Roughing the Kicker by Michele Shriver

In the dazzling world of professional football, where Austin Troopers star kicker Ryeland Lenhart basks in the limelight of his mansion and supermodel fiancée, darkness lurks beneath the glamorous façade. Rye’s life isn’t the picture-perfect tale it seems; it’s a twisted narrative he’s desperate to conceal.

The son of Mexican immigrants, Cutter Hernandez has conquered the American dream, scoring a gig as an athletic trainer for the local pro football team. Yet hidden beneath his success is a secret—he’s keeping his sexuality from his conservative Latina family, fearing their rejection.
When a routine injury unravels a web of deceit, Cutter confronts Rye, sparking a high-stakes game of truths and lies. As Rye grapples with his own conflicting desires for Cutter, he throws down the gauntlet, forcing Cutter to face the harsh reality of his own double life.
In a gripping tale of love, deceit, and self-discovery, Cutter must guide Rye out of the shadows of his toxic existence. Will Rye find the strength to break free, and can Cutter summon the courage to unmask his own truth?

Roughing the Kicker is a gay awakening, hurt/ comfort interracial MM sports romance and is part of the Austin Troopers shared world.