Review: Each Book Better Than The Last! Fantastic 3rd Book!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 14, 2014
"Six Ways From Sunday" was the first book in the "Southern Scrimmage" series. I really enjoyed the story and genuinely liked Bo and Dylan although I hadn't quite invested in them  by the end. However, with "Sidelined" I instantly connected with Levi (aka Liv/Livy) and heartily cheered his relationship with Tracy. Also, Bo's and Dylan's story continued in the second so I finally felt like they'd become real to me, and my feelings of like evolved into love. I'm impressed how Mercy Celeste never washed over the hurt and struggles of these amazing couples; she didn't hesitate to sink her teeth into the meaty, difficult truths, exposing the individuals hidden behind the characters. A really phenomenal sequel.And the third book, "Offside Chance", blows its predecessors clean out of the water! While it's very much Jude's and Will "Slayer" Slater's story, it also belongs to the other two couples.Jude is a little cold, constantly throwing up barriers and dishing out snark but he's endearing. So very different from his brother, even if they share similar looks. Despite the brothers' differences, it's still incredibly easy to love them both equally.Will 's cruel remarks to Levi and general intolerance of homosexuality was, at times, difficult to deal with. In general, he was such a good guy that I had to keep reminding myself that all that bluster was equal parts hurt (by Levi 's lack of trust in sharing his secret) and good old fashioned denial. Through it all though, I liked him, and hoped he could overcome it before he lost a great man like Jude.Some of my most favorite, and truly memorable, parts included the previous two couples. The author really forged ahead in the development of their individual and intersecting relationships. There is a lot of underlying hurt, fear and even love that needed (and still needs) to be further addressed. I'm all for HEA but that lack of exploration into the aftermath really held me back from enjoying the first as much. It's great how each book reveals more and more so it's like you're truly unwrapping the story and people from book to book.Oh, and it ends on quite a rousing cliffhanger. I'm seriously spazzing here, totally desperate and eager for the next installment. I just know that it will be breathtaking, I mean, how can it not with Mercy Celeste at the helm?Ms. Celeste:Please forgo all social interaction and normal outdoor activities. Deny yourself sleep and relaxation so we can have book#4.Just kidding.No, really I'm not.