Full review posted at: https://natashaisabookjunkie.com/2018/01/17/review-down-by-contact-by-santino-hassell/ (6 STARS)

Down By Contact is book two in Hassell’s Barons Series and I must say its a stellar follow up to Illegal Contact. I loved Illegal Contact so much, I actually feared I would unfairly compare these two books and argue what I hypothetically found “lacking” instead of appreciating the differences between these two couples and their circumstances. Down By Contact is another awesome enemies- to- lovers tale that tells the story of Simeon, fellow football player/ friend, indirectly responsible for Brawley getting into a fight which led to his suspension from the Baron’s football team. We all know how that worked out for Gavin (and Noah) but I digress. The things Brawley experienced encouraged Simeon to come out of the closet and since then life has been much easier.

Simeon, the personable QB of the Barons football team, is the kind of guy anyone would gladly bring home to mama. He’s literally the living breathing embodiment of a nice guy that's easy to love. He’s also the kind of guy that Adrian, a linebacker for the Predators (the Barons arch nemesis) and Simeon’s former teammate, loves to pick on at every opportunity.

Adrian, that exhausting, sexy Puerto Rican minx, is by deed and action someone I should technically instantly dislike. After all; Adrian is a shit talking, homophobic, subtweeting jerk who tries to antagonize Simeon whenever possible via any medium (interviews, social media). Most readers may dislike Adrian instantly but I didn’t because I instantly recognized his antics for what they were even though he didn't. Adrian was trying desperately to get and keep the attention of that “cute guy” in school you want to talk to but you suck and so you resort to picking on him instead, in hopes that the cute guy thinks about you as much as you think about them. I know most of you won’t agree with how I perceived Adrian, but there was just something about how Hassell described him that made it easy to immediately recognize the “good” in Adrian despite his deplorable actions.


Things came to a head when Adrian’s antics resulted in the Barons and Predators coming to blows during a preseason game. Adrian and Simeon are both suspended for six weeks and part of their suspension required that they work together as volunteers at a Youth Center both as punishment and to repair the damage to their public image. The forced togetherness sets the stage for a steamy, tension-filled read that has become Hassell’s trademark.

The chemistry between the golden boy and mischievous, clueless bad boy is off the charts hot (anyone surprised?) but what I loved most was watching these two bond, joke around and really feeling each other out once Adrian ceased trying to bait Simeon over his sexuality. Simeon never backed down from Adrian's challenges and as a result, Adrian is forced to finally analyze what really drove him to antagonize Simeon at every opportunity and why he's shied away from analyzing his sexuality.

I’ve glossed over much of the story because the blurb sums it up perfectly and I also don’t wish to give away any more highlights. Hassell fans (such as myself), are guaranteed to get what they have come to expect from a Hassell novel. The MC’s are hot and complex, the storyline enjoyable and the sex as always, steamy. Down By Contact is a terrific sequel and I cannot wait to see what else Santino has in store for us in future books.

5 Tell Him CROWNS

Santino Hassell delivers another must-read, sexy as sin, MM romance that I couldn't put down, and while the first one had grittier tone, Down by Contact, because of Simeon has a much lighter feel while still tackling important social issues.

The chemistry between Simeon and Adrian is off the charts. Simeon has that charisma that entrances readers from the very beginning. He is affable, kind, and understanding. His heart is as big as his charming smile. What really makes me fall for this man is his understanding and need to allow Adrian to accept his sexuality and announce it publicly on his own. He never wants to push him, but he also demands respect for himself and what they are to each other. The balance creates one of my favorite Hassell heroes. Just as charismatic as Simeon is, Adrian is absolutely endearing. I love his boy-like demeanor and his constant humor. At the beginning, there are times that readers will want to punch him for his homophobic behavior and comments, but seeing it through the point-of-view of Simeon makes it forgivable, and his actions at the end of the novel seal the deal.

These two together are magic, pure and complete magic. They feed off of one another, making their banter some of the best I have read. Their chemistry, both emotionally and physically, is electric. They are so in-tune with each other, and I was either fanning myself or smiling ear-to-ear every time these two were together.

The pacing of Down by Contact is completely perfect. Santino Hassell has crafted characters who are lovable, sympathetic, charming, and he gives them time to grow, change, and evolve. Simeon gives Adrian space to realize on his own how he feels. He is understanding and compassionate. They talk and seek to understand each other, and through this readers see a couple start to form, making us fall in love with them as a couple as much as we with them individually. That ending, though, that ending had my grinning HARD. I was so proud of this character, so proud of them for owning everything. It is just PERFECT!

I adore this football world Santino Hassell has created. Each story has been sexy and entertaining while also tackling homophobic issues in the NFL as well as the world, giving readers romance with substance.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Do you like contemporary romance?  Do you love novels with compelling (and endearing) principals, witty dialogue and steamy love scenes?  Love a great opposites attract pairing?  Then you should be reading Santino Hassell.  If you haven’t picked up one of his novels, you’re missing out.  Mr. Hassell regularly delivers the kind of contemporary romances I want to read.  He’s not afraid to switch up genres, and Down by Contact, his newest sports romance, proves he understands exactly what sports romance fans (me!) love best about these novels:  a little bit of the sport (more if it’s hockey), super fit and talented athletes, and compelling principals with terrific chemistry. Down by Contact has it all; it’s feel good sports romance at its best.  Romantic, funny - and also smart - Down by Contact is a terrific follow-up to Illegal Contact, and much like that novel, gets more enjoyable each time I read it.  Oh, and those covers? Yowsers.

Simeon Boudreaux is a star quarterback for the New York Barons.  Handsome, funny, charming and a standout NFL player, Simeon has it all.   Even the surprising revelation that he’s gay (after a leaked video of him with another man went viral), hasn’t adversely affected his popularity with fans.  But when Down by Contact begins, he’s frustrated and annoyed - again - by rival player Adrián Bravo of the New Jersey Predators.  Bravo seems to delight in tormenting Simeon with subtle homophobic digs over social media and in TV interviews.  The two were once friends - Simeon played on the Predators practice squad before getting picked up the by Barons - but since his departure, the relationship has grown increasingly antagonistic.  Simeon’s friends urge him to ignore Bravo’s taunts, but Simeon can’t.  Something about Bravo gets to him - and he can’t get him off his mind.

The rising animosity between Bravo and Simeon comes to a head when the two teams meet in a pre-season game. When Adrián delivers a late hit on Simeon and Simeon taunts him while they’re pressed close together, a dirty fight ensues.  The fight quickly escalates into an all-out brawl between the teams and fans in the stadium and Simeon winds up at the bottom of a Predator pile-up - injured - with Adrián fearfully protecting him from further damage from hateful teammates. Afterwards, the penalty for their fight is stiff. Both men receive six-game suspensions and have to undertake a period of community service.  They’re paired up with a community center in Brooklyn to organize a summer football program.  Simeon, who suspects Adrián’s homophobic comments mask a bi-curious attraction to him, sets out to prove Adrián isn’t quite as straight as he thinks he is, and Adrián, confused by his feelings about Simeon, predictably does his best to prove him wrong.

From the opening chapters of Down by Contact, the attraction between Simeon and Adrián is obvious and Mr. Hassell, to his credit, never tries to convince readers it's anything else.  Instead, via a rather clever plot device, he positions Simeon as Adrián’s irresistible siren and conscience.  Simeon doesn’t allow his attraction to blind him to Adrián’s ignorance about his hurtful homophobia - or give him a pass when he missteps (frequently).  Instead, he slowly - patiently - shows Adrián (and this reader) the effect of his hurtful behavior and seemingly insignificant microaggressions.  As the novel unfolds, the truth is a painful reckoning forAdrián.

Meanwhile, as the romantic relationship between Adrián and Simeon heats up, the two find themselves developing a strong rapport with their players at the community center.  Simeon provides a nurturing coaching presence, while Adrián provides planning and logistics.  Their working partnership brings out the best in both men and what starts as a punishment for misbehavior on the field, transitions into a fulfilling and purposeful one off of it.  The author frequently incorporates community service into his storylines, and in this case, the setting and assignment are a perfect complement to the evolving relationship between Simeon and Adrián.  Everything about how and why they find themselves working at the community center feels authentic, and the setting reads almost like a secondary character as the story progresses.

Obviously, there’s nothing simple about two NFL players falling in love, and the secret romantic relationship between Simeon and Adrián complicates their lives.  Simeon knows what Adrián will face by going public with their relationship - and he’s scared of what could happen to him once he returns to the toxic and homophobic Predator locker room.  He tries to make it easy for Adrián to walk away, but Adrián - after he commits to Simeon - is all in.  He presses Simeon to continue their relationship in secret even after their community service ends, and his love and desire prove irresistible (to us and Simeon).  Although his sexual identity is mostly tied up in his feelings for Simeon, he doesn’t shy away from identifying as a bisexual.  Despite the obvious appeal of Simeon (he’s the best), Adrián’s commitment to his lover, and dedication to becoming a better person with his help, stole my heart.

Down by Contact is a much better than average sports romance and I’ve already added it to my favorites shelf for 2018.  Deliciously sexy and surprisingly sweet, I loved everything about it - especially the ending (which I won’t spoil) and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.  Touchdown, Mr. Hassell.

Buy it at: A/BN/iB/K

**4.25 STARS!

*cries indefinitely*

I absolutely love this amazing cast of characters that Santino Hassell has created for this series! From the very beginning with Illegal Contact, Hassell had a fan out of me. But we have moved on from nerdy Noah and brooding Gavin to these two enemies who want nothing more than to no longer hide their feelings from one another.

Simeon's story was one I was beyond ready for since the first book and let me just say, it did not disappoint. I loved learning more about Simeon, where he came from and also being able to see how sweet he was.
After a stint on the field with rival, Adrian, both football stars are made to spend a few months together and hopefully act like friends in front of the media. Was ensues instead is so much better than expected!

This story brings on the heart, the steamy scenes (oh my god, do we get a whole ton of that!), the laughs and the ultimate shit-eating grin for an ending we all root for!
DOWN BY CONTACT was way different that the first in its series, but Simeon and Adrian sure do hold their own. I just loved them so much!

If you're looking for a fast-paced enemies to lovers that'll have you craving such a sweet romance, then this book is for you!

In short, I loved this book and I recommend it to sports romance enthusiasts and enemies to lovers fans! I recommend both books in this series. Santino knows how to write a story with awesome dialogue, gritty experiences that feel real, relatable characters, and an HEA that is hard won and feels good.
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I was really into the enemies to lovers aspect of this story. Simeon and Adrian are not merely rivals from different football teams, they genuinely do not like each other. Adrian is openly hostile and Simeon always rises to the bait. Simeon is a different person around Adrian than he was around Noah and Gavin in Illegal Contact. I'm not sure what, there was just something different about him once we were inside of his head.
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A large part of the book is spent with the two of them flirting then acting on the tension with some ill-advised hate sex (in which I could have smacked Adrian for being a jerk and Simeon for not knowing better). They are forced to work together and, after a bit, seem to make the best of the situation.
In the last quarter of the book, we see some feelings that indicate the potential for a long-term romance, but that turnabout happens so fast! I could have used more time with them in a friendlier zone that didn't revolve around their sexual attraction. Then again, once Adrian was in he was all. the. way. in. While Simeon was a little slower to join the "catching feelings" party.
Somewhere along the way, Adrian sucked me in. He ended up being the character I fell in love with. When I started this book I was sure I would love Simeon, and while I liked both of them, it took me longer to warm up to Simeon that I thought it would. It also took me longer to become invested in these two as a couple that I thought I would. (I am comparing this to how quickly I was on board and jonesing for some Noah and Gavin love.)
All in all, this was a quick and enjoyable read. I'm glad that there will be more Barons books (I think this was slated to be a two book series and was picked up for a couple more?). Anyway, I look forward to more and to checking in with these guys a little down the road.
This can be read as a stand-alone, but I recommend reading Illegal Contact first because...it is romantic and where you first meet Simeon and why the heck not?

Down by Contact is book number two in The Barons series and I absolutely LOVED this. This is so much fun and is a fantastic snippy enemies-to-lovers story. Simeon and Adrián do not get along. At all. They've taken to press interviews and social media to attack each other and both of their PR managers have had it.

Simeon and Adrián are forced to work together with children as part of their six game suspension, and reading all of their scenes together is a delight. The background between their disdain for one another is that Simeon used to be on Adrián's team, the Predators. Well, he wasn't really being utilized on the team and the brutal culture at the Predators was toxic. Simeon's only closest friend, or the closest thing to a friend, was Adrián. When Simeon leapt at the chance to sign and play for the Barons? Well, that only sparked the beginning of a long, drawn-out rivalry.

As much as I loved Noah and Gavin in Illegal Contact, I think I love Simeon and Adrián more? I love a good enemies-to-lovers romance and this absolutely delivers. Simeon is a cinnamon roll and is just the sweetest. But Adrián bring out his competitive side. Adrián throws shade and homophobic messages about Simeon out on Twitter and snide remarks to the press, and Simeon can't stand for it. Adrián isn't an easy character to love at first, but the more we see Adrián and what his story is, I just start to love him more and more. Simeon and Adrián are also subtle snarky characters? Is that ever a thing? I just find their quips utterly hilarious.

These two are intense. They turn everything into a competition. EVERYTHING. Even sex. The romance is a slow burn, but it sure burns hot whenever these two are left in a room together.

I think it's really interesting in this book to see Noah and Gavin from an outsider's perspective. We know Gavin is a grumpy, kind soul, but just how much of a grump is he when we're not reading from his and Noah's POV? VERY. Gavin gives off the overprotective brother vibe and he does not hesitate to let Adrián know where he stands on their relationship. I think it's sweet.

Santino Hassell knows how to write really raw characters who are all relatable in some way, no matter their profession or social status. And that's what we see here with Simeon and Adrián's struggles in their daily lives. Rich NFL players seem like the least relatable thing ever, but somehow, Santino makes it work and Simeon and Adrián are just right up there as my favorite couple with Caleb and Oli from First and First (I think I may have a thing for rich, squishy characters? IDK <3).

Simeon is gay and it's no secret. We see Adrián slowly coming to terms with his bisexuality in this book. So, there's never really a moment where Adrián's story feels like a GFY, and this book Adrián does eventually say that he's bisexual.

I'm so happy that we're getting two more books in The Barons series, because I'm not ready to let go of this series and the players just yet!

***Thanks to Berkley Publishing for providing me an ARC on NetGalley***

I'm not usually into books about sport and the people who play them, but after reading Down by Contact, I'm starting to get interested in the genre.

Mind you, there weren't many sports-related scenes; the stress is on the interaction between the two main characters and that was... Simply awesome!

Usually, people like Adrián would annoy me - and there were indeed a few scenes where he somewhat irritated me - but throughout the most of the book, I couldn't get enough of him. I'm so happy that part of Down by Contact was told from his POV.

And the change in the POVs really works in this book. It lets us get into both of their heads, but not at all times, so there are still things we don't know about the guys, things we make guesses about and get to see whether we were right when... Yep: when we switch POVs again.

As for Simeon: he can be such a sweetheart; makes me want to snuggle him. I like his relationship with his two friends, who are also his teammates (Illegal Contact, Book 1 of the Barons series was actually about one of them - Gavin), but as you've probably guessed, I'm more into the scenes with him and Adrián.

The two of them have such an amazing friends-to-enemies-to-lovers story. The way their relationship progresses is a real joy to follow, the reading process filled with a lot of fangirl squeals.

I'd recommend Down by Contact to all LGBT Romance lovers. Too broad?

It's a well-written book with interesting characters and not too much football to deter those who don't enjoy reads with sports. So, yeah: if you are into LGBT, Romance and Contemporary, check it out.

Simeon and Adrián are rivals. They used to be on the same team and were friendly, but not anymore. After Simeon went to another football team, Adrián couldn’t stop the destructive and dangerous smack talk. Adrián was always a little fixated on Simeon, but he was raised in an environment where it never occurred to him he could be attracted to another man and Simeon pushes every single button he has, including the one that leads Adrián to attack Simeon on the field.

Adrián is kind of a mess on the personal side. He does his job on the field, but he’s full of rage, especially when Simeon is in his line of fire. Since he couldn’t put a name to his feelings, he attacked Simeon every which way he could, which is how they find themselves suspended and working together. Although they are forced to work together and there is a strong enemies vibe going here, it’s tempered by their internal narrative that they find each other attractive, which leads to a game of who can make the other the most uncomfortable sexually and it escalates quickly.

Simeon was introduced in the first book in this series, Illegal Contact, and while he had a bit of a presence there, you could start here if you wanted to. Simeon was not quite the same character for me that we met in the first book. While everyone has several sides to them, we saw Simeon with his closest friends in a relaxed environment and he gave a certain impression. The Simeon here is resigned to being treated terribly by men.

A good portion of the book is Simeon taking whatever part of Adrián he can get and Adrián treating Simeon badly. It works in the sense of Adrián coming to terms with his attraction to Simeon, but Adrián treats him badly throughout most of the book. Adrián comes around through a grand gesture and extenuating circumstances, which is perhaps a too common storyline and I wasn’t sure it was enough to make me believe these two had a real future.

There was one aspect of the book that really kept me from becoming immersed into it and that was the dialect. I have read all of Hassell’s books and his strong dialogue is one of the biggest draws for me and this aspect threw me for more than one reason. Simeon is from New Orleans (Cajun country as it’s stated) and Adrián is from Florida, yet they both sounded like all of Hassell’s other New York characters. Sure, if you move to a place you will pick up some of the dialect, but there was no trace of where they were from, yet that was part of their story and this aspect pulled me out of the book consistently.

I had mixed feelings on this book. I have enjoyed Hassell’s style and characters throughout the many books I have read by him. I liked the football world here, but this book was more about their time off the field and this book didn’t quite captivate me as much as the author’s other work. If you do enjoy Hassell’s writing, it’s certainly hard to stay away from a new release, so give this one a try for yourself.

Down by Contact is a m/m football based romance with heroes Simeon Boudreaux and Adrián Bravo who now play for opposing teams. This book is filled with banter, sexual tension and what becomes a deep friendship.

Simeon the New York Barons’ golden-armed quarterback finds himself in some trouble after a pre-season game run-in with Adrián from his former team the New Jersey Predators.

This trouble puts these two in close contact as they serve out community service for transgressions on the field.

The dynamic between Simeon and Adrián is layered, deeply compelling and one that heats up over time. I adored how it tied back to the time they spent together prior on the same team and how at the same time you felt the bond deepening between them.

The heat which begins as a game and ties back to an incident in book 1 was really hot, really well done and laced with emotion. The scenes get hotter and Adrián’s struggle even more tangible—you see Adrián has never been attracted to a man before. Bearing witness to him experiencing his feelings and processing how he treated Simeon in the past and why kept me glued to my kindle.

The use of both men’s families added to this story and I loved, LOVED the Thanksgiving scene!

In the end, the happy these two build had me believing both were in it for the long haul!

Simeon Boudreaux is not apologizing. He was forced to reveal his sexuality to the world (and the NFL) after a small indiscretion was caught on a cellphone and uploaded for the world to dissect.

Even though he has his own support system with his fellow Barons, there are still those who are less than accepting. And Adrián Bravo is at the very top of that list.

“The worst part of this bullshit with you is that back when I was with the Predators, I really fucking liked you, man.” Simeon released a harsh laugh. “There’s so many jokers on your team. Show-offs, braggy mofos, dudes who are more worried about fucking every night than putting in the work to win. DUIs, violence against spouses or even the press, all kinds of arrests for pitiful shit . . . and none of them gave a damn. It was disappointing, because I’d sworn all that was media spin.”
“Some of it is.”
“Nah. You’re lying to yourself, but I get it.” Simeon pressed harder. The imprints of his fingers would be on my skin later. I knew it. “But anyways, out of everything, you were the best part of being there. You were funny, didn’t treat me like a scrub just because I was new, and didn’t laugh during training when I said I’d be happy to even make third string. I liked you, man.”
Liked me how? Cringing, I tried to back off so he wasn’t touching me, but the desk had me caged in.
“But now I see that you’re just like them.”

Adrián could never quite reconcile all of the reasons why he was so obsessed with the Barons Quarterback. He only knew that Simeon’s smile challenged everything he ever thought he knew about himself.

When his misguided attention results in a suspension for both of them, they are forced to spend two whole months together coaching youth football in an effort to clean up their damaged reputations. But spending time in close contact with Simeon makes him feel reckless. Reckless with his career and reckless with his heart. And if they aren’t careful, they could lose everything – including each other.

“He looked down at our entangled fingers and half smiled. It didn’t seem boyish as much as tense. We were both on edge, but the sense of impending doom was hitting us for vastly different reasons. I’d wanted him to know how it felt to be alone in the harsh world of professional sports, but the acceptance of his queerness was blighting the customary Bravo shine. I couldn’t help wondering: is not being straight really this much of a death sentence in his mind?”

Down by Contact is another shooting star by Santino Hassell! I was already a fan after reading Illegal Contact but this installment only raised that bar to dizzying heights.

His characters continue to develop in complex ways while his storylines remain both hard-hitting and relevant. The love scenes are searing and the tension is electric but at the very heart is love that refuses to be denied.

It’s a real world take on modern romance that breaks through all of the boundaries and that just makes it all the more extraordinary…

The second story in Santino Hassell's sexy contemporary football series The Barons gives us the story of two rivals, on the field and off, who discover they have something more in common than just their love of the game.

Simeon Boudreaux is a charming, likable, New Orleans born and raised quarterback for the New York Barons. He's also gay and out of the closet after a kinky bathroom encounter ended up on social media, an event that caused his best friend Gavin to leap to his defense and get himself suspended (see Illegal Contact for his story). At one time he was picked up by the New Jersey Predators but never made it on the field though he made friends with some of the guys including Adrian Bravo. But when he left the team, the friendships he had dissolved, and Adrian has taken to making comments on twitter that border on homophobic. Their rivalry becomes so heated that an on field fight leaves them both suspended for six games of the upcoming season.

Adrian and Simeon's agents have arranged for the two men to rehabilitate their public image and 'make nice' by spending their two months off the field running a football camp for teens at a drop-in center. The youth involved have about as much interest in football as Adrian and Simeon have in working together, but they've no choice but to make it work. Along the way, Adrian and Simeon develop a grudging appreciation for each other and a rekindling of their one time friendship - and something more, when Adrian starts to come to grips with his complicated feelings for Simeon. He's always thought of himself as straight, but around Simeon those lines get crossed. It's a game at first, to see how far they can push their sexual boundaries but it doesn't stay that way for long. When things start to get serious, will Adrian be willing to admit publicly what Simeon has suspected all along?

I am really enjoying this series! It's got such an authenticate feel to it, with the city of New York and the football field getting equal time as the backdrop to the romance between these two big, burly men. It raises the critical issue of homophobia in professional sports, with Simeon able to explain to Adrian exactly how his comments come across and how they affect him, once they are able to sit down for a genuine heart to heart. Their banter is brash and masculine, a combination of dick jokes and sexual prowess remarks which sets them up for the inevitable pushing of boundaries. Of course the sex scenes are lusty and dirty, as expected, but they also have some sharp edges to them as Adrian at first rejects what he's started to feel for Simeon. It takes some time for him to come to grips with being bisexual, and the implications that revelation could have on his career.

Working with the kids at the center is a learning experience for them both. While Simeon came from a more disadvantaged background than Adrian, they still benefit from being with kids who may not have wanted to play football but who are in need of guidance. All the secondary characters in this story add to its realism and make for some interesting scenes. Once their 'detention' is over, Simeon and Adrian have to figure out how to move forward and there are some intense, dramatic scenes on the way to their well deserved happy ending. Down by Contact is an authentic, thoughtful, sexy football romance.

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

Down by Contact is insanely addictive! Like the first Barons book, Illegal Contact, Simeon and Adrián’s story is so compelling that you’ll want to be sure you have plenty of time to devour it in one sitting. Santino Hassell’s writing has power and passion and his characters are so vibrant that there’s no way this story won’t stick with you.

I dare readers not to fall in love with Simeon from the start. He’s so charming that he lights up the page and it’s easy to see why almost every one he meets is instantly at ease with him. In the previous Barons book, Illegal Contact, Simeon came out as gay in solidarity with his best friend and teammate, Gavin. Coming out hasn’t harmed Simeon’s reputation in any visible way, but the invasiveness of the media and the online taunting from his former teammate now rival, Adrián, is wearing on even the generally positive Simeon. Simeon isn’t perfect, but he’s a pretty perfect hero. He’s kind, generous, and has a spine of steel. He doesn’t let anyone walk over him, but he’s also willing to forgive. I absolutely loved him and couldn’t wait for him to fall for someone who’s his match.

While Simeon made me swoon, Adrián isn’t immediately endearing. And though it might sound weird to say it, I enjoyed the fact that Adrián is deeply flawed at the start, because he grew into a hero worth rooting for. Adrián is aggressive and doesn’t think before he speaks, throwing out comments he doesn’t even realize are homophobic and deeply hurtful. He also carries deep resentment toward Simeon for leaving the Predators to play for the Barons. Part of Adrián’s animosity also stems from the fact that he’s bisexual and doesn’t realize it. I really liked that Simeon was able to open Adrián’s eyes about his behavior. Adrián isn’t a bad person, which is why his change over the course of the story is organic. It was great to see him realize just what he had been saying and the impact it had. He not only starts to think before he speaks, but becomes a better, more aware person, one who is happier and more at peace with himself.

Adrián and Simeon may hate each other at the start of Down by Contact, but the former friends turned enemies have one hell of a love story. When the tension simmering between them explodes into a fistfight on the field, they’re both suspended and forced to teach teenagers how to play football. Having to put the kids first means they have to put aside their animosity, which of course leads to the barriers between them coming down. It’s clear from the start that these two have incredible chemistry and I couldn’t wait for Adrián to realize that his feelings for Simeon run far deeper than he ever could have imagined. The sexual tension between them is incredible, and when it boils over Down by Contact gets insanely hot. In bed and out, Adrián and Simeon make a fantastic couple. That doesn’t mean the road to happily ever after is an easy one. Adrián not only has to come to terms with the fact that he’s bisexual, he and Simeon have to make hard decisions about their burgeoning relationship that could impact the careers they love (and those are only the non-spoiler obstacles). Mr. Hassell makes every bump in the road worth it, because the ending of the story left me grinning.

Down by Contact is the second book in Mr. Hassell’s Barons series, but it can easily be read as a standalone (though you’d be missing out on a great story if you skip Illegal Contact). I absolutely loved Simeon and Adrián’s romance. It’s sexy and sweet, but also interesting and layered. I cannot wait to re-read it!

An enemies to lovers story between rival football players? SIGN ME UP!

After some persistent persuasion, I picked up the first story in the Barons series (Illegal Contact) so I didn’t go into Down by Contact completely blind. In my opinion, you can read Down by Contact as a standalone, but you will also want to read everything that Santino Hassell ever writes if you haven’t already.

Down by Contact is the story of Simeon, who we met in Illegal Contact, and Adrian, who plays for the Baron’s nasty rival. Forced to spend time together, these two must put negative feelings aside for a good cause.
I won’t go much into the storyline, but I will tell you why you should pick up this book. Santino Hassell writes for the character, not the story. He puts you deep into the heads of Simeon and Adrian and makes you feel their feelings, struggle with their struggles, and become overwhelmed with their passion and pain. You will get a raw and honest perspective into situations you may have never encountered, and you will come out loving Simeon and Adrian for who they are and what they overcome.

I could not put this book down. This is one of those situations where I have no shame in begging for more. Santino Hassell is quickly becoming a one-click author for me.

Down by Contact was a great enemies-to-lovers/gay-for-you story. It is second in Santino Hassell's The Barons series, but reads as a complete standalone.

Simeon and Adrián are former teammates turned opponents. As a newly out gay man, Simeon sees adversity everywhere, especially in football, but Adrián doesn't let up. When they find themselves fined and working community service together, there's a great build up of friendship and love with some angst thrown into the mix.

I really enjoyed the banter by our two heroes. Simeon doesn't take any of Adrián's crap and vice versa. Down by Contact was a fun read that I definitely recommend!

Simeon and Adrián two BIG ego motherfuckers. Both with mouths you really want to punch instead of kiss.
They are enemies and I just love a good enemy to friend story.
Gosh it was fun as hell to see them struggle with each other ánd with the world outside their teams. Spotlights on their head all the time. Their sarcasm toward each other and life did things to my stomach. You could feel the hurt in it.

After a fight they have to take a step back and instead of training and playing they have to work together at the Brooklyn community center.

There are so many lines which make me crack up...just to damn witty.
"The last time I saw a man turn that red, he’d come hands-free after letting me play with his prostate for an hour."
or
"Historically, I’d been able to win over people who wanted to hate me."
or
"they think two faggots can’t be buds without occasionally clicking together like Legos.”
Absolute sublime way to get an impression how these guys think and express themselves !

The sexual tension is heavy... ghad...if you don't get horny watching them.. really well put down!
Everything Adrián says or does Simeon experience it as an attack. Adrián is confused how to express without Simeon get hurt...he fails... Until he doesn't anymore....!

A lot of prejudice, arguments, big mouths over-screaming their own thoughts... a lot of denial and stuff away feelings... hard to watch. All the pain... All the hits they have to take.
Emotions running high and believe me there are a lot!
Then there is the moment of truth...

Excellent dynamic and explosive written story. It's sharp, gritty and mature but always here and there a soft touch. Good developed story and strong personalities. I loved it how, even with the teams and the mission to educate the children, it was their bubble and that was just a wonderful place to be.

Down by Contact is the first book that I've read by Santino Hassell, but it definitely won't be my last. Hassell's highly readable writing style and realistic characters made this is a great read that I flew through.

Down by Contact is an m/m, enemies-to-lovers story. New York Barons quarterback Simeon Boudreaux is a fan favorite who recently came out as gay. His former teammate and current rival, New Jersey Predators linebacker Adrián Bravo, continually finds ways to heckle Simeon, both online and in the news. Although he has no evidence of it, Adrián is convinced that Simeon compromised the Predators' playbook when Simeon left for the Barons.

Things come to a head on the field when Adrián and Simeon end up in a fight, resulting in both of them being suspended for six games. On top of this, they must perform service working with kids at a local community center. At first, it's clear that the two can't stand each other, but they both soon realize that they have to work together in order to get through their mutual suspension. As they get to know each other beyond social media trash talk, they realize how much they actually like each other...and how attracted they are to each other, beyond friendship.

For Simeon, he's in his comfort zone since he's out and proud. But for Adrián, his sexual attraction to Simeon is a scary revelation. He's only ever been with women and never considered the idea that he could be bi. As he explores his newfound relationship with Simeon, Adrián must reconcile his own identity with the persona that the media has built surrounding him. Adrián's attraction to Simeon started out as a private game, but what happens when their community service is over and they each go back to their regular lives?

I pretty much loved everything about Down by Contact. Simeon is the sweet mama's boy who's also a fierce warrior on the field. Adrián is the cocky smartass who's broadsided when he has to come to terms with his sexuality and intense feelings for Simeon. Their dialogue and banter flow naturally, which is one of the main reasons why I flew through this book. Add to this a diverse cast of supporting characters—in addition to the main characters, who are both people of color—and I was a happy camper.

There are obstacles that Adrián and Simeon must face, namely how to handle their newfound relationship, especially being on rival teams with the media spotlight on them. There's also the family aspect surrounding Adrián's father and his judgmental attitude. But the story concludes in a satisfying way that feels realistic and hopeful.

Down by Contact is book #2 in The Barons series, but can easily be read as a standalone. I've always heard great things about Santino Hassell's books, and now I know why. I look forward to reading more from him in the future.

Adrian and Simeon were once both Predators and had developed a good friendship when Simeon was traded to the Barons. Let's just say that Adrian is not a man .... comfortable ... with exploring his feelings, and it was easier to be upset with Simeon and just plain damn mad at him for supposedly giving the Predators playbook to the Barons, rather than wondering why he was so upset and butt-hurt that their friendship ended.

Fast forward four years and Adrian and Simeon get into a yellow-flags-flying-everywhere on-field fight resulting in a six-game suspension for each and a joint project working with a Brooklyn community center's youth football league.

I have to say at first I wasn't terrible fond of either man. Adrian somehow feels the old Bravo dimples and a half-hearted "My bad" makes up for his rampant homophobic comments. I do cut him some slack, though, as he is completely gobsmacked by his slow realization of the strong attraction he feels for Simeon and the shattering of his "straight guy" mindset.

In Illegal Contact, the first book in the Barons series, Simeon comes off as a pretty nice guy, charming and affable, although initially unwilling to step up and explain his part in Gavin Brawley's suspension. But here, Simeon delights in playing a game of "gay chicken" in order to mess with Adrian's unexamined heterosexuality, and he comes off as a real jerk. There is a lot of anger mixed in with Simeon's attraction, i.e. "Bitterness surged up from my gut with enough force to choke me. I didn't let it. Instead, I smiled and focused every once of my queer resentment on Adrian."

At times, the pace of the story felt slow to me, especially when working with the kids at the community center. Granted they are very secondary characters, but none of the kids' personalities really came to life for me.

But enough of the niggles ... what really worked for me in this story was the sizzling hot sexual chemistry between Adrian and Simeon and how they each FINALLY work through their issues. It takes Adrian a while to own his feelings, but once he's there? Our boy is definitely committed.

Down by Contact didn't have the same emotional intensity that Illegal Contact had for me, and I give it 3.75 stars, rounded up to 4 stars. I'm awaiting the next book in the series (which I'm assuming will be about Rocky) and I'm looking forward to how Santino is going to differentiate between two similar-sounding plots.

I was pretty uncomfortable with how their relationship started. As it progressed and they got more serious, attitudes changed and I was much more involved and I enjoyed the book and story a lot more

I loved Simeon Boudreaux's book even more than Brawley's! Simeon and Adrian used to be buds on the same team until Simeon went to a competitor's team. Adrian has all sorts of issues coming to term with his sexuality and his confusing feelings for Simeon. I loved how they slowly went from grudging acceptance of each other to more and when the truth comes to light from Adrian...I was CHEERING! Why does it have to be so painful to be honest with yourself and to others? I just found this story to be emotionally uplifting in the end and can't wait to read more about these guys. Great sports series with characters you really develop feelings for.w coming soon!