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End Game
He’s my knight in shining armour, but not the romantic kind a girl dreams about. This one invaded my online world and threw everything into chaos.
My sorcerer can kick his ass in the game, but real life kicks mine. Gaining experience points online is easier than in reality, and when I play, I know where my quests lead. In the real world, the storylines confuse me, and I don’t know which direction I’m heading in.
In the game, I’m in control.
Or I was until he arrived.
This guy never shares anything about himself, and I only know him as 'Thorsday'. My Aussie gaming nemesis can't be a blond haired, blue-eyed god in reality.
Can he?
There’s something about this enigmatic man that intrigues me, and the more we play together, the bigger my desire to meet him. And I know he feels the same.
The problem is, if I allow my game world to merge with reality, I could die standing in the fire.
Romance meets LitRPG in this romantic comedy from USA Today bestselling author, Lisa Swallow. If you think geek heroes can't be hot... think again!
My sorcerer can kick his ass in the game, but real life kicks mine. Gaining experience points online is easier than in reality, and when I play, I know where my quests lead. In the real world, the storylines confuse me, and I don’t know which direction I’m heading in.
In the game, I’m in control.
Or I was until he arrived.
This guy never shares anything about himself, and I only know him as 'Thorsday'. My Aussie gaming nemesis can't be a blond haired, blue-eyed god in reality.
Can he?
There’s something about this enigmatic man that intrigues me, and the more we play together, the bigger my desire to meet him. And I know he feels the same.
The problem is, if I allow my game world to merge with reality, I could die standing in the fire.
Romance meets LitRPG in this romantic comedy from USA Today bestselling author, Lisa Swallow. If you think geek heroes can't be hot... think again!
Unknown Binding
Published January 1, 2017
33 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Swallow
30 books472 followersI am unable to read/answer GR messages at present.
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Lisa is an author of new adult romance and writes both paranormal and contemporary, often with a side of snark.
Lisa is originally from the UK but moved to Australia in 2001 and now lives in Perth in Western Australia with her husband, three children and dog.
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Facebook: www.facebook.com/lisaswallowbooks
Twitter: www.twitter.com/lisa_swallow_au
Website: www.lisaswallow.net
Please feel free to contact me by email at lisa_writes@ymail.com
It's unfortunately become difficult to keep up with requests/messages made via various social media sites.
Thank you so much for understanding! :)
Lisa is an author of new adult romance and writes both paranormal and contemporary, often with a side of snark.
Lisa is originally from the UK but moved to Australia in 2001 and now lives in Perth in Western Australia with her husband, three children and dog.
Newsletter sign up: http://eepurl.com/Po81D
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lisaswallowbooks
Twitter: www.twitter.com/lisa_swallow_au
Website: www.lisaswallow.net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
June 30, 2017
3.5* put a spell on you STARS!
My first gamer romance also first read from the author. I was so excited for this book because I never found with this theme. Mostly about hacker; but no gamer. Even it's a too fluffy for my taste, I surprisingly enjoyed it.
Evie Taylor spend most of her time (and money) for online gaming. Well, I understand her because I was in her position a long time ago. Gaming is very addictive and kinda 'dangerous'. But Evie is still going out and socialize if it isn't because of her best friend-slash-roommate. As an elf sorcerer, Sinistre is one of the best player but stubborn as hell. When her position get changed in exchange for a new player called Thorsday, Evie turns into bitchy mode. She needs to get control on her only world.
There's not much to know about both MCs at first. Their first met is totally awkward. No one is know about the real Thorsday except he looks like Chris Hemsworth. Blue eyes and blond hair. Their banter was frustrating yet adorable. But honestly, I loved them more in game world than real life.
Thorsday or Aaron Fletcher is shady as hell. He reluctantly introduce himself to others. He's too private person but Evie already fallen for him. They started with rocky relationship. The on-off chemistry between them sometimes annoyed me. Evie and Aaron agreed to not 'label' their relationship; only skinship for now.
Half of the story is focused with the romance between Evie and Aaron in real life. I liked Aaron at first but he was being a jerk. Either he lied or decide to not to explain any further about his life. Anyway, there's not much groveling to do. I know Aaron has a hard time with himself but... it was so frustrating with his white lies. In the end, he redeemed himself but not enough to WOW me.
On the contrary, Evie has the biggest development. She suffers anxiety problem and chose game for her escape. Slowly, Evie is growing up with her decision about future with supports from her friends. Overall, it was a fun read and nicely written. I really enjoyed the gaming world. Maybe the romance was a bit cheesy for my taste but bearable. Gamer or not, I'd love to recommend this book.
My first gamer romance also first read from the author. I was so excited for this book because I never found with this theme. Mostly about hacker; but no gamer. Even it's a too fluffy for my taste, I surprisingly enjoyed it.
Evie Taylor spend most of her time (and money) for online gaming. Well, I understand her because I was in her position a long time ago. Gaming is very addictive and kinda 'dangerous'. But Evie is still going out and socialize if it isn't because of her best friend-slash-roommate. As an elf sorcerer, Sinistre is one of the best player but stubborn as hell. When her position get changed in exchange for a new player called Thorsday, Evie turns into bitchy mode. She needs to get control on her only world.
There's not much to know about both MCs at first. Their first met is totally awkward. No one is know about the real Thorsday except he looks like Chris Hemsworth. Blue eyes and blond hair. Their banter was frustrating yet adorable. But honestly, I loved them more in game world than real life.
“I like a girl who talks geeky to me. I don’t think I’ve ever met one who does.”
“Yeah, I bet you’re not usually interested in the size of their rig.” I can’t help smiling back.
“I don’t usually give girls rings on first dates either.”
Thorsday or Aaron Fletcher is shady as hell. He reluctantly introduce himself to others. He's too private person but Evie already fallen for him. They started with rocky relationship. The on-off chemistry between them sometimes annoyed me. Evie and Aaron agreed to not 'label' their relationship; only skinship for now.
Half of the story is focused with the romance between Evie and Aaron in real life. I liked Aaron at first but he was being a jerk. Either he lied or decide to not to explain any further about his life. Anyway, there's not much groveling to do. I know Aaron has a hard time with himself but... it was so frustrating with his white lies. In the end, he redeemed himself but not enough to WOW me.
On the contrary, Evie has the biggest development. She suffers anxiety problem and chose game for her escape. Slowly, Evie is growing up with her decision about future with supports from her friends. Overall, it was a fun read and nicely written. I really enjoyed the gaming world. Maybe the romance was a bit cheesy for my taste but bearable. Gamer or not, I'd love to recommend this book.
“Who really won?” I murmur.
“You have, Evie,” he whispers. “You don’t realise how effectively you stealthed and wrekt me.”
March 8, 2019
End Game is a fun, adorable and easy to read novel, for those who enjoy their romances with a geeky theme. As a former gamer girl I'm always pleased when I find LitRPG books that are well researched, and stay true to the gaming community. The language and gaming encounters were explained and done so well, that even if you've never played an online game, there will be no problem keeping up with understanding the in-game part of the story.
Evie is down to earth, with a quirky and rebellious personality. Her favourite past time activity is logging into her game, and loose herself in a world filled with sorcerers and monsters. Each and every online accomplishment is exciting for her, and it keeps her from thinking about her real life. Evie's reality is that she's working a dead end job and have no plans for the future - so she craves the control the game brings, when she's slaying monsters with her friends. When a new player joins her group, things changes and this is something Evie isn't ready for and definitely not okay with! Aaron is arrogant, cheeky and cocky - and his in-game character "Thorsday" is, in Evie's opinion, way too good. Evie is hellbent on not liking this new and infuriating player, which proves to be harder than she thought. Not only because he does try (in his own way) to be nice to her - but also because he's voice makes Evie wonder what Aaron is like in real life. When the opportunity arises for the two of them to meet, Evie and Aaron can't deny their instant attraction. But with distance and Aaron's determination to keep his secrets to himself, their relationship is anything but smooth sailing.
I really enjoyed the in-game banter between Evie and Aaron. When they went on adventures without the rest of the group, their interactions were sweet and adorable. I was somewhat annoyed with Aaron and his secret keeping, but when the cat was finally out of the bag, I did feel for him. But I think by that point he had dragged it out for too long, for me to really be able to understand him. What made me love the book was Evie's quirky friends. Even though they're "only" secondary characters, Tyler, Erin and Cole felt three dimensional.
Though I do prefer Lisa's paranormal books (written under her other pen name LJ Swallow), this is one the few contemporary romance novels that I really like, and I hope she'll write more like this one.
Evie is down to earth, with a quirky and rebellious personality. Her favourite past time activity is logging into her game, and loose herself in a world filled with sorcerers and monsters. Each and every online accomplishment is exciting for her, and it keeps her from thinking about her real life. Evie's reality is that she's working a dead end job and have no plans for the future - so she craves the control the game brings, when she's slaying monsters with her friends. When a new player joins her group, things changes and this is something Evie isn't ready for and definitely not okay with! Aaron is arrogant, cheeky and cocky - and his in-game character "Thorsday" is, in Evie's opinion, way too good. Evie is hellbent on not liking this new and infuriating player, which proves to be harder than she thought. Not only because he does try (in his own way) to be nice to her - but also because he's voice makes Evie wonder what Aaron is like in real life. When the opportunity arises for the two of them to meet, Evie and Aaron can't deny their instant attraction. But with distance and Aaron's determination to keep his secrets to himself, their relationship is anything but smooth sailing.
I really enjoyed the in-game banter between Evie and Aaron. When they went on adventures without the rest of the group, their interactions were sweet and adorable. I was somewhat annoyed with Aaron and his secret keeping, but when the cat was finally out of the bag, I did feel for him. But I think by that point he had dragged it out for too long, for me to really be able to understand him. What made me love the book was Evie's quirky friends. Even though they're "only" secondary characters, Tyler, Erin and Cole felt three dimensional.
Though I do prefer Lisa's paranormal books (written under her other pen name LJ Swallow), this is one the few contemporary romance novels that I really like, and I hope she'll write more like this one.
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May 15, 2018
This was refreshing, a storyline that hasn't been done to death! Really liked the writing style and enjoyed this overall.
July 12, 2017
I received an advanced copy and chose to review it. This is the second book that I have read from Lisa Swallow, but it definitely will not last. I enjoyed this book, and went thru a variety of emotions, anger, frustrations, sympathy, and joy. Poor Evie, she already had insecurities and anxieties, and then to go thru what she went thru with Aaron, I wanted to hurt him. Now, don't get me wrong, when he explained himself, I felt for him, I did however wish, he would have spoken sooner, she did not deserve the silence, the unanswered texts, and the not knowing for so long. If he truly loved her, again don't get me wrong, I get how heartbreaking the situation was, but come on, she deserved better. I loved how confident she was in her role as Sin and gave him hell when he was Thor, now I did not get all the gaming stuff, but I just kept going, because it explained who they were. I loved her friend Erin, and glad and her Cole finally woke up. And I hope we get to read something about Tyler next, and that way we can keep up with what continues to happened to Evie and Aaron, glad everything worked out.
June 11, 2017
I'm not a gamer so I was a bit wary about a Gamer Romance. While I didn't understand all the aspects of the gaming I am enough of a geek to totally get the basics of the story. You don't have to know anything about gaming or nerds, geeks or cons to totally fall in love with Evie and Aaron and their journey both in the game and in real life. You are pulling for them to overcome the problem with living so far away and the issues of living in the real world but you know together they can make it.
I really enjoyed this book and it was one I couldn't put down. Every time I closed it I wanted to read just one more chapter.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book and it was one I couldn't put down. Every time I closed it I wanted to read just one more chapter.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 31, 2018
This one's kind of a guilty pleasure. If you like LitRPG and a little romance, this might be for you. The only part I wasn't a fan of was all the angst from Thorsday's prior relationship. But aside from that, he was pretty dreamy :)
No epic literature here, certainly. But a fun light read.
No epic literature here, certainly. But a fun light read.
June 17, 2019
I loved this book so much, I don't think I could love it any more. Evie is fantastic and I love when she finally met Aaron. It was humorous and the storyline flowed nicely. My emotions were all over the place as it continued, the characters are easy to connect with. You can't help but root for Evie and Aaron.
Added 2019: It's been 2 years since I read this the first time. I still really loved this fun gamer romance. I couldn't help falling for Aaron a second time around. Evie is very relatable; she's down to Earth and quirky. She escapes the real world by spending her time gaming. New guild member Thorsday initially rubs her the wrong way.
The banter between Evie and Aaron is great and I love their adventures between just the two of them. My emotions and frustrations were all over the place again. The secret keeping frustrated me and I wish Aaron opened up sooner. The secondary characters were great additions. They all had unique personalities.
Added 2019: It's been 2 years since I read this the first time. I still really loved this fun gamer romance. I couldn't help falling for Aaron a second time around. Evie is very relatable; she's down to Earth and quirky. She escapes the real world by spending her time gaming. New guild member Thorsday initially rubs her the wrong way.
The banter between Evie and Aaron is great and I love their adventures between just the two of them. My emotions and frustrations were all over the place again. The secret keeping frustrated me and I wish Aaron opened up sooner. The secondary characters were great additions. They all had unique personalities.
September 12, 2017
Thank you to Lisa Swallow for providing me with an ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Find this review and more on my blog The Rest Is Still Unwritten!
End Game is Lisa Swallow’s latest release and is a fun and adorable NA perfect for those who like their romances with a cheeky spark and geeky aura.
Twenty-one year old Evie loves to get lost amongst her favourite online game of sorcerers, mages and monsters. Every quest and level-up is exciting and keeps her from thinking about her day to day reality which consists of a dead-end job and no plans for the future. Until a new player joins her guild and changes everything….Aaron is arrogant, cocky and his online avatar “Thorsday” is way too good for Evie’s liking. Add to the fact Aaron’s voice is shiver-inducing and Evie finds herself wondering what the often infuriating player from the other side of the country is like in real life. When the opportunity arises for the two of them to finally meet, Aaron and Evie can’t deny the attraction that simmers between them, but with distance and Aaron’s determination to keep his secrets to himself threatening their budding romance, will Evie manage to snag her knight in shining armour? Or is she destined for nothing but heartache?
I have to admit this is my first novel by Lisa Swallow I’ve read but it definitely won’t be the last. Fun and light, End Game was a flirty and endearing novel that appealed to the geek in me. As a lover of sci-fi and fantasy myself, I could emphasise with Evie and her friends and their love for Comic-Cons and nerd-like things. I’m a fair geek myself—and though I’ve never played an online game personally, I’m in attendance at every Comic-Con or Supanova in Sydney, so I could completely envision the well depicted and explained events Swallow included in End Game.
Evie was a down to earth heroine and easy to follow. She had a quirky personality and a defiant flair. As someone with somewhat similar likes to Evie, I enjoyed seeing her fan-girl over the latest pop-culture fads and elements out there. Evie and even the whole story was very relevant to me as someone who enjoys this stuff too. I felt like I was reading a story about a friend; someone with similar likes and tastes, and this made for easy empathy.
Lisa Swallow gives Evie a love interest in the form of Aaron, a “Mr Hemsworth” look-alike. I liked he was cheeky in his own right and complimented Evie. Aaron is very much a mystery outside of the game for the majority of End Game—just the way he likes it—until things force him to confront and admit to Evie his past. Personally I felt bad for Aaron and all he had gone through, but couldn’t deny that his inability to explain was the cause of most of the angst between him and Evie.
Filled with unique and quirky characters as Evie’s friends, Lisa Swallow leaves me interested to see if she turns this tale into a part of a series and explores some of the other characters we met. I’d love to see Tyler and Erin and Cole have their own tales—they were great to read about.
An enjoyable and easy to read novel, End Game was entertaining and leaves me interested to see what Lisa Swallow releases next!
Find this review and more on my blog The Rest Is Still Unwritten!
End Game is Lisa Swallow’s latest release and is a fun and adorable NA perfect for those who like their romances with a cheeky spark and geeky aura.
Twenty-one year old Evie loves to get lost amongst her favourite online game of sorcerers, mages and monsters. Every quest and level-up is exciting and keeps her from thinking about her day to day reality which consists of a dead-end job and no plans for the future. Until a new player joins her guild and changes everything….Aaron is arrogant, cocky and his online avatar “Thorsday” is way too good for Evie’s liking. Add to the fact Aaron’s voice is shiver-inducing and Evie finds herself wondering what the often infuriating player from the other side of the country is like in real life. When the opportunity arises for the two of them to finally meet, Aaron and Evie can’t deny the attraction that simmers between them, but with distance and Aaron’s determination to keep his secrets to himself threatening their budding romance, will Evie manage to snag her knight in shining armour? Or is she destined for nothing but heartache?
I have to admit this is my first novel by Lisa Swallow I’ve read but it definitely won’t be the last. Fun and light, End Game was a flirty and endearing novel that appealed to the geek in me. As a lover of sci-fi and fantasy myself, I could emphasise with Evie and her friends and their love for Comic-Cons and nerd-like things. I’m a fair geek myself—and though I’ve never played an online game personally, I’m in attendance at every Comic-Con or Supanova in Sydney, so I could completely envision the well depicted and explained events Swallow included in End Game.
Evie was a down to earth heroine and easy to follow. She had a quirky personality and a defiant flair. As someone with somewhat similar likes to Evie, I enjoyed seeing her fan-girl over the latest pop-culture fads and elements out there. Evie and even the whole story was very relevant to me as someone who enjoys this stuff too. I felt like I was reading a story about a friend; someone with similar likes and tastes, and this made for easy empathy.
Lisa Swallow gives Evie a love interest in the form of Aaron, a “Mr Hemsworth” look-alike. I liked he was cheeky in his own right and complimented Evie. Aaron is very much a mystery outside of the game for the majority of End Game—just the way he likes it—until things force him to confront and admit to Evie his past. Personally I felt bad for Aaron and all he had gone through, but couldn’t deny that his inability to explain was the cause of most of the angst between him and Evie.
Filled with unique and quirky characters as Evie’s friends, Lisa Swallow leaves me interested to see if she turns this tale into a part of a series and explores some of the other characters we met. I’d love to see Tyler and Erin and Cole have their own tales—they were great to read about.
An enjoyable and easy to read novel, End Game was entertaining and leaves me interested to see what Lisa Swallow releases next!
June 18, 2017
Endgame: Where Evie’s sexy on-line character finds her perfect real life partner.
I FREAKING LOVED this book! Lisa Swallow writes, and I read. The End. And this book is no exception as again she changes direction within the romance genre with this gaming romance. What I know about gaming has only been gleaned from the impatient answers of my son as he concentrates on his character in the game, and voices on the other end of his headset. In reading this book, there is no previous experience required.
Not everyone is born with an inbuilt set of social skills. On-line multiplayer gaming allowed Evie Taylor to portray herself as a sexy, snarky and badass Storm Sorcerer, Sinestre, who is successful in almost everything she attempts. In the real world, she’s struggling to keep her head above the water of the social tide, stuck in a dead-end part-time job but unable to cope with much else. Her online her character, however, wipes the floor with her enemies, or keeps trying, repeatedly, until she succeeds. Unfortunately for many, fear of public failure prevents them for trying in the first place, and as we get to know Evie, we see her talent for art in the world of gaming convention – anime, or Japanese animation. A talent she keep fiercely hidden from all but her closest friends
One night away from the game and her position as Death Dealer is usurped by newcomer ‘Thorsday’, a blond, human male character, with a sexy Australian accented voice, and a champion with many levels of experience behind him. His character class is superior to hers and she’s reluctantly relegated to ‘healer’. The team plays on, but their characters butt heads.
In the game, they exist as “Sinestre and Thorsday” with a rivalry that keeps the other players on edge, and unaware that the chemistry between them is so thick and palpable. Soon they start to play as partners online when the others aren’t, taking on missions and upping their character levels. In this realm they gel and succeed, getting to know each other as Sorcerer and Champion, Evie and Aaron.
When they finally meet at a Convention, they literally spark off each other. Aaron, however, is just as elusive in real life as he is on-line, still hiding behind Thor. While he’s encouraging her to succeed at her art in person, he’s running hot and cold, not giving her anything of himself.
Aaron is avoiding his life, hiding and role playing a carefree hero online, away from his life and a tragedy that is keeping him from truly claiming the love he wants to feel for Evie. All he will allow himself is Thor and Sinistre, and if Evie finds out his secret, he might not even have that.
I almost cried for Aaron and the absolute tragedy he was hiding, while I felt exalted to watch Evie find that maybe she can function and succeed in life, as well as on-line. Her friends are great as secondary characters, and the banter between them provides for many light moments throughout the heart-breaking story. Even it geeks and gamers aren’t your thing, Aaron is still a hot alpha, and I would recommend Endgame as a book well worth the time it takes to read. Absolutely 5 Stars!
I FREAKING LOVED this book! Lisa Swallow writes, and I read. The End. And this book is no exception as again she changes direction within the romance genre with this gaming romance. What I know about gaming has only been gleaned from the impatient answers of my son as he concentrates on his character in the game, and voices on the other end of his headset. In reading this book, there is no previous experience required.
Not everyone is born with an inbuilt set of social skills. On-line multiplayer gaming allowed Evie Taylor to portray herself as a sexy, snarky and badass Storm Sorcerer, Sinestre, who is successful in almost everything she attempts. In the real world, she’s struggling to keep her head above the water of the social tide, stuck in a dead-end part-time job but unable to cope with much else. Her online her character, however, wipes the floor with her enemies, or keeps trying, repeatedly, until she succeeds. Unfortunately for many, fear of public failure prevents them for trying in the first place, and as we get to know Evie, we see her talent for art in the world of gaming convention – anime, or Japanese animation. A talent she keep fiercely hidden from all but her closest friends
One night away from the game and her position as Death Dealer is usurped by newcomer ‘Thorsday’, a blond, human male character, with a sexy Australian accented voice, and a champion with many levels of experience behind him. His character class is superior to hers and she’s reluctantly relegated to ‘healer’. The team plays on, but their characters butt heads.
In the game, they exist as “Sinestre and Thorsday” with a rivalry that keeps the other players on edge, and unaware that the chemistry between them is so thick and palpable. Soon they start to play as partners online when the others aren’t, taking on missions and upping their character levels. In this realm they gel and succeed, getting to know each other as Sorcerer and Champion, Evie and Aaron.
When they finally meet at a Convention, they literally spark off each other. Aaron, however, is just as elusive in real life as he is on-line, still hiding behind Thor. While he’s encouraging her to succeed at her art in person, he’s running hot and cold, not giving her anything of himself.
Aaron is avoiding his life, hiding and role playing a carefree hero online, away from his life and a tragedy that is keeping him from truly claiming the love he wants to feel for Evie. All he will allow himself is Thor and Sinistre, and if Evie finds out his secret, he might not even have that.
I almost cried for Aaron and the absolute tragedy he was hiding, while I felt exalted to watch Evie find that maybe she can function and succeed in life, as well as on-line. Her friends are great as secondary characters, and the banter between them provides for many light moments throughout the heart-breaking story. Even it geeks and gamers aren’t your thing, Aaron is still a hot alpha, and I would recommend Endgame as a book well worth the time it takes to read. Absolutely 5 Stars!
June 19, 2017
At last! Something different has finally found it's way into the romance genre.
I badly needed something new and exciting to come along, and this was perfect! If you are bored of reading the same stories, tropes and cliches then this is something refreshing and exciting for you!!
So, before you read what type of book this is, and run away thinking it's not for you. Hold on! Yes, it's a gamer romance, and you may think you don't either like games, or understand game jargon, but don't worry, this isn't the sort of book that will confuse or bore you. It is a perfect blend of plot, romance, chemistry, incredible writing and it just so happens that the new element of gaming is mixed in with the story.
Evie loves her escapism, she plays her games to switch off from her routine days of work and the constant people who she would like to blast a few times with magic, to get rid of. Especially gorgeous idiots that she ends up with after a drunken night, trying to go out and do normal stuff. She comes home and switches off by logging on to play with her friends, nothing unusual there. That is until someone new ends up playing with them one night, and it sparks a need to move from pixels to real life.
This book has so much going for it. All the things that you love to see in your everyday romance stories, plus so many added extras. I went from sitting on the edge of my seat wondering what will happen next, to practically wetting myself at the hilarious moments that could only happen online. The chemistry is crazy once it moves from the screens to meeting up. And from there you have all the normal romance ups and downs, but with added extras. This is what makes this story so fun and intriguing. You don't just get romance, you get so much more!! Plus did I mention lead character Thor??? Uhh he is named like that because of who he looks like, and wow the visual you get on him is hot!
Plenty of action, drama, laugh-out-loud moments, excitement, nervous moments and of course swoon worthy romance, and heat!! You need to read this book, it will soon have you wanting to sign up to the first game you can find online!! 5 huge stars!
I badly needed something new and exciting to come along, and this was perfect! If you are bored of reading the same stories, tropes and cliches then this is something refreshing and exciting for you!!
So, before you read what type of book this is, and run away thinking it's not for you. Hold on! Yes, it's a gamer romance, and you may think you don't either like games, or understand game jargon, but don't worry, this isn't the sort of book that will confuse or bore you. It is a perfect blend of plot, romance, chemistry, incredible writing and it just so happens that the new element of gaming is mixed in with the story.
Evie loves her escapism, she plays her games to switch off from her routine days of work and the constant people who she would like to blast a few times with magic, to get rid of. Especially gorgeous idiots that she ends up with after a drunken night, trying to go out and do normal stuff. She comes home and switches off by logging on to play with her friends, nothing unusual there. That is until someone new ends up playing with them one night, and it sparks a need to move from pixels to real life.
This book has so much going for it. All the things that you love to see in your everyday romance stories, plus so many added extras. I went from sitting on the edge of my seat wondering what will happen next, to practically wetting myself at the hilarious moments that could only happen online. The chemistry is crazy once it moves from the screens to meeting up. And from there you have all the normal romance ups and downs, but with added extras. This is what makes this story so fun and intriguing. You don't just get romance, you get so much more!! Plus did I mention lead character Thor??? Uhh he is named like that because of who he looks like, and wow the visual you get on him is hot!
Plenty of action, drama, laugh-out-loud moments, excitement, nervous moments and of course swoon worthy romance, and heat!! You need to read this book, it will soon have you wanting to sign up to the first game you can find online!! 5 huge stars!
June 21, 2017
I once read a book called 'Gaming for Keeps' and it was an MMRPG gaming romance. It. ROCKED. My. World. I loved that book. So when I came across this - another RPG gaming romance, I was geeked.
The gaming parts are awesome. The build-up to Edie and Aaron's relationship (in-game and IRL) was acceptable. But the tedious angst and drag of life that happens AFTER they connect just about killed me. It was not an interesting or attention-keeping book. It dragged down with misunderstandings, uncertainty, and time-consuming coming-of-age decision-making.
And the writing was not good. I know it's different, because it's Aussie phrasing, but even that had issues. For example:
“Does this mean I leave now the quest is complete?” In the evening dim, I can’t make out Aaron’s expression. “I hope not.” He pushes the hat onto my head, pulling the material over my ears. I curl my slender fingers around his large ones. “I’m not.” We stand, facing each other, oblivious to passers-by...
'I'm not' doesn't fit grammatically. Unless it were 'Does this mean I'm leaving now'. But the way things are written, it's hard to read. It's wrong. And with the tedium I'm wading through, there was something grating about things like this.
I lived for the gaming bits. I could've done without a good half of the book, though. Which is never a good thing to end up saying, at the end of a read. You know?
The gaming parts are awesome. The build-up to Edie and Aaron's relationship (in-game and IRL) was acceptable. But the tedious angst and drag of life that happens AFTER they connect just about killed me. It was not an interesting or attention-keeping book. It dragged down with misunderstandings, uncertainty, and time-consuming coming-of-age decision-making.
And the writing was not good. I know it's different, because it's Aussie phrasing, but even that had issues. For example:
“Does this mean I leave now the quest is complete?” In the evening dim, I can’t make out Aaron’s expression. “I hope not.” He pushes the hat onto my head, pulling the material over my ears. I curl my slender fingers around his large ones. “I’m not.” We stand, facing each other, oblivious to passers-by...
'I'm not' doesn't fit grammatically. Unless it were 'Does this mean I'm leaving now'. But the way things are written, it's hard to read. It's wrong. And with the tedium I'm wading through, there was something grating about things like this.
I lived for the gaming bits. I could've done without a good half of the book, though. Which is never a good thing to end up saying, at the end of a read. You know?
June 18, 2017
*** I received an advanced copy and chose to review it ***
** 100% spoiler free review **
I'm a huge fan of Lisa Swallow's work and was excited to read End Game which is not my typical kind of story. I don't know much about gaming and have never experienced any kind of cosplay situations but I truly enjoyed this story and all of the gaming stuff that came along with it. Swallow does a wonderful job of explaining the game-speak so the reader understands what's going on throughout the story. Most of it was above my head but I didn't feel lost which was a bonus! The characters are charming and fun and the chemistry between Evie and Aaron is clearly evident. This is an enemies-to-lovers story in a way since Evie can't stand Aaron's online persona Thorsday. Once these two meet in person, all bets are off and they can't stay away from each other. There's an air of mystery surrounding Aaron and as his secrets eventually come out, readers will truly feel for him and his situation. The secondary characters were fun and I really hope that we will get Erin and Cole's story because I am really curious about those two and their secret relationship! Overall, End Game is a fun, enjoyable read that I highly recommend!
** 100% spoiler free review **
I'm a huge fan of Lisa Swallow's work and was excited to read End Game which is not my typical kind of story. I don't know much about gaming and have never experienced any kind of cosplay situations but I truly enjoyed this story and all of the gaming stuff that came along with it. Swallow does a wonderful job of explaining the game-speak so the reader understands what's going on throughout the story. Most of it was above my head but I didn't feel lost which was a bonus! The characters are charming and fun and the chemistry between Evie and Aaron is clearly evident. This is an enemies-to-lovers story in a way since Evie can't stand Aaron's online persona Thorsday. Once these two meet in person, all bets are off and they can't stay away from each other. There's an air of mystery surrounding Aaron and as his secrets eventually come out, readers will truly feel for him and his situation. The secondary characters were fun and I really hope that we will get Erin and Cole's story because I am really curious about those two and their secret relationship! Overall, End Game is a fun, enjoyable read that I highly recommend!
June 21, 2017
I read an advance reading copy of End Game by Lisa Swallow and I really liked it. It has a lot of potential to be a solid and very intriguing romance. The copy I read needed some editing and polishing but perhaps that will be taken care of in subsequent editions.
I liked and was intrigued by the characters. There was a mysterious backstory that was beyond any theories I could come up with. The online gaming jargon and descriptions seemed authentic, although I wouldn't know. They weren't excessive or distracting though. It just added to the atmosphere and character development.
I will say that a certain amount of suspension of disbelief was required because no one who sat around in front of a computer for that many hours or who ate that much junk food would have a body like what is described for either of the principle characters! And the front cover of the book, while cute with its pixels and all, could stand to look a bit more like those descriptions as well.
The friendships, escapism, insecurities and guilt etc that the characters experience was touching and felt realistic. And the ending was satisfying. I recommend this book, especially, as I mentioned, if some polishing of the prose takes place.
I liked and was intrigued by the characters. There was a mysterious backstory that was beyond any theories I could come up with. The online gaming jargon and descriptions seemed authentic, although I wouldn't know. They weren't excessive or distracting though. It just added to the atmosphere and character development.
I will say that a certain amount of suspension of disbelief was required because no one who sat around in front of a computer for that many hours or who ate that much junk food would have a body like what is described for either of the principle characters! And the front cover of the book, while cute with its pixels and all, could stand to look a bit more like those descriptions as well.
The friendships, escapism, insecurities and guilt etc that the characters experience was touching and felt realistic. And the ending was satisfying. I recommend this book, especially, as I mentioned, if some polishing of the prose takes place.
June 18, 2017
Lisa Swallow has captured my heart with her new Gamer Romance, End Game. Though I am not a gamer, I personally fell in love with the characters she wrote about. She managed to get me interested in gaming as well as the entire world around it. The way she portrayed their thoughts and enthusiasm for gaming had me intrigued. It didn't hurt that she also made geeky gamers become H-O-T! I would so want to meet Thorsday in real life!!!
Evie is an Australian on-line gamer who lives for leveling up and cosplay. She dominates her guild, until an Thorsday joins and her on-line world is filled with chaos. There is something about him that is mysterious and draws her to him. But she can't define it. She knows there's something he is hiding, but will it be revealed if they meet in real life, or is fantasy all they can relate to?
This intriguing stand alone was well worth the read! I found myself burning through the pages to find out what would happen next. Like I said before, I am not a gamer. But Lisa wrote about it in a way that made me completely feel lost it in their world. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!
Evie is an Australian on-line gamer who lives for leveling up and cosplay. She dominates her guild, until an Thorsday joins and her on-line world is filled with chaos. There is something about him that is mysterious and draws her to him. But she can't define it. She knows there's something he is hiding, but will it be revealed if they meet in real life, or is fantasy all they can relate to?
This intriguing stand alone was well worth the read! I found myself burning through the pages to find out what would happen next. Like I said before, I am not a gamer. But Lisa wrote about it in a way that made me completely feel lost it in their world. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!
June 18, 2017
This is the first book that I have read by Lisa Swallow. This book was WOW !! I have to admit that there was some gaming references that I totally did not understand but it did not take away from the book at all. This book is a page turner. Evie tries to hide herself in the game world to avoid living her life. She is more assertive in the game world then in real life. Aaron is just plain hiding in the game world because for him life in the real world is way to hard. Evie and Aaron first meet online gaming and you can tell from the way they interact that they are drawn to each other. When they meet for the first time it is explosive in so many ways. This is an amazing book about two people who need each other to heal but fight it all the way. There is a lot of misunderstandings, heartache and so much more. This book was beyond anything that I have read before. It takes two broken people and heals them as one. I would highly recommend you read this book. It will make you laugh and cry. The only bad thing about this book was that it had to end. I would love for Evie's and Aaron's story to continue.
I voluntarily received an ARC for my honest review.
I voluntarily received an ARC for my honest review.
June 26, 2017
This was my first book by this author but it will NOT be my last. This is a different kind of romance in the fact that it blurs the line between online and the real world. Therefore a lot of this book takes place with them ONLINE and chatting through the one line role playing game.
Evie though is friends with a lot of the guys in real life, until she meets Thorsday when he joins their group. He lives in a different city, but because of how he joins she has an instant dislike for him. But everything changes when they meet in real life. The lines blur between online and real and Aaron doesn't deal well with it.
But long distance relationships are hard and they have their game and so when tensions are high everyone else feels it. I love Evie roommate Erin and I like that she isn't into the gaming world really, it gives it a nice balance.
While I haven't gamed in years, it was sure a nice call back to those days of making friends online and how it really can be an escape from your normal life. Evie and Aaron both felt the need to escape.
But this book with being different and having the "gaming" elements just pushed this book over the top to just make it amazing!
Evie though is friends with a lot of the guys in real life, until she meets Thorsday when he joins their group. He lives in a different city, but because of how he joins she has an instant dislike for him. But everything changes when they meet in real life. The lines blur between online and real and Aaron doesn't deal well with it.
But long distance relationships are hard and they have their game and so when tensions are high everyone else feels it. I love Evie roommate Erin and I like that she isn't into the gaming world really, it gives it a nice balance.
While I haven't gamed in years, it was sure a nice call back to those days of making friends online and how it really can be an escape from your normal life. Evie and Aaron both felt the need to escape.
But this book with being different and having the "gaming" elements just pushed this book over the top to just make it amazing!
June 29, 2017
I am a World of Warcraft widow; as such I understand most of what is discussed relative to the game described in this book. HOWEVER, if I didn't know about all of this, I would probably be extremely annoyed. In fact, it feels like it overshadows the actual relationships in the book.
Evie meets Aaron after she games with him online and they all attend a comic-con. They're instantly attracted once they meet in person, but he lives in Sydney and she and all the friends/guildies in Perth. She lives an extremely sheltered geeky life, with little social interaction outside of the game, with the exception of a one night stand that is regrettable.
Aaron is intriguing and seemingly romantic, but is hiding something with vague answers to reasonable questions and/or evading the questions entirely. We finally figure it out but Evie has to get her life together and needs to decide if she can trust him.
I almost always have issues with endings of books and this epilogue here is no exception. Wanted a better HFN/HEA.
Evie meets Aaron after she games with him online and they all attend a comic-con. They're instantly attracted once they meet in person, but he lives in Sydney and she and all the friends/guildies in Perth. She lives an extremely sheltered geeky life, with little social interaction outside of the game, with the exception of a one night stand that is regrettable.
Aaron is intriguing and seemingly romantic, but is hiding something with vague answers to reasonable questions and/or evading the questions entirely. We finally figure it out but Evie has to get her life together and needs to decide if she can trust him.
I almost always have issues with endings of books and this epilogue here is no exception. Wanted a better HFN/HEA.
May 13, 2021
¿Qué decir?
Lejos estoy del mundo gamer y sus derivados(no me llaman la atención, de momento).
Dejando de lado ese detalle, traté de ponerle toda la onda para explorar tierras desconocidas. PERO la lectura me resultó densa, hubo párrafos que los pasé de largo. Capaz resultaba más ameno si mechaba POV del protagonista (?), lo dudo. Estuve a nada de meter un DNF.
Doble no:
~No logré conectar con la protagonista, para nada. Me agotó. Menos con el melodrama de él.
~No sé si volveré a leer algo de la autora,lo dudo.
Lejos estoy del mundo gamer y sus derivados
Dejando de lado ese detalle, traté de ponerle toda la onda para explorar tierras desconocidas. PERO la lectura me resultó densa, hubo párrafos que los pasé de largo. Capaz resultaba más ameno si mechaba POV del protagonista (?), lo dudo. Estuve a nada de meter un DNF.
Doble no:
~No logré conectar con la protagonista, para nada. Me agotó. Menos con el melodrama de él.
~No sé si volveré a leer algo de la autora,
June 14, 2017
ARC provided for honest review.
So, I got a kick out of the online play scenes because I’ve heard the lingo and arguing in my own house. I do think they could have left it behind once in reality, but then again, I’ve never been a hardcore gamer.
Evie was funny, snarky, but insecure. I do wish she had been a little less needy. I felt like she may throw herself off a cliff if Aaron didn’t return her affection. I just wanted her to be stronger, and to not wallow around in misery over a guy she didn’t really know.
Aaron. I was obvious he was hiding something. I didn’t think he had to spill all to someone who was barely more than a stranger, but he could have been a little more forthcoming.
Will a relationship last when two people barely know the other but are insanely attracted to each other? Stranger things have happened.
So, I got a kick out of the online play scenes because I’ve heard the lingo and arguing in my own house. I do think they could have left it behind once in reality, but then again, I’ve never been a hardcore gamer.
Evie was funny, snarky, but insecure. I do wish she had been a little less needy. I felt like she may throw herself off a cliff if Aaron didn’t return her affection. I just wanted her to be stronger, and to not wallow around in misery over a guy she didn’t really know.
Aaron. I was obvious he was hiding something. I didn’t think he had to spill all to someone who was barely more than a stranger, but he could have been a little more forthcoming.
Will a relationship last when two people barely know the other but are insanely attracted to each other? Stranger things have happened.
June 29, 2017
Ahhh! Their story was just perf and had an easy-vibe to read. It's refreshing for me to read a gamer's romance but I had a lot of fun reading this book. Their banters and the way the tease each other. I wish I had friends like Cole, Tyler and Erin. Anyway, Evie and Aaron's first "meeting" was amusing since they bantered a lot and started off the wrong foot but I was glad they had their late night or early morning chats and gotten closer somehow. Their relationship was hot and chill at the same time but the downside was Aaron was to vague and secretive. He shares but just enough to know the basics but not the whole person. It's a good thing that Evie's open-minded. So, all's well and ends well. This is a good read!!
June 15, 2017
Lisa kindly sent me an ARC for this book; she asked for non-gamers' perspectives and as to whether the gaming references made it too difficult to follow the story. Now, there are gaming references in there, which I do not understand at all, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book at all. I identified with the Erin character who is also a non-gamer for most of the book. I love Lisa's writing style and have read everything she has published. She manages to draw me in and makes it very hard for me to go to sleep when I read her work before bed as it's just so addictive. I recommend this book to gamers and non-gamers alike. Read it!
June 17, 2017
Oh my gosh!!! I totally loved this book!!!
The chemistry between Evie and Aaron is hot and their quirkiness is hilarious. As a gamer myself, I loved all their interactions in game and loved how that was a facet of their relationship. They both grew as the story progressed and I liked how the author ended the book. I really hope the author writes more books in this world as the secondary characters were fun too. Loved the author's writing style and will definitely be reading more works by her.
I received an ARC of the book.
The chemistry between Evie and Aaron is hot and their quirkiness is hilarious. As a gamer myself, I loved all their interactions in game and loved how that was a facet of their relationship. They both grew as the story progressed and I liked how the author ended the book. I really hope the author writes more books in this world as the secondary characters were fun too. Loved the author's writing style and will definitely be reading more works by her.
I received an ARC of the book.
June 19, 2017
This was the first book I read by Lisa Swallow and I loved the story!
I don't understand anything about games at all, but that didn't stop me from understanding and loving this story. The story held my attention all the time.
I loved Evie and her passion for games, although it's her "weapon" to avoid living her real life. When Aaron appears in her virtual world, things get very interesting because he challenges her in his game.
I fell in love with the characters and their story to finally find true love.
I highly recommend the reading.
I received an ARC and voluntarily reviewed this book.
I don't understand anything about games at all, but that didn't stop me from understanding and loving this story. The story held my attention all the time.
I loved Evie and her passion for games, although it's her "weapon" to avoid living her real life. When Aaron appears in her virtual world, things get very interesting because he challenges her in his game.
I fell in love with the characters and their story to finally find true love.
I highly recommend the reading.
I received an ARC and voluntarily reviewed this book.
June 22, 2017
For a girl like me, who plays WoW, i loved this book.
Its funny and so real to life... okay, maybe not every guy playing the game is a Thor, but the way they speak to each other irl about the game is so real to how it is in my guild.
One thing i will say, is I´m not sure i loved how easy she forgives him, but i loved they romance. It´s a sweet romance and i love that she´s a "pig", even if she is a little to pretty for the amount of junk she eats and drinks and doesn´t do anything to loose weight.
I was intertained all the way, so 5 stars from me is earned!
Its funny and so real to life... okay, maybe not every guy playing the game is a Thor, but the way they speak to each other irl about the game is so real to how it is in my guild.
One thing i will say, is I´m not sure i loved how easy she forgives him, but i loved they romance. It´s a sweet romance and i love that she´s a "pig", even if she is a little to pretty for the amount of junk she eats and drinks and doesn´t do anything to loose weight.
I was intertained all the way, so 5 stars from me is earned!
July 16, 2017
As an MMORPG gamer myself, I loved reading about things that I relate to. Evie and Aaron have some reluctant chemistry online but in person they definitely create sparks. The plot was interesting and a bit dramatic. I'm not a huge fan of how Aaron behaved at times and that made it a little harder to believe his feelings genuine. However, I did like his attempt at making up for his mistakes and his banter/exchanges with Evie. I'd say it's definitely a story for the YA/NA lovers. You don't have to be a gamer to enjoy it.
April 21, 2019
Really good!
I loved how original this book was. There aren't many gamer romances out there (that I've found) although I'm.sure it will become more popular. Being a gamer myself I really enjoyed the way the story brought these elements into the romance and I felt the story along with the characters. I don't think you need to ba a gamer to enjoy it though as this part doesn't overwhelm the 'real life' elements. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes thier romance with an original plotline :)
I loved how original this book was. There aren't many gamer romances out there (that I've found) although I'm.sure it will become more popular. Being a gamer myself I really enjoyed the way the story brought these elements into the romance and I felt the story along with the characters. I don't think you need to ba a gamer to enjoy it though as this part doesn't overwhelm the 'real life' elements. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes thier romance with an original plotline :)
June 20, 2017
End Game: A Gamer Romance was my first read from author Lisa Swallow and it was a good one. Typical romance I thought as I started reading, set in a gamer’s environment and for a while it followed through like that. Then a good read changed to a have to turn the next page with a twist of the author’s pen. No spoilers here though, you’ll have to read the book ad I did, and I’ll be reading more from Lisa Swallow, in fact I already own a couple of more books by her.
October 30, 2017
Cute, gamer , HEA story.
I liked it a lot, Evie and Aaron / sin and Thorsday find their online and real world boundaries getting blurred when Aaron arrives in Perth ( from Sydney) to meet up with his online gaming friends. They pretty much go from online dislike to real life lust ,then need to navigate around the obstacles and painful pasts to find their happily ever after.
There are a few spelling errors but nothing overtly annoying.
Another great read from Lisa Swallow
I liked it a lot, Evie and Aaron / sin and Thorsday find their online and real world boundaries getting blurred when Aaron arrives in Perth ( from Sydney) to meet up with his online gaming friends. They pretty much go from online dislike to real life lust ,then need to navigate around the obstacles and painful pasts to find their happily ever after.
There are a few spelling errors but nothing overtly annoying.
Another great read from Lisa Swallow
July 14, 2017
A clever mix of gaming nods mixed with real life drama, readable and understandable to those outside of fandoms and gaming groups as there are not too many techy terms. A few nice one liners, I enjoyed the humour very much.
Spoiler alert: the cover models on the jacket don't match the descriptions of the main characters (which annoys me a little).
Spoiler alert: the cover models on the jacket don't match the descriptions of the main characters (which annoys me a little).
March 15, 2018
Short review. Online gaming, romance and a little bit of mystery. Evie and Aaron have wonderful chemistry, I do wish some chapters were told from Aaron's point of view but I understand why they weren't. There were definitely times I wanted to shake Aaron and tell him to stop being so critique and be honest about with Evie, the ending felt rushed and could have been fleshed out more.
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