“I’m going to tell you what I told my son when he came out to me. Life is hard, but who you choose to love shouldn’t be. Choose your hard, Alex. Whether you choose to continue living in this closet you’ve built around yourself, or stepping out into the light, it’s going to be hard either way. But wouldn’t the hard be easier if you were happy?”
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Alex Young is the quarterback. Carter Brooks is a high school AP Stats teacher… and the coach’s son. If that’s not enough to hook you, then let’s add in anti-LGBT stigma in sports, adorable nerds crushing on one another, hilarious (and scarring) interactions with rambunctious high schoolers, a Marvel vs. DC debate, and characters named Mahoney Holmes, Wes Cooper, and Finn Anderson. 😆 Alex and Carter’s love story touched my heart and left me with the warm fuzzies because you can’t help but root for them. Their love feels sweet and pure, while maintaining passion and fierce support for one another. Couple that with the humor of some lighter and fun scenes, and this book was a wonderful read! 

This was my first male-male main character romance since returning to reading and I LOVED it! Yes, it's always nice to read an easy romance story, but this one has the added layer of LGBT struggle and triumph. I can empathize with the fear Alex feels at coming out while still playing football at a high level, but the relief he feels when even one person knows his secret is awe-inspiring and quite emotional. (Strong, supportive men for the win!)

Plus, his and Carter's love is super sweet. They compliment each other well. Alex is my favorite of the Mountain Lion guys because he's always the sounding board for his boys and constant rock to lean on as a leader of the team. I knew, when it came time for his story, his person HAD to be worthy of his great character... and Carter totally is! I really liked their relationship, how they balanced each other out, and the assumptions of how someone should behave in a relationship were challenged. And there are so many adorable, lovey moments between them that you're sure to swoon. I mean, the dance scene & the moments after the game at the end? Ugh 😩 I just LOVE them! Team Cartelex all the way! (Or is it Team Alarter?) 
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“You really do have no idea how hot it is when you talk football.” 
“About as hot as when you talk comic books to me.”