Last Line of Defence

Beckford U #2

by JL Skye

From the outside, Zac Kincaid, Beckford U’s star goalkeeper, has it all—he’s an out-and-proud bisexual with super close friends and a loving, supportive family. So when he finds himself drawn to the masked Shadow at Euphoria, nothing is stopping him from exploring that attraction. If only he wasn’t facing constant judgment both on and off the pitch from the grumpy Beckford U captain …

Noah Bentley, Beckford U’s captain and centre back, is harbouring a secret past he’s terrified of. To his frustration, every interaction he has with the outgoing goalie brings up feelings he needs to keep locked away. Tension—and tempers—flare between the two, but if Beckford’s last line of defence can’t stop bickering and start working together, Noah can kiss goodbye to captaining the team to back-to-back championships.

While Noah hides behind one mask on the pitch, he’s hiding behind a totally different one inside the walls of Euphoria. In exploring this hidden side of himself, he stumbles upon just what he’s always been wanting. Too bad his heart’s desire also happens to be a complication that has the potential to dredge up every painful part of Noah’s past.

Hiding his true self no longer feels like an option, but living his truth could literally ruin his life … and the life of his masked Romeo.

354 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 14, 2026

Reviews

[Kaylee Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obviously another 5 star read from J.L Skye! This was my first MM romance. I wasn't sure what to expect from that side of things, but Jenna hit it out of the park! There was a perfect mix of compassion and spice throughout the book.
I love how supportive and loving Zac's family is, and how quick they are to accept Noah. I love how Noah learnt sign language to be able to communicate with Zac's sister!
I loved the representation of disability and mental health in this story. In true J.L Skye style, the writing has such a raw and realistic edge, with the right amount of compassion and understanding. The research and thought that goes into her books really is amazing.
There are a few characters in this world that I want to get their own books! Please Jenna keep writing within this series!!

[Sarah☀️ Somerville]

DNF @ 66% - This wasn't bad, but I lost interest. I quite liked the Aussie setting (particularly the dialogue), but I was also kinda confused - I didn't know exactly where they were, their ages were odd, the soccer felt like American college sports, and Noah's family situation was bizarre.

[Rebecca - · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Everyone deserves happiness, Noah. I’m going to help you get yours.”

I am obsessed with Noah and Zac's story.

First of all, Hannah! She has such a big heart and is an absolutely phenomenal friend.

Second, the Theo sub-plot! I need to know more. I mean JL how did you make my feelings about a character do a complete 180!

I absolutely love the AUSLAN and mental health rep. It is evident how much research and thought went into these themes within Last Line of Defence.

One thing that really sticks out to me with Last Line of Defence is that you never know what is going on behind closed doors or within the mind of another.

[Rachs_Bookish_World · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Willow and Luca made me fall in love with them. Then Leni and Ethan swooped in to steal the show.
But… now Zac and Noah have officially stolen my heart and run away with it, and I do not want it back because these boys; sorry men, are everything!
This story was everything I could have possibly hoped for in the next Beckford U book.
Noah and Zac have the most intense chemistry and watching them fight their feelings for so long was so hard. But when they finally came together, it was absolute perfection. I loved their story, the tension, the passion, the heartache. It was incredible. I cried so many tears throughout this story, both happy and sad. But as always, my heart was full by the end and I had the biggest smile on my face.
Hannah is the BEST friend you could ask for her. Her support of Noah throughout the story was so beautiful and I loved seeing her be there for him.
I also loved getting to know bits about all the other team members and I’m so excited for the next book already.
Theo’s side story took me by surprise and I really hope we get a book about him at some point. I think it would be really interesting.
The way JL Skye incorporated deaf representation into this story was so beautifully done. I have a sister who lost her hearing at a young age so reading about Amelia hit very close to home. One of my favorite parts was Noah learning sign language so he could communicate with Zac’s sister. It made me fall in love with him and this whole book even more.
Tackling metal health is always tough, as so many people struggle with this everyday and it can be quite triggering. But I really feel like J did a fantastic job at being mindful of those scenes and the meaning behind them. They were hard to read as someone who has struggled with similar issues in the past but I didn’t feel judged or angry. It was really well done and I’m so grateful for that. I won’t spoil anything but definitely check the triggers at the start of the book so you can be prepared before going in. Your mental health matters.
I honestly loved this book beyond words. Even after this long review, I feel like I still can’t explain how great this book was. You’re just going to have to read it for yourself and find out. Trust me, it’s worth it!

Tropes -
*MM Romance
*Teammates
*Rivals to Lovers
*Masked S€X Club
*Mental health representation
*Deaf Representation
*Found Family
*College Soccer

[mistys_bookobsession · Rating 5 out of 5]

JL Skye, Thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me the opportunity to ARC read such a beautifully written story.

While the spice is off the charts and there is a masked smex club involved, this book explores peoples sexuality in such a beautiful way.

Noah and Zac are in very different places when this book starts. Noah is trying to keep his secrets from everyone and is also trying to ignore his feelings for his goalkeeper. Zac is very open about who he is. He has a good support system and people who love him. If only he could stop crushing on his captain.

My favourite part of this experience was watching the Love and acceptance from Zac's family, their teammates and Noah's grandad. I loved watching Zac find his piece, his place and his happiness. I loved that he learnt sign language for Milly.

This truly is a beautifully written book that touches on the heartbreak that some people go through to be able to be themselves. The mental health representation in this book is phenomenal.

Please read the trigger warnings.

[Bound by Stories · Rating 5 out of 5]

So my MM romance cherry was popped with Last Line of Defence and it didn't disappoint! 🍒
So far, this is my favourite book in the Beckford U series. You have Zac, an out and proud bisexual goalkeeper, fully accepted by his family and peers and Noah, our soccer captain, who's hiding his sexuality in fear of his father's wrath and past traumas. What begins as an enemies-to-lovers trope turns into a lustful, heartfelt romance. Last Line of Defence gives us a beautiful story filled with hope and acceptance, showing us where love for others can take us!
With tasteful mental health and Deaf community representation, JL Skye once again shows me why she's one of my favourite authors. 🥰
I'm really looking forward to reading book four!

[Tori M · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy 4.5⭐️ read for me. Also, where can I find me this type of uni where all the students seem to go to sex clubs and find their soul mates whilst initially wearing masks?

I loved the dynamic between Noah and Zac. It was interesting to me to be able to hear why Noah hated him so fiercely in the beginning, and it was more jealously of Zac's freedom.

I would like to understand Noah's dad a little more, as he went from being ridiculously obtuse to trying to be a good dad pretty quickly. There has to be more to that story.

I loved the disability rep and also how Noah learned to sign immediately upon meeting Zac's sister, and not just for Zac.

Theo needs his own book, we need to know more about him. I feel so much for a side character that we must have more.

[Roxy Vernon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last line of Defence

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶

I had the pleasure to arc read Last Line of Defence by JL and omg this book is amazing. I absolutely love this series and think this book has become my favourite so far.
I simply adore Zac and Noah so much 😍. This one is definitely heavier than the first 2 books in the series. This was a truly sweet and beautifully written romance that touches on heartbreak. This book was absolutely phenomenal and loved everything from heartache, healing, to banter. If you're looking for a MM romance then give this one a read and remember to read the trigger warnings

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The tension in this book had me up until 2am, a bit of a slow start but hit its stride at about 30% then I could not put it down.

Although this is part of a series I did read this without reading book 1 and it works as a standalone, I do like that it was a football/soccer romance which I have not read many of. It did feel a bit americanised in that the team seems very tied to the uni but neither uni I attended had integrated teams.

[Shazz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! What a fantastic MM romance!! I absolutely enjoyed this story so much. The way JK Skye writes and the relationships her characters develops is phenomenal!

This is such a sweet, and beautifullu written romance. There is heart felt moments throughout. I would highly recommend this to anyone wanting an MM sports romance with feelings, emotions, banter and a HEA.

[Naiomi Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

JL has done it again. I could not put this book down. MM at its finest. I felt like I was in these places.

MM
College Soccer
Forbidden Love
Pierced MMC
Teammates
Spicy scenes
Masked Sex Club

Even being a series you are drawn in to each couples story right from the very beginning.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a story. Check your triggers there are a few here but it is written so well and the healing too is perfect.
MM romance between 2 soccer team mates their story is one trials, heartache and beauty, with the perfect ending.
5⭐️ 4🌶️

[Bree Hawkless · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started the year off with an absolute banger and honestly… how am I meant to read anything after this?

I had the privilege of beta reading Last Line of Defence and WOW—this one hit hard. I laughed, I cried, I sat there staring at the page like “okay but are you going to fix them or am I??” because all I wanted was for Zac and Noah to finally find their way to each other and breathe in that peace they both deserved.

Their journey isn’t easy—it’s raw, emotional, and at times downright painful—but that’s what makes it so unforgettable. You feel every moment of tension, every crack in their armour, every tiny step toward healing. And when those softer moments hit? Yeah… they hit.

This book is a full emotional rollercoaster in the best way possible—angsty, tender, intense, and completely consuming. The kind of story that lingers with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

If you love MM romance that actually makes you feel, that digs a little deeper and gives you characters you can’t stop thinking about… this is it. Absolute chef’s kiss. Highly, highly recommend.

[Abbie-Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

BETA/ARC Review

♾️

No words could ever reflect my love for this story but Noah and Zac have been living rent free in my mind since getting the chance to beta read their story and I don't see that ever changing. The way JL managed to pull every emotion through me during my read with her writing had this fast going to a new infinity star read for me.

I found my self connectiong so strongly to Noah through his mental health struggles and I think they were written extremely well. Everything about this was just phenomenonal! The plot, character development, flow of the story, can't forget the spice!! I can't wait for many more re reads because Zac and Noah are such a beautiful and special couple.