Navy SEAL meets gamer geek in this opposites-attract, forced proximity romance from bestselling author Annabeth Albert It’s typical of video game programmer Josiah Simmons to be the last one on the plane on the way to the biggest meeting of his career. Though he’s (mostly) coping with his ADHD, he can’t handle another distraction. But he also can’t ignore his rugged seatmate–especially once … seatmate–especially once he learns the military man’s a fan of his game.
Ryan Orson refuses to let his severe injuries pause his career as a navy SEAL. He’s got hours of grueling physical therapy ahead of him, and no time for anything that might get in the way of his return to active duty. But that doesn’t mean he’s above a little first-class flirtation with geeky-cute Josiah.
When a delay strands the pair in St. Louis, they agree to share a hotel room and a night of gaming. Neither expects their new connection to move to the next level in the light of day. Opposites may attract, but is this game over before it’s even begun?
#gaymers
Book 1: Status Update
Book 2: Beta Test
Book 3: Connection Error
Also by Annabeth Albert:
Shore Leave
Book 1: Sailor Proof
Book 2: Sink or Swim
Out of Uniform
Book 1: Off Base
Book 2: At Attention
Book 3: On Point
Book 4: Wheels Up
Book 5: Squared Away
Book 6: Tight Quarters
Book 7: Rough Terrain
Hotshots:
Book 1: Burn Zone
Book 2: High Heat
Book 3: Feel the Fire
Book 4: Up in Smoke
more
So much to love about this story. It was exquisitely written. I’m telling you now- this book will be on my Top Ten for the year. We just submitted our Top Five Reads for the first half of the year, and it killed me not to include this one. Since it technically doesn’t release until September, it didn’t qualify. Anyhoo, I’m going off on a tangent- back to the book! In this installment of the #gaymers series- Josiah finally got his HEA. I loved his character in the previous book, and I was chomping at the bit waiting for his turn. Annabeth Albert paired him with Navy Seal Ryan Orson. He’s sweet but bossy and sometimes gruff. He’s got a lot on his plate, and although attracted to the young nerdy video game programmer- he doesn’t see it going anywhere. BUT attraction and their undeniable chemistry will not be denied.
My highlights:
– Character development: Superb. We saw these characters learn about themselves and each other as the story progressed. As the blurb mentioned, Josiah has ADHD and sometimes doubts himself causing him to lean on his mom for help a bit. It was rewarding to read him coming into his own. Ryan… I don’t want to give too much away, but he almost has to learn a new life.
-The characters. They were real, they weren’t perfect, and their stories are ones that people can relate to.
-Opposites attract. This is a trope often written by Annabeth Albert- and she nails it every time. Josiah and Ryan were perfect for each other and were each other’s missing piece.
-Relationship development. The way the author brought them together was fun, romantic, sexy, with a hint of angst. These two had palpable chemistry.
-Narration. It’s told from an alternating POV—> my favorite.
-Angst. I love when books pull at my heartstrings, and this one broke my heart for each character.
-HEA. Just as I love a good heartbreak, I also love getting my heart put back together. Again- I don’t want to give too much away, but the way everything worked out for each character and their relationship was appropriate. It made me believe in their HEA.
Steam level. Not as steamy as some of her other stories but it didn’t matter, and I hope other readers won’t pass on this book because of that. You’ll be seriously missing out on a wonderful book if you do.
Do you need to read the other books first? No, but they’re great. Give ’em a shot. 😉
This one’s getting 5+ Stars from me. I just loved it so much. It’s a true hurt/comfort/healing story that will not only make your heart happy but will also get you to believe in HEAs.
I thoroughly enjoyed this addition to the series. The hurdles they faced both as individual and a couple were handled compassionately without making Ryan out tho be some sort of saint. Ryan had bigger issues than the physical loss of his legs. Anger, guilt, the inability to rely on someone else. All these things had to be addressed or at the very least acknowledged as a problem before he could truly consider a relationship with Josiah. And Josiah had his own issues to overcome before he was ready to be in a relationship as well.
They made a great pairing and I’m glad to see there are a couple of short stories with them in too.
Sean Crisden does an excellent job with the audio too.