professionally and as a couple. There are roadblocks, pitfalls, and a professional suspension to overcome. But nothing is harder than admitting that what you really need to feel complete as a human is to love and be loved in return.
Narrated by the author, this is a fine book. The story is believable and is more of a read than a performance. There’s nothing wrong with that. But, regular listeners of audiobooks may take a while to get into the narration. The story deserves an audiobook because of the interesting plot and interaction between the main characters. These men are clearly in love, the story tells us all about it, the narration gives us more depth than just reading the book. While the narration is above average, it could have been better. Since the author reads the book, there is no mistaking the intent of the words. Hopefully, with more experience, Vance will get much better at reading, or hand off the narration of his books to someone else.
The reading is average, the pacing is fine. If you have the money, or if this one goes on sale (that happens often with Audible), buy the book. The story alone is worth the money.
Reviewed by Mike for The Novel Approach Reviews
Told in flashback style, the book takes us on their long journey to make it professionally and as a couple. There are roadblocks, pitfalls, and a professional suspension to overcome. But nothing is harder than admitting that what you really need to feel complete as a human is to love and be loved in return.
Narrated by the author, this is a fine book. The story is believable and is more of a read than a performance. There’s nothing wrong with that. But, regular listeners of audiobooks may take a while to get into the narration. The story deserves an audiobook because of the interesting plot and interaction between the main characters. These men are clearly in love, the story tells us all about it, the narration gives us more depth than just reading the book. While the narration is above average, it could have been better. Since the author reads the book, there is no mistaking the intent of the words. Hopefully, with more experience, Vance will get much better at reading, or hand off the narration of his books to someone else.
The reading is average, the pacing is fine. If you have the money, or if this one goes on sale (that happens often with Audible), buy the book. The story alone is worth the money.
Reviewed by Mike for The Novel Approach Reviews
February 27, 2022
Really enjoyed this one. I thought about getting a hard copy after the listen. A really well-drawn sports romance with one lead who is fairly troubled. The characters felt very real to me. Brian sees baseball as his ticket away from a chaotic home life and future, but has never learned how to work for what he wants. When he has support, he tends to progress and do what he needs to do. When he doesn’t, it’s pretty easy to convince him to stray. Meanwhile, Roger, who’s really the protagonist, is a golden boy. But he falls for bad boys. So I thought that was an interesting dichotomy, what can he expect from Brian, what does he have a right to expect, when part of what draws him to Brian is the fact that Brian doesn’t always play by the rules? Substance abuse is a trigger for me and it was present which gave me some anxiety. The book wasn’t too heavy, though. The author narrated it, and as I don’t think he was a voice actor it took some adjustment, but then I thought he was phenomenal. Mostly the characters were so well done that the book was really a five star read for me. TW for infidelity as well.
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