What do you think?
Rate this book
College Boys of New Haven #5
The Geeky Jock Paradox
History will repeat itself if I fall for another straight(ish) guy.
Isaac
When my roommate-to-be opens the door wearing nothing but a wet towel and a smile on his face, I only know one thing for sure: my world is about to be turned upside down.
A wrestling jock, a hottie, and as straight as a plank, Hunter is not the guy I should want. But all the shoulds and shouldn’ts fly out the window when it turns out that Hunter is actually a huge geek and not nearly as straight as I thought.
The fact that my high school crush asked me to wait for him until after college only makes my problems worse. But some terrible timing and an unlocked bedroom door end up being less of a problem than the ticking clock.
Can this college-only fling really be all that I have ever wanted?
Hunter
My new roommate is a total cutie, which is the weirdest way to describe a guy when you’re straight.
The more time I spend with Isaac, the less certain I am about everything I thought I knew. Either I am not myself, or I never have been. The weird thing is, I’ve never felt more alive.
It doesn’t matter, though. A no-good, terrible, horrible guy from his past leads him on with the sweetest promises and I’d be a fool to get involved.
Yet I need to have him, even if it’s for a little while.
The Geeky Jock Paradox is the fifth and final book in the College Boys of New Haven series. It's the perfect match for all fans of college MM romance, high steam and low angst, bisexual awakening, and nerd/jock pairings. It features the sweetest the-right-one-was-there-all-along moment and a very happy ending. All College Boys of New Haven books can be read as stand-alones and in any order.
Isaac
When my roommate-to-be opens the door wearing nothing but a wet towel and a smile on his face, I only know one thing for sure: my world is about to be turned upside down.
A wrestling jock, a hottie, and as straight as a plank, Hunter is not the guy I should want. But all the shoulds and shouldn’ts fly out the window when it turns out that Hunter is actually a huge geek and not nearly as straight as I thought.
The fact that my high school crush asked me to wait for him until after college only makes my problems worse. But some terrible timing and an unlocked bedroom door end up being less of a problem than the ticking clock.
Can this college-only fling really be all that I have ever wanted?
Hunter
My new roommate is a total cutie, which is the weirdest way to describe a guy when you’re straight.
The more time I spend with Isaac, the less certain I am about everything I thought I knew. Either I am not myself, or I never have been. The weird thing is, I’ve never felt more alive.
It doesn’t matter, though. A no-good, terrible, horrible guy from his past leads him on with the sweetest promises and I’d be a fool to get involved.
Yet I need to have him, even if it’s for a little while.
The Geeky Jock Paradox is the fifth and final book in the College Boys of New Haven series. It's the perfect match for all fans of college MM romance, high steam and low angst, bisexual awakening, and nerd/jock pairings. It features the sweetest the-right-one-was-there-all-along moment and a very happy ending. All College Boys of New Haven books can be read as stand-alones and in any order.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2022
86 people are currently reading
269 people want to read
About the author
Hayden Hall
66 books734 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
December 24, 2022
This was everything I wanted in a romance book 🥰🥰🥰.
I was swooning so hard, everything went so beautifully
I just can't stand how oblivious they were at the third act
Like both of you are clearly in love with each other Now fuck...
But it pays off oh God the climax felt like the ending of a perfect romcom.
I was swooning so hard, everything went so beautifully
I just can't stand how oblivious they were at the third act
Like both of you are clearly in love with each other Now fuck...
But it pays off oh God the climax felt like the ending of a perfect romcom.
July 19, 2022
I really loved reading it. Probably the best book in the series. Less steamy and more focused on character development. Isaac is a really interesting character with all his issues, especially with (side character) Matt. Hunter seems to be demi, although it's not explicitly addressed.
I like this series. Although it's all based on the nerd/jock theme, no story is like the other. Also all characters are very different and distinguishable from each other.
I like this series. Although it's all based on the nerd/jock theme, no story is like the other. Also all characters are very different and distinguishable from each other.
March 8, 2022
I was sad when I heard this was to be the last book in the College Boys of New Haven series. I had enjoyed reading the other 4 books so of course I was going to pick up book 5 as soon as I could. This series is full of sweet romance, steam, and are pretty low angst easy reads. Both the MCs in The Geeky Jock Paradox were incredibly kind men. I would place them both in the cinnamon roll category. Hunter, however, was my favorite. I have such a soft spot for a geeky jock and I loved when he would geek out with Isaac, waving his hands wildly while he talked about subjects he was passionate about. I would smile away along with Isaac because honestly it was just adorable.
I had a hard time warming up to Isaac. He was timid and sweet. His innocent naivety made you want to snuggle him one moment, then smack him the next. He spent way too much of the book still hanging on to his high school crush Matt, who treated him terribly. For such a smart guy, Isaac was so blind to Matt and his excuses for waiting to be together once college was over. It drove me nuts! and Hunter! That sweet man could have blurted out all the manipulative BS Matt used with Isaac, but he didn't. Instead of using that information for his own gain, he kept quiet. Hunter never wanted to hurt Isaac and he knew if he said all those things it would. He decided to just enjoy Isaac while he could, and my heart just broke for him over it all. I needed Isaac to wake up and smell the coffee. He needed to see what was right in front of him all along if he just opened his eyes.
Thankfully, Isaac came through in the end. It was a close one. I worried we were going to have to go through some long, angsty separation. Luckily Isaac smarted up just in time. Although this one wasn't my favorite in the series, that would be Dallas and Kai's book, I still enjoyed it none the less. It was a good end to a sweet series, and I look forward what comes next from author Hayden Hall. 3.5 stars
I had a hard time warming up to Isaac. He was timid and sweet. His innocent naivety made you want to snuggle him one moment, then smack him the next. He spent way too much of the book still hanging on to his high school crush Matt, who treated him terribly. For such a smart guy, Isaac was so blind to Matt and his excuses for waiting to be together once college was over. It drove me nuts! and Hunter! That sweet man could have blurted out all the manipulative BS Matt used with Isaac, but he didn't. Instead of using that information for his own gain, he kept quiet. Hunter never wanted to hurt Isaac and he knew if he said all those things it would. He decided to just enjoy Isaac while he could, and my heart just broke for him over it all. I needed Isaac to wake up and smell the coffee. He needed to see what was right in front of him all along if he just opened his eyes.
Thankfully, Isaac came through in the end. It was a close one. I worried we were going to have to go through some long, angsty separation. Luckily Isaac smarted up just in time. Although this one wasn't my favorite in the series, that would be Dallas and Kai's book, I still enjoyed it none the less. It was a good end to a sweet series, and I look forward what comes next from author Hayden Hall. 3.5 stars
March 2, 2022
I received a copy of this book from the author, and this is my honest review.
Hayden's best book ever!!!!
At first I thought "Isaac, what the hell? Wake up and see that dumbass is playing with you!" but then the story picked up it's flow and OMG!!!!!
Hunter is the sweetest, cutest, most amazing jock you'll ever meet. I love that he's a wrestler and not a classical football/baseball player, and his passion for history is enthralling!
Isaac growth is beautiful to witness. How he increase his confidence, slow but steady, is an example to follow.
Surely, one of the best books of this year🤩
Hayden's best book ever!!!!
At first I thought "Isaac, what the hell? Wake up and see that dumbass is playing with you!" but then the story picked up it's flow and OMG!!!!!
Hunter is the sweetest, cutest, most amazing jock you'll ever meet. I love that he's a wrestler and not a classical football/baseball player, and his passion for history is enthralling!
Isaac growth is beautiful to witness. How he increase his confidence, slow but steady, is an example to follow.
Surely, one of the best books of this year🤩
March 15, 2022
I really loved this book! This was a fun story to read! Isaac and Hunter were both really sweet guys, they felt realistic. Both had their own worries. Isaac was hung up on a childhood crush. When he meets Hunter, they become good friends, eventually lovers. Overall, this was really good! The story was really well written, highly recommend! I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
March 18, 2024
Nice ending
March 6, 2022
My favourite of the series!
What I didn't expect from this book was the depth of feeling. Matt made me so angry and I was worried for Isaac, that he was going to get his heart broken.
He and Hunter had an instant connection but this is very much a slow burn. Their arrangement to explore this was adorable and though it was kinda obvious how it was going to end, I still felt every part of the journey.
Oh and I cried, twice. It's been a while since a book affected me so much. The language and descriptions were beautiful and dreamlike and I fell in love with the characters as they fell in love with each other.
What I didn't expect from this book was the depth of feeling. Matt made me so angry and I was worried for Isaac, that he was going to get his heart broken.
He and Hunter had an instant connection but this is very much a slow burn. Their arrangement to explore this was adorable and though it was kinda obvious how it was going to end, I still felt every part of the journey.
Oh and I cried, twice. It's been a while since a book affected me so much. The language and descriptions were beautiful and dreamlike and I fell in love with the characters as they fell in love with each other.
March 7, 2022
This is such an adorable and cute college romance. A classic geeky jock and a nerd become roommates. And from that moment on, there is no doubt (to the reader) that they are perfect together. Too bad Isaac has betrothed himself to his awful childhood dream crush when he returns home after college. So Hunter and Isaac agree to a college fling for the remainder of the year.
Well, if Isaac doesn't see his way to a happy ending, I would totally date Hunter in his place!
If you're looking for low angst, fun, and a bit of steam, this is a book for you.
< ARC provided by GRR and this is my honest review >
Well, if Isaac doesn't see his way to a happy ending, I would totally date Hunter in his place!
If you're looking for low angst, fun, and a bit of steam, this is a book for you.
< ARC provided by GRR and this is my honest review >
March 5, 2022
I love this story. It is so heartwarming. Not from the beginning but it gets there. The characters just drew me to them. Both so lovable though neither saw themselves that way. Isaac from the start made me want to know him. He really needed a friend. As it is circumstances force him into a meeting with Hunter. I laughed at the initial meeting. Hunter is another guy I’d want to know. He has such a big heart. The journey they go through have plenty of tender and hot situations and a big part where I wanted to shake both of them. This author has a way of making me totally invested in the story. This is a couple I’d like to know where I’d like to see what the future holds for them.
March 8, 2022
This was another incredible book in the College Boys of New Haven series, and I'm sad to see the series end. I loved the connection that Hunter & Isaac had from the start, and how well they fit as friends. I hated what Isaac's high school crush was putting him through, and how he couldn't see what he had right in front of him. The characters drew me in immediately, and I didn't want to put my book down. Even though this is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
March 8, 2022
I enjoyed reading this book. Isaac and Hunter are a perfect match. Unfortunately this is the last part of the awesome series.
March 7, 2022
4,5 stars
The Geeky Jock Paradox is the fifth book in the College Boys of New Haven series by Hayden Hall. This book is about Isaac and Hunter. Isaac is sweet and Hunter is very dreamy.
It took me a little to fall in love with Isaac but I fell in love with Hunter from the start. Their story was sweet, sexy, full of feels and very well written.
The Geeky Jock Paradox is the fifth book in the College Boys of New Haven series by Hayden Hall. This book is about Isaac and Hunter. Isaac is sweet and Hunter is very dreamy.
It took me a little to fall in love with Isaac but I fell in love with Hunter from the start. Their story was sweet, sexy, full of feels and very well written.
March 11, 2022
I haven't read any of the other books from the series, so I'm coming into this fresh, with a love of college MM romance.
Overall, I found this a charming, harmless and breezy read that wasn't wholly compelling to me as a reader. I wasn't sucked in as much as I have been with other series (like Eli Easton and Tara Lain's Nerds vs. Jocks and Neve Wilder's Extracurricular Activities), but there wasn't anything wrong with this book in the least! It just didn't bowl me over.
Isaac is in love with his childhood friend, Matt, who has promised him they can be together after they graduate college. In the mean time, they've agreed to "live a little" and see other people. Matt has taken full advantage of the situation (and I mean, he's taken advantage in all ways: he's an absolute tool), while Isaac has spent the past four years merely yearning. As such, he's a virgin without a friend group. And at the beginning of this book, Isaac also finds himself without a place to live. Lucky for him, nerdy jock Hunter is looking for roommate to help him with rent. Hunter has been alone since his ex-girlfriend Oona moved out, and he's taken with shy Isaac.
Hunter immediately brings Isaac into his orbit, inviting him to study in the library and grab food together. He's adorable and lovely. He is a genuinely sweet and caring guy, very not complicated. I wish Isaac could have recognized the damage Oona had done to Hunter and consciously counteracted it the way Hunter made sure to prioritize and spoil Isaac after seeing how awful Matt was to him.
Eventually, the pair agree to a roommates-with-benefits situation, valid until graduation when Isaac is meant to move back home and be with Matt (the tool that he is.) Hunter pretty much accepts that he's not straight (maybe gay, maybe bi; it's never super explicitly stated, and that's super OK because all that matters to Hunter is that he is into Isaac).
Both are silly and stupid for not at least talking about staying together past the deadline when they are clearly in a relationship that goes beyond casually sleeping together. Especially since there's not a lot of impetus for Isaac to move back home -- why is he? He didn't seem to have a job lined up there, and while he does say that his "whole life" is wrapped up in his small hometown, I don't buy it. The delusions around Matt are REAL and for how smart Isaac is supposed to be, you think he would be making some career plans alongside his romantic ones. (Like, why couldn't he and Matt be together in New Haven? Makes no sense, especially since it didn't seem like Matt had any big plans for what he was going to do at home, either.)
The biggest nitpicky thing I had about the book was that Isaac and Hunter graduated from college, and that seems to have been skipped over? Where are their parents? Why were Matt and Isaac heading back to their hometown just the two of them? That missing factor of their families visiting and hubbub around college graduation kind of unmoored me from the setting of it being a college new adult romance: those college aspects are what make them fun! Hunter does way more stuff on campus, but it still isn't a ton. I just thought the missing graduation stuff was weird, but not experience-ruining.
Oh! There was this super affecting story that Hunter gets told about a queer painter in the early 20th century that made me cry. It was a great bit of storytelling. Also, there were several surprisingly poetic passages from both Isaac and Hunter that stuck out; they were a bit incongruous with the rest of the book, which was written a much more casual manner, but these passages were quite lovely anyway.
Overall, as I said, pretty breezy and harmless, but I don't know if I will go back and read the first four books in the series. I wasn't taken with the the whole college setting, which means that I wasn't drawn enough into the College Boys of New Haven universe to continue. But perhaps if I want another low-angst, easy read, I will return.
| I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest, freely given review. |
Overall, I found this a charming, harmless and breezy read that wasn't wholly compelling to me as a reader. I wasn't sucked in as much as I have been with other series (like Eli Easton and Tara Lain's Nerds vs. Jocks and Neve Wilder's Extracurricular Activities), but there wasn't anything wrong with this book in the least! It just didn't bowl me over.
Isaac is in love with his childhood friend, Matt, who has promised him they can be together after they graduate college. In the mean time, they've agreed to "live a little" and see other people. Matt has taken full advantage of the situation (and I mean, he's taken advantage in all ways: he's an absolute tool), while Isaac has spent the past four years merely yearning. As such, he's a virgin without a friend group. And at the beginning of this book, Isaac also finds himself without a place to live. Lucky for him, nerdy jock Hunter is looking for roommate to help him with rent. Hunter has been alone since his ex-girlfriend Oona moved out, and he's taken with shy Isaac.
Hunter immediately brings Isaac into his orbit, inviting him to study in the library and grab food together. He's adorable and lovely. He is a genuinely sweet and caring guy, very not complicated. I wish Isaac could have recognized the damage Oona had done to Hunter and consciously counteracted it the way Hunter made sure to prioritize and spoil Isaac after seeing how awful Matt was to him.
Eventually, the pair agree to a roommates-with-benefits situation, valid until graduation when Isaac is meant to move back home and be with Matt (the tool that he is.) Hunter pretty much accepts that he's not straight (maybe gay, maybe bi; it's never super explicitly stated, and that's super OK because all that matters to Hunter is that he is into Isaac).
Both are silly and stupid for not at least talking about staying together past the deadline when they are clearly in a relationship that goes beyond casually sleeping together. Especially since there's not a lot of impetus for Isaac to move back home -- why is he? He didn't seem to have a job lined up there, and while he does say that his "whole life" is wrapped up in his small hometown, I don't buy it. The delusions around Matt are REAL and for how smart Isaac is supposed to be, you think he would be making some career plans alongside his romantic ones. (Like, why couldn't he and Matt be together in New Haven? Makes no sense, especially since it didn't seem like Matt had any big plans for what he was going to do at home, either.)
The biggest nitpicky thing I had about the book was that Isaac and Hunter graduated from college, and that seems to have been skipped over? Where are their parents? Why were Matt and Isaac heading back to their hometown just the two of them? That missing factor of their families visiting and hubbub around college graduation kind of unmoored me from the setting of it being a college new adult romance: those college aspects are what make them fun! Hunter does way more stuff on campus, but it still isn't a ton. I just thought the missing graduation stuff was weird, but not experience-ruining.
Oh! There was this super affecting story that Hunter gets told about a queer painter in the early 20th century that made me cry. It was a great bit of storytelling. Also, there were several surprisingly poetic passages from both Isaac and Hunter that stuck out; they were a bit incongruous with the rest of the book, which was written a much more casual manner, but these passages were quite lovely anyway.
Overall, as I said, pretty breezy and harmless, but I don't know if I will go back and read the first four books in the series. I wasn't taken with the the whole college setting, which means that I wasn't drawn enough into the College Boys of New Haven universe to continue. But perhaps if I want another low-angst, easy read, I will return.
| I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest, freely given review. |
June 2, 2024
old post reposted
I've been meaning to start Hayden Hall's The College Boys of New Haven series for a while now. I finally did, and fifth book is titled "The Geeky Jock Paradox."
["History will repeat itself if I fall for another straight(ish) guy.
Isaac
When my roommate-to-be opens the door wearing nothing but a wet towel and a smile on his face, I only know one thing for sure: my world is about to be turned upside down.
A wrestling jock, a hottie, and as straight as a plank, Hunter is not the guy I should want. But all the shoulds and shouldn’ts fly out the window when it turns out that Hunter is actually a huge geek and not nearly as straight as I thought.
The fact that my high school crush asked me to wait for him until after college only makes my problems worse. But some terrible timing and an unlocked bedroom door end up being less of a problem than the ticking clock.
Can this college-only fling really be all that I have ever wanted?
Hunter
My new roommate is a total cutie, which is the weirdest way to describe a guy when you’re straight.
The more time I spend with Isaac, the less certain I am about everything I thought I knew. Either I am not myself, or I never have been. The weird thing is, I’ve never felt more alive.
It doesn’t matter, though. A no-good, terrible, horrible guy from his past leads him on with the sweetest promises and I’d be a fool to get involved.
Yet I need to have him, even if it’s for a little while."]
These two, man, these two! I loved them. I looooved how easily Hunter was like "okay, so I'm thinkin' I'm gay" to "holy shit, I'm in love with this guy" to "this is it, he's taking my heart and I guess I'll move on never." And Isaac was like "I love Matt but Hunter is kinda really hot" to "holy shit, I've never felt this way before, it might be love, but I already promised Matt" to Redacted/Spoiler Alert.
I looooooooved these two. They were so cute and nerded out together and studied together and it was perfect. I mean, the steamy-as-fuck sex is always a plus too. ;)
I love how like easily the couples in this series fell and how easy it was for them to realize it was something special, something to hold onto, something Happily Ever After worthy. It's, obviously, not always (or ever) like that, but it's nice to dream. It also makes easy reads all that easier (less angst means less anxiety means well...less anxiety).
#theroommateproblem #thenerdjockconundrum #thethreeheartsequation #thetwostarscollision #thenostringstheory #thegeekyjockparadox #haydenhall #collegeboysofnewhaven #collegeboysofnewhavenseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
I've been meaning to start Hayden Hall's The College Boys of New Haven series for a while now. I finally did, and fifth book is titled "The Geeky Jock Paradox."
["History will repeat itself if I fall for another straight(ish) guy.
Isaac
When my roommate-to-be opens the door wearing nothing but a wet towel and a smile on his face, I only know one thing for sure: my world is about to be turned upside down.
A wrestling jock, a hottie, and as straight as a plank, Hunter is not the guy I should want. But all the shoulds and shouldn’ts fly out the window when it turns out that Hunter is actually a huge geek and not nearly as straight as I thought.
The fact that my high school crush asked me to wait for him until after college only makes my problems worse. But some terrible timing and an unlocked bedroom door end up being less of a problem than the ticking clock.
Can this college-only fling really be all that I have ever wanted?
Hunter
My new roommate is a total cutie, which is the weirdest way to describe a guy when you’re straight.
The more time I spend with Isaac, the less certain I am about everything I thought I knew. Either I am not myself, or I never have been. The weird thing is, I’ve never felt more alive.
It doesn’t matter, though. A no-good, terrible, horrible guy from his past leads him on with the sweetest promises and I’d be a fool to get involved.
Yet I need to have him, even if it’s for a little while."]
These two, man, these two! I loved them. I looooved how easily Hunter was like "okay, so I'm thinkin' I'm gay" to "holy shit, I'm in love with this guy" to "this is it, he's taking my heart and I guess I'll move on never." And Isaac was like "I love Matt but Hunter is kinda really hot" to "holy shit, I've never felt this way before, it might be love, but I already promised Matt" to Redacted/Spoiler Alert.
I looooooooved these two. They were so cute and nerded out together and studied together and it was perfect. I mean, the steamy-as-fuck sex is always a plus too. ;)
I love how like easily the couples in this series fell and how easy it was for them to realize it was something special, something to hold onto, something Happily Ever After worthy. It's, obviously, not always (or ever) like that, but it's nice to dream. It also makes easy reads all that easier (less angst means less anxiety means well...less anxiety).
#theroommateproblem #thenerdjockconundrum #thethreeheartsequation #thetwostarscollision #thenostringstheory #thegeekyjockparadox #haydenhall #collegeboysofnewhaven #collegeboysofnewhavenseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
March 16, 2022
So wish I could give this book more stars
First let me say that I got this book from gay romance reviews and this is me leaving my honest review
Wow what a fantastic read I could not put this book down and had to read it in one sitting. Your heart is going to explode with feelings while you’re reading this book. The characters are amazing I really liked Hunter and Isaac. And I was so glad when Isaac had his eyes opened.
Isaac has been in college for nearly 4 years and within four years he has never had a relationship he has never really even looked at another man. And that’s all because of his feelings for his long standing best friend Matt . But Matt was worried about his fathers reaction to him being gay so he decided that while they’re in college they should go out and have some fun with other people because relationships never work with the first person you’re with. So he says. So Matt is out there having lots of fun. where is Isaac cannot do it. When he has a problem with his apartment he quickly needs to find somewhere else to live thankfully a guy called Hunter agreed to let him come and see his apartment.
Hunter is a wrestler within the college. And after his failed relationship with his girlfriend he found himself living alone in an apartment he couldn’t afford. And if he didn’t find a roommate soon one his landlord would or two he’d be out with nowhere to go. And this is where he met Isaac. For a straight man he certainly had a lot of feelings for him. He had told Hunter about the plan with Matt but when he agreed to spend the remainder of their time together as roommates with benefits Hunter was over the moon.
How would all this end ?? Would Isaac go home to be with Matt ?? could he stay friends with Hunter?? What did you want for his future
My heart just bursts for these two. I was so glad that Hunter showed Isaac what it was like to be in a relationship with a man who cared deeply about him. He helped with Isaac‘s lack of confidence. There was something extremely magical about these two men. I would even go as far as to call them soul mates. I’m gonna really miss reading about these two!!!!
First let me say that I got this book from gay romance reviews and this is me leaving my honest review
Wow what a fantastic read I could not put this book down and had to read it in one sitting. Your heart is going to explode with feelings while you’re reading this book. The characters are amazing I really liked Hunter and Isaac. And I was so glad when Isaac had his eyes opened.
Isaac has been in college for nearly 4 years and within four years he has never had a relationship he has never really even looked at another man. And that’s all because of his feelings for his long standing best friend Matt . But Matt was worried about his fathers reaction to him being gay so he decided that while they’re in college they should go out and have some fun with other people because relationships never work with the first person you’re with. So he says. So Matt is out there having lots of fun. where is Isaac cannot do it. When he has a problem with his apartment he quickly needs to find somewhere else to live thankfully a guy called Hunter agreed to let him come and see his apartment.
Hunter is a wrestler within the college. And after his failed relationship with his girlfriend he found himself living alone in an apartment he couldn’t afford. And if he didn’t find a roommate soon one his landlord would or two he’d be out with nowhere to go. And this is where he met Isaac. For a straight man he certainly had a lot of feelings for him. He had told Hunter about the plan with Matt but when he agreed to spend the remainder of their time together as roommates with benefits Hunter was over the moon.
How would all this end ?? Would Isaac go home to be with Matt ?? could he stay friends with Hunter?? What did you want for his future
My heart just bursts for these two. I was so glad that Hunter showed Isaac what it was like to be in a relationship with a man who cared deeply about him. He helped with Isaac‘s lack of confidence. There was something extremely magical about these two men. I would even go as far as to call them soul mates. I’m gonna really miss reading about these two!!!!
March 9, 2022
Isaac & Hunter become roommates in order to save some money. Their first meeting is something Isaac keeps thinking about, since he was just in a towel after having taken a shower.
Isaac has a crush on his long time friend Matt (& an understanding they’ll get together after college is over, which is very strange). Despite this, he thinks Hunter is very cute.
Isaac doesn’t realize that Hunter also thinks about Isaac quite a bit, despite how he’s straight.
Isaac also doesn’t realize that since he has become Hunter’s roommate, he has now begun to question if he really is straight at all.
“Just one more thing... I made a mistake today. I came to apologize for kissing you once... Instead of kissing you the entire day.... I know the day is running out, but I’d like to right that wrong.”
After they kiss, they end up deciding to have a fling & create a few memories.
There’s a real Love Actually moment there at the end, which was a great way to end this great story.
The only thing missing was the chapter numbers. I’m used to being able to see what chapter number I’ve read up to (& being able to compare it to how much is left). Despite this, it was a really nice story to read.
I received this free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Isaac has a crush on his long time friend Matt (& an understanding they’ll get together after college is over, which is very strange). Despite this, he thinks Hunter is very cute.
Isaac doesn’t realize that Hunter also thinks about Isaac quite a bit, despite how he’s straight.
Isaac also doesn’t realize that since he has become Hunter’s roommate, he has now begun to question if he really is straight at all.
“Just one more thing... I made a mistake today. I came to apologize for kissing you once... Instead of kissing you the entire day.... I know the day is running out, but I’d like to right that wrong.”
After they kiss, they end up deciding to have a fling & create a few memories.
There’s a real Love Actually moment there at the end, which was a great way to end this great story.
The only thing missing was the chapter numbers. I’m used to being able to see what chapter number I’ve read up to (& being able to compare it to how much is left). Despite this, it was a really nice story to read.
I received this free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 10, 2022
When I got my paperback copy of this in the mail, I just stared at it. Not because of the eye candy on the cover, but because I knew this was it. This is the end of New Haven. The end of this town of college boys I have come to grow and love. Hunter and Isaac were the perfectly placed cherry on top to this series finale.
Did I immediately fall in love with Hunter when he came into view because he is a sexy, jocky geek who is also incredibly caring and sweet? Yes. Did the way Isaac first laid eyes on Hunter make me wish I needed to go out and find me a hot roommate too? Yes. Did I consistently curse under my breath a little every time Matt was mentioned because I totally hated him getting in the way of a good thing that was trying to happen? Yes. Did I squeal at H & I's first kiss? Also, yes. Did my mouth drop open in every one of those scrumptious sexy scenes? Totally yes. Did I almost think this wasn't going to be an HEA? For a second there, but I know Hayden NEVER let's me down.
Sexy, charming, and sugary, this was a wonderful way to end this series. Thank you, Hayden Hall, for making me fall in love on 5 separate occasions, with the irresistible college boys of New Haven. They will be greatly missed.
Did I immediately fall in love with Hunter when he came into view because he is a sexy, jocky geek who is also incredibly caring and sweet? Yes. Did the way Isaac first laid eyes on Hunter make me wish I needed to go out and find me a hot roommate too? Yes. Did I consistently curse under my breath a little every time Matt was mentioned because I totally hated him getting in the way of a good thing that was trying to happen? Yes. Did I squeal at H & I's first kiss? Also, yes. Did my mouth drop open in every one of those scrumptious sexy scenes? Totally yes. Did I almost think this wasn't going to be an HEA? For a second there, but I know Hayden NEVER let's me down.
Sexy, charming, and sugary, this was a wonderful way to end this series. Thank you, Hayden Hall, for making me fall in love on 5 separate occasions, with the irresistible college boys of New Haven. They will be greatly missed.
March 6, 2022
Hayden Hall is a master of elegantly and emotionally steamy MM romance!
“…Life and love and courage…” Hayden’s beautifully written thoughts keep us close to his characters souls and feelings.
The fifth and final book of Hayden Hall’s College Boys of New Haven series blesses us with the sweetest of hearts in Hunter and Isaac! Every page in this book envelopes us in burning emotions, whether hidden or expressed.
The Geeky Jock Paradox features two young men whose lives meet for a purpose that neither originally plan, but both, by opening their hearts, blend into a truly beautiful relationship. This story feels like you are sitting with a couple that is sharing their ‘meet cute’ and you can still see the love that they share years later.
Hall is never shy in sharing that he is always excited to have his characters live ‘Happily Ever After.’ It is the reason I fall in love with the characters in every one of his stories.
“…Life and love and courage…” Hayden’s beautifully written thoughts keep us close to his characters souls and feelings.
The fifth and final book of Hayden Hall’s College Boys of New Haven series blesses us with the sweetest of hearts in Hunter and Isaac! Every page in this book envelopes us in burning emotions, whether hidden or expressed.
The Geeky Jock Paradox features two young men whose lives meet for a purpose that neither originally plan, but both, by opening their hearts, blend into a truly beautiful relationship. This story feels like you are sitting with a couple that is sharing their ‘meet cute’ and you can still see the love that they share years later.
Hall is never shy in sharing that he is always excited to have his characters live ‘Happily Ever After.’ It is the reason I fall in love with the characters in every one of his stories.
March 17, 2022
4.5 Stars
The Geeky Jock Paradox is the fifth book in the College Boys of New Haven series.
This story is just downright fun and cute.
Hunter and Isaac are both great guys who are easy to invest your emotions in. Hunter's a wrestler who's one of the sweetest jocks you'll meet.
Meanwhile, Isaac is a nerd who's been waiting for his best friend to finish college and finally settle on just him. The boy man just needs to stop waiting and move on.
I love the way Hunter brings Isaac to see himself in a new light. He grows in confidence and self-esteem and it's all beautiful to see.
This is a bisexual, sexual awakening story with a college fling which turns to love. It's all perfectly low angst and enjoyable throughout.
I highly recommend The Geeky Jock Paradox to anyone looking for a nice escape. You won't regret taking the time out of real life to enjoy this Hayden Hall book.
The Geeky Jock Paradox is the fifth book in the College Boys of New Haven series.
This story is just downright fun and cute.
Hunter and Isaac are both great guys who are easy to invest your emotions in. Hunter's a wrestler who's one of the sweetest jocks you'll meet.
Meanwhile, Isaac is a nerd who's been waiting for his best friend to finish college and finally settle on just him. The boy man just needs to stop waiting and move on.
I love the way Hunter brings Isaac to see himself in a new light. He grows in confidence and self-esteem and it's all beautiful to see.
This is a bisexual, sexual awakening story with a college fling which turns to love. It's all perfectly low angst and enjoyable throughout.
I highly recommend The Geeky Jock Paradox to anyone looking for a nice escape. You won't regret taking the time out of real life to enjoy this Hayden Hall book.
March 19, 2022
Such a great book. I loved it from start to finish. One of the best books I've read this year. My favorite of the College Boys series. It pulled me in from the start. Kept me reading until the end. Entertaining and steamy. Isaac needs a room to stay. Imagine when the possible roommate answers the door wearing only a towel. Where do I sign up? Hunter is a gorgeous, muscled up wrestler. Straight of course. As the two get to know each other maybe Hunter isn't as straight as he always thought. Isaac's boyfriend doesn't want to be together until after college. His boyfriend wants to gain experience before they settle down after college. Isaac stays faithful while the boyfriend is having the time of his life. The attraction grows between Isaac and Hunter. Maybe Isaac needs to do some experimenting of his own. They agree to enjoy each other until the semester is over. Will Isaac be able to shut it off and enter into the original agreement with his boyfriend? Can he really let go of Hunter? I highly recommend.
March 14, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. Isaac and Hunter were very relatable characters with their own insecurities and worries. Even at the start of this book, both of them needed each other. Not just because Isaac needed a place to live and Hunter needed a roommate, but because both had something missing from their lives and although they didn't initially look for it in each other, that's exactly where it was found. There's a naivety to Isaac's innocence in his pining crush on his childhood friend Matt, who keeps promising they will be together after they graduate, but shows no genuine interest and treats Isaac badly. I wanted to shake him, tell him to open his eyes and not only see through Matt's bull, but also the wonderful man he's already found. I absolutely loved Hunter. An enjoyable book, emotional and stressful at times. 5 stars
March 15, 2022
Title - The Geeky Jock Paradox (College Boys Of New Haven #5)
Author - Hayden Hall
Genre - MM Romance
Published - March 2022
Pages - 200 Pages
What I Thought About The Book - I really enjoyed this book, I absolutely loved Issac, I just want to wrap him up and protect him, he's so dam cute. I'm so glad he finally saw what Matt was really like. Hunter is so perfect for Issac and in turn, I also think Issac is also perfect for Hunter. I was sad to hear this is the last in this amazing series. It is most defiantly going to be one of those series I reread over and over again as I just loved it so much. It was well written, easy to follow, had amazing characters and the plot was interesting and kept me hooked. Read In a single sitting.
Would I Recommend - Yes
Would I Read Again/Continue The Series - Yes/Yes
Rating - 5*
Reviewed by LucyLui
Author - Hayden Hall
Genre - MM Romance
Published - March 2022
Pages - 200 Pages
What I Thought About The Book - I really enjoyed this book, I absolutely loved Issac, I just want to wrap him up and protect him, he's so dam cute. I'm so glad he finally saw what Matt was really like. Hunter is so perfect for Issac and in turn, I also think Issac is also perfect for Hunter. I was sad to hear this is the last in this amazing series. It is most defiantly going to be one of those series I reread over and over again as I just loved it so much. It was well written, easy to follow, had amazing characters and the plot was interesting and kept me hooked. Read In a single sitting.
Would I Recommend - Yes
Would I Read Again/Continue The Series - Yes/Yes
Rating - 5*
Reviewed by LucyLui
March 17, 2022
Hunter and Isaac ❤️
4.5 Stars 🌟
Hands down my favorite book in this series! Hunter, Hunter, Hunter.....what an absolute love!!! I adored him, he was such a dorky sweetheart wrapped in a jock's body. I loved his attitude, the way he embraced his discovery, never doubting or faltering, he just jumped right in with both feet....don't get me wrong I loved Isaac too, I hated the fact that he pined for a high school crush that lead him on by a string of hope for so long...he deserved better and he got the best in Hunter ❤️ roommates...to friends...to lovers is one of my favorites and this one will make your heart soar!!! I strongly recommend this book for series fans and those who haven't jumped in just yet, this one is worth it...it's sweet, low angst, funny, adorable and spicy!
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
4.5 Stars 🌟
Hands down my favorite book in this series! Hunter, Hunter, Hunter.....what an absolute love!!! I adored him, he was such a dorky sweetheart wrapped in a jock's body. I loved his attitude, the way he embraced his discovery, never doubting or faltering, he just jumped right in with both feet....don't get me wrong I loved Isaac too, I hated the fact that he pined for a high school crush that lead him on by a string of hope for so long...he deserved better and he got the best in Hunter ❤️ roommates...to friends...to lovers is one of my favorites and this one will make your heart soar!!! I strongly recommend this book for series fans and those who haven't jumped in just yet, this one is worth it...it's sweet, low angst, funny, adorable and spicy!
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
January 13, 2024
Sweet college romance
The conflict here is that one of these guys has an understanding with an old friend that they'll get together after college. I expected him to be going to a college far away. Nope! The same college. The guy is obviously stringing him along as a sort of insurance policy, and his low self esteem and introversion make it easy to accept.
I prefer books with more of a social universe. People should have friends and/or family they can talk to. One guy has a casual friend, but they're mostly about wrestling. In this book, even Matt (the childhood friend/prospective boyfriend) is kind of a nebulous figure. He's just there to be the "bad guy", so he has to be kind if rude and tacky. Having socially isolated characters without a reason to be socially isolated just seems lazy.
The conflict here is that one of these guys has an understanding with an old friend that they'll get together after college. I expected him to be going to a college far away. Nope! The same college. The guy is obviously stringing him along as a sort of insurance policy, and his low self esteem and introversion make it easy to accept.
I prefer books with more of a social universe. People should have friends and/or family they can talk to. One guy has a casual friend, but they're mostly about wrestling. In this book, even Matt (the childhood friend/prospective boyfriend) is kind of a nebulous figure. He's just there to be the "bad guy", so he has to be kind if rude and tacky. Having socially isolated characters without a reason to be socially isolated just seems lazy.
March 10, 2022
Really enjoyed Isaac and Hunter's story. Hunter was so easy to love, he was the whole package, a jock who was also a very intelligent geek that had a big heart and was humble. Isaac had needed that in his life, someone to show him how being wanted and loved should be. I wished so many times for him to wake up and realize Matt wasn't right for him. Matt was undeserving of Isaac's time and attention, so I got slightly irritated when he gave it so easily. I kept repeating 'forget Matt, Hunter is your perfect man. He's end game material.' It’s probably obvious by now that Hunter captured my heart. Him and Isaac had this connection to be envious of. Reading how they grew as individuals, then as partners was marvelous. I absolutely recommend this book.
March 12, 2022
The Geeky Jock Paradox is book 5 in the College Boys of New Haven Series and is an m/m romance.
Isaac and Hunter become roommates and fall into a pretty easy friendship. Isaac is generally quite wary but Hunter is easy going although worries slightly too much about what he says and does after being put down too many times by an ex girlfriend.
Isaac is incredibly nieve waiting around for things that will never happen and putting his whole life on hold for the wrong person.
Hunter and Isaac eventually make an arrangement when their chemistry and want is so off the charts. But this arrangement is probably the worst idea and can they even stick to it.
Jock and nerd relationship but jocks can be nerds too!!
Bi-awakening, first times, steamy, funny and sweet college romance.
Isaac and Hunter become roommates and fall into a pretty easy friendship. Isaac is generally quite wary but Hunter is easy going although worries slightly too much about what he says and does after being put down too many times by an ex girlfriend.
Isaac is incredibly nieve waiting around for things that will never happen and putting his whole life on hold for the wrong person.
Hunter and Isaac eventually make an arrangement when their chemistry and want is so off the charts. But this arrangement is probably the worst idea and can they even stick to it.
Jock and nerd relationship but jocks can be nerds too!!
Bi-awakening, first times, steamy, funny and sweet college romance.
March 18, 2022
Just open your eyes and your heart will follow. People perceive Hunter as the typical straight jock. He lets them. Isaac spends his life crushing on a childhood friend, Matty. They share a first kiss and Isaac, has expectations. Matty, is in the closet. Matty, makes promises for the future and suggests they explore the world. Isaac, is understanding with a bit of wariness. They became roommates and actually gelled. It was fun watching them expand their minds and perspectives. They brought out the curious and best in each other. Will Isaac really see Matty? Will Hunter state his case? Good story. Isaac and Hunter make you feel good about friendship and love. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 18, 2022
A sweet romance consisting of two completely different characters, working together to find happiness. Though I have to admit, Hunter saved me with this one as Issac just appeared so bland and quite frankly, an idiot when love was involved. I wasn’t able to connect with his character at all, and definitely was not a fan of Matt (the asshole stringing Issac along).
Their chemistry was absolutely perfect, beginning right away and continuously increasing. Hunter dove in head first once he realized he was gay, and dove even deeper with Issac. Their connection was okay, lacking any real depth or emotions, which is why I rated this four stars. I did enjoy the book, though I was a little disappointed with the lack of intimacy throughout.
Their chemistry was absolutely perfect, beginning right away and continuously increasing. Hunter dove in head first once he realized he was gay, and dove even deeper with Issac. Their connection was okay, lacking any real depth or emotions, which is why I rated this four stars. I did enjoy the book, though I was a little disappointed with the lack of intimacy throughout.
March 31, 2022
It is hard to give any of Hayden Hall's books anything less than a 5 star and this book offers nothing less than that. I absolutely loved both main characters and although I didn't love Matt, I understood him. Area side characters are in here that I hope get their own books.
Hunter is such a sweetie! I just loved his heart and how he put himself out there and went for it. Isaac thought he was in love with his childhood friend, Matt, especially after their first kiss. As they go off to college he vows to wait for Matt, while Matt wants to experience all that college has to offer, although Isaac never does... That is until he becomes roommates with Hunter. Realizing they need more friends, the roommates start hanging out. Friendship becomes more, with benefits. As graduation comes closer, the duo falls in love, only neither one will admit it.
I absolutely loved this book!
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hunter is such a sweetie! I just loved his heart and how he put himself out there and went for it. Isaac thought he was in love with his childhood friend, Matt, especially after their first kiss. As they go off to college he vows to wait for Matt, while Matt wants to experience all that college has to offer, although Isaac never does... That is until he becomes roommates with Hunter. Realizing they need more friends, the roommates start hanging out. Friendship becomes more, with benefits. As graduation comes closer, the duo falls in love, only neither one will admit it.
I absolutely loved this book!
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 9, 2022
The College Boys of New Haven is my favorite series from this author and I am so sad to see it end, but what a ride! This was the series that introduced me to Hayden’s writing so it will always hold a special place in my heart. To say I was frustrated with Isaac is an understatement. I wanted him to forget about Matt and focus on Hunter, who was right there in front of him the whole time! But Hunter was patient and was willing to spend time with Isaac for however long he would have him. He had hope that eventually Isaac would realize how amazing they could be if he gave this relationship a chance. This was a great end to a sweet, low angst series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews