The Endgame

Riley Hart — 2021

WestonWhen I left home, I swore I'd never hide anything about myself again. From college, to law school, to the United States Senate representing California, I've done it all as an out gay man. So, when I'm in DC and see a beautiful guy at the hotel bar, I don't hesitate to proposition him...right before he runs out on me, leaving his sunglasses behind like my very own Cinderfella.AnsonI've always known I'm gay, but never acted on it. Pretending isn't easy, but it means I can keep playing football. No one has ever guessed my secret until the gorgeous man at a bar in DC. At least he doesn't know who I am-the best tight end in the NFL, playing for the Atlanta Lightning. Though my identity doesn't stay a secret from him for long.Between texts and late-night phone calls, we get to know each other. West's the only person who knows all the parts of me, just like I know his. When he asks for one night together so he can show me what it's like to be with a man, I can't say no. But once isn't enough, and we keep sneaking around together-brief encounters, in California, Georgia, or DC, filled with passionate touches and whispered truths.I never thought I'd have love. West never thought he'd want it. Now we're all in with each other, but he still has time left in his Senate term. I have contract obligations to fulfill, and I'm closeted. We don't even live in the same state. The odds are stacked against us, but if there's one thing I know, it's how to win. He's the endgame in the biggest challenge of my life, the one I'm banking my future happiness on.

Reviews

sophia n@nyx

Sep 16, 2022

* 2.5 stars hmm, complicated feelings with this one. i almost dnf'd it 12% in because the writing was ... not my favorite at all. it felt very telling-not-showing in a way i was hyper aware of. but i came back and read the summary again and realized what it was that interested me to begin with - the relationship building over text messages. i don't know why i'm just 100% a sucker for even the loosest form of epistolary. so i kept going. and it did get sweet, there was even a few parts i actually had a real heart squeeze over, but i don't know. i think the writing just really made me too aware of even the smallest issues i had with it. i'm really on the fence but i don't actually regret reading, so. idk. the more i'm thinking on it and writing this out the more i feel like i only remember the bad things ... tws: f slur, homophobia, forced outing, mention of conversion camp why don't i ever see tws in the top reviews for m/m books. y'all i'm tired.

Cathy@cqthy

Aug 10, 2022

the way i’ve read more books in one week than the last six months 🧍🏻‍♀️ review coming soon x

Michelle Vasquez@yourfavoritebookbag

Sep 27, 2021

Anson and West are perfection. “I can’t stop doing this with you. God help me, but I can’t. As long as you’ll have me, I want you.” Anson is selfless. It is family and football - and whatever else is left is for him, but it isn’t much. He’s kept his desires close to the vest and has never given into what he truly needed.. a friend; someone who sees right through the facade he has put up. West saw right through him. A complete pilot opposite of Anson; West is cunning, bold and goes after what he desires most in life. They each have something the other wants. To not feel alone, to have someone to be their biggest fan, to have someone in their corner; a family. “The Endgame,” by Riley Hart is a standalone MM romance. It is centered around Senator Weston Calloway and Pro Football Player Anson Hawkins. It is an opposites attract, secret romance - as West was openly gay in the public eye, and Anson was not. It was full of steam, fun banter between the two of them (hello long distance relationship), and the power of overcoming the emotionally charged moments of coming out. It was brave, bold and I loved every minute of this beautiful story. It gave me hope, for them, and their love that shined so bright. Beautifully written.