Out in the Open by A.J. Truman was a wonderful New Adult story and great debut novel. Not perfect, but showing the large potential Truman possesses.
This book is classic New Adult: both MCs are learning about themselves and discovering who they are and their place in the world. You know, typical college stuff.
Written strictly through Ethan’s POV allows the reader to see a lot of character growth for him, but you miss out on really getting to know Greg. Ethan develops beautifully throughout the book, really coming into himself, but I felt like I didn’t know Greg very much until the end when he finally starts sharing things with Ethan.
With a few editing issues and some disappointing stereotypes perpetuated Ethan’s friends (‘fraternisluts’ and ‘sorostitutes’ is pretty harsh), the book isn’t perfect. For a debut novel, though, Truman does a good job showcasing his storytelling abilities and his penchant for humorous characters and situations.
I was a big fan of the sexy exhibitionist scenes between Ethan and Greg. They made for some really hot encounters.
As the first of hopefully many, Out in the Open introduces the reader to A.J. Truman’s Browerton University series. A book about falling in love while chartering a path through the tumultuous arena known as college. Not to be missed by fans of New Adult stories.
Trigger warning: attempted sexual assaulted against an MC
Copy provided in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Rating: ★★★1/2
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.
Release Date: September 25, 2014
Length: 281 pages
Purchase: Amazon, ARe
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