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Creepin U
The Nøkk and the Jock
You’re formally admitted to Creelin University—known locally as “Creepin U.” The only things wilder than the monster shifters prowling around campus are the spicy male-male love stories unfolding between classes. The Nøkk and the Jock is book one, starring an emo shapeshifter and a sunshine human. Each book is a stand-alone M/M spooky romance, but we hope you enroll in them all.
I’m pumped to be one of the first humans to attend a monster university, but a minor, negligible, insignificant issue arises almost My new roommate wants to drag me to his underground realm and take my soul.
He’s a nøkk who could almost pass for human, except his webbed fingers and entirely black eyes give him away. In my attempt to befriend him, I give him three drops of my blood, a black animal, and a bottle of vodka (I hear it’s a nøkk thing). Which apparently triggers some ancient bonding ritual. My bad.
I must admit I’m into him. Maybe those online tests that say I’m only mostly straight are right. But there are a few I can’t know his real name. He won’t show me his true form. And he’s both an omen and a cause of drowning … which is troubling, since he’s on the water polo team with me.
Still, something about him calls to me, even if it shouldn’t.
The Nø
This human is mine.
Stay away from him.
The Nøkk and the Jock is a monster-human bi-awakening M/M romance starring Brandon Fernandez, a golden retriever of a human being, and the prickly, melancholy nøkk. It features puzzling emoji text conversations, a monster who can stop waterfalls in midair, and drunken scareoke (monster karaoke). HEA guaranteed.
I’m pumped to be one of the first humans to attend a monster university, but a minor, negligible, insignificant issue arises almost My new roommate wants to drag me to his underground realm and take my soul.
He’s a nøkk who could almost pass for human, except his webbed fingers and entirely black eyes give him away. In my attempt to befriend him, I give him three drops of my blood, a black animal, and a bottle of vodka (I hear it’s a nøkk thing). Which apparently triggers some ancient bonding ritual. My bad.
I must admit I’m into him. Maybe those online tests that say I’m only mostly straight are right. But there are a few I can’t know his real name. He won’t show me his true form. And he’s both an omen and a cause of drowning … which is troubling, since he’s on the water polo team with me.
Still, something about him calls to me, even if it shouldn’t.
The Nø
This human is mine.
Stay away from him.
The Nøkk and the Jock is a monster-human bi-awakening M/M romance starring Brandon Fernandez, a golden retriever of a human being, and the prickly, melancholy nøkk. It features puzzling emoji text conversations, a monster who can stop waterfalls in midair, and drunken scareoke (monster karaoke). HEA guaranteed.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2024
202 people are currently reading
294 people want to read
About the author
Leslie McAdam
34 books1,455 followersLeslie McAdam is a California girl who loves romance and well-defined abs. She lives in a drafty old farmhouse on a small orange tree farm in Southern California with her husband and two small children. Leslie's first published book, The Sun and the Moon, won a 2015 Watty, which is the world's largest online writing competition. She's gone on to receive additional literary awards and has been featured in multiple publications, including Cosmopolitan.com. Her books have been Top 100 Bestsellers on both Amazon and Apple Books. Leslie is employed by day but spends her nights writing about the men of your fantasies.
USA Today interview: http://happyeverafter.usatoday.com/20...
Cosmopolitan: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love...
USA Today interview: http://happyeverafter.usatoday.com/20...
Cosmopolitan: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
September 24, 2024
⭐️ 3 stars ⭐️
I’m loving the whole monster university concept of this multi-author series, but this first installment wasn’t as special as I’d hoped it would be.
Steve and Brandon were cute AF, golden retriever sunshine puppy vs emo black cat, and I loved the Nøkk folklore. Steve was extremely adorable and sweet, I loved how they sort of completed each other.
The writing and plot was just wayyy to cheesy for me. So while there were some entertaining moments, overall it felt too long and drawn out. The drama was very OTT and a bit dumb to be honest, and the spice was a little lacking for me personally.
A cute read and mostly in theme with spooky season, but not very memorable.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Nøkk vs human
- College setting
- Roommates & teammates
- Queer awakening
- Mentions of parental rejection
- Mentions of bullying
- Accidental bonding
- Virgin MC
- Never been kissed
- Strict top/bottom (one scene)
- Frotting
« Brandon looks over his shoulder at me and smiles, and it makes the electrical circuits in my body go wiggly. Dimples. »
I’m loving the whole monster university concept of this multi-author series, but this first installment wasn’t as special as I’d hoped it would be.
But sometimes those among us who are the prickliest are actually the ones who need cuddles the most.
Steve and Brandon were cute AF, golden retriever sunshine puppy vs emo black cat, and I loved the Nøkk folklore. Steve was extremely adorable and sweet, I loved how they sort of completed each other.
“I do not like who I am a lot of the time,” Steve admits, and it makes my heart hurt. “I like who you are all of the time,” I say with a smile.
The writing and plot was just wayyy to cheesy for me. So while there were some entertaining moments, overall it felt too long and drawn out. The drama was very OTT and a bit dumb to be honest, and the spice was a little lacking for me personally.
A cute read and mostly in theme with spooky season, but not very memorable.
We have joined blood and kissed. That leaves our hearts. Where is his? Because I know where mine is headed.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Nøkk vs human
- College setting
- Roommates & teammates
- Queer awakening
- Mentions of parental rejection
- Mentions of bullying
- Accidental bonding
- Virgin MC
- Never been kissed
- Strict top/bottom (one scene)
- Frotting
October 6, 2024
Tropes: grumpy/sunshine, roommates/forced proximity, college, paranormal
Feels: 3/5
Steam*: 2/5
Kinks: n/a
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: body insecurity, near death experiences, loss of parent (in past)
2.5 stars. This book was not a good fit for me.
Brandon is 21 and he's never been with a guy before. He used to be twice his size but then he got into swimming and lost the weight. He has a really healthy approach to body image, it's not important to him what the outside looks like. He is a scholarship student and living in the dorms even in his junior year to save money. He is human and he has switched to a new college that has both monsters and human students. Something happened about 20 years ago that turned a certain percentage of the population into various creatures in this world.
Brandon meets Steve, 20, who is a supernatural creature and his roommate. Steve is a type of supernatural creature that is supposed to crave taking people's souls, and luring people to drown. But he doesn't want to be a dark creature. He's never had an urge to hurt somebody or take a soul before, but the moment he sees Brandon he gets an urge to make him his and take his soul. Brandon wants this new roommate situation to go well because he's had bad roommates in the past. Steve is trying hard to avoid him because he doesn't want to give in to the urge and accidentally hurt Brandon. But Brandon won't give him space because Brandon is a bit of a golden retriever character, a sunshine character who wants to be friends with Steve. As they spend more time together, Brandon has a bi awakening and realizes he's attracted to Steve. Steve has never been with anyone before, but he definitely wants Brandon. They start dating, but an obstacle in their relationship is Steve's body insecurities. He's not comfortable with his monster form given his mother was appalled by it. Brandon helps him get over that. And they get closer.
This book wasn't really to my taste. I have read a lot of books by this author that I have enjoyed much much more than this one.
Things I didn't like:
- I know that Steve isn't human and he's Norwegian so his English being stiff makes sense. But the other MMC is also stiff and formal in the language that he uses sometimes. So it just comes off excessively stiff, formal, and it's so pervasive that it is painful to read, it's like death by a thousand paper cuts! It's like reading a book for toddlers with simple sentence structure like the dog is white. The dog barks loudly. Makes me want to stab my eyes out.
- Brandon does not like to communicate via text using anything but emojis. So everything that he wants to express to the people that he texts, he uses emojis. And they have to figure out what the f*** this shithead is trying to say. It's really selfish to communicate that way, and force people to try to understand you like that. I'm a neurodivergent person that needs very clear communication, it's a thing with me. I don't want my communications to be a game every time. I would yeet myself from that relationship, I would dump Brandon as a friend because we would just be completely incompatible. I feel like I would have a psychotic break if somebody tried to do that to me in real life and wouldn't stop.
- I usually like a golden retriever type character. But Brandon is the worst possible golden retriever. I prefer my golden retrievers to be normal people who are just whipped for the ones that they love. Brandon is basically a literal puppy. He is exuberant, energetic, so positive he just screams in your face sunshine. There's no subtlety with Brandon. There's no specialness to it, Brandon is indiscriminate with sharing his sunshine. So it's not like Steve is getting special treatment.
- Brandon's sister is 18 but he talks to her like she's a 13-year-old. It's weird.
