The Star

Charleston Condors, Book 1

By: Beth Bolden

Narrated by: Darcy Stark

Tight end Landry Banks knows the score when he signs with the Charleston Condors in a rebuilding year.

New owner. New coach. New players. New rules.

But one rule hasn't changed: Don't hook up with your best friend's little brother.

Rookie quarterback Riley Flynn knows what it takes to make it in the NFL. He's in Charleston to prove himself—to the world and his teammates, but mostly to his older brother, who's never believed he could be a star.

The last thing he expects is for his brother's best friend, Landry, to welcome him with open arms and an offer to become roommates.

Riley's always believed Landry was straight—but the way Landry keeps checking him out leaves him suddenly unsure. And Landry's hot looks certainly don't help squash the crush he's always had on his brother's best friend.

Revisiting his teenage crush isn't part of the plan. But as he and Landry fall into a rhythm of thrilling plays on the field and sizzling tension off it, there's no denying their connection.

Riley isn't willing to trade becoming the next big NFL superstar for love. But with a man like Landry Banks waiting to catch anything he throws at him, maybe he can have both.

©2023 Beth Bolden (P)2024 Podium Audio

Light and sweet

Not too angsty, but setting up for what looks to be a terrific series. It’s the side characters and their entanglements and potential complications that made this book more than mediocre. I enjoyed it and will reread, and am looking forward to the next book in the series!

Characters

Great story, great characters. Story included a lot of the team and set up at least 3 follow up stories.

Not bad but maybe give it a Pass!

Had to come back and remove a star… If you’re that lazy an author that insists on repeatedly using the word “Wryly” instead of consulting a thesaurus then maybe Don’t name one of your main characters “Riley”… once maybe but over and over wtf!?!
I fully realize that most MM authors are women but I really hate when female writers characterize Grown Azz Men like they are swooning, bubble headed 16 year old girls!!! It really takes away from what at its core could have been an amazing book. I mean one of the main characters Landry, a 31 year old 6’5” professional athlete is depicted more like a bumbling prepubescent virgin?!?
Narration Overall was fine but kinda adding to the above it didn’t help that he often gave Riley, the 24 year old also star athlete a voice more fitting a 14 year old boy whose balls haven’t fully dropped yet…

Consistent use of the word “wryly”

The main character is named Riley. The author continuously uses the word “wryly” all throughout the book as well as in the other books in the series. It was cute the first time. Annoying the second. Frustrating the third time. By the third book and the 1,000th usage, it’s like a sledgehammer to the head.