Out in the Deep by Lane Hayes Audiobook Release Blitz

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.

Length: 4 hrs and 34 mins
Narrator: Michael Pauley

Book 1
Audiobook Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Audible  ~  iTunes

Ebook Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angela – ☆☆☆☆☆
As a huge fan of Lane Hayes’ Leaning Into series, I was excited to learn that her Out in College series was being released as audiobooks, especially as more than one of my co-reviewers enjoyed the ebooks. That Michael Pauley was the narrator was icing on the cake. Double yum!

Never having watched water polo, I found the opening scene of Out in the Deep quite entertaining. I’m not sure I would have considered it to be that violent of a sport, but as competitive as Derek and Gabe were, I wasn’t surprised when one was thrown out of the game – but I was surprised to learn how convincing the other was at playing the victim. Yeah, I definitely had a snicker over that one. As hot as their first tryst was, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for both guys. Derek for being unable to admit his feelings to himself and Gabe for feeling used. Fortunately, Hayes moves the story along in such a way that the shift in their interactions from cautious-bordering-on-hostile to cautious and curious lovers to boyfriends felt natural. I appreciated that the decision to keep their relationship a secret was mutually agreed upon and mutually beneficial to both – neither was made to feel like a dirty little secret. I hated that events unfolded in such a way that Derek felt forced to come out before he was ready, even if doing so meant being true to himself and protecting Gabe. Fortunately, Hayes doesn’t shy away from emotions and even though she has no problem putting her characters through the wringer, she makes sure they get the happy ending they (and I) deserve.

There are several emotional scenes in Out in the Deep that had me on the edge of tears, including Derek’s coming out speech to his team. But the most poignant scene for me was when Derek discusses his fears about coming out with Evan. While Hayes does a great job explaining why coming out is a scary prospect, it was Michael Pauley’s performance that made this scene for me. Pauley pours so much emotion into Derek that as he confesses his fears to Evan, I could hear his voice breaking and feel the tears he was choking back – which was all it took to break the fragile hold I had on my own. Pauley did a wonderful job of bringing Hayes’ characters to life and I am beside myself with glee that I get to continue to enjoy both the author’s and the narrator’s talents with book two, Out in the End Zone, right now. Oh, the joys of near simultaneous releases.

Also Available in the Out in College Series

Book 3
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
~  Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

For reviews and more info, check out our stop on the Out in the Offense Blog Tour.

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 won First Prize in the 2016 and 2017 Rainbow Awards. She loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband in a newly empty nest.

Connect with Lane

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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.

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

Connect with Michael

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free audiobook copy of Out in the Deep (Out in College #1) by Lane Hayes, narrated by Michael Pauley to listen to and review for this tour.