Two Left Feet

Emblidge debuts with a middling gay sports romance centered on an aging Premier League player training, and falling for, his potential replacement. In 2017, Oliver Harris, superstar of the Camden Football Club, is temporarily sidelined by a hamstring injury. The team’s coach, whose job is on the line if their league standing doesn’t improve, brings in Leo Davies-Villanueva to cover Oliver’s position. Oliver seesaws between attempts at being friendly with the handsome, amiable Leo and anger at the threat of being replaced, emotional whiplash complicated by his undeniable attraction to the younger player. When Oliver eventually returns to the pitch, their simpatico playing styles spark renewed hopes for the team. But after Oliver and Leo share a kiss, Oliver fears his sexuality getting out will destroy his career, forcing the men to conduct their relationship in secret. Emblidge writes thrilling descriptions of football matches, but the slow-burning pace of the romance and Oliver’s mercurial treatment of Leo will test readers’ patience. This one doesn’t stand apart from the pack of sports romances. (Jan.)