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Fourth and Long
Previous Saving Kane
Irus Beaumont, cornerback for the Highlanders, has an issue with his wideout for the Pirates, Jackson McCoy. Partly jealous over Jackson’s skill and ability to scrub coverage, Irus also struggles against an unbearable attraction to the receiver. Firmly ensconced in the closet, Irus has a no football player rule, leaving his desires for Jackson unfulfilled. Anti-gay sentiment in the league keeps Irus closeted, even though he’d rather be out and proud.
When Jackson McCoy suffers a gay bashing at the hands of his team mates after winning the national championship, he finds himself traded to the Highlanders. Spring training brings out Jackson’s competitive nature, eliciting the aggression of his new team’s cornerback, Irus Beaumont.
In practice, Irus hurts Jackson badly. The injury places Jackson on the reserve roster. Jacks has plenty of time to contemplate his life, career, and his attraction to the sexy cornerback. Off to Orlando for the best rehab where guilt inspires Irus to call him every evening, Jackson can’t stop thinking about Irus, or what the season holds for his team.
Irus Beaumont, cornerback for the Highlanders, has an issue with his wideout for the Pirates, Jackson McCoy. Partly jealous over Jackson’s skill and ability to scrub coverage, Irus also struggles against an unbearable attraction to the receiver. Firmly ensconced in the closet, Irus has a no football player rule, leaving his desires for Jackson unfulfilled. Anti-gay sentiment in the league keeps Irus closeted, even though he’d rather be out and proud.
When Jackson McCoy suffers a gay bashing at the hands of his team mates after winning the national championship, he finds himself traded to the Highlanders. Spring training brings out Jackson’s competitive nature, eliciting the aggression of his new team’s cornerback, Irus Beaumont.
In practice, Irus hurts Jackson badly. The injury places Jackson on the reserve roster. Jacks has plenty of time to contemplate his life, career, and his attraction to the sexy cornerback. Off to Orlando for the best rehab where guilt inspires Irus to call him every evening, Jackson can’t stop thinking about Irus, or what the season holds for his team.
413 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2015
8 people are currently reading
315 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
May 19, 2015
Note that this book is a follow up to Saving Kane and there are plot lines that connect and continue. It can work as a standalone for the most part, but characters recur and would work better having read that book first. While this story is much less harsh than Saving Kane, there is reference to child sexual abuse.
I really enjoyed this rivals to lovers story. Jackson has suffered tremendous loss and abuse in his past, which still persently color his actions and the way he sees himself. Irus is the polar opposite, having been raised by loving family, especially Aunt Beulah, and surrounded by friends, including his first love Kane. When the two rivals become reluctant teammates and Irus inadvertently causes Jackson serious injury, the two men bond and give into their feelings for each other. They are soon inseparable, but Jackson's past comes back in a big way in the form of their new coach and soon the men are wrapped up in an investigation that has ties to events in the prior story.
Irus and Jackson have a great relationship and Aunt Beulah once again shines. Kane, Garret, Frank and Maddox from the prior book play a big part here as well. There are also story lines that are not wrapped up here and an ending that felt a bit rushed, but overall I really liked the story. There were some unexpected twists and I'm looking forward to Maddox and Frank's book to tie up the rest of the story and see them get their HEA as well.
I really enjoyed this rivals to lovers story. Jackson has suffered tremendous loss and abuse in his past, which still persently color his actions and the way he sees himself. Irus is the polar opposite, having been raised by loving family, especially Aunt Beulah, and surrounded by friends, including his first love Kane. When the two rivals become reluctant teammates and Irus inadvertently causes Jackson serious injury, the two men bond and give into their feelings for each other. They are soon inseparable, but Jackson's past comes back in a big way in the form of their new coach and soon the men are wrapped up in an investigation that has ties to events in the prior story.
Irus and Jackson have a great relationship and Aunt Beulah once again shines. Kane, Garret, Frank and Maddox from the prior book play a big part here as well. There are also story lines that are not wrapped up here and an ending that felt a bit rushed, but overall I really liked the story. There were some unexpected twists and I'm looking forward to Maddox and Frank's book to tie up the rest of the story and see them get their HEA as well.
March 19, 2015
4.5 stars. This pulls you in and doesn't let go, I just read this in one sitting and its 430 AM. There are definitely some loose ends that I'd like to see resolved so I'm hoping for a sequel. This was really great and even with its length it didn't drag on like some long books. There is a lot to this story and its gripping so be prepared to spend some time parked in front of your ereader.
May 5, 2015
This was a strange read. There is no mention that this is part of a series, and I was certainly expecting a standalone read BUT there are sooo many references to characters featured in and events that went on in Saving Kane (of which I obviously knew nothing) that it would logically follow that this MUST be book 2, and as several threads were left dangling in this one, there must DEFINITELY be a book 3. In view of the fact that the author (and publisher) expects the reader to be a mind-reader, I've deducted 1 star from my rating. 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
Yes, I loved the characters of Irus and Jacks, Aunt Beulah the trannie ex football player, Kane and Garrett and Jared, the abused boy they all take care of BUT how much simpler would it have been to have read about most of them in Saving Kane and then meet the new characters in this one, instead of expecting the reader to muddle through a load of info, trying to make sense of it all??
Be aware that the storyline concerns paedophiles...and the capture thereof, rape by disgustingly homophobic NFL footballers and 2 guys in love, just trying to play football whether they've been outed or not.
April 28, 2015
4.5 out of 5 stars
Description ~
Irus Beaumont, cornerback for the Highlanders, has an issue with his nemesis: wideout for the Pirates, Jackson McCoy. Partly jealous over Jackson’s skill and ability to scrub coverage, Irus also struggles against an unbearable attraction to the receiver. Firmly ensconced in the closet, Irus also has a no football player rule, leaving his desires for Jackson unfulfilled. Anti-gay sentiment in the league keeps Irus closeted, even though he’d rather be out and proud.
When Jackson McCoy suffers a gay bashing at the hands of his team mates after winning the national championship, he finds himself traded to the Highlanders. Spring training brings out Jackson’s competitive nature, eliciting the aggression of his new team’s cornerback, Irus Beaumont.
In practice, Irus hurts Jackson badly. The injury places Jackson on the reserve roster. Jacks has plenty of time to contemplate his life, career, and his attraction to the sexy cornerback. Off to Orlando for the best rehab where guilt inspires Irus to call him every evening, Jackson can’t stop thinking about Irus, or what the season holds for his team.
My Review ~
Have you ever wanted someone so bad you almost teetered on the edge of hating them? Or was it more that you hated yourself for wanting that person so badly you couldn't think of anything else? Irus Beaumont wants Jackson McCoy so bad he wants to kill him on the football field or pound him up against a wall until he screams his name.
Jacks and Irus were rivals on the football field, until Jacks' teammates decided to beat the hell out of him for being openly gay. He's traded to Irus's team, the Highlanders and this is when things really start heating up between both men. Irus is so frustrated the only way he can get Jacks out of his mind is to beat him to a pulp on the football field. Unfortunately this ends up with Jacks hurt and on the injured reserve list with a possible career ending injury. This also changes the course of Irus and Jacks relationship. While at first Irus can't be around Jacks after the first night he stayed with Jacks. Once Jacks is moved down to the rehab center, Irus and Jacks end up talking to each other every night on the phone.
I would love to say that this was a totally fun and easy book to read, but it does hit some pretty dark points concerning Jackson. Once Jacks starts sharing what his life was like up to the point he's with Irus, there are parts that will break your heart. How Jacks kept so much of what happened to him, to himself, and didn't have more damage shows how much of a survivor he ended up being. Jacks allowing Irus and Frank into his private thoughts and secrets takes a lot of strength on his part. It also takes a lot of strength on Irus's part to stay strong and be there for Jacks through everything.
I completely enjoyed this story, even meeting the characters from Saving Kane, which I'd not read yet. While this is a follow up to Saving Kane with characters crossing over from that book into Fourth and Long, you can read them independent of each other. Reading them together will just give you a fuller picture of the cross over characters and backstory with Kane and Irus. There were great funny moments in this story but more solid, strong relationship building moments. The moments with Jared or Auntie Buelah being on scene were some of the best in the story, both for humor and for adding the family aspect.
Overall this was a really good story with fantastic characters who you equally wanted to love or smack upside the head. I utterly loved Jacks through the whole story, and Auntie Beulah had some scenes that made me laugh so hard I snorted my coffee.
I highly recommend picking up Fourth and Long both as a sports based romance but also for the strong character aspect of this story.
Description ~
Irus Beaumont, cornerback for the Highlanders, has an issue with his nemesis: wideout for the Pirates, Jackson McCoy. Partly jealous over Jackson’s skill and ability to scrub coverage, Irus also struggles against an unbearable attraction to the receiver. Firmly ensconced in the closet, Irus also has a no football player rule, leaving his desires for Jackson unfulfilled. Anti-gay sentiment in the league keeps Irus closeted, even though he’d rather be out and proud.
When Jackson McCoy suffers a gay bashing at the hands of his team mates after winning the national championship, he finds himself traded to the Highlanders. Spring training brings out Jackson’s competitive nature, eliciting the aggression of his new team’s cornerback, Irus Beaumont.
In practice, Irus hurts Jackson badly. The injury places Jackson on the reserve roster. Jacks has plenty of time to contemplate his life, career, and his attraction to the sexy cornerback. Off to Orlando for the best rehab where guilt inspires Irus to call him every evening, Jackson can’t stop thinking about Irus, or what the season holds for his team.
My Review ~
Have you ever wanted someone so bad you almost teetered on the edge of hating them? Or was it more that you hated yourself for wanting that person so badly you couldn't think of anything else? Irus Beaumont wants Jackson McCoy so bad he wants to kill him on the football field or pound him up against a wall until he screams his name.
Jacks and Irus were rivals on the football field, until Jacks' teammates decided to beat the hell out of him for being openly gay. He's traded to Irus's team, the Highlanders and this is when things really start heating up between both men. Irus is so frustrated the only way he can get Jacks out of his mind is to beat him to a pulp on the football field. Unfortunately this ends up with Jacks hurt and on the injured reserve list with a possible career ending injury. This also changes the course of Irus and Jacks relationship. While at first Irus can't be around Jacks after the first night he stayed with Jacks. Once Jacks is moved down to the rehab center, Irus and Jacks end up talking to each other every night on the phone.
I would love to say that this was a totally fun and easy book to read, but it does hit some pretty dark points concerning Jackson. Once Jacks starts sharing what his life was like up to the point he's with Irus, there are parts that will break your heart. How Jacks kept so much of what happened to him, to himself, and didn't have more damage shows how much of a survivor he ended up being. Jacks allowing Irus and Frank into his private thoughts and secrets takes a lot of strength on his part. It also takes a lot of strength on Irus's part to stay strong and be there for Jacks through everything.
I completely enjoyed this story, even meeting the characters from Saving Kane, which I'd not read yet. While this is a follow up to Saving Kane with characters crossing over from that book into Fourth and Long, you can read them independent of each other. Reading them together will just give you a fuller picture of the cross over characters and backstory with Kane and Irus. There were great funny moments in this story but more solid, strong relationship building moments. The moments with Jared or Auntie Buelah being on scene were some of the best in the story, both for humor and for adding the family aspect.
Overall this was a really good story with fantastic characters who you equally wanted to love or smack upside the head. I utterly loved Jacks through the whole story, and Auntie Beulah had some scenes that made me laugh so hard I snorted my coffee.
I highly recommend picking up Fourth and Long both as a sports based romance but also for the strong character aspect of this story.
April 26, 2015
2 small problems with this book.
1. She drops a "killer" named Jake at about 70% in and it makes you feel confused like you missed part of the story.
2. What happened to the man in the green jacket? He shows up, tries running people over, holds up hate signs, but then is just....gone.
Overall I give this a 3.25 stars. I liked the concept of the story. Jacks sorted childhood and life in general is enough to keep you on edge. Add in Jared and their bond, makes this worth a read. Not to mention Aunty Beulah. She is my absolute favorite character out of everyone.
I absolutely loved the interracial aspect, and add in an underdog sports team...Gold! What I wasn't too fond of was the overuse of the sports talk. I know theyre football players and all, but some of the game play action could have been cut down and put into sparking up more chemistry between Irus and Jacks. Sometimes they gave me whiplash and I wasn't sure if we were coming or going. I actually, at times, felt more between Irus' ex, Kane, and Iris than him and Jacks.
I also loved Bish aka Frank. I also wonder what will happen to him and his memory. I felt like there was a connection between him and green coat guy, but, disappointingly, nothing ever came about. Again, maybe less football talk and more story line could have solved that issue.
All in all I thought it was a good read. Likeable characters, and a good story line.
1. She drops a "killer" named Jake at about 70% in and it makes you feel confused like you missed part of the story.
2. What happened to the man in the green jacket? He shows up, tries running people over, holds up hate signs, but then is just....gone.
Overall I give this a 3.25 stars. I liked the concept of the story. Jacks sorted childhood and life in general is enough to keep you on edge. Add in Jared and their bond, makes this worth a read. Not to mention Aunty Beulah. She is my absolute favorite character out of everyone.
I absolutely loved the interracial aspect, and add in an underdog sports team...Gold! What I wasn't too fond of was the overuse of the sports talk. I know theyre football players and all, but some of the game play action could have been cut down and put into sparking up more chemistry between Irus and Jacks. Sometimes they gave me whiplash and I wasn't sure if we were coming or going. I actually, at times, felt more between Irus' ex, Kane, and Iris than him and Jacks.
I also loved Bish aka Frank. I also wonder what will happen to him and his memory. I felt like there was a connection between him and green coat guy, but, disappointingly, nothing ever came about. Again, maybe less football talk and more story line could have solved that issue.
All in all I thought it was a good read. Likeable characters, and a good story line.
April 26, 2015
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The Highlanders cornerback, Irus Beaumont has a huge problem with his enemy, Jackson McCoy the Pirates wide out. His problems with Jackson is part jealousy of his talent but also his huge attraction to the football player.
Jackson McCoy has endured gay bashing from his team mates after winning the national championship and finds himself traded to the Highlanders. Jackson finds himself very competitive in the new team with the hot cornerback, Irus Beaumont. In practice Irus hurts Jackson badly and he's forced to leave for Orlando for rehab. Irus guilt forces him to call Jackson every night and the guys can't stop thinking of each other.
When Jackson returns home from rehab, the guys don't want to come out just yet and Jackson wants desperately to protect Irus from the severe gay bashing that occurs in the football league. They begin their lives on a journey together that will take them on unbelievable highs and some complicated obstacles that they need to work together on. I enjoyed this story very much as it had dealing with ones sexuality and how with the help of the other partner he was able to deal with coming out. It was so beautifully written with brilliant characters. I recommend this novel highly!!!
"Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review."
Reviewed by Paul at Gay Media Reviews
The Highlanders cornerback, Irus Beaumont has a huge problem with his enemy, Jackson McCoy the Pirates wide out. His problems with Jackson is part jealousy of his talent but also his huge attraction to the football player.
Jackson McCoy has endured gay bashing from his team mates after winning the national championship and finds himself traded to the Highlanders. Jackson finds himself very competitive in the new team with the hot cornerback, Irus Beaumont. In practice Irus hurts Jackson badly and he's forced to leave for Orlando for rehab. Irus guilt forces him to call Jackson every night and the guys can't stop thinking of each other.
When Jackson returns home from rehab, the guys don't want to come out just yet and Jackson wants desperately to protect Irus from the severe gay bashing that occurs in the football league. They begin their lives on a journey together that will take them on unbelievable highs and some complicated obstacles that they need to work together on. I enjoyed this story very much as it had dealing with ones sexuality and how with the help of the other partner he was able to deal with coming out. It was so beautifully written with brilliant characters. I recommend this novel highly!!!
"Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review."
Reviewed by Paul at Gay Media Reviews
March 29, 2015
Journey of pain, love, finding oneself, and finding the strength to love
The first book I read written by Michele Rakes, Saving Kane, was so outstanding that I knew I would read anything she wrote. This story begins with Irus Beaumont and Jackson McCoy, playing for opposing teams. One character you will love and the other you may dislike, one who is strong and the other crushed by events in his past. Michele Rakes is a masterful writer, she draws you into her characters so you feel the emotions as if they are your own and you understand why they react the way they do because with their feelings you would do the same. When you read this book you will be on a journey with Irus and Jacks (Jackson) and you will never forget them. Thank you Michele Rakes.
The first book I read written by Michele Rakes, Saving Kane, was so outstanding that I knew I would read anything she wrote. This story begins with Irus Beaumont and Jackson McCoy, playing for opposing teams. One character you will love and the other you may dislike, one who is strong and the other crushed by events in his past. Michele Rakes is a masterful writer, she draws you into her characters so you feel the emotions as if they are your own and you understand why they react the way they do because with their feelings you would do the same. When you read this book you will be on a journey with Irus and Jacks (Jackson) and you will never forget them. Thank you Michele Rakes.
April 10, 2015
I really did try. I got half way through but nothing was happening and I didn't like the characters. My big issue is this is first person, present tense - and that completely throws me off. I had to move on.
February 14, 2017
This is probably the longest it's taken me to read a book what with daily life constantly getting in the way. I also wanted to be sure I read this wonderful story without any interferences.
So much of the story reminded me of my own childhood and adulthood.
If I could give it six stars I would.
So much of the story reminded me of my own childhood and adulthood.
If I could give it six stars I would.
April 8, 2015
Complex intriguing and oftentimes humorous story of healing, sexual abuse, its aftermath, and the lengths a pederast can go to justify and cover up his crimes.
May 3, 2015
For as long as the book is... Some things left unfinished.
May 12, 2015
4.5 stars
Great story
where I had trouble with Saving Kane
I thoroughly enjoyed this book
great complete read!
very recommended
Great story
where I had trouble with Saving Kane
I thoroughly enjoyed this book
great complete read!
very recommended
May 22, 2015
May I have some more please?
Want to read
June 3, 2015Hmm. I really want this to be a great football book... but I don't know. Let's see.
April 27, 2015
5 heart review by Dan
Warning: There are repeated references to child sexual abuse in this book, but no graphic details.
I really enjoyed “Fourth and Long”, and the characters that Ms. Rakes introduced us to. I wavered back and forth between wanting to reach into the book and shake both the main characters to make them get their heads out their butts towards each other, and loving them.
Irus Beaumont is a cornerback for the Highlanders, a football team from Washington State. He HATES Jackson McCoy, his arch-nemesis, a wideout for a rival team, the Pirates. Irus goes out of his way to sack Jackson and it has almost become a game between them. It particularly pisses him off that Jackson calls him Iris, the girl’s name! But does he really hate him, or is some other emotion involved?
Jackson McCoy has been with the Pirates for a while, and secretly having sex with the team’s quarterback, a married man, who of course isn’t “gay” because he is married. The guy treats Jackson like a receptacle, a sex outlet, but nothing more. When another player discovers the truth, he tells everyone on the team. Jackson is severely beaten by the defensive team players and before the day is over traded to the Highlanders.
Now Jackson and Irus are on the same team. Will they learn to play together? When Irus injures Jackson during a practice, it seems that Jackson’s football days might be over.
I loved the mix of stories running through this book. We have a character named Paul Phelps that closely resembles Jerry Sandusky at Penn State, except this time the guy is in Washington State. He is integral to the story, and even has ties to the previous book “Saving Kane”, since the serial killer in that book, it turns out, was one of Paul’s “boys”.
It took me a minute to figure out that “Auntie Beulah” was “Momma” from Saving Kane, and I even breezed right over Kane and Garrett’s names at first as well, because I was so involved learning Irus and Jackson’s story! For those of you who haven’t read “Saving Kane” and don’t know what I’m talking about, you don’t have to read it first, but it would help because of some of the story line references.
I loved this book, but even at 400 plus pages, it seems like maybe there is more to tell? There are a few items intentionally left open, I believe, to carry into another book? Specifically, a trial, a championship game, and a mysterious dark haired guy in a faded army jacket?
I highly recommend this book. As I said above, it is 400 plus pages, but the storyline and plot carry you along so fast that you’ll be done before you know it!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
Warning: There are repeated references to child sexual abuse in this book, but no graphic details.
I really enjoyed “Fourth and Long”, and the characters that Ms. Rakes introduced us to. I wavered back and forth between wanting to reach into the book and shake both the main characters to make them get their heads out their butts towards each other, and loving them.
Irus Beaumont is a cornerback for the Highlanders, a football team from Washington State. He HATES Jackson McCoy, his arch-nemesis, a wideout for a rival team, the Pirates. Irus goes out of his way to sack Jackson and it has almost become a game between them. It particularly pisses him off that Jackson calls him Iris, the girl’s name! But does he really hate him, or is some other emotion involved?
Jackson McCoy has been with the Pirates for a while, and secretly having sex with the team’s quarterback, a married man, who of course isn’t “gay” because he is married. The guy treats Jackson like a receptacle, a sex outlet, but nothing more. When another player discovers the truth, he tells everyone on the team. Jackson is severely beaten by the defensive team players and before the day is over traded to the Highlanders.
Now Jackson and Irus are on the same team. Will they learn to play together? When Irus injures Jackson during a practice, it seems that Jackson’s football days might be over.
I loved the mix of stories running through this book. We have a character named Paul Phelps that closely resembles Jerry Sandusky at Penn State, except this time the guy is in Washington State. He is integral to the story, and even has ties to the previous book “Saving Kane”, since the serial killer in that book, it turns out, was one of Paul’s “boys”.
It took me a minute to figure out that “Auntie Beulah” was “Momma” from Saving Kane, and I even breezed right over Kane and Garrett’s names at first as well, because I was so involved learning Irus and Jackson’s story! For those of you who haven’t read “Saving Kane” and don’t know what I’m talking about, you don’t have to read it first, but it would help because of some of the story line references.
I loved this book, but even at 400 plus pages, it seems like maybe there is more to tell? There are a few items intentionally left open, I believe, to carry into another book? Specifically, a trial, a championship game, and a mysterious dark haired guy in a faded army jacket?
I highly recommend this book. As I said above, it is 400 plus pages, but the storyline and plot carry you along so fast that you’ll be done before you know it!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
April 26, 2015
Forbidden love...true love...soul mates?
Blond, blue-eyed, fleet-footed Jackson McCoy lives for football - it’s all he has as his family are all gone. He’s the Pirates top wideout and constantly evading cornerbacks with his amazing skill and ability to scrub coverage. He’s also a closeted gay man, as the locker room is no place for the feelings he has to hide. He enjoys rough sex on the sly with Pirate’s Quarterback, Terry, who is a married man with children. The Pirates win the championship game, but a jealous team mate, who hears the two men going at it in a bathroom stall after the big game, outs the pretty blond to the team. Jackson suffers at the hands of his team mates. The team quickly disposes of the kind, gentle, generous young man who was the key to their winning the league championship, trading him to the Highlanders.
Sparks already flew on the field between Jacks and Highlanders’ cornerback Irus Beaumont when they were rivals. Irus has a thing for blonds with blue eyes, but particularly the gorgeous Jacks. Irus fights his attraction for the stunning receiver on and off the field, but he has a no football player rule, and is deeply in the closet himself. When the two men find themselves on the same team, it’s like throwing fuel on the flames, but Irus accidentally hurts Jacks during spring training, and his guilt has him calling his crush every night while he’s away in Orlando at the best rehab center in the country.
Jacks has some serious trust issues to work though as his feelings for Irus develop with the nightly calls, since he was molested by a trusted family friend as a boy, and groomed by him well into his college career before the confused young man managed to escape his abuser. Jacks is also threatened and then raped by his former team mate. He buries his shame deep, refusing to tell Irus.
When the FBI come round looking to build their case against the paedophile, the secrets and mistrust threatens to tear apart the burgeoning relationship between the handsome, huge black cornerback and the sweet blond receiver, especially when Jacks is publicly outed by an angry, jealous former team mate after the Pirates lose their pre-season game to the Highlanders.
Will the two football players keep it together and find their happy ever after, or will evil triumph and destroy them? I recommend you read this second book by Michele Rakes and find out for yourselves.
Blond, blue-eyed, fleet-footed Jackson McCoy lives for football - it’s all he has as his family are all gone. He’s the Pirates top wideout and constantly evading cornerbacks with his amazing skill and ability to scrub coverage. He’s also a closeted gay man, as the locker room is no place for the feelings he has to hide. He enjoys rough sex on the sly with Pirate’s Quarterback, Terry, who is a married man with children. The Pirates win the championship game, but a jealous team mate, who hears the two men going at it in a bathroom stall after the big game, outs the pretty blond to the team. Jackson suffers at the hands of his team mates. The team quickly disposes of the kind, gentle, generous young man who was the key to their winning the league championship, trading him to the Highlanders.
Sparks already flew on the field between Jacks and Highlanders’ cornerback Irus Beaumont when they were rivals. Irus has a thing for blonds with blue eyes, but particularly the gorgeous Jacks. Irus fights his attraction for the stunning receiver on and off the field, but he has a no football player rule, and is deeply in the closet himself. When the two men find themselves on the same team, it’s like throwing fuel on the flames, but Irus accidentally hurts Jacks during spring training, and his guilt has him calling his crush every night while he’s away in Orlando at the best rehab center in the country.
Jacks has some serious trust issues to work though as his feelings for Irus develop with the nightly calls, since he was molested by a trusted family friend as a boy, and groomed by him well into his college career before the confused young man managed to escape his abuser. Jacks is also threatened and then raped by his former team mate. He buries his shame deep, refusing to tell Irus.
When the FBI come round looking to build their case against the paedophile, the secrets and mistrust threatens to tear apart the burgeoning relationship between the handsome, huge black cornerback and the sweet blond receiver, especially when Jacks is publicly outed by an angry, jealous former team mate after the Pirates lose their pre-season game to the Highlanders.
Will the two football players keep it together and find their happy ever after, or will evil triumph and destroy them? I recommend you read this second book by Michele Rakes and find out for yourselves.
April 24, 2015
Are you ready for some football?!!! Okay, I'm sure that isn't an original thought for readers of this Fourth and Long, but I'm a big fan of my state team, and I always enjoyed going to high school and a recent trip to see a college team reminded me of how much I enjoyed the live show. So when I get a chance for a behind-the-scenes look... YAY!
How realistic the portrayal is? I can't say, as I'm not a football player. But I do think that Michele's sharing of the various reactions of coaches, players, and the public is probably pretty on par for what an athlete experiences when they dare to be different. There is a TON of drama in this story, but it doesn't feel unrealistic.
I liked the main and peripheral characters. While most of the characters are all football players or staff, I didn't have that hard of a time keeping the secondary characters separate. She gave them all personality or appearance quirks that let me know they were guys with a lot in common but not too much to feel cookie cutter. The kid scenes were absolutely touching, but I have to say the secondary character who stole the show for me was Miss Beulah. There's one scene we don't get to 'see' but we see her confidence going in and out of the it, and just because of that, I was capable of visualizing the entire event unfolding in my mind--and that's a mark of a wonderful storyteller.
Overall, the story had a several threads weaving the characters together. There's the lusting, the fear, the miscommunication, the make-ups, the dust-ups... seriously, there's a ton going on for both the two main characters, Irus and Jacks. If you like a fast pace and a plot constantly moving due to several different plot issues, they'll love this book. I did feel some of the scene changes were a bit abrupt, and I will admit to being disappointed at the end because there were some major questions left unanswered.
Then again, that just means I'll NEED to read the next book!!
How realistic the portrayal is? I can't say, as I'm not a football player. But I do think that Michele's sharing of the various reactions of coaches, players, and the public is probably pretty on par for what an athlete experiences when they dare to be different. There is a TON of drama in this story, but it doesn't feel unrealistic.
I liked the main and peripheral characters. While most of the characters are all football players or staff, I didn't have that hard of a time keeping the secondary characters separate. She gave them all personality or appearance quirks that let me know they were guys with a lot in common but not too much to feel cookie cutter. The kid scenes were absolutely touching, but I have to say the secondary character who stole the show for me was Miss Beulah. There's one scene we don't get to 'see' but we see her confidence going in and out of the it, and just because of that, I was capable of visualizing the entire event unfolding in my mind--and that's a mark of a wonderful storyteller.
Overall, the story had a several threads weaving the characters together. There's the lusting, the fear, the miscommunication, the make-ups, the dust-ups... seriously, there's a ton going on for both the two main characters, Irus and Jacks. If you like a fast pace and a plot constantly moving due to several different plot issues, they'll love this book. I did feel some of the scene changes were a bit abrupt, and I will admit to being disappointed at the end because there were some major questions left unanswered.
Then again, that just means I'll NEED to read the next book!!
April 30, 2015
I have to say this is a brilliant book and the story inside the pages of the same will make you love Irus and Jackson to their core. Add into the equation the intrigue and mystery that unravels you definitely have another winner in my book. Yes pun intended.
Irus is all love , all man , all fury and a fierce defender of the people he loves. His background and family are special to him, this including Kane, now Garrett and most of all his Auntie Beulah.
Jackson is all love, all man , all compassion and deep inside a lost soul. His background plague with people who abuse him and took advantage. His only salvation could have been his grandfather and his mother but they are not there anymore.
You are going to literally find the way two almost indentical souls with two completely different backgrounds are perfect for each other.
Irus showed Jackson ... endless possibilities of living a happy life when someone who loves you believes in you, fights for you and his ultimate desire is to make sure you are whole.
Jackson showed Irus ... resilience, brilliance, loyalty and at the end his fears.
Jacks and Irus fought together to become a family with the family they already had.
Mikey has surpass in my opinion all the expectations I had for this book. I don't have an ounce of doubt that his stories will continue to get better, if that is possible because they are brilliant right now.
Bravo !
Irus is all love , all man , all fury and a fierce defender of the people he loves. His background and family are special to him, this including Kane, now Garrett and most of all his Auntie Beulah.
Jackson is all love, all man , all compassion and deep inside a lost soul. His background plague with people who abuse him and took advantage. His only salvation could have been his grandfather and his mother but they are not there anymore.
You are going to literally find the way two almost indentical souls with two completely different backgrounds are perfect for each other.
Irus showed Jackson ... endless possibilities of living a happy life when someone who loves you believes in you, fights for you and his ultimate desire is to make sure you are whole.
Jackson showed Irus ... resilience, brilliance, loyalty and at the end his fears.
Jacks and Irus fought together to become a family with the family they already had.
Mikey has surpass in my opinion all the expectations I had for this book. I don't have an ounce of doubt that his stories will continue to get better, if that is possible because they are brilliant right now.
Bravo !
April 25, 2015
I really enjoyed Fourth & Long. The relationship between Irus & Jackson (Jacks) is complicated. Ahh, poor Jacks. He has been taken advantage of since he was 10 & then suffering through the loss of his mum & grandfather. He's then left feeling like he owed something to the coach who 'helped" him afterwards. His backstory will break your heart, maybe even part of his current story too. I love how he & Irus came together. There is a lot going on in this book. I thought it flowed very well, the story kept moving & I was kept in the story right to the end.
I loved seeing Kane & Garrett & especially Aunt Beulah again. Everybody should have an Aunt Beulah... There were still a few unanswered questions at the end. I assume they are addressed in the next book, which I look forward to reading.
I did struggle a little with some of the football games but as an Aussie that knows next to nothing about the NFL game I was able to just go with it. In all, a beautiful, emotional story of two men and the struggles and triumphs of being NFL players & trying the bring the truths of the past into the present to get the justice they deserve. I would not hesitate to recommend this book. BTW you probably don't need to read Saving Kane before you read this but do yourself a favour and read it anyway. It's amazing too.
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
I loved seeing Kane & Garrett & especially Aunt Beulah again. Everybody should have an Aunt Beulah... There were still a few unanswered questions at the end. I assume they are addressed in the next book, which I look forward to reading.
I did struggle a little with some of the football games but as an Aussie that knows next to nothing about the NFL game I was able to just go with it. In all, a beautiful, emotional story of two men and the struggles and triumphs of being NFL players & trying the bring the truths of the past into the present to get the justice they deserve. I would not hesitate to recommend this book. BTW you probably don't need to read Saving Kane before you read this but do yourself a favour and read it anyway. It's amazing too.
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
April 26, 2015
Little boy lost, that is how I felt for Jackson (Jacks) in this book, heartbreaking childhood and emotional smothered in his past. A stand out cornerback that gets gay bashed by his own team, says a lot about our society and a person’s sexuality. This was my first book by this author, felt like I was missing something, maybe something that ties in with the authors book Saving Kane?
Loved, loved Aunt Beulah, she was the best. This story is a journey from pain to promise and it is told through the most homophobic (in my opinion) clic today, football players. It was eye opening to see how people can turn on you in the blink of an eye. I felt for Jacks, I wanted to kick the crap out of a football coach, and personally show him my own kinda “help”.
Couple of things that I did not like about this book was all the football talk and lingo, could have been less and still made the book great. I love football and this author “knows” football, or she did some really great research of the sport.
I give this book 3.5 stars
This book was given to me by the author for my honest opinion
Loved, loved Aunt Beulah, she was the best. This story is a journey from pain to promise and it is told through the most homophobic (in my opinion) clic today, football players. It was eye opening to see how people can turn on you in the blink of an eye. I felt for Jacks, I wanted to kick the crap out of a football coach, and personally show him my own kinda “help”.
Couple of things that I did not like about this book was all the football talk and lingo, could have been less and still made the book great. I love football and this author “knows” football, or she did some really great research of the sport.
I give this book 3.5 stars
This book was given to me by the author for my honest opinion
April 19, 2016
Wow
I love this book.I really can't say what actual made me finish reading this in so much joy. It's not all laugh, kinda book,but you do laugh,and you cry. I want to see more of Jacks and irus story,they are so expressive in their thinking that has you stop and question yr own self,ask if you would act that certain way in their circumstance.I love the pacing of the book it wasn't boring once for me,it wasn't like the author was force feeding me this story.I love the way jacks and irus are so different from their race and where they came from,but still they had so much chemistry.the book isn't perfect,but I haven't scene or heard of a perfect thing in my life,there is some grammar errors,and I found that I hated how jacks had to keep telling about his abuse has a child,it sicken me a little.but if there is more of irus and jacks in the future am definitely on board,this was a great read.
I love this book.I really can't say what actual made me finish reading this in so much joy. It's not all laugh, kinda book,but you do laugh,and you cry. I want to see more of Jacks and irus story,they are so expressive in their thinking that has you stop and question yr own self,ask if you would act that certain way in their circumstance.I love the pacing of the book it wasn't boring once for me,it wasn't like the author was force feeding me this story.I love the way jacks and irus are so different from their race and where they came from,but still they had so much chemistry.the book isn't perfect,but I haven't scene or heard of a perfect thing in my life,there is some grammar errors,and I found that I hated how jacks had to keep telling about his abuse has a child,it sicken me a little.but if there is more of irus and jacks in the future am definitely on board,this was a great read.
May 3, 2015
Readers Note: This is a sequel to a book (Saving Kane) that established a wonderful stage and setting for a remarkable book. However if you haven't read Saving Kane (and why haven't you?) you will still love this novel.
Mikey Rakes writes complex, flawed characters that people can understand and empathize with. Living in a house of football fanatics I applaud the way she related the character's to the game of football but didn't force the game to become the center of the novel. The characters shine and they are what sell me on a book. The interaction between Irus and Jackson is natural and consistently hot. My only complaint? I wanted more. Yeah, I know people say that all the time, but when I hit the last page I was like...."What? Wait, you can't stop here, they have a whole life you haven't told me about yet!" I can't wait for her next book. A fantastic author!
Mikey Rakes writes complex, flawed characters that people can understand and empathize with. Living in a house of football fanatics I applaud the way she related the character's to the game of football but didn't force the game to become the center of the novel. The characters shine and they are what sell me on a book. The interaction between Irus and Jackson is natural and consistently hot. My only complaint? I wanted more. Yeah, I know people say that all the time, but when I hit the last page I was like...."What? Wait, you can't stop here, they have a whole life you haven't told me about yet!" I can't wait for her next book. A fantastic author!
April 2, 2015
I was a little hesitant about this book at first but from the first few pages I was hooked. I loved Jackson, flaws and all. My heart hurt for him so much and all I wanted was for him to find some true happiness. As for Irus, wow at first I wasn't sure about him but soon I fell in love with him too.
This story dealt with a lot of hard hitting issues, lack of self-worth, homophobia, abuse, rape. This wasn't a saccharine sweet romance but that just made the love story even better. I would love to see their story continue, hopefully having gotten closure on the issues from this book that weren't fully rectified.
This story dealt with a lot of hard hitting issues, lack of self-worth, homophobia, abuse, rape. This wasn't a saccharine sweet romance but that just made the love story even better. I would love to see their story continue, hopefully having gotten closure on the issues from this book that weren't fully rectified.
October 9, 2016
... I’m typically not a person who enjoys football novels or romances as a general rule but Fourth And Long was recommended to me by a friend who said I would absolutely fall in love with the story. With that being said, I did enjoy Fourth and Long very much. Reading the story, I found myself becoming a huge “Team Jacks” member. I absolutely LOVE Jackson McCoy. There were so many emotions running through me with each new twist in the story. Most of them came because I wanted to make everything better for Jacks...
To read the full review visit my blog post at Saguaro Moon Reviews
http://saguaromoonreviews.com/fourth-...
To read the full review visit my blog post at Saguaro Moon Reviews
http://saguaromoonreviews.com/fourth-...
April 4, 2015
Oh please let this be a decent football book written by someone who has even a passing knowledge of the sport. Oh please. Oh please. Oh please.
Well color me surprised SOMEONE DID IT! They even referenced a Flea Ficker play. KUDOS, KUDOS, KUDOS!!!!!
Now the story was well written but there was some hard parallels to Jerry Sandusky and the Penn State scandal. I was not expecting that. ***HEAVY CHILD SEX ABUSE TRIGGERS***
Well color me surprised SOMEONE DID IT! They even referenced a Flea Ficker play. KUDOS, KUDOS, KUDOS!!!!!
Now the story was well written but there was some hard parallels to Jerry Sandusky and the Penn State scandal. I was not expecting that. ***HEAVY CHILD SEX ABUSE TRIGGERS***
May 4, 2015
I really wanted to love this book as much as Saving Kane, but in the end I couldn't because I kept having to gloss over parts when the football talk got too much. I know other readers will love that, so I'm sure that possibly puts me in a minority and I'm glad. I loved the plot and the love scenes were scorching, I just got a little bit buried in all the jargon. Mikey Rakes - good job, you are definitely an automatic buy for me now.
May 27, 2015
Awesome
This was so intense. I loved the dialogue and chemistry between the character s. Incredible character development. Deeply involved layered storyLine that is so grand, it is epic. . I highly recommend.
Charo
This was so intense. I loved the dialogue and chemistry between the character s. Incredible character development. Deeply involved layered storyLine that is so grand, it is epic. . I highly recommend.
Charo
April 16, 2015
DNF. Not for me.
March 27, 2015
4.5 stars! So hard to put down!
April 15, 2015
Wow! This book was a-m-azing! These 2 boys had me biting my nails all thru the book. The emotions, the sex and the outcome of this book was wow!! A must read!!!!
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