Ten years after graduation, Jake “the jock” Campbell and Brandon “the nerd” Bartlett are teaching at their old high school and still living in separate worlds. When Brandon is thrown into a coaching job on Jake’s baseball team, they find themselves learning more about each other than they’d ever expected. High school is all about image – even for the teachers. Brandon and Jake have to get past their preconceived notions to find the friendship needed to work together. And somewhere along the way, they discover that perceptions can always change for the better.
When the book starts we see how Jake Campbell is not necessarily reliving his high school days but thinking about how things might have been different. Could he have been a different person and maybe included others more? He didn’t feel he was a bad person but maybe he could have been more open to others…say, the nerdy kids? When Brandon, who Jake went to school with and was definitely a nerdy kid back then, gets assigned as his new coach Jake is not thrilled. But then Jake sees that Brandon’s not afraid to work with the kids physically – like run drills with them, etc. and he starts to see Brandon in a new light.
Brandon gets volunteered for the assistant baseball coach position and to say that the man is out of his element is putting it mildly. But, he’s open to seeing how things go and maybe viewing life from a different place.
What Jake is viewing is Brandon’s body. Lol When Brandon first puts his baseball pants on Jake is more than a tad surprised that Brandon’s body is so great. This more or less begins the “let’s stare at Brandon’s body” part of his life. Poor Jake – he was fighting his infatuation with Brandon so hard but finally gives in and kisses him. Jake’s pretty sure that the vibes he’s been getting from Brandon say “gay” but he doesn’t know how to ask him. It cracked me up that he was too shy to ask but not too shy to kiss. But we find that that is just how Jake is.
That kiss – and it was short and sweet, followed by long and languorous – starts a relationship between the two men that is the stuff that relationships are made of. Awkwardness at first, problems communicating, great sex, more incredible kisses “sigh” just so normal yet it sucked me in and I just wanted more.
There were a few of niggles with the book:
*There was a fair bit of head hopping – ok, through most of the book. It made me a bit batty but after a while I got used to it.
*The mention of Brandon doing some physical therapy type work on Jake’s sports injuries but it’s never actually spoken that it gets done. Did he do it? Did it help? These and other questions.
*Brandon mentioning that he was giving up his doctorate studies to spend more time with Jake. That spoke to me of a bit of dependence but the man did have 2 master degrees already so I had to forgive him. He was working his ass off and burning both ends so I couldn’t call this too big of a niggle.
Despite these issues I adored this book. The niggles were so minor when faced with my love of the story I just didn’t care. Lol This is a sweet love story that I will be re-reading many times in the years to come.
Rating: 5 out of 5
I LOVE this book. Love those characters. And you are so right, it was just a lovely story of two people; nothing else required.
I've just re-read it this month, as I'm feeling blah about all the "new" stuff and needed to go back to a true romance. A little palate cleanser 🙂
I love this book, Tracy. It was one of the first m/m books I read and it's still one of my favourites, despite the head-hopping which usually bugs me.
Great review :).
Sounds good! This makes the… third? book by them that's on my TBR list. I should get cracking.
Mariana – It's hard to get into other books fully when you read one that hits you just right. Palate cleansing – good idea. I suggest wine. lol
Jenre – Oh you lucky devil to have this as one of your first m/m reads! I'm just glad I finally read it. 🙂
Lori – I've read a couple of books by Urban & Aile but this is my first by Urban and Roux. I'll have to look into reading more. 🙂
Yes, get cracking!
I love this story. It was one of the first I read by this duo. Great review!
I loved this one, too, although the head-hopping does get to me a bit.
YAY! I'm so glad you liked it, Tracy. It's a real fave of mine.
That kiss – and it was short and sweet, followed by long and languorous…
*SIGH*
I love books that are just about the relationship – that initial contact and developing connection. Bliss! This sounds perfect, and a lovely person gave it to me as a gift (thank you Renee!) and I'm an idiot and haven't read it yet. I need to ditch some library books and have a few m/m days…or a m/m month!
Fantastic review Tracy – thank you!
Yep, another thumbs up from me. I've never been one to be bothered by head hopping which seems to be the signature style of these authors, so it didn't bother me. Glad you enjoyed it.
Lily – Did you like others by these authors (as a duo) after this one?
Chris – Yes, the head hopping was quite annoying but as I said, I did get used to it. Didn't mean I liked it, but I made it through. lol
Kris – Yes, you really scored on this one in my book. Good stuff!
Orannia – Oh if you have it, break it out baby. Worth the read, definitely.
Tam – Head hopping doesn't bother you? You are a saint! lol I think you're the only one I've ever heard say that. 🙂
Okay, so I didn't really read your review because I just read this book and I still have to write my review. ;P BUT, I really enjoyed this book! It will probably become a comfort read for me. 😀
Hilcia – So glad you liked it and I'll be heading over to read your review! 🙂