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Browerton University #7
Out of Bounds
(Alternate cover edition of ASIN B094424Y6H)
The plan was simple: Play the Game. Get the glory. Stay in the closet.
But the plan didn't include my childhood crush walking back into my life. First, he wrecked my concentration. Then my body.
For college jock Cliff, crushing it on the court is all that matters. Yet his tightly maintained status quo begins to unravel when he discovers Brennan, his brother’s smooth-talking best friend, is also on campus.
Brennan's last minute transfer to Browerton was an escape from a relationship that left his heart in shambles. When he offers to help Cliff with a class project, lessons in sketching give way to sizzling sexual tension - and some fun with neckties.
But as Cliff’s star rises on campus, their relationship becomes less of a release and more of a liability to his NBA aspirations. Brennan fears his heart is bound to be broken again, while Cliff grapples with a decision that’ll come down to the buzzer: the game or the guy?
The plan was simple: Play the Game. Get the glory. Stay in the closet.
But the plan didn't include my childhood crush walking back into my life. First, he wrecked my concentration. Then my body.
For college jock Cliff, crushing it on the court is all that matters. Yet his tightly maintained status quo begins to unravel when he discovers Brennan, his brother’s smooth-talking best friend, is also on campus.
Brennan's last minute transfer to Browerton was an escape from a relationship that left his heart in shambles. When he offers to help Cliff with a class project, lessons in sketching give way to sizzling sexual tension - and some fun with neckties.
But as Cliff’s star rises on campus, their relationship becomes less of a release and more of a liability to his NBA aspirations. Brennan fears his heart is bound to be broken again, while Cliff grapples with a decision that’ll come down to the buzzer: the game or the guy?
220 pages, ebook
First published July 9, 2021
44 people are currently reading
322 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Truman
33 books1,045 followersWelcome! I’m a gay male author who writes MM romance filled with humor, heart, and hot guys. My characters fall into bed and fall in love, usually in that order. Think LOL meets DTF.
I live in central Indiana, surrounded by churches and Olive Gardens, with my husband, kids, and cats. When I’m not writing, I’m chasing around a toddler or sneaking off to a movie.
Make sure to sign up for my newsletter The Outsiders to get the latest updates on my books and to start reading free stories.
http://www.ajtruman.com/outsiders/
I live in central Indiana, surrounded by churches and Olive Gardens, with my husband, kids, and cats. When I’m not writing, I’m chasing around a toddler or sneaking off to a movie.
Make sure to sign up for my newsletter The Outsiders to get the latest updates on my books and to start reading free stories.
http://www.ajtruman.com/outsiders/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 26, 2023
My only thoughts are 'thank the Lord Voldemort this series is over' 🤦🏻♀️
July 9, 2021
Cliff is going to be a College student and hopefully Browerton basketball star.
That’s the plan.
His brother Cliff is two years ahead and talks to him about the girls.
Oh, there’s another thing on his list... stay in the closet.
He’s a bit shocked when his brother's best friend Brennan arrives back in town.
His plan to stay in the closet becomes more difficult.
Brennan returns to town and Browerton after a broken relationship.
Art is his passion and he’s surprised when he understands Cliff is also into art.
Helping him with a project is natural.
Brennan can’t take his eyes of Cliff, with his six-pack.
Oh my goodness, the first time Brennan comes to Cliff, it was hot AF, jeezzz.
They see each other more and more, and it’s getting steamier with the day.
Cliff’s basketball career is doing great, from being the invisible guy, he’s seen now, also by all the girls. He has to make decisions. And in his fear, he made some wrong ones.
It was a captivatingly written story, with quite engaging characters, I loved them, Brennan even a bit more. I missed the bits where Brennan openly talked about the reason he left his ex.
The story was well-plotted, emotional at times, also with some steamy encounters.
The art parts were a wonderful addition, I loved it all.
Overall a recommendation worthy.
That’s the plan.
His brother Cliff is two years ahead and talks to him about the girls.
Oh, there’s another thing on his list... stay in the closet.
He’s a bit shocked when his brother's best friend Brennan arrives back in town.
His plan to stay in the closet becomes more difficult.
Brennan returns to town and Browerton after a broken relationship.
Art is his passion and he’s surprised when he understands Cliff is also into art.
Helping him with a project is natural.
Brennan can’t take his eyes of Cliff, with his six-pack.
Oh my goodness, the first time Brennan comes to Cliff, it was hot AF, jeezzz.
They see each other more and more, and it’s getting steamier with the day.
Cliff’s basketball career is doing great, from being the invisible guy, he’s seen now, also by all the girls. He has to make decisions. And in his fear, he made some wrong ones.
It was a captivatingly written story, with quite engaging characters, I loved them, Brennan even a bit more. I missed the bits where Brennan openly talked about the reason he left his ex.
The story was well-plotted, emotional at times, also with some steamy encounters.
The art parts were a wonderful addition, I loved it all.
Overall a recommendation worthy.
September 25, 2021
Hard to Finish
*possible spoilers ahead*
I found this book hard to finish. You’re introduced to a ton of characters but not all the characters you’re introduced to are needed or make an effect on the story. For instance, the couple from the restaurant that Cliff and Brennan meet that later takes them to trivia. While at trivia, one of the guys exchanges numbers with Cliff and says to reach out if he has any questions or wants to talk about coming out. Because at this point, Cliff isn’t out yet.
AJ builds so much up around the pressures of coming out and being the first gay NBA player but Cliff isn’t in the NBA. He’s in his first year of university and Cliff coming out didn’t end up being the big drama you expect. AJ had the potential to really go far with this plot. He had serious opportunities between the potential for some family drama, the annoying pastor who is homophobic, the team,etc. They really build up this narrative of how hard it is to come out and how terrified Cliff is but then brushes it off as if it isn’t really that big of a deal. There’s two times that AJ references the moment Cliff knew he was gay and could have led that with a good flashback to the moment.
I’m giving this two stars because the plot idea was good but the story feels so incomplete and let down.
*possible spoilers ahead*
I found this book hard to finish. You’re introduced to a ton of characters but not all the characters you’re introduced to are needed or make an effect on the story. For instance, the couple from the restaurant that Cliff and Brennan meet that later takes them to trivia. While at trivia, one of the guys exchanges numbers with Cliff and says to reach out if he has any questions or wants to talk about coming out. Because at this point, Cliff isn’t out yet.
AJ builds so much up around the pressures of coming out and being the first gay NBA player but Cliff isn’t in the NBA. He’s in his first year of university and Cliff coming out didn’t end up being the big drama you expect. AJ had the potential to really go far with this plot. He had serious opportunities between the potential for some family drama, the annoying pastor who is homophobic, the team,etc. They really build up this narrative of how hard it is to come out and how terrified Cliff is but then brushes it off as if it isn’t really that big of a deal. There’s two times that AJ references the moment Cliff knew he was gay and could have led that with a good flashback to the moment.
I’m giving this two stars because the plot idea was good but the story feels so incomplete and let down.
July 7, 2021
5 Stars
This book was exceptional, and A.J. Truman is a new favorite author of mine. This is the first book I have read by him. I look forward to reading more. The attraction that sparks between Cliff and Brennan is practically combustible.
When Cliff takes an art class he finds himself struggling, and Brennan finds himself offering to help tutor him. Boy, do things heat up between them—neckties and t-shirts may be involved.
The storyline was well developed. I was blown away with everything about the book. The one thing that stood out was the closeness that was between Cliff and Brennan throughout the book. The one thing that made me upset was how Brennan was treated in a previous relationship. I was glad he finally found someone who would treat him the way he deserved.
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement. ***
This book was exceptional, and A.J. Truman is a new favorite author of mine. This is the first book I have read by him. I look forward to reading more. The attraction that sparks between Cliff and Brennan is practically combustible.
When Cliff takes an art class he finds himself struggling, and Brennan finds himself offering to help tutor him. Boy, do things heat up between them—neckties and t-shirts may be involved.
The storyline was well developed. I was blown away with everything about the book. The one thing that stood out was the closeness that was between Cliff and Brennan throughout the book. The one thing that made me upset was how Brennan was treated in a previous relationship. I was glad he finally found someone who would treat him the way he deserved.
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement. ***
July 12, 2021
It was a nice romance, even though not my favourite trope. The book was pretty short, but I felt for Cliff. The author showed the struggles with coming out very good. But the intimate part of their relationship was not developed as well. Maybe it’s girly of me, but what is it with this author and kissing. This is the second book I read by him and both of them have hot-stuff starting with the blow-jobs rather than kissing. I understand that kissing might be very intimate, but if they’re attracted to each other, it’s kinda more natural to start with kissing. It’s not like it was a business arrangement between them. And their sweat-kink grossed me out a bit.
July 9, 2021
This is a great book that I did not want to put down. The chemistry between Cliff and Brennan was easily felt and had me wanting to know what was going to happen next. There is plenty to enjoy within the pages of this book.
August 5, 2021
This story brought nothing new to either the closeted athlete or the banging my brother's best friend tropes, it was littered with typos and repetitive phrasing, and I was just not into the smells/musk fetish.
July 10, 2021
very good... fun story... amazing writing.. good characters... interesting plot. i enjoyed this entire book and was excited to read it. very good
January 28, 2025
A Gay Freshman Basketball Player with a boyfriend leads a college team into victory. #NotRealLife
A.J. Truman surprised me with the ending of this book and in his presentation of having Cliff, a basketball player who is gay, take leadership of the team as a freshman, and who has his brother's best friend, Brennan, as his boyfriend.
With so many sentences about no gay players in the NBA and the stress of first-year college basketball, this story is romance, self-discovery, and keeping his own set of values until... He compromises on not coming out, compromises when asked to speak to church youth about morals, and he compromises his relationships by not being himself.
But Truman creates a welcoming group of people, a family, including his brother, who supports him, and his boyfriend, Brennan, who supports him but does not want to have to hide what they have. Truman discusses art, the frustration of Brennan, who can't get his former professor, who bedded him, out of his head, and does a great job of navigating a basketball game into this book.
There are some predictable tropes here, but they're not drawn out, and one of the best scenes is when his team all takes ownership of a 'found bottle of lube' taken from Cliff's dorm room in order to defuse the situation.
Kudos for the great lines about being at the game, about the crowd and Cliff's family cheering him, and about him proudly playing on. He did not want his sexuality to be part of the game, and it was not.
Sad was the reflection of how things are changing after the 2024 election, and that this warm and comforting time may be only in the darkness in the future.
A.J. Truman surprised me with the ending of this book and in his presentation of having Cliff, a basketball player who is gay, take leadership of the team as a freshman, and who has his brother's best friend, Brennan, as his boyfriend.
With so many sentences about no gay players in the NBA and the stress of first-year college basketball, this story is romance, self-discovery, and keeping his own set of values until... He compromises on not coming out, compromises when asked to speak to church youth about morals, and he compromises his relationships by not being himself.
But Truman creates a welcoming group of people, a family, including his brother, who supports him, and his boyfriend, Brennan, who supports him but does not want to have to hide what they have. Truman discusses art, the frustration of Brennan, who can't get his former professor, who bedded him, out of his head, and does a great job of navigating a basketball game into this book.
There are some predictable tropes here, but they're not drawn out, and one of the best scenes is when his team all takes ownership of a 'found bottle of lube' taken from Cliff's dorm room in order to defuse the situation.
Kudos for the great lines about being at the game, about the crowd and Cliff's family cheering him, and about him proudly playing on. He did not want his sexuality to be part of the game, and it was not.
Sad was the reflection of how things are changing after the 2024 election, and that this warm and comforting time may be only in the darkness in the future.
September 10, 2022
This one fits perfectly in the "big brother's best friend" trope, but I like how it was written with a bit of a twist. Brennan is the older of the two, the one who is seemingly comfortable in his own skin, out and proud. But he's not quite as sure of himself when it really matters, and some of the ghosts from his past try sneaking back as the story progresses.
Cliff is a couple of years younger, well on his way to superstardom. He has his life mapped out for him, but as we get to know him, we learn that he battles with himself and his own truths more and more as the story unravels. Cliff's relationship with his brother is very interesting, and not at all what it seems like in the beginning. I really enjoyed the way they learned to be more open with each other
This story is definitely about coming out, about self-discovery and facing society's expectations. We get to see some of the characters from previous books, going all the way to the first book of the series. I think this was a very well written closure for this series, and I loved the HEA Brennan and Cliff found at the end. 3.5 stars.
*A free copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Cliff is a couple of years younger, well on his way to superstardom. He has his life mapped out for him, but as we get to know him, we learn that he battles with himself and his own truths more and more as the story unravels. Cliff's relationship with his brother is very interesting, and not at all what it seems like in the beginning. I really enjoyed the way they learned to be more open with each other
This story is definitely about coming out, about self-discovery and facing society's expectations. We get to see some of the characters from previous books, going all the way to the first book of the series. I think this was a very well written closure for this series, and I loved the HEA Brennan and Cliff found at the end. 3.5 stars.
*A free copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2021
This was an enjoyable college romance. I understood Cliff's reluctance to come out to his family and teammates, but he sometimes came off as cold. His friend Dell, brother Alex, and of course, love interest Brennan all suffered due to this.
Brennan was just wonderful, and it made perfect sense to me that Cliff was so drawn to him. Looks, charm, artistic talent, and a very tender heart made Brennan irresistible.
The supporting characters were likable, with a few despicable exceptions, and they added a lot to the story. Cliff and Brennan were great together, their struggles were believable and heartbreaking, and their romance was sexy and sweet.
Brennan was just wonderful, and it made perfect sense to me that Cliff was so drawn to him. Looks, charm, artistic talent, and a very tender heart made Brennan irresistible.
The supporting characters were likable, with a few despicable exceptions, and they added a lot to the story. Cliff and Brennan were great together, their struggles were believable and heartbreaking, and their romance was sexy and sweet.
July 15, 2021
AJ Truman once again proves he’s a master at creating stories that pull you in and give you all the feels. Cliff and Brennan have an amazing chemistry together while still being fully realized characters in their own right. Their development pays off in both of their stories, making the happy ending that much more satisfying. Add in some creative banter, some fun cameos for fans of past Browerton books (though you can still enjoy this one if you haven’t read the others) and you have a solid slam dunk! Out of Bounds is an excellent addition to an already great series, and I can’t wait to see where AJ takes us next.
May 2, 2023
Phew.
I will NOT miss the mechanics of this series.
This book was good, but it felt so far removed from the world the others had created, that it didn’t really feel like a part of the series. Names got dropped and the one appearance of past characters left me a bit confused. I feel like somewhere, the timeline got off. It wasn’t bad, it just wasn’t the best-of.
I feel like there’s still stories to be told from this world, and the characters could be amazing. But it was a good series, and with some polishing, it could be even better.
3/5, because the story is always there, but the delivery messes everything up.
I will NOT miss the mechanics of this series.
This book was good, but it felt so far removed from the world the others had created, that it didn’t really feel like a part of the series. Names got dropped and the one appearance of past characters left me a bit confused. I feel like somewhere, the timeline got off. It wasn’t bad, it just wasn’t the best-of.
I feel like there’s still stories to be told from this world, and the characters could be amazing. But it was a good series, and with some polishing, it could be even better.
3/5, because the story is always there, but the delivery messes everything up.
July 9, 2021
AJ hit a slam dunk with this one. The chemistry between Cliff and Brennan is hot. Childhood acquaintances from older brothers best friend turns into hot and steamy crush. The two have chemistry right off the bat but are afraid to talk about it or acknowledge the attraction. I really liked the way the story pulls you in from chapter one and keeps you moving throughout the entire book. I enjoyed the authors perceptions of college life, athletes struggling to come out, unhealthy past relationships and how to overcome them, and a young adults fear of coming out. This book is a great easy read with several hot moments.
June 12, 2023
Story of Cliff and Brennan
Who doesn’t live a brothers best friend romance.
Cliff has had a long term crush on his brothers best friend, Brennan.
Brennan transfers to Cliff’s Uni and they start spending time together. Things quickly take off but their relationship has its challenges. Don’t worry, they get their HEA.
Loved the secondary characters, I can see another book in this series for Dell, fingers crossed PLEASE. Great to see a couple of cameos of characters from previous books in the series.
I recommend reading the entire series, it was worth it.
Who doesn’t live a brothers best friend romance.
Cliff has had a long term crush on his brothers best friend, Brennan.
Brennan transfers to Cliff’s Uni and they start spending time together. Things quickly take off but their relationship has its challenges. Don’t worry, they get their HEA.
Loved the secondary characters, I can see another book in this series for Dell, fingers crossed PLEASE. Great to see a couple of cameos of characters from previous books in the series.
I recommend reading the entire series, it was worth it.
July 10, 2021
Great addition to the series!
Such a good story 😍 Cliff and Brennan were pretty hot circling each other (art lessons, uh huh!). They made a cute couple, once they finally got together.It was great to see some of the other characters from the previous stories (if you've read them, it's an added bonus, this story really stands alone). The secondary characters like Dell, Alex Coach were all great.
Definitely recommend as a standalone or as part of the series!
Such a good story 😍 Cliff and Brennan were pretty hot circling each other (art lessons, uh huh!). They made a cute couple, once they finally got together.It was great to see some of the other characters from the previous stories (if you've read them, it's an added bonus, this story really stands alone). The secondary characters like Dell, Alex Coach were all great.
Definitely recommend as a standalone or as part of the series!
July 26, 2021
This book was a combination of tropes I love - brother’s best friend, unrequited crush, coming out and more. It’s also filled with surprises, including some that made me outright blush. Cliff and Brennan are definitely the kind of couple who together are so much more than the sum of their parts. I couldn’t help but root for them, even when it seemed Cliff was determined to burn it all down. Their journey is full of love, emotion and so much passion, and I was hooked from beginning to end.
January 23, 2023
This book have it all!!! Just dive in.
Contains: closet jock, out artist, college students, brother bestfriend's, low k!nky (tie)
I don't have words to express everything I loved about this book. It's all cute, my best friend's brother trope, romantic, kinky, secret slrelation, and at the same time dramatic, repressed, unnatural, immorality in short homophobic a bit. Add to the passion of a game, a hell of a team that will have your side. I enjoyed the entire book.
Contains: closet jock, out artist, college students, brother bestfriend's, low k!nky (tie)
I don't have words to express everything I loved about this book. It's all cute, my best friend's brother trope, romantic, kinky, secret slrelation, and at the same time dramatic, repressed, unnatural, immorality in short homophobic a bit. Add to the passion of a game, a hell of a team that will have your side. I enjoyed the entire book.
July 10, 2021
This is a great college sports romance, dealing with athlete life, coming out, and moving on from past hurts. Cliff and Brennan have amazing chemistry right from the get go; their attraction is intense and it soon turns very physical. They’re sweet and steamy together, and I enjoyed every moment of their relationship as it builds from a crush to something very real. An easy, feel-good read!
July 11, 2021
Out of Bounds manages to be both incredibly sweet and smoking hot. The chemistry between Cliff and Brennan is off the charts, and I love how they bring out the best in one another. Brennan gives Cliff a safe place to be himself, and Cliff gives Brennan the confidence he needs to paint again. It’s a wonderful addition to the Browerton series.
May 2, 2025
I want to love it, but also kinda don't. Some of the interactions were too cringy for me. We don't kink shame, but we do kink side-eye. Its not simply a matter of "not my thing" though. Some interactions simply felt too simple or cliché, forced even in some cases. A few characters felt "token" and others felt too much.
July 14, 2021
I enjoyed this college romance very much. The chemistry between these two jumps off the page!
They have know each other for years without really knowing each other. Watching them develop a relationship is awesome.
Good story, easy read, very enjoyable!
They have know each other for years without really knowing each other. Watching them develop a relationship is awesome.
Good story, easy read, very enjoyable!
July 25, 2021
Sweet college romance
I love this series and Out of Bounds is a great addition to the series.
There's the perfect amount of character growth for this age group, and Cliff and Barrett have a lot of chemistry.
I love this series and Out of Bounds is a great addition to the series.
There's the perfect amount of character growth for this age group, and Cliff and Barrett have a lot of chemistry.
July 31, 2021
You can see the chemistry between Cliff and Brennan. They've been knowing each other since childhood and Brennan is Cliff's brother best friend. The books is sweet, funny, romantic, and I enjoyed reading it.
May 19, 2022
So confused
This book is so confusing to me. Up until the last 10% the narrative of coming out was pushed so much to be a big deal for Cliff. And then the outcome of that was just meh. So much potential and then nothing.
This book is so confusing to me. Up until the last 10% the narrative of coming out was pushed so much to be a big deal for Cliff. And then the outcome of that was just meh. So much potential and then nothing.
July 12, 2021
Aside from a couple scenes with really funny dialogue, I couldn’t get into this one. I wasn’t invested in Cliff or Brennan and started to skim near the end.
January 21, 2023
A bit different story: Art, Basketball, brother's best friend, slightly kinky sex.
Still, a coming out story with lots of heart and love.
Still, a coming out story with lots of heart and love.
Read
October 3, 2025My least favorite from the serie and the author, not sure if it’s the sport or the kinks but I felt very far away from the plot
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews