Title: Out in the Offense
Series: Out in College #3
Author: Lane Hayes
Publisher: Lane Hayes
Release Date: January 10, 2019
Heat Level: 4 - Lots of Sex
Pairing: Male/Male
Length: 54k
Genre: Romance, New Adult, Bisexual, College romance, Football, Coming out
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Synopsis
Christian Rafferty is a talented quarterback with a big secret. He’s determined to make the most of his final season on the football field, and if possible, avoid any confrontations with his conservative parents about his future. It shouldn’t be difficult; he’s become adept at keeping his public and private lives separate. However, when a math class threatens to derail his plans to graduate on time, he realizes he may need outside help.Rory Kirkland has a reputation for being a tough guy. He’s a former wrestler and recent college graduate who needs a real job. Until he finds one, tutoring is a decent temporary gig. Luckily, his brain is his biggest asset. Rory is a genius. He credits his sport for helping him deal with angst and rumors about his sexuality when he was younger, but he doesn’t care what others think anymore. He likes his new status as an out and proud bi man; and he recognizes something of himself in Christian. But Rory didn’t count on falling for him. When an unlikely friendship collides with intense attraction, both men begin to realize that coming out on offense just might be the surest path to love.
Excerpt
"Can I do anything to help?” I asked, setting my backpack on one of the two barstools at the narrow counter space.“Nope. As soon as the veggies are sautéed, we’ll be ready to eat. Want something to drink?”
“Yes, please. Water is fine. Where’s Buttons?”
Rory pulled a water bottle from the small fridge behind him and handed it over, then pointed at a basket next to the sofa.
“She’s hiding behind that basket. She’ll make an appearance if she decides you’re worthy. In the meantime, there’s bread in that basket on the counter next to your bag. Help yourself. I’ll bring dinner out.”
I thanked him, then twisted the cap from the water bottle and took a generous sip before rounding the corner in search of the bread. I was ravenous. I bit into the baguette with gusto before turning to check out my surroundings.
Rory’s apartment was tiny. Probably half the size of mine and much older. But unlike the rough exterior, it was…pleasant. Surprisingly so. A short wall delineated the narrow kitchen from the main living area. There was just enough room for a sofa, an ottoman, a TV console, and a smallish television. Two barstools were tucked under the small peninsula by the cut-out in the kitchen wall. The palette was basic “dude”…dark leather against stark white walls, though a large red throw rug anchored the room and provided a nice splash of color. It was simple—but tidy and very clean.
“Your place is cool,” I commented when he entered the room, carrying two plates and a large bowl.
“Thanks. Let’s sit on the sofa. We have more room to eat there,” he said decisively as he set his burden on the coffee table. “Help yourself. I’ll get some forks, napkins, and extra veggies.”
I obeyed and quickly got to work, scooping chicken fettucine Alfredo onto both plates. Rory joined me a minute later, handing over the silverware before taking a seat next to me. I shot a bashful sideways glance at him as I reached for a napkin.
“Do you eat like this every night?”
“It’s really nothing special. I make sauces in bulk and freeze them. Then it’s just a matter of adding protein and veggies. By the way, this Alfredo is a healthy version. If you want to drown it in parmesan, feel free. I won’t be offended. Cheers.” He tapped his water bottle against mine and winked.
“Cheers. And thanks again. This is incredible and very unexpected.” I smiled as I twisted the pasta around my fork.
“You’re welcome. You sounded anxious, but you said we’re cool. Are we?”
“Of course.”
Rory tilted his head and shot me a challenging look. “Then kiss me.”
“Um…now?”
“Yeah, now. The other night could have been a fluke. Instead of wondering, let’s get it over with. One kiss should be enough to tell. C’mere,” he commanded, leaning sideways.
I set my fork down and met him halfway until our noses brushed. Then I waited for him to make the next move. He stayed stubbornly still. When I couldn’t stand the growing tension, I pressed my lips to his. And wow…amazing.
Rory was a great kisser. He had the simple art of give-and-take down to a science. He molded his mouth to mine and gently pushed his tongue inside. The connection was sweet but bold. It was more about discovery than possession. I hummed as I snaked my arm around his neck, pulling him closer. He sucked my tongue, then bit my bottom lip playfully before pulling back.
“Definitely not a fluke," he said with a devilish grin.Purchase at Amazon
5 Stars
I was really looking forward to getting to Christian’s story and boy, Ms. Hayes does not disappoint.
I loved both Christian and Rory and although the story is completely told from Christian’s POV, Rory is still well-developed. After meeting Rory in Out in the End Zone, I was curious, but also wary of him, but he turned out to be sweet and funny and so much more than he seemed to be and the author definitely manages to not only redeem him, but she made me fall in love with him, as well.
I absolutely adored Christian. He was also a sweetheart and although he’s closeted and a bit scared, he still knows who he is and what he wants.
I loved Rory and Christian together and I really enjoyed their back and forth banter. They had amazing chemistry and man, when they finally fell into bed it was majorly hot and I really liked that although closeted, Christian wasn’t shy about what he wanted in the bedroom. I thought the progression of their relationship felt authentic and natural and it moved along at a good pace.
This story was sweet, sexy and fun to read. I not only loved Rory and Christian, but I was happy to get glimpses of Gabe and Derek and Mitch and Evan. I also loved Max, Christian’s ex-boyfriend and roommate and I’m really hoping we’ll get his story soon, in fact, I see so many secondary characters that are potential future MC’s, that I’m really hoping this series has quite a few more installments to come. My only complaint about the story was I thought something that occurred at the end of the story was left unresolved and I wanted to see how it was handled/played out, but maybe that’ll happen in a future installment.
This was an enjoyable must read!
*copy provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*
5 Stars
After finishing the last book in this series, I really wanted to get Rory's story! He'd seemed so lost and a little bit sad in that book and I was happy that there was a small time jump where we see how much he has changed and allowed himself to be open with this sexuality. I loved him and Christian! This book was really a feel-good book. There was a teensy bit of angst but it was really just about Christian and Rory getting to know one another and connecting.
I liked seeing the character development of Christian throughout the book. It seemed like he found himself, and Rory was a big part of that. Rory was crazy supportive and a nice influence on Christian. Their chemistry was easy to see and it made their dynamic interesting and sweet. And all of the sexy times were hot which I always appreciate!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
4 Stars
Christian and Rory are such great characters. When we met them in book two I wanted to know both of their stories and then it was announced that they would be the couple in this one - I was so excited!
Christian is such a sweetheart. I love that he is willing to do what is needed just to be able to continue playing the sport that he loves. Taking on a tutor to get his grade up to be able to continue playing is hard for him but he does it for himself.
Rory is a badass who has finally accepted who he is and isn’t afraid to show it. The simple act of taking Christian on for tutoring turns everything around for both of them. Rory is a beautiful soul who, though some might look at his tattoos and turn away as if he’s a thug, is anything but.
I am loving this series and I can’t wait to see what Lane has in store for us with the next book.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Meet the Author
Lane Hayes is grateful to finally be doing what she loves best. Writing full-time! It’s no secret Lane loves a good romance novel. An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to well-told love story with beautifully written characters. These days she prefers the leading roles to both be men. Lane discovered the M/M genre a few years ago and was instantly hooked. Her debut novel was a 2013 Rainbow Award finalist and subsequent books have received Honorable Mentions, and won First Prize in the 2016 and 2017 Rainbow Awards. She loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband in a newly empty nest.Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads |Amazon
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