Book 1,005: Out for the Night (Browerton University #4) – A.J. Truman

This book might be my favorite in the series. I’m not sure if it’s because it’s an opposite attract thing or the super nerd and cool-beefy jock-type or something else entirely. It could be that both find confidence outside of what they usually do, but honestly, I’m not sure.

Out for the Night is the story of Coop, the campus rent-a-date who’s never been in love and had a major glow-up from high school, and Matty the quintessential nerd who has a take-no-prisoners attitude when it comes to getting the best grades possible.

They meet when one of Matty’s classmates pays Coop to distract Matty to help with the class curve. It’s not long after that, when their shenanigans go from fun and flirty to more serious and romantic.

‘So robots, pretty cool?’ Matty was going to chastise himself for the dorkiest line ever, except that Coop was in his face, kissing him. (Loc. 1,616)

Both Matty and Coop are inexperienced and totally adorable, they stumble into their relationship and explore it together. Matty thinks he’s so far behind because of how cool and outgoing Coop is, but when Coop shows his vulnerability Matty realizes he’s not as alone as he thought he was.

There were a few great scenes in this one, including the Settlers of Catan playgroup and the road trip to Philadelphia with Evan from Out in the Open. I also adored the interactions between Coop and Rafe, from the follow-up Out of this World, they had such a great relationship, and it keeps going in the next book even though they’re an ocean apart.

‘I don’t think it’s a matter of trying. I’ve seen what you’re capable of. It’s a matter of priority. Do you know priority was never meant to have a plural form? The word “priorities” only came into existence in the 1940s, but it’s grammatically incorrect.’ (Loc. 2,062)

Matty’s robotics storyline was fine, and the professor was a great counterpoint to Coop’s freewheeling live life to its fullest and don’t lock yourself away from the world. I’m torn, because I felt that having the professor as an external force on Matty worked better than Matty internalizing everything (like Gideon from Out of My Mind), but at the same time I was annoyed at the professor. Thankfully, the professor helps Matty in his own way and Matty and Coop can have a successful relationship.

When we fall, it’s their voice we hear.
If we stumble, it’s their laughter we fear.
No matter how far we get, they’re always near.
We can’t seem to persevere
Through being uncool. (Loc. 2,508)

Overall, the sex scenes were well written, like most in the series. There were a couple of “Wait, what?” moments, but mostly that was just because of where they were. I found it hilarious and loved that the book ended with a scene like the first time they ended up kissing after they decided to try dating, but both of them creamed their pants. It was just a perfect ending after the numerous crises that happened to push us quickly to the end of the story.

Recommendation: This is probably my favorite in the series with Out of This World a close second and Out in the Open and Out on a Limb tied for third. Matty and Coop were well-written characters and showed growth throughout the novel. They both had independent storylines that although complex, weren’t as overly complicated as in the last book. I didn’t notice as many typos/errors in this book, but they were still there.

Opening Line: “For the night, I am yours.”

Closing Line: “They held the textbooks over their stains all the way back to Matty’s dorm.” (Whited out to avoid spoilers, highlight to read.)