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Footwork
Bode Harlan has never claimed to be a good guy, but he’s trying to keep his nose clean and his head down these days.
After a year in prison for assault-and to be fair, he did it-he isn’t looking to go back. Admittedly, his pretty face being the star attraction in an illegal underground fighting ring seems to run counter to that goal, but he’s gotta pay the bills and there ain’t much else he’s good.
And it keeps his parole officer off his back…since she runs the place.
Then his mom skips town and her boyfriend kicks Bode’s 14 year old brother out on the street. Bode grow up in and out of foster care, he doesn’t want that for Danny. It’s not like he can take the kid in, though. He’s an ex-con who gets beat up twice a month for money. That’s how he ends up on his good-natured ex-boyfriend’s doorstep. Sonny is a soft touch. At least he always was for Bode. All he wants is somewhere to crash for a couple of nights, nothing more. Sonny’s got his life together now--a home, a boyfriend, even a dog-and it would take a real asshole to want to blow that up.
...of course, Bode’s never said he wasn’t an asshole.
After a year in prison for assault-and to be fair, he did it-he isn’t looking to go back. Admittedly, his pretty face being the star attraction in an illegal underground fighting ring seems to run counter to that goal, but he’s gotta pay the bills and there ain’t much else he’s good.
And it keeps his parole officer off his back…since she runs the place.
Then his mom skips town and her boyfriend kicks Bode’s 14 year old brother out on the street. Bode grow up in and out of foster care, he doesn’t want that for Danny. It’s not like he can take the kid in, though. He’s an ex-con who gets beat up twice a month for money. That’s how he ends up on his good-natured ex-boyfriend’s doorstep. Sonny is a soft touch. At least he always was for Bode. All he wants is somewhere to crash for a couple of nights, nothing more. Sonny’s got his life together now--a home, a boyfriend, even a dog-and it would take a real asshole to want to blow that up.
...of course, Bode’s never said he wasn’t an asshole.
- GenresM M RomanceRomance
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 10, 2023
4 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
T.A. Moore
45 books391 followersTA Moore is a Northern Irish writer of romantic suspense, urban fantasy, and contemporary romance novels. A childhood in a rural, seaside town fostered in her a suspicious nature, a love of mystery, and a streak of black humour a mile wide. As her grandmother always said, ‘she’d laugh at a bad thing that one’, mind you, that was the pot calling the kettle black. TA Moore studied History, Irish mythology, English at University, mostly because she has always loved a good story. She has worked as a journalist, a finance manager, and in the arts sectors before she finally gave in to a lifelong desire to write.
Coffee, Doc Marten boots, and good friends are the essential things in life. Spiders, mayo, and heels are to be avoided.
Website: www.nevertobetold.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TA.Moores
Twitter: @tammy_moore
Coffee, Doc Marten boots, and good friends are the essential things in life. Spiders, mayo, and heels are to be avoided.
Website: www.nevertobetold.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TA.Moores
Twitter: @tammy_moore
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 9, 2023
I'm rounding this up from 3.5. I did enjoy the story overall but there were a few things that took away from it for me.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
September 5, 2023
4.5 stars.
Bode's start in life was so terrible, he’s had to deal and cope with some awful things, so it was probably inevitable that he'd end up in prison. When he gets out on parole, he finds himself in In a bind, and turns to his ex boyfriend for help, and what follows is a story which has a little bit of everything...suspense, romance of a sort, angst and so many more emotions! The chemistry and tension between Bode and Sonny is a complete and utter emotional rollercoaster ride.They become trapped in a deal with the devil, that is certainly going to test their new romance. This is a good read, well written, gripping, dark and sexy. You can feel the tension and emotion stream from the pages. If you like a clear cut HEA though, be warned, this is definitely a HFN. I'm hoping there'll be a follow on book.
Bode's start in life was so terrible, he’s had to deal and cope with some awful things, so it was probably inevitable that he'd end up in prison. When he gets out on parole, he finds himself in In a bind, and turns to his ex boyfriend for help, and what follows is a story which has a little bit of everything...suspense, romance of a sort, angst and so many more emotions! The chemistry and tension between Bode and Sonny is a complete and utter emotional rollercoaster ride.They become trapped in a deal with the devil, that is certainly going to test their new romance. This is a good read, well written, gripping, dark and sexy. You can feel the tension and emotion stream from the pages. If you like a clear cut HEA though, be warned, this is definitely a HFN. I'm hoping there'll be a follow on book.
January 15, 2024
I really love most everything I read from T.A. Moore. I like that her romances are understated without ridiculous, schmaltzy hearts and flowers; and I like that her characters fall in the morally gray zone. Footwork fit the formula, so I’m not sure why I didn’t love it as much as some of the author’s other stories. That said I really enjoyed the characters, and to be precise I really liked Bode. I felt Sonny was a bit lackluster and I think, the reason 1 star went away. To be fair, Bode is such an over the top character, anyone paired with him may come away looking a little milquetoast, but there you have it.
Bode Harlan is bad news. Everyone knows it, even him. That’s basically why he left Sonny. It was probably his only selfless act. He knew Sonny would never have a stable life if he stuck around. Bode and Sonny met in their late teens, dated for a few years, Bode broke his heart, went to jail, then went on with his life headlining illegal fights for his crooked probation officer. All that and he’s still only 22, 23 I forget. Bode would never have known that Sonny was trying to make a normal life, May-December’ing it with Deputy Boyfriend, except that fate intervened. His (once upon a time, teenaged) mother once again went chasing after her latest meal ticket and abandoned Bode’s 14-year-old deaf brother Danny. Once again, Bode must sort out the family drama and that means having to resort to his “safety ex.” for a temporary place to stay. That’s when his resolution to give up Sonny, the only thing in life he ever really wanted, falters.
Bode’s supposed to be an asshole, and he is sort of; but I get him. He’s a product of his environment. He loves his brother; he loves Sonny, enough to try to walk away and he loves his poor excuse of a mother. He’s loyal to a fault and in some ways selfless. Sonny is a nice guy, a former juvenile delinquent himself, again – product of his environment. Sonny is a bit of an optimist, someone who doesn’t always assume the worse in every situation but he’s also not a pushover. He’s just sort of…bland. He and Bode go well together…. but I didn’t feel the fireworks. There wasn’t much angst with Sonny’s deputy boyfriend because they had just started dating; and he told Sonny what he shouldn’t allow his dog to do, AND he had the audacity to verbally correct Sonny’s dog when it was clearly none of his business! Deal breaker, see yourself out.
Bode Harlan is bad news. Everyone knows it, even him. That’s basically why he left Sonny. It was probably his only selfless act. He knew Sonny would never have a stable life if he stuck around. Bode and Sonny met in their late teens, dated for a few years, Bode broke his heart, went to jail, then went on with his life headlining illegal fights for his crooked probation officer. All that and he’s still only 22, 23 I forget. Bode would never have known that Sonny was trying to make a normal life, May-December’ing it with Deputy Boyfriend, except that fate intervened. His (once upon a time, teenaged) mother once again went chasing after her latest meal ticket and abandoned Bode’s 14-year-old deaf brother Danny. Once again, Bode must sort out the family drama and that means having to resort to his “safety ex.” for a temporary place to stay. That’s when his resolution to give up Sonny, the only thing in life he ever really wanted, falters.
Bode’s supposed to be an asshole, and he is sort of; but I get him. He’s a product of his environment. He loves his brother; he loves Sonny, enough to try to walk away and he loves his poor excuse of a mother. He’s loyal to a fault and in some ways selfless. Sonny is a nice guy, a former juvenile delinquent himself, again – product of his environment. Sonny is a bit of an optimist, someone who doesn’t always assume the worse in every situation but he’s also not a pushover. He’s just sort of…bland. He and Bode go well together…. but I didn’t feel the fireworks. There wasn’t much angst with Sonny’s deputy boyfriend because they had just started dating; and he told Sonny what he shouldn’t allow his dog to do, AND he had the audacity to verbally correct Sonny’s dog when it was clearly none of his business! Deal breaker, see yourself out.
September 13, 2023
Bode is out on parole and doing what needs to be done to survive.
Even if it might land him back in the clink.
Things are rough but they are about to get even rougher when he gets a call to come get his little brother. Seems mom has left town and the boyfriend wants nothing to do with raising someone else's kid
He can't take him back to the halfway house, and he can't abandon him
Leaves only one place
Sunshinse's
But Sunshine has his life together now.
Can Bode really dump all this on his doorstep?
Yeah, he can.
But the curveballs keep coming for Bode and now it seems he has brought his ex into his mess
It took me a couple of chapters to get engaged with the characters
I still think their relationship is toxic but they both acknowledge that they know they aren't good for each other...
Love is a strong emotion
I think Sonny could have done better. I'm sorry Bode. I get you didn't have the best example growing up (why did you agree, I would have said "Not my problem" but that's a whole conversation for another time) but that didn't give cause for the way you treated Sunshine at times...
Stop hiding how you feel, and stop caring what others think.
Their opinions aren't even valid, they don't feed you or put a roof over your head - or in this case, keep the love of your life in your life
I wish there had been a bit more meat, detail (? ) in some of the scenes. More on their past. Mom?
I have questions, all kinds of questions.
I felt like the ending wrapped up a bit quickly.
I do hope the good deputy gets his HEA someday
And that our lovely parole officer gets her due
Even if it might land him back in the clink.
Things are rough but they are about to get even rougher when he gets a call to come get his little brother. Seems mom has left town and the boyfriend wants nothing to do with raising someone else's kid
He can't take him back to the halfway house, and he can't abandon him
Leaves only one place
Sunshinse's
But Sunshine has his life together now.
Can Bode really dump all this on his doorstep?
Yeah, he can.
But the curveballs keep coming for Bode and now it seems he has brought his ex into his mess
It took me a couple of chapters to get engaged with the characters
I still think their relationship is toxic but they both acknowledge that they know they aren't good for each other...
Love is a strong emotion
I think Sonny could have done better. I'm sorry Bode. I get you didn't have the best example growing up (why did you agree, I would have said "Not my problem" but that's a whole conversation for another time) but that didn't give cause for the way you treated Sunshine at times...
Stop hiding how you feel, and stop caring what others think.
Their opinions aren't even valid, they don't feed you or put a roof over your head - or in this case, keep the love of your life in your life
I wish there had been a bit more meat, detail (? ) in some of the scenes. More on their past. Mom?
I have questions, all kinds of questions.
I felt like the ending wrapped up a bit quickly.
I do hope the good deputy gets his HEA someday
And that our lovely parole officer gets her due
September 15, 2023
I was gifted my copy of this book.
Bode never claimed to be an angel. Serving time for his crimes, he's out on parole and finds himself in an illegal fight ring run by his parole officer. When his mum skips town, and the step father throws Bode's younger brother, Danny, out, Bode goes to the last person who might want to see him, but the one he knows won't say no to him, his ex Sonny.
Bode is an a$$hole. He knows it, Sonny knows it, even Danny knows it. But what I loved about Bode is he doesn't try to be anything else. He is what he is, and you take as he is. But deep down, Bode's heart is in the right place, he just goes about it all wrong.
He knows Sonny won't say no, and won't push him away, and he knows Sonny has a boyfriend (deputy boyfriend, it made me smile, Bode giving him that tag!) but Bode still pushes Sonny. To some extent, Sonny lets himself be pushed though, and Sonny knows that he will eventually give in. I liked that he does what he does BEFORE giving in though.
Danny is a character, and I loved that even at 14, he can see who Bode is. But I liked that he still has some child-like qualities: believing his mum will come home, especially. Not sure I liked mum, to be honest! I mean she does come good, but bloody hell, it's hardly surprising Bode is how he is with her for his mum.
Getting Bode out of the fighting ring comes top priority, and, as much as deputy boyfriend hates Bode, he does help. I liked how that all worked out. Not how I thought it was going to, to be honest so I love being kept on my toes there.
Given who Bode is and what he is doing, it is quite violent, but I think it really is needed to know just what he is going through. Steamy and smexy too!
Both Sonny and Bode have a say, so I'm happy about that cos I wasn't sure if Sonny would at one point!
It's been a while since I read a Moore book. I do like the way she spins her tales.
5 full and shiny stars
*similar worded review will appear elsewhere
Bode never claimed to be an angel. Serving time for his crimes, he's out on parole and finds himself in an illegal fight ring run by his parole officer. When his mum skips town, and the step father throws Bode's younger brother, Danny, out, Bode goes to the last person who might want to see him, but the one he knows won't say no to him, his ex Sonny.
Bode is an a$$hole. He knows it, Sonny knows it, even Danny knows it. But what I loved about Bode is he doesn't try to be anything else. He is what he is, and you take as he is. But deep down, Bode's heart is in the right place, he just goes about it all wrong.
He knows Sonny won't say no, and won't push him away, and he knows Sonny has a boyfriend (deputy boyfriend, it made me smile, Bode giving him that tag!) but Bode still pushes Sonny. To some extent, Sonny lets himself be pushed though, and Sonny knows that he will eventually give in. I liked that he does what he does BEFORE giving in though.
Danny is a character, and I loved that even at 14, he can see who Bode is. But I liked that he still has some child-like qualities: believing his mum will come home, especially. Not sure I liked mum, to be honest! I mean she does come good, but bloody hell, it's hardly surprising Bode is how he is with her for his mum.
Getting Bode out of the fighting ring comes top priority, and, as much as deputy boyfriend hates Bode, he does help. I liked how that all worked out. Not how I thought it was going to, to be honest so I love being kept on my toes there.
Given who Bode is and what he is doing, it is quite violent, but I think it really is needed to know just what he is going through. Steamy and smexy too!
Both Sonny and Bode have a say, so I'm happy about that cos I wasn't sure if Sonny would at one point!
It's been a while since I read a Moore book. I do like the way she spins her tales.
5 full and shiny stars
*similar worded review will appear elsewhere
September 7, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. It is about down on their luck , everyday people just trying to make it in life against the odds. Bode Harlan and Sonny used to be boyfriends until Bode dumped Sonny. He tries to tell himself he did it because he didn't want a relationship, but in reality , Bode doesn't think he's good enough for Sonny and will just bring him down. Bode is recently out of prison for assault and making money in an underground fight ring that his run by his parole officer so he couldn't really say no unless he wants to go back to prison. Bode ends up having to take care of his younger brother Danny who is deaf after their mother runs off to Vegas and her boyfriend kicks Danny out. Bode turns to Sonny for help, and Sonny agrees to let them stay at his place for a couple of days. However, those days keep on piling up and Sonny's boyfriend is not happy about it. Sonny and Bode keep being drawn to each other, and Sonny finally breaks up with his boyfriend due to his continued feelings for Bode. However, before they can truly try to make their relationship work, they have to get Bode's mother out of trouble and get Bode out of the underground fight club without Bode ending back in prison. I really liked how Sonny fought for Bode and figured out a way to help him. I would love to read a book about Danny when he is older.
August 17, 2023
This is the first story I’ve read by this author and it sure held my attention. Bode recently released from prison is on probation so he has to do what he can to not be sent back. There are a few problems with that. One he needs money and has no good options for legally getting any and second his parole officer also runs a illegal fighting club. He fights for cash but his parole officer wants him to move up in the standings because he will draw more money. In the meantime, his mom has disappeared leaving his younger brother with her latest guy. His brother, Danny has more than a few issues but then why wouldn’t he. Both kids have been raised by a mom who is totally irresponsible. Bode can’t take Danny to the halfway house where he is living so he thinks about his ex who has moved on. Bode’s ex, Sonny has also been his bff since they were young. Bode knows Sonny is a softy for him so he asks Sonny for a place to stay until he can line something up. There are quite a few twists to this story and it sure kept my attention. So much of the story is heartbreaking. The way the author puts it all together and answers everything is fantastic. I loved this story and look forward for more from this author.
September 16, 2023
4 Stars
I liked Sonny, even if he was kind of door-matty with everything regarding Bode for a long time, but he was also supportive of Bode and Danny when they needed him. It took me way longer to like Bode, he was very mercenary in the way he knew he could count on Sonny, even if Sonny was in a relationship. I'm not one to condone cheating, but it was fairly obvious Sonny was not over Bode, and even if Bode kept flirting with Sonny, he really didn't take it further than a kiss until Sonny and Paul broke things off. Bode and Sonny had great chemistry and were hot together.
My favorite secondary character was definitely Danny, who stole the show every single time he appeared. On the other hand, I hated both Judd and Annie, they were horrible.
Overall, this was a good read, even if it took me longer than usual to get past Bode being so pushy with Sonny. It was entertaining, a bit angsty, and while not a big fan of Bode at first, by the end I was hoping he and Sonny would get their HEA. Recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
I liked Sonny, even if he was kind of door-matty with everything regarding Bode for a long time, but he was also supportive of Bode and Danny when they needed him. It took me way longer to like Bode, he was very mercenary in the way he knew he could count on Sonny, even if Sonny was in a relationship. I'm not one to condone cheating, but it was fairly obvious Sonny was not over Bode, and even if Bode kept flirting with Sonny, he really didn't take it further than a kiss until Sonny and Paul broke things off. Bode and Sonny had great chemistry and were hot together.
My favorite secondary character was definitely Danny, who stole the show every single time he appeared. On the other hand, I hated both Judd and Annie, they were horrible.
Overall, this was a good read, even if it took me longer than usual to get past Bode being so pushy with Sonny. It was entertaining, a bit angsty, and while not a big fan of Bode at first, by the end I was hoping he and Sonny would get their HEA. Recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
September 6, 2023
Meeting Sonny was the only good thing in Bode’s life. And despite the fact that they are not together any more, Bode knows Sonny will never deny him, even if it means getting in trouble with his knew and shiny boyfriend. But Bode knows how to make up for the inconvenience…
This is a quite intense, character driven story. Bode is a magnet for trouble, but he knows he can count on Sonny to help him out of whatever mess he is into. Sonny knows Bode means heartache, but he cannot help it… A missing mother, an illegal fight ring, corrupt parole officers and a righteous cop boyfriend conspire to keep Bode and Sonny apart, but somehow they manage to overcome their difficulties. Their HEA is a HFN, because there are many things about their future together we can wonder about, but no doubt they will manage… Because these two are certainly meant to be together.
Sometimes dark and gritty, some times intriguing, full of sexual tension and teen anguish, I guess not everybody will enjoy this book as much as I’ve done. I’ve really liked it!
I received an ARC and this is my voluntary review.
This is a quite intense, character driven story. Bode is a magnet for trouble, but he knows he can count on Sonny to help him out of whatever mess he is into. Sonny knows Bode means heartache, but he cannot help it… A missing mother, an illegal fight ring, corrupt parole officers and a righteous cop boyfriend conspire to keep Bode and Sonny apart, but somehow they manage to overcome their difficulties. Their HEA is a HFN, because there are many things about their future together we can wonder about, but no doubt they will manage… Because these two are certainly meant to be together.
Sometimes dark and gritty, some times intriguing, full of sexual tension and teen anguish, I guess not everybody will enjoy this book as much as I’ve done. I’ve really liked it!
I received an ARC and this is my voluntary review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2023
There’s an interesting mixture here of the gritty and the quotidian; of intrigue, action, and romance. There’s a setting with plenty of rough edges and dark shadows, and there’s a fascinating collection of characters who are doing their best (or worst) to get by. Bode is the kind of character it’s easy to care about— he’s been through so much, and the hits (literally) keep coming. His chemistry with Sonny is deeply real, but so is their baggage and to say circumstances are “complicated” is to undersell things to an almost laughable degree. Everything about this read feels balanced on a knife edge— disaster is pretty much always looming, emotions (and the stakes) are pretty much always high, and the tension and feeling radiate from pretty much every interaction, yet there’s still room for some sweetness and some snark and plenty of heat. Overall, I found this story easy to get pulled into and hard to put down: well worth checking out.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
September 2, 2023
Umm.. I don't know what to say about this book. When I read the blurb I was interested in reading about Bode and Sonny's story. Upon reading the book I soon discovered that this author's writing style is not for me. This book felt clunky and very disjointed. Quite frankly, it was hard to like either MC. It just didn't seem as though they were right for each other. Bode was brash, rude, and violent. Sure he might care about Sonny and his brother but he had an off way of showing it. And Sonny just basically shrugged Bode's behavior off.
I feel like this book has a lot going for it as for as a concept goes. I really like the overall plot, I enjoyed that aspect of this book. I just feel like the way this was written really made it feel disjointed. I liked Danny's character, I wish there would've been more information about him. Overall not a bad book, but just not my style.
I feel like this book has a lot going for it as for as a concept goes. I really like the overall plot, I enjoyed that aspect of this book. I just feel like the way this was written really made it feel disjointed. I liked Danny's character, I wish there would've been more information about him. Overall not a bad book, but just not my style.
