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Open Play #1
Header
Tobias Hájek is the Atlanta Firebirds' golden boy, nine months into his first season and still learning the city. He's a beloved hockey player, loyal brother, and sweet to his core. He's also been quietly, hopelessly in love with a man since he was sixteen. Specifically, his brother's best friend.
One promise. One almost-kiss three years ago he can't stop thinking about.
Now Damián Mareš arrives in Atlanta with the Czechia national team, and the World Cup is suddenly the least complicated thing in Tobi's life.
Cool where Tobi runs warm. Controlled where Tobi spills over. A soccer star as lost in Atlanta as Tobi still is. For the first time, Damián isn't looking through him, and Tobi is running out of reasons to look away.
His brother said off limits. He meant it.
Some promises ask you to betray yourself to keep them.
A steamy MM romance about a sweet man, a guarded one, and the city that unmoors them both.
Tropes: brother's best friend • golden retriever/black cat • slow-burn pining • bi-awakening • protector • cross-sport romance • fish out of water
Heat Level: Steamy POV: Dual POV, present tense Series: Atlanta Firebirds / Open Play Crossover
One promise. One almost-kiss three years ago he can't stop thinking about.
Now Damián Mareš arrives in Atlanta with the Czechia national team, and the World Cup is suddenly the least complicated thing in Tobi's life.
Cool where Tobi runs warm. Controlled where Tobi spills over. A soccer star as lost in Atlanta as Tobi still is. For the first time, Damián isn't looking through him, and Tobi is running out of reasons to look away.
His brother said off limits. He meant it.
Some promises ask you to betray yourself to keep them.
A steamy MM romance about a sweet man, a guarded one, and the city that unmoors them both.
Tropes: brother's best friend • golden retriever/black cat • slow-burn pining • bi-awakening • protector • cross-sport romance • fish out of water
Heat Level: Steamy POV: Dual POV, present tense Series: Atlanta Firebirds / Open Play Crossover
214 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 4, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 8, 2026
And so, this is how Damiàn came to Atlanta for good. This is the love that finally finds it's way to Hajek. The love of the city, the love of the game and the love of the team make this wonderful romantic story a thing of beauty. I absolutely loved this book, I love the unique writing style but I have to say Riley Bauer uses the exact same formula as the Atlanta Firebirds series, same structure, just with the names changed. Same attitude, same banter, same type of group chat. Still, I loved it and will enjoy the Open Play series.
At this point I would devour anything Riley Bauer writes😎✨🌈♥️
At this point I would devour anything Riley Bauer writes😎✨🌈♥️
June 7, 2026
Not ATL, but ATL adjacent
If you’re considering reading this because you love all things ATL Firebirds, that love will not be affirmed here.
But I promise, you won’t miss it. You probably won’t even notice that this book (novella?) gives you nothing that you came here to find. The book decides for you what you will get from it, and you will overcome with gratitude for the story it tells.
The story and storytelling of the two main characters is so compellingly intimate, believably tragic, and realistically rewarding. Bauer assembles the characters’ story—past and present— in such a way that Bauer seems to be telling the story FOR you, to you, in a low voice meant only for you to hear. Writing in their signature cadence (to which I have become all but addicted) the author gifts you a story that is heavy, velvety smooth, and razor-sharp—piquing interest, building desire, orchestrating connection, offering communion.
I thought I was becoming a fan of the genre. This book has shown me that I’m really just a fan of the author. I have never wanted to meet an author in person and thank them for sharing their craft, their gift, like I want to meet Bauer.
If you’re considering reading this because you love all things ATL Firebirds, that love will not be affirmed here.
But I promise, you won’t miss it. You probably won’t even notice that this book (novella?) gives you nothing that you came here to find. The book decides for you what you will get from it, and you will overcome with gratitude for the story it tells.
The story and storytelling of the two main characters is so compellingly intimate, believably tragic, and realistically rewarding. Bauer assembles the characters’ story—past and present— in such a way that Bauer seems to be telling the story FOR you, to you, in a low voice meant only for you to hear. Writing in their signature cadence (to which I have become all but addicted) the author gifts you a story that is heavy, velvety smooth, and razor-sharp—piquing interest, building desire, orchestrating connection, offering communion.
I thought I was becoming a fan of the genre. This book has shown me that I’m really just a fan of the author. I have never wanted to meet an author in person and thank them for sharing their craft, their gift, like I want to meet Bauer.
June 26, 2026
3.5/5*
I love Tobik Hajek. I would give anything for Tobik Hajek. I am Bagel the dog sitting lovingly at Tobik Hajek.
Damien is OK. I know he's under a lot of pressure he's just a little too wishy washy back and forth for me.
I know the book is called Header but it featured too much actual header talk. Also the Czech team managing to play every one of their games in Atlanta? Miracle for them TBH.
Could have done with more Avi and Ash (this is a running joke in all my Riley Bauer reviews)
I love Tobik Hajek. I would give anything for Tobik Hajek. I am Bagel the dog sitting lovingly at Tobik Hajek.
Damien is OK. I know he's under a lot of pressure he's just a little too wishy washy back and forth for me.
I know the book is called Header but it featured too much actual header talk. Also the Czech team managing to play every one of their games in Atlanta? Miracle for them TBH.
Could have done with more Avi and Ash (this is a running joke in all my Riley Bauer reviews)
June 7, 2026
I am sad I've finished the book. I never wanted to leave the pages.... Wanted another walk with sunflowers, Bagel and an Americano served by a friendly barista. The words settled perfectly in my soul. Now I'm sad I'll never have that first time reading a book feeling again. But I'm happy that somewhere on the Beltway selfies are being taken with two people instead of one.
June 5, 2026
Engagimg story and characters
Engaging characters and story line across two sports teams - soccer and hockey (Atlanta Firebirds). Especially enjoyed main characters and team banter.
Engaging characters and story line across two sports teams - soccer and hockey (Atlanta Firebirds). Especially enjoyed main characters and team banter.
June 6, 2026
I didn’t understand how the MCs actually knew each other well enough to truly love each other beyond lust or a childhood puppy love as it was never shown or really explained. It took away from what would have been an otherwise great story
June 14, 2026
3/3- Not as strong, likely because it was shorter and the relationship started in the past.
June 21, 2026
the story continues
A standalone, almost a sequel. The boys from the Firebirds appear, some more than others. Sweet story. I’m glad Hajec got his HEA
A standalone, almost a sequel. The boys from the Firebirds appear, some more than others. Sweet story. I’m glad Hajec got his HEA
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews