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Forbidden Goals #4
The Try Line
Jason Reinier fell in love with Mik Sanders the moment they met. After years of pining after his best friend, a single night of passion showed him Mik felt the same. Their future together seemed guaranteed until a painful truth tore them apart.
To escape the heartache of losing his best friend and lover at once, Jason accepted an offer overseas to play professional rugby. Mik remained, tethered to a life he neither expected nor wanted.
Eighteen years later, Jason has returned to face his former lover turned brother-in-law, while Mik plays the part of doting husband and father. The years of pain and resentment are no match for the heat both men still feel, and they enter into a forbidden affair—despite knowing from experience every decision has lasting consequences.
To escape the heartache of losing his best friend and lover at once, Jason accepted an offer overseas to play professional rugby. Mik remained, tethered to a life he neither expected nor wanted.
Eighteen years later, Jason has returned to face his former lover turned brother-in-law, while Mik plays the part of doting husband and father. The years of pain and resentment are no match for the heat both men still feel, and they enter into a forbidden affair—despite knowing from experience every decision has lasting consequences.
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First published October 28, 2024
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About the author
Rebecca Rathe
26 books1,045 followersDeliciously dirty, delightfully neurotic, ratchet mess of a daydreamer.
See www.rebeccarathe.com for a full list of books, social media, and trigger warnings.
See www.rebeccarathe.com for a full list of books, social media, and trigger warnings.
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October 24, 2024
MM Romance
Second Chance Erotica
2.5 Stars ⭐️
This is an arc review. I don’t usually do them anymore but the blurb for this sounded delicious and I couldn’t resist entering an arc lottery and obviously I won 🥳🤭 Because this is an arc review and I’m pretty sure I signed something that said I wouldn’t spoil the crap out of this, it won’t be as in depth as I’d normally be but it will be honest because I have a lot of thoughts and disappointments 🤷🏻♀️
I was so excited when this started because it seemed like Mik and Jason had this epic besties to lovers soulmate kind of relationship and when circumstance tore them apart, I even felt that pain and longing so I was hooked and expected to get a really messy yet amazing story due to the blurb and the tropes. That would not come to be however and it’s left me quite disappointed. There was such potential here for a really moving story and instead it was just sex, sex and more sex. I love high heat steamy books but with a separation of 18 years I needed something more than just back to back sex scenes and even though I thought they were hot, around 70% I started checking out and this book was a chore to finish. I would have DNF’d it if it wasn’t an arc and if I hadn’t been reading it with my favorite reading buddy 🫶🏻 and the sad part is I wouldn’t have missed much besides some more sex scenes. ☹️
So for potential readers I think the most important thing to know before reading this book is that the story is basically erotica with a little plot to set it up and had I clued into that sooner I could have adjusted my expectations accordingly but because of the angsty start this had I wanted more and it left me feeling super jaded. It’s also probably important to know that despite this being part of a “forbidden” series and having the tropes it does, that it’s really tame in that respect. While I loved the “it’s always been you” vibe this had, every character was wayyyy too okay with that. Every. Single. Character. And while I initially liked that there wasn’t the stereotypical bitchy woman that seems to appear in all MM books with these tropes, this also made the characters appear as if no one gave a shit and if no one cares then there are no stakes and it’s not all that forbidden is it?
But I really, really enjoyed the sex scenes and my 2.5 stars are for them. I think I’ll be an unpopular opinion but right person wrong time with messy forbidden elements is my favorite trope and it just missed the mark for me.
However, shout out to the author for that 4th wall break with the quip about the romance tropes 🤣🤭
I won an arc from the author in exchange for an honest review so that’s why I couldn’t give this 3 stars and round up because it would be a lie.
Second Chance Erotica
2.5 Stars ⭐️
This is an arc review. I don’t usually do them anymore but the blurb for this sounded delicious and I couldn’t resist entering an arc lottery and obviously I won 🥳🤭 Because this is an arc review and I’m pretty sure I signed something that said I wouldn’t spoil the crap out of this, it won’t be as in depth as I’d normally be but it will be honest because I have a lot of thoughts and disappointments 🤷🏻♀️
I was so excited when this started because it seemed like Mik and Jason had this epic besties to lovers soulmate kind of relationship and when circumstance tore them apart, I even felt that pain and longing so I was hooked and expected to get a really messy yet amazing story due to the blurb and the tropes. That would not come to be however and it’s left me quite disappointed. There was such potential here for a really moving story and instead it was just sex, sex and more sex. I love high heat steamy books but with a separation of 18 years I needed something more than just back to back sex scenes and even though I thought they were hot, around 70% I started checking out and this book was a chore to finish. I would have DNF’d it if it wasn’t an arc and if I hadn’t been reading it with my favorite reading buddy 🫶🏻 and the sad part is I wouldn’t have missed much besides some more sex scenes. ☹️
So for potential readers I think the most important thing to know before reading this book is that the story is basically erotica with a little plot to set it up and had I clued into that sooner I could have adjusted my expectations accordingly but because of the angsty start this had I wanted more and it left me feeling super jaded. It’s also probably important to know that despite this being part of a “forbidden” series and having the tropes it does, that it’s really tame in that respect. While I loved the “it’s always been you” vibe this had, every character was wayyyy too okay with that. Every. Single. Character. And while I initially liked that there wasn’t the stereotypical bitchy woman that seems to appear in all MM books with these tropes, this also made the characters appear as if no one gave a shit and if no one cares then there are no stakes and it’s not all that forbidden is it?
But I really, really enjoyed the sex scenes and my 2.5 stars are for them. I think I’ll be an unpopular opinion but right person wrong time with messy forbidden elements is my favorite trope and it just missed the mark for me.
However, shout out to the author for that 4th wall break with the quip about the romance tropes 🤣🤭
I won an arc from the author in exchange for an honest review so that’s why I couldn’t give this 3 stars and round up because it would be a lie.
October 31, 2024
come for the smut and expect nothing else💀💀
obvi the smut was super fucking hot (maybe not so realistic in terms of refractory periods for men pushing 40💀) but who cares when they’re so deliciously dirty😩 but that is literally it, that’s the book, they just fucked all over the place. no relationship development at all, they just fucked like rabbits until they got back together and then they kept fucking🤣
and this was miscommunication central right? so we get the big miscommunication at the beginning when they were younger which results in mik and jason not seeing or speaking to each other for 18 YEARS, which is just fucking insane if you think about how they had just given into their feelings and had this lovely week of exploring each other’s bodies for the first time and telling each other “i love you” and thinking this is FOREVER, and then jason hears janel say “i’m pregnant” and immediately skirts outta there without talking to mik and moves to fucking wales within 24 hours of that??? like he literally ghosted mik and they don’t speak for 18 fucking years???🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️
so 18 whole entire years later, jason comes back to the states for his nephew’s high school graduation, sees mik, immediate boner probably, they lust after each other hardcore, and then they end up giving into their lust, a bit too early into the book in my opinion, and then it’s just fuckfest central the rest of the book…..a whole lot of fucking and no talking….and towards the end we get mik tracking jason down to his hotel room bc he’s not letting him leave again without having a talk so there’s no more misunderstandings…..and that talk last exactly 3 minutes before they fuck💀💀 and mik is still left wondering if they’re on the same page after their lackluster talk, but he needs to fuck too much to ask for clarification🤣🤣🤣 like okay, i’ve officially given up on any emotional depth at this point. excellent choice by me if i do say so myself bc there is none, ever.
this is erotica with a tiny bit more set up and plot than normal, but erotica all the same. which is super disappointing bc this could’ve been something compelling and touching if we’d had more focus on the emotional connection between these two. we see their first time when they were younger, but we don’t get to see any build up then, we’re basically just told they’re in love. so when we’re thrust into present day, i’m like okay they’re pining bc they’re in love supposably but i don’t really feel it bc it so quickly turns into lusty pining. it was hard to connect with them bc there were no moments in flashbacks or present day that did anything to build their emotional connection, that show how much they mean to each other, how much they care about each other, that didn’t have to do with sex. i mean, there was that one time jason took care of mik when he was sick, but that’s literally the only time we’re shown care and love in a non-sexual way.
also there’s practically no drama with the whole cheating on ur wife with his brother thing….everyone is an understanding saint and things are soooo easy for mik and jason….so that does take away from the forbidden aspect a bit and makes it, honestly, more boring bc you truly realize there is nothing to write home about except sex.
and here’s another thing: mik named his kid JASE…..which is extremely close to jason and we never came close to touching on that??? that mik basically named his kid after jason hello??? that’s insane….like if i was jason and heard my nephew’s name was fucking JASE, i’d be calling mik up real fucking quick to be like “wtf you named your son after me??? i still love you u stupid fuck, never do something like that again unless you wanna get kissed on the mouth” like literally how did they not speak for 18 years???😭
also i feel really fucking bad for mik, bc before he and jason became lovers and confessed their feelings, they were BEST FRIENDS. can you imagine getting the news that you’re gonna be a father and
it’s a total unplanned shock, and your best friend up and fucks off, never to speak to you for 18 years, and you’re left with no support??😭😭 but it’s not only just your best friend deserting you, it’s the man you’re in love with, who you thought was your forever, and he doesn’t even have enough respect or faith in you to have a SINGLE convo about it before immediately moving across the fucking ocean?? like jesus fuck bro😭😭😭
plus idk how tf mik and janel stayed married for 18 YEARS when they both knew it wasn’t the right fit. i understand why they got married at first, being scared kids trying to do “the right thing”, but fuck, 18 years?!? that’s a long fucking time to accept unhappiness.
anyway, this book was addicting af tho and i had trouble putting it down….that is until i realized there was no hope on the emotional connection front and then it felt like i was fighting a fucking war to finish….like every time another sex scene would appear, i’d be like fuuuuuckkkk not again😒💀💀 i was so over it atp that more smut just irritated me. i’m glad i read it with my fave buddy reader tho bc it definitely made the experience better🫶🫶 i love how similar our tastes are💕 makes reading a chapter that’s just two back-to-back smut scenes funny-annoying instead of angry-annoying bc we both just get in the chat like yooo as if we weren’t already in hell tryna make it thru one smut scene, now we’ve got two in row💀💀💀
but omg, the author had this amazing, break-the-4th-wall sorta joke about how mik and jason’s miscommunications are shitty romance novel-esque and no one likes a miscommunication trope, it’s the second most hated trope, right next to pregnancy🤣🤣🤣🤣 made me giggle fr, that was so fun of her to put that in a book that has those tropes🤣🤣
i will be reading the next book tho, i can’t resist her smut, i’m just a girl😇 keeping expectations low for the plot tho🤣
obvi the smut was super fucking hot (maybe not so realistic in terms of refractory periods for men pushing 40💀) but who cares when they’re so deliciously dirty😩 but that is literally it, that’s the book, they just fucked all over the place. no relationship development at all, they just fucked like rabbits until they got back together and then they kept fucking🤣
and this was miscommunication central right? so we get the big miscommunication at the beginning when they were younger which results in mik and jason not seeing or speaking to each other for 18 YEARS, which is just fucking insane if you think about how they had just given into their feelings and had this lovely week of exploring each other’s bodies for the first time and telling each other “i love you” and thinking this is FOREVER, and then jason hears janel say “i’m pregnant” and immediately skirts outta there without talking to mik and moves to fucking wales within 24 hours of that??? like he literally ghosted mik and they don’t speak for 18 fucking years???🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️
so 18 whole entire years later, jason comes back to the states for his nephew’s high school graduation, sees mik, immediate boner probably, they lust after each other hardcore, and then they end up giving into their lust, a bit too early into the book in my opinion, and then it’s just fuckfest central the rest of the book…..a whole lot of fucking and no talking….and towards the end we get mik tracking jason down to his hotel room bc he’s not letting him leave again without having a talk so there’s no more misunderstandings…..and that talk last exactly 3 minutes before they fuck💀💀 and mik is still left wondering if they’re on the same page after their lackluster talk, but he needs to fuck too much to ask for clarification🤣🤣🤣 like okay, i’ve officially given up on any emotional depth at this point. excellent choice by me if i do say so myself bc there is none, ever.
this is erotica with a tiny bit more set up and plot than normal, but erotica all the same. which is super disappointing bc this could’ve been something compelling and touching if we’d had more focus on the emotional connection between these two. we see their first time when they were younger, but we don’t get to see any build up then, we’re basically just told they’re in love. so when we’re thrust into present day, i’m like okay they’re pining bc they’re in love supposably but i don’t really feel it bc it so quickly turns into lusty pining. it was hard to connect with them bc there were no moments in flashbacks or present day that did anything to build their emotional connection, that show how much they mean to each other, how much they care about each other, that didn’t have to do with sex. i mean, there was that one time jason took care of mik when he was sick, but that’s literally the only time we’re shown care and love in a non-sexual way.
also there’s practically no drama with the whole cheating on ur wife with his brother thing….everyone is an understanding saint and things are soooo easy for mik and jason….so that does take away from the forbidden aspect a bit and makes it, honestly, more boring bc you truly realize there is nothing to write home about except sex.
and here’s another thing: mik named his kid JASE…..which is extremely close to jason and we never came close to touching on that??? that mik basically named his kid after jason hello??? that’s insane….like if i was jason and heard my nephew’s name was fucking JASE, i’d be calling mik up real fucking quick to be like “wtf you named your son after me??? i still love you u stupid fuck, never do something like that again unless you wanna get kissed on the mouth” like literally how did they not speak for 18 years???😭
also i feel really fucking bad for mik, bc before he and jason became lovers and confessed their feelings, they were BEST FRIENDS. can you imagine getting the news that you’re gonna be a father and
it’s a total unplanned shock, and your best friend up and fucks off, never to speak to you for 18 years, and you’re left with no support??😭😭 but it’s not only just your best friend deserting you, it’s the man you’re in love with, who you thought was your forever, and he doesn’t even have enough respect or faith in you to have a SINGLE convo about it before immediately moving across the fucking ocean?? like jesus fuck bro😭😭😭
plus idk how tf mik and janel stayed married for 18 YEARS when they both knew it wasn’t the right fit. i understand why they got married at first, being scared kids trying to do “the right thing”, but fuck, 18 years?!? that’s a long fucking time to accept unhappiness.
anyway, this book was addicting af tho and i had trouble putting it down….that is until i realized there was no hope on the emotional connection front and then it felt like i was fighting a fucking war to finish….like every time another sex scene would appear, i’d be like fuuuuuckkkk not again😒💀💀 i was so over it atp that more smut just irritated me. i’m glad i read it with my fave buddy reader tho bc it definitely made the experience better🫶🫶 i love how similar our tastes are💕 makes reading a chapter that’s just two back-to-back smut scenes funny-annoying instead of angry-annoying bc we both just get in the chat like yooo as if we weren’t already in hell tryna make it thru one smut scene, now we’ve got two in row💀💀💀
but omg, the author had this amazing, break-the-4th-wall sorta joke about how mik and jason’s miscommunications are shitty romance novel-esque and no one likes a miscommunication trope, it’s the second most hated trope, right next to pregnancy🤣🤣🤣🤣 made me giggle fr, that was so fun of her to put that in a book that has those tropes🤣🤣
i will be reading the next book tho, i can’t resist her smut, i’m just a girl😇 keeping expectations low for the plot tho🤣
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2024
Absolutely loved this one!! This is one of the hottest books I’ve ever read. The tension and chemistry between Jason and Mik was out of this world HOT!!! This whole series is so freaking good, but this story is my favorite. This is easily one of my top reads of the year. I’m already excited about the next book!
October 25, 2024
3.9 ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
Format: ebook
I absolutely adore Rebecca Rathe for taking everyone’s least favorite tropes, throwing both middle fingers up, and writing them into a fun and sexy story that actually kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time I read it.
The plot in this book was definitely different from one I’ve ever read before and I loved the dynamics of all the characters kind of working around this rift between our MMC’s. The sexual tension from the first page to the last was molten hot and their bed chemistry was everything.
The only issue I really had was that I didn’t connect with either MMC. Which is sad for me because Rebecca’s other characters in this series are some of my favorites of all time. I would literally take a bullet for Lane, Noah, and Jack. But everything happened way too fast for me to feel anything for their relationship. The book begins when they’re getting together for the first time, and then we’re thrust into a devastating 18-year time skip when Janel tells Mik she’s pregnant. So I already don’t know anything about them as individuals or even as a couple, and then we’re picking back up when they’re admittedly less themselves than they were as teenagers.
It’s stated many times Mik changed into a completely different person because of his unhappy marriage, and we’re told what he used to be like, but we never really see it. Even after he and Jason get together again. He’s just kind of a shell of a person and I don’t understand either Jason’s or Janel’s interest in him. Jason was just ultimately very dislikable to me. The way he treated Mik over the misunderstanding never sat right with me, and there was no groveling afterwards. The fact that he was the one in the wrong for taking off instead of letting Mik make a decision was completely glossed over and I didn’t like that.
As usual, the spice was spicing. I loved all the stolen moments and forbidden things they did to each other. It’s just the romantic aspects of their relationship I didn’t buy.
I adored Jase though. Would love to have him as a MMC one day maybe. He was such a sweet and emotionally mature character. Loved the way he was rooting for his dad and uncle.
*I received a free advanced copy of this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
Format: ebook
I absolutely adore Rebecca Rathe for taking everyone’s least favorite tropes, throwing both middle fingers up, and writing them into a fun and sexy story that actually kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time I read it.
The plot in this book was definitely different from one I’ve ever read before and I loved the dynamics of all the characters kind of working around this rift between our MMC’s. The sexual tension from the first page to the last was molten hot and their bed chemistry was everything.
The only issue I really had was that I didn’t connect with either MMC. Which is sad for me because Rebecca’s other characters in this series are some of my favorites of all time. I would literally take a bullet for Lane, Noah, and Jack. But everything happened way too fast for me to feel anything for their relationship. The book begins when they’re getting together for the first time, and then we’re thrust into a devastating 18-year time skip when Janel tells Mik she’s pregnant. So I already don’t know anything about them as individuals or even as a couple, and then we’re picking back up when they’re admittedly less themselves than they were as teenagers.
It’s stated many times Mik changed into a completely different person because of his unhappy marriage, and we’re told what he used to be like, but we never really see it. Even after he and Jason get together again. He’s just kind of a shell of a person and I don’t understand either Jason’s or Janel’s interest in him. Jason was just ultimately very dislikable to me. The way he treated Mik over the misunderstanding never sat right with me, and there was no groveling afterwards. The fact that he was the one in the wrong for taking off instead of letting Mik make a decision was completely glossed over and I didn’t like that.
As usual, the spice was spicing. I loved all the stolen moments and forbidden things they did to each other. It’s just the romantic aspects of their relationship I didn’t buy.
I adored Jase though. Would love to have him as a MMC one day maybe. He was such a sweet and emotionally mature character. Loved the way he was rooting for his dad and uncle.
*I received a free advanced copy of this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.
June 26, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Mik + Jason 🖤
Brother in law | Second chance | Cheating to be together
"He was supposed to always be mine. This was supposed to be mine."
I loved Mik and Jason. Just so sad for them and all the time they lost together. This book has two of the worst tropes every created (pregnancy and miscommunication) but it was done well and I didn't hate it.
....
"He was the sun that broke through my perpetual storm cloud, and he never expected me to be anything but myself."
"The boy I fell in love with is a man now."
"For eighteen years, I've considered any physical relationship with my wife to be cheating on him."
"I could exist solely on the sounds he makes when he's trying so hard to hold back."
"I'm not going to fuck you, Mik. I'm just going to remind you who you belong to. Who you've always fucking belonged to," I grunt, spraying my release against his asshole. It drips down his crack, over that tantalizing little piercing. I coat him in my orgasm, then step back, taking a moment to appreciate how he looks dripping in my cum. Like fucking mine."
"That's right, let me in, baby. I'm going to fucking wreck you like you wrecked me."
"I hate," he says, barely above a whisper, "that you take me so good." He thrusts into me again with a grunt. "I hate that you feel like you were made to take my cock." Grunt. "I hate that you feel like home." Grunt. "I hate that I won't be able to fuck you out of my system." Grunt. "And I hate that I'll fucking dream of this ass for the rest of my miserable life."
"Tell me I can fuck you again. Tell me I can have you as much as I want until I leave."
"He mentioned the other day that he thought he’d let himself go, but I think he's perfect. There's more of him than there was when we were teenagers. More muscle, more jiggle, more everything. Funny enough, the parts of him he thinks are lacking are the parts I like best. His ass being my particular favorite. And the love handles that will be bruised for weeks with how hard I’ve dug my fingers in while gripping him hard so he can’t get away from me."
"I've fallen prey to the primal need to mark him from the inside out, to make him mine. Fuck, I wish I could knock him up the way he knocked up my sister. That way, I could keep him tied to me for life."
"We fucked it up. But we don't have to fuck it up again."
....
⚠️potential spoilers below in detailed tropes, content and trigger warnings
Tropes/content:
Friends to lovers
Rugby
Dry hump to completion
💦 in pants
Sisters husband
Wife's brother
Forbidden
Cheating to be together
Older than typical romance books MCs (both almost 40)
Second chance
Right person wrong time
Chapter 1 is almost 20 years after prologue
Pierced 🍆 (multiple piercings)
Pierced nips
Jealousy
Pining
Longing
Not so single dad
Big and bearded man (Jason)
Forced proximity
Toys
Walks in on him jacking off and then starts jacking too
Exhibitionism
Vouyerism
Tension
Caught in a rainstorm
Walks in on him using toys
Hurt comfort during severe migraine
Helps him shower when sick
A dad bod and the man who goes feral for it
Slight breeding kink
Rough sex
Dubious consent
Sex marathon
Felching
Angry rough sex
Claiming sex after wife so much as touches him
Sex in backyard while Janel is by the kitchen window
Chasing after him romance movie style - twice
Matching tattoos from when they were young
Love making
Icy blowjobs and ass play
Showering together
Washes him
"It's always been you"
"I never stopped loving you"
Mine
Possessivness
Jason saved his ass virginity for Mik after all these years - "this part of me always belonged to you"
Mostly strict roles with one switch on page
TWs:
Unplanned pregnancy in prologue
Loveless marriage (there's love and care there but they're not 'in love')
Somewhat controlling wife (has a problem with Mik being himself - hate his tattoos and demands he covers them up and he does it to keep her quiet about it)
Miscommunication
Cheating
Parents aren't fully supportive
Mik + Jason 🖤
Brother in law | Second chance | Cheating to be together
"He was supposed to always be mine. This was supposed to be mine."
I loved Mik and Jason. Just so sad for them and all the time they lost together. This book has two of the worst tropes every created (pregnancy and miscommunication) but it was done well and I didn't hate it.
....
"He was the sun that broke through my perpetual storm cloud, and he never expected me to be anything but myself."
"The boy I fell in love with is a man now."
"For eighteen years, I've considered any physical relationship with my wife to be cheating on him."
"I could exist solely on the sounds he makes when he's trying so hard to hold back."
"I'm not going to fuck you, Mik. I'm just going to remind you who you belong to. Who you've always fucking belonged to," I grunt, spraying my release against his asshole. It drips down his crack, over that tantalizing little piercing. I coat him in my orgasm, then step back, taking a moment to appreciate how he looks dripping in my cum. Like fucking mine."
"That's right, let me in, baby. I'm going to fucking wreck you like you wrecked me."
"I hate," he says, barely above a whisper, "that you take me so good." He thrusts into me again with a grunt. "I hate that you feel like you were made to take my cock." Grunt. "I hate that you feel like home." Grunt. "I hate that I won't be able to fuck you out of my system." Grunt. "And I hate that I'll fucking dream of this ass for the rest of my miserable life."
"Tell me I can fuck you again. Tell me I can have you as much as I want until I leave."
"He mentioned the other day that he thought he’d let himself go, but I think he's perfect. There's more of him than there was when we were teenagers. More muscle, more jiggle, more everything. Funny enough, the parts of him he thinks are lacking are the parts I like best. His ass being my particular favorite. And the love handles that will be bruised for weeks with how hard I’ve dug my fingers in while gripping him hard so he can’t get away from me."
"I've fallen prey to the primal need to mark him from the inside out, to make him mine. Fuck, I wish I could knock him up the way he knocked up my sister. That way, I could keep him tied to me for life."
"We fucked it up. But we don't have to fuck it up again."
....
⚠️potential spoilers below in detailed tropes, content and trigger warnings
Tropes/content:
Friends to lovers
Rugby
Dry hump to completion
💦 in pants
Sisters husband
Wife's brother
Forbidden
Cheating to be together
Older than typical romance books MCs (both almost 40)
Second chance
Right person wrong time
Chapter 1 is almost 20 years after prologue
Pierced 🍆 (multiple piercings)
Pierced nips
Jealousy
Pining
Longing
Not so single dad
Big and bearded man (Jason)
Forced proximity
Toys
Walks in on him jacking off and then starts jacking too
Exhibitionism
Vouyerism
Tension
Caught in a rainstorm
Walks in on him using toys
Hurt comfort during severe migraine
Helps him shower when sick
A dad bod and the man who goes feral for it
Slight breeding kink
Rough sex
Dubious consent
Sex marathon
Felching
Angry rough sex
Claiming sex after wife so much as touches him
Sex in backyard while Janel is by the kitchen window
Chasing after him romance movie style - twice
Matching tattoos from when they were young
Love making
Icy blowjobs and ass play
Showering together
Washes him
"It's always been you"
"I never stopped loving you"
Mine
Possessivness
Jason saved his ass virginity for Mik after all these years - "this part of me always belonged to you"
Mostly strict roles with one switch on page
TWs:
Unplanned pregnancy in prologue
Loveless marriage (there's love and care there but they're not 'in love')
Somewhat controlling wife (has a problem with Mik being himself - hate his tattoos and demands he covers them up and he does it to keep her quiet about it)
Miscommunication
Cheating
Parents aren't fully supportive
November 17, 2024
There's enough fucking in this book to publish 5 separate medium-heat romance novels.
At a point(like 20% in) I wanted them to just LAY DOWN THE DICKS AND TALK.
Like, please, please, lay down your tools and get to a round table.
From the blurb, I went into this ready to defend Jason to the death. But reading it, I feel like he's the drama. He made up this whole decision for Mik and fucked them both over for EIGHTEEN years.
But these two sad fucks got around each other for the first time in decades and got straight to fucking.
'I don't know what to say. Part of me wants to assure him that nothing happened. With my wife. Who I'm cheating on. With him.'
Mmm. Yes. The kind of cheating I'm here for.
“If I could stay inside you, I would,” Jason says.
We KNOW. I'm sure Mik's hole was a shade darker than burgundy by this point.
“I want to wake up inside you for the rest of my life, Mik Sanders.”
Let's all say a prayer for Mik, because Jason means that shit.
Lol this reminds me of that Westlife song, Flying without Wings, where for the LONGEST time I thought the lyrics were 'Well, for me, it's waking up INSIDE you'.
I used to side eye people having it played on regular parties like OMG these people are so horny, and then years later I figured, oh.....OH. It's waking up BESIDE you.
My bad y'all.
I would review the plot but.....what plot? The sex is good, though.
I maintain my thoughts that Jax Calder's book is a better execution of this EXACT situation.
At a point(like 20% in) I wanted them to just LAY DOWN THE DICKS AND TALK.
Like, please, please, lay down your tools and get to a round table.
From the blurb, I went into this ready to defend Jason to the death. But reading it, I feel like he's the drama. He made up this whole decision for Mik and fucked them both over for EIGHTEEN years.
But these two sad fucks got around each other for the first time in decades and got straight to fucking.
'I don't know what to say. Part of me wants to assure him that nothing happened. With my wife. Who I'm cheating on. With him.'
Mmm. Yes. The kind of cheating I'm here for.
“If I could stay inside you, I would,” Jason says.
We KNOW. I'm sure Mik's hole was a shade darker than burgundy by this point.
“I want to wake up inside you for the rest of my life, Mik Sanders.”
Let's all say a prayer for Mik, because Jason means that shit.
Lol this reminds me of that Westlife song, Flying without Wings, where for the LONGEST time I thought the lyrics were 'Well, for me, it's waking up INSIDE you'.
I used to side eye people having it played on regular parties like OMG these people are so horny, and then years later I figured, oh.....OH. It's waking up BESIDE you.
My bad y'all.
I would review the plot but.....what plot? The sex is good, though.
I maintain my thoughts that Jax Calder's book is a better execution of this EXACT situation.
March 17, 2025
Well.... This was basically a giant sex fest with all vibes, no real plot, but I'm not that mad about it because even though I'm Ace I do enjoy a good lust driven book every now and then😂
I was expecting to get to know the character's a bit more, especially seeing as they had been apart for almost twenty years so surely they've changed a lot in that time, and in the prologue their relationship was also only sexual. It was missing that emotional connection and information about the character's personalities and life experiences for me to feel truly connected to them and their 'love' story. As far as I could tell, the only personality traits they both had were: likes rugby, likes having sex with the other, can't speak up for themself and what they want. I don't really know much more about either character except that they're both presumably in need of some good skin care for all that friction they were experiencing.... Seriously I started to wince at some points just thinking about how sore they would be!!
I do think this was a really good use of the miscommunication trope though - it's something that I really enjoy when it's written well and makes sense for the storyline, so I was happy that the reasoning behind the decision that changed the course of their lives was one that felt realistic and made sense. Jase was a pretty cool and observant kid too, and I liked the role he played in the book.
I did not like Janel at all 😂 But saying that, I also found it pretty hard to like Mik because he just went along with everything that Janel and her parents said he had to do, and seemingly never spoke up for what he wanted. The fact that he hid who he was both physically and emotionally and was always on edge when he could have just opened his mouth did irritate me a little, but essentially Jason was no better. I did like that Janel acknowledged the role she played in destroying their relationship the first time around though so that kind of redeemed her character a little for me.
Not my favourite in the series, but you can't deny that these two had strong chemistry and that it came across really well.
I was expecting to get to know the character's a bit more, especially seeing as they had been apart for almost twenty years so surely they've changed a lot in that time, and in the prologue their relationship was also only sexual. It was missing that emotional connection and information about the character's personalities and life experiences for me to feel truly connected to them and their 'love' story. As far as I could tell, the only personality traits they both had were: likes rugby, likes having sex with the other, can't speak up for themself and what they want. I don't really know much more about either character except that they're both presumably in need of some good skin care for all that friction they were experiencing.... Seriously I started to wince at some points just thinking about how sore they would be!!
I do think this was a really good use of the miscommunication trope though - it's something that I really enjoy when it's written well and makes sense for the storyline, so I was happy that the reasoning behind the decision that changed the course of their lives was one that felt realistic and made sense. Jase was a pretty cool and observant kid too, and I liked the role he played in the book.
I did not like Janel at all 😂 But saying that, I also found it pretty hard to like Mik because he just went along with everything that Janel and her parents said he had to do, and seemingly never spoke up for what he wanted. The fact that he hid who he was both physically and emotionally and was always on edge when he could have just opened his mouth did irritate me a little, but essentially Jason was no better. I did like that Janel acknowledged the role she played in destroying their relationship the first time around though so that kind of redeemed her character a little for me.
Not my favourite in the series, but you can't deny that these two had strong chemistry and that it came across really well.
October 18, 2024
The Try Line is an emotional second chance romance between brothers-in-law Jason and Mik. Their feelings are ever-present both reunite after eighteen years of separation. Their reunion is stilted, confusing, and full of tension. I was particularly curious if the spark would still be present and I was not disappointed as they two radiated chemistry instantly.
This is a fantastic emotional romance between two guys who never really got a full chance at a relationship together. Due to unforeseen circumstances, their romance was cut short and now after almost two decades their reunion brings up all of those unresolved feelings and makes their situation even more complicated.
I was so curious as to how their story would reach its HEA and I was so relieved at Mik and Jason finding their way back to one another, even when it seemed impossible.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
This is a fantastic emotional romance between two guys who never really got a full chance at a relationship together. Due to unforeseen circumstances, their romance was cut short and now after almost two decades their reunion brings up all of those unresolved feelings and makes their situation even more complicated.
I was so curious as to how their story would reach its HEA and I was so relieved at Mik and Jason finding their way back to one another, even when it seemed impossible.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
November 7, 2024
No thought, no plot, just hot.
But, seriously though. If you take out all the spicy scenes, there wouldn't be a whole lot of book left...
I still very much enjoy Rebecca Rathe's writing. (And her spicy scenes are GOOD.) But unfortunately, I always feel like the emotional connection between the MMC's is undeveloped and lacklustre. I would have liked; more plot, depth, character growth, and some actual yearning and tension too. (Just to name a few.😂)
2.5★
However, I'm happy there's more books to come. I will be reading them, and hopefully I'll find a new fave in the series.♡
But, seriously though. If you take out all the spicy scenes, there wouldn't be a whole lot of book left...
I still very much enjoy Rebecca Rathe's writing. (And her spicy scenes are GOOD.) But unfortunately, I always feel like the emotional connection between the MMC's is undeveloped and lacklustre. I would have liked; more plot, depth, character growth, and some actual yearning and tension too. (Just to name a few.😂)
2.5★
However, I'm happy there's more books to come. I will be reading them, and hopefully I'll find a new fave in the series.♡
October 30, 2024
I'm giving 3⭐️ all for their chemistry. Not super special but, I dont know, they definetly were good together.
But everything else was underwhelming. The sister/wife was a weird character, with zero explanation given for her actions. Sometimes super OTT bad, and whiny, sometimes (like accepting everything in the end) just nice and easy going. She didnt make sense. Plus, what kind of a brother/sister relationship they had that they never even thought about talking to the other one about being with the other one's ex? It was weirdly only expected from Mik, but somehow siblings felt zero responsibility towards each other. Also, maybe I am just ignorant, but do people's arm tattoos really cause this much scandal anywhere? Poor guy wears long sleeves even in summer, because god forbid someone might see a tattoo peaking.
Main problem is the whole storyline is from lack of communication among everyone. It doesnt make sense. Your ex-girlfriend finds u naked in her brother's bed, and never once asks for 18 years together what was that? And for 18 years you also didnt ask her anything? And then you are surprised she knew? It doesnt make sense!! Also, phones exist. If you have a best friend since childhood, who disappeared, maybe text or email before marrying his sister?
Filth kink exists a bit here too like some of the previous books but just hypothetical stuff mostly. But again, make it make sense, someone who has never been with a guy, who just kissed one for the first time a week ago, to fantasize about sticking their tongue into certain places while it is sweaty after a rugby match? Rein your horses my dude, maybe touch it first.
Also this sentence exist in writing now:
"𝘏𝘢𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘶𝘮 𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘰𝘥?"
Story:⭐️⭐️
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Chemistry:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ending:⭐️⭐️⭐️
Angst:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Banter:⭐️⭐️
Writing quality:⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶🌶🌶🌶
But everything else was underwhelming. The sister/wife was a weird character, with zero explanation given for her actions. Sometimes super OTT bad, and whiny, sometimes (like accepting everything in the end) just nice and easy going. She didnt make sense. Plus, what kind of a brother/sister relationship they had that they never even thought about talking to the other one about being with the other one's ex? It was weirdly only expected from Mik, but somehow siblings felt zero responsibility towards each other. Also, maybe I am just ignorant, but do people's arm tattoos really cause this much scandal anywhere? Poor guy wears long sleeves even in summer, because god forbid someone might see a tattoo peaking.
Main problem is the whole storyline is from lack of communication among everyone. It doesnt make sense. Your ex-girlfriend finds u naked in her brother's bed, and never once asks for 18 years together what was that? And for 18 years you also didnt ask her anything? And then you are surprised she knew? It doesnt make sense!! Also, phones exist. If you have a best friend since childhood, who disappeared, maybe text or email before marrying his sister?
Filth kink exists a bit here too like some of the previous books but just hypothetical stuff mostly. But again, make it make sense, someone who has never been with a guy, who just kissed one for the first time a week ago, to fantasize about sticking their tongue into certain places while it is sweaty after a rugby match? Rein your horses my dude, maybe touch it first.
Also this sentence exist in writing now:
"𝘏𝘢𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘶𝘮 𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘰𝘥?"
Story:⭐️⭐️
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Chemistry:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ending:⭐️⭐️⭐️
Angst:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Banter:⭐️⭐️
Writing quality:⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶🌶🌶🌶
November 7, 2025
**Reread 11/25 and this book is still one of my favs but to know alot of this could of just been fixed with one conversation is just funny asf to me *
Let's just say that last 20% took me out 🥴🥵
This book definitely started off STRONG & it stayed like that through out. But also I know this is a "sport Romance" but I really like that it was just about a MC who did a sport and we didn't get all the sport side of it, if that makes sense. I mean I couldn't put this book down if I wanted too. I'm kinda sad it's over & once released will be doing a reread. (this book definitely had me in my feels as well)
Tropes Include >>>
🏉Second Chance
🏉Bi - Awakening
🏉Cheating (not between MCs)
🏉 "It's always been you"
🏉SPICY ASF
Let's just say that last 20% took me out 🥴🥵
This book definitely started off STRONG & it stayed like that through out. But also I know this is a "sport Romance" but I really like that it was just about a MC who did a sport and we didn't get all the sport side of it, if that makes sense. I mean I couldn't put this book down if I wanted too. I'm kinda sad it's over & once released will be doing a reread. (this book definitely had me in my feels as well)
Tropes Include >>>
🏉Second Chance
🏉Bi - Awakening
🏉Cheating (not between MCs)
🏉 "It's always been you"
🏉SPICY ASF
October 23, 2024
Friends to lovers to enemies back to lovers.... and it was sooooo good! 🤤
I love a good friends to lovers - to hate f*cking 😏
And Jason and Mik sure made the most of all that hate f*cking.
Do you hate the accidentally pregnancy, cheating, miscommunication and forced proximity?
Well, you won’t after reading this steamy hot, all consuming passionate MM romance and book 4 in the Forbidden Goals series.
I can not get enough of this series! 🤩
Rugby players and best friends Mik and Jason come to realise that they have strong feelings for each other and when Mik breaks up with Jasons sister for the umpteenth time they finally hook up. Only Janel comes between them, when she announces that she is pregnant with Miks child...
Fast forward 18 years, Janel and Mik are married with an 18 year old, when Jason returns home from his overseas stunt as a pro player, and things quickly heat up between the former besties again, and I mean HEAT UP!!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🫣😮💨
Behind Janels back there’s a lot of Yes, yes, yes, kink and a@@play, and then the unbearable regreat from both of them sets in because they are betraying Janel, the wife, the sister...
Just read it and you’ll have a good time doing so! Just read the entire series!
I love Rebeccas writing and they way she plots a storyline that is so refreshing and fun... and yes ridiculously spicy 🌶️
I love a good friends to lovers - to hate f*cking 😏
And Jason and Mik sure made the most of all that hate f*cking.
Do you hate the accidentally pregnancy, cheating, miscommunication and forced proximity?
Well, you won’t after reading this steamy hot, all consuming passionate MM romance and book 4 in the Forbidden Goals series.
I can not get enough of this series! 🤩
Rugby players and best friends Mik and Jason come to realise that they have strong feelings for each other and when Mik breaks up with Jasons sister for the umpteenth time they finally hook up. Only Janel comes between them, when she announces that she is pregnant with Miks child...
Fast forward 18 years, Janel and Mik are married with an 18 year old, when Jason returns home from his overseas stunt as a pro player, and things quickly heat up between the former besties again, and I mean HEAT UP!!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🫣😮💨
Behind Janels back there’s a lot of Yes, yes, yes, kink and a@@play, and then the unbearable regreat from both of them sets in because they are betraying Janel, the wife, the sister...
Just read it and you’ll have a good time doing so! Just read the entire series!
I love Rebeccas writing and they way she plots a storyline that is so refreshing and fun... and yes ridiculously spicy 🌶️
March 4, 2025
2 ⭐️
I really wanted to love this book, but I spent the majority of it feeling sad and angry. It all stems from poor communication, and it just made me feel upset that the main characters missed almost 2 decades of each other’s lives because of it. They literally didn’t even speak to each other for 18 years.
Not to mention, the sister was at fault for so much of it, and she receives no consequences and doesn’t even apologize for her actions. She was such a selfish character, and it just made me angry, especially when she got a happy ending in the epilogue.
I’m still mad about it and I will stay mad about it.
I really wanted to love this book, but I spent the majority of it feeling sad and angry. It all stems from poor communication, and it just made me feel upset that the main characters missed almost 2 decades of each other’s lives because of it. They literally didn’t even speak to each other for 18 years.
Not to mention, the sister was at fault for so much of it, and she receives no consequences and doesn’t even apologize for her actions. She was such a selfish character, and it just made me angry, especially when she got a happy ending in the epilogue.
I’m still mad about it and I will stay mad about it.
November 2, 2024
hot forbidden love story
best friends to lovers
brother in law
best friends to lovers
brother in law
October 28, 2024
I absolutely loved Mik & Jason's story. When I saw the tropes for this book, I was hesitant. But I decided to go ahead and read it. And I'm so happy I did. This is the story I didn't know I needed. These two went through so much together. Their story was painstakingly beautiful. Wish I could live in their orbit forever!
🏉 MM Romance
🏉 Bi-Awakening
🏉 Friends to Enemies to Lovers
🏉 Forbidden Brother-In-Law
🏉 He Was Mine First
🏉 It’s Always Been You
🏉 Cheating
🏉 Surprise pregnancy
🏉 MM Romance
🏉 Bi-Awakening
🏉 Friends to Enemies to Lovers
🏉 Forbidden Brother-In-Law
🏉 He Was Mine First
🏉 It’s Always Been You
🏉 Cheating
🏉 Surprise pregnancy
October 30, 2024
I swore to myself I'd never read another book from this author again, but couldn't help myself when I read the plot of this. It was late at night, no book was holding my attention, and I was feeling desperate.
And oh my god, did I love it. Whatever issues I had with my last experience with Rathe didn't make it into this book, and I knocked back those 300 pages like my life depended on it. This is sweet. Sexy. Breaks your heart and warms it all at once.
And oh my god, did I love it. Whatever issues I had with my last experience with Rathe didn't make it into this book, and I knocked back those 300 pages like my life depended on it. This is sweet. Sexy. Breaks your heart and warms it all at once.
October 31, 2024
✨
4.5 stars rounded up!
✨
I'm all caught up on this series, yay!
So right off the bat, obviously the cheating tag I put for this is for Mik and Jason cheating with each other. The no-cheating is for the fact that they never cheat on each other.
They cheat with each other, though, because Mik is married to Jason's sister, Janel.
Because when they were about 19, just as Mik had broken up with her and got with Jason, who he'd wanted all along in their 4 year long friendship, she came round and told him she was pregnant. Then Jason feared Mik would choose her because of the baby over him, so he left to accept a position on a rugby team in Wales the very next day, and Mik never went after him, thinking that meant Jason didn't want him.
They were idiotic young men who saw all or nothing, black and white. Or Jason did, and Mik just let his insecurities get the best of him by not going after him. As the book itself say, one wishes they could go back and knock their idiot teenage heads together for their stupidity.
They then waste 18 years of their lives being miserable and unhappy with their lot in lives. Mik married Janel and raised their son with her, and Jason stayed away this whole time, not able to face Mik. The only way he gets to know his nephew is by phone calls and facetime later on.
But Jason finally returns, as Jase (Mik's son) is graduating from high school. It, if course, just so happens that his hotel he was planning to stay at flooded and all the displaced guests already filled up all the rest of the surrounding hotels, and so Jason has to stay at Mik and Janel's house in the guest room.
He's supposed to be there for only 2 weeks, but it doesn't take long for the two men to reconnect and start a passionate, fiery love affair.
Mik and Janel's marriage hasn't really been a marriage from day one. But Janel still tries because part of her was always jealous of Mik and Jason's relationship, and wanted Mik to love her that way. They only rarely have sex, and only when she wants it and Mik can't get out of it with some excuse. So they're not in love in the least, but there's still Janel's feelings to consider.
But even though she always wanted more, she knew. She knew how much Mik and Jason loved each other, even if she tried to ignore and deny it.
But she also always tried to change Mik to be more presentable and suitable as her partner, what with her and Jason's parents being strict and quite conservative.
She and Mik just don't fit, and they never did.
Not that it makes it right, that Mik and Jason fuck six ways from Sunday while he's still married to her. They never admit to that, but I think Janel (And Jase, who actually wants his father and uncle together) knows on some level that they were together before they come clean to her about it.
These two had great chemistry though, and it made it a very delicious read, them giving into their urges and fucking like bunny rabbits because of it. Even that one scene in the trees in their backyard...like damn, that was 🌶
Of course I didn't give this full stars, but it was pretty on par with the last book for me. And the reason for .5 stars off is pretty similar too. Yes, it was forbidden and they had to hide their affair for a time, but when it was found out it wasn't all that dramatic.
Jase had no problem with it and was actually happy for them, Janel didn't like it at first but she didn't lose her cool about it either. She was pretty understanding and calm about it all, all things considered. The parents apparently had a big reaction, but we only get told it in the epilogue, we don't actually get to see it played out. We also didn't get the larger community at large's reaction to finding out about them. The fact that Mik was married to Jason's sister and left her for her brother.
To the outside world, that seems so bad - at it is - and like they're selfish and awful. Would have been fun to get those reactions too (since Jason is semi-famous from playing Rugby professionally for so long over in England, it wouldn't just be their family or town finding out about it and having opinions, but people in the world. Also it says Mik becomes a somewhat famous blogger too, so there's that crowd as well.)
So yeah, the fallout of their affair was minimal and not too bad and that was disappointing. Not too bad, as the rest of their sneaking around was juicy goodness, but still. I wish people would actually have a big, maybe even overreaction, to finding out about these couples. They're supposed to be all about the forbidden relationships, and aside from the first one, consequences and reactions have been pretty minimal throughout. Like give us something.
But ohhh the next one is not only age gap, but it's the guy's brother's new stepson? That'd make the guy his step-uncle! That's beyond juicy! I'm excited for it and hope it lets people have appropriate scandalized reactions when they find out! And can someone walk in on them at least once? That's been lacking too since the first book and it's too tame! I want more drama from these books.
I mean, thankfully this book made up for drama just in the relationship between Mik and Jason, but still. I need the ~forbidden drama as well!
But overall, this has been a great series so far and I can't wait for the next one.
Until then! 😍
My Ratings for the Forbidden Goals Series:
🔆 Head in the Game: 4 stars (my review)
🔆 Man On 3.5 stars (my review)
🔆 Choke Up: 4.5 stars (my review)
🔆 The Try Line: 4.5 stars
🔆 Off Balance: TBR
🔆 Off The Rim: TBR
I'm all caught up on this series, yay!
So right off the bat, obviously the cheating tag I put for this is for Mik and Jason cheating with each other. The no-cheating is for the fact that they never cheat on each other.
They cheat with each other, though, because Mik is married to Jason's sister, Janel.
Because when they were about 19, just as Mik had broken up with her and got with Jason, who he'd wanted all along in their 4 year long friendship, she came round and told him she was pregnant. Then Jason feared Mik would choose her because of the baby over him, so he left to accept a position on a rugby team in Wales the very next day, and Mik never went after him, thinking that meant Jason didn't want him.
They were idiotic young men who saw all or nothing, black and white. Or Jason did, and Mik just let his insecurities get the best of him by not going after him. As the book itself say, one wishes they could go back and knock their idiot teenage heads together for their stupidity.
They then waste 18 years of their lives being miserable and unhappy with their lot in lives. Mik married Janel and raised their son with her, and Jason stayed away this whole time, not able to face Mik. The only way he gets to know his nephew is by phone calls and facetime later on.
But Jason finally returns, as Jase (Mik's son) is graduating from high school. It, if course, just so happens that his hotel he was planning to stay at flooded and all the displaced guests already filled up all the rest of the surrounding hotels, and so Jason has to stay at Mik and Janel's house in the guest room.
He's supposed to be there for only 2 weeks, but it doesn't take long for the two men to reconnect and start a passionate, fiery love affair.
Mik and Janel's marriage hasn't really been a marriage from day one. But Janel still tries because part of her was always jealous of Mik and Jason's relationship, and wanted Mik to love her that way. They only rarely have sex, and only when she wants it and Mik can't get out of it with some excuse. So they're not in love in the least, but there's still Janel's feelings to consider.
But even though she always wanted more, she knew. She knew how much Mik and Jason loved each other, even if she tried to ignore and deny it.
But she also always tried to change Mik to be more presentable and suitable as her partner, what with her and Jason's parents being strict and quite conservative.
She and Mik just don't fit, and they never did.
Not that it makes it right, that Mik and Jason fuck six ways from Sunday while he's still married to her. They never admit to that, but I think Janel (And Jase, who actually wants his father and uncle together) knows on some level that they were together before they come clean to her about it.
These two had great chemistry though, and it made it a very delicious read, them giving into their urges and fucking like bunny rabbits because of it. Even that one scene in the trees in their backyard...like damn, that was 🌶
Of course I didn't give this full stars, but it was pretty on par with the last book for me. And the reason for .5 stars off is pretty similar too. Yes, it was forbidden and they had to hide their affair for a time, but when it was found out it wasn't all that dramatic.
Jase had no problem with it and was actually happy for them, Janel didn't like it at first but she didn't lose her cool about it either. She was pretty understanding and calm about it all, all things considered. The parents apparently had a big reaction, but we only get told it in the epilogue, we don't actually get to see it played out. We also didn't get the larger community at large's reaction to finding out about them. The fact that Mik was married to Jason's sister and left her for her brother.
To the outside world, that seems so bad - at it is - and like they're selfish and awful. Would have been fun to get those reactions too (since Jason is semi-famous from playing Rugby professionally for so long over in England, it wouldn't just be their family or town finding out about it and having opinions, but people in the world. Also it says Mik becomes a somewhat famous blogger too, so there's that crowd as well.)
So yeah, the fallout of their affair was minimal and not too bad and that was disappointing. Not too bad, as the rest of their sneaking around was juicy goodness, but still. I wish people would actually have a big, maybe even overreaction, to finding out about these couples. They're supposed to be all about the forbidden relationships, and aside from the first one, consequences and reactions have been pretty minimal throughout. Like give us something.
But ohhh the next one is not only age gap, but it's the guy's brother's new stepson? That'd make the guy his step-uncle! That's beyond juicy! I'm excited for it and hope it lets people have appropriate scandalized reactions when they find out! And can someone walk in on them at least once? That's been lacking too since the first book and it's too tame! I want more drama from these books.
I mean, thankfully this book made up for drama just in the relationship between Mik and Jason, but still. I need the ~forbidden drama as well!
But overall, this has been a great series so far and I can't wait for the next one.
Until then! 😍
My Ratings for the Forbidden Goals Series:
🔆 Head in the Game: 4 stars (my review)
🔆 Man On 3.5 stars (my review)
🔆 Choke Up: 4.5 stars (my review)
🔆 The Try Line: 4.5 stars
🔆 Off Balance: TBR
🔆 Off The Rim: TBR
November 2, 2024
The Try Line: ★ ★
Rebecca Rathe
”I would have chosen you.”
Tropes:
— Second chance
— Sports romance
— Cheating (bro in laws)
— Forced Proximity
This was very spicy but could also have been like 20 pages if they communicated properly which angers me to no end.
Rebecca Rathe
”I would have chosen you.”
Tropes:
— Second chance
— Sports romance
— Cheating (bro in laws)
— Forced Proximity
This was very spicy but could also have been like 20 pages if they communicated properly which angers me to no end.
November 17, 2024
It’s ridiculous.
I love it.
I’m a sucker for the MM slice-of-life trope and emotional angst
‼️MY GR FORMATTING IS ACTING UP - MIND THE SPOILERS‼️
Hero: Mik
Hero: Jason
ow: Janel, Mik’s on/off gf since h/s senior year, now wife and Jason’s younger sister
FLASHBACKS:
To 18 years ago, in the prologue and very few after that - thankgod - mostly in the form of telling not showing – thankgod, in this case
HxH met when they were about 15 yrs old and were immediately drawn to each other.
Jason is gay; social, easy going, sporty.
Mik is only attracted to Jason; emo, nerdy bookworm, quiet, anxious
They have incredible chemistry, but they stayed best friends till college because they are both insecure about each other, avoid communication, and don't want to risk their friendship.
Jason, who adores Janel, asks Mik to take her to Prom:
”The relationship probably should have fizzled out, the same way Jason's brief secret romance with our high school quarterback died down once the forbidden thrill was gone. But Janel is nothing if “not persistent, and she loves a project. She's spent the past two years trying to turn me into the man of her dreams, with disappointing results. I've been trying to break up with her for the last six months, but it hasn't been going well. I'm trying to be gentle, because I know that we're always going to be connected through Jason, and I want us to part on good terms. She’s not a bad person, she’s just not the right person.”
“Every time I think I've successfully broken things off, she turns around and acts like nothing happened. Like the time I made the argument that she doesn't really want me. I thought I'd gotten through to her, choosing to have the conversation through text because she doesn't hear me when I speak to her. That night I woke up to her climbing into my bed. She showed up in the middle of the night to ride my dick with the sole intention of proving me wrong and that she did, in fact, want me. But sex wasn't what I was talking about. I was talking about her silent judgment over the company I keep, her disapproval over the way I dress, and the tattoo that has been slowly growing down my shoulder since my eighteenth birthday. It’s her disappointment that I'm perfectly content taking classes at the local community college and working a minimum wage job in a used bookstore while I figure out what I want to do with my life.”
Once HxH finally open up to each other, Mik is blunt enough (the guilt eats at him, though, because she’s Jason’s sister after all) to make it very clear to her that they’re over.
HxH and become lovers.
Queue the non-stop smut.
For once I didn’t lose interest in this trope, but I must admit I occasionally skimmed or swiped even though the sex scenes are well written.
Their passionate bond is next level.
Jason is adoring and gentle and kind and patient with Mik.
Mik is sweet and anxious and loves and lives for Jason only.
1 star less:
*For the continuous obnoxious misunderstandings and lack of communication that keep them apart for almost 2 decades and nearly again now. Yes, the intensity is still there but they’re different people now and I’m not a fan of insta after 18 years apart.
*Mik had to grow a pair sooner than damn 18 years, fcs. His ass should've been in therapy decades ago
*The ow is a horrid person and gets away with too much and still has the damn nerve to act the victim
But the last chapters made up for that.
They both stayed and fought for each other.
They’re blissfully happy. They’re living their best lives. Mik is also a celebrity now, the internet kind - documenting their many travels.
The epilogue was fulfilling except that Janel is now happily married to her dream man: a well-off disapproving square uptight prick.
Ridiculous, and I loved it.
I love it.
I’m a sucker for the MM slice-of-life trope and emotional angst
‼️MY GR FORMATTING IS ACTING UP - MIND THE SPOILERS‼️
Hero: Mik
Hero: Jason
ow: Janel, Mik’s on/off gf since h/s senior year, now wife and Jason’s younger sister
FLASHBACKS:
To 18 years ago, in the prologue and very few after that - thankgod - mostly in the form of telling not showing – thankgod, in this case
HxH met when they were about 15 yrs old and were immediately drawn to each other.
Jason is gay; social, easy going, sporty.
Mik is only attracted to Jason; emo, nerdy bookworm, quiet, anxious
They have incredible chemistry, but they stayed best friends till college because they are both insecure about each other, avoid communication, and don't want to risk their friendship.
Jason, who adores Janel, asks Mik to take her to Prom:
”The relationship probably should have fizzled out, the same way Jason's brief secret romance with our high school quarterback died down once the forbidden thrill was gone. But Janel is nothing if “not persistent, and she loves a project. She's spent the past two years trying to turn me into the man of her dreams, with disappointing results. I've been trying to break up with her for the last six months, but it hasn't been going well. I'm trying to be gentle, because I know that we're always going to be connected through Jason, and I want us to part on good terms. She’s not a bad person, she’s just not the right person.”
“Every time I think I've successfully broken things off, she turns around and acts like nothing happened. Like the time I made the argument that she doesn't really want me. I thought I'd gotten through to her, choosing to have the conversation through text because she doesn't hear me when I speak to her. That night I woke up to her climbing into my bed. She showed up in the middle of the night to ride my dick with the sole intention of proving me wrong and that she did, in fact, want me. But sex wasn't what I was talking about. I was talking about her silent judgment over the company I keep, her disapproval over the way I dress, and the tattoo that has been slowly growing down my shoulder since my eighteenth birthday. It’s her disappointment that I'm perfectly content taking classes at the local community college and working a minimum wage job in a used bookstore while I figure out what I want to do with my life.”
Once HxH finally open up to each other, Mik is blunt enough (the guilt eats at him, though, because she’s Jason’s sister after all) to make it very clear to her that they’re over.
HxH and become lovers.
Queue the non-stop smut.
For once I didn’t lose interest in this trope, but I must admit I occasionally skimmed or swiped even though the sex scenes are well written.
Their passionate bond is next level.
Jason is adoring and gentle and kind and patient with Mik.
Mik is sweet and anxious and loves and lives for Jason only.
1 star less:
*For the continuous obnoxious misunderstandings and lack of communication that keep them apart for almost 2 decades and nearly again now. Yes, the intensity is still there but they’re different people now and I’m not a fan of insta after 18 years apart.
*Mik had to grow a pair sooner than damn 18 years, fcs. His ass should've been in therapy decades ago
*The ow is a horrid person and gets away with too much and still has the damn nerve to act the victim
But the last chapters made up for that.
They both stayed and fought for each other.
They’re blissfully happy. They’re living their best lives. Mik is also a celebrity now, the internet kind - documenting their many travels.
The epilogue was fulfilling except that Janel is now happily married to her dream man: a well-off disapproving square uptight prick.
Ridiculous, and I loved it.
October 25, 2024
Rating: 5
Emotions: 5
MCs: 5
Spice: 4.5
The Try Line by Rebecca Rathe is book 4 in the Forbidden Goals series.
I swear, every book in this series has been a home run so far. The Try Line...I don't even know where to start since literally every aspect of the story was beyond perfect.
If you've been following my reviews for a while, it's no secret that I'm a die-hard fan of the cheating trope. Rebecca Rathe has delivered the ultimate cheating book in which the relationship between the two MCs is messy, complicated and all-consuming. The book starts with a bang with feels and heat almost instantly and Rathe finds a way to break her readers' hearts just as Jason and Mik's story has barely begun. The tension is relentless and escalating from start to finish. What Jason and Mik felt for each other in the past and in the present was visceral. And the sex..., it was so wrong and so right all at once. It took them a while to succumb, but once they let themselves indulge, there was no turning back. The forbidden vibes were, in my opinion, the strongest we've had so far in the series.
I have to give Rebecca all the credit for managing to include the surprise pregnancy trope in the plot in a way that was so well thought out. I know it's not something many readers appreciate, but trust me here it works perfectly.
The Try Line is the perfect storm of angst, steam and emotion. And even if you come out a little shaken at the end, Jason and Mik's HEA was more than worth braving the elements for.
Emotions: 5
MCs: 5
Spice: 4.5
The Try Line by Rebecca Rathe is book 4 in the Forbidden Goals series.
I swear, every book in this series has been a home run so far. The Try Line...I don't even know where to start since literally every aspect of the story was beyond perfect.
If you've been following my reviews for a while, it's no secret that I'm a die-hard fan of the cheating trope. Rebecca Rathe has delivered the ultimate cheating book in which the relationship between the two MCs is messy, complicated and all-consuming. The book starts with a bang with feels and heat almost instantly and Rathe finds a way to break her readers' hearts just as Jason and Mik's story has barely begun. The tension is relentless and escalating from start to finish. What Jason and Mik felt for each other in the past and in the present was visceral. And the sex..., it was so wrong and so right all at once. It took them a while to succumb, but once they let themselves indulge, there was no turning back. The forbidden vibes were, in my opinion, the strongest we've had so far in the series.
I have to give Rebecca all the credit for managing to include the surprise pregnancy trope in the plot in a way that was so well thought out. I know it's not something many readers appreciate, but trust me here it works perfectly.
The Try Line is the perfect storm of angst, steam and emotion. And even if you come out a little shaken at the end, Jason and Mik's HEA was more than worth braving the elements for.
October 16, 2024
Just when I think Rebecca’s books can’t get any better she releases a new one and it instantly is my favorite!! Mik and Jason’s story was phenomenal and I couldn’t put it down! Their chemistry was felt throughout the whole story and the spice is top notch!!! I had all the emotion in this story and that to me is what makes for an amazing book bc I want to have all the feels! I can’t say enough good things about this book and all of the other books this amazing author writes!!
December 20, 2024
Predictable asf.
November 26, 2024
5 stars
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Spice: 4.5/5
MM
Rugby
Cheating
Second Chance
Bi-Awakening
Brothers-In-Law
He Was Mine First
It’s Always Been You
Brothers-In-Law
Friends to Lovers to Enemies
The Try Line is book four in the Forbidden Goals series. Each book is a standalone and can be read in any order.
Mik and Jason were best friends and rugby teammates. They spent one blissful night together before their relationship imploded with the news that Mik was to be an unexpected father - to Jason’s sister’s child.
Fast forward 18 years and the gang is all back together, a first for Jason and Mik, to celebrate that child’s graduation.
Their sexual chemistry, undeniable pull, and deep friendship still exists and when circumstances force the pair to be alone together, they can’t resist the passion they still and always have felt.
Do true second chances really exist? Are they willing to risk their family ties to try and be together?
This story is absolutely everything. I don’t normally read the cheating trope but it was executed flawlessly here. These men are overwhelmingly in love, you feel their longstanding pain, and I was rooting for them. The circumstances that forced them apart were monumental and almost cruel (looking at you sister) but true love really does conquer all. An engrossing and exceptional read.
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Spice: 4.5/5
MM
Rugby
Cheating
Second Chance
Bi-Awakening
Brothers-In-Law
He Was Mine First
It’s Always Been You
Brothers-In-Law
Friends to Lovers to Enemies
The Try Line is book four in the Forbidden Goals series. Each book is a standalone and can be read in any order.
Mik and Jason were best friends and rugby teammates. They spent one blissful night together before their relationship imploded with the news that Mik was to be an unexpected father - to Jason’s sister’s child.
Fast forward 18 years and the gang is all back together, a first for Jason and Mik, to celebrate that child’s graduation.
Their sexual chemistry, undeniable pull, and deep friendship still exists and when circumstances force the pair to be alone together, they can’t resist the passion they still and always have felt.
Do true second chances really exist? Are they willing to risk their family ties to try and be together?
This story is absolutely everything. I don’t normally read the cheating trope but it was executed flawlessly here. These men are overwhelmingly in love, you feel their longstanding pain, and I was rooting for them. The circumstances that forced them apart were monumental and almost cruel (looking at you sister) but true love really does conquer all. An engrossing and exceptional read.
November 3, 2024
3.5 rounded up
Does it make me a bad person to say I don’t feel bad for Janel 🙊🐒 she was manipulative and she knew Mik didn’t love her like that, yet she continued to refuse to let him go. Yeah that’s his fault too, but still
Does it make me a bad person to say I don’t feel bad for Janel 🙊🐒 she was manipulative and she knew Mik didn’t love her like that, yet she continued to refuse to let him go. Yeah that’s his fault too, but still
July 7, 2025
the try line, book 4 in the rebecca raithe series 🏉💔🔥
usually not big on second chance romance but omg did i love this. read it in like 2 sittings — so good.
so much pining. so much suffering. but they really make up for lost time 🥵
the spice starts early and shows up often (yes please). and mad respect for the son who saw the love and was genuinely supportive — that moment melted me 🥹
“and with every man i touched that wasn’t him, i added a layer of guilt and misplaced anger towards the man who stole my heart and didn’t even realize the damage he’d caused.”
“i want this. i want you. make me yours.”
rating: 5 stars
if you love a second chance romance and the ache of an “it’s always been you” story... this is your book 💘
October 27, 2024
ARC REVIEW
I am completely obsessed with this series and @rebeccas writing. I have become a huge fan of the cheating trope and this book DELIVERS!
When BFFs Jason and Mik discover they’re both in love with the other it’s unfortunately too late for them. Their story begins with heart break and difficult decision making. They’re young, in love and devestated. Decision making is clearly incredibly difficult in this situation.
When they’re reunited 18 years later they quickly realize that nothing has changed. The tension, pining and angst will get you in your feels. I could feel their pain coming off of the pages as I read. I found myself rooting for their happy ending the entire time! Tough decisions have to be made and people get hurt but truthfully that is the reality of life.
Jason and Mik’s love is timeless and incredibly beautiful. They’re truly soulmates. I found myself swooning over and over again as they decided to put their happiness first and live their truth.
Let me also give a shout out to Jase because he’s truly the star of the show in many ways! I loved him so much and it really showed how well Mik and Janel raised him.
Fav Quotes:
•Does a moth know it’s about to die when it grows closer to the flame? Does it feel the heat and decide it’s worth it?
•I want him to give me all his anger. I want to be absolved of my sins through pain.
•I’ve been in love with my best friend for years, and now I finally have it.
I am completely obsessed with this series and @rebeccas writing. I have become a huge fan of the cheating trope and this book DELIVERS!
When BFFs Jason and Mik discover they’re both in love with the other it’s unfortunately too late for them. Their story begins with heart break and difficult decision making. They’re young, in love and devestated. Decision making is clearly incredibly difficult in this situation.
When they’re reunited 18 years later they quickly realize that nothing has changed. The tension, pining and angst will get you in your feels. I could feel their pain coming off of the pages as I read. I found myself rooting for their happy ending the entire time! Tough decisions have to be made and people get hurt but truthfully that is the reality of life.
Jason and Mik’s love is timeless and incredibly beautiful. They’re truly soulmates. I found myself swooning over and over again as they decided to put their happiness first and live their truth.
Let me also give a shout out to Jase because he’s truly the star of the show in many ways! I loved him so much and it really showed how well Mik and Janel raised him.
Fav Quotes:
•Does a moth know it’s about to die when it grows closer to the flame? Does it feel the heat and decide it’s worth it?
•I want him to give me all his anger. I want to be absolved of my sins through pain.
•I’ve been in love with my best friend for years, and now I finally have it.
November 2, 2024
Honestly I’d say this is 3-3.5 stars but the spice was so hot i’m giving it extra credit and rounding up 🥵
If you’re looking for a forbidden romance with hot as hell spice, this books a good time and I’d recommend it 😏
If you’re looking for a forbidden romance with hot as hell spice, this books a good time and I’d recommend it 😏
December 6, 2024
3.75
There is just something missing about this whole aspect.
Maybe it’s the angsty girl in me that wants a little bit more negative reaction or bigger consequence.
I just felt that there could’ve been more drama than what we were given.
There is just something missing about this whole aspect.
Maybe it’s the angsty girl in me that wants a little bit more negative reaction or bigger consequence.
I just felt that there could’ve been more drama than what we were given.
October 31, 2024
This was seriously hot.
Ideally, I would have preferred it less wordy at places.
Ideally, I would have preferred it less wordy at places.
February 7, 2025
Oop. Unfortunately this was a masterpiece of a second chance romance. I am so obsessed??
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