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Atrous #2
Code Blue
Steve Frost had dreams of wearing the national championship belt in mixed martial arts, maybe even going pro, but instead, finds himself working as a security guard for the rich and famous in LA.
Quickly earning a reputation for his blunt and precise people management skills, he lands a position on the security team for an up-and-coming boyband, Atrous. Years later, he’s head of security. He knows these boys, and with countless tours, flights, car trips, public events, concerts, he’s closer to one band member in particular.
Jeremy’s been a pillar for Atrous since day one, but even more so these last few months. Now the face of the band more than ever, he’s also got himself the attention of a delusional stalker-fan.
When the fame and stress become too much, when Jeremy’s health takes a hit, Steve becomes Jeremy’s lifeline. But as Jeremy knows already, and as Steve is about to learn, not even the brightest star can shine forever.
Quickly earning a reputation for his blunt and precise people management skills, he lands a position on the security team for an up-and-coming boyband, Atrous. Years later, he’s head of security. He knows these boys, and with countless tours, flights, car trips, public events, concerts, he’s closer to one band member in particular.
Jeremy’s been a pillar for Atrous since day one, but even more so these last few months. Now the face of the band more than ever, he’s also got himself the attention of a delusional stalker-fan.
When the fame and stress become too much, when Jeremy’s health takes a hit, Steve becomes Jeremy’s lifeline. But as Jeremy knows already, and as Steve is about to learn, not even the brightest star can shine forever.
442 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 24, 2022
361 people are currently reading
994 people want to read
About the author
N.R. Walker
134 books5,214 followersAuthor also writes as A. Voyeur
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn't have it any other way.
She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who she gives them life with words.
She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things...but likes it even more when they fall in love. She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.
She’s been writing ever since...
https://www.facebook.com/N.R.WalkerAu...
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn't have it any other way.
She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who she gives them life with words.
She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things...but likes it even more when they fall in love. She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.
She’s been writing ever since...
https://www.facebook.com/N.R.WalkerAu...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 323 reviews
February 27, 2022
I really enjoyed the first half of the story or so. I liked Steve a lot. I liked Jeremy, even though he is very whiney and clingy, constantly needs taking care of and doesn't act his age. But they are sweet together and I liked their interactions. Their relationship has to be one of the slowest slow burns ever.
The rest of the story had too much drama for my liking. The stalker subplot was very weak in my opinion and the storyline was too improbable. I just couldn't take it seriously, especially how the stalker situation was resolved.
I have to say that I liked Roscoe here more than in his own book. Maddox still has the same level of maturity as Jeremy, but I liked their friendship. The other side characters were not that flashed out, though I need to mention two members of Steve's team, Riko and Robbie. I really liked them both.
Overall, I feel the story was too long. It dragged in some places and got repetitive at times. Even though I enjoyed some parts, I don't see myself rereading it.
The rest of the story had too much drama for my liking. The stalker subplot was very weak in my opinion and the storyline was too improbable. I just couldn't take it seriously, especially how the stalker situation was resolved.
I have to say that I liked Roscoe here more than in his own book. Maddox still has the same level of maturity as Jeremy, but I liked their friendship. The other side characters were not that flashed out, though I need to mention two members of Steve's team, Riko and Robbie. I really liked them both.
Overall, I feel the story was too long. It dragged in some places and got repetitive at times. Even though I enjoyed some parts, I don't see myself rereading it.
March 1, 2022
2022 the year of three star boredom
the first 10% I was bored
The next I was introduced to clingy and whiney Jeremy
“He strummed a few chords, then sang, “Steve, Steeeve, Steee-eeeeve,” to the tune of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.”
Then we have petty Jeremy
We also have stubborn Jeremy
And at last we got protective Jeremy
can we just start off with the fact that blowjobs were the only smut I got here? I feel robbed. Betrayed. Cheated. I mean, all that muscle on Steve for nothing? All that cuddling and manhandling and picking up for nothing???? Is that even legal?
“really appreciate you doing this,” he said after a while.
“Driving you home?”
“And taking care of me back there.”
“You’re welcome.”
“And how you’re gonna lie on the couch with me.”
I looked over at him. “Is that right?”
He nodded. “And take a nap with me. And rub circles on my back. Maybe kiss my head a time or two.”
This book was far from good. And equal from bad. The good was amazing and the bad was like watching paint dry. The relationship between Steve and Jeremy was sweet. There’s no other word to describe it. It was comforting and warm and all that gooey stuff.
“We could watch TV”
Then he lay down next to me, facing me. My arm was his pillow, and he snuggled into me.
Okay then.
I let my arm slide around him and I carefully kissed his forehead near his scar. “Uh, Jeremy? You’re not facing the TV.”
“Hm.” He sighed. “This is better.”
But god some parts were sooo boring. Like this book was at least 150 pages too long. I mean if you’re gonna make it so long at least throw in some smut for your girl. But anyway
“I’m not mad at you anymore.”
I snorted. “Glad to hear that. Considering I did nothing wrong.”
“But that nothing-special agent can go fuck himself. He can find himself his own Steve. This one’s busy.”
In all honesty I don’t even think the book was all that bad. I just think the dialogues got dull and flat at several moments in the book that made me sigh and skip pages. <- happened wayy too many times.
The stalker plot line was good. I think. Honestly I wish I could critique it properly but I have no idea if it was good. It wasn’t satisfying for me but it kept me guessing and thrown in loops so that’s something.
Jeremy’s character in the beginning irked me. He had the whole push and pull relationship going on with Steve with Steve being blissfully unaware - as he seems to be about Jeremy’s feelings through half of the book. My man get the hints - Jeremy struggled a lot with labelling his sexuality and putting Steve into that mix didn’t seem fair to me
“he was going to kiss me . . . then shook his head and shot up off the couch. “God, sorry. I’m . . . I’m not . . .” He bolted for the kitchen.”
:
“Holy shit. He was going to kiss me.
I stopped breathing. Every cell in my body was electric.
His lips parted and he was so close . . .
But then he shook his head. “I don’t . . . I’m not . . . this isn’t . . .”
The book however got much better toward the end and even made me teary. And it made my girl Mariam sob judging by the voice message she sent me. It was emotional and I have to say the epilogue was pretty close to perfect for me.
“But then Luke laughed through his tears. “We could do one final album. No tour or anything. But a goodbye to the fans. A sequel to Code Red but we’ll call it Code Blue. You know. Medical emergency . . .”
the first 10% I was bored
The next I was introduced to clingy and whiney Jeremy
“He strummed a few chords, then sang, “Steve, Steeeve, Steee-eeeeve,” to the tune of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.”
Then we have petty Jeremy
We also have stubborn Jeremy
And at last we got protective Jeremy
can we just start off with the fact that blowjobs were the only smut I got here? I feel robbed. Betrayed. Cheated. I mean, all that muscle on Steve for nothing? All that cuddling and manhandling and picking up for nothing???? Is that even legal?
“really appreciate you doing this,” he said after a while.
“Driving you home?”
“And taking care of me back there.”
“You’re welcome.”
“And how you’re gonna lie on the couch with me.”
I looked over at him. “Is that right?”
He nodded. “And take a nap with me. And rub circles on my back. Maybe kiss my head a time or two.”
This book was far from good. And equal from bad. The good was amazing and the bad was like watching paint dry. The relationship between Steve and Jeremy was sweet. There’s no other word to describe it. It was comforting and warm and all that gooey stuff.
“We could watch TV”
Then he lay down next to me, facing me. My arm was his pillow, and he snuggled into me.
Okay then.
I let my arm slide around him and I carefully kissed his forehead near his scar. “Uh, Jeremy? You’re not facing the TV.”
“Hm.” He sighed. “This is better.”
But god some parts were sooo boring. Like this book was at least 150 pages too long. I mean if you’re gonna make it so long at least throw in some smut for your girl. But anyway
“I’m not mad at you anymore.”
I snorted. “Glad to hear that. Considering I did nothing wrong.”
“But that nothing-special agent can go fuck himself. He can find himself his own Steve. This one’s busy.”
In all honesty I don’t even think the book was all that bad. I just think the dialogues got dull and flat at several moments in the book that made me sigh and skip pages. <- happened wayy too many times.
The stalker plot line was good. I think. Honestly I wish I could critique it properly but I have no idea if it was good. It wasn’t satisfying for me but it kept me guessing and thrown in loops so that’s something.
Jeremy’s character in the beginning irked me. He had the whole push and pull relationship going on with Steve with Steve being blissfully unaware - as he seems to be about Jeremy’s feelings through half of the book. My man get the hints - Jeremy struggled a lot with labelling his sexuality and putting Steve into that mix didn’t seem fair to me
“he was going to kiss me . . . then shook his head and shot up off the couch. “God, sorry. I’m . . . I’m not . . .” He bolted for the kitchen.”
:
“Holy shit. He was going to kiss me.
I stopped breathing. Every cell in my body was electric.
His lips parted and he was so close . . .
But then he shook his head. “I don’t . . . I’m not . . . this isn’t . . .”
The book however got much better toward the end and even made me teary. And it made my girl Mariam sob judging by the voice message she sent me. It was emotional and I have to say the epilogue was pretty close to perfect for me.
“But then Luke laughed through his tears. “We could do one final album. No tour or anything. But a goodbye to the fans. A sequel to Code Red but we’ll call it Code Blue. You know. Medical emergency . . .”
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did-not-finish
February 8, 2023DNF @50%
This wasn't bad, but I just wasn't feeling it.
I like a big stoic protective man pining away for his love interests as much as anyone, so I had big hopes for this book! However, something was missing for me to become even remotely invested.
The writing was extremely dragged out and the whole book ended up feeling kind of boring because of it. There was an excruciating amount of detail put into each scene and I was told so many uninteresting things I couldn't possibly care any less about. Just give me the romance and stop it with all the rest! Seriously, I really don't care about all the other stuff. This book was already way longer than it needed to be, so about half of it feels like it could and should have been cut.
I also struggled to see the connection between the couple: they had a few cute interactions, but why do they feel the way they do? I'm not sure.
Maybe it was the slow pacing, maybe it was the single POV, or maybe it was the fact that they were already in love since before the book even started so we missed the entire build-up; whatever it was, I simply did not enjoy reading this.
This wasn't bad, but I just wasn't feeling it.
I like a big stoic protective man pining away for his love interests as much as anyone, so I had big hopes for this book! However, something was missing for me to become even remotely invested.
The writing was extremely dragged out and the whole book ended up feeling kind of boring because of it. There was an excruciating amount of detail put into each scene and I was told so many uninteresting things I couldn't possibly care any less about. Just give me the romance and stop it with all the rest! Seriously, I really don't care about all the other stuff. This book was already way longer than it needed to be, so about half of it feels like it could and should have been cut.
I also struggled to see the connection between the couple: they had a few cute interactions, but why do they feel the way they do? I'm not sure.
Maybe it was the slow pacing, maybe it was the single POV, or maybe it was the fact that they were already in love since before the book even started so we missed the entire build-up; whatever it was, I simply did not enjoy reading this.
August 7, 2022
Audiobook - 4 stars
Story - 3 stars
Story - 3 stars
February 21, 2022
Having thoroughly enjoyed Code Red I was very happily surprised to see that there would be a second book in the series as I'd not really picked up on any vibes from any of the other characters for a return.
Well, I'm very glad that Nic saw something in the relationship between singer and songwriter Jeremy and Head of Security Steve because Code Blue is a beautiful romance, filled with all the feels, some angst, a lot of plot tension and a wonderful ending.
On the way I will admit there were moments when I was shaking my head thinking not sure that's actually possible even with the best hacking skills in the world, (plot point not relationship) but I just let it go and it works within the narrative.
I loved how this isn't an easy journey for either of the two men, Jeremy's never been attracted to a man before and he can't understand his feelings, while Steve's got lots of hidden traumas from an incident when he was younger.
But, together they just work and, as they navigate the attraction between them, the stalker plot plays out alongside their growing feelings and it totally worked for me.
While it's only low/medium steamy, everything was still full of great emotional connectivity and a lot of vulnerability from both men and it definitely had me going awwww a lot!
I'm not going to go into too much detail but I really loved seeing how this played out and I think it had an ending which fit well.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
Well, I'm very glad that Nic saw something in the relationship between singer and songwriter Jeremy and Head of Security Steve because Code Blue is a beautiful romance, filled with all the feels, some angst, a lot of plot tension and a wonderful ending.
On the way I will admit there were moments when I was shaking my head thinking not sure that's actually possible even with the best hacking skills in the world, (plot point not relationship) but I just let it go and it works within the narrative.
I loved how this isn't an easy journey for either of the two men, Jeremy's never been attracted to a man before and he can't understand his feelings, while Steve's got lots of hidden traumas from an incident when he was younger.
But, together they just work and, as they navigate the attraction between them, the stalker plot plays out alongside their growing feelings and it totally worked for me.
While it's only low/medium steamy, everything was still full of great emotional connectivity and a lot of vulnerability from both men and it definitely had me going awwww a lot!
I'm not going to go into too much detail but I really loved seeing how this played out and I think it had an ending which fit well.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
February 26, 2022
And my last review for the day is Code Blue, wich could have been 4 stars if the book was shorter, but it's waaaaay better than Code Red. So 3,5 stars. 🥰🥰🥰
I feel like Walker heard my prayers, this book has less chessy stuff, more real stuff happening and a slow burn, so slow it burned my panties to ashes and I regret nothing. 🤯🤯
It also had an interesting subplot, less: we are so amazing, we are brothers, we are family band dynamics, more real dynamics instead, where they supported each other but had problems and secrets.
It got more real and I appreciate it that, I also adored the main characters, but yeah, It could have been shorter. 😬😬😬
BTW I'm 28 and I had a Nokia, it was blue and the screen and buttons were white and you could kill someone if you threw it, but never the phone, Nokias are savages. My point is I know how to fucking text in those phones, this guy's aren't that older than me, so Walker got that a little bit wrong maybe? 🤣🤣
I feel like Walker heard my prayers, this book has less chessy stuff, more real stuff happening and a slow burn, so slow it burned my panties to ashes and I regret nothing. 🤯🤯
It also had an interesting subplot, less: we are so amazing, we are brothers, we are family band dynamics, more real dynamics instead, where they supported each other but had problems and secrets.
It got more real and I appreciate it that, I also adored the main characters, but yeah, It could have been shorter. 😬😬😬
BTW I'm 28 and I had a Nokia, it was blue and the screen and buttons were white and you could kill someone if you threw it, but never the phone, Nokias are savages. My point is I know how to fucking text in those phones, this guy's aren't that older than me, so Walker got that a little bit wrong maybe? 🤣🤣
May 30, 2022
Audio - 5 Stars
Story - 5 Stars
Story - 5 Stars
did-not-finish
February 25, 2022✨ most anticipated book of the year 2022 ✨ and I fucking dnfed it! 😑😡🖕
Why?
- Jeremy can just go to hell. Why? 47% people. That spot. His words, his disgusting attitude; he can go choke on his own words.
Also, fuck HIM! He's so disrespectful for not only Steve's feelings but also his bloody PRIVACY! You'd think a person whose own privacy gets violated on a regular basis would understand if someone said, “I'm sorry, I don't want to talk about it.”
but NOOOOOOOO. Jeremy pushes Steve and gets mad at him for not only not opening up but for says such disgusting words that no amount of maturity can help me not hold a stupid as fuck grudge.
- AMBROSE DESERVES BETTER! Everyone fucking yells at him, and why? BECAUSE he's doing his goddamn job and fuck me are people so out of line. Even Steve.
dnf at 50%
Maddox and Roscoe were the only saving grace of this book, (even though Roscoe is one nosey bitch 😂 still love him)
⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
Minor Spoilers Epilogue/Ending!!!
Yes I read the ending despite dnfing it, and would you guess what???
I FUCKING CRIED.
No. Actually, I sobbed!
⚠️⚠️⚠️Major spoilers for the end of this series! Do not read this if you haven't read the book⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
I can't believe Atrous pulled the plug.
They... Disbanded.
And when my friend told me that .. my heart shattered.
And then I read it, my fucking broke.
Mainly because I 100% get why they broke up, but it doesn't hurt less. It doesn't matter if this fictional boy band was FICTION, it doesn't matter if I just read their songs in my head. It felt real and was fucking personal.
Having a background of my favorite bands disbanding all the time... It broke my heart then, and this broke my heart and brought all the feelings back.
But this .. these quotes, fuck I dnfed this book but I'll never forget these quotes.
And this.....
Oh my Lord.
I. DONT. KNOW. HOW. IM. GOING. TO. REREAD. CODE. RED. AGAIN.
Why?
- Jeremy can just go to hell. Why? 47% people. That spot. His words, his disgusting attitude; he can go choke on his own words.
Also, fuck HIM! He's so disrespectful for not only Steve's feelings but also his bloody PRIVACY! You'd think a person whose own privacy gets violated on a regular basis would understand if someone said, “I'm sorry, I don't want to talk about it.”
but NOOOOOOOO. Jeremy pushes Steve and gets mad at him for not only not opening up but for says such disgusting words that no amount of maturity can help me not hold a stupid as fuck grudge.
- AMBROSE DESERVES BETTER! Everyone fucking yells at him, and why? BECAUSE he's doing his goddamn job and fuck me are people so out of line. Even Steve.
dnf at 50%
Maddox and Roscoe were the only saving grace of this book, (even though Roscoe is one nosey bitch 😂 still love him)
⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
Minor Spoilers Epilogue/Ending!!!
Yes I read the ending despite dnfing it, and would you guess what???
I FUCKING CRIED.
No. Actually, I sobbed!
⚠️⚠️⚠️Major spoilers for the end of this series! Do not read this if you haven't read the book⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
I can't believe Atrous pulled the plug.
They... Disbanded.
And when my friend told me that .. my heart shattered.
And then I read it, my fucking broke.
Mainly because I 100% get why they broke up, but it doesn't hurt less. It doesn't matter if this fictional boy band was FICTION, it doesn't matter if I just read their songs in my head. It felt real and was fucking personal.
Having a background of my favorite bands disbanding all the time... It broke my heart then, and this broke my heart and brought all the feelings back.
But this .. these quotes, fuck I dnfed this book but I'll never forget these quotes.
“Just shows you how much the fans respect the band who respected them right back. Code Blue, the album, is a personal thank you to their fans for a decade of love. And here it is, the title song that broke records all across the globe.”
And this.....
Oh my Lord.
It was fitting that this marked the end of the Atrous road—as adults, in a ceremony for a new beginning.
A ceremony for forever.
I. DONT. KNOW. HOW. IM. GOING. TO. REREAD. CODE. RED. AGAIN.
February 9, 2023
4 Stars
Steve Frost. Head of security for global superstar boy band, Atrous. Stoic, attentive, all-around badass protector. Gay. Secretly and deeply in love with one of his charges, Jeremy.
Jeremy. One-fifth of Atrous. Singer, dancer, musician. Cheeky, fun-loving and loyal beyond reproach. Tired. Lonely. Straight… but questioning his deepening pull to be close to Steve, always.
Upon their return to L.A., after a long and gruelling tour, a targeted (and probable) threat on Jeremy’s life sees Steve closing ranks and upping his protective duties.
Two men, one house. Forced (not-so-forced) proximity. Heightened emotions. Evolving feelings…
Romance ensues.
I never saw this romance coming, having not picked up on a single vibe between these two during book one (Code Red). But that’s not to say I wasn’t open to it, because I was… so open.
Steve Frost is my favourite kind of character in MM romance. Shadowed past, quiet but perceptive, smart-as-a-whip, fiercely protective, gentle-giant type. Steve’s constant care towards Jeremy was heart-melting; his stoic pining for Jeremy was everything.
Jeremy was *not quite* as endearing to me, but his emotional responses—to the stress of fame, to the threat to his life, to the scary feelings he was acknowledging towards Steve, to his constant health scares—were all responses that felt weighted in reality to me. Sometimes he was bratty and reckless, which irked me, but I bought his feelings as genuine and relatable, considering the extreme situations he was facing.
Together, these two were quite the lovely pair. The slow burn was utterly delicious, making it near impossible for me to put the book down until I reached that heart-skipping moment when the depth of feelings were shared…and returned in kind. I simply adored these two, as inevitable as they now so obviously seem.
Beyond the romance, the angst surrounding the unknown threat to Jeremy was captivating too. I especially found all the scenes at the record label particularly, and maybe surprisingly, riveting—mostly whenever the execs and the feds would talk smack or lay blame, usually due to their own selfish needs or professional shortcomings, and how, in response to the bullshit, Steve, Jeremy, and the other Atrous boys, banded together to vehemently support each other in the face of unjust criticism. Weirdly, these scenes were some of my favourite in the whole book, which added a really nice chosen family type vibe to the entire thing.
I may not have seen this story coming, but now it has, I’m kinda thinking this book outshone its predecessor in every way that counts, and I’m buzzing over that fact.
********************************
Audio Edition:
Another instant whispersync upgrade for me because in my eyes (or ears) Nick J. Russo can do no wrong. 😍😍😍
Steve Frost. Head of security for global superstar boy band, Atrous. Stoic, attentive, all-around badass protector. Gay. Secretly and deeply in love with one of his charges, Jeremy.
Jeremy. One-fifth of Atrous. Singer, dancer, musician. Cheeky, fun-loving and loyal beyond reproach. Tired. Lonely. Straight… but questioning his deepening pull to be close to Steve, always.
Upon their return to L.A., after a long and gruelling tour, a targeted (and probable) threat on Jeremy’s life sees Steve closing ranks and upping his protective duties.
Two men, one house. Forced (not-so-forced) proximity. Heightened emotions. Evolving feelings…
Romance ensues.
I never saw this romance coming, having not picked up on a single vibe between these two during book one (Code Red). But that’s not to say I wasn’t open to it, because I was… so open.
Steve Frost is my favourite kind of character in MM romance. Shadowed past, quiet but perceptive, smart-as-a-whip, fiercely protective, gentle-giant type. Steve’s constant care towards Jeremy was heart-melting; his stoic pining for Jeremy was everything.
Jeremy was *not quite* as endearing to me, but his emotional responses—to the stress of fame, to the threat to his life, to the scary feelings he was acknowledging towards Steve, to his constant health scares—were all responses that felt weighted in reality to me. Sometimes he was bratty and reckless, which irked me, but I bought his feelings as genuine and relatable, considering the extreme situations he was facing.
Together, these two were quite the lovely pair. The slow burn was utterly delicious, making it near impossible for me to put the book down until I reached that heart-skipping moment when the depth of feelings were shared…and returned in kind. I simply adored these two, as inevitable as they now so obviously seem.
Beyond the romance, the angst surrounding the unknown threat to Jeremy was captivating too. I especially found all the scenes at the record label particularly, and maybe surprisingly, riveting—mostly whenever the execs and the feds would talk smack or lay blame, usually due to their own selfish needs or professional shortcomings, and how, in response to the bullshit, Steve, Jeremy, and the other Atrous boys, banded together to vehemently support each other in the face of unjust criticism. Weirdly, these scenes were some of my favourite in the whole book, which added a really nice chosen family type vibe to the entire thing.
I may not have seen this story coming, but now it has, I’m kinda thinking this book outshone its predecessor in every way that counts, and I’m buzzing over that fact.
********************************
Audio Edition:
Another instant whispersync upgrade for me because in my eyes (or ears) Nick J. Russo can do no wrong. 😍😍😍
October 25, 2023
Reread/Relisten #3: October 2023
shhh... yes there is another reread happening, but do i care haha no.
Reread/Relisten #2: April 2023
Like last time I enjoyed this book, but at times Jeremy was annoying lol. Also I am really hoping for more books in this universe!!
Reread/Relisten #1-November 2022
Same rating as the first time. i will say i think Jeremy did get annoying from how naïve he was being at times, but i get he doesn't know better since he was raised through being a popstar since early teens.
I loved Steve, i mean who wouldn't he's bomb haha.
I hope there are other books in this series, maybe with another bodyguard...Robbie?? or Riko?? but overall love these books, and these guys.
4-4.5 stars- June 2022
Hooked from page one. This was better than “Code Red”. I was nervous to read this because I saw mixed reviews but so glad I gave this a chance.
Steve and Jeremy!! What a wild ride you both had, this book felt like a longer version of “Pop Star” by Eden Finley (only from the pop star and bodyguard romance).
I would say if you are hesitant give this book a chance, it might surprise you!
shhh... yes there is another reread happening, but do i care haha no.
Reread/Relisten #2: April 2023
Like last time I enjoyed this book, but at times Jeremy was annoying lol. Also I am really hoping for more books in this universe!!
Reread/Relisten #1-November 2022
Same rating as the first time. i will say i think Jeremy did get annoying from how naïve he was being at times, but i get he doesn't know better since he was raised through being a popstar since early teens.
I loved Steve, i mean who wouldn't he's bomb haha.
I hope there are other books in this series, maybe with another bodyguard...Robbie?? or Riko?? but overall love these books, and these guys.
4-4.5 stars- June 2022
Hooked from page one. This was better than “Code Red”. I was nervous to read this because I saw mixed reviews but so glad I gave this a chance.
Steve and Jeremy!! What a wild ride you both had, this book felt like a longer version of “Pop Star” by Eden Finley (only from the pop star and bodyguard romance).
I would say if you are hesitant give this book a chance, it might surprise you!
May 10, 2022
***3.5 - 4 💜's***
Okay, I admit it, I'm pouting a teeny-weeny bit... Here I somewhat missed the BTS-vibe high Code Red gave me. 🤷♀️
Don't get me wrong, the group dynamics were still there and I adored Jeremy and Maddox's relationship and really liked Jeremy and Steve together (umm, no, this is not MMM!!!), but the book... centered a bit too much around them? Jeremy and Steve, I mean. *hides under a bush* It got a bit long-winded towards the end and I needed a bit more info about what will happen next. 🤷♀️ On the plus side, it didn't sound as if there would be another book - umm, okay, that rather sounds like a downside and it is - but now I can let my vivid imagination come out to play. 😉 It was still a great series for me which I'll revisit one day with the audiobooks.
Okay, I admit it, I'm pouting a teeny-weeny bit... Here I somewhat missed the BTS-vibe high Code Red gave me. 🤷♀️
Don't get me wrong, the group dynamics were still there and I adored Jeremy and Maddox's relationship and really liked Jeremy and Steve together (umm, no, this is not MMM!!!), but the book... centered a bit too much around them? Jeremy and Steve, I mean. *hides under a bush* It got a bit long-winded towards the end and I needed a bit more info about what will happen next. 🤷♀️ On the plus side, it didn't sound as if there would be another book - umm, okay, that rather sounds like a downside and it is - but now I can let my vivid imagination come out to play. 😉 It was still a great series for me which I'll revisit one day with the audiobooks.
July 18, 2024
Updated book safety, tropes and tags down below after god-knows-how-many rereads.
He stopped and looked directly at me. “And just so you both know, when the doc says no exercise, he also means no sex. Four times? Fucking hell.”
Have listened to this audiobook so many times since I wrote this review last year. I still love it so freaking much.
_____________________________________
Well, I don’t think I could ever choose a favorite between Code Red and Code Blue, so I’m just going to say that I absolutely adored both books and every single main character. Steve and Jeremy wormed their way into my heart and are probably going to stay there a good long while. I only have one question: what would their couple name be? Maddox and Roscoe are Moscoe. Steve and Jeremy = ?
I’m going to buy physical copies of these books because they’re that good (and who am I kidding, they’re frickin’ beautiful books). My mind has been beyond preoccupied with exams and other life stuff, and I still devoured these books in no time. I’m only sad it’s over.
I want a Steve in my life btw. Let’s you smash your house to pieces when your angry and cleans it up. Can cook. Carries you around like a toddler and gives piggyback rides. Can f*ck people up if necessary, both respectfully and disrespectfully. Gives 4 orgasms a day. Everyone needs a ‘Steeeeeve’, as Jeremy so affectionately calls him.
I probably should have woken him up and told him to go to bed. I didn’t do that either. I wanted to savor this moment forever. That was creepy of me, I realized, because he was asleep. But god, I’d loved this man for years and he fell asleep with his head in my lap. I wasn’t cutting that short for anyone.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Bodyguard
Small age gap
Bisexual awakening
Famous musician
Boy band
Romantic suspense
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
MC stalked and photographed (not by other MC)
MC victim in a hate crime (past, detailed and explained)
Medical issues/emergencies
Drinking to point of heavy intoxication
Injured while (and due to) intoxication
Vomiting
MC hospitalized
MC stabbed (past, detailed)
Explicit sexual content
Hypoglycemic events
SC and MCs severely injured during attempted murder
Violence
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, single
Genre: Romantic suspense
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: N/A, no penetration
Main characters’ age: 27 and 35
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 442
Happy ending: Yes
“I know I’m priviliged. I know I don’t have to worry about money. I don’t have to struggle with that.” “Your problems are unique, yes,” I said. “But not any less valid.”
I wanted to say something, anything, but knew if I did, he’d pull his hand away and this moment, whatever this was, would be over. Then I realized I was using his vulnerability for my own stupid fantasy, and I pulled my hand back, tapping his hand as I did.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
He stopped and looked directly at me. “And just so you both know, when the doc says no exercise, he also means no sex. Four times? Fucking hell.”
Have listened to this audiobook so many times since I wrote this review last year. I still love it so freaking much.
_____________________________________
Well, I don’t think I could ever choose a favorite between Code Red and Code Blue, so I’m just going to say that I absolutely adored both books and every single main character. Steve and Jeremy wormed their way into my heart and are probably going to stay there a good long while. I only have one question: what would their couple name be? Maddox and Roscoe are Moscoe. Steve and Jeremy = ?
I’m going to buy physical copies of these books because they’re that good (and who am I kidding, they’re frickin’ beautiful books). My mind has been beyond preoccupied with exams and other life stuff, and I still devoured these books in no time. I’m only sad it’s over.
I want a Steve in my life btw. Let’s you smash your house to pieces when your angry and cleans it up. Can cook. Carries you around like a toddler and gives piggyback rides. Can f*ck people up if necessary, both respectfully and disrespectfully. Gives 4 orgasms a day. Everyone needs a ‘Steeeeeve’, as Jeremy so affectionately calls him.
I probably should have woken him up and told him to go to bed. I didn’t do that either. I wanted to savor this moment forever. That was creepy of me, I realized, because he was asleep. But god, I’d loved this man for years and he fell asleep with his head in my lap. I wasn’t cutting that short for anyone.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Bodyguard
Small age gap
Bisexual awakening
Famous musician
Boy band
Romantic suspense
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
MC stalked and photographed (not by other MC)
MC victim in a hate crime (past, detailed and explained)
Medical issues/emergencies
Drinking to point of heavy intoxication
Injured while (and due to) intoxication
Vomiting
MC hospitalized
MC stabbed (past, detailed)
Explicit sexual content
Hypoglycemic events
SC and MCs severely injured during attempted murder
Violence
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, single
Genre: Romantic suspense
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: N/A, no penetration
Main characters’ age: 27 and 35
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 442
Happy ending: Yes
“I know I’m priviliged. I know I don’t have to worry about money. I don’t have to struggle with that.” “Your problems are unique, yes,” I said. “But not any less valid.”
I wanted to say something, anything, but knew if I did, he’d pull his hand away and this moment, whatever this was, would be over. Then I realized I was using his vulnerability for my own stupid fantasy, and I pulled my hand back, tapping his hand as I did.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
April 15, 2022
Code Blue, like the first book, was rather underwhelming.
Pain points:
- Singular (Steve's) POV. Steve, who's been madly in love with Jeremy for years, doubts Jeremy is attracted to him. We know better, but it would have added interest and tension to the story had we been privy to Jeremy's thoughts.
- Almost no steam (a couple of blow jobs, and that's it). I was expecting one or the other MC to bottom at some point, but nope. Steve's sexy muscles and aloof, protective persona were utterly wasted. So disappointing!
- Bierasure. Repeat after me: BI. SEX. UAL. It's a thing. Jeremy acted like it was a disease. This really rubbed me the wrong way.
On the flip side:
- Jeremy and Steve fit together. Their love is pure and fierce.
- I liked Robbie and Riko, bodyguards and Steve's colleagues.
- Maddox and Roscoe were very present in the story, with Roscoe being a good friend to Steve.
- Stalker storyline was fairly interesting.
- Great epilogue.
Pain points:
- Singular (Steve's) POV. Steve, who's been madly in love with Jeremy for years, doubts Jeremy is attracted to him. We know better, but it would have added interest and tension to the story had we been privy to Jeremy's thoughts.
- Almost no steam (a couple of blow jobs, and that's it). I was expecting one or the other MC to bottom at some point, but nope. Steve's sexy muscles and aloof, protective persona were utterly wasted. So disappointing!
- Bierasure. Repeat after me: BI. SEX. UAL. It's a thing. Jeremy acted like it was a disease. This really rubbed me the wrong way.
On the flip side:
- Jeremy and Steve fit together. Their love is pure and fierce.
- I liked Robbie and Riko, bodyguards and Steve's colleagues.
- Maddox and Roscoe were very present in the story, with Roscoe being a good friend to Steve.
- Stalker storyline was fairly interesting.
- Great epilogue.
February 25, 2022
so i ended up filing this as a case of misplaced expectations, which happens and is perfectly okay! no matter what, it provided some much-needed escapism and that's priceless 😌
Maddox and Roscoe cameos (of which there were plenty) pulled me through till the end, but to Code Red fans debating whether or not to pick this up, you have to at least check out the epilogue to wrap up the Atrous journey 🥺
Maddox and Roscoe cameos (of which there were plenty) pulled me through till the end, but to Code Red fans debating whether or not to pick this up, you have to at least check out the epilogue to wrap up the Atrous journey 🥺
February 27, 2022
4.25 smooshy love-bug stars for STEEEEEEVE. I want a Steve!! Protective and steady and super kind and quietly loving. Jeremy, you were a little whiney at times, but I still liked you a lot.
This lived up to my anticipation, and I was pleasantly surprised that I actually picked up pretty quickly from where “Code Red” left off (yes, you absolutely need to read Code Red first). I have a terrible memory, and I read it at least 6+ months ago, so it’s a skill that the writing brought me quickly back to the characters & plot within the first handful of pages.
It was obvious from the start that Steve & Jeremy had something special, and Jeremy just needed to catch-up. If you’re looking for all the sexy times, this book is very much on the tame side, but it’s appropriate considering Jeremy spends a lot of it blindsided by the shift in his position on the Kinsey Scale. Once he does catch-up to Steve, it’s lovely to see Jeremy relax into his attraction & “try things out”.
Don’t read this for the smut - read it for Steve’s love that’s like a big warm hug. Nothing he wouldn’t do for Jeremy, including protecting him with his life. The unexpected dramatic twist (which I admittedly had to read 3 times to understand) in the last 20% upped it from a healthy 4 stars to 4.25, but the lack of complexity or angst (for me) made it not quite a 4.5.
This lived up to my anticipation, and I was pleasantly surprised that I actually picked up pretty quickly from where “Code Red” left off (yes, you absolutely need to read Code Red first). I have a terrible memory, and I read it at least 6+ months ago, so it’s a skill that the writing brought me quickly back to the characters & plot within the first handful of pages.
It was obvious from the start that Steve & Jeremy had something special, and Jeremy just needed to catch-up. If you’re looking for all the sexy times, this book is very much on the tame side, but it’s appropriate considering Jeremy spends a lot of it blindsided by the shift in his position on the Kinsey Scale. Once he does catch-up to Steve, it’s lovely to see Jeremy relax into his attraction & “try things out”.
Don’t read this for the smut - read it for Steve’s love that’s like a big warm hug. Nothing he wouldn’t do for Jeremy, including protecting him with his life. The unexpected dramatic twist (which I admittedly had to read 3 times to understand) in the last 20% upped it from a healthy 4 stars to 4.25, but the lack of complexity or angst (for me) made it not quite a 4.5.
September 26, 2025
Re-read
Still don't know why I never wrote reviews for these books when I originally read them!
Steve and Jeremy are so cute together, but their story is much more dramatic than book one, yet also somehow slower at the same time? I think I would have liked to see more of them together when it wasn't centred around the crazed stalker issue. I love how the band have grown since book one though, and Maddox seems to be in a much happier place.
Can I also say that I just love how both Maddox and Roscoe, and Jeremy and Steve's relationships began with simple hand holding becoming this emotional lifeline to both band members, and how the 'normal' halves of the couples really became the rocks that Maddox and Jeremy desperately needed so they could be happy. So cute!
All ready to read the new book now, Code Word, and I'm extremely curious about how Bluke comes to be because at the end of this book, Blake is dating Luke's sister?! I'm all for the drama though so I can't wait to see what happens and why!
Still don't know why I never wrote reviews for these books when I originally read them!
Steve and Jeremy are so cute together, but their story is much more dramatic than book one, yet also somehow slower at the same time? I think I would have liked to see more of them together when it wasn't centred around the crazed stalker issue. I love how the band have grown since book one though, and Maddox seems to be in a much happier place.
Can I also say that I just love how both Maddox and Roscoe, and Jeremy and Steve's relationships began with simple hand holding becoming this emotional lifeline to both band members, and how the 'normal' halves of the couples really became the rocks that Maddox and Jeremy desperately needed so they could be happy. So cute!
All ready to read the new book now, Code Word, and I'm extremely curious about how Bluke comes to be because at the end of this book, Blake is dating Luke's sister?! I'm all for the drama though so I can't wait to see what happens and why!
March 14, 2022
4.5 stars
April 1, 2023
This is the sequel to N.R. Walker’s first book, Code Red, about the boyband that finds themselves winding down after years on the road. This story signals the turmoil that’s ongoing between the band’s label who wants more from them professionally and more management of their personal lives. The band members now find that the unhealthy physical and mental health conditions they now find themselves after years of constant touring and stress are catching up with them. Another of the band's members, Jeremy, now gets his story and romance told. Even though he's only 26, he finds that he's physically breaking down under a decade’s worth of abusing his body and not listening to doctors' instructions. He’s a diabetic and his lack or inability to stay on target to the nutritional structure he needs to stay healthy has finally taken over and he’s a total mess. No one knows the full extent of how bad it’s become. Jeremy is a wonderful character. He’s well developed, and his personality as well as his physical ailment is worked into the story very well. We get to know him, his trust issues, and his confusion over his sexuality. We “see” him through the loving eyes of his security manager/guard, Steve Frost. The story is mostly told from Steve’s perspective. Steve is another terrific character. He's older, with a painful history. I didn’t see why he needed to hide it...but that's not an important issue since he’s protection/security. I liked so many aspects of Steve’s personality. When the danger to Jeremy becomes clear, Steve ups Jeremy’s security system. but yet together and separately, they continued to take chances that I don't believe any professional security team would be taking, even with their emotional involvement. I love this author and her stories, and I did root for Jeremy and Steve's beautiful romance.
didnotfinish
March 10, 2022I will NEVER ever have "anticipated book" of the year ever again!
This sucks!
Time of death: 70%
...This blurb is killing me...
😘🙈Most anticipated book of 2022
I'm dying here..🙈😘😘
This sucks!
Time of death: 70%
...This blurb is killing me...
😘🙈Most anticipated book of 2022
I'm dying here..🙈😘😘
August 24, 2022
Steeeeve!
I loved this just as much, if not more, than Code Red! It was a little slow burn, lots of time for tension to build up between Steve and Jeremy. I was really happy with the pacing of the romance and the story. The stalker part of the plot seemed a bit far fetched sometimes, but I don’t really care. It’s fiction! It was low-medium steam level, which I felt worked well for the story and characters. I just loved Steve and Jeremy! I loved Jeremy's close relationship with Maddox, we get quite a bit of Maddox and Roscoe from Code Red. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how romantic this book was too! Steve “The Iceman” Frost is a real romantic under his stoic exterior! I couldn’t put this book down. Absolutely loved it!
I loved this just as much, if not more, than Code Red! It was a little slow burn, lots of time for tension to build up between Steve and Jeremy. I was really happy with the pacing of the romance and the story. The stalker part of the plot seemed a bit far fetched sometimes, but I don’t really care. It’s fiction! It was low-medium steam level, which I felt worked well for the story and characters. I just loved Steve and Jeremy! I loved Jeremy's close relationship with Maddox, we get quite a bit of Maddox and Roscoe from Code Red. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how romantic this book was too! Steve “The Iceman” Frost is a real romantic under his stoic exterior! I couldn’t put this book down. Absolutely loved it!
![Profile Image for Megan [Semi-Hiatus].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1634561405i%2F25103878._UY200_CR50%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
May 27, 2022
MM Romance
GFY Bodyguard/Rockstar
3.5 Stars
I loved Code Red, the first book in this series and could not wait to read this one. While I read this super fast and it did not feel like a book that was almost 450 pages, it just had way too much drama that took away from the main couple and I wanted more of Jeremy and Steve, not everything else going on. I felt like Jeremy and Steve's relationship was believable despite Jeremy never being with a man before and this is one of the first MM books I've ever read that didn't have anal sex because Steve was a top and it felt realistic that Jeremy would not be comfortable bottoming. I had a lot of respect for this author for not taking it there because it wouldn't have made sense with the characters and this series was great because of the gritty realness it had about it. That being said, I wish there had been more intimacy between them as we only get one or two sex scenes and every time they are about to do anything, they get interrupted by the band, the stalker, the manager, etc etc. They do spend a lot of time cuddling though which I appreciate since I am a whore for man cuddles.
I liked the couple enough to bump this up to 4 stars and I absolutely loved the Maddox and Roscoe cameos as there are plenty.
GFY Bodyguard/Rockstar
3.5 Stars
I loved Code Red, the first book in this series and could not wait to read this one. While I read this super fast and it did not feel like a book that was almost 450 pages, it just had way too much drama that took away from the main couple and I wanted more of Jeremy and Steve, not everything else going on. I felt like Jeremy and Steve's relationship was believable despite Jeremy never being with a man before and this is one of the first MM books I've ever read that didn't have anal sex because Steve was a top and it felt realistic that Jeremy would not be comfortable bottoming. I had a lot of respect for this author for not taking it there because it wouldn't have made sense with the characters and this series was great because of the gritty realness it had about it. That being said, I wish there had been more intimacy between them as we only get one or two sex scenes and every time they are about to do anything, they get interrupted by the band, the stalker, the manager, etc etc. They do spend a lot of time cuddling though which I appreciate since I am a whore for man cuddles.
I liked the couple enough to bump this up to 4 stars and I absolutely loved the Maddox and Roscoe cameos as there are plenty.
March 16, 2022
This was almost an exact copy of the first book except with different major plot points outside the relationship, but the relationships and dynamics between the MC's felt exactly the same as the first book. Even some of the lines were the same! Maybe I only noticed because I read them back to back but it was glaringly obvious to me it was basically the same story.
January 22, 2025
This was fine, better than Code Red, but for some reason, I’m still not completely sold on it. The addition of the stalker storyline added a bit more plot, which I appreciated, but the romance felt odd and rushed. It was already somewhat developed before the book even started, which made it harder to fully connect with.
October 17, 2025
oh this was cuteeee!
i love myself a bodyguard romance and this one really hit the spot - interesting plot, major forced proximity, great chemistry between the protagonists, and such wonderful communication and relationship growth!!
the two leads were adorable and so well matched, and it was overall a really fun and enjoyable read.
i love myself a bodyguard romance and this one really hit the spot - interesting plot, major forced proximity, great chemistry between the protagonists, and such wonderful communication and relationship growth!!
the two leads were adorable and so well matched, and it was overall a really fun and enjoyable read.
November 3, 2024
3-4 stars
I was loving this in the beginning. Five stars until 60ish percent. The end just started to get a bit boring and repetitive and over the top dramatic. I didn’t love the end after loving the first 60%. Definitely liked book 1 more.
I was loving this in the beginning. Five stars until 60ish percent. The end just started to get a bit boring and repetitive and over the top dramatic. I didn’t love the end after loving the first 60%. Definitely liked book 1 more.
April 8, 2023
This is not my favorite N.R. Walker series but it's still great.
March 6, 2022
This series isn't my favorite N.R. Walker. It has a lots of drama and is missing the pure heart from her other stories like Dearest Milton James or The Weight of It All. Maybe it's the whole boyband thing or the silly drama near the end, but it didn't engage me as much as I would have liked.
"He’s not gay or homosexual. He’s not bisexual. He’s Steve-sexual.”It had some cute moments but the ott drama wasn't necessary for their hea.
February 27, 2022
Since I finished Code Red just last week, the story was still very fresh in my brain and throughout the first few chapters of this book I honestly felt like I was reading the same story over again with two new MC's. It started repeating the things I found to be so special about the first book - the comforting hand holding, the quiet conversations in the back of the van, the feelings of safety and trust that were such valuable commodities in their chaotic lives. It started to feel like a Mad Libs version of Roscoe and Maddox's story, which made me squirm a little because I felt like it normalized their bond to see it duplicated in the bond between Steve and Jeremy and I resented that. I don't know if that makes any sense, but it's how I felt and I had a hard time shaking it.
Much of this book was centered around the stalker plot line, which I liked and disliked equally. I liked that it forced Steve and Jeremy to basically live together and added some tension, but it was maybe more complicated and prevalent than it needed to be. I got lost in the logistics at some point and just decided not to overthink it, which worked out fine for me in the end.
There were a lot of cute and sweet moments between Jeremy and Steve that earned this book the 3 stars I'm giving it. This author is so good at including meaningful gestures that show how much her characters care about each other. I loved how willing both Steve and Jeremy were to go to bat for each other and how being protective wasn't a one way street. The lack of steam did bother me, but it made more sense than Jeremy being down for anything and everything from the start, I guess. The ending was decent and the epilogue neared perfection but also served as a reminder that Moscoe still owns my heart and there was nothing Steve or Jeremy could do to change that.
Much of this book was centered around the stalker plot line, which I liked and disliked equally. I liked that it forced Steve and Jeremy to basically live together and added some tension, but it was maybe more complicated and prevalent than it needed to be. I got lost in the logistics at some point and just decided not to overthink it, which worked out fine for me in the end.
There were a lot of cute and sweet moments between Jeremy and Steve that earned this book the 3 stars I'm giving it. This author is so good at including meaningful gestures that show how much her characters care about each other. I loved how willing both Steve and Jeremy were to go to bat for each other and how being protective wasn't a one way street. The lack of steam did bother me, but it made more sense than Jeremy being down for anything and everything from the start, I guess. The ending was decent and the epilogue neared perfection but also served as a reminder that Moscoe still owns my heart and there was nothing Steve or Jeremy could do to change that.
March 6, 2022
Beautiful! I think it was slightly more heart wrenching than the first, which is surprising in itself. I loved the dynamic Jeremy and Steve had, and the way their relationship developed.
August 3, 2023
3/5 stars
Jeremy was very annoying sometimes.
Jeremy was very annoying sometimes.
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