Come Together: Coastal College Football Duet

by Felix Brooks, Andrea Dalling

College Football 2-Book Set! In these two full-length M/M novels, friendship turns to love in the high-testosterone world of college sports. With the media circling and pro football contracts hanging in the balance, can these couples keep their personal lives private? Up and Coming An unexpected love could cost him his dreams. Emmett Cross doesn't have time to date. A college quarterback on a path to turning pro, he can't afford distractions, especially with the academic challenges he faces. When he's blindsided by a growing attraction to his friend Jake, he fights it—rumors that he's bisexual could wreck his draft prospects. But he can't stop thinking about the cute blond with the warm heart and gentle smile. Biochem major Jake Schott has had a straight-boy crush on Emmett since freshman year. Emmett's cool logic is the perfect complement to Jake’s sensitive nature. He’s sure nothing can come of his longing—until a scorching kiss turns desire into hope. Although the tall, sexy athlete with the trim waist and thick biceps denies that there’s a chance for them, his lustful looks and stolen touches tell a different story. Passion ignites between them, but Emmett insists on hiding the relationship. When their secret is threatened, will Emmett give up Jake to protect his career? Or will he risk it all for love? Coming Attraction When teammates become lovers, sometimes coming out isn't an option. Fun-loving Waseem likes his freedom. The wide receiver for the Coastal College Pirates has never stayed with one guy for long. So why can't he put football teammate Brent out of his mind? Brent is straight—he's been dating the same girl for years. Waseem knows that the sexy blond with the chiseled pecs and rakish smile can't be more than a fantasy. Business major Brent has always played by the rules. But his vision of the future is shattered when his girlfriend dumps him without warning. Even more confusing, he's developing feelings for Waseem unlike anything he's ever known. Brent isn't gay. So why do his friend's dark, smoldering eyes and infectious laugh stir this strange, new desire in him? It's an attraction Brent can't deny—and a fire quickly blazes between them. But Brent's conservative family will never accept his orientation. When the truth comes out, Brent's world is thrown into chaos. Will he give in to the pressure to forget Waseem? Or will he give up everything to be with the man he loves? These steamy friends-to-lovers, straight-to-bi M/M romance novels are for a mature audience. They each have a happy ending and no cliffhanger.

323 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 4, 2019

About the author

In a former life, Felix Brooks worked a corporate job in the South. When the voices in his head wouldn’t stay quiet any longer, he moved to San Francisco to pursue his dream of becoming a writer. In his free time, he likes to spend time with his pets.

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read each of these stories individually in late 2017. Here's how I found them:

Up and Coming
💜👬 A very well-wrought, steamy and moving story with depth for the main characters, major obstacles and the promise of the proverbial pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Emmett, a college football phenomenon set to reap fame and fortune in professional football, fights his attraction to Jake, a friend for years who suddenly becomes his obsession. Both men also hesitate to reveal important parts of their lives to prevent stigma and rejection. The author has injected a number of complex issues that made the plot meatier and increased its relevance. A thoroughly enjoyable read with plenty of heat and heart.:-) 👍👍

Coming Attraction
Better than 4 stars, this m/m sports romance was a joy to read and had a lot going for it. It was well-written and, unlike a lot of romances, did not wrap everything up with a "happy bow." I mean, yes, the love story was moving (and steamy) and the principals really did their utmost to make things work, but Brent, the college junior who was just discovering his sexuality, could not please everyone with his decisions. That's very realistic and I give the author kudos for showing that life can be messy. Waseem, the calm, nurturing, and proudly out senior who falls for Brent, was a real sweetie. In his desire to please and support Brent, Waseem had some tough decisions to make and, thankfully, he had good friends and a sympathetic coach and parents to turn to for support. I hope that such a nonjudgmental campus and athletic department really does exist but, nevertheless, this story is one of love, friendship and hope.

I received a complimentary advance copy of these books from the author; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two great books, one good offer. This bundle contains two books from the Coastal College series.
Book 1
Emmet is the ultimate college jock, football star, cocky and arrogant. Jake is a beautiful nerd who is studying Biogenetics. He and his girl friend Amber are both pining after the sport star and unfortunately for Jake, he is straight. But one night out to a gay bar... Emmet is afraid he will loose his chances in football. What will he finally do? He struggles too much with coming out, I understand that it is still not an easy task but he jerks Jake around too much. Jake is not some twink, he is got character and a big heart. He's gotten hurt one too many times. Can he forgive Emmet? Oh but it is a sweet romance, straight to gay for you, interracial and sports all in one.
Book 2
Great addition to the series! Waseem is attracted to Brent, his teammate and also his very straight friend. Brent has a 5 yr relationhship with his highschool sweetheart. When she ends it with a stunning remark on his sexuality, Brent starts to look deeper into his feelings. It's a search for his true self, very enlightening for me and for the character while Waseem backs him up and shows his feelings for him. It's truly endearing and sweet with steamy scenes that will knock your socks off.

[Patricia Hoffstaetter · Rating 4 out of 5]

The collaboration between these two talent authors has resulted in two entertaining yet emotional MM sport romances. Each of these two novels has an interesting plot that is well-thought out and written, it does cover some complex issues. The various characters are quite well-developed with individual personalities; they have realistic emotional feelings & expectations.
There is: interesting twists & turns, intrigue, drama, media, football contracts, family issues, homophobia, memories, attractions, distractions, rumors, denial, obsession, heartache, emotional turmoil, confusion, fear, discovery, compromises, explanations, decisions, parental blackmail, manipulations, determination, caring friends, offers, love, happiness, steamy scenes & satisfying conclusions.

[Kitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great set of two related college sports themed M/M books. The characters are well developed and the challenges they face with family, bigotry, expectations, and their own uncertainty are realistic and relatable. I loved the romance and sexy times. All the characters have to work hard, sometimes through external forces and sometimes through their own insecurities and emotions, to reach their HEA, and it makes for a fantastic and heart-warming read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BusyM3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great box set of stories that will keep you turning the pages till the end. The stories of friendship turns to love in the high-testosterone world of college sports. With the media circling and pro football contracts hanging in the balance, can these couples keep their personal lives private? The chemistry between the characters was steamy. A great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story lines and characters, Awesome !! Loved this boxset. The storylines were so interesting that it had me turning pages in anticipation of where it would lead . I was very intrigued with the characters in the stories. Simply awesome . Definitely recommend this boxset to anyone looking for great reads. I would recommend to others. Worth the read and the money!


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kaila · Rating 4 out of 5]

good and interesting story.. im not big on sports to be honest.. this one wasnt bad though.. and the writing was well done. i enjoyed it

[Kendra T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read these books when they originally came out back in 2016 and 2017. It is great that they are being reissued in a bundle. They were an overall great set of books, and I enjoyed them a lot. Here are the individual reviews that I originally posted for each book. I feel like they work really well together as a set.

Up and Coming
So I have to be honest here, but Emmett and Jake annoyed me quite a bit throughout this book. I love the author's writing, and the overall story concept was interesting, but the wishy-washy back and forth of "I want to be with you" and "I can't be with you" got old. Luckily the characters got their HEA, but I was pretty frustrated with them by the time they got there. I'm glad they finally did though.

Coming Attraction
Waseem was one of the good friends from Up and Coming, and I was glad to see him get his happily ever after. He had a crush on his straight friend, Brent, but never considered acting on it. When Brent and his longtime girlfriend break up, it leaves Brent an opportunity to finally discover why he has never felt romantically or sexually interested in anyone except for (all of a sudden) Waseem.

One of the things I really loved about this book was the exploration of gender and sexual preference. Asexuality and demisexuality were discussed and explored throughout this book, and it was lovely to see it generally accepted rather than made into a negative discussion or plot point strictly for drama and angst. I loved seeing Brent look deep within himself to understand how he felt and who he loves.

I continue to enjoy Andrea's books, and the collaboration with Felix has been amazing. I look forward to seeing what each of them bring forth in the future.

I'm voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by the author.