What do you think?
Rate this book
The Riptide #2
Rough Contact
an alternate cover edition can be found here
Their romance is forbidden. Their love is a secret.
Neal Fisher knows heartbreak. It's the clock ticking down in the Super Bowl. It's missing the most important field goal of his life. It's losing everything: his thirteen year career as an NFL kicker, his future, and his pride.
Jamie Wright knows love. It's everything on the line as the crowd holds their breath. It's a perfect kick as the ball soars through the goal posts. It's NFL fame and glory laid out before him.
Neal is on his way out, and Jamie--if he can withstand the tryout pressure-- is on his way in. The one person Jamie should avoid is the veteran kicker, and the last thing Neal wants is to sink Jamie’s chances. But a chance meeting and a wild and undeniable chemistry proves to be irresistible.
Neal thought he knew heartbreak. Jamie thought he knew love.
They were both wrong.
Their romance is forbidden. Their love is a secret.
But if they trust each other, maybe their growing relationship won't end in tragedy. It might even be the beginning of football’s greatest love story.
Their romance is forbidden. Their love is a secret.
Neal Fisher knows heartbreak. It's the clock ticking down in the Super Bowl. It's missing the most important field goal of his life. It's losing everything: his thirteen year career as an NFL kicker, his future, and his pride.
Jamie Wright knows love. It's everything on the line as the crowd holds their breath. It's a perfect kick as the ball soars through the goal posts. It's NFL fame and glory laid out before him.
Neal is on his way out, and Jamie--if he can withstand the tryout pressure-- is on his way in. The one person Jamie should avoid is the veteran kicker, and the last thing Neal wants is to sink Jamie’s chances. But a chance meeting and a wild and undeniable chemistry proves to be irresistible.
Neal thought he knew heartbreak. Jamie thought he knew love.
They were both wrong.
Their romance is forbidden. Their love is a secret.
But if they trust each other, maybe their growing relationship won't end in tragedy. It might even be the beginning of football’s greatest love story.
411 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 12, 2020
256 people are currently reading
609 people want to read
About the author
Beth Bolden
76 books676 followersA lifelong Oregonian, Beth Bolden has just recently moved to North Carolina with her supportive husband and their sweet kitten, Earl Grey. Beth still believes in Keeping Portland Weird, and intends to be just as weird in Raleigh.
Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She’s published fourteen novels and five short stories.
Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She’s published fourteen novels and five short stories.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
October 18, 2020
I love sports in general, I've never understood American futbol because I'm Latina and our futbol is totally different, but I still like ma games in ma books.
Why? Because even when they have a little bit of insta-love, (like this one does) the sports trope always makes for a good structure of the story, if the author is knowledgeable enough it could make you forget that there is insta shit going. And that's what happened here.
Neil is a player who failed to get the point who would have won the Super Ball for his team, so he was shunned by it and tossed away from his job, six months later and he still couldn't forgive himself. So to solve it all enters hot younger guy who is after his spot, Jamie has always been his fan, he has been obsessed with Neil since he was a teenager and by a magic move of destiny, or the author's will, they meet at a party and just click, they want it to be something but since they are kind of Romeo and Juliet, they decide to go slow and keep it quiet. And so the story goes...
The romance was insta and I don't like those, as a reader I can't connect with that feeling if it doesn't grow some way some how. Was it sweet to read? Yes it was, it was also good to see the growth that the characters went through, the dynamics of the team and the heart stopping moments that only sports romance can give you. Did it dragged a little? Yep, it did at the 45% or so mark, not enough to give it up though.
Something that is worth mentioning is that this author didn't bullshit, didn't put unnecessary drama and solved everything as adults would, that's why the 4 stars rating. Kudos to that.
So it could have been better, deeper, less I'm getting a migraine kind of sweetness, but it was still fun. I'm almost sure the next one will be Chase and I'm interested, I just hope the author's go to mode ain't insta. *sighs*
Anyway... Love sports! 🥰❤
Why? Because even when they have a little bit of insta-love, (like this one does) the sports trope always makes for a good structure of the story, if the author is knowledgeable enough it could make you forget that there is insta shit going. And that's what happened here.
Neil is a player who failed to get the point who would have won the Super Ball for his team, so he was shunned by it and tossed away from his job, six months later and he still couldn't forgive himself. So to solve it all enters hot younger guy who is after his spot, Jamie has always been his fan, he has been obsessed with Neil since he was a teenager and by a magic move of destiny, or the author's will, they meet at a party and just click, they want it to be something but since they are kind of Romeo and Juliet, they decide to go slow and keep it quiet. And so the story goes...
The romance was insta and I don't like those, as a reader I can't connect with that feeling if it doesn't grow some way some how. Was it sweet to read? Yes it was, it was also good to see the growth that the characters went through, the dynamics of the team and the heart stopping moments that only sports romance can give you. Did it dragged a little? Yep, it did at the 45% or so mark, not enough to give it up though.
Something that is worth mentioning is that this author didn't bullshit, didn't put unnecessary drama and solved everything as adults would, that's why the 4 stars rating. Kudos to that.
So it could have been better, deeper, less I'm getting a migraine kind of sweetness, but it was still fun. I'm almost sure the next one will be Chase and I'm interested, I just hope the author's go to mode ain't insta. *sighs*
Anyway... Love sports! 🥰❤
August 24, 2022
As ever a disclaimer that I beta read this book for Beth.
Now, onto the book itself. It's even better than the loosely connected The Rivalry and I absolutely loved everything about this romance.
It's a difficult one to put into a trope, there's elements of forbidden romance, it's obviously a sports romance, but it's also a bit of hurt/comfort, a bit of overcoming fears, a bit of an age gap and an interracial relationship.
Overall though, it's a beautiful story of two guys who by anyone's reckoning, shouldn't have anything to do with each other and most definitely shouldn't be falling in love.
But fall in love they do, it's a super sweet romance, fairly slow burn although the chemistry is there from the off.
Neal is cautious, rightly so, given how he was badly burned not only by the team Jamie's trying out for to replace him as kicker, but also by the guy he thought he was in love with (and can I just state here for the record - Michael you are an absolute wanker!)
Jamie though, he's impetuous as only someone of his age can be. He's confident in not only his skills as a kicker, but also in his attraction to Neal and the feeling they could be really good together.
There's a looming sense of dread hanging over the narrative which only increases once Jamie's rival for the special teams spot overhears him talking to another player who knows he's been seeing Neal.
I really appreciated that Beth took a particular route with this big secret - which I won't spoiler as I think it's better to find out from reading - and I loved how it all played out in the end.
The Epilogue is beyond cute and I loved how it nicely wrapped up the state of their relationship and professional careers with a totally solid Happy for Now most likely leading into that Happily Ever After.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
Now, onto the book itself. It's even better than the loosely connected The Rivalry and I absolutely loved everything about this romance.
It's a difficult one to put into a trope, there's elements of forbidden romance, it's obviously a sports romance, but it's also a bit of hurt/comfort, a bit of overcoming fears, a bit of an age gap and an interracial relationship.
Overall though, it's a beautiful story of two guys who by anyone's reckoning, shouldn't have anything to do with each other and most definitely shouldn't be falling in love.
But fall in love they do, it's a super sweet romance, fairly slow burn although the chemistry is there from the off.
Neal is cautious, rightly so, given how he was badly burned not only by the team Jamie's trying out for to replace him as kicker, but also by the guy he thought he was in love with (and can I just state here for the record - Michael you are an absolute wanker!)
Jamie though, he's impetuous as only someone of his age can be. He's confident in not only his skills as a kicker, but also in his attraction to Neal and the feeling they could be really good together.
There's a looming sense of dread hanging over the narrative which only increases once Jamie's rival for the special teams spot overhears him talking to another player who knows he's been seeing Neal.
I really appreciated that Beth took a particular route with this big secret - which I won't spoiler as I think it's better to find out from reading - and I loved how it all played out in the end.
The Epilogue is beyond cute and I loved how it nicely wrapped up the state of their relationship and professional careers with a totally solid Happy for Now most likely leading into that Happily Ever After.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
August 1, 2021
Okay so first of all, I love the cover. Very eye catching, ya know ;). Anyways, I liked the story, too. Neal and Jamie fall kind of fast for each other. And yes, there's an age gap, which is easy to forget except when Neal calls him "Kid", and yes Jamie is taking his old job. But it's still fairly low in angst and drama. These two are sweet and kinda mushy. And their friends and family are awesomely supportive. I think they both were what the other needed, and I'm happy how it all turned out.
October 18, 2020
I love books about sports and this is a really good one.
It is believable even though everything happens a little bit too fast.
It is insta-lust/insta-love but since Jamie was Neal's fan for YEARS it is OK.
The romance part was absolutely cute, but the futbol and competition was also very important.
The story is fast paced, sweet and very enjoyable. There is almost no drama.
There is an age gap (14 years) between MCs, but there is so many things that they have in common it is not a problem.
I really liked both MCs, the competition to win a position in Riptide and Jamie's way of thinking. The story is really sweet and sexy (even though there was a lit bit too many ILYs) and it was exactly what I needed right now.
* I was gifted an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review *
It is believable even though everything happens a little bit too fast.
It is insta-lust/insta-love but since Jamie was Neal's fan for YEARS it is OK.
The romance part was absolutely cute, but the futbol and competition was also very important.
The story is fast paced, sweet and very enjoyable. There is almost no drama.
There is an age gap (14 years) between MCs, but there is so many things that they have in common it is not a problem.
I really liked both MCs, the competition to win a position in Riptide and Jamie's way of thinking. The story is really sweet and sexy (even though there was a lit bit too many ILYs) and it was exactly what I needed right now.
* I was gifted an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review *
January 9, 2021
This one was really sweet, unlike Heath and Sam's story where I cried so much I had a table full of tissues at the end. I really liked how they just fit together. And Neal's big date at the observatory was so, so, so sweet.
*spoiler* And Shane. Such a shitty person. What exactly did he think would happen when he told the coaches about Neal and Jamie? They'd miraculously fire Jamie and hire him? After showing such blatant unsportsmanship? Even if they'd fired Jamie they definitely wouldn't have hired him for snitching on a teammate.
*spoiler* And Shane. Such a shitty person. What exactly did he think would happen when he told the coaches about Neal and Jamie? They'd miraculously fire Jamie and hire him? After showing such blatant unsportsmanship? Even if they'd fired Jamie they definitely wouldn't have hired him for snitching on a teammate.
October 23, 2023
Boring. I got through by skimming especially past the sex scenes.
It's American 'football' I'm British, would really need the author to bring this alive for me. They didn't, it's a lot of highly toxic 'football' politics, everyone connected to the team are bad, er until suddenly they're not!
It's dry and uninspiring, I don't know who they played, who won, how often, what's special about 'special team' ..nothing.
Then the character's; Neal with his handsome face and gorgeous eyes -yawn- is Jaime's childhood hero. In fact even when they've started their relationship that hero worship is creepily evident. There's both povs but they blend.
Insta - the getting together was OK, but after one date with a random gesture they were talking big decisions.
There's no chemistry, personalities are lost to politics. A half arsed attempt to insert drama but nothing that went anywhere.
It's American 'football' I'm British, would really need the author to bring this alive for me. They didn't, it's a lot of highly toxic 'football' politics, everyone connected to the team are bad, er until suddenly they're not!
It's dry and uninspiring, I don't know who they played, who won, how often, what's special about 'special team' ..nothing.
Then the character's; Neal with his handsome face and gorgeous eyes -yawn- is Jaime's childhood hero. In fact even when they've started their relationship that hero worship is creepily evident. There's both povs but they blend.
Insta - the getting together was OK, but after one date with a random gesture they were talking big decisions.
There's no chemistry, personalities are lost to politics. A half arsed attempt to insert drama but nothing that went anywhere.
free-on-amazon-owned
August 4, 2021Free 4 August 2021:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KWHMMBS/...
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KWHMMBS/...
November 30, 2020
This was too long and incredibly boring. It started out bad and quite depressing, and it continued with nothing to be honest. There was really no plot, angst or drama, it was just, meah. The way the management treated Neal was over the top I thought and it basically ruined the whole story. The whole integrity and having your team mate s back speech that Shane got was so hypocritical and stupid considering how Neal was treated. I dindn t even want Jamie to play for such an awful team. This was just another forgettable book, on now to a better one.
October 19, 2020
Check out our full post for ROUGH CONTACT on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Erica – ☆☆☆☆☆
Rough Contact is listed as a standalone, but I do caution that reading Rivalry beforehand would be a good idea. No confusion to be had, but the two novels are connected by the same NFL team and a cast of friends. The emotional investment may be higher if read in concert with one another.
From word one, I was hooked, reading Rough Contact from cover to cover in a single sitting. It was beyond easy to empathize with Neal after that hard-hitting prologue. Not so much a mistake or an accident, or even a misstep, but that one moment in time altered Neal's life, including his love life.
But fate had other ideas for Neal. When one door opens, as the saying goes. Jamie breezes in to take up the mantle for Neal, with a wounded NFL team making a whole slew of their own mistakes, unable to handle such a large loss that was a team failure.
It's a new season, a season of healing for an entire team, but most importantly for Neal. He's struggling to let go of his failure, forgetting that it's a team sport, and that his final kick may have cost them the game, but had everyone else done their job prior, he wouldn't have had to kick to earn them a win, something they all seemed to forget when pointing fingers instead of self-reflecting. Sometimes it's all up to fate, no matter what.
Neal is emotionally wounded, his direction in life stalled. Jamie is a young rookie who is eager to fill his idol's shoes through determination, skill, and mental preparedness. This mindset boils over from the field to his personal life, calm and assured, caring and compassionate. Patient. Jamie is everything Neal needs to get a new lease on life.
Heartwarming and hopeful, Rough Contact is a slow building romance between a pair that could have been rivals like their predecessors, but instead it's as easy as breathing. The angst in their relationship is due to outside forces. As long as they stick together, they'll get through anything.
Highly recommend. Fingers crossed we get to revisit this team and cast of characters in a future novel, as there is one specific character that I'd love to hate during his own narration.
Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second in a series and I would definitely recommend that you read Sam and Harris's story if you haven't already. You could definitely read this first and enjoy it, but you would find out a few of the earlier couple's adventures. I am a big sports romance fan and here we get to experience the pressure that a kicker will place on themselves in the NFL.
Neal has spent six months hiding under his duvet – almost literally – as he is blamed and blames himself for his team losing the Super Bowl. Now any logical person has to know that it is not on the shoulders of one player that a team loses... but you wouldn't know it here. He is removed from the team and in the process, loses his boyfriend who works for the team too. That part I think was an unexpected bonus, as he turns out to be a snake.
Jamie has been brought in to try out as Neal's replacement. He is a huge fan of the man, so finds the situation somewhat odd – and the coaching team put the kickers through hellish trials, clearly still not coping with their loss. I loved this psychological aspect of the story – it is crazy, funny, and sadly, utterly believable. To add to the adventure, he meets his hero at a party and the two of them have an immediate chemistry. Inconvenient in one way, but possibly lifesaving in another.
I really enjoyed watching the two men falling in love, finding themselves and each other as they also cope with the external pressures that inevitably accompany such a pairing. They definitely benefit from having a few key people on their side.
It is difficult at times to see just how this will work out, but Beth Bolden gives us everything we could possibly desire in this lovely romance.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
July 17, 2022
I liked it. It has a delicious feel of forbidden, that meshes well with the individual character growth that Neil and Jamie both face. I liked the first one better so far, but this one is pretty good too
November 15, 2020
3.5 stars. An entertaining sports romance. It was quite insta-lovey, but it felt more like a case of the boys meeting at the right time and the right place and just clicking. It was nice that the age gap and the differences in experience didn't play a role and that both were equally important to the other. I wanted to give it four stars, but I'm deducting half a star, because the football business overshadowed the romance part and the way Neal was excommunicated didn't feel realistic after thirteen years of loyal service. Kudos for an accurate representation of one of the MC's on the cover though!
October 14, 2020
I received a free copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
5 Stars
Rough Contact is listed as a standalone, but I do caution that reading Rivalry beforehand would be a good idea. No confusion to be had, but the two novels are connected by the same NFL team and a cast of friends. The emotional investment may be higher if read in concert with one another.
From word one, I was hooked, reading Rough Contact from cover to cover in a single sitting. It was beyond easy to empathize with Neal after that hard-hitting prologue. Not so much a mistake or an accident, or even a misstep, but that one moment in time altered Neal's life, including his love life.
But fate had other ideas for Neal. When one door opens, as the saying goes. Jamie breezes in to take up the mantle for Neal, with a wounded NFL team making a whole slew of their own mistakes, unable to handle such a large loss that was a team failure.
It's a new season, a season of healing for an entire team, but most importantly for Neal. He's struggling to let go of his failure, forgetting that it's a team sport, and that his final kick may have cost them the game, but had everyone else done their job prior, he wouldn't have had to kick to earn them a win, something they all seemed to forget when pointing fingers instead of self-reflecting. Sometimes it's all up to fate, no matter what.
Neal is emotionally wounded, his direction in life stalled. Jamie is a young rookie who is eager to fill his idol's shoes through determination, skill, and mental preparedness. This mindset boils over from the field to his personal life, calm and assured, caring and compassionate. Patient. Jamie is everything Neal needs to get a new lease on life.
Heartwarming and hopeful, Rough Contact is a slow building romance between a pair that could have been rivals like their predecessors, but instead it's as easy as breathing. The angst in their relationship is due to outside forces. As long as they stick together, they'll get through anything.
Highly recommend. Fingers crossed we get to revisit this team and cast of characters in a future novel, as there is one specific character that I'd love to hate during his own narration.
5 Stars
Rough Contact is listed as a standalone, but I do caution that reading Rivalry beforehand would be a good idea. No confusion to be had, but the two novels are connected by the same NFL team and a cast of friends. The emotional investment may be higher if read in concert with one another.
From word one, I was hooked, reading Rough Contact from cover to cover in a single sitting. It was beyond easy to empathize with Neal after that hard-hitting prologue. Not so much a mistake or an accident, or even a misstep, but that one moment in time altered Neal's life, including his love life.
But fate had other ideas for Neal. When one door opens, as the saying goes. Jamie breezes in to take up the mantle for Neal, with a wounded NFL team making a whole slew of their own mistakes, unable to handle such a large loss that was a team failure.
It's a new season, a season of healing for an entire team, but most importantly for Neal. He's struggling to let go of his failure, forgetting that it's a team sport, and that his final kick may have cost them the game, but had everyone else done their job prior, he wouldn't have had to kick to earn them a win, something they all seemed to forget when pointing fingers instead of self-reflecting. Sometimes it's all up to fate, no matter what.
Neal is emotionally wounded, his direction in life stalled. Jamie is a young rookie who is eager to fill his idol's shoes through determination, skill, and mental preparedness. This mindset boils over from the field to his personal life, calm and assured, caring and compassionate. Patient. Jamie is everything Neal needs to get a new lease on life.
Heartwarming and hopeful, Rough Contact is a slow building romance between a pair that could have been rivals like their predecessors, but instead it's as easy as breathing. The angst in their relationship is due to outside forces. As long as they stick together, they'll get through anything.
Highly recommend. Fingers crossed we get to revisit this team and cast of characters in a future novel, as there is one specific character that I'd love to hate during his own narration.
November 7, 2024
I'm gonna be blunt. This story pissed me off and I couldn't get past the Riptide Organization's handling of Neal's miss. Really? Firing a player and disgracing him, spitting him out to the world like that after 13 years?!!!!! WTF?? No win as a team, lose as a team mentality? Coach holding a grudge, ex boyfriend being a dick and PR non existent? Just throw your player to the wolves? So, if this were soccer, then we should fire the goaly who missed a save, or better, let's fire the player who missed the penalty. Unacceptable. And that ending where they, what, make nice? Nope, didn't buy it at all.
I felt this book stood on very shakey legs. The almost love at first sight felt shallow and the low angst gimmick with Shane was created to add a little pepper to an awkward story. I'm sorry but this book felt wrong for me.
I felt this book stood on very shakey legs. The almost love at first sight felt shallow and the low angst gimmick with Shane was created to add a little pepper to an awkward story. I'm sorry but this book felt wrong for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2022
2022: jk i'll never come back and finish this. bored. too much football, not enough character.
I'm not totally DNFing this, more of...pausing at 53%. There's nothing really wrong with the book, I think I just don't like reading about football. Might come back later to try again, because the characters are kinda cute.
I'm not totally DNFing this, more of...pausing at 53%. There's nothing really wrong with the book, I think I just don't like reading about football. Might come back later to try again, because the characters are kinda cute.
January 21, 2021
DNF at 24%
Couldn’t get into the dialogue
Couldn’t get into the dialogue
October 13, 2020
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the second in a series - and I would definitely recommend that you read Sam and Harris's story if you haven't already. You could definitely read this first and enjoy it, but you would find out a few of the earlier couple's adventures. I am a big sports romance fan - and here we get to experience the pressure that a kicker will place on themselves in the NFL.
Neal has spent six months hiding under his duvet - almost literally - as he is blamed and blames himself for his team losing the Superbowl. Now any logical person has to know that it is not on the shoulders of one player that a team loses... but you wouldn't know it here. He is removed from the team, and in the process loses his boyfriend who works for the team too. That part I think was an unexpected bonus, as he turns out to be a snake.
Jamie has been brought in to try out as Neal's replacement. He is a huge fan of the man, so finds the situation somewhat odd - and the coaching team put the kickers through hellish trials, clearly still not coping with their loss. I loved this psychological aspect of the story - it is crazy, funny and sadly, utterly believable. To add to the adventure, he meets his hero at a party, and the two of them have an immediate chemistry. Inconvenient in one way, but possibly life saving in another.
I really enjoyed watching the two men falling in love, finding themselves and each other as they also cope with the external pressures that inevitably accompany such a pairing. They definitely benefit from having a few key people on their side.
It is difficult at time to see just how this will work out, but Beth Bolden gives us everything we could possibly desire in this lovely romance.
This is the second in a series - and I would definitely recommend that you read Sam and Harris's story if you haven't already. You could definitely read this first and enjoy it, but you would find out a few of the earlier couple's adventures. I am a big sports romance fan - and here we get to experience the pressure that a kicker will place on themselves in the NFL.
Neal has spent six months hiding under his duvet - almost literally - as he is blamed and blames himself for his team losing the Superbowl. Now any logical person has to know that it is not on the shoulders of one player that a team loses... but you wouldn't know it here. He is removed from the team, and in the process loses his boyfriend who works for the team too. That part I think was an unexpected bonus, as he turns out to be a snake.
Jamie has been brought in to try out as Neal's replacement. He is a huge fan of the man, so finds the situation somewhat odd - and the coaching team put the kickers through hellish trials, clearly still not coping with their loss. I loved this psychological aspect of the story - it is crazy, funny and sadly, utterly believable. To add to the adventure, he meets his hero at a party, and the two of them have an immediate chemistry. Inconvenient in one way, but possibly life saving in another.
I really enjoyed watching the two men falling in love, finding themselves and each other as they also cope with the external pressures that inevitably accompany such a pairing. They definitely benefit from having a few key people on their side.
It is difficult at time to see just how this will work out, but Beth Bolden gives us everything we could possibly desire in this lovely romance.
October 12, 2020
**4.5**
Such a great sports romance! There is a lot going on for readers throughout the whole book - age gap, hurt/comfort, american football romance, mental health.
Jamie is the rookie trying out for the newly vacant kicker position with Riptide after Neal missed the Super Bowl winning kick six months previously. Completely unexpected is the friendship that starts up with his new teammates and his introduction to the man he will be replacing. Jamie has looked up to Neal for years with his amazing kicking record right up to the last moment but Neal isn't sure how to deal with the fact that Jamie is possibly his new replacement. There is an undeniable attraction and connection right from the start though and it draws the two men together. There's battles for each man to face individually and then together in their relationship. They fit so well together and it feels really natural as you read them, even with it happening only over several weeks.
There is a whole cast full of great characters, some met in The Rivalry, Beth's previous football romance but both are standalones. They are so very supportive of each other, vocally and subtly. I loved how Beth wrote about the aftermath of the Super Bowl for Neal and what he went through. It's a huge mental event as well as physical but this one was followed by depression and constant reaction from teammates, the sports world and fans. I have never watched a game of American Football in my life, though I do love some films and books with it, but Beth writes it so very well and I found myself getting gripped by what was happening on and off the pitch.
A highly recommended read that I thoroughly enjoyed!
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Such a great sports romance! There is a lot going on for readers throughout the whole book - age gap, hurt/comfort, american football romance, mental health.
Jamie is the rookie trying out for the newly vacant kicker position with Riptide after Neal missed the Super Bowl winning kick six months previously. Completely unexpected is the friendship that starts up with his new teammates and his introduction to the man he will be replacing. Jamie has looked up to Neal for years with his amazing kicking record right up to the last moment but Neal isn't sure how to deal with the fact that Jamie is possibly his new replacement. There is an undeniable attraction and connection right from the start though and it draws the two men together. There's battles for each man to face individually and then together in their relationship. They fit so well together and it feels really natural as you read them, even with it happening only over several weeks.
There is a whole cast full of great characters, some met in The Rivalry, Beth's previous football romance but both are standalones. They are so very supportive of each other, vocally and subtly. I loved how Beth wrote about the aftermath of the Super Bowl for Neal and what he went through. It's a huge mental event as well as physical but this one was followed by depression and constant reaction from teammates, the sports world and fans. I have never watched a game of American Football in my life, though I do love some films and books with it, but Beth writes it so very well and I found myself getting gripped by what was happening on and off the pitch.
A highly recommended read that I thoroughly enjoyed!
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
October 14, 2020
Football players are hot, so of course I was sold the moment I saw the blurb for this one. Just imagining Neil and Jamie behind closed doors ... yum!
The main characters of Rough Contact were at different points in their careers. Their connection, their need for each other couldn't have come at a worst moment, let alone falling in love. But, the longer they were around each other, the more they got to know one another on a non-sexual level, the stronger they fell, and I loved seeing it. Neal and Jamie were amazing characters and wonderfully written. They felt so real that their dreams, struggles, pain, joy, love - all their emotions were like my own.
Everything about this story touched me. I liked the spotlight on the pressure of not conforming to what is the "norm" regarding sexuality in sports, the physical and mental demand on athletes, the duress of having to stay between certain lines decided by someone else. Certainly not an easy environment, one that Neal and Jamie understood perfectly. That's why it was maybe easier for them to connect, become friends and rely on each other's support and eventually love... and, their scorching passion was definitely a steamy bonus.
Couldn't put this book down, curious to see how Neal and Jamie would reach their happiness and I've got to say the ending had me wooting. Loved it!
The main characters of Rough Contact were at different points in their careers. Their connection, their need for each other couldn't have come at a worst moment, let alone falling in love. But, the longer they were around each other, the more they got to know one another on a non-sexual level, the stronger they fell, and I loved seeing it. Neal and Jamie were amazing characters and wonderfully written. They felt so real that their dreams, struggles, pain, joy, love - all their emotions were like my own.
Everything about this story touched me. I liked the spotlight on the pressure of not conforming to what is the "norm" regarding sexuality in sports, the physical and mental demand on athletes, the duress of having to stay between certain lines decided by someone else. Certainly not an easy environment, one that Neal and Jamie understood perfectly. That's why it was maybe easier for them to connect, become friends and rely on each other's support and eventually love... and, their scorching passion was definitely a steamy bonus.
Couldn't put this book down, curious to see how Neal and Jamie would reach their happiness and I've got to say the ending had me wooting. Loved it!
April 22, 2022
5 Stars An amazing Sports romance
This book was so much fun! There was definitely some amazing chemistry between Neal and Jamie. Not to mention, I was hooked from the first page. After an intense (Superbowl) start to the story and a sad career ending move, Neal, goes into hiding. And no one can really blame him! But after a good chunk of time, enough is enough, it's time for Neal to start the healing process. Only the twist: Neal's love interest is the kicker who is replacing Neal and taking his job!! Bravo Beth, you are now an autobuy author for me!! =p
This book was so good. It was romantic and fun and filled with a touch of hurt comfort. Legit downloading and starting book 3 right now!
This book was so much fun! There was definitely some amazing chemistry between Neal and Jamie. Not to mention, I was hooked from the first page. After an intense (Superbowl) start to the story and a sad career ending move, Neal, goes into hiding. And no one can really blame him! But after a good chunk of time, enough is enough, it's time for Neal to start the healing process. Only the twist: Neal's love interest is the kicker who is replacing Neal and taking his job!! Bravo Beth, you are now an autobuy author for me!! =p
This book was so good. It was romantic and fun and filled with a touch of hurt comfort. Legit downloading and starting book 3 right now!
October 16, 2020
Wow, this certainly played with my heart. Neal and Jamie do not have an easy time, and although they have so much angst and hurt and confusion to get through, it just makes it so so worth it. Neal and Jamie both complement each other, and it hurts in the best way while we wait for them to work together to truly find peace in their decisions and their lives. The depth of their connection is so well-done, you just feel it in your bones. And that's why the HEA is so incredibly powerful and beautiful. I absolutely loved it - a great sports romance that truly delivers!
May 28, 2021
I absolutely adored this!
I'm not even sure if I can put my finger on exactly what made me love this so much, but I guess it's just the perfect mix of likable characters, light and fun moments as well as emotional scenes and hurt/comfort and ... just so many feels even in typically mundane scenes. I felt very much invested and in the moment while reading page after page after...whoops, finished already?!
This will definitely go on my list for books to revisit when in need of a comfort read!
I'm not even sure if I can put my finger on exactly what made me love this so much, but I guess it's just the perfect mix of likable characters, light and fun moments as well as emotional scenes and hurt/comfort and ... just so many feels even in typically mundane scenes. I felt very much invested and in the moment while reading page after page after...whoops, finished already?!
This will definitely go on my list for books to revisit when in need of a comfort read!
October 14, 2020
Shine bright like a star
This book is an amazing way to kickoff a sports romance. It has all the feels, all of them, and I devoured every word. I felt for Neal and I felt his pain. Watching him come back to life was like seeing the sun after a brutal rain, refreshing and beautiful. I absolutely adore Jamie. He’s brilliant throughout this book and I can’t get enough of him, his outlook on life or his pure joy.
I need, really need, more of Neal and Jamie together. Gah, I love them so much. “I feel ...breathless and silly, almost, waiting for the next time I get to see you. And every time I leave you, I want to turn around and stay.” They sizzle, they spark, and they won my heart with everything they went through to be together. In fact, Jamie and Neal’s love shines so bright you may need to wear sunglasses while reading this fantastic, heartwarming book.
This book is an amazing way to kickoff a sports romance. It has all the feels, all of them, and I devoured every word. I felt for Neal and I felt his pain. Watching him come back to life was like seeing the sun after a brutal rain, refreshing and beautiful. I absolutely adore Jamie. He’s brilliant throughout this book and I can’t get enough of him, his outlook on life or his pure joy.
I need, really need, more of Neal and Jamie together. Gah, I love them so much. “I feel ...breathless and silly, almost, waiting for the next time I get to see you. And every time I leave you, I want to turn around and stay.” They sizzle, they spark, and they won my heart with everything they went through to be together. In fact, Jamie and Neal’s love shines so bright you may need to wear sunglasses while reading this fantastic, heartwarming book.
October 18, 2020
As one player's career is coming to an end another player is just beginning his. When these two meet up sparks fly!
Neal loses his place on the team when he misses a crucial kick. Jamie is the rookie trying out for his position. While the timing couldn't be worse, how do you stop such intense attraction?
The chemistry and connection between these two jumps right off the page.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and couldn't put it down!
Neal loses his place on the team when he misses a crucial kick. Jamie is the rookie trying out for his position. While the timing couldn't be worse, how do you stop such intense attraction?
The chemistry and connection between these two jumps right off the page.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and couldn't put it down!
October 25, 2020
I love M/M sports romances, and this one between football kickers is so damn charming. It’s never any doubt whether they’ll get together or whether they really like each other; the conflict is outside the connection. Plus, a return of or reference to other characters from Bolden’s books makes it an enjoyable addition to the Boldenworld.
Is this a book I’ll read again and again? No. But was it a feel-good queer sports romance that was fun to read? Absolutely.
Is this a book I’ll read again and again? No. But was it a feel-good queer sports romance that was fun to read? Absolutely.
November 13, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Beth Bolden’s football romance, Rough Contact, is two parts sport and many parts steam heat. The dynamic between Neal and Jamie is absolutely volcanic and watching the two of them reach beyond their age difference, the fact that Jamie is vying for Neal’s old job, and their instant lust for each other is quite fun. But there’s also a deeper context here with the story focusing on guilt, self-recrimination, and the resulting depression losing your career can bring, especially when that career has defined who you are for so long.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Beth Bolden’s football romance, Rough Contact, is two parts sport and many parts steam heat. The dynamic between Neal and Jamie is absolutely volcanic and watching the two of them reach beyond their age difference, the fact that Jamie is vying for Neal’s old job, and their instant lust for each other is quite fun. But there’s also a deeper context here with the story focusing on guilt, self-recrimination, and the resulting depression losing your career can bring, especially when that career has defined who you are for so long.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
Read
June 7, 2021This was working for me .... dialogues or scenes were not engaging enough...so DNF'd ☹️☹️
January 17, 2022
More a 3.5
There are many things I liked but the pace wasn't always a good match for the plot and the romance could have had a bit more challenge. But I liked the author's style and will read something else by her at some point.
There are many things I liked but the pace wasn't always a good match for the plot and the romance could have had a bit more challenge. But I liked the author's style and will read something else by her at some point.
Read
June 25, 2022DNF
October 20, 2020
I was looking forward to this read but honestly found it a little long! I did take a few days break and then come back to finish it!
It was sappy and sweet, with some angst about people finding out. This is a solid 3 star read but not my favourite book by this author
It was sappy and sweet, with some angst about people finding out. This is a solid 3 star read but not my favourite book by this author
October 27, 2020
4.5 stars A great being to the book although I felt bad for Neal when things went down. The first meeting of the two kickers is a great one until Jamie's truth comes out for his replacement.
An Indian-American was Jamie not knowing anything about the big leagues. Neal helps Jamie and storms and hot kisses light them up. A great book of love and new beginnings. A little banter and hot chemistry with attraction just bussing. A gorgeous HEA ending for Neal and Jamie.
When the Super bowl rests on Neal's 37 shoulders as he kicks a goal even he holds his breath. His life changes.
Jamie 23 gets the call up to tryouts to play in for Riptide as kicker.
An Indian-American was Jamie not knowing anything about the big leagues. Neal helps Jamie and storms and hot kisses light them up. A great book of love and new beginnings. A little banter and hot chemistry with attraction just bussing. A gorgeous HEA ending for Neal and Jamie.
When the Super bowl rests on Neal's 37 shoulders as he kicks a goal even he holds his breath. His life changes.
Jamie 23 gets the call up to tryouts to play in for Riptide as kicker.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews