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Winner Takes All #.5
The Boyfriend Kickoff
When I finally meet the sexy rival quarterback I’ve been crushing on, I promise myself I won’t let on that he’s the object of my late-night fantasies.
And when he invites me to a party at his house that night, I swear I won’t drop a hint then either. He doesn’t need to know how curious I am about him, and about myself.
Besides, I need to ask him for help with the media since I’m the other quarterback in town.
That’s my one and only goal.
But when everyone leaves and it’s just the two of us alone in his home, I start to break all my promises…
The Boyfriend Kickoff is a novella that precedes the standalone romance The Boyfriend Comeback!
And when he invites me to a party at his house that night, I swear I won’t drop a hint then either. He doesn’t need to know how curious I am about him, and about myself.
Besides, I need to ask him for help with the media since I’m the other quarterback in town.
That’s my one and only goal.
But when everyone leaves and it’s just the two of us alone in his home, I start to break all my promises…
The Boyfriend Kickoff is a novella that precedes the standalone romance The Boyfriend Comeback!
125 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 24, 2022
207 people are currently reading
1065 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Blakely
245 books24.6k followersYou can find Lauren on TikTok at @laurenblakelybooks! A #1 New York Times Bestselling, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and #1 Audible Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s sexy, feel-good and witty. Lauren likes dogs, cake and show tunes and she is the vegetarian at your dinner party.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
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October 21, 2022
The Boyfriend Kickoff is book #0.5 in The Boyfriend Zone series by Lauren Blakely. This is a short, cute little introduction to the first book in the series, The Boyfriend Comeback
Jason McKay is twenty six years old and is an experienced starting quarterback for the San Francisco Hawks. He’s loved by both his fans and the media. He’s also the only openly gay starting quarterback in the league.
Beck Cafferty spent the previous year sitting on the bench but now he’s about to begin his first season as starting quarterback for the Mercenaries. Beck is petrified of the media so when he is invited to Jason’s house for a barbecue the day before their game, he gladly accepts. Beck is bi-sexual and has had a huge crush on Jason for at least a year. He really wants to spend some time with him and ask for his help in dealing with the media but more than that, he wants some alone time with his crush.
This is a short, sexy and sweet little intro and now I can’t wait to jump into The Boyfriend Comeback to see how Beck and Jason’s story plays out.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Jason McKay is twenty six years old and is an experienced starting quarterback for the San Francisco Hawks. He’s loved by both his fans and the media. He’s also the only openly gay starting quarterback in the league.
Beck Cafferty spent the previous year sitting on the bench but now he’s about to begin his first season as starting quarterback for the Mercenaries. Beck is petrified of the media so when he is invited to Jason’s house for a barbecue the day before their game, he gladly accepts. Beck is bi-sexual and has had a huge crush on Jason for at least a year. He really wants to spend some time with him and ask for his help in dealing with the media but more than that, he wants some alone time with his crush.
This is a short, sexy and sweet little intro and now I can’t wait to jump into The Boyfriend Comeback to see how Beck and Jason’s story plays out.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
April 30, 2025
OKAY, BUT IF THIS SERIES LETS ME DOWN I WILL CRY.
CONTEMPT FOOTBALL ROMANCE WITH AN AMAZING SET UP LIKE THIS IN A SILLY LIL PREQUEL/NOVELLA SITUATION????
SIGN ME THE FUCK UP.
I WILL GIVE YOU MY MONEY, MY SOUL, MY SAVINGS, MY TAX FILE NUMBER, MY ANIME FIGURINE COLLECTION, MY FAVOURITE TEACUP, MY EMOTIONAL SUPPORT WATER BOTTLE, WHATEVER THE FUCK YOU WANT, JUST LET THIS BE A GOOD ONE............
Yes it's a bit trashy, bit basic written, but my mood is ALL ABOUT THAT RN. Inject me with some football rivals-ish to lovers, based an an existing situation that would have been a REAL REASON TO BE UPSET WITH EACHOTHER FROM THE GET GO goooooooooooooooooodness!
Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee fuck, I'm SWEATING IN HERE
CONTEMPT FOOTBALL ROMANCE WITH AN AMAZING SET UP LIKE THIS IN A SILLY LIL PREQUEL/NOVELLA SITUATION????
SIGN ME THE FUCK UP.
I WILL GIVE YOU MY MONEY, MY SOUL, MY SAVINGS, MY TAX FILE NUMBER, MY ANIME FIGURINE COLLECTION, MY FAVOURITE TEACUP, MY EMOTIONAL SUPPORT WATER BOTTLE, WHATEVER THE FUCK YOU WANT, JUST LET THIS BE A GOOD ONE............
Yes it's a bit trashy, bit basic written, but my mood is ALL ABOUT THAT RN. Inject me with some football rivals-ish to lovers, based an an existing situation that would have been a REAL REASON TO BE UPSET WITH EACHOTHER FROM THE GET GO goooooooooooooooooodness!
Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee fuck, I'm SWEATING IN HERE
September 18, 2022
prequels should excite you and this one didn't.
January 26, 2023
Didn't really interest me and I wasn't vibing with the writing style. I don't know if I'll read their actual book or not.
January 10, 2026
Audible Listen
1h 11m
#0.5 of Winner Takes It All Series
Prequel Novella
MM Romance
NFL Quarterbacks on Rival Teams
One Time
This short novella is a great setup to the main book that follows. It explains how Jason and Beck first meet and why their is tension between them when book 1 starts.
I listened to it in one sitting and really enjoyed it and it was narrated well by Teddy Hamilton and J.F. Harding.
1h 11m
#0.5 of Winner Takes It All Series
Prequel Novella
MM Romance
NFL Quarterbacks on Rival Teams
One Time
This short novella is a great setup to the main book that follows. It explains how Jason and Beck first meet and why their is tension between them when book 1 starts.
I listened to it in one sitting and really enjoyed it and it was narrated well by Teddy Hamilton and J.F. Harding.
July 5, 2025
This was a fun little short that did a good job of introducing the MCs and setting the scene. The characters were well developed and the writing was easy. It doesn’t do anything ground breaking as far as sports romances go but it’s a good one to pass the time.
Expect
- Sunshine x shy MCs
- One night stand to lovers
Expect
- Sunshine x shy MCs
- One night stand to lovers
March 26, 2023
No reason for it to have not been included in the full-length book.
It's okay as an introduction to the couple but you don't get any real insights.
It's okay as an introduction to the couple but you don't get any real insights.
February 22, 2025
Great preview for what’s to come. Kind of like a preseason game.
August 25, 2022
I need more Beck and Jason ASAP
September 12, 2022
Hacía tiempo que no disfrutaba así de una precuela, la verdad es que esta tiene bastante chispa y te deja la miel en los labios para seguir con la historia de Jason y Beck.
January 11, 2023
Nothing new here for the sports romance genre, but I liked the characters enough to keep on reading to see what the rest of their story holds for them.
October 2, 2022
A short & sexy prequel to "The Boyfriend Comeback"! I read this as part of that full length book. Took less than an hour to complete, I'm enjoying Jason & Beck! We see their 1st meet & secret hookup here.
Jason is a 26 yr old San Francisco Hawks football player, one of the out & proud gay ones. He's also good at handling media.
Beck is a newbie, currently in the Los Angeles football team. He's Bi, I'm not sure he's out or not. He has social anxiety (poor guy 😟). He also has a crush on Jason 🤭.
Both love animals & it's quite fitting that they meet at a charity game! And it's sweet how Jason saves Beck from the media there.
Jason adopted a kitty, cute!
At J's BBQ party, J+B hit it off, time slipping & sparks flying, they both take a plunge...even made plans for later...then Why Beck ghosted Jason?! That made my heart hurt for J 🥺.
A mere text message after couldn't have saved this, B. 😭
I can't wait to see why B didn't come, & now a year later Jason's "my one-time hookup has become my cross-town rival".
This is gonna be so much fun, love me an enemies-to-lovers sports romance, heh!
___
FB Page | Instagram | Bookbub | FB group
Jason is a 26 yr old San Francisco Hawks football player, one of the out & proud gay ones. He's also good at handling media.
Beck is a newbie, currently in the Los Angeles football team. He's Bi, I'm not sure he's out or not. He has social anxiety (poor guy 😟). He also has a crush on Jason 🤭.
Both love animals & it's quite fitting that they meet at a charity game! And it's sweet how Jason saves Beck from the media there.
Jason adopted a kitty, cute!
At J's BBQ party, J+B hit it off, time slipping & sparks flying, they both take a plunge...even made plans for later...then Why Beck ghosted Jason?! That made my heart hurt for J 🥺.
A mere text message after couldn't have saved this, B. 😭
I can't wait to see why B didn't come, & now a year later Jason's "my one-time hookup has become my cross-town rival".
This is gonna be so much fun, love me an enemies-to-lovers sports romance, heh!
___
FB Page | Instagram | Bookbub | FB group
September 2, 2022
PRE-GRAME KICKOFF: PASS, INTERCEPTION, SCORE … MY SCORECARD IS READY FOR THE NEXT PLAY!
Pass the Gatorade, cuz I’m sweating already. Mmmhmm. Nothing sexier than a pair of Adonis-like football jocks with the hots for each other. Amiright? Rival quarterbacks? Even better yet. Their looks alone had me aflutter. Seasoned Jason (28) and rookie Beck (23) got me all hot and bothered in a sexy tease to upcoming A BOYFRIEND COMEBACK. Beck needs a little help from a fellow baller, and helpful Jason is only too happy to throw the nervous kid a bone. Pun intended. Little does Jason know that he’s Beck’s longtime crush. Jason’s wayyyy out of the closet, but he doesn’t have any gaydar when it comes to bi Beck until they connect socially, and all bets are off.
It was short, steamy, a little twizzle with the sizzle and just enough to whet a reader’s appetite for the book to come with a cliffy that left me anxious for answers. I don’t read MM romance that often, but the ones that capture my attention are always smoking hot and sizzle alot hotter than FM romance. Why is that? This prequel novella was just enough to give me a feel for the guys, their smokin’ hot attraction to each other, and a surprise turn of events leading into the book. Game day is 9/20/2022. Come prepared.
Pass the Gatorade, cuz I’m sweating already. Mmmhmm. Nothing sexier than a pair of Adonis-like football jocks with the hots for each other. Amiright? Rival quarterbacks? Even better yet. Their looks alone had me aflutter. Seasoned Jason (28) and rookie Beck (23) got me all hot and bothered in a sexy tease to upcoming A BOYFRIEND COMEBACK. Beck needs a little help from a fellow baller, and helpful Jason is only too happy to throw the nervous kid a bone. Pun intended. Little does Jason know that he’s Beck’s longtime crush. Jason’s wayyyy out of the closet, but he doesn’t have any gaydar when it comes to bi Beck until they connect socially, and all bets are off.
It was short, steamy, a little twizzle with the sizzle and just enough to whet a reader’s appetite for the book to come with a cliffy that left me anxious for answers. I don’t read MM romance that often, but the ones that capture my attention are always smoking hot and sizzle alot hotter than FM romance. Why is that? This prequel novella was just enough to give me a feel for the guys, their smokin’ hot attraction to each other, and a surprise turn of events leading into the book. Game day is 9/20/2022. Come prepared.
October 25, 2022
I love the Hopelessly Bromantic mini-seris by this author and had high hopes for The Boyfriend Kickoff and The Boyfriend Comeback.
I'm rating The Boyfriend Kickoff and The Boyfriend Comeback together because now they come in one book with two parts and aren't separate books anymore.
I was disappointed...
The chemistry wasn't great, the MC's were not very interesting, the sex scenes were repetitive, not really exciting.
I didn't connect with the characters or the storyline the way I did with the Hopelessly Bromantic books.
There was nothing really wrong with the book, I just didn't feel any of the excitement or happiness or dreaminess I had hoped for (and had felt reading the Hopelessly Bromantic books).
3 stars.
I'm rating The Boyfriend Kickoff and The Boyfriend Comeback together because now they come in one book with two parts and aren't separate books anymore.
I was disappointed...
The chemistry wasn't great, the MC's were not very interesting, the sex scenes were repetitive, not really exciting.
I didn't connect with the characters or the storyline the way I did with the Hopelessly Bromantic books.
There was nothing really wrong with the book, I just didn't feel any of the excitement or happiness or dreaminess I had hoped for (and had felt reading the Hopelessly Bromantic books).
3 stars.
September 11, 2022
Patiently waiting for The Boyfriend Comeback (which this book is a prequel to) to come out! I wanna see some more of Jason & Beck!
January 28, 2023
Meeting the San Francisco Hawks's QB Jason McKay, starting QB for the Los Angeles Mercenaries Beck Cafferty, is elated to meet his idol and secret crush.
The two meet at a PR event in San Francisco, supporting the Furry Friends Rescue but than it is Jason who rescues Beck from being too awkard at the press event.
Jason invites Beck to his BBQ and when everybody leaves he hangs back to ask for Jason's help with his media awkwardness.
Things heat up and Beck experiences his first time with a guy. They agree to meet again after the charity game, but Beck does not show up, he just ghosts Jason, and Jason decides to block his number.
While each book in the Winner Takes All Series can be read as a standalone, but to prevent previous plots and storylines to get spoiled, they are best enjoyed when read in order:
September 18, 2022
(2,5 stars rated down) This novella is also included at the beginning of The Boyfriend Comeback.
Jason McKay is the starting quarterback for San Francisco Hawks. Being so far the only openly gay quarterback in the NFL, he goes out of his way to be friendly and affable when interacting with both the media and other rival players. Beck Cafferty has just been promoted to the starting quarterback for Los Angeles Mercenaries and he could use a few pointers on interacting with the media.
Their first meeting is a photo op for an animal rescue charity before their friendly preseason game after which Jason invites Beck to a barbecue at his house. Beck plans to use the invite as an opportunity to ask Jason for an advice on how to handle the media while keeping his crush on him under wraps. Things don't go exactly as planned.
This is where the novella ends and while I was maybe mildly intrigued about the reason behind Beck's actions I can't exactly say I was sold on this pairing. I did however respect Jason immensely for having maturity and self respect to cut contact with Beck afterwards.
Themes: dual POV, rivals, quarterbacks, one night stand, pets, NFL
Jason McKay is the starting quarterback for San Francisco Hawks. Being so far the only openly gay quarterback in the NFL, he goes out of his way to be friendly and affable when interacting with both the media and other rival players. Beck Cafferty has just been promoted to the starting quarterback for Los Angeles Mercenaries and he could use a few pointers on interacting with the media.
Their first meeting is a photo op for an animal rescue charity before their friendly preseason game after which Jason invites Beck to a barbecue at his house. Beck plans to use the invite as an opportunity to ask Jason for an advice on how to handle the media while keeping his crush on him under wraps. Things don't go exactly as planned.
This is where the novella ends and while I was maybe mildly intrigued about the reason behind Beck's actions I can't exactly say I was sold on this pairing. I did however respect Jason immensely for having maturity and self respect to cut contact with Beck afterwards.
Themes: dual POV, rivals, quarterbacks, one night stand, pets, NFL
September 14, 2022
2.5 stars. My last couple Lauren Blakely reads haven’t gone well so I’m reading this series with not a lot of optimism and no one to blame but me if it leaves me grumpy. This kick off novella was okay. What bothered me most and left me feeling uninvested was the lack of build up and sexual tension between the MCs. A little bit of convo, a smidge of flirting and then they were jumping into mutual hand jobs. A sizzle-y dose of UST is, for me, essential and non-negotiable in a good romance and it was basically absent here. It left me feeling bored with the MCs' developing relationship and their sexcapades. The writing was typical LB—mostly good and funny although at times a bit too heavily slathered with pop culture references and, I dunno, overly ambitious modern speak, for lack of a better way to say it. I’m interested enough to read the main feature but my expectations are low and I'm guessing grumpiness will likely ensue.
September 11, 2022
I have been wanting to listen to a MM book narrated by Teddy Hamilton & JF Harding. Thanks Lauren for delivering! This novella was short & sweet and brought the heat. I’m excited to listen to the Boyfriend Comeback now.
September 15, 2022
I just read this quickly before I jumped into The Boyfriend Comeback to get an introduction to Jason and Beck and I’m hooked!! Definitely looking forward to what’s going to happen when these two see each other again. Since the continuation is available now, I’m going in!
September 11, 2022
This was a great prequel to ‘The Boyfriend Comeback’ and I can’t wait to dive into it!
December 14, 2022
Apparently I will fall in love with all characters named beck. I loved this and I loved the book after, so so good
Updating goodreads with my iBook, books.
Updating goodreads with my iBook, books.
September 30, 2023
3.75 stars 🌟 M/M x Bi-rep x Rival teams x Anxiety rep
Some of the writing is a little cringe but I enjoyed the storyline and story telling. I think I'll continue with the series.
Some of the writing is a little cringe but I enjoyed the storyline and story telling. I think I'll continue with the series.
November 17, 2024
I liked it and it made me curious about the characters and the developments. I think that's wat prequels are supposed to do so I'm gonna read on... 😃
April 12, 2025
Short and sweet little story. Set the stage for ALL the angst and I’m very much here for that. This will be my first sports romance so we’ll see how it goes!
July 15, 2025
A good introduction to the series.
September 9, 2022
Hot encounter
The first time Jason and Beck met is already hot and steamy. Neither of them can deny the chemistry and attraction between them. Until Jason was ghosted. Now a year later, Beck appears to be playing for Jason’s town rival team. Can’t wait for their full-length book.
The first time Jason and Beck met is already hot and steamy. Neither of them can deny the chemistry and attraction between them. Until Jason was ghosted. Now a year later, Beck appears to be playing for Jason’s town rival team. Can’t wait for their full-length book.
December 17, 2022
Short, sweet, hot and sexy! Now onto the main event, The Boyfriend Comeback ❤️
February 20, 2026
This was a great start to this series. I love Beck and Jason.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews