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College Boys of New Haven #1
The Nerd Jock Conundrum
A chemistry nerd should know opposites always attract.
Troy
Of course I fell for a football jock. How could I not? 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.
And as I trip, stumble, and stammer my way through all our conversations, my desire is growing at an alarming rate. I keep wondering what he looks like when he’s on his knees.
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.
The Nerd Jock Conundrum is the first book in the College Boys of New Haven series, but it can be read on its own. It features a fresh twist on the nerd jock trope, opposites attract, bisexual awakening, enemies to friends to lovers, and a very happy ending.
Troy
Of course I fell for a football jock. How could I not? 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.
And as I trip, stumble, and stammer my way through all our conversations, my desire is growing at an alarming rate. I keep wondering what he looks like when he’s on his knees.
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.
The Nerd Jock Conundrum is the first book in the College Boys of New Haven series, but it can be read on its own. It features a fresh twist on the nerd jock trope, opposites attract, bisexual awakening, enemies to friends to lovers, and a very happy ending.
214 pages, ebook
Published March 24, 2021
335 people are currently reading
738 people want to read
About the author
Hayden Hall
62 books727 followersGay. Sweet. Steamy.
Hayden Hall writes MM romance novels. He is a boyfriend, a globetrotter, and an avid romance reader.
Hayden's mission is to author a catalog of captivating and steamy MM romance novels which gather a devoted community around the Happily Ever Afters.
His stories are sweet with just the right amount of naughty.
You can get in touch with Hayden on Facebook or through his website at haydenhallwrites.com
Hayden Hall writes MM romance novels. He is a boyfriend, a globetrotter, and an avid romance reader.
Hayden's mission is to author a catalog of captivating and steamy MM romance novels which gather a devoted community around the Happily Ever Afters.
His stories are sweet with just the right amount of naughty.
You can get in touch with Hayden on Facebook or through his website at haydenhallwrites.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 256 reviews
September 4, 2021
There wasn't anything groundbreaking about this story. It's very much a typical nerd/jock story. But who needs groundbreaking when it's very cute and extremely steamy at the same time.
Seriously. I found the whole love story between Troy and Jackson so cute. Everything from how they met to how they got together and how they reached their HEA was so wholesome. And on the other hand it was the steamy part of the story. Holy mother, it was HOT! Together it was the perfect blend between wholesome and steamy and I was there for it. And I'm really giving this one extra stars for Jackson not freaking out about suddenly being in to a guy. I loved that!
I've been meaning to read this author for a while and if this is an example of his work, I'm going to work my way through his backlist.
Seriously. I found the whole love story between Troy and Jackson so cute. Everything from how they met to how they got together and how they reached their HEA was so wholesome. And on the other hand it was the steamy part of the story. Holy mother, it was HOT! Together it was the perfect blend between wholesome and steamy and I was there for it. And I'm really giving this one extra stars for Jackson not freaking out about suddenly being in to a guy. I loved that!
I've been meaning to read this author for a while and if this is an example of his work, I'm going to work my way through his backlist.
May 22, 2021
It was beyond cringy. I felt like I was reading a love story between 10 year Olds! It wasn't just cliché but so pre teen! I would rather go read wimpy kid or the Princess diaries or something.
March 11, 2022
I didn't like the pacing of the book, too many times it jumped from one scene to another and the transition wasn't smooth.
I loved the idea of the book, but I felt like their relationship was more lust than love. The love between the two felt too rushed and unreal.
And honestly Jackson deserved better. (He was basically the only thing I loved in this book.) What pissed me about Troy was his comment after Jackson said he needed time to prepare to meet with his father:
"Man up and get it over with."
That's it... I will not comment more.
I loved the idea of the book, but I felt like their relationship was more lust than love. The love between the two felt too rushed and unreal.
And honestly Jackson deserved better. (He was basically the only thing I loved in this book.) What pissed me about Troy was his comment after Jackson said he needed time to prepare to meet with his father:
"Man up and get it over with."
That's it... I will not comment more.
March 29, 2021
I didn’t like this book very much. I hated Troy. He was just not someone I’d want to be around. He went from this awkward nerd to this bossy bitch. I know there are lots of big butch men who want to be dominated by someone smaller, but it’s not a turn on for me. Also there was just too much inner monologue which I find totally boring.
July 10, 2022
Nerd meets jock, they fall in love, and boom!
This book delivers what it promises. It's also well written, but in desperate need of editing. There were so many punctuation errors, it was really irritating. Missing or abundant periods, quotation marks or blanks almost every other page. Also the HP references. It was just a few of them, but they made me cringe every time. This book feels like it's from the 2010s, but it's the 2020s already and other authors are even re-releasing their books without HP references.
You generally need a good portion of willing suspension of disbelief for this kind of books, but this one is pushing you to the limits. It's basically from zero to kink in the blink of an eye.
This book is a little bit hard to rate. Technically more of a three, but all in all it was really fun to read, so I'm going with a four. I'm probably going to read more books from the series.
P.S. I just realized that I forgot to mention some of the things I liked about this book. I like both main characters, they're well written and developed and relatable, especially Troy. I also like the sort of role reversal in the character dynamics.
This book delivers what it promises. It's also well written, but in desperate need of editing. There were so many punctuation errors, it was really irritating. Missing or abundant periods, quotation marks or blanks almost every other page. Also the HP references. It was just a few of them, but they made me cringe every time. This book feels like it's from the 2010s, but it's the 2020s already and other authors are even re-releasing their books without HP references.
You generally need a good portion of willing suspension of disbelief for this kind of books, but this one is pushing you to the limits. It's basically from zero to kink in the blink of an eye.
This book is a little bit hard to rate. Technically more of a three, but all in all it was really fun to read, so I'm going with a four. I'm probably going to read more books from the series.
P.S. I just realized that I forgot to mention some of the things I liked about this book. I like both main characters, they're well written and developed and relatable, especially Troy. I also like the sort of role reversal in the character dynamics.
March 20, 2023
Because honesty is the best policy I have to write a review on this book.
1.3⭐️
Now for the honesty. The level of cringe that is this story. I had to skim read because the cringe gave me serious secondhand embarrassment. I felt like this storyline had a ton of potential but it just fell flat. It’s cute, don’t get me wrong but *shivers*. The story itself is super rushed. The instalove factor is fine except the description said enemies to lovers? Ummmmm. No? But I digress. The story is rushed, the storyline lacks, and the smut (for all it’s built up to be) isn’t very smutty.
Did I finish this book? Yes. Am I going to read the rest of the series because I physically can’t walk away from a series in hopes they get better? Also yes but the hope is small.
1.3⭐️
Now for the honesty. The level of cringe that is this story. I had to skim read because the cringe gave me serious secondhand embarrassment. I felt like this storyline had a ton of potential but it just fell flat. It’s cute, don’t get me wrong but *shivers*. The story itself is super rushed. The instalove factor is fine except the description said enemies to lovers? Ummmmm. No? But I digress. The story is rushed, the storyline lacks, and the smut (for all it’s built up to be) isn’t very smutty.
Did I finish this book? Yes. Am I going to read the rest of the series because I physically can’t walk away from a series in hopes they get better? Also yes but the hope is small.
March 26, 2021
3.8 🌟 Quando coloca um nerd gay e um "hetero" vc já sabe que o livro será o mais clichê possível, foi assim só no início, a coisa se inverteu totalmente no meio para o fim. Fiquei surpresa com o Troy, mais surpresa ainda com o Jackson. Só não dei 4 estrelas porque acho que poderia ser melhor do que foi, não que tenha sido ruim. Curti que o Troy não foi o nerd clichê da relação, muitas vezes precisamos de alguém para finalmente abrir nossas asas presas... Um empurrão de coragem e vc solta a franga kkkkkkk FIZ ISSO AOS 16 ANOS DE IDADE
March 28, 2021
The Nerd Jock Conundrum (College Boys of New Haven 1)
By Hayden Hall
Published by the author, 2021
Four stars
Troy Harrison, meet Jackson Jones. Troy is nineteen and a freshman at New Haven University (so, not where I met my first boyfriend 45 years ago). He is what we would have called in 1975 a chemistry rock. He is also small, skinny, a nerd and into boys. Not that he’s ever kissed one in real life.
Jackson Jones is twenty-four and a senior, in his fifth year at New Haven University and the football team’s quarterback. He likes to write computer code, but he loves football. He doesn’t really like studying all that much, which is why he’s still a senior. He is huge and blond and friendly and open-minded.
This is a classic setup for a YA coming-out novel. Except that, it’s not really YA. Not at all YA. This is as much a sexual awakening story as it is a self-discovery story, and that’s what makes it both more realistic (as I remember my own college years) and surprisingly poignant. I liked both of these boys, and loved reading about them through the voice of Hayden Hall, who I am assuming is young enough to be my son.
Troy’s family loves him. Too much. They smother him with love. Troy has only one friend, really, and that’s Beth, his BFF from high school and his roommate at college. Yes, roommate, and eventually it dawns on Troy that this might be unusual. Jackson thinks his family, specifically his father, hates him. Distant, demanding, always disappointed. Jackson has lots of friends. Everyone loves the beautiful football hero. Even the gay guys love him and flirt madly with him. Oddly enough, only Troy, who finds him completely irritating, catches Jackson’s eye.
The story moves back and forth between Troy’s brain and Jackson’s. Troy can’t believe that he’s drawn the attention of this huge gorgeous stereotypical jock. Jackson is even more surprised that he’s attracted to this feisty little nerd in a way he’s never felt about another boy. What happens is, of course, predictable, but only on the surface. What Troy and Jackson discover in each other and about themselves weaves a story that seems funny, but is really gently heartbreaking, as they struggle to trust each other and believe in themselves.
Without spoiling, let me just say that all the parents are vividly, if briefly, drawn for this book. Parents matter to me, only because mine mattered to me a lot all those years ago when I was in college in New Haven and figuring it all out. Hayden Hall writes nicely and with a wry charm. Nobody is idealized, but nobody is demonized either. There are no bad people, only confused people. That, as I can assure you from my perspective, is simply the way life is. I look forward to more books in this series from this author.
By Hayden Hall
Published by the author, 2021
Four stars
Troy Harrison, meet Jackson Jones. Troy is nineteen and a freshman at New Haven University (so, not where I met my first boyfriend 45 years ago). He is what we would have called in 1975 a chemistry rock. He is also small, skinny, a nerd and into boys. Not that he’s ever kissed one in real life.
Jackson Jones is twenty-four and a senior, in his fifth year at New Haven University and the football team’s quarterback. He likes to write computer code, but he loves football. He doesn’t really like studying all that much, which is why he’s still a senior. He is huge and blond and friendly and open-minded.
This is a classic setup for a YA coming-out novel. Except that, it’s not really YA. Not at all YA. This is as much a sexual awakening story as it is a self-discovery story, and that’s what makes it both more realistic (as I remember my own college years) and surprisingly poignant. I liked both of these boys, and loved reading about them through the voice of Hayden Hall, who I am assuming is young enough to be my son.
Troy’s family loves him. Too much. They smother him with love. Troy has only one friend, really, and that’s Beth, his BFF from high school and his roommate at college. Yes, roommate, and eventually it dawns on Troy that this might be unusual. Jackson thinks his family, specifically his father, hates him. Distant, demanding, always disappointed. Jackson has lots of friends. Everyone loves the beautiful football hero. Even the gay guys love him and flirt madly with him. Oddly enough, only Troy, who finds him completely irritating, catches Jackson’s eye.
The story moves back and forth between Troy’s brain and Jackson’s. Troy can’t believe that he’s drawn the attention of this huge gorgeous stereotypical jock. Jackson is even more surprised that he’s attracted to this feisty little nerd in a way he’s never felt about another boy. What happens is, of course, predictable, but only on the surface. What Troy and Jackson discover in each other and about themselves weaves a story that seems funny, but is really gently heartbreaking, as they struggle to trust each other and believe in themselves.
Without spoiling, let me just say that all the parents are vividly, if briefly, drawn for this book. Parents matter to me, only because mine mattered to me a lot all those years ago when I was in college in New Haven and figuring it all out. Hayden Hall writes nicely and with a wry charm. Nobody is idealized, but nobody is demonized either. There are no bad people, only confused people. That, as I can assure you from my perspective, is simply the way life is. I look forward to more books in this series from this author.
April 21, 2021
I love me a jock/nerd book, especially when the nerd is standoffish and awkward and the jock is a big ray of sunshine, and I loved Troy's journey of becoming like a dom top (hello let's celebrate that) which is something I don't ever see in these books, but unfortunately the writing just wasn't there for me. I'm not sure how to explain it properly, but the writing style was awkward and jilted most of the time, and it would change perspectives at random times. The book just kind of falls flat for me because of it, but I did like the concept.
September 17, 2024
3.5⭐️
Just a perfectly fine jock x nerd romance. Just an easy read with little depth and little to no drama. It’s the kind of book you just chill either reading while munching on chips while watching tv or listen to while scrolling. Nothing exciting or new, no emotional movements just semi cute book. I liked Jackson and I was pretty good with Troy. I just felt if their was more effort put into the book, this could of been good. Like if there was more depth and emotional turmoil (which their was a starting point for some) and more connection between the characters it could of been great. But it’s just mostly a fun time no thought book and that’s okay.
Just a perfectly fine jock x nerd romance. Just an easy read with little depth and little to no drama. It’s the kind of book you just chill either reading while munching on chips while watching tv or listen to while scrolling. Nothing exciting or new, no emotional movements just semi cute book. I liked Jackson and I was pretty good with Troy. I just felt if their was more effort put into the book, this could of been good. Like if there was more depth and emotional turmoil (which their was a starting point for some) and more connection between the characters it could of been great. But it’s just mostly a fun time no thought book and that’s okay.
December 25, 2023
Nice
12 24 2023
Second read, had to jog the old memory banks. Yelp it still nice. I only remembered the comming out part. Cause the mom was like, I thought you killed some one. Oh and the program they were doing for class. Also old boys father saying he didn't believe their relationship was that strong. Cause it's one hobby after another speech. Bothe plots were dropped for the story wrap up. So the original ranking will stand at 3 ⭐ 's
12 24 2023
Second read, had to jog the old memory banks. Yelp it still nice. I only remembered the comming out part. Cause the mom was like, I thought you killed some one. Oh and the program they were doing for class. Also old boys father saying he didn't believe their relationship was that strong. Cause it's one hobby after another speech. Bothe plots were dropped for the story wrap up. So the original ranking will stand at 3 ⭐ 's
January 9, 2022
Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK
I was really excited when I saw this book on Amazon because I love the nerd/jock trope in MM and haven't read that in a while. I did like this one and the romance was done really well but it did take a bit too long to get into the story. The beginning was a little slow and actually made Troy somewhat unlikable for me. It was just really hard to appreciate his characters until we got some of his sassiness and more open personality. The character development was done well but more of a personal preference that had me disliking him in the beginning.
Overall, a really sweet story that I think most MM lovers would enjoy.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
I was really excited when I saw this book on Amazon because I love the nerd/jock trope in MM and haven't read that in a while. I did like this one and the romance was done really well but it did take a bit too long to get into the story. The beginning was a little slow and actually made Troy somewhat unlikable for me. It was just really hard to appreciate his characters until we got some of his sassiness and more open personality. The character development was done well but more of a personal preference that had me disliking him in the beginning.
Overall, a really sweet story that I think most MM lovers would enjoy.
August 5, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ This was fun, nothing new, but overall it was entertaining. I liked that the roles were reversed in the more steamy parts of the books, and the MMC’s worked really good together in my opinion. Overall a fun, little read!
June 5, 2024
I'm not sure how I feel about this one. It's my first time reading this author, so I wasn't sure what to expect.
I struggled with both of these characters. Troy, I expected immaturity because he was 19. But Jackson, who was 24, also seemed really immature. Troy doesn't want anyone to know he's gay, but yet it would seem that everyone knows it. Jackson is having identity issues and is more of an attention seeker than anything.
I didn't get why Troy didn't want to come out to anyone. There wasn't really anything or anyone in his life that would've given him issues so it just didn't make sense.
I'm not sure if I'm going to keep going with the series or not just yet.
I struggled with both of these characters. Troy, I expected immaturity because he was 19. But Jackson, who was 24, also seemed really immature. Troy doesn't want anyone to know he's gay, but yet it would seem that everyone knows it. Jackson is having identity issues and is more of an attention seeker than anything.
I didn't get why Troy didn't want to come out to anyone. There wasn't really anything or anyone in his life that would've given him issues so it just didn't make sense.
I'm not sure if I'm going to keep going with the series or not just yet.
June 28, 2025
Was a free audio listen so thought I’d give it a shot. It was cute, but just didn’t connect with the characters, the story, just eh. Nothing to write home about on this one tbh.
June 30, 2022
This was actually an amazing book. I just love everything about it. Its hard to explain it all. I would suggest reading this for yourself.
April 4, 2021
Ohhh, this was a tough one. Not in terms of content, but in terms of whether or not I like it...
I love nerd-jock trope. I just adore it. There is something absolutely adorable about nerdy and geeky characters that find their match in their complete opposite. I love them even more if they are adorkable. So obviously, I was all over this book. And yet...
Here is the thing. The blurb made me think that two main characters do not know each other before the assignment and that the assignment will be the thing to bring them together. That is not how it happened though. They met before, they got to know one another before and the assignment was part of it, but not the main part of it. So I felt like I was slightly misled during the first few chapters and couldn't get into the story. It felt slightly disjointed, like a bunch of different parts glued together to make one whole.
So a lot of things were missing or not explained fully. It felt like there was another story going on behind the scenes, which I was not privy to, that had all the answers and missing pieces. It was slightly unclear why Jackson was so at odds with his father, something to do with dropping out of university and playing football, but it felt like there was something more under it. Troy somehow knew Jackson's dad was real-estate mogul, but I didn't. Did I miss that conversation? Where is Jackson's mom? If Jackson is studying programming, why does his dad insist so much on it? I mean if he is in real estate, then it is not so his son can take over his empire. So why? And Troy.. he grew on me during the book, but in the beginning I didn't know how to feel about him, because he was fully made of those pieces, revealed here and there, but it felt like I missed something, some defining characteristic or moment that would make it all click. So the first half of the book was really bumpy and didn't really entice me. It was like all these pieces were supposed to fit, but it was quite obvious that it was not going the way author intended so more and more pieces and glue kept being added to make it to a point where it might work.
By the second half of it, the story finally started to flow. The defining part, the one that builds the character basics and the world, was over. After that, the part where characters adapt, change and blossom started and it flowed so freely! It turned the book completely, made characters more likeable, let me get to know them closer, watch them develop and evolve, create something together and come to terms with who and what they were, what they are, what they want to be. The second part of the book had the kind of a flowing story I really enjoy. So I was torn about how to rate this and whether or not I liked it. I think the flowing second part makes up for the fumbling first part, but it takes a while to get there.
I am still glad I persevered and read through to the end, because it is a sweet story with nice characters that grow and change, and generally become better with the help and support of each other. I am very glad I got to know them and to see the road to their HAE :)
**I was provided an ARC of this book from the author for an honest review**
I love nerd-jock trope. I just adore it. There is something absolutely adorable about nerdy and geeky characters that find their match in their complete opposite. I love them even more if they are adorkable. So obviously, I was all over this book. And yet...
Here is the thing. The blurb made me think that two main characters do not know each other before the assignment and that the assignment will be the thing to bring them together. That is not how it happened though. They met before, they got to know one another before and the assignment was part of it, but not the main part of it. So I felt like I was slightly misled during the first few chapters and couldn't get into the story. It felt slightly disjointed, like a bunch of different parts glued together to make one whole.
So a lot of things were missing or not explained fully. It felt like there was another story going on behind the scenes, which I was not privy to, that had all the answers and missing pieces. It was slightly unclear why Jackson was so at odds with his father, something to do with dropping out of university and playing football, but it felt like there was something more under it. Troy somehow knew Jackson's dad was real-estate mogul, but I didn't. Did I miss that conversation? Where is Jackson's mom? If Jackson is studying programming, why does his dad insist so much on it? I mean if he is in real estate, then it is not so his son can take over his empire. So why? And Troy.. he grew on me during the book, but in the beginning I didn't know how to feel about him, because he was fully made of those pieces, revealed here and there, but it felt like I missed something, some defining characteristic or moment that would make it all click. So the first half of the book was really bumpy and didn't really entice me. It was like all these pieces were supposed to fit, but it was quite obvious that it was not going the way author intended so more and more pieces and glue kept being added to make it to a point where it might work.
By the second half of it, the story finally started to flow. The defining part, the one that builds the character basics and the world, was over. After that, the part where characters adapt, change and blossom started and it flowed so freely! It turned the book completely, made characters more likeable, let me get to know them closer, watch them develop and evolve, create something together and come to terms with who and what they were, what they are, what they want to be. The second part of the book had the kind of a flowing story I really enjoy. So I was torn about how to rate this and whether or not I liked it. I think the flowing second part makes up for the fumbling first part, but it takes a while to get there.
I am still glad I persevered and read through to the end, because it is a sweet story with nice characters that grow and change, and generally become better with the help and support of each other. I am very glad I got to know them and to see the road to their HAE :)
**I was provided an ARC of this book from the author for an honest review**
March 21, 2021
This is the cutest, funniest, heartwarming story. It starts out with a guy so introverted it hurts. It helps he has a bff that looks out for him. As he starts his college experience, he is faced with an attraction like never before. Troy’s journey in this story just warmed my heart.
Jackson, the jock, has plenty of his own issues. But he is in every way the opposite of Troy. I am so glad the author did a great job of explaining Jackson’s views of his dad. I think it was handled in a perfect way that made me laugh and shake my head.
The relationship between Jackson and Troy just made me happy pretty much the whole way through. I think the secondary characters added highlights to the journey. I love how humor is brought into some serious parts. That toy sure made me laugh. I hated to see this story end. I wish the author had added how their project played out and their future would be another interesting story. I can’t wait to see what is next from this author.
Jackson, the jock, has plenty of his own issues. But he is in every way the opposite of Troy. I am so glad the author did a great job of explaining Jackson’s views of his dad. I think it was handled in a perfect way that made me laugh and shake my head.
The relationship between Jackson and Troy just made me happy pretty much the whole way through. I think the secondary characters added highlights to the journey. I love how humor is brought into some serious parts. That toy sure made me laugh. I hated to see this story end. I wish the author had added how their project played out and their future would be another interesting story. I can’t wait to see what is next from this author.
March 22, 2021
This is a cute, lighthearted read with an adorkable nerd and the popular, straight jock he falls for. Troy is a clumsy, introverted delight! And Jackson is a total sweetheart. They’re both so easy to love and I felt like I was going along for the ride with them. As we, and Jackson discover, there’s so much more to Troy than what is on the surface. Watching Jackson slowly bring Troy out of his shell is both sweet and a lot of fun, and not to mention takes on quite a refreshing twist on the nerd/jock trope.
The story is well-paced and the humour shines through without feeling forced or over-the-top. Not only is there terrific character development for both Troy and Jackson, but the secondary characters are also interesting and add value to the story. I also liked the way Jackson’s sexuality is explored. It unfolds naturally and without any unnecessary drama that doesn’t add to the plot. This book is a definite winner!
The story is well-paced and the humour shines through without feeling forced or over-the-top. Not only is there terrific character development for both Troy and Jackson, but the secondary characters are also interesting and add value to the story. I also liked the way Jackson’s sexuality is explored. It unfolds naturally and without any unnecessary drama that doesn’t add to the plot. This book is a definite winner!
March 19, 2025
Being my first Hayden Hall book, I didn't know what to expect. Will I like it? Should I give this series a try? Hmm, decisions, decisions.
The answer is yes to all the questions. I loved it.
Troy & Jackson will make you fall in love so fast and in the smoothest way possible. By the time it's done, you don't even know what happened or how it happened.
Troy is our shy lil nerd who fell head over heels for the straight jock in his first week of college. Jackson is the straight jock that fell in love with the little nerd without even realizing it. Hmm, what a cute romantic story.
It really is, you know? A cute, fun, romantic story.
Finding who you are, like, your true self, accepting it, appreciating, and love it, it's hard sometimes. The society we live into teaches us from a young age that things should fit in certain boxes, and if we're not fitting in that mold, it means that something is wrong with us. What a load of cr*p. It trains us to think that we should be afraid of who we are, that we should hide, and that just breaks my heart. People should live their lives how they want, without fear of judgemental. We still have a long way to go, unfortunately.
Their parents' reactions were the perfect example that this is what a loving parent should be. Troy's mom reaction was exactly how I would react if my kid wanted to have that conversation with me.
Ahh, whatever, I'm getting too political for no reason, and this is a review.
Long story short, this book was fun, romantic, sweet, and perfect. It was the story of two people finding the other half of their soul. It is a story about friendship and a story about self-acceptance.
Troy and Jackson, as mentioned, are sweet and candy, and you'll love them. There's no other way. I promise.
Go read the book and thank me later.
10/10, highly recommend.
The answer is yes to all the questions. I loved it.
Troy & Jackson will make you fall in love so fast and in the smoothest way possible. By the time it's done, you don't even know what happened or how it happened.
Troy is our shy lil nerd who fell head over heels for the straight jock in his first week of college. Jackson is the straight jock that fell in love with the little nerd without even realizing it. Hmm, what a cute romantic story.
It really is, you know? A cute, fun, romantic story.
Finding who you are, like, your true self, accepting it, appreciating, and love it, it's hard sometimes. The society we live into teaches us from a young age that things should fit in certain boxes, and if we're not fitting in that mold, it means that something is wrong with us. What a load of cr*p. It trains us to think that we should be afraid of who we are, that we should hide, and that just breaks my heart. People should live their lives how they want, without fear of judgemental. We still have a long way to go, unfortunately.
Their parents' reactions were the perfect example that this is what a loving parent should be. Troy's mom reaction was exactly how I would react if my kid wanted to have that conversation with me.
Ahh, whatever, I'm getting too political for no reason, and this is a review.
Long story short, this book was fun, romantic, sweet, and perfect. It was the story of two people finding the other half of their soul. It is a story about friendship and a story about self-acceptance.
Troy and Jackson, as mentioned, are sweet and candy, and you'll love them. There's no other way. I promise.
Go read the book and thank me later.
10/10, highly recommend.
June 23, 2023
This was such a sweet and HAWT story!
On the one hand, we have your typical nerd. Troy is a freshman who is completely in the closet. He knows that college is where he’s going to get to be himself without fear of a small town life ruining any kind of experience he wants to have.
Jackson is a sexy and popular football jock with a career going pro in his immediate future. He is an undeniable flirt that is very typical for someone that looks as good as he does, but he’s never had a serious relationship.
When the 2 are paired for an assignment, they quickly become friends, but the underlying attraction is slowly getting undeniable. Neither one has had any form of sexual experience, but college is where you experiment… in and out of the science lab, right?
I really loved their chemistry and how they grew throughout the book. A lot of the interaction was expected, but that’s what I wanted from it. I wanted a book that was going to give me the happy and the spicy feels. And this delivered, 100%!!
My favorite part of The Nerd Jock Conundrum (this is a bit of a SPOILER!!!!!!) was that the roles in bed that I expected them to take were reversed. So Troy, the scrawny nerd, was a domineering top who took complete control. Where as Jackson, the big muscly jock, was a submissive bottom that lived to serve. That was……… HAWT! 🥵
On the one hand, we have your typical nerd. Troy is a freshman who is completely in the closet. He knows that college is where he’s going to get to be himself without fear of a small town life ruining any kind of experience he wants to have.
Jackson is a sexy and popular football jock with a career going pro in his immediate future. He is an undeniable flirt that is very typical for someone that looks as good as he does, but he’s never had a serious relationship.
When the 2 are paired for an assignment, they quickly become friends, but the underlying attraction is slowly getting undeniable. Neither one has had any form of sexual experience, but college is where you experiment… in and out of the science lab, right?
I really loved their chemistry and how they grew throughout the book. A lot of the interaction was expected, but that’s what I wanted from it. I wanted a book that was going to give me the happy and the spicy feels. And this delivered, 100%!!
My favorite part of The Nerd Jock Conundrum (this is a bit of a SPOILER!!!!!!) was that the roles in bed that I expected them to take were reversed. So Troy, the scrawny nerd, was a domineering top who took complete control. Where as Jackson, the big muscly jock, was a submissive bottom that lived to serve. That was……… HAWT! 🥵
March 20, 2021
I love the nerd/jock trope and this one put a refreshing spin on things. Troy is a a freshman in college and is away from home for the first time. The world is his oyster and he's looking forward to all the beautiful young men he's going to be able to ogle. He may be awkward, nerdy, and shy on the outside, but inside....there's an inner boss ready to come out and play! Jackson is a jock, doing the 5+ year plan at school and is hoping that his football career will take him away from his less than fulfilling college life. When an injury ends his football dreams, Troy steps up and offers to help in any way he can. As these two spend more time together, Jackson realizes that he enjoys being around Troy and begins to think about him in ways that a straight guy normally wouldn't. Troy dreams about the things he'd like to do to Jackson if he ever got the chance...and they are naughty! Could he ever be brave enough to just go for it?? And would a muscular jock ever be willing to let someone else take over?? I really enjoyed the chemistry between Jackson and Troy....it was both steamy and intense.
March 28, 2021
4.5 stars
A refreshing and very well written New adult, opposites attract romance.
It made my heart feel young again!
The story follows chemistry genius and certified nerd, Troy trying his best to repress his growing feelings for popular Jock and overall hunk extraordinaire -Jackson as the duo strike up a close bond.
As dreams are shattered, new desires and feelings are awakened, the romance between the duo is so very captivating and sizzling to read.
Troy is a cutie pie but I personally loved how the author wrote Jackson's character, a new take on the bi-awakening trope as well as emphasized the growing self doubt and student life crisis that people in the 20s face.
True to the tag line, Author Hall is fast mastering the sweet and steamy formula. The intimate scenes, right from their very first kiss was so HAWT to read. And sassy in bed Troy was a treat to read. Complete with great side characters, the story will make you smile and feel alive again. I look forward to reading more of the College boys of New Haven stories.
Looking for a refreshing, opposites attract romance? One click this one ASAP.
A refreshing and very well written New adult, opposites attract romance.
It made my heart feel young again!
The story follows chemistry genius and certified nerd, Troy trying his best to repress his growing feelings for popular Jock and overall hunk extraordinaire -Jackson as the duo strike up a close bond.
As dreams are shattered, new desires and feelings are awakened, the romance between the duo is so very captivating and sizzling to read.
Troy is a cutie pie but I personally loved how the author wrote Jackson's character, a new take on the bi-awakening trope as well as emphasized the growing self doubt and student life crisis that people in the 20s face.
True to the tag line, Author Hall is fast mastering the sweet and steamy formula. The intimate scenes, right from their very first kiss was so HAWT to read. And sassy in bed Troy was a treat to read. Complete with great side characters, the story will make you smile and feel alive again. I look forward to reading more of the College boys of New Haven stories.
Looking for a refreshing, opposites attract romance? One click this one ASAP.
March 24, 2021
Low angst and surprisingly steamy story.
Jackson and Troy are adorable, relationships and character development believable. As the story unfolds both Jackson and Troy discover unexpected things about each other and about themselves and those discoveries are handled with humor and without unnecessary drama.
There are no real conflicts in the story aside from Troy being afraid of coming out to his parents. Jackson handles his newly found sexuality in a far better way. I liked both MCs but felt closer to Jackson as a more mature of the two.
It takes time for Jackson and Troy to act on their attraction but when they go for it - it's hot! I loved Troy's controlling side and non stereotypical power dynamics in the bedroom.
To summarize: uncomplicated, sweet and super hot. Recommended
Jackson and Troy are adorable, relationships and character development believable. As the story unfolds both Jackson and Troy discover unexpected things about each other and about themselves and those discoveries are handled with humor and without unnecessary drama.
There are no real conflicts in the story aside from Troy being afraid of coming out to his parents. Jackson handles his newly found sexuality in a far better way. I liked both MCs but felt closer to Jackson as a more mature of the two.
It takes time for Jackson and Troy to act on their attraction but when they go for it - it's hot! I loved Troy's controlling side and non stereotypical power dynamics in the bedroom.
To summarize: uncomplicated, sweet and super hot. Recommended
March 21, 2021
More like 4.5, it wasn't perfect but it was cute.
Troy is a nerd freshman who is deeply in the closet. Jackson is the straight jock who ends up paired with Troy on a project.
What I found really interesting about it was the shifting power dynamics of their relationship. In private, Troy was totally in control, and I loved that as there was the expectation of him being subordinate to Jackson, being the smaller partner.
Pretty free from angst, there are a few blips but I loved how they made each other better people
Troy is a nerd freshman who is deeply in the closet. Jackson is the straight jock who ends up paired with Troy on a project.
What I found really interesting about it was the shifting power dynamics of their relationship. In private, Troy was totally in control, and I loved that as there was the expectation of him being subordinate to Jackson, being the smaller partner.
Pretty free from angst, there are a few blips but I loved how they made each other better people
July 21, 2021
I low key liked it. The beginning was really tough to get through with the stuttering and awkward conversations but like, the story only got better as time went on. This book also did a great job of giving me some of my favorite tropes (nerd/jock), while also mixing it up enough to be different and interesting. I really liked how their relationship progressed and it avoided most of the things in these books that make my eyes roll. Like Jackson and his feelings in the beginning were just like ahhh classic dumb boy. And the more progressed relationship was entertaining, fun and enjoyable to read. Thoroughly enjoyed this one :)
August 16, 2021
Love opposites attract...especially this premise...jock and nerd. This was entertaining and I really enjoyed reading. The attraction is not exactly one sided at the beginning. Bi awakenings are always a treat because it shows you its the person you feel who cares about the gender. Love Troy and Jackson relationship journey...had a little angst...not that much drama...a fun read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 15, 2022
3-3.5 stars
Argh. I’m so conflicted right now because I really wanted to like this book more than I did. I love this trope of nerd/jock where the nerd is actually the dominant, but unfortunately this book failed to deliver. I mean, plot wise it was great but there were so many mistakes throughout the whole story that feels like the author really rushed tis and didn’t give it the attention it deserved.
Argh. I’m so conflicted right now because I really wanted to like this book more than I did. I love this trope of nerd/jock where the nerd is actually the dominant, but unfortunately this book failed to deliver. I mean, plot wise it was great but there were so many mistakes throughout the whole story that feels like the author really rushed tis and didn’t give it the attention it deserved.
April 29, 2022
A refreshing take on the jock/nerd trope, but, other than the twist, on a whole this was a bit lackluster.
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