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Browerton University #1
Out in the Open
Libraries are meant for studying – not sex
College sophomore Ethan never says what’s on his mind and never wants to rock the boat. After a high school social life spent anonymous and alone, things are finally falling into place for him. He’s found a group of friends just as studious as he, and is on track for a promising legal career. Out in the open, things couldn’t be better, but secretly Ethan yearns for some real excitement in his life.
He finds it in cocky fratboy Greg, who challenges every rigid, preconceived notion Ethan lives by. Soon, their sparring relationship turns sexual, and these enemies-with-benefits get their freak on all over campus. Yet the more Ethan comes out of his shell, the more Greg retreats into his, working overtime to keep his ladies man public persona intact. As the sex gets hotter, and they get closer to getting caught, one part of their arrangement can’t stay hidden any longer: love.
Out in the Open is a college MM romance chock full of nerd/jock, coming out, and enemies-to-lovers vibes. It’s the first book in the Browerton University series and can be read as a standalone.
College sophomore Ethan never says what’s on his mind and never wants to rock the boat. After a high school social life spent anonymous and alone, things are finally falling into place for him. He’s found a group of friends just as studious as he, and is on track for a promising legal career. Out in the open, things couldn’t be better, but secretly Ethan yearns for some real excitement in his life.
He finds it in cocky fratboy Greg, who challenges every rigid, preconceived notion Ethan lives by. Soon, their sparring relationship turns sexual, and these enemies-with-benefits get their freak on all over campus. Yet the more Ethan comes out of his shell, the more Greg retreats into his, working overtime to keep his ladies man public persona intact. As the sex gets hotter, and they get closer to getting caught, one part of their arrangement can’t stay hidden any longer: love.
Out in the Open is a college MM romance chock full of nerd/jock, coming out, and enemies-to-lovers vibes. It’s the first book in the Browerton University series and can be read as a standalone.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 25, 2014
473 people are currently reading
2216 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Truman
45 books1,018 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 468 reviews
September 13, 2016
In my opinion, this story captures the very essence of college being the place where you finally spread your wings and grow into (at least the beginnings) of the person that you will eventually become. I had so many flashbacks to my own college days, it was sort of scary.
I felt an immediate connection with both Ethan and Greg, as I was sort of an amalgam of the two characters combined during my collegiate years.
I was more Ethan as a Freshman & Sophomore, being quiet and studious, longing for close friendships, but scared to let anyone know the real (pronounced "gay") me. [I may or may not have worn ties. *cringe*]
But I was definitely more Greg in my Junior & Senior years, joining a fraternity, finally loosening up a bit, drinking a lot and coming into my own. So no longer a GDI (fraternity-speak for "God Damned Independent"), I was at least more popular. [I may or may not have worn togas pretty regularly. *hiccup*]
But still, like Greg, no one really knew me at all and I was still (maybe even more) deathly afraid of acknowledging my attractions -- even to myself. Sad, lonely, depressing. Check, check, check.
So the book took me back to a place of experience that it may or may not take most readers, but I loved the story and deeply sympathized with the dilemmas on both sides of the Ethan and Greg coin.
The story of the uptight, nerdy law student and the infuriating, cocky frat boy may sound a bit cliché', but Truman definitely put a fresh, new spin on the genre.
I also found the supporting characters well written and welcomed, necessary additions to the story, each adding to the story line vs. just being distracting and unnecessary page fillers.
Also, amazingly so actually, the twist of our two heroes taking the entire campus and turning it into their own personal hookup spot only came across as necessary to the progression of this particular story. And hot. Mustn't forget *HOT*, because oooooh, lawdy!
"Bedrooms are so boring. They’re not us."
Few writers could take Ethan and Greg's "out in the open" public trysts and not make them come across as only a plot gimmick to attract horny housewives (and house husbands) into the reading pool. But Truman did.
This book was pretty much perfect, especially as a first effort from a brand new author. It was just so very good from start to finish. Hell, most established authors don't usually get me as pulled into their stories as Truman's Out in the Open did.
So to quickly sum up my feelings on this sweet and sexy happily ever after in two words or less, I'll quote Greg's frat house 'roommate', Sahil, and leave you with
“YEAH, RAINBOW !!!” : )
5 HUGE ' when-the-hell-can-I-get-the-sequel? ' stars!
-----------------------------------------
** My copy of this book was provided by the author for a fair, unbiased review. **
January 30, 2015
4.5 SEXY, SWEET & FUNNY STARS
New author? I KNOW. It's always such a risk, but I'm vouching for this one. A.J. Truman is a pro. Out in the Open is well written with easy prose and good pacing. It kept me reading. And smiling.
Starting college means starting over. You have a chance to become someone else, or maybe just a new-and-improved version of you. The problem is that Ethan doesn't know who he is. Even as a sophomore, he doesn't really fit in. He dares not rock the boat. He's a bit dull and scheduled. He misses the moment in his quest for the ideal.
And then Ethan sits next to frat boy Greg in Constitutional Law and at some point grabs Greg's crotch (!) just to get Greg to shut the fuck up.
The two begin atentative hot 'n' heavy affair. They go at it in empty offices, at the movies, at the library, and in the theater during orchestra rehearsal. They are young, and they are horny, and the naughty just keeps on coming and coming and...(why, yes, pun intended).
It's all fun and games until their DIRTY LITTLE SECRET becomes not so little, and not so secret.
The book is told from Ethan's POV, and I liked seeing him grow and mature as a human being. He figures out a lot about himself and life.
The connection between Greg and Ethan was very believable. I didn't always like the way Greg, who was firmly set in the frat scene and very much in the closet, treated Ethan, but Ethan needed Greg. He became a better, braver person because of Greg.
The angst was kept to a minimum. At one point, an old crush resurfaces, and things take a slightly dramatic turn. But have no fear.
At its gooey, delicious core, this book is a tender, steamy romance between two young men. It's about making real friends, trusting others, taking risks, and figuring out where you belong. It's about finding your not-perfect-but-perfect-for-you boyfriend in the most unlikely place. And keeping him.
New author? I KNOW. It's always such a risk, but I'm vouching for this one. A.J. Truman is a pro. Out in the Open is well written with easy prose and good pacing. It kept me reading. And smiling.
Starting college means starting over. You have a chance to become someone else, or maybe just a new-and-improved version of you. The problem is that Ethan doesn't know who he is. Even as a sophomore, he doesn't really fit in. He dares not rock the boat. He's a bit dull and scheduled. He misses the moment in his quest for the ideal.
And then Ethan sits next to frat boy Greg in Constitutional Law and at some point grabs Greg's crotch (!) just to get Greg to shut the fuck up.
The two begin a
It's all fun and games until their DIRTY LITTLE SECRET becomes not so little, and not so secret.
The book is told from Ethan's POV, and I liked seeing him grow and mature as a human being. He figures out a lot about himself and life.
The connection between Greg and Ethan was very believable. I didn't always like the way Greg, who was firmly set in the frat scene and very much in the closet, treated Ethan, but Ethan needed Greg. He became a better, braver person because of Greg.
The angst was kept to a minimum. At one point, an old crush resurfaces, and things take a slightly dramatic turn. But have no fear.
At its gooey, delicious core, this book is a tender, steamy romance between two young men. It's about making real friends, trusting others, taking risks, and figuring out where you belong. It's about finding your not-perfect-but-perfect-for-you boyfriend in the most unlikely place. And keeping him.
"He wanted to be like us," Ethan said.
"Too bad. There's only one us, and it's us."
September 23, 2014
4--Dirty Secret--Stars!!!
Ethan is a sophomore in college. He's never had a lot of friends. He's gay. He's been described as bland and repressed. But Ethan doesn't want to be. He wants to be fun and free.
Oh Ethan...
I just wanted to hug Ethan! Bless his poor awkward self.
The book is told from Ethan's POV so you really see his character grow throughout the book.
Ethan meets Greg in his Con Law class. Greg is known as a fraternislut. Greg does nothing but pick on Ethan and annoy him to no end. But that doesn't mean Ethan doesn't think Greg is cute.
After Ethan breaks the number one rule of the locker room and takes a peek at Greg's backside things change between Ethan and Greg.
One crotch grab is all it takes and Ethan and Greg embark on a clandestine sexcapade across campus.
A slob here, a rub there. Being each other's dirty secret is all very exciting until feelings get involved.
But Greg has no intention of coming out. This is all just a big fuck you to Browerton. At least that's what Greg tells himself.
When push comes to shove, will Greg stand up for Ethan and what they have with each other? Or will he cower behind his fraternity out of fear of being shunned?
I really liked this debut novel. I would have loved Greg's POV as I really liked his character, especially in the beginning. Ethan and Greg had some great banter between them since they started out not really liking each other.
I have to admit though, that I was a little disappointed in Greg and his wishy-washy ways with Ethan.
The way he would pull back when they were in public. I wanted them to be out in the open!
Ultimately college is all about discovering yourself, growing as a person. Depsite the fact that they kept their relationship hidden most of the time, Greg really made Ethan better. He gave Ethan the confidence to be himself and be proud of the person he was.
This was a fun read! Following along with Greg and Ethan's sexcapades, watching Ethan come out of his shell, hoping Greg will grow a pair of balls!
Definitely recommend this one and I can't wait to read the next one in the series!
ARC kindly provided by A.J. Truman in exchange for an honest review
“Are you going to keep me your dirty little secret forever?”
Ethan is a sophomore in college. He's never had a lot of friends. He's gay. He's been described as bland and repressed. But Ethan doesn't want to be. He wants to be fun and free.
Oh Ethan...
I just wanted to hug Ethan! Bless his poor awkward self.
The book is told from Ethan's POV so you really see his character grow throughout the book.
Ethan meets Greg in his Con Law class. Greg is known as a fraternislut. Greg does nothing but pick on Ethan and annoy him to no end. But that doesn't mean Ethan doesn't think Greg is cute.
After Ethan breaks the number one rule of the locker room and takes a peek at Greg's backside things change between Ethan and Greg.
One crotch grab is all it takes and Ethan and Greg embark on a clandestine sexcapade across campus.
A slob here, a rub there. Being each other's dirty secret is all very exciting until feelings get involved.
But Greg has no intention of coming out. This is all just a big fuck you to Browerton. At least that's what Greg tells himself.
“You think what we were doing was like a fuck you to Browerton, but only you can hear it. Your dad can’t hear it, your brothers can’t hear it, Professor Sharpe can’t hear it. If you want to shake things up with them, then do it already. Sneaking around isn’t a fuck you to them; it’s a fuck you to me!”
When push comes to shove, will Greg stand up for Ethan and what they have with each other? Or will he cower behind his fraternity out of fear of being shunned?
I really liked this debut novel. I would have loved Greg's POV as I really liked his character, especially in the beginning. Ethan and Greg had some great banter between them since they started out not really liking each other.
I have to admit though, that I was a little disappointed in Greg and his wishy-washy ways with Ethan.
The way he would pull back when they were in public. I wanted them to be out in the open!
Ultimately college is all about discovering yourself, growing as a person. Depsite the fact that they kept their relationship hidden most of the time, Greg really made Ethan better. He gave Ethan the confidence to be himself and be proud of the person he was.
This was a fun read! Following along with Greg and Ethan's sexcapades, watching Ethan come out of his shell, hoping Greg will grow a pair of balls!
Definitely recommend this one and I can't wait to read the next one in the series!
ARC kindly provided by A.J. Truman in exchange for an honest review
March 25, 2019
3 Stars
Well, the plot was something I read so many times and I confess I had read better than this one. Greg was closeted but he had too much confidence for someone who wasn’t out and it was like he had more experience than Ethan (who was out). That enemies-with-benefits that is mentioned in the blurb? Well, with-benefits was correct but they weren’t really enemies! I didn’t like both characters, Ethan because of his insecurities and Greg, well because of the way he treated Ethan. Told in single POV, 3rd person. It’s the first installment in the "Browerton University" series and it can be read as a standalone. It’s low-on angst and slow-burn. It wasn’t that bad but it wasn’t really good either. Overall, it was an okay read for me and hope you enjoy it more than me!
Well, the plot was something I read so many times and I confess I had read better than this one. Greg was closeted but he had too much confidence for someone who wasn’t out and it was like he had more experience than Ethan (who was out). That enemies-with-benefits that is mentioned in the blurb? Well, with-benefits was correct but they weren’t really enemies! I didn’t like both characters, Ethan because of his insecurities and Greg, well because of the way he treated Ethan. Told in single POV, 3rd person. It’s the first installment in the "Browerton University" series and it can be read as a standalone. It’s low-on angst and slow-burn. It wasn’t that bad but it wasn’t really good either. Overall, it was an okay read for me and hope you enjoy it more than me!
June 11, 2017
Apparently I'm in the minority here.
Let me say first that I do like me a college fic since it is ripe with opportunity for discovering new things and people, as well as a stepping stone in starting an exciting future as an adult. Reserved Ethan wants to do just that. However he's restricted by his own insecurities and can't seem to get out of his comfort zone. That is, until he meets Greg who pushes all of his buttons - both good and bad.
