Hidden Plays: An Enemies to Lovers Bi-Awakening Football MM Romance (Desert Football Book 1)

Poor JJ is really having a hard time moving on from Myles. Hunter and JJ knew each other back in high school and needless to say there is some bad blood. After some hilarious interactions the endure while Holden tries to make their relationship better, they find a great love. JJ was patient and open while Hunter was figuring things out. They absolutely will do anything to make the other happy. I loved their story. Great start to the football series!

When it comes to love it seems like JJ just can’t find the one he was meant to be with. The last guy he liked ended up having feelings for his teammate and since then he has been trying to figure out a way to move on. Never did he expect that his high school rival would be his solution. When JJ sees Holden working for their college football team as a new physical trainer, he is less than happy. How can he trust Holden after how they acted around one another in high school? Especially when JJ has to put his trust in Holden when it comes to his health? All Holden wants is to be good at his job. He lost his chance for a football career back in high school after a terrible injury, being a physical therapist has become his new dream. But when JJ keeps giving him a hard time he isn’t sure what to do to gain his trust. Turns out, JJ has some ideas. JJ needs his roommates to back off about his love life and his ex. Having a fake boyfriend should do that right? He asks Holden to be his secret boyfriend and in exchange he’ll listen to him when it comes to his PT. But that sparks the beginning of what will be a very sweet relationship. Holden never felt attracted to guys before and yet JJ changes everything for him. He may still be figuring out who he is but with JJ by his side, he knows it will all be okay. Sweet story all around. It was nice to see JJ finally find his happy ending. And I really liked getting to know Holden as well! Looks like we have some interesting football players…

This was my first book from this author and I haven't read anything in this series or those linked to it, which thankfully you didn't need to do in order to read the story. I found the first half of the book quite enjoyable (albeit the excuse for fake dating was quite thin), it all played out really well and the dynamic between Holden and JJ was intriguing. I found the second half/ last quarter of it quite difficult and I honestly only read it just to finish the book. The problem I felt really came down to the development of the characters. Drama is introduced in the form of Holden's addicted brother and Holden now embracing his new queer identity but realizing it comes at the cost of 'coming out'. The way those around Holden handled his coming out was done well but my issue came with how Noel's addiction was handled and the development of JJ and Holden's relationship. This is at the point where their relationship has blossomed further into love and they're closer yet, it honestly all read like a 13 year old gushing about her crush. The way the two communicate feels very immature and rather than feeling like they've fallen fast and their love is so powerful it's inevitable, I rather felt like they were young and foolish to what they really felt. I do think more careful thought into Noel's recovery (an addict in a few months, even a year isn't just magically better around alcohol and in a great stable relationship) could have been more realistic. Truthfully, I was just let…

JJ and Holden… starting off as mild enemies and then steady build up… then steeeaaammmmyyy! There is no 2nd or 3rd act breakup, so happy about this because these characters needed the drama around them (of family drama!) but they themselves were steady with an easy HEA. Once Holden had accepted the possibility of being more fluid in his sexuality then they were full steam forward. The ending of the book was all tied up with a bow, which I didn’t need but this author doesn’t like to leave people hanging. I also want to see more of Noel, curious if trauma was the instigator for his addiction? Actually I need the rest of these boys period! 😂

JJ + Holden - sweet & spicy "I'm taking what's mine." (Ch. 11, Holden) "When you meet the one, you know it." (Ch. 18, JJ) JJ is still trying to recover from his attraction to Myles (from Desert Ice Hockey series) when his former high school quarterback and rival joins the team roster as a student trainer. Holden has decided to become a trainer because he just wants to be a part of football after his career ending injury in high school. He wasn't expecting JJ to still hold a grudge against him. He's also never liked guys, so what are all these feelings? JJ makes a deal with Holden to fake date to help JJ with his friends, but lines quickly start to blur for both of them. Holden soon starts struggling to accept what's happening and who he's attracted to as his real feelings for JJ grow. Holden seeks help from Eli to figure out what happening to him then it's full throttle as he goes after what he wants - JJ. Through the help of friends, family, and much needed long talks together they make it to their well deserved HEA. Always love the open, yet sometimes hesitant, lines of communication between Christie Gordon's characters. They don't dwell too long before they reach out for help and then each other. Sweet and super spicy bi-awakening romance between two enemies to unlikely friends to more to forever. It was great to see JJ finally getting his HEA. Wonderful start to the Desert Football and spin off from Desert Ice Hockey.