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Willow Bay #1
Away Game
The plan was to move away and never look back.
Get away from him, out from under my father’s disapproving stare, and start a new life in Willow Bay.
It was supposed to be my fresh start, but instead my past followed me.
The one thing I desired and couldn’t have.
Weston Jackson.
I hated how he made me feel things that I couldn’t give into without turning my world upside down.
I wanted to make him pay.
For the way my father now looked at me. For the way I saw myself.
But most of all… for wanting him the way I did.
This is a full-length high school and college enemies-to-lovers and new adult romance with high angst, suspense, and gutting emotion. It's book one in the Willow Bay series that will have interlinking storylines. Away Game can be read as a standalone and starts off a three-book planned series. This is the only MM story. The others are MF.
Get away from him, out from under my father’s disapproving stare, and start a new life in Willow Bay.
It was supposed to be my fresh start, but instead my past followed me.
The one thing I desired and couldn’t have.
Weston Jackson.
I hated how he made me feel things that I couldn’t give into without turning my world upside down.
I wanted to make him pay.
For the way my father now looked at me. For the way I saw myself.
But most of all… for wanting him the way I did.
This is a full-length high school and college enemies-to-lovers and new adult romance with high angst, suspense, and gutting emotion. It's book one in the Willow Bay series that will have interlinking storylines. Away Game can be read as a standalone and starts off a three-book planned series. This is the only MM story. The others are MF.
281 pages, Paperback
First published February 4, 2021
297 people are currently reading
2832 people want to read
About the author
Harlow Layne
56 books2,681 followersHarlow Layne is known for her contemporary romance style of beautiful slow-burn, sweet, sexy and swoon-worthy alphas, and fast pace, super-steamy romance in her Love is Blind series.
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Stalk Harlow here:
➜ WEBSITE: https://www.harlowandellasromance.com/
➜ NEWSLETTER: https://www.harlowandellasromance.com...
➜ FACEBOOK: https://bit.ly/HarlowEllaFB
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
July 11, 2022
"While I hated that I wasn't Fin's first choice, not that it was a surprise, it did make me happy he came to me. It was sad how desperate I was for his attention."
i highly enjoyed this! the only reason why i picked this up again was because of the third book: teacher-student romance. so i was like let's give willow bay another shot. and lo and behold, i ended up really digging this story for the second time around. the book won't surely win the most original award but girrrrllll fin and west's story got me on a chokehold. i popped in my airpods on, made some iced coffee, and i was flying through the pages non stop. my only criticism: how the romance was advertised and marketed as this enemies-to-lovers romance... but not so much based on what i've read. i mean it was but milder. more like grumpy guy meets his new openly gay teammate and he is confused as fuck with his attraction. however, the moment fin and west started to get warm and lovey-dovey? i immediately turned into this fruity cup brimming with joy, excitement, and arousal.
exhibit a:
"If you wanted to be my boyfriend, you could have said something," he said shyly, ducking his head so I couldn't see his eyes.
exhibit b:
"I guess I should let you go so you can get some sleep, but I couldn't go to bed without talking and seeing you."
February 5, 2021
No no no no. I really really wanted to like this. If you guys have any MM bully romance please let me know. I really want to read a good one
This book didn’t work for me. Not at all. They didn’t even pass their enemies stage properly. They jumped into love and feelings and it was so sudden and unreal. I can’t even categorise this as romance with the lack of content. Huff. So disappointed. 2 stars for me
⭐️⭐️
This book didn’t work for me. Not at all. They didn’t even pass their enemies stage properly. They jumped into love and feelings and it was so sudden and unreal. I can’t even categorise this as romance with the lack of content. Huff. So disappointed. 2 stars for me
⭐️⭐️
January 19, 2021
This is not your typical MM romance . . . Its a coming to terms with who you are even when the world throws everything it has at you.
These characters are real and relatable. Fin is the bully, while West is the target. As life changes from high school to college and they both are faced with a new way to live, they both find out who they really are meant to be and what they really want. Real friendships are kept and made along the way as life altering events happen.
This story gives you the real feel of struggling to find yourself and to find out what love really is. It's a tale as old as time, but made relevant for today.
Away Game is epic story of real life and should resonate with anyone who has ever felt confused about who they are, what they want, and what to do about love. There is no better story that truly makes you feel empathy, love, friendship, and understanding like Harlow has written here. 5 stars is not enough, and honestly I am not sure if my words can even convey how necessary this story is to life. Its one I plan to recommend to all and will end up rereading again and again. I am so in love with Fin and West! I can not wait to know more about the gang we were just introduced to!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced complimentary copy of this book.
These characters are real and relatable. Fin is the bully, while West is the target. As life changes from high school to college and they both are faced with a new way to live, they both find out who they really are meant to be and what they really want. Real friendships are kept and made along the way as life altering events happen.
This story gives you the real feel of struggling to find yourself and to find out what love really is. It's a tale as old as time, but made relevant for today.
Away Game is epic story of real life and should resonate with anyone who has ever felt confused about who they are, what they want, and what to do about love. There is no better story that truly makes you feel empathy, love, friendship, and understanding like Harlow has written here. 5 stars is not enough, and honestly I am not sure if my words can even convey how necessary this story is to life. Its one I plan to recommend to all and will end up rereading again and again. I am so in love with Fin and West! I can not wait to know more about the gang we were just introduced to!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced complimentary copy of this book.
February 4, 2021
I had such high hopes for this book. I love MM books, I love bully books, so this should’ve been right up my alley.
Unfortunately it fell way flat for me. So much of this book was left off the page.
We never see West being himself, being out and proud, which is claimed.
We never see West and Fin and why Fin hates him.
We never see them interacting normally and with other people at college.
And most disappointingly, we never see them have a relationship. We never see the fun day to day bits of their relationship, the part where they fall in love with each other, where we fall in love with them. I wanted this, I craved it, I needed it.
I loved the twist with Coach, but felt the bit with the frat was a bit out of nowhere. I would’ve liked to have seen more build up, more evidence of why they did what they did, so it wasn’t out of nowhere.
I liked Oz, and Ridley, and Ford but didn’t see nearly enough of them.
I also felt as if there was a lot left hanging, especially in regards to Fin’s football career.
I wanted to love this book, it had all my sweet spots, but unfortunately it fell flat for me, sorry.
Unfortunately it fell way flat for me. So much of this book was left off the page.
We never see West being himself, being out and proud, which is claimed.
We never see West and Fin and why Fin hates him.
We never see them interacting normally and with other people at college.
And most disappointingly, we never see them have a relationship. We never see the fun day to day bits of their relationship, the part where they fall in love with each other, where we fall in love with them. I wanted this, I craved it, I needed it.
I loved the twist with Coach, but felt the bit with the frat was a bit out of nowhere. I would’ve liked to have seen more build up, more evidence of why they did what they did, so it wasn’t out of nowhere.
I liked Oz, and Ridley, and Ford but didn’t see nearly enough of them.
I also felt as if there was a lot left hanging, especially in regards to Fin’s football career.
I wanted to love this book, it had all my sweet spots, but unfortunately it fell flat for me, sorry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2022
The second star is for Oz.
February 5, 2021
2.5 Stars
I usually love enemies-to-lovers and sports romances, but this was a miss for me.
I didn’t connect with either MC, and their relationship progress was all over the place. I think either the “enemy” phase should’ve been shorter, or the book longer overall to give more time for their relationship to grow steadily. Also, I found nothing redeeming about Fin at all. His behavior towards women in the beginning, and his hateful attitude with literally everyone was such a put off. Not enough character redemption - at all.
I seem to be in the vast minority though; so maybe it’s just me.
I usually love enemies-to-lovers and sports romances, but this was a miss for me.
I didn’t connect with either MC, and their relationship progress was all over the place. I think either the “enemy” phase should’ve been shorter, or the book longer overall to give more time for their relationship to grow steadily. Also, I found nothing redeeming about Fin at all. His behavior towards women in the beginning, and his hateful attitude with literally everyone was such a put off. Not enough character redemption - at all.
I seem to be in the vast minority though; so maybe it’s just me.
February 4, 2021
Normally, I’m not a fan of the gay for you storyline but Harlow managed to keep me not only invested in the story but rooting for Fin and West’s success as a couple as well. This is not a sexually driven story, which is what I gravitate towards with my MM reads, but instead focuses on growth and friendship bonds in a relationship. It’s amazingly well thought out. It’s a journey of self-discovery more than a romance journey but obviously there is a romance happening. It was just such a great story about friendship and acceptance at an age where it is most important to forge the right mindset about anything, not just your sexuality. I cannot recommend this story enough!
Available now! Grab your copy today or read in Kindle Unlimited!!
🏈Amazon Universal: https://readerlinks.com/l/1607343
Available now! Grab your copy today or read in Kindle Unlimited!!
🏈Amazon Universal: https://readerlinks.com/l/1607343
January 7, 2022
I liked it enough but wasn’t really crazy for it. I just wish it had a better transition from being enemies to lovers.
January 20, 2021
I love M/M stories and this one kept me desperate to know what was going to happen from the first page.
Weston is doing everything he can to support his family but Fin just can't stay away. He instantly hates Weston for the things that he makes him feel.
Fin may make Weston's life hell but when his word is crashing down he comes to his rescue.
These two certainly had to make some difficult decisions and make life changing choices but they were absolutely perfect together and their story made me so happy with how it worked out in the end.
Weston is doing everything he can to support his family but Fin just can't stay away. He instantly hates Weston for the things that he makes him feel.
Fin may make Weston's life hell but when his word is crashing down he comes to his rescue.
These two certainly had to make some difficult decisions and make life changing choices but they were absolutely perfect together and their story made me so happy with how it worked out in the end.
January 25, 2021
Fast paced book with lots of steam. Fin and West has explosive chemistry.
I have to admit that I didn’t connect with the characters and I felt that the author pulled us into the book without really making us understand the characters. There were times where everything moved too fast, and in my opinion some important build up was left out, while other parts were longer.
Still, if you enjoy m/m romance, you will enjoy this.
⭐⭐⭐
I have to admit that I didn’t connect with the characters and I felt that the author pulled us into the book without really making us understand the characters. There were times where everything moved too fast, and in my opinion some important build up was left out, while other parts were longer.
Still, if you enjoy m/m romance, you will enjoy this.
⭐⭐⭐
August 23, 2022
love fin & West
This was very entertaining I couldn’t put this book down plus it’s an interracial mm couple wich it’s always a win win , Bully and MM please I can read this all day and never got bored , first book Ive read by this author and it wont be my last , totally love this one.
This was very entertaining I couldn’t put this book down plus it’s an interracial mm couple wich it’s always a win win , Bully and MM please I can read this all day and never got bored , first book Ive read by this author and it wont be my last , totally love this one.
January 25, 2021
This is a story about two boys who struggle with their feelings toward one another. It's a bit different in a bully book, as it falls more into hazing/bullying at the collegiate level, which honestly broke my heart. I'll also say this book lifted my spirits all at the same time as it talked about discussing your feelings and finding a mentor which I highly admired.
Away Game focuses on two boys, one who is openly gay and and one who is not. Fin has only ever been with girls and isn't exactly attracted to boys, but he's highly attracted to West. That's a huge problem not only because West is gay, but also West attends the rival high school that took away the football championship. Fin is able to stay away from West during high school and hopes to never see him again once he goes to college, but Fin isn't that lucky, especially when West is the RA checking him in at orientation.
Fin struggles not only with his feelings, but the emotional abuse of his non-supportive family and verbally abusive father. Fin knows deep down that even if he wanted to recognize any sort of feelings for a man, his father would never allow it, so what's the point. Fin is by far tougher on himself and comes across as a total a** to everyone in his life, but it's a defense mechanism so he doesn't have to pick liking anyone and then having to drop them when his family finds out.
West didn't grow up rich like kids at the rival high school he played football against. Now that he's at college and has a fresh start, he's hoping for a good year. When Fin shows up at orientation, the one kid who openly hates him from his hometown, West just realizes his wish changes and now wants to survive the year.
West and Fin never thought they could form a friendship, much less something more. Considering Fin is confused and basically disgusted with his own feelings everything is twisted up between them, even friendship for a long time.
I really admired the friendship between all of the players on the football team and the relationship between the coach and his players. This was a really good book that delved into discovering yourself before you jumped into a relationship. It was light on steam for that very reason, but made sense for the overall story.
4.5 stars overall
Away Game focuses on two boys, one who is openly gay and and one who is not. Fin has only ever been with girls and isn't exactly attracted to boys, but he's highly attracted to West. That's a huge problem not only because West is gay, but also West attends the rival high school that took away the football championship. Fin is able to stay away from West during high school and hopes to never see him again once he goes to college, but Fin isn't that lucky, especially when West is the RA checking him in at orientation.