September 30, 2023
In the small town of Sweeney everyone knows your business.
Bode Harlan has just been released from the State Penitentiary after serving a year. The only place he has to stay is a halfway house, where you never know who’s going to stay there. He’s gotten a call from his fourteen year old brother Danny, who’s deaf. Dannys been staying in a trailer owned by Judd Miller, his mom’s so-called boyfriend. Annie, their mother, has gone off again with another man to Las Vegas. Danny has apparently gotten into an argument and Judd has struck Danny.
Bode’s not in a good situation to take care of Danny and there are no friends or relatives that can help out. Bode is also mixed up in the illegal fight game run by Daley a shady parole officer. She’s definitely has Bode by the balls. Bode is a good fighter and he does make money but not what he deserves.
The only one that Bode can possibly trust is his ex-boyfriend Sonny. Sonny lives alone with his sweet Emily. He works construction, takes care of himself, he’s smart, but most thought Sonny to be easy going and a pushover. At sixteen he met Bode and he towed a hard row with his feelings for Bode, up until the day Bode broke his heart. When Bode shows up at his door he refuses to let Bode stay but gives in for just one night. Sonny knows Danny too and his feelings won’t let him desert Danny, plus Emily takes an immediate liking to Danny. But Sonny struggles with his feelings for Bode. Sonny also has a boyfriend, Deputy Paul Martin. Being from this small town Bode knows all about him. Sonny has to believe that Bode just doesn’t care about anyone, and he needs to protect himself against Bode.
Bode has enough to deal with between Danny, Sonny and Annie. He comes up with a plan that could end the all the trouble or put him back in prison.
T.A. Moore just has the know-how to always bring small backwards town drama, humor and love to her stories. Just like so many of the authors novels, the characters always have some rough edges and there’s always something illegal going on. “Footwork” has everything: heart-wrenching and sweet moments, suspense, banter, snark, action, fun, love and lot’s of steam. The descriptions of the fight scenes are exciting and written really well. Of course, there’s always the bad boy, Bode Harlan, trying to do good but not in the right way. Sonny, who still has feelings for Bode and Bode just drives him crazy. Not many know Sonny as well as Bode and their chemistry is off the charts. I look at “Footwork” as a story you don’t have to strain your brain to figure out, just go with it and enjoy every minute of good solid entertainment.
I’ve followed T.A. Moore since 2017 when I got to read the ARC for “Bone to Pick.” Since then every story they write just get’s more incredible with all the good feels. Just like all the stories before, I highly recommend “Footwork” it’s worth the read!
Bode Harlan has just been released from the State Penitentiary after serving a year. The only place he has to stay is a halfway house, where you never know who’s going to stay there. He’s gotten a call from his fourteen year old brother Danny, who’s deaf. Dannys been staying in a trailer owned by Judd Miller, his mom’s so-called boyfriend. Annie, their mother, has gone off again with another man to Las Vegas. Danny has apparently gotten into an argument and Judd has struck Danny.
Bode’s not in a good situation to take care of Danny and there are no friends or relatives that can help out. Bode is also mixed up in the illegal fight game run by Daley a shady parole officer. She’s definitely has Bode by the balls. Bode is a good fighter and he does make money but not what he deserves.
The only one that Bode can possibly trust is his ex-boyfriend Sonny. Sonny lives alone with his sweet Emily. He works construction, takes care of himself, he’s smart, but most thought Sonny to be easy going and a pushover. At sixteen he met Bode and he towed a hard row with his feelings for Bode, up until the day Bode broke his heart. When Bode shows up at his door he refuses to let Bode stay but gives in for just one night. Sonny knows Danny too and his feelings won’t let him desert Danny, plus Emily takes an immediate liking to Danny. But Sonny struggles with his feelings for Bode. Sonny also has a boyfriend, Deputy Paul Martin. Being from this small town Bode knows all about him. Sonny has to believe that Bode just doesn’t care about anyone, and he needs to protect himself against Bode.
Bode has enough to deal with between Danny, Sonny and Annie. He comes up with a plan that could end the all the trouble or put him back in prison.
T.A. Moore just has the know-how to always bring small backwards town drama, humor and love to her stories. Just like so many of the authors novels, the characters always have some rough edges and there’s always something illegal going on. “Footwork” has everything: heart-wrenching and sweet moments, suspense, banter, snark, action, fun, love and lot’s of steam. The descriptions of the fight scenes are exciting and written really well. Of course, there’s always the bad boy, Bode Harlan, trying to do good but not in the right way. Sonny, who still has feelings for Bode and Bode just drives him crazy. Not many know Sonny as well as Bode and their chemistry is off the charts. I look at “Footwork” as a story you don’t have to strain your brain to figure out, just go with it and enjoy every minute of good solid entertainment.
I’ve followed T.A. Moore since 2017 when I got to read the ARC for “Bone to Pick.” Since then every story they write just get’s more incredible with all the good feels. Just like all the stories before, I highly recommend “Footwork” it’s worth the read!
September 23, 2023
This is the first book that I have read by this author and it won't be the last! I really enjoyed this book. This is the story of Bode and Sonny. Bode has been released from prison and is living in a half way house. His younger brother is deaf and living with his mother. When Danny is thrown out by his moms latest boyfriend he calls Bode. Having no one else to turn he, he goes to his last boyfriend for help. Sonny has moved on but not gotten over Bode. Reluctantly he helps both Danny and Bode. The chemistry between the two is off the charts. There are lots of challenges awaiting for them both but together they will fight on. This is a great story. I really loved it. I look forward to more by this author.
I received a free copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 10, 2023
Another raw, gritty, unapologetic story from one of my favorite authors. Flawed, realistic characters are usual in her books. They often come from the 'wrong side of tracks ' so to speak and are often not easy to like, but they grow on you. Some scenes in this book ( or any other from this author) are so realistic you can literally smell, blood, sweat and feel the pain. The feels and 'L word' are often 'second hand emotion' in the words of immortal Tina Turner, but they're there and bubble to the surface eventually. They are usually tucked far away into 'don't go there department ' based on previous life experiences and more than rough upbringing of main characters. This book is no exception and I can honestly say that it's one of my favorites from this author. Couldn't put it down.
September 16, 2023
I wasn't sure what to expect from this one but I really enjoyed it. Mostly I think because Bode is always up front about who he is, the life he's led and in some ways continues to lead and while he does change somewhat during the story there's never a whitewash or a change to Mr. Clean. His one continuous redeeming feature is his determination to care for his brother Danny. In real life, I'd tell Sonny to stay as far away from Bode as humanly possible, total no-contact. For a darker romance, however, it was interesting to see Sonny deal with Bode's return and attempts to re-enter his life. I'm still thinking about these characters and hope there is a book or two to follow letting us see where their relationships go.
September 2, 2023
Sonny told his ex Bode no. No to getting together, no to letting him stay for a while, no to bringing his teenage brother along. Didn’t do any good. Sonny had always been a sucker for the man.
Bode treated everyone like crap. Those that loved him, those that hated him, and those that used him. Sometimes there wasn’t much difference between the love and hate. He never did become likable for me. Truly, the only person I really liked was Danny, Bode’s brother.
This author is an auto buy but this story just didn’t work that well for me. Looking at other reviews it seems like I’m in the minority.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
Bode treated everyone like crap. Those that loved him, those that hated him, and those that used him. Sometimes there wasn’t much difference between the love and hate. He never did become likable for me. Truly, the only person I really liked was Danny, Bode’s brother.
This author is an auto buy but this story just didn’t work that well for me. Looking at other reviews it seems like I’m in the minority.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
September 7, 2023
"Footwork" is a novel written by T.A. Moore, a gay romance that follows the story of Bode who is trying to rebuild his life after being in prison. He's also being used by his parole officer but he need the money. He is tasked with taking care of his younger brother after mother has been missing for a month. He's also on parole and knows that the place he's staying is not fit for a teenager. He turns to one man he can trust, his ex, Sonny. Sonny has a soft spot for Bode and never really gotten over him. Bode will do anything to help his family out and he still has feelings for Sonny. The book is romantic, with some intense moments and very emotional and I enjoyed it from start to finish.
September 12, 2023
TA Moore is such a good writer, and writes some of the knottiest and most interesting characters in romance (genuinely knotty, not just knotty on paper but actually straightforward), but this was too short for me. There wasn't enough time for anything to breathe. It was still head and shoulders above lots of the mediocre romance out there, but it didn't hit hard for me.
(Also, pet peeve, but I really want more m/m books that aren't set in America and Moore isn't American! So she could write some! This hasn't affected my star rating, it's just a comment.)
(Also, pet peeve, but I really want more m/m books that aren't set in America and Moore isn't American! So she could write some! This hasn't affected my star rating, it's just a comment.)
September 10, 2023
A very gritty and raw story, it was a quick read but packed full of violence, action and feelings. Bode was not an appealing character but it was really quite touching how he struggled to try and keep his brother and Sonny protected from everyone including himself. He was stuck in an unsolvable situation but Sonny had an excellent solution.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am happy to leave a voluntary review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am happy to leave a voluntary review.
September 11, 2023
I would consider this book gritty and angsty. Bode is an ex-con in a tough spot. His mother disappears and he needs some place to go with his kid brother. Sonny is the ex-boyfriend who lets them stay “only for the night”. Donny wants to help but Bode isn’t exactly good for him. They have a lot of crap to get through and can’t seem to catch a break. Will they get a happy ending? You will have to read to find out.
August 23, 2023
To say that Sonny and Bode's relationship was complicated is an understatement but when a man is willing to forgo going to jail just to stop you getting back with your ex how can you say no 😂. This was a fun romp with great characters, some who need a good smack but great nonetheless. All in all an enjoyable read.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
September 4, 2023
It was a quick read and I think if you are a fan of the author, you’ll probably love it. for me, it was fine, I didn’t particularly like the characters, but I don’t need to when reading a book, though it helps my overall enjoyment.
September 14, 2023
Another Great Read
Bode is an interesting character, not a nice guy but in love with his ex Sonny. He’s made to fight in an illegal fighting ring by his parole officer, who’s mean and dirty. Bode and Sonny manage to work their relationship out.
Bode is an interesting character, not a nice guy but in love with his ex Sonny. He’s made to fight in an illegal fighting ring by his parole officer, who’s mean and dirty. Bode and Sonny manage to work their relationship out.
September 11, 2023
This is a very complicated read, but so worth it in the end. I loved Sonny and Bode and all they had to do to get their HEA.
September 19, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! The story pulled me in right away, and you couldn’t help but feel for the broken Bode and how under all his misdeeds, he loved the hardest of all of them.
September 10, 2023
I love this author's books, and though this one took me a little longer to really get into, it was just as good as the author's other works.
Bode was a hard character for me to like at first, but he grew on me quickly; his earlier life didn't set him up to believe in fairy tales and roses, and he was really well-drawn. People aren't perfect, no matter what we like to think, but Bode's endurance and perseverance made him relatable.
The tension between Bode and Sonny felt visceral, and there were moments that I was yelling at both of them as I read; but in the end, one of the things I adore about this author's work is how detailed and perfectly imperfect her characters are.
I would love to read a sequel, just because I feel that Bode and Sonny definitely have more to say!
Bode was a hard character for me to like at first, but he grew on me quickly; his earlier life didn't set him up to believe in fairy tales and roses, and he was really well-drawn. People aren't perfect, no matter what we like to think, but Bode's endurance and perseverance made him relatable.
The tension between Bode and Sonny felt visceral, and there were moments that I was yelling at both of them as I read; but in the end, one of the things I adore about this author's work is how detailed and perfectly imperfect her characters are.
I would love to read a sequel, just because I feel that Bode and Sonny definitely have more to say!
December 20, 2023
Footwork by TA Moore Bode was living from illegal fight to illegal fight and a prayer to make ends meet while on parole. When his brother needs a safe place to stay he calls on his ex Sonny to help him out. Sonny has his life in order after the hurricane known as Bode ended or so he thought. When he asks Sonny for help until his mom comes back he can't say no, His boyfriend on the other hand is not happy for Sonny to be helping out his ex. Lingering feelings under the surface creates a perfect storm for Bode to want to be better and keep Sonny all to himself and keep him safe and away from his crazy life. I really enjoyed this book. You want to root for Bode but then he is a jerk and you think nope don’t do it but in the end I still wanted him to win Sonny back. If you like your MC’s being a jerk but with a heart of gold underneath all the scars and bruises this book is for you.
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