Fate in Motion

by Brett Ryan

CARTER
Football’s always been my focus, and it has to be, especially now that I’m with a new team, under a microscope, and fighting to prove I’m worth a new contract. There’s no room for mistakes. No time for distractions. Then I see him. Nate. The guy I kissed once in college and never entirely forgot. Now he’s back in my life, and everything I thought I had under control starts to shift. Because the game isn’t the only thing on my mind anymore, and maybe, for the first time, I don’t want it to be. As I try to balance my career with who I really am, I find myself building something real friendships, self-respect, and maybe a future with the kind of love I never thought I could have.

NATE
I moved to New York to chase my dream of becoming a musician, not to fall for the football player who disappeared after one unforgettable kiss. But Carter’s not the same guy he was back then. And maybe I’m not either. He’s more confident now, more at ease with himself, and the connection between us feels just as electric as it did that night years ago. One kiss. A second chance. And maybe this time, we don’t let go.

This story features an uplifting romance, steamy sexual situations, hard-hitting football, chaotic sibling banter, and heartfelt coming-of-age journeys.

Genres: M M Romance, Sports Romance, Sports

395 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 29, 2025

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute characters with a cute story. No angst, but a few anxiety and sexuality discussions are had. To be honest, everything comes pretty easily to this couple, and they get their new starts, new friends, new jobs, and new love.

Set in NYC, it’s about the football team in that city, the Hawks. Carter gets traded to them and reconnects with Nate, whom he met at a college party once. The overall concept and characters were fun, and it was nice to not have a bunch of homophobes or rotten family members ruining a cosy comfort story.

I struggled at times to connect to the writing style and some of the language used. There was also a lot of very quick back and forth and changing of minds in the beginning, which didn’t help either. People can 100% change their minds about anything, but it seemed to happen within the space of a few sentences, which made it feel like a game of tennis at times. That does seem to work itself out the further you go into the book though. It also felt like we were being introduced to future couples like Charlie and Paul who sound like they’re perfect for a love/hate relationship.

Overall, there wasn’t much plot to work through; everything that could have created angst seems to work out perfectly for them. It was a comfy happy read with a nice HEA.

………………………………………………………….
I received an ARC from GRR, and this is my honest review.

[Steven Leonardi-Garrido · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nate and Carter’s love story was very cute and had a lot of feel good moments. I loved the dialogue and chemistry as well as exploring the emotions of each character. I will look out for future books by this author! :)

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read other reviews that say that this book lacks drama, but I disagree with that. These characters deal with the anxiety of being closeted in a world where being gay isn’t welcome and how that influences their relationship.

This was such a sweet love story and was very touching and heart warming. Found myself smiling throughout the book and cheering for the characters.

[Catarina Águas · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC review

This one wasn't bad but it wasn't something that grabbed me. I had to fight with myself to finish it. Like I said, it was good but nothing to write home about.
Carter was afraid to be himself with the people in his life and his professional life but Nate gave him the courage to be who he wanted to be.
Nate was there for Carter in anyway he could and vice versa.
They had each others back and I just love that

[b00ks_in_nature · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5
Despite my expectations after reading the blurb, there really was no angst in this story. I did think things were a little too easy, after Carter was so worried about his career for so long. It just seemed like everything always just worked out. I'm often fine with low angst (usually prefer it) but this just fell flat for me. There were some minor inconsistencies as well. The bones were good though! I think this is a new author, and there seemed to be a setup for another book. I'd be willing to check it out and see how the writing progresses!

[Bryan Selner · Rating 4 out of 5]

After getting so invested in the Game Changer series, I was a little nervous to start this book. I didn’t know if anything would live up to that experience… but this book completely exceeded my expectations. It delivered the same kind of emotional pull and storytelling that makes you not want to put it down.

[Nicole M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was in the mood for a low angst mm romance and that is exactly what Nate and Carter provided. Cute is the word I keep coming back to. I enjoyed the dynamic between the guys. Their story didn't hurt my heart, which i appreciated. Their spice was fun and spicy. Everything about them felt... easy, which fit my little reader mood.

[Helen Cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little sporty, a bit spicy, and most of all, a heartwarming modern love story!

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this story, it’s super cute with nice characters and fairly low drama. It did take me abit of time to get into the story, it didn’t grab me from the start so had to persevere for about the first quarter then it was plain sailing after that. Like I said it’s super sweet with two likeable characters that seem like they just needed to reconnect at the right time, they were too young and unsure the first time they met, Carter wasn’t quite sure where his head was at. It’s an easy read and the story flows nicely, there’s abit of back and forth here and there which with better communication resolves itself. Nate was definitely my favourite of the two and I was really rooting for them and they’re happy ever after. Side characters are fun and there’s definitely a good set up for Paul if he’s to get a book.

[bubblegumpopper · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one just didn't grab my interest. There wasn't enough conflict to really drive the story forward, so it just kind of felt like it was in neutral the whole time. The writing is also very simplistic and was a lot of telling rather than showing. There was also some inconsistencies within the story that I think a good beta reader would help clean up (for example, in the first half of the book they cook chicken parm together and mess it up because neither of them know what they're doing, but then in the second half--which is only a few weeks later and he rarely cooks--it's Carter's "go-to".) It seems like this author is new, so I have no doubt that he will improve his storytelling skills with more practice.

***

I was provided with an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.

[Ashley Carrillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carter has a life changing kiss with a male musician he meets at a party that helps him understand why he never had a spark with any girl he dated. When Nate suggests he may like guys they test it out with a kiss that neither expected to feel so right. But after that night they don't see each other again and Carter is picked up for a rookie year in the NFL where he decides not to come out for fear of how people will react and how it may affect his career since he's under a microscope trying to get an extended contract. But when he meets Nate again unexpectedly after years he finds that same spark he felt with Nate all those years ago are still there and the more they get to know each other the more electric and unavoidable it feels. Nate has his own dreams and wants to do something with his music. Both men have a passion for their career but a career isn't all they're passionate about. I loved that both men respected the other in their work and that most of the angst is within for what may happen. I needed a bit of a palette cleanser from some of the more angsty coming out books and I really liked the course and progression of Nate and Carter's relationship. Their HEA was much needed and deserved. This is a new to me author but I'm looking foward to reading more books by them.

[Julie Underhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fate in Motion by Brett Ryan is the story of two men who meet in college, one finding out who he is but hiding it, and the other who helps him discover his real self and then go on to fall in love and live their lives out in the open. Carter Elliot is a running back with a future in the NFL. In college in 2014 he dated women but never really felt the spark. Then one night he meets Nate Ryan, a singer, at a party and they talk in the backyard before he plays. Carter lets on that he doesn’t really have much luck having “fun” with girls and Nate suggests he might like boys so they experiment and kiss. Both men feel it but Nate leaves to play and they don’t see each other again. That kiss led Carter to realize that he did like men but with his career he couldn’t let anyone know about it so he had liaisons in secret and not very often. Four years go by and Nate has been playing in the NFL for the Boston Wolverines and gets traded to the New York Hawks. He is a great running back but his playing is often inconsistent because he has anxiety and his thoughts, especially about anyone finding out he likes men, get in the way of his playing. He is hoping for a new start and to get a long-term contract. His friend that he played football with before calls and he is also joining the team. He says he will introduce him to other team members and also that they do charity events so be prepared. Meanwhile Nate is now an event singer but his true wish is to own a café with open mic nights but that is in the distant future. He has moved to New York to escape his somewhat crazy family and also to see if he can make it there. He searches for people needing another backup singer and guitar player and after a few unsuccessful tries he finds Mel who sings for weddings and other events and her former partner had left. They meet and sing and find out they are really good together and start doing events. Her best friend Paul works at a bar and he meets Carter there and they hit it off. Carter tells him he likes men and he’s one of the few people outside his family and close friends that he’s told. Paul invites him to a dog adoption event where Mel is playing, which you see coming, and Carter and Nate meet again. Carter is nervous and they act like they’ve never met before but they stay and talk, he tells Nate he likes men, and they kiss in the bathroom and make a date to meet at Carter’s apartment the next weekend. The story continues as they get to know one another and the connection they made when they first kissed in college continues to grow. They meet as often as they can, and Nate sometimes goes to Carter’s games. As they grow comfortable with each other, Nate moves in with him, they start having some hot love scenes, and soon know that they need to be together. Carter’s football career is going strong, especially since thinking about Nate grounds him and eases his anxiety. Nate and Mel are also scoring some gigs that are bringing them more into the public’s eyes. Carter and Nate meet each other’s families and everyone gets along. Carter realizes in order for them to be truly happy he has to come out and he’s still scared about his career and losing friends but during a stressful game he comes out to the team and everyone backs him. After they declare their love for each other, Carter tells Nate they are going to have a date in public where they can kiss and be together and it will be his coming out. They have a wonderful time on that date and the pressure is off Carter because everyone that matters is happy for them and has their backs. In the end they both get their dreams and are looking forward to a wonderful life together. I really enjoyed this book. It is obvious from the beginning that Carter and Nate are destined to be together. They mesh so well from the start. Carter is a great football player and fun guy but has anxiety and is scared to come out. With Nate he feels so much better and over time he gradually tells his family, friends, team, and then the world who he really is and who he wants to love. Mel, their families and friends, and the team play a big part in the story. The only thing I didn’t like about it was there is a lot of drinking and getting drunk in the story which may happen but I’m not sure when you play professional football. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like stories that include football and singing and men falling in love but having to come to terms with coming out before they can be truly happy.

[Janet · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very odd book

The blurb sounded interesting and I like finding new authors so I got an ARC from GRR. Unfortunately I found this hard-going for many reasons. Bearing in mind this was an ARC, some of the issues may have been fixed before publication but, on the sample provided on the Amazon page, there are no credits after the title page for either editing or proofreading so I'm not optimistic.

SPOILERS
This starts with Carter, a college footballer on track for the NFL, who regularly gets drunk to get himself out of his head and alleviate his anxiety (and whose doctor says he may have a problem, which is an understatement as he thinks eight drinks is perfectly fine for a college student). The casual hard drinking is a regular occurrence throughout the book and concerning, not least because he is an NFL player by the fourth chapter. Don't get me started on his diet either.
Nate is an aspiring singer, who everyone who hears him says is absolutely amazing, but he's so good he can't find a band or any gigs. Also, apparently, his dream is to open a coffee shop with open mike nights. Go figure.
When Carter and Nate meet at a frat party, Carter suddenly spills every secret he has, they kiss, Carter thinks he likes it, Nate plays and sings for the partygoers while Carter goes upstairs with a random girl he's hooked up with before. Again, go figure. Fast forward four years and their romance begins.

The writing was a bit simplistic, the phrasing odd at times, and there was less showing and more telling. This was in need of a editor and a proofreader to eliminate inconsistencies and repetition and generally tidy it up to make it more reader-friendly.
The best bits of the book were when their families were involved. I love their loud, boisterous and loving siblings and Carter's parents. Those scenes shone through the rest. Their friends and Carter's teammates were good too.
There's promise here and I wish the author the best of luck, because there's plenty of scope already for future pairings.

[Pontiki · Rating 2 out of 5]

At a college party, Nate and Carter share a kiss that answers a question Carter’s not ready to face. Four years later Nate arrives in New York with hopes of making something of himself as a musician, not a star, but a working singer.

Carter is traded to New York as a football player, and though he’s not out, he meets a bartender and they become friends. Nate has found a new friend too, a woman looking for a partner to be part of a duo. Their friends know each other, leading them to meet again.

From there they start to hang out, Carter shares his sexuality and Nate figures out more about his own. They date secretly, and Nate shares his hope to have a cafe with an open mic stage.

They share their lives, meet the families, and become boyfriends. Carter comes out and Nate opens his cafe, all from a fated kiss.

I liked these characters and the interesting idea of Nate’s music and cafe idea. I like his friend Mel and Carter’s friends Marcus and Paul.

But this was a poorly written novel. The first part of the book is stilted, but I continues on, hoping it got better. The story itself is good, which is what kept me reading. However, some things are also hard to believe or understand. The football lingo is impossible for someone only generally familiar with the game, so that became frustrating.

Nate’s luck in finding someone to play music with on his first day looking is already unrealistic. She happens to be rich for the strange reason that her parents died and left her their money, which was an odd plot point that came up late in the book.

Although these are young people, there’s entirely too much drinking, they all seem like immature kids rather than adults with jobs, and as a football player Carter has no diet, no routine, which again doesn’t add up.

I received this ARC for free and am pleased to give it my honest review with thanks.

[Maxie · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review
No spoilers

Of all my first experiences with new (to me) writers, this was the one where I had the least reference about the author and their work. So, I went in with no real expectations, good or bad. What I found was a fun mix of sports and music romance , and honestly, it was pretty entertaining.

The story follows Carter, a pro football player who’s trying to prove himself to his new team. His focus is his career, and he does his best to keep distractions at bay, until a blast from his past shake things up. Nate is a musician Carter kissed back in college, a moment that clearly left an impression. Their reunion sparks a second-chance romance that’s heartwarming but also a little complicated.

The author blends the hype of sports with the vulnerability of self-discovery. Carter is fighting to stay at the top of his game while trying to be himself off the field. Nate’s chasing his own dreams in New York, and their chemistry ignites right away. There’s no unnecessary angst or drama, the story is more about their internal struggles with identity, confidence, and love. It’s a feel-good story, and honestly, it doesn’t try to be anything more.

Fate in Motion is a nice, light read. I really enjoyed it and found the characters relatable, but I have to admit, the writing could’ve been a little tighter. The pacing can be a bit shaky, and some side characters don’t get as much depth as they probably deserve, the dialogue is confusing at times, sometimes it felt a bit too simple, and some scenes might have hit harder with more emotional depth or details. Still, the heart of the book is clear, there’s plenty of warmth, and the joy of watching two people realize that maybe fate isn’t a path that’s set in for you, but what you choose it to be. All in all, not bad for a first try.

[Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A faded kiss as college students, fate a musician and athlete to reconnect

At college, Carter, a football player, and Nate, a dreamer of becoming a musician, kissed. Now, years later, the two end up in New York and reconnect through a series of mutual friends. Carter is a professional football player thriving in the league, playing for a New York team. Nate, who has been bouncing around trying to make it as a musician, finally lands a connection for a duo with Mel, an already accomplished musician with significant experience, and we later learn, financial backing.

When Nate and Carter reunite at a social event with other professional football players, the same chemistry that caused their kiss years ago is still there. The two enjoy each other's company, and Nate benefits from the support Carter provides. Carter feels less anxiety about his football game because of Nate’s attention—it’s clear he’s his biggest fan.

As their relationship deepens, Nate finally gets gigs that provide some income, but it's not enough to cover rent in a New York apartment. Immediately, Carter invites him to live with him in his stylish apartment. They become each other's support system and biggest fans.

Brett Ryan provides a running commentary that celebrates their intimacy and offers some technical details of Carter’s games after he starts dating Nate. Carter is clearly destined for bigger things and wants to share his life with Nate, who aspires to open a coffee shop with live music on special nights, offering a venue for other musicians trying to make their way in New York City.

The story's ending isn’t a surprise, and the level of angst from the author is quite low—there’s no manufactured drama, just life’s usual obstacles to happiness.

This was my first read by Brett Ryan, and it was an easy, satisfying story about the two men reconnecting and supporting each other. I’m not a football expert, but the descriptions of Carter’s plays seemed authentic. It helps that Nate is a football fan and admires Carter's performance.

I liked this book and will likely read more from this author.

[DeeReads412 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great low angst story from a debut author. It was definitely a cute story of 2 guys that meet in college, share one kiss and then lose touch. 4 years later they join mutual friends to an event and their relationship grows from there.

Nate is a struggling singer, looking to make a living with his music, while dreaming of owning his own café with an open mic night. Carter is plays for the NFL and is looking to prove himself to his new team after a trade. The author handles all aspects of Carters games with a great deal of knowledge, making it a more authentic experience.

The angst in the story, while very minimal, is all internal. Real world worries about living as an out gay man in sports, but all characters are super supportive. That was my favorite part of this book overall. The found, and bio families, are all super supportive and gives you the warm and fuzzies.

Overall I really enjoyed this book. The only drawback for me was the excessive drinking. Alcohol, especially in social settings, is 100% acceptable, but for me it was the large amount of drinks being described in almost every situation. It felt a bit uncomfortable and definitely distracted from the overall plot of the story for me.

If you are looking for a low angst, fun, story heavy on football knowledge, pop songs, and partying this would be a good one for you.

[Amanda Winter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fate in Motion was a cute, low-angst debut that felt like a cosy comfort read.

Nate and Carter first meet in college, share a memorable kiss, and then lose touch—only to reconnect four years later through mutual friends. From there their relationship slowly grows as Carter adjusts to life with a new NFL team and Nate continues chasing his dream of making it as a singer while hoping to one day open his own café with open mic nights.

One of my favourite aspects of the book was how supportive everyone around them was. Both the found family and biological family dynamics gave the story a really warm, feel-good atmosphere, and I appreciated the way Carter’s concerns about being openly gay in professional sports were handled with sensitivity.

You can also tell the author has strong knowledge of football, which made Carter’s career and game scenes feel authentic.

For me, the story leaned very much into comfort-read territory—minimal angst and most conflicts resolving fairly easily. At times the pacing and writing style made it a little harder to fully connect, and the frequent focus on drinking scenes occasionally distracted from the story.

Overall though, this was a sweet, easy read with lovable characters, supportive friendships, and a satisfying HEA. A promising debut from Brett Ryan.

[sycokittykat - Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding and living your truth

Carter and Nate met by chance one night in college and shared an amazing kiss but it also left them wondering about their sexuality. For Carter he was afraid that it would put his career in jeopardy so he continued to fail at being with women.

Nate is a struggling artist trying to figure out what to do with his life. Finding an opportunity with a girl he went to school with years ago he finds himself at a gig that brings him face to face with Carter after all this time.

This was a cute story where most of the angst was self imposed. Fear of living your truth out loud because it "could" change your life. Well when you find someone who makes you want to take the chances you know you have something special.

I absolutely adored the found family aspects in this story. I also enjoyed the guys finding their truths and a way to live them in an authentic way.

There was a LOT of drinking in this story and it was very excessive and dif not need to be repeated until everyone was basically a drunk. This definitely took away from the story some for me. You are adults so act like it.

[Tara Bennett · Rating 3 out of 5]

MY OPINION: I always enjoy reading something from a debut author. This book was a solid story with two very interesting MCs.

There are several tropes covered here that keep the story moving along. Carter is a closeted NFL player who realized he wasn’t straight in college but never acted on it. He didn’t even date women; he simply focused on football. When he is traded to New York, he finds himself face-to-face with the only man he has ever kissed. This time, he wasn’t going to let him get away.

The story follows Carter getting comfortable with his identity and learning about what it means to be a gay football player. Nate is there the entire time, letting him know that he is supported, and they start fooling around and find that feelings happen.

This is a very low-angst story with a good amount of spicy bits. The concept of the story was good, with a strong awakening vibe, a little close proximity, rich / poor, and coming out tropes. I am glad I got the opportunity to read this debut novel from Brett Ryan.

[De Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had such a cute and adorable premise. And the characters were so endearing and lovable. It felt like a honest and genuine story. There’s tension and anxiety but not in a negative sense. It’s refreshing to have this type of raw anxiety rep in a sports romance with the athlete being the one experiencing it. I also loved the fact that there was not a large presence of homophobic people in these two’s lives. Carter and Nate did not have a typical meet cute but it was adorable nonetheless. There were so many feel good moments in this story. The connection and chemistry between Carter and Nate was so heartwarming and genuine. And the communication they shared was amazing. The support and love they give each other was beyond words. I struggled connecting with the writing style at times but the story itself never lost me. There was emotional pull and I just had to keep reading to see what would happen for this couple. All in all this book has a good balance of sweet and heat. And it gave me an ending that left me satisfied and happy.

[Nancy Lockett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a relatively low angst second chance romance. Carter, a football player, and Nate meet one night when they are in college and share a kiss. This kiss makes Carter realize that he is gay. He goes on to be drafted to the NFL team Boston and hides his sexuality. Several years later he is traded to New York and thinks about coming out but is trying to make the team roster and doesn't want any distractions. Meanwhile, Nat has recently moved to a small town in New Jersey that is close to New York to follow his dream of becoming a musician. The two men meet up again at a charity event that Nate is singing at and begins friendship and romance. Falling in love with Nate helps Carter to take the steps he needs to truly be his authentic self. This is a sweet romance about being true ti yourself.

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

College is often a time for students to explore and figure themselves out. They also get to decide whose truths they want to live. In this story, Carter is living the expectations of his team, his bestie and others. But when he meets Nate the chemistry is strong and they share a kiss. They did not forget and when they meet up a couple of years later, Carter is playing professionally and Nate is trying to make it professionally as a musician. They strike up a friendship that leads them to be supportive of one another. When Nate can't make the rent Carter invites him to stay with him which leads them to become closer still. The evolution of their relationship is well paced and it was good to follow along as they navigate the development of their love and their life together.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charlotte.s.library · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute story. I had fun while reading it but I wished for something more, I guess…

This is the story of Carter, an NFL rookie player, and Nate an aspiring singer. They previously met and shared a kiss that has been on both their minds for a long time, and now fate put them back into each other lives, like the title suggests.

This story flew by easily and we did not need to go through too much drama. Things were pretty straightforward and pretty low angst. The characters are likeable and one thing I liked is that Nate was not that typical musician who knew nothing about sports.

I also liked the spicy scenes. They were well written and I liked how healthy and mature the characters are when it comes to this part of their relationship.

Overall it was a good story and I do recommend it.

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

This was a cute book that has anxiety rep (both in general and specifically about potential homophobia). For the most part, I felt like Carter and Nate understood each other well and were open to communication. I appreciated how they both support each other and want the other to want the best for themselves.
There was a seemingly throw-away comment in the epilogue that felt like it did not fit in with the rest of the book. Though it came across as joking, it felt like it was a reason to doubt Carter’s actions/intent in a relevant, previous scene. I would bet that this was added to the epilogue just to have a banter-like back and forth, but I couldn’t help but immediately see it this way.

TW: There are repeated mentions of Harry Potter throughout the book.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

3.25 stars

This debut book by Brett Ryan is very low angst, despite the subject matter. I finished the book with mixed feelings. While there were definitely parts I liked, I had other issues with the story that left me feeling dissatisfied. This book is long, there’s a lot going on, and in the end, not much tension.

Carter’s anxiety and mental health is at the forefront of the story, and I liked the realistic portrayal of it. This book is a lot of tell and very little show. Both MCs share their thought process easily and without provocation, which seems disingenuous.

All in all, this was a mixed bag for me.

Read Kris’s review in its entirety here.

[Justine · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a cute story, but it wasn’t my favorite. I had a hard time staying focused on the book which isn’t normal for me. The writing was a little off for me and just not my preferred style. But Carter and Nate were sweet. There was no big drama or any kind of unnecessary tension, so that was nice. No third act break up or anything like that. I liked the different side characters and the family members of Carter and Nate. The people in their lives were accepting and so loving of their relationship. There is some spice but nothing crazy. Overall, it wasn’t for me but it wasn’t a terrible book. It’s a sweet, light romance.

[Bluemoonchild · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had high hopes for the one based on the blurb, but unfortunately, I struggled to get into it. Overall, it just didn't hold my attention the way I hoped it would. The premise had potential, but I didn't feel that there was enough of a strong story arc to really build tension or momentum. Everything seemed to resolve itself just a little too neatly and there isn't a lot of angst or conflict to sink into, which made it all fall flat for me. That said, if you're looking for an easy, low-stress read with a tidy HEA and minimal emotional upheaval, this is a solid choice.

[I received an advanced copy of this book. All reviews and ratings are my own.]

[Jack Harkness · Rating 3 out of 5]

limp noodle, CVS lube, Pink Penis, teabagging, Zaddy, clap-on-clap-off lights, $20K/mo, kiss ass, karaoke machine, soft opening, 18 tables

This is okay. Not gonna lie, I had a hard time reading and finishing it. The story seems to stay on the surface, not going deep. The writing is fine and the characters are wonderful. There's nothing wrong with Nate and Carter. The angst is mostly Carter's, about coming out as an NFL player. Yes, Nate has money problems, but nothing that went deeper. Most of the characters seemed to drink a lot of alcohol to the point of being super drunk. I'll leave it up to you whether to read this or not.

[Malia Winger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carter, a closeted football player, experiences a life-altering kiss with Nate, a talented singer, at a college party. Four years later, after making it to the pros and being traded to New York, he reencounters Nate at a charity event. Their rekindled attraction blossoms into love, but Carter's career presents a conflict: balancing his relationship with the pressure of potentially becoming a symbol for gay men in pro sports. The stress leads to anxiety, forcing Carter to find balance before losing the man he loves. I appreciate how the author avoided excessive angst, allowing the characters to maturely resolve their issues peacefully.