What do you think?
Rate this book
Virtual Vice #2
ENTANGLED: A Twisted Survival Horror MM Romance
Love is his cage. Obsession swallowed the key.
Levi Mercer escaped one nightmare only to wake up in another. The sanitarium was supposed to be the end—freedom from Virtual Vice's twisted game, but dying over and over again is no longer the worst part of being trapped in a digital hellscape. The worst part is watching his former killer pretend they're not trapped at all.
To Asher, every nightmare scenario is home as long as they're together. Every death is just another day in paradise. The outside world? A fever dream. Freedom? A myth. Reality? Whatever keeps Levi by his side.
But paradise has rules, and Asher enforces them with increasing brutality. No escape attempts. No talk of the "real world." No questioning their perfect digital love story. Break the rules, and Asher will hurt anyone—including Levi—as a reminder that some cages are built to protect what's inside from what's outside.
Each scenario brings new horrors, but the real monster isn't the alien creature hunting them on a spaceship or the shadows in the fog of a mountain retreat. It's the man who loves Levi so much he'd rather break him than lose him.
The games are getting harder. The stakes are getting higher. And Levi needs to convince the man who learned to love him in hell that paradise isn't worth staying damned.
Levi Mercer escaped one nightmare only to wake up in another. The sanitarium was supposed to be the end—freedom from Virtual Vice's twisted game, but dying over and over again is no longer the worst part of being trapped in a digital hellscape. The worst part is watching his former killer pretend they're not trapped at all.
To Asher, every nightmare scenario is home as long as they're together. Every death is just another day in paradise. The outside world? A fever dream. Freedom? A myth. Reality? Whatever keeps Levi by his side.
But paradise has rules, and Asher enforces them with increasing brutality. No escape attempts. No talk of the "real world." No questioning their perfect digital love story. Break the rules, and Asher will hurt anyone—including Levi—as a reminder that some cages are built to protect what's inside from what's outside.
Each scenario brings new horrors, but the real monster isn't the alien creature hunting them on a spaceship or the shadows in the fog of a mountain retreat. It's the man who loves Levi so much he'd rather break him than lose him.
The games are getting harder. The stakes are getting higher. And Levi needs to convince the man who learned to love him in hell that paradise isn't worth staying damned.
487 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2026
About the author
Gale Ian Tate
8 books209 followersGale writes the kind of mm dark/gray romance that makes you question your life choices in the best possible way. When not crafting morally questionable characters doing questionable things, she can be found buried in a book, rolling dice in yet another D&D campaign, or frantically crocheting while binge-watching whatever series has stolen her soul.
She is a gaming enthusiast, horror movie aficionado, and BL manhwa collector who believes the best stories live in those deliciously gray areas. Between wrangling her four kids and making elaborate to-do lists (that will definitely be ignored), she is always down to geek out over a good book rec or debate which problematic character deserves more love.
She is a gaming enthusiast, horror movie aficionado, and BL manhwa collector who believes the best stories live in those deliciously gray areas. Between wrangling her four kids and making elaborate to-do lists (that will definitely be ignored), she is always down to geek out over a good book rec or debate which problematic character deserves more love.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
May 31, 2026
168 books in and this is probably best of the year
The only true review for it should be
DROP WHATEVER YOU’RE DOING AND GO READ IT
after Immersed obviously
million stars, all the stars, it’s probably the most unique story I’ve read in a while.
in terms of plot, in terms of the dynamic between Asher and Levi, it’s just unprecedented.
Gale’s imagination is simply stunning, she’s a genius, that level of detail, those characters with emotions that you can almost taste, I don’t have enough words to explain what it did to me 🤯
43 highlights, and that’s only those I wasn’t too anxious to make.
Everything about this book was perfect.
I don’t know what happened today, I couldn’t and didn’t tear my eyes off it, I was on edge, I was wailing, I was laughing, I was crying, my chest ached, I was SCARED that it was going to end, and NOTHING that happened was predictable.
Asher, ASHER!! probably the craziest psychopath I’ve read yet and I loved him so much it’s insane. My sweet poor precious Levi is such a strong character, nothing was easy between them, it was a battle up till the very end and I’m so glad it’s a HEA because I would go nuts if these two weren’t happy 🥺
If you liked Immersed and you thought it was great - this one is ten or a hundred times more emotional, intense, and I will not say more because it has to be spoiler-free.
You need to LIVE through it.
No quotes here, it’s all in the highlights, I am so thankful to Gale Ian Tate for this story, it was extraordinary experience, a masterpiece, I am totally going to re-read both and enjoy and cry and love the hell out of it just the same ❤🔥
The only true review for it should be
DROP WHATEVER YOU’RE DOING AND GO READ IT
after Immersed obviously
million stars, all the stars, it’s probably the most unique story I’ve read in a while.
in terms of plot, in terms of the dynamic between Asher and Levi, it’s just unprecedented.
Gale’s imagination is simply stunning, she’s a genius, that level of detail, those characters with emotions that you can almost taste, I don’t have enough words to explain what it did to me 🤯
43 highlights, and that’s only those I wasn’t too anxious to make.
Everything about this book was perfect.
I don’t know what happened today, I couldn’t and didn’t tear my eyes off it, I was on edge, I was wailing, I was laughing, I was crying, my chest ached, I was SCARED that it was going to end, and NOTHING that happened was predictable.
Asher, ASHER!! probably the craziest psychopath I’ve read yet and I loved him so much it’s insane. My sweet poor precious Levi is such a strong character, nothing was easy between them, it was a battle up till the very end and I’m so glad it’s a HEA because I would go nuts if these two weren’t happy 🥺
If you liked Immersed and you thought it was great - this one is ten or a hundred times more emotional, intense, and I will not say more because it has to be spoiler-free.
You need to LIVE through it.
No quotes here, it’s all in the highlights, I am so thankful to Gale Ian Tate for this story, it was extraordinary experience, a masterpiece, I am totally going to re-read both and enjoy and cry and love the hell out of it just the same ❤🔥
May 28, 2026
Review: 6 ⭐️
I DEVOURED this book in a day and a half. Once I started I could not put it down! 😮💨🤯🥵😩
Book 2 starts where book 1 left off. Asher and Levi beat one game only to end up in another. This one in space! 🚀
New game, same rules. Find the pattern, stay together, beat the game.
Only Asher and Levi seem to be on different missions. Levi desperately wants to beat the game in hopes of getting him and Asher out of the game for good but Asher seems content to stay as long as he's with Levi.
The game shifts but the problems don't.
This book pulled all the emotions out of me. One minute I'm vibing with satellite aliens the next I feel like I've been gut punched with emotional damage. The plot twists left me reeling and desperate for more!
Their love for each other as fucked up, codependent, and toxic as it is also heartbreaking and endearing and common lets be honest HOT AF 🥵.
It will be not what you expected but everything you needed, trust me when I say this. 🤯
I DEVOURED this book in a day and a half. Once I started I could not put it down! 😮💨🤯🥵😩
Book 2 starts where book 1 left off. Asher and Levi beat one game only to end up in another. This one in space! 🚀
New game, same rules. Find the pattern, stay together, beat the game.
Only Asher and Levi seem to be on different missions. Levi desperately wants to beat the game in hopes of getting him and Asher out of the game for good but Asher seems content to stay as long as he's with Levi.
The game shifts but the problems don't.
This book pulled all the emotions out of me. One minute I'm vibing with satellite aliens the next I feel like I've been gut punched with emotional damage. The plot twists left me reeling and desperate for more!
Their love for each other as fucked up, codependent, and toxic as it is also heartbreaking and endearing and common lets be honest HOT AF 🥵.
It will be not what you expected but everything you needed, trust me when I say this. 🤯
May 29, 2026
Never have I ever… fell so fuckin hard for the sweetest most ABSOLUTELY unhinged psycho path. Asher will have my heart until the end of time. This book had my heart fucking BEAMING!!! My chest literally ACHED with how fuckin full it felt at times. I don’t know what sort of magic Gale puts in these books but I start them and then NEVER want them to end. I don’t know if there will be another book after this, but I hope there will. Because saying good bye seems too damn hard. I loved this so damn much, I could cry.
May 30, 2026
arc review
Finished it two days ago and once again, it's hard to find the right words when talking about something that feels like a masterpiece. The way Gale puts everything together through this little chaos is actually insane, and what makes it even better is how original her writing feels. Reading these books in this timeline almost feels unreal, like how lucky are we to have stories like this?
I'm probably repeating myself lol but that's really the main point.
Asher and Levi are really special, and these books are genius in a way you'll only fully understand if you read them yourself. It's honestly hard to explain because you don't just read this story, you kind of live it. I swear, I'd love to write those amazing reviews where people have the ability to write everything detailed and pretty so let's pretend this is it.
Anyway, you're wasting time if you haven't read these yet. Go do it now.
Finished it two days ago and once again, it's hard to find the right words when talking about something that feels like a masterpiece. The way Gale puts everything together through this little chaos is actually insane, and what makes it even better is how original her writing feels. Reading these books in this timeline almost feels unreal, like how lucky are we to have stories like this?
I'm probably repeating myself lol but that's really the main point.
Asher and Levi are really special, and these books are genius in a way you'll only fully understand if you read them yourself. It's honestly hard to explain because you don't just read this story, you kind of live it. I swear, I'd love to write those amazing reviews where people have the ability to write everything detailed and pretty so let's pretend this is it.
Anyway, you're wasting time if you haven't read these yet. Go do it now.
June 2, 2026
Asher is my favorite unhinged psychopath mmc and I will take absolutely no hate on him at all! This book is everything I was completely in love and obsessed, I never want to say goodbye to Asher and Levi🥹
May 30, 2026
5⭐️ 3.5
🌶️I’ve found my fav book boyfriend of 2026.
Is he a red flag, psychopathic golden retriever…yes
I loved this more than book 1, because of the emotional aspects and ASHERRRRRRRRRRR. He really blew me away. there’s the mystery and action within the game all while Asher just wants to have a romantic date with Levi and ravish him aggressively….very aggressively. Like doesn’t take no for an answer and for some reason…it works in this book. Don’t judge me!
So toxic and the spice blew me away!! And some left my jaw on the floor.
One sentence I’ll be swooning the next I’ll be thinking That clinically insane. Yet both live in the same world.
It will make you face an ethical dilemma….with Asher and yourself because you will fall in love with him.
We spend time in the game but eventually get out and the aftermath was so important to the storyline.
Overall I’m happy with the ending, regardless of your morals, idc I want them having a HEA.
🌶️I’ve found my fav book boyfriend of 2026.
Is he a red flag, psychopathic golden retriever…yes
I loved this more than book 1, because of the emotional aspects and ASHERRRRRRRRRRR. He really blew me away. there’s the mystery and action within the game all while Asher just wants to have a romantic date with Levi and ravish him aggressively….very aggressively. Like doesn’t take no for an answer and for some reason…it works in this book. Don’t judge me!
So toxic and the spice blew me away!! And some left my jaw on the floor.
One sentence I’ll be swooning the next I’ll be thinking That clinically insane. Yet both live in the same world.
It will make you face an ethical dilemma….with Asher and yourself because you will fall in love with him.
We spend time in the game but eventually get out and the aftermath was so important to the storyline.
Overall I’m happy with the ending, regardless of your morals, idc I want them having a HEA.
May 26, 2026
What a journey Levi & Asher have been on. In Immersed, we see them battle through a sanitorium, trapped inside a survival VR horror game. Asher changing from antagonist to anti hero while they take on all manner of creatures.
If Immersed is the machine, Entangled is what happens when the machine is turned off. When the cogs stop turning and they're left contemplating what happened.
The first half sees Levi & Asher trapped in a new simulation. Asher still has a dubious understanding of being told no ha & is rapidly cycling through unhinged efforts of romance. We see Levi start to take a bit more control... the chapters RAGEQUIT were amazing.
But what happens when Levi & Asher are forced to find their dynamic outside of the VR? The actions, the justifications... how do they translate to real life & can they exist without the horror they've endured?
This was more emotional than I thought it would be. My heart ached for Levi who felt so deeply & was ashamed of what he wanted. Asher, I will always love. That's not to excuse things he did but he was such a complex character. He was a sociopath before, during and after the game... the game just allowed him to unmask it. Yet, the love he felt for Levi was real and his beautiful gift for Levi towards the end made me tear up. His uncertainty, his inability to understand human emotion at times... flawed but he loved deeply & was a constant for Levi whenever he needed him.
I loved every minute ❤️.
If Immersed is the machine, Entangled is what happens when the machine is turned off. When the cogs stop turning and they're left contemplating what happened.
The first half sees Levi & Asher trapped in a new simulation. Asher still has a dubious understanding of being told no ha & is rapidly cycling through unhinged efforts of romance. We see Levi start to take a bit more control... the chapters RAGEQUIT were amazing.
But what happens when Levi & Asher are forced to find their dynamic outside of the VR? The actions, the justifications... how do they translate to real life & can they exist without the horror they've endured?
This was more emotional than I thought it would be. My heart ached for Levi who felt so deeply & was ashamed of what he wanted. Asher, I will always love. That's not to excuse things he did but he was such a complex character. He was a sociopath before, during and after the game... the game just allowed him to unmask it. Yet, the love he felt for Levi was real and his beautiful gift for Levi towards the end made me tear up. His uncertainty, his inability to understand human emotion at times... flawed but he loved deeply & was a constant for Levi whenever he needed him.
I loved every minute ❤️.
May 31, 2026
I have already read so many books about psychopaths that Asher should no longer have been able to shock me. But he is truly something special.
While reading, my inner voice kept whispering to me: he is evil, what he is doing to Levi is not right, we must not like him. Perhaps I should mention that I am now at odds with myself, because of course I did not listen. Although I would not wish a relationship like that between Asher and Levi even on my worst enemy, I have grown fond of both of them equally. Let them continue their toxic relationship; after all, this is a horror romance and not a kindergarten outing. I hope there will be a third part. I need it. Urgently!
While reading, my inner voice kept whispering to me: he is evil, what he is doing to Levi is not right, we must not like him. Perhaps I should mention that I am now at odds with myself, because of course I did not listen. Although I would not wish a relationship like that between Asher and Levi even on my worst enemy, I have grown fond of both of them equally. Let them continue their toxic relationship; after all, this is a horror romance and not a kindergarten outing. I hope there will be a third part. I need it. Urgently!
May 30, 2026
This was so much more than I expected it to be and I couldn’t put it down. I don’t know how I can possibly rate this only 5 stars because it deserves more. The twists, the gore, the unapologetic psycho that Asher is combined with Levi coming into his strength and fire…..absolutely delicious. I will very shortly be rereading Immersed so I can enjoy Entangled directly after. Total perfection.
*𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬.*
*𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬.*
May 31, 2026
Do you have one of those books that grabs you so hard you feel SO lucky you found it?
Would you judge me if mine just so happens to feature a relationship built on forced proximity, desperation, and red flags?
No? Let's be friends.
I picked up Immersed expecting dark romance and found so much more; I've been throwing around theories and trying to crack the game's code ever since. Asher and Levi rattled around in my brain for months while I anxiously awaited book two and, hopefully, some answers.
Tate really said "careful what you wish for" and DELIVERED with Entangled. She slapped me with reveals that had me wanting to go back and re-read Immersed...for the, uh, plot. I didn't know it was possible to fall harder for these two, but then Asher says increasingly more unhinged nonsense to Levi and I'm smitten. I, too, need someone to tell me "you're so beautiful when you cry" because this book has me feeling too much.
I bought this book and I'd buy it seven more times but I do want to thank the author for sending an ARC my way knowing I would lose my mind. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
P.S. Read the EXIT THE GAME/Authors notes at the end. It was one of my favorite parts.
Would you judge me if mine just so happens to feature a relationship built on forced proximity, desperation, and red flags?
No? Let's be friends.
I picked up Immersed expecting dark romance and found so much more; I've been throwing around theories and trying to crack the game's code ever since. Asher and Levi rattled around in my brain for months while I anxiously awaited book two and, hopefully, some answers.
Tate really said "careful what you wish for" and DELIVERED with Entangled. She slapped me with reveals that had me wanting to go back and re-read Immersed...for the, uh, plot. I didn't know it was possible to fall harder for these two, but then Asher says increasingly more unhinged nonsense to Levi and I'm smitten. I, too, need someone to tell me "you're so beautiful when you cry" because this book has me feeling too much.
I bought this book and I'd buy it seven more times but I do want to thank the author for sending an ARC my way knowing I would lose my mind. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
P.S. Read the EXIT THE GAME/Authors notes at the end. It was one of my favorite parts.
May 29, 2026
Can I rate this 6 stars?? Goodreads won’t let me but it definitely is. This book was a rollercoaster of emotions and I am here for it! I kept trying to figure out going into this how Gale could possibly have this book meet the insanely high expectations that Immersed set. I mean I STILL haven’t stopped talking about how amazing that book is to anyone that’ll listen. Lesson learned though, do not underestimate Gale. There were ‘lighthearted’ crazy moments with Asher, deep moments dissecting grief and trauma with Levi, psychological mind fucks because of the game, and of course because Gale can’t ever let us be happy, that ending hit me like freaking truck-kun. Yes it is a HEA, don’t go in expecting it’s not because of this review, but it’s not an ending. It’s a big ole question mark of where do we go next. I cannot wait to see what she comes up with after this, she’s set the bar so damn high with this series.
May 30, 2026
*sigh* I’m in love with another unhinged psychopath. Asher will forever have my heart and I will not take any criticism on his name EVER. I love the way Gale’s brain works because my god I could not put this book down and then when I finally finished I was sad because it was over. Absolute perfection!
May 30, 2026
“I missed holding you while you’re dying,”
Oooof. Yup. Asher is still Asher. Just... more Asher?
Yes, more Asher.
He's not playing games anymore, he's making his own rules. Levi can fight them all he wants, that's ok, Asher likes it 😉
We get a lot more of the "who" of Asher in Entangled, and while much of it is exactly what you'd expect from the unapologetically murderous cinnamon roll, there's going to be a few surprises you don't see coming. (It's Gale... what else would you expect?) He's superficial yet has incredible depths, he's cold and blank while frighteningly emotive, and he blends innocent joy with bloody destruction in ways that feel so seamless you find yourself wanting to just pat him on his head and whisper "good boy" while standing in the middle of his carnage. All because he's wearing an unbridled grin full of child-like pride and happiness you can't help but return... Yeah, it's not just Levi.
Levi's journey in this book is HARD to read. (Yeah, I know, I read Immersed too. I know what you're thinking, but seriously.) The physical toll is honestly a blip on the radar. It's the psychological damage that's going to worm its way in and not want to let go. Take Gale's content warnings seriously, please. He goes through so much, and at times you truly don't know how he goes on. How he keeps choosing Asher and the chaos (beyond, you know, the fact Asher just doesn't give him a choice) through it all, and how somehow at every turn it's Asher's chaos that he needs in order to overcome his current hurdle.
"He looked at his fingers. The wet was wet. The wet was on his face. The wet was coming from him. Oh. Oh, that’s what this is. I thought the game just did this."
They are messy, broken in ways that mean their pieces should never come close to fitting. Yet, by the end, I found myself actually shedding tears at the beauty of who they become, both separate and together. (Also, at times, laughing my ass off...)
"He stopped, his mouth agape. “You can date the concept of existential dread?”
“Asher, it’s not a real —”
“Have you dated existential dread?”
“Not in that game —”'
Oooof. Yup. Asher is still Asher. Just... more Asher?
Yes, more Asher.
He's not playing games anymore, he's making his own rules. Levi can fight them all he wants, that's ok, Asher likes it 😉
We get a lot more of the "who" of Asher in Entangled, and while much of it is exactly what you'd expect from the unapologetically murderous cinnamon roll, there's going to be a few surprises you don't see coming. (It's Gale... what else would you expect?) He's superficial yet has incredible depths, he's cold and blank while frighteningly emotive, and he blends innocent joy with bloody destruction in ways that feel so seamless you find yourself wanting to just pat him on his head and whisper "good boy" while standing in the middle of his carnage. All because he's wearing an unbridled grin full of child-like pride and happiness you can't help but return... Yeah, it's not just Levi.
Levi's journey in this book is HARD to read. (Yeah, I know, I read Immersed too. I know what you're thinking, but seriously.) The physical toll is honestly a blip on the radar. It's the psychological damage that's going to worm its way in and not want to let go. Take Gale's content warnings seriously, please. He goes through so much, and at times you truly don't know how he goes on. How he keeps choosing Asher and the chaos (beyond, you know, the fact Asher just doesn't give him a choice) through it all, and how somehow at every turn it's Asher's chaos that he needs in order to overcome his current hurdle.
"He looked at his fingers. The wet was wet. The wet was on his face. The wet was coming from him. Oh. Oh, that’s what this is. I thought the game just did this."
They are messy, broken in ways that mean their pieces should never come close to fitting. Yet, by the end, I found myself actually shedding tears at the beauty of who they become, both separate and together. (Also, at times, laughing my ass off...)
"He stopped, his mouth agape. “You can date the concept of existential dread?”
“Asher, it’s not a real —”
“Have you dated existential dread?”
“Not in that game —”'
May 31, 2026
Thats it, Im just gunna say it.... Levi & Asher are my roman empire mm romance. I cant tell you how much I love them, their story, the world. Book 1 was an adventure, absolutely unhinged and a wild ride, but book 2, this one reaches character depth I didnt see coming. I have no idea what Gale injected into these books but I WANT ALL OF IT, every drop. Her absolutely unhinged mmc, who is completely deranged is also somehow so loveable...and yes I will defend Asher to the ends of this earth.
Im so sad this could be the end of reading about these two, but there is room for more stories to come... and thats all I'll say.
If you want a highly addictive story read these two books. I promise, you wont be disappointed.
Im so sad this could be the end of reading about these two, but there is room for more stories to come... and thats all I'll say.
If you want a highly addictive story read these two books. I promise, you wont be disappointed.
May 31, 2026
What a great book!!🦋I didn't know where this second part was going to go, and I loved it, even more than the first book because now we understand everything that happens after they leave the game! Asher and Levi's relationship is so intense and intriguing. Asher's jealousy is on another level. Asher is exactly as he seems and will do anything to get what he wants. I loved that ending!
P.S.: I would love to read another novel or book about them. ❤️🔥
P.S.: I would love to read another novel or book about them. ❤️🔥
May 31, 2026
6 stars. 10/10. No notes.
Asher being more Asher then ever is all we ever needed. I'm only sad it took me 2 days to read this bc I didn't start the book earlier in the day.
Asher being more Asher then ever is all we ever needed. I'm only sad it took me 2 days to read this bc I didn't start the book earlier in the day.
June 1, 2026
Asher stays being Asher, but he’s learning at least I think he is. He’s trying to understand emotions, which, quite frankly, he is severely underqualified for. What he does know is that he loves Levi and will do whatever it takes to keep him, both inside the game and out.
Asher and Levi are beautifully complex characters who don’t always make the right decisions. Asher makes morally corrupt choices, that’s for sure, but Levi is genuinely trying to understand why he’s so drawn to him and selfishly chooses the man who has murdered him countless times. All in the name of love? Who knows.
What I do know is that this author fully gave me Stockholm syndrome because why am I rooting for an insanely toxic couple?
What I adored was how the fog finally made complete sense by the end. It was one of those moments where everything clicked and I was just like, ohhh, that’s what that meant.
At its heart, this is a dark, immersive experience (pun intended) about learning to love in questionable ways, surviving the hurdles life throws at you, and selfishly choosing to stay by the side of a man who has literally murdered you in a game.
Asher is still who he’s always been, both in-game and in the real world, though there seems to be a small softness developing. Whether that’s learned behaviour or something he’s genuinely feeling remains to be seen. Levi, meanwhile, has learned how to live. He’s choosing life now. He’s not the same man we met in the first book he’s stronger, more resilient than ever, and somehow deeply in love with a psychopath who’s completely obsessed with him.
At this point, I’m too far gone to question it. Just hand me book three and let me continue making terrible emotional decisions alongside these characters.
Asher and Levi are beautifully complex characters who don’t always make the right decisions. Asher makes morally corrupt choices, that’s for sure, but Levi is genuinely trying to understand why he’s so drawn to him and selfishly chooses the man who has murdered him countless times. All in the name of love? Who knows.
What I do know is that this author fully gave me Stockholm syndrome because why am I rooting for an insanely toxic couple?
What I adored was how the fog finally made complete sense by the end. It was one of those moments where everything clicked and I was just like, ohhh, that’s what that meant.
At its heart, this is a dark, immersive experience (pun intended) about learning to love in questionable ways, surviving the hurdles life throws at you, and selfishly choosing to stay by the side of a man who has literally murdered you in a game.
Asher is still who he’s always been, both in-game and in the real world, though there seems to be a small softness developing. Whether that’s learned behaviour or something he’s genuinely feeling remains to be seen. Levi, meanwhile, has learned how to live. He’s choosing life now. He’s not the same man we met in the first book he’s stronger, more resilient than ever, and somehow deeply in love with a psychopath who’s completely obsessed with him.
At this point, I’m too far gone to question it. Just hand me book three and let me continue making terrible emotional decisions alongside these characters.
May 31, 2026
ARC REVEIW 🤍
Wow…wow..wow…I thought immersed changed my brain chemistry but Entangled took it to a whole new level. My jaw is on the floor with how FREAKING good this book was.
Asher Kane is now officially one of my top 5 mm book boyfriends for sure. Should that worry me? Probably. But Asher is seriously a big softie at heart. And the way he is obsessed with romancing his man? We LOVE it. And Levi? His character Arc was chefs kiss. I freaking love that boy. He is just so cool and I wanna be his friend lol.
I just love these two so much!! And I really hope this isn’t the end of them either. I NEED a third book 😭🥹🤍
There’s so much more I wanna say but I need to write a more detailed review once it fully sinks into my brain.
This will easily be a top read for the year, hands down.
Thankyou Gale for the Arc 🤍
Wow…wow..wow…I thought immersed changed my brain chemistry but Entangled took it to a whole new level. My jaw is on the floor with how FREAKING good this book was.
Asher Kane is now officially one of my top 5 mm book boyfriends for sure. Should that worry me? Probably. But Asher is seriously a big softie at heart. And the way he is obsessed with romancing his man? We LOVE it. And Levi? His character Arc was chefs kiss. I freaking love that boy. He is just so cool and I wanna be his friend lol.
I just love these two so much!! And I really hope this isn’t the end of them either. I NEED a third book 😭🥹🤍
There’s so much more I wanna say but I need to write a more detailed review once it fully sinks into my brain.
This will easily be a top read for the year, hands down.
Thankyou Gale for the Arc 🤍
May 31, 2026
5⭐️
After loving Immersed, I couldn’t wait to jump into Entangled. This is definitely not a series where you can skip ahead; book two picks up immediately where book one ends and drops you right back into the story. (In fact, I had to go reread the last chapter of book one to refresh my memory.)
What continues to impress me most about this series is how unique it is. While Immersed introduced the nightmare, Entangled digs deeper into the psychological consequences. Levi is forced to come to terms with who Asher really is, who he himself is becoming, and the tension between obsession, love, control, and reality makes for an unsettling but incredibly compelling read.
Dark, twisted, and unlike anything else I’ve read, this series continues to keep me hooked.
After loving Immersed, I couldn’t wait to jump into Entangled. This is definitely not a series where you can skip ahead; book two picks up immediately where book one ends and drops you right back into the story. (In fact, I had to go reread the last chapter of book one to refresh my memory.)
What continues to impress me most about this series is how unique it is. While Immersed introduced the nightmare, Entangled digs deeper into the psychological consequences. Levi is forced to come to terms with who Asher really is, who he himself is becoming, and the tension between obsession, love, control, and reality makes for an unsettling but incredibly compelling read.
Dark, twisted, and unlike anything else I’ve read, this series continues to keep me hooked.
May 31, 2026
This👏book👏was👏everything!!!
Wow. Okay so we are in book two of the virtual vice and it continues to follow Levi and Asher and their adventures. And boy... was it an EFFING ADVENTURE! There was not one part of this book that was boring or slow and it was perfectly paced. The storyline just kept you going from page one! There were several moments where I just felt so happy, excited, giddy or even went awww poor baby (FOR BOTH CHARACTERS!) and let's just say.. Asher was ASHER-ING in this book! He is just hands down one of my favorite book characters. If you are considering reading this book, just do it. Right now. You will not be disappointed!
Stars-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Storyline/Plot- 🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡
Spice- 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Wow. Okay so we are in book two of the virtual vice and it continues to follow Levi and Asher and their adventures. And boy... was it an EFFING ADVENTURE! There was not one part of this book that was boring or slow and it was perfectly paced. The storyline just kept you going from page one! There were several moments where I just felt so happy, excited, giddy or even went awww poor baby (FOR BOTH CHARACTERS!) and let's just say.. Asher was ASHER-ING in this book! He is just hands down one of my favorite book characters. If you are considering reading this book, just do it. Right now. You will not be disappointed!
Stars-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Storyline/Plot- 🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡
Spice- 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
May 31, 2026
this book is absolutely fantastic. i fell in love with these characters as soon as i picked up immersed and i am so so so happy with were this continuation takes them.
i screamed, i cried, felt despair, got angry, i sobbed some more, had my heart ripped out, & then it was put back together again. gale… you owe me a therapy session (or five).
asher apologist until the day i die. truly truly a magnificent story.
i screamed, i cried, felt despair, got angry, i sobbed some more, had my heart ripped out, & then it was put back together again. gale… you owe me a therapy session (or five).
asher apologist until the day i die. truly truly a magnificent story.
May 31, 2026
God how is it possible for something to be so good?!! This book was incredible. The author’s writing was so engaging and descriptive. Although poor Levi was in a lot of shit because of Asher their toxic love was so fun to read about. Whenever the next installment comes I’ll be jumping to read it.
May 31, 2026
read this book in one day!!!!! romance x horror will literally do it for me every time
May 31, 2026
Absolutely loved it. I think the transition out of the game is devastating but its all that matters. Asher and Levi have to find each other again and stay together in real life too.
Review of advance copy
I genuinely don’t know how I’m supposed to write a coherent review for ENTANGLED because I finished this book and immediately felt like I needed to stare at a wall for several business days, while also somehow sobbing at the same time.
IMMERSED, Book 1 in Gale Ian Tate’s Virtual Vice series, came out of nowhere for me last year. Gale Ian Tate was a new author to me, but the second I read the blurb for Immersed, I knew that book was written for me. It ended up becoming my book of the year in 2025 for both its creativity and its complete lack of holding back on the darker, more fucked up parts of the story. I am a massive horror nerd, as well as an environment artist. So when I saw those two things being combined with MM romance? I simply had to read it.
So, I’ll freely admit that going into ENTANGLED, I was anxious. How do you follow up a powerhouse of a book like IMMERSED? How do you continue after something that unique, that intense, and that emotionally consuming?
And then I started reading, and all of that worry disappeared almost immediately.
Not only is ENTANGLED my favourite of the two, it is easily in my top five books of all time and may very well be my new favourite book. Which feels insane to say, but honestly? I’m not even going to pretend to be normal about this.
This book takes everything I loved about IMMERSED and expands on it in a way that feels completely fresh. It gives us familiar characters, familiar horror, and that same horrifyingly immersive feeling, but it never feels like the same book again. Where Immersed leaned more into slasher horror and survival, Entangled shifts into something far more psychological, emotional, and devastating. It’s darker in a different way, and somehow even more painful because of it.
And then something happens around the halfway point that I did not see coming. At all. It completely threw me, and for a while I genuinely had no idea where the book was taking me next. I was scared, excited, stressed, and fully along for the ride, because the story suddenly felt like it had opened up into something much different and more emotionally complicated than I expected.
Which brings me to Levi and Asher.
I avoided talking too much about Asher in my review for IMMERSED because I wanted people to experience him for themselves, but if you’re reading a review for ENTANGLED, I’m going to assume you’ve either read the first book or know enough to understand what you’re walking into.
Asher Kane is easily one of the most interesting, messed up, heartbreaking dark romance characters I have ever had the pleasure of reading. I absolutely love this man and absolutely hate him at the same time, but I will also defend him within an inch of my life if I need to. Not because I necessarily think he’s a good person, but because he is such an incredibly rich and complex character.
If you thought his behaviour in IMMERSED was unhinged, just wait.
He is cruel, possessive, conniving, and methodical, while also being romantic, deeply caring (in his own way), vulnerable, and at times so achingly desperate that I didn’t know what to do with myself. That combination makes him such a fascinating character to read because you never really get to settle into one feeling with him. You love him, then you hate him, then your heart breaks for him, then he does something awful and you’re back to wanting to shake him. It’s exhausting in the best possible way.
But Levi is the star of this book for me.
I loved him in IMMERSED. I loved watching him survive, adapt, and slowly realise the strength he had in him. But the way Levi comes into his own in ENTANGLED had me in absolute bits. He goes through so much hurt, grief, confusion, and loneliness, but he never once truly gives up. Watching him begin to understand who he is, what he wants, and what he is willing to fight for was genuinely incredible.
There is so much fight in Levi in this book. So much will. So much stubborn, aching humanity. He stands up for himself, for & against Asher, and for the life he wants, even when that life is messy and complicated and not something anyone else would understand. He knows things are fucked up. He knows their relationship is not healthy in any sense. But he also isn’t passive in it. He has boundaries. He has wants. He has agency. And even when those boundaries are challenged, the fact that Levi keeps reaching for himself and refusing to disappear inside Asher completely made me love him even more.
Their relationship is absolutely not going to be for everyone, and I really do mean that. If you need healthy dynamics, this is not the series for you. But if you’re comfortable with dark romance that leans fully into obsession, trauma, violence, co-dependency, and the ugliest, messiest parts of love, then Levi and Asher are something unforgettable.
Also, I need to talk about the ending without actually talking about the ending.
This book contains what might be the most romantic gesture I have ever read in an MM romance. I literally sat there staring at my Kobo with my jaw on the floor, sobbing, because of how unbelievably beautiful it was. I’m not going to call it goals because, again, this relationship is toxic as hell, but holy shit. It was romantic. It was devastating. It was perfect for them.
The overarching story is hard to talk about without spoiling anything, but I absolutely loved the direction this sequel took. The horror feels different from Immersed, but just as effective. You can feel the influence of games like Alien: Isolation, SOMA, Silent Hill 2, and so many other psychological horror experiences woven through the atmosphere of this book. It is so clear how much Gale Ian Tate loves this genre, and how much fun she must be having writing these stories, because that love is everywhere.
But make no mistake, this is not just IMMERSED all over again. It’s familiar in the ways it needs to be, but structurally and emotionally, it becomes something entirely its own. It’s darker, more painful, more intimate, and it does not shy away from any of it. Definitely check the content warnings, because this book goes to some incredibly heavy places.
I also have to mention the environments, because once again, they feel like characters in their own right. One of my favourite things about this series is how every setting feels alive and hostile and purposeful. These aren’t just backdrops for horror sequences. They have personality, rules, atmosphere, and emotional weight. Every new scenario feels like it was designed to dig into the characters in a different way, and I loved how the immediate cast shifted and twisted depending on what the simulation threw at them.
The side characters are also excellent. I don’t want to say too much, because part of the experience is watching how everything unfolds, but the cast outside of Levi and Asher has so much personality and presence. The way these characters change depending on the situation, how the horror reveals different sides of them, and how the story plays with your expectations of who they are and what they mean to Levi and Asher was so well done. Anyone waiting to hear more about these characters after Immersed, I hope you're ready, because I certainly wasn't.
And the twists. My god, the twists.
This book had me feeling like I was getting winded every few chapters. Secrets, reveals, rug pulls, all of it. The tension is there from beginning to end, and even when the story slows down, it never actually lets you feel safe. There’s always something lingering underneath. Something waiting. Something that makes you scared to turn the page but unable to stop.
I truly could sit here and talk about this book forever. I didn’t want it to end, and when it did, I felt completely hollowed out in the best and worst way.
ENTANGLED is brutal, devastating, romantic(?), horrifying, intimate, and somehow deeply beautiful. It took everything I loved about Immersed and pushed it into something even more emotionally affecting. Gale Ian Tate has created one of the most unique, disturbing, and unforgettable dark romance series I have ever read.
I don’t know if this is the last we’ll see of Levi and Asher, but I get the sneaking suspicion it won’t be, and honestly? I am ready to follow whatever beautifully twisted, emotionally devastating ride Gale Ian Tate takes these characters on next.
I don’t know when I’ll recover from this book.
Honestly, I’m not sure I want to.
Content Safety Warnings:
↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓
Thank you so much to the author for this ARC!
IMMERSED, Book 1 in Gale Ian Tate’s Virtual Vice series, came out of nowhere for me last year. Gale Ian Tate was a new author to me, but the second I read the blurb for Immersed, I knew that book was written for me. It ended up becoming my book of the year in 2025 for both its creativity and its complete lack of holding back on the darker, more fucked up parts of the story. I am a massive horror nerd, as well as an environment artist. So when I saw those two things being combined with MM romance? I simply had to read it.
So, I’ll freely admit that going into ENTANGLED, I was anxious. How do you follow up a powerhouse of a book like IMMERSED? How do you continue after something that unique, that intense, and that emotionally consuming?
And then I started reading, and all of that worry disappeared almost immediately.
Not only is ENTANGLED my favourite of the two, it is easily in my top five books of all time and may very well be my new favourite book. Which feels insane to say, but honestly? I’m not even going to pretend to be normal about this.
This book takes everything I loved about IMMERSED and expands on it in a way that feels completely fresh. It gives us familiar characters, familiar horror, and that same horrifyingly immersive feeling, but it never feels like the same book again. Where Immersed leaned more into slasher horror and survival, Entangled shifts into something far more psychological, emotional, and devastating. It’s darker in a different way, and somehow even more painful because of it.
And then something happens around the halfway point that I did not see coming. At all. It completely threw me, and for a while I genuinely had no idea where the book was taking me next. I was scared, excited, stressed, and fully along for the ride, because the story suddenly felt like it had opened up into something much different and more emotionally complicated than I expected.
Which brings me to Levi and Asher.
I avoided talking too much about Asher in my review for IMMERSED because I wanted people to experience him for themselves, but if you’re reading a review for ENTANGLED, I’m going to assume you’ve either read the first book or know enough to understand what you’re walking into.
Asher Kane is easily one of the most interesting, messed up, heartbreaking dark romance characters I have ever had the pleasure of reading. I absolutely love this man and absolutely hate him at the same time, but I will also defend him within an inch of my life if I need to. Not because I necessarily think he’s a good person, but because he is such an incredibly rich and complex character.
If you thought his behaviour in IMMERSED was unhinged, just wait.
He is cruel, possessive, conniving, and methodical, while also being romantic, deeply caring (in his own way), vulnerable, and at times so achingly desperate that I didn’t know what to do with myself. That combination makes him such a fascinating character to read because you never really get to settle into one feeling with him. You love him, then you hate him, then your heart breaks for him, then he does something awful and you’re back to wanting to shake him. It’s exhausting in the best possible way.
But Levi is the star of this book for me.
I loved him in IMMERSED. I loved watching him survive, adapt, and slowly realise the strength he had in him. But the way Levi comes into his own in ENTANGLED had me in absolute bits. He goes through so much hurt, grief, confusion, and loneliness, but he never once truly gives up. Watching him begin to understand who he is, what he wants, and what he is willing to fight for was genuinely incredible.
There is so much fight in Levi in this book. So much will. So much stubborn, aching humanity. He stands up for himself, for & against Asher, and for the life he wants, even when that life is messy and complicated and not something anyone else would understand. He knows things are fucked up. He knows their relationship is not healthy in any sense. But he also isn’t passive in it. He has boundaries. He has wants. He has agency. And even when those boundaries are challenged, the fact that Levi keeps reaching for himself and refusing to disappear inside Asher completely made me love him even more.
Their relationship is absolutely not going to be for everyone, and I really do mean that. If you need healthy dynamics, this is not the series for you. But if you’re comfortable with dark romance that leans fully into obsession, trauma, violence, co-dependency, and the ugliest, messiest parts of love, then Levi and Asher are something unforgettable.
Also, I need to talk about the ending without actually talking about the ending.
This book contains what might be the most romantic gesture I have ever read in an MM romance. I literally sat there staring at my Kobo with my jaw on the floor, sobbing, because of how unbelievably beautiful it was. I’m not going to call it goals because, again, this relationship is toxic as hell, but holy shit. It was romantic. It was devastating. It was perfect for them.
The overarching story is hard to talk about without spoiling anything, but I absolutely loved the direction this sequel took. The horror feels different from Immersed, but just as effective. You can feel the influence of games like Alien: Isolation, SOMA, Silent Hill 2, and so many other psychological horror experiences woven through the atmosphere of this book. It is so clear how much Gale Ian Tate loves this genre, and how much fun she must be having writing these stories, because that love is everywhere.
But make no mistake, this is not just IMMERSED all over again. It’s familiar in the ways it needs to be, but structurally and emotionally, it becomes something entirely its own. It’s darker, more painful, more intimate, and it does not shy away from any of it. Definitely check the content warnings, because this book goes to some incredibly heavy places.
I also have to mention the environments, because once again, they feel like characters in their own right. One of my favourite things about this series is how every setting feels alive and hostile and purposeful. These aren’t just backdrops for horror sequences. They have personality, rules, atmosphere, and emotional weight. Every new scenario feels like it was designed to dig into the characters in a different way, and I loved how the immediate cast shifted and twisted depending on what the simulation threw at them.
The side characters are also excellent. I don’t want to say too much, because part of the experience is watching how everything unfolds, but the cast outside of Levi and Asher has so much personality and presence. The way these characters change depending on the situation, how the horror reveals different sides of them, and how the story plays with your expectations of who they are and what they mean to Levi and Asher was so well done. Anyone waiting to hear more about these characters after Immersed, I hope you're ready, because I certainly wasn't.
And the twists. My god, the twists.
This book had me feeling like I was getting winded every few chapters. Secrets, reveals, rug pulls, all of it. The tension is there from beginning to end, and even when the story slows down, it never actually lets you feel safe. There’s always something lingering underneath. Something waiting. Something that makes you scared to turn the page but unable to stop.
I truly could sit here and talk about this book forever. I didn’t want it to end, and when it did, I felt completely hollowed out in the best and worst way.
ENTANGLED is brutal, devastating, romantic(?), horrifying, intimate, and somehow deeply beautiful. It took everything I loved about Immersed and pushed it into something even more emotionally affecting. Gale Ian Tate has created one of the most unique, disturbing, and unforgettable dark romance series I have ever read.
I don’t know if this is the last we’ll see of Levi and Asher, but I get the sneaking suspicion it won’t be, and honestly? I am ready to follow whatever beautifully twisted, emotionally devastating ride Gale Ian Tate takes these characters on next.
I don’t know when I’ll recover from this book.
Honestly, I’m not sure I want to.
Content Safety Warnings:
↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓
Thank you so much to the author for this ARC!
May 31, 2026
Entangled is a dark, addictive blend of psychological horror, virtual reality, and obsessive romance that kept me hooked from beginning to end.
Levi is a loner and gaming streamer who agrees to test a new virtual reality game, expecting nothing more than an exciting challenge for his audience. Instead, he finds himself trapped inside a nightmare. Every death is painfully real, and no matter how many times he is killed, he respawns only to endure the terror all over again. With no way to log out and no idea who to trust, Levi quickly realizes this is far more than a game.
At the center of his torment is Asher, a mysterious NPC who seems determined to hunt him down. Time and time again, Asher is the one responsible for Levi's gruesome deaths. Yet beneath the violence and fear, something unexpected begins to grow. Asher develops an intense fascination with Levi, and that obsession slowly transforms into a desperate desire to protect him instead of destroy him.
As the horrors lurking within the game become increasingly dangerous, Levi and Asher are forced into an uneasy alliance. Together they navigate terrifying monsters, twisted challenges, and shocking revelations, all while their relationship deepens into something complex, unhealthy, and impossible to ignore. Their connection is built on obsession, dependence, and survival, creating a romance that is as unsettling as it is compelling.
The story takes another fascinating turn once Levi finally escapes the game and returns to reality. He discovers that Asher was never just an NPC at all, but the creator of the game itself. Even more shocking is the revelation that the other NPCs are real people—individuals who became trapped while trying to rescue Asher after he had been imprisoned within his own creation for six long months.
What I loved most about Entangled was the unique concept and the constant sense of tension. The game world is horrifying, unpredictable, and immersive, making every chapter feel like a fight for survival. The relationship between Levi and Asher is deeply toxic and codependent, but that's exactly what makes it so captivating. Their bond isn't healthy or idealized; it's messy, obsessive, and born from extraordinary circumstances, which makes their emotional journey all the more fascinating.
The ending provides hope for Levi and Asher, but it also leaves intriguing questions about the fate of those still trapped within the game. Can they be rescued? Will everyone make it home? Those lingering questions left me eager for more.
If you enjoy dark romance, virtual reality horror, morally grey characters, and relationships that blur the line between love and obsession, Entangled is a thrilling and unforgettable read that will keep you questioning what is real until the very last page.
Levi is a loner and gaming streamer who agrees to test a new virtual reality game, expecting nothing more than an exciting challenge for his audience. Instead, he finds himself trapped inside a nightmare. Every death is painfully real, and no matter how many times he is killed, he respawns only to endure the terror all over again. With no way to log out and no idea who to trust, Levi quickly realizes this is far more than a game.
At the center of his torment is Asher, a mysterious NPC who seems determined to hunt him down. Time and time again, Asher is the one responsible for Levi's gruesome deaths. Yet beneath the violence and fear, something unexpected begins to grow. Asher develops an intense fascination with Levi, and that obsession slowly transforms into a desperate desire to protect him instead of destroy him.
As the horrors lurking within the game become increasingly dangerous, Levi and Asher are forced into an uneasy alliance. Together they navigate terrifying monsters, twisted challenges, and shocking revelations, all while their relationship deepens into something complex, unhealthy, and impossible to ignore. Their connection is built on obsession, dependence, and survival, creating a romance that is as unsettling as it is compelling.
The story takes another fascinating turn once Levi finally escapes the game and returns to reality. He discovers that Asher was never just an NPC at all, but the creator of the game itself. Even more shocking is the revelation that the other NPCs are real people—individuals who became trapped while trying to rescue Asher after he had been imprisoned within his own creation for six long months.
What I loved most about Entangled was the unique concept and the constant sense of tension. The game world is horrifying, unpredictable, and immersive, making every chapter feel like a fight for survival. The relationship between Levi and Asher is deeply toxic and codependent, but that's exactly what makes it so captivating. Their bond isn't healthy or idealized; it's messy, obsessive, and born from extraordinary circumstances, which makes their emotional journey all the more fascinating.
The ending provides hope for Levi and Asher, but it also leaves intriguing questions about the fate of those still trapped within the game. Can they be rescued? Will everyone make it home? Those lingering questions left me eager for more.
If you enjoy dark romance, virtual reality horror, morally grey characters, and relationships that blur the line between love and obsession, Entangled is a thrilling and unforgettable read that will keep you questioning what is real until the very last page.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
4.75/5⭐
I recieved an ARC of this book from Book Sirens, and this is my honest review.
IMMERSED took me by surprise last year and I was (im)patiently waiting for the sequel. I can tell you that this was a crazy ride, but I enjoyed every second of it.
Unlike the first book where we slowly get to know the world and the characters, here we are jumping right where we left off. I appreciated the quick and steady pacing of the story. The plot differed compared to the first book, but it was no less interesting. We see the characters going deeper into the game, focusing more on other aspects than just survival. The RAGEQUIT chapters were one of my favourites, because we can see Levi's character development in full glory. I don't want to say too much because it's best to go into this blind, so you can experience the full force of the plotwists, but I was definitely surprised with where the story went in the second half of the book. And I'm not even going to talk about the end. My mind was blown. In a good way.
These characters were so well written that it felt like I was right there with them while reading. They have their flaws, some more than others, but we root for them anyways. I still have hate-love relationship with Asher. At some points I feel for him, especially when he shows his softer side, but other times I want to strangle that boy. Levi can do no wrong in my eyes and I will forever love him. He deserves to be happy and if that is with Asher I will support it, although their relationship is very unconvential. Reading this second volume made me think even more about their connection and I think by the end I understood it more. It may be fucked up, but they are made for each other. Levi is also not completely okay and it looks like they see something in each other that draws them together. And they get that fulfillment from each other.
To end this rant, I would 100% recommend everyone who's a horror fan and likes to watch gameplays to go read the first book IMMERSED before diving into this one to get the full experience of the story. It's definitely worth it.
I'm hoping there's going to be more in this series soon. These characters have a hold over me and this story is so unique and compelling I just need more.
I recieved an ARC of this book from Book Sirens, and this is my honest review.
IMMERSED took me by surprise last year and I was (im)patiently waiting for the sequel. I can tell you that this was a crazy ride, but I enjoyed every second of it.
Unlike the first book where we slowly get to know the world and the characters, here we are jumping right where we left off. I appreciated the quick and steady pacing of the story. The plot differed compared to the first book, but it was no less interesting. We see the characters going deeper into the game, focusing more on other aspects than just survival. The RAGEQUIT chapters were one of my favourites, because we can see Levi's character development in full glory. I don't want to say too much because it's best to go into this blind, so you can experience the full force of the plotwists, but I was definitely surprised with where the story went in the second half of the book. And I'm not even going to talk about the end. My mind was blown. In a good way.
These characters were so well written that it felt like I was right there with them while reading. They have their flaws, some more than others, but we root for them anyways. I still have hate-love relationship with Asher. At some points I feel for him, especially when he shows his softer side, but other times I want to strangle that boy. Levi can do no wrong in my eyes and I will forever love him. He deserves to be happy and if that is with Asher I will support it, although their relationship is very unconvential. Reading this second volume made me think even more about their connection and I think by the end I understood it more. It may be fucked up, but they are made for each other. Levi is also not completely okay and it looks like they see something in each other that draws them together. And they get that fulfillment from each other.
To end this rant, I would 100% recommend everyone who's a horror fan and likes to watch gameplays to go read the first book IMMERSED before diving into this one to get the full experience of the story. It's definitely worth it.
I'm hoping there's going to be more in this series soon. These characters have a hold over me and this story is so unique and compelling I just need more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“𝕀 𝕘𝕖𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕓𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕤𝕥. 𝔼𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕪. 𝕊𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕝𝕖. 𝕋𝕚𝕞𝕖. 𝔻𝕠 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕒𝕟𝕪 𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕒 𝕙𝕠𝕨 𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕡𝕪 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕞𝕒𝕜𝕖𝕤 𝕞𝕖?”
I said it after reading Immersed and I’ll say it again after reading Entangled. The idea of this book is literally so insane a virtual horror reality game that becomes an endless nightmare? For those of us who crave unhinged romance with a twist of horror this book is a must read.
Entangled starts off with our boys Asher and Levi being hunted on a spaceship. And everytime Levi tries to bring up leaving the game Asher doesn’t want to hear it…. Because why would Levi want to leave if they were together ?
This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and it was a literal masterpiece. Asher’s whole personality in this book is so unhinged and I absolutely loved it.
My favorite part about Entangled is the evolution of Levi and Asher’s relationship. And the progression of Levi’s character. Asher’s unhinged attempts at romance are literally what I now live for. He is so toxic, raw, and unapologetically himself. The humor, horror, trauma, and steam in this book will leave you a different person than going into it. Entangled went beyond my expectations and left me staring at a wall for an hour after finishing this book. I will say I absolutely loved the ending it was beautiful and haunting in a way I did not expect.
Asher is literally my favorite psychopath I have ever read. The chapter titles in this book are also incredibly witty. The world building in this book is absolutely perfect, the way the monsters are described and the steamy scenes left me with such vivid images.
Both entangled and immersed are in the top 5 books I’ve ever read because they are just that good.
I said it after reading Immersed and I’ll say it again after reading Entangled. The idea of this book is literally so insane a virtual horror reality game that becomes an endless nightmare? For those of us who crave unhinged romance with a twist of horror this book is a must read.
Entangled starts off with our boys Asher and Levi being hunted on a spaceship. And everytime Levi tries to bring up leaving the game Asher doesn’t want to hear it…. Because why would Levi want to leave if they were together ?
This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and it was a literal masterpiece. Asher’s whole personality in this book is so unhinged and I absolutely loved it.
My favorite part about Entangled is the evolution of Levi and Asher’s relationship. And the progression of Levi’s character. Asher’s unhinged attempts at romance are literally what I now live for. He is so toxic, raw, and unapologetically himself. The humor, horror, trauma, and steam in this book will leave you a different person than going into it. Entangled went beyond my expectations and left me staring at a wall for an hour after finishing this book. I will say I absolutely loved the ending it was beautiful and haunting in a way I did not expect.
Asher is literally my favorite psychopath I have ever read. The chapter titles in this book are also incredibly witty. The world building in this book is absolutely perfect, the way the monsters are described and the steamy scenes left me with such vivid images.
Both entangled and immersed are in the top 5 books I’ve ever read because they are just that good.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’m trying to formulate words to encompass this book!
This is the second book in this world (won’t say duet because Gale won’t confirm this is the last book) and it basically picks up where we left off at the end of Immersed. Asher and Levi are in a spaceship and aliens have been set loose and they have to figure out the game so they can “hopefully” leave. Well, Levi wants to figure it out- Asher is content to be there with Levi and has no desire to leave. Every time Levi tries to get a head of the game, Asher basically thwarts him, until Levi realizes he has to manipulate Asher to get him to help.
Now that Levi knows the rules he is even more determined to get out of there. And while he knows Asher is toxic and a psychopath, he can’t help but cling to him in this nightmare.
I won’t say more than that, I don’t want to spoil the book but it was amazing! I can’t love it anymore. I felt all of the emotions! I cried, I freaked out at the horror points and I laughed out loud several times! Asher is even more unhinged and I loved it! My baby Levi was an adorable ball of mental health issues and I wanted to hug him!!
The spice is 🥵🔥🫠 and def read the trigger warnings becaue the noncon/dubcon is all over this book. There is 💯 abuse-physical, emotional, and sexual, so please think of your mental health going in.
Thank you Gale for the opportunity to read this and review! It was so good, hooked me from page one! While this could be a perfect ending, I won’t say no to more content in the future! 🙌
This is the second book in this world (won’t say duet because Gale won’t confirm this is the last book) and it basically picks up where we left off at the end of Immersed. Asher and Levi are in a spaceship and aliens have been set loose and they have to figure out the game so they can “hopefully” leave. Well, Levi wants to figure it out- Asher is content to be there with Levi and has no desire to leave. Every time Levi tries to get a head of the game, Asher basically thwarts him, until Levi realizes he has to manipulate Asher to get him to help.
Now that Levi knows the rules he is even more determined to get out of there. And while he knows Asher is toxic and a psychopath, he can’t help but cling to him in this nightmare.
I won’t say more than that, I don’t want to spoil the book but it was amazing! I can’t love it anymore. I felt all of the emotions! I cried, I freaked out at the horror points and I laughed out loud several times! Asher is even more unhinged and I loved it! My baby Levi was an adorable ball of mental health issues and I wanted to hug him!!
The spice is 🥵🔥🫠 and def read the trigger warnings becaue the noncon/dubcon is all over this book. There is 💯 abuse-physical, emotional, and sexual, so please think of your mental health going in.
Thank you Gale for the opportunity to read this and review! It was so good, hooked me from page one! While this could be a perfect ending, I won’t say no to more content in the future! 🙌
Review of advance copy received from Author
ENTANGLED V.2 Virtual Vice
-Survival Horror/Thriller Romance
-Psychopathic MMC - Touch him and Die
-Stockholm
-Dub-Con
-MH Rep
-Environmental Trauma
-Survive, Die, Respawn
Entangled is the second edition to the Virtual Vice series. Picking up where we left off in IMMERSED. If you haven’t read book one, I highly recommend that you do. It will help you understand this one.
In this book you will be taken on a rollercoaster of emotions. Ups and downs. Feelings you didn’t even know existed. I was hooked the moment I opened the book. Locked in and ready for the ride.
You follow Levi and Asher. Once again working together to find a way out. Attempting to overcome all the obstacles the game is setting into place while also being together. Romance! Almost always ill timed, but always worth it. (Stay hydrated people, it gets hot in here.)
Not just spicy, but also deep. There are heavy topics within this book. And it’s important to put your mental health first. As you will witness respawning, and the aftermath of respawning. Same as in IMMERSED. Take breaks if needed.
This book was everything I needed after reading IMMERSED. You get a deeper dive, a thicker plot, and more understanding. I grew to love these characters in the first book. In ENTANGLED, I fell hard for them. They hold a special place in my heart.
It helps that one of them is a literal Psychopath who can’t keep his hands to himself.
-Survival Horror/Thriller Romance
-Psychopathic MMC - Touch him and Die
-Stockholm
-Dub-Con
-MH Rep
-Environmental Trauma
-Survive, Die, Respawn
Entangled is the second edition to the Virtual Vice series. Picking up where we left off in IMMERSED. If you haven’t read book one, I highly recommend that you do. It will help you understand this one.
In this book you will be taken on a rollercoaster of emotions. Ups and downs. Feelings you didn’t even know existed. I was hooked the moment I opened the book. Locked in and ready for the ride.
You follow Levi and Asher. Once again working together to find a way out. Attempting to overcome all the obstacles the game is setting into place while also being together. Romance! Almost always ill timed, but always worth it. (Stay hydrated people, it gets hot in here.)
Not just spicy, but also deep. There are heavy topics within this book. And it’s important to put your mental health first. As you will witness respawning, and the aftermath of respawning. Same as in IMMERSED. Take breaks if needed.
This book was everything I needed after reading IMMERSED. You get a deeper dive, a thicker plot, and more understanding. I grew to love these characters in the first book. In ENTANGLED, I fell hard for them. They hold a special place in my heart.
It helps that one of them is a literal Psychopath who can’t keep his hands to himself.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews