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Starting Strong: An MM Hurt/Comfort Sports Romance
Can a closeted football superstar and a small-town sheriff make their relationship work?
When Kieran McKinney moves from being a third-string backup to becoming the starting quarterback for the Birmingham Hammers, he thinks all his dreams have come true. He finally has the support of his team, and he’s moved from being despised to becoming a fan favorite. But being cast as the face of a franchise comes at a cost. Kieran must work with a new, cut-throat PR specialist who’d like nothing more than to come between Kieran and Travis, and the more popular Kieran gets, the more his position places him in the spotlight. As the season progresses, the stakes only get higher both on and off the field. Will success in his career cost Kieran what he values most?
Travis Harris loves his boyfriend and he’s thrilled when the rest of the world finally catches on to what Travis has known all Kieran is incredible. He’s kind, talented, and drop-dead gorgeous. Now that Travis has come out to his family, there’s nothing to keep them apart, right? When the pressures of fame impact Travis’s family, their support starts to erode. Add in a national scandal, Kieran’s emotionally abusive grandfather, and too much time apart, and the strain threatens to destroy what once seemed unstoppable.
This MM Romance is a sequel to the novel Backup Plans, but it could be read as a standalone. It has a HEA and no cheating. This book features an older/younger couple, hurt/comfort themes, found family, kitten rescues, fanatic football fans and a hot couple experimenting in the bedroom!
When Kieran McKinney moves from being a third-string backup to becoming the starting quarterback for the Birmingham Hammers, he thinks all his dreams have come true. He finally has the support of his team, and he’s moved from being despised to becoming a fan favorite. But being cast as the face of a franchise comes at a cost. Kieran must work with a new, cut-throat PR specialist who’d like nothing more than to come between Kieran and Travis, and the more popular Kieran gets, the more his position places him in the spotlight. As the season progresses, the stakes only get higher both on and off the field. Will success in his career cost Kieran what he values most?
Travis Harris loves his boyfriend and he’s thrilled when the rest of the world finally catches on to what Travis has known all Kieran is incredible. He’s kind, talented, and drop-dead gorgeous. Now that Travis has come out to his family, there’s nothing to keep them apart, right? When the pressures of fame impact Travis’s family, their support starts to erode. Add in a national scandal, Kieran’s emotionally abusive grandfather, and too much time apart, and the strain threatens to destroy what once seemed unstoppable.
This MM Romance is a sequel to the novel Backup Plans, but it could be read as a standalone. It has a HEA and no cheating. This book features an older/younger couple, hurt/comfort themes, found family, kitten rescues, fanatic football fans and a hot couple experimenting in the bedroom!
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2023
11 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Lou Kelly
6 books45 followersLou Kelly loves a good romance. Having honed her skills as an author through a decade of writing and publishing, she discovered m/m fiction and fell in love. What does she like best? The slow burn.
“No insta-love for me. I adore a well-developed full-length novel with characters who are believable and sympathetic. My favorite relationships are the kind where suppressed desire sizzles with sexual tension struggling for release. Give me a strong Alpha male who has to fight for his mate, or enemies who are shocked when hate turns into love, or a mysterious stranger who doesn’t want his secrets revealed … I crave books that keep me up past my bedtime.”
When she isn’t writing, Lou Kelly loves to travel. Sadly, most of her traveling these days happens between the pages of books, but top on her wish list is a trip to Greece. Followed by New Zealand, Ireland, Scotland, and Iceland. *sigh* Someday she hopes to explore them all. Until then, you can find her reading!
Lou Kelly loves her fans, so please visit her on Goodreads: Lou Kelly or Facebook: Lou Kelly
Or e-mail your questions or comments to: loukellyromance@gmail.com
“No insta-love for me. I adore a well-developed full-length novel with characters who are believable and sympathetic. My favorite relationships are the kind where suppressed desire sizzles with sexual tension struggling for release. Give me a strong Alpha male who has to fight for his mate, or enemies who are shocked when hate turns into love, or a mysterious stranger who doesn’t want his secrets revealed … I crave books that keep me up past my bedtime.”
When she isn’t writing, Lou Kelly loves to travel. Sadly, most of her traveling these days happens between the pages of books, but top on her wish list is a trip to Greece. Followed by New Zealand, Ireland, Scotland, and Iceland. *sigh* Someday she hopes to explore them all. Until then, you can find her reading!
Lou Kelly loves her fans, so please visit her on Goodreads: Lou Kelly or Facebook: Lou Kelly
Or e-mail your questions or comments to: loukellyromance@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 11, 2024
I did not BUY this book but I did download it from Amazon via KU so it wasn’t a freebie.
NOTE – This book 2 of the series, and it is NOT a stand-alone. If you have not yet read the 1st book (“Back Up Plan”) stop right here and right now and read that book first. I try very hard to keep spoilers our of my reviews, but I will likely be referring to some events from “Back Up Plan”.
At the start of this book it’s nearly a year since Travis and Kieran met, and they are going strong. During the off-season Keiran pretty much lived with Travis. All of Travis’s family knows about the relationship, and most are OK with it. They have met Kieran, and are on-board with keeping the media out of Travis’ and Kieran’s private business. Travis still doesn’t advertise his sexuality around town, but he’s no longer fearing people knowing his truth.
The summer pre-season is winding up and Kieran is named the regular season starting QB – no more living in the shadow of an injured 1st-stringer. The Hammers main office is now aware of Kieran’s panic disorder and how hard it is for him to face the reporters. They recognize that it is creating problems for both Kieran and the team, so they have stepped up in the PR department to help Kieran get through press conferences easier. The Hammers want the fans to like Kieran rather than just tolerating him off the field because of his talent on the field.
That the Hammers have given Kieran his very own PR support person is GREAT in theory, but the close nature of the “buddy system” has Travis feeling jealous. The new PR rep is openly gay. Travis gets the impression that Blake doesn’t want to just be in Kieran’s corner, he wants in Kieran’s pants as well. Kieran, given his anxiety and self-esteem issues when it comes to interpersonal stuff, just doesn’t see things the same. Kieran loves Travis, and Travis knows it, so what is Travis worrying about? Thanks to Blake Kieran is no longer afraid of the media, though he still hates press conferences and still has secrets he’s trying to keep. Kieran dreads even the possibility of a reporter learning about Meredith. Kieran loves his mom to death and isn’t the least bit ashamed of her struggles, but he also doesn’t want her health to become fodder for a feeding frenzy. Plus, since the NFL and the State of Alabama don’t have a reputation as being gay-friendly, he’d prefer not to give the Hammers a headache over his sexuality on top of his anxiety stuff.
OK – that’s as far as I am going on plot recap. If you’ve read a lot of romance novels/novellas then you can probably guess what the major hurdle for Kieran and Travis will be in this book. However, but I’m not going either confirm or deny so you’ll have to read it for yourself. All I’ll add is that if you like HEA endings hang in there, and don’t give up on these 2 fellas.
PS – This book contains excerpts from other books written by this same author. From what I read in those excerpts, this likely won’t be the be the last Lou Kelly book that hits my Kindle.
NOTE – This book 2 of the series, and it is NOT a stand-alone. If you have not yet read the 1st book (“Back Up Plan”) stop right here and right now and read that book first. I try very hard to keep spoilers our of my reviews, but I will likely be referring to some events from “Back Up Plan”.
At the start of this book it’s nearly a year since Travis and Kieran met, and they are going strong. During the off-season Keiran pretty much lived with Travis. All of Travis’s family knows about the relationship, and most are OK with it. They have met Kieran, and are on-board with keeping the media out of Travis’ and Kieran’s private business. Travis still doesn’t advertise his sexuality around town, but he’s no longer fearing people knowing his truth.
The summer pre-season is winding up and Kieran is named the regular season starting QB – no more living in the shadow of an injured 1st-stringer. The Hammers main office is now aware of Kieran’s panic disorder and how hard it is for him to face the reporters. They recognize that it is creating problems for both Kieran and the team, so they have stepped up in the PR department to help Kieran get through press conferences easier. The Hammers want the fans to like Kieran rather than just tolerating him off the field because of his talent on the field.
That the Hammers have given Kieran his very own PR support person is GREAT in theory, but the close nature of the “buddy system” has Travis feeling jealous. The new PR rep is openly gay. Travis gets the impression that Blake doesn’t want to just be in Kieran’s corner, he wants in Kieran’s pants as well. Kieran, given his anxiety and self-esteem issues when it comes to interpersonal stuff, just doesn’t see things the same. Kieran loves Travis, and Travis knows it, so what is Travis worrying about? Thanks to Blake Kieran is no longer afraid of the media, though he still hates press conferences and still has secrets he’s trying to keep. Kieran dreads even the possibility of a reporter learning about Meredith. Kieran loves his mom to death and isn’t the least bit ashamed of her struggles, but he also doesn’t want her health to become fodder for a feeding frenzy. Plus, since the NFL and the State of Alabama don’t have a reputation as being gay-friendly, he’d prefer not to give the Hammers a headache over his sexuality on top of his anxiety stuff.
OK – that’s as far as I am going on plot recap. If you’ve read a lot of romance novels/novellas then you can probably guess what the major hurdle for Kieran and Travis will be in this book. However, but I’m not going either confirm or deny so you’ll have to read it for yourself. All I’ll add is that if you like HEA endings hang in there, and don’t give up on these 2 fellas.
PS – This book contains excerpts from other books written by this same author. From what I read in those excerpts, this likely won’t be the be the last Lou Kelly book that hits my Kindle.
November 23, 2023
Wow, where to start.
This book picks up where around the time where book 1 ends so read that FIRST!!
Travis and Kieran are going strong, still closeted from the public but Travis’ family knows about their relationship.
Kieran is now picked at starting QB but still has a lot to learn regarding the press and Media, so he gets his own personal PR-guy Blake. Now Blake is trouble. He seems friendly and helpfull enough but he is all over Kieran all the time and Travis gets really Jealous. Their relations is already going through some tough times do to away games and media and publicity-events. And if you read book 1, you know the Kieran has really low self-esteem and does not believe that he is good enough for Travis.
I really enjoyed book one and all their chemistry and fireworks in the sheets, book 2 still got some of that firework and sprinkles some spice on it too. Though most of the book is them trying to get through real life and everything thrown at them, like media, fake girlfriends, babies, jealousy and father trying to help where it is not needed.
With that said. I loved both book. But they are very different but i don’t think i would want it any other way. They are very much true to how they were in book one and following them on this journey was worth it all for a HEA for them.
In this book you find:
Jealousy
Light bondage play
M/M relations only
HEA
This is one more 5 star read for me. I love Kieran and Travis story🥰
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book picks up where around the time where book 1 ends so read that FIRST!!
Travis and Kieran are going strong, still closeted from the public but Travis’ family knows about their relationship.
Kieran is now picked at starting QB but still has a lot to learn regarding the press and Media, so he gets his own personal PR-guy Blake. Now Blake is trouble. He seems friendly and helpfull enough but he is all over Kieran all the time and Travis gets really Jealous. Their relations is already going through some tough times do to away games and media and publicity-events. And if you read book 1, you know the Kieran has really low self-esteem and does not believe that he is good enough for Travis.
I really enjoyed book one and all their chemistry and fireworks in the sheets, book 2 still got some of that firework and sprinkles some spice on it too. Though most of the book is them trying to get through real life and everything thrown at them, like media, fake girlfriends, babies, jealousy and father trying to help where it is not needed.
With that said. I loved both book. But they are very different but i don’t think i would want it any other way. They are very much true to how they were in book one and following them on this journey was worth it all for a HEA for them.
In this book you find:
Jealousy
Light bondage play
M/M relations only
HEA
This is one more 5 star read for me. I love Kieran and Travis story🥰
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 7, 2023
My Review
I received an ARC of this book from Book Sirens. The book is already out.
I'm back with another book by Lou Kelly called Starting Strong. This book is the sequel to Backup Plans. Having really enjoyed the first book, it was fun to revisit Travis and Kieran's lives and see what they've been up to. I really enjoyed this book because for me it is a rare treat to see what happens to a couple after feelings are admitted. Just like real life, it is not always sunshine and rainbows.
Can I just say that Blake, that snake needs to be dropped somewhere where no one can never find him. That goes too for Travis' dad and Kieran's grandfather. Those three are just not needed in the world.
This book was a bit of a rollercoaster. I laughed, I smiled, I frowned, sighed, got annoyed. At times I wanted to give Kieran a hug other times I wanted to shake him all while thinking how glad I was that all of his anxiety and other issues didn't magically disappear in this book. Thank God Travis was there to be the rock we all needed him to be.
Starting Strong had everything I could want in a book as corny as that sounds.
Truly enjoyable.
Until next time peace and happy reading.
I received an ARC of this book from Book Sirens. The book is already out.
I'm back with another book by Lou Kelly called Starting Strong. This book is the sequel to Backup Plans. Having really enjoyed the first book, it was fun to revisit Travis and Kieran's lives and see what they've been up to. I really enjoyed this book because for me it is a rare treat to see what happens to a couple after feelings are admitted. Just like real life, it is not always sunshine and rainbows.
Can I just say that Blake, that snake needs to be dropped somewhere where no one can never find him. That goes too for Travis' dad and Kieran's grandfather. Those three are just not needed in the world.
This book was a bit of a rollercoaster. I laughed, I smiled, I frowned, sighed, got annoyed. At times I wanted to give Kieran a hug other times I wanted to shake him all while thinking how glad I was that all of his anxiety and other issues didn't magically disappear in this book. Thank God Travis was there to be the rock we all needed him to be.
Starting Strong had everything I could want in a book as corny as that sounds.
Truly enjoyable.
Until next time peace and happy reading.
November 14, 2023
I didn't read book 1 in this series. I wish I had so I could get the back story of Kieran and Travis. However, I didn't need to. I understood what was going on. I will definitely go back, though.
Like I said, I didn't get the full story of Keiran's back story. I knew he was mentally abused by his grandfather. With that said, it took such a toll on his head. He should be flying high being given the quarterback position. However, his self estimate was broken. He blamed every bad thing on himself. Travis was trying to help him see things were not his fault. With all the pressure, Travis and Kieran were fighting most times, and they weren't together a lot due to football season.
This book sucked me in. It's so good and well written. I didn't want to put it down. It sucked that life got in the way of my reading. I am so excited to go and read book 1.
Just for the record, I hated Travis's father. I wanted to smack the sh@t out of him.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Like I said, I didn't get the full story of Keiran's back story. I knew he was mentally abused by his grandfather. With that said, it took such a toll on his head. He should be flying high being given the quarterback position. However, his self estimate was broken. He blamed every bad thing on himself. Travis was trying to help him see things were not his fault. With all the pressure, Travis and Kieran were fighting most times, and they weren't together a lot due to football season.
This book sucked me in. It's so good and well written. I didn't want to put it down. It sucked that life got in the way of my reading. I am so excited to go and read book 1.
Just for the record, I hated Travis's father. I wanted to smack the sh@t out of him.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2023
❤️❤️🔥🔥🔥This is the sequel of Back up which I absolutely loved which continues with Kieran and Travis’s romance. This can be read as a standalone novel, but book one tells how the meet up and their adorable connection.
Travis was a cop in a small town while his boyfriend Keiran, played proffesional football. An established romance of a year now after theyd meet in “Back Up”
Keiran lands himself a very important position on the team after missing the previous seasons pick. Kieran was closeted, and now having to put up with the new PR person made it harder for secrets to stay hidden.
Yeah there hidden relationship would be tested in a lot of ways with boundaries pushed.
Sexy scenes happened they explore shirbri bondage, so 🔥🔥🔥.
Emotions are high in this one they battle love with its ups and downs, but they come together for a HEA ending with both POVs told. Brilliantly written to draw you into the book and feel what they are going through. I love reading this authors books for that reason alone.
Travis was a cop in a small town while his boyfriend Keiran, played proffesional football. An established romance of a year now after theyd meet in “Back Up”
Keiran lands himself a very important position on the team after missing the previous seasons pick. Kieran was closeted, and now having to put up with the new PR person made it harder for secrets to stay hidden.
Yeah there hidden relationship would be tested in a lot of ways with boundaries pushed.
Sexy scenes happened they explore shirbri bondage, so 🔥🔥🔥.
Emotions are high in this one they battle love with its ups and downs, but they come together for a HEA ending with both POVs told. Brilliantly written to draw you into the book and feel what they are going through. I love reading this authors books for that reason alone.
November 19, 2023
A newly out man and a closeted one. What can go wrong? I didn't read Back Up Plan, so these characters were new to me. So I had no expectations. But they drew me in. Family pressures and a touchy feely PR guy add drama and angst. Not to mention family issues. Travis and Kieran have to work hard to stay together and get their HEA.
Well written, it's a sweet story with age difference and hurt/comfort tropes. A new author for me. Look forward to reading more.
A newly out man and a closeted one. What can go wrong? I didn't read Back Up Plan, so these characters were new to me. So I had no expectations. But they drew me in. Family pressures and a touchy feely PR guy add drama and angst. Not to mention family issues. Travis and Kieran have to work hard to stay together and get their HEA.
Well written, it's a sweet story with age difference and hurt/comfort tropes. A new author for me. Look forward to reading more.
I received an advance copy of this book from BookSirens. This is my review.
Well written, it's a sweet story with age difference and hurt/comfort tropes. A new author for me. Look forward to reading more.
A newly out man and a closeted one. What can go wrong? I didn't read Back Up Plan, so these characters were new to me. So I had no expectations. But they drew me in. Family pressures and a touchy feely PR guy add drama and angst. Not to mention family issues. Travis and Kieran have to work hard to stay together and get their HEA.
Well written, it's a sweet story with age difference and hurt/comfort tropes. A new author for me. Look forward to reading more.
I received an advance copy of this book from BookSirens. This is my review.
November 23, 2023
A fantastic sequel loaded with a breakup, family drama and self-empowerment. Travis and Kiernan are living their best lives together, well almost, since Kiernan has been away at training camp. Everything will be back to normal once it’s over, right? With a new PR team to help combat Kiernan’s media anxiety, a new therapist for him and a new football season, things are about to get tense. Old anxieties, self-doubts and those old and new voices in his head lead Kiernan to a devastating decision. Will this be the end of this happy couple, or will they be able to overcome the hurt to become even stronger? I loved these guys in the first book and even more now. They are so good together and the drama in this book was off the charts amazing. I enjoyed having old friends, family and animals being brought back to support and encourage our guys. I had to keep reading right through to the end and my only regret was that the ending came too soon. I wanted more. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 3, 2023
I really enjoyed the continuation of Kieran and Travis's story. After having been together as a couple for a while now, they were able to spend the off-season having a quiet life at Travis's house where Kieran could relax and be himself.
The men were just starting to explore more in the bedroom when football season started and Kieran was pulled in many different directions. He was given a new PR manager in the hopes that his public image would be revamped.
The hurt/comfort theme was still present in this book and with more than one person manipulating Kieran, he loses himself for a while. I hurt for Kieran who had to do a lot of soul searching on his own before he could find his happy ending with Travis.
This book was well written and kept my attention though out. I loved how the book ended and it left a smile on my face.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The men were just starting to explore more in the bedroom when football season started and Kieran was pulled in many different directions. He was given a new PR manager in the hopes that his public image would be revamped.
The hurt/comfort theme was still present in this book and with more than one person manipulating Kieran, he loses himself for a while. I hurt for Kieran who had to do a lot of soul searching on his own before he could find his happy ending with Travis.
This book was well written and kept my attention though out. I loved how the book ended and it left a smile on my face.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 11, 2023
Oh I definitely enjoyed reading this one. It was a good continuation to 'The Backup Plans'. And I'm very glad I gave both a try.
This story definitely helped me 'to bond' more with Kieran and Travis as a couple. I mean I already liked them from the first book but now I could read more of them together – and sadly apart too, thanks to Kieran's job and some persons.
The hurt/comfort from the last book, including Travis being Kieran's 'safe place', continued here and I honestly think without Travis Kieran would have lost himself too much with all his responsibilities and such.
I am really glad he had Travis.
I loved that no matter which obstacles got in their way in the end they stayed strong and together.
Even after having to pull out my hair more than once while reading, I had a smile on my face after finishing the book.
I definitely like those two.
Just like the first book this one was well written too and kept my attention.
I'd say give it a try.
June 6, 2024
"No matter what it takes, I'm going to make you believe that you're incredible. Priceless."
Wow, what an amazing sequel ….. and if you though book one was hard, hold onto your pants and have tissues handy !!! This story is just emotional, left, right & centre - plenty of angst and heartfelt feelings. There's plenty going on and Keiran is trying to please everyone …… which is where it truly falls apart. It's like watching a crash happen in slow motion ….you know what's coming and hope beyond hope that it won't happen… but it does. But it's Keiran's reactions that got to me… that mental anguish….kudos to the author !! Trying to read through the tears is a tad difficult !!! There are light-hearted moments - Orin….sweetheart of a man and he dispense some wonderful advice. And that press conference - hehehe ….. so yes, it does end on HEA …. but you'll go through an emotional minefield to get there !! Beautiful duology !!!
Wow, what an amazing sequel ….. and if you though book one was hard, hold onto your pants and have tissues handy !!! This story is just emotional, left, right & centre - plenty of angst and heartfelt feelings. There's plenty going on and Keiran is trying to please everyone …… which is where it truly falls apart. It's like watching a crash happen in slow motion ….you know what's coming and hope beyond hope that it won't happen… but it does. But it's Keiran's reactions that got to me… that mental anguish….kudos to the author !! Trying to read through the tears is a tad difficult !!! There are light-hearted moments - Orin….sweetheart of a man and he dispense some wonderful advice. And that press conference - hehehe ….. so yes, it does end on HEA …. but you'll go through an emotional minefield to get there !! Beautiful duology !!!
November 1, 2023
In this sequel to "Backup Plans", Kieran becomes the starting quarterback for the Hammers. Travis and he are forced to spend more time apart and the press is merciless but he still tries to hide he is gay. With Kieran's constant insecurity and poor self esteem, Travis has his hands full trying to make him see his worth and spend any time with him, never mind an interfering press representative. I love Travis' impatience and jealousy and I especially love their pets are named after real quarterbacks. When you are that famous and trying to hide a secret, somethings got to give. I loved the first book and this one continues that feeling. The boys also try some kink to relieve stress (wink-wink). I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
December 3, 2023
When things got a bit iffy the lack of honest communication between Travis and Kieran put their relationship in serious jeopardy. It was nerve wracking for me so you can imagine what these two went through. Travis's dad's confrontation with Kieran was out of line and put Kieran in a very bad light and bad place. It made me sad and furious at his dad's interference. Blake turned out to be a true ally in the end after relentlessly pursuing Kieran. Why does it take tragedy for people to be honest???? When Kieran finally stood up to his grandfather it was inspirational. I voluntarily read a free copy provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.
November 13, 2023
This story starts where Backup Plans left off. Kieran is now the star quarterback for the Birmingham Hammers. He is working with a public relations person to help with interviews. Blake the PR rep is helping Kieran by working on a signal system of answers. Travis and his family are working through issues that have come to the surface in their lives. Since Kieran is known by the family paparazzi are everywhere in the small town. There is so much hurt, misunderstanding and miscommunication in these peoples lives, but everything seems to work out. Plus a happy ending
November 11, 2023
Finding Inner Strength and Self Belief.
MM, Age Gap, Hurt/Comfort, Sports, Romance. Although the book is the sequel to Backup Plans and features the same couple it can also be read as a stand-alone and enjoyed as such. A page-turner read with twists and turns, betrayals, angst, emotional moments, steamy. A great couple dealing with a lot of issues including previous traumas and lots of family issues. Enjoyed reading immensely. Guaranteed HEA.
MM, Age Gap, Hurt/Comfort, Sports, Romance. Although the book is the sequel to Backup Plans and features the same couple it can also be read as a stand-alone and enjoyed as such. A page-turner read with twists and turns, betrayals, angst, emotional moments, steamy. A great couple dealing with a lot of issues including previous traumas and lots of family issues. Enjoyed reading immensely. Guaranteed HEA.
March 19, 2024
Travis & Kiernan are lovers. Travis is sheriff of the small town they are in , Kiernan just became lead quarterback for the football team. Due to their circumstances they stay in the closet. Kiernan has self esteem issues, Travis tries to help the best he can. This is their journey of being closeted to finally out & proud. Well written, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 12, 2023
I loved this book. It felt unique in that the two MCs were in a publicly closeted, privately established relationship at the beginning rather then ever having a meet cute. The love and angst were so palpable, I was sucked in and read the entire book in one sitting.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 16, 2023
I could hardly stop reading this, the ongoing downward spiral for both MCs (especially Kieran) was beautifully portrayed. I appreciated their difficulties in the first book but this hit much harder. I will definitely be planning a reread of both books together to get the full impact.
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 26, 2024
Ugh! This book hurt my feelings before the HEA came back. The thing I loved about this book 2 was that it was their real life happening and the struggles that go along with it....being in the closet, having to be the face of an organization, really just being felt like your are being torn in two.
These 2 precious souls find their HEA but it's not without manipulation from outside sources and some heartbreak.
These 2 precious souls find their HEA but it's not without manipulation from outside sources and some heartbreak.
November 1, 2023
This is a sequel to the Backup Plans book, it's about Kieran, the new starting qb and Travis, the sheriff. This has age gape and hurt/comfort feels to it.
January 26, 2024
I don't think I've ever been so mad at fictional characters
This book was maddening, frustrating, downright torture to read. Just like another reviewer, I wanted to smack the shit out of Travis' dad, who was so out of line I wanted to cry. I also wanted to kick Blake till he was black and blue from head to toe, the smarmy, odious shark-snake. Kieran's despicable grandfather gets another dishonorable mention too.
Now I've got that off my chest, let me tell you how many times I shouted at Kieran to get a fucking grip and see people for who they are and what they're doing to him. Actually, I lost count pretty early on but I was hoarse by the time the ending was nigh.
So... quiet, zen, deep breath... nope, still not calming down. This story had me so angry that it's going to take a while.
Travis was as loving and thoughtful as before, caring for Kieran, being his rock and his safe place, even from afar and missing him so much. Kieran, however, was finding their forced separations due to his career too much to bear. Feeling so unsettled, and seeing only bad in himself and good in everybody else, he fails to understand neither how insidious his new PR guru is nor how people use his trusting nature against him.
I was so sad for Kieran, doing what he thought was best for everyone but himself. I was also sad for Travis whose only concern was Kieran's happiness. I wanted to skip all the sad things and the bad things and the boo-hiss characters just to get to their HEA but, of course, I didn't. When I did get to the end, exhausted from all the shouting and cursing, I couldn't have been happier for them.
Lou really put the sheriff and the quarterback through the wringer and I loved her whilst hating her for winding me up so much. Shouting at the telly is a life long pursuit but I don't often shout at books. Smile, pout, laugh, frown, sigh, even tear up, but not actually shout out loud. It takes a lot to make me do that and every credit to her.
Now I want Logan's bi-awakening with one of Kieran's lovely team mates (I'm dithering between two candidates), if only to see how Tom Brady is getting on.
P.S. To those characters who apologised, I DON'T CARE. You don't deserve forgiveness. You deserve a life long cold shoulder or locking up, if I had my way, not skating by with no real consequences. See, still not calm.
Now I'm going to sanitise this review for publication on Amazon. Something else to wind me up. Ho hum.
This book was maddening, frustrating, downright torture to read. Just like another reviewer, I wanted to smack the shit out of Travis' dad, who was so out of line I wanted to cry. I also wanted to kick Blake till he was black and blue from head to toe, the smarmy, odious shark-snake. Kieran's despicable grandfather gets another dishonorable mention too.
Now I've got that off my chest, let me tell you how many times I shouted at Kieran to get a fucking grip and see people for who they are and what they're doing to him. Actually, I lost count pretty early on but I was hoarse by the time the ending was nigh.
So... quiet, zen, deep breath... nope, still not calming down. This story had me so angry that it's going to take a while.
Travis was as loving and thoughtful as before, caring for Kieran, being his rock and his safe place, even from afar and missing him so much. Kieran, however, was finding their forced separations due to his career too much to bear. Feeling so unsettled, and seeing only bad in himself and good in everybody else, he fails to understand neither how insidious his new PR guru is nor how people use his trusting nature against him.
I was so sad for Kieran, doing what he thought was best for everyone but himself. I was also sad for Travis whose only concern was Kieran's happiness. I wanted to skip all the sad things and the bad things and the boo-hiss characters just to get to their HEA but, of course, I didn't. When I did get to the end, exhausted from all the shouting and cursing, I couldn't have been happier for them.
Lou really put the sheriff and the quarterback through the wringer and I loved her whilst hating her for winding me up so much. Shouting at the telly is a life long pursuit but I don't often shout at books. Smile, pout, laugh, frown, sigh, even tear up, but not actually shout out loud. It takes a lot to make me do that and every credit to her.
Now I want Logan's bi-awakening with one of Kieran's lovely team mates (I'm dithering between two candidates), if only to see how Tom Brady is getting on.
P.S. To those characters who apologised, I DON'T CARE. You don't deserve forgiveness. You deserve a life long cold shoulder or locking up, if I had my way, not skating by with no real consequences. See, still not calm.
Now I'm going to sanitise this review for publication on Amazon. Something else to wind me up. Ho hum.
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