A bold, emotional sports romance grounded in reality
End Game by Felice Stevens is a powerful, emotionally driven romance set in the high-stakes world of professional football. While MM sports romances aren’t new, what sets this book apart is how it approaches its subject matter—with honesty, nuance, and an unflinching look at a world that still struggles to accept LGBTQ+ athletes.
This isn't a love story where everything magically falls into place. Quite the opposite. The book dares to ask: what does it take to keep a relationship alive when everything around you says you can't?
🧡 A relationship tested from the start
When we meet Brody and Dev, they aren’t together yet—but by chapter two, sparks have flown, and their connection is undeniable. What follows isn't the classic falling-in-love arc, but the far more complex, layered challenge of staying together in a world that would rather they didn’t exist as a couple.
Set against the hyper-masculine backdrop of American pro football, End Game dives into the tension between public image and private truth. The stigma surrounding homosexuality in sports isn't a subplot here—it's the beating heart of the story. And Felice Stevens handles it with realism and care.
What I especially appreciated is that the book doesn't sugarcoat the environment. In contrast to other MM romances in sports settings, where "love conquers all" often feels a bit too convenient, End Game offers a more grounded picture of what queer athletes might actually face. It's messy. It's painful. But it’s also deeply human.
⏳ An ambitious scope—15 years of love, pressure, and change
The story spans 15 years, which gives readers a broad lens on Brody and Dev’s evolution. We watch them grow as individuals and as partners, navigating challenges both personal and professional. This long timeline brings depth, but it also comes with trade-offs. There are significant time jumps, and many emotional milestones are told rather than shown. At times, I felt a bit adrift—wanting to linger longer in certain moments or feel more connected to the characters' inner lives.
That said, the ambition of the structure reflects the theme: love isn’t just about a single moment. It’s a commitment made again and again across time.
💬 Character dynamics: Dev steals the show
The book is told in dual POV, and while both Dev and Brody are compelling in their own ways, Dev stood out more clearly for me. He’s fiery, driven, and deeply invested in carving out a space for their relationship—even when it's risky. Brody, in contrast, comes across as quieter and more passive. While likable, he often felt like he was along for the ride rather than steering it.
Their dynamic still works, though—it’s about balance. Dev brings the momentum, Brody brings the steadiness.
🔥 On the spice and emotional intimacy
There’s a good amount of spice, particularly in the middle portion of the book. These scenes vary in function—some add genuine depth and intimacy, helping to reinforce the emotional connection between Dev and Brody. Others feel more like placeholders between plot beats, a way to maintain tension in the absence of stronger narrative transitions.
Still, fans of steamy romance will find plenty to appreciate here, especially since the emotional stakes are already high.
🏁 Final thoughts
End Game is a thoughtful, mature romance that doesn’t take the easy route. It chooses truth over fantasy, and while that makes for a sometimes emotionally distant reading experience, it also leaves a stronger impression. The book doesn’t offer neat solutions or guaranteed happy endings—it offers a slice of reality, with all the love, risk, and heartbreak that comes with it.
If you’re looking for a romance that tackles real-world challenges with heart, grit, and emotional honesty, this one’s worth picking up.
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