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N.R. Walker

Learning Curve (Franklin U Book 6) by N.R. Walker: RB, Exclusive Excerpt, Release Day Review and Giveaway

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Cobey Green
There I was, moving into the dorms at Franklin U and not into the shared party house I’d lived in my freshman year. Last year had been all about football and parties, not schoolwork. Which was why my grades tanked. Why I was one failed class away from being kicked off the team.
Why I needed to live on campus and find myself a tutor.
Funny that my new roommate just happens to be a tutor. Funny that he’s oblivious to how hot he is. For a smart guy, he’s pretty clueless. Maybe I could tutor him in how to be more outgoing in exchange for help with calculus? I could teach him how to talk to people, how to make new friends. Hell, maybe I could even help him punch his V card.
Actually, now that I think about it… that’s a really good idea.

Vincent Brandt
And there I was, happy to be back at college, happy to be where I was most comfortable. Happy to be starting another school year, happy to start tutoring again so I could earn some money.
And yes, there I was equal parts excited and dreading to see who my new roommate would be… until Cobey Green’s smiling face appeared at the door. A huge football player loved by everyone, gorgeous, rich, and out of the closet.
Everything I’m not.
It doesn’t help that he’s genuinely a really nice guy. It doesn’t help that I make him laugh and we can talk so easily. And it certainly doesn’t help that we start having private tutoring sessions, which end up way more private than I’d ever dare imagine.
I’d ranked top of my class in every subject since the first grade, yet there I was falling stupidly in love with him.

This was going to be a hell of a year. And one very steep learning curve for both of us.

Title: Learning Curve
Authors: N.R. Walker
Length: 55K
Series: Franklin U Series, Book 6
Genre: Contemporary.
Tropes: geek/jock, opposites attract.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Goodreads

He smirked. “You can tell what people think? What am I thinking right now?”

He was joking, clearly. I might have rolled my eyes. “You’re wishing you ordered pizza from anywhere but here instead of that salad.”

He grinned. “Wow. You actually can read my mind.” He pushed his empty plate away. “It’s not so bad. I gotta watch what I eat. I had a huge lunch of carbs and protein, so it evens out.”

God, his entire life was diet, exercise, training. Football, football, football. He was dedicated, that was for sure.

I offered him my hardly touched plate of mac and cheese. “Want this? I won’t tell your coach if you don’t. You’re a huge guy. You need to eat more than salad. Plus, you went jogging again today. Consider it a reward.”

He eyed the pasta. He definitely wanted it, so I pushed it closer to him. He took one mouthful and his excitement ended as soon as the taste registered. Or maybe it was the texture.

He struggled to swallow it and quickly washed it down with his glass of water. “Have mercy, that’s awful.”

I snorted. “It’s not that bad.” I mean, college food wasn’t good either, but it sure as hell beat no food.

He shook his head and pushed the offending plate away from both of us. “On a scale of one to fucking awful, it’s an eleven. You said it was a reward. That is not a reward. That’s not even a punishment. It’s a crime.”

I laughed and looked over to the service area. “Want me to get you something else?”

Smiling, he shook his head. “No, but thank you.” He was quiet for a bit, but he kept his eyes on me. “So, what’s your major?”

“I’m double majoring in math and tech science.”

He stared. “So you are a genius. Bumbles wasn’t joking.”

“Bumbles? He mentioned me?”

“Ah, yeah, I ran into him earlier. After your tutor session. He said you were a nice guy and a genius. I didn’t realize he meant literally. But I guess if you are tutoring seniors . . .”

“Oh.” I wasn’t sure why I was embarrassed. “Uh. I haven’t done an actual IQ test since high school, so the results could be outdated.”

“But? Was it high?”

I smiled. “It was okay.”

He nodded. “So it was high. Higher than Snoop Dog and Willie Nelson locked in a dispensary?”

I laughed. “Maybe not that high.”

Book 6 takes us to the dorms. Cobey is a sophomore moving to the dorms because his freshman year in a house with football players like himself did not do his grades any favors. He isn’t happy. Less happy when he finds out he will have a roommate as well.

Vincent is shy and quiet. Keeps his head down and does his work. Helps that he is a genius.

Cobey and Vincent are the epitome of opposites. Shy vs outgoing, popular vs no one knows who he is, all books vs all football. But Cobey is another one of those guys who is just happy and friendly and everyone loves him. Vincent can’t help but be lured in as well.

Cobey is helping Vincent with his social game, of which he has none. And Vincent will tutor Cobey in calculus.

They are quickly inseparable. I love watching them play off of each other. Vincent with his smarts and Cobey with his unending social game. Cobey definitely spends more time “tutoring” Vincent than Vincent does literally tutoring Cobey. But seeing as the tutoring now involves kissing and more, no one is complaining.

Also unique was that Vincent had NO social media. At all. So when they start showing up together on various pages, it doesn’t affect him in the least. Kind of cool.

Of course they were super adorable together. And Vincent does start to stretch his wings a bit.

There’s just about zero angst, even with Vincent having a crappy upbringing. But all of these Franklin U books have been like that. Just college guys, living their best lives, friends, sports, parties… quintessential college life.

4 pieces of eye candy

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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 live in her head, who don’t let her sleep at night unless 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…

Connect with N.R.:
https://smart.bio/nrwalkerauthor/ a Rafflecopter giveaway

Learning Curve (Franklin University Series, Book 6) by N.R. Walker: Cover Reveal and Giveaway

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Learning Curve
By N.R. Walker

Learning Curve Cover

Coming September 29th

Franklin University Series, Book 6

Cobey Green

There I was, moving into the dorms at Franklin U, and not into the shared party house I’d lived in my freshman year. Last year had been all about football and afterparties, not schoolwork. Which was why my grades tanked, and why I was one failed class away from being kicked off the team.

Why I needed to live on campus, and find myself a tutor.

Funny that my new roommate just happened to be a tutor. Funny that he was oblivious to how hot he is. For a smart guy, he was pretty clueless. Maybe I could tutor him in how to be more outgoing in exchange for help with calculus? I could teach him how to talk to people, how to make new friends. Hell, maybe I could even help him punch his V card.

Actually, now that I thought about it… that was a really good idea.

Vincent Brandt

And there I was, happy to be back at college, happy to be where I was most comfortable. Happy to be starting another school year, happy to start tutoring again so I could earn some money.

And yes, there I was, equal parts excited and dreading to see who my new roommate would be… Until Cobey Green’s smiling face appeared at the door. A huge football player, loved by everyone, gorgeous, rich, and out of the closet.

Everything I was not.

It didn’t help that he was genuinely a really nice guy. It didn’t help that I could make him laugh, and we could talk so easily, and it certainly didn’t help that we started having private tutorials which ended up way more private than I’d ever dared imagine.

I’d ranked top of my class in every subject since the first grade yet there I was falling stupidly in love with him.

This was going to be a hell of a year. And one very steep learning curve for both of us.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions (Preorder)

Goodreads

Series Banner CR Learning Curve

 

Franklin University Cover Reveal NR WALKER

NRWalker Logo

.                                     .

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 live in her head, who don’t let her sleep at night unless 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…

Connect with N.R.:
https://smart.bio/nrwalkerauthor/

To celebrate this exciting new series and cover reveal, we are giving away 2 advanced e-copies of Learning Curve!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

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Code Blue by N.R. Walker: New Release Review

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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.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

I was eagerly awaiting this book! After reading Code Red- which focuses on a band of 5 male members- I knew I wanted more after Maddox got his HEA. But Maddox was the only member who identified as gay. The other four identified as straight. And while a lot of readers seemed to really want a Blake and Luke (BLUKE!) story, instead we get Jeremy. Which is fine with me. “Bluke” would have been an easy way out, if that makes sense. With Jeremy we get his struggle with identity as well as a stalker and a medical problem. All with Steve, the head of security, living with him and making him struggle with said identity.

Something else I really liked about this book is that it is after book 1, but several years have passed. So other relationships have formed, the band has continued on, etc.

This is definitely a slow burn, but it is SOOOOO worth it. Steve is gay, but not out. Not necessarily in the closet but he works so much he wouldn’t have time for a relationship anyway so why bother? Steve started crushing on Jeremy in the first book at least so we have a few years of unrequited feels right there.

Jeremy gets mad at himself- and Steve- for the feelings he is developing because he is straight. He finds no other men sexually attractive. But he also hasn’t hooked up with a woman in a while. BECAUSE OF STEVE. It was kind of cute when he got pouty about the feelings he didn’t understand.

Add a stalker into the mix and some sketchy health issues and Jeremy’s life is kind of fubar. The stalker story line turned out to be pretty interesting at the end when it was all connected and tied up. At one point I was thinking, meh, that’s it? Silly me.

We get plenty of the guys together as well. They are truly a brotherhood of men who love each other fiercely. The book takes place after an 8 week world tour so at least they are home and generally in one place.

Couple other things: Steve-sexual cracked me up. Roscoe and Maddox are still swoony. Why is it so sexy when a main character plays the piano in the middle of the night and the other watches him in secret? Sigh

Honestly, this book is the perfect ending to Atrous. There’s no drawn out thing of maybe this one will be gay or bi, etc. There was closure, the guys were happy and the epilogue was absolutely EPIC.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

Christmas Wish List (Hartbridge Christmas Series Book 2) by N.R. Walker: New Release Review

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In need of work and a change of scenery, Aussie ex-pat Jayden Turner agrees to a short-term chef position at a Bed and Breakfast over the Christmas holidays. After all, how hard could it be in a small town in the mountains of Montana? What he finds is a grand old house in a beautiful town, and his new boss is gorgeous, gay, and single.

After his divorce, Carter “Cass” Campion bought his great-aunt’s rundown country manor in his home town, and he’s determined to get it ready for the busy holiday period. Recently out as gay, he’s been focused solely on his business and hasn’t had time for a man. Not that many gay men come through Hartbridge . . .

As his new clients arrive, and being away from his two kids, celebrating Christmas is the last thing on Cass’s mind. But his new chef has other ideas. And if there’s one thing on his Christmas Wish List this year, Jayden can make it come true.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

I loved last year’s Tic-Tac-Mistletoe and was very happy to hear that there would be a second Christmas book in the same adorable town.

Jayden is supposed to work at a B&B in Hartbridge for a week. That is the first week, which includes Christmas, that Cass will have his B&B open. Simple dimple, right? HA!

Jayden is immediately enamored with the town. It’s pretty much a Hallmark movie come to life. And the story of Jayden and Cass is a Hallmark movie in book form.

Jayden is out, proud and confident. Cass is newly out, divorced and pretty scared. They are perfect for each other.

Jayden and Hamish (from book 1) immediately connect as they are both Australian ex-pats. Jayden even makes Hamish realize he was being silly in holding a grudge against Cass.

Jayden and Cass just work together as a couple. They balance each other out so well. And I think that this may be the first time I have ever read in a book when one main character has children and the other main character wonders what kind of father he is. It was just a nice touch, I thought.

This story is a perfect Christmas treat. So sweet, schmoopy and Christmasy

4.5 pieces of eye candy

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 live in her head, who don’t let her sleep at night unless 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…

For more about N.R. Walker you can find her at:

Website

Facebook

Facebook Author Page

Twitter

Instagram

Amazon

Audible

Bookbub

Email:

nrwalker@nrwalker.net

Dearest Malachi Keogh (Dearest Milton James Book 2) by N.R. Walker: New Release Review

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Julian Pollard never believed in love at first sight. That was until he met Malachi Keogh. Well, maybe it wasn’t love at first sight, but it sure was something.

Julian had forgotten how to live, how to be happy, and Malachi changed all that. Now together for four years, Julian wants to give Malachi a Christmas he’ll never forget.

The only problem is, Christmas at a mail distribution centre is the busiest time of the year. It just might take the whole team to make it happen.

Dearest Malachi Keogh is a 13,000-word short story.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

This was the CUTEST story! Seriously, if you loved Dearest Milton James, you MUST read this.

There’s a time jump of a few years. Everyone is still working at the mail distribution center and Julian and Malachi are still very much in love. It’s Christmas time and Julian is going to propose, using Dearest Milton James letters as inspiration.

Julian being Julian has thought of everything to avoid detection until Christmas morning. The same eclectic group of coworkers all help make it happen.

This is a happy Christmas short that is funny and sweet and sexy all packed into a small package.

5 pieces of eye candy

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 live in her head, who don’t let her sleep at night unless 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…

For more about N.R. Walker you can find her at:

Website

Facebook

Facebook Author Page

Twitter

Instagram

Amazon

Audible

Bookbub

Email:

nrwalker@nrwalker.net

Code Red by N.R. Walker, Narration Nick J. Russo: Audiobook Review

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Maddox Kershaw is the main vocalist of the world’s biggest boy band. He’s at the top of every music chart, every award show, every social media platform, and every sexiest-man-alive list. He’s the bad boy, the enigma, the man everyone on the planet wants a piece of.

He’s also burned out and exhausted, isolated and lonely. Not in a good headspace at the start of a tour.

Roscoe Hall is Maddox’s personal manager. His job is high-flying, high-demand, high-profile, and he loves it. Maddox has consumed his entire life for the past four years. Roscoe knows him. He sees the real Maddox no one else gets to see.

He’s also in love with him.

When the tour and stress become too much, when the world begins to close in, Roscoe becomes Maddox’s lifeline. But as Maddox knows already, and as Roscoe is about to learn, the brighter the spotlight, the darker the shadow.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Audible

I admit that I am an NR Walker junkie. I just love how prolific she is, always writing LGBT (MM) romance, but the tropes are always different. This one is probably classified as a rock star romance, but it’s a group of 5 guys who make up the band. And besides Maddox playing guitar, I think on stage they sing and dance, no instruments. I hesitate to call it a boy band, but…

I read the book when it came out and really enjoyed it. So of course I had to listen to the audio version. Kind of an epic task for Nick Russo as there are 5 members of the band, 3 hands on management people, a couple of big wigs from the record label and a couple of security people who are in the background but still have dialogue. And it was really well done.

As for the story, the 5 members of Atrus are about to embark on a world tour. For the 5 guys there are 3 hands on managers/handlers. Maddox has been pushed to the forefront as the face of the band and as such has his own manager Roscoe. The other four guys are split between the other two managers.

Throughout the tour Maddox has really bad anxiety issues and Roscoe becomes his rock. Maddox also flirts shamelessly until Roscoe caves. Not that Roscoe wasn’t into it- but it is strictly forbidden and part of his contract.

We follow them on their tour, different cities and countries. Going out sight seeing, fighting jet lag, bodies pushed to the max. Roscoe really does try to do the right thing but can’t deny Maddox.

The book shows a pretty good glimpse into what celebrities go through. From how hard they really work to how they are stalked in real life.

As for the narration. As I said, he did a really great job. The nuances between the voices were subtle, but there. I knew who was talking easily but none of it was over the top. I have no idea how narrators keep all the voices straight. Amazing.

4.5 pieces of eye candy