Today I am so pleased to welcome Lane Hayes to Joyfully Jay. Lane has come as part of the Beach Read Bonanza to talk to us about her latest release, The Right Time. She has also brought along a copy to give away. Please join me in giving her a big welcome!
Surfing in So Cal by Lane Hayes, author of The Right Time
I live near the beach in a large surfing community in Southern California. It’s a gorgeous area with clean air and breathtaking shoreline. I may be all about the aesthetics, but I’m smart enough to know if you live near the water, it’s wise to be ocean safe. I’ve three raised kids (young adults now) who are more than capable of navigating rip currents, ten-foot swells and saving you if you get in over your head. Me? Not so much. If you need me, I’ll be on the sand under a big floppy hat with my Kindle and cooler.
When I wrote The Right Time, I wasn’t drawing from my own personal experience as a surfer when I mentioned Nate’s love of the ocean. Like most authors, I want to explore things that fascinate me from the comfort of my keyboard. Not my surfboard. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist ?). Living near the ocean, especially in a town that is very much geared toward any and all things marine influenced, has given me a true appreciation of the majestic beauty of the Pacific. Sailing, kayaking and paddle boarding are big here. And so is surfing.
I know a lot of people like Nate, who tells us at the beginning of the book that his number one requirement when he rents Alex’s condo is that he’s near the ocean so he can surf. The solitary sport soothes him in an almost spiritual way. Living close enough to the sand to don a wetsuit and hike to the shore with board in hand, then paddle out to sea and wait out the perfect wave is important to him. Surfing keeps him in the moment because it leaves no other choice. Losing focus may result in a wipeout or injury. And when you’ve done it enough times, you learn to set aside the so-called “real world” and be part of your surroundings. To be one with nature.
There are two “types” of surfers. Serious and recreational. I may be exaggerating slightly but I think my logic is sound. If you don’t surf often, you’ll never get better. And not everyone lives near the ocean, which puts even the most enthusiastic surfer who lives a prohibitive distance in the recreational category. For those who are passionate about the sport and lucky enough to live close, surfing becomes more than a pastime. It’s a lifestyle. Instead of coffee at sunrise, they hurry to ocean. I know quite a few business professionals, like Nate, who wake up before the sun to catch a few waves before they begin their day in the office. If I’m up early and happen to drive along Pacific Coast Highway, I’ll notice the shoreline dotted with men and women on their boards. If they’re wearing wetsuits, I know the water is cold. If the waves are particularly awesome, there will be more of them than usual.
The serious surfer knows his or her limits while the novice will stupidly challenge Mother Nature without thinking about the consequences. At one point in The Right Time, Alex and Nate surf together. Nate is impressed with Alex’s skill, until he jumps on his board and attempts to ride a gigantic barrel toward the shore. He gets pummeled almost immediately. After making sure he’s okay, Nate is angry. He warns Alex not to take chances with what he doesn’t understand. Naturally Alex counters with “but how can you ever know anything unless you take a chance?”. He may or may not be using a double entendre, but it’s a fitting one.
I admire those who are brave enough to stand on a seven-foot long board in an attempt to commune with the elements. I’m fascinated that the water calls to certain people and feeds a part of their soul. It’s a beautiful thing. I can look past the grating “surfer speak” (“like totally dude”) and appreciate the passion behind the sport. Personally, I think it’s crazy. The ocean frightens me. Its power is infinitely greater than my comprehension. I prefer to sit on my beach chair with a good book and a cold drink and watch.
There are many metaphors of life and the sea. The viewpoint may vary from a fisherman to a sailor or surfer, or from someone whose feet are firmly planted in the sand. However, the general theme is usually one of awe. We might admire the beauty and power or fear what lies under the surface, but no one walks away from the ocean without feeling something.
“The sea is emotion incarnate. It loves, hates, and weeps. It defies all attempts to capture it with words and rejects all shackles. No matter what you say about it, there is always that which you can’t.” – Christopher Paolini, Eragon
Thank you for inviting me to your beach bonanza!
Happy Summer! And Happy Reading!
Lane Hayes
Blurb
Workaholic Nate Erickson is a successful real estate developer who thrives on long hours and stress. When a Los Angeles project prompts him to relocate to Santa Monica, he welcomes the change of scenery. Nate has always considered romantic entanglements trouble, but his sexy next-door neighbor isn’t easy to ignore. Which makes no sense, because Nate is straight… or so he’s always thought.
Alex Reyes is a retired professional soccer player turned West Hollywood business owner with an insatiable lust for life. He loves his family, friends, and work. But there’s one life challenge left to accomplish: coming out publically. Respect for traditional Latino values has kept him in the closet, but Alex begins to think he and his new neighbor might help one another combat their fears. As Alex and Nate forge a strong friendship, they soon realize facing their personal demons will take more courage than either man bargained. The reward is immeasurable… if the timing is right.
Bio
Lane Hayes is grateful to finally be doing what she loves best. Writing full time! It’s no secret Lane loves a good romance novel. An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to a well-told love story with beautifully written characters. These days she prefers the leading roles both be men! Lane discovered the M/M genre a fews ago and was instantly hooked. Her first novel was a finalist in the 2013 Rainbow Awards and her third received an Honorable Mention in the 2014 Rainbow Awards. She loves travel, chocolate, and wine (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband and the coolest yellow lab ever in an almost empty nest.
Giveaway
Lane has brought a copy of The Right TIme to give away to one lucky reader. Just leave a comment at the end of the post to enter. The contest ends on Saturday, June 27th at 11:59 pm EST.
This stop is also part of our Beach Read Bonanza, so be sure to leave a comment for your chance to enter, here and at the rest of our stops!
By entering the giveaway, you’re confirming that you are at least 18 years old.
