The hardest battle is the fight to be yourself....

Jesse Solomona has always tried to be the perfect straight guy--a cocky sports fan capable of drinking more than he did in his fraternity days and an expert at one-night-stands. That he hooks up with just as many men as he does women is a secret Jesse's been hiding for years, fearful of losing his family and tight group of friends. He's a Kensington boy--a group of guys that grew up in the same neighborhood and somehow all ended up back in their hometown. They, and his family, are the only things that still matter in his otherwise soul-sucking life.

Chuck Dunn, a tattooed and pierced sports photographer, has refused to step back into the closet since he was disowned by his family, but he keeps choosing men who can't fully be with him. Finally free from a long-term relationship he should've ended years ago, he quits his high-profile gig in favor of getting back to the art of sports photography--documenting a local boxing club that works with at-risk teenagers. He may not have the same swagger anymore, but he's working to be happy with who he is.

When Chuck joins one of the Kensington boys' community center sports leagues, Jesse's self-imposed rules are systematically demolished. But there's one barrier Jesse can't find the strength to break through--coming out to the other Kensington boys. Chuck knows hooking up with Jesse is a bad idea. Falling for him even worse. But he can't stay away.

Chuck is damaged by his past. Jesse is frightened about his future. But, together, they may just be able to come out of the shade.

Reader Advisory: Out of the Shade is a standalone novel with an HEA that carries the following warnings--alcoholism, mentions of sexual and physical abuse, mentions of drug addiction, mentions of rape, attempted suicide by a minor character, violence, homophobia, closeting

Out of the Shade by S.A. McAuley blew me away! I have to get my head around the outstanding story I just read.

This line is the blurb just about sums up the book… The hardest battle is the fight to be yourself.…

This is so much more than a love story, so much more than a man coming to terms with his sexuality. Jesse’s journey was powerful and his attraction and love for Chuck clear to the reader but you need to love YOU before you can love another.

Though Jesse and Chuck do fall in love and wow is it beautiful to experience; I think the most poignant part of this enveloping story is Jesse’s battle to find himself.  This battle is about so much more than his sexuality and though I want to gush more I do not want to ruin the story because WOW was it ever amazing to sit and read it unfold!

A big thank you to  Natasha the Book Junkie and to Judith at Next Step PR for the recommendation