Elements of Retrofit

Thomas Elkin Series, Book 1

By: N.R. Walker

Narrated by: Nick J. Russo

Length: 3 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

Generation versus generation, traditional versus contemporary, these men are about to learn a lesson in architecture and love. Can they prove that the old and new can be the perfect design?

A successful New York architect, Thomas Elkin almost has it all. Coming out as gay and ending his marriage before his 40th birthday, he needed to start living his life. Now, four years later, with his relationship with his son back on track, and after a few short-lived romances, this esteemed traditional draftsman thinks he knows everything about architecture, about life.

Cooper Jones, 22 years old, is about to take the architect world by storm. Talented, professional, driven and completely infuriating, Cooper is the definition of Generation Y.

Starting an internship working with Thomas, Cooper is about to knock Tom's world off its axis. Tom can teach Cooper about the architecture industry, but Cooper is about to teach Tom what it means to live.

©2017 NR Walker (P)2019 NR Walker

Even better on Audio!

I loved this book when I first read it, and listening to Nick Russo narrate it made it even better, which I didn't think was possible. His narration brought Tom and Cooper to life. Cooper is one of my favorite book boyfriends. His confidence and suridy at only 22 years old shone through and watching him school Tom on how to be in a real and honest relationship was a joy to listen to! On to book 2!

Reminds you what perfect audio book is

I loved every bit of this audio: plot, characters, sassy 22 yr old, dialog, great narration. Everything NR walker delivers with consistency. Nick J Russo is great. Highly recommended

Tom & Cooper, a delight

These two sizzle - from the beginning - and have the usual age difference angst - with a twist - Tom has a son the same age as Cooper. That said, you can see from the beginning Cooper is an old soul. Love NR Walker, nothing can top her Red Dirt Heart Series - still my favorite MM series - but Cooper and Tom in these three books are a close second - do not miss these, I own almost all NR's books in e-book and audible - and find her narrators, Joel Leslie and Nick J. Russo to be excellent! Don't hesitate - Jump!!!

I love this series so much!

I was hesitant when I read the description of the first book. Architecture. Younger - older. It just wasn’t sounding very exciting. But I have been thoroughly enjoying N. R. Walkers other books so I decided to try it.

From the first chapter I was hooked. These characters are so adorable I can hardly stand it. I just adore Cooper and Tom. The story line isn’t quite as unique or exciting as some others, but these characters! I just cannot get enough of them and I have listened to the whole series three times now. The pace is good, the character interaction is good and the story is both fun and believable. I spend so much time smiling while listening through headphones that people think I am very strange.

The only problem is that I want more.

Wonderful story performed by a wonderful narrator

I wish Tom's story was told all in one or this was a box set. but I can admit as short as book 1 is, it felt like a complete story on it's own. I love Nick's performances so it was the cherry on top of the cake. I can tell this is something I would read again.

Absolute perfection

When N.R. Walker announced she was going to produce, or rather Nick J. Russo, was going to produce the audiobooks for the Thomas Elkin series I was thrilled. This series is an old favourite of mine and I couldn't wait to see what Russo was going to do with it.

Thomas Elkin is finally living his dream, most of it at least. He has a job he loves, he's finally out of the closet and living openly as a gay man. His relationship with his son is finally back on track after the divorce from his mom. The only thing that was missing was someone to share it all with. The last thing he needed was something that rocked the world he so carefully crafted. And Cooper Jones was definitely determined to rock his world. This man, half his age, that not only was the most promising intern at his work, but also one of his son's closest friends. Cooper Jones spelled Trouble with a capital T, yet they couldn't seem to stay away from each other.

Elements of Retrofit was sweet, sexy and funny. I loved the banter between Tom and Cooper, but also the tender and serious moments. They had chemistry right off the bat and it kept simmering until that first kiss when it all just exploded. I loved how this book was mostly drama free, no (or at least very few) guilt trips with "this is wrong" and "he's too young for me" no long inner monologues talking themselves out of what they both wanted. They wanted, they took. Sure there were and are obstacles that needs to be faced, their work and not the least Ryan, Tom's son and Cooper's friend and not all of it is resolved in this book and we will have to wait to see how the rest unfolds in the books to come.

You could almost believe that this book was written for Nick J. Russo to narrate. He nailed every single thing. He captured Tom just right, his matureness, seriousness and loneliness was there in his voice. Then there was Cooper, the much younger and eager Cooper. Every word was so vivid you could see it all unfolding as if you were there, standing beside them, in a non-creepy and stalkerish way.

Before starting this audio I had a dilemma; this is a story in three parts, one book is not complete without the other two. So should I wait so I could listen to them all in one go, or impatiently wait between the books for just one scrap more? Turns out I don't have the self-restraint to wait for all three books and now have to resign myself to impatiently watching the clock to see if time could possibly move just a little bit faster to get that tiny bit closer to the next book.

A copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review for Love Bytes.

Love this book and series

Adding Audio from January 2021

Nick J. Russo did a fantastic job of capturing the attitude of both characters in this series. Listening to it again after reading it years ago just made me love it and these characters even more.
------------------


Original Review from 2015
Oh, how I love ms. walker's books...I'm late to this one but it's just as good as I anticipated it would be. it was quick, easy to read, and with very little angst, which I love. This is definitely, another must-read from Ms. Walker!

While Thomas is the big, sexy executive who commands respect and exudes power cooper is probably one of my favorite characters ever. I absolutely love his confidence, his snark, his straightforwardness, and how he absolutely breathes life into Thomas when he was just surviving. regardless of their age difference, they seem to be perfectly matched. they keep each other on their toes and have a reverential admiration for each other professionally that is heartwarming to watch.

I can't wait to see how their story continues!

An enjoyable novella

It was lovely to listen to this older NR Walker story, one that I read and enjoyed over six years ago. It’s a low angst and steamy May/December workplace romance between sexy architect and hot young intern, who happens to be friends with his son.

Nick’s narration—the character voices, pacing, and emotions—make listening a pleasure.

fun and beautiful story

Listened to it non stop. Loved it and can't wait for book 2. Great performance too.

Fun read

Always enjoy this author, the story is straightforward but interesting. It is set in New York.