After reading about two hundred romances, I can identify a trope a mile away. Many of them represent the core conflict of a story - keeping secrets being a very common one. Well, Avery Cockburn scared me several times in this story, like, stop and wander off to scowl kind of scared, and yet I was rewarded for persistence. I happily give this book a solid five stars. Well done! ( )

This one made me realise that I have no idea whatsoever how the Scottish see the world. Also that some have this much... hate (?) for the Irish/catholics. That was... weird to realise.

Also I still don't like footbal. So kuddo's to the author who still makes this a fun read. ( )

Fergus has been burned by love, and now he knows better than to mix it with his soccer team, which he is bound and determined to lead to a winning season. And when a determined--and quite attractive--lad shows up with an offer for the team to participate in a charity match, Fergus sees it as a perfect opportunity to rally the team and get them some exposure at the same time. It's just that, well, having this guy around makes it very hard to stick to his new rules.

John has always kept guys at an arm's length. It hasn't stopped him from taking a guy home, but he knows it can never be more than that. No one can know the truth about John's family, and he is determined to keep it that way. Until he sets his sights on Fergus, and he knows he needs to leave his family's secret behind. But will Fergus be able to accept him if he knows the truth?

Honesty. Is it really always the best policy? And if it is, when is the best time to enact it? Do people have the right to reveal themselves in their own time? Or when entering a relationship, is there an obligation to put it all out there, even if it seems likely the other person will not be able to accept it? For John and Fergus, every one of these questions is put to the test. And when you're dealing with people who have been burned by secrets and dishonesty in the past, it just adds fuel to the fire in trying to create, maintain, and grow a relationship. And in this case, it leads to some unintended and unexpected explosions. ( )

Nice! Looking forward to reading the whole series! ( )

I honestly thought I would love this book, but I couldn't even make myself enjoy it.
I loved that the setting was Scotland, because so far I've only read books set in England. We get a peek into modern Glasgow and a part of what makes it's atmosphere.
But the whole thing about John lying to Fergus about his family and history was simply exhausting and Fergus drove me bonkers with his attitude. I wasn't that much into the story or the characters so it's a wonder I've finished it.
( )