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Going Offside
A childhood friend turns into a college rival, and the worst thing is I want him, badly.
We were preparing for the big football game against our rivals when I saw him, my old childhood friend.
Now he’s strutting his stuff as a male cheerleader, his tight muscles on display, playing havoc with my mind.
I’ve still been struggling to come out.
The last thing I need is to have a crush on a rival cheerleader, especially when that person is from my past.
I have to try and keep things a secret because there’s no way an enemy can become a lover, but why can’t I stop thinking about him?
Is this just a case of opposites attracting?
I have to try and keep it together because if anyone finds out then my cover will be blown and I’m not ready to be out.
My Dad would kill me.
But damn if I don’t hate the way Liam makes it look so easy…
Going Offside is a standalone Gay Romance with a HEA and NO cheating!
We were preparing for the big football game against our rivals when I saw him, my old childhood friend.
Now he’s strutting his stuff as a male cheerleader, his tight muscles on display, playing havoc with my mind.
I’ve still been struggling to come out.
The last thing I need is to have a crush on a rival cheerleader, especially when that person is from my past.
I have to try and keep things a secret because there’s no way an enemy can become a lover, but why can’t I stop thinking about him?
Is this just a case of opposites attracting?
I have to try and keep it together because if anyone finds out then my cover will be blown and I’m not ready to be out.
My Dad would kill me.
But damn if I don’t hate the way Liam makes it look so easy…
Going Offside is a standalone Gay Romance with a HEA and NO cheating!
- GenresSportsM M Romance
115 pages, Paperback
Published August 9, 2023
16 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 24, 2022
What an enjoyable read
Finn had been hiding a big secret from his dad for a long time. Finn knew he was gay but knew his father wouldn’t accept it, he was a big football player with a big future ahead of him and this would ruin everything. As he was preparing for the next big game he saw somebody he recognised. It was Liam. Liam was a cheerleader for the rival college football team and he hadn’t seen him for many years. He would never of believed that Liam would just leave him behind but he never once got in contact when he left. For that Finn really hated him. And it seems as if Liam was out proud and gay. Why did everything just come so easy to him??
Liam couldn’t believe when he heard the name Finn. The team were talking about their next big game. And they were mentioning a player called Finn, it wasn’t a common name and he had to wonder if it was the Finn he used to know. Liam had tried to stay in contact with him once his family moved away but no letters came back to him it was just complete radio silence and he couldn’t understand why.
When these two first see each other again fireworks go off. Each blaming each other for leaving them behind but would they be able to talk about it and find out the root of all that have gone wrong??
I’ve got to say I really like Liam he is one solid guy who is protective, has good morals and he is an absolute star. His feelings for Finn come back like a sledgehammer. Finn knew straightaway that he had feelings for Liam the attraction was there the chemistry and oh my gosh the passion between these two was lush. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I’ve Gotta say I really disliked Finn’s dad but how you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Finn had been hiding a big secret from his dad for a long time. Finn knew he was gay but knew his father wouldn’t accept it, he was a big football player with a big future ahead of him and this would ruin everything. As he was preparing for the next big game he saw somebody he recognised. It was Liam. Liam was a cheerleader for the rival college football team and he hadn’t seen him for many years. He would never of believed that Liam would just leave him behind but he never once got in contact when he left. For that Finn really hated him. And it seems as if Liam was out proud and gay. Why did everything just come so easy to him??
Liam couldn’t believe when he heard the name Finn. The team were talking about their next big game. And they were mentioning a player called Finn, it wasn’t a common name and he had to wonder if it was the Finn he used to know. Liam had tried to stay in contact with him once his family moved away but no letters came back to him it was just complete radio silence and he couldn’t understand why.
When these two first see each other again fireworks go off. Each blaming each other for leaving them behind but would they be able to talk about it and find out the root of all that have gone wrong??
