Let’s take a little look inside of Code Red by N.R. Walker, the first book in the Atrous series.
This is one of my comfort reads and I just love Roscoe and Maddox’ story! It’s emotional and a bit angsty, but with a lot of swoon and sweetness to it as well. Both Roscoe and Maddox were so tactile, I loved how there were a lot of small, causal touches along with cuddles and how Maddox found comfort in being close to Roscoe.
I felt so much for Maddox and it was hard to see him spiralling, I just wanted to hug and protect him from everything… The story didn’t get dark though, and I think that the mental health struggles were realistically handled and well written by the author.
Code Red also had a lot of funny moments, and I really liked the banter and the funny comments from the band members. The story overall was a great mix of emotions and feelings, and the hurt / comfort was fantastic.
How it begins…
“Roscoe Hall,” I answered my phone, out of time and patience. It didn’t dawn on me that it was Ryan’s number until after I’d said my name. It was my twentieth call this morning already.
Tropes
- age gap
- music
- hurt / comfort
- friends to lovers
- close proximity
- secret relationship
So yeah, maybe I felt a little overprotective. And maybe Ambrose calling him “our boy” rankled me more than it should because Maddox wasn’t his boy.
Maddox was mine.
What to expect
- musician / manager
- slow burn
- mutual pining
- swoony and sweet
- a little possessiveness
- mental health struggles
- found family
“As soon as we get back to your room, I’m handing every ounce of power I have over to you,” he murmured, voice low. “And you can do whatever you want to me.”
Book links:
Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub | StoryGraph
The Secret Librarian 