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WMU #2
Time Play
Catching feelings six months before graduation is inconvenient. What’s disastrous is choosing to act on them.
Dean
I’ve always been a guy with a plan. Make it through college, get my degree, and move back home. Tutoring Nick Russell wasn’t in the cards, and crushing hard on him definitely wasn’t. But that sweet, smirking baseball player digs right under my skin, and I don’t stand a chance at resisting him.
All I want is to get my hands on Nick. I know what to do, what moves to make, and…he doesn’t bite. That’s fine, I guess—he’s a good friend anyway.
As it turns out, being friends is exactly what we both need for things to heat up.
A little fling to round out college never hurt anyone, but what if neither of us wants it to end? With my visa running out, moving home doesn’t look as appealing as it always has, not if it means giving up on the only guy who’s ever made me want to stay.
Nick
I’m a mess and I know it. I’m an undrafted nobody, I’m failing an elective, and it feels like I’m the only guy who needs a connection with someone before I can even consider getting physical.
That last part is easy enough to ignore. My agent’s working on the undrafted thing, and Coach got me a tutor. Dean Shen drops into my life as a calm, dreamy anchor of everything I’ve ever craved, and I can see right through that flirty basketball player’s hungry stare. What he wants from me is crystal clear, but he doesn’t push.
And him waiting is all it takes for me to break.
With graduation looming, it makes sense to settle for something physical. But if my feelings for Dean are what allow me to be physical in the first place…I don’t see this ending in anything but trouble.
Time Play is a friends-to-lovers, slow burn MM romance. It is the second book in the WMU series, but can be read as a standalone.
Tropes:
Slow burn
Demisexual protagonist
Friends to lovers
Tutor x Jock
Jock x Jock
Forced proximity
Only one bed
Dean
I’ve always been a guy with a plan. Make it through college, get my degree, and move back home. Tutoring Nick Russell wasn’t in the cards, and crushing hard on him definitely wasn’t. But that sweet, smirking baseball player digs right under my skin, and I don’t stand a chance at resisting him.
All I want is to get my hands on Nick. I know what to do, what moves to make, and…he doesn’t bite. That’s fine, I guess—he’s a good friend anyway.
As it turns out, being friends is exactly what we both need for things to heat up.
A little fling to round out college never hurt anyone, but what if neither of us wants it to end? With my visa running out, moving home doesn’t look as appealing as it always has, not if it means giving up on the only guy who’s ever made me want to stay.
Nick
I’m a mess and I know it. I’m an undrafted nobody, I’m failing an elective, and it feels like I’m the only guy who needs a connection with someone before I can even consider getting physical.
That last part is easy enough to ignore. My agent’s working on the undrafted thing, and Coach got me a tutor. Dean Shen drops into my life as a calm, dreamy anchor of everything I’ve ever craved, and I can see right through that flirty basketball player’s hungry stare. What he wants from me is crystal clear, but he doesn’t push.
And him waiting is all it takes for me to break.
With graduation looming, it makes sense to settle for something physical. But if my feelings for Dean are what allow me to be physical in the first place…I don’t see this ending in anything but trouble.
Time Play is a friends-to-lovers, slow burn MM romance. It is the second book in the WMU series, but can be read as a standalone.
Tropes:
Slow burn
Demisexual protagonist
Friends to lovers
Tutor x Jock
Jock x Jock
Forced proximity
Only one bed
266 pages, Paperback
Published July 15, 2026
About the author
S.J. Crawford
4 books54 followersS.J. Crawford writes MM romance novels. His goal for every story is to explore the enjoyably chaotic side of relationships through realistic characters and experiences.
Growing up, S.J. moved constantly, but he decided that he likes things cold so he now lives in Canada. Rest assured, his books bring a lot more heat than the weather outside.
Growing up, S.J. moved constantly, but he decided that he likes things cold so he now lives in Canada. Rest assured, his books bring a lot more heat than the weather outside.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
July 19, 2026
***edit to add that there have been changes to the book since my arc review. And since this was one of my complaints, I will bump my rating up.
Hi there, reviewers!
Reviews for Time Play, by SJ Crawford, are currently due, but at the request of the publisher, we wanted to let you know of some editorial changes that were made in the time between when you received your ARC and publication. If any of these details were of issue when posting your review, please know that they have since been corrected and your review may not reflect the final, published version of the book.
• Primarily in dialogue, thirty (30) casual terms of address (such as dude, bro, man etc.) and instances of common profanity were removed or modified when flagged as repetitive by the final editor. Many words in question had their frequency of use reduced by half or more.
**************************************************
Okay, I know Nick and Dean’s characters were meant to be a little bro-y with each other, but the use of “Bro”, “Dude” and “Yo” in this book were a little overkill.
Dude and Bro were used a combined total of 68 times in Time Play. (It’s only 312 pages). Please tell me I’m not being crazy and that got on everyone else’s nerves too?
I liked the set up for their relationship, a Chinese student going to college in the US on a student visa who starts tutoring the baseball jock so he can pass his Chinese Language course so he doesn’t lose playing time over grades. I really enjoyed the start of them getting to know one another and them finding out eachothers sexuality. Nick and Dean not being able to stay away from eachother was adorable.
The main thing I loved about this book was Nick being demisexual, experiencing the feelings that he went through while connecting with Dean made me really connect with him on a deep level. And Dean really being supportive and understanding without REALLY understanding was beautiful. I knew they were going to be prefect for each other… and then nothing really changed, like just stop with the “bro” shit, especially after you’ve established in your mind how you feel about eachother! Their relationship just ended up irritating me.
The quirky, overthinking was cute for a while, but it was still going on up until the literal chapter before the epilogue.
This had great potential. I loved their trip to China and I really thought when they got back home that things would change for them. But… it got worse (for me, anyway). This was too much back and forth, and between them it was too much I-can’t-change-anything-about-my-future-to-accommodate-the-man-I-love-but-I-want-to, I-just-don’t-want-him-to-know-that-i-want-to. Wtf. Like, could they not work together just a little bit harder to figure out how to move forward without all the disconnect?
It’s like the author was trying too hard to keep them apart and it made their story seem off.
I wish we had gotten more backstory with Nick and his family falling out and their non acceptance of him being gay and how it affected his relationship with people. Instead of the one paragraph about how his parents divorced and it was his fault. 🤷🏻♀️ I loved Deans parents and also wish China and his parents had had a bigger role in their story.
I was obsessed with book 1 of the WMU series, Free Base. So I had super high hopes for Time Play, but for me it fell short 😭
Thank you Gay Romance Reviews for the chance to read and review an ARC of Time Play!
Hi there, reviewers!
Reviews for Time Play, by SJ Crawford, are currently due, but at the request of the publisher, we wanted to let you know of some editorial changes that were made in the time between when you received your ARC and publication. If any of these details were of issue when posting your review, please know that they have since been corrected and your review may not reflect the final, published version of the book.
• Primarily in dialogue, thirty (30) casual terms of address (such as dude, bro, man etc.) and instances of common profanity were removed or modified when flagged as repetitive by the final editor. Many words in question had their frequency of use reduced by half or more.
**************************************************
Okay, I know Nick and Dean’s characters were meant to be a little bro-y with each other, but the use of “Bro”, “Dude” and “Yo” in this book were a little overkill.
Dude and Bro were used a combined total of 68 times in Time Play. (It’s only 312 pages). Please tell me I’m not being crazy and that got on everyone else’s nerves too?
I liked the set up for their relationship, a Chinese student going to college in the US on a student visa who starts tutoring the baseball jock so he can pass his Chinese Language course so he doesn’t lose playing time over grades. I really enjoyed the start of them getting to know one another and them finding out eachothers sexuality. Nick and Dean not being able to stay away from eachother was adorable.
The main thing I loved about this book was Nick being demisexual, experiencing the feelings that he went through while connecting with Dean made me really connect with him on a deep level. And Dean really being supportive and understanding without REALLY understanding was beautiful. I knew they were going to be prefect for each other… and then nothing really changed, like just stop with the “bro” shit, especially after you’ve established in your mind how you feel about eachother! Their relationship just ended up irritating me.
The quirky, overthinking was cute for a while, but it was still going on up until the literal chapter before the epilogue.
This had great potential. I loved their trip to China and I really thought when they got back home that things would change for them. But… it got worse (for me, anyway). This was too much back and forth, and between them it was too much I-can’t-change-anything-about-my-future-to-accommodate-the-man-I-love-but-I-want-to, I-just-don’t-want-him-to-know-that-i-want-to. Wtf. Like, could they not work together just a little bit harder to figure out how to move forward without all the disconnect?
It’s like the author was trying too hard to keep them apart and it made their story seem off.
I wish we had gotten more backstory with Nick and his family falling out and their non acceptance of him being gay and how it affected his relationship with people. Instead of the one paragraph about how his parents divorced and it was his fault. 🤷🏻♀️ I loved Deans parents and also wish China and his parents had had a bigger role in their story.
I was obsessed with book 1 of the WMU series, Free Base. So I had super high hopes for Time Play, but for me it fell short 😭
Thank you Gay Romance Reviews for the chance to read and review an ARC of Time Play!
July 30, 2026
4.5☆
This was a fun read for me. I caught myself giggling multiple times while also loving how sweet they were. Dean and Nick are an interesting pair. I loved how playful and bro-y they were, while also being totally smitten with each other. This story had the right amount of angst with them being unsure of their lives after graduation. I really enjoyed how it all worked out, because it also forced them to face their feelings for each other. I loved how Dean understood Nick and tried to help him not feel so disposable.
This was a fun, lighthearted book about a baseball player and his tutor and how to know your self worth and not let anyone pressure you into doing anything you are not comfortable with.
This was a fun read for me. I caught myself giggling multiple times while also loving how sweet they were. Dean and Nick are an interesting pair. I loved how playful and bro-y they were, while also being totally smitten with each other. This story had the right amount of angst with them being unsure of their lives after graduation. I really enjoyed how it all worked out, because it also forced them to face their feelings for each other. I loved how Dean understood Nick and tried to help him not feel so disposable.
This was a fun, lighthearted book about a baseball player and his tutor and how to know your self worth and not let anyone pressure you into doing anything you are not comfortable with.
July 29, 2026
Time Play was such a fantastic read for so many reasons. While I’m all for an angsty, enemies-to-lovers whirlwind story, sometimes I desperately want a cozy, slow-burn, friends-to-lovers comfort read. A story that leaves me feeling warm and fuzzy after each read and has low, but purposeful angst. Time Play by S.J. Crawford fits that bill seamlessly.
This was my first baseball MM romance, and I couldn’t think of a better introduction to the trope. I found myself intrigued by the demisexual trope as I have only read one other book with a demisexual main character. I love the inclusion of an Asian main character and the realities of being openly gay in an Asian culture - I relate to this on a personal level and had all the feelings during Dean’s conversations with his parents. The jock x jock trope is always a favorite of mine, so I knew with all things considered this book was a must-read.
Nick and Dean - these two were doomed from the start (in the best way). Both had their reasonings for foregoing relationships, but those plans were derailed the moment these two met. The chemistry between them was instant and fast-growing. Hiding behind a friends-with-benefits label was only prolonging their inevitable relationship. I loved seeing the light-hearted, playful banter between them as well as the tender, nurturing care they provided each other (especially during pivotal moments). The spicy scenes throughout the book complemented their story and clearly conveyed their deepening connection as the book progressed.
What I loved most about Time Play was the realism of Nick and Dean’s situation. With Nick trying to go pro in baseball & Dean on limited time with a student visa and graduation steamrolling on the horizon, the two face the difficult task of maintaining their relationship post-college (from potentially different continents). The determination Nick and Dean show in trying to figure out a solution made me fall more in love with the characters. The added knowledge about their upbringings and previous traumas strengthened the character depth and made their story more relatable to readers (myself included).
I truly appreciate the representation of Asian culture in Time Play - from the Mandarin tutoring sessions to the cultural sayings/under-the-breath curse words. The mention of differing cultural views surrounding LGBTQ+ relationships (in this instance - America vs China) is something that doesn’t get talked about nearly enough and can be easily overlooked when it doesn’t affect a person directly.
However, even the briefest of acknowledgements means so much to those immersed in any borderline-accepting culture for the LGBTQ+ community. While significant progress has been made, there’s still a long journey ahead for equality. I applaud S.J. Crawford for making Asian culture a central theme in Time Play, doing so with respect and grace.
I highly recommend reading Time Play. It was the comfort read I didn’t know I needed and will be going into my “comfy reread list.” Time Play is the second installment of the WMU book series. While I read Time Play as a stand-alone, I already have plans to read the first installment in the near future. Thank you, S.J. Crawford, for the wonderful ARC. Looking forward to your future releases!
This was my first baseball MM romance, and I couldn’t think of a better introduction to the trope. I found myself intrigued by the demisexual trope as I have only read one other book with a demisexual main character. I love the inclusion of an Asian main character and the realities of being openly gay in an Asian culture - I relate to this on a personal level and had all the feelings during Dean’s conversations with his parents. The jock x jock trope is always a favorite of mine, so I knew with all things considered this book was a must-read.
Nick and Dean - these two were doomed from the start (in the best way). Both had their reasonings for foregoing relationships, but those plans were derailed the moment these two met. The chemistry between them was instant and fast-growing. Hiding behind a friends-with-benefits label was only prolonging their inevitable relationship. I loved seeing the light-hearted, playful banter between them as well as the tender, nurturing care they provided each other (especially during pivotal moments). The spicy scenes throughout the book complemented their story and clearly conveyed their deepening connection as the book progressed.
What I loved most about Time Play was the realism of Nick and Dean’s situation. With Nick trying to go pro in baseball & Dean on limited time with a student visa and graduation steamrolling on the horizon, the two face the difficult task of maintaining their relationship post-college (from potentially different continents). The determination Nick and Dean show in trying to figure out a solution made me fall more in love with the characters. The added knowledge about their upbringings and previous traumas strengthened the character depth and made their story more relatable to readers (myself included).
I truly appreciate the representation of Asian culture in Time Play - from the Mandarin tutoring sessions to the cultural sayings/under-the-breath curse words. The mention of differing cultural views surrounding LGBTQ+ relationships (in this instance - America vs China) is something that doesn’t get talked about nearly enough and can be easily overlooked when it doesn’t affect a person directly.
However, even the briefest of acknowledgements means so much to those immersed in any borderline-accepting culture for the LGBTQ+ community. While significant progress has been made, there’s still a long journey ahead for equality. I applaud S.J. Crawford for making Asian culture a central theme in Time Play, doing so with respect and grace.
I highly recommend reading Time Play. It was the comfort read I didn’t know I needed and will be going into my “comfy reread list.” Time Play is the second installment of the WMU book series. While I read Time Play as a stand-alone, I already have plans to read the first installment in the near future. Thank you, S.J. Crawford, for the wonderful ARC. Looking forward to your future releases!
June 18, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely loved Time Play by S.J. Crawford!
This story follows Nick and Dean, and honestly, these two completely stole my heart. Their relationship was so sweet, fun, and genuine that I found myself smiling every time they were together. The chemistry between them was fantastic, and their banter had me laughing so much.
What I loved most about this book was how it balanced the lighter, funny moments with all the emotional ones. It wasn’t just a cute romance, it really had me invested in these characters and feeling everything right along with them. There were so many moments that made me smile, a few that tugged at my heartstrings, and by the end I was completely obsessed with Nick and Dean.
This was one of those books that was just a joy to read from start to finish. Sweet, funny, heartwarming, and full of feels—the perfect combination. Nick and Dean are easily one of the cutest couples I’ve read in a while, and I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to them when the story ended.
An easy 5-star read for me!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely loved Time Play by S.J. Crawford!
This story follows Nick and Dean, and honestly, these two completely stole my heart. Their relationship was so sweet, fun, and genuine that I found myself smiling every time they were together. The chemistry between them was fantastic, and their banter had me laughing so much.
What I loved most about this book was how it balanced the lighter, funny moments with all the emotional ones. It wasn’t just a cute romance, it really had me invested in these characters and feeling everything right along with them. There were so many moments that made me smile, a few that tugged at my heartstrings, and by the end I was completely obsessed with Nick and Dean.
This was one of those books that was just a joy to read from start to finish. Sweet, funny, heartwarming, and full of feels—the perfect combination. Nick and Dean are easily one of the cutest couples I’ve read in a while, and I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to them when the story ended.
An easy 5-star read for me!
July 15, 2026
In exchange for an honest review i got to read the ARC of Time Play by S.J. Crawford by Netgally and the author.
This were a really great story about two people that found themselves together by language and sports. Nick a baseball player were unlucky and didn't pass his Chinese classes in the midterm just half a year before his graduation so his couch decides that he need to get some exstra help by a tutor that ends up beeing Dean a Chinese basketball player that that turns out can help with teaching him it, he is fluid in mandarin but does not think he may be a good teacher but gets convinced and that's where the story begins.
This is a cute story about how two people can fall in love trough languages and sport when something just clicks and work, its a short story that I wish I got to spend longer time to read more but I also liked the way it felt realistic and with great side characters along the way. This is a book I can recommend for people that like a school / sport love story.
Lastly I want to Thank Netgally for letting me read this book trough their site and to the Author for this sweet story!
This were a really great story about two people that found themselves together by language and sports. Nick a baseball player were unlucky and didn't pass his Chinese classes in the midterm just half a year before his graduation so his couch decides that he need to get some exstra help by a tutor that ends up beeing Dean a Chinese basketball player that that turns out can help with teaching him it, he is fluid in mandarin but does not think he may be a good teacher but gets convinced and that's where the story begins.
This is a cute story about how two people can fall in love trough languages and sport when something just clicks and work, its a short story that I wish I got to spend longer time to read more but I also liked the way it felt realistic and with great side characters along the way. This is a book I can recommend for people that like a school / sport love story.
Lastly I want to Thank Netgally for letting me read this book trough their site and to the Author for this sweet story!
July 15, 2026
This was my first book by SJ Crawford. I ALWAYS love a sports romance. Make is an MM sports romance and I am in heaven!
This book was a college athlete setting with a little dose of frattiness, there was a lot of "yo," "bro," and "dude" involved and while it didn't deter my reading they were definitely over used.
I loved the demi representation and after the initial misunderstanding the honesty and communication was a plus.
I also really enjoyed the representation and study of Asian language by both MMCs!
Looking forward to seeing the series continue.
This book was a college athlete setting with a little dose of frattiness, there was a lot of "yo," "bro," and "dude" involved and while it didn't deter my reading they were definitely over used.
I loved the demi representation and after the initial misunderstanding the honesty and communication was a plus.
I also really enjoyed the representation and study of Asian language by both MMCs!
Looking forward to seeing the series continue.
July 20, 2026
Review Coming Soon
July 24, 2026
"the sun had its chance, and now it’s my turn to kiss his body."
this was a really fluffy and fun read!
this was a really fluffy and fun read!
July 16, 2026
Time play
By: S.J. Crawford
📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚
Slowly developed more than Bro’s!
