What do you think?
Rate this book
Roll for Love #3
Proficiency Bonus
Organising yourself is harder than it looks—Lewis may be a highly proficient PA for two very successful cosplayers, but that means nothing when you’re living at your parent’s house after yet another failed relationship and trying to find some stable ground.
Jason Lu, star of Celestials, is stuck between a rock and a hard place. When the show is cancelled and his character pigeonholed into a homophobic ending, Jason must choose whether to fall in line or break ranks. But one misstep will mean bumping heads with some powerful people.
Teaming up with the very cute guy he met at Comic Con seems like a natural first step and now Lewis and Jason must choose between heartbreak and justice. As they forge ahead, they realise there are no bonuses for navigating life’s challenges, instead they’ll just have to fight for what they believe in.
But sometimes overcoming the biggest hurdles yields the best results.
Proficiency Bonus is a 79,000-word contemporary MM romance featuring plushies, Pokémon, and a fight for the perfect ending. It is book three in the Roll for Love series and can be read as a standalone.
Jason Lu, star of Celestials, is stuck between a rock and a hard place. When the show is cancelled and his character pigeonholed into a homophobic ending, Jason must choose whether to fall in line or break ranks. But one misstep will mean bumping heads with some powerful people.
Teaming up with the very cute guy he met at Comic Con seems like a natural first step and now Lewis and Jason must choose between heartbreak and justice. As they forge ahead, they realise there are no bonuses for navigating life’s challenges, instead they’ll just have to fight for what they believe in.
But sometimes overcoming the biggest hurdles yields the best results.
Proficiency Bonus is a 79,000-word contemporary MM romance featuring plushies, Pokémon, and a fight for the perfect ending. It is book three in the Roll for Love series and can be read as a standalone.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2021
79 people are currently reading
358 people want to read
About the author
Charlie Novak
61 books587 followersCharlie lives in England with her husband and a dachshund named Biscuit. She spends most of her days wrangling other people’s words in her day job and then trying to force her own onto the page in the evening.
She loves cute stories with a healthy dollop of fluff, plenty of delicious sex, and happily ever afters – because the world needs more of them. Charlie also believes that love comes in all shapes and sizes.
Charlie has very little spare time, but what she does have she fills with cooking, pole-dancing, reading and ice-hockey. She also thinks that everyone should have at least one favourite dinosaur…
She loves cute stories with a healthy dollop of fluff, plenty of delicious sex, and happily ever afters – because the world needs more of them. Charlie also believes that love comes in all shapes and sizes.
Charlie has very little spare time, but what she does have she fills with cooking, pole-dancing, reading and ice-hockey. She also thinks that everyone should have at least one favourite dinosaur…
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
July 26, 2025
4 “I have the cutest boyfriend in the world” stars
You’ve helped me understand so many things, and I’m grateful to you for helping me figure out who I want to be. You make me a better person, Lewis… I love you.”
Friendly advice, that “can be read as a standalone” in the book’s description, do not listen to it. I haven’t read the first two books and I decided to read this as a standalone and I was so lost. One day I will learn to read series in order but today is not that day, clearly. The plot and all is fine to be followed, it’s the side characters, they’re all over the place and I really wish I knew who is who.
The marketing for this book is what got me to read it because if you marked a book as featuring plushies and Pokémon, I will read it, I love both of those things, very much.
I really enjoyed this, it was really sweet and low angst and I had a good time reading it but there was some things about the book that didn’t work for me and left me really confused. But this book is the perfect read for a day where you just want to be distracted and have fun while reading a book, it’s definitely a feel good book.
Brief summary
Jason, 31 years old, is an actor in Celestials, a popular tv show, he which he plays a bisexual demon prince. Jason is 26 years old and is a personal assisant for some cosplayers. They meet at a convention, play Pokémon together and then they connect again, like a year after that, over Instagram and they fall in love.
First, I loved the meet cute so much. That was so so cute and so swoony. It was just perfect, I was a big fan of it.
Second, I love when the main characters in books meet in the Internet (they were long distance too, one in Canada and one in the UK, which I also love) and I love all the texting and phone calls that happens so I was happy to see it here, even if I wanted more of it, we’ll come back to that later.
Third, the vibe of this book was just so good. I loved how low angst and fun it was, I really enjoyed my time reading it.
Fourth, I really enjoyed Lewis and Jason. Lewis is just so sweet and the definition of sunshine, while Jason is so protective and such an anchor, they fit really well together.
Fifth, Lewis has ADHD and I was a big fan of how it was descriped. It felt very realistic and affected everything he did.
Sixth, I really enjoyed these together. I loved how suportive they were of the other and how they never judged the other, only supported them through everything. I loved how strong of a pair they were and how there was nothing keeping them apart. Also a big fan of how Jason spoiled Lewis, that was so sweet.
Seventh, I was a really big fan of how their connection grew over time. I loved how it started as a simple friendship over the Internet, then they met up and were tentative about everything to finally end up in a relationship and when they got together, that was it, no weird break-up at 80% or anything, they were solid.
Eighth, I really enjoyed the sex scenes in this book, they were really nice, well described and complimented the book perfectly. It was just the perfect amount of sex scene for me and it was quality sex scenes, so I was happy.
Ninth, the were a lot of date scenes in this book and I was a big fan, I love a good date scene and it’s rare that we get really good ones in books.
Tenth, I really enjoyed the side plot. It was a social commentary on LGBTQ+ representation in the media and how the TV network wanted to give a homophobic ending to the TV show Jason is on and how doing that would have been shitty. Anyway, it was a really interesting side plot and I really enjoyed it.
Eleventh, I was really really happy with how much pokemon talk there was in this book. I really enjoyed how it was a big part of the book and how it was so important in their relationship.
My niggles with the book:
First, Lewis had a lot of insecurities about who he is and thought he would annoy Jason but as soon and he talked to Jason about them and Jason said it doesn’t bother him, it seemed like all of Lewis insecurities just disappeared, which isn’t how it works it all.
Second, there was this one part of the book where I was so confused. Jason is in the closet, but at some point, Jason and Lewis go to a party, with Lewis’ friends and they say they’re boyfriends and kiss and everything. How did we get there? When did he come out? Did I accidently skip the entire paragraph where Jason came out?
Third, the timeline of this book was so confusing, I had no idea when stuff was happening. There was lots of time jumps and it wasn’t mentioned at the start of the chapters so I would start a chapter and think it happened right after the last one and then at one point in the chapter it would say something like 2 months ago *insert the events of the previous chapter here* happened, it was confusing. Also, some massive changes happened during those time jumps and we only got told about it and didn’t get to see it and I was sad about it, I wanted to see those things happened.
Fourth, to come back to my point about them forming their connection online. We got some highlights of them forming their connection online but the biggest part of that was lost under one of the confusing time jump, and I would have adored to see more of it.
I really enjoyed this book, it was so so sweet and a lot of fun. And now I will have to read book 1 and 2 in the series because I would like to know who all of the random people I met are.
I received a copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
You’ve helped me understand so many things, and I’m grateful to you for helping me figure out who I want to be. You make me a better person, Lewis… I love you.”
Friendly advice, that “can be read as a standalone” in the book’s description, do not listen to it. I haven’t read the first two books and I decided to read this as a standalone and I was so lost. One day I will learn to read series in order but today is not that day, clearly. The plot and all is fine to be followed, it’s the side characters, they’re all over the place and I really wish I knew who is who.
The marketing for this book is what got me to read it because if you marked a book as featuring plushies and Pokémon, I will read it, I love both of those things, very much.
I really enjoyed this, it was really sweet and low angst and I had a good time reading it but there was some things about the book that didn’t work for me and left me really confused. But this book is the perfect read for a day where you just want to be distracted and have fun while reading a book, it’s definitely a feel good book.
Brief summary
Jason, 31 years old, is an actor in Celestials, a popular tv show, he which he plays a bisexual demon prince. Jason is 26 years old and is a personal assisant for some cosplayers. They meet at a convention, play Pokémon together and then they connect again, like a year after that, over Instagram and they fall in love.
First, I loved the meet cute so much. That was so so cute and so swoony. It was just perfect, I was a big fan of it.
Second, I love when the main characters in books meet in the Internet (they were long distance too, one in Canada and one in the UK, which I also love) and I love all the texting and phone calls that happens so I was happy to see it here, even if I wanted more of it, we’ll come back to that later.
Third, the vibe of this book was just so good. I loved how low angst and fun it was, I really enjoyed my time reading it.
Fourth, I really enjoyed Lewis and Jason. Lewis is just so sweet and the definition of sunshine, while Jason is so protective and such an anchor, they fit really well together.
Fifth, Lewis has ADHD and I was a big fan of how it was descriped. It felt very realistic and affected everything he did.
Sixth, I really enjoyed these together. I loved how suportive they were of the other and how they never judged the other, only supported them through everything. I loved how strong of a pair they were and how there was nothing keeping them apart. Also a big fan of how Jason spoiled Lewis, that was so sweet.
Seventh, I was a really big fan of how their connection grew over time. I loved how it started as a simple friendship over the Internet, then they met up and were tentative about everything to finally end up in a relationship and when they got together, that was it, no weird break-up at 80% or anything, they were solid.
Eighth, I really enjoyed the sex scenes in this book, they were really nice, well described and complimented the book perfectly. It was just the perfect amount of sex scene for me and it was quality sex scenes, so I was happy.
Ninth, the were a lot of date scenes in this book and I was a big fan, I love a good date scene and it’s rare that we get really good ones in books.
Tenth, I really enjoyed the side plot. It was a social commentary on LGBTQ+ representation in the media and how the TV network wanted to give a homophobic ending to the TV show Jason is on and how doing that would have been shitty. Anyway, it was a really interesting side plot and I really enjoyed it.
Eleventh, I was really really happy with how much pokemon talk there was in this book. I really enjoyed how it was a big part of the book and how it was so important in their relationship.
My niggles with the book:
First, Lewis had a lot of insecurities about who he is and thought he would annoy Jason but as soon and he talked to Jason about them and Jason said it doesn’t bother him, it seemed like all of Lewis insecurities just disappeared, which isn’t how it works it all.
Second, there was this one part of the book where I was so confused. Jason is in the closet, but at some point, Jason and Lewis go to a party, with Lewis’ friends and they say they’re boyfriends and kiss and everything. How did we get there? When did he come out? Did I accidently skip the entire paragraph where Jason came out?
Third, the timeline of this book was so confusing, I had no idea when stuff was happening. There was lots of time jumps and it wasn’t mentioned at the start of the chapters so I would start a chapter and think it happened right after the last one and then at one point in the chapter it would say something like 2 months ago *insert the events of the previous chapter here* happened, it was confusing. Also, some massive changes happened during those time jumps and we only got told about it and didn’t get to see it and I was sad about it, I wanted to see those things happened.
Fourth, to come back to my point about them forming their connection online. We got some highlights of them forming their connection online but the biggest part of that was lost under one of the confusing time jump, and I would have adored to see more of it.
I really enjoyed this book, it was so so sweet and a lot of fun. And now I will have to read book 1 and 2 in the series because I would like to know who all of the random people I met are.
I received a copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
September 6, 2023
This was such a sweet and fun book I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed this whole series, sad it’s over but I will be jumping into the spin off series next.
I really liked Jason and Lewis and thought their meeting, getting to know each other, and relationship were all so cute. And I loved the side plot about the show as well.
I really liked Jason and Lewis and thought their meeting, getting to know each other, and relationship were all so cute. And I loved the side plot about the show as well.
July 14, 2023
3.5 stars
Proficiency Bonus follows Edward from Charisma Check's PA, Lewis and his romance with the star of a hit tv show, Jason.
Lewis and Jason were really cute together. And I enjoyed the behind-the-scenes aspect of Jason's job on the show.
The book was a bit messy at points, and not in a good way.
While the weakest of the bunch, this was still a fun and enjoyable read. I'm definitely going to check out the short stories of this series and Charlie Novak's other works.
Proficiency Bonus follows Edward from Charisma Check's PA, Lewis and his romance with the star of a hit tv show, Jason.
Lewis and Jason were really cute together. And I enjoyed the behind-the-scenes aspect of Jason's job on the show.
The book was a bit messy at points, and not in a good way.
While the weakest of the bunch, this was still a fun and enjoyable read. I'm definitely going to check out the short stories of this series and Charlie Novak's other works.
July 14, 2022
A fabulous end to this nerdy series
That makes it three out of three for the Roll For Love series.
Being a complete gaming nerd myself since the Second Edition of AD&D back in the 1980s, each of these books has brought an aspect of fandom and role-playing that I've got a deep familiarity with and an abiding love for.
In this one it's focused on TV fandoms and the importance of representation within it. I've loved Lewis throughout this series, so ending on his own romance was a genius touch.
I very much appreciated the lack of miscommunication, manufactured dramady and plotline for the sake of a Third Act breakup too.
Tension comes from an outside situation, and one which any fan of TV shows like Lucifer, Shadowhunters or similar has dealt with - storylines which come out of the blue and cause damage or hurt to the viewers.
I loved the way it was resolved here, I'd have loved to see it happen in reality with many of my favourite shows too!
The relationship between Lewis and Jason is both incandescently hot and deeply caring and supportive.
I've loved the setting in Lincoln, as well as the amazing friendship groups and found family vibes.
The Epilogue is ridiculously cute and I've had a huge smile on my face while reading each book in this series.
That makes it three out of three for the Roll For Love series.
Being a complete gaming nerd myself since the Second Edition of AD&D back in the 1980s, each of these books has brought an aspect of fandom and role-playing that I've got a deep familiarity with and an abiding love for.
In this one it's focused on TV fandoms and the importance of representation within it. I've loved Lewis throughout this series, so ending on his own romance was a genius touch.
I very much appreciated the lack of miscommunication, manufactured dramady and plotline for the sake of a Third Act breakup too.
Tension comes from an outside situation, and one which any fan of TV shows like Lucifer, Shadowhunters or similar has dealt with - storylines which come out of the blue and cause damage or hurt to the viewers.
I loved the way it was resolved here, I'd have loved to see it happen in reality with many of my favourite shows too!
The relationship between Lewis and Jason is both incandescently hot and deeply caring and supportive.
I've loved the setting in Lincoln, as well as the amazing friendship groups and found family vibes.
The Epilogue is ridiculously cute and I've had a huge smile on my face while reading each book in this series.
September 11, 2023
Cute, absolutely no-angst read. One MC has ADHD which I enjoyed the portrayal of, the other is an Actor and he is Asian which I always like being represented. There is nerdy Pokémon talk, D&D, cosplay and fandom. Their relationship is very easy and sweet. The writing feels quite wordy at times, I actually skimmed a fair bit of the lengthier paragraphs and monologues but still really enjoyed the characters and story.
I’ve already read Henry’s story as it is in another series so it was interesting to see his background. This meant I had already seen Lewis and Jason together as a couple which for some silly reason always dampens my anticipation of their story a little but it was still nice to see them appear in the other series. So read this series before the Heather Bay one and I think 3 characters mentioned here also get their books in the Forever Love series.
Book 2 was definitely my favourite but this finished the series nicely, I wouldn’t recommend trying them as standalone’s, the characters are all pretty closely linked.
I’ve already read Henry’s story as it is in another series so it was interesting to see his background. This meant I had already seen Lewis and Jason together as a couple which for some silly reason always dampens my anticipation of their story a little but it was still nice to see them appear in the other series. So read this series before the Heather Bay one and I think 3 characters mentioned here also get their books in the Forever Love series.
Book 2 was definitely my favourite but this finished the series nicely, I wouldn’t recommend trying them as standalone’s, the characters are all pretty closely linked.
May 21, 2021
This is my favorite in the series!!
Lewis is SO endearing and sweet! Jason is his perfect person. This friendship to more was so organic and wonderful.
Side plot of Jason the actor fighting for what was right was a really great moment. I wish that happened more irl.
Lewis and Jason were real thought out characters and I really enjoyed their chemistry. The love and friendship was very special and I loved their story.
Lewis is SO endearing and sweet! Jason is his perfect person. This friendship to more was so organic and wonderful.
Side plot of Jason the actor fighting for what was right was a really great moment. I wish that happened more irl.
Lewis and Jason were real thought out characters and I really enjoyed their chemistry. The love and friendship was very special and I loved their story.
May 25, 2024
i love Novak's universe.
jason! finally!! after having jay drool over him, i can finally see him with his significant other. lewis is so perfect for him, aaaah~
3rd book was underwhelming compared to the previous two but that's alright. it's very much enjoyable still!!
this book links to many others and brings the series together. they are all linked one way or another, but this one has more than others.
Kiss Me series --> Roll for Love series --> A Forever Love series --> The Court series (<-- Kiss Me series)
i read it out of order but still found the links and squealed at them !!
jason! finally!! after having jay drool over him, i can finally see him with his significant other. lewis is so perfect for him, aaaah~
3rd book was underwhelming compared to the previous two but that's alright. it's very much enjoyable still!!
this book links to many others and brings the series together. they are all linked one way or another, but this one has more than others.
Kiss Me series --> Roll for Love series --> A Forever Love series --> The Court series (<-- Kiss Me series)
i read it out of order but still found the links and squealed at them !!
May 4, 2021
Proficiency Bonus by Charlie Novak is über adorable!
-Dual POVs
-Great pacing
-Loveable characters
-Sexy times *eyebrows wiggle*
-Cyber love. I love when characters get to know each other through a series of messages.
-Friends to lover
-Low angst, feel good
This was my favorite of the series!
4.5 Stars
January 22, 2022
Reread via audio January 2022
Update on available formats: all three books in the Roll for Love series are now available as ebooks, audios, and physical paperbacks 😍🙌🏼
Original review 2021
I'm in love with this series and so grateful to @gayromancereviews for the opportunity to read this gem early. This is the 3rd book in the Roll for Love series and it is delightfully nerdy and oh so queer.
The MCs in this book are mentioned in the past books and I loved seeing their story. Jason is an actor in a popular TV show that he finds out is getting canceled and that the network is going to have a super homophobic ending to his queer character in the show. Lewis is a PA to a prior MC from book two, and he and Jason meet at a Comic-Con and reconnect over social media later. Their relationship is so cute.
I love them so much and I really really appreciated the ADHD representation. It was very honest, very candid, very out there and a main feature of this book. So often ADHD rep gets kind of tossed aside, but that is certainly not the case here. If you like board games, role-playing games, Comic-Con, cosplaying, books, and queer ness in general, you should absolutely check out these books. The first one is available as an audio physical and e-book, the second only as physical and ebook, and this third one only is an e-book right now. from prior conversations with the author they all should be available as paperback and audio at some point.
Bisexual Asian MC, Gay White MC with ADHD
Update on available formats: all three books in the Roll for Love series are now available as ebooks, audios, and physical paperbacks 😍🙌🏼
Original review 2021
I'm in love with this series and so grateful to @gayromancereviews for the opportunity to read this gem early. This is the 3rd book in the Roll for Love series and it is delightfully nerdy and oh so queer.
The MCs in this book are mentioned in the past books and I loved seeing their story. Jason is an actor in a popular TV show that he finds out is getting canceled and that the network is going to have a super homophobic ending to his queer character in the show. Lewis is a PA to a prior MC from book two, and he and Jason meet at a Comic-Con and reconnect over social media later. Their relationship is so cute.
I love them so much and I really really appreciated the ADHD representation. It was very honest, very candid, very out there and a main feature of this book. So often ADHD rep gets kind of tossed aside, but that is certainly not the case here. If you like board games, role-playing games, Comic-Con, cosplaying, books, and queer ness in general, you should absolutely check out these books. The first one is available as an audio physical and e-book, the second only as physical and ebook, and this third one only is an e-book right now. from prior conversations with the author they all should be available as paperback and audio at some point.
Bisexual Asian MC, Gay White MC with ADHD
December 25, 2021
I loved this adorkable m/m contemporary romance!
Lewis is such a fun character, and I appreciated the honest portrayal of someone with ADHD. His bright personality is such a lovely match for quiet and sweet Jason, an actor struggling with the homophobic direction his beloved show is forced into taking.
I enjoyed the plot around the show- I know enough about making TV that I know sometimes the future of a series really is outside of the creators and writers hands. But I like how the story showed that honest situation, and how Jason struggled with that, and with his future in general.
Lewis and Jason were so cute together! Their shy banter growing into a friendship and then with some dorky flirting, something much deeper.
Really loved this book, and now I want to go back and read the first two books in this series!
Thank you GRR for this ebook arc in exchange for an honest review.
Lewis is such a fun character, and I appreciated the honest portrayal of someone with ADHD. His bright personality is such a lovely match for quiet and sweet Jason, an actor struggling with the homophobic direction his beloved show is forced into taking.
I enjoyed the plot around the show- I know enough about making TV that I know sometimes the future of a series really is outside of the creators and writers hands. But I like how the story showed that honest situation, and how Jason struggled with that, and with his future in general.
Lewis and Jason were so cute together! Their shy banter growing into a friendship and then with some dorky flirting, something much deeper.
Really loved this book, and now I want to go back and read the first two books in this series!
Thank you GRR for this ebook arc in exchange for an honest review.
May 18, 2021
I was so excited about reading Lewis’ story, and this book didn’t let me down. Add in the sexy Jason Lu and I was hooked. I love this entire series—five stars for each one. This is the third in a strong sexy romantic series, and I recommend this for anyone looking for a wonderful love story. If you haven’t started this series yet, I highly recommend that you do.
January 21, 2022
I thought Jay was my favourite, then Edward, but it's totally Lewis. I just loved everything about him, from his tangents to his crazy family.
