Level Up (#gaymers, #4) [Landon & Bailey] by Annabeth Albert

I gotta say, though this book was short, really novella-length, and though I had a problem with ehm too much sex, this felt like a full length story. Landon and Bailey were so adorable together. Bailey truly was the sweetest most considerate and patient guy! He might not have been who Landon was expecting and/or the guy he would think he would fall for - but he sure did.

Volunteering for a (nude) photo-shot for a calendar isn't exactly Landon's cup of tea but he accepts - for science! Also he had a cute conversation with the photographer for the last two weeks and he can't wait to meet her! Yet when the day arrives and Bailey - introduces himself as the photographer Landon is at a loss for words. Bailey is NOT a girl - a petite pink haired - like he guessed from Bailey's professional photography account.. more like a huge bear! The petite girl is actually his assistant (and best friend) - Rachel.

Though the photo shot turns out to be quite fun, Landon is weary of getting drinks with him like he suggested when they chatted.. But with his best friend Savannah and Rachel tagging along as well he accepts.. Bailey feels Landon's general displeasure of the whole thing but he couldn't have guessed the reason.. He thought maybe Landon isn't into guys.. Yet they get along great over drinks and later on they enjoy playing games together. Everything is looking great until they share a kiss which leads to.. well.. Landon having a panic attack..

That's when things get complicated, also where the story becomes more real - Landon shares with Bailey his traumatic past and from there they need to decide if they want to even try to have more than (platonic) friendship. They like each other, enjoy each other's company but Landon is really scared he won't be able to deal with being with Bailey. He doesn't want to hurt him. He doesn't want to get hurt (making his anxiety worse) but as they get closer together they need to accept they are already past the point of no return for "just friends".

As I've mentioned I wish we had less sex and more just the two of them. Or even more of them with family and friends. Maybe a bit more about their everyday lives? I don't know.. I enjoyed this one for sure! It dealt with a difficult subject in a very delicate way.

Rating: ★★★★

E-Book Edition

132 pages

Read on: 18-19 August 2019

  

ABOUT THIS SERIES

#Gaymers is a Contemporary MM Romance series by Annabeth Albert. The series centers around at least one worker/developer of "Space Villager" an online role playing game. They are beautifully written, emotional yet not too angsty. The connection between the characters, the relationship buildup is a JOY to read. Each deals with life in a very genuine way, the 3rd one blew me away especially having a "crippled" MC, not only as a fact, but the whole way he and his love interest were dealing with the subject BEAUTIFUL beyond words. Yep, HIGHLY recommend ALL of them. 

All the short novellas "in between" are free reads. Grab them through Prolific Works.
I DON'T recommend reading ANY of the novellas without reading the book before (of the MC). It's written as a sweet glimpse into that couples' future. The books though I don't think it's a MUST to read by order though it always makes more sense this way.

The third and fourth installments are somewhat connected to Annabeth's "Out Of Uniform" series which is SUPERB!

Books: 
1. Status Update [Adrian Gottlieb & Noah Walters] (Published 7 December 2015) ★★★★★
1.5 New Status Needed [Adrian Gottlieb & Noah Walters] (Published September 2016) ★★★★

2. Beta Test [Ravi Tandel & Tristan Jones] (Published 30 May 2016) ★★★★ 

2.5 Holiday Escape [Ravi Tandel & Tristan Jones] (Published December 2017) ★★★★★

3. Connection Error [Josiah Simmons & Ryan Orson] (Published 5 September 2016) ★★★★★ 

3.5 Love Connection [Josiah Simmons & Ryan Orson] (Published April 2017) ★★★★★
3.6 Tease Me [Josiah Simmons & Ryan Orson] (Published 1 April 2019) ★★★★★

4. Level Up [Landon & Bailey Morgan] (Published 17 May 2018) ★★★★