Wow. I am surprised I liked this book so much because I did not love the characters at the beginning. Mike was kind of mean and rude and surly while Danny was, actually, kind of the same. It took very little time for me to fall in love with both men. Mike just needed some love - tough love and real love - and Danny provided that. Mike didn't have anyone in his corner, but once he found that, he thrived. And Danny... ugh. He is so sad and broken and I can't even handle it. He needed Mike just as much as Mike needed him. I loved seeing their relationship grow and watching both men be there for each other when needed. I loved how they remained aggressive toward each other, but in a loving way (make that make sense lol). And I love the side characters. Bea is great! I need more of her story. I enjoyed seeing Danny's struggles with substance abuse and watching him realize he needed help. It felt so real to see him realize he needed to stop, but not being able to do so. And above all, it was the little, sweet moments that just made this book so great. 2/5 spice levels.

Notes: grumpy/grumpy, rivals to lovers, rival teams, hurt/comfort, substance abuse, alcoholism