I’ve got to say I really like Liam he is one solid guy who is protective, has good morals and he is an absolute star. His feelings for Finn come back like a sledgehammer. Finn knew straightaway that he had feelings for Liam the attraction was there the chemistry and oh my gosh the passion between these two was lush. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I’ve Gotta say I really disliked Finn’s dad but how you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 2, 2022
Going Offside is the story of childhood friends, Liam and Finn (two of my favorite names!), who lost touch and find each other again in college on opposite sides of a football field (one a cheerleader, one a football player). Liam is out and proud while Finn has been hiding in the closet due to his controlling father. The story starts with their awareness of each other on the opposing team, and works up to them coming together for a conversation about where they grew apart.
I enjoyed Finn and Liam both - they were good about communicating their fears and feelings, I enjoyed their honest conversations with each other. And they had a great amount of chemistry - it was awesome to watch Finn's innocence in the hands of Liam's experience!
The part of this story I didn't care for was Liam's 3 female cheerleader "friends" - these 3 were supposedly his best friends but to me they acted nothing like real friends. Two of them, Bailey and Linda, were selfish brats, and even Tess, the closest thing to a real friend to Liam, relied on him when she needed someone but was quick to judge him when he told the truth to Bailey and when he was spending time with Finn. I felt bad for Liam if these 3 women were the closest thing he had to real friends because those relationships were not it! Those 3 were the reason I removed 2 stars - I just didn't like how their bad behavior was never called out and all seemed to be forgiven and glossed over at the end.
But if you can get past those 3 nitwits, Liam and Finn are great! Extra points for the creative angle of one of them being a football player and the other being a cheerleader - I loved that idea!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed Finn and Liam both - they were good about communicating their fears and feelings, I enjoyed their honest conversations with each other. And they had a great amount of chemistry - it was awesome to watch Finn's innocence in the hands of Liam's experience!
The part of this story I didn't care for was Liam's 3 female cheerleader "friends" - these 3 were supposedly his best friends but to me they acted nothing like real friends. Two of them, Bailey and Linda, were selfish brats, and even Tess, the closest thing to a real friend to Liam, relied on him when she needed someone but was quick to judge him when he told the truth to Bailey and when he was spending time with Finn. I felt bad for Liam if these 3 women were the closest thing he had to real friends because those relationships were not it! Those 3 were the reason I removed 2 stars - I just didn't like how their bad behavior was never called out and all seemed to be forgiven and glossed over at the end.
But if you can get past those 3 nitwits, Liam and Finn are great! Extra points for the creative angle of one of them being a football player and the other being a cheerleader - I loved that idea!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 23, 2022
This book has so many things going on for our MC's as well as those around them. It is easy to stay with the main storyline though and what a storyline! Finn is a football player that has a secret. Liam is a cheerleader for the rival college football team and lives his life as he wants, or so it seems. The story takes us on a ride from remembering the good times as childhood BFF's to being rivals and enemies. But are they truly enemies or is there someone out there trying to keep them apart? Reading the struggles of one young man coming to terms with his sexuality and how his "friends" and family will react was hard because it was like so many young people out there. Luckily Finn has someone in his corner that he never thought would be there. Read along and see how friends become enemies then lovers all while meeting challenges with their own friends and family.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
February 19, 2024
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Two childhood best friends who never really understood why the other didn’t keep in touch when one moved away.
When they meet again it's on opposite sides of the football field. Liam is an out and proud cheerleader, while Finn is a football player deep in the closet. Between his dad and the sport he sees no chance of coming out.
When Finn is outed, everything hits the fan, but it becomes a catalyst for Finn and Liam to reconnect and set the record straight.
A lot is going on in this relatively short novel that is a story of finding yourself and learning that you can’t judge a book by it’s cover. It was great to see these two find a way to stand up for each other.
Two childhood best friends who never really understood why the other didn’t keep in touch when one moved away.
When they meet again it's on opposite sides of the football field. Liam is an out and proud cheerleader, while Finn is a football player deep in the closet. Between his dad and the sport he sees no chance of coming out.
