Level Up by Annabeth Albert Release Blitz

Landon can’t believe he’s let himself get roped into participating in a charity calendar, let alone one that features tastefully photographed nudes. The genius physicist is hardly model material and he’s dreading the nude part of the photoshoot. Amid his reluctance, the one bright spot is his emails back and forth with the photographer.

However, Bailey ends up being not quite what Landon expects, and their first meeting is decidedly awkward. Bailey’s persistent though, and gradually Landon warms to the burly photographer, and they discover they have a shared love of gamer culture.

A tentative friendship is born, but the road from friends to lovers isn’t easy. Landon’s battling past trauma and must decide how much of a risk he’s willing to take. A sexy connection may not be enough to keep them together unless both are willing to put their hearts on the line.

Approximately 40,000 words. Previously released as part of the Exposed anthology, and loosely linked to the #gaymers universe, this friends-to-lovers, hurt/comfort story stands alone with a guaranteed happy ending. Contains a brief mention of a prior assault, but no on-screen violence or flashbacks.

Buy Links

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~  Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

Bailey was the type who moved a lot as he gamed, biceps flexing, knees wiggling, shoulders jostling. Landon always liked people who got so into gaming, but it was more than a little distracting. His body was quickly coming to associate that orange scent of Bailey’s with good things, and other parts of him apparently liked Bailey’s nearness, which was a novelty because instead of intimidated, as he would have expected, he was more than a little turned on.

“Oh man, that was a rush.” Bailey laughed as both of their health meters dipped to zero. “I’m almost wishing I’d gone into game art, not photography. Amazing how these graphics have held up over the years.”

“Totally. And speaking of art, let me find the Space Villager stuff.” Landon reluctantly stepped away from the game. He headed to the nearby kitchen, where he was pretty the papers were buried with a stack of mail. Paper control was not his strong suit. “You’ll go nuts at the latest screen shots and promo teasers.”

“Cool.” Rather than follow Landon, Bailey went to sit on the couch.

“You want a drink while I’m in here?” Landon called to him after he found the papers under a pile of pizza ads. “I’ve got four flavors of Snapple, soda, and water.”

“Surprise me with a Snapple flavor.” Bailey looked right at home on Landon’s couch, lounging back.

He really did not look at all like any photographer Landon had ever met, and curiosity had him asking, “So why photography? You said you could have done game design?”

“Yeah, I had plenty of friends at the art institute go that direction. But I’ve been in love with photography ever since I worked on our middle school yearbook. I figured out quickly that taking pictures of events and sports was far more fun than trying to do the sports myself, so I did yearbook all through high school, got a photography scholarship to the art institute in Portland.”

“So you don’t play a sport?” Landon had a hard time believing that. With Bailey’s height and breadth, he totally looked like he lived for weekend games of some type.

“Nope. Hopelessly uncoordinated.” Bailey shot him an endearing smile when Landon handed him the bottle of tea.

“Me too.” Landon clinked bottles with him, then held up the papers. “Found the codes. But can I show you some stuff on the TV screen while you have your drink?”

“Absolutely.” Bailey took a long swig of tea, and Landon had to look away before he got mesmerized by Bailey’s full mouth, how it looked when his tongue chased a stray drop of moisture, how pink it was in contrast to his paler skin and brown beard.

Landon queued up the pre-release trailer Josiah had sent him a link to. Bombastic music filled his small living room as on the screen, and a spaceship pulled in for a landing on a planet filled with ruins of a once-powerful civilization. The narrator had an iconic voice and detailed all the special features of the expansion pack. Landon had already watched this a half-dozen times, and it still gave him happy chills.

“Wow. I can’t wait.” Bailey looked suitably awed. “This is even cooler than when War Elf added the mystic raids.”

“I know, right? Now look at the in-game screen shots.” He brought up another video, body relaxing more and more despite Bailey’s nearness. It was just so awesome to have someone new to share this with. He’d been hyped about this all week, but Pike was distracted by his boyfriend Zack’s deployment, Savannah didn’t game much, and the rest of his regular crew seemed to have other things occupying their attention.

Somehow, as he shared more video clips, he drifted closer to Bailey, so that their knees were almost rubbing. It wasn’t a giant couch, so there wasn’t a ton of room to move back, but even so, Landon wasn’t looking for an escape. He was aware of Bailey, very much so, but not nearly as freaked out as he’d been a few hours ago. Instead, his senses seemed to soak up Bailey’s scent and nearness, and it wasn’t until the fourth or fifth video that he realized that he was aroused.

Clink. Somehow Landon’s left hand, holding his drink, and Bailey’s right hand tangled.

“Oops.” He tried to extricate himself without spilling both beverages. Bending to put his on the floor, he hadn’t realized that Bailey had also leaned down until their heads collided.

“Ow,” they said simultaneously.

“Oh my gosh. I’m so sorry.” Bailey reached out, feeling around on Landon’s head. “Did you see stars? Break the skin?”

“I’m fine.” Landon didn’t pull away. Bailey’s hand felt damn nice. Gentle. Soothing more than just the bump on his head. Their eyes met, and he really needed to move back, break this spell, but he didn’t, instead leaning into to the touch. Bailey’s eyes darkened, and he stroked down Landon’s jaw. God, that felt so good, like an extra blanket on a chilly night, warmth he hadn’t realized he was missing. How long had it been since he’d been touched like this? Hugged, sure. He’d hugged Savannah goodnight, and hugged and wrestled around with his best friend Pike at the last LAN party, but neither of those things was touch like this. Caring. Sweet. Arousing.

Bailey leaned in again, way slower this time, all the time in the world for Landon to stop him. But he didn’t. Bailey’s beard tickled an instant before their lips met, a soft slide of mouths. Not aggressive at all, not the on-a-tight-schedule rush of a hookup, Bailey kissed like they had a sleepy Sunday afternoon to kill, like each reaction of Landon’s mattered, like he was trying to memorize something important and was going to take his time learning the lesson.

Landon was the first one to take things further, mouth opening on a sigh, welcoming Bailey’s agile tongue. He tasted sweet, like tea, and minty like the gum he’d popped after the pizza, familiar yet new at the same time. How had he managed to forget how awesome kissing could be? A laugh bubbled up in his chest, but quickly transformed to a groan of pleasure as Bailey nipped at his lower lip.

Not content to let Bailey be the one exploring, Landon sent his own tongue on a quest, tracing Bailey’s full lower lip, delving inside to rub tongues, retreating playfully to earn another nip. Fuck. This was nice. The video switched over to something random, and he barely registered it. He couldn’t say how long they kissed, just that he didn’t want it to ever end.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica – ☆☆☆☆
Level Up is a story set in the #gaymers universe but can easily be read as a standalone.

*trying to be spoiler-free*

With a small cast of characters, Annabeth Albert puts the focus solely on the couple, centering on their budding romance, with nothing else muddying up their evolving relationship. This created a full story within a novella.

While there is instantaneous lust on Bailey's part, the story has more of a slow-building friendship, which creates trust and intimacy. Almost a hurt-comfort type read, adding layers of realism to the couple's relationship.

Dark events have caused Landon to have panic attacks, specific to Bailey's 'type.' This adds both layers of angst and emotion to the novella. There's no cure-all for Landon, but Bailey is patient.

Even with a darker undertone, I found Level Up to be light, quick, and warm and fuzzy. Perfect for a hot bubble bath, which is exactly where I read the novella.

What is a pro for me may be a con for another reader: obviously, with the title of the book, one knows to expect gamer-speak. I found this a novelty, seeing games I've played in the past (Gauntlet brought back memories). For those who don't/never have gamed, some gamer-speak may go over their heads or may cause them to skim. I don't know why, but I felt the need to point this out.

I highly recommend for those looking for sweet and heartwarming MM romance.


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
This is and quirky addition to the #gaymers series. There are sparks from the start between physicist Landon and photographer Bailey, but distance and past trauma make a relationship between them difficult.

There are so many things I really liked about this relatively short story. I loved Landon’s easy bisexuality. I appreciated the author’s sensitive and realistic approach to the long-term effects of sexual assault. I loved the geeky friendship between Bailey and Landon. I loved the glimpses of Bailey and Landon’s professional lives and I loved their friends.

This is a feel-good romance between two characters who feel very new adult – even if they are actually a bit older. Their West Coast Millennial world is well observed and very familiar. Although it deals with the heavy topic of sexual assault, there is also a light and playful feel to much of the story.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is a very enjoyable novella which has some links to characters in other Ms. Albert's series. It could definitely be read as a standalone but was richer to me for having read the #gaymers books and the first of the Out of Uniform books.

Landon's past has left him suffering from panic attacks and fear of large men, so Bailey is at an immediate disadvantage, given his size and gender, but he really falls for Landon. His patience, caring, and subtle seduction of the nervous but sexy man is very romantic and hot. I loved the honesty with which they spoke to each other, even when they surprised themselves.

I encourage you to read and enjoy the way that their future takes shape; it was refreshing to read a story which does not need a dramatic incident to cement the relationship.

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. The Out of Uniform series joins her critically acclaimed and fan-favorite LGBTQ romance #gaymers, Portland Heat and Perfect Harmony series.

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 active children.

Connect with Annabeth

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Google+  ~  Instagram
Annabeth's Angels Facebook Fan Group

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Level Up (#gaymers Universe) by Annabeth Albert to read and review for this tour.

Connection Error by Annabeth Albert

It's typical of video game programmer Josiah Simmons to be the last one on the plane on the way to the biggest meeting of his career. Though he's (mostly) coping with his ADHD, he can't handle another distraction. But he also can't ignore his rugged seatmate—especially once he learns the military man's a fan of his game.

Ryan Orson refuses to let his severe injuries pause his career as a navy SEAL. He's got hours of grueling physical therapy ahead of him, and no time for anything that might get in the way of his return to active duty. But that doesn't mean he's above a little first-class flirtation with geeky-cute Josiah.

When a delay strands the pair in St. Louis, they agree to share a hotel room and a night of gaming. Neither expects their new connection to move to the next level in the light of day. Opposites may attract, but is this game over before it's even begun?

Book Three of the #gaymers series

One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you're looking for with an HEA/HFN. It's a promise! Find out more at CarinaPress.com/RomancePromise.

Book 3
Buy Links

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

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
This is the story of a chance meeting between two very different men on a plane. The connection between game designer Josiah and injured Navy SEAL Ryan is unlikely, improbable, and initially very awkward, but I really loved this couple by the end.

Josiah is intelligent, socially awkward and battling ADHD. He is a slightly stereotypical computer geek who lives with his mum and struggles with relationships. Ryan is a double amputee recovering after an explosion. This is much darker than other stories I’ve read by this author as Ryan’s slow, painful rehabilitation is captured with sensitivity and sometimes harsh realism. Both characters are well crafted and I came to care for them both.

Much of the developing relationship between Josiah and Ryan is carried out long distance through text and e-mail. There were times that this made the pace of the story alternately drag and jump, but writing back and forth does add a hint of a more classic love story to this very modern romance. I really enjoyed the slow building romance in this story.

There are some very moving scenes that made me want to award five stars, but I felt the ending let the story down slightly, leaping forward without offering an entirely clear resolution. Ultimately, I really enjoyed this more serious addition to a great series.


Erica – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 – 4 Stars.

I'm a huge fan of gamer geeks and Annabeth Albert's #gaymers series. Added on top of those things were the disabled military man, a guy with ADHD, slow-burn, realistic romance, and a puppy. A recipe for a heartwarming, engaging read.

Overall, I enjoyed Josiah & Ryan, found them realistically written and resonating, but felt an added level of development was missing. But with the romance on the forefront, that was understandable as it wasn't about the dark and gritty details.

HUGE fan of slow-burn, friends-to-lovers, but the pacing on Connection Error was a bit too slow for me without an added level of angst. Low on the angst, and I know a large readership who will appreciate that fact.

I was eagerly anticipating this installment, yet it took me the better part of three days to read the short novel, when previous installments were devoured in one sitting. Perhaps I was channeling Josiah and was unable to focus and concentrate. Wasn't Ms. Albert's story – it was me.

All issues I had with the novel are on a personal level, not with the writing style or premise. It was just too slow for me, for once, with the slow-burn, with too many repetitious emails back and forth, visits back and forth, even though they lent to the believability factor. Just a matter of taste.

Gamer level: low. Book one had the most, with book two finding the perfect level (for me). But other than mentions of work or saying they're playing, the gaming was light for a series about gaymes (gay gamers).

Overall, I was entertained, and am looking forward to the next in the series.


Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
As a parent of a child with ADHD I loved Josiah. We get to see the challenges having ADHD adds to his life, but we also get to see how it actually helps him. His lack of social graces definitely works in his favour at times.

Our other hero is actually a hero. Injured Navy SEAL Ryan doesn't seem like a likely match for Josiah, but their love of gaming starts a friendship that builds into more. Watching Ryan come to terms with life after his injury is really hard.

This is a great romance and has some very sexy moments. And I have to say naked Twister gets the thumbs up.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the third in the series – and whilst about a different couple, there are revisits to the other pairings and anyway, these are really good stories – so do read them all!

Ms. Albert does thoughtful, emotional, and intense really well. She also gets right inside the head of a tech person (or how I imagine they are in their head) and gives us characters that I believe I would recognise in the street. Josiah is certainly not who you would immediately pair with Ryan – even Josiah AND Ryan are sure of that – but as they get to know each other and move into a definite friend-zone, we can at least start to hope. The level of detail of Ryan's rehabilitation was humbling to read, and beautifully done.

I highly recommend this book and the series. Thank you Ms. Albert for another great read.

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.

Book 2
Buy Links

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

For reviews & more info, check out our Beta Test post.

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

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Connection Error (#gaymers #3) by Annabeth Albert to read and review.

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

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

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

Status Update by Annabeth Albert Blog Tour

Adrian Gottlieb is winning at life. He's a successful video game designer with everything a man could ask for, including a warm comfy ride to Denver and a date for his sister's wedding. But he finds himself in need of a total reboot when he's left stranded at a snowy campground in Utah. Holiday plans? Epic fail.

That is until Noah Walters offers him shelter for the night and a reluctant cross-country ride. Nothing about the ultraconservative geoarchaeologist should attract Adrian, but once he discovers Noah's hidden love for video games, the two connect on a new level. Soon, a quiet but undeniable chemistry sparks.

Something doesn't add up, though. As the miles accumulate and time runs out, Noah must face the most difficult choice of his life. Meanwhile, Adrian must decide whether he's ready to level up. Is their relationship status worth fighting for, or has this game ended before it's even begun?

Book 1
Buy Links

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

Noah knew the dog was trouble as soon as he and Ulysses entered the campground’s off-leash dog area. The little guy—some sort of Chihuahua/mini-pin mix in a yellow-and-green checked coat—stood in the center of the scrubby grass, barking his fool head off. The only human in the dog area sat at the picnic table on the far side, completely absorbed in his shiny phone, oblivious to his dog strutting around like all eight pounds of him would be enough to keep potential threats out.

Ulysses gave Noah a look, like “you really expect me to ignore that?” Noah tightened his hold on the tennis ball chucker. Ulysses never did well competing with smaller dogs for his toys. He unclipped Ulysses with a stern look.

“Be good.”

Still yapping, the little dog rushed over to inspect his new enemy. Predictably, Ulysses wandered away to do his business. He was too old for these sorts of games.

Noah gave a halfhearted wave in the direction of the owner, but the guy didn’t look up from his phone. The young guy was a typical hipster tourist—thick tortoise-framed glasses, artfully messed-up dark hair, with a thick purple streak, falling over his forehead. Slim build, but his wide shoulders stretched his too-thin jacket, making the shiny fabric ripple with his motions. He wasn’t any more prepared for November in Utah than his designer dog. Still, he was a cute guy, if one was the type to notice things like that, which Noah was not.

Noah looked away, studying the sheer cliffs that surrounded the Capitol Reef National Park. Didn’t matter how much time he spent in Southern Utah, he never got tired of the view. Phone guy was missing the light shifting into one of those perfect late fall sunsets that made the early dusk worth the loss of daylight. Pink streaks mingled with gray sky to cast a rosy glow over the scrubby grass and low fence of the dog area.

Rowwwr. Ulysses flopped at Noah’s feet, a deep beseeching whine rattling out of his barrel chest. He was eighty pounds of unhappy. He’d waited patiently all afternoon while Noah worked, and now he was missing out on his ball time thanks to the teacup gatekeeper.

“Okay, but play nice.” Noah threw the ball hard with the chucker toy, going for enough distance to outstrip the tiny dog’s ability to keep up with Ulysses. Not surprisingly, the little guy was tenacious, cutting off Ulysses’s path to the ball. Ulysses gave a warning woof, and Noah broke into a run, heading after the dogs.

“Down,” he called out. Ulysses wouldn’t attack the smaller dog, but he wasn’t above a major tantrum. And despite the smaller dog acting as instigator, people would see the huge black dog and toss out the “aggressor” label. Noah preferred to exercise him late in the day—Ulysses simply didn’t enjoy playing with other dogs, and Noah wasn’t one to force his dog into uncomfortable situations.

The little dog stood over the ball, yapping up a storm while Ulysses barked and growled, ignoring Noah’s command to sit.

Finally, the owner hefted himself off the picnic bench.

“Pixel, baby, what are you doing?” the owner called in a melodic voice that didn’t inspire Noah’s confidence in the man’s ability to control his dog. “Did the big doggie scare you?”

Hah. Typical. Noah snorted. “Can you grab the ball?” He didn’t trust those little dog breeds—too quick to snap. He’d nearly been bitten trying to retrieve a ball more than once.

“Oh sure.” The guy reached under Pixel—typical cutesy name for an annoying dog—and delicately plucked the ball free, but instead of handing it to Noah, he gave it a toss, sending both dogs running.

Oh great. Noah let out a slow breath, little puffs of vapor in the crisp evening air that did nothing to defuse his tension.

“It’ll be okay.” The way-too-handsy guy patted the sleeve of Noah’s parka. “They just need to work it out. Pixel loves to play.”

Noah took a step to the side. Who did that? Touched complete strangers? But the guy kept up his friendly grin, not unlike his dog, who kept gamely chasing Ulysses. Ulysses won the race to the ball this time and hightailed it back to Noah. Not releasing his prize, he whined softly.

“Hey, boy. You got a toy?” The guy knelt to dog level and extended a hand, but instead of sniffing, Ulysses shook his head.

“Sorry. He’s not much on new people.” Neither am I. Noah’s voice sounded rough to his own ears—too many days with only Ulysses to talk to.

“It’s okay.” The guy straightened, then extended a hand to Noah. “I’m Adrian Gottlieb. You been at Capitol Reef long?”

“Couple of weeks.” He returned Adrian’s handshake, hating it when a little buzz shot up his arm. Unlike his own gloved hand, Adrian’s hand was bare, a hint of a tattoo playing peekaboo with his cuff, his grip strong and firm. And Noah had absolutely no business noticing anything more than the guy’s relentless friendliness.

Adrian smiled expectantly as he released Noah’s hand.

“Oh, I’m Noah. And that’s Ulysses,” he added, because dog people always wanted to know all about the dog. No doubt the guy was bursting to tell Pixel’s life story.

“Add-dreeee-an,” a heavily accented voice called from the gate. A beefy guy close to Noah’s age leaned on the fence, bald head gleaming in the setting sun. “I’m lonely. When are you coming back?”

“Coming,” Adrian shouted, then gave Noah a shrug with a “what can you do?” expression on his face. He grabbed Pixel and jogged across the field.

Noah nodded like he knew anything about handling demanding friends. Adrian greeted the mammoth dude with a quick peck. Okay then. Not a friend. He should have guessed, but he was a bit slow about relationship stuff. The country was changing, even way out here, but no one would dare try even that much PDA in his tiny West Texas college town. His stomach gave a weird flip—not quite discomfort, but something else he refused to name. Time to return his attention to Ulysses. He hurled the tennis ball as hard as he could.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica – ☆☆☆☆
4.5 Stars
Status Update was just what the doctor ordered to pull me out of my bad mood. Light and warm-hearted, Status Update was a nice and cozy afternoon read without any nail-biting stress. Noah was a very interesting character, written with realistic human emotion. Adrian brought humor and an easy-going attitude to the novel. Together, as a couple, they were the perfect balance.

A bit about my reading tastes: I'm not one who loves the warm and fuzzy, especially when it's over-the-top. I'm a bit like Noah, annoyed with excess anything: humor, sex, in-your-face insta-love. For me, this warm, emotional book was the antidote to the darkness I've been experiencing. It's the perfect balance for a serious reader while giving the romancy fluffy readers exactly what they need, want, and expect. Status Update had a bit of something to hook most readers with its engaging storyline. Funny. Sweet. Emotional. HOT.

I'm a sucker for pets in a story, as well as geek characters, especially video game fanatics, and Status Update had all three. Doggies, geeks, and video games.

I've read other books by Annabeth Albert, and this just spurred me into looking into her backlist of titles to read what I've missed. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

Genre: M/M Romance | Holiday novel | Warm & Fluffy |


Veronica – ☆☆☆☆☆
Noah rescues Adrian and his dog Pixel, when Adrian's boyfriend leaves him stranded at a campground. This couple in some ways are opposites. Adrian is openly gay while Noah is firmly in the closest, barley able to admit to himself that he is gay. Adrian is friendly and social while Noah hates crowds, parties and socialising. But they have things in common. The both love gaming, dogs and sci-fi.

This is a beautiful romance. A story where the connection of the mind and spirit is more important that the connection of their bodies (although the connecting bodies is hot). I fell completely in love with Adrian and Noah. The nerd and the romantic in me couldn't get enough of this story. I can't wait for the next book in the series.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
I really enjoyed this sweet, romantic and cheering story. It has some wonderful moments of humour, some serious issues to resolve and a lot of affection between two gorgeous geeky guys. One has chosen to embrace the way he is, and even through heart ache has stayed strong. One has tried for approval and in so doing is destroying his soul. The unfolding of their relationship and their quirks and desires is beautifully written, and as they explore each other the chemistry is delicious.

Lovely heartwarming story; thank you Ms. Albert.


Shannan – ☆☆☆☆
Status Update is a sweet little read. It's predicable but I really enjoyed the ride getting to the end. It's a book that gives you the warm fuzzy feeling and after some of the darker things I read, warm fuzzies are a good thing!

Noah is a huge introvert. He is living out of an RV, working on a book. When he unexpectedly becomes a rescuer to the guy and his dog, staying next to him, he never imagines what would happen. I really enjoyed the easy banter between Noah and Adrian. Noah was so stand-offish in the beginning, I loved watching him loosen up and open himself. The dogs, Pixel and Ulysses, were characters themselves. I love when an author gives a pet a personality in a book.

Good read, but I don't think I've read anything from Ms. Albert that I haven't enjoyed.

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

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Status Update (#gaymers #1) by Annabeth Albert to read and review for this tour.