Reviewed by Cinnamon

 

 

TITLE: Gasping For Air

SERIES: Gameday Book 2

AUTHOR: T.S. McKinney

PUBLISHER: Painted Hearts Publishing

LENGTH: 456 pages

RELEASE DATE:  April 22, 2017

BLURB:

How far will Trystan go to win the heart of the man he loves? All the way.

Trystan Matherly is conceited, arrogant, and rich. He has plenty of money, athletic ability, and gorgeous looks to keep the men forming a long line just to be with him. Choosing his next lover has been as simple as down-selecting to the hottest candidate.

Until Dakota.

With his sad eyes, full lips, and perfectly sculpted swimmer’s body, Dakota is just the kind of lover Trystan wants. After only one look, he knows he has to have him. Too bad Dakota seems to be totally oblivious to all his charms.

Dakota Jacobson is lonely, tired, and depressed. He’s at Alabama Temple to complete his degree, not to put up with idiots. He works diligently to be as invisible as possible. He doesn’t need friends and he sure doesn’t need lovers…especially not football titans that think they rule the world. Nope; been there, done that.

Until Trystan.

With his sexy eyes, arrogant smirk, and muscled physique, Trystan is just the kind of lover Dakota never intends to have…again. Too bad Trystan refuses to allow him to be invisible.

 

REVIEW:

Gasping for Air is the second book in the Gameday series but can be enjoyed as a standalone. This has been a very emotional and gut-wrenching story that kept me on my toes all the way. The story is a lot longer read than my normal but I say be patient and read it carefully as every detail has its importance, every word, every inner monologue adds a new layer, a new thought to the characters and the story.

We have a very unlikely couple with Trystan and Dakota, who for some reason work perfectly together.

Trystan is one of the most controversial, most amazing characters I have read in recent memory. His borderline stalkerish behavior was perfectly balanced with his humor, sarcasm and fun, carefree personality but it still fazed me a bit until I saw that his advances are welcome, and Dakota’s reactions clearly showed his willingness and I didn’t feel any kind of force or unwanted non-con. It was slippery slide at times and some of Trystan’s behavior might be questionable but his intention and heart are at the right place.

For me Trystan was a lot easier to get close to from the beginning. He was open and honest to a fault.

The double first person point of view was a wonderful method here to get into both of our MCs heads. It gave us all the details we needed to understand both characters and see where they were coming from and where they were going.

Dakota and Trystan share some truly explosive chemistry and the sex, though most of it is not shown, was various, creative and sizzling hot. Also be prepared not to be able to look at a pool table ever again without picturing one of the hottest edging scenes ever.

My favorite part is their banter. The way they talk to each other is natural and lifelike, and the changes we witness along the way show their deepening connection and their feelings.

We get some solid, very powerful writing, well portrayed, unique characters with inner struggles, rapidly escalating tension and an explosive braking point mixed with the most satisfying, cathartic moments. My heart is truly exhausted but very happy at the same time. This book is a true page turner and I was glued to the pages all the way. Highly recommended.

Also please read the trigger warnings of violence and rape. Both are brief but very much present.

 

RATING: 

BUY LINKS: 

Painted Hearts Publishing

Amazon