This is low angst with the only drama being outside of the relationship with the Celestials ending and I loved how that story came full circle with the Celestials being important in Jay and Leo's story.
Jason and Lewis' meet cute was adorable and I loved how naturally things evolved from being friends to being more.
The steamy parts worked really well in the narration.
Joel Leslie is a talented narrator, his voices are distinctive and it was easy to discern who was talking making it easy to follow along and sink into the story
This is low angst with the only drama being outside of the relationship with the Celestials ending and I loved how that story came full circle with the Celestials being important in Jay and Leo's story.
Jason and Lewis' meet cute was adorable and I loved how naturally things evolved from being friends to being more.
The steamy parts worked really well in the narration.
Joel Leslie is a talented narrator, his voices are distinctive and it was easy to discern who was talking making it easy to follow along and sink into the story
May 10, 2024
4.5 🌟
January 25, 2022
4.25 stars - I'm really enjoying this series! My spouse and I met in a passingly similar way to the characters in this book: Somewhat by chance, and had a fun time chatting at an event, with no expectation we'd ever see each other again, but then one of us sent the other a casual message months later and then bam, we're messaging/talking every day. So, I miiiiiight have been predisposed to enjoy that part of this. This is my second famous person book (of three) this week, which is unusual for me. I loved the ADHD rep in this book, as well. The end of this book is very much pie in the sky fandom wishful thinking, but y'know? Sometimes I'm fine with suspending my disbelief on an industrial crane. This was just very fun and cute.
May 29, 2021
I love Charlie Novak's Roll for Love series and I'm so sad to see this amazingly adorkable, sweet, steamy, sexy, funny and romantic world come to an end (for now)! Both men were introduced in the Book 1 (Jay and Leo's story) and have been mentioned throughout the series. In the beginning of the Proficiency Bonus, Lewis (Edward's PA) is frantically running around trying to pull Edward and Izzy out of their hate sex spots at a major cosplay event. It overlapped with some of Edward and Izzy's early start from Charisma Check and then time passes as Lewis quickly becomes both famous cosplayers' PA.
It was at this same major cosplay event that Lewis met Jason Lu (famous Hollywood actor from Celestials) while playing Pokemon. What starts out as a random meet-cute turns into messages from Twitter to meet-ups, dates, and a relationship. Their relationship developed at a nice, relatively low-angst pace with Lewis drawing Jason out of his bubble and Jason being supportive and understanding of Lewis' ADHD.
Both men have supportive and wonderful friends and families and a recurring theme throughout the story was Jason trying to figure out what to do about his network executives killing off his character in a terrible homophobic death. The conclusion for both Celestials and the story was a nice and sweet touch. I really appreciated and loved the fact that the author gave readers the perfect tv show ending that was denied to many of our favorite shows *cough cough Supernatural*....There's the potential for more stories in a spin-off world because I'm dying for Jason's brother and several side characters to get their own stories! The fast forward to a few years into the future was absolutely perfect! Perfect and wonderful end to an amazing series :)
It was at this same major cosplay event that Lewis met Jason Lu (famous Hollywood actor from Celestials) while playing Pokemon. What starts out as a random meet-cute turns into messages from Twitter to meet-ups, dates, and a relationship. Their relationship developed at a nice, relatively low-angst pace with Lewis drawing Jason out of his bubble and Jason being supportive and understanding of Lewis' ADHD.
Both men have supportive and wonderful friends and families and a recurring theme throughout the story was Jason trying to figure out what to do about his network executives killing off his character in a terrible homophobic death. The conclusion for both Celestials and the story was a nice and sweet touch. I really appreciated and loved the fact that the author gave readers the perfect tv show ending that was denied to many of our favorite shows *cough cough Supernatural*....There's the potential for more stories in a spin-off world because I'm dying for Jason's brother and several side characters to get their own stories! The fast forward to a few years into the future was absolutely perfect! Perfect and wonderful end to an amazing series :)
May 16, 2021
What a nice way to end a great series! I was looking forward to Lewis' story and it did not disappoint. Lewis and Jason had an adorable meet-cute over a Pokémon game and then connected again over Instagram months later. I loved how their relationship started by just texting back and forth for months, just really getting to know each other and becoming friends that flirted with each other a little too! Their chemistry was explosive when they finally got to meet in person, and we get a lot of well-done, smoking hot scenes! We also get a really nice and really sweet story of two men just falling in love. No relationship drama, no angst. I just loved the scenes were they got to meet each other's friends and families. We get to revisit with the entire gang from the first two books as they welcome Jason into their family circle. While this can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the series in order just so you can experience this great group of family and friends as they all find their HEA!
May 2, 2021
I loved everything about this book! Lewis and Jason were so perfect for each other. I loved how they slowly got to know each other as friends before they even considered going to the next level. The way the characters supported each other and encouraged they follow their hearts to fight for what they believed in was so beautiful. I also really enjoyed seeing the characters from the two previous books in this series....the way their lives interconnected and the way they welcomed Jason and Lewis into their inner circles made my heart melt. Lewis and Jason were adorable and really brought the heat!
June 6, 2021
I've loved Lewis in both of the first two Roll for Love books, so I was thrilled when he was the focus of Proficiency Bonus. Lewis, a PA for cosplayers, meets Jason, star of the Celestials TV series at a comic con, while playing Pokemon. They each feel attracted to each other, but after reconnecting, start out as friends, but work toward exploring something more. Roll for Love has been a fantastic series, and this was my favorite book in the series. I loved Jason and Lewis together. I loved their relationship, and how they supported each other, and were there for each other. It was also wonderful seeing all the characters from the prior books be part of this one. And that epilogue was perfect!
May 19, 2021
So, right off the top, I have to say that there are three things about this book that I adore - first, having a main character who is of Asian descent is awesome. Ridiculously, I think this might be the first romance I've ever read where that's the case. I think it's fantastic. Secondly, the fact that Lewis has ADHD, and it's a genuine, not judgy look at what that condition feels like, which I think is amazing and very valuable. (as the mom of a kid with ADHD, I think the representation is a great thing.) And finally, the fact that Felix's whole family calls his mom's wife "Mimbles". I mean come on - how can you not love that! Honestly, Felix's family dynamic is fantastic. I kinda want to be part of the family - but maybe in small doses only!!
Jason and Felix have a lovely, sweet and low-angst love story that is the perfect capper to the Roll For Love series. I especially liked the epilogue. We get a peek four years into their future - and it's just as wonderful as you hope for these characters. I'm sad to see this series ending, because I've loved all three of the books, but I can't wait to see what Charlie gives us next!!
Jason and Felix have a lovely, sweet and low-angst love story that is the perfect capper to the Roll For Love series. I especially liked the epilogue. We get a peek four years into their future - and it's just as wonderful as you hope for these characters. I'm sad to see this series ending, because I've loved all three of the books, but I can't wait to see what Charlie gives us next!!
May 4, 2021
This is such a great series I'm hoping this isn't the last we see of the Roll for Love gang, I'm already keeping my fingers crossed for Henry's story...or Eli's..or or or...so many choices!
Lewis and Jason were gorgeous together, probably my favourite couple so far (that may change if there's another book LOL), from their meet cute to the gorgeous epilogue, their relationship was just perfect <3
Lewis and Jason were gorgeous together, probably my favourite couple so far (that may change if there's another book LOL), from their meet cute to the gorgeous epilogue, their relationship was just perfect <3
May 21, 2021
So sweet
Adorable book from start to finish. Pretty low-angst as it relates to the main couple but their dynamics between them and their friends is so sweet I had no problems being invested in the story.
Adorable book from start to finish. Pretty low-angst as it relates to the main couple but their dynamics between them and their friends is so sweet I had no problems being invested in the story.
March 27, 2023
Love this book so much!! This whole series is a new favourite ❤️❤️ the book is sweet, very spicy and it’s a about representation. Such an important topic! Everyone needs their happy ending!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
May 17, 2021
Proficiency Bonus is the third book in the Roll for Love series by Charlie Novak. This book is about Jason and Lewis. Their story was sweet, sexy and very well written.
May 2, 2021
Geeky and sweet. This book has a unique setup with MC’s who connect through gaming. Jason’s life as a Hollywood star wears on him and Lewis becomes his light in the storm. I appreciated the author touching on how Hollywood deals with queer characters and that added a layer to the storytelling in this book. It was a light, sweet read, sometimes a little heavy on the internal dialogue. But it was a fun addition to a unique series from Novak.
May 19, 2021
this has a wonderful relationship between two men who start off as friends that turns into something over time, nearly a year if not more i believe. it was sweet and soft and they seemed to accept everything about each other - of Jason accepted everything about Lewis. However, i find there was something missing in this one that the other books gave me, I never fell in love with the characters, it just puttered along. I do also think you really should read this series in order since it's about a group of people and knowing where they came would help
December 6, 2024
Reread in Jan 2024. Held up. Solid 4 stars.
May 16, 2021
Proficiency Bonus is a light-hearted, feel-good, steamy story that will leave you with a smile on your face. This was my first book by Charlie Novak, but it won't be my last. I’m already exploring her backlist, particularly NaturalTwenty which is the first book in this series and follows one of the couples that appear in this story – it looks like a lot of fun!
Proficiency Bonus was one of those stories you could pick up on a bleak day. When you're feeling down, or it's a dreary rainy day, it's the perfect remedy to perk your spirits. The relationship between Lewis and Jason is relaxing. There is no unnecessary angst or miscommunication. They are open with each other as to how the other is feeling regarding their relationship and move from there. Lewis and Jason are drawn as truly likeable characters, I could easily imagine myself sitting down with them and having a drink and a game. They are alive on the page and it's lovely to watch them interact with each other and the rest of the cast.
“I’ve been very lucky over the last few months to fall in love with the most incredible man. He is the most beautiful person I’ve ever met, inside and out, and I’ve never been happier. He is my Caleb.”
If you’ve been following this series, you would be aware of the other couples: Jacob (Jay)/Leo and Edward/Izzy and they are a happy inclusion into this story. For me, I hadn’t read the previous books, so had no expectations when it came to these characters, but I liked what I saw. It seems this author has a knack for writing genuine characters, with all their strengths and their flaws, which only makes them seem more alive and active on the page.
Charlie Novak's writing is engaging and keeps you flipping the pages. The story is told from both Lewis and Jason's points of view, and each transition flows seamlessly from one to the other. The story itself is light with many moments of humour. There is no real angst apart from a few moments of drama that are quickly resolved, but the storyline revolving around not only Lewis and Jason's relationship but also Jason's problems with his TV show keeps you turning the pages.
I had an overnight flight to catch. I was going home. Lewis felt more like home that anything ever had before.”
This book can be read as a standalone. I have not read the previous books and I still thoroughly enjoyed it. However, if I had read the previous books, I would have had a deeper understanding of the other characters and it would have been an even richer experience. Any way, you approach this book, it's addictive and a wonderful read.
It's a solid 4.5 star read (rounded up to 5)
All my reviews can be found on my blog: The Word Nerd Reviews
Follow Me: Facebook & Twitter
Proficiency Bonus was one of those stories you could pick up on a bleak day. When you're feeling down, or it's a dreary rainy day, it's the perfect remedy to perk your spirits. The relationship between Lewis and Jason is relaxing. There is no unnecessary angst or miscommunication. They are open with each other as to how the other is feeling regarding their relationship and move from there. Lewis and Jason are drawn as truly likeable characters, I could easily imagine myself sitting down with them and having a drink and a game. They are alive on the page and it's lovely to watch them interact with each other and the rest of the cast.
“I’ve been very lucky over the last few months to fall in love with the most incredible man. He is the most beautiful person I’ve ever met, inside and out, and I’ve never been happier. He is my Caleb.”
If you’ve been following this series, you would be aware of the other couples: Jacob (Jay)/Leo and Edward/Izzy and they are a happy inclusion into this story. For me, I hadn’t read the previous books, so had no expectations when it came to these characters, but I liked what I saw. It seems this author has a knack for writing genuine characters, with all their strengths and their flaws, which only makes them seem more alive and active on the page.
Charlie Novak's writing is engaging and keeps you flipping the pages. The story is told from both Lewis and Jason's points of view, and each transition flows seamlessly from one to the other. The story itself is light with many moments of humour. There is no real angst apart from a few moments of drama that are quickly resolved, but the storyline revolving around not only Lewis and Jason's relationship but also Jason's problems with his TV show keeps you turning the pages.
I had an overnight flight to catch. I was going home. Lewis felt more like home that anything ever had before.”
This book can be read as a standalone. I have not read the previous books and I still thoroughly enjoyed it. However, if I had read the previous books, I would have had a deeper understanding of the other characters and it would have been an even richer experience. Any way, you approach this book, it's addictive and a wonderful read.
It's a solid 4.5 star read (rounded up to 5)
All my reviews can be found on my blog: The Word Nerd Reviews
Follow Me: Facebook & Twitter
May 17, 2021
Roll for Love has been a fantastic series so far and I swear it just gets better with every book.
Lewis, PA extraordinaire, meets Jason in the green room of London Comic Con though with no real idea as to who he is and they connect over Pokemon. Later on they reconnect over Instagram and a strong friendship develops across the ocean with Lewis living in England and Jason filming in Canada. Once they meet up again, their chemistry jumps from the page, only getting hotter as time goes by and their relationship develops into something both men have always wanted but were not expecting. Drama unfolds when it comes to the show that Jason works on and the way that they want to end it, after being cancelled by a new, rather conservative, head of network.
I absolutely love the two main characters and the friendship followed by romance that develops between them. It feels really heartfelt for each of them and I was right there with them as they experience the highs and lows of what life throws at them. Lewis's confession about his ADHD pulled on my heart but Jason truly sees him for the man he is, not just how distracted he can be or the multitude of ways his mind works slightly different to others. The author's writing is wonderful in bringing the characters to life, both the MC's and everyone around them. Many of them have been met before in the previous two books but there are always new ones being introduced, especially with the size of Lewis's family! I seriously hope that we get some HEAs for a few more of these men, definitely Henry, Jason's movie star older brother who also had a cameo in book two with Edward and Izzy. The drama that unfolds for Jason feels quite appropriate for the challenging times that the LGBTQIA+ community faces with strides made forward in a lot of areas but there's always something that pulls it back. Another thing I love is how Jason, and Lewis, tackled this, working together and trusting in each other to fight for what they believe in.
A must read from this series and the author. Because love them all, I'd recommend reading in order as characters and plot history crosses the books but it can be read as a standalone.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Lewis, PA extraordinaire, meets Jason in the green room of London Comic Con though with no real idea as to who he is and they connect over Pokemon. Later on they reconnect over Instagram and a strong friendship develops across the ocean with Lewis living in England and Jason filming in Canada. Once they meet up again, their chemistry jumps from the page, only getting hotter as time goes by and their relationship develops into something both men have always wanted but were not expecting. Drama unfolds when it comes to the show that Jason works on and the way that they want to end it, after being cancelled by a new, rather conservative, head of network.
I absolutely love the two main characters and the friendship followed by romance that develops between them. It feels really heartfelt for each of them and I was right there with them as they experience the highs and lows of what life throws at them. Lewis's confession about his ADHD pulled on my heart but Jason truly sees him for the man he is, not just how distracted he can be or the multitude of ways his mind works slightly different to others. The author's writing is wonderful in bringing the characters to life, both the MC's and everyone around them. Many of them have been met before in the previous two books but there are always new ones being introduced, especially with the size of Lewis's family! I seriously hope that we get some HEAs for a few more of these men, definitely Henry, Jason's movie star older brother who also had a cameo in book two with Edward and Izzy. The drama that unfolds for Jason feels quite appropriate for the challenging times that the LGBTQIA+ community faces with strides made forward in a lot of areas but there's always something that pulls it back. Another thing I love is how Jason, and Lewis, tackled this, working together and trusting in each other to fight for what they believe in.
A must read from this series and the author. Because love them all, I'd recommend reading in order as characters and plot history crosses the books but it can be read as a standalone.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
May 20, 2021
Absolutely amazing!
This series has easily become one of my all-time favorites. Lewis and Jason have both been in the background of this series since book one and I was so excited to get their story finally. Lewis is such a snarky and sweet character, finding the perfect balance of those two personality traits. His daily struggle between what he has to do and what his brain wants to do was eye opening and really helped me to understand what someone who has ADHD experiences everyday. I LOVE Lewis' giant, loud, crazy family so much and love that his parents still lived next door to each other with their partners. Jason is a hard character to read at first but once you learn more about him, it is easy to see how much Jason has been waiting for someone to see the real him, not just the fame that surrounds him. Seeing their friendship evolve over messaging was super sweet and I love that these two were able to build trust through friendship before they started a romantic relationship. I loved checking in with series regulars like Jay and Edward as well as side characters like Henry. As with all the books in the Roll for Love series, there is little angst, a lot of heart, and smoking hot sexy times! I loved the epilogue as we got to see Lewis and Jason several years in the future, still profoundly in love and building their life together. As Charlie Novak addresses in the author's note, I love that this book is essentially a love letter to any fan who has been disappointed with a series ending, providing hope that those stories that truly matter will get their happily ever after. I am so sad to see this series and but am looking forward to what is next from this amazing author. Charlie Novak's writing is top-notch (as it always is) and she has once again created a cast of characters I wish were friends. Cannot recommend this series and this author enough! I received an ARC for an honest and fair review.
This series has easily become one of my all-time favorites. Lewis and Jason have both been in the background of this series since book one and I was so excited to get their story finally. Lewis is such a snarky and sweet character, finding the perfect balance of those two personality traits. His daily struggle between what he has to do and what his brain wants to do was eye opening and really helped me to understand what someone who has ADHD experiences everyday. I LOVE Lewis' giant, loud, crazy family so much and love that his parents still lived next door to each other with their partners. Jason is a hard character to read at first but once you learn more about him, it is easy to see how much Jason has been waiting for someone to see the real him, not just the fame that surrounds him. Seeing their friendship evolve over messaging was super sweet and I love that these two were able to build trust through friendship before they started a romantic relationship. I loved checking in with series regulars like Jay and Edward as well as side characters like Henry. As with all the books in the Roll for Love series, there is little angst, a lot of heart, and smoking hot sexy times! I loved the epilogue as we got to see Lewis and Jason several years in the future, still profoundly in love and building their life together. As Charlie Novak addresses in the author's note, I love that this book is essentially a love letter to any fan who has been disappointed with a series ending, providing hope that those stories that truly matter will get their happily ever after. I am so sad to see this series and but am looking forward to what is next from this amazing author. Charlie Novak's writing is top-notch (as it always is) and she has once again created a cast of characters I wish were friends. Cannot recommend this series and this author enough! I received an ARC for an honest and fair review.
May 24, 2021
Proficiency Bonus
5 Stars
I encourage you to read the Roll for Love series in order, to fully appreciate this wonderful story of romance and integrity. Each tale has eclectic and unique characters, and it was so much fun to see the gang from the earlier stories make appearances.
Lewis was introduced to us in book two as the beleaguered personal assistant to the bigger-than-life cosplayers, Edward and Izzy. He rules his clients with an organized fist and excels at his job. Along the way, he has made friends with the two of them. I just adored Lewis, who is enamored with the color pink and all things Pokémon. Despite his happy-go-lucky appearance, he is a serious individual and works hard to handle his ADHD. He has just been dumped and feels he will never find anyone that can see the real person behind the cute clothes and hair. Most guys feel he ends up being too much work which was ridiculous.
One day he was taking a much-needed break from his clients and started playing his Nintendo Switch. A very handsome man started to ask him questions about his game, and this leads to a connection later in the story. The man happened to be Jason Lu, the star of the hit TV series Celestials. The show revolves around two gay men and has a tremendous following.
Jason stole my heart and I adored how well he treats Lewis. The relationship felt very authentic, and I was relieved to see the angst Jason was facing, had nothing to do with Lewis. The colorful PA was his cornerstone and supported his difficult decisions on how to deal with an upsetting development regarding Celestials. Jason needs to decide what matters most, and if his career can survive. A great story full of genuine and colorful personalities, and wonderful feels that I enthusiastically recommend. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Happy reading!
* * * Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn’t a requirement. * * *
5 Stars
I encourage you to read the Roll for Love series in order, to fully appreciate this wonderful story of romance and integrity. Each tale has eclectic and unique characters, and it was so much fun to see the gang from the earlier stories make appearances.
Lewis was introduced to us in book two as the beleaguered personal assistant to the bigger-than-life cosplayers, Edward and Izzy. He rules his clients with an organized fist and excels at his job. Along the way, he has made friends with the two of them. I just adored Lewis, who is enamored with the color pink and all things Pokémon. Despite his happy-go-lucky appearance, he is a serious individual and works hard to handle his ADHD. He has just been dumped and feels he will never find anyone that can see the real person behind the cute clothes and hair. Most guys feel he ends up being too much work which was ridiculous.
One day he was taking a much-needed break from his clients and started playing his Nintendo Switch. A very handsome man started to ask him questions about his game, and this leads to a connection later in the story. The man happened to be Jason Lu, the star of the hit TV series Celestials. The show revolves around two gay men and has a tremendous following.
Jason stole my heart and I adored how well he treats Lewis. The relationship felt very authentic, and I was relieved to see the angst Jason was facing, had nothing to do with Lewis. The colorful PA was his cornerstone and supported his difficult decisions on how to deal with an upsetting development regarding Celestials. Jason needs to decide what matters most, and if his career can survive. A great story full of genuine and colorful personalities, and wonderful feels that I enthusiastically recommend. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Happy reading!
* * * Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn’t a requirement. * * *
Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews