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Acing the Game
Is food really the way into a person’s heart?
Shep Lee thought he had it all. A successful restaurant, a loving husband who understood his asexuality, and most of all, the ability to be himself, a popular chef in the small town of Cloverleaf, Montana. That is, until his husband, Elmer Eshler, began pushing Shep more on sex.
Elmer doesn’t understand why he can’t turn his partner on—aren’t they perfect for each other? And Shep loves him, right? Shep, meanwhile, while confident with his body, is and forever will be sex indifferent. Why has Elmer suddenly changed his tune? But he doesn’t want to lose the man he loves so much. What can they do?
Shep convinces Elmer to try a polyamorous relationship. Elmer gets to have Shep and the sex life he’s always wanted. Shep gets a cooking buddy and a chance to experience a relationship and even try sex with a woman as his authentic gender. At first, Shep isn’t sure, but finds himself coming around—this feels safer than opening up the relationship. All three of them will be romantically involved, so that should ease any jealousy, right?
But when Willow Saint, a free-spirited, boisterous, and saucy young woman, comes into their lives, neither are prepared for the emotional and sexual rollercoaster that follows. Enthralled by Willow’s charm and kindness, Elmer and Shep struggle to understand what this means for their own bond. Can they become one happy family? Or will this ruin everything?
Shep Lee thought he had it all. A successful restaurant, a loving husband who understood his asexuality, and most of all, the ability to be himself, a popular chef in the small town of Cloverleaf, Montana. That is, until his husband, Elmer Eshler, began pushing Shep more on sex.
Elmer doesn’t understand why he can’t turn his partner on—aren’t they perfect for each other? And Shep loves him, right? Shep, meanwhile, while confident with his body, is and forever will be sex indifferent. Why has Elmer suddenly changed his tune? But he doesn’t want to lose the man he loves so much. What can they do?
Shep convinces Elmer to try a polyamorous relationship. Elmer gets to have Shep and the sex life he’s always wanted. Shep gets a cooking buddy and a chance to experience a relationship and even try sex with a woman as his authentic gender. At first, Shep isn’t sure, but finds himself coming around—this feels safer than opening up the relationship. All three of them will be romantically involved, so that should ease any jealousy, right?
But when Willow Saint, a free-spirited, boisterous, and saucy young woman, comes into their lives, neither are prepared for the emotional and sexual rollercoaster that follows. Enthralled by Willow’s charm and kindness, Elmer and Shep struggle to understand what this means for their own bond. Can they become one happy family? Or will this ruin everything?
279 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 10, 2023
1 person is currently reading
115 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 23, 2023
I just want to say how much I loved Tank, he was the best husband. I wanted an entire novel about him.
Overall I did enjoy this, Shep and Elms story was lovely until it wasn't. I wasn't sure about Willow and even now im still not. It was nice to see an ace character and honestly for Shep alone it's worth the read.
Overall I did enjoy this, Shep and Elms story was lovely until it wasn't. I wasn't sure about Willow and even now im still not. It was nice to see an ace character and honestly for Shep alone it's worth the read.
September 12, 2023
Acing the Game had me thoroughly invested in Shep and Elmer’s story and Shep in particular. He was just the best and sweetest cinnamon roll of cinnamon rolls and I wanted to hug him for basically the entire book. Shep is undoubtedly the best part of the story! I loved that he managed to be true to himself even while living in a small, backward kind of town that can’t wrap its head around queer people, let alone trans people. It starts off a bit slow as we go through Shep and Elmer’s back stories in some detail, from their finding of their identities, to their first romantic and sexual explorations as teenagers/young adults, through loss and finding new love. It really picks up after they’ve been together for awhile and Shep is running his restaurant – which, please, someone take me to this place, I NEED to try all these delicious meals. Eventually though, as often happens after relationships have been established for awhile, issues arise, insecurities crop up, and we try to deal with them in ways that may or may not be successful or healthy. Shep attempts to do this in dealing with his asexuality and Elmer’s desires for more sexual exploration, and…well. The results are a bit sticky.
Overall the story has a very melancholy flavor and while I loved getting to see the journey of a trans person through finding themselves and finding love, I was disappointed in the ending between Shep, Elmer, and Willow. As a polyamorous person myself, I was so hopeful that it was going to be excellent representation for not only queer and trans people but polyamorous people too. Unfortunately that was not the case and I feel the treatment of polyamory was not well done. Sadly accurate, to the extent that people often dive into “trying out” polyamory without doing much research or introspection, but this was a trainwreck of an attempt at non-monogamy and not a good representation of it.
Overall the story has a very melancholy flavor and while I loved getting to see the journey of a trans person through finding themselves and finding love, I was disappointed in the ending between Shep, Elmer, and Willow. As a polyamorous person myself, I was so hopeful that it was going to be excellent representation for not only queer and trans people but polyamorous people too. Unfortunately that was not the case and I feel the treatment of polyamory was not well done. Sadly accurate, to the extent that people often dive into “trying out” polyamory without doing much research or introspection, but this was a trainwreck of an attempt at non-monogamy and not a good representation of it.
March 22, 2023
This is the second book I have read from Carey PW, when I read Grayality I was taken on an incredible journey that stayed with me.
This book Acing the game is no exception.
Where do I start, after finishing this book my head is in a whirlwind.
Everyone is an individual and all of us are unique.
As a transmasculine asexual and bisexual Shep now feels he knows who he is, feeling confident in his work and home life with his husband Elmer.
Elmer is also bisexual but needs more from Shep, he has Shep’s commitment but just needs or thinks he needs the sexual act, but Shep just cannot
They bring a third into their lives where you think it's all going well in their hearts it's certainly not what they thought.
My heart has always gone out to anyone whose body is not who they are, how difficult would that be, puberty was extremely difficult I found.
.I do count myself lucky to have always known who I am but I have a big heart that includes everyone.
Again Carey PW has opened my eyes.
Thank you Carey for your words and for being you.
This book Acing the game is no exception.
Where do I start, after finishing this book my head is in a whirlwind.
Everyone is an individual and all of us are unique.
As a transmasculine asexual and bisexual Shep now feels he knows who he is, feeling confident in his work and home life with his husband Elmer.
Elmer is also bisexual but needs more from Shep, he has Shep’s commitment but just needs or thinks he needs the sexual act, but Shep just cannot
They bring a third into their lives where you think it's all going well in their hearts it's certainly not what they thought.
My heart has always gone out to anyone whose body is not who they are, how difficult would that be, puberty was extremely difficult I found.
.I do count myself lucky to have always known who I am but I have a big heart that includes everyone.
Again Carey PW has opened my eyes.
Thank you Carey for your words and for being you.
February 14, 2023
Shep is a transmasculine, bisexual, asexual person who runs a restaurant called The Tire and is married to Elm who is a high school Principal and live together in a small town in Montana. Over time, in a bid to make one another happy, Shep and Elm attempt bringing a third person into their relationship. Along comes Willow, a bright and vivacious woman who is able to provide the sexual intimacy for Elm that Shep feels he is craving, and a best friend for Shep. As the story continues, all three people learn more about themselves.
This book was a fun take on exploring numerous diversities that can occur for individuals and relationships. I did not feel strong connection to any of the characters, but loved that it explored all these diversities with older characters showing how it’s never too late to discover ourselves.
Thank you NetGalley and eXtasy Books for the ARC of this book. 🤗
This book was a fun take on exploring numerous diversities that can occur for individuals and relationships. I did not feel strong connection to any of the characters, but loved that it explored all these diversities with older characters showing how it’s never too late to discover ourselves.
Thank you NetGalley and eXtasy Books for the ARC of this book. 🤗
August 28, 2023
This book was not at all what I was expecting. It tells the story of a couple; Shep and Elmer who are having some difficulties with their relationship. Shep is asexual, while Elmer wants a more regular sex life. They decide to address this issue by adding a third person to their relationship, younger woman Willow.
The book tackles a number of quite weighty and challenging concepts. How can they make a relationship work when they are so incompatible sexually, even though everything else works? How important is it to be on the same page when it comes to sex and what might be the fallout if they do decide to take this step?
I thought that for the most part, this was all handled well and sensatively. Unfortunately, there is a great deal of backstory to understand with these two characters, there's no real way around this as what follows in the 'main' part of the story simply wouldn't make sense without it. The problem is that we then end up with rather a lot of telling rather than showing and that slows the whole narrative down. It also made it difficult to fully connect with the characters. It's a shame because it does detract from the story somewhat.
I did enjoy this read despite this slight disconnect and it was a really thought-provoking read. I did feel that the end of the book was slightly less satisfying than it might have been. This is probably due to the nature of the storyline, but I was left feeling a little let down by the end.
The book tackles a number of quite weighty and challenging concepts. How can they make a relationship work when they are so incompatible sexually, even though everything else works? How important is it to be on the same page when it comes to sex and what might be the fallout if they do decide to take this step?
I thought that for the most part, this was all handled well and sensatively. Unfortunately, there is a great deal of backstory to understand with these two characters, there's no real way around this as what follows in the 'main' part of the story simply wouldn't make sense without it. The problem is that we then end up with rather a lot of telling rather than showing and that slows the whole narrative down. It also made it difficult to fully connect with the characters. It's a shame because it does detract from the story somewhat.
I did enjoy this read despite this slight disconnect and it was a really thought-provoking read. I did feel that the end of the book was slightly less satisfying than it might have been. This is probably due to the nature of the storyline, but I was left feeling a little let down by the end.
April 13, 2023
I wanted to really like this book based on the description, and I definitely got sucked in and enjoyed parts of it. But mostly I was frustrated and saddened by the characters.
For the first 5-10 chapters, I kept thinking these things on repeat:
- "but they made this book out to be a poly story...."
- "Why does this feel so much like a dry retelling of history?"
- "Elmer is bit of a jerk! I'd kinda like to punch him in the face!"
I did like Tank a LOT; he was a great guy. And I liked Shep mostly (though he really needed to learn how to communicate as well). Willow could have been fleshed out a bit more, but I still liked her a lot. I even kinda liked Elmer's brother; he was at least honest. There were times that I could like Elmer, but mostly I was frustrated with him over and over and over again. In particular, how in the world did you not read up on asexuality before rushing off to Vegas?!!?!?!? ARGH!
In the end, I'm glad I read it. It provides a lot of fodder for thinking about how to best treat people.
Plus I enjoyed meeting Tank, and I could really go for some delicious food now. However, if you decide to read it, go in remembering that people are incredibly fallible.
Note: I got a free pdf copy of this book to review thanks to NetGalley, but comments and thoughts are my own.
For the first 5-10 chapters, I kept thinking these things on repeat:
- "but they made this book out to be a poly story...."
- "Why does this feel so much like a dry retelling of history?"
- "Elmer is bit of a jerk! I'd kinda like to punch him in the face!"
I did like Tank a LOT; he was a great guy. And I liked Shep mostly (though he really needed to learn how to communicate as well). Willow could have been fleshed out a bit more, but I still liked her a lot. I even kinda liked Elmer's brother; he was at least honest. There were times that I could like Elmer, but mostly I was frustrated with him over and over and over again. In particular, how in the world did you not read up on asexuality before rushing off to Vegas?!!?!?!? ARGH!
In the end, I'm glad I read it. It provides a lot of fodder for thinking about how to best treat people.
Plus I enjoyed meeting Tank, and I could really go for some delicious food now. However, if you decide to read it, go in remembering that people are incredibly fallible.
Note: I got a free pdf copy of this book to review thanks to NetGalley, but comments and thoughts are my own.
February 25, 2023
Acing The Game is an angsty story about people falling in love, wanting to fall in love, exploring their sexuality, and really trying to understand what their partner needs. I wanted to knock their heads together most of the time because Shep and Elm are people who are readers and educators and they did not do their homework before getting into this mess.
Acing the Game has a better than average origin story with Shep. For Shep alone, Acing is worth the read.
Check out the rest of my review at Phoebe's Randoms.
I received a free copy of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.
Acing the Game has a better than average origin story with Shep. For Shep alone, Acing is worth the read.
Check out the rest of my review at Phoebe's Randoms.
I received a free copy of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.
November 18, 2024
Acing the Game by Carey PW is an amazing book, and it takes you on a journey like no other. This is the first book I've read by Carey PW, and I am just blown away. This is an LGBTQIA novel, and it took my breath away. I just loved it. I want more.
Honestly, this book has left my thoughts in a mess. This book is a roller-coaster ride, and I feel like my thoughts are still a tornado of amazement.
OK, I gave my head a shake, and I am going to try and make this make sense.
First of all, all our characters are individuals, and they are unique unto themselves.
Shep feels so much better now that he knows who he is, having figured out that he is a transmasculine, asexual, bisexual, he finally feels confident in his work and home life with his own husband Elmer.
On the other hand, Elmer, who is also bisexual, finds that he needs more from Shep. He knows he has Shep's commitment. But he just needs, or at least he thinks he needs the sexual act. Shep, on the other hand, just can't.
My heart goes out to anyone whose body is not who they are, especially now in the USA, I can't imagine how hard that is, puberty has to be so hard on you and it has to be confusing. I pray you find your support system.
I found myself so invested in Elmer and Shep's story. Elmer was just so sweet. He was the sweetest cinnamon roll, all I wanted to slip into the room and wrap him in a hug and keep him safe the entire book.
Shep, Shep has to be the best part of the story. He was so true to himself from page one. Even while he was living in this small, backward town that can't wrap its head around the queer community, let alone the trans community.
It does have a slow start as we learn Shep and Elmer's back stories in detail. It starts with them finding their identities, first romantic and sexual explorations, loss, and finding new love. The story really picks up after Elmer and Shep have been together for awhile and Shep has been running his restaurant, a restaurant I would love to go to, please let me go there it sounds divine, the meals sound so good.
As must happen though, as the relationship has been established, the issues come up, insecurities come up and our MMCs try to deal with them in ways that we find may or may not be perfectly healthy or even successful.
Sheps' way of dealing with this is by folding into his asexuality.
Elmer, on the other hand, deals with this by pushing his desires for mor s*xual exploration.
The results... those are well...sticky.
This book has many different feels to it. For a while, we feel this one feels a bit melancholy. And I did love that we got to see the journey of a trans person finding themselves and more than just finding themselves. We saw them find love too.
I loved the ending between Shep, Elmer, and Willow. I thought this was a great balance between them allowing Shep to balance his asexuality and his love for Elmer, Elmer to balance his desire to love and respect Sheps asexuality while still desiring physical connections with another person. That's just my opinion. I have read other opinions that are opposite of mine.
Overall, I felt like love or hate the polyamery aspect of this book. we can leave that out and agree to disagree at the moment. What I truly loved and I think you will too is that this book have great representation of the trans community and what it is like to find yourself and then to find love and all that comes with that. I loved how real the journey felt and despite the ending, I think this book is worth reading because it does give you a feel for what it can be like for a trans person, a gay couple, a bi-sexual couple, yeah, my head is still spinning from this book. Just go and read it for yourself, please.
Honestly, this book has left my thoughts in a mess. This book is a roller-coaster ride, and I feel like my thoughts are still a tornado of amazement.
OK, I gave my head a shake, and I am going to try and make this make sense.
First of all, all our characters are individuals, and they are unique unto themselves.
Shep feels so much better now that he knows who he is, having figured out that he is a transmasculine, asexual, bisexual, he finally feels confident in his work and home life with his own husband Elmer.
On the other hand, Elmer, who is also bisexual, finds that he needs more from Shep. He knows he has Shep's commitment. But he just needs, or at least he thinks he needs the sexual act. Shep, on the other hand, just can't.
My heart goes out to anyone whose body is not who they are, especially now in the USA, I can't imagine how hard that is, puberty has to be so hard on you and it has to be confusing. I pray you find your support system.
I found myself so invested in Elmer and Shep's story. Elmer was just so sweet. He was the sweetest cinnamon roll, all I wanted to slip into the room and wrap him in a hug and keep him safe the entire book.
Shep, Shep has to be the best part of the story. He was so true to himself from page one. Even while he was living in this small, backward town that can't wrap its head around the queer community, let alone the trans community.
It does have a slow start as we learn Shep and Elmer's back stories in detail. It starts with them finding their identities, first romantic and sexual explorations, loss, and finding new love. The story really picks up after Elmer and Shep have been together for awhile and Shep has been running his restaurant, a restaurant I would love to go to, please let me go there it sounds divine, the meals sound so good.
As must happen though, as the relationship has been established, the issues come up, insecurities come up and our MMCs try to deal with them in ways that we find may or may not be perfectly healthy or even successful.
Sheps' way of dealing with this is by folding into his asexuality.
Elmer, on the other hand, deals with this by pushing his desires for mor s*xual exploration.
The results... those are well...sticky.
This book has many different feels to it. For a while, we feel this one feels a bit melancholy. And I did love that we got to see the journey of a trans person finding themselves and more than just finding themselves. We saw them find love too.
I loved the ending between Shep, Elmer, and Willow. I thought this was a great balance between them allowing Shep to balance his asexuality and his love for Elmer, Elmer to balance his desire to love and respect Sheps asexuality while still desiring physical connections with another person. That's just my opinion. I have read other opinions that are opposite of mine.
Overall, I felt like love or hate the polyamery aspect of this book. we can leave that out and agree to disagree at the moment. What I truly loved and I think you will too is that this book have great representation of the trans community and what it is like to find yourself and then to find love and all that comes with that. I loved how real the journey felt and despite the ending, I think this book is worth reading because it does give you a feel for what it can be like for a trans person, a gay couple, a bi-sexual couple, yeah, my head is still spinning from this book. Just go and read it for yourself, please.
October 13, 2023
This is the second by Carey PW that I've experienced and I'm once again impressed by the depiction of diversity found within the pages. What starts out as a couple looking to change how they conduct their marriage eventually evolves into a journey of self-exploration. It's an uber-angsty journey though, one that frustrated me at times while also giving me a lot to think about when it comes to "definitions" and sexuality.
