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Long Pass Chronicles #2
Canning the Center
A Novel in the Long Pass Chronicles
Six foot seven inch, 300 pound Jamal Jones loves football, so when he finds out the ultra-conservative owner of his new pro football team fired their current center because he’s gay, bisexual Jamal decides to stay in the closet and hang with the females. Then, at a small drag show, he comes face-to-face with his sexual fantasy in the form of Trixie LaRue, a drag queen so exquisitely convincing she scrambles Jamal’s hormones—and his resolve to nurse his straight side.
Trevor Landry, aka Trixie LaRue, hides more than his genitals. A mathematician so brilliant he can’t be measured, Trevor disguises his astronomical IQ and his quirk for women’s clothes behind his act as a gay activist undergrad at Southern California University.
To Trevor, Jamal is the answer to a dream—a man who can love and accept both his personas. When he discovers Jamal’s future is threatened if he’s seen with a guy, Trevor becomes Trixie to let Jamal pass as straight. But Trevor risks his position every time he puts on a dress. Is there a closet big enough to hold a football pro and a drag queen?
Six foot seven inch, 300 pound Jamal Jones loves football, so when he finds out the ultra-conservative owner of his new pro football team fired their current center because he’s gay, bisexual Jamal decides to stay in the closet and hang with the females. Then, at a small drag show, he comes face-to-face with his sexual fantasy in the form of Trixie LaRue, a drag queen so exquisitely convincing she scrambles Jamal’s hormones—and his resolve to nurse his straight side.
Trevor Landry, aka Trixie LaRue, hides more than his genitals. A mathematician so brilliant he can’t be measured, Trevor disguises his astronomical IQ and his quirk for women’s clothes behind his act as a gay activist undergrad at Southern California University.
To Trevor, Jamal is the answer to a dream—a man who can love and accept both his personas. When he discovers Jamal’s future is threatened if he’s seen with a guy, Trevor becomes Trixie to let Jamal pass as straight. But Trevor risks his position every time he puts on a dress. Is there a closet big enough to hold a football pro and a drag queen?
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 17, 2014
48 people are currently reading
553 people want to read
About the author
Tara Lain
97 books1,387 followersTara Lain believes in happy ever afters - and magic. Same thing. In fact, she says, she doesn't believe, she knows. Tara shares this passion in her stories that star her unique, charismatic heroes and adventurous heroines. Quarterbacks and cops, werewolves and witches, blue collar or billionaires, Tara's characters, readers say, love deeply, resolve seemingly insurmountable differences, and ultimately live their lives authentically. After many years living in southern California, Tara, her soulmate honey and her soulmate dog decided they wanted less cars and more trees, prompting a move to Ashland, Oregon where Tara's creating new stories and loving living in a small town with big culture. Likely a Gryffindor or maybe a Ravensclaw but possessed of Parseltongue, Tara loves animals of all kinds, diversity, open minds, coconut crunch ice cream from Zoeys, and her readers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
December 30, 2014
4-4.5 STARS
“Canning the Center” is a lovely story about friendship and love, loyalty and honesty and accepting who you really are.
We meet both main characters in the first book in the series, Jamal as Will’s friend and Trevor as Trixie, the drag queen who was manipulated in ruining Will’s future. This is not a sequel, so you can read it as a standalone.
Jamal’s dream was always to be a professional football player. He’s bisexual, but he knows not everyone will accept this like his family. When he finds out one of his team mates was fired because he is gay, because the owner is a conservative prick, he decides to stay in the closet and fallow his dream, even if he knows this is not the smart decision.
Trevor/ Trixie has a shitty past. With a father who rejected and never understood him, he suffered a lot. His brother is worse, rejecting him and trying to intimidate him. Both men told him since he was just a kid he’s a freak, so he doesn’t trust easily. His mother was the only supportive figure, especially when it comes to his sexuality and his only friend, but not anymore, because she has Alzheimer. Trevor succeeded on his own. He was able to receive a full scholarship because he's a genius. He plays many instruments and he studies mathematics, being even smarter than his professors. Trevor became Trixie because he loves singing. He performs as Trixie, a popular drag queen in a local bar, but nobody knows that because he’s ashamed by this side of him. He doesn’t want to be rejected again, so he lies his friends about who he really is.
Jamal and Trixie meet when Jamal and his two friends are in the bar when Trixie performs. Jamal is attracted to Trixie immediately. He loves her voice and her angel face, not knowing at first if she’s really a woman or a man. But he doesn’t care, not when Trixie is the most beautiful person he’d ever seen. Trevor/Trixie likes Jamal, of course, but he doesn’t need any complication. At first he wants nothing to do with Jamal, until one night, when Trixie decides to take a chance on the gorgeous big guy. Jamal tells Trevor what’s going on in his life and that he can’t come out at the moment, so Trevor accepts to date him as Trixie.
Things get complicated for them when Jamal finds out Trevor is in charge of “You Came Out for Us” campaign, when one of Jamal’s team mates sister tries to ruin their lives and their relationship and when the management of Jamal’s team finds out about his sexuality and about who Trixie really is.
I really liked this one! In my opinion was better than the first book in the series.
Both Jamal and Trevor were great and both were great developed. They were very likeable the entire time and I really felt for them. I loved how supportive Jamal was with Trevor and how he accepted both Trevor’s sides. He loves Trevor and he loves Trixie. He’s an honest guy, at first maybe not, but when he decides that his morals are more important than anything, he is ready to do something. He’s a great friend and son and I loved his relationship with them and how at some point he wants to sacrifice himself for them.
Trevor/Trixie is sweet and sensible and he was such an endearing character. He never accepted who he really is. He didn’t truly accepted how smart he is or that he liked to wear women’s clothes, not entirely, but Jamal with change that and everything else for him. He is a good guy, he helps other and takes care of his mother, even if he’s not the one who pays for her treatment. He gives her what is more important, love. I enjoyed how in the end, Trevor is a changed guy. He accepts who he really is – a genius who occasionally loves to wear women clothes. With Jamal's love and acceptance, he is more confident, he learns to trust himself and others. The fact that he wasn’t completely honest with Jamal didn’t bother me, because I really understood why he did it.
The sex scenes are great and I loved the sweet moments between them, even if at times were a little cheesy. I expected Trevor’s lines to be like that, but not Jamal’s. However I enjoyed all their moments together. Their chemistry is fantastic from the beginning and I liked that it wasn’t insta-lust or inst-love. If there was some insta-lust, I didn’t see it, because there was more than lust for both Jamal and Trevor from the beginning.
Jamal’s family was so great. They are supportive and accepting and not only with Jamal, with Trevor as well. I also liked some of his Jamal’s team mates and how accepting they were with both Jamal and Trevor/Trixie.
Overall, “Canning the Center” was a great read with a solid plot, engaging storyline and endearing characters!
“Canning the Center” is a lovely story about friendship and love, loyalty and honesty and accepting who you really are.
We meet both main characters in the first book in the series, Jamal as Will’s friend and Trevor as Trixie, the drag queen who was manipulated in ruining Will’s future. This is not a sequel, so you can read it as a standalone.
Jamal’s dream was always to be a professional football player. He’s bisexual, but he knows not everyone will accept this like his family. When he finds out one of his team mates was fired because he is gay, because the owner is a conservative prick, he decides to stay in the closet and fallow his dream, even if he knows this is not the smart decision.
Trevor/ Trixie has a shitty past. With a father who rejected and never understood him, he suffered a lot. His brother is worse, rejecting him and trying to intimidate him. Both men told him since he was just a kid he’s a freak, so he doesn’t trust easily. His mother was the only supportive figure, especially when it comes to his sexuality and his only friend, but not anymore, because she has Alzheimer. Trevor succeeded on his own. He was able to receive a full scholarship because he's a genius. He plays many instruments and he studies mathematics, being even smarter than his professors. Trevor became Trixie because he loves singing. He performs as Trixie, a popular drag queen in a local bar, but nobody knows that because he’s ashamed by this side of him. He doesn’t want to be rejected again, so he lies his friends about who he really is.
Jamal and Trixie meet when Jamal and his two friends are in the bar when Trixie performs. Jamal is attracted to Trixie immediately. He loves her voice and her angel face, not knowing at first if she’s really a woman or a man. But he doesn’t care, not when Trixie is the most beautiful person he’d ever seen. Trevor/Trixie likes Jamal, of course, but he doesn’t need any complication. At first he wants nothing to do with Jamal, until one night, when Trixie decides to take a chance on the gorgeous big guy. Jamal tells Trevor what’s going on in his life and that he can’t come out at the moment, so Trevor accepts to date him as Trixie.
Things get complicated for them when Jamal finds out Trevor is in charge of “You Came Out for Us” campaign, when one of Jamal’s team mates sister tries to ruin their lives and their relationship and when the management of Jamal’s team finds out about his sexuality and about who Trixie really is.
I really liked this one! In my opinion was better than the first book in the series.
Both Jamal and Trevor were great and both were great developed. They were very likeable the entire time and I really felt for them. I loved how supportive Jamal was with Trevor and how he accepted both Trevor’s sides. He loves Trevor and he loves Trixie. He’s an honest guy, at first maybe not, but when he decides that his morals are more important than anything, he is ready to do something. He’s a great friend and son and I loved his relationship with them and how at some point he wants to sacrifice himself for them.
Trevor/Trixie is sweet and sensible and he was such an endearing character. He never accepted who he really is. He didn’t truly accepted how smart he is or that he liked to wear women’s clothes, not entirely, but Jamal with change that and everything else for him. He is a good guy, he helps other and takes care of his mother, even if he’s not the one who pays for her treatment. He gives her what is more important, love. I enjoyed how in the end, Trevor is a changed guy. He accepts who he really is – a genius who occasionally loves to wear women clothes. With Jamal's love and acceptance, he is more confident, he learns to trust himself and others. The fact that he wasn’t completely honest with Jamal didn’t bother me, because I really understood why he did it.
The sex scenes are great and I loved the sweet moments between them, even if at times were a little cheesy. I expected Trevor’s lines to be like that, but not Jamal’s. However I enjoyed all their moments together. Their chemistry is fantastic from the beginning and I liked that it wasn’t insta-lust or inst-love. If there was some insta-lust, I didn’t see it, because there was more than lust for both Jamal and Trevor from the beginning.
Jamal’s family was so great. They are supportive and accepting and not only with Jamal, with Trevor as well. I also liked some of his Jamal’s team mates and how accepting they were with both Jamal and Trevor/Trixie.
Overall, “Canning the Center” was a great read with a solid plot, engaging storyline and endearing characters!
cup-full-of-hell-no
May 25, 2015Can authors PLEASE, for the love of maple bacon cupcakes stop naming their Black male characters Jamal, Leroy, Darquan or whatever "ethnic sounding" name in their limited vocabulary? We DO have Black men named Steve, John, Robert, Michael and Kevin (and some of them are actually FOOTBALL PLAYERS). Really, it's okay to name a Black hero like you'd name a White one.
I really wanted to read this (and I still might though I'll grit my teeth), but the stereotypical name fail just ruins what sounds like a wonderful story. Not to mention I really want to support more PoC in M/M romance, but not when authors pull this kind of outdated, backwards ish.
I really wanted to read this (and I still might though I'll grit my teeth), but the stereotypical name fail just ruins what sounds like a wonderful story. Not to mention I really want to support more PoC in M/M romance, but not when authors pull this kind of outdated, backwards ish.
September 1, 2016
So much to say about this one! I have to just start spewing things out before I forget!
I want to talk about the narration of the audiobook first because I think that that was key to my overall feeling/rating for the book. This was a very difficult book to narrate, both because of the range of voices required and how much they needed to differ in tone. John-Paul Barrel did a very nice job differentiating between voices. In fact, I was really impressed how he managed to go from the super deep voice of six foot seven inch, 300 pound Jamal Jones to the higher register of Trixie LaRue. This narrator tried soooo hard to get it right! I want to really applaud him on his effort.
However, though his range of voices was really good, I didn't really like his cadence. The narration was very choppy feelings with lots of pauses and hesitations. It didn't sound like normal conversation, more like someone trying to read a book, if that makes sense. I like when my audiobooks sound more fluid and less forced. I think I would listen to this narrator again, if only to see if the way he narrated was due to the difficulty of this particular book or if that is his style.
In terms of content, I partly loved the story, partly hated it. I love the theme of closeted jock and more femme guy, so based on that alone I was biased towards it. I liked how Jamal fell for Trixie and Trevor, and how supportive Jamal's family was. It was a sweet story, and I was rooting for all the MCs. I also didn't mind Jamal being in the closet because I really understood his POV.
But some of the parts of the story just irked me. I HATED the character of Lavinda, who was the typical EVIL (with horns!) female character. It was sooooo not what would happen in real life. Girl was legit insane, and I had no idea why anyone humored her.
I also HATE when author's use a BIG MISUNDERSTANDING as a plot point. Just NO. It is one of those things that makes me want to bash my head on a wall. That coupled with the "I'm breaking up with you because I know what's best for you/I don't want to communicate" is just the worst.
This book also had a lot of plot points that sort of trail off into nowhere's land. Some peter out, but others feel like ideas that the author just threw in there but didn't fully flesh out. Things like Trevor's family and Jamal's teammates could have used more depth.
Overall, I enjoyed this book but recognized its flaws.
But that cover tho... me likey.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
September 1, 2016
3,75 ⭐️ It was a entertaining read. Sometimes I little chaotic. It would had be nice if there were more space between chapters. It was somewhat confusing.
Trevor/Trixie a sweet and high math intelligent drag queen. And there is Jamal so sweet and endearing giant with a poetic heart.
When he sees Trixie performing it's BAM. Jamal had made the decision to come out to his football team. But then his teammate gets dismissed when he told the coach that he was gay. Jamal decided not to say anything about him being bi.
But the more Trevor and Jamal connect the more he wants to out.
There are some dirty things happening in both Trevor private life and Jamal's sports life. With all the shit going on Jamal retreats from Trevor.
Besides the somewhat chaotic writing and the lack of space between the chapters it was a nice entertaining read.
Trevor/Trixie a sweet and high math intelligent drag queen. And there is Jamal so sweet and endearing giant with a poetic heart.
When he sees Trixie performing it's BAM. Jamal had made the decision to come out to his football team. But then his teammate gets dismissed when he told the coach that he was gay. Jamal decided not to say anything about him being bi.
But the more Trevor and Jamal connect the more he wants to out.
There are some dirty things happening in both Trevor private life and Jamal's sports life. With all the shit going on Jamal retreats from Trevor.
Besides the somewhat chaotic writing and the lack of space between the chapters it was a nice entertaining read.
December 23, 2014
I was able to beta this story and I loved it. I love all of Tara's work for her quirky sense of humor and way with steamy scenes. As usual, this is a fun and sexy story that nevertheless has some serious dollops of angst and deeper meaning. Recommended.
January 3, 2015
That was lovely.Really interesting and engaging.Maybe because i have a soft spot for crossdressers:) The first of the series i didn't like so much but this one...yeah.And what an epilogue ,people!I cried my eyes out!
January 2, 2016
A story about a hot football star falling for a gorgeous cross-dressing genius? Oh, hell yeah. I. Am. Riveted.
Add tons of humor and sexiness with the delightful narration of John-Paul Barrel...and you have one happy girl here.
I really enjoyed John-Paul's narration. There were a couple of breathy points and some editing drops, but they go by quickly and don't make a great many appearances, certainly not enough to diminish the enjoyment of the story.
Unfortunately my Big Pet Peeve "Miscommunication" makes an unwanted appearance:
Thankfully, the miscommunication is corrected in a timely manner and was handled well enough my head didn't explode. Other that that there weren't any over-the-top unnecessary drama moments, which I was grateful for, because the narration really is all the entertainment you need.
John-Paul Barrel made me laugh, get a little teary-eyed, and gave enough heat to the sexy times to have me glancing around to see if anyone was looking at me...you know what I mean? *wink, wink, nudge, nudge* And can I just take one more moment to drool some more over that FANTASTIC cover by Cover Artist Anna Sikorska?
Bottom line: I was thoroughly entertained with only minor bumps in my happiness highway. Recommended!
Copy generously provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Reviews by Jessewave.
did-not-finish
May 13, 2023DNF @ 21%. No rating.
The writing is great, the football descriptions were actually the most realistic that I've ever come across in MM romance and I like the characters, but there are too many things happening that aren't my cup of tea. That includes:
+ the lengthy and detailed description of Jamal going on a date with a woman, who apparently features throughout the story and . No thanks.
+ Trevor being part of an LGBT activist group at his university, a group which uses tactics and supports specific campaigns that I personally disagree with (which includes pressuring pro athletes to come out).
+ Trevor spending his time bad-mouthing organizations who he believes engage in performative LGBT activism but Trevor happily accepting and using the scholarship money they give him to fund his own life, which I found incredibly hypocritical. It was clear that I was supposed to be on Trevor's side and applaud his acceptance and usage of those funds, which is usually the sign that the author and I aren't on the same page.
+ Trixie isn't depicted as a drag queen. Unlike all the other drag queens in the story, the author specifically has Trixie be as female-passing as possible, to the point where she looks/acts/sounds no different from any female performer in any club. Trixie claims that she just likes to 'wear women's clothes' but her approach clearly goes much further, which confused me. Jamal also claims to be obsessed with her because he feels he can 'get the best of both worlds' by being with Trixie/Trevor (ie male genitals but everything else about Trixie is female). The whole thing was confusing, I didn't get it and the author's approach made Trixie's interactions with Jamal resemble that of an MF romance, which isn't what I want in an MM romance.
When I read other reviews and realized that my guesses at 21% at how the rest of the story would go were right, the only reason I would have stuck around was if I liked Jamal and Trevor but I already wasn't happy with them in the little bit that I read so I'm going to bow out of this one. But the writing really was great and the football stuff was very detailed and made Jamal seem like a legit pro athlete so I still recommend this to anybody who finds the premise interesting.
The writing is great, the football descriptions were actually the most realistic that I've ever come across in MM romance and I like the characters, but there are too many things happening that aren't my cup of tea. That includes:
+ the lengthy and detailed description of Jamal going on a date with a woman, who apparently features throughout the story and . No thanks.
+ Trevor being part of an LGBT activist group at his university, a group which uses tactics and supports specific campaigns that I personally disagree with (which includes pressuring pro athletes to come out).
+ Trevor spending his time bad-mouthing organizations who he believes engage in performative LGBT activism but Trevor happily accepting and using the scholarship money they give him to fund his own life, which I found incredibly hypocritical. It was clear that I was supposed to be on Trevor's side and applaud his acceptance and usage of those funds, which is usually the sign that the author and I aren't on the same page.
+ Trixie isn't depicted as a drag queen. Unlike all the other drag queens in the story, the author specifically has Trixie be as female-passing as possible, to the point where she looks/acts/sounds no different from any female performer in any club. Trixie claims that she just likes to 'wear women's clothes' but her approach clearly goes much further, which confused me. Jamal also claims to be obsessed with her because he feels he can 'get the best of both worlds' by being with Trixie/Trevor (ie male genitals but everything else about Trixie is female). The whole thing was confusing, I didn't get it and the author's approach made Trixie's interactions with Jamal resemble that of an MF romance, which isn't what I want in an MM romance.
When I read other reviews and realized that my guesses at 21% at how the rest of the story would go were right, the only reason I would have stuck around was if I liked Jamal and Trevor but I already wasn't happy with them in the little bit that I read so I'm going to bow out of this one. But the writing really was great and the football stuff was very detailed and made Jamal seem like a legit pro athlete so I still recommend this to anybody who finds the premise interesting.
December 22, 2014
The Blogger Girls
Tara Lain knows how to bring a story to life; she knows how to make football palatable to those who are not fans of the sport; and she knows how to create a smoking hot couple that blows the top off with their compatibility and smexiness.
We met Jamal in the first book, Outing the Quarterback, and he was such an amazingly good guy in that book that I was super excited to learn he was getting his own story, and his own man. Jamal is surrounded by his incredible family and friends, so it’s no wonder that he not only accomplished his dream, but also got his dream guy in the process. But it wasn’t just handed to them, oh no…
Trixie/Trevor turned out to be one of the best characters I’ve read about this year. I always say I am partial to the big, sexy, alpha males, but for some reason, this amazing drag queen stole my heart. He is not a woman in a man’s body, and he doesn’t want to be a woman, but he is very happy being a man who loves to sometimes wear women’s clothes. And that is HOT to me and to Jamal, too.
Trixie hits every one of Jamal’s buttons. Being a bi-sexual man, Jamal gets the best of both worlds in the androgynous, but super intelligent Trevor. Trevor is so amazingly beautiful as a man, but when he is in drag, he is a very convincing gorgeous woman. So much so that even the homophobic players on Jamal’s team are taken by her.
Jamal and Trevor have a hard road cut out for them. They both have secrets, and they both have demons that plague them, but together with Jamal’s family and friends, they are destined to forge a path to that happily ever after that we all clamor for in our romance novels. This book is very romantic, this book is super sexy, and their story is one that I will revisit when I need to get my fix of heart-happiness.
Highly recommended to everyone because this book is simply marvelous! Can’t wait for the next installment; I am super excited to see where Tara Lain takes us next.
Tara Lain knows how to bring a story to life; she knows how to make football palatable to those who are not fans of the sport; and she knows how to create a smoking hot couple that blows the top off with their compatibility and smexiness.
We met Jamal in the first book, Outing the Quarterback, and he was such an amazingly good guy in that book that I was super excited to learn he was getting his own story, and his own man. Jamal is surrounded by his incredible family and friends, so it’s no wonder that he not only accomplished his dream, but also got his dream guy in the process. But it wasn’t just handed to them, oh no…
Trixie/Trevor turned out to be one of the best characters I’ve read about this year. I always say I am partial to the big, sexy, alpha males, but for some reason, this amazing drag queen stole my heart. He is not a woman in a man’s body, and he doesn’t want to be a woman, but he is very happy being a man who loves to sometimes wear women’s clothes. And that is HOT to me and to Jamal, too.
Trixie hits every one of Jamal’s buttons. Being a bi-sexual man, Jamal gets the best of both worlds in the androgynous, but super intelligent Trevor. Trevor is so amazingly beautiful as a man, but when he is in drag, he is a very convincing gorgeous woman. So much so that even the homophobic players on Jamal’s team are taken by her.
Jamal and Trevor have a hard road cut out for them. They both have secrets, and they both have demons that plague them, but together with Jamal’s family and friends, they are destined to forge a path to that happily ever after that we all clamor for in our romance novels. This book is very romantic, this book is super sexy, and their story is one that I will revisit when I need to get my fix of heart-happiness.
Highly recommended to everyone because this book is simply marvelous! Can’t wait for the next installment; I am super excited to see where Tara Lain takes us next.
December 26, 2014
4.0 F*ck yeah stars
I really liked this book. Was it perfect? No. There were cliches and some cheesy parts. There was a sh*tload of subplots and, honestly, some detracted from rather than added to the story. But this book had what every good book has: characters I fell in love with. I absolutely adored Jamal and Trevor/Trixie. Adored! They were so wonderfully real and imperfect and made for each other, I couldn't put this book down. I read this puppy in one sitting and that always counts for something in my book.
Bottom line: Tara Lain hit a home run. Recommend!
I really liked this book. Was it perfect? No. There were cliches and some cheesy parts. There was a sh*tload of subplots and, honestly, some detracted from rather than added to the story. But this book had what every good book has: characters I fell in love with. I absolutely adored Jamal and Trevor/Trixie. Adored! They were so wonderfully real and imperfect and made for each other, I couldn't put this book down. I read this puppy in one sitting and that always counts for something in my book.
Bottom line: Tara Lain hit a home run. Recommend!
November 19, 2017
3.5 Stars
I started listening to the audio book but had to change to the ebook version after the first 2-3 minutes. Everything Heather says about the narration is spot on , so read her review. I'll also add that the dialogue was very...well, I want to say stereotypically "urban" and so his performance of it felt forced.
And I really hate the way the language/slang is used. I mean, there's even an "ax" instead of "ask" right there in the first chapter and rather than throw the Kindle across the room I powered through. (There were more instances of street slang but I just changed the wordage to the correct pronunciation in my head to get over it...not because it was there, but because it was so awkwardly done; it's like hearing a Luddite talk about quantum mechanics.) I'm glad I did keep going because other than the horrible misunderstanding trope and that weird way Trevor stayed mired in being an underling (while still tutoring same-level classmates) I liked the book.
I loved the way Jamal was attracted to Trevor as himself or Trixie (in fact, how he kind of fell for Trixie first) and never asked him to tone it down or stop with the shows. I liked how Jamal took a stand, for himself and for those who might see him as a role-model. I loved his family and the cameos from Will & Noah. I loved how money involved with losing such a lucrative career was definitely a concern but that Jamal didn't make it the priority in his decision to come out. I loved how he didn't correct people every time someone said he was gay, when in fact he identifies as bisexual.
Not enough football for me, though! I wanted more plays and field time...
Also, I can't help but see the correlation between how the NFL owner here was being racist & homophobic with how some of them responded to Colin's (and later more player's) protests recently. (But I won't re-hash how Fascist it is to discriminate against people for exercising First Amendment rights to protest the symbol representing the right to exercise those rights, so whatever.)
The one thing I HATED was Lavinda. I just, really? Was that necessary? Maybe if she'd actually been spurned by Jamal as a partner (more than just a friend-date), or if he'd used her as a beard, I could see why the animosity...but this just felt entirely overplayed and ridiculous. If it weren't for the powerful Mrs. Martin taking over the team, and how she Bad Ass Boss'd that out, I'd have given this a lower score for awful female-representation. She redeemed that aspect for me.
But, I'm a sucker for Football-themed books so I am definitely gonna read the next one...
I started listening to the audio book but had to change to the ebook version after the first 2-3 minutes. Everything Heather says about the narration is spot on , so read her review. I'll also add that the dialogue was very...well, I want to say stereotypically "urban" and so his performance of it felt forced.
And I really hate the way the language/slang is used. I mean, there's even an "ax" instead of "ask" right there in the first chapter and rather than throw the Kindle across the room I powered through. (There were more instances of street slang but I just changed the wordage to the correct pronunciation in my head to get over it...not because it was there, but because it was so awkwardly done; it's like hearing a Luddite talk about quantum mechanics.) I'm glad I did keep going because other than the horrible misunderstanding trope and that weird way Trevor stayed mired in being an underling (while still tutoring same-level classmates) I liked the book.
I loved the way Jamal was attracted to Trevor as himself or Trixie (in fact, how he kind of fell for Trixie first) and never asked him to tone it down or stop with the shows. I liked how Jamal took a stand, for himself and for those who might see him as a role-model. I loved his family and the cameos from Will & Noah. I loved how money involved with losing such a lucrative career was definitely a concern but that Jamal didn't make it the priority in his decision to come out. I loved how he didn't correct people every time someone said he was gay, when in fact he identifies as bisexual.
Not enough football for me, though! I wanted more plays and field time...
Also, I can't help but see the correlation between how the NFL owner here was being racist & homophobic with how some of them responded to Colin's (and later more player's) protests recently. (But I won't re-hash how Fascist it is to discriminate against people for exercising First Amendment rights to protest the symbol representing the right to exercise those rights, so whatever.)
The one thing I HATED was Lavinda. I just, really? Was that necessary? Maybe if she'd actually been spurned by Jamal as a partner (more than just a friend-date), or if he'd used her as a beard, I could see why the animosity...but this just felt entirely overplayed and ridiculous. If it weren't for the powerful Mrs. Martin taking over the team, and how she Bad Ass Boss'd that out, I'd have given this a lower score for awful female-representation. She redeemed that aspect for me.
But, I'm a sucker for Football-themed books so I am definitely gonna read the next one...
May 15, 2020
Really Good!
I liked this! I didn’t love it as much as the first book but I think only cos there were some elements that were a bit over the top. But otherwise, it was really good 👍
I don’t necessarily understand Trevor and his “house of cards”. I didn’t really get what his issues were. He was made to portray lots of depth but I didn’t really see it. Jamal was just perfect man all around. A little too perfect and like the hero of all time. But I wish he wasn’t so perfect.
But otherwise yeah... good one! 👍
I liked this! I didn’t love it as much as the first book but I think only cos there were some elements that were a bit over the top. But otherwise, it was really good 👍
I don’t necessarily understand Trevor and his “house of cards”. I didn’t really get what his issues were. He was made to portray lots of depth but I didn’t really see it. Jamal was just perfect man all around. A little too perfect and like the hero of all time. But I wish he wasn’t so perfect.
But otherwise yeah... good one! 👍
December 20, 2014
BR, December 17th, Release day with Julie.
3,5 stars
So this was better than the first installement!!! I loved Jamal in Outing the Quarterback, so I was exited him getting his own story!!
Jamal is bisexual. I have read more stories about bisexuality and find it difficult to understand. It almost always develops in having a strong preference in just one sexe...
But in this story, the bisexuality made sense for me. Jamal had always been attracted to women and men with female features.
So I was not surprised him falling in love with Trixie our dragqueen. He gets the best of both sexes!!!
Jamal
Trixie/Trevor
The story was pretty good. I loved Jamal and Trixie/Trevor together.
We have Jamal, the football-player who isn't out of the closet yet and is afraid to. He had just experienced a player been set out of the team because of being gay.
And imagine what would happen if somebody discoverd his relationship with the dragqueen Trixie.
Trevor/Trixie was going through his own trouble. He was a mathematics student. He had a disfunctional relationship with his brother. He was heartbroken to
have lost his connection with his mother who was suffering from alzheimer.
Jamal had a very loving family... I loved his parents and his sister Ev and Trevor just fit right in.
Then of course we get a villian, the homophobic coach...
It was all a bit.. "Yeah, been there, seen that"
The story just fell flat!!!
So overall an okay read. I don't think I'm a big fan of the writer. She doesn't seem to be able to hold my attention.
Another picture of Trixie (or in this case dragqueen Courtney Act), just because I can!!!
September 16, 2015
I wanted to like it :(
Maybe 2.75 stars?
There were so many points of interest for me here, yet I really did not care for the finished product.
I loved the drag aspect, the football aspect, the gentle giant idea of the hero- but the writing style just drove me to drink! I hated all the itiallics of thought before every response. The thoughts seemed to be so juvenile in nature. I hated the writing attempt in the authentic dialect, because it In fact did not feel authentic but that it was trying to hard. Honestly, I didn't end up loving Jamal... I know CAN me now... GET OFF THE CROSS BUNNY! SOMEBODY NEEDS THE WOOD!
The idea the Trevor stayed in school struggling when he had no business being there just seemed unlikely. The LA Diablos sounds a lot more like a Latino gang to me than a pro-football team. I HATE when football related books mix made up teams with real ones. Just go one way or the other- be a fake team & play fake opponents. Let's not switch back & forth between the two (pretty please).
I have to give credit & say the actual football authenticity seemed much more accurate than most others I've read in this genre.
Unrelated to my issues on the book's content is the cover. The model is HAWT!!!! But doesn't look anything like a 6'7 O-Lineman.
I don't know exactly how to pin point everything I didn't like, but I can say I was bored and it took me DAYS to care enough to finish.
Maybe 2.75 stars?
There were so many points of interest for me here, yet I really did not care for the finished product.
I loved the drag aspect, the football aspect, the gentle giant idea of the hero- but the writing style just drove me to drink! I hated all the itiallics of thought before every response. The thoughts seemed to be so juvenile in nature. I hated the writing attempt in the authentic dialect, because it In fact did not feel authentic but that it was trying to hard. Honestly, I didn't end up loving Jamal... I know CAN me now... GET OFF THE CROSS BUNNY! SOMEBODY NEEDS THE WOOD!
The idea the Trevor stayed in school struggling when he had no business being there just seemed unlikely. The LA Diablos sounds a lot more like a Latino gang to me than a pro-football team. I HATE when football related books mix made up teams with real ones. Just go one way or the other- be a fake team & play fake opponents. Let's not switch back & forth between the two (pretty please).
I have to give credit & say the actual football authenticity seemed much more accurate than most others I've read in this genre.
Unrelated to my issues on the book's content is the cover. The model is HAWT!!!! But doesn't look anything like a 6'7 O-Lineman.
I don't know exactly how to pin point everything I didn't like, but I can say I was bored and it took me DAYS to care enough to finish.
December 21, 2014
What a great follow up to " Outing The Quaterback" Tara has outdone herself with Canning The Center". I fell in love with Jamal and his amazing family in book one and I am happy to see his story was just as amazing. Tara created two characters you couldn't help, but fall in love with. What I really love about this book, is the fact it dealt with more personal issues... Trevor is dealing with a lot of personal drama between his mother alzheimer's, his brothers hatred of him because of his quirk for women’s clothes, battling within himself about his other persona Trixie, and why can’t anyone love him? Just breaks your heart.
Jamal's struggle to come clean to the team about his sexuality once he realized he was falling deep for Trevor/Trixie, but how could he come out to a team whose owner made the Tea Party look left wing... and a coach that didn't support his players. All he ever wanted was to play football without all the politics.
What's a man to do in the homophobic world of the NFL? He wants to have both football and the love of his life Trevor/ Trixie.
This series just keeps getting better with each book. I absolutely loved this story... I was glued to the book and I couldn't put it down. The connection between Jamal and Trevor are so magnetic, you can almost feel it coming off the pages. Really love it! I was happy to see Jamal get his happy ending,
Jamal's struggle to come clean to the team about his sexuality once he realized he was falling deep for Trevor/Trixie, but how could he come out to a team whose owner made the Tea Party look left wing... and a coach that didn't support his players. All he ever wanted was to play football without all the politics.
What's a man to do in the homophobic world of the NFL? He wants to have both football and the love of his life Trevor/ Trixie.
This series just keeps getting better with each book. I absolutely loved this story... I was glued to the book and I couldn't put it down. The connection between Jamal and Trevor are so magnetic, you can almost feel it coming off the pages. Really love it! I was happy to see Jamal get his happy ending,
December 29, 2014
Beautiful, hot, realistic and well written!
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
November 24, 2014
Sweet baby jesus Jamal and Trixie/Trevor have a hot story. I wanted more from every chapter! I never thought I'd hate fictional characters like I did some of them in this book but OMG! The depth of the characters draw you in and you go on the journey with them. There were points I wanted the story to keep going and not switch, but then when it did I still wanted the same.
If you thought Will and Noah had a good story Jamal and Trevor have them beat hands down. I really can't wait for Ravens story now if they keep building like this one did. I'm definitely going to be reading this series again and again.
This review was done for a long awaited ARC for an honest review and the story didn't disappoint in the least,another amazing book by Tara Lain ♥♡♥
If you thought Will and Noah had a good story Jamal and Trevor have them beat hands down. I really can't wait for Ravens story now if they keep building like this one did. I'm definitely going to be reading this series again and again.
This review was done for a long awaited ARC for an honest review and the story didn't disappoint in the least,another amazing book by Tara Lain ♥♡♥
February 27, 2015
What more could I ask for football and drag queens?!?!
I LOVE BUNNY and TRIXIE!!!!! They make me =)
June 9, 2016
Loved it!
December 3, 2021
Here we have the tale of Jamal, a hulking, big, football center who plays in the NFL, but is as gentle and sweet-natured as they come. He’s such a gentle giant that his sibs have taken to calling him Ferdinand, after the literary bull who’d rather enjoy the flowers in the pasture than the challenges of the bull-ring. A big part of his contentment is his loving and accepting family. They were supportive of his sexual orientation when he first discovered it and he has several gay sibs that are also into same-sex pairings. That he must remain closeted to play in the NFL is annoying to him, but he’s willing to make the sacrifice to play the game that he loves.
Two of Jamal’s openly gay college friends (and the heroes of book 1) take him to a bar with a drag show. Jamal is well and truly smitten with Trixie, a drag queen who sings her own songs. Trixie is the opposite of Jamal in many ways. Trixie is white and slightly built. Trixie is also Trevor, a math genius who’s attending college on a full ride scholarship. He’s also the leader of the activist LGBT group on campus while remaining closeted about his taste for doing drag. Trevor has almost no family to speak of except an aging mother who’s been institutionalized with advanced Alzheimer’s.
As the romance between these two unlikely paramours progresses both men realize that they have something to lose if their secrets are revealed, but to what degree are they willing to risk it to have each other?
This is the second in the Long Pass Chronicles. The series deals with football, and closets, and the long standing tradition of homophobia in college and professional sport. Things have advanced a bit since these were first written in 2014. But it was only this year, 2021, that the first actively playing member of the NFL came out publicly.
One theme that I found compelling here deals with the internalized homophobia in the gay community. Decades ago, in the play Torch Song Trilogy, main character Arnold Beckhoff laments that, while drag queens have been at the forefront of the gay rights movement, once the movement gains mainstream acceptance, the drag queens will be swept aside by many gay men - a bit like blacks did with Amos & Andy. That’s remarkably prescient.
There’s also a theme here of racism among sports team owners. That rings as true today as it did back when this book was first released. While there’s nothing here that hasn’t been touched upon before, this is a well told tale. It’s reasonably low on the angst and happily concentrated on these two men getting to know each other despite the limitations of their situation. The sex isn’t terribly graphic but it is there and its a fun addition to what’s already an engaging story. Most importantly, it’s also a hopeful story. I’m a bit of a hopeful romantic. What I’d most ardently hope is that there will come a time when these stories are no longer necessary.
*** Note: I am voluntarily reviewing this after receiving a complimentary copy ***
Two of Jamal’s openly gay college friends (and the heroes of book 1) take him to a bar with a drag show. Jamal is well and truly smitten with Trixie, a drag queen who sings her own songs. Trixie is the opposite of Jamal in many ways. Trixie is white and slightly built. Trixie is also Trevor, a math genius who’s attending college on a full ride scholarship. He’s also the leader of the activist LGBT group on campus while remaining closeted about his taste for doing drag. Trevor has almost no family to speak of except an aging mother who’s been institutionalized with advanced Alzheimer’s.
As the romance between these two unlikely paramours progresses both men realize that they have something to lose if their secrets are revealed, but to what degree are they willing to risk it to have each other?
This is the second in the Long Pass Chronicles. The series deals with football, and closets, and the long standing tradition of homophobia in college and professional sport. Things have advanced a bit since these were first written in 2014. But it was only this year, 2021, that the first actively playing member of the NFL came out publicly.
One theme that I found compelling here deals with the internalized homophobia in the gay community. Decades ago, in the play Torch Song Trilogy, main character Arnold Beckhoff laments that, while drag queens have been at the forefront of the gay rights movement, once the movement gains mainstream acceptance, the drag queens will be swept aside by many gay men - a bit like blacks did with Amos & Andy. That’s remarkably prescient.
There’s also a theme here of racism among sports team owners. That rings as true today as it did back when this book was first released. While there’s nothing here that hasn’t been touched upon before, this is a well told tale. It’s reasonably low on the angst and happily concentrated on these two men getting to know each other despite the limitations of their situation. The sex isn’t terribly graphic but it is there and its a fun addition to what’s already an engaging story. Most importantly, it’s also a hopeful story. I’m a bit of a hopeful romantic. What I’d most ardently hope is that there will come a time when these stories are no longer necessary.
*** Note: I am voluntarily reviewing this after receiving a complimentary copy ***
February 15, 2020
“I think the reward for conformity is that everyone likes you except yourself.” ~ Rita Mae Brown
Jamal Jones, from Tara Lain's 'Canning the Center', thinks he's got it all when he is picked up by a professional football team. He's getting paid to do something he loves, but Jamal hasn't considered what he might have to give up to do so. Jamal is bisexual and intended to tell his coach, but when circumstances show him how homophobic the owner of the team is, he has second thoughts and decides to try to date only women as that is more acceptable. As fate would have it, Jamal does meet the woman of his dreams, Trixie LaRue. The problem is, Trixie is a drag queen. Meeting her leads to him getting to know the man under Trixie's skirt, Trevor Landry, whom Jamal is equally attracted to. Although it's a situation which for most men would be too confusing and would make them run for the hills, Jamal sees it as having the best of both worlds.
Jamal has it all, good looks, talent, and a huge heart. He is a gentle giant; in fact, his sister calls him Ferdinand after the children's story of a gigantic, formidable-looking bull who would rather smell the flowers than fight. Jamal's family is wonderfully supportive of him, not just due to him being bisexual, but because of his strength of character. Jamal would do almost anything to protect his family. By the time he decides he doesn't want to lie or have anyone else lie for him, particularly Trixie, it is too late. The coach and owner already know about him and Trixie and Trevor. They threaten to ruin Trevor and Jamal's family if Jamal doesn't get rid of Trevor and at least pretends to be straight. Faced with an impossible choice, Jamal calls Trevor and breaks up with him by voicemail. He regrets it almost immediately; he feels awful and is miserable without Trevor, but is even more upset with himself for dragging Trevor into his deception.
Trevor had an awful childhood. Rejected and mistreated by his father and brother, his mother is the only one who has ever loved him. Unfortunately he took the abuse to heart. To guard his bruised and battered heart, he created two personas to help him deal with it. Trevor lied his way into college, even received a full scholarship. This is Trevor's attempt to have a normal life. He's smarter than his professors and, in reality is so brilliant that he doesn't even need to go to college. To fill his need to wear dresses, he becomes Trixie LaRue, a very popular drag queen. Trixie notices Jamal, but wants nothing to do with him. In spite of herself, Trixie has to admit she's attracted to Jamal. When Jamal comes back to see her three nights in a row, Trixie finally decides to see him. She calls him her Chocolate Bunny. Although it's against her better judgment, Trixie falls for Jamal. They are an extraordinarily well-matched couple, burning up the sheets in bed and the best of friends out of it. Trevor can't believe how wonderful Jamal treats him. When Jamal worries about getting in trouble being seen with a man. Trevor suggests that he go out with him as Trixie instead. Even though Jamal tries his best to be kind in his message, Trevor knows a dump when he hears it. It threatens to break Trevor's heart, but, instead of discouraging him, Trevor decides to take responsibility for his actions; to stop hiding, and takes steps to cut through the deception he's created. He wants to live, if not an ordinary life, at least an honest one.
The genius of this book is not just the complex, well-written story, but the even more complicated, yet fascinating characters. Creating unique, interesting characters with flaws is one thing I look forward to in any of Tara's books. Tara has a way of having them reach in; grab my heart; and pull me into the story. Instead of merely being a reader, I feel I'm there, participating in the action. It's almost impossible not to become emotionally involved. Tara's villains are deliciously diabolical as well. I always cheer when they get what they so richly deserve. Fans of the first book will be delighted to be able to visit with Jamal's family and his friends, Will and Noah again, and to see how all of them have progressed since the first book.
This story can be read alone, but, as with any series, to completely understand the circumstances and their pertinence, it's good to know the history and the only way that is achieved is by reading the series in sequential order. I recommend this story to everyone who loves, football, smart and sexy men, and close family ties. Tara also reminds us that being yourself is the key to happiness. Thanks, so much, Tara, for the uplifting story.
NOTE: The first edition of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Jamal Jones, from Tara Lain's 'Canning the Center', thinks he's got it all when he is picked up by a professional football team. He's getting paid to do something he loves, but Jamal hasn't considered what he might have to give up to do so. Jamal is bisexual and intended to tell his coach, but when circumstances show him how homophobic the owner of the team is, he has second thoughts and decides to try to date only women as that is more acceptable. As fate would have it, Jamal does meet the woman of his dreams, Trixie LaRue. The problem is, Trixie is a drag queen. Meeting her leads to him getting to know the man under Trixie's skirt, Trevor Landry, whom Jamal is equally attracted to. Although it's a situation which for most men would be too confusing and would make them run for the hills, Jamal sees it as having the best of both worlds.
Jamal has it all, good looks, talent, and a huge heart. He is a gentle giant; in fact, his sister calls him Ferdinand after the children's story of a gigantic, formidable-looking bull who would rather smell the flowers than fight. Jamal's family is wonderfully supportive of him, not just due to him being bisexual, but because of his strength of character. Jamal would do almost anything to protect his family. By the time he decides he doesn't want to lie or have anyone else lie for him, particularly Trixie, it is too late. The coach and owner already know about him and Trixie and Trevor. They threaten to ruin Trevor and Jamal's family if Jamal doesn't get rid of Trevor and at least pretends to be straight. Faced with an impossible choice, Jamal calls Trevor and breaks up with him by voicemail. He regrets it almost immediately; he feels awful and is miserable without Trevor, but is even more upset with himself for dragging Trevor into his deception.
Trevor had an awful childhood. Rejected and mistreated by his father and brother, his mother is the only one who has ever loved him. Unfortunately he took the abuse to heart. To guard his bruised and battered heart, he created two personas to help him deal with it. Trevor lied his way into college, even received a full scholarship. This is Trevor's attempt to have a normal life. He's smarter than his professors and, in reality is so brilliant that he doesn't even need to go to college. To fill his need to wear dresses, he becomes Trixie LaRue, a very popular drag queen. Trixie notices Jamal, but wants nothing to do with him. In spite of herself, Trixie has to admit she's attracted to Jamal. When Jamal comes back to see her three nights in a row, Trixie finally decides to see him. She calls him her Chocolate Bunny. Although it's against her better judgment, Trixie falls for Jamal. They are an extraordinarily well-matched couple, burning up the sheets in bed and the best of friends out of it. Trevor can't believe how wonderful Jamal treats him. When Jamal worries about getting in trouble being seen with a man. Trevor suggests that he go out with him as Trixie instead. Even though Jamal tries his best to be kind in his message, Trevor knows a dump when he hears it. It threatens to break Trevor's heart, but, instead of discouraging him, Trevor decides to take responsibility for his actions; to stop hiding, and takes steps to cut through the deception he's created. He wants to live, if not an ordinary life, at least an honest one.
The genius of this book is not just the complex, well-written story, but the even more complicated, yet fascinating characters. Creating unique, interesting characters with flaws is one thing I look forward to in any of Tara's books. Tara has a way of having them reach in; grab my heart; and pull me into the story. Instead of merely being a reader, I feel I'm there, participating in the action. It's almost impossible not to become emotionally involved. Tara's villains are deliciously diabolical as well. I always cheer when they get what they so richly deserve. Fans of the first book will be delighted to be able to visit with Jamal's family and his friends, Will and Noah again, and to see how all of them have progressed since the first book.
This story can be read alone, but, as with any series, to completely understand the circumstances and their pertinence, it's good to know the history and the only way that is achieved is by reading the series in sequential order. I recommend this story to everyone who loves, football, smart and sexy men, and close family ties. Tara also reminds us that being yourself is the key to happiness. Thanks, so much, Tara, for the uplifting story.
NOTE: The first edition of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
December 28, 2014
I really enjoyed the hours I spent reading these two men’s story. While I didn’t read the first book in the series, that’s my loss and not for long! Both men, while very different, had their strengths and their flaws, and had to work their way to an honest relationship.
Jamal, the soft spoken rookie NFL player, knows going in that being open about his bisexuality is going to create friction. If not from his fellow players, then from management, and he’s not encouraged by the object lesson that puts him in the starting lineup. He’s an honest man and resents the deception, and it only gets harder once he meets the fabulous Trixie Larue.
Jamal’s head over heels for Trevor as Trevor and Trevor as Trixie, who sings torch songs with pointed messages. Trevor has a pretty good idea of what Jamal’s up against in the way of keeping secrets and of opposition and support for being true to himself in public. After all, Trevor is part of the problem--he's behind the heat getting turned on the team about GLBT acceptance. Still, he’s willing to appear in public as Trixie to keep Jamal in the team’s good graces.
Trevor was a slightly problematic character for me. He was willing to function far below capacity and starve himself intellectually in a field where brilliance shows early and quirks are practically required to fit in. Perhaps that was his point, but the sense of screaming WTF was a little loud. I wasn’t sold on his family situation either: his severely demented mother read like she was 80 years old, though his hateful brother rang unfortunately true. Just—so much was stuffed farther down than I could buy into. It did make his final blossoming that much sweeter. He also demonstrates some of the practical problems of dressing in drag, from the discomfort of tucking to how to camouflage an Adam’s apple.
Football of course permeates the story, not too much for someone who isn’t especially into the game, but enough for a very firm foundation. Jamal’s teammates have some complexity: Boogaloo’s in over his head in a few directions but wants the best for his sister and teammates, and Jet the quarterback wants to focus on the game and leave personal matters outside the stadium. Jamal’s family are good, loving people, with a fair amount of idealism. A few characters are drawn with something less than subtlety: Lavinda becomes Evil Harpy Version 5, but she does force a situation into directions no one would at first believe were positive.
The plot kept me turning pages, because Trevor and Jamal kept bashing into each other's issues, whether it was picketing outside the game, prospects evaporating with the truth, or getting introduced to family. The sex was hot, although two guys with that much to lose were awfully carefree about sex in public parking lots.
The ending had a certain “ripped from the headlines” quality that made me want to dance for the appropriateness of the justice and for the joy that Jamal and Trevor can openly take in one another at last. Whatever was drawn with a slightly heavy hand gets burned away in the final chapters, and the book left me with a smile and a sigh.
Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Jamal, the soft spoken rookie NFL player, knows going in that being open about his bisexuality is going to create friction. If not from his fellow players, then from management, and he’s not encouraged by the object lesson that puts him in the starting lineup. He’s an honest man and resents the deception, and it only gets harder once he meets the fabulous Trixie Larue.
Jamal’s head over heels for Trevor as Trevor and Trevor as Trixie, who sings torch songs with pointed messages. Trevor has a pretty good idea of what Jamal’s up against in the way of keeping secrets and of opposition and support for being true to himself in public. After all, Trevor is part of the problem--he's behind the heat getting turned on the team about GLBT acceptance. Still, he’s willing to appear in public as Trixie to keep Jamal in the team’s good graces.
Trevor was a slightly problematic character for me. He was willing to function far below capacity and starve himself intellectually in a field where brilliance shows early and quirks are practically required to fit in. Perhaps that was his point, but the sense of screaming WTF was a little loud. I wasn’t sold on his family situation either: his severely demented mother read like she was 80 years old, though his hateful brother rang unfortunately true. Just—so much was stuffed farther down than I could buy into. It did make his final blossoming that much sweeter. He also demonstrates some of the practical problems of dressing in drag, from the discomfort of tucking to how to camouflage an Adam’s apple.
Football of course permeates the story, not too much for someone who isn’t especially into the game, but enough for a very firm foundation. Jamal’s teammates have some complexity: Boogaloo’s in over his head in a few directions but wants the best for his sister and teammates, and Jet the quarterback wants to focus on the game and leave personal matters outside the stadium. Jamal’s family are good, loving people, with a fair amount of idealism. A few characters are drawn with something less than subtlety: Lavinda becomes Evil Harpy Version 5, but she does force a situation into directions no one would at first believe were positive.
The plot kept me turning pages, because Trevor and Jamal kept bashing into each other's issues, whether it was picketing outside the game, prospects evaporating with the truth, or getting introduced to family. The sex was hot, although two guys with that much to lose were awfully carefree about sex in public parking lots.
The ending had a certain “ripped from the headlines” quality that made me want to dance for the appropriateness of the justice and for the joy that Jamal and Trevor can openly take in one another at last. Whatever was drawn with a slightly heavy hand gets burned away in the final chapters, and the book left me with a smile and a sigh.
Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 23, 2015
4.5 STARS
Jamal Jones doesn’t want to spend his entire pro football career in the closet. He sees the love between his best friends and he wants the chance to have what they have – a relationship where they’re free to love each other out in the open. However, the night that he finally works up the courage to come out to his coach turns into a disaster when he discovers that he’s been drafted to the Diablos to replace another gay center who the bigoted team owner wants gone. If they’re willing to dump a star player for being gay, what chance does Jamal have? Jamal isn’t gay, he’s bisexual, and he was hoping he could survive under the constant scrutiny by simply dating women, but when he meets drag queen Trixie LaRue, he’s so instantly smitten he’s willing to risk it all.
This was one of those books that are simply a pleasure to read. Every element was well written and seemed to work perfectly together. While I wouldn’t call the story angsty, there was always a sense of anticipation, and not the warm and fuzzy sort, as I waited for the major shit storm to erupt over the main characters. As the story goes on the two MCs lives entwine in more than the romantic sense and you just know than when it all comes to a head the fallout is going to be rather impressive. And the author delivers on that promise. The resolution of their “problems” was also a favourite scene of mine and it kind of reminded me of a Scooby Doo episode. No, no one started pulling off masks , but in the sense that people would pop up and add a new twist to the outcome.
Both of the main characters were interesting and the chemistry between them was amazing. Beyond the sex (which was damn hot btw) the connection between them was evident right from the beginning. I loved the obvious fascination they held for each other, which didn’t diminish as they got to know each other as the story went on. The author did a great job of showing how Jamal saw and treated Trixie as a woman and Trevor as a man. I should also add that pet names are something I usually loathe with a fiery passion. Kudos to Tara Lain for making me sigh at the absolute cuteness each time Trevor/Trixie called Jamal “Bunny” rather than causing me to tear at my hair and curse the pet name gods.
If I had one complaint, it was that I wanted to know more about Trevor. This book is written with a joint point of view but focuses a lot more on Jamal and his football career than Trevor. Which makes sense, as this is a football series. But Trevor is such an interesting, complex character I desperately wanted to explore his life a little more.
You may have noticed that this is book two in a series. I can assure you that it definitely reads as a standalone. Although, I enjoyed this one so much that I went straight to Amazon and bought the first book too.
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2015/07/1...
Jamal Jones doesn’t want to spend his entire pro football career in the closet. He sees the love between his best friends and he wants the chance to have what they have – a relationship where they’re free to love each other out in the open. However, the night that he finally works up the courage to come out to his coach turns into a disaster when he discovers that he’s been drafted to the Diablos to replace another gay center who the bigoted team owner wants gone. If they’re willing to dump a star player for being gay, what chance does Jamal have? Jamal isn’t gay, he’s bisexual, and he was hoping he could survive under the constant scrutiny by simply dating women, but when he meets drag queen Trixie LaRue, he’s so instantly smitten he’s willing to risk it all.
This was one of those books that are simply a pleasure to read. Every element was well written and seemed to work perfectly together. While I wouldn’t call the story angsty, there was always a sense of anticipation, and not the warm and fuzzy sort, as I waited for the major shit storm to erupt over the main characters. As the story goes on the two MCs lives entwine in more than the romantic sense and you just know than when it all comes to a head the fallout is going to be rather impressive. And the author delivers on that promise. The resolution of their “problems” was also a favourite scene of mine and it kind of reminded me of a Scooby Doo episode. No, no one started pulling off masks , but in the sense that people would pop up and add a new twist to the outcome.
Both of the main characters were interesting and the chemistry between them was amazing. Beyond the sex (which was damn hot btw) the connection between them was evident right from the beginning. I loved the obvious fascination they held for each other, which didn’t diminish as they got to know each other as the story went on. The author did a great job of showing how Jamal saw and treated Trixie as a woman and Trevor as a man. I should also add that pet names are something I usually loathe with a fiery passion. Kudos to Tara Lain for making me sigh at the absolute cuteness each time Trevor/Trixie called Jamal “Bunny” rather than causing me to tear at my hair and curse the pet name gods.
If I had one complaint, it was that I wanted to know more about Trevor. This book is written with a joint point of view but focuses a lot more on Jamal and his football career than Trevor. Which makes sense, as this is a football series. But Trevor is such an interesting, complex character I desperately wanted to explore his life a little more.
You may have noticed that this is book two in a series. I can assure you that it definitely reads as a standalone. Although, I enjoyed this one so much that I went straight to Amazon and bought the first book too.
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2015/07/1...
December 23, 2014
Love love love Trevor/Trixie. You can see he is unsure of himself and also lying to himself about things. He doesn’t trust easy and has had a tough life. He’s brilliant though and this I think has gotten in his way and he is too afraid to use his mind to help himself. This stems from his mom, dad and brother and how they verbally treated him. When he meets Jamal and is waffling as to what to do you’re reminded that everybody is afraid to take a leap of faith to be with someone and get to know them. Both him and Jamal will blow you away and we get to see Will and Noah again.Those two always put a smile on your face. Jamal is great he wavers with his convictions and struggles for a little bit but in the end he does what is in his heart and what is right. Jamal’s family and Jet are amazing as well. They accept and support with open arms. Jamal and Trevor have instant attraction. What is wonderful is Jamal likes all sides of Trevor and accepts him for him. Something Trevor isn’t used to. Even the LBGT alliance group he is in doesn’t accept all sides of everyone and this is where he hides himself so no one truly knows him. No one but Jamal. He lets all of himself be seen and it is truly beautiful. The romance and intimacy is sweet and sensual. Jamal is truly a gentlemen and can be wild when needed. Unfortunately there is always adversity to go through and these two are no exception. Jamal may accept Trevor but his profession does not. Doesn’t accept who Jamal is as well. And we can’t say it’s his profession completely but the owner of the team he is with. Jamal and Trevor do try to circumvent this but one jealous temper tantrum throwing vixon has other plans. When Jamal gains the courage to stand up for who he is, the owner of the football team he is on ties his hands. Poor guy. Here you truly begin to see the complexity of the situation and also the horrible human being his boss is. Others though have been where he is and they do begin to see what needs to be done. Jamal doesn’t want to lose everything and the house of cards does crumble. So sad to see. He loses his self respect, his love, his father is disappointed and now he is lost. Jamal though pulls through and you root for the guy. I even began to love Boogie. I mean when you read why he is so ornery you truly see the extent of the owner’s depravity. We see though that when one gains the courage not all is bad. Both of the main characters go through finding courage so that they can be what the other needs and become stronger as individuals and as a couple. the book deals with a relevant issue of prejudice against individuals who may not love the way people think they should and that is seen in today’s world. Here the issue is tackled with fervor and we see what love and support can do to help give courage to stand up to those who bully you for loving differently than what others think is the norm and acceptable. A truly wonderful book and a great story of courage and love.
February 3, 2015
Loved Ferdinand!
This is the sequel to Outing the Quarterback. We met Jamal as Will’s friend, the awesome family that supported him when he came out to his family. We get to spend more time with that family, especially Jamal’s sister (a lesbian) Ev.
Jamal meets Trixie doing a drag show when Noah and Will bring Jamal to Trixie’s show. Trixie hits bi-sexual Jamal on all his buttons. Trixie’s buttons just happened to be pushed by all that is Jamal.
Trixie, who is Trevor in other parts of life, doesn’t want the two parts of her life to collide. Trixie is a sex pot, beautiful, showy and brave. Trevor is a brilliant math student (so brilliant he can actually teach the classes he’s taking) and running a GLBT program on campus that is currently pushing gay athletes to come out for the sake of the community.
Jamal wants to come out, but he’s reluctant when he’s given the position of Center for a pro-football team when the current center is kicked out for coming out.
At first Jamal and Trixie get to know one another then Trixie lets Trevor meet Jamal. However, it is easier for Trixie and Jamal to be seen together than Trevor and Jamal. So… the apparently very convincing Trixie masquerades as Jamal’s straight girlfriend. But… Jamal has enemies (rejected almost girlfriend and teammate) who expose the couple and Jamal has to either lose Trixie/Trevor, or his job and maybe the job of his dad and maybe Trevor’s scholarship.
When push comes to shove it’s Trevor who steps out to save the day and we get a very satisfying HEA.
**
I am not typically a fan of the very “feminine” gay man. I love me some alpha action! However, I am a big Tara Lain fan and I really enjoyed Outing the Quarterback. What a joy this book was!
I absolutely adored Trixie/Trevor (minus the double snaps). I totally got Jamal’s attraction. Since Jamal identifies as bi, I can see how someone who absolutely owns both sides of their personalities (both the feminine and masculine) would attract Jamal. He gets the best of both worlds, as does Trixie/Trevor who needs someone who loves one side as much as the other.
The image of Ferdinand the bull was wonderful and so appropriate. Here is this big guy who is really just a softy at the center. I really loved Jamal’s family and his interactions with Noah and Will as well as how he tried to always be the honest guy and only extreme circumstances forced him to keep things quiet.
I loved that both guys were versatile. When you can zap a sterotype like that it makes for a better story.
Overall I loved this and thought it was even better than the first book in the series. I’m excited to see the next installment and can’t wait to listen to them all as well!
August 5, 2019
Audiobook reviewCanning the Center was a fun listen. It is the second book in the Long Pass Chronicles, but you don’t need to have read the first book to be able to enjoy this one (I haven’t). The first couple does make an appearance, but you are never left feeling like you’ve missed something vital.
Jamal Jones is the new center for a football team with a new owner that does not know what the word acceptance means, neither when it comes to skin colour and even less when it comes to being gay, or bisexual as is the case for Jamal. So in order to stay on the team he needs to stay in the closet. But a night out and a drag show staring Trixie LaRue has him re-thinking his choices.
Trevor a.k.a. Trixie is instantly drawn to Jamal – just as much as Jamal is drawn to them. They had some amazing chemistry right from the start, but it also went deeper than just the physical attraction for both of them. They were genuinely interested in the other for something long term and lasting. Sure there were some misunderstanding and miscommunication, but quickly resolved with not too much drama or angst attached to it. I adored Trevor’s nickname for Jamal chocolate Bunny / Bunny – it was so cute. Some pet names I’m not fond of and can even put me off, but this one fit with the light-heartedness of the book, the characters, the playfulness.
You might know that I'm not one that particularly enjoy on page sex scenes, and really don't mind if it was all fade to black. I also very rarely comment on it - other than if there was way too much of it. Now that being said I did like that this book went against the grain so to speak. Where Trevor, the slender nerdy guy topped Jamal, the huge athlete. Sure they both switched, but I still liked that there were no fixed roles, no stereotyping.
I liked John-Paul Barrel's narration. While Barel had distinct voices for the characters, there were only a few of them so he used the same voice for many of the minor characters. I think that he used the same voice for all the women (not Trixie) throughout. Not that it was a problem as there were few women in the story, it was just something that I noticed while listening. Another huge plus from me is that he also added feelings to the words, it makes the story come alive in a way that it otherwise wouldn't for me.
A copy of this book was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
December 15, 2014
4 3/4 stars
“Canning the Center” by Tara Lain is part of ‘The Long Pass Chronicles’ series and features Jamal Jones as he starts his professional football career. His buddies, Noah and Will, take him to a club where he becomes enchanted by the drag queen known as Trixie LaRue. Trixie’s alternate role as a brilliant mathematician and gay activist complicates Jamal’s decision to refrain from coming out to his team, as he falls hard for both aspects of the complex and beautiful man. Unfortunately, each of them has significant baggage to work through before they can truly form a relationship, and it may be over before it truly begins.
The compelling and erotic m/m romance titles penned by this author continue to blend an entertaining and spicy tale with glimpses of the often daunting challenges faced by those who are different, whether because of race, culture, or sexual orientation. It was fascinating to read a story that is a melding of issues which have been prominent in the news recently with the twist of an exploration of the difficulties of coping with the social pressures facing a cross-dresser and anyone who cares for him. The poignant situations that face both the massive football player whose family has nicknamed Ferdinand the Bull, and the sensitive yet brilliant man who captures his heart, is one that will tug at your heartstrings even as the incandescent passion that soars between them burns up the pages. I adore Jamal’s family and am always delighted to read about level-headed, loving and accepting folks who make the world a better place by their existence. As usual, this author points out the importance of being true to oneself in an engaging tale that combines passion, humor and an intriguing storyline that enlightens without preaching, and I look forward to other tales in the series.
A copy of this title was provided to me for an honest review.
Submitted to Night Owl Reviews
“Canning the Center” by Tara Lain is part of ‘The Long Pass Chronicles’ series and features Jamal Jones as he starts his professional football career. His buddies, Noah and Will, take him to a club where he becomes enchanted by the drag queen known as Trixie LaRue. Trixie’s alternate role as a brilliant mathematician and gay activist complicates Jamal’s decision to refrain from coming out to his team, as he falls hard for both aspects of the complex and beautiful man. Unfortunately, each of them has significant baggage to work through before they can truly form a relationship, and it may be over before it truly begins.
The compelling and erotic m/m romance titles penned by this author continue to blend an entertaining and spicy tale with glimpses of the often daunting challenges faced by those who are different, whether because of race, culture, or sexual orientation. It was fascinating to read a story that is a melding of issues which have been prominent in the news recently with the twist of an exploration of the difficulties of coping with the social pressures facing a cross-dresser and anyone who cares for him. The poignant situations that face both the massive football player whose family has nicknamed Ferdinand the Bull, and the sensitive yet brilliant man who captures his heart, is one that will tug at your heartstrings even as the incandescent passion that soars between them burns up the pages. I adore Jamal’s family and am always delighted to read about level-headed, loving and accepting folks who make the world a better place by their existence. As usual, this author points out the importance of being true to oneself in an engaging tale that combines passion, humor and an intriguing storyline that enlightens without preaching, and I look forward to other tales in the series.
A copy of this title was provided to me for an honest review.
Submitted to Night Owl Reviews
December 21, 2014
The sweet chocolate bunny...*sigh*... Jamal was everything I hoped he would be! After meeting the man in book 1 I had to know more because he seemed so sure of himself. This book gave Jamal depth and a sweetness that made me swoon. Trixie/Trevor was amazing and I hurt for her because she couldn't see herself as clearly as Jamal did. I loved the journey of these two and I can honestly say that I'm torn between loving Will (from book 1) and Jamal lol.
December 30, 2014
Other than the insta love, I enjoyed this book. It worked great with the first one in the series since most of the previous characters are part of this book too.
The MCs were a nice couple as well as the new additions. The plot was good, even when it moved too fast at the end.
Overall a good book #2. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
The MCs were a nice couple as well as the new additions. The plot was good, even when it moved too fast at the end.
Overall a good book #2. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
March 15, 2015
4.25 Stars
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