Review ~ Leveling the Field by Megan Erickson

Title: Leveling the Field

Series: Gamers #4

Author: Megan Erickson

Release Date: May 2, 2016

Reclusive magazine exec Ethan Talley is furious when his business partner hires a photographer—a gorgeous photographer who insists on speaking her mind, damn it—to take pictures for an upcoming article. No matter how badly he wants the woman…under him, over him, against the nearest wall…he has reasons for not wanting to be on camera anymore, and his scars are only one of them.

It takes approximately two seconds for Lissa Kingsman to recognize Ethan as the popular YouTube gamer who fell off the planet years ago. But this Ethan is different than the charming man she used to watch, and the crush she had on him then is nothing compared to the way she’s lusting after the brooding man he is today. If sex is all he can give her, fine. Why not use that bearskin rug in her studio for something other than a prop? But she’s determined to put a chink in his armor, no matter how much he resists.

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I wanted this book. 

I wanted this book SO BADLY. 

I loved this book. 

I loved this book SO MUCH.

I was fairly tempted to just leave that ^^ as my review (with maybe a few subliminal ‘buy it’ messages thrown in for good measure), but then I realized that doesn’t tell you why I loved it so… 

It fails to mention the grumpy, broody, scarred and oh, so tempting Ethan Talley. The fiery, sassy, upfront and so damn likeable Lissa Kingsman. The return of this series’ other couples in all their geeky grandeur. 

Nowhere does it talk about the beauty of this relationship. About the power of friendship and faith and lust to help begin a long-awaited (and much needed) healing process. 

There’s no mention of the humor. The feels that had me alternating a laugh and a smile with a pang in my chest and a tear in my ear. Nor does it do justice to this wonderful, dare I say PERFECT, ending to one of my favorite nerdtastic series. 

Which is a shame. Because really, when I closed Leveling the Field, my first thought was how much I had wanted to read this book—since the first moment we met broken Ethan, and learned about his tragic past, as a matter of fact—and how completely and utterly satisfied and in love with it (and him and Lissa) I was…

So, I won’t bother with subliminal messages. I’ll flat out tell you. BUY THIS BOOK. And the others in the series, if you’ve not already read them. You won’t be disappointed. 

~ Review by Beth

In Leveling the Field, at last we learn the story behind Ethan Talley—what makes the man tick. He’s quite the recluse—really only communicating with his sister, Chloe and the rest of the Gamers staff including, of course, Grant, Marley and Austin, and Chad and Owen. He’s a miserable bastard and he likes it that way. Until the day he meets the gorgeous Lissa Kingsman, a photographer hired to take pictures to support an upcoming gaming article.

Lissa takes one look and immediately recognizes Ethan as the wildly popular E-Rad, a You Tube sensation that fell off the planet ten years ago. He’s matured and just as gorgeous as she remembers, but he’s now closed off and broody. Lissa had a massive crush on the boy, but she’s seriously lusting after the man now. She’s willing to take all that he offers—even if it’s just absolutely amazing sex. But what if it could be more? 

Gah, who doesn’t love a brilliant, heartwarming, funny, sexy nerd-a-licious book? I sure as hell do! Lissa and Ethan are magical together—glitter bombs and all. They’re fun, sexy, and smart. Add in the catch-up snippets of the rest of the Gamers crew, and it’s fucking brilliant. 

While I’ve been (im)patiently waiting for the last of the Gamers series to be released, I’m so very sad the series has ended. But oh, what an ending! 

~ Review by Missy

You want to know what was wrong with this book? It's the end of the series. That's what. 

And that's basically a travesty.

Oh, also? I didn't want it (this book or this series) to end. That's two things wrong with this book. 

So, what did Megan Erickson get right?

All the things.

The enigmatic, reclusive, scarred hero with the tragic past and the completely emotionally unavailable personality. I mean, that doesn't sound right, but the way Ms. Erickson peeled back his layers and showed us how he came alive again? That was just right. 

I have a thing for scarred heroes, and for crabby heroes, and for nerdy heroes, so I mean, basically? Stick a fork in me. I never stood a chance. Ethan was such a beautiful soul, such a wonderfully complicated, broken person. Getting to experience how he responded to Lissa, how he bloomed for her…was some kind of treat.

And Lissa? She's unlike any heroine I've ever read. She's fantastic. She pulls no punches and her mouth is filthy and it's fucking hottttt, y'all. She's fierce and confrontational—but her heart is ginormous, and so is her spirit. I loved her so much and cannot think of a more perfect match for Ethan.

Full of Ms. Erickson's trademark humor, heat, and completely lovable characters, Leveling the Field did not disappoint. It's fan-freaking-tastic—the perfect ending to a nearly perfect nerdgasmic series. 

~ Review by Shelly

Megan Erickson worked as a journalist covering real-life dramas before she decided she liked writing her own endings better and switched to fiction. 

She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, two kids and two cats. When she's not tapping away on her laptop, she's probably listening to the characters in her head who won't stop talking.

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Review - Tied to Trouble by Megan Erickson

Title: Tied to Trouble

Series: Gamers #3

Author: Megan Erickson

Release Date: January 4, 2016

Between love and hate, there's a whole lot of trouble…

Chad Lake only showed up at his sister's party for the free food, but when he spots an uptight nerd at the edge of the crowd, he can't resist trying to ruffle the guy's perfect bow tie and impeccable hair. The hottie's ready for him, though, and in the end, it's Chad who's left wide-eyed, his ears still ringing with the filthy things Bow Tie whispered in his ear. No one gets the upper hand on Chad. Ever.

Owen Hawkins has heard all about the cocky Adonis from Chad's sister—the same sister who holds Owen's career advancement in her hands. He has every intention of steering clear of the other man…until Chad's sexy taunts push him too far. There's something intriguing about Chad, and even though Owen knows that getting tangled up with the infuriating man is trouble, he can't seem to stay away…

**This is part of an M/F series but can be read as standalone**

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AMAZON US / AMAZON UK

There's just something about Megan Erickson’s nerds that really get to me. Just like there's something about her M/M books that leave me a little weak in the knees. Add the two together, and you’ve a recipe for a truly amazing, sexy hot book. 

Chad Lake showed up at his sister, Marley’s party for free food—but what he ended up with was a whole lot more… 

Marley’s co-worker, Owen Hawkins is perfectly put together, from his styled hair to his charming bow tie, but when Chad tries to rile him up, he finds himself on the receiving end of some seriously sexy speak instead. 

Now, these two—who have chemistry down to an art—are going to be spending more time together, and they’ll have to try to avoid trouble…of the dirtiest kind. 

Well, this book took nerdy and dirty to a new level. A new level of fucking amazing, that is. I mean, dorky cock rings? Yes, please. I was done after that—pretty sure this book could have gone in any direction and I'd have faithfully followed along. 

But it didn't just go in any direction. It went straight into my heart (and, err, my panties). Despite running a temperature (surprisingly not book related) and writhing around in bed (again, not book related), I was committed to seeing this one through to the very delightful, swoony end. It was just fun. It took my mind off my woes, and gave me the chance to smile, to shiver and to fall in love with bad-boy Chad and Gamers geek Owen. 

And how could I not? Even when they were snarking it up at each, they were all intense attraction and electric chemistry. They may have been different—and, hey, they say opposites attract, right?—but they were also so alike. They wanted to be loved and noticed and believed in and needed, and what they gave each other (and me) was all the good feels. ALL. OF. THEM. 

This was another knock-it-out-of-the-park home run from Megan Erickson. At this point, I shouldn't be surprised. She has nerdy heroes and magnificent M/M books down to an art form. Just like Owen and Chad’s chemistry. I mentioned that already, right? 

~ Review by Beth

Chad Lake—hot, sexy, independent, stubborn, sarcastic, unfalteringly loyal, loving, talented, scared, self-conscious… in other words, quite an amazingly intricate personality. One word cannot capture all that is Chad Lake.

Owen Harkins—quiet, bookish, nerdy, smart, sexy, rule follower, intriguing, and out of his league. Out of his league with his desire for Chad, even as Chad’s cocky confidence and snarky replies piss him off every time they meet.

Owen is a rule follower—Chad relishes his rule breaking. They say opposites attract and these two couldn’t be more opposite if they tried. But holy hell, they smolder when they’re together and as long as they pull their heads out of their butts long enough to realize what they have with each other is rare and amazing, all will be just fine… 

I was so excited when I heard Megan Erickson was writing Chad’s story in this series, and I loved every minute. I loved Chad’s insecurity hidden by all his cockiness and Owen’s hotness factor camouflaged by his nerdy exterior. I loved catching up with Marley and Austin, too. I’ve loved this series from the start and hate to see it ending, but what a finish! 

~ Review by Missy

This series has taught me so much about my sexual proclivities—first, that I love Cosplay (thank you, Grant and Chloe) and now? Now, I’ve learned that I have a bowtie kink. And if you can walk away from reading this book without a bowtie kink of your own, then you’re a much stronger person than I am. Or maybe you’re just less fun. Let’s go with that. I mean, bowties….yum.

We first met Chad Lake as Marley’s free-spirited brother in Changing His Game. Chad has bounced from job to job, and lover to lover— failing to commit to anything serious on either front. At 27, he’s starting to feel restless in his restlessness and is maybe ready to tie himself to something real. When uber nerdy Owen Hawkins crosses his path, Chad decides to ruffle his feathers a bit. A little taunting, a little teasing—just Chad being Chad. What he doesn’t expect is for buttoned up bow-tie man to respond so aggressively—or to have such a filthy mouth. When Owen drops a scorching hot sexy bomb on Chad, Chad becomes hopelessly intrigued.

Owen has heard stories about his boss’s brother. He’s cocky and irresponsible, and a little wild (maybe a lot wild)—all things that Owen isn’t, nor is he interested in those things. But when Chad’s sexy taunts push him too far, he takes the bait and eventually finds that there might be more to Chad than he’d originally given him credit for and— furthermore—that Chad might just be everything Owen needs.

Sweet baby Jesus in a bucket, this book was hot! Half the heat came from the snarky love/hate banter between Chad and Owen. This is no insta-love story—these two can hardly stand each other at first—but their dislike fuels (and heats) their sexual encounters and y’all? Your panties are on notice.

Sexiness aside, it was so sweet watching these two discover that their feelings ran deeper. There were moments that were so tender and touching; watching them navigate their relationship from near hatred to near love was just…adorable, sometimes frustrating, but ultimately very rewarding. And deliciously nerdy. My God, I love nerds. I love THESE nerds. 

This book was full of sweet, swoony moments (including some from Marley and Austin which…ugh. LOVE), laugh-out-loud banter across all characters (I seriously snorted a couple of times), and those raging hot sexy times I already mentioned (it bears mentioning twice because, whoa). I devoured this book in less than a day, and it left me smiling, happy, and a little lusty (maybe a lot lusty). Megan Erickson is pretty much a sure thing for me—and this was no exception. 

~ Review by Shelly

Megan Erickson worked as a journalist covering real-life dramas before she decided she liked writing her own endings better and switched to fiction. 

She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, two kids and two cats. When she's not tapping away on her laptop, she's probably listening to the characters in her head who won't stop talking.

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Review - Playing For Her Heart by Megan Erickson

Title: Playing For Her Heart

Series: Gamers #2

Author: Megan Erickson

Release Date: August 11, 2015

A sexy category romance from Entangled's Brazen imprint... 

She wanted fantasy. He's about to make it a reality...

Grant Osprey just had the hottest sex of his life. Sure, they were both in costume, and yes, it was anonymous, but he never expected her to bolt in the middle of the night without so much as a good bye, let alone exchanging numbers. Or names. All he's left with are her panties and some seriously X-rated memories...until he meets his business partner's little sister.

Only Chloe Talley isn't the bold, sexy vixen he remembers. And she wants nothing to do with him.

Cosplay is Chloe's only chance to leave her boring, socially awkward world behind. To forget that she's failing at life and can't be with anyone, let alone a single-father like Grant. But the raw hunger between them is undeniable. With him, she can be a misbehaving maid. A sexy call girl for hire. Each scene pushes Chloe beyond her strict boundaries, until Grant demands the one character she can't play.

Herself.

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AMAZON US / UK

Who knew that cosplay, nerds and penetrative testing could be so damn HOT? I mean, I read Changing His Game, so I had an idea that Megan Erickson’s Gamers series was super erotic, but hells bells, it’s been a good 24 hours (and one more book) since I finished Playing For Her Heart and I am STILL worked up… 

Chloe Talley uses cosplay as a shield. Hiding her true self behind her character, she’s able to step away from the dorky, awkward, broken girl she normally is, and indulge in a little…fun. Which she does with a handsome stranger, right before fleeing in the middle of the night. 

Grant Osprey definitely enjoyed the nameless little vixen that rocked his world and left her knickers in his hotel room, but he never expected to see her again. Certainly not at a business lunch with his best friend. Who introduces her at his little sister… 

Chloe is nothing like the sexy, confident character he remembered from their hot night when they meet again, and each new encounter with her hiding behind her costumes brings him closer to falling and her closer to revealing her true self to him. Can he convince her that he wants what’s underneath the fancy dress, or will this only ever be a game? 

There’s really not a lot for me to say about this book, aside from the fact that I loved it. It was hot. So, so hot. It was funny. It was charming and sweet and just emotional enough that I was on the edge, but not, you know, bawling like a baby. I loved Grant and Chloe. They were so right together, and whoa, their role-playing was electric! But it’s more than that though. They got each other, even when they were playing. And, reading between the lines, it was easy to see the emotional connection being forged in the midst of All. That. Sex. 

It was really great to get to see a little bit from Austin and Marley from book one, and to get a closer look at Ethan, who I am hoping gets his (much needed) HEA sooner rather than later. His connection with his sister, his friendship with Grant, even his relationship with Grant’s daughter all made me fall a little for the scarred, broken Ethan, and just made this book better. Secondary character crush alert! I would be lying if I said I wasn’t pissed off on his behalf about the things happening in his life, and I so want to see someone come along and turn it all around for him. (Maybe me?! *crosses fingers*) I am such a sucker for a good redeeming romance!

I am also a sucker for a best friend’s sister romance, which Playing For Her Heart was. It wasn’t a major plot device, but there was enough of that ‘forbidden’ aspect, and some truly engaging banter/discussion/skirting of the issue happening to keep me happy on that front. 

This book was, at its base, a well-written, enjoyable, quick, dirty and fucking awesome book. I can’t say much more than that without falling into gushy, creepy fangirl territory, but just know this: in the time that’s passed since I closed this book, my feelings for it haven’t diminished. If anything, they grown bigger. And, in the case of my panties, wetter. TMI?? 

~ Review by Beth

Dear Megan Erickson – I had no idea I liked role playing (cosplay, if you will). Thank you for showing me the way. Love Forever, Shelly.

That’s right. Cosplay. Grant Osprey and Chloe Talley are huge nerds. Sweet, sexy, AWESOME nerds. They meet at Comic-Con while dressed as characters in a popular video game and…sparks fly. 

I’m not kidding – this book is so hot. There may or may not be permanent burn marks on my Kindle now. Please be warned – your panties are in DANGER while reading this book.

That said, it’s important that you know it’s not just a hot book. It’s sweet and swoony and adorably nerdy. Still reeling after a family tragedy, Chloe is so broken and closed down and afraid to put herself out into the world. Watching how Grant opens her back up is just beautiful; a delight to read. 

Grant, himself, has stayed emotionally unattached from women since a one night stand in college left him with an unexpected bundle of joy. He’s drawn to Chloe though, first because he’s unable to ignore their intense chemistry, and then because he’s unable to resist her – the real her that she doesn’t want the world to see. Grant gives Chloe the support and courage that she needs to heal, and Chloe gives Grant a piece of his heart that he didn’t even realize was missing. 

I loved watching these two realize that their feelings for each other were more than physical attraction. I loved watching all the ways they kept getting thrown back together, and all the ways they endeared themselves to the other. It’s a super sexy story, yeah. But it’s also a love story, and a really very good one, at that.

As always, Ms. Erickson nails the main story while also creating all kinds of magic in the background. I loved how all the different relationships were portrayed with a sense of authenticity, warmth, and humor. Father/daughter, brother/sister, and the genuine affection and camaraderie among friends – these things all combine to make this story richer and more robust. I walked away feeling like I loved everyone and maybe hoping there’s a book out there that will indulge my growing crush on Ethan. Just…sayin’. 

In summary, you need this book in your life! GO! READ IT! 

~ Review by Shelly

Megan worked as a journalist covering real-life dramas before she decided she liked writing her own endings better and switched to fiction. 

She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, two kids and two cats. When she's not tapping away on her laptop, she's probably listening to the characters in her head who won't stop talking.

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Review - Changing His Game by Megan Erickson

Title: Changing His Game

Series: Gamers #1

Author: Megan Erickson

Publisher: Entangled Brazen

Release Date: April 28, 2015 

He controls the game, but she’s rewriting all the rules…

Marley Lake is no stranger to awkwardness, but getting caught watching a dirty GIF by the company’s hot new IT guy exceeds even her standards. That is, until she realizes he's as turned on by it as she is. But with a big promotion on the line, she refuses to let her current dry spell be her downfall. Maybe.

Austin Rivers has no business lusting after the irresistible editor of Gamers Magazine. He's a secret partner in the business—and technically Marley’s boss. One look at that GIF, though, and he’s ready to install a whole lot more than just software…as long as she never finds out who he really is.

But reality’s not as virtual as it seems, and when Austin’s identity jeopardizes Marley’s promotion, he has to change his game or risk losing the only woman with the cheat code to his heart.

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AMAZON US / UK

I'm not entirely sure what just happened, but I think I fell in love with a socially awkward, dominant dork of a hot man. Nothin' wrong with that. Nerds are sexy, y'all.

Marley Lake is no stranger to control. In order to rise through the ranks of the male dominated Gamers magazine, she's had a firm grasp on all aspects of her career and her life. But when her co-worker finds a dirty GIF while repairing her computer, control seems to fly out the window.

She knows dating someone she works with is risky. What she doesn't know is Austin Rivers is more than a co-worker...he's also her boss.

Holy mother of sweet baby Jesus in a basket!! Yeah, that's a mouthful but, um... Hot. Changing His Game was so very, very hot! Better yet (I guess... I mean, I do love my romance dirty), it was a super fun, fresh story with a kick-ass female lead...that wasn't afraid to lose control. Mostly.

I loved the premise of this book. As someone that *ahem* discreetly frequents Tumblr for the sexy GIFs, I sympathized with and then envied Marley. I can absolutely see this happening -- getting sprung with your smut showing -- and the way Ms. Erickson spun it into a love story, complete with nerdy gaming references and cosplay made for a funny, playful read.

I really, truly hope there are more stories to come from Ms. Erickson with nerdy, dirty, sexy men to swoon for. I'm really, really getting into the idea of geek love.

~ Review by Beth

Marley Lake is driven—driven by her desire to succeed in a “man’s world”, almost to the point where she’s working herself to the bone. Needing some IT support, Marley forgets the dirty GIF she watched during a much needed break is still open on her desktop...

Austin Rivers can’t believe his luck (or his eyes) when he sees the GIF on Marley’s machine. Hiding in plain sight as secret partner in Gamers magazine, Austin knows better than to mix business with pleasure, but he can’t control his lusty thoughts about Marley.

But Austin’s lies of omission about his real role in the company jeopardize not only his relationship with Marley but also her promotion. He just hopes and prays she doesn’t find out the truth before he has a chance to explain.

I loved Austin and Marley. Their quirky, geeky awkwardness endeared me to both of them. Austin and his quiet, closed self, doesn’t really like or trust people. Marley has been busting her ass trying to prove her value to the world and hasn’t left herself open to a real relationship. Neither of them know how to “have a relationship” but they try and fail and try again. And I love them for that! Together they are hot--hot and sexy. Did I mention sexy hot? *fans self*

And I also love Marley's brother, Chad, and Austin's best friend and business partner, Grant. Chad never leaves Marley's side--always has her back, through thick and thin. And Grant is more like a brother than a friend--but Austin almost doesn't see the realness of their relationship until he almost loses it. Thank you, Ms. Erickson for bringing a bit of geeky hotness to world.

~ Review by Missy

Megan Erickson worked as a journalist covering real-life dramas before she decided she liked writing her own endings better and switched to fiction. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, two kids and two cats. When she's not tapping away on her laptop, she's probably listening to the characters in her head who won't stop talking.

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