RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW - Level Up by Annabeth Albert

Title:  LEVEL UP

Series: loosely related to the #gaymers series, but stands alone

Author: Annabeth Albert

Publisher: Annabeth Albert

Release Date: May 17, 2018

Heat Level: 4 - Lots of Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 40,000 words

Genre: Romance, contemporary m/m romance, gay romance, geeks, nerds, friends-to-lovers, gamers, gaymers

Goodreads – https://http//www.goodreads.com/book/show/39897073-level-up

Summary

Landon can’t believe he’s let himself get roped into participating in a charity calendar, let alone one that features tastefully photographed nudes. The genius physicist is hardly model material and he’s dreading the nude part of the photoshoot. Amid his reluctance, the one bright spot is his emails back and forth with the photographer.

However, Bailey ends up being not quite what Landon expects, and their first meeting is decidedly awkward. Bailey’s persistent though, and gradually Landon warms to the burly photographer, and they discover they have a shared love of gamer culture.

A tentative friendship is born, but the road from friends to lovers isn’t easy. Landon’s battling past trauma and must decide how much of a risk he’s willing to take. A sexy connection may not be enough to keep them together unless both are willing to put their hearts on the line.

Approximately 40,000 words. Previously released as part of the EXPOSED anthology, and loosely linked to the #Gaymers universe, this friends-to-lovers, hurt/comfort story stands alone with a guaranteed happy ending. Contains a brief mention of a prior assault, but no on-screen violence or flashbacks.

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REVIEW:

I really enjoyed this re-release by Annabeth Albert. 

First we have Landon, who somehow gets talked into modeling for a charity calendar, which just so happens to feature nudes.  Landon doesn't feel he is model material and he is dreading this shoot.  But, he is looking forward to meeting the photographer, who he has been getting to know through email.

When the shoot takes place, Landon is shocked to find out that the photographer, Bailey, is a guy.  Amid this awkward meeting, Bailey has to work extra hard to make Landon comfortable enough to pose.  Landon knows this is still the same person he was emailing a lot, but it was just such a shock.

The two become friends, easily enough, since they are both big time gamers.  As their friendship progresses, they find attraction blossoming.  But Landon doesn't react well when they try to get physical.   As he confides in Bailey about his past and his ongoing panic attacks, they become even closer.   

The development from friends to more is complicated for them.  Landon admits to not really dating much, as he spends so much time on his work.  Between that and his anxiety attacks, he hasn't been able to have any long-term relationships.  Bailey is willing to do whatever he needs to do to make Landon comfortable.  But Landon is so afraid of taking a risk that could end up costing him a friend.  They also have to deal with the fact that they don't live close to each other.   

In the end, they discover how different they really are.  Landon spends all his time looking at the little problems that are in his  way and analyzing them to death.   Bailey, meanwhile, just sees the big picture and will do whatever is necessary to get the result he desires. They can stand a chance at a good long-term relationship if Bailey can help Landon to start seeing the bigger picture.   

This was a really sweet romance.  The story immediately caught my attention and did not let go.  It is written with precision and depth of understanding of the possible effects of sexual assault.  It was a very realistic tale and Landon's struggles were so believable.  It provided me with an emotional and enjoyable read.   I would definitely recommend this book.

Excerpt

LEVEL UP EXCERPT—This is their first kiss, because I absolutely love writing first kiss scenes!

***

Bailey was the type who moved a lot as he gamed, biceps flexing, knees wiggling, shoulders jostling. Landon always liked people who got so into gaming, but it was more than a little distracting. His body was quickly coming to associate that orange scent of Bailey’s with good things, and other parts of him apparently liked Bailey’s nearness, which was a novelty because instead of intimidated, as he would have expected, he was more than a little turned on.

“Oh man, that was a rush.” Bailey laughed as both of their health meters dipped to zero. “I’m almost wishing I’d gone into game art, not photography. Amazing how these graphics have held up over the years.”

“Totally. And speaking of art, let me find the Space Villager stuff.” Landon reluctantly stepped away from the game. He headed to the nearby kitchen, where he was pretty the papers were buried with a stack of mail. Paper control was not his strong suit. “You’ll go nuts at the latest screen shots and promo teasers.”

“Cool.” Rather than follow Landon, Bailey went to sit on the couch.

“You want a drink while I’m in here?” Landon called to him after he found the papers under a pile of pizza ads. “I’ve got four flavors of Snapple, soda, and water.”

“Surprise me with a Snapple flavor.” Bailey looked right at home on Landon’s couch, lounging back.

He really did not look at all like any photographer Landon had ever met, and curiosity had him asking, “So why photography? You said you could have done game design?”

“Yeah, I had plenty of friends at the art institute go that direction. But I’ve been in love with photography ever since I worked on our middle school yearbook. I figured out quickly that taking pictures of events and sports was far more fun than trying to do the sports myself, so I did yearbook all through high school, got a photography scholarship to the art institute in Portland.”

“So you don’t play a sport?” Landon had a hard time believing that. With Bailey’s height and breadth, he totally looked like he lived for weekend games of some type.

“Nope. Hopelessly uncoordinated.” Bailey shot him an endearing smile when Landon handed him the bottle of tea.

“Me too.” Landon clinked bottles with him, then held up the papers. “Found the codes. But can I show you some stuff on the TV screen while you have your drink?”

“Absolutely.” Bailey took a long swig of tea, and Landon had to look away before he got mesmerized by Bailey’s full mouth, how it looked when his tongue chased a stray drop of moisture, how pink it was in contrast to his paler skin and brown beard.

Landon queued up the pre-release trailer Josiah had sent him a link to. Bombastic music filled his small living room as on the screen, and a spaceship pulled in for a landing on a planet filled with ruins of a once-powerful civilization. The narrator had an iconic voice and detailed all the special features of the expansion pack. Landon had already watched this a half-dozen times, and it still gave him happy chills.

“Wow. I can’t wait.” Bailey looked suitably awed. “This is even cooler than when War Elf added the mystic raids.”

“I know, right? Now look at the in-game screen shots.” He brought up another video, body relaxing more and more despite Bailey’s nearness. It was just so awesome to have someone new to share this with. He’d been hyped about this all week, but Pike was distracted by his boyfriend Zack’s deployment, Savannah didn’t game much, and the rest of his regular crew seemed to have other things occupying their attention.

Somehow, as he shared more video clips, he drifted closer to Bailey, so that their knees were almost rubbing. It wasn’t a giant couch, so there wasn’t a ton of room to move back, but even so, Landon wasn’t looking for an escape. He was aware of Bailey, very much so, but not nearly as freaked out as he’d been a few hours ago. Instead, his senses seemed to soak up Bailey’s scent and nearness, and it wasn’t until the fourth or fifth video that he realized that he was aroused.

Clink. Somehow Landon’s left hand, holding his drink, and Bailey’s right hand tangled.

“Oops.” He tried to extricate himself without spilling both beverages. Bending to put his on the floor, he hadn’t realized that Bailey had also leaned down until their heads collided.

“Ow,” they said simultaneously.

“Oh my gosh. I’m so sorry.” Bailey reached out, feeling around on Landon’s head. “Did you see stars? Break the skin?”

“I’m fine.” Landon didn’t pull away. Bailey’s hand felt damn nice. Gentle. Soothing more than just the bump on his head. Their eyes met, and he really needed to move back, break this spell, but he didn’t, instead leaning into to the touch. Bailey’s eyes darkened, and he stroked down Landon’s jaw. God, that felt so good, like an extra blanket on a chilly night, warmth he hadn’t realized he was missing. How long had it been since he’d been touched like this? Hugged, sure. He’d hugged Savannah goodnight, and hugged and wrestled around with his best friend Pike at the last LAN party, but neither of those things was touch like this. Caring. Sweet. Arousing.

Bailey leaned in again, way slower this time, all the time in the world for Landon to stop him. But he didn’t. Bailey’s beard tickled an instant before their lips met, a soft slide of mouths. Not aggressive at all, not the on-a-tight-schedule rush of a hookup, Bailey kissed like they had a sleepy Sunday afternoon to kill, like each reaction of Landon’s mattered, like he was trying to memorize something important and was going to take his time learning the lesson.

Landon was the first one to take things further, mouth opening on a sigh, welcoming Bailey’s agile tongue. He tasted sweet, like tea, and minty like the gum he’d popped after the pizza, familiar yet new at the same time. How had he managed to forget how awesome kissing could be? A laugh bubbled up in his chest, but quickly transformed to a groan of pleasure as Bailey nipped at his lower lip.

Not content to let Bailey be the one exploring, Landon sent his own tongue on a quest, tracing Bailey’s full lower lip, delving inside to rub tongues, retreating playfully to earn another nip. Fuck. This was nice. The video switched over to something random, and he barely registered it. He couldn’t say how long they kissed, just that he didn’t want it to ever end.

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Meet the Author

Annabeth Albert grew up sneaking romance novels under the bed covers. Now, she devours all subgenres of romance out in the open—no flashlights required! When she’s not adding to her keeper shelf, she’s a multi-published Pacific Northwest romance writer. The #OutOfUniform series joins her critically acclaimed and fan-favorite LGBTQ romance #Gaymers, #PortlandHeat and #PerfectHarmony series. To find out what she’s working on next and other fun extras, check out her website: www.annabethalbert.com or connect with Annabeth on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Spotify! Also, be sure to sign up for her newsletter for free ficlets, bonus reads, and contests. The fan group, Annabeth’s Angels, on Facebook is also a great place for bonus content and exclusive contests.

Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. Annabeth loves finding happy endings for a variety of pairings and is a passionate gay rights supporter. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two active children.

Author Links

Website: http://www.annabethalbert.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annabethalbert

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AnnabethAlbert

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6477494.Annabeth_Albert

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annabeth_albert/

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/Nb9yv

Annabeth’s Angels: https://www.facebook.com/groups/annabethsangels/

Giveaway – $20.00 Amazon Gift Card

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Jesse's Smile by Angeligue Jurd

Amazon

Blurb:

Jesse Peterson is 26 and loves his job at a pet store. He loves the cats, the dogs and Sniffles the rabbit. What he doesn't love is the way people assume that he can't look after himself, that he's isn't a man. So, when the store's newest customer, buying supplies for his kitten, asks him out, Jesse has trouble understanding why. Jesse knows he's not stupid, but nobody else seems to know that. They just see a good-looking young man whose smile seems to be the brightest thing about him.

Drew Oliver isn't other people. A high school teacher with a history of bad relationship choices, Drew is patient, loving, and doesn't care that Jesse is different. He just cares about being able to make him smile as often as he can.

Everyone seems to have an opinion about the differences between Drew and Jesse, few notice the things they share. Can their relationship survive the scrutiny and judgement passed by everyone around them? And when one of Drew's bad choices shows up, will love be enough to help them survive the aftermath?



REVIEW:

Wow.  What a great book!

This is the first time I have heard of this author, and I was completely wowed by her writing style, the depth of her characters, and all the layers to this story!  It is just amazingly well written and had so much content, so much detail.

Jesse works at a pet store, and meets Drew when he comes in to buy cat supplies.  Drew immediately notices that Jesse is different, but he sticks up for him when there is a rude customer.  Drew asks him out on a date, which just confuses Jesse, who doesn't know why someone would want to date him.

Drew is a high school teacher who has not made good decisions with his love life in the past.  He is just so unique.  He is patient, understanding, loving and kind.   He doesn't care at all that Jesse is different.  

As they spend time together, Drew learns about Jesse's issues. Jesse has ID (Intellectual disabilty), autism, Dyslexia, OCD, and anxiety. And Drew does not care.  He doesn't look down on Jesse.  He doesn't think Jesse is less worthy of his love.  Instead, he wants to love Jesse just as he is.

Both families struggle with their relationship.  Drew's family doesn't understand why Drew would want to burden himself with someone like Jesse.  And Jesse's family are afraid that Drew will get tired of Jesse, leave him, and they will have to try to pick up the pieces.  They are also just afraid of letting him go.  They have spent their lives taking care of him and don't know how to let someone else do so.

In the world we live in, we don't often see a relationship like this.  It was so beautiful to witness Drew's acceptance and love for Jesse.  He sees him as his equal, explaining that Jesse just learns differently and interprets things differently than most people.  Jesse's parents have always treated him like he needed help all the time.   Drew tries to help him without ever implying that Jesse needs his help. Drew wants to learn more about Jesse's issue so that he can better understand him and to help Jesse better understand things.  The most beautiful thing of all is that Drew loves Jesse as he is.  Drew does not want to change Jesse.  He just wants to love him.

There are just so many wonderful moments in this book.  One of my favorites is when Drew convinces Jesse's mom to tell him how to help Jesse instead of rescuing him herself.  It was so touching that Drew truly was invested in this relationship and finally started to break through to her that he truly wanted to be with her son.  

Another touching moment is when Jesse himself starts to convince his parents that he belongs with Drew.  He makes them realize that someday he will be alone when they die, and he doesn't want to be alone.  He wants to have someone to love.  And Drew really does love him and just wants Jesse to be happy. It was such a heart-felt moment.  I just felt everything Jesse was feeling at that moment and it was heart-breaking to see him verbalize such a fear.

Overall, this is just an amazing story, about two amazing men.  They have to fight people's reactions to them. They have to fight for acceptance from their families.  They also have to deal with Drew's awful ex, who cause them a lot of trouble.  And then they need to find a way to heal Jesse after he is hurt by Drew's ex.  Finally, they need to help Jesse move on afterwards.  

I can't imagine anyone reading this book and not falling in love with this couple.  They are remarkable and their journey is remarkable as well.

Romancing the Prince by Felix Brooks and Andrea Dalling

Amazon


Wow!  I really liked this book!  From the very first page, I was hooked.  And, of course, it just got better from there.

Lucas is the son of a Senator.  He is a good kid who always tried to not do anything that would hurt his father's career.  But then he is betrayed by his ex.  His father stops his campaign and they all move to a small Island in the Mediterranean.  His father will be an ambassador there, and Lucas will spend some time unwinding after the scandal.

Nico, meanwhile, is a Prince.  He is the younger son of the King of Kalyphos.  He has spent his whole life feeling inferior and useless. His brother will be king someday, and his sister is a political advocate.  He is simply known as Europe's most wicked playboy prince.  He is seen all the time with models.  He just doesn't tell anyone that they all sign NDAs to hide the fact that they are only there to be seen with the prince.

When the two meet, their attraction to each other is instant.  Nico starts to show Lucas around the island, and soon they can't fight their attraction anymore.  But, if anyone found out, it would be a horrific scandal.

I loved both Lucas and Nico.  Lucas is just a sweet kid and my heart hurt for him that his ex betrayed him so badly. Lucas comes across as shy, but he really isn't.  He is just confident, quiet and respectful.  And Nico, poor Nico, having to hide from his family and everyone is just so sad.  Nico is just so kind and genuine.  He is just a perfect guy.

In the end though, they will find their happily ever after.  They just need to get through all the obstacles in their way - Lucas's ex, Nico's father, Nico's country.

The authors do a great job of connecting us to these characters, both with their actions and their thoughts.

One of my favorite parts is when Lucas and his father really talk.  I love his father's regret of not knowing him well and being absent from so much of his life.

I also loved how the whole story brings Lucas full circle.   His worst moment ends up leading to him finding Nico.   It is a beautiful turnaround.

I absolutely feel in love with this story and highly recommend it.

Risk by Baylin Crow

Amazon


Blurb

We never should've been anything more than roommates.

DREW: Life dealing me a hard blow is nothing new. What's one more sucker punch?

When my uncle offers me a job working at his MMA training center, I jump at the chance to turn my life around...not upside down and questioning everything I know about myself.

Light Heavyweight Champion Asher Ramsey is the definition of a ladies' man. His stormy gray eyes and inked skin call to the artist in me and make me itch for my pencils and sketch pad so I can capture every detail. If I'm honest, they make me itch to touch every detail too, which confuses me.

After he offers to let me stay in his guest room, I discover there's more to Asher than he allows the world to see.

ASHER: My life is a lie. A play written and directed by my PR manager.

With the biggest fight of my career only weeks away, my focus is on securing my title. Losing my belt to some new up-and-comer isn't an option, and I can't afford any distractions. Or an unwanted attraction.

When Drew begins working at the gym where I train, my priorities waver. To make things worse, I offer to let him stay with me until he finds a place of his own. It'll be fine. Sure, I'm attracted to him, but I'm an expert at hiding behind the mask of a straight man. Besides, he's completely off-limits. Not that it matters--we don't even play for the same team.

What's the worst that can happen?

REVIEW

I am always excited to find a new MM book with athletes.  This one held up to all my hopes and I loved it. 

Drew is just trying to overcome his rough start in life and find a new job.  His probation is over, but it's tough to find an employer who will give him a chance.  He eventually goes to work for his uncle, who owns a boxing gym. 

Asher is the big time boxer at the gym.   And he's a known womanizer.   Well, at least that's what the public thinks. In reality, he's gay and deeply in the closet at the advice of his manager. 

When the two meet, the attraction is there.  Asher, of course, knows he can't act on it.  But Drew is all confused.  He is straight and is shocked by this attraction to a guy. If they decide to be together, there are risks.  

I really enjoyed this book.  This author is new to me, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was great.

From the start, I loved Drew and Ash. Drew is smart, funny and a survivor.  I loved that he acted on his attraction.   He isn't able to commit to a gay relationship immediately, but I loved how he did come to accept this attraction.  And watching him become willing to commit completely and fight for Ash was just wonderful.

Ash is also a survivor.  He's been on his own since his parents discovered his sexuality.  I absolutely adored Ash.  He is so physically strong, but not with his mind and heart. He allows his anxiety about the possibility of losing his career weaken him in those areas.  He trains hard and works hard to be successfully at fighting.  Thus, he can't let his sexuality ruin that for him. He has to stay in the closet.  He can't resist befriending Drew though, and then becoming his lover.  

Both of these guys are just wonderful.  I loved their relationship and the path that they took to get to be together.  The author did a fantastic job with them. The attraction seemed so genuine.  And the conflict was fantastically written.  The characters were charming and I became immediately engrossed in their stories. I know some people scoff at gay-for-you books, but this one really felt honest and genuine. 

I loved the pace of the book, the plot and the writing style in general.   Of course, I always enjoy alternating POVS.  If you are a fan of sports MM books, definitely be sure to give this one a try!!

As this is a new author to me, I am excited to see what future works she comes up with.

Soft Hands -Tripping - Book 1 - by Ariel Bishop

Amazon

Blurb:

He’s always hit them and quit them...
Xander Richards, a winger for the Wisconsin Wendigos, has a reputation for never sleeping with the same person twice. Some say it’s ‘cause he doesn’t have any heart, but if you asked him at his most honest it’s because his heart isn’t his own: he’s hopelessly in love with his best friend and former linemate, who’s now happily married and traded away to Seattle last season.
Playing the ice has always come easy...
When Xander asks out Jordan Darling, team trainer and massage therapist, he doesn't expect to get shot down. It’s a first, but it only makes Xander that much more determined to make Jordan his. But Jordan wants a relationship, not just the one-night stands that make up Xander’s sexual life.
Just when he thought his heart was on ice, love comes skating in...
What Xander doesn’t know is that Jordan has been nursing an unrequited crush on him for over a year. Lonely without his best friend, when he finally opens his eyes to what is right in front of him, the chemistry is undeniable. And for once, it keeps Xander coming back for more
Is Jordan the other half of his heart? Will Xander put his player days and ways behind him? Or will he push Jordan away to find someone who deserves him?
Find out in this steamy sports romance novel, filled with heart-stopping moments, heart-pounding sexual tension, and two hearts that just might be what the other needs.

REVIEW

I love a good romance involving hockey players.  And this one did not disappoint.

In the beginning, Jordan has a big crush on Xander, which isn't easy to handle at times since he is a massage therapist for Xander's hockey team.  

When Xander asks him out, Jordan says no.  He knows that Xander is a big flirt, who sleeps around a lot, and never does repeats.  He does not want to be stuck working with Xander after being a one night stand.  Jordan is looking for someone to marry and have kids with.  Xander is not.

When Xander's friends suggest he just be friends with Jordan, he agrees.  And they start to hang out a lot.   Eventually, they start sleeping together.   Xander still thinks they are just a short term thing.  He isn't looking for love.

In the end, he discovers that he is demi-sexual.  And now that he has gotten to be so close to Jordan, he is falling in love with him.

I found this book to be very good.  It flowed well, the sex was hot, and I was really routing for their relationship to work.

I also really enjoyed the secondary characters, Xander's two best friends.  They provided some great humor and insight into Xander's life.