The
genius, the ex-jock, and a new playbook…
George
My brother’s friend is hot—if you’re into flannel-wearing lumbersexual former
jocks who eat donuts for dinner and still scribble to-do lists on their palms.
I’m not. I’m a serious scientist in my final year of grad school. Okay, I admit
I have few quirks of my own. I also have a broken truck and a boss who thinks I
can help him find love. I’m in over my head. Help!
Aiden
A few quirks? Really? George is the weirdest dude I know. He wears capes in
public, brings a book everywhere he goes, and loves all things spooky. He’s
also the smartest person on the planet—who somehow thinks I can help him write
a How-To-Get-A-Date playbook for his boss. Yeah, that sounds suspicious. I know
baseball; I don’t know anything about love. But I can’t say no. The thing is… I’ve
always had a soft spot for George. But falling for my best friend’s brother is
against the rules, isn’t it?
Rules of Play is an MM bisexual awakening story where opposites attract
and shenanigans ensue!
Book
2
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“The Script Club?”
I grimaced. “Well, yeah. That name came later.”
“You really are a little weirdo, aren’t you?”
The twinkle in Aiden's eyes and his affectionate tone paired with an unlikely term of endearment were exactly what I needed to pull me from my infatuation-induced awkwardness.
I smacked his biceps playfully, then leaned against his side, staring up at the crescent moon in the twilight sky. “I am weird and I am proud.”
Aiden chuckled. “I like that about you. I like your idea too. It’s a good one. I should get in on that and collect a few new experiences before I quit the garage and move on to my next venture.”
“What would you do? I mean, what would you want to try?”
“I don’t know. Maybe something will come to me.” He set the half-eaten container of meatballs down and reached for his beer. “As for your boss… he needs a rule book.”
I shifted to face him. “What kind of rule book?”
“A dating rule book. It would be the equivalent of a sports playbook… a list of strategies and a backup plan if things go awry.”
“Okay, that makes sense. Step one, ask for a date.”
Aiden shook his head. “No. Don’t go in hot. Gotta practice a little finesse. It’s better to get to know someone—ask about their interests, share yours, and see if there’s anything there. Theoretically, that’s how I think it should work.”
“You’re right. They have to build a rapport.” I squinted. “He’s going to need an icebreaker.”
“Yeah, that makes sense. Hit me with your best shot.”
“Uh… what do you mean?” I stammered.
“Pretend you’re into me and you want to get to know me.” Aiden quirked a brow and wiggled his fingers. “Ask me something.”
“What are your interests?”
He made an obnoxious buzzer noise and rolled his eyes. “Wrong. That’s a date question. A lame one, too. Would you really walk up to someone and ask them what they’re into?”
“No, of course not.”
“Redo. You’re trying to get to know me, but you can’t be too forward, and you can’t make assumptions. Got it?” He waited for my nod of agreement and continued. “Pretend we’re standing at the coffee machine at work on a Monday morning. And… action.”
“O-kay… what did you do last weekend?”
Aiden smiled. “Good one. And my answer… not much. I went to that college ball game I told you about last week, watched a lot of basketball, made arrangements to schlep your Bronco here, and played pool with Kenny and a couple of high school buddies. You?”
“I studied and hung out with my friends.”
He stared at me long enough for me to wonder if I had meatball between my teeth.
“If that’s all you have to say, you just killed this conversation,” he deadpanned.
I chuckled. “I did not. It was your turn to ask me something. That’s how it works in real life. I’m not that big of a dork!”
“But what about your boss?”
Good point. “Newton is a big dork. Very big.”
“Right, so this is where rules come into play. You have to pay attention and take hints and clues to heart. Almost everything I mentioned about my weekend had a theme… sports. I told you what I’m interested in without announcing, ‘I like sports.’ If you really wanted to get in my pants, you’d ask me a sports-related question.”
I shot to my feet, whirling my cape like a true badass. “Who said anything about getting in your pants?”
Yes, I was entirely in favor of the idea, but I was pretty sure I hadn’t said it aloud.
“Isn’t that the end game?” Aiden flashed a devilish grin my way.
“No! I mean, maybe for you, but not for Newton. I don’t think he’s hoping for sex.”
“Then what’s the point?”
“Love!”
Aiden widened his eyes comically. “What’s that?”
“I don’t know,” I sighed in defeat, reclaiming my spot on the stoop next to him. “That’s why this is complicated.”
Angie
– ☆☆☆☆
This was a quick, sweet, low angst book. I absolutely loved George and his
cape! There has always been a little something between George and Aiden, but
they didn't know what. This book was funny and had me smiling the whole time. I
loved having both Aiden and George’s point of view told. The chemistry was good
between them, and I couldn't help but want more of them and their story. This
is a great, quick, weekend read.
Ruthie
– ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series, and I would recommend the first to you,
but it is not essential to enjoy this story. We do get to meet up with Topher
and Simon again, and their story is to an extent mirrored here, but George and
Aiden bring other issues to their attraction.
George is still driving a truck which was in the family when he was born. But
he loves it and can't afford a new one yet, as he is finishing up his studies.
So when it breaks down, he is very grateful that his brother Simon's buddy and
fellow jock, Aiden, comes to his rescue.
These two guys have known each other a very long time, so Aiden is well aware
of George's particular habits. They however have only just realised that they
really enjoy the reality of spending time together, even if George can't quite
believe that his long-time crush on Aiden may be about to become reality.
I enjoyed the geek levels and the individuality and its recognition as being of
great value. The guys' house almost exudes their geekiness, it is fun! Aiden is
a man with an open mind and an awakening of his own – but his current working
situation is causing him problems when dealing with George being important to
him. He is also worried that Simon will be angry, but actually his feelings are
going to overcome all objections.
A sweet, engaging, and low angst story which was a very enjoyable read. I am
already looking forward to the next installment.
LANE
HAYES loves a good romance! An avid reader from an early age, she has always
been drawn to well-told love story with beautifully written characters. Her
debut novel was a 2013 Rainbow Award finalist and subsequent books have
received Honorable Mentions, and were winners in the 2016, 2017, and 2018-2019
Rainbow Awards.
She loves red wine, chocolate, and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives
in Southern California with her amazing husband in a not quite empty nest.
Connect with Lane
Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~ Website ~ Goodreads
Facebook Group: Lane's Lovers
Hosted by
Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided
a free copy of Rules of Play (Script Club #2) by Lane Hayes to read and review
for this tour.
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