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Taking a Knee
“I need a hug, a drink, and a green card.”Noah’s otherwise average life has just hit a wall. As an out-and-proud roller derby player, his team is right in the middle of qualifying for next year’s national competition when he suddenly loses his job--and therefore the work visa that was keeping him in the country. Unexpected help comes in the form of Jace, his straight best friend and ‘derby husband,’ the guy who always looks out for him on the track. The solution to all of Noah’s problems? Get fake married to Jace, get his green card, and play out the rest of the season after all. It almost sounds too good to be true.Jace has two loves in his his career as a pediatric nurse, and his roller derby team. When he finds out that their star player is on the verge of being deported, he’s willing to do anything to stop it--including marrying the guy. It’s only for three years, and it’s not as though anyone's going to get hurt.Things get messy when Jace begins to realise he may not be as straight as he’s always thought he was. Since when did Noah have such pretty eyes? And why the hell is he thinking about him all the time? Between a jealous rival, Noah’s ex-boyfriend, and the mother-in-law from hell, Jace comes to realise that he wants more out of this marriage than the chance to head to the national championships.All he has to do now is summon the courage to tell Noah that. And win the rest of the games in the season. And deal with his new mother-in-law. Easy.Taking a Knee is a standalone contemporary gay romance novel. It does not contain a cliffhanger, but it does contain several minor injuries, the phrase ‘gay chicken’, derby names, great asses, explicit sex scenes, and a happily ever after.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2016
76 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
About the author
Sean Ashcroft
44 books460 followersSean Ashcroft likes rainy days, white hot chocolates (don't knock it 'til you've tried it!) and boys kissing in books. He currently resides in Australia, all the way down at the bottom of the mainland in a sleepy little seaside town.
He writes sweet, hot books about sweet, hot boys who absolutely deserve each other.
He writes sweet, hot books about sweet, hot boys who absolutely deserve each other.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
dnf-not-4-me
October 20, 2016ROLLER DERBY!
Please let this be good.
Please let this be good.
October 23, 2016
3 1/2 stars
This one was sweet. A best-friends-to-lovers, marriage-of-convenience story.
The two MCs are likeable and you can feel the chemistry between them. I was a little frustrated at a point because I couldn't believe Jace wouldn't say anything already. I wanted to slap him silly.
There were plenty of things that felt like 'fillers' with not a lot of value added to the story. Also, I couldn't believe how two people who claim to be best friends know so little about basic facts of each other's life.
But, since I'm a sucker for gfy stories and this one has a cherry-popping on top, I'm being generous with the stars. Just don't expect the earth moving or anything with this one.
Free with K.U
This one was sweet. A best-friends-to-lovers, marriage-of-convenience story.
The two MCs are likeable and you can feel the chemistry between them. I was a little frustrated at a point because I couldn't believe Jace wouldn't say anything already. I wanted to slap him silly.
There were plenty of things that felt like 'fillers' with not a lot of value added to the story. Also, I couldn't believe how two people who claim to be best friends know so little about basic facts of each other's life.
But, since I'm a sucker for gfy stories and this one has a cherry-popping on top, I'm being generous with the stars. Just don't expect the earth moving or anything with this one.
Free with K.U
July 7, 2017
3.75* Aww this is so sweet story!!
This is really my kind of book for the summer xD (sugar+low angst)
Firstly, is suuuuper slow burn, so the characters are not together until the very end!
But they have a lot of cute moments , they are together always in the story (not rambling around with secondary characters! Thankss I can´t stand when the characters have longer speech with the xtras than the other mc !!)
Secondly, the roller derby scenes are short and direct! No chapter-long matches :D
And finally the angst is almost indiscernible!
This is really my kind of book for the summer xD (sugar+low angst)
Firstly, is suuuuper slow burn, so the characters are not together until the very end!
But they have a lot of cute moments , they are together always in the story (not rambling around with secondary characters! Thankss I can´t stand when the characters have longer speech with the xtras than the other mc !!)
Secondly, the roller derby scenes are short and direct! No chapter-long matches :D
And finally the angst is almost indiscernible!
October 20, 2016
Arc provided by The author for an honest answer
Noah is leaving his green card is up. When jace suggest marriage it was meant for him to stay for the roller derby team. But of course he never knew how deep down he wanted him to stay for him But jace is not gay and noah has been in love with jace.These too will soon find put how they both love each other. Sweet story about sports and love very light no real dramas.
Noah is leaving his green card is up. When jace suggest marriage it was meant for him to stay for the roller derby team. But of course he never knew how deep down he wanted him to stay for him But jace is not gay and noah has been in love with jace.These too will soon find put how they both love each other. Sweet story about sports and love very light no real dramas.
September 16, 2017
This romance has a ton of catnip for me which made me really like it and forgiven some of the lighter brush stokes of plot, character, and family.
It is a great friends to lovers, marriage of connivence, green card marriage plot.
Both heroes were great and while there is a discovered sexuality theme, the angst level is low. There is a lot of love here.
And then the awesomeness of Roller Derby. Which is awesome.
A great deal of fun to be had here!
It is a great friends to lovers, marriage of connivence, green card marriage plot.
Both heroes were great and while there is a discovered sexuality theme, the angst level is low. There is a lot of love here.
And then the awesomeness of Roller Derby. Which is awesome.
A great deal of fun to be had here!
June 2, 2018
3.45 stars
September 8, 2017
4.0 Stars
Some rambly-type thoughts that don't really amount to a review but whatever:
I'm not all that familiar with the author's work and if they hadn't been a previous month's AOM I'd have skipped it completely. That said, this book was loads better than I thought it was going to be.
See, I love the Fake Boyfriend Trope...and IMHO a marriage of convenience is just a different side of the same coin for that set-up. So, I lowered my expectations because I didn't think my usual level could be met. How wrong was I? Way wrong. Again, better than I anticipated.
I also worried a bit because I'm not familiar with roller derby AT ALL and sometimes the sport/job aspect of a book has way too much detail to make it enjoyable. That was not the case here. AND I liked the less-dramatic aspect of Jace coming to realize he might not be as straight as he thought; some angst, but not a lot of denial and absolutely no acting out to disprove it. Just a lot of "Huh. Well, okay then" as he powers through figuring out how to woo Noah for real.
Also, I know it's not the same thing as what's happening here in the US, but I kinda was in the mood for someone basically saying "fuck that" to immigration laws (fair or not)...so that might have also impacted my rating. Not even sorry. There's a great passage in there about America being all about immigrants and their contributions to our society that I couldn't have said better myself.
I do have to say that, when combined with the last few chapters, that epilogue was like an overdose of saccharine sweetness. (Every time I thought the book was done there ended up being another chapter, too. That was weird.) LOVED how girl/woman-positive everything was. No misogynistic name-calling; and the author went out of their way to mention how much tougher women's roller derby is and what kind of competitors they are.
Major points for the bisexual label discussion. Loved that Jace recognized how labels were important to some people, and that he felt like it was a distinction he needed to emphasize, but his concern was that his orientation label not be the ONE thing that described him. Not even the most important thing that described him. Kudos, author, for handling it so well. (So much better than I can even summarize decently, too.)
An easy, sweet and sexy read with a little bit of drama. Honestly I thought the plot climax would be how they'd get flustered or something after a visit from ICE or something rather than the MIL from hell. Points for not going the expected route there, too.
Some rambly-type thoughts that don't really amount to a review but whatever:
I'm not all that familiar with the author's work and if they hadn't been a previous month's AOM I'd have skipped it completely. That said, this book was loads better than I thought it was going to be.
See, I love the Fake Boyfriend Trope...and IMHO a marriage of convenience is just a different side of the same coin for that set-up. So, I lowered my expectations because I didn't think my usual level could be met. How wrong was I? Way wrong. Again, better than I anticipated.
I also worried a bit because I'm not familiar with roller derby AT ALL and sometimes the sport/job aspect of a book has way too much detail to make it enjoyable. That was not the case here. AND I liked the less-dramatic aspect of Jace coming to realize he might not be as straight as he thought; some angst, but not a lot of denial and absolutely no acting out to disprove it. Just a lot of "Huh. Well, okay then" as he powers through figuring out how to woo Noah for real.
Also, I know it's not the same thing as what's happening here in the US, but I kinda was in the mood for someone basically saying "fuck that" to immigration laws (fair or not)...so that might have also impacted my rating. Not even sorry. There's a great passage in there about America being all about immigrants and their contributions to our society that I couldn't have said better myself.
I do have to say that, when combined with the last few chapters, that epilogue was like an overdose of saccharine sweetness. (Every time I thought the book was done there ended up being another chapter, too. That was weird.) LOVED how girl/woman-positive everything was. No misogynistic name-calling; and the author went out of their way to mention how much tougher women's roller derby is and what kind of competitors they are.
Major points for the bisexual label discussion. Loved that Jace recognized how labels were important to some people, and that he felt like it was a distinction he needed to emphasize, but his concern was that his orientation label not be the ONE thing that described him. Not even the most important thing that described him. Kudos, author, for handling it so well. (So much better than I can even summarize decently, too.)
An easy, sweet and sexy read with a little bit of drama. Honestly I thought the plot climax would be how they'd get flustered or something after a visit from ICE or something rather than the MIL from hell. Points for not going the expected route there, too.
October 22, 2016
This was a really sweet book with love and angst and longing between two men who get married to keep one of them in the country. Jace is a pediatric nurse and plays roller derby with his best friend Noah. the marriage is convenient for both of them as they all ready love each other as friends and like spending time with each other. What makes this story even more entertaining is the twists that show up in the book that is totally unexpected. It also gives some incite and history into the game of roller derby. It has a wonderful HEA and is well worth reading by this relatively new author
October 24, 2016
3.5 stars rounded up to 4. I thought it was a sweet story of two guys discovering their love.
February 6, 2017
2.5 Stars
February 8, 2018
You need a green card? Ask your straight best friend to play your husband for three years.
To be exact, Jace (the straight best friend) asks Noah (the gay best friend) to marry him because the thought of Noah going back to Canada scared the sh*t out of him. First signs of love? I do think so.
Noah is adorable and his growing feelings for Jace are scaring him because he doesn't want their friendship suffer under it.
After their first kiss, Jace can't stop thinking about kissing his husband again and he suspects himself to be attracted to his best friend—and husband now. But he needs a lot wilpower and and courage to tell him how he feels. When he finally told him, I practically had heart eyes. This was the sweetest thing I've ever read.
The time jump was even cuter. I didn't believe Jace would like to have a kid someday but I think Noah changes his mind completely and so they got a gorgeous daughter. I think that's what love is about—to make compromises and to make each other happy. Noah and Jace definitely make each other happy and me, too, because they're just perfect in every way.
Love books like that.
<3
To be exact, Jace (the straight best friend) asks Noah (the gay best friend) to marry him because the thought of Noah going back to Canada scared the sh*t out of him. First signs of love? I do think so.
Noah is adorable and his growing feelings for Jace are scaring him because he doesn't want their friendship suffer under it.
After their first kiss, Jace can't stop thinking about kissing his husband again and he suspects himself to be attracted to his best friend—and husband now. But he needs a lot wilpower and and courage to tell him how he feels. When he finally told him, I practically had heart eyes. This was the sweetest thing I've ever read.
The time jump was even cuter. I didn't believe Jace would like to have a kid someday but I think Noah changes his mind completely and so they got a gorgeous daughter. I think that's what love is about—to make compromises and to make each other happy. Noah and Jace definitely make each other happy and me, too, because they're just perfect in every way.
Love books like that.
<3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2020
Not a bad book, I liked that they were actually friends and care about each other and that they had the derby as a thing in common. The Married For Convenience was ok, not very believable but ok. The Rafe thing was totally ridiculous but thankfully the angst is minimum. It is more about two friends, one gay, the other not-gay (but he realizes he may be bi); Jace proposes to Noah when his Visa expires, they move in together and Jace realizes he may love Noah more than a friend. And that's it, that's the plot, which is the kind I like because not everything needs to be a soap opera.
I rate this 2 because it is just missing the WOW factor, the THAT'S-HOT factor, the THAT'S CUTE factor. Both characters were well done, and neither one of them was boring nor wishy-washy. Very easy to read.
Has the kind of epilogue that makes me roll my eyes so hard, and one of the reason why I rated 2:
I rate this 2 because it is just missing the WOW factor, the THAT'S-HOT factor, the THAT'S CUTE factor. Both characters were well done, and neither one of them was boring nor wishy-washy. Very easy to read.
Has the kind of epilogue that makes me roll my eyes so hard, and one of the reason why I rated 2:
August 25, 2018
3.5 stars
This is a sweet friends to lovers, gay for you book.
Noahs visa is about to be cancelled because his work place is letting people go and he really doesn't want to leave the place he now considers home, the Derby Roller team he loves and his best friend Jace. Jace feels the same way and since neither of them are in a relationship he offers to marry Noah so he can get a green card.
Everything is working great for Noah and living with your best friend is not hard at all, even when said friend is straight and you're gay an have a little crush on him. Jace are also happy with their arrangement, but things are getting confusing when he finds himself attracted to Noah.
Jace and Noahs friendship is really strong and loving and their journey from friends to lovers is a sweet one.
This is a sweet friends to lovers, gay for you book.
Noahs visa is about to be cancelled because his work place is letting people go and he really doesn't want to leave the place he now considers home, the Derby Roller team he loves and his best friend Jace. Jace feels the same way and since neither of them are in a relationship he offers to marry Noah so he can get a green card.
Everything is working great for Noah and living with your best friend is not hard at all, even when said friend is straight and you're gay an have a little crush on him. Jace are also happy with their arrangement, but things are getting confusing when he finds himself attracted to Noah.
Jace and Noahs friendship is really strong and loving and their journey from friends to lovers is a sweet one.
September 4, 2017
Sweet story!
Sean Ashcroft did a great job with this one. I've never read a book with the focus on the two main characters who play roller derby. I absolutely enjoyed learning about the sport through Noah and Jace.
Another friends to lovers/ G-BFY, Taking a Knee has all the feels and wonder and apprehension as these two best friends navigate their way through a marriage that started out of necessity but slowly became so much more.
Not much of a multi-dimensional storyline, this book was low-angst and made for a quick, light read. Loved the ending and the epilogue as well.
Sean Ashcroft did a great job with this one. I've never read a book with the focus on the two main characters who play roller derby. I absolutely enjoyed learning about the sport through Noah and Jace.
Another friends to lovers/ G-BFY, Taking a Knee has all the feels and wonder and apprehension as these two best friends navigate their way through a marriage that started out of necessity but slowly became so much more.
Not much of a multi-dimensional storyline, this book was low-angst and made for a quick, light read. Loved the ending and the epilogue as well.
February 8, 2017
Rather sweet friends to lovers novel
This is a kind of sweet and cute novel with just enough drama to stop it being to sickly. Noah and Jace are best friends on and off the derby track. When Noah loses his job and his reason for being in America, Jace suggests they get married so Noah can get a green card. But what happens when what is supposed to be a fake marriage suddenly turns real.
This is a kind of sweet and cute novel with just enough drama to stop it being to sickly. Noah and Jace are best friends on and off the derby track. When Noah loses his job and his reason for being in America, Jace suggests they get married so Noah can get a green card. But what happens when what is supposed to be a fake marriage suddenly turns real.
June 6, 2017
This was the perfect friends to lovers straight/gay romance. Nervous and afraid to admit their feelings. The horrible at first mother in law. Let's not forget the loser who wanted to cause trouble. I liked Brian and Diego as well. Would like to see more of these characters. I'd settle for small mentions in other books.
July 11, 2017
Love
This book shows when you have a friend who is willing to anything for you keep them Jase was willing to do anything to keep Noah in the US and if that meant marrying his best friend he would do and to go on this journey to understand who he is see what he wants and falling for Noah did him some good and adopting a child with Noah was beautiful
This book shows when you have a friend who is willing to anything for you keep them Jase was willing to do anything to keep Noah in the US and if that meant marrying his best friend he would do and to go on this journey to understand who he is see what he wants and falling for Noah did him some good and adopting a child with Noah was beautiful
July 1, 2024
Que livro mais fofinho e engraçado, cara!!! Eu gosto tanto dos personagens, o Jace é incrivel. Eu adorei o relacionamento dos dois, queria um pouquinho mais de tempo na cabeça do Jace enquanto ele se entendia porque achei meio rápido, mas nada demais. Eu AMEI o final deles levando a filha no primeira dia da escolinha de derby roller!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2016
Sweet and upbeat
The story is tender and endearing. There's a few awkward sentences but nothing to not make this five starred. Jace standing up to Noah's mother is well written and brings a tear.
The story is tender and endearing. There's a few awkward sentences but nothing to not make this five starred. Jace standing up to Noah's mother is well written and brings a tear.
August 31, 2020
This book, while not the most memorable or thought-provoking M/M-ROM I've read, it still satisfied a part of my reading desires- the yearning for a damn happy ending! It was cute, sweet and heart warming. It was super cute and I will likely give it a REREAD when I'm in the mood for some comfort.
May 15, 2017
3.5 ~ sweet slow build friends to lovers storey.
November 25, 2017
[1.75 stars] so-so book, slightly bland i feel. connection is not as strong as i want it to be.
December 21, 2017
Super sweet - and again just too short, but what a great happily ever after! Love how Ashcroft writes such great guys you can root for.
February 10, 2018
Cute, but definitely rushed.
August 29, 2018
Yeah....right! I guess this is one of that moments “is not you, it’s me”. Sean Ashcroft doesn’t do it for me...
April 25, 2019
This was short but was super packed. I loved the discussion about labels and I need more Dr. Love. Is there a sequel with him on the works?
May 13, 2019
Loved it!
Another great book by Sean Ashcroft. I absolutely loved Noah and Jace and I didn't want their story to end. Loved it!
Another great book by Sean Ashcroft. I absolutely loved Noah and Jace and I didn't want their story to end. Loved it!
February 8, 2022
This was a sweet best friends to MARRIED kind of story, but it was the epilogue that made this an adorable story... and I just love me some "adorable" stories!
June 29, 2022
This was a fun, low angst read! The epilogue took away a star for me - it felt tacked on and was raised more questions than I had at the end of the book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews