I just could not finish this. This is not my type of story. I usually have a pretty decent tolerance for cliches because I am a die-hard fluff fan, so cliches usually come with the territory, but this just did not work for me.

When I first finished the story, my gut reaction was that I liked it. Really liked it.

The Quarterback has some of my favorite tropes in M/M (closeted athlete, clandestine romance, coming out, first time gay experience). When I focused on those aspects of the story, I was one happy camper.

But then, the more I sat on my review, the more my little niggles came back to haunt me.

I really couldn't stand the secondary characters, and I think Mackenzie Blair has to think long and hard about how people should and do talk to LGBTQ people. Asking someone their sexual preferences on first meeting is never okay, and the gay stereotyping was too much for me to overlook. If I ignore all of the secondary characters and a lot of the dialogue, I liked the story a hell of a lot more.

I really loved the fact that the Asian MC wasn't a stereotype. It is super rare, for some reason, to see Asians at all in romance, so I was honestly simply thrilled about that bit of diversity. But I also loved that he was multifaceted, not just a nerdy nerd to offset the hot jock. However, there was a good amount of stereotyping in many of the other aspects of the story.

Though the sex was hot (again, I love a closeted athlete trope), I hated the other cliches that riddled this story. I finally settled on 3-stars because I liked it, though I fully acknowledge that it is one flawed story.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

There was a lot to love about The Quarterback by Mackenzie Blair.

-The main characters, Matt and Trevor. They were both likable and exhibited character growth during the story- especially Matt.

-There was palpable chemistry between Matt & Trevor.

-Banter

-There was a natural progression to their relationship.

But the length and side characters made deduct a star and a half.

-A half star because somewhere around the 75% the book started to feel long winded and I had to skim a bit to get going again.

-The full star for the dialogue and actions of the secondary cast. Mainly Danielle and Matt's twin sisters (though there were other offenders). I had a case of second-hand embarrassment from their verbal diarrhea. Asking "who's the top and who's the bottom?" is never an okay question.

In the end, I did enjoy it and would try this author again, but I hope she tones down the voices of the side characters and hope she gets some sensitivity readers. There are some things you just don't say/ask even if the characters are friends or family. 3.5 Stars

Oh, I really loved this one! The relationship, so to speak, between Matt and Trevor starts off in an unconventional manner but it leads to them both wanting more. Matt is finally learning to deal with his own sexuality, even if he’s afraid to let people know about it. He has a lot on the line – a jerk of a father who could take his sisters away from him, a conservative college that might not care he’s the star quarterback if he’s gay and he needs his scholarship to graduate. There is a lot to lose for Matt. On the other hand, Trevor has already lost a lot, including his own parents. It’s tough sometimes for these two to see the other side. Matt isn’t always sensitive to what Trevor has gone through, and Trevor sometimes forget what Matt is dealing with and how it could harm his future if he comes out too soon.

Despite it not always being easy, these two do work well together, and they have some wonderful friends that make great secondary characters. I loved seeing them push the two guys together when it might seem like their stubborn natures will keep them apart. Plus, they have some hot chemistry, so there are plenty of sexy times…don’t worry!

While neither of the guys have great parents in their lives, they do have extended and “adopted” family that make it known they will always be there for them. I loved this, because even when parents show that their love has limits, there are people out there who will be there for you and love you just as you are. It was great that both Matt and Trevor were able to find and/or realize this by the end of the book.

As a fan of sport romances, I’ve read plenty of books where the celebrated, hot quarterback falls for the quintessential “nerd” who doesn’t know much about the game. So when I saw this blurb, I was both intrigued to see a m/m spin on a popular m/f plot, but skeptical that The Quarterback would bring something new and exciting to the table. For the most part, I was pleasantly surprised and definitely enjoyed this book even more than I expected.

As this is Miss Blair’s first published romance, I didn’t know what to expect. I found the writing smooth with a causal tone that offered just enough details to pain the scenes without slowing the pace. The characters were incredibly likable and I enjoyed their backstories as much as I liked reading about their romantic connection. I appreciated the pacing of the romance as well. It fit both with the characters’ ages, as well as the social complications Matt faced. So often the closeted athlete or hero jumps into the open without a backward glance when the right man comes along. I liked that the author didn’t rush this, examining all the emotions Matt warred with in his decision whether to come out or not. I also liked that Trevor never was pushed to the side in the plot. The reader truly was treated to both sides of the conflict in the blossoming relationship, and it made their story balanced and complete. As for the physical aspects of the romance, The Quarterback contained some incredibly sexy scenes that drew out and built upon the palpable chemistry between Matt and Trevor, while staying true to Matt’s inexperience. By far though, my favorite aspect of the book was that the conflict resolutions weren’t overly tidy. Things didn’t turn up sunshine and rainbows for Trevor and Matt, and while there were substantial hiccups, I still got a fantastic ending that left my heart happy.

Where The Quarterback lost some of its steam for me were the random comments that fell into the misguided stereotypes column. Some of these questionable inclusions could be chalked up to this being a book about college students whom we all know to behave bizarrely and speak off the cuff. However, some simply didn’t make sense in the moment or for the character and they left me scratching my head a bit. While I really enjoyed most elements of this book, I can’t say that it was without a few fumbles (pun entirely intended) and I’ll definitely be interested in reading whatever Miss Blair publishes next.

Super cute. Super sweet.

Sometimes 5 star books are the ones that make you hurt or make you feel strong emotions. But sometimes five star books are the ones that just let you have a good time with the story.

This is one of those happy stories. It's fun and interesting. It has a group of wonderful characters that you'd want as your friends and family. This is one of those that makes you smile and leaves you feeling good.

There are just some books that you can't help but like even though the premise is familiar and the action predictable. The Quarterback is just such a book as the angst the main characters go through played out in a way that left no surprises. While the main couple went through lots of melodrama to get their HEA, dealing with issues that sometimes went over-the-top, I always knew that the ending would leave me with a smile on my face. And boy, did this story give me a lot to smile about as its main couple were just too cute! Their banter was sweet yet sexy and whatever problems arose that caused them to lash out in hurt and fear, they always talked it through and made amends quickly and satisfyingly.

Matt Lancaster is the Golden Boy quarterback beloved by the girls and admired by the guys. Every girl wants him and every guy wants to be him as he's on the cusp of taking his team to the National Championship. Behind the scenes though his life is anything but golden as his father is an alcoholic who lives on other people's money while belittling his children and using them as a cover for his nefarious acts. Fear of his father and fear from society and his teammates is also keeping him firmly entrenched in the closet and living a lie of heterosexuality that's weighing him down and making his life miserable. The moment his friends take him to a massage parlor, and he meets the sexy and exotic Trevor, his life will never be the same. Trevor makes him question things, his life and his future. He gives him a glimpse of freedom that he can't help but be tempted by and which helps him slowly come to terms with who he really is. As they evolve from friends-with-benefits to more, Matt gains strength and fully embraces the love and acceptance Trevor offers in a journey full of wonderment, awe, and numerous endearing moments. Matt's a good and loyal friend, quick to admit when he's wrong, and is extremely protective of others. He's a sweet soul, trusting of Trevor to help him in his new life, and their scenes together put a smile on my face.

Trevor Kim knows the steep price of coming-out as he too was once the Golden Boy of his family for his smarts and academic achievements until he told his family the truth about his sexuality. Everyone turned on him, cutting him off emotionally and financially. His scholarship got him to college but it's a struggle to make ends meet which led him to the massage parlor and his life-altering meeting with Matt. Trevor's had his eye on Matt for years and is excited to have the opportunity to put his hands on him. What starts out awkwardly soon starts feeling all too good as feelings soon become involved. Feelings of jealousy and resentment for being Matt's dirty little secret lead to a few ups-and-downs that cause harsh words but ultimately makes them a stronger couple capable of reaching their HEA. Trevor's an appealing character, full of life. He's very understanding when it comes to their sex life and never pushes Matt more than he's comfortable with in a romance that builds over time. He's quick to assume the worst though as his family made him feel worthless and as such he doesn't feel good enough to be loved. His self-esteem issues added to the melodrama, but despite my occasional frustration with him I still found him immensely appealing.

Overall this was an enjoyable read with a likable main couple and a cast of entertaining secondary characters. Matt and Trevor are endearing whose interactions put a constant smile on my face. Their romance was sweet yet sexy and full of increasingly-erotic encounters. At times though the interactions became a bit too frequent and became a bit blase. Their struggles are what kept me riveted, the realities and the fears that have never truly gone away. The author dealt with those issues head-on, showing predictable villains and others doing their own hiding, in situations that frustrated me at times as I'm ever the optimist about acceptance. The secondary characters were equally likable with a cast of friends who were funny in their banter and supportive of Matt and Trevor, protecting them when everything hits the fan. They're a unique group who in their own ways played matchmaker. From the first page to the last this was an enjoyable romance that had me rooting for the main couple every step of the way. Despite an occasional frustration I still cheered once the final page was turned courtesy of a feel-good ending that gave me lots of warm fuzzies!

Debut author Mackenzie Blair lured me with that irresistible blurb.

Sports romance with a Southern MC set in the South? *pancake eyes*
Interracial romance with a pierced MC? *woozy*

I may have strained something trying to get to the request button, though to be honest, I was thinking that piercing was... ah... someplace else. 😳

Anywhoozle...

The Quarterback is a coming out, first love sports romance set at a small college in Alabama (I say it's based on Baylor but don't quote me). Matt is the quarterback and a damn good one for Division II. The football isn't too heavy if sports aren't your thing. There were enough team dynamics to satisfy my craving, though. Matt is in his senior year, still a virgin, because closet and he's had a bit of a crush on "bad boy" Trevor since freshman year. His teammates take him to a massage parlor outside of town and arrange for a happy ending because he's a little... pent up. Lo and behold, guess who the masseuse is?

Trevor is out and it cost him dearly to get there so he's not looking to go back in, but by the same token, he's no idiot. He realizes he's in Alabama where he could get bashed and hazed as often as he could get a blizzard at DQ. He's not advertising but he's not hiding either. He's definitely noticed Matt Lancaster. Who hasn't? He's the golden boy star quarterback of a team that's on its way to a national championship. Of course he's drooled over him along with 95% of the rest of the student body, but he never EVER thought he'd have a chance with him.

Some of his teammates might be cool, but there were enough who wouldn't want to play with him, at least not right away.

The Southern aspects of The Quarterback were strong. Not that I'm the foremost authority on all things Southern or anything. I do believe things are improving regarding acceptance but I still see too many who have been disowned by their family for being gay on a too frequent basis. People are still far too likely to use religion to justify their bigotry. Many are still prone to get seriously bent out of shape at even banal questions regarding their sexuality. Blair is obviously familiar with how steeped repression and bigotry are in Southern culture. Her understanding of Southern hospitality as well as other Southern customs were also evident in this story. I like when authors get the South right and Blair struck a good balance between the good and the needs improvement.

Trevor and Matt and their cuteness drew me in early on. Their attraction for one another is clear. They enjoy spending time together and are crazy hot for each other. I particularly enjoyed Trevor's ingenuity regarding his study buddy scheme. Every virgin needs a sex study buddy.

I HAVE DECLARED IT SO! FROM HENCEFORTH IT IS NOW LAW!

The sex is hot and their progression of sexual adventures wasn't rushed. That spanking scene took the cake! Jaysus, Mary & Joseph! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 #TeamSpanking

The things that I liked less are hard to define and maybe it's just me being hypersensitive but I'll try to explain my feels. There seemed to be a sort of undercurrent of gay shaming? There's something transgressive about the prose especially the oblique references to "certain kinds" of gay that bothered me. It comes across as derogatory and bled into Matt's characterization which I found inconsistent. I know he's on a learning curve for gay culture. I don't expect him to do and say everything right. I'm willing to give latitude, but there were things he said or did that aligned with that naiveté then out of nowhere he'd spout off something about twinks or the Castro that left me squinting.

It wasn't just Matt, though. There were also many inappropriate comments from the female secondary characters and an even greater number of remarks that I found awkward and/or juvenile by any number of characters. Oftentimes I found myself thinking this story was trying too hard to be funny or sexy or showcase its knowledge of gay culture and in so doing it stymied my enjoyment. I think the objective was cheekiness or sassiness that usually missed the mark which made the writing style amateurish on the whole and left me thinking some finesse and polish would've mitigated that.

However, I don't want to leave the impression that I disliked these characters. Some of them I liked, some were eccentric and most added something substantive to the narrative. Some even surprised me in refreshing ways. It's clear their friends and some of their family mean the world to Matt and Trevor and how they interact with them gave them depth as characters.

I also liked that Matt and Trevor's relationship has its ups and downs. Given the fact that this is Matt's first relationship there was an authenticity about him being somewhat clueless that resonated. I liked that he made mistakes, learned from them and stepped up when he was in the wrong. What I didn't like was his tendency to yell and lose his temper.

He and Trevor do get their HEA and maybe it was a little too easy but I'm ok with that. I am a card carrying sap after all. So I would recommend this to sports or coming of age romance fans and those who like virgin MCs in their romance.





A review copy was provided by Netgalley.

A great new young adult book with an even sexier cover!

The Quarterback is the debut book by Mackenzie Blair and although there were a few things that I didn't like overall I really enjoyed this book and the good far out weighed the bad.

This book centers around Matt and Trevor who are students at a small Christian college in Alabama. Neither Matt nor Trevor were the stereotypical role of dumb, arrogant jock or Asian math nerd. Matt is the star quarterback and he's popular, smart and gorgeous. On the surface Matt's life is close to perfect but it's a lot more complicated than everyone else thinks. Matt's gay but not only his father homophobic he's a scam artist that controls Matt's life through his twin sisters. Matt toes the line in order to try to keep his sister's safe from his father's issues. He's counting down the days until his sister's go off to college and he's finally free but what he doesn't count on is meeting Trevor. Trevor is a edgy Korean-American boy with long hair and tattoos who works three jobs to put him through school since his family disowned him when he told them he was gay.

Matt meets Trevor when his friends take him to a happily ever after massage parlor and request a male for him. <spoiler>This was bizarre to me and I didn't really buy into the whole his friends not talking to him about the fact that they figured out he was gay before they dropped this on him</spoiler> Matt flips out and Trevor is embarrassed but even though Matt runs out he can't stop thinking about Trevor.

I really loved the friends with benefits relationship these two developed. It's starts out all about sex but quickly develops into a true friendship between the two. Both guys are a bit complicated at times and Matt does some truly stupid things but MOST of the time he is trying really hard and is quick to make up for it. Trevor pushes Matt a bit too hard and he can be a little insecure (although justified) and defensive.

However, there were a few things I didn't like in this book. Some of the dialogue was just a bit too stereotypical and had me rolling my eyes thinking really he/she said that? I also thought Danielle and Matt's sisters responses when they first meet Trevor or find out Matt is gay were ridiculous. I think it was supposed to be precocious but they were too old to pull that off and I found it silly and rude. I also HATED that Matt threw Trevor's massage parlor past in his face during their big fight. It was a horrible thing to do and it shocked me because it just didn't fit Matt's character. I also think Trevor forgave him for that just a tad too easily.

However, for me the good outweighed these issues and I really enjoyed the characters and the story. I adored Drew, Trevor's roommate and I liked Matt's football buddies as well. It had some really humorous moments, some sweet moments and the sex was pretty steamy.

So a really good debut novel for me and I hope she writes Drew's story next - I'd love to read it.

Sexy, sassy, and heartwarming!

The Quarterback is a provocative sports romance about college life, embracing one's sexuality, and having the strength to follow one's heart regardless of the consequences.

The characters are handsome, charming, troubled and flawed. The writing is erotic and smooth. And the plot is an alluring tale full of sexual innuendoes, flirty banter, blazing chemistry, familial drama, friendship, support, acceptance, and love.

The Quarterback is an entertaining, provocative debut by Blair and although at times there are a few too many stereotypical references she does an excellent job of touching on the challenges, prejudices, and ignorance faced by those in the LGBTQIA community.

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Riptide Publishing, for providing me with a copy in exchange for

4.5 Stars

Matt Lancaster is the All American Quarterback at Bodine College and seems to have it all, but attending a southern baptist college in a small Alabama town and having a bigoted father keeps him deeply in the closet. But he can't hide from the attraction he feels to Trevor, so he pursues him and asks Trevor to tutor him in the art of sex. As the two spend time together they become closer and their feelings deepen, but if Matt is outed he stands to lose everything: His scholarship, family and ultimately his future. Will Trevor stand for being Matt's dirty little secret?

Trevor's life hasn't been easy either. After coming out to his patents he was disowned. He works multiple jobs to help pay for what his academic scholarship doesn't cover, and as much as he likes Matt, Trevor has lost too much coming out to be pushed back in the closet now. Can Trevor and Matt make things work?

I really loved both these young men and my heart broke for them. Matt's dad, as well as the dean of the college, were complete and utter bigoted asshats. I usually get aggravated reading about closeted characters, but I completely understood why Matt had to remain in the closet. He really was doing it for all the right reasons. I love that while Trevor wasn't exactly happy about Matt keeping their relationship a secret and it caused some tension between them, he too understood Matt's reasons.

I loved watching Matt and Trevor get to know one another and explore their feelings. I also loved watching as Matt really explored his sexuality and what he liked, both in and out of the bed. The progression of their relationship was slow and natural. They had amazing chemistry and they were hot together!

The story well-written and paced well. It was interesting and entertaining and I found I couldn't put it down once I picked it up. The story had some great secondary characters that were great support systems for Trevor and Matt and there were also some secondary characters that were complete douchecanoes I wanted to throat punch!

All in all, this was a great debut novel from Mackenzie Blair and I'm definitely looking forward to more from this author in the future. Enjoyable and highly recommended!

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

Wow. This was a first time read for this author and I'm blown away. Loved the story. Can't wait to read more books from Mackenzie. Thanks.

Matt is in a very difficult place. Literally. He is in a very conservative school. Where he plays football. With people who would kick him out if they knew the truth. Then he meets him. The man who will change everything about what he needs.

Trevor feels used by Matt at first. Does not really get what he wants. Then he finally admits to himself he has wanted Matt since the first time he saw him years ago. The sparks flying around the room when they are in it together.... could burn a person to ashes.

Some stories stick with you. This one will for me for a long time. I thought the author's presentation of the personal feelings and obstacles that had to be overcome came across very real. I will definitely look to read more by said author. These characters were fun and entertaining to read.


***This ARC copy was given by Netgalley and its publishers in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars

A new author and a new book that is worth a read.

Matt is just going along with his football teammates as they go to a massage parlor. Not only is his masseuse a male, but Matt knows Trevor from school. Matt certainly wasn’t expecting the type of ending that his friends paid for and he bolts out of the room. Matt knows he’s gay but being a gay quarterback on scholarship at a Southern conservative college certainly isn’t going to work in his favor and he has no choice but to hide.

Trevor is working three jobs while still attending class. His family disowned him and he wants his degree and then to get out of Alabama. The money at the massage parlor would be better if he added on some services, but Trevor isn’t going to get paid for that. But Matt laid out on his massage table is a dream come true.

The guys are attracted to each other and have that spark. But Matt has no idea what he’s doing as he has never been with a guy before and he also needs to be extra discreet. Trevor is more than up for spending two nights a week with Matt and the men share more than a few hot and heated moments behind a closed dorm room.

Feelings enter the equation before too long but Matt has to navigate the team and his controlling father. Matt and Trevor are great together as they figure out a relationship. Trevor knows the score but that doesn’t mean it’s easy for him to see girls flirt with Matt. There’s just enough tension to keep the story moving along at a great pace. The ending, involving Matt’s father and sisters, may have been a bit rushed and over simplified, but there also wasn’t unnecessary drama. There are also several secondary characters that filled out the story and foundations were put down for possible follow ups. This book was a good choice for a heat filled, coming out story by a new author.

4.5 Stars!!!

This book was a bit of a surprise for me. While I don't mind closeted characters, I think Matt has to be one of my favorites among those, because of his reasons for remaining firmly inside. It wasn't that he wouldn't have gotten out, eventually, but at that particular moment, it just wasn't possible. Between his athletic scholarship, the pressure to win the National Championship, his father and the dean and the responsibility he felt for his sisters, the poor guy was overwhelmed. Add to that learning that his friends were privy of him being gay and being attracted to Trevor, and I don't know how he coped with it all. Well, that's not true, I do. He had Trevor, who was patient and understanding for the most part, and even when he wasn't, it was understandable.

Matt and Trevor were great together, as different as they could be, but the two of them were sweet and down to earth. I think they complemented each other perfectly and I loved how their relationship evolved from quasi-friends with benefits into something deeper. They were scorching hot together and I loved that they didn't rush into things and that they took their time to know one another in and out of bed.

I adored Matt's friends, especially Danielle, she was a hoot! I liked Drew and Emily, Matt's sisters and his aunt and uncle, too. They all added a lot to the story and were a great support system for Matt and Trevor. I absolutely hated Matt's father, he was a horrible, horrible man.

Overall, this was a fantastic book, very well-written and enthralling, I didn't want to put it down because I needed to find out how it would all work out for the boys and I wasn't disappointed. Definitely a must read!

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

At first I thought this was going to be one of those books I read for the filthy fun. But Mackenzie Blair did a nice job drawing me into the characters- especially Matt and I really found myself rooting for them. I ended up reading the entire thing in one night.

Some good and some (fairly) bad stuff here, but I ended up enjoying it, for the most part.

First, I really liked both Trevor and Matt, neither of whom totally fell into the stereotypical Asian math nerd or dumb jock roles.

Despite being rejected by his family, Trevor was not a delicate flower, waiting around in his throw pillow-infested ivory tower for a man to swoop in and rescue him. He was strong, confident and ready to put in the work to make a better life for himself -- even if that meant working at a sleazy massage parlor off of the interstate.

Matt's life was actually the more complicated of the two, as his controlling father used his younger sisters to force Matt to fall in line with his get-rich-quick schemes and maintain the perfect college athlete and son facades -- which did most definitely not include Matt coming out of the closet.

BUT... sweet baby Jesus, some of the dialogue and internal musings of the MC's were definitely lowballs on the politically correct and sensitivity scales. I'd be reading along happily, then out of the blue, I'd read some total stereotype or gay cliché', roll my eyes and think, "Really? That's where you went with that???"

The most memorable example was where Trevor pondered if he should spritz some cologne "down there" for his date with Matt.

Should he spray some on his junk? Would it burn? Would it weird Matt out? Make him think all dicks smelled like exotic spices? Or only Asian dicks?

Oh, yeah. You better believe I groaned long and hard when I read that, for sure.

Plus, during their big break up scene, my face fell on the floor and flopped around for a while, when Matt decided that throwing Trevor's massage parlor past back in his face was the perfect thing to say.

SPOILER: It sure as fuck wasn't. And what he said was cruel and completely out of character for him, so I was over his bullshit over what he said.

It also felt like Trevor was a bit too quick to forgive Matt for what he'd said, although I did actually kind of get his point when letting the hurtful comment go.

BUT... this story did make me laugh and smile much more than it made me cringe, so *somehow* it did still work for me, in spite of its flaws.

I absolutely loved Drew, Trevor's theater major roommate, who never failed to make me laugh. The guy was seriously funny and I'd love to read his story. Plus, the way that Drew's family pulled Trevor in, making him one of their own, those parts were packed to the rafters with feels in my book.

As for the sexy bits, well, they were fairly steamy, but something about them felt a bit off. There was never that "Wow, I need a goddamn cigarette after that" feel to them.

The story ended with the guys working toward an HEA, but did leave me feeling like these two have no idea of the relationship drama they just signed up for by deciding to begin their young relationship living smack dab in the middle of the Castro in San Francisco (I lived there for 13 years, so I *know* what I'm talking about here, folks.)

I'd have to rate this story at around 3.75 stars, because I did thoroughly enjoy the story, but did definitely have a few small issues with where the author chose to go.

Wow, I really liked this book. I liked the way there was a clear voice for each of the guys, and it felt like you got to know them immediately. The strength is really in the characters, and I liked that there wasn't any ridiculous drama - it all felt like real drama that you would have if you were hesitant to come out in a conservative Southern community. And I really liked that they dealt with the drama by talking to each other, which literally never happens in a romance book. I would absolutely read more from this author.