Read as part of [b:Gaymes|7446708|Gaymes|Carol Lynne|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1262149002l/7446708._SY75_.jpg|9470338] anthology ( )

This is a moving story about two men who’ve lost lovers; one because he wasn’t able to come out because of a bad experience in his past, the other because his ex-lover said he wanted to stay in the closet, but ended up being unfaithful. Both meet when playing for the "Rough Riders", an amateur three-sport team, of which Luke and his ex-lover are co-captains.

Luke Briscoe is so deeply in the closet that he cannot come out even when his current lover leaves him. After ten years, that is a tough realization, but it shakes him awake. He is finally forced to confront his fears when the sexy and confident new member of the team, Derek Grimm, has no problem with being out and proud. It makes Luke reconsider his stance of hiding from the world.

Derek Grimm is a new member of the team and, assuming they are all gay based on a misunderstanding, comes out. He doesn't have a problem with it, and neither have the others – most of them. He quickly falls for Luke, and while he doesn't really know what to do, he is determined to make things work between them. He is honest and courageous, and I was rooting for him all the way.

I loved this story about two men struggling with their past. Luke’s fears were so well-founded, I had doubts he’d ever be able to get over them. Derek’s patience while trying to make Luke understand how much he means to him was heart-warming. And Derek’s plan of how to wake Luke up was brilliant. This is an emotional and satisfying read, built around a couple of interesting plot twists that made my heart stop in fear for Luke more than once.
( )

Read this out of order with its sequel; glad to have read both of them now. The tension among the leads is well-drawn, particularly for a shorter story. Liked a lot. ( )

2.5 stars. ( )