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Out in College #3
Giocare in attacco (Out in College Serie Vol. 3)
Christian Rafferty è un talentuoso quarterback con un grosso segreto. È determinato a sfruttare al massimo la sua ultima stagione sul campo da football e, se possibile, evitare qualsiasi discussione riguardo al suo futuro con i genitori conservatori; non dovrebbe essere difficile, perché ormai è un esperto nel tenere la vita privata separata da quella pubblica. Quando però un corso di statistica minaccia di far deragliare i suoi piani di prendere la laurea entro fine anno, si rende conto che potrebbe aver bisogno di aiuto.
Rory Kirkland ha una reputazione da vero duro. È un ex wrestler, si è laureato di recente e ha bisogno di un lavoro vero, ma finché non ne troverà uno, fare il tutor è un impiego temporaneo decente. Fortunatamente, il suo cervello è la sua più grande risorsa; infatti, Rory è un genio. Inoltre, dà allo sport il merito di averlo aiutato a gestire i turbamenti adolescenziali e i pettegolezzi riguardo alla sua sessualità quando era più giovane, ma ormai non gli importa più cosa pensino gli altri; gli piace la sua nuova condizione di uomo bisessuale dichiarato e orgoglioso. Rory riconosce qualcosa di se stesso in Christian, ma non mette in conto di potersi innamorare di lui. Quando un’improbabile amicizia si scontra con un’intensa attrazione, entrambi iniziano a capire che giocare in attacco potrebbe essere il percorso più sicuro per giungere all’amore.
Rory Kirkland ha una reputazione da vero duro. È un ex wrestler, si è laureato di recente e ha bisogno di un lavoro vero, ma finché non ne troverà uno, fare il tutor è un impiego temporaneo decente. Fortunatamente, il suo cervello è la sua più grande risorsa; infatti, Rory è un genio. Inoltre, dà allo sport il merito di averlo aiutato a gestire i turbamenti adolescenziali e i pettegolezzi riguardo alla sua sessualità quando era più giovane, ma ormai non gli importa più cosa pensino gli altri; gli piace la sua nuova condizione di uomo bisessuale dichiarato e orgoglioso. Rory riconosce qualcosa di se stesso in Christian, ma non mette in conto di potersi innamorare di lui. Quando un’improbabile amicizia si scontra con un’intensa attrazione, entrambi iniziano a capire che giocare in attacco potrebbe essere il percorso più sicuro per giungere all’amore.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 6, 2019
264 people are currently reading
583 people want to read
About the author
Lane Hayes
106 books1,723 followersLane Hayes loves a good romance! She’s the bestselling author of the Out in College, Starting From, Better Than, A Kind Of, Right and Wrong, and Leaning Into Series! Lane loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). All things she can find in sunny SoCal where she lives with her amazing husband in a not quite empty nest.
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January 18, 2019
I love Lane Hayes, but Out in the Offense never grabbed my attention, and it was a struggle for me from start to finish.
Look, contemporary romances, especially new adult, are always hit or miss for me, but some of my favorite books of all time are sports romances that fall into that category (Him, The Understatement of the Year). However, I don't love the genre usually, and an author has to really blow my mind for them to catch my attention.
Out in the Offense just... didn't.
Lane Hayes is a lovely and talented writer, and many of my friends adored this story, but I had to force myself to finish it. I just didn't feel much of anything for these characters. I thought the chemistry was weak and the plot felt... tired. I just was very underwhelmed, and It was hard for me to focus on the story.
Another part of my issue is that I also don't always like attraction-forward stories. I kind of prefer the main characters to not get along or for them to not feel chemistry at first, and then the attraction and the romance grows. I have a thing against the "insta-boner" stories, where they see each other and start adjusting their pants... I mean, my mind just starts checking out.
The book wasn't bad by any means, and clearly other people loved this one, but I think it was a number of things working against it coupled by a sport I don't feel passionate about. Bummer.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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Look, contemporary romances, especially new adult, are always hit or miss for me, but some of my favorite books of all time are sports romances that fall into that category (Him, The Understatement of the Year). However, I don't love the genre usually, and an author has to really blow my mind for them to catch my attention.
Out in the Offense just... didn't.
Lane Hayes is a lovely and talented writer, and many of my friends adored this story, but I had to force myself to finish it. I just didn't feel much of anything for these characters. I thought the chemistry was weak and the plot felt... tired. I just was very underwhelmed, and It was hard for me to focus on the story.
Another part of my issue is that I also don't always like attraction-forward stories. I kind of prefer the main characters to not get along or for them to not feel chemistry at first, and then the attraction and the romance grows. I have a thing against the "insta-boner" stories, where they see each other and start adjusting their pants... I mean, my mind just starts checking out.
The book wasn't bad by any means, and clearly other people loved this one, but I think it was a number of things working against it coupled by a sport I don't feel passionate about. Bummer.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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January 15, 2019
🔸 Sizzling chemistry!
🔸 Hot for tutor
🔸 Quarterback & math geek/former tatted-up college wrestler
🔸 Almost no relationship drama
🔸 Realistic family dynamics between Christian and his parents
🔸 HEA
🔸 Cute cat named Buttons
🔸 Relatable MCs
Minor quibble: I really wanted Rory's POV. He remained a cool, unshakable enigma and didn't feel fully approachable.
Major quibble: The vandalism/hate crime issue was completely dropped. We never found out if the obvious suspect was caught or punished. This was kind of a pivotal point in the story, the climax if you will. I couldn't believe there was no resolution, not even in the epilogue.
🔸 Hot for tutor
🔸 Quarterback & math geek/former tatted-up college wrestler
🔸 Almost no relationship drama
🔸 Realistic family dynamics between Christian and his parents
🔸 HEA
🔸 Cute cat named Buttons
🔸 Relatable MCs
Minor quibble: I really wanted Rory's POV. He remained a cool, unshakable enigma and didn't feel fully approachable.
Major quibble: The vandalism/hate crime issue was completely dropped. We never found out if the obvious suspect was caught or punished. This was kind of a pivotal point in the story, the climax if you will. I couldn't believe there was no resolution, not even in the epilogue.
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October 25, 2025
Out in the Offense is book three in the Out in College series by Lane Hayes. This is the story of two men brought together by circumstance, but finding something in each other that they didn’t know they were missing. Acceptance, friendship, respect and love.
Christian Rafferty is twenty two years old and is the starting quarterback at Chilton University, a small private college. He is also team captain and has led the team to amazing success. Christian lets everything go on the field. But off, he has plenty to deal with. He has an overbearing father, two roommates that are in a relationship but fight (and make up) frequently, and a statistics class he is failing. It’s a class he needs to graduate. The biggest burden of all he is carrying is the secret he is keeping from everyone, his sexuality.
Rory Kirkland is twenty four years old and is a graduate of Long Beach State. Rory is all muscles, tattoos, an ex-wrestler and an out gay man. He is also a math genius. While he is trying to figure out what career path to follow, he is tutoring for extra cash. When he is contacted to help out a football player with his statistics class, he never realized that this was going to change his life.
Both of these men are at a crossroads, trying to figure out their lives. But when they’re together, they find a companionship, a friendship, an attraction, even a longing. Crushes soon turn to a kiss which soon turns to more. Rory shows Christian the freedom taking charge of his life gave him. That not hiding who he is and being true to himself lifted a huge burden off his shoulders.
I loved these two together. I loved the confidence that Rory could give Christian. For the first time, with Rory, Christian could see what his life could be like, if only he could gather his courage and be himself. To take charge of his life and live it out in the open.
The next book, Out in the Field, will be Max’s book, who is a baseball player. He is Christian’s closest friend and roommate.
Christian Rafferty is twenty two years old and is the starting quarterback at Chilton University, a small private college. He is also team captain and has led the team to amazing success. Christian lets everything go on the field. But off, he has plenty to deal with. He has an overbearing father, two roommates that are in a relationship but fight (and make up) frequently, and a statistics class he is failing. It’s a class he needs to graduate. The biggest burden of all he is carrying is the secret he is keeping from everyone, his sexuality.
Rory Kirkland is twenty four years old and is a graduate of Long Beach State. Rory is all muscles, tattoos, an ex-wrestler and an out gay man. He is also a math genius. While he is trying to figure out what career path to follow, he is tutoring for extra cash. When he is contacted to help out a football player with his statistics class, he never realized that this was going to change his life.
Both of these men are at a crossroads, trying to figure out their lives. But when they’re together, they find a companionship, a friendship, an attraction, even a longing. Crushes soon turn to a kiss which soon turns to more. Rory shows Christian the freedom taking charge of his life gave him. That not hiding who he is and being true to himself lifted a huge burden off his shoulders.
I loved these two together. I loved the confidence that Rory could give Christian. For the first time, with Rory, Christian could see what his life could be like, if only he could gather his courage and be himself. To take charge of his life and live it out in the open.
The next book, Out in the Field, will be Max’s book, who is a baseball player. He is Christian’s closest friend and roommate.
January 8, 2019
Lane brings us another excellent college romance featuring a closeted quarterback and the former boyfriend of book two's MC Mitch.
While books one and two's timelines overlapped somewhat, this one is set quite some time later and stands alone in terms of what's happening in city and college life.
Although Christian is 22, in his fourth year and worrying about his future, Rory is two years older, having graduated and got himself a couple of part time jobs and it us this which brings them together.
The QB is struggling in one of his classes and is instantly attracted to Rory when he turns up to tutor him. I must say, at this point, that I thought both characters at times, Rory particularly, read as if they were older.
Rory's all Zen wisdom and now settled in his sexuality, having admitted to being an arse when he was with Mitch and still in the closet. He doesn't let life grind him down or rule where he wants it to take him.
Poor Christian is almost his polar opposite, he has no clue what he's doing other than being afraid to come out or how to say he doesn't want to go to law school as his father wishes. But he absolutely knows he wants Rory and not just for the physical attraction.
There's loads of wonderful dialogue in this, Christian and Rory actually talk constantly about fears and hopes and they're incredibly sweet together.
They're also rather hot too, Lane's skilled narrative giving the reader a gorgeous romance and plenty of smexy times.
The conflicts come from two directions, Christian and his internal fears and eternally from a source which is never actually revealed, although I think we're supposed to guess the most obvious candidate was the one responsible.
I liked pretty much everything about this third book, it's relatively low angst, it's got compelling characters and it wraps things up in a way which makes sense and leads into an incredibly strong HFN with a true HEA on the horizon.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
While books one and two's timelines overlapped somewhat, this one is set quite some time later and stands alone in terms of what's happening in city and college life.
Although Christian is 22, in his fourth year and worrying about his future, Rory is two years older, having graduated and got himself a couple of part time jobs and it us this which brings them together.
The QB is struggling in one of his classes and is instantly attracted to Rory when he turns up to tutor him. I must say, at this point, that I thought both characters at times, Rory particularly, read as if they were older.
Rory's all Zen wisdom and now settled in his sexuality, having admitted to being an arse when he was with Mitch and still in the closet. He doesn't let life grind him down or rule where he wants it to take him.
Poor Christian is almost his polar opposite, he has no clue what he's doing other than being afraid to come out or how to say he doesn't want to go to law school as his father wishes. But he absolutely knows he wants Rory and not just for the physical attraction.
There's loads of wonderful dialogue in this, Christian and Rory actually talk constantly about fears and hopes and they're incredibly sweet together.
They're also rather hot too, Lane's skilled narrative giving the reader a gorgeous romance and plenty of smexy times.
The conflicts come from two directions, Christian and his internal fears and eternally from a source which is never actually revealed, although I think we're supposed to guess the most obvious candidate was the one responsible.
I liked pretty much everything about this third book, it's relatively low angst, it's got compelling characters and it wraps things up in a way which makes sense and leads into an incredibly strong HFN with a true HEA on the horizon.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
April 6, 2019
*** 2.5 STARS ***
January 10, 2019
I'm going to start my review by saying:
Rory... is hot, patient, understanding, intelligent, funny, HE DIRTY TALKS IN BED.
For his sake- I'm just glad he's fictional because there'd be a bunch of thirtsy book loving stalkers if he were real.
Sorry, I just had to get that out of the way first.
Out in the Offense by Lane Hayes is the third and final installment in her New Adult Out in College series. Just like the previous stories in deals student-athletes trying to balance school, the pressure often put on by parents, trying to figure what's next, and coming to terms with one's sexuality.
Some highlights:
-Rory. Re-read start ↑
-Christian has a lot on his shoulders; football, a failing class, an overbearing parent, a future he wants to dictate, and a big secret he's keeping from just about everyone- he's gay. Considering all this he still went after what he wanted, and I was relieved that from the get go he knew he wasn't going just to follow his father's plans.
-The relationship developed was nicely written and didn't feel rushed.
-The chemistry between felt genuine- in and out of the bedroom.
-Rory, again.
-And the end, I was left satisfied they were in it for the long haul.
My only niggle: not a huge fan of martyrdom and because we saw it in the previous couple of books, I think the story could've done without it. Luckily, it wasn't drawn out.
All in all, I think Out in the Offense was a great addition to the Out in College series. If you enjoy New Adult, definitely check these out! New Adult drama without the heavy angst.
4.5 for Out in the Offense and 4.5 for the series as a whole.
I can't wait for the spinoffs!
January 8, 2019
4.5 stars rounded up!
This installment was the best in the series, in my opinion. I could have rounded down, but I loved Christian, and especially Rory too much to round down.
Sometimes Hayes' writing style of only one POV doesn't work because it can feel like we don't get to know the other MC that much or that well or he seems distant, etc. That wasn't the case with this installment. I loved Rory, who is not the POV in this book - that's Christian.
Rory is the guy Mitch (from book two who was Evan's LI) had been with before he met Evan, and he was also the guy who was with the woman to try to make Mitch jealous at that party (from both book 1 and 2). I remember thinking he wasn't such a cool guy to do that, but I also didn't hate him by any means. We didn't get much of him in those books.
It took me about a second to remember who Rory was, and once I did I was like "omg he's that character! Omg I'm loving him!"
Rory isn't quite the mess we kinda got a peak at in the previous book. It's been some months, close to a year at the start of this, since that party - and a few months since the end (before the epilogue) of book 2 - and Rory has changed a lot. Kinda bummed we didn't get to see his transformation, but seeing as he wasn't a huge character before, I'm okay with that.
Rory is out as bi, he's graduated, he's working at a gym place working with kids in sports type things and such. He's much more comfortable with himself and declaring how much he loves dick ;) He's tattooed, a former wrestler, veRY muscly, and very smart - especially in math, which is where Christian comes in.
Christian is the guy from book 2 who was on Evan's football team, the quarterback and team captain who we all totally knew was gay or bi but not out yet. He's still not out at the start of this, but he for sure knows he's gay, but that isn't his main problem at the start of this book. He's failing statistics, his math class, and he's supposed to graduate that year, and he needs a tutor. He also doesn't want his strict, overbearing father to find out he's failing a class (because he like used to work at the university or whatever and is on a board of some kind...) because he'd have to fill out a form or whatever for a tutor so he could continue to play football.
So his coach recommends Rory, a tutor outside of the school, and Christian is instantly attracted and smitten.
I loved how much Rory's intellect turned Christian on, just as much as his body did. Rory was more than what he looked like, and Christian was captivated by him from the start.
Of course we don't get to see Rory's POV so we can't know for sure, but over time it becomes clear how much he cares for - and then loves - Christian.
I loved the way he was there for Christian too, never pushing him to come out or anything like that, and he was just so sweet and supportive, at the same time he stood up for himself and didn't take any crap. He was in such a good, settled place - at least with his sexuality, and what he said to Christian, who was still very much scared to come out of the closet helped, I think.
Their sex scenes were hot as well, and I always love sex scenes more if you can get the emotions across, if you can get the love across, and Hayes definitely succeeded in this book.
I will say that the only thing that kinda bothered me is there was no follow through on what happens at the end - we don't find out who did it and if Christian worked it out with whoever did it (I think it was pretty clear who did it, though) and if there was continuing tension between them or if the guy got kicked off the team or what. I would have liked to have found out what exactly happened with that.
Also, Christian's roommates' drama was a little much. Max was Christian's ex and he was with Sky, the other roommate, and Sky was a real asshole. And Sky was jealous of Christian and unfair to him, and Christian never called him out on being an asshole. I wanted that scene. I do wonder if the next book will be about Max, though. His situation with Sky was annoying but I still liked Max as a character, so I wouldn't mind a book with him.
So I had just a few niggles, but they weren't much and didn't hinder my overall enjoyment of this book. It was good and I just adored Christian and Rory together, they worked so well together. I'm so happy they got their happy ending.
HIGHLY recommend if you've been enjoying this series!
***ARC generously provided by the Alpha Book Club in exchange for an honest review***
This installment was the best in the series, in my opinion. I could have rounded down, but I loved Christian, and especially Rory too much to round down.
Sometimes Hayes' writing style of only one POV doesn't work because it can feel like we don't get to know the other MC that much or that well or he seems distant, etc. That wasn't the case with this installment. I loved Rory, who is not the POV in this book - that's Christian.
Rory is the guy Mitch (from book two who was Evan's LI) had been with before he met Evan, and he was also the guy who was with the woman to try to make Mitch jealous at that party (from both book 1 and 2). I remember thinking he wasn't such a cool guy to do that, but I also didn't hate him by any means. We didn't get much of him in those books.
It took me about a second to remember who Rory was, and once I did I was like "omg he's that character! Omg I'm loving him!"
Rory isn't quite the mess we kinda got a peak at in the previous book. It's been some months, close to a year at the start of this, since that party - and a few months since the end (before the epilogue) of book 2 - and Rory has changed a lot. Kinda bummed we didn't get to see his transformation, but seeing as he wasn't a huge character before, I'm okay with that.
Rory is out as bi, he's graduated, he's working at a gym place working with kids in sports type things and such. He's much more comfortable with himself and declaring how much he loves dick ;) He's tattooed, a former wrestler, veRY muscly, and very smart - especially in math, which is where Christian comes in.
Christian is the guy from book 2 who was on Evan's football team, the quarterback and team captain who we all totally knew was gay or bi but not out yet. He's still not out at the start of this, but he for sure knows he's gay, but that isn't his main problem at the start of this book. He's failing statistics, his math class, and he's supposed to graduate that year, and he needs a tutor. He also doesn't want his strict, overbearing father to find out he's failing a class (because he like used to work at the university or whatever and is on a board of some kind...) because he'd have to fill out a form or whatever for a tutor so he could continue to play football.
So his coach recommends Rory, a tutor outside of the school, and Christian is instantly attracted and smitten.
I loved how much Rory's intellect turned Christian on, just as much as his body did. Rory was more than what he looked like, and Christian was captivated by him from the start.
Of course we don't get to see Rory's POV so we can't know for sure, but over time it becomes clear how much he cares for - and then loves - Christian.
I loved the way he was there for Christian too, never pushing him to come out or anything like that, and he was just so sweet and supportive, at the same time he stood up for himself and didn't take any crap. He was in such a good, settled place - at least with his sexuality, and what he said to Christian, who was still very much scared to come out of the closet helped, I think.
Their sex scenes were hot as well, and I always love sex scenes more if you can get the emotions across, if you can get the love across, and Hayes definitely succeeded in this book.
I will say that the only thing that kinda bothered me is there was no follow through on what happens at the end - we don't find out who did it and if Christian worked it out with whoever did it (I think it was pretty clear who did it, though) and if there was continuing tension between them or if the guy got kicked off the team or what. I would have liked to have found out what exactly happened with that.
Also, Christian's roommates' drama was a little much. Max was Christian's ex and he was with Sky, the other roommate, and Sky was a real asshole. And Sky was jealous of Christian and unfair to him, and Christian never called him out on being an asshole. I wanted that scene. I do wonder if the next book will be about Max, though. His situation with Sky was annoying but I still liked Max as a character, so I wouldn't mind a book with him.
So I had just a few niggles, but they weren't much and didn't hinder my overall enjoyment of this book. It was good and I just adored Christian and Rory together, they worked so well together. I'm so happy they got their happy ending.
HIGHLY recommend if you've been enjoying this series!
***ARC generously provided by the Alpha Book Club in exchange for an honest review***
January 13, 2019
Another great addition to the series!
I really liked both Rory and Christian! Thankful this one didn’t end up in drama land as it easily could’ve.
Despite one incident, I really liked how everything played out.
Definitely looking forward to the spin-off!
I really liked both Rory and Christian! Thankful this one didn’t end up in drama land as it easily could’ve.
Despite one incident, I really liked how everything played out.
Definitely looking forward to the spin-off!
January 12, 2019
This is definitely my favorite of the series, so far. I loved it but also felt oddly unfulfilled. Because it's a novella, I felt like they were just getting started when it ended. I definitely needed more.
There was one eye-rolling, WTF, martyr BS moment. Other than that - golden!
There was one eye-rolling, WTF, martyr BS moment. Other than that - golden!
January 14, 2019
Ughhhhh, esa portada es una auténtico horror...
Sin embargo, dentro econtramos otro libro que como el resto de la serie es un NA dulce, sexy y lleno de deportistas. Son novellas, más que libros y hay partes que parecen un poco precipitadas porque el autor no les da la suficiente atención, pero aun así, funciona.
Recomendable para pasar un buen rato.
Sin embargo, dentro econtramos otro libro que como el resto de la serie es un NA dulce, sexy y lleno de deportistas. Son novellas, más que libros y hay partes que parecen un poco precipitadas porque el autor no les da la suficiente atención, pero aun así, funciona.
Recomendable para pasar un buen rato.
June 10, 2020
Christian is one of the characters in this series that is most in the closet. He knows he is gay and had a five-year relationship with his roommate but even that relationship was not enough to make him want to admit he was gay.
Enter Rory, Rory appears in the previous book as Mitch's ex, honestly I didn't like him very much in that book, but now, with him having his own book we can understand that he was just super confused with himself and everything around him.
The fact that Rory has been through this makes him very patient with Christian and in general they make a very cute couple, but will this time Christian's feelings be enough to make him assume a relationship?
Rating: 4 Stars.
Steam: 7 out of 10.
Triggers:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
Enter Rory, Rory appears in the previous book as Mitch's ex, honestly I didn't like him very much in that book, but now, with him having his own book we can understand that he was just super confused with himself and everything around him.
The fact that Rory has been through this makes him very patient with Christian and in general they make a very cute couple, but will this time Christian's feelings be enough to make him assume a relationship?
Rating: 4 Stars.
Steam: 7 out of 10.
Triggers:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
January 7, 2019
I have been waiting for this ARC to drop into my Kindle since I found out I was getting it, and it did not disappoint.
Christian is the closeted QB for Chilton, and he’s failing his Stats class. If he doesn’t make an effort to pull up the grade (tutoring), he’ll be benched indefinitely.
Rory is the math genius his coach finds to tutor him. He’s out and proud, and just what Christian needs, not just for the class, but for life.
I like that they start off as friends, and through their friendship and eventual relationship, Christian gains the confidence to take ahold of his life (which was previously micromanaged by his father), and he realizes it’s okay to be out, especially as it makes him happier.
I also like that as a formerly closeted athlete, Rory doesn’t pressure or try to influence Christian’s coming out story. He’s wholly supportive, even when Christian needs a little space after someone else outs him.
*ARC provided by author
Christian is the closeted QB for Chilton, and he’s failing his Stats class. If he doesn’t make an effort to pull up the grade (tutoring), he’ll be benched indefinitely.
Rory is the math genius his coach finds to tutor him. He’s out and proud, and just what Christian needs, not just for the class, but for life.
I like that they start off as friends, and through their friendship and eventual relationship, Christian gains the confidence to take ahold of his life (which was previously micromanaged by his father), and he realizes it’s okay to be out, especially as it makes him happier.
I also like that as a formerly closeted athlete, Rory doesn’t pressure or try to influence Christian’s coming out story. He’s wholly supportive, even when Christian needs a little space after someone else outs him.
*ARC provided by author
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2019
2.5 Stars
This was meh for me, I loved this second book in the series, this one lacked the chemistry for me. I know other really loved this, so I may just be me.
This was meh for me, I loved this second book in the series, this one lacked the chemistry for me. I know other really loved this, so I may just be me.
September 6, 2022
3 stars
Cute, short, and low angst. I just needed a win and this one kept my attention and I enjoyed both main characters.
Not memorable but is a good in between book
Cute, short, and low angst. I just needed a win and this one kept my attention and I enjoyed both main characters.
Not memorable but is a good in between book
March 9, 2019
This audiobook was just what I needed - quick, easy, sexy, and sweet. I was able to just zone out and enjoy the listen while walking to and from work.
Michael Pauley did an excellent job with the narration. This is the first time I’ve listened to one of his audiobooks, and I’d definitely do so again.
I haven’t read the previous 2 books in the series, but had no trouble reading ‘Out in the Offense’ as a stand-alone.
Closeted star college quarterback Christian Rafferty tries to balance his sexuality, his career aspirations, his parents’ demands, and his grades. He mostly manages, but he decides to get a tutor once his grade start taking a hit.
Rory Kirkland is a recent college grad, former wrestler, and a tutor until he decides on a full-time job. He’s wicked smart, and patient with his students.
This is an attraction-forward book. There’s no doubt that the two men want to get into each other’s pants from the start.
Christian finds Rory’s self-assured confidence and book smarts incredibly attractive. And though he isn’t 100% sure, Christian thinks Rory might like him too. But it’s not all about the physical.
Before they give in to the tension between them, Rory and Christian strike up an easy friendship. Over shared coffees and tutoring sessions, the two men slowly fall for each other. Christian does have a bit of a hero-worship case going on, but Rory’s equally enamoured.
And do they ever light up fireworks once they get down and dirty!
I wouldn’t call this an insta-love romance, but it’s certainly not too dramatic. The romance just builds bit by bit, with a few minor bumps that Rory and Christian smooth over pretty easily.
The main conflict in the book comes from Christian’s life - being in the closet and his controlling parents. It takes a while for him to sort things out, but Rory’s support doesn’t fail.
My only quibbles: the temporary self-martyrdom could have been avoided, and the whole vandalism issue was never fully resolved.
But overall, this was a fun and sexy read. Recommended if you’re looking for an easily enjoyable audiobook!
Michael Pauley did an excellent job with the narration. This is the first time I’ve listened to one of his audiobooks, and I’d definitely do so again.
I haven’t read the previous 2 books in the series, but had no trouble reading ‘Out in the Offense’ as a stand-alone.
Closeted star college quarterback Christian Rafferty tries to balance his sexuality, his career aspirations, his parents’ demands, and his grades. He mostly manages, but he decides to get a tutor once his grade start taking a hit.
Rory Kirkland is a recent college grad, former wrestler, and a tutor until he decides on a full-time job. He’s wicked smart, and patient with his students.
This is an attraction-forward book. There’s no doubt that the two men want to get into each other’s pants from the start.
Christian finds Rory’s self-assured confidence and book smarts incredibly attractive. And though he isn’t 100% sure, Christian thinks Rory might like him too. But it’s not all about the physical.
Before they give in to the tension between them, Rory and Christian strike up an easy friendship. Over shared coffees and tutoring sessions, the two men slowly fall for each other. Christian does have a bit of a hero-worship case going on, but Rory’s equally enamoured.
And do they ever light up fireworks once they get down and dirty!
I wouldn’t call this an insta-love romance, but it’s certainly not too dramatic. The romance just builds bit by bit, with a few minor bumps that Rory and Christian smooth over pretty easily.
The main conflict in the book comes from Christian’s life - being in the closet and his controlling parents. It takes a while for him to sort things out, but Rory’s support doesn’t fail.
My only quibbles: the temporary self-martyrdom could have been avoided, and the whole vandalism issue was never fully resolved.
But overall, this was a fun and sexy read. Recommended if you’re looking for an easily enjoyable audiobook!
January 10, 2019
Definitely my favorite in the series.
I feel like I rarely read NA in MM so this particular series feels very refreshing for me.
This couple made me really happy, even though I did enjoy the previous books this one had a cuter touch.
The characters were very charming and I was so rooting for them to get a nice ending.
The books are a bit short but that doesn't make then less enjoyable. The authors makes sure to give us a good background kn the characters and their upbringing and current life. It makes you really understand their personalities.
My only thing is that I really wish they were dual POV, specially for this story because I would really to get to know both characters in the same way.
I like the way the author adds these scenes with their friends and family and leaves you wondering if they will get a book, and I want all the books so yes bring them up!
I feel like I rarely read NA in MM so this particular series feels very refreshing for me.
This couple made me really happy, even though I did enjoy the previous books this one had a cuter touch.
The characters were very charming and I was so rooting for them to get a nice ending.
The books are a bit short but that doesn't make then less enjoyable. The authors makes sure to give us a good background kn the characters and their upbringing and current life. It makes you really understand their personalities.
My only thing is that I really wish they were dual POV, specially for this story because I would really to get to know both characters in the same way.
I like the way the author adds these scenes with their friends and family and leaves you wondering if they will get a book, and I want all the books so yes bring them up!
December 15, 2020
I enjoyed this. Nothing special about it, and the unnecessary drama at the end was, well, unnecessary.
But it was sweet. I like this couple.
3.5 stars
But it was sweet. I like this couple.
3.5 stars
January 10, 2022
I love these stories by Lane Hayes. She’s become a go to author for me. I like her writing style and I really get invested in her characters.
February 27, 2019
You can see this and other Reviews I have written along with various cover reveals, excerpts, and giveaways here Nadine's Obsessed with BooksOut in the Offense is the third book in the Out in College series and while each can be read as a standalone I would suggest you read them in order. I feel this way for a couple of reasons but the most important one would be, especially in this book, because you will know the characters background. I knew in Out in the End Zone that Christian was gay, he never came out and said it of course but it was a strong feeling I had so when Christian had his own book I wasn't surprised. What I was surprised about was Rory. I didn't remember much about him at first but I knew I had met a Rory along the way in one of the books, then he mentioned his ex Mitch and it all clicked....Rory's ex Mitch was Evan's love interest in Out in the End Zone and I didn't like him much, in that book....well I didn't like him at all to be totally honest.
In Out in the Offense we have Christian and Rory's story. This was a slow start that took one night at a bar to turn things around but I felt that Christian was always holding back, well through most of the book anyway. I hated that but I really did understand why he did it. Christian was the star quarterback and he had a strict father. It seemed he could never measure up to his fathers expectations no matter how hard he tried, which I found pretty sad. There was a lot of gay trash talk or gay bashing so Christian never felt as if he could come out even after Evan did which was a shame and there was one very important part of the story that I felt was never resolved. I hope we find out more about this incident in the next book, but only time will tell. As for Rory, he was a math genius but was having trouble finding his way after he finished college so he took on tutoring students until he found a job that he wanted. This was smart and it's the reason the two of them found their way to one another.
This was a good addition to the series and of course I have to give a shout out to the very talented Michael Pauley that narrated the audiobook. He did a phenomenal job as usual, I love listening to him, and he is the narrator on each book in the series thusfar. If you enjoy LGBT New Adult books with the Sports sub-genre I recommend you giving not only this book a read but the entire series. Happy Reading!!!
February 4, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
Out in the Offense follows Lane Hayes’ series of guys coming out in college. This book is told through Christian’s perspective and we see him playing his final season of college football, trying to pass statistics, and trying to figure out how to tell his father that he doesn’t want to go to law school. We also see him try to figure out what to do with his attraction to Rory. Christian is used to living in the closet and his one relationship with his best friend was easy to hide in plain sight.
The book moved a little slowly for me and, while there are no real issues I can point to, the way the characters and the relationship were presented didn’t really grab me. Hayes writes solidly from one POV and we get to know Christian. But Rory still remained somewhat of a mystery to Christian for most of the book, and if one main character doesn’t feel that he knows the other well, the reader doesn’t have much of a chance. The story felt too one sided with no balance between the characters for me.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
Out in the Offense follows Lane Hayes’ series of guys coming out in college. This book is told through Christian’s perspective and we see him playing his final season of college football, trying to pass statistics, and trying to figure out how to tell his father that he doesn’t want to go to law school. We also see him try to figure out what to do with his attraction to Rory. Christian is used to living in the closet and his one relationship with his best friend was easy to hide in plain sight.
The book moved a little slowly for me and, while there are no real issues I can point to, the way the characters and the relationship were presented didn’t really grab me. Hayes writes solidly from one POV and we get to know Christian. But Rory still remained somewhat of a mystery to Christian for most of the book, and if one main character doesn’t feel that he knows the other well, the reader doesn’t have much of a chance. The story felt too one sided with no balance between the characters for me.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
February 14, 2019
This one was a bit disappointing for me, I have been enjoying this series so far. Evan & Mitch in Out in the End Zone were my Fave :). maybe I set my expectations to high after that, for me this one was just meh. I wasn’t feeling anything about anyone or anything. First I am not a fan of anything Insta; Insta-love, lust, like none of that is my thing. Personally I have to feel some actual personal connection. I get it for a hook-up, or casual sex. Both MC’s for me just read fairly flat and I couldn’t feel their chemistry.
January 15, 2019
I liked. A lot. 4.5 stars.
February 20, 2022
This book is nice.
But after reading the first two I get the impression of reading the exact same story with different names and different sports.
But after reading the first two I get the impression of reading the exact same story with different names and different sports.
January 5, 2019
I just love this series. Each book has its own drama and no book is alike other hen the fact that it is based out of a college scene and one or both main characters are in the closet. That is the only similarities thus far. And I will be honest in saying that each book has gotten better hen he last. Just like this one did. I really enjoyed this book. So much so that even though I had to be up at 5 am this morning, I stayed up late just so I could finish reading this book. It was just that good of a read.
Christian is the quarterback for his college. His love for the game shows with each pass he throws and each play he makes. He is an amazing leader for he team. Always encouraging the other players when they need it and even being hard on them when they deserve that as well.
Christian has a secret that he has never trusted anyone with. He is gay. But he knows that being the QB and being openly gay would not be easy so he had kept it a secret for years now. The only one that knows he is gay is Max, his best friend and ex boyfriend. And now Max’s new boyfriend Sky. Christian having Max to talk to and confide in helps Christian when he needs to vent or whatever. It also helps that Max and Sky are readily convenient because they are also his roommates.
When Christian’s coach comes to him about his statistics grade, Christian is left with no choice but to get a tutor. He is not excited about this at all but in order to continue being able to play football and for his parents to not find out he is failing, he will have to do as his coach wants.
What Christian does not expect is for his new tutor to not only be smart but extremely sexy and bi. So now Christian knows he is in trouble because he is attracted to the person that is supposed to be helping him pass his class. Christian never expects to find out that Rory is attracted to him as well.
What will happen when an out and proud tutor and a closeted football player hook up? Will they be able to figure out how to make things work between them or will Christian being closeted ruin what is happening between him and Rory? Will there be a good time for Christian to come out or will it be out of his control?
This book was an extremely incredible read. I really enjoyed this book. As always with this series, I cannot wait for the next book in this series to come out. Lane Hayes once again has a hit with a book in this series. I truly look forward to more by Lane in the future.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Christian is the quarterback for his college. His love for the game shows with each pass he throws and each play he makes. He is an amazing leader for he team. Always encouraging the other players when they need it and even being hard on them when they deserve that as well.
Christian has a secret that he has never trusted anyone with. He is gay. But he knows that being the QB and being openly gay would not be easy so he had kept it a secret for years now. The only one that knows he is gay is Max, his best friend and ex boyfriend. And now Max’s new boyfriend Sky. Christian having Max to talk to and confide in helps Christian when he needs to vent or whatever. It also helps that Max and Sky are readily convenient because they are also his roommates.
When Christian’s coach comes to him about his statistics grade, Christian is left with no choice but to get a tutor. He is not excited about this at all but in order to continue being able to play football and for his parents to not find out he is failing, he will have to do as his coach wants.
What Christian does not expect is for his new tutor to not only be smart but extremely sexy and bi. So now Christian knows he is in trouble because he is attracted to the person that is supposed to be helping him pass his class. Christian never expects to find out that Rory is attracted to him as well.
What will happen when an out and proud tutor and a closeted football player hook up? Will they be able to figure out how to make things work between them or will Christian being closeted ruin what is happening between him and Rory? Will there be a good time for Christian to come out or will it be out of his control?
This book was an extremely incredible read. I really enjoyed this book. As always with this series, I cannot wait for the next book in this series to come out. Lane Hayes once again has a hit with a book in this series. I truly look forward to more by Lane in the future.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
January 6, 2019
Another winner for Lane Hayes. I love how her MC's in the Out in College series are so very different with completely original backgrounds. Rory and Christian were the perfect additions.
Christian is the Quarterback for the Chilton college football team, but he's failing statistics. When his coach tells him he needs a tutor and offers to pay for Rory, Christian can't say no.
Rory is an out and proud bi man who's recently graduated from college and is looking at what to do next. He's got time on his hands so tutoring Christian seems like an easy addition to his plan. But soon his student turns into a distraction...
Rory was charming and funny and smart as hell. He was out and proud, but he'd been in the closet and knew what it was like living there. So when Christian is dodgy about PDA, Rory gets it. He was so patient and supportive. The story was told in the perspective of just Christian, but I'd love to have gotten inside Rory's head.
Christian was living his life playing defense instead of pushing for what he wanted. I enjoyed how determined he was, but the whole relationship with his roommates Max and Sky was so much drama. The lack of drama between Christian and Rory was gratifying, but the addition of the supporting casts struggles made me cringe at times.
Overall, this was a beautiful tale of love trumping all and was very well done. I loved the jokes and the inquisitive nature of Christian. I loved Rory and his contribution to making this story so uplifting and satisfying. This is definitely another must read addition to the series.
*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/ *
Christian is the Quarterback for the Chilton college football team, but he's failing statistics. When his coach tells him he needs a tutor and offers to pay for Rory, Christian can't say no.
Rory is an out and proud bi man who's recently graduated from college and is looking at what to do next. He's got time on his hands so tutoring Christian seems like an easy addition to his plan. But soon his student turns into a distraction...
Rory was charming and funny and smart as hell. He was out and proud, but he'd been in the closet and knew what it was like living there. So when Christian is dodgy about PDA, Rory gets it. He was so patient and supportive. The story was told in the perspective of just Christian, but I'd love to have gotten inside Rory's head.
Christian was living his life playing defense instead of pushing for what he wanted. I enjoyed how determined he was, but the whole relationship with his roommates Max and Sky was so much drama. The lack of drama between Christian and Rory was gratifying, but the addition of the supporting casts struggles made me cringe at times.
Overall, this was a beautiful tale of love trumping all and was very well done. I loved the jokes and the inquisitive nature of Christian. I loved Rory and his contribution to making this story so uplifting and satisfying. This is definitely another must read addition to the series.
*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/ *
January 9, 2019
This series is turning into one of my favorite NA series to date. All the books are only slightly longer than a novella, but each brings a story that left me completely satisfied. They are full of endearing characters, fun, humorous, low angst and just plain romantic. This book was told entirely from Christian's POV. He is a closeted QB who lived with his ex-boyfriend and failing statistics. There is where Rory, the ex-wrestler/math genius came in as a tutor. I had a weakness for brainiac hero and Rory ticked all the boxes. Sexy, smart, kind and incredibly patient. He seems so mature and had all his shit figured out.
Christian falling for his sexy tutor is a forgone conclusion, but I find Christian incredibly brave to go for his heart desire and face the consequences head on. There are the usual youth drama involving unsupportive family, coming out and falling in love for the first time. Nonetheless, everything is pretty low angst and I'm just happy to see Christian and Rory are committed to face these obstacles and work on their HEA.
Christian falling for his sexy tutor is a forgone conclusion, but I find Christian incredibly brave to go for his heart desire and face the consequences head on. There are the usual youth drama involving unsupportive family, coming out and falling in love for the first time. Nonetheless, everything is pretty low angst and I'm just happy to see Christian and Rory are committed to face these obstacles and work on their HEA.
January 12, 2019
Out in the Offense by Lane Hayes is the story of love over everything. Right from the start the dialog pulls you into the budding relationship, captivating you with humor, snarky banter, defensive posturing, undeniable sensitivity, but overall, with a strong attraction.
Christian Rafferty is his college’s star quarterback. He loves the game and the comradery of being on a team. When he is on the field all worries, stress, and parental difficulties fade away as he enters his “happy” place. Even his biggest secret takes a backseat for the time being.
Rory Kirkland is a sweetheart (but don’t give away the tough guys secret). This tattooed and extremely intelligent former wrestler has come to terms with his bisexuality and proudly proclaims how much he loves dick. Recently graduating from college, Rory works at the Y and tutors on the side.
Right from the start the dialog pulls you into the budding relationship, captivating you with humor, snarky banter, defensive posturing, undeniable sensitivity, but overall, with a strong attraction.
At the advice of his coach, Christian seeks Rory’s help with statistics struggles. The connection between them is immediate, even if they don’t initially realize it. Rory has been in Christian’s closeted shoes and completely gets it, while at the same time showing Christian what life can be like when the closet door is flung open.
Out in the Offense is full of complex, strong, yet relatable characters. Told from Christian’s perspective the conflict comes at us predominantly from his internal struggles. However, there appears to be an outside influence in play as well. Christian and Rory have real conversations validating their relationship and intimacy. Overall Out in the Offense is a solid and well-constructed journey.
We do get to visit with the other guys from the previous two “Out in College” books, as well as get introduced to a few new gems. This can be read as a standalone but I recommend looking at the other editions in the collection as well, they will not disappoint.
Christian Rafferty is his college’s star quarterback. He loves the game and the comradery of being on a team. When he is on the field all worries, stress, and parental difficulties fade away as he enters his “happy” place. Even his biggest secret takes a backseat for the time being.
Rory Kirkland is a sweetheart (but don’t give away the tough guys secret). This tattooed and extremely intelligent former wrestler has come to terms with his bisexuality and proudly proclaims how much he loves dick. Recently graduating from college, Rory works at the Y and tutors on the side.
Right from the start the dialog pulls you into the budding relationship, captivating you with humor, snarky banter, defensive posturing, undeniable sensitivity, but overall, with a strong attraction.
At the advice of his coach, Christian seeks Rory’s help with statistics struggles. The connection between them is immediate, even if they don’t initially realize it. Rory has been in Christian’s closeted shoes and completely gets it, while at the same time showing Christian what life can be like when the closet door is flung open.
Out in the Offense is full of complex, strong, yet relatable characters. Told from Christian’s perspective the conflict comes at us predominantly from his internal struggles. However, there appears to be an outside influence in play as well. Christian and Rory have real conversations validating their relationship and intimacy. Overall Out in the Offense is a solid and well-constructed journey.
We do get to visit with the other guys from the previous two “Out in College” books, as well as get introduced to a few new gems. This can be read as a standalone but I recommend looking at the other editions in the collection as well, they will not disappoint.
January 15, 2019
My favorite of the series so far, I just adore Christian and Rory! There's so much more to each of these guys than they present on the surface, and I loved seeing their relationship build. Rory was just so awesome with Christian- patient and caring, never pushing him for more than he was comfortable with, willing to let things develop at Christian's pace. Christian had a lot weighing on him, between school, football, his father's demands, his future, and his growing feelings for Rory. He had his fair share of struggles, but Rory was such a strong support system you just knew everything would be okay!
Out in the Offense is such a sweet, fun, sexy friends-to-lovers story, and like the other books in this series, there's a deeper underlying theme that makes you stop and think.
I really love how Ms. Hayes handles these coming out stories- she really pulls at your heartstrings but not in an overly emotional or dramatic way. She writes characters that are so real you can't help becoming fully invested in their stories and wanting the best for them.
Out in the Offense is such a sweet, fun, sexy friends-to-lovers story, and like the other books in this series, there's a deeper underlying theme that makes you stop and think.
I really love how Ms. Hayes handles these coming out stories- she really pulls at your heartstrings but not in an overly emotional or dramatic way. She writes characters that are so real you can't help becoming fully invested in their stories and wanting the best for them.
February 25, 2019
Rory and Christian are a great couple and it was fun to watch how they grow into their relationship.
I loved that Christian did not shy away from Rory and the story was definitely different than one would expect.
really enjoyed this one (like the two books before in this series)
I loved that Christian did not shy away from Rory and the story was definitely different than one would expect.
really enjoyed this one (like the two books before in this series)
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