The Star: Charleston Condors, Book 1

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars | 863 ratings

Price: 33.9

Last update: 01-30-2025


About this item

Tight end Landry Banks knows the score when he signs with the Charleston Condors in a rebuilding year.

New owner. New coach. New players. New rules.

But one rule hasn't changed: Don't hook up with your best friend's little brother.

Rookie quarterback Riley Flynn knows what it takes to make it in the NFL. He's in Charleston to prove himself—to the world and his teammates, but mostly to his older brother, who's never believed he could be a star.

The last thing he expects is for his brother's best friend, Landry, to welcome him with open arms and an offer to become roommates.

Riley's always believed Landry was straight—but the way Landry keeps checking him out leaves him suddenly unsure. And Landry's hot looks certainly don't help squash the crush he's always had on his brother's best friend.

Revisiting his teenage crush isn't part of the plan. But as he and Landry fall into a rhythm of thrilling plays on the field and sizzling tension off it, there's no denying their connection.

Riley isn't willing to trade becoming the next big NFL superstar for love. But with a man like Landry Banks waiting to catch anything he throws at him, maybe he can have both.


Top reviews from the United States

  • Lisa L Teetz
    5.0 out of 5 stars So Great!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2023
    I loved this so much! This is my first book by this author and now I am going back to devour everything that has come before. There were references to previous characters and their stories that I now have to read. That being said, I was never lost reading this book and thought it stood alone just fine. I absolutely loved Landry and Riley's slow burn romance.  Landry is best friends with Riley's older brother so they already know each other, but its been years since they've seen one another. Riley has grow up during that time into a fierce QB, getting his first start in the NFL on Landry's team. Right from the start there was a spark and connection between them.  You could feel it radiating off the pages. Circumstances put them living together and the UST was off the charts! The build up to their first kiss gave me all the swoony butterflies! Landry had previously identified as straight, but quickly came to terms with his attraction to Riley. I loved how mature they both were, how they talked to each other, how they both just went with their feelings. No big misunderstandings or relationship drama. Just 2 men falling in love!
    The drama came from external sources, mainly Aidan, the brother and best friend. While he was frustrating, I liked his part of the story and the dynamic between all 3 of them and how it was handled.  We also get a ton of football throughout, which was fantastic! We were on the field with them many times and I could feel the energy of the game. There is also a lot of behind the scene team and NFL happenings and we get to know quite a few of the other players very well. They all seem to have stories to tell and I cannot wait for them!
    This book was long, about 400 pages, but it never felt long and I was sad when it was over. I could have kept reading about Riley, Landry, and the Condors for many more pages! It was such an enjoyable, slow burn romance that was sweet with the perfect amount of heat! Highly recommend!
  • Mark
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good football romance
    Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2024
    This is the first book by Beth Bolden I can recall reading. The romance was sweet, and I liked Landry and Riley together. What I felt lacking here is the main conflict of Riley’s brother was always on the back burner of the narrative. The resolution was so simple and had little consequence for the two protagonists, which made the end feel a bit cheap. Even so, I will be reading the next book in the series. Perhaps I’ll even try some of Bolden’s other football series since they all seem to be connected based on the references in this one.
  • Zachary Howard
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good book
    Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2025
    Well detailed. Standing up to family is hard. But for them to tell you that you are too small, not tall enough is not reason for them to someone down.
  • Leerion
    3.0 out of 5 stars 3.5
    Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2024
    I loved this!!!! Brothers bestfriend is one of my favorites and I loved watching their journey. I love that while there was a freak out moment it didn’t last long. But I love that there was a freak out moment. I get it. Finding something out about one’s self. Who wouldn’t freak out. So I’m glad that was written in. I loved watching them fall in love. The writing was great, the smexy was nice and I love the side characters. I will ask for some diversity. This is football, there is diversity here so let’s read about it.
  • F. Chen
    5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible start to a new series!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2023
    Holy moly.

    Beth Bolden’s THE STAR, launches her new Charleston Condors m/m football series. I have loved everything I’ve read by Ms Bolden so far, and this is no exception. While her stories are often emotionally gripping, they are sunshine and summer breezes rather than dark and gritty. Her humor resonates with me and I find myself smiling and cackling gleefully as I read. I’m not much of a sports fan, but I get swept away by her locker room speeches and on-field descriptions, and The Star has those as well as the excitement of building a new team and the threads of on and offfield chemistry as this new team figures each other out. It’s a great brother’s best friend, teammates to lovers story, and I will be rereading it soon!

    Landry Banks is looking for a change so he decides to sign with the Charleston Condors, a team that is essentially starting over. He’s an excellent receiver, with siblings who also play in the league.

    Riley Flynn has grown up in the shadow of his very successful older brother, NFL quarterback Aidan Flynn, and he’s ready to show Aidan and the world that he’s ready to lead a team of his own. He just needs the chance to show what he’s capable of.

    Ms Bolden brings Landry and Riley into proximity and let us watch as the magic happens. These two have undeniable chemistry, on and off the field. And the Condors? They are destined for greatness…

    Many of her series exist in a shared universe, which I happen to love. Her previous m/m football series, the Piranhas, is also stellar, and will give you a sense whether her writing is for you. I actually first found her through her Riptde football trilogy. And her Food Truck Warriors series is both mouthwatering and so wonderfully entertaining!

    THE STAR is one incredible read, and I cannot wait for the rest of the series!
  • Domestic Diva
    4.0 out of 5 stars Unexpected but GREAT! ????????????
    Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2023
    The “slow burn” was a bit faster than expected (in a good way). And there was a lot less angst than usual (also in a good way). While Riley’s Landry wasn’t quite as ridiculous as the Landry who relentlessly roasted Logan about Dylan. he didn’t lose his personality totally lose his personality because he was falling in love AND on a new team.

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