When Finn is outed, everything hits the fan, but it becomes a catalyst for Finn and Liam to reconnect and set the record straight.
A lot is going on in this relatively short novel that is a story of finding yourself and learning that you can’t judge a book by it’s cover. It was great to see these two find a way to stand up for each other.
July 23, 2022
Revelation and position statement
4.5
It's a good romance about coming out in the middle of young sportsmen, with as support for the character of Finn, a father full of prejudice against his sexuality, and friends for Liam, centered on themselves.
Here, coming out is approached from various angles at the same time, whether it is the family or professional angle. The story remains above all a tender romance, sometimes with some notes of violence towards the two main characters, but I would not say either that they are so much enemies, but more disappointed by the attitude of the other during their childhood. .
I really liked Liam's approach when Finn needs to slow down, understand what's happening to him and how to approach it.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
4.5
It's a good romance about coming out in the middle of young sportsmen, with as support for the character of Finn, a father full of prejudice against his sexuality, and friends for Liam, centered on themselves.
Here, coming out is approached from various angles at the same time, whether it is the family or professional angle. The story remains above all a tender romance, sometimes with some notes of violence towards the two main characters, but I would not say either that they are so much enemies, but more disappointed by the attitude of the other during their childhood. .
I really liked Liam's approach when Finn needs to slow down, understand what's happening to him and how to approach it.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
July 23, 2022
Going Offside is an emotional story about Liam and Finn, two childhood friends who became enemies who became lovers. Liam's family moved away and a misunderstanding had Liam and Finn become enemies. Finn is a football player and Liam is a cheerleader, they go to different colleges and their schools are playing each other in a big game. A chance reunion has all kinds of feelings coming to the surface. I was glad Liam and Finn were able to move past their bitterness and see they really were meant to be together. I liked how Liam and his cheerleader friends were so close. They were more like family than friends. This is an enjoyable book and I recommend it.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
July 23, 2022
Liam and finn were best friends until one day when Liam and his family left years later they see each other again but not on purpose through a football match were finn is playing the opposite team and Liam is a cheer leader, Liam is out and proud while finn as been dealing with his sexuality for years, things start to get a bit sketchy between Liam and finn regarding the missed year's but once it becomes obvious who interface things start to come out and while all this is going off liam's having to deal with his friends issues and a near death situation, will finn and Liam finally there happy ending all will it end in tears.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 23, 2022
Wow, this book has it all and then some! Finn and Liam were best friends when they were kids before Liam suddenly moved away. Now Finn is on the football team in college and doing everything he can to stay in the closet. He’s afraid of what his dad will do once he finds out. When Finn sees Liam on the opposing team’s cheerleading squad he’s instantly attracted. Only now the former best friends are rivals. What a journey of discovery the author will take you on as we follow Finn and Liam wade through college life.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 24, 2022
Finn and Liam . . .
This story focuses on Liam and Finn, childhood friends until Liam’s family suddenly moved away. They next see each other in college as their rival football teams are on the field. Finn is a football player and Liam is a male cheerleader. Under a cloud of misunderstanding, Liam and Finn assumed themselves enemies. But their long-ago feelings come back stronger than ever. Is Finn willing to step up and tell Liam how he feels about him? Is he able to face his father and tell him as well, even though he knows how he will react? Or will he instead choose to walk away from this second chance to be with Liam?
This story focuses on Liam and Finn, childhood friends until Liam’s family suddenly moved away. They next see each other in college as their rival football teams are on the field. Finn is a football player and Liam is a male cheerleader. Under a cloud of misunderstanding, Liam and Finn assumed themselves enemies. But their long-ago feelings come back stronger than ever. Is Finn willing to step up and tell Liam how he feels about him? Is he able to face his father and tell him as well, even though he knows how he will react? Or will he instead choose to walk away from this second chance to be with Liam?
October 26, 2023
Do you remember your first kiss? The M/C captures you from the start. Finn the football player that’s scared of his father yo find out his secret, Liam the cheerleader that’s just being himself, and a father that has torn a friendship apart. You find yourself being the cheerleader for both Liam and Finn. There’s so much to learn from these 2, from Finn’s secret getting out and dream faltering to Liam being willing to stand up for what he feels is right. So many strong emotions and things that shock you that people will do to not accept themselves. The story proves that true friendship can stand the test of time. Seeing Finn and Liam go from friends, to enmities, to friends again, and then to lover’s. So break the Pompoms out because you will be cheering for them both and you’ll want to read it again because of the warm feeling it gives you to read about 2 people overcoming obstacles to find their happy ending.
Lady M
Lady M
December 10, 2023
On Kob - no ISBN printed therein
Closeted gay footballer recognises the cheerleader of his team's great rival as being his former childhood best friend whose family moved suddenly and who didn't contact him after the move... Finn's father is cold and unlikely to welcome the idea of a gay son butwhen is secret leaks and he's dropped from a major game the two are forced to be open - fotunately Finn and Liam, the friend, are able to reconcile their pasts and that leaves the father mill also needing to face the truth.
Slightly different to the normal run of the mill enemies to lovers scenario.
Closeted gay footballer recognises the cheerleader of his team's great rival as being his former childhood best friend whose family moved suddenly and who didn't contact him after the move... Finn's father is cold and unlikely to welcome the idea of a gay son butwhen is secret leaks and he's dropped from a major game the two are forced to be open - fotunately Finn and Liam, the friend, are able to reconcile their pasts and that leaves the father mill also needing to face the truth.
Slightly different to the normal run of the mill enemies to lovers scenario.
July 30, 2022
GOING OFFSIDES by Van Cole is more of a 2nd chance romance than enemies to lovers.
It's a coming of age - coming out story that kind of twists and turns as it goes. it was a very quick read and the realism had my heart dropping. While there was romance, there was also violence and rejection. I wish the world were a different place and everyone could just be accepted for who they are/want to be. Because of that, I hesitate to say "it was an enjoyable read".. I will say I am satisfied with the story and am glad I read it.
4 solid stars!
It's a coming of age - coming out story that kind of twists and turns as it goes. it was a very quick read and the realism had my heart dropping. While there was romance, there was also violence and rejection. I wish the world were a different place and everyone could just be accepted for who they are/want to be. Because of that, I hesitate to say "it was an enjoyable read".. I will say I am satisfied with the story and am glad I read it.
4 solid stars!
August 18, 2022
This story had so much heart that I felt like I was a part of the journey. Finn and Laim we're BFF'S when they were kids growing up until Laim's family moved away. Now after all these years they meet up at a college football game. Finn as the player and Laim as the cheerleader. When they see each other again the fireworks start to go off but not in a good way 😉. Sooner or later life opens their eyes and they realize that life is too short for Petty things. They learn to be themselves and to live their life to the fullest. I definitely recommend this book.
July 24, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. Liam and Finn were such wonderful characters. Their story felt very realistic. There are a lot of emotions here and a journey for both childhood friends who were separated and then were reunited as rivals and not only rekindled their friendship but became lovers. Being true to oneself and standing up for what is right. There is a lot of side character drama as well. This was an enjoyable read. 4 stars.
July 25, 2022
This was a cute read about best friends reconnecting after years of misunderstandings and a meddlesome father. The main characters were good. Side characters ranged from relatable to humorous. Personally, I wouldn't consider this story part of the "enemies to lovers" trope due to background of the main characters.
Overall, it was a pretty good short read with a nice HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Overall, it was a pretty good short read with a nice HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 25, 2022
Two old friends who become enemies from a misunderstanding, could they then become lovers once everything is cleared. An emotional storyline that captures your attention from the beginning all the way to the end wondering just how this will all turn out. Loved the many supporting characters from Liam’s side as they all play a huge part in his life.
I am voluntarily leaving a review for this book that I received free.
I am voluntarily leaving a review for this book that I received free.
July 31, 2022
Potential
There is potential to be had within the story. I just felt that it was missing parts almost. Certain areas seemed to be rushed. Conflict and resolution happened almost too quickly. I feel that if areas were drawn out more, had more detail, and inner monologue, it would have given this story a bit more umph.
It wasnt bad. I enjoyed it but, I definitely feel like it could be expanded on and be that much better.
There is potential to be had within the story. I just felt that it was missing parts almost. Certain areas seemed to be rushed. Conflict and resolution happened almost too quickly. I feel that if areas were drawn out more, had more detail, and inner monologue, it would have given this story a bit more umph.
It wasnt bad. I enjoyed it but, I definitely feel like it could be expanded on and be that much better.
July 23, 2022
This was a gripping and emotional ride. Finn and Liam were fantastic together. I really enjoyed the connection, chemistry, longing, strength and true love that these two have. I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 3, 2022
overcoming obstacles
This a romance that started very young but they we’re separated because of one parent not wanted his son gay but they both grow up on opposite sides of the city not knowing what that parent had done until the meet up and they still connect but they both have major obstacles to overcome
This a romance that started very young but they we’re separated because of one parent not wanted his son gay but they both grow up on opposite sides of the city not knowing what that parent had done until the meet up and they still connect but they both have major obstacles to overcome
December 7, 2023
Great story a must read
This story sets out the difficulty of becoming gay,
Showing you how difficult it is to come out and be yourself,highlighting the bullies the discrimination and the fear of your own family finding out. Through all this good comes out through friendships and long lost passions
This story sets out the difficulty of becoming gay,
Showing you how difficult it is to come out and be yourself,highlighting the bullies the discrimination and the fear of your own family finding out. Through all this good comes out through friendships and long lost passions
July 23, 2022
I loved this book and especially the two MC's. The book has a great storyline with a different take on m/m sports than what I'm used to reading, and has such wonderful characters.
August 3, 2022
Finn and Liam were best friends when they were kids. Then Liam moved and Finn never heard from him again. Things aren't what they seem. I really enjoyed this book.
August 14, 2022
DNF. Just couldn’t capture my interest. I don’t stop in the middle of many books - I usually just push through but it wasn’t pulling me in.
June 3, 2024
It wasn't good at all !
Everything was rushed and not plausible ! So over the top !
It was ridiculous !
Every character was a caricature !
Everything was rushed and not plausible ! So over the top !
It was ridiculous !
Every character was a caricature !
August 10, 2023
Second chance
This book touches on issues that are tough to write about, but Van Cole handles it well. It shows how truly hard it is for some and how others make it "look" easy. Finn is a star football player and knows he is gay but can never let anyone know, especially his overbearing father. Liam is a college cheerleader for the team Finn will be playing against. They were best of friends as young boys but one day, Liam and his family disappears. They believe the other didn't care for them and they began to hate each other. When they happen upon each other after the big game, they briefly speak. From there you will read of manipulation, unplanned pregnancy of a friend, hate from a friend, and so many other things packed into this quick read. These two men, though they have differences, are perfect for each other. So get this book and get ready to cheer these two on.
This book touches on issues that are tough to write about, but Van Cole handles it well. It shows how truly hard it is for some and how others make it "look" easy. Finn is a star football player and knows he is gay but can never let anyone know, especially his overbearing father. Liam is a college cheerleader for the team Finn will be playing against. They were best of friends as young boys but one day, Liam and his family disappears. They believe the other didn't care for them and they began to hate each other. When they happen upon each other after the big game, they briefly speak. From there you will read of manipulation, unplanned pregnancy of a friend, hate from a friend, and so many other things packed into this quick read. These two men, though they have differences, are perfect for each other. So get this book and get ready to cheer these two on.
August 15, 2023
Going Offside: By Van Cole
Great story loved the characters and the interaction between them. I also loved how Liam stuck up for Tess. Very brave, man, thanks for this great read.
Great story loved the characters and the interaction between them. I also loved how Liam stuck up for Tess. Very brave, man, thanks for this great read.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews