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Cyberlove #1
Strong Signal
I was counting down the months until the end of my deployment. My days were spent working on military vehicles, and I spent my nights playing video games that would distract me until I could leave Staff Sergeant Garrett Reid behind. That was when I met him: Kai Bannon, a fellow gamer with a famous stream channel. I never expected to become fixated on someone who'd initially been a rival. And I'd never expected someone who oozed charm to notice me - a guy known for his brutal honesty and scowl. I hadn't planned for our online friendship to turn into something that kept me up at night - hours of chatting evolving into filthy webcam sessions. But it did. And now I can't stop thinking about him. In my mind, our real life meeting is perfect. We kiss, we fall into bed, and it's love at first sight. Except, like most things in my life, it doesn't go as planned.
228 pages, Paperback
First published February 15, 2016
93 people are currently reading
4294 people want to read
About the author
Megan Erickson
49 books1,846 followersMegan Erickson is a USA Today bestselling author of romance that sizzles. Her books have a touch of nerd, a dash of humor, and always have a happily ever after. A former journalist, she switched to fiction when she decided she likes writing her own endings better.
She lives in Pennsylvania with her very own nerdy husband and two kids. Although rather fun-sized, she's been told she has a full-sized personality. When Megan isn't writing, she's either lounging with her two cats named after John Hughes characters or... thinking about writing.
For more, visit meganerickson.org
She lives in Pennsylvania with her very own nerdy husband and two kids. Although rather fun-sized, she's been told she has a full-sized personality. When Megan isn't writing, she's either lounging with her two cats named after John Hughes characters or... thinking about writing.
For more, visit meganerickson.org
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March 8, 2018Rating and review removed.
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February 23, 2016
4.5 Stars!!
This awesome duo delivered an enjoyable read, totally addictive with two endearing characters that will win you over from the beginning. I have to admit I was little hesitant reading this one since I’m not really a fan of gamers. I was afraid I will be bored to death or something…While this aspect of the story plays an important role here, it’s not the most important one. At least IMO. That being said, I enjoyed this one tremendously. It’s a great mix of sweetness and sexiness and I’m sure you will end up satisfied with a big smile on your face.
Garrett is a 26 years old gay soldier, partially in the closet. He’s on his second tour of duty in Afghanistan, not enjoying very much working on military vehicles. He can’t wait for his deployment to end and go back to his normal life, because right now he’s bored, frustrated and irritated. His only source of entertaining is his online gaming. He loves playing them; he’s good, but soon he finds out that he’s not the best out there when his character gets killed by a more experienced gamer. Garrett is pissed and starts looking into the other man's profile. He never expected the “enemy” to be…so young…so sexy and so gorgeous.
Kai is an internet celebrity…well, not really. But he’s very known by everyone who play online games, having thousands of subscribers. He’s a reclusive and he suffers from social anxiety and panic attacks. The good part is that he loves what he does. He doesn’t leave his apartment and despite the fact that he has many only friends, he has one single friend in real life, his 17 years old neighbor.
If initially Garrett wants to take down Kai, soon after he finds himself wanting to know more about this sexy gamer. They start a lovely friendship that in a short time becomes more for both of them.
This was such a sweet read! Garrett and Kai’s relationship felt believable from the beginning. I loved how at first they start a tentative…something and how as the story unfolded that something became more. From sending each other emails to chatting and skyping their relationship progressed naturally which I really enjoyed. Their online interactions were from the start really gripping. I couldn’t read faster enough to find out how their relationship will unfold. Both Garrett and Kai were well developed, endearing characters. I must admit at first I thought Garrett will be a douche, but fortunately he wasn’t. At first appearance the two men have nothing in common, beside the fact both of them love playing online games, but they actually are more similar than anyone expects. Both of them hate socializing, for different reasons their childhoods were not exactly the best, both of them are sweet and caring.
Kai was such an adorable, fun character. I really don't know which one of the authors wrote his character, but it was done really well. He was cute like a button from the start, relatable and with Garrett he was sweet, caring, attentive and thoughtful. His anxiety attacks were written well...I mean you will really sympathize with him. I have to say I really loved Kai for wanting to get better, not necessarily for Garrett, but for himself. Garrett without a doubt was the perfect match for Kai. I loved how he was with Kai- sweet, patient, protective and considerate. He was exactly what Kai needed and the perfect swoon-worthy hero you want to read about in a romance.
The connection between these two men was fantastically done, palpable and I couldn’t get enough of them. They were pure and simple wonderful together. Really loved their bond and how they interacted with each other. Their tenderness was really heartwarming. The steam factor was just yummy. I loved all the sexy interactions – online and in real life. They were off the charts hot and at times so filthy.
Overall, a great, enjoyable read!
I’m really looking forward to read the next installment in the series - Costigan’s story.
This awesome duo delivered an enjoyable read, totally addictive with two endearing characters that will win you over from the beginning. I have to admit I was little hesitant reading this one since I’m not really a fan of gamers. I was afraid I will be bored to death or something…While this aspect of the story plays an important role here, it’s not the most important one. At least IMO. That being said, I enjoyed this one tremendously. It’s a great mix of sweetness and sexiness and I’m sure you will end up satisfied with a big smile on your face.
Garrett is a 26 years old gay soldier, partially in the closet. He’s on his second tour of duty in Afghanistan, not enjoying very much working on military vehicles. He can’t wait for his deployment to end and go back to his normal life, because right now he’s bored, frustrated and irritated. His only source of entertaining is his online gaming. He loves playing them; he’s good, but soon he finds out that he’s not the best out there when his character gets killed by a more experienced gamer. Garrett is pissed and starts looking into the other man's profile. He never expected the “enemy” to be…so young…so sexy and so gorgeous.
Kai is an internet celebrity…well, not really. But he’s very known by everyone who play online games, having thousands of subscribers. He’s a reclusive and he suffers from social anxiety and panic attacks. The good part is that he loves what he does. He doesn’t leave his apartment and despite the fact that he has many only friends, he has one single friend in real life, his 17 years old neighbor.
If initially Garrett wants to take down Kai, soon after he finds himself wanting to know more about this sexy gamer. They start a lovely friendship that in a short time becomes more for both of them.
This was such a sweet read! Garrett and Kai’s relationship felt believable from the beginning. I loved how at first they start a tentative…something and how as the story unfolded that something became more. From sending each other emails to chatting and skyping their relationship progressed naturally which I really enjoyed. Their online interactions were from the start really gripping. I couldn’t read faster enough to find out how their relationship will unfold. Both Garrett and Kai were well developed, endearing characters. I must admit at first I thought Garrett will be a douche, but fortunately he wasn’t. At first appearance the two men have nothing in common, beside the fact both of them love playing online games, but they actually are more similar than anyone expects. Both of them hate socializing, for different reasons their childhoods were not exactly the best, both of them are sweet and caring.
Kai was such an adorable, fun character. I really don't know which one of the authors wrote his character, but it was done really well. He was cute like a button from the start, relatable and with Garrett he was sweet, caring, attentive and thoughtful. His anxiety attacks were written well...I mean you will really sympathize with him. I have to say I really loved Kai for wanting to get better, not necessarily for Garrett, but for himself. Garrett without a doubt was the perfect match for Kai. I loved how he was with Kai- sweet, patient, protective and considerate. He was exactly what Kai needed and the perfect swoon-worthy hero you want to read about in a romance.
The connection between these two men was fantastically done, palpable and I couldn’t get enough of them. They were pure and simple wonderful together. Really loved their bond and how they interacted with each other. Their tenderness was really heartwarming. The steam factor was just yummy. I loved all the sexy interactions – online and in real life. They were off the charts hot and at times so filthy.
Overall, a great, enjoyable read!
I’m really looking forward to read the next installment in the series - Costigan’s story.
April 1, 2016
***4.5 Stars***
Kai......reclusive gamer (yes,I adored him)
Garrett......soldier in Afghanistan
Well,I started reading this a few weeks ago and the gaming thing really didn't work for me initially so I abandoned it.I decided to give it another go and I'm SO glad I did..I just LOVED it.
Garrett is on his second(and last) tour of duty in Afghanistan.He's gay but not completely out.
He's not enjoying this tour and is looking forward to getting back home even though he's got no idea what he's really going to do with his life.
He spends his spare time gaming online.This is where he comes across Kai and he becomes fixated with him.
Kai has become a virtual recluse.He suffers from panic attacks and social anxiety and hasn't left his apartment in years.He's built up a highly successful and lucrative business as a gamer with thousands of followers and subscribers.
They start of being irritated with each other and begin messaging each other.Their online interactions had me gripped.They eventually start flirting online which over time becomes so much more.
Garrett can't wait to meet Kai in person but Kai is terrified that when Garrett sees the recluse he is,he won't be interested.
I do love my sex scenes in books but in most books I find myself skimming some scenes.....well not here!! These two Authors perfectly combined sweet and dirty.Both characters were well developed and fit perfectly together.
For M/M fans I can't recommend highly enough......
Kai......reclusive gamer (yes,I adored him)
Garrett......soldier in Afghanistan
Well,I started reading this a few weeks ago and the gaming thing really didn't work for me initially so I abandoned it.I decided to give it another go and I'm SO glad I did..I just LOVED it.
Garrett is on his second(and last) tour of duty in Afghanistan.He's gay but not completely out.
He's not enjoying this tour and is looking forward to getting back home even though he's got no idea what he's really going to do with his life.
He spends his spare time gaming online.This is where he comes across Kai and he becomes fixated with him.
Kai has become a virtual recluse.He suffers from panic attacks and social anxiety and hasn't left his apartment in years.He's built up a highly successful and lucrative business as a gamer with thousands of followers and subscribers.
They start of being irritated with each other and begin messaging each other.Their online interactions had me gripped.They eventually start flirting online which over time becomes so much more.
Garrett can't wait to meet Kai in person but Kai is terrified that when Garrett sees the recluse he is,he won't be interested.
I do love my sex scenes in books but in most books I find myself skimming some scenes.....well not here!! These two Authors perfectly combined sweet and dirty.Both characters were well developed and fit perfectly together.
For M/M fans I can't recommend highly enough......
Read
March 10, 2018I don't support this kind of "brand"
Didn't think I was gonna need a Shame-Shame-Shame shelf, but here goes.
Don't know what I'm talking about?
Didn't think I was gonna need a Shame-Shame-Shame shelf, but here goes.
Don't know what I'm talking about?
Read
March 10, 2018Rating removed.
Original review under spoiler.
Original review under spoiler.
February 24, 2016
Megan and Santino collaborating on a book....
I give that combination a
They were the perfect mix. Santino's books tend to be heavier and more emotional. Megan's are sweeter, more light I guess. And funny. She brought the funny to this one....
I LOVED the banter between Kai and Garrett.
I LOVED that they met online. Their chats, emails, messages were perfect.
The heat....oh lawd the heat! Even when thousands of miles apart.
Garrett had a filthy mouth...and I loved it.
Kai was adorable and sweet while at the same time awkward and shy. Garrett was sweet too but he was growly. And when it came to Kai, he was protective and possessive.
This one really was perfection. The development of their relationship, transitioning from a cyber relationship to a physical one. Just figuring it all out....together.
I can't wait to read more from these two!
I give that combination a
They were the perfect mix. Santino's books tend to be heavier and more emotional. Megan's are sweeter, more light I guess. And funny. She brought the funny to this one....
I LOVED the banter between Kai and Garrett.
I LOVED that they met online. Their chats, emails, messages were perfect.
The heat....oh lawd the heat! Even when thousands of miles apart.
Garrett had a filthy mouth...and I loved it.
Kai was adorable and sweet while at the same time awkward and shy. Garrett was sweet too but he was growly. And when it came to Kai, he was protective and possessive.
This one really was perfection. The development of their relationship, transitioning from a cyber relationship to a physical one. Just figuring it all out....together.
I can't wait to read more from these two!
Read
February 16, 2016STRONG SIGNAL is out now!
You can pick it up at most major retailers including Amazon!
I really love this book.
It was a total joy to write with Megan, and I can't tell you how amazing it was to go on the journey with these characters. We hoped people would be able to relate to the themes we tackled, understand why online relationships can be so powerful, and appreciate the romance between a confused soldier who is about to leave the military and an introverted streamer who primarily lives his life online. Where else would two such different people meet besides the Internet?
Co-writing Strong Signal was a 100% team effort, and we were excitedly plotting the next book before we were even done with this one. Look forward to another Cyberlove romance from us in the summer of 2016!
You can pick it up at most major retailers including Amazon!
I really love this book.
It was a total joy to write with Megan, and I can't tell you how amazing it was to go on the journey with these characters. We hoped people would be able to relate to the themes we tackled, understand why online relationships can be so powerful, and appreciate the romance between a confused soldier who is about to leave the military and an introverted streamer who primarily lives his life online. Where else would two such different people meet besides the Internet?
Co-writing Strong Signal was a 100% team effort, and we were excitedly plotting the next book before we were even done with this one. Look forward to another Cyberlove romance from us in the summer of 2016!
just-no
March 16, 2018[review and rating removed] → the reasons why are the subject of my Friday Nope! for today.
June 20, 2017
“I stared up at him, thinking it was way too soon to tell him I was already half in love with him. Okay maybe three-quarters.”
I do want Garrett in real life. Please tell where I could get him. He's swoonworthy and his dirty talk is so hot my face flushed. It was unexpected to pick up a book and thought it was just a typical NA but eventually I got these hot dudes and something more than NA instead. Strong Signal has high potentials in the first half, the characters attract to each other and present the chemistry which I could touch and feel exactly how they feel. But the second half was meh-ish for me, I mean, the story revolves around Kai who fights his inner demon all the time while being with his boyfriend. It was promising at first, but then I got tired of this matter. It goes on and on like foreverrrrrrr.
Kai is literally an introvert guy. He's a gamer streaming on his channel for the income. I kinda liked him when I first met him, this guy is so cute and I knew it by heart that he's destined to be with Garrett, a vet whose heart is large as the ocean, no matter what. However, when Kai has nervous breakdown, I gasped because his reaction is so strong for everyone around him that it's going to be a mess later when Garrett comes to him. And I knew that I was right.
“A man was asleep in my bed for the first time ever, and it felt anything but wrong.”
Kai's indecision was frustrating for me to read. He's quite anti-social and definitely need a counselor. He breaks down so easily but he's lucky to have Garrett. I was very jealous that he gets Garrett for real, and I has to bite my pillow whenever these two are together.
I really enjoyed reading this book for it's not overly dramatic and has a lot of sex scenes with their intense chemistry. Loved when Kai has his chat with Garrett via e-mail, too. These dudes are hot and it's really worth my time. I've mentioned this twice already lol.
“I really do love you, Kai.”
December 8, 2016
5 HUGE stars
I just found this GIF that reminded me of Kai and Garret, especially the scene Garret kissed Kai and appeared in the live screen, while his fans went crazy!
This wonderful book kept me up last night. I just couldn't put it down... until the last page. I devoured each page with such passion!!! YEP! IT WAS THAT GOOD!!!
***Ralu*** - thanks again for your recommendation! I knew I will enjoy it, but I just didn't expect to love it.
Brilliant how Megan Erickson and Santino Hassell wrote together this wonderful book... so deep!!
Everything about this story was great and felt so real! I loved the characters and I just could see them in front of me. That's the beauty of this book, these great authors made me LIVE this story!
I imagined Kai playing those games, Garret intrigued by his internet fame. Garret being rough and protective, while Kai was so sweet <3
I laughed so much and sometimes I reread some scenes only to smile more.
I strongly recommend this book, and I just can't wait to read the next one!!!
I just found this GIF that reminded me of Kai and Garret, especially the scene Garret kissed Kai and appeared in the live screen, while his fans went crazy!
This wonderful book kept me up last night. I just couldn't put it down... until the last page. I devoured each page with such passion!!! YEP! IT WAS THAT GOOD!!!
***Ralu*** - thanks again for your recommendation! I knew I will enjoy it, but I just didn't expect to love it.
Brilliant how Megan Erickson and Santino Hassell wrote together this wonderful book... so deep!!
Everything about this story was great and felt so real! I loved the characters and I just could see them in front of me. That's the beauty of this book, these great authors made me LIVE this story!
I imagined Kai playing those games, Garret intrigued by his internet fame. Garret being rough and protective, while Kai was so sweet <3
I laughed so much and sometimes I reread some scenes only to smile more.
I strongly recommend this book, and I just can't wait to read the next one!!!
January 3, 2018
I was told to read this as it would be exactly what I needed.....
It was exactly what I needed... And dang do I want more
I know what you are thinking, same old same old
This book had it all. It had that heart stopping love, it had big bad military boys, it had gamer boys, it had hot as hell sex, and not just sex it had so much more than that.... It had that love that I LOVE in books❤️
So in ending, thanks my dear Maria, I should know by now your recommends are always simply amazing
.
It was exactly what I needed... And dang do I want more
I know what you are thinking, same old same old
This book had it all. It had that heart stopping love, it had big bad military boys, it had gamer boys, it had hot as hell sex, and not just sex it had so much more than that.... It had that love that I LOVE in books❤️
So in ending, thanks my dear Maria, I should know by now your recommends are always simply amazing
.
Read
February 16, 2016*on sale now*
Amazon US
Santino and I talked about doing a thing for a while. Well, we finally did that thing.
Um, there's gamer geek stuff, sexting, Skypexing (I made up that word), and I am damn proud of this book.
*fistbumps Santino* 'Til the next one, man.
Amazon US
Santino and I talked about doing a thing for a while. Well, we finally did that thing.
Um, there's gamer geek stuff, sexting, Skypexing (I made up that word), and I am damn proud of this book.
*fistbumps Santino* 'Til the next one, man.
March 19, 2016
Review written March 18, 2016
4 1/2 Stars - A touching gem (read by many) I'll remember for a long time which is equal to almost highest rating. — My love!!
The new book 'everyone' talked about a few weeks ago: Strong Signal. Also recommended by Mel (5 stars), a 'picky' M/M reader to trust, exactly a month ago. (Thank you my friend!) — As an interesting and heartbreaking sweet romance as a lot of my (wise) friends says?
The answer is YES!
I couldn't stop reading and 4.5 stars may be much (from this lady) but I was kind of amazed so one extra star for these two characters which stories completely catched me. Wow, I loved them, I loved this super sweet end and I looooved it all... Happy.
Strong Signal by this new combo, Megan Erickson and Santino Hassell, is a touching M/M internet / mail friends romance. We get the story about the Staff Sergeant Garrett Reid far away on the other side of Earth, when "meeting" Kai Bannon, a gamer with a famous stream channel. — Garrett and Kai are just two adorable men with a lot in common but thet are also quite different. Life isn't easy...
This is a story about people NOT living in a nice homely perfect middle class world. Not the more safe prettier places where we most often are in our CR books. Here (in Philly and it's neighborhood) is it instead poor, dirty, a bit sad and gritty everyday lives we get. A society with unemployment, sad childhoods, loser parents, bad homophobic people and also illness (added with reminders of depressing never ending war conflicts far away in Middle East Asia). Circumstances and stuff I, and probably a lot if you, don't want to think that much about. I 'liked' that. I liked that gritty background a lot.
I liked the fact that this (grandly romantic) story is set in a non perfect pinkish world. (Think a hand camera black & white movie.) — All together it made me belive in these two characters more than I mostly do when, like this time, the book as well is a highly erotic read. Because this is for sure hot-hot-hot (mostly in a good way but maybe a tiny bit too much) and I was honestly a bit afraid all these steamy scenes should crowd out and minimize this very emotional important relationship story. But, thankfully, it didn't. It was instead a perfect combination of intense heat, anxiety and beautiful love.
I was honestly completely YES and wholeheartedly intrigued from start. Strong Signal IS a GOOD, quickly and enjoying read. Of course this ended as every romance shall (and absolutely must). Believable or not I'm so grateful.
It must be my lucky weeks right now. Just another great book after another.
I LIKE - heart wrenching touching stories.
****
Yet another BR with my sweetie (internet) friend Sofia.
4 1/2 Stars - A touching gem (read by many) I'll remember for a long time which is equal to almost highest rating. — My love!!
The new book 'everyone' talked about a few weeks ago: Strong Signal. Also recommended by Mel (5 stars), a 'picky' M/M reader to trust, exactly a month ago. (Thank you my friend!) — As an interesting and heartbreaking sweet romance as a lot of my (wise) friends says?
The answer is YES!
I couldn't stop reading and 4.5 stars may be much (from this lady) but I was kind of amazed so one extra star for these two characters which stories completely catched me. Wow, I loved them, I loved this super sweet end and I looooved it all... Happy.
Strong Signal by this new combo, Megan Erickson and Santino Hassell, is a touching M/M internet / mail friends romance. We get the story about the Staff Sergeant Garrett Reid far away on the other side of Earth, when "meeting" Kai Bannon, a gamer with a famous stream channel. — Garrett and Kai are just two adorable men with a lot in common but thet are also quite different. Life isn't easy...
This is a story about people NOT living in a nice homely perfect middle class world. Not the more safe prettier places where we most often are in our CR books. Here (in Philly and it's neighborhood) is it instead poor, dirty, a bit sad and gritty everyday lives we get. A society with unemployment, sad childhoods, loser parents, bad homophobic people and also illness (added with reminders of depressing never ending war conflicts far away in Middle East Asia). Circumstances and stuff I, and probably a lot if you, don't want to think that much about. I 'liked' that. I liked that gritty background a lot.
. . .
‘..., but as soon as those arms wrapped around me and his scent filled my nose, I knew it was Garrett.
Burying my nose in his neck, I locked my bare feet at the ankles behind his back.’
I liked the fact that this (grandly romantic) story is set in a non perfect pinkish world. (Think a hand camera black & white movie.) — All together it made me belive in these two characters more than I mostly do when, like this time, the book as well is a highly erotic read. Because this is for sure hot-hot-hot (mostly in a good way but maybe a tiny bit too much) and I was honestly a bit afraid all these steamy scenes should crowd out and minimize this very emotional important relationship story. But, thankfully, it didn't. It was instead a perfect combination of intense heat, anxiety and beautiful love.
I was honestly completely YES and wholeheartedly intrigued from start. Strong Signal IS a GOOD, quickly and enjoying read. Of course this ended as every romance shall (and absolutely must). Believable or not I'm so grateful.
It must be my lucky weeks right now. Just another great book after another.
I LIKE - heart wrenching touching stories.
****
Yet another BR with my sweetie (internet) friend Sofia.
March 12, 2018
NO , NO and NO
Riptide's statement on Santino Hassell....
And this is where you can find out more about it.
At one point, it came to light just how far this ... person... was willing to go for a book plot. He was viciously exploiting vulnerable people just to get ideas.
It made me sick. It made me feel as if I have violated the people whose lives and experiences he has stolen and put into the books I enjoyed reading.
He is not and never will be a "good writer". He will forever be on my shitlist. He is a poor excuse for a human being & I will not support him. I will ALWAYS actively try to steer people away from his books.
That's all.
Riptide's statement on Santino Hassell....
And this is where you can find out more about it.
At one point, it came to light just how far this ... person... was willing to go for a book plot. He was viciously exploiting vulnerable people just to get ideas.
It made me sick. It made me feel as if I have violated the people whose lives and experiences he has stolen and put into the books I enjoyed reading.
He is not and never will be a "good writer". He will forever be on my shitlist. He is a poor excuse for a human being & I will not support him. I will ALWAYS actively try to steer people away from his books.
That's all.
February 3, 2016
There aren't many words for how much I adored this. I loved how Megan seems to have brought out a softer side of Santino. It was sexy and lovely and I just adored the MCs. This was a great pairing of authors and I def couldn't recommend it more.
June 30, 2016
I absolutely loved this story and I adored the MC's.
Garrett is gruff, rough, possessive, scowly, and all kinds of hot. He hit all my buttons. He is struggling with his last tour in the Army and also with what his future holds when he finally goes home. Plus there is the problem of needing to tell his family he is gay. With so many Vets being without work and the Government doing a shit job at taking care of the soldiers who make it home, I really felt for him.
Kai... Kai is a character I connected very deeply with. The way he needs to control his environment. Being in new places with strangers surrounding him leaving him feeling extremely vulnerable and unprotected. I totally connected with him on these issues. I am so far from being a people person. I am very much a home body and don't socialize much at all unless it's with my family. So when Kai started feeling the panic or the anxiety I was completely right there with him. It's such a crippling feeling for someone who needs to feel in control. Because those who suffer from any kind of anxiety knows that an anxiety attack totally takes your control away from you. So yeah, I definitely connected with Kai.
I haven't read many online dating books. This one makes me want to read more. I loved how they meet and the way their relationship developed from friends to some flirting to love. I think sometimes these are the best type of relationships. I think people are more braver and honest when they set behind a screen (and much crueler). It makes us less vulnerable and we tend to tell people a lot more about ourselves and how we feel when we don't have to voice it out loud or in person. I myself have developed some of the best friendships online. So this relationship they developed was completely realistic for me.
Kai and Garrett together was swoon worthy. I loved how patient and caring Garrett was towards Kai about his issues. Their first face to face meeting had me swooning so hard. I completely felt for Kai, but the way Garrett handled it and just.... I won't say more but OMG swoon! OK enough swooning. Lol
Another win for me with this book was Garrett's mom and sister. I freaking loved them. They reminded me of my family. Loud, sarcastic, and all in your business. Lol
I also really loved Shawn. He was amazing. I liked the friendship between him and Kai.
I am not or never will I be a gamer. I just don't have the skills, Lol. But it was a lot of fun reading about how that world works. I can't wait for the next one.
Garrett is gruff, rough, possessive, scowly, and all kinds of hot. He hit all my buttons. He is struggling with his last tour in the Army and also with what his future holds when he finally goes home. Plus there is the problem of needing to tell his family he is gay. With so many Vets being without work and the Government doing a shit job at taking care of the soldiers who make it home, I really felt for him.
Kai... Kai is a character I connected very deeply with. The way he needs to control his environment. Being in new places with strangers surrounding him leaving him feeling extremely vulnerable and unprotected. I totally connected with him on these issues. I am so far from being a people person. I am very much a home body and don't socialize much at all unless it's with my family. So when Kai started feeling the panic or the anxiety I was completely right there with him. It's such a crippling feeling for someone who needs to feel in control. Because those who suffer from any kind of anxiety knows that an anxiety attack totally takes your control away from you. So yeah, I definitely connected with Kai.
I haven't read many online dating books. This one makes me want to read more. I loved how they meet and the way their relationship developed from friends to some flirting to love. I think sometimes these are the best type of relationships. I think people are more braver and honest when they set behind a screen (and much crueler). It makes us less vulnerable and we tend to tell people a lot more about ourselves and how we feel when we don't have to voice it out loud or in person. I myself have developed some of the best friendships online. So this relationship they developed was completely realistic for me.
Kai and Garrett together was swoon worthy. I loved how patient and caring Garrett was towards Kai about his issues. Their first face to face meeting had me swooning so hard. I completely felt for Kai, but the way Garrett handled it and just.... I won't say more but OMG swoon! OK enough swooning. Lol
Another win for me with this book was Garrett's mom and sister. I freaking loved them. They reminded me of my family. Loud, sarcastic, and all in your business. Lol
I also really loved Shawn. He was amazing. I liked the friendship between him and Kai.
I am not or never will I be a gamer. I just don't have the skills, Lol. But it was a lot of fun reading about how that world works. I can't wait for the next one.
March 17, 2016
Beyonce and Gigi say Fuck, yeah DIRTY TALK!
June 4, 2017
2/12/17 - Rereading via audiobook to get ready for the release of Hard Wired tomorrow!
--------------------------------------
***4.5 Stars***
...in the billions of people on this shitty planet that I'd never be able to meet in person, the Internet had handed me one person who seemed to be absolutely perfect for me.
This book gave me so much of what I love about romance....my cup runneth over.
The evolution of Kai and Garrett's relationship...from introduction to email to chat to Skype to in person was...
Both men were starved for a true human connection. They've both gone through life keeping people at a distance, and were genuinely taken aback by how naturally they clicked and bonded. Right from the beginning, their pull towards each other was undeniable.
As their connection grew and deepened, it was evident that they brought out the best in each other and helped the other become a better version of himself. Both men had issues to work through, and they were such a supportive shoulder for each other....they complimented each other perfectly. What I loved most about Kai and Garret was at the foundation of their relationship was compassionate understanding...and unconditional support and patience.
The chemistry between Kai and Garrett was fantastic! Those late night Skype sessions were desperate, dirty and delectable. The passion between these two men was immeasurable...there were countless times where I'm pretty sure I saw steam rising from my kindle! And Garrett's dirty talk was welcomed and encouraged!
I'd never read either of these authors before, and was a little hesitant going in, but I shouldn't have been. Megan Erickson and Santino Hassell give you two endearing and heartwarming characters wrapped up in an addicting and fantastic story filled with real life obstacles and drizzled with compassion, healing, laughter, passion and love.
***Unfortunately, there are some editing issues here. I'm not nit-picky by any means, but if it affects my reading enjoyment I feel like I need to mention it. There were just too many instances where there were extra words in a sentence that clearly didn't belong there. When I'm fully cocooned in an emotional scene and there's a glaring error, it pulls me out of my cocoon, disrupts the flow of my reading and lessens the impact of the moment.
February 21, 2017
I needed this book.
I picked up 'Strong Signal' after a week of one horrifying news story after another. A popular Youtube personality and singer was shot after her concert by a deranged man. An LGBT nightclub was the place of a massacre by a homophobic extremist. Iraqi civilians were gunned down as they tried to escape a war zone. A British member of parliament who worked tirelessly for refugees was assassinated by a xenophobic extremist.
In this era of social media, where we constantly see some of the worst of humanity, it's difficult to block out the negativity. When I started this book, I was feeling like crap. 'Strong Signal' brought me back to my happy place.
The beginning of Kai and Garrett's relationship isn't conventional. They first meet in an online game and get off to a rocky start. But they slowly get to know one another, through emailing and instant messaging. The two go from friendly banter to cautious flirting. Within a few weeks, they're having cybersex.
I have to note that this book is HOT. From the beginning, when they're sending each other dirty messages, Garrett and Kai have a chemisty that set my tablet screen on fire. And it just gets hotter as they go forward. It didn't hurt that these two have a bit of a voyeuristic and domination streak going on.
But it's not just the sex that connects the MCs. After spending years isolated, Kai because of his social anxiety and Garrett because he just doesn't like most people, the two finally find someone they can open up to. Their heartfelt conversations, which were a mix of funny and sweet, bring Kai and Garrett together.
What I loved most about this book is what Kai and Garrett did for each other. For Garrett, Kai is the reason to look beyond his crappy childhood and aim for a better future. For Kai, Garrett is the reason to finally deal with his social anxiety and become a functioning member of society.
The two lift each other up and work to build a future where they're together.
If you like your MM to be romantic but with a bit of angst, and your MCs to be flawed but perfect for each other, this is the book for you. I can't recommend 'Strong Signal' enough!
I picked up 'Strong Signal' after a week of one horrifying news story after another. A popular Youtube personality and singer was shot after her concert by a deranged man. An LGBT nightclub was the place of a massacre by a homophobic extremist. Iraqi civilians were gunned down as they tried to escape a war zone. A British member of parliament who worked tirelessly for refugees was assassinated by a xenophobic extremist.
In this era of social media, where we constantly see some of the worst of humanity, it's difficult to block out the negativity. When I started this book, I was feeling like crap. 'Strong Signal' brought me back to my happy place.
The beginning of Kai and Garrett's relationship isn't conventional. They first meet in an online game and get off to a rocky start. But they slowly get to know one another, through emailing and instant messaging. The two go from friendly banter to cautious flirting. Within a few weeks, they're having cybersex.
I have to note that this book is HOT. From the beginning, when they're sending each other dirty messages, Garrett and Kai have a chemisty that set my tablet screen on fire. And it just gets hotter as they go forward. It didn't hurt that these two have a bit of a voyeuristic and domination streak going on.
But it's not just the sex that connects the MCs. After spending years isolated, Kai because of his social anxiety and Garrett because he just doesn't like most people, the two finally find someone they can open up to. Their heartfelt conversations, which were a mix of funny and sweet, bring Kai and Garrett together.
What I loved most about this book is what Kai and Garrett did for each other. For Garrett, Kai is the reason to look beyond his crappy childhood and aim for a better future. For Kai, Garrett is the reason to finally deal with his social anxiety and become a functioning member of society.
The two lift each other up and work to build a future where they're together.
If you like your MM to be romantic but with a bit of angst, and your MCs to be flawed but perfect for each other, this is the book for you. I can't recommend 'Strong Signal' enough!
June 8, 2016
3.49 stars
Overall it was an enjoyable experience. I'll start saying the things I liked about this book.
*Spoilers*
Imagine encountering someone online in the most extraordinary circumstances. Talking and talking endlessly with him. Experiencing together a lot of situations, getting to know him and sharing life stories, getting more and more attached to each other, lusting and daydreaming about the time when you'll meet.
“I was getting coy with a soldier overseas. He was probably off risking his life every day and I was hitting on him. I should be arrested. Or prevented from speaking to people.”
This happened in this book. I liked the "plot". The idea was very interesting. Garrett being a soldier was a bonus, though Kai was my favorite.
It was so beautiful and exciting meeting in real life someone you obsessed over online. Garret showing on Kai's doorstep was the best part. (Kai's reaction was priceless)
"Garrett: First I watch. Then I jerk off with you. Then we jerk each other. Then I kiss you.
Kai: That seems like a de-escalation
Garrett: Not the way I kiss."
Things I didn't like (much):
The writing didn't really flow along. Jumping from one situation to another, sometimes was very abrupt.
For a "hermit", Kai accepted Garrett too quickly and easily. I didn't like Garret's Macho behaviour in more than one occasion. He tried to change how Kai functioned/lived, and that was unacceptable.
There were some other unnecessary dramas, which made Garrett look as the most UN-empathic person ever.
How did they end up loving each other is still a mystery to me. I didn't get any strong feels out of their time together, verbal interactions or love-making. Everything was very flat.
The book was predictable, no surprises. Not sure if I'll continue with the series.
Overall it was an enjoyable experience. I'll start saying the things I liked about this book.
*Spoilers*
Imagine encountering someone online in the most extraordinary circumstances. Talking and talking endlessly with him. Experiencing together a lot of situations, getting to know him and sharing life stories, getting more and more attached to each other, lusting and daydreaming about the time when you'll meet.
“I was getting coy with a soldier overseas. He was probably off risking his life every day and I was hitting on him. I should be arrested. Or prevented from speaking to people.”
This happened in this book. I liked the "plot". The idea was very interesting. Garrett being a soldier was a bonus, though Kai was my favorite.
It was so beautiful and exciting meeting in real life someone you obsessed over online. Garret showing on Kai's doorstep was the best part. (Kai's reaction was priceless)
"Garrett: First I watch. Then I jerk off with you. Then we jerk each other. Then I kiss you.
Kai: That seems like a de-escalation
Garrett: Not the way I kiss."
Things I didn't like (much):
The writing didn't really flow along. Jumping from one situation to another, sometimes was very abrupt.
For a "hermit", Kai accepted Garrett too quickly and easily. I didn't like Garret's Macho behaviour in more than one occasion. He tried to change how Kai functioned/lived, and that was unacceptable.
There were some other unnecessary dramas, which made Garrett look as the most UN-empathic person ever.
How did they end up loving each other is still a mystery to me. I didn't get any strong feels out of their time together, verbal interactions or love-making. Everything was very flat.
The book was predictable, no surprises. Not sure if I'll continue with the series.
January 12, 2017
4 stars!
M/M has always been my go to genre for when I don't know what to read. Many of my trusted M/M friends loved this one so I decided to give it a shot and it was a terrific break from reality. This is the story of two gamers, one a deployed soldier and the other with his own gaming channel. They become friends on the internet and over time it becomes more.
I really enjoyed this one, I did. I not a huge fan of cyber/phone sex in my romance books and obviously because of the story there was some of that. But that's genuinely personal preference. I thought this romance was very sweet, I liked both of the main guys. The book was short and I think it could have been longer, I really wanted a little bit more character development but I think lots of other readers will (and have) love it as is.
If you are hankering for a good M/M read, this book is a hit of your drug of choice.
M/M has always been my go to genre for when I don't know what to read. Many of my trusted M/M friends loved this one so I decided to give it a shot and it was a terrific break from reality. This is the story of two gamers, one a deployed soldier and the other with his own gaming channel. They become friends on the internet and over time it becomes more.
I really enjoyed this one, I did. I not a huge fan of cyber/phone sex in my romance books and obviously because of the story there was some of that. But that's genuinely personal preference. I thought this romance was very sweet, I liked both of the main guys. The book was short and I think it could have been longer, I really wanted a little bit more character development but I think lots of other readers will (and have) love it as is.
If you are hankering for a good M/M read, this book is a hit of your drug of choice.
August 22, 2017
THIS WAS HARD TO PUT DOWN!
I enjoyed this book really well!
I know that the authors wanted to capture relationships that started online in this series. And I have to say, as one who experienced one myself, that they were successful in doing it.
This is my first Megan Erickson and Santino Hassell book and I feel I'm stupid for not reading their books before. I know some of them but this is the first one that I wanted to read because their other books seem heavy.
Kai is basically my spirit animal. I hope I become like him soon. Because playing games as a job seems like a dream and landing a hot stud is an awesome bonus. Just throw away the social anxiety stuff. Lol!
Garrett is also awesome. It's kinda cute that he's self-conscious even when he's fucking hot. And I kinda like overprotective and overbearing characters. I would like someone to take care of me like he does.
I'm not gonna say that the Twitch and gaming thing is perfect but it's well done. I haven't been on Twitch much but I've been watching a lot of Let's Play YouTubers lately so I can attest this.
There was a weird jump in one of the scenes, but overall it was a solid story.
Thanks to Mel for recommending this. And to Dani and Lili for ultimately pushing me to buy and read this story. It was adorable and awesome! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
4.5 STARS!!!
I enjoyed this book really well!
I know that the authors wanted to capture relationships that started online in this series. And I have to say, as one who experienced one myself, that they were successful in doing it.
This is my first Megan Erickson and Santino Hassell book and I feel I'm stupid for not reading their books before. I know some of them but this is the first one that I wanted to read because their other books seem heavy.
Kai is basically my spirit animal. I hope I become like him soon. Because playing games as a job seems like a dream and landing a hot stud is an awesome bonus. Just throw away the social anxiety stuff. Lol!
Garrett is also awesome. It's kinda cute that he's self-conscious even when he's fucking hot. And I kinda like overprotective and overbearing characters. I would like someone to take care of me like he does.
I'm not gonna say that the Twitch and gaming thing is perfect but it's well done. I haven't been on Twitch much but I've been watching a lot of Let's Play YouTubers lately so I can attest this.
There was a weird jump in one of the scenes, but overall it was a solid story.
Thanks to Mel for recommending this. And to Dani and Lili for ultimately pushing me to buy and read this story. It was adorable and awesome! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
4.5 STARS!!!
Read
March 6, 2018(review removed)
Slim Shady. How come you won't stand up?????
The real Slim Shady.......
Crickets. Criccckkkkettttsssssssssss
Slim Shady. How come you won't stand up?????
The real Slim Shady.......
Crickets. Criccckkkkettttsssssssssss
September 29, 2020
I loved this book!!
“I’m outta here soon, Kai,” he said. “I’ll be home.”
“I’m so happy for you.”
“Yeah, but that means I get to see you. That means I get to finally touch you. You want to know how often I think about that? Every day. All the time.”
Staff Sergeant Garrett Reid can’t wait until the end of his deployment. By day he works on the military vehicles, and by nights he plays video games. Then he meets Kai Bannon, a gamer who is quite famous for his stream channel. Their first meeting doesn’t go so well, as Kai who is a top lever gamer kills Garrett in the fantasy game FWO. And of course Garrett can’t let his rival get away with it and tries to find out more about Kai.
What he didn’t expect was to become so interested in his rival, who is so open and charming on his game feed. And soon a friendship develops, hours of chatting that turns into flirting, and into something neither of them expected to have. And Garrett can’t wait for his tour to be over, and that finally he can meet Kai in person, and hold him and kiss him like he’s been dreaming of for months.
Kai loves his job. It allows him the freedom to earn money by doing what he loves – playing video games. Also it allows him to hide from the outside world, as being in crowds makes him have panic attacks. And Kai has over the years become a hermit, only interacting with his fans, and his one friend in the apartment building he lives at. And then comes Garrett, who is so sexy in his uniform, and so protective and loyal. But Kai dreads the day that Garrett will end his deployment, because he doesn’t think that Garrett would understand his hermit status, and would continue to want to be with him if he finds out.
Will Garrett and Kai be able to continue to explore their feelings when they meet in real life? Can Garrett convince Kai that what they have can overcome all obstacles?
“I’ll do long distance, but I don’t want to. I want you with me all the time. I want to watch you play games and stream on Twitch. I want to fucking wake up with you and have you teach me how to cook, and we can’t do that over Skype.” Garrett looked away as his voice grew thicker. “But I’ll do it. I’d rather have you that way than not at all.”
I just loved Garrett and Kai. Their romance was sweet and so very hot. Garrett was quite the dirty talker, which I loved, and Kai was so sweet and I enjoyed every moment with these two. Their love for each other was so wonderful and romantic.
This has been my third M/M romance, and it was just as romantic as I’ve come to expect from this genre. The characters were amazing, the romance fantastic, and the writing wonderful. This was my first book by these authors, and it will definitely not be my last. A must read for all fans of M/M romance.
Read
March 5, 2018Rating removed because of quite convincing catfish allegations.
The review might go completely once there is a statement from the author(s).
My review on Prism Book Alliance
Boy, was he wrong.
But that’s how Garret and Kai meet: in a dungeon of Fallen World Online, and well, I think neither expected events to turn out the way they did, neither thought of the strong connection and later love that would arise.
So, Garret is on his last mission in Afghanistan, biding his time to get home, and Kai is living an online life as a professional online gamer. He has a stream and lots of followers and this is how he earns his money.
I think the premise is chosen very well, because the plot develops naturally through these outer influences. While the first half of the book shows how Garret and Kai fall for each other without ever having met in person, the second half focuses on how they can build a new life together, which understandably isn’t easy.
Both Garret and Kai are lovable characters and, moreover, they are extremely well crafted. Three-dimensional, with distinct voices, personalities, and backgrounds. Garret is this grumpy, protective person, and Kai is cute, mature, and level-headed, but since he’s suffering from anxiety hasn’t left his apartment for three years.
I love how the premise also naturally brings forth conflict that, in my opinion, was not only solved satisfactory, but also true to the situation and characters. Getting to know each other online, finding a new job for Garret, dealing with Kai’s anxiety, and be able to start a life together, all these are issues that are addressed, and since I could witness how Kai and Garret grow and take on the challenges, I can believe in their happy ending.
This whole book is super sexy and dirty hot. I absolutely loved that. You are in for a treat, I tell you. Furthermore, both Kai and Garret are very sweet with each other and you can feel their love for each other coming off the pages.
I want to shortly address some more things: The depiction of the online relationships seemed really authentic to me, as well as Kai’s anxiety. Gaymers will have their fun reading this book, although I’d say you will still enjoy this if you don’t play games. I also really loved how Garret’s family was portrayed. It is so great when there are loveable female characters in a book. There’s humour and a lot of entertaining dialogue, too.
Now I am getting a little more personal, because near the end there were two instances where I was strongly reminded about things that happened in my life and made the book even more relatable for me:
The way Kai starts to deal with his anxiety, from the moment he acknowledges that he has a problem, over the time it takes him to get help, till he picks up the phone to call a stranger and ask for an appointment, this all rang so true for me, and was exactly what I experienced over the course of last year with my depression. It is so hard to pick up the phone, to get to this place. It is incredibly hard, you can’t even imagine.
Moreover, Kai and Garret both are desperate to be together once they’ve met. There is this huge hole inside of them when they are not together. I didn’t meet my J online, but he had to move away, to the other side of Germany, after we had been together for a month, and I was still in school, living with my parents. We had a long-distance relationship for the next four months of our relationship, and we hated it so much J moved back and changed universities. From then on, we’ve nearly been together at all times. Till this day, 16 years later, we still hate every day we are separated. Reading Kai’s and Garret’s story reminded me of this and made me wonder whether the beginning of our relationship has anything to do with it, and I am quite sure it has.
Let me summarise, STRONG SIGNAL is a sweet, hot, desperate love story about two real, loveable characters who can be so lucky to have found each other via a medium that made it easier for them to connect. Recommended!
________________________________
Genre: m/m romance
Tags: gaming, anxiety, new starts, scorching hotness
Rating: 4.5 stars
I would like to thank the authors for providing me with the eARC of this title in exchange for my honest opinion.
-> bought anyway :)
The review might go completely once there is a statement from the author(s).
My review on Prism Book Alliance
I didn’t care how unbeatable this Samwise fuckface thought he was. I’d figure out how to beat him eventually. And then I’d dance on his green corpse.
Boy, was he wrong.
But that’s how Garret and Kai meet: in a dungeon of Fallen World Online, and well, I think neither expected events to turn out the way they did, neither thought of the strong connection and later love that would arise.
So, Garret is on his last mission in Afghanistan, biding his time to get home, and Kai is living an online life as a professional online gamer. He has a stream and lots of followers and this is how he earns his money.
I think the premise is chosen very well, because the plot develops naturally through these outer influences. While the first half of the book shows how Garret and Kai fall for each other without ever having met in person, the second half focuses on how they can build a new life together, which understandably isn’t easy.
Both Garret and Kai are lovable characters and, moreover, they are extremely well crafted. Three-dimensional, with distinct voices, personalities, and backgrounds. Garret is this grumpy, protective person, and Kai is cute, mature, and level-headed, but since he’s suffering from anxiety hasn’t left his apartment for three years.
I love how the premise also naturally brings forth conflict that, in my opinion, was not only solved satisfactory, but also true to the situation and characters. Getting to know each other online, finding a new job for Garret, dealing with Kai’s anxiety, and be able to start a life together, all these are issues that are addressed, and since I could witness how Kai and Garret grow and take on the challenges, I can believe in their happy ending.
This whole book is super sexy and dirty hot. I absolutely loved that. You are in for a treat, I tell you. Furthermore, both Kai and Garret are very sweet with each other and you can feel their love for each other coming off the pages.
I want to shortly address some more things: The depiction of the online relationships seemed really authentic to me, as well as Kai’s anxiety. Gaymers will have their fun reading this book, although I’d say you will still enjoy this if you don’t play games. I also really loved how Garret’s family was portrayed. It is so great when there are loveable female characters in a book. There’s humour and a lot of entertaining dialogue, too.
Now I am getting a little more personal, because near the end there were two instances where I was strongly reminded about things that happened in my life and made the book even more relatable for me:
The way Kai starts to deal with his anxiety, from the moment he acknowledges that he has a problem, over the time it takes him to get help, till he picks up the phone to call a stranger and ask for an appointment, this all rang so true for me, and was exactly what I experienced over the course of last year with my depression. It is so hard to pick up the phone, to get to this place. It is incredibly hard, you can’t even imagine.
Moreover, Kai and Garret both are desperate to be together once they’ve met. There is this huge hole inside of them when they are not together. I didn’t meet my J online, but he had to move away, to the other side of Germany, after we had been together for a month, and I was still in school, living with my parents. We had a long-distance relationship for the next four months of our relationship, and we hated it so much J moved back and changed universities. From then on, we’ve nearly been together at all times. Till this day, 16 years later, we still hate every day we are separated. Reading Kai’s and Garret’s story reminded me of this and made me wonder whether the beginning of our relationship has anything to do with it, and I am quite sure it has.
Let me summarise, STRONG SIGNAL is a sweet, hot, desperate love story about two real, loveable characters who can be so lucky to have found each other via a medium that made it easier for them to connect. Recommended!
________________________________
Genre: m/m romance
Tags: gaming, anxiety, new starts, scorching hotness
Rating: 4.5 stars
I would like to thank the authors for providing me with the eARC of this title in exchange for my honest opinion.
-> bought anyway :)
April 2, 2017
Wow this book was awesome !!
Two guys meet and connect, while being miles and miles apart.
Garret is a gay soldier, currently deployed in Afghanistan and waiting for his tour to end.
Kai is a reclusive "gaymer", who suffers from social anxiety and panic attacks. He doesn't leave his appartment anymore and his only "real life" friend is the 17 years old, kid next door. All his other friends are virtual followers of his Twitch stream.
Garret is a closet nerd, who loves to play games on his laptop, such as Fallen World Online, which is what he does, to get through his time in Afghanistan. He's all excited about playing....until he meets Kai, who kills Garret's character on the spot and does a little victory dance afterwards... :))
Garret is pissed and starts looking into Kai's profile and looking him up on Google. This is how he stumbles onto Kai's Twitch stream.....and other video's of Kai ;)
The two connect and strike up an online friendship which turns into way more. Damn these two were hot on Skype, and Garrett has quite the dirty mouth on him !!
Then the time comes for Garrett to finally come home and he can't wait to meet Kai in real life. But Kai hasn't told Garrett all about himself and his anxieties. So when Garrett shows up to surprise him...things don't really go as planned.
Question is...will these two be able to make it in real life and will Kai be able to overcome his problems.
I loved reading about the two of them. They were so cute together...and so so HOT !! I have been struggeling with anxiety myself for over 15 years, so I was so rooting for Kai...he deserved to be happy. He was truly an awesome character. Garrett had a heart of gold and never once judged Kai for being who and how he was.
I can't wait for the next book in this series...this was definitely a win for me !!
4,5 stars ;)
Two guys meet and connect, while being miles and miles apart.
Garret is a gay soldier, currently deployed in Afghanistan and waiting for his tour to end.
Kai is a reclusive "gaymer", who suffers from social anxiety and panic attacks. He doesn't leave his appartment anymore and his only "real life" friend is the 17 years old, kid next door. All his other friends are virtual followers of his Twitch stream.
Garret is a closet nerd, who loves to play games on his laptop, such as Fallen World Online, which is what he does, to get through his time in Afghanistan. He's all excited about playing....until he meets Kai, who kills Garret's character on the spot and does a little victory dance afterwards... :))
Garret is pissed and starts looking into Kai's profile and looking him up on Google. This is how he stumbles onto Kai's Twitch stream.....and other video's of Kai ;)
The two connect and strike up an online friendship which turns into way more. Damn these two were hot on Skype, and Garrett has quite the dirty mouth on him !!
Then the time comes for Garrett to finally come home and he can't wait to meet Kai in real life. But Kai hasn't told Garrett all about himself and his anxieties. So when Garrett shows up to surprise him...things don't really go as planned.
Question is...will these two be able to make it in real life and will Kai be able to overcome his problems.
I loved reading about the two of them. They were so cute together...and so so HOT !! I have been struggeling with anxiety myself for over 15 years, so I was so rooting for Kai...he deserved to be happy. He was truly an awesome character. Garrett had a heart of gold and never once judged Kai for being who and how he was.
I can't wait for the next book in this series...this was definitely a win for me !!
4,5 stars ;)
April 6, 2016
A story about a reclusive guy with anxiety (like Kai) and a strong military man (like Garrett) had the potential to wallow in some overused M/M clichés, but for the most part this story felt believable and real. The two men make a strong connection online, while Garrett is deployed, and Kai is holed up in his apartment, making a living from his online exploits in both gaming and past solo-sex-taping. The fact that he'd done the tapes was a good lever to make it plausible that he'd be comfortable as their relationship moves from chat to Skype to Skype-sex. And that comfort makes it plausible that when Garrett is finally back home, they can continue in person.
I did wish the book had less sex, and more relationship and personal issues - more stumbles and setbacks. The moment when they meet in person was wonderful, and there are other good scenes in there. Kai is not suddenly cured of anxiety by having Garrett at his side. They both have to adjust to wanting this relationship. But the bumps in the road were very small, and while I appreciated the lack of melodrama , I'd have liked a little more emotional drama.
Despite the authors' care to keep Kai's agoraphobia and social anxiety from disappearing, it still felt underplayed at times. As a result, moments of potential emotional conflict were lost, often in more excellent, hot, well-written sex. For instance, a time when Kai takes a bunch of Xanax to do something difficult ended in a hot sexual encounter - it might alternatively have ended with him groggy and Garrett eager but concerned whether he was getting true consent (especially in that location - I'd have expected Kai to freak, if he wasn't drugged to the gills.)
Those minor quibbles aside, I did enjoy the read and I was pulling for the guys to figure it out, if perhaps a little less easily. There was some amazingly universal support for this couple, even from those who might have been very jealous of Kai's time. We get a sweet, HEA ending that still left Kai fighting his issues and not always winning, which was much appreciated. So although this was light and hot, rather than really emotional and psychological, I still recommend the book. I'm also looking forward to the next one, which will feature a secondary character who appeared only briefly but actually captured my empathy as much as the MCs.
I did wish the book had less sex, and more relationship and personal issues - more stumbles and setbacks. The moment when they meet in person was wonderful, and there are other good scenes in there. Kai is not suddenly cured of anxiety by having Garrett at his side. They both have to adjust to wanting this relationship. But the bumps in the road were very small, and while I appreciated the lack of melodrama , I'd have liked a little more emotional drama.
Despite the authors' care to keep Kai's agoraphobia and social anxiety from disappearing, it still felt underplayed at times. As a result, moments of potential emotional conflict were lost, often in more excellent, hot, well-written sex. For instance, a time when Kai takes a bunch of Xanax to do something difficult ended in a hot sexual encounter - it might alternatively have ended with him groggy and Garrett eager but concerned whether he was getting true consent (especially in that location - I'd have expected Kai to freak, if he wasn't drugged to the gills.)
Those minor quibbles aside, I did enjoy the read and I was pulling for the guys to figure it out, if perhaps a little less easily. There was some amazingly universal support for this couple, even from those who might have been very jealous of Kai's time. We get a sweet, HEA ending that still left Kai fighting his issues and not always winning, which was much appreciated. So although this was light and hot, rather than really emotional and psychological, I still recommend the book. I'm also looking forward to the next one, which will feature a secondary character who appeared only briefly but actually captured my empathy as much as the MCs.
June 10, 2017
4.5 Stars
Pretty much everyone I know loved this and I'm no different.
For me, this was a no frills romance that really did not evoke one complaint in how the story was executed. It was a slow build, plausible look at these two guy's hangups, insecurities, and desperate longing to connect with each other. Surprisingly, I had no qualms about any of their actions/reactions, nor how they went about achieving their happiness.
Kai - scared, vulnerable, he's put up an impenetrable wall until one day he's intrigued enough to respond to a private email.
Garrett - grumpy, reticent, he doesn't want to be that kind of creeper but can't help but be totally smitten by a charismatic gamer.
It's been beat over the head, but I think it's worth mentioning again. This was hot as hades and had some of the best UST/longing/insecurity/doubt that I've read in a while. And I always appreciate that there was no OTT drama - in my opinion, this had a perfect balance of realism, humor, and struggle. Me likey.
Pretty much everyone I know loved this and I'm no different.
For me, this was a no frills romance that really did not evoke one complaint in how the story was executed. It was a slow build, plausible look at these two guy's hangups, insecurities, and desperate longing to connect with each other. Surprisingly, I had no qualms about any of their actions/reactions, nor how they went about achieving their happiness.
Kai - scared, vulnerable, he's put up an impenetrable wall until one day he's intrigued enough to respond to a private email.
Garrett - grumpy, reticent, he doesn't want to be that kind of creeper but can't help but be totally smitten by a charismatic gamer.
It's been beat over the head, but I think it's worth mentioning again. This was hot as hades and had some of the best UST/longing/insecurity/doubt that I've read in a while. And I always appreciate that there was no OTT drama - in my opinion, this had a perfect balance of realism, humor, and struggle. Me likey.
February 15, 2016
Just finished! My feels right now:
Review to come!
Previously:
Aww yeahhhh! This book is coming out in a few minutes!
Earlier in February:
I want to read this nohowhoww...
Review to come!
Previously:
Aww yeahhhh! This book is coming out in a few minutes!
Earlier in February:
I want to read this nohowhoww...
Read
March 14, 2018Review Removed.
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