In book 2 of the WMU series we get a very slow burn. While normally that not my thing the author does an amazing job keeping the book interesting and the individual characters more than surface level. Both men have something to loose whether it be sports eligibility or a student visa both matter for their individual success. When deeper feeling surface it’s was enlightening. The author writes with so much intensity and emotion pulled from each book it’s felt page after page. Some have quick witted story lines that are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.
Authors blurb: Catching feelings six months before graduation is inconvenient. What’s disastrous is choosing to act on them.
Dean
I’ve always been a guy with a plan. Make it through college, get my degree, and move back home. Tutoring Nick Russell wasn’t in the cards, and crushing hard on him definitely wasn’t. But that sweet, smirking baseball player digs right under my skin, and I don’t stand a chance at resisting him. All I want is to get my hands on Nick. I know what to do, what moves to make, and…he doesn’t bite. That’s fine, I guess he’s a good friend anyway. As it turns out, being friends is exactly what we both need for things to heat up.
A little fling to round out college never hurt anyone, but what if neither of us wants it to end? With my visa running out, moving home doesn’t look as appealing as it always has, not if it means giving up on the only guy who’s ever made me want to stay.
Nick
I’m a mess and I know it. I’m an undrafted nobody, I’m failing an elective, and it feels like I’m the only guy who needs a connectionwith someone before I can even consider getting physical.
That last part is easy enough to ignore. My agent’s working on the undrafted thing, and Coach got me a tutor. Dean Shen drops into my life as a calm, dreamy anchor of everything I’ve ever craved, and I can see right through that flirty basketball player’s hungry stare. What he wants from me is crystal clear, but he doesn’t push. And him waiting is all it takes for me to break. With graduation looming, it makes sense to settle for something physical. But if my feelings for Dean are what allow me to be physical in the first place…I don’t see this ending in anything but trouble.
This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in dual POV this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know you’re 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.
By: S.J. Crawford
📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚
Slowly developed more than Bro’s!
In book 2 of the WMU series we get a very slow burn. While normally that not my thing the author does an amazing job keeping the book interesting and the individual characters more than surface level. Both men have something to loose whether it be sports eligibility or a student visa both matter for their individual success. When deeper feeling surface it’s was enlightening. The author writes with so much intensity and emotion pulled from each book it’s felt page after page. Some have quick witted story lines that are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.
Authors blurb: Catching feelings six months before graduation is inconvenient. What’s disastrous is choosing to act on them.
Dean
I’ve always been a guy with a plan. Make it through college, get my degree, and move back home. Tutoring Nick Russell wasn’t in the cards, and crushing hard on him definitely wasn’t. But that sweet, smirking baseball player digs right under my skin, and I don’t stand a chance at resisting him. All I want is to get my hands on Nick. I know what to do, what moves to make, and…he doesn’t bite. That’s fine, I guess he’s a good friend anyway. As it turns out, being friends is exactly what we both need for things to heat up.
A little fling to round out college never hurt anyone, but what if neither of us wants it to end? With my visa running out, moving home doesn’t look as appealing as it always has, not if it means giving up on the only guy who’s ever made me want to stay.
Nick
I’m a mess and I know it. I’m an undrafted nobody, I’m failing an elective, and it feels like I’m the only guy who needs a connectionwith someone before I can even consider getting physical.
That last part is easy enough to ignore. My agent’s working on the undrafted thing, and Coach got me a tutor. Dean Shen drops into my life as a calm, dreamy anchor of everything I’ve ever craved, and I can see right through that flirty basketball player’s hungry stare. What he wants from me is crystal clear, but he doesn’t push. And him waiting is all it takes for me to break. With graduation looming, it makes sense to settle for something physical. But if my feelings for Dean are what allow me to be physical in the first place…I don’t see this ending in anything but trouble.
This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in dual POV this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know you’re 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.
July 30, 2026
2.5/5
This one hurts to write because I really enjoyed Book 1 and was genuinely excited to come back to WMU. Unfortunately, this sequel just never came together for me.
First, the positives, because there are absolutely some. Nick and Dean are both incredibly likable, and SJ Crawford still writes natural dialogue and those little everyday interactions that make characters feel real. Nick's questioning of himself, his confusion around attraction and intimacy, and the fear that something was "wrong" with him was honestly the strongest part of the entire novel. It was refreshing to see a character who didn't fit the stereotypical hypersexual mold so common in MM romance, and I found myself relating to parts of his journey more than I expected.
I also loved the cultural elements. Learning little bits about China, Hangzhou, and even words like sājiāo added a lot of personality to the story and made me look things up along the way, which is always something I appreciate.
Unfortunately... that's where my enthusiasm started to fade.
The book sets up such a compelling central conflict: Dean's visa, graduation, Nick's baseball career, and the very real possibility that they simply don't have enough time together. I was hooked. But as the story went on, that tension slowly disappeared under a mountain of "maybes." Maybe grad school. Maybe another job. Maybe someone moves. Maybe they'll just get married for a visa. Instead of watching the characters work through impossible obstacles, it felt like the obstacles slowly stopped being obstacles.
The biggest disappointment for me, though, was Nick's internal arc. For so much of the novel, we're led to believe there's something deeper going on with how he experiences attraction and intimacy. Later we're essentially told it all stems from insecurity... but we never really explore why. That revelation felt incomplete, especially after spending so much time building up the mystery.
And while the ending technically wraps everything up, it never felt earned. I kept waiting for that one emotional conversation that would make everything click. Instead, the story seemed to jump from logistical solutions to an epilogue before fully letting Nick and Dean earn the emotional payoff I'd been waiting for.
This absolutely wasn't a bad book. There are charming moments, lovable characters, and some genuinely thoughtful representation that I appreciated. I just finished it feeling like there was so much unrealized potential. I wanted to love this one as much as I loved its predecessor, and unfortunately, I walked away more underwhelmed than moved.
I'm still glad I read it, and I'll absolutely continue cheering SJ Crawford on because the talent is there. This one just wasn't the home run I was hoping for.
This one hurts to write because I really enjoyed Book 1 and was genuinely excited to come back to WMU. Unfortunately, this sequel just never came together for me.
First, the positives, because there are absolutely some. Nick and Dean are both incredibly likable, and SJ Crawford still writes natural dialogue and those little everyday interactions that make characters feel real. Nick's questioning of himself, his confusion around attraction and intimacy, and the fear that something was "wrong" with him was honestly the strongest part of the entire novel. It was refreshing to see a character who didn't fit the stereotypical hypersexual mold so common in MM romance, and I found myself relating to parts of his journey more than I expected.
I also loved the cultural elements. Learning little bits about China, Hangzhou, and even words like sājiāo added a lot of personality to the story and made me look things up along the way, which is always something I appreciate.
Unfortunately... that's where my enthusiasm started to fade.
The book sets up such a compelling central conflict: Dean's visa, graduation, Nick's baseball career, and the very real possibility that they simply don't have enough time together. I was hooked. But as the story went on, that tension slowly disappeared under a mountain of "maybes." Maybe grad school. Maybe another job. Maybe someone moves. Maybe they'll just get married for a visa. Instead of watching the characters work through impossible obstacles, it felt like the obstacles slowly stopped being obstacles.
The biggest disappointment for me, though, was Nick's internal arc. For so much of the novel, we're led to believe there's something deeper going on with how he experiences attraction and intimacy. Later we're essentially told it all stems from insecurity... but we never really explore why. That revelation felt incomplete, especially after spending so much time building up the mystery.
And while the ending technically wraps everything up, it never felt earned. I kept waiting for that one emotional conversation that would make everything click. Instead, the story seemed to jump from logistical solutions to an epilogue before fully letting Nick and Dean earn the emotional payoff I'd been waiting for.
This absolutely wasn't a bad book. There are charming moments, lovable characters, and some genuinely thoughtful representation that I appreciated. I just finished it feeling like there was so much unrealized potential. I wanted to love this one as much as I loved its predecessor, and unfortunately, I walked away more underwhelmed than moved.
I'm still glad I read it, and I'll absolutely continue cheering SJ Crawford on because the talent is there. This one just wasn't the home run I was hoping for.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC Review
Oh this was such a fun read, and it’s always a treat when you discover a new to you author and just realize they’re what your life’s been missing 😭
But I gotta start by saying as someone who is also demisexual; I saw a lot of myself in Nick’s character. Demisexuality can look different to different people but I think this is one pf the few times I’m really seeing it in represented in a way that resonates and is similar to me. And while that might not be the case for every demisexual who read this, I can still really appreciate the representation.
The plot is of the book straightforward, similar in execution to many ways to other mm romance books that have our beloved college setting/athlete x tutor/friends with benefits combo. But I do think there is a bit of an extra layer with Dean being an international student and the overall cultural inclusion represented in the book. I feel it gives similar vibes to J.J. Mulder’s SCU Hockey series, so I think fans of that series are really gonna love this book. Additionally, while this is the second book in this series it read very well and easily as a standalone.
There were only a few areas that the book fell short in: the dialogue especially at the start of the book felt a bit disjointed/choppy, the tone of all the characters felt...overly enthused? Like caricatures of college students rather than real people. This did sort mellow out/tone down the further you get into the book, but you do have to push yourself past those initial chapters. There is also some timeline confusion; with a few time jumps that span anywhere from a couple days to straight up a month or more. I think some sub-headers at the start of a few chapters would've help, even if it's just letting us know what month it was. That way reader could better gauge how long thing has been going on. Lastly, there is a bit of a Lull around the 60% mark but luckily it does not drag on too long. None of these things significantly impacted my overall enjoyment of the book; and I can confidently say I still had a lot of fun reading this.
The story unfolded at a good pace, it didn’t feel like it was missing anything. And just everything about Dean and Nick’s relationship felt real. Like these are my two good friends fr lol. From their initial first meeting, to the early stages of their relationship, the plot’s conflict and how they choose to navigate it. You just really can’t help but root for them. The supporting cast were entertaining and likable but not overbearing, and the set up for the next book was interwoven into the story very tastefully. I definitely recommend checking it out if you’re up for a nice feel-good read with a super lovable main pairing.
While all thoughts and opinions include in this review are my own, I want to give a big thank you to NetGalley and Evernorth books for the complimentary copy!
Oh this was such a fun read, and it’s always a treat when you discover a new to you author and just realize they’re what your life’s been missing 😭
But I gotta start by saying as someone who is also demisexual; I saw a lot of myself in Nick’s character. Demisexuality can look different to different people but I think this is one pf the few times I’m really seeing it in represented in a way that resonates and is similar to me. And while that might not be the case for every demisexual who read this, I can still really appreciate the representation.
The plot is of the book straightforward, similar in execution to many ways to other mm romance books that have our beloved college setting/athlete x tutor/friends with benefits combo. But I do think there is a bit of an extra layer with Dean being an international student and the overall cultural inclusion represented in the book. I feel it gives similar vibes to J.J. Mulder’s SCU Hockey series, so I think fans of that series are really gonna love this book. Additionally, while this is the second book in this series it read very well and easily as a standalone.
There were only a few areas that the book fell short in: the dialogue especially at the start of the book felt a bit disjointed/choppy, the tone of all the characters felt...overly enthused? Like caricatures of college students rather than real people. This did sort mellow out/tone down the further you get into the book, but you do have to push yourself past those initial chapters. There is also some timeline confusion; with a few time jumps that span anywhere from a couple days to straight up a month or more. I think some sub-headers at the start of a few chapters would've help, even if it's just letting us know what month it was. That way reader could better gauge how long thing has been going on. Lastly, there is a bit of a Lull around the 60% mark but luckily it does not drag on too long. None of these things significantly impacted my overall enjoyment of the book; and I can confidently say I still had a lot of fun reading this.
The story unfolded at a good pace, it didn’t feel like it was missing anything. And just everything about Dean and Nick’s relationship felt real. Like these are my two good friends fr lol. From their initial first meeting, to the early stages of their relationship, the plot’s conflict and how they choose to navigate it. You just really can’t help but root for them. The supporting cast were entertaining and likable but not overbearing, and the set up for the next book was interwoven into the story very tastefully. I definitely recommend checking it out if you’re up for a nice feel-good read with a super lovable main pairing.
While all thoughts and opinions include in this review are my own, I want to give a big thank you to NetGalley and Evernorth books for the complimentary copy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
★★★★☆ (4/5)
Time Play by S.J. Crawford completely pulled me in. Nick and Dean have amazing chemistry, and their playful banter had me smiling throughout the book. Watching them slowly fall for each other—while stubbornly refusing to admit it—made for a genuinely engaging slow-burn romance. Their emotional push-and-pull felt authentic.
⚠️ Spoilers below.
The pacing was the biggest reason this wasn't quite a five-star read for me. Some sections felt drawn out, while others rushed through moments that deserved much more attention. One of the biggest missed opportunities was Nick learning Chinese. Early in the story, a significant amount of time is spent on his lessons with Dean, studying for exams, and his determination to learn the language simply because he wanted a challenge instead of choosing the easier option of French. Because of that build-up, I expected his trip to China to really pay off. Instead, there was very little interaction with the locals or Dean's parents, and Nick's language skills were barely used beyond a brief exchange in Chinese.
The ending also felt too rushed. After such a long journey toward admitting their feelings, their relationship was resolved within a single chapter, followed only by a short epilogue. I also found it a little odd that, despite the novel spending plenty of time on intimate scenes, certain details that were introduced—such as Nick mentioning he had never topped before and Dean being vers—were never explored or even acknowledged again. The same with Nick's demisexuality. It is brought up at the beginning and comes back briefly when they first try to be together and it doesn't work, but after that it is mostly brushed past: the next time goes fine, and before long he is staying over for a week. I'm glad it was discussed at all, and I even learned something new from it, but with such a huge slow burn, I do think it could have been given more space and been more present throughout the book
Despite those flaws, I absolutely loved this book. The humor, the emotional connection, and the believable chemistry between Nick and Dean made it a joy to read. It may not have been a perfect five-star read, but it's definitely one I would happily recommend to anyone who enjoys heartfelt, character-driven slow-burn romance.
Time Play by S.J. Crawford completely pulled me in. Nick and Dean have amazing chemistry, and their playful banter had me smiling throughout the book. Watching them slowly fall for each other—while stubbornly refusing to admit it—made for a genuinely engaging slow-burn romance. Their emotional push-and-pull felt authentic.
⚠️ Spoilers below.
The pacing was the biggest reason this wasn't quite a five-star read for me. Some sections felt drawn out, while others rushed through moments that deserved much more attention. One of the biggest missed opportunities was Nick learning Chinese. Early in the story, a significant amount of time is spent on his lessons with Dean, studying for exams, and his determination to learn the language simply because he wanted a challenge instead of choosing the easier option of French. Because of that build-up, I expected his trip to China to really pay off. Instead, there was very little interaction with the locals or Dean's parents, and Nick's language skills were barely used beyond a brief exchange in Chinese.
The ending also felt too rushed. After such a long journey toward admitting their feelings, their relationship was resolved within a single chapter, followed only by a short epilogue. I also found it a little odd that, despite the novel spending plenty of time on intimate scenes, certain details that were introduced—such as Nick mentioning he had never topped before and Dean being vers—were never explored or even acknowledged again. The same with Nick's demisexuality. It is brought up at the beginning and comes back briefly when they first try to be together and it doesn't work, but after that it is mostly brushed past: the next time goes fine, and before long he is staying over for a week. I'm glad it was discussed at all, and I even learned something new from it, but with such a huge slow burn, I do think it could have been given more space and been more present throughout the book
Despite those flaws, I absolutely loved this book. The humor, the emotional connection, and the believable chemistry between Nick and Dean made it a joy to read. It may not have been a perfect five-star read, but it's definitely one I would happily recommend to anyone who enjoys heartfelt, character-driven slow-burn romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2026
This was just freaking adorable! This story is about Dean and Nick
Nick is failing his Chinese class so he needs a tutor so in comes Dean who is Chinese and helps him out
Nick and Dean are both gay but they don’t know that about each other at first!
They both flirt but the thing with Nick is he had a bad relationship and he hasn’t figured out about his desires he’s Demi so when him and Dean first start hooking up he bolts
They go back to just being friends but Nick is starting to realize that he wants more from Dean and they start up a friends with benefits relationship because they both are graduating
Dean is keeping his heart tucked away because when he falls he falls hard so when he jokingly asks Nick to come to China with him for Christmas he’s surprised when Nick says yes
China is where everything changes they both have been hooking up consistently but both hiding their feelings they both want more but are scared
Nick bolts once again when they both say what they feel but he’s the kind if guy who just needs a minute to process he needs a second to feel things out
But the bridge moment when they come together and they become boyfriends made me cry happy tears it was so sweet but also funny because they made sure to point out they won’t be those sickly sweet couples
Their major issue is logistics because Dean is waiting to hear about a job in china and Nick about being called up for baseball
Dean didn’t like the job parameters so he applied for a grad school that would be close to Nick now that he got called up
Also that scene when he had to leave for the airport and he came back for a second kiss are you kidding me?!
Long distance sucks and when Dean gets the news he’s in and will be closer to Nick he tells him and nick temporarily freaks out thinking Dean is giving up his dream to stay in America for him
Dean is very understanding of how nicks mind works so instead of breaking up or getting mad he plans a surprise! I love that Ian helped and gave him a baseball to get signed
The reaction to Dean being there was absolute perfection
And for once I didn’t mind a 2 year time jump!
This was so so good I loved how they were with each other
Nick is failing his Chinese class so he needs a tutor so in comes Dean who is Chinese and helps him out
Nick and Dean are both gay but they don’t know that about each other at first!
They both flirt but the thing with Nick is he had a bad relationship and he hasn’t figured out about his desires he’s Demi so when him and Dean first start hooking up he bolts
They go back to just being friends but Nick is starting to realize that he wants more from Dean and they start up a friends with benefits relationship because they both are graduating
Dean is keeping his heart tucked away because when he falls he falls hard so when he jokingly asks Nick to come to China with him for Christmas he’s surprised when Nick says yes
China is where everything changes they both have been hooking up consistently but both hiding their feelings they both want more but are scared
Nick bolts once again when they both say what they feel but he’s the kind if guy who just needs a minute to process he needs a second to feel things out
But the bridge moment when they come together and they become boyfriends made me cry happy tears it was so sweet but also funny because they made sure to point out they won’t be those sickly sweet couples
Their major issue is logistics because Dean is waiting to hear about a job in china and Nick about being called up for baseball
Dean didn’t like the job parameters so he applied for a grad school that would be close to Nick now that he got called up
Also that scene when he had to leave for the airport and he came back for a second kiss are you kidding me?!
Long distance sucks and when Dean gets the news he’s in and will be closer to Nick he tells him and nick temporarily freaks out thinking Dean is giving up his dream to stay in America for him
Dean is very understanding of how nicks mind works so instead of breaking up or getting mad he plans a surprise! I love that Ian helped and gave him a baseball to get signed
The reaction to Dean being there was absolute perfection
And for once I didn’t mind a 2 year time jump!
This was so so good I loved how they were with each other
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
🌶️ 4/5
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving my honest review.
This book was adorable. I kept finding myself smiling reading it.
Nick is a baseball player in his senior year of college- who takes Chinese instead of the go-to easy grade. Dean is an international student studying in America, on a student visa from China, who is found to help tutor Nick in his Chinese 107 class.
They start out as tutor/tutee, becoming friends, but there’s definitely attraction.
Nick is demisexual with some relationship baggage-and I am similar in my demisexuality, so the fact that Nick can flip when it finally clicks resonates with me.
Dean is a one and done hookup guy, a hard and fast rule he has to prevent himself from doing what he always does, falling too hard, too fast for anyone he’s interested in.
When they do finally take the jump into bed, it’s super sexy. And any of their sex scenes are all sexy as hell, honestly.
Their relationship grows, they’re both green flags imo, and both try to stop caring for each other the way they do, and obsessing over each other the way they do, all because they are trying desperately in their heads to not fall into their previous situations: loving too fast and hard and having someone you love dip out.
But inevitably they both fail spectacularly.
They’ve got great support, friend support, deans family support, and they all absorb Nick into their orbits. It’s all found family for him and it’s great for both of them.
I love their love. And I just keep smiling when I think about this book. I imagine we’ll be having Jeremy in the third book. I wonder if it’ll be with the new roommate or the hidden hookup 🤔🤔. Either way, if it follows the adorableness that was callum and Ian and then Nick and Dean, we’re in for another great book in the series.
Pairing: M/M
POV: dual, first person
OM drama: no
Cheating: no
Third act breakup: no
HEA: yes
Tropes/representations: demisexual MC, international Chinese student, tutor/tutee, friends to lovers, one bed, found family, homophobic family-but only referenced in past trauma
🌶️ 4/5
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving my honest review.
This book was adorable. I kept finding myself smiling reading it.
Nick is a baseball player in his senior year of college- who takes Chinese instead of the go-to easy grade. Dean is an international student studying in America, on a student visa from China, who is found to help tutor Nick in his Chinese 107 class.
They start out as tutor/tutee, becoming friends, but there’s definitely attraction.
Nick is demisexual with some relationship baggage-and I am similar in my demisexuality, so the fact that Nick can flip when it finally clicks resonates with me.
Dean is a one and done hookup guy, a hard and fast rule he has to prevent himself from doing what he always does, falling too hard, too fast for anyone he’s interested in.
When they do finally take the jump into bed, it’s super sexy. And any of their sex scenes are all sexy as hell, honestly.
Their relationship grows, they’re both green flags imo, and both try to stop caring for each other the way they do, and obsessing over each other the way they do, all because they are trying desperately in their heads to not fall into their previous situations: loving too fast and hard and having someone you love dip out.
But inevitably they both fail spectacularly.
They’ve got great support, friend support, deans family support, and they all absorb Nick into their orbits. It’s all found family for him and it’s great for both of them.
I love their love. And I just keep smiling when I think about this book. I imagine we’ll be having Jeremy in the third book. I wonder if it’ll be with the new roommate or the hidden hookup 🤔🤔. Either way, if it follows the adorableness that was callum and Ian and then Nick and Dean, we’re in for another great book in the series.
Pairing: M/M
POV: dual, first person
OM drama: no
Cheating: no
Third act breakup: no
HEA: yes
Tropes/representations: demisexual MC, international Chinese student, tutor/tutee, friends to lovers, one bed, found family, homophobic family-but only referenced in past trauma
July 5, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a sweet MM romance! Nick and Dean were absolutely adorable together. They were funny, awkward, and had me smiling through so much of the book.
One of my favorite parts was the way Nick’s demisexuality was handled. Dean didn’t know at first, which led to an awkward sexual encounter. But once Nick opened up about being demisexual, Dean’s response completely melted my heart. He was so patient, understanding, and reassuring. He made it clear that Nick should never feel like he had to push through uncomfortable sexual experiences just to eventually be okay with them. Building that trust in their relationship so early on was vital.
And once they got there… the spice was SO good! 🔥 The emotional connection made it all the more satisfying.
There were just a couple of things that held this back from being a five-star read for me. I simply cannot get behind calling your romantic partner “bro” or “dude.” Those are friendship words! Every time one of them said it, I got yanked right out of the romance.
I also never quite understood the title. I kept waiting for Time Play to have some bigger meaning, but it never clicked for me.
**SPOILER** Finally, I found myself wishing for a little more compromise in the ending. Dean clearly loved living in China, and giving that up for Nick was a huge sacrifice. I would have loved to see them make a plan to visit every year or spend part of their lives there together. It would’ve made the ending feel a little more balanced.
Overall, this was a really sweet romance with lovable characters, fantastic chemistry, meaningful demisexual representation, and plenty of heart. If you’re looking for a cozy, spicy MM romance with a supportive relationship at its core, this one is definitely worth picking up!
This was such a sweet MM romance! Nick and Dean were absolutely adorable together. They were funny, awkward, and had me smiling through so much of the book.
One of my favorite parts was the way Nick’s demisexuality was handled. Dean didn’t know at first, which led to an awkward sexual encounter. But once Nick opened up about being demisexual, Dean’s response completely melted my heart. He was so patient, understanding, and reassuring. He made it clear that Nick should never feel like he had to push through uncomfortable sexual experiences just to eventually be okay with them. Building that trust in their relationship so early on was vital.
And once they got there… the spice was SO good! 🔥 The emotional connection made it all the more satisfying.
There were just a couple of things that held this back from being a five-star read for me. I simply cannot get behind calling your romantic partner “bro” or “dude.” Those are friendship words! Every time one of them said it, I got yanked right out of the romance.
I also never quite understood the title. I kept waiting for Time Play to have some bigger meaning, but it never clicked for me.
**SPOILER** Finally, I found myself wishing for a little more compromise in the ending. Dean clearly loved living in China, and giving that up for Nick was a huge sacrifice. I would have loved to see them make a plan to visit every year or spend part of their lives there together. It would’ve made the ending feel a little more balanced.
Overall, this was a really sweet romance with lovable characters, fantastic chemistry, meaningful demisexual representation, and plenty of heart. If you’re looking for a cozy, spicy MM romance with a supportive relationship at its core, this one is definitely worth picking up!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Nick needs help with his elective, Chinese, to stay playing varsity baseball. Dean is Asian and willing to help Nick, and they work well together, and also become attracted to each other. Dean looks for hookups only after a guy left him and broke his heart. Nick finds it hard to be sexual with someone until he gets to know them.
Dean tries to tease Nick, who likes him but freezes up and runs away when they’re about to hook up. The next day he apologizes and explains his ‘problem’, which Dean totally gets. Soon it’s Nick who’s approaching him, liking him as a friend and more, and they admit to liking each other.
Dean invites Nick to go to China with him for Christmas break as friends, and they go see his parents. Dean realizes he wants to continue seeing Nick after graduation and mentions it, freaking Nick out, until he realizes he’s in love with Dean.
They admit their feelings and agree to try long distance if needed, as neither of them has a guaranteed plan. Dean’s potential job in China falls through, and he’s not accepted to grad school in the US. Nick might have a chance on a baseball team that could lead to the national team, but it’s not decided either.
Eventually Dean joins the A’s for training and starting his career, and Dean is accepted into grad school, and finally both men are ready to be together and pursue their dreams.
The start and end of this book were great, but the third in the middle made the story drag. It didn’t make sense that Nick was demi, but a day later was feeling close enough to Dean to have sex. Him going all the way to China a few weeks later was also too fast, and this made things seem less plausible. So, an OK read, but not the best.
I received this ARC for free and am glad to give it my honest review with thanks.
Dean tries to tease Nick, who likes him but freezes up and runs away when they’re about to hook up. The next day he apologizes and explains his ‘problem’, which Dean totally gets. Soon it’s Nick who’s approaching him, liking him as a friend and more, and they admit to liking each other.
Dean invites Nick to go to China with him for Christmas break as friends, and they go see his parents. Dean realizes he wants to continue seeing Nick after graduation and mentions it, freaking Nick out, until he realizes he’s in love with Dean.
They admit their feelings and agree to try long distance if needed, as neither of them has a guaranteed plan. Dean’s potential job in China falls through, and he’s not accepted to grad school in the US. Nick might have a chance on a baseball team that could lead to the national team, but it’s not decided either.
Eventually Dean joins the A’s for training and starting his career, and Dean is accepted into grad school, and finally both men are ready to be together and pursue their dreams.
The start and end of this book were great, but the third in the middle made the story drag. It didn’t make sense that Nick was demi, but a day later was feeling close enough to Dean to have sex. Him going all the way to China a few weeks later was also too fast, and this made things seem less plausible. So, an OK read, but not the best.
I received this ARC for free and am glad to give it my honest review with thanks.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Time Play - S.J Crawford
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nick is a college baseball player who is trying to make it to the big leagues. He had his one problems though in order to kept his baseball scholarship he needs to keep his grades up. When he decides to take a Chinese Language elective and is failing the class, it decided he needs a tutor in comes Dean an international Chinese student.
When they first meet there’s a physical attraction but with Nick who is demisexual, he needs to get know Dean more to enact on his physical attraction.
I really enjoyed this story. Nick and Dean is such a cute couple. I like how open Nick was when he identified himself as demisexual and explained what that meant for him.
I really liked how patient Dean was and how he reassuring to Nick and double checked on his consent when they took the next step in their relationship.
I really loved how light and funny the relationship between each other was, with all the teasing and jokes.
I love that even if he didn’t feel or see it at time how much Nick’s friends loved and cared for him. I loved how Nick had his own found family. I absolutely love how Dean’s parents were so accepting and supportive.
Overall I really enjoyed this light hearted love story of Nick and Dean.
Tropes:
Friends to Lovers
Demisexual MC
Tutor x Jock
Only One Bed
Jock x Jock
Slow Burn
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nick is a college baseball player who is trying to make it to the big leagues. He had his one problems though in order to kept his baseball scholarship he needs to keep his grades up. When he decides to take a Chinese Language elective and is failing the class, it decided he needs a tutor in comes Dean an international Chinese student.
When they first meet there’s a physical attraction but with Nick who is demisexual, he needs to get know Dean more to enact on his physical attraction.
I really enjoyed this story. Nick and Dean is such a cute couple. I like how open Nick was when he identified himself as demisexual and explained what that meant for him.
I really liked how patient Dean was and how he reassuring to Nick and double checked on his consent when they took the next step in their relationship.
I really loved how light and funny the relationship between each other was, with all the teasing and jokes.
I love that even if he didn’t feel or see it at time how much Nick’s friends loved and cared for him. I loved how Nick had his own found family. I absolutely love how Dean’s parents were so accepting and supportive.
Overall I really enjoyed this light hearted love story of Nick and Dean.
Tropes:
Friends to Lovers
Demisexual MC
Tutor x Jock
Only One Bed
Jock x Jock
Slow Burn
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2026
EDIT: It has come to my attention that the version of the ARC I had access to does not reflect the version that is currently being commercialised. I will be updating my review as soon as I read the version that has been released on KU.
“Time Play” explores Nick and Dean, two college students who meet through a tutoring program to help Nick with his Chinese class. Nick is demisexual, and he struggles to feel a connection to other people, while Dean is known to be more outgoing. Nick flirts constantly with Dean, because even though he rarely gets aroused around other people, he’s a flirt. The more he knows about Dean, the more he starts to have feelings he never had before. He was already hurt in the past, so it’s difficult for him to trust and feel good around Dean enough to relax. Dean has the patience of a saint. He’s very supportive of Nick's journey through his sexual orientation, and he even helps Nick with a label. Now these two are men, and in college, so you bet your butt that these two are total idiots! Nick is always afraid of doing the wrong thing, Dean is afraid his time with Nick is limited because he’ll be back to China and their relationship will be over. So while the first half of the book the main struggle is Nick with his sexual orientation, the second half is mostly their future. They’re not afraid of commitment per se, but they all overthink the simplest things, and sometimes it’s cute, other times I just wanted to slap some sense. Again, they’re young and men, so. Shame on me.
The “bro” and banter didn’t really bother me at the beginning, but after a while it got a little repetitive after a while. Especially after they already established they liked each other, they were almost awkward. It was adorable seeing Dean being all gooey inside when Nick would tell him that he was really cute, and then Nick getting all flustered for unlocking all the horniness in this world.
I really want to read the first book in the series now, and I still want to read more. I liked the first half a lot, even though slow burns aren’t usually my thing, I loved how slow things were with them both, but the second half is definitely slower because they really take overthinking to next level.
So while “Time Play” was my first book from SJ Crawford, I am excited to read more. Again, I don’t mind men being overthinkers and making mistakes communicating their emotions.
“Time Play” explores Nick and Dean, two college students who meet through a tutoring program to help Nick with his Chinese class. Nick is demisexual, and he struggles to feel a connection to other people, while Dean is known to be more outgoing. Nick flirts constantly with Dean, because even though he rarely gets aroused around other people, he’s a flirt. The more he knows about Dean, the more he starts to have feelings he never had before. He was already hurt in the past, so it’s difficult for him to trust and feel good around Dean enough to relax. Dean has the patience of a saint. He’s very supportive of Nick's journey through his sexual orientation, and he even helps Nick with a label. Now these two are men, and in college, so you bet your butt that these two are total idiots! Nick is always afraid of doing the wrong thing, Dean is afraid his time with Nick is limited because he’ll be back to China and their relationship will be over. So while the first half of the book the main struggle is Nick with his sexual orientation, the second half is mostly their future. They’re not afraid of commitment per se, but they all overthink the simplest things, and sometimes it’s cute, other times I just wanted to slap some sense. Again, they’re young and men, so. Shame on me.
The “bro” and banter didn’t really bother me at the beginning, but after a while it got a little repetitive after a while. Especially after they already established they liked each other, they were almost awkward. It was adorable seeing Dean being all gooey inside when Nick would tell him that he was really cute, and then Nick getting all flustered for unlocking all the horniness in this world.
I really want to read the first book in the series now, and I still want to read more. I liked the first half a lot, even though slow burns aren’t usually my thing, I loved how slow things were with them both, but the second half is definitely slower because they really take overthinking to next level.
So while “Time Play” was my first book from SJ Crawford, I am excited to read more. Again, I don’t mind men being overthinkers and making mistakes communicating their emotions.
July 16, 2026
When college baseball player Nick fails his Chinese course exam, he ends up in need of a tutor. What did his coach do you may ask? Find him a RANDOM Chinese student to tutor him. Lucky for Nick, Dean was up for the challenge.
Although I'm rating this 4 stars, it did take me a little bit to get used to the writing style. The amount of 'dudes' and 'bro' banter made me want to give up. I also wasn't a fan of the way they found their tutor. I found it icky that the coaching staff went up to the first Asian they saw and assumed that not only were they Chinese but could also tutor another student. I wish this was brought up and corrected, it was pretty gross in my opinion.
Even with these quirks, I persevered and ended up really liking the characters. I was surprised Nick ended up being Demi-Sexual but really wished they would've touched more on this. It seemed that his main issue sexually was more of a consent issue he had with previous partners but as I am not knowledgeable about this I can't be too sure. This is why I would have wanted just a bit more of their friendship before they became intimate. They had a bit of a push and pull that I do like to see from my main characters, it gives the story more of an edge when there are realistic factors keeping them together or apart.
Perfect read for my MM fanatics, once these boys got started they were literally at it like bunnies.
Thank you Netgalley and Evernorth for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Although I'm rating this 4 stars, it did take me a little bit to get used to the writing style. The amount of 'dudes' and 'bro' banter made me want to give up. I also wasn't a fan of the way they found their tutor. I found it icky that the coaching staff went up to the first Asian they saw and assumed that not only were they Chinese but could also tutor another student. I wish this was brought up and corrected, it was pretty gross in my opinion.
Even with these quirks, I persevered and ended up really liking the characters. I was surprised Nick ended up being Demi-Sexual but really wished they would've touched more on this. It seemed that his main issue sexually was more of a consent issue he had with previous partners but as I am not knowledgeable about this I can't be too sure. This is why I would have wanted just a bit more of their friendship before they became intimate. They had a bit of a push and pull that I do like to see from my main characters, it gives the story more of an edge when there are realistic factors keeping them together or apart.
Perfect read for my MM fanatics, once these boys got started they were literally at it like bunnies.
Thank you Netgalley and Evernorth for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received a copy of this book for free for my honest review.
So I read the first book in the series and though the writing style left something to be desired, the story itself helped elevate my rating. That’s was not the case in this book. The writing style was the same but the story did not click with me.
The writing feels immature and the pacing was fast at times and slow at others. The guys are college students but written with the personality and humor of 14 year old boys. Everything is Bro and Dude and sex jokes.
Nick, being Demi, has initial intimacy issues that I felt are handled well and delicately by both characters. He also has attachment and self esteem issues that later in the book don’t make sense to me. He is desperate to be loved by Dean but sabotages is by pushing him away, for no reason in my opinion.
Also, pacing wise, I was bored with the story. For a shorter read it felt like the book went on and on.
I did like the reunion at the end, with the baseball and signing idea. That was really cute.
I just didn’t feel the chemistry between the guys and the immaturity of the guys and writing just didn’t connect with me. I wanted to like it because I liked the backbone of the first book.
This one just didn’t do it for me.
Also, “sheesh” is overused and doesn’t fit in to the vernacular of a college setting. It’s used 13 times and stuck out every time.
So I read the first book in the series and though the writing style left something to be desired, the story itself helped elevate my rating. That’s was not the case in this book. The writing style was the same but the story did not click with me.
The writing feels immature and the pacing was fast at times and slow at others. The guys are college students but written with the personality and humor of 14 year old boys. Everything is Bro and Dude and sex jokes.
Nick, being Demi, has initial intimacy issues that I felt are handled well and delicately by both characters. He also has attachment and self esteem issues that later in the book don’t make sense to me. He is desperate to be loved by Dean but sabotages is by pushing him away, for no reason in my opinion.
Also, pacing wise, I was bored with the story. For a shorter read it felt like the book went on and on.
I did like the reunion at the end, with the baseball and signing idea. That was really cute.
I just didn’t feel the chemistry between the guys and the immaturity of the guys and writing just didn’t connect with me. I wanted to like it because I liked the backbone of the first book.
This one just didn’t do it for me.
Also, “sheesh” is overused and doesn’t fit in to the vernacular of a college setting. It’s used 13 times and stuck out every time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Arc Review.
There are so many things I loved about this book.
Nick is a chaotic joy, he is just trying to be on time and get drafted to the MLB, Dean is the perfect balance for Nick, smart, driven, supportive and trying to find his way.
While there is conflict it’s easily resolved in a way that feels authentic to the characters and story.
The thing in this book I couldn’t connect to was the Demisexual rep, while I understand that everyone’s experiences are their own and there is more then way to wear the label. The quick turn around (24 hours) from trying to force a connection to having the urge to touch, and be intimate seemed fast to me and felt like a missed opportunity in the building of a connection threw more “friendship dates” However again I like said my experiences in my sexuality are unique to me, while Nicks are unique to him. That being said once they started their FWB relationship, I quickly forgot my hang up and just enjoyed them being together.
Nick and Dean tried so hard to keep things easy, not get too involved, fall for the other, and well us as readers know how that went! They were up front with one another and had good communication.
This book is a sweet, low angst book that makes you laugh and swoon. The characters are perfect for each other and are supportive of each others dreams.
I really love the world SJ Crawford is creating at WMU.
There are so many things I loved about this book.
Nick is a chaotic joy, he is just trying to be on time and get drafted to the MLB, Dean is the perfect balance for Nick, smart, driven, supportive and trying to find his way.
While there is conflict it’s easily resolved in a way that feels authentic to the characters and story.
The thing in this book I couldn’t connect to was the Demisexual rep, while I understand that everyone’s experiences are their own and there is more then way to wear the label. The quick turn around (24 hours) from trying to force a connection to having the urge to touch, and be intimate seemed fast to me and felt like a missed opportunity in the building of a connection threw more “friendship dates” However again I like said my experiences in my sexuality are unique to me, while Nicks are unique to him. That being said once they started their FWB relationship, I quickly forgot my hang up and just enjoyed them being together.
Nick and Dean tried so hard to keep things easy, not get too involved, fall for the other, and well us as readers know how that went! They were up front with one another and had good communication.
This book is a sweet, low angst book that makes you laugh and swoon. The characters are perfect for each other and are supportive of each others dreams.
I really love the world SJ Crawford is creating at WMU.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book reviewed via an ARC.
A retrospectively extremely appropriate title. One of the first things I noticed about this book was the title. It's originally kind of difficult to figure out why it's called that. As it's not Playtime and it's not Time to Play, it is Time Play. As the story gets going it becomes apparent how appropriate that title of the book is. As time is not only a thing that exists in the story, it is also a primary villain and adds a very nice level of stakes to the story
The two protagonists are actually very interesting and well developed. On the surface they're your basic jock and nerd; however their characters are significantly more complicated.
The jock part of the couple, Nick, is being tracked into the basic jock life of taking easy classes to make sure he can remain eligible to play on the baseball team. Nick does not like the easy academic life that he's being tracked into and actually takes courses that challenge him so he gets something out of his college experience beyond just eligibility for a baseball team. This is actually pretty honorable.
When Nick trips over his Chinese midterm in the class that he's taken to challenge himself, the coaching staff hires a Chinese international student to be a tutor for him. The easy way would have to be to have Dean be a kind of a weakling nerd. Dean is actually taller and buffer than Nick. He's just decided to go into economics instead of devoting his life to sports. As another example of the fun playing with tropes that this book does, Nick the Jock has the slutty spectacles that drive Dean crazy.
Another part of this book that makes it more interesting than your basic M/M romance is the discussion of demisexuality, which, for those that are not aware, is an aspect of the asexual spectrum and describes people who do not develop sexual attraction until they become familiar with the person. Nick the jock is demisexual and has actually essentially sworn off trying to date people because he can't do hookups. Dean is very good about this and it is interesting to see how the more time they spend together the more able Nick is able to feel sexual attraction.
And then there's the time factor. Both Nick and Dean are seniors in college. Nick is trying to be drafted by a professional baseball team and Dean is on a student visa. They know, going into the relationship, that the time that they have together is limited. It's actually a factor that makes them reluctant to get into a relationship. As their relationships deepen, they have to have big adult conversations about what they want from life and what they're willing to give up to try to be together. While they do, of course (given the genre), get their happily ever after, it does feel very deserved! This was a very cute book. I highly recommend it.
A retrospectively extremely appropriate title. One of the first things I noticed about this book was the title. It's originally kind of difficult to figure out why it's called that. As it's not Playtime and it's not Time to Play, it is Time Play. As the story gets going it becomes apparent how appropriate that title of the book is. As time is not only a thing that exists in the story, it is also a primary villain and adds a very nice level of stakes to the story
The two protagonists are actually very interesting and well developed. On the surface they're your basic jock and nerd; however their characters are significantly more complicated.
The jock part of the couple, Nick, is being tracked into the basic jock life of taking easy classes to make sure he can remain eligible to play on the baseball team. Nick does not like the easy academic life that he's being tracked into and actually takes courses that challenge him so he gets something out of his college experience beyond just eligibility for a baseball team. This is actually pretty honorable.
When Nick trips over his Chinese midterm in the class that he's taken to challenge himself, the coaching staff hires a Chinese international student to be a tutor for him. The easy way would have to be to have Dean be a kind of a weakling nerd. Dean is actually taller and buffer than Nick. He's just decided to go into economics instead of devoting his life to sports. As another example of the fun playing with tropes that this book does, Nick the Jock has the slutty spectacles that drive Dean crazy.
Another part of this book that makes it more interesting than your basic M/M romance is the discussion of demisexuality, which, for those that are not aware, is an aspect of the asexual spectrum and describes people who do not develop sexual attraction until they become familiar with the person. Nick the jock is demisexual and has actually essentially sworn off trying to date people because he can't do hookups. Dean is very good about this and it is interesting to see how the more time they spend together the more able Nick is able to feel sexual attraction.
And then there's the time factor. Both Nick and Dean are seniors in college. Nick is trying to be drafted by a professional baseball team and Dean is on a student visa. They know, going into the relationship, that the time that they have together is limited. It's actually a factor that makes them reluctant to get into a relationship. As their relationships deepen, they have to have big adult conversations about what they want from life and what they're willing to give up to try to be together. While they do, of course (given the genre), get their happily ever after, it does feel very deserved! This was a very cute book. I highly recommend it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4 ⭐️
Time Play is a college MM romance featuring Dean and Nick.
Nick is struggling with Mandarin in college, and his coach finds him a tutor to make sure he remains eligible to play on the team. That search leads him to Dean.
When Nick shows up late for their first tutoring session, Dean is instantly annoyed. He assumes Nick is just another popular athlete who doesn’t respect other people’s time. However, when Nick sincerely apologizes, Dean is caught off guard and begins to see him differently.
As their tutoring sessions continue, Dean realizes he’s attracted to Nick. Nick feels the same way, but he’s still carrying emotional scars from a painful breakup two years earlier and parental abondonment. Despite their growing feelings, they try to keep things casual and enter a friends-with-benefits arrangement.
Everything changes when Nick invites Dean home with him for Christmas because Dean has nowhere else to go. Spending time with Nick’s family makes Dean realize that what they have is much more than a casual relationship. He wants something real with Nick.
This was a sweet and enjoyable college romance featuring friends-to-lovers, found family, and plenty of heartwarming moments. I really enjoyed watching Dean and Nick’s relationship develop from friendship into something deeper.
Time Play is a college MM romance featuring Dean and Nick.
Nick is struggling with Mandarin in college, and his coach finds him a tutor to make sure he remains eligible to play on the team. That search leads him to Dean.
When Nick shows up late for their first tutoring session, Dean is instantly annoyed. He assumes Nick is just another popular athlete who doesn’t respect other people’s time. However, when Nick sincerely apologizes, Dean is caught off guard and begins to see him differently.
As their tutoring sessions continue, Dean realizes he’s attracted to Nick. Nick feels the same way, but he’s still carrying emotional scars from a painful breakup two years earlier and parental abondonment. Despite their growing feelings, they try to keep things casual and enter a friends-with-benefits arrangement.
Everything changes when Nick invites Dean home with him for Christmas because Dean has nowhere else to go. Spending time with Nick’s family makes Dean realize that what they have is much more than a casual relationship. He wants something real with Nick.
This was a sweet and enjoyable college romance featuring friends-to-lovers, found family, and plenty of heartwarming moments. I really enjoyed watching Dean and Nick’s relationship develop from friendship into something deeper.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Having met Nick in Free Base, I knew he was smart and good at baseball but a bit flakey, especially around his course work and time keeping. After getting his lowest score ever in a test, he looks for a tutor. Enter Dean.
Dean is an international student and on the intramural basketball team. When the baseball team can’t find a suitable tutor to help Nick, they look to other jocks. Dean has never tutored but grew up speaking Mandarin so when given the right incentives, he agrees to tutor Nick.
Among his friends, Nick is known for not engaging in hook ups, however, only his best friend Ian has any idea why. Dean, on the other hand, has made a pact with himself to stick to ‘one and done’, preferring to know as little about his hook ups as possible.
Finding attraction to each other, Nick and Dean agree to no strings FWB knowing they both graduate this year and that they will both, hopefully, be moving in their own directions.
Seeing each MMC go the rough their own internal battles with theirselves was, sometimes, heartbreaking. Watching their relationship grow was beautiful. I felt that pricking behind my eyes that many characters feel when it looked like it was all going wrong but I did get a warm feeling when steps were taken.
Really enjoyed this read. I would recommend.
Dean is an international student and on the intramural basketball team. When the baseball team can’t find a suitable tutor to help Nick, they look to other jocks. Dean has never tutored but grew up speaking Mandarin so when given the right incentives, he agrees to tutor Nick.
Among his friends, Nick is known for not engaging in hook ups, however, only his best friend Ian has any idea why. Dean, on the other hand, has made a pact with himself to stick to ‘one and done’, preferring to know as little about his hook ups as possible.
Finding attraction to each other, Nick and Dean agree to no strings FWB knowing they both graduate this year and that they will both, hopefully, be moving in their own directions.
Seeing each MMC go the rough their own internal battles with theirselves was, sometimes, heartbreaking. Watching their relationship grow was beautiful. I felt that pricking behind my eyes that many characters feel when it looked like it was all going wrong but I did get a warm feeling when steps were taken.
Really enjoyed this read. I would recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
4/⭐️
3/🌶️
Dean and Nick were such a fun love story to read. It was a very quick read for me, and could have easily read it in one sitting.
I loved their dynamic together, because they were really good friends, even if want were really only one sided at first, and Dean wanted badly but in a cute way. Once Nick realized oh I like this human, it was full throttle between these two. Chemistry in and out of bed.
They had a fun time through out the year, learning what feelings were for each other. Nick became the was Demi and Dean, who seemed like a f-boy, but really just fell really hard for people, and needed to chill on that.
I think they talked really well for a younger couple finishing out college, that’s always my biggest pet peeve with young couples in stories, they don’t ever communicate 🤦🏻♀️ however these two really worked out a lot of things, even when difficult. However I wish these two talked like adults without all the dude and bros
When I went I thought this was would a slow burn, and Nick and Dean would become better friends, and eventually get to the feelings, but Nick really jumped in with the bedroom at a normal pace I think. It wasn’t a deal breaker, I was just expecting something different.
*thank you GAA reviews for this arc. All thoughts are my own*
3/🌶️
Dean and Nick were such a fun love story to read. It was a very quick read for me, and could have easily read it in one sitting.
I loved their dynamic together, because they were really good friends, even if want were really only one sided at first, and Dean wanted badly but in a cute way. Once Nick realized oh I like this human, it was full throttle between these two. Chemistry in and out of bed.
They had a fun time through out the year, learning what feelings were for each other. Nick became the was Demi and Dean, who seemed like a f-boy, but really just fell really hard for people, and needed to chill on that.
I think they talked really well for a younger couple finishing out college, that’s always my biggest pet peeve with young couples in stories, they don’t ever communicate 🤦🏻♀️ however these two really worked out a lot of things, even when difficult. However I wish these two talked like adults without all the dude and bros
When I went I thought this was would a slow burn, and Nick and Dean would become better friends, and eventually get to the feelings, but Nick really jumped in with the bedroom at a normal pace I think. It wasn’t a deal breaker, I was just expecting something different.
*thank you GAA reviews for this arc. All thoughts are my own*
July 15, 2026
Time Play is a fun, friends to lovers’ story that is the second book in S.J. Crawford’s WMU Series. While this book has characters that are in the first book, it is a completely standalone novel. Nick Russell wants to get the most out of his college experience. Rather than take an easy foreign language with the other baseball players he decides to take Chinese, and he quickly finds himself in over his head. He needs a tutor so the team finds him, Dean Shen, an Economics major from China here on an education visa. Dean is not really interested in making friends or tutoring but he needs the money so he decides to give Nick a chance. Neither Nick or Dean expect to enjoy hanging out with each other and their decision to become friends with benefits seems like a great idea. Nick is hoping to get drafted to play baseball and, in the spring, Dean is going back to China. It is a great plan, until they catch feelings. Then things get complicated.
This is a wonderful story about care and respect in a relationship and how love can develop when you least expect it. I enjoyed S.J. Crawford’s writing and the banter between the characters. I found the inclusion of Dean’s immigration and Chinese culture interesting because this is not something that is commonly included in a romance novel. I am looking forward to more books in this series.
I received an ARC for my honest review.
This is a wonderful story about care and respect in a relationship and how love can develop when you least expect it. I enjoyed S.J. Crawford’s writing and the banter between the characters. I found the inclusion of Dean’s immigration and Chinese culture interesting because this is not something that is commonly included in a romance novel. I am looking forward to more books in this series.
I received an ARC for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a very fun, quick read. Dean and Nick both experience a lot of growth throughout this book, and it's clear in both their actions and their relationship how much they've changed from the start of the book to the end. I really enjoyed watching as the two of them were there to support each other, and to help with each other's growth throughout the book. I thought that their relationship was really sweet, and I loved all of their interactions with each other and with their friends. I'm not usually a fan of epilogues that skip several years in order to show the characters in the "future", but I thought the epilogue was enjoyable and done well in order to emphasize how Dean and Nick changed throughout the book, and continue to change in the time between the final chapter and the epilogue.
I read Free Base before starting this book, but this can be read as a standalone as well. Having read Free Base, it was fun to see Ian and Callum's relationship from an outsider's perspective in this book. There aren't very many spoilers for the first book in this one, and so you could read this book first, or read this book entirely as a standalone.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
I read Free Base before starting this book, but this can be read as a standalone as well. Having read Free Base, it was fun to see Ian and Callum's relationship from an outsider's perspective in this book. There aren't very many spoilers for the first book in this one, and so you could read this book first, or read this book entirely as a standalone.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
June 30, 2026
My heart ached for Nick since the last book. I knew he was sweet and funny but also knew he was hiding something from his past. Nick deciding not to take the easy A like the rest of the team signs up for Chinese as his language class. After completing failing the midterm and finding no tutors available his coach sends 2 student assistances to find one. Their solution walk up to everyone who looks Chinese and ask “Are you Chinese?” As luck would have it they stumble upon Dean an international student from China. Upon finding out who needs a tutor Dean agree because Nick is hot! Too bad for Dean, Nick is demisexual and can’t do hook ups. Too bad for Nick, Dean says he falls in love to hard so to protect himself he only does hook ups and never does repeats. Both deciding to just be friends lasts all of 5 minutes before that becomes friends with benefits to basically living together to Nick spending Christmas break with Dean in China. What will happen when Deans visa expires? Will Nick be drafted? Should Nick follow Dean to China? Should they get married so Dean can stay with Nick? This book was so cute! I did get a little mad with The Who men not expressing their feelings and being like I lo…ok forward to seeing you later bro just say I love you!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book completely stole my heart!
I absolutely loved this story. It was the perfect sports romance with a beautiful bromance-to-romance journey. Dean and Nick’s relationship developed so naturally, and their connection felt genuine, heartfelt, and incredibly emotional.
One of my favourite aspects of the book was the Asian representation. Dean is from China, and I loved how his culture and the idea of “home” were woven throughout the story. It added so much depth to his character and made his journey feel even more meaningful.
Dean and Nick are both in their final year of college when they’re brought together through tutoring. What starts as an unexpected friendship quickly grows into something much deeper. Watching them navigate their feelings, discover who they are, and figure out what they truly want from their futures was beautifully written.
This was such a wholesome, feel-good read that left me with the biggest smile. The romance was sweet, the emotional moments hit perfectly, and I found myself completely invested in both characters.
I loved every minute of this one, and now I need to go back and read WMU Book 1 because I have to know Callum and Ian’s story!
This book completely stole my heart!
I absolutely loved this story. It was the perfect sports romance with a beautiful bromance-to-romance journey. Dean and Nick’s relationship developed so naturally, and their connection felt genuine, heartfelt, and incredibly emotional.
One of my favourite aspects of the book was the Asian representation. Dean is from China, and I loved how his culture and the idea of “home” were woven throughout the story. It added so much depth to his character and made his journey feel even more meaningful.
Dean and Nick are both in their final year of college when they’re brought together through tutoring. What starts as an unexpected friendship quickly grows into something much deeper. Watching them navigate their feelings, discover who they are, and figure out what they truly want from their futures was beautifully written.
This was such a wholesome, feel-good read that left me with the biggest smile. The romance was sweet, the emotional moments hit perfectly, and I found myself completely invested in both characters.
I loved every minute of this one, and now I need to go back and read WMU Book 1 because I have to know Callum and Ian’s story!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and author for an advanced copy. This is my honest review.
Tropes:
📚 Tutor/Jock
⚾️ Jock/Jock
💙 Friends to Lovers
🛏️ One Bed
❤️🔥 Slow Burn
Nick is struggling with Chinese class and needs a tutor. This is where Dean comes in to save the day. While neither knows that the other is gay, they still banter and flirt. Once they realize they’re both attracted to each other, things slowly progress.
Dean is hesitant to put his heart out there because he knows he falls fast and hard and he plans to move back to China after graduation. Nick is hesitant because of a previous bad relationship, being demi, he slow to feel the connection he needs to get close to someone and his future plans of playing baseball professionally are still up in the air. A trip to China over the holidays is where things start to change.
The author wrote Nick’s demisexuality with respect and care. Nick and Dean’s relationship felt real and not forced to fit specific labels. The story itself moved at a good pace. There were no lags or plateaus. The supporting characters added to the story, didn’t take away from it. My only hesitation on giving this 5 stars was slightly forced feeling of the banter, it was too “bro”-ish for me. All in all, this was a sweet romance!
Tropes:
📚 Tutor/Jock
⚾️ Jock/Jock
💙 Friends to Lovers
🛏️ One Bed
❤️🔥 Slow Burn
Nick is struggling with Chinese class and needs a tutor. This is where Dean comes in to save the day. While neither knows that the other is gay, they still banter and flirt. Once they realize they’re both attracted to each other, things slowly progress.
Dean is hesitant to put his heart out there because he knows he falls fast and hard and he plans to move back to China after graduation. Nick is hesitant because of a previous bad relationship, being demi, he slow to feel the connection he needs to get close to someone and his future plans of playing baseball professionally are still up in the air. A trip to China over the holidays is where things start to change.
The author wrote Nick’s demisexuality with respect and care. Nick and Dean’s relationship felt real and not forced to fit specific labels. The story itself moved at a good pace. There were no lags or plateaus. The supporting characters added to the story, didn’t take away from it. My only hesitation on giving this 5 stars was slightly forced feeling of the banter, it was too “bro”-ish for me. All in all, this was a sweet romance!
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