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Out in Time

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A closeted football star. An out and proud photographer. And a road trip.

Wade Truman had grown accustomed to admiring Heath Taylor from afar. Now, years of denying himself and the irresistible Heath are wreaking havoc on Wade’s resolve. The odds are stacked against them … they’re graduating college soon. Wade just signed a multimillion dollar football deal—thrusting him even further into the spotlight. Not to mention, what would the gorgeously refined Heath want with a small town jock boy like himself anyway?

Heath grew up privileged, accepted, and out. And the two hells he swore he would never put himself through—crushing on a straight guy and being anyone’s dirty little secret—have presented themselves in one sweet talkin’, dream hauntin’ package. One weekend with Wade, and Heath’s sure the devil himself has come a-knockin’.

Warning: Contains Southern accents wielded like weapons of desire, a snarky, do-gooder Pennsylvanian, and two boys deserving of true love.

98 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 31, 2014

6 people are currently reading
640 people want to read

About the author

Grey Cole

5 books210 followers
Grey Cole always dreamt of a book that featured hot male-on-male action that grew to encompass one lucky woman. Okay … maybe Grey really dreamt of this scenario playing out in real life and then decided to purge all those dirty thoughts onto the page.

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5 stars
77 (17%)
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196 (44%)
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127 (28%)
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32 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
Profile Image for Christy.
4,546 reviews35.9k followers
January 13, 2015
4 stars!!

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Out in Time is a very sweet, short and sexy m/m novella about rising football star, Wade, and photographer, Heath.

Wade and Heath have been friends for a while now. Heath is openly gay. He’s always been who he is and he’s okay with that. He’s had feelings for Wade for a while now, but Wade is his friend. He knows Wade doesn’t judge him, he’s not that way, but he’s terrified to let his feelings show. Wade is a straight football player. He just can’t go there.

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Wade is considerate, sweet, wholesome and beautiful. But he is most definitely not straight. Wade is waiting for the right time to come out. Being drafted into the NFL is a big deal, and he wants his teammates and fans to get to know him a bit before he drops that bomb. He’s very attracted to Heath and he has feelings for him, but he feels like until he’s ready to take that step, it wouldn’t be fair to start something with Heath. Expressing their feelings and desires isn’t easy for either one of them. But after a few shots of tequila... they start to open up some.

Both of these guys were wonderful. Especially Wade. I just adored him. I loved how he was able to open up to Heath and trust him. He was just so real and considerate. It took a while to get to anything steamy, but when we got there, it was worth the wait!

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This was a wonderful novella that left me with that happy feeling I get after reading a light and sweet read. If this would have been longer and not ended abruptly, or if there was a sequel for these guys in the works, it would have probably been a 4.5 or 5 star read for me. Regardless, this is a fantastic story. This is the second book I’ve read by this author and I love the writing style. I’ll definitely be reading more!

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Profile Image for *J* Too Many Books Too Little Time.
1,921 reviews3,718 followers
January 9, 2015
4.5 Stars

This book was.....

PERFECTLY sweet:



PERFECTLY angst and drama free:



PERFECTLY smutty:



It was....



.5 deduction for the fact that it was a novella and I would have loved more of Heath and Wade's story!!!
Profile Image for Beverly.
1,005 reviews788 followers
January 11, 2015
4 - 4.5 Stars



Out in Time begins with us meeting Wade and Heath. Both are in college and are working together on an article for the student paper. Heath is a photographer and Wade is a writer. They are traveling to interview a professional football player who recently came out.

Wade and Heath met at a support group for LGBT. Heath is openly gay and when Wade, star football player for the University, shows up to the meeting he is immediately suspicious of his intentions. Wade convinces Heath that he is there to learn how to help his gay friend. From there these two develop a friendship that turns into a mutual attraction, but both continue to hide their feelings from each other. Until the night Wade fears if he doesn’t make a move soon it will be too late.



I loved the scene where these two finally threw caution to the wind and enjoyed each other. There is still so many things unresolved. Heath is out and wants a real relations, while Wade isn’t ready to come out right before he is able to play professional football. I loved these two and their love for each other, both of them cared so much about the other person.



This story is so incredibly sweet and when I was reading it I had a huge smile on my face. This couple just made you feel good. There wasn’t drama for the sake of drama, their issues were real and handled in a realistic way. The level of steam was perfect.

I absolutely loved this story and I while reading it I was ready to rate this one 5 stars, then it just ended. I immediately checked Goodreads hoping there was a sequel listed. Surely this wasn’t the end to this awesome read, but from what I can tell this is it. Even after thinking about it I still feel horrible not giving it 5 stars, but in the end I can’t because it doesn’t feel like a full story.

ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for ~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~.
3,582 reviews1,121 followers
January 10, 2015
3.75 stars

That was the end?



That can't be the end.

WHAT?

Well, fuck.



The HFN is there, but I want MORE. I NEED more. This is set up for a sequel (I hope).

Despite the short length, this novella just oozes sweetness and romance.



The story takes place over a couple days when two college boys who've been casual friends for a long time discover they are on the same wavelength in more ways than one.

Take one sexy, Southern quarterback who loves football almost as much as he loves his mama.



Add one sassy, prickly photographer who can't stop lusting after said quarterback.



Throw in some lingering glances, slow burn, tension galore, and hot butt-virgin lovin'.

And you got yourself a mighty fine book.

Spoilsport comment: As much as I liked this novella, there were a few typos that detracted from the story; in one instance, one MC was referred to by the other MC's name; quarter star deducted for editing.
Profile Image for * Meli Mel *.
856 reviews671 followers
January 7, 2015


♥♥♥ 4 STARS ♥♥♥




●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

"I dare you to kiss me, Wade."

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Well, this was a cute m/m novella. The story follows Wade Truman, a football athlete who just signed a contract that will put him more in the spotlight. All he has ever wanted to do was play the sport that he loves. Unfortunately, that also means having to hide who he is for a while. Then we have Heath Taylor who is an openly gay friend of sorts. They aren't really the closest of friends and they don't really hang out outside of the LGBTA gatherings they attend, but they do enjoy each other's company. When they first met, it wasn't a very friendly introduction but they soon after hit it off. As they years went by, and them seeing each other at these meetings, the attraction between them grew, even though Heath promised himself that he would never crush on a straight guy. Now they are brought together alone for two days because Wade is allowed the opportunity to interview the former Football star that he looks up to, and Heath will be the photographer of the interview. This is when things start to heat up between them.

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'Mine, he thought. A fierce possessive streak staggered him. A snarky gay boy from Pittsburgh didn't do caveman. He wanted to be done by a caveman. But, Heath had never wanted anything more than Wade--his Southern gentleman fantasy come to life.'

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I really loved Wade and what a sexy southern gentleman he was. I felt bad for him and how he felt he had to hide in order to make a career for himself, but I understood where he was coming from. I was happy that he had Heath as a friend who was out and proud, and spoke his mind. They were a bit of opposites in personality but they were so perfect together. I didn't know how I was going to feel knowing that their story started before this novella began, but I actually liked it. It was very well written that I could feel the chemistry and friendship between Wade and Heath, and the glimpse of how they met was more that enough for me. I loved the easy going banter between them. And I also loved the sexual tension. It was great having both of their POV's to know how they were feeling and thinking. It was just really cute seeing them together. The sex scenes were so very scorching hot!! I loved them and it totally made my heart melt.





The story was really great and I liked the message it had about accepting that love is love, and there is nothing wrong with it. It was a novella, so it didn't take very long to read. I am really happy I got to connect with both characters in that short time. I totally swooned watching them fall further in love with each other. I liked the ending that it even had me smiling. However, I didn't want it to end. I feel like there is still more of Wade and Heath's story to be told. Well, at least I am hoping there is because I would love another book of the both of them. Overall, it was a great short read and one that is worth checking out.



~ARC gifted to Kris & Vik Book Therapy Cafe in exchange for an honest review.~


Profile Image for ✦❋Arianna✦❋.
790 reviews2,552 followers
January 20, 2015
description

Wade and Heath are friendly with each other, but not best friends. They know each other for years when they met at a support group for LGBTA.

Wade is gay, but he’s in the closet. He’s a football athlete, so he can’t come out now if he wants to fallow his dream to play professional football. His family doesn’t know about his sexual preferences, but he wants to tell them the truth ASAP. He never had a girlfriend or a boyfriend in his 22 years. All he ever wanted is to play football. He wants to come out, but first he wants to play the sport he loves, at least for a year. Heath is gay, out and proud. He’s a sports photographer and he’s really talented. They have to interview for the university's newspaper a former football player who recently came out. Both of them are looking forward to meet again, because they are secretly attracted to each other.

Everything changes between them at the hotel after some shots when Wade admits that he is gay and that he also is attracted to Heath.

description

This was a very nice and sweet read. Even if the premise is nothing new, I enjoyed it. Both Wade and Heath are endearing characters and for a novella they are well developed. I really felt for Wade. It must horrible to live a lie. Heath was great for not judging Wade, even if in the past he did it with others. I liked also that he’s not pushing Wade to do something he’s not prepared to do. I liked how they are with each other and I enjoyed their banter. They are sweet, their connection is great and the sexual tension is fabulous. The steam is perfect for a short read.

I also enjoyed the dual POV and the writing is pretty great.

Overall, a very nice story!

Profile Image for aksana .
308 reviews132 followers
January 21, 2015
4.5 Stars


 

That was one of the sweetest books I've ever read. I seriously loved everything about it.

And that massage Heath gave Wade...

 

 
Profile Image for .Lili. .
1,275 reviews276 followers
January 11, 2015
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Well, this was a delicious little novella. It had everything I love in a story.

*Dual POV
*Sweet
*Steam

BUT that end. One of my biggest pet peeves is an abrupt ending. This could've been a 5 star read if it weren't for that. It was so good I just wanted more story. I kind of felt a bit cheated. It literally just ended. Really hoping there will be a longer book 2.

This is a great filler book and one I recommend. It was a quick, light, sexy read. 3.75 Enjoyable Stars. *Fingers crossed we'll get more of these two*

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Profile Image for Ann.
1,452 reviews135 followers
May 25, 2015
There was SO much about this story I loved and only one thing I didn’t. Considering the one thing I didn’t was the fact that I really wasn’t ready for it be over and I wanted more, I’d say that’s pretty damn good. I would say that going in, keep in mind the story ends with a super optimistic HFN and not necessarily a rock solid HEA you’ll be prepped. It made sense actually because anything else wouldn’t have fit with the characters and in order to complete the HEA the book would have to be three times as long. So, consider it the beginning of the HEA, There, that works.

Wade and Heath are incredibly appealing characters on pretty much every level imaginable and while they were both good guys they weren’t too perfect making them more accessible to the reader. One of the most appealing things to me was the communication between them. The banter was witty and refreshing and there wasn’t a bunch of unnecessary misunderstandings to move the story along. The story relied on honesty in a realistic way to get these two together.

And damn I did love reading about them getting together. Wade’s way with words is amazing and it could have been over the top if the groundwork with his background hadn’t been laid. He’s an English major and writer, so he knows his way around the words and he’s not afraid to use them. I could feel Heath melting through my Kindle. I loved reading about supporting families too and I think overall the story was a refreshing change that I appreciated muchly.



a copy of this story was provided for an honest review

A super sweet and smutty read with my favorite Stallion.
Profile Image for Gigi.
2,148 reviews1,069 followers
October 14, 2016
This is a great, romantic story of two collage seniors about to graduate and start their working lives. MC Wade is the first round draft pick for the NFL and will be living in New York playing professional football. His friend and co-worker at the student newspaper, MC Heath, has a job secured at a newspaper in New York. Heath has been out since he was 14 but Wade has only confessed his sexuality to his grandmother, fearing the backlash that might jeopardize his professional career in the NFL. Of course, both men have been secretly lusting after each other for the span of their two year friendship, neither one the wiser.

A trip out of town, alone, together has Wade finally confessing his feeling for Heath along with his sexual orientation. The boys bond over great getting-to-know-the-real-you conversation and emotion filled sex.

I really liked this book and can whole heartedly recommend it to all M/M romance fans. I did take away a star because of the abrupt ending, which left me unsatisfied and ended in a HFN instead of HEA.

Gotta love the athletes! It's one of my favorite genres.

This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews

Profile Image for ~Mindy Lynn~.
1,396 reviews661 followers
February 28, 2017
POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD. DON'T GIVE ME THAT LOOK! YOU WERE WARNED! JEEZ, SOME PEOPLE...

I'm not a huge fan of short stories. I think I've said that before. It just never seems to be enough story for me or enough character development for me to care about the people in the book. That is why I very seldom read them but, when I do, it's only because I either like the author or the book has gotten high ratings, like this one has. I'm so glad I took a chance on this one. I loved the story and the guys in it. I am a football fan (Cowboys baby!) and I have seen an out player not only lose his contract but also get traded to other teams only to find himself left on the bench and then taken from that team as well. It's frustrating and disappointing and this book gives a small glimpse of what is tolerated and what isn't in the sports industry and it's sickening. Lets cheer on a man who's beaten his wife but yet tear down another and ignore his talent because he loves a man. It disgusts me and I wish an owner/coach/team would sign/accept more out players and start making a change. I've lived by two mottos my whole life; live and let live and love is love. I make sure I influence and teach that to my nieces and nephews as well. So I loved that this book touched upon that. I also thought that it was super brave of Wade to make the choices he made as to not completely living in the closet and giving himself time to come completely out on his time knowing it could end his career and him accepting that. The only issue I had with this story was the ending.

what the fuck is wrong with you photo: MarryPoppinsareyouill.gif

BECAUSE SERIOULSY;
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YOU JUST CAN'T END IT LIKE THAT! I NEED MORE! I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WADE TELLS HIS PARENTS. I NEED TO KNOW HOW THEY TAKE IT. I NEED TO KNOW HOW THEY TAKE MEETING HEATH. I NEED TO KNOW HOW HEATH AND WADE'S RELATIONSHIP DOES DURING THEIR IN-CLOSET TIME AND THEIR OUT CLOSET TIME. I NEED TO KNOW IF HIS CAREER SUFFERS WHEN HE COMES OUT. I NEED TO KNOW SO FUCKING MUCH! IT'S CRUEL TO END A BOOK LIKE THAT.


OK, rant over. But really, is there another book coming out? There has to be. Right? I mean, it just can't end that way. There's too many unanswered questions. OK... moving on.

Loved the book and I definitely recommend it to those who enjoy a short story with no angst and no drama. It was short, sweet, and sexy. Enjoy!

Profile Image for Michelle.
2,082 reviews895 followers
March 27, 2016
Out in Time is hot & sweet tale of Wade Truman, star college QB who is set to play in the NFL come graduation and Heath Taylor, photographer who is secretly crushing on the ‘straight’ QB.

While Wade and Heath head out of town to interview a recently out former football player for the school paper, Wade decides it’s time to come clean with Heath about his feelings. He had it all worked out in his head. His sexuality came second to everything else, but he didn’t want to spend the rest of his life lonely. He knows that his sexuality would affect is football career but he isn’t willing to stay closeted forever.

For Heath, he’s been out and proud since he first realized his attraction to men. But he’s been secretly harboring a crush for Wade, who is all southern charm and sweetness. But Heath soon realizes during Wade’s confession that the attraction hasn’t been on sided at all.

This was a short novella, roughly about a hundred pages, but it was so damn sweet. I loved the dynamic between Wade and Heath. And I loved that Wade was this innocent boy that was all southern manners and how he cherished the time he had with Heath.

This was my first read by Grey Cole, but I REALLY, REALLY enjoyed it. I am certain that this will not be the only book of hers that I’ll read.
Profile Image for Jennifer☠Pher☠.
2,970 reviews273 followers
March 1, 2015
Um, is there going to be a second book? Because, that ending? No.

I really liked it aside from the end. I think it was honest. It had a good message. It wasn't stupid and it was hot.
Profile Image for Pixie.
1,227 reviews17 followers
February 1, 2015
Apparently I have a thing for college age gay virgins. Like hardcore. This might be a thing, I should start hanging out like the perv I am at LBGT meetings at Georgetown or George Mason. Give them a disability and it would drive me over the edge, so yeah adding Gallaudet right to the list.

This shit had me all kinds of giddy & turned on. Two glorious days of boy on boy fucking. Bring on the sequel….
Profile Image for Karine.
480 reviews35 followers
March 6, 2017
I just couldn't put this book down. It was so addictive. Heath and Wade were just so adorable together. They couldn't be more opposite in some of the things that they enjoyed in their personal lives, yet somehow they just fitted perfectly together. I was voting for them all the way.

The story flows perfectly. There is no unnecessary fluff added to make to story longer and drawn out. It got straight down to business. Everything I read fitted perfectly into the story. I'm missing it already.

I'm happy that the author wasn't afraid to touch on the subject to homosexuality in major league sport. This is still something that we struggle with to this day.

The only disappointment was that the story finished. I really want to see more of these two characters and see how their future turns out.
Profile Image for Ang~Dirty Laundry Review.
144 reviews106 followers
January 25, 2015
I’m a bit obsessed with m/m romance. Throw in football, advocacy, sweet guys, and I’m hooked. Out in Time by Grey Cole is a dual POV novella. Our heroes have distinctly different voices, and it was great to get inside their heads.

We first meet Wade Truman who happens to be one of the nicest and most genuine characters I’ve ever read. He’s kind, blonde, generous, thoughtful, smart, southern, and dreamy. Did I mention he’s a star quarterback? Wade is on a trip for his college paper to interview a retired football hero who recently came out in a tell all book. Wade has his own dreams of being able to come out someday and longs to share his story with his friend, Heath, who he has been fantasizing about for the past few years.

Ah Heath. Heath Taylor is snarky, beautiful, realistic, funny, and sexy. Heath lives his life out in the open and can’t imagine hiding it from anyone. He is a talented photographer and works with Wade on the newspaper. They are both looking forward to the big interview, but Heath is going a little crazy thanks to his inappropriate crush on his “straight” friend, Wade.

We only get to spend a few days with these two guys, but there was so much heart and emotion packed in that it made it feel much longer. I loved watching them get to know each other better, share laughs, exchange heated looks, and decide to act on those feelings they’d been hiding for so long. Sounds perfect, right? But what’s an out and proud gay man supposed to do with a guy that’s still in the closet? Will they make this work? I wanted to know all the answers to all the things.

Let’s not forget the sex. Grey Cole certainly knows her way around a sex scene. I mean damn. This book had a lot of steamy scenes and the sex was fantastic. But I want more of these scenes with Heath and Wade.

One little nit I have to mention comes with a common problem I’ve seen in m/m books. Using all male pronouns can be tricky at times during a sex scene, and there was at least one time where the wrong name was used. Those little things may seem like no big deal yet they take me out of the story for a moment. But at the end of the day, this was an awesome book. I think you’ll love it if you like m/m, angst, and sweet guys.

The world deserves more Wade and Heath. And so do you. You should definitely buy this one.
Profile Image for Jackie's Book Review.
301 reviews48 followers
January 5, 2015

4.5 Stars Dang I loved It!

I absolutely loved this book from the first page as I started to read it. What made it love at first read well I'll tell you because after the first few words from Wade Truman's mouth I just knew I was going to love this sweet, warm, considerate gentleman. So the story begins that Wade who has always admired Heath Taylor because of his openness about his sexuality and what he wants in a relationship that Wade knows isn't in the cards for him now. True to form Wade wants to be able to feel what Heath feels and not be afraid of who you truly are in life and not giving a crap who likes it or not. Wade wants Heath to feel the same way that he feels for Heath from afar.

Can Heath feel the same way that Wade does for him after a road trip to interview a former NFL player that has decided to come out to the public who grew up in the small southern town where Wade is from and is Wade's hero....Well let's just say that for the most part what Wade was hiding from Heath, the feelings that these two experience with each other on this work weekend that turns pleasure is amazing. Heath never in his life would of thought that this hot as hell, gentlemanly jock friend of his would ever feel the way that Heath has thoughts about in the past and now more than ever.

Grey has written this novella with sweet warmth, love and some really funny parts that will make you laugh and maybe even get you a little misty eyed. The only bad thing about this story was that I wish it was way and I mean way longer.
Profile Image for Nicole Huffman ~ Author Groupies.
290 reviews53 followers
January 4, 2015

I just finished this novella and I'm sitting here thinking I need more!!!! There is no cliff hanger BUT there is so much more story that can be told and I'm addicted and invested in Wade and Heaths story and I need and want more pretty please.

This was a beautiful story about two men denying their feelings for each other for completely different reasons. However when they do come together the chemistry is off the charts and they fit so well. You will fall in love with both men, and this novella is just a small glimpse at a monumental weekend in their lives. This novella is well written, the sex scenes are passionate, real, and personal, and you get so much story in just a small amount of pages. Grey Cole knows how to write her M/M romance and I'm hooked and can't wait to see what we get next.
Profile Image for *Nan*.
846 reviews2 followers
May 8, 2015
3.5 stars. Really wish this was longer and we could have seen if Wade and Heath survived Wade being in the NFL. This story just gave the very beginning of the two men getting involved and I wanted to see more.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
2,889 reviews160 followers
January 7, 2015
I love romance stories that not only illustrate that love is love regardless of gender preference but that also sheds light, no matter how small, on a societal hot topic that is worth discussing and understanding. That is exactly the kind of story that Grey Cole gives readers in her latest novella, Out in Time.

Wade Truman is a closeted gay man who has spent the last six years denying himself companionship due to his career path – that being playing in the NFL – a man’s man sport that is all about masculinity and male prowess. Wade accepts who he is, but he also understands the microscope he will be under as a quarterback in the NFL, so he’s made a plan on what to do in order to live his dream but also not deny who he is as a person.

Heath Taylor doesn’t deny who he is to anyone. He understands it might be difficult living as an out and proud gay man, but he refuses to be anyone other than himself. He’s a strong advocate for equal rights for all, and he does all that he can to support those who are being treated unfairly.

Wade wants Heath, but Wade doesn’t feel like it’s the right time to give into his feelings for Heath because there’s no way Wade can have a public relationship with him. Heath wants Wade, but Heath thinks that Wade is straight, but regardless of that fact, Heath doesn’t know how to turn off his feelings for Wade, which is a bit problematic when they spend the weekend together on an assignment for their college’s newspaper and are forced to be in close proximity for an extended amount of time.

Is this time together just what Wade and Heath need to work out their feelings for one another or will it be just another reminder of what they can’t have?

Out in Time is a sweet and sexy novella that shows how even in a short amount of time – the right time – it can be what two people need in order to find the thing they’ve been waiting for forever. There’s a refreshing honesty in Wade and Heath’s story that I loved to witness – in the words they say to each other and the internal dialogue readers are privy to, we understand Wade’s hesitancies and fears and we also cheer Heath on as he tries to prove to Wade that taking a risk with him is exactly what Wade needs. Heath is so gentle and loving with Wade and watching their closeness goes from acquaintances to friends and then to lovers is definitely something that should be experienced by all romance readers. I would have loved their story to be a bit longer in order to see how everything works out, but I understand why Grey Cole chose to focus on this one weekend for them because it’s the catalyst for Wade coming out to the one person he knows can help him work through everything, and it’s Heath’s time to be there for someone and not feel helpless like he did sometimes with his older brother.

The writing, the characters, and the storylines are all well done and keep readers invested throughout the story, which is what I’ve come to expect from Grey Cole, and I can’t wait for more stories from her.

A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

4 poison apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
Profile Image for Chris.
905 reviews
January 8, 2015
4.25 out of 5 stars

Description ~

A closeted football star. An out and proud photographer. And a road trip.

Wade Truman had grown accustomed to admiring Heath Taylor from afar. Now, years of denying himself and the irresistible Heath are wreaking havoc on Wade’s resolve. The odds are stacked against them … they’re graduating college soon. Wade just signed a multimillion dollar football deal—thrusting him even further into the spotlight. Not to mention, what would the gorgeously refined Heath want with a small town jock boy like himself anyway?

Heath grew up privileged, accepted, and out. And the two hells he swore he would never put himself through—crushing on a straight guy and being anyone’s dirty little secret—have presented themselves in one sweet talkin’, dream hauntin’ package. One weekend with Wade, and Heath’s sure the devil himself has come a-knockin’.

Warning: Contains Southern accents wielded like weapons of desire, a snarky, do-gooder Pennsylvanian, and two boys deserving of true love.


My Review ~

For a novella/short story this one packs a bit of a punch. It's one of those books that while there is a romance, there's also hope, strength,and in Wade's case courage to make his future the right one for him.

Wade and Heath are on a road trip, for their college newspaper, to interview a newly retired NFL player who came out of the closet as he left the game. Wade is your typical all-american southern boy with his own newly minted NFL contract and a secret of his own to hide for the time being. Heath, who grew up in a very privileged lifestyle, is also a very out and proud rising photographer.

Both happen to be attracted to each other, neither will admit it because Wade is hiding and Heath thinks Wade is straight. These two together are good friends, but once they give into their attraction they are explosively hot and really pretty damn perfect for each other. I loved that Wade is a sweet guy, he loves his mom, talks to his granny, doesn't cuss, and is more apt to take care of those around him over himself. Heath, is a very strong young man, he's very accepting of his own sexuality, loyal to his friends, and will fight to protect their rights and choices.

I truly enjoyed this story, even if it was just a taste of Wade and Heath. It's all about love is love no matter who he/she/they might be and that it's okay to be who you are. Of course I would have loved to have had more to the story and can only hope that the author may eventually give us more Wade and Heath in the future. I loved that both characters weren't afraid to plan for their futures, be afraid of what those futures might hold, and also show healthy doubt in themselves. There wasn't any over the top angst, or drama, or what I'd call MarySue-ness about either Wade or Heath. (no wishy-washy, whiny behaviors)

I recommend this to anyone that loves a good old-fashioned opposites attract love story. Also, for those who're fans of Melissa Collins or Cardeno C's books.

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487 reviews343 followers
January 20, 2015
Acceptance. It is a hard word to comprehend. It seems so easy on the outside, but there is always that burning feeling on the inside that leaves us longing for more, knowing that it is not as easy as the definition portrays it to be. To be able to tell the world who you are and not be judged by their reaction. To be free to admit what you have known for many years with out standing in judgment by so many. This book is an eye opening experience. Not only in one finding acceptance within his how heart but finding it through the eyes of another knowing they are right for each other in every way and yet so completely different on their views of being gay.

Wade is going to be a huge football star. It is in the cards for him. He has signed the deal and now it's just a matter of time. But he has to finish school first. He is also a star reporter for the school newspaper and has just been granted the interview of a lifetime. He gets to interview someone he has so much in common with, but very few see it. They are both football stars, they are from the same small town and they are both gay. But only one is saying it loud and proud.

Wade is afraid of the reaction in such a crazy business full of testosterone and expectations. There is no way to know if his future team will accept him being gay. But the thought just consumes him. What happens when people find out? What happens if Heath ever found out?

Oh... now Heath... Heath is out and proud of who he is. He has never hid from it and has always embraced it and he has a thing for the jock that is clearly straight. Heath is the chosen photographer for the interview and together with Wade, a road trip for an interview turns into so much more.

Then there's that road trip a bit of tequila and all bets are off. The attractions is there, the fire is there... but can Wade be what Heath needs and will Heath wait for what he wants?

There is steam in this book when Heath and Wade finally let it all out in the open. It is more than that instant attraction, it is passion. Passion for who you are and what you want.

This book is so much more than a sappy love story. It is tackling so much more. It is embracing who you are, not being afraid of who that person is and learning to live by your own rules and no one else's. It is about taking what you want and believing that you will get it in return. It is about waiting for the perfect time and the moment to take you to forever.

I embraced the characters and the story and want to read more of their love, their lives and I want to see them find their happily ever after... not just for now.
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