Two polar opposites. One impossible physics class. A whole lotta attraction.
I have no sympathy for slackers like Josh Pickett, who think that just because they're athletes they can skate by and leave the academic heavy-lifting to nerds like me. And especially not slackers who've already left me hanging on a class project once before, forcing me to finish it solo. Any guesses who that might've been?
Nope. Not one ounce of sympathy.
So when I'm assigned to tutor him in physics, I tell him flat out I'm not gonna go easy on him.
I won't be swayed by his ridiculously sexy dimpled smile. Or the fact that he actually shows up for our sessions.
Him bringing me my favorite burger every time? Irrelevant.
note: This is a short story that was previously part of a promo giveaway and has been expanded to NOVELLA length. So it's still a shorter read, just with additional chapters and the inclusion of more of the EA guys.
Neve Wilder lives in the southern U.S., where the summers are hot and the winters are...sometimes cold. She is a mom to three rambunctious weebeasts who have joined forces in a mission to carpet the family home with toys and small items that really suck to step on at six in the morning.
She reads promiscuously, across multiple genres, but her favorite stories always contain an element of romance. Incidentally, this is also what she likes to write. Slow-burners with delicious tension? Yes. Whiplash-inducing page-turners, also yes. Down and dirty scorchers? Yes. And every flavor in between.
Neve isn't keen on being limited to one type of story or a single genre. If you enjoy slow burns and musicians, the Rhythm of Love series might be up your alley.
You'll find high heat, crackling sexual tension, and a variety of angst levels in the new adult Extracurricular Activities series that begins with Want Me.
Like smart-ass antiheroes and super steamy thrill rides? Stay tuned for the upcoming Wages of Sin series, which begins with Bad Habits.
If you need a good cry, Center of Gravity is a standalone age-gap slow burn that examines grief, enduring love, and imperfect characters doing their best (or worst, as it were) in shitty situations.
Neve fervently believes David Bowie was the sexiest musician to ever live, and she's always game to nerd out on anything from music to writing.
And finally, she believes that love conquers all. Except the heat index in July. Nothing can conquer that bastard.
Well, that was nice. It's short and superficial, a typical jock/nerd story, but also quite sweet. I wouldn't have minded reading more about the two of them. But it was also good that it was this length, as my head is all over the place at the moment, so something short like this is always helpful. Also, you can't really go wrong with this author; a very beautiful narrative style.
“Who taught you to hate fun? Seriously? Whose ass needs kicking?” I grabbed his wrist. “Make a snow angel.” Logan pulled away obstinately. “I’m not making a snow angel. I’m still trying to get my lungs to remember how to breathe.” “Make the damn snow angel or I’ll make you.” 🤭🫠🥰
"Our lips crashed violently together, teeth clacking and then… then everything mellowed. Like the heat radiating through me, the kiss itself melted between us into slow, liquid warmth as his mouth moved over mine, his tongue caressing the tip of mine and then delving inside. Sensual and focused, not at all like the raucous mess we’d been moments ago."
I loved Test Me when it was a short story in a promo giveaway and I love it even more now, as a low-angst-novella (just quietly, if it was a full-blown book I'd love it the most!) This can be read as a standalone prequel to the fabulous Extracurricular Activites series, but why would you stop here when you get a little taste of Nate, Eric, Mark, Chet, Jesse and Sam in this one?!
This is Josh and Logan's story and you can expect:
❣️MM college romance ❣️Opposites attract ❣️Jock x nerd ❣️Bi-awakening ❣️Steamy first times ❣️Found family ❣️HEA
Tropes: opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine, nerd/jock Feels: 3/5 Steam*: 2/5 Kinks: n/a Angst: low HEA: yes Pairing: MM Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: nothing notable Cheating between MCs: No Any cheating: No Other person drama: At one point before Logan and Josh got together, Logan had a blind date he met on an app, and Josh was silently jealous but Logan did not hook up with the guy. Neither Josh nor Logan is with anyone else during the book.
