Atlanta Lightning Book 1: The Endgame by Riley Hart

 

Atlanta Lightning Book 1

Weston 

When I left home, I swore I'd never hide anything about myself again. From college, to law school, to the United States Senate representing California, I've done it all as an out gay man. So, when I'm in DC and see a beautiful guy at the hotel bar, I don't hesitate to proposition him...right before he runs out on me, leaving his sunglasses behind like my very own Cinderfella. 

Anson 

I've always known I'm gay, but never acted on it. Pretending isn't easy, but it means I can keep playing football. No one has ever guessed my secret until the gorgeous man at a bar in DC. At least he doesn't know who I am--the best tight end in the NFL, playing for the Atlanta Lightning. Though my identity doesn't stay a secret from him for long. 

Between texts and late-night phone calls, we get to know each other. West's the only person who knows all the parts of me, just like I know his. When he asks for one night together so he can show me what it's like to be with a man, I can't say no. But once isn't enough, and we keep sneaking around together--brief encounters, in California, Georgia, or DC, filled with passionate touches and whispered truths. 

I never thought I'd have love. West never thought he'd want it. Now we're all in with each other, but he still has time left in his Senate term. I have contract obligations to fulfill, and I'm closeted. We don't even live in the same state. The odds are stacked against us, but if there's one thing I know, it's how to win. He's the endgame in the biggest challenge of my life, the one I'm banking my future happiness on.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57481725-the-endgame

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Anson has spent his life hiding who he is from everyone. All he wants is to play professional football and take care of his family. Both things have always been his priority. But the weight of lying and pretending just keeps getting heavier and heavier. He’s so, so tired. And then he has dinner at a bar and meets Weston. And they spend hours talking and though Weston asks him for more, Anson immediately clams up and walks away shocked that someone could see past his mask. Soon, the two find one another again and talk and get to know one another. And though Anson still denies who he is and Weston assures him it’s okay and if he ever wants to talk, he is there, the connection between them just gets stronger. Until eventually, just talking isn’t enough. Being together isn’t easy aside from Anson not revealing to the world or even his mom and brother that he is gay, but the fact that Anson is a NFL player and Weston is a senator, scheduling time together is hard. But it’s only a matter of time until feelings they have one another is too strong to deny. I loved Anson’s journey. He is never easy on himself and you can see how much he struggles. But as he learns to fall in love, he begins to learn who he truly is and what he wants from his life. And Weston has spent his life being who he is, out and proud, but he also has been trying to show his father he is so much more in his work. But no matter how hard he works, his father still won’t accept him. These two were a great match and I loved getting to know them both and watch them fall in love!