What do you think?
Rate this book
Nerds vs Jocks #2
Coaching the Nerd
Super-bod meets super-brain
What happens when marshmallow-bodied supernerd Sean volunteers to be on the jocks’ flag-football team? It screws Bubba’s fraternity’s chances at the coveted flag football title, that’s what.
Bubba is drafted to be Sean’s personal trainer. He has to whip Sean into shape and make sure he doesn’t F up their team.
Sean may be a supernerd, but to Bubba he’s funny, and wise, and kinda cute. He’s also the one person on campus who doesn’t see Bubba as a big, stupid jock.
One BIG problem. Sean’s motivation for getting into shape is to lose his virginity -- and Bubba isn’t happy when guys start sniffing around.
But Bubba’s straight. Isn’t he?
Can a big, dumb jock from Nowhere, Wisconsin change his whole life for a genius who just wants to get laid?
COACHING THE NERD is a total makeover, opposites attract, My Fair Lady trope, bi awakening, campus romance – that grabs your flag.
What happens when marshmallow-bodied supernerd Sean volunteers to be on the jocks’ flag-football team? It screws Bubba’s fraternity’s chances at the coveted flag football title, that’s what.
Bubba is drafted to be Sean’s personal trainer. He has to whip Sean into shape and make sure he doesn’t F up their team.
Sean may be a supernerd, but to Bubba he’s funny, and wise, and kinda cute. He’s also the one person on campus who doesn’t see Bubba as a big, stupid jock.
One BIG problem. Sean’s motivation for getting into shape is to lose his virginity -- and Bubba isn’t happy when guys start sniffing around.
But Bubba’s straight. Isn’t he?
Can a big, dumb jock from Nowhere, Wisconsin change his whole life for a genius who just wants to get laid?
COACHING THE NERD is a total makeover, opposites attract, My Fair Lady trope, bi awakening, campus romance – that grabs your flag.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 16, 2021
209 people are currently reading
674 people want to read
About the author
Eli Easton
70 books2,806 followersHaving been, at various times and under different names, a minister’s daughter, a computer programmer, the author of paranormal mysteries, a game designer, an organic farmer, an avid hiker, and a profound sleeper, Eli is happily embarking on yet another incarnation as a m/m romance author.
As an addicted reader of such, she is tinkled pink when an author manages to combine literary merit, vast stores of humor, melting hotness and eye-dabbing sweetness into one story. She promises to strive to achieve most of that most of the time. She currently lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, three bulldogs, three cows and six chickens. All of them (except for the husband) are female, hence explaining the naked men that have taken up residence in her latest fiction writing.
Her website in www.elieaston.com
You can email her at eli@elieaston.com
COMING SOON:
See what's in the pipeline here: http://elieaston.com/work-in-progress/
As an addicted reader of such, she is tinkled pink when an author manages to combine literary merit, vast stores of humor, melting hotness and eye-dabbing sweetness into one story. She promises to strive to achieve most of that most of the time. She currently lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, three bulldogs, three cows and six chickens. All of them (except for the husband) are female, hence explaining the naked men that have taken up residence in her latest fiction writing.
Her website in www.elieaston.com
You can email her at eli@elieaston.com
COMING SOON:
See what's in the pipeline here: http://elieaston.com/work-in-progress/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 259 reviews
August 31, 2021
*4.5 stars*
After not being in love with Schooling the Jock, I was hesitant to dive into Coaching the Nerd, even after so many positive reviews from my friends. But, honestly, all the hype was exactly correct. Coaching the Nerd is an excellent read.
I always have mixed feelings about new adult romances, but I think these authors did a nice job with the story. Sure, some of the frat details and college intricacies felt forced (and these authors have to get a younger beta reader. I literally don't know a single person under 65 who calls someone a "card" when they are being funny), but I thought it worked, overall. I think the fact that the story didn't have the burden explaining the awkward frat-swap truce gave it an advantage over the first in the series.
My favorite parts were how supportive these two MCs were of one another. This is a classic opposites-attract and size discrepancy romance (one MC literally weighs 150+ pounds more than the other), but they just supported one another so beautifully. I liked how Sean always supported Bubba's academic pursuits and was just non-stop positivity about his potential. I also liked how Bubba accepted and loved Sean for who he was, even with his little idiosyncrasies and bluntness. They were a really special couple.
The romance was sort of slow burn, but it felt very, very intense when they finally got into a relationship. I just enjoyed everything about them together, from the surprisingly hot sex to the way they understood each other's body language. The authors communicated them together so beautifully.
There is a little family drama in this story, but I don't think it takes away from the main couple's plotline. I think it was the right amount, and it made the story a bit more interesting. Also, this story would work as a stand-alone, even if you miss some minor information.
Eli Easton and Tara Lain did such a great job with this story and bringing these two characters to life. I couldn't get enough (I read until 3 in the morning!), and I'm beyond excited for the third in the series now.
goodreads|instagram|twitter|tiktok
After not being in love with Schooling the Jock, I was hesitant to dive into Coaching the Nerd, even after so many positive reviews from my friends. But, honestly, all the hype was exactly correct. Coaching the Nerd is an excellent read.
I always have mixed feelings about new adult romances, but I think these authors did a nice job with the story. Sure, some of the frat details and college intricacies felt forced (and these authors have to get a younger beta reader. I literally don't know a single person under 65 who calls someone a "card" when they are being funny), but I thought it worked, overall. I think the fact that the story didn't have the burden explaining the awkward frat-swap truce gave it an advantage over the first in the series.
My favorite parts were how supportive these two MCs were of one another. This is a classic opposites-attract and size discrepancy romance (one MC literally weighs 150+ pounds more than the other), but they just supported one another so beautifully. I liked how Sean always supported Bubba's academic pursuits and was just non-stop positivity about his potential. I also liked how Bubba accepted and loved Sean for who he was, even with his little idiosyncrasies and bluntness. They were a really special couple.
The romance was sort of slow burn, but it felt very, very intense when they finally got into a relationship. I just enjoyed everything about them together, from the surprisingly hot sex to the way they understood each other's body language. The authors communicated them together so beautifully.
There is a little family drama in this story, but I don't think it takes away from the main couple's plotline. I think it was the right amount, and it made the story a bit more interesting. Also, this story would work as a stand-alone, even if you miss some minor information.
Eli Easton and Tara Lain did such a great job with this story and bringing these two characters to life. I couldn't get enough (I read until 3 in the morning!), and I'm beyond excited for the third in the series now.
goodreads|instagram|twitter|tiktok
March 31, 2021
This book is adorable!
I loved the MCs: Bubba with his genuine kind nature and sense of humor and Sean with his matter-of-factness. They really couldn't be less alike, what with Sean wanting to be a research scientist and Bubba studying to be a fitness trainer (he doesn't think he's good enough to be a physical therapist).
But when Bubba is tasked with whipping Sean into shape so his fraternity can win the flag football finals, both guys see beyond stereotypes and their friendship takes off.
My favorite thing about Bubba is that when he realizes he's attracted to Sean, he leaps out of the closet. He wants to tell everyone that Sean is his boyfriend and is protective of Sean something fierce.
And Sean encourages Bubba; he sees that Bubba is more intelligent than he gives himself credit for. Sean shows Bubba that there is more than one way to learn, and Bubba just glows.
I'm not sure what to make of Sean's dad's change of heart. Not to say that isn't a thing because it most certainly is, but that doesn't explain his racism and rage at Bubba for leaving (or maybe it does; ). In any case, I'm not one to begrudge anyone their happy endings.
Sean's parents aren't great either. Indeed, they're snotty, pretentious assholes. I was so upset at the way they treated Bubba, but I also thought Bubba's reaction was not in line with his character. Bubba isn't a quitter.
Even so, the ending pulls everything together: pink sweaters, first times, and a crush that turns into something real.
Note: I don't recommend reading this book as a standalone, as these characters, and the premise of the series, are introduced in the first book (which I also enjoyed).
I loved the MCs: Bubba with his genuine kind nature and sense of humor and Sean with his matter-of-factness. They really couldn't be less alike, what with Sean wanting to be a research scientist and Bubba studying to be a fitness trainer (he doesn't think he's good enough to be a physical therapist).
But when Bubba is tasked with whipping Sean into shape so his fraternity can win the flag football finals, both guys see beyond stereotypes and their friendship takes off.
My favorite thing about Bubba is that when he realizes he's attracted to Sean, he leaps out of the closet. He wants to tell everyone that Sean is his boyfriend and is protective of Sean something fierce.
And Sean encourages Bubba; he sees that Bubba is more intelligent than he gives himself credit for. Sean shows Bubba that there is more than one way to learn, and Bubba just glows.
I'm not sure what to make of Sean's dad's change of heart. Not to say that isn't a thing because it most certainly is, but that doesn't explain his racism and rage at Bubba for leaving (or maybe it does; ). In any case, I'm not one to begrudge anyone their happy endings.
Sean's parents aren't great either. Indeed, they're snotty, pretentious assholes. I was so upset at the way they treated Bubba, but I also thought Bubba's reaction was not in line with his character. Bubba isn't a quitter.
Even so, the ending pulls everything together: pink sweaters, first times, and a crush that turns into something real.
Note: I don't recommend reading this book as a standalone, as these characters, and the premise of the series, are introduced in the first book (which I also enjoyed).
May 3, 2021
4.5 Stars
This story was the epitome of the nerd/jock trope to me, made all the more enjoyable with the awesomely perfect characterizations of the lovable leads, Sean and Bubba.
With a narrative that runs parallel to book one (Schooling the Jock), the warring fraternity backdrop switches focus from the quiz bowl team to the tag football team, where, in alliance with the headmaster’s guidelines, the Alpha Lambda Alpha’s (the jocks) and the Sigma Mu Tau’s (the nerds) must begrudgingly work together to save their fraternities from disbandment.
In this case, red-headed super brain, Sean, volunteers for his house to be one of their representatives on the jock’s flag football team, regardless of the fact he’s never been athletically inclined in his entire life. Sean’s goal, regardless of the potential ridicule from the jocks, is to finally get fit, hopefully becoming more physically attractive before the end of the school year, in order to acquire the interest of a potential sex partner.
Thankfully for Sean, one of his new flag football teammates, Bubba, is kind enough to take Sean under his wing, offering up his help with some personal training sessions and lessons on how to even play flag football. Bubba is one of those jocks everyone assumes is dumb as dirt, but he secretly longs to prove himself intellectually, having hopes of becoming a physical therapist, even if no one believes he could achieve such lofty academic goals. But with increasing time spent in Sean’s company, with his encouraging words and endless support, Bubba starts to believe he can reach for any dreams he desires, as long as he’s willing to work hard enough for it—which is something of a mind-blowing and life-altering realization for Bubba.
Along with this realization, comes one of a sexual discovery too, when Bubba begins to acknowledge that his burgeoning feelings for Sean go well beyond friendship and are entering the realm of affection, desire and even love, which is somewhat unexpected but wholly embraced by Bubba during his exciting bi-awakening.
I loved these two, as individual characters and as a couple. They complimented one another so damn well and the sweetness, from both sides, in very different and endearing ways, was by far the element of the story that captured my heart the most. There was sweetness, and very light angst, to be sure, but there was also humour and heart, and eventually some smoking hot first times for Sean, the virgin, and Bubba, the newly bisexual sweetheart.
The parents in this story were the only real contenders for conflict for these young men and their new love, but it wasn’t anything overly annoying or dramatic, like in many of these new adult romances I’ve read. If anything, the attitudes and actions of these side characters seemed fairly realistic to me, even when they vexed, so I had to at least appreciate the genuineness of the low angst that was present.
Overall, I just adored every moment spent reading about Sean and Bubba, and I look forward to continuing the series with the highly anticipated third installment, which will finally see the frat house leaders, Jax and Rand, get it on in what will surely be an epic enemies-to-loves tale. I, for one, can’t wait!
This story was the epitome of the nerd/jock trope to me, made all the more enjoyable with the awesomely perfect characterizations of the lovable leads, Sean and Bubba.
With a narrative that runs parallel to book one (Schooling the Jock), the warring fraternity backdrop switches focus from the quiz bowl team to the tag football team, where, in alliance with the headmaster’s guidelines, the Alpha Lambda Alpha’s (the jocks) and the Sigma Mu Tau’s (the nerds) must begrudgingly work together to save their fraternities from disbandment.
In this case, red-headed super brain, Sean, volunteers for his house to be one of their representatives on the jock’s flag football team, regardless of the fact he’s never been athletically inclined in his entire life. Sean’s goal, regardless of the potential ridicule from the jocks, is to finally get fit, hopefully becoming more physically attractive before the end of the school year, in order to acquire the interest of a potential sex partner.
Thankfully for Sean, one of his new flag football teammates, Bubba, is kind enough to take Sean under his wing, offering up his help with some personal training sessions and lessons on how to even play flag football. Bubba is one of those jocks everyone assumes is dumb as dirt, but he secretly longs to prove himself intellectually, having hopes of becoming a physical therapist, even if no one believes he could achieve such lofty academic goals. But with increasing time spent in Sean’s company, with his encouraging words and endless support, Bubba starts to believe he can reach for any dreams he desires, as long as he’s willing to work hard enough for it—which is something of a mind-blowing and life-altering realization for Bubba.
Along with this realization, comes one of a sexual discovery too, when Bubba begins to acknowledge that his burgeoning feelings for Sean go well beyond friendship and are entering the realm of affection, desire and even love, which is somewhat unexpected but wholly embraced by Bubba during his exciting bi-awakening.
I loved these two, as individual characters and as a couple. They complimented one another so damn well and the sweetness, from both sides, in very different and endearing ways, was by far the element of the story that captured my heart the most. There was sweetness, and very light angst, to be sure, but there was also humour and heart, and eventually some smoking hot first times for Sean, the virgin, and Bubba, the newly bisexual sweetheart.
The parents in this story were the only real contenders for conflict for these young men and their new love, but it wasn’t anything overly annoying or dramatic, like in many of these new adult romances I’ve read. If anything, the attitudes and actions of these side characters seemed fairly realistic to me, even when they vexed, so I had to at least appreciate the genuineness of the low angst that was present.
Overall, I just adored every moment spent reading about Sean and Bubba, and I look forward to continuing the series with the highly anticipated third installment, which will finally see the frat house leaders, Jax and Rand, get it on in what will surely be an epic enemies-to-loves tale. I, for one, can’t wait!
May 28, 2021
I really enjoyed this one. I needed something happy, funny and romantic and this delivered all that I could want.
Both Sean and Bubba were great characters, complete cinnamon rolls each in his own way. Their own, completely opposite end of the world ways, LOL. However unlikely they might have looked from the outside, they fit together perfectly and I loved them.
Their situation wasn't without issues, though the angst is relatively mild and short-lived. *thank God*. Bubba had grown up believing in others misconceptions of him. He was the big, hulking, dumb *NOT 🤬* jock, settling for being a personal trainer to help people because he wasn't smart enough for the things he really wanted to do. Sean was everybody's idea of the stereotypical genius nerd, and in a lot of ways, he was. Super smart, uninterested in physical pursuits that would take his time away from his studies, goal driven. Until he looked around and decided he wanted to live a different kind of life for a change. Enter the agreement the Dean has forced their frats into, and Sean has an excellent opportunity to proceed with his plan.
I loved how the relationship developed between Bubba and Sean, it was natural and completely sweet. Bubba had always only dated girls, it was what was expected. I really liked how once Bubba understood that he was actually attracted to Sean, he took time to sit down and really think about it. Once he did and realized he was bi, he was all the way out, immediately! 💕 He wanted people to know how he felt about Sean, had no problem at all standing up for himself, and was super protective of Sean.
I also loved Sean, more than I expected to in the beginning. He was absolutely brilliant, but my favorite things about him were how he determined he wasn't going to let others decide how his life would go, how hard he worked once he had his plan and how he took the time to look beneath the surface of Bubba. Once he did, Sean matter-of-factly debunked all the things Bubba had always been taught about his abilities and never let Bubba get away with talking down about himself. It gave me all the feels to see Bubba start to see himself as Sean did. 🥰
It wasn't a perfect story. Bubba's frat bros were kind of jackasses for a good bit of the story until Bubba set them straight, but they came around. Both their parents were completely annoying, for much different reasons, and I had to suspend disbelief a little but I honestly didn't care. This was an adorable, uncomplicated and genuinely charming romance and I absolutely enjoyed reading! ❤️
Both Sean and Bubba were great characters, complete cinnamon rolls each in his own way. Their own, completely opposite end of the world ways, LOL. However unlikely they might have looked from the outside, they fit together perfectly and I loved them.
Their situation wasn't without issues, though the angst is relatively mild and short-lived. *thank God*. Bubba had grown up believing in others misconceptions of him. He was the big, hulking, dumb *NOT 🤬* jock, settling for being a personal trainer to help people because he wasn't smart enough for the things he really wanted to do. Sean was everybody's idea of the stereotypical genius nerd, and in a lot of ways, he was. Super smart, uninterested in physical pursuits that would take his time away from his studies, goal driven. Until he looked around and decided he wanted to live a different kind of life for a change. Enter the agreement the Dean has forced their frats into, and Sean has an excellent opportunity to proceed with his plan.
I loved how the relationship developed between Bubba and Sean, it was natural and completely sweet. Bubba had always only dated girls, it was what was expected. I really liked how once Bubba understood that he was actually attracted to Sean, he took time to sit down and really think about it. Once he did and realized he was bi, he was all the way out, immediately! 💕 He wanted people to know how he felt about Sean, had no problem at all standing up for himself, and was super protective of Sean.
I also loved Sean, more than I expected to in the beginning. He was absolutely brilliant, but my favorite things about him were how he determined he wasn't going to let others decide how his life would go, how hard he worked once he had his plan and how he took the time to look beneath the surface of Bubba. Once he did, Sean matter-of-factly debunked all the things Bubba had always been taught about his abilities and never let Bubba get away with talking down about himself. It gave me all the feels to see Bubba start to see himself as Sean did. 🥰
It wasn't a perfect story. Bubba's frat bros were kind of jackasses for a good bit of the story until Bubba set them straight, but they came around. Both their parents were completely annoying, for much different reasons, and I had to suspend disbelief a little but I honestly didn't care. This was an adorable, uncomplicated and genuinely charming romance and I absolutely enjoyed reading! ❤️
March 18, 2021
Sean is nerdy and noodley.
Bubba is considered the dumb jock.
Together they're able to see themselves through different eyes.
This story has:
-Dual POVs
-Good character and relationship development
-Opposites attract
-Size difference
-First time
-Overall feel good vibe
-Some family drama
-Chemistry
I am so enjoying this writing duo; they are a great mix of sexy & sweet.
Nice addition to the series.
3.75 Stars
Bubba is considered the dumb jock.
Together they're able to see themselves through different eyes.
This story has:
-Dual POVs
-Good character and relationship development
-Opposites attract
-Size difference
-First time
-Overall feel good vibe
-Some family drama
-Chemistry
I am so enjoying this writing duo; they are a great mix of sexy & sweet.
Nice addition to the series.
3.75 Stars
May 20, 2021
3.50 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Like book 1 in this series, the cover is abysmal. Also like book 1 in this series I need to, as they say, stop judging a book by it's cover because this ended up being a delightful surprise. I'm not going to lie, I had zero interest in this premise prior to reading. I'm glad I dove in anyway because it was a very heartwarming story. Sean and Bubba were both such likeable MCs, and the chemistry between them was very well done. It made me sad to see how low they both often felt about themselves, but when they turned the corner and discovered their self-worth my heart grew three times.
Like the first book the plot was shaky at times, but thoroughly enjoyable. Honestly the majority of my plot headaches came from the supporting characters. The ALA's really were such a--holes in like 85% of this book. And the parents? All tw-ts. Speaking of parents, that plot development with Bubba's dad....I might need to borrow Sean's neck brace from that whiplash I got. Also, that development didn't really answer any questions as to why he was racist, but I digress.
Anyway, despite that last paragraph I really did enjoy this, even more so than the first book so I'm rounding up. I'm ready for Rand and Jazz now!
Like book 1 in this series, the cover is abysmal. Also like book 1 in this series I need to, as they say, stop judging a book by it's cover because this ended up being a delightful surprise. I'm not going to lie, I had zero interest in this premise prior to reading. I'm glad I dove in anyway because it was a very heartwarming story. Sean and Bubba were both such likeable MCs, and the chemistry between them was very well done. It made me sad to see how low they both often felt about themselves, but when they turned the corner and discovered their self-worth my heart grew three times.
Like the first book the plot was shaky at times, but thoroughly enjoyable. Honestly the majority of my plot headaches came from the supporting characters. The ALA's really were such a--holes in like 85% of this book. And the parents? All tw-ts. Speaking of parents, that plot development with Bubba's dad....I might need to borrow Sean's neck brace from that whiplash I got. Also, that development didn't really answer any questions as to why he was racist, but I digress.
Anyway, despite that last paragraph I really did enjoy this, even more so than the first book so I'm rounding up. I'm ready for Rand and Jazz now!
May 6, 2021
3.5 stars!
Adorable nerd-jock college romance!
Bubba is the epitome of the big dumb jock. Except he isn't dumb, he is just convinced he is.
Sean is the epitome of the genius nerd who has never used any muscle in his body. Including...ahem...THOSE muscles.
When Sean volunteers for the flag football team, Bubba, who wants to be a personal trainer, is tasked to get him back into shape. Good thing Sean is cute and adorable and sweet...wait, Bubba is supposed to be straight, so why is he thinking about how cute Sean is?
So we have a big hot guy discovering his sexuality, and an adorable virgin nerd. It was a little cheesy, a lot sexy, with a side of sweet and funny. Overall a very fluffy read.
I felt that the one part with relationship drama felt forced (why would that happen?) and got resolved a little too quickly and neatly, and it was highly predictable, but I had a lot of fun reading this. Can't wait for the next in the series!
For full enjoyment, this series must be read in order. Everything is explained in book 1.
Adorable nerd-jock college romance!
Bubba is the epitome of the big dumb jock. Except he isn't dumb, he is just convinced he is.
Sean is the epitome of the genius nerd who has never used any muscle in his body. Including...ahem...THOSE muscles.
When Sean volunteers for the flag football team, Bubba, who wants to be a personal trainer, is tasked to get him back into shape. Good thing Sean is cute and adorable and sweet...wait, Bubba is supposed to be straight, so why is he thinking about how cute Sean is?
So we have a big hot guy discovering his sexuality, and an adorable virgin nerd. It was a little cheesy, a lot sexy, with a side of sweet and funny. Overall a very fluffy read.
I felt that the one part with relationship drama felt forced (why would that happen?) and got resolved a little too quickly and neatly, and it was highly predictable, but I had a lot of fun reading this. Can't wait for the next in the series!
For full enjoyment, this series must be read in order. Everything is explained in book 1.
March 16, 2021
4.5 stars
Well, this was an absolute delight with sprinkles on top.
I love Eli Easton. I love Tara Lain. I, probably as a result of way too many re-watches of She's All That and A Walk to Remember when I was younger, also love the nerd/jock or goody-two-shoes/bad boy trope. Put them all together in a series about two rival frats, one full of science geeks and one full of jocks, forced to work together and falling in love along the way? Sign. Me. Up.
I really liked the first instalment of this series, Schooling the Jock, but Coaching the Nerd topped it in my opinion. It follows genetics major and unabashed nerd Sean (nicknamed 'The Hedgehog' for his spiky red hair) as he volunteers as his frat's tribute for their rival's flag-football team. For Sean, trading in the lab for a field has an ulterior motive: he's a virgin looking for some more experience, and figures football might give him the glow-up to get just that. Bubba, a good-hearted jock and wannabe personal trainer, gets roped into training Sean up, but the more that guys start to look Sean's way, the more jealous Bubba gets...
Okay, so I don't know who I loved more, guys. Both perspectives were so distinct and so dang charming that picking a favourite would be like choosing vanilla or chocolate, sun or moon, Lain or Easton. It just can't be done. I adored how Sean just can't be anybody other than himself and how his makeover was ultimately more about leaning into what was already there rather than changing his personality or radically altering his body in anyway. I loved how Bubba was just so deeply kind and how he had to fight to believe in himself just as much as Sean did. I loved how much they believed in each other. It was wholesome stuff. Well, not wholly wholesome. The steam is very good. Steamy wholesomeness.
Another thing that surprised me (very positively so) was how the familial subplots played out. I think a less nuanced writing duo would've written Sean's parents and Bubba's dad off as straight-up villains, but Eli Easton and Tara Lain managed to humanise them without letting them off the hook for any harmful behaviour. It's a subtle subversion, but it's one that I really enjoyed seeing.
I also really liked seeing more of the frat dynamics in this book and cannot wait until book three when the day of reckoning comes for the two presidents. We also got glimpses of Jesse and Dobbs from Book 1 in this one which were lovely for readers of the full series, but Eli Easton and Tara Lain definitely keep the focus fully on Sean and Bubba in this book. I loved every page.
Note: I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, but that has in no way affected my opinion of the book. Honesty is always my policy, people.
Well, this was an absolute delight with sprinkles on top.
I love Eli Easton. I love Tara Lain. I, probably as a result of way too many re-watches of She's All That and A Walk to Remember when I was younger, also love the nerd/jock or goody-two-shoes/bad boy trope. Put them all together in a series about two rival frats, one full of science geeks and one full of jocks, forced to work together and falling in love along the way? Sign. Me. Up.
I really liked the first instalment of this series, Schooling the Jock, but Coaching the Nerd topped it in my opinion. It follows genetics major and unabashed nerd Sean (nicknamed 'The Hedgehog' for his spiky red hair) as he volunteers as his frat's tribute for their rival's flag-football team. For Sean, trading in the lab for a field has an ulterior motive: he's a virgin looking for some more experience, and figures football might give him the glow-up to get just that. Bubba, a good-hearted jock and wannabe personal trainer, gets roped into training Sean up, but the more that guys start to look Sean's way, the more jealous Bubba gets...
Okay, so I don't know who I loved more, guys. Both perspectives were so distinct and so dang charming that picking a favourite would be like choosing vanilla or chocolate, sun or moon, Lain or Easton. It just can't be done. I adored how Sean just can't be anybody other than himself and how his makeover was ultimately more about leaning into what was already there rather than changing his personality or radically altering his body in anyway. I loved how Bubba was just so deeply kind and how he had to fight to believe in himself just as much as Sean did. I loved how much they believed in each other. It was wholesome stuff. Well, not wholly wholesome. The steam is very good. Steamy wholesomeness.
Another thing that surprised me (very positively so) was how the familial subplots played out. I think a less nuanced writing duo would've written Sean's parents and Bubba's dad off as straight-up villains, but Eli Easton and Tara Lain managed to humanise them without letting them off the hook for any harmful behaviour. It's a subtle subversion, but it's one that I really enjoyed seeing.
I also really liked seeing more of the frat dynamics in this book and cannot wait until book three when the day of reckoning comes for the two presidents. We also got glimpses of Jesse and Dobbs from Book 1 in this one which were lovely for readers of the full series, but Eli Easton and Tara Lain definitely keep the focus fully on Sean and Bubba in this book. I loved every page.
Note: I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, but that has in no way affected my opinion of the book. Honesty is always my policy, people.
June 19, 2021
The cover is awful and that's why I kept avoiding reading the book but it's a really great story. I am a huge fan of Bubba, Seth kind of annoyed me BUT I think that his character is very coherent and clearly written.
March 16, 2021
Bubba and Sean were just too adorable together. After everyone who were doubting them, they're surely worked hand in hand together to prove to anyone that Bubba is not as dumb as they thought, and Sean is not as lame as they wanted to see.
Also, the surprise with Bubba's father? I never thought that was coming tbh.
Parents were still their main problems beside the physical stereotyping from people around them.
But I can see that Bubba and Sean were strong together.
Coaching the Nerd was a bit lighter than the previous book, and I cannot wait for Jax and Rand's book to come.
Also, the surprise with Bubba's father? I never thought that was coming tbh.
Parents were still their main problems beside the physical stereotyping from people around them.
But I can see that Bubba and Sean were strong together.
Coaching the Nerd was a bit lighter than the previous book, and I cannot wait for Jax and Rand's book to come.
November 28, 2022
This was soooo much better than the first one! This moved and I had emotions!
These two were just such a perfect pairing.
Cuteness overload for sure!
I'm a little nervous about the next book. The level of animosity between the two isn't appealing to me, at all. We'll see.
These two were just such a perfect pairing.
Cuteness overload for sure!
I'm a little nervous about the next book. The level of animosity between the two isn't appealing to me, at all. We'll see.
September 9, 2021
Sorry, Jesse. Bubba is my favorite jock now.
I love this book 2 so much more, all because of Bubba. He was painted as a dumb jock and he had a pretty low self esteem about his own intellect, but he such a sweet and genuine guy. I admire the way he wanted to help Sean to get fit and being protective of him, eventhough Sean is from the rival frat house.
Sean is all brain while Bubba is all brawn, and I love the way they both help and encourage each other to be better.
We get to meet both side of the parents which poses their own set of challenge to Sean and Bubba's budding relationship, which at one point makes me cried. But Wow! I was caught surprised by how it work out and also extremely pleased. This story is amazing. I can't wait to read the next one.
I love this book 2 so much more, all because of Bubba. He was painted as a dumb jock and he had a pretty low self esteem about his own intellect, but he such a sweet and genuine guy. I admire the way he wanted to help Sean to get fit and being protective of him, eventhough Sean is from the rival frat house.
Sean is all brain while Bubba is all brawn, and I love the way they both help and encourage each other to be better.
We get to meet both side of the parents which poses their own set of challenge to Sean and Bubba's budding relationship, which at one point makes me cried. But Wow! I was caught surprised by how it work out and also extremely pleased. This story is amazing. I can't wait to read the next one.
August 18, 2022
Volevo lui. Proprio lui. Forse avevo appena scoperto la mia cheesecake.
3 stelline e mezzo - Dopo aver letto il primo volume della serie Nerds vs. Jocks, ero molto curiosa di leggere della seconda coppia, già apparsa sullo sfondo della vicenda precedente.
Ci troviamo infatti nello stesso periodo, con più storie che si sviluppano in contemporanea. Dopo che il preside del college ha dato un ultimatum e ha imposto lo scambio di membri tra le squadre delle due confraternite (due nerd inviati a gareggiare con la squadra di flag football e due atleti spediti a disputare un torneo di quiz, di solito riservato ai "secchioni"), Sean si è unito al team sportivo, pur non avendo il fisico né la preparazione.
Sean, detto anche "Riccio" (e non come complimento) dagli studenti della confraternita avversaria, è l'esatto opposto di un atleta: minuto, rosso di capelli, proveniente da una famiglia di scienziati e con l'aspirazione di diventare a sua volta un genetista.
Tuttavia, ha anche deciso che questa nuova opportunità segnerà uno spartiacque nella sua vita, dando il via a una stagione di cambiamenti: sarà il pretesto per migliorare forma e outfit, rendendosi appetibile per un ipotetico fidanzato futuro.
Al contrario, Bubba è una montagna di muscoli e ha fatto dell'esercizio fisico il suo stile di vita, tanto da voler dedicarsi a migliorare anche gli altri. Per lui risulta quindi naturale prendere Sean sotto la propria ala e trasformarlo nel primo cliente della sua attività di personal trainer.
Entrambi provano una reciproca simpatia e attrazione, ma faticano a darle un nome.
Anche questo romanzo si è rivelato tenero. Sia Sean che Bubba hanno un retaggio familiare particolare, che deve essere gestito prima di poter trovare la serenità come coppia, e quindi mi è piaciuto vederli insieme ai loro confratelli e alle prese con le ambizioni dei loro genitori.
Se Sean mi è parso ben riuscito, ho invece trovato un po' frettolosa la soluzione che viene proposta per la parte dedicata a Bubba, sia per quanto riguarda la figura materna che c'è ma che viene subito messa da parte (credo che la decisione di una madre che molla un figlio così piccolo meritasse quanto meno due righe di spiegazione credibile), sia per la sua presa di coscienza, scaturita da un pomeriggio di riflessione.
Nel complesso, godibile, quindi, ma meno incisivo rispetto al primo.
È la natura umana. Siamo animali sociali, dopo tutto. È nel nostro corredo genetico preoccuparsi di ciò che gli altri pensano di noi. Sopravvivenza e tutto il resto.
3 stelline e mezzo - Dopo aver letto il primo volume della serie Nerds vs. Jocks, ero molto curiosa di leggere della seconda coppia, già apparsa sullo sfondo della vicenda precedente.
Ci troviamo infatti nello stesso periodo, con più storie che si sviluppano in contemporanea. Dopo che il preside del college ha dato un ultimatum e ha imposto lo scambio di membri tra le squadre delle due confraternite (due nerd inviati a gareggiare con la squadra di flag football e due atleti spediti a disputare un torneo di quiz, di solito riservato ai "secchioni"), Sean si è unito al team sportivo, pur non avendo il fisico né la preparazione.
Sean, detto anche "Riccio" (e non come complimento) dagli studenti della confraternita avversaria, è l'esatto opposto di un atleta: minuto, rosso di capelli, proveniente da una famiglia di scienziati e con l'aspirazione di diventare a sua volta un genetista.
Tuttavia, ha anche deciso che questa nuova opportunità segnerà uno spartiacque nella sua vita, dando il via a una stagione di cambiamenti: sarà il pretesto per migliorare forma e outfit, rendendosi appetibile per un ipotetico fidanzato futuro.
Al contrario, Bubba è una montagna di muscoli e ha fatto dell'esercizio fisico il suo stile di vita, tanto da voler dedicarsi a migliorare anche gli altri. Per lui risulta quindi naturale prendere Sean sotto la propria ala e trasformarlo nel primo cliente della sua attività di personal trainer.
Entrambi provano una reciproca simpatia e attrazione, ma faticano a darle un nome.
Anche questo romanzo si è rivelato tenero. Sia Sean che Bubba hanno un retaggio familiare particolare, che deve essere gestito prima di poter trovare la serenità come coppia, e quindi mi è piaciuto vederli insieme ai loro confratelli e alle prese con le ambizioni dei loro genitori.
Se Sean mi è parso ben riuscito, ho invece trovato un po' frettolosa la soluzione che viene proposta per la parte dedicata a Bubba, sia per quanto riguarda la figura materna che c'è ma che viene subito messa da parte (credo che la decisione di una madre che molla un figlio così piccolo meritasse quanto meno due righe di spiegazione credibile), sia per la sua presa di coscienza, scaturita da un pomeriggio di riflessione.
Nel complesso, godibile, quindi, ma meno incisivo rispetto al primo.
È la natura umana. Siamo animali sociali, dopo tutto. È nel nostro corredo genetico preoccuparsi di ciò che gli altri pensano di noi. Sopravvivenza e tutto il resto.
March 16, 2021
4.5 Stars
I really loved Bubba and Sean, they are both super sweet and generally lovely to each other. I love how resolute Bubba is once he makes his decisions, and I love how Sean helps Bubba realise his potential.
Sean speaks in a very proper way, which would normally annoy me as most people don't speak so formally, but for Sean it works. It's also obvious when he's playing this up for Bubba's enjoyment.
I also loved how much character growth both MC's go through, it's a must for me usually. There's a lot of snarky banter and enjoyable interactions, so the book really is a great read.
My only negative feedback is that the resolution with Bubba's Dad doesn't quite feel authentic, even though it's not completely out of the blue. I think I would have preferred this reveal to occur earlier in the story, so the reader has more opportunities to see Bubba and his Dad work through the problems in their relationship; there's a lot to unpack there and I think leaving it until end was a missed opportunity to show this complex relationship in more detail.
I received an ARC and have chosen to leave an honest review.
I really loved Bubba and Sean, they are both super sweet and generally lovely to each other. I love how resolute Bubba is once he makes his decisions, and I love how Sean helps Bubba realise his potential.
Sean speaks in a very proper way, which would normally annoy me as most people don't speak so formally, but for Sean it works. It's also obvious when he's playing this up for Bubba's enjoyment.
I also loved how much character growth both MC's go through, it's a must for me usually. There's a lot of snarky banter and enjoyable interactions, so the book really is a great read.
My only negative feedback is that the resolution with Bubba's Dad doesn't quite feel authentic, even though it's not completely out of the blue. I think I would have preferred this reveal to occur earlier in the story, so the reader has more opportunities to see Bubba and his Dad work through the problems in their relationship; there's a lot to unpack there and I think leaving it until end was a missed opportunity to show this complex relationship in more detail.
I received an ARC and have chosen to leave an honest review.
August 25, 2021
Oh Bubba! Be still my heart.
April 1, 2021
Sweet and lovely. I'm really into books where people are just legit kind to each other. Bubba is so adorable and I liked how this one unfolded. Even the tension in the relationship makes sense when you consider how old these characters are. This is exactly my pandemic speed.
March 20, 2021
Oh my goodness, I loved this book! Opposites do indeed attract in this story where Sean, a redheaded academic with a less-than-sporty physique volunteered to play tag-team football with a rival frat to help his own fraternity out. He is really bad with it, but Bubba, a huge jock with a kind heart decided to help him out.
I liked that Sean and Bubba are opposites in every way, but they see each other for what they really are, and like and appreciate each other. Sean saw Bubba's kindness and tender heart, and teached him how to study so Bubba can realise his dream of being a physical therapist. Bubba got Sean fit, and thought Sean wass funny and clever and super hot and that Bubba might, in fact be bisexual. The just fit effortlessly, and it was a joy to read.
I was not crazy about the first book in the series, but this second book redeemed it, and more. Wonderfully written, each character had his own distinct voice, with the two very likeable men and an interesting story. Their chemistry was off the charts, perfectly blending sexy scenes with a tender romance.
This was one of the best books I've read so far this year, and now I am eagerly awaiting Rand and Jax's story.
I liked that Sean and Bubba are opposites in every way, but they see each other for what they really are, and like and appreciate each other. Sean saw Bubba's kindness and tender heart, and teached him how to study so Bubba can realise his dream of being a physical therapist. Bubba got Sean fit, and thought Sean wass funny and clever and super hot and that Bubba might, in fact be bisexual. The just fit effortlessly, and it was a joy to read.
I was not crazy about the first book in the series, but this second book redeemed it, and more. Wonderfully written, each character had his own distinct voice, with the two very likeable men and an interesting story. Their chemistry was off the charts, perfectly blending sexy scenes with a tender romance.
This was one of the best books I've read so far this year, and now I am eagerly awaiting Rand and Jax's story.
March 17, 2021
Very minor spoilers ahead. I am not connecting with these books.
I actually did really like the two MCs in this story, unlike the last one, but I felt like every other side character was a complete dick, and this book managed to hit so many cliches and I don’t think it did it well.
We do have the bisexual awakening which I love, but then we get a healthy dose of homophobia, martyrdom, and even a bad accident to make the characters realise how much they love each other! These things made me enjoy it so much less than I could’ve given how likable the characters were.
I don’t think I’ll be reading the third story, between Jax and Rand I believe, as I recognise the authors are going for enemies-to-lovers but my god the two of them are just mean.
I actually did really like the two MCs in this story, unlike the last one, but I felt like every other side character was a complete dick, and this book managed to hit so many cliches and I don’t think it did it well.
We do have the bisexual awakening which I love, but then we get a healthy dose of homophobia, martyrdom, and even a bad accident to make the characters realise how much they love each other! These things made me enjoy it so much less than I could’ve given how likable the characters were.
I don’t think I’ll be reading the third story, between Jax and Rand I believe, as I recognise the authors are going for enemies-to-lovers but my god the two of them are just mean.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2022
DNF 22%. Just too boring.
April 1, 2021
A lovely read. Sean and Bubba are both so nice and cute. They gave me happy feels from beginning to end. I can't wait for the final book in the trilogy <3
September 6, 2022
Super dolcino ❤️
https://www.letturesalepepe.com/recen...
https://www.letturesalepepe.com/recen...
March 29, 2021
Awww.. Bubba is so damn cute!!! I just wanted to hug him most of the time I was reading. Such a great story, I think I liked it a little bit more than Jesse and Dobbs's. I pretty much hated Sean's parents for a bit, damn snobs that hurt Bubba's feelings. And that surprise from Bubba's father at the end was unexpected and so nice!
I can't wait for Jax and Rand's story!! can't believe I still have to wait a full month to get it 😭
I can't wait for Jax and Rand's story!! can't believe I still have to wait a full month to get it 😭
April 9, 2023
Quando, finito il primo libro della serie, ero andata a leggere di cosa parlava il secondo, mi ero detta "Uff, il prossimo non mi ispira molto. Questo personaggio mi sembra meh".
E oggi sono qui per dirvi che...
MI RIMANGIO TUTTO!
Ci sono TANTISSIME cose che ho preferito più di "Lezioni per l'atleta", e altre meno, ma alla fine si equivalgono e, in generale, a pensarci bene bene, credo di aver preferito questo secondo.
Bubba, il personaggio che credevo meh, si è rivelato il migliore in assoluto finora. Buono, gentile, premuroso, sincero, genuino. Alla fine, io stessa mi sono lasciata trascinare dalle apparenze, tema centrale su cui ruota tutto il libro. Ed è questo che me lo fa amare più del primo. Bubba si crede stupido, non si crede abbastanza e questo perché sono gli altri a vederlo e a ritenerlo tale. Una vita oppresso dal giudizio della gente. Il libro però insegna che nessuno può dirci chi siamo e cosa possiamo o non possiamo fare. Noi siamo abbastanza, siamo sempre abbastanza. Per alcuni ci vuole più impegno che per altri, alcune cose saranno più facili di altre, ma c'è sempre un modo per raggiungere chi siamo o chi vogliamo essere o cosa vogliamo fare. L'evoluzione di Bubba, la sua autenticità, mi ha lasciato con un calore allo stomaco dolcissimo. Lui è all'altezza. Lo siamo tutti. Dobbiamo solo avere coraggio e buttarci. Lui lo ha avuto, lo ha sempre avuto, doveva soltanto trovare qualcuno che glielo tirasse fuori.
Ed ecco che passiamo a Sean. Devo ammettere che per un po' sono rimasta attonita dal suo personaggio. Non sempre, solo qua e là. Poi ho capito che... era semplicemente Sean. Lui e la sua schiettezza, il suo essere pragmatico, il vedere tutto con un'organizzazione mentale ben precisa, il suo essere metodico. A volte spara qualche frase che ti dici "maaa cheee...?" però è lui, non si può fare niente se non impararlo a conoscere e apprezzare. E io l'ho fatto. Per quanto il suo obiettivo sia un po' cringe, alla fine ci sta tutto. Ha vent'anni, che vogliamo? E poi è giusto, si ritorna al discorso di non etichettare le persone solo per ciò che sembrano dall'esterno. Lui vuole vivere la vita di un qualsiasi 20enne, vuole godersela. E che se la goda! Ne ha tutto il diritto! Trovo molto apprezzabile inoltre mostrare come una persona che non si piace del tutto si impegni per cambiare, alla fine è partito tutto da questo. E, sì, Sean è strano, puntiglioso, fa battute fuori luogo e che comprende solo lui, è formale... ma è anche un ragazzo tenero, che vuole scoprirsi, con la testa sulle spalle e che ha ben chiaro il suo futuro. Magari fossi stata così alla sua età.
Ah, altra cosa super a favore.
Sean studia per fare ciò che anche io avrei voluto fare nella vita, ma che non ho portato a termine perché mi sono sentita come Bubba inadatta. Quindi mi ha toccato maggiormente.
Il loro rapporto è sano, divertente, ironico, irriverente.
Inoltre, si toccano altre tematiche importanti e ancora una volta le autrici lo fanno con una delicatezza e semplicità perfetta. Non ho trovato nulla fuori posto, viene dato a tutto rispetto. Anche in questo secondo libro la famiglia è un elemento fondamentale nella vita dei nostri ragazzi, com'è giusto che sia a 20 anni. E vediamo diversi tipi di famiglie, che hanno aspettative oppure no, che si intromettono oppure no, ma che alla fine trovano un punto di incontro.
Bellissima anche la scena di bi-awakening, la naturalezza con cui poi viene affrontata la sessualità e il coming out con amici e parenti. Una bella botta di positività e giuste domande e spunti di riflessione.
Delizioso, semplicemente delizioso.
Confido negli altri due! Ma vorrei tanto che ce ne fossero molti di più!
E oggi sono qui per dirvi che...
MI RIMANGIO TUTTO!
Ci sono TANTISSIME cose che ho preferito più di "Lezioni per l'atleta", e altre meno, ma alla fine si equivalgono e, in generale, a pensarci bene bene, credo di aver preferito questo secondo.
Bubba, il personaggio che credevo meh, si è rivelato il migliore in assoluto finora. Buono, gentile, premuroso, sincero, genuino. Alla fine, io stessa mi sono lasciata trascinare dalle apparenze, tema centrale su cui ruota tutto il libro. Ed è questo che me lo fa amare più del primo. Bubba si crede stupido, non si crede abbastanza e questo perché sono gli altri a vederlo e a ritenerlo tale. Una vita oppresso dal giudizio della gente. Il libro però insegna che nessuno può dirci chi siamo e cosa possiamo o non possiamo fare. Noi siamo abbastanza, siamo sempre abbastanza. Per alcuni ci vuole più impegno che per altri, alcune cose saranno più facili di altre, ma c'è sempre un modo per raggiungere chi siamo o chi vogliamo essere o cosa vogliamo fare. L'evoluzione di Bubba, la sua autenticità, mi ha lasciato con un calore allo stomaco dolcissimo. Lui è all'altezza. Lo siamo tutti. Dobbiamo solo avere coraggio e buttarci. Lui lo ha avuto, lo ha sempre avuto, doveva soltanto trovare qualcuno che glielo tirasse fuori.
Ed ecco che passiamo a Sean. Devo ammettere che per un po' sono rimasta attonita dal suo personaggio. Non sempre, solo qua e là. Poi ho capito che... era semplicemente Sean. Lui e la sua schiettezza, il suo essere pragmatico, il vedere tutto con un'organizzazione mentale ben precisa, il suo essere metodico. A volte spara qualche frase che ti dici "maaa cheee...?" però è lui, non si può fare niente se non impararlo a conoscere e apprezzare. E io l'ho fatto. Per quanto il suo obiettivo sia un po' cringe, alla fine ci sta tutto. Ha vent'anni, che vogliamo? E poi è giusto, si ritorna al discorso di non etichettare le persone solo per ciò che sembrano dall'esterno. Lui vuole vivere la vita di un qualsiasi 20enne, vuole godersela. E che se la goda! Ne ha tutto il diritto! Trovo molto apprezzabile inoltre mostrare come una persona che non si piace del tutto si impegni per cambiare, alla fine è partito tutto da questo. E, sì, Sean è strano, puntiglioso, fa battute fuori luogo e che comprende solo lui, è formale... ma è anche un ragazzo tenero, che vuole scoprirsi, con la testa sulle spalle e che ha ben chiaro il suo futuro. Magari fossi stata così alla sua età.
Ah, altra cosa super a favore.
Sean studia per fare ciò che anche io avrei voluto fare nella vita, ma che non ho portato a termine perché mi sono sentita come Bubba inadatta. Quindi mi ha toccato maggiormente.
Il loro rapporto è sano, divertente, ironico, irriverente.
Inoltre, si toccano altre tematiche importanti e ancora una volta le autrici lo fanno con una delicatezza e semplicità perfetta. Non ho trovato nulla fuori posto, viene dato a tutto rispetto. Anche in questo secondo libro la famiglia è un elemento fondamentale nella vita dei nostri ragazzi, com'è giusto che sia a 20 anni. E vediamo diversi tipi di famiglie, che hanno aspettative oppure no, che si intromettono oppure no, ma che alla fine trovano un punto di incontro.
Bellissima anche la scena di bi-awakening, la naturalezza con cui poi viene affrontata la sessualità e il coming out con amici e parenti. Una bella botta di positività e giuste domande e spunti di riflessione.
Delizioso, semplicemente delizioso.
Confido negli altri due! Ma vorrei tanto che ce ne fossero molti di più!
March 12, 2021
4.5 stars
Everybody knows that opposites attract… But is that the only explanation for the crazy chemistry between super brainy nerd Sean and brawny, jolly jock Bubba?
When Sean surprises his frat brothers volunteering to join the flag football team, he does is not only out of generosity, he’s got a secret agenda. He wants to improve his image through exercise, and get laid. But getting physically fit is not easy for a young man who’s spent most of his life studying and doing no exercise at all, so he decides to engage the buffest of jocks, happy and easy going Bubba, to help him gain his goal. But getting fit is only one of the steps he has to take if he wants to get laid, and curiously enough, Bubba seems to be happy to help him with everything else… everything…
This was so good. I thought I was completely in love with Jesse and Dobbs, but Bubba and Sean are so perfect together it is a close call. Bubba is as sweet as they come, and Sean.. OMG, he is simply hilarious. His brainiac reasoning and his scientific approach to the matter in hand had me laughing aloud many times.
This series is only getting better and better.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Everybody knows that opposites attract… But is that the only explanation for the crazy chemistry between super brainy nerd Sean and brawny, jolly jock Bubba?
When Sean surprises his frat brothers volunteering to join the flag football team, he does is not only out of generosity, he’s got a secret agenda. He wants to improve his image through exercise, and get laid. But getting physically fit is not easy for a young man who’s spent most of his life studying and doing no exercise at all, so he decides to engage the buffest of jocks, happy and easy going Bubba, to help him gain his goal. But getting fit is only one of the steps he has to take if he wants to get laid, and curiously enough, Bubba seems to be happy to help him with everything else… everything…
This was so good. I thought I was completely in love with Jesse and Dobbs, but Bubba and Sean are so perfect together it is a close call. Bubba is as sweet as they come, and Sean.. OMG, he is simply hilarious. His brainiac reasoning and his scientific approach to the matter in hand had me laughing aloud many times.
This series is only getting better and better.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 12, 2022
Un libro carinissimo, ancora di più del primo che già era carino
April 3, 2021
3.5 stars. Favorite book of the series so far. The story was well-told and both main characters were interesting and distinct.
March 17, 2021
“It is not until you change your identity to match your life blueprint that you will understand why everything in the past never worked.” ~ Shannon L. Alder
Sean, of ‘Coaching the Nerd’ by Tara Lain and Eli Easton, agrees to be on the flag football team of the rival house to fulfill an obligation set up by the dean as a condition to keep their houses open. Sean knows nothing about flag football but wants to lose his virginity before he graduates. He figures that this “project” will help him get into better shape and that will help attract a prospective partner. On the field, he meets Bubba, a gorgeous hunk of a man, who is unexpectedly kind to him. The last thing either expects is the instant chemistry between them.
It’s painfully obvious that Sean has no idea how to play flag football. The ALAs would rather disparage him than help him. Bubba is the only one with any faith that the nerdy brain can accomplish anything, much less help the team. They elect Bubba to be Sean’s personal trainer. Sean is grateful for his help especially when he learns that the service will be free. Sean is so ashamed of his body that he tries too hard and ends up wearing himself out. When Bubba realizes how badly out of shape Sean is he feels bad for pushing him so hard, but admires Sean for applying himself with such fervor. Bubba scales back the activity so Sean can build muscle without injuring himself. Slowly but surely, they become friends, learning to appreciate each other’s differences and finding things in common.
During one of their conversations, Sean tells Bubba about his “sexual goal”. Bubba decides he can help. On the advice of one of his gay frat brothers, they go to a store where the shopkeeper takes Sean under his wing. He picks out several outfits for him. Also, he is able to get Sean an appointment with a famous hairstylist. The results are stunning. Sean hardly recognizes himself. Bubba is thankful that he is able to help Sean but in the back of his mind, feels surprisingly unsettled. He and Sean are just friends, right?
Bubba was sweet, kind, and badly underestimated. Sean helped him see his own potential. Likewise, Bubba helped Sean see that he wasn’t just all brains with a predestined future, that he could have both love and success. Often, Sean’s logic was hysterical. Surprisingly, instead of being intimidated, he thought Sean was funny. I adored the way they came together, making them better for the love they found in each other. Thanks, Eli and Tara, for an endearing, thoughtful story.
Sean, of ‘Coaching the Nerd’ by Tara Lain and Eli Easton, agrees to be on the flag football team of the rival house to fulfill an obligation set up by the dean as a condition to keep their houses open. Sean knows nothing about flag football but wants to lose his virginity before he graduates. He figures that this “project” will help him get into better shape and that will help attract a prospective partner. On the field, he meets Bubba, a gorgeous hunk of a man, who is unexpectedly kind to him. The last thing either expects is the instant chemistry between them.
It’s painfully obvious that Sean has no idea how to play flag football. The ALAs would rather disparage him than help him. Bubba is the only one with any faith that the nerdy brain can accomplish anything, much less help the team. They elect Bubba to be Sean’s personal trainer. Sean is grateful for his help especially when he learns that the service will be free. Sean is so ashamed of his body that he tries too hard and ends up wearing himself out. When Bubba realizes how badly out of shape Sean is he feels bad for pushing him so hard, but admires Sean for applying himself with such fervor. Bubba scales back the activity so Sean can build muscle without injuring himself. Slowly but surely, they become friends, learning to appreciate each other’s differences and finding things in common.
During one of their conversations, Sean tells Bubba about his “sexual goal”. Bubba decides he can help. On the advice of one of his gay frat brothers, they go to a store where the shopkeeper takes Sean under his wing. He picks out several outfits for him. Also, he is able to get Sean an appointment with a famous hairstylist. The results are stunning. Sean hardly recognizes himself. Bubba is thankful that he is able to help Sean but in the back of his mind, feels surprisingly unsettled. He and Sean are just friends, right?
Bubba was sweet, kind, and badly underestimated. Sean helped him see his own potential. Likewise, Bubba helped Sean see that he wasn’t just all brains with a predestined future, that he could have both love and success. Often, Sean’s logic was hysterical. Surprisingly, instead of being intimidated, he thought Sean was funny. I adored the way they came together, making them better for the love they found in each other. Thanks, Eli and Tara, for an endearing, thoughtful story.
March 11, 2021
A thoroughly enjoyable, and so damn sweet of a read. These two men were so good together. If opposites attract than these two are soul mates.
Sean, or Hedgehog, decides he wants to be the volunteer for flag football from his frat, so he can get fit and lose his virginity before he graduates. A nerd through and through, he creates a list of exercises to get him his goal. In comes Bubba, the softest, squishiest big jock ever.
Bubba is a popular jock, but people assume he’s not very bright, and with a phys Ed major, he never tries to dissuade people of that thinking. In fact, he doesn’t think he’s the smartest either. In comes Sean, who believes in Bubba’s intelligence more than anyone.
What begins as personal training slowly turns into more. I loved Bubba’s realization in his attraction to Sean. Nothing is more adorable than a big guy calling someone cute, or maybe Bubba thinking of Sean as cute. I loved reading Bubba’s descriptions of Sean and his mind and body. I loved Bubba. I also loved how much Sean believed in Bubba, that he was able to be what he dreamed of. Sean figures out how to help Bubba without belittling him, in fact they both naturally just believe in each other and I loved it.
I’m so here for book 3, I’m loving this series. I’m also curious about Dustin, he’s a great character.
Sean, or Hedgehog, decides he wants to be the volunteer for flag football from his frat, so he can get fit and lose his virginity before he graduates. A nerd through and through, he creates a list of exercises to get him his goal. In comes Bubba, the softest, squishiest big jock ever.
Bubba is a popular jock, but people assume he’s not very bright, and with a phys Ed major, he never tries to dissuade people of that thinking. In fact, he doesn’t think he’s the smartest either. In comes Sean, who believes in Bubba’s intelligence more than anyone.
What begins as personal training slowly turns into more. I loved Bubba’s realization in his attraction to Sean. Nothing is more adorable than a big guy calling someone cute, or maybe Bubba thinking of Sean as cute. I loved reading Bubba’s descriptions of Sean and his mind and body. I loved Bubba. I also loved how much Sean believed in Bubba, that he was able to be what he dreamed of. Sean figures out how to help Bubba without belittling him, in fact they both naturally just believe in each other and I loved it.
I’m so here for book 3, I’m loving this series. I’m also curious about Dustin, he’s a great character.
August 31, 2022
RECENSIONE A CURA DI SLANIF
Sean McKinney è un secchione della confraternita SMT (Sigma Mu Tau) e, come era già stato spiegato nel primo volume della serie, “Lezioni per l’atleta”, è uno dei nerd che si ritrovata a fare “scambio” con quelli della ALA (Alpha Lambda Alpha), ovvero la confraternita degli sportivi, per sottostare al volere del Preside Robberts, che non sopporta più le loro perenni scaramucce e vuole mettere la parola “fine” a questa rivalità ingestibile.
A differenza degli altri che sono stati costretti dai coinquilini, Sean si è offerto volontario per giocare a flag football e rinunciare al Quiz Bowl. Questo perché Sean è prossimo alla laurea e… ancora vergine. Ha deciso che come proposito di quell’anno, prima di laurearsi a maggio, dovrà perdere la verginità e fare esperienze; vivere un po’, senza passare tutto il suo tempo a dedicarsi ai suoi studi sulla genetica (il suo campo di formazione e argomento di laurea).
Più facile a dirsi che a farsi, visto che non ha mai fatto sport in vita sua ed è un inetto sociale…
Per fortuna, ad accorgersi delle sue difficoltà oggettive e a essere gentile con lui (al contrario di tutti gli altri ALA), c’è Bubba Markofsky, un giocatore di flag football e di football americano che, nonostante un’intelligenza non proprio spiccatissima, ne ha una emotiva incredibile.
Bubba, infatti, viene spesso preso in giro dai suoi coinquilini e compagni di squadra per essere un po’ lento a capire le cose o per il fatto che non ha la risposta pronta alle battute, ma quello che compensa in lui è la capacità di essere davvero attento agli altri, ai loro sentimenti e alle loro esigenze.
Lì dove Sean è tutto calcolo e pragmaticità, Budda è cuore ed emozioni.
Tra i due, così tanto differenti l’uno dall’altro, dovrebbe essere un disastro, giusto? Eppure, complice una serie di eventi, dapprima diventeranno amici – capendo che tutte quelle decantate differenze tra SMT e ALA sono sciocche e irrilevanti – e poi… Qualcosa di più.
Continua sul nostro blog!
Sean McKinney è un secchione della confraternita SMT (Sigma Mu Tau) e, come era già stato spiegato nel primo volume della serie, “Lezioni per l’atleta”, è uno dei nerd che si ritrovata a fare “scambio” con quelli della ALA (Alpha Lambda Alpha), ovvero la confraternita degli sportivi, per sottostare al volere del Preside Robberts, che non sopporta più le loro perenni scaramucce e vuole mettere la parola “fine” a questa rivalità ingestibile.
A differenza degli altri che sono stati costretti dai coinquilini, Sean si è offerto volontario per giocare a flag football e rinunciare al Quiz Bowl. Questo perché Sean è prossimo alla laurea e… ancora vergine. Ha deciso che come proposito di quell’anno, prima di laurearsi a maggio, dovrà perdere la verginità e fare esperienze; vivere un po’, senza passare tutto il suo tempo a dedicarsi ai suoi studi sulla genetica (il suo campo di formazione e argomento di laurea).
Più facile a dirsi che a farsi, visto che non ha mai fatto sport in vita sua ed è un inetto sociale…
Per fortuna, ad accorgersi delle sue difficoltà oggettive e a essere gentile con lui (al contrario di tutti gli altri ALA), c’è Bubba Markofsky, un giocatore di flag football e di football americano che, nonostante un’intelligenza non proprio spiccatissima, ne ha una emotiva incredibile.
Bubba, infatti, viene spesso preso in giro dai suoi coinquilini e compagni di squadra per essere un po’ lento a capire le cose o per il fatto che non ha la risposta pronta alle battute, ma quello che compensa in lui è la capacità di essere davvero attento agli altri, ai loro sentimenti e alle loro esigenze.
Lì dove Sean è tutto calcolo e pragmaticità, Budda è cuore ed emozioni.
Tra i due, così tanto differenti l’uno dall’altro, dovrebbe essere un disastro, giusto? Eppure, complice una serie di eventi, dapprima diventeranno amici – capendo che tutte quelle decantate differenze tra SMT e ALA sono sciocche e irrilevanti – e poi… Qualcosa di più.
Continua sul nostro blog!
March 20, 2021
Definitely my favorite so far, although I think Jax and Rand are going to be pretty amazing together.
Loved this story. Bubba and Sean are absolutely wonderful together. Their romance will be one I go back to again and again.
Loved this story. Bubba and Sean are absolutely wonderful together. Their romance will be one I go back to again and again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 259 reviews