Playing for the Other Team (Ele’s review)

Title: Playing for the Other Team
Author: Sage C. Holloway
Publisher: Loose Id
Release Date: January 12th 2016
Genre(s): Contemporary/ Young Adult
Page Count: 177
Reviewed by: Ele
Heat Level: 2 flames out of 5
Rating: 3.2 stars out of 5
Blurb:

Bryson just wants to make it through the last few weeks of high school alive. Graduation is on the horizon, his grades are decent, and his biggest worries are, in order, his baseball performance, his graduation gown color, and his weird hair. Everything seems on track – until two heavy realizations hit him right in the middle of his senior prom: He’s gay, and he’s in love.

Reserved artist Jasper turns him down at first, despite his feelings for Bry, but he offers help to ensure Bryson can start the next chapter in his life as the person he was always meant to be. However, Jasper struggles with his own demons. He has commitment issues and a past which won’t let go of him, including a jealous ex-boyfriend who doesn’t take kindly to his former flame being pursued by someone else. Soon, every day spells trouble for the gifted outsider, forcing him to rely on Bryson for support.

Bryson must pull together all of his resolve to navigate the minefield with Jasper. Together, they stand against bullies, homophobes, and graduation gowns that threaten to make them look like bananas. With luck, they might just make it out in one piece.

Although I didn’t like this as much as I ‘ve liked Spectacularly Broken (go read it, if you haven’t already), it was still an enjoyable read.

It all starts in the middle of senior prom school. Bryson, high school baseball player, fairly popular, and decent student, comes to a realisation; he’s gay. And in love with Jasper.

Jasper attends the same art class as Bryson. He is an artist, out and proud, and carries a lot -and I mean A LOT- of buggage.

I liked the bond that Jasper and Bryson formed. Bry is trying his best to come to terms with his sexuality and Japer is there to help him. Despite the mutual attraction, they become friends and, always stand up for each other.

Together, they face bullies, Bryson’s coming out, Jasper’s hurtful past and their uncertain future after graduation.

What took some of my enjoyment out of the story, was Japer’s past. Not unrealistic, but definately far-fetched. I mean,

Spoiler

how many evil exes can you have at 17? Including psycos that are obssessed with you, men that could be your father or give you STDs?

Anyway, this was still enjoyable for the most part of it, and I really love Sage Holloway’s writing style.

Recommended, if you ‘re looking for a YA story, light on the steam, with the right doses of angst and humour, with a satisfying HFN.

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