Audiobook Review: Out in the Offense (Out in College #3) by Lane Hayes

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.

Narrator: Michael Pauley
Listening Length: 5 hours and 31 minutes

This audiobook was just what I needed - quick, easy, sexy, and sweet. I was able to just zone out and enjoy the listen while walking to and from work.

Michael Pauley did an excellent job with the narration. This is the first time I’ve listened to one of his audiobooks, and I’d definitely do so again.

I haven’t read the previous 2 books in the series, but had no trouble reading ‘Out in the Offense’ as a stand-alone.

Closeted star college quarterback Christian Rafferty tries to balance his sexuality, his career aspirations, his parents’ demands, and his grades. He mostly manages, but he decides to get a tutor once his grade start taking a hit.

Rory Kirkland is a recent college grad, former wrestler, and a tutor until he decides on a full-time job. He’s wicked smart, and patient with his students.

This is an attraction-forward book. There’s no doubt that the two men want to get into each other’s pants from the start.

Christian finds Rory’s self-assured confidence and book smarts incredibly attractive. And though he isn’t 100% sure, Christian thinks Rory might like him too. But it’s not all about the physical.

Before they give in to the tension between them, Rory and Christian strike up an easy friendship. Over shared coffees and tutoring sessions, the two men slowly fall for each other. Christian does have a bit of a hero-worship case going on, but Rory’s equally enamoured.

And do they ever light up fireworks once they get down and dirty!

I wouldn’t call this an insta-love romance, but it’s certainly not too dramatic. The romance just builds bit by bit, with a few minor bumps that Rory and Christian smooth over pretty easily.

The main conflict in the book comes from Christian’s life - being in the closet and his controlling parents. It takes a while for him to sort things out, but Rory’s support doesn’t fail.

My only quibbles: the temporary self-martyrdom could have been avoided, and the whole vandalism issue was never fully resolved.

But overall, this was a fun and sexy read. Recommended if you’re looking for an easily enjoyable audiobook!