Donovan Bane loves playing rugby for the Sydney Smoke. And if that means he has to keep his sexuality a secret, that’s a sacrifice he’s prepared to make. At least until after he retires, anyway. He doesn’t want to be the first pro rugby player in Australia to officially come out while still playing. The team doesn’t need the media shit storm and he’d rather be known for his footy skills. Which means no dating, no relationships, no sex. Nothing but playing ball.
Until one man suddenly changes everything…
Beckett Stanton is out and proud—and not looking for a guy who isn’t. Been there, done that, complete disaster. Unfortunately, on the first day of his new job working for the Sydney Smoke, he locks eyes with Donovan Bane and he’s a goner. Big, gruff, and athletic isn’t usually Beck’s type, but for some reason this man is ticking all his boxes. And it’s clear the feeling is mutual. It’s also clear that Donovan is not out, and doesn’t plan to be anytime soon. Still, Beck can’t resist being the man to show Donovan everything he’s been missing.
For the first time, Donovan doesn’t play it safe and allows himself to indulge in things with Beck he knows he can’t have. But when their relationship gets serious, he knows he has to choose between the career he loves and the man he loves, because how can he possibly have both?
Amazon
I haven’t read any of the other books in this series, as I believe they are all m/f. However, when I saw this one pop up on NG, I was super intrigued. First, Australia, Sydney to be exact, which I love, with a little New Zealand thrown in there, have always loved the home of the Kiwis, and on top of it sports romance. All great things in my book. I don’t know anything about rugby (although I did get to watch an All Blacks match when I was in NZ), known as footie Down Under, but I can’t imagine I wouldn’t love it.
Poor Dono…he struggled so hard to be true to himself, love his family, and just keep working his career, knowing someday he could be an out FORMER player. He never counted on falling in love. He always felt his teammates, the team leadership, the fans would hate him, and bring pain to his only child, simply because he was gay. He truly felt he had no options.
Meanwhile Beck swore he wasn’t going to do the whole boyfriend in the closet piece ever again, and kept to that, for some time at least. He told himself he could keep it separate and casual, but Dono knew exactly what he wanted, it was a challenge for him to agree to it.
This was an insta-love/lust that turned into a slow burn, allowing these two to become friends, getting to know each other on a level that was far beyond the hot sex that came later. Even though they hid away from the world, they spent time doing domestic things, cooking together, ordering in, watching movies and old rugby matches, laughing and having fun together. They dated behind closed doors, until they had no other options.
Definitely some crying, and a super happy ending. Would definitely recommend.
4 pieces of eye candy
Amy is an award-winning, USA Today best-selling, double RITA nominated, Aussie author who has written eighty plus contemporary romances in both the traditional and digital markets. Her books bring all the feels from sass, quirk and laughter to emotional grit and panty-melting heat.
She loves good books and great booze although she’ll take mediocre booze if there’s nothing else. For many, many years she was a registered nurse which means she knows things. Anatomical things. And she’s not afraid to use them!
She lives in a pretty little coastal town where she gets to look at the ocean all day.
To keep up with her new releases you can join her mailing list here – http://www.amyandrews.com.au/newsletter.html