Simon has doubts, and Gia has secrets—will they be able to let go of the past that hurt them both or will history repeat itself? Gia is living the dream with an amazing career and wonderful friends. Her life is on the right track, until a tall, broody blast-from-the-past breezes back into her life, sending her into a tailspin. She never forgot about Simon—her first love—or the way she cut him … cut him from her life all those years ago. Now, she doesn’t know what to do.
Simon never forgot the girl next door, or how she broke his heart when she left without even a goodbye. Thankfully, life as a professional gamer keeps his mind off his broken heart. That is, until he suddenly finds himself back in her path. Now he’s pushing her boundaries and testing her limits.
Simon and Gia have to find a way to coexist. They started as friends, and maybe it’s time to go back to the beginning. Only, this time around, being ‘just friends’ doesn’t seem to be enough. Simon has doubts, and Gia has secrets. Will they be able to let go of the past that hurt them both or will history repeat itself?
*This book can be read and understood as a standalone, but does contain minor spoilers for Level Me Up, book one in the series.
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Level Me Up may have been Dex and Morgan’s journey into relationship bliss, but it was the undercurrents that Gia and Si set off that had me wondering. One More Round delves into the history of Simon and Gia. The friendship, heartache and secrets help to unite them, yet ultimately proved the catalyst that drove them apart. Helms has a talent for keeping readers guessing even as she leaves them craving more. Another example of prime reading.
Gia and Simons story is a very emotional and heartfelt story with a ton of baggage. We get to learn of their first love when they were young, before Gia had to move away unexpectedly, and the choices she made that broke both their hearts. Eight years later, thrown back together in their new friends circle, Simon can’t get past what she did, and she feels guilty and doesn’t blame him for his anger. There’s a lot of hurt, heartache, and pain between these two, and how they maneuver their way out of it is a sweet and touching, albeit bumpy ride. The author also touches on mental illness and how it effects everyone it touches, and not just in a small way. It’s handled very well, and I think very realistically. Once again, we are witness to a wonderful circle of supportive and loving friends, demonstrating that it’s not just love, but our friendships that get us through our challenges in life. This was a heavier story than the first book, but in the end, it’s all the sweeter for it.
One More Round by Lauren Helms is the second book in the Gamer Boy series. This is a second chance romance, with a little taste of enemies to lovers. I absolutely loved reading about Simon and Gia. They have a chemistry and connection that is sweet and wonderful. There is definitely a level of angst though, and I felt emotions when 5hey faced their obstacles. I am loving these hot but nerdy men and the women who capture their hearts. Excited to read book three next.
One More Round is a stand alone novel. This is the first book I’ve read/listened to by Lauren Helms. The characters from what I assume are the first book feature prominently in this one, and I got the impression that Gia and Simon were significant characters in the first book, however I didn’t feel like it was a problem to start with the second book. There was animosity between the main characters that seemed unwarranted, especially after the past events are revealed, so maybe it would have seemed more reasonable if I had read the first book.
In addition to the second chance theme, this book also raises the question of career vs. relationship. Most of the book was very typical contemporary romance, though the way this question was handled was different than I expected. Without getting into any spoilers, I’ll just say I had trouble understanding the characters’ actions towards the end of the book considering everything that had already happened to them. Overall it was okay, but I didn’t really connect with the characters. I’d recommend this book to people who like a lot of relationship drama and second chance romances.
I listened to the Audible version. Amanda Stribling does a fantastic job with her performance.
#AudiobookObsession
I love the emotions between Gia and Simon. They have a history, many ups and downs in their relationship. The secondary characters add fun and depth to this story. Lauren Helms story touches on the subject of mental illness and how it emotionally effects the family.
Amanda Stribling voices and personalities for each character were spot on, and ability to transition from one character to the other is flawless. #audiobookobsessionreviewer
I really liked this second chance romance. I’m glad that Gia got her HEA with Simon, although I did want to smack him for not supporting her towards the end.
Gia Newman and Simon Palmer were childhood sweethearts, Simon knew Gia’s home life was not the best, her brothers illness made stability precarious. So when she said they were moving and then she was gone without a goodbye he was devastated. So when she shows up in his life again several years later, he has doubts but decides to try again, but months later she is ready to move again her dream job is calling her. Sadly and reluctantly he lets her go, Gia not happy in her new life moves back again, the 3rd time however is a charm.
I received this audible book for a fair and honest review from Audiobook Obsession, the author Lauren Helms and narrator Amanda Stribling thank you.
I devoured this book in an afternoon. I really enjoyed the writing style and could easily picture myself in this group of friends. Their connections were so relatable and genuine. I loved that there were little things like a brand of headphones and a streaming site that I recognized instantly thanks to my own gamer boy. This is a really quick read that would be perfect for the beach.
This is the second book in the Gamer Boy series. The Story revolves around Gia and Simon. Growing up they were best friends and first loves. When a family tragedy tears them apart at 16, the need for a clean break prevents any closure for the pair.
Now nearly a decade later they find themselves in Chicago with the same group of friends; Awkwardly navigating their new relationship dynamic. While the spark of their childhood connection heats just below their icy exchanges.
Can they put aside old hurt or will a familiar set of obstacles keep them from finding their happily ever after?
AAAHHHH!!! I love this series!!
And I didn’t think I could love a gamer boy more than Dex from Book 1….but I’m not sure it gets better than Simon, my new favorite geeky hottie!
This is the first book in a long time that I literally didn’t want to stop reading! Hello 2am book hangover.
Simon and Gia were just so cute. Secrets, tension, & angst all lead to some sweet & steamy scenes. Their history and challenges added to my anticipation and need to keep turning pages. There was plenty of time to revisit with the other beloved characters, roommates, best friends, and fellow gamers I knew and loved from Book 1….as well as some new faces & cities.
I can’t wait for Book 3!! Fun, easy-reading, believable characters, NA innocence and steam.
“Even with all the years apart, I’ve always been his and he, always mine. This moment, this feeling … the power it all holds, proves that we will always belong together.”
One More Round
Gamer Boy, Volume 2
By: Author Lauren Helms
Narrated by: Amanda Stribling
I love a story when the characters have history. Gia and Simon were best friends. The day before she had to move, Simon declares his love for her and Gia just can’t take the grief of leaving. She cuts all ties with him. Now 8 years later, their paths cross again. Are the feelings still there? Can Simon forgive Gia for her past action? And will history repeat itself? This is my first book by Lauren Helms, and I loved it. It’s the second book in the series, but reads as a standalone. The ensemble cast is cohesive and their friendships are unbreakable. Who knew gaming teams could be so much fun? Helms also gives us a look at mental illness and how families deal with it. As part of Gia’s back story, this is handled with compassion, yet shows the pain and struggle each member has with it. Well written, fun characters and serious topics, Helms has leveled up with this gaming story, and I will go back to listen to Morgan and Dex!
Amanda Stribling is the voice behind the story and she gives a great performance. I find her portrayal of the new adult sub-genre perfect. She adds a lot of emotional pull into the characters, not only with Simon and Gia, but with Gia and Todd. I loved her narration.
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This was my first book by Lauren Helms, but after having her recommended to me over and over, I jumped at the chance to listen. I am so glad I did! I really enjoyed this story and the narration.
The characters were all really relatable, and I not only enjoyed the main characters, but I fell for this whole group of friends. I loved the friendships they shared. These extra connections made them even more real and added depth to the story and the main characters.
I love second chance stories…when they are done well. I have to see massive character development to really believe things can make it the second time around. Ms. Helms did a really good job with this. Simon and Gia certainly have a rocky past. The impact of past decisions is heavy for both of them, but I never doubted their connection. From young love that never had a chance to a second try that was impacted by the weight of their past, I really wanted to see them fight for what they had. In the end, I was happy with how they were able to see what they had and take ownership for their own mistakes.
After reading, I definitely want to go back to book one and see Morgan and Dex’s story, and I can’t wait to go on to book three because Ruby and Link are clearly meant to be!
The narration for this book was so well done. This was my first time listening to Amanda Stribling, but I definitely won’t hesitate to listen to her in the future! She brought all the feels with her narration, and did a great job of changing her voice for each of the characters. While I think solo narration can be tough at times, she nailed it.
GiaSimon! Great Audible Listen 4.5 Wonderful Stars
One More Round
Gamer Boy, Volume 2
By: Lauren Helms
Narrated by: Amanda Stribling
Series: Gamer Boy, Book 2
This is a terrific second chance romance. It is well written and has interesting storylines that grab you right from the start. The characters are likable and well developed. I loved the history and chemistry between the two leads, Gia and Simon. Also loved the dynamics of the group of friends, strong bonds make lasting friendships. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, it had the right amount of drama, heartbreak, angst, humor and romance to entertain. Thank you Lauren Helms for the great story.
I listened to the Audible edition, Amanda Stribling is a wonderful narrator and voice performer. She brings the characters and their story to life from the pages to your ears. Thank you for a great listen!
Thank you AudiobookObsession
I couldn’t put this book down!! I love my gamer boy of a husband and love this idea to have a series with the main character gamers.
I loved Simon from beginning to end and all in between! He is sexy, sweet and just all around great guy. PLUS, picturing him sitting in his gaming chair playing live just does something to my lady bits.
Gia was different kind of love and I needed to be patient because as much as I was shocked at some of the things she did you had to understand. I felt like I experienced things with her or I was able to get in the mind set from what she was dealing with and that was powerful for me to understand.
I am a big giddy new fan of Ms. Helms and can’t wait to find out what she has next!!! I won this book so therefore I’m going back to purchase book one!
This is a very interesting and entertaining read. Gia and Simon’s book has a much more complex story than book # 1 did. Book #1 seemed to aim for cute and sweet, while book #2 is more like a full meal. There are real issues addressed here and that adds depth and richness to the book. I liked both these characters but Simon was really something. Even angry and hurt, he was always trying to be supportive and helpful to Gia when she needed it. My heart broke for Gia. Life is never easy and for her it was much harder. Intense emotions and drama keep you very engaged with this book and rooting for Simon and Gia to get that HEA they missed out on the first time around. A very enjoyable read.
This is the second book in this awesome series, and is Gia and Simon’s story. This is a beautifully written second chance romance story, which is emotional, humorous, and with secrets, which all had me hooked and intrigued throughout this addictive page turner. I look forward to reading more from this author, and recommend her work for all readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this story for BMBB.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book. I was back and forth over Simons character. Hated him and loved him. Wanted him to just man up and be with his girl haha. Loved the girls friendship and the tension between Link and Ruby. Overall a good book