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Level One: Headshot: Level Up Series, Book 1
You have the hands of a rogue, the mouth of a bard, and I’m pretty sure you’re at least half-cleric because you have me ready to scream. Oh, God!
Dillon Strands is not your typical college co-ed. While other’s are chasing down parties and partners, living out their dreams of debauchery, Dillon and his friends are studying, gaming, and stuck in a rut, their social lives hanging by a thread.
After a semester of continued promises to step out of their comfort zone, the five friends find themselves exactly where they started. Enter Suzanne Andrews, a gamer girl with a plan. Dillon may be at the top of his class, but when it comes to the art of pleasure, Suzie Andrews is an A+ student.
Author's This book is the first in a number of novella-length serials. As such, it does not have a traditional ending and is not intended to be listened to as a stand-alone book.
Dillon Strands is not your typical college co-ed. While other’s are chasing down parties and partners, living out their dreams of debauchery, Dillon and his friends are studying, gaming, and stuck in a rut, their social lives hanging by a thread.
After a semester of continued promises to step out of their comfort zone, the five friends find themselves exactly where they started. Enter Suzanne Andrews, a gamer girl with a plan. Dillon may be at the top of his class, but when it comes to the art of pleasure, Suzie Andrews is an A+ student.
Author's This book is the first in a number of novella-length serials. As such, it does not have a traditional ending and is not intended to be listened to as a stand-alone book.
Audible Audio
Published April 16, 2020
67 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Alexa Sommers
155 books78 followersAlexa Sommers is a best-selling erotic fiction author with a taste for both the sweet and the nasty. Her Level Up series has lit up the genre and is continuing to expand as she looks onward to growing her portfolio of pleasure.
Alexa's Philosophy: The sexual experience, be it written, read, or enacted, can not be rushed. It must be savored and prolonged to push forth the lust and desire. It must not only be loved but lived, for only then can we reach the heights we seek.
Alexa's Philosophy: The sexual experience, be it written, read, or enacted, can not be rushed. It must be savored and prolonged to push forth the lust and desire. It must not only be loved but lived, for only then can we reach the heights we seek.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
February 12, 2020
I really, REALLY liked this story. I waffled between 4 and 5 stars. I would go four and a half if I could. Anyway, this first book by Alexa is very well done.
The Goods - We have a hoard of believably geeky characters who are given lots of space to be uber nerdy before the sexy times start. They love board games, computer games, RPGs and hot sex. There's some good character building. The sex is well done. The plot is believable. (There actually is a plot.) The banter is super witty and the dialog is believable.
The Bads - I did suffer from a little character confusion. And it would have been nice for some of the characters to not be quite as porn hot as I imagined them to be. I have a few minor quibbles with the sex scenes. It's not that they're not well done. It's that they seem to go too well for a couple of the first-timers and everything is super satisfying. Now, in erotica, that's to be expected I guess. But in many other ways this story does reality so well that it would have been nice to make the sex a little more realistic. Also, some nods to safe sex would have been good (I don't recall any condoms).
Really when it comes to the bads I had to think and look SUPER hard. This is top notch for erotica (and would have actually been good as a straight ahead romance sans sex). It's more than a "GET YOUR MASTURBATION DONE!" story.
I will DEFINTELY be reading all of the subsequent books. Be warned that this is the first part of a longer story. It serves as an intro to the characters and their situations. As a result of the relatively short (but still hot) sex scenes I would qualify this entry as more erotic romance than straight ahead erotica. The author has told me that future books will be different in that respect.
The Goods - We have a hoard of believably geeky characters who are given lots of space to be uber nerdy before the sexy times start. They love board games, computer games, RPGs and hot sex. There's some good character building. The sex is well done. The plot is believable. (There actually is a plot.) The banter is super witty and the dialog is believable.
The Bads - I did suffer from a little character confusion. And it would have been nice for some of the characters to not be quite as porn hot as I imagined them to be. I have a few minor quibbles with the sex scenes. It's not that they're not well done. It's that they seem to go too well for a couple of the first-timers and everything is super satisfying. Now, in erotica, that's to be expected I guess. But in many other ways this story does reality so well that it would have been nice to make the sex a little more realistic. Also, some nods to safe sex would have been good (I don't recall any condoms).
Really when it comes to the bads I had to think and look SUPER hard. This is top notch for erotica (and would have actually been good as a straight ahead romance sans sex). It's more than a "GET YOUR MASTURBATION DONE!" story.
I will DEFINTELY be reading all of the subsequent books. Be warned that this is the first part of a longer story. It serves as an intro to the characters and their situations. As a result of the relatively short (but still hot) sex scenes I would qualify this entry as more erotic romance than straight ahead erotica. The author has told me that future books will be different in that respect.
February 13, 2020
Let me start off by saying that I am not a gamer. There were terms in this book that were not familiar to me. I found it quite useful to highlight them on my kindle, which then looked up the definitions and references. The book is quite well written and edited, although it could use some minor touching up. Not enough to prevent the readers' enjoyment.
What I loved most about the book is the romance. I loved how the author takes the group of college gamer nerds and opens their romantic horizons. The book is fun, and I am very much looking forward to the impending release of the second volume of the series.
That cover is spot on perfect. I have to wonder which came first - the cover photo, or writing the description of the character Suzie with "green and pink hair, blue eyes you could get lost in." Either way, it's perfect.
What I loved most about the book is the romance. I loved how the author takes the group of college gamer nerds and opens their romantic horizons. The book is fun, and I am very much looking forward to the impending release of the second volume of the series.
That cover is spot on perfect. I have to wonder which came first - the cover photo, or writing the description of the character Suzie with "green and pink hair, blue eyes you could get lost in." Either way, it's perfect.
March 17, 2020
This was a fun read about a bunch of geeks that end up figuring out how to actually run their lives in the right direction. It's one of those feel good coming of age stories where the guys actually start figuring out what to do in order to woo girls and keep them.
This story also feels nice because it's not that typical beta male story of the shunned kids who want the hot chick who all of a sudden awakens some powerful Alpha gene like a radical X-man. It's a group of people who've known each other and have supported each other their entire lives and are now in their college years and are starting to grow from wall flowers into adults. With that said, there are a TON of nerdy references in this book (as well as some rap quotes woot woot!) that make this a fun read for me. So if you like a slow burn book about coming up in life about a group of nerds (who are still nerds by the end of the book) who finally figure out how to dial into the opposite sex while still retaining their quirky selves. This is the book for you.
This story also feels nice because it's not that typical beta male story of the shunned kids who want the hot chick who all of a sudden awakens some powerful Alpha gene like a radical X-man. It's a group of people who've known each other and have supported each other their entire lives and are now in their college years and are starting to grow from wall flowers into adults. With that said, there are a TON of nerdy references in this book (as well as some rap quotes woot woot!) that make this a fun read for me. So if you like a slow burn book about coming up in life about a group of nerds (who are still nerds by the end of the book) who finally figure out how to dial into the opposite sex while still retaining their quirky selves. This is the book for you.
May 30, 2020
A great start to a wonderful series!
Such a great start to a sweet series. I could make all the gaming puns you want, but really this story is about young lust and young love. The characters are funny and real. Don't be surprised if you don't get all the references, they come fast and furious!
I have my head in the game and I am on to Level 2!
Such a great start to a sweet series. I could make all the gaming puns you want, but really this story is about young lust and young love. The characters are funny and real. Don't be surprised if you don't get all the references, they come fast and furious!
I have my head in the game and I am on to Level 2!
March 2, 2020
At first, I thought this would be a LitRPG because gaming was mentioned and I'm reading a lot of that at the moment but it's not.
This is an honest to goodness work of fiction in which roleplayers and boardgamers, aren't nefarious creeps who murder one of their own. That's pretty much all that shows like Castle and Bones (and British detective TV too) have ever shown me about my tribe. We're always murder victims or satanic murderers or something truly silly.
I was hooked by just the story of the wonderful, distinctive, fun to read about geeks, getting together for gaming sessions.
But when the Games Master (or Dungeon Master - but I'm old school and not a D&D player so I think GM not DM) meets his group he discovers a new power. Unbeknown to him, there are women who find him attractive.
The crush he has on Suzie Andrews seems doomed to failure at the start, but as the description says she has a plan.
He's a lucky young man, who gets more than one woman who don't mind sharing, are different characters with their own personalities, and sexual preferences and they are more than happy to take the lead. This is a situation both men and women can identify with - not having to be the one who takes the risk of trying to ask someone out, having people openly say they are interested in you.
Of course, everyone worth knowing, wants that person to be a gamer of at least one stripe too. :) Because geeks are hot hot hot. Sexy, hot, shy in the cafeteria but an inferno in the bedroom. Yes, we're all like that.
I'm so upset I didn't find this series when it was finished because now I have to wait for it to be written, and not binge it. On the other hand, if there were the twelve or more books I want to read already, I wouldn't get any writing done this month, and would rarely leave my bed. ;)
This is an honest to goodness work of fiction in which roleplayers and boardgamers, aren't nefarious creeps who murder one of their own. That's pretty much all that shows like Castle and Bones (and British detective TV too) have ever shown me about my tribe. We're always murder victims or satanic murderers or something truly silly.
I was hooked by just the story of the wonderful, distinctive, fun to read about geeks, getting together for gaming sessions.
But when the Games Master (or Dungeon Master - but I'm old school and not a D&D player so I think GM not DM) meets his group he discovers a new power. Unbeknown to him, there are women who find him attractive.
The crush he has on Suzie Andrews seems doomed to failure at the start, but as the description says she has a plan.
He's a lucky young man, who gets more than one woman who don't mind sharing, are different characters with their own personalities, and sexual preferences and they are more than happy to take the lead. This is a situation both men and women can identify with - not having to be the one who takes the risk of trying to ask someone out, having people openly say they are interested in you.
Of course, everyone worth knowing, wants that person to be a gamer of at least one stripe too. :) Because geeks are hot hot hot. Sexy, hot, shy in the cafeteria but an inferno in the bedroom. Yes, we're all like that.
I'm so upset I didn't find this series when it was finished because now I have to wait for it to be written, and not binge it. On the other hand, if there were the twelve or more books I want to read already, I wouldn't get any writing done this month, and would rarely leave my bed. ;)
August 27, 2020
This is a double rarity for me. I don't generally read erotica, and five stars from me is unusual. But, I won a free copy of this and decided to check it out. I was really impressed.
As I said, I don't read a lot of erotica, so I don't have a lot to compare this to. What I was impressed by was good writing, actual character development, and an amazing, in-depth geek knowledge.
This is the story of a group of college freshman and gaming geeks. They are settling in to classes, mostly about gaming theory and related fields, and slowly widening their circle of friends. Dillon, the main character (more or less), is a GM for the group, and is best friend is Jason Todd (yes, they have running jokes about that). They meet up with several lovely young ladies who are also into gaming.
While in some stories that might trigger a random orgy, it doesn't here. There's actual character interaction, introspection, and realistic reactions to developments, like uncertainty. And, like I've said, tons of great references to gaming, comics, movies, and general geek culture. And Tupac, for some reason or other. Not there's anything wrong with Tupac, it just seems to be an outlier.
I'm a geek, gamer, and writer, so believe me I was listening for errors. The only one I caught wasn't a big deal ("I can do this all day" is a Captain America line, not Spider-Man). If Ms. Sommers isn't a gamer/geek, she did amazing research.
I had the audiobook, not Kindle, but I don't see that as an option here. It was narrated by Sharmila Dever, who did a great job.
I'm a little surprised to be giving 5 stars and an enthusiastic recommendation to this, but I am. If you're at all into gaming, comics, hero movies, this is a story for you. And the sex scenes, while they don't dominate the story, are well done and believable.
As I said, I don't read a lot of erotica, so I don't have a lot to compare this to. What I was impressed by was good writing, actual character development, and an amazing, in-depth geek knowledge.
This is the story of a group of college freshman and gaming geeks. They are settling in to classes, mostly about gaming theory and related fields, and slowly widening their circle of friends. Dillon, the main character (more or less), is a GM for the group, and is best friend is Jason Todd (yes, they have running jokes about that). They meet up with several lovely young ladies who are also into gaming.
While in some stories that might trigger a random orgy, it doesn't here. There's actual character interaction, introspection, and realistic reactions to developments, like uncertainty. And, like I've said, tons of great references to gaming, comics, movies, and general geek culture. And Tupac, for some reason or other. Not there's anything wrong with Tupac, it just seems to be an outlier.
I'm a geek, gamer, and writer, so believe me I was listening for errors. The only one I caught wasn't a big deal ("I can do this all day" is a Captain America line, not Spider-Man). If Ms. Sommers isn't a gamer/geek, she did amazing research.
I had the audiobook, not Kindle, but I don't see that as an option here. It was narrated by Sharmila Dever, who did a great job.
I'm a little surprised to be giving 5 stars and an enthusiastic recommendation to this, but I am. If you're at all into gaming, comics, hero movies, this is a story for you. And the sex scenes, while they don't dominate the story, are well done and believable.
November 17, 2020
This erotic short story was alright - but not my cup of tea, despite me being a gamer. I never had the opportunity to do tabletop games, since I grew up without gamer friends, so a lot of references went over my head, likewise, all the rap ones did and there were a LOT.
What I discovered with reading this, is that I don't care for virgin / exploration sex. It fell flat for me, was dull, emotionless, and boring, as evidenced by it taking me 6 weeks to finish this 100 page novella.
I rated up because the writing was descent, the errors few, and there are plenty who'd like this much more than I did, if you enjoy gaming banter and sudden sexual encounters, without intercourse. I don't know that I'll read more, maybe simply because it's fairly short, but I won't go out of my way to.
What I discovered with reading this, is that I don't care for virgin / exploration sex. It fell flat for me, was dull, emotionless, and boring, as evidenced by it taking me 6 weeks to finish this 100 page novella.
I rated up because the writing was descent, the errors few, and there are plenty who'd like this much more than I did, if you enjoy gaming banter and sudden sexual encounters, without intercourse. I don't know that I'll read more, maybe simply because it's fairly short, but I won't go out of my way to.
July 1, 2020
Wow, talk about a bait and switch. You have flashy, fun social media ads, you've got that quirky, colorful cover, you've got the promise of something new and different. And then you've got this boring-ass book with a writing style like someone's stuffy great aunt. Basically this is a bunch of college kids planning a role playing game, and then when you get to the game (in the last quarter of the book), a couple of the girls halfway seduce the guy in charge during the planning session. It ends with the promise of more. To that, I say, "No, thanks." If novella 1 was supposed to be a hook, it didn't work. False advertising lured me in, but this fish spit out the bait and swam away.
February 12, 2020
This book sounded interesting based on the blurb, but I just couldn't get into it. Not because I am not a gamer or a Tupac fan (I actually am), but because the storyline didn't impress me once I started reading it. Along with the fact that there are way too many characters for such a short story and the constant editing issues (spelling typos, no punctuation, missing words, etc.), it just wasn't for me. I spent way too much time trying to decipher among the characters and correcting the grammar.
I do love a good nerd gets the girl book, but this author's style is definitely lacking.
I do love a good nerd gets the girl book, but this author's style is definitely lacking.
January 27, 2021
A very nice and quick read, very well-written, with some intriguing characters. I'm super interested in how Dillon's new board game works, lol. Its clear the author knows a lot about game theory, role-playing, and other board games, and this came through well on reading. I loved the puns and innuendos, e.g. the one about a headshot (ie, BJ) leaving a player 'dazed and confused' for 1d6 rounds. I don't even know what 1d6 actually means, but I get that it's a game reference, and it's well done, lol. An enjoyable read, would recommend for any geeky/nerdy fans of board games and erotica. (Note, this is m/f and not f/f like my usual genre, lol)
April 23, 2020
This series of books had already been on my radar for a little while before being asked by the author to review it so I was really excited to sit down and read Headshot. And for the most part, I wasn’t disappointed.
It is the story of Dillon and his friends who are all gamers and a little bit geeky. When they meet Suzie Andrews, she brings a couple more girls to their gaming group and sparks begin to fly between all the players in a way that brings a whole lot of heat.
For me, this book did get off to a bit of a slow start, with a lot of the focus of the first half being on gaming and introducing the characters. And, I have to admit that I am not a gamer and I have almost zero knowledge of the kind of role-playing/boardgames that the characters are involved in, so there were a LOT of gaming references that ended up going way over my head. But, to my untrained eye, it seemed as though the author really knew her stuff in this area and I was impressed. There were also many comic book and movie references that I didn’t get. While there were times when I felt a little bit lost, none of this is necessarily a bad thing. If anything, it made me curious about all the things that were being discussed, and for anybody who already enjoys gaming and comic books/movies then this would be the perfect book/series for you!
I really liked how the author gave us a real chance to get to know the characters and become familiar with how the friends interact together before Suzie’s friends enter and begin to shake things up a bit. There are a couple of Dillon’s friends who are kept in the background a bit, but I liked all of the characters and felt they were all very believable (from what I can remember of my college days at least, which are further in the past than I would care to admit!)
During the second part of the book, which is where things picked up a lot for me, Dillon’s friends and Suzie’s friends meet up and they are preparing for a big role-playing campaign that they will all be taking part in. While there is still obviously quite a big focus on the gaming, the addition of the new characters brings in a lot more opportunities for flirting and steamy moments and, let’s be honest, that’s exactly what I’m here for!
This book is well-written, fun, steamy and definitely perfect for those interested in gaming and geeky references. I really enjoyed it and I ALMOST gave it four stars, but I decided to go with three simply because of the amount of time I spent feeling lost amongst all the gaming talk. I don’t consider that a fault of the author’s though and in the second half I started to get more of a feel for what was going on as the characters were starting to get involved in their gaming campaign, which made it easier for someone with no knowledge of gaming to understand what they were doing. I am really looking forward to reading more from this series and seeing how the various relationships develop between the group as they spend time together during their campaign!
It is the story of Dillon and his friends who are all gamers and a little bit geeky. When they meet Suzie Andrews, she brings a couple more girls to their gaming group and sparks begin to fly between all the players in a way that brings a whole lot of heat.
For me, this book did get off to a bit of a slow start, with a lot of the focus of the first half being on gaming and introducing the characters. And, I have to admit that I am not a gamer and I have almost zero knowledge of the kind of role-playing/boardgames that the characters are involved in, so there were a LOT of gaming references that ended up going way over my head. But, to my untrained eye, it seemed as though the author really knew her stuff in this area and I was impressed. There were also many comic book and movie references that I didn’t get. While there were times when I felt a little bit lost, none of this is necessarily a bad thing. If anything, it made me curious about all the things that were being discussed, and for anybody who already enjoys gaming and comic books/movies then this would be the perfect book/series for you!
I really liked how the author gave us a real chance to get to know the characters and become familiar with how the friends interact together before Suzie’s friends enter and begin to shake things up a bit. There are a couple of Dillon’s friends who are kept in the background a bit, but I liked all of the characters and felt they were all very believable (from what I can remember of my college days at least, which are further in the past than I would care to admit!)
During the second part of the book, which is where things picked up a lot for me, Dillon’s friends and Suzie’s friends meet up and they are preparing for a big role-playing campaign that they will all be taking part in. While there is still obviously quite a big focus on the gaming, the addition of the new characters brings in a lot more opportunities for flirting and steamy moments and, let’s be honest, that’s exactly what I’m here for!
This book is well-written, fun, steamy and definitely perfect for those interested in gaming and geeky references. I really enjoyed it and I ALMOST gave it four stars, but I decided to go with three simply because of the amount of time I spent feeling lost amongst all the gaming talk. I don’t consider that a fault of the author’s though and in the second half I started to get more of a feel for what was going on as the characters were starting to get involved in their gaming campaign, which made it easier for someone with no knowledge of gaming to understand what they were doing. I am really looking forward to reading more from this series and seeing how the various relationships develop between the group as they spend time together during their campaign!
February 24, 2020
This series follows the lives of a group of friends trying to navigate the adventures of young adulthood as outcasts in college.
The friends share common interests in game nights, roleplaying, and pop culture media but each has their own personality. For example, Janie is “one of the guys”, Jason is kind of a romantic, a nice guy but not very attractive, so he doesn’t get as much attention from girls and Dillon is a teasing jokester but shy and tries his best to be good friend. Despite that fact, the two guy friends manage to gain the attention of the new nerdy but confident and attractive girls in their new game group, putting a strain to their established friendships.
It’s a humorous, enjoyable, quick read due to always wanting to learn what happens next, as while the plot isn’t too complex, the relatable characters make you want to know if they and their friendships will be okay during their turbulent, sex-filled college life. The story has a sequel.
The friends share common interests in game nights, roleplaying, and pop culture media but each has their own personality. For example, Janie is “one of the guys”, Jason is kind of a romantic, a nice guy but not very attractive, so he doesn’t get as much attention from girls and Dillon is a teasing jokester but shy and tries his best to be good friend. Despite that fact, the two guy friends manage to gain the attention of the new nerdy but confident and attractive girls in their new game group, putting a strain to their established friendships.
It’s a humorous, enjoyable, quick read due to always wanting to learn what happens next, as while the plot isn’t too complex, the relatable characters make you want to know if they and their friendships will be okay during their turbulent, sex-filled college life. The story has a sequel.
April 22, 2020
Our hero is a gaming nerd who goes from no love life to having multiple hotties vying for his attention. Needless to say, he is a little out of his depth but loving every minute of it.
This is a gamer nerd romance story and I say that with the utmost respect and admiration. The plot and setting are simple, but entertaining as the narrative is filled with geeky quotes and references to music, gaming, and movies. The characters are wonderful, each with a distinct personality that you can picture in your minds eye. Their interactions within their group of friends seems natural and very familiar if you have ever hung out with gamers (yes, I am guilty as charged). On top of all that, there are some enticing elements of steam sprinkled in as well which are well placed and add nicely to the story. Overall, a wonderful read and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
Highly recommended.
I received an ARC from Hidden Gems for review purposes.
This is a gamer nerd romance story and I say that with the utmost respect and admiration. The plot and setting are simple, but entertaining as the narrative is filled with geeky quotes and references to music, gaming, and movies. The characters are wonderful, each with a distinct personality that you can picture in your minds eye. Their interactions within their group of friends seems natural and very familiar if you have ever hung out with gamers (yes, I am guilty as charged). On top of all that, there are some enticing elements of steam sprinkled in as well which are well placed and add nicely to the story. Overall, a wonderful read and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
Highly recommended.
I received an ARC from Hidden Gems for review purposes.
March 4, 2020
The Geek is Strong With This One
What a great, quick read with so many wonderful geek references! It was hot and geeky at the same time! The Jason Todd reference sold it for me; so perfect. I cannot wait to get to the second one!
Geek love forever!
What a great, quick read with so many wonderful geek references! It was hot and geeky at the same time! The Jason Todd reference sold it for me; so perfect. I cannot wait to get to the second one!
Geek love forever!
February 2, 2022
This was FUN
I wasn’t gripped from the start, however the dialogue hooked me in. I very much enjoyed all the geek references as I am also a DM. The romance was organic and I definitely recommend this as a quick read.
I wasn’t gripped from the start, however the dialogue hooked me in. I very much enjoyed all the geek references as I am also a DM. The romance was organic and I definitely recommend this as a quick read.
May 23, 2020
I’ll be honest that a lot of the gamer talk went over my head. Several of my friends would get all that, so I’ll be sending this book their way.
But the characters were fun and there were certainly some steamy scenes in here! It was a quick, fun read, and I’m sure I’d enjoy the whole series.
But the characters were fun and there were certainly some steamy scenes in here! It was a quick, fun read, and I’m sure I’d enjoy the whole series.
May 3, 2020
Ok. Now I'm hooked!
This first series installment is a killer read. This group of smart quirky attractive young people, on the brink of discovering their sexual eventualities, are a really fun and tenacious bunch. Especially Dillon and Suzie, their organically budding "friendship" is simmering nicely.
Despite being a shy and sweet smoke show, Dillon handles the fantasy scenario thrusted upon him with impressive coolness and a sexy confidence. I love the youthful collegiate setting, with the gamer-kid sublayer. This is a fresh and immersively sexy series beginning.
This first series installment is a killer read. This group of smart quirky attractive young people, on the brink of discovering their sexual eventualities, are a really fun and tenacious bunch. Especially Dillon and Suzie, their organically budding "friendship" is simmering nicely.
Despite being a shy and sweet smoke show, Dillon handles the fantasy scenario thrusted upon him with impressive coolness and a sexy confidence. I love the youthful collegiate setting, with the gamer-kid sublayer. This is a fresh and immersively sexy series beginning.
May 19, 2020
Very good read
The author does an excellent job of gripping the reader from the very first page. Great read, highly recommend to anyone who likes this genre!
The author does an excellent job of gripping the reader from the very first page. Great read, highly recommend to anyone who likes this genre!
April 20, 2020
Mildly frustrating, immensely impressive
I will admit I almost put this book down because of the Dnd references that I just don't understand but the author wrote it so that even a peeb like me could understand.
It's really relatable and I do love books about people in college. I love the banter between friends, I wanted to be their friend.
I will admit I almost put this book down because of the Dnd references that I just don't understand but the author wrote it so that even a peeb like me could understand.
It's really relatable and I do love books about people in college. I love the banter between friends, I wanted to be their friend.
April 21, 2020
Great Characters and a lot of fun
I throughly enjoyed this story, it was fun, fast-paced, sexy, sweet and interesting. The characters were quirky but believable. They played nicely off each other like real friends. My only complaint, it ended too soon! I guess I’ll have to buy the next one!
I throughly enjoyed this story, it was fun, fast-paced, sexy, sweet and interesting. The characters were quirky but believable. They played nicely off each other like real friends. My only complaint, it ended too soon! I guess I’ll have to buy the next one!
February 13, 2021
This is my review of the audio book version.
I am not a fan of humor or situations in my media that make me feel awkward. People that enjoy the Office or Parks and Rec... well I'm not one of those people. Sometimes realism is very painful and you can't get away from it. I want my media to get away from it.
Double down on the fact that I am a gamer, a geek, and a Tupac fan.
The first five chapters of Level Up: Level One - Headshot landed critical blows on every one of my various awkwardness triggers to the point that the combination mindsets of Dylan and Jason made me think of the meme "I'm in this picture and I don't' like it" and felt I was being personally attacked by the relatable content.
Then chapter 6 started and started to stretch my disbelief and it dawned on me.
I'm listening to an erotic story.
I should have had my disbelief stretched and shattered from the beginning.
You can't walk into erotica with the same mindset as other books because of the nature of the beast. It allows situations to transpire that in many cases wouldn't, and you felt that with the reactions of the main character in Chapter 6 because even they were like "What's going on here?!?!"
So relistening to the story from the beginning made me look at the whole thing with different eyes and a different perspective. With the new outlook, my only breaking of the suspension fo disbelief was the size of the game theory class. Honestly, this is a tale of a character that decided to do the right thing and is getting rewarded for it. I'm so am predicting heartbreak and sadness and other shenanigans in the future books but this was a well-crafted tale from beginning to end.
Alexa, like any DM or storyteller, is playing the long game with her series, and like any player who occasionally dabbles in DMing, it is wonderful to see someone who is invested in the craft and make sure everyone enjoys themselves.
Sharmila Devar did a wonderful job with the cast of characters presented. When things got hot it came through in a sultry, smoky voice that fit the motif of everything that was going on, even when the characters weren't sure exactly what was happening. She was able to take the character awkwardness and keep everything sexy so it didn't detract from the scenes themselves. The excitement and nervousness from the male characters she portrayed were top notch and I really felt what the characters Jason and Dylan were feeling during the story. Her portrayal of Suzy, Stacy, June, Dani, Janie brought out the depth of the writing to each of the characters' distinct personalities.
This is a wonderful first edition of the audio series and I can't wait to listen to more.
I am not a fan of humor or situations in my media that make me feel awkward. People that enjoy the Office or Parks and Rec... well I'm not one of those people. Sometimes realism is very painful and you can't get away from it. I want my media to get away from it.
Double down on the fact that I am a gamer, a geek, and a Tupac fan.
The first five chapters of Level Up: Level One - Headshot landed critical blows on every one of my various awkwardness triggers to the point that the combination mindsets of Dylan and Jason made me think of the meme "I'm in this picture and I don't' like it" and felt I was being personally attacked by the relatable content.
Then chapter 6 started and started to stretch my disbelief and it dawned on me.
I'm listening to an erotic story.
I should have had my disbelief stretched and shattered from the beginning.
You can't walk into erotica with the same mindset as other books because of the nature of the beast. It allows situations to transpire that in many cases wouldn't, and you felt that with the reactions of the main character in Chapter 6 because even they were like "What's going on here?!?!"
So relistening to the story from the beginning made me look at the whole thing with different eyes and a different perspective. With the new outlook, my only breaking of the suspension fo disbelief was the size of the game theory class. Honestly, this is a tale of a character that decided to do the right thing and is getting rewarded for it. I'm so am predicting heartbreak and sadness and other shenanigans in the future books but this was a well-crafted tale from beginning to end.
Alexa, like any DM or storyteller, is playing the long game with her series, and like any player who occasionally dabbles in DMing, it is wonderful to see someone who is invested in the craft and make sure everyone enjoys themselves.
Sharmila Devar did a wonderful job with the cast of characters presented. When things got hot it came through in a sultry, smoky voice that fit the motif of everything that was going on, even when the characters weren't sure exactly what was happening. She was able to take the character awkwardness and keep everything sexy so it didn't detract from the scenes themselves. The excitement and nervousness from the male characters she portrayed were top notch and I really felt what the characters Jason and Dylan were feeling during the story. Her portrayal of Suzy, Stacy, June, Dani, Janie brought out the depth of the writing to each of the characters' distinct personalities.
This is a wonderful first edition of the audio series and I can't wait to listen to more.
April 14, 2020
Great read
Deep detail and compelling story. Follow Dillon as he learns has dealt the headshot can be. Does he survive the experience?
Deep detail and compelling story. Follow Dillon as he learns has dealt the headshot can be. Does he survive the experience?
April 6, 2020
Quick-witted and good geek fun for mature audiences of course
My favorite elements of this nook were actually the non-intimate moments. I thought all the geeky one liners, quick banter and social dynamics were absolutely delightful. I think it would have been even more awesome if the romances were as gradually building as, say, 'levelling up!' So, while I will rate this a 5, this is one of the few times I will say it was excellent, but it has the potential for another degree of excellence. Awesome job, Alexa Sommers! Outside of Rachelle Meade's 'Age of X' this may be the only other intimately inclined series I would follow
My favorite elements of this nook were actually the non-intimate moments. I thought all the geeky one liners, quick banter and social dynamics were absolutely delightful. I think it would have been even more awesome if the romances were as gradually building as, say, 'levelling up!' So, while I will rate this a 5, this is one of the few times I will say it was excellent, but it has the potential for another degree of excellence. Awesome job, Alexa Sommers! Outside of Rachelle Meade's 'Age of X' this may be the only other intimately inclined series I would follow
April 10, 2020
It would have made much more sense if I were a gamer.
But I did enjoy the sexy parts. Otherwise I couldn't make much heads or tails *snicker* of it. Oh well.
But I did enjoy the sexy parts. Otherwise I couldn't make much heads or tails *snicker* of it. Oh well.
April 5, 2020
Gamer's Paradise
Alexa Sommers creates a real & vibrant world with her new series. Packed with pop culture references & song lyrics, it is so easy to immerse yourself in this college. Using role-playing as the driving force, the sex scenes come across as authentic and raw. And the dialogue is lighting quick and very funny! Am going to keep leveling up!
Alexa Sommers creates a real & vibrant world with her new series. Packed with pop culture references & song lyrics, it is so easy to immerse yourself in this college. Using role-playing as the driving force, the sex scenes come across as authentic and raw. And the dialogue is lighting quick and very funny! Am going to keep leveling up!
December 24, 2020
Meh, it was OK. I actually really liked all the main characters and thought the geekery was really well done. I admit I don't have quite enough geek-cred to get all the references, but I certainly snickered and smiled more than once. I appreciate that the guys got the girls, so to speak, while managing not to be at all sleazy. Dillian's confusion in the face of bliss were my favorite parts. But I thought the villain (for lack of a better description) exceedingly cliched. Similarly, the introduction of female characters only to have them become sex kittens that throw themselves at the main character on meeting him was disappointingly cliched, dare I say boring in it's predictability. I get that this is more erotica than romance, but it was still worth an eye roll.
The writing was pretty sharp, though even in audio I caught a couple probable editing errors "gouge her response," instead of gauge, for example. Hard to tell where to lay blame for that in an audio book though. And lastly, I thought there was some inconsistency in the POVs. All in all, not a bad read (or listen) but a better NA humorous romance than a erotic romp. I rather wish the author had stayed the course, though it's my understanding that she is known as an erotic writer so...
The writing was pretty sharp, though even in audio I caught a couple probable editing errors "gouge her response," instead of gauge, for example. Hard to tell where to lay blame for that in an audio book though. And lastly, I thought there was some inconsistency in the POVs. All in all, not a bad read (or listen) but a better NA humorous romance than a erotic romp. I rather wish the author had stayed the course, though it's my understanding that she is known as an erotic writer so...
June 2, 2020
Well written with the right mixture of erotica to story
Sometimes stories are all erotica at the expense of story. Sometimes the story drowns out the erotic behaviors. Alexa weaves a well blended believable tale of a group of nerdy gamer friends going to college together, meeting girls and growing outside their usual comfort zone. Filled with a bantering of quotes, puns and double entendres, this story excavated a long buried inner nerd in me. The gaming, behaviors, references, and social dilemmas were real to life in a way many can relate to while chronicling the interactions and gameplay in a college setting. As one gathers more experiences it becomes easier to “Level Up”
Sometimes stories are all erotica at the expense of story. Sometimes the story drowns out the erotic behaviors. Alexa weaves a well blended believable tale of a group of nerdy gamer friends going to college together, meeting girls and growing outside their usual comfort zone. Filled with a bantering of quotes, puns and double entendres, this story excavated a long buried inner nerd in me. The gaming, behaviors, references, and social dilemmas were real to life in a way many can relate to while chronicling the interactions and gameplay in a college setting. As one gathers more experiences it becomes easier to “Level Up”
July 27, 2022
This was a fun, flirty read that was a great set up for this series. The characters were all introduced well and the pacing of the story flowed perfectly with a wonderful balance of development and sexy scenes.
Sometimes I got a bit lost with the board game lingo since I’m not a role playing gamer but it was done in a way that still let me get the gist of what was going on.
The characters were very realistic and unique. I appreciated how they seemed like people I might have gone to college with and so many of them had very relatable traits.
Overall this was a fantastic book and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
Sometimes I got a bit lost with the board game lingo since I’m not a role playing gamer but it was done in a way that still let me get the gist of what was going on.
The characters were very realistic and unique. I appreciated how they seemed like people I might have gone to college with and so many of them had very relatable traits.
Overall this was a fantastic book and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
November 29, 2020
Before this book, I can honestly say I had never read erotica and my guess in the world of erotica this book would be considered mostly on the lighter side. At least that's my guess or maybe I have just seen too much in life at my age that the sex scenes didn't surprise me. That being said I liked the underlying storyline so well that I ended up grabbing the rest of the series just to see how it all turned out. Not to give away the later books, but the author ended the series perfectly. Great job, good writing in a genre I am not familiar with yet a good story is still a good story regardless of the genre. Alexa Sommers, I loved the characters you created and the storyline!
February 12, 2020
A good start. I am excited to see where this story goes. It's a little heavy on geek aspect and a little light on sex for erotica. It fits more into the coming of age romance category with graphic sex but the lack of a resolution in this first book makes it hard to define. The erotic scenes were hot and I hope book two follows along those same lines and more. I enjoyed the story and will be watching for the next book.
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