The Jock

The first half of this book was pretty incredible. The weeks in Paris falling in love, then reality setting in back home in Texas. Beautifully written, gorgeous prose, the emotions jumping off the page. I was expecting the story to take some devastating turns and really tackle the reality of being a closeted celebrity athlete.

I suppose in a way it delivered, but any semblance of “reality” evaporated a little too much for my taste. I needed more side characters (why does Justin have no friends?), I wanted the characters that were there to have more depth and nuance (the coach and the other players are all ridiculous), I didn't want all the drama to be resolved so quickly and easily. In the end it felt like the author was getting bored of the story himself and just rushing to finish it. It's a shame because there was so much potential.

That said, a lot of that potential could still be unlocked if there's a sequel, and I'm definitely invested in this couple's future.