Fin struggles not only with his feelings, but the emotional abuse of his non-supportive family and verbally abusive father. Fin knows deep down that even if he wanted to recognize any sort of feelings for a man, his father would never allow it, so what's the point. Fin is by far tougher on himself and comes across as a total a** to everyone in his life, but it's a defense mechanism so he doesn't have to pick liking anyone and then having to drop them when his family finds out.
West didn't grow up rich like kids at the rival high school he played football against. Now that he's at college and has a fresh start, he's hoping for a good year. When Fin shows up at orientation, the one kid who openly hates him from his hometown, West just realizes his wish changes and now wants to survive the year.
West and Fin never thought they could form a friendship, much less something more. Considering Fin is confused and basically disgusted with his own feelings everything is twisted up between them, even friendship for a long time.
I really admired the friendship between all of the players on the football team and the relationship between the coach and his players. This was a really good book that delved into discovering yourself before you jumped into a relationship. It was light on steam for that very reason, but made sense for the overall story.
4.5 stars overall
February 10, 2021
This book had so much potential! I’m actually gutted that it didn’t live up to it for me
✨
Okay, so we have the brilliant albeit confusing start to a bully romance where our two MC’s are on opposing football teams in high school. And yes, one of them beat the other, cue angst!
I loved the start of this book, the conflicting emotions that West felt towards the guy that didn’t know if he wanted to kiss him or kill him. Fin’s absolute hatred towards his attraction to someone who would definitely be the wrong someone in his father’s eyes. It was angsty and dramatic and the events in the beginning had me hooked!
The author missed so many vital parts out of this book for me, we don’t really get to see the relationship between Fin and West, we only really see the bully element until it’s too late at we’re at the end of the book blinking away confusion at where the actual romance started. I feel like if we were just given more of the two of them together then I probably would’ve felt more attached to the characters.
3/5⭐️
✨
Okay, so we have the brilliant albeit confusing start to a bully romance where our two MC’s are on opposing football teams in high school. And yes, one of them beat the other, cue angst!
I loved the start of this book, the conflicting emotions that West felt towards the guy that didn’t know if he wanted to kiss him or kill him. Fin’s absolute hatred towards his attraction to someone who would definitely be the wrong someone in his father’s eyes. It was angsty and dramatic and the events in the beginning had me hooked!
The author missed so many vital parts out of this book for me, we don’t really get to see the relationship between Fin and West, we only really see the bully element until it’s too late at we’re at the end of the book blinking away confusion at where the actual romance started. I feel like if we were just given more of the two of them together then I probably would’ve felt more attached to the characters.
3/5⭐️
February 4, 2021
Such a great book!!!
This was amazing!!! MM & Bully!! Two of my favorite tropes!! The angst, the suspense and pull between Fin and Wes is so good!! It keeps you turning those pages. Just when you think you're escaping your nightmare, your nightmare follows you and yiu have to face it head on! These two give you all the emotions, anger, frustration but yet you are routing for them because you kniw there's just more. Layne delivers all the goods with this book and I can't wait to read more!!! A must read!!!
This was amazing!!! MM & Bully!! Two of my favorite tropes!! The angst, the suspense and pull between Fin and Wes is so good!! It keeps you turning those pages. Just when you think you're escaping your nightmare, your nightmare follows you and yiu have to face it head on! These two give you all the emotions, anger, frustration but yet you are routing for them because you kniw there's just more. Layne delivers all the goods with this book and I can't wait to read more!!! A must read!!!
July 27, 2022
This one just wasn't for me. It felt underdeveloped when it came to Fin and West's relationship and their transition from enemies to lovers went a little too fast for me. There was no build up to it and instead felt like the author just flipped the switch and we were supposed to believe Fin was suddenly over his hang ups about West. And then the ending was so rushed it gave me whiplash
January 26, 2021
So I’m not gonna lie, Harlow Layne is one of my go to authors and I know no matter what she writes I’m gonna love it. It could be an office romance, reverse age-gap, even a vacation romance and I’m there for it all. But y’all she has never, I MEAN NEVER sliced and diced my poor heart quite as much as she did with Away Game. This was her FIRST full- length M/M,
WHAT?
Also her FIRST go at a bully romance?
SERIOUSLY?!
Y’all I’m telling you you’re in for a treat and you absolutely would have no idea she hasn’t been writing these genres for a while. It is most definitely her most amazingly poignant and perfectly gut wrenching book TO DATE. My heart never stood a chance. OMG the tears I cried. So.Many.Tears.😭This amazing book, this pinnacle of literary perfection got me y’all... right in the feels. Pieces, I fell to pieces. Thank god like a little blue haired surgeon, she put me back together again.
This is a story that while yes it was interesting and kept me captivated from cover to cover, it needed to be told and I am so glad to have had the chance to hear this story. I am so in love with all of it, even the tissue grabbing, fist clenching moments. Yay for this being Willow Bay book 1. I am really excited we get more of this crew's story because I’m not sure I will ever really be ready to turn loose of them, as my Willow Bay people have become my people for life. I will think of them and I will think of them often because they own a huge spot in my heart not just now but for a long time to come. Here's why...
Fin, I mean could we possibly have a more sexy name for our hero?!? That’s a rhetorical question BTW. Because, ladies, HOLY HELL!! Everything about this broody, broken man is sexy. He makes my heart melt, he made my heart flutter, he made me melt into a puddle of goo. But truly my heart broke for him. He basically OWNS my heart. Yup, I’m claiming this misunderstood bad boy. Not that I’ll be turning his head anytime soon. Lol (because he likes guys… well one guy that is )
He’s so much more than what people realize and I can’t wait for you all to read this book and fall in love with the complexity of this character the way I have. To understand the years of secrets and lies he kept buried deep that not only made him become the man he became but also kept him from fully becoming the man he was destined to be. You're going to understand that when you read the book.
Now West. Oh my sweet boy. He is definitely a perfect Harlow’s Hero, but he’s so much more. He’s just a picture of hardworking humble perfection and as loyal and sweet as they come. Add in forgiving and so completely comfortable with who he is. Oh and he’s perfect. Did I say that already? I love the Fin we get to see because of West and his situations. BTW their banter is EVERYTHING! He’s exactly what Fin needed and vice versa. If only Fin wouldn’t fight it so. But I’m glad he did. This journey was phenomenal. This juice was worth the squeeze, my friends. Oh but it was visceral and cut to the core though to get there. But that’s what I loved. This was so different from anything else Harlow has ever written before.
This book was LIFE! It really had it all, it had heat, passion and banter for days. It had super sexy tension, angst, frustration and real life social issues. It had heartbreakingly real struggles. It was forsure true to what a bully romance is supposed to be. Holy cow I wanted to chuck my kindle across the room. MORE THAN ONCE! So BE WARNED ( but that IS BULLY romance and I freakin loved it and don't get offended when I say HEY If you can’t take the BULLY heat stay the HELL out the kitchen)
I love that this book is about forgiveness and healing and learning to be comfortable in your own skin. It’s about finding support to help you overcome a traumatic event and about owning your crap and taking responsibility for the hurts you caused the people you actually care about . But most of all it's about the beauty of inevitable love. About Loving who you love. Because Love should ALWAYS WIN!!
My Cr8zysockbookblock blog wrap up for this book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- I NEED MORE STARS!! LOL I love Harlow Layne. Her writing will always give us something we didn't know we wanted but fist pumped when we got it. It will always be filled with heat, delicious banter, and unexpected twists and turns. She caught me off guard, but Away Game was riveting and emotionally gripping in a way I was not expecting from a sports romance and it was just magical. ( be prepared to need tissues though) Harlow is so good at being able to deliver a well rounded work of literary art. I definitely got that. This book is still with me long after I finished the last page and I would not be surprised if I'm still feeling it years later. ) And I was lucky enough to BETA read this gem so I read it a minute ago)It’s truly one of those special books. YOU WILL SEE!!
🔥🔥🔥🔥-There is nothing hotter than two people that try like hades to resist each other, then finally giving in. Except maybe a bunch of fireworks on the fourth of July..Nope Fin and West are hotter than a fireworks display! So clearly they are really Freakin hawt!! 🔥🔥
🌪Cliffhanger Warning-🌪🌪No Cliffhanger! This was super emotional, I cried so many times because I loved these characters and felt all the feelings right along with them, but I was so happy with how this ended and I am so excited with the set up we get for the next book! #HappyEnding!😍
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This is a story that while yes it was interesting and kept me captivated from cover to cover, it needed to be told and I am so glad to have had the chance to hear this story. I am so in love with all of it, even the tissue grabbing, fist clenching moments. Yay for this being Willow Bay book 1. I am really excited we get more of this crew's story because I’m not sure I will ever really be ready to turn loose of them, as my Willow Bay people have become my people for life. I will think of them and I will think of them often because they own a huge spot in my heart not just now but for a long time to come. Here's why...
Fin, I mean could we possibly have a more sexy name for our hero?!? That’s a rhetorical question BTW. Because, ladies, HOLY HELL!! Everything about this broody, broken man is sexy. He makes my heart melt, he made my heart flutter, he made me melt into a puddle of goo. But truly my heart broke for him. He basically OWNS my heart. Yup, I’m claiming this misunderstood bad boy. Not that I’ll be turning his head anytime soon. Lol (because he likes guys… well one guy that is )
He’s so much more than what people realize and I can’t wait for you all to read this book and fall in love with the complexity of this character the way I have. To understand the years of secrets and lies he kept buried deep that not only made him become the man he became but also kept him from fully becoming the man he was destined to be. You're going to understand that when you read the book.
Now West. Oh my sweet boy. He is definitely a perfect Harlow’s Hero, but he’s so much more. He’s just a picture of hardworking humble perfection and as loyal and sweet as they come. Add in forgiving and so completely comfortable with who he is. Oh and he’s perfect. Did I say that already? I love the Fin we get to see because of West and his situations. BTW their banter is EVERYTHING! He’s exactly what Fin needed and vice versa. If only Fin wouldn’t fight it so. But I’m glad he did. This journey was phenomenal. This juice was worth the squeeze, my friends. Oh but it was visceral and cut to the core though to get there. But that’s what I loved. This was so different from anything else Harlow has ever written before.
This book was LIFE! It really had it all, it had heat, passion and banter for days. It had super sexy tension, angst, frustration and real life social issues. It had heartbreakingly real struggles. It was forsure true to what a bully romance is supposed to be. Holy cow I wanted to chuck my kindle across the room. MORE THAN ONCE! So BE WARNED ( but that IS BULLY romance and I freakin loved it and don't get offended when I say HEY If you can’t take the BULLY heat stay the HELL out the kitchen)
I love that this book is about forgiveness and healing and learning to be comfortable in your own skin. It’s about finding support to help you overcome a traumatic event and about owning your crap and taking responsibility for the hurts you caused the people you actually care about . But most of all it's about the beauty of inevitable love. About Loving who you love. Because Love should ALWAYS WIN!!
My Cr8zysockbookblock blog wrap up for this book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- I NEED MORE STARS!! LOL I love Harlow Layne. Her writing will always give us something we didn't know we wanted but fist pumped when we got it. It will always be filled with heat, delicious banter, and unexpected twists and turns. She caught me off guard, but Away Game was riveting and emotionally gripping in a way I was not expecting from a sports romance and it was just magical. ( be prepared to need tissues though) Harlow is so good at being able to deliver a well rounded work of literary art. I definitely got that. This book is still with me long after I finished the last page and I would not be surprised if I'm still feeling it years later. ) And I was lucky enough to BETA read this gem so I read it a minute ago)It’s truly one of those special books. YOU WILL SEE!!
🔥🔥🔥🔥-There is nothing hotter than two people that try like hades to resist each other, then finally giving in. Except maybe a bunch of fireworks on the fourth of July..Nope Fin and West are hotter than a fireworks display! So clearly they are really Freakin hawt!! 🔥🔥
🌪Cliffhanger Warning-🌪🌪No Cliffhanger! This was super emotional, I cried so many times because I loved these characters and felt all the feelings right along with them, but I was so happy with how this ended and I am so excited with the set up we get for the next book! #HappyEnding!😍
Blog|Facebook|Instagram|Goodreads|BookBub|Amazon
February 9, 2021
3.5 Stars 🌟
This was suprisingly good. I really did enjoy the book but also had some issues with the dialogue in certain areas. Some of the things said or done felt a little cringy or out of place. I absolutely adored West but took much longer to connect with Fin and at times he was just so frustratingly annoying, I get why he was the way he was but I wish the author had spent more time showing us rather than telling us all he was struggling with. Same goes with other parts of the book as it was only 230 pages and there were some scenes I felt needed to be longer with a little more emotion other than that it was pretty decent.
I've read a lot of M/M romance but I haven't read too many bully M/M and I actually really enjoyed it, some scenes were a little hard to read due to the content but that usually doesn't affect me but do take caution if you have triggers. The book was short and super easy to read and I really enjoyed all the side characters and will definitely be continuing this series. This was my first read from this author and def won't be my last,
This was suprisingly good. I really did enjoy the book but also had some issues with the dialogue in certain areas. Some of the things said or done felt a little cringy or out of place. I absolutely adored West but took much longer to connect with Fin and at times he was just so frustratingly annoying, I get why he was the way he was but I wish the author had spent more time showing us rather than telling us all he was struggling with. Same goes with other parts of the book as it was only 230 pages and there were some scenes I felt needed to be longer with a little more emotion other than that it was pretty decent.
I've read a lot of M/M romance but I haven't read too many bully M/M and I actually really enjoyed it, some scenes were a little hard to read due to the content but that usually doesn't affect me but do take caution if you have triggers. The book was short and super easy to read and I really enjoyed all the side characters and will definitely be continuing this series. This was my first read from this author and def won't be my last,
February 5, 2021
OMG, West and Fin – loved them. Their romance will pull you in from page one and not let you go until the very end. The chemistry and attraction between them was explosive. Each time they were together, it just radiated off the screen and I was all for it. They tried to fight the attraction but it was too much of a pull between them. They couldn’t stay away from it and I couldn’t stop reading. I had to know if they would be able to finally be free and be with who they wanted. Love is love no matter who you are. Great read and I can’t wait to read more from this author. Highly recommend this read.
dnf
August 28, 2022DNF at 50%.
Too much rage, violence, and denial; very little banter, fun tension, and romance.
While I know it’s nice to take it slow in some ETL tropes, we barely got anything between the characters by the halfway mark and I felt no true chemistry.
Too much rage, violence, and denial; very little banter, fun tension, and romance.
While I know it’s nice to take it slow in some ETL tropes, we barely got anything between the characters by the halfway mark and I felt no true chemistry.
January 22, 2021
I loved this one! Well written and fast paced enough that I was never bored. I just kept reading to find out if they were going to get it together!
Loved it!
Loved it!
January 17, 2021
I'm not a big M/M fan but I fell in love with the cover and blurb. I gave it a shot and I'm so glad that I did! This story was definitely different than I was expecting. I love Harlow's writing and whether you're a newbie or a long time fan, Away Game is a must read!
I can't wait for the next book :D
I can't wait for the next book :D
January 18, 2021
Away Game was beautifully written with such depth that will have you in tears because of how realistic and heartfelt it was!! I know I was in tears because how beautiful it was. You got the perfect angsty feels between the two main characters. I will say I thoroughly enjoyed the heavy topics that Harlow Layne had written. These characters have to deal with not only sexuality confusion but also racial differences. I really enjoyed these characters, main characters and supporting. West is caring and love and free with who he is. Fin you can’t help but have a sweet spot for him even with him being so mean. These two are definitely a match. The relationship both West and Fin have with Coach Kyle is amazing. He is a great role model for them both and can be there for them if they are confused, need help, or just a listening ear. I’m honestly at a loss for words because I just enjoyed this book so much!
I think this is such a good read for everyone! Harlow definitely did such a great job with this one! I can’t wait to see more of these characters and more from Harlow!!
I think this is such a good read for everyone! Harlow definitely did such a great job with this one! I can’t wait to see more of these characters and more from Harlow!!
January 27, 2021
Can I give it like 10 stars, because it definitely deserves it. This was amazing book with perfect story line. Both main characters described well and with depth, they feel completely real. Even side characters have some of it. We saw good and bad sides of them, at theirs worst and best. Slow building of real relation; starting with bully, going through friendship till the wonderful romance, was marvelous and created with finesse. Sexual tension between Fin and West is palpable. Every single word of this book was ideal. Honestly it’s hard to find words to describe all I think and feel since I’m still mesmerized by this incredible story. I wasn’t able to put it down once started. And I wasn’t able to stop thinking of it since I finished. It was beautiful and full of emotions, emotions we felt as well while reading. Simply remarkable.
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February 1, 2021
I LOVED West and Fin! Their story was an emotional journey and I couldn’t put it down.
Fin and West played high school football against each other, but now that they are in college they are not only teammates but also roommates. From the moment they meet there is an attraction between them, however, Fin is still keeping his attraction to himself in fear of backlash from his family and his friends. I loved that despite hiding his true feelings and bullying West in the beginning he is still protective of him and came out and changed their relationship after an incident at a party.
This story completely hooked me from the beginning and I truly couldn’t put it down. The tension and the chemistry is addictive. Plus, it is a great introduction to the future characters in the series.
If you’re looking for a MM, college sports, bully romance this is one to check out.
Fin and West played high school football against each other, but now that they are in college they are not only teammates but also roommates. From the moment they meet there is an attraction between them, however, Fin is still keeping his attraction to himself in fear of backlash from his family and his friends. I loved that despite hiding his true feelings and bullying West in the beginning he is still protective of him and came out and changed their relationship after an incident at a party.
This story completely hooked me from the beginning and I truly couldn’t put it down. The tension and the chemistry is addictive. Plus, it is a great introduction to the future characters in the series.
If you’re looking for a MM, college sports, bully romance this is one to check out.
January 4, 2021
This was the first MM romance is ever read and I didn’t know what to expect but Harlow Layne knocked it out of the park. She made a MM bully romance raw and feel real! The transition of the relationship was so natural and the profession just made sense. Layne took her time developing both Fin and West and nurtured their relationship with finesse. Not to mention she made the side characters likable and gave them depth. I’m desperate to read the rest of their books and can’t see where Layne goes with this series. If you’re nervous about trying out MM romance, I highly recommend this book. You will not be disappointed. 5 incredible stars!
January 18, 2021
Being the first I have read of M/M I wasn't quite sure what to expect. This book did not disappoint. Wes a confident, compassionate young man from a devoted hardworking single parent household. Fin an arrogant, angry, confused young man from an affluent neglectful family. The chemistry between them was carnal and yet fragile at times. Their story enveloped me in an array of emotions and I couldn't put it down. Let's not forget the secondary characters (I adored): a best friend, a sibling and a few close team mates whose storylines were effortlessly intermingled within. Cannot wait to see more of them.
Received an ARC copy for an honest review♡
Received an ARC copy for an honest review♡
January 21, 2021
Excuse me while I pick my jaw up from the floor. This story started out like any other story of a guy and girl. Then before I knew it the whole story changed. It took me on the most thrilling ride I have ever had with a story. Fin and West were two guys who I would of never pictured together. Fin is a jerk to the ones he cares about the most. West is the sweetest to everyone that he meets. When Fin finally opened up to the reality of his feelings it took no time for the romance and love to develop between Fin and West. I want more!!! Harlow never disappoints me with her stories. I can't wait for the next one.
January 19, 2021
Holy only, what a emotionally charged ride, dysfunctional families at their best, family devotion, friendship from childhood, team rivalry, everything you want in a book, high school rivals West and Finn, winners and losers, meet up at the same college unbeknownst to them, rich kid Finn and poor kid West, the chemistry between them wants to be hidden by one and explored by the other, semi friends until college frat party turns dangerous and Finn and the other football players intervene, amazing story, I have voluntarily read and review this ARC, thank you for the privilege, Dana Zamora
October 21, 2021
OMG! This book is incredible! Once I started reading I couldn’t stop. I didn’t want to put it down. It was such an incredible story about accepting yourself and loving someone no matter what.
I loved this book because it was real. You could feel the emotions the author was trying to convey. I felt this book as I was reading it. It was so different than your typical love story and that is what made it so good.
It was truly a beautiful story of accepting yourself and being true to who you are! Well done. I give this book 5 stars! If I could give it more I definitely would. It deserves it!!
I loved this book because it was real. You could feel the emotions the author was trying to convey. I felt this book as I was reading it. It was so different than your typical love story and that is what made it so good.
It was truly a beautiful story of accepting yourself and being true to who you are! Well done. I give this book 5 stars! If I could give it more I definitely would. It deserves it!!
January 28, 2021
Wow! Away Game had me on the edge of my seat. The chemistry, equal parts hate and sexual tension, was palpable. The book was fast paced and didn't let my heart settle much before the next intense moment.
Away Game is a steamy, m/m, hate-to-lovers, college sports romance that will you out of breath and begging for more!
Away Game is a steamy, m/m, hate-to-lovers, college sports romance that will you out of breath and begging for more!
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