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Brooklyn Kings #2
End Game
In a world where winning is everything, without each other, it means nothing.
The first time I see Brody “Blink” Martin in the locker room, I fall hard.
Big blue eyes, ripped abs…let’s just say there’s a reason the position is called tight end.
But I’m Devlin “Devil” Summers—star quarterback, ladies’ man…and closeted.
So I look but don’t touch.
With the National Championship ours, I take a chance and kiss him.
And when he kisses me back, I’m winning for the second time that night.
From that moment on, we know we’re meant to be together.
Different teams and schedules can’t keep us apart.
Ten years later, we’re both playing for the Brooklyn Kings.
Super Bowl champions.
More in love than ever.
Still hiding who we are.
Then I’m forced to make the decision of a
Football or love.
My end game is both.
End Game is a they fall together MM romance that proves when you love someone, nothing and no one can keep you apart. It’s a big city/small town, hurt comfort, football romance with two big alpha men who are beasts against their opponents, but total mushes when it comes to each other.
The first time I see Brody “Blink” Martin in the locker room, I fall hard.
Big blue eyes, ripped abs…let’s just say there’s a reason the position is called tight end.
But I’m Devlin “Devil” Summers—star quarterback, ladies’ man…and closeted.
So I look but don’t touch.
With the National Championship ours, I take a chance and kiss him.
And when he kisses me back, I’m winning for the second time that night.
From that moment on, we know we’re meant to be together.
Different teams and schedules can’t keep us apart.
Ten years later, we’re both playing for the Brooklyn Kings.
Super Bowl champions.
More in love than ever.
Still hiding who we are.
Then I’m forced to make the decision of a
Football or love.
My end game is both.
End Game is a they fall together MM romance that proves when you love someone, nothing and no one can keep you apart. It’s a big city/small town, hurt comfort, football romance with two big alpha men who are beasts against their opponents, but total mushes when it comes to each other.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 5, 2025
140 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
Felice Stevens
89 books1,716 followersFelice Stevens writes romance because what is better than people falling in love? Her favorite part of a romance novel is that first kiss…sigh. She loves creating stories of hopes and dreams and happily ever afters. Her stories are character-driven, rich with the sights, sounds and flavors of New York City and filled with men who are sometimes deeply flawed but always real.
Felice writes M/M romance because she believes that everyone deserves a happily ever after. Having traveled all over the world, she can safely say that the universal language that unites people is love. Felice has written in a variety of sub-genres, including contemporary, paranormal and has a mystery series as well.
Felice is a two-time Lambda Literary Award nominee and the Lambda award-winner for Best Gay Romance for her book, The Ghost and Charlie Muir, as well as the e-Lit gold medal winner in romance for Broken Silence.
Felice writes M/M romance because she believes that everyone deserves a happily ever after. Having traveled all over the world, she can safely say that the universal language that unites people is love. Felice has written in a variety of sub-genres, including contemporary, paranormal and has a mystery series as well.
Felice is a two-time Lambda Literary Award nominee and the Lambda award-winner for Best Gay Romance for her book, The Ghost and Charlie Muir, as well as the e-Lit gold medal winner in romance for Broken Silence.
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June 9, 2025
End Game is the second book in the Brooklyn Kings series by Felice Stevens. I’ve been so excited about this book. I loved the first one. It just took me a bit to get to it on my Kindle. It was well worth the wait.
Brody “Blink” Martin, who plays tight end, and Devlin “Devil” Summers, who is the star quarterback, have each been hiding secrets. In college, they have definitely noticed each other. Dev has carried a serious crush on Brody all four years. But it isn’t until the end of their championship game when he has the nerve to make his move. He kisses Brody and to his delight, Brody kisses him back. This is the beginning of something neither of them ever knew was possible. A lifelong love that withstood countless obstacles.
Brody grew up with a loving mother that always supported him, even though they never had much. Dev grew up with everything money could buy, except for the attention and love of his parents. He was barely an afterthought to them and when he chose football rather than academia, they closed the door between them even further.
After that first kiss, Brody and Dev were inseparable. Even though both were in the closet, they found ways to be together. After the NFL draft, Brody went to the Austin Lonestars while Dev went to the Brooklyn Kings. Still, they kept their love affair strong, spending time together whenever they could, especially during the off season. When Brody got traded to Brooklyn, their lives changed and they spent most every night together, still keeping their secret from everyone around them, who just thought they were best friends.
As each year passed, their love grew stronger. They had a long range plan, to play for the Kings until retirement, then come out together, and spend the rest of their lives loving each other. But those plans were tested when others had other ideas.
I thought this was such a beautiful story. These two loved each other so much. They rarely disagreed on anything. They were the perfect match. They respected each other, and talked about everything. In Brody, Dev found the family he always wished for. It broke my heart how they had to keep their love hidden. Slowly, over the years, one by one, some of their innermost circle of people were told what they were to each other. But for all those years, they never got to experience just being a couple, walking down the street, holding hands. It takes a strong love and commitment to stay true to each other with all of their obstacles but they never wavered. I adored these two and now I can’t wait to see what’s next in this series.
“Together. Forever.
Forever and for always.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Brody “Blink” Martin, who plays tight end, and Devlin “Devil” Summers, who is the star quarterback, have each been hiding secrets. In college, they have definitely noticed each other. Dev has carried a serious crush on Brody all four years. But it isn’t until the end of their championship game when he has the nerve to make his move. He kisses Brody and to his delight, Brody kisses him back. This is the beginning of something neither of them ever knew was possible. A lifelong love that withstood countless obstacles.
Brody grew up with a loving mother that always supported him, even though they never had much. Dev grew up with everything money could buy, except for the attention and love of his parents. He was barely an afterthought to them and when he chose football rather than academia, they closed the door between them even further.
After that first kiss, Brody and Dev were inseparable. Even though both were in the closet, they found ways to be together. After the NFL draft, Brody went to the Austin Lonestars while Dev went to the Brooklyn Kings. Still, they kept their love affair strong, spending time together whenever they could, especially during the off season. When Brody got traded to Brooklyn, their lives changed and they spent most every night together, still keeping their secret from everyone around them, who just thought they were best friends.
As each year passed, their love grew stronger. They had a long range plan, to play for the Kings until retirement, then come out together, and spend the rest of their lives loving each other. But those plans were tested when others had other ideas.
I thought this was such a beautiful story. These two loved each other so much. They rarely disagreed on anything. They were the perfect match. They respected each other, and talked about everything. In Brody, Dev found the family he always wished for. It broke my heart how they had to keep their love hidden. Slowly, over the years, one by one, some of their innermost circle of people were told what they were to each other. But for all those years, they never got to experience just being a couple, walking down the street, holding hands. It takes a strong love and commitment to stay true to each other with all of their obstacles but they never wavered. I adored these two and now I can’t wait to see what’s next in this series.
“Together. Forever.
Forever and for always.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
April 24, 2025
3.5*
There was a lot of this I really liked and some of it that I felt didn't work as well but, overall, it's a solid second entry in the Brooklyn Kings series and it did made me chuckle quite a lot.
The thing which didn't work well for me were the time jumps. I felt like I was missing out on a lot of the relationship development between Devlin and Brody because all of a sudden it was four years later and they were still madly in love - but I'd not seen any of that falling in love.
That's my biggest issue with the narrative choices here, because otherwise I loved the idea of two young footballers who'd fallen for each other in college and managed to keep their relationship a secret for the next 10 years.
Devlin's parents are the kind of people who shouldn't be allowed to have children, too concerned with their own careers and ambitions, while I felt there was too much repetition about how Brody couldn't quite connect with his step-father, even though he was a decent guy, because he missed his dad too much.
That part of the story just dragged things down for me unnecessarily, specially when he spoke to both Devlin and his mum about how he was going to try be more open and friendly, and then didn't. It made it feel redundant, other than providing Brody with something to angst over after another of the time jumps.
Having said all the above though, I loved the actually relationship between Dev and Brody, there's no stupid miscommunications, no third act break-up or messing about with women to try and hide the fact they're both gay.
They're it for each other and that side of things is very well developed and explored, with Dev's more outgoing nature and his desire to stop hiding working well as a tension point with Brody's more reserved and shy personality.
It's medium steamy, but there's lots of emotional feels between the two men and I liked how they grew more confident and comfortable as they got older in expressing their desires and wants.
I'm looking forward to seeing what's coming next in this series.
#ARC kindly received from the author, I am voluntarily leaving a review
There was a lot of this I really liked and some of it that I felt didn't work as well but, overall, it's a solid second entry in the Brooklyn Kings series and it did made me chuckle quite a lot.
The thing which didn't work well for me were the time jumps. I felt like I was missing out on a lot of the relationship development between Devlin and Brody because all of a sudden it was four years later and they were still madly in love - but I'd not seen any of that falling in love.
That's my biggest issue with the narrative choices here, because otherwise I loved the idea of two young footballers who'd fallen for each other in college and managed to keep their relationship a secret for the next 10 years.
Devlin's parents are the kind of people who shouldn't be allowed to have children, too concerned with their own careers and ambitions, while I felt there was too much repetition about how Brody couldn't quite connect with his step-father, even though he was a decent guy, because he missed his dad too much.
That part of the story just dragged things down for me unnecessarily, specially when he spoke to both Devlin and his mum about how he was going to try be more open and friendly, and then didn't. It made it feel redundant, other than providing Brody with something to angst over after another of the time jumps.
Having said all the above though, I loved the actually relationship between Dev and Brody, there's no stupid miscommunications, no third act break-up or messing about with women to try and hide the fact they're both gay.
They're it for each other and that side of things is very well developed and explored, with Dev's more outgoing nature and his desire to stop hiding working well as a tension point with Brody's more reserved and shy personality.
It's medium steamy, but there's lots of emotional feels between the two men and I liked how they grew more confident and comfortable as they got older in expressing their desires and wants.
I'm looking forward to seeing what's coming next in this series.
#ARC kindly received from the author, I am voluntarily leaving a review
May 2, 2025
This is a sweet story about two top-tier football players who are madly in love, know their end game, and are keeping their eyes on that goal.
Brody and Dev's story starts at the end of their college years and spans over a decade. From the moment they first kiss they know that staying together won't be easy, having to hide their romance from everyone in their lives if they want to keep playing the game they love. From being drafted to different teams, later playing together, and eventually their retirement, I was rooting for them, especially Dev who never knew love or affection until meeting Brody.
There are a number of time jumps in this story, checking in with the men at different points in their careers and relationship. The only time it didn't work well for me was at the start when the relationship was new and I wanted to see them figuring things out. Other than that, I had no issue with the narrative. As always, there is a cast of secondary characters that are well developed, including a perfect cameo from a couple you'll recognize if you regularly read Felice Stevens' books.
I loved that there is great communication between Dev and Brody. The drama in the story comes from outside forces, including Dev's awful parents, the need to hide from their friends and teammates, and the inherent danger in playing football. The men aren't without support and Brody's mother is a sweetheart. I enjoyed the story, Dev and Brody's devotion to each other and the way everything worked out in the end.
Brody and Dev's story starts at the end of their college years and spans over a decade. From the moment they first kiss they know that staying together won't be easy, having to hide their romance from everyone in their lives if they want to keep playing the game they love. From being drafted to different teams, later playing together, and eventually their retirement, I was rooting for them, especially Dev who never knew love or affection until meeting Brody.
There are a number of time jumps in this story, checking in with the men at different points in their careers and relationship. The only time it didn't work well for me was at the start when the relationship was new and I wanted to see them figuring things out. Other than that, I had no issue with the narrative. As always, there is a cast of secondary characters that are well developed, including a perfect cameo from a couple you'll recognize if you regularly read Felice Stevens' books.
I loved that there is great communication between Dev and Brody. The drama in the story comes from outside forces, including Dev's awful parents, the need to hide from their friends and teammates, and the inherent danger in playing football. The men aren't without support and Brody's mother is a sweetheart. I enjoyed the story, Dev and Brody's devotion to each other and the way everything worked out in the end.
April 20, 2025
How do you rate a book when you really like one MC but the other is such a vague presence in the relationship that he may as well have not been there? I don't know why we got Brody's POV.
And part of this is because he gave me major Shane Hollander vibes. The biggest difference is he wasn't a saboteur and was willing to let Dev take the lead.
Dev's a sweetheart and I loved him and I wish he'd fallen in love with someone who had as much fire for him as he had for Brody.
From the jump, Dev takes the lead. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop and for Brody to get his chance to shine and it just never really happens.
But unlike Shane, at least he's not actively hostile to Dev's ideas. I wish this had been a single POV because maybe I'd have liked him more but as it was, he was just the guy on the sidelines waiting to support Dev.
HOWEVER. Having experienced Shane(and never having recovered) I will say that your man being ready to do whatever, whenever? Massively underrated. So I won't hate too much on Brody.
He's alright in my book.
Devlin's the standout star of this one, though. Hands down. Gets to the point where it feels like you've read all the variations of the athletes being worried about their team(s) finding out and waiting with bated breath to discover what will become of them.
Not Dev. That's all I will say on that to avoid spoilers but I rate what he did very highly and I don't know if it's unrealistic but I have no idea why the world class athlete MCs don't do it more often.
Either way, it was a break from the usual. Loved it.
That said, I didn't enjoy how quickly this book seemed to go by —and by this I mean the literal 'three years later' 'two years later' 'six months later' skips.
A lot of it felt like we were just being vaguely updated about their lives from the sidelines. The time after their first kiss is a 5 months later skip and suddenly they're graduating college and have become best friends.
Then a two year skip at which point we were informed that they'd been together since the draft and were making it work somehow.
I'd have liked to see the growing pains. They say their love declarations 22% in but we don't get to see them fall in love. Which is frustrating because that's kind of why I'm here???
There's something about this author's writing there I always feel like the stories have the BEST premise but something about the execution doesn't quite live up to what I'd hoped for.
I never quite feel a spark. I can never pinpoint exactly what's missing but I know something's missing. This was a better read than the others have been, though.
If you're looking for a green flag MC who grabs life by the balls and makes his own destiny, you'll love Dev.
And part of this is because he gave me major Shane Hollander vibes. The biggest difference is he wasn't a saboteur and was willing to let Dev take the lead.
Dev's a sweetheart and I loved him and I wish he'd fallen in love with someone who had as much fire for him as he had for Brody.
From the jump, Dev takes the lead. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop and for Brody to get his chance to shine and it just never really happens.
But unlike Shane, at least he's not actively hostile to Dev's ideas. I wish this had been a single POV because maybe I'd have liked him more but as it was, he was just the guy on the sidelines waiting to support Dev.
HOWEVER. Having experienced Shane(and never having recovered) I will say that your man being ready to do whatever, whenever? Massively underrated. So I won't hate too much on Brody.
He's alright in my book.
Devlin's the standout star of this one, though. Hands down. Gets to the point where it feels like you've read all the variations of the athletes being worried about their team(s) finding out and waiting with bated breath to discover what will become of them.
Not Dev. That's all I will say on that to avoid spoilers but I rate what he did very highly and I don't know if it's unrealistic but I have no idea why the world class athlete MCs don't do it more often.
Either way, it was a break from the usual. Loved it.
That said, I didn't enjoy how quickly this book seemed to go by —and by this I mean the literal 'three years later' 'two years later' 'six months later' skips.
A lot of it felt like we were just being vaguely updated about their lives from the sidelines. The time after their first kiss is a 5 months later skip and suddenly they're graduating college and have become best friends.
Then a two year skip at which point we were informed that they'd been together since the draft and were making it work somehow.
I'd have liked to see the growing pains. They say their love declarations 22% in but we don't get to see them fall in love. Which is frustrating because that's kind of why I'm here???
There's something about this author's writing there I always feel like the stories have the BEST premise but something about the execution doesn't quite live up to what I'd hoped for.
I never quite feel a spark. I can never pinpoint exactly what's missing but I know something's missing. This was a better read than the others have been, though.
If you're looking for a green flag MC who grabs life by the balls and makes his own destiny, you'll love Dev.
April 21, 2025
This review is a little spoilery… sorry!
A while ago I stopped reading books from this author because I always close the books a bit disappointed. The blurb to this one was so good I applied for the ARC and was very happy to receive it. The book itself was nice. However again it didn’t really live up to my expectations. And to be honest: that wasn’t the author’s fault.
I really really hate homophobia and hate living in a world where it’s such a big part of the story. And I know it’s getting worse in today’s political world. However, I always hope in my books at least we can pretend it’s not so bad. When picking up a book about professional athletes I know I’m at risk for being confronted with lots of negative emotions about this topic. The blurb of this book however somehow gave me the feeling it would be ok. And… it wasn’t 🙄
Brody is a sweet man. We don’t really get into his head, although the book is written partly in his point of view. He has negative feelings about his stepdad, and he’s known he’s gay forever. He tells us all about his feelings but we never get to feel them. Not even when he’s in the hospital waiting for news about the love of his life… And the stepdad thing… I could have done without. I also had the feeling I read the same conversation with his mother about this subject twice. The second time he made a huge deal of telling her about it, and she’s like: I already knew. Unnecessary drama.
Dev is very passionate. He tells us a lot more and I have the feeling I do know him a bit better. His parents are the worst (especially in the hospital). And he’s just a very good person despite of that.
The book spans 15 years. That’s also something I had issues with because it just says: 2 years later. 3 months later. 2 days later. 4 weeks later. 5 years later. And all the feeling development happens between those days, months and years. We don’t see them fall in love, they just tell us. We actually see more character development in Brody talk to his mom than when he’s with Dev.
It’s a good story. And probably realistic in today’s sports culture. And there is a HEA. No problematic break ups or other big unnecessary drama. Just also no real warmth. And some much accepted homophobia 🤮
So three stars.
Thanks to GRR for supplying me with the ARC!
A while ago I stopped reading books from this author because I always close the books a bit disappointed. The blurb to this one was so good I applied for the ARC and was very happy to receive it. The book itself was nice. However again it didn’t really live up to my expectations. And to be honest: that wasn’t the author’s fault.
I really really hate homophobia and hate living in a world where it’s such a big part of the story. And I know it’s getting worse in today’s political world. However, I always hope in my books at least we can pretend it’s not so bad. When picking up a book about professional athletes I know I’m at risk for being confronted with lots of negative emotions about this topic. The blurb of this book however somehow gave me the feeling it would be ok. And… it wasn’t 🙄
Brody is a sweet man. We don’t really get into his head, although the book is written partly in his point of view. He has negative feelings about his stepdad, and he’s known he’s gay forever. He tells us all about his feelings but we never get to feel them. Not even when he’s in the hospital waiting for news about the love of his life… And the stepdad thing… I could have done without. I also had the feeling I read the same conversation with his mother about this subject twice. The second time he made a huge deal of telling her about it, and she’s like: I already knew. Unnecessary drama.
Dev is very passionate. He tells us a lot more and I have the feeling I do know him a bit better. His parents are the worst (especially in the hospital). And he’s just a very good person despite of that.
The book spans 15 years. That’s also something I had issues with because it just says: 2 years later. 3 months later. 2 days later. 4 weeks later. 5 years later. And all the feeling development happens between those days, months and years. We don’t see them fall in love, they just tell us. We actually see more character development in Brody talk to his mom than when he’s with Dev.
It’s a good story. And probably realistic in today’s sports culture. And there is a HEA. No problematic break ups or other big unnecessary drama. Just also no real warmth. And some much accepted homophobia 🤮
So three stars.
Thanks to GRR for supplying me with the ARC!
did-not-finish
May 5, 2025DNF @ 28% - In theory, I don't mind the idea of exploring the later stages of a relationship rather than the beginning. In practice (in this book, anyway), because there was no initial relationship development, I don't feel remotely interested in the characters or invested in their relationship. (In short: I'm so bored.)
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May 1, 2025Make sure you sign up for my newsletter—I'll have a special Dev and Brody short story! Plus I'll be hinting at a future character whose book I'm writing now.
April 29, 2025
When I read the blurb I was like hmm sounds a bit like a footy version of heated rivalry/ the long game by Rachel Reid. I’m game.
There are slight similarities. Brody’s parents own a lakeside cabin. Brody and Dev set up a charity together. They play on the same football team.
Brody , good old southern boy and City Boy Dev have played on the same number-one ranked college football team in the country,and winning the national championship.
‘Four years of desperation. Longing. Wishing I could throw caution to the wind and act on my lust and desire.’
Dev makes his move on Brody and they have a passionate night. The start of their relationship.
Two years later
‘Being with Brody these past two years, taking our stolen moments where we could find them, I’d realized I craved a real life with him.’
A year and a half later
‘For almost four years now, Dev and I had found ways to be together, but it hadn’t been easy. Getting alone time had been virtually impossible—we were in separate cities, and life had only gotten more chaotic, more scheduled. ‘
Three years later
‘Over the years, I’d become more and more dissatisfied with having to hide our relationship, and it sometimes made me angry at the game for stealing my other joy.’
Dev and Brody are on the same team. Some trusted people know about them but they are still mostly a secret. They are waiting til after football to be out and proud.
They secretly get married.
‘Seven years later, and his kisses still excited me as much as that first time he’d surprised me by the firepit after our national championship.’
There are ALOT of time jumps in this book.
They are both tired of hiding their relationship but not ready to retire.
Dev gets into a bad football accident. His ice queen of a mother finds out about the marriage and does not take it well.
Their team wins the SuperBowl.
Lol they really gaslight their douche of a teammate Zeke who’s been onto them over the years but eh he’s not supportive so he deserves it.
Armand and Hayden from book 1 have a cameo.
Five years later
I think it’s been 15 years or so since this book began.
It’s been a journey.
They hold a press conference.
‘Now that the season is over, Dev and I are here today to announce that we’re retiring.”
“The man I love. Brody Martin and I have been together and in love since college. Now we’re ready to start the next chapter of our lives, out and proud.” Shockingly silent as Dev spoke, the room erupted with cameras and shouts from reporters. I winced, but Dev’s eyes twinkled.’
There are slight similarities. Brody’s parents own a lakeside cabin. Brody and Dev set up a charity together. They play on the same football team.
Brody , good old southern boy and City Boy Dev have played on the same number-one ranked college football team in the country,and winning the national championship.
‘Four years of desperation. Longing. Wishing I could throw caution to the wind and act on my lust and desire.’
Dev makes his move on Brody and they have a passionate night. The start of their relationship.
Two years later
‘Being with Brody these past two years, taking our stolen moments where we could find them, I’d realized I craved a real life with him.’
A year and a half later
‘For almost four years now, Dev and I had found ways to be together, but it hadn’t been easy. Getting alone time had been virtually impossible—we were in separate cities, and life had only gotten more chaotic, more scheduled. ‘
Three years later
‘Over the years, I’d become more and more dissatisfied with having to hide our relationship, and it sometimes made me angry at the game for stealing my other joy.’
Dev and Brody are on the same team. Some trusted people know about them but they are still mostly a secret. They are waiting til after football to be out and proud.
They secretly get married.
‘Seven years later, and his kisses still excited me as much as that first time he’d surprised me by the firepit after our national championship.’
There are ALOT of time jumps in this book.
They are both tired of hiding their relationship but not ready to retire.
Dev gets into a bad football accident. His ice queen of a mother finds out about the marriage and does not take it well.
Their team wins the SuperBowl.
Lol they really gaslight their douche of a teammate Zeke who’s been onto them over the years but eh he’s not supportive so he deserves it.
Armand and Hayden from book 1 have a cameo.
Five years later
I think it’s been 15 years or so since this book began.
It’s been a journey.
They hold a press conference.
‘Now that the season is over, Dev and I are here today to announce that we’re retiring.”
“The man I love. Brody Martin and I have been together and in love since college. Now we’re ready to start the next chapter of our lives, out and proud.” Shockingly silent as Dev spoke, the room erupted with cameras and shouts from reporters. I winced, but Dev’s eyes twinkled.’
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2025
This beautiful book had me torn. I loved the way they loved each other. I hated that they had to live in hiding for so many years. On the one hand I loved the love story on the other hand, everything else rubbed me the wrong way and I felt bad for them throughout the entire book. I feel very sorry for people who feel the need that they must go through life like this because of what others think. Love is Love is Love is Love is Love is Love is Love🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈
Thoughts as reading:
At what point did they perpetuate their own misery.
I love that they were 100% together from the start. Their journey was long and difficult which was heart wrenching, this should not be the way. Dev carried the entire relationship, Brody was always the set back.
Also. Dev's parents were so conveniently bad, which in itself isn't a bad thing , although they could have had more book time. The thing for me was that they were written badly. The dialogue and thoughts they conveyed were beginner level villainous without much thought process.
Thoughts as reading:
At what point did they perpetuate their own misery.
I love that they were 100% together from the start. Their journey was long and difficult which was heart wrenching, this should not be the way. Dev carried the entire relationship, Brody was always the set back.
Also. Dev's parents were so conveniently bad, which in itself isn't a bad thing , although they could have had more book time. The thing for me was that they were written badly. The dialogue and thoughts they conveyed were beginner level villainous without much thought process.
May 3, 2025
I enjoyed reading this story. It contains perhaps a little less hurt, angst and despair than the ones I usually read. But nonetheless, the book tackles a very serious subject - the issues faced by athletes from the LGBTQIA+ community. Brody and Dev have been a couple for a long time, yet they can't be open about it because it would jeopardize their careers. I really loved following them on their journey to their happily ever after, to their "End Game". I liked the deep bond between the two, the wonderful intimate moments and also the 🌶️!
Ich habe diese Geschichte gerne gelesen. Sie enthält vielleicht ein bisschen weniger Schmerz, Angst und Verzweiflung als die, die ich normalerweise lese. Aber nichtsdestotrotz nimmt sich das Buch einem sehr ernsten Thema an - die Probleme mit denen Sportlern aus der LGBTQIA+-Community zu kämpfen haben. Brody und Dev sind schon lange ein Paar, können aber nicht offen darüber sprechen, weil es ihre Karriere gefährden würde. Es hat mir wirklich Spaß gemacht, die beiden auf ihrem Weg zum Glück, ihrem "End Game", zu begleiten. Ich mochte die tiefe Bindung zwischen den beiden, die wunderbaren intimen Momente und auch den 🌶️!
Ich habe diese Geschichte gerne gelesen. Sie enthält vielleicht ein bisschen weniger Schmerz, Angst und Verzweiflung als die, die ich normalerweise lese. Aber nichtsdestotrotz nimmt sich das Buch einem sehr ernsten Thema an - die Probleme mit denen Sportlern aus der LGBTQIA+-Community zu kämpfen haben. Brody und Dev sind schon lange ein Paar, können aber nicht offen darüber sprechen, weil es ihre Karriere gefährden würde. Es hat mir wirklich Spaß gemacht, die beiden auf ihrem Weg zum Glück, ihrem "End Game", zu begleiten. Ich mochte die tiefe Bindung zwischen den beiden, die wunderbaren intimen Momente und auch den 🌶️!
May 5, 2025
I’m not sure how to start this review — the story had so much potential, but somewhere along the way, it became a bit too heavy on the drama for my taste. I’m a big fan of MM stories, and I kind of wish the characters had an easier path to their HEA. I understand that the real world isn’t always a great place for the LGBTQIA+ community, and our MCs were a strong representation of how judgmental the world can be.
Now, I want to focus on what I liked about the story. Devlin is an amazing man — he was willing to move heaven and earth for them to be together. I don’t even have words for his parents. Brody was a Southern boy through and through. He loved Devlin but was a bit more reserved about their relationship. I wish everyone had a mom like his.
Overall, this story wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great either. It breaks my heart to say this, but I’m giving it a 3-star rating.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
Now, I want to focus on what I liked about the story. Devlin is an amazing man — he was willing to move heaven and earth for them to be together. I don’t even have words for his parents. Brody was a Southern boy through and through. He loved Devlin but was a bit more reserved about their relationship. I wish everyone had a mom like his.
Overall, this story wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great either. It breaks my heart to say this, but I’m giving it a 3-star rating.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
May 5, 2025
*arc review*
4.5/⭐️
3.5/🌶️
Bailey and Dev were an amazing story that I didn’t know I needed.
Two very in love and very in the closet gay men deal with the sport world and how it can affect their every day lives
This story was a timeline of their love and how they lived it the best they could but dealt with issues I’ve never thought about. The secret they kept from the world but how honest they were with each other. There was no drama with them. No angst. No breakup or insane fighting. There were problems and solutions they were working together to fix. But it was such a healthy relationship and to read that made my heart happy.
Also these boys were spicy with one another and I loved it. Cause it wasn’t just sex but there was passion and love and I swooned with them.
4.5/⭐️
3.5/🌶️
Bailey and Dev were an amazing story that I didn’t know I needed.
Two very in love and very in the closet gay men deal with the sport world and how it can affect their every day lives
This story was a timeline of their love and how they lived it the best they could but dealt with issues I’ve never thought about. The secret they kept from the world but how honest they were with each other. There was no drama with them. No angst. No breakup or insane fighting. There were problems and solutions they were working together to fix. But it was such a healthy relationship and to read that made my heart happy.
Also these boys were spicy with one another and I loved it. Cause it wasn’t just sex but there was passion and love and I swooned with them.
May 5, 2025
3.75⭐️ (rounded up to 4 for GR)
There’s a few things I liked and a few I didn’t. It felt a bit all over for me, time jumps meant we didn’t get to see the relationship develop between the 2 MC which I would’ve thought we would’ve seen.
I did however love the relationship between them, no miscommunication or third act breakup which I’m not a fan of, so I’m glad it didn’t happen in this book.
I’m not a huge fan of MM romance(just personal preference) but I did enjoy this book, would I pick it up again anytime soon? Probably not.
Huge thanks to Happily Booked PR & Felice Stevens for sending me an ARC of this book.
May 6, 2025
I loved Devlin and Brody. Their love and relationship was so heartfelt. They meet in college, both attracted to the other but don't act on it until senior year. Their relationship continues in secret, being professional football players, they cannot risk coming out. They go through many ups and downs.
The book spans 15 years and we see them fight for their relationship and get the end game they envisioned.
The book spans 15 years and we see them fight for their relationship and get the end game they envisioned.
June 27, 2025
I love this trope so much. Established relationship novels are so rare, especially when they are not followed up or they are not started by a sequel or a series. I loved this. I love both the mcs. The depth and their love for each other were clearly shown. Not to mention, they are two athletes and are elite. I loved the book so much.
May 5, 2025
I absolutely love brody and devlin I fell completely in love with them
the story is full of chemistry love intense moments and a few edge of the seat moments
end game was just perfection
the story is full of chemistry love intense moments and a few edge of the seat moments
end game was just perfection
May 28, 2025
It was so refreshing to read a story about a couple in love doing what they need to do to be together no matter what 🩷🩷
May 8, 2025
End Game is a beautifully written story that follows the emotional journey and NFL careers of closeted football players Brody and Dev. At its heart, it’s a touching exploration of love, identity, and perseverance under the unrelenting spotlight of professional sports.
Brody and Dev’s relationship is tender and heartfelt, marked by deep commitment and genuine affection. Their bond faces plenty of challenges, though most stem from the world around them rather than from within the relationship itself. Meeting in college, the two come from vastly different backgrounds: Brody, from rural Georgia, was raised by a loving, supportive mother after the loss of his father. Though his family struggled financially, Brody’s home was rich in love. Dev, on the other hand, comes from a wealthy but emotionally distant family obsessed with image and control. His parents’ coldness stands in stark contrast to the warmth Brody experienced growing up.
Despite their differing upbringings and the external pressures of fame, media, and family expectations, Brody and Dev remain unshakably devoted to each other. Their unwavering love and resilience are what make this story shine. The happy ending (HEA) is incredibly satisfying and well-deserved, wrapping up their journey with the emotional payoff readers will be hoping for.
End Game is a powerful, emotional, and ultimately uplifting read. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy romance with depth, heart, and a look at the challenges athletes face in the spotlight.
Brody and Dev’s relationship is tender and heartfelt, marked by deep commitment and genuine affection. Their bond faces plenty of challenges, though most stem from the world around them rather than from within the relationship itself. Meeting in college, the two come from vastly different backgrounds: Brody, from rural Georgia, was raised by a loving, supportive mother after the loss of his father. Though his family struggled financially, Brody’s home was rich in love. Dev, on the other hand, comes from a wealthy but emotionally distant family obsessed with image and control. His parents’ coldness stands in stark contrast to the warmth Brody experienced growing up.
Despite their differing upbringings and the external pressures of fame, media, and family expectations, Brody and Dev remain unshakably devoted to each other. Their unwavering love and resilience are what make this story shine. The happy ending (HEA) is incredibly satisfying and well-deserved, wrapping up their journey with the emotional payoff readers will be hoping for.
End Game is a powerful, emotional, and ultimately uplifting read. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy romance with depth, heart, and a look at the challenges athletes face in the spotlight.
May 21, 2025
DNF @ 9% Boring, don’t see what the young (early 20) MCs see in each other than abs, hormonally-driven
May 12, 2025
So, I didn’t really like this. Like at all. I felt like there was no plot, there were too many time jumps, I didn’t get attached to the characters or their story.
It had potential but it lacked something.
It was almost like we were anticipating something big happening but it never did.
It had potential but it lacked something.
It was almost like we were anticipating something big happening but it never did.
May 13, 2025
I had the honor of e-arc reading this amazing story full of love, pain, judgement and so much emotion I was a mess. Felice Stevens gave us End Game which is a story about two men who are American superstar football players and are in love. They go through college and then win the championship and have to be drafted to different teams so they have to make the decision to try long distance.
"We're going to make it Brody. As long as we keep our eyes on the prize. And know our end game is to be together."
This book took me through so many emotions because you can actually feel the love these two have for each other and then the parents. Ugh... I hated Dev's parents. They were terrible and you should love your children no matter what and not treat them the way that they treated him. OMG it broke my heart. like I actually cried so have the tissues ready(spoiler alert Sorry!!).
This story had me on the edge of my seat wanting more and I got more with the chemistry you feel with Dev and Brody. Chef's kiss! There were plenty of intense moments and I was never bored, the story flowed nicely and when it ended I wanted to read the next one she puts out there. I absolutely loved her writing style. Not only did I feel transported physically but emotionally as well. This book will wreck you in the best of ways so make sure you have your tissues handy.
It's about the struggle of two men in love over a fifteen year time span so you do get dual POV. If you haven't read this yet what are you doing? It may give you a perspective on life and situations you didn't know existed and that you needed. I knew that people struggled, we all do but you just never know what people are going through under it all. They may look fine but underneath the layers they may be struggling or a mess. Never judge a book by its cover is what we are always told as children and we should continue to live by that as adults. Always love one another.
Make sure to check your Trigger Warnings because your mental health matters. This has been my honest review of End Game by Felice Stevens. I received this e-arc for free and I am voluntarily reviewing it. Thank you Felice Stevens and Happily Booked PR this book was amazing and I can not wait for book 3!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🏈Superstar Football Players
🏈Low Angst
🏈MM
🏈Secret Relationship
🏈College Sweethearts
🏈Supportive Teammates
🏈Spicy
🏈Opposites Attract
🏈Whipped Cream Play
"We're going to make it Brody. As long as we keep our eyes on the prize. And know our end game is to be together."
This book took me through so many emotions because you can actually feel the love these two have for each other and then the parents. Ugh... I hated Dev's parents. They were terrible and you should love your children no matter what and not treat them the way that they treated him. OMG it broke my heart. like I actually cried so have the tissues ready(spoiler alert Sorry!!).
This story had me on the edge of my seat wanting more and I got more with the chemistry you feel with Dev and Brody. Chef's kiss! There were plenty of intense moments and I was never bored, the story flowed nicely and when it ended I wanted to read the next one she puts out there. I absolutely loved her writing style. Not only did I feel transported physically but emotionally as well. This book will wreck you in the best of ways so make sure you have your tissues handy.
It's about the struggle of two men in love over a fifteen year time span so you do get dual POV. If you haven't read this yet what are you doing? It may give you a perspective on life and situations you didn't know existed and that you needed. I knew that people struggled, we all do but you just never know what people are going through under it all. They may look fine but underneath the layers they may be struggling or a mess. Never judge a book by its cover is what we are always told as children and we should continue to live by that as adults. Always love one another.
Make sure to check your Trigger Warnings because your mental health matters. This has been my honest review of End Game by Felice Stevens. I received this e-arc for free and I am voluntarily reviewing it. Thank you Felice Stevens and Happily Booked PR this book was amazing and I can not wait for book 3!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🏈Superstar Football Players
🏈Low Angst
🏈MM
🏈Secret Relationship
🏈College Sweethearts
🏈Supportive Teammates
🏈Spicy
🏈Opposites Attract
🏈Whipped Cream Play
April 20, 2025
End Game is book two in the Brooklyn Kings series and can be read as a standalone (I did read not read the first book beforehand but will definitely check out the upcoming books in the series).
This book made me so so happy!!!!
I loved Brody and Devlin with all my heart and their journey was beautiful.
They are absolute sweethearts, both so kind and caring. I liked how they evened each other, with Brody being more careful compared to Dev’s impulsive decisions. Causing Brody to take fun risks and Dev to stay grounded. Also, Dev’s possessiveness was scorching hot.
I was unsure when I first started this book, because of the time jumps, I was worried it would have a major effect on my feelings toward the book and my connection to the characters. However, I got used to them as they happened throughout the story and ended up really enjoying them.
The plot mainly focused on Brody and Dev’s relationship from the beginning in their late college days to their well-deserved HEA 15 years later! There is also focus on their individual character development like how they overcome/ dealt with their individual struggles and of course, plenty of football!
I need to say this as they annoyed me so much: I extremely disliked Dev parents. They are so dismissive to Dev, it made me want to climb in the book and shout at them.
While this book didn’t blow me away with a complex plot or have me in tears with emotion, it did certainly make me escape and forget about the world outside of Brody and Devlin, making me completely ecstatic.
Anyway, this was such a great MM sports read that I really enjoyed. I will definitely be on the lookout for more of this series (mainly because I want to see this couple again).
This book contains sensitive content such as .
🏈 MM Football Romance
🏆 Two superstar players
😍 Teammates to lovers
🥵 Best friends and lovers
🌆 Small town/ big city
🤫 Hidden relationship
🥂 Secret marriage
❤️🩹 Hurt/ comfort
Plot: 📚📚📚📚
Character rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Feels: 🖤🖤🖤🖤
Writing style: 🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊
This book made me so so happy!!!!
I loved Brody and Devlin with all my heart and their journey was beautiful.
They are absolute sweethearts, both so kind and caring. I liked how they evened each other, with Brody being more careful compared to Dev’s impulsive decisions. Causing Brody to take fun risks and Dev to stay grounded. Also, Dev’s possessiveness was scorching hot.
I was unsure when I first started this book, because of the time jumps, I was worried it would have a major effect on my feelings toward the book and my connection to the characters. However, I got used to them as they happened throughout the story and ended up really enjoying them.
The plot mainly focused on Brody and Dev’s relationship from the beginning in their late college days to their well-deserved HEA 15 years later! There is also focus on their individual character development like how they overcome/ dealt with their individual struggles and of course, plenty of football!
I need to say this as they annoyed me so much: I extremely disliked Dev parents. They are so dismissive to Dev, it made me want to climb in the book and shout at them.
While this book didn’t blow me away with a complex plot or have me in tears with emotion, it did certainly make me escape and forget about the world outside of Brody and Devlin, making me completely ecstatic.
Anyway, this was such a great MM sports read that I really enjoyed. I will definitely be on the lookout for more of this series (mainly because I want to see this couple again).
This book contains sensitive content such as .
🏈 MM Football Romance
🏆 Two superstar players
😍 Teammates to lovers
🥵 Best friends and lovers
🌆 Small town/ big city
🤫 Hidden relationship
🥂 Secret marriage
❤️🩹 Hurt/ comfort
Plot: 📚📚📚📚
Character rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Feels: 🖤🖤🖤🖤
Writing style: 🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊
April 30, 2025
I had the privilege of being given an ARC for this story. Let’s talk about it!
This was a cute sports romance. This definitely felt more different than the others that I’ve read, but it wasn’t a bad different. What made me a little weary was the continuation of having to live “in the closet” and them choosing their careers over their relationship. Don’t get me wrong, I completely understand that this is how some people live, but reading it over the course of the book, it just became a little bit repetitive.
Devlin Summers. This man has a heart of GOLD. He’s such a “go-getter” and I love how his confidence rubbed off on Brody. This is a man that knows what he wants and he goes after it. He’s very much “challenge accepted” and I love it. His backstory with his parents really hurt me and I wish the author would have dove a bit deeper into the “why” and at least made ONE parent care just a bit, but I’m not upset at the outcome. I’m honestly so proud of Dev for everything he overcame and went through, though lonely at times, because in the end, he had his found family and I am a SUCKER for this trope. I loved how he wasn’t afraid to vulnerable and show his softer side with Brody. It was also so cute to see his softer side done in acts of kindness for other people. Dev is just an outgoing, sweet man.
Brody Martin. Our sweet, church going, choir boy, country boy who loves his mama unconditionally. This man also has a heart of GOLD. He sees the world through a different lens and his kindness and thoughtfulness rubbed off of Dev so much. This man always had unconditional love from his mom and he poured that into Dev, ultimately showing him what it’s like to be and feel loved with no conditions. I’m sad that they chose their careers over and over while sneaking around, it hurt me that they even had to do it.
I really wished I could have seen some more of “Dev/Brody” relationship outside of sneaking around. I was really hoping I could get that and really enjoy their relationship without having that looming fear.
Overall, this book wasn’t bad. I enjoyed the two main MC’s and their personalities. I enjoyed the found family and the support they got over the years. I just wish there was less hiding and more actually living their relationship, but that’s a “me” thing.
This was a cute sports romance. This definitely felt more different than the others that I’ve read, but it wasn’t a bad different. What made me a little weary was the continuation of having to live “in the closet” and them choosing their careers over their relationship. Don’t get me wrong, I completely understand that this is how some people live, but reading it over the course of the book, it just became a little bit repetitive.
Devlin Summers. This man has a heart of GOLD. He’s such a “go-getter” and I love how his confidence rubbed off on Brody. This is a man that knows what he wants and he goes after it. He’s very much “challenge accepted” and I love it. His backstory with his parents really hurt me and I wish the author would have dove a bit deeper into the “why” and at least made ONE parent care just a bit, but I’m not upset at the outcome. I’m honestly so proud of Dev for everything he overcame and went through, though lonely at times, because in the end, he had his found family and I am a SUCKER for this trope. I loved how he wasn’t afraid to vulnerable and show his softer side with Brody. It was also so cute to see his softer side done in acts of kindness for other people. Dev is just an outgoing, sweet man.
Brody Martin. Our sweet, church going, choir boy, country boy who loves his mama unconditionally. This man also has a heart of GOLD. He sees the world through a different lens and his kindness and thoughtfulness rubbed off of Dev so much. This man always had unconditional love from his mom and he poured that into Dev, ultimately showing him what it’s like to be and feel loved with no conditions. I’m sad that they chose their careers over and over while sneaking around, it hurt me that they even had to do it.
I really wished I could have seen some more of “Dev/Brody” relationship outside of sneaking around. I was really hoping I could get that and really enjoy their relationship without having that looming fear.
Overall, this book wasn’t bad. I enjoyed the two main MC’s and their personalities. I enjoyed the found family and the support they got over the years. I just wish there was less hiding and more actually living their relationship, but that’s a “me” thing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2025
"I’m ready to throw the ultimate touchdown and win the Super Bowl of life with you." 🏈
I was completely drawn into the world of Dev and Brody in this book. Their journey, the push and pull, the vulnerability they eventually shared – it all felt so real and compelling. I genuinely enjoyed watching their relationship unfold, brick by painstaking brick. There was a certain tenderness and raw honesty in their interactions that truly resonated with me. The narrative Felice Stevens crafted was undeniably powerful. Beyond the central romance, the book bravely tackled some incredibly important and, frankly, infuriating issues surrounding gay men in professional sports. It ignited a real fire in my belly to see the fear these characters faced about coming out whilst still actively playing. It’s 2025, for goodness sake, and the fact that these struggles still exist is just appalling. Felice Stevens handled these themes with sensitivity and a clear passion, making the story so much more than just a love story; it felt like a call for change, a mirror held up to society.
However, and this is where my feelings become a tad more nuanced, I have to address the structure of the book. The time jumps… oh, the time jumps! They were quite something. I found myself constantly trying to piece together the timeline. One minute we were in the thick of one period, and the next we were suddenly months or even years down the line. It honestly threw me off balance quite a few times and, if I'm being completely honest, I did lose track of the overall chronology. It felt a bit like trying to follow a conversation where someone keeps skipping ahead – you get the gist, but the finer details become hazy.
So, while the time-hopping did impact my overall enjoyment and clarity, the sheer heart and important message of End Game cannot be dismissed. It’s a testament to the power of love and the urgent need for acceptance in all areas of life. Perhaps a slightly more linear approach would have elevated it for me, but the impact of Dev and Brody’s journey, and the issues Felice Stevens so bravely brought to the forefront, is undeniable. It’s a book with a powerful punch, even if the delivery felt a little disjointed at times.
I was completely drawn into the world of Dev and Brody in this book. Their journey, the push and pull, the vulnerability they eventually shared – it all felt so real and compelling. I genuinely enjoyed watching their relationship unfold, brick by painstaking brick. There was a certain tenderness and raw honesty in their interactions that truly resonated with me. The narrative Felice Stevens crafted was undeniably powerful. Beyond the central romance, the book bravely tackled some incredibly important and, frankly, infuriating issues surrounding gay men in professional sports. It ignited a real fire in my belly to see the fear these characters faced about coming out whilst still actively playing. It’s 2025, for goodness sake, and the fact that these struggles still exist is just appalling. Felice Stevens handled these themes with sensitivity and a clear passion, making the story so much more than just a love story; it felt like a call for change, a mirror held up to society.
However, and this is where my feelings become a tad more nuanced, I have to address the structure of the book. The time jumps… oh, the time jumps! They were quite something. I found myself constantly trying to piece together the timeline. One minute we were in the thick of one period, and the next we were suddenly months or even years down the line. It honestly threw me off balance quite a few times and, if I'm being completely honest, I did lose track of the overall chronology. It felt a bit like trying to follow a conversation where someone keeps skipping ahead – you get the gist, but the finer details become hazy.
So, while the time-hopping did impact my overall enjoyment and clarity, the sheer heart and important message of End Game cannot be dismissed. It’s a testament to the power of love and the urgent need for acceptance in all areas of life. Perhaps a slightly more linear approach would have elevated it for me, but the impact of Dev and Brody’s journey, and the issues Felice Stevens so bravely brought to the forefront, is undeniable. It’s a book with a powerful punch, even if the delivery felt a little disjointed at times.
November 23, 2025
Devlin Summers und Brody Martin sind erfolgreiche Profi-Sportler und stehen bei den Brooklyn Kings unter Vertrag. Und sie stehen damit auch im Rampenlicht. Man sollte glauben, dass kein Aspekt ihres Leben versteckt werden kann. Und doch schaffen es die beiden Männer ihre Beziehung über Jahre geheim zu halten. Seit dem Ende ihrer Collegezeit sind sie zusammen und haben es am Ende geschafft - nach einigen Jahren der räumlichen Trennung - zusammen bei den Kings zu spielen.
Jedoch können sie nicht offen zusammenleben und natürlich müssen sie für die Öffentlichkeit, aber auch das Team schauspielern. Football ist eine sehr aggressive Sportart und Dev, als auch Brody können es sich nicht leisten als schwach zu erscheinen. Die Öffentlichkeit, Medien und Fans wären unerbittlich. Und auch vor Homophobie im eigenen Team sind sie nicht geschützt; Teamgeist hin oder her.
Teil zwei der Brooklyn Kings ist ein sehr interessantes Buch; eine spannende Geschichte. Sie hat mich schnell in ihren Bann gezogen und ich mochte die Helden von Anfang an. Obwohl Devlin etwas dominanter und selbstbewusster daherkommt, hat Brody für mich eine sehr beeindruckende Stärke und stille Präsenz gezeigt. Sie sind sehr unterschiedlich und auch ihre Herkunft unterscheidet sich fundamental. Während Devlin aus einem sehr gebildeten und reichen Elternhaus kommt, musste Brodys Mutter um ihre Existenz kämpfen.
Jedoch ist Reichtum nicht alles und Devlins Verhältnis zu seinen Eltern war immer schon angespannt. Im Laufe der Geschichte vertiefen sich die Gräben und erreichen einen hässlichen Höhepunkt, als Devlin bei einem Spiel schwer verletzt wird. Brody hingegen hadert mit der Tatsache, sich mit seinem Stiefvater niemals ausgesöhnt zu haben und erkennt erst nach dessen Tod was der Mann für ihn und seine Mutter getan hat.
Obwohl die Geschichte nun realistisch ist oder nicht - das bleibt dahin gestellt. Aber sie war wunderschön geschrieben und die Helden sind eben auch nur Menschen mit Stärken und Schwächen. Aber sie stellen sich allen Herausforderungen und beweisen sehr viel Stärke und Charakterstärke. Tolles Buch!
Jedoch können sie nicht offen zusammenleben und natürlich müssen sie für die Öffentlichkeit, aber auch das Team schauspielern. Football ist eine sehr aggressive Sportart und Dev, als auch Brody können es sich nicht leisten als schwach zu erscheinen. Die Öffentlichkeit, Medien und Fans wären unerbittlich. Und auch vor Homophobie im eigenen Team sind sie nicht geschützt; Teamgeist hin oder her.
Teil zwei der Brooklyn Kings ist ein sehr interessantes Buch; eine spannende Geschichte. Sie hat mich schnell in ihren Bann gezogen und ich mochte die Helden von Anfang an. Obwohl Devlin etwas dominanter und selbstbewusster daherkommt, hat Brody für mich eine sehr beeindruckende Stärke und stille Präsenz gezeigt. Sie sind sehr unterschiedlich und auch ihre Herkunft unterscheidet sich fundamental. Während Devlin aus einem sehr gebildeten und reichen Elternhaus kommt, musste Brodys Mutter um ihre Existenz kämpfen.
Jedoch ist Reichtum nicht alles und Devlins Verhältnis zu seinen Eltern war immer schon angespannt. Im Laufe der Geschichte vertiefen sich die Gräben und erreichen einen hässlichen Höhepunkt, als Devlin bei einem Spiel schwer verletzt wird. Brody hingegen hadert mit der Tatsache, sich mit seinem Stiefvater niemals ausgesöhnt zu haben und erkennt erst nach dessen Tod was der Mann für ihn und seine Mutter getan hat.
Obwohl die Geschichte nun realistisch ist oder nicht - das bleibt dahin gestellt. Aber sie war wunderschön geschrieben und die Helden sind eben auch nur Menschen mit Stärken und Schwächen. Aber sie stellen sich allen Herausforderungen und beweisen sehr viel Stärke und Charakterstärke. Tolles Buch!
May 3, 2025
MY OPINION: Ugh, this book. So good, but nearly killed me. This entire story caused me to have a weird feeling in my chest because I hurt so bad for these characters and the situation they were in generally sucked but made for a wonderful book.
These two come together very early in the book, and their need and desire to be a couple are very evident from the start. This is a love story for sure, with a few bumps along the way. This is a book about being in love but not having the freedom to be with each other. These men loved each other completely, but because of society and the sport they played, they couldn’t have their career and their relationship. Football was still homophobic, and this forced them to hide for fifteen years.
You walk through their story, them figuring out how to be a couple, without people knowing. They would have to be seen with women, or make excuses not to. It hurt to know they couldn’t be open, they couldn’t show anything that might even imply there was more between them. It’s a wonderful romance between guys who want it all but can’t have it. They sacrifice their hearts to play the game they love, and are very successful in their careers. They’re always there for each other, though, a place for them to heal. They share with the very closest of family, and until the end, they hold fast. It’s a great story, heartbreaking in all the best ways, and it ends with an HEA, but it was hard to get there, and there was nothing I wanted more for them.
There isn’t a lot of interaction with the first couple in the series. And the homophobia was rough, but it was a great story with great guys. Some wonderful friends who know and support them. Definitely some spicy moments that let your heart settle because they are together. Read this story, it’s not necessary to read book one, this isn’t a long story about falling, it’s about two men who adore each other and figure out how to make it work.
These two come together very early in the book, and their need and desire to be a couple are very evident from the start. This is a love story for sure, with a few bumps along the way. This is a book about being in love but not having the freedom to be with each other. These men loved each other completely, but because of society and the sport they played, they couldn’t have their career and their relationship. Football was still homophobic, and this forced them to hide for fifteen years.
You walk through their story, them figuring out how to be a couple, without people knowing. They would have to be seen with women, or make excuses not to. It hurt to know they couldn’t be open, they couldn’t show anything that might even imply there was more between them. It’s a wonderful romance between guys who want it all but can’t have it. They sacrifice their hearts to play the game they love, and are very successful in their careers. They’re always there for each other, though, a place for them to heal. They share with the very closest of family, and until the end, they hold fast. It’s a great story, heartbreaking in all the best ways, and it ends with an HEA, but it was hard to get there, and there was nothing I wanted more for them.
There isn’t a lot of interaction with the first couple in the series. And the homophobia was rough, but it was a great story with great guys. Some wonderful friends who know and support them. Definitely some spicy moments that let your heart settle because they are together. Read this story, it’s not necessary to read book one, this isn’t a long story about falling, it’s about two men who adore each other and figure out how to make it work.
May 11, 2025
Brody and Dev's story was a captivating and heartfelt journey spanning several of both men's personal and professional milestones throughout the years. From their wide-eyed wonder as college football players on the precipice of promising NFL careers through the trials of being separated by half the country, Dev and Brody stepped me through the evolution of their lives and their romantic relationship in a way that kept me effortlessly invested in their end game. I felt like I got to know both these men inside and out -- their relationships with their parents, their kind and generous hearts, their dedication to giving back to their community, and their drive to be the best football players of their generation. Yes, most of this book involved Brody and Dev having to hide their relationship from the public, but it was impossible not to be moved by the deep love they had for one another and the way it endured through all sorts of life's challenges. At times I did wish that this book had dwelled longer in the intermediate stages of Dev and Brody's lives to dig a little deeper into their mid-career character development, but these two had over a decade of loving each other and playing the game they both loved so I understand why the time skips were set up the way they were. I thought the overall story maintained continuity well, and it was incredibly satisfying to see Dev and Brody stand by each other through multiple stages of life. I fell head over heels for their love, and seeing the way they lifted each other up and grew stronger with time only made me more thrilled by the outcome of the story. This book went deep in a way I wasn't expecting but was a genuine joy to experience, and I thought Felice Stevens did these men right from start to finish.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
May 12, 2025
I was doing SOOO good at not requesting too many ARCs and getting overwhelmed and reading them at the very last minute..and here we are. Here's "End Game" by Felice Stevens. It's the second novel in her Brooklyn Kings series.
["In a world where winning is everything, without each other, it means nothing.
The first time I see Brody “Blink” Martin in the locker room, I fall hard.
Big blue eyes, ripped abs…let’s just say there’s a reason the position is called tight end.
But I’m Devlin “Devil” Summers—star quarterback, ladies’ man…and closeted.
So I look but don’t touch.
With the National Championship ours, I take a chance and kiss him.
And when he kisses me back, I’m winning for the second time that night.
From that moment on, we know we’re meant to be together.
Different teams and schedules can’t keep us apart.
Ten years later, we’re both playing for the Brooklyn Kings.
Super Bowl champions.
More in love than ever.
Still hiding who we are.
Then I’m forced to make the decision of a lifetime:
Football or love.
My end game is both."]
It took me a while to start this book. I don't loooove the Sport Or Love aspect of many sports romances; it always comes with so much angst and a good deal of homophobia (and general hate).
But this story was soooo heavy on their relationship, on their love, on the life they were building together. It softened the edge of the angst. That doesn't mean it was easy. There was always toxic people or new contracts or a little sliver of doubt. But they were each other's end game.
Trigger Warnings: homophobia, toxic masculinity in sports, toxic parents, sports injuries, and more.
#grr #arc #arcteammember
#badidea #endgame #falsestart #felicestevens #brooklynkings #brooklynkingsseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["In a world where winning is everything, without each other, it means nothing.
The first time I see Brody “Blink” Martin in the locker room, I fall hard.
Big blue eyes, ripped abs…let’s just say there’s a reason the position is called tight end.
But I’m Devlin “Devil” Summers—star quarterback, ladies’ man…and closeted.
So I look but don’t touch.
With the National Championship ours, I take a chance and kiss him.
And when he kisses me back, I’m winning for the second time that night.
From that moment on, we know we’re meant to be together.
Different teams and schedules can’t keep us apart.
Ten years later, we’re both playing for the Brooklyn Kings.
Super Bowl champions.
More in love than ever.
Still hiding who we are.
Then I’m forced to make the decision of a lifetime:
Football or love.
My end game is both."]
It took me a while to start this book. I don't loooove the Sport Or Love aspect of many sports romances; it always comes with so much angst and a good deal of homophobia (and general hate).
But this story was soooo heavy on their relationship, on their love, on the life they were building together. It softened the edge of the angst. That doesn't mean it was easy. There was always toxic people or new contracts or a little sliver of doubt. But they were each other's end game.
Trigger Warnings: homophobia, toxic masculinity in sports, toxic parents, sports injuries, and more.
#grr #arc #arcteammember
#badidea #endgame #falsestart #felicestevens #brooklynkings #brooklynkingsseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
May 6, 2025
End Game by Felice Stevens left me with mixed feelings. I really appreciated the structure of the story—this isn’t your typical slow-burn or enemies-to-lovers romance. Brody and Dev are already together from the start, and the heart of the book is about how to stay together when the world says you shouldn’t. The portrayal of stigma in professional football and the challenges of being in a same-sex relationship in that hyper-masculine world felt raw and real. It was powerful and refreshing to see such themes explored so directly.
The story spans 15 years, which is ambitious, but the frequent time jumps made it hard to stay emotionally grounded. Important moments are often told rather than shown, and I found myself feeling disoriented at times, wondering what had happened in the gaps. While I enjoyed the journey, I finished the book with the sense that I’d missed something essential along the way.
The dual POV helps, especially since Dev and Brody have such different personalities. Dev felt like the more dynamic character—he drives the plot, takes action, and evolves. Brody, while likable, felt more like a passive observer—a quieter presence who didn’t resonate as deeply for me.
There’s also a good amount of spice in the middle of the book. Sometimes it deepens the emotional connection between the characters, but at other times, it seems to fill the space left by the fragmented plot structure.
Overall, this is a thoughtful and bold story with strong themes and moments of emotional impact, but the narrative style kept me at arm’s length. It didn’t fully land for me emotionally. I’d give it 3.5 stars—rounded up for the strength of the themes and the author’s intent.
The story spans 15 years, which is ambitious, but the frequent time jumps made it hard to stay emotionally grounded. Important moments are often told rather than shown, and I found myself feeling disoriented at times, wondering what had happened in the gaps. While I enjoyed the journey, I finished the book with the sense that I’d missed something essential along the way.
The dual POV helps, especially since Dev and Brody have such different personalities. Dev felt like the more dynamic character—he drives the plot, takes action, and evolves. Brody, while likable, felt more like a passive observer—a quieter presence who didn’t resonate as deeply for me.
There’s also a good amount of spice in the middle of the book. Sometimes it deepens the emotional connection between the characters, but at other times, it seems to fill the space left by the fragmented plot structure.
Overall, this is a thoughtful and bold story with strong themes and moments of emotional impact, but the narrative style kept me at arm’s length. It didn’t fully land for me emotionally. I’d give it 3.5 stars—rounded up for the strength of the themes and the author’s intent.
May 7, 2025
AN ESTABLISHED COUPLE ROMANCE NOVEL!💕🏈
The second book of the Brooklyn King series deals with our star quarterback Devlin “Devil” Summers and his “ best friend “ tight end Brody “Blink” Martin…
Their love story spans 15 years with them starting off as college footballers who both have a four year crush on each other who fall hard after their Orange Bowl win before they are signed to their respective NFL teams and depicts their life apart in different States and together in stolen moments 😈 and off seasons throughout the years until they both finally end up playing for the Brooklyn Kings thanks to Devlin and their agent Ezra Green…
It is not easy being gay in a manly sport like football 🏈 and being in the closet for more than a decade until it feels like it’s smothering you with the end game in sight is harrowing, but luckily you have support , open communication and love from your partner and closest friends and teammates!
This is their playbook of their 15 years together and how they persevered through homophobia, parental neglect, distance, fear of being separated, life changing injuries and finding that unique, beautiful once in a lifetime love that no one can put asunder!
I can understand that this book would have been very long and tedious if we had to live through all their 15 years together play by play which could really drag a story down, therefore the time jumps…
We see glimpses of owner Armand and his assistant/ boyfriend Hayden - swoon and new characters…
I am dying to know who the next player is but I do have an inkling of who it might be…🤔
I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for an honest non biased review.
The second book of the Brooklyn King series deals with our star quarterback Devlin “Devil” Summers and his “ best friend “ tight end Brody “Blink” Martin…
Their love story spans 15 years with them starting off as college footballers who both have a four year crush on each other who fall hard after their Orange Bowl win before they are signed to their respective NFL teams and depicts their life apart in different States and together in stolen moments 😈 and off seasons throughout the years until they both finally end up playing for the Brooklyn Kings thanks to Devlin and their agent Ezra Green…
It is not easy being gay in a manly sport like football 🏈 and being in the closet for more than a decade until it feels like it’s smothering you with the end game in sight is harrowing, but luckily you have support , open communication and love from your partner and closest friends and teammates!
This is their playbook of their 15 years together and how they persevered through homophobia, parental neglect, distance, fear of being separated, life changing injuries and finding that unique, beautiful once in a lifetime love that no one can put asunder!
I can understand that this book would have been very long and tedious if we had to live through all their 15 years together play by play which could really drag a story down, therefore the time jumps…
We see glimpses of owner Armand and his assistant/ boyfriend Hayden - swoon and new characters…
I am dying to know who the next player is but I do have an inkling of who it might be…🤔
I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for an honest non biased review.
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