Audio Blitz, Review, Excerpt and Giveaway: Out in the Offense by Lane Hayes, performed by Michael Pauley

Performance: 5

Story: 5

5.0Overall score

I loved this one! as an ebook, the audio is even better!

Out in the Offense By Lane Hayes, Narrated By Michael Pauley

Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult, Bisexual, MM, GLBTQ, Sports

Released: February 11, 2019 audio; January 6. 2019 ebook

Publisher: Self-Published

Series: Out in College, Book 3

Length: 5 hrs, 31 minutes

Performed by: Michael Pauley

Synopsis

Christian Rafferty is a talented quarterback with a big secret. He’s determined to make the most of his final season on the football field, and if possible, avoid any confrontations with his conservative parents about his future. It shouldn’t be difficult; he’s become adept at keeping his public and private lives separate. However, when a math class threatens to derail his plans to graduate on time, he realizes he may need outside help.

Rory Kirkland has a reputation for being a tough guy. He’s a former wrestler and recent college graduate who needs a real job. Until he finds one, tutoring is a decent temporary gig. Luckily, his brain is his biggest asset. Rory is a genius. He credits his sport for helping him deal with angst and rumors about his sexuality when he was younger, but he doesn’t care what others think anymore. He likes his new status as an out and proud bi man; and he recognizes something of himself in Christian. But Rory didn’t count on falling for him. When an unlikely friendship collides with intense attraction, both men begin to realize that coming out on offense just might be the surest path to love.

54,000 words

Review

Reviewed by ButtonsMom2003

I loved this one!

I reviewed Out in the Offense when it released as an ebook and I loved it; the audiobook book made me love it even more. Michael Pauley was the perfect voice actor for this series and his performance of Out in the Offense was sexy, hot and absolutely delicious!

The following is my review from when the ebook was first published:

I’ve really been enjoying the Out in College series by Lane Hayes. Out in the Offense is the third book in the series but each one does stand-alone very well. You will see characters from the previous books but they don’t play a significant role in Out in the Offense.

Christian is the quarterback of his college football team and he’s deep in the closet. While his football skills are outstanding, he’s not so hot at math. At risk of losing his place on the team if he doesn’t pass statistics, his coach hires him a tutor. Enter Rory, an out and proud former college wrestler and math genius.

From the minute they meet, Christian can’t seem to stop his far from platonic feelings for Rory and it is soon apparent that Rory is feeling the same way. Rory is understanding of Christian’s desire to stay in the closet – he didn’t come out until after he graduated – but he also knows that it’s causing a lot of stress for him to keep hiding his true self.

The chemistry between Christian and Rory was off the charts hot! I felt for Christian – his parents were conservative religious people and he knew that they wouldn’t accept the fact that he is gay. He’s also afraid of how his teammates would handle it. As quarterback and team captain he has a strong leadership role and he’s afraid his coming out might ruin that.

I really love a good epilogue and very much enjoyed the one for Out in the Offense. This is a story that really touched my emotions. I don’t know if there will be more books in this series or not but I sure hope so.

I almost forgot to say how much I like Rory’s cat’s name. ? (It’s Buttons.)

Story: ♥♥♥♥♥

Narration: ♥♥♥♥♥

O Factor: Scorcher

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Excerpt

“Can I do anything to help?” I asked, setting my backpack on one of the two barstools at the narrow counter space.

“Nope. As soon as the veggies are sautéed, we’ll be ready to eat. Want something to drink?”“Yes, please. Water is fine. Where’s Buttons?”

Rory pulled a water bottle from the small fridge behind him and handed it over, then pointed at a basket next to the sofa.

“She’s hiding behind that basket. She’ll make an appearance if she decides you’re worthy. In the meantime, there’s bread in that basket on the counter next to your bag. Help yourself. I’ll bring dinner out.”

I thanked him, then twisted the cap from the water bottle and took a generous sip before rounding the corner in search of the bread. I was ravenous. I bit into the baguette with gusto before turning to check out my surroundings.

Rory’s apartment was tiny. Probably half the size of mine and much older. But unlike the rough exterior, it was…pleasant. Surprisingly so. A short wall delineated the narrow kitchen from the main living area. There was just enough room for a sofa, an ottoman, a TV console, and a smallish television. Two barstools were tucked under the small peninsula by the cut-out in the kitchen wall. The palette was basic “dude”…dark leather against stark white walls, though a large red throw rug anchored the room and provided a nice splash of color. It was simple—but tidy and very clean.

“Your place is cool,” I commented when he entered the room, carrying two plates and a large bowl.

“Thanks. Let’s sit on the sofa. We have more room to eat there,” he said decisively as he set his burden on the coffee table. “Help yourself. I’ll get some forks, napkins, and extra veggies.”

I obeyed and quickly got to work, scooping chicken fettucine Alfredo onto both plates. Rory joined me a minute later, handing over the silverware before taking a seat next to me. I shot a bashful sideways glance at him as I reached for a napkin.

“Do you eat like this every night?”

“It’s really nothing special. I make sauces in bulk and freeze them. Then it’s just a matter of adding protein and veggies. By the way, this Alfredo is a healthy version. If you want to drown it in parmesan, feel free. I won’t be offended. Cheers.” He tapped his water bottle against mine and winked.

“Cheers. And thanks again. This is incredible and very unexpected.” I smiled as I twisted the pasta around my fork.

“You’re welcome. You sounded anxious, but you said we’re cool. Are we?”

“Of course.”

Rory tilted his head and shot me a challenging look. “Then kiss me.”

“Um…now?”

“Yeah, now. The other night could have been a fluke. Instead of wondering, let’s get it over with. One kiss should be enough to tell. C’mere,” he commanded, leaning sideways.

I set my fork down and met him halfway until our noses brushed. Then I waited for him to make the next move. He stayed stubbornly still. When I couldn’t stand the growing tension, I pressed my lips to his. And wow…amazing.

Rory was a great kisser. He had the simple art of give-and-take down to a science. He molded his mouth to mine and gently pushed his tongue inside. The connection was sweet but bold. It was more about discovery than possession. I hummed as I snaked my arm around his neck, pulling him closer. He sucked my tongue, then bit my bottom lip playfully before pulling back.

“Definitely not a fluke,” he said with a devilish grin.

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Out in College Series

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About Author

Lane Hayes

Lane Hayes is grateful to finally be doing what she loves best. Writing full-time! It’s no secret Lane loves a good romance novel. An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to well-told love story with beautifully written characters. These days she prefers the leading roles to both be men. Lane discovered the M/M genre a few years ago and was instantly hooked. Her debut novel was a 2013 Rainbow Award finalist and subsequent books have received Honorable Mentions, and won First Prize in the 2016 and 2017 Rainbow Awards. She loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband in a newly empty nest.

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About Narrator

Michael Pauley

Michael has well over 50 audio book titles currently available for purchase on Audible.com. He is versed in multiple styles and genres including fiction (novels and short stories) ranging from romance to science fiction to crime dramas to thrillers; business strategy books; health and wellness books; and even an occasional children’s book.

Fans of Michael’s narration are welcome to follow him on social media.

If you are interested in working with Michael to produce your next audio book, you can contact him directly at voice@michaelpauley.info

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