Straight to the Heart by Kimberly Gardner

kg_straight_from_the_heartTitle: Straight to the Heart
Series: Exception to the Rule 3
Author: Kimberly Gardner
Genre: Contemporary/New Adult
Length: Novel (229 pages)
Publisher: Loose Id (November 4th, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts
Blurb: College student Kyle diStefano is having trouble paying his tuition. So when he hears about a job as team mascot with the accompanying full scholarship it seems like the perfect solution. Except he knows nothing about football. But why should that stop him?

Known as the Big Cock on Campus, Dave Masterson never lets his antics with the ladies interfere with his true love, playing NCAA football. But when his coach suggests the team do some off-season conditioning at the ballet barre, most of the guys scoff. Only Dave takes him seriously.

With Dave’s knowledge of football and Kyle’s knowledge of ballet, it seems each has exactly what the other needs, except they play for different teams. Or do they?

Kyle knows one sure path to heartbreak is falling for the straight jock who’s teaching him the rules of the game. Dave falling for another man is going to mean nothing but trouble. But neither man can seem to help himself.

When a public display of affection casts doubt on Dave’s NFL dream, he is forced to make a choice. Stay with the game plan or call an audible straight from the heart.

ISBN: 978-1-62300-567-2

Product Link: http://www.loose-id.com/exception-to-the-rule-straight-from-the-heart.html

Reviewer: Prime

Review: Straight to the Heart is book 3 in the Exception to the Rule series. This is a standalone story, however, the couple from book 2 (Josie and Mark) feature prominently as the roommates of Kyle and Dave. The couple from book 1 (Chris and Kevin) are also included briefly since Chris is Mark’s older brother. But if you have read the first two books, we get a more pleasing insight into Josie and Mark, as well as a quick peek into Chris and Kevin’s lives.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable read. The best way to summarize it is simply that this is a sweet look at a fledging relationship between two guys in college. Dave Masterson struggles with his sexuality and reconciling it with his hopes of a career in professional football. Kyle, a theatre art major, on the other hand, is a realist but is also out and proud, he knows Dave because of their respective roommates.

He runs into Dave more when he tries to win a scholarship so he can complete his degree by being the athletics scholarship. To be quite honest there were a number of times I just wanted to hug Kyle. I liked the argument between Dave and Kyle at the climax of the story. I found it to appear realistic in the sense that neither of them appeared to be having a hissy fit over nothing.

There is also a whole host of interesting minor characters. There are one or two closeted guys and a number in established relationships, on top of the usual assortment of people. I have to admit that Lacey really came into her own at the end in the end, even if she was only in it few times. She is a memorable minor character. And if you haven’t read books one and two yet, I guarantee you that this will make you want to go back (because that’s exactly what I want to do!).

A recent convert to Kimberly Gardner’s books, I love her writing style. The story is very easy to read and follow. She does sweet and cute perfectly and has a knack for wonderfully adorable characters – even the jocks – although she can also add a bit of drama and darker shades. However, Straight to the Heart is fairly much as the title says, as well as being sweet read and a wonderful story about coming out in college.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *