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Contested Possession #0
His Boyfriend's Rookie
How far would you go to keep your boyfriend?
This is the debut season of the second greatest rookie of all Finnegan Flynn.
This is the season the greatest rookie of all time, George Creed, takes his position in history as the youngest person ever to coach a league team.
And this is the season Head of Stadium Security, Joaquin Nord, watches his boyfriend, the deeply closeted coach, fall in love with his superstar rookie…
Joaquin watches this mutual attraction unfold with patient horror, certain his boyfriend will get over his crush. But a moment of aching intimacy caught on camera forces him to intervene.
Will his desperate act of sabotage be enough? Or will it cement George and Finn as the first in Australian Football history at something else?
The prequel to Because He’s My Guy, His Boyfriend’s Rookie tells the story of George and Finn from an outside point of view. It includes non-consensual voyeurism and emotional infidelity, which some readers have found disturbing. Closure and a HEA for the hurt party in this novel can be found in the follow-up, You Could Do Better.
This is the debut season of the second greatest rookie of all Finnegan Flynn.
This is the season the greatest rookie of all time, George Creed, takes his position in history as the youngest person ever to coach a league team.
And this is the season Head of Stadium Security, Joaquin Nord, watches his boyfriend, the deeply closeted coach, fall in love with his superstar rookie…
Joaquin watches this mutual attraction unfold with patient horror, certain his boyfriend will get over his crush. But a moment of aching intimacy caught on camera forces him to intervene.
Will his desperate act of sabotage be enough? Or will it cement George and Finn as the first in Australian Football history at something else?
The prequel to Because He’s My Guy, His Boyfriend’s Rookie tells the story of George and Finn from an outside point of view. It includes non-consensual voyeurism and emotional infidelity, which some readers have found disturbing. Closure and a HEA for the hurt party in this novel can be found in the follow-up, You Could Do Better.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 17, 2023
23 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 20, 2024
I read this back in Nov last year with book 1 but forgot to review. Now I’ve just finished Joq’s book and still don’t really know what to think. Hate George. And mostly Finn. Undecided on Joq. But I was thoroughly engaged the whole story. The concept is different and for a book written in Australia it’s wonderfully refreshing to have people talking normally and not in exaggerated, outdated slang.
For an actually articulate review I recommend reading Fishreads review - definitely explains things better than I have. Although I actually think it’s best to just go into this blind, whilst because cautious that there is cheating in an open relationship.
For an actually articulate review I recommend reading Fishreads review - definitely explains things better than I have. Although I actually think it’s best to just go into this blind, whilst because cautious that there is cheating in an open relationship.
February 7, 2024
**** 3.75 stars ****
December 20, 2024
Yo. Not to rewrite history because Joq's done some really fucked up shit but watching your boyfriend of 12 years make love to someone else while he's never done that with you (merely fucked you) would radicalize the best of us.
“Whatever you want,” George replied, heartbreakingly sincere, and Joq realised he’d never heard him sound like that. He was the one about to get his dick sucked, but he sounded like he was completely at the kid’s mercy.
What's the lesson today, kids? Don't go looking if you may not like what you'll find.
Also: Maybe only suggest an open relationship if you actually want one and can live with it, and not as a hail mary to see if it'll ignite some sort of jealousy or possessiveness over you from your partner. Because he might say 'sure, let's ball', and then you'll be Joq.
'George was a one man kinda guy. And that was something Joq really tried not to think about anymore. It used to make him feel good, really good. Now it terrified him.'
On the one hand, I was screaming at Joq in my head to just not watch them, because you're not going to see anything you want to remember.
But on the other hand, I kind of get him not wanting to look away. Sometimes you need to see shit in Ultra HD to believe it. For the disgrace to really hit you.
That said, him staying after seeing that? Him wanting to make it work against an insurmountable object (George and Finn's obvious mutual love for each other)? Yeah. God's strongest soldier FR.
Dumb too, though. Two things can be true at once.
It doesn't help that he GOT OFF ON WATCHING THEM. 💀Watching your man rim his side piece while he won't touch you that way. Listening to them have hours of pillow talk afterwards?
Sorry, I'd be snot crying in a corner. There's no way you can delude yourself into thinking it's 'just sex' between them.
The kids are not reacting in the usual way to being fucked around on.
Sure, he and George had an open relationship. But it was only sexually open. And there were emotions involved between George and Finn even before they met in person. It was emotional infidelity from the jump.
Then the whole thing with George wanting to be very publicly out with Finn, big celebrity wedding, Vogue photoshoots yet he'd been draconian about ensuring Joq would never even fantasize about wanting that during their 12 years together.....had to hurt like a son of a bitch.
So, yeah. I get why, if someone read this installment first, they'd absolutely cast George and Finn as the dicks. They kinda were.
The thing he did with Finn, though....I don't absolve him but I understand why he did it. People have done dumber things for flimsier reasons. Twelve years isn't nothing, you know.
Except to George. It was absolutely nothing to George 💀💀💀
This was bittersweet, because on the one hand, it was nice to get a third person account of George and Finn falling in love in the background. It seemed inexorable. Great for them.
On the other hand, it sucks that Joq had to be the collateral damage in order for that to happen.
I don't really think of him as the villain anymore(in their story, sure). But he was just a 20 year old who fell so deeply in love he committed to something he hadn't thought through, and he ended up playing catch up for 12 years. From that perspective, I think he already suffered enough.
Off to read his book now because yeah, maybe he DOES deserve better.
“Whatever you want,” George replied, heartbreakingly sincere, and Joq realised he’d never heard him sound like that. He was the one about to get his dick sucked, but he sounded like he was completely at the kid’s mercy.
