A review by kaydee_reads
Playing Offside by Jax Calder

emotional hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This was such a fun book, despite knowing exactly nothing about rugby. The two main leads, Aiden and Tyler, have instant chemistry, and their journey from rivals to friends with benefits to lovers is well-earned. The author explores internalized homophobia, coming out as an athlete, grief, and balancing romance with ambition all with a deft hand and a light-hearted touch. 

My one quibble was with Tyler’s dad -
he seems to change his tune incredibly quickly for a man who not only beat his teenage son but spent the next several years repeatedly covertly bullying and threatening him. One night of lectures from his wife and he’s suddenly showing up at Tyler’s door encouraging him to be with Aiden? That part didn’t feel earned - more of trying to tie up loose threads nearly. However, I’d still give the book 5 stars regardless for the rest of the story!
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