This is the second book in the Changing Lanes series. This one centers on Sebastian and Jacob. Seb is a California boy, loves to party, bisexual, inks his own tattoos and is on the Olympic swim team. Attracted to Jacob, knowing he can't or won't give in to the feelings he has.

Jacob, referred to as “pup”, is the rookie, the newest and youngest of the Olympic swim team. Fake ID, unsure of himself, bisexual, very shy, but definitely attracted to Seb.

Seb made a mistake at the last Olympics, one that cost his team a gold medal. Determined not to make the same mistake again, he continually pushes Jacob away. He justifies his actions by telling himself that the pup is to young, to inexperienced, really any excuse he can come up with to put distance between them. He needs to protect himself and Jacob.

Jacob doesn't want to disappoint his team either but his insecurities are getting the best of him. He wants Seb badly, not understanding why he's being pulled close one minute then abandoned the next.

This was a lovely, hot book, all of the swim team played an important roll in bringing it to a satisfying conclusion. I liked the the extra glimpses of Alex and Dane from the first book. Seb and Jacob are special characters I enjoyed getting to know.

Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.

Sebastian Stewart let his personal life get in the way of his Olympic dreams four years ago, and it not only affected his swimming, but the success of his medley relay team. This time around Bas is determined to keep focused on his swimming and helping his team, including mentoring the newbie, Jacob Burrows. The problem is, Bas finds Jacob incredibly appealing, and Jacob seems to return his interest, but Bas knows getting involved with Jacob is a bad idea.

As the guys put in their final weeks of training and head to Madrid for the Games, the connection between Bas and Jacob continues to grow. On top of that, Jacob is overwhelmed by his first Olympic experience and turns to Bas for support. Bas wants nothing more than to be there for Jacob, and Jacob definitely wants Bas, but Bas worries that he can’t be what Jacob needs and is determined to stay away. However, what Jacob really needs is Bas, and now Bas must decide if he is willing to take a chance and be there for Jacob and trust that they can have a future together.

Medley is the follow up to the excellent Relay by Layla Reyne and serves as part two of the duology. Each book focuses on two of the four swimmers on the medley relay team and while the romances are separated into the two books, overall the pair of stories completes the Olympic journey for these men. So you could read this one as a stand alone, but it will be much richer in combination with Relay.

I really enjoyed the glimpses we got of Bas and Jacob in the first book, so I was very excited to see them here. There is clearly an attraction between the two men, but also a mentor connection as Bas looks out for Jacob and guides him on his Olympic journey. Bas acted badly at the last Olympics and blew things for himself, as well as for his medley teammates. With three of the four men likely facing their last Olympics, Bas is determined not to ruin things again, even if that keeps him from what he and Jacob both so clearly want. Bas just doesn’t think he can be what Jacob needs, so he feels like it is better not to start things at all. And Jacob has a lot of doubts about his own self worth and his appeal, and not understanding Bas’ concerns, he is certain that Bas just isn’t interested in a gawky young virgin like him. So the guys both struggle with wanting what they think they can’t have, and it Bas’ case, kind of standing in the way of his own happiness.

I liked both of these men a lot and enjoyed them together. I will say I did wish these guys would talk to each other a bit more. We don’t find out what happened in the last Games until more than halfway through the book, and then we don’t really learn why Bas is so afraid of a relationship until even longer than that. So I feel like there is a lot of these guys wanting each other but staying away for various reasons, and it does go on a bit overlong for me. But I found them to be a sweet couple and I loved the way it all pulls together in the end.

I also really enjoyed the sports elements in the story. I would say this is “sports light” as while we do see the guys at the Olympics and preparing for the Games, their training and competition is not the main focus. But I really enjoyed the swimming components, as well as the behinds the scenes look at Olympic athletes.

So overall I found this a nice follow up to Relay and I enjoyed the way the two books came together here. The stories are a really fun set and I enjoyed getting to see Bas and Jacob finally find their way together.

Here's the thing when the first book in a series blows you away: expectations for the second book become undoubtedly (and maybe unfairly) high. And when the author happens to be a go-to favorite who's always surpassed any and all expectations? Well, the bar is exponentially raised. That was the case with Layla Reyne's second novel in her Changing Lanes sports romance series. Relay earned a spot on my year-end list of top favorites with its angsty second-chance love story that had bites of humor to it alongside a strong sports element interspersed with the romance. Alex Cantu and Dane Ellis also make up one of my favorite couples in the sub-genre, and that's saying a lot. Then there were supporting characters Bas Stewart and Jacob Burrows, who shared a strong connection in this first book and who I knew would be getting their own story told in the second one. All of that made Medley one of my most anticipated reads for the second quarter of 2018. The fact that I got the galley for this early was a bonus. Then I read it, and well, unfortunately, it kinda missed the mark.

I mentioned that the book missed the mark, but don't take that to mean that it was an awful read. It wasn't. Again, I need to stress that I had expectations, and while some of those were not met, others were. Also, while this book may not have been as fantastic as the first one in the series, I still enjoyed reading it. I liked getting to know Jacob and Bas even better here, and I appreciated the back stories that they brought with them--Jacob his bisexuality and caring for his father and Bas his past relationship and family history of infidelity. I loved both guys and I loved how much they cared about each other AND their team PLUS their remaining family. I also more than appreciated the portions of the story that focused on the swimming and being at the Olympics. Bonus points also go to peeks at how Alex and Dane are doing as a couple. So, why did it not meet my expectations? I wanted more of Bas and Jacob evolving into an actual couple. Yes, Bas had his reasons for pushing Jacob away, and yes, their feelings continued to develop even during that time, but so much of their time was apart rather than together. While four stars may not seem like all that bad of a rating for a book, it pains me to award Medley "only" four stars because it is a Layla Reyne book and because Relay was exceptional. ♥

I love Layla Reyne's writing. This was my third read by her. I didn't love it as much as the first book, but I am really enjoying this series!

Medley is the sequel to Relay. Although the relationship could possibly work as a standalone, the story is strongly connected to the first book, and should be read as a sequel. Where Relay talks about the lead up to the Olympics, Medley picks up the story at the Olympics.

For the most part, I enjoyed this book. I love competitive swimming, especially so when it pertains to the Olympics. So, this book was right up my alley. I liked the characters, but I found myself preoccupied with the plot - will they or won't they win gold during their team medley??? I...tend to get really caught up on the sports aspect of a book when there is a sport in the story. Which means that I should probably re-read this book now that I do know outcome.

But what I can tell you guys is that this book is about fly swimmer Sebastian "Bas" Stewart, and breaststroke swimmer Jacob Burrows. Bas has been on the team as long as the captain, Alex. Bas is the second-in-command, if you will, and Jacob is the new kid on the Olympic team. Bas has a bit of a reputation upon the Olympics crowd, one that cost the relay team their gold four years ago. He's determined to not go down that same path this time around, but his growing attraction to Jacob could be his undoing.

Honestly, the characters just weren't a draw for me in this book. I liked them as secondary characters in book one, but it seems like they got lost in the shuffle when it was their turn to be in the spotlight. I liked reading about their backstory, and I liked their moments together. But...there was just something that was missing. I wasn't really feeling that spark between them like I did for Alex and Dane in Relay.

There's a bit of an underlying tension between Bas and Jacob that simmered, but never really came to life for me. And it's a weird feeling to have, because I liked both the characters, so why don't I love them being together? Bas is the older of the two and his uncertainty over whether him and Bas should be together takes up a majority of their storyline. It would have been nice for some Bas and Jacob to just BE, without all the extra drama from Bas and other characters butting in.

Sadly, this was just an okay read for me. I immensely enjoyed the Olympics-aspect of the story and seeing Alex and Dane again, but the relationship between the characters in this book just fell flat for me.

***Thanks to Riptide Publishing for providing me an ARC on NetGalley***

We first meet Sebastian Steward & Jacob Burrows in book 1 of the Changing Lanes series, Relay. And in Medley we finally get to have Bas's backstory. 4 years ago Bas made a huge mistake and he doesn't want to make the same mistake this time around. But Jacob has gotten under his skin.

Even though Jacob knows what he wants, and he also needs Bas to help his nerves. He has a uphill battle to get it all.

I adore Bas. So I was excited to get his HEA and Jacob is the perfect partner for him.

I adore this series. It has heart and I can't wait to read more from this series and this author.

I absolutely loved Relay, the first book in Layla Reyne’s Changing Lanes duology (at least I think it’s only meant to be two books). Alex and Dane were amazing, but I also loved the side characters, including Sebastian and Jacob, whose stories get told in Reyne’s newest novel, Medley. In this book we finally get to the Olympics and get to see the outcome of the much-anticipated medley relay. There is a bit of an overlap in the timelines of the two books, but most of Medley takes place in Vienna, at the training center, and then in Madrid, at the Games. It was cool seeing a couple of the events that took place in Relay retold here, either in more detail or from another viewpoint; I liked how Reyne structured the story, and kept the buildup going that she began in the first book.

Sebastian has been tasked with watching over Team USA’s nineteen-year-old rookie sensation, Jacob Burrows. We find out very early on in the story that the guys are attracted to each other (we actually saw it coming in the first book), but Bas has drawn a line in the sand as far as any fooling around with Jacob, AKA Pup, goes. We also find out very quickly that Bas is rubbish at both consistently sticking to his plan to stay away from Jacob, and at communicating. The reason for his wanting to back off is simple, albeit misguided…He’s tormented by his dramatics at the last Olympics and his belief that he cost his team the gold medal in the medley relay because of all the distraction his nonsense caused. But, beyond that, he is also convinced that he’s incapable of having a relationship, that he’s destined to just leave and hurt people, because that’s what his dad did to him and his mom, and what he did to his ex, Julio, four years ago. He’s certain that if he lets things happen with Jacob, he’ll end up hurting him.

All Jacob has ever wanted is to swim for Team USA at the Olympics, and his dream is finally coming true. Also a dream come true is hanging out with Sebastian Stewart, one of his longtime idols and current crush. Jacob is Mr. Fix It. Always trying to make things right for everyone, and always putting everyone else’s needs above his own. Jacob never asks for what he needs, because the last time he tried, when he was thirteen and he asked his mom to stay, it didn’t work out for him. So, he’s pretty much given up on ever trying to put himself first—which Sebastian immediately notices. Though Jacob wants Bas desperately, he thinks he’s not worthy of him, that he’s pathetic, awkward, and dorky. In my opinion, however, it’s Bas who isn’t worthy of Jacob.

I was reeeeaaaaally bothered by the way Bas treated Jacob in this book. His inconsistency and hot and cold treatment of Jacob did nothing to help change Jacob’s viewpoint of himself. In fact, Jacob is so confused and hurt by the way Bas is acting—hooking up with him one minute, totally pushing him away the next—he’s second guessing everything about himself, and his performance in the pool starts suffering. As if the overwhelming activity and chaos of his first Olympic Games isn’t enough, now poor Jacob is also dealing with confusion and heartache caused by the person who’s supposed to have his back. And the fact that Bas is in a position of power over Jacob, being older, more experienced, and his mentor, made his actions that much more bothersome. Also, it drives me absolutely crazy when one guy decides what the other guy needs. Bas has decided that he’s no good for Jacob and is making alllll of the decisions about how things are gonna go down between them, completely taking away Jacob’s autonomy. Bas thinks he’s protecting Jacob by pushing him away, but he’s actually only confusing him and messing things up more.

Alex and Dane each try to step in and help, both individually and collectively, and do their best at trying to get Bas and Jacob to talk to each other. It was great seeing those two so happy; I loved that they had such a good-sized cameo. I was also really happy to see a bit of Bas’s mom, who’s a total badass, and get some other cute moments from Coach Hartl. And, I really, really liked Jacob’s cousin Josh, who I wish we would have seen more of. Jacob could have really used some support at different times in the story; it might have been nice to see a convo or two between him and his cousin.

Medley was good. I loved the characters and was SO happy to see Team USA’s performance in the Games! But the constant drama, much of which felt over the top or unneeded, kept it from being as good as Relay for me.

I really enjoyed Relay and yearned for a sequel, however, I'm sad to say that it didn't live up to my expectations. I had a hard time connecting with one of the main character, Bas, because his actions, and the focus of the story was more frustrating relationship drama than the Olympics.

I actually liked Bas in Relay, when he was acting like a good friend and mentor. However, in Medley Bas played hot and cold with Jacob, pulling him closer only to push him away and then avoid poor Jacob without explanations. Bas justified his selfish actions as greater good for the Olympic team, but it only created tension. I couldn't connect with Bas and I didn't understand where his actions came from until the near end of the book - but then it was too late to like him. Jacob was complete opposite, as I liked him from the beginning and that didn't waver. He's sweet and caring and he put others before himself. He simply deserved more than to go through relationship drama on the eve of his debut in Olympics (especially since all the drama affected his performance).

Relay had some deep themes and character growth, but I felt like Medley lacked both. It wasn't so much about redemption, forgiveness and the Olympics than it was about unnecessary relationship drama, which could have been avoided if a heart-to-heart talk would happened sooner than it did. I guess my expectation where so high after Relay that I just felt disappointed because Medley focused on other stuff. I just wish the Olympics wouldn't been on the back burner, because all the swim moments were exciting and captivating.

I did like the conclusion the book offered: did the US Olympic team win the medals they so coveted? I also really enjoyed the peaks of Dane and Alex, especially Dane, because he was a great friend and support to everyone else this time around, and he continued to stood up against his bigoted parents. And Jacob was so sympathetic character! I only wish he'd get better than the emotional rollercoaster that he got.

I’ve really liked this series as well as both Jacob and Bas when they were introduced in Relay, the first book in Layla Reyne’s Changing Lanes. I fell in love with this author’s writing when I picked up Single Malt, the first book in her Agents Irish and Whiskey series. From that moment on, she landed on my “must read” list and I haven’t been disappointed yet.

Oh Bas and Jacob… they were so perfect together… and such a royal mess apart. *sigh* Sebastian had his reasons for keeping his distance. There was a lot riding on their performance and Bas couldn’t risk screwing up as badly as he did the first times team had made it this far.

Jacob was hard to resist though. He was fun, quirky and even though he was the youngest and least experienced, he quickly proved himself as the “heart” of their team. He was loyal, fun and wasn’t afraid to stand behind his team mates regardless of what they faced. Sebastian didn’t really give himself enough credit and didn’t realize how much he had grown in four years. He also didn’t realize that he wasn’t the same person as he was then – and Jacob wasn’t the same person he walked away from then either.

There was still some left over drama from Relay and I loved how tight this group of men proved themselves to be. There were moments when I wanted to knock some sense into both Bas and Jacob, but they got their act together by the end. 😉

I can’t wait to see what Layla Reyne has in store for readers next 😉

I received Medley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
Bas is a veteran of the US Olympic swim team and has taken Jacob, affectionately known as Pup, under his wing. Jacob is selfless, always helping others and while he is young, he is wise beyond his years. Bas just wants to take care of him but after messing up at the last Olympics, he won't let himself get involved in a relationship with Jacob.

I found this to be an emotionally charged story and with plenty of drama, something I don't always want in an m/m story but it works well here given the characters’ ages and the high-pressure world they inhabit. I loved Jacob's vulnerable side and his willingness to give to others. On the other side, I loved Bas' protective nature and there was never any question that he and Jacob are a perfect fit.

The only thing I would have liked more of in this story is the actual swimming but that is just the sports fan in me. I loved the emotional whirlwind of Medley and I hope the author plans to write more in this series because I want to spend more time with these characters.

5 Stars

When I finished Changing Lanes, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this story and I wasn't disappointed, but I will say, although this is a different couple, I wouldn’t skip book one. There is an ongoing storyline, plus, book one was excellent, so you don’t want to miss out on Alex and Dane!

I absolutely loved Jacob. He was so sweet and almost innocent. I liked Bas, but I kinda wanted to strangle him throughout the story. Maybe shake him just a bit? But together they were amazing.

This is a slow-burn, and it takes time for Jacob, well, mostly for Bas to get them where they need to be, not for Jacob’s lack of trying, but once they did get together, they was explosive. The chemistry between them was electric and the sexual tension was palpable and thick enough to cut with a knife.

I loved that Alex and Dane were such a huge part of this story, as well. I enjoyed getting to watch their relationship grow and strengthen throughout the story. I also enjoyed getting to know their teammates, Kevin and Sean a bit better, as well as some of the other swimmers. Swimming is definitely my favorite Summer sport, so I absolutely loved the setting and I hope it won’t be the last we’ve seen of these guys!

The story was well-written and paced well. It drew me in and didn’t let go until the very end. I absolutely love this author's writing style, it’s easy to read and flows well, and I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next. Very enjoyable and highly recommended!

Bas is desperate to make sure he doesn't repeat the mistakes of the last Olympics which cost the medley team the gold medal. He's determined to do the right thing, and that includes staying away from the pup, Jacob. Jacob is the newest member of the team and he's got what it takes to get the medley team to that gold medal, but it's all so very complicated.

The complication? Well, Bas has feelings for Jacob and Jacob has feeling for Bas. Both bisexual, they share an understanding of how people don't get what that really means. I liked the inclusion of the women swimmers in this part of the storyline. And since they are rooming together during the practices before the Olympics, Bas feels the need to deny his feelings for Jacob, thinking they will impact their ability to bring home the gold. Until one fateful night when Bas gives Jacob what he wants and needs, leaving Jacob devastated and unsure the next day. His confidence in tatters, Jacob enters the Olympic competition ripe for head games from the competition and he get those head games from Bas's ex.

Only Bas can fix this and it takes him a while to see that. I really loved these two guys and what they went through in the midst of the Olympic games. They are both trying to do the right thing and yet everything turns out wrong. While there is a definite sexual spark between them, what I loved the most about this story is how these two men felt about each other, and how much they cared about doing the right thing. It was great to see how Alex and Dane (the main characters in Relay, the first book in the series) contribute to Jacob and Bas's getting together too.

I loved the Olympic aspects of the story and how the incredible pressure during the games was part of the story. And Jacob's home life and his father's issues were a very touching part of this story, especially since Bas really got how much it all meant to Jacob.

Medley worked for me as a sports romance. I really liked Jacob and Bas (and the whole swim team) and I was rooting for Bas to get his act together when that was what he needed to do. Medley works well as a standalone, but you probably want to check out Relay too.

An ARC was provided for review.

I love Layla Reyne, and I highly recommend her books. Medley is the second book in what I believe is a duology called Changing Lanes. Readers meet Sebastian – Bas – and Jacob in the first book, Relay, which focuses on two other members of their Olympic swimming team. First off, I love the setting of the Olympics. I know we just had the Winter Olympics, and swimming is a Summer sport, but it was still fun to read this book around actual Olympic time. While you can easily read just Medley, as events in Relay are explained/summed up, I do think both books are really good, so it’s your choice! While I really liked Medley, and I would recommend the book, I do know that some readers might get frustrated with the back and forth between Bas and Jacob, though it’s really just Bas’ fault.

However, it made sense to me because Bas is trying to make up for something he did in the previous Olympics and not let his team down, while also trying to take care of Jacob, who is a first time Olympic swimmer. When it’s obvious that Jacob wants more, Bas has a hard time saying no – because he wants more too. However, he also thinks he’s going to ruin things for his teammates if he gives in too much, so it’s a lot of pushing Jacob away, believing Jacob is better off without him anyway, since he has so much still ahead of him (there is a bit of an age difference here; Jacob is 19 and Bas is later 20’s I believe).

Despite the back and forth, I was still intrigued by the story and I knew Bas and Jacob would get it together at some point. I’d say the first book is more 4 stars, and this is 3.5, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t highly enjoy both of them!!

There was a lot to like about this:
Jacob – super adorkable esp. with the pirate stuff
The Olympics
Swimming
Alex and Dane

There was a lot that was …. Less great:
Continual teenagey angst – even though most of the characters are older than that
A lack of communication
Lack of steam

This is more of a YA than a NA story. I think if you go into it like that – with those expectations – it’s feels better. As an NA story it felt lacking.

I really enjoyed book 1 a bit more, but I’d keep with the series.

3 of 5 stars

I liked Relay a good deal, but Medley was even better. When I finished Relay, I lamented the missing spark and easy connection I’ve come to associate with this author’s couples. I cannot begin to explain how excited I was when that chemistry popped and sizzled immediately between Bas and Jacob. The banter was quick, fun, and telling, making for an easy, enjoyable read that was hard to step away from. Medley slightly overlaps Relay’s timeline, providing some additional perspectives on the reinstatement of Alex as captain. Although it features a different couple and details some of the main plot points and resolutions from Relay, I think this is one that while it can read as a standalone, it’s better in order. I enjoyed the continued story as these characters completed their Olympic training and traveled to Madrid to compete in the Games. I also liked how many little peeks we got into Alex and Dane’s relationship, making this series feel a little more complete.

When we first met Jacob in Relay, it was clear there was more to him than an eager, happy rookie. Medley flushed out those details and it made for a really interesting story that highlighted just how strong Jacob is. Bas showed a little less development in some ways, but he had a good amount of depth as well. I really liked these two together and was pleased their chemistry continued throughout the book. Where Medley lost some traction for me was the “I’m not good enough for him, so I’ll push him away” plot point. I see it so much, and it always frustrates me, particularly when I like a character and/or couple as much as I enjoyed Bas and Jacob. That said, I was happy to see Bas address his weaknesses by the end of the book, and I loved the ending. If you are looking for an Olympic or swimming series, or just a good sports romance, I’d definitely recommend the Changing Lanes series.

I thought I’m gonna like it more than the first book, given I liked Jacob on Relay and Sebastian seemed levelheaded enough. That jolted right on the first chapter and later practically wilted. To me it read like an over the top drama that could be evaded if the characters - selected professional athletes at that - didn’t suddenly adopt a personality change that started the hot and cold pull and push between Jacob and Sebastian.

Instead of sympathizing with Jacob over his guilt and feeling not good enough, I rolled my eyes and muttering the whole time he went through his inner struggle. And don’t get me started on Jacob’s considering to be more than friends with female teammate if he couldn’t get to Sebastian. What the what??? To me it sounded like Jacob got to escape from doing exactly that just because the plot making the female character the bad guy. Also don’t forget the other bad guy that would try to ruin everything for them - got to make that character as evil as possible.

Perhaps it’s me who didn’t get it. But the whole thing just scream high drama to me. It’s really hard for me to like these guys as they made one foolish move after another because suddenly they felt unworthy. That last stint Jacob pulled after easily provoked by the the evil character was the last straw. SIGH. Such a let down as I’ve been so looking forward to Jacob’s and Sebastian’s stories.


Advanced copy of this book is kindly given by the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Book 2 in the Changing Lanes series is even better than the first and I liked that one fine.

This is what I liked:
* Good storyline that progresses in a slow tempo, sometimes I don’t like that but it depends how good the author is at keeping my attention. Job well done!
* Characters that’s well described with feelings and has challenges they manages to overcome and find their happily ever after.
* No unnecessary descriptions of surroundings and enough dialogues to keep it interesting but not so much that it becomes annoying.
* Love scenes that are tasteful described and has a lot of intensity
* Secondary characters that makes the fictional world seem well known to me.
* Pup and Bas has a connection from the beginning and even in the first book you could sense that this would be intense. But they both have things their hiding for each other. The process of learning to communicate is slow but steady.

I recommend this mm series, 5 stars 🌟

*****


Bas and Pup or Sebastian and Jacob are two character who pull at your heart strings. Both searching for gold but finding love in the long run.

It's been a long time but this is a story that I could read over and over again. I love how different the two characters are, but in reality they are a lot alike. Both look out for other more than they look out for themselves. It pulls them together. And even though there are situations that drag them apart, they just cant stay away from one another. Both finding not what they want, but what they need.

I hope there are more books in this series, I would read them in a heart beat!

There's just something about stories that revolve around the Olympics. I loved the way this book started, and the way the relationship between Jacob and Bas developed was both adorable and hot. There were times when Jacob seemed incredibly young and immature, but he WAS young, so it fit. He overreacted at times, but rather than being annoying, it fit with his personality. It also provided a nice counterpoint to the stability Bas provided.

I so enjoyed the angsty, complicated dynamic between Sebastian and Jacob in Medley. I might even go so far as to say that I liked their story even more than Alex and Dane's. This story has everything: heartache, jealousy, lust, romance, friendship, familial strife and the most captivating cast of characters that I just adored. A solid romance!