Spark: Love & Rugby, Book 1

This was a very enjoyable, relaxing read. It felt like an everyday tale of a friend falling in love when he least expected it.I love how both Finlay and Mateo are driven, focused, and know what they want in life. I feel like this is a reflection of their ages. They weren't looking to meet someone but by chance they met. And with the help of family/friend they are brought together again. Finlay and Mateo make time for one another and put the effort into their relationship. That's what every relationship needs to grow and flourish. Even when trouble strikes they are there for each other. They might have different views and it causes friction; but at the end of the day they communicate.Their story is real, beautiful, and heartwarming.The supporting characters are wonderful and I can't wait to read some of their stories in the other books in this standalone series.

Finlay Davidson falls fast and had for Mateo Tossi Ayala, but it was never his plan to fall for a rugby player. He knows what can happen to rugby players, and how injury can be devastating and adversely affect the rest of their lives. Mateo, for his part, is afraid of being left alone, given his own history, and guards his heart, avoiding commitment at all costs. If he's free, he's safe, right? Wrong! Mateo is lost in the sweetness of Finlay's heart, and Finlay finds Mateo's pull undeniable. But Mateo's independent streak, and his refusal to let others help him the way he helps them causes big problems for Finlay, whose love language is taking care of those he loves. Mateo's anger at Finlay breaks them both, and it's wonderful to watch how their loved ones come together to help them climb over the hill that rises between them. I loved the banter, the camaraderie, the love between these men, and between them and their loved ones. This was an all-around sweet, feel-good story!

This was a really good start to a new series about some rugby players. These two guys have such great chemistry and I loved reading their story.

but lost me in the torrid, purple haze of the narrative. A little rugby action but not much focus on it, except as a conflict. Very MF in disguise feeling to this one.

If you enjoy sports romances, and specifically gay sports romances, you'll want to read this story of two likable men who haven't made time for romance. Until they meet each other. I really enjoyed the writing style of the authors, who draw you into the high moments and the lowest low of the relationship. I was rooting all the way for Finlay and Mateo to find their happily-ever-after with each other. Looking forward to the next book in this series!

Spark is book one in the Love & Rugby series by Susan Scott Shelley and Chantal Mer. This is a sexy, sweet MM romance that I’ve been wanting to read for a long time. The cover is gorgeous and is what first drew me in.Let’s start with Finlay Davidson. He is the CEO and owns, along with his two younger siblings, a condom company. Fin’s younger brother is Cam whom we met in the prequel, Spiral. It’s Finlay’s fortieth birthday and he has been forced by his siblings, to celebrate at a club. He would much rather be spending the evening at home but he doesn’t want to disappoint his brother and sister. But, when he is on the way back to their table with his arms full and is almost toppled over, two strong arms grab him and save him from disaster. As soon as they touch, Finlay feels it, that connection that you only read about in romance books. Suddenly his night looks a lot better.Mateo Rossi Ayala is exhausted which is pretty much the norm lately. Mateo’s day job is renovating homes. He loves it but it’s tough, physical work. He also works four nights a week as a bouncer at a large club. Caffeine is about the only thing that keeps Mateo going. Mateo also plays rugby in the local recreational league. They practice once a week and play their games every Saturday. Even though he’s running on fumes, rugby is his favorite part of the week. It’s time spent with men that is more like family than just friends. And it’s a chance to shut off his mind from all of his worries and just have fun. He’s at work in the club when he first spots the man about to topple over. As soon as he grabs him, he doesn’t want to let him go.I love when the two main characters have that instant connection, when they just can’t look away from each other and that’s exactly what happened with these two. Their lives couldn’t be more different. And Mateo is so busy he worries that Finlay will lose interest in him since he has so little time. But then their world is turned upside down which brings them closer together.This was such a sweet story. In the end, though, these are two strong willed men who have been on their own for a very long time. They are both stubborn and independent. And I love that they both have meddling families! Even though they came together so quickly and so easily, they still have plenty to work through. The question is, will what they built in their short time together be enough to get them through the tough times?The next book in the series, book two, Smolder, is Fin’s brother, Cam’s book. Cam is a single father to his adorable little girl, Olive!

A sweet start to a series. I really enjoyed this first book and the characters have me excited for what’s to come. There’s a lot of great humor and banter, which is at the top of my favorite list. The stars of Spark are Mateo and Finlay, and their meeting prove Spark an apt title. They have immediate chemistry. The great start to their relationship is deterred by sheer stubbornness and lack of communication. Like a crazy amount of stubbornness. Men… Thank goodness they have great real and found families that have their backs and get them on the right track. I can’t wait for the rest of the rugby team to find love. And the covers of series, whew wow, amazing.