From author Suzanne Byrd, ‘Game On’ tackles one of the hottest topics of our time. A Super Bowl Quarterback and Women’s Golf Sensation prepare to marry under a sunset in Key West hiding a secret that threatens their careers. Byrd’s novel captures the realities of two famous celebrities living a lie to protect their public identities from the truth of their sexuality and whom they really love.
Key West, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/21/2014 -- It’s a story that could be ripped straight from the headlines. Two athletes at the height of their fame and careers, embroiled in a passionate and very public love affair, beloved by fans and the media. But of course, there’s a catch.
“Both of the main characters are gay,” says Suzanne Byrd, author of the new book, ‘Game On’. “K.C. Kelly is the most well-known quarterback in football and Megan Carson is seen as the newest savior of women’s golf. They meet and decide the perfect solution to hiding their secret is to pretend to be in a relationship. I believe it’s something that happens with celebrities and most likely has happened in professional sports and the general public has no idea.”
Weaving together romance, complex relationships, the constant threat of discovery and the socially charged topic of gay rights wasn’t an easy feat. But, Byrd’s novel is one of stunning power depicting the struggles of wonderfully complex characters trying to make their lives work under the scrutiny of the public. The first gay football player is out, the question is, how many others are living the life of, ‘Game On’.
Synopsis:
Careers and millions are in the balance as Super Bowl Quarterback K.C. Kelly and women's professional golf standout Megan Carson prepare to exchange wedding vows on a beach in Key West, Florida. They are young, beautiful and the perfect couple, except . . . a secret burdens their lives. Game On tells the compassionate story of two people growing up in a world where celebrity sells and threatening secrets are fiercely held. Will they choose love or keep the secret that binds them together? Set in New York City, Atlanta, and Key West, Byrd weaves a passionate story of sexuality, love, and loss as two superstars confront one of the greatest social issues of our time.
Byrd is well aware of the ramifications of a book like hers, but her hope is that the tale will foster understanding.
“I spent two years writing the book, and during that time, sports columnists and writers were discussing the subject of the first gay football player ‘coming out’ of the closet. The NFL Players Association said they were paving the way for the first gay player, promising respect and tolerance. Needless to say, it didn’t happen with those currently playing but there is hope Michael Sam will lead the way to others coming forward,” says Byrd.
Continuing, “Hypocrisy is a hot-button issue for me. How could anyone be so foolish as to believe there are not hundreds of athletes out there who are struggling with having to keep their sexuality, and their relationships, under wraps? It’s just not realistic. ‘Game On’ may be fiction, but it could very easily be true, and it’s time we had a discussion about compassion and about letting love trump fear.”
Since its release, the book has earned glowing reviews.
“The author covers a controversial topic in a sensitive, caring, gentle way. The characters were real and believable. Wonderful book!” wrote Sandy Jay.
Margaret A. Hackett wrote: “I started reading the book and could not put it down. I found it intriguing, full of suspense, passionate, and the ending, not what I expected. Can not wait for the next Suzanne Byrd book!”
‘Game On’, published by iUniverse, is available now on Amazon.com in hardcover, paperback and Kindle formats: http://amzn.to/1aagRsl
About Suzanne Byrd
Suzanne Byrd was an entrepreneur with a lifelong interest in writing. She is a member of Island Scribes, president of the Key West Writers Guild, and was an All-American athlete at Oklahoma State University.