Things progress quickly. What starts off as fun and exciting and hot, changes into more of a dirty little secret, which just made me feel bad. Ethan struggles with wanting more and tries not to get too attached, often clashing with Greg on how they should proceed and define their "relationship". Essentially Greg is in the closet which results in a lot of back and forth and up and down - so much so that it made it difficult for me to sit back, relax and truly enjoy this. Of course this is a common plot in many m/m's out there, a plot that I've read countless times. For some reason though, how this was executed kept me on edge, making me cringe regarding both Greg and Ethan's antics.
Despite that, this still had some great, sexy and funny moments, interspersed with equally good feels - all of which many readers enjoyed!! For me, I wanted more epic-ness out of this fic. I wanted more romance and proclamations. In the end, I give points for embracing the college experience and finding oneself - when you throw love and a HEA into the mix, that's extra icing on the cake.
Let me say first that I do like me a college fic since it is ripe with opportunity for discovering new things and people, as well as a stepping stone in starting an exciting future as an adult. Reserved Ethan wants to do just that. However he's restricted by his own insecurities and can't seem to get out of his comfort zone. That is, until he meets Greg who pushes all of his buttons - both good and bad.
Things progress quickly. What starts off as fun and exciting and hot, changes into more of a dirty little secret, which just made me feel bad. Ethan struggles with wanting more and tries not to get too attached, often clashing with Greg on how they should proceed and define their "relationship". Essentially Greg is in the closet which results in a lot of back and forth and up and down - so much so that it made it difficult for me to sit back, relax and truly enjoy this. Of course this is a common plot in many m/m's out there, a plot that I've read countless times. For some reason though, how this was executed kept me on edge, making me cringe regarding both Greg and Ethan's antics.
Despite that, this still had some great, sexy and funny moments, interspersed with equally good feels - all of which many readers enjoyed!! For me, I wanted more epic-ness out of this fic. I wanted more romance and proclamations. In the end, I give points for embracing the college experience and finding oneself - when you throw love and a HEA into the mix, that's extra icing on the cake.
July 18, 2021
4 Stars!
Want to read
September 17, 2016FREE TODAY! 9/17/16!
dnf
June 7, 201972% dnf
October 24, 2014
Ethan is a sophomore in college. He’s openly gay, but he’s single. He has a group of friends, but he wants more - to be with somebody, to have a significant other.
In his Con Law class, Ethan meets Greg. Greg is in a fraternity, he is a manwhore reputation and he is straight. At least everybody thinks he is. Greg is in the closet, trying to please his father being a law student, even if he wants to teach children with special needs.
Greg is annoying and irritating at first, so their relationship is not so good, but this doesn’t stop Ethan to be attracted to Greg. Everything change for them when Ethan takes a peek at Greg’s impressive ass in the locker room.
They start to make out in public places
and everything is good, until Ethan starts to fall for Greg. Greg wants their “thing” to remain casual, but Ethan wants all of Greg. Ethan wants to be happy and he doesn’t accept to be Greg’s dirty secret, not anymore, but Greg is not ready to be out as gay.
“I’ve done that for so long. Not with you, but with myself. I always kept a part of myself hidden from others, scared that they would reject me if I showed them the real me. I don’t want to do that anymore. I don’t want to filter and second-guess everything I say whenever I’m in public. I don’t want to tell your fraternity brothers that I have a question on the homework every time I want to see you.”
Will Greg accept who he is in order to be with Ethan or will he remain in the closet?
I really liked this one! The story is told from Ethan’s POV, so his character is more developed that Greg’s. Since I prefer dual POV, I would have liked to have Greg’s POV too. I must admit, in the beginning I thought that I wouldn’t like it too much, because everything was a little slow for me, but in the end I really enjoyed it and with every chapter I fell for both Ethan and Greg.
I loved Ethan. He is very shy and cute. Like everyone else he wants to belong, to be accepted, to be wanted and loved. I felt for him and at some point for Greg too, even if I didn’t like Greg too much at the beginning. I felt he use Ethan somehow. (at least at first)
Their relationship progressed naturally, but at times I felt that was a little too rushed. I also liked their banter and how Greg manage to change Ethan. I really, really liked the new Ethan!
Obviously, I liked the ending, I was happy with it, but once again, it felt a little rushed.
Overall, I like it! It was a really great debut novel! It was sweet, romantic at times, steamy with just a little angst and drama. Just what I needed it!
July 17, 2018
every so often a book comes along with characters flatter than the pages they're written on
don't get me wrong, this wasn't the worst book i've ever read. i can guiltily confirm that it was hard to put down. but the POTENTIAL was there, just so so unfulfilled.
i really appreciated the setting and the struggles ethan goes through. i think college can be a difficult and confusing place, and friendships and relationships are certainly hard to navigate. but it didn't really help the fact that he was just pardon my french fucking stupid. no one is that boring. yeah we get it he's neat and scared of being the odd one out but like give this kid a personality for christ's sake.
and poor greg. you were so promising until you did some shit that won't be named here. i love a lovable douchebag but you kind of weren't that lovable. and sex is MUTUAL bud. "slobs" are meant for everyone.
plus the sex was kind of weak for me. idk. anyway probably don't read this, friends.
don't get me wrong, this wasn't the worst book i've ever read. i can guiltily confirm that it was hard to put down. but the POTENTIAL was there, just so so unfulfilled.
i really appreciated the setting and the struggles ethan goes through. i think college can be a difficult and confusing place, and friendships and relationships are certainly hard to navigate. but it didn't really help the fact that he was just pardon my french fucking stupid. no one is that boring. yeah we get it he's neat and scared of being the odd one out but like give this kid a personality for christ's sake.
and poor greg. you were so promising until you did some shit that won't be named here. i love a lovable douchebag but you kind of weren't that lovable. and sex is MUTUAL bud. "slobs" are meant for everyone.
plus the sex was kind of weak for me. idk. anyway probably don't read this, friends.
September 29, 2014
Out in the Open by AJ Truman was quite the surprise for me. I'd been on a terrible book funk and decided to try my luck with this one. New author = could go either way. So glad I took the chance. This is story of shy Ethan Follett and fratboy Greg Sanderson.
Ethan... I so related to his character. I thought the author did an excellent job with him. Being in his head was sweet and painful. I just wanted to hug him and tell him it would all be ok.
It was such a pleasure to read his character growth. I felt like his personal cheerleader on the sideline rooting him on.
Greg... oh, Greg... for me he was kind of that character you love to hate and hate to love. He grew on me. There were some moments that I just wanted to-
him.
But the more you read, the more you understood where he was coming from, the more you grew to love him. Seeing him open up to his feelings was really sweet.
And the chemistry between these two...well, I'll just say it just makes for some good times.
Overall, a very enjoyable read. Great little story about finding yourself and finding love along the way. Definitely recommend it!! 4 solid stars! Can't wait for the next book!
ARC kindly provided by the author for an honest review
September 24, 2014
4 Stars
Ethan is a very shy and awkward guy. His social life in high school was..well nonexistent. Because..
But now he is in college and he has even a circle of friends. Even though they are kind of boring and like to do
Ethan still enjoys their company.
Ethan has a clear goal. First gay supreme court justice. And he is willing to work hard for that.
Unfortunately his seat mate in Constitutional Law class Greg has other plans. Like distracting him and giving Ethan a hard time.
Greg seems to be the exact opposite of Ethan: cool, easy going, most of all not awkward and definitely not gay.
But Greg has also a very annoying know-it-all attitude. So one day Ethan decides to do something unexpected and grabs Gregs crotch. Even more surprisingly is that Greg gets hard.
One thing leads to another and they end up in a hot making out session in the library, followed by another making out session, and another...
All in public places. It excites them both and Ethan enjoys walking on the wild side. But he also enjoys talking to Greg and getting to know him.
Unfortunately Greg is a closeted gay and wants their little affair to keep a secret.
Ethan..
Constantly..
I enjoyed reading about Ethan how he slowly but surely opened up and loosened up, with the help from Greg and later Lorna. I could see how he gained more and more confidence and how his character developed.
And in the end I was so happy that he got his well deserved HEA.
ARC kindly provided by A.J. Truman in exchange for an honest review
November 20, 2017
4.5 stars
I enjoyed this one a lot more than I expected to before I picked it up and at the start of the story. It wasn't filled with too much sex and it wasn't cheesy. Watching Ethan come out of his shell and look outside preconceived stereotypes was the best part.
January 11, 2019
Are you going to keep me your dirty little secret forever?
Rep: gay mcs
This book was hilarious. Unfortunately, I don't think it was intended to be quite so funny.
First, there were a number of things I didn't really like about this book. From the off, Ethan's friends are painted as those pretentious arty types who look down on those people who 1) play sports, 2) enjoy sports, and 3) party a lot. Yay. Ethan you can do better than these people (especially since they don't change their opinion as the book goes on, but what can ya do). Jessica is the worst of the lot, and also a serial slutshamer!
Her roommate is one of those "terrible" people who goes out and parties and drinks a lot, and the first time we meet her (Lorna is her name), we get Jessica sneering a lot, and laughing as she explains how a stoplight party works (and when she says she's looking to hook up. You go, girl). She also refers to people from the fraternities and sororities as "fraternisluts" and "sorostitutes". Well.
She looks down a lot on people who drink too, and after her reason for doing so is revealed, I can understand why. But it's not her who reveals that reason to Ethan, but another friend, Preston (who is also gross, wait for it), so I don't get why she gets so pissy. If you're going to get annoyed when your friend drinks a lot, then tell them why. Don't just get pissed off and assume they'll be able to psychically understand why you are so.
There are also a few points of iffy consent, to say the least. There's Ethan's comment about Preston (who he has a crush on), where he says something about "taking advantage of his drunkenness". Then there's the weird scene where Ethan gives Greg a handjob i+n their lecture, which started with Greg showing his dick (under his clothes) to Ethan. And finally, there's the end scene in which Preston tries to rape Ethan.
Then there's a weird scene where Ethan (while drunk) does some sort of "sexy photoshoot" in Greg's room (with Lorna taking photos). Which Greg walks in on. Like. What?
And then we move on to the (frankly hilarious) sex scenes. To give you an idea of why they're so funny, here are some choice quotes:
"Then he unsheathed his sword."
"He devoured Greg's cock, shoveling it in like dinner after a day of hard labor."
"Like opening a present on Christmas, it [removing Greg's pants] never got old."
"Whipping off all layers like a live gif."
"[He] unsheathed both of their blunt instruments."
"He wanted to feel Greg's thick cock inside of him, planting his flag."
Absolute comedy gold.
One last thing: Sahil is amazing. Even if his sole purpose is this,
someone: I'm gay.
Sahil: YEAH, RAINBOW!
I kid you not.
March 11, 2018
3.5/5 ⭐️
A fun, cute romance.
I adore the friendships.
I loved all of the characters, except one, that I completely hated at the end of the book.
“And Greg’s amazing ass got in the way.
Amazing ass. Awful person attached.”
A fun, cute romance.
I adore the friendships.
I loved all of the characters, except one, that I completely hated at the end of the book.
“He wanted to be like us,” Ethan said.
“Too bad. There’s only one us, and it’s us.”
July 7, 2018
Ayyyy... Me encantó! :D
June 1, 2017
***4 Stars***
Read this bad boy in one sitting!
Told entirely from Ethan's POV, we get the story of a college sophomore figuring everything out. Young Ethan is stuck in his head too much. He blends in so much that he's become virtually invisible. A great conversationalist in his mind, but somehow there's a barrier between his brain and his mouth.
All that changes when he meets Greg in one of his law classes. Greg is a sexy, carefree, frat boy with a smirk that makes Ethan dizzy with lust (and also kinda makes him want to strangle Greg - but only a little bit).
An uncharacteristically bold move by Ethan one day starts the ball rolling on their lust-filled sexapade in every nook and cranny on campus. It was daring. It was exciting. It was HOT.
Ethan's eyes went wide, like he was seeing a national monument up close. It was long and thick and in charge. It didn't stand at attention; it gave the orders.
As enthralled as Ethan is by the excitement of sneaking around with Greg, he's starting to develop feelings and that begins to put a confusing haze on their relationship. Is that all he is to Greg? A dirty little secret. Is there a possibility that something more can grow from their quick and dirty romps?
This book really captured what it's like being in college and trying to figure things out. Balancing the different sides of yourself and meeting new people that push you to explore.
Not every college partier becomes an alcoholic. Not every sorority girl is a slut. Not every fraternity guy binge drinks all day and fucks around all night. You can have straight A's and party like a rock star.
It took Ethan a while through some trial and error to find his footing and to navigate through the different aspects of college life. And I was rooting for him the whole time.
I do wish we got Greg's POV because there were so many times that I wondered what he was thinking. It's clear that he was falling for Ethan, but the push and pull had me frustrated at times.
I understood the trepidation by both guys. Ethan was afraid of the rejection, afraid of how much he felt for Greg. Greg was afraid to come out. He was afraid of what it would mean to break out of the box people put him in.
A little bit of angst was thrown in at the end, but it was definitely time for things to come to a head. And although I understood Greg's fears, I was damn proud of Ethan for finally standing up for himself!
"You think what we were doing was like a fuck you to Browerton, but only you can hear it. Your dad can't hear it, your brothers can't hear it, Professor Sharpe can't hear it. If you want to shake things up with them, then do it already. Sneaking around isn't a fuck you to them; it's a fuck you to me!"
This is a book that will suck you in from the beginning. It'll remind you of those early days when you were still figuring things out. When everything was new and fun and exciting and scary.
I really enjoyed this debut novel and definitely plan on continuing on with this series and seeing what else this author has to offer!
October 28, 2016
3.5 stars
It's probably closer to 3 stars, but I'm rounding up for the hella hot sex.
I was all over the set-up. Not only is this an opposites-attract romance, but there's also a bit of enemies-to-lovers in there. Their sparring and jabs at each other were hilarious.
Plus, these two were smoking hot in the - well not the bedroom, but in the library, the theatre, the office, and wherever else they could manage to get some.
However, Greg and Ethan are lacking in the communication department. They work on it slowly, and admitting that they actually like each other goes a long way in making them feel comfortable enough to talk about their relationship. Though I didn't expect the two to be great at communicating, considering they're only in college.
I also liked that the author acknowledged that you don't have to choose to a specific "type" of person. Ethan struggles with his identity and different groups of friends, before realizing that it's okay to want to party and be wild sometimes, and to be more quiet and "academic" at other times.
The ending, once Greg finally gets his shit together, was sweet and fluffy. It's more of a HFN, but again that makes sense given that they're only in college.
There's a short sequel, A Week by the Lake: A Browerton University Short, right after Greg graduates. Ethan and Greg are still working on their relationship, so I wouldn't mind reading more of them in the future!
Also, did I mention the hot public sex? Because there was a lot of it. I approve.
It's probably closer to 3 stars, but I'm rounding up for the hella hot sex.
I was all over the set-up. Not only is this an opposites-attract romance, but there's also a bit of enemies-to-lovers in there. Their sparring and jabs at each other were hilarious.
Plus, these two were smoking hot in the - well not the bedroom, but in the library, the theatre, the office, and wherever else they could manage to get some.
However, Greg and Ethan are lacking in the communication department. They work on it slowly, and admitting that they actually like each other goes a long way in making them feel comfortable enough to talk about their relationship. Though I didn't expect the two to be great at communicating, considering they're only in college.
I also liked that the author acknowledged that you don't have to choose to a specific "type" of person. Ethan struggles with his identity and different groups of friends, before realizing that it's okay to want to party and be wild sometimes, and to be more quiet and "academic" at other times.
The ending, once Greg finally gets his shit together, was sweet and fluffy. It's more of a HFN, but again that makes sense given that they're only in college.
There's a short sequel, A Week by the Lake: A Browerton University Short, right after Greg graduates. Ethan and Greg are still working on their relationship, so I wouldn't mind reading more of them in the future!
Also, did I mention the hot public sex? Because there was a lot of it. I approve.
July 22, 2018
Flirty and Sexy!
....3.5 Stars.......... I had a lot of fun reading this OFY university romance. The MCs were pretty adorable and felt real, like looking at someone without their make-up on. They were refreshing and far from perfect, but they worked.
A shy, gay student with a distaste for “fraternisluts” (author’s word, not mine) hooks up with a hot, closeted frat boy for sex in public places. They are both each other’s “dirty little secret.”
The two were very different from each other, but together they worked. Ethan came to grow out of his shell and found his own voice, while Greg came to see that acceptance was really all around him. Both of them found that being honest with your friends and brothers was really the only way to be.
A fun read, hot and sexy public sex, frat parties, over-indulgence in alcohol, and tailgating are part of the package. It’s one I’d order again.
....3.5 Stars.......... I had a lot of fun reading this OFY university romance. The MCs were pretty adorable and felt real, like looking at someone without their make-up on. They were refreshing and far from perfect, but they worked.
A shy, gay student with a distaste for “fraternisluts” (author’s word, not mine) hooks up with a hot, closeted frat boy for sex in public places. They are both each other’s “dirty little secret.”
The two were very different from each other, but together they worked. Ethan came to grow out of his shell and found his own voice, while Greg came to see that acceptance was really all around him. Both of them found that being honest with your friends and brothers was really the only way to be.
A fun read, hot and sexy public sex, frat parties, over-indulgence in alcohol, and tailgating are part of the package. It’s one I’d order again.
September 20, 2016
It's late and I just finished this! First book this month I have finished in a day :)
Out In The Open was cute and made me smile. Ethan had a typical college naivety about him that is probably true for most - so when I wanted to roll my eyes at his lack of knowledge, I tried to remember my own naivety in college and empathized with him instead.
Greg was a closeted frat, so I'm sure you can guess how the story went. Even though it was predictable, it was cute.
On to the next!
Out In The Open was cute and made me smile. Ethan had a typical college naivety about him that is probably true for most - so when I wanted to roll my eyes at his lack of knowledge, I tried to remember my own naivety in college and empathized with him instead.
Greg was a closeted frat, so I'm sure you can guess how the story went. Even though it was predictable, it was cute.
On to the next!
September 8, 2016
Re-read 9/6/16
August 9, 2015
This was a very nice story about two college boys getting it on, all over campus.
Ethan is kind of akward, shy, geeky and openly gay. I really loved him...he was so sweet.I just wanted to hug him and his akward self. He didn't want to be shy and boring. He wanted to let go a little, he just didn't know how.
Greg is the popular fraternity guy. He's known as ladies man.
The two meet in some important law class (having to sit next to each other), and they really don't hit it off.
A tiny incident in the locker room changes everything and the two of them start exploring their sexuality all over campus (a handjob here...a blowjob there...) It was all very very hot.
But soon enough Ethan starts to get irritated by the fact that he's Greg's dirty little secret.
Question is....will Greg step up to the plate and claim Ethan in public.
I loved the character growth that Ethan went trough. He really started sticking up for himself and he became less and less shy. I know Greg was kind of a douche about things, but it was also because of him that Ethan came out of his shell.
I truly enjoyed reading this one. It was sweet, funny and sexy with some drama...but not a whole lot.
4 stars from me
Ethan is kind of akward, shy, geeky and openly gay. I really loved him...he was so sweet.I just wanted to hug him and his akward self. He didn't want to be shy and boring. He wanted to let go a little, he just didn't know how.
Greg is the popular fraternity guy. He's known as ladies man.
The two meet in some important law class (having to sit next to each other), and they really don't hit it off.
A tiny incident in the locker room changes everything and the two of them start exploring their sexuality all over campus (a handjob here...a blowjob there...) It was all very very hot.
But soon enough Ethan starts to get irritated by the fact that he's Greg's dirty little secret.
Question is....will Greg step up to the plate and claim Ethan in public.
I loved the character growth that Ethan went trough. He really started sticking up for himself and he became less and less shy. I know Greg was kind of a douche about things, but it was also because of him that Ethan came out of his shell.
I truly enjoyed reading this one. It was sweet, funny and sexy with some drama...but not a whole lot.
4 stars from me
September 15, 2016
Well, this was quite awful.
Ethan is a shy, somewhat stiff guy just starting college. He has made some friends, but now he wants a boyfriend too. He just has no idea how to achieve that. Especially since everyone seems to tell him to lighten up and no one seems to really like him.
He’s also not happy with the guy sitting next to him in one of his favorite classes. Greg is the exact opposite of Ethan. He is a big muscled jock, who doesn’t seem to care about getting good grades.
When Ethan accidentally grabs Greg’s crotch to shut him up, it starts something between them. And that something is public sex. Public because Greg tells him that’s what makes it so exciting.
But even though Ethan is finally learning to let go a little, he is also worried about everything. How his old friends don’t seem to approve of his partying behavior, how Greg only seems to want to have sex in public and how he is developing feelings for Greg..
Greg was a major ass. He constantly told Ethan that Ethan’s friends sucked, he didn’t want to be out, and he kept stringing Ethan along and telling him where they were going to do what. Everything was on his terms. And I was so mad when Greg accuses Ethan of hiding Greg from Ethan's friends. Hello! You are the one in the closet! How can Ethan tell his friends about Greg if Greg doesn't want anyone to know about them? And Ethan just took it.
I don’t have a lot of patience for the types that are too afraid to come out of the closet and don’t want to be seen with their (potential) boyfriends.
These guys were still fighting and having meaningless sex when I got to 90%. And when I finally thought things would get better, it just got worse. If I was Ethan I would have dumped Greg’s ass and went for someone who would have fought for me.
And I didn’t even really like Ethan…
Ugh, this was awful.
Ethan is a shy, somewhat stiff guy just starting college. He has made some friends, but now he wants a boyfriend too. He just has no idea how to achieve that. Especially since everyone seems to tell him to lighten up and no one seems to really like him.
He’s also not happy with the guy sitting next to him in one of his favorite classes. Greg is the exact opposite of Ethan. He is a big muscled jock, who doesn’t seem to care about getting good grades.
When Ethan accidentally grabs Greg’s crotch to shut him up, it starts something between them. And that something is public sex. Public because Greg tells him that’s what makes it so exciting.
But even though Ethan is finally learning to let go a little, he is also worried about everything. How his old friends don’t seem to approve of his partying behavior, how Greg only seems to want to have sex in public and how he is developing feelings for Greg..
Greg was a major ass. He constantly told Ethan that Ethan’s friends sucked, he didn’t want to be out, and he kept stringing Ethan along and telling him where they were going to do what. Everything was on his terms. And I was so mad when Greg accuses Ethan of hiding Greg from Ethan's friends. Hello! You are the one in the closet! How can Ethan tell his friends about Greg if Greg doesn't want anyone to know about them? And Ethan just took it.
I don’t have a lot of patience for the types that are too afraid to come out of the closet and don’t want to be seen with their (potential) boyfriends.
These guys were still fighting and having meaningless sex when I got to 90%. And when I finally thought things would get better, it just got worse. If I was Ethan I would have dumped Greg’s ass and went for someone who would have fought for me.
And I didn’t even really like Ethan…
Ugh, this was awful.
January 5, 2016
3 Stars
It seems I have a real affinity for these m/m college tales. I really enjoyed following Ethan in his journey of self-discovery. However, I wasn't all that fond of Greg (Ethan's love interest).
I'm looking forward to reading more from this author!
YEAH, RAINBOW!!
It seems I have a real affinity for these m/m college tales. I really enjoyed following Ethan in his journey of self-discovery. However, I wasn't all that fond of Greg (Ethan's love interest).
I'm looking forward to reading more from this author!
YEAH, RAINBOW!!
March 16, 2015
Let’s start this review out with some truths….I’m crazy as fuck & I take this shit waaaay to seriously.
This book just didn’t work for me and after a night of thinking about it I’ve figured out why. So I love me a good m/m ofy/gfy story. The issue with this one was all Greg. Greg was an ass. First off no one should ever feel bad or used or like a whore after having sex with you. The tone after Greg and Ethan’s sexual encounters were always riddled with Ethan feeling like Greg was using him for sex. While I understand that some feelings “love for example” can’t always be reciprocated when it comes to sex everyone participating better feel damn good afterwards and at least wanted. My advice to Ethan as a friend would have been “if you don’t leave sex with Greg feeling like the sexiest mother fucker on the planet do not do that shit again”. Sex is like the biggest ego booster….what a compliment “damn girl/boy you look so good I’d like to stick my dick in you”.
Greg was also a walking bag of mixed messages. He’d had an experience & really in my opinion determined he was gay. He didn’t appear to be struggling with any aspect other than being worried if his friends found out he’d be out of his frat. Big fucking deal, the kid was loaded. He wasn’t worried about losing his sports scholarship, or it impacting his future NFL prospects. He actually should have been particularly sensitive to Ethan’s feelings considering how Greg’s first experience went. I felt Greg was a game player.
The kissing….we all know how I feel about people who don’t kiss during sex. It’s a cop out…listen people who equate sex and love….well they are gonna do that whether you kiss them or not. No kissing is a sexual hang up and sexual hangups are bad. I’m just gonna say if your all “I’ll fuck you but I won’t kiss you” so I can send you a message that us forming any type of relationship is a no go (fuck you friendships are relationships you ass) then no sex for you….
I despise jealousy. It stops me cold. I also am not a fan of I don’t want you until someone else has you. The way this story wrapped up for me….Greg would have to get someone else. No need to white knight me after you left me for three weeks. What you think this guy is treating me like a whore…um wonder what gave him that impression….well he did see you treating me like a whore so you know there’s that. The wrap up was too fast, too easy…Ethan you’re a freshman hold out until next year Greg is not the man for you.
This book just didn’t work for me and after a night of thinking about it I’ve figured out why. So I love me a good m/m ofy/gfy story. The issue with this one was all Greg. Greg was an ass. First off no one should ever feel bad or used or like a whore after having sex with you. The tone after Greg and Ethan’s sexual encounters were always riddled with Ethan feeling like Greg was using him for sex. While I understand that some feelings “love for example” can’t always be reciprocated when it comes to sex everyone participating better feel damn good afterwards and at least wanted. My advice to Ethan as a friend would have been “if you don’t leave sex with Greg feeling like the sexiest mother fucker on the planet do not do that shit again”. Sex is like the biggest ego booster….what a compliment “damn girl/boy you look so good I’d like to stick my dick in you”.
Greg was also a walking bag of mixed messages. He’d had an experience & really in my opinion determined he was gay. He didn’t appear to be struggling with any aspect other than being worried if his friends found out he’d be out of his frat. Big fucking deal, the kid was loaded. He wasn’t worried about losing his sports scholarship, or it impacting his future NFL prospects. He actually should have been particularly sensitive to Ethan’s feelings considering how Greg’s first experience went. I felt Greg was a game player.
The kissing….we all know how I feel about people who don’t kiss during sex. It’s a cop out…listen people who equate sex and love….well they are gonna do that whether you kiss them or not. No kissing is a sexual hang up and sexual hangups are bad. I’m just gonna say if your all “I’ll fuck you but I won’t kiss you” so I can send you a message that us forming any type of relationship is a no go (fuck you friendships are relationships you ass) then no sex for you….
I despise jealousy. It stops me cold. I also am not a fan of I don’t want you until someone else has you. The way this story wrapped up for me….Greg would have to get someone else. No need to white knight me after you left me for three weeks. What you think this guy is treating me like a whore…um wonder what gave him that impression….well he did see you treating me like a whore so you know there’s that. The wrap up was too fast, too easy…Ethan you’re a freshman hold out until next year Greg is not the man for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2021
I’m surprised at how much I enjoyed this, considering it was a single POV story. I can kind of understand why it was like this since Greg’s POV would’ve been mostly denial, but I think some chapters from Greg’s POV towards the end of the book would’ve made this an even better read. I felt for Ethan a lot cause I’m no stranger to the feeling of being excluded, so a lot of moments made me feel emotional.
It’s a mildy angsty read, about what you can expect from a gay guy hooking up with a “I’m straight” frat guy, but nothing too intense.
It’s a mildy angsty read, about what you can expect from a gay guy hooking up with a “I’m straight” frat guy, but nothing too intense.
October 5, 2014
I have fallen in love, so in love with these boys. I am normally cautious of grabbing a book by new authors. – not that I don’t love finding new authors but there is this bit of anxiety of “will I like it?” and the whole stepping out of my comfort zone deal. Well, thank goodness I stepped out of mine and met Ethan and Greg, who also do a bit of stepping out of their comfort zones. Would you look at that? It’s like a match made in heaven, or at least a few minutes of heaven. Okay, bad puns over.
I adore stories about college boys exploring their sexuality. The first time for most away from home, being in charge of their lives and getting to do what they want. For Ethan, it’s his chance to be included, to have friends and be something more than the lonely boy from high school. He has a great set of dorm mates who enjoy the refined college life of garden sculptures and a never ending array of ethnic foods to try. Ethan also has his number one crush in this group of friends, Preston, the buttoned-down boy who stirs Ethan’s blood and causes him to freeze up as well. What is a boy to do when you can’t flirt or talk to your crush?
It’s a good thing Ethan has a Con Law class that will take up a lot of his time. You see, Ethan has a goal to be a lawyer and argue at the Supreme Court level. The professor of this class is the contact he needs, this class is what he needs, he just didn’t realize how much he would learn from it. Being a latecomer has its advantages when the only seat left in the class is right next to Greg, a hot frat boy with a playful streak all the way in the very back of the room. The very back of the room where it’s dark, where no one quite pays attention and where you can… get an education or at least the cliff notes for the test that will be coming up. Oh, goodness I can’t stop with the puns or the smile that is on my face.
Well then… Ethan meets Greg in class. .Ethan’s first impression of Greg is of the slacker fraternity variety. The guy who has everything going for him and has doesn’t’ have to work as hard as Ethan. The boys don’t exactly hit it off, they appear to be opposites and Ethan takes to Greg’s teasing as being mean, so, Ethan is not attracted to Greg. Nope. Not until one day, Ethan sees Greg at the gym; admires his body both during his workout and *ahem* after in the locker room. When Greg’s manhood is threatened, and he decides to show Ethan how wrong he is, the tables turn and Ethan takes matters into his own hands. From there, these two get ooh so very sexy as they find new ways and new secret places to get one another off. This becomes a game, or so it seems, between the boys after class; places to be together where they could get caught. It was fun, embarrassing and anxiety filled to be with them every time they found a new spot and my heart ached for both boys. I wanted Ethan not to get attached and get his heart broken, and I wanted Greg to be… well out in the open. Yep, there is that title with meaning. Ugh.
Greg, I have a soft spot for my boys in the closet, and I adored Greg. The bits of himself he lets slip and the way he feels about Ethan just melted me. I mean, two boys watching a movie together should not melt me and yet there I was, sliding off my chair into a puddle of goo at work as I read the smallest detail and I was a goner. Not only did that scene start off hot with something I was hoping would happen I got the emotions that I need when it comes to romance. Oh boy, did I ever. Did I say that I fell in love with these boys? I so did.
I am rambling, I know, it’s what happens when I fall for books, and I just fell so hard for this story and the boys. I loved how they came together; it was hot and super sexy but as they continue, seeing the boys develop feelings and knowing that they are both hiding in different ways just tugged my heart strings and made me hug my Nook. I could not stop reading this and didn’t want to go home and run when I only had 20% left to read. I had to know how it would end and how both boys would come to terms with their relationship. I am sure I am forgetting to say more about the book but to say more would spoil it, and this was so much fun and gooey to spoil it for anyone.
But I do have to say, one of my favorite things in romance novels is the first kiss, it has been a favorite since I began reading romance novels some twenty plus years ago and let me tell you; the first kiss with Ethan and Greg made me groan at my desk and have people ask if I was okay. Nope, I was not okay, I was goo. Total and complete goo and if you know me, goo is good.
Out in the Open was a fun, sexy, hilarious (the things that come out of Ethan’s mouth, *giggle* I have a whole slew of them highlighted), heartwarming and romantic tale of two boys who find one another and get the best education ever; the education of friendship, acceptance and love – oh the love., Okay, I am melting again thinking about the boys and nicknames and libraries and drunk photo shoots and… I am done.
4.5 stars
I adore stories about college boys exploring their sexuality. The first time for most away from home, being in charge of their lives and getting to do what they want. For Ethan, it’s his chance to be included, to have friends and be something more than the lonely boy from high school. He has a great set of dorm mates who enjoy the refined college life of garden sculptures and a never ending array of ethnic foods to try. Ethan also has his number one crush in this group of friends, Preston, the buttoned-down boy who stirs Ethan’s blood and causes him to freeze up as well. What is a boy to do when you can’t flirt or talk to your crush?
It’s a good thing Ethan has a Con Law class that will take up a lot of his time. You see, Ethan has a goal to be a lawyer and argue at the Supreme Court level. The professor of this class is the contact he needs, this class is what he needs, he just didn’t realize how much he would learn from it. Being a latecomer has its advantages when the only seat left in the class is right next to Greg, a hot frat boy with a playful streak all the way in the very back of the room. The very back of the room where it’s dark, where no one quite pays attention and where you can… get an education or at least the cliff notes for the test that will be coming up. Oh, goodness I can’t stop with the puns or the smile that is on my face.
Well then… Ethan meets Greg in class. .Ethan’s first impression of Greg is of the slacker fraternity variety. The guy who has everything going for him and has doesn’t’ have to work as hard as Ethan. The boys don’t exactly hit it off, they appear to be opposites and Ethan takes to Greg’s teasing as being mean, so, Ethan is not attracted to Greg. Nope. Not until one day, Ethan sees Greg at the gym; admires his body both during his workout and *ahem* after in the locker room. When Greg’s manhood is threatened, and he decides to show Ethan how wrong he is, the tables turn and Ethan takes matters into his own hands. From there, these two get ooh so very sexy as they find new ways and new secret places to get one another off. This becomes a game, or so it seems, between the boys after class; places to be together where they could get caught. It was fun, embarrassing and anxiety filled to be with them every time they found a new spot and my heart ached for both boys. I wanted Ethan not to get attached and get his heart broken, and I wanted Greg to be… well out in the open. Yep, there is that title with meaning. Ugh.
Greg, I have a soft spot for my boys in the closet, and I adored Greg. The bits of himself he lets slip and the way he feels about Ethan just melted me. I mean, two boys watching a movie together should not melt me and yet there I was, sliding off my chair into a puddle of goo at work as I read the smallest detail and I was a goner. Not only did that scene start off hot with something I was hoping would happen I got the emotions that I need when it comes to romance. Oh boy, did I ever. Did I say that I fell in love with these boys? I so did.
I am rambling, I know, it’s what happens when I fall for books, and I just fell so hard for this story and the boys. I loved how they came together; it was hot and super sexy but as they continue, seeing the boys develop feelings and knowing that they are both hiding in different ways just tugged my heart strings and made me hug my Nook. I could not stop reading this and didn’t want to go home and run when I only had 20% left to read. I had to know how it would end and how both boys would come to terms with their relationship. I am sure I am forgetting to say more about the book but to say more would spoil it, and this was so much fun and gooey to spoil it for anyone.
But I do have to say, one of my favorite things in romance novels is the first kiss, it has been a favorite since I began reading romance novels some twenty plus years ago and let me tell you; the first kiss with Ethan and Greg made me groan at my desk and have people ask if I was okay. Nope, I was not okay, I was goo. Total and complete goo and if you know me, goo is good.
Out in the Open was a fun, sexy, hilarious (the things that come out of Ethan’s mouth, *giggle* I have a whole slew of them highlighted), heartwarming and romantic tale of two boys who find one another and get the best education ever; the education of friendship, acceptance and love – oh the love., Okay, I am melting again thinking about the boys and nicknames and libraries and drunk photo shoots and… I am done.
4.5 stars
April 17, 2022
Some parts were strange, but some were really hot 🔥
September 30, 2014
When the request came in for me to review this book, I immediately said “no way”. For one, it is contemporary and let’s just say that contemporary romance hasn’t been my thing for over a year. Second, it’s self-published by a brand new author. Yikes!! Now, I know there are many readers out there who love to give new, undiscovered authors a try, I’m just not one of them. Oh, I’ve chanced it many times and can honestly say that’ve I’ve found some great ones. Out in the Open just happens to be one of those great ones.
I immediately connected with the main character Ethan Follett. He’s socially awkward and more focused on his academics than making friends with the cool kids. He actually reminded me a bit of myself when I was in college. But when he shows up late on the first day of Constitutional Law, Ethan gets stuck sitting by the biggest distraction of his life: “fraternislut” Greg Sanderson. Before he knows it, Ethan is having super-secret-public-sexcapades with Greg all over campus. The problem? Greg swears he is straight.
Okay, this isn’t a real complicated story and the majority of it is fairly predictable: closets, drunken frat parties, cliquish drama. But it hit all my weakness in all the right places: virgins, out for you, self discovery. And the sex was crazy hot…I think it was all the risky, public sex that did it for me. Ethan and Greg were very creative.
The story is told from Ethan’s POV, so obviously I get to know him a lot better than Greg. Greg is a bit of an enigma and Ethan struggles to uncover the real Greg. I thought it was pretty obvious what Greg was hiding, but it truly endeared him to me more. I did think that the ending was a little rushed and the resolution a bit too easy. I wanted to see all that “stuff” that happened between the last chapter the epilogue dammit! Gah! I’m greedy like that.
In the end, the author has done of wonderful job of bringing campus life…well, to life. I can’t wait for the next book in the series! Psst, I already know whose story it will tell. :)
4.5 Stars
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
I immediately connected with the main character Ethan Follett. He’s socially awkward and more focused on his academics than making friends with the cool kids. He actually reminded me a bit of myself when I was in college. But when he shows up late on the first day of Constitutional Law, Ethan gets stuck sitting by the biggest distraction of his life: “fraternislut” Greg Sanderson. Before he knows it, Ethan is having super-secret-public-sexcapades with Greg all over campus. The problem? Greg swears he is straight.
Okay, this isn’t a real complicated story and the majority of it is fairly predictable: closets, drunken frat parties, cliquish drama. But it hit all my weakness in all the right places: virgins, out for you, self discovery. And the sex was crazy hot…I think it was all the risky, public sex that did it for me. Ethan and Greg were very creative.
The story is told from Ethan’s POV, so obviously I get to know him a lot better than Greg. Greg is a bit of an enigma and Ethan struggles to uncover the real Greg. I thought it was pretty obvious what Greg was hiding, but it truly endeared him to me more. I did think that the ending was a little rushed and the resolution a bit too easy. I wanted to see all that “stuff” that happened between the last chapter the epilogue dammit! Gah! I’m greedy like that.
In the end, the author has done of wonderful job of bringing campus life…well, to life. I can’t wait for the next book in the series! Psst, I already know whose story it will tell. :)
4.5 Stars
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
July 26, 2016
Un libro sin muchas pretensiones con dos chicos universitarios, nada nuevo bajo el sol, pero una historia muy simpática y dos protagonistas adorables. Ideal para pasar un buen rato.
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