- Brandon is so innocent, immature and basic. He's like a Boy Scout and a slobbering puppy pissing on a couch not knowing enough to be aware he's being a bad doggo. He colors right inside the lines, he follows this picture perfect courtship ritual with Steve. Talk about feelings, say everything that's in his mind, go on a formal date that is the most stereotypical date imaginable and not necessarily meaningful to them. It's so basic! He even asks Steve if he wants to do it using those exact words. Brandon expresses himself in the most juvenile ways. This book comes off as if the characters were 16. It makes me want to put a knife through my ears. Brandon is a horrible character. It's nice that he has such a healthy attitude towards body positivity but that doesn't get him out of jail for everything else that he is as a person.
- I'm not a huge fan of the body insecurity as a theme. Especially when it's an obstacle to their relationship still at the 85% mark. And this book in particular is struggling with the characters being juvenile so it just doesn't have the relationship at the stage of development that I like to read. It comes off to high school to me.
- They have supernaturalified terms for common things. So instead of calling it Google, they call it boogle. Instead of wikipedia, they call it Witchipedia. That's a little over the top cheesy to me. If this was just a one-time campy book that would be one thing, but this is a series.
- Spoiler alert! I also didn't like the far too easy conflict resolution that happened at the end of the book, it was like the author was trying too hard to wrap up loose ends. It was too convenient for Steve's disapproving father to just out of nowhere make an appearance and approve of their relationship taking away that conflict. And Brandon accidentally being overheard saying Steve's true name and almost causing his death, but magically saving him with the power of their bond was just too easy.
Some notable moments:
"“You don’t have to teach me nøkk music. Just sing something, and it’ll count. Can you sing ‘Let it Go’?” Steve throws his shoulders back. “I most certainly cannot. Nøkks sing about loneliness and longing for salvation because we are not children of god. We shed tears for our lot in life.” Is he serious? I think he is."
Okay, this one was cute! "I open my arms to him, and he snuggles into me. I kiss the top of his head. “Even though you’re human, I think you’re secretly a monster.” “What kind?” “You’re a snuggle monster,” I say."
"Brandon spins on his heel to face me. “Wait, what?” “Nøkk play bingo using the souls of the humans we have dragged down here.” “That’s kind of horrifying.” “You see why it was so important that I resist you. I did not want you to be turned into a bingo card.” “Wow. I don’t mean to judge,” Bran says, “but this is strange.”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
Feels: 3/5
Steam*: 2/5
Kinks: n/a
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: body insecurity, near death experiences, loss of parent (in past)
2.5 stars. This book was not a good fit for me.
Brandon is 21 and he's never been with a guy before. He used to be twice his size but then he got into swimming and lost the weight. He has a really healthy approach to body image, it's not important to him what the outside looks like. He is a scholarship student and living in the dorms even in his junior year to save money. He is human and he has switched to a new college that has both monsters and human students. Something happened about 20 years ago that turned a certain percentage of the population into various creatures in this world.
Brandon meets Steve, 20, who is a supernatural creature and his roommate. Steve is a type of supernatural creature that is supposed to crave taking people's souls, and luring people to drown. But he doesn't want to be a dark creature. He's never had an urge to hurt somebody or take a soul before, but the moment he sees Brandon he gets an urge to make him his and take his soul. Brandon wants this new roommate situation to go well because he's had bad roommates in the past. Steve is trying hard to avoid him because he doesn't want to give in to the urge and accidentally hurt Brandon. But Brandon won't give him space because Brandon is a bit of a golden retriever character, a sunshine character who wants to be friends with Steve. As they spend more time together, Brandon has a bi awakening and realizes he's attracted to Steve. Steve has never been with anyone before, but he definitely wants Brandon. They start dating, but an obstacle in their relationship is Steve's body insecurities. He's not comfortable with his monster form given his mother was appalled by it. Brandon helps him get over that. And they get closer.
This book wasn't really to my taste. I have read a lot of books by this author that I have enjoyed much much more than this one.
Things I didn't like:
- I know that Steve isn't human and he's Norwegian so his English being stiff makes sense. But the other MMC is also stiff and formal in the language that he uses sometimes. So it just comes off excessively stiff, formal, and it's so pervasive that it is painful to read, it's like death by a thousand paper cuts! It's like reading a book for toddlers with simple sentence structure like the dog is white. The dog barks loudly. Makes me want to stab my eyes out.
- Brandon does not like to communicate via text using anything but emojis. So everything that he wants to express to the people that he texts, he uses emojis. And they have to figure out what the f*** this shithead is trying to say. It's really selfish to communicate that way, and force people to try to understand you like that. I'm a neurodivergent person that needs very clear communication, it's a thing with me. I don't want my communications to be a game every time. I would yeet myself from that relationship, I would dump Brandon as a friend because we would just be completely incompatible. I feel like I would have a psychotic break if somebody tried to do that to me in real life and wouldn't stop.
- I usually like a golden retriever type character. But Brandon is the worst possible golden retriever. I prefer my golden retrievers to be normal people who are just whipped for the ones that they love. Brandon is basically a literal puppy. He is exuberant, energetic, so positive he just screams in your face sunshine. There's no subtlety with Brandon. There's no specialness to it, Brandon is indiscriminate with sharing his sunshine. So it's not like Steve is getting special treatment.
- Brandon's sister is 18 but he talks to her like she's a 13-year-old. It's weird.
- Brandon is so innocent, immature and basic. He's like a Boy Scout and a slobbering puppy pissing on a couch not knowing enough to be aware he's being a bad doggo. He colors right inside the lines, he follows this picture perfect courtship ritual with Steve. Talk about feelings, say everything that's in his mind, go on a formal date that is the most stereotypical date imaginable and not necessarily meaningful to them. It's so basic! He even asks Steve if he wants to do it using those exact words. Brandon expresses himself in the most juvenile ways. This book comes off as if the characters were 16. It makes me want to put a knife through my ears. Brandon is a horrible character. It's nice that he has such a healthy attitude towards body positivity but that doesn't get him out of jail for everything else that he is as a person.
- I'm not a huge fan of the body insecurity as a theme. Especially when it's an obstacle to their relationship still at the 85% mark. And this book in particular is struggling with the characters being juvenile so it just doesn't have the relationship at the stage of development that I like to read. It comes off to high school to me.
- They have supernaturalified terms for common things. So instead of calling it Google, they call it boogle. Instead of wikipedia, they call it Witchipedia. That's a little over the top cheesy to me. If this was just a one-time campy book that would be one thing, but this is a series.
- Spoiler alert! I also didn't like the far too easy conflict resolution that happened at the end of the book, it was like the author was trying too hard to wrap up loose ends. It was too convenient for Steve's disapproving father to just out of nowhere make an appearance and approve of their relationship taking away that conflict. And Brandon accidentally being overheard saying Steve's true name and almost causing his death, but magically saving him with the power of their bond was just too easy.
Some notable moments:
"“You don’t have to teach me nøkk music. Just sing something, and it’ll count. Can you sing ‘Let it Go’?” Steve throws his shoulders back. “I most certainly cannot. Nøkks sing about loneliness and longing for salvation because we are not children of god. We shed tears for our lot in life.” Is he serious? I think he is."
Okay, this one was cute! "I open my arms to him, and he snuggles into me. I kiss the top of his head. “Even though you’re human, I think you’re secretly a monster.” “What kind?” “You’re a snuggle monster,” I say."
"Brandon spins on his heel to face me. “Wait, what?” “Nøkk play bingo using the souls of the humans we have dragged down here.” “That’s kind of horrifying.” “You see why it was so important that I resist you. I did not want you to be turned into a bingo card.” “Wow. I don’t mean to judge,” Bran says, “but this is strange.”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2024
Odd pacing, both with too much happening and important things happening too quickly; super heavy handed message of body positivity that became repetitive; an abundance of spooky puns; and a weirdly dramatic ending.
Obviously I’m not a fan. I’ve read one other book by this author and thought her characters were written way younger than their supposed ages but this is set in college so I hoped that wouldn’t be an issue. It still sort of was.
Hot but doesn’t know it jock who only texts in emojis and expects everyone to understand his messages 🙄 meets Norwegian emo Nøkk who doesn’t want to give in to his monster urges and steal Brandon’s soul. Brandon just wants his new roommate to like him but ends up initiating a bonding ritual.
The premise sounded fun and there’s lots there already for potential drama but instead the drama came from other places and wrapped up quickly in the end. Idk this was just kind of a mess for me.
I received an ARC for review and this is my honest opinion.
Obviously I’m not a fan. I’ve read one other book by this author and thought her characters were written way younger than their supposed ages but this is set in college so I hoped that wouldn’t be an issue. It still sort of was.
Hot but doesn’t know it jock who only texts in emojis and expects everyone to understand his messages 🙄 meets Norwegian emo Nøkk who doesn’t want to give in to his monster urges and steal Brandon’s soul. Brandon just wants his new roommate to like him but ends up initiating a bonding ritual.
The premise sounded fun and there’s lots there already for potential drama but instead the drama came from other places and wrapped up quickly in the end. Idk this was just kind of a mess for me.
I received an ARC for review and this is my honest opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2024
3.75 rounded up
This romance is a cute and wholesome slice of life college romance between a human golden retriever jock and a nokk black cat music student. It deals with important topics like self-acceptance and self-worth issues, as well as being true to yourself, but always in a light and endearing way. It's kind of insta-attraction, which I don't mind, but it's a slow burn in regards to intimacy, as it takes them a while to finally decide to be together. And I found it lovely. There's also a bi awakening without a single drop of angst or drama, and I loved that too.
Sweet story and perfect opening to a new series.
I received and ARC and blah honest opinion blah blah (I am ALWAYS honest in my book opinions, who do you take me for?)
This romance is a cute and wholesome slice of life college romance between a human golden retriever jock and a nokk black cat music student. It deals with important topics like self-acceptance and self-worth issues, as well as being true to yourself, but always in a light and endearing way. It's kind of insta-attraction, which I don't mind, but it's a slow burn in regards to intimacy, as it takes them a while to finally decide to be together. And I found it lovely. There's also a bi awakening without a single drop of angst or drama, and I loved that too.
Sweet story and perfect opening to a new series.
I received and ARC and blah honest opinion blah blah (I am ALWAYS honest in my book opinions, who do you take me for?)
October 1, 2024
Precious little angel baby Brandon just wants to make sure he makes a good impression his new roomie, and accidentally triggers the beginning of a mating bond with his roomie instead.
If you're looking for a fluffy, fast paced but slower burn romance that's heavy on the cheese and chock full of spooky puns, The Nokk and the Jock is for you!
- monster + human
- roomies to lovers
- grumpy x sunshine
- queer awakening
If you're looking for a fluffy, fast paced but slower burn romance that's heavy on the cheese and chock full of spooky puns, The Nokk and the Jock is for you!
- monster + human
- roomies to lovers
- grumpy x sunshine
- queer awakening
September 30, 2024
**4.5**
I really enjoyed this paranormal, college romance. A monster college that is allowing humans to join for the first time has Brandon, a human with a golden retriever style personality, rooming with a Nokk, a water shifter from Norway. Not one I have heard of before but I enjoyed the way the author brought the character across, wanting to stay away from the darker side of his kind's nature.
They are very opposite in nature - grumpy/sunshine, introvert/extrovert - Brendon even being told he was too much by a previous roommate which is why he's determined to make friends with his new roommate. Unbeknownst to him, and accidentally by Nokk, the start of a bond is created, making it even harder for Nokk to be around someone who he already found so attractive.
It's a highly entertaining story, but with a very important message regarding body positivity as Brendon attempts to show Nokk that how he's been taught to think of himself isn't true at all.
Such a great story with a great group of people who are supportive and welcoming to both Brendon and Nokk.
**There are two moments of possible triggering moments involving drowning**
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
I really enjoyed this paranormal, college romance. A monster college that is allowing humans to join for the first time has Brandon, a human with a golden retriever style personality, rooming with a Nokk, a water shifter from Norway. Not one I have heard of before but I enjoyed the way the author brought the character across, wanting to stay away from the darker side of his kind's nature.
They are very opposite in nature - grumpy/sunshine, introvert/extrovert - Brendon even being told he was too much by a previous roommate which is why he's determined to make friends with his new roommate. Unbeknownst to him, and accidentally by Nokk, the start of a bond is created, making it even harder for Nokk to be around someone who he already found so attractive.
It's a highly entertaining story, but with a very important message regarding body positivity as Brendon attempts to show Nokk that how he's been taught to think of himself isn't true at all.
Such a great story with a great group of people who are supportive and welcoming to both Brendon and Nokk.
**There are two moments of possible triggering moments involving drowning**
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
October 2, 2024
The Nøkk and the Jock is a very sweet monster romance, and a cozy read for spooky season. You get a great inclusive college experience with humans and monsters, everything from dragon shapeshifters to ghosts, and of course our Nøkk.
Brandon is one of the first humans to attend Creepin U, a monster college, and he's very excited, he's especially excited to meet his new roommate the Nøkk, and he's been researching how to make a good first impression, but he accidentally start a bonding ritual by giving him his blood.
The Nøkk, also called Steve, is instantly attracted to Brandon, so much so that he wants to drag him to the underground world and take his soul, which is something he doesn't want to do, he's actually at Creepin U to escape his dad's expectations for Steve to be a proper Nøkk and steal some souls.
So, Steve avoids Brandon, which makes Brandon super sad and insecure because he has some bad experiences with former roommates, and he doesn't want to go through that again, and he's also oddly attracted to the Nøkk, so he really doesn't want to see him go.
Brandon and Steve's story was very cute, but unfortunately it didn't really hit the spot for me. The whole storyline felt quite messy, and I felt confused more than once. I did really love the body positivity throughout the book, but it did take up a lot of space, especially at the end, even though it was very sweet and I loved how supportive Brandon was of Steve and his true form. I also loved the friendships, especially Brandon and his best friend.
❥ Dual POV
❥ MM Romance
❥ Monster x Human
❥ College
❥ Sport (Water Polo)
❥ Queer Awakening
❥ Grumpy/Sunshine
❥ Roommates
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Read the full review on my blog here with edits and quotes.
Brandon is one of the first humans to attend Creepin U, a monster college, and he's very excited, he's especially excited to meet his new roommate the Nøkk, and he's been researching how to make a good first impression, but he accidentally start a bonding ritual by giving him his blood.
The Nøkk, also called Steve, is instantly attracted to Brandon, so much so that he wants to drag him to the underground world and take his soul, which is something he doesn't want to do, he's actually at Creepin U to escape his dad's expectations for Steve to be a proper Nøkk and steal some souls.
So, Steve avoids Brandon, which makes Brandon super sad and insecure because he has some bad experiences with former roommates, and he doesn't want to go through that again, and he's also oddly attracted to the Nøkk, so he really doesn't want to see him go.
Brandon and Steve's story was very cute, but unfortunately it didn't really hit the spot for me. The whole storyline felt quite messy, and I felt confused more than once. I did really love the body positivity throughout the book, but it did take up a lot of space, especially at the end, even though it was very sweet and I loved how supportive Brandon was of Steve and his true form. I also loved the friendships, especially Brandon and his best friend.
❥ Dual POV
❥ MM Romance
❥ Monster x Human
❥ College
❥ Sport (Water Polo)
❥ Queer Awakening
❥ Grumpy/Sunshine
❥ Roommates
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Read the full review on my blog here with edits and quotes.
January 31, 2025
This was a cute and wholesome story, tho I'm biased because this deals with Nordic folklore that I love :) Totally ate this one up.
did-not-finish
December 17, 2024Time of death: 81%, pg 212 of 264
This started out really cute and I was liking it, but then it got sort of… cheesy? And now I’m just not feelin it. 😕
This started out really cute and I was liking it, but then it got sort of… cheesy? And now I’m just not feelin it. 😕
October 3, 2024
3.75 ⭐
The Nøkk and the Jock is a lighthearted, low-angst, slow-burn monster x human romance, and the first book in the multi-author Creepin U series. It’s the kind of fun, cozy read for when you want something sweet and easy.
Set at a monster university, the story follows Brandon, a friendly human jock, and Steve, his new roommate, who happens to be a shy, prickly nøkk (a water spirit from Norwegian folklore).
Brandon is instantly lovable, with his sunny, enthusiastic personality (a golden retriever-like), and his efforts to make Steve feel comfortable as his roommate are really sweet. On the other hand, Steve is dealing with some serious self-esteem issues—he’s ashamed of his true form and struggles with feeling like he’s failing to live up to his father’s expectations.
As Brandon experiences a bi/pan awakening, Steve works through his inner demons. One of the more interesting parts of the story was watching Steve slowly come out of his shell and start to accept himself with Brandon’s unconditional support. There’s also a nice message about self-acceptance and body positivity, that’s delivered in a light, feel-good way.
The chemistry between Brandon and Steve is strong, but the heat level stays low, with the story more focused on their emotional connection. Because of that their romantic tension builds gradually, making their eventual bond feel natural and genuine. The only tension in the story stems from external challenges and Steve's personal insecurities. But I liked that Steve and Bran faced every obstacle and conflict together, working through them as a team.
The book is definitely fun, with some great world-building around the monster university. The side characters also add to the charm of the story, and give off a feeling of a welcoming, found-family.
That said, the story has a few minor hiccups. The pacing feels uneven, and while the body positivity theme is great and important, it does get a bit repetitive at times. I also felt like Bran could’ve had more character development.
Also, there’s a bingo card scene that felt kind of weird and out of place even in a monster romance.
But despite these issues, it was still an enjoyable read.
So if you enjoy slow-burn romances with humour, self-discovery, and a touch of folklore, this book is worth a read.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my unbiased review.
______________________
CW: recreational drinking, abandonment/rejection by a parent, death (in the past, off page) of a loved one, drowning and threat of drowning, body shaming, bullying
The Nøkk and the Jock is a lighthearted, low-angst, slow-burn monster x human romance, and the first book in the multi-author Creepin U series. It’s the kind of fun, cozy read for when you want something sweet and easy.
Set at a monster university, the story follows Brandon, a friendly human jock, and Steve, his new roommate, who happens to be a shy, prickly nøkk (a water spirit from Norwegian folklore).
Brandon is instantly lovable, with his sunny, enthusiastic personality (a golden retriever-like), and his efforts to make Steve feel comfortable as his roommate are really sweet. On the other hand, Steve is dealing with some serious self-esteem issues—he’s ashamed of his true form and struggles with feeling like he’s failing to live up to his father’s expectations.
As Brandon experiences a bi/pan awakening, Steve works through his inner demons. One of the more interesting parts of the story was watching Steve slowly come out of his shell and start to accept himself with Brandon’s unconditional support. There’s also a nice message about self-acceptance and body positivity, that’s delivered in a light, feel-good way.
The chemistry between Brandon and Steve is strong, but the heat level stays low, with the story more focused on their emotional connection. Because of that their romantic tension builds gradually, making their eventual bond feel natural and genuine. The only tension in the story stems from external challenges and Steve's personal insecurities. But I liked that Steve and Bran faced every obstacle and conflict together, working through them as a team.
The book is definitely fun, with some great world-building around the monster university. The side characters also add to the charm of the story, and give off a feeling of a welcoming, found-family.
That said, the story has a few minor hiccups. The pacing feels uneven, and while the body positivity theme is great and important, it does get a bit repetitive at times. I also felt like Bran could’ve had more character development.
Also, there’s a bingo card scene that felt kind of weird and out of place even in a monster romance.
But despite these issues, it was still an enjoyable read.
So if you enjoy slow-burn romances with humour, self-discovery, and a touch of folklore, this book is worth a read.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my unbiased review.
______________________
CW: recreational drinking, abandonment/rejection by a parent, death (in the past, off page) of a loved one, drowning and threat of drowning, body shaming, bullying
September 20, 2024
4.5 stars
The Nøkk and the Jock is book one in the standalone series Creepin U and does end in a HEA.
I don’t think this book will be for everyone but I absolutely loved it!!
The author clearly let their imagination and creativity run wild and it was so fun and quirky to read.
I adore the characters, Brandon and Nøkk. These two were too cute and stole my heart!
Their protectiveness of each other = 🥺😍🥰🥵
Brandon is one of the first humans to attend a monster university. He’s excited and nervous to make a good impression with his new roommate due to previous bad experiences (him being ‘too much’ for some people). Brandon is a bubble of joy, yet he has a strong sense of self and maturity.
Nøkk, who goes by Steve because if someone who isn’t family or bound to him (aka mate) says his real name, he will die! Steve is a beautiful person who felt self conscious of his monster appearance and abilities due to his parents. He is melancholy but was also protective, brave, kind, gentle and sexy.
The concept for this book was amazing, I was so fascinated with the lore of the Nøkk and the whole bonding process.
I loved seeing both boys on the water polo team and how that was an important aspect of the story and their characters.
The heat in this book is fairly low, but the chemistry between these two will melt your kindle/ phone.
I couldn’t put this book down, it made me extremely happy and I already want to read it again. This book was almost poetic… I can’t describe it. It has a much deeper meaning than you would think, about accepting and loving yourself for who you are.
Swoony, sexy, funny, and just all round awesome wrapped up nicely with a little bow and a bottle of vodka. I would definitely recommend if you like the tropes below.
This book contains triggering content such as mention of recreational drug use, abandonment by a parent, past death of a loved one, drowning (on page) and threat of drowning, body shaming, fighting, bullying.
🧜♂️ MM Urban fantasy romance (so cool!)
🌈 Bi awakening
🌤️ Grumpy/ sunshine
🛏️ Roommates to lovers
🏫 Monster University
🐕 Golden retriever human
🎸 A sad, sweet and sexy nøkk
🤽 Water polo sports team
🩳 Speedos, music & unintentional bonding
Plot: 📚📚📚📚
Character rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
World building: 🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Feels: 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Writing style: 🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊
The Nøkk and the Jock is book one in the standalone series Creepin U and does end in a HEA.
I don’t think this book will be for everyone but I absolutely loved it!!
The author clearly let their imagination and creativity run wild and it was so fun and quirky to read.
I adore the characters, Brandon and Nøkk. These two were too cute and stole my heart!
Their protectiveness of each other = 🥺😍🥰🥵
Brandon is one of the first humans to attend a monster university. He’s excited and nervous to make a good impression with his new roommate due to previous bad experiences (him being ‘too much’ for some people). Brandon is a bubble of joy, yet he has a strong sense of self and maturity.
Nøkk, who goes by Steve because if someone who isn’t family or bound to him (aka mate) says his real name, he will die! Steve is a beautiful person who felt self conscious of his monster appearance and abilities due to his parents. He is melancholy but was also protective, brave, kind, gentle and sexy.
The concept for this book was amazing, I was so fascinated with the lore of the Nøkk and the whole bonding process.
I loved seeing both boys on the water polo team and how that was an important aspect of the story and their characters.
The heat in this book is fairly low, but the chemistry between these two will melt your kindle/ phone.
I couldn’t put this book down, it made me extremely happy and I already want to read it again. This book was almost poetic… I can’t describe it. It has a much deeper meaning than you would think, about accepting and loving yourself for who you are.
Swoony, sexy, funny, and just all round awesome wrapped up nicely with a little bow and a bottle of vodka. I would definitely recommend if you like the tropes below.
This book contains triggering content such as mention of recreational drug use, abandonment by a parent, past death of a loved one, drowning (on page) and threat of drowning, body shaming, fighting, bullying.
🧜♂️ MM Urban fantasy romance (so cool!)
🌈 Bi awakening
🌤️ Grumpy/ sunshine
🛏️ Roommates to lovers
🏫 Monster University
🐕 Golden retriever human
🎸 A sad, sweet and sexy nøkk
🤽 Water polo sports team
🩳 Speedos, music & unintentional bonding
Plot: 📚📚📚📚
Character rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
World building: 🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Feels: 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Writing style: 🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊
September 29, 2024
Overall, this book was delightfully goofy and really kinda sweet. Chapter 2, the first from The Nøkk's perspective, gets five stars on it's own. He lands in the US from Norway, and navigating the airport and Monster Customs was really well done and almost gave me Beetlejuice-esque undead bureaucracy vibes.
There's a lot of talk about accepting yourself as you truly are, and some felt more affecting than others. I have had some difficulties finding monster romance books that I can get on with, as the humor tends to be way over the top, but I felt the level here was just right for me. Genuinely amusing without making me roll my eyes once.
Up until 40-50%, I thought the whole book might be five stars, but the second half didn't quite maintain the same level as the first, but I still had a fun time. (Specifically, the was a bit of a letdown, and the non-epilogue 'bonus scene' was a bit bizarre.)
I hope that Brandon's friend Clay gets a book, but in either case, I could be easily persuaded to check out other books in this series.
I kindly received a review copy from GRR; all opinions are my own.
There's a lot of talk about accepting yourself as you truly are, and some felt more affecting than others. I have had some difficulties finding monster romance books that I can get on with, as the humor tends to be way over the top, but I felt the level here was just right for me. Genuinely amusing without making me roll my eyes once.
Up until 40-50%, I thought the whole book might be five stars, but the second half didn't quite maintain the same level as the first, but I still had a fun time. (Specifically, the was a bit of a letdown, and the non-epilogue 'bonus scene' was a bit bizarre.)
I hope that Brandon's friend Clay gets a book, but in either case, I could be easily persuaded to check out other books in this series.
I kindly received a review copy from GRR; all opinions are my own.
October 29, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
The Nøkk and the Jock is the part of the multi-author Creepin U series with an alternate universe that features monster characters falling for humans. This was a fun and entertaining human-monster connection story. There’s a decent amount of sports, with Brandon convincing Steve to join the water polo team. It’s wild, in terms of the range of monster types and how accepted they are within the society. Humans are the minority on campus, and Brandon attracts a lot of attention due to his good looks and friendly demeanor. His questioning begins almost the moment he meets Steve, hinting at a fated mates scenario that later plays a role.
Being unfamiliar with Nøkk lore, I thought the author did a good job of weaving those details into the action, so I didn’t feel confused about how Steve functioned in the human realm.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
The Nøkk and the Jock is the part of the multi-author Creepin U series with an alternate universe that features monster characters falling for humans. This was a fun and entertaining human-monster connection story. There’s a decent amount of sports, with Brandon convincing Steve to join the water polo team. It’s wild, in terms of the range of monster types and how accepted they are within the society. Humans are the minority on campus, and Brandon attracts a lot of attention due to his good looks and friendly demeanor. His questioning begins almost the moment he meets Steve, hinting at a fated mates scenario that later plays a role.
Being unfamiliar with Nøkk lore, I thought the author did a good job of weaving those details into the action, so I didn’t feel confused about how Steve functioned in the human realm.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
October 8, 2025
This was way, WAY cuter than I thought! Seriously it was soo sweet!
Both mcs were adorable. The complete opposite of each other but balancing each other out perfectly. The way "Steve" was pining for Bran and Bran not realizing that he is attracted to "Steve" was adorable. Bran's body positivity was so nice to read, seriously, while I don't hate my stretch marks, he made me like them even more. I totally get "Steve's" insecurities and Bran is the perfect partner for him, he really needed the reassurance from Bran to start accepting himself. The side characters were seriously amazing too, I would love a book for them all. I loved the whole 'Halloween Wave' idea.
I totally recommend this book, if you are looking for a low angst, sweet college romance.
Both mcs were adorable. The complete opposite of each other but balancing each other out perfectly. The way "Steve" was pining for Bran and Bran not realizing that he is attracted to "Steve" was adorable. Bran's body positivity was so nice to read, seriously, while I don't hate my stretch marks, he made me like them even more. I totally get "Steve's" insecurities and Bran is the perfect partner for him, he really needed the reassurance from Bran to start accepting himself. The side characters were seriously amazing too, I would love a book for them all. I loved the whole 'Halloween Wave' idea.
I totally recommend this book, if you are looking for a low angst, sweet college romance.
September 30, 2024
The Nøkk and the Jock is first book in the multi author Creepin U series. Each book can be read as a standalone but why not enjoy the rest of the series. This is Brandon a human with a sunshine personality and a Nøkk who is a grumpy emo guy, who tells everyone to call him Steve. I really enjoyed this first book in this series. Brandon is one of the first humans to get to attend a monster University affectionately called Creepin U. This was just a fun story with a great message about self acceptance and body positivity. I really enjoyed the world building that went into this book and learning about a new to me kind of monster. I would definitely recommend this book.
October 7, 2024
4 stars
I loved this book! Brandon is the sweetest and Steve is adorable in any form.
Monsters romance is not my cup of tea but I found this story very interesting especially about love and being loved despite our appearences: Brandon telling his own story to Steve to make him understand that he loved him in any form was very very beautiful.
Recommended
I loved this book! Brandon is the sweetest and Steve is adorable in any form.
Monsters romance is not my cup of tea but I found this story very interesting especially about love and being loved despite our appearences: Brandon telling his own story to Steve to make him understand that he loved him in any form was very very beautiful.
Recommended
October 11, 2024
4 Stars ⭐️
Steve and Calder ❤️
This was a super cute book with monster/human, hurt/comfort and acceptance ❤️ A-freaking-dorable. Great characters and spicy moments too, there was so much to love about this read, I would recommend.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
Steve and Calder ❤️
This was a super cute book with monster/human, hurt/comfort and acceptance ❤️ A-freaking-dorable. Great characters and spicy moments too, there was so much to love about this read, I would recommend.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
October 8, 2024
3.5 stars.
A little disappointed with this one. It's very cutesy, Brandon is adorable and Steve (the nokk), isn't creepy at all, although he did spend most of the story living up to his emo persona. However, I thought it'd be somewhat 'meatier.' I felt that it was lacking in character development and also quite repetitive at times. Brandon's like a bouncy Golden Retriever, a lovely guy, but I did find it wearing reading about how uber nice he is, everyone loves/wants him, he's gorgeous etc...I found myself skimming in parts. There is a nice message though, about body positivity, and loving oneself. There is a part of the story which mentions bingo cards, it kind of came out of the blue, wasn't funny, and just a bit on the strange side. I kind of found it disturbing 🤔
A little disappointed with this one. It's very cutesy, Brandon is adorable and Steve (the nokk), isn't creepy at all, although he did spend most of the story living up to his emo persona. However, I thought it'd be somewhat 'meatier.' I felt that it was lacking in character development and also quite repetitive at times. Brandon's like a bouncy Golden Retriever, a lovely guy, but I did find it wearing reading about how uber nice he is, everyone loves/wants him, he's gorgeous etc...I found myself skimming in parts. There is a nice message though, about body positivity, and loving oneself. There is a part of the story which mentions bingo cards, it kind of came out of the blue, wasn't funny, and just a bit on the strange side. I kind of found it disturbing 🤔
October 10, 2024
This is a sweet Spooktober read. Steve Jobs learns the power of loving yourself from Brendan. These two are so cute.
dnf
October 1, 2024DNF @85%
Oh boy.
I REALLY wanted to like this because of the premise and my excitement for Spooktober finally arriving but it just fell flat ...on everything. 🙈
This reads to me sorta...childish and the spicy parts felt very out of place..Conversations were stiff and often informal and not just because Steve is non-american so he's not used to using contractions, even the conversations between Clay and Brandon felt weird. *shrug*
Overall, this author is not for me. ✌️
Oh boy.
I REALLY wanted to like this because of the premise and my excitement for Spooktober finally arriving but it just fell flat ...on everything. 🙈
This reads to me sorta...childish and the spicy parts felt very out of place..Conversations were stiff and often informal and not just because Steve is non-american so he's not used to using contractions, even the conversations between Clay and Brandon felt weird. *shrug*
Overall, this author is not for me. ✌️
October 6, 2024
❊ Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook ❊
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨
If you follow me, you know that I absolutely love these kind of multi-author series: a common theme, connected but independent books, each written by a different author.
In this case, the common topic is monster romance, more specifically a university of monsters that has just started accepting some humans as well. Romance is in the air!
Our first monster is a nøkk, a creature from Nordic folklore that, to be honest, I wasn’t familiar with (according to the book, it’s briefly mentioned in Frozen, but I haven’t seen the second movie, so if there’s a nøkk in it, this is the first I’m hearing of it haha).
• What I liked:
It’s a simple romance where two people from completely different worlds end up as roommates at university. The relationship between Steve (the nøkk) and Brandon is quite cute and healthy.
Steve has his traumas and insecurities due to his condition, his appearance, and his nature as a nøkk, since it seems that nøkk live by stealing human souls, and that’s something he doesn’t want to do.
The supporting characters are quite interesting. In the water polo team that Brandon belongs to, we meet various sea monsters and even some humans, and they have potential to get their own books (especially Clay, Brandon’s vampire friend, but also Phil, the sasquatch, and Nick, the Loch Ness monster).
The story has some really funny moments, and the book is an easy read. It’s not hard to find the rhythm, and the pages just flow.
• What I didn’t like:
The issue with Steve’s name—his real name—doesn’t add much except for a specific moment in the plot where things happen. In general, the revelation of the name felt more underwhelming than I expected, given the build-up. While I loved the idea that nøkk “don’t have names”, the whole thing of him being called Steve... I don’t know, it didn’t fully convince me.
I liked Steve’s insecurities about his real appearance. It’s cool that these topics are addressed in romance to normalize beauty in all its forms, though I admit that the chapter dealing with this felt a bit much. I think the issue was too concentrated in that one chapter, and it didn’t feel natural.
On another note, this was my first time reading this author, so I went in blind. I’m not sure if it’s something specific to this book or if her style just isn’t for me, but in general, there were things that didn’t convince me, and at various points, the narration and the way the characters expressed themselves felt a bit off.
• In conclusion:
It’s a book that works really well if you want to disconnect and read something light. It’s true that it’s not a story that’s going to be memorable for me (nor do I think all stories have to be), but it’s a decent romance that serves its purpose.
I’m excited to continue the series. Plus, since each book is written by a different author, the possibilities are endless.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨
If you follow me, you know that I absolutely love these kind of multi-author series: a common theme, connected but independent books, each written by a different author.
In this case, the common topic is monster romance, more specifically a university of monsters that has just started accepting some humans as well. Romance is in the air!
Our first monster is a nøkk, a creature from Nordic folklore that, to be honest, I wasn’t familiar with (according to the book, it’s briefly mentioned in Frozen, but I haven’t seen the second movie, so if there’s a nøkk in it, this is the first I’m hearing of it haha).
• What I liked:
It’s a simple romance where two people from completely different worlds end up as roommates at university. The relationship between Steve (the nøkk) and Brandon is quite cute and healthy.
Steve has his traumas and insecurities due to his condition, his appearance, and his nature as a nøkk, since it seems that nøkk live by stealing human souls, and that’s something he doesn’t want to do.
The supporting characters are quite interesting. In the water polo team that Brandon belongs to, we meet various sea monsters and even some humans, and they have potential to get their own books (especially Clay, Brandon’s vampire friend, but also Phil, the sasquatch, and Nick, the Loch Ness monster).
The story has some really funny moments, and the book is an easy read. It’s not hard to find the rhythm, and the pages just flow.
• What I didn’t like:
The issue with Steve’s name—his real name—doesn’t add much except for a specific moment in the plot where things happen. In general, the revelation of the name felt more underwhelming than I expected, given the build-up. While I loved the idea that nøkk “don’t have names”, the whole thing of him being called Steve... I don’t know, it didn’t fully convince me.
I liked Steve’s insecurities about his real appearance. It’s cool that these topics are addressed in romance to normalize beauty in all its forms, though I admit that the chapter dealing with this felt a bit much. I think the issue was too concentrated in that one chapter, and it didn’t feel natural.
On another note, this was my first time reading this author, so I went in blind. I’m not sure if it’s something specific to this book or if her style just isn’t for me, but in general, there were things that didn’t convince me, and at various points, the narration and the way the characters expressed themselves felt a bit off.
• In conclusion:
It’s a book that works really well if you want to disconnect and read something light. It’s true that it’s not a story that’s going to be memorable for me (nor do I think all stories have to be), but it’s a decent romance that serves its purpose.
I’m excited to continue the series. Plus, since each book is written by a different author, the possibilities are endless.
October 24, 2024
just Outstanding
Rating: 4.5🌈
I love it when I learn about different cultures or areas of mythology through stories. Here it’s about the Nøkk, a Scandinavian or Norse being that shapeshifts into a water dwelling human form that lures people by violin playing and/or drowning by screaming. That’s a simplified version of a complex, widely accepted concept of a being used in gaming , storytelling derived from mythology.
Even better when I get to know them through a series that will introduce a cast of characters, inhuman and otherwise, as they study for various degrees and live together in the dorms of Creelin University, aka Creepin U.
The characters, human and otherworldly, are well defined and their personalities are absolutely engaging, especially as they grow and develop the more they interact with each other and the other beings/community around them.
The Nøkk, Steve Job as he’s originally called at the beginning because he had to choose a human name , is a wonderful creation. A thoughtful unhappy young person who has chosen to separate himself from his country and species because he doesn’t want to be like them or follow traditional Nøkk ways. It’s guitar and songwriting over the violin, and he definitely doesn’t want to gather up any souls.
Steve is a great character. Leslie McAdam has made his true name as well as his natural form a important part of the narrative, a definitive element of not only Steve and Brandon’s relationship but of Steve’ growth personally throughout the story.
Brandon, the human roommate and water polo player is another character that has hidden depths to his character. Too easily framed out as a “golden retriever “ personality, that glosses over the many layers the author has created for him here. He is, in fact, a complex person, and that’s a factor in making not only the relationship work but this story as well.
There’s so much to him, Steve, and the framework that McAdams has laid down in the book that makes me want further exploration and tales from this universe and couple. They are now surrounded by friends, a supportive family and a great journey ahead of them. I would love to see more of them in another story.
This series is turning out to be splendid and The Nøkk and the Jock (Creepin U Book 1) by Leslie McAdam is a definite recommendation. Check them out!
Cover Art & Formatting by Whimsical Reverie Design LLC. Fabulous work. Love the cover.
Creepin U series:
- [x] The Nøkk and the Jock by Leslie McAdam #1
- [ ] Dryad, Try Again by C.D. Rachels #2
- [ ] Vexing the Viper by Ashley Rayne #3
- [ ] Penn and Incubus by Essie Sloane #4
- [ ] Surviving His Gaze by Rorie Kage #5
Cover Art & Formatting by Whimsical Reverie Design LLC. Fabulous work. Love the cover.
Creepin U series:
- [x] The Nøkk and the Jock by Leslie McAdam #1
- [ ] Dryad, Try Again by C.D. Rachels #2
- [ ] Vexing the Viper by Ashley Rayne #3
- [ ] Penn and Incubus by Essie Sloane #4
- [ ] Surviving His Gaze by Rorie Kage #5
Rating: 4.5🌈
I love it when I learn about different cultures or areas of mythology through stories. Here it’s about the Nøkk, a Scandinavian or Norse being that shapeshifts into a water dwelling human form that lures people by violin playing and/or drowning by screaming. That’s a simplified version of a complex, widely accepted concept of a being used in gaming , storytelling derived from mythology.
Even better when I get to know them through a series that will introduce a cast of characters, inhuman and otherwise, as they study for various degrees and live together in the dorms of Creelin University, aka Creepin U.
The characters, human and otherworldly, are well defined and their personalities are absolutely engaging, especially as they grow and develop the more they interact with each other and the other beings/community around them.
The Nøkk, Steve Job as he’s originally called at the beginning because he had to choose a human name , is a wonderful creation. A thoughtful unhappy young person who has chosen to separate himself from his country and species because he doesn’t want to be like them or follow traditional Nøkk ways. It’s guitar and songwriting over the violin, and he definitely doesn’t want to gather up any souls.
Steve is a great character. Leslie McAdam has made his true name as well as his natural form a important part of the narrative, a definitive element of not only Steve and Brandon’s relationship but of Steve’ growth personally throughout the story.
Brandon, the human roommate and water polo player is another character that has hidden depths to his character. Too easily framed out as a “golden retriever “ personality, that glosses over the many layers the author has created for him here. He is, in fact, a complex person, and that’s a factor in making not only the relationship work but this story as well.
There’s so much to him, Steve, and the framework that McAdams has laid down in the book that makes me want further exploration and tales from this universe and couple. They are now surrounded by friends, a supportive family and a great journey ahead of them. I would love to see more of them in another story.
This series is turning out to be splendid and The Nøkk and the Jock (Creepin U Book 1) by Leslie McAdam is a definite recommendation. Check them out!
Cover Art & Formatting by Whimsical Reverie Design LLC. Fabulous work. Love the cover.
Creepin U series:
- [x] The Nøkk and the Jock by Leslie McAdam #1
- [ ] Dryad, Try Again by C.D. Rachels #2
- [ ] Vexing the Viper by Ashley Rayne #3
- [ ] Penn and Incubus by Essie Sloane #4
- [ ] Surviving His Gaze by Rorie Kage #5
Cover Art & Formatting by Whimsical Reverie Design LLC. Fabulous work. Love the cover.
Creepin U series:
- [x] The Nøkk and the Jock by Leslie McAdam #1
- [ ] Dryad, Try Again by C.D. Rachels #2
- [ ] Vexing the Viper by Ashley Rayne #3
- [ ] Penn and Incubus by Essie Sloane #4
- [ ] Surviving His Gaze by Rorie Kage #5
September 25, 2024
3.5stars
1 on the spice meter
This book's message seem to be more about accepting others for who they are, like love yourself first, which I like a whole lot, but despite the messages this book touches on, the story is not hitting the right notes for me.
However, since it's part of the series, I think it would be informative to read the whole set.
Below are opinions that would be considered spoilers.
1 on the spice meter
This book's message seem to be more about accepting others for who they are, like love yourself first, which I like a whole lot, but despite the messages this book touches on, the story is not hitting the right notes for me.
However, since it's part of the series, I think it would be informative to read the whole set.
Below are opinions that would be considered spoilers.
September 29, 2024
I picked up this book because I was curious about how a monster/human college like Creelin U would function, and I fell head over heels for the romance between Bran and the Nokk (Steve)! Bran had such golden retriever energy, and I thought it was really cute how anxious he was about trying to make Steve comfortable with their roommates situation. I can't think of anyone Bran wouldn't be able to win over with his enthusiasm and friendliness, and though Steve hid it well at first he was totally charmed. Steve had a lot of (figurative) inner demons that he wrestled with over the course of this book, from his shame over his true form to his inability to live up to his father's expectations. It made me really happy to see Steve grow confident in being his own self, and Bran's unconditional support was a big part of Steve's character growth. At the beginning of the book Steve fell into the classic trap of trying to stay away from Bran "for his own protection", but after Bran talked some sense into him they became fast friends. Bran definitely encouraged Steve to get out of his own comfort zone, whether it was going to parties, joining the water polo team, or sharing stories from his past. I thought their romantic relationship was absolutely adorable, and since it was both of their first time being with a guy, their steamy moments had all the awe and wonder of experiencing a new kind of pleasure together. One of the bigger plot points in this book involved Steve and Bran's accidental bond and the way it progressed, and despite some aspects of it being forced along by outside events in the story, the culmination of their relationship felt very authentic and loving. I stopped worrying about whether or not Steve would steal Bran's soul after a couple of chapters, and seeing how distraught he got any time Bran got hurt made it clear that there was nothing sinister about his connection to his human. The only angst in this book came from outside sources and Steve overcoming his insecurities, and Steve and Bran worked through every situation and conflict together. I was very satisfied with the way that all the loose plot threads and conflicts got resolved, and the romance left off on such a happy note that I had no doubts about the future of Steve and Bran's relationship.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
October 6, 2024
After a number of angsty, dark reads, this monster college romance was just what I needed.
When "Steve" the Nokk arrives at Creelin U, he is wary of just everyone & doesn't want others to see his true physical form, but is immediately drawn and attracted to his new roommate Brandon, who also just wants to get along with his new roommate. Brandon had bad roommate experiences at his old college, so he is at Creelin U - which just started accepting human students - for a fresh start. Brandon is a such a sweetheart - he researches how best to welcome his Nokk roommate and so he buys some traditional gifts, not realizing that he is setting them on a course to become bonded soul mates. Both boys experience attraction to the other upon meeting. Poor emo Steve is lonely and such a brooder! Good thing Brandon never stops trying to befriend him. Brandon is such a positive person and has such a great attitude - despite being super attractive, for him, loving oneself (even the flaws) is so important as is who a person is inside. Over time, he helps Steve to see that what's inside is what counts, but to be able to accept love from others, you gotta love yourself first. The development of their friendship is so cute and eventually that friendship becomes more. Although there is attraction from early in the book, this is definitely a slow burn romance-wise and it works really well. When the boys experience their sexy times, it is clear their emotions are also involved. And as cute and fluffy as this is, there is some real emotion here.
The vibes are so here for me! This is such a delightful, fluffy story to read! I love Leslie McAdam's books and I'm so happy to have read this. I'll be reading this entire series and this is a great start to that.
What to Expect:
* Human MC + Nokk MC
* golden retriever + black cat energy
* monster college setting in PA
* water polo players, musician
* roommates/teammates to lovers
* bi/pan awakening
* bonded soul mates
* Norse mythology
* lower spice
* low angst
* super fun side characters
* cute monster/Halloween puns
Thanks to GRR for this ARC - I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When "Steve" the Nokk arrives at Creelin U, he is wary of just everyone & doesn't want others to see his true physical form, but is immediately drawn and attracted to his new roommate Brandon, who also just wants to get along with his new roommate. Brandon had bad roommate experiences at his old college, so he is at Creelin U - which just started accepting human students - for a fresh start. Brandon is a such a sweetheart - he researches how best to welcome his Nokk roommate and so he buys some traditional gifts, not realizing that he is setting them on a course to become bonded soul mates. Both boys experience attraction to the other upon meeting. Poor emo Steve is lonely and such a brooder! Good thing Brandon never stops trying to befriend him. Brandon is such a positive person and has such a great attitude - despite being super attractive, for him, loving oneself (even the flaws) is so important as is who a person is inside. Over time, he helps Steve to see that what's inside is what counts, but to be able to accept love from others, you gotta love yourself first. The development of their friendship is so cute and eventually that friendship becomes more. Although there is attraction from early in the book, this is definitely a slow burn romance-wise and it works really well. When the boys experience their sexy times, it is clear their emotions are also involved. And as cute and fluffy as this is, there is some real emotion here.
The vibes are so here for me! This is such a delightful, fluffy story to read! I love Leslie McAdam's books and I'm so happy to have read this. I'll be reading this entire series and this is a great start to that.
What to Expect:
* Human MC + Nokk MC
* golden retriever + black cat energy
* monster college setting in PA
* water polo players, musician
* roommates/teammates to lovers
* bi/pan awakening
* bonded soul mates
* Norse mythology
* lower spice
* low angst
* super fun side characters
* cute monster/Halloween puns
Thanks to GRR for this ARC - I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 18, 2024
I have never really read a monster human romance before but when I saw Leslie McAdam announcing this book and series, I was definitely intrigued! I am a big fan of her writing and figured if I was going to try this genre, she was my best bet. And she did not disappoint! What an interesting world she and the other authors of this series created! Her story follows Brandon, a human attending a college that recently catered to monsters but now is open to humans, and the Nøkk. Whose name we cannot know because giving their true name to those they are not bonded too or family means their death. Though until we learn his name, he goes by Steve. Brandon is determined to make friends with his new roommate. So after searching he finds what is expected for him to present to make nice. Though he doesn’t realize it’s just the beginning of form of a bond. One that accidentally gets triggered when both of their bloods mix. But even before that, the two of them can’t deny the connection that sparks between them when they meet. Steve does his best to protect Brandon from him, but Brandon is persistent and not one to shy away from someone he likes and wants to protect and care for in his own way. And when Brandon realizes that he actually has romantic feelings for Steve, he’ll be sure to show Steve how he feels. These two were so sweet! I love how Brandon is just a great guy who doesn’t judge simply on appearances but on who that person is. He shows Steve every time they are together, that he is there for Steve and who he is and nothing more. Steve has trouble believing that others won’t shy away when he is in his true Nøkk form based on his past and his mother. But he learns that Brandon is no ordinary human and how can he not fall for him back? This was such an interesting world with so many different types of monsters. I am excited to continue reading this series!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 20, 2025
Very repetitive, even at 96% we were still reading that jock MC was telling nokk MC how much he had wanted a roommate that would actually get along with him. And the “love your body no matter how it looks” was overdone, even a zombie horse would be beaten dead at this point.
Yet the actual moment of whenever they “have their hearts to each other” wasn’t actually innate, just the characters saying “oh we’ve already done that” ??
Nokk’s stilted dialogue made sense for making a specific voice for his POV, but everything was stilted and kind of choppy and clinical.
Premise was a bit hard to roll with even at surface level—it’d been ~30 years since randomly a big chunk of the global population turned into monsters (including children in the womb/being born, which tbh opens up a new level of body horror that gets touched on in the briefest of moments where the mom giving birth to not a human—with zero warning it would be be human—was very much villainized; even ignoring she had no soul*). And yet there’s no real world ramifications in such a short time, other than this university being the first to allow humans to enroll alongside monsters. Wild to think a monsters-only university could be founded/segregated from humans that quickly. Also the connotation of “monster” being negative was just flat out ignored as if it didn’t exist which is weird for “people suddenly turned into monsters” vs if monsters had been part of society all along.
*the “take your soul” “nokks have no souls” just wasn’t explained at all. Jock MC asks but the questions aren’t answered. Still no idea what it means that they don’t have souls because nokk was just like a normal person and the supposed symptoms of not having a soul—depressed, isolated, self-hatred, etc—were literally mental health and self-esteem issues.
Yet the actual moment of whenever they “have their hearts to each other” wasn’t actually innate, just the characters saying “oh we’ve already done that” ??
Nokk’s stilted dialogue made sense for making a specific voice for his POV, but everything was stilted and kind of choppy and clinical.
Premise was a bit hard to roll with even at surface level—it’d been ~30 years since randomly a big chunk of the global population turned into monsters (including children in the womb/being born, which tbh opens up a new level of body horror that gets touched on in the briefest of moments where the mom giving birth to not a human—with zero warning it would be be human—was very much villainized; even ignoring she had no soul*). And yet there’s no real world ramifications in such a short time, other than this university being the first to allow humans to enroll alongside monsters. Wild to think a monsters-only university could be founded/segregated from humans that quickly. Also the connotation of “monster” being negative was just flat out ignored as if it didn’t exist which is weird for “people suddenly turned into monsters” vs if monsters had been part of society all along.
*the “take your soul” “nokks have no souls” just wasn’t explained at all. Jock MC asks but the questions aren’t answered. Still no idea what it means that they don’t have souls because nokk was just like a normal person and the supposed symptoms of not having a soul—depressed, isolated, self-hatred, etc—were literally mental health and self-esteem issues.
October 4, 2024
Welcome to Creepin U!
I loved this book so much. I've read several contemporary romances by this author, but this was my first PNR from them and I absolutely loved it. I cannot wait for more from this series and I really hope Leslie revisits some of the characters we met in this book (looking at you Phil, Clay, and Nick).
I'd never heard of a Nokk before, so the lore behind it was really interesting. I also found the premise behind "Steve" having to keep his real name a secret added another layer to the story that I enjoyed and helped drive home just how deep the bond between Steve and Brandon goes. I would have liked to see the characters encounter Steve's mom and a bit more with his dad (would have liked more of a redemption arc for dear ol dad, but he made some baby steps, at least).
Brandon and Steve were both loveable all around. Brandon is the quintessential golden hearted sunshine character. He is a big advocate for body positivity and inclusiveness, and that makes him perfect for emo sad boi, Steve. Our precious Nokk broke my heart with how horribly he'd been treated in the past and his (understandable) insecurities. This book is beautiful because it isn't just a romance, it has another message about the importance of learning to love yourself, surrounding yourself with supportive friends, coming to know your own worth, and what the journey looks like.
I did find the bit about what becomes of the souls that the Nokk take to be odd and I felt like it didn't really match the tone of the rest of the story or how much had been built up around it. It was a bit ridiculous.
All-around a fantastic read. I hope we get to see more of Steve and Brandon in the future. I'll be coming back to Creepin U for the rest of the series, too!
I loved this book so much. I've read several contemporary romances by this author, but this was my first PNR from them and I absolutely loved it. I cannot wait for more from this series and I really hope Leslie revisits some of the characters we met in this book (looking at you Phil, Clay, and Nick).
I'd never heard of a Nokk before, so the lore behind it was really interesting. I also found the premise behind "Steve" having to keep his real name a secret added another layer to the story that I enjoyed and helped drive home just how deep the bond between Steve and Brandon goes. I would have liked to see the characters encounter Steve's mom and a bit more with his dad (would have liked more of a redemption arc for dear ol dad, but he made some baby steps, at least).
Brandon and Steve were both loveable all around. Brandon is the quintessential golden hearted sunshine character. He is a big advocate for body positivity and inclusiveness, and that makes him perfect for emo sad boi, Steve. Our precious Nokk broke my heart with how horribly he'd been treated in the past and his (understandable) insecurities. This book is beautiful because it isn't just a romance, it has another message about the importance of learning to love yourself, surrounding yourself with supportive friends, coming to know your own worth, and what the journey looks like.
I did find the bit about what becomes of the souls that the Nokk take to be odd and I felt like it didn't really match the tone of the rest of the story or how much had been built up around it. It was a bit ridiculous.
All-around a fantastic read. I hope we get to see more of Steve and Brandon in the future. I'll be coming back to Creepin U for the rest of the series, too!
October 4, 2024
This was cute, fluffy, fun and funny! The vibes were vibing with this one and I really enjoyed it!
I loved Brandon's golden retriever energy and his sunshine disposition and I felt like he was the perfect partner to the nøkk's grumpiness. I loved how Brandon never gave up trying to befriend the nøkk, and hiw curious he was about everything. The nøkk was shy, grumpy and more of a loner, but he didn't want to be a loner at all, he just felt like he should be alone because of his appearance. I loved how Brandon's sunshine-y attitude rubbed off on him and how after a while he was also happy and smiley and was enjoying the university life. I loved that Brandon was so free with his affection and his affectionate touches and that was exactly what the nøkk needed.
Brandon started the bonding process with the nøkk accidentally, but they felt the bond even without that from the first time they met. I enjoyed the progression of their friendhsip and relationship, and that the nøkk tried to resist, but ultimately he couldn't resist the bond that was forming. Brandon was so accepting and open and I loved seeing him reassure the nøkk that his feelings wouldn't change when he revealed his true form. Brandon really wanted the nøkk to reveal his true form, but to also be comfortable in his true form. Brandon knows about self acceptance because he was overweight before discovering water polo. The nøkk finally accepted and believed what Brandon was saying and I feel like after that the duo was unstoppable.
I really enjoyed the world we got introduced to and I'm excited to read more. The book is kind od spooky, but very fluffy and cute! A great read for October or for anytime you want some monsters with humans in your life.
I loved Brandon's golden retriever energy and his sunshine disposition and I felt like he was the perfect partner to the nøkk's grumpiness. I loved how Brandon never gave up trying to befriend the nøkk, and hiw curious he was about everything. The nøkk was shy, grumpy and more of a loner, but he didn't want to be a loner at all, he just felt like he should be alone because of his appearance. I loved how Brandon's sunshine-y attitude rubbed off on him and how after a while he was also happy and smiley and was enjoying the university life. I loved that Brandon was so free with his affection and his affectionate touches and that was exactly what the nøkk needed.
Brandon started the bonding process with the nøkk accidentally, but they felt the bond even without that from the first time they met. I enjoyed the progression of their friendhsip and relationship, and that the nøkk tried to resist, but ultimately he couldn't resist the bond that was forming. Brandon was so accepting and open and I loved seeing him reassure the nøkk that his feelings wouldn't change when he revealed his true form. Brandon really wanted the nøkk to reveal his true form, but to also be comfortable in his true form. Brandon knows about self acceptance because he was overweight before discovering water polo. The nøkk finally accepted and believed what Brandon was saying and I feel like after that the duo was unstoppable.
I really enjoyed the world we got introduced to and I'm excited to read more. The book is kind od spooky, but very fluffy and cute! A great read for October or for anytime you want some monsters with humans in your life.
October 5, 2024
Just in time for fall and spooky season, we have a multi-author series about a college for monsters!
Creelin U is finally allowing humans to attend the university, and Brandon is feeling the pressure to fit in amongst the monsters and finally find where he fits in the world. Steve (aka the nokk, as you cannot know his real name) is looking for the chance to be who he wants to be and not who his father expects him to be.
I do not read a ton of paranormal romance, but I found the idea of this intriguing (and like several of the authors participating), so I decided to give this a try. I loved the sheer variety of supernatural creatures that exist in this world, and how they all came to be on earth due to a "Halloween Wave" that turned lots of humans into the creatures of myth and legend.
Brandon is an adorable golden retriever of a person, who just wants to be liked and accepted. I loved how earnestly he tried to get Steve to like him, and how he just truly accepted everyone as they were and did not seem to have any negative preconceived notions of his fellow classmates. Steve is trying to fight internalized feelings about being a nokk that stem from his human mother, and fighting the feelings he has for Brandon (that are then further complicated by accidentally starting a bonding ritual).
These two were very cute trying to dance around (then with) each other, and watching them surrender to their feelings for each other was very satisfying. And while some of the body acceptance was a bit heavy handed at times, I did like how Steve's journey to finally accepting who he is was done in the end.
If you're looking to dip your toes into the paranormal pool, this is a good place to start! Solid 3.5-4 stars.
CW: sexual content, body image issues, drowning
Creelin U is finally allowing humans to attend the university, and Brandon is feeling the pressure to fit in amongst the monsters and finally find where he fits in the world. Steve (aka the nokk, as you cannot know his real name) is looking for the chance to be who he wants to be and not who his father expects him to be.
I do not read a ton of paranormal romance, but I found the idea of this intriguing (and like several of the authors participating), so I decided to give this a try. I loved the sheer variety of supernatural creatures that exist in this world, and how they all came to be on earth due to a "Halloween Wave" that turned lots of humans into the creatures of myth and legend.
Brandon is an adorable golden retriever of a person, who just wants to be liked and accepted. I loved how earnestly he tried to get Steve to like him, and how he just truly accepted everyone as they were and did not seem to have any negative preconceived notions of his fellow classmates. Steve is trying to fight internalized feelings about being a nokk that stem from his human mother, and fighting the feelings he has for Brandon (that are then further complicated by accidentally starting a bonding ritual).
These two were very cute trying to dance around (then with) each other, and watching them surrender to their feelings for each other was very satisfying. And while some of the body acceptance was a bit heavy handed at times, I did like how Steve's journey to finally accepting who he is was done in the end.
If you're looking to dip your toes into the paranormal pool, this is a good place to start! Solid 3.5-4 stars.
CW: sexual content, body image issues, drowning
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