Game On

Between the Lines #1

by A. Winchester

One Choice. One Secret. One Risk.



RHODES

Theo star running back, lovable goofball, and my little brother’s best friend.

He’s also who I’ve been secretly hooking up with for ten months.

When I become interim coach for Theo’s football team, we’re done. Sneaking around with one of my players is the last thing I should do.

But try as I might, I can’t resist Theo. And I don’t want to.



THEO

Rhodes brooding scientist, space nerd, and my best friend’s older brother.

For ten months, being with him completely changed my life.

When Rhodes takes over as coach for the football team, he says we’re done. But letting him go isn’t in my playbook.

No matter what he says, I plan to make Rhodes mine. No matter what the risk.



**Game On is a full length MM sports romance full of banter, tension, & heat. It is the full length novel followup to Halloween Fumble. The content is meant for readers 18+ so please read responsibly.

Genres: Sports, M M Romance, LGBT

Kindle Edition

Expected publication October 29, 2026

About the author

Word Nerd, Connoisseur of adventures of a literary nature, Would die first in a Supernatural episode.

I’m an author, reader, and most importantly, a nerd. I love all things superheroes, demon hunters, and long-running movies and tv shows. I enjoy diving deep into characters and their stories, journeying with them while figuring out who they are. It’s the goal I have for all the characters I create and hope you find a way to connect with them.

Reviews

[Rachael Hamilton · Rating 3.25 out of 5]

I was so excited to jump into this book after reading the prequel novella, Halloween Fumble. The setup was everything I love like a retired military man, an age gap, the brother's best friend trope, and a coach/player dynamic.

The chemistry between Theo and Rhodes is strong and undeniable. Theo is a little brat, and Rhodes acts like he can't stand it while secretly eating it up. They have a really fun dynamic, and I absolutely loved all the text messages we get between them. The spice definitely delivered, and the yearning between these two before they finally give in came across well

However, despite the length, this book really only grazed the surface of the plotlines I was most intrigued about.

I felt Theo's character was underdeveloped compared to Rhodes. He lost his virginity to Rhodes and seemed to be coming to terms with his sexuality in the novella, but this wasn't explored much here. We don't learn a whole lot about his background, and it was strange that Rhodes seemed more concerned about Theo’s sexuality affecting his football career than Theo felt for himself. I even feel like Rhodes's brother, Jude, was further developed in this book than Theo was.

Rhodes's character had more potential, but I would have liked a deeper dive into the grief he experienced with his mom's sickness, his experience with Sloane, or his losses during his military career. The book touched on these elements but didn't dive into them with the complexity I've seen from this author before. Instead, it focused more on scenes that felt like filler, which caused a lot of drag for me.

This story also focuses so much on side characters and their subplots that it took away from the main couple. I understand setting up for the next books in the series, but it took up so much of this book without furthering Theo and Rhodes's plot.

Overall, this was just okay. I was able to finish it, and I am very interested in Jude's book (and I'm guessing Wyatt will get one too!). I will continue with the series because I know how much I've enjoyed this author's work previously.

[Layy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say that will make you believe me? A. Winchester has done it again. This book truly proves my point that A. Winchester is “a jack of all trades.” This is a new side of Winchester we’ve only had glimpses of in her other stories and I can say with confidence, it suits her so well.

Game On provides everything you never knew you needed. We have, in true Winchester fashion, men who make you feel your feels, but now it’s paired with banter, laughter, a forged family that you’ll never forget and some hot & spicy good times 🥵🤭😂.

Rhodes Kennedy. Daddy Rhodes 👏🏽 when I tell you this man is perfectly imperfect with a heart of pure gold and one of my fav nerdy men 🤭😮‍💨. Watching his journey and growth with Theo was so heartwarming. It made me proud of him for every milestone and barrier he broke down, to love that man to his fullest potential 🥹. I can’t even lie to you, either. Daddy Rhodes EARNED. THAT. TITLE. 🥵👏🏽🤣 these two are so kinky and fun & their dynamic inside the bedroom is just 👀😘🤌🏽. Although, their dynamic outside the bedroom is also swoon worthy 🥰.

Theodore (Theo) McLaughlin 😮‍💨. For someone being in his early twenties, he is so mature for his age and it’s a fact that you will appreciate as he navigates his relationship with Rhodes & all the speed bumps that come his way… because baby, life be ✨LIFE-ing✨😅. I found myself absolutely enamored by Theo and his 2 other besties, Jude and Wyatt. They truly are the found family and the trio of friends, we all aspire to have 🥹. Let me tell you, when these three get together 💀🤣 It’s nothing but laughs, wtf moments, and tender/insightful moments that make your heart feel SO full.

I must also bring to everyone’s attention that I have never loved a brat more than I love Theo 💀🤣. His inner brat is in full effin’ swing with Rhodes and their dynamic is one kinky, holy sh*t, lemme look over my shoulder to make sure strangers can’t read this too, kind of good time 😮‍💨🤭😂. I can also appreciate how well this author handled kinks. It wasn’t a check list to be fulfilled, it stayed true to the characters and had accurate representation all throughout their story.

I don’t think I can rave enough about this new direction A. Winchester has taken. She provided the perfect balance of “ooooo hit me in my feels” while still providing love, laughter, banter, and forged family, all into one. I am SO excited for the next book in this series and can’t wait to get to know my absolute favorite Kennedy (don’t tell Rhodes), with Jude and River’s story!!

Game well played, Rhodes and Theo. I’ll miss you boys immensely 🥹😭🏈🩵.

[Dani (Daniiireads)]

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- coach x player
- college football
- D/s dynamic
- brother's best friend
- age gap
- all the yearning

[Magne Einar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, it was only to be expected that A. Winchester’s book would be an absolute BANGER! The spice was on point, and damn, even I found myself pausing and swooning multiple times. 🥵

But the characters were just as incredible! I absolutely adore Rhodes and Theo. Theo is such a freaking cutie pie who deserves to be wrapped in a big hug and never let go. 🥹 He hides and buries so much of himself just because he doesn’t want to be a burden or annoy anyone. And honestly, that just makes me want to hug him even more.

And Rhodes? He’s closed off in his own way, but if you actually pay attention to him, his actions speak SO damn loudly, especially when it comes to Theo. I love how he shows his feelings without necessarily having to put them into words.

I absolutely adore their dynamic and the way this entire book is written and structured. This story has my whole heart, and I couldn’t love it more!

[Pisces]

YEARNING has my ears perked up👂

[neeshreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Game On has an incredibly special place in my heart because it’s a somewhat full-circle moment for me. I went through my kindle history and realized Halloween Fumble was my FIRST EVER MM romance, so getting to revisit Rhodes and Theo to see how their love story plays out was something I’d been looking forward to. When reading their prequel, I instantly fell in love with Rhodes and Theo — their chemistry and instant connection was unmatched and I just knew their novel was going to have me in my feels, and it did!

🏈Coach x Player
🖤Best Friend’s Older Brother
🏈11 Year Age Gap
🖤Learning to Accept Love
🏈Soulful Yearning
🖤Two Coming Out Stories
🏈Anxiety Rep
🖤Lil Bit Kinky

Secretly hooking up with his little brother’s best friend wasn’t in Rhodes’s life plan, but resisting Theo has proved impossible for ten months. Once Rhodes becomes Theo’s football coach though, they’re done — getting caught would implode both of their lives. But Theo? He’s determined not to let Rhodes go, no matter the risks.

Okay when we met these two, it was supposed to be a one night stand — a quick and dirty encounter that left us wanting more and A. Winchester DELIVERED. I mean… Daddy. Fucking. Rhodes. Is he serious? The filth that comes out of this man’s mouth should be studied for scientific purposes — Rhodes is an expert in all things spicy. O denial? Edging? A dom who loves to service his Little Wolf just as much as he takes? The list goes on. The man is impossible to resist and the way he riles up Theo?! The spicy texts and quick risks are freaking EVERYTHING. But beyond the spice, we have the most wholesome love building where both parties are learning how to actually be in a healthy relationship. In the beginning, things aren’t just seamless and click together — Rhodes has always been guarded for fear of being hurt and Theo has never been in a relationship. These men struggle a bit to communicate effectively and how not to resort to their usual methods of coping when overwhelmed, frustrated or hurt, but it makes their love story all that more relatable and real — there’s no shying away from the fact that Rhodes and Theo are growing and trying to figure their shit out. What remains throughout their growing pains? The undeniable and irrefutable proof that Rhodes and Theo are in love with each other, even before they can recognize and vocalize their feelings. I loved how they showed up for one another in quiet ways, really listened because those little details matter, and found a way to navigate life together when so many factors weren’t in their favor.

Rhodes and Theo against the world, baby!

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5-🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

[Savannah Suniga · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve loved Theo and Rhodes since “Halloween Fumble” and I was so excited to finally dive into to their full story! This is a story of finding love where you never expected and how allowing that love into your life instead of running from it can be scary but can also heal places in you that you didn’t know needed healing. There is nothing flashy or over the top about how Theo and Rhodes fall in love. It’s quiet and slow. It’s felt in the small ways they gravitate into each other’s orbit becoming an indelible part of the other’s life without conscious effort. It’s not an easy journey, especially as they navigate this new found territory in a small town while their lives become intertwined in complicated ways. We watch as they go through this messy life, Rhodes learning to let someone close without running away and Theo deciding what his sexuality and his feeling for Rhodes means for his future, and they do it all for themselves and for each other. Their love never wavers. Even when there is loss, grief, and regret thrown their way.

There are plenty of laughs, swooning, and spice along the way! You fall in love with their found family of friends just as much as you fall in love with Theo and Rhodes! It’s impossible not to love Sariah, Jude, and Wyatt! The chaos and support they bring is tangible and so perfect! I laughed out loud so much which was sorely needed after the tears I shed for what these men go through! Don’t even get me started on the spice!! Daddy Rhodes is in the house and I’m front row taking notes!! (For research, obviously 😜) Theo is one lucky guy and he knows it!

I don’t think I can really say much that does this story justice. If you have read anything by A.Winchester than you know you are in for a treat with a side of emotional damage in the best ways! If this is your first time picking up one of their books, then congratulations and welcome to the cult!! We love our spicy, real,and emotional characters here and I hope you enjoy every page!!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of Advance Copy

This is another one I’m gonna struggle to review without giving spoilers, but I’ll do my best. College football, age gap, and D/S dynamics drew me in initially. This is one beefy book - it’s almost 700 pages long. We love a feast in this house. I laughed, I teared up, I had to fan myself. It had it all. The pacing was spot on for Rhodes and Theo to go from kinky hookup to stupid in love with each other. It wasn’t super heavy on the kink and they never switched dynamics so if that’s something you’re looking for then you’ve got it here. Sometimes stories, especially longer ones, can drag but this one didn’t do that. The smut was nicely intermixed with the rest of the story. I adored the supporting cast. Sariah, Jude, and Wyatt were amazing characters in their own right. I’m also a sucker for a good found family story when your actual family sucks. Rhodes and Jude’s father and Theo’s parents definitely fell into the “sucks” category. I’d classify it as medium angst because while there were heavy and tense moments most of the conflicts, especially between Rhodes and Theo, were resolved relatively quickly. The ending had me kicking my feet and giggling with glee.

Thank you to the author for the advance copy

[Esther · Rating 5 out of 5]

To get it out of the way: Please don’t be discouraged by the length of this book. First of all time spend in this universe is well spend in general but also none of it feels long. It feels like it’s all necessary. I love that for this book and for Theo and Rhodes.

Saying their story is great feels a bit flat for all the feelings, growth and rollercoastery things that happen in this book.

Rhodes and Theo coming off a steamy anonymous one night stand on Halloween - as can be read in Halloween Fumble and should be read. It’s fucking fantastic in all the senses of the words - and then afterwards discover their previous relationship to one another and fall deeper into a hook up situation and then find themselves in roles that such a relationship can feel inappropriate and then trying to then navigate all this.

It’s a lot and it’s a great and sometimes tearful ( for the reader and character) journey. Still reeling from the end. Also fun (love the texting) and amazing dialogue.

Honestly every time a read A Winchester I am already checking out what I can read next in their archive.

[Natalie · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

I have been anticipating this book for a long time. It was beautifully written. Some moments were perfect. Some left me feeling unsure how I felt.
What I absolutely loved:
Jude. He’s perfect. Fully in love with him. He’s a bright shining beacon, making every time we see him memorable.
The entire football team. They’re all funny, fun, and sweet beyond belief. Their love for Rhodes is a joyful thing to see. All the questions! Loved them.
The heat. Wow. Rhodes and Theo were on fire. The spicy scenes are many and HOT. Well written and sexy. These boys will make you blush.
The side characters. Sariah and all Rhodes’ friends were unique. The way they accepted Theo was lovely.
I can’t really get into the unsure parts, it’s too spoilery. I will say that Rhodes and Theo are perfect together.

[Kayla Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy shit this book was good! Seriously Rhodes and Theo’s story is one that draws you in and won’t let you go! I was hooked from the beginning and every page just fed the addiction! This book had me on an emotionally rollercoaster! Highs and lows and everything in between. One thing I can say is that these characters will stay with me! Their story was one of the best best friends brother trope I have ever read!

[Danni Crass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful story from the amazing Addie. It was raw and gritty and in the feels. She has a way of telling a story where you feel apart of it. I loved them so much and Theo is still absolutely adorable. I'm glad they found their way even when everything felt like it was falling apart. I can't wait to read Jude's story.

[Dylan Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I’ll start off by saying that this is a VERY long book, but that’s nothing new from A. Winchester. 😂

This story really is beautiful. It takes us through Rhodes and Theo’s relationship in a way that almost feels like experiencing it in real time. We get to see every little moment, every shift in their relationship, and every step as they grow and develop together. Nothing is simply brushed aside with a quick “and now everything is solved.” Instead, we get to watch Rhodes and Theo work through their issues both individually and as a couple, which makes them such beautifully fleshed-out characters. They have real struggles, real flaws, and things they each need to work through, and that’s what makes this story so special to me.

This story is so grounded in reality. It’s messy, it’s complicated, and it’s not always easy, but that’s life. Every character felt real to me, and the side characters were absolutely fantastic. The found family aspect was particularly well done. As queer people, life isn’t always easy, and sometimes the people who aren’t related to us by blood become the family we need most. I thought the author captured that beautifully.

At the beginning, I did feel like not much was happening, but once you reach the second half, you really start to understand why this story needed to be so long. Everything comes to a head, and we get to see all the lessons the characters have learned put to the test. Of course, A. Winchester isn’t going to let you get away without at least a little emotional damage. 😂

I really need to reiterate just how beautifully the coming-out scenes were handled. Unfortunately, what happens to Rhodes and Theo is the reality for so many queer people, and those parts of the story were genuinely difficult to read. But the author also shows us just how important it is to have a support system and a found family who will stand by you when you need them most. This was handled so thoughtfully, and I really appreciated the way these moments were written.

This was a seriously hard-fought HEA, and I loved that Rhodes and Theo ultimately choose each other while making decisions that might not always make sense in the moment. Their journey feels real because nothing in life is easy, and nothing is neatly wrapped up overnight. Relationships take work, patience, and understanding, and this story never loses sight of that.

Ultimately, this book is filled with the most lovable cast of characters, and A. Winchester has such a talent for creating people you can’t help but care about. I became so invested in their lives and their journeys, and I’m genuinely so excited to see where the rest of this series takes us.

I am SO looking forward to Jude’s story! ❤️

[Kayleigh insta: mmbooksl_t · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️
4🌶️
REVIEW: Theo has been hooking up with his best friend Jude’s brother for almost a year. Both Theo and Rhodes are closeted in their home town and so far the secrets and sneaking around have been working for them.
Controversy and scandal rock the college football team and all the coaching staff are fired. When the new head coach is introduced to the team Theo knows the situationship he has with Rhodes just got a whole lot messier. Rhodes immediately ends things with Theo who doesn’t take it well and uses every opportunity to tempt Rhodes.
Rhodes only moved back to Everdale because family circumstances meant he temporarily uprooted from Florida. When his move back to his home in Florida becomes imminent, Theo finally accepts things are over and attempts to move on from the love of his life. Rhodes realises too late what he’s lost but is terrified to allow himself to fall in love, his father is a bigot with no tolerance for anyone remotely different, knowing he will never be accepted for who he is has left Rhodes with trust issues and a fear of relationships. A devastating Thanksgiving leaves everyone changed forever. Rhodes and Theo’s relationship is tested to breaking point and then Jude finds out his best friend has been shagging the coach who also happens to be his brother. Can Theo and Rhodes find their way back to each other through the wreckage?

This was a rollercoaster. It’s spicy, sad, funny, angsty and wholesome. The banter was brilliant, I am a huge fan of texting on books and there was loads of funny and flirty texts. Jude and Wyatt were the best side characters ever! My favourite scene was when Theo, Jude and Wyatt were sharing secrets and it got really deep and wholesome really quick. Loved this book!

[Bree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story about two people who are falling for each other, even though they don’t want to admit it. They grew up at different times, but in the same small town, and are not sure how progressive it really is. They are both hiding, for more than one reason, thanks to Jude being Theo’s best friend and Rhodes’ brother. But the way you see the friendships and even their relationship progress throughout this whole story is just beautiful. Yes, there are going to be painful parts, but love isn’t without its pain. That doesn’t mean it’s not valid or won’t work out. There are so many kinds of love and that is also shown throughout this story. I don’t know how Addison does it, but I feel like I am in the story watching this happen, experiencing it all firsthand. All the relationships; friendships, romantic, and family, are so well written.

I’m trying not to give too much away as it’s best to go in blind and truly experience the story as it’s written. There will be highs and lows, plenty of laughs and some tears as well. This is a story that will make you FEEL it all, and afterwards you will want to go and reread it because you don’t want to leave this world. I loved all the characters (ok well some that I didn’t, but the ones you are supposed to!) and this will always be a book I recommend. Amazingly written. So damn good. Just read the book and thank me later.

Infinity stars - best book of the year for me. Fairly spicy scenes, though a great amount of plot and storyline as well.

[Han. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Game On carries on from Halloween Fumble, with lots of funny text messages between the MCs and a look into their frankly chaotic relationship for 10 months until Rhodes is asked to be the football coach of the college his brother and Theo attend. This book may actually contain characters that will live in my head rent-free. And if you tell me Jude isn't inspired by Stiles from Teen Wolf, I'll eat my hat! He is sooo Stiles coded, which made me love him even more! Anyway, on to the main characters. Rhodes, who is Jude's older brother (by 12 years), is back after leaving home 14 years before to escape an abusive relationship with their dad when their mum is diagnosed with cancer. Rhodes is grumpy, angry and hides behind walls to protect himself, while Theo is larger than life, selfless and patient. I honestly couldn't put this book down, I could talk all day about the MCs and each side character because they were all so incredible! I felt like the characters definitely stood out! The plot was a little chaotic (good thing for me), coach x player, age gap, brother's best friend, college sports romance, found family and that's just a few I can think of. And then the spice in this book is hottttt! And it's alllll the way through! No slow burn, but there is off and on again, Rhodes really does have a fear of commitment after all! It was a great read, a long book, an emotional rollercoaster but so worth it. I'm really invested and cannot wait to see what happens in Jude's book! Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to read your book early!

[Kaycee · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ Thank you for the ARC read A. Winchester!

OMG this is everything I hoped it would be!! Halloween Fumble was a hot and spicy novella, but you could already tell the tension and pull between Rhodes and Theo.

The pining was killing me!! Theo was such a brat and I absolutely love that!! Rhodes said no and Theo said bet 🥵

This was such a good well rounded story. I was in tears for a lot of it. Rhodes and Jude breakfast with Mrs. Kennedy. The voicemail. The wedding speech. Thanksgiving. Serious tears!!

The way Rhodes and Theo relationship changed was so precious. Rhodes needed to figure himself out first and once he finally realized Theo would be waiting for him that’s when everything changed. The trauma they endured together was so sad but they worked together to make it out on top.

I also loved the side characters! Love Jude and Wyatt’s chaos trio with Theo. And Shariah was perfect person for Rhodes.

The spice? Don’t even get me started. It was top tier!!! The belt, I can’t 🥵🥵🔥🔥

[Michael Raasch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting to read more about Rhodes and Theo’s story was perfect. From the hookup they had in the frat house on Halloween Night, through their journey in Game On, you can’t help but fall in love with them both.

A. Winchester writes in a way that makes you feel each characters emotions and makes you go through their journey with them. Rhodes, having his backstory and how he is as a person, you can relate to him. I know that I did because sometimes it is easier to be on your own and have your wall built up and supported so no one can break them down. Theo, our golden retriever of the story, is totally lovable and you want to protect him at all costs. Now im not saying Theo wont kick your ass, but he will, if Jude (Rhodes baby brother) doesn’t get to you first.

Game On is a daunting read, but you will invested in both of these men. You will cry, I know I did, and you will laugh. A. Winchester does it again and is one author that I will always read what they put out.

But, I do want to know more about Jude…..and maybe Wyatt because Wyatt needs his HEA as well

[Han · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW: Game On — A. Winchester

5 ⭐️ | 3.5 🌶️

This story was done SO well from beginning to end. It starts with Rhodes and Theo having a secret relationship, only for Rhodes to be offered a job as Theo’s interim football coach, and the tension that follows was fantastic.

There were so many things I loved about this book, especially the push and pull between these two. The forced proximity, the constant tension, and everything standing between them made their relationship that much more meaningful. Their story felt so genuine and realistic, showing that love isn’t always perfect or pretty, and sometimes it comes with a whole lot of complications.

But my favorite part was seeing how Rhodes and Theo showed up for each other through everything. The good, the bad, and the ugly. They weren’t perfect, but the way they continued to be there for one another was so meaningful and beautiful.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could have devoured this in one setting if work didn't have me exhausted lol
I love Rhodes & Theo. You get their first spicy encounter with "strangers" In Halloween Fumble, and the morning after. It leaves on a bit of a Challenge Excepted vibe.
Game On starts right after, and you follow their secret hookups, I'd say relationship, but take that up with Rhodes when you read 😂 I laughed, I cried, I got angry. If there is one thing they can write, it's the emotion and depth of feelings.
The side characters were amazing as well and I look forward to whats to come with this series!

[Morgan Burley · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

Received and ARC copy.