Oh how I missed my Bolden boys! And I knooow! I know this series is about the Condors, not the Riptide or Piranhas guys, but seeing cameos or mentions of some of them was great.

Now, let's talk about The Star, the first Condors book. For fans of the previous series, we all know that the Condors players were the "bad guys" of the NFL, at least several of them. But that was before. The team was sold, restructured and “cleaned up”. New interesting owner, new rather young coach, new players that join some of the remaining ones (and fortunately they are the "good ones"). And among these new ones we have Landry and Riley.

We know a little about Landry as Logan's (and Levi's) brother, but we really get to know him here. He's a great player, level headed and extremely loyal not only on the field but also off it, and he's well liked by his (old and new) teammates. He considers himself straight, but with two queer brothers, he doesn't have a homophobic hair in him. In fact, he is quite open-minded. His only doubt, after meeting Riley, is how he only at his age realizes that he can be attracted to another man. He has known Riley for years, although they were never very close due to their age difference, but since his best friend is Riley's older brother, he was somehow always in his life. And when they meet again after a couple of years without seeing each other, Riley awakens in him not only an unexpected deep attraction, but also appeals to that intrinsic protective streak in him, especially due to the criticism that Riley's brother rains on him, something that bothers Landry a lot, he can't understand why his brother is this way instead of supporting Riley.

Getting to the NFL wasn't easy for Riley. In fact, the path to reach the Condors was not without sacrifice and hard work. Considered short for his position on the field, he had to work twice as hard to prove his worth. And it still isn't enough. Already in the Condors, he still have to prove it. He came out years ago and has had a crush on Landry forever, but he never considered that anything could come of it, since he believes Landry is straight. But he felt the spark from their meeting months ago, a spark that ends up igniting once they become not only teammates but also roommates.

From the beginning they realizes that theirs is not just physical but emotional, and the beginning of a serious and committed relationship, with only two obstacles, not interfering with the team, and Riley's brother. But as they get stronger, with Landry being a great support for Riley, encouraging him to let go and ignore all the negative that came from his brother, and also with the support of the team, the obstacles are overcome and a great season begins for Los Condors.

It's a great story, quite light, although I think Beth uses it as a cue for what's to come, which is Micah's long-awaited story! But also, I foresee other great stories out there, with Deacon and a few others.

I was given an advanced copy and voluntarily wrote a review.