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Artists and Athletes #1

The Lines We Draw

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Ravi

I’m perfectly fine in my comfort zone. As co-captain of my university soccer team, I know my place. I play hard on the field and my teammates look up to me. Would they look up to me if they knew I liked guys? Probably not, so I’m okay staying a closeted virgin.

That is, until I’m forced to take an arts class, and I’m seated next to the sexiest guy I’ve ever seen. He helps me pass art class, makes me laugh, and has me wanting things I never thought were possible. As the semester goes on, we get closer, and trying to keep my hands off him and stay away from him becomes nearly impossible.

What will happen to my position on the team if I ask him out? I don’t think I’m willing to find out. Now I just gotta stop dreaming about kissing him and holding him… Damn.

Steven

As a fine arts major, I have to focus on creating good work and impressing my professors. Part of that entails sitting in on this beginners arts class, and I just so happen to be next to a gorgeous athlete this semester.

Relationships are a sour note for me, but flirting with the co-captain of the soccer team could be fun. I know it’s not going to go anywhere- he’s straight. Over time, though, becoming friends with Ravi, teaching him how to visualize his art, and learning about his life makes me question what we’re doing.

I don’t know if I’m ready to let someone else into my heart again, least of all a potential closet case (no matter how sexy he is). Still with the way he makes me smile and how my heart beats when I’m near him, I think we’re both in too deep now.

[“The Lines We Draw” is a low-angst, male/male romance, friends-to-lovers story involving art classes, soccer games, nude models, drunken parties, and discovering what sex and love can really feel like, HEA guaranteed.
It is the first of a series and can be read as a standalone.]

201 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 21, 2022

61 people are currently reading
309 people want to read

About the author

C.D. Rachels

22 books114 followers
CD Rachels has been coming up with stories since he was little. At first it was all about superheroes and pocket monsters, but his genre of choice has expanded since puberty.

He’s been consuming young adult gay fiction since he was a teen, but within the past five years moved up to the big leagues of gay adult romance. In 2020 during quarantine, he burned through more male/male romance books than he ever had in the previous 29 years combined.

He lives in New York City with the love of his life and is a nurse by trade. When he’s not reading and writing, he’s playing board games and practicing music. He is honored to become a self-published author, and if you’re reading this, your support means so much to him that it’s giving him a tingly feeling (in a good way).

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5 stars
68 (27%)
4 stars
98 (39%)
3 stars
63 (25%)
2 stars
16 (6%)
1 star
5 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
Profile Image for Meg.
52 reviews13 followers
February 3, 2022

Narration is alternating 1st person POV. The first thing I noticed was that it is easier than usual to tell MCs apart because each MC really had his own voice, not a 3rd POV with alternating “I thought…” statement.

The story flowed well at the start. It wasn’t insta-love; it was slow-burn strangers to friends to lovers, and I really loved that vibe. The book held a really good pace for this trope through about 3/4 of the story but then started to get frantic towards the end. The crisis felt out of place for the characters (especially Ravi) and the urgency of the “big romantic gesture” doesn’t feel time-sensitive to the story - it feels cut to the minimum to fit in the pages left. The end/epilogue had that rushed “I only have 20 pages left to tie this up! Quick, tick the boxes to resolve!” feeling. I would have preferred the book to be even just a few pages longer rather than have a frenetic pace. I definitely think the author has the skills - I don’t think he ran out of story; I think he fell victim to a page count.

Setting up a series can be hard - you need to balance the current plot with setting up interest/investment in the side characters. There was a nice balance of fitting in SC as friends and setting up foreshadowing for the future. I think I know who is going to be the next book’s MC, but I am REALLY hoping Omar gets his own book, too. (Omar, please, please, tell the author your story and let him help you find your HEA, because I think when you do, he’s going to knock you for a loop and it’s gonna be amazing to watch.)

All in all, an excellent debut novel. I’m looking forward to more from this author. :)
Profile Image for ivy.
640 reviews362 followers
February 5, 2022
Authors debut
MM college sports rom-com
Opposites attract-Soccer player/Artist
Single ofy
Sweet and funny - like I actually laughed these boys are so clueless and adorable
No angst fluffy read
Grand Romantic Gesture!
Hope we get a book about Omar in this series
Profile Image for L Ann.
750 reviews160 followers
June 5, 2022
2.75 stars
This was a hard story to rate. The MCs, Ravi and Steven, are very likable and the overall story is sweet. However, after the first half, the story started to drag and I had a hard time getting through it. The characters all acted much younger than their supposed ages, they giggled waaaay too often, it felt like there was too much relationship building taking place off page, making their declaration of love to each other feel out of place. The initial attraction they felt for each other was obvious and there was no doubt they were going to end up dating, but the way the relationship was presented it didn’t seem like they were anywhere near actually being in love. With all the awkwardness taking place in this story it felt more like teens “falling in love,” exploring their sexuality, and (for one of them) having the courage to come out. This definitely didn’t read as an adult relationship and it’s hard for me to see them being together long term.

Still, it was this author's debut so I don’t want to be too harsh. I’ve definitely read worse and I’m not so turned off that I don’t want to read the next story. I think 2.75, rounded up is a fair rating.
Profile Image for Cyndi.
755 reviews45 followers
April 13, 2022
This was a cute opposites attract romance between Ravi, co-captain of his college soccer team, and Steven, an art student/still life sketch artist. I liked both MC's, even though their awkwardness made me feel awkward at times and they definitely came across younger than juniors in college. The story itself felt a lot like a YA rom com and was written in such a casual tone that I imagined I was reading each characters daily journal, which was both good and bad depending on the scene. I got a little nervous after reading reviews that mentioned a grand gesture at the end, but this one was adorable in a very promposal kind of way and I cheesed the whole way through it. Since this was a debut novel I won't be too hyper-critical, but the book definitely could have used some fine tuning and polish. It held a lot of promise of what's to come from this author, though, and I'll definitely be reading Landon's book because he earned my award for "least likely to date a guy" and I'm really interested to see how he snags himself a boy who dances.
Profile Image for Ashleigh.
522 reviews24 followers
November 2, 2022
2 stars

this was kind of a mess. i'm willing to give the second book a chance but going in with low expectations 🫣
Profile Image for Anna.
565 reviews
January 31, 2022
Słowo giggle będzie mi się śniło po nocach.
Profile Image for Lyndsay TC.
2,245 reviews6 followers
February 2, 2022
This debut novel was cute and fun. The characters were likable, and the storyline was great. It was nice to see acceptance among fellow teammates as Ravi struggled through his fears. This is the first book in the series and I cannot wait to see where the author takes us to next.
Profile Image for Tracy~Bayou Book Junkie.
1,575 reviews47 followers
January 23, 2022
3.75 Stars

I really liked the premise of the story. Ravi and Steven were sweet, likable guys you really wanted to root for to get their happy ending and they had great chemistry. I enjoyed their interactions and getting to know them and their friends.

What didn’t work for was the author’s writing style. I can’t quite pinpoint what it was, though. I will say one thing that I know bugged me was the use of the word “giggled”. It’s a major pet peeve of mine, I don’t feel men should giggle, and I checked, it was used 39 times throughout the story and I cringed each and every time. I also felt Ravi, Steven, and their friends read more as high school-aged, rather than college-aged students.

While this wasn’t my favorite read, I will say I couldn’t put it down. It drew me in and although the writing/wording was jarring at times for me, Ravi and Steven’s story kept me turning the pages.

* Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. *
Profile Image for Claudia.
3,027 reviews109 followers
February 8, 2022
3,5 stars for a nice Read about two college boys, finding their HFN.

Steven was a great guy, with some hidden insecurities, which made themselves known in the most inopportune moments.

Ravi was the jock part of the artist-jock pairing and I liked him but couldn't understand why he wouldn't cone out .... especially as to of his teammates said that they kissed, one came out as bisexual at the beginning of the book.
He knew he had support and still wouldn't even entertain the thought of coming out. This was a bit difficult for me, but as it was his coming out

I am not sure I believe these two will stay together forever but I believed their connection. Looking forward to the next book in this series and maybe we'll see them again there ... there are a lot of good candidates for future books. I want Dominic and Omar ... together or separate, both would be fun

All in all it was a good read, especially for a new author and I am glad I got the opportunity to review it.
Profile Image for Wendy.
179 reviews16 followers
Read
March 16, 2022
DNF @59% (but will give it another chance later)

I won't officially rate this one, as I left it aside already three weeks ago. I'm not even sure... but as far as I went I'd give it 3 stars.

It was an okay read with cute moments and some possible angsty plotlines regarding one of Ravi's teammates. I was interested in knowing how it'd play out, but I didn't have the motivation to go further. The story around Ravi's modeling had a lot of potential, but it got written way too soon for my taste. Yes, that's what drew me in, so I was disappointed. Steven's art was still a good topic.

The book felt a bit off-balanced as we learned a lot more about Steven than Ravi to this point. I know I probably missed most of the character development and that's why I refuse to rate it. Maybe I'll pick it up again later this year and give another chance to this author's first novel 💕
Profile Image for Jenn (not Lily).
4,804 reviews27 followers
April 27, 2022
Not bad, but definitely a new author. Bonus -- editing was excellent, I didn't notice a single instance of incorrect words or odd phrasing. The story was sweet, with just a bit of angst but overall very fluffy, especially for a first relationship and coming out story. I'll probably be reading the rest of the series eventually, no huge yearning to continue on at this moment.
Profile Image for Amanda.
2,460 reviews104 followers
November 14, 2022
Cute low angst MM college romance between a closeted soccer player and an out art students. They are sweet and the story is relatively low steam. All the characters are likeable and while the author may have overused his exclamation points and the use of the word "giggle", it's a pretty strong debut novel.
Profile Image for Ashley.
494 reviews4 followers
February 1, 2022
I was excited to read this story because the plot had all the things I love in it. However the writing style was a bit juvenile for me, at times it felt like I was reading an 8th graders diary rather than dialogue between 2 college men. Again this is just my preference in writing style, there were a lot of "giggles" written rather than laughs and when they discussed sex it was tame but also listed in parenthesis, like it was a side bar in a diary, but came across very immature.
Profile Image for queerdo.
308 reviews
February 10, 2022
not really into characters that tell me everything about themselves - it makes me too conscious of the “fourth wall”, so to say. i’d rather you just do you, and i can gather background along the way.
Profile Image for ~Nicole~.
851 reviews407 followers
Read
February 2, 2022
DNF.. Waaay too much “Yeah, man.”, “ No, man” , “Word, dude”. WTF kind of speech is that? Who talks like that? No more for me, thanks.
Profile Image for Sarita Chapdelaine.
1,251 reviews1 follower
February 3, 2022
This is an interesting start to a new series but unfortunately it is just an okay read for me. I didn't really like the writing style and I had a difficult time connecting to the characters. Ravi and Steven acted way younger then I would expect from men their age and at times I felt that their lack of maturity took away a lot of my enjoyment of the story. Their relationship has several ups and downs and felt very one sided a lot of the time as Ravi needed time to sort out his feelings and to figure out how or if he wants to come out. Steven was almost too patient and supportive but I did like that he wasn't pushing Ravi. My favorite part of this story was Ravi's teammates as they were delightful and I hope we get to see a lot more of Omar in the future.

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Sue.
1,945 reviews25 followers
February 2, 2022
I really enjoyed this debut book by a new author. It was a sweet and fun "friends to lovers" story with a lot of heart. The main characters were likeable in all their bumbling awkwardness and the surrounding players were interesting and lend support to the story. There was a bit of drama, some sexy steam, and some funny moments to go along with the romance as Ravi and Steven discover what they really mean to each other, and gain the courage to come out as a couple. All in all, it was a very charming first book in the series, and I was glad I gave it a chance.

**** 4 **** "coming out of your comfort zone" stars
Profile Image for Sharing The Book Love.
916 reviews17 followers
February 3, 2022
It's a cute college based, coming out, nerd/jock read with likeable characters, both Ravi and Stephen and their friends (looking forward to see who is book 2)

For a debut novel this is well written. The word giggled was maybe overused and makes me think more twink in pink than jock/nerd but overall an enjoyable read
186 reviews1 follower
April 21, 2022
Enjoyable light college romance

Sweet and low angst romance. The characters felt real to me. I will keep reading the series. For me the characters could have been developed a little more, with some more depth.
30 reviews
March 7, 2022
Good debut book, just needs a bit adjustment with the language. They look more like teenagers than college guys. But overall, a good story.
Profile Image for Rob Fauver.
52 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2023
Not a huge fan of the “woe is me” or “are you sure you like me 🥺👉🏼👈🏼” theme but it had some good moments in it.
Profile Image for Sammy Higgins.
440 reviews8 followers
February 28, 2022
This is the first book of a new series about Jocks and artists. It also happens to be a debut for this author and what I good the first book to come out with.

Ravi is a closeted soccer player and also the team's co-captain. Steven is an openly gay, fine arts major. They meet when Ravi has to take an art class. The University they attend is an art school so all students have to take one art class to be able to graduate. Ravi is out of his comfort zone but Steven is there to help him.

Ravi and Steven start as friends and get to know each other first. I like it when they don’t just zoom in to being together, what is wrong with getting to know someone first. We find out about them and their past along with them. They both have their similarities and their differences. One major one Steven doesn’t find out till they sneak into the art room to sketch together. It is one of my favourite parts so I won’t spoil it for you. Let’s just say that it involves some nearly naked modelling from one of them. That is also the time when Ravi steps out of Narnia for him. In other words, he finally reveals his truth to Steven. I liked that when he asks to date Steven he doesn’t rush him and gives him time to think it through.

They work beautifully together and I loved the way Steven slowly introduces Ravi to the wonders of sex. Ravi was a virgin before this so I liked that he was such a gentleman to him and took his time. They are really hot in bed together once they start going!

Ravi makes so many amazing steps in his coming out. He is so brave with his mum and I can understand why he was so worried. She was all the family he had and he just wants to make her proud. I couldn’t get enough of his friends and their banter. He has some amazing friends there and especially after what they do near the end of the book.

The conflict in the book seemed to end quickly. It was over after a few days and our boys were all made up. It was one of Steven’s big worries so it needed to be talked about, but I was just surprised that it was over so quickly. They do make a great couple and they do communicate quite well. I did want to slap some people, mainly Sean, Steven’s ex-boyfriend, and also Landon as he drove me nuts at times.

This was an amazing first book from the author and I can’t wait to read the roast of the series. I’m guessing each book will involve one of Ravi's soccer teammates and best friends. Also Stevens brother Sly maybe? I know Landon is next and can’t wait to read it. I’m most looking forward to Omar's book!

I receive a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Bkwrm24.
1,886 reviews14 followers
February 15, 2022
Ravi and Steven ❤️

3.5 Stars 🌟
How Cute and Sexy was this debut novel??? So cute and Sexy!!! Ravi and Steven both were well written characters and their story was fairly low angst....one closeted MC and one out and proud MC made for an interesting storyline, it's always a fun trope to read 😊 add in the college setting and we have a winner. I also enjoyed the low drama in this book, there was one "bump in the road" but it got resolved pretty quick so that was a plus. The epilogue was cute and I was glad to see these guys on their way to a HEA.

* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
Profile Image for Rach Marie.
387 reviews2 followers
August 27, 2022
I absolutely powered through this book - I didn’t put it down. It’s a great holiday style read - not overly long, easy to follow, likeable characters and no need to understand too much technical jargon to understand the individual character back stories. I loved both Ravi and Steven’s characters and how their story progressed as it was believable. But my favourite parts of the story were definitely some of the side characters and also the cheesy rom com moments - a real feel good read overall.
Profile Image for Trip .
916 reviews30 followers
April 21, 2022
Kissing someone you actually like (someone you really like) is phenomenal. It’s incredible. It’s a paradise between the two of us.

I am weak for a romance involving artists and adding athletes is twice the fun, so much to enjoy and I loved the romance. Ravi and Steven start with a beautiful friendship between them, while admire each other and fall in love along the way.

The slow burn feels were lovely as they get to know each other, the sketching scenes and a certain modeling scene is wonderful. Stevens art is gorgeous and i loved his style so much, he made me smile from start to finish.

Ravi is adorable too, but he takes a while to become comfortable in his own skin and be true to himself. So he makes some mistakes along the way, but he certainly makes up for in the end and is very sweet.

The dates and how they want to impress each other, pick something they know the other will enjoy is lovely. I really enjoyed their museum trip, sneaking in to the art studio and Steven teaching lines.

Plenty of fun side cast too as they both have some wonderful friends, who are rather supportive and great addition to the tale.

Also hope to see some of them get their own stories in the rest of series, as meet a bunch of athletes. I'm curious to see other art styles too, especially as sounds like dance be next which I love.

Overall an enjoyable, sweet story with a happy ending 💕

It’s fireworks. It’s a burning red supernova, and I want it to last forever.
29 reviews
May 19, 2022
Very good

I loved both the main Characters Ravi and Steven.
I like a good college romance and this delivered what it promised which always makes me happy.
1,014 reviews3 followers
March 23, 2022
I fell in love with Revi and Steven's story. It's your typical jock falls in love with an artist story, yet it's so much more. Revi is a virgin and very deep in the closet. Steven has been out and proud since his teens. On the first day of art class, both men sit side by side and through the first few weeks, slowly become friends. Both notice how cute the other is and think that neither one has the chance with the other.

I think this was my first CD Rachels book and I'm looking forward to the others in this brand new series. I loved how the story evolved and the flow between characters, their friends and Steven's family. Very good read! Enjoy!

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews

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