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Winning Season
Xavier Lord is a bitter man. Outed by his teammates and his college football scholarship withdrawn, life has taught him not to trust or believe in anyone but himself. Xavier—or X, as he calls himself to preserve his anonymity—has built a business on athlete’s mistakes. His hit podcast, You F'ed Up, dissects and calls out their bad plays with zero mercy. Lately his favorite target is Phoenix Young, the Lancaster Legends’ gorgeous but struggling new quarterback.
Phoenix Young has it all: the stats, drive, and championship dreams. Yet since his trade to the Legends, he’s unable to deliver, stumbling to a losing record. As one of the few out, gay players, he feels like he’s let the team and fans down. He’s bearing the burden alone—along with a secret he refuses to reveal: Someone’s been leaving him ugly, anonymous notes. He tries to ignore them and takes the blame for losing solely on his shoulders, but he’s never felt so alone and defeated.
When Xavier and Phoenix hook up on a dating app, one night turns into more, and both fall hard and fast—until Xavier panics and shuts things down, certain Phoenix wouldn’t want a man who makes a living tearing him apart.
Except he does.
But a relationship runs the risk of Xavier losing credibility with his listeners and Phoenix losing his teammates’ trust and friendships. Meanwhile, the ugly notes haven’t stopped. And they have no idea who’s writing them.
Phoenix Young has it all: the stats, drive, and championship dreams. Yet since his trade to the Legends, he’s unable to deliver, stumbling to a losing record. As one of the few out, gay players, he feels like he’s let the team and fans down. He’s bearing the burden alone—along with a secret he refuses to reveal: Someone’s been leaving him ugly, anonymous notes. He tries to ignore them and takes the blame for losing solely on his shoulders, but he’s never felt so alone and defeated.
When Xavier and Phoenix hook up on a dating app, one night turns into more, and both fall hard and fast—until Xavier panics and shuts things down, certain Phoenix wouldn’t want a man who makes a living tearing him apart.
Except he does.
But a relationship runs the risk of Xavier losing credibility with his listeners and Phoenix losing his teammates’ trust and friendships. Meanwhile, the ugly notes haven’t stopped. And they have no idea who’s writing them.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 10, 2026
About the author
Felice Stevens
107 books1,768 followersFelice Stevens writes romance because what is better than people falling in love? Her favorite part of a romance novel is that first kiss…sigh. She loves creating stories of hopes and dreams and happily ever afters. Her stories are character-driven, rich with the sights, sounds and flavors of New York City and filled with men who are sometimes deeply flawed but always real.
Felice writes M/M romance because she believes that everyone deserves a happily ever after. Having traveled all over the world, she can safely say that the universal language that unites people is love. Felice has written in a variety of sub-genres, including contemporary, paranormal and has a mystery series as well.
Felice is a two-time Lambda Literary Award nominee and the Lambda award-winner for Best Gay Romance for her book, The Ghost and Charlie Muir, as well as the e-Lit gold medal winner in romance for Broken Silence.
Felice writes M/M romance because she believes that everyone deserves a happily ever after. Having traveled all over the world, she can safely say that the universal language that unites people is love. Felice has written in a variety of sub-genres, including contemporary, paranormal and has a mystery series as well.
Felice is a two-time Lambda Literary Award nominee and the Lambda award-winner for Best Gay Romance for her book, The Ghost and Charlie Muir, as well as the e-Lit gold medal winner in romance for Broken Silence.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 30, 2026
How could you not fall in love with the man who's trashing you and how you're playing as a quarterback every week on his podcast?!?!? Seems like a dream man for a masochist. I guess it’s okay because that’s not the only way he’s behind ruined 😉
Both of their histories being dropped quickly had me invested pretty fast. I felt so angry for Xavier and what he lost out on. Especially towards Harrison?!?!? What an awful man. You can feel all the resentment he has for what was taken from him. Phoenix is such a likable, sweet, wholesome character who is actually sad and lonely inside. The contrast between his public persona and his private pain was well done.
I do wish the conflict was a little angstier after it was revealed that Xavier was behind all the hate on the podcast. That resolved way too easily and unrealistically. This had all the setup for more emotion and tension but didn't quite get there. Phoenix never feels betrayed by this? He just continually has endless patience without ever showing a smidge of anger? I wanted it to be messier. I wanted Phoenix to let go of this perfect persona he has. The second half of the book lost me once I realized everything was going to come so easily after all that building. Give me the fallout. Give me the groveling. The characters just didn’t feel real with the apologies wrapping up in a couple pages.
I loved all of the external conflict within the plot. The hate notes Phoenix is receiving, him trying to vibe with his team, figure out why he isn't performing at his best, and his dad's health scare all of that kept me engaged. Xavier's arc is definitely much more internal.
I really enjoyed Linc as a side character. I know he is a widow, and I'm thinking this would be a perfect set up for a future book. His dedication and loyalty to Phoenix is admirable. He just wants what's best for him. I'd read his story.
This was just a middle of the road read for me. The ideas are there, but the execution was a little soft for me for the way it was set up. I may continue with the series.
Both of their histories being dropped quickly had me invested pretty fast. I felt so angry for Xavier and what he lost out on. Especially towards Harrison?!?!? What an awful man. You can feel all the resentment he has for what was taken from him. Phoenix is such a likable, sweet, wholesome character who is actually sad and lonely inside. The contrast between his public persona and his private pain was well done.
I do wish the conflict was a little angstier after it was revealed that Xavier was behind all the hate on the podcast. That resolved way too easily and unrealistically. This had all the setup for more emotion and tension but didn't quite get there. Phoenix never feels betrayed by this? He just continually has endless patience without ever showing a smidge of anger? I wanted it to be messier. I wanted Phoenix to let go of this perfect persona he has. The second half of the book lost me once I realized everything was going to come so easily after all that building. Give me the fallout. Give me the groveling. The characters just didn’t feel real with the apologies wrapping up in a couple pages.
I loved all of the external conflict within the plot. The hate notes Phoenix is receiving, him trying to vibe with his team, figure out why he isn't performing at his best, and his dad's health scare all of that kept me engaged. Xavier's arc is definitely much more internal.
I really enjoyed Linc as a side character. I know he is a widow, and I'm thinking this would be a perfect set up for a future book. His dedication and loyalty to Phoenix is admirable. He just wants what's best for him. I'd read his story.
This was just a middle of the road read for me. The ideas are there, but the execution was a little soft for me for the way it was set up. I may continue with the series.
Review of advance copy
Release: 11/10
No AI ☑️
-----
-----
Winning Season by Felice Stevens is the first book in her new Football series called Lancaster Legends.
Our MCs are New-to-the-Team Quarterback Phoenix 'Nix' Young and host of a sports podcast 'You F'd Up', Xavier 'X' Lord. Aka the sweetest sunshine-y golden retriever ever x the most protective (of himself and then Nix) grumpy black cat ever.
The two meet via a dating app and it's lust at first sight .... and that's truly all Xavier ever intends it to be.
However, I'm not sure there's a person on this Earth who could resist the sweetness that is Phoenix - Xavier surely tried though (for reasons that do make sense to me).
As someone who has a lot of trauma, childhood and otherwise, Xavier's reaction and inner thoughts make complete sense. Him finding someone like Phoenix is truly the biggest gift someone like him could ask for and that's why I'm so so happy he realized it early and the story itself is really about other things.
Phoenix had a rough first season with the Lancaster Legends - and Xavier was not quiet about saying so on his podcast.
Little did anyone know Phoenix is getting letters after every game, homophobic, terrible letters and he has no idea who they could be coming from
The second half of the book is them figuring out who it is/catching them, as well as navigating their life and Xavier's style of podcast with Phoenix's job.
Plus, we get to watch their relationship grow, and I love love love love love that we got to actually got to experience their relationship on page for so long instead of having it not happen until the end like so many other books.
Both of them deserved every bit of the loved they found.
----
Winning Season an easy, lovely read; an example of two people who find love when they weren't expecting it. They make mistakes early, but quickly realize their life changed the day they met each other and being apart wasn't an option anymore - this happened by 50% and I was so so happy.
They own up to their mistakes, work on them, and have literally one of the healthiest, more beautiful relationships I've read in a long while.
It's not perfect and maybe that's why I find it beautiful.
Xavier has true trauma from his childhood and a natural mistrust towards the world and that people can actually love him - that won't really ever go away completely and that's why Phoenix is his perfect partner.
He acknowledges many times that he understands Xavier is scared when he lashes out (not in a cruel way) and that he's never going to leave him... the EXACT thing Xavier needs to hear in the moment to soothe his worries and Phoenix just instinctively knows.
No third act breakup and no relationship drama... I could've cried of happiness.
-
Location Fun Fact: The football team is for Lancaster, PA, and Phoenix lives in Harrisburg PA and travels back and forth.
This is not where I live for anyone who's gonna be weird lol.
In a very strange and specific coincidence,
My very best friend and I don't live in the same state, we met in college.
She just so happens to live in Harrisburg, PA and work(ed) in Lancaster, PA (She JUST got a new job last Monday).
It made reading it very interesting.
The only question I really had because of it was why Phoenix chose to live in Harrisburg when Lancaster is nicer? But Lancaster also doesn't have a football team, so asking any questions would just be silly.
-
The team names were so funny in this. Obviously it's easier to just use these names than worrying about coppyright with real names etc, but also it feels like names that women who are non-sports fans would name football teams. There were some normal names like Raiders but then there were Spuds or Peaches or Apples. It was a silly little detail, but one that I enjoyed
-
Book 2:
I have 2 ideas for who could be the the staring couple for the next book (all of this is just my guesses based on reading, nothing confirmed):
Two football players on the Legends - E2L, second chance tropes. They were only casually mentioned, though, so they could be in like book 3 but I would be genuinely shocked if they didn't get a book at all.
Xavier and Phoenix's best friends - bi-awakening as one of them is technically straight and widowed trope. I'm leaning more towards this one, there's a ton of set of for the two of them by the end of the book.
I would genuinely be happy with either - I enjoyed the little bit we saw the two football players, and the book with the two best friends should be explosiveee.
Recommended☑️
-----
During Reading - 10/29/26 - Pg. 261, 75% (of the arc, may not be the exact same as the published copy):
Needed to get words out of my head, I'll be interested to compare how I feel at the very end.
My favorite thing about this? Their relationship struggles happen in the beginning. And while they may be frustrating because Phoenix is an absolute sweetie pie, it makes perfect sense with the story. It made it possible for their love and relationship to even actually be possible at all because Xavier needed to learn that he could need someone like that, miss someone.
Xavier's rough teenage years, when he was supposed to be loved and accepted, explains his reasoning for his actions btw.
The absolute beautiful thing is him finding Phoenix, and Phoenix being everything he needed and more.
Phoenix only knows love and trust and acceptance and good - like I said everything that Xavier could need and more.
His parents have all that to spare to and are not only willing share it with Xavier when he meets them, but Phoenix's mom very much does..
Once they make it through their struggles, their relationship builds effortlessly and they work together - with other side characters - to face Phoenix's storyline.
This is where we see how Phoenix is fulfilled by Xavier in the same way. Xavier is unfortunately jaded and traumatized enough to trust no one. What he does trust is his instincts. He's willing to tell Phoenix what he thinks, and who he thinks it about. Because of that he helps Phoenix finally do the right thing - in regards to his major storyline (sorry I don't give spoilers) - with the support of friends and a couple of teammates..
Xavier was also willing to go against literally all of his instincts and what his past experiences have told him, to trust Phoenix, everything about them. He learns from his mistake in the beginning and was not willing to make it again. Though sometimes he does need reassurance (trauma does that), which Phoenix is only happy to give.
------
Thank you to TAA for this free advanced reader copy. Rating and review are voluntary - opinions given are always my own.
No AI ☑️
-----
🏈🏟️One day, it’ll just be the two of us—no football or cameras.”
“You trying to tell me we’ll be boring?” Xavier grinned.
“Never. I’m trying to tell you that our life together is the most important thing—more important than any game could ever be. The day you said you loved me, it became our winning season.”🏟️🏈
-----
Winning Season by Felice Stevens is the first book in her new Football series called Lancaster Legends.
Our MCs are New-to-the-Team Quarterback Phoenix 'Nix' Young and host of a sports podcast 'You F'd Up', Xavier 'X' Lord. Aka the sweetest sunshine-y golden retriever ever x the most protective (of himself and then Nix) grumpy black cat ever.
The two meet via a dating app and it's lust at first sight .... and that's truly all Xavier ever intends it to be.
However, I'm not sure there's a person on this Earth who could resist the sweetness that is Phoenix - Xavier surely tried though (for reasons that do make sense to me).
As someone who has a lot of trauma, childhood and otherwise, Xavier's reaction and inner thoughts make complete sense. Him finding someone like Phoenix is truly the biggest gift someone like him could ask for and that's why I'm so so happy he realized it early and the story itself is really about other things.
Phoenix had a rough first season with the Lancaster Legends - and Xavier was not quiet about saying so on his podcast.
Little did anyone know Phoenix is getting letters after every game, homophobic, terrible letters and he has no idea who they could be coming from
The second half of the book is them figuring out who it is/catching them, as well as navigating their life and Xavier's style of podcast with Phoenix's job.
Plus, we get to watch their relationship grow, and I love love love love love that we got to actually got to experience their relationship on page for so long instead of having it not happen until the end like so many other books.
Both of them deserved every bit of the loved they found.
----
Winning Season an easy, lovely read; an example of two people who find love when they weren't expecting it. They make mistakes early, but quickly realize their life changed the day they met each other and being apart wasn't an option anymore - this happened by 50% and I was so so happy.
They own up to their mistakes, work on them, and have literally one of the healthiest, more beautiful relationships I've read in a long while.
It's not perfect and maybe that's why I find it beautiful.
Xavier has true trauma from his childhood and a natural mistrust towards the world and that people can actually love him - that won't really ever go away completely and that's why Phoenix is his perfect partner.
He acknowledges many times that he understands Xavier is scared when he lashes out (not in a cruel way) and that he's never going to leave him... the EXACT thing Xavier needs to hear in the moment to soothe his worries and Phoenix just instinctively knows.
No third act breakup and no relationship drama... I could've cried of happiness.
-
Location Fun Fact: The football team is for Lancaster, PA, and Phoenix lives in Harrisburg PA and travels back and forth.
This is not where I live for anyone who's gonna be weird lol.
In a very strange and specific coincidence,
My very best friend and I don't live in the same state, we met in college.
She just so happens to live in Harrisburg, PA and work(ed) in Lancaster, PA (She JUST got a new job last Monday).
It made reading it very interesting.
The only question I really had because of it was why Phoenix chose to live in Harrisburg when Lancaster is nicer? But Lancaster also doesn't have a football team, so asking any questions would just be silly.
-
The team names were so funny in this. Obviously it's easier to just use these names than worrying about coppyright with real names etc, but also it feels like names that women who are non-sports fans would name football teams. There were some normal names like Raiders but then there were Spuds or Peaches or Apples. It was a silly little detail, but one that I enjoyed
-
Book 2:
I have 2 ideas for who could be the the staring couple for the next book (all of this is just my guesses based on reading, nothing confirmed):
Two football players on the Legends - E2L, second chance tropes. They were only casually mentioned, though, so they could be in like book 3 but I would be genuinely shocked if they didn't get a book at all.
Xavier and Phoenix's best friends - bi-awakening as one of them is technically straight and widowed trope. I'm leaning more towards this one, there's a ton of set of for the two of them by the end of the book.
I would genuinely be happy with either - I enjoyed the little bit we saw the two football players, and the book with the two best friends should be explosiveee.
Recommended☑️
-----
During Reading - 10/29/26 - Pg. 261, 75% (of the arc, may not be the exact same as the published copy):
Needed to get words out of my head, I'll be interested to compare how I feel at the very end.
My favorite thing about this? Their relationship struggles happen in the beginning. And while they may be frustrating because Phoenix is an absolute sweetie pie, it makes perfect sense with the story. It made it possible for their love and relationship to even actually be possible at all because Xavier needed to learn that he could need someone like that, miss someone.
Xavier's rough teenage years, when he was supposed to be loved and accepted, explains his reasoning for his actions btw.
The absolute beautiful thing is him finding Phoenix, and Phoenix being everything he needed and more.
Phoenix only knows love and trust and acceptance and good - like I said everything that Xavier could need and more.
His parents have all that to spare to and are not only willing share it with Xavier when he meets them, but Phoenix's mom very much does..
Once they make it through their struggles, their relationship builds effortlessly and they work together - with other side characters - to face Phoenix's storyline.
This is where we see how Phoenix is fulfilled by Xavier in the same way. Xavier is unfortunately jaded and traumatized enough to trust no one. What he does trust is his instincts. He's willing to tell Phoenix what he thinks, and who he thinks it about. Because of that he helps Phoenix finally do the right thing - in regards to his major storyline (sorry I don't give spoilers) - with the support of friends and a couple of teammates..
Xavier was also willing to go against literally all of his instincts and what his past experiences have told him, to trust Phoenix, everything about them. He learns from his mistake in the beginning and was not willing to make it again. Though sometimes he does need reassurance (trauma does that), which Phoenix is only happy to give.
------
Thank you to TAA for this free advanced reader copy. Rating and review are voluntary - opinions given are always my own.
Review of advance copy
It's not often I complain about too much steam but unfortunately this one just seemed to jump from sex scene to sex scene without much conversation happening outside of the bedroom.
Which is a shame, because the bones of the story were great, the black cat/golden retriever vibes were strong and the basic premise of having a guy running a podcast criticising professional athletes ending up with a quarterback stuck in a bad patch, was intriguing.
Unfortunately, for a whole chunk of the book, I wasn't a fan of Xavier at all, even with the traumas he'd had in his background which gave him legitimate cause for the chip on his shoulder, I found him dismissive of Phoenix's feelings and his hopes.
Plus, he had a martyr streak a mile wide, which I'm never a fan of and I could see him running away from the relationship Phoenix was trying to get him onboard with even though there'd be zero indication that Nix would ever turn his back on him.
Was it understandable, of course it was given his background, did it work within the parameters of the story, not for me nope.
Plus, the bad guy was telegraphed from a mile away for me, but that may have something to do with a 20-year-journalism career which included covering professional sports and spending time around athletes who sometimes projected a public image vastly different than their private behaviour.
So, all in all, this one didn't quite live up to its billing for me personally, though things did vastly improve once Xavier got out of his own way and threw himself 100% into the relationship because Nix, while he was naive in the extreme at times, really did have a heart of gold and he was perfect for X.
There's a couple of pairings I could see coming up in the series so I'll be keeping an eye out to discover which one Felice goes for first. Both of them interest me greatly.
#ARC kindly received from the author via The Author Agency, I am voluntarily leaving a review
Which is a shame, because the bones of the story were great, the black cat/golden retriever vibes were strong and the basic premise of having a guy running a podcast criticising professional athletes ending up with a quarterback stuck in a bad patch, was intriguing.
Unfortunately, for a whole chunk of the book, I wasn't a fan of Xavier at all, even with the traumas he'd had in his background which gave him legitimate cause for the chip on his shoulder, I found him dismissive of Phoenix's feelings and his hopes.
Plus, he had a martyr streak a mile wide, which I'm never a fan of and I could see him running away from the relationship Phoenix was trying to get him onboard with even though there'd be zero indication that Nix would ever turn his back on him.
Was it understandable, of course it was given his background, did it work within the parameters of the story, not for me nope.
Plus, the bad guy was telegraphed from a mile away for me, but that may have something to do with a 20-year-journalism career which included covering professional sports and spending time around athletes who sometimes projected a public image vastly different than their private behaviour.
So, all in all, this one didn't quite live up to its billing for me personally, though things did vastly improve once Xavier got out of his own way and threw himself 100% into the relationship because Nix, while he was naive in the extreme at times, really did have a heart of gold and he was perfect for X.
There's a couple of pairings I could see coming up in the series so I'll be keeping an eye out to discover which one Felice goes for first. Both of them interest me greatly.
#ARC kindly received from the author via The Author Agency, I am voluntarily leaving a review
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
I loved the start of the Legends series! QB Phoenix and podcaster Xavier were cute together. The both had a lot of baggage and some secrets but when the truths starting coming out, they were there to support each other. I loved Linc and what he does to protect Nix is the kind of thing everyone hopes for in a best friend. My heart broke for hjm though and I hope we get his story (possibly with Kingston?) and he gets another chance at love. But back to Nix and Xavier and the mystery of the notes- I was glad to see that conclusion and the way it ended for that person. He definitely got what he deserved. Can’t wait for the next book! I think we’ll be seeing more of Barlowe and LuLu’s story too!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What do you get when you cross a quarterback who's having a nightmare season with the man responsible for publicly dragging him every chance he gets? A recipe for absolute chaos, apparently! 😂
I had such a great time with Xavier and Phoenix! Xavier is bitter, guarded and carrying years of hurt after being outed by his teammates and losing the football scholarship he'd worked so hard for. It's easy to see why he's built such thick walls and why he's so determined never to let anyone get close enough to hurt him again. His podcast is his way of turning that past pain into a successful business...even if it means making Phoenix his favourite target.
Then there's Phoenix, a talented quarterback who should be enjoying the career he's worked so hard for, but instead he's struggling to find his feet with the Lancaster Legends. He's putting the weight of every defeat on his own shoulders trying to prove himself while dealing with the pressure of being one of the few openly gay players. And those anonymous and hateful notes only make an already difficult situation worse. I really felt for him.
The irony of these two meeting on a dating app and having no idea who they're really getting involved with was brilliant. Their connection quickly becomes so much more than either expected but Xavier's fear of being exposed and losing the credibility he's built makes him run just when Phoenix is ready to let him in. I loved seeing Xavier challenged to confront his own prejudices and insecurities while Phoenix needed someone who could see the man behind the quarterback.
The chemistry was fantastic, the emotional moments really landed and I loved watching these two slowly learn to trust each other. Add in the football drama, the mystery surrounding those nasty notes and plenty of heat and I was thoroughly entertained.
Another fantastic MM romance from Felice Stevens! Xavier and Phoenix made a brilliant couple and I was rooting for them all the way. Definitely a winning season in my book! ❤️
I had such a great time with Xavier and Phoenix! Xavier is bitter, guarded and carrying years of hurt after being outed by his teammates and losing the football scholarship he'd worked so hard for. It's easy to see why he's built such thick walls and why he's so determined never to let anyone get close enough to hurt him again. His podcast is his way of turning that past pain into a successful business...even if it means making Phoenix his favourite target.
Then there's Phoenix, a talented quarterback who should be enjoying the career he's worked so hard for, but instead he's struggling to find his feet with the Lancaster Legends. He's putting the weight of every defeat on his own shoulders trying to prove himself while dealing with the pressure of being one of the few openly gay players. And those anonymous and hateful notes only make an already difficult situation worse. I really felt for him.
The irony of these two meeting on a dating app and having no idea who they're really getting involved with was brilliant. Their connection quickly becomes so much more than either expected but Xavier's fear of being exposed and losing the credibility he's built makes him run just when Phoenix is ready to let him in. I loved seeing Xavier challenged to confront his own prejudices and insecurities while Phoenix needed someone who could see the man behind the quarterback.
The chemistry was fantastic, the emotional moments really landed and I loved watching these two slowly learn to trust each other. Add in the football drama, the mystery surrounding those nasty notes and plenty of heat and I was thoroughly entertained.
Another fantastic MM romance from Felice Stevens! Xavier and Phoenix made a brilliant couple and I was rooting for them all the way. Definitely a winning season in my book! ❤️
Read
November 4, 2026“I still can’t figure out how you, a dude with Grinch vibes, ended up with the nicest guy in the world.”
Xavier got an anonymous podcast where he critiques atheletes. He got the surprise of his life when his hook-up turned out to be Phoenix, football quarterback. One night turned into more, until they caught feelings. Can their relationship survive given Xavier's job?
Ngl, I didn't expect to binge read this book. I was like, hehe haha let me just read a chapter or two before bed, then voila, went past my bedtime.
Anyway, I have been a huge fan of Felice Stevens ever since I read The Ultimate Save (and still my fave of hers), so I kinda knew how she wrote a book. I got her writing style and taste. It's very easy to follow, fast-paced, and the romance between the characters felt organic.
This book, we mainly focus on the football, and quite frankly I haven't read a lot of football romances so I just here for the vibes, not the accuracy. I did love the representation that being queer in a male-dominated field is not easy, and there are challenges along the way.
Both characters are likeable enough. I understand Xavier. Due to his past, he tends to err on the side of caution and being overall prickly, but I love how he completed Phoenix with his overly trusting nice personality. I love that they balances each other.
The added mystery subplot was intriguing, and I was hooked even though we kinda know who it was all along.
I love exploring more of the Felice Stevens universe considering we might bump into one or two characters from her previous works and I am that Leo D meme where I was pointing because I knew of the characters. That's always fun.
Anything Felice Stevens write, I will read.
Xavier got an anonymous podcast where he critiques atheletes. He got the surprise of his life when his hook-up turned out to be Phoenix, football quarterback. One night turned into more, until they caught feelings. Can their relationship survive given Xavier's job?
Ngl, I didn't expect to binge read this book. I was like, hehe haha let me just read a chapter or two before bed, then voila, went past my bedtime.
Anyway, I have been a huge fan of Felice Stevens ever since I read The Ultimate Save (and still my fave of hers), so I kinda knew how she wrote a book. I got her writing style and taste. It's very easy to follow, fast-paced, and the romance between the characters felt organic.
This book, we mainly focus on the football, and quite frankly I haven't read a lot of football romances so I just here for the vibes, not the accuracy. I did love the representation that being queer in a male-dominated field is not easy, and there are challenges along the way.
Both characters are likeable enough. I understand Xavier. Due to his past, he tends to err on the side of caution and being overall prickly, but I love how he completed Phoenix with his overly trusting nice personality. I love that they balances each other.
The added mystery subplot was intriguing, and I was hooked even though we kinda know who it was all along.
I love exploring more of the Felice Stevens universe considering we might bump into one or two characters from her previous works and I am that Leo D meme where I was pointing because I knew of the characters. That's always fun.
Anything Felice Stevens write, I will read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
💙💙💙 ARC Review 💙💙💙
Winning Season - Felice Stevens - Coming November 10, 2026
Thank you to the author for this ARC.
4/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶
Winning Season is the opening book in the new Lancaster Legends series by Felice Stevens. It is a football romance. You can expect grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract, hurt/comfort, and hookup to lovers.
I was wonderfully surprised by the premise of this book. It is genuinely fresh and captivating. Stevens is able to combine a delicious element of suspense into this romance especially with the secret identity portion.
The characters are well fleshed out with their motivations and back stories clear. Xavier is a loner podcaster whose dream life was shattered due to his sexuality turning him bitter. Phoenix is a football player who has had a loving upbringing but is facing challenges in his game. Stevens is able to portray the growth in the relationship and the characters beautifully culminating with them being exactly what the other needs.
The external conflict in the book and how it was wrapped up was really cool to see and just added to the suspense element.
I loved Linc, Kingston, LuLu, and Raleigh as side characters. It would be lovely to see them in romances of their own. If I had to guess I would say LuLu and Raleigh would be next!
This was the best Felice Stevens I have read to date and I recommend you read it too.
Winning Season - Felice Stevens - Coming November 10, 2026
Thank you to the author for this ARC.
4/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶
Winning Season is the opening book in the new Lancaster Legends series by Felice Stevens. It is a football romance. You can expect grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract, hurt/comfort, and hookup to lovers.
I was wonderfully surprised by the premise of this book. It is genuinely fresh and captivating. Stevens is able to combine a delicious element of suspense into this romance especially with the secret identity portion.
The characters are well fleshed out with their motivations and back stories clear. Xavier is a loner podcaster whose dream life was shattered due to his sexuality turning him bitter. Phoenix is a football player who has had a loving upbringing but is facing challenges in his game. Stevens is able to portray the growth in the relationship and the characters beautifully culminating with them being exactly what the other needs.
The external conflict in the book and how it was wrapped up was really cool to see and just added to the suspense element.
I loved Linc, Kingston, LuLu, and Raleigh as side characters. It would be lovely to see them in romances of their own. If I had to guess I would say LuLu and Raleigh would be next!
This was the best Felice Stevens I have read to date and I recommend you read it too.
Review of advance copy
Felice has written another good book, just as I’ve come to expect from her. It features two main characters full of dynamism and chemistry—one surly and reserved, the other the complete opposite: cheerful and full of energy. In that sense, they are a perfect match.
💞Thank you to the Author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC💖
💞Thank you to the Author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC💖
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
4.5 to 5 stars
Xavier Lord turned his bitterness towards losing any chance of playing college or professional football into a sharp podcast picking apart the deficiencies in any of the sports stars. He’s a broody and untrusting loner who usually just hooks up when he needs to and avoids attachments.
One of his targets is Phoenix Young, who is a new quarterback for the Lancaster Legends but who’s been struggling this season. Phoenix was the golden boy expected to do good things, but there’s something going on with his game that is affecting his performance, and there’s something else going on behind the scenes that he’s not sure how to handle. In order to make himself feel better after disappointment, he finds himself on the same app with Xavier, and they plan a no-strings hookup.
Xavier knows exactly who Phoenix is, but Phoenix has no idea that Xavier has a podcast or that he’s one of his favorite targets since he tries to avoid social media. One hookup leads to two, and they start to feel more than they should, but there’s a conflict of interest and secrets that have the potential to be really messy
These two guys also have their own struggles and self-worth issues. Xavier especially was so traumatized by his past that he built up big walls and defenses, and his instincts are to push people away when they try to get too close, and he has a hard time being vulnerable. So when things get real, Xavier's usual course of action is to push the person away and avoid being rejected. And Phoenix is dealing with so much pressure and another issue that he hasn’t even told anyone about. But they are both lonely and miserable apart.
They do have the support of their best friends to eventually try to make them be brave enough to face what’s going on with them. I really loved seeing the growth in the two characters and how they wanted to be in each other's lives and wanted to be a supportive partner. But they’re also battling their own insecurities and self-worth issues in addition to the conflict of interest.
This is a golden retriever quarterback and black cat sports podcaster, grumpy-sunshine, hurt-comfort, hookup to more romance. There is also a sense of found family that increases throughout.
These guys go through a lot during this story. There was an interesting twist that I did not see coming, and I liked how it affected the story. There is also a mystery running through it. I do really like Xavier’s off-the-wall best friend, Kingston, and Phoenix's best friend, Link. We also got to meet a new team of players. I am excited about more in this series.
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Xavier Lord turned his bitterness towards losing any chance of playing college or professional football into a sharp podcast picking apart the deficiencies in any of the sports stars. He’s a broody and untrusting loner who usually just hooks up when he needs to and avoids attachments.
One of his targets is Phoenix Young, who is a new quarterback for the Lancaster Legends but who’s been struggling this season. Phoenix was the golden boy expected to do good things, but there’s something going on with his game that is affecting his performance, and there’s something else going on behind the scenes that he’s not sure how to handle. In order to make himself feel better after disappointment, he finds himself on the same app with Xavier, and they plan a no-strings hookup.
Xavier knows exactly who Phoenix is, but Phoenix has no idea that Xavier has a podcast or that he’s one of his favorite targets since he tries to avoid social media. One hookup leads to two, and they start to feel more than they should, but there’s a conflict of interest and secrets that have the potential to be really messy
These two guys also have their own struggles and self-worth issues. Xavier especially was so traumatized by his past that he built up big walls and defenses, and his instincts are to push people away when they try to get too close, and he has a hard time being vulnerable. So when things get real, Xavier's usual course of action is to push the person away and avoid being rejected. And Phoenix is dealing with so much pressure and another issue that he hasn’t even told anyone about. But they are both lonely and miserable apart.
They do have the support of their best friends to eventually try to make them be brave enough to face what’s going on with them. I really loved seeing the growth in the two characters and how they wanted to be in each other's lives and wanted to be a supportive partner. But they’re also battling their own insecurities and self-worth issues in addition to the conflict of interest.
This is a golden retriever quarterback and black cat sports podcaster, grumpy-sunshine, hurt-comfort, hookup to more romance. There is also a sense of found family that increases throughout.
These guys go through a lot during this story. There was an interesting twist that I did not see coming, and I liked how it affected the story. There is also a mystery running through it. I do really like Xavier’s off-the-wall best friend, Kingston, and Phoenix's best friend, Link. We also got to meet a new team of players. I am excited about more in this series.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
ARC Review
Title: Winning Season
Author: Felice Stevens
Series: Lancaster Legends #1
Genre: MM Romance, Grumpy X Sunshine, Suspense
Format: Ebook
Length: 344
Plot: 5/5 ⭐
Characters: 5/5 ⭐
World Building: 5/5 ⭐
Spice: 5/5 ⭐
Ending: 5/5 ⭐
Overall: 5/5 ⭐
📱✓ 📚__ 🎧__
Favorite Character: Definitely Xavier. Is he a grumpy grump? Yes. However, he turned his past pain into a lucrative podcast. And while it sounds like he's taking his anger out on sport players, his assessments of their F-up's are accurate! So, no one can really say he's trying to get revenge. He's just really passionate about sports and talks smack about all the players, including Phoenix.
Favorite Part: Without giving any spoilers, when £ asked ¥ out on a date. It surprised ¥ and he kind of crashed out. Yet, the fact that the one night stand even progressed had me eager to finish the story! If they become a thing, will they last? A professional football player and podcaster who talks 💩 about him in almost every show? A lot of things to factor in before considering a date.
Thoughts:
I read and enjoyed Felice's Appleton Falls Series, so I expected the same kind of passionate love story in winning season.. but with football. My girl did not fail me. In fact, I thank her, the Gay Romance Review, and The Authors Agency, for so generously providing me with an advanced readers copy in reciprocity for my honest thoughts and opinions. Phoenix aka Nix, is literally the golden boy of the Lancaster Legends. Just traded in, he's usually a great player, yet, something or someone is affecting his game play. Xavier, aka X, notices his horrible play and calls him out on his podcast. You'd think that'd be the extent of their six degrees of separation. However, Our Lady Fate has other plans, and she does not miss. Was This love story just a wee bit dramatic? Yes. as it should be. You have someone low-key stalking Nix and Xavier trying to keep his identity hidden, so no one finds out he's the 💩 talking X.
Now, a very big theme in this book is homophobia. Yuck, I know. For example, the callers on Xavier's podcast and Nix's stalker. Xavier doesn't take any guff and defends the community on his show. Nix is fortunate to have a friend and some teammates who are allies, but there are still some bad apples around. It's kind of upsetting because this part of the story isn't fiction. There are still players in the real world who are in the closet, and some brave players who are out but are harassed. the Leagues may say they are allies, but they have yet to create a safe space. Something those specific players deserve and need! Now, steering back to the book, the ending was pretty good and may possibly lead to a specific trope in the next book of the series. My guess? A bi-awakening! I want all the characters in this series to fall in love!!
Title: Winning Season
Author: Felice Stevens
Series: Lancaster Legends #1
Genre: MM Romance, Grumpy X Sunshine, Suspense
Format: Ebook
Length: 344
Plot: 5/5 ⭐
Characters: 5/5 ⭐
World Building: 5/5 ⭐
Spice: 5/5 ⭐
Ending: 5/5 ⭐
Overall: 5/5 ⭐
📱✓ 📚__ 🎧__
Favorite Character: Definitely Xavier. Is he a grumpy grump? Yes. However, he turned his past pain into a lucrative podcast. And while it sounds like he's taking his anger out on sport players, his assessments of their F-up's are accurate! So, no one can really say he's trying to get revenge. He's just really passionate about sports and talks smack about all the players, including Phoenix.
Favorite Part: Without giving any spoilers, when £ asked ¥ out on a date. It surprised ¥ and he kind of crashed out. Yet, the fact that the one night stand even progressed had me eager to finish the story! If they become a thing, will they last? A professional football player and podcaster who talks 💩 about him in almost every show? A lot of things to factor in before considering a date.
Thoughts:
I read and enjoyed Felice's Appleton Falls Series, so I expected the same kind of passionate love story in winning season.. but with football. My girl did not fail me. In fact, I thank her, the Gay Romance Review, and The Authors Agency, for so generously providing me with an advanced readers copy in reciprocity for my honest thoughts and opinions. Phoenix aka Nix, is literally the golden boy of the Lancaster Legends. Just traded in, he's usually a great player, yet, something or someone is affecting his game play. Xavier, aka X, notices his horrible play and calls him out on his podcast. You'd think that'd be the extent of their six degrees of separation. However, Our Lady Fate has other plans, and she does not miss. Was This love story just a wee bit dramatic? Yes. as it should be. You have someone low-key stalking Nix and Xavier trying to keep his identity hidden, so no one finds out he's the 💩 talking X.
Now, a very big theme in this book is homophobia. Yuck, I know. For example, the callers on Xavier's podcast and Nix's stalker. Xavier doesn't take any guff and defends the community on his show. Nix is fortunate to have a friend and some teammates who are allies, but there are still some bad apples around. It's kind of upsetting because this part of the story isn't fiction. There are still players in the real world who are in the closet, and some brave players who are out but are harassed. the Leagues may say they are allies, but they have yet to create a safe space. Something those specific players deserve and need! Now, steering back to the book, the ending was pretty good and may possibly lead to a specific trope in the next book of the series. My guess? A bi-awakening! I want all the characters in this series to fall in love!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Winning Season by Felice Stevens
5 stars
Winning Season is about Phoenix and Xavier, who meet through an anonymous dating app. Phoenix is a rising pro-football quarterback. Xavier runs an anonymous podcast negatively critiquing pro-athletes. Xavier is shocked when Phoenix shows up at his door, and the chemistry is off the charts. Both quickly realize that they want this to be more than just hooking up. But Xavier is worried that Phoenix will never forgive him if he finds out about the podcast. And Phoenix is holding back from telling Xavier (or anyone) about the anonymous threatening letters that he keeps receiving. Can they find their way to each other and through the things threatening to crush their happiness?
I absolutely devoured this book in less than 24 hours. Phoenix's love for Xavier is so pure. He is the sweetest soul and the way that he accepts Xavier where he is, even when Xavier tries to pull away, is so wholesome. Xavier can see how special Phoenix is, and how special Phoenix makes him feel, and protects him so fiercely because of it. I just wanted to bubble wrap both of them. They both have such heavy stuff hanging over them. Phoenix is so stressed dealing on his own with the anonymous threatening letters that it's badly impacting his performance on the field. And Xavier's past trauma from being outed leaves him to be very cynical and keep people at arm's length. Both of them feel like they don't deserve good things and that the things that have gone wrong are their fault. Hurt/comfort always gets me in the feels and the double hurt/comfort in this book had me so misty.
The side characters in this book were phenomenal. Xavier's best friend Kingston and Phoenix's best friend Lincoln were rocks for these characters despite having their own baggage. I'm VERY excited to see more of them in future books.
You’ll love Winning Season if you love:
- hookup to lovers
- anonymous dating app
- secret identity
- football romance
- hurt/comfort x 2
- football star x podcaster
- opposites attract
- black cat x golden retriever
- grumpy sunshine
- HEA
Winning Season comes out tomorrow! It is Book 1 in the Lancaster Legends series. The sequel-baiting breadcrumbs have me itching for more, I am dyingggg to read the rest of the series when it comes out.
Worth rereading? Absolutely! I devoured this book in less than 24 hours and I am dying to read the rest of the series when it comes out! Will definitely reread this one before Book 2 comes out.
5 stars
Winning Season is about Phoenix and Xavier, who meet through an anonymous dating app. Phoenix is a rising pro-football quarterback. Xavier runs an anonymous podcast negatively critiquing pro-athletes. Xavier is shocked when Phoenix shows up at his door, and the chemistry is off the charts. Both quickly realize that they want this to be more than just hooking up. But Xavier is worried that Phoenix will never forgive him if he finds out about the podcast. And Phoenix is holding back from telling Xavier (or anyone) about the anonymous threatening letters that he keeps receiving. Can they find their way to each other and through the things threatening to crush their happiness?
I absolutely devoured this book in less than 24 hours. Phoenix's love for Xavier is so pure. He is the sweetest soul and the way that he accepts Xavier where he is, even when Xavier tries to pull away, is so wholesome. Xavier can see how special Phoenix is, and how special Phoenix makes him feel, and protects him so fiercely because of it. I just wanted to bubble wrap both of them. They both have such heavy stuff hanging over them. Phoenix is so stressed dealing on his own with the anonymous threatening letters that it's badly impacting his performance on the field. And Xavier's past trauma from being outed leaves him to be very cynical and keep people at arm's length. Both of them feel like they don't deserve good things and that the things that have gone wrong are their fault. Hurt/comfort always gets me in the feels and the double hurt/comfort in this book had me so misty.
The side characters in this book were phenomenal. Xavier's best friend Kingston and Phoenix's best friend Lincoln were rocks for these characters despite having their own baggage. I'm VERY excited to see more of them in future books.
You’ll love Winning Season if you love:
- hookup to lovers
- anonymous dating app
- secret identity
- football romance
- hurt/comfort x 2
- football star x podcaster
- opposites attract
- black cat x golden retriever
- grumpy sunshine
- HEA
Winning Season comes out tomorrow! It is Book 1 in the Lancaster Legends series. The sequel-baiting breadcrumbs have me itching for more, I am dyingggg to read the rest of the series when it comes out.
Worth rereading? Absolutely! I devoured this book in less than 24 hours and I am dying to read the rest of the series when it comes out! Will definitely reread this one before Book 2 comes out.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received a free eARC. This review is submitted voluntarily.
Winning Season by Felice Stevens is the first book in the Lancaster Legends series. It’s an amazing beginning of this series. Phoenix and Xavier are two opposite poles who carry so much baggage and secrets. Seeing them get to know each other, fall for each other and support each other was so sweet, and the grumpy-sunshine and opposites-attract trope worked really well. Xavier is a bit bitter and jaded as a podcaster, while Phoenix is such a sweet football player dealing with a rough season. It was amazing watching their sizzling chemistry turning into real love.
What I liked the most was watching Xavier’s character’s arch. When we first met him, he comes across as this super bitter guy who’s just mad at the world (and himself). But as he gets to know Phoenix (and finally realizes Phoenix isn’t going anywhere because he genuinely cares about him), you see his gradual shift. He starts letting down the walls and allowing all those feelings he buried deep inside for so long to finally surface. Until he’s able to love Phoenix the way he truly deserves.
I also really enjoyed the suspense part with the secret identity and the notes mystery. The side characters like Linc, Kingston and Ansen were great too. I felt so bad for Linc. I really hope he gets his own story next and finds love. I’m definitely waiting for the next book.
Thank you, GRR and Felice Stevens for this free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
“I’m just a guy trying to let another guy know I like him and obviously not doing the best job. I’m not good at this stuff. I’ve never really dated before.”
Winning Season by Felice Stevens is the first book in the Lancaster Legends series. It’s an amazing beginning of this series. Phoenix and Xavier are two opposite poles who carry so much baggage and secrets. Seeing them get to know each other, fall for each other and support each other was so sweet, and the grumpy-sunshine and opposites-attract trope worked really well. Xavier is a bit bitter and jaded as a podcaster, while Phoenix is such a sweet football player dealing with a rough season. It was amazing watching their sizzling chemistry turning into real love.
What I liked the most was watching Xavier’s character’s arch. When we first met him, he comes across as this super bitter guy who’s just mad at the world (and himself). But as he gets to know Phoenix (and finally realizes Phoenix isn’t going anywhere because he genuinely cares about him), you see his gradual shift. He starts letting down the walls and allowing all those feelings he buried deep inside for so long to finally surface. Until he’s able to love Phoenix the way he truly deserves.
“For the first time, he stood on the precipice of possibilities, and it was terrifying and wonderful at the same time. Light had found its way into his darkness, and he wanted to treasure it like the precious gift it was. He wanted this, but God, he was so afraid.”
I also really enjoyed the suspense part with the secret identity and the notes mystery. The side characters like Linc, Kingston and Ansen were great too. I felt so bad for Linc. I really hope he gets his own story next and finds love. I’m definitely waiting for the next book.
Thank you, GRR and Felice Stevens for this free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy
Winning Season is the first book of Felice Steven's new series centered around a football team, the Lancaster Legends. Even though this is a new series, expect to see characters from previous books make an appearance.
Xavier used to play football but when he was outed in high school he had that taken away. Since then he has been working as a journalist and hosting a podcast that calls out bad plays of other football players anonymously.
Phoenix has just been traded to the Lancaster Legends as their Quarterback. He’s the team’s only out player. He’s also been getting cruel notes in his locker that he doesn’t tell anyone about.
After a disappointing end to the season Phoenix decides to hit up the apps and connects with Xavier. Phoenix is the opposite of Xavier. Phoenix is all light, sunshine and positivity. Xavier is surly and short tempered.
After an argument they go their separate ways for a bit. They each even try to be with someone else during that time. Even though they try to forget each other for what seems like months, it doesn’t work. They find their way back to each other.
Xavier has seen how cruel people can be so when Phoenix needs someone to be his support, Xavier is the perfect person for him. The harassing notes continue into the offseason and the new season. It takes everyone to come together to solve who is putting them in Phoenix’s locker.
This is a wonderful story about found family, the strength of friendship and how sometimes it takes a stubborn person to help solve problems.
I liked how Xavier and Phoenix communicated. It was clear that there was respect between them as well as trust.
Thanks to the GRR for providing an ARC and this is my honest review.
Xavier used to play football but when he was outed in high school he had that taken away. Since then he has been working as a journalist and hosting a podcast that calls out bad plays of other football players anonymously.
Phoenix has just been traded to the Lancaster Legends as their Quarterback. He’s the team’s only out player. He’s also been getting cruel notes in his locker that he doesn’t tell anyone about.
After a disappointing end to the season Phoenix decides to hit up the apps and connects with Xavier. Phoenix is the opposite of Xavier. Phoenix is all light, sunshine and positivity. Xavier is surly and short tempered.
After an argument they go their separate ways for a bit. They each even try to be with someone else during that time. Even though they try to forget each other for what seems like months, it doesn’t work. They find their way back to each other.
Xavier has seen how cruel people can be so when Phoenix needs someone to be his support, Xavier is the perfect person for him. The harassing notes continue into the offseason and the new season. It takes everyone to come together to solve who is putting them in Phoenix’s locker.
This is a wonderful story about found family, the strength of friendship and how sometimes it takes a stubborn person to help solve problems.
I liked how Xavier and Phoenix communicated. It was clear that there was respect between them as well as trust.
Thanks to the GRR for providing an ARC and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Xavier runs a podcast that points out all the ways athletes mess up during their games (any sport is fair game). Phoenix has just been traded to the Legends as head quarterback and is having a horrible year. Xavier has LOTS to say about that on his podcast.
They meet through a hook-up app - Xavier knows who Phoenix is, Phoenix does not know what Xavier does for a living. They have a good time, a couple of different times, then Xavier decides he's not going to answer Nix's phone calls anymore because he feels guilty about his job. Xavier is hard to like - his entire job is to criticize others, and Nix seems to go overboard in trying to get him to respond to him when he probably should have let it go. Eventually Xavier decides to come clean because he really liked Nix. They get together, have lots of sex, and it's true love (despite Xavier's job). Meanwhile Nix has been getting nasty messages from somebody in the locker room the entire previous season (which was probably why he was playing so poorly). So he FINALLY decides to tell everyone, they all get together and try to figure out who's responsible for the notes.
Personally, I never really did see the chemistry between Xavier and Nix (Xavier seemed to change into a different person about halfway through the book), but the plot was entertaining.. Anyhow, they get their HEA in the end and Nix gets his winning season. I was more interested in some of the side characters, which are probably due to be main characters in the next books.
They meet through a hook-up app - Xavier knows who Phoenix is, Phoenix does not know what Xavier does for a living. They have a good time, a couple of different times, then Xavier decides he's not going to answer Nix's phone calls anymore because he feels guilty about his job. Xavier is hard to like - his entire job is to criticize others, and Nix seems to go overboard in trying to get him to respond to him when he probably should have let it go. Eventually Xavier decides to come clean because he really liked Nix. They get together, have lots of sex, and it's true love (despite Xavier's job). Meanwhile Nix has been getting nasty messages from somebody in the locker room the entire previous season (which was probably why he was playing so poorly). So he FINALLY decides to tell everyone, they all get together and try to figure out who's responsible for the notes.
Personally, I never really did see the chemistry between Xavier and Nix (Xavier seemed to change into a different person about halfway through the book), but the plot was entertaining.. Anyhow, they get their HEA in the end and Nix gets his winning season. I was more interested in some of the side characters, which are probably due to be main characters in the next books.
October 28, 2026
ARC Review
I was so drawn in by the concept of this book - an opposites attract, grumpy x sunshine, black cat x golden retriever story about an NFL quarterback having a rough season, and the jaded podcaster who earns his living by ruthlessly calling out the poor performances of professional athletes anonymously on his podcast.
The sexual chemistry between Phoenix and Xavier is hottttt from the beginning and a one-time hook up becomes more as neither can get enough of the other. But where Phoenix is looking to find the type of perfect, all-encompassing love that he’s been brought up witnessing, Xavier isn’t interested in letting anyone get close and pushes him away.
I felt so bad for poor Xavier, it’s not at all surprising he’s as closed off and negative as he is given all that he’s been through. Self-preservation is his top priority, and it takes a hell of a lot for him to even consider getting close to anyone.
When they finally get together, Phoenix and Xavier complement each other perfectly. Phoenix is just the sweetest, and can see that Xavier carries a lot of trauma from his past. He constantly provides him with the support and reassurance that Xavier needs to feel safe to be able to trust and open up. And where Phoenix can be slightly naïve and too trusting, Xavier is unapologetically fierce in how he protects Phoenix.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and thought it was a fresh and refreshing concept!
I was so drawn in by the concept of this book - an opposites attract, grumpy x sunshine, black cat x golden retriever story about an NFL quarterback having a rough season, and the jaded podcaster who earns his living by ruthlessly calling out the poor performances of professional athletes anonymously on his podcast.
The sexual chemistry between Phoenix and Xavier is hottttt from the beginning and a one-time hook up becomes more as neither can get enough of the other. But where Phoenix is looking to find the type of perfect, all-encompassing love that he’s been brought up witnessing, Xavier isn’t interested in letting anyone get close and pushes him away.
I felt so bad for poor Xavier, it’s not at all surprising he’s as closed off and negative as he is given all that he’s been through. Self-preservation is his top priority, and it takes a hell of a lot for him to even consider getting close to anyone.
When they finally get together, Phoenix and Xavier complement each other perfectly. Phoenix is just the sweetest, and can see that Xavier carries a lot of trauma from his past. He constantly provides him with the support and reassurance that Xavier needs to feel safe to be able to trust and open up. And where Phoenix can be slightly naïve and too trusting, Xavier is unapologetically fierce in how he protects Phoenix.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and thought it was a fresh and refreshing concept!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Winning Season, a sports MM romance between a NFL quarterback and a sports podcaster, and newest release from Felice Stevens. The book was written in 3rd person, but with dual POV and delivers a unique story where an angry, resentful podcaster, makes his living by pointing out the mistakes and plays of the most well-paid sports people.
While reading this book, I fell for all the characteds, while also being wary about who may be the culprit for Pheonix's harassment. Both Phoenix and Xavier were fantastic MCs, with completely opposite personalities, upbringings and outlooks on life and people, they find a peace and quiet place to call home with each other. Their story was written beautifully.
I also really liked the plot. An anonymous podcaster who calls out ALL sports players who falls for one of the NFL players he has called out multiple times before. There's secrets revealed, heartache, amazingly supportive best friends, and so much more!
Overall, I thought this book was an all round great read, something with a little angst to keep you on your toes, some mysteries to keep you guessing and golden retriever x black cat personalities that will have falling in love with the characters. Thank you, once again, who giving me the opportunity to read your book early!
While reading this book, I fell for all the characteds, while also being wary about who may be the culprit for Pheonix's harassment. Both Phoenix and Xavier were fantastic MCs, with completely opposite personalities, upbringings and outlooks on life and people, they find a peace and quiet place to call home with each other. Their story was written beautifully.
I also really liked the plot. An anonymous podcaster who calls out ALL sports players who falls for one of the NFL players he has called out multiple times before. There's secrets revealed, heartache, amazingly supportive best friends, and so much more!
Overall, I thought this book was an all round great read, something with a little angst to keep you on your toes, some mysteries to keep you guessing and golden retriever x black cat personalities that will have falling in love with the characters. Thank you, once again, who giving me the opportunity to read your book early!
Review of advance copy
I personally think this is one of the best romance authors I had the pleasure of reading. Felice knows her stuff. She writes true classic romance. And this one is so good. Her romance reads are the perfect blend of steamy, emotional and supportive to the gay community. I don't know how she does it . She gives the reader two very different characters and gives them the balance they needed. And the finding of their balance. It's not angsty third act breakup it's just the perfect flow of romance that readers come for. Especially in her reads. She gave these two people the hea they deserved. And the hea readers needed. Especially after what nix has been thru. Nix is the sweetest nicest guy. The one you want your child to take home. Xavier is definitely a casualty if his past. Toxic parents, toxic friends small town narcissistic attitudes. Together they forge a very unlikely bond.
This book takes a deep look into the toxic hate towards professional athletes especially after they come out. It truly was an inspiration to read the good over evil.
I can't recommend Felice's books any more than i do. If you live romance and the good guy wins she does it well.
This book takes a deep look into the toxic hate towards professional athletes especially after they come out. It truly was an inspiration to read the good over evil.
I can't recommend Felice's books any more than i do. If you live romance and the good guy wins she does it well.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is quite possibly my favourite book by Felice, it hit every mark for me.
Go into it expecting high steam, lots of spice and two men finding love with one another. Xavier was such a misunderstood soul, he has a podcast ripping apart NFL players but it comes from a place of sadness and pain, it made me really feel for him. Phoenix was just a massive golden retriever in a human body, he was genuinely so sweet and kind, I loved his positive outlook and always looking for the good in people. Him and Xavier were so different but worked so well together, starting as a random hookup, I was so invested in them and the development of their relationship
I need to take a moment to talk about the spicy scenes. This book was full of sex scenes especially with the pair in hookup mode but it worked into the plot effectively. It was incredibly well written and damn it was hot.
Beyond this, I really loved the side characters and the background plot of dealing with homophobic notes towars phoenix.
I absolutely loved this and can't wait for the next book...have an inkling on who is up next!
Go into it expecting high steam, lots of spice and two men finding love with one another. Xavier was such a misunderstood soul, he has a podcast ripping apart NFL players but it comes from a place of sadness and pain, it made me really feel for him. Phoenix was just a massive golden retriever in a human body, he was genuinely so sweet and kind, I loved his positive outlook and always looking for the good in people. Him and Xavier were so different but worked so well together, starting as a random hookup, I was so invested in them and the development of their relationship
I need to take a moment to talk about the spicy scenes. This book was full of sex scenes especially with the pair in hookup mode but it worked into the plot effectively. It was incredibly well written and damn it was hot.
Beyond this, I really loved the side characters and the background plot of dealing with homophobic notes towars phoenix.
I absolutely loved this and can't wait for the next book...have an inkling on who is up next!
Review of advance copy
The good and the resentful👥🏈
4.25🌟 stars
Enjoyable MM sports romance with suspense, with frequent (but not too lengthy) steamy scenes and a good, emotional background story for Xavier, the podcaster who gives fans the opportunity to air their opinions about their sports teams and individual players. Somehow he ends up falling for Phoenix, the newly traded local star quarterback who's been thrown off his game by a mystery poison pen hater. Phoenix is the only openly gay player on the Lancaster Legends and someone wants him off the team.
The poison pen notes provide some good though fairly predictable drama and I liked the southern Pennsylvania setting. IMO Phoenix may have been a but too perfect, a perfectly devoted son of accepting, supportive parents, always seeing the best in people and accepting Xavier's regular criticism of his gridiron performance without qualm. But he's a good counterfoil for Xavier. And the ending is happy, uplifting.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
4.25🌟 stars
Enjoyable MM sports romance with suspense, with frequent (but not too lengthy) steamy scenes and a good, emotional background story for Xavier, the podcaster who gives fans the opportunity to air their opinions about their sports teams and individual players. Somehow he ends up falling for Phoenix, the newly traded local star quarterback who's been thrown off his game by a mystery poison pen hater. Phoenix is the only openly gay player on the Lancaster Legends and someone wants him off the team.
The poison pen notes provide some good though fairly predictable drama and I liked the southern Pennsylvania setting. IMO Phoenix may have been a but too perfect, a perfectly devoted son of accepting, supportive parents, always seeing the best in people and accepting Xavier's regular criticism of his gridiron performance without qualm. But he's a good counterfoil for Xavier. And the ending is happy, uplifting.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Winning Season by Felice Stevens was a fantastic start to the Lancaster Legends series! I absolutely loved the grumpy/sunshine dynamic between Xavier and Phoenix. Xavier is guarded, bitter, and convinced he can't trust anyone, while Phoenix is the sunshine-filled quarterback trying to hold everything together despite the pressure weighing him down. Their connection started unexpectedly, but watching these two fall for each other was such a treat. There's plenty of chemistry, emotional angst, and steamy moments, along with deeper themes of betrayal, acceptance, and learning to trust again. I especially enjoyed watching Xavier's walls slowly come down and seeing Phoenix find someone who believes in him both on and off the field. Overall, Winning Season is a wonderful blend of sports romance, hurt/comfort, and opposites attracting.
I received an ARC copy from The Author Agency. Thank you for giving me the chance to read this novel and share my honest review of the novel
I received an ARC copy from The Author Agency. Thank you for giving me the chance to read this novel and share my honest review of the novel
Review of advance copy received from Author
- MM Romance
- Sports Romance (Football)
- Rivals to Lovers
- Secret Relationship
- Anonymous Harassment
- Hurt/Comfort
I know im late to the party but this was my first MM romance ( i know i know) , and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but I’m glad I gave it a chance! I enjoyed Xavier and Phoenix’s story, especially seeing two men who were both carrying their own struggles find comfort and connection in each other. Their chemistry was good, and I liked the vulnerability, LGBTQ+ representation, and the sports romance element.
There were definitely moments I enjoyed, but a few things didn’t completely hit for me, which kept this from being a higher rating. Overall, it was a good introduction to MM romance, and I’m open to reading more!
I received this book as an eARC, although it had no effect on my ability to provide a thoughtful and honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Bravo Bravo Bravo!
This book was amazing.
I dont know who I loved most Xavier or Phoenix. Nah.. it's Xavier... who doesn't love a hurt, brooding butthole with a great redemption story.
But Phoenix is adorable. The perfect trusting, gullible sunshine to mr doesn't trust or like anyone but his best friend.
There is a lot going on other than just football though.
We have a bit of mystery of who is leaving the letters to Phoenix and how. There is family issues with Phoenix as well that arise. Plus the conundrum of what's gonna happen when Phoenix finds out who Xavier is.
Well get the book and find out!
If you like opposites attract, grumpy sunshine and sports romance with a lot of spice this is for you.
This book was amazing.
I dont know who I loved most Xavier or Phoenix. Nah.. it's Xavier... who doesn't love a hurt, brooding butthole with a great redemption story.
But Phoenix is adorable. The perfect trusting, gullible sunshine to mr doesn't trust or like anyone but his best friend.
There is a lot going on other than just football though.
We have a bit of mystery of who is leaving the letters to Phoenix and how. There is family issues with Phoenix as well that arise. Plus the conundrum of what's gonna happen when Phoenix finds out who Xavier is.
Well get the book and find out!
If you like opposites attract, grumpy sunshine and sports romance with a lot of spice this is for you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the first book in the Lancaster Legends series. Phoenix is the sweetest golden retriever who tries to see the good in everyone. Xavier has been angry and bitter since he lost his chance to play football due to homophobia (his parents, coaches, teammates). They meet through an app and have amazing chemistry. It takes a bit for Xavier to get out of his own way, but once he does he’s all in.
Throughout the story Phoenix deals with homophobic hate notes. It’s not a surprise who is leaving them, and it comes to a satisfying conclusion. I enjoyed their 2 best friends and hope to see more of them. It was also nice to see the good guys on the team. Overall this was a low angst story with plenty of steam.
Throughout the story Phoenix deals with homophobic hate notes. It’s not a surprise who is leaving them, and it comes to a satisfying conclusion. I enjoyed their 2 best friends and hope to see more of them. It was also nice to see the good guys on the team. Overall this was a low angst story with plenty of steam.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Winning Season is book one of the Lancaster Legends Series.
Xavier runs a podcast which brings to light everything a player has done wrong during the game. A chance encounter leads him to a night with Phoenix, one of the players he judges on his podcast. Both couldn't get the other out of their head and one night turned into many more. However, there is this big secret hanging over their heads. Phoenix is also getting notes and a lot of negativity thrown at him, which is causes problems for him. I loved how Xavier was willing to help him resolve what was going on with regards to this issue. Did these two have some problems they needed to work through in order to move forward? Most definitely, but once things were out in the open you saw them approach things quite maturely.
Xavier runs a podcast which brings to light everything a player has done wrong during the game. A chance encounter leads him to a night with Phoenix, one of the players he judges on his podcast. Both couldn't get the other out of their head and one night turned into many more. However, there is this big secret hanging over their heads. Phoenix is also getting notes and a lot of negativity thrown at him, which is causes problems for him. I loved how Xavier was willing to help him resolve what was going on with regards to this issue. Did these two have some problems they needed to work through in order to move forward? Most definitely, but once things were out in the open you saw them approach things quite maturely.
Review of advance copy
Xavier and Phoenix's story was really good. I liked how their relationship evolved over the course of the story. The chemistry and romance between the characters was spot on. And the plot was really good. I liked the suspense component that was added into the narrative it really moved the story along. Other than that this was a great book that I enjoyed reading. A good solid read. If you like opposites attract, grumpy x sunshine, black cat x golden retriever energy, then this is the book for you. Thank you to the author agency and the author for a copy of this. All opinions are my own and freely expressed.
Review of advance copy
***ARC ***
Xavier is a gay podcaster. He talks about all types of sports and the mistakes the players make. He is very lonely. He meets Phoenix Young though a hook-up app and his life changes.
Phoenix is a very proud gay football player that is super sweet. He just wants someone to share his life with. There are doubts when they first get together. Phoenix is having problems with someone leaving very nasty things. Xavier is not having that with his man.
Linc and Kingston? Hopefully there is a story there as well.
Xavier is a gay podcaster. He talks about all types of sports and the mistakes the players make. He is very lonely. He meets Phoenix Young though a hook-up app and his life changes.
Phoenix is a very proud gay football player that is super sweet. He just wants someone to share his life with. There are doubts when they first get together. Phoenix is having problems with someone leaving very nasty things. Xavier is not having that with his man.
Linc and Kingston? Hopefully there is a story there as well.
Review of advance copy
Review if ARC
I am conflicted about this book, I enjoyed the story about how Xavier and Phoenix get together and fall in love. Xavier especially shows a lot of maturing in this book. And Phoenix learns to be open to more people. They become pretty sweet together.
What I didn't like is that the core conflict in this book is homophobia. Both mmc's dealt/deal with that and it has a big impact on their life.
I also didn't like that one of the mmc's was SA'ed in high school and this is not addressed in the book.
Both these things feel like very heavy subjects for the tone of the book
I am conflicted about this book, I enjoyed the story about how Xavier and Phoenix get together and fall in love. Xavier especially shows a lot of maturing in this book. And Phoenix learns to be open to more people. They become pretty sweet together.
What I didn't like is that the core conflict in this book is homophobia. Both mmc's dealt/deal with that and it has a big impact on their life.
I also didn't like that one of the mmc's was SA'ed in high school and this is not addressed in the book.
Both these things feel like very heavy subjects for the tone of the book
Review of advance copy
The storyline for Winning Season was entertaining, with a little bit of angst and mystery. Phoenix and Xavier meet on a dating app and the chemistry is instant but what Phoenix doesn’t realize is that Xavier is the podcaster who has been tearing his games apart all season.
I didn’t feel the pull between these characters, and that’s just a me thing. The storyline with the messages kept me reading, as I wanted to see who was leaving them.
I didn’t feel the pull between these characters, and that’s just a me thing. The storyline with the messages kept me reading, as I wanted to see who was leaving them.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoy books by this author. This one was no different. Xavier and Phoenix were easy to love. Both characters were relatable; Xavier even more. Phoenix was so steadfast and patient; allowing Xavier to arrive at things on his own. When Xavier allowed himself to be loved and love in return, my heart smiled. Loved Phoenix's parents - his mom is a rockstar. Both guys have best friends anyone would want, with their fierce loyalty.
Looking forward to the book 2.
Looking forward to the book 2.
Review of advance copy
So good! This is one of those books that keeps you wanting to know more. I loved everything about this book and the characters! I have a feeling I know who the next couple will be and I am feral for that because this book was so good and I fell in love with all the characters not just the main characters. I highly recommend everyone give this book a chance!
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