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International Men of Sports #3
At First Touch
Excelling at the game he loved was everything to King, until Lukas showed him at first touch how much better his life could be…
Ewansiha ‘King’ Kroenig is at the pinnacle of his professional football career, even with a problem knee. He keeps his cool and keeps his head down, and that control has served him well. King is bisexual and known to date beautiful women, while he also occasionally satisfies his craving for men with the team’s trainer. It’s a good life, but starting with one bizarre and personal request from his ex, Silvia, his orderly life goes spinning out of control.
Lukas has no problem admitting he’s gay, but with a loudly homophobic team captain,he knows better than to go there around the team. He has his whole career ahead of him and is being groomed to take over for their star player, King Kroenig. If he admires King for more than his athletic prowess, what can it hurt?
No harm, no foul…until a certain trainer who knows them well decides to play matchmaker, then all bets are off. And once they’ve experienced that first taste, they want more. But it’s not as simple as hooking up or dating when you’re teammates, with high profiles and little privacy. And when they each suddenly gain responsibilities they never expected, they must figure out a way to reconcile their personal lives with the expectations of others.
Ewansiha ‘King’ Kroenig is at the pinnacle of his professional football career, even with a problem knee. He keeps his cool and keeps his head down, and that control has served him well. King is bisexual and known to date beautiful women, while he also occasionally satisfies his craving for men with the team’s trainer. It’s a good life, but starting with one bizarre and personal request from his ex, Silvia, his orderly life goes spinning out of control.
Lukas has no problem admitting he’s gay, but with a loudly homophobic team captain,he knows better than to go there around the team. He has his whole career ahead of him and is being groomed to take over for their star player, King Kroenig. If he admires King for more than his athletic prowess, what can it hurt?
No harm, no foul…until a certain trainer who knows them well decides to play matchmaker, then all bets are off. And once they’ve experienced that first taste, they want more. But it’s not as simple as hooking up or dating when you’re teammates, with high profiles and little privacy. And when they each suddenly gain responsibilities they never expected, they must figure out a way to reconcile their personal lives with the expectations of others.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 9, 2013
1 person is currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
T.A. Chase
161 books894 followersThere is beauty in every kind of love, so why not live a life without boundaries? Experiencing everything the world offers fascinates me and writing about the things that make each of us unique is how I share those insights. I live in the Midwest with a wonderful partner of thirteen years. When not writing, I’m watching movies, reading and living life to the fullest.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 7, 2017
This was a case of loving the secondary characters as much or possibly even more than the MCs... which seems to be a reoccurring thing for me! ;D
Yes, I loved Lukas and Ewansiha (still have NO clue how to pronounce that... grrr) but, let's face it... Xavier, Silvia, and Sergio made for some VERY interesting reading! Not to mention that I love when we get a strong, but loving woman added into the mix! I will admit that sports stories aren't my favorite... I don't do outdoors or sporting events as a general rule, but having raised two children, I have been to my fair share of them and have suffered through with a smile on my face while screaming encouragement from the sidelines... Now, where was I? Oh, yes...the sports aspect of this story... we saw quite a bit of locker room situations but very little actual field time, so this wasn't an issue for me with this book, thank goodness! *grin*
Touching on the "family" issue (one very near and dear to my heart)... it is true what they say... Your "family" is the people who love and accept you for who you are... and boy did Xavier end up with a lot of "family"!!! Enough said! :D
Yes, I loved Lukas and Ewansiha (still have NO clue how to pronounce that... grrr) but, let's face it... Xavier, Silvia, and Sergio made for some VERY interesting reading! Not to mention that I love when we get a strong, but loving woman added into the mix! I will admit that sports stories aren't my favorite... I don't do outdoors or sporting events as a general rule, but having raised two children, I have been to my fair share of them and have suffered through with a smile on my face while screaming encouragement from the sidelines... Now, where was I? Oh, yes...the sports aspect of this story... we saw quite a bit of locker room situations but very little actual field time, so this wasn't an issue for me with this book, thank goodness! *grin*
Touching on the "family" issue (one very near and dear to my heart)... it is true what they say... Your "family" is the people who love and accept you for who you are... and boy did Xavier end up with a lot of "family"!!! Enough said! :D
November 5, 2017
Ewansiha Kroenig was the King of football. Or at least he was before a knock to his knee sidelined him from play. But he has worked his way through rehabilitation and doctors and grueling practices that test his limits and his self-control. Lesser men might bow out and let the up and comer, Lukas, take his spot, but Ewansiha is not ready to retire just yet. He’s got a few games in him, and he intends to use them to the fullest. Lukas will just have to wait his turn. And Ewansiha will just have to keep a careful eye on the young player-—just not in the showers, mind.
Lukas loves football. Loves the way the ball and him find that moment of pure synchronicity. And if he also loves the feel of a hard body and rough hands, well, that is no one’s business but his own. The world might finally be growing up, but a locker room–-especially one captained by a homophobic, bigoted, asshole-–is no place to suddenly start proclaiming his sexual orientation.
Young, relatively healthy, rich, these two men have a lot going for them if they keep their focus and keep out of the press. Neither one thinks that what they need is to fall in love. Neither one expects to suddenly find themselves contemplating fatherhood. Neither of them is ready for the whirlwind that is about to become their lives…but they just might find that life outside football can be just as messy, but more rewarding than they ever thought possible.
At First Touch, the third installment of T.A. Chase and Devon Rhodes’ International Men of Sports series, is a great continuation of an already very well written collection of books. With this book we take up the sport of football (or as some heathens choose to call it: soccer). Since I am a huge fan of the sport (Go Earthquakes!!!) and just about devour any book put in front of me that deals with those hot and sweaty footballers-–especially when they are getting hot and sweaty together-–I was really really looking forward to reading this book.
What I found inside was a story that was more than just balls and locker-rooms full of dripping men in towels. It was about family–-and choosing to make a family when the one dealt to you is crap. About standing up, sometimes at great risk, and great cost. This book was able to cover some pretty heavy topics, but it did it in such a nice way, so that I never felt dread, just a nice smattering of tension and want. It is not very heavy, but it is real. And I like that.
And I loved Xavier–-or Xav, as he likes to be called. Loved what he brought to this story, what he made it become. Lukas’ life takes a sharp left turn when Xav strolls into his life. He becomes a part of Lukas’ life. Part of his family. And because Xav is there, Lukas starts to see that there just might be more to life than just what goes down on the pitch. He now has someone to protect. Someone to teach. Lukas finds a reason to stand his ground, even when he knows that the ground he’s trying to hold could very well slip out beneath him.
Ewansiha has his own battles to pick. Being bi has let him show an almost-honest face to the world, but there is still a part of him that he feels he has to keep secret. He is a very private person, but falling in love, with the ‘wrong’gender, could lead to a lot more attention than he wants. But life, and his friends, seem intent on him finding a way out into the world. Towards finding a piece of himself in the arms of someone who can love him. I liked Ewansiha’s journey in this book. Liked the way he handled himself. And I really loved the way he saw what needed to be done and did it. Even if it took him a long time to get to that point.
One of my favorite parts of this whole series is that it has taken us all over the world, and into three different sports. Cricket in India, Cycling in France, Football in Germany. I loved that through these books we are meeting different cultures, different people, but everyone still has the same worries, the some issues stopping them from reaching out–-but still trying their damnedest to do it anyway. The different races, the unique names, this is something I’ve come to love throughout these books. Nothing about these people can be cookie-cutter, because I don’tquite know what type of cookies to expect from these places. It makes each book a new and wonderful experience.
This is probably my favorite of the series, and not just because of the football, but because I love the secondary characters almost as much as I loved Ewansiha and Lukas. They bring such a great flavoring to this story that I wish I could stay and watch them. To see Sergio catch his man, to see Xav become one. To watch Ewansiha’s crazy family grow up around him. No, there is not a lot of angst in this book. And I like it that way. I like that the tension stays real, that the assholes are not always what they seem, but that not everyone can be saved–-at least for now. I enjoyed reading this book. Couldn’t put it down. And am really looking forward to whatever Chase and Rhodes have for us next.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Lukas loves football. Loves the way the ball and him find that moment of pure synchronicity. And if he also loves the feel of a hard body and rough hands, well, that is no one’s business but his own. The world might finally be growing up, but a locker room–-especially one captained by a homophobic, bigoted, asshole-–is no place to suddenly start proclaiming his sexual orientation.
Young, relatively healthy, rich, these two men have a lot going for them if they keep their focus and keep out of the press. Neither one thinks that what they need is to fall in love. Neither one expects to suddenly find themselves contemplating fatherhood. Neither of them is ready for the whirlwind that is about to become their lives…but they just might find that life outside football can be just as messy, but more rewarding than they ever thought possible.
At First Touch, the third installment of T.A. Chase and Devon Rhodes’ International Men of Sports series, is a great continuation of an already very well written collection of books. With this book we take up the sport of football (or as some heathens choose to call it: soccer). Since I am a huge fan of the sport (Go Earthquakes!!!) and just about devour any book put in front of me that deals with those hot and sweaty footballers-–especially when they are getting hot and sweaty together-–I was really really looking forward to reading this book.
What I found inside was a story that was more than just balls and locker-rooms full of dripping men in towels. It was about family–-and choosing to make a family when the one dealt to you is crap. About standing up, sometimes at great risk, and great cost. This book was able to cover some pretty heavy topics, but it did it in such a nice way, so that I never felt dread, just a nice smattering of tension and want. It is not very heavy, but it is real. And I like that.
And I loved Xavier–-or Xav, as he likes to be called. Loved what he brought to this story, what he made it become. Lukas’ life takes a sharp left turn when Xav strolls into his life. He becomes a part of Lukas’ life. Part of his family. And because Xav is there, Lukas starts to see that there just might be more to life than just what goes down on the pitch. He now has someone to protect. Someone to teach. Lukas finds a reason to stand his ground, even when he knows that the ground he’s trying to hold could very well slip out beneath him.
Ewansiha has his own battles to pick. Being bi has let him show an almost-honest face to the world, but there is still a part of him that he feels he has to keep secret. He is a very private person, but falling in love, with the ‘wrong’gender, could lead to a lot more attention than he wants. But life, and his friends, seem intent on him finding a way out into the world. Towards finding a piece of himself in the arms of someone who can love him. I liked Ewansiha’s journey in this book. Liked the way he handled himself. And I really loved the way he saw what needed to be done and did it. Even if it took him a long time to get to that point.
One of my favorite parts of this whole series is that it has taken us all over the world, and into three different sports. Cricket in India, Cycling in France, Football in Germany. I loved that through these books we are meeting different cultures, different people, but everyone still has the same worries, the some issues stopping them from reaching out–-but still trying their damnedest to do it anyway. The different races, the unique names, this is something I’ve come to love throughout these books. Nothing about these people can be cookie-cutter, because I don’tquite know what type of cookies to expect from these places. It makes each book a new and wonderful experience.
This is probably my favorite of the series, and not just because of the football, but because I love the secondary characters almost as much as I loved Ewansiha and Lukas. They bring such a great flavoring to this story that I wish I could stay and watch them. To see Sergio catch his man, to see Xav become one. To watch Ewansiha’s crazy family grow up around him. No, there is not a lot of angst in this book. And I like it that way. I like that the tension stays real, that the assholes are not always what they seem, but that not everyone can be saved–-at least for now. I enjoyed reading this book. Couldn’t put it down. And am really looking forward to whatever Chase and Rhodes have for us next.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
August 26, 2013
This is the third book in the series, following A Sticky Wicket in Bollywood, which I really liked and Chasing the King of the Mountains, which I loved.
I probably wouldn't rate this book as highly as the first two, and most definitely not as high as Chasing the King of the Mountains which was my favourite so far.
I think the second book really stood out because of the more unique nature of the sport (cycling, the Tour de France in particular) while the football in At First Touch was more common place.
The plot was also slightly more predictable however it was still very enjoyable.
My only real complaint was the name of one of the main characters. His name was Ewansiha and I have no idea how to pronounced it so I am sure I was mangling it in my head. He was known by the nickname "King" but his real first name was used enough for me to be really conscious of stumbling over it. It seems a rather silly complaint and I certainly don't think characters should be named 'easy' names just to make them more pronounceable but it was just something that stood out to me.
3.5 stars
I now publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
I probably wouldn't rate this book as highly as the first two, and most definitely not as high as Chasing the King of the Mountains which was my favourite so far.
I think the second book really stood out because of the more unique nature of the sport (cycling, the Tour de France in particular) while the football in At First Touch was more common place.
The plot was also slightly more predictable however it was still very enjoyable.
My only real complaint was the name of one of the main characters. His name was Ewansiha and I have no idea how to pronounced it so I am sure I was mangling it in my head. He was known by the nickname "King" but his real first name was used enough for me to be really conscious of stumbling over it. It seems a rather silly complaint and I certainly don't think characters should be named 'easy' names just to make them more pronounceable but it was just something that stood out to me.
3.5 stars
I now publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
February 10, 2017
A bit of matchmaking leads teammates to finding out they share their attraction with each other--though misunderstanding after misunderstanding come close to preventing their romance.
Features a really hot threesome hot tub scene, though I kinda wish it had ended up permanent. Sergio is so sweet, how could anyone taking him home permanently?
Features a really hot threesome hot tub scene, though I kinda wish it had ended up permanent. Sergio is so sweet, how could anyone taking him home permanently?
July 3, 2015
Wonderful book full of characters that I want to see again!
This installment of this series is fantastic. I love soccer and was pleased when I discovered that I'd somehow skipped this book. Unlike a lot of the other books both main MC are on the same team and have to deal with being gay while in the sports world.
This book has it all, hot sex scenes, issues that have to be dealt with, obstacles to overcome and a great overall storyline. One of my favorites in the series and I've added it to my all time favorites. I will be rereading this book again!
This installment of this series is fantastic. I love soccer and was pleased when I discovered that I'd somehow skipped this book. Unlike a lot of the other books both main MC are on the same team and have to deal with being gay while in the sports world.
This book has it all, hot sex scenes, issues that have to be dealt with, obstacles to overcome and a great overall storyline. One of my favorites in the series and I've added it to my all time favorites. I will be rereading this book again!
February 2, 2014
I really liked this story! Very enjoyable read. My only qualms were I wished we learned who Sergio's unrequited love interest was that has him wanting to quit and move back to Spain (was it King, Lukas or Paulo?) and I wished there was one more scene with Padraig to see if he kept Lukas' being gay to himself or not. Is he going to cause them trouble? I've got to know!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
did-not-finish
August 2, 2015Did not finish.
This book just rubs me the wrong way. While I do like the style it's written in, it just bugs me way too many times.
But I'm sure other people will love this book.
This book just rubs me the wrong way. While I do like the style it's written in, it just bugs me way too many times.
But I'm sure other people will love this book.
April 10, 2017
3.5 Stars
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews