Shine

Love & Rugby #3

by Susan Scott Shelley, Chantal Mer

Hercules Hoffman has spent the last few years starting over, in a new job, new living situation, going back to college, and in a new role as manager of the inclusive rugby club he used to play for. His friendships are solid but with his life in transition, he doesn’t believe he has a lot to offer someone until the goals he’s working towards are achieved. From their first meeting on the pitch, Hercules sees Apollo as out of his reach, but the gentle giant is never far from his thoughts.

Zoologist Apollo Leos finds animals easier to understand than people. Joining the rec league rugby club pushed him out of his comfort zone and gave him a supportive friend group for the first time in his life. Slowly shedding the shields he developed to protect himself from the harshness of the world, he’s gaining confidence and the ability to relax and trust. Except when it comes to his attraction to Hercules. He’s never dated before and feels his inexperience will be seen as a hindrance to a relationship. Not knowing how Hercules will react to that information freezes him from making the first move.

After their matchmaking friends scheme to get them together, Hercules and Apollo take a tentative step that quickly falls into a heady rush of firsts. Kisses, dates, sharing pieces of themselves, they form a bond based on support and trust that opens up their worlds. As Hercules wars with doubts about himself and Apollo navigates the unfamiliar territory of a romantic relationship, their summer romance is tested by Hercules’s belief that people don’t stick around and Apollo’s worry about what will happen when he trusts someone with his heart.

Genres: M M Romance, LGBT

324 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 22, 2022

About the author

USA TODAY bestselling author Susan Scott Shelley writes romance with heat and heart that celebrates love without limits. A city girl who likes being out in nature as often as possible, she has yet to meet a plant she hasn’t wanted to take home and she really wants a pet crow.
Learn more at https://www.susanscottshelley.com

Reviews

[Juniper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apollo and Hercules are both earnest, sweet, caring and passionate about their fields. They have baggage of different kinds, but also strong chemistry and some (overly intrusive, well meaning but pathologically meddlesome) matchmaking friends. There are gaps in relationship experience and career progression, but the biggest obstacle to their happiness is nothing so easy to overcome. If your reading experience is anything like mine, Hercules will break your heart— just like he frequently threatens to break Apollo’s. He’s not deliberately cruel, but his distorted view of himself and his tendency to deny Apollo’s ability to make his own choices is seriously hard to watch, and causes more pain than it really should. The HEA here is the result of some serious generosity of spirit on Apollo’s part, and it’s nice, after all the messes Hercules makes, to see him finally, finally, choose not to do the worst possible thing. As a final note, while the romance can stand alone here, context on the characters involved can be found in the previous books.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[S.M. Harshell · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I was given a free copy of this book to read and review for Gay Romance Reviews.**

SHINE is the third book in the Love & Rugby series. It can be read as a stand alone but I personally feel you would get a better understanding of the characters if you read it as the authors intended, in order.

Hercules Hoffman is Cameron Davidson's best friend. They used to be on the same rugby team but an injury took Herc out Cam had him move into the attached apartment to help take care of him. When Cam needed someone to watch his daughter Olive, Herc turned into the live in manny. He knew after his injury he wasn't going to be able to play rugby again. Even though he misses it he now helps manage the team and league. During Olive's sixth birthday party Cam had hired someone from the zoo to bring her favorite animals. Hercules noticed Apollo, the zoologist, instantly but felt he didn't have anything to offer the man who seemed to have his life together.

Apollo Leos joins the rugby league even though it pushes him way out of his comfort zone. He instantly makes friends with some of the guys and they instantly form a tight bond. He's notices Hercules but he's so shy and inexperienced he doesn't think Herc would want someone like him. When a weekend getaway at Cam's beach house pushes him and Hercules together they both discover their attraction for each other.

Apollo admits his extremely inexperienced and Hercules loves being his first for so many things. Hercules has his own baggage preventing him from truly letting himself be loved but Apollo knows what he wants.

Apollo and Hercules are the perfect pairing. These men have such big hearts and deserve that HEA. I again was brought to tears (which seems to be a theme for me and these authors!) but I loved watching their relationship play out. Of course Olive played another staring role and just brought this read to another level. It was the perfect mix of sweet and some serious heat!!

I can't wait for Greer to be knocked on his butt and fall in love!

[Heather Duff · Rating 5 out of 5]

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Shine is a quiet and subdued book full of love, sweetness, and healing.

I love books that are full of angst, tortured souls, and pain, but I equally love a book that is simply a story of two men, living their lives and finding love. Just a beautiful story.

Shine is about Apollo and Hercules. Both are part of the same rugby team and friend group. Both are oblivious to the other's interest, but their friends haven’t missed the looks, so they take it upon themselves to give these two a little nudge. A nudge they both welcome.

They are sweet together, both calm souls, who enjoy the simple pleasures of each other. However, they are human, complete with busy lives, insecurities, and past hurts, so there is still some navigating that has to happen to give these guys their future together. It’s real. And satisfying that along the way they don’t just find love and acceptance in the arms of the other, but also within themselves.

It can be read as a stand-alone and enjoy it, but I do wish I had read the previous books so I could better understand the friend group dynamic. But just know, that either way, it’s a wonderful book that I’m sure others will enjoy it, alone or in order.

[DD · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this group of friends/found-family. Their relationships with one another is so special. Most of them have gone through hardships in their pasts, yet they are over coming and they are learning and they are growing. That goes especially for our lonely, insecure little sweethearts, Apollo and Hercules. In the beginning, I thought there’d be more to them immediately avoiding each other and not admitting their feelings. But, sometimes, it’s simple, old-fashioned neglect that hinder our lovely little(big, hulking hunks) loves, and it’ll break your heart for them. Their beginning was a slow start but once they warmed up to one another, the story just kept getting better and better. The climax will grip on to your heart and possibly rip it out of your chest. Like, I’ve said, these two authors are experts at writing stubborn men. Hercules and Apollo’s coming back together is so sweet and exactly what they need. I can’t wait to find out what happens with our spunky Greer.

[Traci S · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-4.5⭐️
Really great series, these characters are well crafted and so easy to become attached to! There is an excellent team dynamic throughout the series, I love the family they have created. Hercules has been such a wonderful part of the first books in the series- so kind and lovely I was hoping he’d get a beautiful happy ending. Apollo has been a bit of a mystery, so I loved getting his story as well. Together, these two are wonderfully sweet and I loved how genuine their chemistry felt. I don’t think it is overly angsty, but there is a sense of foreboding around the edges of their relationship. You can sense Herc and Apollo will have some past demons to work through before they find their happy ending, which really kept me turning the pages. Great series, I love the writing style, and a truly lovely couple.❤️

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been enjoying this series and so far Apollo and Hercules - what cool names - are my favorite couple. Apollo with his love of animals and Herc with his care for Cam's daughter Olive and his quest to finish his masters in child development. They are so adorable individually and so sweet together. Both guys sound hot but both are a bit shy and neither is full of himself. Both have found community with the Rugby crew and both wonder if the other would be interested. It was good to follow along as they moved past past hurts and some reticence to get together. Mistakes are made by Herc that Apollo was kind enough to forgive and in the end it was good to see Herc finally develop a more accurate view of himself and come to understand his value.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

You had me at, hi! Apollo, is more comfortable with animals than people. He has isolated himself from people wrapped in his cloak of insecurity and innocence. Hercules, has basically reinvented himself. He was injured out of playing rugby, so he took the job as team manager. He and Cameron, are besties and he's honorable Uncle to Olive. Herc plans to focus on his job in order to rebuild his life. He is immediately attracted to Apollo when he first meets him, but feels he is out of his league. Both men drag a bit of baggage, spending more time in their heads than talking. Are the men compatible? Can they find enough in common to talk to each other? Good story. Apollo and Herc are sweetly delightful. It was a joy watching them get to know each other and find their confidence. Nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bkwrm24 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Herc and Apollo ❤️
4 Stars ⭐️

✅All the First times
✅Sweetness
✅Hurt/Comfort


I adored these men separately but together they were so freaking cute! They were the perfect blend of sweet and spice. The relationship development was such a joy to read, they went from the longing looks and feeling to giving it a true go at happiness by starting their relationship. Both men have been beaten down in the past especially Herc, he broke my heart but at the same time he needed some tough love to get his head out of his A** to trust Apollo's true feelings and love for him. As always with this series the side characters were great and I can't wait until Greer's story. I would most definitely recommend this read.

* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *

[kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

SHINE is the third book in the Love & Rugby series. It can be read as a stand alone but you wouldn't want to miss out on the other great books in this series.
Shine is about Apollo and Hercules. Both are part of the same rugby team and friend group.
Both men are clueless about the other being interested in them. With some helpful meddling from friends they embark on a relationship.
Each comes with their own set of baggage that plays a part in how their relationship progresses.
I enjoyed seeing the progress these two made.
As always with this series the side characters were great and I can't wait until Greer's story.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story had very different MC's to the previous books; both being quieter, shy and not so self assured. This does give a different slant to the series. I really felt the attraction between these two, both too unsure to act on it. You could feel the longing and lust so vividly. One of the MC's is unexperienced which makes for a slower pace with the sexual scenes. However, as per this whole series, the sex scenes are always well written and sexy. It's great to hear how all the past characters are getting on and still lots more rugby men needing to find love.

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the series and is just as good as the previous two. It’s a slower pace, is a first time romance so a little slower than previous books but it is lovely! Herc and Apollo have been in the previous books so we already know them, Hercules has been one of my favourites so I was so ready to have his story. He infuriated me at times but I still love him and was so happy for him and Apollo to finally confess their feelings and find their HEA. It was great to get more Olive, plus Estella and Cora who are totally mental!

[Readingbks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the wonderful series! This is Hercules and Apollo's story! I just love all of the characters in this series and as each of them get their story I'm so happy! I love how the authors haven written the stories for this family and how they come together. There is a little bit of angst but this story is sweet, funny, steamy, loving and oh so adorable! This series would make an awesome boxed set! I read an advanced copy of this book and this is my unbiased review! I can't wait for the next book!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hercules Hoffman needs a lesson in confidence from his namesake. It's that poor self-esteem that keeps getting him in trouble with Apollo Leos, the man who owns his heart. Such a sweet love story, this is, and it's great to see how each man, with all his baggage, finally finds the place where he can let himself be everything the other man desires. I found their dynamic to be especially endearing because they're both tough, rugby-playing guys with soft centers. Fortunately for them, they have a network of blood and found family to help them navigate to their HEA.

[T Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say, Hercules and Apollo have my heart. All the guys, so far, have given great performances but these two have stolen the show. Their walking around each other, both too afraid to move, was great. Then admitting their feelings, their insecurities and their struggles was heartwarming. Their conclusion was perfect as it allowed them to be equals and that’s something Hercules needed. The story was very enjoyable. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a first book I've read of the series and I was surprised by how much I liked both Hercules and Apollo. Both men are shy and out of their comfort zone when they both join a rugby club and with the help of their friends, are introduced and spend time together. Their relationship is bumpy because both men have been hurt and are reluctant to dive into something serious, but they can't help but fall for each other.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Third book in this series where we finally get to see Hercules (Herc) find his forever love. Apollo is a lover of animals and has been drafted by Herc's charge (the lovely Olive) to help with her many animals. Both of the MC's are shy and scared to fall in love for their own reasons and the authors do a good job of slowly helping them find there way to each other and giving into the love they feel for each other. Another wonderful story in this series.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author does such a wonderful job of letting us get to know Hercules and Apollo from the inside out. We understand how shaky the foundation of this new world Hercules is building for himself still feels and how difficult it has been for Apollo to come out of his shell enough to join the rugby club and basically learn how to make friends. Watching their halting initial steps as they test the relationship waters and slowly but surely realize they've found the real thing is wonderful.

[Janice Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Love and Rugby series about two rugby players and teammates named Apollo and Hercules, both of who have a secret crush on the other.

I really liked this sweet romance between these two men. The MC's have amazing chemistry together. This story was well written and their connection seemed genuine and I just loved reading their relationship unfold and blossom.

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Saskia Veldhuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two very uncertain and shy MCs make an interesting addition to this series. The other characters in this series are really confident on the whole so it makes an enjoyable difference. The writing style is very good, but this book could have been a bit shorter or could have used a bit more plot as it did occasionally feel a bit repetitive. Still very good to read.

[Maria771 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Hercules and Apollo, it is the 3rd book in The Love & Rugby series. I absolutely adore this book. It is a beautifully written love story between two wonderful sweet and shy men that finds the courage to become more. My favourite couple. Definitely recommended.

I received this book as an Arc and I am happily reviewing it voluntarily.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He life has all changed and he believes he cannot find love until he has achieved everything he wants to. He is in charge of a rugby team when a new member arrives. They are nervous about meeting new people and he deals with animals much better. Can these two find a connection? Will it be great for them both? See just how these two get on

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a perfect story of these two men named after gods. They are both so sweet and have such chemistry together. These two guys are so sweet and caring and shy, I loved seeing them finally come together.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great add to a well written series. This is book 3 in a fun rugby series and I enjoyed Apollo and Hercules. Two not as self assured MCs as we have seen in the other books in this series but I think that helped them have an even sweeter journey to their HEA.

[Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A feel good story this one. I loved Apollo, shy and virginal who got a very late first kiss. And Hercules is so protective and super caring. They are a lovely combo. Friends and family are also relevant in the story. It’s a great read.

[Malia Winger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love all the rugby couples but I have been waiting on Hercules' story. He has been a calm and steady presence throughout the series. And Apollo is the perfect match for him. I was enchanted by their love story. And I loved the way that the rugby team has evolved into a family.

[Thrilled Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE THIS SERIES! This is book 3 of Love and Rugby, and while Olive stole the show in book 2, this story was just as sexy, fun, and loving! I hate spoilers, but I will say that Herc and Apollo have been pining for each other for so long that I am thrilled that they finally came together!

[Kirsty · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third installment in this series and just as good as the first two but definitely a slower pace.
Apollo and Hercules have instant chemistry and very well paired sharing so many firsts!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything about this book is big. Big hearts. Big tears. Big love. big fun. It's a good book and fits well in the series.