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GSU #1

Schooling the Quarterback

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Football is my life.

Ever since I was little, my dream has been to play in the NFL. Now, I’m one step closer—the star Quarterback for the GSU Koalas. But I’m not exactly the studious type. Books and I don’t really get along, and if I can’t find a way to get my grades up, I’ll be kissing my football career goodbye.

With the risk of being benched looming over my head, I hire a tutor to get me back on track. When we meet up for our first session, I’m not prepared for Gabriel Miller. He’s the sexiest man I’ve ever met.

I feel an instant connection with him despite our differences, but when I get up the nerve to ask him out, he turns me down.

I’m not used to people telling me no, and now I’m determined to come up with a foolproof game plan to prove that I’m worth taking a chance on. Losing isn’t an option, because if there’s one thing Chase Anderson is good at, it’s winning.

But how do I convince the sexy nerd to finally say yes?


Schooling the Quarterback is book one in the GSU series but all books can be read as standalones.

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 7, 2024

192 people are currently reading
396 people want to read

About the author

Laura John

29 books494 followers
Hi i am Laura, a Canadian girl who loves to write romance. I write swoon worthy romances that will take you on emotional rollercoasters!

Visit me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLauraJ/

Visit me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorlaura...

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207 (32%)
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146 (22%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
Profile Image for ⋆。°✮ Lucy InTheSky ✮°。⋆.
1,194 reviews240 followers
August 27, 2024
I've decided to read this book because I've read that Amazon review with one reviewer having a complete mental breakdown about women writing gay romance and this book portraying a nerd in a bad way. 😄😄

Telling anyone, much less the whole gender they shouldn't write something, reeks of audacity, fellow reviewer. Freedom of expression is there for a reason.
There are bigger problems to worry about in this world than some women writing fictional gay smut. 🙂🫰

But I digress.

My review isn't going to be pretty either but I don't want this author to stop writing their books.
Even if it's shit, I'm reading it. I always do.

🔵 Quarterback/nerd (tutor)
🟡 Size difference
🟢 A quick, uneventful romance
🟣 Dialogues aren't good, too many side characters
🟠 A super cheesy hallmark movie - but gay
🔵 Insta-love (they immediately talk about a relationship after one date, it's like courting to be married almost)
🟢 Reads like a m/f romance
🌶️ I'll pass. Boring. t/b

That being said - no, this wasn't good.

I think that reviewer also had a problem because the storyteller wasn't neutral, but clearly the story was told from the author's POV more or less; how they would experience this situation and it makes me wonder if this was originally intended as a m/f romance.

The love story that evolves isn't interesting, doesn't pull you in, it happens very suddenly and the way it happens is awkward. There's no great chemistry between Gabriel and Chase. I didn't like their dialogues, nothing was appealing or sexy about them, so what was even the point of giving them these stereotypical nerd/jock roles?

Gabriel was simply obnoxious. I disliked his character.

“I hate to break it to you, Chase, but not everyone’s world revolves around sports. Some people have better things to do with their time.”

“Are you willing to give up any partying you’re currently doing and put in the work?”

“How about you? Or are you a secret koala lover as well?”
He chuckles, shaking his head again. “You do know koalas are riddled with chlamydia, right?” he checks.


My god, this guy must really be fun on a date. 🥴

When they're talking about going on that date

“Why do you want to take me?” What’s his motive?
“Because I have a goal to convert you into a sports lover,” he tells me with a cocky grin. "And I think you’re super cute, so a date with you wouldn’t be a hardship at all.”

"“You’re smart, and you intrigue me. I don’t want anyone else right now. I want you,” he replies, causing my heart to race a mile a minute."

"Gabe blushes, and I hate that he’s doing it for him.
"Well, now that you seem to be done flirting with my date…” I growl out, “… let me properly introduce the two of you.""




The sex/intimacy part was not working. The author must know that it wasn't working, right? This isn't realistic, it isn't fit for a romance book, it's juvenile and is attributed usually to a couple of teenagers and even those would have to be living in a religious community somewhere to talk like this, I think.

""Could we try sixty- nining?” he inquires."

"Twenty- year- olds are known for their stamina, but that’s extra fucking quick, even for a young guy like me."

"Chase fucks my face like I requested, using my throat for his pleasure."

"“Then take me home, handsome, and let it be known I expect to be thoroughly entertained,” I state, making him laugh.
“I’ll make sure not to disappoint you,” he assures me."

"Sure, I still wanted to fall into bed with you. I am a young guy, after all."

"After my attentive quarterback has thoroughly explored my chest, he continues his path downward."

"He’s told me he is addicted to my lips and needs a hit at least once a day. I acted like he was crazy, but it only made me turn to goo on the inside."




I'm not saying it has to be messy, but less is more - rather have one authentic sex scene than this. It was awful to read. Noone talks like that.

I don't want to be a jerk about this but this book needed a shot of masculinity. They're guys. In college.


I didn't like a single thing about this book.
Profile Image for Hanna.
362 reviews11 followers
April 26, 2024
this was cute, this had some good moments but I just got bored quickly. it was a quick read, and I still got bored about halfway there because they got together and everything else was just extra. it was nice to see a popular jock already out of the closet and pursuing his love interest but I think it made things a little dull. I think I could have used more drama to spice it up a bit.
Profile Image for Alix .
1,239 reviews43 followers
July 14, 2024
"I love to read. My guilty pleasure is smutty gay romance books," he admits....

Same here, Gabe, same here!

From early on I felt a kinship with Gabriel the nerdy black cat MC to Chase's jock golden retriever character. Chase is GSU's quarterback and if he's going to play, he has to keep his grades up, so he hires a tutor, the super smart Gabriel, to help him out and the sparks start to fly!

Gabriel, who purports to hate sports, tries to resist Chase, but soon enough, Chase wears him down. Yes, Gabriel does a lot to help out Chase, but is tutoring the real reason Chase can't wait for his sessions?

Overall, this is a low-angst, fun MM sports romance with an adorable couple who have some heart melting moments, but also a good amount of steamy ones. I also need to say - the side characters are wonderful and can't wait to read more about them! Chase's family is supportive of them and his mom basically adopts Gabriel - that makes me melt.

I look forward to reading the next book in this series!

3.75 rounded up

What to Expect:

* Nerd mc + Jock mc
* College students
* Football
* hurt/comfort
* Found family
* Grumpy/Sunshine
* size difference

I received an ARC of this book & this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Jacqueleen the Reading Queen♡.
1,557 reviews102 followers
March 4, 2024
"He bombarded his way into my life like a golden retriever puppy desperate for pets and stayed there until I let down my walls."

This was an absolutely sweet as pie nerd/jock romance. I love a good nerd/jock trope and these two definitely fit the bill. Gabriel, our nerd, is basically a genius. I'm talking he graduated high school at 16 and went to college level genius. To help support himself, Gabriel runs a tutoring business, which is how we come to meet Chase, our jock.

Chase is such a ball of energy! I loved how he was an out and proud athelete. Actually, I loved how the entire GSU was known to be a safe place for all members of the rainbow mafia. It was a breath of fresh air not having to read about any toxic masculinity BS in the locker rooms or between the players. It took Chase some serious time convincing Gabriel to believe him when he said that's not the type of guy he is. Gabriel can be a bit prickly and guarded, but the man has his reasons.

Once these two got together it was such a cute whirlwind romance. Chase was so sweet and he was constantly proving to Gabriel how much he meant to him and how lucky he felt to have him by his side. And it was great to see both their respective friends/roommates being so supportive of the two. I'm hoping since this is the start of a series that we will be getting some more nerd/jock pairings between their groups of friends in future books!
Profile Image for Michelle Elman.
418 reviews8 followers
March 7, 2024
This book was kinda adorable 💜 I love how Laura John writes her books in favor of the couple always coming out on top through the entire book. The honestly between the couple was amazing. I loved reading this book. What I loved the most was the dynamic between the two MMCs. Such a sweet sexy nerd + golden retriever pairing with Gabriel being the nerdy tutor and Chase being the golden retriever all star football quarterback who needs a tutor. Chase is smitten from the get go with Gabriel but Gabe is a little reluctant because of his past with his family and upbringing. Chase breaks down Gabe’s walls and these two start a beautiful relationship together with one going into law school and the other going into the NFL.
Profile Image for Canadian Girl Reads.
1,097 reviews35 followers
March 8, 2024
"𝙄 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙄'𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖 𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠, 𝙡𝙚𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙤𝙣𝙚, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤𝙤. 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙖 𝙬𝙚𝙞𝙧𝙙𝙤 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙨."

Schooling the Quarterback ~ Laura John
GSU Book 1
Chase ~ Gabriel

🍁🍁🍁🍁

LJ has ventured into the world of sports and I am here for it.

Chase is in desperate need of a tutor and Gabriel, the tutor he finds who is best suited to his academic needs, hates sports. As the star quarterback, Chase can not get over Gabe's lack of interest in sports and is determined to change his mind about jocks.

OMG! This was such a fun and entertaining story. Chase is the biggest cinnamon roll ever. I loved how both Chase and Gabe helped each other grow. Chase was so adorable in his ways that he goes about getting Gabe to see that not all jocks are the same.

I loved how this was a lighthearted start to a series based around a university that is open, welcoming and inclusive. I am looking forward to more of this series and this group.

Get ready for...

💚 College
🏈 Sports (Football)
💚 Grumpy/Sunshine
🏈 Jock/Nerd
💚 Size Difference
🏈 Cinnamon Roll Hero

🎙️ First-Person, Dual

⚠️ Be mindful that some content may be uncomfortable for readers!

❤️🖤

*A copy of this book was kindly provided to Canadian Girl Reads*

❤️ Instagram 🖤 Facebook 🩶 TikTok
Profile Image for Amos24601.
1,289 reviews43 followers
March 5, 2024
This was such a sweet read. Chase was so determined to get Gabe. I liked that he looked for common ground outside of football to connect with Gabe. Not only that, but I loved that Chase wasn’t portrayed as some meathead jock who thinks everyone should be fascinated with him.

I understood Gabe’s trepidation to jump into something with Chase. When you feel like you have nothing in common, what’s the point? But this was a great example of not judging a book by its cover. Both Chase and Gabe had wonderful things to bring to the table and I really liked the way their relationship evolved.

There were some yummy steamy moments and even some gooey lovey dovey moments. I could have done without all the time jumps, a week here, two weeks there, but I guess I see the necessity to move the story along.

I can’t wait for the next in the series, as this is shaping up to be great.
Profile Image for Ash.
401 reviews27 followers
March 4, 2024
4⭐️ 2.5🌶️

Chase and Gabe are just the sweetest couple.

Chase is the schools staring QB and Gabriel is the gifted nerd who has never spared a glance at a sport.

Their relationship is unconventional to them but it’s clear that they love each other wholly.

This is not a deep or emotional book in the slightest. It’s a very surface level romance. Insta love, insta relationship. Found family. It’s very swoony and light.

I would use this book as a buffer between heavy books. It just exudes happiness and is basically conflict free (between MC’s). You could probably devour this in one sitting. Some things were hard to believe and required some imagination stretching, but overall I thought it was incredibly sweet!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but this is my honest and voluntary review! 🖤
Profile Image for MJ Symmonds.
1,106 reviews19 followers
March 7, 2024
While Schooling the Quarterback was a super sweet, opposites attract jock/nerd read it was lacking a bit in the details. While I'm not a sports fan in real life I felt it needed more on field action for Chase to really immerse us in the whole college football experience. Looking at it from Gabe's side of the story his falling felt way too rushed. There could have been more resistance from him. The pacing was way too fast for me especially when we got to the x number of weeks later. It just felt very anticlimactic because it felt like it was a race to the end instead of a leisurely stroll.

Am I'm mad or sad that I spent time reading STQ? Absolutely not. While it may not have been exactly what I expected it was still a very pleasant read & Gabe and Chase did warm my heart up immensely.
Profile Image for Romysaa.
207 reviews73 followers
Currently reading
September 22, 2025
My craving for Jock × Nerd is on
Profile Image for Albi (albireadingromance).
397 reviews10 followers
March 7, 2024
Really fun and spicy MM romance. I really enjoy how descriptive Ms. John is on the male physique. This novel felt a little more new adult than her other works. This is a perfect read if someone is looking for an MM sporty romance that is heavy on spice and romance. Fabulous job. I'm excited for the goalie romance coming soon as well.
CW: brief but sad coming out scene for one of the leads.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Abigail Beckwith.
1,702 reviews
June 12, 2024
old post reposted


Really trying to catch up on a few books from my short list TBR piles. Here's Laura John's latest series: Green Springs University. The first novel is "Schooling the University."
["CHASE
Football is my life.
Ever since I was little, my dream has been to play in the NFL. Now, I’m one step closer—the star Quarterback for the GSU Koalas. But I’m not exactly the studious type—books and I don’t really get along—and if I can’t find a way to get my grades up, I’ll be kissing my football career goodbye.
With the risk of being benched looming over my head, I hire a tutor to get me back on track. When we meet up for our first session, I’m not prepared for Gabe Miller. He’s the sexiest man I’ve ever met. I feel an instant connection with him despite our differences, but when I get up the nerve to ask him out, he turns me down.
Now I’m determined to come up with a foolproof game plan to prove that I’m worth taking a chance on. Losing isn’t an option, because if there’s one thing Chase Anderson is good at, it’s winning.

GABRIEL
What’s the big deal about sports, anyway?
Video games and reading are much more my style. When I’m hired to tutor the school’s star Quarterback, I figure it’s just another job. Then he asks me out, and I’m completely taken aback. Why would he want to date me? We come from two different worlds. There’s no way a relationship between us would work, and I’m not one for casual flings.
That doesn’t stop Chase Anderson from pursuing me and wearing down my walls. When I finally let him in, I know that there’s a strong possibility I’ll eventually lose him. Chase is destined for the NFL and when he gets drafted, I’ll be left behind without a second thought.
Even though I know I won’t be able to hold onto Chase for forever, I fall for him all the same. In the end, will fate take away my newfound love, or will we get the happily ever after I’ve only read about in books."]

"He bombarded his way into my life like a Golden Retriever puppy desperate for pets and stayed there until I let down my walls."

These two were almost too sweet. But I'm also coming off a dark-romance-binge-high so that could be those particular glasses fogging up the fluff.

But they were so patient and kind and reassuring and consenting and pure and D: I whole different kind of D:. They were Hallmark sweet with just dash of spice, a handful of suspense, and a whole hell of a lot of HEA.

#schoolingthequarterback #testingthegoalie #laurajohn #greenspringsuniveristy #greenspringsuniversityseries #gsu #gsuseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
Profile Image for Ro.
3,124 reviews16 followers
July 12, 2024
This is the first book in the Green Springs University (GSU) series and focuses on Chase, a football phenom who is very worried about getting benched because of his grades. He tries, but the business class, especially the terms, make zero sense to him and he forgets them immediately. In desperation, he turns to tutoring, where he meets Gabriel, super smart (as in, started college at 16 smart) and really, really not into sports. He and his roommates are confusedby the obsession with sports. “Spring Green University lives and breathes sports, all sports, so it’s not even a seasonal thing, which sucks.” He’s at Spring Green because it’s one of the best law schools in the country, he’s studying to be a lawyer, and added bonus, he’s close to his Nana. Poor Gabriel has the worst parents. “At first, I thought it was because parents and grandparents show love differently, but I quickly found out it was because my parents were just plain old assholes.” To the point there, when Gabriel came out they kicked him out. His Nana took him in, tore his parents a new one and cut off all contact with them. Nana, let’s just put it out there, is awesome!
The book is told in alternating first-person POV by Chase and by Gabriel. I appreciated that because we get in both of their heads. Chase is astonished when Gabriel doesn’t recognize him “I stare at him like he’s grown a second head. I knew there were people out there who didn’t like sports but I’ve never met one before. It’s like I’m sitting next to an alien right now.” I rolled my eyes at that, because as Gabriel says, “I hate to break it to you, Chase, but not everyone’s world revolves around sports. Some people have better things to do with their time.” I wholeheartedly agree!
What matters is, Gabriel puts in extra effort to make sure Chase improves his grade (brilliantly, linking the business terms to football terms) and in the meantime, Chase is really pushing for a date. Gabriel can’t figure it out – why him? But slowly, Chase wears him down. Gabriel’s friends, Max, Sascha and Victor, all vet Chase and approve. All of them are awesome in their own right and this group of roommates are loyal, supportive and basically the best.
I am not a fan of super angsty but this is easy to almost a too sweet point. There is a tiny bit of angst that comes from an outside source (where we get to see Gabriel use his lawerly instincts) but that’s about it. We meet the friends, and Chase’s are also awesome. Chase begins to understand how lucky he is. “Sometimes I forgot how privileged I am….Maybe that makes me an asshole, but it wasn’t out of malice.”
This is an easy read, and like I said, very sweet and simple.
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
Profile Image for Xanthe.
2,542 reviews47 followers
March 18, 2024
I can tell that I am going to really enjoy this series. Schooling the Quarterback is a college romance that is pretty low angst, nerd/jock, total sweethearts romance. Gabriel is hired by Chase, the GSU Koala's star quarterback, to help him with his grades and whilst that is most important to ensure he can still play, meeting Gabe is probably the best thing to come out of that for Chase.
These two together are adorable. Gabe has a strong dislike of all sports but Chase is sure he can change his mind, along with getting the cute tutor to date him. A relationship is not something that Chase has ever gone for, being so focused on football and getting into the draft for the NHL, but Gabe has him wanting something more meaningful. Gabe's life has been a bit different, having started college when he was sixteen and now onto gaining a law degree. It was hard for him being younger than everyone else and also kicked out by his parents for being gay.
The chemistry and relationship that develops between the two men is enjoyable to read. Things especially heat up between them as the confidence grows in Gabe that Chase does actually like him. Things did evolve a bit quickly for me, at least emotionally but then at that time, everything is heightened, especially with Chase and the college football team going for the championship and both finding their person.
There is a really good support network for both men, each having a solid group of friends that I hope we hear more from on both sides, as well as family. Well, for Chase he has an very loving and accepting family, whereas Gabe was kicked out for being gay by his parent but his wonderful nana took him in and he has three best friends who are also his rooommates.
A great read that I highly recommend for those who enjoy a low angst college romance.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Profile Image for Kate Seymour.
157 reviews
March 22, 2024
Opposites Attract

Chase and Gabriel meet when Chase hires Gabriel to be his tutor for his Business Law class. Chase is the star Quarterback with his sites set on the NFL. Gabriel is an advanced student who skipped grades and is in law school. Chase is also super cheerful, whereas Gabriel is a bit of a grump. They shouldn’t work, but the attraction between them is instantaneous.

However, despite his attraction Gabriel refuses Chase’s first few date invites, finally giving in when he suggests they go to a holiday light display as friends. Despite that, the event feels very date-like and ends with a kiss. Gabriel soon gives in to Chase’s advances because he feels the connection and admits they do have things in common and the two men start dating.

"Schooling the Quarterback" is a sweet opposites attract romance between a nerd and a jock. Despite their obvious differences, Chase manages to prove to Gabriel they have a lot in common too. As the book progresses, we can see how they make each other better. When they finally fall into bed together, their chemistry is scorching. There were many scenes in this book that had me grinning. I enjoyed “Schooling the Quarterback” and rate it four and a half stars.
Profile Image for Ren || Reading What I Want.
1,946 reviews155 followers
February 28, 2024
❣️ Opposites attract, sunshine jock and grumpy nerd, sweet with a little angst.

“𝗢𝗯𝘃𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗹𝘆, 𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗳𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗺𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻. 𝗜 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁.”

So Chase is the golden retriever star quarterback with suffering grades and Gabriel is the grumpy, introverted tutor who finds himself drawn to Chase’s light like a moth to a flame.

Have you ever read a romance that felt like a hundred other romances? Had awkward flirting? Had wash, rinse, and repeat smexy scenes? Unfortunately, that’s what it felt like reading this one. A little longer than a novella and nothing particularly special about it.

Chase was almost TOO much of a golden retriever without a distinct personality. Gabe was a bit more complex but he caved way too easily. A lot of time jumps (days, weeks) with a lot of explaining versus showing.

The story and writing wasn’t bad, it just didn’t feel…special. I didn’t really feel the emotions and before I even realized it the story was over. I’m glad there wasn’t a 3rd act breakup and it all wrapped up nicely, but I just don’t mesh with this author and that’s okay.

𝘙𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘵𝘦: March 7, 2024
𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠. 𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙤𝙬𝙣.

**3.5 stars rounded up**
Profile Image for Barbara.
2,652 reviews61 followers
February 29, 2024
What an outstanding read. It’s not only about romance but it’s about being true to oneself and bringing out the best in others. As I read through the pages I found myself falling more in love with the main characters as well as their close friends who I truly hope all get their stories. Gabriel and Chase from the outside looking in are complete opposites. Chase is the college's star QB and Gabe is the nerdy smart guy who, like his roommates/close friends, hates sports. Chase needs a tutor pronto or he’s not going to have the grades to play in the upcoming playoffs, so he hires one. What he wasn’t counting on was his attraction to Gabe when he met him for the first time. But Gabe doesn’t seem to want to have anything with him. But not one to back down from a challenge, Chase is determined to not only get his grades up but also get Gabe to go on a date with him and maybe just maybe get him to attend a sporting event.
I loved this from start to finish. I highly recommend it and personally can’t wait for book 2 in the Golden Springs University series.

2 Thumbs Up!!!
Profile Image for Jennifer Leigh (jenjenbookfan).
1,431 reviews32 followers
March 5, 2024
𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 is the first book in the new GSU series by Laura John, featuring a sweet and spicy tutor/jock romance for Gabriel and Chase. Chase’s NFL dreams may go up in smoke if he doesn’t get his grades up, so he hires a tutor. He just wasn’t expecting Gabriel, a young genius who started college back at age 16 and is now in law school. Now he has a second goal… to convince Gabe to take a chance on him.

I liked the opposites attract vibe, and the fact that Gabe’s character was so unique. Chase made me chuckle with his golden retriever antics, though it was a bit OTT at times, it was a nice change of pace having the quarterback be such a nice guy. They definitely had great chemistry going for them as well!!🔥 Given Gabe’s emotional backstory his reluctance made sense and was well written, and made the interactions with their friends and Chase’s family that much more poignant. I love a good found family vibe with compelling characters. I’m interested to see where the rest of the series goes.

I received an ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶️

#laurajohn #SchoolingtheQuarterback #GreenSpringUniversity #CinnamonRollHero #GoldenRetrieverHero #OppositesAttract #NerdyMMC #footballromance #CollegeRomance #mmreads
Profile Image for Bunny.
71 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2024
Arc review

This book was adorable, I loved the relationship between Chase and Gabe. They had phenomenal communication and respected each other so much despite being from different worlds almost. Gabe was just trying to tutor Chase so he wouldn't fail and lose the ability to play but his attraction to Chase made him put in more effort and Chase the golden retriever that he was really liked Gabe and found something they could do together that was separate from what they both normally do to make Gabe feel comfortable. Like Gabe I know absolutely nothing about sports, but I loved how supportive he was and willingly went to Chase's games and met his friends. No matter the conflict they stayed honest with each other and always made sure the other felt secure and loved. It was an overall enjoyable read without a 3rd act break up or angst just two guys who really committed to one another. I loved the side characters and Chase's family was amazing along with Gabe's Nana. I definitely will be reading the next one. Also the demisexual rep made my heart soar!
Profile Image for Jenn.
1,181 reviews7 followers
March 15, 2024
The jock and the tutor, opposites attract and I am totally here for it! I’m a big fan of the jock/nerd romances and Laura John definitely delivered for me. I thought this was a sweet and fun read and I really enjoyed it from start to finish. Chase is this big adorable goof football player you just can’t help but like, he’s so unapologetically who he is. Gabriel was just as likeable for me, he’s this genius who spends spare time tutoring other students. These two couldn’t be more different but they also couldn’t be more perfect for each other.

I loved the romance between them, it’s sweet and genuine and I liked that it wasn’t overly angsty. It definitely has a more lighthearted feel and I liked that for these characters. Chase feels a strong attraction to Gabe, something new to him and he goes after it. Yes, Gabe is a bit more reluctant but also feels something special for Chase and that’s what it’s really about, building their relationship and finding love. Overall a very fun, sweet romance that will make you smile and leave you with a happy heart!
Profile Image for M Will.
966 reviews15 followers
February 23, 2024
Chase is a golden retriever cinnamon roll football player in deep trouble. He's not only faced with losing his chance to play the game he lives for due to his grades, but is also forced to accept not everyone appreciates a celebrated jock. His salvation is at the hands of a genius tutor who has a rather large contempt of athletes. Not the set up for a romance right? Wrong.
This author uses humor, faith and determination on Chase's part to work on not only Gabriel's perceptions but on our own as well. I enjoyed this story. We don't see a lot of MM jock/tutor stories. This one has a nice balance of a sunshine footballer meeting a grumpy work driven tutor. Watching them both grown in this story was fun to read. Slightly angsty, definitely sweet with some steamy scenes interwoven, you cannot help but root for Gabe and Chase. If only our real world was as accepting of everyone as the author's world.

I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Mandee.
560 reviews1 follower
February 24, 2024
Gabriel, the nerdy law student, and tutor at GSU. He’s never been into sports, and it’s clear early on he has strong opinions about athletes. When he takes on Chase, the GSU quarterback, he’s conflicted about his attraction, and his willingness to go out of his away to help him with his studies. Chase is also attracted to Gabriel, beyond just having a fling. Thinking they’ll have nothing in common, Gabriel turns him down.

Can the jock and his tutor find common ground?

I loved Gabriel and Chase together, especially after reading about Gabriel’s upbringing. His parents were not good to him, especially after he came out to them. Luckily Gabriel had his Nana, who I’m pretty sure was my favorite side character in Schooling the Quarterback. She was the perfect amount of supportive and sweet, mixed with just enough backbone and sass to keep you on your toes. This was one of my favorite lines of hers from the book, and it still makes me smile.

Profile Image for Heather Duff.
1,877 reviews40 followers
March 8, 2024
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

I’ll never tire of the nerd/jock pairing. Especially when it’s the jock chasing the nerd. It’s all kinds of sexy, and adorable. Especially at a rainbow mafia loving school, and zero agro jocks!

“He bombarded his way into my life like a golden retriever puppy desperate for pets and stayed there until I let down my walls."

Chase is all kinds of adorable. He knows he wants Gabe, and he’s really cute in the way he works to win him over. And Gabe can deny all he wants but he starts falling the moment he starts researching sports analogies to help Chase with his classwork.

This was a happy, loving story that made me smile and swoon.
Profile Image for Jenn the Readaholic.
2,190 reviews72 followers
February 27, 2024
Oh, this is GOOD. So much more than heat. Or love. Or finding your place in the world. This is very much about being who you are, being loved and accepted for your beautiful soul, and discovering that there is so much happiness to be had if you just reach for it.

Gabriel and Chase might not seem like they’re well matched to some, but they’re actually perfect together. They balance each other out and offer the support, strength, and partnership that anyone would be happy to have. They also have excellent friends and families to remind them who they are and how much they matter if they begin to doubt anything. These two lean heavily into communication along the way, which saves so much heartache and misery that I had to adore Rio also. Trust me. You’ll love these guys and will look forward to more, just like me.
Profile Image for RomanceLand65.
490 reviews
March 2, 2024
My very first book by this author. I enjoyed this book for many reasons. One there was no third act break up. Even when the situation presented itself for the dreaded break up I'm happy to report that this author handled the situation as you would expect adults to handle controversy. As adults. The other reason I liked this read was the angst was very low. It flowed so well between characters and the story was written in my eyes to show a healthy relationship especially faced with hardships. What I think I would have enjoyed was the appearance of Gabe's parents. I think in my mind he will need to face them one day. Even though they are toxic you know eventually he is going to face that. These characters flowed very well and the love for one another made this read go smoothly. Thank you to this author for writing a romance that was very enjoyable
Profile Image for VicReads.
1,565 reviews48 followers
March 7, 2024
🏈 𝚂𝚌𝚑𝚘𝚘𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚀𝚞𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚋𝚊𝚌𝚔 🏈
𝚋𝚢 @authorlaurajohn

🄰🅁🄲 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆

4.25/5 ⭐️ 
1.5/5 🌶️

𝚂𝚌𝚑𝚘𝚘𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚀𝚞𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚋𝚊𝚌𝚔 releases 3/7

↓↓
Chase is the star quarterback but is struggling in one of his classes so he hires a tutor. In comes the grumpy, reserved sports hating Gabriel. 

These two were absolutely adorable. Complete opposites, but man, are they perfect for each. 

The entire time I was reading, I was waiting for something horrible to happen to these sweet guys while praying it didn't actually happen. 

I can't wait for more in the series.

𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤 / 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥
🏈 Cinnamon Roll MMCs
🏈 Golden Retriever MMCs
🏈 MM
🏈 Obsessed Hero
🏈 Nerdy Tutor x Football Quarterback
🏈 Opposites Attract
🏈 Grumpy x Sunshine


🏷️
#GSU #GreenSpringUniversity #GreenSpringKoalas #mmromancebooks #gayfiction #mmreads #laurajohn #footballromance #CollegeRomance #queerreads🌈 #booktropes #smutbooks #romancereader #arcreaders #bookboyfriendsdoitbetter #spicyromance #smutlovers #igreads #romancebooks #spicyromancebooks #ReadNow #momswhoread
Profile Image for Emmi (bookish_redpanda).
846 reviews44 followers
March 7, 2024
Actual rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️

I think this has to be my favourite book from John to date. There was just something really sweet that had me hooked, made me want to read more about Gabe and Chase, and had me rooting for them the entire story.

It's the classic "jock falls for his tutor" trope but written so well, especially with the to-and-fro of Gabe and Chase. Chase is certainly the epitome of golden-retriever MMC, and Gabe gets swept along for the ride once he gives the football player a chance.

I loved watching Gabe grow through this. He's had it rough in the past and I loved watching his journey to accepting that he was allowed to have this. And the way Chase's family just welcomed him with open arms? My heart grew about ten sizes, I swear.

If you want a super sweet, low angst, no 3rd act breakup MM romance, this is definitely the book for you.
Profile Image for Dodibook.
479 reviews28 followers
July 8, 2024
This was my first book by Laura John, and I was immediately captivated by the story and all the characters. I'm especially glad that I was able to read the first three books back-to-back.

The story revolves around Gabriel, a brilliant individual who has been studying for years and has already earned several degrees. He is now pursuing a career as a lawyer and tutors on the side. Gabriel has a strong aversion to sports and jocks. When his new student, Chase, the star quarterback of GSU, flirts with him and asks him out, Gabriel is initially hesitant. However, Chase soon earns Gabriel's trust, and watching their relationship blossom was beautiful.

I particularly appreciated that there were no communication issues or breakups in their relationship. This kept the story smooth and engaging throughout.

🅡🅐🅣🅘🅝🅖
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

🅢🅟🅘🅒🅔
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

🅣🅡🅞🅟🅔🅢
🏈MM
🏈Football
🏈Nerd
🏈Tutor/Student
🏈Golden Retriever Jock
🏈Obsessed Hero
Profile Image for AshReads6.
77 reviews22 followers
March 1, 2024
Gabe is nerdy, super smart, and in Law School at a super young age. Chase is the Football quarterback on his way to the NFL but he is struggling with his grades. The connection with these two was almost instantaneous.

I loved these two together. Chase with his major golden retriever vibes and always wanting/needing to be near Chase and Chase can't stay away no matter how badly his past and upbringing made him want to run from the jock type.

I loved how there wasn't a lot of angst and they got their HEA but they fast-forwarding years at each chapter took away from what I think the story could be had it developed a bit more in those "off times" that were skipped over to build these characters and their relationship a bit more.

Release Date: March 7,2024
I received a complementary copy of this book. This review is my own.
Profile Image for Ashley -Goldstarreads.
1,087 reviews25 followers
March 7, 2024
This story was cute and sweet. We have Gabriel, who is like genius level nerd and not into sports. He is adorkable and nerdy. Then we have Chase, who is this ray of sunshine, happy go lucky athlete who is an amazing quarterback. But he’s struggling in a class so he hires Gabe to tutor him. The attraction is instant on both sides. Chase makes several moves before Gabe gives in. They are cute and sweet together. Especially Chase, he’s like liquid sunshine. My complaint is there wasn’t much tension, angst or speed bumps. The story was steady pretty much the whole way through. And any issues that crop up are resolved fast or they happen to their friends or both. There just wasn’t anything that made the book standout to me. It felt like a warm bath, pleasant and comforting but not exciting or intriguing. It was still a good story and well written, just not my favorite by this author. ,
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