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Never kiss your client…especially the NFL superstar you’ve been secretly obsessing about.

Vince


Being gay is a secret I’ve kept for as long as I can remember and since my dad’s running for President on a campaign platform to ban gay marriage, it’s not a secret I can’t afford to let out.

Until NFL superstar Gabe Kelly strolls into my corner office. With a body made for sin and throwing perfect spirals, he is my biggest temptation. I’m supposed to be managing his finances, not obsessing about him naked…or that stupid, reckless, fire hot kiss we shared.

But when you live in the limelight, someone is always waiting to expose your skeletons. So when a video of us together shows up online, I have to make a choice.

Live my life according to everyone else’s rules…
Or give up everything for the man I want.

Gabe

Vince Castro is tall, dark, and forbidden desire wrapped in BOSS Black. He also happens to be my new financial advisor and the guy I’ve fantasized about since the day I walked into his office. But with my private life being dragged through the mud since coming out last season, the last thing I need is a hot little fling to distract me.

Still, everything about him tempts me to break all of my rules.
The one problem? He's straight.

I keep telling myself that his penetrating stares and semi-innocent touches mean nothing until I invite him up to my apartment…and find out his truth.

Go Deep is book one of the Red Zone Series. It’s a contemporary slow burn, angsty MM sports romance that has high heat, forbidden love, and a stalker to keep things really interesting.

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 29, 2024

276 people are currently reading
517 people want to read

About the author

Brooklyn Cate

9 books35 followers

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5 stars
121 (25%)
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167 (35%)
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133 (28%)
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42 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
Profile Image for Brooke.
805 reviews533 followers
dnf
February 27, 2024
DNF 28%

Not connecting with the story or its characters. Gabe is pretty unlikeable, and their relationship seems to be leading to an only sex-based level.
The author tried to create layers and depth by adding in a cluster of tropes that don’t really mesh well, and instead of making me empathetic towards the MCs, I’m just bored.
Profile Image for Elizabeth(vacay mode).
414 reviews78 followers
March 29, 2024
DNF @21%. I can feel the looming book slump 🫤 the instalust was a bit much for me and there was a lot going on, both characters dealing with homophobia and family drama… just not what I’m in the mood for.
Profile Image for Fay MMBookworm.
3,042 reviews65 followers
Read
March 5, 2024
A debut author with this book, and I really struggled getting through this.
Ten years ago Vince’s life changed while playing a NFL game in a blink he’s was severely injured at 23.
Now an investment manager, he was crushing on a player in the Cincinnati crusaders them with QB Gabe in his fantasies. Closeted Bi/ gay because of who his father was.
Gabe was a current player who badly needed to get his finances under control again.
I loved their first meeting and Vince is hugely attracted to what he calls the girlfriend quote to set a boundary.
Gabe all for flirting with Vince.
Emotions are still high after Gabe’s father's death after their bad ending with Huntingtons.
Dramas happen with Vince’s father been rushed to hospital. This is a story that there are heaps going on in the book that I really didn't know how to feel about it all. I haven't been able to connect with the characters.
The possessive Ex boyfriend of Gabe’s makes trouble with everything else happening.

Both POVs included
I gave this a good try but couldn't get into it.

#GRRArc
Profile Image for Bethany (Bee_TheBibliophile).
709 reviews44 followers
February 29, 2024
A forbidden sports romance?! Couldn’t wait to dive into this one, but it ended up leaving me feeling just kind of meh about it - too many storylines and not enough romance in the end.

Vince Castro is an ex-NFL player and the son of a conservative Senator who has been hiding his sexuality for years in fear of being rejected by his father. He’s built an uber successful financial planning business with the help of his father and his conservative supporters, so he does everything he can to keep his personal life locked down tight…until Gabe Kelly walks into his office the first time.

Gabe Kelly is the starting quarterback for the Cincinnati Crusaders who recently publicly came out, alienating himself from his father and from some of his fans and teammates in the process. Since coming out, he feels much more like himself but he’s dealing with a lot, trying to pick up the pieces from the blowback, including getting his finances back in order thanks to Vince.

These two dance around each other for a long time, Vince hating himself for his attraction to Gabe and Gabe questioning whether the chemistry he feels between them is legit since Vince says he’s straight. They end up pushed together time and time again due to doing business together and running in the same sports circles so their back and forth goes on for a while before they finally give in to their attractions. But, there’s way too many side storylines going on here - Gabe’s stalker ex-boyfriend, his potential genetic illness, Vince’s father’s health concerns, his company’s backer threatening him…it all just took away so much from the main storyline and left me feeling like I really didn’t know Gabe or Vince very well and that they didn’t know each other either. I would have loved for them to have some meaningful conversations or spend a little more time getting to know each other at some point but all of that was overshadowed by all of the side plots that didn’t do much to progress the story.

Curious to see where this series goes from here and will be cautiously optimistic about what comes next.
Profile Image for S.M. Harshell.
Author 5 books45 followers
February 24, 2024
GO DEEP is the first book in the Red Zone series. There is heavy mention of homophobia if this is something you cannot read you may want to pass on this one.

Vince's football career was destroyed when he got hurt. He uses his back up plan as a financial guy to the best of his ability. He's good at what he does and his long list of clients can attest to that. His father is a current senator who is running for POTUS. Secrets that Vince has long buried deep because of the political platform of anti-LGBTQIA. How can he possibility live the life he really wants. He was fine getting through life until Gabe Kelly walks into his office. Gabe is every thing Vince wants but is everything he can't have. Gabe is recently out and living without secrets but some people aren't happy he's a thriving gay quarterback. Gabe thinks Vince is straight but certain long looks have Gabe rethinking that. When there is video of them together it threatens everything Vince has worked for. everything his dad has worked for. Is Vince willing to give up everything for Gabe? Will Gabe hide in the shadows for Vince?

I was extremely invested in this story. I understood Vince's fear but the way he kept treating and speaking to Gabe was so disheartening. I know he was projecting but it was so frustrating. I love that his dad was finally able to acknowledge that Vince was worth so much more than the people funding his race for president.

This is a new to me author and I can't wait to see where this series goes!

I was given a free copy of this book.
Profile Image for Molly Otto.
1,399 reviews30 followers
March 1, 2024
An out and proud quarterback meets his match with a closeted agent in this medium angst book. Loved to see an author take on these jobs and how that also affects how their relationship plays out. The dual POV helps you understand and get in the head of both characters are really feel for them and their struggles. The angst level is at that just right amount to keep you pulled in to see how it all plays out.
Their hea is well earned and satisfying, looking forward to more from this author.
Profile Image for Alexis.
96 reviews5 followers
March 3, 2024
The set up for this one was great, the follow through fell a little flat for me. I loved the characters and premise and plot but I felt like it was missing a few happy or sweet moments between the main characters. There was a lot of conflict so I would have appreciated more happy moments to justify the deep love that was described. Still a decent read, just not a five star for me.
Profile Image for Amy  Crull.
2,417 reviews38 followers
May 7, 2024
This was such a great book with characters you will absolutely love!! One has came out while the other is still in the closet. They didn't expect to find the one they were meant to be with so quickly. Gabe and Vince come from two different worlds but have lots in common despite all that. Vince's dad is running for President and has a image to uphold. He has backers that are homophobic and voice their opinions on it quite loudly. Hence the reason why Vince hasn't came out yet. Gabe is a football star but things haven't been great for him since coming out. He feels free for the first time but he's dealing with a crazy stalker ex boyfriend and financial issues. Meeting Vince and having the instant connection with him was unexpectant but also a good thing. These two show very adult ways to handle things and it all works out in the end for them. It was a book with lots of heart and surprises along the way! I really enjoyed this book!!
Profile Image for Caffineated boy scout.
66 reviews
March 12, 2024
The constant line of "My lifestyle" in regards to homosexuality by the gay characters really took me out of the story and pissed me off.
Profile Image for WycEd Reader.
2,384 reviews39 followers
March 1, 2024


Check out our full post for GO DEEP on Wicked Reads, which includes an excerpt.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the first book in a new series, and I am already looking forward to the next one!

Told from both points of view of the leads, we get inside the head of Gabe, NFL quarterback who recently opened up about being gay and is living with the fallout, and of Vince, ex-NFL prospect who was injured out and now runs a very successful investment firm. His father is intending to run for the White House and stands on an antigay marriage ticket, so Vince is in deep hiding about his sexual preferences, as he would not let his father down.

Gabe is referred to Vince by his agent, and the men are instantly attracted to each other, but Vince is well aware he cannot break his closeted character for any reason. As we travel their journeys, we hold the knowledge of why and how, and can only wait for the when.

Gabe's experiences on the training ground and playing, give one a real insight into how a player may feel when concerned about the impact of speaking their truth. To then fall for a guy who is adamant that he cannot ever do the same is clearly devastating... for both of them.

There are a number of clever and linked subplots to this story; one of these is that Gabe needs to decide whether he will get tested for a genetic marker for the disease which killed his father – I felt this whole part of the story was so carefully done, it was really moving.

Overall, this was a fabulous start to a new series, and I am ready for book two asap, please!


Shannan – ☆☆☆☆
GO DEEP is the first book in the Red Zone series. There is heavy mention of homophobia – if this is something you cannot read, you may want to pass on this one.

Vince's football career was destroyed when he got hurt. He uses his backup plan as a financial guy to the best of his ability. He's good at what he does, and his long list of clients can attest to that. His father is a current senator who is running for POTUS. Secrets that Vince has long buried deep because of his father’s political platform of anti-LGBTQIA. How can he possibly live the life he really wants? He was fine getting through life, until Gabe Kelly walked into his office. Gabe is everything Vince wants and is everything he can't have. Gabe is recently out and living without secrets, but some people aren't happy he's a thriving gay quarterback. Gabe thinks Vince is straight, but certain long looks have Gabe rethinking that. When there is video of them together, it threatens everything Vince has worked for and everything his dad has worked for. Is Vince willing to give up everything for Gabe? Will Gabe hide in the shadows for Vince?

I was extremely invested in this story. I understood Vince's fear but the way he kept treating and speaking to Gabe was so disheartening. I know he was projecting but it was so frustrating. I love that his dad was finally able to acknowledge that Vince was worth so much more than the people funding his race for president.

This is a new-to-me author, and I can't wait to see where this series goes!

Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for Claudia, Cmarie927.
2,003 reviews38 followers
February 29, 2024
I had not read anything by this MM author before, and I'm so glad I took a chance on their work! Give me a well-written sports romance any day, but a football MM romance? That's my ultimate guilty pleasure. Count me in!

I was immediately drawn in by the first chapter! Vince Castro, an intriguing man, is caught in an unfortunate predicament where he has no control over his own life. Vince is forced to conform to his father's demands and hide his true self due to his father's political prominence. I truly empathized with his emotions and frustrations.

On the other hand, Gabe Kelly, a respected and skilled player, is living his best life. He encounters Vince in a professional environment, but the encounter is far from professional. There is an intense and undeniable attraction between them... and these feelings between the two of them ignite instantly, and Vince realizes he's in deep trouble. The frustration, sadness, and compelling nature of the drama surrounding Vince's inability to break free from his father's demands was palpable. Vince and Gabe had a scorching connection. Their chemistry was explosive, and it resulted in some of the most steamy MM scenes I've encountered in my reading so far. Whew! So good.

The characters were so relatable, and their strong yearnings and aspirations to live life on their own terms kept me engaged to where I finished reading the book much faster than I had expected. The constant twists and turns in the narrative had me in suspense, wondering how everything would eventually be resolved. I fell in love with the intense emotions and gripping storyline of this read.

If you're new to MM, I suggest starting with this one. With easy-to-love characters, this book is a captivating and emotionally engaging read as you follow their journey towards their HEA. This author has gained a new follower, and I am excited to see what they have planned for the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Jane | Book Flutter ♥.
603 reviews18 followers
March 3, 2024
Go Deep, the first installment in the Red Zone Series by Brooklyn Cate, is a thrilling contemporary slow-burn, angsty MM sports romance that seamlessly combines forbidden love, intense passion, and the challenges of living under the unforgiving spotlight of fame. With its intriguing premise, the story takes readers on a captivating journey that explores the complexities of love and self-acceptance in the face of societal expectations and personal desires.

The story revolves around Vince Castro, a closeted gay man, and NFL superstar Gabe Kelly, whose lives become intertwined when Vince is assigned as Gabe's financial advisor. As the sparks fly between them, the narrative unfolds into a rollercoaster of emotions, unveiling the challenges of navigating forbidden desires, mainly when living in the shadows.

The characters are well-crafted, each carrying their own baggage and secrets. Vince's struggle with his sexuality, especially given his father's anti-gay campaign, adds depth to his character. On the other hand, Gabe grapples with the repercussions of coming out publicly and the toll it takes on his private life. The chemistry between the two protagonists is angsty, and the tension builds gradually, making the slow-burn aspect of the romance all the more satisfying.

Brooklyn Cate weaves a narrative that explores the passion between Vince and Gabe and the challenges they face individually and as a couple. The inclusion of Gabe's stalker adds a suspenseful element, keeping the readers on the edge of their seats. The plot is well-paced, with just the right balance of romance, tension, and external conflicts.

The story is a passionate and emotional read that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. Brooklyn Cate has undoubtedly scored a literary touchdown with this compelling and emotionally charged sports MM romance.
Profile Image for Ruthie Taylor.
3,723 reviews40 followers
February 23, 2024
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

This is the first book in a new series, and I am already looking forward to the next one!

Told from both POVs of the leads, we get inside the head of Gabe, NFL QB, recently opened up about being gay and living with the fallout, and of Vince, ex-NFL prospect who was injured out and now runs a very successful investment firm. His father is intending to run for the White House and stands on an antigay marriage ticket, so Vince is in deep hiding about his sexual preferences, as he would not let his father down.

Gabe is referred to Vince by his agent, and the men are instantly attracted to each other, but Vince is well aware he cannot break his closeted character for any reason. As we travel their journeys, we hold the knowledge of why and how, and can only wait for the when.

Gabe's experiences on the training ground and playing, give one a real insight into how a player may feel when concerned about the impact of speaking their truth. To then fall for a guy who is adamant that he cannot ever do the same is clearly devastating... for both of them.

There are a number of clever and linked subplots to this story; one of these is that Gabe needs to decide whether he will get tested for a genetic marker for the disease which killed his father - I felt this whole part of the story was so carefully done, it was really moving.

Overall this was a fabulous start to a new series, and I am ready for book 2 asap, please!

Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for katelyn.
20 reviews
July 13, 2025
Words matter—being gay isn’t a “lifestyle”

I wish the author had been more careful with terms like “lifestyle” when referring to being gay. Many LGBTQ people do not subscribe to the notion that being gay is a “lifestyle.” It’s a loaded word that suggests queerness is a choice or trend, and it can come off as tone-deaf—especially in MM romance. I understand that sometimes characters will have their own self-hatred or homophobia but I don’t think that’s what is going on here. The openly gay football player has referred to being gay as a “lifestyle” 3 times so far and it is irking me so much and triggering me that I felt the need to pause and write this. I like the book otherwise and I just read Puck Lust and didn’t see any of that in there. I’m not sure if this is a one-off just in this book, but it is something that is so bothersome to me that it’s detracting from my being able to enjoy the story. I know a lot of readers are straight women, so some may not understand this and think I’m being ridiculous. As a person who is part of the LGBTQ community, I want to point out that language matters and if you’re writing from the perspective of someone, it’s really important that you educate yourself on how those within that community speak and referring to our life as being a lifestyle is not it. A lifestyle can be active, urban, rural, green…things you choose. Sexual orientation is not a lifestyle! If this was a mistake and not realized, I’d urge the author to update this with better word choices or, at the very least, place a trigger/content warning acknowledging that this is being used and expressing any understanding you may have found after looking into this yourself and explaining that this was written before you were aware.
Profile Image for Michele (_LivesBtweenPgs_).
732 reviews20 followers
March 4, 2024
“I’m gonna give you everything, just like you wanted.”

There is everything I love in this book.
Angst..
Slow burn.. to me anyways
Delayed satisfaction..
I want you but..
Ex's who need a reality check..
That tension..
At first sight.. yes please!

Vince & Gabe were electric. Like two magnets that can't be helped but be pulled together until finally being together is what matters most.. or is it?
These two are what we always see when it's a "I can't do what you did.." trope.
Gabe is out and although he's free of the closet he was in for a long time he isn't necessarily free of it all.
Vince is soo far into the closet that he feels safe there but how long can you keep being safe and give up what could be your potential future.

The struggles that both Vince and Gabe face throughout their story are what I imagine everyone feels at some point in their life, that feeling of wanting more or not being good enough.
I was completely angry towards the parents in their story but it is a common thing that is not surprising after such revelations come to light especially when it is your own child.
Everyone wants to feel acceptance but it was very clear at the beginning that not only did Vince not feel it because of his dad but also Gabe who didn't feel it from not only his parents but his team as well.
This book was a journey for sure, I enjoyed it and absolutely loved certain aspects of their story and how it all played out in the end. Screw you Shane & Bob!

Now to wait for the next which btw that little snippet.. not enough at all but also I knew it!!
Profile Image for Jackie.
32 reviews
March 7, 2024
Brooklyn Cate is a new to me author, and once I saw that this was an angsty sports romance, I was sold.

First, we have Vince. An ex-NFL player, current financial guru, who is stuck in the closet while his Senator father runs for President on an anti-gay platform. Next, we have Gabe. A current out-and-proud NFL quarterback who is in need of some major financial help. These two meet for business purposes and the sparks instantly fly at the worst possible time for them both.

I typically don’t like when most of a book’s angst is centered around homophobia, but this book has done it really well. It felt very authentic and believable. And how she dealt with the politics in the story was fantastic. There was no good or bad side. They were all insufferable and I loved it.

My heart broke for Vince. His fear was so palpable in this story that I was completely engrossed in it. Even if he made me want to rip my hair out with his treatment of Gabe, I still couldn’t help but understand him. Vince’s sister was a wonderful support and I really enjoyed the comic relief she brought to his POVs. Gabe I felt was a bit pushy, but I still enjoyed his character. He had been beaten down since coming out, and I really felt how strong he was for refusing to apologize for who he was. These two were explosive when they were together, but it wasn’t always a good thing.

I wish there would have been more sweet moments between these two. The attraction was definitely there, but I wanted to feel something a little deeper between them before they became a couple. There was a lot of hurt, but I wanted a bit more comfort.

There was a lot going on in this book, but I felt it was organized quite well. Definitely an enjoyable read and I will be reading Book 2 about Jase and Lucas.
Profile Image for Sharon McMaster.
293 reviews4 followers
March 5, 2024
Vince Castro was a former NFL player that got hurt and had to pivot careers. He went on to be a successful financial manager with his own company. His personal life lacked what he wanted because he always knew he was gay, but his father is a Senator that is running for president and his biggest platform is against gays. Vince has had to hide everything to keep his family together until Gabe Kelly is referred to him for his financial prowess after the last company lost him a bunch of money.

Gabe Kelly is starting QB for the Crusaders, but he just came out publicly and has a mixed response from fans where some are supporting him, and others are tearing him down. Gabe just wants to be free and live his life but makes an instant connection with Vince and is drawn to him, but he doesn’t want to go back into the closet. Vince is running hot and cold but never actually admits that he is gay so Gabe isn’t sure if he is reading Vince wrong or not.

I like that Vince was able to finally grow as a person and not just live in his father’s shadow. Gabe has had a horrible experience with a relationship and his ex just won’t let go and is super aggressive about it. I loved that there was a bunch of storylines that intersected and not just all romance because just like in real life there are things that get in the way of relationships and the reasons behind them aren’t always front and center. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,956 reviews19 followers
March 7, 2024
When Vince meets Gabe they are both dealing with heavy family issues that are having an impact on how they are living their lives. Vince, having played pro football and then having a career ending injury drives a wedge between him and his father is trying hard not to be an even more disappointing son. His father, the senator, is against gay marriage and wants to run for president and wants his son to support him. His closeted gay son who is afraid to live his life openly because of his father's expectations. And then there's Gabe who is playing pro football and came out only to be jettisoned from his family when his father turned his back on him for being gay. His father had an illness that is genetic and that did wind up taking his father's life. Now Gabe has to worry about taking a test to find out whether there is a timebomb in his system. The attraction when they meet, both burdened under their individual circumstances, is instant though Vince resists. Until he no longer can. The politics and the personal relationship drama, including a crazy ex for Gabe, makes their path to love and happiness a bumpy one. But these are tough guys and they work their way through and even with the missteps, their love for one another winds up helping them do brave things that they did not want to. This was a good start to this series and I am looking forward to the next story about Gabe's teammates that was teased in this one.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Samantha Fox.
252 reviews1 follower
February 26, 2024
ARC REVIEW

Go Deep is the first book in the Red Zone series.

Vince a former NLF player turned financial guru keeps his sexuality a secret in fear of backlash from not only the public but from his father who is campaigning to be President while taking an Anti-LGBTQ+ stance. Gabe is a current NFL hotshot is seeks out Vinces when he finds himself in financial hot water after his former investors tanked his portfolio after publicly coming out.

Gabe while trying to shake off the remnants of a previous relationship finds himself willing to put it all on the line for a shot with Vince. However, Vince was not prepared for the emotional rollercoaster that he would find himself on in regards to his feelings for Gabe. Is Vince willing to turn the life he knows upside down and give himself this chance at love? I guess you will have to read the book to find out!

In my personal opinion this story was both plot and character driven which is something that I enjoy in a book. The characters were well written and you cannot help to feel your heart break for and with them, while simultaneously cheering them on. I gave this book at 4 star rating and I would read it again. I look forward to the second book in this series.

Tropes include:
-Coming Out
-Angst
-Hurt/Comfort
-Sports Romance
-Forbidden Romance
-Slow Burm
Profile Image for Kate Seymour.
157 reviews
March 7, 2024
Simply Irresistible

Gabe and Vince meet when Gabe hires Vince to be his financial manager. Gabe is an our and proud NFL Quarterback. Vince, however, is a deeply closeted financial manager and former NFL player. There is an instant attraction between the two, but Vince refuses to act on it, because he’s afraid of what his father and his clients will think of him if he comes out.

Unfortunately, the more time Vince spends with Gabe the less he is able to resist him, until one night they end up making out at Gabe’s apartment. Gabe is nothing but honest in his feelings about Vince, but Vince freaks out and says some hurtful things before running off. However, not long after the two men find themselves alone again, which results in them having hot and steamy sex. Unsurprisingly, Vince freaks out again the morning after.

”Go Deep” tells the story of two men who are at very different places with their sexuality. Gabe has come to terms with being gay, and revealed his truth to the world. Vince is so afraid of being gay, he doesn't even want to act on it in private. However, he can’t seem to resist Gabe, no matter how hard he tries. Once Vince finally gives in to his attraction, the steamy scenes between the two are hot. I enjoyed this book and rate it four stars.
Profile Image for Chelsey.
254 reviews150 followers
March 1, 2024
Go Deep is Brooklyns debut novel & I couldn’t believe it. The way she wrote about such a difficult subject and did it so well for her first book, I was blown away.

We follow Vince & Gabe, these two are opposites in every way but both are instantly drawn to each other… the only problem? Gabe is in the NFL and came out publicly, while Vince refuses to ever act on how he truly feels because his father is running for senator…. and has everyone believing he wants to get rid of gay marriage.

I was really impressed at how well Brooklyn was able to include politics and homophobic topics without scaring me away instead she brought out every damn emotion I had while reading this.

I loved that we get Vince’s inner dialogue while he battled through years of hate and tries to put himself first. Now that being said Vince made me so mad from time to time because of the way he would treat Gabe. This is where the hurt/comfort trope comes in. But the miscommunication is so worth it with the HEA we get 🩶

One last thing, I hate Bob. But revenge is sweet 😉

I’m so excited for Jase and Lucas’s book, the sneak peeks of them have me ready to dive into the enemies to lovers romance.
Profile Image for Lilith.
95 reviews
March 2, 2024
Go Deep is the first book in the Red Zone Series.

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽:
🩶Sport Romance
🩶Coming Out
🩶Hurt/Comfort
🩶Angst
🩶Slow Burn
🩶Forbidden

Vince was a former NFL player that lost his career due a bad injury, turned in a financial guru keeps his sexuality a secret in fear of backlash from the society but mostly from his father.

Gabe is a NFL QB that recently came out and need some help with his financial portfolio after his previos investor tanked it.

Brooklyn put a little bit of evruthing in this book; love, angst, smut, plot twist, homophobia, sport based romance, push and pull and a lot of tension.

Gabe is such a good sweet boy, he has a ceazy stalker ex boyfriend that can't accept the end of their relationship, he deserve only good things after what he were been through.

Vince is scared, even if he wants Gabe with all of his heart, he push him away everytime.
Their love is strong but also painful.

It was a fast and emotional read with easy-to-love characters, a twist in the family drama andlots of love.

Thank you so much to Brooklyn Cate fro the ARC. Can't wait for Lucas and Jese's story.
Profile Image for Jessica.
450 reviews21 followers
March 11, 2024
✔️MM
✔️ Football Romance
✔️ Forbidden Love

Go Deep is book #1 in the Red Zone series. It’s written in a dual POV, and not only a football romance but a forbidden love. Vince Castro, who is now a “finance guru.” is a former NFL player who was forced into early retirement after a spinal injury. Gabe Kelly is openly gay, and the star quarterback for the Cincinnati Crusaders, and he’s just hired Vince to help him with his investment portfolio. This is a slow/medium burn, when they do finally hook up, it’s spicy however you’ll get some whiplash along the way. Vince struggles with his sexuality, and the fear of losing everything if he comes out, or embraces a relationship with Gabe. I think this book was more than just a spicy MM romance novel. Even though it’s a fiction novel, it really gives you an insider view of the struggles that gay athletes face. And I felt so many emotions while I read about their struggles, fears, and some assholes along the way trying to bring them down but love ultimately won. I just all around liked this book.
Profile Image for TUKricker.
295 reviews5 followers
February 29, 2024
This release by Brooklyn Cate was different from the rest in the best kinda way. It's too often that romance novels of this type speak of all the acceptance we wish there would be in place of the issues we know there still are. This one does the opposite showing the hardship and battle for someone to come out in a professional sport in a conservative state.

No one story fits all situations but Cate does a good job of showing adversity and triumph while still expressing the difficulty that surrounds an individuals choices for coming out.

The romance between Vince and Gabe is a medium burn but really drives the plot that their choices in their positions will eventually affect other people.

The story takes some excellent twists and turns near the end that really embrace the overall happy ending. Cate also did a great job teeing up the follow up with two interesting, yet still illusive side charachters.
40 reviews1 follower
February 29, 2024
Vince and Gabe are exciting new characters who are a joy to get to know. Their personal and professional lives are every bit as complicated and interesting as any reader could possibly wish for. Admirable and heroic in so many ways, yet so endearingly sweet and insecure in others, you will remember them far beyond the last page. This story has plenty of twists and turns, and the family drama and growing suspense are treated with a deft touch by the author. At times, I wanted to jump right into the middle of things in so many scenes that I lost count of how many times I found myself wanting to talk to them directly about possible solutions to both their mutual and separate dilemmas. That is the magic of this author. To make the reader want—even need—to be there to help guide these two fascinating characters to a better life. Incredibly good story and a must have on your bookshelf.
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93 reviews96 followers
March 5, 2024
I was pleasantly surprised by this little book. It was short -ish but sweet.

I’m a sucker for this particular style of writing. The type with easy, comedic often self deprecating humour. I find myself smiling whilst reading along and this book was no different.

Considering the length of the book, it had enough backbone and outside storyline to keep it interesting and not 2 dimensional.

The relationship between the two MMC’s is great, their back and forth banter is fun and I love nothing more than all things forbidden with that underlying tension with unmissable chemistry which these two guys have.

Low anghst. Fun. Spicy, Easy reading. What more can you want?

I did feel the ending was a little rushed and a little too convenient with everyone being in exactly the right place at the right time. It took me out of the story a bit because it wasn’t believable. But I was still able to finish and enjoy.

I’ll be picking up the next book in the series
1,866 reviews7 followers
March 6, 2024
Couldn't stop reading but I don't know why

I reached halfway and nothing much had really happened except for lots of meetings between Vince and Gabe where they danced around each other and their feelings (Vince denying his and Gabe openly flirting) and yet I was riveted. The second half sees more pull him close, push him away, but also brings to the foreground the other various plotlines that have been simmering in the background so far.
It was frustrating watching Vince hiding his truth from everyone but I understood why, while at the same time I felt so bad for Gabe and how hurt he was by Vince's actions.
The other threads were all resolved and I realised I didn't actually care how conveniently they worked out, one through unbelievable chance, because I was enjoying it.
I was very happy with their HEA and I'm looking forward to seeing them, hopefully, in the rest of the series. I can't wait for Lucas to sort Jase out.
Profile Image for Henna.
278 reviews5 followers
February 21, 2024
Wow, ok. 4,5 stars.

This looks like it’s debut novel from the author – at least I couldn’t find previous books, and if it is, amazing job!

The heat was hot and spice was SPICY. There was just enough angst to make you hold your breath until last pages. The HEA was well deserved and so good.

Out-and-proud NFL quarterback Gabe Kelly meets up with his new financial advisor, ex-NFL player, Vince Castro. Castro’s dad is running for president on platform to ban gay marriage – and yes, his son is gay, and no, he doesn’t know because Vince doesn’t want to lose his dad. There’s the first angsty component. Add crooked politicians, completely unhinged ex and homophobic teammates and you have a lot of issues to handle before getting to HEA.

This is an extremely solid MM romance read.

If this is the level we can expect from Miss Brooklyn Cate’s other books, I’m here for it.
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228 reviews7 followers
February 22, 2024
I really enjoyed this debut novel. I’m a fan of RH and love a MM component but this was my first solely MM romance. I really enjoyed it.

Vince and Gabe our main men are wonderfully developed characters with their own detailed back stories. Vince is well and truly in the closet due to his politician father who is using his platform to oppose gay marriage. NFL player Gabe publicly came out recently and is navigating the difficulties that brings.

The push and shove between them and the journey of discovery they take is beautifully written and I really found myself rooting for them. The dual POV is perfect because it allows you to see both sides of each interaction.

I’d be really keen to give the next book a go and look forward to seeing what else the author give us. Thanks to Brooklyn and Literally Yours PR for the ARC.
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470 reviews10 followers
February 27, 2024
Days later and I still don’t know what to think about this book. Vince and Gabe’s HEA was such a hard earned one, despite their very obvious attraction from the start, on top of general homophobia towards Gabe’s coming out in football, Vince on the other hand had his father’s political agenda to mind and his own internal acceptance of being gay, then they both had Bob to deal with. I don’t know how I feel about this book honestly. The reading for the most part was difficult. I did not enjoy reading about the homophobia. But I will say this, I’m looking forward to book 2 and I guess that’s what matters.

Rating: Spice 3/5
Although actual spicy scene didn’t happen until like mid way through the book, it was overall a very mature audience book.



CW: Sexual assault, homophobia
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