Relay (Changing Lanes, Book 1) by Layla Reyne
Captain is not a title Alejandro “Alex” Cantu takes lightly. Elected by his teammates to helm the US Men’s Swim Team, he proudly accepts the role, despite juggling endless training, team administrative work, and helping out on the family farm. And despite his ex-lover, Dane Ellis—swimming’s biggest star—also making the Olympic Team.
Dane has been a pawn in his celebrity parents’ empire from crib to pool, flashing his camera-ready smile on demand and staying deeply in the closet. Only once did he drop the act—the summer he fell in love with Alex. Ten years later, Dane longs to cut his parents’ strings, drop his too-bright smile, and beg Alex for another chance.
Alex, though, isn’t ready to forgive and forget, and Dane is a distraction he doesn’t need on his team, until an injury forces Alex to accept Dane as his medley relay anchor. Working together, their passion reignites. When Dane’s parents threaten reprisal and Alex is accused of doping, the two must risk everything to prove Alex’s innocence, to love one another, and to win back their spots on the team, together.
🌟🌟🌟🌟 4 stars
🔥🔥🔥 Heat Level: 3.5 (slow-burn, second-chance romance)
What a trilling intro into this Olympic Swim Team; the drama, the conspiracy and a second chance at love!
I loved this book. The characters are dynamic and loveable, and Layla’s writing is so authentic and compassionate.I felt all the emotions through Dane and Alex. The ups and down, the twists and turns, (with a final twist I didn’t see coming). This is a wonderful story of second chances, finding yourself and standing up for the person you love! This book made me feel like I was getting a look behind the scenes of a real swim team before they reach the Olympics. Layla’s research must have been extensive! Wonderful writing by Layla and a new take on professional sporting MM romances. A highly recommended read!!
While the main characters stole my heart, all the secondary characters were just as engaging and opened the story up for so much more. I look forward to Jacob and Bas’s story in Medley.
Thanks for reading 📚!
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