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Southern Scrimmage #3
Offside Chance
Judah Brody meets William Slater and it's loathe at first sight.
Jude had spent his whole life in his famous brother’s shadow. Returning to New Orleans seemed like a good idea now that Levi was back home. But Jude couldn’t turn around without something of Levi’s getting in his way. In this case it’s Levi’s best friend, a three hundred pound knuckle-dragger named Slayer, who likes strippers, football, porn and making Jude’s life miserable—not necessarily in that order.
William Slater’s season couldn’t get much worse. He lost his house to fire, his contract was set to expire, and his prospects of getting picked up by another team were slim to none. House sitting for his best friend was the only bright spot in an otherwise bleak New Orleans winter. Until Levi’s stuck up nerd of a brother came to stay.
A freak winter snow storm, deep familial secrets, and a whole lot of male/male bonding wasn't exactly in the game plan. But bragging rights were on the line and there wasn’t an offside chance in hell of this game going into overtime.
Jude had spent his whole life in his famous brother’s shadow. Returning to New Orleans seemed like a good idea now that Levi was back home. But Jude couldn’t turn around without something of Levi’s getting in his way. In this case it’s Levi’s best friend, a three hundred pound knuckle-dragger named Slayer, who likes strippers, football, porn and making Jude’s life miserable—not necessarily in that order.
William Slater’s season couldn’t get much worse. He lost his house to fire, his contract was set to expire, and his prospects of getting picked up by another team were slim to none. House sitting for his best friend was the only bright spot in an otherwise bleak New Orleans winter. Until Levi’s stuck up nerd of a brother came to stay.
A freak winter snow storm, deep familial secrets, and a whole lot of male/male bonding wasn't exactly in the game plan. But bragging rights were on the line and there wasn’t an offside chance in hell of this game going into overtime.
265 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2014
53 people are currently reading
768 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
January 19, 2014
Ah, the "straight" gay boys...they make me smile.
My rating is 4.5 stars.
Warning: I'm not a stickler for typos/grammar/edits but if I see issues (I can ignore them for the most part especially if the storytelling is well crafted) I will mention them. This book has editing issues. There were times I had to reread paragraphs or figure out who was talking or fucking whom. It did not encompass the entire book. And the story told was a great one.
Offside Chance is a double gay for you (done pretty well from how I expected it turn out) with a strong HFN ending, hot sex with a Southern drawl. Also a follow up for the previous starring couples in the Southern Scrimmage series. Not only do Bo Dylan, Levi and Tracy make for good main characters, they made great secondary characters in this book. To receive the best reading experience, you must read the series in order.
I've been reading Mercy Celeste for a few years, believe me when I say this is not as heavy in angst as some of her other books. Drama? Yes there is some especially that ending. ;D
Now come along, hold my hand. We're going to take a walk on the Reality Suspension Bridge. Don't be scared. It's not your first time is it? Just a short walk.
Now, two straight men being gay for one another, that have never hinted at liking penis even the tiniest bit...they are going to fall for one another?
If I didn't read this series before and know this author can pull it off, I would have probably not read it.
Alright, who am I kidding? This plot has me written all over it. ;P
Anyway, Levi's little brother, Jude is moving to their home in New Orleans for classes and has to share with Levi's best friend and pro football player, Slater. Jude is the straight, geeky lawyer who has never had a chance at love because he's too damaged and cold. The ladies always leave him. And Slater is the man whore who needs a little blue pill magic to help get it up to keep his man whore reputation. And you know, they're not gay. Challenge presented?
Both men identify as straight...a lot throughout this book. I mean, they protested a lot even while fingering, sucking and boffing one another. I waited for them to scream out "No Homo"! before getting to anal. The angst was more internal between the two and I see the progression and hints the author dropped during the story that maybe one of the MC wasn't so straight after all. He was probably in denial.
You know what else I really enjoyed? It wasn't MF hidden as MM. The two characters were men and acted as such. And I liked that Slater and Jude were assholes. I even like Jude more than Slater because I totally understand the reasoning behind his reactions. He comes from a fucked up family and he tried to compensate in other areas so his coldness...it wasn't so bad to me. Both guys were jerks but they were figuring themselves out and reverted to standard defense mechanisms.
And the SEX between the not-so-straight straight guys?!
FUCK.
YES.
The club?!
The sex was just like I how I like to read it. *grunts*
I appreciated the other couples a hell of a lot more.
Levi and Tracy? I fell in love with Levi in this book. I barely like him in the previous book. We learn more of his secrets which helped me understand Levi/Liv a little more.
I definitely did not expect the last one. O_O And now I'm all excited for the next book. I am happy with all the couples, I would like the issues resolved. I'll admit, I crave the HEA.
All in all, an entertaining story. I liked this more than #2 but #1 is always near and dear as my favorite.
Now I await the summer for #4.
January 14, 2014
3.5 stars
To quote Will, God fuck damn
This book is an oozing mess.
But it's a GOOD mess, the best kind. It's the freakshow you just can't look away from.
