Sam reviews ‘Out Of My Mind’ (Browerton University Book 3) by A.J. Truman . Self Published on September 19, 2016 and is 234 pages long.
A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review
Why I read this: I had the opportunity read and review the other in this series and enjoyed them all. When I was given the chance to do the same with AJ Truman’s newest book of the series I couldn’t’ resist.
****
Synopsis:
Mac had to be out of his mind.
Completely out of his ever-loving mind to even consider rooming with Gideon. The same guy he kissed during his freshman year who said he was straight. He’s held Mac’s mind hostage for the last two years after running out that one special night. Mac was a fan of social experiments, and this one was going to be a doozy.
Gideon doesn’t sweat anything. He was always two lies ahead of everyone. A master at spinning rock solid alibis to protect the house of cards that was his life. To Browerton University, he’s the popular guy getting over a breakup. To his family…the dutiful & responsible son. But rooming with Mac was bringing up old memories and forming new ones. First, a friendship develops, and then a late night infused with alcohol pushes them into uncharted, benefits-laden waters.
As their sexual experimentation continues, and the lies add up, both of them fight to withstand the feelings growing between them, feelings that could ruin their friendship and topple Gideon’s house of cards for good.
Out of My Mind is the 3rd book in the Browerton University series, but can be read as a standalone. It contains humor, heart, and hot guys. This book is intended for readers 18+.
****
Gideon didn’t like to call himself a neat freak. He merely believed that a clean living space was the key to a good life. How could a person achieve success in the world when where he lived was in disarray?
Mac was the one who called him a neat freak.
“You are,” Mac said as he was pouring himself a bowl of Raisin Bran for dinner. Mac ate cereal for dinner, and lunch, and breakfast. Could he not rotate in some canned soup or Chef Boyardee?
“There’s nothing freaky about wanting to have a clean apartment. You need to respect your shared living space.”
“You sound like an RA.” Mac poured milk in his cereal. Drops splattered against the flakes and onto the counter. “I’ll try harder.”
“You said that two days ago. You’re still on trial here.”
“Where’s my lawyer?” Mac smiled at his joke. “I will take care of the sun room. I just got distracted with classes starting. This weekend, though.”
Gideon didn’t believe him for a second. “How did you survive with your past roommates in the dorm?”
“I kept my mess to my half of the room, which I’m doing here.”
“But I can still see it. The sun porch looks like an episode of Hoarders. Your pile of shit is on the verge of collapsing. It’s not just there. You can’t leave the kitchen a mess. We don’t want to get ants.” Gideon pointed his head at the milk droplets.
“For real?” Mac asked.
Gideon nodded yes.
“Man, you run a tight ship.” Mac whipped off his T-shirt, exposing a smooth chest rippling with muscles. Gideon cut his eyes to the floor and focused full-throttle on the specks of dust on the tiles.
He pulled the dishrag off the oven handle. “Use this!”
“This is easier.” Mac’s arm muscles jumped around as he wiped up his mess. He left his T-shirt in a ball on the counter.
“Are you going to get a new shirt?”
“Nah. It’s a white T-shirt. The milk blends right in.” Mac gave him a knowing smirk and shoveled a mountain of cereal into his mouth.
Gideon didn’t know why that threw him off so much, why it made it so hard to breathe for a moment. It was just a shock. No warning. Then, bam! Shirtless! Perhaps he wasn’t expecting Mac to be so jacked. Pittsburgh did a body good. Gideon was regretting this two-week trial already.
“I thought gay guys were supposed to be super clean.”
“And I thought straight guys were supposed to be slobs.”
Gideon cocked an eyebrow. Touché. He checked the time on the microwave.
“I have to get ready.”
“Hot date?” Mac asked.
“Yeah.”
“Cool,” Mac said. He seemed surprised, and maybe a touch sad, to be right.
“I’m kidding. We’re throwing a party for new students at Hillel tonight.”
“Sounds familiar. Don’t give any naïve freshmen the wrong idea.”
The more I read this series, the more I enjoy it. A.J. Truman did a fantastic job writing this book. I was able to instantly connect with the characters. I love that there is enough details that you can picture all the events as they happen. It flows great and the storyline keeps you hooked till the very end.
The connection that Gideon and Mac have is instant. Unfortunately, Gideon hasn’t come terms that he is gay. He freaks out in turn hurting Max. It takes two years for Gideon and Max to come face to face again. They both are in need of a roommate and it seems each other is the only option. This is new arrangement definitely started out tricky for both of them. Deciding to make the best of the situation, they call a truce. Only, the chemistry they had from the beginning is still there.
I love how they become friends first and isn’t until they couldn’t resist each other any longer that they take their friendship to the next level. It definitely wasn’t easy sailing for these two. Gideon needed to accept himself and Mac had to come to terms with his past. These obstacles were not easy to overcome. I like how the events ended up bringing them closer together instead of pushing them away.
As I said above, the connection was there from the start. When they finally gave into their feelings boy is it hot. The sex scenes are written in explicit detail. They are not repetitive or boring, they are scorching. However, there is much more than just sex going on.
You can’t’ help but love these two. Max goes through so much your heart hurts for him. What I really liked about Max is his determination to live life the way he wants. Gideon has always done the right thing. His struggle to be himself and not what others want and expect was a little heartbreaking. I was glad to see Gideon finally except himself and be proud of their relationship.
As for secondary characters, their friends were supportive. Gideon’s mom surprised me, I knew she loved him dearly, but I figured she wouldn’t take his news well. Even Mac’s mom and dad were more than I expected.
Out Of My Mind is sweet, funny with some mild angst. It was definitely a refreshing to read for me. If you like a love story about two college students then I highly recommend Out of My Mind by A.J. Truman or any of the other books of his in the Browerton University series.
9/10 Pots of Gold
Buy Links:
Read my review for Book 1, Out in the Open here: https://rainbowgoldreviews.wordpress.com/2015/05/11/out-in-the-open-browerton-university-book-1-by-a-j-truman-lgbt-review/
Read my review for Book 1.5, Behind Closed Doors here: https://rainbowgoldreviews.wordpress.com/2015/06/30/behind-closed-doors-browerton-university-book-1-5-by-a-j-truman-lgbt-review/
Read my review for Book 2, Out on a Limb here: https://rainbowgoldreviews.wordpress.com/2016/04/28/out-on-a-limb-browerton-university-book-1-by-a-j-truman-lgbt-review/
****
A.J. Truman remembers his college days like it was yesterday, even though it was definitely not yesterday. He writes books with humor, heart, and hot guys. What else does a story need? He loves spending time with his pets and his husband and writing on his sun porch. You can find him on Facebook or at ajtruman.com.
Mailing List signup: ajtruman.com/outsiders
CONTACT THE AUTHOR:
Facebook Goodreads, Website, Pinterest
****
Rainbow Gold Reviews 
Pingback: Out of My Mind available now | A.J. Truman