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gillianw's review against another edition
4.0
4 stars
I waited a reeeeally long time to read this book because I wasn't sure if a story about gamers was really my thing. Especially, since much of the focus really is on the gaming, something I've never really been into (Super Mario is more my speed). But as it turned out, this story was quite lovely. Or rather, the story between the gaming was quite lovely. Drew and Kit were adorable and I loved their online and IRL courtship. It felt...real. It felt, dare I say, age appropriate? Because no one was super sexy, or built like a tank, or absolute rock stars in the sack. They were just a couple of young guys trying to figure things out. It was authentic and totally sweet.
As for the gaming parts, I got the gist of things but the details were lost on me, so I probably didn't appreciate those parts as much as an avid gamer might. Still, Alexis Hall manages to describe things in such a way that you don't feel completely discombobulated - clearly a testament to his skill as a writer.
If you're looking for dudes banging, this isn't the book for you (but then I wouldn't suggest any AJH book for that because they are so much more than dudes banging). Otherwise, I think this is definitely worth reading. It's just a really nice story <3
I waited a reeeeally long time to read this book because I wasn't sure if a story about gamers was really my thing. Especially, since much of the focus really is on the gaming, something I've never really been into (Super Mario is more my speed). But as it turned out, this story was quite lovely. Or rather, the story between the gaming was quite lovely. Drew and Kit were adorable and I loved their online and IRL courtship. It felt...real. It felt, dare I say, age appropriate? Because no one was super sexy, or built like a tank, or absolute rock stars in the sack. They were just a couple of young guys trying to figure things out. It was authentic and totally sweet.
As for the gaming parts, I got the gist of things but the details were lost on me, so I probably didn't appreciate those parts as much as an avid gamer might. Still, Alexis Hall manages to describe things in such a way that you don't feel completely discombobulated - clearly a testament to his skill as a writer.
If you're looking for dudes banging, this isn't the book for you (but then I wouldn't suggest any AJH book for that because they are so much more than dudes banging). Otherwise, I think this is definitely worth reading. It's just a really nice story <3
blu_crumbs's review against another edition
5.0
as a gaming nerd, i was so excited to read this!!
the reasons on why i relate sm with this book:
1. the gaming references & terminology (I screamed when characters talked about games I’ve played or known. i have never read a book which involved references of CK, a homage to WOW, even Dishonored)
2. the troubles of playing online games and not spending time with my social life
3. the dilemma of spending too much time with my SO than spending time with my “irl” friends.
— i also liked how Drew came to terms of liking Kit and so forth. (really cute!!)
— i noticed some reviews talked about how they don’t really understand the gaming jargon written in the book, kinda chaotic which is understandable, it could be confusing but i had no problem with it because thats how i usually chat in game
the reasons on why i relate sm with this book:
1. the gaming references & terminology (I screamed when characters talked about games I’ve played or known. i have never read a book which involved references of CK, a homage to WOW, even Dishonored)
2. the troubles of playing online games and not spending time with my social life
3. the dilemma of spending too much time with my SO than spending time with my “irl” friends.
— i also liked how Drew came to terms of liking Kit and so forth. (really cute!!)
— i noticed some reviews talked about how they don’t really understand the gaming jargon written in the book, kinda chaotic which is understandable, it could be confusing but i had no problem with it because thats how i usually chat in game
bitchie's review against another edition
5.0
I'm going with my gut on this one, how much I enjoyed this story, with my rating here. As you can see, from all of the stars, that I loved this book. Every sentence, every word, I just loved it.
I say that with a caveat, though, that if you aren't a gamer, particularly, if you aren't an MMO gamer, you might not necessarily feel the same. You will, in fact, have quite the hard time getting through this book, because it's to me anyway, one long lover letter to gaming. It has huge chunks of story that revolve around the game itself. It uses all the gaming lingo, it goes pretty deep into actual game play, discussing dungeons and boss mechanics, and poking fun at things we gamers have been poking fun of for years.
I don't go back to the beginning of MMOs, I started with Final Fantasy XI, then fell into the huge time sink that is World of Warcraft, along with many other MMOs, and I'd like to think I'm fairly well versed in the genre. As such, I was worried about starting this book, because I tend to nitpick, but Alexis Hall has his shit DOWN. This book brought back so many feelz for me, of hanging out in dungeons, and crying that vanilla was the best (until you actually go back to vanilla, and realize how much HARDER it all was!), having that one guy that just does.not.listen., wiping on raids, the works.
So yes, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved both Drew and Kit, and all their friends. I loved the gaming stuff, I loved how sweet Drew and Kit were together, and I didn't even miss the steam. Of which there was none. Not even a little bit. Just some light making out, and that was it, but who cares, this book was adorable.
I say that with a caveat, though, that if you aren't a gamer, particularly, if you aren't an MMO gamer, you might not necessarily feel the same. You will, in fact, have quite the hard time getting through this book, because it's to me anyway, one long lover letter to gaming. It has huge chunks of story that revolve around the game itself. It uses all the gaming lingo, it goes pretty deep into actual game play, discussing dungeons and boss mechanics, and poking fun at things we gamers have been poking fun of for years.
I don't go back to the beginning of MMOs, I started with Final Fantasy XI, then fell into the huge time sink that is World of Warcraft, along with many other MMOs, and I'd like to think I'm fairly well versed in the genre. As such, I was worried about starting this book, because I tend to nitpick, but Alexis Hall has his shit DOWN. This book brought back so many feelz for me, of hanging out in dungeons, and crying that vanilla was the best (until you actually go back to vanilla, and realize how much HARDER it all was!), having that one guy that just does.not.listen., wiping on raids, the works.
So yes, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved both Drew and Kit, and all their friends. I loved the gaming stuff, I loved how sweet Drew and Kit were together, and I didn't even miss the steam. Of which there was none. Not even a little bit. Just some light making out, and that was it, but who cares, this book was adorable.
raynebair's review against another edition
4.0
This was so good. It was different and fun. Very heavy on the gaming. The characters spend a lot of time in game so much of the storyline was in-game. But that didn't take away from the story, because it helped build the case of the conflict that Drew had, and I think that a lot of people in the gaming world struggle with...balancing game-time and real life. But it was interesting so I enjoyed it.
This was a sweet, no-sex story and I wasn't quite expecting that but it didn't bother me. For this story, it fit.
This was a sweet, no-sex story and I wasn't quite expecting that but it didn't bother me. For this story, it fit.
tinkcourtney's review against another edition
4.0
I'm a little torn on my star rating. This was a fun read, and the interactions between the main characters (both online and in person) were charming. Unlike the other books I've read by this author, this was pretty much at a YA level when it comes to intimacy, which is fine, if a little disappointing. (;
Despite being a gamer myself, I'm not familiar with MMORPG acronyms, and after the umpteenth time of not understanding what was said, I looked up a glossary online (kicked myself later after finding the one in the back of the book AFTER reading it). A lot of the book is told via group chat in game, which certainly fit the theme of the book, though I can see it wearing a little thin for non-gamers.
A solid four stars for me. If I read it again, I'll refer more frequently to the glossary in back so I can follow the conversations better.
Despite being a gamer myself, I'm not familiar with MMORPG acronyms, and after the umpteenth time of not understanding what was said, I looked up a glossary online (kicked myself later after finding the one in the back of the book AFTER reading it). A lot of the book is told via group chat in game, which certainly fit the theme of the book, though I can see it wearing a little thin for non-gamers.
A solid four stars for me. If I read it again, I'll refer more frequently to the glossary in back so I can follow the conversations better.
darjeeling1eaf's review against another edition
5.0
This book was recommended to me by a good friend and a former guildie. I loved all the detail. The little quirks made me smile. This book did a wonderful job of navigating a relationship formed through an MMO. I finished this book and I immediately re-read it. This was steeped in nostalgia and it just made me feel at home.
arimcewan's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
emmina's review
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
nalia_danger's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
tlwd's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was a really cute book, but it feels like the author tried to do too much in too few pages. Readers who are unfamiliar with gaming terms will either be totally lost or constantly referring to the glossary.