There is a lot of MELODRAMA here. A lot. There's relationship angst and crackhead cousins and homophobic preachers and SECRETS. Everyone has a goddamn secret. And some are like WHAT? And other are like WHY??
I didn't read book 2, so maybe I'm missing something, but Levi? Um, Levi is a piece of work. We see a bit of him and Tracy here. And the drama surrounding his persona had me scratching my head. Because
I DID read book 1, and I was totally bummed about the ultimate tragedy in that one. If you're a Dylan/Bo fan, be warned: Their relationship is a big pile of crap in this book. It's not pretty.
BUT we also have two NOT GAY (definitely not gay!) alpha males who can't keep their hands (and tongues and....) off each other: Will, the football player who likes tits and pussy but has a Viagra-popping problem, and Jude, Levi's sterner, more serious younger brother. These two guys go at it...first at each others' throats when they're forced to be housemates and later...well, everyfucking place and way possible.
And lord it's smexy - scorching - BOILING. Mercy Celeste is in a whole other category of dirty. The sex here is rough and bare (you've been warned), and there's lots ofTENDER KISSING.
NO, THERE ISN'T. Pay attention.
The kissing does come, but it comes LATER. At first there's just fucking...animalistic, manic, raw...One levitating, need-my-blood-pressure-meds star for that alone.
Don't expect puppies and rainbows. Don't expect a heartwarming HEA. These boys don't play that way. I was glad of the HFN because Will is a stubborn bastard, and Jude is even worse. So I took what I could get. Not much closure though. The ending heads straight for book 4.
To quote Will, God fuck damn
This book is an oozing mess.
But it's a GOOD mess, the best kind. It's the freakshow you just can't look away from.
There is a lot of MELODRAMA here. A lot. There's relationship angst and crackhead cousins and homophobic preachers and SECRETS. Everyone has a goddamn secret. And some are like WHAT? And other are like WHY??
I didn't read book 2, so maybe I'm missing something, but Levi? Um, Levi is a piece of work. We see a bit of him and Tracy here. And the drama surrounding his persona had me scratching my head. Because
I DID read book 1, and I was totally bummed about the ultimate tragedy in that one. If you're a Dylan/Bo fan, be warned: Their relationship is a big pile of crap in this book. It's not pretty.
BUT we also have two NOT GAY (definitely not gay!) alpha males who can't keep their hands (and tongues and....) off each other: Will, the football player who likes tits and pussy but has a Viagra-popping problem, and Jude, Levi's sterner, more serious younger brother. These two guys go at it...first at each others' throats when they're forced to be housemates and later...well, everyfucking place and way possible.
And lord it's smexy - scorching - BOILING. Mercy Celeste is in a whole other category of dirty. The sex here is rough and bare (you've been warned), and there's lots of
NO, THERE ISN'T. Pay attention.
The kissing does come, but it comes LATER. At first there's just fucking...animalistic, manic, raw...One levitating, need-my-blood-pressure-meds star for that alone.
Don't expect puppies and rainbows. Don't expect a heartwarming HEA. These boys don't play that way. I was glad of the HFN because Will is a stubborn bastard, and Jude is even worse. So I took what I could get. Not much closure though. The ending heads straight for book 4.
January 12, 2014
3.5 stars reluctantly rounded up to 4
It is breaking my heart to give this engaging story only 3.5 stars. The storyline was fascinating. The plot well thought out. I stayed up until 4am because I couldn't put the book down. By the time I hit the halfway mark I was completely invested in the story.
So, why only 3.5 stars you ask?
*sobs*
The proofreading errors!
There were so many! Multiple errors within one sentence! And it continued on throughout the entire book. It made it extremely difficult to stay focused on the story as I kept being pulled out. I found myself getting angry about it. I was angry on the author's behalf as her proofreader did her no favors with this one and I'm afraid there will be quite a few readers who will rip this book to shreds because of it. And that makes me sad because the story really is wonderful. I almost wanted to stop reading and email the author to let her know the book needed one more round of editing before I would read any more.
But I persevered. And I'm so glad I did. If I had given up I would have missed all the secrets! Some secrets were revealed; some were kept. Some were only alluded to (sneaky authors are sneaky). I love these boys and I want to see them all get their HEA. I hope she puts another book in this series out soon. I NEED to know what happens with that one secret!!!
February 7, 2014
First off everyone is gay in this series or gay-for-you please make your peace with that. It'll make your life so much easier. I will do a pointer for this with the bad first and then...something else (good seems like too strong of a word).
The Baaaaaaaaaad
1. Editing mistakes are not forgiveable! Everyone to the author, beta reader(s) and editors should be put in the naughty corner. Poor product and poor customer service. Yes.
2. The author is doing everything in her power to make the original couple Dylan and Bo into bastards. At this point they shouldn't even be together because she's ripped them a part for some reason. It's like she enjoys shooting them or something? We find out now that Dylan cheated on Bo too. This seems like the author shoved that in so some fans wouldn't be angry at Bo. It was almost like "Dylan did it too guys". Then Bo goes into a rant about still wanting Levi and I just wanted to shoot myself in the face, because thank you for ruining the original characters.
3. Too much Levi adoring. Again (to me) it felt like the author kept shoving Levi down our throat. "LOOK AT HIM HE'S NICE AND STRONG" /barf. OH AND FOR THE LOVE OF GOD HE DOESN'T HAVE SPLIT PERSONALITY DISORDER (I'm going to really shoot someone).
4. Don't ever use the word 'rape' in any context like you did here. I was appalled.
The Likes?
1. Jude may come across as a cold, mean bastard but he had every right too. Levi may have gave him the money ~ but it was Jude who was alone in a horrible place. Not that it was Levi's fault but Jude was the better man and not Levi in my eyes. The kid grew up much better than Levi. Jude was strong and independent and he had every right to say whatever he wanted to Levi because he had it coming.
2. William/Slayer he came across brash, rude and a major dick. He has his issues and I felt they were dealt with well enough.
3. The guys are brash and rude and they stuff that makes you wince. I'm not saying all guys talk like that - but it was refreshing to read. The language was almost unapologetic and we saw the rough and the tender.
The book is much longer than the rest, mainly because I feel Levi was in it a lot, but we also saw his partner Tracy (he's so sweet) and some Bo and Dylan. I like Jude and Slayer together - Jude is a total G4Y and Slayer a closet case. There is a lot of drama between the couples and some extra drama from Slayer's past. I was totally engaged with this book but I also felt cheated a lot i.e. Bo and Dylan and too much Levi (gtfo please) and it was rather ridiculous most of the time.
The Baaaaaaaaaad
1. Editing mistakes are not forgiveable! Everyone to the author, beta reader(s) and editors should be put in the naughty corner. Poor product and poor customer service. Yes.
2. The author is doing everything in her power to make the original couple Dylan and Bo into bastards. At this point they shouldn't even be together because she's ripped them a part for some reason. It's like she enjoys shooting them or something? We find out now that Dylan cheated on Bo too. This seems like the author shoved that in so some fans wouldn't be angry at Bo. It was almost like "Dylan did it too guys". Then Bo goes into a rant about still wanting Levi and I just wanted to shoot myself in the face, because thank you for ruining the original characters.
3. Too much Levi adoring. Again (to me) it felt like the author kept shoving Levi down our throat. "LOOK AT HIM HE'S NICE AND STRONG" /barf. OH AND FOR THE LOVE OF GOD HE DOESN'T HAVE SPLIT PERSONALITY DISORDER (I'm going to really shoot someone).
4. Don't ever use the word 'rape' in any context like you did here. I was appalled.
The Likes?
1. Jude may come across as a cold, mean bastard but he had every right too. Levi may have gave him the money ~ but it was Jude who was alone in a horrible place. Not that it was Levi's fault but Jude was the better man and not Levi in my eyes. The kid grew up much better than Levi. Jude was strong and independent and he had every right to say whatever he wanted to Levi because he had it coming.
2. William/Slayer he came across brash, rude and a major dick. He has his issues and I felt they were dealt with well enough.
3. The guys are brash and rude and they stuff that makes you wince. I'm not saying all guys talk like that - but it was refreshing to read. The language was almost unapologetic and we saw the rough and the tender.
The book is much longer than the rest, mainly because I feel Levi was in it a lot, but we also saw his partner Tracy (he's so sweet) and some Bo and Dylan. I like Jude and Slayer together - Jude is a total G4Y and Slayer a closet case. There is a lot of drama between the couples and some extra drama from Slayer's past. I was totally engaged with this book but I also felt cheated a lot i.e. Bo and Dylan and too much Levi (gtfo please) and it was rather ridiculous most of the time.
January 19, 2014
So my soft spot that I really love is when two people get off on the wrong foot and then fall for each other.
God, what a truly unique pair. Jude is like an ice queen and Slayer is pretty much a dick, but I really like both of them, and together, they are a pretty great couple.
We get to see more into the relationship between Levi and Jude as well as Levi/Tracy and Bo/Dylan.
It was a really slow build (which was awesome) between Jude and Will. But that doesn't mean that hot things weren't happening along the way. Both men trying to deny their feelings, but not having the ability to do so when they were alone.
This was my favorite in the series so far (although I really enjoyed all of them). I hope there is more to come!
God, what a truly unique pair. Jude is like an ice queen and Slayer is pretty much a dick, but I really like both of them, and together, they are a pretty great couple.
We get to see more into the relationship between Levi and Jude as well as Levi/Tracy and Bo/Dylan.
It was a really slow build (which was awesome) between Jude and Will. But that doesn't mean that hot things weren't happening along the way. Both men trying to deny their feelings, but not having the ability to do so when they were alone.
This was my favorite in the series so far (although I really enjoyed all of them). I hope there is more to come!
January 15, 2014
Full review at http://ontopdownunderbookreviews.com/...
I honestly do not like the GFY / OFY sub-genre. There are very, very few I like. I went into Offside Chance with a great deal of trepidation but it came together really well.
Jude is Levi Brody's younger brother. He is in New Orleans for further study and he's going to stay at Levi's for the duration. The thing is, William "Slayer" Slater, Levi's football playing buddy, is also staying at Levi's place. Things do not start swimmingly, but gradually the pair get together...in more ways than one.
The book is very sexy, up there with Beyond Complicated for face-melting sex. But where Beyond Complicated is angst on a stick, Offside Chance is a lighter read.
There is a lot of Levi / Livy in this book and Mercy Celeste obviously has a lot of Levi love. Of course, Tracy is in it as well with Levi, and then there are Bo and Dylan. Their relationships are interconnected and it is well done. If you felt aggrieved by the in Sidelined then perhaps this will clear things up for you.
This was a really good addition to the series, and there will be a fourth book, which will definitely cover issues that I would love to see covered, and need to be covered. It should be mighty interesting. I ended up really liking Jude and Will as a couple and I really would like more about them.
If you like Mercy Celeste, if you like this series, if you like smoking hot MM sex, and some passionate characters, then Offside Chance could be for you. This book is not a heavy read. Mercy Celeste does not go off into angst-y territory. It is sexy, there are strong characters, interesting story arcs, and it is a GFY /OFY that works really well. 4.5 stars rounded up
January 16, 2014
3.5 star review written for Hearts on Fire Reviews.
Wow, where to start? Judah and Slater are one hot mess of a couple, or are they not a couple? They are both so completely against being gay that they spend almost the entire story fighting it. And that’s just one of their issues! Jude is one messed up dude, and Slater isn’t much better. He has issues that go back to his childhood and branch out from there, making him a distant and very difficult to get to know person. Slater sees through most of that though, and the two form a friendship while sharing Levi’s townhouse. Of course, most of it is hot sex, but an underlying friendship blossoms as well.
I had a very difficult time suspending my belief that two “straight” guys would ever act the way these two did. But putting that aside, they were unbelievably hot together. It definitely makes for a different kind of relationship and one that I don’t think I’ve ever read about before.
But, these guys aren’t the only ones here with issues. I think every couple in this story is going through one type of problem or another, both individually and as couples. Levi and Tracy, Bo and Dylan, etc., all had things going on. I kept thinking they could all benefit from some extensive group therapy, but they did eventually manage to work through some of their problems.
I’ve been a huge fan of this series, starting with Bo and Dylan in Six Ways from Sunday. Unfortunately, I think they set the bar pretty high in their story, as I seem to not be enjoying the others quite as much. But quite a bit happens in Offside Chance, and it was great to see the others again. There are a few twists revealed, especially at the end, which I found surprising. So, this was a nice addition to the series, and I definitely look forward to seeing more from these guys now that they seem to have things on track.
February 5, 2015
Aside from the editing issues, this was the best one so far for me.
Jude and Slater start off with such negative opinions of each other, and are both screwed up in their own way that u cant imagine how the hell they end up together....... But WOW,, the road to love for them is HOT HOT HOT....they were both so busy denying being gay, or worthy that they didnt even realize they were falling in love.
I loved that everyone had a place in this story
Levi/Liv,( probably my favorite ) he is a hoot, funny and snarky at times, and VERY serious when necessary. Some of his back story was shocking anf heartbreaking. I love him and Tracy together, and how Tracy loves both Levi/Liv.
Bo and Dylan have some issues in this series, but they love each other enough to get past them (i hope) they are the core couple of the series..I am one of the few that didnt have a problem with the revelations from book 2, alot of which are explained in this book.
I really loved the way Jude and Levi began to bond as brothers, again their backstory was harsh....
I liked everything about this book except BAD EDITING....
I have a pretty good idea who book four will be about, cant wait for it...
Jude and Slater start off with such negative opinions of each other, and are both screwed up in their own way that u cant imagine how the hell they end up together....... But WOW,, the road to love for them is HOT HOT HOT....they were both so busy denying being gay, or worthy that they didnt even realize they were falling in love.
I loved that everyone had a place in this story
Levi/Liv,( probably my favorite ) he is a hoot, funny and snarky at times, and VERY serious when necessary. Some of his back story was shocking anf heartbreaking. I love him and Tracy together, and how Tracy loves both Levi/Liv.
Bo and Dylan have some issues in this series, but they love each other enough to get past them (i hope) they are the core couple of the series..I am one of the few that didnt have a problem with the revelations from book 2, alot of which are explained in this book.
I really loved the way Jude and Levi began to bond as brothers, again their backstory was harsh....
I liked everything about this book except BAD EDITING....
I have a pretty good idea who book four will be about, cant wait for it...
August 26, 2016
I may have made a critical error reading this without the first two since this series seems to be cumulative rather than individual stories. Oops. I followed along just fine, but a lot of spoilers in this book if I go backwards.
Wicked hot sex, but the guys both needed to have their heads cracked together--admit it already! They're in-and-out emotionally and physically. So, the dithering began to get to me at some point. Slater's mouth needed washing out and one of the guys should have decked for at least once for his comments.
All the rigamarole surrounding Jude and William is pretty intriguing and worked well with the story. Nice cast of characters and probably more so for devoted fans. Enjoyable read.
Wicked hot sex, but the guys both needed to have their heads cracked together--admit it already! They're in-and-out emotionally and physically. So, the dithering began to get to me at some point. Slater's mouth needed washing out and one of the guys should have decked for at least once for his comments.
All the rigamarole surrounding Jude and William is pretty intriguing and worked well with the story. Nice cast of characters and probably more so for devoted fans. Enjoyable read.
January 20, 2014
2.75 stars
The book went downhill fast after Super Bowl party. I felt like every character I loved from first two books underwent a personality change, especially Dylan. (Spoilers, he cheated on Bo in Afghanistan, which ruined book one's memory for me.)
I really like Jude and Will together, but they were overshadowed by Levi in this book. It seemed more of Levi's story than Jude's. Shame, I do love me a GFY plotline.
The book went downhill fast after Super Bowl party. I felt like every character I loved from first two books underwent a personality change, especially Dylan. (Spoilers, he cheated on Bo in Afghanistan, which ruined book one's memory for me.)
I really like Jude and Will together, but they were overshadowed by Levi in this book. It seemed more of Levi's story than Jude's. Shame, I do love me a GFY plotline.
January 19, 2015
1.5 stars (and that 0.5 point is all for Slayer + Jude storyline).
August 11, 2016
I waited so long for this. And part of the issue with the delay as I understand it, was the need for editing and proofreading to happen. Well, that's disappointing because quite early in the book, there were examples of typos and mistakes, and they seemed obvious ones to me (of instead off and so forth), so more work was needed.
But I was able to put those disappointments aside because man, this book is hot! The gay for you boys, yes both of them - Jude and Will, tiptoe around each other with obvious dislike initially, then they prowl around each other, teasing and mocking a 10th grade version of flirting, and eventually alcohol and little blue pills play their part in achieving some physical intimacy. It's all very alpha and quite terrifying for both of them.
It doesn't help that they are often in the company of Levi and Tracy, and Bo and Dylan who are affectionate, loving and very physical. When Will witnesses some extremely hot action between Levi and Tracy, his libido spins out of control and Jude is there, and not resisting, and it's tense and intense, and the aftermath is still terrifying.
There are some interesting conversations between the different couples: Jude and Dylan, Bo and Will, and although we only see the other 2 couples from the pov of Will or Jude, depending on who's narrating, (lots of Levi and Jude), we are still very much involved in their lives. There are more secrets spilled, declarations proclaimed and decisions (hard decisions) made.
That Will is an enigmatic character and his backstory is only revealed (in not a lot of detail) late in the book. Aaron brings danger and tension.
I love Levi, and Jude becomes more human and more vulnerable once the two brothers are sharing. It's lovely to watch their friendship rekindled.
I want more, especially Bo & Dylan. I don't need more pairings. I think there could be a whole book just for these three couples - trying to sort out their futures.
Will go back to read this again, despite my reservations about the editing.
But I was able to put those disappointments aside because man, this book is hot! The gay for you boys, yes both of them - Jude and Will, tiptoe around each other with obvious dislike initially, then they prowl around each other, teasing and mocking a 10th grade version of flirting, and eventually alcohol and little blue pills play their part in achieving some physical intimacy. It's all very alpha and quite terrifying for both of them.
It doesn't help that they are often in the company of Levi and Tracy, and Bo and Dylan who are affectionate, loving and very physical. When Will witnesses some extremely hot action between Levi and Tracy, his libido spins out of control and Jude is there, and not resisting, and it's tense and intense, and the aftermath is still terrifying.
There are some interesting conversations between the different couples: Jude and Dylan, Bo and Will, and although we only see the other 2 couples from the pov of Will or Jude, depending on who's narrating, (lots of Levi and Jude), we are still very much involved in their lives. There are more secrets spilled, declarations proclaimed and decisions (hard decisions) made.
That Will is an enigmatic character and his backstory is only revealed (in not a lot of detail) late in the book. Aaron brings danger and tension.
I love Levi, and Jude becomes more human and more vulnerable once the two brothers are sharing. It's lovely to watch their friendship rekindled.
I want more, especially Bo & Dylan. I don't need more pairings. I think there could be a whole book just for these three couples - trying to sort out their futures.
Will go back to read this again, despite my reservations about the editing.
May 25, 2017
Well being the glutton I am I kept on with this series although its pissing me TFO more each book. Don't get me wrong, I adored Jude and Slater so much. I wanted to know more about the Brothers from the last book, and enjoyed the moments I read of their interaction. Reading more about Levi/Liv this time was great - he was a huge part of this story.
What I am not enjoying is where the Bo & Dylan story is going which how I ended up reading this series
What I am not enjoying is where the Bo & Dylan story is going which how I ended up reading this series
January 8, 2021
Inconsistent, over the top characters. And a pet peeve of mine: dissociative identity disorder is not a funny infliction to be used as amusement. And as a sibling you do not just sit there and note 'o, he is Liv, now.'
For those who care: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disso...
For those who care: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disso...
August 25, 2016
3.5 stars. This is a case (and I've had many) where I wish you can rate by increments of a half star. But when I think something is 3.5 stars, I generally round up so I'll do it with this one as well.
Things that bothered me-
But don't get me wrong, I did like the book and I finished it fairly quickly. At this point, at book 3 in the series, I'm invested in all the characters and learning about each of their relationships and where life is taking them is where I derived most of my enjoyment of this book. The action is hot and heavy and will likely be more than satisfying to a lot of fans of the Southern Scrimmage series.
Things that bothered me-
But don't get me wrong, I did like the book and I finished it fairly quickly. At this point, at book 3 in the series, I'm invested in all the characters and learning about each of their relationships and where life is taking them is where I derived most of my enjoyment of this book. The action is hot and heavy and will likely be more than satisfying to a lot of fans of the Southern Scrimmage series.
January 14, 2014
Really hot gay-for-you on both ends without much plot. The characters from the first two books in the series kind of ruined the previous books for me. I love a HEA as long as it stays as such. I don't want to read about them having issues and especcially not if those issues aren't resolved by the end of this book. A novella would have been nice if their stories were to continue but please don't dump this new development out of the blue on me. Also, almost every one-on-one interaction between the characters, whether it was Bo and Will, Levi and Jude, or Tracy and Will ended up being an impromptu therapy session. Everyone was so eager to share their theory on other people's issues and motivations. And the ending was way too abrupt. I would really give this a 1.5 or 2 star rating at best, but...it was hot. So, if you're looking for a nice, smutty read, go for it. Other than that, it kind of made me feel depressed.
January 13, 2014
I read Six Ways from Sunday and really liked it. I almost didn't continue with this series after reading some of the reviews for Sidelined, they were pretty negative; but I went ahead and download edit to my kindle and was so glad I did.
Most of the negative reviews were from people who must have just skimmed over parts and didn't get the reason behind a lot of what happened.
Well, I loved it and after reading Offside Chance, I am looking forward to more. There has to be more!! Mercy can't leave us hanging like this!! She just can't.
Yes, there are some grammar issues, but they don't take anything away from the story, and each book gets better and better.
I will be purchasing more of her books after reading these three.
Most of the negative reviews were from people who must have just skimmed over parts and didn't get the reason behind a lot of what happened.
Well, I loved it and after reading Offside Chance, I am looking forward to more. There has to be more!! Mercy can't leave us hanging like this!! She just can't.
Yes, there are some grammar issues, but they don't take anything away from the story, and each book gets better and better.
I will be purchasing more of her books after reading these three.
April 30, 2016
This series has something unique about it - the characters are human. Messy, obnoxious, flawed and human. Jude broke my heart in several places in this book. He was like a feral wolf person, unloved and with no idea how to relate to people. Will wasn't much better with his firmly entrenched bigoted views. Watching these two lurch through their connection was brutally romantic.
Bo and Dylan have a mess on their hands and I loved that, too. Seeing these men identify and confront the messy reality of their interrupted relationship provides a depth that wouldn't have been there if they just rode off into the sunset after book one.
This book is my favorite of the series but it is necessary to read the first two before reading this one.
Bo and Dylan have a mess on their hands and I loved that, too. Seeing these men identify and confront the messy reality of their interrupted relationship provides a depth that wouldn't have been there if they just rode off into the sunset after book one.
This book is my favorite of the series but it is necessary to read the first two before reading this one.
January 14, 2015
This series has quickly become an addiction for me. I love that the story lines of Bo and Dylan and Tracy and Levi continue in this book, with the addition of the romance between Levi's teammate Slayer and his brother Jude when they find themselves unexpected roommates.
I really liked these two Alphas going at each other with the snark and dislike continuing even when they were hooking up. I had to laugh with these two straight guys continually reminding each other that they are not gay, even when they were all up and naked on each other.
With the final scene, Mercy Celeste sets up more drama for the brothers and I cannot wait to read it.
I really liked these two Alphas going at each other with the snark and dislike continuing even when they were hooking up. I had to laugh with these two straight guys continually reminding each other that they are not gay, even when they were all up and naked on each other.
With the final scene, Mercy Celeste sets up more drama for the brothers and I cannot wait to read it.
January 13, 2014
This book was fantastic. The plot involved characters from the previous books and brought some resolution to unresolved issues from them. I loved Jude and Will and their developing relationship. Of course, with this author the sex was HOT and the emotional intimacy hotter. This author's writing just gets better and better and personally I felt relieved that the trauma and suffering weren't as horrifying and confronting as previous novels by Mercy, I just hope there's another story in this series, because I adore Bo, Dylan, Levi, Tracy, Will and the divine, Jude :)
April 23, 2023
Continuation of the Southern Scrimmage series. The book focuses on Judah (Jude) Levy and William (Slayer) Slater. they are both "straight" men who go "gay for You" We see the previous couples from the series. there is a bunch of angst not all of it brought by the main characters. in a book this long you have to expect that there will be some twists from the main plot line. But the twists are entertaining and don't distract from the romance.
January 17, 2014
I love it when an author can turn a jerk from a previous book into a credible sympathetic hero in the next book. Mercy certainly managed it in this one, with both Jude and Slayer. I absolutely fell in love with Jude. I certainly hope there are more books to come in this series. I definitely want to see what happens next!
November 28, 2015
I loved this book. I think it is the favorite of the 3 so far.
This book mainly focuses on Jude and Will. Two straight men who until they met each other were all about women.
I oved the way that the 2 of them danced around each other. Great sex but neither of them wanted to believe tht thy re gay.
Lots of interaction with Levi, Tracy, Bo and Dylan.
I can't wait for book 4.
This book mainly focuses on Jude and Will. Two straight men who until they met each other were all about women.
I oved the way that the 2 of them danced around each other. Great sex but neither of them wanted to believe tht thy re gay.
Lots of interaction with Levi, Tracy, Bo and Dylan.
I can't wait for book 4.
January 21, 2014
So after anxiously waiting and desperately sitting on the edge of my seat, I finally got to read this.
If you're reading this, then you're probably familiar with the series, but basically - this book deals with Jude and Slayer. Each come with their own set of baggage, and while they aren't exactly each others number one fans at first, they soon fall into lust, which neither of them is willing to give much thought to.
More than just Jude & Slayer's relationship, we also see favorites from the past two books. The heartbreak continues with Bo and Dylan, and I have to say I just wanted them to open their eyes and see that they are meant for each other. My hope is that a fourth book may be able to resolve this more, as I want their happily ever after more than anything.
And of course, we get another dose of Levi and the lovely Tracy. This book in particular deals with family issues between Levi & Jude, and reveals secrets from their past that they'd kept from even each other.
Right off the bat, I'll say that this is probably the hottest book I've read in a while. Jude and Slayer were on fire together, and I never got bored of them.
There were some shortcomings, of course. The editing wasn't the greatest, and the perspective shifting was confusing at times. Additionally, I would've liked more things to be resolved, and I felt almost like the final "aha" moment between Jude and Slayer was a bit rushed, while the rest of the story took the time they deserved.
All in all, another great addition to the series.
If you're reading this, then you're probably familiar with the series, but basically - this book deals with Jude and Slayer. Each come with their own set of baggage, and while they aren't exactly each others number one fans at first, they soon fall into lust, which neither of them is willing to give much thought to.
More than just Jude & Slayer's relationship, we also see favorites from the past two books. The heartbreak continues with Bo and Dylan, and I have to say I just wanted them to open their eyes and see that they are meant for each other. My hope is that a fourth book may be able to resolve this more, as I want their happily ever after more than anything.
And of course, we get another dose of Levi and the lovely Tracy. This book in particular deals with family issues between Levi & Jude, and reveals secrets from their past that they'd kept from even each other.
Right off the bat, I'll say that this is probably the hottest book I've read in a while. Jude and Slayer were on fire together, and I never got bored of them.
There were some shortcomings, of course. The editing wasn't the greatest, and the perspective shifting was confusing at times. Additionally, I would've liked more things to be resolved, and I felt almost like the final "aha" moment between Jude and Slayer was a bit rushed, while the rest of the story took the time they deserved.
All in all, another great addition to the series.
February 2, 2014
I read the first book in this series, skipped the second, and dove right into this one. There are m/m authors who excel and romance and those who excel at sex scenes--Mercy Celeste is definitely of the later category. There is a lot of sex in this book and the scenes are very well-written, unique, and hot. I often get bored (god forbid) with sex scenes that feel like the author thought they HAD to be there, but wasn't that into writing them. No such thing here.
On the romance end, this is a double GFY plotline. Those who read my reviews know I have a weakness for GFY, so I enjoyed that aspect of story. Jude is the younger brother of a famous NFL quarterback, Levi (the star of book #2) and Will is one of Levi's teammates, a huge 'Neanderthal'. Neither one has ever been with a man before. But when stuck together as embattled roommates, the sparks quickly fly. The story goes like this -- "It was just once, we were drunk" to "It's just sex" to "Maybe I have feelings here". Will is not a likable character at first, being homophobic and insulting. But he gradually comes around. There's a lot going on in the book, and the characters from book 1 and 2 are heavily involved in the story. That's good if you read the series, but since it's been awhile since I read book #1 and I skipped book #2, sometimes those sections with the 2 past couples felt a bit detached and undersupported for me.
I definitely recommend this book and this series. Reading them back to back is probably a good idea. Now I want to go back and read book #2!
On the romance end, this is a double GFY plotline. Those who read my reviews know I have a weakness for GFY, so I enjoyed that aspect of story. Jude is the younger brother of a famous NFL quarterback, Levi (the star of book #2) and Will is one of Levi's teammates, a huge 'Neanderthal'. Neither one has ever been with a man before. But when stuck together as embattled roommates, the sparks quickly fly. The story goes like this -- "It was just once, we were drunk" to "It's just sex" to "Maybe I have feelings here". Will is not a likable character at first, being homophobic and insulting. But he gradually comes around. There's a lot going on in the book, and the characters from book 1 and 2 are heavily involved in the story. That's good if you read the series, but since it's been awhile since I read book #1 and I skipped book #2, sometimes those sections with the 2 past couples felt a bit detached and undersupported for me.
I definitely recommend this book and this series. Reading them back to back is probably a good idea. Now I want to go back and read book #2!
January 14, 2014
Solid 4 stars even with the bad editing. There are typos and awkward paragraphs. But I still felt engaged and invested in the story.
Does anyone else feel like just wrapping Levi up in a hug and telling him it will be alright? So glad he has Tracy now. Levi deserves some hearts and flowers and rainbow farting unicorns after all he has lived through!
Now.... Jude & Slayer: Smoking hot! I loved these guys even if they were a$$holes at times. I enjoyed the sniping - it was realistic, funny as hell, and a perfect balance that made the few tender moments that much sweeter. And Jude, double high five for that phone call dude! I bow down to the awesomeness that is you. I really want to see the future go well for these two! Would have liked a little more time after the resolution to enjoy the experience but that's just me.
Bo & Dylan. Still can't quite decide if I want to roll my eyes or sneer in disgust. Possible
Does anyone else feel like just wrapping Levi up in a hug and telling him it will be alright? So glad he has Tracy now. Levi deserves some hearts and flowers and rainbow farting unicorns after all he has lived through!
Now.... Jude & Slayer: Smoking hot! I loved these guys even if they were a$$holes at times. I enjoyed the sniping - it was realistic, funny as hell, and a perfect balance that made the few tender moments that much sweeter. And Jude, double high five for that phone call dude! I bow down to the awesomeness that is you. I really want to see the future go well for these two! Would have liked a little more time after the resolution to enjoy the experience but that's just me.
Bo & Dylan. Still can't quite decide if I want to roll my eyes or sneer in disgust. Possible
January 17, 2014
This is like a crazy m/m erotica soap opera. I took the first book as a more serious m/m romance. Then the second book made me dislike one of the main characters (okay a few of them), and now I'm not sure if I like any of them. Will is a douche bag. Jude is a douche bag. What the heck is Levi doing now. Tracy might be a saint. What the hell Bo, did you even read your own book?, maybe Dylan should kill everyone. And I've decided I love it. It's crazy entertaining. I'm afraid there won't be another one, even though there is a lot of unresolved storyline. I feel like an addict, I need my fix. How are Bo and Dylan going to resolve their current issues? Can Will and Jude last long term? Can Levi last in the small town? Will Tracy be able to leave? Who is going to object at their wedding? Coming soon in the Southern Scrimmage world is the answer to all these questions...plus about 1000 more questions you haven't even thought to ask yet (I hope). Dear Mercy, if you do decide you have another book in you, pretty please could you give me something to make me like Bo again.
January 21, 2014
I've really enjoyed this series. Slayer has never been my favorite character because of his homophobe actions/words, so I was really excited to read his and Jude's story and experience Slayer's transformation. I love the whole enemies to lovers aspect and I'm always up for GFY. And a double GFY, oh yeah. It was everything I expected...lots of heat, a shit load of denial, and a few "situations" that forced them to admit their feelings. I did get a little tired/frustrated with the whole "I'm not gay" thing even though their actions repeatedly said otherwise. In the end though, it was a fun ride. Book 4...please?
July 16, 2017
ReRead: Even better AFTER re reading the entire series and #4 !
Great series - and I loved that this one included the past characters and even some of their issues. Jude and Slayer are a super hot couple - hot sex, angst (a bit too far sometimes), and much into discovery of who they are going to be. I thought this was an interesting parallel - Will thinking about what's coming next after football and Judah desiring to change his life completely as far as work (which is what he's been about for so long). So similar and yet so different.
I just love this author - her books always hit the exact right spot for me to go "squee!!"
Great series - and I loved that this one included the past characters and even some of their issues. Jude and Slayer are a super hot couple - hot sex, angst (a bit too far sometimes), and much into discovery of who they are going to be. I thought this was an interesting parallel - Will thinking about what's coming next after football and Judah desiring to change his life completely as far as work (which is what he's been about for so long). So similar and yet so different.
I just love this author - her books always hit the exact right spot for me to go "squee!!"
March 29, 2016
A sexy fast-building love story between a football player tossing homophobic remarks out of his own closet, and a lawyer with a convoluted family history. I'd advise reading the earlier books first for this one to make sense. The emotions in this slammed around like ping pong balls, and I didn't always believe them, or the ease and speed of the sex, for that matter. This story also once again reveals things about previous MCs you may or may not want to find out. But it's an addictive, hot mess of a read.
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