Let Me Show You The Shape Of My Heart

In November last year, I shared my thoughts on the first two novels in Megan Erickson's Gamers series - Changing His Game & Playing For Her Heart. Both were smart, funny and romantic stories that revolved around characters who were all too easy to fall in love with. I really loved diving into this nerdy, geeky world that Megan was writing about, and was so thrilled to finally read the last two novels of the series - Tied to Trouble and Leveling the Field. 

Tied to Trouble by Megan Erickson

Series: Gamers #3

Publisher: Entangled Brazen

Publication Date: January 4, 2016

Source: Bought the Kindle e-book

Before I say anything else, let's get one thing clear: Tied to Trouble is an M/M romance. That being said, I absolutely adored it! The novel follows the romance that blossoms between Chad Lake (Marley's free-spirited older brother) and Owen Hawkins (Marley's assistant and friend), and it is seriously one of the most fun M/M romances I've had the pleasure of reading. It helps, I'm sure, that I really liked both men as individuals. Chad is definitely one of those people whose presence immediately commands your attention. While he appears to be carefree, there's a tension brewing in him as he struggles to figure out what, exactly, he wants to do with the rest of his life and how to make it happen. Owen, on the other hand, is the one I'm more likely to be best friends with in real life. (I mean, the dude loves Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift and reading - how could I not adore him?) He has a penchant for order, he's passionate about his work at Gamers and he seems to have it all together - even though his own insecurities make him feel otherwise. Considering these two are opposite sides of the personality spectrum, it's really no surprise that sparks immediately fly between them. Their interactions are explosive and sweet and intense, and I soaked in every single minute of it. While I did find the conflict to be predictable (and the resolution was too), it didn't bother me in the slightest. I was here for the romantic comedy hijinks, and that's exactly what I got. If you're looking for a contemporary M/M romance to read, definitely give Tied to Trouble a shot.

Leveling the Field by Megan Erickson

Series: Gamers #4

Publisher: Entangled Brazen

Publication Date: May 2, 2016

Source: ARC downloaded from NetGalley (Thank you!)

Leveling the Field is the final book in the Gamers series, and this is Ethan Talley's story - which I've been waiting for. Ethan is Chloe's brother (you'll remember him from the second book!), is a scarred man who is still atoning for his part in their sister's death. He's extremely guarded, and he finds that challenged when he meets Lissa. Lissa, a photographer, had hoped to ask Ethan to be a part of her portrait series of people with scars, which is part of the launch for a site to raise money for the scholarship fund she is spearheading in honor of her deceased older sister - but he turns her down. There is, however, an undeniable attraction between them and soon, these sparks certainly catch fire. Honestly, when Megan Erickson writes a romance, there is no doubt in my mind that I will read it. Let me just say this now - Erickson really knows how to write romantic, sexual tension. I was totally invested in this connection that forms between Ethan and Lissa, even in its early stages! But apart from the romance, I also really liked spunky, bright Lissa and sexy, guarded Ethan. They were two characters that I found extremely interesting, as they are both coming from a place of personal trauma. I do prefer the handling of Lissa's story over Ethan's, if only because Ethan's recovery felt a little too quick and convenient. Still, I found the story really enjoyable and a solid addition to the series!