Final Score: Off the Pitch Book 3, Charlie Novak

This story was so much awesome.  I'm sad to see the series end, but it's one that I'd actually go back and re-read from the beginning.  Each one is so wonderfully connected to the rest and yet separate enough to know that each pairing has their own story independent of the sport and team they share.  The lives of the men are just as interesting as their romance and this addition to the series is no different.

Jordan is the feel-good friend that is comfortable with his role, his job, and his decision to keep a certain aspect of his life private.  It's not in shame, which I totally appreciate, it's for a deeper reason that resonates and is believable.  The way he comes out is absolutely in character for him and I really enjoyed the moment.  While it shifted the spotlight and could have been interpreted as a bit selfish and more than a little ill-thought spontaneity, it worked for all the characters involved because of who they all are, their comfort levels, and Jordan knowing both what's in his heart and what his friends needed in that moment.  There's something wonderfully insightful about him that endears him to me even more.  I genuinely liked him.

Felix was a little more difficult to fall in love with right away because the chip on his shoulder made him seem a bit more defensive and a little to callous with his playboy attitude.  That quickly went away after we see him become fascinated by Jordan.  There were no other partners once they came to an understanding, even if exclusivity wasn't discussed.  It was a bit of an insecurity and concern on an individual basis regarding their thoughts of commitment from one another, but it wasn't actually something to worry about.  Having both POV's was super helpful in alleviating any concerns I had as a reader about this.

Their conflict was more of the heart and reconciling not only their feelings for one another, but their feelings regarding the sport that is so much a part of their lives.  Watching Felix come to terms with his own past was really wonderful and his openness with Jordan was exactly what both men needed.  Jordan's situation was unexpected and yet a fantastic way to connect both men and see how connected both of their hearts had become.

I think what I loved most about this story was the fact that the angst was kept at a minimum, the conflict was believable, and both men were captivating on their own before they came together for some seriously steamy awesomeness and balanced it all with tender feels.  The only reason it wasn't 5 stars was because I generally hand those out for all the reasons listed above but including humor...better still if that humor makes me laugh out loud in real life and necessitates putting my reader down so I can have that laugh.

*$4.99 on Amazon

Can one perfect night lead to more?

Jordan Green is too busy for a relationship. With the World Cup looming, his focus is on making the England team, not finding someone to spend his life with. His friends may be settling down, but Jordan’s had enough of planning weddings. All he wants is some fun, and Félix is the perfect person for that… even if he is his boss’s brother.

Félix Trossero is not looking for love. Or a relationship. Or anything beyond tomorrow morning. He’s rich, he’s handsome and he’s incredibly happy with his playboy lifestyle. He doesn’t want anything else. That is, until he runs into one of his former flings at his brother’s football club.

Neither of them want commitment, but neither of them can resist their connection. While Félix is forced to deal with his past, Jordan must face his worst fears. Will they put their hearts on the line for one final score?