When retired NFL superstar Keller Williams returns to his small town to coach his old high school football team, he’s surprised how much he enjoys being out of the limelight and on the field with the kids. Even more surprising is his immediate attraction to the father of one of his players—single dad Niall Harper.
Problem number one: Niall Harper isn’t gay.
Problem number two: Keller isn’t out to the world.
Problem number three: Niall hates his guts. And Keller has no idea why.
High school librarian Niall Harper has always done the right thing. Except be true to himself. Divorced and raising his teenaged son, Niall is dismayed to discover the new football coach is none other than his long-ago Friday night fantasy and nemesis. Not that it matters—Keller doesn’t remember him. It’s nothing new; Niall has always been easy to forget. Now Keller wants to be friends. And more. Niall can’t deny the annoying man makes him laugh and feel things he’d only dreamed possible. But would a player like Keller be satisfied with a regular guy like him?
Being together is more than complicated, but they are willing to take the risk. Niall reveals he’s dating his son’s coach, and Keller comes out to the team, his fans, the press, and small-town gossips. Neither is prepared for the fallout, but that doesn’t stop them. It’s time to throw the Hail Mary pass of a lifetime and win the game of forever. And they’re ready.
It’s been a little while since I last read an M/M romance and I’d forgotten just how good they could be.
This was my first read by Felice Stevens but I’ll definitely be checking out her other books.
I adored Keller & Niall. I liked the tension when they first met and the misunderstanding and skewed opinions Niall had of Keller added to the build up of their story. Keller’s interest and persistence at getting to know the other man was fun to read.
My heart hurt for them both… one in the limelight letting people think they knew who and what he was while the other was also living a lie and didn’t see that ever changing given the small town he grew up in up in and continued to live in.
I liked that they both saw the other and could be what they each needed. That Keller knew he needed to go at Niall’s pace and was understanding, patient and wanted to explore their connection without urging him to rush things made me like him that much more.
Niall was a sweetheart. Always thinking of others and going with what was best for them, he deserved to live his life, fully. Keller was the last person he expected to find that with but, for me, he was exactly the partner that Niall needed and deserved.
I really liked the supporting characters. David was a great kid, his initial reaction to his dad’s news was understandable but how he dealt with things going forward showed how great a relationship he and his dad had.
There were so many tips of the hat to things that still go on today when it comes to people’s sexuality. The double standards people often live by, the ‘fall from grace’ that can threaten when people don’t like other’s choices or lifestyles…… to name just a couple… these issues were well addressed and handled in the book and added to the story (vague, I know… but I’m not for giving spoilers and I might if I say anything else!!)
This was a thoroughly enjoyable, heartwarming read that had me cheering on Niall & Keller from the sidelines throughout.
Definitely give ‘The Player’ a shot. I’m glad I did!!
Recommend – 4.5*
How about a little sneak peek:
They sat in a booth and David decided he wanted a chocolate shake as well. Marilyn brought it over and smiled. “Great game on Friday, David. I bet you kids take the championship. Especially with Keller Williams as your coach.” “Why thank you, Marilyn. I appreciate your confidence.” Niall froze at the sound of Keller’s teasing laughter. “Hi, Coach.” “Hi you two. Having dinner? No Sunday pizza party tonight?” David wrinkled his nose. “How did you know about that?” Niall blinked rapidly, and decided he needed to speak. “I, uh, must’ve mentioned it on Friday night.” Satisfied with his answer, David sucked up some of his shake. “Where’s your friend?” Niall asked. “Did you leave him at home to pick up dinner?” A bit of light dimmed from Keller’s vibrant face. “No. Elijah left this morning. I got sick of being in the house, so I decided to come out and indulge with a burger and fries. Sometimes you need a little crispy goodness to make yourself feel better.” “Dad?” David stared at him, and raised his brows. Niall knew what David wanted him to do. He wanted it as well but he’d have to keep his guard up. “Want to join us? We just ordered our burgers.” Keller’s face transformed from dejection to pleasure. “’I’d love to. Are you sure?” But he was already sliding into the seat next to Niall. The two of them weren’t small men and Keller’s legs were big and muscular. Of course he was using their proximity to take advantage. Niall had nowhere to go—not that he wanted to. Keller was warm, and Niall wished they could stay in this crowded little booth forever. Keller placed the napkin in his lap, fingers brushing against Niall’s thigh and Niall had to hold back a sigh of pleasure. Until he glanced over and saw the devilish smile on Keller’s lips and knew he was teasing him on purpose. David was busy scrolling on his phone and sucking down his milkshake, giving him an opening. “Stop that,” he muttered. “What?” Keller widened his eyes. “Please?” He pleaded and cut his gaze to David. Keller nodded. “Okay.” He waved over Marilyn. “I’ll have the grilled chicken and fries, extra pickles.” Niall wrinkled his nose. “Extra pickles?” “What? I love pickles.” Their food came first and he felt awkward eating, but Keller waved him on. “I’ll manage.” And did so by proceeding to eat the fries off his plate. Niall had never been with someone like Keller. He was so damn…happy. And being in his orbit made Niall happy as well. It had taken him this long to figure out what that dancing, fluttery feeling in his chest were. For the first time, he was himself.
About the Author:
Felice Stevens writes romance because what is better than people falling in love? Her favorite part of a romance novel is that first kiss…sigh. She loves creating stories of hopes and dreams and happily ever afters. Her stories are character-driven, rich with the sights, sounds and flavors of New York City and filled with men who are sometimes deeply flawed but always real.
Felice writes M/M romance because she believes that everyone deserves a happily ever after. Having traveled all over the world, she can safely say that the universal language that unites people is love. Felice has written in a variety of sub-genres, including contemporary, paranormal and has a mystery series as well.
Felice is the Lambda Literary Award winner for Best Gay Romance for her book, The Ghost and Charlie Muir, and the e-Lit gold medal winner in romance for Broken Silence.
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