Sweat: Like Teammates, Book 1

This was so beautiful story. These two were perfect. The way they supported each other and how through everything their love never faltered. The way I could feel everything in Rowan's story.. I was happy for him, I laughed with him, I cried for him.. I love a book that can make me feel all the feels. The end wrecked me. I knew it was coming but I still cried my eyes out. This book was perfection!

📖 Sweat by Jonah Yorke Rating: ★★★★☆ I’m not sure I was prepared for the emotional excavation that is *Sweat*. It’s a story that strips its characters, and by extension the reader, down to the bone, exploring queer awakening with a raw, unapologetic honesty that is both beautiful and bruising. This book is a pulse pounding journey into the hearts of two young men battling themselves and the world to find each other. On one side, we have Tommy, a college student who is sweet, emotionally open, and grappling with his sexuality while also carrying the immense weight of his sister’s illness. On the other is Rowan, the team captain and soccer all star, a man who is physically dominant but emotionally guarded, using a rigid, punishing routine to keep his own dark secrets and self loathing locked away. He is deeply closeted, living with a found family he can’t bring himself to be fully honest with. What captivated me most was the refreshingly authentic role reversal in their power dynamic. Tommy’s emotional maturity and confidence contrasts so powerfully with Rowan’s physical presence, creating a psychological tension that is far more compelling than a simple physical rivalry. Their journey from enemies to reluctant allies to something much deeper is an explosive exploration of identity, fueled by an intense chemistry that feels both physical and profoundly emotional. They are two characters healing through mutual vulnerability, and their story is a masterclass in the hurt and…

With well developed characters and their story lines supported by family, friends and teammates. The angst and growth of the characters feels authentic, just like their intimacy. I recommend this to all lovers of HEA MM romance readers. I am looking forward to the author's second book coming out on Amazon soon.

This story is healing me. I have the same one with my first bf. The reason I chose him. The reasons only he could touch me. Even his appearance was the same, 190cm/80kg. He was not hot, but he was heart on legs and baby boy. I realized it in the first chapters when Rowan says or thinks the same words, SENTENCES, reactions, and motivation, like I had/have - very specific ones. My family abused me and neglected me. Strangers wanted to SA me - they did not. He was my person. We were even engaged. I did not know why my mind and body had chosen HIM. I am demisexual, so there had to be a reason. Now I know. He was the opposite of everyone who hurt me. Or tried to. He was a picture of safety in the back of my mind. The sad part is, he was the one who actually SA me. I did not see it coming. Why did he do it? Because I needed more time for sex. He said I owed him, and he was nice and patient. I did not know about Demi at that time; almost no one knew. It was a new term established only that year. Good boy, baby boy, heart on legs. You never know. Emerald Fennell, in her own movie Promising Young Woman (2020), which won 1 Oscar, exactly for the story, btw, has shown it amazingly. You NEVER know.

Honestly I expected a little more from this book, its a sweet love story and that's about it. I feel as if the book is a bit to long and repetitive unfortunately. The spice is ok, but they don't have full on intimacy until about 70% into the book. I feel this is just a sweet cupcake of a romance and if that's your thing you'll love this story, I prefer a little angst and more spice myself.