Pinned Down

Forbidden Goals #9

by Rebecca Rathe

On the mat, control is everything.
Off it, surrender feels like salvation.

Lincoln Beckett has built his life on a foundation of discipline, perfection, and control. As the captain of Huntston University’s wrestling team, he never slips, never yields. Until a new transfer student walks in and unravels everything.

Brody Miller’s transfer to Huntston means facing a reputation he can’t escape and a family crisis he refuses to expose. He hides it all behind a carefree smirk, sharp wit, and a cocky confidence that gets under Beck’s skin—and into his head.

What begins as a volatile rivalry turns into something far more dangerous—a secret, forbidden power game played behind closed doors. On the mat, Beck is always in charge. Off it, he finds himself kneeling to his teammate’s will.

As their carefully built facades start to collapse, their secrets threaten everything Brody has left, and everything Beck is terrified to lose.

Genres: M M Romance, Sports, Enemies To Lovers, Sports Romance, Romance, College, LGBT

488 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 2, 2026

About the author

Deliciously dirty, delightfully neurotic, ratchet mess of a daydreamer.

See www.rebeccarathe.com for a full list of books, social media, and trigger warnings.

Reviews

[Ash’s reading corner ✨🌈 · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 rounded up to 5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tropes:
✨MM
✨College Romance
✨Bully to lovers
✨Rivals to lovers
✨Wrestlers
✨He has a beard who encourages him to get his man
✨Lots of angst, jealousy, denial
🔞
✨First times with a man
✨Feminization
✨Hand necklace
✨Humiliation and degradation
✨He's his good girl
✨ Risky/public places
✨Cum play
✨Edging
✨Spanking
✨Messy Blowjobs
✨Some dub-con
✨Strict Top/Bottom

My review:

This book brings us back into the Forbidden Goal series with Beck and Brody, who unexpectedly cross paths again when they end up on the same college wrestling team. Beck has spent the last two years trying to bury what happened between them, so being forced back into Brody’s orbit feels less like fate and more like a cruel joke. Meanwhile, Brody transfers closer to home to support his family and immediately finds himself dealing with some truly insufferable people. The bullying he faces is constant and infuriating, and it makes it impossible not to root for him. I would argue that Beck was actually not held responsible enough when it comes to the bullying because he had the power to stop it; it only added to the angst and tension though so I'm not too mad about that.

The tension between Beck and Brody was done so well. Their first real interaction had me holding my breath. It was uncomfortable, charged, emotional, and exactly what it needed to be. Rebecca really knows how to make two characters collide in a way that feels raw instead of dramatic for the sake of it but also so very real and almost..cruel. I LOVE IT!!

Beck was a complicated one for me. I won’t lie, there were moments where I straight up disliked him, but at the same time I understood him. He’s been shaped by a toxic environment and is desperately chasing approval from someone who will never give it to him. Watching him slowly unlearn that and start figuring out who he actually is, especially with Brody pushing back against his walls, was one of the strongest parts of the story.

Brody, on the other hand, was such a grounding presence. He’s tough, confident, and knows exactly what he wants, but there’s so much heart under all of that. His dynamic with Beck was also a highlight for me. Beck is soft, a little lost, and still trying to understand himself, while Brody is fierce and protective and refuses to let him stay closed off. Watching Brody fight for Lincoln to feel safe enough to open up was genuinely lovely annnd so so hot.

The banter throughout the book was sharp and fun, balancing out the heavier themes really well. Overall, this installment had a great mix of angst, tension, growth, and warmth, and it kept me fully invested from start to finish.

I'm also fully into this whole beard/lavender marriage thingy Rebecca Rathe has going on in this series and I need more!

[Renae Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pinned Down follows two wrestling athletes, Brody and Beck. These two could not be more different, yet they compete on the same team, each facing distinct circumstances. Brody has a complicated home life and background that are constantly thrown in his face, while Beck faces a different kind of pressure from his family.

