Extra Credit

The Boys of Elmwood U #1

by Hayden Hall

Look, I’m not stupid. I’m just really, really bad at Statistics.

Bad enough that Coach is threatening to bench me if I don’t pull my grades up. Bad enough that Professor Colby assigned me a tutor from the Thinkers’ House: a nerd who actually enjoys calculating standard deviations.

Enter Bennet Marlowe: certified genius, overpowered paladin in shiny armor, and the most annoyingly attractive guy I’ve ever failed to impress. He’s all sharp edges and sharper wit, hiding behind oversized sweaters and reading glasses that have no business making me lose focus during study sessions. He’s also completely off-limits. It’s hard to learn anything when all I can think about is whether he’d let me kiss him if I got the answer right.

And yet, I keep finding excuses to see him. Crashing his D&D night. Convincing him to see a movie with me when my date bails. Walking him home and standing too close on his doorstep. Kissing him clumsily near said doorstep.

And somewhere between pivot tables and probability, I’m starting to think maybe I’m not just bad at Statistics. I’m catastrophically bad at keeping my hands to myself.

I’ve got one semester to pass this class and keep my scholarship. Falling for my tutor is definitely not the kind of extra credit I signed up for.

Extra Credit is a gay college romance pairing a hopeless nerd with a cocky jock. If you ever needed a book that felt like a cozy hug, this is the one. It’s the first novel in The Boys of Elmwood U series, but it’s complete with low-angst vibes, spicy lessons, and a happily ever after.

Genres: M M Romance, College, Sports, Romance, Contemporary, LGBT, Football

284 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 2, 2026

About the author

Gay. Sweet. Steamy.

Hayden Hall writes MM romance novels. He is a boyfriend, a globetrotter, and an avid romance reader.

Hayden's mission is to author a catalog of captivating and steamy MM romance novels which gather a devoted community around the Happily Ever Afters.

His stories are sweet with just the right amount of naughty.

You can get in touch with Hayden on Facebook or through his website at haydenhallwrites.com

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tried and tested trope, drama-free, and very, very adorable.

There are only so many directions you can take a jock and nerd love story, so it felt cosy and familiar. Not a lot happened in the way of plot, but what we got was a very cute relationship development, where both characters show their vulnerabilities and strengths.

I loved the way the epilogue was written, giving us a quick breakdown of their next six years after they got together. There’s spice and sugary stuff, making it all a very enjoyable read.


………………………………………………………….

I got an ARC from GRR, and this is my honest review.

[Showarst · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extra Credit by Hayden Hall is book 1 in the new The Boys of Elmwood U series. Jason is a football star who cannot pass stats. His professor sets him up with Bennet, a tutor. The two have preconceived notions about each other and soon learn to become friends. The relationship soon deepens into something more. I really loved these two together. Both of them struggled with confidence in certain areas. They were able to help each other in these areas. I loved that. I really appreciated the epilogue which took us several years past graduation. I am very intrigued by the different side characters we met as well (Taylor and Rowan). I always enjoy Hayden’s series, so I look forward to where he takes us next.

I received an ARC from the author for my honest review.

[Lance · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Tender, sweet, and very bingeable, Extra Credit was the perfect Kindle Unlimited treat to satisfy my craving for a nerd/jock MM romance the day after Pride Month.

[Beagle Lover (Avid Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 heated stars!

Please see my full review on Amazon. I despise writing a review twice. Thank you!

[Dik Verhoef · Rating 2 out of 5]

No Extra Credit (would be a better title)!
Overwritten, bad spice and my last Hayden Hall.
Overall 2 ⭐️⭐️

Story/writing: 2 ⭐️
Characters: 3 ⭐️
Enjoyment: 2 ⭐️
Quality Spice: 1 ⭐️

Tropes: MM, Jock/nerd, College, Tutor, Low angst and Steamy.

My thoughts:

My initial thoughts of this book brought my "bitchy" gay demon side to the service.
I know, I know.. this sounds terrible but it's true. And I promise that I have counted till 10 before committing myself to write this review. Also I try to be decent and give my honest opinion.

After giving Hayden Hall books a third and a final fourth chance (my mistake) i am officially done with this author. How can he screw up the Jock/Nerd trope? Normally this is one of my most favorite tropes and I don't rate these kind of stories lower than a 3 or 3.5 ⭐️ but Extra Credit managed to break this rule.

I always try to look, if it was "a just me" case.. but I am sorry Hayden (I am not lol!)
I wasn't the only that was disappointed in this book.
Some higher rated reviews are ARC's or bought I am sorry! I look add some reviewers avg. and some had an 4.75 and higher.. as average. Sorry, that's impossible if you have read so many books.

But know... finally the review. Sorry, I don't feel like wasting my time for a summery.
You hopefully understand..

The main characters were just OK! You have the jock Jason and the nerd Bennet and I was actually enjoying the characters and their relationship until they had sex for the first time.

Spoiler: 10 plus pages of terrible spice. Why?
The characters transformed into instant porn stars.
That made very little sense when one of them is portrayed as a shy nerd who has only had two previous sexual experiences.
And now the worst part TRIGGER WARNING: Jason put his hands around Bennet’s neck and somewhat choked him while having sex with him. And this is a big NO, No, No for me! WTF!
And even worse (Yes, it's getting worse) there had been no previous conversation or indication that Bennet wanted this either.

The story wasn't original, but normally I wouldn't mind that if the rest of the story, characters etc.. were OK, but unfortunately the rest wasn't good either.

What I didn't like:
🏈 The writing felt very overwritten
🤓 The story felt unnecessarily drawn out
🧢 This story included D&D without research ouch..
📚 10+ pages virgin (pornstar) steam
🎓 Choking with or without consent NO!
🏈 Pretty surface level content
🧢 I found myself zoning out!
🤓 BAD epilogue (normally I like these)

What was a little bit OK in this book:
🏈 Low angst
🤓 Sweet (No, not in the chocking part lol!)
🧢 That's it folks!

Some constructive criticism:
🤓 Hayden Hall, I hope you find another job fast!

OMG! At the end.. I didn't make it folks.. the "bitchy demon" game up I am sorry!

Would I reread this book? What do you think lol!
Would I recommend this book? No, only if you want to hurt yourself.
Would I like to read more of this author? No, 4 chances were enough!

Hopefully my review will help you decide whether you want to read this book.

Disclaimer:
This review is based on my own reading experience, moods, thoughts, reading style and likes.
So always check en read more reviews, too make a fair decision.

[Lady Macbeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
New series from Hayden Hall set in Elmwood University.
Jason is a football player just about to fail Statistics, when his Professor assigns him to a tutor who will help him catch up.
Bennet is reserved and focused on his studies. quite the opposite from Jason's sunshine personality.
Working together will give them the chance to know each other and to fall in love, even if they have their own issues and both think the other one is not interested in anything serious.
Jason usually falls too hard and no one ever stays, while Bennet is sarcastic and not romantic at all.

The physical scenes are always very emotional and intimate, it's one thing I love the most about this author.

The epilogue was so sweet, I love when we get glimpses of the MCs' future together.
I really really need Professor Colby's story, I beg the author to write it!

I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up

[Heather MMRomanceReviewed]

I love when a jock falls for a nerd... and Extra Credit serves up a deliciously slow burn story that has the jock trying to fit into the nerd's world... D & D, the movies, just having good conversations.... it's a lovely start to a new college series and I can't wait to see where it goes next.

[Syria · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5⭐️
I didn't expect to like this story so much. It's well-written, and the intimacy and affinity between the protagonists is palpable; it's not a frivolous story like so many others out there.
Perhaps I would have appreciated the initial part of getting to know the two of them being longer, before their lips touch and their first interests and feelings become clear (this happens before 50% of the way through the story), since the initial part of the first approaches and uncertainties is the most fragile and beautiful part to read and experience.
I personally prefer my story with a bit more drama, because everything in this story felt too good, too perfect, too easy.. when it’s ever easy especially in love matters?
Overall if you are looking for a story with not particular drama in it e you just want to read a sweet story that’s the right book for you!

[Julie Underhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extra Credit by Hayden Hall is the first book in his The Boys of Elmwood U series. It is the story of a college jock who needs help in statistics from a very smart nerd and how they fall in love. Jason is Elmwood University’s star receiver who is great at football but not so great at schoolwork, especially anything to do with math. He is failing statistics and if he doesn’t get his grades up, he will be benched which is something he doesn’t want to happen. Professor Colby wants to meet with him after his latest F so he reluctantly goes to see him. Bennet Marlowe is an extremely smart guy who wants to follow in his professor’s footsteps and is one of his proteges. He needs to get some volunteering hours in so he reluctantly agrees to tutor Jason who he thinks will be a typical jock like he has seen throughout his life and that is not his idea of a good time. He has noticed a shirtless football guy and his golden retriever around campus and is surprised when he turns out to be the person he is going to tutor. Their first meeting finds Jason trying to be funny but failing with Bennet and Bennet being no nonsense and trying to see how he can help him pass his class, especially since Professor Colby has reminded him that it will reflect on his reputation if he doesn’t. Jason feels a pull to Bennet from the beginning and finds him to be a mystery. He asks to meet at his fraternity’s house, Bel House, the next time and after the session asks him to see the Seeds of Soulless movie with him, which is a video game Bennet loves so he goes but is wondering about Jason’s motives the whole time. After their next session Jason realizes that Bennet was not uninterested in him but was just awkward and being the nice and kind guy he was, he hadn’t done enough to make him feel good around him. Jason invites him to a Friday night party at Bel House but Bennet says he plays Dungeons and Dragons with his guys at the Thinkers House and Jason says he loves that and played when he was in high school and asks if he can join them. Bennet is hopeful because he is also feeling an attraction but doesn’t think he will come because jocks don’t fall for nerds like him. But he is surprised when he does come and they have one of their best sessions because Jason’s character fits right in with them. After the game they went for a walk around campus which led to a kiss, Jason apologizing and being very embarrassed, and then not showing up for their next tutoring session. Bennet knew how important football was to him and didn’t want him to fail, so he showed up and went to Bel House to talk. Jason said he skipped because he didn’t know what to do. They got back to work and Bennet fell asleep there. Jason realized that no one had looked as closely at him as Bennet did and he’d shown up because he mattered and needed help and not because he was useful to him. They end up going to the gym together, work out, and talk. Jason tells him he thinks about him all the time and that he makes him stupid while Bennet says he confuses him and makes him nervous. This leads to a real kiss that is interrupted and at the next statistics session to a very hot love scene which continues over time. Jason longs for a relationship but hasn’t had much luck in the past because he can be intense, clingy, and a lot and worries about that with Bennet. But this is a whole new Bennet because of Jason and now he lives in the moment and tries not to overthink. When Jason blurts out he loves Bennet he is taken aback and says he doesn’t want what they have to end but wants to be sure. When Jason is taking his final statistics test Bennet realizes he does love him and shows up to be there for him and they can love each other for who they really are. I really enjoyed this story. Jason and Bennet are complete opposites but Jason is kind and funny and Bennet is wary because of all of his previous encounters with jocks. Jason wants to continue his football career and Bennet is only there because he needs volunteer hours but as they get to know each other they find lots of things they have in common. Jason slowly wins Bennet over until they see the real person behind each of them and know they want to be together. Both are very surprised but happy when they realize they love each other. Their friends and Jason’s dog Peanut play a big part in the story and the Dungeons and Dragons scenes were lots of fun. I also liked the epilogue because instead of going just a small way into their future it follows them for several years and you know they are going to be together forever. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like stories about a college jock and the nerd who has to help him pass one of his courses and how they fall in love even though it seems improbable.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book and fell in love with Jason and Bennet the more I read. The blurb said the book is like a cozy hug, and I totally agree. I smiled so many times reading it, I could picture both characters clearly in my mind, and felt that their relationship and the development of feelings was so natural, both finding themselves in deeper than they ever expected without realizing it. Jason knows that he falls fast and hard but is “too much”, “a lot”, and never someone to be kept for long. Bennet didn’t feel he was good enough for anyone, but especially a man like Jason, so he kept his emotions as tightly under wraps as he could, feeling that Jason was just “settling” for him, not really as into him as he said. The chemistry between them was so hot, leading to many steamy times that just fit so naturally into the narration, but also helped to confuse the realization of where they both were heading emotionally. When Jason made his big statement, Bennet’s reaction was just as I expected, the nerd who could never really believe a jock like Jason could be attracted to someone as unseen as he considered himself to be, protecting himself by pulling back. But Bennet showed up when needed, to give Jason the confidence and focus necessary to prove that the tutoring for Statistics was just as important as what had developed between them outside of it. (I must confess, I was just as confused as Jason with all the Stats stuff, and I could identify with his frustration.)

I laughed at the D&D game at the Thinkers’ House when Jason attended as Dud the Cave Troll. I have never played the game nor seen it played, but I could see the appeal through Rowan’s narration and “Dud’s” remarks. I thought it was a good representation of Jason’s sense of humor coming through in the role play, and when he adopted the character with other interactions outside of the game. I hung on every word uttered by Jason and Bennet when Jason made his big reveal, and could identify with the place both were at when the realizations set in, then I smiled and felt that cozy hug feeling during the epilogue. I was so pleased with where Jason and Bennet ended up, it was the perfect ending for me, it was what they deserved — my heart was full for them.

I can’t recommend this book highly enough. I felt like I was right there with the characters, they were guys I would love to be around and call friends, I was quickly invested in their attraction, then more, to each other, the open door scenes were hot, and I was happy to see Peanut find his place. If you want a feel-good, low angst read with two very relatable guys, this could be the one for you. It was for me. I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.

[Nick Hanks · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 65%

Several things about this book bothered me. First, the writing felt very overwritten. The author often uses two or three sentences to describe something that could have been communicated in one. That style can work perfectly well in a historical romance or a Harlequin novel, but in an MM nerd/jock romance, it made the story feel unnecessarily drawn out.

The characters also do a thing where they make strangely specific guesses about each other despite barely knowing one another. For example, Jason correctly guesses that Matt Smith is Bennet’s favorite Doctor Who character even though they have hardly discussed their interests. The book later explains that Jason based this assumption on Bennet wearing suspenders, but it still felt forced to me.

It also became clear that the author has very little familiarity with D&D. The mechanics described do not match how the game is actually played. Player characters do not normally have 0 Strength or 0 Intelligence, there is no Luck stat, and the DM does not control and narrate the players’ characters for them. It felt as though the author watched a few episodes of Dimension 20 and considered that sufficient research.

The author does similar things with other real-world subjects throughout the book, making assertions that do not quite make sense if you are familiar with the topic. At that point, why not create fictional versions of these things and establish whatever rules you want?

Despite those issues, I was actually enjoying the characters and their relationship until they had sex for the first time.

Honestly, the scene was not good. It lasts for more than 10+ pages, which I could have overlooked, but it quickly became unbelievable. The characters essentially transformed into instant porn stars. That made very little sense when one of them is portrayed as a shy nerd who has only had two previous sexual experiences.

What ultimately made me DNF, however, was something that happened during the scene.

Jason put his hands around Bennet’s neck and somewhat choked him while having sex with him. At least, I believe that is what happened, since the author describes Jason closing and tightening his hands around Bennet’s neck. There had been no previous conversation or indication that Bennet wanted this, and it completely threw me out of the book.

It is honestly mind-boggling to me that no one else has mentioned it. Combined with how unrealistic and pornographic their first sexual encounter already felt, it was a complete deal breaker for me.

I think I will be reluctant to read anything else by this author.

[ivanareadsalot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

Super cuuuuuuute OMG!!! This might be my favourite Hayden Hall romance of all time stg! I hope the entire series is like this because I loved every single thing about IT! The spice was luscious fire, the DnD in action was hilarious, the feelings were college insta but adorably jock x nerd daydreamy, and just the overall vibes made me feel really good inside.

This was the kind of playful, low-angst, feelings-rich love experience I LOVE to read.

Jason's humour, teasing banter, and emotionally vulnerable sweetness made him beyond adorable. I got why he was nervous, why he'd acted the way he had and, more than anything, I really appreciated that his character wasn't a toxic and harmful one before some kind of 3rd act redemption arc.

And Bennet was just as heart-wrenchingly precious. He was understandably a squirmy, insecure mess, when the hottest guy he'd ever seen shirtless (in rl) caught feelings for him. I loved that Bennet was confident in his brilliance, and that he was such a determined and upstanding character. I was really moved by how he'd pushed through his low self-esteem and allowed Jason to love on him. I also loved Bennet's lack of disdain for Jason's academic challenges, and that he genuinely wanted Jason to succeed so that he could have the career path of his dreams.

And when both their inhibitions came down and their clothes hit the floor, it was murder in the sheets. I may have cried a little…and then those tears sizzled and evaporated instantly because my face was the surface of the sun. This book contained multitudes, and I am the biggest fan of everything that happened to my subconscious while reading it.

Extra Credit was the softest, sexiest, most wholesome, aesthetically charming and vibrant college romance I've read in a long time, and I loved it! I'm begging Hayden Hall to make The Boys of Elmwood U 84776589726 books strong because I ABSOLUTELY CANNOT WAIT FOR WHATEVER COMES NEXT… AND ALSO WHYYYY ISN'T IT IN MY HANDS RIGHT NOW!! I'M CRYING!!

Here's Ilya making this face for me. Bye.

[Abigail Beckwith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here's Hayden Hall's "Extra Credit." It's the first novel in his new series, The Boys of Elmwood U.

["Look, I’m not stupid. I’m just really, really bad at Statistics.

Bad enough that Coach is threatening to bench me if I don’t pull my grades up. Bad enough that Professor Colby assigned me a tutor from the Thinkers’ House: a nerd who actually enjoys calculating standard deviations.

Enter Bennet Marlowe: certified genius, overpowered paladin in shiny armor, and the most annoyingly attractive guy I’ve ever failed to impress. He’s all sharp edges and sharper wit, hiding behind oversized sweaters and reading glasses that have no business making me lose focus during study sessions. He’s also completely off-limits. It’s hard to learn anything when all I can think about is whether he’d let me kiss him if I got the answer right.

And yet, I keep finding excuses to see him. Crashing his D&D night. Convincing him to see a movie with me when my date bails. Walking him home and standing too close on his doorstep. Kissing him clumsily near said doorstep.

And somewhere between pivot tables and probability, I’m starting to think maybe I’m not just bad at Statistics. I’m catastrophically bad at keeping my hands to myself.

I’ve got one semester to pass this class and keep my scholarship. Falling for my tutor is definitely not the kind of extra credit I signed up for."]

These two were adorable as hell. Head over heals from the very beginning, even if they wanted to deny, deny, deny. And a lot of that angst was deny, deny, deny..deny your own feelings, deny that your good enough, deny that the other could possibly feel the same way.

Luckily they had friends (and dogs and a utter lack of a filter) to get them to the HEA.

#gayromancereviews #grr #arcs #arcteammember
#extracredit #theboysofelmwoodu #theboysofelmwooduseries #haydenhall #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

[ViVi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5⭐

It took me a while to get into the story, but once I was more invested the pacing picked up, although towards the end and at certain parts I found myself zoning out. It was a nice palate cleanser between heavier reads, but I'm not going to remember most of it in the next few days.

I wasn't sure about Bennet in the beginning, because I didn't like some of the things he said/thought. It came out as pretentious and judgy (like when he was talking about jocks and their intelligence), basically he was stereotyping, which I guess is a theme of the book since the romance is between a "jock" and a "nerd". Personally I would've liked if it was done differently, but that's just my personal preference. Once we got to know the characters more the stereotypes fade away into the background, so after the beginning I wasn't bothered by it anymore. I do have to say I liked Jason as a character a bit more. He came across as pretty chill and easy going, someone you would want to be friends with, he just gave off good vibes. Their relationship was cute, but I was hoping for more build up and actual scenes of them getting closer, especially in the beginning. I was looking forward to them going to the cinema together, because that was right after they met up and it could've showed that first getting to know each other face and growing attraction. But it just cut off to a different scene, so that left me a bit dissapointed. I didn't care for the third act break up, it was actually painful watching it (in a bad way), because that could've easily been solved with some good communication and it almost felt like it was there for the sake of conflict. The ending felt kind of rushed, but I liked how it wrapped up.

It reminded me a little of Learning Curve by N. R. Walker, so if you're looking for something similiar you might like this one. Although personally I liked the MC's in Learning Curve a lot more.

[Anne Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, let me say I got this book from gay romance reviews and this is me leaving my honest review.
I’ve got to say, I really liked Jason and Bennett. Jason comes across as the guy everyone wants to know and date. He is on the college football team. He’s very good looking and he has The attitude that puts everybody at ease and he’s very easy to talk to. But Jason does have one problem. He is failing a class and if he doesn’t improve his grade the coach is threatening to bench him. When he sees that his latest test he got an F, Jason will take any help given and his professor had given him a private tutor.
Bennet is a nerd. He enjoys learning and he hopes to teach so when the professor gives him another student that needs help. He agrees. It’s been a long time since Bennet looked at basic statistics but this is what his new student Jason needed help with. He knew who Jason was, he was such a good looking guy and he regularly was out in the yard of his frat house in just sweats playing with the house Dog. Bennett thought he had an easy life but it seems they both have issues with self confidence in their own way.
I’ve got to say this is a cute read. I absolutely adored Bennett and Jason. Bennett hadn’t wanted any distractions from his college work but that quickly went out the window when he spent time with Jason. I enjoyed the time they played Dungeons & Dragons in the Thinkers house with Bennett’s friends. They’re just very cute together and when they shared their first kiss gosh did I want to bang Jason‘s head for all his panic and confusion but I am so glad in one way that they talked things through but their insecurities in their own self would play a factor in getting to know one another.
The chemistry between them is of the charts they make a great couple I like that Jason pushes Bennetts boundaries in the library. I just really enjoyed this book.

[Babara-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A SWEET, LOW ANGST COLLEGE ROMANCE!💕 🎲🏰🧙🏻‍♂🐉 ⚔️ 🧌🛡

When it comes to choosing a book to review without reading the blurb diligently it always boils down to this amazing author!

A new series by one of my favourite authors that always puts a smile on my face and heart!

Two amazing characters that will crawl straight into your heart by wielding their insecurities, flaws and fears like swords in a D&D game and how they overcome such fears by their profound friendship, support, compassion and growing love!

🏈

The jock- Jason- openly gay, gorgeous and failing at statistics but that does not mean he is stupid… loved by all but never seen for who he really is until he gets a tutor- Bennett…

📚📊

The Nerd- Cute Bennett is standoffish and professional at first until he sees what other people don’t - a repressed nerd with a golden retriever persona and a heart of gold…

🐾

The fraternity dog- Peanut- a sweet, lovable, intuitive playful golden retriever that attached himself to Jason… and Bennett…

I loved their slow burn romance that ignited nearly 60% into their story which showcased their beautiful, sweet developing friendship and unyielding support of each other with steamy encounters and sweet moments throughout their journey…

⛔️🧙‍♂️⚔️ 🧌🗺️

The Dungeons & Dragons game was hilarious with a D&D gate crashing Cave Troll called Dud and his knight- Palladin with an imaginative DM…

I enjoyed the epilogue of 6 years that depicts their future and how their lives has changed while they matured into responsible, hard working adults!

I look forward to so much more from this series to see which side character will fall next!

I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for an honest, non biased review.

[ProfeSancho · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 stars

Rarely do I feel as well-suited to writing a book review as I do to reviewing Hayden Hall's "Extra Credit" - for, you see, dear reader, I am a gay nerd, and this novel was written for me. Like the co-protagonist Bennet, I spent my Friday nights during college playing D&D, and other afternoons and evenings tutoring handsome, easy-going jocks in need of one-on-one help to stay eligible for their teams. I remember all the fantasies: the fantasy that the athlete will turn out to be gay, the fantasy that he'll turn out to be a closet nerd himself, the fantasy that he'll find me irresistible exactly as I am, the fantasy that he'll kiss me one night, the fantasy that he'll be as eager to get my clothes off as I am to get his off, the fantasy that we'll Live Happily Ever After. And these are precisely the fantasies that Hayden Hall serves up in "Extra Credit" with charm, flair, and plenty of spice in the person of Bennet's statistics-impaired tutee, the sweet-tempered gay himbo football player Jason, who just Needs Somebody To Love and decides Bennet is that Somebody. In a less talented writer's hands, this low-angst, high-spice dual 1st person POV novel might seem predictable as it ambles agreeably toward its inevitable heartwarming conclusion with nary an obstacle in sight. But Hayden Hall makes it work because he is endearingly committed to each and every trope, absolutely determined to give every gay nerd reader sweet dreams of being chosen by the hot guy who thinks his Mr. Right is a D&D-playing academic peer tutor. If this is you, buy the book. This one's a charmer.

With thanks to the author/publisher for access to a digital ARC on Gay Romance Reviews. All opinions are very definitely my own.

[Kitchen Sink Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peanut has my heart, closely followed by his humans. Jason and Bennett are such a brilliant pairing and nothing like the usual jock/nerd that you might be expecting. Afterall, Jason (supposedly the jock in this story, well he is a football player) also loves to play D&D and has the best character in the cave troll. I shared those scenes with my husband who is not an avid romance reader and he loved them - gave him some ideas for his own games I'm sure!

Right, back to the story. Peanut is the resident dog in the jock house and very attached to Jason who seems to love being shirtless outside, regardless of the weather, playing catch with him. Jason is great at that, at football, at D&D but not at stats or romance. Bennett, resident of the Thinkers House is brilliant at stats, D&D but not at any sport. He wants to be a professor after graduation whilst Jason wants to work in sports. Complete opposites in so many ways and yet they click. That surprises them probably as much as it will the reader. And the best part? They don't naturally click. They truly are opposites but they make it work. They are both awkward in their own way, both have their quirks, their dreams, their realities but they make it happen because they want it to and that makes this book so incredibly real. I didn't want to put it down or for it to end and I was thrilled with the Epilogue Hayden Hall gives us.

An unputdownable read, a realistic story which will steal your heart, a chance to dip your toes into stats, football passes and D&D and to fall in love. Peanut, you are mine, I will steal you from Jason and Bennett if I have to!

[Romantic Reads and Such · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25*s

These two goobers are so sweet together! It feels so real the way they dance around their emotions and their issues. Hiding and waffling because they are so scared of showing who they really are and what they really want. It just feels like a situation I easily could have found myself in at college.

And while the nerd/jock trope is pretty common, as is the different-than-you’d-expect thing that Jason has going on, Hall makes it work for him. Jason is charismatic, well liked, and hot. But he’s also using his charm to hide his insecurities and doubts, to keep people at a distance. He can’t with Bennett tho once they start spending time together. Slowly letting him see his true self, even as he’s afraid that it’ll chase him away.

Bennett is your typical nerd. Super smart and a little awkward, not very experienced or popular, and sure that he and Jason have absolutely nothing in common. But as he lets his assumptions about Jason go, he discovers someone that he really likes. Someone that might like him back, if he can let his insecurities go and believe in what’s happening.

The writing may be a little awkward in spots, especially at the beginning, but the story and characters hold their own and kept me going until that oh-so-adorable epilogue. It’s low angst and a slow burn and I was there for every moment. Looking forward to seeing what else Hall has for us at Elmwood U!

**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

[Sara Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok pretty surface level. Jason was failing stats so the Professor assigned his protégé to tutor him. Bennet and Jason were complete opposites or at least Bennet thought they were. When Jason started opening up it was so wholesome and fluffy. **Shoulders touching, long glances, butterflies, you know the cute stuff** I know nothing about D&D but those scenes were cute.
The vibe of the book schanged completely during the sex scenes. It was like they were both porn stars even though Bennet was inexperienced. Jason does say he slept around quiet a bit.

During their FIRST time together
Bennet was riding Jason's di*k, leaned all the way back, when Jason leaned over sucked him off until he finished. (All the while Bennet was still impaled....I'm not saying it isn't possible but really their first time?)

ANYWAYS, Their time together consisted of studying or sex and most in past tense thoughts.

Jason confessed his love months into their "fun" as Bennet called it. SPOILER Bennet did not say it back and then ghosted Jason for 3 days. On the day of Jason's big stats test Bennet realizes what a moron he was and showed up at the test. He confessed his "love" and admits he thought Jason was settling.
Jason's response:
"...I don't settle," I said. "I never have. I just...fall. And when I fall, I fall all the way. That scares people."
***Im sorry how many times has Jason been in "love"? and how am I supposed to believe this time was different?***


I dont think I liked it enough to read the rest of the series.

[Manon · Rating 4 out of 5]

In one way this is your classic tried and tested college age jock/not romance. But with this also nothing is really as it seems.

Jason is not your not jock because there's also lots more to him than just playing football at college with a scholarship. Yes, he's failing statistics but to be honest, I can't understand this.
Equally Bennett is not your average nerd.

What I really love on this book is that it is not your average college age jock/nerd romance. It's a story of two men who are hiding, behind a public persona for Jason and walls so high that it seems nearly impossible to climb over in Bennett's case. Slowly and slowly both at dismantling their masks and I really enjoy learning about them and how and seeing how they find their way together.

They are definitely chemistry between them. I love how the pupil starts being the tutor when Jason takes over Bennett gym work and how Bennett is slowly letting Jason in and becoming more comfortable around him. And Jason's inner nerd by playing DnD is just so cute.

They are not a lot of secondary characters in this book. It is really just these two with a bit of a friend thrown in. That should make it a bit boring because I love secondary characters flashing out a strong line, but here you really don't miss it. I also love the epilogue, these glimpses in the future together really bring both characters even more to life.

[Bill Bottomley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy. This review is submitted voluntarily.

Jason is a university student who is working on a degree in sports management. Unfortunately, he is failing statistics which also affects his scholarship. The professor sets him up with Bennet as his tutor. The latter is doing post-graduate studies with a view to teaching at the university. Of course, they fall in love. The rest of the book has them getting out of their own way and recognizing their feelings for each other.

This book is relatively low angst but nonetheless deals with the low self-esteem of both MCs. Bennet is the typical nerd who can’t quite grasp that someone would fall in love with him, let alone a handsome, charming jock. On the other had, Jason is dealing with a history of falling in love too easily, only to see the other guy walk away. The author does a good job of showing Jason using various techniques to keep other people, including Bennet, at a distance. As well, he is not a typical jock; for example, he surprises the residents of Thinker House (i.e. nerds) by being very skilled at Dungeons and Dragons. Interestingly, there is a limited number of secondary characters who make certain contributions to their relationship. Mostly, it’s just the two MCs working their way through their situation. An interesting approach.

I truly enjoyed this book.

[Pontiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bennet lives at the Thinker’s House and has plans to become a professor, which he’s on his way to doing. He’s asked to tutor a student failing statistics, and it turns out it’s Jason, a football star.

Jason is charming and social, but no one really knows he likes to be quiet and he’s insecure about his ability to do well in school. When they meet to study Jason feels hopeless, but tries to use his sense of humour to make light of his plight.

Bennet sees through that and gets him to take the work seriously, and they both see more than their stereotypical roles in each other. Bennet tries to be more open, Jason comes to a D&D night at the Thinker’s House, and they start hooking up.

Even when they argue, Bennet cares enough to track Jason down to study when he doesn’t show up to their session. Jason knows he’s falling fast, and expresses his feelings, freaking Bennet out.

He feels the same, but doesn’t think he’s good enough to be outgoing, exciting Jason’s boyfriend. They iron things out and Jason passes stats, but gets a boyfriend in the bargain.

This was a sweet story with two interesting guys who are more than what they appear. I loved the D&D night and the epilogue, which spanned several years.

I received this ARC for free and am pleased to provide my honest review in appreciation.

[Mikaela (risqué.romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extra Credit - Hayden Hall
5/5✨🌟

* SPOILERS *

As usual, Hayden has done it again where he has made me fall in love with his characters once again. Bennett and Jason were just so adorable from the start to the end of this book. I also love how super low angst Hayden’s books are.

I have to say that Jason was probably my favorite because when this man loves, he loves so beautifully. To have a man like that, I’m swooning over here because he would do anything for Bennett.

I’m such a fan for a tutor story and this story definitely did not disappoint me at all. I love how the professor kind of had a way of Bennett being Jason’s tutor. From then on, these two just couldn’t stay away from each other. I have to say one of my favorite chapters was the whole D&D where thy kind of walked each other home. Too stinking cute.

I felt for Bennett because he just couldn’t believe a popular guy like Jason could ever be interested in someone like him. The way degraded himself made me want to hug him so hard. I did love their “love you” moment when Bennett finally came to terms.

And Peanut is just the cutest dog ever. Just from the first chapter we meet her, she’s just all over the place.

Also; the spice was so good but that was no surprise there. I love how special it was for them. I love how the intimacy was just so special.

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Tara Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY OPINION: Starting a new series with Hayden Hall is like grabbing a fuzzy blanket and sitting by the fire. You know it’s going to be comforting, and there will be more to come. Probably a lousy analogy, but I am excited to meet a new group of guys.

This one was really good. The MCs are way more alike than they realize, and that creates an attraction that drives the story forward. You have a typical jock and nerd story, but find out that maybe the jock isn’t as stereotypical as you would expect.

Both of these men have confidence issues and find comfort around each other. I really liked them, and as a couple, they would certainly be noticed. Once they realize there is something between them, there is plenty of spice; you aren’t wondering what they are doing behind closed doors, that's for sure.

I am not sure why I was so charmed by the story, but I was. Jason is funny, and I was easily drawn in by his personality. The dry sense of humor, the directness, and the underlying humanity made me really like him. Bennet is sweet and a nice fit. When you add Peanut, who wouldn’t enjoy the book?

What is best about Hayden Hall books is that they aren’t that serious, and they are filled with heart. I recommend that you read this one, especially since it’s the start of the series. I’ve read other titles, always enjoying them, so looking forward to what comes next.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know what Hayden Hall puts in his stories, but they bleed me dry of every single emotion I have, every damn time.

Actually, I lied. I do know. It’s heart. It’s romance. It’s feelings. So. Many. Feelings.

I’m a relationship-driven reader through and through. Give me the longing, the desperation, the pining, the yearning, the “I’d burn the world for you” energy… and I’m sold. Plot twists? Drama? Whatever. If you give me an incredible relationship, I’ll happily overlook all the other stuff.

That epilogue nearly took me out. It was so sweet and such a beautiful glimpse into their life together over the years. It felt complete, satisfying, and honestly left me sitting there with a stupid smile on my face.

And the steamy scenes? Absolutely fantastic. They’re written with so much intensity and emotion that you don’t just read them—you feel them. The chemistry is palpable, the tension is delicious, and somehow they’re both scorching hot and incredibly tender at the same time. Hayden Hall has mastered the art of making every moment feel meaningful.

The audiobook narration was flawless. Kai Rubio absolutely nailed it. His performance was captivating, immersive, engaging, and ridiculously easy to get lost in. He brought so much personality and emotion to every character that I honestly can’t imagine experiencing this story any other way.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jason may be a jock, but he isn’t dumb. Statistics is just a lot harder than he hoped. And every time he thinks he gets it, his test scores prove otherwise. So before he can get kicked off the team, his Coach gets him a tutor. He just never expects the feelings his starts to develop the more time he spends with Bennet. Bennet is so different from anyone he hangs around with. Yes, Bennet is nerdy, but he is also this genius, so serious, and has a sharp wit that Jason loves to bring out. And Jason finds himself craving to hang out with Bennet outside of their study sessions. But the question is, does Bennet feel the same? Bennet can’t deny that Jason is good looking and he ends up taking Bennet by surprise at every turn. He’s nothing like he expected…in a good way. But can Bennet trust Jason to truly want to be with him? Letting someone in may be the hardest thing he does. I actually really loved getting to know Bennet and Jason. These two are so different but also alike in many ways. They challenged one another and constantly kept the other on their toes. It was really sweet to watch these two fall hard for one another and be surprised by it. Great story and can’t wait to see what comes next!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Tina LeJeune · Rating 4 out of 5]

This may sound like a classic jock/nerd setup on paper, but it ends up being so much more than that. Jason and Bennett both have layers that go way beyond the obvious trope, and that’s what made this work so well for me.

Jason isn’t just the struggling football player, and Bennett isn’t just the quiet genius tutor. Both of them are hiding behind something—Jason behind the image people expect from him, and Bennett behind walls that seem almost impossible to get through. Watching those walls come down little by little was honestly my favorite part of the book.

Their chemistry is there right away, but what really made them shine was how they each gave the other something they needed. I loved the role reversal once Jason started helping Bennett with the gym, and seeing Bennett slowly let Jason in was incredibly satisfying. Also, Jason’s inner nerdy side was ridiculously cute.

This is a quieter story without a huge side cast, but it never felt empty. The focus stays firmly on Jason and Bennett, and because their connection is so well developed, it doesn’t need a ton of outside noise. Add in the cozy feel and that lovely glimpse into their future, and this one was such an easy four-star read.

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a comfortable, feel-good story.
There’s always something special about a nerd and a jock, they are opposite but so compatible.

Jason needs a tutor, because his Statistics grades are too low, he could lose his scholarship.
In steps Bennet, an adorable nerd, who has some volunteer hours to fulfill.
Bennett was aware of Jason, he’s attractive af, but still a jock, and Bennet’s past experiences with jocks aren’t good.

Jason is impressed by Bennet, he’s super intelligent and attractive.
Thank goodness Jason understands that joking through life isn’t enough and that he needs Bennet.

He can’t get Bennet out of his head, on the field, in his room, wherever he is, Bennet is on his mind. He really wants to be near him, and find reasons to be, ha!
Bennett has goals and is serious about them, Jason is nothing like him, he’s easygoing, goes to parties, and has fun. But as opposite as they are, the attraction is undeniable!

It was so enjoyable, and adorable to watch them navigate through their blooming romance.
As I said before, it’s such a comfortable narrative, and wonderfully executed!

Review also on LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews