5 Star Review: Beta Test, by Annabeth Albert

Title: Beta Test, Gaymers #2

Author: Annabeth Albert

Publisher/GR Link: Carina Press, GR

Genre: MM Contemporary

Vice: Opposites attract, nerds, coming out

Rating: 5 stars

Lock this book up: 4 keys.  This is a hot novel and the sex supports the romance.

Length: Novel

Satisfaction: HEA

Cover Impressions: I like the way it blends in with book 1

Synopsis: Brilliant graphic designer Ravi Tandel is ahead of the game—he's just been asked to present a top secret project at a huge conference in Seattle. All systems are go…until he learns his buttoned-up office nemesis is coming along for the ride.

Tristan Jones isn't really the gamer type, but he knows the back end of the video game business inside out. Together, he and Ravi will give an awesome presentation. If they survive the cross-country trip first.

Tossed together in close quarters, Ravi's shocked to see Tristan's sexy, softer side emerge from such a conservative shell. He's less shocked to learn his handsome colleague's prominent family would never support an out-and-proud son. But Ravi didn't struggle through his own coming out to hide who he is now. To be together, Tristan will have to push past his fear and ultimately decide: Does he want a future with Ravi? Or is it game over before they've even begun?

Impressions:  I love this book, and it was a great follow up to book 1.  I could not put this down and the two MC’s really swept me into their story.  I love a good friends-to-lovers story, and combined with the opposites-attract element, this was a complete delight.

Ravi was very likable and I loved seeing the contrast between his brash exterior and his sensitive interior.  Tristan probably captured my heart the most.  I loved his yearning to be accepted at the same time he wasn’t sure how to best go about it.

There is a great cast of characters in this read, and the plot moves along at a great pace.  There is just enough angst and tension to keep me up late, clicking away on my kindle.

Definitely recommended!

Recommended Read: Status Report, by Annabeth Alberts

Title: Status Update

Author: Annabeth Alberts

Publisher/GR Link:

Genre: MM Contemporary

Vice: Nerds, Rescues

Rating: 5 Stars out of 5

Lock this book up: 4 out of 5 keys.  This book is smoking hot, and so sexy!  It really supports a wonderful story line.

Length: Novel

Satisfaction:  HEA

Cover Impressions:  Adorbs!!

Synopsis: Adrian Gottlieb is winning at life. He's a successful video game designer with everything a man could ask for, including a warm comfy ride to Denver and a date for his sister's wedding. But he finds himself in need of a total reboot when he's left stranded at a snowy campground in Utah. Holiday plans? Epic fail.

That is until Noah Walters offers him shelter for the night and a reluctant cross-country ride. Nothing about the ultraconservative geoarchaeologist should attract Adrian, but once he discovers Noah's hidden love for video games, the two connect on a new level. Soon, a quiet but undeniable chemistry sparks.

Something doesn't add up, though. As the miles accumulate and time runs out, Noah must face the most difficult choice of his life. Meanwhile, Adrian must decide whether he's ready to level up. Is their relationship status worth fighting for, or has this game ended before it's even begun?

Impressions:  This was the book I needed to read, and I am so grateful to Ms. Albert for giving it to me!   I have loved all of her short stories, and I was excited to read her first full length novel.  This surpassed my excitement and made it to my top reads of the year list.  I just snuggled in and ate this delicious read right up!

I just loved Noah and his stuffy exterior that is hiding a man who is desperate for comfort and companionship.  I found him to be completely believable, and I loved the way Albert created a backstory that explained his prickly exterior.

Adrian was an adorable counter part to Noah.  He is joyful and free with his love, but he feels like the awkward black sheep of the family, despite his own professional successes. 

This book was so sexy and steamy that I felt myself blushing and hoping no one was reading over my shoulder!  What really drew me in were the amazing characters who ache for love and acceptance under the surface, but who don’t know how to grab it when it is near them.  This book has just the right balance of angst and sweetness, and sexiness and romance.  The pace was perfect, and I didn’t want it to end.

Do yourself a favor and grab this one when it is release on 12/7.  Its up for pre-order now, so get it now and be ready to set some time aside on 12/7!

 I received this book as an ARC though NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

New Release Review: Blowing off Steam

Title: Blowing off Steam

Author: Joy Lynn Fielding

Publisher/GR Link: Samhain, GR

Genre: MM contemporary

Vice: Nerds, sexy men, trains, feel good

Rating: 4.75 out of 5

Lock this book up: 4 out of 5 keys.  The sex is HOT and supports the story. 

Length: Novel

Satisfaction: HEA

Cover Impressions: I love it.  Looks steampunk-ish, but its a wonderful contemporary.

Best Line: "...He couldn't want for anything more."

Synopsis: Two guys, a train, and lots of steam.

Sam Chancellor has been in love with the steam engine Old Bess since he was six years old. Well, maybe not literally, but even when he’s lost everything else in his life, he’s always had her. But now her place in his heart has been unexpectedly challenged. Her new driver, Ryan Saunders, is the embodiment of all Sam’s fantasies.

Ryan has written off Sam as just another geeky trainspotter—until the moment Ryan sees him without his usual shapeless hoodie, and realizes that for a nerd, Sam’s pretty built.

When Ryan overlooks Sam’s awkwardness long enough to suggest a hook-up, Sam seizes the opportunity—and Ryan—with both very eager hands. Finding common ground in their shared love of Bess, their time together is better than Sam ever dared dream.

But there’s a reason Ryan never talks about his past. And when Ryan's job is threatened, Sam’s well-meaning intervention puts both Ryan and Bess in deadly danger.

Impressions:  I loved this book!  I spent my day thinking about how I could squeeze in time to read while I was cooking a big dinner!  I read while I stirred the sauce, while I worked the grill, and while I baked a cake!  At my most fortunate moments, I read when I snuck away into the comfy chair to read for a few minutes!

Sam was so adorable that I wanted to reach into my kindle and give him a hug.  (I could definitely be his sassy lesbian friend! Maybe I can be written into the sequel?!)  Ryan was so bold and confident, and yet so vulnerable at the same time.  I loved watching him connect not just with Sam, but with his own self and his own identity.

I didn't know a lot about trains before this, though I have ridden on an older locomotive, but this made me want to learn even more.  I could see how the predictability and power could be so comforting to Sam.  

This was a story about awakenings, both sexual and personal, and about forging a new future.  I was curious about some of the details of the MC's backstories, but then I realized that those things weren't important, and in fact they might have distracted from the joy of watching these two men find each other.  I didn't need the sad details of their past to wish for their happiness. 

I would love to hear more from these guys, but I feel completely satisfied with their lives now!

I was excited to give this a try when I read the blurb and I am so glad that I did!  Check it out and you won't regret it at all!   Don't let this one sit in the TBR pile...download it now and start reading at midnight!

Two Mini-Reviews: Resilient Heart and Letters from Cupid

Title: Resilient Heart

Author: Annabeth Albert

Publisher/GR Link: GR

Genre: MM, Military

Vice: Military, PTSD, Dogs, Healing

Rating: 5 out of 5

Satisfaction: HEA 

Synopsis: Originally released as part of the Unconditional Surrender bundle, now available as a stand-alone novella complete with BRAND-NEW 10,000 word short story/epilogue. When a wounded soldier is forced to accept help from his former best friend, both men discover the true strength of their entwined hearts.

Army IT specialist Xander keeps his emotions wired as tight as his NETCOM gear, but when he’s seriously injured by an IED, his whole life unravels. Running out of options, Xander must accept help from his ex-friend-with-benefits, Mackey. However, Xander’s had feelings for Mackey for years, and close quarters only complicates his emotions. Further, Xander doesn’t know which is worse: combating his inner demons or dealing with Mackey’s guilty kindnesses. 

Mackey’s always kept his emotions close to his chest, but now he’s got a secret that could destroy his one chance with the man he cares far too much for. Both men will have to heal their wounded hearts to ensure a future together. 

Entwined Future: In this new short story, Mackey has news that could change everything for him and Xander, but a visit from Xander's family jeopardizes Mackey's plans--and forces Xander to confront some harsh truths.

Impressions:  This short novel backed a whole heck of a lot of punch.  I loved these two men, and I appreciated the sensitivity with which their struggle was captured.  I loved the packing of the story, which allowed us to share in the challenges and joys that these two men face.  I am quickly finding this author to be an auto-buy for me, and this book sealed the deal!  This is such  deep, complex book and the character development is handled so well.  I'd love to see these two men in the future!

Title: Letters from Cupid

Author: Ari McKay

Publisher/GR Link: Torquere, GR

Genre: MM Contemporary

Vice: Nerds, Strong/Silent types

Rating: 5 out of 5

Satisfaction:  HEA

Synopsis:Breaking up with his boyfriend has left English Professor Derek Chandler feeling lonely and down. He begins to think that he just doesn't have the passion to sustain a long-term relationship -- at least until a letter from a mysterious "Cupid" tells him not to lose hope. Intrigued, Derek replies to his anonymous admirer, and they begin a correspondence where Derek discovers he isn't the only one with doubts about his desirability.

Dr. Macon Pinney has admired his colleague from afar for quite a while, but he only intended his initial note to Derek to offer encouragement. Macon doesn't believe that outgoing, sociable Derek could ever be interested in the type of quiet, withdrawn man he knows himself to be. And yet when Derek writes back, admitting his worries about never finding a true partner, Macon can't help but reply, sharing his own feelings from the safety of anonymity.

But will Macon find the courage to step out of the shadows and admit to Derek his identity, or will both men spend the most romantic day of the year alone?

Impressions: I was looking for something cute and sweet, and this story was IT!  I loved Macon and his struggle to believe that Derek could really like *him.*  I really got him as a character, and this story kept a smile on my face the whole time I read it.  It was, in a word, perfect!  When you need a cute Valentine pick-me-up, grab this one!  I know I'll be revisiting it again!