Honestly I loved this story so much that I would rate it 5 stars the second time around, so I settled for the middle. I've been really into mushy emotional reads lately and this was so perfect. 

If there is one thing that Tal Bauer can do, it's write the most perfectly swoony Texan cowboy. Wes is so adorable with his love for Justin. It melts my heart. There's more than just their romance though. Wes struggles with the pressure from the public, from his team, and from himself. He just wants to get an education and a better life, and he just happens to be amazing at football and sees that as his path. But he has to decide if it's worth it. Justin is so perfect for Wes too. He supports him no matter what, and stays by his side through thick and thin. Wes is just as supportive and all in with his love, even though it's not easy. They are so dedicated to each other, it's just that soulmate kind of love. 

Another thing Tal Bauer writes well? Dads. His books have some of the best dads and Nick and Graham are no exception. I can't wait for the reread of the next book for more of Nick. 

I do think it would be better with an epilogue. I actually thought there was one, since I know some of how they end up, but I guess that was addressed in the next book, The Quarterback, and I just read it there. Such a good reread, I love Wes and Justin! 

Read if you like: 
• football 
• opposites attract  
• secret relationship 

First Read Review, October 2022: 
If you like mush and kinda insta-love, this author is for you. I'm not a fan of those normally but these characters are so sweet and make my heart all warm and fuzzy. 
I felt like some plot points could've been settled a little more, and I would've loved an epilogue. I know there's a "sequel" so maybe there are Justin/Wes POVs like there were Colton/Nick POVs in this book?