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Eastshore Tigers #2
False Start
The heat between them is impossible to ignore. But can they ever be anything but rivals?
Dante Mills has one more year to prove he can hack it in the NFL. If he can't score attention from the scouts this season, he'll never be able to give his hard-working mom the life she deserves. The last thing he needs is more competition, but that's exactly what he gets when blond-haired, blue-eyed behemoth Mitchell Erickson walks into the locker room.
Mitchell Erickson has one year to prove he belongs on a football field. He's spent his whole life struggling to find acceptance in his family, and now his father's finally giving him the chance to follow his passion... for one season. If he doesn't bring the Tigers to victory, it's back to upholding the Erickson legacy in a suit and tie. But how can he possibly succeed when someone as talented as Dante stands between him and a starting position?
As if the tension between them wasn't high enough, Mitch is insanely attracted to the very straight linebacker. As the season ramps up and both men fight for their place on the team, a heated locker room encounter leaves Dante questioning everything he thought he knew about himself.
When Dante and Mitch work together, they're unstoppable. But can two men destined to be rivals ever be anything more?
False Start is a steamy, standalone gay romance novel with a HEA and no cliffhanger.
Dante Mills has one more year to prove he can hack it in the NFL. If he can't score attention from the scouts this season, he'll never be able to give his hard-working mom the life she deserves. The last thing he needs is more competition, but that's exactly what he gets when blond-haired, blue-eyed behemoth Mitchell Erickson walks into the locker room.
Mitchell Erickson has one year to prove he belongs on a football field. He's spent his whole life struggling to find acceptance in his family, and now his father's finally giving him the chance to follow his passion... for one season. If he doesn't bring the Tigers to victory, it's back to upholding the Erickson legacy in a suit and tie. But how can he possibly succeed when someone as talented as Dante stands between him and a starting position?
As if the tension between them wasn't high enough, Mitch is insanely attracted to the very straight linebacker. As the season ramps up and both men fight for their place on the team, a heated locker room encounter leaves Dante questioning everything he thought he knew about himself.
When Dante and Mitch work together, they're unstoppable. But can two men destined to be rivals ever be anything more?
False Start is a steamy, standalone gay romance novel with a HEA and no cliffhanger.
199 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2016
133 people are currently reading
673 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
May 30, 2016
*** 3,5 stars ***
Ok, so this is a book about guys playing football. And there was a lot of it, football I mean. I'm from Europe so not surprising that I understand shit when it comes to it cause our football is called soccer.
Yeah... le sigh... this is what I get to see when I watch football.
But as I said, I didn't understand much from what was going on on that field but it didn't stop me from imagining.
Oh yeah, I don't mind either.
But I digress.
So back to the subject then.
It was quick reading, sport themed MM romance, a bit hot but I wouldn't mind more action though. I dig the locker room bromance and friendship between all the players, I just wished there was more romance between Mitch and Dante. I mean there was some but kind of not enough for me. I missed the butterflies. Still, low on the drama and angst, light and fast reading. I enjoyed.
Ok, so this is a book about guys playing football. And there was a lot of it, football I mean. I'm from Europe so not surprising that I understand shit when it comes to it cause our football is called soccer.
Yeah... le sigh... this is what I get to see when I watch football.
But as I said, I didn't understand much from what was going on on that field but it didn't stop me from imagining.
Oh yeah, I don't mind either.
But I digress.
So back to the subject then.
It was quick reading, sport themed MM romance, a bit hot but I wouldn't mind more action though. I dig the locker room bromance and friendship between all the players, I just wished there was more romance between Mitch and Dante. I mean there was some but kind of not enough for me. I missed the butterflies. Still, low on the drama and angst, light and fast reading. I enjoyed.
May 26, 2016
I have been waiting for this book, since I finished the first one. I loved the first book and I was hoping the second book would be about Mills....I got my wish !!
Dante Mills is an LB on the East Shore football team, he's in his senior year and he has high hopes for being drafted by NFL at the end of the year. He is willing to give it his all, because faillure is not an option. Not when your mom is working two jobs to make ends meet and pay the rent. Dante's dad past away a long time ago and ever since things have been very hard for him and his mom. His mom however never complains and always made sure that Dante was able to do what he did best....play football. Now Dante feels like it's his turn to take care of his mom and the way to do that, is to be drafted by the NFL.
Mitch Erickson is a new LB on the team. He's a freshman and football is his way of escape....from his asshole family. Mitch comes from a very rich family and his father wants him to follow in his footsteps. His mother wants him to also marry a nice girl and have a family...eventhough they all know he's gay. His father agreed for Mitch to join Eastshore, but he will have to play and win a national title game. If not, his father won't support him anymore and he will have to go to Yale. He only has this year to prove himself and he's willing to work his balls off.
When Mitch and Dante first meet, things go pretty well, eventhough Mitch feels an instant attraction for Dante. Once on the field, things change however. New year and new rules, which means that the seniors don't automatically get to start a game anymore. All players will have to prove themselves during training, it doesn't matter if you're a senior or a freshmen....the best player get's a start position during the games.
Ofcourse this ruffles some feathers, especially Dante's. He's been working his ass off for years and now he will have to prove himself stronger and faster, just to get a starting position. He needs to be drafted and eventhough he's a naturally kind person, he can't let anyone take his spot, especially not the new freshman LB. This is the start of some animosity towards Mitch, who doesn't seem to know what he's done wrong. Dante is not really an asshole though and he tries to make things right, which is the start of a new friendship. Instead of working against each other. They try to work together.
As the two of them get closer, Dante's feelings towards Mitch also start to change. He's very confused about this and a phonecall to Jason (book 1) clears some of his confusion. It was short, but I loved that Jason got this little part. Mitch just decides to go for it and so it begins....
I loved these two guys together and just like Jason in book 1, Mitch was all in, once he figured things out for himself. Maybe it was a bit unbelievable, how fast he went from being straight to being all in with Mitch, but I didn't mind one bit. I really liked Dante.
There relationship however is not angstfree. Most of it is however caused by the fact that they are from two very different worlds. Mitch makes some mistakes, and eventhough he means well....this really pisses Dante off.
When the time comes for them to meet the folks, the shit really hits the fan....
I hated Mitch's family. What a bunch of assholes (except his sister).
The question is....will they be able to overcome their differences, will Dante be drafted and what happens if he does....
My advice...read the book !!!
Like I said, I really enjoyed this one, though I liked the first book better. Probably because I liked Jason so much, but also because there was a bit more push and pull in this one. I couls understand were Mitch and Dante were coming from, but I just wanted Dante to put his differences asside and Mitch to be a bit more understanding. I also has the feeling there was a bit more steam in book 1, but I can't be sure. What was there was very nice, but I'm a perv, so I can also do with a bit more ;)
3,5 stars from me and I really hope there will be a next book. Maybe Trent ??
I received an ARC from the author for an honest review, for which I want to say "thanks", because I really enjoyed reading this one :)
April 29, 2019
3.5 Stars
Consistent with the low angst despite the weighty issues, this sequel went down pretty nice and easy.
Dante is a senior linebacker, and he’s desperate to rise above his humble beginnings and finally provide for his mom who has done so much. He simply only has to make the NFL. Obviously, that’s no small feat, but Dante has grit and determination and his hard work will surely pay off, right? However, new linebacker Mitch, also has something to prove to his unsupportive family, and he’ll push himself to the edge to get some much longed for attention.
These two rivals clash as you can already probably guess. On the other hand, anger and frustration must also be some potent fuel to attraction and lust, because despite Dante and Mitch being complete opposites in all things, they can only resist their urges for so long.
This was pretty easy going where seemingly straight Dante really has no trouble exploring his sexuality, and though these two both put their foot in it multiple times, they’re pretty good at communicating as well... eventually. Not as smexy as the first, this was still an enjoyable sports romance that thankfully, didn’t give me the usual ulcer.
Consistent with the low angst despite the weighty issues, this sequel went down pretty nice and easy.
Dante is a senior linebacker, and he’s desperate to rise above his humble beginnings and finally provide for his mom who has done so much. He simply only has to make the NFL. Obviously, that’s no small feat, but Dante has grit and determination and his hard work will surely pay off, right? However, new linebacker Mitch, also has something to prove to his unsupportive family, and he’ll push himself to the edge to get some much longed for attention.
These two rivals clash as you can already probably guess. On the other hand, anger and frustration must also be some potent fuel to attraction and lust, because despite Dante and Mitch being complete opposites in all things, they can only resist their urges for so long.
This was pretty easy going where seemingly straight Dante really has no trouble exploring his sexuality, and though these two both put their foot in it multiple times, they’re pretty good at communicating as well... eventually. Not as smexy as the first, this was still an enjoyable sports romance that thankfully, didn’t give me the usual ulcer.
May 28, 2016
***3 Stars***
Mitch and Dante are two guys who come from two vastly different worlds. Mitch comes from a rich and prestigious New England family. He's the odd duck out with his love for football and disdain for false smiles while rubbing elbows with snooty rich folk. Dante comes from a blue collar, paycheck to paycheck family. Since his father's death, Dante's mom works two jobs to make ends meet. All he's wanted was to finally make it to the NFL so he could take care of his mother and give her a well deserved break in life.
The two men are competing for a starting spot. Dante needs it so the scouts can see him and Mitch needs it because his father has given him one year to prove himself and get this football nonsense out of his system. However, what neither man expected was the chemistry they share on the field. Animosity slowly turns to friendship...which eventually turns to more. But regardless of their feelings, they both can't help but wonder if two guys from different worlds can find common ground to stand on.
This ended up being a quick and enjoyable read. The angst was surprisingly low for the set up of the story. I think a lot of that has to do with the sports to romance balance.
Unfortunately, I feel like the book focused more on football and less on developing the romance between Mitch and Dante. I just didn't buy into the depth of connection or chemistry between the two guys off the field. And A LOT of that has to do with the low steam level. Mitch is the first guy that Dante has been attracted to, and all of that experimentation and exploration happens off page. Even by the end, my overall feeling was that there wasn't much time devoted to showing their dynamic as a couple.
However, one of the speed bumps that I found in the first book (the editing) has improved dramatically in this book. And that makes the grammar nerd in me very happy.
Alison Hendrick's sophomore book may not have wowed me, but it showed her growth as an author and further proved that she's got some serious potential in the MM world. I'm looking forward to continuing this series and seeing who might be up next....I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Trent.
***ARC, courtesy of author, in exchange for an honest review***
June 30, 2016
I really enjoyed the first book, unfortunately I didn't enjoy this one as much.
I liked both characters. I just didn't like them together. I didn't feel any chemistry or any passion between them so the relationship fell flat and seemed more like a friends with benefits kind of relationship.
Then there was the whole one is rich and the other is poor background story that has just been done a lot. I wouldn't have minded it so much if there was a different kind of twist to it.
I enjoyed the relationship between Dante and his mom. It was sweet how protective he was with her and how he wanted to take care of her even if in the end it was a career he wasn't so sure he actually wanted. Family means a lot to him and since family means a lot to me I connected with him on that.
Mitch and his family were hard to get a read on besides them (excluding his sister) having issues with him being gay and wanting to play ball. You never got a really good impression on all of them since there wasn't a lot of background information on them besides the father being complete asshole and the mom being a, 'yes, dear' kind of wife.
I enjoyed the football aspect in this. I like the game so it was easy for me to enjoy. I love the team camaraderie in this series. The way they stick together and show support for their gay team members. It's something the NFL should take point in doing.
There were some editing issues but they have immensely improved from the first book.
All in all I didn't love it or enjoy it as much as I did the first book, but I still liked it. I look forward to the next one in this series!
~An ARC that was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review~
I liked both characters. I just didn't like them together. I didn't feel any chemistry or any passion between them so the relationship fell flat and seemed more like a friends with benefits kind of relationship.
Then there was the whole one is rich and the other is poor background story that has just been done a lot. I wouldn't have minded it so much if there was a different kind of twist to it.
I enjoyed the relationship between Dante and his mom. It was sweet how protective he was with her and how he wanted to take care of her even if in the end it was a career he wasn't so sure he actually wanted. Family means a lot to him and since family means a lot to me I connected with him on that.
Mitch and his family were hard to get a read on besides them (excluding his sister) having issues with him being gay and wanting to play ball. You never got a really good impression on all of them since there wasn't a lot of background information on them besides the father being complete asshole and the mom being a, 'yes, dear' kind of wife.
I enjoyed the football aspect in this. I like the game so it was easy for me to enjoy. I love the team camaraderie in this series. The way they stick together and show support for their gay team members. It's something the NFL should take point in doing.
There were some editing issues but they have immensely improved from the first book.
All in all I didn't love it or enjoy it as much as I did the first book, but I still liked it. I look forward to the next one in this series!
~An ARC that was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review~
March 24, 2019
3.5 Stars
This was easy, breezy M/M reading, with a dash of drama, a dollop of heat, and plenty of football action for those who love sports in their romance stories.
Dante Mills is a linebacker for the Eastshore Tigers college team. He’s a senior and looking for his big break into the NFL when freshman Mitchell Erickson shows up and proves to be hefty competition to Mills’ LB starting position.
There’s potential for some serious conflict here, especially considering how hard Mitch is also trying to prove himself on the field to his snobby family who hate his choices. But instead of becoming rivals, Dante and Mitch find themselves becoming friends, forming a comradery on and off the field that leaves Dante questioning his sexuality when he realises he’s feeling more than friendship towards his younger teammate.
Most of the drama in this story revolves around class divides, with Dante coming from a lower socioeconomic background and Mitch coming from an uppity, wealthy family from Connecticut. It’s mostly Dante with the issues here, but in their time together they both learn how to truly value themselves and one another, regardless of their vastly different upbringings and the perceived roadblocks this divide inherently places on their relationship.
In general, I liked the progression of Dante and Mitch’s relationship, particularly in terms of how naturally Dante explored his changing sexual identity. I would have liked to witness more of their first time moments, with a lot of them being brushed over due to small time jumps, but we witnessed enough of the important stuff for it not to have bothered me too greatly. I just liked these guys, and I definitely appreciated that they were an interracial couple, which isn’t a pairing I’ve found to be represented all that much in my past new adult reads, so points for diversity!
So far, I’ve quite enjoyed this series and its characters, and I look forward to seeing what comes next for the Eastshore Tigers.
This was easy, breezy M/M reading, with a dash of drama, a dollop of heat, and plenty of football action for those who love sports in their romance stories.
Dante Mills is a linebacker for the Eastshore Tigers college team. He’s a senior and looking for his big break into the NFL when freshman Mitchell Erickson shows up and proves to be hefty competition to Mills’ LB starting position.
There’s potential for some serious conflict here, especially considering how hard Mitch is also trying to prove himself on the field to his snobby family who hate his choices. But instead of becoming rivals, Dante and Mitch find themselves becoming friends, forming a comradery on and off the field that leaves Dante questioning his sexuality when he realises he’s feeling more than friendship towards his younger teammate.
Most of the drama in this story revolves around class divides, with Dante coming from a lower socioeconomic background and Mitch coming from an uppity, wealthy family from Connecticut. It’s mostly Dante with the issues here, but in their time together they both learn how to truly value themselves and one another, regardless of their vastly different upbringings and the perceived roadblocks this divide inherently places on their relationship.
In general, I liked the progression of Dante and Mitch’s relationship, particularly in terms of how naturally Dante explored his changing sexual identity. I would have liked to witness more of their first time moments, with a lot of them being brushed over due to small time jumps, but we witnessed enough of the important stuff for it not to have bothered me too greatly. I just liked these guys, and I definitely appreciated that they were an interracial couple, which isn’t a pairing I’ve found to be represented all that much in my past new adult reads, so points for diversity!
So far, I’ve quite enjoyed this series and its characters, and I look forward to seeing what comes next for the Eastshore Tigers.
May 31, 2016
3.5 stars
Dante Mills is a senior who plays as a linebacker. He wants to make it into the NFL more than anything to be able to help his hard-working mother. However, because of a new competition in his team this season, getting attention of recruiters won't be all that easy.
Mitchell Erickson is a freshman as well as a new linebacker of the Tigers. He doesn't get along with his family, especially his father with whom he made a deal. If Mitchell wants to pursue his passion, he needs to win a national title game or else he's be obliged to study at Yale.
Even though Dante shows animosity towards Mitchell during their first practice, they talk things out after some time and they slowly become friends. As their attraction to each other grows, Dante becomes more and more confused about his feelings. Plus, the fact that Dante and Mitchell are from two completely different worlds doesn't help them figure out what they want to do with their relationship either.
It's a nice, really low angst story. I really enjoyed the friendship between the teammates and I didn't mind the low steam. Then again, I'd have liked there to be more in-depth information about Mitchell's family, but other than that I really enjoyed this installment. Maybe not as much as the first one, but still.
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Dante Mills is a senior who plays as a linebacker. He wants to make it into the NFL more than anything to be able to help his hard-working mother. However, because of a new competition in his team this season, getting attention of recruiters won't be all that easy.
Mitchell Erickson is a freshman as well as a new linebacker of the Tigers. He doesn't get along with his family, especially his father with whom he made a deal. If Mitchell wants to pursue his passion, he needs to win a national title game or else he's be obliged to study at Yale.
Even though Dante shows animosity towards Mitchell during their first practice, they talk things out after some time and they slowly become friends. As their attraction to each other grows, Dante becomes more and more confused about his feelings. Plus, the fact that Dante and Mitchell are from two completely different worlds doesn't help them figure out what they want to do with their relationship either.
It's a nice, really low angst story. I really enjoyed the friendship between the teammates and I didn't mind the low steam. Then again, I'd have liked there to be more in-depth information about Mitchell's family, but other than that I really enjoyed this installment. Maybe not as much as the first one, but still.
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 16, 2016
3 Stars
I really loved the first book in this series, but this one didn't work as well for me mostly because I didn't feel the connection between Dante and Mitch. This one was just ok for me.
I really loved the first book in this series, but this one didn't work as well for me mostly because I didn't feel the connection between Dante and Mitch. This one was just ok for me.
May 28, 2016
3.5 * This book continues the light, full of sugar and no angst style of book one!
The main plot here is on the very different origins and social status of the MCs. Mitch is super rich and Dante has not money at all.
Be able to find a balanced and equal relationship here? Hard :/
I love the first one more, maybe because it was more focused in the MCs, in this one the families and the game have more weight.
One of the negative detail (for me) is the long and full detailed football games. I have no idea about football, zero, nada. I'm from Spain we have soccer and soccer, and maybe some soccer too. So when I was reading the plays it was like they were written in chinese … :______
The main plot here is on the very different origins and social status of the MCs. Mitch is super rich and Dante has not money at all.
Be able to find a balanced and equal relationship here? Hard :/
I love the first one more, maybe because it was more focused in the MCs, in this one the families and the game have more weight.
One of the negative detail (for me) is the long and full detailed football games. I have no idea about football, zero, nada. I'm from Spain we have soccer and soccer, and maybe some soccer too. So when I was reading the plays it was like they were written in chinese … :______
October 22, 2021
This was enjoyable but it was also kind of stupid... It was way too rushed and short and tried to pack too much into something.
June 20, 2016
3,5 stars
I like this series. I could have done without all the push and pull. But the guys were very sweet together. The ending felt a little bit rushed though. I would've liked a few more pages.
Looking into his eyes, I feel safe, adored, and completely confident in our prospects. If this is what we can do together, then the obstacles don't matter.
May 14, 2020
I like how this book talks about social differences and about prejudice in society today, the author writes well but I have to admit, unlike the first this book was kinda boring.
I guess if you like football this book may be something you like because it has a lot about the sport but it kind of bored me. I thought all the time: I don't care about who stopped that play or how training goes, I want romance, i want people banging!
I mean, my biggest motivation for reading short stories is to have good smut and don't have to think too much about the plot.
When it finally came to the part of the romance i was here for it, that part the book stopped boring me and I was able to enjoy the book!
Rating: 3 Stars.
Steam: 5 out of 10.
Triggers:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
I guess if you like football this book may be something you like because it has a lot about the sport but it kind of bored me. I thought all the time: I don't care about who stopped that play or how training goes, I want romance, i want people banging!
I mean, my biggest motivation for reading short stories is to have good smut and don't have to think too much about the plot.
When it finally came to the part of the romance i was here for it, that part the book stopped boring me and I was able to enjoy the book!
Rating: 3 Stars.
Steam: 5 out of 10.
Triggers:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
May 26, 2016
First of all, thanks to Alison for the ARC and I'm really pleased that this story was about Dante...as I'd hoped after Strong Side, however; I can't say I was totally convinced by the pairing up of Dante and Mitch, and didn't feel the love, it felt forced. A slightly disappointed 3.5 stars rounded up.
Mitch seemed to be a helluva lot older than 18 in his outlook, attitude and sexual experience. Admittedly, his parents...and his father in particular, were a complete nightmare and their racist/homophobic comments and behaviour were disgraceful but I would've expected more background about his family in the story, and to be perfectly honest, I almost got a sense of deja vu cos Mitchell's father and Wes' father in Him could have been the exact same person...rich, arrogant, cold, heartless and homophobic.
Dante was a confused soul; he wanted to leave the Tigers on a high and join an NFL team in order to help his mum out with money but wasn't in the right frame of mind for most of the story. There was no mention of his sexuality being confused and when he rang his old bestie Jason 'Hawk' Hawkins to tell him he'd been experimenting with a guy, Hawk seemed surprised.
Oh, and unfortunately the niggles/typos that appeared in the first story, appeared again here. 'Neither' is followed by a singular verb such as 'is', not 'are' and the present tense annoyed me too. Hopefully others will love the story, and it'll be a case of everyone loves it but me. I just wasn't impressed.
March 4, 2017
Re-read 3rd-4th March 2017
Still GOOD!!
Also I think I understood Dante better on this re-read!
***********************************
Another great installment to the series!
I loved this as much as I loved the first book. Albeit for different reasons as the 2 stories differ completely from each other. There is no "formula" running through the books(at least with the two books out) like you may find with other series .
I really liked both MCs though they butted heads quite a lot throughout the story. But hey! What do you expect from two people from vastly different backgrounds? Definitely some rough moments. It can not all be smooth sailing. That'd be unrealistic.
I expected the misunderstandings, the book delivered, and I was all the more glad for them.
I loved the way the story rounded up. I believe in doing what you love, and not doing something just for the sake of money(that is, if you have the chance to do so).
Money can not and does not buy happiness. And that is the truth of Life. :)
Still GOOD!!
Also I think I understood Dante better on this re-read!
***********************************
Another great installment to the series!
I loved this as much as I loved the first book. Albeit for different reasons as the 2 stories differ completely from each other. There is no "formula" running through the books(at least with the two books out) like you may find with other series .
I really liked both MCs though they butted heads quite a lot throughout the story. But hey! What do you expect from two people from vastly different backgrounds? Definitely some rough moments. It can not all be smooth sailing. That'd be unrealistic.
I expected the misunderstandings, the book delivered, and I was all the more glad for them.
I loved the way the story rounded up. I believe in doing what you love, and not doing something just for the sake of money(that is, if you have the chance to do so).
Money can not and does not buy happiness. And that is the truth of Life. :)
September 23, 2017
Ok, you should know that I usually don’t read series in order if their books are standalone. I usually start with those that catch my attention the most. I already read book 1 and 3 and when I read book 3 I got curious with what happened with Mills so I thought I should give it a chance. Besides, I really liked Hendricks style so far so I knew I may enjoy this as well.
Was it good? *cringes*
I actually enjoy book 1 and 3 better than this one.
Mitch is the new guy on the team, he looks like Thor and he comes from a wealthy family. He has one year to prove himself to his asshole dad or else he’ll finish his studies in Yale. Dante is the opposite from Mitch, he’s black and he comes from a family that has always struggle to pay the bills and he wants to play in the NFL to help his mom but before the season begins, the Coach decides that everyone on the team has to prove themselves in practice to play in each game so Dante won’t have it so easy anymore. Mitch and Dante’s relationship complicates because both are fighting to have a place as LB.
When I read the blurb I thought it was going to be enemies to lovers story but NO, it wasn’t like that at all. Dante was very friendly to Mitch till the coach makes them compete against each other to have a place on the games. And even so, I didn’t feel like both were competing. It was just Dante, Mitch was lost in his lustful thoughts. Things were always hot and cold between these two. They were always screwing things up and apologizing after The.Whole.Freaking.Book.
It has too much sex off pages; I think it only had at least three sex scenes and they were like porn, in and out. I found myself skimming them. And their connection didn’t feel real to me. It was constantly compared to Derek and Jason’s connection from book 1.
Dante was a prejudicial motherfucker. Just because Mitch’s dad had money he thought Mitch was being some pretentious douche bag when he wasn’t! The one who was always an asshole was Dante and I hate that Mitch was kind and understandable and he never got mad. NEVER! I don’t know how he put up with Dante. Maybe because he had a serious case of insta-lust almost insta-love. And God Mitch!!! He had the habit of poking his nose in places where no one called him.
And I don’t know, I didn’t like how Mitch was always wasting *his father’s money* and when they finally ended up together I don’t like that he invites Dante to live with him when the place isn’t his, I mean, that place it's being pay with his dad's money, right? Things could have gone pretty bad (worse than they already were) if his dad had found out his awful gay son was living with his boyfriend.
Not to mention Hendricks left some loose strings. I don’t know what happened with Mitch’s dad at the end, I don’t know if he cut him loose or what. What did happen with his tuition after they broke their deal? She didn’t mention that aspect afterward and the end was a bit rush. I would have preferred to know more about what Mitch was gonna do with his life now, it was obvious what Dante was going to do though and I didn’t like that epilogue at all.
I still prefer book 1 and 3. I didn’t feel passion, chemistry, connection. NOTHING. I don’t know what they like from each other. I don’t even think Dante would have felt something for Mitch if it weren’t for the little accident they had in the locker room.
*2.5 stars*
Was it good? *cringes*
I actually enjoy book 1 and 3 better than this one.
Mitch is the new guy on the team, he looks like Thor and he comes from a wealthy family. He has one year to prove himself to his asshole dad or else he’ll finish his studies in Yale. Dante is the opposite from Mitch, he’s black and he comes from a family that has always struggle to pay the bills and he wants to play in the NFL to help his mom but before the season begins, the Coach decides that everyone on the team has to prove themselves in practice to play in each game so Dante won’t have it so easy anymore. Mitch and Dante’s relationship complicates because both are fighting to have a place as LB.
When I read the blurb I thought it was going to be enemies to lovers story but NO, it wasn’t like that at all. Dante was very friendly to Mitch till the coach makes them compete against each other to have a place on the games. And even so, I didn’t feel like both were competing. It was just Dante, Mitch was lost in his lustful thoughts. Things were always hot and cold between these two. They were always screwing things up and apologizing after The.Whole.Freaking.Book.
It has too much sex off pages; I think it only had at least three sex scenes and they were like porn, in and out. I found myself skimming them. And their connection didn’t feel real to me. It was constantly compared to Derek and Jason’s connection from book 1.
Dante was a prejudicial motherfucker. Just because Mitch’s dad had money he thought Mitch was being some pretentious douche bag when he wasn’t! The one who was always an asshole was Dante and I hate that Mitch was kind and understandable and he never got mad. NEVER! I don’t know how he put up with Dante. Maybe because he had a serious case of insta-lust almost insta-love. And God Mitch!!! He had the habit of poking his nose in places where no one called him.
And I don’t know, I didn’t like how Mitch was always wasting *his father’s money* and when they finally ended up together I don’t like that he invites Dante to live with him when the place isn’t his, I mean, that place it's being pay with his dad's money, right? Things could have gone pretty bad (worse than they already were) if his dad had found out his awful gay son was living with his boyfriend.
Not to mention Hendricks left some loose strings. I don’t know what happened with Mitch’s dad at the end, I don’t know if he cut him loose or what. What did happen with his tuition after they broke their deal? She didn’t mention that aspect afterward and the end was a bit rush. I would have preferred to know more about what Mitch was gonna do with his life now, it was obvious what Dante was going to do though and I didn’t like that epilogue at all.
I still prefer book 1 and 3. I didn’t feel passion, chemistry, connection. NOTHING. I don’t know what they like from each other. I don’t even think Dante would have felt something for Mitch if it weren’t for the little accident they had in the locker room.
*2.5 stars*
July 24, 2016
At the beginning I feel skeptical about picking this book. Because judging from book #1, this series tells a lot about football. And I'm not interested in that. So why did I pick this again? Oh yeah I remember the great chemistry between the characters from the previous book. And I really hoped it would be repeated.
I have to admit I liked this one better than the book #1. The football stuff in here are not too intense as the other one. There's still great chemistry, believable GFY, hot sex scenes (even though some of them are fade to black), likable characters.
But what I really really liked in here is there's no prolonged misunderstanding. They talked like a grownup should. So yeah, less frustrating. I appreciate it a lot. <3
*I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review*
I have to admit I liked this one better than the book #1. The football stuff in here are not too intense as the other one. There's still great chemistry, believable GFY, hot sex scenes (even though some of them are fade to black), likable characters.
But what I really really liked in here is there's no prolonged misunderstanding. They talked like a grownup should. So yeah, less frustrating. I appreciate it a lot. <3
*I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review*
May 27, 2016
This was a good 3.5 star gfy m/m story. It wasn't as good as the first in this series but I was happy to get Dante Mills story. We also get to find out wher Jason and Derek from Strong Side are and what's happening in their lives. I adored Dante's mother and despised Mitch's father. Good overall but missing that extra something special that was in the first book. I will definitely read more from this author though.
February 26, 2018
I loved this book, not quite as much as I loved book one but it's a very close second. The characters of Mitch and Dante are pretty awesome and the two together are downright amazing. The author definitely is skilled not only at creating characters but also writing a truly wonderful story to hang them on. She draws me into the lives of her characters and makes them so very real to me so yeah lots 0f tears by the end... good tears of course!
October 7, 2016
Oh Dante & Mitch. Loved these guys but it was quite a journey for the two of them. Mitch did his best to become one of the team and free himself from the bonds his parents put him in but Dante didn't make it easy with his stubborn ways. Once they were on the same page it began to flow.
August 14, 2024
It wasn’t as good as the previous one and Dante and Mitch didn’t have the same chemistry that Jason and Derek but I still enjoyed it and will continue reading about this made up team’s antics and their relationships.
August 5, 2016
I enjoyed the first book in this series, Strong Side, so I decided to read the sequel too.
Unfortunately, this wasn't as engaging as Jason and Derek's story. To be honest, I was quite surprised with Dante Mills as main character. I didn't remember him being/showing interest with guys in that book. But I guess his later-developed bisexuality didn't annoy me as much as I realized that the formula was similar to Strong Side -- up to that ending (). It just felt repetitive.
While Hendricks tried to inject a new conflict of social-gap, with Mitch being one of the rich white boy, and Dante as less fortunate black man ... the execution made me feel like the attraction between them to be rather forced. Also there was quite enough of cliché in addressing this issue, all the way to Mitch being () and Mitch's father ().
So this ended up just being on a so-so spectrum for me. I did like Dante's deep love for his Mom. I also adored Dante's mom and Mitch's smarter younger sister. I would still check out future book from this series, but I do hope Hendricks come up with different dynamic/formula for her characters.
Unfortunately, this wasn't as engaging as Jason and Derek's story. To be honest, I was quite surprised with Dante Mills as main character. I didn't remember him being/showing interest with guys in that book. But I guess his later-developed bisexuality didn't annoy me as much as I realized that the formula was similar to Strong Side -- up to that ending (). It just felt repetitive.
While Hendricks tried to inject a new conflict of social-gap, with Mitch being one of the rich white boy, and Dante as less fortunate black man ... the execution made me feel like the attraction between them to be rather forced. Also there was quite enough of cliché in addressing this issue, all the way to Mitch being () and Mitch's father ().
So this ended up just being on a so-so spectrum for me. I did like Dante's deep love for his Mom. I also adored Dante's mom and Mitch's smarter younger sister. I would still check out future book from this series, but I do hope Hendricks come up with different dynamic/formula for her characters.
June 25, 2016
I've been reading a lot of MM in the last months and it baffles me that this is the forst book I read with a Black MC! I've read it all: Russian, British, Irish, Latino, Italian. Even Croatian.
I liked that it wasn't a big deal. His skin color wasn't part of the story, I think its mentioned twice and thats it. Props to Alison for writing Dante.
I didn't love this book. it wasn't bad. not really. but the thing is, it has too many similarities with the first book. a lot of the events were very alike. I felt like the writer used the same body for the story and just changed some things.
Gay new guy. Confused "straight" guy. Friends to lovers. Big win and speech. Guy abandons dream after fighting for it for years. Hell even some of the sex scenes felt like the same.
Plus the fact that the previous book had an epilogue but this book left too many things unresolved.
I liked that it wasn't a big deal. His skin color wasn't part of the story, I think its mentioned twice and thats it. Props to Alison for writing Dante.
I didn't love this book. it wasn't bad. not really. but the thing is, it has too many similarities with the first book. a lot of the events were very alike. I felt like the writer used the same body for the story and just changed some things.
Gay new guy. Confused "straight" guy. Friends to lovers. Big win and speech. Guy abandons dream after fighting for it for years. Hell even some of the sex scenes felt like the same.
Plus the fact that the previous book had an epilogue but this book left too many things unresolved.
June 18, 2016
No sé si yo estoy teniendo una mala racha o este libro tampoco es la gran cosa. La historia no me llega a emocionar en ningún sentido, no me alegra ni me inmuta que estén juntos o separados. Recrea uno de los clichés más gastados en la historia de los clichés gastados: niño rico- niño pobre. niño-rico-que-cree-que-puede-comprarlo-todo y niño-pobre-que-se-ha-hecho-a-si-mismo-y-no-acepta-caridad.
No veo ninguna particularidad a esta historia que la haga diferente a lo que leo en cualquier harlequin de confianza, y me da pena porque el libro anterior me había gustado mucho por el enfoque. Pero acá no le agrega nada un desarrollo previsible desde el inicio.
Lo que sí ahora que "exploré" otros deportes, me deleito más por el hockey, el "fútbol americano" y yo como que no congeniamos mucho.
No veo ninguna particularidad a esta historia que la haga diferente a lo que leo en cualquier harlequin de confianza, y me da pena porque el libro anterior me había gustado mucho por el enfoque. Pero acá no le agrega nada un desarrollo previsible desde el inicio.
Lo que sí ahora que "exploré" otros deportes, me deleito más por el hockey, el "fútbol americano" y yo como que no congeniamos mucho.
February 25, 2023
Dante and Mitch have a good story. However, I feel like it was overshadowed a little by football. I also felt like there was a lot of miscommunication. They got into little spats that were really needless. I mean I get it to a point, but after the first time, I don't feel like we needed the next several times it happened again.
It also wasn't hard to see how Mitch's dad would react. It would've been a good change to see his family be supportive instead of the opposite. Not to mention, we don't really ever get any kind of closure on that.
The epilogue was nice, but I still wanted more. I still felt like we were left hanging some.
It also wasn't hard to see how Mitch's dad would react. It would've been a good change to see his family be supportive instead of the opposite. Not to mention, we don't really ever get any kind of closure on that.
The epilogue was nice, but I still wanted more. I still felt like we were left hanging some.
March 6, 2017
One more year of this. Just one more year, and I’ll be able to give her the kind of life she gave me.
That was a gut punch of a first chapter. Dante's desire to financially take care of his widowed mother was as beautiful as it was heartbreaking.
Then we meet Mitch who comes from an extremely wealthy family. But my heart also went out to him because he didn't meet his family's expectations. He is gay and more interested in playing football than attending Yale and settling down with a "nice girl".
I loved the sports theme. I'm a big fan of American football. I'm also a big fan of romance novels. ;-) So put the two together and I'm a happy person.
I did enjoy the story, although I had a few issues with the characters and their development.
Mitch is 18 years old. Dante is a senior in college so we can assume him to be 21 or 22 years old. Both characters acted and spoke like men twice their age. My Kindle book is full of my side notes of instances where what they are saying, thinking or doing it is unbelievable given their ages. The two MCs were portrayed as much more mature than I can force myself to imagine college boys to be.
At the end, there were a couple of things that I felt were either too abrupt or simply left unresolved. These are spoilers...
So, while I didn't dislike the story, I did have a few issues (aside from some typos) that kept me from completely enjoying it.
May 29, 2016
ARC received in exchange for honest review
3.5 I enjoyed Dante and Mitch's story. Dante is a senior who dreams of playing for the NFL so he can help his mom who works 2-3 jobs just to make ends meet. Mitch is a freshman whose family has more money then they know what to do with. When these two meet at football practice, Mitch knows he wants Dante right away but Dante takes a bit more convincing....
I loved Mitch. He was a good person who tried to help whenever he could, but because he grew up going to private school and didn't have many friends, he has a hard time relating to people. Because of this, he stepped on Dante's toes more than once which caused quite a few misunderstandings between the two. I love the whole enemies to lovers and slow burn that happens until these guys sort their feelings out for one another. However, while I enjoyed this book, my favorite is still book 1 in the series.
3.5 I enjoyed Dante and Mitch's story. Dante is a senior who dreams of playing for the NFL so he can help his mom who works 2-3 jobs just to make ends meet. Mitch is a freshman whose family has more money then they know what to do with. When these two meet at football practice, Mitch knows he wants Dante right away but Dante takes a bit more convincing....
I loved Mitch. He was a good person who tried to help whenever he could, but because he grew up going to private school and didn't have many friends, he has a hard time relating to people. Because of this, he stepped on Dante's toes more than once which caused quite a few misunderstandings between the two. I love the whole enemies to lovers and slow burn that happens until these guys sort their feelings out for one another. However, while I enjoyed this book, my favorite is still book 1 in the series.
June 3, 2016
This rating might not be popular but I was disappointed in this book. I really liked the first one but this book was just lacking for me. The book I feel has the potential to be good but there just wasn't any heat.
First problem is the lack of dialogue. The book is almost all inner monologue. The sex scenes also lacked any kind of connection and emotion because there was no dialogue to make us feel what they were feeling we don't even get any sounds.
I really like both Mc's and I wanted to get into this I really did, but I just didn't feel anything between them.
The book had a staccato feel to it. It just never found a rhythm for me that made it flow. I will read the next one though out of curiosity but this one didn't work for me.
First problem is the lack of dialogue. The book is almost all inner monologue. The sex scenes also lacked any kind of connection and emotion because there was no dialogue to make us feel what they were feeling we don't even get any sounds.
I really like both Mc's and I wanted to get into this I really did, but I just didn't feel anything between them.
The book had a staccato feel to it. It just never found a rhythm for me that made it flow. I will read the next one though out of curiosity but this one didn't work for me.
June 13, 2016
Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy it as much as book 1.
The confusing time line keep nagged in the back of my head.
In book 1, Jason was in senior year, Derek was freshmen. At that time Dante Mills were already friend of Jason and with that level of their friendship I assumed that Dante also senior.
Apparently in book 2, Dante is senior and Jason was already moved out with Derek.
Book 1 epilogue was 16 months later in which Jason & Derek lived in together with new career.
So where is Dante Mills' story taken place? Say, Jason was no longer back in the team but there's still Derek! He's still got 3 more years in Eastshore and Tiger! But there's no mention of Derek whatsoever and it's just confusing!
Plot wise, book 2 was just bad repetition of book 1.
I'm sad :(
The confusing time line keep nagged in the back of my head.
In book 1, Jason was in senior year, Derek was freshmen. At that time Dante Mills were already friend of Jason and with that level of their friendship I assumed that Dante also senior.
Apparently in book 2, Dante is senior and Jason was already moved out with Derek.
Book 1 epilogue was 16 months later in which Jason & Derek lived in together with new career.
So where is Dante Mills' story taken place? Say, Jason was no longer back in the team but there's still Derek! He's still got 3 more years in Eastshore and Tiger! But there's no mention of Derek whatsoever and it's just confusing!
Plot wise, book 2 was just bad repetition of book 1.
I'm sad :(
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