Quit Playing Games With My Heart

Changing His Game by Megan Erickson
Series: Gamers #1
Publisher: Entangled: Brazen
Publication: April 28, 2015
Source/Format: Bought || Kindle e-book

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.

Watching sparks fly is one of my favorite things about reading romance, and Erickson shows readers how it's done really well in Changing His Game. The passionate, volatile relationship that springs up between Marley and Austin is something that truly tickled my fancy as a reader. Of course, it probably wouldn't have worked out that way, were it not for Megan Erickson's deft hand at creating characters that are complex and slightly eccentric.

Here are three important things to know about this story:

CHARACTERS | I really liked Marley a lot! Her determination to succeed in her field, in spite of it being dominated by men, was really cool, and her passion for her job admirable. I love that she's got more to her than meets the eye, a wild, passionate side hidden under her steady, smart, respectable "day" face. And then, there's sweet, awkward Austin, who I just wanted to scoop up and cuddle. He might not be the best at social encounters, but he sure as hell knows how to be romantic and extremely hot in the bedroom. Let's not forget the fact that's he's both intelligent and creative, yes? Apart from these two, there's a bunch of delightful secondary characters introduced (some of whom get will be getting their own book) who definitely steal the spotlight when they happen to be on the page.

PLOT | Girl and guy have meet-cute, where it just so happens that they both see a porn GIF that sparks curiosity and desire. They act on their desire, unable to resist the lure that draws them together. Guy, knowing the obstacles between them, lies by omission, even as he continues his pursuit. They start to fall in love, only to have the truth come out and become their setback. Even though it's a familiar plot, it becomes unique in Erickson's hands because of her handle of dialogue, character and sexytimes. I didn't mind the predictability at all, mostly because I loved seeing these two characters develop quite the relationship.

ROMANCE | Obviously, the heart of this book lies in the romance. It's true that Austin and Marley act out of lust initially. But it doesn't stay that way! The more they get to know about each other, the easier it is for them to actually begin to fall in love. It felt organic and wonderful, even though you know that that truth is hanging over their heads like a guillotine. They're good for each other, and I happily rooted for their relationship to work out, in spite of what lay in their way.

Changing His Game is equal parts sweet, awkward romance and steamy, sexy encounters. I really enjoyed it! It's one of those novels that's perfect for reading in one sitting, and I'm sure plenty of readers will enjoy the time they spend with Austin and Marley.

Playing for Her Heart by Megan Erickson

Series: Gamers #2

Publisher: Entangled: Brazen

Publication Date: August 11, 2015

Source/Format: Bought || Kindle e-book

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.

Raise your hand if you've ever thought cosplay or role play was a fun idea. *raises hand* It is my personal dream to attend a convention where I would be encouraged to dress up as a character I love. That, my friends, was one of the reasons that I loved Playing for Her Heart - role play and cosplay are both a part of this budding romance! I enjoyed this one even more than its predecessor, mostly because I immediately fell in love with Grant Osprey.

Anyway, here are three things you should know about this story:

CHARACTERS | Grant Osprey was completely irresistible, at least on a personal level. He's a great guy, a wonderful dad and he's got sex appeal that's off the charts. I already had a soft spot for him in Changing His Game, but I definitely fell head over heels in love with him because of this story! Chloe Talley is, without a doubt, a good match for him. She challenges him in a way no one else does (and he gives it right back to her). Plus, she's smart, independent and has so much love to give. But it's not just these two that readers are going to love; there are plenty of appearances from other characters we've already met in the first book, and it's really fun to see them all again!

PLOT | Chloe and Grant initially meet under the guise of the characters they are dressed up as, and sparks fly instantly even though they both treat it like a one night stand. But they happen to meet again in real life, sparks are still flying... and clearly, this means that this is a relationship that's bound to develop, whether they like it or not. Apart from the hot romance brewing, readers are treated to a closer look at each of their individual lives, in a way that makes you love each character even more than you already did.

ROMANCE | They might have been in disguise the first time they ever meet, but that just makes their sexual encounter even hotter. I love how role play was a big part of their initial attraction and fascination. But I also love that, when the roles are eventually dropped to reveal their real personalities, they happen to really like each other too. It's an interesting commentary on how a relationship is based on loving the real person underneath all appearances, flaws and talents and all. Watching the romance blossom between Chloe and Grant was absolutely wonderful, from start to finish.

I really loved Playing His Heart! It's my favorite of this series so far (and yes, I may be biased because Grant is my favorite guy so far). It's another take on the nerdy-slash-sexy romance from Megan Erickson, and she certainly did it justice. I highly recommend giving this one a shot!