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Zone Defense #1
No Take Backs
Some things you can’t take back.
If you say those words, get caught glancing at his bulge, or share a heated kiss, it’s game over. The “no take backs” rule strikes, and there’s no way you can backtrack.
That’s the way it’s always been with me and Nate Griffin, my old best friend who thought he could change the rules.
It doesn’t matter that time and distance have pulled us apart. I’ve finally figured myself out and yanked my head out of my backside. Now, if only I can drag myself out of the closet and be the man I want to be for Nate…
But I’m a pro basketball player who has no desire to be a poster boy. Not only that, Nate and I don’t even live in the same country.
Nate, big-hearted guy he is, takes it all in his stride, and I can’t help but wonder if just maybe he’s too good for me. But hell if I can resist him.
It all boils down to: Do I want to take anything back when it comes to Nate Griffin?
crossover note: The characters from this book visit Bar QK from Not Used to Cute
If you say those words, get caught glancing at his bulge, or share a heated kiss, it’s game over. The “no take backs” rule strikes, and there’s no way you can backtrack.
That’s the way it’s always been with me and Nate Griffin, my old best friend who thought he could change the rules.
It doesn’t matter that time and distance have pulled us apart. I’ve finally figured myself out and yanked my head out of my backside. Now, if only I can drag myself out of the closet and be the man I want to be for Nate…
But I’m a pro basketball player who has no desire to be a poster boy. Not only that, Nate and I don’t even live in the same country.
Nate, big-hearted guy he is, takes it all in his stride, and I can’t help but wonder if just maybe he’s too good for me. But hell if I can resist him.
It all boils down to: Do I want to take anything back when it comes to Nate Griffin?
crossover note: The characters from this book visit Bar QK from Not Used to Cute
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2021
302 people are currently reading
735 people want to read
About the author
Becca Seymour
50 books624 followersBecca Seymour is a British/Aussie author and the #1 gay romance best seller of the True-Blue series. Known for "steamy and endearing" and "emotionally profound love stories" (InD'tale Magazine) her books have been nominated for multiple RONE Awards.
Becca has a sweet tooth for marshmallow-hearted monsters, swoon-worthy supernatural studs, and everyday guys and basketball players with hearts of gold. If you like your MM romance sweet, spicy, and occasionally action-packed, slip into stalker mode and fall hard for her True-Blue and Minnesota Eagles men—and maybe a shifter or monster two.
Monsters & Mates
Solan | Kael | Varek
Zone Defense
No Take Backs | No More Secrets | No Wrong Moves | No Backing Down
Fast Break
Rules, Schmules! | Facts, Smacts! | Regular Smegular! | Easy, Schmeasy!
True-Blue Let Me Show You | I’ve Got You | Becoming Us | Thinking It Over | Always For You | It’s Not You | Our First & Last | Next For Us
Outback Boys
Stumble | Bounce | Wobble
Fangs & Felons
Thicker Than Water | Weaker Than Instinct | Brighter Than Fear | Stronger Than Fate | Softer Than Stone
Stand-Alone Contemporary
Not Used To Cute | High Alert | Realigned | Amalgamated | Under the Blazing Stars | Best Kind of Awkward | Tastes Like Sugar | Caden & Theo | Full Tilt
REVIEWS:
"WOW! Simply, Wow! A funny, steamy and endearing story that should be put into your family of books. Something that you can read over and over again when you need a pick me up." The Book Fairy Reviews
"An intense connection that smolders" - JayReads
"This book was a slow burn and I loved it." - Steamy Book Momma
"Characters to pull for, a romance to give you feels, and enough steam to keep you turning pages..." - Romantic Reads and Such
"Emotionally profound love story with many laugh aloud moments." - InD'tale Magazine
"Becca had me cracking up laughing and smiling ear to ear." - HeidiLynns BookReviews
Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Becca has a sweet tooth for marshmallow-hearted monsters, swoon-worthy supernatural studs, and everyday guys and basketball players with hearts of gold. If you like your MM romance sweet, spicy, and occasionally action-packed, slip into stalker mode and fall hard for her True-Blue and Minnesota Eagles men—and maybe a shifter or monster two.
Monsters & Mates
Solan | Kael | Varek
Zone Defense
No Take Backs | No More Secrets | No Wrong Moves | No Backing Down
Fast Break
Rules, Schmules! | Facts, Smacts! | Regular Smegular! | Easy, Schmeasy!
True-Blue Let Me Show You | I’ve Got You | Becoming Us | Thinking It Over | Always For You | It’s Not You | Our First & Last | Next For Us
Outback Boys
Stumble | Bounce | Wobble
Fangs & Felons
Thicker Than Water | Weaker Than Instinct | Brighter Than Fear | Stronger Than Fate | Softer Than Stone
Stand-Alone Contemporary
Not Used To Cute | High Alert | Realigned | Amalgamated | Under the Blazing Stars | Best Kind of Awkward | Tastes Like Sugar | Caden & Theo | Full Tilt
REVIEWS:
"WOW! Simply, Wow! A funny, steamy and endearing story that should be put into your family of books. Something that you can read over and over again when you need a pick me up." The Book Fairy Reviews
"An intense connection that smolders" - JayReads
"This book was a slow burn and I loved it." - Steamy Book Momma
"Characters to pull for, a romance to give you feels, and enough steam to keep you turning pages..." - Romantic Reads and Such
"Emotionally profound love story with many laugh aloud moments." - InD'tale Magazine
"Becca had me cracking up laughing and smiling ear to ear." - HeidiLynns BookReviews
Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
April 30, 2023
4.5 Stars
No Take Backs is a charming and addictive friends-to-lovers, MM sports romance—and is now an instant favourite by Aussie author, Becca Seymour!
I adored a lot about this one, from the great writing and relatable characters, to the professional basketball backdrop and the dual setting across Australia and the USA. Really, everything here worked for me, especially the chemistry between childhood friends, Nate and Ryan, who reconnect spectacularly in their mid-twenties, soon realising their renewed relationship holds a lot more than feelings of platonic friendship.
I love this kind of story, with its low angst, good relationship development, great side characters, and a truckload of heart and humour as its driving force. The usual MM sports romance themes of coming out while playing professionally are still front and centre on the conflict-o-meter, but it was handled well here and I liked the unconditional support Ryan received from not only Nate and his family, but from his close teammates, and professional scene-stealers, Jayden and Sutton (MCs of book two).
Interestingly, this was my first ever basketball romance, which seems like a bit of an oversight on my part, considering how many sports romances I’ve knocked back in my time, plus the fact I played basketball competitively as a teenager (and loved every minute of it). Honestly, it was a refreshing change of pace from the countless football and baseball sports romances out there and I may now be inspired to seek out more of the like in the near future.
Needless to say, I’ll be back for the sequels… and probably anything else I get my hands on by this author.
No Take Backs is a charming and addictive friends-to-lovers, MM sports romance—and is now an instant favourite by Aussie author, Becca Seymour!
I adored a lot about this one, from the great writing and relatable characters, to the professional basketball backdrop and the dual setting across Australia and the USA. Really, everything here worked for me, especially the chemistry between childhood friends, Nate and Ryan, who reconnect spectacularly in their mid-twenties, soon realising their renewed relationship holds a lot more than feelings of platonic friendship.
I love this kind of story, with its low angst, good relationship development, great side characters, and a truckload of heart and humour as its driving force. The usual MM sports romance themes of coming out while playing professionally are still front and centre on the conflict-o-meter, but it was handled well here and I liked the unconditional support Ryan received from not only Nate and his family, but from his close teammates, and professional scene-stealers, Jayden and Sutton (MCs of book two).
Interestingly, this was my first ever basketball romance, which seems like a bit of an oversight on my part, considering how many sports romances I’ve knocked back in my time, plus the fact I played basketball competitively as a teenager (and loved every minute of it). Honestly, it was a refreshing change of pace from the countless football and baseball sports romances out there and I may now be inspired to seek out more of the like in the near future.
Needless to say, I’ll be back for the sequels… and probably anything else I get my hands on by this author.
April 23, 2025
Super cute 2nd chance friends to lovers with enough Aussie slang to keep my heart happy.
This was a very low angst/low steam book and I would have personally expected more grovelling from Ryan’s side but I get the author didn’t want to cause unnecessary drama.
Overall I enjoyed and I’ll consider reading Jayden and Sutton’s story next
This was a very low angst/low steam book and I would have personally expected more grovelling from Ryan’s side but I get the author didn’t want to cause unnecessary drama.
Overall I enjoyed and I’ll consider reading Jayden and Sutton’s story next
November 10, 2021
4.5 stars
I loved this book. Best friends to lovers after not speaking to each other for almost a decade, No Take Backs follows two men; one a professional NBA star living in America fulfilling his dream and another living in their hometown in Australia where he manages his family’s store while taking care of his ex-best friend’s sister and Grandmother. Two very different men, two very different lives both living with a secret they never told one another. Filled with emotion, laughter, making amends, and finding love; No Take Backs was impossible to put down.
Ryan Broadwater knew when he was offered a full ride college scholarship in America he had to take it. It would mean being able to take care of his younger sister and his Grandmother who stepped up to raise them when their mom flaked out. Leaving his family and his best friend Nate was harder than he ever imagined and the only way he could deal with it was to stop communications with Nate, and make sure his family had what they needed, but visits home weren’t possible if he wanted to go pro and be able to provide for them long term. Honestly this is the one part of the story I had a problem with, he had all kinds of money as a pro athlete and even if he didn’t want to go to his hometown he could have met his sister and grandmother somewhere else so he could avoid Nate, the man he left behind knowing that he’d never admit his feelings while playing pro ball.
Some might say Nate Griffin leads a quiet life and they’d be mostly right. He enjoys his work at his family’s store, he goes out once in awhile to appease his sexual side, and he cares for his parents and his ex-best friend’s sister and grandmother like his own. While he’d love to meet a man to spend his life with and while he is out and proud, finding someone in his hometown isn’t easy and getting someone use to a bigger city to stay interested isn’t easy either and their there’s the fact that despite hating Ryan, his ex-best friend, he never got the chance to tell him how he felt when Ryan ghosted him, his family, and the town.
A lot of this book we see Ryan and Nate repairing their relationship through texts and phone calls and it worked in this case because of Ryan’s job and the fact they had years of hurt and anger to sift through. It was easy to see how close they’d been and how deep their feelings were for one another once they got past the initial apologizing and accepting stage. I did hurt for Ryan as it was obvious he didn’t feel that he could come out and continue to play in the NBA and even when he suspected his closest teammates had figured him out, he still just couldn’t bring himself to even tell them. I have to say that Nate for the most part was very forgiving and didn’t pressure him to come out. In fact he knew it was important for it to be Nate’s decision and on his personal timeline.
