Rushing Closer

Desert Football #4

by Christie Gordon

Moving in with my best friend should’ve been simple. Instead, it’s the beginning of something I never saw coming.
Malik

Grey’s been my ride-or-die since football camp.
Then he moves in—flustered, jealous, staring at my mouth like he forgets we’re “just friends.”
He watches me like he’s starving. He blushes when I touch him.
One drunken night wrecks us both.
And then he panics because wanting me might cost him everything.
But when Grey reaches for me, shaking, desperate, honest, I know this isn’t one-sided.
I’m already all in.
I just need him to choose us.

Greyson
Football is my escape. My future. My chance to finally break free from my father’s grip.
But living with Malik changes everything.
We’ve always been close. Too close.
Sharing beds after long nights, clinging to each other when life hit hard, acting like we were something more without ever naming it.
Something in me cracks open.
I’m not supposed to want him.
Not when my father is arranging my life, my future, and my girlfriend.
But every night in that house pushes me closer to Malik, and every touch makes it harder to lie to both of us.
I’m falling for my best friend, and I don’t know how to stop.

Rushing Closer is book 4 of the Desert Football series, featuring a happy-go-lucky running back and the wealthy transfer student discovering he’s not as straight as he thought. Expect friends-to-lovers, bi awakening, roommates with too much chemistry, jealous pining, meddling families, and steam that hits like a fourth-quarter comeback.

Buy now and fall for the boys who keep getting closer until falling in love is inevitable.

Genres: Friends To Lovers, Sports, M M Romance, LGBT, Romance, College Romance, Football

311 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 24, 2026

About the author

Christie Gordon is the author of steamy, heartfelt gay romance novels that explore the emotional journey of men discovering themselves and finding love. It all started when she stumbled upon MM fanfiction by accident—and let's just say, it was love at first read. Inspired by the genre's mix of passion and complexity, Christie transitioned from reading about men in love to writing her own stories. After taking fiction writing classes at a local community college, she published her first MM romance novel in 2009 with a small press, and she’s never looked back.
When she’s not writing, Christie watches boys-love dramas, creates digital art, or is serenaded by her snoring one-eyed rescue pug. A graduate of both Electrical Engineering (BS) and Business Administration (MBA), she spends her "day job" navigating the high-tech world, but her heart belongs to the characters who live in her books. Christie currently resides in the Phoenix metro area, though she’s also lived in California’s Bay Area and Minnesota (which probably explains her deep love of pumpkin spiced latte coffees and hockey).
She’s also the proud mother of two young-adult sons who provide plenty of material for stories—usually in the form of chaotic shenanigans. But no matter what, Christie’s always up for a new adventure, whether it's on the page or in the real world.

For information about her and her work, please visit her website at: www.christiegordon.com
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Reviews

[Chloë✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rushing closer by Christie Gordon

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rating: 4/5
Characters: 5/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Releasedate: February 24th of 2026

🏈 Best friends to lovers
🏈 Bi-awakening
🏈 Roommates/ forced proximity
🏈 Mutual pining
🏈 Touch starved
🏈 Rich family pressure

“Friends with benefits was the rule, falling in love broke it..”

This is book 4 in the Desert Football series. This book is about Greyson and Malik, two best friends who move in together during the final year of college.

I absolutely adored these characters, I was really looking forward to reading this book after reading the last ones!
And gosh It did not disappoint, this story was amazing, heartbreaking and so rewarding!

Thank you for letting me read the ARC, I really enjoyed It!

[Maddi Marina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

this was cute! i loved the besties to lovers aspect and once grey’s family plot kicked in i was very invested. just like 2 or 3 too many spicy scenes, it was a lot.

🥲*and i basically cried at the conflict near the end, super sad :(*

[Nancy Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
RUSHING CLOSER (Desert football 4) di Christie Gordon
VOTO: 4.5 ⭐ 4 🌶️
RECENSIONE: lettura carinissima (come ogni libro di Christie Gordon). I protagonisti sono due migliori amici (Malik e Greyson) che tornano a vivere insieme durante il college. La vicinanza lì porterà a scoprire nuovi aspetti sul loro rapporto e ho adorato alla follia la loro storia! Normalmente non sono una grande amante dei libri best Friends to lovers, ma qui Christie Gordon è riuscita a scrivere perfettamente la loro relazione (forse il vantaggio è che per alcuni anni sono stati separati) e la loro relazione è stata bellissima. Tex, il coinquilino che divide l'appartamento con loro, è stato un amico perfetto e soprattutto fondamentale.
Parliamo dei “difetti” della trama: fidanzate in mezzo e genitori stronzi che devono sempre rovinare tutto.
Se la storia di base è bellissima e semplicissima, in questa storia abbiamo un angst composto da una finta fidanzata che vuole solo i soldi di Greyson e un padre che non ama il figlio e vuole solo chiudere affari costringendolo a fidanzarsi con ragazze (Nonostante il figlio faccia coming out come bisessuale e dicendo di amare e avere una relazione con Malik). La famiglia di quest’ultimo è stata perfetta, l’ho amata e forse avrei voluto leggere ancora qualcosa su di loro. La tata di Greyson è stata perfetta! La vera madre per lui!
Nonostante sapessi che prima o poi l’angst avrebbe colpito e avrebbe fatto male, ho amato come Gray abbia preferito rinunciare alla sua famiglia pur di stare con Malik, è stato meraviglioso e quello che si pensava dovesse finire male invece è finito in modo perfetto. Bello bello bello! Vi consiglio non solo questo libro, ma tutta la serie perché Christie Gordon scrive libri stupendi.
Grazie mille per la copia ARC.

ENGLISH REVIEW

A lovely read (like all Christie Gordon's books). The main characters are Malik and Greyson, two best friends who move in together during college. Greyson lived in New York before and living close again, leads them to discover new aspects of their relationship, and I absolutely loved their story! Usually, I'm not a big fan of best friends to lovers books, but Christie Gordon wrote their relationship perfectly! Tex, the roommate who shares the apartment with them, was a perfect and, even more importantly, essential friend
for both of them during the book. Let's talk about the “flaws” in the plot: girlfriends in the middle and asshole parents who always have to ruin everything.
While the plot is lovely and simple, this story has some angst with a fake girlfriend who only wants Greyson's money and a father who doesn't love his son and just wants to close deals by forcing him to date girls (even though his son comes out as bisexual and says he loves Malik and he is in a relationship with him). Malk's family was perfect, I loved them and maybe I would have liked to read more about them. Greyson's nanny was perfect, she was like a real mother to him. She was so important for him and I really loved their relationship! Even though I knew that sooner or later angst would strike and hurt, I loved how Gray chose to give up his family to be with Malik. It was wonderful, and what I thought would end badly, ended perfectly instead. Amazing book, I recommend not only this book, but the whole series, because Christie Gordon writes amazing books.
Thank you so much for the ARC copy.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy Christie’s books set at ASU with the hockey or football teams. This time it’s football, it’s Malik’s senior year and he is hoping to compete in the spring combine and get an NFL contract come draft time. Greyson, his BFF since high school football camp, is transferring to ASU to live with Malik and his housemate Tex, play football, and hopefully get to the combine and draft with Malik. The two have had an extremely affectionate friendship for years, Malik is bi, leaning toward gay, and Greyson is straight — or thought he was, until experimentation at camp unleashes an unexpected addiction for more with Malik, making Grey realize he is more bi than straight. The complications arise for both young men with Grey’s parental expectation that he will marry a woman and produce an heir —or else. The deeper the physical and emotional relationship becomes between the two, the more they try to hide it, all while Grey tries to appear to be toeing the line. As expected, eventually there is a slip up, everything is in the open, and things don’t look good for the future. Luckily they have Tex, he knew about them all along, and he has a solution to get things back on track to the combine and beyond. Also, as expected, they do get their dream life together, hard earned as it became.

Christie’s characters are always well developed and engaging, situations are realistic and develop naturally, and the conclusions are satisfying and well deserved. I can count on any of these books to draw me in and get involved with the characters and their situations, rooting for their relationships to work. With Malik and Grey, they were definitely meant to be together, they just had to realize that it would go beyond BFFs. I did find this time that I frequently got very frustrated with Grey, feeling he was very selfish in the relationship with Malik, trying to walk the family tightrope without really thinking beyond his wants and desires, not considering the unexpected situations which could develop to cause the whole the bubble to burst when outside reality broke in, as it did. He did step up when it mattered, once a lifeline was available, but I was disappointed he wasn’t more realistic with facing the choices he had made. It all worked out in the end (it’s a romance, so of course it did), and I think Tex deserved a big “Thanks” from our two MCs for their HEA. I am looking forward to Tex’s story next, and maybe some new members moving into the ASU queer football house, fodder for more Desert Football books down the road.

I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.

[JG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rushing Closer is the 4th book in Gordon’s Desert Football Series, which followed the Desert Ice Hockey series. I’ve been an avid reader of these series and a big fan of all of her books. However, this one didn’t quite do it for me as much as some of the others.

Malik is an ASU senior and star running back for the football team, looking forward to entering the NFL draft. Grey comes from a wealthy NY socialite family, and opts to transfer from Cornell to ASU to finish out college to also play running back on the team and hopefully also get drafted, against the wishes of his father who wants him to marry the right kind of woman, get a business degree at Harvard, and start to work at his company. Malik and Grey have been BFFs for years, ever since they met in football camp, and conveniently, Malik has an extra room for rent in their queer football squad house after some prior roommates moved out to start their NFL careers after graduation. Malik is bisexual and Grey has always identified as straight though the two have always been quite affectionate and touchy feely with each other. After one drunken escapade, which leaves them both questioning their platonic feelings for each other (and for Grey, his sexuality), Grey veers off in the opposite direction and starts working on a relationship with the NY socialite woman his father selected, despite him not really wanting to. A week in the woods at their ASU preseason football camp changes everything though and soon the friends have progressed to friends with benefits. All this is well and good and makes for a lovely friends to lovers story with an overabundance of steamy sexual encounters (like seriously do these men have no refractory period?). However, this is kind of where things fell apart for me a little. Everything just works a little too easily. There’s not much angst. Without giving too much in the way of spoilers, every problem they encounter seems to get solved quickly and satisfactorily. So while I was rooting for their happily ever after, it truly didn’t seem like it was all that hard won.

This book can stand alone since references to prior book characters don’t really require their backstories though I generally prefer to start a series from the beginning. Despite my lukewarm feelings about this book, I truly am excited to see what happens with Tex (the final footballer in their house to find his true love) in the next one.

[Sunshine · Rating 5 out of 5]

RUSHING CLOSER - CHRISTIE GORDON

This is book 4 in the Desert Football series, and finally Malik’s turn for a HEA!

I enjoy best friends to lovers stories, and this one especially! The relationship between Malik and Grey is so heartwarming and affectionate and filled with such loyalty and trust it’s understandable how they could fall in love and become each other’s special person.

Malik could not believe his luck when Grey decided to transfer to ASU to help prepare himself more for the NFL Draft. Even better was the fact there was a room open in the Desert Dog house for him to rent!

Grey loves football and couldn’t give up on his dream to be in the NFL, even though his father was pushing him to come work in the family business. Malik was his closest friend and biggest supporter and he needed to spend this time training with him and working towards their shared dream.

Once they head to football camp and have their first kiss, after realizing how attracted they are to each other, their bond continues getting deeper until they admit they don’t want to date anyone else. Unfortunately neither Malik or Grey are out to their families so Grey insists on keeping up the appearance he is straight by agreeing to start calling a girl his parents know. There are some challenges and drama until they finally can’t handle the stress and are caught kissing in an alley by the girl. She sends a video to Grey’s dad and outs him, and his dad basically says he is cutting him off and it will force him return to New York.

Their roommate Tex reminds Grey his car is still his property to sell, and suggests he reach out to their former quarterback JJ who is now in the NFL because he mentioned needing a new car. Thankfully money from the sale is enough to keep Grey and Malik together at ASU. Malik takes Grey home for Christmas and is amazed when he comes out to his family and they don’t seem surprised because they always thought him and Grey were perfect together. To add to their holiday cheer, the guys get engaged and can’t wait to graduate and start their life together.

Like all Christie Gordon books, there are wonderful and realistic characters and found family (even some from previous books) that show up and remind us how fantastic this author is. I am really looking forward to reading Tex’s story!

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malik was over the moon super excited to have his best friend Greyson move in with him and Tex. They had met at a football camp years and years ago and they had started this friendship. They had always had a unique friendship. They were very much touchy Feely and didn’t see anything wrong with it. The fact that they were sharing their last year together and the hopes of going pro in the NFL was something special. But one night after hooking up with a couple of girls, something happened when they got home that changed everything. Now Malik is bisexual and he has known for many years but Grey had always been straight. But that night they shared a drunken hook up with each other. But the next morning Grey had no memory of what had happened or he said that Malik saw the difference in his friend. Choosing to contact the girl from the night before to go on a date. Thankfully Malik had his other roommate Tex to talk to and he gave him the best advice. Communication just talk to your friend but it was obvious that Grey was avoiding Malik. So when they went on a week football training camp, Malik decided he had to talk to Grey. He missed his friend and thankfully the truth came out. Grey remembered everything of that night but he could not come out as gay or bisexual because his family would disown him. Grey was very honest in telling Malik that he was crazy about him but he had no other option than to cool things down. Thankfully, they had agreed to see where these feelings would go but keep it quiet. No one would know other than Tex.
so how would this play out.? Firstly there is a few twist and turns in this book with family commitments for Grey. I will admit so many times that my heart was in my mouth for Malik because he is just this sweet hearted young man who is crazy about his friend. But was he being too trusting in his friend to pick him if it came down to it??
These two have such chemistry, their passion is off the chance these two are just so in sync with each other I’d even go to say soulmates because that’s what they are they have this shared friendship that is growing into something more and I hate how people think they have the right to tell somebody they can’t have that Love. I think it’s safe to say I went through most emotions reading this book. It is a great read and I really couldn’t put it down. But I am super happy with the ending of this book.
I got this ARC from the author and this is me leaving my honest review

[Jim Freihofer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard to believe this is book #4 of Christie's "Desert Football" series centering on the ASU football team. Seems like we just were introduced to these guys! Always better to read a series in order, but this book has very minimal interactions with previous characters so it could easily stand-alone.

Malik the running-back & Tex the lineman are the last two players left in the house after Casey got signed by Las Vegas and moved out. Just when they are trying to decide who to invite to join them, Malik gets a call from his buddy in NYC from high school football camps. Turns out Greyson (Grey) is going to transfer to ASU for his senior year from Cornell in attempt to raise his game and get drafted into the NFL. Grey comes from a privliged Manhattan lifestyle while Malik is comfortably mainstream. Yet they share a friendship that runs deep. Malik & Tex offer Grey the main bedroom in their place which Grey readilly accepts and he moves in a couple weeks before summer football camp starts.

Tex is solidly gay, while Malik identifies as bi. Grey is straight. So get ready for fireworks. After a drunk night out, Grey & Malik act on their attraction to each other and the drama begins. There have been some 3-ways with girls in the past, so the guys are familar with each other physically. There is the usual conflict that you expect with guys coming to terms with a MM relationship, but luckilly Tex is there to nudge them - and ultimately devise the solution to their issues with family & team-mates when they get outed. Ultimately we get our HEA and a great resolution to the conflicts they have been facing.

Gotta admit, this has to be the steamiest book I've ever read from Christie. Almost to the detriment of Malik & Grey's character development. But the writing is up to Christie's lofty standards and what's wrong with some extra steam once in awhile, anyway? With Malik & Grey's HEA we just have Tex left in the house, and there are enough hints about his final book in the series that I'm excited for the final instalment. This one is a solid 4 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[CreativeFreake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rushing Closer, the 4th installment of the Desert Football series, we get the storyline for Malik and his best friend Greyson (Grey).

Grey moves in with Malik for his last year of University. It is his make it or break it year to get drafted or start working for his dad... he really doesn't want to work for/with his dad. Malik is living in the desert house with Tex (the last 2 players from the series left in the house). He is a shoo in for the draft and can think of nothing better than his best friend as a new roomie. Now that the two of them are in the same space, their super close friendship starts to feel like more. Tex as always... is there to point out the obvious! LOL 😅 As Grey and Malik start to get closer physically, they realize their feelings are way more than friendship... After a drunken night together, Grey panics and pushes Malik away, claiming he doesn't remember a thing. As Malik gives Grey space to come to grips with what happened, Tex puts pressure on him to clean the slate and save their friendship. Whelp! Good Advice Tex! Friendship saved over Football camp week! Grey's overbearing dad controls the narrative, causing conflict and angst throughout the storyline... essentially, auctioning his son off like a prized pig. Grey has to keep up appearances with is family so he can stay at the school and enter the draft, so he hides his sexuality and his relationship with Malik and "Fake dates" an awful woman for his dad. Of course, everything blows up and with a little bit of heartbreak and heroics, everything works out in a HEA. Overall, I enjoyed this story, there was not too much angst, I enjoy a little angst... but not too much... I'm an angst wimp 🥲

I worry a bit that Tex is going to be all alone in that house now that everyone has found love and left or is set to leave... I really look forward to reading his story, he has been my favorite since the start of the series.

[Edga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice story from Christie Gordon, involving how a lifelong friendship turns into a lovely romance. It’s an emotional read, and demonstrates how love can cause people to be vulnerable when deep feelings are involved. Malik and Grey’s relationship is built on a foundation trust and familiarity. They’ve known each other forever, the falling in love process isn't a sudden bolt of lightning, but rather the realisation that the person they’ve always leaned on is the only one they want to stay with.
Christie is so good at showing the way the boys know exactly what each other's need, before words are even spoken.The romance blossoms when the lines of their friendship begin to blur once they're living together, suddenly they see each other differently. Their physical attraction, which both had suppressed to protect the friendship, becomes impossible to hide.However, their love story isn't all roses. Grey’s father views his son not as an individual, but as a means to an end. Grey lives in a constant state of fear, feeling that a single mistake will lead to a total withdrawal of his father's approval. When he's with Malik he can be himself, and forget external pressures, all of which deepens the love they feel. What I did find frustrating though is when, for part of the story, Greyson felt he had to hide his feelings for Malik, and date girls to keep in his dad's good books. On the other hand, Malik always puts Greyson first. I swear that the guy's an angel! The highlight of the story is when the two boys are together. It's obvious from the word go, that the two are madly in love. Initially they lie to themselves, it just takes them living together to realise that they'd always 'loved' loved one another. Grey realises that in Malik he's found a safe harbour. The ending is a thing that fairy tales is made of. Cute, low angst, and two nice guys who deserve their HEA. Bring on the next story 😊

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 4 in the Desert Football series and it can be enjoyed as a standalone read. This is the story of Greyson Moore and Malik Thompson. The two of them have been best friends since high school football camp. This is Malik’s senior year of school. He is hoping to compete in the spring combine and get an NFL contract come draft time. When his BFF tells him that he is transferring in to ASU, Malik, offers him a room in the team's house. Greyson knows that this is his last chance at freedom. He is hoping just like Malik to compete in the spring combine and get an NHL contract. Greyson knows that if it doesn't happen, his father will take over his life once again. He will then go to Harvard for his degree and end up working for his father. Controlling doesn't begin to cover it. His dad is already looking at appropriate women from acceptable families for Greyson to marry. Greyson is really hoping that he gets an NFL contract to avoid all that. He has a lot of pressure on him from his family. Malik's family is the total opposite. They are loving and supportive. It makes Greyson relax when he is around them. This is their story. The book is written well and is easy to read. I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. Malik and Greyson have always openly affectionate best friends. Malik is bi and Greyson is straight. Or at least he thinks he his. I loved that they both played the same position and instead of tearing each other down, they supported each other to higher heights. Of course Malik realizes that he loves Greyson but he his willing to settle for being best friends to keep Greyson in his life. Greyson on the other hand really hasn't had a lot of opportunity to discover who he is and what he wants. His family had expectations and demands. Luckily, their common roommate Tex helps both of them see what is really in front of them. I enjoyed this book.

[Jenn Donald · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m really enjoying this series and thought this was a good addition. I’m a fan of friends to lovers and Malik and Greyson’s story is definitely that! I really loved how deep their connection as friends is even before it becomes more. The love they have for each other is easy and natural just always there.

Malik and Grey have been best friends since meeting at a football camp and they are now playing together for their final year in college. And to top it off, there’s a room available in the football house and they are now roommates too.

Malik and Grey have always had a physically affectionate friendship and Malik knows he’s bisexual he’s’ always believed Grey is straight. Then, one night after a bit too much drinking the two end up hooking up and maybe Grey isn’t as straight as they thought. But it’s not really a sweet start for them as Grey insists he doesn’t remember anything and starts to shut Malik out. But the two have football camp coming up together and they have to work out what is happening between them. It’s there Malik really learns the pressures and expectations put on Grey by his family – find a suitable wife and life the life they expect of him or be cut off.

But what these two really feel for each other is too strong and they cannot resist. They start to build a relationship together and really fall for each other, even though Grey is supposed to be courting a New York socialite he’s actually busy loving Malik.

These two have a lot to figure out, between preparing for the draft, Grey’s family and the expectations there and the actual future they want together it’s not the easiest road for them. But on that journey they learn what really matters to them both and what they are willing to do for it. It’s painful sometimes but it all comes together in such a sweet way. I was really happy to see them get all the happiness and love they deserve and it was a really touching ride!

[Nicanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Football Camp to Forever: A Sweet Best-Friends-to-Lovers Tale.

📚Book = Interconnecting Standalone
🔥Burn = Slow/Med,
🎭OW/OM Drama = V minor and not unrequited by either MMC
🐺Alpha Men = No,
🌶️Heat/spice = 4/10,
😬Angst = Low,
💔Third Act Breakup = No,
🤥Cheating = No,
🌈MM/FF = Yes, MM
🔹Writing = 1st Person, MultiPOV,
🔸Genre = Contemporary Romance,
🔹Tropes = MM✨Best friends to lovers✨Golden boy x Grounded protector✨College Football Teammates✨Roommates✨Bi-awakening✨Mutual pining✨Quiet longing, stolen touches,✨Emotional intimacy first✨Lots of cuddling✨Secret relationship✨Rich Family Pressure✨Family expectations vs choosing love✨HEA✨
‼️Triggers = Low - Please double check before reading


This is a very sweet love story between Malik and Grey. There is a lovely gentle pace as their relationship shifts from best friends to more, and that friends-to-lovers nuance makes the transition feel incredibly authentic.

Since they first met at a football camp, their shared history acts as a beautiful safety net, giving them a foundation of trust as they navigate new romantic territory.

The book doesn’t shy away from emotional moments, especially as Grey comes to terms with his sexuality and the heavy weight of family expectations. The pressure from his authoritarian father serves as a powerful external conflict, making Grey’s personal journey toward self-acceptance feel high-stakes and deeply moving.

I loved the character contrast between them; Malik is such a steady, supportive presence while Grey works through his vulnerabilities. Ultimately, it’s a story about courage—not just the courage to come out, but the courage to choose personal happiness over traditional familial demands.

Between the sweetness of the romance and their shared love of American football, this was a truly wonderful read.

[mistye kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

Malik and Grey are friends who both are readying for their future in the NFL. Grey decides to have the best chances he needs to change schools for his final season which sets this love story in motion. The two have gone to football camp together and formed a bond so Malik is excited to be able to spend more time with his friend. Malik has always known he is bisexual and Grey is “straight.” Grey moves in with Tex and Malik.

Malik’s and Grey have always been close and one night things change and things become physical. Grey basically freaks out and pretends he doesn’t remember. His family is awful and their expectations weigh on Grey. They have him in a financial chokehold so he fears he has to do as his father wishes. Malik is hurt by Grey caving to these expectations but is so patient with Grey maybe overly patient at times.

Tex is such a good friend in this book. He knows Malik is hurting and is protective of him. The dynamic of the friendships within this series is one of the things I love the most. These men are there for each other even after they are gone from the house. It’s great to see a group of queer men lifting each other up. We see it not only in Tex but in other former house members in this book who come in and help save the day when things go south in Grey’s family.

I love how the story plays out. There is some angst as you have to see Malik support Grey in ways that hurt him but Grey’s character growth throughout is amazing. The dynamic of breaking free from what is expected of you to becoming who you are and living for yourself is shown beautifully. Grey learns to stand up for what he wants and live his life for himself with Malik by his side supporting him through it all. I have enjoyed all the books in this series and am looking forward to Tex’s story!

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Malik can’t be more excited when his best friend, Grey, calls him to tell him that he is transferring to Malik’s college for their senior year. It’s their last year to show recruiters what they got so they can pursue their careers in the NFL. Malik and Grey are closer than close. Their friendship strong and affectionate. And for Grey, he is happy to get this chance to prove to his dad that he can make it and escape the life his dad has already planned for him. But even when he is far away, turns out avoiding those plans is harder than it seems. Especially when his dad is pushing him to date a woman in their social circles. But even more complicated? The sudden realization that his feelings for his best friends is more than just friends. And that he may actually be attracted to Malik. But he can’t have feelings for Malik. Not with how he knows how his father will react. But staying away from Malik? Impossible. Malik has always known he is into guys and girls, but he never thought he would feel something more for Grey. He never wanted to lose his friendship. But when Grey show that he has feelings for Malik? It’s like his heart gives permission to let out those feelings. He knows falling for Grey is a risk. Especially when he has to watch Grey entertain his father’s pushes to get him off his back. But Malik can only handle so much. And it’s only a matter of time until they have to decide if this thing between them is worth fighting for. It’s clear from the beginning that there is something between Malik and Grey, even if they were both in denial about it. Their chemistry was great and they were the definition of best friends to lovers. Another great book in this series and I can’t wait to read the next one!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Bill Bottomley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy. This review is submitted voluntarily.

Malik is a receiver for the ASU football team. His best friend Greyson has just transferred to the same school where he’ll be playing the same position. While he sees himself as straight, he moves into the “queer” house the footballers stay in. They head off to football camp for two weeks where they get quite intimate. They agree to keep it secret because Grey’s father does not approve of his aspirations in the sport and would rather, he went to Harvard for an MBA and is setting Grey up with various socialites. In other words, he is controlling Grey’s life. There is no way he would accept Grey being anything but hetero. Malik is part native American and is pretty sure that his parents will accept the situation.

To my mind, this book is a tad long at over 300 pages and could have been a little shorter. That said, I enjoyed the story, as I did the other books in the series. I had been wondering when Malik’s turn would come up. Grey was the ideal guy for whom he could fall. The trope of best friends to lovers is one I always enjoy. Even though he’s a newbie, he certainly embraces gay sex. It’s also nice to see Malik be so into a guy like Greyson. The double dates they go on with two socialites are nothing short of disasters. There is also a degree of suspense in knowing that Grey’s father will find out but not how it will come about. While I didn’t sit down and count them, it seemed there were fewer secondary characters than in other books. Tex (an offensive lineman we’ve see before) was a major source of support, while socialites Ella and her buddy were both stereotypical spoiled rich women.

Like the rest of the series, this book was a great read. I’m looking forward to Tex’s story.

[Babara-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A BROMANCE TO LOVERS ROMANCE!💕🏈🩷💜💙

The fourth book of the Dessert Football series brings us closer to bisexual running back Malik Thompson and his always mentioned straight best friend running back and second string from football camps- since high school- Greyson / Grey Moore, when he transfers to ASU for their last year of college and becomes Maliks teammate and roommate…

“Malik, if I were queer or you were a woman, you’d be mine. You know that, right?”

“Of course, and you’d be mine.”

It was sweet and angsty by how Grey suppressed his feelings for his best friend Malik when they crossed the line one night while hiding from their dates…

I did not appreciate what Grey did to Malik but he did redeem himself at football training camp..

Their journey did not contain any homophobia only Grey’s internal regarding his feelings for another man and familial coercive control regarding Grey’s parents forcing him to date socialites… which hurt Malik…

Their co-dependence on each other and tactile friendship dynamic was sweet and endearing as a bromance with Malik always supporting Grey in everything even if it hurt him…which later developed into a searing scorching FWB situationship but could it lead to a lasting relationship?…

Grey’s emotional growth was awe inspiring by how Malik taught him how to stand up for himself and together they can achieve anything they set their minds to!

Two sweet, tear inducing epilogues follows with the draft picks and so much more!

This is the second to last book of the series which leaves Tex the last single man standing in the house, and his always mentioned tutor…

I voluntarily received an ARC from the author for an honest non biased review.

[LeeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a great friends turn into lovers love story!
The signs were always there.
The only ones who didn't see their connection, that mattered anyway, knew it long before Malik and Grey did.
All it took to take off was super close proximity and others showing an interest.
I loved their story.
I felt bad for Malik because he wanted everyone to know but understood Grey's hesitation.
Throughout this we get an amazing friendship that moved quickly into lust then love.
Tex, the roommate practically rolls his eyes permanently to the back of his head because of their inability to see what was glaringly obvious.
Malik's friends make a cameo, aside from Tex, but only in a phone call. The small amount of interaction is awesome.
There are a few characters who made me mad, as they were designed to do, I am positive.
You'll know who they are quickly.
So, throughout this we a.k.a me go through the following...aww (not a registered emotion but you know what I mean), frustration, anger, hope, excitement and although not an emotion..whew! the heat is through the roof with these two.
I absolutely love Malik's family, Tex, the boys from previous book, and Julie. You'll meet her.
In conclusion I will confidently say that the reader will LOVE this story. Root for the boys, BOO certainly people..I also wanted someone to tell a character to stop being such a B.
Amazing story. I am leaving a few things out because I feel the reader deserves the surprises.
Highly recommend.
I look forward, very impatiently, for Tex's story.

[Ana Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christie keeps outdoing herself with this series! Every single book has been absolutely fantastic and filled with so many wonderful characters.

This one was especially sweet because Malik and Grey were childhood friends and that’s one of my weaknesses. I love it when best friends realize they’re in love with each other and meant to be together.

It only took one kiss for their feelings to change from besties to something more. It was obvious to everyone but them how in love they were.

I loved how supportive and encouraging Malik was of Grey. He always made sure to edify his accomplishments no matter how little they seemed to be. He was always the first one to tell Grey how amazing he was doing, especially when Grey doubted himself.

When things got hard, Malik never doubted they could work it out. Once he accepted how much he loved Grey, he never stopped believing they were meant to be and he wouldn’t let anyone get between them.

“ 𝕋𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕚𝕤 𝕣𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥, 𝔾𝕣𝕖𝕪. 𝕎𝕖 𝕨𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕒𝕝𝕨𝕒𝕪𝕤 𝕕𝕖𝕤𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕖𝕕 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤. 𝔻𝕠 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕓𝕖𝕝𝕚𝕖𝕧𝕖 𝕞𝕖?”

“𝕐𝕖𝕤, 𝕀 𝕓𝕖𝕝𝕚𝕖𝕧𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦.”

Malik was ready to do whatever it took for them to be together. And Grey knew there would never be another man for him other than Malik.

And how amazing were their friends? We all need friends like Tex who immediately went on planning mode to help the guys solve their little issue before they even had to ask.

I have enjoyed this series so much! I can’t wait for Tex’s book. Poor guy has been alone too long 😅

[Jack Harkness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audi S8, cherrywood bureau, cross swords, college student staple ramen, so many ice packs, Hermès Birkin bag, Saltillo tiles, celebratory whiskey shots, 'a watched pot'

So, it's senior Desert Dogs starting RB Malik Thompson's and senior backup RB Greyson Moore's time to shine. It can be read as a standalone despite it being the 4th book in the 'Desert Football' series. Its gleam is just as amazing as the previous books. It's everything I've come to expect from a Christie Gordon book. It's sublime.

Both MCs are football players in the closet with their team and families. Grey and Malik have been best friends since forever. Grey transfers from Cornell to ASU. He needs a place to live and Tex and Malik are looking for a roommate. Grey's father is wealthy and funding his schooling and living expenses. His father is displeased with Grey's insistence on playing football, and plans for making it to the NFL. Grey is expected to take over his father's business. Grey, thinking he's straight, doesn't know where his sexual feelings for Malik comes from. His family expects him to marry a well-connected and wealthy socialite after college.

Malik also hopes to be drafted by an NFL team after graduation. After all, he's considered one of the top RBs in college football. Malik is bi and is confused by his sexual attraction to Grey. How can he fall for his best friend when Grey is straight?

I sincerely enjoyed reading this book and ardently recommend it.

[Anij · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Something had shifted between us. There was no doubt in my mind now."

This was a super steamy, low angst, best friends to lovers story. I think it's probably the steamiest of all the books by Christie that I've ever read! Malik and Grey had been best friends for years and had obviously been exceptionally close a long time, so there was none of the "getting to know each other" at the start. I went into this not really knowing much about Malik as he and Tex hadn't been present much in the prior books in the series. With all the other Devil Dogs graduated and off to the pros, only Malik and Tex are left. I'll admit, since Malik mentioned JJ was with the Cardinals and said they'd have him and Holden over to play Madden, I was a little disappointed we never got to see them.

I really liked Malik and the dynamic he and Grey had at the start of the book, but then Grey lost a lot of points with me pretty quickly. His response to their first hook-up was not the best, and the way he kept putting his dad before Malik was really messed up. Malik was definitely the better man about it all.

I never realized Malik and Tex were younger than the other guys, and apparently Tex is the baby as he didn't graduate with Malik and still has another year to go. It's sad that he'll be all by himself next year. Hopefully he'll find some new roommates to fill up the house again so he won't be all alone. I really liked him, and he proved to be a great friend to both Malik and Grey.

[Michelle N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rushing Closer is the fourth book in the Desert Football series by Christie Gordon. The series follows a group of ASU football players who live together and support each other on and off the field. As the guys have found love and successful careers in the previous books, they moved out of the house so now only Malik and Tex are left.
When Malik’s longtime best friend Greyson decides to finish college and play for ASU, he is thrilled to have him move in. He and Malik met at football camp years ago and have been close ever since. Grey comes from a very wealthy family who control every aspect of his life. Grey just wants to live his own life and make it to the NFL draft. Malik is determined to help Grey find a life outside of his dad’s control and get to the NFL.
Once they are living together, Malik and Grey’s friendship grows stronger. They have always been affectionate with each other but now things are starting to feel different between them. They need to decide if they want to risk their friendship by trusting each other with their new feelings. Grey has to decide if loving Malik is worth giving up everything his family wants for him.
This is another amazing book by Christie Gordon. I was not sure anything could top the ASU hockey guys but this football series is top notch. Each story is unique but still connects nicely with all of the characters. I am so excited to read Tex’s book but sad for the series to end.
I received and ARC for my honest review.

[Djw · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Every day, all day, only the best with you." (Chapter 22)

Super spicy best friends to lovers bi-awaking done the best way Christie Gordon knows how. Lots of love, coming to terms with oneself, and the help of your friends to get you to the end.

Malik and Grey met at football camp in high school. Their friendship "bromance" continued to grow and they've always been affectionate. But when Grey comes to ASU to live at the Desert Dog house is that something that's been growing just beneath the surface finally breaking through?

Malik has felt something for Grey for a while but is sure it needs to stay as it is. He doesn't want to risk losing him, but that one night together has thrown everything out the window.

Grey has come to ASU for his senior year to have a better chance at the draft and try to escape the hold his family has over him. After a party leads to his letting his true feeling out for Malik he knows he needs to lock them back down because there is a problem. A big problem and he doesn't know how to escape it. His family expects him to marry the perfect girl and they've already found one for him.

Their friend and teammate Tex can see there is more between them even if they both won't admit it. When Grey's family finds out about him and Malik, Tex steps in to help them both. With the help of Tex and their friends, Malik and Grey get their HEA.

I received an ARC of this book. Nothing has been given or promised in exchange for this review.

[Angel_2822 · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The day that changed everything was when you took me on the hike at Camp Tontozona.”

Rushing Closer by Christie Gordon is the fourth book in the Desert Football series. I really liked this one. I’m always a sucker for best friends-to-lovers and Malik and Grey just got me. From the beginning, even before Grey moves in with Malik, you can tell there’s something between them. The way they’re with each other, so comfortable, so affectionate, always choosing one another. It never felt strange when things started to shift from friendship to something else. It felt natural, like, yeah… this was bound to happen.

“I don’t know any guy I’d want to live with, play with and hang out with all the time. But the two of you never get sick of each other.”

Grey had it difficult with the pressure from his dad and all those expectations hanging over him. You could feel how torn he was between being the “perfect son” and going after (and who) he actually wants. It made me want to shake him sometimes, but also hug him. Malik, though? I adored him. He feels steady and sure of himself, even when he’s scared of ruining their friendship. He knows what he feels, and once he lets himself go there, he’s all in. And he’s also supportive of Grey, being by his side all the time. That loyalty? Chef’s kiss.

“There was never a time he didn’t think of me.”

Their chemistry is both soft and intense, which I loved. The quiet, emotional moments hit just as hard as the spicy ones. Watching them finally choose each other was really satisfying. This book is sweet, a little angsty, and just leaves you feeling warm and happy at the end.

Waiting for Tex’s book!

Thank you, Christie Gordon for this free eARC. This is my honest review and recommendation.

[nursysreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Friends to Lovers
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I loved this book!
Malik and Grey already had blurred lines in their BFF relationship, a physically close relationship without it being sexual, so imagine Grey’s surprise when he has a bi-awakening after moving across country to finish his senior year of college with his best buddy.

I loved the dynamic of the two of them AND their friend group who all pitched to help when needed. Hope to see this group stay tight. I was really hoping to see a scene where the whole team found out they were together, just to see some “ah-hah, I knew it” moments :)

I loved the soft edges of each character, you feel for both of these characters and this author is great at putting all those feelings on the page! The aunt’s input was a fun twist! I felt though that for all the “adults” who were supportive, none of them other than Malik’s parents at the end actually gave them any meaningful advice or guidance?
But was glad they got it all together in the end, even if Grey was a little too forgiving of his dad. I also felt that stating “he’s not homophobic but since I’m bi, they want a traditional partner” “wants an heir” OMG call it what it is, homophobia masked in heteronormative BS. Having a child with a female you’re married to is no different than having a surrogate, genetics are still there.

Read the book, enjoy the journey!

[sycokittykat - Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When everything becomes clear yet complicated

I really love when best friends realize they want more and to add in that thus is a biawakening. This book was a great and very spicy read. I mean these guys are absolutely insatiable and I loved it.

Malik is bi but leaning more towards gay. He is out at school but not to his family. It's his senior year and his best friend is one of his roommates.

Gray is from a wealthy family who basically has his life planned out for him. This is his chance to get drafted and choose his path. However, when he realizes he's falling for his best friend things get complicated. His family would not be okay with him not following the marry a socialite and have heirs plan.

I love how they kind of slowly gravitate to each other until they can no longer deny the attraction and need for one another. I loved seeing Grey experience all these new things and how each one made him want more.

I really wish Grey had more of a backbone when it came to his family and sticking up for himself and what he wanted. He was so sure except when it came to denying what his Dad wanted.

I love the problem solving that was done and to see him finally take what he wanted even with the consequences. The whole Christmas time without his family pressure was so perfect.

[TheBookishK9RN · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rushing Closer is tender, steamy, and packed with that delicious “we’ve always been more than friends” ache.

This book nails the emotional tension that comes from two best friends who have been toeing the line for years… and the second they’re forced into close quarters, everything they’ve been pretending not to feel finally starts spilling out.

Malik is the kind of hero you instantly want to protect — loyal, all-in, and emotionally brave in a way that makes you want to scream at the other MMC to stop panicking and just choose him already. He’s been there, he’s steady, and when he realizes what’s happening between them, he doesn’t run.

And Greyson is a beautifully messy mix of yearning and fear. His feelings for Malik are obvious, but so is the pressure he’s under — family control, expectations, and a future he’s been trained to accept. Watching him unravel in the face of something real is equal parts frustrating and heartbreaking… in the way that makes the payoff hit harder.

The chemistry is intense, the pining is top-tier, and the emotional core is strong — because at the center of it, this is a story about choosing love when it costs you comfort, approval, and the life you thought you were supposed to live.

[Vince Marsters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 4 of Christie Gordon's Desert Football series, but can be read as a standalone book without having first read the previous four; in fact, this is exactly what I did.

The story covers the coming together of two long-term but long distance friends as Greyson (Grey) and Malik both play football (American Football for those like me who are in the UK) at the same school, with similar ambitions to make the draft running the same role in the sport. They had an unusual personal chemistry for years, but moving in as housemates and learning that their chemistry is more sexual brings them together in a heart-warming and sensual way.

The story covers the time from moving in, through the trials and tribulations of coming-out (and trying to stay deep in the closet), through to the draft and family makeups. It is written in the 1st-person from both Grey's and Malik's perspectives and is gripping from cover to cover. I was left routing for them to get together for good and be done with those around them who cannot see that they had really been a couple for years (even if they didn't know it at the time).

I read this book as a standalone book, having read other stories from Christie, and will now be looking out for the earlier books as well as any coming in the future.

[Deb Kel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though i am not a lover of sports i am enjoying this Desert Football series as it makes a change from hockey! A friends-to-lovers romance with plenty of pining, chemistry, and emotional chaos.

Malik and Grey have been inseparable since football camp, sharing beds, secrets, and a closeness that’s always blurred the lines. Malik knows he’s bi. Grey has always insisted he’s straight… until living together at ASU makes denial impossible. What starts as experimentation quickly turns into something neither of them can ignore.

The heart of the story is the tension between desire and expectation. Grey’s wealthy, controlling family looms large, determined to script his future, while Malik is focused on the NFL combine and the life he’s worked for. As their relationship deepens, hiding becomes harder and the fallout, when it comes, feels inevitable.

Grey can be frustrating in his hesitation, but the growth is there when it truly matters. Malik’s steady loyalty balances the push and pull, and Tex absolutely steals scenes as the supportive friend who helps them find their way back to each other.

Emotional, steamy, and ultimately satisfying, this one delivers a well-earned HEA — and sets up plenty of anticipation for what’s next in the series.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really nice BFFs-to-lovers story. Malik and Grey have been best friends since meeting at football camp when they were kids. They've spent years seeing each other there, vacationing together, and sharing other things... But no matter how affectionate they are with each other they've never crossed the line between friendship and more. Everyone around them can see that they are perfect for each other but Grey has the heavy weight of parental expectations on him. His parents see football as a distraction from working in the family business and continually set him up on dates with socialites. Grey is determined to make it into the NFL and he would rather spend his free time with his best friend. Malik wants Grey but he doesn't think Grey is ready to face what they could have together. I just really love the world that Gordon has created in this and the previous series set in and around Phoenix. These 2 characters hit me emotionally and I loved the chemistry they had together. There were some points that I wanted to yell at Grey to get himself together, but that was pretty short lived. I would totally recommend this one and the rest of the series.