Following the Rules

Nerd/Jock MM Romance (The Script Club, Book 1)

De: Lane Hayes

Narrado por: Alexander Cendese

The geek, the jock, and a new set of rules....

Topher - My friend’s brother needs an academic assistant, and I need a job. Problem.... Jocks are my weakness. Seriously. I lose my ability to speak coherently around muscle-bound hotties. Oh yeah, I lose my inhibitions, too - not a good look for a guy with a genius IQ. So what am I going to do about Simon?

Simon - Finishing college isn’t high on my list of priorities, but my future in professional football is looking bleak. I need a plan B or C, and I could use some help navigating life as an undergrad. Topher is perfect. He’s also a little strange...but in a good way. And I like how I feel when I’m around him - as though anything is possible. Maybe if we follow our hearts, we’ll find what we’re looking for. But that means changing the rules....

Following the Rules is a MM, bisexual awakening romance starring a lovable nerd, a cool jock, and some extracurricular fun.

©2021 Lane Hayes (P)2021 Lane Hayes

I love

I love how all these characters are so unapologetically them!.
They are so confident in themselves and not sorry for all their charms!.
This is my 3rd time listening to these audiobooks. I love them!!.

Another great Lane Hayes story!

This is my first experience with this vocal performer. I like him…he had a distinction between characters, his voice for Topher’s grandmother was so good.

This is a spinoff from the ‘Starting From’ series…Topher was Cody’s roommate (Johnny’s boyfriend). It is not necessary to read that series to read this one. This is a quick, low angst, sweet read.

Topher and his friends, Cody included, are all super-geniuses. They’re all a little awkward, a lot geeky, and pretty adorable. And those quiet, shy, awkward guys are the ones you need to watch out for! I liked Topher’s confidence when he forgets to be nervous.

Simon is a jock and Topher’s exact opposite and Topher’s roomate’s/friend’s brother. He is trying to figure out what to do with the rest of his life, but he needs help studying for his college degree which he thinks he needs for his backup plan.

Topher changes the game for Simon. With Topher’s help, Simon figure’s out his future path.

There are several interesting characters – Topher’s roommates/group of friends – and this sounds like it will be a great series!

Wonderful story and audio

I thoroughly enjoyed the audio by Mr. Cendese. His timbre is so expressive. The narration had great pacing and a wide range of easily distinguishable voices. I was rapidly pulled into the story and never lost interest. The production was professional and incredibly enjoyable. I absolutely adored how Mr. Cendese interpreted Simon’s voice. I loved the football player and really felt he came to life. The banter between Simon and Topher was so entertaining and the audio was just perfect. I highly recommend this appealing listening experience.

Storyline: Nothing beats a Lane Hayes novel for putting you in a good mood. Her characters are always so much fun to get to know, and I appreciate how realistic and authentic they are. Lane creates men that are people you would want to hang out with. There is a comfort level with her stories, and they always leave me feeling positive. This story is no exception.

The classic geek and jock attraction was beautifully, and realistically, portrayed. Topher is a science nerd, and loves to spew facts. Any facts actually, and he seems unable to control this quirky impulse. Socially, he is awkward but ironically, he can make his needs known about physical attractions and desires. Topher comes without a filter, and this just added to his overall character. Simon is a displaced jock who at the moment is just coasting with his life. An injury has sidelined him, and he is desperately waiting for a football team to pick him up. At the ripe old age of 27, and with numerous injuries, this may not happen. He is encouraged to try some college courses while he waits to see if his career can be salvaged. It doesn’t take long to know he is out of his element and requires help. Requesting a tutor, his brother suggests Topher, who needs a new job.

At first, I couldn’t see them as a couple but with time it was evident the MCs were perfect for each other. They have a strong pulsing connection, and their growing relationship becomes solid. Topher is attracted to athletes, but his past with them has only been filled with heartache. Simon has never felt a strong, lasting pull towards anyone before. It doesn’t appear that either man will be around for the future, unless they are willing to take some big risks. This tale had the right mixture of angst, and strong characters that showcased Lane’s strong writing.

An amazing story of opposites attract that will leave you smiling long after it’s over. Happy listening!

 

Great Escapism

A delightful low-angst romance with a great balance of heat and character development. Both characters were well crafted and such fabulous opposites that together, they made so much sense and reached adorable levels.
A superb audio narration too.

Good story. Good narration.

A Lane Hayes story with Alexander Cendese narrating?! Yes! Thoroughly enjoyed the story. I am often hesitant to read jock/nerd romances because I am both a jock and a science nerd. I am usually disappointed in the stereotypes. Not with Lane Hayes though. The romance and the characters were well thought out, and I appreciate how masterfully the author managed a very common trope without relying on aggravating stereotypes.

I started listening to the second book right after I finished the first one.

As an added bonus, we get a quick glance at characters from one of Hayes' earlier series. I do enjoy hunting for Easter eggs....