Review: The Endgame by Riley Hart
SYNOPSIS:
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.
REVIEW:
This definitely ranks up there in my top 5 Riley Hart reads. I loved this delicious, slow-burn romance. It had everything I wanted and so much more. The whole forbidden romance aspect built into a tender, vulnerable love that honestly had me endlessly swooning and giggling. Their chemistry was off the chart and the pacing of the story was fantastic and as I closed the last page, all I could think was…I want more!
I have to start with West and Anson’s meet cute, I absolutely loved their chance encounter at a bar. As their real identities are reveal, so begins a delicious slow-burn. Now don’t get me wrong, there is plenty of steam in this story but it begins over long distance, with West shamelessly pursuing Anson. I loved the cat and mouse game here, Anson did and didn’t want to give into temptation. As West wears him down, I think both characters were surprised but how much they formed a friendship.
What originally was just supposed to be about sex turned into so much more. West was loud and proud and the fact that he was willing to bend so much for Anson was a testament to his love. In contrast, Anson grew so much during this story, his character arc was beautiful. He found his voice, found love, and found self-acceptance. It truly had me feeling all the feels.
West and Anson’s pet names for each other were absolutely the cutest and I adored their banter. Their conversations were the perfect balance of vulnerable and blush-worthy. The secondary characters are amazing, offering the perfect amount of support while not stealing the spotlight from West/Anson. Overall, it was just such a rich story, filled with so much character depth and heart, I don’t know how you could not fall in love with West and Anson.
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