The Nerd Jock Conundrum

College Boys of New Haven Series, Book 1

By: Hayden Hall

Narrated by: Cooper North

Length: 6 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

Troy: Of course I fell for a football jock. But Jackson and I are polar opposites. He's popular, confident, and as hot as hell in a tight T-shirt. Me? I'm just a scrawny, awkward nerd. Another point of difference: He's straight.

As if my crush on him isn't bad enough, Jackson is assigned to be my partner on a year-long project, and I have no choice but to spend time with the hottest guy on campus. Bummer. But the attraction is intensifying. We're on a collision course. I shouldn't be leaning in.... I think I'm going to kiss him.

Jackson: Sweet. I got partnered up with the biggest nerd on campus. If I play my cards well, a passing grade is guaranteed. Troy's all shy and awkward; a classic nerd. But there's more to him than he's showing. And it's making me curious.

I want to see him come out of his shell. I know he would be better off if he let his guard down. I want to be his friend, but he thinks I'm just another dumb jock. Except, I see him looking at me the way I could never look at him.

Am I sending the wrong message? Is he falling for me? He's leaning in fast.... He's about to kiss me. And I'm not even ducking.

Contains mature themes.

©2021 Hayden Hall (P)2022 Tantor

Disturbing lack of lube, but otherwise cute

Pros: a nice easy read, low angst, likeable characters. I understood why they liked each other. I loved how the small nerdy one was the top/dom, the author does it convincingly. Little bit of vicarious wish fulfillment for me there 😆.

Cons: it mentions condoms, but no lube. Now, I'm no expert on anal, but OUCH. I cringed every time just thinking about it. On the other hand, I guess it could be true to life? People did without lube for millennia (though one hopes they used oil when available). Still, gotta wonder why the author made that choice.

Delivers:)

This book delivers on all fronts. The angst was just the right amount and didn’t drag on and onnnnnn (as is the case and, imo, ginormous detractor of enjoyment) like many romances. Very much a delight to consume. I ache for more on audible.

Coming Out

I think what makes this story from others in this trope is that both main characters need to come out in their own ways. Both Troy and Jackson have to be there for the other one. We see them reevaluating everything throughout the story. I was very happy with the conclusion of the story.
I listened to audio version of this story and enjoyed it very much.

Written really well!! Amazing!

I honestly did not expect to love this book as much as I did!! The story was so sweet, and then all the sudden…BAM! Spice! And it was good spice too!! Can’t wait to keep reading in the series! The narrators were amazing!

Sweet beginning

I’m glad I gambled on this one, because it really was a sweet listen. I like when a romance portrays characters that are flawed but figure out how to grow together.

I also like when the narrator’s voice is age appropriate, and the voices of different characters were distinct and well fitting. I especially liked that this story stayed away from certain MM tropes (I won’t spoil too much) since that made it refreshing and new from the norm. The steamy scenes were also really well portrayed, and again well done in my opinion.

I will be getting Hayden Hall’s next addition about Quinn and other characters introduced in this story! I’m excited!

I loved Troy and Jackson

This story was wonderful. I highly recommend it. Getting to see nerdy Troy get together with Jackson the jock was amazing. And how they changed each other for the better. I especially liked the sex scenes. But it wasn't just sex it showed how much they truly loved each other. I could see them eventually getting married and even having kids of their own. And of course growing old together. I wish I had what they have.