Genre: Contemporary, Sports
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Reviewer: Maryann
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About The Book
Bode Harlan has never claimed to be a good guy, but he’s trying to keep his nose clean and his head down these days.After a year in prison for assault–and to be fair, he did it–he isn’t looking to go back. Admittedly, his pretty face being the star attraction in an illegal underground fighting ring seems to run counter to that goal, but he’s gotta pay the bills and there ain’t much else he’s good at.
And it keeps his parole officer off his back…since she runs the place.Then his mom skips town and her boyfriend kicks Bode’s 14 year old brother out on the street. Bode grew up in and out of foster care, he doesn’t want that for Danny. It’s not like he can take the kid in, though. He’s an ex-con who gets beat up twice a month for money. That’s how he ends up on his good-natured ex-boyfriend’s doorstep. Sonny is a soft touch. At least he always was for Bode. All he wants is somewhere to crash for a couple of nights, nothing more. Sonny’s got his life together now–a home, a boyfriend, even a dog–and it would take a real asshole to want to blow that up.
…of course, Bode’s never said he wasn’t an asshole.
The Review
In the small town of Sweeney, everyone knows your business.
Bode Harlan has just been released from the State Penitentiary, after serving a year. The only place he has to stay is a halfway house, and you never know who’s going to be there. He’s gotten a call from his fourteen year old brother Danny, who’s deaf. Dannys been staying in a trailer owned by Judd Miller, his mom’s so-called boyfriend. Annie, their mother, has gone off again with another man to Las Vegas. Danny has apparently gotten into an argument, and Judd has struck Danny.
Bode’s not in a good place to take care of Danny, but there are no friends or relatives that can help out. He’s also mixed up in the illegal fight game run by Daley, a shady parole officer. She has Bode by the balls. He’s a good fighter and he makes money, but not what he deserves.
The only one that Bode can possibly trust is his ex-boyfriend, Sonny, who lives alone with his sweet Emily. He works construction, takes care of himself and is smart, but most think he’s a pushover. At sixteen, he met Bode, and loved him up until the day Bode broke his heart. When Bode shows up at his door he refuses to let Bode stay but gives in for just one night. Still, Sonny can’t desert Danny, and Emily takes an immediate liking to the ex-con. But he still struggles with his feelings for Bode.
Sonny has a new boyfriend, Deputy Paul Martin. Being from this small town, Bode knows all about him. Sonny thinks that Bode just doesn’t care about anyone, and needs to protect himself from him.
Bode has enough to deal with between Danny, Sonny and Annie. He comes up with a plan that could either end the all the trouble, or put him back in prison.
Moore knows how to bring the small town drama, humor and love to her stories. Just like so many of the author’s other novels, the characters always have some rough edges, and there’s something illegal going on. Footwork has everything: heart-wrenching and sweet moments, suspense, banter, snark, action, fun, love and lots of steam.
The descriptions of the fight scenes are exciting and written really well. Of course, there’s always the bad boy, Bode Harlan, who is trying to do good but not in the right way. And the chemistry between Sonny and Bode is off the charts. It’s an easy read – just go with it and enjoy every minute of this good solid entertainment.
I’ve followed Moore since 2017 when I got to read the ARC for Bone to Pick. Since then, every story they write just gets better. I highly recommend Footwork – well worth the read!
The Reviewer
Hi, I’m Maryann, I started life in New York, moved to New Hampshire and in 1965 uprooted again to Sacramento, California. Once I retired I moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 2011 and just moved back to Sacramento in March of 2018. My son, his wife and step-daughter flew out to Florida and we road tripped back so they got to see sights they have never seen. New Orleans and the Grand Canyon were the highlights. Now I am back on the west coast again to stay! From a young age Ialways liked to read.
I remember going to the library and reading the “Doctor Dolittle” books by Hugh Lofting. Much later on became a big fan of the classics, Edgar Alan Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and as time went by Agatha Christie, Ray Bradbury and Stephen Kingand many other authors.
My first M/M shifter book I read was written by Jan Irving the “Uncommon Cowboys” series from 2012. She was the first author I ever contacted and sent an email to letting her know how much I liked this series. Sometime along the way I read “Zero to the Bone”by Jane Seville, I think just about everyone has read this book!
As it stands right now I’m really into mysteries, grit, gore and “triggers” don’t bother me. But if a blurb piques my interest I will read the book.
My kindle collection eclectic and over three thousand books and my Audible collection is slowly growing. I have both the kindle and audible apps on my ipod, ipads, and MAC. So there is never an excuse not to be listening or reading.
I joined Goodreads around 2012 and started posting reviews. One day a wonderful lady, Lisa Horan of The Novel Approach, sent me an email to see if I wanted to join her review group. Joining her site was such an eye opener. I got introduce to so many new authors that write for the LGBTQ genre. Needless to say, it was heart breaking when it ended.
But I found a really great site, QRI and it’s right here in Sacramento. Last year at QSAC I actually got to meet Scott Coatsworth, Amy Lane and Jeff Adams.
