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The It Series #3
When It Holds You
Virtual. That’s where she was supposed to stay—only in my online gaming life. I never intended to meet up with her in person. And I certainly hadn’t counted on her being who she is.
Cliff Walsh has dozens of hot, smart, and willing paramours in his video games. Who needs to look further? The twenty-eight year old attorney is done getting his heart smashed by real-life women who fit his perfect-mate checklist. From now on, he vows to keep his romances digital-only…until a certain redheaded gamer twists all his preconceptions and touches a place in his heart he didn’t know existed.
I always thought I knew what love would look like, but sometimes you don’t recognize it until the moment when it holds you. ~Cliff
This is a stand-alone novel in The It Series family.
Cliff Walsh has dozens of hot, smart, and willing paramours in his video games. Who needs to look further? The twenty-eight year old attorney is done getting his heart smashed by real-life women who fit his perfect-mate checklist. From now on, he vows to keep his romances digital-only…until a certain redheaded gamer twists all his preconceptions and touches a place in his heart he didn’t know existed.
I always thought I knew what love would look like, but sometimes you don’t recognize it until the moment when it holds you. ~Cliff
This is a stand-alone novel in The It Series family.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 19, 2016
19 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Nicki Elson
14 books140 followersNicki Elson writes spicy fiction with a sweet and dreamy center. She does other stuff, too...like obsess over reality TV (and she's not ashamed to admit it).
Writing fiction wasn't something Nicki set out to do; it just sort of happened when she realized writing reports was by far her favorite part of her investment consulting position. She traded stock allocation and diversification for story arcs and dialogue and now weaves creative writing into her life with her family in the Chicago suburbs.
Nicki writes with two goals in mind: #1 to keep the characters realistic, even when their circumstances are anything but, and #2 to make the reader feel.
Twitter: @NickiElson3D
Facebook: By Nicki Elson
Writing fiction wasn't something Nicki set out to do; it just sort of happened when she realized writing reports was by far her favorite part of her investment consulting position. She traded stock allocation and diversification for story arcs and dialogue and now weaves creative writing into her life with her family in the Chicago suburbs.
Nicki writes with two goals in mind: #1 to keep the characters realistic, even when their circumstances are anything but, and #2 to make the reader feel.
Twitter: @NickiElson3D
Facebook: By Nicki Elson
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 6, 2016
Nicki Elson has become my MUST read new contemporary romance author!
WHEN IT HOLDS YOU, just like her previous book When It Hooks You, has characters that are fully fleshed out and true to life in both dialogue and plot. I can relate to these characters on an emotional level that has me up and down and turning the pages as fast as I can waiting to see how Ms. Elson works out the HEA.
Cliff Walsh is back as the main rather than the secondary character in this story. After the emotional roller coaster in the previous book you would think he would be wiser in this story. He is, but not right away. He has a lot of emotional discovery to go through. As he is healing his broken heart, he becomes more involved in online gaming as his social outlet. In the game, he meets a female character that makes him want to try a relationship again and the surprise is that she has been right in front of him for years.
Joanne “Jojo” has always been the wild party girl since college. Cliff had used her and forgotten her, but she never forgot him. Jojo is an amazingly true to life character that you have to get under her outer shell to find the true vulnerability inside. I believe so many readers will be able to empathize with her.
The romance in this book comes together at a realistic pace and has a little surprise twist. I thought the author was going to choose a different heroine, but she took the more difficult path and it worked beautifully. I love that Cliff found what is truly important and Jojo was willing to take a chance. The sex is hot, but the emphasis is on emotions in this book. They really are made for each other.
This book can be read as a standalone, but the characters are carried over from the first book and their back stories do help you understand more of their emotional growth. Fall in love with the characters and the author’s writing and read them both!
Written for and posted first on The Romance Reviews.com
WHEN IT HOLDS YOU, just like her previous book When It Hooks You, has characters that are fully fleshed out and true to life in both dialogue and plot. I can relate to these characters on an emotional level that has me up and down and turning the pages as fast as I can waiting to see how Ms. Elson works out the HEA.
Cliff Walsh is back as the main rather than the secondary character in this story. After the emotional roller coaster in the previous book you would think he would be wiser in this story. He is, but not right away. He has a lot of emotional discovery to go through. As he is healing his broken heart, he becomes more involved in online gaming as his social outlet. In the game, he meets a female character that makes him want to try a relationship again and the surprise is that she has been right in front of him for years.
Joanne “Jojo” has always been the wild party girl since college. Cliff had used her and forgotten her, but she never forgot him. Jojo is an amazingly true to life character that you have to get under her outer shell to find the true vulnerability inside. I believe so many readers will be able to empathize with her.
The romance in this book comes together at a realistic pace and has a little surprise twist. I thought the author was going to choose a different heroine, but she took the more difficult path and it worked beautifully. I love that Cliff found what is truly important and Jojo was willing to take a chance. The sex is hot, but the emphasis is on emotions in this book. They really are made for each other.
This book can be read as a standalone, but the characters are carried over from the first book and their back stories do help you understand more of their emotional growth. Fall in love with the characters and the author’s writing and read them both!
Written for and posted first on The Romance Reviews.com
October 3, 2016
Cliff Can Hold Me Anytime
Attorney Cliff Walsh is cute, funny, and smart. He's also tired of women yanking his chain. Chain-Yankers such as tantalizing Trish (the heroine of When It Hooks You) lure him in but end up with other men. Cliff has no choice but to turn to the voluptuous virtual women found in video games.
One such woman, PlanetClaire, intrigues him. In the computer world, she has fiery red hair and alluring curves. Cliff and Claire partner together on screen to battle villains and solve riddles.
The riddles in this story are quite fun! For example, a serpent hisses, "All you have to do is correctly answer a riddle. For only the clever are allowed inssside" then proceeds:
It's what you want above all things.
Some fulfill it with vows and rings.
For some it's not an easy fit.
Some are content to sleep with it.
Hmm, what could "it" be? They say working together to achieve a common goal can forge a tight bond, and Cliff and Claire have a virtual blast together. They decide to take their chemistry offline and meet at a gaming convention. When Claire reveals her identity, MY JAW DROPPED!
Claire has some major self-esteem issues that stand in the way. But Cliff has many talents, including snuggling.
Too bad he can't make it all better for Claire. I love that this book is from a male perspective. Cliff won my heart and I wanted to hug him when his romance woes continue.
Karen said, "I've seriously had to stop myself from offering you concealer stick to hide those dark shadows under your eyes. What did she do to you?"
"Nothing that hasn't been done before." He tapped the edge of the file he held onto his desk, eager for the conversation to end.
Aww. I'll snuggle with you, Cliff. The characters feel real and the resolution of the story well-paced. And the humor of the series continues with comments like "That shit's mine now" when Claire describes Cliff to Trish.
The It Series is fantastic! I encourage you to check out all three books: When it Hits You (coming in 2017), When it Hooks You, and When it Holds You (October, 2016).
Attorney Cliff Walsh is cute, funny, and smart. He's also tired of women yanking his chain. Chain-Yankers such as tantalizing Trish (the heroine of When It Hooks You) lure him in but end up with other men. Cliff has no choice but to turn to the voluptuous virtual women found in video games.
One such woman, PlanetClaire, intrigues him. In the computer world, she has fiery red hair and alluring curves. Cliff and Claire partner together on screen to battle villains and solve riddles.
The riddles in this story are quite fun! For example, a serpent hisses, "All you have to do is correctly answer a riddle. For only the clever are allowed inssside" then proceeds:
It's what you want above all things.
Some fulfill it with vows and rings.
For some it's not an easy fit.
Some are content to sleep with it.
Hmm, what could "it" be? They say working together to achieve a common goal can forge a tight bond, and Cliff and Claire have a virtual blast together. They decide to take their chemistry offline and meet at a gaming convention. When Claire reveals her identity, MY JAW DROPPED!
Claire has some major self-esteem issues that stand in the way. But Cliff has many talents, including snuggling.
Too bad he can't make it all better for Claire. I love that this book is from a male perspective. Cliff won my heart and I wanted to hug him when his romance woes continue.
Karen said, "I've seriously had to stop myself from offering you concealer stick to hide those dark shadows under your eyes. What did she do to you?"
"Nothing that hasn't been done before." He tapped the edge of the file he held onto his desk, eager for the conversation to end.
Aww. I'll snuggle with you, Cliff. The characters feel real and the resolution of the story well-paced. And the humor of the series continues with comments like "That shit's mine now" when Claire describes Cliff to Trish.
The It Series is fantastic! I encourage you to check out all three books: When it Hits You (coming in 2017), When it Hooks You, and When it Holds You (October, 2016).
April 8, 2017
The author provided a copy of the ePub in exchange for an honest review.
When It Holds You is the third instalment in The It Series by Nicki Elson.
The author shares Cliff and JoAnne’s journey. They were introduced to the reader in the previous instalments. The reader will understand their private fears, hopes and dreams. This perfectly paired couple must overcome brilliantly written obstacles. Nicki Elson gives the reader strong characters with distinct voices and personalities. She exposes their undeniable chemistry along with an unstoppable emotional connection. This character driven novel reveals their trying past and their patience is tested along the way. The computer gaming storyline adds humour and unexpected twists and turns as well. This page turner does not disappoint. When It Holds You can be read as a stand-alone but this Contemporary Romance series is truly original and entertaining.
When It Holds You is the third instalment in The It Series by Nicki Elson.
The author shares Cliff and JoAnne’s journey. They were introduced to the reader in the previous instalments. The reader will understand their private fears, hopes and dreams. This perfectly paired couple must overcome brilliantly written obstacles. Nicki Elson gives the reader strong characters with distinct voices and personalities. She exposes their undeniable chemistry along with an unstoppable emotional connection. This character driven novel reveals their trying past and their patience is tested along the way. The computer gaming storyline adds humour and unexpected twists and turns as well. This page turner does not disappoint. When It Holds You can be read as a stand-alone but this Contemporary Romance series is truly original and entertaining.
October 18, 2016
This is the third installment of the It Series. I have not read the first and second books. I usually read the previous books in a series so I would at least know what to expect. For this one, I skipped it because I have overdone myself and had received a lot of free books that I need to review. Good thing this is a stand alone. I will probably just go back to those two books when I have the time.
When It Hooks You is the story of Ciff Walsh. He is a lawyer by profession and an avid online gamer by night. He is in love with his best friend Trish but she's in love with someone else. So, Cliff decided, maybe it's high time for him to let go and move on which is easier said than done. On the virtual world, Cliff met a fellow online gamer named PlanetClaire and developed a friendship with her. Then, PlanetClaire had a very unusual proposition which was very tempting. Cliff's curiosity got the better of him. He agreed. And the rest will definitely shock you, just like Cliff and Claire.
I felt sorry for Cliff. He was too caught up in his wish for the girl to finally fall in love with him that he somehow forgotten that there are other fishes in the pond. Good thing he realized it before he eventually made a grand fool of himself. I like that he finally acknowledged the signs and honestly came out with his feelings to his best friend. I think that was a very bold move and I commend him, even if he got his heart broken but at least the torture has ended. I would way, Cliff is the epitome of nice guys finish last.
I think I hate Trish. I am sure, anyone with half a brain would notice what she was doing to Cliff. Not that she's dumb but her actions were totally not the best. I totally understand why Cliff would misinterpret them.
I think the story started slow. Pretty much just Cliff moaning about his unrequited love for his best friend. Though, this is sort of a breath of fresh air since I have not read a lot of books with guys so hung up on someone, except on mystery and crime books where the guy kills the girl. Don't worry, this is not an if-I-can't-have-her-no-one-else-can story. But I was not so into it and I just wanted to just breeze through so I can reach the end. I think the story could be summed up in two parts. First, Cliff is in love with Claire. Then, Cliff realizes Claire will never be his, so he has to move on. And move on he did. But this is not to say that the story is not worth reading at all. You will be shocked. Just like I was which totally blindsided me. I did not see it coming. I truly welcomed the surprise. If not for this, I would have thought this would have been a downer. I definitely appreciate the punch that the author kept until the right moment. Very nicely done.
Again, I did not expect the big revelation. It was really surprising and I think this was the best part of the whole story. I am happy for Cliff that finally things are looking good on the love front. And smart of him to realize that he won't end up with his best friend. Someone more suited for him is there somewhere, maybe hiding in the virtual world.
I give the book three stars. I think the good parts of the story only started when Cliff developed a friendship with PlanetClaire. The rest were just the background story which I didn't really find fascinating and can be ignored. I liked that it ended well and that Trish is not anymore the center of Cliff's universe. Yeah, definitely not a fan of Trish in this story. One thing that the book is telling everyone is that not all best friends end up with each other or are meant to fall in love. Some just are meant to stay just that - best of friends. Some people are lucky enough to find love in the virtual universe. And that there might be some really nice guys hiding behind an online character or alias.
Thank you Nicki Elson and librarything.com for the ARC.
When It Hooks You is the story of Ciff Walsh. He is a lawyer by profession and an avid online gamer by night. He is in love with his best friend Trish but she's in love with someone else. So, Cliff decided, maybe it's high time for him to let go and move on which is easier said than done. On the virtual world, Cliff met a fellow online gamer named PlanetClaire and developed a friendship with her. Then, PlanetClaire had a very unusual proposition which was very tempting. Cliff's curiosity got the better of him. He agreed. And the rest will definitely shock you, just like Cliff and Claire.
I felt sorry for Cliff. He was too caught up in his wish for the girl to finally fall in love with him that he somehow forgotten that there are other fishes in the pond. Good thing he realized it before he eventually made a grand fool of himself. I like that he finally acknowledged the signs and honestly came out with his feelings to his best friend. I think that was a very bold move and I commend him, even if he got his heart broken but at least the torture has ended. I would way, Cliff is the epitome of nice guys finish last.
I think I hate Trish. I am sure, anyone with half a brain would notice what she was doing to Cliff. Not that she's dumb but her actions were totally not the best. I totally understand why Cliff would misinterpret them.
I think the story started slow. Pretty much just Cliff moaning about his unrequited love for his best friend. Though, this is sort of a breath of fresh air since I have not read a lot of books with guys so hung up on someone, except on mystery and crime books where the guy kills the girl. Don't worry, this is not an if-I-can't-have-her-no-one-else-can story. But I was not so into it and I just wanted to just breeze through so I can reach the end. I think the story could be summed up in two parts. First, Cliff is in love with Claire. Then, Cliff realizes Claire will never be his, so he has to move on. And move on he did. But this is not to say that the story is not worth reading at all. You will be shocked. Just like I was which totally blindsided me. I did not see it coming. I truly welcomed the surprise. If not for this, I would have thought this would have been a downer. I definitely appreciate the punch that the author kept until the right moment. Very nicely done.
Again, I did not expect the big revelation. It was really surprising and I think this was the best part of the whole story. I am happy for Cliff that finally things are looking good on the love front. And smart of him to realize that he won't end up with his best friend. Someone more suited for him is there somewhere, maybe hiding in the virtual world.
I give the book three stars. I think the good parts of the story only started when Cliff developed a friendship with PlanetClaire. The rest were just the background story which I didn't really find fascinating and can be ignored. I liked that it ended well and that Trish is not anymore the center of Cliff's universe. Yeah, definitely not a fan of Trish in this story. One thing that the book is telling everyone is that not all best friends end up with each other or are meant to fall in love. Some just are meant to stay just that - best of friends. Some people are lucky enough to find love in the virtual universe. And that there might be some really nice guys hiding behind an online character or alias.
Thank you Nicki Elson and librarything.com for the ARC.
November 9, 2016
I thought this was a good read. I've read the second book in this series, When It Hooks You and I loved it. I liked the story of Trish and Adam Helms. Now it's Clifford Walsh's turn and I thought I'd be blown away by Cliff's story. He's that perennial mail BFF who couldn't get the girl. I thought he was too hang up on his feelings for Trish even though it was evident that Trish already found the one for her. This time, Trish was kind of insensitive of Cliff's feelings for her, which I totally get. Really, I know those type of girls who could be sweet and romantic to a guy; and more often than not, their actions were misinterpreted, even if it wasn't their intention. I honestly believed Trish really treated Cliff as her best friend, but it was the people around them who put too much fuss and issue about their closeness.
Cliff was a lawyer by day and a gamer at night, who often went by the username Loinerd. (More like loincloth, actually, LOL). I found him quite a character in the first book, but here, I thought he was too annoying. He often jumped to conclusions based on what he saw and wanted to believe, only to get disappointed when his hunches were incorrect. That's what I didn't like about him; I thought he was judgmental. But he and PlanetClaire were quite a team. I liked how their story unfolded and the twist that made them quite a catch. I must admit, I was really surprised to discover who Claire really was. So unpredictable!
So far, I still liked how things turned out for Cliff and his mystery girl. The gaming enthusiasts would definitely enjoy the world of Castleabra and the missions and tasks on the game. I am no gamer per se, but my kids play Warcraft and other DOTA games so I was able to relate with the Loinerd and PlanetClaire's online adventures. I'd love to read more books from Nicki Elson because she really had put a lot into her writing. She clearly researched for the story and made the readers feel the emotions in the book. This had been a fascinating read! Kudos, Nicki!
Cliff was a lawyer by day and a gamer at night, who often went by the username Loinerd. (More like loincloth, actually, LOL). I found him quite a character in the first book, but here, I thought he was too annoying. He often jumped to conclusions based on what he saw and wanted to believe, only to get disappointed when his hunches were incorrect. That's what I didn't like about him; I thought he was judgmental. But he and PlanetClaire were quite a team. I liked how their story unfolded and the twist that made them quite a catch. I must admit, I was really surprised to discover who Claire really was. So unpredictable!
So far, I still liked how things turned out for Cliff and his mystery girl. The gaming enthusiasts would definitely enjoy the world of Castleabra and the missions and tasks on the game. I am no gamer per se, but my kids play Warcraft and other DOTA games so I was able to relate with the Loinerd and PlanetClaire's online adventures. I'd love to read more books from Nicki Elson because she really had put a lot into her writing. She clearly researched for the story and made the readers feel the emotions in the book. This had been a fascinating read! Kudos, Nicki!
September 22, 2016
I really enjoyed reading Cliff's story! He has been pining after Trish for so long, he doesn't give anyone else a chance. His HEA has been right in front of him for years, lol. I'm not going to give any spoilers, but I will say, you may be surprised at who she is! One-click this book today and be ready to laugh, cry, and cheer!
October 19, 2016
I'd love to write pages about Nicki Elson's WHEN IT HOLDS YOU. But then, that would spoil your thrill of reading this super sexy and spicy romance novel.
Years ago I quit reading romance novels. They were all the same - boring. I moved on to reading erotic - those ended up being more boring. If there are no life-like characters with depth navigating an intense plot, what's the point. Yes, I'm tough on authors. I have high expectations. In 2011, Nicki became my writing mentor. Since reading her novels, she's become my favorite romance novelist. The heat - romantic and sexual - touches the reader in all the right places (pardon my blushing).
As always, Nicki's characters are wonderfully memorable. Many novels I read are nice but after finishing the book, the characters quickly fade away. After reading any of Nicki's novels, I remember the characters years later - like the Three Daves. The characters in WHEN IT HOLDS YOU are believable, consistent throughout the chapters, and I can feel them. Cliff is so much fun and sexy but there were times I wanted to give him a shake. The women in his life really put him through torture, even the cyberspace digital babe. Thank heavens he was skilled in using his head and other body parts :).
Have you ever read a novel that was confusing, or had a frustrating slow moving plot? Nicki's writing style can be summed up with two words: clarity and perfect pacing. WHEN IT HOLDS YOU is thrilling and sweet. There is a balance of intrigue and fun; passion and pain; romance and personal discovery.
WHEN IT HOLDS YOU is a novel that will remain in my kindle so I can read it again and again.
Years ago I quit reading romance novels. They were all the same - boring. I moved on to reading erotic - those ended up being more boring. If there are no life-like characters with depth navigating an intense plot, what's the point. Yes, I'm tough on authors. I have high expectations. In 2011, Nicki became my writing mentor. Since reading her novels, she's become my favorite romance novelist. The heat - romantic and sexual - touches the reader in all the right places (pardon my blushing).
As always, Nicki's characters are wonderfully memorable. Many novels I read are nice but after finishing the book, the characters quickly fade away. After reading any of Nicki's novels, I remember the characters years later - like the Three Daves. The characters in WHEN IT HOLDS YOU are believable, consistent throughout the chapters, and I can feel them. Cliff is so much fun and sexy but there were times I wanted to give him a shake. The women in his life really put him through torture, even the cyberspace digital babe. Thank heavens he was skilled in using his head and other body parts :).
Have you ever read a novel that was confusing, or had a frustrating slow moving plot? Nicki's writing style can be summed up with two words: clarity and perfect pacing. WHEN IT HOLDS YOU is thrilling and sweet. There is a balance of intrigue and fun; passion and pain; romance and personal discovery.
WHEN IT HOLDS YOU is a novel that will remain in my kindle so I can read it again and again.
February 28, 2017
If you like reading about people and the many different ways that relationships are built, this is a good book for you. I very much enjoyed this story being told from the perspective of the young man main character, who realizes after years of wanting that one special person in his life, all his attractions to members of the opposite sex have left him feeling like a failure and that he might benefit from trying a different approach to dating. It also taught me more than I previously knew about the world of gaming, and learning new information is a part of why I love to read. The three books I have read by Ms. Elson are all set in Chicago, an active fun city. Her writing style is a pleasure and her books enjoyable. I recommend reading all the books in this series!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
February 8, 2018
I just LOVE Cliff so much. Even though he wasn't the main character in When It Hooks You, he was still my favorite. Then I got to this book, When It Holds You, and was overjoyed to learn it was all about Cliff.
He is just the perfect character. He is humorous, sexy, he draws sympathy, and he is just so loveable! This was definitely my favorite book of the series (I suggest reading all three though).
He is just the perfect character. He is humorous, sexy, he draws sympathy, and he is just so loveable! This was definitely my favorite book of the series (I suggest reading all three though).
February 20, 2017
Cliff finally gets a girl!!
After reading When It Hooks you and learning who Cliff was, I definitely wanted more of his character. I liked JoJo in that book, and I sensed some of her self esteem issues without even reading that much of her. I relate to her so much. Love this story!
After reading When It Hooks you and learning who Cliff was, I definitely wanted more of his character. I liked JoJo in that book, and I sensed some of her self esteem issues without even reading that much of her. I relate to her so much. Love this story!
October 20, 2016
This is the third installment in the It series and I have to admit that I have not read the previous two but was able to pick this one up and follow right along. Nicki Elson does a great job with making this one a stand alone as well as fitting it into the series. I thought that the characters were well developed and that the story flowed really well. There were a dew times that I thought the story sort of lagged, but it picked right back up with some great parts afterwards.
Cliff is an attorney that has made up his mind he is done with dating women that think they have to fit into a certain descritption to date a lawyer. What they don't realize is that Cliff is a regular guy that just wants a regular relationship. Well, Cliff sort of buries himself in his gaming to keep his mind off of the dating and when he meets a woman online that he games with, he never knew that someone could capture him like she does.
Claire is an avid gamer herself and when she and Cliff meet online and work together to solve these games, neither one of them expected things to go where they do. Will these two be able to just game together anymore or will it be more than just gaming? This was a unique story about two people that were lost in a world together, not having meet and actually have a connection that is stronger than anything they have felt before.
You have to read this one to find out what happens between Cliff and Claire. You will not be disappointed that you picked this one up to read! I can't wait to see what is next from Nicki Elson next!
Cliff is an attorney that has made up his mind he is done with dating women that think they have to fit into a certain descritption to date a lawyer. What they don't realize is that Cliff is a regular guy that just wants a regular relationship. Well, Cliff sort of buries himself in his gaming to keep his mind off of the dating and when he meets a woman online that he games with, he never knew that someone could capture him like she does.
Claire is an avid gamer herself and when she and Cliff meet online and work together to solve these games, neither one of them expected things to go where they do. Will these two be able to just game together anymore or will it be more than just gaming? This was a unique story about two people that were lost in a world together, not having meet and actually have a connection that is stronger than anything they have felt before.
You have to read this one to find out what happens between Cliff and Claire. You will not be disappointed that you picked this one up to read! I can't wait to see what is next from Nicki Elson next!
January 12, 2017
A story tell from the guy's POV. And this guy is what I call a “Teddy bear", or at least he's just the perfect friend. He reminds me of so many friends of mine. Actually I felt like I was reading about two of them.
They're crazy about video games and anime, and they also get in love with the wrong girl. Just like Cliff with Trish. So of course I get attached to this guy. I just wanted to hold him sometimes and hit him others. The same as my friends. I felt him real, His insecurities and fears, I have heard of them so many times in real life that I really like them to be shown in the way she did. Guys seems to be the ones who never get hurts in books, that's lead to girls. But not this time and It felt really good.
Jo is a different thing. She was a complex character, and the way she shows her insecurities and fears was real. I really love when an author shows real emotional response and feelings. So, just that lift the book up for me.
Their relationship was really sweet and the way it started was pretty different of others I read before. I have never read of video games like this and honestly I adore it.
The plot was really good, it kept me wanting to know more about them and how would they resolve this whole situation. I can't spoil anything, so you'll have to read it guys.
This is the first book of Nicky Elson that I read and I will definitely look for the others.
4.2 Sweet stars!
**Arc kindly provided by the author**
They're crazy about video games and anime, and they also get in love with the wrong girl. Just like Cliff with Trish. So of course I get attached to this guy. I just wanted to hold him sometimes and hit him others. The same as my friends. I felt him real, His insecurities and fears, I have heard of them so many times in real life that I really like them to be shown in the way she did. Guys seems to be the ones who never get hurts in books, that's lead to girls. But not this time and It felt really good.
Jo is a different thing. She was a complex character, and the way she shows her insecurities and fears was real. I really love when an author shows real emotional response and feelings. So, just that lift the book up for me.
Their relationship was really sweet and the way it started was pretty different of others I read before. I have never read of video games like this and honestly I adore it.
The plot was really good, it kept me wanting to know more about them and how would they resolve this whole situation. I can't spoil anything, so you'll have to read it guys.
This is the first book of Nicky Elson that I read and I will definitely look for the others.
4.2 Sweet stars!
**Arc kindly provided by the author**
October 19, 2016
I fell in love with Cliff and his heroine, both as individuals and as a couple. The two of them started out as strangers in an online video game. When it was revealed who she was I was surprised, but couldn't have been happier. They were good for each other. This was well written. The characters were just so very real and felt things I’m sure most of us have felt. They were insecure and felt they couldn’t compete with the popular, pretty people. They had negative, unhealthy ways to cope with these insecurities, too. Ways that just made them feel worse. I know I could definitely relate to both of them and how I’ve felt about my own relationships. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I was drawn in. I want to go back and read the first book now to see Trish and Adam’s story, and I can’t wait for the third book to come out.
*I volunteered to read an ARC and give my honest review.*
*I volunteered to read an ARC and give my honest review.*
October 19, 2016
I received a free ARC and am voluntarily writing an honest review.
Although I did not read the first book I was able to read this one with no problem. Cliff has been in love with Trish forever but is firmly in the friend zone. He decides to turn to his video games to distract himself and he meets PlanetClaire. As they partner to complete quests in the virtual world, they develop a friendship. They decide to meet in the real world to see if their virtual chemistry carries over. When they meet at a convention they are both shocked to discover they already know each other. I fell in love with most of the characters in this story, although Trish began to annoy me part way through. Overall this is an enjoyable book and I definitely recommend it!
Although I did not read the first book I was able to read this one with no problem. Cliff has been in love with Trish forever but is firmly in the friend zone. He decides to turn to his video games to distract himself and he meets PlanetClaire. As they partner to complete quests in the virtual world, they develop a friendship. They decide to meet in the real world to see if their virtual chemistry carries over. When they meet at a convention they are both shocked to discover they already know each other. I fell in love with most of the characters in this story, although Trish began to annoy me part way through. Overall this is an enjoyable book and I definitely recommend it!
October 19, 2016
I enjoy every book by this author, but this is officially my favorite! Engagingly developed and beautifully written. Amusing and convincing male POV and a surprising--yet ultimately satisfying--twist. I adored Cliffy, can't believe that I ended up adoring his love interest, too, and I loved how naturally and honestly their relationship grew. As always, Elson makes this stuff so real. I always believe in her characters, and their flaws are feathered in so subtly and wisely that the reader can only find them sympathetic. And the gaming scenes are awesome! Such a fun fusion of real world and fantasy--and a cool as hell way for two people to fall in love. 'Loinerd' and 'PlanetClaire'...I *heart* them.
October 27, 2016
4*
We met Adam trish & cliff in when it hooks you. Adam & trish had a rocky start to their relationship but are trying to make it work. Cliff still has feelings for trish but he's keeping his distance. Their friends are secretly voting for cliff as Adam still seems to be letting her down but things are getting harder for cliff how long can he keep his feelings hidden will trish ever return them? Trish is best friends with jojo who cliff has a history with unfortunately he doesn't remember but jojo does & is fed up of been the forgotten one where trish is involved. Will cliff get what he wants & will jojo ever get noticed?
Can't wait for when it hits you lyssa & Hayden's story.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book
Another must read
We met Adam trish & cliff in when it hooks you. Adam & trish had a rocky start to their relationship but are trying to make it work. Cliff still has feelings for trish but he's keeping his distance. Their friends are secretly voting for cliff as Adam still seems to be letting her down but things are getting harder for cliff how long can he keep his feelings hidden will trish ever return them? Trish is best friends with jojo who cliff has a history with unfortunately he doesn't remember but jojo does & is fed up of been the forgotten one where trish is involved. Will cliff get what he wants & will jojo ever get noticed?
Can't wait for when it hits you lyssa & Hayden's story.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book
Another must read
October 28, 2016
Okay read. Kept me wanting to read, but wasn't really very invested in the story or characters. I didn't care for any of them much. They all seemed out for themselves and very manipulative to me. I felt Trish truly used Cliff as her ego-boost and led him on constantly. I didn't like Jo in the real world, but liked her online gaming persona. Cliff was meh. He was supposedly an awesome lawyer, but seemed more wimp than nerd. Like someone's whipping boy (Trish's). He allowed her to treat him poorly hoping for more than the scraps he got from her. It got old, honestly. However, strangely enough, I couldn't walk away from it. I liked the gaming references and also the retro games mentioned.
Voluntary review of ARC
Voluntary review of ARC
November 6, 2016
This was a fun read with a different type of story-line. Cliff is an attorney who is also a gaming enthusiast. After some recent emotional fall out with his best friend, Trish, he decides to limit his relationships to the gaming world. As he develops one particular gaming relationship, what could happen when they decide to a live “anonymous” hook-up? Awkward, in a word. Then Cliff rethinks their relationship and now the question is, do these gamers have a future?
I was provided a copy of this book for my honest review.
I was provided a copy of this book for my honest review.
April 19, 2017
This was a sweet, well-written contemporary romance. Cliff has had a crush on Trish for years, but he finally has to accept that she is in love with someone else. He focuses his spare time on playing online games, where he has hot, smart, willing women to flirt with and doesn't have to worry about his heart being broken. Then he meets a fascinating redhead in the virtual gaming world who he begins to find irresistible... And then they meet in the real world and he discovers feelings he never realized were there. I enjoyed reading this book. This can be read as a standalone story, though it is the third in a series with related characters. All the books in this series were great, and I look forward to reading other books by this author.
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