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Fandom Hearts #4
What Happens at Con
Ani wants just one night of abandon....
She's burned out from dealing with sexist crap, and with the hell of her grad program looming ahead of her, she just wants one night of nameless cosplay masquerade sex to blow off some steam. But even that goes wrong when the masks come off....
Abraham wants more than he ever expected....
He's usually been a short-term guy, but one night with Ani opens his eyes. He's shocked when she's the one to pull away, saying that with everything she's got going on, she has neither the time nor energy for a relationship.
Can this tough guy prove he has what it takes to care?
She doesn't need a defender: She needs a supporter, someone to help her pick up the slack in her life. He's been a fighter, not a nurturer, but he'll do whatever it takes to show her that what happened at Con shouldn't just stay at Con....
She's burned out from dealing with sexist crap, and with the hell of her grad program looming ahead of her, she just wants one night of nameless cosplay masquerade sex to blow off some steam. But even that goes wrong when the masks come off....
Abraham wants more than he ever expected....
He's usually been a short-term guy, but one night with Ani opens his eyes. He's shocked when she's the one to pull away, saying that with everything she's got going on, she has neither the time nor energy for a relationship.
Can this tough guy prove he has what it takes to care?
She doesn't need a defender: She needs a supporter, someone to help her pick up the slack in her life. He's been a fighter, not a nurturer, but he'll do whatever it takes to show her that what happened at Con shouldn't just stay at Con....
158 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2018
64 people are currently reading
365 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Yardley
78 books1,413 followersCathy Yardley is an award-winning author of romance, chick lit, and urban fantasy, who has sold over 1.2 million copies of books for publishers like St. Martin's, Avon, and Harlequin. She writes fun, geeky, and diverse characters who believe that underdogs can make good and that sometimes being a little wrong is just right.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
August 7, 2019
This series continues charming.
May 23, 2019
Rating: 3.5 stars
I really love this series - like, SO MUCH. I love the strong friendships between the group of friends that revolves around a geeky bookstore (like, what's not to love?) That being said, this was probably my least favorite installment of the series so far - but I still did really enjoy it, don't get me wrong! I just didn't hardcore bounce off the walls with excitement and joy reading it like I did the others in the series.
If you read the first book in the Fandom Hearts series, you likely remember Abraham. He was kind of a giant sexist tool and not very likable. Even though this book is about him, and even though he does go through a remarkable amount of personal growth, I still didn't find him very likable - and he's the hero of the story! I am the type of person who has a hard time really enjoying a book if I can't see myself being friends with and enjoying the company of the romantic leads. I appreciate that Abraham comes from a super toxic background and to some extent "can't help it," and that he manages to go through an impressive amount of personal growth. I also really appreciate that he doesn't magically change just because he finds the "right girl," but instead knows he's flawed and is going to keep screwing up, but hopefully not make the same mistakes twice.
I don't really remember Ani from any of the earlier books (but it's been a while since I read them), so I spent half of the book trying to remember who she is. She spends a goodly portion of this book under some MAJOR stress, trying to take the next step in getting her doctorate. I love how passionate she is about her field of study (infectious diseases!), and Lord knows I love a woman in STEM. I do wish there's been some more about her study of infectious diseases in the book, though, because she is CLEARLY a bad-ass and I don't feel like that was really IN the story enough.
This is the fourth book in the fandom hearts series, and while it can be read as a stand alone it does have some spoilers for the first book, Level Up. Also there are a lot of characters in this one, with Ani's friend group and Abraham's friend/work group involved, and the first book in the series does a really good job setting up all these characters and their interweaving relationships. For maximum understanding of who everyone is, read Level Up first, if not the others in the series before this one. :)
I really love this series - like, SO MUCH. I love the strong friendships between the group of friends that revolves around a geeky bookstore (like, what's not to love?) That being said, this was probably my least favorite installment of the series so far - but I still did really enjoy it, don't get me wrong! I just didn't hardcore bounce off the walls with excitement and joy reading it like I did the others in the series.
If you read the first book in the Fandom Hearts series, you likely remember Abraham. He was kind of a giant sexist tool and not very likable. Even though this book is about him, and even though he does go through a remarkable amount of personal growth, I still didn't find him very likable - and he's the hero of the story! I am the type of person who has a hard time really enjoying a book if I can't see myself being friends with and enjoying the company of the romantic leads. I appreciate that Abraham comes from a super toxic background and to some extent "can't help it," and that he manages to go through an impressive amount of personal growth. I also really appreciate that he doesn't magically change just because he finds the "right girl," but instead knows he's flawed and is going to keep screwing up, but hopefully not make the same mistakes twice.
I don't really remember Ani from any of the earlier books (but it's been a while since I read them), so I spent half of the book trying to remember who she is. She spends a goodly portion of this book under some MAJOR stress, trying to take the next step in getting her doctorate. I love how passionate she is about her field of study (infectious diseases!), and Lord knows I love a woman in STEM. I do wish there's been some more about her study of infectious diseases in the book, though, because she is CLEARLY a bad-ass and I don't feel like that was really IN the story enough.
This is the fourth book in the fandom hearts series, and while it can be read as a stand alone it does have some spoilers for the first book, Level Up. Also there are a lot of characters in this one, with Ani's friend group and Abraham's friend/work group involved, and the first book in the series does a really good job setting up all these characters and their interweaving relationships. For maximum understanding of who everyone is, read Level Up first, if not the others in the series before this one. :)
August 9, 2021
Ani knows she has a hard road ahead of her as she deals with her sexist grad program adviser. So when Ani goes to the Erotica City Con for a night of anonymous fun she never expects her hookup to be the obnoxious man from her friend's video game company. Abraham is shocked to see his sexy siren is Ani but he's also immediately captivated and he proposes a few weeks of fun for both of them.
As Ani and Abraham begin to spend time together they're both confronted with their incorrect assumptions about each other. One of the best parts of WHAT HAPPENS AT CON is how the characters come to see the true person under the public persona. Ani is used to the hardships of being a woman in a science field so she's always ready to defend herself. While Abraham has many years of dealing with his father's misguided ideas about masculinity and what a "real man" should be doing with his life.
Of course, Abraham is not magically fixed but he does begin to let go of his misguided ideas about gender roles and relationships. We as the reader see a lot of how Abraham has been conditioned by his father and society to act the way he does, but I wish that Ani had seen more of that. I never felt like she really understood just how much Abraham changed. That being said I really liked Ani, she's smart, a hard worker, and while a bit stubborn, she's also really dedicated to work and her friends. Ani and Abraham certainly set off sparks frequently but I also felt they were a good match.
As Ani and Abraham begin to spend time together they're both confronted with their incorrect assumptions about each other. One of the best parts of WHAT HAPPENS AT CON is how the characters come to see the true person under the public persona. Ani is used to the hardships of being a woman in a science field so she's always ready to defend herself. While Abraham has many years of dealing with his father's misguided ideas about masculinity and what a "real man" should be doing with his life.
Of course, Abraham is not magically fixed but he does begin to let go of his misguided ideas about gender roles and relationships. We as the reader see a lot of how Abraham has been conditioned by his father and society to act the way he does, but I wish that Ani had seen more of that. I never felt like she really understood just how much Abraham changed. That being said I really liked Ani, she's smart, a hard worker, and while a bit stubborn, she's also really dedicated to work and her friends. Ani and Abraham certainly set off sparks frequently but I also felt they were a good match.
October 21, 2020
Ani is tired of dealing with sexist crap during her grad program. She just wants one nameless night to relax and blow off steam. But when the masks come off she realizes it's not a nameless stranger, it's Abraham, and she wants more.
After loving the last book so much, I am sad to say that this one disappointed me. I didn’t like Abraham in the previous books so I was apprehensive about this book. While Abraham does change in the end, his constant sexist crap and toxic masculinity got old quick. It is constant in this book between Ani’s graduate advisor, Abraham, Abraham’s father, and his coworkers. It made me really struggle to finish this book, which is disappointing since I actually really liked Ani.
Ani is a very hardworking woman. She is determined to get her degree and has been dealing with hazing from an advisor who doesn't think women should be in STEM. Ani is the kind of heroine I really like. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t enough for me to enjoy this book.
Overall, this was my least favorite of the series, which makes me very sad, but I am going to read the rest because I still want to see the other sisters/friends fall in love.
This review was originally posted at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
After loving the last book so much, I am sad to say that this one disappointed me. I didn’t like Abraham in the previous books so I was apprehensive about this book. While Abraham does change in the end, his constant sexist crap and toxic masculinity got old quick. It is constant in this book between Ani’s graduate advisor, Abraham, Abraham’s father, and his coworkers. It made me really struggle to finish this book, which is disappointing since I actually really liked Ani.
Ani is a very hardworking woman. She is determined to get her degree and has been dealing with hazing from an advisor who doesn't think women should be in STEM. Ani is the kind of heroine I really like. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t enough for me to enjoy this book.
Overall, this was my least favorite of the series, which makes me very sad, but I am going to read the rest because I still want to see the other sisters/friends fall in love.
This review was originally posted at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
November 27, 2023
Ani and Abe are cool, it's good to see Abe develop as a character over the series. However, this story wasn't quite as fun for me to read as the others 😆 maybe because I've had a lot of grad student friends and know that what Ani went through isn't far fetched at all.
March 19, 2025
3.5ish stars rounded up. This series is unserious and I enjoy that about it. I didn’t expect Abraham to be reformed so neatly but you did see the development over the previous couple of books. Solid romance.
September 15, 2019
Ani is an over stressed grad student looking to blow off some steam at Erotica City Con, which leads her straight into the bed of a mysterious stranger. Unfortunately, once the masks come off, Ani realizes that this "stranger" is actually the misogynistic Abraham, a local game designer that she can't stand. But there's no denying the heat that exists between the two of them. Are Ani and Alabaman meant to be a one night stand. or more?
The hate-to-love romance has certainly been done before, but Yardley handles it really well here. I love the journeys that the two characters go through. Abraham must learn to shed his misogynistic ways (inherited from his father, and nurtured in the military), and Ani needs to learn to out smart and stand up to her jerk off adviser. The chemistry between the two characters is really well done, and the ending feels earned. This may be my favorite book in the Fandom Hearts series yet.
The hate-to-love romance has certainly been done before, but Yardley handles it really well here. I love the journeys that the two characters go through. Abraham must learn to shed his misogynistic ways (inherited from his father, and nurtured in the military), and Ani needs to learn to out smart and stand up to her jerk off adviser. The chemistry between the two characters is really well done, and the ending feels earned. This may be my favorite book in the Fandom Hearts series yet.
September 3, 2019
Another good book in the series.
August 8, 2018
Ani is prepared to spend the next two years in her grad program dealing with a sexist adviser and a nearly insurmountable amount of work in addition to her own thesis. After one night of recklessness, one night of abandon, one night of worry-free sex with a stranger Ani still won’t set aside her goals for a fling, but maybe she can find the time for a relationship.
Abraham is starting to feel tired and alone without a partner. One night stands just aren’t cutting it anymore and when he meets Ani, he can’t get her out of his head.
He’ll have to fight to win her over. She’ll have to decide what’s worth her time and energy. Will either of them survive Ani’s thesis adviser from hell?
I read this fast-paced romance in one sitting. As soon as I finished, I wanted to read more.
Yardley reels the reader in with her vibrant characters and their believable problems. I was riveted during the entire story.
I was pleased that Ani wasn’t your run-of-the-mill damsel, but none of Yardley’s characters are in any of the books I’ve read. Ani is such a great role model to read about. She’s a hard-working, nose-to-the grind woman who’s in STEM and going for her doctorate. She knows what she wants and she does what she has to do to get there. And yet society is still there pushing back at her for being a woman in STEM.
Abraham wasn’t a cut and dried male lead, either. Yardley gave him depth. There was much more to him than met the eye and I’m glad Ani didn’t immediately fall for his good looks. Scratch that, because she totally fell for his good looks! Even though she saw him as only his good looks to begin with (I see what you did there Yardley), she eventually saw past his surface level attractiveness to his personality.
Abraham is starting to feel tired and alone without a partner. One night stands just aren’t cutting it anymore and when he meets Ani, he can’t get her out of his head.
He’ll have to fight to win her over. She’ll have to decide what’s worth her time and energy. Will either of them survive Ani’s thesis adviser from hell?
I read this fast-paced romance in one sitting. As soon as I finished, I wanted to read more.
Yardley reels the reader in with her vibrant characters and their believable problems. I was riveted during the entire story.
I was pleased that Ani wasn’t your run-of-the-mill damsel, but none of Yardley’s characters are in any of the books I’ve read. Ani is such a great role model to read about. She’s a hard-working, nose-to-the grind woman who’s in STEM and going for her doctorate. She knows what she wants and she does what she has to do to get there. And yet society is still there pushing back at her for being a woman in STEM.
Abraham wasn’t a cut and dried male lead, either. Yardley gave him depth. There was much more to him than met the eye and I’m glad Ani didn’t immediately fall for his good looks. Scratch that, because she totally fell for his good looks! Even though she saw him as only his good looks to begin with (I see what you did there Yardley), she eventually saw past his surface level attractiveness to his personality.
September 25, 2018
Actual rating 4.75
I don't know if I just was really in the mood for some good smut and cuteness or if this book was even better than the previous books in the series but oh my goodness. I LOVED THIS. I have always liked Abraham as a character so I was so stoked to see him finally get some attraction and love in this book! Also Ani! I adore her so so much. I also loved seeing more of my og girl Tessa in this. She hasn't been as present in the other girl's stories so I liked seeing her be a more prominent character again. While this book wasnt perfect it was exactly what I needed to read right now to stave off the reading slump I could sense creepin up on me. Cathy Yardley can honestly keep publishing this series forever and I will continue to read and love it!
I don't know if I just was really in the mood for some good smut and cuteness or if this book was even better than the previous books in the series but oh my goodness. I LOVED THIS. I have always liked Abraham as a character so I was so stoked to see him finally get some attraction and love in this book! Also Ani! I adore her so so much. I also loved seeing more of my og girl Tessa in this. She hasn't been as present in the other girl's stories so I liked seeing her be a more prominent character again. While this book wasnt perfect it was exactly what I needed to read right now to stave off the reading slump I could sense creepin up on me. Cathy Yardley can honestly keep publishing this series forever and I will continue to read and love it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2019
Another knock out of the park! Ani is a women in a male dominated lab and must overcome her sexist professor to get her research approved. She will earn her PhD if it means not sleeping or clearing out the lab every weekend. Abraham comes off as the classic sexist alpha male or is there more to him than what he portrays. This is a tale about two strong people who must learn to trust each other and find love on their own terms.
February 3, 2021
Level Up is my favorite of the fandom hearts series but this one comes in as a close second. While I liked One True Pairing and Game of Hearts, this one had me gripping my seat.
I just loved delving into Abraham. He’s an endearing character once we get to know him
Also, I’m just really into the characters that work at MPG.
I just loved delving into Abraham. He’s an endearing character once we get to know him
Also, I’m just really into the characters that work at MPG.
August 2, 2018
A rare find!
I was browsing the store for a romance novel, and stumbled upon this gem. Loved the diverse cast. I haven't read the others in this series, but will surely give them a chance! I read this in one sitting, was hard to put down! I'm glad to have found a new author!!
I was browsing the store for a romance novel, and stumbled upon this gem. Loved the diverse cast. I haven't read the others in this series, but will surely give them a chance! I read this in one sitting, was hard to put down! I'm glad to have found a new author!!
August 17, 2018
Love the geek girls
Ani is the ultimate strong woman and Abraham is a sexy asshat, and yet it works. I really enjoy this series and I always look forward to the next installments.
Ani is the ultimate strong woman and Abraham is a sexy asshat, and yet it works. I really enjoy this series and I always look forward to the next installments.
September 20, 2018
Review forthcoming
October 1, 2018
Definitely my favorite of all the fandom hearts books!
November 13, 2024
I still admire how Cathy Yardley manages to connect these stories so well and that all the couples are different. That being said, I never liked Abraham and I still don't after reading this.
Ani works in STEM and has an advisor who is supremely sexist. I knew there was only one way she'd be able to get past him, and that's the route it took.
Similarly, Abraham has been reveling in toxic masculinity since book one. We saw a glimpse of him changing when he backed up Kyla in Game of Hearts, stepping up to help her out and telling her to give him a call if she needs to get rid of Jericho, but I still don't like him after What Happens at Con.
Yes he's showing character development and it's definitely hard to break out of a system that has been telling him to be that guy since he was just a kid. I appreciate him changing. But much like Ani didn't forgive him for what he did to Tessa, although she'd long forgiven him herself, neither am I. Ani is experiencing these changes first hand so it's fine for her to change her mind. I will not.
I like that Jose on a side note also finally got himself a girlfriend though. Somehow, while he was an absolute "Horndog" I always felt like all the bullshit he said was humorous, whereas Abe's wasn't.
“She was tired of sophisticated and civil, or worse, convenient. She wanted a man who was crazy about her. She wanted him to crawl for her, ready to beg for her. Someone who would drag himself across a battlefield, simply for a kiss.”
Ani works in STEM and has an advisor who is supremely sexist. I knew there was only one way she'd be able to get past him, and that's the route it took.
Similarly, Abraham has been reveling in toxic masculinity since book one. We saw a glimpse of him changing when he backed up Kyla in Game of Hearts, stepping up to help her out and telling her to give him a call if she needs to get rid of Jericho, but I still don't like him after What Happens at Con.
“You want everything your way. You think it's unfair that you do what women have been doing for centuries — being the helpmate, being the one who actually gives the support and the shoulder, who bears the burden quietly. Too much for you? Fuck. Right. Off.”
Yes he's showing character development and it's definitely hard to break out of a system that has been telling him to be that guy since he was just a kid. I appreciate him changing. But much like Ani didn't forgive him for what he did to Tessa, although she'd long forgiven him herself, neither am I. Ani is experiencing these changes first hand so it's fine for her to change her mind. I will not.
I like that Jose on a side note also finally got himself a girlfriend though. Somehow, while he was an absolute "Horndog" I always felt like all the bullshit he said was humorous, whereas Abe's wasn't.
February 9, 2023
https://celebrityreaders.com/2023/02/...
2.5 stars — I probably went into this wary from the little I remembered of Abraham from previous books, and unfortunately he never won me over.
I totally understand that there is a WHOLE schwakload of humans out there still fully intrenched in toxic masculinity. But if my hero is going to be swimming in it, then I’m going to need a lot of growth. And the problem with this book is that it was just entirely too short to do it justice. I feel like he barely skimmed the surface of starting to see things in a better light (and I truly mean BARELY), and then he was just changing for Ani. It was completely shallow and utterly unbelievable. I have zero faith that he would stay on the right trajectory, especially given his family and his co-workers. Frankly, even Jose’s turnaround was unbelievable. I WANTED it for both of them, but what I got was uninspiring.
And besides all of that, I’m not sure I really got a good feel of who Abraham was. I didn’t connect with him on any other level.
Ani was a little bit better, but even her struggles felt a bit lacking in depth. She’s dealing with a very serious situation, and while she does eventually get her big moment, I would have enjoyed it more if it was more nuanced.
As for the two of them together? Besides lust, I didn’t feel much of a connection. Even their relationship felt flat and shallow. What connected them outside the bedroom and arguing about gender roles and feminist ideals? Abraham constantly thought about how beautiful and sexy she was, and she thought about how muscular and hot he was. But what did they talk about? What did they do together? I don’t know. I was disappointed.
So yeah. I’m probably only rounding up because I really enjoy this author and I enjoy the nerdy setting…but to say it wasn’t my fave is an understatement.
2.5 stars — I probably went into this wary from the little I remembered of Abraham from previous books, and unfortunately he never won me over.
I totally understand that there is a WHOLE schwakload of humans out there still fully intrenched in toxic masculinity. But if my hero is going to be swimming in it, then I’m going to need a lot of growth. And the problem with this book is that it was just entirely too short to do it justice. I feel like he barely skimmed the surface of starting to see things in a better light (and I truly mean BARELY), and then he was just changing for Ani. It was completely shallow and utterly unbelievable. I have zero faith that he would stay on the right trajectory, especially given his family and his co-workers. Frankly, even Jose’s turnaround was unbelievable. I WANTED it for both of them, but what I got was uninspiring.
And besides all of that, I’m not sure I really got a good feel of who Abraham was. I didn’t connect with him on any other level.
Ani was a little bit better, but even her struggles felt a bit lacking in depth. She’s dealing with a very serious situation, and while she does eventually get her big moment, I would have enjoyed it more if it was more nuanced.
As for the two of them together? Besides lust, I didn’t feel much of a connection. Even their relationship felt flat and shallow. What connected them outside the bedroom and arguing about gender roles and feminist ideals? Abraham constantly thought about how beautiful and sexy she was, and she thought about how muscular and hot he was. But what did they talk about? What did they do together? I don’t know. I was disappointed.
So yeah. I’m probably only rounding up because I really enjoy this author and I enjoy the nerdy setting…but to say it wasn’t my fave is an understatement.
April 14, 2025
This wasn't my favourite of the Fandom Hearts books, but I did still enjoy it.
I think part of what dragged it down a bit for me was Ani's despondent resignation to the way her supervisor treated her. Unfortunately, the academic equivalent of 'constructive dismissal' is probably all too realistic for a woman of colour who finds herself in Ani's situation, but that doesn't make it any more enjoyable to read about, especially in the context of what I was hoping for when I picked the book up, which was low-angst, non-anxiety-spiking, romance. (To be clear: I do NOT think the book is bad for touching on these issues. It's important stuff. It's just not what I was after for this particular reading experience.)
What I did enjoy, however, was getting to see Abraham - who, let's face it, has been a massive arsehole in previous books (although, granted, we did get to see a different side of him in Game of Hearts) - engage in some serious self-reflection, take responsbility for his arseholery, and then actually change. THIS is what I'd like to think people are capable of, although sometimes I have my doubts.
And next up is Simon and Mallory's story, which I'm very much looking forward to diving into.
I think part of what dragged it down a bit for me was Ani's despondent resignation to the way her supervisor treated her. Unfortunately, the academic equivalent of 'constructive dismissal' is probably all too realistic for a woman of colour who finds herself in Ani's situation, but that doesn't make it any more enjoyable to read about, especially in the context of what I was hoping for when I picked the book up, which was low-angst, non-anxiety-spiking, romance. (To be clear: I do NOT think the book is bad for touching on these issues. It's important stuff. It's just not what I was after for this particular reading experience.)
What I did enjoy, however, was getting to see Abraham - who, let's face it, has been a massive arsehole in previous books (although, granted, we did get to see a different side of him in Game of Hearts) - engage in some serious self-reflection, take responsbility for his arseholery, and then actually change. THIS is what I'd like to think people are capable of, although sometimes I have my doubts.
And next up is Simon and Mallory's story, which I'm very much looking forward to diving into.
January 6, 2023
This one wasn't quite as good as Game of Hearts but I still really enjoyed reading it. I also really liked the idea of masculine / feminine and where you draw the line between what you do for someone you love. What does it mean to be whipped? What are the circumstances when someone is taking advantage of you? How do you define that and how does it make you feel to do those things?
I really enjoyed how much Abraham especially grew in this book. He and Ani were constantly moving forward towards something. And it felt like Ani wasn't moving at all. She was independent and self-sufficient and Abraham had to figure out how to fit into her life. I do think she compromised on some things but ultimately, this book really made me love Abraham and his growth.
Also.... great smut. As always. I loved it. So perfect.
I really enjoyed how much Abraham especially grew in this book. He and Ani were constantly moving forward towards something. And it felt like Ani wasn't moving at all. She was independent and self-sufficient and Abraham had to figure out how to fit into her life. I do think she compromised on some things but ultimately, this book really made me love Abraham and his growth.
Also.... great smut. As always. I loved it. So perfect.
December 31, 2024
I really really really shouldn't be reading books about grad students dealing with the toxicity of grad school right now. :')
On a positive note, this book is very realistic (misogyny in graduate school and the work place! Racism! Toxic masculinity-ridden men!) and could be a textbook example of what a good romance novel can look like. I do think there are some issues. That being said, I do think the strengths outweigh these nitpicky weaknesses in this case.
Cathy Yardley's books aren't all hits, but her excellent writing and adept handling of more difficult topics makes her one of the best (m/f) romance novelists out there today.
On a positive note, this book is very realistic (misogyny in graduate school and the work place! Racism! Toxic masculinity-ridden men!) and could be a textbook example of what a good romance novel can look like. I do think there are some issues. That being said, I do think the strengths outweigh these nitpicky weaknesses in this case.
Cathy Yardley's books aren't all hits, but her excellent writing and adept handling of more difficult topics makes her one of the best (m/f) romance novelists out there today.
April 2, 2020
I have found this whole series utterly charming so far, but this one is my favorite. So many romances rely on the "sexy Alpha male" trope as an ideal of manhood, but this one explores the concept of just how closely related Alpha-maleness is to toxic masculinity. Ani didn't need a big strong man to fight her battles. She needed someone who was fine with stepping back and doing the dishes. And Abraham had a LOT to learn, and the fact that he was willing to grow and change even though he had been firmly entrenched in that comfy toxic masculinity culture, made him a really compelling character that I don't think I've ever found in a romance before. Thanks to the author for tackling this topic.
January 24, 2023
So, I did a thing... I jumped from book one to book four in a series. Abraham and Ani were both introduced in Level Up and both intrigued me.
Abraham is a sexy af 6'3 ginger alpha hole and our girl Ani is a sassy, intelligent, independent, Indian-American busting ass to earn her doctorate in public health.
Basically, our girl wants to be the scientist at the CDC that either save the world from zombies... or some other crazy pandemic.
First, I'm finna suggest that you read Level Up (book1) only because our boy Abe is such a douche canoe and I feel like reading it will make you appreciate his growth even more.
Next in comparison I think the author shows a ton of versatility between these two stories. Book one was a sweet, friends to lovers, slow burn. This book was enemies to lovers with lots of spice. This is one where the guy falls first and chases the girl.
Our girl is super badass and her response to sexism, racism, and stereotypes, is admirable. I just really enjoyed her and feel like she needs to be on my baddie FMC list.
Highly Recommend
Abraham is a sexy af 6'3 ginger alpha hole and our girl Ani is a sassy, intelligent, independent, Indian-American busting ass to earn her doctorate in public health.
Basically, our girl wants to be the scientist at the CDC that either save the world from zombies... or some other crazy pandemic.
First, I'm finna suggest that you read Level Up (book1) only because our boy Abe is such a douche canoe and I feel like reading it will make you appreciate his growth even more.
Next in comparison I think the author shows a ton of versatility between these two stories. Book one was a sweet, friends to lovers, slow burn. This book was enemies to lovers with lots of spice. This is one where the guy falls first and chases the girl.
Our girl is super badass and her response to sexism, racism, and stereotypes, is admirable. I just really enjoyed her and feel like she needs to be on my baddie FMC list.
Highly Recommend
February 6, 2022
While the earlier books in this series have skated closer and closer to the brink of porn, this one took one look at the edge and ran screaming "cowabunga" as it launched itself in the air. I was already uncomfortable with the author's approach to casual sex, but this took it to an entirely new level. I'm noping out of, not just this book, but the rest of the series and only acknowledging this on my GR feed to make sure I remember why I walked away so I don't make the mistake of coming back some day in the future and picking it up again.
November 20, 2023
Despite having the best title in the series, obviously, this really could have done with leaving Abraham in the previous book and not bringing back the gamer bros, who now have a worse gamer bro to take Abraham’s place. Tessa is also back, now working on her own engine and her own game (!!!). Overall this tries hard, it tries to look at toxic masculinity and it tries to make a previously unlikeable character a good guy with a relatable backstory, but the villains rather nix that by just being so pantomime bad guy that…. well, she tried. Limped through this one, unfortunately.
March 28, 2024
4.5 Stars
I love the connection between Ani and Abraham. I loved their connection as masked people and wasn't expecting an erotic con. It was fun though. Where it fell short was just the over-the-top horribleness of her coworkers. I know it's a thing with women in STEM and some of the "old guard" keeping women out, but I didn't like that even the "men" in her own age group were even worse. I feel like there should've been at least one person in her lab/school that she could go to either in a professional or in a commiserate capacity.
I love the connection between Ani and Abraham. I loved their connection as masked people and wasn't expecting an erotic con. It was fun though. Where it fell short was just the over-the-top horribleness of her coworkers. I know it's a thing with women in STEM and some of the "old guard" keeping women out, but I didn't like that even the "men" in her own age group were even worse. I feel like there should've been at least one person in her lab/school that she could go to either in a professional or in a commiserate capacity.
September 30, 2020
This book talks a lot about toxic masculinity and sexism. If you're feeling particularly salty about either at the time you pick this book up, you might want to leave it for later because some parts absolutely will make your blood boil.
We do have some redemption, so it's not all bad. We get to know Tessa's best friend Ani better, so that was cool. We also have more Abraham, which was interesting.
We do have some redemption, so it's not all bad. We get to know Tessa's best friend Ani better, so that was cool. We also have more Abraham, which was interesting.
June 3, 2023
I don't know if this one was harder for me to enjoy because I wanted to punch the male protagonist sooo much. He reminded me of so much of the toxic masculinity I was brought up with. Sure the point is he is learning and adapting to "deserve" our leading lady, but ugh. This was a truly solid addition to the series by Yardley that helps round out some of the edges in the series. Just not really my cup of tea.
May 27, 2024
3.5 stars. Heavy on the misogyny trope with tons of douche canoe men galore. The hero is a fuckwit who needs deprogramming from being a macho manly man. I was surprised by how easily the heroine gave in to being with him. It was def his magic 🍆. Thankfully, several of the asshats, hero included, get put in their place at the end.
Totally Safe
No OM/OW drama
No cheating
Both celibate before getting together
Totally Safe
No OM/OW drama
No cheating
Both celibate before getting together
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2019
I didn't know if I would like Abraham as the feature character. I was not his biggest fan in Level Up, but he really grows and develops as a character in this book. the toxic nature of Ani's workplace was tough to endure with her, but that story made the book all the more enjoyable at the denouement.
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