Title: Out in the Surf
Series: Out in College, Book 10
Author: Lane Hayes
Narrator: Michael Dean
Publisher: Lane Hayes
Heat Level: 4 - Lots of Sex
Pairing: Male/Male
Length: 4 hrs and 8 mins
Genre: Romance, Contemporary MM Romance, Sports Romance, Bisexual, College Romance
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Synopsis
The hockey player, the surfer, and a lesson neither can forget…
Luca-
I love the beach, and I’m a good athlete. Learning how to surf should be a breeze, right?
Wrong.
In a twist, hockey is nothing like surfing. That’s okay—I just need a diversion to round out my new life in So Cal while I figure out what comes next. As long as I keep my head above water, this could be fun.
Bonus…my instructor is hot.
Cal-
Teaching newbies to surf is easy money. Usually. My newest student is a wild card who seems to think his jock status should make him a natural at everything he tries, and I can see why. Luca is…special. He’s dynamic, energetic, and fun. It’s hard not to like him. But I like him a little too much.
This could be trouble.
Out in the Surf is a low-angst MM romance, bisexual-awakening story. When the teacher becomes the student, it may be time to come out in the surf.
Excerpt
I held out my hand, smirking when he stared at it suspiciously.
“Thanks.”
He pressed his palm against mine, shook my hand, and released it. No big deal, right?
Wrong.
My fingers tingled and my heart rate soared to the stratosphere. I played it cool, though. I hooked my thumbs in my belt loops, casually glanced up at the street sign before asking, “So…when do you want to schedule your next lesson?”
Luca barked a laugh. “I’m not doing that again. That was single-handedly the most traumatic thing that’s happened to me since I moved to Cali. A clear sign I should stay closer to shore and away from surfboards.”
“No, no, no. You’ve got that wrong,” I cajoled. “It’s like I tried to tell you…you’ve got to get back on that horse. Or surfboard. Don’t let fear win.”
“I’m not afraid of surfing. It’s more a matter of returning to the scene of the crime.”
“What crime?”
“The kissing crime!” He threw his hands in the air and paced a few feet away.
I pursed my lips to keep my smile in check when he came to a stop in front of me. “Are you going to do it again?”
Luca shrugged. “I didn’t intend to do it the first time around. But what if I accidentally stick my tongue down your throat? Don’t look at me like that. It could happen.”
“I’m willing to take a chance.” I chuckled. “How about Monday?”
He screwed his features into wide-eyed disbelief. “Really?”
“Really.”
“I can’t. School started last week and I can’t be late…yet.”
“Wise choice.” I stepped away from the crosswalk to lean against the building’s façade. “Okay, if you have any open mornings, we’ll make it work. Otherwise, I’ll make time for you on the weekend. Early.”
Luca furrowed his brow. “If I hypothetically agreed, what is ‘early’ to you?”
“Seven a.m.”
“Fuck that.” He snorted with a laugh. “I need my beauty sleep.”
It was on the tip of my tongue to assure him that he didn’t, but that was a strange sentiment coming from another guy. Wasn’t it?
“Early bird gets the worm and all that,” I singsonged.
“Hmph. I’ll think about it…someday.”
“Sounds fair. Gimme your phone number.” I handed over my cell and let him add his contact info. “I’m free tomorrow morning…just sayin’.”
I was teasing. I was more interested in coaxing an incredulous reaction than anything. And Luca didn’t disappoint. He put his hands on his hips and shook his head in mock consternation.
“You’re nuts. Certifiable. I wouldn’t want to hang out with hungover me if I were you.”
“I’ve seen you barf. Does it get worse?”
He opened his mouth and closed it. “Wow, I really was a mess that day.”
“You weren’t that bad,” I chided playfully.
“Liar,” Luca scoffed. “All right. Call me or text me. We’ll have a redo and next time, I promise not to kiss you.”
“I wouldn’t mind if you did,” I replied, unthinking.
We both froze.
I wasn’t sure who was more surprised. My jaw unhinged while he cocked his head and really looked at me for the first time that night, his eyes roaming my face as if searching for clues.
“So kissing might be okay,” he hummed, narrowing his eyes.
I felt his gaze like a physical touch. It had never occurred to me to wonder how another man saw me, but I had to admit, the flash of naked desire in his expression did something for me.
This was a new one. Luca was gay, or maybe bi. Either way, he was plainly interested in me…and I didn’t hate it. In fact, my jeans hugged my crotch a little too tightly, which meant my body appreciated his interest and maybe shared it. And that was pretty…gay.
Was I okay with that?
Purchase at Audible
It's been a bit since I've read or listened to a Lane Hayes book, and starting at book 10 in a series probably wasn't the logical choice, but it is what it is. Thankfully, this one is a standalone, at least, I didn't feel like I was missing anything. For the most part, Out in the Surf is a fun, easy listen. There is a wee bit of angst, but even then, it's an easy-going book. It's also a steamy listen, and Cal and Luca have some good chemistry going on. They're both likable and easy to root for and the story just kind of flows, which makes sense for a surfing romance. The book is about 4 hours long, so it's perfect for a road trip or even listening while you're out running errands. Michael Dean gives voice to the characters, and he does a really good job of capturing the lighthearted friendship and romance between Luca and Cal. I think this is my first time listening to Dean, and now that I've heard him, I wouldn't hesitate to pick up an audiobook with his narration. I enjoyed both the story and narration, and Out in the Surf reminded me of how much I like Lane Hayes's work.
Meet the Author
Lane Hayes loves a good romance! An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to well-told love story with beautifully written characters. Her debut novel was a 2013 Rainbow Award finalist and subsequent books have received Honorable Mentions, and were winners in the 2016, 2017, 2018-2019, 2020-2021 Rainbow Awards. She loves wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband and her fabulous pup, George.
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