Forward Entry

I haven't read many sports romance books, so I was a little nervous about what was in store. But I shouldn't have doubted Aurora Crane's ability to write another really interesting and entertaining story. I'm not going to lie, I was completely hopelessly and helplessly lost at first before the story unfolded because the Australian Football League is something unique that I've never watched but I was also hooked. Aurora has a way of drawing you into her fictional worlds and helping you forget everything else that exists around you. I even learned a curious thing about AFL team names - their symbols are Australian animals. So what do we have here - a low angst, slow burn, rivals to lovers story with a healthy helping of curious, meddling siblings and friends, the warm feeling of family found and a truly touching and brave bi awakening.
Both characters are at different stages of their careers - while Noah, who is 28 years old, is counting down the final years of his sports career and is aware that he is one of the 2 oldest players on his team, Bryce, being 23, is at the pinnacle of his own career development. And then there are their teams - while Noah's team is in the process of rebuilding with too many unseasoned players, who are still learning and struggling, it seems like the North Sydney wombats have a promising season ahead of them. And everything would have been fine and dandy, if Bryce hasn't been a naughty peeping Tom and caught a peek of Noah's private moment in a chance encounter. That of course opened an unexpected can of worms with Bryce starting to doubt his “straight” -ness, especially when Noah's agreed to be the delicious experiment in Bryce's exploration of his newfound side. There were a few things that not only made this book stand out amongst others but actually made me laugh out loud.
And everything would have been fine if Bryce hadn't been a naughty peeping Tom and caught a glimpse of Noah's private moment in a chance encounter. This, of course, opens up an unexpected can of worms in which Bryce begins to doubt his “heterosexuality,” especially when Noah agrees to be the tasty experiment in Bryce's exploration of his newfound side. There were a few things that not only set this book apart from the rest, but also made me laugh out loud. First and foremost, no pinning, tons of sleepless nights and quiet internal torture - “Whether I'm straight or not”. Not only was Bryce's hair fiery red, but his personality was fierce inferno. With the same passion he played with on the field, he threw himself into exploring and testing his new feelings. I loved how open, honest and irrepressible he was. Second - the banter and warm camaraderie between Bryce, Noah and their friends and siblings. There wasn't hiding and mincing words - sometimes in even too many detals. Third the relationship between Bryce and Noah - even though it started as no strings attached, the undeniable chemistry between them soon turned the tentative and careful exploration into something way more deeper and meaningful. But while they both had doubts and reservations especially with the complications of playing for rival teams, Bryce showed a surprisingly stronger moral integrity and maturity in handling the new situation he was drawn into. He really wanted to keep this new and unexpected relationship and made good choices while their connection was developing which showed his commitment and respect towards Noah. Noah was the one who really surprised me with his petty bitterness and poor choices even though he veered back on the right path for the sake of the HEA of the story.
So to wrap my review up I want to say I truly enjoyed my first dip into AFL under the author's skillful writing and even more - the way she avoided the usual sweet repetivness of such kind of stories adding a little twists and bumps on their way.