Review by Lily Lamb
TITLE: Out In The Open
AUTHOR: A.J. Truman
PUBLISHER: Self Pub
LENGTH: 244 pages
BLURB:
Libraries are meant for studying – not sex
College sophomore Ethan Follett never says what’s on his mind and never wants to rock the boat. After a high school social life spent anonymous and alone, things are finally falling into place for him. He’s found a group of friends just as studious as he, and is on track for a promising legal career. Out in the open, things couldn’t be better, but secretly Ethan yearns for some real excitement in his life.
He finds it in cocky fratboy Greg Sanderson, who challenges every rigid, preconceived notion Ethan lives by. Soon, their sparring relationship turns sexual, and these enemies-with-benefits get their freak on all over campus. Yet the more Ethan comes out of his shell, the more Greg retreats into his, working overtime to keep his ladies man public persona intact. As the sex gets hotter, and they get closer to getting caught, one part of their arrangement can’t stay hidden any longer: love.
OUT IN THE OPEN is a M/M new adult romance filled with humor, heart, and hot guys. The book is intended for audiences 18+ as it contains explicit sex and language.
REVIEW:
Ethan is a socially awkward and introverted guy who had a lonely time at high school. When he is in college he meets like-minded people and starts to be part of a social group. He is ambitious and wants to study law so when he starts attending Constitutional Law class, he sits beside loud, confident, cool and distracting Greg. Whilst they banter and bicker, things get out of hand and Ethan makes a grab of Greg’s crotch….and that’s how they start making out in public places secretly. Where Ethan is open about being gay, Greg is still in closeted and struggles to come out.
The story is written from Ethan’s point of view and I couldn’t help but adore him. Greg from Ethan’s point of view was like a cheeky minx at the beginning of the story and the way they were attracted to each other was just heartwarming. I thought they were perfect for each other but still it was not an easy journey. The angst in the story is mild and easy to read but also very captivating. I couldn’t put the book down because the dialogue was so engaging. The dynamics between the characters were so interesting, endearing and often sensuous, I really struggled to put the book down. The plot was believable that one young male was struggling to come out and was attracted to a younger gay male.
A.J Truman added so much sensuous moments into the story but did not forget to load the story with emotions, warmth, friendship, humor, and camaraderie. The only thing this book needs is improved editing. Although it did not spoil the story but I still noticed the short fall. I am keeping this story to read it again repeatedly.
RATING: 
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