The Jock by Tal Bauer (Paperback)

Wes Van de Hoek fought his way from a West Texas ranch to become the star tight end at the state’s top university. Now team captain and a national standout, he plays under stadium lights with scouts watching his every move. The media predicts a future in the NFL. His coaches expect perfection. His teammates rely on him to lead them to a championship season.

But Wes is hiding something that could change everything.

Justin Swanscott is openly gay, unimpressed by football culture, and certain he wants nothing to do with cowboys or closeted athletes. Falling for Wes was never part of the plan. Yet one summer changed both of their lives, and neither of them has been the same since.

As the team’s winning streak builds and national attention intensifies, the pressure on Wes grows heavier. Every game fuels speculation about his future, while his heart pulls him in a different direction. Loving Justin means risking his career, his reputation, and the identity he’s built in front of millions.

With expectations mounting on and off the field, Wes must decide what matters more: the dream everyone else has for him, or the love he’s found for himself.