It's impossible for Rowan to imagine ever being himself and happy while living in Big Bend and trying to make his father happy. His attraction to Benny is something that he needs to deny, but one kiss and Rowan keeps falling while knowing he will lose everything and end up hurting Benny.
From the blurb:
Benny
Big Bend is my home. I love it here. I love everything about it.
It’s my senior year, and I’m determined to have the best one yet. Of course, that’s when life gets confusing.
I think I may have a little bit of a crush on my nemesis.
Something I never saw coming.
I just hope I can find a way to make him give me a chance because being together would make not only this year great, but this life of ours—absolutely epic.
Rowan
Benjamin McBride is the bane of my existence. He simply won’t quit—he never does.
He’s too happy. Too confident. Too unafraid.
I can’t let him get to me.
He thinks we could be epic together, that us in a relationship would be some saving grace—a Hail Mary—a way to make this year and our lives the best they can be.
But I’m not destined for happiness.
I have to make him understand . . .
It’s never going to happen.
SNik's review:
Second in series (Big Bend Bears), but can be read as a standalone. Adversarial to lovers. Teammates. Small town. Hurt/comfort. Secret relationship. Dual POV.
Benny and Rowan are high school football teammates and nothing seems to bother Benny even when others say homophobic things in the locker rooms but those same comments scare Rowan and make him angry. Attraction to another guy is something new, but Benny won’t deny it, if only he could get Rowan to admit he wants Benny just as much.
This was a hard read at times because Rowan’s fears are certainly understandable, but whenever Benny and Rowan are on page together the yearning, lust, and eventual love is so obvious. Benny’s absolute dedication and certainty in his love and ability to be hurt but still see Rowan’s love is the kind of golden retriever cinnamon roll energy that is pure swoon. This story brought all the feels, with Benny’s supportive parents bringing such positivity, plenty of spicy times, and a wonderful HEA.
Rogue's Review:
- series
- bi/gay awakening
- high school
This is the second in the Big Bend Bears series, it can be read easily as a standalone though. This is Benny and Rowan's story. The two boys are high school age, which initially I wasn't sure about, high school stories really usually aren't for me but this was a delight. Benny is pure sunshine through and through and Rowan, while he is grumpy, is that way for a reason and finding out why he is that way, is heartbreaking.
Rogue's Review:
- series
- bi/gay awakening
- high school
This is the second in the Big Bend Bears series, it can be read easily as a standalone though. This is Benny and Rowan's story. The two boys are high school age, which initially I wasn't sure about, high school stories really usually aren't for me but this was a delight. Benny is pure sunshine through and through and Rowan, while he is grumpy, is that way for a reason and finding out why he is that way, is heartbreaking.
I loved how open Benny was to the fact he might not be completely straight, and he's okay with that, and I also liked how he didn't really put a label on it either. It was good to 'see' Dallas again too. Honestly, these two together, Rowan and Benny when they eventually got together were too damn cute for words. 'My Benny' killed me every time and more than once I had a big smile on my face. I get why Rowan felt he needed to hide but that broke me at the same time. I'm so glad they finally managed to navigate everything and find their HEA, with help from Benny's kick ass parents, that is.
I really enjoyed this and would definitely love to read more in this series.
Autumn's review:
This is the second book of the series, and I highly recommend reading the first book before diving into this one.
With that said, it was very well written. Full of emotion, just like I'd expect from this author.
I'm not a huge sports fan, in real life or in books, and this book was written so well that the sport factor didn't put me off.
Since Benny had been introduced in Red Zone, I couldn't wait to get his story and I was blown away with it.
Heather's Review:
Hail Mary tore my heart out in places. I've been waiting for Benny's story since the Red Zone, but watching him embrace his sexuality while Rowan struggles just wore me down. I can imagine so many small town kids that deal with the homophobia and the hate and who hide themselves away from love and even lust to protect themselves.
You watch them dance around each other and also watch how different parents create different environments, knowing that kids suffer with those choices to stay in their parents good graces or even in their lives at all. I love Benny's parents and not only how accepting they are, but how naturally nurturing & welcoming they are.
This book certainly has a hard won HEA, but the way these characters come together makes the angst worth it.
Hail Mary is currently available as an e-book and can be read as part of your Kindle Unlimited Subscription
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