What's the lesson today, kids? Don't go looking if you may not like what you'll find.
Also: Maybe only suggest an open relationship if you actually want one and can live with it, and not as a hail mary to see if it'll ignite some sort of jealousy or possessiveness over you from your partner. Because he might say 'sure, let's ball', and then you'll be Joq.
'George was a one man kinda guy. And that was something Joq really tried not to think about anymore. It used to make him feel good, really good. Now it terrified him.'
On the one hand, I was screaming at Joq in my head to just not watch them, because you're not going to see anything you want to remember.
But on the other hand, I kind of get him not wanting to look away. Sometimes you need to see shit in Ultra HD to believe it. For the disgrace to really hit you.
That said, him staying after seeing that? Him wanting to make it work against an insurmountable object (George and Finn's obvious mutual love for each other)? Yeah. God's strongest soldier FR.
Dumb too, though. Two things can be true at once.
It doesn't help that he GOT OFF ON WATCHING THEM. 💀Watching your man rim his side piece while he won't touch you that way. Listening to them have hours of pillow talk afterwards?
Sorry, I'd be snot crying in a corner. There's no way you can delude yourself into thinking it's 'just sex' between them.
The kids are not reacting in the usual way to being fucked around on.
Sure, he and George had an open relationship. But it was only sexually open. And there were emotions involved between George and Finn even before they met in person. It was emotional infidelity from the jump.
Then the whole thing with George wanting to be very publicly out with Finn, big celebrity wedding, Vogue photoshoots yet he'd been draconian about ensuring Joq would never even fantasize about wanting that during their 12 years together.....had to hurt like a son of a bitch.
So, yeah. I get why, if someone read this installment first, they'd absolutely cast George and Finn as the dicks. They kinda were.
The thing he did with Finn, though....I don't absolve him but I understand why he did it. People have done dumber things for flimsier reasons. Twelve years isn't nothing, you know.
Except to George. It was absolutely nothing to George 💀💀💀
This was bittersweet, because on the one hand, it was nice to get a third person account of George and Finn falling in love in the background. It seemed inexorable. Great for them.
On the other hand, it sucks that Joq had to be the collateral damage in order for that to happen.
I don't really think of him as the villain anymore(in their story, sure). But he was just a 20 year old who fell so deeply in love he committed to something he hadn't thought through, and he ended up playing catch up for 12 years. From that perspective, I think he already suffered enough.
Off to read his book now because yeah, maybe he DOES deserve better.
January 8, 2024
Veto George!!
I just can’t! The book gets 5 stars. George gets less than 0 stars! Do not recommend!! I read this book in one sitting. I’m not even sure I got up to get a drink. When it was over, I texted so many people!! Friends, family, readers, people who never read, people who definitely don’t care about MM Romance, etc. I could not stop thinking about the audacity!! 2 days later, I still couldn’t sleep because I wanted to fight George!! So I e-mailed this new to me author, Sasha Avice, to ask her if the rest of the series would be like this. Because I couldn’t read another word!! She promised it would be fine!! I’ve since read all her books, I sign up for the ARC team, and I will always pre-order and/or 1 click!! George is trash, but Sasha’s writing had me captivated from page 1!!
I just can’t! The book gets 5 stars. George gets less than 0 stars! Do not recommend!! I read this book in one sitting. I’m not even sure I got up to get a drink. When it was over, I texted so many people!! Friends, family, readers, people who never read, people who definitely don’t care about MM Romance, etc. I could not stop thinking about the audacity!! 2 days later, I still couldn’t sleep because I wanted to fight George!! So I e-mailed this new to me author, Sasha Avice, to ask her if the rest of the series would be like this. Because I couldn’t read another word!! She promised it would be fine!! I’ve since read all her books, I sign up for the ARC team, and I will always pre-order and/or 1 click!! George is trash, but Sasha’s writing had me captivated from page 1!!
January 8, 2024
4.5 ⭐️I first read this book last year when it was released alone. Since then I have read the next books in this collection, they are not true series however IMO they all really should be read to understand and feel for each and everyone in this world. This is really different story as it is told from a different POV. I loved it the first time and even more the second time. Highly recommend every book.
May 21, 2025
Gosh George and Finn, I will never get enough of them and Joq… there is a lot to say. One don’t go into this one expecting any kind of typical romance cadences to the story. Is there a romance yes in the most literal yet sub plotty way, is there an HEA, not for the MC though. I read this one after reading book 1 even though it comes before and somehow I find I am much happier with it that way. This book definitely dialled up my sympathy and understanding for how Joq reached a place in his life where he did the things he did.. things that will not be redeemable for most.
Yet I would say read this story, it is a brilliantly told story of one man’s slide downwards as his relationship is falling apart and how he is unable to do anything but make it worse. Even the side characters the author gives us are to a large extent not really likeable yet add layers to the story.
To have to feel heartache, rage, pain, helpless morbid fixation as you wait for the crash that’s coming is so tightly handled by the author. Sasha is a master at weaving human emotions.
Parts of this were very hard to read and other parts extra my emotional, I loved being able to buddy read it with my friend @lady who patiently held my hand throughout
The story also sets up many in the series to come beautifully - I love all the characters to come, if you havnt started this series I highly recommend it, it’s one of my favourites.
Yet I would say read this story, it is a brilliantly told story of one man’s slide downwards as his relationship is falling apart and how he is unable to do anything but make it worse. Even the side characters the author gives us are to a large extent not really likeable yet add layers to the story.
To have to feel heartache, rage, pain, helpless morbid fixation as you wait for the crash that’s coming is so tightly handled by the author. Sasha is a master at weaving human emotions.
Parts of this were very hard to read and other parts extra my emotional, I loved being able to buddy read it with my friend @lady who patiently held my hand throughout
The story also sets up many in the series to come beautifully - I love all the characters to come, if you havnt started this series I highly recommend it, it’s one of my favourites.
May 19, 2025
5 stars
Joaquin, Joq, is the Head of the Stadium Security, he's a confident and attractive man, he's good at his job, he lives in a beautiful house and he has been with his boyfriend for 12 years. He's also free to have sex with whoever he wants every time he wants.
George Creed is a famous former footballer, he was the greates rookie of all time and now he's the youngest coach in a league team; he's handsome, he lives in a beautiful house and he has been with his boyfriend for 12 years. He has an open relationship, but he has never taken advantage of that. George is also very much in the closet.
When Finnegan Flynn joins George's team, the two of them become closer and, thanks to George and Joq's arrangement, they can also have a sexual relationship, while Joq watches them from afar, fearing to lose his boyfriend.
Heartbreak, wrong decisions, bad choices, resentments and regrets will connect the lives of the three men, until one of them will be left behind.
Sasha Avice is a great author, I love her style, her choices, her characters: this is not the typical fluffy romance, with heroes and villains, we've got 2 MCs who compete for the love of the third one, finding themselves in a difficul situation where no one can really be blamed (except when one of them makes a very very bad choice).
Some readers will say that Finn wanted to steal George, others that Joq took advantage of George's fear of being outed (me) and others that George cheated on Joq (not me).
The truth is just two of them were real soulmates and destined to be together.
Do not miss this amazing story. Highly recommended.
A few considerations added after rereading this book - contains spoilers!
Joq and George's relationship was doomed for the start and both of them are at fault.
George, because he never ever considered coming out, not even after retiring and not being in the spotlight anymore. Also because he totally refused certain acts in bed that pushed Joq elsewhere to satisfy his needs. George did fall in love with Finn while in a relationship with Joq, but I wouldn't call it an "affair" because he genuinely realised how much he loved Finn only after he lost it.
Joq, because he bargained him being out with the possibility of sleeping around, because his arrogance blindsided him, preventing him from seeing that his open relationship agreement would have backfired spectacularly. Because he (illegally) took advantage of his work to blackmail Finn. And because Finn was true: if he had genuinely loved George, he would not have manipulated him.
Sadly, Joq will never learn and his incapacity of assuming his responsibilities will put at risk his relationship with Chris too.
This book is narrated by Joq's POV, Because He's My Guy contains the same story told by George's POV.
You can read my review of Because He's My Guy here
Joaquin, Joq, is the Head of the Stadium Security, he's a confident and attractive man, he's good at his job, he lives in a beautiful house and he has been with his boyfriend for 12 years. He's also free to have sex with whoever he wants every time he wants.
George Creed is a famous former footballer, he was the greates rookie of all time and now he's the youngest coach in a league team; he's handsome, he lives in a beautiful house and he has been with his boyfriend for 12 years. He has an open relationship, but he has never taken advantage of that. George is also very much in the closet.
When Finnegan Flynn joins George's team, the two of them become closer and, thanks to George and Joq's arrangement, they can also have a sexual relationship, while Joq watches them from afar, fearing to lose his boyfriend.
Heartbreak, wrong decisions, bad choices, resentments and regrets will connect the lives of the three men, until one of them will be left behind.
Sasha Avice is a great author, I love her style, her choices, her characters: this is not the typical fluffy romance, with heroes and villains, we've got 2 MCs who compete for the love of the third one, finding themselves in a difficul situation where no one can really be blamed (except when one of them makes a very very bad choice).
Some readers will say that Finn wanted to steal George, others that Joq took advantage of George's fear of being outed (me) and others that George cheated on Joq (not me).
The truth is just two of them were real soulmates and destined to be together.
Do not miss this amazing story. Highly recommended.
A few considerations added after rereading this book - contains spoilers!
Joq and George's relationship was doomed for the start and both of them are at fault.
George, because he never ever considered coming out, not even after retiring and not being in the spotlight anymore. Also because he totally refused certain acts in bed that pushed Joq elsewhere to satisfy his needs. George did fall in love with Finn while in a relationship with Joq, but I wouldn't call it an "affair" because he genuinely realised how much he loved Finn only after he lost it.
Joq, because he bargained him being out with the possibility of sleeping around, because his arrogance blindsided him, preventing him from seeing that his open relationship agreement would have backfired spectacularly. Because he (illegally) took advantage of his work to blackmail Finn. And because Finn was true: if he had genuinely loved George, he would not have manipulated him.
Sadly, Joq will never learn and his incapacity of assuming his responsibilities will put at risk his relationship with Chris too.
This book is narrated by Joq's POV, Because He's My Guy contains the same story told by George's POV.
You can read my review of Because He's My Guy here
January 19, 2025
4.25⭐
Awww, now feel sorry for Joq. Watching someone you presumably built twelve years of your life around slowly slip away might have hurt. It doesn't excuse his actions, but damn!!!.
It took George less than a year, I think, to fall in love with Finn, come out of the closet, and marry him the following month after breaking things off with Joq. And he was with Joq for twelve years.
George did not even blink when Joq requested an open relationship.
This situation serves as a vivid example of the phrase, "If he wanted to, he would."
I prefer this version over the original. Experiencing the love story of George and Finn through Joq's perspective was more rewarding than I had expected.
Awww, now feel sorry for Joq. Watching someone you presumably built twelve years of your life around slowly slip away might have hurt. It doesn't excuse his actions, but damn!!!.
It took George less than a year, I think, to fall in love with Finn, come out of the closet, and marry him the following month after breaking things off with Joq. And he was with Joq for twelve years.
George did not even blink when Joq requested an open relationship.
This situation serves as a vivid example of the phrase, "If he wanted to, he would."
I prefer this version over the original. Experiencing the love story of George and Finn through Joq's perspective was more rewarding than I had expected.
January 14, 2024
(ETA: 1/14/24)
This review was originally posted on George's book, Because He's My Guy, as Joq's book was not available on Goodreads. Even though Joq's book is now available here, I will keep my post as is and keep it cross-posted with George's book as well.
(Original Review: 11/03/23)
Disclaimer: I actually read My Boyfriend's Rookie, which is the prequel and tells this same story but from Joq's perspective. It is not on Goodreads, so that is why I am not rating this book, but I am instead attaching my review to this book.
I have no desire to finish reading George and Finn's POV. I started, became angry, and went on to skimming it and reading spoilers to see if I missed anything important. I did not.
Honestly, I find George an arrogant and cheating bastard who deserves to get chlamydia. He acts like he is some monogamous great guy who has been wronged, when he is the one who cheated for years on Joq. Yes, folks, you absolutely can cheat in an open relationship. By not following the boundaries set forth in his open relationship agreement with Joq, (hiding his emotional relationship with Finn for 2 freaking years, bringing Finn to their home for sex, not speaking openly about his developing feelings for Finn to Joq, etc.) he crossed the line from open into cheating. I don't feel bad for George. He agreed to an open relationship. He enjoyed the open relationship because not only was it foreplay for him, it allowed him to keep their relationship in the closet for 12 freaking years!
And Finn, oh stupid young Finn. He is pathetic and acts as the victim when he played a huge role in what went down. He sure won some prize...a man who hides a relationship for over a decade, then hides their own relationship, and also denies him while cheating with him to make Joq stay. Winner winner.
Everyone feels bad for George and Finn. I obviously do not. All my feels go to Joq. While what Joq did was wrong, I don't feel it was unwarranted due to George and Finn's deceitful behavior. Especially as George continued to beg Joq to stay up until almost 90% of the book even when George still wanted Finn back. Joq deserved better than that loser.
George and Finn are definitely not romantic heros in my book. They are just plain disgusting. Ugh. Rant over.
This review was originally posted on George's book, Because He's My Guy, as Joq's book was not available on Goodreads. Even though Joq's book is now available here, I will keep my post as is and keep it cross-posted with George's book as well.
(Original Review: 11/03/23)
Disclaimer: I actually read My Boyfriend's Rookie, which is the prequel and tells this same story but from Joq's perspective. It is not on Goodreads, so that is why I am not rating this book, but I am instead attaching my review to this book.
I have no desire to finish reading George and Finn's POV. I started, became angry, and went on to skimming it and reading spoilers to see if I missed anything important. I did not.
Honestly, I find George an arrogant and cheating bastard who deserves to get chlamydia. He acts like he is some monogamous great guy who has been wronged, when he is the one who cheated for years on Joq. Yes, folks, you absolutely can cheat in an open relationship. By not following the boundaries set forth in his open relationship agreement with Joq, (hiding his emotional relationship with Finn for 2 freaking years, bringing Finn to their home for sex, not speaking openly about his developing feelings for Finn to Joq, etc.) he crossed the line from open into cheating. I don't feel bad for George. He agreed to an open relationship. He enjoyed the open relationship because not only was it foreplay for him, it allowed him to keep their relationship in the closet for 12 freaking years!
And Finn, oh stupid young Finn. He is pathetic and acts as the victim when he played a huge role in what went down. He sure won some prize...a man who hides a relationship for over a decade, then hides their own relationship, and also denies him while cheating with him to make Joq stay. Winner winner.
Everyone feels bad for George and Finn. I obviously do not. All my feels go to Joq. While what Joq did was wrong, I don't feel it was unwarranted due to George and Finn's deceitful behavior. Especially as George continued to beg Joq to stay up until almost 90% of the book even when George still wanted Finn back. Joq deserved better than that loser.
George and Finn are definitely not romantic heros in my book. They are just plain disgusting. Ugh. Rant over.
January 13, 2024
One of my favorite reads of 2023. Re-read January 2024.
Sasha Avice excels at complicated men who don't always behave well (See This Ain't No Gay Romance) and Joq is no exception.
When Joq's boyfriend of twelve years, George, a footy coach, starts falling for his star rookie, Finn, Joq starts to spiral, denying the romance before him before spying, lying, and blackmailing, all in an effort to keep his relationship with George from imploding.
Although George and Joq have an open relationship (which only Joq has ever taken advantage of), George clearly breaches their understanding by having an emotional affair with Finn long before he and Finn start hooking up. George is deeply closeted and only a handful of friends (all Joq's) even know about their relationship.
Joq's incredibly sympathetic, even as his insecurities and jealousies start pushing him to more and more drastic measures. George basically comes across as a gaslighting asshole (to me, at least) and I founded myself rooting for Joq to dump him already. Can't wait to read more about him and Chris in You Could Do Better.
I haven't read Because He's My Guy yet. Super interested to see George's POV, since I definitely found him unlikeable here given that Joq is basically a dirty little secret because George doesn't want to come out (George's close friends don't even know about their relationship in spite of the fact that they live together), he sleeps with the twenty-year old he's coaching (while unintentionally mindfucking that same kid with his seesawing), and he lies to Joq about what he feels for Finn, managing to string both Joq and Finn along.
Anyway, a fun start to the Contested Possession series.
Sasha Avice excels at complicated men who don't always behave well (See This Ain't No Gay Romance) and Joq is no exception.
When Joq's boyfriend of twelve years, George, a footy coach, starts falling for his star rookie, Finn, Joq starts to spiral, denying the romance before him before spying, lying, and blackmailing, all in an effort to keep his relationship with George from imploding.
Although George and Joq have an open relationship (which only Joq has ever taken advantage of), George clearly breaches their understanding by having an emotional affair with Finn long before he and Finn start hooking up. George is deeply closeted and only a handful of friends (all Joq's) even know about their relationship.
Joq's incredibly sympathetic, even as his insecurities and jealousies start pushing him to more and more drastic measures. George basically comes across as a gaslighting asshole (to me, at least) and I founded myself rooting for Joq to dump him already. Can't wait to read more about him and Chris in You Could Do Better.
I haven't read Because He's My Guy yet. Super interested to see George's POV, since I definitely found him unlikeable here given that Joq is basically a dirty little secret because George doesn't want to come out (George's close friends don't even know about their relationship in spite of the fact that they live together), he sleeps with the twenty-year old he's coaching (while unintentionally mindfucking that same kid with his seesawing), and he lies to Joq about what he feels for Finn, managing to string both Joq and Finn along.
Anyway, a fun start to the Contested Possession series.
January 28, 2025
This was a complicated read. I wouldn’t call it a romance, but I guess it could technically be classified as one.
This book is the beginning of a relationship told from an outsider’s perspective. I had so many conflicting emotions.
In the beginning, I found Joq obnoxious. I didn’t really understand why he was so hung up on his boyfriend taking advantage of their open relationship when he’d been sleeping around liberally.
As the story unfolded, it felt more and more that Joq was the outsider and being pushed out so thoroughly that it felt like George was cheating. I’m not sure if I’d classify it as cheating, but it was definitely more than the agreement Joq and George had.
And Finn. I don’t even know where to start with him.
I’d planned to read the next books, but now I’m not sure. The next book is Finn and George from inside their relationship instead of an outsider. They kins of pissed me off as this book went on, so I’m not sure how I’d feel about them as MCs. Plus Finn was so petty and cringy at the end of this book that I’m not sure I can feel for him.
The third book in the series is Joq getting his HEA. His actions at the end of this book so thoroughly pissed me off that I’m not sure if I’d be able to like him.
I do love a good redemption though.
I’m really impressed with Sasha Avice’s writing. It’s rich, emotional, and has a nice dose of angst.
This book is the beginning of a relationship told from an outsider’s perspective. I had so many conflicting emotions.
In the beginning, I found Joq obnoxious. I didn’t really understand why he was so hung up on his boyfriend taking advantage of their open relationship when he’d been sleeping around liberally.
As the story unfolded, it felt more and more that Joq was the outsider and being pushed out so thoroughly that it felt like George was cheating. I’m not sure if I’d classify it as cheating, but it was definitely more than the agreement Joq and George had.
And Finn. I don’t even know where to start with him.
I’d planned to read the next books, but now I’m not sure. The next book is Finn and George from inside their relationship instead of an outsider. They kins of pissed me off as this book went on, so I’m not sure how I’d feel about them as MCs. Plus Finn was so petty and cringy at the end of this book that I’m not sure I can feel for him.
The third book in the series is Joq getting his HEA. His actions at the end of this book so thoroughly pissed me off that I’m not sure if I’d be able to like him.
I do love a good redemption though.
I’m really impressed with Sasha Avice’s writing. It’s rich, emotional, and has a nice dose of angst.
January 21, 2025
3.6✨✨✨✨
February 13, 2024
(4,5 stars rated up) 'His Boyfriend's Rookie' is a story about Joq, the Head of Stadium Security, George, his boyfriend, a retired AFL player, and the newest and youngest coach of a Melbourne AFL team, and Finn, the team's superstar rookie. Joq and George have been together since George was a rookie himself. Despite living together and Joq being out, George is deeply closeted, and very few people have an idea that he and Joq are anything more than friends. George and Joq have an open relationship, but only Joq is hooking up with other guys . Seeing Finn's crush on George being more than reciprocated from George, Joq realizes that for the first time in their relationship, George might be interested in hooking up with somebody else.
Personally, this was a very unusual m/m romance story for me as it was told solely from Joq's 'outsider' perspective. Seeing how the romance in focus wasn't the one between Joq and George but the one between George and Finn.
I found this story to be absolutely brutal. In the beginning, when I just started reading this, I was laughing at Joq, even going as far as thinking he brought what happened between George and Finn on himself . But nothing Joq had done made him deserve
I will admit that an open relationship is a concept I struggle with, but the further I went into the story, I thought both Joq and George were pretty clear on the rules and even if it was something that Joq initially suggested, I never got the impression that George had any issues with it. There were just no excuses for George's actions.
My heart really went out to Joq being in a secret 12-year-long relationship, having to pretend he was a casual friend at his boyfriend's birthday party, where his boyfriend only had eyes for another man, then going to his own home and pretending to be just a guest there. While I realize these were Joq's own choices, it really hurt seeing him having to hide his relationship with a man who didn't seem to care all that much about hiding when it came to somebody else.
Even after Joq decided , I couldn't find it in myself to blame him even a little because to me, it was a last-ditch effort of a man trying to save his relationship . Joq deserved so, so, so much better. George was absolute trash . And then he thought he had any right to act self-righteous about the whole situation. I wasn't a big fan of Finn's behavior either, especially the way he treated Joq, but at least he had an excuse of being young, impressionable, and not in an actual relationship.
I'm not sure will I be reading 'Because He's My Guy' (I probably will; it is the masochist in me), but I'm glad I read this book first as I believe it was written first as well, since I got it as a freebie before the other two books were published. This one packed quite a punch, so much so that I'm a little bit afraid 'You Could Do Better,' which should be about Joq's getting his happy ending, won't have such a strong effect on me as this one had. I'm really keeping my fingers crossed. (I'm also kind of hoping some of the very minor secondary characters in this universe will get their own stories as well).
Themes: single POV, established relationship, secret relationship, open relationship, closeted character, coach/rookie, infidelity
Personally, this was a very unusual m/m romance story for me as it was told solely from Joq's 'outsider' perspective. Seeing how the romance in focus wasn't the one between Joq and George but the one between George and Finn.
I found this story to be absolutely brutal. In the beginning, when I just started reading this, I was laughing at Joq, even going as far as thinking he brought what happened between George and Finn on himself . But nothing Joq had done made him deserve
I will admit that an open relationship is a concept I struggle with, but the further I went into the story, I thought both Joq and George were pretty clear on the rules and even if it was something that Joq initially suggested, I never got the impression that George had any issues with it. There were just no excuses for George's actions.
My heart really went out to Joq being in a secret 12-year-long relationship, having to pretend he was a casual friend at his boyfriend's birthday party, where his boyfriend only had eyes for another man, then going to his own home and pretending to be just a guest there. While I realize these were Joq's own choices, it really hurt seeing him having to hide his relationship with a man who didn't seem to care all that much about hiding when it came to somebody else.
Even after Joq decided , I couldn't find it in myself to blame him even a little because to me, it was a last-ditch effort of a man trying to save his relationship . Joq deserved so, so, so much better. George was absolute trash . And then he thought he had any right to act self-righteous about the whole situation. I wasn't a big fan of Finn's behavior either, especially the way he treated Joq, but at least he had an excuse of being young, impressionable, and not in an actual relationship.
I'm not sure will I be reading 'Because He's My Guy' (I probably will; it is the masochist in me), but I'm glad I read this book first as I believe it was written first as well, since I got it as a freebie before the other two books were published. This one packed quite a punch, so much so that I'm a little bit afraid 'You Could Do Better,' which should be about Joq's getting his happy ending, won't have such a strong effect on me as this one had. I'm really keeping my fingers crossed. (I'm also kind of hoping some of the very minor secondary characters in this universe will get their own stories as well).
Themes: single POV, established relationship, secret relationship, open relationship, closeted character, coach/rookie, infidelity
October 11, 2025
in another world george, finn & joq are a throuple and no one is hurt tbh. and i would be here and support it. even tho george & finn are too possessive and in love for throuples, alternate world them is down for it!! your honour…. i want all 3 of them to be happy !
bottom line is i love all 3 of them. finn is innocent and my baby, george should have handled things differently 10000% but i did see why he did do the things he did and how he was scared by the connection between him & finn and his loyalty to joq so i love him too even if he’s messy because he really does care, and joq… look he did some villainous things and i wanted to smack him sometimes especially when he was just plain mean But i really do see the joker angle cause i would’ve been crashing out too, so i get it. i don’t been think he knew how to process everything especially when he’s the one who asked for the open relationship, he’s messy but i love him three. that makes me a sympathiser with all of them in this mess, if only it had gone differently to try to lessen hurt. in the end they all had parts to play and you really cannot help who you fall for.
joq getting off on them was crazy but you know what. i respect the crazy. go ham my friend. george & finn were in another world of love & lust so enjoy the show joq!!😭
joq really was trifling for the blackmail tho 😭 like i know he was lashing out (and genuinely, understandably) but he really just hurt everyone including himself 😭😭
now i’m happy that george & finn are together ofc they really are meant to be, soulmateism, as ive said. i just can’t help but root for them im sorry!!! i am also ready to see joq get his own happy ending, with who hes meant to be with, so everyone is kind of peacefully in their right place, where and who they’re meant to be with and parts of all that hurt will really heal
god im too invested in these 3 fictional men but irdgaf.
bottom line is i love all 3 of them. finn is innocent and my baby, george should have handled things differently 10000% but i did see why he did do the things he did and how he was scared by the connection between him & finn and his loyalty to joq so i love him too even if he’s messy because he really does care, and joq… look he did some villainous things and i wanted to smack him sometimes especially when he was just plain mean But i really do see the joker angle cause i would’ve been crashing out too, so i get it. i don’t been think he knew how to process everything especially when he’s the one who asked for the open relationship, he’s messy but i love him three. that makes me a sympathiser with all of them in this mess, if only it had gone differently to try to lessen hurt. in the end they all had parts to play and you really cannot help who you fall for.
joq getting off on them was crazy but you know what. i respect the crazy. go ham my friend. george & finn were in another world of love & lust so enjoy the show joq!!😭
joq really was trifling for the blackmail tho 😭 like i know he was lashing out (and genuinely, understandably) but he really just hurt everyone including himself 😭😭
now i’m happy that george & finn are together ofc they really are meant to be, soulmateism, as ive said. i just can’t help but root for them im sorry!!! i am also ready to see joq get his own happy ending, with who hes meant to be with, so everyone is kind of peacefully in their right place, where and who they’re meant to be with and parts of all that hurt will really heal
god im too invested in these 3 fictional men but irdgaf.
November 1, 2025
George is the worst (and this book proves it)!
I read this as the first book in the series since it’s listed first, but I found out afterward that it was actually written after Because He’s My Guy—and honestly, that makes so much sense. Im not even sure why we’re calling this a prequel—it’s literally the same timeline as the other book. And, actually, BHMG starts a little earlier since we see a bit about 2 years before this or the other really gets started.
If I could give one piece of advice, it would be this: read Because He’s My Guy first. Seriously. It’s the only way you might have even a sliver of a chance not to think George is an absolute douche. (Spoiler alert—he is.)
Reading this first made it nearly impossible to tolerate him in Because He’s My Guy. Seeing everything from Joq’s POV just highlights how careless, selfish, and downright cruel George was. Watching Joq try to hold it together while his partner of twelve years falls for someone else—someone he can’t even admit he’s living with—is brutal. George’s hypocrisy is on full display, and by the end, I was just desperate for Joq to move on and find someone who actually deserves him. Here’s hoping that’s what I find in book 3.
If you read Because He’s My Guy first, maybe you’ll have more patience for George. But reading this before it? Not possible.
I read this as the first book in the series since it’s listed first, but I found out afterward that it was actually written after Because He’s My Guy—and honestly, that makes so much sense. Im not even sure why we’re calling this a prequel—it’s literally the same timeline as the other book. And, actually, BHMG starts a little earlier since we see a bit about 2 years before this or the other really gets started.
If I could give one piece of advice, it would be this: read Because He’s My Guy first. Seriously. It’s the only way you might have even a sliver of a chance not to think George is an absolute douche. (Spoiler alert—he is.)
Reading this first made it nearly impossible to tolerate him in Because He’s My Guy. Seeing everything from Joq’s POV just highlights how careless, selfish, and downright cruel George was. Watching Joq try to hold it together while his partner of twelve years falls for someone else—someone he can’t even admit he’s living with—is brutal. George’s hypocrisy is on full display, and by the end, I was just desperate for Joq to move on and find someone who actually deserves him. Here’s hoping that’s what I find in book 3.
If you read Because He’s My Guy first, maybe you’ll have more patience for George. But reading this before it? Not possible.
January 8, 2024
I read this as my first romance in a while, and the amount of sexual engagement as they are meeting was high, but generally engagingly written. The two characters are clearly intended to develop in certain ways, stretching the bounds of serendipity, but what would a book be without that connection. Each of the men has issues that they need to address, but one issue seems almost brushed aside, with the characters unintentionally stumbling on the solution. It could have used more development and the issue could have been developed a bit further. The other character's issue is much more developed and leaves him being the focus of a lot of frustration, for the reader and his romantic partner. He shows a more complete development arc, with the character at the end of the book being different and better than he started the book.
Overall, I enjoyed the writing and speed in the story. I felt like the one (generally narrator) character was a side character in his own story, for the lack of growth he presented from start to finish, but this is intended to be a side story from the original series, that extends and cares for someone poorly treated in that series. I would recommend this book, if you are looking for light reading that is generally romantically engaging.
Overall, I enjoyed the writing and speed in the story. I felt like the one (generally narrator) character was a side character in his own story, for the lack of growth he presented from start to finish, but this is intended to be a side story from the original series, that extends and cares for someone poorly treated in that series. I would recommend this book, if you are looking for light reading that is generally romantically engaging.
June 5, 2024
THIS IS NOT A ROMANCE.
(or not a romance from the pov of the main character)
cheating is the whole plot, be warned.
i read this book in one sitting, and i was very affected. if you've read the perimeter series by sasha avice, you'll recognize the usual very grey characters. no character is good, they're all doing things i object to and i was internally screaming, almost throwing my kindle down the stairs for the whole book.
joc is witnessing his long time boyfriend falling in love with someone new and it's hard to read about. joc does some bad things but i get it. he's been with george for years and george hasn't acknowledged their relationship, not publicly, but also not in front of close friends and family.
i was so mad for joc at the end. he's been treated horribly by george and finn only to be set up as the ultimate vilain to their love story. they're no better than him and i was so enraged that i skipped finn and george's book. (wich is a rarity for me, i hate reading books out of order.)
(or not a romance from the pov of the main character)
cheating is the whole plot, be warned.
i read this book in one sitting, and i was very affected. if you've read the perimeter series by sasha avice, you'll recognize the usual very grey characters. no character is good, they're all doing things i object to and i was internally screaming, almost throwing my kindle down the stairs for the whole book.
joc is witnessing his long time boyfriend falling in love with someone new and it's hard to read about. joc does some bad things but i get it. he's been with george for years and george hasn't acknowledged their relationship, not publicly, but also not in front of close friends and family.
i was so mad for joc at the end. he's been treated horribly by george and finn only to be set up as the ultimate vilain to their love story. they're no better than him and i was so enraged that i skipped finn and george's book. (wich is a rarity for me, i hate reading books out of order.)
January 6, 2024
His boyfriend's rookie is not your typical romance. The narrator is Joq, the Head of Stadium Security, where his boyfriend, George Creed, will coach a league team. However, he's not the protagonist of the story. That's not right... hmmm perhaps I should say he's one of the protagonists but this is not his love story. I admit that for a romance reader like me, this might be not what I expect to find in a blurb. However I'm really happy I gave this book a chance because I got to know two great characters (George and Finn) and to witness, in an unconventional way, their love story (which is more deeply and beautifully developed in the sequel: Because He's my Guy. I love that this story makes you think about the other parties, about now life is not black and white, about our faults and how we try to make our wrongs right. This is not your typical romance but that doesn't make it less appealing. On the contrary, it made me want to know more (and thank god we have a sequel!!). 5 stars for taking a risk and for delivering a beautifull crafted story!
January 8, 2024
I loved every messy and complicated page of this! It’s such a unique read. George and Finn are inevitable, I could feel that when I read their book Because He's My Guy. But they definitely caused some collateral damage, so what an amazing idea to revisit this epic romance from the side of the one left behind, Joq. It’s a brilliant read, nobody comes out unscathed in this love story. It is beautifully written and delves into the complexities of an open relationship in a way I’ve not come across before. I loved these characters, for their missteps and for their flaws which make them fascinating and ultimately lovable. George and Finn belong together, but it’s important to see the cost. I love that we leave Joq in a more healing place, the perfect set up to his own HEA in the next book. I cannot recommend this series enough.
January 20, 2024
Reading this after "Because He's My Guy", gives me a different angle to George. Where I thought he was treated badly, I now go back to my motto - there is always two sides to a story, and I'm so glad Sasha gave us this perspective.
I agree that Joq did not walk the talk when he became jealous, but I don't think George should have continued to keep a secret for two years and put up with a relationship he was no longer invested in. There was a different solution, but we needed to see that not only one was to blame.
I am glad to see that Joq will get his continuation in 2024 and look forward to reading that.
I received a copy and I am pleased to leave my honest and voluntary review.
I agree that Joq did not walk the talk when he became jealous, but I don't think George should have continued to keep a secret for two years and put up with a relationship he was no longer invested in. There was a different solution, but we needed to see that not only one was to blame.
I am glad to see that Joq will get his continuation in 2024 and look forward to reading that.
I received a copy and I am pleased to leave my honest and voluntary review.
January 7, 2025
"This is not a love song" (Public Image Ltd)...the song that came to my mind while reading.
This is like watching a car crash in slow motion.
While you can't excuse many things that Joq did, you can certainly comprehend that he wants to fight for George, for the routine of their life, for the comfortable house they live in. He didn’t love George, he loved the whole setup of their one sided open relationship. He could have George, and he could have his "pick ups".
This is like watching a car crash in slow motion.
While you can't excuse many things that Joq did, you can certainly comprehend that he wants to fight for George, for the routine of their life, for the comfortable house they live in. He didn’t love George, he loved the whole setup of their one sided open relationship. He could have George, and he could have his "pick ups".
February 28, 2025
Showing Joq’s side was done so well. I already felt for him, which was what made Finn/George’s story tougher. So, I’m glad to get this side because it would hurt to be in Joq’s shoes
Especially to then basically hear that your ex has basically decided the two of you were never in love like you believed. Ouch.
Glad I read this AFTER Finn/George but before Joq’s book
Especially to then basically hear that your ex has basically decided the two of you were never in love like you believed. Ouch.
Glad I read this AFTER Finn/George but before Joq’s book
March 31, 2024
Australian Football and two rookies: the closeted coach and the barely adult star. Told from the voice of the jilted player ex, the age difference trope rolls through the passions of new love and the angst of a dying love. Well written and plotted, with enough heat on display.
January 25, 2025
This won’t be for everyone; especially depending on how you feel about open relationships and stories that include cheating. I, however, found it heartbreaking and am enthralled. Excited to see how the other narratives play out.
January 28, 2025
Generous two stars. I hated them all.
February 12, 2025
This book! Wtf. 5 wholesome stars. I felt for Joq honestly. Yes what he did sucked. But I felt for him. 12 fucking years!
May 22, 2025
His Boyfriends Rookie
Contested Possession Book 0
George and Joq
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
It was hot.
The angst was wild.
George and Joq have been in an open relationship, well one sided open relationship for 12 years. That is until Geoge finally meets someone.
I think George had always been a 1 man kind of man, staying with Joq because it was stable and convenient.
The incredible connection and chemistry he found with Fin was unreal.
I loved the way the author was able to build up such incredible tension and angst. My heart was beating for Joq. He wasn’t really the greatest guy, neither was George, but watching your partner of 12 years form be someone else so intimately, had to mess you up.
George and Fin could not deny their love for eachother, it had built over 2 years, the yearning and desire, so sensual. Also, the audacity of George and Fin!
The webcam scene. Sheesh my cheeks were hot. It felt taboo. Forbidden. Intimate.
The angst was incredible. The set up for the next book was incredible.
Such a need to see what occurs with these 3. Captivating story, edge of my seat, heating beating out of my chest.
Sasha was able to make the emotions pop off the page. My cheeks were red at that scene lol. Super unique and intense. Loved this
Contested Possession Book 0
George and Joq
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
It was hot.
The angst was wild.
George and Joq have been in an open relationship, well one sided open relationship for 12 years. That is until Geoge finally meets someone.
I think George had always been a 1 man kind of man, staying with Joq because it was stable and convenient.
The incredible connection and chemistry he found with Fin was unreal.
I loved the way the author was able to build up such incredible tension and angst. My heart was beating for Joq. He wasn’t really the greatest guy, neither was George, but watching your partner of 12 years form be someone else so intimately, had to mess you up.
George and Fin could not deny their love for eachother, it had built over 2 years, the yearning and desire, so sensual. Also, the audacity of George and Fin!
The webcam scene. Sheesh my cheeks were hot. It felt taboo. Forbidden. Intimate.
The angst was incredible. The set up for the next book was incredible.
Such a need to see what occurs with these 3. Captivating story, edge of my seat, heating beating out of my chest.
Sasha was able to make the emotions pop off the page. My cheeks were red at that scene lol. Super unique and intense. Loved this
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews