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Glasgow Lads #1
Playing for Keeps
Rule One: No Drama!
Fergus Taylor is damaged goods. Reeling from a brutal breakup, he’s determined to captain his LGBT soccer team out of scandal and into a winning season. For that, he needs strict rules and careful plans. He does NOT need a brash, muscle-bound lad messing with his head and setting his body afire.
John Burns has a rule of his own: Don’t get attached. Boyfriends are for guys with nothing to hide. Nobody—not his university mates, not the men he beds—knows his family’s shame. Now his double life is starting to unravel, thanks to a certain Highlander whose storm-riddled eyes turn John inside out, who wears a kilt like he was born in it.
Fergus is the first man John wants to share his secret with—but he’s the last man who could handle it. John knows the truth would shatter Fergus’s still-fragile heart. But how can he live a lie when he’s falling in love?
Fergus Taylor is damaged goods. Reeling from a brutal breakup, he’s determined to captain his LGBT soccer team out of scandal and into a winning season. For that, he needs strict rules and careful plans. He does NOT need a brash, muscle-bound lad messing with his head and setting his body afire.
John Burns has a rule of his own: Don’t get attached. Boyfriends are for guys with nothing to hide. Nobody—not his university mates, not the men he beds—knows his family’s shame. Now his double life is starting to unravel, thanks to a certain Highlander whose storm-riddled eyes turn John inside out, who wears a kilt like he was born in it.
Fergus is the first man John wants to share his secret with—but he’s the last man who could handle it. John knows the truth would shatter Fergus’s still-fragile heart. But how can he live a lie when he’s falling in love?
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 17, 2015
About the author
Avery Cockburn
16 books488 followersHiya, I’m Avery Cockburn (rhymes with Savory Slow Churn). My days are filled with beautiful men who play beautiful games in the most beautiful place in the world. Being an author is pretty much the best job ever.
I live in the United States with one infinitely patient man and two infinitely impatient cats. Readers make my day, so email me at avery@averycockburn.com, or sign up for my readers group at www.averycockburn.com/signup to get loads of exclusive Glasgow Lads bonus material. Cheers!
I live in the United States with one infinitely patient man and two infinitely impatient cats. Readers make my day, so email me at avery@averycockburn.com, or sign up for my readers group at www.averycockburn.com/signup to get loads of exclusive Glasgow Lads bonus material. Cheers!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 366 reviews
February 23, 2021
3.75 stars
I enjoyed this one more than I thought I would.
The writing was good and cheeky. I found myself loling so hard.
The story is a little bit heavy on religion without it being in your face. It was a good eye opener, I didn't know organizations like the Orange Order exists. Damn humans! What a bunch of tool we are!!
The characters are amazing. I fell in love with John from the moment he was introduced. Poor conflicted lad. He is such a darling. Though sometimes he needs some serious spanking. Fergus was amazing too. I wanted to give him a good shake, but I completely understood where he was coming from. Trust issues are hard!
The chemistry between John and Fergus was so good and I felt it from the word go. The sex! Omg! there were some hot hilarious moments. One scene will forever stay with me.
Overall, this was really enjoyable. Thanks to my amazing buddy readers for the awesome time and discussion. Looking forward to enjoying the next books with you guys.
I enjoyed this one more than I thought I would.
The writing was good and cheeky. I found myself loling so hard.
The story is a little bit heavy on religion without it being in your face. It was a good eye opener, I didn't know organizations like the Orange Order exists. Damn humans! What a bunch of tool we are!!
The characters are amazing. I fell in love with John from the moment he was introduced. Poor conflicted lad. He is such a darling. Though sometimes he needs some serious spanking. Fergus was amazing too. I wanted to give him a good shake, but I completely understood where he was coming from. Trust issues are hard!
The chemistry between John and Fergus was so good and I felt it from the word go. The sex! Omg! there were some hot hilarious moments. One scene will forever stay with me.
Overall, this was really enjoyable. Thanks to my amazing buddy readers for the awesome time and discussion. Looking forward to enjoying the next books with you guys.
September 28, 2015
4.5 stars, rounded up. I really enjoy stories with imperfect guys who do the wrong thing and manage to redeem themselves in plausible ways. Add a variety of conflict, and some good, absorbing writing, a great sense of place, and you have me hooked. This book did exactly that.
Fergus is an architect by profession, and he loves it, but he's also a football (soccer) player by avocation. He's a gay man leading an LGBT team in a straight league, which says a lot about his character. But Fergus took an emotional beating when his boyfriend left both him and the team at a critical moment. Evan's ill-timed departure broke the spirits of both man and team, and they're only slowly rebuilding. Fergus has grudgingly accepted the abandoned mantle (and armband) of team captain. He's trying to overcome the laid-back habits of a lifetime and become the take-charge leader the team needs, so they can forget Evan and become successful again.
Fergus has to move on past Evan's personal treachery as well, but it's hard. The last thing he's ready for is a powerful attraction to a new man. Especially a bold, pushy, secretive, confusing guy like John Burns. But Fergus is also not willing to let Evan have ripped out his heart and guts forever. Moving on would show he's past being that damaged guy, and John's heat and charm and joy in living are hard to resist.
John grew up poor, and gay, protected only by his older brother and by his family's local associations. He's no longer happy with his silence and acquiescence to family demands, but he's in a difficult position. His father has heart problems, which are only sometimes fake. His mother has left, his brother's in jail, leaving a girlfriend and small son without much support. Simply walking away from family isn't possible, and defying their opinions while staying doesn't seem possible either. John is caught in an impossible dilemma, trying to negotiate between his growing relationship with Fergus, and his old ill-fitting family life. Sometimes half-truths, or outright lies, are the only way he sees to make it work.
John is a man with an optimistic soul and a flair for the grand gesture. Fergus is battered and wounded, just beginning to get over having been hurt, deceived, and dumped in a melodramatic way, and he's allergic to drama. In some ways they fit wonderfully together. In others they're a disaster just waiting to happen.
This book has two great, flawed MCs whom I really cared about, just the right amount of sports action, a lot of local color and charm, and a touch of historical and current-event seriousness that I really appreciated. It was a fast, smooth, engrossing read that I hated to put down. I immediately picked up the 0.5 novella that comes before it (but which after reading both I still recommend you read after this one, not before, although either order is probably fine.) And I'm looking forward very much to the next book in the series.
Fergus is an architect by profession, and he loves it, but he's also a football (soccer) player by avocation. He's a gay man leading an LGBT team in a straight league, which says a lot about his character. But Fergus took an emotional beating when his boyfriend left both him and the team at a critical moment. Evan's ill-timed departure broke the spirits of both man and team, and they're only slowly rebuilding. Fergus has grudgingly accepted the abandoned mantle (and armband) of team captain. He's trying to overcome the laid-back habits of a lifetime and become the take-charge leader the team needs, so they can forget Evan and become successful again.
Fergus has to move on past Evan's personal treachery as well, but it's hard. The last thing he's ready for is a powerful attraction to a new man. Especially a bold, pushy, secretive, confusing guy like John Burns. But Fergus is also not willing to let Evan have ripped out his heart and guts forever. Moving on would show he's past being that damaged guy, and John's heat and charm and joy in living are hard to resist.
John grew up poor, and gay, protected only by his older brother and by his family's local associations. He's no longer happy with his silence and acquiescence to family demands, but he's in a difficult position. His father has heart problems, which are only sometimes fake. His mother has left, his brother's in jail, leaving a girlfriend and small son without much support. Simply walking away from family isn't possible, and defying their opinions while staying doesn't seem possible either. John is caught in an impossible dilemma, trying to negotiate between his growing relationship with Fergus, and his old ill-fitting family life. Sometimes half-truths, or outright lies, are the only way he sees to make it work.
John is a man with an optimistic soul and a flair for the grand gesture. Fergus is battered and wounded, just beginning to get over having been hurt, deceived, and dumped in a melodramatic way, and he's allergic to drama. In some ways they fit wonderfully together. In others they're a disaster just waiting to happen.
This book has two great, flawed MCs whom I really cared about, just the right amount of sports action, a lot of local color and charm, and a touch of historical and current-event seriousness that I really appreciated. It was a fast, smooth, engrossing read that I hated to put down. I immediately picked up the 0.5 novella that comes before it (but which after reading both I still recommend you read after this one, not before, although either order is probably fine.) And I'm looking forward very much to the next book in the series.
April 1, 2018
2 “Nae” Stars
➽ FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED:
Buddy read with the women who left me ALONE in this. I was the last one standing, yo, I need some recognition. Still my favs. TWIN,SAVIOR & MY FUTURE MURDERER. LOVE THEM SO MUCH
The concept of this book was great, football queer team, opposite religion dudes fall in love. But between the confusion, the insta-sex and my lack of investment, it ended up as a complete letdown.
I really don’t know if something is wrong with the story but I just:
▶CONFUSION
First was the Scottish English. I am not blaming the author for using it, actually, it was very cool, but it made my reading experience harder as a non-english-native speaker.Aye, nae, lass, lasses, cannae… I was so confused with so many words, I got used to it around 50% into it. I also wish the author had put the author’s note at the start of the novel because I was so confused why people kept calling racist to each other because of their religious differences, it was certainly interesting though, I never knew there was such a big division between Protestants and Catholics. My clarity appeared around 50%.
▶CHARACTERS
Fungi and Josh, I mean Fergus.Holy shit I suffered through the sex because giant fungi kept fucking josh in my imagination. They were very flawed, their decision making had me pulling my hair out because from 20% I already could predict shit was going down. Although some the jokes made in the book rubbed me in the wrong way and Fergus speech to his football team was hella cheesy and so out of context in my opinion. I did enjoy the fact almost all our characters were LGBTQIA+. The only character I wish had died was Josh’s dad, he was a manipulative asshole. Basically, I hate him.
▶RELATIONSHIP
I didn’t connect with the romantic relationship until 70% in. It wasn’t exactly insta love, but our mc’s have sex after their first date and they talk to each other as if they had been in a relationship for months.ACTUALLY IT IS INSTALOVE. This was especially weird when Fergus was very vulnerable and his heart had just been broken. May I say the first sex scenes were just weird for me, I didn’t enjoy them much, also the foot appearance was just not a turn on for me. But after both characters grew their bond, and their sexual interaction became more meaningful I was able to root for them.
▶NOT INVESTED
The story didn’t catch me, it wasn’t addicting, I had to push myself to keep reading. And yes maybe it was because I was the last one standing reading it in my buddy-reading group, but also I didn’t care one bit about what was happening, the writing ot descriptions, I literally started reading only the dialogue, because I DIDN’T CARE. But my rating didn’t felt at two stars because I got interested after the conflict exploded and the scenes made my heart hurt a bit.
I honestly don’t know if I will continue with this series, but I am happy I tried.
Initial Thoughts:
EXCITED FOR THIS. no idea what to expect.
"Home isn’t home when you cannot be who you are, when you are surrounded by hate.” She met each of the Warrior’s eyes. “Better to make anew home. Only then can you find peace.”
➽ FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED:
Buddy read with the women who left me ALONE in this. I was the last one standing, yo, I need some recognition. Still my favs. TWIN,SAVIOR & MY FUTURE MURDERER. LOVE THEM SO MUCH
The concept of this book was great, football queer team, opposite religion dudes fall in love. But between the confusion, the insta-sex and my lack of investment, it ended up as a complete letdown.
I really don’t know if something is wrong with the story but I just:
▶CONFUSION
First was the Scottish English. I am not blaming the author for using it, actually, it was very cool, but it made my reading experience harder as a non-english-native speaker.
▶CHARACTERS
Fungi and Josh, I mean Fergus.
▶RELATIONSHIP
I didn’t connect with the romantic relationship until 70% in. It wasn’t exactly insta love, but our mc’s have sex after their first date and they talk to each other as if they had been in a relationship for months.
▶NOT INVESTED
The story didn’t catch me, it wasn’t addicting, I had to push myself to keep reading. And yes maybe it was because I was the last one standing reading it in my buddy-reading group, but also I didn’t care one bit about what was happening, the writing ot descriptions, I literally started reading only the dialogue, because I DIDN’T CARE. But my rating didn’t felt at two stars because I got interested after the conflict exploded and the scenes made my heart hurt a bit.
I honestly don’t know if I will continue with this series, but I am happy I tried.
Initial Thoughts:
EXCITED FOR THIS. no idea what to expect.
February 25, 2019
***3.5 Stars***
Who could possibly resist a man in a kilt?
Much less two??? Well, not me, that's for sure. And boy, were these guys adorbs. Add two tortured souls and panty-melting (kilt!!!) sex to the mix and I'm a goner...
So why not a higher rating? As great as Fergus and John were, I could have grabbed them by the neck sometimes and clashed their heads together... There was a bit too much drama due to miscommunication (sorry, not a fan here) and I wanted to give them an encouraging kick to their backsides more than once, so they finally talk. The political/religious part - as interesting as it was - got a bit too much for me as well after a while. Well, I know, after growing up in a small town right in the middle of two competing soccer clubs, how big of a role rivalry and hate can play among their fans - albeit only because of pigheadedness, not religion - and I could feel that the topic was near and dear to the author, but for me it was still a bit elusive and dragging.
I still decided to round my rating up because this book conveyed a message I totally agree with...
... and this world definitely needs more John Burns' in it. WE ARE ONE!
Who could possibly resist a man in a kilt?
Much less two??? Well, not me, that's for sure. And boy, were these guys adorbs. Add two tortured souls and panty-melting (kilt!!!) sex to the mix and I'm a goner...
So why not a higher rating? As great as Fergus and John were, I could have grabbed them by the neck sometimes and clashed their heads together... There was a bit too much drama due to miscommunication (sorry, not a fan here) and I wanted to give them an encouraging kick to their backsides more than once, so they finally talk. The political/religious part - as interesting as it was - got a bit too much for me as well after a while. Well, I know, after growing up in a small town right in the middle of two competing soccer clubs, how big of a role rivalry and hate can play among their fans - albeit only because of pigheadedness, not religion - and I could feel that the topic was near and dear to the author, but for me it was still a bit elusive and dragging.
I still decided to round my rating up because this book conveyed a message I totally agree with...
"Home isn't home when you cannot be who you are, when you are surrounded by hate. Better to make a new home. Only then can you find peace."
... and this world definitely needs more John Burns' in it. WE ARE ONE!
March 4, 2016
You know when you read the first few pages of a book by a new-to-you author, and you think "Fuck, YES! I love the way this person writes?"
That's exactly what happened to me with this book. I loved it from the start because of the writing style, and am very happy to report that the story didn't disappoint.
I adored it. It's sweet, hot, sad, funny... and the football team backstory is a lot of fun (I always love sports stories). The characters felt real, the setting was vivid and very relatable for me as I have Scottish inlaws. I loved the dialogue and the way the author wrote the accents - it made it so easy to imagine them talking. There is quite a bit of angst in this story but it only makes the ending all the sweeter when Fergus and John finally work their shit out <3
I've already got the others in this series on my kindle, and will be watching out for anything new from Avery Cockburn. I think I'd read anything this author writes :)
Highly recommended.
That's exactly what happened to me with this book. I loved it from the start because of the writing style, and am very happy to report that the story didn't disappoint.
I adored it. It's sweet, hot, sad, funny... and the football team backstory is a lot of fun (I always love sports stories). The characters felt real, the setting was vivid and very relatable for me as I have Scottish inlaws. I loved the dialogue and the way the author wrote the accents - it made it so easy to imagine them talking. There is quite a bit of angst in this story but it only makes the ending all the sweeter when Fergus and John finally work their shit out <3
I've already got the others in this series on my kindle, and will be watching out for anything new from Avery Cockburn. I think I'd read anything this author writes :)
Highly recommended.
October 31, 2020
4.5 stars captivating stars for an outstanding sports romance!
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
MCs: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cover: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Home isn't home when you cannot be who you are, when you are surrounded by hate. Better to make a new home. Only then can you find peace.
Being a huge fan of a good sports romance, Playing for Keeps with it's interesting blurb and gorgeous cover was of course a straight go-to for me, but I was surprised at how much this story is standing out in the ocean of sports romances. This story has it all:
✅ a meaningful plot
✅ solid character and relationship development
✅ hurt/comfort
✅ hot football players
Fergus is the newly elected captain of the LGBT Warriors Amateur Football Club and after a devastating breakup with his boyfriend and former captain of the team, he is wounded and heartbroken. Unable to bear any more drama in his life, Fergus wants to see his club succeed as a serious sporting organization and not as a sideshow or source of scandal. When the team's manager contacts him with the opportunity to be part of a charity game, Fergus meets John and feels instantly attracted to him.
But can this man mend his broken heart?
Having grown up in a family of protestants in Ibrox, John knows what it means to be gay in an unfriendly and dangerous environment. It has been the Orange Order, a fraternity of Protestants related to religious and political sectarian that offered John protection. Interested in philosophy and politics, John however feels sickened by their believes and would like to turn his back to the Order, but feels that he owns them for accepting and protecting him.
Dating a catholic man while belonging to the Orange Order seems like the perfect recipe for disaster and heartache.
While I knew about the deep rivalry between Rangers and Celtics, I wasn't aware of its origin and this book has been giving me a lot of insight into this extreme conflict between Catholics and Protestants that is still a part of Scotland today. I am not a big fan of secrets in relationships and the drama that usually goes hand in hand with it, but thinking about the difficult situation that John is facing – forced to decide to either break his father's or his boyfriend's heart – this story felt incredibly real. The character development, especially the one of John was interesting to follow and my heart was breaking for him over and over again.
But what if the right moment never comes?
When I think about what made this book so special, I definitely think that it is the fact that it goes far beyond a usual sports romance. There is of course the meaningful plot on the one hand, but there are other aspects contributing to it. The writing quality and the chemistry between the main characters were very good and extremely intense – there were some parts that I enjoyed so much, that were so full of emotions and beauty that I had to go over them several times.
I also liked that this book leaves room for the many shades of grey that exist between black and white. No character is free of prejudices, they are all making mistakes, but the most important is that they try to make up for them. Full of beautiful messages, this story will stay in my heart for a long time!
A few final words on the sports aspect of the book. It might be a bit difficult to get into, if you are not a football fan that is familiar with the football landscape in the UK. That being said, the charity match had me on edge and is clearly something for everyone even without prior football knowledge. I swear it was as exciting as a Champions League final featuring my favourite football team. I really can't wait to dive into the other books of this series and to meet more fabulous football players falling in love.
“Can you ever forgive the things I said?”
“If you can forgive the things I didn't say.”
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
MCs: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cover: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Home isn't home when you cannot be who you are, when you are surrounded by hate. Better to make a new home. Only then can you find peace.
Being a huge fan of a good sports romance, Playing for Keeps with it's interesting blurb and gorgeous cover was of course a straight go-to for me, but I was surprised at how much this story is standing out in the ocean of sports romances. This story has it all:
✅ a meaningful plot
✅ solid character and relationship development
✅ hurt/comfort
✅ hot football players
Fergus is the newly elected captain of the LGBT Warriors Amateur Football Club and after a devastating breakup with his boyfriend and former captain of the team, he is wounded and heartbroken. Unable to bear any more drama in his life, Fergus wants to see his club succeed as a serious sporting organization and not as a sideshow or source of scandal. When the team's manager contacts him with the opportunity to be part of a charity game, Fergus meets John and feels instantly attracted to him.
But can this man mend his broken heart?
Having grown up in a family of protestants in Ibrox, John knows what it means to be gay in an unfriendly and dangerous environment. It has been the Orange Order, a fraternity of Protestants related to religious and political sectarian that offered John protection. Interested in philosophy and politics, John however feels sickened by their believes and would like to turn his back to the Order, but feels that he owns them for accepting and protecting him.
Dating a catholic man while belonging to the Orange Order seems like the perfect recipe for disaster and heartache.
John had always avoided heartbroken men, since he himself couldn't offer anything more meaningful than a causal hookup. Not while he had so much to hide. But one date, one night … for the first time in John's life, it wasn't enough.
While I knew about the deep rivalry between Rangers and Celtics, I wasn't aware of its origin and this book has been giving me a lot of insight into this extreme conflict between Catholics and Protestants that is still a part of Scotland today. I am not a big fan of secrets in relationships and the drama that usually goes hand in hand with it, but thinking about the difficult situation that John is facing – forced to decide to either break his father's or his boyfriend's heart – this story felt incredibly real. The character development, especially the one of John was interesting to follow and my heart was breaking for him over and over again.
No, not whether to tell Fergus the truth. When to tell him, and how. When the right moment came, he would find the courage to speak – because now, he might have finally met a man he could be himself with.
But what if the right moment never comes?
When I think about what made this book so special, I definitely think that it is the fact that it goes far beyond a usual sports romance. There is of course the meaningful plot on the one hand, but there are other aspects contributing to it. The writing quality and the chemistry between the main characters were very good and extremely intense – there were some parts that I enjoyed so much, that were so full of emotions and beauty that I had to go over them several times.
John mouthed the words I love you, releasing them into the night. Perhaps the breeze would blow them back to Fergus so he'd hear them with his skin if not his ears.
I also liked that this book leaves room for the many shades of grey that exist between black and white. No character is free of prejudices, they are all making mistakes, but the most important is that they try to make up for them. Full of beautiful messages, this story will stay in my heart for a long time!
“I can't ask you to be someone new. We can't ask that of each other.”
“Why not, if that's what it takes to be together?”
“Because to stay together, we have to be the men we are.”
A few final words on the sports aspect of the book. It might be a bit difficult to get into, if you are not a football fan that is familiar with the football landscape in the UK. That being said, the charity match had me on edge and is clearly something for everyone even without prior football knowledge. I swear it was as exciting as a Champions League final featuring my favourite football team. I really can't wait to dive into the other books of this series and to meet more fabulous football players falling in love.
“Can you ever forgive the things I said?”
“If you can forgive the things I didn't say.”
December 15, 2018
First of all, I don't care that for some people 'MM isn't their thing'. THIS is what should be mainstream. Fight me. I don't have a job and I have time.
Fergus and John are a couple of couples who although will be engaging in some amazing coupling, one of them has a huge secret that could destroy them. Fergus is reeling from a horrible break-up. His ex left him and their football team to go gallivanting around Belgium with some faceless man. Still in pain, Fergus meets John who is helping organise an upcoming charity match that would help the most diverse team- since France's world cup winning migrant platoon- gain some funding and some exposure. Their combined efforts would help asylum seekers in the UK, particularly in Glasgow. That park of Scotland where they invert their vowels and necessitate subtitles when speaking on TV.
John and Fergus are complicated. Fergus may be on the rebound and shackled by his paranoia. He is also part Irish, mostly Catholic and a HUGE Celtics fan. John is Fergus' kryptonite. Hot, demanding, with a penchant for grand gestures, jokes, is Protestant, part of an anti-Catholic group and a HUGE Rangers fan. The expected enmity between these two could be equated to American Dems v Republicans. Millennials v Gen Xers. Vegans v meat eaters. Man U fans v Arsenal fans. Marvel v DC. You catch my drift.
John's older brother Keith is serving time in prison for beating up a Celtics fan who went into a Rangers bar. John has a father who is either one of the biggest, manipulative assholes ever or he has Munchausen syndrome. When John announces that he wants to quit an event that stands against everything Fergus is, his father calls him names I'm not sure I'm allowed to say and promptly gets a heart attack forcing John to go.
Fergus and John are so well written that you end up rooting for them. While John feels like he's being pulled from eighteen different directions, Fergus suspects John is hiding something from him. Is he cheating too? Does he plan to use Fergus for his political ambitions? Can't Fergus catch a break? What else is John hiding?
Their chemistry was as undeniable as my weight gain. John and Fergus just-mesh.
And while this book did a great job of LGBT representation, and highlighted some issues with Britain's flawed immigration policies, I loved that it had enough self-awareness to know that the not-so-great Britain is part of the reason why a significant number of their former colonies have a high rate of homophobia.
John decided not to point out that many of those 'backward countries' had been quite open and tolerant until countries like [gReAt bRiTaIn] had gone and colonised them.
I mean this is just gold: Their leaders win votes by blaming economic problems on the 'moral degradation of Western influences'...
John Oliver did an amazing job of explaining this kind of thinking. But he doesn't mention African countries which are some of the countries where these attitudes cause some of the worst human rights violations you can imagine. *If you'd like more info on this, DM me, I can send you some material.*
While it is important to note that some precolonial cultures were and still are homophobic, a bunch of them in Africa weren't. Hell, we were cross-dressers, had no gender-defined roles, queer as bow-legged trees until the arrival of the white man. And some wypipo still wonder why Wakanda was so important to us. But I digress.
Playing for Keeps- while it has one of the most cliched titles since naming sequels Part 2- offers a lot of lessons. Fergus has a bunch of rules starting with No Drama. He doesn't really follow it, so check out my tailor-made rules to playing for keeps:
1. We live in a world that is out to take everything from you- because of the colour of your skin, your God, your gender or your orientation- but some days you can't let it. Some days you may have to duck. But other days you have to say, 'Not today.'
2. Glaswegians are HOT.
3. Red-heads are REALLY HOT.
4. When surrounded by people who may be out to get you, better to let them think you a fool than an enemy. [But I feel this only works if you know how to be subtle. I don't know how to be subtle.]
5. Man on man action can spontaneously cause you to make strange noises that may be misinterpreted as mating calls by species of bird you've never seen before. Don't ask.
6. Avery Cockburn knows how to set up a sequel.
6b. She didn't call it Part 2.
7. Grand gestures don't mean squat unless your partner knows where you're coming from.
Sigh, just read the book.
Fergus and John are a couple of couples who although will be engaging in some amazing coupling, one of them has a huge secret that could destroy them. Fergus is reeling from a horrible break-up. His ex left him and their football team to go gallivanting around Belgium with some faceless man. Still in pain, Fergus meets John who is helping organise an upcoming charity match that would help the most diverse team- since France's world cup winning migrant platoon- gain some funding and some exposure. Their combined efforts would help asylum seekers in the UK, particularly in Glasgow. That park of Scotland where they invert their vowels and necessitate subtitles when speaking on TV.
John and Fergus are complicated. Fergus may be on the rebound and shackled by his paranoia. He is also part Irish, mostly Catholic and a HUGE Celtics fan. John is Fergus' kryptonite. Hot, demanding, with a penchant for grand gestures, jokes, is Protestant, part of an anti-Catholic group and a HUGE Rangers fan. The expected enmity between these two could be equated to American Dems v Republicans. Millennials v Gen Xers. Vegans v meat eaters. Man U fans v Arsenal fans. Marvel v DC. You catch my drift.
John's older brother Keith is serving time in prison for beating up a Celtics fan who went into a Rangers bar. John has a father who is either one of the biggest, manipulative assholes ever or he has Munchausen syndrome. When John announces that he wants to quit an event that stands against everything Fergus is, his father calls him names I'm not sure I'm allowed to say and promptly gets a heart attack forcing John to go.
Fergus and John are so well written that you end up rooting for them. While John feels like he's being pulled from eighteen different directions, Fergus suspects John is hiding something from him. Is he cheating too? Does he plan to use Fergus for his political ambitions? Can't Fergus catch a break? What else is John hiding?
Their chemistry was as undeniable as my weight gain. John and Fergus just-mesh.
And while this book did a great job of LGBT representation, and highlighted some issues with Britain's flawed immigration policies, I loved that it had enough self-awareness to know that the not-so-great Britain is part of the reason why a significant number of their former colonies have a high rate of homophobia.
John decided not to point out that many of those 'backward countries' had been quite open and tolerant until countries like [gReAt bRiTaIn] had gone and colonised them.
I mean this is just gold: Their leaders win votes by blaming economic problems on the 'moral degradation of Western influences'...
John Oliver did an amazing job of explaining this kind of thinking. But he doesn't mention African countries which are some of the countries where these attitudes cause some of the worst human rights violations you can imagine. *If you'd like more info on this, DM me, I can send you some material.*
While it is important to note that some precolonial cultures were and still are homophobic, a bunch of them in Africa weren't. Hell, we were cross-dressers, had no gender-defined roles, queer as bow-legged trees until the arrival of the white man. And some wypipo still wonder why Wakanda was so important to us. But I digress.
Playing for Keeps- while it has one of the most cliched titles since naming sequels Part 2- offers a lot of lessons. Fergus has a bunch of rules starting with No Drama. He doesn't really follow it, so check out my tailor-made rules to playing for keeps:
1. We live in a world that is out to take everything from you- because of the colour of your skin, your God, your gender or your orientation- but some days you can't let it. Some days you may have to duck. But other days you have to say, 'Not today.'
2. Glaswegians are HOT.
3. Red-heads are REALLY HOT.
4. When surrounded by people who may be out to get you, better to let them think you a fool than an enemy. [But I feel this only works if you know how to be subtle. I don't know how to be subtle.]
5. Man on man action can spontaneously cause you to make strange noises that may be misinterpreted as mating calls by species of bird you've never seen before. Don't ask.
6. Avery Cockburn knows how to set up a sequel.
6b. She didn't call it Part 2.
7. Grand gestures don't mean squat unless your partner knows where you're coming from.
Sigh, just read the book.
Want to read
May 3, 2016Free again today 5/3/16!
January 22, 2017
*3.5 stars*
I still can't explain where exactly I stand regarding this series. But I know I'm freaking exhausted after finishing this book.
It is longer than the first one and the Scottish accent is really, really hard on me to the point I need a translator. It is lighter on the sports stuff , but very heavy on the political-religious stuff. Specifically it revolves around the division between Catholicism and Protestantism in Scotland, which translates into Celtic vs Rangers in the football pitch (I hope I got it right). This is the main conflict of the story.
This is not just what you read in history books. This is the depiction of real life in Scotland and what it means to belong to either party. It's about racism that has nothing to do with skin color or sexual preferences and everything to do with anti-Irish or anti-Catholic beliefs. And while all these details and references wore me out, I have to point out that the author did a hell of a job staying true to the setting.
On the plus side:
Yup, ginger wearing kilt. And these kilts saw some action, believe me. This is much more steamier than the first book and there is good chemistry between the guys. The MCs are incredibly well sketched and the secondary characters very intriguing.
So, I'm still hooked which has to mean something. I'll take a break and then go for book #2.
October 7, 2015
A-hat-trick-and-more Review on Prism Book Alliance®
I’m not joking when I say I chuckled on page one. A few pages later, it happened again. My grin would appear again and again throughout this story, along with some moments of heartbreak and holding my breath.
But back to the laughs…
”Hiya,” he said, holding out a hand to shake. “I’m John Burns.”
That voice – deep and solid, yet strangely buoyant - made a dormant part of Fergus awaken and uncoil. His steps slowed as he concentrated on not stumbling.
“John. Yes.” What does that mean? “Yes” what?
Who can’t relate to that kind of shorting out of the brain? Someone makes that impactful of a first impression and suddenly nothing in your body seems to work right, including the abilities to walk and talk.
We get both Fergus and John’s points of view, and I think the story would’ve only worked in this way. These are two guys in their early and mid-twenties and they’re written as such, including struggles with their families and sins of those past generations. They’re that mix of which many of us experienced at this age: playful yet serious, willing to state their opinions while still feeling confused and uncertain about how to do that, quick to passion, and working to forge their own paths to make a mark on the world. They’re at the age when you realize you have the power to decide who you want to be, not what others, including parents, hope for or try to make you be.
”I know you telt me to watch the players.”
A turning point: I could hear that accent in this line spoken by one of the supporting characters, and it put me into the headspace for the rest of the read. I was able to hear all of the voices, to be in this place, Glasgow, and it filled me with such glee, and the ability to let it all in.
Yo, this was all in chapter one, to boot.
Then things take a serious turn (as often happened with a new chapter, I was to find out as things went on), both in tone and detail. If you know even a little bit about the conflict between Catholics and Protestants over the centuries in places like Scotland, Ireland, and England, you’ll feel your stomach drop like mine did. Sectarianism, separation, manipulation, especially of the young… welcome to John’s world, and his family.
I have to say, I love this author’s writing. There’s a definite point of view here, a lovely mix of confidence and playfulness, a not taking oneself too seriously tone that runs through the whole thing. It might seem odd to say, but I think this is a necessity when dealing with the specific issues included in this story: let the characters and their lives be the heavies, not the writing itself.
As Fergus set down the empty glass, the glow of camaraderie illuminated his insides like a torch in a haunted house.
Huge bonus for me and any other sports lover out there: all of the footie talk! Don’t worry, though, it’s all in context and is one of the supporting characters, a necessary part without being overwhelming. But I loved it! I ate it up. And if you enjoy sports in your stories, especially knowing about Premier League and the huge system that surrounds it, you’ll have so much fun with this.
John and Fergus share a palpable chemistry. They’re caring of one another, aware, and definitely horny. They’re also both taken by surprise with this unexpected connection they feel, and they both suffer times of uncertainty as to the viability of it all. Past experiences and current circumstances shoulder the blame for the conflicts they create.
There are a few passages that feel over stuffed, words sort of stumbling over one another. They’re rare, though, and when compared to Cockburn’s clear abilities in communicating emotion, humor, history, and a clear vision for this story, they’re also very minor. They certainly didn’t lessen my emotional response while reading.
Dirty talkin’, that’ll make ya proud, and plenty of it. ‘Nuf said.
Fergus and John are making decisions colored by their experiences, as I mentioned above, just as we all do. Any missteps they make feel real, not forced, because they’re completely fleshed out characters. This goes hand in hand with the dual points of view, as well.
I know, you’re still thinking about the dirty talkin’. I can’t provide an example of that, but I can do this for you…
He looped his arms under Fergus’s shoulders, then kissed his earlobe and whispered, “Hiya.”
“Hello.” Fergus laced his fingers of his left hand with John’s. “All right?”
“A wee bit short of breath.” John rested his cheek on Fergus’s shoulder, savoring this intimate press of flesh from head to toe, inside and out. He let his thumb drift through the sweat-damp waves of Fergus’s hair.
This is an intense read, especially as the final quarter begins. Family and social issues push their ways to the forefront, forcing John and Fergus to each deal with them, sometimes failing in their endeavors. I was on the edge of my seat, hoping for the best, whatever that was to be.
This is also an undoubtedly Scottish story, without feeling isolationist. This is accomplished with fantastic cultural references, fully formed characters and their realistically portrayed complicated relationships, just as realistic family dynamics, humor, history and its way of impacting the present, and off the charts sensuality between Fergus and John. All of these things gave me an unforgettable reading experience. And everything is set against The Beautiful Game aka football aka soccer!
I highly recommend this book and this author’s writing. This is definitely a new-to-me author success!
PS: I hadn’t even finished reading this before I purchased the prequel and the sequel. I’m ready for more!
I’m not joking when I say I chuckled on page one. A few pages later, it happened again. My grin would appear again and again throughout this story, along with some moments of heartbreak and holding my breath.
But back to the laughs…
”Hiya,” he said, holding out a hand to shake. “I’m John Burns.”
That voice – deep and solid, yet strangely buoyant - made a dormant part of Fergus awaken and uncoil. His steps slowed as he concentrated on not stumbling.
“John. Yes.” What does that mean? “Yes” what?
Who can’t relate to that kind of shorting out of the brain? Someone makes that impactful of a first impression and suddenly nothing in your body seems to work right, including the abilities to walk and talk.
We get both Fergus and John’s points of view, and I think the story would’ve only worked in this way. These are two guys in their early and mid-twenties and they’re written as such, including struggles with their families and sins of those past generations. They’re that mix of which many of us experienced at this age: playful yet serious, willing to state their opinions while still feeling confused and uncertain about how to do that, quick to passion, and working to forge their own paths to make a mark on the world. They’re at the age when you realize you have the power to decide who you want to be, not what others, including parents, hope for or try to make you be.
”I know you telt me to watch the players.”
A turning point: I could hear that accent in this line spoken by one of the supporting characters, and it put me into the headspace for the rest of the read. I was able to hear all of the voices, to be in this place, Glasgow, and it filled me with such glee, and the ability to let it all in.
Yo, this was all in chapter one, to boot.
Then things take a serious turn (as often happened with a new chapter, I was to find out as things went on), both in tone and detail. If you know even a little bit about the conflict between Catholics and Protestants over the centuries in places like Scotland, Ireland, and England, you’ll feel your stomach drop like mine did. Sectarianism, separation, manipulation, especially of the young… welcome to John’s world, and his family.
I have to say, I love this author’s writing. There’s a definite point of view here, a lovely mix of confidence and playfulness, a not taking oneself too seriously tone that runs through the whole thing. It might seem odd to say, but I think this is a necessity when dealing with the specific issues included in this story: let the characters and their lives be the heavies, not the writing itself.
As Fergus set down the empty glass, the glow of camaraderie illuminated his insides like a torch in a haunted house.
Huge bonus for me and any other sports lover out there: all of the footie talk! Don’t worry, though, it’s all in context and is one of the supporting characters, a necessary part without being overwhelming. But I loved it! I ate it up. And if you enjoy sports in your stories, especially knowing about Premier League and the huge system that surrounds it, you’ll have so much fun with this.
John and Fergus share a palpable chemistry. They’re caring of one another, aware, and definitely horny. They’re also both taken by surprise with this unexpected connection they feel, and they both suffer times of uncertainty as to the viability of it all. Past experiences and current circumstances shoulder the blame for the conflicts they create.
There are a few passages that feel over stuffed, words sort of stumbling over one another. They’re rare, though, and when compared to Cockburn’s clear abilities in communicating emotion, humor, history, and a clear vision for this story, they’re also very minor. They certainly didn’t lessen my emotional response while reading.
Dirty talkin’, that’ll make ya proud, and plenty of it. ‘Nuf said.
Fergus and John are making decisions colored by their experiences, as I mentioned above, just as we all do. Any missteps they make feel real, not forced, because they’re completely fleshed out characters. This goes hand in hand with the dual points of view, as well.
I know, you’re still thinking about the dirty talkin’. I can’t provide an example of that, but I can do this for you…
He looped his arms under Fergus’s shoulders, then kissed his earlobe and whispered, “Hiya.”
“Hello.” Fergus laced his fingers of his left hand with John’s. “All right?”
“A wee bit short of breath.” John rested his cheek on Fergus’s shoulder, savoring this intimate press of flesh from head to toe, inside and out. He let his thumb drift through the sweat-damp waves of Fergus’s hair.
This is an intense read, especially as the final quarter begins. Family and social issues push their ways to the forefront, forcing John and Fergus to each deal with them, sometimes failing in their endeavors. I was on the edge of my seat, hoping for the best, whatever that was to be.
This is also an undoubtedly Scottish story, without feeling isolationist. This is accomplished with fantastic cultural references, fully formed characters and their realistically portrayed complicated relationships, just as realistic family dynamics, humor, history and its way of impacting the present, and off the charts sensuality between Fergus and John. All of these things gave me an unforgettable reading experience. And everything is set against The Beautiful Game aka football aka soccer!
I highly recommend this book and this author’s writing. This is definitely a new-to-me author success!
PS: I hadn’t even finished reading this before I purchased the prequel and the sequel. I’m ready for more!
May 17, 2018
4 Stars
This series has proven to be so much more than I expected. The writing quality is fantastic and the characters are impressively fleshed out and deliciously complex. There is a lot more emotional weight to the characters and the storytelling in general than one usually expects in a sports themed M/M romp, but thank god for that!
I feel like I'm learning something in the process of reading these books, before which I knew nothing about issues relating to Scottish societal structures or political/religious movements.
Much like with the prequel story, I also love how authentically the Scottish brogue is written; it truly assists in bringing these very Scottish characters to life.
I'd be a fool not to also mention how fabulous (and scorching hot) the chemistry is between the two leads, Fergus and John. I truly enjoyed their story and eagerly look forward to reading the next.
This series has proven to be so much more than I expected. The writing quality is fantastic and the characters are impressively fleshed out and deliciously complex. There is a lot more emotional weight to the characters and the storytelling in general than one usually expects in a sports themed M/M romp, but thank god for that!
I feel like I'm learning something in the process of reading these books, before which I knew nothing about issues relating to Scottish societal structures or political/religious movements.
Much like with the prequel story, I also love how authentically the Scottish brogue is written; it truly assists in bringing these very Scottish characters to life.
I'd be a fool not to also mention how fabulous (and scorching hot) the chemistry is between the two leads, Fergus and John. I truly enjoyed their story and eagerly look forward to reading the next.
Read
December 16, 2015Awesome AF.
June 29, 2024
4,5 stars.
My first book by this author. I had started it 7 years ago but set is soon aside, because I didn't get into it, then I forgot about it.
It took me a bit to get used to the language, and I didn't understand every Scottish expression, but that didn't lessen my enjoyment.
What I love most about this book are the characters. I love to read about not perfect MCs, but MCs who struggle, make mistakes, and are in fact human. Sometimes they know they are not doing the right thing, but continue nevertheless, conscious that there will be consequences.
John and Fergus were both awesome. They fell fast for each other, and I loved how much chemistry they had.
The political background and its connection with football was very interesting (I had to look it up because I hadn't been aware of it), and the author did an awesome job showing the MCs' struggles and hopes.
I loved the character development and relationship development.
I'm sure I'll reread this sooner or later.
-----
2017 first try:
Hmmm.. I'm not going to rate this story, because I couldn't make it past 6%. That's something out of the ordinary for me, because normally I keep reading, hoping to get a connection with the characters. Sadly this was so boring I just couldn't convince myself to go on. Maybe my expectations were false, as they were based on the reviews which made me believe this should be (beside the romance between the the H+H, and the political issues) a funny book from page 1 on.. Funny.. when? where? Or maybe it's just me. Maybe I'll retry someday.
My first book by this author. I had started it 7 years ago but set is soon aside, because I didn't get into it, then I forgot about it.
It took me a bit to get used to the language, and I didn't understand every Scottish expression, but that didn't lessen my enjoyment.
What I love most about this book are the characters. I love to read about not perfect MCs, but MCs who struggle, make mistakes, and are in fact human. Sometimes they know they are not doing the right thing, but continue nevertheless, conscious that there will be consequences.
John and Fergus were both awesome. They fell fast for each other, and I loved how much chemistry they had.
The political background and its connection with football was very interesting (I had to look it up because I hadn't been aware of it), and the author did an awesome job showing the MCs' struggles and hopes.
I loved the character development and relationship development.
I'm sure I'll reread this sooner or later.
-----
2017 first try:
Hmmm.. I'm not going to rate this story, because I couldn't make it past 6%. That's something out of the ordinary for me, because normally I keep reading, hoping to get a connection with the characters. Sadly this was so boring I just couldn't convince myself to go on. Maybe my expectations were false, as they were based on the reviews which made me believe this should be (beside the romance between the the H+H, and the political issues) a funny book from page 1 on.. Funny.. when? where? Or maybe it's just me. Maybe I'll retry someday.
September 10, 2016
Nice....kilt, aye?
Wow….this was…just…wow. *gathers wits and tries again*
Fact: I am not a sports fanatic.
Fact: I avoid heated debates involving religion and politics.
Fact: This story includes both and I absolutely adored it.
Wait, really? How did I love it when it’s comprised of things I don’t love? Simple. This new-to-me author has mastered the art of compelling emotive storytelling. Avery could weave a story about anything and I think I’d willingly bite the hook. I was merely halfway through this book when I raced to buy the rest of the series. I was that confident I wouldn’t be able to get enough and my instinct was right.
The writing is spectacular, the characters are endearing and the story is sensational.
What's to like: The Warriors are a LGBT soccer (football) team consisting of college mates who are deadly serious about the game. They have been on the up and up the past few seasons and just when they were ready to soar to the top, they took a piercing blow. Their captain abandoned them when he ditched him long-term boyfriend, Fergus, and fled town with another man. The team is crushed but forges ahead when Fergus is forced into the vacant leadership position. Even when the world is shattered as Fergus knows it, he picks up the broken pieces of himself for the team. The game nourishes their soul and whether Fergus wants to admit it or not, brings joy to his broken heart. As I said, I’m not a big sports fan but I was vested in their success and held my breath during their games. It was exciting!
What's to love: Loads! I don’t want to spill all the details. I went in blind and was swept off my feet and I wish the same for you. I’m just grateful I finally read it despite the fact it patiently waited for me on my kindle for nearly a year. So please allow me to give you a slight push, you don’t want to miss these lads.
Nudge number one:
Delightful drama. Yeah, yeah, there’s supposed to be no drama. Let me tell you a not so big secret, they didn’t listen. It’s not just a little theatrical moment, it’s an impressive strike to the chest. In the midst of the tantalizing romance I was soaking up the Scottish educational bits. Which leads me to…
Second bump:
John and Fergus are born rivals, forbidden to be together. What shines through the darker scenes is the message to think for oneself. Family, heritage and history are layers we cannot shed but they don’t make us who we are, they are simply a key component. Fergus is a born Catholic but not active with his faith. John has a painful secret which he believes he can hide from Fergus until he can demonstrate his burning desire to change his future in spite of his past. He attempts to ignore a part of himself, wishing it would disappear. He fears Fergus could never love the ugly bits of John Burns but discovers denying him the choice is his biggest mistake of all.
Third (not so gentle) shove:
They fall in love against all odds. Love cannot erase differences but it allows us to embrace them with unconditional strength. Love is not perfect. These Glasgow lads are not perfect. Yet, they are perfect for each other. *sigh* I am utterly smitten.
Beware of: Lots of brogue (some deliciously filthy) and a couple of sinfully HOT kilt men. The opposites attract theme is done fabulously and though you might think their biggest challenge is social status, religion and postal codes, you would be wrong. Their greatest rivalry is….nahh, you’ll have to find out for yourself.
This book is for: Everyone! I know, I know, cliché right? But you see, Cockburn proves that consequences of racial/cultural/religious hatred can be severe and true love can still survive, tarnished but solid. Who wouldn’t enjoy that? Now, pardon me while I dash into the fray of more striking Scots.Cannae wait for book two!
Book UNfunk
Wow….this was…just…wow. *gathers wits and tries again*
Fact: I am not a sports fanatic.
Fact: I avoid heated debates involving religion and politics.
Fact: This story includes both and I absolutely adored it.
Wait, really? How did I love it when it’s comprised of things I don’t love? Simple. This new-to-me author has mastered the art of compelling emotive storytelling. Avery could weave a story about anything and I think I’d willingly bite the hook. I was merely halfway through this book when I raced to buy the rest of the series. I was that confident I wouldn’t be able to get enough and my instinct was right.
The writing is spectacular, the characters are endearing and the story is sensational.
What's to like: The Warriors are a LGBT soccer (football) team consisting of college mates who are deadly serious about the game. They have been on the up and up the past few seasons and just when they were ready to soar to the top, they took a piercing blow. Their captain abandoned them when he ditched him long-term boyfriend, Fergus, and fled town with another man. The team is crushed but forges ahead when Fergus is forced into the vacant leadership position. Even when the world is shattered as Fergus knows it, he picks up the broken pieces of himself for the team. The game nourishes their soul and whether Fergus wants to admit it or not, brings joy to his broken heart. As I said, I’m not a big sports fan but I was vested in their success and held my breath during their games. It was exciting!
What's to love: Loads! I don’t want to spill all the details. I went in blind and was swept off my feet and I wish the same for you. I’m just grateful I finally read it despite the fact it patiently waited for me on my kindle for nearly a year. So please allow me to give you a slight push, you don’t want to miss these lads.
Nudge number one:
Delightful drama. Yeah, yeah, there’s supposed to be no drama. Let me tell you a not so big secret, they didn’t listen. It’s not just a little theatrical moment, it’s an impressive strike to the chest. In the midst of the tantalizing romance I was soaking up the Scottish educational bits. Which leads me to…
Second bump:
John and Fergus are born rivals, forbidden to be together. What shines through the darker scenes is the message to think for oneself. Family, heritage and history are layers we cannot shed but they don’t make us who we are, they are simply a key component. Fergus is a born Catholic but not active with his faith. John has a painful secret which he believes he can hide from Fergus until he can demonstrate his burning desire to change his future in spite of his past. He attempts to ignore a part of himself, wishing it would disappear. He fears Fergus could never love the ugly bits of John Burns but discovers denying him the choice is his biggest mistake of all.
Third (not so gentle) shove:
They fall in love against all odds. Love cannot erase differences but it allows us to embrace them with unconditional strength. Love is not perfect. These Glasgow lads are not perfect. Yet, they are perfect for each other. *sigh* I am utterly smitten.
Beware of: Lots of brogue (some deliciously filthy) and a couple of sinfully HOT kilt men. The opposites attract theme is done fabulously and though you might think their biggest challenge is social status, religion and postal codes, you would be wrong. Their greatest rivalry is….nahh, you’ll have to find out for yourself.
This book is for: Everyone! I know, I know, cliché right? But you see, Cockburn proves that consequences of racial/cultural/religious hatred can be severe and true love can still survive, tarnished but solid. Who wouldn’t enjoy that? Now, pardon me while I dash into the fray of more striking Scots.Cannae wait for book two!
Book UNfunk
December 3, 2023
Raising this to 5 stars after reading the whole series. Now that I know how things turn out I really appreciate the extra thought gone into planning this book.
Initial read - Loved this! Swoony Scottish accents, sex in kilts, subtle dry humour and a nice bit of angst mixed in. I normally dislike reading anything about religion or politics which is what put me off reading this earlier but it was great. I found the situation interesting and was never bogged down by it, maybe I subconsciously skimmed any heavily detailed parts without realising it because I didn’t find this as politically heavy as other reviewers have.
It did take me a little while to get into but by 25% I was well hooked and enjoyed it right to the end. Keen for book 2.
Initial read - Loved this! Swoony Scottish accents, sex in kilts, subtle dry humour and a nice bit of angst mixed in. I normally dislike reading anything about religion or politics which is what put me off reading this earlier but it was great. I found the situation interesting and was never bogged down by it, maybe I subconsciously skimmed any heavily detailed parts without realising it because I didn’t find this as politically heavy as other reviewers have.
It did take me a little while to get into but by 25% I was well hooked and enjoyed it right to the end. Keen for book 2.
February 23, 2021
Fergus and John were two very interesting and realistic characters, they made mistakes handling their relationship but given where they came from (family background in John's case, past experiences in Fergus's), I could see why they were acting a certain way instead of doing the "right" thing. It's one thing to know what you're supposed to do and another thing to actually do it, especially when other important forces in your life are pulling the other way and you're afraid of losing someone you care about.
I liked the political/religious setting and the storyline about the charity match and the asylum seekers, it was interesting and original and it worked well with the development of Fergus and John's relationship.
I liked the political/religious setting and the storyline about the charity match and the asylum seekers, it was interesting and original and it worked well with the development of Fergus and John's relationship.
February 6, 2017
review to come...
September 22, 2015
~ ~ ~
Ultimately this is a tale of two lads who should have communicated better. One, a heartbroken, paranoid, footballer who has deep trust issues. The other, a gregarious, charming politically motivated university student with things to hide.
I'm ridiculously frustrated because I just lost all my notes about this book on my kindle. I had so much I wanted to refer to. I grabbed this freebie off Amazon via Bookbub and was just going to set it aside to get to later. But I cracked it and just couldn't let it be. In fact I interspersed it with other reads and way too much life interference, but it kept drawing me back.
There is a lot more to this book than a simple sports themed romance. This had deep cultural and religious themes running throughout. The author did an exceptional job with explaining these potentially difficult concepts to my naive mind and I enjoyed this element of the story the most. But beyond that she gave these guys a path forward that didn't change them into something they're not. In fact, because they are able to accept who they are, they will have a stronger future together.
This had all the proper steaminess, a few tears, some football, intriguing political conflicts, and enough regional dialect (brogue) to give me thrills.
I think I'm straight on to book two. There's a teaser at the end of book one and I've already got feels about it. Colin and Drew's story just sounds so hot.
Definitely recommended.
~ ~ ~
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
http://www.attentionisarbitrary.com
Ultimately this is a tale of two lads who should have communicated better. One, a heartbroken, paranoid, footballer who has deep trust issues. The other, a gregarious, charming politically motivated university student with things to hide.
I'm ridiculously frustrated because I just lost all my notes about this book on my kindle. I had so much I wanted to refer to. I grabbed this freebie off Amazon via Bookbub and was just going to set it aside to get to later. But I cracked it and just couldn't let it be. In fact I interspersed it with other reads and way too much life interference, but it kept drawing me back.
There is a lot more to this book than a simple sports themed romance. This had deep cultural and religious themes running throughout. The author did an exceptional job with explaining these potentially difficult concepts to my naive mind and I enjoyed this element of the story the most. But beyond that she gave these guys a path forward that didn't change them into something they're not. In fact, because they are able to accept who they are, they will have a stronger future together.
This had all the proper steaminess, a few tears, some football, intriguing political conflicts, and enough regional dialect (brogue) to give me thrills.
I think I'm straight on to book two. There's a teaser at the end of book one and I've already got feels about it. Colin and Drew's story just sounds so hot.
Definitely recommended.
~ ~ ~
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
http://www.attentionisarbitrary.com
June 10, 2017
4 Stars!
This is no ordinary sports themed MM romance!
Sure you've got love of the game, team work, and beating the odds - but I've come to realize that this series has more on its mind than just soccer, and I'm impressed.
So you've got Catholic Fergus, who's been blindsided by an ex who left him suddenly without warning. He's insecure and hurt, and for the first time in a long time his interest is piqued by John, who approaches his LGBT soccer team to do a charity game to raise money for a good cause.
John is Protestant, and though he's trying to separate himself as delicately as possible from his devout upbringing, it's quickly realized that his family complications are going to significantly conflict with him having any sort of feelings, let alone future, with Fergus.
This is chock full of what I presume is a very real issue in Scotland - Catholics vs Protestants. Like it is with all of us across countries who have a mix of race and religion, hatred and violence and bigotry still run rampant. What shouldn't work between these two does, and each has their own worries about how this relationship should or can progress with good reason. As a warning, there are some lies and secrets that fuel the main plot, and all sorts of angsty guilt, doubt, and worry come as a result of it. Both of these characters though, were really, really likable in my opinion. And holy smokes, they were absolutely combustible between the sheets. I wasn't quite expecting so much hotness but can I say, wow?! Wow!
Loved the message of actually thinking for oneself and making judgement logically. We can agree to disagree, but we can still love in between! Really a wonderful story and looking forward to the rest!!
This is no ordinary sports themed MM romance!
Sure you've got love of the game, team work, and beating the odds - but I've come to realize that this series has more on its mind than just soccer, and I'm impressed.
So you've got Catholic Fergus, who's been blindsided by an ex who left him suddenly without warning. He's insecure and hurt, and for the first time in a long time his interest is piqued by John, who approaches his LGBT soccer team to do a charity game to raise money for a good cause.
John is Protestant, and though he's trying to separate himself as delicately as possible from his devout upbringing, it's quickly realized that his family complications are going to significantly conflict with him having any sort of feelings, let alone future, with Fergus.
This is chock full of what I presume is a very real issue in Scotland - Catholics vs Protestants. Like it is with all of us across countries who have a mix of race and religion, hatred and violence and bigotry still run rampant. What shouldn't work between these two does, and each has their own worries about how this relationship should or can progress with good reason. As a warning, there are some lies and secrets that fuel the main plot, and all sorts of angsty guilt, doubt, and worry come as a result of it. Both of these characters though, were really, really likable in my opinion. And holy smokes, they were absolutely combustible between the sheets. I wasn't quite expecting so much hotness but can I say, wow?! Wow!
Loved the message of actually thinking for oneself and making judgement logically. We can agree to disagree, but we can still love in between! Really a wonderful story and looking forward to the rest!!
January 5, 2019
Nice! Looking forward to reading the whole series!
January 27, 2016
Qué grata sorpresa este libro. Historia de amor en torno a un equipo de fútbol amateur de LGBT, pero con un marcado transfondo social y político.
La autora (o autor, con el nombre no lo tengo muy claro) da una lección de cómo una historia de amor nos puede tener en vilo y no perder su fuerza, aunque la rodeemos de temas de trascendencia en nuestra sociedad, en esta ocasión la marginalidad de ciertos sectores por su sexualidad, y la confrontación entre protestantes y católicos en Escocia. La historia de Fergus y John, preciosa, la realidad social y política escocesa, desconocida por mi y apasionante.
Quería hacer mención especial a las escenas de sexo, no son solo buenas escenas de sexo, el aspecto emocional está muy presente en ellas y esto hace que además de tener más significado, como lector te ponga un nudito en la garganta.
Apuntada esta autora (o autor....)
La autora (o autor, con el nombre no lo tengo muy claro) da una lección de cómo una historia de amor nos puede tener en vilo y no perder su fuerza, aunque la rodeemos de temas de trascendencia en nuestra sociedad, en esta ocasión la marginalidad de ciertos sectores por su sexualidad, y la confrontación entre protestantes y católicos en Escocia. La historia de Fergus y John, preciosa, la realidad social y política escocesa, desconocida por mi y apasionante.
Quería hacer mención especial a las escenas de sexo, no son solo buenas escenas de sexo, el aspecto emocional está muy presente en ellas y esto hace que además de tener más significado, como lector te ponga un nudito en la garganta.
Apuntada esta autora (o autor....)
June 18, 2016
3 y pico, casi 4.
Me voy al #2 right now!
Me voy al #2 right now!
Yaldy!
October 18, 2015
Very well written. There are a lot of football references, which I happen to love. I cannot believe I stayed up this late reading. I couldn't stop. At 60% or so, I honestly could not stop. I had to know how it all works out.
February 24, 2021
Reread review 2/23/2021
Reread continues with my BR group and had a blast reading and discussing it with all of. Thanks Rosa, Teal, Shile and Elena!
I'm going to bump this rating down just a nudge, though it's more symbolic than anything else. 3.75 stars, but after rounding up, it's right back to 4 stars, lol. This was more insta-sex than I remembered, and I was getting a bit bored with the sex scenes in the first half. But I do love John and Fergus, and watching these two John's family is a realistic mess, and the cultural aspects of the story are still interesting. I love the team too, and the banter between them is great. You can really imagine men in their twenties talking to each other like this.
Original review (but edited today)
First, my gripes:
1) [Edit: Ok, so I was griping about the "racists" comments but I've learned since reading this just how race is viewed in the UK and in Scotland in particular. The author even has a note at the end, past the acknowledgments and whatnot that I hadn't seen the first time reading this which explains it too, so if you're still getting up on this, I suggest reading that.]
2) This is yet another author who plays up anal sex as the ultimate goal in sex because that's two books in a row now where the MCs are having all kinds of sex but still waiting for when they get to have "actual real" sex. I'm so done with this logic. It makes no sense. What does that say about gay couples who never have anal sex? Think about the implications of what you're putting out there, authors. IJS.
3) Boys, stop calling each other misogynistic slurs like it's shameful to be a woman.
Ok, onto stuff I did like.
This wasn't instalove, though they do get to that point rather fast, given the time frame. Still, there were sufficient enough trials in their relationship that it didn't feel completely out of nowhere. John's a Protestant, Fergus is Catholic and while neither of them go to church, for some reason, this is a big deal. For those who dislike the Big Misunderstanding trope, this book pretty much relies on that from the start as John begins to lie to prevent Fergus from finding out he's part of the Orange Walkers, an anti-Catholic hate group. For those who hate religion in their books, there's very little talk of actual religion, so you should be okay, as long as you can suffer people being bigots for stupid reasons.
It took me an embarrassing long time to realize that John here is the same John as Brodie's friend in the first book. I had already completely forgotten about him. I guess he made rather a non-impression in that book, since he was delegated mostly to Brodie's wingman. John's an interesting, complex character here and he really gets to come into his own. I don't envy his situation at all. He wants to make his father and brother proud, and feels like he owns something to the Orange Walkers for having his back. At the same time, he clearly doesn't agree with what they stand for. Meanwhile, Fergus is still smarting from his abrupt breakup with Evan. He's knows it's too soon for him to jump into another relationship and he has trust issues up the wazoo, which isn't helped when John clearly isn't telling him everything. It's a recipe for disaster.
I wished there had been more emphasis on the asylum refugees, since the Warriors are putting on the charity match for them. Yet we really don't get more than a few pages total about them and only meet the one refugee on page.
Reread continues with my BR group and had a blast reading and discussing it with all of. Thanks Rosa, Teal, Shile and Elena!
I'm going to bump this rating down just a nudge, though it's more symbolic than anything else. 3.75 stars, but after rounding up, it's right back to 4 stars, lol. This was more insta-sex than I remembered, and I was getting a bit bored with the sex scenes in the first half. But I do love John and Fergus, and watching these two John's family is a realistic mess, and the cultural aspects of the story are still interesting. I love the team too, and the banter between them is great. You can really imagine men in their twenties talking to each other like this.
Original review (but edited today)
First, my gripes:
1) [Edit: Ok, so I was griping about the "racists" comments but I've learned since reading this just how race is viewed in the UK and in Scotland in particular. The author even has a note at the end, past the acknowledgments and whatnot that I hadn't seen the first time reading this which explains it too, so if you're still getting up on this, I suggest reading that.]
2) This is yet another author who plays up anal sex as the ultimate goal in sex because that's two books in a row now where the MCs are having all kinds of sex but still waiting for when they get to have "actual real" sex. I'm so done with this logic. It makes no sense. What does that say about gay couples who never have anal sex? Think about the implications of what you're putting out there, authors. IJS.
3) Boys, stop calling each other misogynistic slurs like it's shameful to be a woman.
Ok, onto stuff I did like.
This wasn't instalove, though they do get to that point rather fast, given the time frame. Still, there were sufficient enough trials in their relationship that it didn't feel completely out of nowhere. John's a Protestant, Fergus is Catholic and while neither of them go to church, for some reason, this is a big deal. For those who dislike the Big Misunderstanding trope, this book pretty much relies on that from the start as John begins to lie to prevent Fergus from finding out he's part of the Orange Walkers, an anti-Catholic hate group. For those who hate religion in their books, there's very little talk of actual religion, so you should be okay, as long as you can suffer people being bigots for stupid reasons.
It took me an embarrassing long time to realize that John here is the same John as Brodie's friend in the first book. I had already completely forgotten about him. I guess he made rather a non-impression in that book, since he was delegated mostly to Brodie's wingman. John's an interesting, complex character here and he really gets to come into his own. I don't envy his situation at all. He wants to make his father and brother proud, and feels like he owns something to the Orange Walkers for having his back. At the same time, he clearly doesn't agree with what they stand for. Meanwhile, Fergus is still smarting from his abrupt breakup with Evan. He's knows it's too soon for him to jump into another relationship and he has trust issues up the wazoo, which isn't helped when John clearly isn't telling him everything. It's a recipe for disaster.
I wished there had been more emphasis on the asylum refugees, since the Warriors are putting on the charity match for them. Yet we really don't get more than a few pages total about them and only meet the one refugee on page.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2015
When a romance story puts you someplace unfamiliar, and offers you an array of characters who are unlike anyone you know, even the most conventional tale of love and redemption becomes a journey.
The first of her “Glasgow Lads” series, Avery Cockburn’s “Playing for Keeps” shows us a side of Scotland that few travelers ever see. This book is full of barriers: the barriers gay football (soccer) players face in the amateur leagues that form a crucial social element in Scotland’s life; the barriers Scots-Irish Catholics face in a country whose Protestant majority is sometimes still deeply tied to the anti-Catholic movement in Northern Ireland; the barriers LGBT refugees from homophobic nations face when confronted with unfeeling UK government policies and uncaring bureaucracy; and finally, the social and economic barriers that underemployed blue-collar Glaswegians face in a country where industry is declining. This is still the Glasgow of Charles Rennie MacIntosh, but it’s not what tourists see. And that’s what makes this story special and vivid.
Fergus Taylor, country-raised and highly educated, is still reeling from the deceit and betrayal of his ex. John Burns, born and schooled in Glasgow’s toughest neighborhood, is smarting from the constant pressure of his father to participate in the anti-Catholic Orange Man walks. The football pitch becomes a place where these two men find each other unhindered by the barriers that, off the pitch, threaten to impede their paths to happiness, individually or together.
Cockburn gives us marvelous Glaswegian patois and an insider’s look at gay life in the UK’s unromantic industrial north. She focuses on Fergus and John, but surrounds them with wonderful, funny, loving, sometimes difficult people. She presents a challenging social reality and doesn’t take the easy way out.
The sex is integral and passionate, interwoven with the burgeoning emotional ties these two men develop for each other. There is the usual m/m romanctic emphasis on beautiful bodies and ample endowment (pause to roll my eyes), but that is balanced by the richly detailed personalities of both Fergus (a redhead too boot, swoon) and John. Cockburn gives the romance reader what he/she wants, but also gives us a chance to expand our experience of the world and understand something new.
I’ve already bought the second book in this series, which focuses on two other characters who were significant sideline players in this book. That’s the way to sell your work.
The first of her “Glasgow Lads” series, Avery Cockburn’s “Playing for Keeps” shows us a side of Scotland that few travelers ever see. This book is full of barriers: the barriers gay football (soccer) players face in the amateur leagues that form a crucial social element in Scotland’s life; the barriers Scots-Irish Catholics face in a country whose Protestant majority is sometimes still deeply tied to the anti-Catholic movement in Northern Ireland; the barriers LGBT refugees from homophobic nations face when confronted with unfeeling UK government policies and uncaring bureaucracy; and finally, the social and economic barriers that underemployed blue-collar Glaswegians face in a country where industry is declining. This is still the Glasgow of Charles Rennie MacIntosh, but it’s not what tourists see. And that’s what makes this story special and vivid.
Fergus Taylor, country-raised and highly educated, is still reeling from the deceit and betrayal of his ex. John Burns, born and schooled in Glasgow’s toughest neighborhood, is smarting from the constant pressure of his father to participate in the anti-Catholic Orange Man walks. The football pitch becomes a place where these two men find each other unhindered by the barriers that, off the pitch, threaten to impede their paths to happiness, individually or together.
Cockburn gives us marvelous Glaswegian patois and an insider’s look at gay life in the UK’s unromantic industrial north. She focuses on Fergus and John, but surrounds them with wonderful, funny, loving, sometimes difficult people. She presents a challenging social reality and doesn’t take the easy way out.
The sex is integral and passionate, interwoven with the burgeoning emotional ties these two men develop for each other. There is the usual m/m romanctic emphasis on beautiful bodies and ample endowment (pause to roll my eyes), but that is balanced by the richly detailed personalities of both Fergus (a redhead too boot, swoon) and John. Cockburn gives the romance reader what he/she wants, but also gives us a chance to expand our experience of the world and understand something new.
I’ve already bought the second book in this series, which focuses on two other characters who were significant sideline players in this book. That’s the way to sell your work.
April 2, 2019
I'm really enjoying this series. I especially like how the author refuses to shy away from topics extremely relevant to today's Scotland, such as the blatant sectarianism that still exists...even though she no longer lives on this side of the pond. 4.5 stars from me.
Unfortunately both of our MC's Fergus and John get caught up in the unhealthy fervour that exists, both in terms of the sometimes violent rivalry between the fans of Rangers and Celtic AND the religious implications that that entails. If you support Rangers, you have probably been brought up in the Protestant faith and likewise the Catholic faith for Celtic fans. Do not for one moment believe that this religious bigotry is confined to Glasgow either....it isn't, but things are SO much better than they used to be thank goodness. Surely it's time to leave all of this bitterness and hatred in the past, where it belongs??
I loved that Fergus found a man who was worthy of him in John, instead of that cheating piece of s**t Evan who legged it to Belgium with his 'bit on the side' and didn't even have the guts to tell Fergus in person . John was so brave to finally stand up to his dad, brother and the rest of the Lodge and do what HE believed in, and that was bringing everyone closer together. Fergus and John scorched the sheets together, that's for sure.
The next story is about a topic which divided the nation for a while...the independence vote and two guys who were on either side of the great divide.
Unfortunately both of our MC's Fergus and John get caught up in the unhealthy fervour that exists, both in terms of the sometimes violent rivalry between the fans of Rangers and Celtic AND the religious implications that that entails. If you support Rangers, you have probably been brought up in the Protestant faith and likewise the Catholic faith for Celtic fans. Do not for one moment believe that this religious bigotry is confined to Glasgow either....it isn't, but things are SO much better than they used to be thank goodness. Surely it's time to leave all of this bitterness and hatred in the past, where it belongs??
I loved that Fergus found a man who was worthy of him in John, instead of that cheating piece of s**t Evan who legged it to Belgium with his 'bit on the side' and didn't even have the guts to tell Fergus in person . John was so brave to finally stand up to his dad, brother and the rest of the Lodge and do what HE believed in, and that was bringing everyone closer together. Fergus and John scorched the sheets together, that's for sure.
The next story is about a topic which divided the nation for a while...the independence vote and two guys who were on either side of the great divide.
October 14, 2015
4 Stars
Aye, this was a right good tale!
Aye, this was a right good tale!
Read
March 26, 2018edit: we were, unfortunately, not ready to feel the cockburn
this was a dnf @about 40%. the best way to really showcase why this was such a failure for me would be this quote:
"He's got his own ring tone after one date?" Liam said. "This is fucking terminal."
and it was, INDEED, fcking terminal. the story started out interestingly enough: a ginger Scottish lad is captain of his LGBT soccer team that is recovering from heartbreak... in comes a guy from the opposite side of town to ~shake up his world.~ but... uh the insta love was out of CONTROL in this.
i liked the initial interactions between the characters, there was some flirtation and attraction which I thought felt totally normal and reasonable. but within about 30 pages we've got raunchy sex scenes and "omg stay at my place" "do you want to spend every waking hour together?"
and if that wasn't bad enough, the sex itself was GROSS. there were vivid descriptions of toe calluses being sucked on and certain male appendages being snail trailed on lower backs... just ODD. not what I would expect from a sexy MM romance.
but for me what was most disappointing was how the conflict of the book was handled. I had no idea that protestants & catholics still were in conflict in Scotland. and I really liked the idea of learning more about that conflict! but it was not well done. we get a introduction to the conflict & obviously the boys come from different backgrounds. but it was cheaply used and not well explored... I honestly feel that this heavy content should probably have been excluded from the book because it did NOT match the tone of the book and like I said, was not handled well.
overall a disappointing read, but I can't say I regret it. chortling over these awful sex scenes was the highlight of my week lol.
***************************************
ready to feel the cockburn with my soccer moms fran, hayley & sara
this was a dnf @about 40%. the best way to really showcase why this was such a failure for me would be this quote:
"He's got his own ring tone after one date?" Liam said. "This is fucking terminal."
and it was, INDEED, fcking terminal. the story started out interestingly enough: a ginger Scottish lad is captain of his LGBT soccer team that is recovering from heartbreak... in comes a guy from the opposite side of town to ~shake up his world.~ but... uh the insta love was out of CONTROL in this.
i liked the initial interactions between the characters, there was some flirtation and attraction which I thought felt totally normal and reasonable. but within about 30 pages we've got raunchy sex scenes and "omg stay at my place" "do you want to spend every waking hour together?"
and if that wasn't bad enough, the sex itself was GROSS. there were vivid descriptions of toe calluses being sucked on and certain male appendages being snail trailed on lower backs... just ODD. not what I would expect from a sexy MM romance.
but for me what was most disappointing was how the conflict of the book was handled. I had no idea that protestants & catholics still were in conflict in Scotland. and I really liked the idea of learning more about that conflict! but it was not well done. we get a introduction to the conflict & obviously the boys come from different backgrounds. but it was cheaply used and not well explored... I honestly feel that this heavy content should probably have been excluded from the book because it did NOT match the tone of the book and like I said, was not handled well.
overall a disappointing read, but I can't say I regret it. chortling over these awful sex scenes was the highlight of my week lol.
***************************************
ready to feel the cockburn with my soccer moms fran, hayley & sara
October 22, 2015
4 stars
So many thoughts on this but not enough time to write them up properly! I'm going to be brief ...
- I found the political/sectarian aspects of this fascinating -- it exposed me to issues I didn't realize Glasgow and Scotland were still facing.
- I enjoyed the charity football match parts. I feel like this author does a good job of raising awareness of issues like the problems facing LGBT asylum seekers without seeming like she's trying to impart a lesson.
- I loved the chemistry between John and Fergus ... one of my favourite scenes was when they got in a little loving whilst still wearing their kilts ... especially when I can picture Fergus looking like the guy in Eleftheria's review :)
- One of my least favourite plot devices is when one MC hides something big from the other. From the blurb, I knew that's what I was getting into here, but still I felt like that part of the story went down in a fairly predictable manner. Honestly I was a little annoyed at this. However, the story ended very strong for me, so I came pretty close to forgiving the secrets hiding issue.
- Lastly, this felt a little long to me.
Overall, I'm enjoying this series and the exposure to life in Glasgow. And, yes, I'm feeling quite attached to these Glasgow Lads. I'll for sure be reading Colin and Andrew's story soon.
So many thoughts on this but not enough time to write them up properly! I'm going to be brief ...
- I found the political/sectarian aspects of this fascinating -- it exposed me to issues I didn't realize Glasgow and Scotland were still facing.
- I enjoyed the charity football match parts. I feel like this author does a good job of raising awareness of issues like the problems facing LGBT asylum seekers without seeming like she's trying to impart a lesson.
- I loved the chemistry between John and Fergus ... one of my favourite scenes was when they got in a little loving whilst still wearing their kilts ... especially when I can picture Fergus looking like the guy in Eleftheria's review :)
- One of my least favourite plot devices is when one MC hides something big from the other. From the blurb, I knew that's what I was getting into here, but still I felt like that part of the story went down in a fairly predictable manner. Honestly I was a little annoyed at this. However, the story ended very strong for me, so I came pretty close to forgiving the secrets hiding issue.
- Lastly, this felt a little long to me.
Overall, I'm enjoying this series and the exposure to life in Glasgow. And, yes, I'm feeling quite attached to these Glasgow Lads. I'll for sure be reading Colin and Andrew's story soon.
August 1, 2015
Free on Amazon right now 8/1
4.5 Stars
What a very pleasant surprise by "new to me" author Avery Cockburn. I thoroughly enjoyed this story set in Glasgow, Scotland, which means we get ALL of the Scottish and even Irish brogue you can handle. In fact, I can see some narrow minded people even complain about it.
Anyway, I found this Scottish version of West Side story very entertaining and eye opening. I look forward to the next story!
4.5 Stars
What a very pleasant surprise by "new to me" author Avery Cockburn. I thoroughly enjoyed this story set in Glasgow, Scotland, which means we get ALL of the Scottish and even Irish brogue you can handle. In fact, I can see some narrow minded people even complain about it.
Anyway, I found this Scottish version of West Side story very entertaining and eye opening. I look forward to the next story!
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