Starting From Zero by Lane Hayes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

I have loved Lane Hayes for years. She's created so many series that I've fallen in love with and this book is such an exciting start in my opinion. It's fun and fresh and come on... we love band boys. We love an age gap. We love song writers and romance and artistic souls.

Justin was perfect with his ADD and his constant babbling and running in circles. It added so much dimension to his character and created this vulnerability and need to be brave and strong and accomplish his goals on his own.

Gray was the quintessential supporter, cheerleader, backer, and all around perfect boyfriend. I know a few book boyfriend hoarders out there and I'm calling dibs on Gray.

The built in family of friends was so fun to meet. Charlie is a character all to himself and I seriously need his story next.

The writing was magnificent. There was poetry and heat and talent and raw edge. It blew my mind and stole my breath. So many theories and thoughts on love and its meaning. So well done. Loved it.

*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/*

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Out in the Offense by Lane Hayes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another winner for Lane Hayes. I love how her MC's in the Out in College series are so very different with completely original backgrounds. Rory and Christian were the perfect additions.

Christian is the Quarterback for the Chilton college football team, but he's failing statistics. When his coach tells him he needs a tutor and offers to pay for Rory, Christian can't say no.

Rory is an out and proud bi man who's recently graduated from college and is looking at what to do next. He's got time on his hands so tutoring Christian seems like an easy addition to his plan. But soon his student turns into a distraction...

Rory was charming and funny and smart as hell. He was out and proud, but he'd been in the closet and knew what it was like living there. So when Christian is dodgy about PDA, Rory gets it. He was so patient and supportive. The story was told in the perspective of just Christian, but I'd love to have gotten inside Rory's head.

Christian was living his life playing defense instead of pushing for what he wanted. I enjoyed how determined he was, but the whole relationship with his roommates Max and Sky was so much drama. The lack of drama between Christian and Rory was gratifying, but the addition of the supporting casts struggles made me cringe at times.

Overall, this was a beautiful tale of love trumping all and was very well done. I loved the jokes and the inquisitive nature of Christian. I loved Rory and his contribution to making this story so uplifting and satisfying. This is definitely another must read addition to the series.

*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/ *



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