Reviewed by Annika
TITLE: Strong Side 
SERIES: Allison Hendricks
AUTHOR: Eastshore Tigers
NARRATOR: Christopher Boucher
PUBLISHER: Self-published
RELEASE DATE: September 6, 2018
LENGTH: 5 hours
BLURB:
Their chemistry on the field is undeniable. But can they ever be more than friends?
Jason Hawkins is about to throw the biggest Hail Mary pass of his career.
If he can’t turn NFL recruiters’ heads this year, he’ll lose his shot at the one thing he’s ever been good at. But every quarterback needs a man he can count on down-field. For Jason, that man just might be the Tigers’ new receiver, Derek Griffin.
Four years ago, Derek nearly lost everything after being outed by his teammates.
Now he finally has a chance to get it all back as a walk-on for Eastshore College… if he can resist his immediate attraction to the gorgeous and very straight star quarterback.
An instant connection during practice leads to an easy friendship that only grows stronger off the field. Derek is convinced friendship is all it’ll ever be, but a very confusing moment of impulse leaves both of them fumbling for answers about their relationship.
As curiosity gives way to passion and passion gives way to something deeper, Jason and Derek will have to tackle their own personal demons to bring home the win and earn their happy ending.
REVIEW:
Strong Side is the perfect book when you want something quick, low angst, and a great listen. Add in some hot college athletes, and a great narrator and there’s nothing that should keep you from picking this book up.
Jason Hawkins a.k.a Hawk is on his last chance of making his dream come true – a pro football career. First practice of the season and his is hopeful – until the man that he just set his hopes on freezes on the field for no apparent reason.
A few years ago Derek was badly tackled on the field and ended up paralysed for a few months. Intensive therapy and an iron will have him back in the game and on the field, but he can’t help to freeze up when he sees a tackle coming.
Hawk decides to try to help Derek to overcome his fears. And so the private practices begin. A friendship forms quickly between them and slowly something more grows out of it. Something neither of them really expected. The Sexual tension between them though – it can light ice on fire.
This book drew me in from the start, I believed in the characters, their story. I felt for their struggles. I connected. I loved that nothing was overly dramatic or blown out of proportions, no huge fights or misunderstandings. It wasn’t all smooth sailings and dancing on roses, because sexual realisation and coming out does bring tension. And in this case it was handled beautifully.
Christopher Boucher is a new narrator to me, which can be tricky. In this case though, it worked perfectly. I loved his narration, sorry performance, of this book. It was everything that it should be. The feelings and emotions that he added, along with different voices for the characters. I know after this book, I will keep an eye out for more of his works.
Strong Side was a sweet love story about two young men finding their way, finding love. A story of acceptance, coming out and self-discovery. Recommended to college athletes fans – and everyone looking for something sweet to read or listen to.
RATING: 
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