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Book Two

Theo Reese is a high school student who’s also a secret agent. Usually those lives are kept separate, but now he must be both at once.

Theo lends his expertise to his school’s computer science club as they gear up for a competition, but his talents are also required by the covert agency he works for. Someone has stolen an encrypted key that can allow them to control the nation’s energy grids. The possibilities are catastrophic unless Theo and his team can reclaim the file.

Theo locates the file in an unexpected place—the computer science competition. As Winger, his secret identity, he must recover the file and keep his teammates safe from the unscrupulous thieves…. But can he do it without revealing his secrets? He can’t blow his cover, especially with so many of his classmates around.

194 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2018

1 person is currently reading
73 people want to read

About the author

Jeff Adams

45 books224 followers
Jeff Adams has written stories since he was in middle school and became a published author in 2009. He writes both gay romance and LGBTQ young adult fiction…and there’s usually a hockey player at the center of the story.

Jeff lives in northern California with his husband of more than twenty-five years, Will. They are creative collaborators, writing and podcasting together. For nine years they were the co-hosts of the Big Gay Fiction Podcast.

Jeff is also a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) by the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP). He's an advocate for accessible web content and helps creative entrepreneurs understand how they can make sure their content is accessible by everyone.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Florence ..
933 reviews294 followers
July 14, 2021
3.5 stars

This still isn’t anything I would normally read, but turns out I love listening to YA thriller books. I listened to this book while doing a really long paper for university and it provided a really nice distraction. I love Kirt Graves’ voice, so that helped a lot too. But mostly, this book is a thriller with really fast paced action so it works really well for me as an audiobook. I enjoyed this one a little bit more than book 1. The pacing was really good, and there wasn’t as much focus on the relationship as in book 1 but there was so much focus on Theo’s secret agent work and I loved that, it always kept me entertained.

I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Serena Yates.
Author 104 books769 followers
May 2, 2018
‘Schooled’ is the very exciting and super suspenseful second story about Theo, a modern-day superhero with special “powers” around computers. And I think you should definitely read ‘Tracker Hacker’ first to get the full background. Theo is a talented teenager who follows some classes at MIT while still in high school. He is also a secret agent, working for TOS, the same organization as his secret agent parents. Theo tells the story in first person, and his way of talking and thinking is very much like that of a teenager, adding to the ambiance of what happens – and it’s a lot!


Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Profile Image for Stephanie Lake.
Author 24 books135 followers
May 15, 2019
Wonderful! I absolutely love Theo, his BF and his family.

The adventure was an added bonus!
Profile Image for Aussie54.
379 reviews6 followers
June 17, 2018
I enjoyed this sequel just as much as I enjoyed the first story in the series. It was good to see Theo and Eddie still happily enjoying each other’s company.

Again, there were things that were over the top, and maybe a plot hole or two, but the pacing was excellent, and I was able to just go with the flow. I kept turning the pages, really wanting to see how things would work out, which is one of the best parts of reading these books. I’m hoping there'll be a third book in this series.
Profile Image for Avid Reader.
1,752 reviews
June 21, 2018
Schooled (Codename: Winger #2) by Jeff Adams
4.5 stars
M/M Thriller, Mystery
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.

This is the second installment and I do suggest that you read the first one in order to gain good insight in to the characters who are present in this book.

Winger is back and trying harder than even to juggle his secret life with his high school life. His boyfriend Eddie is very understanding, which helps, but Winger (Theo) has to make some tough decisions in this book. Not only is he a great hockey player, he's a great student and amazing at his job.

The mystery in this story is tied in nicely with Theo's school life. I really enjoyed the new characters and how the story meshed with Theo's secret life and high school career. His abilities are a unique asset to himself and the school - when put to the test, it was awesome to see it all come together.

I can't wait to see if Eddie's complication will be the next book, but that aspect of the story was intriguing. I am anxiously awaiting the next book.
Profile Image for The Novel Approach.
3,094 reviews136 followers
August 22, 2018
After reading book one in the Codename: Winger series, Tracker Hacker, I had to see how Theo’s story continued in book two, Schooled, and I wasn’t disappointed. I tore through this book in less than a day, literally resenting having to step away from the story, even just to move my car so my sister could get the mower out of the garage. The action-packed storytelling continues in this installment, each chapter propelling the reader into the next. Suspense built upon suspense as my thoughts about who was the antagonist shifted as new information was revealed.

In terms of plotline, Mr. Adams continues to show us his understanding of technology and the complexities of IT work. He flawlessly describes the actions that Theo must take which, were I to sit at a computer, I’d be entirely lost, but in reading what he does, it makes complete sense. The technical aspect of the story is gripping. In fact, I found myself worrying about who might be trying to tap into my phone or track my online activities. He makes the world of cyber-stalking very real and convincing.

At the same time, Theo is a sixteen-year-old kid, and the author also does a fantastic job of keeping that fact a center focus as well. While his skills surpass those of most professionals in the IT world, his maturity and the things that matter to him are still the things that normal teenagers worry about. Things like bullying, commitments, and overextending oneself through unreasonable expectations.

While in book one Theo’s father didn’t come into play until about half way through, he was a central featured character in this story. Theo’s mom, who’d been central in the last story, didn’t make as much of an appearance. Other characters we learned to love, such as Lorenzo and John, continue in Theo’s journey. And, we get to meet a whole slew of other characters as well.

In this book, the main cast of characters were high school kids, so the young adult aspect of the writing remained center stage. The jealousies, insecurities, and posturing that kids experience are well depicted, and we, the reader, can transport back to our days in high school when what our partners, friends, and teammates thought of us was far more important than when we grow up and have better perspective.

Theo’s thoughts about his relationship with Eddie get a chance to develop more in this installment, and we get to see the struggle as Theo balances all his responsibilities, the greatest of which is his need to keep secrets about the work he does for TOS (Tactical Operational Support), the espionage network he and his parents work for. While the romance element of the story doesn’t rise to the level of erotic, the love and obstacles for Theo and Eddie are real and believable. Whether they end up together in the long run is yet to be determined, and Theo handles this uncertainty with greater maturity than I would have at that age.

The climax does not disappoint, providing high-tension and fast-sequenced action, culminating in surprising and satisfying resolution. All in all, this is a grand slam book, one I highly recommend.

Reviewed by Taz for The Novel Approach
Profile Image for Ana.
1,043 reviews
April 14, 2018
This was a great second instalment of the Codename: Winger series. It kept the things that I enjoy in the previous book and this time it was easier to understand everyone’s names and code names since I already knew them.

One of the things that I missed were the interactions between Theo and his parents, I love seeing families interact in books and that was one of the things that I loved from Tracker Hacker. I didn’t have that on this book but I still love other things that were going on.

The book is really fast paced, it was so easy to read it, I couldn’t put it down. There isn’t too much action going on, which is fine by me, but it still have some really exciting moments. It had a nice plot and some great unexpected moments. The technology talk that had me guessing what it mean, and losing would interest in the first book, was less in this one and somehow it was easier to understand this time around. I loved the school time Theo spend with his partners. The story had a good balance between Theo the student and Theo de secret agent, this time the story was more center in the school field.

There were less Theo and Eddie moments in this instalment, which was a little disappointing because they are such a beautiful couple, but the moments they shared were really adorable. I was mostly interest in Dean, he was a fascinating character. I kept guessing about him all the time. He wasn’t a perfect character and that was great, maybe that’s the exact reason why I loved him the most. I sure hope to know more of him in the future.

Definitely recommend it for readers who enjoy YA books with a bit of action on them.

http://gaybook.reviews/2016/08/06/running-hot
Profile Image for Tex Reader.
510 reviews27 followers
June 24, 2020
4.0 out of 5 - Exciting Sequel, if only I could have been a gay teenage secret agent (but that would have been back in the ancient times of the cold war, before all this modern computer tech)
Profile Image for Shirley .
1,944 reviews58 followers
August 19, 2021
This is one of those series that I was slow to pick up, but quick to read through. I adore Theo. He’s smart, loyal and caring and he seems to surround himself with those kind of people.

In Schooled, it’s getting even harder for him to keep his secret life away from his friends. When he’s chosen to help mentor a team of computer-science students in a stiff competition, he has no idea that his skills are going to be needed for more than to help them compete. It turns into a dangerous life or death situation. With the help of another student who is hiding his own secrets, they race agains the clock to keep everyone safe.

There’s so much to like about this series beyond the intrigue and suspense. The sense of family with this cast of characters is strong. The stand beside each other and offer support, both emotional and even physical when necessary. It’s definitely a “feel good” series without being sappy or with a lot of teenage drama. I’m sorry it took so long for me to start Codename: Winger, but I’m really glad that I did. 😉 Audio Assault is next, so stay tuned!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of Schooled. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Love Bytes Reviews.
2,529 reviews38 followers
May 3, 2018
Reviewed by Louisa

This is the second instalment in Jeff Adams’ Codename: Winger series. It is a young adult novel. I reviewed the first book in this series and absolutely loved it. Schooled is also a great book. Jeff Adams has a brilliant writing style for YA that draws you in and keeps your interest. YA isn’t usually my go to age range, but I think I would read any YA written by Mr. Adams.

I like that in this book we see plenty of Theo the secret agent and also plenty of him as a regular teenager at school. It is almost like he is two different people, connected by the same personality. Theo is so dedicated to his work both at school and out. He is a good character, though in many ways he is a bit to perfect.

It would have been nice to see a bit more of Eddie, who was fairly integral to the first book. As a couple they are really sweet. But because this book is based on Theo’s work as Winger, you don’t miss anything by their relationship as a couple not being front and centre for the whole story. And honestly, it is great to read a story that isn’t romance driven.

Overall, Schooled was a fast paced story that I read in one sitting. I couldn’t put it down. I really enjoyed the writing style and loved Theo and how he grew throughout the book. I am truly looking forward to book 3 (I really hope there will be one), as Jeff Adams has yet again given us a great, enjoyable book.

This book was provided for free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Profile Image for ButtonsMom2003.
3,779 reviews41 followers
July 10, 2021
Audiobook Review:
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5

Kept me on the edge of my seat.

This was a thrilling YA novel. It’s the second in a series but you might be able to read this one as a standalone. However, you’d be missing a great book if you don’t read Tracker Hacker first. You’d also be missing some helpful background information.

This isn’t exactly a romance but Theo does have a boyfriend. His undercover job working for the secret government agency makes him unavailable to his boyfriend at inconvenient times which causes a bit of relationship stress.

This particular adventure involved a school competition and several of his schoolmates. There’s murder and espionage, hostage taking and gunshots. I loved everything about this story and can’t wait to listen to the next one. Kirt Graves did another fantastic job with all of the voices and he really enhanced my enjoyment of this book.

I’ve got to be honest; I didn’t expect to enjoy this series nearly as much as I am. I don’t really read much YA stuff, like almost none – LOL – but I do enjoy New Adult books. I decided to listen to and review these books when the opportunity came up four a couple of different reasons. I wanted to listen to the audiobooks because I love Kirt Graves, but I also wanted to listen to them because I got to meet Jeff Adams at a book convention a couple of years ago and enjoyed talking with him and his husband. I plan to read more of his work.

A copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.

***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
Profile Image for Anne Barwell.
Author 23 books108 followers
August 10, 2021
Each new book in this series racks up the tension as the stakes grow higher. I enjoyed this story as much as the first, and am totally hooked. This is a fabulous action, adventure story in which the teen hero just happens to be gay. Not only does Theo have to deal with being a secret agent with very cool tech, but everything that comes with being a teenager.

I liked the realism of this story, and the reminder that working for TOS is dangerous when an agent he knows is killed in the field. He also has to deal with a high school bully out for revenge, which rang very true. Theo’s reaction to both these situations feels very authentic, and I liked that he struggles to come to terms with his grief over the loss of a friend.

I also liked how his two worlds collide, and why he makes the decision he does about the job offer. I love his relationship with his family, how supportive they are, and how they don’t hesitate to remind Theo that at the end of the day he’s their son, despite them working together for TOS. I particularly like the relationship between Theo and his father. I really like Theo’s relationship with Eddie too and how that grows with each book.

The situation with the bad guys is very well written, and kept me turning pages. I liked that not everyone gets out unscathed or alive. Blackbird comes across as a very real dangerous threat, with consequences both physical and emotional.

Loving this series, and it’s one that is staying with me after I finish reading. Definitely one for the paperback collection.
Profile Image for Miriam.
928 reviews
July 13, 2021
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Review Copy of this book.

If you have not read the first book in this series you really should before you read this book.

After the events of the last book, Theo is ready for his life to get back to normal (well as normal as it gets for a tech genius who works for a secret organization). When the Computer Club teacher asks Theo to help consult for the upcoming cybersecurity competition, it might be a chance for him to embrace some of being just a normal teenager. But this competition is far from normal and Theo's "normal" life and his "spy" life are about to come to a cross-roads once again.

I felt bad for Theo at the loss of a colleague, but I did like that we got to see his emotions to the loss. It wasn't a quick shrug and move on, it was something he actually needed to deal with. I also like that he's talking to a counselor and not expected to just tough it out. I also really did rather like Dean. He wasn't a bad kid, maybe a bit misguided at times, but I think he has a good heart and a practical view of his situation.

Profile Image for Helen.
1,003 reviews4 followers
June 27, 2021
Book 2 and nothing disappoints.

The extraordinary story continues, Winger is still at school and is helping out a group at a computer science competition when things go south rapidly.

Again Winger ends up injured and tries to explain to Eddie, Eddie is unsure whether they can continue with their relationship, with things as they are.

The storyline is intricate and keeps you interested throughout the book. It's more a technical Spy Kids as others have compared it to. Theo (Codename Winger) works for the same organisation as his mum and dad. Although he usually only helps out from his room.

Seriously this may sound far fetch, well it is a story after all, but it was fun and kept me amused all the way through.

Kirt Graves did wonders with the characters. Easy to listen to. I did speed up the narration like usual to 1.3 on BookFunnel.

Schooled (Codename: Winger Book 2)
By: Jeff Adams
Narrated by: Kirt Graves
Series: Codename: Winger Bk 2
Length: 6 hrs and 18 mins

❤❤❤❤❤ Overall
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration
📚📚 📚📚📚 Story
Read at 1.3 speed on BookFunnel
937 reviews13 followers
December 1, 2021
Schooled is the second book about a high-school student who is both a tech wiz and a secret government agent. I started and finished it in one sitting while I was working. I'm loving Theo, his friends, family, and his boyfriend. I love how creative each mission is, and how they are so appropriate to Theo's age. I love that the tech is interesting and cool but doesn't overwhelm me as a relatively average tech person. Theo was in a bit of trouble in the first book, but the danger comes even closer this time. There is a lot of creative problem solving in this book ... including one problem with a local school bully. Great for teenage readers, but fun for any age.
632 reviews6 followers
July 2, 2021
4.75 stars
5 stars for Kirk's narration
4.5 stars for Jeff's story
This is a YA MM story. The book revolves around Theo a 16 yr old computer genius, young tech Agent, Hockey player and school student in love with Eddie. The second book has Theo helping his schools Computer Club win a contest, whilst their the stolen code he has been working to find shows up as 1 of the schools coding. We get to see Theo at his best, the secondary characters step up and help without realising, what they are doing. Brilliant book
Profile Image for Tina Attanasio.
157 reviews2 followers
July 5, 2021
Theo is just so much fun to read when I’m in the mood for something different. This was a great addition to the Winger series. It is fast paced and engaging. We are starting to see more and more how Theo isn’t able to balance things due to increased pressure from TOS. His childhood is passing him by without him being able to partake in it. His relationship with Eddie is still there but that is definitely strained as well. As much as it is not realistic it feels like it is because of how well written it is. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Mary.
128 reviews
July 7, 2021
I am becoming fond of Winger, the genius secret agent. In this story he has to keep his cool as his two identities cross over each other. Secret Agent winger has to protect his classmates without them realising or letting the bad guys know.
Another enjoyable fast paced story with I think a few clues scattered in to tempt the listener about the big arch enemy. Very enjoyable young adult MM story.

Kirt Graves' narration is perfect. Great characterisation of the teenage characters and the adults. He gives the story more depth.
1,044 reviews10 followers
July 10, 2021
audio review

Schooled is Book 2 in the Codename: Winger series and should be enjoyed in order. This is such an enjoyable YA story as the plot thickens. It really draws you in from the very beginning. Theo's just trying to help his school when he ends up on a TOS mission. I just love how Theo's so go with the flow. Whatever needs to be done he's ready. This book has some tug on the heart strings moments that make the characters seem more real. I definitely recommend this book and series and can't wait to see what happens next.
Narrator Kirt Graves does another marvelous job in the series.
Profile Image for Sarah Mitcham.
1,296 reviews8 followers
July 10, 2021
LGBTQ YA , Spy, Intrigue, Adventure. Fast paced with action throughout. Fantastic second book in the series, another compelling read/listen, hard to put down as I became so invested in the plot and the characters. The lines of his dual life contine to blur for Theo aka Winger as one of his teachers asks him to help the Computer-Science Club by helping them in an upcoming competition as there seems to be a link to a current case involving TOS and a recent tragic event. Again the audio book is brilliantly narrated by kirt Graves.
Profile Image for Emma Burbidge.
244 reviews7 followers
July 21, 2021
This second book in Jeff Adam's YA gay action-adventure teen romance was just as good as the first as we get to see the characters move further in their roles and relationships. Theo finds another teen hacker who is at a similar level to himself, and they work together to thwart a plot by nefarious forces. Highly recommended for all lovers of a good action adventure with teen heroes.
Kirt Graves does a great job yet again with the audio version of the book as the characters have a life of their own.
Profile Image for Kendra T.
3,074 reviews39 followers
March 21, 2023
This was an awesome sequel to Tracker Hacker. Theo continues to do his secret IT work, but he also decides to join his high school’s IT competition. What should be a normal event turns out to be connected to his work, and it’s a good thing Theo has been trained for this type of situation. We meet some cool kids that Theo can become friends with. The romance isn’t that strong in this one, and I have to admit I’m glad. I’m still not a fan of Eddie for whatever reason. Luckily that doesn’t deter me from the story. This is a great action packed series.
Profile Image for Lydia Devlin.
387 reviews2 followers
July 6, 2021
Absolutely loved this audiobook and I am more than happy to recommend it!
This sequel carries on from Tracker Hacker, the first book in this series and is just as great as that book!
The brilliant, fast paced plot expertly narrated by Kirt Graves, had me hooked straight from the beginning.
I don't want to say too much about this audiobook,as I don't want to spoil this for anyone, I want to urge listeners to dive in and immerse themselves in this exciting, suspenseful delight!
Profile Image for Pat.
1,582 reviews18 followers
August 22, 2021
Audiobook review…

Schooled ( Codename : winger book 2 ) by Jeff Adams .

This audiobook is so easy to listen to , a wonderful Y/A story.
A sixteen year old Winger ( Theo ) is needed once more for his talents.
His skills are needed at his computer science club ….
Cyber security is his skill , his knowledge is magnificent.
Along with his parents, his boyfriend , Theo is making the right choices for everyone.
Kirt Graves is an awesome narrator.
817 reviews5 followers
July 13, 2021
Really enjoyed the follow up to Tracker Hacker!
Theo lends his skills to a school computer science competition, but finds that it's linked to a mission for the secret agency he works for.
More action and thrills, but his BF relationship is a bit more strained because Theo still has keep his identity a secret. Enjoyed it quite a bit.
Profile Image for Teal Wolf.
3,414 reviews26 followers
July 25, 2021
Jeff Adams' series, Codename Winger, continues with Schooled.  More action, danger, suspense, and humor.  These characters are so interesting and I just keep wanting more of them. Fantastic writing and character building makes this exciting and wonderful.    Kirk Graves is amazing in their narration performance.
Profile Image for Janet Hunt.
3,538 reviews46 followers
July 13, 2021
Oh my gosh this one was even better than the first. Exciting and suspenseful!! The mystery was tied into the story line perfectly! Seriously loved the story, it was really well written, highly recommend. I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received.
Profile Image for Tanya.
854 reviews1 follower
July 14, 2021
No cliffhanger but the story does leave a few unanswered questions that I need to start book 3 because this series is amazing. This book was just as good if not better than book 1 and I can't wait to see what happens next.
16.6k reviews155 followers
July 21, 2021
This the second in this series and he will soon be in the middle of another mission but this time it is happening at school. Can he keep his secret? Can he stop the files going live? Can he save lives by stopping the file being decoded? See how he gets on
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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