Despite their personal struggles, they are immensely talented, which puts them in the perfect position to compete against one another. Their chemistry is strong, and their connection is consistent and evident throughout. What I really enjoyed was the overall journey and growth both characters endured throughout this story. There is a strong emotional payoff that is fully earned and deserved for both characters.

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

[Darcy’s Good Opinion · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Spice: 4.5/5

MM Romance
Collegiate Wrestling
Rival Teammates
Found Family
Exploration
Angst
“good girl”

Pinned Down is book nine in The Forbidden Goals series. All of the books are standalone and can be read in any order.

This book completely rocked my socks off. If I could give the characters ten stars, I absolutely would. There is personal & relationship growth, hurt & healing, and enough spice for a five alarm chili. Run, do not walk, to get this amazing read.

[ashlee ❤ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beck + Brody

-mm bully romance
-college wrestling
-enemies to teammates to lovers
-opposites attract
-dom/sub dynamics
-“good girl”😏

i honestly don’t think rebecca can do ANY wrong in their books!! none!! they ALWAYSSSS deliver on EXACTLYYYY what i need!! & these two were DELICIOUSSSS oh my god!!! & coming off the tail end of the heated rivalry high…this ATE!!! like literally just as amazing as hr with the dynamics & the YEARNINGGGG but make it wrestling!! TOP MARKS!!

[melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️
“That boy is beneath you!”
“Actually, I’m usually the one beneath him.”

I don’t know what it is about this author, but her books never fully convince me, there’s always something missing. This is the third book of hers that I’ve read, and I felt exactly the same way as I did with the other two.

Beck wants me. He just doesn’t know how to let himself want me.

The story is interesting and entertaining, but 390 pages were absolutely NOT necessary, my God. There were scenes that could’ve been shortened or even cut altogether without affecting the story at all. The pacing was SO slow, I kept waiting for something MORE and it never came. It picked up a bit around the 70–80% mark, during the third-act breakup, and then it went right back to its usual tone.

“You didn’t have to come and stay.”
“Yeah, I did.”

That being said, I did like the two of them. I really liked that scene, and how Brody knew how to read Beck so well, how to give him exactly what he needed, including space.

“your body interpreted the loss of control as the first actual breath of relief it’s been given in who knows how long.”

Special mention to Caty, that girl could read Beck like an open book. Everyone knew what he needed except Beck himself, but once he finally made peace with it, he went after it.

My thighs. My lap. That was my man she was sitting on, even if he won’t say it.

All in all, a good book, but nothing extraordinary.

[Kayla🖤🎀 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 🌟 So bummed this series is over! Beck and Brody were so charming and fun to read about I was sat 🔥🤼‍♂️

[Shannon McBride · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good one

Rebecca nailed this one too. Like I've said before, this series is so dang good. Each one so unique. Each one overcoming different things for different reasons, going through hard stuff to get to the good stuff.
I fell in love with Brody ugh he's just so amazing all around that you can't help to side with him throughout the book.
Then there were times that my heart hurt for Beck. I went back and forth with him throughout the book, liking him one minute and then the next not, to back to liking him. You get such an understanding why he was the way he was.
Rebecca does such a great job describing the internal struggles of these characters throughout this series that you end up loving both characters because they overcame such hurdles, struggles and everything in between. You literally feel for these characters.
Seriously one of my top favorite series

[Seraphina Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I really enjoyed these two. Things aren't easy for either of them. Brody always tries to see the positive. But one person can only take so much.
These two don't have any easy road. They eventually get their hea.
They were super hot together.

[ReadMMRomanceWithMe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. Perfect. Everything I wanted from this book. Brody and Beck were insatiable. The way this story was handled and the way the kinks were shown had me giddy and wanting more. I could read a hundred more pages of these two. Being a vibes girl these vibes were everything I wanted. Another amazing book by Rebecca

[nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

i ❤️ wrestlers

[Kaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok so wtf and why is this now my favorite forbidden goals book?? I really thought no one could outdo Jack and Bryant for me but here we are 😭 Last 15% of the book had me crying like a baby and now I don’t know what to do!!! Why is it so hard for me to write reviews on books I love like what😅 I don’t know what it was about them but I was quite frankly pinned down IMMEDIATELY. There’s something about a completely submissive MMC that does it for me and man Beck was the most sub to EVER sub and I ate that up. The words that came out of Brody’s mouth at times had me gagged like I’m sorry but the whole baby girl thing??? Bye 😩🧎 Like I was ready to beg him too if I’m being completely honest.

Brody’s backstory was also freaking sad but on top of that was the caretaker role he had that made him that much more lovable. I always say, there’s nothing better than a dom who’s both gentle and a huge softy. I loved the way the relationship between him and Beck developed seamlessly even throughout Beck’s denial and cowardice, and avoidance of Pierce’s blatant bullying. But as things got deeper Beck noticed more and more how safe he felt around Brody and that it was time he stood up for him. It was time for him to acknowledge and accept who he was and who he wanted to be with, no matter how hard he tried to ward it away. And the way Brody didn’t want to force him to come out of the closet just as long as he accepted himself?? I really do love that man.

The Christmas at his family’s house when Beck over made me sick. The ways in which Beck was able to experience what a true family felt like and what it really meant to be surrounded by love and acceptance. The ways in which he told Brody he loved him like 5 times in one day after showing up at his doorstep sick over Brody thinking that he betrayed him??? He quite frankly was just over hiding himself and could no longer risk the idea of ever losing Brody. He really ripped his father a new one before that and told him he was gay AND that he was the one beneath Brody and I was so proud of him in that moment. I loved when he told Brody he defended himself and not only did Brody say how proud he was of him, but that he was proud of himself too and that was just everything 🥹

Seeing everyone rally around Brody after his altercation with Pierce and writing words of support after that douche bags incessant and disgusting bullying made me so emotional. He couldn’t believe that these people stood up for him and believed him and I just UGH can’t deal. Like yes, you really do deserve all good things in life and it’s best you remember that!!

I seriously was not expecting to love this as much as I did. I really just loved these two and what they brought out in each other. How Brody trusted in Beck to be honest with himself and his feelings and what he wanted, and how Beck trusted in Brody to be his safe space in all aspects of their relationship. That he would wear that damn collar around his neck and be the most good girl to ever exist!! I just know none of that made sense and I definitely missed out on some thoughts I had but I guess I’ll stop before I write an entire book report. But like how do I request more of them? I desperately need more sappy scenes (I guess I didn’t cry enough) and I also need a bonus scene or something on a conversation between Brody and Beck’s dad. I just want to see Brody rip into him too 😂

And um, it goes without mentioning that the spice in this book actually goes crazy. The first explicit scene between them will probably take up some decent space in my brain. It was just a perfect representation and introduction to how much of a sub Beck is and I loved that 🤭

— quotes 🥰 (it’s always a lot)

“I know this man is going to ruin me. Again.”

“I can tell by the way his eyes flick to mine whenever his skin comes in contact with mine. Like he’s cataloguing every reaction to the little jolts of electricity that course through me. Like he can feel the deep and uncomfortable awareness I’ve spent over two years shoving into a locked room inside my chest.”

“It’s like he crafted his personality from a manual titled How to Make Brody Miller’s Dick Hard and Life Difficult, Vol. 1.”

“Because I can lie with my voice. But my body won’t let me. My body is pulsing with adrenaline and panic and something far, far more dangerous. Something I definitely don’t want Brody Miller to see. Something I have spent years burying so deep I hoped it would die. But it’s not dead. It’s alive, clawing its way out of me from the inside, hissing and starving.”

“”You’re so weak for me, I bet it wouldn’t take more than one word to make you lose your shit and make a mess all over yourself like the pathetic little man you are.” A whimper escapes me. A fucking whimper.” — “”Come.” One word. One simple, clipped command given in a low, gravelly voice. And I am undone.” (THIS SCENE LIKE OMG AND THE WHIMPER???)

“Think less and pay attention to me more. Because right now, I’m in charge. You might get to be top dog everywhere else, but right now, I’m your fucking captain. Understand?” — “What’s wrong, puppy? Don’t want to call me captain?” (I’m sorry puppy??!!! 😩)

“He buckles like he’s been shot. And then he moans into my mouth like he’s dying. No. Like he’s coming. He’s coming. In his pants. Because of a kiss. Fuck. Me.” (I’m so gagged like truly)

“If you want to play my game, you have to play by my rules. And only good girls get to come. So, are you a good girl or aren’t you, Becky?”

“Has he been… holding off entirely? I told him I wouldn’t make him come, but did he interpret that as not being allowed to come at all? And he fucking obeyed?” (SUB CORE TO THE T!!!)

“I’m a good girl,” he wails, the words tearing out of him on a sob. “I’m your good girl⁠—” — “That’s fucking right you are.”

“Do you want to know what you taste like?” — “You taste like sin and sweet desperation,” I say, surprised when he doesn’t argue about being desperate. “You taste like mine.”

“My body knows better than my brain does. Because the truth is, I get a hit, a visceral jolt of lightning through my whole self, every time I’m around Beck. Something inside me recognizes him, like I’ve been waiting my entire life for someone with his exact combination of arrogance, panic, and submissive need hiding under a perfectly starched collar.”

“It was Brody, of course, who gave me the opportunity to try so much more. So, so much more. But the acceptance of the only person who’s ever loved me is what gave me the confidence to admit to her, and myself, that this is part of who I am.” (🥹🥹)

“It’s so hard not to give in and give him what he wants, what we both want because the only thing better than making him beg for me is making him come for me. Hearing my name on his lips as he shatters to pieces.”

“Tell me who you belong to, Becky.” — “”Y-you,” he whimpers immediately.” — “I’m your good girl.”

“These kisses aren’t frantic or desperate, they don’t hurt, and they aren’t driven by a need to dominate or consume him. They’re cautious kisses, learning how to fit together like puzzles that were missing pieces.”

“This is different,” — “It’s different because he’s not fighting me. It’s different because he’s letting himself feel.”

“I don’t like that the idea of being devoured by him is so enticing. And I absolutely do not, under any circumstances, enjoy feeling like a soft, delicate thing in his grasp. I hate being petted and cooed at like a weak little pet. Even more, I hate turning and presenting myself when he so much as blinks at me the right way, because some primal instinct gets triggered in his presence. I’ve come to terms with the fact that all these things are true. But I don’t want them to be true.”

“I want you to fuck me…” he says, voice trailing off as if he’s unsure of what he said and might want to take it back. But then he lifts his chin and pulls his shoulders back. “You heard me, Brody. And I mean it.”

“We’re here because you looked at me like that in the courtyard.” — “Like I’m something special or some shit. Not because of my academic or athletic achievements, or because you want something from me. Not because I have something to prove. It’s because you looked at me like that, then kissed me like you just did, and it was hot and I fucking want to.”

“When I mark you from the inside, baby girl, you’re going to know you belong to me.” — “I already said I’m yours.”

“Brody pushes me, yes. He takes control, yes, but only because he knows I want him to—need him to. He’s never truly forceful and would never cross that line. Somewhere, deep down, I trust him in a way that terrifies me.”

“I don’t want him to mistake my words for anything other than exactly what they are. Acceptance of myself. “Actually, I’m usually the one beneath him.”” (YEAHHH IKTR!!!)

“I don’t know who he talked to or what they said, but I promise I didn’t tell him. I would never do that to you. I… I love you.” (I cant😭)

“I was mostly furious at myself for carelessly falling in love with a rich, uptight douchebag who did everything he could to make my life miserable for three months. I was mad I fell for it. For you.” — “You love me?” — “You’re still a pretentious asshole.” — “But I’m your pretentious asshole, if you still want me.” — “Obviously.”

“I kiss him again. This time it’s softer, slower. Deeper and dizzy with feelings. Messy, complicated feelings. Love and relief and shame and regret.”

“He’s right, you know,” I say quietly. “You’re the strongest person I know, too.” (This had me sobbing)

“I can’t help feeling like everything that’s happened led me to you,” he says quietly. “In the beginning, you annoyed me and pissed me off. Then I thought you needed me. I thought you were just fun to play with. But somewhere along the way, I fell in love with your pretentious ass.”

“Loving you is the strongest thing I’ve ever done. It feels like gaining a level of strength I didn’t know existed. I am proud to belong to you, Brody. To be yours. And I don’t care if everyone knows it. I’ll wear a collar if it makes you happy.” (Like stop🥹😭)

“I’m really proud of you.” “I’m kind of proud of me, too, actually. Not sure I’ve ever felt that before.” (This also made me super emo)

“Brody,” he says, making my name sound like an apology and a prayer all at once. “You’ve given me everything. You gave me something I didn’t know I was missing.” (Bye bye bye 😭😭)

“You’re going to have traces of me inside you, leaking out of you. I’m going to mark you from the inside, and you’re going to be mine.”

“That was intense and I… Fuck, Becky, I love you.” — “”I love you,” I echo.”

“Such a good girl,” — “Your good girl,” I rasp, dizzy and stupidly happy and absurdly turned on all at the same time. My fingers curl around his wrist where it holds the chain. “Yours.”

“It’s a good thing I can’t get pregnant,” Beck says with a snort. “You sure about that?” (LMFAO)

“You rose above it. You kept showing up. You did your job. That says a lot about who you are. This,” he taps the folder again, “says a lot about who you are. That’s why all these people went to bat for you. Don’t lose sight of that.” (Thanks coach you had me sobbing)

“My boyfriend, Beck. My totally out and mostly confident boyfriend, who still gets to his knees and crawls to me when I catch him in the showers late after practice. Who still obeys when he’s told to meet me in the stairwell with his pants down and his hands on the wall. Who blushes fiercely when we walk out of either of our dorm rooms after I turn him out, but isn’t ashamed.”

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

No I'm actually obsessed. This was perfection. The filthy words that came out of Brody Miller's mouth🧎🏻‍♀️🧎🏻‍♀️🧎🏻‍♀️ and I love the way Lincoln just turned to putty in his hands everytime. The first stairwell scene😮‍💨 Brody's character is so endearing and I love his humble upbringing. He is my favorite of the two.

[gab_e_reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a book! It's one of those stories where you know from the very first moment, oh, this is going to be good! It had me hooked from the very first second. One of the best I've read by Rebecca so far (well, I don't think this is the first time I've written that here, but what can I do, they's just a great writer and keeps outdoing themself 🤷🏻‍♀️).
It's a bully romance between Brody and Beck, two rivals on the same wrestling team. Lots of repressed feelings, chemistry, tension—and the spice was out of this world, so good 🌶️! Incredibly hot and intense, I enjoyed it so much 🔥! These two guys have been on my mind a lot these days, I can't get them out of my head. Discovering what was hidden behind their tough exterior was just wonderful ❤️. I highly recommend this book and the entire series.

[Becki G · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, my girl Rebecca did not disappoint! Strong characters, daddy issues, traumatic back stories, and so much delicious spice. Rivals to lovers. Read it now!

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Locked

Dee’s Grade: A+

I’m so in love with Beck and Brody. Beck’s character had a lot of growing to do and that’s part of what made the story so great. Was watching Beck learn what really matters in life.

Brody was just a testament to resilience and trying as hard as you can to be comfortable in your own skin.

These two together were powerful in ways they didn’t even know.

[Cheeks · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75/5

[Flora.reads.books · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF 43%

Nope.

[Sara Husser · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️ Loving You Is The Strongest Thing I've Ever Done ❤

"I know this man is going to ruin me. Again. He's going to dismantle everything I've built. Take away everything I've earned after clawing my way back from shame. He's going to rip it all away from me. Just like he did before."

"It's not jealousy or apprehension or even heart-burn. It's far worse than that. It's....want."

"It's like he crafted his personality from a manual titled 'How to make Brody Miller's d*** hard and life difficult vol. 1."

"Is this how you want it? Want me to hold you down and ride your a** while you writhe beneath me?"

"They're still pretending that he's not mine, and I don't like that. He's mine. Mine. Mine. F****** mine."

"You'll belong to me in all the ways. Not just your bratty little attitude and your mouth and a**. Down to your marrow, Becky. You. Will. Be. Mine."

"Loving you is the strongest thing I've ever done. It feels like gaining a level of strength I didn't know existed. I am proud to belong to you, Brody. To be yours."

I have been waiting for this book to come out and now I'm sad that this series is over. This was a fantastic book and now one of my favorites in this series. I love how this author always writes about real world problems. She doesn't shy away from important issues, problems, and ugly things happening in this world. She writes with justice and care. Her stories are always fleshed out and the spice is top-notch 🔥🔥🔥🔥. The emotional aspect and trauma/hurt/comfort is written flawlessly.

This story follows Brody and Beck. Both of these boys are wrestlers and first meet in high school at a match. They're matched against each other. Beck is still in the closet with his sexuality so when he ends up feeling something for Brody when he has him pinned down, he freaks out bad. Time passes and Brody ends up transferring to college where Beck is. Beck is the captain of the team and once he sees Brody, he panics and instantly hates him. Brody ends up getting bullied by past guys he knows and Beck doesn't do anything to stop it. Brody doesn't give up on Beck, continues to push him, and Beck caves hard. Can Beck finally accept who he's meant to be? Will the bullies finally break Brody? What more obstacles stand in the way of these two being happy?

My heart broke for both of these boys. Brody is such a golden retriever who is trying to survive and live his best life. With past family struggles, he just wants to succeed. Beck is more the black cat. He closed off, perfectionist, and closes off his emotions. The way he was raised made me so sad. He has to hide who he is and become someone his dad approves of. I loved the banter, angst, want, need, tension, and yearning these two had for each other. Straight off, Brody knew what Beck was hiding and he coaxed it out. Brody knew how to handle Beck and what to give him. The push and pull between these two was delicious. The spicy scenes OMG they were everything and so hot 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥. The mouth on Brody was 🥵😏😉💦. This also had some good kinks as well 😏. It took so long for Beck to accept and become vulnerable, but when it happened, it was beautiful and made me emotional. I felt so bad how he battled his internalized homophobia 😥. I also felt so horrible when Brody kept getting bullied for his past 😭. Both of these boys were so strong and deserved that HEA.

I loved how the team rallied for Brody and supported him. Especially the coach. I loved Brody's family and how much they all supported each other. That made me tear up. Lastly Caty was such a great friend. I loved her character. I wanted to punch Pierce again 😤. All in all, this was a phenomenal end to this series and I can't wait to see more new stories from this author!

[Shanny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would rate this book a 5 stars maybe even more I mean the plot was amazing the smut was even better I mean what more could a girl ask for 😹😹. This book is about two wrestlers who competed against each in high school then ended up at the same college on the same team ironically. One of my favorite things about Rebecca books is her ability to make me fall in love with both characters usually I’m always bias and favor one MC over the other but how could you honestly not love Beck & Brody. Becky acts like this tuff guy when he’s really a sub who wants to be babied which is hilarious to me 😹😹and then you have Brody who’s this understanding and patient person and is committed to making beck discover and understand himself which I thought that was sooo beautiful. I absolutely love Brody’s nickname for beck I think Becky is soooo cute and fitting for becks personality (how many times did I say beck in that sentence 💀). The smut was absolutely top tier I mean Rebecca has a way with her word and I love it honestly I’m not even beck and I have feelings for Brody 😭😭likeeee. And I can’t forget to mention that library scene i like how supportive Brody was being toward Becky and he’s school work. I really enjoyed how Brody protected Becky when his roommates came home after finials. It’s like he knew Becky would freak out even more and he’s being protective I thought that was beautiful. Last but not least I have to mention Becky’s icon line to his dad “Actually, I’m usually the one beneath him” CUZ HELLOOOOO?!!! He ate that up and clocked him so bad how can you not love Becky omg. Anyways overall, I really enjoyed this book and I love this author so much and I hope they never stop writing honestly.

[AnnaKitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished with a solid intention to go back and continue the Forbidden Goals series 😊

I really like Rebecca Rathe, I guess I'm somehow in sync with her style? If that's a thing 😊 it just works for me, her books are easy to fall into and smooth to read, they are also emotionally accessible without being exhausting. and this one was exactly that ☺️

I loved the setting, and I also loved the side characters - I'm starting to notice it became a very important thing for me - they are wholesome, supportive, and genuinely likable. It all makes the world feel lived-in, not isolated around just the main couple.

Not being a 5-star read for me is mostly a me problem, I think. I am not a big fan of internalized homophobia as a central conflict, especially in a story about 21-year-olds (they are 21, right?) This isn’t high school, and at times the bully behavior and denial made me cringe 🙈 I understand why it’s there and what the author was exploring, but it just didn’t really land for me emotionally.

That said, I did like it, maybe I wasn't really grabbed by the heart, but I am definitely exploring the series further 😌

[Daje1968 · Rating 3 out of 5]

From a purely writing perspective, this could have been a 4-star read. The prose is solid and Rebecca Rathe clearly knows how to structure a romance. Unfortunately, it leans hard into a few tropes I have very little patience for—namely internalized homophobia and endless push/pull—and those choices dragged the book down for me.

I skimmed much of the first 25% because I don’t enjoy bullying narratives and again I really don’t enjoy internalized homophobia as character trait. Beck was difficult to like early on, and the lack of a concrete physical description didn’t help. “Tall, lean, perfect dark hair” is vague enough that my brain latched onto John Mulaney—which, while not unattractive, is not the energy I want in my romances. Once that image set in, it was impossible to shake. Between that and Beck’s behavior, the beginning was a slog.

To be blunt, Beck spends most of the book hovering somewhere between frustrating and actively unlikable, and I have a pretty low tolerance for that. The redemption arc simply wasn’t strong enough to balance out how consistently dickish he was for a solid 80% of the story.

Brody, on the other hand, had the opposite problem. He’s way too mature for his age. Lines like “I’ve been waiting my entire life for someone like him” made me roll my eyes. Sir, you are 21. Please cool your boots. That’s a sentence you earn the right to say at, like, 30 maybe.

A personal quibble (but one that really affects my enjoyment): I can’t fully relax into sex scenes when the relationship is secret and they’re hooking up in places where someone could easily walk in and this happens a lot here. You’re a deeply closeted college athlete routinely getting rimmed by your teammate in a stairwell? That’s not hot to me; it just feels unbelievably reckless.

Brody also veered into Mary Sue territory—preternaturally perfect, emotionally evolved, and sexually accomplished in a way that didn’t quite ring true for a 21-year-old. Yes, people start earlier now, and porn exists, but the level of confidence and expertise felt a bit inflated. And despite being “perfect,” he was weirdly obtuse during the Nebraska trip. The entire third-act conflict felt very manufactured. His openly flirting with a good-looking twink (don’t give me that, “it’s platonic” bullshit, he knew what it looked like) was a huge stretch. I know romance thrives on contrived misunderstandings, but this one didn’t work for me.

In the end, there’s good writing here and enough emotional payoff to keep me reading, but the tropes, the imbalance between the MCs, and an underwhelming redemption arc kept this from being something I could really love.

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

Wow! Okay! That was a freakin RIDE! A wild one. FULL RTC

[Caroline Forrester · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 ⭐️

[Crisana]

Can't get into it. As usual this author remains hit and miss for me.

[-`♡´- · Rating 2 out of 5]

Feminization is fine but I cannot get behind calling someone’s asshole a pussy. Instant ick. Also, this just felt very lackluster. I really thought this was going to be an addition to this series that I enjoyed. I’m a sucker for hurt/comfort but I barely feel like there was much till like 80% in.

[Ginger]

DNF at 17%, or 100ish pages. I couldn't get into this one for the life of me.

[Vic (novelsandnoodles) · Rating 5 out of 5]

♾️⭐️
This last book in the forbidden goals series had me HOOKED!
The tension and hostility Beck feels from the moment he realises Brody has transferred to his college is palpable. This pair met two years proper at a wrestling meet. They fought against each other with Beck feeling things that he thought he should do and hasn’t been the same since. He’s known hes gay for a long time but expectations from his father and taking over the family business whilst also feeling shame have made him hide. Whilst Brody is the complete opposite- he’s proudly out, he doesn’t make a big deal of it he just is who he is unashamedly. He’s transferred to be nearer to home after his family has been going through a real tough time, not that he’s let any of that show. He puts on a front and shows up taking everything in his stride. He realises that Beck is someone he’s fought previously and goes out of his way to rial him and realises that Beck is attracted to him but doesn’t want to be. Which leads Brody to pushing Becks boundaries, dominating him and enticing him until they’re meeting in stairwells to get time together.
The push and pull between these two in the first half is of this book was electric, whilst the second had sews Beck grow as a character so much, learn to be who he is wholly and stains up for himself whilst falling in love with Brody without realising. The two of them have some tough challenges to face and Beck show Brody how fearless he’s made him, and this gives Brody something to cling onto when his world crumbles.
All of this was an exceptional ending to the series so far. The spice- wow. We all know Rebecca brings it and this book was no different. Couldn’t have loved this pair more!

♾️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75⭐️ Brody is a perfect sweetie boy but I don’t loooove Lincoln.. he needed to grovel big time even BEFORE the big “betrayal” at the end. All the little shit he did in the beginning, the hazing, all the times he brushed Brody off, the denial. Ugh it all just made my heart hurt for Brody. I usually sympathize with characters like Lincoln but idk o just really didn’t like him that much. He would immediately shut down and shut Brody out and Brody would grin and bear it every single time but I know it hurt. He flipped like a switch when Brody went missing though and he had to start calling and texting him with no answers. Idk I just wish there were some hints of that type of behavior before the big “betrayal” bc otherwise it feels a little manipulative. They also never spent any time together other than the days they were sick - otherwise it was all just hooking up. No emotional bonding. Anyways I love Brody’s family and how they immediately took Lincoln (beck) in, they were so sweet. And Caty was a bad bitchhh
I never feel like these books are complete either, we only get to see like a month into their HEA and I need more long term. I mean they’re literally college students . I also don’t think we needed the bit with beck’s dad at the end, I mean good riddance

[Xena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was done SO RIGHT!

[Ashley -Goldstarreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me sucked in from the beginning. Beck was hard to like at first, but seeing him through Brody’s eyes really changed my perspective and watching these two guys fall for each other sealed the deal. Brody is a golden retriever that had a sadistic dominant streak in him but he’s not cruel and he pays such close attention to what really revs Beck up, and gives Beck what he craves. It’s hot AF. So steamy and kinky. The emotional hits Brody and Beck took throughout the book were hard to take at times, made me cry several times and my heart to break for both guys. Their love was a hard fought for win but it was so sweet and satisfying. I loved how the book ended. I loved this story and these characters. Well written, sucked me in and wouldn’t let me go, I devoured it and didn’t want to put it down.