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Eastshore Tigers #3
Trick Play
They'll do whatever it takes to save their team. But can two best friends survive a fake relationship?
Luke Trent is desperate to bring his team back together. If the Tigers can't get over their slump, he'll never make it to the pros. With the LGBT-inclusive 'Rainbow Tigers' mania dying down, it'll take a crazy scheme to restore their former glory, and Luke has the perfect one in mind: Dating his best friend.
Brandon Tucker has secretly been in love with Luke for years. He knows he's going to get hurt if he agrees to a pretend relationship with his very straight friend, but he can't help it. This is as close as he'll ever get to the real thing.
The strength of their friendship makes their lie an easy sell, and things are looking up for the Tigers. But when Luke kisses him in front of the whole team, Brandon can't help but wonder if the only man he's ever wanted might actually want him back.
With the fire of their fake romance beginning to burn true, a teammate’s devastating betrayal forces them to make a difficult choice: Sacrifice their relationship to save their career, or give up everything else for the chance at a once-in-a-lifetime love.
Luke Trent is desperate to bring his team back together. If the Tigers can't get over their slump, he'll never make it to the pros. With the LGBT-inclusive 'Rainbow Tigers' mania dying down, it'll take a crazy scheme to restore their former glory, and Luke has the perfect one in mind: Dating his best friend.
Brandon Tucker has secretly been in love with Luke for years. He knows he's going to get hurt if he agrees to a pretend relationship with his very straight friend, but he can't help it. This is as close as he'll ever get to the real thing.
The strength of their friendship makes their lie an easy sell, and things are looking up for the Tigers. But when Luke kisses him in front of the whole team, Brandon can't help but wonder if the only man he's ever wanted might actually want him back.
With the fire of their fake romance beginning to burn true, a teammate’s devastating betrayal forces them to make a difficult choice: Sacrifice their relationship to save their career, or give up everything else for the chance at a once-in-a-lifetime love.
148 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2016
88 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
September 16, 2016
Is there anything sexier than boys and their balls?
American football is uber masculine, and all that aggression has to go somewhere. Best way to diffuse it? Fuck your teammate, who also happens to be your best friend.
Obviously.
This story had me at best-friends-to-lovers. Even better: BFFs-to-lovers who also happen to be athletes, and a believable WHOA-NEVER-KNEW-I-WAS-BI-UNTIL-I-KISSED-YOU-AND-MY-DICK-GOT-HARD.
I couldn't put this book down. It was insanely readable and unlike with the first book in the series, I noticed only a few minor typos.
It's easy to fall in love with Luke and Brandon, especially since they are already so in love with each other.
Brandon has crushed on Luke since seventh grade, but Luke is straight(ish). He sets up the whole "fake boyfriend" thing to get the team "rainbow" spirit back. It has naught to do with Luke wanting to pin Brandon against the wall and have his wicked way with him.
Of course not.
The story exploded with smexy deliciousness at the halfway mark. I was yelling, "Touchdown!" because HOLY FUCKING HOTNESS, BATMAN. But then the steam fizzled, not between the guys mind you; they were going at it hot and heavy. Or so we were told. Too bad we didn't see any of it.
Strike one.
Fuck, now I'm mixing up my sports metaphors.
Wait, I got it: PENALTY!
The story could have used a hell of a lot more steam, especially after the heartfelt scene at the end.
Luke's dad definitely came around too easily (I had the same complaint about the first book). I also wanted to know more about Luke and Erica's relationship; she seemed genuinely onboard with the idea of Luke being bi, and I kept wondering what happened between them.
The way the guys were treated by the NCAA was bullshit, especially because their relationship WAS real. But Luke stood up for his man, and that means everything. The epilogue was pretty fucking awesome too.
Fishing. WHO KNEW?
Sometimes rednecks get things exactly right.
American football is uber masculine, and all that aggression has to go somewhere. Best way to diffuse it? Fuck your teammate, who also happens to be your best friend.
Obviously.
This story had me at best-friends-to-lovers. Even better: BFFs-to-lovers who also happen to be athletes, and a believable WHOA-NEVER-KNEW-I-WAS-BI-UNTIL-I-KISSED-YOU-AND-MY-DICK-GOT-HARD.
I couldn't put this book down. It was insanely readable and unlike with the first book in the series, I noticed only a few minor typos.
It's easy to fall in love with Luke and Brandon, especially since they are already so in love with each other.
Brandon has crushed on Luke since seventh grade, but Luke is straight(ish). He sets up the whole "fake boyfriend" thing to get the team "rainbow" spirit back. It has naught to do with Luke wanting to pin Brandon against the wall and have his wicked way with him.
Of course not.
The story exploded with smexy deliciousness at the halfway mark. I was yelling, "Touchdown!" because HOLY FUCKING HOTNESS, BATMAN. But then the steam fizzled, not between the guys mind you; they were going at it hot and heavy. Or so we were told. Too bad we didn't see any of it.
Strike one.
Fuck, now I'm mixing up my sports metaphors.
Wait, I got it: PENALTY!
The story could have used a hell of a lot more steam, especially after the heartfelt scene at the end.
Luke's dad definitely came around too easily (I had the same complaint about the first book). I also wanted to know more about Luke and Erica's relationship; she seemed genuinely onboard with the idea of Luke being bi, and I kept wondering what happened between them.
The way the guys were treated by the NCAA was bullshit, especially because their relationship WAS real. But Luke stood up for his man, and that means everything. The epilogue was pretty fucking awesome too.
Fishing. WHO KNEW?
Sometimes rednecks get things exactly right.
September 14, 2016
I really liked this one. I actually think it's my favorite in this series so far.
Brandon and Luke have been the best of friends for a very long time. They went to the same high school and they are now together at Eastshore, playing for the same football team.
The team however is struggeling....the mediahype around them has died down, the spirits are down and a lot of good players are gone. They have been on a losing streak and something needs to change.
This is were Luke and his fantastic idea comes in...ehem...
He thinks that of they get the mediahype around them to flare again, spirits will be up again and the team will flourish. He thinks they need to be the "Rainbow" team again. There is only one problem.....there isn't a gay couple on their team anymore.
He suggests that he and Brandon should pretend to be a couple. They have been close friends for so long, it shouldn't be too hard for people to believe they are in fact lovers.
There is only one little problem. Brandon is actually gay and has been in love with his best friend forever.....shouldn't be a problem though, after all, this is what he has been dreaming of since he was young, so what if it's fake.
Ofcourse when things get out of hand, he has to confess his secret to Luke, who's response is a bit different then he expected.
I really liked these characters, they were very sweet and also very hot. I mean who doesn't like hot football players
If you like football players, friends to lovers and GFY, you should give this one a try.
4 stars from me and I hope there will be more books in this series !
An ARC was kindly provided to me by the author ;)
September 2, 2019
3.5 Stars
Ok, I have to admit that the premise of this story is pretty darn implausible. In an effort to “save” a college football team from fading into oblivion, offense player Luke, concocts a hairbrained scheme to rev up his teammates and to get the public interest back on the Tigers. Hence, Luke will pretend to be in a fantabulous loving relationship with his fellow straight bestie Brandon, and everyone wins and the team is back on track.
Easy peasy right?
Ha! If only Brandon wasn’t actually gay, in love with Luke, and hiding in the closet.
There’s nothing like a fake relationship to put things into perspective, nor does the need to practice said relationship over and over in order to sell it convincingly. Oh boy.
Overall, this is one of the easier breezier sports series around. Though it’s not without some tough topics or some personal and family issues to contend with, half these guys hardly bat an eyelash or have any internal struggle when their sexuality turns on itself which is pretty darn refreshing when most sports romances center around staying in the closet.
Despite some incongruous conclusions to this latest entry, Luke and Brandon's love story was ultimately really sweet and sexy!
Ok, I have to admit that the premise of this story is pretty darn implausible. In an effort to “save” a college football team from fading into oblivion, offense player Luke, concocts a hairbrained scheme to rev up his teammates and to get the public interest back on the Tigers. Hence, Luke will pretend to be in a fantabulous loving relationship with his fellow straight bestie Brandon, and everyone wins and the team is back on track.
Easy peasy right?
Ha! If only Brandon wasn’t actually gay, in love with Luke, and hiding in the closet.
There’s nothing like a fake relationship to put things into perspective, nor does the need to practice said relationship over and over in order to sell it convincingly. Oh boy.
Overall, this is one of the easier breezier sports series around. Though it’s not without some tough topics or some personal and family issues to contend with, half these guys hardly bat an eyelash or have any internal struggle when their sexuality turns on itself which is pretty darn refreshing when most sports romances center around staying in the closet.
Despite some incongruous conclusions to this latest entry, Luke and Brandon's love story was ultimately really sweet and sexy!
September 7, 2017
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Best friends becoming more*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
It was a nice read. Straight forward, easy to read with a little drama. What bothered me though was how quick Luke Trent (20? 21?) got interested in Brandon Tucker (20? 21?) for something other than friendship. I had expected more of a build up. Hoped for it, actually. But oh well. Overall, it was a little predictable but it was, I think, a little better than the first book in the series. This one will, though, be the last in the series I will read. At least for the four books in the series so far, since I don't know if Alison Hendricks will be writing more books for this series.
“I know what you think of me, man. You think I had all that 'traditional values' shit beat into my head. But you know what my first thought was when I figured out I was into you?”
“What?” I manage to choke out.
“That life's too fucking short not to do what makes you feel good. And I’m really glad it’s you who makes me feel good.”
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (New Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/M)
Series: - Series (Standalone?), Book Three.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Brandon Tucker.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Unsure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Unsure.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2.5 stars.
September 18, 2016
***3.75 Stars***
"...life's too fucking short not to do what makes you feel good. And I'm really glad it's you who makes me feel good."
This was quite the addicting friends to lovers read. One friend has been hiding in the closet from almost everyone, including his best friend....while the other is coming to terms with his newfound bisexuality.
Luke is an easygoing guy. He loves his friends and football. And best of all, he gets to play college ball with his best friend Brandon. Life couldn't be any better. But, after a couple of successful seasons, the Tigers are in a slump. They followed up their most successful season with one of their worst...and Luke is sick and tired of low morale and tallies adding up in the loss column.
Brandon has been in love with his best friend Luke for years. He's a kicker on the football team, and although he doesn't see as much action on the field as Luke....he loves that they share something so important to both of them.
When Luke comes up with the wacky idea for them to pretend to be a couple to boost team morale, Brandon has to wonder....could this be a dream come true, or something that may end their friendship?
I'm a sucker for the fake relationship trope and this book fit the bill nicely. Was the reasoning behind the need for the fake relationship hokey? Yep. I find it hard to believe that team morale was almost non existent because they lost their identity as the "Rainbow Tigers" and that the stands were now packed with rainbow flag carrying fans just because the team once again had a couple of gay guys. But even with the unrealistic and cheesy excuse....I gobbled it up because....fake relationship...duh!
Luke's easygoing nature continued on in his self discovery. He easily transitioned into simply going with the flow with his newfound attraction to his best friend. And once he was in....he was all in. Brandon's trepidation and emotion tugged at my heartstrings. He's wanted Luke for so long that he was willing to take what he could get for however long he could.
I will say, I'm a bit disappointed in the lower steam level here. This was such a missed opportunity to show all the fun of experimenting, discovering new things and the guys forging an even deeper connection. There's sex for the sake of gratification and then there's the sex that deepens a bond, carries emotion and really solidifies the chemistry between characters....and I feel like I missed that here. Did I believe these two belonged together? Absolutely. Do I think the author sold the depth of the passion and love they felt? Nope. I needed that extra layer of intimacy and passion.
Unfortunately the bubble bursts when Luke and Brandon's fake relationship becomes public knowledge, and the two must make important decisions and face reality. I don't follow college sports, so I'm not sure what the NCAA really does or how they handle situations, but what was depicted here seems really harsh. But while that was a little overboard in my opinion, other things came a little too easy so I guess it all balanced out.
What started out fake turned into something very real. Something so real that the epilogue will leave you with the biggest smile on your face.
If you're a fan of this series, this one is not to be missed and if you haven't read anything by Alison Hendricks I recommend this one for a quick and addicting read.
***ARC, courtesy of author, in exchange for an honest review***
April 12, 2019
3.5 Stars
Trick Play is a sweet and easy friends-to-lovers read, with very little angst and plenty of steamy sexual exploration between two lifelong friends, Luke and Brandon.
Much like in the first two stories of this college football themed series, the couple dynamic is made up of a gay, but mostly closeted, player and his supposedly straight friend/teammate.
Here, Luke and Brandon begin to explore a relationship beyond the borders of their long-time friendship, after Trent, the “straight” one, concocts a plan in which the pair pretend to be a couple in order to boost team morale, hopefully getting the 'Rainbow Tigers' buzz back in the aftermath of losing players like Jason and Derek and Dante and Mitch (who were the previous book couples).
It’s a bit of a silly set-up, but the consequences were real enough that I overlooked the initially unbelievable premise. Honestly, my only true complaint is the unrealistic way Luke’s father’s attitude flipped 180 very quickly at the end of the story. I always prefer a happy ending, and I’m glad we got that, but I just didn’t buy that Luke’s dad went from being such a bigoted, domineering asshole earlier in the story, to this wonderfully supportive parent in practically no time at all. It didn’t feel like a natural character turn-around for me and it left me feeling like the ending was slightly off-kilter because of it.
Generally speaking, I liked Luke and Brandon a lot and I appreciated the ease with which their relationship transitioned from friendship to everything. The fake relationship trope and the friends-to-lovers trope are always ones I seek out in my M/M reading and the combination of the two themes here – paired with the fun and light college sports theme – really made for fun, quick, and easy reading.
This was a solid addition to the series and I look forward to reading more.
Trick Play is a sweet and easy friends-to-lovers read, with very little angst and plenty of steamy sexual exploration between two lifelong friends, Luke and Brandon.
Much like in the first two stories of this college football themed series, the couple dynamic is made up of a gay, but mostly closeted, player and his supposedly straight friend/teammate.
Here, Luke and Brandon begin to explore a relationship beyond the borders of their long-time friendship, after Trent, the “straight” one, concocts a plan in which the pair pretend to be a couple in order to boost team morale, hopefully getting the 'Rainbow Tigers' buzz back in the aftermath of losing players like Jason and Derek and Dante and Mitch (who were the previous book couples).
It’s a bit of a silly set-up, but the consequences were real enough that I overlooked the initially unbelievable premise. Honestly, my only true complaint is the unrealistic way Luke’s father’s attitude flipped 180 very quickly at the end of the story. I always prefer a happy ending, and I’m glad we got that, but I just didn’t buy that Luke’s dad went from being such a bigoted, domineering asshole earlier in the story, to this wonderfully supportive parent in practically no time at all. It didn’t feel like a natural character turn-around for me and it left me feeling like the ending was slightly off-kilter because of it.
Generally speaking, I liked Luke and Brandon a lot and I appreciated the ease with which their relationship transitioned from friendship to everything. The fake relationship trope and the friends-to-lovers trope are always ones I seek out in my M/M reading and the combination of the two themes here – paired with the fun and light college sports theme – really made for fun, quick, and easy reading.
This was a solid addition to the series and I look forward to reading more.
February 21, 2017
This was a short and sweet friends to lovers tale.
Considering they've been BFFs since they were very young, Brandon and Luke are very close. Only Brandon wishes they could get a lot closer because unbeknownst to Luke, Brandon is actually gay and has been pining for Luke since Jr. High. So when Luke comes up with the fake relationship to bring back some school spirit and publicity for their team (which hasn't been doing well for a while) that he hopes will therefore bring some morale to the team, Brandon is all for it even knowing it probably won't end well. But he can't help think this might be his only chance he has to have any kind of intimate relationship with the guy he's been in love with for such a long time. As always things don't work out all that well when you start things on a lie.
But in between that we get to see these guys really fall for each other. I liked them together. Both guys were really sweet. Brandon was serious and a bit insecure where Luke was the outgoing loud one. They were opposites and as we all know, opposites attract.
There were some really hot sexy time with these boys as well. I just wish there was more story. That the book was a little bit longer.
This one, like the first book, was un-put-downable for me. I enjoyed this one more than the last book, but not as much as the first book. I think it all happened a little too quick for me. But nonetheless I still found this engaging.
Definitely recommend this to all my MM lovers who enjoy short, sweet and sexy reads. Happy reading dolls!
~Arc provided by Author for an honest review~
Considering they've been BFFs since they were very young, Brandon and Luke are very close. Only Brandon wishes they could get a lot closer because unbeknownst to Luke, Brandon is actually gay and has been pining for Luke since Jr. High. So when Luke comes up with the fake relationship to bring back some school spirit and publicity for their team (which hasn't been doing well for a while) that he hopes will therefore bring some morale to the team, Brandon is all for it even knowing it probably won't end well. But he can't help think this might be his only chance he has to have any kind of intimate relationship with the guy he's been in love with for such a long time. As always things don't work out all that well when you start things on a lie.
But in between that we get to see these guys really fall for each other. I liked them together. Both guys were really sweet. Brandon was serious and a bit insecure where Luke was the outgoing loud one. They were opposites and as we all know, opposites attract.
There were some really hot sexy time with these boys as well. I just wish there was more story. That the book was a little bit longer.
This one, like the first book, was un-put-downable for me. I enjoyed this one more than the last book, but not as much as the first book. I think it all happened a little too quick for me. But nonetheless I still found this engaging.
Definitely recommend this to all my MM lovers who enjoy short, sweet and sexy reads. Happy reading dolls!
~Arc provided by Author for an honest review~
May 16, 2017
Ahhh, hot, athletic, best friends to much, much more.
How can you not like the sound of that?
This one was particularly good, but " The Big Drama " toward the end seriously made me want to scream. And throw something. And punch someone.
But then I remembered that these were early-20's MC's, so I reconsidered my initial reaction. (And screamed, threw some shit, stopped just shy of punching someone, and calmed down. Slightly.)
The rest of the book, including the epilogue, was ultra-sweet and relatively low on the dramatics, with lots of feels to be found in their evolving fake-turned-real relationship.
And the sexy bits were H-A-W-T. Just sayin'...
I'd rate this one at a solid 4.25 stars and recommend it.
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September 16, 2016
This can be read as a stand-alone. No one from the previous books makes an appearance in this.
And another winner. I’ve been on a roll with the sports books lately. I loved this one.
Luke and Brandon have been best friends for years and they are both playing football in the same college team. Luke is bummed that their team seems to be getting no attention from the press. Especially after their gay teammates have graduated. So he comes up with a plan.
Luke wants him and Brandon to pretend they’re a couple to get the ‘Rainbow Tigers’ back. Of course things don’t quite go the way he planned when after the first kiss things don’t feel so fake anymore…
I do have to say that this was a 5 star read before the angst hit. I’m not a big fan of relationship angst and this didn’t quite go the way I wanted it to. It was all just so dramatic. Even though it all ended well, I still had trouble with that part of the book.
Still, I really liked the rest, so 4 stars it is.
And another winner. I’ve been on a roll with the sports books lately. I loved this one.
Luke and Brandon have been best friends for years and they are both playing football in the same college team. Luke is bummed that their team seems to be getting no attention from the press. Especially after their gay teammates have graduated. So he comes up with a plan.
Luke wants him and Brandon to pretend they’re a couple to get the ‘Rainbow Tigers’ back. Of course things don’t quite go the way he planned when after the first kiss things don’t feel so fake anymore…
I do have to say that this was a 5 star read before the angst hit. I’m not a big fan of relationship angst and this didn’t quite go the way I wanted it to. It was all just so dramatic. Even though it all ended well, I still had trouble with that part of the book.
Still, I really liked the rest, so 4 stars it is.
September 23, 2016
Going into Trick Play by Alison Hendricks I was all kinds of excited.
I love sports romance and add best friends to lovers- this should've been a slam-dunk. Unfortunately, this book suffered from "Too Short Syndrome." Because the book wasn't that long, it didn't allow for the plot to seem plausible. I didn't buy into:
1. The story. Straight best friend suggests a fake relationship to his (unknowingly) gay best friend- kisses his (unknowingly) gay best friend and just quickly falls into a relationship with him. He questioned his sexuality for maybe five seconds. Sorry, best friend or not I know from experience there's lots of confusion that goes on in your head in a situation like that. That bit got resolved too quickly in his mind. Plus, where was that delicious sexual tension build up you read about in fake boyfriend stories? It was non-existent here.:(
2. The conflict at the end with one of the character's dad. His father went from almost ballistic to magically ok with everything. Everything just quickly resolved- again.
3. Then there was the punishment administered by the NCAA. Sigh... it just seemed so out there.
I couldn't buy what the author was selling me. I think if the book was longer the story would be more fleshed out.
And then:
4. There was also some editing issues-wrong name used, a few typos; there was also a small inconsistency with the clothes one of them was wearing at the beginning of the sex scene compared to later on in the scene.
I don't know, this author has a lot of potentials, and I would give her another chance, but I need to see more next time. She's got it in her- I know it! 2.5 Stars.
October 13, 2016
Part of a series – can be read as a standalone. This series is about some players in a college football team. This one is about Luke and Brandon.
2.5 stars rounded to 3, because I can’t deny it was hot, but…
I couldn’t buy this story where 2 footballer players, best friends, one gay but in the closet even to his friends and the other one “straight”, decide to fake a relationship to boost the moral of the football team, just because, 2 years ago, the team was winning while having 2 gays couples !?!
I have enjoyed Luke & Brandon, who were quite sweet and hot, but this plot was too farfetched for me and that ruined it for me.
2.5 stars rounded to 3, because I can’t deny it was hot, but…
I couldn’t buy this story where 2 footballer players, best friends, one gay but in the closet even to his friends and the other one “straight”, decide to fake a relationship to boost the moral of the football team, just because, 2 years ago, the team was winning while having 2 gays couples !?!
I have enjoyed Luke & Brandon, who were quite sweet and hot, but this plot was too farfetched for me and that ruined it for me.
September 20, 2016
True rating: 3.5 - I would have liked to give this a solid 4, BUT, I was a bit let down by the ending ... what I didn't get at the end, I thought I'd surely get in the epilogue. Where were the 'I-Love-You-s'? I mean I know their actions spoke in surround sound volume, but I would have really liked the verbalization of their love as well ... I wanted the declarations, the metaphorical climax, the BANG! The book was wonderful and completely unputdownable, but the end? I felt like the ending could have been much stronger than it was. Don't get me wrong, the ending was great and we do get a fantastic HEA :-). Still, I felt like something was missing :-/. I guess I'm greedy when it comes to my HEAs; I want it ALL :-P.
~ Will look over the above and will revise if necessary.
*****
The whole "male MC who's secretly in love with his male best friend who happens to be 'straight' but ends up being in a 'fake' relationship with him, but said relationship turns out to be scorching and REAL", is one of my absolute favorite tropes ;-) :-P!!
THAT coupled with the fact that I've been anticipating a book that would fall in line with book #1's glory, makes this a book I HAVE to have :-)!! Me wants!!!
ALSO, look at that cover ... LOOK AT IT <333!!!
~ Will look over the above and will revise if necessary.
*****
The whole "male MC who's secretly in love with his male best friend who happens to be 'straight' but ends up being in a 'fake' relationship with him, but said relationship turns out to be scorching and REAL", is one of my absolute favorite tropes ;-) :-P!!
THAT coupled with the fact that I've been anticipating a book that would fall in line with book #1's glory, makes this a book I HAVE to have :-)!! Me wants!!!
ALSO, look at that cover ... LOOK AT IT <333!!!
October 4, 2016
Is not that I didn't enjoyed the book but now is three out of three books where in the end one of the MCs loses his dream.
I get it, life's hard, but I just didn't like reading the same in three books in a series.
I get it, life's hard, but I just didn't like reading the same in three books in a series.
March 1, 2018
I had a bit of trouble at first buying the premise that this whole book was based on; that being that the one of the MCs decides that since in the past the football team had done better when they had a gay couple as part of the team that they needed that again. So he proposes that he and his best friend (who he doesn't know is gay) should pose as a couple to motivate the team to do better. At first I was like WHAT??? However the author does an amazing job of selling this idea and writes it well enough that I was after a bit able to suspend my disbelief and buy into it whole-heartedly. Once that happened I had no objections to the story. The MC's are wonderfully written, and even though the supporting cast other than Erica have very small parts they all worked well towards filling out the setting for this Friends to Lovers story. It was not hard to believe that the 2 MCs could fall in love since they were like 60% there already since they were so very close friends, once Luke got past the whole having sex with a man thing (and that didn't take long at all) it was inevitable that he would fall for Brandon and simce Brandon had been in love with him for years that was already a given. All in all this story delivered exactly what it promised and did so in an enjoyable fun fashion. And year I cried so happy tears near the end, just cuz to men in love tends to do that to me and these to were way way way in love!
July 20, 2020
Fun and cute!
This was fun, I love sports novels, they are almost always cute and funny, this series basically has the same theme, friends who didn't know exactly how they felt about each other and started to discover.
If you like gay for you books this is your type of book !.
In this book we meet Luke and Brandon, Luke was always considered the "dumb athlete" and Brandon was always the person who never thought of him like that. They want to boost the team's morale and decide to fake a relationship, it doesn't work very well because for Brandon nothing about their relationship is pretending, will Luke realize that before it's too late?
Rating: 3 Stars.
Steam: 6 out of 10.
Triggers:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
This was fun, I love sports novels, they are almost always cute and funny, this series basically has the same theme, friends who didn't know exactly how they felt about each other and started to discover.
If you like gay for you books this is your type of book !.
In this book we meet Luke and Brandon, Luke was always considered the "dumb athlete" and Brandon was always the person who never thought of him like that. They want to boost the team's morale and decide to fake a relationship, it doesn't work very well because for Brandon nothing about their relationship is pretending, will Luke realize that before it's too late?
Rating: 3 Stars.
Steam: 6 out of 10.
Triggers:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
September 18, 2016
I liked the first book of this series.
I really liked the second book of this series.
I freaking loved the third book of this series.
These books just keep getting better! This book hit every right note for me. It's a delicious friends-to-lovers, discovering sexuality book with tons of yum. Tons of Yum.
4.5 stars.
I really liked the second book of this series.
I freaking loved the third book of this series.
These books just keep getting better! This book hit every right note for me. It's a delicious friends-to-lovers, discovering sexuality book with tons of yum. Tons of Yum.
4.5 stars.
September 17, 2016
Really enjoyed this! This would have been 5 stars if Luke's But this was hot, sweet and is the best from the series.
September 17, 2016
4-ish Stars
January 24, 2023
Frustrating again! Continuity!!!!!
Mitch from the previous book should have been starting his junior year alongside these two guys, but it's just mentioned that he's gone - no details, nothing, he's just vanished.
I get that for this story to work there needed to be no other gay/bi players on the team, but at least have the decency to explain why a really promising team mate just disappeared! It makes no sense following on from the end of the second book.
This story as a complete standalone would have made more sense, I'd probably have rated it higher too, but it's part of a continuing series where the author just changes what happens with the history to suit the new story in every book!
I'll be treating the fourth book as a standalone because I have zero expectations that there will be any continuity for the last book 😒
Mitch from the previous book should have been starting his junior year alongside these two guys, but it's just mentioned that he's gone - no details, nothing, he's just vanished.
I get that for this story to work there needed to be no other gay/bi players on the team, but at least have the decency to explain why a really promising team mate just disappeared! It makes no sense following on from the end of the second book.
This story as a complete standalone would have made more sense, I'd probably have rated it higher too, but it's part of a continuing series where the author just changes what happens with the history to suit the new story in every book!
I'll be treating the fourth book as a standalone because I have zero expectations that there will be any continuity for the last book 😒
August 15, 2024
It’s best friends to lovers What’s not to like about it?
September 22, 2016
3.5 stars. This was not as good as the first. There were just certain things that didn't add up for me in this book with timeline and NCAA rules. It didn't take too much away from my enjoyment though. The thing that I truly loved about the book though was Luke. I loved how even though he was in a situation he had never been in before, he didn't fight it. He was happy with the way things were going and didn't even question it too much. There wasn't a ton of push/pull while he decided if he could be with a man. Brandon is his best friend and always will be. Is it totally realistic, probably not. But I don't care. GFY stories just work for me.
February 25, 2018
A gorgeous friends to lovers NA sports romance.
I was glued to this short and sweet story. I loved both characters as well as the plot line. I always appreciate Ms. Hendricks adding authenticity to the sports aspect.
The only reason it's missing a star is because I would have preferred just a slightly different ending.
It was still fantastic and the best one of the series so far.
I was glued to this short and sweet story. I loved both characters as well as the plot line. I always appreciate Ms. Hendricks adding authenticity to the sports aspect.
The only reason it's missing a star is because I would have preferred just a slightly different ending.
It was still fantastic and the best one of the series so far.
September 17, 2016
AWWWWW… Just finished the book! Is really sweet and hot!! and that super HEA ending ♥
Love it!!
Luke and Brandon are Best friends since high school. Brandon is gay, but never told around not to his best friend because their hometown wasn´t the most friendly place for that. So they are now at college, are roommates and football teammates!
But the team is not playing well… they were very popular in the past , even they acquired the title of “Rainbow Tigers” because there were players who turned out to be a couple. But now no one pay them any attention.
So… Luke has this GOOD (really? Omg Luke...) idea to fake a relationship some months to to encourage a little the team , the fans, and the press.
And so begins the show ladies and gentlemen… xD
December 3, 2016
*4.5 stars*
Very nice friends-to-lovers story!! Best installment of this series so far!
The stunt to form their football team into the "Rainbow Tigers" was a bit offensive. Pretending that they were a gay couple... I didn't like people and fans being manipulated in loving something that isn't truly so.. Most of all because I could see Brandon being very hurt from this cause for him it was very real. He was in love with his BF Luke since childhood.
But I liked Luke and he sure made up to Brandon quite well.
"You're everything to me, Brandon. I'm crazy about you, man."
*bring on the next in the series*
September 18, 2016
Uno de mis clichés favoritos. Mi pequeño placer culpable.
Lo disfruté mucho, es corto, son muy dulces, es entretenido... Luke y Brandon son bastantes ingenuos y de cierta manera dulces, meten la pata grooosamente pero mientras se tengan el uno al otro yo feliz. Eso sí, si en un momento no dijeran Trent y Tucker, ni me acordaba de estos personajes (aun no lo hago) pero ya les digo, lo compro por el lado de friends-in-love que siempre me pone blandengue para estos asuntos.
Lo disfruté mucho, es corto, son muy dulces, es entretenido... Luke y Brandon son bastantes ingenuos y de cierta manera dulces, meten la pata grooosamente pero mientras se tengan el uno al otro yo feliz. Eso sí, si en un momento no dijeran Trent y Tucker, ni me acordaba de estos personajes (aun no lo hago) pero ya les digo, lo compro por el lado de friends-in-love que siempre me pone blandengue para estos asuntos.
"Sweet, sweet summer child."
October 7, 2016
A cute story from best friends to lovers. What started as a joke / plan turned into so much more. Perhaps more time with Luke & Brandon building the relationship would have spiced this up even more
September 18, 2016
I really enjoyed Trick Play. This is the third book in the Eastshore Tigers series and tells the story of Luke Trent and his long time best friend Brandon Tucker.
What happens when you try to fake a relationship between two college football players in order to revive interest in your team? When one of those best friends is secretly gay and has been in love with the other for years? When the relationship goes from being fake to real? And when faced with betrayal, what's more important, your lifelong passion and possible career or the possibility of love and a lifetime together?
Both Luke and Brandon were immensely likeable. The story itself was sweet and sexy with lots of emotion and chemistry. There was a bit of angst, and lots and lots of hot sexy times.
Well written with a believable plot, this friends to lovers story was a definite touchdown! ;-)
An ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
What happens when you try to fake a relationship between two college football players in order to revive interest in your team? When one of those best friends is secretly gay and has been in love with the other for years? When the relationship goes from being fake to real? And when faced with betrayal, what's more important, your lifelong passion and possible career or the possibility of love and a lifetime together?
Both Luke and Brandon were immensely likeable. The story itself was sweet and sexy with lots of emotion and chemistry. There was a bit of angst, and lots and lots of hot sexy times.
Well written with a believable plot, this friends to lovers story was a definite touchdown! ;-)
An ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 17, 2016
I was really excited about a fake boyfriend story and it was fine even if not amazing until they were outed for having a fake relationship. The whole repercussions from it rang as not even being in the same ballpark of reality. If you ignore that part fairly cute but not particularly memorable.
December 24, 2022
It was good until near the end. That’s all I really got. 🤷🏼♀️
September 16, 2016
Books one and two reviewed here: http://openskyebookreviews.com/?s=hen.... This series started off with a bang! I really, really loved book one and found the characters to be real and their slow burn romance was so, so sweet!
In book two, things dropped a little for me, and I found myself missing the MCs from book one. But it was still a good story and I enjoyed it, if it was a bit bland.
Unfortunately, book three just didn’t work for me. I found the premise to be a bit offensive in fact. When Brandon, who is gay and in love with Luke, agrees to be in a fake relationship with Luke so the football team can be the rainbow tigers again I was like “WHAT?????!!!!!” Luke’s ex girlfriend was the only one with any sense. She said this is a terrible idea that can really hurt people and she was RIGHT!
I was offended that Luke and Brandon would see manipulating people into supporting a team on “false” pretenses was an okay thing to do. I was SO GLAD when the hammer came down and hard on these guys because – really? Really?? How is it ok to capitalize on something others have worked SO HARD at for personal gain. Even though - by the end - it was real - I thought it was pretty out of line.
As for their love story. Sure, I was happy to see Luke fall into Brandon’s arms and it was sweet. But I felt a bit – sad – for them both. Luke gave up something huge and by the end of the story he doesn’t have a replacement for it.
So – though I want to say I recommend this. I really can’t. I love the author. Love the series. But this book failed me in several different ways.
2 of 5 stars
In book two, things dropped a little for me, and I found myself missing the MCs from book one. But it was still a good story and I enjoyed it, if it was a bit bland.
Unfortunately, book three just didn’t work for me. I found the premise to be a bit offensive in fact. When Brandon, who is gay and in love with Luke, agrees to be in a fake relationship with Luke so the football team can be the rainbow tigers again I was like “WHAT?????!!!!!” Luke’s ex girlfriend was the only one with any sense. She said this is a terrible idea that can really hurt people and she was RIGHT!
I was offended that Luke and Brandon would see manipulating people into supporting a team on “false” pretenses was an okay thing to do. I was SO GLAD when the hammer came down and hard on these guys because – really? Really?? How is it ok to capitalize on something others have worked SO HARD at for personal gain. Even though - by the end - it was real - I thought it was pretty out of line.
As for their love story. Sure, I was happy to see Luke fall into Brandon’s arms and it was sweet. But I felt a bit – sad – for them both. Luke gave up something huge and by the end of the story he doesn’t have a replacement for it.
So – though I want to say I recommend this. I really can’t. I love the author. Love the series. But this book failed me in several different ways.
2 of 5 stars
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