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The Quarterback Sneak
Jace Merrick wears number seven with pride—just like his father did. As the star quarterback and hometown hero, everyone expects greatness from him. What no one sees is how empty he feels beneath the lights.
River Hale is used to staying out of sight. A quiet trombone player, he never expects someone like Jace to notice him—much less choose him. What begins as simple conversations turns into something neither of them planned. As their worlds collide in a town that isn’t known for acceptance,
Jace and River find comfort in each other while everything else fades into the background. With a championship approaching and pressure mounting, they’ll have to decide if what they’re building is strong enough to survive being seen.
Join Best Selling Author C.C. Black for this heartfelt story about first love, courage, and being true to yourself.
River Hale is used to staying out of sight. A quiet trombone player, he never expects someone like Jace to notice him—much less choose him. What begins as simple conversations turns into something neither of them planned. As their worlds collide in a town that isn’t known for acceptance,
Jace and River find comfort in each other while everything else fades into the background. With a championship approaching and pressure mounting, they’ll have to decide if what they’re building is strong enough to survive being seen.
Join Best Selling Author C.C. Black for this heartfelt story about first love, courage, and being true to yourself.
120 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 13, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 30, 2026
A truly beautiful story of teen angst & acceptance
Author C. C. Black eloquently narrates the story of two high school seniors who are nearly invisible to each other until an awakening occurs in Jace Merrick. Jace's father was a quarterback at the same high school, and he anticipates that his son will be the star athlete and lead the team to victory in the upcoming championship, a feat he himself achieved many years prior.
However, Jace feels 'empty' and lonely beneath the weight of his father's expectations, his coach's directives, his friends' perceptions, the town's opinions, and his own internal struggles. He excels in literature and English and truly enjoys reading. His 'empty' perspective begins to shift when he notices a trombone player in the school band; through conversations, texts, and exchanged glances, his heart gradually warms without any touching.
River Hale, the trombone player, remains largely unnoticed by others because he and his mother frequently relocate due to her employment as a travel nurse.
Through shared glances, eventual hand-holding that fosters warmth, and confessions whispered in the darkness, the two seniors find solace and understanding in each other's company.
This narrative does not explore sexual exploration between teenagers before college. Instead, it portrays a developing companionship that hints at the possibility of something more, emphasizing mutual support and comfort.
It is a compelling short read that evoked profound emotions within me, and I hold great appreciation for how C. C. Black crafts a story focused on relationships and circumstances rather than themes of lust and angst.
Author C. C. Black eloquently narrates the story of two high school seniors who are nearly invisible to each other until an awakening occurs in Jace Merrick. Jace's father was a quarterback at the same high school, and he anticipates that his son will be the star athlete and lead the team to victory in the upcoming championship, a feat he himself achieved many years prior.
However, Jace feels 'empty' and lonely beneath the weight of his father's expectations, his coach's directives, his friends' perceptions, the town's opinions, and his own internal struggles. He excels in literature and English and truly enjoys reading. His 'empty' perspective begins to shift when he notices a trombone player in the school band; through conversations, texts, and exchanged glances, his heart gradually warms without any touching.
River Hale, the trombone player, remains largely unnoticed by others because he and his mother frequently relocate due to her employment as a travel nurse.
Through shared glances, eventual hand-holding that fosters warmth, and confessions whispered in the darkness, the two seniors find solace and understanding in each other's company.
This narrative does not explore sexual exploration between teenagers before college. Instead, it portrays a developing companionship that hints at the possibility of something more, emphasizing mutual support and comfort.
It is a compelling short read that evoked profound emotions within me, and I hold great appreciation for how C. C. Black crafts a story focused on relationships and circumstances rather than themes of lust and angst.
January 1, 2026
Really liked this one overall. CC Black’s writing has definitely improved. It's way smoother, more confident, and the characters feel more alive than in his earlier work. The pacing is quick, the dialogue flows, and it’s easy to get pulled in.
That said, the short story format does show its limits. One moment that really stood out was when the characters . It left me wondering if something got cut or if it was meant to be left hanging.
Even with that frustration, the story still works. Black manages to pack in the thrill of the game and the personal side of the players, which kept me engaged. And honestly, it’s exciting to see how much his writing has grown. Quick, heartfelt, and worth checking out if you’re into sports stories. Even if you’ll wish a few threads had been tied up tighter.
That said, the short story format does show its limits. One moment that really stood out was when the characters . It left me wondering if something got cut or if it was meant to be left hanging.
Even with that frustration, the story still works. Black manages to pack in the thrill of the game and the personal side of the players, which kept me engaged. And honestly, it’s exciting to see how much his writing has grown. Quick, heartfelt, and worth checking out if you’re into sports stories. Even if you’ll wish a few threads had been tied up tighter.
May 15, 2026
The way it should be.
This is a story your going to love. It's written in a way that will have your heart involved to the end. It's not about sex it's about people. It's an adventure for your emotions and care. The characters are real and intelligent. This author knows how to put a story together.
This is a story your going to love. It's written in a way that will have your heart involved to the end. It's not about sex it's about people. It's an adventure for your emotions and care. The characters are real and intelligent. This author knows how to put a story together.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews