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After The Siren
Theo Bestavros wasn’t supposed to be a footballer. He worked hard, got his game-winning moment and—failed. He’s determined to make the most of a second chance at the Brunswick Falcons.
Jake Cunningham couldn’t have had a better start to his career. He’s the Falcons’ star small forward, a fan-favourite, and a constant headline. He loves his team, loves the game, and has no intention of being the first AFL player to come out.
Jake and Theo get off on the wrong foot, but stumble into friendship—and then something that looks a lot like dating. But Jake doesn’t want to come out, and Theo doesn’t want to jeopardise his second chance.
Jake Cunningham couldn’t have had a better start to his career. He’s the Falcons’ star small forward, a fan-favourite, and a constant headline. He loves his team, loves the game, and has no intention of being the first AFL player to come out.
Jake and Theo get off on the wrong foot, but stumble into friendship—and then something that looks a lot like dating. But Jake doesn’t want to come out, and Theo doesn’t want to jeopardise his second chance.
353 pages, Paperback
First published November 27, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 453 reviews
May 27, 2026
No, but I srsly need a fucking hot minute to get my feelings into legible words so that my review isn’t just continuous squealing gifs and screaming about my feelings.
This absolutely DESTROYED my expectations.
6 STARS FROM ME!
I will hear NO CRITICISM. 🥹
Filled with juicy Australian nostalgia, rivals-to friends-to lovers vibes to die for, great cast of side characters, women representation and respect that was refreshing, AND SO MUCH MORE.
The notes in my phone go for like 3 pages, but can I give you a coherent reason/review??
Absolutely - the fuck - not.
It's hard to explain my love without spoilers, and I don't want to give spoilers here because I want you to read it and have the most wholesome time.
I am blown away.
I fucking love Jake.
Jake has my heart.
Now, book 2 right......?
I could do another whole book just about Jake and Theo.
I just want to gush all over the place.
I will say......... probably one of my favourite "I love you"s to ever grace my eyeballs.
This absolutely DESTROYED my expectations.
6 STARS FROM ME!
I will hear NO CRITICISM. 🥹
Filled with juicy Australian nostalgia, rivals-to friends-to lovers vibes to die for, great cast of side characters, women representation and respect that was refreshing, AND SO MUCH MORE.
The notes in my phone go for like 3 pages, but can I give you a coherent reason/review??
Absolutely - the fuck - not.
It's hard to explain my love without spoilers, and I don't want to give spoilers here because I want you to read it and have the most wholesome time.
I am blown away.
I fucking love Jake.
Jake has my heart.
Now, book 2 right......?
I could do another whole book just about Jake and Theo.
I just want to gush all over the place.
I will say......... probably one of my favourite "I love you"s to ever grace my eyeballs.
October 17, 2025
something about reading this so soon after a (retired) player came out was cathartic
May 20, 2026
Epic! Loved it. Editing a bit now that I'm home. It has flaws, but, the Feels I got still made me rate it 5 stars.
Worst-first-impression to hostile teammates to tension exploding… maturing into very tentative acquaintances to friends to real friends to…oh shiz I am SO INTO HIM…
And a lot of depth.
Theo had a rough end to a season as a pro AFL (Aussie, not American!!!) player with the Sharks, and the irritatingly smug and constantly trash-talking Jake Cunningham on the winning team, the Falcons, rubbed so much salt in the wound that Theo forms a dislike that turns to hatred. Theo spirals...and has a very dark time (TW), not on page after the final bad game, but, we learn that he sank into depression and thought he'd never play again. To make matters worse, Jake's a guest star on an SNL-type show episode that included a skit tearing Theo down, and Jake commented that not everyone has what it takes to make it in the AFL.
But now...Jake's team, the Falcons, have signed Theo, and woman coach Kat believes in him. It's Theo's chance to redeem his utter failure (still shown and laughed at in TV night-talk-show skits as one the worst fail ever in the sport) and regain the career he chose and loves.
And then...guess who is assigned as his roommate on the road...
Well. The tension goes from bad to worse, as two men with secrets don't communicate, avoid each other, miscommunicate, and finally get into a brawl in training that has them both getting a harsh laying down of the law to do better or else. And Jake never did apologize....
It was a rough, rocky, fascinating start. But as we get to know the seemingly entitled and careless Jake, we get to know layers of the man, and reveals of depth that wasn't seen before. And Jake having to restart/work to get along with Theo starts a spark that turns into a tentative friendship and then really blossoms as they go, supported by Jake's two best mates on the team. And Jake has had a hard-on for Theo all along, and now it's just getting...tough to ignore...until one night after Theo does do well and the team wins...things get....🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥.
Now, the romance element was a bit rocky for me at first, because Jake's just gone through a rough, shitty breakup with an ex who gave him a "come out for me or else" ultimatum. He's still reeling from that, and before that, he was pretty much a closeted hookup apps enthusiast who treats sex super casually, like he wants it but it isn't a big deal for him to be intimate with whoever to scratch an itch. Which we all know isn't my fav thing. He's loyal, and was a good boyfriend, but... 😞.
Jake's in the closet. Theo is bi, also in the closet, and has never dated or been with a man. Their first time together would have been even sweeter if it had seemed to mean anything at all to Jake besides a good time. It's hot! It's intimate! Don't get me wrong! But finding out this is all new to Theo didn't seem to impact Jake at all, and kinda took away the specialness, felt like Theo was any other guy Jake had good sex with. 😤. It gets better, they connect and become intimate in other beautiful ways, but, that was just...not for me. Although, Jake IS great with understanding Theo's reservations and need to go slow. He's a kind and thorough, thoughtful lover. But. He's that way with any/everyone, soooo. Yeah.
Theo's getting to explore with Jake though is lovely! Apart from Jake's NBD attitude, I loved them together, and even moreso loved the emotional development, the growing bond between them, the push-pull of keeping it secret (badly, for their friends, LOL!) but not being able to stay away.
Theo let me down at one point, I won't give details, but, he failed at a crucial decision in the romance moment. He got it together, but, I think because I didn't expect if from him, it threw me off. Jake's more emotionally vulnerable, surprisingly, and he finally won my heart the way Theo did at the start. But that misstep felt like a slap in the face for me. Still, the authenticity of their connection shone through in the end.
The footy is fabulous! Loved the games, as well as the camaraderie with their friends/teammates, and meeting Jamie's family. (TW for family member with cancer). I did feel Theo's family got short shrift; despite meeting his sister a few times, they were a bit too off page/not in the story. It got better with his sister at the end, but, he lived with her and we barely saw her for way too long. Big cheers to his best friend Priya though! Stellar addition to the cast!
Jake's ex does show up, not to get him back but because his little bro is one of Jake's good friends and they grew up together. It's a tense moment, but with an absolutely epic dismissal of the ex. LOVED that.
The way these two decide to handle their secrets in the end was so much fun and fantastic and I loved the ending. There are many epic moments in this book!
Theo's bleak time could have been dealt with more thoroughly. It felt glossed over, and needed more exploration and resolution. That was an off note.
HEA. Enemies/rivals to teammates to lovers. Hidden romance. AFL players, authentic sports romance. No OM action at all; minor uninvited OM drama with the ex. Jake has a casual attitude about sex that came up too often and bothered me, but not enough to take off a star, and I liked him as a person anyway. Highly recommended.
Worst-first-impression to hostile teammates to tension exploding… maturing into very tentative acquaintances to friends to real friends to…oh shiz I am SO INTO HIM…
And a lot of depth.
Theo had a rough end to a season as a pro AFL (Aussie, not American!!!) player with the Sharks, and the irritatingly smug and constantly trash-talking Jake Cunningham on the winning team, the Falcons, rubbed so much salt in the wound that Theo forms a dislike that turns to hatred. Theo spirals...and has a very dark time (TW), not on page after the final bad game, but, we learn that he sank into depression and thought he'd never play again. To make matters worse, Jake's a guest star on an SNL-type show episode that included a skit tearing Theo down, and Jake commented that not everyone has what it takes to make it in the AFL.
But now...Jake's team, the Falcons, have signed Theo, and woman coach Kat believes in him. It's Theo's chance to redeem his utter failure (still shown and laughed at in TV night-talk-show skits as one the worst fail ever in the sport) and regain the career he chose and loves.
And then...guess who is assigned as his roommate on the road...
Well. The tension goes from bad to worse, as two men with secrets don't communicate, avoid each other, miscommunicate, and finally get into a brawl in training that has them both getting a harsh laying down of the law to do better or else. And Jake never did apologize....
It was a rough, rocky, fascinating start. But as we get to know the seemingly entitled and careless Jake, we get to know layers of the man, and reveals of depth that wasn't seen before. And Jake having to restart/work to get along with Theo starts a spark that turns into a tentative friendship and then really blossoms as they go, supported by Jake's two best mates on the team. And Jake has had a hard-on for Theo all along, and now it's just getting...tough to ignore...until one night after Theo does do well and the team wins...things get....🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥.
Now, the romance element was a bit rocky for me at first, because Jake's just gone through a rough, shitty breakup with an ex who gave him a "come out for me or else" ultimatum. He's still reeling from that, and before that, he was pretty much a closeted hookup apps enthusiast who treats sex super casually, like he wants it but it isn't a big deal for him to be intimate with whoever to scratch an itch. Which we all know isn't my fav thing. He's loyal, and was a good boyfriend, but... 😞.
Jake's in the closet. Theo is bi, also in the closet, and has never dated or been with a man. Their first time together would have been even sweeter if it had seemed to mean anything at all to Jake besides a good time. It's hot! It's intimate! Don't get me wrong! But finding out this is all new to Theo didn't seem to impact Jake at all, and kinda took away the specialness, felt like Theo was any other guy Jake had good sex with. 😤. It gets better, they connect and become intimate in other beautiful ways, but, that was just...not for me. Although, Jake IS great with understanding Theo's reservations and need to go slow. He's a kind and thorough, thoughtful lover. But. He's that way with any/everyone, soooo. Yeah.
Theo's getting to explore with Jake though is lovely! Apart from Jake's NBD attitude, I loved them together, and even moreso loved the emotional development, the growing bond between them, the push-pull of keeping it secret (badly, for their friends, LOL!) but not being able to stay away.
Theo let me down at one point, I won't give details, but, he failed at a crucial decision in the romance moment. He got it together, but, I think because I didn't expect if from him, it threw me off. Jake's more emotionally vulnerable, surprisingly, and he finally won my heart the way Theo did at the start. But that misstep felt like a slap in the face for me. Still, the authenticity of their connection shone through in the end.
The footy is fabulous! Loved the games, as well as the camaraderie with their friends/teammates, and meeting Jamie's family. (TW for family member with cancer). I did feel Theo's family got short shrift; despite meeting his sister a few times, they were a bit too off page/not in the story. It got better with his sister at the end, but, he lived with her and we barely saw her for way too long. Big cheers to his best friend Priya though! Stellar addition to the cast!
Jake's ex does show up, not to get him back but because his little bro is one of Jake's good friends and they grew up together. It's a tense moment, but with an absolutely epic dismissal of the ex. LOVED that.
The way these two decide to handle their secrets in the end was so much fun and fantastic and I loved the ending. There are many epic moments in this book!
Theo's bleak time could have been dealt with more thoroughly. It felt glossed over, and needed more exploration and resolution. That was an off note.
HEA. Enemies/rivals to teammates to lovers. Hidden romance. AFL players, authentic sports romance. No OM action at all; minor uninvited OM drama with the ex. Jake has a casual attitude about sex that came up too often and bothered me, but not enough to take off a star, and I liked him as a person anyway. Highly recommended.
December 10, 2025
God, I wanted to eat this writing style, it’s so gorgeous. Read if you’re a fan of Red, White and Royal Blue, The Charm Offensive, or E. L Massey.
THE PREMISE: it looked like Theo choked in a game, but actually had a panic attack. Jake accidentally made fun of him online. Theo got traded. Now they’re team mates ... and maybe the first openly queer couple in the AFL?
TROPES & VIBES
- Hate to love
- Aggressively, and wonderfully, Australian
- Mental health rep
- Serious anxious boy x chaotic sunshine surfer
- I nearly cried about the mum
- The final pages were so lovely I nearly cried again
- Phenomenal supporting cast / found family
- Top tier banter
- One of my fave contemporary MM romances of the year
4.5⭐️ 2🌶️
THE PREMISE: it looked like Theo choked in a game, but actually had a panic attack. Jake accidentally made fun of him online. Theo got traded. Now they’re team mates ... and maybe the first openly queer couple in the AFL?
TROPES & VIBES
- Hate to love
- Aggressively, and wonderfully, Australian
- Mental health rep
- Serious anxious boy x chaotic sunshine surfer
- I nearly cried about the mum
- The final pages were so lovely I nearly cried again
- Phenomenal supporting cast / found family
- Top tier banter
- One of my fave contemporary MM romances of the year
4.5⭐️ 2🌶️
October 18, 2025
'I KNEW THOSE WERE NOT HETEROSEXUALS.'
‘What a kick! What a win! What a . . . what a . . .
what a . . .’
‘That’s a kiss, Henry. They’re kissing.’
‘What a . . .’
‘They’re still kissing.’
‘Bestavros is going to be remembered for – oh my God. Oh my GOD.’
‘Wow.’
‘We are witnessing HISTORY. THIS IS HISTORY.’
‘We are also witnessing a lot of tongue.’
‘HISTORY.’
‘Bestavros and Cunningham sharing a brotherly . . .’
‘Yeah, I don’t know about that.’
💀😂💀😂💀😂💀
If you've ever read a book where one scene elevated it, you'll understand how I felt about this one.
I felt like this was a solid 3* read for most of it. Good, but not great. It was missing that extra zhuzh.
Then the kiss scene happened.
If you've read sports MM romance, you've encountered The Kiss™.
Center ice, mid court, 50 yard line, the mound, you name it.
Something happens during the game(really good or really bad) and the MCs are so overcome by emotion that they kiss.
I love that in this, instead of getting the MCs' reactions to what they just did, we get those of the internet, the spectators, the commentators.
Had me snort laughing.
The rest of the story is honestly a variation of many other sports romances you've read before.
I can say, though, that this is maybe my first featuring an Egyptian MC.
And that although they're young-ish, they don't really do the 'does he like me?' routine, which I've always found a bit tedious especially in stories where it's so obvious an astronaut on the ISS wouldn't need help to see it from all the way up there.
Solid 3.5*.
‘What a kick! What a win! What a . . . what a . . .
what a . . .’
‘That’s a kiss, Henry. They’re kissing.’
‘What a . . .’
‘They’re still kissing.’
‘Bestavros is going to be remembered for – oh my God. Oh my GOD.’
‘Wow.’
‘We are witnessing HISTORY. THIS IS HISTORY.’
‘We are also witnessing a lot of tongue.’
‘HISTORY.’
‘Bestavros and Cunningham sharing a brotherly . . .’
‘Yeah, I don’t know about that.’
💀😂💀😂💀😂💀
If you've ever read a book where one scene elevated it, you'll understand how I felt about this one.
I felt like this was a solid 3* read for most of it. Good, but not great. It was missing that extra zhuzh.
Then the kiss scene happened.
If you've read sports MM romance, you've encountered The Kiss™.
Center ice, mid court, 50 yard line, the mound, you name it.
Something happens during the game(really good or really bad) and the MCs are so overcome by emotion that they kiss.
I love that in this, instead of getting the MCs' reactions to what they just did, we get those of the internet, the spectators, the commentators.
Had me snort laughing.
The rest of the story is honestly a variation of many other sports romances you've read before.
I can say, though, that this is maybe my first featuring an Egyptian MC.
And that although they're young-ish, they don't really do the 'does he like me?' routine, which I've always found a bit tedious especially in stories where it's so obvious an astronaut on the ISS wouldn't need help to see it from all the way up there.
Solid 3.5*.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2026
All the stars in the world for this beautiful sports-romance featuring rivals to friends to lovers. I loved everything about it. I wish it had a sequel or an extended epilogue because I truly wouldn’t mind reading about babies Jack and Theo more.
I know next to nothing about Australian football, but I figured if I read enough books about it, I could learn something. If it worked for hockey, I don’t see why it wouldn’t work now.
Jake and Theo didn’t have the best start. Both had a bit of justified negative feelings for each other that caused them resentment and frustration, and it wasn’t until they forcibly bonded that they realized there was more to them than they originally thought.
I loved seeing them transition from reluctant teammates to best friends to lovers. These silly boys were 100% in a relationship without realizing it.
Theo will always have a special place in my heart because his anxiety made me feel seen. I, too, am super anxious and could totally relate to how he felt. But I also truly loved Jake and his sunny personality and how good they were for each other.
I know next to nothing about Australian football, but I figured if I read enough books about it, I could learn something. If it worked for hockey, I don’t see why it wouldn’t work now.
Jake and Theo didn’t have the best start. Both had a bit of justified negative feelings for each other that caused them resentment and frustration, and it wasn’t until they forcibly bonded that they realized there was more to them than they originally thought.
I loved seeing them transition from reluctant teammates to best friends to lovers. These silly boys were 100% in a relationship without realizing it.
Theo will always have a special place in my heart because his anxiety made me feel seen. I, too, am super anxious and could totally relate to how he felt. But I also truly loved Jake and his sunny personality and how good they were for each other.
Review of advance copy
One thing that really irritates me is authors writing about bisexuality and bisexual characters from a monosexual and most especially homosexual point of view. Bisexuals are not gay men, and neither are we lesbians. We have a unique set of experiences that do not match up with other sexualities and identities.
What pissed me off in this book was having Theo call his bisexuality "theoretical" because he hadn't been in a homosexual relationship, in this case with a man. Bisexuality is the attraction to multiple genders so yeah Theo's bisexuality is not theoretical even if he'd only been with women, IT'S VERY MUCH PRACTICAL. This rhetoric harms bisexuals and often times denies and others us from community!! STOP IT!!. If you're not going to take the time to understand the sexuality you're writing about, just don't do it.
I'm so tired of this. This rhetoric was everywhere in the damn narrative that I actually couldn't enjoy the story the way I'd have liked to. man fuck it all
What pissed me off in this book was having Theo call his bisexuality "theoretical" because he hadn't been in a homosexual relationship, in this case with a man. Bisexuality is the attraction to multiple genders so yeah Theo's bisexuality is not theoretical even if he'd only been with women, IT'S VERY MUCH PRACTICAL. This rhetoric harms bisexuals and often times denies and others us from community!! STOP IT!!. If you're not going to take the time to understand the sexuality you're writing about, just don't do it.
I'm so tired of this. This rhetoric was everywhere in the damn narrative that I actually couldn't enjoy the story the way I'd have liked to. man fuck it all
June 21, 2026
Firstly, I'm a big AFL fan (💛🤎Hawks💛🤎) so I'm super happy to finally see another MM romance set in this sport - if you liked this, you should try Sean Kennedy's two series: Tigers & Devils / Get Out. I'm always on the hunt for more AFL books, or motorsports!!
Secondly, if Jake's character wasn't heavily influenced by Ginni I'll do a shoey!!! I love Ginni and his antics, so it was really easy to spot the similarities for me and I was thoroughly entertained. Jake was just such an entertaining character and I felt an instant emotional attachment to him - when Jake cried I was crying too!!
Theo was a little harder to like at the start because he was so down on himself and reluctant to actually get involved, but I liked seeing him working through his mental battles and the way he cares about Jake was so sweet. I loved his approach to Kyle, and that reaction after they won the prelim was everything!!!
It was so nice to feel so submersed in the sport too. This was an actual AFL romance, not a romance with a bit of AFL thrown in, and I enjoyed every second.
I really hope there's more books to come with some of the side characters though! I want Raze's story, I want a story for Paddy... I just enjoyed every character and I don't want to let go yet!
Secondly, if Jake's character wasn't heavily influenced by Ginni I'll do a shoey!!! I love Ginni and his antics, so it was really easy to spot the similarities for me and I was thoroughly entertained. Jake was just such an entertaining character and I felt an instant emotional attachment to him - when Jake cried I was crying too!!
Theo was a little harder to like at the start because he was so down on himself and reluctant to actually get involved, but I liked seeing him working through his mental battles and the way he cares about Jake was so sweet. I loved his approach to Kyle, and that reaction after they won the prelim was everything!!!
It was so nice to feel so submersed in the sport too. This was an actual AFL romance, not a romance with a bit of AFL thrown in, and I enjoyed every second.
I really hope there's more books to come with some of the side characters though! I want Raze's story, I want a story for Paddy... I just enjoyed every character and I don't want to let go yet!
October 14, 2025
oh boy do i love a romance novel that doesn’t make miscommunication the main complication
my dad would be so pissed that the stand-in for his favourite afl team was the main cast for something so gay and i couldn’t be happier about it
my dad would be so pissed that the stand-in for his favourite afl team was the main cast for something so gay and i couldn’t be happier about it
September 24, 2025
BELLISSIMOOOOO !!!! AFL/W MENTIONED !!!! now this was just good clean FUN. giggling and kicking my feet, devoured. happy grand final week. afl can only dream of being this progressive
July 3, 2026
Really enjoyed this 🥹
Hit if off with the characters immediately and didn’t ever really feel like putting the book down.
I loved the discussion of mental health and the anxiety rep. It was portrayed really well, and I think this is part of the reason I connected to the story right away. The characters were layered and relatable.
Loved both of the MCs 💚
I almost started this one a few times in the last month, but when I saw it was in 3rd person I was like iddkkkkk. I told myself I’d just read the first 2 chapters to get a feel for the vibe, but then I didn’t want to stop reading. I was also randomly really in the mood for an mm sports romance, maybe it’s bc of the world cup 🤣
Genuinely, my only gripe with this was some of the slang. At first, I thought the slang in this might’ve been an Australian thing, and maybe it partly is, but I think it was more an in-universe quirk specifically with this book. It took me way too long to realize that the slang words in this were put in place of all expletives. Like even with saying “oh my god,” the word “goodness” was used instead; “idiot” was used in place of “fuck,” etc etc. It really didn’t sound weird at all in regular scenes, so it didn’t bother me, except that it kind of took me out of the scene a little during intimate moments. This was pretty much the only thing I wasn’t a fan of 😂
Anyways, overall, I loved this and really thought it was a great debut novel. Of course, it still has its flaws, but I enjoyed myself! 🤍
Hit if off with the characters immediately and didn’t ever really feel like putting the book down.
I loved the discussion of mental health and the anxiety rep. It was portrayed really well, and I think this is part of the reason I connected to the story right away. The characters were layered and relatable.
Loved both of the MCs 💚
I almost started this one a few times in the last month, but when I saw it was in 3rd person I was like iddkkkkk. I told myself I’d just read the first 2 chapters to get a feel for the vibe, but then I didn’t want to stop reading. I was also randomly really in the mood for an mm sports romance, maybe it’s bc of the world cup 🤣
Genuinely, my only gripe with this was some of the slang. At first, I thought the slang in this might’ve been an Australian thing, and maybe it partly is, but I think it was more an in-universe quirk specifically with this book. It took me way too long to realize that the slang words in this were put in place of all expletives. Like even with saying “oh my god,” the word “goodness” was used instead; “idiot” was used in place of “fuck,” etc etc. It really didn’t sound weird at all in regular scenes, so it didn’t bother me, except that it kind of took me out of the scene a little during intimate moments. This was pretty much the only thing I wasn’t a fan of 😂
Anyways, overall, I loved this and really thought it was a great debut novel. Of course, it still has its flaws, but I enjoyed myself! 🤍
January 19, 2026
ate this uppp
more lighthearted queer yearning AFL romance novels thank you
more lighthearted queer yearning AFL romance novels thank you
June 29, 2026
Rating - 4.5 stars rounded up
This was actually really lovely. Some things went over my head as I guess this is very Australian with some of the slang and AFL (I realized I have zero clue how tf this game is supposed to look like but eh).
Jake and Theo were so very sweet and I like how the animosity lasts a hot second and then they just are friends that leads to more. And these two were so healthy?!? The communication was on point. They were tender, vulnerable with each other but also their chemistry was 👌 Jake really stole my heart though and I want only the best things to ever happen to him for the rest of his life.
Also shout out to the team and the women's team and especially Paddy and Xen. Love me a great friend group 💗
This was actually really lovely. Some things went over my head as I guess this is very Australian with some of the slang and AFL (I realized I have zero clue how tf this game is supposed to look like but eh).
Jake and Theo were so very sweet and I like how the animosity lasts a hot second and then they just are friends that leads to more. And these two were so healthy?!? The communication was on point. They were tender, vulnerable with each other but also their chemistry was 👌 Jake really stole my heart though and I want only the best things to ever happen to him for the rest of his life.
Also shout out to the team and the women's team and especially Paddy and Xen. Love me a great friend group 💗
September 30, 2025
Content warnings: homophobia, cancer, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, mentions of self harm
4.5 stars
I've been excited about this book for over a year now. I was psyched to read it as an indie release, psyched when it got picked up by Penguin, and psyched that it was finally released just in time for the Grand Final.
I loved Jake and Theo as protagonists, and I adored the relationship that developed between them. I've been wondering for years why there aren't more AFL romances out there, and this was honestly a spectacular start to us getting AFL romances from major publishers.
I will say that this felt - to me - more like VFL than AFL a lot of the time, and then it would just be casually dropped into the story that they're playing at the MCG and I was like ".............they are?!" I think in part it's the lack of interstate travel? Every single game that we see takes place in Melbourne. And yes, Melbourne is the heart of AFL! But eight of the eighteen teams in the league are based outside Victoria. It would have been nice to have them do at LEAST one interstate game. Maybe against Theo's old team??
Anyway, that's a pretty small gripe in the grand scheme of things, and I'm really hoping we get at least one more book in this world because there's a character whose story I'd love to see.
4.5 stars
I've been excited about this book for over a year now. I was psyched to read it as an indie release, psyched when it got picked up by Penguin, and psyched that it was finally released just in time for the Grand Final.
I loved Jake and Theo as protagonists, and I adored the relationship that developed between them. I've been wondering for years why there aren't more AFL romances out there, and this was honestly a spectacular start to us getting AFL romances from major publishers.
I will say that this felt - to me - more like VFL than AFL a lot of the time, and then it would just be casually dropped into the story that they're playing at the MCG and I was like ".............they are?!" I think in part it's the lack of interstate travel? Every single game that we see takes place in Melbourne. And yes, Melbourne is the heart of AFL! But eight of the eighteen teams in the league are based outside Victoria. It would have been nice to have them do at LEAST one interstate game. Maybe against Theo's old team??
Anyway, that's a pretty small gripe in the grand scheme of things, and I'm really hoping we get at least one more book in this world because there's a character whose story I'd love to see.
January 14, 2026
10 out of 10, no notes…
The Melbourne setting and AFL references made it feel like I was living and breathing my city. Palpable, realistic and incredibly well written, it’s an easy, gripping read I couldn’t put down.
I’m so glad this book exists, it will make an impact ❤️
The Melbourne setting and AFL references made it feel like I was living and breathing my city. Palpable, realistic and incredibly well written, it’s an easy, gripping read I couldn’t put down.
I’m so glad this book exists, it will make an impact ❤️
October 29, 2025
Bring back YEARNING
February 7, 2026
I absolutely love the afl and queer sports romance novels so when I saw this I knew I would love it. This book didn’t just hold up to my expectations but surpasses them. I loved everything from the afl and AFLW the whole team dynamics and characters. Jake and Theo was just so bloody cute and I loved all of the wonderful supporting characters. I hope this author expands on this id love to see a sapphic one within the AFLW
Or romances with the other falcon players.
Or romances with the other falcon players.
Read
January 12, 2026A very sweet romance and a remarkably strong debut.
I didn’t know anything about Australian rules football (“footy”) and, having finished After the Siren I can’t say that I know much more about the rules. However, I do think I have a good idea about the feeling of footy, about the culture. Green lovingly sets their story in this world and revels in it without feeling the need to be didactic and explanatory about it to outsiders, which I think works well but could be confusing to some readers. It’s also very Australian, which is refreshing given just how much English-language romance emanates from America. There are other countries.
The two main characters, Jake and Theo, are quite lovable, quirks and all. Green also has a vast cast of side characters and I think authors should take note of how they worked them into the story. I’ve read much longer books with fewer side characters that still felt like it had too many characters to keep track of. Green make sparing use of social media posts, blogs, and straight up paragraph introductions to many of the relevant side characters (at least the footy players). They also allow the to main characters to spend time with everyone else, alone and together, never worrying that relationship and character development outside of the romance will somehow spoil it.
The story is pretty low angst and relatively low stakes, as well. I was a bit surprised that a footy plot didn’t take more center stage in the final chapters. Don’t get me wrong, they’re still playing the game (and at a very high level), it’s just not central to the story. Instead, Green uses those pages to parlay Jake and Theo’s love into something a bit more universal, which, I’ll admit, had me tearing up a bit at the end.
A thought that has been brewing in my mind for a while finally reached boiling with this book and that’s that we need some other kind of name for the relationship trope Jake and Theo have in this book. It’s marketed as “enemies-to-lovers” but I don’t think that’s right. Theo and Jake start out not liking each other very much, with a few miscommunications and misunderstandings contributing to that, and they’re also very annoyed by one another (more so it’s Theo who’s annoyed by Jake, though). When I think of my enemies (yes, I have enemies), my feeling towards them is hatred and that is not the feeling that is shared between Theo and Jake. They are also rivals (-to-lovers), but that’s not really the focus of the story at all as they become teammates almost immediately. It’s also an opposites attract dynamic, with the affectionate and off-the-walls Jake paired with the more surly and introverted Theo, but, again, that’s incidental to set up.
So what is this, exactly? To me, this dynamic is “annoyed-to-lovers”. Jake and Theo don’t hate each other, they’re annoyed by one another.
Lastly: this isn’t hockey! These days I’m quite supportive of any sports romance that isn’t hockey. There are other sports.
I didn’t know anything about Australian rules football (“footy”) and, having finished After the Siren I can’t say that I know much more about the rules. However, I do think I have a good idea about the feeling of footy, about the culture. Green lovingly sets their story in this world and revels in it without feeling the need to be didactic and explanatory about it to outsiders, which I think works well but could be confusing to some readers. It’s also very Australian, which is refreshing given just how much English-language romance emanates from America. There are other countries.
The two main characters, Jake and Theo, are quite lovable, quirks and all. Green also has a vast cast of side characters and I think authors should take note of how they worked them into the story. I’ve read much longer books with fewer side characters that still felt like it had too many characters to keep track of. Green make sparing use of social media posts, blogs, and straight up paragraph introductions to many of the relevant side characters (at least the footy players). They also allow the to main characters to spend time with everyone else, alone and together, never worrying that relationship and character development outside of the romance will somehow spoil it.
The story is pretty low angst and relatively low stakes, as well. I was a bit surprised that a footy plot didn’t take more center stage in the final chapters. Don’t get me wrong, they’re still playing the game (and at a very high level), it’s just not central to the story. Instead, Green uses those pages to parlay Jake and Theo’s love into something a bit more universal, which, I’ll admit, had me tearing up a bit at the end.
A thought that has been brewing in my mind for a while finally reached boiling with this book and that’s that we need some other kind of name for the relationship trope Jake and Theo have in this book. It’s marketed as “enemies-to-lovers” but I don’t think that’s right. Theo and Jake start out not liking each other very much, with a few miscommunications and misunderstandings contributing to that, and they’re also very annoyed by one another (more so it’s Theo who’s annoyed by Jake, though). When I think of my enemies (yes, I have enemies), my feeling towards them is hatred and that is not the feeling that is shared between Theo and Jake. They are also rivals (-to-lovers), but that’s not really the focus of the story at all as they become teammates almost immediately. It’s also an opposites attract dynamic, with the affectionate and off-the-walls Jake paired with the more surly and introverted Theo, but, again, that’s incidental to set up.
So what is this, exactly? To me, this dynamic is “annoyed-to-lovers”. Jake and Theo don’t hate each other, they’re annoyed by one another.
Lastly: this isn’t hockey! These days I’m quite supportive of any sports romance that isn’t hockey. There are other sports.
October 14, 2025
Updated review 14/10/2025:
So earlier this year I was at the footy with a friend and said I found it wild no one had written a queer MM AFL romance yet… and then came along After the Siren by Darcy Green! 🏉🏟️🌈
After the Siren is a dual POV MM sports romance.
Theo has a shot at redemption after a disastrous end to his tenure at his old club. He’s signed with the Falcons, working through his anxiety, and hoping this will be the fresh start his career needs.
Unfortunately, the Falcons star player, Jake, ran his mouth about Theo and the two immediately get off on the wrong foot.
Little do both of them know, they have a lot more in common than they initially realise. Theo is bisexual and Jake is gay, and neither are out.
As the stakes of the season get higher, so does the tension between Theo and Jake.
What follows is a beautiful story of love, growth, healing and acceptance.
I absolutely loved this book, wow.
I smashed through it quickly, Darcy Greens writing was easy to read and they managed to make all the AFL references accessible that I think all levels of footy fans will enjoy this.
The story has so much heart and each character really shines. The support Jake has from his two club besties is beyond sweet, the featuring of AFLW players and their stories, it’s just such a great time.
The story deals with some heavier themes around self harm and depression / anxiety, but explores it in a really healthy way.
There’s great representation of different sexualities and races, and the difficulties people face from other people.
I’d honestly LOVE to see this book play out in the real life AFL, maybe one day.
After the Siren ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
________________________________________________
Original review 12/10/2025:
This was SO GOOOOOOOOD.
It’s sweet, it’s fiery, it’s hot, it’s got so much heart and soul. I loved this.
So earlier this year I was at the footy with a friend and said I found it wild no one had written a queer MM AFL romance yet… and then came along After the Siren by Darcy Green! 🏉🏟️🌈
After the Siren is a dual POV MM sports romance.
Theo has a shot at redemption after a disastrous end to his tenure at his old club. He’s signed with the Falcons, working through his anxiety, and hoping this will be the fresh start his career needs.
Unfortunately, the Falcons star player, Jake, ran his mouth about Theo and the two immediately get off on the wrong foot.
Little do both of them know, they have a lot more in common than they initially realise. Theo is bisexual and Jake is gay, and neither are out.
As the stakes of the season get higher, so does the tension between Theo and Jake.
What follows is a beautiful story of love, growth, healing and acceptance.
I absolutely loved this book, wow.
I smashed through it quickly, Darcy Greens writing was easy to read and they managed to make all the AFL references accessible that I think all levels of footy fans will enjoy this.
The story has so much heart and each character really shines. The support Jake has from his two club besties is beyond sweet, the featuring of AFLW players and their stories, it’s just such a great time.
The story deals with some heavier themes around self harm and depression / anxiety, but explores it in a really healthy way.
There’s great representation of different sexualities and races, and the difficulties people face from other people.
I’d honestly LOVE to see this book play out in the real life AFL, maybe one day.
After the Siren ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
________________________________________________
Original review 12/10/2025:
This was SO GOOOOOOOOD.
It’s sweet, it’s fiery, it’s hot, it’s got so much heart and soul. I loved this.
April 12, 2026
Y'ALL. Too many people have said "it's the next Heated Rivalry" so I'm not going to do that. I'm going to tell you this book might be BETTER.
I got my hot little hands on this in Australia which is why I got to read it before the U.S. publication date, and were those 14+ hour flights worth it?! Yes, yes they were.
First, there's great conflict and emotional depth in this rivals-to-lovers sports romance. It didn't even matter that it's Australian Football and barely comprehensible as a sport (though I def enjoyed it more having recently seen a match at Melbourne's famed stadium, MCG). It's just a great story of a player, Theo, going through a setback that spikes his anxiety (along with a whole host of other things) and then getting traded to the very team against which the incident occurred.
And ofc the player who made it worse, Jake, is the one he can't keep his eyes off of. Meanwhile, Jake is an AFL star but closeted and with attachment issues. Lots to overcome before these two get together, but it's done at a realistic pace, which makes the heat, when it finally arrives, very impactful imo.
Second, this story is SUPER QUEER. There are other queer and diverse players (Theo is of Egyptian descent; don't think I've read that before). The queer players are closeted and the question of coming out - how and when and to whom - is a major theme of this book. It's less about the media strategy, and more about how these players are going to relate to their straight teammates and vice versa.
Third, it really makes a difference this is written by an NB author. In fact this is the first mm sports romance I've read that really makes a point about what an out gay/bi player on the men's team would mean for queer women and enbys. I didn't know how much I needed that until I read this book. I had to Google but AFL Women is a real thing and queer women/enbys are a vital part of the found family and audience in this story! (*wipes tear* I'm not crying, you're crying!!)
Such a stellar book, which succeeds on every level imo. I immediately want to go back to Australia.
I got my hot little hands on this in Australia which is why I got to read it before the U.S. publication date, and were those 14+ hour flights worth it?! Yes, yes they were.
First, there's great conflict and emotional depth in this rivals-to-lovers sports romance. It didn't even matter that it's Australian Football and barely comprehensible as a sport (though I def enjoyed it more having recently seen a match at Melbourne's famed stadium, MCG). It's just a great story of a player, Theo, going through a setback that spikes his anxiety (along with a whole host of other things) and then getting traded to the very team against which the incident occurred.
And ofc the player who made it worse, Jake, is the one he can't keep his eyes off of. Meanwhile, Jake is an AFL star but closeted and with attachment issues. Lots to overcome before these two get together, but it's done at a realistic pace, which makes the heat, when it finally arrives, very impactful imo.
Second, this story is SUPER QUEER. There are other queer and diverse players (Theo is of Egyptian descent; don't think I've read that before). The queer players are closeted and the question of coming out - how and when and to whom - is a major theme of this book. It's less about the media strategy, and more about how these players are going to relate to their straight teammates and vice versa.
Third, it really makes a difference this is written by an NB author. In fact this is the first mm sports romance I've read that really makes a point about what an out gay/bi player on the men's team would mean for queer women and enbys. I didn't know how much I needed that until I read this book. I had to Google but AFL Women is a real thing and queer women/enbys are a vital part of the found family and audience in this story! (*wipes tear* I'm not crying, you're crying!!)
Such a stellar book, which succeeds on every level imo. I immediately want to go back to Australia.
June 9, 2026
3.75⭐️
Me + 2 athlete boys in a situationship = love❤️
Me + 2 athlete boys in a situationship = love❤️
Read
January 10, 2026January 2026 is for gay sex and gay sex only
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2026
First book of 2026 was:
✅ Aussie
✅ Gay as hell
✅ Bloody brilliant
Very happy I chose to read this, and thrilled if this sets the tone for a year of books. Brandon has truly never led me astray with book recs 🫶🏼
✅ Aussie
✅ Gay as hell
✅ Bloody brilliant
Very happy I chose to read this, and thrilled if this sets the tone for a year of books. Brandon has truly never led me astray with book recs 🫶🏼
January 9, 2026
Sobbing. Crying. Sobbing.
If every professional athlete read this book, the world would be a better place
If every professional athlete read this book, the world would be a better place
October 16, 2025
I get why people are loving this, and I mostly enjoyed it, but I just found it far too much of a utopia. Yes we deserve queer joy (especially in male sports) but even in a romance I would’ve preferred a more realistic portrayal in the current landscape. I also got bored in the very lengthy sex scenes (but I’m sure others enjoyed). I also felt the characters all though pretty well rounded lacked something a bit more typical from a male perspective. .
I’ve seen a lot of very positive reviews from people I’m assuming (potentially wrongly) don’t identify as cis gay and bi men and I’d love to see what more of them think.
I agree there are similarities in style with Red, White and Royal Blue which I also struggled with.
Loved the AFLW inclusions. I can dream that those invested reactions from the AFLM players will some day be wide spread,
And fingers crossed more players (post Mitch Brown) come out soon. It’ll save lives and bring much joy and comfort to many.
I’ve seen a lot of very positive reviews from people I’m assuming (potentially wrongly) don’t identify as cis gay and bi men and I’d love to see what more of them think.
I agree there are similarities in style with Red, White and Royal Blue which I also struggled with.
Loved the AFLW inclusions. I can dream that those invested reactions from the AFLM players will some day be wide spread,
And fingers crossed more players (post Mitch Brown) come out soon. It’ll save lives and bring much joy and comfort to many.
August 18, 2025
(4.50 stars)
This was such a fun debut, I really loved the way Green approached AFL and AFLW and the massive issue the league has with sexism and homophobia. If only a single AFL player had the spine Jake had to stick up for the AFLW girls so strongly.
The romance was sweet, well paced and delivered all the things one wants from a romance!
I sincerely hope Darcy Green considers writing a sapphic sports romance in the future because I just know they could body a beautiful a-league women romance in a way that other soccer romances couldn't reach. Or even AFLW I'll take that too!
I also had the opportunity to meet Darcy before I got my hands on this arc and have two pretty sicq queer AFL pins, so that's pretty cool.
Thank you to netgalley and Penguin Random House Australia for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a fun debut, I really loved the way Green approached AFL and AFLW and the massive issue the league has with sexism and homophobia. If only a single AFL player had the spine Jake had to stick up for the AFLW girls so strongly.
The romance was sweet, well paced and delivered all the things one wants from a romance!
I sincerely hope Darcy Green considers writing a sapphic sports romance in the future because I just know they could body a beautiful a-league women romance in a way that other soccer romances couldn't reach. Or even AFLW I'll take that too!
I also had the opportunity to meet Darcy before I got my hands on this arc and have two pretty sicq queer AFL pins, so that's pretty cool.
Thank you to netgalley and Penguin Random House Australia for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2025
Obsessed. Like… deranged about it. 🤯 I’ve been on my knees praying for a queer AFL romance for years and Darcy Green handed me THIS??? I was not ready. The way it’s not just romance, but actual thoughtful footy analysis?? Men’s AND women’s teams represented?? Messy, heartfelt, political, funny, HOT, and so real that I’m mad it’s not an actual season I can watch on Kayo. It's also not lost on me the timing with Mitch Brown recently coming out as bi. Darcy I’m begging for a queer AFL cinematic universe now! until then I'll be manifesting an AFL that’s as brave and beautiful as this story.
February 24, 2026
Footy chicks beer more like footy dicks queer!! A joyful romcom with nuanced characters and emotional depth. Hot stuff ball up
March 19, 2026
OMFG Y’ALL, I have a NEW FAVORITE BOOK!! After the Siren was SO GOOD!! It’s a teammates to lovers Australian football romance, and I loved EVERY MINUTE. If you’re still trying to recover from your Heated Rivalry hangover and want something a little different but JUST as amazing, THIS IS THE BOOK.
While Jake and Theo hate each other initially, it’s pretty hard to actually hate Jake (the most golden of golden retriever MMCs - who actually HAS a golden retriever). so thankfully they get over that quickly. I loved their friendship and how their romantic relationship develops… And though figuring out how their relationship will work if they come out publicly does feature as a major plot point, Theo working through his anxiety disorder and Jake learning that he is worthy of love and a relationship is just as important. And I’ll be honest, this kind of character development as plot REALLY works for me… I’m much less stressed reading about people trying to improve themselves than dealing with outside forces they have no control over. And the HEA is that much sweeter!
I LOVED the side characters, especially Theo and Jake’s teammates - on the women and men’s teams! Paddy and Xen are incredible… wondering if they have a book coming 👀👀. And both Theo and Jake have INCREDIBLE female best friends that are SO much more than a plot point, I loved how they both help them work through their hangups. EXCELLENT found family here (though their actual family members are great for the most part too). And y’all, reading about a sport I didn’t know existed a few weeks ago is pretty wild, but ya know what, it’s fun to learn about something new (and AFL players are hot 😏)
I ended up listening to the audiobook and OMFG IT IS AMAZING. Dual narration with two Aussies ( @krnmcg and @z.ariif), I could listen to them talk ALL DAY.
HIGHLY recommend, @darcygreenwrites thanks for letting me yap at you occasionally while I read, this will be on one of my year end favorites lists FOR SURE. And if anyone has more AFL books (or honestly any romances set in Australia), send me recs! This was a DELIGHT.
While Jake and Theo hate each other initially, it’s pretty hard to actually hate Jake (the most golden of golden retriever MMCs - who actually HAS a golden retriever). so thankfully they get over that quickly. I loved their friendship and how their romantic relationship develops… And though figuring out how their relationship will work if they come out publicly does feature as a major plot point, Theo working through his anxiety disorder and Jake learning that he is worthy of love and a relationship is just as important. And I’ll be honest, this kind of character development as plot REALLY works for me… I’m much less stressed reading about people trying to improve themselves than dealing with outside forces they have no control over. And the HEA is that much sweeter!
I LOVED the side characters, especially Theo and Jake’s teammates - on the women and men’s teams! Paddy and Xen are incredible… wondering if they have a book coming 👀👀. And both Theo and Jake have INCREDIBLE female best friends that are SO much more than a plot point, I loved how they both help them work through their hangups. EXCELLENT found family here (though their actual family members are great for the most part too). And y’all, reading about a sport I didn’t know existed a few weeks ago is pretty wild, but ya know what, it’s fun to learn about something new (and AFL players are hot 😏)
I ended up listening to the audiobook and OMFG IT IS AMAZING. Dual narration with two Aussies ( @krnmcg and @z.ariif), I could listen to them talk ALL DAY.
HIGHLY recommend, @darcygreenwrites thanks for letting me yap at you occasionally while I read, this will be on one of my year end favorites lists FOR SURE. And if anyone has more AFL books (or honestly any romances set in Australia), send me recs! This was a DELIGHT.
December 10, 2025
Guys becoming active on good reads again !! Gonna go back and post the ones I’ve missed - thank you so much to Ruby May for buying me this book, genuinely took an afternoon off work when I was exhausted once and just read this the whole way through and then went to a party. Truly an epic day! Also the author thanks my friend’s cafe in the acknowledgments and so I got to reveal to him that she was writing AFL smut the whole time how FUN.
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