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3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
Well this was a great start to what I anticipate will be an amazing series.
Note to Scots everywhere: you can say "Och, aye!" to me any day! ;)
Note to Scots everywhere: you can say "Och, aye!" to me any day! ;)
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Sign me up! I'm the newest fan of the Glasgow Lads. Play On, the inaugural novella from author Avery Cockburn, gives us our first look at the Woodstoun Warriors, an all-LGBT soccer team from Glasgow. I happen to love sports and m/m romances, and, if this story's any indication, this series seems to be the perfect combination of the two. Throw in some kilted men and how can you go wrong? ;)
Duncan Harris is a star player for the Warriors who's been fortunate to have the loving support of very accepting parents and friends. His coming out was rather unremarkable, unless you count the celebration his parents threw in his honor. He's aware of the potential for homophobia in sports and soccer in particular, and I admire his determination to be true to himself. Fortunately now he faces adversity with his teammates by his side.
In contrast, his flatmate Brodie Campbell has spent a fair amount of his time in the closet, complete with secret boyfriends and shameful rendezvous. He's suffered quite a bit at the hands of family and friends for his sexuality, so you could say he's a little wary of coming out. Despite those fears, he decides entering uni is the time for a change. He's going to be out and proud; the only problem is he seems to be struggling with the proud part. You can imagine how his attraction to Duncan causes some internal conflict.
This story is just as the synopsis describes - a tale of pride over prejudice. In an angsty read that's true to its university setting, Cockburn fights battles of the heart and the head. Duncan and Brodie find themselves in a budding romance that encounters all the perilous obstacles young love must overcome: trust, vulnerability, attraction and uncertainty, to name just a few. Combine that with social pressures and prejudices of homosexuality, and it's no wonder they have to fight to find happiness. Cockburn reminds us that although we seem to have made great strides toward universal acceptance, we have a very long, long way to go. It's easy for those of us who don't judge a person by their race, religion or sexuality to become complacent and forget that there's still a great deal of hate in the world. In a sense we exist in a bubble, one Cockburn reminds us can burst at any moment, probably when we least expect it.
So, what's next for the Glasgow Lads? The first full length book, Playing for Keeps, has just released, and I can't wait to get my hands on it! It's Fergus' story, and after the way Cockburn sets up his character in Play On, my interest is piqued. He's suffered a great deal after being left by his long-term boyfriend, so I'm anxious to see how he picks up the pieces. And John, well, let's just say, I'm sure he's going to give Fergus a run for his money.
A copy of this review can be found at 3 Chicks After Dark..
Duncan Harris is a star player for the Warriors who's been fortunate to have the loving support of very accepting parents and friends. His coming out was rather unremarkable, unless you count the celebration his parents threw in his honor. He's aware of the potential for homophobia in sports and soccer in particular, and I admire his determination to be true to himself. Fortunately now he faces adversity with his teammates by his side.
In contrast, his flatmate Brodie Campbell has spent a fair amount of his time in the closet, complete with secret boyfriends and shameful rendezvous. He's suffered quite a bit at the hands of family and friends for his sexuality, so you could say he's a little wary of coming out. Despite those fears, he decides entering uni is the time for a change. He's going to be out and proud; the only problem is he seems to be struggling with the proud part. You can imagine how his attraction to Duncan causes some internal conflict.
This story is just as the synopsis describes - a tale of pride over prejudice. In an angsty read that's true to its university setting, Cockburn fights battles of the heart and the head. Duncan and Brodie find themselves in a budding romance that encounters all the perilous obstacles young love must overcome: trust, vulnerability, attraction and uncertainty, to name just a few. Combine that with social pressures and prejudices of homosexuality, and it's no wonder they have to fight to find happiness. Cockburn reminds us that although we seem to have made great strides toward universal acceptance, we have a very long, long way to go. It's easy for those of us who don't judge a person by their race, religion or sexuality to become complacent and forget that there's still a great deal of hate in the world. In a sense we exist in a bubble, one Cockburn reminds us can burst at any moment, probably when we least expect it.
So, what's next for the Glasgow Lads? The first full length book, Playing for Keeps, has just released, and I can't wait to get my hands on it! It's Fergus' story, and after the way Cockburn sets up his character in Play On, my interest is piqued. He's suffered a great deal after being left by his long-term boyfriend, so I'm anxious to see how he picks up the pieces. And John, well, let's just say, I'm sure he's going to give Fergus a run for his money.
A copy of this review can be found at 3 Chicks After Dark..
My first read in this series, 3.5*
I enjoyed Brodie and Duncan, liked Brodie's accent and his Doric phrases.
They are uni flat mates who get on, then get hot and heavy just before a break and are a bit hesitant when they get back.
I liked the young feel early on but I did have to keep reminding myself they were 18/19, especially as the book went on as they seemed to get very deep and meaningful (but then they are studying psychology!). Brodie seemed to retreat into himself more and more. Duncan is a 'lad' which doesn't help Brodie. Story wise they resolved their issues but I think they would have to be very mature in real life to do that!
Anyway, enjoyed it, even the footie, and looking for to the next books.
31.7.18 reread : such a great writing style, the story just fair flows along. Brodie and Duncan are 18 so at times young and at times wise beyond. Enjoyable reread of a grand series.
I enjoyed Brodie and Duncan, liked Brodie's accent and his Doric phrases.
They are uni flat mates who get on, then get hot and heavy just before a break and are a bit hesitant when they get back.
I liked the young feel early on but I did have to keep reminding myself they were 18/19, especially as the book went on as they seemed to get very deep and meaningful (but then they are studying psychology!). Brodie seemed to retreat into himself more and more. Duncan is a 'lad' which doesn't help Brodie. Story wise they resolved their issues but I think they would have to be very mature in real life to do that!
Anyway, enjoyed it, even the footie, and looking for to the next books.
31.7.18 reread : such a great writing style, the story just fair flows along. Brodie and Duncan are 18 so at times young and at times wise beyond. Enjoyable reread of a grand series.
DNFing this with a huge sigh of relief.
I'm giving this 2 stars as it's not terrible, the writing isn't appalling etc. but it didn't manage to hold my interest and it dragged so badly. I was trying to keep a stiff upper lip and muddle through but there are just too many great books out there to waste even a day on something that has become a bit of a chore.
Case in point- the "A book a day keeps the doctor away!" girl (meaning me) took FIVE days to read a little over half way through this novella. Time to let this one go!
I'm giving this 2 stars as it's not terrible, the writing isn't appalling etc. but it didn't manage to hold my interest and it dragged so badly. I was trying to keep a stiff upper lip and muddle through but there are just too many great books out there to waste even a day on something that has become a bit of a chore.
Case in point- the "A book a day keeps the doctor away!" girl (meaning me) took FIVE days to read a little over half way through this novella. Time to let this one go!
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
This prequel to [b:Playing for Keeps|25751572|Playing for Keeps (Glasgow Lads, #1)|Avery Cockburn|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1440061587s/25751572.jpg|45594055] is a less intense book. It brings together two young men - Brodie, who is finally out at University after a childhood scarred by homophobic bullying and a mom he had to hide his true self from, since he could not count on her to be accepting; and Duncan, whose family thinks a gay son makes them cool in their circles, but who has closer relationships with his friends and teammates than his family. Duncan plays football (soccer) and Brodie's worst childhood torments were from athletes. Neither man can really empathize properly with the other's position, but they are attracted enough and comfortable enough as friends to want to try.
I enjoyed the local color, the genuinely young feel of the main characters, and the mistakes and flaws they both displayed. At times, I got impatient with each of them, but that fit with their age and inexperience and made them feel realistic.
Although chronologically before Book 1, I would suggest reading it afterward. Some of the events alluded to will make more sense if you have read Playing for Keeps before this one, and I think the longer, more intense novel will invest the reader in the series better. I'm looking forward to reading book 2.
I enjoyed the local color, the genuinely young feel of the main characters, and the mistakes and flaws they both displayed. At times, I got impatient with each of them, but that fit with their age and inexperience and made them feel realistic.
Although chronologically before Book 1, I would suggest reading it afterward. Some of the events alluded to will make more sense if you have read Playing for Keeps before this one, and I think the longer, more intense novel will invest the reader in the series better. I'm looking forward to reading book 2.