This debut new adult romance brings you an even mix of nerdy and flirty in a story about a girl-next-door and her professional gamer boy. Morgan Lawson wasn’t looking for love when attending Comic-Con. She just wanted a good time. But even before exchanging their first words, Morgan finds herself drawn to Dex. Before she realizes it, Morgan is caught up in the drop-dead sexy gamer. Dex Roberts … the drop-dead sexy gamer.
Dex Roberts didn’t think falling in love was a big deal. But he knew the moment he saw Morgan, he wanted more. He fell hard and fast but wasn’t surprised when the downfalls of dating a professional video gamer became too much for Morgan. To Dex, video games are life. But he’ll bide his time because he doesn’t want anyone else.
It turns out a broken heart is harder to deal with than falling in love. Once Morgan decides what truly makes her happy, there’s no time to waste. But without any warning, life threatens to destroy what both Morgan and Dex want most…love with each other.
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I wasn’t sure what to expect with the series being titles “Gamer Boy”, I was worried I wouldn’t understand the language. That is definitely not the case, Lauren wrote such a great book that I sometimes forgot about the gaming side. I love Dex and Morgan’s story and how it developed, such a cute story. I feel like friends with all of the characters and just hope that we get to read each of their love stories.
First of all, why don’t we have more books that show just how cool nerdy people can be? That sounds weird but the assumption that you must be socially inept, completely unattractive, and like the guys from Big Bang Theory if you like video games or Star Wars is alive and well. Oh, and it’s completely wrong.
This is a love story between Morgan (who is somewhat socially awkward and NOT the gamer, people) and Dex (the hottie who IS the gamer.) Morgan’s inability to be smooth when she comes face to face with the handsome Dex made me laugh out loud.
We see the two of them try to balance a relationship with crazy work schedules, insecurities, and meddling best friends. Everything was presented in such a way that I just want MORE.
The storyline in this book was great and the execution was so well done. The chemistry between the main characters is perfect and I found myself invested in their relationship. Not only did I love Dex and Morgan’s story, but I’m now jonesing for the stories of their best friends (Gia, Ruby, Lincoln, and Simon.)
I can’t wait to read the rest in this series!
“Level Me Up” is a cannot-put-down, relatable, fun-loving read that captured my heart, soul and mind and took me to another level!
Lauren Helms took me to another level with her amazing book, “Level Me Up”. This is the first book in her “Gamer Boy” series, and I will undoubtedly be picking up every other book as this series continues. I was captivated from page one, and I didn’t want to set it down. I was somewhat apprehensive reading a book that sounded like it was all going to be related to gamers, gaming, and/or something I didn’t think I would relate to. How wrong I was!!! This story encompasses so much more than gaming, and Lauren Helms did a superb job proving that to me. This was the first book I’ve ever read of Lauren’s, and just like I said about grabbing all of the subsequent books in this series, I will also be buying all of her other books, too. “Level Me Up” was that pivotal for me. This book gave me a glance into Helms’s writing, and I absolutely have to read more! I was so thrilled to be wrapped up in this crazy-good storyline; I felt like I was there, involved with the characters and their conversations, making decisions like I knew what was going to happen, being emotionally invested in this. I don’t think there is anything more powerful than the author writing for their readers and making them feel like they are enveloped in the story. When I am able to be transported from the basic black and white letters on a page to a beauty of a story, I know the author has written for me, the reader. I think it is so, incredibly impressive when I can FEEL the storyline, the characters, their lives, hopes and dreams. I was enraptured with this book, and I am extremely thankful I picked this up to read.
The dynamics between Morgan and Dex, what they brought out in each other, and what they find in themselves is stunning. It was magical how Dex brought Morgan out of her proverbial shell, made her comfortable and satisfied, helped her realize who she was, what she wanted, and proved their relationship was worth having. In my eyes, Dex gave Morgan wings and helped her learn to fly. They fit very well with one another. Everything that happened between them was relatable. Their relationship was REAL to me. I think the level of relatability is what drew me in closer and closer as I turned each page. Being able to relate to the characters and their stories made this book an easy, fluid, fun and charming read. I didn’t want it to end, and the layout of the book certainly lended options for further books in this series. I thoroughly enjoyed “Level Me Up”, and I am thankful to have picked up an author new to me, read her work, and in doing so have found another amazing artist and author in Lauren Helms. Thank you, Lauren, for giving your characters and their stories life. I greatly appreciated the structure, emotion, depth and relatability you laid out in this book. It was smart, fluid and fun, and you gained a reader for life in me. “Level Me Up” had layers and LEVELS that mesmerized me, and I am genuinely excited to be taken to “The Next Level” in this series. (Hint, hint…maybe a good name for the next one…hahaha)
Level Me Up by Lauren Helms is the first book in the Gamer Boy series. This is a love at first sight story that is sweet, hot, flirty and nerdy. Morgan and Dex are adorably sweet and fun in their journey to love, maneuvering the bumpy roads, the Rollercoaster of feelings and the balance of work, life and love. I love them together, but there were a few moments when Morgan needed a good friend to smack her in the back of the head and tell her to snap out of it and realize the truth of it all. The story is entertaining and fun, with great characters that are relatable and likable.
I did enjoy this book even though Morgan drove me bananas. There were several times I just wanted to smack her. Why even bother to get into a relationship with Dex if she was just going to sabotage it?
4.5 Feel Good stars <3
Oh, this was such a fun read! Lauren Helms is a new to me author...but I love a sweet new adult romance. I've never been much for video games, but as soon as I read the blurb, I knew I had to give this book a try. And it didn't disappoint. The lead gamer is a total hottie...great friend, brother, son, & boyfriend. And I had so much in common with our leading lady. An avid reader, loves Gilmore Girls, pizza, and her family & friends more than anything.
This was such a cute, unexpected, (and maybe unwanted!) love at first sight story. Complete with new adult angsty drama and affection. I loved the gamer world that Lauren introduced me to, even more the characters in this series! I'm looking forward to Book 2.
My only criticism is that some of the proofread misses were a bit distracting. But it certainly won't prevent me from recommending this book or continuing the series! So fun!!
I’m a big fan of this series!! I read the second book first because I was gifted it during a release party and couldn’t put it down. I love my gamer husband and wouldn’t change our fun at playing together or watching him while he plays with his brother. Connecting with these character was so hot but during her brief moment of insanity I wanted to strangle Morgan! I understand her struggles and even her pain at the loss she has endured but when you have something worth fighting for…. you fight.
Dex had my heart from the beginning but quickly stomped on it when he made poor choices and said the wrong things. I love the guy but man does he not understand women.
I loved Gia and Ruby!!! I can’t wait to read Ruby’s story, I’m on edge just from all the interaction she has with Link!! Im a big fan of this author and can’t wait to see what’s next!!! It’s a must read even if you aren’t into gaming!
I enjoyed this book. A cute storyline with a relatively unusual theme (finding love in the video game world) worked very well. As someone that games and is passionate about games and romantic reads, this was a dream mashup for me. The book offered lots of sweetness as the whole non-gamer girl meets hot gamer at Comic Con plot unfolds. I really liked the hero Dex. He came across as a really good guy that had the misfortune to fall in love with someone that was beyond insecure and with some really big issues, that in my opinion were serious enough to need some professional help. For both her sake and his. The way Morgan carried on and acted was concerning to say the very least and quite off-putting of the character. Still I enjoyed most things about this read and am looking forward to book #2.
This is a new author to me, but goodness, I will certainly be looking out for her work in the future. This is the first book in a new series, and is the story of Morgan and Dex, who are both characters that are relatable and believable. This is a well written story, which has me hooked and intrigued throughout, and I look forward to reading the next book in this series, and I recommend for all readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this novel from BMBB.
Lauren Helms hit on the perfect metaphor for Morgan’s life. Level Me Up is one woman’s struggle to navigate life, love, loss and insecurities. There is always an awkward stage before a person comes into their own. The fact that she stumbles into a relationship with a sexy gamer helps her let go of the past and start rebuilding her future. Lacey Gilleran brings an old school angst to a modern tale with her brand of girl power that borders on clueless, but ends up being adorable. Whether ebook or audio book the humor and heart shine through.