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Atlanta Rising Football Club #4.5
Slide Tackle
What happens when the person you love could cost you everything?
For Atlanta Rising midfielder Mahoney Holmes, privacy is the name of the game.
His teammates might think they know who he is when they’re on the pitch—focused, hardworking, dependable. But they have no idea who he really is.
Because Mahoney has a secret.
His boyfriend, Trent.
Despite wanting nothing more than to live his life with Trent out in the open, Mahoney knows firsthand that’s just not possible. He tried that once, and all it got him was cut from the team he loved. He won’t make that mistake again.
Until the choice is made for him...
For Atlanta Rising midfielder Mahoney Holmes, privacy is the name of the game.
His teammates might think they know who he is when they’re on the pitch—focused, hardworking, dependable. But they have no idea who he really is.
Because Mahoney has a secret.
His boyfriend, Trent.
Despite wanting nothing more than to live his life with Trent out in the open, Mahoney knows firsthand that’s just not possible. He tried that once, and all it got him was cut from the team he loved. He won’t make that mistake again.
Until the choice is made for him...
- GenresSportsM M Romance
119 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 20, 2022
24 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Claire Hastings
29 books828 followersClaire Hastings is a walking, talking awkward moment. She loves Diet Coke, gummi bears, the beach, and books (obvs). When not reading she can usually be found hanging with friends at a soccer match or grabbing food (although she probably still has a book in her purse). She and her husband Drew live in Atlanta with their fur-child Denali.
She can be found here:
Instagram | Facebook | Reader Group | Amazon | Website | Newsletter | BookBub
She can be found here:
Instagram | Facebook | Reader Group | Amazon | Website | Newsletter | BookBub
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
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July 16, 2023
RATING 4.5 STARS
Slide Tackle is book #4.5 in the Atlanta Rising Football Club series by Claire Hastings. This is a MM sports romance novella that can be read as a complete stand alone. It’s my very first book by this author. One of the characters is first mentioned in Emily Silver’s book, Sideline Infraction. So as soon as I finished that, I knew I needed this story and am so glad I did.
Mahoney Holmes is a star player for the Atlanta Rising Football Club. Mahoney has a huge secret. He’s gay. Because of it, he rarely socializes with the other players. Even though he loves playing for this team, he can’t risk them finding out. As soon as he told his coach in his previous team, he was traded and he can’t risk that happening again.
Trent Slater is a physical therapist who has been out and proud since he was a teenager. He never thought he would hide his sexuality. But then six months ago, he met Mahoney who has become the center of his world. He doesn’t mind keeping their relationship private because that means he gets to keep Mahoney in his life.
Trent and Mahoney are perfect together. I loved everything about them, both together and separately. They are both good men. But Mahoney is terrified about what will happen if anyone finds out about them. Until the choice is taken away from them when they are caught in a private moment.
I loved these two. And Alex from Sideline Infraction makes a brief appearance. I love the way these two authors had their characters cross over. This is a sexy, sweet story about two men who have found their person. But will the price they have to pay to be together be too great? There is also a bonus scene you can download at the end which I dearly loved. It was the perfect icing on the cake I needed.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Slide Tackle is book #4.5 in the Atlanta Rising Football Club series by Claire Hastings. This is a MM sports romance novella that can be read as a complete stand alone. It’s my very first book by this author. One of the characters is first mentioned in Emily Silver’s book, Sideline Infraction. So as soon as I finished that, I knew I needed this story and am so glad I did.
Mahoney Holmes is a star player for the Atlanta Rising Football Club. Mahoney has a huge secret. He’s gay. Because of it, he rarely socializes with the other players. Even though he loves playing for this team, he can’t risk them finding out. As soon as he told his coach in his previous team, he was traded and he can’t risk that happening again.
Trent Slater is a physical therapist who has been out and proud since he was a teenager. He never thought he would hide his sexuality. But then six months ago, he met Mahoney who has become the center of his world. He doesn’t mind keeping their relationship private because that means he gets to keep Mahoney in his life.
Trent and Mahoney are perfect together. I loved everything about them, both together and separately. They are both good men. But Mahoney is terrified about what will happen if anyone finds out about them. Until the choice is taken away from them when they are caught in a private moment.
I loved these two. And Alex from Sideline Infraction makes a brief appearance. I love the way these two authors had their characters cross over. This is a sexy, sweet story about two men who have found their person. But will the price they have to pay to be together be too great? There is also a bonus scene you can download at the end which I dearly loved. It was the perfect icing on the cake I needed.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
October 20, 2022
Sweet, sexy and swoony M/M romance story! Short and quick but very satisfying! The story could have been written as a full length novel and had the same affect as this short story. To me, that's a sign of a well developed novella, so well done!
I've enjoyed this series from the start and would recommend it to anyone who likes sports romances!
I've enjoyed this series from the start and would recommend it to anyone who likes sports romances!
October 23, 2022
After a bad experience with his previous team, professional soccer player Mahoney Holmes decided to keep his personal life to himself when he came to play for the Atlanta Rising. He's totally smitten with his boyfriend of six months, nurse Trent Slater, but only his family and a handful of close friends know that Mahoney is gay. He's afraid of the consequences for his career if the secret gets out. Unfortunately, the choice is taken away from him when a photograph of him with Trent goes viral, forcing Mahoney to face his worst fears. Now that they know the truth, will his teammates accept him - and can his relationship with Trent withstand the pressure?
I loved this sweet and steamy story! There was a strong connection between Trent and Mahoney from the start and it seemed like they had a lot of fun together, even when they were doing something as mundane as cooking dinner. After reading the previous books in this series and getting to know Mahoney's teammates, I wasn't surprised that they had his back when the truth came out about his relationship with Trent, but it did make me happy to know that he had them on his side.
I highly recommend "Slide Tackle" for all fans of MM/sports romance. I look forward to whatever Claire Hastings writes next.
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
I loved this sweet and steamy story! There was a strong connection between Trent and Mahoney from the start and it seemed like they had a lot of fun together, even when they were doing something as mundane as cooking dinner. After reading the previous books in this series and getting to know Mahoney's teammates, I wasn't surprised that they had his back when the truth came out about his relationship with Trent, but it did make me happy to know that he had them on his side.
I highly recommend "Slide Tackle" for all fans of MM/sports romance. I look forward to whatever Claire Hastings writes next.
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 26, 2022
"𝙉𝙤, 𝙈𝙖𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙮 𝙃𝙤𝙡𝙢𝙚𝙨. 𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙚'𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜." 𝙏𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙜𝙧𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙. "𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙜𝙤𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩? 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙣𝙤 𝙤𝙣𝙚, 𝙄 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣 𝙣𝙤 𝙤𝙣𝙚, 𝙞𝙨 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩."
SLIDE TACKLE by Claire Hastings is Mahoney and Trent’s story and part of the Atlanta Rising Football series.
Mahoney and Trent are extremely happy together behind closed doors. Both of them do not want to hide their relationship but after what happened to Mahoney in Vegas, he is worried that if he comes out it will be the end of his career.
Mahoney and Trent are adorable and complement each other perfectly. Their chemistry is off the charts. I love the residence at the rehabilitation clinic.
A good quick read and my first read by Claire Hastings and it will not be my last. I am looking forward to reading more from her in the future.
SLIDE TACKLE contains… mm, sports (soccer), secret relationship, closeted hero, dual first-person point of view.
4 Maple Leaf Review
*advanced copy provided for an honest review*
Follow → Facebook ❤️ Instagram 🖤 Twitter ❤️ TikTok 🖤 Blog
SLIDE TACKLE by Claire Hastings is Mahoney and Trent’s story and part of the Atlanta Rising Football series.
Mahoney and Trent are extremely happy together behind closed doors. Both of them do not want to hide their relationship but after what happened to Mahoney in Vegas, he is worried that if he comes out it will be the end of his career.
Mahoney and Trent are adorable and complement each other perfectly. Their chemistry is off the charts. I love the residence at the rehabilitation clinic.
A good quick read and my first read by Claire Hastings and it will not be my last. I am looking forward to reading more from her in the future.
SLIDE TACKLE contains… mm, sports (soccer), secret relationship, closeted hero, dual first-person point of view.
4 Maple Leaf Review
*advanced copy provided for an honest review*
Follow → Facebook ❤️ Instagram 🖤 Twitter ❤️ TikTok 🖤 Blog
October 18, 2022
When you have a private life that you are trying to keep private but it doesn't always work out the way that you want it to. Slide Tackle is the story of Mahoney Holmes, the Atlanta Rising's midfielder and the man that he loves, Trent Slater his boyfriend but he is hesitant to let the world know. Mahoney's old team's coach found out that he was gay and the next thing he knows is that he was traded to Atlanta because "he didn't fit in with the team". Living with this has had him keep his private life just that private because he loves his new team. However, he loves Trent just as much. When his secret is revealed, how will everyone react?
The chemistry between Mahoney and Trent was beautiful. Trent is the perfect partner for Mahoney in the way that he cares for him and understands that he is very hesitant in having people find out about the two of them. Ms. Hastings does a wonderful job of getting your attention right from the start.
The chemistry between Mahoney and Trent was beautiful. Trent is the perfect partner for Mahoney in the way that he cares for him and understands that he is very hesitant in having people find out about the two of them. Ms. Hastings does a wonderful job of getting your attention right from the start.
October 19, 2022
Mahoney and Trent balance each other out so perfectly. Mahoney is midfielder for the Atlanta Rising and living with a huge secret, no one can know he’s gay besides his family and very few close friends not the public. Athletes can’t be gay it’s just not accepted, he tried with his previous team and a week later he was traded, no one wants the gay guy in the locker room. His boyfriend Trent is a nurse and openly gay. When suddenly his secret is all over the media with hateful comments from other players on different teams, athletes in sports and fans in general it’s everything Mahoney has feared how can he get through this and still play soccer? Can Trent and Mahoney survive the fall out of Mahoney’s very public and forced outing? No one should have that choice taken from them and what do they do when has been to take control back? One click Slide Tackle to find out.
October 9, 2022
This was a quick enjoyable read. It was such fun getting to see the Atlanta Rising team in full force, showing that they are a family as well as a team. Mahoney Holmes enjoys being part of the Atlanta Rising, but experience has taught him to always hold a part of himself back, frightened to open up fully. Circumstances force him to face his team and he is surprised to see they have his back (although he should not have been surprised at all). Mahoney and Trent are such a fun, entertaining couple feisty, sassy, and just perfect for each other. If you are looking for a short, fun read with a host of great characters, this may be the book for you. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. 4.5⭐️s
October 14, 2022
It’s not often that a book gives me the warm feelings from the very first pages. Mahoney Holmes is a soccer player for the Atlanta Rising and Trent is a charge nurse at a physical therapy home. From the moment they meet sparks fly and the more time they spend together the more they realize they’re it for each other. The only issue is Mahoney isn’t out yet. Will they be able to be happily together?
I so wish this little novela would have been a full size book! There’s just so much love and chemistry between Mahoney and Trent. They are perfection! Even when their world implodes, they are so perfect! Trent is giving, caring, loving and Mahoney is his perfect match. I’ll read their book so many times, it just a good feeling book! Love them.
I so wish this little novela would have been a full size book! There’s just so much love and chemistry between Mahoney and Trent. They are perfection! Even when their world implodes, they are so perfect! Trent is giving, caring, loving and Mahoney is his perfect match. I’ll read their book so many times, it just a good feeling book! Love them.
October 20, 2022
This is a great addition to this series, and this is Mahoney and Trent’s journey. Mahoney is a midfielder for the Atlanta Rising, and he is hardworking, focused, and dependable, on the pitch, but he prefers his privacy, and he has a secret very few know about. Trent is a nurse, who is gay and proud of it, and he is Mahoney’s boyfriend. When Mahoney’s biggest fear becomes a reality, and his secret is splashed all over the media, he is faced with judgemental remarks. Trent and Mahoney complement each other perfectly, but will their relationship stand the media blitz? This is a well written story which has secrets, emotions, friendships, family, and love, which leads to a poignant page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
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October 4, 2022
Mahoney and Trent…I LOVE the two of them so much!
Mahoney and Trent met at the Rehab facility Trent works out when Mahoney was the player they won an auction. The moment they met there was a connection. However, Trent is out and Mahoney is not. They have to keep their relationship a secret from everyone in their lives.
The two of them have a ton of chemistry and I just adore their relationship. They balance each other out and you can feel how happy they truly make each other.
The spice, the sweet moments, the ARFC team moments. This story just makes me happy from start to finish.
If you’re looking for an MM, sports romance this is one to check out.
Mahoney and Trent met at the Rehab facility Trent works out when Mahoney was the player they won an auction. The moment they met there was a connection. However, Trent is out and Mahoney is not. They have to keep their relationship a secret from everyone in their lives.
The two of them have a ton of chemistry and I just adore their relationship. They balance each other out and you can feel how happy they truly make each other.
The spice, the sweet moments, the ARFC team moments. This story just makes me happy from start to finish.
If you’re looking for an MM, sports romance this is one to check out.
October 6, 2022
Claire is one of my favorite writers and I will read anything she writes - including books they are not my normal go-to tropes. I was delighted to read Mahoney and Trent’s story.
They are such a sweet, loving and fiercely protective couple that have kept their relationship on the down low….not because they are embarrassed but from a bad passed experience.
I adore this football club from the owners to the players and everyone in between. They truly care about one another and accept one another’s differences.
The lesson from this book is that we are all different in many ways but love is love.
They are such a sweet, loving and fiercely protective couple that have kept their relationship on the down low….not because they are embarrassed but from a bad passed experience.
I adore this football club from the owners to the players and everyone in between. They truly care about one another and accept one another’s differences.
The lesson from this book is that we are all different in many ways but love is love.
October 20, 2022
Though I usually don't drift towards this side of romance, I will read ones that are part of a bigger series. This book has all the feels. Mahoney and Trent are so steamotional!
Secrets don’t stay buried forever. Especially when that secret is The One. Mahoney finally feels at home with the Atlanta Rising, but that could all change if they find out his biggest secret.
Trent is content to wait until he decides that he's ready. He believes in their relationship. Now he just has to convince Mahoney its worth the risk.
There's a whole lot of heat and emotional energy packed into this quick read. The side characters are a hoot. Definitely worth the read!
Secrets don’t stay buried forever. Especially when that secret is The One. Mahoney finally feels at home with the Atlanta Rising, but that could all change if they find out his biggest secret.
Trent is content to wait until he decides that he's ready. He believes in their relationship. Now he just has to convince Mahoney its worth the risk.
There's a whole lot of heat and emotional energy packed into this quick read. The side characters are a hoot. Definitely worth the read!
October 20, 2022
Mahoney Holmes is a very private person and he has a secret. None of his team knows he is gay, he was traded after confessing to his coach on his old team. He met his boyfriend, Trent as part of a fundraiser. They have been inseparable but in private. When the team and their girls meet Trent where he works, they invite him to the game. It is no long after the game a picture surfaces that out the pair as a couple.
Will the team accept this new information on their team mate? This is a heartwarming story, Trent is so confident in his skin, but Mahoney is scared of being cut form the team and losing his teammates.
Will the team accept this new information on their team mate? This is a heartwarming story, Trent is so confident in his skin, but Mahoney is scared of being cut form the team and losing his teammates.
October 21, 2022
If you are in anyway as much of a lover as I am of the following tropes M/M and sports romances with all the feels then look no further as you have definitely found the perfect series . Wonderfully written characters, a storyline that is guaranteed to grab onto all your emotions and pull at your heartstrings in ways you will definitely not be expecting, off the charts chemistry, angst , humor , witty banter , swoon worthy , humor , twists and turns , secrets , heartbreaking, heartfelt, second chances , emotional rollercoaster, family, friendships , unforgettable and unputdownable. Slide tackle has all of the above and more .
a few seconds
a few seconds
October 3, 2022
My Review ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️
This was absolutely such a great story!!! Mahoney & Trent made my heart so happy.
Mahoney was so worried about the way his team would react that he didn’t even take the chance to talk with them. An Trent is beyond supportive in him wanting of do things on his on terms. Yet when you live in the public eye and the day an age of social media things only stay quiet for so long.
I love how this team made him feel like he was always apart of them not matter if he was gay - straight or in between.
Definitely a must read in mm romance ♥️⚽️♥️
This was absolutely such a great story!!! Mahoney & Trent made my heart so happy.
Mahoney was so worried about the way his team would react that he didn’t even take the chance to talk with them. An Trent is beyond supportive in him wanting of do things on his on terms. Yet when you live in the public eye and the day an age of social media things only stay quiet for so long.
I love how this team made him feel like he was always apart of them not matter if he was gay - straight or in between.
Definitely a must read in mm romance ♥️⚽️♥️
October 8, 2022
ARFC #4.5
This definitely is my favourite book of the series so far and I enjoyed it so much I read it straight through!
Mahoney and Trent connect from the moment they meet. But while Trent is open about his sexuality, Mahoney is definitely not! My heart went out to him. Luckily he has great friends on his team.
The ending made me swoon….
And then there’s also Mrs. B ‘gimmethatpeach’. This adorable lady made me laugh so hard!
I absolutely LOVED this story, and I adore Claire Hastings for writing the ARFC series!
Favourite quotes:
“I am yours and you are mine.” (Trent)
“What hurts is (......). That you thought that we would see your sexuality before seeing you.” (Liam)
I received an arc of this book, this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
This definitely is my favourite book of the series so far and I enjoyed it so much I read it straight through!
Mahoney and Trent connect from the moment they meet. But while Trent is open about his sexuality, Mahoney is definitely not! My heart went out to him. Luckily he has great friends on his team.
The ending made me swoon….
And then there’s also Mrs. B ‘gimmethatpeach’. This adorable lady made me laugh so hard!
I absolutely LOVED this story, and I adore Claire Hastings for writing the ARFC series!
Favourite quotes:
“I am yours and you are mine.” (Trent)
“What hurts is (......). That you thought that we would see your sexuality before seeing you.” (Liam)
I received an arc of this book, this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
October 20, 2022
I love the Atlanta Rising Football Club and if books were real life I'd be cheering them on from the sidelines all the way over here in Australia. The club is like family and this book is just another example of the strength of the bond they all share. Mahoney and Trent's story is one full of secrets,passion and pain but also trust,family and all that ties them together. A wonderful read!!!!
July 21, 2023
Wonderful!
Yet another wonderfully charming romance from the Atlanta Rising Football club series. This time, focussed on Mahoney Holmes and his secret boyfriend Trent.
Once again, I booked how this author took a real issue, i.e., homophobia in professional sports, and worked it into a romance. A charming read.
Yet another wonderfully charming romance from the Atlanta Rising Football club series. This time, focussed on Mahoney Holmes and his secret boyfriend Trent.
Once again, I booked how this author took a real issue, i.e., homophobia in professional sports, and worked it into a romance. A charming read.
October 4, 2022
An empowering journey with a raw honesty that speaks volumes. Slide Tackle is a reminder that happiness comes with sacrifice. Hastings brings a ton of emotion to the table. This is no ordinary love, but unforgettable romance.
October 23, 2022
Wow, Mahoney and Trent's story kind of took me by a surprise. All the feels these two gave me! I totally dig Trent. He's been an amazing support to Mahoney and so patient too. I really loved the relationship they have. Also the side characters are so wonderful to the two of them.
November 18, 2022
CP设定超级喜欢 就是太短了 可惜
October 18, 2022
I have read every Claire Hastings book and I have loved them all in different ways. Slide Tackle was my very first MM romance and was such an impactful, sweet, loving story. Trent and Mahoney are couple goals, they are absolutely adorable together and from the very first page you can just feel the love they have for each other. Unfortunately they can not show the world how perfect they are for each other due to Mahoney's job as a professional soccer. Trent is 100% in supportive and when a picture of them leaks out to the press Mahoney runs and is ready to give up is career to not hurt his teams image.
Mahoney puts everyone else priorities first over his own. When he is outed he takes it real hard and shuts down. When he comes back to say goodbye to his home at the soccer field, the whole team is waiting for him in the stadium. It is such an emotional and powerful moment to watch a whole team stand behind, support him and help him with his boyfriend back.
Great Novella by Claire, high recommend it.
Mahoney puts everyone else priorities first over his own. When he is outed he takes it real hard and shuts down. When he comes back to say goodbye to his home at the soccer field, the whole team is waiting for him in the stadium. It is such an emotional and powerful moment to watch a whole team stand behind, support him and help him with his boyfriend back.
Great Novella by Claire, high recommend it.
October 20, 2022
This story was beautiful, and my heart hurts now. Claire captured Mahoney’s struggles so well, being gay in a world where still so many people won’t accept that, wanting to be free but not wanting to give up his sport, it sucks that this is still the world we live in. I love Mahoney and Trent, they’re amazing together and they give me hope!
*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*
*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*
November 7, 2022
Mahoney & Trent were the cutest couple!! I love the Atlanta Rising Football Club even more after this book. The way the whole organization stepped up just melted my heart. And Mrs. B is grandma goals!!!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews