Monday, May 30, 2016

Beta Test by Annabeth Albert


Player vs. Player. Fight!

Brilliant graphic designer Ravi Tandel is ahead of the game—he's just been asked to present a top secret project at a huge conference in Seattle. All systems are go…until he learns his buttoned-up office nemesis is coming along for the ride.

Tristan Jones isn't really the gamer type, but he knows the back end of the video game business inside out. Together, he and Ravi will give an awesome presentation. If they survive the cross-country trip first.

Tossed together in close quarters, Ravi's shocked to see Tristan's sexy, softer side emerge from such a conservative shell. He's less shocked to learn his handsome colleague's prominent family would never support an out-and-proud son. But Ravi didn't struggle through his own coming out to hide who he is now. To be together, Tristan will have to push past his fear and ultimately decide: Does he want a future with Ravi? Or is it game over before they've even begun?

Book Two of the #gaymers series

Add to Goodreads


Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo



Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica☆☆☆☆
4.5 geeky stars.

I've been waiting to read Beta Test since beginning Status Update, and even before finishing this installment, I want the next – Connection Error.

I'm a sucker for geeks and gamers. Beta Test was a quick-paced read, with a good deal of angsty slow-burn. Tristan is a straight-laced new employee, who is all about spreadsheets and organizational skills. On page one, he meets his fellow coworker, Ravi. The Indian-American is described as flashy yet masculine, and he was exactly Tristan's type. Too bad both have had relationships blow up in their faces – especially Ravi when it comes to workplace romance. A love-hate, push-pull commences, until they are forced to go on a long roadtrip to a convention for work.

I enjoyed the angst to both Tristan and Ravi's backgrounds, their reluctance to share it, and the slow way they fell into trusting one another. The culture of Ravi's family was a great addition, and equally intriguing. There was less coding and geek-speak in this installment, leaving the reader to enjoy the storyline instead of being educated. The LAN party made me crave and miss game night with my old friends (made me want to reconnect or find new gamer friends). This brought out the nostalgic side of me – little bit bittersweet.

Recommended for those who are fans of MM contemporary romance, for my fellow gamer geeks, and fans of Annabeth Albert. I can't wait to get my hands on book #3 come this fall.


Shannan☆☆☆☆
Tristan is quiet, shy, conservative and keeps everything in his life very organized. He keeps his personal life out of the office, he is very discreet. Ravi is the exact opposite of Tristan. Ravi is an excellent graphic artist, but completely a fly by the seat of your pants guy. He's out and doesn't care who knows it. He's the popular one in the office, friends with everyone. Tristan keeps more to himself, not liking being the center of attention.

With these two not really friends, Tristan and Ravi are thrown together to drive to Seattle to set up the booth for the game con. It's not the perfect situation for either of them, but after accidentally outing Tristan at a work thing, Ravi feels he has a lot to make up for. He can be nice while they are forced into this situation.

Ravi and Tristan find out their lives really aren't so different and they have more in common than either one ever thought. Can they change the opinion of each other by the end of the trip? Or will the close quarters drive a bigger wedge in between them?

This is sweet read. I enjoyed the gaming aspect of the plot, just something different than the usual m/m that is out there right now. I love that it isn't an insta-love, and the boys had to work for it some. Can't wait to see where #3 goes!


Ruthie☆☆☆☆
Having read, and totally enjoyed the first book in the series, I was really happy to have a chance to review this one too. It was good to catch up, even if only briefly with Adrian and Noah's relationship.

There is less game geekery in this story, mainly because Tristan is a marketing guy, of the plan everything perfectly variety, and Ravi is an amazing illustrator, rather than techie geek. There is however a wonderful party, where Tristan may reveal a side to him that we might not have expected! Both men have their issues, yet are able in the main to be honest about their pasts. They are not quite so honest about their feelings, but Ms. Albert manages to turn things around and get them where we want them!

There are some truly lovely scenes between these two men, and watching them develop as a couple was delicious. A vivid reminder of how parents can really do some damage to their children, and that it does not end as they enter adulthood, is front and centre. Thankfully, these men have the strength to make choices which lead to better futures.

I am excited to see who next gets a chance, and to catch up with these guys!


Veronica☆☆☆☆
Tristan and Ravi are opposites. Tristan is super-organised, a bit square, and introverted. Ravi is super cool, outgoing, and always socialising. When the story started, I immediately connected with Tristan as he watched the cool and confident Ravi be everything he isn't. It took me a little time to warm up to Ravi, but when I saw how good these guys were together I fell in love with him as well.

It was a pleasure to watching this couple try to figure each other out and to figure themselves out too. They bring out the best in each other. Beta Test is a lovely m/m romance.


Also Available in the #gaymers Series

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our stop on the Status Update Blog Tour.




Annabeth Albert grew up sneaking romance novels under the bed covers. Now, she devours all subgenres of romance out in the open—no flashlights required! When she’s not adding to her keeper shelf, she’s a multi-published Pacific Northwest romance writer.

Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. Annabeth loves finding happy endings for a variety of pairings and is a passionate gay rights supporter.  In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.

Represented by Saritza Hernandez of the Corvisiero Literary Agency

Connect with Annabeth

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
FB Fan Group  ~  Google+  ~  Tumblr  ~  tsū


http://netgalley.com/


Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Beta Test (#gaymers #2) by Annabeth Albert to read and review.

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