Designing Nuts

by N. Cole

One bed. My dad’s best friend. I forgot to mention I'm a chronic bed hog with an inner snuggle monster.Nate
First, my long-term girlfriend cheats on me, then my house gets infiltrated by mold like it's starring in a horror movie. With nowhere to go—and no desire to walk in on my dad and my best friend again (I’m still recovering)—I end up crashing at Oak’s place.
Minor Oak is my dad’s best friend.
Slightly more major There’s only one bed.
Between my accidental nighttime snuggles, and the fact that Oak is somehow both comforting and hot, I’m starting to wonder if maybe I’m not as straight as I thought…

Oak
Nate is adorable, frustrating, completely off-limits, and exactly my type. When he needs a place to stay, I can’t say no. But I didn’t plan for a clingy bed hog who wraps around me like a human heater.
It was supposed to be friendly. Temporary. Harmless.
But the longer he stays, the more I start to wonder if maybe the line I swore I wouldn’t cross is exactly where I belong.

Designing Nuts is a M/M romantic comedy with enthusiastic swearing and men kissing . . . and doing other stuff. Lots of other stuff.

338 pages, Paperback

Published January 17, 2026

Reviews

[Betty · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun story with endearing characters. It’s low angst between the two MCs, but some outside drama to keeps things interesting.

Also, every woman in this story - except for Oak’s mom - is bat shit crazy. And generally not in the fun way.

Oak ❤️ Nate

Nate (25?) has known Oak (40?) since he was a teenager. Oak is his dad’s friend (Cole from Book 1) and also works with him at the construction company.

Their relationship takes a turn when Nate finally decides he needs to breakup with his truly awful girlfriend, has a bit too much to drink, and then refuses to go home. Oak brings him home with him and he basically never leaves.

Nate bought a huge house that he thought he would share w the evil girlfriend, but realizes it’s way too much for him to tackle and decides to sell. There’s a gas leak, etc that causes him to essentially move in with Oak.

Oak only has one bed, Nate loves to cuddle, and they quickly both realize that they each love it. Cuddles turn to more sexy thoughts, Nate accepts his feelings toward Oak, Oak is all-in, and they get to exploring.

There’s side drama with Nate’s ex, a client of Oak, and Oak’s sister. They both are equally drawn to each other and there’s never an OP drama with them as a couple. Oak is lovely and thoughtful and Nate is also a kind and caring person. They are very evenly matched.

- No third act breakup
- Communication- loved that they openly communicated how they felt and their concerns
- Age gap/dads friend - these are facts but but really obstacles
- Nate is an architect at the same firm (his dads) where Oak works in construction/management
- Big bear of a guy vs tall, lean physique (Nate described it as a giraffe hugging a bear). Lol
- Oak is out and gay; Nate - gay for you. Nate was straight before his feelings for Oak became obvious.
- So much hugging and cuddling
- Nicknames - Cuddle bug, bug, baby, Mighty Oak
- Spice - starts around 50 % and continues; both vers. Use of toys.
- Dual POV; HEA; 1 yr later and then 2 yr later epilogue

These two are just really sweet together. I can’t quite tell how seriously I’m meant to take the story bc the sister and ex girlfriend committed serious acts of violence and hate. Yet, the overall tone is sort of sweet and campy. Hence, the 3 stars.