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Out in College #9
Out in the Surf
The hockey player, the surfer, and a lesson neither can forget�
Luca
I love the beach, and I’m a good athlete. Learning how to surf should be a breeze, right? Wrong. In a twist, hockey is nothing like surfing. That’s okay—I just need a diversion to round out my new life in So Cal while I figure out what comes next. As long as I keep my head above water, this could be fun. Bonus…my instructor is hot.
Cal
Teaching newbies to surf is easy money. Usually. My newest student is a wild card who seems to think his jock status should make him a natural at everything he tries, and I can see why. Luca is…special. He’s dynamic, energetic, and fun. It’s hard not to like him. But I like him a little too much.
This could be trouble.
Luca
I love the beach, and I’m a good athlete. Learning how to surf should be a breeze, right? Wrong. In a twist, hockey is nothing like surfing. That’s okay—I just need a diversion to round out my new life in So Cal while I figure out what comes next. As long as I keep my head above water, this could be fun. Bonus…my instructor is hot.
Cal
Teaching newbies to surf is easy money. Usually. My newest student is a wild card who seems to think his jock status should make him a natural at everything he tries, and I can see why. Luca is…special. He’s dynamic, energetic, and fun. It’s hard not to like him. But I like him a little too much.
This could be trouble.
112 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2022
76 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
About the author
Lane Hayes
99books1,677followersLane Hayes loves a good romance! She’s the bestselling author of the Out in College, Starting From, Better Than, A Kind Of, Right and Wrong, and Leaning Into Series! Lane loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). All things she can find in sunny SoCal where she lives with her amazing husband in a not quite empty nest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
January 17, 2022
When surfer boy meets former hockey player, sparks fly.
Luca's first surfing lesson is a complete bust. He wipes out, loses his board, has to be rescued by boat, kisses his (most likely straight) instructor, and then promptly pukes his guts out. Nice one, Luca.
Cal isn't put off by the kiss, not at all. He's always been bi-curious, and he can't think of a hotter man than Luca to "experiment" with.
What begins as a quick fumble turns into friendship and much, much more.
I didn't really need to know so much about Cal's relationship with his ex-girlfriend or her new endeavors, but I still very much enjoyed this sexy, tender romance.
And that epilogue! Sun, surf, and everything good.
Luca's first surfing lesson is a complete bust. He wipes out, loses his board, has to be rescued by boat, kisses his (most likely straight) instructor, and then promptly pukes his guts out. Nice one, Luca.
Cal isn't put off by the kiss, not at all. He's always been bi-curious, and he can't think of a hotter man than Luca to "experiment" with.
What begins as a quick fumble turns into friendship and much, much more.
I didn't really need to know so much about Cal's relationship with his ex-girlfriend or her new endeavors, but I still very much enjoyed this sexy, tender romance.
And that epilogue! Sun, surf, and everything good.
Read
January 8, 2022DNF at 37%. Lane Hayes used to be so good for me. Not sure what happened these last few years.
January 12, 2022
I love Lane's Out In series and this freebie nicely sits into the setting with a surfer finding he's not as straight as others might think.
The "meet/cute" is an absolute belter, one of the more unusual ones I've come across as Luca's first surf lesson with instructor Cal doesn't quite go according to plan.
The whole book has a lovely, chilled vibe to it, with no stupid misunderstandings or miscommunication.
They talk through everything from Cal's attraction to Luca, their futures and their feelings.
It's also rather spicy, as Cal proves he's more than willing to learn everything about being in a relationship with a man.
There's a very loose link with Colby and Sky and we get a short guest appearance from them both.
Overall, this was just a fun read.
The "meet/cute" is an absolute belter, one of the more unusual ones I've come across as Luca's first surf lesson with instructor Cal doesn't quite go according to plan.
The whole book has a lovely, chilled vibe to it, with no stupid misunderstandings or miscommunication.
They talk through everything from Cal's attraction to Luca, their futures and their feelings.
It's also rather spicy, as Cal proves he's more than willing to learn everything about being in a relationship with a man.
There's a very loose link with Colby and Sky and we get a short guest appearance from them both.
Overall, this was just a fun read.
September 12, 2024
This book deserves 5 stars just for the good vibes it has.
It’s a nice, simple, low-angst story about two very relaxed guys, one of whom has the chillest bi-awakening ever.
Including surf, hockey and goofiest moments between friends who love each other and are in love with each other.
It’s a nice, simple, low-angst story about two very relaxed guys, one of whom has the chillest bi-awakening ever.
Including surf, hockey and goofiest moments between friends who love each other and are in love with each other.
April 18, 2023
What a great re-read! It felt fresh and I loved, loved, loved the extra at the end.
Re-Read 2023
**
Exactly what I've come to expect and that is the BEST thing.
Such a great addition to this series. I loved the progression of the relationship here and I smiled a lot. These guys really did complete each other.
Re-Read 2023
**
Exactly what I've come to expect and that is the BEST thing.
Such a great addition to this series. I loved the progression of the relationship here and I smiled a lot. These guys really did complete each other.
January 11, 2022
This is the Lane Hayes I know and love. Her last couple books I wasn’t crazy about but Out in the Surf is exactly the type of book of hers I enjoy so much. Surfing, hockey, Southern California, laid back guys who discover they’re bi. A nice, simple, angst free story.
January 11, 2022
Another author that has been super variable for me in the past, including in this series, which has mostly not worked for me. But I've really loved some of her books and this summary had me curious, so here we are, and... it actually really work for me?? I know, I am also shocked.
But I enjoyed the characters and their connection, and appreciated the build from friends with benefits into something more without unnecessary misunderstandings. The smut was hot, and though there are certain things that I think would have been stronger in a full novel with space to expand upon, those were minor things overall. Cal did feel a little too chill about hooking up with a guy for the first time (and it also appeared to have no effect whatsoever in any aspect of his life, which didn't totally feel realistic) and the ending was a bit too neat, but overall I quite liked it!
But I enjoyed the characters and their connection, and appreciated the build from friends with benefits into something more without unnecessary misunderstandings. The smut was hot, and though there are certain things that I think would have been stronger in a full novel with space to expand upon, those were minor things overall. Cal did feel a little too chill about hooking up with a guy for the first time (and it also appeared to have no effect whatsoever in any aspect of his life, which didn't totally feel realistic) and the ending was a bit too neat, but overall I quite liked it!
April 9, 2023
Solid, Fun & Sexy!
This was a total win for me! The only reason it wasn’t a 5 star was the abrupt ending (although there is an added scene).
Bi-awakening
No angst
Hot surfer & a hot hockey player
Just lovely!!
This was a total win for me! The only reason it wasn’t a 5 star was the abrupt ending (although there is an added scene).
Bi-awakening
No angst
Hot surfer & a hot hockey player
Just lovely!!
March 22, 2023
4.5 STARS - rating this story as a short-
What can I say except� Luca and Cal were spectacular!
I love how they met, how they connected, how they became friends first and how their relationship progressed little by little. It was absolutely adorable and heart melting but also sexy AF and perfect.
Loved it! The epilogue at the end was perfection. Just the feel-good story I needed.
**ARC given to me in exchange for an honest review**
What can I say except� Luca and Cal were spectacular!
I love how they met, how they connected, how they became friends first and how their relationship progressed little by little. It was absolutely adorable and heart melting but also sexy AF and perfect.
Loved it! The epilogue at the end was perfection. Just the feel-good story I needed.
**ARC given to me in exchange for an honest review**
January 10, 2022
So Lane is one of those authors I kind of forget is so awesome. I’m not a big fan of sports or college or a combo of both, but I read her when my friends yell at me to and I’m always like “Gah Lane is a really talented writer.� Then I don’t read anything by her for months and I forget then I read this and am like “OH YEA LANE IS A REALLY GOOD WRITER.� 🙄 Seriously, even if you don’t like the tropes in her books, you should read them anyway. The plot and pacing is well done. It’s low angst without being Insta-love or too fluffy. It’s mature (the writing, not the men), but not stuffy. And it’s always just the right amount of steam. I’m a little cranky I got so invested in Cal and Luca seeing as how it’s a novella and I won’t get more of them. Easily one of the best of the YBBB giveaway.
January 29, 2022
DNF at 18%
� I hate when allegedly smooth, confident characters turn into tongue-tied dweebs in the face of a hot guy. Especially since they've probably talked to plenty of hot guys before. Booooring
� I was rooting for him to get sucked out to sea and eaten by whales, but we must all face disappointment in our lives
� Either this is gonna have breathplay kink, or this guy needs to chill, normal people do not get horny after nearly dying
� The tone is odd. Heavy internal monologue, infodumping, in a strangely conversational way. I do not want to talk to these MCs, so I would like them to stop talking to me.
� I hate when allegedly smooth, confident characters turn into tongue-tied dweebs in the face of a hot guy. Especially since they've probably talked to plenty of hot guys before. Booooring
� I was rooting for him to get sucked out to sea and eaten by whales, but we must all face disappointment in our lives
� Either this is gonna have breathplay kink, or this guy needs to chill, normal people do not get horny after nearly dying
� The tone is odd. Heavy internal monologue, infodumping, in a strangely conversational way. I do not want to talk to these MCs, so I would like them to stop talking to me.
January 7, 2022
4.25 STARS - LANE HAYES always delivers. I love this series and even this being short I felt it. This was a wonderful addition to the Out in College series, but will always leave me wanting more.
January 9, 2022
4.5 Stars
This was a great addition to the Out in College series. I absolutely loved Luca and Cal. They were both so sweet and they fit together perfectly. I loved that the progression of their between was easy and natural. They had amazing chemistry and were super sexy together.
Although this is a novella, rather than a full-length story, it still felt complete and I didn’t feel cheated at all, although, I’d have preferred a full-length story, but that’s just because I’m greedy.
This was a great story, pretty low-angst and filled with exciting adventures on the ocean and some steamy sexy times in the bedroom. A very enjoyable read, that I’d highly recommend!
This was a great addition to the Out in College series. I absolutely loved Luca and Cal. They were both so sweet and they fit together perfectly. I loved that the progression of their between was easy and natural. They had amazing chemistry and were super sexy together.
Although this is a novella, rather than a full-length story, it still felt complete and I didn’t feel cheated at all, although, I’d have preferred a full-length story, but that’s just because I’m greedy.
This was a great story, pretty low-angst and filled with exciting adventures on the ocean and some steamy sexy times in the bedroom. A very enjoyable read, that I’d highly recommend!
January 12, 2022
Sexy surfer meets recovering hockey player� hotness ensues.
This book took me a bit to get into but Cal and Luca were such well written characters that when they were finally on the page together it got really hot really fast.
They both made the other one better. It was a very sweet relationship. What started out as friends with benefits quickly turned to more.
Loved the ending! 😍
Perfect novella.
Loved these characters. ♥️♥️
This book took me a bit to get into but Cal and Luca were such well written characters that when they were finally on the page together it got really hot really fast.
They both made the other one better. It was a very sweet relationship. What started out as friends with benefits quickly turned to more.
Loved the ending! 😍
Perfect novella.
Loved these characters. ♥️♥️
February 17, 2022
2.5 stars. Low-angst, low-drama novella about two men in Southern California with no real problems in their lives who fall in love. The end.
March 21, 2023
luca and cal stole my heart right from the beginning of this story I loved every minute and every word
their story was fun flirty cute and amazing just what I needed
their story was fun flirty cute and amazing just what I needed
May 3, 2023
Not much to say. It was cute but underdeveloped. A nice bit of fluff that will have seeped from my brain in a week's time.
January 11, 2024
I really enjoy this author's writing. Low drama. Their characters are likable and believable. A bit of a pallette cleanser ❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ܻ徱.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ܻ徱.
March 29, 2023
Tropes: bisexual awakening
Feels: 5/5
Steam*: 4.5/5
Kinks: none
Angst: low
Triggers/potential icks: none
Luca is a gay 23-year-old college student. He used to play hockey in college but injuries sidelined him and now he's giving up his dream of hockey and looking for something else to do with his life. He's kind of spiraling purposeless. Cal is a 29 year old surfer who works at a surf shop building boards. He hopes to buy the business soon and take it over. Cal had only ever been with women, but Luca makes him confront that he's bi.
They meet when Luca takes a surf class with Cal. Luca is a disaster and needs to be rescued. After his disaster of an attempt to surf, he kisses Cal. Then peaces out, overwhelmed with embarrassment at being a disaster pupil. They run into each other at a bar a few weeks later and hit on each other. They quickly start hooking up, and being friends.
These guys have a great relationship. They are just what the other person needs. They are very likable and relatable. They have complex things that they struggle with. But they find all kinds of positive things in each other. They feel heard, comforted, counseled, cheered on, challenged, supported unconditionally. There's moments of humor and a lot of passion between them.
This book is only 157 pages. That's not long. I'm impressed by how much complexity and story was able to be conveyed in that length. I'm always judgy about novellas and disappointed in them, and feel like I have to grade them on a curve because they can't live up to full length novels so it's unfair to compare them. But this short book impressed me with what it was, so I'm giving it kudos for that.
Some notable moments:
"“Yes. Probably. Am I dead?� “No, you’re fine.� “Hmph. Barely. I did everything wrong, huh?� “Let’s just say you have room for improvement,� he replied kindly. “Look, I know this isn’t going to come as a shock, but I’m not doing this again. I gotta think of another hobby.�"
"Cal seemed too surprised to push me away or join in, but who could blame him? His problem pupil had turned out to be a raving lunatic and a kissing bandit too. Talk about a rough Monday."
"I smiled whenever I used the coffee mug he made me. It was ridiculously huge and lined with colorful surfboards. But the best part was that he’d signed the bottom with the tiniest heart, like a love letter."
*FYI, I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink."
Feels: 5/5
Steam*: 4.5/5
Kinks: none
Angst: low
Triggers/potential icks: none
Luca is a gay 23-year-old college student. He used to play hockey in college but injuries sidelined him and now he's giving up his dream of hockey and looking for something else to do with his life. He's kind of spiraling purposeless. Cal is a 29 year old surfer who works at a surf shop building boards. He hopes to buy the business soon and take it over. Cal had only ever been with women, but Luca makes him confront that he's bi.
They meet when Luca takes a surf class with Cal. Luca is a disaster and needs to be rescued. After his disaster of an attempt to surf, he kisses Cal. Then peaces out, overwhelmed with embarrassment at being a disaster pupil. They run into each other at a bar a few weeks later and hit on each other. They quickly start hooking up, and being friends.
These guys have a great relationship. They are just what the other person needs. They are very likable and relatable. They have complex things that they struggle with. But they find all kinds of positive things in each other. They feel heard, comforted, counseled, cheered on, challenged, supported unconditionally. There's moments of humor and a lot of passion between them.
This book is only 157 pages. That's not long. I'm impressed by how much complexity and story was able to be conveyed in that length. I'm always judgy about novellas and disappointed in them, and feel like I have to grade them on a curve because they can't live up to full length novels so it's unfair to compare them. But this short book impressed me with what it was, so I'm giving it kudos for that.
Some notable moments:
"“Yes. Probably. Am I dead?� “No, you’re fine.� “Hmph. Barely. I did everything wrong, huh?� “Let’s just say you have room for improvement,� he replied kindly. “Look, I know this isn’t going to come as a shock, but I’m not doing this again. I gotta think of another hobby.�"
"Cal seemed too surprised to push me away or join in, but who could blame him? His problem pupil had turned out to be a raving lunatic and a kissing bandit too. Talk about a rough Monday."
"I smiled whenever I used the coffee mug he made me. It was ridiculously huge and lined with colorful surfboards. But the best part was that he’d signed the bottom with the tiniest heart, like a love letter."
*FYI, I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink."
January 7, 2022
3.5 �
Bon sang, j'aurai mis un temps fou à la lire cette charmante petite nouvelle, mais quand je relirai cet avis, je me souviendrai que cette semaine de reprise a été "un peu" mouvementée ... 😅
Donc les rares moments où j'ai pu mettre mon cerveau sur pause, j'ai apprécié cette bulle de douceur et de kiff. Comme toujours chez cette autrice, on a une histoire plutôt simple, avec deux bons gars, des mecs sains qui ne se prennent pas la tête, explorent une attirance, et se rapprochent de plus en plus sans en faire toute une affaire. C'est frais, sexy et tendre, bref, un petit bonbon qui se laisse déguster avec toujours autant de plaisir ! �
Bon sang, j'aurai mis un temps fou à la lire cette charmante petite nouvelle, mais quand je relirai cet avis, je me souviendrai que cette semaine de reprise a été "un peu" mouvementée ... 😅
Donc les rares moments où j'ai pu mettre mon cerveau sur pause, j'ai apprécié cette bulle de douceur et de kiff. Comme toujours chez cette autrice, on a une histoire plutôt simple, avec deux bons gars, des mecs sains qui ne se prennent pas la tête, explorent une attirance, et se rapprochent de plus en plus sans en faire toute une affaire. C'est frais, sexy et tendre, bref, un petit bonbon qui se laisse déguster avec toujours autant de plaisir ! �
January 11, 2022
Such a great addition to the Out in College series! Luca is a doll, I loved his free spirit, but also his vulnerable side. I loved that Cal was comfortable with his bi-awakening, he really had no qualms about it and embraced that part of himself fully.
Luca and Cal's relationship progressed pretty quickly, but they really did take the time to get to know each other and I really enjoyed seeing them grow close. It's nice to read a love story without any drama and this one was completely drama free!
The epilogue was so sweet! Seeing that Luca had found himself, and that he and Cal were so happy together made my little heart happy!
Luca and Cal's relationship progressed pretty quickly, but they really did take the time to get to know each other and I really enjoyed seeing them grow close. It's nice to read a love story without any drama and this one was completely drama free!
The epilogue was so sweet! Seeing that Luca had found himself, and that he and Cal were so happy together made my little heart happy!
January 17, 2022
Lovely addition to the Out In series.
May 18, 2023
instant classic
January 6, 2022
I really enjoyed this one. No angst, no BS really. Really good build up and really realistic love story. I really enjoyed it.
March 23, 2023
I loved Cal and Luca the first time and I loved them even more the second time around. Their connection is just so natural, it flows perfectly and we are just taken along their sweet journey. No angst, just sweetness and a bit of heat. Perfection. Lane Hayes has a way to just make us swoon. Now I want to leave ol' Cold Canada behind and go try surfing in hot SoCal!
March 27, 2022
Fun read . Cal and Luca give us a good story.
February 13, 2022
I have read a few of the titles in Lane Hayes� Out in College series, and I have enjoyed every one. These books are an excellent escape. Always well written with great characters, lots of romance, sometimes a bit of drama, and overall an utterly engaging read.
Out in the Surf was one of the lower angst level stories; it was pretty much angst-free. It's a well written bi-awakening, although Cal was already bi-curious, just not actively looking to explore. Luca and Cal were lovely characters; even with the novella length it was way too easy to become invested in their HEA. Luca provided a nice dose of secondhand embarrassment, and the overall relationship was light with funny moments.
Although only a novella, I was 100% invested in the story and sorry to see the story end. The ending, though, made up for it, with a beautiful HEA.
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Out in the Surf was one of the lower angst level stories; it was pretty much angst-free. It's a well written bi-awakening, although Cal was already bi-curious, just not actively looking to explore. Luca and Cal were lovely characters; even with the novella length it was way too easy to become invested in their HEA. Luca provided a nice dose of secondhand embarrassment, and the overall relationship was light with funny moments.
Although only a novella, I was 100% invested in the story and sorry to see the story end. The ending, though, made up for it, with a beautiful HEA.
This book is featured on YBBB Reviews Group 1 post. See what else is in the list here
All my reviews can be found on my blog:
Follow Me: , &
The Word Nerd Reviews is currently looking for reviewers to join the team. If you are interested, visit for more information.
April 8, 2025
It was very sweet and I was engaged by both of the main characters. Luca and Cal meet when Luca signs up for surfing lessons. He is a former hockey player and he’s very athletic. He had an injury and had to quit ice hockey. He recently moved to California and thinks surfing will help him heal mentally and emotionally. And even though surfing does help him, it’s meeting Cal that really makes the difference. His first time out in the ocean was a mess and he almost drowned. After a few weeks, Luca is back for a second lesson, and this is when things start moving forward between Cal and Luca. They become friends and remain friends with benefits for a while before they admit they have feelings for each other. I liked that even though they were both young, Luca especially was in his early twenties, they were both very mature. I also liked that Cal manages to make his dreams come true financially regarding the shop and the surfboard business. Cal’s ex-girlfriend makes an appearance almost at the end, and I wasn’t sure what purpose she really served. I loved the location and descriptions of the California beach and surfing scenarios.
April 23, 2023
It's been a bit since I've read or listened to a Lane Hayes book, and starting at book 10 in a series probably wasn't the logical choice, but it is what it is. Thankfully, this one is a standalone, at least, I didn't feel like I was missing anything. For the most part, Out in the Surf is a fun, easy listen. There is a wee bit of angst, but even then, it's an easy-going book. It's also a steamy listen, and Cal and Luca have some good chemistry going on. They're both likable and easy to root for and the story just kind of flows, which makes sense for a surfing romance. The book is about 4 hours long, so it's perfect for a road trip or even listening while you're out running errands. Michael Dean gives voice to the characters, and he does a really good job of capturing the lighthearted friendship and romance between Luca and Cal. I think this is my first time listening to Dean, and now that I've heard him, I wouldn't hesitate to pick up an audiobook with his narration. I enjoyed both the story and narration, and Out in the Surf reminded me of how much I like Lane Hayes's work.
April 30, 2023
4.5⭐️
When your dreams fall apart, what do you do? Luca runs away to California to find himself. In doing that he finds more than he could have hoped for out in the surf.
My first thought starting this book is that poor Luca is never going to get back on a surf board. 🫣 Then I thought kissing bandit and started giggling and laughing my 🍑 off and that’s all in the first chapter! Luca and Cal had chemistry in spades from the very beginning. What made their story even better was how they developed their friendship just as much as their benefits. They fed off each other, helping fill a void within the other. This book had it all, fun and friendship, laughter and love. Oh and epilogues! I love epilogues!! They hit the sweet spot for me, because I like to think about what happens next. I love a sweet love story that just flows and this story just flowed from meeting to friendship to love. Lane Hayes gave me what I didn’t know I was looking for last night, a sweet funny love story.
When your dreams fall apart, what do you do? Luca runs away to California to find himself. In doing that he finds more than he could have hoped for out in the surf.
My first thought starting this book is that poor Luca is never going to get back on a surf board. 🫣 Then I thought kissing bandit and started giggling and laughing my 🍑 off and that’s all in the first chapter! Luca and Cal had chemistry in spades from the very beginning. What made their story even better was how they developed their friendship just as much as their benefits. They fed off each other, helping fill a void within the other. This book had it all, fun and friendship, laughter and love. Oh and epilogues! I love epilogues!! They hit the sweet spot for me, because I like to think about what happens next. I love a sweet love story that just flows and this story just flowed from meeting to friendship to love. Lane Hayes gave me what I didn’t know I was looking for last night, a sweet funny love story.
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