Red Zone

Big Bend Bears #1

by Nicole Dykes

Dallas Boone
Welcome to Big Bend—my nightmare and my home, all in one.
I don’t fit in here. I don’t fit in anywhere. I’ve made so many mistakes. Over and over.
Two of those mistakes haunt me. One being responsible for a friend losing his job and reputation in this town.
And two, well, that one is even worse.
I ruined so many lives with one stupid decision I barely even remember.
And now I’m going to pay for it.
Colt Howe
Kensley. A place I never wanted to be again.
But I had to come back home. My sister Chloe needs me, which is more important than escaping the town I grew up in.
I’m here for two reasons and two reasons my sister and my nephew.
I’ll make sure my nephew has a better life than I had. That his father is there for him, whether he wants to be or not.
That’s my promise.
I was so damn close to getting out of this town for good. Right in that red zone, I could see the goal, but then I got hit with a force I never saw coming.
And that changed everything.

Genres: M M Romance, Sports, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, LGBT, Football, Audiobook

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 29, 2024

About the author

Nicole Dykes is a wife and a professional assistant/mom to two gorgeous girls. Currently residing in Kansas, she’s a lover of coffee, Kansas City Chiefs, and all things romance.

She's found her passion in writing M/M romance because love is love is love. Some popular works include Hostile, The Spark of Hope Series, and The Kensley Panthers Series!

Email at nicoledykes_author@yahoo.com

Or visit my website at Www.authornicoledykes.com

Reviews

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️

He wants to kiss me, I realize. I want that so damn badly. I just have to let myself have it.

Colt just wanted the father of his nephew to help his sister with the baby…he didn’t think he’d end up falling for him instead.

I don’t think I particularly enjoyed this plot line.
The romance was sweet and I enjoy this author’s writing style, but I’m also a bit over the closed minded small towns of these series.
I didn’t feel their connection and it felt a little too insta-love for me.

“Yes,” I breathe against his mouth. “Take what you need from me, sweetheart.”

The spice was pretty great, though. I loved Dallas’ inexperience, his need, the way he’d get lost in the pleasure of it all. And how Colt was so supportive and caring.
These characters could’ve been a lot more, but I didn’t get to see enough of them to really get to know them on a deeper level.

I’m already in love with Benny, so although this wasn’t a full win for me, I’m very excited for the next installment and to see where this series will go next.

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Small town
- Homophobia
- Closeted MC
- Homophobic parents
- MC w/ anxiety
- Vers MCs
- Flipfuck
- Rimming
- Frotting

[Gaby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not entirely sure why I’m so hooked on this author’s books, like let’s be real, they aren’t the next big piece of literature, but somehow, I always end up having a great time.

After devouring all the Kensley Panthers books, I was curious about this spinoff featuring their sworn enemies, the Big Bend Bears. Throw in the fact that it’s connected to Zach and Adam’s book. Well, I was sold.

This one’s definitely a sweet read. Sure, the “I love yous” came faster than I expected, but you know what? It somehow worked. Watching Dallas find his backbone was satisfying, especially with Colt constantly making sure he felt loved and safe. And now I’m counting down the days until the release of Benny’s book!

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, so I've had a bit of a love/hate relationship with some of Nicole's recent books but I do love the way she writes small town 'fairytale' romances, and I think this may actually be my favourite of her books so far!

This was definitely a messy situation, and I am a HUGE fan of reading about relationships where there's DRAMA 😂😂😂

So, Dallas was introduced in the last Kensley Panthers book and we know that he's the father of Chloe's baby, Christian - but he doesn't know that! Enter Colt, the protective older brother of Chloe who wants to make sure Dallas steps up and gives his nephew the kind of parent that he and Chloe never had. I mean, pass me the fucking popcorn because I am HERE FOR IT!!!

I loved how we saw the fear that Dallas has for literally every aspect of his life, and when he finally comes to terms with the fact he's a father and that he's gay and he can have love despite what everyone has been telling him, it was truly heartwarming and I definitely wanted to give him a huge hug.

The way their relationship unfolds actually felt really natural, and even though there is a slight age gap with Dallas being 18 and Colt being 23, they worked together really well. The pacing of this book was really good too - I mean the last couple of chapters did have the usual huge time jump that wasn't that clearly indicated, but the majority of the story was well paced and flowed really well. It definitely had Nicole's usual fairytale ending where everything works out, but I was so happy for these two that I didn't find it as cheesy as I sometimes do!

I would have liked a little more 'in the moment' insight with the way the football team treats Dallas, but I imagine we'll see more of the team in Benny's book which is coming next - and I was shocked to see who he's being paired up with but I can't wait to see how that works!

I do also still struggle to relate to the concept of meeting your 'one true love' when you're a teenager though, because the culture where I grew up is more 'go out into the world and do everything you want to do for yourself before you settle down'. So yes, I do struggle to not roll my eyes at an 18 year old declaring they've met the love of their life, but I am aware that it does happen so I try and take it with a bucket of salt now 😂

I'm actually pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this book, and I can't wait to see what happens in the next one.

*****

I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review

[Renae Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Red Zone is an emotional romance between Dallas and Colt with a complicated premise that makes for an intriguing story. Dallas is a fascinating character who has many personal demons that leave him in a constant state of fear due to his upbringing and the environment he is stuck in. Colt barges into his life demanding Dallas take responsibility for his actions.

At first, Dallas is resistant and feels unworthy of this responsibility, whereas Colt's determination and constant presence lead to both gaining one another's trust while slowly falling for one another.

This is an enjoyable story about second chances, owning up to your responsibilities while believing there is a way to survive and find your happiness even when it feels impossible.

Overall I enjoyed Dallas and Colt's story and look forward to the next entry!!!!

*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great start to a new series! Red Zone is book one and it’s already got me excited to see what’s next. I loved Dallas and Colt so much, they were seriously so freaking sweet together. I felt so bad for Dallas, I just wanted to give him a hug, and Colt was so supportive and patient with him. I can’t wait for Benny’s story.

[kaye taz · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
format: audiobook
narration: 🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤/5

this was my first nicole dykes book and for sure will not be close to my last.

i went into this with zero expectations and i was pleasantly surprised. i don’t always love high school romance and i was side eyeing the age gap a bit but i really wound up loving this.

there are strong themes of small town bigotry + religious trauma in this story, which is heavy. i love the way colt helped dallas navigate through his fears and insecurities. their relationship was definitely unconventional but developed very organically and they were just so cute and sweet together.

the side characters in this book (benny and chloe) were also great additions to the story and moving the plot forward.

easy five stars, i really enjoyed reading this.

[❀ Alex ❀ [Hiatus] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐. 25
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️. 5

I have never been disappointed by a Nicole Dykes novel. And this one was no exception. I really didn't know what I was getting myself into since I haven't read any of the books in "Kenlsey Panthers" series, but I trusted Nicole Dykes to deliver and deliver she did.

The story is about Dallas Boone, an 18 year old high schooler who made a small mistake in the past that blew way out of proportion. It’s something he never planned or expected to happen, and he’s been dealing with guilt and trauma ever since. All he wants is to keep his head down, play football (the only thing he likes), and get through his senior year. But things get complicated when another mistake of his, brings Colt Howe right to his doorstep.

Even though the story is labeled as enemies-to-lovers, I wouldn’t really call it that. Dallas and Colt start off on the wrong foot, but there was no real hatred or animosity, just confusion, reluctance, fear, and may be a bit of attraction. Seeing Dallas so vulnerable and broken was tough, but it was really satisfying when he started gaining confidence and stopped blaming himself at the end. Colt’s protectiveness was super swoon worthy, and I ended up loving both the characters.

This was a quick read, one you can finish in one sitting and I highly recommend it.

*I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest opinion*

[⋆｡°✮ Lucy InTheSky ✮°｡⋆ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dallas' book is pretty terrible, I'm sad to say it. 2.5⭐

This book is connected to the #Kensley Panthers series, to the town of Kensley but with new characters from the Big Bend Bears, the rival football team in the next town over.

If you remember Dallas, he's the one who got coach Leighton fired in #Rivaled (a pretty good installment) because he was taking photos of him in a gay club.

Most books from the Kensley series are on average about 3-3.5⭐ books and it looks like this series is keeping up with the trend, but it's a good setting with nice characters with both series, just not written that well (with some exceptions) so I'm reading it all anyway.

🔵 High school senior/brother of the girl he got pregnant
🟣 Bisexual/gay (closet)
🟢 Age gap 18/23
🟡 Too much too soon, not believable
🌶️ Smut is descriptive; first times; oral, rimming, penetrative, jerk off sessions; both vers

The plot is completely ridiculous. At first it starts out really promising, you read the first few pages and you're all in, but then Colt, the brother of the girl Dallas drunkenly slept with a year prior, turns into complete mush and the whole agenda of Dallas getting a DNA test and taking accountability for his actions takes a back seat, because Dallas and Colt are now hooking up.

For Dallas it's really about coming out and accepting himself, especially since the whole town is against him, his family is religious and couldn't care less about him, so his journey was really tough and he was brave to even meet up with another guy and that was satisfying to read, him finally opening up and willing to fight for his happiness and moving out of his parents' home.

What bothered me was the fact that he was 18 and still in high school. He was just a kid while Colt kept calling him a man; not only that, Colt was 23, experienced, working on an oil rig, so him falling for a high school kid just gave me the heebie-jeebies.

This was all firsts for Dallas and at 18 getting his dick sucked for the first time, telling Colt after the third hook-up how he loved him - I mean you can't take that seriously. The guy would "love" just about anyone who'd do that at the time. They're talking about love and forever way too soon, it's not believable at all.

Not to mention the kid thing - Dallas doesn't get a DNA test. At all. I kept waiting until the rest of the book for him to get it done, but he didn't. He just trusted Chloe and Colt. If that doesn't tell you he's still just a kid, I don't know what does.

"He’s a great father, even without a DNA test or his name on the birth certificate."



So this guy is 18, suddenly a dad, gets into a new forever relationship, gets moved in before even finishing high school and ... Yeah, tell me I'm not reading about a typical female book character?


The whole story is just ridiculous.

(But I'll read Benny's book for sure.)

[Jane aka Coughy019 (Safety info included) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tropes: hurt/comfort, small town,
Feels: 2/5
Steam*: 1.75/5
Kinks: n/a
Angst: low/medium
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: homophobia, teen parents, Dallas is Colt's sister's Baby Daddy
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: over a year ago, Dallas got drunk and hooked up at a party and got Colt's sister pregnant. Chloe doesn't want to be with Dallas, so there's never really any drama about that. There's no other people drama other than Chloe being in the past

3 stars

I hesitated to read this book for a while. I'm not a fan of books where one of the main characters has been with the sibling of the other main character, it's just an icky dynamic. Unfortunately, I didn't find much to like about this book when I did give it a chance.

Dallas is 18 years old and in his last year of high school. He's in a small town that is very homophobic, and his parents are religious and homophobic. He's been struggling with his sexuality and he accidentally got his coach fired and caused a scandal a little while back. There was nothing inappropriate between him and the coach, but Dallas followed him to a gay club and took pictures of him dancing there and his parents saw the pictures and spread the word and homophobes got him fired. Dallas had a drunken hook up when he was almost 17 and he unknowingly got Chloe pregnant.

Colt is 23 years old, he's bisexual. He's been working out of town, he left town when he was 18. He comes back because Chloe, his sister, is struggling with being a single mom and he feels guilty for leaving town. He wants to make sure that Chloe has support, and that she doesn't end up with the same life their mom struggled with. So he decides to approach the baby daddy, Dallas.

Dallas had no idea that Chloe was pregnant. Dallas is incredibly far in the closet. He can't even orgasm from masturbation because he can't think of women and he struggles so much with the idea of being gay that he can't think of men or enjoy pleasure either. Colt decides to get to know Dallas so that he will see whether Dallas is a good guy and someone Chloe should let be part of her son Christian's life. As they spend time together, Colt and Dallas realize they are attracted to each other and they hook up. But will things be okay given Chloe and Dallas's family?

Things I didn't like:
- I don't think it was very good of Colt to hook up with Dallas like he did, when he did. He hooked up with him before he had any kind of conversation with his sister, to know where her head was at, and before he knew what kind of role Chloe might want Dallas to have with Christian. As a brother who cares about his sister, I feel like he should have followed a bit more of a bro code and should know more about where his sister stands with regards to Dallas. Hooking up with her baby daddy is a bit of a foul move. You don't just do it lightly especially not with a 18 year old guy who's basically very vulnerable.
- at the 59% mark, they weren't saying I love you, but they were expressing a depth of feeling. I feel like their relationship is superficial. They've only had conversations on a couple Saturdays for a couple hours and their relationship for Dallas seems more about him being grateful to be able to have sex with a man. Dallas is extremely repressed and in a homophobic small town where he has no options to hook up. I'm not feeling any depth of emotion or a personal connection, especially on Dallas's side
- At the 62% mark, Dallas talks to Colt about lying to his parents so that he could have a sleepover with Colt. I know there's only a 5-year age gap between them. 18 and 23. But it's feeling like a big gap. When the guy you're hooking up with is sneaking around to evade his parents and is in high school, 18 years old and really vulnerable, it's a little much for an older person to be with them. This age gap feels like a lot given who they are as people and differences in experience and vulnerability.
- At the 74% mark, they are saying I love you and that this relationship is it for them both. I don't believe that what they feel is it for either of them. But especially for Dallas, he's such a baby in life. He is so inexperienced, he's just clinging to the first thing he's ever been handed. I can't picture them together long-term. We haven't seen them go through daily living. Dallas is still in high school and his life is just getting started, he still lives with his parents. And Colt has been taking some time off of work and they're just living in this bubble that is not reality. A little bit later on, we see them make plans for the future and experience a bit of daily living together, but I really wanted to see them do that before they could make declarations that were believable.
- Completely nitpicky thing, but at 76% they say that Christian has blond hair and blue eyes. Earlier on page 28, it was said that Christian has blue eyes and dark hair. The dark hair coming from Chloe, and the blue eyes coming from Dallas. I know baby's hair can change, but this was like 4 weeks apart.
- The feminist in me lost my s*** at 80% when Dallas said to Chloe that he would get a job after he graduates and then start giving her some money towards Christian. Teen moms have to spend money to take care of their children even if they have a child before they graduate and before they have a job. Men don't get a pass, men shouldn't get to choose not to support YET. He should go out and get a job right now part-time and be helping raise his child.

Things I liked:
- I like that this author can be relied upon to give us a low angst read with little other people drama. I've read a lot of books by this author and have fondness for her and the characters she writes. I like hearing about her characters from other books and seeing homophobia being battled and love and acceptance win.


Some notable moments:

This is probably a really bad sign, but I don't have any moments highlighted. When I read a book, I highlight in red the things I don't like, in blue the things that are plot points I want to remember / I think are important, and in yellow my favourite parts. I had no yellow highlights in this book.


*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.

**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.

[Lady Macbeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
We met Dallas in th 4th book of Kensley Panthers series, Rivaled, when Chance Leighton was fired from his job as coach of Big Bend football team for having an inappropriate relationship with one of his players.
The truth was that Chance was protective of Dallas and tried to help him but Dallas' mother found some pictures in her son's phone, so everything imploded.
The story starts one year later from the scandal: Dallas is 18, he's about to start his senior year of high school and he promised his parents he's not gay in order to avoid to be sent to a conversion camp.

Dallas' story is heartbreaking and sad, he seems to be resigned to live in that town that is suffocating him, even if he dreams to get out of it. He's also painfully lonely and he can't find the courage to confide in his best friend Benny (who is awesome, by the way).

Colt faces Dallas and quite brutally tells him he's the father of his little sister Chloe's son, shocking his life even more: we already met Chloe too, she is Zach ex girlfriend and she caused a little bit of drama in Protector (Kensley Panthers book 5).
Colt wants Dallas to step up and help with the child but he's a little bit concerned about him and about the sadness that seems to stifle him, so he decides to get to know him better.

Dallas and Colt have a strong connection, I really like how Colt was a safe space for Dallas and how he helped him accepting his sexuality. I loved how protective he was.
With Colt's help, Dallas is able to accept himself and hope for a better future.

What prevented me from giving a higher rate
I didn't like Chloe in Protector and I don't like her here either: she causes unnecessary drama, she's the kind of girl who, at 18, is desperate to find her forever man instead of building a solid future for herself. She got Colt, Adam and Zach's help with her son and still she complains.
The way she found out about Colt and Dallas' relationship didn't sit well with me at all.

I look forward to read the next book, Benny's story, it alread seems very very interesting!

I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nie wiem dlaczego, ale książki tej autorki do mnie przemawiają. Nowa seria ...lubię to

[S a n d r a · Rating 4 out of 5]

❊ Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook ❊

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

After a long wait, Dallas' book is finally here, and of course, as soon as I saw it on GRR for request, I signed up without hesitation. I was so eager to truly get to know Dallas.

First of all, remember in this book are spoilers of the Kensley Panthers books since this is a spinoff and Dallas' story begins there... So, friendly reminder to read them if you haven't yet.

After meeting Dallas in Coach Leighton's book, as well as learning about his role in the coach's dismissal and all the implications this could have for Dallas and his situation in a small town like Big Bend, I couldn't wait to know more about it. If all that drama wasn't enough, the last book of the Kensley Panthers came out, and poor Chloe ended up pregnant after a night of drunkenness with our poor guy, whom she had no intention of involving.

So my curiosity about this poor boy trapped in a small, old-fashioned, highly homophobic town who unknowingly became a father, was immense.

Red Zone, like all the author's books, is light, short, and very easy to read. A sweet treat that's hard to resist and will have you finishing it before you even realize it.

As I mentioned, although we technically already know Dallas and the details of his situation beforehand (in some aspects better than Dallas himself), with this book we finally get his full picture. We learn about his real situation, the consequences the scandal with the coach had for him, and his home life. Additionally, we get answers about his sexuality and understand what happened, why, and how he is dealing with the consequences both socially and emotionally.

Alongside Dallas, we get to know some other members of the football team, especially Benny, his best friend and teammate, who will be the next MC (and I can’t wait for his book to come out. The author even confirms who the other MC will be and 🔥🔥🔥).

Dallas' romance begins when Colt shows up at his house, a big, muscular guy who makes him drool... until he discovers who he is and the reason for his visit: he’s Chloe's older brother and demands that Dallas take a paternity test and take responsibility for Christian alongside Chloe.

As if poor Dallas didn't already have enough on his shoulders, now he has to deal with his possible fatherhood and the idea that he may have ruined Chloe's life.

Given the situation, they both decide to get to know each other better, Dallas to convince Colt that he wouldn’t make a good father, and Colt to convince Chloe to involve Dallas and not handle everything on her own.

Neither of them expected to fall in love, but that’s exactly what happens, quickly and intensely, with every Saturday they spend together eating or dining at Colt's house. Colt discovers in Dallas a boy who carries a thousand traumas and who he can't get out of his head; Dallas, on the other hand, finds in Colt an oasis where he can be himself, discover the world for the first time, and let himself go.

For the story to be perfect and well-rounded, I felt like it was missing something. I don’t know if I would call it intensity or tension because I don't think that's exactly it. Despite being fast, the romance between these two is intense and very satisfying. They both fall hard and fast, and together they are very hot and fun.

But everything happens too easily, perhaps. I would have liked a bit more struggle, more problems, a bit more soul-searching before they found that haven that is their relationship.

As for drama, we have plenty with poor Dallas, his situation, the town's oppression, his schoolmates, his new coach, and even his own parents.

Overall, as I said, it’s a sweet treat that lives up to the Kensley Panthers series (which, as I said before, you should read first, of course). I did miss a few minor things, but they don't take away from the overall satisfaction. Now, let's wait for Benny's book!

[Laura Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Red Zone is book one in the Big Bend Bears series. This MM small town romance story is about Dallas and Colt.

If you have read the Kensley Panthers series, which I highly recommend, then you will remember that we first met Dallas in Rivaled. His football coach at Big Bend was fired and Dallas blamed himself. Now in his senior year in high school, Dallas wants to play football but his coach and teammates don’t make it easy for him. Luckily Dallas does have the support of his teammate Benny, who also happens to be his amazing best friend. I felt so bad for Dallas and everything he had to deal with, as well as everything he was currently going through. It was sad that Dallas had to hide who he was and that his parents couldn’t love him no matter what.

Colt grew up in Kensley without a father. Although his mother provided for him and his sister Chloe, she distanced herself from them. Thank goodness Colt and Chloe had each other. Colt is bisexual and it wasn’t easy for him to live in a town like Kensley. Once he turned eighteen, he left and moved to the city. Now at twenty-three, Colt returns to Kensley temporarily to help out Chloe.

Colt seeks out Dallas and blindsides him with information on Chloe. Colt makes a plan to get to know Dallas, and they both were not prepared for what happened next. Colt was understanding and supportive, and he was just what Dallas needed.

Dallas and Colt overcome their issues and it was great to see them get their HEA. I really enjoyed getting to meet Benny, and I definitely can’t wait to read his book next in this series.

I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.

[Barbara · Rating 1 out of 5]

Jakie to było złe. Szczerze, to nawet nie pamiętam, czemu zamówiłam tę książkę w przedsprzedaży, ale chyba podobał mi się opis. No, i myślałam, że bohaterowie będą trochę starsi.

Ale podeszłam do lektury z ciekawością i otwartą głową. W końcu nie czytałam jeszcze podobnego MM (nie mówię, że takich nie ma, po prostu ja nie kojarzę), więc z przyjemnością usiadłam z czytnikiem i już po pierwszych rozdziałach miałam ochotę rzucić nim przez okno.

Ale zacznijmy od bohaterów - Dallas, osiemnastoletni uczeń szkoły średniej, prześladowany w domu i szkole za młodzieńcze błędy. Pełen niepewności, wychowany w rygorze, całkowicie nie potrafi odnaleźć się w świecie. Colt, który był. Uczciwie, to za bardzo się nie wyróżnił.

Nie zdradzę więcej, bo sytuacja, w której się poznali, jest najciekawszą częścią książki. Szkoda tylko, że autorka nie pociągnęła tego wątku w żaden sensowny sposób.

Mój największy problem to insta-wszystko. I owszem, są fabuły (jak Necessary Evils), w których jestem w stanie przymknąć oko na insta, ale gdy autorka chce pisać życiowe historie, to motyw ten wypada trochę słabo. Dallas i Colt spotkali się 4 razy, gdy wyznawali sobie ogromną miłość i postanowili zmienić swoje życie. Cztery razy. I nie było pomiędzy nimi innej komunikacji - długich rozmów telefonicznych, sms'ów, nic. I obaj byli tacy perfekcyjni dla siebie...

Potencjalnie ciekawa historia, która została spłycona do wielkich wyznań miłości i bycia perfekcyjnym.

[read_romance.withgloria Gloria Worlikar · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I love the way Nicole writes small-town romances, and I was really looking forward to this series set in Big Bend, another small town that features in the Kensley Panthers series due to a football rivalry. This particular story focuses on Dallas, a character we briefly met in "Rivaled," the fourth book in the Kensley Panthers series. Dallas is disliked by everyone in his high school because they blame him for his former coach getting fired, as well as assuming he's gay. I felt so much empathy for Dallas and all he was going through, especially when another piece of shocking news arrived courtesy of Colt, making him feel even more like a disappointment.

From the moment Colt and Dallas met, there was intense tension between them. Despite Colt's initial motives for getting to know Dallas, he couldn't help but become fond of him and develop a protective instinct. Their chemistry ignited from their first kiss, and I absolutely enjoyed every moment of it. Dallas's journey, especially the scene where he finally says "I am gay," was beautifully written, and Colt was wonderfully supportive and patient.

The interactions between the side characters were enjoyable, and there were many sweet moments throughout the story. I particularly admired Benny, Dallas's supportive best friend. I am eagerly anticipating Benny's story and am truly excited about the entire series.

* I received an ARC copy from Chaotic Creative Services and this is my honest review *

[Mal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicole Dykes writes the some of the best low angst emotional small town romances, all soft and sweet and so satisfying. Her characters are put through a lot but their stories are so gently revealed that the angst isn’t high at all.
I loved Colt and Dallas. Colt who has a big responsible generous caring heart and Dallas who has been so badly wounded by life and the people who should have been there for him instead of pulling him further down. I also really enjoyed seeing a different side of Chloe and Christian is adorable. I have to also mention Benny who I absolutely loved and I hope to see more of.

I loved how Colt was with Dallas - after the initial hiccup in their meet up, the way he gave unrelenting support was amazing. They have a lot stacked against them and fight hard for their HEA. While they may not have been a conventional match up and their relationship is very fast paced, the story is filled to the brim with hugely satisfying and affirming moments. I did struggle with the gap in vulnerability and maturity, which is fine but I felt it wasn’t talked about and everything happened so fast and it felt a bit rushed overall. I’m looking forward to Benny’s story though.

Expect:
* Bisexual rep
* Small town
* Animosity to love
* Dash of insta love
* First times
* Found Family

[Courtenay (ceelovesbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

It’s been a long time since the entire plot of a book has been able to surprise me, when you see “single dad” as a trope you DO NOT THINK it’s going to turn out this way ! I was absolutely SHOOKETH, friends!

This is the story of Dallas and Colt. Dallas is a highschool senior, football star, and all round broken, broken, sad boy. He has two unsupportive, unloving, uncaring parents, and a string of bad luck.

He’s hiding a big secret. One he’s known for a long time but has never been able to say out loud. To ANYONE.

Enter Colt. Colt comes in to Dallas’ life as the bearer of BIG NEWS. Shocking news. News that can and will change the entire trajectory of Dallas’s life.

What wasn’t planned was this absolute 🔥 chemistry and attraction to one another. And let me just tell you.. when they’re hot. They’re HOTTTTT. Spicy hot! So hot.

The best part about this book? Other than the incredible growth of both characters, the love and devotion they show to one another, and the determination to see this thing between them through? NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP 😭 I was absolutely convinced this was going to end in heartbreak.. and it DIDN’T. It was beautiful.

The moment where Dallas can finally say “I’m gay!” 🥹 gawwwwwwd. I die. Stunnin.

I can NOT wait for the rest of this series, and Benny? My strong, confident, golden retriever boy.. I’ll be comin for you! 🖤

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't bad. I liked the two leads, and the setup was interesting. Basically, Dallas unknowingly gets a girl pregnant, and her big brother tracks Dallas down to make him man up and help take responsibility, but then they fall in love.

Pretty spicy once the action starts, and the boys have some good chemistry in bed. Naturally vers, always a plus. I think they fell for each other a bit too quickly, though.

The cameos of the guys from Kensley were handled well and they weren't intrusive. This world that Dykes has created works well with the small town vibes and the homophobia that comes along with it.

Looking forward to the next book, because it's about Benny, and who doesn't love a Short King!

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was short & sweet but also filled with drama & struggle and i LOVED it. i enjoyed seeing the progression of colt & dallas’ relationship alongside dallas working through what he needed to go become a great dad & a happy version of himself

my biggest issue was that i wish it was longer but other than that, it was really good!!

nicole is a new to me author but i’m so glad i found her! i’m excited to see what else is to come in this new series <3

thank you the author agency for the arc!!

[Leilani Noack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Thats the first word that pops into my head with this book. My poor Dallas had to go through so many life changes just to get his happy ending. I love Colt for all the things he did for Dallas and that they both found their way to each other. Such a great story and I can’t wait for everyone else to read.

[Brat · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this one and can't wait for the next one!

[bookedwith_sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review
Red Zone by Nicole Dykes
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️


This book was a cute quick read. This books about Dallas who is struggling with his sexuality and accidentally gets a girl (Chloe) pregnant the one and only time he ever hooked up with someone. And Colt who is a more confident bisexual man that happens to be Chloe’s older brother.

Dallas has grown up believing that being gay is a sin and thinks he’ll never experience love. His own parents have been horrible to him and have made it clear that they would never accept him if he was anything but straight. My heart hurt for him and everything he’s gone through

I loved how Colt was with Dallas. He could see he was struggling internally right from the beginning and did everything he could to reassure him that nothing was wrong with him.

Overall this book was a pretty light & easy book to read. I pretty much read it in one sitting lol

Now I cannot WAIT for Bennys book after seeing who it’s with 👀👀

[Miss S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of him wants me and wants me badly. I want him too. This is wrong.

❥ Dual POV
❥ MM Romance
❥ Small Town
❥ Hurt/Comfort
❥ Single Dad
❥ Coming Out
❥ Enemies to Lovers
❥ Bisexual Hero
❥ Found Family

Honey, I’m home! Okay, maybe not really home, but very close by. We’re in Big Bend, a neighboring town to Kensley. If you haven’t read the Kensley Panthers series, then I highly recommend that you do. Not that you need to, to read this book, it’s just because they’re really great books, and you’ll see familiar faces as you read Red Zone, which is always nice.

Anyhow, this is about Dallas and Colt. Two men who meet under some not so great circumstances, and their first impression of each other is not that positive, to say the least.

Dallas.. my poor baby, he captured my heart right away. I want to give him all the hugs. If you’ve read Kensley Panthers, then you might remember him from Rivaled, where a big scandal got the Big Bend Bear football coach fired, and Dallas was a big part of that scandal, while it wasn’t his fault he still blames himself for everything. The aftermath of the scandal isn’t great for Dallas either. He’s having a hard time at school, with his parents and with himself. It doesn’t help when an angry Colt suddenly enters his life and turns everything upside down in more ways than one.

Colt, the overprotective big brother, has returned to Kensley because his sister needs him, or she doesn't really, but he’s there anyways. Despite his sister’s wishes, Colt has decided to track down the father of his baby nephew, conceived during a drunken one-night-stand. Colt doesn’t have great experiences with fathers, thanks to his upbringing, so he had already formed an opinion about Chloe’s baby daddy. It wasn’t a positive one.

So yea, Dallas and Colt are off to a rocky start, but as they get to know each other things start to happen, things that shouldn’t happen…

Okay so, I don’t want to spoil anything but we all know that they’re going to end up together, so I won’t pretend otherwise. And gosh, I was swooning so hard. Colt was just so dreamy, and just what Dallas needed. I was so happy for Dallas, truly. The feeling of found family at the end was everything ♥

Also, I’m super excited about Benny’s book to come. He’s already a favorite of mine.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Read the full review on my blog here with edits and quotes.

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me start by saying—I don’t think this book was written for me. I did enjoy reading it, but I found myself being critical at multiple points in the plot. I haven’t read the first series it’s spun off from, although it’s been on my TBR for a long time, so this might contribute to my 3-star rating.

The two MCs, Dallas and Colt, are likable enough, and I was rooting for them the entire time. Poor Dallas is really a broken kid, forced deeply into the closet by his conservative parents. Colt is trying to be a protective older brother and overcome the regret of leaving his sister behind (who became pregnant and had a child after one drunken night). The story of Dallas coming to his own self-acceptance with Colt’s help is really lovely. I absolutely loved the best friend, Benny—you really couldn’t ask for a better bestie in this situation.

What I struggled with: the age gap felt weird and unnecessary. Dallas is 18, a senior in high school, and Gage is 23 and has been working in the oil industry on his own. I didn’t understand why Gage needed to be so much older. While a six-year age gap isn’t huge, at this stage of life, it feels significant. I just had trouble getting past it. Gage could have easily been 19 or 20, fresh out of high school, which would’ve been more acceptable without affecting the storyline.

I also didn’t like how Chloe was involved and how she discovered Dallas and Colt’s relationship. I’m not a fan of the pregnancy trope, and while Dallas stepped up and accepted he was the father of Christian, it still felt like he was doing it optionally. I wanted to support this—but come on, you made the same mistake Chloe did, dude. It’s time to step up and be a father.

I also struggled with how quickly the “I love you’s” and “forevers” were exchanged. Again, with the age gap in the back of my mind, it just felt a bit awkward.

This just wasn’t the book for me! But if an age gap like that doesn’t bother you, and if the pregnancy trope is your jam, check this one out. I’ll still come back for the next book in the series because I can’t wait to read Benny’s story!

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

I messaged Nicole when we found out Chloe was pregnant at the end of the Kinsley series and said “oh no, she’s going to think she *turned* two guys gay” (obvi that’s not how it works but people think wild things).

I’m glad she didn’t have that revelation. 😂

Dallas and Chloe have an (off-page) romp while drunk about a year ago and Colt, the manifestation of Dallas’s actions appears to let him know he is a dad.

Dallas obviously panics and Colt grows a heart and decides to get to know him so he can relay that he’s a good guy to his sister. Colt ends up getting to know Dallas VERY well 😉

Anywho, I loved them together and their new dysfunctional family. 🖤

(One thing I hated was the lack of grace that Dallas was given. He had no clue.)

I received a complimentary copy of this book but this is my honest and voluntary review!

[Amberly Hays · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Nicole Dykes book and OMG I loved every page! Dallas and Colt are so special together and I was rooting for them the whole time! The spice was amazingly HOT and I loved watching Dallas grow into a strong capable man! I definitely have all of her book on my TBR now and can’t wait to dive in!

[Marina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Nice and enjoyable. It's just a bit short so it lacks the time and depth necessary to develop the feelings conveyed by the MCs.

[Laura Fabian · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC kindly provided for the author in exchange for an honest review

Big Bend Bears is another series by Nicole Dykes that I'm sure is going to become one of my favorites! Plus, I think it started off really strong with Dallas & Colt's story: it broke my heart in a way I didn't expect, but it also made me love them so much, I loved the way the author developed their love story and I LOVED the updates on Chloe, Zac, Adam, and Chance.

Dallas is officially one of my favorite characters from Nicole, a boy who is completely consumed by guilt and sorrow due to past mistakes, but who also has to hide who he really is thanks to the backward mentality of the town he lives in, and especially his parents. For those who have already read Kensley Panthers, Dallas is not a new character, and learning his story was much more heartbreaking than I expected, but at the same time I liked reading about this vulnerable boy, lost in his own life, who doesn't believe he deserves any kind of love, but who ends up finding his place in the world with Colt and who realizes that he always had someone on his side in Benny.

Colt returns to Kensley, a town neighboring Big Bend (where Dallas lives), to support his sister Chloe when he finds out that she had a baby. Colt is a character who may seem rude and rough at first, but he's actually a man who fled his hometown so he could be himself; he's a loving brother, who, although he makes mistakes, wants the best for his younger sister and supports her unconditionally. I also loved reading him soften his character with Dallas, falling in love with him and experiencing a strong internal conflict due to those feelings, but I think what I loved most about this character was that he grew up with Dallas, that together they stopped running away from what hurts them and that all together they could form a beautiful family.

The love story in this book is very peculiar: Colt looks for Dallas in Big Bend since he is the biological father of Chloe's baby, and although, at first Colt wants to meet him to convince his sister to rely on him with the care and education of little Christian, the feelings of both begin to change very quickly: Colt senses Dallas's insecurities, gives him a safe refuge away from the people who mistreat him in his daily live and becomes his main support and source of happiness, but the most beautiful thing is that, while helping Dallas on his own path of self-discovery, acceptance and self-love, Colt himself heals his own wounds from the past as well.

🏈Dallas: 5/5
🍼Colt: 5/5
🏈Plot: 5/5
🍼Love story: 5/5
🏈Secondary characters: 5/5
🍼Universe: 5/5
🏈Cover: 4/5
🌶️: 3/5

ARC amablemente proporcionada por la autora a cambio de una reseña honesta

Big Bend Bears es otra serie de Nicole Dykesque estoy segura se va a convertir en una de mis favoritas! además, creo que comenzó muy fuerte con la historia de Dallas & Colt: me rompió el corazón de una forma que no esperaba, pero también me hizo amarlos muchísimo, me encantó la manera en la que la autora desarrolló su historia de amor y AMÉ las actualizaciones de Chloe, Zac, Adam y Chance.

Dallas es oficialmente uno de mis personajes favoritos de Nicole, un chico que esta completamente consumido por la culpa y la pena debido a equivocaciones del pasado, pero que también tiene que esconder quién es realmente gracias a la mentalidad retrograda del pueblo en el que vive, y especialmente de sus padres. Para quienes ya leyeron Kensley Panthers, Dallas no es un personaje nuevo, y conocer su historia fue mucho más desgarrador de lo que esperaba, pero al mismo tiempo me gustó leer a ese chico vulnerable, perdido en su propia vida que no se cree merecedor de ningún tipo de amor, pero que termina encontrando su lugar en el mundo junto a Colt y que se da cuenta de que siempre tuvo a alguien de su lado en Benny.

Colt regresa a Kensley, pueblo vecino de Big Bend (en donde vive Dallas), para apoyar a su hermana Chloe cuando se entera que ésta tuvo un bebé. Colt es un personaje que puede parecer grosero y rudo al principio, pero en realidad es un hombre que huyó de su pueblo natal para poder ser el mismo, es un hermano amoroso, que aunque comete errores, quiere lo mejor para su hermana menor y la apoya incondicionalmente. También me encantó leerlo suavizando su carácter con Dallas, enamorándose de él y viviendo un fuerte conflicto interno debido a esos sentimientos, pero creo que lo que más amé de este personaje fue que creciera junto a Dallas, que juntos dejaran de huir de lo que los lastima y que todos juntas pudieran formar una hermosa familia.

La historia de amor de este libro es muy peculiar: Colt busca a Dallas en Big Bend ya que él es el padre biológico del bebé de Chloe, y aunque al principio Colt quiere conocerlo para convencer a su hermana de apoyarse en él con el cuidado y la educación del pequeño Christian, los sentimientos de ambos empiezan a cambiar muy rápido: Colt intuye las inseguridades de Dallas, le da un refugio seguro lejos de las personas que los maltratan en su vida diaria y se convierte en su principal apoyo y fuente de felicidad, pero lo más hermoso es que, mientras ayuda a Dallas en su propio camino de autodescubrimiento, aceptación y amor propio, el mismo Colt sana sus propias heridas del pasado también.

🏈Dallas: 5/5
🍼Colt: 5/5
🏈Trama: 5/5
🍼Historia de amor: 5/5
🏈Personajes secundarios: 5/5
🍼Universo: 5/5
🏈Portada: 4/5
🌶️: 3/5

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

[I received a digital arc for an honest review]

Dallas Boone’s life in Big Bend is not a happy one. He used to have football but even that is not helping him put one foot in front of the other. A stranger showing up turns his life even further upside down by saying he’s the father of his sister’s baby. Colt has returned home to Kensley to his sister with a four month old and the father not involved. He decides that confronting the father is the only way to alleviate some of his sister’s stress but the meeting doesn’t go as expected. In an attempt to get Dallas to take responsibility, Colt decides to get to know the man better but that backfires spectacularly as getting to know Dallas may include wanting to keep him for himself.

This book hurt my heart as you witness Dallas struggling so hard to keep going day in and day out. He has his friend Benny but otherwise is so painfully alone. It isn’t until Colt shows up and throws fatherhood into the mix that Dallas finds himself seeing life beyond high school and outside of football. Colt is not what Dallas was expecting from the disgruntled first meeting as they get to know each other and share the darkness of their pasts. Colt feels responsible for everything that’s happened since he left Kensley and his sister Chloe behind. He wants to hate Dallas for abandoning his sister but as the details of the night come to light, Colt can’t help but want to pull Dallas even closer. The two men couldn’t be more different but find so much comfort in each other.

Dykes continues to weave together the stories of the students, coaches and families of Kensley and Big Bend Kansas. Watching the plots interconnect is fun and it makes you excited to see who is next.

3.5 stars for Dallas and Colt forgiving themselves for the past and moving towards a brighter future.

[Avery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Colt shows up on Dallas’ porch with the announcement that the 18-year-old is a father, and he needs to step up to help raise his son. Dallas, who feels anything but ready to be one, tells him to go away. Colt won’t give up that easily and keeps showing up. When Dallas realizes this man will not give up, he gives in to Colt and his suggestion that they get to know each other. So Colt can assess if Dallas is a good man before inserting him into Chloe and their son’s life. As the two men get closer and closer, they find they have more in common with each other than they realized. And the attraction they feel is too much to deny.

I loved Colt being so adamant that Dallas needs to be in his son’s life, he didn’t have a father growing up and he doesn’t want that for his nephew. He will stop at nothing to make it happen even if he becomes a little stalker to do so. His showing up everywhere showed how fiercely he loves his family.

Dallas is such a puppy, so lost still, afraid to be himself, afraid of the future and the town that looks down at him ever since his life imploded last year. All he knows is that after he graduates, he wants to run as far as he can get. He is so adorable; I loved the way Colt starts to peel away his layers unveiling the truth at his core. He grows so beautifully into who he is supposed to be.

I always love Nicole’s books. The small-town feel, whether that’s good or bad, is perfect. The characters grow and develop in the story and the love and heat that comes with it makes for a great read. Red Zone was no exception, and I can’t wait to read the rest of the Big Bend Bears series.

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.