★★★★ Offside by Ryan Loveless
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Blurb…
Adam Dumas is Major League Soccer’s only openly gay player. When he is transferred to St. Louis, his new teammates don’t exactly roll out the welcome mat. It doesn’t help that Adam sees “the Gateway to the West” as a step down from his high-profile position in LA—an attitude Adam has no problem sharing with his new housemate and fellow center forward, Colin Evets.
Colin is Adam’s only friend on the team, but when Adam misinterprets Colin’s Midwestern charm for something more, he could end up ruining both their friendship and their careers. As Adam struggles to make a better impression, Colin tries to decide if the person he’s been showing the world is who he wants to be with Adam. The pressure to win influences decisions both on the field and off as Adam and Colin discover how making the wrong move can be very right.
So what did I think?
A really enjoyable story with great characters who drew me into the story. There is great contrast between the two men which made their relationship interesting to watch.
I was drawn to the character of Adam, not necessarily liking him at first, but sympathetic to his situation. Openly gay and a talented and experienced soccer player, he is unhappy with a team transfer. He moves to St Louis with only one plan, finish his contract and get out. He is pissed off and angry at the way he has been treated.
Colin, one of his new teammates, welcomes Adam to the team. They don’t get off to the best start but Colin is a friendly and decent guy who gives Adam the benefit of the doubt. Colin is very inexperienced and uncertain about his sexuality, never having given it much thought before, instead focusing on his soccer. A misunderstanding results in Colin giving it a little more thought!
I appreciated the way Adam behaved with Colin. His old ways behind him, he was gentle and focused on Colin’s feelings. As well as the romance, there was enough drama to keep things moving along. I also loved the way both men end up making certain decisions based on their feelings for the other – definitely warm and fuzzies!
Buy Offside from Amazon.