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Fate, Texas #1.5
Safe
Trevor Thorne has always played it safe.
He’s a ballplayer. The game has had his heart and soul since he was just a kid. He learned early on that living in the testosterone-fueled world of baseball meant living a lie. He couldn’t afford to be openly gay, not when he had his whole career ahead of him. But his days behind the plate are numbered and he’s tired, so damn tired of hiding who he is, and it’s becoming more and more difficult to deny himself what, and who, he wants.
Rodrigo Cruz is the opposite of safe.
He’s young, ballsy, and bold. Out and proud, Cruz has never shied away from going after what he wants. He wants a career as a big-league ballplayer, and he wants it on his own terms. No hiding his sexuality or his past but also no throwing himself at his beautiful, blue-eyed bunkmate. Not even if he suspects Trevor isn’t quite as straight as he claims.
Crossing that line, testing that theory, it could put his entire career at risk. If he swings for the fences and strikes out, he’ll always be that guy in the locker room who can’t keep it in his pants. But what if he’s right and they’re more than just teammates?
What if they’re soulmates?
He’s a ballplayer. The game has had his heart and soul since he was just a kid. He learned early on that living in the testosterone-fueled world of baseball meant living a lie. He couldn’t afford to be openly gay, not when he had his whole career ahead of him. But his days behind the plate are numbered and he’s tired, so damn tired of hiding who he is, and it’s becoming more and more difficult to deny himself what, and who, he wants.
Rodrigo Cruz is the opposite of safe.
He’s young, ballsy, and bold. Out and proud, Cruz has never shied away from going after what he wants. He wants a career as a big-league ballplayer, and he wants it on his own terms. No hiding his sexuality or his past but also no throwing himself at his beautiful, blue-eyed bunkmate. Not even if he suspects Trevor isn’t quite as straight as he claims.
Crossing that line, testing that theory, it could put his entire career at risk. If he swings for the fences and strikes out, he’ll always be that guy in the locker room who can’t keep it in his pants. But what if he’s right and they’re more than just teammates?
What if they’re soulmates?
68 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 11, 2018
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December 3, 2019
Safe is book #1.5 in the Fate, Texas series by Jess Bryant. If you read the first book, You met Trent Thorne and knew he had a twin brother. Now it is Trevor’s turn for a happy ending.
Trevor Thorne has given his life to baseball. He is playing in a minor league, his team mates are like his family. Trevor knows he’s at the end of his career. His knee won’t last much longer. In baseball years, he’s way past his prime. Trevor has just recently reconciled with his twin brother, Trent. His brother recently came out and is enjoying a relationship with the man he loves. Trevor wants that too. But he has kept his sexuality a secret. His team mates would never have accepted his truth.
Rodrigo Cruz is just beginning his career. He won’t stay in the minors long. It’s just a matter of time until the majors call him up. When Trevor and Rodrigo first met, both men felt the instant chemistry between them. But Trevor can’t reveal his secret. So instead, they became best friends. A night filled with tequila on an empty stomach, though, loosens Cruz’s lips and he mistakenly let it out how he REALLY felt.
This is very short but just enough to let us get to know these two men. Like Trent, Trevor suffered from their parent’s single mindedness. Both brothers were scarred but dealt with it differently. Knowing of Trevor from the previous book, I’m so glad I got this chance to get to know him. I enjoyed this so much. It’s hot, hot, hot! But sweet as well. I would definitely recommend reading the first book before this one.
One man at the end of his career, and one just beginning to reach his potential. One living his life openly, the other in the closet. But both with an undeniable pull to the other, a bond that has formed without them even realizing it. Is it possible for them to find happiness together? Read this series to find out!
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
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October 3, 2019
Safe is a novella in a longer series, so I'm giving the story the benefit of the doubt that it makes more sense after reading book one, but as a stand-alone, it was very rushed.
The story read like one long sex scene with some VERY fast instalove. I know, based on the context of the story, that the two have been friends for a long time, but the feelings on page felt forced and out of nowhere. I never got a good feeling for these two as a couple, aside from how they are in bed, and I don't like when we get heavy emotions right off the bat.
Novellas are extremely tricky to write and execute, and perhaps if I had read the first in the series I would have enjoyed it more. As it stands... meh.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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The story read like one long sex scene with some VERY fast instalove. I know, based on the context of the story, that the two have been friends for a long time, but the feelings on page felt forced and out of nowhere. I never got a good feeling for these two as a couple, aside from how they are in bed, and I don't like when we get heavy emotions right off the bat.
Novellas are extremely tricky to write and execute, and perhaps if I had read the first in the series I would have enjoyed it more. As it stands... meh.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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August 23, 2019
Safe by Jess Bryant was just an ok read for me. I gave this novella 3 stars because I just wasn't invested in it. It's a short, hot and sweet read and I think it was a bit too sweet for me. The love and sex scenes make me think about M/F books. It had a soft feel which didnt really match with the MC if you ask me.
I received an ebook ARC of this book from Indigo Marketing and Design, in exchange for a honest review.
I received an ebook ARC of this book from Indigo Marketing and Design, in exchange for a honest review.
September 11, 2019
Awh, this was so good! I loved Trevor and Rodrigo, they were so cute together and fit well. That they also both played baseball was just icing on the cake lol. I wish this were longer! I would love a full length novel of the two of them and their relationship. It definitely made me want to read the first book and I hope there are more!
August 19, 2019
Okay can I just say I ABSOLUTELY ADORED this story. These two were everything I love in a M/M read. Seriously hot and raw but so beautifully vulnerable too. Gah!
Trevor and Rodrigo made me swoon so hard. I just loved this one. I could have easily read another 20 chapters on these two. This author has a real flair for M/M storytelling and I hope she has more planned.
I received an arc of this book.
Trevor and Rodrigo made me swoon so hard. I just loved this one. I could have easily read another 20 chapters on these two. This author has a real flair for M/M storytelling and I hope she has more planned.
I received an arc of this book.
August 21, 2019
This is my first Jess Bryant book and I really enjoyed it. It was short, sweet, and hot and seemed to pack a lot of emotion in for a novella. I thought the writing was excellent and would definitely read more from this author.
*ARC provided through NetGalley
*ARC provided through NetGalley
Want to Read
August 15, 2019💝
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
💝
August 23, 2019
I really need to start paying attention when I pick up or request a book for review. But then, surprises are fun too 😉
It’s been a while since I read Stay a Little Longer, the first book in Jess Bryant’s Fate, Texas series. I loved Trent and Lance’s story, so imagine my surprise when I realized that Trevor was Trent’s twin brother. I was really hoping that this series would continue. Now I hope we get even more… greedy, I know, but isn’t that the way most of us are when we “meet” characters that we want to get to know better?
Safe was short and sweet, but just long enough for Trevor and Cruz to finally realize that they were both on the same page and find a way to make it work for both of them.
I received Safe in exchange for a fair and honest review.
It’s been a while since I read Stay a Little Longer, the first book in Jess Bryant’s Fate, Texas series. I loved Trent and Lance’s story, so imagine my surprise when I realized that Trevor was Trent’s twin brother. I was really hoping that this series would continue. Now I hope we get even more… greedy, I know, but isn’t that the way most of us are when we “meet” characters that we want to get to know better?
Safe was short and sweet, but just long enough for Trevor and Cruz to finally realize that they were both on the same page and find a way to make it work for both of them.
I received Safe in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 21, 2019
Safe was my first story by Jess Bryant and I really liked it. It was a sweet, fast-paced short story.
August 26, 2019
Absolutely adore Trevor and Cruz. I love sports romance and m/m romance so I especially love that this one is two guys on the same baseball team. Jess Bryant brings the heat with Safe. Hot, sexy, heartfelt. Five stars. Two thumbs way up.
May 14, 2020
It might only be a novella but this sexy and steamy short really packs a punch. Coming out for Trevor is a make or break issue. Can he tell the teammate who has big league potential that he is falling for him? Or will he have to wait to retire to let him know? Great read!!
August 29, 2019
4.5 stars. This is my second opportunity to read a book by Jess Bryant. I loved Stay a Little Longer and was excited to see this series
carried over in a novella. In Safe, we meet the twin brother of famous country musician Trent Thorne featured in the prequel. Trevor was briefly mentioned in the first book and I am so happy he got his own story.
Trevor is not in the best place. He is a dedicated athlete and baseball has ruled his entire life. He is known as the Ice Man to his fellow players with the theory that glacier ice courses through his veins. He is nearing the end of his career as age and bad knees do not work well in this sport. Trevor is desperately trying to delay the inevitable as long as possible.
Cruz is a dynamic younger baseball player that sees a different side to Trevor and is his only real friend. Unknown to Cruz is the magnetic pull Trevor feels for him. Cruz is out and proud and seems destined for a great future. Trevor plays it straight as this was the only way he felt he could survive his career; since he is older, coming out was not an option at the time. Cruz believes Trevor is straight but at times he has his doubts. Trevor longs to make Cruz his but can he make himself so vulnerable as his time in the game he loves is limited? Trevor also believes that starting a relationship with a fellow teammate is a recipe for disaster. He knows Cruz will probably be heading off soon with a better team and he is so conflicted as his chance with the one man he really cares for won’t last forever.
What was interesting was the way the author gives you a slice of the men’s world. As this is a novella, we can’t glimpse into how their friendship and attraction evolved. The story starts without delving into their personalities which made them who they are today. Novellas and short stories tend to be hit or miss with me. This author did a fantastic job in making me feel I didn’t miss anything crucial at the point where the men both show their attraction to each other. This short story delivers a lot of steam, passion and emotion and I felt that the story was not rushed or forced. A lot was packed into this tale. I won’t deny I wished Ms. Bryant gave Trevor a full-sized novel like his brother but overall, this is a book I can strongly recommend. If you enjoy this shorter story check out the first in the series to really appreciate her writing style. Really hoping for the continuation of this series.
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn’t a requirement.***
carried over in a novella. In Safe, we meet the twin brother of famous country musician Trent Thorne featured in the prequel. Trevor was briefly mentioned in the first book and I am so happy he got his own story.
Trevor is not in the best place. He is a dedicated athlete and baseball has ruled his entire life. He is known as the Ice Man to his fellow players with the theory that glacier ice courses through his veins. He is nearing the end of his career as age and bad knees do not work well in this sport. Trevor is desperately trying to delay the inevitable as long as possible.
Cruz is a dynamic younger baseball player that sees a different side to Trevor and is his only real friend. Unknown to Cruz is the magnetic pull Trevor feels for him. Cruz is out and proud and seems destined for a great future. Trevor plays it straight as this was the only way he felt he could survive his career; since he is older, coming out was not an option at the time. Cruz believes Trevor is straight but at times he has his doubts. Trevor longs to make Cruz his but can he make himself so vulnerable as his time in the game he loves is limited? Trevor also believes that starting a relationship with a fellow teammate is a recipe for disaster. He knows Cruz will probably be heading off soon with a better team and he is so conflicted as his chance with the one man he really cares for won’t last forever.
What was interesting was the way the author gives you a slice of the men’s world. As this is a novella, we can’t glimpse into how their friendship and attraction evolved. The story starts without delving into their personalities which made them who they are today. Novellas and short stories tend to be hit or miss with me. This author did a fantastic job in making me feel I didn’t miss anything crucial at the point where the men both show their attraction to each other. This short story delivers a lot of steam, passion and emotion and I felt that the story was not rushed or forced. A lot was packed into this tale. I won’t deny I wished Ms. Bryant gave Trevor a full-sized novel like his brother but overall, this is a book I can strongly recommend. If you enjoy this shorter story check out the first in the series to really appreciate her writing style. Really hoping for the continuation of this series.
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn’t a requirement.***
August 16, 2019
This is a fast-paced, novella that focusses on two supporting characters from Stay a Little Longer (Fate, Texas #1). I hadn’t read the first book and had no trouble reading this one. If you’re planning to read Stay A Little Longer, I would suggest reading it first so you don’t spoil some of the plot!!
Because this is a short novella, there’s not much opportunity for the author to explore the world of professional baseball. Primarily the story is confined to the attraction and ultimate passionate relationship between the two main characters, Trevor and Cruz. Cruz is openly bisexual…. young, talented and in-your-face while Trevor is older, nearing the end of his career and has yet to disclose his sexual orientation publically.
Cruz and Trevor are in the bar at the beginning of this novella and the sparks are flying. Their first kiss is in an elevator and this propels them into a physical relationship that distracts them from the fact that they should be talking about Trevor being closeted. It’s no secret that the world of professional sports is a tricky one for people with orientations other than heterosexual.
Trevor and Cruz are definitely hot together on the page, and there’s a bit of characterization. I wish that I could have learned more about these two characters.
I found the language a bit “flowery” at times. I found it difficult to believe that a man who was closeted to the point of being estranged from his family would spout terms of endearments etc so immediately in a sexual encounter. That’s just personal preference though! This novella is well-written and entertaining.
Because this is a short novella, there’s not much opportunity for the author to explore the world of professional baseball. Primarily the story is confined to the attraction and ultimate passionate relationship between the two main characters, Trevor and Cruz. Cruz is openly bisexual…. young, talented and in-your-face while Trevor is older, nearing the end of his career and has yet to disclose his sexual orientation publically.
Cruz and Trevor are in the bar at the beginning of this novella and the sparks are flying. Their first kiss is in an elevator and this propels them into a physical relationship that distracts them from the fact that they should be talking about Trevor being closeted. It’s no secret that the world of professional sports is a tricky one for people with orientations other than heterosexual.
Trevor and Cruz are definitely hot together on the page, and there’s a bit of characterization. I wish that I could have learned more about these two characters.
I found the language a bit “flowery” at times. I found it difficult to believe that a man who was closeted to the point of being estranged from his family would spout terms of endearments etc so immediately in a sexual encounter. That’s just personal preference though! This novella is well-written and entertaining.
August 26, 2019
Safe is a short companion novella to the earlier romance Stay a Little Longer. It’s not necessary to have read the first book (I didn’t), but I think it would make the story more meaningful.
As the story begins, baseball teammates and friends Trevor and Rodrigo are both interested in taking their relationship to another level, but each man hesitates to be the first to make a move. When Rodrigo drunkenly breaks the ice, it frees them up to admit their attraction to each other. However, while Rodrigo is out as bi, Trevor is buried deep in the closet. To be with Rodrigo, Trevor needs to overcome his fear of coming out after hiding his sexuality for years so he could have a career in baseball.
Normally when I read a romantic story, I like to see the development of the relationship, how it evolves to the point where the lovers are ready to admit their feelings for each other. Since Rodrigo and Trevor are pretty much already there at the start of the novella, I didn’t get that emotional buildup to the “I love you’s” that really makes a book work for me. However, the book still has romance and plenty of heat, so I did enjoy it overall.
Recommended for readers looking for a hot quick read.
A copy of this book was provided through NetGalley for review; all opinions expressed are my own.
As the story begins, baseball teammates and friends Trevor and Rodrigo are both interested in taking their relationship to another level, but each man hesitates to be the first to make a move. When Rodrigo drunkenly breaks the ice, it frees them up to admit their attraction to each other. However, while Rodrigo is out as bi, Trevor is buried deep in the closet. To be with Rodrigo, Trevor needs to overcome his fear of coming out after hiding his sexuality for years so he could have a career in baseball.
Normally when I read a romantic story, I like to see the development of the relationship, how it evolves to the point where the lovers are ready to admit their feelings for each other. Since Rodrigo and Trevor are pretty much already there at the start of the novella, I didn’t get that emotional buildup to the “I love you’s” that really makes a book work for me. However, the book still has romance and plenty of heat, so I did enjoy it overall.
Recommended for readers looking for a hot quick read.
A copy of this book was provided through NetGalley for review; all opinions expressed are my own.
August 22, 2019
The safest thing about Safe is that it isn’t safe at all. This story grabs you at the get go and never lets up. What’s the best thing about Safe is that it’s true. It’s hot, it’s steamy, it’s sweet at times, it’s funny, it’s got a great plot and storyline but it’s real and it’s true. You believe every word that is written. The story doesn’t shy away from real life. Timely is a great word for this story.
Once you start the book it is impossible to put down. It is a fast read but if this book had been 400 pages I could imagine I would’ve stayed up all night to finish it.
Trevor and Cruz are handsome, talented baseball players. One is at the beginning of his career and the other nearing the end of his career. Life has been different for each player, different times growing up, different expectations. All types of decisions must be made for each one independently as well as a possibility. I don’t do spoilers. I don’t believe it’s fair to the author. What I will say is that if you like this genre or if this is your first foray into this genre this book is well worth the read. It will touch on several emotions.
This is my first book by this author and to her I say, “Well done. I look forward to reading more of your work”.
Once you start the book it is impossible to put down. It is a fast read but if this book had been 400 pages I could imagine I would’ve stayed up all night to finish it.
Trevor and Cruz are handsome, talented baseball players. One is at the beginning of his career and the other nearing the end of his career. Life has been different for each player, different times growing up, different expectations. All types of decisions must be made for each one independently as well as a possibility. I don’t do spoilers. I don’t believe it’s fair to the author. What I will say is that if you like this genre or if this is your first foray into this genre this book is well worth the read. It will touch on several emotions.
This is my first book by this author and to her I say, “Well done. I look forward to reading more of your work”.
August 21, 2019
Trevor and Cruz are beautiful, and HOT together!!
An excellent, fast paced novella has Trevor trying to figure out if he's staying in baseball, and if he can have Cruz no matter which choice he makes.
I loved stern, dominant Trevor and cuddly, sweet Cruz. Fantastic writing Jess, thank you for sharing your gift!
An excellent, fast paced novella has Trevor trying to figure out if he's staying in baseball, and if he can have Cruz no matter which choice he makes.
I loved stern, dominant Trevor and cuddly, sweet Cruz. Fantastic writing Jess, thank you for sharing your gift!
June 28, 2020
Quick read
Trevor Thorne plays baseball in the minor leagues and has the nickname "Ice King" for a reason....he is glacial and keeps everyone at a distance. Everyone except Rodrigo Cruz. Rodrigo is everything he wants but can't have....or can he? Keeping his sexuality in the closet is eating away at Trevor...it's either baseball or Rodrigo. Which one will he choose? Willful characters and sexy scenarios. Fun, quick read.
Trevor Thorne plays baseball in the minor leagues and has the nickname "Ice King" for a reason....he is glacial and keeps everyone at a distance. Everyone except Rodrigo Cruz. Rodrigo is everything he wants but can't have....or can he? Keeping his sexuality in the closet is eating away at Trevor...it's either baseball or Rodrigo. Which one will he choose? Willful characters and sexy scenarios. Fun, quick read.
June 3, 2020
Fantastic book
The first m/m.book I read was by Jess Bryant and she seems to have a flair for writing m/m books. The books are emotional, hot.and steamy.
The first m/m.book I read was by Jess Bryant and she seems to have a flair for writing m/m books. The books are emotional, hot.and steamy.
February 6, 2022
Same, same, with book one.
Nothing new here.
Nothing new here.
October 13, 2023
Very good, with great tropes and a nice relationship.
I think Jess Bryant really has talent and I think I might love a lot of what she writes.
I think Jess Bryant really has talent and I think I might love a lot of what she writes.
August 18, 2019
**I was provided an electronic ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for honest review.**
In "Safe", Jess Bryant brings us a baseball-centered sports romance set in the same universe as her previous publication "Stay A Little Longer". In this novella, we follow Trevor Thorne (twin brother of the previous publication's protagonist) who is reaching the end of his baseball career due to a nagging injury. Trevor has been closeted the entirety of his life, which has led to conflicts with his twin and within himself. Enter one Rodrigo Cruz, an up and coming baseball star who is both openly bisexual and Trevor's teammate.
While the friends-to-lovers romance between Trevor and Rodrigo is certainly steamy, it did feel as though it fell a bit into PWP territory. The conflict with Trevor's family and coming out and his career ending was all very neat, tidy, and a bit glossed over so they could have their lovely HEA ending within the confines of novella length. The sports aspects that were mentioned did seem to be researched, at least in the limited spots that they appeared.
For what it was, I did enjoy reading "Safe" and found it to be good fun. I did find it to be lacking any sort of depth over all, and there's a good chance this would have been remedied by making this novella into a full-length novel. As it is, I've got to judge on what we currently have which is cute, steamy, and good-not-great.
That being said, I wouldn't hesitate to read other works of Jess Bryant in the future.
In "Safe", Jess Bryant brings us a baseball-centered sports romance set in the same universe as her previous publication "Stay A Little Longer". In this novella, we follow Trevor Thorne (twin brother of the previous publication's protagonist) who is reaching the end of his baseball career due to a nagging injury. Trevor has been closeted the entirety of his life, which has led to conflicts with his twin and within himself. Enter one Rodrigo Cruz, an up and coming baseball star who is both openly bisexual and Trevor's teammate.
While the friends-to-lovers romance between Trevor and Rodrigo is certainly steamy, it did feel as though it fell a bit into PWP territory. The conflict with Trevor's family and coming out and his career ending was all very neat, tidy, and a bit glossed over so they could have their lovely HEA ending within the confines of novella length. The sports aspects that were mentioned did seem to be researched, at least in the limited spots that they appeared.
For what it was, I did enjoy reading "Safe" and found it to be good fun. I did find it to be lacking any sort of depth over all, and there's a good chance this would have been remedied by making this novella into a full-length novel. As it is, I've got to judge on what we currently have which is cute, steamy, and good-not-great.
That being said, I wouldn't hesitate to read other works of Jess Bryant in the future.
September 8, 2020
Trevor Thorne has always played it safe.
He’s a ballplayer. The game has had his heart and soul since he was just a kid. He learned early on that living in the testosterone-fueled world of baseball meant living a lie. He couldn’t afford to be openly gay, not when he had his whole career ahead of him. But his days behind the plate are numbered and he’s tired, so damn tired of hiding who he is, and it’s becoming more and more difficult to deny himself what, and who, he wants.
Rodrigo Cruz is the opposite of safe.
He’s young, ballsy, and bold. Out and proud, Cruz has never shied away from going after what he wants. He wants a career as a big-league ballplayer, and he wants it on his own terms. No hiding his sexuality or his past but also no throwing himself at his beautiful, blue-eyed bunkmate. Not even if he suspects Trevor isn’t quite as straight as he claims.
Crossing that line, testing that theory, it could put his entire career at risk. If he swings for the fences and strikes out, he’ll always be that guy in the locker room who can’t keep it in his pants. But what if he’s right and they’re more than just teammates?
What if they’re soulmates?
I had no idea this was a novella to a larger series, but I feel like it was easy to read on its own. It wasn't bad, though the entire plot is in the synopsis and first five pages.
*Book received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
He’s a ballplayer. The game has had his heart and soul since he was just a kid. He learned early on that living in the testosterone-fueled world of baseball meant living a lie. He couldn’t afford to be openly gay, not when he had his whole career ahead of him. But his days behind the plate are numbered and he’s tired, so damn tired of hiding who he is, and it’s becoming more and more difficult to deny himself what, and who, he wants.
Rodrigo Cruz is the opposite of safe.
He’s young, ballsy, and bold. Out and proud, Cruz has never shied away from going after what he wants. He wants a career as a big-league ballplayer, and he wants it on his own terms. No hiding his sexuality or his past but also no throwing himself at his beautiful, blue-eyed bunkmate. Not even if he suspects Trevor isn’t quite as straight as he claims.
Crossing that line, testing that theory, it could put his entire career at risk. If he swings for the fences and strikes out, he’ll always be that guy in the locker room who can’t keep it in his pants. But what if he’s right and they’re more than just teammates?
What if they’re soulmates?
I had no idea this was a novella to a larger series, but I feel like it was easy to read on its own. It wasn't bad, though the entire plot is in the synopsis and first five pages.
*Book received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
August 24, 2019
I haven't read Stay a Little Longer, the first book in this series but "Safe" works well as a stand-alone.
Trent's life is baseball and as a boy he kept his sexual identify buried deep inside so he could play major league ball. But now, near the end of his career, he is confronted with his sizzling attraction to Rodrigo Cruz, his out-and-proud bisexual teammate and roommate, and coming to realize:
I received an ARC from NineStar Press in exchange for an honest review.
Review posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
Trent's life is baseball and as a boy he kept his sexual identify buried deep inside so he could play major league ball. But now, near the end of his career, he is confronted with his sizzling attraction to Rodrigo Cruz, his out-and-proud bisexual teammate and roommate, and coming to realize:
Everything else melted away in those moments, and all of his doubts, and fears, all of his reasons for playing it safe and living a lie, they all paled in comparison to the life he could have if he simply gave in to what he wanted and what he needed.This novella is only 68 pages but packed with sizzling sex and a very satisfying happy ending. "Safe" is a fun sexy read - 4.5 stars!
I received an ARC from NineStar Press in exchange for an honest review.
Review posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
August 22, 2019
This was my first Jess Bryant book and I have to say I truly adored it. The book opens with Rodrigo Cruz, a minor league baseball player who is obsessed with his teammate, Trevor. Trevor is older but from the first moment they met, he felt a connection that led him not to pursue anyone else. And he doesn't even know if Trevor is gay or bi.
Trevor is good at hiding himself from others. He has to come to a decision about his career and his walls are crumbling around Rodrigo, falling for the man deeper than he already has. One night with too much tequila, Rodrigo's feelings come through and instead of ignoring it, Trevor takes the chance he's been given.
I enjoyed getting to know these two characters and as the story progressed, you could spot why they were good for one another. On top of that, once feeling were expressed despite the upheaval of their careers and lives, you. root for these two to make it. The only downside is while I enjoyed the epilogue at the end of the book, I wanted more between the two after their two nights together that took up the majority of the book. Other than that, Safe is a great short read with a lot of emotion and heart!
Trevor is good at hiding himself from others. He has to come to a decision about his career and his walls are crumbling around Rodrigo, falling for the man deeper than he already has. One night with too much tequila, Rodrigo's feelings come through and instead of ignoring it, Trevor takes the chance he's been given.
I enjoyed getting to know these two characters and as the story progressed, you could spot why they were good for one another. On top of that, once feeling were expressed despite the upheaval of their careers and lives, you. root for these two to make it. The only downside is while I enjoyed the epilogue at the end of the book, I wanted more between the two after their two nights together that took up the majority of the book. Other than that, Safe is a great short read with a lot of emotion and heart!
August 29, 2019
Safe is a fun short friends to lovers romance by Jess Bryant.
Cruz has long lusted after his teammate Trevor. As Trevor's always been straight, Cruz never made a move. Turns out however, that Trevor isn't straight. He's always been closeted, knowing he couldn't play baseball while being an out gay man. So instead of being honest about his sexuality, he's been lying for years.
This is the story of two teammates, one bi, and one closeted trying to figure out their new reality. It centers around the struggle with being gay in the world of sports. It's a short read, but well done. The two men are so damn good together.
My favorite line is "I want to be the one that makes you smile."
Overall, Safe is a short, hot, and sweet sports romance. It's an enjoyable tale about deciding what one wants out of life. The only thing that would improve it would be a longer, more in depth version, so we get to know the men more. If you love athletes, if you love them closeted and hot, you'll enjoy this quick read.
Cruz has long lusted after his teammate Trevor. As Trevor's always been straight, Cruz never made a move. Turns out however, that Trevor isn't straight. He's always been closeted, knowing he couldn't play baseball while being an out gay man. So instead of being honest about his sexuality, he's been lying for years.
This is the story of two teammates, one bi, and one closeted trying to figure out their new reality. It centers around the struggle with being gay in the world of sports. It's a short read, but well done. The two men are so damn good together.
My favorite line is "I want to be the one that makes you smile."
Overall, Safe is a short, hot, and sweet sports romance. It's an enjoyable tale about deciding what one wants out of life. The only thing that would improve it would be a longer, more in depth version, so we get to know the men more. If you love athletes, if you love them closeted and hot, you'll enjoy this quick read.
December 28, 2019
When I picked this book to review I didn't realize that it was a #1.5 as part of a ongoing series. I was able to read this story without being distracted of not reading the first book. I'm a sucker for MM sports romances. I think part of the reason is because homosexuality has such a negative connotation in the sports world.
In this quick story it is about best friends Trevor Thorne and Rodrigo Cruz. Rodrigo is open and proud of being gay while Trevor is very closeted. They both try to deny their attraction and feelings for each other. One drunken night for Rodrigo pushes Trevor out of the closet.
I liked these two together. Even though this is a quick novella it never felt too rushed. You felt their connection and could understand the evolution of their relationship. Trevor had the most challenges between the two but I liked seeing him grow.
It was a sweet short story. After reading this it makes me want to read more from this series.
In this quick story it is about best friends Trevor Thorne and Rodrigo Cruz. Rodrigo is open and proud of being gay while Trevor is very closeted. They both try to deny their attraction and feelings for each other. One drunken night for Rodrigo pushes Trevor out of the closet.
I liked these two together. Even though this is a quick novella it never felt too rushed. You felt their connection and could understand the evolution of their relationship. Trevor had the most challenges between the two but I liked seeing him grow.
It was a sweet short story. After reading this it makes me want to read more from this series.
August 26, 2019
Safe was a quick and spicy read.
Trevor's days in professional baseball are numbered. He's older and his body isn't what it used to be. Rodrigo Cruz has everything to look froward to. Major league potential, part of a new generation of baseball players, and openly bisexual. He's everything that Trevor wants but is afraid to go after.
A drunk confession by Rodrigo makes Trevor wonder if its possible to have what he wants.
The chemistry between the two men was off the charts. The only thing I wished for was more! These two definitely have a much larger story that what we were given in this novella.
Trevor's days in professional baseball are numbered. He's older and his body isn't what it used to be. Rodrigo Cruz has everything to look froward to. Major league potential, part of a new generation of baseball players, and openly bisexual. He's everything that Trevor wants but is afraid to go after.
A drunk confession by Rodrigo makes Trevor wonder if its possible to have what he wants.
The chemistry between the two men was off the charts. The only thing I wished for was more! These two definitely have a much larger story that what we were given in this novella.
November 10, 2019
another short story set in fate, texas, safe follows trevor thorne, a closeted baseball player who is close to the end of his minor league career. his roommate, and up-and-coming, out-and-proud player rodrigo cruz is on the verge of a big league contract. and the tension between them has reached astronomical levels. there's no more hiding what they want, what they need from each other.
this is short and sweet, with minimal angst and a happy ending. a quick read for a pick-me up.
**safe will publish on august 26, 2019. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/ninestar press in exchange for my honest review.
this is short and sweet, with minimal angst and a happy ending. a quick read for a pick-me up.
**safe will publish on august 26, 2019. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/ninestar press in exchange for my honest review.
September 7, 2019
Thanks to Netgalley for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Dang, this was hot. I'm definitely going to hunt down Trent's story now.
So we're plunked down right in the middle of the sweltering, unresolved tension between two teammates. One who's young, out, and proud and the other who's older and in the closet. I liked that the POV switched back and forth - the backstory was well fleshed out even though we were only in their heads (no flashbacks - which is fine, because sometimes they can get annoying).
I've been staying away from sports-themed romances, but this one may have changed my mind.
Dang, this was hot. I'm definitely going to hunt down Trent's story now.
So we're plunked down right in the middle of the sweltering, unresolved tension between two teammates. One who's young, out, and proud and the other who's older and in the closet. I liked that the POV switched back and forth - the backstory was well fleshed out even though we were only in their heads (no flashbacks - which is fine, because sometimes they can get annoying).
I've been staying away from sports-themed romances, but this one may have changed my mind.
September 8, 2019
I absolutely loved this book. Having never read anything by Jess Bryant, I wasn’t sure what to expect but was pleasantly surprised. This is such a great love story. I absolutely fell in love with Trevor and Cruz from the get go and continued to fall head over heals over them. This book is not only a sweet love story but also a glimpse at the internal struggle of an athlete forced to remain hidden. It was a hard book to put down. I highly recommend this short novella, read it, trust me you won’t regret it.
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