Question: Can Santino Hassell write sports romance? Answer: Yes, and he writes it pretty damn well as evidenced by The Barons series starter, Illegal Contact. I mean, I already know how gifted of an author the man is, having read a lot of his books already, and I also know that he isn't a one-fiction wonder, having written paranormal romance and contemporary romance already. I think Hassell has created his own kind of genre--snarky romance--because there's always a fair amount of snark in all his novels, or at least the ones I've read so far (i.e. the Cyberlove series, the Five Boroughs series, The Community series, Stygian, and his stories in two anthologies, Lead Me Into Darkness and Follow Me Into Darkness). But snark coming from a professional football player under house arrest and the same amount of snark emanating from a not so prim and proper personal assistant? It's double the Hassell magic.

On the field, New York Barons tight end Gavin Brawley is a force to be reckoned with. Off the field, however, Gavin doesn't exactly have the kind of reputation that would endear him to majority of the football-loving public. The only people who know him are those he's chosen to allow close enough, and he would do almost anything for them, including giving someone a beat down and then getting arrested for it. Now, Gavin hasn't just been put under house arrest; he's also been suspended by the Barons. This makes it nearly impossible for him to get around and run errands, which is why it's now necessary for him to get a personal assistant. The one he chooses, however, could prove to be more trouble than he's worth. He has no experience, has a low opinion of pro athletes, and answers back. Oh, and he's hotter than he's supposed to be and could well be the distraction that Gavin so needs.

Noah Monroe needs a job and he's desperate enough to apply for one that he's pretty sure he isn't totally qualified for. He didn't think he'd have a shot, especially not after the less than stellar interview he had with his potential new boss. So, color him surprised when he received a phone call from none other than the man he sorta-maybe-kinda insulted telling him that he's his new personal assistant. But making sure a grumpy pro football player stuck in his mansion has everything and anything he needs is easier said than done, especially when it seems as if Gavin is purposely making life far more difficult than it has to be. This isn't helping to change Noah's original assessment of Gavin being an overly spoiled, privileged, and entitled jock who's all brawn and very little brain. But then Noah gets glimpses of the real Gavin--the one with a heart--and it's this version that could lead to more trouble for him.

Moaning and groaning (both the whiny and dirty kinds) abound in Illegal Contact, and if you're as much of a slow burner as I am, this novel delivers. There isn't a lot of love lost between Gavin and Noah, who start things off on the wrong foot with assumptions made and not-so-nice things being said. But part of what makes this such an entertaining read is seeing how they both learn things about one another that make it impossible for them to not change their original opinions. Sure, the attraction exists from the beginning, but attraction alone doesn't suffice. It's when Gavin and Noah get to know each other that the contemplating takes place. Is this person worth investing in emotionally? And as a reader, that's a question I ask myself each and every time I read a new book. Were Gavin and Noah worth my time and emotional investment? Absolutely, and boy, did they repay me tenfold.

Neither Gavin nor Noah are ideal men of virtue; they've made their share of mistakes. Add to that Gavin being a bisexual football player in the closet and Noah having a history of sleeping with people in authority. Then you've got people on both sides who did their bit of interference, though it's the kind that's well-meant, and a jealous not-quite-an-ex who wants to cause trouble. I do love my books with a fair amount of complication thrown into the mix, but this story never felt overly complicated nor did it feel as if there was just way more going on then there should have been. The author gives his readers the romance and sex they've come to expect and demand in his books, but he's also offered up something novel to him and that this new romance sub-genre he's taken on. There are also two peripheral characters--Gavin's best friends--who I can't wait to discover more about in the new year.

Now, I'm not going to claim that this novel is perfect. Sorry, but perfect novels do NOT exist. If I had to nitpick, it would probably be that there wasn't that much in terms of the sports part of the sports romance equation. However, having said that, Gavin was on suspension AND under house arrest, so... If you've been Hassell-free all this time, snag yourselves a copy of Illegal Contact and fall in love with one of the best M/M sports romances to be released this year and discover a new author that could well become your latest go-to one. If you're like me and know what it's like to get Hasselled, make sure to read this series starter that I feel scores a touchdown. Okay, that's enough of me being all clever (I wish!) and cheesy (I know!). The five-plus-starred Illegal Contact is a must-read and I'm already counting down to the second Barons novel, Down by Contact, due out January 2018 (GAH!!!). ♥

In Illegal Contact, Santino Hassell sheds his "gritty" writing for a very thoughtful "falling in love" story between two unlikely but likeable men.

Gavin is a pro football player sentenced to house arrest for punching out some guy. (What he did is integral to the story, so I'm not going to spoil.) He's got some definite anger issues.

Noah is a social advocate and couldn't be more different than Gavin. He's short on cash and without a job. Applying for a job as Gavin's personal assistant is a long shot, but he manages to get the job.

The early tension between Gavin and Noah made me wonder how these two were ever going to get together. But over the course of a few weeks, Gavin and Noah quietly build a friendship while their attraction for each other grows. There are some circumstances in Noah's past that keeps him from acting upon his more-than-friends feelings toward Gavin, but eventually they just can't stay away from each other. I loved the slow build to their relationship -- the making out scenes are steamy and made everything about Gavin and Noah's relationship different and interesting.

The ending chapters brought tears to my eyes and the resolution was just perfect. I loved everything about this book. It left me feeling good and wanting more, and as a reader that's what I want from the first book in a series.

An ARC was provided for review.

Illegal Contact is Santino Hassell's first sports romance, the start of The Barons series. I've read several of his other contemporaries and enjoyed them all so I was really looking forward to this new direction. It absolutely lived up to my hopes and delivered a super sexy romance about two people who find love where they least expect it.

Gavin Brawley may be known for his quick temper and his aggressive play on the football field, but he's not above the law and a public assault results in six months of house arrest and a missed season of the game that saved his life. To say he's grumpy and going a bit stir-crazy would be an understatement. He's not in a position to be choosy though, so when his manager tells him he needs a live-in personal assistant, he reluctantly agrees.

Noah Monroe graduated from college with his social work degree and thought he had things under control until an ill-advised affair with his boss at an LGBT center and the discovery of said boss's interactions with underage clients left him summarily without a job. Living with his currently unemployed father, Noah will try his hand at anything to help with the bills, including learning to be a PA for an anger prone sidelined football player. He's organized, conscientious and not a gushing football fan (truth be told, he didn't even know who Gavin was when they met), making him exactly the kind of person who'll do his job and not tell tales.

Noah can give as good as he gets, and while he and Gavin clash initially, it soon leads to a grudging respect on both sides, and a not so hidden sexual attraction as it becomes clear that Gavin is bisexual. A steamy affair ensues, and cocooned in Gavin's mansion it's easy to shut out the real world. But Gavin is still in the closet and how his NFL team would react to his coming out is unknown. Is he willing to put his football career on the line for a chance at love?

I loved this story! Gavin's got a well earned reputation as a hard hitting, temperamental man on and off the field, and in part this is due to his past as a foster child who had to fight for everything he needed. He trusts very few people – his manager, his agent, and his two friends and Baron teammates Simeon and Marcus. He's got no interest in improving his public persona but Noah's presence in his life changes things. Noah is a calming influence, someone who isn't afraid of his temper and whose help Gavin comes to appreciate. I really enjoyed the development of their friendship and how Noah shows Gavin that his worth is not tied up in just being a star football player. He calms Gavin's rough edges, makes him smile and laugh, and appreciates all parts of him (hot body included). This is a slow burn romance, so the sexual tension builds through the first half of the story until neither Gavin nor Noah can resist putting their hands on each other. The result is some seriously steamy scenes that benefit from the fact that Gavin and Noah have already come to care about each other before they take that next step.

Despite Gavin being under house arrest, football is still a big part of the story whether it's discussed with his teammates, played on his gigantic yard, watched on TV or talked about with his manager. Gavin has lived and breathed football for so long that the forced absence makes him contemplate what he'll do after he retires. It also makes him realize how important Noah has become to him. Both Noah and Gavin have to make some serious decisions about whether the relationship they are building can really have a future. There are some emotionally heartrending parts to this story that make the happy ending all that much sweeter. I definitely plan to read more stories about the Barons, and it looks like Simeon will be on the field next! Illegal Contact is a sexy, entertaining football romance that scores a touchdown with me!

This review has been posted at Straight Shootin' Book Reviews and feedback updated with the link. It will be posted at sale sites during release week.

4.5 stars!

Soooo goooood!! <3

If you're looking for a slow-burn romance featuring two equally gorgeous and equally stubborn characters, Illegal Contact is the book for you. Santino Hassell hit it right out of the park with Gavin and Noah.

I was feeling plenty of this...

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And this...

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With this...

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And a whole lot of this...

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...throughout the book!

I finished the book with a huge smile on my face and a promise to hunt down and read every single Santino Hassell book I've missed.

The romance between Gavin and Noah was perfect. It wasn't an easy one but the emotional payoff was fantastic! I loved the interaction and how the romance developed between them.

I also loved the secondary characters in this book. They were fleshed out and interesting and it made me want to read more about them.

What a great way to start a series! I highly recommend this book to everyone! EVERYONE!

ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

My 4 star review is up on Goodreads and linked below. It will be posted on blog and social media upon release and links will be updated below at that time, UPDATED 8/15/17

4 stars

New York Barons tight end, Gavin Brawley already had an unpopular rep as a hothead who did not care about what anyone thinks. Now his temper and protectiveness resulted in a fight that got him suspended from the team and on house arrest for six months. His manager thinks he needs a babysitter/assistant to help him out during this time. Gavin is not so sure. He is untrusting, broody, cranky, resentful, and generally angry at his situation. But if you get in his inner circle, he is a loyal friend.

Noah Monroe is a college grad and wanna be social worker who has had his own recent struggles resulting in the loss of a job and money issues. He is desperate and follows a lead about the assistant position and Noah is shocked when he gets a chance to prove himself. He is a geek, but with attitude. And he could care less about football or Gavin's celebrity status.

Gavin and Noah fight, push each other, and butt heads. Noah may be organized, anal retentive, and a perfectionist, but he is no pushover. He is sarcastic, real, and does not let Gavin get away with things. They are opposites in some ways, but do have some things in common. The more Gavin gets used to Noah being in his big, lonely space with him, the more he starts to get attached. He might even like him more than just lusting after him. And Noah is in the same predicament. But for quite a while neither is aware of the other's sexuality so it is confusing for them as well as a bad idea due to their circumstances. Noah's recent past also leaves him gun shy of relationships and getting too close to those he works for.

Antagonism, sarcasm, sexual tension, mixed signals, and boundaries easily broken lead to a hot secret affair. It's great while they can live in oblivion, but eventually they have to take a hard look at the reality of the situation with a closeted football player who will eventually be back on the field and back to his real life, and his employee who has his to figure out his own future.

What will happen if it comes a choice between love of the game and love of a man?

This book was a bit rough around the edges just like Gavin. It took me awhile to warm up to Gavin and these two guys together. It was a slow build with them from enemies, to friends, to crushes, to lovers. It was raw but oddly romantic in places with colorful language, intense reactions, and clumsy handling of situations. But Noah pushed Gavin to think, take charge of his life and reputation, and figure out what he needed. And it was a catalyst for him wanting to be a better person than he had been showing to others. Noah had his own issues to deal with as well, and had a helpful and caring heart. I enjoyed getting under their layers and seeing their vulnerability, especially Gavin who became so much more endearing.

They complemented each other and were real. They were not afraid to call each other out. But both had fears and rightly so. It was a near impossible situation with potential consequences and it set them up to get hurt.

This was a feisty, flirty, snarky, sexy, slow burn, hot jock--charming nerd--opposites attract love story told in both points of view. The main couple definitely grew on me and I ended up really liking them together. I would have liked to get a bit more at the end, but I am sure we will get more with these two in the next book. I enjoyed the set up and side characters of the QB, Simeon and running back, Marcus and also Noah's bestie, Jasmine. I am looking forward to more with Simeon in Down by Contact.

I'm a sucker for a MM sport book. Especially a Football one since that is my sport of choice. There wasn't much actual playing going on, but I didn't mind. I like the idea of a big hot Football players getting dirty with another attractive guy just as much and SH surely delivered that.

#ThatBrawleySmile

Gavin is a NFL player who has recently got himself in quite a bit of trouble when he is caught on film having a physical altercation with a man. This incident lands him on house arrest for six months. He can deal with that, but what he can't deal with is also being on athletic suspension that leaves him sitting out a whole season. Gavin lives and breathes Football. It is the only thing that saved him growing up and on the field is where he comes alive. But he's not your usual show boating Football player. No. Gavin doesn't care about his persona or how the media see's him. He has anger issues and a temper that gets the best of him. He also is brash and unapologetic. He is snarky and sarcastic. And I adored him.
Being on house arrest in his huge Hampton mansion and unable to leave the place has put Gavin in a position he isn't quite happy with. That position is having to hire someone to be in house and in his space. He isn't comfortable with that. He doesn't believe he needs a PA, but soon realizes he has no choice. Enter Noah... He's just the match off the field that Gavin needed.

Noah was recently fired from his job. To say he is having financial problems would be an understatement since he to had to move back home to help his father financially since he lost his job as well. He is desperate to find anything and when his friend tells him about a PA position he applies for it. He doesn't really know what the job will require of him or who exactly he will be working for but he is willing to do anything to get out of his debt and to help his father. What he didn't expect is to work for a grumpy, short tempered, overpaid jock.
Noah is full of sass and he's funny, smart, loyal, and can give no f's that his employer is some huge NFL star considering Noah has no love for the game or it's players. Well, expect maybe this player.

The sexual tension between the men was intense. The banter was entertaining. The relationship that builds between the two men was a slow burn that I would gladly watch go up in flames over and over again. Both characters are flawed and raw. They both have a realness to them that Hassell always creates with his characters.

I absolutely loved this story and I can't wait for the next one. This is going to be a series I will follow to the end.

Happy reading dolls! xx

Santino Hassell has been a favorite author of mine for some time now, and, while I fully expected to like Illegal Contact, I wasn’t prepared for how much I completely loved it. Having been raised on college football in the South, I wondered if my own limitations might affect my reading of a story about a pro team in NYC. Turns out, I needn’t have worried. Mr. Hassell made the whole affair feel both technically sound, as well as inviting, allowing the personalities of the characters to take center stage.

Punnily-monikered tight end Gavin Brawley could very easily have been a stereotype of every “misunderstood-angry-athlete” ever written, but that wasn’t the case. Despite the technical applicability of all three of those things, Gavin deserves a full retraction of the hyphens and quote marks, his cynicism about the press and the public proving just as well earned in the present as it was in his past. Disinterested in either fame or retribution, however, his true love is simply playing football. He knows how slim the odds are that he was able to find salvation in the sport, and, as long as he has it—and the loyalty of his two best (and only) friends—that’s all he really needs. At least until Noah arrives.

After having been recently fired from his job at an LGBT Youth Center in NYC due to his own choices and the bias of those in charge, Noah Monroe is more than a little bitter. Yet, from his first inner snipe about Gavin appearing to be the “ideal candidate for society’s irritating version of masculinity,” it’s clear that Noah has some prejudices of his own. Still, he is fiercely protective of those he cares about—one of several traits he and Gavin share—and, even though he might be preemptively defensive, he’s willing to really listen and open his carefully guarded margins to include others.

Though it certainly doesn’t ignore familiar headlines often associated with professional sports—players’ reputations, public opinion, privacy (or the lack thereof), money, etc.—Illegal Contact gets its heart from its attention to the things you don’t normally see. Gavin’s anger over the exploitation he’s not supposed to notice, Noah’s determination to avoid repeating the past, and their mutual aversion to and unwillingness to play “the game” all coalesced into what amounted to a wonderful reading experience.

Another element I appreciated about Illegal Contact is that, not only did it give me some things to think about, it’s also unexpectedly sweet and fun. Beginning with a mutually-launched series of incitements and reactions, the initial animosity between Gavin and Noah quickly leads to a contemplative avoidance, and they eventually arrive at a transparent kind of understanding that would have been impossible without the enforced isolation of Gavin’s house arrest. Never trite, Noah and Gavin are snarky and quick, playing off each other with a temptation-drenched antagonism that ensnared me from the very first chapter.

Having yet to read something I didn’t like by Mr. Hassell, I’m unapologetically pleased to add Illegal Contact to that growing list. Gavin and Noah were more complicated and winsome than I imagined they’d be, finding similarities in the oddest of places and a haven where they least expect it. Throughout the narrative, I was charmed by both characters, and never did manage to choose a favorite. The house itself was an interesting sort of prison, and made me think that, sometimes, sanctuary might just depend on what you’re running from. Even the secondary characters held their own, for good or ill, and the teases woven by their interactions for the next story worked on me far too well. If The Barons was a gamble as a series, then I want in for the duration.

Illegal Contact was my first Santino Hassell book, and this delicious m/m sports romance will not be my last from him. This book hit so many high notes for me; I just couldn’t get enough.

This story was a slow burn, a simmering romance, and in my opinion, it was done so, so well. The characters were perfect; the conflict was believable, nothing was over the top, no drama just for the sake of drama.

Gavin and Noah are wonderfully drawn characters. I adored the push and pull between the two men, their banter is fantastic, and when they finally give into their attraction, they are combustible! Their passion jumps right off the page.

I love the secondary characters as well. Gavin’s friends are hilarious and entertaining, and I found myself wanting to join their circle. Their bromance has me counting the days until the release of Down By Contact so that I can hang out with the boys of The Barons again.

For me, the real strength of this novel was how REAL it all felt. These are real men, everyday men (even if one happens to be famous) and the reader can truly relate to them. These guys are smart, realistic, and honestly trying to make the best choices they can given their unusual situation.

Hassell’s writing is magnetic, and I found myself trying to sneak in a few pages, even just a few paragraphs, wherever I could because I was THAT invested in this story. I couldn’t stay away from these boys, even if I tried.

Santino Hassell has won me over with is intense, passionate, and sexy m/m romance, and I can’t wait to fill my Kindle with more of his work. I love Illegal Contact. Every word, every paragraph, every page; I love it all.

This novel was everything I could ever ask for in a M/M romance.

SCRATH THAT.

This novel was everything I could ever ask for in a novel! PERIOD.

I devoured this book like nobody's business and I couldn't peel my eyes away from these beautiful words and amazing characters that had me in so deep!
Noah and Gavin were EVERYTHING and I sat on the edge of my seat the entire novel, wondering when it was all going to go down!
I laughed, I swooned, I clutched at my heart, I swooned some more and MY GOODNESS, is it too soon to ask for more of these characters?
Aside from the main characters, I fell so hard for the family and friends introduced and you have no idea how happy I am to know that we'll be seeing more of them as the series continues!

I also loved that this novel took a more realistic side to romance as not everything is always so perfect. I loved going on this ride with these characters and this book just cemented my love for Santino Hassell.
Illegal Contact is EASILY an all-time fav and it just surpasses any LGBTQ romance that I've read! Forever reading anything this man writes!

If you're looking for a hot and nerdy enemies-to-lovers M/M romance, with a deep love of football, a few stolen glances and a whole lot of swoon, then this is your book!

4.5 Stars!!!


Gavin Brawley is on house arrest for the next six months after hitting a guy, which doesn't help his reputation for having a bad temper both on and off the field. Since he can only leave his house to go to his manager's office, his manager suggests hiring a PA to help him run all the errands that he isn't able to right now.

Enter Noah Monroe, who recently lost his job after having an affair with one of the directors of the LGBT center he worked at. He's behind on his student loan's payments and now he has to help his dad, too, since he has also lost his job. While he's not much of a football fan, a job is a job, so he applies to be Gavin's PA, however, they clash from the get-go. Proximity changes both of their perceptions of the other, but Gavin can't come out of the closet and even if he did, no one can tell if everything will change once Gavin can leave the house again.

Okay, so while Gavin was difficult, to say the least, I had a soft spot for him. The guy had a hard life and his anger issues really don't help his image at all. However, I did feel he had a tender heart hiding behind it all and I wanted to make it better for him. *cuddles Gavin* Yes, he didn't go about some things in the best way, but he kept trying and I liked that. Now, I wanted to slap Noah sometimes. He was all hot and cold and I was very annoyed with how he let his relationship with Gavin be colored by his issues after having an affair with his previous employer. Don't get me wrong, I liked him, but he grated on my nerves. He was nice to Gavin, though, I liked that he put so much thought into making Gavin's life inside his house more bearable.

This is a slow burn romance, emphasis on the slow, as it takes forever for Gavin and Noah to finally get together. They did have great chemistry, though and I thought they were hot together.

I really liked Simeon, Jasmine, Max and Case, they were great secondary characters, that I hope we'll read more of in the next book in the series.

Overall, it was an entertaining read, I won't say it was my favorite book by Mr. Hassell, but it was pretty good. Well written, sexy, angsty and intense, and while I had my doubts at one point, the author gave us a very satisfying conclusion to Gavin and Noah's story. Very recommendable!

***Copy provided to the reviewer via NetGalley for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***

4.5 Stars

When Noah applies for a PA position he has to travel to the Hamptons for the interview. He shows up at the home of tight end, Gavin Brawley, who is temporarily suspended from the league and on house arrest for getting into, well, a brawl. It's hate at first sight. Noah thinks Gavin is just a rich privileged athlete with no worries, while Gavin assumes that Noah is a privileged college student. They both couldn't be more wrong and neither realizes just how much they have in common.

This was an excellent enemies to lovers story. I absolutely loved both Noah and Gavin, not from the start, of course. Gavin was an asshat in the beginning and it took time for me to warm up to him. He's rather rough around the edges and frankly, a little, well, okay, a lot mean. I loved that Noah wouldn't take his crap and wasn't scared to call him out and stand up to him. These two disliked each other so much, but they were also attracted to one another and I sat on the edge of my seat waiting for hate sex at any moment!

But alas this is a slow burn. The progression from enemies to friends and eventually to lovers takes time. Noah and Gavin really get to know one another, you know, once they get over wanting to scratch each other's eyes out. They had amazing chemistry both in and out of the bed.

The story is well-written and paced well. While the story contains some anger, heartbreaking and angst, it also has lots of love, friendship and laughter and some amazing secondary characters. This was an absolutely enjoyable read and I can't wait to see what Santino has in store for us next! Highly recommendable!!


**copy provided by author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

Ladies and gentlemen, we are so happy that Illegal Contact is finally here!





St. Martin's Press sent us an excerpt for you below. Unfortunately, my overtired mind couldn't get the graphic they sent to work, but we've still have the excerpt!

If you haven't read a Santino Hassell book yet, you are seriously missing out. He does great angst and jerkface characters we hate to love. And let's not forget the steamy, messy sex that will have you all:



I mean, just check out this cover:



...

Sorry, lost my train of thought there for a minute. Phew. Ok, back to it. Santino Hassell's Illegal Contact. It's here. You should read it. Preferrably on a beautiful day by the lake, like I did.




Illegal Contact definitely falls into a top 10 sport's romance spot for me. Gavin is a total dick, but you love him anyway. Noah is great. The two together just work. But for the totally unfiltered review, I thought it would be fun to show you messages sent to fellow BiblioJunkie Nat after she finished reading Illegal Contact.



Ok, so maybe I'm a little hung up on what a jackass Gavin is, but honestly, I like my men a little surly. Nat and I then discussed how Illegal Contact wasn't quite as filthy as Santino's books usually are and how his editor at Intermix (ignore that I had the wrong publisher in the messagemust have made him tone down some of his trademark dirty sex...









I'm giving Illegal Contact 4 stars, because, as I said above, I just love these characters and want to hang out with them. Illegal Contact gave me the warm fuzzies, made me laugh, made me drool, and gave me great fantasies about being a fourth with Gavin, Simeon, and Marcus. 😉 I hope you all grab Illegal Contact today, because we need more Baron's books! If you've read it, tell us your thoughts! If you haven't, check out the excerpt below - it will hook you!

~Shel
***

Gavin

Somewhere in the past couple of weeks, right around the time I’d watched Noah’s face light up as he threw himself into philanthropic planning schemes and he’d warned me about Joe being a nosy scumbag, I’d lost my mind. Evidence? Me wanting to smack my closest friend for putting the moves on him.

At first I’d thought I was being overprotective. Not even a week ago, I’d had this whole talk with Noah about him feeling safe, and I’d taken it seriously. As a foster kid, I’d never felt safe. Especially in the homes of people who’d temporarily taken me in. I’d been constantly reminded of my precarious position in their houses, and how they could put in a thirty-day notice with my social worker at any point. And they’d used that leverage against me.

I wasn’t about to step into the shoes of bastards who’d worked hard to ensure I would end up distrusting and despising people for the rest of my life.

He was my employee. I was his boss. He obviously didn’t trust me but had agreed to shack up in my house for two reasons only—money to help his father and to catch up on his debt. He didn’t really want to be here, but he had to be. The least I could do was respect his wishes. The same for my friends, but Simeon was laying it on thick.

As he’d run his hands all over Noah, I’d justified each jolt of discomfort by saying Simeon was shitting all over my promise. But Noah agreeing to fan day and whatever else? That had turned discomfort into outright jealousy. Especially since he hadn’t even known my damn name after meeting me at the interview, but he knew all sorts of random facts about Simeon. Simeon, who was in full-throttle, charming superstar QB mode. I was over it.

Regardless, my jealousy was a complete anomaly. Had never happened before. But it was happening right the fuck now, and I was furious with myself. Who cared if Noah was cute and a smartass who wasn’t afraid to tell me to go fuck myself? And so what if that turned me on? Who cared if he was proving to be helpful and loyal enough to warn me about Joe? He was still my employee. I wasn’t supposed to care that he was more interested in my best friend.

Fuck. Whose idea had it been for me to be someone’s boss? I had zero clue what I was doing. Why had I ever listened to Joe?


I returned to the game room and paced the mostly empty space. I’d just seen that anger-management person a few days ago, and every tip and suggestion had flown out of my mind. All I could think about was how pissed I was at myself, and how I needed to go down to the gym and beat the shit out of a punching bag to work it out of my system. The last time I’d been this mad at myself had been when I’d trusted a journalist who’d invented a fake backstory for himself to get me to respond to his prying questions. Then he’d blasted my childhood across the front page of the newspaper.

Gavin Brawley Blames His Out of Control Temper on Hardscrabble Past.

Every word out of context. Bits and pieces of my identity twisted to fit the story he’d wanted. After that, I’d vowed to never talk to a reporter again. I hadn’t expected my emotional thermometer to blast through to enraged over Simeon coming on to Noah. And now I had nothing to use as an outlet. I could work out from morning to night, but after a while it was monotonous. Energy being expended but not going anywhere, and I felt like it circled the air and absorbed right back into my shoulders every goddamn night.

“You’re being real extra right now.”

Marcus’ calm voice did nothing to settle me down. “Shut up.”

“Nah.” Marcus yawned and plopped onto one of the sofas. “Fuck, dude, I’m ready for nap time. Your cagey, jealous shit is ruining the vibe.”

“Who says I’m jealous?”

“Your white ass gets so flushed when you’re mad that it would be impossible to miss. I thought you
were going to jump Simeon when he made that comment about giving ole boy a ride.”

“Yeah, well, what can I say?” I stopped pacing. “I didn’t invite you assholes over here to give my employee a hard time.”

“Your employee.” Marcus threw his muscular legs up onto the couch and stretched out. “Don’t even front like you don’t want to smash him.”


“I don’t.”

“Bullshit. You were staring them down the whole time we were downstairs. I mean, hey, no judgment. He just looks like a typical white-boy hipster to me, but whatever floats your boat, man. You may want to lay it down for Simeon if you’re serious, though. He most definitely wants to tap that ass.”

I ground my teeth together and tried to remember the last time I’d felt possessive over anyone, but I came up short. Then again, I didn’t normally hang out with the people I had sex with for more than ten minutes after we both came.


“I don’t want Simeon fucking him, and it has nothing to do with me being jealous.”

“Oh yeah? What’s it got to do with?”

“Him not pissing off the only person I can stand to have in my house for six months,” I snarled. “Simeon can stick his dick in someone else until Noah is finished here.”


“And then you’d be cool with it?”

“Yeah, then I’d be cool with it.”

Marcus snickered. He knew I was full of shit.

“Let me ask you a question, Gav.”

“Is that a question or a warning about the fact that I can’t stop you from asking even if I wanted to?”

“Probably the last one.” Marcus propped his feet up on the arm of the couch, making himself nice and comfy. “If you’re having jealous temper tantrums over this kid after a month, how the fuck are you gonna act in another two or three? He’s gonna be here all the time, dude. Showering in your bathroom, sleeping in your guest room, jacking it in bed a few thousand square feet away . . .”

“For fuck’s sake, Marcus.”

“Am I right or am I right, though?”


He was right. But I refused to admit it.

“I already told you I’m not jealous. Do we get along? Yeah. We do. And you know that’s a miracle when it comes to me. Half the Barons can’t stand my ass because I won’t laugh at their stupid jokes, but at least they respect me. Most people think I’m a piece of shit.”


“And your boy?” Marcus pressed, looking truly intrigued. “What’s he like?”

“He’s . . .” How was he? What was it about him that had even clicked with me enough to make me want to guarantee he not walk out of the oversized front door and not come back? To become desperate and throw in that huge bonus so he wouldn’t have to keep commuting? “He’s a smartass, but he’s a good person. And he gets me.”


Marcus raised an eyebrow. “How’s he get you? He doesn’t even like football.”

The disgusted tone drew a smile out of me. I plopped down in one of the armchairs and tilted my head back. “He didn’t grow up like me, but . . . he gets it. And he’s not phony. He’s straight up with his opinions and isn’t afraid to tell me them.”


“So he’s not scared to say . . . ‘Gavin, you’re being a dickhead.’”

“Basically. He talks almost as much trash as I do, which is probably why we managed to get along. Also, he keeps trying to make me look good to Mel. Gave me credit for all this shit that he came up with. I don’t get it, since I was a total douchebag to him, but I appreciate it. He’s a good dude.”

“Huh.” Marcus slowly nodded, analyzing me with his big dark eyes. “Aiight, I’ll talk to Simeon.”

“About what?”

“Him keeping his greedy hands off your boy.” Marcus winked. “But if you’re keeping on with this whole I’m-trying-to-hold-on-to-my-employee bullshit, I’d recommend getting laid. From where I’m sitting, you just look like a jealous, horny bastard.”

“Done.”

Marcus rolled off the sofa and sprang to his feet. He arched his back with a jaw-cracking yawn. “You mind if I catch some sleep, dude? I’ve been having nightmares every night for the past few days.”


“What kind of nightmares?”

“Eh. Stress shit. Getting injured before the season even starts. Moe getting hurt messed me up, man.”

“You spoke to him?”

“Yeah.” Marcus sobered. “His agent isn’t feeling too good about his contract since this is his last year, and he’s had four fucking surgeries during the life of it. Remember what I said earlier? About them saying he was injury-prone? I wasn’t making it up. His career may be over, man. Or maybe they’ll trade him to some douchebag team like the Predators.”

The Predators were infamous dickholes. It seemed to be a requirement for signing with them. Even their cheerleaders were mean as fuck. The Slytherin of the NFL. The only time I could play a game without everyone mentioning my shitty reputation was if we were playing the Predators. They, as a whole, had a shittier reputation than me.


“You won’t get hurt.”

Marcus arched a brow. “You a prophet now?”

“Yeah. And I prophesize your ass winning the Super Bowl this year.”

“Without you and Moe? Nope.”

I scoffed. “Yeah, right.”

“For real, man. I love Phil, but he’s no Brawley. He’s small and lean enough to run circles around Dmen after a reception, but he has none of your force or bulk. They’re changing everything to account for you and Moe not being there. Fucking sucks.”

It did suck. Even more so because I was now facing the reality that my team was short not one but two starters. If I’d controlled myself better, I’d be there to support them. All of this stress and anxiety about how the season would roll out wouldn’t be on their shoulders, although in my opinion Moe was more of an asset to the team. He was one of the best wide receivers in the league. Even so, I wanted to be there to step up. But I was stuck. Because of my need to escalate shit five times past where it could have ended.


“All right, bud. I’m gonna go talk to Simeon, and you figure out how to get laid.”

I nodded, watching him go, and actually listened to the tip. Between Simeon and Noah, the shit about Moe, and now the news that my replacement wasn’t rising to the occasion of starting for the Barons? I needed an outlet. It was either time to get in a monstrous fistfight or take out the brimming frustration on someone’s ass.
I went for the latter.

This is one of those book I wish we had more stars for because 5 doesn’t seem enough, it is one of those books that I know I will read again and again, and it is one of those books that two days later I’m still hoping I can write a review that will do it justice. Who knew Santino Hassel could write a sweet and sentimental romance that was still sexy as f*uck? I’ve read many books by Santino Hassel; some I liked more than others, but without a doubt Illegal Contact is my favorite book of his to date and one of my favorite books of 2017. I loved the animosity between this couple at the start, the signs of attraction, the way they begin to understand one another, the respect that builds between them, the slow burn, the scorching sexy times, and the love that grows with each passing day; basically I LOVED every little thing about this book.

An angry, brash, intimidating football player for the New York Barons under six months of house arrest for beating a frat boy on the side of the road after an argument, hires a quirky, smart, broke recently unemployed “college boy” as his personal assistant. Their attraction burns brightly and the more they try to deny it, it becomes evident their need for one another is greater than the backlash that can come of it.

Gavin Brawly was the epitome of an anti-hero; he came across as rude, always ready for a fight, refused to pander to the media, and anti social, but in reality he valued his privacy and only wanted to play football, the game that saved his life. Noah Monroe’s life is in a bit of turmoil and though being a P.A. for an athlete isn’t high on his list, a paycheck is. Noah has little respect for professional athletes, but the more time he spends with Gavin and his friends, the more he realizes he’s misjudged them and stereotyping them is just as bad as people stereotyping him. A born caretaker, Noah soon finds that Gavin is much different than the world sees him. I loved Noah’s loyalty and take charge attitude and the way he called Gavin out when he was being mean or a bully, but Gavin made Noah think, he made him see things in a different light and both these men changed throughout the course of this story. Gavin began to see that his brusqueness could make people feel unsafe something he never wanted to do to another human being, he learned to control his temper and realized that it was okay to let people in his life. Noah became more confident, more assertive, and began to realize he had value. While he still struggled with self doubt about his judgment, he began to understand that his trusting and giving nature sometimes allowed others to take advantage of him. I loved these characters and watching them grow was intriguing, but even more so was watching them let the other one in, watching their friendship grow, and the s-l-o-w burn of attraction whipping around them. Yes, it takes a good, long time for them to finally give in to their attraction but I’m telling you, the wait was so totally worth it.

There are many elements to this story, but the growing relationship between Gavin and Noah is never lost; everything that happens in this book leads to the decisions that are made and the very satisfying end result. I honestly can’t say enough great things about this story, so instead I will say in honor of all my Facebook followers, “Just buy the damn book, trust me you will not be disappointed.”

Oh, man. Santino Hassell reviews are always harder to write, because when I read one of his books, it’s full steam ahead. I read this one in one sitting, and I did not stop to take notes! So from my memory…I really enjoyed Noah and Gavin’s story, particularly how the author took the insubordinate employee trope (one of my least favorites,) and turned it on its head so the employer was the more unruly of the two. Though it’s clear from the very start that Gavin has a soft side. Illegal Contact kicks off with Noah interviewing for a position he doesn’t feel qualified for, and he’s not even sure he wants it. Things don’t go well, and saying he’s surprised to get a job offer is an understatement. As he’s in debt and helping to take care of his father, he accepts the job. It quickly becomes clear that Noah and Gavin have chemistry, but if there’s one thing Noah’s gunshy about, it’s getting involved with his boss. I really liked Noah’s character. I thought he was very endearing, and his being in limbo after college was a realistic portrayal of what it’s like for a lot of people. But I also like that he was determined, knew where he wanted to end up, and was going to do what he had to to make it happen. His job for Gavin was just a necessary stepping stone for him right this second. Gavin was so gruff from the very beginning, and while I’d like to say it took a while for him to win me over, I liked his character immediately. I wanted to know what was beneath all those muscles and edges. Noah was able to peel back those layers, but this was a slow burn, and it was something that took him some time. I’ve come to expect stellar characterization from this author, and he definitely delivered. His trademark steam can also be found in these pages - Noah and Gavin were so hot together! This book got off to a bit of a slow start, but when it took off, it really took off and like I said earlier, I read it in one sitting, so… I loved the secondary characters in this book, and I was left wanting more of them. Luckily that’s on its way!
Overall I thought Illegal Contact was a great read, and if you’re a fan of Santino Hassell or male/male romance, it’s not to be missed!

OH MY LANTA. THIS BOOK WAS SO FREAKING GOOD! Illegal Contact had humor, heart, romance, passion, angst, grit, and SO MUCH MORE. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK AND I NEED MORE.

Let's start off with the characters in this book. The two main characters are Noah and Gavin. Noah was a precious cupcake and I want to protect from this world. Noah was such a bright and sunny character that I couldn't help but adore him. He was the complete opposite of Gavin, who came off as a bit of a grumpy hardass. Gavin was a character that took a while to warm up to, but I eventually found myself loving Gavin and wanting him to find happiness. It was nice to see that Gavin actually had a heart underneath his hard exterior.

There were a handful of wonderful side characters in this book as well. I thought the author did a great job at fleshing out the side characters and making them relevant to the story. I liked that the side characters were important and not dumped to the side once the romance was introduced. I cannot wait to see more of them in future books. I WANT THEM ALL TO FIND LOVE AND LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER.

I am a HUGE fan of "enemies" to lovers tropes, and the author executed that perfectly in this book. Gavin constantly gave Noah a hard time, but Noah would fight back tooth and nail. This created some wonderful tension and chemistry between Noah and Gavin. THE SEXUAL CHEMISTRY BETWEEN NOAH AND GAVIN WAS OFF THE CHARTS. I COULD NOT HANDLE IT. AND THE BANTER WAS FABOULOUS. The tension combined with the slow burn of their relationship gave me so many feels. I SHIPPED IT SO HARD. THEY ARE PERFECT TOGETHER. THEIR ROMANCE WAS WONDERFUL. I AM IN LOVE WITH THEIR LOVE. IT WAS PERFECTION.

Overall, this was a fantastic M/M contemporary romance. Illegal Contact was a book I read in one sitting because I became obsessed with the story the author crafted. This is the type of book that becomes addictive very quickly, so I recommend having an entire day set aside to read this book because you will not want to stop!

4.5 / 5 Fangs


*This ebook was given to me in exchange for an honest review. *

I have never loved Santino Hassell more than I did after reading Illegal Contact. Before this book, I was in a m/m contemporary romance slump. I love them, but most of the ones I had read recently were either not well plotted or not well written or so super cheesy, I found myself rolling my eyes more than swooning - not a good sign. But then this book came along about a grumpy football star who falls for his adorkable new personal assistant, and I swear to you, it felt like coming home again.

Santino Hassell gives good romance. All the hallmarks of a good one are present in Illegal Contact. Because Noah works for Gavin, you have the whole forbidden aspect, and that creates some delicious sexual tension. The two guys do eventually become friends, after a bit of a rocky start (thanks to Gavin not really wanting Noah there to begin with, but resigning himself to the fact that he needs his help), so that adds another wonderful layer to their relationship. They share stories and secrets and each starts to feel protective of the other. And I so love when friendship morphs into something else.

And that "something else" is just... wow. You wouldn't think that this big, mean football player would be anything close to compatible with a recent college grad looking to make some money to pay off his loans. But, when Noah and Gavin finally cut the crap and finally get together, it's freaking magical. They are sexy and hot and passionate and exactly what each other needs.

Before Illegal Contact, I was already resigned to reading anything Santino Hassell writes. He's so brilliant with his words and how he uses them to convey real situations and feelings. But, after Illegal Contact, not only am I convinced he's a new addition to my "one-click list," but I'm determined to get him on everyone else's list too. Illegal Contact isn't just your typical jock romance book. It's got depth and substance and a lot of memorable moments. This is one of those books that I will choose to read a second and a third time just because it makes me happy.

A warning to anyone about to start Illegal Contact: make sure you leave yourself time to read the entire book in one sitting. Santino Hassell has a compelling writing style that makes Gavin and Noah’s love story impossible to put down. Even if you’re not a football fan, this is one sports romance you don’t want to miss.

Gavin Brawley isn’t your typical hero. He may be gorgeous and talented both in the bedroom and on the field, but he’s also got a short temper that he lets fly. Add in an attitude and an unwillingness to be anything but straightforward and it’s easy to see why he’s a public relations nightmare. Gavin isn’t wholly the jerk the media makes him out to be, but he’s got a chip on shoulder and the forced confinement of house arrest (even if that house is a mansion) makes him even more irritable. So why did I find him so compelling? What sold me on Gavin from the start – even when he was at his most disagreeable – was that he’s utterly and completely loyal, protective, and caring when it comes to his friends. I loved peeling back the layers of his character and watching Gavin grow and change over the course of the story. He’s never going to be the smiling sports star pictured on your boxed cereal, but he does become an ever better, more well-rounded version of himself.

Noah Monroe is the catalyst for Gavin’s change, and I flat-out loved him. Noah is one of the most relatable protagonists I’ve come across in quite some time. When he applies for the job of Gavin’s personal assistant, it’s not because he’s a football fan or a celebrity-chaser. He’s simply a recent college grad drowning in student loan debt and desperately needs a job. Noah may be smart, no-nonsense, a bit of a geek, and look like a sexy Clark Kent, but he’s also an over-thinker with flaws of his own. Noah isn’t cowed by Gavin’s temper and his straightforwardness with the other man about how he comes across is part of the reason why Gavin starts to examine his own attitude.

Noah and Gavin don’t hit it off from the start; in fact, they piss each other off more often than not. The sparks fly fast and furious and I loved watching Gavin and Noah go from antagonizing one another to respecting each other to becoming more than cranky football star and overwhelmed employee. While there’s definite attraction in the beginning, the romance is a slow burn. I loved that Gavin and Noah actually got to know each other before the love story kicked things into high gear. And when the sexual tension between the two men boils over…watch out, because you’re in for some dirty, sexy fun. I loved these two together, but even after they start to fall in love, you know things aren’t going to be easy. Coming out as bisexual could destroy a career that has saved Gavin, and homophobia isn’t something you can wave a magic wand at and make disappear. I won’t say how things work out, but I will say that the ending of Illegal Contact left me with a huge smile on my face.

Illegal Contact is the first book in Mr. Hassell’s Barons series and I can’t wait for more. Noah and Gavin are complex, interesting characters and their love story is layered, engaging, sexy, and surprisingly sweet at times. I also fell in love with Gavin’s teammates and best friends Simeon and Marcus, and I cannot wait to see what Ms. Hassell has in store for Simeon in Down by Contact. Until I find out, I’m content to keep re-reading Gavin and Noah’s story – their romance is just that addictive.

I am absolutely in love with every single thing Santino Hassell produces. EVERY.SINGLE.THING. When the book gods smiled down on me and I had a chance to read Illegal Contact I had this urge to rush into reading it because I knew I was in for a great night of reading; I also wanted to put it off for as long as possible because I knew I'd finish it and be incredibly sad that it was over. As expected, the second I dove into Illegal Contact I was hooked. I loved the wonderfully grumpy Gavin and the confident and nerdy Noah and every single tense interaction they had. Their chemistry practically sparked off the page and their snarling, sarcastic, banter made me smirk while the tender, sweeter parts had me swooning and hoping against hope that somehow, someway they could make their relationship work.

In Illegal Contact, Santino Hassell not only wrote an opposites attract romance that is so easy to sink into and so hard to put down, he continues to give us diverse characters and explores what it must be like to be bisexual in a career where homophobia still feels so rampant. Hassell also gives us a character like Noah--a character who has been scapegoated in the past because of his sexuality, in my opinion, and has to come to grips with what happened with his past employer and whether it's a pattern of behavior, or something different when it comes to Gavin. Basically, what I'm discovering as I'm thinking about these characters is that they're more complicated than I initially made them out to be. There are layers to their both of their situations and personalities that makes forging a relationship a little complex, which in turn makes it that much sweeter when they work it all out.
And that, my dears, is one of many reasons why I like reading Santino Hassell novels so much; they can be as light and entertaining or as deep and revealing as you want them to be. His characters come off as authentic and raw and his plots are fresh and entertaining. And every single time I pick up a new novel of his, I can't help feeling compelled to speed to the finish as I'm simultaneously putting the brakes on to slow down and savor every chapter. Everything I read of his solidifies that something I've known since the first novel I read of his and that's this: I will buy, read, and rave about anything he writes, no matter the genre or the topic.

Illegal Contact marks the first book in Mr. Hassell’s new football romance series, The Barons, and it was even better than I could have hoped. I’m a fan of sports romances in general, with hockey and football being my favorite to read about; so when the author announced his plans to write a football book, I was excited and admittedly a little nervous. I love when my favorite authors branch out, but there’s always a little trepidation as to whether it will measure up to past works. In my opinion, this title is right up there with my favorite Hassell books and I’m crazy excited to see what book two will hold.

Illegal Contact pairs up an intelligent college graduate who refuses to take anyone’s nonsense with a grumpy football player who doesn’t hold back from saying whatever is on his mind. As you can imagine, there’s a lot of back and forth banter, snide remarks, and of course- SPARKS! Though Gavin and Noah are very different from one another, I don’t know that that I’d consider this a case of opposites attracting. Rather, these men fit one another and I absolutely loved them together. Mr. Hassell writes the best grumpy characters who hide hearts of gold underneath their gruff exteriors, and Gavin certainly is no exception. I loved that the reader got glimpses of that goodness right from the start, and I immediately formed a soft spot for Gavin and was excited to see those moments extend as his character develops. I also like Noah quite a lot and found his backstory interesting. I appreciated how he challenges Gavin, and in turn Gavin and his teammates challenge Noah’s assumptions about professional athletes. There is a considerable amount of growth on both sides, and it the relationship naturally matures as the characters acknowledge their developing feelings.

This author regularly writes romances bounding with chemistry, and while I didn’t find the pull between Gavin and Noah quite as magnetic as some of Mr. Hassell’s past pairings, these were some of my very favorite of his characters. Their personalities were dynamic and the dialogue made their vibrancy really pop. As always, this author writes with an unbelievably smooth style that has a polished feel without feeling stilted or lacking in authenticity. The pacing was perfect; and between the writing, characters, and dialogue, I found it extremely difficult to put this book down. I would have liked to see more of the football angle explored as I think that’s what sets apart sport romances, but given the circumstances surrounding the characters meeting, those details weren’t necessary to make the story work. For those readers hoping for a book showcasing Mr. Hassell’s talented writing style and complex characters but a little less angst than his Five Boroughs series, Illegal Contact won’t leave you wanting.

Link will be added once review posts.

Gavin Brawley, starting tight end for the New York Barons, could give two shits about anyone’s opinion of him. Unfortunately, even though he is a fast, furious powerhouse on the field, it’s his anger issues and one particular violent episode caught on tape that have garnered all the media attention lately. On house arrest and monitored by an ankle bracelet for the next six months, he’s not sure how he’ll live without football. Growing up in the foster care system, the only thing Gavin had was the game, it saved his life and is the most important thing to him. That and the teammates and friends he considers as close as family.

Noah Monroe needs a job as soon as possible. Any job. Not only is he struggling financially after being let go from his previous post, but his father is now out of work as well. He doesn’t really have any desire to take a position as a personal assistant, especially once he finds out that the position would mean six months of up close and personal time with the cranky, growly, argumentative Gavin Brawley. But desperate times call for desperate measures, and despite his reservations, he takes the job.

As you can imagine Noah and Gavin do not get along well at first. It starts when Noah admits he doesn’t care one way or the other about football, which is basically Gavin’s whole life. They make assumptions about each other, they poke and prod and trade insults, but slowly and surely a friendship is born and trust is built. Gavin has never really been able to be himself around anyone other than his closest friends, as a bisexual man he knows coming out would almost certainly end his career. So he’s kept quiet, and tried to protect his best friend Simeon’s reputation as well.

I loved these two. Yes, there is instant lust between them, Gavin is a football stud with a cut body and penetrating stare, which totally does it for Noah, and Noah has this college boy, Clarke Kent thing going on that totally does it for Gavin, but don’t worry Mr. Hassell builds their relationship beautifully. From antagonism, to tentative getting to know you, to crazy, swoon worthy, gorgeous first kisses, to crazy, filthy, sexy love scenes, to an HEA that made my romantic heart soar. This was the first book in a long while that I could not put down. I found myself laying my Kindle on the bathroom counter so I could read while I dried my hair in the morning and sneak reading throughout the day. While the first half is all Noah and Gavin building trust and getting to know each other, the second half is all about angst, and need and hard choices. Very real and true to life hard choices. Honestly, I knew what was coming once Gavin and Noah fell for each other and I knew that it would break my heart and leave an ache in my chest, and it did, but oh wow the lovely ending and HEA made it all worth it.

The second book in the series is all about Simeon and all I can say is YESSSSS. Gimme. Want, want, want.

If sports themed romances are your jam and you enjoy watching total opposites fall in love and find a wonderful happily ever after then you’ll definitely want to add Illegal Contact to your TBR list. Final Grade- B+/A-

Favorite Quote:

He was so addictive. Like candy. Or drugs. One taste of him had me fiending and my heart beating out of my chest.