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.

311 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication 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

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Tonya Druckenmiller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was mildly angsty but so incredibly sweet. I loved watching these two slowly develop feelings for each other—while doing their absolute best to deny them—and struggle against the weight of parental expectations.

Their friendship was everything. So genuine, so soft, and filled with affection in a way you don’t often see. The kind of closeness that makes it obvious to everyone but them that they’re already halfway in love.

Tender moments, quiet longing, stolen touches, and that delicious slow burn had me smiling the whole way through. And the HEA? Completely perfect and so well deserved.

Such a heartfelt friends-to-lovers romance that left me warm and happy. 💙📚

**I received a complimentary copy of this book.**

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rushing Closer is the 4th book in the Desert Football series. This book can be read as a standalone but why not enjoy the whole series. This is the story of Malik and Grey(Greyson). Malik is a receiver on the football team and Grey his best friend, transfered to the same college to play football he also plays as a receiver. I loved these two and watching them move from friends to more was so good. Christie makes all the characters come to life in her stories. I felt bad because even though Malik wanted to tell everyone that he and Grey were together he couldn't because of Grey's father finding out. This was a perfect addition to the Desert Football series. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book and series.
received a free review copy

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good friends to lovers. Malik couldn't be more excited for his best friend to come and live and play football with him for their senior year. Greyson was hoping to get some space from his family's expectations while spending time with his best friend. He never suspected that the feeling he thought were just platonic love were really the beginnings or physical attraction. Grey loves Malik but is so afraid of telling his family that they are together for fear of being disinherited. Instead of letting him sacrifice his happiness Malik and their roommate Tex come up with a plan to cover the cost of tuition and training without Grey's family money. they fought and sacrificed fir their love.

[Metz874 · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review
This is my third book in The Desert Football series and I love it. Friends to lovers is one of my favourite tropes bacause they have so much history together that make for a very personal and intimate relationship. Malik and Grey are perfect for each other and their new relationship is changing quickly, from a small flame to a big fire. This was a relationship in the making for years, with Malik and Grey ignoring or not seeing the signs.
This bi awakening is spicy with faboules secondary characters, some jealousy and lots of pining. Very enjoyable. Christie Gordon writes wonderfully and this is just one of many fantastic books from this author. Highly recommend.

[Natasha Featherstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book. I have waited (not so patiently) for Malik's HEA. Best friends to lovers, what a great story. Malik and Grey met at football camp as teens and have been friends since. When Grey moves to move in with Malik and finish university, he realizes that he feels more than friendship for his best friend.. With Grey navigating his over bearing father and Malik's unwavering support they get their HEA. Expected some heartbreak, confusion, and don't forget the spice. Christie has done an amazing job bringing these boys to life. Definitely recommend.🔥

[K-Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, these two college boys! So close yet so far, but not for long. I adored Grey for finally being brave for himself instead of others and making the move. Yes, he is so adorable in his nervousness. Good thing poor Malik has always wanted his best friend as even more. I loved that he showed so much strength and patience. Grey just wanted to please everyone, he thought would make him happy, but it was time for him to find his true happiness with Malik!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read. These two were super close friends and transitioned to the sweetest love story. This has two of my favorite tropes of best friends to lover with biawakening. I love how beautiful this was. I also really enjoy the friendships. This definitely was low angst. The writing was easy to not stress with angst.

[Sammy Standing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rushing closer is a friends to lovers romance, and this story was everything I needed and so much more. I adore the friends to lovers trope and it was executed so well in this story. These characters are absolutely phenomenal and their journey was beautiful. I truly wish I could read this again for the first time.

[Tiffany Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good best friends to lovers story. This one did not disappoint! Malik and Grey's friendship was like no other. They were affectionate and didn't care who seen. It takes some struggles and fear to filter out their true feelings without caring what others think. Tex rooted for them from the very beginning, I can't wait to read his story.

[anna_79_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story, as I have with all the books in this series. Malik and Grey are both really sweet and so touch feely towards each other, even as ’just’ best friends. It was fun to see their relationship evolve to something more and how they handled the obstacles that were in their way.

Thank you for this arc. My review is honest and voluntary.

[Maria]

I love this book, and have loved the whole series. Friends to lovers is one of my favourite tropes. Malik and Greyson are made for each other. This fourth book in the Desert Football series, doesn’t disappoint. In fact, none of Christie’s books have ever disappointed me. I’m looking forward to the fifth book in this series.

[judith vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I've not been disappointed yet with the Desert Football series and this book was great. The story of Grey and Malik just made me happy everything they went through and love they shared. Christie definitely made this one hot and spicy and I LOVED IT.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friendship that blossoms into true love, if both Malik and Grey dare to admit it is true love.

With the external pressure, it only takes so long for them to choose each other and find happiness together.

I recieved an ARC for an honest review

[Wendy Dixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stop it right now! 🥹 Grey and Malik’s friendship to lovers had me all in my feels! They are so sweet together! It was fast paced and everything I love in a book! Spice, friendship, romance, support! Ahhhh, I loved them from beginning to end!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like friends to lovers and this one was good. You could really feel the connection between Malik and Grey. It was an emotional read. Grey struggles a lot. I enjoyed the storyline and liked the characters. Overall it was a good read.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book I highly enjoyed by Christie Gordon. If life didn’t get in the way I would have finished this a lot sooner.

I loved Malik and Grey’s story, and eagerly await for Tex to have his turn.


I received an ARC directly from the author to review

[Pamela Daake · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this read Malik and Grey had an interesting relationship and then it expanded. It was a path through finding their place in each other’s life with the pressing family pressure.

[Ashley Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc review- solid story of bffs to lovers, bi-awakening and found family. This group of guys has been so fun to read and finally getting Malik’s story was super refreshing.