The Jock

The first half of this book was pretty incredible. The weeks in Paris falling in love, then reality setting in back home in Texas. Beautifully written, gorgeous prose, the emotions jumping off the page. I was expecting the story to take some devastating turns and really tackle the reality of being a closeted celebrity athlete.

I suppose in a way it delivered, but any semblance of “reality” evaporated a little too much for my taste. I needed more side characters (why does Justin have no friends?), I wanted the characters that were there to have more depth and nuance (the coach and the other players are all ridiculous), I didn't want all the drama to be resolved so quickly and easily. In the end it felt like the author was getting bored of the story himself and just rushing to finish it. It's a shame because there was so much potential.

That said, a lot of that potential could still be unlocked if there's a sequel, and I'm definitely invested in this couple's future.

I absolutely loved this and couldn't put it down. I wish I had more. An extra epilogue, something!!!!

We've seen football and sports romances all before but this one felt new. It felt fresh and different and I loved that.

Wes is a quiet, soft spoken gentle giant. He is a cowboy, plays football and is becoming the schools star and “it guy” but in the closet.

Justin is a dancer, out, and wants a break from Texas and cowboys. So naturally he meets a Texas cowboy during a learning exchange program in Paris. One that goes to his exact school.

The two quickly fall into a summer insta love romance. They are all in when they get to campus, but need to keep it secret since Wes isn't out.

It was a wonderful love story of opposites, sports romance, summer love, and second chances.

I just FELT so much reading this. I felt like I was inside of this story and that's one of the things with TB's writing I love.

DNF