I really loved the first book in this series, therefore I had super high expectations for this one, and honestly, maybe that was the issue because I didn't truly enjoy this one as much. I am a fan of the author and will continue to read his books, however, this one fell short. While Adrian and Simeon were likable characters, I felt that they lacked maturity and their back and forth banter just did not feel authentic. It was offensive at times and fell flat when it should have been either sexy or funny. Either way, it was still a pretty good read over all, but it didn't have the same magical feel as its predecessor.

I am no longer interested in reading or reviewing this book. I couldn't get into it, so I'm DNFing because I don't think I'll ever get back to it.

4.5 - 5 ... I knew I was gonna fall for Simeon ;)

Readers met Simeon in the first book in The Barons series. He was the real reason Gavin found himself under house arrest in Illegal Contact. Speaking of which, if you haven't read Gavin and Noah's book, you really should. I suppose that you could read Down by Contact as a stand alone, but I wouldn't recommend it. (I never really do, when it comes to series) ;) )

Anyway... Down by Contact is Simeon and Adrián's story. These two had a rocky start, but the more time I spent getting to know Adrián and seeing them together, the more I really liked them both. The kids in the story are great, as well as the directors at the center. The athletes didn't win any of them over in the beginning, but I didn't expect them to. Simeon and Adrián not only learn to trust each other, they gain the trust of the kids, workers and parents, which was amazing to watch.

There's a lot more to this story than the growing romance between Simeon and Adrián - which made me love their relationship even more. There were also a few characters in Down by Contact that were easy to dislike, but I have a sneaky suspicion that Santino Hassell isn't quite done with them yet. I'm kinda looking forward to it as The Barons continues. ;)

LOVE LOVE LOVE this series and this author.

Simeon and Adrian are as different as night and day. They are good cop/bad cop in the world of football. You wouldn't think they would make a good couple (heck - Adrian's sexuality isn't known, so you would think they would make a couple, period). And, at first, at every meeting they have, they clash horribly.

But, being forced to work side by side to achieve a common goal gives them a point in common besides football. It gives them a starting point, and once they start, they can't stop. Their connection is explosive in so many ways. They are sexy and passionate. I could read about these guys again and again.

This book started slowly for me, as I put it down and picked it back up several times. But once I got into the story and the characters, I totally enjoyed the ride! I loved the character development and the slow-developing relationship between Simeon and Adrian, and the ending made it all worthwhile.

Another great read from Santino. I especially liked Bravo, whose bisexual awakening felt very real.

3.5 stars. A sexy sports m/m romance that covers some expected ground (issues with publicly coming out, culture of toxic masculinity, etc.), but still focuses on well-rounded characters and their building relationship with charm and heart.

I loved this book! The first Barons book didn't blow me away, but I totally loved seeing Adrian discover his sexuality and love for Simeon. The passion was great and their sexy game to make each other uncomfortable was so hot. Such a great read.

4.5 Stars

Raw, edgy and moving.

Santino Hassell gives us another exciting and hot-as-f**k installment to The Barons series! I really enjoyed Simeon and Adrián’s story. It was sexy, heartfelt and a bit of a tearjerker. I wish I could be more eloquent but I’d rather the readers experience this erotically charged manlove on their own 😉

Sexytime scenes aside, Mr. Hassell pens a solid story with flawed characters in a world where what you are and who you love are judged and often ridiculed. Where hatred and bigotry are masks for fear. And where two people—despite all that other bullshit—find the courage to stand up and claim their well-earned happiness. Well okay, so maybe I was a little eloquent.

Bottom line: If you love football, brilliant characters, good storylines and steamy man-to-man defense (literally), then DOWN BY CONTACT is just what you need!

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is such a fun story. From football rivals and personal enemies to friends and lovers, Simeon and Adrián’s story is full of great banter and delicious sexual chemistry. All the characters I loved in the first book are back as Simeon and Adrián work out their NFL mandated community service running a sports camp for kids.

This series is lighter and easier reading than Hassell’s Community series or his Five Boroughs books, but it still manages to be smart and cleverly crafted. It’s sports romance that’s pretty light on actual football and heavy on the romance and relationships between teammates and rivals.

I’ve enjoyed the bromance elements of both of these books as much as I’ve enjoyed the romance. I love the friendships and the banter between the professional athletes. And while this is much fluffier than most of Hassell’s other writing, there are some perfectly observed moments that are beautifully written. I’m not a fan of kids in romance writing, but the kids in this story have a few moments that even I found charming – and they thankfully stay in the background for most of the book.

Ultimately, this is a romance and the connection between Simeon and Adrián is pretty special. The slow build chemistry between them is excruciating and they are crazy hot when they finally get together. I love that Adrián doesn’t miraculously change overnight, and I even loved his foot-in-mouth moments when he was trying to change. His circumstances go a long way towards explaining his behaviour, but there isn’t the quick ‘forgive and forget’ moment that ruins too many m/m romances. He’s a loveable rogue. Simeon is possibly a little bit too saintly at times, so they balance each other pretty perfectly.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series, and follows on in time from the last book. I would recommend that you read Gavin's story as we meet Simeon there. That said, you could definitely enjoy this story in its own right too.

Simeon first met Adrián when they were on the same team. Then Simeon was traded, and Adrián has hated him ever since – the reason for which slowly becomes clear in this book. When the animosity causes an on pitch fight, they are both forced to do community service together and suspended from playing.

As the summer progresses and the two men work together with a youth project, they come to a truce and finally talk out some of their issues. It is heartwarming and eventually super hot, as Adrián comes to terms with why he might harbour such anger at Simeon leaving his team. Both men have endearing characteristics which ensure that we are hoping they find a way of resolving the time limit they impose on themselves.

I found this to be a really good addition to the series and a thought provoking read, as well as a very romantic and passionate one. Looking forward to seeing where Mr. Hassell takes us next.


Angie – ☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series and could be read as a standalone, but I think reading the first book would help with back story. Simeon and Adrián used to play for the same football team and got along. Once Simeon moved to another team, all that changed. Tension was high and things got out of hand during a game which leads the two to being suspended and doing community service. I didn't love this book, but I didn't hate it either. Something was just missing but I honestly can't pin down what. The plot line was obvious, and it didn't take long to roll out. The sex was good between Simeon and Adrián. I just didn't feel a lot of connection with Adrián, I guess. Simeon opened up a lot to Adrián, but I didn't see as much in return. There wasn't much angst in the book and we did see several characters from the first book. Maybe it was just me and my mood, but I am sure I will continue reading the series.

There is nothing I love more than a story where a dislikable character is redeemed and wins your heart. Adrián, my dear sweet cinnamon roll, did so in spades (as is evidenced by me calling him a cinnamon roll, which he definitely is not at the start of the book).

I really enjoyed Simeon in Illegal Contact, so I was very excited for him to get his own book and to see what kind of pairing Hassell would create that would work with his personality. Both characters were well fleshed out, and written in such a way that we got to see their seemingly simple, face-value, personas unfold organically. Hassell doesn’t tell us who these men are beneath who they present themselves to be publicly — he shows us over time, particularly as they get to know each other and begin to learn about and from each other.

I think it is a reason I loved so much. At the start of the book he’s offensive, his humor is crude and a lot of his interactions with Simeon are colored by anger left over from what he perceives as Simeon’s actions when he left the Predators. As the book unfolds we get to see a few things: Adrian doesn’t seem to understand exactly how offensive (or for what reason) his humor is. He’s driven by anger in some parts of his life but isn’t a truly angry person, and finally, that he’s willing to learn and change. I loved that. Not that the book, or Adrián realizing he’s attracted to Simeon is easy, but at a certain point, he accepts it in a way that felt lovely. I will say that the space between their rivalry and them really being together felt a little uncomfortable for me — I’m not even sure why. But I actually skipped the initial sex scene between them because of that discomfort. Honestly, that is my only quibble with this book, and I really think that it’s something personal and that most readers will enjoy.

Adrián paired well with Simeon, who is also just innately good inside. He’s also reckless, sexy and very sensual. Hassell does a really good job with these aspects of his personality. As we got to know him in Illegal Contact, at times I wondered what drove Simeon to be so reckless with his career, particularly when paired with his good nature, humor, and joy. I think this is really one of my favorite aspects of this book. It is very much Hassell’s signature voice and style; this books captures a wonderful dichotomy, a sweetness and a sharpness that was very satisfying.

It was also very sexy. That never hurts. 🙂

Santino Hassell made me fall in love once again with Down by Contact. I am honestly loving this series. It just resonates with me. Probably because all the guys are so natural and believable. Santino has a gift with dialogue and chemistry. Throughout his books you will find legitimate conversations between the characters. Nothing feels forced... Especially the guys connections. Wooza!

Down by Contact was spicy and sweet! Two rival football players, Simeon Boudreaux from the New York Barons and Adrian BRAVO from the New Jersey Predators. Talking trash and acting out has them in hot water.... When they are forced to work together that's when the magic begins! I fell in love with these two for very different reasons... Simeon is a charmer and just an innately good person. He has a huge heart, a pretty face and the body of a God. When I met him in Illegal Contact, I was so intrigued and excited when I heard he was getting his own book... Down by Contact is the second in the series, but all the books can be read as complete standalones.

Adrian Bravo is a loud mouth, bad boy, but he is also misunderstood. His rivalry with Simeon and his jerk attitude didn't stop me from getting feels for him too. This boy knows how to redeem himself. He had me smiling! Once I saw what was on his inside.... I was all for this relationship. Simeon was so patient and forgiving with Adrian. While Adrian was ultimatley protective and loyal to Simeon. I love how their relationship progressed... slowly... by building trust and communicating. This is perfect enemies to lovers story! I was so addicted to this book, I snuck off on Christmas day to finish it. Sweet, sexy, fun and sensual. Who could ask for more??

I can not wait to see what Santino does next!

Grade: C+

Where in book one we had a grumpy NFL hero and his assistant who fall in love, in book two, we have two NFL players who have somewhat exhaustive immature banter.

Simeon Boudreaux is a NFL quarterback, who recently came out as gay. He is charming and not shy and doesn’t have a problem speaking his mind…which is how he gets into trouble. Adrián Bravo was a teammate of Simeon’s, where Simeon was treated horribly in the locker room. When the Baron’s quarterback got injured, he was traded to the Baron’s to replace him. Simeon found a good home with this team and has excelled – so much so – that the Baron’s have crushed Adrian’s team ever since. And now Adrián has accused Simeon of “handing over the Predator’s playbook to a longtime rival.”

Simeon does not take kindly to this accusation and they get in a fight – on the field. Both get suspended and assigned community service – together. Now these enemies have to work at a community center working with the kids football program.

The highlight of this book is Simeon and Adrian’s time with the kids at the community center. For all of their frustration for having to do community service, they take their assignment serious.

The non-stop insults and joking and immature conversations was just a little too much for me. Adrián is bi-sexual, so him committing to Simeon in a physical relationship is a big deal for him. Their romance is more of a physical relationship shown in this book, rather than the two of them courting and falling in love. There is a HEA, but the emphasis is on the sex. I liked book one more than this one but I still enjoy the Barons’ team.

Adrian Bravo, linebacker for the Predators and Simon Boudreaux, quarterback for the Barons. Former teammates and now rivals. They get into a fight on the field during a game, and part of their punishment is to work at a kids camp together. Great characters and plot.

I absolutely loved this book. I discovered Santino's writing in 2017, and have read a huge chunk of his books over the past year. I read Illegal Contact just prior to Down by Contact, which greatly increased my enjoyment of the second book. I love these characters, and really appreciate that Santino addressed toxic masculinity in sports, internalized homophobia, and microaggressions, while somehow still managing to make this a really fun, entertaining read. I can't wait to see what's next for this series!

I was so excited about Simeon’s story because I adored his character in the first book. He’s recently come out of the closet, publicly, after a close call with a club hook up and in solidarity of his best friend coming out as well. I was anxious to see what kind of HEA he would get and, at first, I wasn’t too sure what to think of it.

Simeon used to play for The Predators and one of his best friends then was Adrian. But ever since making the move to The Barons, Adrian has seen him as a traitor. Needless to say, there’s a lot of animosity between them two. It’s evident through their social media interactions, comments passed on interviews, and even on the field. After one extreme altercation on the field, they are both assigned some community service together as punishment and to try and clean up both their image.

This has all the markings of an enemies to lovers story, and also it’s an out-for-you book. These are things I normally enjoy quite a bit and to an extent I also enjoyed them in this book. But I can’t help but have that small voice in the back of my mind reminding me that I wasn’t always on board with Adrian’s treatment of Simeon. Nor was I so okay with Simeon’s acceptance of Adrian’s actions. It didn’t happen a lot so it didn’t take away from me enjoying the book and gobbling it all up. But it was enough for me not to be raving about this book.

DOWN BY CONTACT is packed full of sexual tension and sizzling chemistry. While I wanted or expected a bit more depth in this story, I still found it hot, sometimes sweet and adorable. Bring on the next one.

Simeon Boudreaux, the New York Barons’ golden-armed quarterback, is blessed with irresistible New Orleans charm and a face to melt your mama’s heart. He’s universally adored by fans and the media. Coming out as gay in solidarity with his teammate hasn’t harmed his reputation in the least—except for some social media taunting from rival linebacker Adrián Bravo.

Though they were once teammates, Adrián views Simeon as a traitor and the number-one name on the New Jersey Predators’ shit list. When animosity between the two NFL players reaches a boiling point on the field, culminating in a dirty fist fight, they’re both benched for six games and sentenced to joint community service teaching sullen, Brooklyn teens how to play ball.

At first, they can barely stand to be in the same room, but running the camp forces them to shape up. With no choice but to work together, Simeon realizes Adrián is more than his alpha-jerk persona, and Adrián begins to question why he’s always had such strong feelings for the gorgeous QB…

Simeon used to play for the New Jersey Predators – but only on their practice team. When he had the chance to trade to the New York Baron’s and become their #1 quarterback – he took it. When he was with the Predators he was friends with Adrián Bravo, to a point. Once Simeon traded, however, Adrián had nothing but disdain for him – especially after he came out. Adrián even goes so far as to tackle him on the field and they get into a fight. They’re each suspended and told they need to do community service.

During their time doing their community service they learn to tolerate each other and then start to kind of become friends. Even though Adrián is feeling a lot toward Simeon, he’s not sure exactly what those feelings are. When Adrián seems a little too interested in Simeon’s sex life Simeon takes things one step further and finds out that Adrián is all in – as long as it’s in secret. Secrets that huge, however, rarely stay secret for long and soon the love they’ve discovered they have for each other may be on the line.

This was a good book. I really liked the characters as well as the premise of the story. Hassell did a great job of showing us the true enemies the two men had become and that made them becoming lovers all the sweeter. Adrián was a complete ass at the beginning of the book and it did take some time for me to warm up to him but once I really felt his inner conflict I liked him better. Still hated the things he had said, but…he made up for it in the end.

The sexual tension between Adrián and Simeon was off the charts. The sex scenes were hot and watching this pair fall in love was wonderful. I really liked this book and definitely recommend it. I’ll have to now go back and read book one in the series to catch up.

Rating: 4 out of 5

This will post as a guest review on Book Binge.
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~ 4.5 Stars ~

With Down by Contact, the second in Santino Hassell’s hugely popular Barons series, the author will no doubt further establish himself on many readers’ favorite authors lists. He is absolutely a fixture on mine. His books are always gripping, packed with unforgettable dialogue that is often hilariously filled with trash talk and sass, and sex scenes that are pure fire. When you open one of his books, you know you are in for a ride.

Similarly to Illegal Contact, Down by Contact begins with a player suspension. But, this time it’s not just one player, it’s two. When the Barons meet star quarterback Simeon Boudreaux’s former team, the Predators, in a preseason game, sparks fly. Not only are the teams in-state rivals, but Predators linebacker, Adrián Bravo, has been giving Simeon shit on social media, and in person whenever possible, ever since he left the team, making the players personal archrivals as well. Adrián and Simeon get into a fight during the game, and each end up with a six-game suspension—on top of which, they’re also forced to do a joint community service project teaching kids teamwork and football at a Brooklyn community center. Eight weeks of togetherness…in front of kids…when they are barely able to stand next to each other. This oughta be good, right? Heh.

These guys really are enemies at the start, though Simeon doesn’t exactly know why, since they were friends when he was on the Predators. He doesn’t know that Adrián’s anger and animosity are actually veiled attraction and confusion about his feelings toward Simeon. In fact, Adrián doesn’t realize it at first either—but they both start to figure it out pretty quickly. In the meantime, Simeon has to work through finding Adrián both hateable and fuckable, especially when Adrián starts his little “game” with his ex-teammate, as a way to ‘innocently’ explore his attraction without having to actually admit anything.

"All signs pointed to Adrián Bravo being into me, and he was so caught up in a sexuality that had been predesignated for him at birth that he didn’t understand, or notice, his own damn feelings. All he knew was that he wanted me around. And that he wanted to play an immature game that would guarantee he got to say filthy things to me and vice versa."

Simeon is well aware of what Adrián is doing, but goes along with it anyway because he is basically living for getting Adrián to admit he’s queer.

"De-straightifying Adrián Bravo, the homophobic dipshit who’d screwed up my season, was a serious goal."

Simeon is such a fantastic character. Both loveable and exasperating, he has a heart of gold, but still does some stupid shit. Sometimes he’s lucky he has Gavin and Marcus around to mother him! I love him so, so much, though. And, I loved how he made Adrián want to be a better person and do a better job. And, Adrián definitely did have some growing to do. He was such a punk in the beginning. I truly had to grow to love him. But, love him I do. 😉 It took him a while to come to terms with his feelings, understandably so, and, ultimately, it took a crisis for him to admit them. But, he did come around in a big way, and I adored him for it. And, in the midst of trying to teach Adrián a lesson, Simeon actually fell for him. Watching their romance unfold was pretty awesome, given where they started out.

I have a million things highlighted in this book, you guys. I could go on and on. Down by Contact is a kickass sports romance. Even though it doesn’t have much in the way of actual football being played, the two scenes that are there really count, and frame the book perfectly. I LOVED the final game scene so hard; in fact, it was probably my favorite part of the book. All hell was breaking loose, and my heart was racing; it was the best. Also, the epilogue was super swoony and amazing.

There is no denying Santino Hassell’s storytelling talent, or his ability to make you fall in love with his characters—even when they initially seem largely unlovable. With Down by Contact, Hassell has once again written a book that is impossible to put down, with a storyline that’s riveting and will have you rooting so hard for these MCs.

When Santino Hassell puts two rival football players together, the enemies to lovers trope turns from delicious to downright addicting. This book was EVERYTHING. And I truly mean EVERYTHING. You get the enemies to lovers combined with a GFY and one blissed out reader. This series only seems to be getting better and better and this girl simply can’t get enough!
I thought I loved Illegal Contact, but that was nothing compared to my love for this book. There’s just something so magnetic and captivating about these characters that Santino creates that I absolutely devour with a sense of glee that gives me butterflies in my stomach. Being a fly on the wall while these men figure out their relationships, life and themselves while falling in love is unlike anything I’ve experienced in books I read. I just love it.
I already knew I’d love Simeon after getting introduced to him in the previous book. If it’s at all possible, I fell even harder for him in this one. His rough exterior hides a heart of gold. A devoted friend. A loving son. A dedicated and driven athlete. A man that yearns for love but doesn’t believe he’ll find the real thing. A man that goes for empty meaningless hookups because that’s all he feels is possible for a gay man in his profession. Ridicule and sneers are not something he isn’t used to. They roll right off of him. He knows who he is and he’s not ashamed.
With his book bag hanging off one shoulder and his sweatpants hanging off his ass, he was ridiculously fuckable. Too bad he was also over-the-top hateable.
Adrián Bravo is his biggest rival, but at one point he used to be his teammate. Now that Simeon plays for the Barons, Adrián is a source of publicity that he’s simply tired of. Never hesitating to throw shade and subliminal homophobic comments during his interviews, Adrián is the last man he wants in his orbit. Until they’re both forced to make amends after an altercation on the field and perform community service where they have to deal with the animosity that brews between them.
There was a hardness and a sweetness to Simeon that intoxicated me with every touch. It made me pant for him, salivate for him, and think of nothing but my aching need to feel his body completely bared against my own.
As much as I wanted to hate Adrián in the beginning, the more you find out about the man, the more impossible it gets. He’s not a closeted gay man. He’s a man that simply didn’t realize what or who he really is until Simeon. His feelings for the man are foreign to him and something he’s never experienced for another guy. Watching him fight through that confusion and fall harder and harder for Simeon was incredibly satisfying. You understand his hesitation in the beginning. You get his struggle and why it’s so hard for him to wrap his mind around. It makes him incredibly endearing.
And as for the two of them together?
Absolutely explosive!
Down By Contact was a sizzling MM sports romance that I couldn’t get enough of. It was completely unputdownable. I’m simply addicted to this series and I can’t wait for more.

A sexy, hot, enemy to lovers romance with all the feels…

This series was my first introduction to Santino Hassell and each book I read makes me even happier I found him! Football is the Barons’ game but each player is much more than the sum of their talent and the dollars in their bank account. As a star football player, coming out was an incredibly hard journey for Simeon. With the support of teammates and family, he made it through stronger than ever, proud of who and what he was. He doesn’t back down when faced with opposition, on the field or in his personal life, so when Adrian Bravo makes his move, there is no quarter….

Adrian and Simeon’s story was a contentious push and pull from the start. They didn’t get along – not at all! – as they dealt with team rivalries, an unexpected attraction and a disagreement on sexuality… When forced together, they seemed like big little kids with a (seeming) bully on one side and a wisecracker on the other. They get down and dirty in so many ways and they all spark a reaction! They were going to get along or kill each other and honestly, it could have gone either way. Happily, the journey was full of all the good things – steamy denied attraction and honest conversations and, of course, some trashy trash talk…

Adrian was easy to dislike at first until layer after layer of his personality, his reasoning, was revealed. People aren’t usually jerks for no reason – and first impressions definitely saw Adrian as a big a-hole. When Simeon takes the time to dig, to give in to the attraction, it becomes an entirely different conversation. And that conversation? Well, it is uber-sexy, hilarious at times, and poignant as well. With the help – and hindrance - of the group of kids they are coaching, I loved getting to know all the characters, warts and all.

“And I fucking love you too.”

This author has quickly become an insta-read for me and this story is another reason why!