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Playing for Keeps (Glasgow Lads Book 1) Kindle Edition

4.3 out of 5 stars 536 ratings

Rule One: No Drama!

Fergus Taylor is damaged goods. Reeling from a brutal breakup, he’s determined to captain his LGBTQ soccer team out of scandal and into a winning season. For that, he needs strict rules and careful plans. He does NOT need a brash, muscle-bound lad messing with his head and setting his body afire.

John Burns has a rule of his own: Don’t get attached. Boyfriends are for guys with nothing to hide. Nobody—not his university mates, not the men he beds—knows his family’s shame, a shame that stains all Scotland. Now his double life is starting to unravel, thanks to a certain Highlander whose storm-riddled eyes turn John inside out, who wears a kilt like he was born in it.

Fergus is the first man John wants to share his secret with—but he’s the last man who could handle it. John knows the truth would shatter Fergus’s still-fragile heart. But how can he live a lie when he’s falling in love?

Glasgow Lads series

The series features a recurring cast of teammates, but each novel contains its own stand-alone romance, so they can be read in any order.

  • Play On, Duncan & Brodie novella
  • Playing for Keeps, Fergus & John novel
  • Playing to Win, Colin & Andrew novel
  • Play It Safe, Fergus & John short story
  • Playing with Fire, Liam & Robert novel
  • Play Dead, Colin & Andrew novella
  • Playing in the Dark, Evan & Ben novel
  • Play Hard, Liam & Robert novella
  • All Through the House, Duncan & Brodie short story

Glasgow Lads on Ice (spinoff/crossover series featuring curling):

  • Throwing Stones, Luca & Oliver novel
  • Must Love Christmas, Garen & Simon novel
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There are 4 books in this series.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

John and Fergus share a palpable chemistry. They're caring of one another, aware, and definitely horny. They're also both taken by surprise with this unexpected connection they feel, and they both suffer times of uncertainty as to the viability of it all...I highly recommend this book and this author's writing. This is definitely a new-to-me author success!
--Lirtle,
Prism Book Alliance®

Fergus' legs may be the most talented body part when it comes to the soccer field, but off the field, I think it's John's tongue hands down. Not only can that tongue put anyone at ease (he's a natural charmer with everyone he meets), but that wicked tongue created
one of the most memorably erotic scenes I've had the pleasure to read (Aye!) following shortly after one of the most memorably awkward.
--Wendy,
Hearts on Fire Reviews

I really loved this book and it should appeal to a number of different tastes. This is first and foremost a sport-based romance. Add into that anyone who, like me, loves just about anything Scottish...In short: I really, really, really, really, need to read the rest of this series.
--Prime,
MM Good Book Reviews

From the Author

A wee excerpt from Chapter Five. John and Fergus are lying in bed after a rather...awkward first encounter:

John gazed at him, then broke into a wide smile. "Hey, look. When we're horizontal, we're the same height."

"Then we should be horizontal together more often." Fergus regretted the words as soon as he uttered them. He was coming on too strong. Perhaps that was why John had panicked to begin with.

Hesitation flickered over John's face, then vanished like a ghost. "We should." He reached out and slowly swept his finger over Fergus's collarbone, eyes following its journey up and down the V. "Sorry about my, erm, malfunction earlier. I guess I wasn't ready."

"Don't apologize. When you asked me to dinner, I assumed nothing. When I invited you over, I assumed nothing. Though you were pretty clear about what you wanted."

John grimaced. "Too bad I'm all talk." He touched Fergus's chin and met his eyes. "I hope it's okay if we take things slow."

Fergus reminded himself to breathe as that gaze threatened to drown him. "I can do slow if you can do slow."

"Oh, I can do slow." He traced Fergus's mouth with one fingertip. "Shall I prove it?"

Fergus hoped the parting of his lips was a sufficient reply, because he couldn't speak for the desire rising in him again.

John eased forward and kissed him, so softly Fergus could feel his breath caress the chapped, sunburned places on his own lips. Then he gently pressed Fergus onto his back.

"I'm gonnae make you come," John whispered. "In about an hour."

Fergus glanced at the clock: 10:55 p.m. "An hour? Are you serious?"

"Shh. You'll see."

John kissed him so slowly, carefully, artfully, that Fergus began counting the minutes, for he'd already grown hard as granite. But then he let himself just exist in this moment and feel every press of John's lips, every sweep of his tongue, every tug of his teeth.

John moved to kiss his nose, lashes, brows, cheeks, chin, always returning to Fergus's mouth. Then he continued lower, covering every inch, reminding Fergus of all the sensitive places on his body he'd forgotten. Like how a tongue twirling inside his navel could make him gasp, and that he was more ticklish on the left side of his ribs than the right.

After a dreamlike eternity, John pulled back the covers, then settled between Fergus's legs, where he kissed and nipped his inner thighs, fingertips swirling over the backs of his knees. All of this should have tickled too, but instead it made Fergus feel dazzlingly alive. Never had his skin seemed so connected to the nerves deep inside him.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00ZY6REAY
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (June 17, 2015)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 17, 2015
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.9 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 356 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 536 ratings

About the author

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Avery Cockburn
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Avery Cockburn (rhymes with Savory Slow Churn) lives in the great State of Maryland with one infinitely patient man and two infinitely impatient cats.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
536 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this delightful love story, praising its three-dimensional characters and how they become invested in the narrative. The book is thought-provoking, with one customer noting how it tackles controversial topics like religion and politics, while another appreciates the historical dialogue. Customers find the writing quality exceptional, particularly appreciating the Scottish words, and the cover receives positive feedback. The pacing is believable, and customers find the romance engaging, with one review highlighting how love can overcome differences.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

60 customers mention "Story quality"58 positive2 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, describing it as a delightful love story with plenty of angst, and one customer particularly appreciates the banter between characters.

"...They’re caring of one another, aware, and definitely horny...." Read more

"...Finally, the ending is very satisfying in that both characters have to put aside prejudice and preconception to make their relationship work...." Read more

"...the sex is out of this world, but even without the sex these stories are amazing...." Read more

"...Great series so far!" Read more

23 customers mention "Character development"23 positive0 negative

Customers love the characters in the book, with one customer noting how easy it is to become invested in them, while another describes them as three-dimensional and genuinely sweet men.

"...Fergus and John were wonderful characters—both flawed, both very human. I also liked the way Avery Cockburn dealt with the Scotts dialect...." Read more

"...you want more story, more facts, more history, better writing, better characters, better everything, the Glasgow Lads series is the series for you...." Read more

"This was a very good story, dialogue and characters...." Read more

"...Anyway, I loved this story, especially how real both characters were. Fergus is hurt from a past relationship and it has left him suspicious...." Read more

20 customers mention "Thought provoking"20 positive0 negative

Customers find the book thought-provoking, with one customer noting how it tackles controversial topics like religion and politics, while another mentions the dense historical dialogue.

"...to Cockburn’s clear abilities in communicating emotion, humor, history, and a clear vision for this story, they’re also very minor...." Read more

"...Very readable, with interpretation made very clear by context. I learned a lot about modern Scotland reading the book, which is a plus for me...." Read more

"...So if you want more story, more facts, more history, better writing, better characters, better everything, the Glasgow Lads series is the series for..." Read more

"...had all the proper steaminess, a few tears, some football, intriguing political conflicts, and enough regional dialect (brogue) to give me..." Read more

17 customers mention "Writing quality"17 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, particularly appreciating the Scottish words and regional dialect.

"...I was able to hear all of the voices, to be IN this place, Glasgow, and it filled me with such glee, and the ability to let it all in...." Read more

"...I also liked the way Avery Cockburn dealt with the Scotts dialect. Very readable, with interpretation made very clear by context...." Read more

"...So if you want more story, more facts, more history, better writing, better characters, better everything, the Glasgow Lads series is the series for..." Read more

"...The author did an exceptional job with explaining these potentially difficult concepts to my naive mind and I enjoyed this element of the story the..." Read more

10 customers mention "Cover quality"10 positive0 negative

Customers like the cover of the book, finding it lovely, with one customer particularly appreciating the look into Scotland.

"...I’m usually a little leery of self-published books, but I really liked the cover and having just finished reading Kate McMurray’s Rainbow League..." Read more

"This book has a lovely cover and truth be told, that is actually one of the things that drew me in...." Read more

"...Yes, as the blurb states, this is a rough style yet gentle love story of complete opposites (at least that's what they start out as)...." Read more

"...It was pretty much love from first sight; the cover is so beautiful, and the story inside was just as great as I hoped it would be...." Read more

10 customers mention "Enjoyment"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the book entertaining and amusing, with one mentioning its engaging banter.

"...hear all of the voices, to be IN this place, Glasgow, and it filled me with such glee, and the ability to let it all in...." Read more

"I enjoyed this book a lot. It really shows how people really thinks about prejudices...." Read more

"...novella I found characters that were likable and believable .. a enjoyable read ... why I went to the 2nd book . then to the novella ...." Read more

"...Sex scenes are graphic and entertaining. I will probably read the next book." Read more

7 customers mention "Pacing"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, finding it believable and real.

"...And I love them. These books are real. They are so much more than an m/m romance...." Read more

"...The are each so very head strong, believing what they always have and trying to come to terms with the fact that someone who disagrees with you, is..." Read more

"...I liked this because it's real. This is the sort of stuff real, damaged people do...." Read more

"...was excellent, the support cast of characters was rich enough to be believable, and the setting was thick with both sensory and emotional detail...." Read more

7 customers mention "Romance"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book, with one review highlighting how love can overcome differences, while another notes how the characters are incredibly attracted to each other and build a great relationship.

"...John and Fergus share a palpable chemistry. They’re caring of one another, aware, and definitely horny...." Read more

"...John and Fergus are from two different worlds, but they fit together so well." Read more

"...to be really nice, genuinely sweet men, that were incredibly attracted to one another and that shone through." Read more

"...things about the country that I never knew, and seeing how love can overcome differences...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2015
    I’m not joking when I say I chuckled on page one. A few pages later, it happened again. My grin would appear again and again throughout this story, along with some moments of heartbreak and holding my breath.

    But back to the laughs…

    ~ * ~ ”Hiya,” he said, holding out a hand to shake. “I’m John Burns.”

    That voice – deep and solid, yet strangely buoyant - made a dormant part of Fergus awaken and uncoil. His steps slowed as he concentrated on not stumbling.

    “John. Yes.” What does that mean? “Yes” what? ~ * ~

    Who can’t relate to that kind of shorting out of the brain? Someone makes that impactful of a first impression and suddenly nothing in your body seems to work right, including the abilities to walk and talk.

    We get both Fergus and John’s points of view, and I think the story would’ve only worked in this way. These are two guys in their early and mid-twenties and they’re written as such, including struggles with their families and sins of those past generations. They’re that mix of which many of us experienced at this age: playful yet serious, willing to state their opinions while still feeling confused and uncertain about how to do that, quick to passion, and working to forge their own paths to make a mark on the world. They’re at the age when you realize you have the power to decide who you want to be, not what others, including parents, hope for or try to make you be.

    ~ * ~ ”I know you telt me to watch the players.” ~ * ~

    A turning point: I could hear that accent in this line spoken by one of the supporting characters, and it put me into the headspace for the rest of the read. I was able to hear all of the voices, to be IN this place, Glasgow, and it filled me with such glee, and the ability to let it all in.

    Yo, this was all in chapter one, to boot.

    Then things take a serious turn (as often happened with a new chapter, I was to find out as things went on), both in tone and detail. If you know even a little bit about the conflict between Catholics and Protestants over the centuries in places like Scotland, Ireland, and England, you’ll feel your stomach drop like mine did. Sectarianism, separation, manipulation, especially of the young… welcome to John’s world, and his family.

    I have to say, I love this author’s writing. There’s a definite point of view here, a lovely mix of confidence and playfulness, a not taking oneself too seriously tone that runs through the whole thing. It might seem odd to say, but I think this is a necessity when dealing with the specific issues included in this story: let the characters and their lives be the heavies, not the writing itself.

    ~ * ~ As Fergus set down the empty glass, the glow of camaraderie illuminated his insides like a torch in a haunted house. ~ * ~

    Huge bonus for me and any other sports lover out there: all of the footie talk! Don’t worry, though, it’s all in context and is one of the supporting characters, a necessary part without being overwhelming. But I loved it! I ate it up. And if you enjoy sports in your stories, especially knowing about Premier League and the huge system that surrounds it, you’ll have so much fun with this.

    John and Fergus share a palpable chemistry. They’re caring of one another, aware, and definitely horny. They’re also both taken by surprise with this unexpected connection they feel, and they both suffer times of uncertainty as to the viability of it all. Past experiences and current circumstances shoulder the blame for the conflicts they create.

    There are a few passages that feel over stuffed, words sort of stumbling over one another. They’re rare, though, and when compared to Cockburn’s clear abilities in communicating emotion, humor, history, and a clear vision for this story, they’re also very minor. They certainly didn’t lessen my emotional response while reading.

    Dirty talkin’, that’ll make ya proud, and plenty of it. ‘Nuf said.

    Fergus and John are making decisions colored by their experiences, as I mentioned above, just as we all do. Any missteps they make feel real, not forced, because they’re completely fleshed out characters. This goes hand in hand with the dual points of view, as well.

    I know, you’re still thinking about the dirty talkin’. I can’t provide an example of that, but I can do this for you…

    ~ * ~ He looped his arms under Fergus’s shoulders, then kissed his earlobe and whispered, “Hiya.”

    “Hello.” Fergus laced his fingers of his left hand with John’s. “All right?”

    “A wee bit short of breath.” John rested his cheek on Fergus’s shoulder, savoring this intimate press of flesh from head to toe, inside and out. He let his thumb drift through the sweat-damp waves of Fergus’s hair. ~ * ~

    This is an intense read, especially as the final quarter begins. Family and social issues push their ways to the forefront, forcing John and Fergus to each deal with them, sometimes failing in their endeavors. I was on the edge of my seat, hoping for the best, whatever that was to be.

    This is also an undoubtedly Scottish story, without feeling isolationist. This is accomplished with fantastic cultural references, fully formed characters and their realistically portrayed complicated relationships, just as realistic family dynamics, humor, history and its way of impacting the present, and off the charts sensuality between Fergus and John. All of these things gave me an unforgettable reading experience. And everything is set against The Beautiful Game aka football aka soccer!

    I highly recommend this book and this author’s writing. This is definitely a new-to-me author success!

    PS: I hadn’t even finished reading this before I purchased the prequel and the sequel. I’m ready for more!

    *Originally reviewed for Prism Book Alliance®
    10 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2015
    I picked Playing for Keeps up last week after seeing a tweet about it being free (for a limited time). To be honest, I’m usually a little leery of self-published books, but I really liked the cover and having just finished reading Kate McMurray’s Rainbow League books (which are very entertaining), I found myself still in the mood to read about sweaty, sexy, sporty men.

    First things first, this book is well written and well edited (in my humble opinion). Had I paid the $2.99 cover price, I’d not have been disappointed. Secondly, it’s a damned good story! The series is based around a Scottish LGBT football club, the Warriors. Fergus is the new captain—a position he inherited when his ex-boyfriend dumped him and the team to run off to Belgium. John approaches the Warriors regarding a charity football match to raise awareness for New Hope, a charity funding refugees from places where their preferences come with a death sentence. Add in the fact Fergus is Catholic (and half Irish) and John is Protestant (and the son of a proud Orangeman) and you have lots of delicious conflict.

    I loved several aspects of this story. Fergus and John were wonderful characters—both flawed, both very human. I also liked the way Avery Cockburn dealt with the Scotts dialect. Very readable, with interpretation made very clear by context. I learned a lot about modern Scotland reading the book, which is a plus for me. Finally, the ending is very satisfying in that both characters have to put aside prejudice and preconception to make their relationship work.

    I’m looking forward to reading the next book, Playing to Win. Also, I am possessed by the maddening desire to yell “Yaldy!” every time I’m excited.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2016
    Ok, I've read all five books that are in this series so far. And I love them. These books are real. They are so much more than an m/m romance. Yes, the sex is out of this world, but even without the sex these stories are amazing. The main reason for this is the fact that the entire series takes place in Scotland, a place I never thought about I have to admit, and the author has done her research. I've learned about so many historical events that occurred in Scotland from reading these books. I'm very interested in visiting Scotland now, and specifically Glasgow. So if you want more story, more facts, more history, better writing, better characters, better everything, the Glasgow Lads series is the series for you. I just went back and "bought" the free books the author has so generously made available through this Monday, February 15; and also the latest book on sale today for just $2.99; and since I bought the other three I went ahead and bought the other two books for the low price of $3.99. Umm, did I mention that I read all these books using my kindle unlimited account and I didn't have to buy them? I bought them AFTER reading them because they're that good and I want to support the author.
    Go, now, but the books or use your kindle unlimited account if you have one (if you don't, get one). You'll be glad you read these books. So real.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Appassionata
    5.0 out of 5 stars Molto bello
    Reviewed in Italy on September 28, 2015
    Non banale, molto interessante, tutta l'ambientazione è particolare e intrigante, il messaggio inoltre è davvero imponente. Se non fosse per le scene particolareggiate di sesso che compongono e qualificano questo romanzo come un MM, potrebbe tranquillamente essere considerato alla stregua di tanti mainstream di un certo livello.
    Report
  • Donna Daitchman
    5.0 out of 5 stars Two guys, two kilts, one great romance.
    Reviewed in Canada on September 29, 2015
    Loved the Scottish turn of phrase, loved the two main characters, loved the rainbow flags, the optimism and the possibility of a better future. What can I say? I liked the book and you will too :)
  • Johanna
    5.0 out of 5 stars heart-felt, real and sizzling hot
    Reviewed in Germany on March 3, 2016
    This is a stunning first book of a series I highly recommend to any reader who enjoys a book with a well-scripted plot, two amazingly real MCs and some brilliant hot man on man action. Not to forget the humour, and the serious issues that are at the centre of Fergus and John's problems. I think people outside Scotland or Britain might find it hard to understand the intensity of feelings evoked by sectarianism and religious difference in Glasgow. Avery Cockburn does a splendid job to bring the issues to the general reader in a sensitive way, and I loved the message she sent us via John's T-shirt message. I totally agree with her.
    I started this series by reading book two first - simply because I fancied the story more after reading the blurb. I totally adored book two and delved into book one without too much further ado after that (and I have book three waiting for me on my kindle). And Good God! I love Fergus and John just as much as Colin and Andrew. I think there was even more tension and drama in this book (even though rule one is 'No drama!' *g*) and there is so much character development it was just a joy to watch the whole story unfold.
    There can be no doubt that Avery Cockburn is one of my most favourite authors - her writing shines on all levels, and that includes her seriously hot, sizzling love scenes. There are so many authors who write nice books with good MCs but only manage a puff of hot air rather than a wave of hot steam when it comes to man on man action. That certainly doesn't happen here. Fergus and John produce so much heat, I checked out Amazon for suitable air conditioning devices.
    In short - it's a great book in every respect. At times there was a tad too much football talk, but that didn't take away from the fact that this is some of the best m/m romance. Go and grab it now!
  • En Em
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Winner
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 13, 2019
    tl:dr - loved it, learnt something, recommended, will read again, it's not really about football.

    This is such a great book...I almost don't know where to start.
    Avery tackles (see what I did there) some difficult subjects in this story -- how sectarianism and indoctrination, whether it be football or religion, isn't straightforward most of the time -- without being preachy or worthy, and handing the themes with sensitivity without being wishy washy about it either.
    I love the writing style, and pretty much read this in one sitting as it was so hard to put down. I love the characters, omg I love the characters. There's a big cast in this but each has their own distinct voice so you never get lost and they just felt very real to me.
    I also really loved seeing dialect in the dialogue. Personally, I don't think a lot of writers can pull this off but it works so well here and Avery never lets us get confused to what something might mean.
    At its heart though, this is a love story and Fergus and John are just perfect. Well...actually they're both idiots at times but you know what I mean. I loved watching them grow and slowly find each other, and themselves, as the story progressed.
    I even didn't mind the football :)
    This was a lovely way to spend a Saturday night/Sunday morning and I'm very much looking forward to reading the rest in the series.
  • Monica
    4.0 out of 5 stars Storia d'amore nel mondo del calcio
    Reviewed in Italy on January 12, 2016
    Fergus ê il capitano dei Warriors, una squadra di calcio dove accettano tutti: gay, trans,etero, donne. La loro manager Charlotte vuole fare una partita di beneficenza, per raccogliere fondi e coinvolge John, uno studente universitario. Tra Fergus e John nasce una forte sintonia, ma entrambi nascondono dei segreti che potrebbero rovinare la loro storia. Romanzo scritto bene e dal punto di vista di entrambi. Essendo ambientato in Irlanda, il linguaggio utilizzato rispecchia il contesto. Nella storia non si parla solo di omofobia, ma anche del razzismo presente tra le diverse religioni. Lettura consigliata

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