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The PCU Geeks #1

The Geek and the Artist

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LUCA

I've got my life color-coded, scheduled, and optimized. My small talk, practiced via YouTube. My underwear? Designer and ridiculously pretty because I'm not hiding anymore. Mostly. My barista? Keeps literally crashing into me around campus, and I can't tell if he's flirting or just catastrophically clumsy.

Del's all golden retriever energy and those distracting forearms. He wants to be friends, which is... new. He knocks over my pens, spills my drinks, and keeps inviting me places. I should probably say no. I definitely won't.

DEL

I should be focused on my classes and my web comic, not on the hot computer science major who organizes his coffee orders by optimal temperature and caffeine-to-milk ratios. But Luca's precision is adorable, his random facts are endearing, and holy shit, I accidentally saw his underwear and my brain short-circuited.

So I've got a plan: be his friend first, make him laugh, show him I think his quirks are perfect. Then maybe, just maybe, he'll let me take him on an actual date. I'm not stalking, I'm just learning where he will be so that I can get him to notice me.

A geek/artist, opposites attract MM romance featuring one anxious overachiever in pretty panties, one chaotic artist who can't stop falling (literally), meddling geek friends, and a false accusation that threatens to destroy everything they're building.

HEA guaranteed.

392 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2026

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About the author

Sarah Jayne

6 books21 followers
I write gay college romance that's equal parts LOL and 🔥. My guys are messy, the banter is sharp, and the happy endings are guaranteed: after plenty of chaos, spice, and absolutely terrible decisions. Because what's college without a little disaster?

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5 stars
22 (52%)
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17 (40%)
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3 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Sara Jane.
618 reviews6 followers
April 7, 2026
Ekk!! I LOVED IT. Del was clumsy and so loveable Luca was introverted and clueless in the cutest way.

I don't want to give too much away but it broke my heart that Del had to go through his problems. I loved seeing Luca and friends stepping up. The friend group was amazing and supportive. Everyone is unique in their own way and I cant wait to read their stories.

The ending was a nice set up for the next book.

I would have loved more book time with Del and his closest bestie Eli but it was still a great read.


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Brit ✨.
107 reviews5 followers
April 25, 2026
Oh my goodness this book was so cute!! I loved Del immediately with his clumsy nature and just how sweet he was when it came to Luca. Luca was clueless for a while, not realizing him and Del were dating. The two of them were so freaking sweet. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series when they release!
Profile Image for Bookstagramtea (MM Romance Addict).
305 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy
March 27, 2026
Low angst. Sweet. Funny. Instalove. With feels & sprinkled with spice.

Absolutely loved this one. Just like Sarah's other books, the humour in this is fantastic. The Geek group is so well formed, each of the geeks really clearly having their distinct personalities, even as side characters, that you can't help but fall in love with them all, while our other MC falls for his geek.

There were so many things I loved about this book specifically. To not ruin anything, I'll just pick a couple of things about our MCs that I really loved. Luca's unshakeableness, his strength after being pressured to reduce himself, and his panties - yup - so good. Del was so sweet, with a side of awkward and wannabe-stalker that saves him from being sickly. The side quests, extra jobs/studies, and group mentality make these characters feel whole, rather than one dimensional.

And I really enjoyed the "problem". Reading the authors note, I was a little nervous of the idea that this read would tackle false accusations. So many times victims are not listened to, and this made me itchy. However, we ARE dealing with a victim not being listened to, just from a different perspective and I felt like the victim's upset was dealt with sensitively and as a reader, I was left satisfied with a HEA and no loose ends.

This delivered everything I wanted from a sweet, nerdy, low angst read, as well as the sparks of humour, sprinkle of spice, and chatty, friendly, vibe that are Sarah Jayne synonymous. Loved it.

If you love the humour of K M Neuhold, the chatty style of Saxon James, or the simplicity of Becca Steele, you'll enjoy this author.

Can't wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Mandy (MP Book Reviews).
5,190 reviews46 followers
April 4, 2026
This is a sweet, chaotic opposites‑attract MM college romcom about Luca, an anxious, hyper-organised genius, and Del, a golden‑retriever‑hearted artist who keeps literally crashing into him. Their accidental run‑ins turn into friendship, then something deeper, as Del coaxes Luca out of his shell and Luca grounds Del’s whirlwind energy. With meddling friends, plenty of laughs, and a false accusation that threatens what they’re building, the story blends humour, heart, and found‑family warmth as two very different guys discover they fit together perfectly.

A funny, heartfelt, and unexpectedly emotional read. Luca and Del start with the sweetest, gentlest spark—awkward run‑ins, shy smiles, and two complete opposites slowly learning how to fit into each other’s worlds. Their relationship grows with such warmth and patience that when the false accusation hits, it genuinely hurts. The heartbreak is real, and watching them navigate that moment made their connection feel even deeper. The Geek Squad absolutely stole the show for me. They’re chaotic, hilarious, and loyal in the most endearing, slightly meddling way. Their support adds so much heart to the story and makes the world feel wonderfully lived‑in. Between the humour, the big emotions, and the tender way these two men fall for each other, this book delivers all the feels. I’m already excited for the next instalment in the series. This was an MM story with mature content.

** Please read the trigger warning and be kind to yourself.
308 reviews3 followers
April 16, 2026
Adorable

This was so cute! Luca and Del are adorable, but the whole geek squad, and Elliot and Beckett, everyone surrounding them is just incredible as well. I read the book with the other couple, and it was really good, but I liked this one even better, maybe be I got to see more of the geeks, or because the circle was expanded by adding even more great characters, I’m not sure, but it was a very fun, enjoyable read. Even during the hard times that Del goes through, it doesn’t delve too deep into the harsh re of struggles and accusations, and it gives a very sat end to the whole ordeal. I am looking for to reading the next book, and I loved how it was set up with little scenes all around, for all of the geeks, giving enough details to create interest, without taking away from the main story. Very cute.
(I read it via KU)
Profile Image for Lana.
153 reviews13 followers
April 18, 2026
This whole story was pretty wholesome and funny, whether it was Del’s clumsiness or Luca’s “I need to scientifically explain or understand this.”

The dynamic between a chaotic, overworked artist and an awkward science major made every interaction feel like a perfect little rom‑com moment.

Operation Social Interaction was unhinged in the best way, and watching these two go from strangers to friends to something softer was genuinely adorable.

It’s light, sweet, and full of those small, accidental moments that make you root for them without even realizing it.

Content Warnings: social awkwardness; contains a non‑graphic scene involving unwanted physical contact

Tropes: Nerd × Artist, Awkward × Chaotic, College RomCom, Strangers → Friends → Lovers

Spice Level: Low to Medium — on‑page sexual intimacy with non explicit detail.
Profile Image for Brit.
46 reviews
April 16, 2026
This was a pretty enjoyable read. As a fellow nerd, I had a lot of fun spotting all the nods to IT and anime; it genuinely felt like the author came prepared with solid reference material for the geeks among us. The cast’s quirky charm was especially endearing, and each “geek” had their own distinct flavor that made the story easy to sink into.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The romance was sweet, but also fairly predictable, and it felt a bit rushed on the way to the big “I love you.” That said, the ending made up for a lot of my earlier gripes, and I appreciated the (not-so-subtle) setups for future installments. Even with my nitpicks, I’d still be interested in continuing the series.
2,350 reviews21 followers
April 18, 2026
Luca is a geek and his fellow frat guys want him to date. When he visits the coffee shop, Del practicality salivates over him and he doesn't notice. Put one awkward, uptight, in his head genius in the same room with a golden retriever, eager to please, adoring artist and see if they can merge and make beautiful coffee together. I love how Luca doesn't know they are dating and his crazy, innocent friends. So awful in one part, so sweet and tender and I am in love with clutzy Del. I received a copy of this through BookSirens and this is my voluntary opinion.
Profile Image for Angi.
1,818 reviews
April 20, 2026
I’m so glad that the geek house got their own series. I loved Seb and Gavin but the geek house and the guys there were my favorite. This book has Luca falling for Del even though he is absolutely clueless. This book is sweet, funny and takes on some pretty serious issues. After reading this book I’m even more attached to these guys and can’t wait to see what happens next. This is an excellent read and I know it’s going to be a phenomenal series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Nifer  Waters.
523 reviews3 followers
April 17, 2026
4⭐3🌶️ ARC Dual POV First Person
🇨🇦 Author 
Standalone #1 in PCU Geeks series
(Also related to PCU Frat series)
Luca and Del 
They're sooo adorkable!! Love this new series spinoff, with mentions of characters from other series. These two were fun to get to know and watch as they fell for each other. Love how all the geeks are there for each other and stand up for what's right. 

Please check CW before reading.
Profile Image for Linda.
813 reviews15 followers
April 24, 2026
Cute Rom Com. Luca is a nerd, through & through. Shy, smart, & no clue on how to be social. He lives in a dorm where though everyone are best friends the ALL have no social skills. They form a plan to learn & Luca is the first "victim". He goes to the local coffee house where he sees & notices the barista, Del. Del is outgoing, very friendly & takes a liking to Luca. Del instantly attracted to Luca helps him out of his shell while Luca stabilizes Del’s energy. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
189 reviews
April 12, 2026
I loved the main characters in this book. I also absolutely adored the side characters and look forward to the following books in the series. The story was sweet and fun with the characters awkwardness. Perhaps a bit sweet for me in the middle.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Sara Irons.
466 reviews7 followers
April 24, 2026
Del and Luca's story is such a feel good story. It has it's ups and downs just like everything in life but in the end Geek Squad shows up to save the day.

The characters are done very well and the world building is wonderful. There are some steamy parts which make this an 18+ read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Amanda Reeves.
4,049 reviews42 followers
April 26, 2026
The Geek and the Artist is the first book in the PCU Geeks series by Sarah Jayne. This is a friends to lovers, geek/artist, sweet read about Del and Luca. This was a wonderful book and I loved the characters, can't wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Debbie Benson.
10.7k reviews39 followers
April 26, 2026
I'm voluntarily leaving a review after receiving a free copy. I liked Del and Luca and the great supporting characters. I like how the social awkwardness was woven into the story and the great support that was given by friends. I look forward to more in this series.
Profile Image for Michael T.
109 reviews2 followers
April 19, 2026
Luca and Del. Very sweet opposites attract story. Some angst, with spice. I really enjoy Sarah Jayne’s writing style and would definitely recommend it! First in a series.
Profile Image for Barbara Rachel.
Author 2 books22 followers
April 17, 2026
🌈ARC 📖 review
MC’s: Luca & Del

4.5 rounded to /5 ⭐️Overall
3.5/5 🌶️ Spice

Del and Luca are adorable and their sweetness with each other as well as with their friends totally makes the book. There is drama just as in the other books — outside forces threaten.
I loved how strong the friend groups are and so many of the other geeks as they call themselves are so fun and I look forward to their own individual stories.

Tropes:
🎨 MM Romance
🏊‍♂️Opposites Attract
💻 Awkward x2
🎨 Oblivious MC
🏊‍♂️ MC in Lace
💻 Found Family
🎨 New Adult
🏊‍♂️ Strong Friend Group

Triggers: yes there are — check before reading


Please note, I did receive this advanced copy ahead of publication; I am writing this honest review voluntarily and appreciate the opportunity provided by the author to review this book.
171 reviews
April 26, 2026
This was a cute story. The relationship between the two MMC's felt a little off for some reason. Maybe because Del was such a klutz and Luca was so quirky, for me, it didn't feel like they jived. I would recommend this book to folks who enjoy those kind of characters.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews