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Franklin U 2 #4
Level Up
Joey 'Jay' Cruz
Moving to San Luco wasn’t my choice. I was expelled from my old school because of a protest I organized that went south. Now, I was attending Franklin University with only a semester left until graduation and not knowing a single soul.
Until I meet Ryan Redpine at a frat party. He’s handsome, muscular, has a great smile, and I quickly find out he’s the son of a CEO hell-bent on destroying the environment.
I push Ryan out of my mind, deciding to keep my sanity and morals in tact.
But fate had other plans. When Ryan ended up as my surprise dorm mate, avoiding him became impossible. And so was avoiding the feelings that started to develop... Maybe getting expelled wasn't the worst thing that’s ever happened to me. Maybe it was actually the best?
Ryan Redpine
Jay entered my life like a lightning bolt.
I’d never met someone I was so attracted to, and someone who clearly didn’t want me. The moment he learned about my dad, he shut me out. Then I get reassigned to his dorm. Cue complications, especially when his bed breaks and we're forced to share.
Things quickly heat up, but Jay's adamant about keeping us under wraps. He's planning this big protest at the beach for an oil drilling project and doesn't want my family name tied to it.
So how do I tell Jay my dad is one of the backers? And how do I make sure I don’t lose him in the process?
Moving to San Luco wasn’t my choice. I was expelled from my old school because of a protest I organized that went south. Now, I was attending Franklin University with only a semester left until graduation and not knowing a single soul.
Until I meet Ryan Redpine at a frat party. He’s handsome, muscular, has a great smile, and I quickly find out he’s the son of a CEO hell-bent on destroying the environment.
I push Ryan out of my mind, deciding to keep my sanity and morals in tact.
But fate had other plans. When Ryan ended up as my surprise dorm mate, avoiding him became impossible. And so was avoiding the feelings that started to develop... Maybe getting expelled wasn't the worst thing that’s ever happened to me. Maybe it was actually the best?
Ryan Redpine
Jay entered my life like a lightning bolt.
I’d never met someone I was so attracted to, and someone who clearly didn’t want me. The moment he learned about my dad, he shut me out. Then I get reassigned to his dorm. Cue complications, especially when his bed breaks and we're forced to share.
Things quickly heat up, but Jay's adamant about keeping us under wraps. He's planning this big protest at the beach for an oil drilling project and doesn't want my family name tied to it.
So how do I tell Jay my dad is one of the backers? And how do I make sure I don’t lose him in the process?
251 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 272 reviews
June 27, 2024
2.5
Unfortunately I really didn't enjoy this one at all!
The entire conflict throughout the book is about who the one MCs dad is, yet it's all resolved in the span of one brief conversation almost right at the end of the book and it just fell flat. Plus the fact that in that conversation, the other MC, an environmental activist, is talking about how their dad drowned in the ocean and the other MCs dad makes a 'joke' about the oil drilling project being dead in the water now... I mean, is that supposed to be funny? The MC is having this big emotional moment and that's the joke you choose to bring levity to the situation? Not a fan.
The MC whose dad drowned also understandably has a big fear of open water now, yet it's resolved after one trip to a lake where his boyfriend is competing in a rowing race and off they go to have epic victory sex in a luxury rental house that's conveniently nearby....
I just didn't understand the approach or content of this book. It was almost like some heavy topics were selected but then the humour to balance the seriousness just mocked those issues, instead of bringing humour in other ways to lighten the seriousness.
This is the second book I've read from this author, and I didn't enjoy the other one either so I think I'll give them a miss going forward.
Unfortunately I really didn't enjoy this one at all!
The entire conflict throughout the book is about who the one MCs dad is, yet it's all resolved in the span of one brief conversation almost right at the end of the book and it just fell flat. Plus the fact that in that conversation, the other MC, an environmental activist, is talking about how their dad drowned in the ocean and the other MCs dad makes a 'joke' about the oil drilling project being dead in the water now... I mean, is that supposed to be funny? The MC is having this big emotional moment and that's the joke you choose to bring levity to the situation? Not a fan.
The MC whose dad drowned also understandably has a big fear of open water now, yet it's resolved after one trip to a lake where his boyfriend is competing in a rowing race and off they go to have epic victory sex in a luxury rental house that's conveniently nearby....
I just didn't understand the approach or content of this book. It was almost like some heavy topics were selected but then the humour to balance the seriousness just mocked those issues, instead of bringing humour in other ways to lighten the seriousness.
This is the second book I've read from this author, and I didn't enjoy the other one either so I think I'll give them a miss going forward.
June 23, 2024
⭐️ 3 stars ⭐️
(¯`·.¸¸.->When Jay meets Ryan, sparks fly. But Jay is an environmental activist and Ryan’s dad… represents everything Jay is fighting against.<-.¸¸.·´)
Very cute, very sweet, very chill. Maybe a little too chill and cheesy for me, though.
The GRR gods don’t want me to read this series, so this one was the first I actually managed to snag. Having LOVED the first FU series, I gotta say my expectations might’ve been a little too high. Not to say this wasn’t a good little cute romance. It was just a bit boring.
Like most of the plot, the smut was also a mix of very hot and sweet moments and some OTT bits. The daddy kink, while a nice surprise in the beginning, was mostly for show and not really believable. And let’s not forget the split on the dick. That scene will be memorable for all the wrong reasons.
The dirty talk was really hot though, and I really liked how the characters fit together.
Overall, it was just too low angst cheesiness and surface-level for me, and I didn’t really connect with the characters or the story, so it can’t be more than an average, mid three star read.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- College setting
- One-sided dislike to love
- Forced proximity
- Roommates
- Strict top/bottom
- Light daddy kink (no age play, no BDSM)
- Dirty talk 🔥
- Rimming
- Split on a dick 🤸🏻♂️
- Coming untouched
“I already know you’re not a villain, Ry. Just prove to me you’re not a prince either.”
(¯`·.¸¸.->When Jay meets Ryan, sparks fly. But Jay is an environmental activist and Ryan’s dad… represents everything Jay is fighting against.<-.¸¸.·´)
Very cute, very sweet, very chill. Maybe a little too chill and cheesy for me, though.
The GRR gods don’t want me to read this series, so this one was the first I actually managed to snag. Having LOVED the first FU series, I gotta say my expectations might’ve been a little too high. Not to say this wasn’t a good little cute romance. It was just a bit boring.
“How’d we taste together, baby?” “Like heaven.”
Like most of the plot, the smut was also a mix of very hot and sweet moments and some OTT bits. The daddy kink, while a nice surprise in the beginning, was mostly for show and not really believable. And let’s not forget the split on the dick. That scene will be memorable for all the wrong reasons.
The dirty talk was really hot though, and I really liked how the characters fit together.
It was fucking nirvana. Cockvana?
Overall, it was just too low angst cheesiness and surface-level for me, and I didn’t really connect with the characters or the story, so it can’t be more than an average, mid three star read.
“With you, it’s like I can forget about all the chaos in the world and… just be.”
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- College setting
- One-sided dislike to love
- Forced proximity
- Roommates
- Strict top/bottom
- Light daddy kink (no age play, no BDSM)
- Dirty talk 🔥
- Rimming
- Split on a dick 🤸🏻♂️
- Coming untouched
July 5, 2024
Jay is at Franklin U for his last semester of college thanks to a protest gone wrong at his old university. There he meets Ryan, a hottie he had a moment with at a frat party, but things turn sour when he learns that Ryan is the son of a CEO hell-bent on screwing the environment. As an environmental activist, Jay vows to avoid Ryan at all costs, but fate has other plans.
Ryan finds himself temporarily having to switch dorms thanks to a busted pipe destroying his room. Not overly excited having to switch from a single to a double, Ryan just hopes for a solid roomie. Imagine his surprise when he finds himself paired with none other than the cutie he'd been chatting up earlier in the night... Only Jay is not happy to see him.
The time forced to spend with Ryan thanks to their living situation has Jay realizing that maybe Ryan isn't so bad, and his father's atrocious company practices shouldn't be held against him--especially when he learns Ryan doesn't agree with how his father runs the company. & when Ryan's bed breaks and they're forced to get even closer... Well, needless to say the intense chemistry between the two sparks into something more.
I honestly loved the chemistry between Jay and Ryan so much. Jay was so snarky and banter between them was fantastic, even liked Ryan's dad jokes lol & the unexpected Daddy kink? Yes, please.
I also really loved how they meshed their friend groups together, and absolutely would have loved to see more of Maddie & Colton together because their relationship was also too cute for words, but I was really happy how everything ended for everyone.
Biiiggg FU to Ryan's dad, though. Dude was a such a giant a-hole, and the things he said to Ryan were not cool. & sure he eventually pulled his head out of his you-know-what, but god I still hated him lol Ryan was such a sweetie and did not deserve his dad being a dick
- gamer jock x environmental activist
- enemies to lovers, kind of
- roomies
- one bed
- found family
- daddy issues
Ryan finds himself temporarily having to switch dorms thanks to a busted pipe destroying his room. Not overly excited having to switch from a single to a double, Ryan just hopes for a solid roomie. Imagine his surprise when he finds himself paired with none other than the cutie he'd been chatting up earlier in the night... Only Jay is not happy to see him.
The time forced to spend with Ryan thanks to their living situation has Jay realizing that maybe Ryan isn't so bad, and his father's atrocious company practices shouldn't be held against him--especially when he learns Ryan doesn't agree with how his father runs the company. & when Ryan's bed breaks and they're forced to get even closer... Well, needless to say the intense chemistry between the two sparks into something more.
I honestly loved the chemistry between Jay and Ryan so much. Jay was so snarky and banter between them was fantastic, even liked Ryan's dad jokes lol & the unexpected Daddy kink? Yes, please.
I also really loved how they meshed their friend groups together, and absolutely would have loved to see more of Maddie & Colton together because their relationship was also too cute for words, but I was really happy how everything ended for everyone.
Biiiggg FU to Ryan's dad, though. Dude was a such a giant a-hole, and the things he said to Ryan were not cool. & sure he eventually pulled his head out of his you-know-what, but god I still hated him lol Ryan was such a sweetie and did not deserve his dad being a dick
- gamer jock x environmental activist
- enemies to lovers, kind of
- roomies
- one bed
- found family
- daddy issues
June 23, 2024
✨ARC REVIEW✨
3.75 rounded up.
Jay and Ryan are kind of enemies because of the circumstances of each of their lives - one's and environmentalist and the other the son of the CEO of a company that destroys the enviroment-, but they're immediately attracted to one another. And my dudes, these two were two horndogs for each other.
Because of a flood in one of the dorms, they have to share a room, which makes them become friends and then lovers. I liked how long angst this story was, I'm a sensitive bean and love my romances to be sweet. They have to overcome a few issues surrounding Ryan's dad and Jay's fear of the water, as well as a slight broken trust moment, but they are super supportive of one another and they like to plan special moments for the other, which made their relationship extra endearing.
I also liked that one of the secondary characters was trans and had her own love story 😍. And any book that has drag queens gets extra adoration from me.
The epilogue was super cute.
3.75 rounded up.
Jay and Ryan are kind of enemies because of the circumstances of each of their lives - one's and environmentalist and the other the son of the CEO of a company that destroys the enviroment-, but they're immediately attracted to one another. And my dudes, these two were two horndogs for each other.
Because of a flood in one of the dorms, they have to share a room, which makes them become friends and then lovers. I liked how long angst this story was, I'm a sensitive bean and love my romances to be sweet. They have to overcome a few issues surrounding Ryan's dad and Jay's fear of the water, as well as a slight broken trust moment, but they are super supportive of one another and they like to plan special moments for the other, which made their relationship extra endearing.
I also liked that one of the secondary characters was trans and had her own love story 😍. And any book that has drag queens gets extra adoration from me.
The epilogue was super cute.
June 30, 2024
Jay and Ryan were cute. Lots of things in the plot were too perfect, not a big deal but it did make me roll my eyes lol. It was still entertaining and I enjoyed it.
June 25, 2024
DNF’d at 26%
Sigh. I really wanted to like this one.
Listen, I love smut. I love porn with no plot. But unfortunately, this was just boring. How many ways can you tell the reader the MC is thinking about the other’s cock? Maybe if the MCs had more time to cook in the beginning, it would be better. Unfortch, they just came off as half baked and gooey in the middle.
It’s not the constant horniness that’s the problem—it’s the fact that the constant horniness just wasn’t written well.
There was, like, an actual plot but it just came second to how each MC would think of the other and get an instaboner. If that’s your jam, go for it. Not for me, though.
Thank you Max Walker for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Sigh. I really wanted to like this one.
Listen, I love smut. I love porn with no plot. But unfortunately, this was just boring. How many ways can you tell the reader the MC is thinking about the other’s cock? Maybe if the MCs had more time to cook in the beginning, it would be better. Unfortch, they just came off as half baked and gooey in the middle.
It’s not the constant horniness that’s the problem—it’s the fact that the constant horniness just wasn’t written well.
There was, like, an actual plot but it just came second to how each MC would think of the other and get an instaboner. If that’s your jam, go for it. Not for me, though.
Thank you Max Walker for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 3, 2024
Cute but parts didn't work for me
I think my biggest takeaway from this one was that it just was a little bit jumbled up about what type of story it was telling.
The two MCs are nice enough, their romance is pretty instant but it's cute. However, for me, the "Daddy" elements felt wholly out of place and out of character given the narrative.
There's a bit of tension, it's not obnoxiously frat boy style, but I'm still not sure how much I bought into the events of the final third.
Everything just wrapped up a little bit too easy for me. There is a sweet Epilogue though.
I think my biggest takeaway from this one was that it just was a little bit jumbled up about what type of story it was telling.
The two MCs are nice enough, their romance is pretty instant but it's cute. However, for me, the "Daddy" elements felt wholly out of place and out of character given the narrative.
There's a bit of tension, it's not obnoxiously frat boy style, but I'm still not sure how much I bought into the events of the final third.
Everything just wrapped up a little bit too easy for me. There is a sweet Epilogue though.
June 29, 2024
I enjoyed the romance and really liked Jay’s long legs. Boy really could hawk tuah spit on that thang. I liked the all the relationship and friendship tropes in this, loved the mild daddy/baby kink and especially got down with the strict roles.
However, I dislike where the rich dad’s arc went. If you’re going to protest something at least come up with a feasible solution. If one person doesn’t do it today does not mean another will not do everything in the financial and influential power to do with next year or the next decade, with no intention of giving back to society in any positive regard.
Idk, the older I get the more I dislike it when rich parents are shat on in mmbooks. It’s as if someone gathered all authors and told them rich parents = evil, poor people/hippies = good people and always right.
Listen, people are people. Some work hard and desire certain lifestyles for their kids and that’s not a bad thing. What’s that offset lyric, “my kids gotta have money, not just me, that’s selfish.” I felt that deeply because what parent wants their kid to inherit poverty? And what sort of people villainize rich people and rich interests? Poverty mindset, it irks me, we want more solutions to these problems instead of ‘ah, you shouldn’t do that…all the rich people want to do these things.’
Not gonna lie, I ended up skimming the last bit of this story because of what they did to the dad’s arc. So disappointing.
However, I dislike where the rich dad’s arc went. If you’re going to protest something at least come up with a feasible solution. If one person doesn’t do it today does not mean another will not do everything in the financial and influential power to do with next year or the next decade, with no intention of giving back to society in any positive regard.
Idk, the older I get the more I dislike it when rich parents are shat on in mmbooks. It’s as if someone gathered all authors and told them rich parents = evil, poor people/hippies = good people and always right.
Listen, people are people. Some work hard and desire certain lifestyles for their kids and that’s not a bad thing. What’s that offset lyric, “my kids gotta have money, not just me, that’s selfish.” I felt that deeply because what parent wants their kid to inherit poverty? And what sort of people villainize rich people and rich interests? Poverty mindset, it irks me, we want more solutions to these problems instead of ‘ah, you shouldn’t do that…all the rich people want to do these things.’
Not gonna lie, I ended up skimming the last bit of this story because of what they did to the dad’s arc. So disappointing.
Shelved as 'dnf'
June 30, 2024DNF 54%
June 20, 2024
3.5 rounded up to a 4.
June 23, 2024
Easy to read, ‘arch nemesis’ to lovers, it’s a sweet story. The have some hurdles to overcome and then they get their very happy HEA❤️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
June 28, 2024
Joey (Jay) & Ryan
Rating: 3.5 ⭐
- Found Family
- College Roommates
- Forced Proximity
- Gamer Jock/Environmental Activist
- Only One Bed
- Daddy Issues
- One Sided Enemies-to-Lovers
- Light Daddy kink (no age play)
- Low Angst
This was cute and sweet read. It's very low angst considering the plot and how they could've created more tension about Jay's reluctance to get with Ryan due to his family's company, or with Ryan and his dad not agreeing on the business. There is a decent mix of smut with sweet moments between the couple. I mean the dates and the surprises were so dang thoughtful, just melt me. The friend group meshing so well together and instantly becoming like a little family was great to watch. There was no drama about either character being gay, both families were very excepting of this and their friends were amazing.
Jay is an actor as well as an activist, so we get to see him perform and rehearse while planning protest. Ryan is on the rowing team and a double major, he's smart like that. Ryan was like a big ol golden retriever boyfriend who wanted to spend time with his man and cuddle, hold hands, and kiss all the time. These two like to dirty talk when they get all hot and heavy, so be prepared for that nugget. That split on a dick scene was something else, using that dancer flexibility Jay has.
Jay spent a lot of time worry what people would think and how they would not take him seriously if he interacted with Ryan. He would give in to his attraction and feelings, then turn around and get weird with Ryan while they were in public. Ryan was very patient and understood Jay's reservations but you could tell it stung each time it happened.
The epilogue that shows the couple seven years later was a nice touch and we get to see their successes and relationship growth.
Content Warnings:
- Graphic sexual content between consenting adults
- Mentions of parental death (past, off-page)
- Mentions of fatal boating accident (past, off-page)
- Panic attacks (on-page)
- Grieving
- Mild exhibitionism
I received a free copy of this book via GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Verse: No
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual
Breakup: No
Cheating: No
Ages: 21 & 21
Rating: 3.5 ⭐
- Found Family
- College Roommates
- Forced Proximity
- Gamer Jock/Environmental Activist
- Only One Bed
- Daddy Issues
- One Sided Enemies-to-Lovers
- Light Daddy kink (no age play)
- Low Angst
This was cute and sweet read. It's very low angst considering the plot and how they could've created more tension about Jay's reluctance to get with Ryan due to his family's company, or with Ryan and his dad not agreeing on the business. There is a decent mix of smut with sweet moments between the couple. I mean the dates and the surprises were so dang thoughtful, just melt me. The friend group meshing so well together and instantly becoming like a little family was great to watch. There was no drama about either character being gay, both families were very excepting of this and their friends were amazing.
The funny thing about hate, though? Sometimes it very much resembled its complete opposite cousin: love. Passionate, irrational, mind-altering.
Jay is an actor as well as an activist, so we get to see him perform and rehearse while planning protest. Ryan is on the rowing team and a double major, he's smart like that. Ryan was like a big ol golden retriever boyfriend who wanted to spend time with his man and cuddle, hold hands, and kiss all the time. These two like to dirty talk when they get all hot and heavy, so be prepared for that nugget. That split on a dick scene was something else, using that dancer flexibility Jay has.
I swallowed him whole. Like a goddamned sword swallower at the circus. Gag reflex? Didn’t know her. Jaw pain? Who was that? Dry mouth? Never heard of it.
Jay spent a lot of time worry what people would think and how they would not take him seriously if he interacted with Ryan. He would give in to his attraction and feelings, then turn around and get weird with Ryan while they were in public. Ryan was very patient and understood Jay's reservations but you could tell it stung each time it happened.
The epilogue that shows the couple seven years later was a nice touch and we get to see their successes and relationship growth.
Content Warnings:
- Graphic sexual content between consenting adults
- Mentions of parental death (past, off-page)
- Mentions of fatal boating accident (past, off-page)
- Panic attacks (on-page)
- Grieving
- Mild exhibitionism
I received a free copy of this book via GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Verse: No
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual
Breakup: No
Cheating: No
Ages: 21 & 21
June 24, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ 2.5/5
What to Expect:
College Romance ✔️
Gamer Jock/ Environmental Activist ✔️
Forced Proximity✔️
Low Angst but SPICY ✔️
Listen.. don't come AT ME! I'm trying soooo hard to keep reviews SHORT & SWEET this year! lol
Jay was all about making a CHANGE! An enviromental activist that just wanted to make the world a BETTER place.Ryan was the heir of a multi-billion dollar oil company that was known for DESTROYING the environment. In other words, he was the COMPLETE opposite to what Jay believed in and stood for. or so he thought.
RYAN&JAY.. these TWO?! y'all.. the FLIRTING, the glimpses, gahh the TENSION!?! 🥵🥵 It was sooo sooo PALPABLE!
their ROMANCE?! low angst & whatever problem they had was solved QUICKLY.
their SMUTTY scenes together? my gawdddddd. Now let's do a little clap for the light little sprinkles of "DADDY" in there. because I'm NOT even going to lie.. those were my FAVORITE 😏
"Show me how much you want it. Show me how bad you want Daddy's cock."
just.... 💦 🧎🏻♀️🔥
Level Up is my FIRST Max Walker book but I PROMISE it won't be my last!
I cannot WAIT to continue on with the Franklin U Series because when it comes to low ANGST, SWEET & SWOONY College Romances.. this series is ✨TOP TIER✨!
*Thank you to GRR (Gay Romance Reviews), Max Walker, and team for the ARC.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ 2.5/5
What to Expect:
College Romance ✔️
Gamer Jock/ Environmental Activist ✔️
Forced Proximity✔️
Low Angst but SPICY ✔️
Listen.. don't come AT ME! I'm trying soooo hard to keep reviews SHORT & SWEET this year! lol
Jay was all about making a CHANGE! An enviromental activist that just wanted to make the world a BETTER place.Ryan was the heir of a multi-billion dollar oil company that was known for DESTROYING the environment. In other words, he was the COMPLETE opposite to what Jay believed in and stood for. or so he thought.
RYAN&JAY.. these TWO?! y'all.. the FLIRTING, the glimpses, gahh the TENSION!?! 🥵🥵 It was sooo sooo PALPABLE!
their ROMANCE?! low angst & whatever problem they had was solved QUICKLY.
their SMUTTY scenes together? my gawdddddd. Now let's do a little clap for the light little sprinkles of "DADDY" in there. because I'm NOT even going to lie.. those were my FAVORITE 😏
"Show me how much you want it. Show me how bad you want Daddy's cock."
just.... 💦 🧎🏻♀️🔥
Level Up is my FIRST Max Walker book but I PROMISE it won't be my last!
I cannot WAIT to continue on with the Franklin U Series because when it comes to low ANGST, SWEET & SWOONY College Romances.. this series is ✨TOP TIER✨!
*Thank you to GRR (Gay Romance Reviews), Max Walker, and team for the ARC.
June 22, 2024
I’m making my way through part 2 of the FU multi-author series and this was another great entry by a new author to the universe! We didn’t get to see any past characters that we know and love but I feel like this story vibed very well with the series!
Jay was a very passionate character and I loved how dedicated he was to his causes! I loved his best friend too and how she made him see reason when the MCs had a fight! Ryan was a really fun character and I was so happy with the resolution with his family!
Overall this was a great story and I recommend! I’m looking forward to reading the next entry in the series!
Jay was a very passionate character and I loved how dedicated he was to his causes! I loved his best friend too and how she made him see reason when the MCs had a fight! Ryan was a really fun character and I was so happy with the resolution with his family!
Overall this was a great story and I recommend! I’m looking forward to reading the next entry in the series!
July 1, 2024
“Dick, dick, dick, dick, Ryan’s dick, cock, dick, Ryan’s dick against mine, Ryan’s dick inside me, dick, cock -”
FUCK YES! 🥵
I want to live in a Max Walker book full time!! ❤️
I'm not a massive romance reader (I normally prefer a splash of fantasy in there). And after loving Max's fantasy romance series, I really wanted to try one of his just romance books. 🥰
And boy, I was not disappointed! 🌶️
I was a bit worried about starting this series at book 4 but I figured it was one of them series where you can dip in and out where you want. After finishing and wanting to read every other book in the series. I realised each book, following different boys at the Franklin University (hysterical to me that it's called FU - it really adds to the campness!) is actually by a different author. Great, so now I have 7 other new smut authors to try... fuming. 😏
Is Level Up a little bit cringe and predictable, sure. Was I kicking my legs and twirling my hair, ABSO-FUCKING-LUTELY! 👧🏻
Max writes smut perfectly in my eyes, my only problem is wanting more! I was here for both of these boys from page one. 😍
Level Up really has everything - cute romance, hot fucking, climate awareness and drag shows. What are you waiting for? Go and get this read right now! 👌🏼
FUCK YES! 🥵
I want to live in a Max Walker book full time!! ❤️
I'm not a massive romance reader (I normally prefer a splash of fantasy in there). And after loving Max's fantasy romance series, I really wanted to try one of his just romance books. 🥰
And boy, I was not disappointed! 🌶️
I was a bit worried about starting this series at book 4 but I figured it was one of them series where you can dip in and out where you want. After finishing and wanting to read every other book in the series. I realised each book, following different boys at the Franklin University (hysterical to me that it's called FU - it really adds to the campness!) is actually by a different author. Great, so now I have 7 other new smut authors to try... fuming. 😏
Is Level Up a little bit cringe and predictable, sure. Was I kicking my legs and twirling my hair, ABSO-FUCKING-LUTELY! 👧🏻
Max writes smut perfectly in my eyes, my only problem is wanting more! I was here for both of these boys from page one. 😍
Level Up really has everything - cute romance, hot fucking, climate awareness and drag shows. What are you waiting for? Go and get this read right now! 👌🏼
July 4, 2024
3.5 stars
Very enjoyable, just a bit predictable.
Ryan and Jay were very cute.
Very enjoyable, just a bit predictable.
Ryan and Jay were very cute.
August 1, 2024
I really wanted to like this more than I did.
With most smutty books I've learned you have to turn your brain off and enjoy the ride. Well, this ride was... nothing exciting. The book opens with a frat party where our two MCs are immediately lusting after one another. Jay's new to Franklin University and feels like Ryan is not the right move at this moment. It's quickly revealed Ryan's dorm has flooded and is forced to room with Jay until the damages are repaired. The whole set up feels forced and unrealistic BUT we're not reading this for best writing and believability...
The two quickly give in to the lust they have for each other to the point of all they can think about is the other's dick. You can't get through a normal scene without a dick-joke or a dick-thought. It reads very juvenile (which I have to remember this is set in college - but I also have to believe it could have been done better).
Don't get me wrong, there are moments that were cute enough to keep this book in likable territory. It's just a shame at how cringy a lot of the writing and dialogue is. The most well written spicy scene is the last scene of the book. I finally felt like something with heat and action was put on the page that didn't leave me rolling my eyes and what a bummer that the rest wasn't written as well.
Story & Characters: 2/5
Spice Level: 3/5
Overall: 2.5 rounded up
With most smutty books I've learned you have to turn your brain off and enjoy the ride. Well, this ride was... nothing exciting. The book opens with a frat party where our two MCs are immediately lusting after one another. Jay's new to Franklin University and feels like Ryan is not the right move at this moment. It's quickly revealed Ryan's dorm has flooded and is forced to room with Jay until the damages are repaired. The whole set up feels forced and unrealistic BUT we're not reading this for best writing and believability...
The two quickly give in to the lust they have for each other to the point of all they can think about is the other's dick. You can't get through a normal scene without a dick-joke or a dick-thought. It reads very juvenile (which I have to remember this is set in college - but I also have to believe it could have been done better).
Don't get me wrong, there are moments that were cute enough to keep this book in likable territory. It's just a shame at how cringy a lot of the writing and dialogue is. The most well written spicy scene is the last scene of the book. I finally felt like something with heat and action was put on the page that didn't leave me rolling my eyes and what a bummer that the rest wasn't written as well.
Story & Characters: 2/5
Spice Level: 3/5
Overall: 2.5 rounded up
July 26, 2024
Jay is an environmental activist, and is wanting to stop off shore drilling and experimentation in his home town. He is so passionate about his cause, it has already got him expelled from one university, which is why he now finds himself at Franklin U.
Ryan is the son of the owner of a huge fracking company that wants to start off shore drilling.
When Ryan finds himself moving dorms after his is flooded, he is assigned to share with Jay.
They are both very attracted to each other, but Jay holds who Ryans dad is over him. Once he realises that Ryan is nothing like his dad, there is no stopping them.
This is a relatively low angst story with a great story. There are some past trauma for Jay and between the two of them, it is dealt with so beautifully.
This is the fourth book in the second Franklin U series. Max Walker who is a new to me author, has written a charming book. The characters are well written and their love shines through the pages. This was the warm hug of a book i needed, with a fair bit of spice thrown in. I will happily read more from this author.
“We were out in public, surrounded by people, and we were kissing”.
Ryan is the son of the owner of a huge fracking company that wants to start off shore drilling.
When Ryan finds himself moving dorms after his is flooded, he is assigned to share with Jay.
They are both very attracted to each other, but Jay holds who Ryans dad is over him. Once he realises that Ryan is nothing like his dad, there is no stopping them.
This is a relatively low angst story with a great story. There are some past trauma for Jay and between the two of them, it is dealt with so beautifully.
This is the fourth book in the second Franklin U series. Max Walker who is a new to me author, has written a charming book. The characters are well written and their love shines through the pages. This was the warm hug of a book i needed, with a fair bit of spice thrown in. I will happily read more from this author.
“We were out in public, surrounded by people, and we were kissing”.
June 20, 2024
4 stars
Honestly, I wasn’t sure about this one when I read the blurb… but I was soooo wrong. I liked Jay and his activism, but Ryan stole the show in my heart. He had this bashful quality that drew me to him, as he fell for Jay hard and fast. Plotwise, it was well done. It had a good storyline with past traumas and harsh decisions to make regarding one’s family, blending really well together. It was logical and emotional at the same time. Both main characters were in a difficult position regarding family and ethics. I was glad they managed to power through it without extended drama. I liked the pre-ending part, but I still felt the last segment was a bit rushed. As it was Max Walker’s first participation in the FU series, I think it blended well with the rest of the series, leading to our next new participant, Cora Rose.
Honestly, I wasn’t sure about this one when I read the blurb… but I was soooo wrong. I liked Jay and his activism, but Ryan stole the show in my heart. He had this bashful quality that drew me to him, as he fell for Jay hard and fast. Plotwise, it was well done. It had a good storyline with past traumas and harsh decisions to make regarding one’s family, blending really well together. It was logical and emotional at the same time. Both main characters were in a difficult position regarding family and ethics. I was glad they managed to power through it without extended drama. I liked the pre-ending part, but I still felt the last segment was a bit rushed. As it was Max Walker’s first participation in the FU series, I think it blended well with the rest of the series, leading to our next new participant, Cora Rose.
July 3, 2024
I don’t think I’ve ever read a book where they’ve mentioned dick so consecutively… it felt like they were either thinking about dick, horny or hard in nearly every chapter. I've enjoyed most of the Franklin U series, both this year and last, but this was by far my least favourite. Their relationship was merely physical. The chemistry didn’t exist for me. I’m all for characters being diverse but their personalities were packed out… Joey was a hardcore science theatre nerd environmental activist with trauma from the loss of his dad and Ryan was a ‘himbo’ rich boy jock gamer guy. Maybe it’s a Max Walker thing but other guys in this series felt less complex, like they were simply a jock or a nerd or a plant lover... it just felt a bit over the top. I’m pretty sure this is my first book by Max Walker but I won’t be reading another one. His writing didn’t work for me.
July 6, 2024
Were they deliberately trying to make this a bad book? I mean it had a few good scenes but others were a wreck. 🙄
The writing feels heavy handed and a little bit like fanfic. The author's voice feels young and unpracticed.
The dual pov on each developing scene gets tiring when all we want is for the story to proceed.
And last but not least, the whole development of the story just felt flat and dare I say, corny.
The writing feels heavy handed and a little bit like fanfic. The author's voice feels young and unpracticed.
The dual pov on each developing scene gets tiring when all we want is for the story to proceed.
And last but not least, the whole development of the story just felt flat and dare I say, corny.
July 5, 2024
Jay likes the environment and his friend Maddy and HATES Redpine Global.
Ryan is the son of the man in charge at Redpine and likes rowing and Jay.
They obviously get together and grow.
Idk. I didn't really like this one. Both guys felt bland and a little underdeveloped. And the book was WAY too horny (which is just personal preference).
Onward to book 5!
Ryan is the son of the man in charge at Redpine and likes rowing and Jay.
They obviously get together and grow.
Idk. I didn't really like this one. Both guys felt bland and a little underdeveloped. And the book was WAY too horny (which is just personal preference).
Onward to book 5!
June 29, 2024
1☆ DNF 40%
ᔑᑭᏆᑕᗴ: 🔥
しᗩᑌᏀᕼᔑ: 😡
Ꭲᗴᗩᖇᔑ:😐
ᗰᑕᔑ: Jay, Ryan
ᑭᝪᐯ: 1st, Dual
Ꭲᖇᝪᑭᗴᔑ: Daddy Kink(WTF), Roommates o Lovers
NO LO LOGRO CON ESTE LIBRO TAN PÉSIMAMENTE ESCRITO. UNS PERSONAJES MEDIOCRES Y UNA TRAMA ABSURADA MAX LO SIENTO PERO ARRUINASTE ESTA SERIE CON ESTE LIBRO. SOLO TENIA UN TRABAJO QUE HACER Y LA CAGASTE EPICAMENTE.
ᔑᑭᏆᑕᗴ: 🔥
しᗩᑌᏀᕼᔑ: 😡
Ꭲᗴᗩᖇᔑ:😐
ᗰᑕᔑ: Jay, Ryan
ᑭᝪᐯ: 1st, Dual
Ꭲᖇᝪᑭᗴᔑ: Daddy Kink(WTF), Roommates o Lovers
NO LO LOGRO CON ESTE LIBRO TAN PÉSIMAMENTE ESCRITO. UNS PERSONAJES MEDIOCRES Y UNA TRAMA ABSURADA MAX LO SIENTO PERO ARRUINASTE ESTA SERIE CON ESTE LIBRO. SOLO TENIA UN TRABAJO QUE HACER Y LA CAGASTE EPICAMENTE.
July 2, 2024
Wow, this was not good. I’m being generous and rounding up to two stars.
There are inconsistencies, errors, and a ridiculous scene where the villain of the book does a complete turnaround within the space of about a page. Overall, it was a bit like when you look at an AI created ‘photo’ and realise that a person in it has six fingers and a suspiciously smooth chin.
Also, I wish writers would realise that ‘bust a nut’ is not sexy talk. Ever.
On the positive side, it’s always nice to see some good trans representation, and I did like Maddy.
I don’t expect much from the Franklin U books, but I expect more than this.
There are inconsistencies, errors, and a ridiculous scene where the villain of the book does a complete turnaround within the space of about a page. Overall, it was a bit like when you look at an AI created ‘photo’ and realise that a person in it has six fingers and a suspiciously smooth chin.
Also, I wish writers would realise that ‘bust a nut’ is not sexy talk. Ever.
On the positive side, it’s always nice to see some good trans representation, and I did like Maddy.
I don’t expect much from the Franklin U books, but I expect more than this.
June 29, 2024
Another one in this series that has fallen flat. The writing felt really choppy and leaned way more into telling than showing.
I absolutely could not stand Jay's character. I felt both characters were quite one dimensional and I was getting whiplash from the way they interacted.
The most jarring scene for me is when they have their first 'fight'. Jay's reaction felt very over the top. And why did they have to meet at a lake, on campus, in the middle of the night? It just felt a little too ridiculous.
The resolution for this book was wrapped up so neatly and quickly that it was not realistic.
Hoping the rest of the series will recapture me.
I absolutely could not stand Jay's character. I felt both characters were quite one dimensional and I was getting whiplash from the way they interacted.
The most jarring scene for me is when they have their first 'fight'. Jay's reaction felt very over the top. And why did they have to meet at a lake, on campus, in the middle of the night? It just felt a little too ridiculous.
The resolution for this book was wrapped up so neatly and quickly that it was not realistic.
Hoping the rest of the series will recapture me.
June 30, 2024
Took a trip back to FU with Max Walker's LEVEL UP. I love this multi-author series, and this was the first book I've read by Walker. It was GREAT!
LEVEL UP is Jay and Ryan's story 💚💙💚💙
Jay is an environmental activist and a new transfer to FU. I'll be honest... at times, I hated this character. But at others, I'm pretty sure I would die for him. Jay is definitely bff material. He's busy with his protests, his degree, practicing for the theatre, and trolling for the D. He meets Ryan at a frat party, and the instant attraction was 🔥🔥🔥
Ryan is a rower dealing with his dad issues and wants to be a game designer even though his dad wants him to take over the family business. After his dorm gets flooded, he ends up sharing a dorm with Jay after their meet-hot fizzled out.
Jay is full of the blinded passion of youth, and Ryan is basically the build-a-perfect-boyfriend. Jay squabbles and Ryan charms, and eventually, the sexual tension and chemistry override everything.
And let me tell you, Walker can write some spicy scenes. The dirty talk, the chemistry, the 🌶🍑🔥 we love it. The causal use of 'daddy' was a plus, too. I read a review calling LEVEL UP *daddy lite*... and I was here for it.
If you like a little unnecessary drama, unreasonably hot college dudes, bathroom hookups, drag queens, great besties, and a sweet supportive love story with a dash of "daddy"- this book will be for you.
LEVEL UP is Jay and Ryan's story 💚💙💚💙
Jay is an environmental activist and a new transfer to FU. I'll be honest... at times, I hated this character. But at others, I'm pretty sure I would die for him. Jay is definitely bff material. He's busy with his protests, his degree, practicing for the theatre, and trolling for the D. He meets Ryan at a frat party, and the instant attraction was 🔥🔥🔥
Ryan is a rower dealing with his dad issues and wants to be a game designer even though his dad wants him to take over the family business. After his dorm gets flooded, he ends up sharing a dorm with Jay after their meet-hot fizzled out.
Jay is full of the blinded passion of youth, and Ryan is basically the build-a-perfect-boyfriend. Jay squabbles and Ryan charms, and eventually, the sexual tension and chemistry override everything.
And let me tell you, Walker can write some spicy scenes. The dirty talk, the chemistry, the 🌶🍑🔥 we love it. The causal use of 'daddy' was a plus, too. I read a review calling LEVEL UP *daddy lite*... and I was here for it.
If you like a little unnecessary drama, unreasonably hot college dudes, bathroom hookups, drag queens, great besties, and a sweet supportive love story with a dash of "daddy"- this book will be for you.
June 28, 2024
First, thank you to @maxwalkerwrites for providing me with a digital arc of his latest release, Level Up! Part of the multi-author Franklin U 2 series, this book is number 4 in the latest installment, but I read it as a standalone and didn’t feel like I was missing out by doing so.
Max described Level Up to me as “a college romance with a roomies-to-lovers vibe, found family, lots of gay pride, and some light Daddy play.” My immediate thoughts: I’M IN!! 🤣
With an opening frat party scene that will take anyone back to their college glory days, our two MCs share a meet cute over the beer pong table and are immediately drawn to each other.
Jay, an environmental activist who is in the dance company and theater program, couldn’t appear to be more opposite to Ryan, a gaymer jock on the college crew team, who just so happens to be the heir to a corporation known for destroying the environment. Add some undeniable sexual tension, with a student housing issue that has these two sleeping just feet away from each other in a tiny dorm room (oh no, did one bed break?!)… and obviously the sparks are going to fly!
And boy did they ever! The spice was SPICY, the boys got their HEA, and it was a super quick and fun read. I had to laugh because in college I was both on the crew team and in the dance company, so I really was brought back to those years and felt connected to both characters!
You can read this one for free today on Kindle Unlimited!!
🌶️🎉🌶️
Max described Level Up to me as “a college romance with a roomies-to-lovers vibe, found family, lots of gay pride, and some light Daddy play.” My immediate thoughts: I’M IN!! 🤣
With an opening frat party scene that will take anyone back to their college glory days, our two MCs share a meet cute over the beer pong table and are immediately drawn to each other.
Jay, an environmental activist who is in the dance company and theater program, couldn’t appear to be more opposite to Ryan, a gaymer jock on the college crew team, who just so happens to be the heir to a corporation known for destroying the environment. Add some undeniable sexual tension, with a student housing issue that has these two sleeping just feet away from each other in a tiny dorm room (oh no, did one bed break?!)… and obviously the sparks are going to fly!
And boy did they ever! The spice was SPICY, the boys got their HEA, and it was a super quick and fun read. I had to laugh because in college I was both on the crew team and in the dance company, so I really was brought back to those years and felt connected to both characters!
You can read this one for free today on Kindle Unlimited!!
🌶️🎉🌶️
June 14, 2024
3.5/5. This was cute and I always love the FU universe. Jay was passionate and thoughtful. Ryan was sweet, kind, and loyal. I appreciated Jay's backstory with his father and how that eventually impacted how he felt about Ryan's father. I also loved how Ryan knew he wanted to explore this thing with Jay and he didn't give up. The two had some differences, mainly Ryan's family, but they worked well together. Maddy was such a great side character, too. I loved the fun drag moments as well. Oh and we got to see glimpses of the other FU stories, which was fun. My only complaint is that the ending worked out a little too well. It was an easy ending. I'd have loved a little roadblock here or there, but overall it was so cute and fun!
Notes: roommates, environmental activist/fracking family heir, gamer, daddy issues, family issues, rowing, jock/actor, enemies to lovers, only one bed, daddy kink (a little)
Notes: roommates, environmental activist/fracking family heir, gamer, daddy issues, family issues, rowing, jock/actor, enemies to lovers, only one bed, daddy kink (a little)
July 2, 2024
Jay and Ryan’s story is the 4th book in the FU2 series. Jay is an environmental activist and Ryan is a gamer who ends up his surprise roommate. Except Ryan’s father is the CEO of a company that is exactly the type Jay is against.
Unfortunately I didn’t really enjoy this one all that much! It was readable and that was about it.
The whole book just sort of fell flat with me. The writing felt choppy and I never really ended up liking either of the MC. Not enough character building or chemistry, with too much else thrown in. The final resolution was wrapped up too neatly for how large of an issue it was and was not realistic.
Tropes:
- (kinda) enemies to lovers
- found family
- daddy issues
I was provided this book as an ARC for an honest review.
Unfortunately I didn’t really enjoy this one all that much! It was readable and that was about it.
The whole book just sort of fell flat with me. The writing felt choppy and I never really ended up liking either of the MC. Not enough character building or chemistry, with too much else thrown in. The final resolution was wrapped up too neatly for how large of an issue it was and was not realistic.
Tropes:
- (kinda) enemies to lovers
- found family
- daddy issues
I was provided this book as an ARC for an honest review.
July 18, 2024
For me, the story was a bit superficial. It was all about horny fraternities and their focus on d!cks. The enemies-to-lovers part, I was looking forward to, was not there.
But the further the story went it got somewhat better.
Ryan and his family stand for everything Jay despises and fights against. They run a company that destroys environments.
At times, especially the hot ones Jay can forget this fact about his roommate.
Ryan wants him to forget, he’s falling hard for Jay, and he’s more than what Jay finds.
Jay is falling too, that’s why Ryan is scared to tell about his dad’s involvement in the Beacon Bay project.
It was a mild read, with not many ups or downs. If you want some mellow reading hours, this one is for you.
For me, it was a bit too sweet.
But the further the story went it got somewhat better.
Ryan and his family stand for everything Jay despises and fights against. They run a company that destroys environments.
At times, especially the hot ones Jay can forget this fact about his roommate.
Ryan wants him to forget, he’s falling hard for Jay, and he’s more than what Jay finds.
Jay is falling too, that’s why Ryan is scared to tell about his dad’s involvement in the Beacon Bay project.
It was a mild read, with not many ups or downs. If you want some mellow reading hours, this one is for you.
For me, it was a bit too sweet.
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