Shep and Elmer are a compelling main couple, a far from perfect couple who feel their relationship is lacking and thus decide to bring in a third. That third is Willow, a likable woman with a background that I wish had been more fully fleshed-out. Her place in the trio added a lot of angst, a lot of frustration, and it took a lot of push/pull to make things work. Shep's a likable character, one who thought his marriage was good...until Elmer caught him off guard with wanting something new. I felt sorry for Shep in his desperation to make Elmer happy. I wish he'd communicated more but I was still rooting for him to make a more secure HEA for himself. Elmer was someone who angered me time and time again, often made things about him, but I still enjoyed the discussion he fostered in readers. Another character I enjoyed was Tank, a delicious husband and larger than life character who I wish had played a bigger role in the story.
From start to finish this was a book that pushed buttons, one that was thought-provoking and had readers debating sexuality and self-esteem. Definitions are never easy and this book gives readers a lot to think about. While it's not a perfect read it's one that you won't forget anytime soon!
Shep and Elmer are a compelling main couple, a far from perfect couple who feel their relationship is lacking and thus decide to bring in a third. That third is Willow, a likable woman with a background that I wish had been more fully fleshed-out. Her place in the trio added a lot of angst, a lot of frustration, and it took a lot of push/pull to make things work. Shep's a likable character, one who thought his marriage was good...until Elmer caught him off guard with wanting something new. I felt sorry for Shep in his desperation to make Elmer happy. I wish he'd communicated more but I was still rooting for him to make a more secure HEA for himself. Elmer was someone who angered me time and time again, often made things about him, but I still enjoyed the discussion he fostered in readers. Another character I enjoyed was Tank, a delicious husband and larger than life character who I wish had played a bigger role in the story.
From start to finish this was a book that pushed buttons, one that was thought-provoking and had readers debating sexuality and self-esteem. Definitions are never easy and this book gives readers a lot to think about. While it's not a perfect read it's one that you won't forget anytime soon!
April 18, 2024
I’m not going to lie; this was actually really good.
I got this book through Voracious Readers Only and I was intrigued to read it mostly because one of the main leads being Asexual. As an asexual person who’s never read about a character who’s also asexual, I was really curious.
I flew through this book so quickly. I would spend all my time working, looking forward to the time I could go back to reading the book. When I got the chance to read the book, I would abandon all my other responsibilities and breeze through thirteen chapters. Did I read most of this book in one sitting? yes, I did.
Now, is this book the most well-written thing ever? Will it become a future classic? is it the deepest thing ever? no, probably not. Yes, some of the dialogue was a bit cringe-worthy, but was I super invested all the same? Absolutely!
And to be clear, I have literally never read an LGBTQIA+ story before. And I am about the most hoity-toity pearl-clutching book snob imaginable, so you can imagine my surprise at liking this book.
I’m not saying that just because I liked this book, you will. But if you like books that actually do a very good job of navigating humans and human relationships in this modern day, you might end up really enjoying this book. If not for that, then you might at least appreciate it for its unique perspective and it’s important message. However, the one thing I will mention is that I felt the last line of the book did rather go against the message which was a little disappointing.
I got this book through Voracious Readers Only and I was intrigued to read it mostly because one of the main leads being Asexual. As an asexual person who’s never read about a character who’s also asexual, I was really curious.
I flew through this book so quickly. I would spend all my time working, looking forward to the time I could go back to reading the book. When I got the chance to read the book, I would abandon all my other responsibilities and breeze through thirteen chapters. Did I read most of this book in one sitting? yes, I did.
Now, is this book the most well-written thing ever? Will it become a future classic? is it the deepest thing ever? no, probably not. Yes, some of the dialogue was a bit cringe-worthy, but was I super invested all the same? Absolutely!
And to be clear, I have literally never read an LGBTQIA+ story before. And I am about the most hoity-toity pearl-clutching book snob imaginable, so you can imagine my surprise at liking this book.
I’m not saying that just because I liked this book, you will. But if you like books that actually do a very good job of navigating humans and human relationships in this modern day, you might end up really enjoying this book. If not for that, then you might at least appreciate it for its unique perspective and it’s important message. However, the one thing I will mention is that I felt the last line of the book did rather go against the message which was a little disappointing.
February 28, 2023
This book wasn't at all what I was expecting, but I loved it. Rather than something fluffy/spicy, it's really more of a serious exploration of what being in a polyamorous relationship might be like both in a small town and if one of the partners is asexual. There were a lot of things that I really liked about this book. I loved how it recognizes that a person can be more than one thing--that every person's identity is unique to them--and that figuring yourself out is a unique experience. I especially love that the main characters are strongly into their second acts and that both (due to both geography and limited knowledge at the time) had had a previous lifetime where they weren't able to be their true selves but now later in adulthood they are embracing their identities. I think it's is a very important scenario to explore with Gen X characters and older, and I wish there were more books that covered it. The fact that this all plays out in a small town rural setting with highly visible community members makes me love it even more. Another thing that really spoke to me was how powerful a force personal insecurities can be. Even when there is a cognitive understanding that someone loves you, these self doubts can still absolutely wreck the entire relationship.
I got this book because I had really enjoyed Grayality, and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
I got this book because I had really enjoyed Grayality, and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
August 3, 2024
I'm not sure where to start. I was really looking forward to reading this as I thought it would be really interesting and tackled a lot of relationship types not usually represented in romance. But it didn't feel romantic. It wasn't the story of two people in love it was a long history of two peoples relationships, then they meet fall in love in on day get married and right to having problems. Then they bring in a third but they haven't actually tried to fugire out their own relationship first. It's insta love but no romance it's going slow in all the background then speeding up through all the falling in love. Elmer is weak and selfish for most of the story, (never standing up against the crowd and not even bothering to understand Sheps asexuality) and Shep is either super confident and sexy (but also asexual) then super insecure and mad at everyone for responding to the outward persona. I just couldn't love either of them. Neither of them would communicate, and both of them constantly breaking promises to each other. Then Willow comes along, and she's immature and seems to be deliberately pulling them apart (I know she wasn't, but the things she said were often devisive and unintentionally manipulative). Having said all that, there were parts I enjoyed, and I liked the concept. I just wish it was done better.
NB I was given a free copy of this book via Voracious Readers in exchange for an honest review.
NB I was given a free copy of this book via Voracious Readers in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2025
There were a few quotes I came across over the course of reading this book that stuck out to me.
~
The first came from the dedication. "Asexual relationships are valid. Polyamorous relationships are valid. Open relationships are valid. All relationships are valid." It's funny. As someone who is both trans and asexual, I should know this. And I do, but to see it written is something else. It makes it feel more real, more true than it does when you're just thinking it for yourself, or at least that's my experience anyway.
~
The second is "Being transgender and asexual, I surrendered hope easily when it came to dating." Damn if that doesn't feel true. I'm not only asexual I'm also aromantic, so I don't desire for a traditional romantic relationship the way that Shep does. But every so often I do start thinking that some form of relationship might be nice. Someone who's mine the same way I'm theirs and we're on the same page as to where we stand.
~
The last quote is “But we live in a sex-crazed world... or at times it feels that way to me." Honestly, society is so damn focused on the tradition comphet traditional relationship that sometimes it can be really hard to exist in it when you don't fit into that. And I know it won't be just me who feels this way.
~
The other thing I wanted to say though is that for a book with an ace main character, this book feels awfully focused on his sex life, or lack thereof. I'm not saying there isn't a place for those conversations to be had, it just felt like the focus was too heavy on it.
•
Thank you to Voracious Readers Only and author PW Carey for sending me an ARC copy of this book.
~
The first came from the dedication. "Asexual relationships are valid. Polyamorous relationships are valid. Open relationships are valid. All relationships are valid." It's funny. As someone who is both trans and asexual, I should know this. And I do, but to see it written is something else. It makes it feel more real, more true than it does when you're just thinking it for yourself, or at least that's my experience anyway.
~
The second is "Being transgender and asexual, I surrendered hope easily when it came to dating." Damn if that doesn't feel true. I'm not only asexual I'm also aromantic, so I don't desire for a traditional romantic relationship the way that Shep does. But every so often I do start thinking that some form of relationship might be nice. Someone who's mine the same way I'm theirs and we're on the same page as to where we stand.
~
The last quote is “But we live in a sex-crazed world... or at times it feels that way to me." Honestly, society is so damn focused on the tradition comphet traditional relationship that sometimes it can be really hard to exist in it when you don't fit into that. And I know it won't be just me who feels this way.
~
The other thing I wanted to say though is that for a book with an ace main character, this book feels awfully focused on his sex life, or lack thereof. I'm not saying there isn't a place for those conversations to be had, it just felt like the focus was too heavy on it.
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Thank you to Voracious Readers Only and author PW Carey for sending me an ARC copy of this book.
February 27, 2023
Just as in the first book I read and enjoyed by this author, Grayality, here we have a set of people in Cloverleaf determined to plow ahead into ill advised, ill thought out and complicated relationships, lol. I felt sorry for Shep in this one as he's been nothing but straightforward with Elmer about his asexuality but suddenly, Elmer is pushing hard for more. Shep wants to understand and hold on to the relationship but also doesn't really want what Elmer wants. I understand that people's needs change, but the idea to fix their issues by entering into a polyamorous relationship will strike anyone who knows about the complexity of such relationships, all the negotiation involved and the deep trust called for as hysterical and flashing more red flags than the town of Cloverleaf would have. Enter Willow, a force of nature all on her own, and these three enter a whole new world. Things go as badly as one would expect and the author isn't afraid to take that where it needs to go. However, we do get to see what happens as time passes and the way this ends just might be a surprise.
February 26, 2023
Acing the Game is one of those books I was eager to adore. There was so much about this one that seemed perfect for me, so many elements that I was excited to see play out, yet I found this was one of the cases where the style did not work for me.
While there were interesting elements within this story that I enjoyed exploring, I found there was too much telling and not enough showing. Due to this, I spent much of the book unable to connect with the characters. Even when there were highly emotional moments in the story, I found myself feeling things toward the characters rather than for the characters. That is, wanting to bang heads together rather than having my heart ripped apart. While I can see many enjoying this one because of the elements involved, it didn’t quite tick the correct boxes for me.
All in all, I’m putting this down as a case of “it’s me, not the book”.
While there were interesting elements within this story that I enjoyed exploring, I found there was too much telling and not enough showing. Due to this, I spent much of the book unable to connect with the characters. Even when there were highly emotional moments in the story, I found myself feeling things toward the characters rather than for the characters. That is, wanting to bang heads together rather than having my heart ripped apart. While I can see many enjoying this one because of the elements involved, it didn’t quite tick the correct boxes for me.
All in all, I’m putting this down as a case of “it’s me, not the book”.
dnf-books-never-finished
October 1, 2023DNFing this book at pg.148.
Not because it's a bad book, plenty of people might enjoy this more than me, but I wasn't messing with it. But I still need to give this book a review.
I was sent this Voracious Readers Only quite a while ago now and decided to give it a try. I wanted to try Shep's cooking, even though I am a somewhat picky eater, his food sounded amazing. I didn't feel connected to the characters and tried my best to give this book a chance at least until the appearance of our third person in the polyormous tricouple. But even then, I had no desire to pick the book up and had to convince myself, which was a sign that I was falling into a slump and needed to make a decision. I am not trying to discourage others from giving this book a try, but I personally could not finish it.
Not because it's a bad book, plenty of people might enjoy this more than me, but I wasn't messing with it. But I still need to give this book a review.
I was sent this Voracious Readers Only quite a while ago now and decided to give it a try. I wanted to try Shep's cooking, even though I am a somewhat picky eater, his food sounded amazing. I didn't feel connected to the characters and tried my best to give this book a chance at least until the appearance of our third person in the polyormous tricouple. But even then, I had no desire to pick the book up and had to convince myself, which was a sign that I was falling into a slump and needed to make a decision. I am not trying to discourage others from giving this book a try, but I personally could not finish it.
February 11, 2023
Acing the Game by Carey PW.
Shep Lee thought he had it all. A successful restaurant, a loving husband who understood his asexuality, and most of all, the ability to be himself, a popular chef in the small town of Cloverleaf, Montana. That is, until his husband, Elmer Eshler, began pushing Shep more on sex. Elmer doesn’t understand why he can’t turn his partner on—aren’t they perfect for each other? And Shep loves him, right? Shep, meanwhile, while confident with his body, is and forever will be sex indifferent. Why has Elmer suddenly changed his tune? But he doesn’t want to lose the man he loves so much. What can they do?
A good read. Slow but readable. I liked Shep. I did like the cover. 3*.
Shep Lee thought he had it all. A successful restaurant, a loving husband who understood his asexuality, and most of all, the ability to be himself, a popular chef in the small town of Cloverleaf, Montana. That is, until his husband, Elmer Eshler, began pushing Shep more on sex. Elmer doesn’t understand why he can’t turn his partner on—aren’t they perfect for each other? And Shep loves him, right? Shep, meanwhile, while confident with his body, is and forever will be sex indifferent. Why has Elmer suddenly changed his tune? But he doesn’t want to lose the man he loves so much. What can they do?
A good read. Slow but readable. I liked Shep. I did like the cover. 3*.
April 13, 2023
While I understood the characters, I didn't really connect with them.
I loved the plot and the diversity, especially Shep's asexuality, but the pace was too slow for me.
It's definitely a 'me' thing. Everything in this book is something I love reading about.
Shep is great. Super self-confident and obviously comfortable in his own skin. I would have liked to see this story develop with Tank instead. Tank was an amazeballs husband. Especially when Shep began to transition. But Willow might be too much for Tank.
There was something about Elmer that I didn't warm to. I don't know what it was though.
All in all, this is a great book. I just didn't sink into the story as much as I would have liked to.
I received a copy via VoraciousReadersOnly and all opinions are my own.
I loved the plot and the diversity, especially Shep's asexuality, but the pace was too slow for me.
It's definitely a 'me' thing. Everything in this book is something I love reading about.
Shep is great. Super self-confident and obviously comfortable in his own skin. I would have liked to see this story develop with Tank instead. Tank was an amazeballs husband. Especially when Shep began to transition. But Willow might be too much for Tank.
There was something about Elmer that I didn't warm to. I don't know what it was though.
All in all, this is a great book. I just didn't sink into the story as much as I would have liked to.
I received a copy via VoraciousReadersOnly and all opinions are my own.
September 28, 2023
I loved seeing an older asexual person in fiction. Half my time reading this book was spent yelling at the characters to talk to each other or go to therapy. It’s delightfully messy. Most of the characters’ more problematic actions are addressed in-text and I liked that the book corrected some common stereotypes. Two of the characters act in ways that are red flags for domestic violence, but this isn’t noted to be problematic by the other characters. I also didn't like how Shep kept insisting that people eat after they said they're full. A fun read overall, great for anyone who enjoys scrolling r/AmITheAsshole.
December 21, 2024
Carey PW’s Acting the Game is a compelling exploration of identity, relationships, and the complex dynamics within the LGBTQIA2S+ community. What stands out most is how the author demystifies the diverse experiences within the LGBTQIA2S+ spectrum.
Through vibrant storytelling and layered characters, readers gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by queer individuals, including the pressure to conform, the search for self-acceptance, and the importance of chosen family. Carey’s ability to weave these themes into a relatable narrative makes the book accessible to a broad audience, whether they are part of the community or allies seeking to learn more.
Through vibrant storytelling and layered characters, readers gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by queer individuals, including the pressure to conform, the search for self-acceptance, and the importance of chosen family. Carey’s ability to weave these themes into a relatable narrative makes the book accessible to a broad audience, whether they are part of the community or allies seeking to learn more.
March 28, 2024
I was excited to read this book based on the description. I was able to get a small inkling into the sun cultures of the LGBTQIA community. I do wish that the character Shep was better at communicating so that we the audience got a clear sense of his/their POV especially since the story takes place in a more conservative state as it were. I also would have liked Willow to have been fleshed out a bit more and Elmer although I understood him, it was a times hard to root for him. It was a quick read which I did appreciate. I got this copy from Voracious Readers. Opinions are my own.
February 17, 2023
Carey PW has again brought a very character driven storyline that was fabulously written. This book discusses issues of gender, sexuality and love in a small town with all the complexities humans make things. I really liked both Shep and Elmer but didn't like Willow 'as a person'. Another thought-provoking and enjoyable read from this author.
June 1, 2024
This book had me on an emotional roller coaster for the whole book, I loved the LGBTQIA2S aspect, I have a brother whom is asexual, so to see an author write about this was fantastic, if your after a feel good rom com this book has all the feels from laughing out loud, to running for the tissues, you will love it. The two MMC have you rooting for them all along, and all the adversaries they have to go through, for love to win out in the end love, love it.
I received this this complementary copy through voracious reads, from the author.
I received this this complementary copy through voracious reads, from the author.
February 20, 2023
Their relationship is great except he is not very sexual which he thought they understood. Now it seems to becoming more of an issue. Will bringing another into the relationship help? What it is a female? Will that help? See just how this will all turn out
June 8, 2023
This was a really fun cute read. It was a bit slow and discussed a lot of the characters past….that was the only negative for me. I really enjoyed reading this book and it will make you smile and cry.
August 27, 2024
Now this was an interesting read! I did not expect so many levels of character development in this book! I thought it would be a fun, flirty contemporary romance. It's definitely not. It has some aspects of that, but this is definitely more of a conversation on asexual, transgender, and LGBTQIA social issues than anything else. I'm not mad about it because I think it was done quite well. The concept is solid, the character are well-defined, the situations they face are VERY realistic. Would recommend as a read for anyone willing to look at the challenges of the community especially from the perspective of living in a small town. Where it's ok, if you don't say gay.
February 24, 2023
A great story that explores asexuality, polyamory, and gender. Was I completely sold on the characters? No, but I did enjoy the story. It was real and true.
February 25, 2023
A heartfelt but also heartbreaking read, I honestly really enjoyed this story despite the interesting dynamic explored. A good read
May 22, 2024
I received this book in return for an honest review. This was a good book on the whole & I really enjoyed it to begin with but I feel like it lost its way once the polyamory began. Hence why only 3*
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