- Winners will be selected by random number. No purchase necessary to win. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning.
- If you win, you must respond to my email within 48 hours or another winner may be chosen. Please make sure that your spam filter allows email from Joyfully Jay.
- Winners may be announced on the blog following the contest. By entering the contest you are agreeing to allow your name to be posted and promoted as the contest winner by Joyfully Jay.
- Prizes will be distributed following the giveaway either by Joyfully Jay or the person/organization donating the prize.
- All book prizes are in electronic format unless otherwise specified.
- By entering you are agreeing to hold Joyfully Jay harmless if the prize or giveaway in some way negatively impacts the winner.
- Readers may only enter once for each contest. Duplicate entries for the same giveaway will be ignored. In the event of technical problems with the blog during the contest, every effort will be made to extend the contest deadline to allow for additional entries.
- Void where prohibited by law.
I love watching people surf. I would ever be able to do it, but it just amazes me. So much faith and risk and skill all in one.
I agree. It’s a little too scary for me, but fascinating!
I am enjoying the Right and Wrong series. Thanks for participating in the giveaway.
Thank you Alexandra!
Sounds like a great story.
Thanks Sabrina!
I’ll join you on the beach under the sunshade with my own kindle. Not much of a swimmer I prefer just watching the people in the water rather than be in it myself.
I’ll save a spot in the sand for you!
Sounds like a great book!
Thanks Kim!
Huge fan of Lane Hayes and this series! Thanks for the chance!
Thank you Jennifer!
Count me in, I lvoe this series! =)
🙂 Good luck, Serena!
I’m with you on the “awe” part. I’ve been at sea in some big storms and it is majestic….and scary.
Yes, it’s incredibly beautiful and very humbling. My son is lifeguarding this summer. I’m so proud of him but there’s a part of me that will always be a little nervous too.
First of all congrats on the upcoming release of The Right Time 🙂 and thanks for this post! I love the Right and Wrong serie and i’ve been waiting for Alex’s story since The Right Words (book 1) So happy that the release day is near. Thanks for the giveaway chance.
Thank you Angela! I love Alex. I knew book 3 belonged to him. Hope you enjoy this one too!
I am very envious of people who can surf, one of those things that looks effortless and easy but is so hard to get right, very with lots of practice!
Maybe that’s my problem… I’m too impatient! 🙂
I’m another one who is happy to sit and watch from the protection of my well anchored towel. Happy new book!
LOL! Thank you Kareni!
It is definitely the “RIGHT TIME” for a new beach reading book:)
Heehee! Yep! It’s officially summer beach read season!
Love the beaches in SoCal! Thanks so much for the post!
Me too! It’s a beautiful place!
I live near the beach in England but as far as I know no surfing is done here by the North Sea most surfers are down in Cornwall and Devon. I do enjoy watching surfing when it comes on the TV it amazes me how anyone can stand on the board in the sea and then also ride the waves cool though.
(Ps I have all your books.)
Hi Shirley! Thank you! I have cousins in England that surf in Cornwall. They actually live in Northern England and trek down every so often for the waves. I’d love to see it someday!
I’m definitely intrigued by how serious people get about surfing where I am…cold weather, bad weather, you name it, they want to be out there!
We’re lucky to have very temperate weather but I agree… they don’t seem to care. Being out there is all that matters. It’s a passion.
Surfers=so hot! One of the films that first inspired my slash fantasies was Point Break. 🙂
Oooh, I’ll have to check that out! There is something very sexy about a guy on a board. *sigh
Hi!! I love this series, Lane has great books!! Can’t wait to read this book!!! I would love to be at the beach, toes in the sand, water drifting in and out, Sun shining!!! Awe to relax and read! 🙂
Thank you Amy! Yes, it’s finally beach read season! xo
I have never tried surfing, but it looks fun (but difficult). I do love to swim in the ocean.
Thanks for the great post.
I’ve never tried either. Not sure I mentioned that earlier. I’m better at observing than participating when it comes to certain sports! Lol!
Congratulations on the new book, Lane! I’ve never been surfing, but I love snorkeling and swimming in the ocean. The ocean is an amazing place to visit. So beautiful and so powerful.
I love the ocean too. It’s so beautiful! Thank you Jen! xo
Living in a beach city, it’s a whole different mind set. And local surfers are very territorial about the best spots and waves.
I’ve never been surfing and I think I’ll be too scared to try. It looks difficult and like you have to have very good balance (I’m clumsy…so yeah…)
I can’t wait to read this book. Love to go the beach and walk along the shore line at sunrise it’s so peaceful and relaxing
I’ve never surfed before but it looks really cool and really terrifying.
I have been eagerly awaiting the release day. I can’t wait to read this book!
Hi, Lane, I love the Right and Wrong series, and i’m also a big fan of the Better than series. Surfing is in my “to do” list, I hope for this year, even though I’m kinda old for ir, but, as they say, it´s never too late (I’m holding on to that!). Congrats on your new book!
This sounds so good. I live by the ocean but have never seen a surfer. Whoa is me. LOL Thanks for the chance
I love this series and can’t wait for this one! I do not have the coordination to be able to surf but we live close to La Jolla Shores and the surf is great! I love walking the beach and checking out the surfers – poetry in motion on those waves.
I have gone out with a serious surfer, who had duel personalities the one that wore smart suits during the day and looked immaculate who then at the drop of his metaphorical bowler hat suddenly donned a wet suit and escaped to ocean waves to surf. He was serious, not recreational, as the call of waves grew to strong for him and he changed careers to become a self employed osteopath living by the sea. Thank you for a chance to win one of Lanes books 🙂
Just bought the first two books in this series and I can’t wait to read them.
Oh, I agree. Surfers are amazing – trying to balance on such a fragile piece of equipment. Thanks for the post.