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Out of Her League
Lachlan Morrison’s family likes to tell people that he’s shy, but that’s like saying the sky is sort of blue, or good hockey is just a little bit rough. Lachlan knows perfectly well he’s a social disaster and works hard to humiliate himself as infrequently as possible.
Then Michaela Price, the most beautiful woman he’s ever laid eyes on, moves to town, and she needs a friend.
Michaela knows she’s no prize. As a nationally-known disgrace, she’s pretty used to being stared at and having to chase photographers off the neighbors' roofs. She wouldn’t wish her life on anyone, and certainly has no intention of inflicting herself on poor Lachlan Morrison, who literally cannot speak in her presence.
But then, going back to school isn’t what she expected. It turns out her new life is just as lonely as the old version, and she only knows one person in town.
Then Michaela Price, the most beautiful woman he’s ever laid eyes on, moves to town, and she needs a friend.
Michaela knows she’s no prize. As a nationally-known disgrace, she’s pretty used to being stared at and having to chase photographers off the neighbors' roofs. She wouldn’t wish her life on anyone, and certainly has no intention of inflicting herself on poor Lachlan Morrison, who literally cannot speak in her presence.
But then, going back to school isn’t what she expected. It turns out her new life is just as lonely as the old version, and she only knows one person in town.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2015
21 people are currently reading
406 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Wayland
24 books697 followersSamantha Wayland has three great loves in life; her family, writing books, and hockey. She is often found apologizing to the first for how much time and attention is taken up by the latter two, but they forgive her because they are awesome and she clearly doesn’t deserve them.
Sam lives with her family -- of both the two and four-legged variety -- outside of Boston. She is a wicked passionate New Englander (born and raised) who has been known to wax rhapsodic about the Maine Coast, the mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont, and the sensible way in which her local brethren don’t see a need for directional signals (blinkahs!).
Her favorite things include mango martinis, tiny Chihuahuas with big attitude problems, and the Oxford comma.
Sam lives with her family -- of both the two and four-legged variety -- outside of Boston. She is a wicked passionate New Englander (born and raised) who has been known to wax rhapsodic about the Maine Coast, the mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont, and the sensible way in which her local brethren don’t see a need for directional signals (blinkahs!).
Her favorite things include mango martinis, tiny Chihuahuas with big attitude problems, and the Oxford comma.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
February 23, 2016
4.5 Stars! I loved this instalment of the Hat Trick/Crashing universe...and I'm really surprised. Usually I'm impatient when reading M/F stories - I only read them when they are part of a M/M series like this one - but I found myself charmed by Lachlan and Michaela and their budding, awkward relationship. I loved that much of Lachlan's growth (loosing his social shyness), came through his desire to protect Michaela. I also loved that Lachlan was no wimp!
Who doesn't love a shy guy who turns into an alpha male when you put skates on him and unleash him on the ice...and in the bedroom! Being that this was a Samantha Wayland book, the sex was smoking hot and plenty kinky! Not once did I find myself skimming through the scenes!
I've always liked Michaela because as Callum's best friend she was pretty great. As a leading lady, she astounds us with her strength, grace and courage trying to lead a normal life while being constantly stalked by paparazzi. She befriends Lachlan because she is desperately lonely (Lachlan IS socially awkward and almost painful to be around!), and it's wonderful to see her growth, as she possibly opens her life to others.
Also typical of SW, you get a few plot surprises and lots of family/secondary characters that enhance the story. It was great to see Garrick/Rhian/Savannah, Callum/Rupert and to meet new friends (who I am sure will be getting their own story...Eric and Robby?? (just putting it out there SW!) :-)
This was a sweet, romantic read that I throughly enjoyed and highly recommend!
Who doesn't love a shy guy who turns into an alpha male when you put skates on him and unleash him on the ice...and in the bedroom! Being that this was a Samantha Wayland book, the sex was smoking hot and plenty kinky! Not once did I find myself skimming through the scenes!
I've always liked Michaela because as Callum's best friend she was pretty great. As a leading lady, she astounds us with her strength, grace and courage trying to lead a normal life while being constantly stalked by paparazzi. She befriends Lachlan because she is desperately lonely (Lachlan IS socially awkward and almost painful to be around!), and it's wonderful to see her growth, as she possibly opens her life to others.
Also typical of SW, you get a few plot surprises and lots of family/secondary characters that enhance the story. It was great to see Garrick/Rhian/Savannah, Callum/Rupert and to meet new friends (who I am sure will be getting their own story...Eric and Robby?? (just putting it out there SW!) :-)
This was a sweet, romantic read that I throughly enjoyed and highly recommend!
July 31, 2020
Totalmente cautivada por el Dr. Snorrison y su kilt!
Out Of Her League de Samantha Wayland
Mí humilde opinión:
Michaela Price es famosa y todo el mundo la conoce, por su belleza, por su familia adinerada y sí, por un vídeo sexual que su ex novio grabó sin que ella lo supiera.
Haciendo de madrina en la boda de su mejor amigo gay con todo el clan Morrison vestidos con kilt luciendo apuestos le presentan a Lachlan.
Lachlan Morrison queda literalmente mudo en su presencia. No hay dudas que carece de habilidades sociales.
Es la persona más tímida que ella conoció nunca pero hay algo en él que le atrae.
Cuando le dicen que serán vecinos porque él es profesor de Filosofía en Harvard donde ella comenzará la carrera de abogacía, no puede dejar de notar lo horrorizado que él está al decirle que lo verá por allí.
Sin embargo, cuando se encuentran él es incapaz de hablarle, poniéndose colorado de la vergüenza. Ella no se da por vencida y no le deja opción que imponerle su presencia porque no conoce a nadie más en Boston.
Se forma una rutina entre ellos al pasear juntos por la ciudad, tomando un café o una cerveza.
De a poco Lachlan se relaja con ella y ambos comienzan a disfrutar de su mutua compañía.
Lachlan detesta estar en reuniones sociales, él prefiere quedarse en la tranquilidad de su casa con un libro.
Michaela es su polo opuesto, ella es hermosa y extrovertida.
Quizás ella tenga razón y siguiendo Las Reglas de
Michaela para Comportarse en Público podrá hablar con gente desconocida sin que se le trabe la lengua.
Nunca pensaron que juntos podrían ayudarse en más de una manera y lo que comenzó como amistad se convertirá en más.
Michaela sabe que Lachlan solo puede ser su amigo porque sabe que no puede haber más, él merece más que ella y el caos de su vida.
Me gustó mucho esta historia.
No creí que iba a ser así pero cuando comienza con la boda y leo el encuentro entre Lachlan y Michaela supe que me iba a enganchar la historia!
Lachlan un chico tímido que pasa a sorprender cuando deja de lado su timidez para dar paso a su lado alfa y protector al ir conociendo a Michaela.
La forma en que va superando su incomodidad al hablar con mujeres principalmente, el desarrollo de toda su amistad hasta enamorarse los protagonistas, la disfruté todo mucho.
Lachlan tiene sus sorpresas, es un tipo tímido que es profesor de filosofía pero que también juega al Jockey y tiene su lado pervertido? No podía parar de abanicarme! Y que haga tal click con Michaela de modo que ambos disfruten libremente y sean creativos en el sexo? Yum!
La historia también tiene humor, es dulce y emociona. La pareja tiene una gran química, son perfectos juntos.
Amé el FINAL, por favor me vuelven locas los hombres en kilt!
La autora no profundiza pero toca el tema LGBT cuando Michaela habla de la fundación Price para esos chicos sin hogar que son rechazados por la sociedad.
Este es el único libro que leí de esta autora pero tengo entendido que escribe romance sobre parejas gay, y en este libros los personajes secundarios son gays algunos y bisexuales.
Personajes que por cierto me encantaron y ayudaron a darle ritmo al libro; Garrick, Rhian, Savannah, Callum, Rupert y Robby.
Una lectura por demás sexy pero muy romántico, con dos protagonistas polos opuestos que juntos encienden fuegos artificiales! Fácil de leer y con un final imperdible!
November 25, 2023
Out of Her League is a standalone where side characters have already found their romances and make cameos (LGBTQ+ representation). No prior reading required however. This was a sweet read with plenty of humor and emotional impact that had the flip side of making me want to punch a bunch of side characters. It has an element of one character teaching the other (how to act socially) and is character-driven with a lot of relationship development. Extra bonus, they were so freaking HOT together. I was honestly not expecting the amount of steam in their romance, but there were a lot of long and explicit scenes thanks to a friends with benefits situation. But I'm jumping ahead.
Lachlan (H) and Michaela (h) were charming and delightful, individually and together. They meet at the wedding of Lachlan's brother, who's Michaela's bestie. Lachlan's a college professor who's shy, especially around women who flirt with him or who he's attracted to, so he's super awkward around Michaela at first. He blushes y'all, even later in the book still after they're close. Lachlan is also protective of those he loves and willing to step out of his comfort zone when he needs to. Michaela's the chairwoman of a charity and going to law school, but is uncomfortably famous for her relationships. Specifically, she was the victim of revenge porn and there are a disconcertingly high number of individuals who have treated her like crap because of a situation where she was clearly the victim (see earlier reference to wanting to punch people). But despite never knowing if she can trust anyone, Michaela's kind and caring, though too apologetic for circumstances that she didn't create. Written in third person, dual POV. No ow drama (though H does get flirted with a couple times but is not interested), some om drama (h continues to deal with the fallout from her ex so his presence in general however and then the ex is on page in a couple of scenes, both times where he gets a smackdown thankfully), and neither are virgins (both have been celibate for a bit from their recollections).
Michaela has moved to Boston from NY to attend Harvard for law school. Lachlan conveniently works at Harvard as a philosophy professor and his brother encourages them to visit with each other since Michaela doesn't have a support system there. Lachlan can barely utter a single word in her presence though, which Michaela starts navigating around because she's lonely. A friendship develops and they start peeling back each other's layers, leading to Michaela offering to teach Lachlan about social intricacies. Lachlan is horrified by how Michaela is treated by others and at her lack of connection, physically and emotionally. He's supportive emotionally and he's the one to offer physical intimacy with a friends with benefits relationship. I already said how spicy these times get, but it bears repeating. They don't get super kinky, yet the eroticism felt high. Maybe because they so rarely end up in an actual bed lol.
Side character-wise, Lachlan's TA was fantastic and his sister and her two partners were lovely and supportive. Michaela's doorman was amazing and she reconnects with an old school friend who I adored. Michaela's bestie, Lachlan's brother, isn't on page in person after the start of the book at his wedding, but he has some cute mentions and phone calls. Other characters connected to that family offer love as well. Best of all, Michaela does end up making friends at school and the way the author built that situation was tense, but had a beautiful payoff. Also shoutout to Michaela's dog, Fang, who was adorable.
The writing wasn't always perfect and I did lose focus a couple of times. I'm not sure if it was the pacing, the style, or honestly the number of sex scenes. I hated that I had to take a couple of breaks since the romance was cute while hitting the emotional notes I enjoy. I was so sympathetic towards both Lachlan and Michaela and it seemed unfair to them to be distracted.
Since the plot is tightly focused on the characters and their relationship, there are no big action scenes. There are many scenes of Michaela and Lachlan being adorable getting coffee, walking, her going to his recreation hockey games, etc. Also many scenes unfortunately of them having to deal with rumors and paparazzi. Michaela felt like she wasn't worth the difficulties that attention being connected to her garnered. It made me so sad and yet, thrilled when the new people in her life stepped up and stood by her. Even the times that she wasn't present and Lachlan defended her beautifully. There's no third act breakup, but there is a moment where Lachlan makes a grand-ish gesture.
The book does end abruptly with them HFN and admitting their love, but with no real satisfying closure. I'm not even sure if they show up as side characters in other books, so that was a bummer. My friends who need that satisfying ending may feel let down by this read, but despite it, I still had a great time because of how much I fell in love with this duo.
Lachlan (H) and Michaela (h) were charming and delightful, individually and together. They meet at the wedding of Lachlan's brother, who's Michaela's bestie. Lachlan's a college professor who's shy, especially around women who flirt with him or who he's attracted to, so he's super awkward around Michaela at first. He blushes y'all, even later in the book still after they're close. Lachlan is also protective of those he loves and willing to step out of his comfort zone when he needs to. Michaela's the chairwoman of a charity and going to law school, but is uncomfortably famous for her relationships. Specifically, she was the victim of revenge porn and there are a disconcertingly high number of individuals who have treated her like crap because of a situation where she was clearly the victim (see earlier reference to wanting to punch people). But despite never knowing if she can trust anyone, Michaela's kind and caring, though too apologetic for circumstances that she didn't create. Written in third person, dual POV. No ow drama (though H does get flirted with a couple times but is not interested), some om drama (h continues to deal with the fallout from her ex so his presence in general however and then the ex is on page in a couple of scenes, both times where he gets a smackdown thankfully), and neither are virgins (both have been celibate for a bit from their recollections).
Michaela has moved to Boston from NY to attend Harvard for law school. Lachlan conveniently works at Harvard as a philosophy professor and his brother encourages them to visit with each other since Michaela doesn't have a support system there. Lachlan can barely utter a single word in her presence though, which Michaela starts navigating around because she's lonely. A friendship develops and they start peeling back each other's layers, leading to Michaela offering to teach Lachlan about social intricacies. Lachlan is horrified by how Michaela is treated by others and at her lack of connection, physically and emotionally. He's supportive emotionally and he's the one to offer physical intimacy with a friends with benefits relationship. I already said how spicy these times get, but it bears repeating. They don't get super kinky, yet the eroticism felt high. Maybe because they so rarely end up in an actual bed lol.
Side character-wise, Lachlan's TA was fantastic and his sister and her two partners were lovely and supportive. Michaela's doorman was amazing and she reconnects with an old school friend who I adored. Michaela's bestie, Lachlan's brother, isn't on page in person after the start of the book at his wedding, but he has some cute mentions and phone calls. Other characters connected to that family offer love as well. Best of all, Michaela does end up making friends at school and the way the author built that situation was tense, but had a beautiful payoff. Also shoutout to Michaela's dog, Fang, who was adorable.
The writing wasn't always perfect and I did lose focus a couple of times. I'm not sure if it was the pacing, the style, or honestly the number of sex scenes. I hated that I had to take a couple of breaks since the romance was cute while hitting the emotional notes I enjoy. I was so sympathetic towards both Lachlan and Michaela and it seemed unfair to them to be distracted.
Since the plot is tightly focused on the characters and their relationship, there are no big action scenes. There are many scenes of Michaela and Lachlan being adorable getting coffee, walking, her going to his recreation hockey games, etc. Also many scenes unfortunately of them having to deal with rumors and paparazzi. Michaela felt like she wasn't worth the difficulties that attention being connected to her garnered. It made me so sad and yet, thrilled when the new people in her life stepped up and stood by her. Even the times that she wasn't present and Lachlan defended her beautifully. There's no third act breakup, but there is a moment where Lachlan makes a grand-ish gesture.
The book does end abruptly with them HFN and admitting their love, but with no real satisfying closure. I'm not even sure if they show up as side characters in other books, so that was a bummer. My friends who need that satisfying ending may feel let down by this read, but despite it, I still had a great time because of how much I fell in love with this duo.
November 18, 2015
Quit enjoyable
Like all of this author's books, I very much enjoyed reading this book, and will enjoy rereading in the future. Beyond the good writing, and fun characters, I like the fact that not all her protagonist end up in the same type of relationship. I seems like manège writers have everyone end up in a menege, straight writ terra have everyone end up in a "traditional" relationship, and so forth. But Ms. Wayland seems to just chose what is appropriate for the story.
Like all of this author's books, I very much enjoyed reading this book, and will enjoy rereading in the future. Beyond the good writing, and fun characters, I like the fact that not all her protagonist end up in the same type of relationship. I seems like manège writers have everyone end up in a menege, straight writ terra have everyone end up in a "traditional" relationship, and so forth. But Ms. Wayland seems to just chose what is appropriate for the story.
December 20, 2024
This started out so well with a socially anxious/inept professor hero and a notorious heroine hounded by the paparazzi. I liked the hero being completely unable to human around her, it was adorable. But that's about all I liked. I didn't really buy that the heroine would be so famous, that everyone would know her and that so many paparazzi would be following her just because she had a sex tape a decade or so earlier. Maybe if I'd read the previous books I would have felt differently as it was the text depended a lot on the reader being already familiar with the MC. Aside from that there were good steamy scenes but there was no real conflict. There were no stakes at all so the middle and end dragged so bad that I started skimming. Perfect for any reader who loves a low conflict romance. I am not that reader.
⭐⭐.5
🔥🔥🔥/5
Tropes
Nerdy hero
Class Difference
⭐⭐.5
🔥🔥🔥/5
Tropes
Nerdy hero
Class Difference
August 22, 2022
Book Name: Out of Her League
Author: Samantha Wayland
Standalone?: Can be read as a standalone, but includes characters from other books.
4 Stars
Summary of the Storyline: Michaela has been hounded by the paparazzi and crucified by the media for a long time. When she broke up with her ex-boyfriend, he released a sex-tape he had filmed of them without her knowledge. She has tried to get something good out of the constant negative attention through her work with her family’s foundation, but it’s also lead to a very lonely life. When she decides to go back to school, she doesn’t think anything will change.
Lachlan is terrible in social situations; he gets completely tongue tied and has a tendency to humiliate himself. This is exactly what happens when he’s introduced to Michaela who might just be the most beautiful woman he’s ever laid eyes on. But Michaela doesn’t seem to mind his social awkwardness, and since she’s attending the school he works at, the two start spending time together.
My Opinion: This was the first book I’ve read by Samantha Wayland, but it will definitely not be the last. It was such a sweet story and I really enjoyed reading it. The main characters were both interesting with endearing personalities. I loved reading about how Michaela and Lachlan developed as people throughout the book, as well as how their relationship evolved. I also really liked the secondary characters, despite not having read any of their books (although I’m definitely adding them to my TBR list).
My only issue with this book was how abrupt the ending was. I really wish there had been an epilogue.
Please note that this is not a student/teacher romance.
Hero: 5/5. Lachlan was an amazing character. He could be so shy and awkward, but in the right situation, he could be a dominant and protective alpha male. He was a perfect mix. He stood by Michaela despite the discomfort it caused him to in the public eye.
Heroine: 5/5. I loved Michaela. She was such a strong character despite her past and insecurities, and I loved how she tried to use the negative attention she got for good. She was also a real sweetheart, and she was so patient with Lachlan when he would get awkward or couldn’t get his words out.
POV: 3rd person dual POV (Michaela and Lachlan).
Push/Pull:
Sadness: 1/5 (maybe it’s more frustration with how people treat Micaela rather than outright sadness though).
Explicit Sex and Heat Level: Yes. 5/5.
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) Drama: No.
Separation:
Cheating: No.
Closure/Ending: HEA, but there is no epilogue. I found the ending very abrupt, and I wish there had been an epilogue and a look into their future. Overall, it was unsatisfying.
Possible Triggers:
Author: Samantha Wayland
Standalone?: Can be read as a standalone, but includes characters from other books.
4 Stars
Summary of the Storyline: Michaela has been hounded by the paparazzi and crucified by the media for a long time. When she broke up with her ex-boyfriend, he released a sex-tape he had filmed of them without her knowledge. She has tried to get something good out of the constant negative attention through her work with her family’s foundation, but it’s also lead to a very lonely life. When she decides to go back to school, she doesn’t think anything will change.
Lachlan is terrible in social situations; he gets completely tongue tied and has a tendency to humiliate himself. This is exactly what happens when he’s introduced to Michaela who might just be the most beautiful woman he’s ever laid eyes on. But Michaela doesn’t seem to mind his social awkwardness, and since she’s attending the school he works at, the two start spending time together.
My Opinion: This was the first book I’ve read by Samantha Wayland, but it will definitely not be the last. It was such a sweet story and I really enjoyed reading it. The main characters were both interesting with endearing personalities. I loved reading about how Michaela and Lachlan developed as people throughout the book, as well as how their relationship evolved. I also really liked the secondary characters, despite not having read any of their books (although I’m definitely adding them to my TBR list).
My only issue with this book was how abrupt the ending was. I really wish there had been an epilogue.
Please note that this is not a student/teacher romance.
Hero: 5/5. Lachlan was an amazing character. He could be so shy and awkward, but in the right situation, he could be a dominant and protective alpha male. He was a perfect mix. He stood by Michaela despite the discomfort it caused him to in the public eye.
Heroine: 5/5. I loved Michaela. She was such a strong character despite her past and insecurities, and I loved how she tried to use the negative attention she got for good. She was also a real sweetheart, and she was so patient with Lachlan when he would get awkward or couldn’t get his words out.
POV: 3rd person dual POV (Michaela and Lachlan).
Push/Pull:
Sadness: 1/5 (maybe it’s more frustration with how people treat Micaela rather than outright sadness though).
Explicit Sex and Heat Level: Yes. 5/5.
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) Drama: No.
Separation:
Cheating: No.
Closure/Ending: HEA, but there is no epilogue. I found the ending very abrupt, and I wish there had been an epilogue and a look into their future. Overall, it was unsatisfying.
Possible Triggers:
July 28, 2016
Finally, an author that gives a perfect portrayal of a shy-awkward-like sexy hero with a well-paced character development along with a great friendship to romance relationship.
July 1, 2018
If you've read
Home and Away
, then you know that Michaela Price fake dated Callum Morrison for years just so the media would leave her the fuck alone. But then Callum, who is still her best friend, wanted to be with someone else and the whole story came out, making the paparazzi unbearable. So when Michaela decides to enroll in college, she knows that things could go badly.
Lachlan Morrison is a professor at the university, not Michaela's professor though, and Callum asks him to help Michaela settle in. Of course, for that to be possible, Lachlan would actually have to talk to her. And he can't, for the life of him, say a single work in her presence. Lachlan's never been a fan of social gatherings but when he encounters woman he finds attractive, words desert him. And Michaela is one of the most beautiful woman in the country so he's doomed.
And hence starts a relationship in which Lachlan, initially, has to gather his thoughts for ten minutes before he's able to say a word in her presence. And it's adorable.
Both Lachlan and Michaela are really good people. They're smart and nice and they enjoy each other's company, despite the hangups. It's slow going, the building of their relationship, but for me, the pace was perfect. I loved how supportive Lachlan was of Michaela, who'd been having shitty luck since she was eighteen, after a horrible ex decided to release a sex tape that went viral. Now she's in a position in which everyone thinks that they have a right to judge her. No one see's her for the successful businesswoman she is. And seeing Lachlan slowly, in his sweet way, help her realize that she deserves so much better... it was beautiful.
Also, I loved how patient Michaela was with Lachlan. She helped him gain confidence in social situations. It was a very happy, cute and healthy relationship. There was a period in the middle of the book when things winded down a little too much but other than that, things were really good, and I need Samantha Wayland to release more books. In the meantime, I'll reread Home and Away again.
Lachlan Morrison is a professor at the university, not Michaela's professor though, and Callum asks him to help Michaela settle in. Of course, for that to be possible, Lachlan would actually have to talk to her. And he can't, for the life of him, say a single work in her presence. Lachlan's never been a fan of social gatherings but when he encounters woman he finds attractive, words desert him. And Michaela is one of the most beautiful woman in the country so he's doomed.
And hence starts a relationship in which Lachlan, initially, has to gather his thoughts for ten minutes before he's able to say a word in her presence. And it's adorable.
Both Lachlan and Michaela are really good people. They're smart and nice and they enjoy each other's company, despite the hangups. It's slow going, the building of their relationship, but for me, the pace was perfect. I loved how supportive Lachlan was of Michaela, who'd been having shitty luck since she was eighteen, after a horrible ex decided to release a sex tape that went viral. Now she's in a position in which everyone thinks that they have a right to judge her. No one see's her for the successful businesswoman she is. And seeing Lachlan slowly, in his sweet way, help her realize that she deserves so much better... it was beautiful.
Also, I loved how patient Michaela was with Lachlan. She helped him gain confidence in social situations. It was a very happy, cute and healthy relationship. There was a period in the middle of the book when things winded down a little too much but other than that, things were really good, and I need Samantha Wayland to release more books. In the meantime, I'll reread Home and Away again.
July 6, 2020
This was so cuuute! I loved loved LOVED Lachlan ARC. He was so cute and sweet and HOT. Goddamn. A PHILOSOPHY teacher who plays hockey, is shy but not in bed?? Yum. Okay but seriously I loved him. The story was super nice and I had a great time. The pace was amazing, it never got dull and had a great friends-to-lovers development. It was super natural the way everything come to be and I enjoyed the ending a lot. There were some things that weren’t addressed though. It was clear Michaela still believed somehow she deserved the bad stuff and that everything was her fault, it’s never addressed if she overcome that or how. It has a few scenes here and there but never like in complete resolution. Also, I would’ve loved to see Lachlan or her, say something to her parents about how they were assholes by inviting the other guy. But yeah, I liked this a lot. Michaela was super open with her sexuality and I loved it. The sex scenes were super niceeee. The secondary characters were cool, they were super realistic and yes, I loved that. The fact that Anna was never made into the typical “villain who wants the guy and hates the girl” was amazing. Cause she had everything except the bitchy attitude and you know, the hollow heart. Now I know there are books for some of the other couples that are here and I’m gonna add them to my TBR list cause I wanna know that! I liked that I could understand every dynamic without reading the other books. But I’m still gonna read them :p
November 30, 2021
Sexy as hell, sweet MCs, just have to suspend some disbelief (no one is THAT famous for a sex tape and public breakup, geez)
April 19, 2016
I've never read a SW book before so no clue what to expect. I was VERY HAPPILY SURPRISED and really enjoyed this book. 4.5 stars easily.
Lachlan is a nerdy philosophy professor at Harvard who is beyond socially awkward. It's so uncomfortable to watch him crash and burn especially when he's hit on by the opposite sex. Underneath all that social awkwardness and brains lies an athlete and a man with a dirty mouth and mind. Watching him maneuver his way through a relationship with Michaela made this book an easy, fun read. Watching him slowly blossom with Michaela, a paparazzi target, under the guise of being her friend because of his brother is like watching an ugly duckling turn into a beautiful swan. Watching his relationship with Michaela slowly (but not too slowly) blossom with an underlying sexual tension/chemistry is what I really enjoy about romantic fiction. These two MCs together are pure romantic fiction gold. They're not perfect (how boring is that) and they have their own struggles but when they're together I just want to go "awwww, how sweet and hot are they?"
Sometimes I love a H and find the h lacking. In this case I enjoyed Michaela almost as much as Lachlan. What she went through was a bunch of BS but her ability and desire to pick herself up, keep her head high, and live her life made me fall in love with her too. She was not a weak h and was more than a match for Lachlan. Together they were fantastic.
And don't let me forget Robby. A secondary character who made me laugh and was definitely a worthy character.
HEA:
Pacing: Not too quick, not too slow, makes sense
Standalone: Part of a series but it can be read separately
Cheating:
H or h to stupid to live: Nope
Sex:
Lachlan is a nerdy philosophy professor at Harvard who is beyond socially awkward. It's so uncomfortable to watch him crash and burn especially when he's hit on by the opposite sex. Underneath all that social awkwardness and brains lies an athlete and a man with a dirty mouth and mind. Watching him maneuver his way through a relationship with Michaela made this book an easy, fun read. Watching him slowly blossom with Michaela, a paparazzi target, under the guise of being her friend because of his brother is like watching an ugly duckling turn into a beautiful swan. Watching his relationship with Michaela slowly (but not too slowly) blossom with an underlying sexual tension/chemistry is what I really enjoy about romantic fiction. These two MCs together are pure romantic fiction gold. They're not perfect (how boring is that) and they have their own struggles but when they're together I just want to go "awwww, how sweet and hot are they?"
Sometimes I love a H and find the h lacking. In this case I enjoyed Michaela almost as much as Lachlan. What she went through was a bunch of BS but her ability and desire to pick herself up, keep her head high, and live her life made me fall in love with her too. She was not a weak h and was more than a match for Lachlan. Together they were fantastic.
And don't let me forget Robby. A secondary character who made me laugh and was definitely a worthy character.
HEA:
Pacing: Not too quick, not too slow, makes sense
Standalone: Part of a series but it can be read separately
Cheating:
H or h to stupid to live: Nope
Sex:
December 23, 2015
4.5 stars....just loved this...As I've said before, just the other day in fact, Ms. Wayland writes such unique characters and great stories....Michaela and Lachlan were just adorable....and HOT HOT HOT!!! I asked for more the other day and this popped up...can I ask for more again?? :)
November 25, 2015
So good
And I thought Callum was my favorite brother. Michaela and Lachlan are perfect together. I love how their sweet romance bloomed. Such a good book!
And I thought Callum was my favorite brother. Michaela and Lachlan are perfect together. I love how their sweet romance bloomed. Such a good book!
January 2, 2016
Michaela and Lauchlan needed each other!!! Loved when he showed up in the kilt!! Can NOT wait to see more with Savannah/Garrick/Rian.....
January 13, 2016
Fantastic author, wonderful series! My words have abandoned me this morning so I'll leave it at that, for now. :-)
August 11, 2019
This is Samantha Wayland's most unexpected book - what a lovely and entertaining read. <3
Lachlan is my man; he and I, as fellow academics in humanities, we understand each other. I liked how he is described, sharp-witted, a creature of habit, absolutely blind to the physical appearance of his TA students - all good (male) professors I know are, so caught up in the research that they do not see anything else while in the office. The inability to talk to beautiful women was so endearing.
Michaela was less relatable, but she grew on me pretty fast. I liked the way that Wayland chose to play with Legally Blonde clichés by setting the book in Boston and at Harvard University specifically; she used the comparison very cleverly. Comparisons were inevitable - as Legally Blonde is an absolutely iconic movie - so I appreciated that she chose to mention it explicitly and have a little fun with its most famous scenes. Michaela is a character that I met, albeit briefly, while reading Home and Away and I was curious enough about her story and how she too could achieve her HEA. I wondered why she needed a fake boyfriend in the first place and the storyline suited her perfectly.
I loved the way Lachlan and Michaela's relationship develops. From acquaintances to friends to friends-with-benefits to more. Michaela's patience with Lachlan was so achingly sweet (I love adverbs, ok?). The fact that she had to take ownership of her sexuality because of what happened to her was an element that I did not find in any other romance I read - I loved that it made her a little less vanilla, a little more adventurous. The way she discovers Lachlan's many hidden talents - from hockey to *ahem* tonsil hockey? (I am terrible) And Lachlan's sexiness - oh boy, get the hydrants because my panties caught fire. It's always the quiet ones, I guess. Lachlan was an incredibly sexy MC, along with an outstanding human being - a little clueless maybe, but nobody's perfect, right?
I loved this book. It was perhaps the most surprising of this 'universe' of characters. <3 Such a lovely read.
Lachlan is my man; he and I, as fellow academics in humanities, we understand each other. I liked how he is described, sharp-witted, a creature of habit, absolutely blind to the physical appearance of his TA students - all good (male) professors I know are, so caught up in the research that they do not see anything else while in the office. The inability to talk to beautiful women was so endearing.
Michaela was less relatable, but she grew on me pretty fast. I liked the way that Wayland chose to play with Legally Blonde clichés by setting the book in Boston and at Harvard University specifically; she used the comparison very cleverly. Comparisons were inevitable - as Legally Blonde is an absolutely iconic movie - so I appreciated that she chose to mention it explicitly and have a little fun with its most famous scenes. Michaela is a character that I met, albeit briefly, while reading Home and Away and I was curious enough about her story and how she too could achieve her HEA. I wondered why she needed a fake boyfriend in the first place and the storyline suited her perfectly.
I loved the way Lachlan and Michaela's relationship develops. From acquaintances to friends to friends-with-benefits to more. Michaela's patience with Lachlan was so achingly sweet (I love adverbs, ok?). The fact that she had to take ownership of her sexuality because of what happened to her was an element that I did not find in any other romance I read - I loved that it made her a little less vanilla, a little more adventurous. The way she discovers Lachlan's many hidden talents - from hockey to *ahem* tonsil hockey? (I am terrible) And Lachlan's sexiness - oh boy, get the hydrants because my panties caught fire. It's always the quiet ones, I guess. Lachlan was an incredibly sexy MC, along with an outstanding human being - a little clueless maybe, but nobody's perfect, right?
I loved this book. It was perhaps the most surprising of this 'universe' of characters. <3 Such a lovely read.
December 23, 2019
Got to admit that this was a struggle to finish, and a bit of a slog to get through. It was a full length book where I felt a novella for this pairing of Michaela and Lachlan would have been sufficient- they're not that interesting to me. They felt more like cardboard cutout concepts, and the plot hurdles generic difficulties that weren't delved into deep enough. Like, Michaela's experience with revenge porn and her infamy within tabloids as a kind of Jackie Kennedy socialite/Kardashians modern figure while being not a big celebrity, was weird to me, as was the supposedly huge tabloid fame of Rupert and Callum's story from the previous book. I read all their stories within this universe in the wrong order because this felt inconsistent with what I thought their relationship was portrayed as all along.
IDK, seemed more fantasy plot mentioned than actual lived in storyline for me. The Harvard setting felt plopped in, like look at this hot socially awkward philosophy professor who is still athletic (I mean his brothers are pro hockey players, he still has the skills in his beer league hockey team), look at the model/celebrity? going to this Ivy League school because she cares so much about her charity she's not like other rich socialites, she CARES. Mainly, the conflict with Michaela having gained infamy from what was basically sexual assault, a sex tape recorded when she was eighteen and unaware she was taped, and disseminated in the internet, and there were no charges brought up against the literal abusive ex who did this, is depressingly kinda realistic, even the fact that gross ex became a famous actor after, URGH. But I don't think this was given the space needed to explore the weight of that happening.
IDK, seemed more fantasy plot mentioned than actual lived in storyline for me. The Harvard setting felt plopped in, like look at this hot socially awkward philosophy professor who is still athletic (I mean his brothers are pro hockey players, he still has the skills in his beer league hockey team), look at the model/celebrity? going to this Ivy League school because she cares so much about her charity she's not like other rich socialites, she CARES. Mainly, the conflict with Michaela having gained infamy from what was basically sexual assault, a sex tape recorded when she was eighteen and unaware she was taped, and disseminated in the internet, and there were no charges brought up against the literal abusive ex who did this, is depressingly kinda realistic, even the fact that gross ex became a famous actor after, URGH. But I don't think this was given the space needed to explore the weight of that happening.
November 13, 2018
So this was really good. Lachlan was both adorably awkward and sweltering. I love that he was so uncomfortable around Michaela for so long. It took a while to warm up to her, but once he was over it he was over it. I do wish that Michaela misunderstanding why he was suddenly able to have conversations with him was more played up - her thinking it was because he no longer found her attractive.
I found the awkwardness of Lachlan to be a little inconsistent, I have read better socially awkward characters and his was good - but not great.
All in all, Michaela and Lachlan's friendship was fucking beautiful. It developed first, and felt real. And it was a gradual evolution towards them actually being dating, even if it happened way before Lachlan realized.
I enjoyed the plot, and I enjoyed the characters.
I found the awkwardness of Lachlan to be a little inconsistent, I have read better socially awkward characters and his was good - but not great.
All in all, Michaela and Lachlan's friendship was fucking beautiful. It developed first, and felt real. And it was a gradual evolution towards them actually being dating, even if it happened way before Lachlan realized.
I enjoyed the plot, and I enjoyed the characters.
November 1, 2017
I am all for a nerdy/shy hero but he just seemed to be able to flip it on and off too easily. It didn’t seem believable.
Their relationship wasn’t very believable to me either. At least not how fast things happened.
It felt like it went on forever and then when I got to the end I was pretty disappointed. There was so much more we needed to know. The number one thing that needs to happen is, Seamus shaming her parents. They got to shame everyone else but they couldn’t do it to the ones that really mattered?!? That whole situation was messed up. Why didn’t she sue Blake??? How could no one have stuck up for her?
I was just disappointed all around. There is no epilogue so there was no hope of anything being resolved.
Their relationship wasn’t very believable to me either. At least not how fast things happened.
It felt like it went on forever and then when I got to the end I was pretty disappointed. There was so much more we needed to know. The number one thing that needs to happen is, Seamus shaming her parents. They got to shame everyone else but they couldn’t do it to the ones that really mattered?!? That whole situation was messed up. Why didn’t she sue Blake??? How could no one have stuck up for her?
I was just disappointed all around. There is no epilogue so there was no hope of anything being resolved.
April 27, 2018
Sweet Hero
This was my first Samantha Wayland book, and I really enjoyed it! Although I will say, there are a lot of secondary characters that I was a little confused about at first. I would definitely recommend reading the other 2 books surrounding these characters first. There were several previous story lines that I struggled to figure out at the beginning of this book. Otherwise, I liked this book and the characters very much. I enjoyed reading a Hero like Lachlan. He was Uber shy and awkward, but so endearing and ended up being much hotter than I expected. He's definitely not an alpha male, but became sweetly protective and swoon worthy in his own way. Definitely recommend this book!
This was my first Samantha Wayland book, and I really enjoyed it! Although I will say, there are a lot of secondary characters that I was a little confused about at first. I would definitely recommend reading the other 2 books surrounding these characters first. There were several previous story lines that I struggled to figure out at the beginning of this book. Otherwise, I liked this book and the characters very much. I enjoyed reading a Hero like Lachlan. He was Uber shy and awkward, but so endearing and ended up being much hotter than I expected. He's definitely not an alpha male, but became sweetly protective and swoon worthy in his own way. Definitely recommend this book!
July 9, 2021
If I could remove every single sex scene this book would improve remarkably. I like the characters but as soon as they start having sex Lachlan acts completely out of character. I don’t believe that someone who suffers from crippling social anxiety around women he is attracted to would suddenly turn into a supremely confident and masterful sexual partner. It’s far more likely that he would have still been a virgin given the way his character was written.
That by itself is annoying enough but all of the sex scenes are pretty much straight up porn. There’s no romance in it and I want brain bleach.
It’s sad because if you could only cut the porn bits out, the rest of the story of her developing friendships with Lachlan and her study group make for a pretty good plot.
That by itself is annoying enough but all of the sex scenes are pretty much straight up porn. There’s no romance in it and I want brain bleach.
It’s sad because if you could only cut the porn bits out, the rest of the story of her developing friendships with Lachlan and her study group make for a pretty good plot.
September 6, 2019
4.5 stars
I enjoyed this one so much. I love reading about the nerdy, awkward hero because it's so rare. It's usually the heroine. But I loved Lachlan and he was so sweet and awkward, I love it. Michaela was also a strong heroine and I really enjoyed reading her story. I thought they were both great together and how they were able to improve one another. The only thing I would've wanted more was an epilogue or something since I felt like it ended quite abruptly.
I enjoyed this one so much. I love reading about the nerdy, awkward hero because it's so rare. It's usually the heroine. But I loved Lachlan and he was so sweet and awkward, I love it. Michaela was also a strong heroine and I really enjoyed reading her story. I thought they were both great together and how they were able to improve one another. The only thing I would've wanted more was an epilogue or something since I felt like it ended quite abruptly.
November 30, 2017
This was a fun read but while it is TECHNICALLY a stand alone it should be considered part of a series because friends and family from previous book are mentioned. I would have preferred to read these others first but was still able to enjoy the story. I suggest reading the Hat Trick trilogy and Home and Away before reading Out of Her League.
December 11, 2018
Somehow I missed this book when it came out, but it was so dang good! I love how awkward Lachlan is...gah, super-sexy nerd alert. And Michaela...Wow...talk about a strong heroine. I adored her and the way that she constantly stands up tall regardless of how awful people are to her. These two...LOVED them together.
And I loved this book! I definitely recommend it!!!!
And I loved this book! I definitely recommend it!!!!
February 18, 2024
Yes time to admit I'm just rereading all of Samantha Wayland's books to figure out which ones I haven't read!
This one's pretty great, a rare m/f pairing in this series. A celebutante surrounded by paparazzi befriends her ex fake boyfriend's shy professor brother... and they fall in love!
I'm a big fan of all the Morrisons and their associated friends & lovers.
This one's pretty great, a rare m/f pairing in this series. A celebutante surrounded by paparazzi befriends her ex fake boyfriend's shy professor brother... and they fall in love!
I'm a big fan of all the Morrisons and their associated friends & lovers.
December 29, 2017
1,5 stars, rounded up.. Not my cup of tea.. the story progress was nice but the ending just abrupt and too fast to my liking.. kinda boring somewhere in the middle because the relationship status was stagnant, until the last 5 pages..
May 4, 2020
What I liked the most is that it was not an insta-love. I loved seeing how this couple was formed. Pulling out mind-blowing sex, they forged a friendship first, getting to know each other and accepting each other, regardless of past fears or reputation to get where they could no longer be apart.
March 12, 2022
good, engaging read. what bumped it down from 4 stars was the plot device that was lachlan’s shyness. i really don’t feel like it was addressed substantively, which made it all the more weird when it just… disappeared…. at a convenient point in the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2022
ok, there was the wedding I was missing from the last book, interesting choice to make it the beginning of this love story
two very likely characters! just no idea how they managed all that they do in this book in the time they have. to be a fictional character!
two very likely characters! just no idea how they managed all that they do in this book in the time they have. to be a fictional character!
February 13, 2023
Another good one
I enjoyed this book and was pleased to get to know Michaela and Lachlan after their previous introduction in this series. Lachlan was just how I imagined he would be and Michaela was a sassy sweetheart.
I enjoyed this book and was pleased to get to know Michaela and Lachlan after their previous introduction in this series. Lachlan was just how I imagined he would be and Michaela was a sassy sweetheart.
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