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: M M Romance, Sports

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]

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]

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 was 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

[Pisces]

YEARNING has my ears perked up👂

[neeshreads]

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]

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]

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

[Bree]

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.

[Danni Crass]

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.

[Morgan Burley]

Received and ARC copy.