Reviewed by: Sue Eaton
TITLE: The Fly-Half
SERIES: Lincoln Knights
AUTHOR: Charlie Novak
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 276 pages
RELEASE DATE: February 13, 2025
BLURB:
Wanted: A Way To Control My Jealousy So I Don’t Get Sin-Binned
When my best friend goes on a date with a mutual acquaintance, I’m supposed to be happy for him, not so angry I want to start screaming.
Devon and I have been close ever since we were children, but I’ve never been possessive of him. Until now.
Seeing him with another man makes me want him in ways I’d never imagined wanting anyone before, and now all I can think about is having him in my arms. My jealousy is starting to get the better of me, both on and off the rugby pitch, and I can’t stop losing control. And Devon has noticed.
Maybe it’s time I come clean and tell him just how much I want him.
And hope he wants me too.
REVIEW:
This is the second book in the Lincoln Knights series. It follows the story of Devon, who has been in love with his straight best friend, Jonny, for fifteen years, and there is no-way Devon wants to jeopardize his friendship. Being in the friend zone is better, romance would be amazing but might ruin everything. However, are things really as cut and dried as Devon thinks.
In the beginning, Jonny regards Devon as his best friend and teammate, unaware of Devon’s romantic feelings for him. Their friendship is strong and filled with camaraderie, they spend lots of time together, which is bittersweet for Devon. When Devon decides that holding this unrequited torch for Jonny is harming himself, he resolves to get out and go on a date. This is the turning point in the book. Jonny struggles with his feelings of jealousy when he sees Devon with another man, but he has no idea what it all means. Jonny is grappling with his emotions, and he is angry, all of the time, which leads to issues on the rugby pitch and questions from his teammates and ultimately coming to terms with his true feelings for Devon. This pivotal moment makes Jonny realize that he can’t keep his feelings bottled up forever.
Jonny struggles with his feelings, torn between his desire for Devon and his fear of rejection or damaging their bond. As the story progresses, Jonny becomes more introspective and starts accepting his feelings for Devon as an integral part of who he is. This journey of self-acceptance helps him gain the courage to face his emotions head-on and deal with his anger issues on the pitch.
When Jonny finally confesses his feelings, Devon is initially surprised, the thing he has been fantasising about for years, is it real. This moment serves as a catalyst for Devon to reflect on his own emotions and the depth of their bond. As both characters grow individually and together, Devon’s feelings for Jonny become more defined and reciprocated. Their relationship evolves from friendship to a romantic partnership built on trust, love, and mutual understanding.
Jonny’s emotional journey is marked by surprise, introspection, and acceptance, making his character development compelling and relatable. The transformation in his feelings towards Devon adds depth to the narrative and emphasizes the importance of open communication and self-discovery in relationships.
The opinions and interactions of their friends play a role in shaping Jonny’s perception of his relationship with Devon. Positive reinforcement and encouragement from their social circle help Jonny feel more comfortable exploring his feelings for Devon.
The external challenges and conflicts they face, both on and off the field, bring Jonny and Devon closer together. These experiences test their resilience and strengthen their bond.
I am loving the interaction with the Rugby players the close bond they all share and the interplay with their partners and other friends. It is nice to see how the relationships with the Drag Queens from the Court are interwoven with the Lincoln Knights.
RATING: 
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