4 stars
Josh and Logan are in college. They met during an earlier year of college when they were in the same class and assigned to a group project. Josh is a athlete and popular and he was selfish and preoccupied and missed doing his part for the group project, and Logan had to do an all-nighter to do his part. So Logan has held a grudge against josh, and against athletes in general. Now Josh isn't doing well in physics and needs a tutor, and Logan gets assigned to tutor him so they end up spending time together.
Logan is gay. Josh is bi, but he's never been with a guy before. Josh finds Logan cute and quickly develops a crush on him as they spend time together. Logan has no idea Josh is bi so he's oblivious, but he's also attracted to Josh. Eventually a heat of the moment kiss happens and they start hooking up, but Logan still can't believe that Josh is actually interested in him, in dating him. Josh is a good guy though, and he's gone on Logan, so it's a sweet story.
This is a novella, so there isn't a ton of depth to the story. But it is a nice read. It's giving grumpy/sunshine, black cat / Golden retriever. The characters are likable and they have a sweet and steamy relationship. I read the rest of the series before I read this, so it was nice to see the other characters from the series. I did like the other books better, because they were full length and more developed. But this was enjoyable.
Some notable moments:
I like how Josh finds Logan's glasses stuff so adorable. And he knows Logan is prickly. "“No glasses tonight?” I asked conversationally. He looked good both ways, and I couldn’t decide which I’d preferred. I also had a strong suspicion he wouldn’t give a shit what my preference was."
Cute first kiss during a snowball fight. "He aimed a wild, flushed-cheek grin down on me that melted the chill running up my spine. “Was that so hard?” I was so, so hard, but I shook my head dazedly and then, before I could register what I was doing, shot a hand up and grabbed him by the collar, yanking his mouth to mine."
*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.
Happy this has been expanded! Josh and Logan are really cute and I loved seeing Jesse, Nate, Sam, Mark and Chet pop up, as well as Ansel whose story I am very patiently waiting for 😂
It's making me want to re-read the whole series now too because I didn't get any Eric content!
⭐️ 3.5/5 — Prickly tutor meets golden boy jock → instant chemistry + unexpected sweetness 💞 🌶 2/5 — Soft simmer, cozy heat without the burn ❤️
Okay, so… I went in expecting your typical campus fluff, but this one had a little extra charm. The banter was cute, the chemistry hit right away, and honestly? The dimpled jock completely stole the show for me. It’s not earth-shattering, but it’s sweet, easy to binge, and gave me exactly the cozy college romance vibes I was craving. 🥰
🥍👓 The MCs 🥍👓
Logan — Smart, a little insecure, with those glasses and that overthinking brain that never quits. He’s convinced he’s too nerdy, too much, not enough—classic “doesn’t see his own worth” vibes. Watching him get flustered was half the charm. 👓
Josh — Lacrosse bro, bi, surprisingly soft-hearted. Yeah, he had his “dumb jock” moments, but the way he straight-up said he wanted to date Logan instead of playing games? Damn refreshing. Confident, funny, and lowkey a sweetheart. 🥍
🍔💞 Poodly-Doo, Burgers, and Boner 🍔💞
Quote: Logan: “You know we’re not supposed to eat in here.” Josh: “I once saw a guy lay out the equivalent of a Thanksgiving spread. He legit had a whole turkey leg. No one said poodly-doo, so I think it’ll be okay. There are only what, ten people up here right now, and three of them are eating too. Besides, I brought you one.” Logan: “I’m fine.” Josh: “You sure? Cheeseburger with the works, including hot sauce but no mayo.” Logan: “How do you know that’s what I always get?” Josh: “That group project. We were in Saitha’s dorm one night and we ordered food, remember?” Logan: “Good memory. I’m not hungry. Let’s get started.” Josh: (raises his voice) “Anyone want a Goldberg Burger, hot—“ Logan: “Shhh! Fine. I’ll take it.” Josh: (grins) “You’re welcome.”
God, I didn’t know what it was about him that made it so fun to rile him up. Well, I sort of did, and it made me feel a little like a playground bully trying to pick on him, but none of it was mean-spirited. At least, I didn’t think it was, and I guess he was okay with it, too, because seconds later, he was savaging that burger like he hadn’t eaten in a week, while I tried to ignore what the gloss of burger grease on his lips was doing to my cock. ---
💭 The second Josh dropped “poodly-doo,” I lost it. 🤣 But also??? The way he remembered Logan’s exact burger order from months ago?? That’s boyfriend behavior in disguise. 🥹😍
💭 And let’s be real—Logan demolishing that burger while Josh tries not to pop a boner? That’s romance, baby. 😏😌💖
🌶💦 Don’t Judge Me on That One Nut 🌶💦
Quote: Logan: “You’re annoyingly cocky sometimes.” Josh: “You’re annoyingly sexy.” [cue: nipple biting, groaning, pants half-off, cocks grinding like their lives depend on it] Josh: “Oh fuck—” (nuts in two seconds) Josh: (horrified) “I can last longer, I swear.” Logan: (laughing and chuckling against Logan’s chest) 😂
💭 Messy, clumsy, uncontrollable, and hot. Nothing polished, nothing rehearsed—just two guys wrecking each other for the first time and finding out it’s everything they didn’t know they needed. 😚💕
💭 Realistic fumbling sex over porn-star perfection every damn time. 🤌🏻✨️🙂↕️
📝 TLDR 📝
Pick this up if you’re into: 🎓💘 College romance vibes (tutor x athlete) 🌈🥍 Bi, dimpled jock who knows what he wants 👓🤭 A slightly grumpy but adorable nerd losing the fight against attraction 🔥☕ Low spice but juuust enough heat to keep you warm at night 💞🥰 Light angst, a bundle of insecurities, and a sweet HFN that’ll leave you smiling
- Quotes:
He was all casual cool-guy as he spoke, the outside of his thigh leaning against the table, his other hand draped around a tray weighed down with a giant baked potato. How the hell he could make carrying a baked potato look sexy was beyond me. - “What the hell was that?” Jesse squinted in my direction with obvious disapproval. “Saying hello to someone.” Nate offered obliviously. “I believe they’re referred to as social skills.” “Nooooo, I’m asking Logan. Hot Lacrosse Guy was trying to be nice. When a guy that hot is trying to be nice, you be nice back—even if they’re a slacker—not squeeze a water bottle like you wish it was his neck. That’s in the gay playbook of life, for fuck’s sake.” I definitely didn’t wish the water bottle was Josh’s neck. In fact, there was a horrible split second where I’d wondered how the thickness of his cock might measure up. “No it’s not. I’m not going to be nice to some slacker jock just because he’s hot.” - He jolted as I spread his cheeks. “Wha—” he stuttered into a whisper as I knelt and buried my face between his spread thighs, flicking my tongue over his hole and tasting him. ”Oh fuck, no one’s ever… I haven’t... Jesus.” “Is this okay?” “Yesssss. I want it, Logan. Fuck, I want it bad. I swear I’m gonna rub a hole through your mattress.” - “Holy fuck.” “I’m not sure there was anything holy about that.” - “God, I’m such an idiot sometimes.” “Hey now, don’t go stealing my title. I prefer to be the resident dumbass.” “You’re most definitely not a dumbass.” “Then I guess we’ve both got insecurities to work on.” - “So exactly how cute do you find Sam?” “Are you serious? Are you having a rare moment of insecurity, Joshua?” “I’ve already forgotten what he looks like. Funny how that happens when I’m around you.” “I was just fishing.” “Well, you caught me. You keep catching me over and over, and I wouldn’t change it for anything.” -
⚠️ Detailed spoiler below ⛔️
RC and MCs: 🥍👓 MM, strict top/bottom 🥍👓 Joshua Pickett aka Josh yo and Logan Jenkins yo 🥍👓 Josh: Part of the Lacrosse team in the U's athletic program 🥍👓 Logan: - 🥍👓 Josh: Top, straight to bi, wavy chestnut curly hair, lean built, broad shoulders, over 6ft, dimples, 🥍👓 Logan: Bottom, gay, floppy dark hair, silvery-hazel eyes, glasses with stylish navy plastic frames, sharp nose
Genre and tropes: 🥍👓 MM contemporary romance 🥍👓 New adult 🥍👓 College romance 🥍👓 Enemies-to-lovers 🥍👓 Grumpy/sunshine 🥍👓 Jock/nerd 🥍👓 Opposites attract 🥍👓 Forced proximity 🥍👓 Bi-awakening 🥍👓 First times 🥍👓 Pet names: -
Safety info: 🥍👓 Angst: Low 🥍👓 OPD: Logan had one date with Chet, but it didn’t go anywhere. No further on-page details about the date. 🥍👓 Cheating/sharing: No 🥍👓 Third act breakup: No 🥍👓 Ending: HFN 🥍👓 Epilogue: Yes (10 months later) 🥍👓 POV: Dual, 1st person 🥍👓 Series structure: Interconnected standalone
Spice and kinks: Frotting, rimming, finger fucking, blowjob, condom, anal sex
CW/TW: Explicit sexual content, alcohol consumption
This was a nice dip back into the EA world. The MCs had good chemistry and the build up was great. I’m giving the heat a solid 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5. However, I do wish more effort had been taken to make the MCs voices more distinct.
This novella is super cute and well written, with a sweet story. I am glad I got it as a freebie because I think the Amazon price was a bit high for a short read. With that said, I'm a sucker for the jock/nerd trope and I really enjoyed the story.
The perfect balance between sweet and hot 🥰 these two are so freaking adorable that it pains me to be this short…. I would definitely read a full novel ❤️ with more time, more of everything.
And the cameos? Oh god everyone was here, some on page some close by 🌈🥹🥰
Szybkie i przyjemne do przeczytania na jeden raz (i jeszcze szybszego zapomnienia). Czasami czuję, że jestem nie fair wobec osób autorskich oceniając ich opowiadania (bo nie jestem fanką tej formy, zdecydowanie wolę dłuższe historie), ale skoro już je przeczytałam...
Trochę zabrakło mi tu emocji, chemii pomiędzy Loganem i Joshem, ale mam wrażenie, że jest ogólny problem krótkich form.
Zdecydowanie dla fanów serii, ale nie polecam zacząć jej od tej pozycji, mimo że jest to prequel.
What is it about the jock/nerd combo that just hits every time. Especially when the nerd is sassy and the jock is smitten?! I just stayed kicking my feet and smiling over Josh and Logan.
Logan holds a bit of a grudge after Josh bailed on a group project...but who can resist dimples? And burgers? And that smile? Certainly not me… And certainly not Logan 🥰.
These guys are adorable. I loved their tutoring sessions and how Josh worked to change Logan's opinion of him. Their banter, their first kiss…their everything! Did I mention there's a snowball fight? Because how freaking cute. This is the perfect low angst holiday-ish story… Plus, we get to see our favorites from the EA series. Love every single bit of this novella!
For a novella, this story was packed with some of the best kind of writing. There was spice, sweetness, and so much emotion, which isn't always easy to pull off with just around 100 pages, but this author pulled it off! The writing really flowed, and I would have read more than 100 pages about these two beautiful men. Logan is what most would be referred to as a nerd. He's also a little grumpy but also a little cinnamon roll with a bit of insecurity. He enjoys tutoring, but when he's supposed to tutor the hot lacrosse jock who left Logan with a group project the year before, he'd rather keep his distance even though he can't deny the attraction. Josh is a jock who got into the party scene and usual jock activities freshman year and feels bad about having saddled a classmate with group work he was supposed to help with. When he needs tutoring in physics, he's paired up with said former classmate and can't help but be interested in the guy who seems to want to be doing anything but tutoring him. But with some burgers and a genuineness, Logan wasn't expecting Josh showed him that he isn't the guy he thinks he is. They were so cute and steamy together that I couldn't get enough! It was cute the way they both thought they didn't have a shot with each other, but when Logan learns Josh is bi, he can't help himself to hope he has a shot with him. Turns out they were both on the same page, and the end result was so beautiful that I couldn't have made them any more perfect than they are. I received an ARC of this book and this is my true and honest opinion
Cute novella set before Want Me. It’s been a while since I read the first book so I found myself having to refresh my memory on who everyone was. Very hot and sweet.
It was so great being back in EA world! I loved Logan and Josh’s story! Josh had a second chance to make a better impression on Logan after getting assigned to Logan as his Physics tutor. He crashed and burned the first time when he left Logan with the brunt of a group project. While they seemed an unlikely fit it was so fun seeing these two fall for each other while they were oblivious of the other’s interest. Along the way of these two getting to know each other, we got to catch up with some of the guys we’ve come to know and love through this series. The little Easter eggs that Neve left for us throughout was so fun, it added to the overall enjoyment of Logan and Josh finding their HEA together. As always when I read one of the EA books, I always want to start over where it all began and work my way through again. If you haven’t started the EA series, starting here will not ruin your enjoyment of the series, and I encourage you to start here and get to know the guys of Extracurricular Activities at Silver Ridge University.
Ah, sweet and spicy Novella keeping us in the Extracurricular universe
“Maybe tonight I can tutor you in how to tell if a guy is into you, since you seem a little dense where that’s concerned." 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Josh needs a tutor, and Logan doesn’t want anything to do with the cocky jock that couldn’t even be bothered to pull his own weight in their freshman year. Josh wears him down though, and their mutual attraction can’t be denied. When Josh admits to being bi, Logan takes his chance one snowy night that includes a snowball fight and a fireplace. I loved being back in this world and seeing all of our other favorite guys again.
“I chuckled and pulled him closer, burying my nose in the crown of the head, smelling his shampoo and skin. “It’s true. I love you, even if you’re a terrible tutor who seduces his students.”
Test Me by Neve Wilder is the kind of novella that makes my nerd x jock loving heart melt. It’s got all the things I adore in a college MM romance: low angst, opposites attract, and just the right balance of cute and hot. Logan and Josh are both so cute that I couldn’t help but root for them from the start. The tension and spark are there, but it never gets weighed down by drama - it’s all about that feel-good warmth. I loved the snow angel scene - that turning point was pure magic and had me grinning like fool. The spice was hot enough to warm me right up after all that snow. Their banter was so much fun and worked well with the light tone of this story. And the romance was absolutely adorable. This novella feels like snuggling in front of a cosy fire - it's the perfect low angst, spicy read to warm your soul.
4 stars Lovely addiction to the Extracurricular Activities series. This is the story of Josh, a Lacrosse player in need of help with physics, and Logan, a nerdy tutor who will help him. The devlopment of their relationship is sweet: Josh is completely smitten by Logan and he tries to find the courage to make a move, while Logan is a bit unsure towards the hot jock. Their first kiss is amazing and once they finally get over their insecurities, they're so very adorable together and they share a lot of tender and intimate moments together, like making snow angels or spending time in front of the fireplace.
I would have loved more communication between them, though.
This novella is full of Easter eggs from almost all the MCs of the previous books: I particularly liked when Jesse said blond gay guys were very hard to find, knowing that Sam is indeed blond and that they will have a wonderful love story.
I very much recommend this and I hope Ansel's book will come soon.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
Logan and Josh are a riot and watching their relationship evolve is supremely satisfying. Cameos from other characters in Wilder’s Extracurricular Activities series made the reading experience super fun. As this is a prequel, you get to meet these characters before they got their HEAs. Love the Easter egg from the Rhythm of Love series, too!
But back to Logan (the sexiest physics tutor at Silver Ridge University) and Josh (a lacrosse player) — they were the epitome of opposites attract but together make so much sense. The first kiss was *swoon*. The exploration sweltering (I’m not just blaming the fireplace) and the emotional connection amazing.
Wilder remains at the top of the college scene. 5 stars for this novella, which makes me want to go re-read the series NOW!
The EA series is one of my all time favourites so I was pleased to read this novella. It is geek/jock, opposite attract and bi-awakening. Jock Josh needs help with his physics course and gets assigned to tutor Logan who is not happy about that. They worked on a project before and Josh deserted him so there's some reluctance but it does help that Josh apologised and that he brings burgers every time. Turns out they get along well and there's chemistry between them. I loved reading this and it has made me want to reread the other books in the series again.
“You keep catching me over and over, and I wouldn’t change it for anything.”
This is so cute! Josh needs a physics tutor and Logan is available. The only problem is Logan can’t stand Josh because Josh flaked on a group project a while ago. But as their study sessions keep happening the two can’t help but develop a little crush on each other. This was so cute and sweet! I loved how adorable and shy their relationship was and how honest they were with one another. The snow globe too! Are you kidding me?! Ugh too cute. Love this whole series!
Rating: 4.5/5 🌟 Spice: 2.5/5 🌶️ Characters: Josh and Logan
I will take anything I can get relating to this series. Every short story, novella, novel. I never want to leave this group of guys. It's low angst, fun, full of sweet swoony moments, steamy, and very easy to read. Josh needs a tutor. Logan is the tutor he ends up with. They have a history already. One where Josh left Logan to complete a school project on his own. So, Logan isn't so keen on working with Josh at first. He is also attracted to Josh but thinks he is straight. This is the short story of them sharing burgers in the library, snow angels, and steamy moments with a fireplace. I loved it and wished it was longer. It's the perfect quick read for this time of year since it takes place during winter. It gives me everything I want and love about this series - steam, swoon, moments that make me smile and giggle, and just makes me genuinely happy.
Now it's time to reread this entire series again. I have to.
Phew just what I needed to clean my palette from the last disaster I read. I’ve read this whole series before but since Neve put this back out and had extended it I decided to give it a shot and it was a perfect short read. Both MCs were presh in their own ways and I loved getting little sneak peeks at future couples that were sprinkled throughout. Listened to this via audiobook and it was good time
[3.8⭐️] ayyy, hace mucho rato no leía algo de hombre x hombre y me encantó volver con esto. Mas que un libro es como un relato cortito sobre Logan y Josh que te introduce a la saga. Le pongo esta calificación porque es muy cortito y me quedé con ganas de leer más de esta pareja, creo que pudo ser un poco más largo y tener más desarrollo la historia junto con los personajes. De todas formas creo que es una buena manera de empezar una saga, definitivamente seguiré con el resto de libros.
Everything you want in a novella… dynamic characters, sweet romance, spicy passion, lovable support characters, and just the right bit of intriguing plot.
Logan & Josh’s story is the perfect addition to an already brilliant steamy college romance series. In this prequel we get to meet most the couples that are featured throughout the series as bright eye’d sophomores and get to fall head over heels for these two sweet boys.
Every delicious page was engaging and giving us…
Jock (Lacross)/Tutor Brief misunderstanding/animosity First time bi exploration And a dollop of holiday cheer
The perfect novella to curl up with on a cozy afternoon. Five stars.
This was such a great short! Not only did we get to fall in love, enjoy their romantic moments, and see their happily ever after, but the cuteness was next level! Jordan is a tutor and Josh is the jock very much in need of one. Problem? Jordan’s last experience studying with Josh left him working overnight on a project with zero help from his partner… you guessed it! But as soon as both start working together, sparks fly and the chemistry is great! Definitely a new comfort read. Adored it!
Josh and Logan were everything i didn’t know i was missing from the EA Series!!! This novella sized book was super cute, funny, and sexy!! Josh (jock) and Logan (nerd) just fit together so perfectly. The little boy of animosity in the beginning helps bring this whole story to life and it’s so perfect. I loved getting to see a big of our EA boys and how they all kind of criss crossed into each other’s lives before they ever got their HEAs.
I received an advance review copy for free, I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Test Me is the prequel novella in the Extracurricular Activities series. This MM opposites attract romance story is about Josh and Logan.
Josh plays lacrosse and is struggling in physics, and his coach insists he needs to get help. Logan is the nerdy and grumpy tutor who ends up tutoring Josh. This was a short yet sweet and spicy story. I enjoyed getting to know Josh and Logan, and I definitely would have liked a full length novel so we could get even more of them. I also liked seeing the boys from the EA series.