I'm Not Your Jock

Spring Break #1

by Romeo Alexander

It’s spring break, time to party! What happens at the beach, stays at the beach, right? Thrown together as roommates, Benjamin and Derrick are about to find out that’s not always the case.

Benjamin

I know I look like a typical jock, but my dream is very different. I’m studying business and I want to be a game designer, despite what my parents think. I know who I am and what I want…or do I?
I catch sight of the new guy on the flight to Miami and now I can’t get Derrick out of my head, or my fantasies. I try, I really do—I’m not gay…am I? But when he makes a move I panic and ruin everything.

Derrick

I’m new to the lacrosse team and this vacation is my first chance to get to know my teammates and show them who I am. Well, maybe not everything…even I’m not sure about some things.
When I’m left babysitting him after a drunken night out, Benjamin immediately stirs the protective streak in me. He’s so…uncoordinated, it’s kind of cute. I thought I read the signs right but then I have to go and ruin everything.

This first time gay, jock and nerd story is your chance to read the first in a new contemporary M/M series following roommates Benjamin, Victor, and James as they each discover themselves and find love during spring break. Hot men and romance guaranteed.

Genres: M M Romance, Sports, College, Contemporary, Romance, LGBT

114 pages, ebook

First published April 2, 2019

About the author

Romeo Alexander lives in Michigan, USA, with his dog and two cats. As a certified night owl, coffee and a wicked sense of humor keep him going most days, as does playing with flavors in the kitchen.

As a proud gay man, Romeo doesn't just write characters—he breathes life into them, infusing them with real-world trials, tribulations, and triumphant love stories. He doesn't just believe in love; he champions it, weaving narratives that prove love's healing power time and again.

Ready for some heart-melting, tear-jerking, and smile-inducing stories that stay with you long after you've turned the last page? Dive into Romeo Alexander's world where love always finds a way. Sign up for his newsletter to be the first to know about his latest literary adventures and grab some freebies along the way! https://romeoalexander.com/newsletter

Reviews

[☆ Todd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh.



While I liked both MC's, the story was much more about the "things" that happened during their spring break trip to Miami, instead of deeper, meaningful "feelings" beginning to grow.

The steam was okay, but felt a bit unrealistic. I mean, one hour before Ben was getting nailed to the bed, he hadn't realized that he even really LIKED men, let alone had time to process that information.

It would've been more plausible for the GAY guy to have offered to "do that", at least for their first time, you know?



Pretty surface-level stuff, overall, so I'd rate it at around 2.75 stars.

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[Mateo · Rating 4 out of 5]

My second book from this author, i really enjoy it, short but i don't need more, i will try a third, sure...

[Teal Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

A first time gay romance between teammates -Instant attraction and connection but confusion over coming out gives a splash of angst to this sweet and sexy read. I like the characters and their story made me smile. Definitely worth a read.

I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘I had a feeling Derrick was like that. Open and honest, ready to tell the world how he felt’

Author Romeo Alexander has demonstrated that not only does he have a talent for writing romance but also the gift for exploring opposites in people’s lives and stations in life and how exploration of apparent disparities can actually be a source for bonding. In the past year his output and reputation as a M/M romance writer has soared.

Another aspect of Romeo’s skills is his appreciation and knowledge of sports of all kinds. In this book he focuses on Lacrosse – a sport too few appreciate. He also has keen insights into the coming out aspect of the LGBT community, and in this novel he shares that gift well. Benjamin is closeted, at best, a solid student who toggles with Lacrosse until Derrick, a man aware of his sexuality, enters Benjamin’s life on the same Lacrosse team during Spring Break. The manner in which Romeo describes the interaction and attraction of each of these men is electric, knowing how to paint the occult desires of Benjamin as well as the front and center attraction Derrick experiences. One spontaneous kiss terrifies Benjamin and frustrates Derrick, but the manner in which the two traverse this path back to love is exceptionally well written.

Romeo also appreciates the importance of a seductive synopsis that will engage readers, and for this book he writes, ‘‘It’s spring break, time to party! What happens at the beach, stays at the beach, right? Thrown together as roommates, Benjamin and Derrick are about to find out that’s not always the case. Benjamin - I know I look like a typical jock, but my dream is very different. I’m studying business and I want to be a game designer, despite what my parents think. I know who I am and what I want…or do I? I catch sight of the new guy on the flight to Miami and now I can’t get Derrick out of my head, or my fantasies. I try, I really do—I’m not gay…am I? But when he makes a move I panic and ruin everything. Derrick - I’m new to the lacrosse team and this vacation is my first chance to get to know my teammates and show them who I am. Well, maybe not everything… even I’m not sure about some things. When I’m left babysitting him after a drunken night out, Benjamin immediately stirs the protective streak in me. He’s so…uncoordinated, it’s kind of cute. I thought I read the signs right but then I have to go and ruin everything.’

We end up charmed by all characters and applauding their happy ending. Romeo Alexander is rapidly taking his place as an author of significance.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sports Romance

I really loved how this book played out you have Ben who's completely awkward of the field he plays lacrosse for his college team his dating life is a disaster his parents want him to settle down with a nice girl and be a lawyer all he wants is to be a game designer and girls well there okay but he hasn't had much luck there his teammates go threw plenty of girls but it makes him queasy just thinking about doing that but for now hes headed to Miami with his friend and teammates for a little break and he meets the new guy Derrick hes different and I'm comfortable with him but them I start to feel more I'm freaked out I'm not gay but when Derrick makes his move I completely ruined it now I have to fix things with him I realize how much I want to be with him.

Derrick is new hes gay but not sure he should bother to tell his new teammates but Ben is making things difficult especially when ben gets drunk and wants to cuddle how is he going to be good and resist this handsome young man when hes trying to stay below the radar and finish his schooling and become a coach it's all he wants even if his dad wants him to be a pro player in football at least his family supports him in his sexuality. But when he finally makes a move on the guy hes crushing on and gets rejected he thinks everything is lost and hill never be happy. It was great to see Derrick and Ben come together and have support from there teammates and the epilogue was a nice touch.

This is my honest review and I have purchased the book.

[A.L. Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a story about two guys who are both on a lacrosse team and find sudden desire for one another while on a spring break beach trip. one named derick whonrecentky joined the team who knew he was attracted to guy just didnt usually act on it but things jsut may change when we meets Ben. Ben think he is strait until he meets derick and realizes he has never felt such a strong attraction for anyone like that before but doesn't plan on acting on it. Ben is still in denial about who he really is inside and doesn't want to live a lie anymore and he doesnt want to ignore his feeling for derick any longer and derick becomes terrified that he may have ruined their friendship after a short kiss they share on their walk. This was a cute and fun steamy read with a super sweet ending. I really enjoyed reading about these two characters. it was a bit of a slow burn and things didn't really start to heat up between them until more toward the end. Over all I enjoyed it!

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

A trip with your lacrosse team has an unexpected twist. Benjamin sees new guy Derrick and
can't take his eyes off him but he can only figure out that girls can't give him what he wants more; someone under him who is firm and not girlie soft. Ben needs strength for strength.
His attraction to Derrick hits all his bells; all hard muscle and stubble. Derrick on the
other hand knows himself but is unsure of his own attraction to Ben. In his past Derrick has been
hurt and he's afraid to act on impulse. How each MC acts and responds to the other is the essence
to this story. Unexpected support comes from teammates and their being nonjudgmental aids
in the conclusion of this story. Then significance of my quote will become clear when one has read
this book by Mr. Romeo. A satisfying read and one that I willing gave a voluntary review to for the
ARC I received through Booksprout.

[Sassy Beta Reading & Review · Rating 3 out of 5]

This romance is a first time gay story starring Derick and Benjamin. Both are part of the Lacrosse team and have traveled together with other team mates for a mini vacation. Derick is new to the team and Ben decides to befriend Derick. What he doesn;t expect was for this move to make things complicated. But in such a good way.

The story was really short...it basically all happened in three days except for the epilogue. We did not really get to see the emotional growth of these characters and I really missed that. This seemed rushed like "lets hurry and get another book out"

Written as a first person multi pov. It has a HEA but we didn't get to see the journey getting there.

Would I recommend this book? Yea

Would I read more from this author? Yea

Sassy Beta Reading and Review

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[C.B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

All you had to do was ask! Ben was a man with unrealzied potential. Derrick knew who he was and what he wanted up to a point. Did the men have the courage to ask the right questions, of themselves and each other? The LaCrosse team mates complimented each other while they acted like siblings. They were liked by all who were drawn into their orbit. Derrick was proud and cautiously out if you asked him. Ben noticed he was noticing Derrick in ways he hadn'tsonsciously done for men previously. He started questioning his sexuality. Does Ben like the answers? Can he give the right answers? Is he ready. Will they talk to each other? Nice story! I wish it was longer. The end was rushed to provide closure. I would have preferred a more leisurely ending. I received an ARC from Booksprout for a review.

[Courtney Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short and sweet first time gay romance. Derrick and Ben are new friends and Derrick takes the plunge and kisses him. But he doesn’t get the response he was looking for. Ben is just figuring out his feelings and that maybe Derrick is his one.

I loved that this book takes you years in the future to see how their lives have been and what their future holds.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story line and characters, Awesome !! Loved this book. The storyline was so interesting that it had me turning pages in anticipation of where it would lead . I was very intrigued with the characters in the story. Simply awesome . Definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read. I would recommend to others. Worth the read and the money!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebecca Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ben and Derrick are lacrosse players for the same college. Love how down to earth the two were portrayed. Derrick already knew he liked guys. Ben's uncertainty is something many can relate to. Heart went out to Derrick when the initial feelings reveal happened. The Epilogue was so sweet to read. I'd love to explain all the parts I like, but don't want to spoil. Amazing story. Plan to read again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linh Tran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple plot, an easy set-up for two college guys hooking up. One is gay while the other is still uncertain get to know each other during their car ride to the spring break beach house. There, under some circumstances, the two also share a room where they eventually copulate. This is a good read for those who favor happy endings. I enjoy reading that there are acceptance among the team members and that there is no bullying.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think that this story is decently written. It has nice characters. Characters that the reader can really relate to. The narrative is easy to get into. It flows through out the story. I am not a fan of sports romances but the characters made me want to read. A very good read for me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cari Sims-Burks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a precious insta-type romance. These boys were good people and good for each other, not too alphahole-ish thank goodness. The supporting cast was also pretty great - mom, sister, and friends. Extra pluses for the Into-the-Future epilogue! I love an HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maria Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely wonderful. The story flow nicely and the characters were remarkable. The team support of their relationship was heartwarming. The twist in the story was great. It was an overall a great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katie Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not your jock was such a beautiful story i loved it

Benjamin and derrick stole my heart from the moment I met them

Their journey was fun beautiful intense incredible and moving

I was hooked on every word from beginning to end

When I finished Benjamin and derricks journey my heart was so full

I voluntarily reviewed a advanced readers copy of this book

[Temberley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Benjamin and Derrick just met for the first time when they were going to the beach for vacation with their team. This is a first time gay experience for both of them, I just wish it could have had more in the development of their relationship but all in all this was a pretty good story.

[Cynthia Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Benjamin is a college lacrosse player. On spring break he meets the new lacrosse player on the team Derrick. Derrick is attracted to Benjamin but is Benjamin attracted to Derrick. Will these two click? It was a good read.

[Jackie O'Donnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful read. The characters were relatable with their worries, fear and happiness. I always knew which persons point of view i was reading about in the story. I recommend you read this story. You won’t be disappointed.

[Ronnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was short and ended abruptly imo, with sex scenes and an epilogue, as if all there is to a story like this is graphic sex and they end up together. While it wasn’t bad by any means, and I do like this author, I was maybe hoping for something just a tiny bit deeper.

[Serena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I enjoyed it and read it in one sitting this just felt a little rushed and unrealistic. I mean they’re having sex only an hour after he discovered he was gay and also only a few days into meeting each other. Apart from that it’s cute and not a bad read either

[Kristin Grella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!

Great start to the Spring Break series. I absolutely loved Ben and Derrick and I didn't want their story to end. Loved it!!

[David Shuler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unexpected

An excellent book. We. Don't always know our true selves until the other half of our heart ❤ shows up to let us know what we have been missing.

[Laks · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Enjoyed this sweet romance. Could have been a longer story though. Ben and Derrick make a great couple. Loved the other characters too..

[Peter Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t click with these guys. There wasn’t much in the way of character development. It was all a bit rushed. It didn’t work for me. It’s okay. I would read another book by this author.

[Julia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know this is a short story, but things went way to fast. Ben went from saying “I’m not gay” to then having sex in no time at all. The epilogue was also a bit much.

[August June 💘 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Its a short; could have expanded to full length novel and made it more spicy.

[Joe McGowan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Minute Rice takes longer to cook than this sex base frat boy story.

[thunderlightning · Rating 1 out of 5]

Short, cute, sweet, but a little bit quick boarding on insta-love.