Hi there y’all! SHE LIVES!! It’s been a heck of a year teaching-wise and though I read a lot, I can’t always find the time to blog like I did. Still, I’m trying to rededicate myself to the effort and today I’m sharing a double audiobook release, with a review of one and a giveaway. OUT IN THE DEEP and OUT IN THE END ZONE are two new sports, New Adult M/M romances out in the last few months form Lane Hayes. They are books 1 and 2 of her Out in College series, and soooo yummy. Okay, I’ve read book 1 and 3, so I know those are fab. If you want some more mature romances, I’d also recommend LEANING INTO THE FALL, LEANING INTO ALWAYS, or any of the other Leaning In stories. Out in the Deep is a fun coming out romance featuring two star waterpolo players who start out as enemies, turn into teammates, and end up at boyfriends.

About the book:
Derek Vaughn is a little too serious. He’s a type A control personality with a penchant for order and a love of water polo. But he’s determined to enjoy his last year of college. The real world with a serious job and big expectations can wait for a few months. He’s going soak up every minute on campus with his friends and teammates before he moves on. The only possible kink in his plan is the new guy on the team… also known as his nemesis.

Gabe Chadwick has big Olympic dreams. His transfer between Southern California universities has nothing to do with scholastics. The degree is his backup plan. He’s not there to party or make friends. And he certainly isn’t going to announce his sexuality. But he can’t deny there’s something special about the uptight team captain. However, when an unwitting friendship and mutual attraction collide, both will have to decide if this is the real thing or if they’re about to lose it all in the deep.

My Review:
Derek Vaughn is a senior caption on his college waterpolo team, and he’s sure this is going to be a great year–until his long-time nemesis, national-team member Gabe Chadwick, joins the team. Derek is freshly-single, having broken off a two-year relationship with a woman he’d struggled to connect with for the last six months, or more. It’s shocking how attractive he finds Gabe–and how a bandaging incident led to making out, and more.

Gabe is gay, but closeted. He doesn’t want prejudice to upset his chances at making the olympic team in two years. So, when Derek calls him all mortified following their unexpected moments of passion, well, Gabe pretends it never happened. This infuriates, Derek, who wants to control the situation–and who maybe secretly wants a rematch. A silly confrontation causes Derek’s coach to force them into close proximity. And that’s when Gabe’s finally honest about his desire–and Derek’s ready to accept his bisexuality.

Under the guise of teammates trying to mend a rift, they spend as many days and nights together as they can. Derek’s trying to keep it on the DL, but his ex is posing a problem, and it’s soon clear that roommates and teammates are getting suspicious… Will Derek take the fall, or will both he and Gabe find a path to love that includes being out and proud?

The audiobook is really fun, with a solid narration that really plays up Derek’s dead-pan, self-deprecating humor. I could easily envision Derek’s horror and hesitance, through the well-paced narration. Having read the book, it was really cool to hear all the bits and pieces come to life. I really enjoyed the story in both media, but for people on the go–I had a long road trip–the audio was a great way to pass the time.

Interested? You can find OUT IN THE DEEP on Goodreads, Amazon ebook, and Audible (audiobook).

About the book:
Evan di Angelo is an upbeat, good-natured goofball who loves his friends and family… and football. A traumatic accident may have ended his hopes of playing professionally, but he’s made the most of his four years on the field at a small Southern California college. He’s learned the hard way to embrace change, take chances and try things outside of his comfort zone…like agreeing to play fake boyfriends for someone else’s senior project.

Mitch Peterson knows that being his authentic self is the path to true happiness. He’s grown from a shy, quiet kid from a broken home to an out and proud budding internet sensation bound for grad school. An awesome senior project is the key. It’s unlikely anyone will believe the hunky, straight athlete is Mitch’s new lover, but it’s worth a shot. However, as their tentative friendship blossoms into unexpected attraction, the lines between reality and fiction blur for both men. Evan is forced to face old demons and decide if he has the courage to take the next step and come out in the end zone.

I’m still listening to this one, and will report back with a review as soon as I can.

Interested? You can find OUT IN THE END ZONE on Goodreads, Amazon and Audible.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card!
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the Author:
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 were winners in the 2016 Rainbow Awards. She loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband in an almost empty nest.

Catch up with Lane on her website, Facebook, twitter, and Goodreads.

About the Narrator:
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 including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and SoundCloud.

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

Catch up with Michael on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and SoundCloud.