I adored the way their relationship evolved over the course of this book and it was evident that while they had many years apart, their solid friendship made it easy for them to repair the damage done, move forward, admit they wanted one another, and eventually admit their true feelings.
While this could have been an angst-filled mess given that Ryan was in the closet and Nate was not, Ryan’s career not being the most open, and their past, it wasn’t at all. It was an easy read, filled with good times, heart to heart talks, and two people who belonged together but had a rough patch to get there.
No Take Backs by Becca Seymour was refreshing, completely entertaining, and just a wonderful gay romance that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
I loved this book. Best friends to lovers after not speaking to each other for almost a decade, No Take Backs follows two men; one a professional NBA star living in America fulfilling his dream and another living in their hometown in Australia where he manages his family’s store while taking care of his ex-best friend’s sister and Grandmother. Two very different men, two very different lives both living with a secret they never told one another. Filled with emotion, laughter, making amends, and finding love; No Take Backs was impossible to put down.
Ryan Broadwater knew when he was offered a full ride college scholarship in America he had to take it. It would mean being able to take care of his younger sister and his Grandmother who stepped up to raise them when their mom flaked out. Leaving his family and his best friend Nate was harder than he ever imagined and the only way he could deal with it was to stop communications with Nate, and make sure his family had what they needed, but visits home weren’t possible if he wanted to go pro and be able to provide for them long term. Honestly this is the one part of the story I had a problem with, he had all kinds of money as a pro athlete and even if he didn’t want to go to his hometown he could have met his sister and grandmother somewhere else so he could avoid Nate, the man he left behind knowing that he’d never admit his feelings while playing pro ball.
Some might say Nate Griffin leads a quiet life and they’d be mostly right. He enjoys his work at his family’s store, he goes out once in awhile to appease his sexual side, and he cares for his parents and his ex-best friend’s sister and grandmother like his own. While he’d love to meet a man to spend his life with and while he is out and proud, finding someone in his hometown isn’t easy and getting someone use to a bigger city to stay interested isn’t easy either and their there’s the fact that despite hating Ryan, his ex-best friend, he never got the chance to tell him how he felt when Ryan ghosted him, his family, and the town.
A lot of this book we see Ryan and Nate repairing their relationship through texts and phone calls and it worked in this case because of Ryan’s job and the fact they had years of hurt and anger to sift through. It was easy to see how close they’d been and how deep their feelings were for one another once they got past the initial apologizing and accepting stage. I did hurt for Ryan as it was obvious he didn’t feel that he could come out and continue to play in the NBA and even when he suspected his closest teammates had figured him out, he still just couldn’t bring himself to even tell them. I have to say that Nate for the most part was very forgiving and didn’t pressure him to come out. In fact he knew it was important for it to be Nate’s decision and on his personal timeline.
I adored the way their relationship evolved over the course of this book and it was evident that while they had many years apart, their solid friendship made it easy for them to repair the damage done, move forward, admit they wanted one another, and eventually admit their true feelings.
While this could have been an angst-filled mess given that Ryan was in the closet and Nate was not, Ryan’s career not being the most open, and their past, it wasn’t at all. It was an easy read, filled with good times, heart to heart talks, and two people who belonged together but had a rough patch to get there.
No Take Backs by Becca Seymour was refreshing, completely entertaining, and just a wonderful gay romance that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
February 13, 2023
This was a cute sports and childhood friends to lovers book. Both MCs were engaging, and having it set in both Australia and the US made for a nice change of pace. I felt it dragged a bit towards the end, and Seymour didn't give an account of one of the MCs coming out to his friends, instead just saying it happened, and I thought that was a significant part of the story that needed to be told.
Although I felt Nate was a lot more forgiving than most people would have been in his situation, it was obvious these two had had a connection since they were just kids. The family aspect in this book, plus the lack of any real homophobia directed towards these guys made this a comfortable, if not outstanding, book to read.
Although I felt Nate was a lot more forgiving than most people would have been in his situation, it was obvious these two had had a connection since they were just kids. The family aspect in this book, plus the lack of any real homophobia directed towards these guys made this a comfortable, if not outstanding, book to read.
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December 26, 2021DNF @ 61%
This is sooooo boring. They’ve been friends for years, lost touch when one of them goes to the US to play pro basketball, started talking again but don’t reunite in person until the 50% mark. The side characters are soooo annoying. Nate is a total doormat. I cannot.
I should fucking love this book because it takes place mostly in Australia! I love oz. My husband is a British/Aussie so I can hear the accents reading the phrases they use in this. I’m a slut for all things Australian and yet I’m so bored 🥱
I’m so proud of myself for putting this down!!
This is sooooo boring. They’ve been friends for years, lost touch when one of them goes to the US to play pro basketball, started talking again but don’t reunite in person until the 50% mark. The side characters are soooo annoying. Nate is a total doormat. I cannot.
I should fucking love this book because it takes place mostly in Australia! I love oz. My husband is a British/Aussie so I can hear the accents reading the phrases they use in this. I’m a slut for all things Australian and yet I’m so bored 🥱
I’m so proud of myself for putting this down!!
October 28, 2021
ARC received in exchange for an honest review
This was cute - and my first basketball MM romance. The basketball wasn’t super prevalent - which was fine, honestly. This is my first book by this author, but likely won’t be my last! Nate and Ryan were adorable, once they got back together. It was really low angst and is a read I would recommend if you need something fairly light and fluffy!
Sutton and Jayden interest me a lot, so I’m kinda hoping they get a book 👀
This was cute - and my first basketball MM romance. The basketball wasn’t super prevalent - which was fine, honestly. This is my first book by this author, but likely won’t be my last! Nate and Ryan were adorable, once they got back together. It was really low angst and is a read I would recommend if you need something fairly light and fluffy!
Sutton and Jayden interest me a lot, so I’m kinda hoping they get a book 👀
November 6, 2021
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is the story of Nate, a small-town Australian whose best friend and first crush leaves him to become a basketball star in America. Ryan doesn’t just leave Nate, he also leaves his family, forcing Nate to step in and care for Ryan’s sister and grandmother.
I love Nate in this story, but there are so many times I want better for him. He’s reliable, responsible and good. I love him with Ryan’s family and I love him with his dad. I love the joy he takes in running his small family business. He is absolutely wonderful. Ryan, in contrast, is an unreliable hot mess. I’m not sure he ever really makes things right with his family and I found it hard to believe in his closeted commitment to Nate. Without spoilers, I don’t love that it feels like all the compromises are Nate’s while all the glory is Ryan’s.
By the end of the story, I had warmed to Ryan slightly, but I wasn’t convinced. There are some wonderful moments in this book but I do feel like I need a sequel where things feel more balanced between Nate and Ryan for me to truly believe in them as a couple.
This is the story of Nate, a small-town Australian whose best friend and first crush leaves him to become a basketball star in America. Ryan doesn’t just leave Nate, he also leaves his family, forcing Nate to step in and care for Ryan’s sister and grandmother.
I love Nate in this story, but there are so many times I want better for him. He’s reliable, responsible and good. I love him with Ryan’s family and I love him with his dad. I love the joy he takes in running his small family business. He is absolutely wonderful. Ryan, in contrast, is an unreliable hot mess. I’m not sure he ever really makes things right with his family and I found it hard to believe in his closeted commitment to Nate. Without spoilers, I don’t love that it feels like all the compromises are Nate’s while all the glory is Ryan’s.
By the end of the story, I had warmed to Ryan slightly, but I wasn’t convinced. There are some wonderful moments in this book but I do feel like I need a sequel where things feel more balanced between Nate and Ryan for me to truly believe in them as a couple.
November 9, 2021
Oh My Goodness!!!! I loved this so much!
Normally I’m not the biggest fan of Friends to Lovers, but something about adding in the Basketball/Sports Romance aspects and I was ALL IN!!!
Ryan & Nate were adorable from the start and the 🌶 was 🔥🔥🔥!! I was a sucker for their love story. Though the majority of it was a secret love affair, I guess that made it so much hotter. I hate that Ryan had to stay closeted for fear of retaliation as a Basketball Player, but maybe someday that won’t be our every day reality.
This is my second foray into Becca Seymour’s books and so far, they only get better and better. Give me Australian men ANY DAY!!!
Normally I’m not the biggest fan of Friends to Lovers, but something about adding in the Basketball/Sports Romance aspects and I was ALL IN!!!
Ryan & Nate were adorable from the start and the 🌶 was 🔥🔥🔥!! I was a sucker for their love story. Though the majority of it was a secret love affair, I guess that made it so much hotter. I hate that Ryan had to stay closeted for fear of retaliation as a Basketball Player, but maybe someday that won’t be our every day reality.
This is my second foray into Becca Seymour’s books and so far, they only get better and better. Give me Australian men ANY DAY!!!
dnf
June 21, 2024DNF @ 46%
Terrible writing. The prose and conversations are so stilted, I've never heard a teenager use "as" so much; what's wrong with "since" or "'cause"? It reads like a teenager at their first office job trying to work out how to write a professional e-mail and coming off stiff as a board.
I just don't care enough about either MC to continue this. Ryan's friends are obviously trying to let him know that they know that he's not straight and that they support him but he's just lying about it and hurting Nate in the process. I get that he's scared, but all his actions so far just paint him as a selfish asshole, and I'm just not interested in reading about his redemption.
At this point in the book, the plot so far is full of "take backs" so the title is a complete lie. None of the tropes mentioned in the blurb have happened (yet), and that was the whole reason I was reading it so I give up.
Terrible writing. The prose and conversations are so stilted, I've never heard a teenager use "as" so much; what's wrong with "since" or "'cause"? It reads like a teenager at their first office job trying to work out how to write a professional e-mail and coming off stiff as a board.
I just don't care enough about either MC to continue this. Ryan's friends are obviously trying to let him know that they know that he's not straight and that they support him but he's just lying about it and hurting Nate in the process. I get that he's scared, but all his actions so far just paint him as a selfish asshole, and I'm just not interested in reading about his redemption.
At this point in the book, the plot so far is full of "take backs" so the title is a complete lie. None of the tropes mentioned in the blurb have happened (yet), and that was the whole reason I was reading it so I give up.
October 25, 2021
This was a sweet slow-burn book following two former best friends who turn into more. This is the start to a new series and introduced us to a whole host of side characters and opened the playing field up for future books. There is a quite a bit of backstory to slog through before we get to the real story here.
This is a story two former best friends trying to reconnect and relearn how to relate to one another, even though their connection was always just under the surface. Time has passed and these two men have grown in different ways. As another reviewer pointed out, it felt like Nate was a bit quick on the draw to forgive Ryan of his past idiocies. However, I get that’s how we move the plot along. I really liked how Seymour handled Ryan’s coming out scene, both with the seriousness it deserved and a little touch of humor.
Overall, this was a smooth book that had a bit of an info dump here and there, but ended with a sweet and well deserved HEA.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This is a story two former best friends trying to reconnect and relearn how to relate to one another, even though their connection was always just under the surface. Time has passed and these two men have grown in different ways. As another reviewer pointed out, it felt like Nate was a bit quick on the draw to forgive Ryan of his past idiocies. However, I get that’s how we move the plot along. I really liked how Seymour handled Ryan’s coming out scene, both with the seriousness it deserved and a little touch of humor.
Overall, this was a smooth book that had a bit of an info dump here and there, but ended with a sweet and well deserved HEA.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 10, 2021
Check out our full post for NO TAKE BACKS on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
This is the story of Nate, a small-town Australian whose best friend and first crush leaves him to become a basketball star in America. Ryan doesn’t just leave Nate, he also leaves his family, forcing Nate to step in and care for Ryan’s sister and grandmother.
I love Nate in this story, but there are so many times I want better for him. He’s reliable, responsible, and good. I love him with Ryan’s family, and I love him with his dad. I love the joy he takes in running his small family business. He is absolutely wonderful. Ryan, in contrast, is an unreliable hot mess. I’m not sure he ever really makes things right with his family and I found it hard to believe in his closeted commitment to Nate. Without spoilers, I don’t love that it feels like all the compromises are Nate’s while all the glory is Ryan’s.
By the end of the story, I had warmed to Ryan slightly, but I wasn’t convinced. There are some wonderful moments in this book, but I do feel like I need a sequel where things feel more balanced between Nate and Ryan for me to truly believe in them as a couple.
Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the first book in a new series, and as a huge fan of sports romances, I was delighted to get to read this. I will definitely read more when they are released.
The story of two childhood friends from a small Australian town, who separate when Ryan goes to college in the USA on a basketball scholarship. And the separation is a clean break, due, we find out to Ryan not coping with the homesickness if he communicates with home. This leaves Nate looking out for the grandmother and sister that Nate left behind too. I did struggle to cope with that level of betrayal of his roots. Surely the basketball season isn't so long that he couldn't do both? Anyway, it didn't really endear him to me!
Due to a variety of reasons, Ryan and Nate do reconnect, and it feels like Nate is obliged to do all the hard work. That said, they do finally acknowledge that there is more than just friendship between them, but the barriers of being out in the sport are too great for Ryan. This seems true to him, even though two of his best friends and teammates in the States, clearly hint at knowing that he may care for Nate.
The basketball is not a really major part of the storyline, other than setting the context of wanting privacy. I liked that Nate was still also a talented player but had always known that he was happy in his town, supporting his parents' business and friends.
I am looking forward to the next book, and hope that we see how the guys have made things work in spite of the challenges.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
October 18, 2021
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I haven't read a lot of books by this author so she is fairly new to me. I started reading this book early before work and have to admit I'm glad I work from home because I didn't get much done until I'd finished reading it.
I absolutely adored Ryan and Nate's story. I enjoyed getting a glimpse into their past as childhood best friends, and liked how close Nate stayed to Ryan's family while he was gone. The slow-burn reconnection worked for me and the ending was perfect and gave me all the feels.
I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
I haven't read a lot of books by this author so she is fairly new to me. I started reading this book early before work and have to admit I'm glad I work from home because I didn't get much done until I'd finished reading it.
I absolutely adored Ryan and Nate's story. I enjoyed getting a glimpse into their past as childhood best friends, and liked how close Nate stayed to Ryan's family while he was gone. The slow-burn reconnection worked for me and the ending was perfect and gave me all the feels.
I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
March 20, 2022
Ryan and Nate
Well I am an Aussie so enjoyed this cross over between Aussie and america. We saw both worlds and well it had basketball, hot men, love and family!
Can't wait for book 2 ..hoping is who I think it is
5 stars no take backs!
Well I am an Aussie so enjoyed this cross over between Aussie and america. We saw both worlds and well it had basketball, hot men, love and family!
Can't wait for book 2 ..hoping is who I think it is
5 stars no take backs!
February 6, 2022
It’s the NBA,
Not a league. Fine out for you,
But too Australian.
Not a league. Fine out for you,
But too Australian.
July 15, 2024
I was bored
November 6, 2021
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the first book in a new series, and as a huge fan of sports romances, I was delighted to get to read this. I will definitely read more when they are released.
The story of two childhood friends from a small Australian town, who separate when Ryan goes to college in the USA on a basketball scholarship. And the separation is a clean break, due, we find out to Ryan not coping with the homesickness if he communicates with home. This leaves Nate looking out for the grandmother and sister that Nate left behind too. I did struggle to cope with that level of betrayal of his roots. Surely the basketball season isn't so long that he couldn't do both? Anyway, it didn't really endear him to me!
Due to a variety of reasons, Ryan and Nate do reconnect, and it feels like Nate is obliged to do all the hard work. That said, they do finally acknowledge that there is more than just friendship between them, but the barriers of being out in the sport are too great for Ryan. This seems true to him, even though two of his best friends and team mates in the States, clearly hint at knowing that he may care for Nate.
The basketball is not a really major part of the storyline, other than setting the context of wanting privacy. I liked that Nate was still also a talented player, but had always known that he was happy in his town, supporting his parents' business and friends.
I am looking forward to the next book, and hope that we see how the guys have made things work in spite of the challenges.
This is the first book in a new series, and as a huge fan of sports romances, I was delighted to get to read this. I will definitely read more when they are released.
The story of two childhood friends from a small Australian town, who separate when Ryan goes to college in the USA on a basketball scholarship. And the separation is a clean break, due, we find out to Ryan not coping with the homesickness if he communicates with home. This leaves Nate looking out for the grandmother and sister that Nate left behind too. I did struggle to cope with that level of betrayal of his roots. Surely the basketball season isn't so long that he couldn't do both? Anyway, it didn't really endear him to me!
Due to a variety of reasons, Ryan and Nate do reconnect, and it feels like Nate is obliged to do all the hard work. That said, they do finally acknowledge that there is more than just friendship between them, but the barriers of being out in the sport are too great for Ryan. This seems true to him, even though two of his best friends and team mates in the States, clearly hint at knowing that he may care for Nate.
The basketball is not a really major part of the storyline, other than setting the context of wanting privacy. I liked that Nate was still also a talented player, but had always known that he was happy in his town, supporting his parents' business and friends.
I am looking forward to the next book, and hope that we see how the guys have made things work in spite of the challenges.
December 2, 2021
Solid 3.5 - rounded down because one MC did something totally selfish from the off and it was forgiven/glossed over a little quickly. But solid writing and I'm going to try more from this author.
October 13, 2021
I got this book as an ARC and was asked to submit an honest review.
I have read books by this author before and always liked her style. Ryan and Nate are no difference. It is a story about growing up, from pushing a friend away just to realise that even the best career in sport is not everything in life and trying to connect again and figuring out how to love the best friend.
I really like the characters. Ryan's struggle is real, even if his life is shown a bit too one-dimensional. Nate is a bit too fast in forgiving Ryan and the details could be a bit more than just "I needed to make a clear break" but they still are shown as down to earth and likeable.
I love the coming out scene and the author threw a nice little cliffhanger about some secondary characters into the mix I do hope she will follow up on soon.
I have read books by this author before and always liked her style. Ryan and Nate are no difference. It is a story about growing up, from pushing a friend away just to realise that even the best career in sport is not everything in life and trying to connect again and figuring out how to love the best friend.
I really like the characters. Ryan's struggle is real, even if his life is shown a bit too one-dimensional. Nate is a bit too fast in forgiving Ryan and the details could be a bit more than just "I needed to make a clear break" but they still are shown as down to earth and likeable.
I love the coming out scene and the author threw a nice little cliffhanger about some secondary characters into the mix I do hope she will follow up on soon.
April 17, 2022
My first book by this author. The writing reminded me of Lauren Blakely whose books I thoroughly enjoy.
Best friends and second chances. Some steam and a little angst , a great read.
If I had to criticise anything it would be the slightly OTT happy ending. It’s felt just a bit too much like rainbows and unicorns and that’s where I usually switch off, so I am glad it was at the end.
Best friends and second chances. Some steam and a little angst , a great read.
If I had to criticise anything it would be the slightly OTT happy ending. It’s felt just a bit too much like rainbows and unicorns and that’s where I usually switch off, so I am glad it was at the end.
May 1, 2022
Touched My Heart.
Love everything this story. It touched my heart yet made me smile. Not not but very loving. We!permitted and edited. Must read the next in series I have already fallen in love with the chaotic that book.
Love everything this story. It touched my heart yet made me smile. Not not but very loving. We!permitted and edited. Must read the next in series I have already fallen in love with the chaotic that book.
December 10, 2022
DNF 17%
Can't get past how easily Nate forgave Ryan.
Can't get past how easily Nate forgave Ryan.
November 11, 2021
No Take Backs sees a second chance for Ryan to connect with his family and best friend after leaving them behind Australia eight years ago to play basketball in America.
Nate stepped into the role that Ryan left behind and supported his (ex) best friend's gran and sister as they deal with health problems and a surprise pregnancy. While he tries to forget what he shared with Ryan since the guy ghosted him a few years ago, there's nothing he wouldn't do for Gran and Amber. It's sweet how close they've become considering how they know each other. When Ryan tries to contact Nate out of the blue, it's not the best conversation but it gets the ball rolling, getting them back in each others lives via text and calls until Nate visits the US and then Ryan is able to visit Australia in the off-season. What they shared as best friends before is still there but amplified and expanded to include attraction and chemistry. It's easy to sense an under current between them and how much they care for each other, even before anything happens but when that first step is taken, it ignites everything they share.
I really enjoyed how they take their time with getting back into each others lives and then moving forward with their relationship. There is still a lot for both men to consider regarding their future but Ryan being back in the lives of Nate, Gran and Amber makes a big difference on them all but, I think, especially Ryan with how he chose to isolate himself in order to protect himself from his homesickness and attraction to men.
There are a lot of characters in this story that help to make it an entertaining read. Amber is not shy about sharing what she thinks and the bond she shares with Nate is just as important as with Ryan. Ryan's teammates, Sutton and Jayden, are hilarious as well as offering a great deal of quiet, and one spectacular loud moment, support to their friend.
A recommended read for those who enjoy a best friends to lovers romance with an aspect of second chance and coming out.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Nate stepped into the role that Ryan left behind and supported his (ex) best friend's gran and sister as they deal with health problems and a surprise pregnancy. While he tries to forget what he shared with Ryan since the guy ghosted him a few years ago, there's nothing he wouldn't do for Gran and Amber. It's sweet how close they've become considering how they know each other. When Ryan tries to contact Nate out of the blue, it's not the best conversation but it gets the ball rolling, getting them back in each others lives via text and calls until Nate visits the US and then Ryan is able to visit Australia in the off-season. What they shared as best friends before is still there but amplified and expanded to include attraction and chemistry. It's easy to sense an under current between them and how much they care for each other, even before anything happens but when that first step is taken, it ignites everything they share.
I really enjoyed how they take their time with getting back into each others lives and then moving forward with their relationship. There is still a lot for both men to consider regarding their future but Ryan being back in the lives of Nate, Gran and Amber makes a big difference on them all but, I think, especially Ryan with how he chose to isolate himself in order to protect himself from his homesickness and attraction to men.
There are a lot of characters in this story that help to make it an entertaining read. Amber is not shy about sharing what she thinks and the bond she shares with Nate is just as important as with Ryan. Ryan's teammates, Sutton and Jayden, are hilarious as well as offering a great deal of quiet, and one spectacular loud moment, support to their friend.
A recommended read for those who enjoy a best friends to lovers romance with an aspect of second chance and coming out.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
November 10, 2021
Nate and Ryan were best friends growing up. They were so close and their feelings for one another ran deep and strong. When Ryan has the chance to leave Australia and go to college and play college basketball in the US he jumps at the chance so that he can chase a chance to make a good living that will help take care of his grandmother and sister. But once he leaves he stays gone and loses touch with Nate and he does not return to visit his family. Years later he is playing pro ball and he decides to check his sister's social media and discovers he is going to be an uncle and that Nate has stepped up and taken care of his family in the most important way - he is there for them. As Ryan works on reconnecting with his family he works on reconnecting with Nate. They have unresolved feelings that they need to work acknowledge and work through. Yes, Ryan messed up but Nate and Ryan are so cute together and their bond though paused is so strong I found myself rooting for them to find a way to be together. It is tough for a pro athlete to be out. But it is tougher to be without the person you love. This was such a sweet reunion and hopeful story that grabbed me and kept me reading to find out what happened to these two and their friends and family.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
November 10, 2021
Friends-to-lovers is a great trope, and I really liked the opening chapters that set up the friendship between Nate and Ryan, childhood bffs who separate when Ryan goes off to America for college and basketball fame. Eight years later, there’s a rift in communication but not in feelings, and while it’s set up to seem like that history will actually cause conflict, it doesn’t really-- Nate forgives Ryan with alacrity, and then their story shifts from will they/won’t they to will Ryan ever come out. Both Nate and Ryan are really likeable characters, and it’s easy to understand exactly why Ryan’s made the choices he has. Nate is kind, strong, and funny-- in a lot of ways he’s the leader, but he never pushes Ryan to do anything or judges him for the choices he’s made, even though those choices have hurt him. There were definitely moments where I felt like this story was dragging on longer than it needed to-- there are lots and lots of details about daily life, experiences, and feelings that, while interesting in their own right, just stacked up so much that they started to feel like they were weighing down, rather than building up, the relationship and the overall plot. Still, it’s easy to get sucked into Nate and Ryan’s lives, and to be happy for them when they finally, finally, get on the road to their happily ever after.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 22, 2022
Well what in the cute read was this? I've never read Becca Seymour before and I was pleasantly surprised by this story.
I'll start this review with saying that I didn't care much for Ryan at the beginning. His actions have hurt a lot of people. But as he starts talking with all of them and hearing his reasoning why he cut them all out, you can't help but feel for the guy. As for Nate, that man is such a great man. Despite Ryan stopped speaking to him, he still did everything he could to help his little sister and Gran. After they restart their relationship, you could see his happiness and joy to having his best friend back. But with all the talks, deep emotions are resurfacing and love is there for the taking. But coming out with being a successful pro athlete is not all that easy but when HEA is there, Ryan man's up and let's everyone know who holds his heart.
I really enjoyed this book. Now I'm off to read book 2 because I have a feeling the high of this series will just continue with each book.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog ***
I'll start this review with saying that I didn't care much for Ryan at the beginning. His actions have hurt a lot of people. But as he starts talking with all of them and hearing his reasoning why he cut them all out, you can't help but feel for the guy. As for Nate, that man is such a great man. Despite Ryan stopped speaking to him, he still did everything he could to help his little sister and Gran. After they restart their relationship, you could see his happiness and joy to having his best friend back. But with all the talks, deep emotions are resurfacing and love is there for the taking. But coming out with being a successful pro athlete is not all that easy but when HEA is there, Ryan man's up and let's everyone know who holds his heart.
I really enjoyed this book. Now I'm off to read book 2 because I have a feeling the high of this series will just continue with each book.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog ***
November 8, 2021
This is a great start to a new series and I really enjoyed it. No Take Backs is well written, sweet, emotional, fun, deals well with some difficult issues and the characters are very intriguing. Nate is absolutely amazing and he is the reason I liked this story so much. He is rock solid and I love that he is so supportive and caring with everyone as well as the wonderful relationships he has with his parents and Ryan's family. I did not care for Ryan at first but as the story progresses and we learn more about his life in the US some of his decisions make a bit more sense but it wasn't until nearly the end that I really began to like him. Because of his situation Ryan asks a lot from Nate and at times it felt like he was taking advantage of Nate's good nature and his deep feelings for Ryan. They both do the best that they can and throughout the story there is no doubt that they love and adore each other. The ending is pretty great, I love the secondary characters and I can't wait to read the next book in this new and entertaining series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
November 10, 2021
From Nate’s and Ryan’s prologue I was in deep ,to say I absolutely loved this book is an understatement.
From their first day of High School Nate and Ryan became best buddies , sharing their teenage life together.
“No take backs” is their line they say to each other.
The command that instructs another party that once they have given you something they cannot change their mind.
Ryan has always been a talented basketball player he moved to America as he has won a basketball scholarship …
Nate continues working in the family business in Australia.
Time passes , life moves on .
They disconnect.
Nate has such a beautiful heart always thinking of others , he misses his best buddy.
Ryan has a lot of thinking to do.
They connect once more.
Such a wonderful book with characters who are “real” with real feelings.
For me it was very emotional, sweet caring guys that made my heart thump.
The friendship between Ryan’s friends is absolutely epic.
More happy tears….
I cannot wait for book 2 in this Zone Defence Series.
From their first day of High School Nate and Ryan became best buddies , sharing their teenage life together.
“No take backs” is their line they say to each other.
The command that instructs another party that once they have given you something they cannot change their mind.
Ryan has always been a talented basketball player he moved to America as he has won a basketball scholarship …
Nate continues working in the family business in Australia.
Time passes , life moves on .
They disconnect.
Nate has such a beautiful heart always thinking of others , he misses his best buddy.
Ryan has a lot of thinking to do.
They connect once more.
Such a wonderful book with characters who are “real” with real feelings.
For me it was very emotional, sweet caring guys that made my heart thump.
The friendship between Ryan’s friends is absolutely epic.
More happy tears….
I cannot wait for book 2 in this Zone Defence Series.
November 10, 2021
This is a wonderful start to a new series from one of my favourite authors.
It’s the story of best friends, Nate and Ryan who’s friendship falls apart due to distance and the passing of time until the inevitable reconnection that turns into a slow burn to lovers.
I loved both Nate and Ryan and they were amazing together. Nate is so lovely and genuinely nice and while Ryan was also a good person underneath he didn’t always show that to the people who mattered to him.
Becca Seymour has given us a great book that was sweet, funny and steamy and she included some wonderful side characters who added a lot of depth to the story especially Sutton and Jayden. I also adored the little nuggets she put in the story that were nods to Australia and the handwritten page at the end. Highly recommended and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
I received a copy of this book from GRR to review and this is my honest and voluntary opinion.
It’s the story of best friends, Nate and Ryan who’s friendship falls apart due to distance and the passing of time until the inevitable reconnection that turns into a slow burn to lovers.
I loved both Nate and Ryan and they were amazing together. Nate is so lovely and genuinely nice and while Ryan was also a good person underneath he didn’t always show that to the people who mattered to him.
Becca Seymour has given us a great book that was sweet, funny and steamy and she included some wonderful side characters who added a lot of depth to the story especially Sutton and Jayden. I also adored the little nuggets she put in the story that were nods to Australia and the handwritten page at the end. Highly recommended and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
I received a copy of this book from GRR to review and this is my honest and voluntary opinion.
May 24, 2023
Now this fool just read her first basketball romance and I’m telling you it won’t be my last because this friends to lovers who are separated by time and continents was totally adorable and I will be devouring the series. Please and thank you. Nate and Ryan were thick as thieves growing up, I loved getting a glimpse of them as young beans thinking life will always be sunshine - not knowing Ryan getting scouted to attend a US college for basketball would put too much distance for their friendship to remain in tact. It wasn’t only distance though, these two were pining for each other and who doesn’t love some friends to lovers pining? The side characters are fun and endearing, helping them lovingly on their journey to more. Honestly, I just liked this book - it’s cute and has enough hurdles to make it a page turner.
October 18, 2021
No Take Backs is a really sweet best friends to lovers romance. I especially loved the glimpses back to Nate and Ryan as kids as these scenes where well done and helped bring depth to their love story. Nate and Ryan are both likable and well rounded characters and their romance has a lot of heart and sweetness. The author does a really good job with the secondary characters. In particular, Sutton and Jayden bring both comic relief but more importantly genuine care and support for their teammate Ryan. Everyone needs a Sutton & Jayden in their corner, fingers crossed we get more of them in book two! Ryan’s coming out scene was well handled….surprising, poignant and even a bit funny. This is a very well done best friends to lovers sports romance, just enough angst to keep you invested and a lovely well earned HEA.
I received an arc of this book and this is my honest review.
I received an arc of this book and this is my honest review.
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